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In this study, IN718 metal matrix composites (MMCs), with TiN content of 0–30 vol %, have been fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF). The process has been carried out with varying scanning speeds of 500–800 mm/s, while maintaining constant laser power (100 W), hatch overlap (⁓ 50%) and layer thickness (⁓ 25 μm). A 2D numerical model has been established using the phase-field (PF) method to understand the role of driving forces (e.g., Marangoni force, thermal buoyancy force and recoil pressure) and deformation of melt pool behavior at different scanning speeds. In addition, the particle tracing model was coupled in the PF model to understand the motion of the reinforced particles. The microstructure of the fusion zone (or melt pool) has been predicted by evaluating the temperature gradient, solidification rate, and cooling rate. The solidification map of IN718 alloys indicated the microstructure of the fusion zone to be columnar dendrites at both the scanning speeds (500 mm/s and 800 mm/s). Depending upon the scanning speed, various defects (keyhole, balling and fusion defects) were observed in the fabricated composites. At 500 mm/s, the fabricated composite exhibited the lowest porosity (⁓ 0.27 vol%). The mechanical properties of MMCs were evaluated in terms of micro-hardness and wear resistance. The micro-hardness of MMCs increased with an increase in the TiN content and decrease in the scanning speed. The wear resistance of IN718 MMCs was found to improve when the TiN content was increased (up to 20% vol. %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Radiotherapy is commonly used to treat the majority of patients with head and neck cancers. Salivary glands in the radiation field are affected by this procedure. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of DMA as a radiomodulator to evaluate the real possibilities of reducing the incidence and severity of xerostomia in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients. The effect of DMA on the response of head and neck cell lines in the presence of radiation was analyzed using clonogenic survival and xenograft tumor assays for cell line-derived xenografts as well as patient-derived xenografts. The combinatorial treatment of DMA along with radiation influenced the migration of cells. The changes associated with migration were observed through a microscope and wound healing assay. In addition, the stimulated saliva was measured. Tissue sections were analyzed using immunohistochemistry to stain for molecular markers of cell proliferation and porin channels. Survival, recurrence, and xerostomia are considerable problems in the treatment of oral squamous carcinoma patients. In this study, we investigated the role of DMA (5-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-2-[2′-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)5″benzimidazoyl]benzimidazole) as a salivary gland cytoprotectant in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model. A significant increase in saliva secretion was observed in the DMA-treated xenograft compared to radiation alone. Repeated doses of DMA with a high dose of radiation showed a synergistic effect on mice survival and reduced tumor growth. The mean survival rate of tumor-bearing mice was significantly enhanced. The increased number of Ki-67-stained cells in the spleen, intestine, and lungs compared to the tumor suggests DMA ablates the tumor but protects other organs. The expression of aquaporin-5 was restored in tumor-bearing mice injected with DMA before irradiation. The reduced expression of αvβ3 integrin and CD44 in DMA alone and DMA with radiation-treated mice suggests a reduced migration of cells and stemness of cancer cells. DMA along with radiation treatment results in the activation of the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway in the tumor, leading to apoptosis through caspase upregulation. In conclusion, DMA has strong potential for use as an adjuvant in radiotherapy in OSCC patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Radioresistance towards radiation therapy has generated the need for the development of radiosensitizers as a potential drug. KRAS mutation brings radioresistance in tumor cells. The present work proves sensitization of cancer cells towards radiotherapy through inhibition of KRAS activation. Acquiring a drug repurposing approach, the in-silico screening revealed that pixantrone, an antineoplastic drug, possesses a high affinity towards KRAS G12C and G12D subtypes. The SPR study suggests that maximum affinity of pixantrone was observed with KRAS G12C>WT>G12D and G12S. Pixantrone potentially inhibited the KRAS activation in stable transfectants G12C and G12D cell lines and radiosensitized distinct KRAS mutant subtype cells. The combination of pixantrone with radiation causes enhanced dsDNA breaks along with enhanced ATM expression, and increased late apoptosis. The preclinical studies on NCr-fox1nu xenograft mice showed potent inhibition of tumor progression and prolonged survival of mcie due to the radiosensitizing effect of pixantrone. Radiation-induced activation of key effector proteins of RAS downstream pathways, like MAPK and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathways, were downregulated in tumor cells upon combination treatment. Interestingly, a robust upregulation of senescence marker p21 was observed in the tumor cells in combination treatment. These findings reveal a convergence between KRAS signaling, pixantrone treatment, and radiation conferring tumor cell death. [Display omitted] • Oncogenic KRAS causes radioresistance in tumor cells. • Pixantrone inhibits mutant KRAS and radiosensitizes cancer cells. • Radiation treatment upregulates MAPK and PI3K/Akt prosurvival pathway proteins in xenograft model. • Pixantrone in combination with