Investigation of liver-targeted peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation (pFUS) and its effect on glucose homeostasis and insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus: a proof of concept, phase 1 trial

BACKGROUND

Mechanical waves produced by ultrasound pulses have been shown to activate mechanosensitive ion channels and modulate peripheral nerves. However, while peripheral ultrasound neuromodulation has been demonstrated in vitro and in pre-clinical models, there have been few reports of clinical tests.

AIM

We modified a diagnostic imaging system for ultrasound neuromodulation in human subjects. We report the first safety and feasibility outcomes in subjects with type 2 diabetes (T2D) mellitus and discuss these outcomes in relation to previous pre-clinical results.

DESIGN

The study was performed as an open label feasibility study to assess the effects of hepatic ultrasound (targeted to the porta hepatis) on glucometabolic parameters in subjects with T2D. Stimulation (peripheral focused ultrasound stimulation treatment) was performed for 3 days (i.e. 15 min per day), preceded by a baseline examination and followed by a 2-week observation period.

METHODS

Multiple metabolic assays were employed including measures of fasting glucose and insulin, insulin resistance and glucose metabolism. The safety and tolerability were also assessed by monitoring adverse events, changes in vital signs, electrocardiogram parameters and clinical laboratory measures.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

We report post-pFUS trends in several outcomes that were consistent with previous pre-clinical findings. Fasting insulin was lowered, resulting in a reduction of HOMA-IR scores (P-value 0.01; corrected Wilcoxon signed-rank test). Additional safety and exploratory markers demonstrated no device-related adverse impact of pFUS. Our findings demonstrate that pFUS represents a promising new treatment modality that could be used as a non-pharmaceutical adjunct or even alternative to current drug treatments in diabetes.

Experimental investigation of performance characteristics of compression-ignition engine with biodiesel blends of Jatropha oil & coconut oil at fixed compression ratio

The present research investigates raw oil (Jatropha and coconut oil Fuel), which lies in the edible and non-edible vegetable oils category. We have a set opinion to be taken as potential alternative fuels for C.I. engines and are choosing to search out their quality being employed as a future fuel. The most effective distinction between these two varieties of oils and diesel fuel is viscosity. The blends of the above oils prepared along with pure diesel. Each oil was separately blended in variable proportion (20%–50%) with pure diesel. We have experimented to monitor and analyze the performance of pure diesel fuel against various blends (B20 to B50) of Jatropha-biodiesel & Coconut-biodiesel at a fixed compression ratio i.e. eighteen. The performance limits that were under study and compared are the variation of brake specific fuel consumption & brake thermal efficiency with various loads for many fuel blends.

Solid state fermentation and crude cellulase based bioconversion of potential bamboo biomass to reducing sugar for bioenergy production

BACKGROUND

Lignocellulosic biomass from bamboo is an attractive feedstock for the bioethanol industry owing to its high cellulosic content and fast growth rate. In this study, powdery biomass was first enzymatically delignified and then saccharified using crude enzymes.

RESULTS

The biological pretreatment decreased the lignin content of the biomass from an initial value of 295 to 137.7 g kg^-1 , with a simultaneous increase in exposed cellulose content from 379.3 to 615.9 g kg^-1 . For optimization of the saccharification, response surface methodology was adopted using a three-factor/three-level Box-Behnken design with crude fungal cellulase loading (FPU g^-1 substrate), substrate concentration (% w/v) and saccharification temperature (°C) as the main process parameters. A maximum saccharification yield of 47.19% was achieved under the optimized conditions (cellulase enzyme 18.4 FPU g^-1 substrate, substrate concentration 1.0% w/v, temperature 39.49 °C). Biological delignification and saccharification of the biomass were further confirmed through scanning electron microscopy analysis.

CONCLUSION

It is evident from the study that bamboo, as a renewable energy bioresource, can be hydrolysed to reducing sugars by using crude laccase/cellulase enzymes of fungal origin with good saccharification yield. Thus crude enzyme preparations could be utilized efficiently for eco-friendly and cost-effective bioethanol production. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lignolytic mushroom Lenzites elegans WDP2: Laccase production, characterization, and bioremediation of synthetic dyes

A mycoremedial study was undertaken for decolourization of synthetic dyes using wood rot fungal culture Lenzites elegans WDP2. The culture was isolated from decaying wood as fruiting body, and identified on the basis of 5.8S ITS rRNA gene sequence analysis. Qualitative plate screening of culture showed extracellular laccase and lignin peroxidase production, while only laccase enzyme was produced in higher amount (156.793 Uml^-1) in minimal salt broth medium containing glucose and veratryl alcohol. Laccase activity was increased up to 189.25 Uml^-1 after optimization of laccase production by optimization of one variable at a time approach. Molecular characterization of laccase enzyme was done using SDS PAGE and Native PAGE based isozyme analyses. The culture was able to decolorize three synthetic dying compounds (congo red, Malachite green and brilliant green) in broth media, while showed very less decolourization in plate assay. The fungal culture varied in their dye decolourizing potential in broth culture, showing 92.77%, 21.27% and 98.8% maximum decolourization of brilliant green, malachite green and congo red respectively. The congo red dye was completely bio-absorbed by fungal culture within one month. The fungal decolourized broth also revealed the extracellular laccase activity; varied from 10 Uml^-1 to 68.5 Uml^-1 in all the three cases, supports the involvement of laccase enzyme in decolorization. Phase contrast microscopy clearly revealed bio-sorption of the dyes by fungal culture into the mycelium/spores in the photomicrographs.

Bryophytes: Hoard of remedies, an ethno-medicinal review

Bryophytes are the second largest group of land plants after angiosperms. There is very less knowledge available about medicinal properties of these plants. Bryophytes are popular remedy among the tribal people of different parts of the world. Tribal people use these plants to cure various ailments in their daily lives. Bryophytes are used to cure hepatic disorders, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, used as antipyretic, antimicrobial, wound healing and many more other ailments by different tribal communities of Africa, America, Europe, Poland, Argentina, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Japan, Taiwan, Pakistan, China, Nepal and different parts of South, North and Eastern India. Apart from ethno-medicinal uses some bryophytes possesses antitumor activities against different cancer cell lines and this property of bryophytes needs to be more focused in the future. Compile information about medicinal properties and anticancer properties of bryophytes is lacking till date. In the present review, the authors tried to compile all the ethno-medicinal and other related information of bryophytes and fill the knowledge lacuna in this particular field. Some published reviews are available but the information is segregated. This manuscript will help people doing research in the bryophytes.

Qualitative and Quantitative Effect of a Protective Chlorhexidine Varnish Layer Over Resin-infiltrated Proximal Carious Lesions in Primary Teeth

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to assess the progression of noncavitated initial proximal carious lesions in primary teeth, infiltrated with low viscosity resins, both with and without an overlying layer of chlorhexidine varnish.

METHODS

Forty-five children, with at least two white spot lesions on the proximal surfaces of primary molars, were assessed. The clinical procedure of resin infiltration (DMG, ICON) was similar in both groups. In the test group, after infiltration a double layer of chlorhexidine varnish (Cervitec Plus) was coated on the surface. Participants were recalled after nine months. Radiographic assessment was performed with GIMP software using representative histograms of the lesion. McNemar and chi-square tests were used to measure clinical and radiographic scores within and between groups. A two-sided (α equals two) P-value less than 0.05 (P≤0.05) was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

The carious lesion with an International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS) three score had a statistically significant shift of pixel count distribution to a higher grayscale range in the test compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

The statistically significant positive histogram changes in the test group suggest benefits of an overlying chlorhexidine varnish layer on resin infiltration only when the carious surface had microcavitations.

Effect of intermaxillary tooth-size discrepancy on accuracy of prediction equations for mixed dentition space analysis

AIM

Correlation-statistical methods are widely used for prediction of size of unerupted permanent canines and premolars in mixed dentition space analysis. The present study was planned to evaluate the effect of selecting dental study casts with no intermaxillary tooth-size discrepancy on the accuracy of predicting mesiodistal widths (MDWS) of permanent canines and premolars.

STUDY DESIGN

Bolton ratios were calculated for all the screened study dental casts fulfilling the inclusion criteria. Subjects were divided into two groups. Group A: all subjects with no intermaxillary tooth-size discrepancy within ±2 SD (Standard deviation) of the mean values. Group B: increased percentage of subjects with intermaxillary tooth-size discrepancy beyond ±2 SD (Standard deviation) of the mean values.

STATISTICS

Linear regression equations were established for both maxilla and mandible in both the groups, with different tooth combinations as independent variables. Validation of best possible regression equations was done on an independent set of 40 subjects. The actual and predicted values of MDWS of permanent canines and premolars were compared by paired samples t test in both groups, for both arches.

RESULTS

The accuracy of equations derived from group A was higher than those derived from group B. The difference between actual and predicted values was statistically insignificant in group A and statistically significant in group B.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the accuracy of simple linear regression equations derived from a sample of children with no intermaxillary tooth-size discrepancy.

Effect of different design preparations on the flexural and fracture strength of fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures: an in vitro study

PURPOSE

To determine and compare the flexural and fracture strength of three-unit fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) fixed partial dentures (FPDs) using three abutment design preparations.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The flexural and fracture strength of three-unit FRC FPDs were evaluated using three design preparations of the abutments (conventional full crown [group A], box-shaped [group B], and tub-shaped [group C]). Thirty three-unit FRC FPDs were fabricated (10 specimens per group) for the replacement of missing mandibular first molars and were adhesively luted to extracted human teeth. The flexural and fracture strength were determined using a universal testing machine with a steel loading pin of 20 mm diameter with a 3-mm-diameter hardened circular tip. Each specimen was evaluated under SEM to determine mode of failure.

RESULTS

Mean fracture strength for group A was 820.00 ± 56.51 N, group B was 536.94 ± 65.62 N, and group C was 501.24 ± 66.71 N. The highest mean flexural strength was found in group A (68.33 ± 4.71 MPa), followed by group B (44.74 ± 5.46 MPa) and lowest in group C (41.77 ± 5.56 MPa). The SEM evaluation showed partial or complete debonding of veneering composite from fiber framework, leaving intact fiber frameworks in all the specimens.

CONCLUSION

Full-coverage design had significantly higher flexural and fracture strengths than box and tub-shaped designs. Since both values were noted to be in the order of masticatory stresses, the full coverage design is a good alternative for the replacement of missing molar teeth; however, the framework veneering composite interface was the weakest phase of FRC FPDs, thus indicating that further improvement in veneering composite or fiber framework is needed to improve the compatibility of veneering composite with that of fiber framework for long-term clinical implications.

Structural, magnetic and dielectric properties of Ni(1_x)Zn(x)Fe2O4 (x = 0,0.5 and 1) nanoparticles synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method

Ni(1-x)Zn(x)Fe2O4 (x = 0, 0.5 and 1) ferrite nanoparticles were synthesized by chemical co-precipitation method. X-ray diffraction technique and Rietveld refinement were used to investigate the structural characteristics and determination of the particle size which was found to decrease from 4.9 to 4.1 nm as a function of increasing Zn from 0 to 1.0. Vibrating sample magnetometer was used to study magnetic properties of nickel zinc ferrite nanoparticles. Field-dependent magnetization measurements (M-H curve) at 300 K revealed that Zn substitutions on inverse spinel nickel ferrites enhance the magnetic properties. Magnetization as a function of temperature showed the superparamagnetic behavior of Ni(1-x)Zn(x)Fe2O4 (x = 0,0.5 and 1) nanoparticles. Dielectric permittivity and a.c. conductivity were measured as a function of frequency from 100 kHz to 1 MHz at certain temperatures. The observed response in a.c. conductivity as a function of log of frequency of these nickel zinc ferrite systems was believed to be due to the presence of Maxwell-Wagner type interfacial polarization and hopping of electron by means of quantum mechanical tunneling.