radiation causes suppression of prosurvival pathway proteins, inhibiting tumor growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sexual dimorphism is the condition where whether the specific body part or the whole body of two sexes of the same species exhibit different characteristics except for the differences in primary sexual organs. Teeth are helpful in determining the sex, stature, race, age etc. same as bony tissues when identification is not possible from rest of the body. Most of the studies conducted earlier are on mandibular dental tissue and literature is sparse on evaluation of maxillary area. We decided to conduct the study on maxillary teeth. Aims and Objectives: To find the correlation between mesiodistal dimension of permanent maxillary incisors and canines with the gender. Methods: The study was conducted in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology department, Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, SRHU. The objective of the study was For the study sample of 100 individuals were taken out of which 50 were male and 50 female, all in the age group of 17-25 years of age. For measuring the dimension of teeth there comes mesiodistal, Buccolingual, labiolingual, crown heights, diagonal length etc. dimensions, but for our study we selected mesiodistal dimension. Subjects were taken according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The results were statistically analysed and compared with other studies. Results: The study revealed about the definite association between mesiodistal dimensions of anterior maxillary permanent teeth and gender. Conclusions: The results showed a positive correlation between the width and sexual dimorphism in maxillary canines, incisors and other teeth. Male teeth were greater in width as compared to female teeth in Indian population. More studies with larger number of subjects would be required to establish a proper correlation between maxillary dentition and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Cheiloscopy is the study of lip prints. Since the inception of the technique, the techniques is being used to evaluate the individual identity and its association with sex determination. As the blood stains may also be present at a crime scene, further studies have also been done to evaluate the association of common blood group pattern with lip prints. Aims and Objectives: To study the patterns of lip print and its association with blood group and gender in adults. Methods: In this prospective observational study, data were collected from 150 subjects (75 males and 75 females). All the subjects fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were in the age group of 18-30 years. In this study lip print pattern samples were collected by paper fold method and blood group samples were collected and both were analysed according to Tsuchihashi classification and Landsteiner’s classification respectively. Results: A The predominant lip print pattern found in males, females and both the gender together was Type 1- complete vertical in both upper and lower lips. Predominant blood group found in this study was B+ve. Most frequent lip print pattern found in all blood group types was Type 1- complete vertical. Conclusions: Our study revealed an association between distribution of lip print pattern and gender. There was no correlation found in between blood group types and the cheiloscopic patterns. Further studies in different populations with large sample size are required to obtain a more definitive picture and statistical significance of this correlation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mo/Si multilayers deposited using electron beam evaporation in ultrahigh vacuum were used to study the formation of silicides at high temperatures, in situ in an analytical transmission electron microscope. Studies were carried out on cross-sectional as well as on end-on samples. We observed the origin of the formation of Mo[SUB5]Si[SUB3] phase above 400 °C and nearly complete transformation at 750 °C in both the samples. Formation of Mo[SUB5] Si[SUB3] phase was confirmed by selected area diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy and by compositional analysis using energy dispersive x-ray analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The objective of this study was to clinically evaluate an autogenous tooth graft (ATG) as a novel bone graft material in the treatment of Class II furcation defects. ATG is prepared at chairside from a freshly extracted tooth to be used immediately for bone regeneration. It has an advantage over the autogenous and other bone graft materials as it is non‐immunogenic, inexpensive, easily available, and lacks donor‐site morbidity. Case Presentation: This study was conducted on three middle‐aged (35 to 55 years) male patients, who had at least one mandibular molar with Class II furcation involvement (a total of 5 sites) and one tooth that required extraction because of poor prognosis and was not endodontically treated. At 9 and 12 months, the mean reductions in horizontal probing depth were (1.40 ± 0.57 mm) and (1.52 ± 0.59 mm), respectively, and the mean gains in linear bone‐fill were (3.90 ± 0.15 mm) and (5.33 ± 0.10 mm), respectively. Conclusions: Within the limitation of this study, ATG exhibited ideal properties for alveolar bone regeneration. In addition, this study outlines the chairside method to prepare a graft and highlights the improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters at 9 and 12 months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted, by Mo/Si multilayers deposited using electron beam evaporation in ultrahigh vacuum, to examine the formation of silicides at high temperature. The result shows the origin of the formation of Mo5Si3 phase above 400 degree Centigrade and nearly completes transformation at 750 degree Centigrade.