Erupted composite odontoma associated with malformed teeth - unusual dental aberrations following maxillofacial trauma

BACKGROUND

Tooth development may be hampered following traumatic injuries to maxilla or mandible. The developmental deviations that occur in a tooth bud in the line of a jaw fracture range from agenesis to hamartomatous proliferation. Odontomas are benign odontogenic hard tissue tumors, which are hamartomas characterized by slow growth and non-aggressive behavior. 'Erupted odontoma' is a term used to specifically denote odontomas, which are exposed into the oral cavity. These are rare entities with only 25-30 cases being reported so far in the dental literature.

CASE DESCRIPTION

This clinical report is pertaining to a rare case of an erupted odontoma in an adolescent patient which was presenting as a hard tissue outgrowth along with an extra-oral sinus in the posterior mandibular region. The surgical excision of the odontoma along with the associated malformed teeth resulted in resolution of pain and sinus discharge associated with this lesion.

CONCLUSIONS

Erupted odontomas need to be considered in the differential diagnosis of hard tissue projections or outgrowths in the site of past maxillofacial injuries. Surgical excision of these lesions enable resolution of patient symptoms associated with this condition as evidenced in the present case and in other cases cited in the literature. The erupted odontoma attached to malformed molars and presenting with signs and symptoms suggestive of osteomyelitis is a rare combination of developmental aberrations following maxillofacial injury.

Dental management of a pediatric patient with Burkitt lymphoma: a case report

Recent advancements in the field of cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy have led to higher rates of survival for children with malignant tumors. More than 75% of pediatric patients diagnosed with malignancies survive more than 5 years. These advancements have resulted in additional responsibilities for dental professionals to diagnose, evaluate, prevent, stabilize, and manage the oral and dental problems that can compromise the quality of life of these children. This case report highlights the importance of professional and self-administered oral prophylactic measures and patient compliance in the successful oral rehabilitation of a pediatric patient with Burkitt lymphoma.

An evaluation of Vitamin E and Pycnogenol in children suffering from oral mucositis during cancer chemotherapy

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of Vitamin E (E) and Pycnogenol (P) in treatment of Chemotherapy-Related Oral Mucositis (ChROM) in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 72 children, aged between 6 and 15 years, with ChROM were selected and randomly divided into three groups after assessment of oral mucositis (OM) by WHO grading system. Glycerine (control), E, and P were topically applied in group I, II, and III, respectively, and the prognosis of OM was assessed by functional, objective, and subjective parameters.

RESULTS

Patients of group II and III showed significant improvement when ChROM was analyzed through scoring systems - WHO grading, Oral Mucositis Assessment Scale (OMAS), and Children's International Mucositis Evaluation Scale (ChIMES) as compared to group I (P < 0.001); however, there was no significant difference between groups II and III.

CONCLUSION

Both the drugs E and P per se are effective for treatment of OM with P being not effective for the treatment of severe mucositis (grade 4). Combination of E and P and additional agents may be tried for better results.

An assessment of the relationship between cervical vertebrae maturation index and eruption of permanent maxillary canines

AIM

The purpose of the present study was to establish the relationship between the eruption of permanent maxillary canines and cervical vertebral maturation stages (CVMs) to assess an alternative method for determining time of canine eruption in the late mixed dentition.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and twenty subjects with erupting permanent maxillary canines were observed both intraorally and radiographically with orthopantamograms. Lateral cephalograms were recorded to divide subjects according to CVM stage into prepeak (CS1 and CS2), peak (CS3 and CS4) and postpeak (CS5 and CS6) groups of puberty.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

The differences between the prevalence rates of canine eruption in different groups of puberty were estimated using 'z test'.

RESULTS

Prepeak group comprised of forty six subjects, peak group sixty eight subjects and postpeak group six subjects. The differences in prevalence rates between peak and prepeak and between peak and postpeak groups were noticed highly significant (p<0.001), while prevalence rates between peak and postpeak was found less significant ( p0 <0.01).

CONCLUSION

Eruption of the permanent maxillary canine can occur at any CVM stage till end of the puberty or after puberty (CS1-CS6). Thus, an absence of maxillary canine during or after postpeak stage of puberty (CS5 or CS6) suggests delayed eruption and canine impaction.

Novel mutations in calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) gene in infertile men

Calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase IV (CAMK4) is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase, which plays an important role in the spermatogenesis by phosphorylating protamines. It has been shown to be involved in the regulation of human sperm motility. Moreover, the Camk4 knockout mice were infertile because of severely reduced sperm count and morphological abnormalities. As no study is available on the association of this gene with male infertility, we analysed all the exons of CAMK4 gene in ethnically matched 283 infertile and 268 fertile Indian men. We identified twenty nucleotide substitutions, of which twelve were novel. Of these novel variants, eight were exclusively detected in infertile men. Moreover, two infertile men-specific mutations were non-synonymous replacing amino acids at the highly conserved region. In silico analysis predicted both of these mutations as 'deleterious'. In addition to nucleotide substitutions, we identified five novel insertion-deletion mutations; of these, g.150264_66delGCG was exclusively found in two oligoasthenoteratozoospermic men. In silico analysis of infertile men exclusive mutations predicted that they can alter/diminish the potential binding sites of splicing factors, which may affect the mRNA splicing and protein translation. Our study suggests that the mutations in CAMK4 may lead to abnormal semen parameters.

An estimation of fluoride release from various dental restorative materials at different pH: In vitro study

BACKGROUND

In the mid of 1980s, the cariostatic effect of fluoride ions on enamel caries had been demonstrated in many studies. The use of fluoride releasing dental restorative materials has seen increasing from many years for the specific purpose of leaching of fluoride into the surrounding tissues to inhibit secondary dental caries as well as prevention of caries in the newly erupted tooth. In the dental caries, acidic environment causes the demineralization of tooth structure and also affect the restorative margins of dental restoration.

AIM

various restorative materials show different behavior in different pH conditions of oral cavity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride release of the various restorative materials at different pH.

DESIGN

In this in vitro study, 30 samples of each dental restorative material were prepared and grouped into five with six samples in each group as per the pH of the solution 4.3, 4.6, 5.0, 5.5, and 6.2. All the samples were subjected to alternate cycling of the demineralizing solution (6 h) and remineralizing solution (18 h) for 15 days.

RESULTS

the fluoride release was measured by using fluoride ion specific electrode and digital ion analyzer. The result showed that the fluoride release rate was significantly higher in first day and reduced after third day to nearly constant level. At pH 4.3, the fluoride release was highest and lowest at pH 6.2.

CONCLUSION

the Amalgomer CR showed the highest fluoride release among all the experimental dental restorative materials.

Steroidal feedback on photoperiodic induction of testicular growth and development in two bird species

Present study was performed to demonstrate the effect of exogenous administration of testosterone propionate on photoperiodic induction of testicular growth and development in brahminy myna (Sturnus pagodarum) and baya weaver (Ploceus philippinus). Two groups of brahminy myna and baya weaver (n=5 each) were exposed to 15L:9D (group-I) and 9L:15D (group-II), and received 30 microg of TP bird(-1) for 15 days. Then, the photoperiod was reversed; the one receiving 15L was exposed to 9L and vice versa. Observations on body mass and testis volume were taken at the beginning and at 15 days interval. In brahminy myna, a significant change in body mass occurred under 9L:15D, transfer to 15L:9D, but not under 15L:9D group, transfer to 9L:15D. Also, testes were stimulated under 15L:9D transferred to 9L:15D, but not under 9L:15D transferred to 15L:9D. In baya weaver, body mass increased under 15L:9D and 9L:15D for first 15 days and was maintained until the end of the experiment. Testes enlarged gradually in both groups (15L:9D and 9L:15D transfer to vice versa), but it regressed in 15L:9D group, transferred to 9L:15D after 45 days. Taken together it appears that body mass response indicates the photoperiodic effect and gonadal response indicates the hormonal effect. Finally results conclude that the photoperiod and circulating testosterone levels feedback on to hypothalamus regulates reproductive cycle in these birds.

The effect of mouth breathing on dentofacial morphology of growing child

BACKGROUND

The oral mode of respiration cause postural adaptations of structures in the head and neck region producing the effect on the positional relationship of the jaws.

AIM

The aim of this study is to verify the skeletal relationship of mouth and nose breathing child.

STUDY DESIGN

A cross sectional study was performed to assess the association of changed mode of respiration with dentofacial growth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred children among which 54 were mouth breathers and 46 were nasal breathers of 6-12 years of age were submitted to clinical examination and cephalometric radiographical analysis. Statistical analysis : Chi-square test for proportions and independent sample's "t" test for parametric data is used.

RESULT

The mean values of N-Me (P<0.001) ANS-Me (P<0.001) and SN-GoGn (P<0.001) for mouth breathers is significantly higher. ArGo-GoMe (P=0.003) and (P<0.011) for 6-9 and 9-12 years age group, respectively, were significantly low in nasal breathers group.

CONCLUSIONS

Changed mode of respiration was associated with increased facial height, mandibular plane angle and gonial angle.

An evaluation of nanocomposites as pit and fissure sealants in child patients

BACKGROUND

Dental caries affects populations of all ages in all the regions of the world, with the child patient being at the highest risk. Fifty percent of the permanent molars are decayed by the age of 12, due to lack of information about protection and occlusal morphology. Pit and fissure sealing undoubtedly plays a fundamental role in preventing occlusal caries. The most common approach to assess the sealing ability of pit and fissure sealants of tooth/restoration is the measurement of dye penetration along the interface.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The present study aims to evaluate the microleakage and penetration depth of three different types of dental materials, namely (A) Conventional pit and fissure sealant, (B) Flowable composite, (C) Flowable nanocomposite.

STUDY DESIGN

This in-vitro comparative study comprised of extracted human posterior teeth mounted as blocks.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, microleakage and penetration depths of conventional sealants/flowable composite and nanocomposite were measured with the help of a dye under stereomicroscope.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A student't' test and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were performed to compare the mean microleakage and penetration depth.

RESULTS

Microleakage was found to be highest for the flowable composites, and least for the conventional sealant. The nanocomposite values were intermediate. Penetration depth was highest for nanocomposite and least for flowable composite.

CONCLUSIONS

According to the results, the nanocomposite was found to be an excellent dental material for penetration in deep pits and fissures, though it exhibits mild microleakage. Hence, it can be recommended for use in pediatric dental patients, as a pit and fissure sealing agent.

Popliteal pterygium syndrome: orofacial and general features

This report describes the case of a 13-year-old Indian boy with popliteal pterygium syndrome. The popliteal pterygium syndrome is an extremely rare hereditary disorder thought to occur with an incidence of approximately 1 in 300000 live births. It is a congenital malformation syndrome affecting the face, limbs, and genitalia with highly characteristic features, including popliteal webbing, cleft palate (with or without cleft lip), lower lip pits, syndactyly, and genital and nail anomalies. This patient was referred to our department because of complaints of pain in the mouth and poor oral health. The orofacial findings included cleft lip, cleft palate, lower lip pits, a few missing teeth, and severely decayed teeth. In this syndrome, the orodental problems are overshadowed by the major syndromic manifestations but nevertheless need appropriate management. These patients have special dental needs and early diagnosis of the affected children is therefore important in order to initiate preventive dental care and carry out appropriate dental treatment at the optimal time.

Oral & maxillofacial manifestations in pediatric esthesioneuroblastoma-report of a case and review of literature

Esthesioneuroblastoma (ENB) is a rare, malignant neoplasm arising from the olfactory epithelial cells, with only approximately 100 pediatric cases being reported in the literature since its original description in 1924. As a result of its origin high in the nasal cavity, most patients have non-specific symptoms, precluding early diagnosis and leading to the development of locally advanced disease that usually has been found to involve the orbital cavity, paranasal sinuses, and anterior cranial fossa in children. The purpose of this paper was to report a rare case of pediatric esthesioneuroblastoma diagnosed following the patient's dental complaints, wherein local invasion of the tumor into the maxillofacial region was noticed before its extension into other vital structures.