Gingival enlargement is a common problem associated with oral cavity. It can be hereditary or acquired. The aim of this case report was to know the cause of a rare clinical picture of gingival enlargement and management of the lesion which was recurrent. Excisional biopsy of the complete lesion was done along with some normal gingival tissue. No recurrence of the lesion was seen after 6 months follow up. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bacopa monnieri commonly known as Brahmi is utilized in Ayurveda to improve memory and many other human health benefits. Bacosides enriched standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri is being marketed as a memory enhancing agent. In spite of its well known pharmacological properties it is not much studied in terms of transcripts involved in biosynthetic pathway and its regulation that controls the secondary metabolic pathway in this plant. The aim of this study was to identify the potential transcripts and provide a framework of identified transcripts involved in bacosides production through transcriptome assembly. Results: We performed comparative transcriptome analysis of shoot and root tissue of Bacopa monnieri in two independent biological replicate and obtained 22.48 million and 22.0 million high quality processed reads in shoot and root respectively. After de novo assembly and quantitative assessment total 26,412 genes got annotated in root and 18,500 genes annotated in shoot sample. Quality of raw reads was determined by using SeqQC-V2.2. Assembled sequences were annotated using BLASTX against public database such as NR or UniProt. Searching against the KEGG pathway database indicated that 37,918 unigenes from root and 35,130 unigenes from shoot were mapped to 133 KEGG pathways. Based on the DGE data we found that most of the transcript related to CYP450s and UDP-glucosyltransferases were specifically upregulated in shoot tissue as compared to root tissue. Finally, we have selected 43 transcripts related to secondary metabolism including transcription factor families which are differentially expressed in shoot and root tissues were validated by qRT-PCR and their expression level were monitored after MeJA treatment and wounding for 1, 3 and 5 h. Conclusions: This study not only represents the first de novo transcriptome analysis of Bacopa monnieri but also provides information about the identification, expression and differential tissues specific distribution of transcripts related to triterpenoid sapogenin which is one of the most important pharmacologically active secondary metabolite present in Bacopa monnieri. The identified transcripts in this study will establish a foundation for future studies related to carrying out the metabolic engineering for increasing the bacosides biosynthesis and its regulation for human health benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Obesity is one of the most prevalent nutrition-related problems in western societies. Many studies indicated that obese children with body dissatisfaction had significantly lower self-esteem and high level of depressive symptoms than the obese children without body dissatisfaction and normal weight children. The obesity may have many psychological outcomes like low self-esteem, declined academic performances, etc. In India obesity is a growing problem basically in children and adolescents. The present study is planned to track the physical, psychological, social and environmental factors associated with the overweight and obesity of children and adolescents of eastern part of Uttar Pradesh and also try to focus on the parents of such children on how they contribute in their children weight gain and their awareness about the health related consequences of obesity. The preliminary interview data on 25 obese girls (aged between 13 to 18 years) suggested that all the participants were not part in extracurricular activities of school, not using exercises, yoga in their daily routine and also they were admitted that most of the day they are not taking proper breakfast. Aggression, stress and low confidence was also noticed