Regional Odontodysplasia Crossing Midline: A Rare Case Report

Regional odontodysplasia is a nonhereditary, uncommon developmental abnormality of teeth. Females have more predilections for regional odontodysplasia. The enamel, dentin and pulp of teeth are affected and radiographically, teeth are described as "ghost teeth". Many of these :eeth do not erupt and have an increased risk for caries and periapical inflammation. Since the literature on regional odontodysplasia is limited, here is need to discuss this anomaly to have a better approach for the diagnosis and treatment.

Bilateral fusion in primary mandibular teeth: a report of two cases

The rare anomaly of fusion in primary dentition has very little documentation in Indian population. Two rare cases of bilateral fusion between primary mandibular lateral incisors and canines and primary mandibular central incisors and lateral incisors have been presented in this report. A minimal intervention approach, preventive procedures, and a long-term follow-up have been discussed.

Reliability and factor analysis of children's fear survey schedule-dental subscale in Indian subjects

CONTEXT

Fear to visit a dentist is a common observation even in adults; however, among children it becomes one of the most important issues for a dentist. Psychographic analysis of the factors that add to fear level of the children can be accessed through Children fear survey schedule-dental subscale (CFSS-DS); however, its varied applicability in different environmental situations has been tested through this paper.

AIMS

The aim of present study is to evaluate the reliability and factor structure of the Indian version of the CFSS-DS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The routine patients attending Outpatient Department of Pedodontics with Preventive Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Lucknow, India (n=197, aged 7-12 years old) were evaluated for children's fear survey schedule-dental subscale which was filled by parents on behalf of the child.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Reliability analysis (alpha) was performed to assess the internal consistency of the Indian translation of the scale. Factor analysis (principle components, varimax rotation) was employed to assess the factor structure.

RESULTS

Children fear survey scale-dental subscale was found to be equally reliable (Cronbach alpha = 0.92) and applicable among Indian subjects. However, factorization revealed emergence of 1) hospital, injections and hospital personnel, 2) drilling and interaction with unknown, 3) dental care personnel and practices.

CONCLUSION

The present study extended the universal applicability of children fear survey schedule -dental subscale, while at the same time it was able to highlight different facets of problem in different environments.

A comparison of enameloplasty sealant technique with conventional sealant technique: a scanning electron microscope study

CONTEXT

An accurate diagnosis of occlusal surface of permanent posterior teeth for the presence of caries is a challenge to the clinician, when using traditional explorer. This dilemma of hidden caries has led to invasively opening of the fissure before sealant placement. Enameloplasty is one such invasive procedure that has been implicated in the successful application of pit and fissure sealants.

AIMS

The present study aims at evaluating the fissure micromorphology and sealant penetration under scanning electron microscope both with conventional sealant technique and enameloplasty sealant technique.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The study comprised of extracted human posterior teeth subjected to enameloplasty of the fissures in the study groups as compared to unprepared fissures in the control groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The enameloplasty was performed with the help of specially designed Fissurotomy bur. The sealant used was Clinpro from 3M. All the samples were prepared for examination under scanning electron microscope.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

A student 't' test was performed to compare the study and the control groups.

RESULTS

(i) The surface area available for sealant placement on the occlusal surface was significantly increased following enameloplasty. (ii) Fissure width following enameloplasty was significantly increased. (iii) Extent of sealant penetration was significantly greater with enameloplasty sealant technique as compared to conventional sealant.

CONCLUSION

Enameloplasty sealant technique can be preferred to conventional sealant technique for improving adhesion, adaptation and penetration of the sealant within the fissure system.

Estrogen receptor beta gene mutations in Indian infertile men

Recent studies suggest that estrogens play an important role in male fertility. Estrogen signaling is mediated by Estrogen Receptors (ERalpha and ERbeta). Association of ERbeta with male infertility has not been analyzed to date except for genotyping of known polymorphisms in two different studies, which yielded controversial interpretation. Hence, we performed sequencing of all the exons and untranslated regions of ERbeta gene in 300 infertile and 255 fertile control Indian men. We identified eight novel mutations and four known single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of the eight novel mutations, four were non-synonymous, of which one was detected only in infertile men, whereas the other three mutations were detected only in fertile men. Using different bioinformatics tools, we predicted that non-synonymous mutations were benign and they neither altered the structure nor the function of the protein. Among synonymous novel mutations, one was detected in both fertile and infertile men, two were exclusive to infertile men and one was exclusive to fertile men. None of the known SNPs or novel mutations showed statistically significant difference between infertile and fertile men. Moreover, infertile men having ERbeta mutations had normal reproductive tract and serum hormone levels. Our results suggest that the SNPs and mutations in ERbeta gene are not a common cause of spermatogenesis failure in Indian men, although mutations specifically found in infertile men can affect transcription, translation or have synergic effect with other variants in causing infertility.

Structural and optical investigation of semiconductor CdSe/CdS core-shell quantum dot thin films

Highly luminescent CdSe/CdS core-shell nanocrystals have been assembled on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated glass substrates using a wet synthesis route. The physical properties of the quantum dots (QD) have been investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and optical absorption spectroscopy techniques. These quantum dots showed a strong enhancement in the near band edge absorption. The in situ luminescence behavior has been interpreted in the light of the quantum confinement effect and induced strain in the core-shell structure.

Highly luminescent inverted ZnS/CdS core/shell quantum dots

Synthesis of highly luminescent and monochromatic inverted core-shell structures utilizing ZnS/CdS quantum dots (QDs) has been investigated. The core/shell quantum dots have been characterized using grazing angle X-ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscopy, Optical absorption and luminescence spectroscopy. The results suggested that passivation of surface states along with an increased localization of electron and hole in CdS shell layer, give rise to increased monochromaticity with higher quantum yield. The possibility of using the inverted core-shell structure as an additional parameter for tuning the color of luminescence has also been discussed.

Study of self-organized CdS Q-dots

Self-organized cadmium sulfide quantum dots assembled using wet synthesis route on glass/ITO as well as Si(100) substrates have been investigated, using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The quantum dots have been shown to grow with a strong (111) orientation with narrow size distribution. Self-organized growth of the quantum dots was examined by high resolution imaging with an atomic force microscope. It is shown that increased self-organization is obtained on silicon substrate. The role of surfactant in imparting self-organization has been invoked to explain the observed morphological features. The as grown Q-dots exhibited size dependent blue shift in the absorption edge. The luminescence behavior of the quantum dots self-organized on glass/ITO as well as Si(100) substrate has also been examined. It is shown that substantial enhancement in luminescence yield is obtained for quantum dots grown on silicon substrate. A model to explain the observed luminescence enhancement has also been presented.

Self-organized ZnSe quantum dots: synthesis and characterization

Self-organized ZnSe quantum dots (Q-ZnSe) were grown on indium tin oxide substrate using wet chemical technique without or in presence of copper and manganese dopants. The structural, morphological and luminescence properties of the as grown Q-dot films have been investigated, using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and optical and luminescence spectroscopy. Composition of the samples were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. The quantum dots have been shown to deposit in a compact, uniform and organized array on the indium tin oxide substrate. The size dependent blue shift in the experimentally determined absorption edge has been compared with the theoretical predictions based on the effective mass and tight binding approximations. It is shown that the experimentally determined absorption edges depart significantly from the theoretically calculated values. The photoluminescence properties of the undoped as well as doped Q-ZnSe have also been discussed.

Nematicidal prenylated flavanones from Phyllanthus niruri

Two prenylated flavanones have been isolated from the hexane extract of Phyllanthus niruri plant. The structure of these flavanones were established as 8-(3-Methyl-but-2-enyl)-2-phenyl chroman-4-one (1) and 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-8-(3-methyl-but-2-enyl)-chroman-4-one (2) on the basis of spectral analysis. These were evaluated for nematicidal activity against root-knot, Meloidogyne incognita, and reniform, Rotylenchulus reniformis, nematodes. Compound 2 exhibited nematicidal activity at par with the standard carbofuran (LC50 3.3 and 3.1ppm, respectively) when tested against reniform nematode. The LC50 value against root-knot nematode was found to be 14.5ppm. Compound 1 however, showed moderate activity against both the test nematodes.

Bilateral fusion of permanent mandibular incisors: a case report

This case report showing a classical presentation of bilateral fusion of permanent mandibular incisors in a child patient for dental attention. Fusion defined as the merger of two adjacent tooth germs producing one tooth. These teeth may be fused by enamel, dentin, or both. The fused crown is broader than non fused adjacent teeth and thus resembles gemination. However, tooth counting reveals decreased numbers. Fused teeth are rare in the permanent dentition. The incisors are reported to be fused in primary and permanent dentition, but bilateral fusion is a rare occurrence. Hence the case report of bilateral fusion in an 11-year-old boy is presented.

CA repeat and RsaI polymorphisms in ERbeta gene are not associated with infertility in Indian men

Oestrogen Receptor beta (ERbeta) gene plays an important role in the regulation of fertility in both males and females. Polymorphism in CA repeat located in the flanking region of ERbeta has been shown to be associated with several diseases, but its association with male infertility has not been analysed so far. However, RsaI polymorphism (rs1256049) in exon 5 of ERbeta has been shown to be associated with male infertility in Caucasian patients. Hence, we have analysed 695 Indian men, including 443 infertile and 252 fertile men to evaluate the association of CA repeat length and RsaI polymorphisms in male infertility. Our results revealed no significant difference in the distribution of CA repeat length between infertile (mean +/- SD 23.24 +/- 2.06, median 24) and fertile men (mean +/- SD 23.16 +/- 2.27, median 24). The analysis of dosage effect by classifying samples into SS (short/short), SL (short/long) and LL (long/long) groups also did not show any significant difference between infertile and fertile men. Similarly, RsaI polymorphism also did not show any significant difference between infertile and fertile men. Furthermore, the combined analysis of CA repeat and RsaI polymorphisms by haplotyping showed that the distribution of haplotypes was not significantly different between fertile and infertile men. Our results suggest that CA repeat length and RsaI polymorphisms in ERbeta are not associated with infertility in Indian men.

Waste explosives and other hazardous materials--hazard potential and remedial measures: an overview

A large amount of energetic materials including propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics are subjected to disposal either due to expiry of their useful life or rejection in the manufacturing process. The environmental regulations do not allow the hazardous materials for open burning / detonation in view of the health hazard involved in these operations. The present paper describes the hazard potential of energetic materials and associated hazardous chemicals. It also deals with global technological status for remedial measures of hazardous chemicals along with their merits and demerits.

Electric field assisted growth of self-organized CdS films: size dependent structural and optical properties

This paper presents a systematic study of electric field assisted growth of self-organized cadmium sulphide (CdS) quantum dots (Q-CdS). CdS thin films of self-organized quantum dot like structure with different particle size have been successfully deposited simply by varying the concentration of surfactant in the reaction matrix. The model to describe the self-organization is also discussed. The size of CdS nanoparticles can be altered from 68 nm (corresponding to bulk) to 2 nm. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of Q-CdS films have been investigated. A blue shift has been observed in optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra. The strained growth of Q-CdS films has been observed. The microstructural strain calculated from peak broadening reveals an increase in strain with decreasing particle size. This study may provide a convenient method to deposit size selective and organized nanocrystalline semiconductor thin films.