in all the participant girls. Parents were aware of obesity and some of its unable efforts motivate their girls for proper diet and exercise. These obese girls face and teasing by their peers and siblings and this is one reason that they did not participant in social occasion's outdoor activities and parties and their problem of obesity further aggravates. The findings are throwing a light on the causes and maintaining factors of obesity as well as the psychological and social indicators of obesity and some associated factors, the parental role etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuO–SnO2 thin film elements were prepared by sequential evaporation of Sn and Cu metals in high vacuum conditions by an electron beam evaporation technique and subsequent oxidation of the metallic bilayer under flowing oxygen conditions. The electrical properties of the thin film element were studied by a two probe method in the temperature range 110–220°C. On exposing the CuO–SnO2 thin films to a H2S–air mixture, it is observed that the resistance decreases by several thousand times. The H2S sensitivity of the thin film element was measured at three sensor operating temperatures. While the sensitivity decreased with an increase in temperature, both the response and recovery times improved with increasing temperature. The sensor element was selective to H2S gas and did not show any sensitivity to hydrogen and ethanol. The extraordinarily high sensitivity to H2S gas is attributed to the outstanding promoter action of CuO along with the unique porous structure of the thin film element as revealed by scanning electron microscopy studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the major factors influencing weldability of stabilized 17 wt% Cr ferritic stainless steels is extensive grain coarsening in the fusion zone (FZ) and in the heat affected zone (HAZ). This study aimed at exploiting low heat input characteristics of laser welding to effectively control grain coarsening in the FZ and HAZ of 1.2-mm thick stabilized 17 wt% Cr ferritic stainless steel weldment. The study demonstrated that as compared with gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW), laser welding brought about significant grain refinement in the FZ and HAZ. Laser weldments exhibited superior ductility over their GTA counterparts. An important observation of the study was that, in contrast to GTA weldment, laser weldment was associated with weaker interfaces along columnar grain boundaries in the FZ that served to arrest crack propagation normal to them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the synchrotron radiation source Indus-1, we have performed the angle dependent reflectance measurements in the soft X-ray region, on etched silicon (1 1 1) wafer and silicon dioxide wafer. The data so obtained is used to evaluate the optical constants `δ' and `β' in the wavelength region 80–200 A˚ for the two materials. The results are compared with the tabulated data of Henke et al. and other reported experimental results. It has been found that the data for silicon is in close agreement with the tabulated data away from the silicon L absorption edge with significant deviations near the edge. The experimentally obtained β values for silicon dioxide are consistent with the Henke's tabulated data where as the δ values show an upward trend with a shift of 9% from the tabulated values.The experimental data is also compared with energy dependent measurements done by Filatova et al. on non crystalline silicon dioxide and it is found that our data although match closely with that of Filatova's below 140 A˚, but after 140 A˚, Filatova's values for δ show a downward trend while our data follow the same upward trend as the tabulated values of Henke et al. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In the current study, electro-deposition of hybrid coatings consisting of Cr simultaneously reinforced with nano-scale 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) along with hexagonal boron nitride (Cr-YSZ-BN), graphene (Cr-YSZ-Gr), and diamond (Cr-YSZ-D) was performed using an environmentally-benign trivalent Cr bath. Abrasive wear with ploughing for scratch test is recognized as the dominant wear mechanism in coatings; on increasing the scratch speed, gross spallation occurs in the BN reinforced coatings. While graphene and diamond were strongly adherent to the substrate with no signs of delamination. During fretting, oxidative and three-body abrasive wear in wedge formation mode with severe crack networking was observed in Cr-YSZ-BN. Micro-ploughing was active with intermittent cracking in Cr-YSZ-Gr coatings, indicating lower wear (via solid-lubrication by graphene). Diamond added coating, on the other hand, exhibits fewer cracks with ploughing. High hardness and elastic modulus with a maximum of ~26 GPa and 245 GPa, respectively, were obtained for Cr-YSZ-D coating with a minimum wear rate of ~3.5×10−11 m3/Nm (fretting) and 3.8×10−5 mm3/Nm (scratching). Further, rigid sp3 hybridization of carbon atoms in Cr-YSZ-D leads to the strong interlocking between Cr matrix and diamond, thereby lowering the wear damage of the coating system. The unique combination and uniform dispersion of YSZ and diamond particles displayed enhanced friction and wear resistance (k ~ 1.4×10−3), primarily due to the inherent high hardness of diamond and matrix strengthening by nano and micro-scale particles. Therefore, Cr-YSZ-D coating system emerges out as a highly robust coating capable of providing enhanced damage tolerance towards wear for various tribological applications. • Synergistic YSZ reinforcement with BN, graphene, and diamond in Cr-matrix. • Reduced crystallite size (~15 nm) and high dislocation density (~1011 cm-2) in reinforced coatings. • High compressive residual stresses (~720–1230 MPa) in hybrid coatings. • High fretting damage tolerance (wear rate of ~3.5 × 10–11 m3/Nm) in Cr-YSZ-D hybrid coating. • Low micro-scratch damage (wear rate of 3.8 × 10-5 mm3/Nm) in Cr-YSZ-D hybrid coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lung cancer is considered as leading cancer with the highest mortality. The KRAS -oncogenic mutations are dominant in lung carcinoma leading to poor prognosis and radioresistance, which is a major impediment to radiotherapy. Thus, KRAS mutant inhibitors that synergistically sensitize tumours to radiation are urgently needed. In pursuance of the search for a novel radiosensitizer, high-throughput screening of FDA-approved drugs was performed at active site of K-Ras. Prochlorperazine (PCZ), an antipsychotic drug, showed good binding affinity with KRAS-mutant proteins. PCZ binds to the GTP-binding pocket of KRAS -mutant protein and inhibits its constitutive activation by stabilizing the GDP-bound conformation of K-Ras mutants by 9 kcal/mol compared to WT. PCZ alongwith radiation decreased the clonogenic survival of KRAS -mutant NSCLC but not KRAS -WT cells. The combination treatment activates p-ATM, p53, and p21 proteins, leading to cell cycle arrest. PCZ with increasing radiation caused a linear increase in γH2AX foci, suggesting enhanced DSBs-associated apoptosis in radioresistant A549 cells. Pharmacokinetics study showed C max = 526 ng/ml at 30min, 4.6h half-life in plasma, and highest accumulation in tumours. PCZ and 10Gy irradiation synergistically radiosensitize mice xenografts via downregulation of Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Our efforts have led to the discovery of PCZ as a lead compound. In preclinical analyses, treatment with PCZ alone and in combination with radiation led to regression of KRAS −G12S tumours. [Display omitted] • Oncogenic KRAS mutation in NSCLC associate with radioresistance and poor prognosis. • PCZ repurposing can shorten drug development time frame and possess clinical translation. • PCZ stabilized GDP-bound mutant K-Ras conformation and supress its activity. • PCZ selectively radiosensitizes KRAS mutant A549 over WT H1299 lung cancer cell. • PCZ renders radiosensitization in vivo in xenograft model via inhibiting Ras pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 22-year-old male patient who was suffering from dens in dente which is a developmental anomaly of teeth.

Sarcoidosis is a non-caseating granulomatous disease . It is a multiorgan inflammatory disorder of unknown etiology. Conditions affecting skin or other organs frequently involve oral cavity and rarely manifest as gingival disease. Here we are reporting a rare case in which gingival hyperplasia was the initial symptom which finally led to the diagnosis of sarcoidosis. Oral mucous membrane needs to be examined carefully as it may constitute in presenting first sign of systemic sarcoidosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transmission of genetic material from one generation to the next is a fundamental feature of all living cells. In eukaryotes, a macromolecular complex called the kinetochore plays crucial roles during chromosome segregation by linking chromosomes to spindle microtubules. Little is known about this process in evolutionarily diverse protists. Within the supergroup Discoba, Euglenozoa forms a speciose group of unicellular flagellates-kinetoplastids, euglenids, and diplonemids. Kinetoplastids have an unconventional kinetochore system, while euglenids have subunits that are conserved among most eukaryotes. For diplonemids, a group of extremely diverse and abundant marine flagellates, it remains unclear what kind of kinetochores are present. Here, we employed deep homology detection protocols using profile-versus-profile Hidden Markov Model searches and AlphaFold-based structural comparisons to detect homologies that might have been previously missed. Interestingly, we still could not detect orthologs for most of the kinetoplastid or canonical kinetochore subunits with few exceptions including a putative centromere-specific histone H3 variant (cenH3/CENP-A), the spindle checkpoint protein Mad2, the chromosomal passenger complex members Aurora and INCENP, and broadly conserved proteins like CLK kinase and the meiotic synaptonemal complex proteins SYCP2/3 that also function at kinetoplastid kinetochores. We examined the localization of five candidate kinetochore-associated proteins in the model diplonemid, Paradiplonema papillatum. Pp CENP-A shows discrete dots in the nucleus, implying that it is likely a kinetochore component. Pp Mad2, Pp CLK KKT10/19 , Pp SYCP2L1 KKT17/18 , and Pp INCENP reside in the nucleus, but no clear kinetochore localization was observed. Altogether, these results point to the possibility that diplonemids evolved a hitherto unknown type of kinetochore system., Importance: A macromolecular assembly called the kinetochore is essential for the segregation of genetic material during eukaryotic cell division. Therefore, characterization of kinetochores across species is essential for understanding the mechanisms involved in this key process across the eukaryotic tree of life. In particular, little is known about kinetochores in divergent protists such as Euglenozoa, a group of unicellular flagellates that includes kinetoplastids, euglenids, and diplonemids, the latter being a highly diverse and abundant component of marine plankton. While kinetoplastids have an unconventional kinetochore system and euglenids have a canonical one similar to traditional model eukaryotes, preliminary searches detected neither unconventional nor canonical kinetochore components in diplonemids. Here, we employed state-of-the-art deep homology detection protocols but still could not detect orthologs for the bulk of kinetoplastid-specific nor canonical kinetochore proteins in diplonemids except for a putative centromere-specific histone H3 variant. Our results suggest that diplonemids evolved kinetochores that do not resemble previously known ones.

Context Dental caries is a widespread threat, usually in children, although it has been observed at other stages of life. Various pieces of literature have confirmed the prevalence of S treptococcus mutans and S treptococcus sobrinus in the progression of the disease. However, establishing procedures to detect these species remains a challenge, posing a barrier to treatment plans. Aim The aim of this study is to detect the species in dental plaque samples from children aged six to nine years by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and correlate their prevalence in various dentitions. Material and Methods This is an observational analytical cross-sectional study conducted in a tertiary care dental hospital. After sample isolation, microbiological processing was performed, genomic DNA was isolated, and PCR run was performed using specific primers to detect the species. SPSS for Windows Version 17 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) and Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, WA, USA) were used to perform statistical analysis. A p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The technique could identify S. Mutans and S. Sobrinus in a short turnaround time. The frequency of S. mutans and S. sobrinus infections was higher in individuals with dental caries. Conclusions Molecular detection via PCR is a reliable, economical, and less time-consuming method for detecting S. mutans and S. sobrinus in dental plaque samples., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2022, Pandey et al.)

Small molecules that modulate biological functions are targets of modern-day drug discovery efforts. A new series of novel 1 H -benzo[ d ]imidazoles (BBZs) were designed and synthesized with different functional groups at the phenyl ring and variable lengths of the alkyl chain at the piperazine end as anticancer agents. We identified human topoisomerase I (Hu Topo I) as a probable target of these molecules through a computational study and DNA relaxation assay, a functional assay of the Hu Topo I enzyme. UV absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to study interactions between BBZ and DNA. Out of 16 compounds, 11a , 12a , and 12b showed strong binding affinity and thermal stabilization of AT sequence-specific DNA. BBZs were screened against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines at National Cancer Institute, USA. Most potent molecules 11a , 12a , and 12b showed 50% growth inhibition (GI 50 ) in a concentration range from 0.16 to 3.6 μM cancer cells. Moreover, 12b showed 50% inhibition of the relaxation of DNA by Hu Topo I at 16 μM. Furthermore, flow cytometry revealed that 11a , 12a , and 12b cause prominent G2M arrest of cancer cells. In view of the above, we propose that 12b deserves to be further evaluated for its therapeutic use as an anticancer agent., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (© 2022 The Authors. Published by American Chemical Society.)