Simulation of X-ray Absorption Near Edge Spectra of Organometallic Compounds in the Ground and Optically Excited States

The Mg K-edge and Zn K- and L3-edge X-ray absorption near edge spectra of Mg and Zn porphyrins in the ground state and low-lying optically excited states are calculated. Also computed are X-ray absorption near edge spectra of Fe(II) spin crossover compound in its ground and low-lying optically excited states, motivated by a recent experiment (J. Phys. Chem. A 2006, 110, 38). The calculated absorption spectra of optically excited states can be used to simulate ultrafast optical pump/X-ray probe experiments.

A comparative evaluation of newer sedatives in conscious sedation

This double blind study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of orally administered newer sedatives and analgesics for conscious sedation in 120 child patients. Patients were randomly assigned into: Midazolam (I), Ketamine (II), Zolpidem (III), Midazolam plus Ketamine (IV), Midazolam plus Tramadol (V) and Zolpidem plus Tramadol (VI) groups of 20 each. Onset of action, level of sedation, ease of treatment completion, recovery time, and post-operative amnesia were assessed for all and compared. Midazolam plus ketamine was found the most effective combination providing a fast and adequate analgo-sedation in anxious and uncooperative child patients.

Odontoclastoma

Case report showing classical odontoclastoma along with in vivo illustrations of the affected tooth and intral oral periapical radiograph.

Archform in cleft palate--a computerized tomographic classification

This prospective study was conducted in King George's Medical College, Lucknow, India amongst fifty cleft lip and palate cases to study the various arch forms. The maxillary arch form was traced from Computer Tomograph sections of all the cases pre and post-operatively. The various patterns of arch forms as observed from CT tracings exhibiting U & V shaped with sub-types denominated as posteriorly--convergent (c), divergent (d) and parallel (p). This simplified classification can be used in pediatric dentistry practice.

Simulation of x-ray absorption near-edge spectra and x-ray fluorescence spectra of optically excited molecules

The x-ray absorption near-edge spectra (XANES) and fluorescence spectra of molecules in the ground state and optically excited states are computed using time-dependent density functional theory and time-dependent Hartree-Fock theory. The calculated XANES spectra of optically excited methanol, benzonitrile, hydrogen sulphide, and titanium tetrachloride and the fluorescence spectra of optically excited methanol can be used to simulate ultrafast optical pump/x-ray probe experiments.

Self-organized CdSSe quantum dots thin films

Self-organized and strained CdSSe quantum dot (Q-dot) thin films have been grown on ITO-coated glass substrates by novel wet chemical route. The Q-dots are (002) oriented faceted pyramids with average particle size of 7.5 nm. The X-ray diffraction results reveal the formation of a solid solution of CdSSe. Atomic force microscopy is used to investigate the morphology of the nanocrystalline thin films. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis spectrum confirms the presence of Cd, S, and Se in the films. Optical absorption and photoluminescence spectra show the blue shift for quantum dot thin films.

The status of oral hygiene in cleft lip, palate patients after surgical correction

The cleft lip and palate patients usually present a number of problems viz. altered oral anatomy leading to changes in oral physiology diminishing the self-cleansing ability of individual. The handicapped children are unable to maintain their oral hygiene properly. The present study was formulated with the aim that does normalization of oral anatomy have its effect on improvement of oral hygiene? An assessment of oral hygiene index-simplified was performed between preoperative and postoperative values in the same patient at KGMU and KGDU. A total of 50 cases were recorded in two groups of 25 each: (i) 6 years. The observations are statistically analyzed by paired 't' test to get the significance of results.

RESULTS

The data analyzed showed the significant decrease in oral hygiene indices observed in both groups. A relative significance in oral hygiene status following surgery was observed. Both groups expressed greater significance when compared pre and postoperatively which is indicative of considerable improvement of oral hygiene after surgical correction. The study concludes that oral hygiene improves more in older cleft lip-palate cases following reconstruction of palatal vault, premaxilla and anterior lip seal by secondary bone grafting method when compared with oral hygiene indices results in primary periosteoplasty cases. The surgical correction of cleft lip palate enhances self-cleaning ability and better compliance to maintain oral hygiene in children as the age advances.

Radicular dens invaginatus--a case report

Case report showing classical Radicular dens invaginatus; along with in vitro illustrations of the extracted tooth and RVG (Radiovisiography) after radiopaque dye injection.

A comparative evaluation of oral midazolam with other sedatives as premedication in pediatric dentistry

The purpose of present study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of orally administered midazolam in children as a sedative agent and to compare it with two other older agents, triclofos and promethazine. The study was conducted on ninety child patients requiring some short dental procedure. All the patients were with a good physical status (ASA-I). The ages ranged between 3 and 9 years. The patients were randomized into three study groups: Group 1, midazolam, Group II, triclofos and Group III, promethazine, on the basis of the drugs to be administered. After administration of drugs in each group, the effects were evaluated in terms of onset of action, sedative effect, ease of treatment completion, recovery time and postoperative amnesia. Midazolam was found to be the best drug among the three to produce conscious sedation in children.

Pressure controlled inverse ratio ventilation in acute respiratory distress syndrome patients

Appropriate ventilatory intervention is life saving in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Pressure controlled inverse ratio ventilation (PC-IRV) is the likely mode of ventilation benefiting in extreme conditions of ARDS. However, guidelines when to start PC-IRV is not yet well defined. The ventilation-related dilemma, which we faced in two illustrative cases of ARDS are presented. The first patient presenting clinically with ARDS but with high peak airway pressure (PIP) and low dynamic lung compliance, PC-IRV helped in reducing PIP, improved haemodynamics and the oxygenation of blood. In second patient with similar clinical presentation of ARDS, where although PIP was high but the dynamic compliance was better, the PC-IRV caused deterioration in PaO2. Here, patient rather did better with high PEEP (15 cm H2O) and usual I: E ratio (1:2). It is probable that the dynamic lung compliance (< 20ml/cmH2O), PIP (> 50 cm H2O) at conventional I: E ratio (1:2) ventilation (10 ml/kg) with hypotension might form the basis to develop a scoring system for guidance to switch over to PC-IRV ventilation. Further randomised prospective controlled clinical trials will then be required to establish indication to start PC-IRV in ARDS.

Mechano and thermoluminescence of gamma-irradiated CaSO4:Dy phosphor

In order to have a better idea of the interaction of the defect centres produced by y-irradiation with dislocation in the processes of deformation destruction, mechanoluminescence (ML) and thermoluminescence (TL) of gamma-irradiated CaSO4:Dy, these phosphors have been investigated. CaSO4:Dy phosphors were prepared by dissolving CaSO4.2H2O in sulphuric acid and evaporating the excess acid around 300 degrees C. ML was excited impulsively by dropping a load on to the sample. Two peaks have been observed in the ML intensity against time curve. The total light output, i.e. integrated ML intensity, increases with concentration of dopant, strain rate and with irradiation doses. The TL glow curves of CaSO4:Dy phosphors at different concentrations of dopant and irradiation doses were also recorded. Studies of the influence of post-irradiation annealing on the ML of CaSO4:Dy show that with the removal of the TL dosemetric peak (approximately 210 degrees C) the ML intensity decreases markedly. A spectroscopic study of ML and TL has also been carried out to elucidate the mechanism of ML. Correlation between ML and TL has also been found.

Synthesis of beta-galactose-conjugated chlorins derived by enyne metathesis as galectin-specific photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy

A first report on the synthesis and biological evaluation of the beta-galactose-conjugated purpurinimides (a class of chlorins containing a six-membered fused imide ring system) as Gal-1 (galectin-1) recognized photosensitizers, prepared from purpurin-N-propargylimide via enyne metathesis, is discussed. On the basis of examination of the available crystal structure of the galectin-1 N-acetyllactose amine complex, it was considered that the chlorin-based photosensitizers could be introduced into a carbohydrate skeleton to expand the repertoire of the galectin-1-specific ligands. Preliminary molecular modeling analysis utilizing the modeled photosensitizers and the available crystal structures of galectin-carbohydrate complexes indicated that addition of the photosensitizer to the carbohydrate moiety at an appropriate position does not interfere with the galectin-carbohydrate recognition. Under similar drug and light doses, compared to the free purpurinimide analogue, the purpurinimides conjugated either with galactose or with lactose (Gal(beta1-4)-Glc) produced a considerable increase in photosensitizing efficacy in vitro. This indicates the possibility for development of a new class of specific photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy (PDT) based on recognition of a cellular receptor.

Photochemical and electrochemical properties of zinc chlorin-C60 dyad as compared to corresponding free-base chlorin-C60, free-base porphyrin-C60, and zinc porphyrin-C60 dyads

The photochemical and electrochemical properties of four chlorin-C60 or porphyrin-C60 dyads having the same short spacer between the macrocycle and the fullerene are examined. In contrast with all the previous results on porphyrin-fullerene dyads, the photoexcitation of a zinc chlorin-C60 dyad results in an unusually long-lived radical ion pair which decays via first-order kinetics with a decay rate constant of 9.1 x 10(3) x s(-1). This value is 2-6 orders of magnitude smaller than values reported for all other porphyrin or chlorin donor-acceptor of the molecule dyad systems. The formation of radical cations of the donor part and the radical anion of the acceptor part was also confirmed by ESR measurements under photoirradiation at low temperature. The photoexcitation of other dyads (free-base chlorin-C60, zinc porphyrin-C60, and free-base porphyrin-C60 dyads) results in formation of the ion pairs which decay quickly to the triplet excited states of the chlorin or porphyrin moiety via the higher lying radical ion pair states as is expected from the redox potentials.

1H and 13C NMR investigation of the influence of nonligated residue contacts on the heme electronic structure in cyanometmyoglobin complexes reconstituted with centro- and pseudocentrosymmetric hemins

The 1H and 13C chemical shifts for the heme methyls of low-spin, ferric sperm whale cyanometmyoglobin reconstituted with a variety of centrosymmetric and pseudocentrosymmetric hemins have been recorded and analyzed to shed light on the nature of heme-protein contacts, other than that of the axial His, that modulate the rhombic perturbation to the heme's in-plane electronic asymmetry. The very similar 1H dipolar shifts for heme pocket residues in all complexes yield essentially the same magnetic axes as in wild type, and the resultant dipolar shifts allow the direct determination of the heme methyl proton and 13C contact shifts in all complexes. It is demonstrated that, even when the magnetic axes and anisotropies are known, the intrinsic uncertainties in the orientational parameters lead to a sufficiently large uncertainty in dipolar shift that the methyl proton contact shifts are inherently significantly less reliable indicators of the unpaired electron spin distribution than the methyl 13C contact shifts. The pattern of the noninversion symmetry in 13C contact shifts in the centro- or pseudocentrosymmetric hemes is shown to correlate with the positions of aromatic rings of Phe43(CD1) and His97(FG3) parallel to, and in contact with, the heme. These results indicate that such pi-pi interactions significantly perturb the in-plane asymmetry of the heme pi spin distribution and cannot be ignored in a quantitative interpretation of the heme methyl 13C contact shifts in terms of the axial His orientation in b-type hemoproteins.

Operative management of acetabular fractures in Oxford

We reviewed the epidemiology and complications of 79 patients who had operative treatment for an acetabular fracture undertaken at this hospital, in the first 5 years of a pelvic and acetabular fracture service. The median Injury Severity Score was 18 (range, 9-41). Sixty-five patients (82%) had an important injury of at least one other system. Eighteen patients (23%) had a sciatic nerve injury on presentation. Thirty-seven patients (47%) had a post-operative complication, but this did not affect the outcome in the majority. The re-operation rate was 5%.Seventy-four patients (94%) had clinical and radiological follow-up for a mean of 2.6 years. Fifty-five patients (74%) had a good or excellent result, which was associated with early operation and an anatomical reduction. Poor outcome was associated with delay to surgery, failure to achieve or maintain reduction, and femoral head damage at the time of injury.