Aim and Objective: To determine and compare remineralizing efficacy of NovaMin, CPP-ACP, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and P11-4., Materials and Methods: Sixty permanent premolars were divided into four groups with 15 samples in each group; group I: self-assembling peptide (P11-4), group II: SDF, group III: Casein phosphopeptide-stabilized amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and group IV: NovaMin. Mineral content was assessed using a scanning electron microscope at 7, 14, and 21 days after remineralization with each agent., Results: The mean remineralization in group I at 7 days was 1.73 ± 0.02, at 14 days was 1.79 ± 0.01, and at 21 days was 1.90±0.03. Mean remineralization in group II was 1.61 ± 0.01, 1.64 ± 0.02, and 1.73 ± 0.03 at 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. Mean remineralization in group III was 1.62 ± 0.01, 1.65 ± 0.02, and 1.74 ± 0.05 at 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. Mean remineralization in group IV was 1.59 ± 0.02, 1.62 ± 0.07, and 1.70 ± 0.09 at 7, 14, and 21 days, respectively. The maximum value was obtained on day 21. There was a significant difference in mean remineralization values between group I vs group II, group I vs group III, and group I vs group IV ( p < 0.05)., Conclusion: Self-assembling peptides showed maximum remineralization in tested specimens followed by CPP-ACP, SDF, and NovaMin-containing toothpaste., Clinical Significance: CPP-ACP, SDF, and NovaMin-containing toothpaste can be indicated for remineralization of initial caries in clinical use.

Background: Increased oxidative stress has emerged as one of the prime factors in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Hence, antioxidant therapy may become a promising tool in the treatment of periodontal disease. Uric acid (UA) being a major antioxidant in saliva can be used as a marker to assess the total antioxidant capacity., Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of orally administered antioxidants (lycopene and green tea extract) on periodontal health and salivary UA levels in gingivitis patients as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP)., Materials and Methods: Thirty systemically healthy participants having generalized gingivitis were randomly distributed into two groups. Control group participants received full mouth oral prophylaxis, while test group participants received oral lycopene and green tea extract (CLIK ® ) for 45 days along with complete oral prophylaxis. Plaque index (PI), sulcular bleeding index (SBI), and salivary UA levels were evaluated at baseline and 45 days after SRP. Data were analyzed with t -test, using SPSS software (PASW, Windows version 18.0)., Results: Both treatment groups demonstrated statistically highly significant ( P ≤ 0.001) reduction in plaque and SBI. After treatment, a highly significant increase ( P ≤ 0.001) in the test group and significant ( P ≤ 0.05) increase in the control group was observed for salivary UA levels. Posttreatment comparison between test and control group delineated statistically significant results in PI ( P ≤ 0.001), SBI ( P ≤ 0.001), and salivary UA levels ( P ≤ 0.01)., Conclusion: Lycopene with green tea extract may prove to be a promising adjunctive prophylactic and therapeutic modality in the treatment of gingivitis patients. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the additive effect of antioxidants with routine oral prophylaxis therapy., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Background: Bacopa monnieri commonly known as Brahmi is utilized in Ayurveda to improve memory and many other human health benefits. Bacosides enriched standardized extract of Bacopa monnieri is being marketed as a memory enhancing agent. In spite of its well known pharmacological properties it is not much studied in terms of transcripts involved in biosynthetic pathway and its regulation that controls the secondary metabolic pathway in this plant. The aim of this study was to identify the potential transcripts and provide a framework of identified transcripts involved in bacosides production through transcriptome assembly., Results: We performed comparative transcriptome analysis of shoot and root tissue of Bacopa monnieri in two independent biological replicate and obtained 22.48 million and 22.0 million high quality processed reads in shoot and root respectively. After de novo assembly and quantitative assessment total 26,412 genes got annotated in root and 18,500 genes annotated in shoot sample. Quality of raw reads was determined by using SeqQC-V2.2. Assembled sequences were annotated using BLASTX against public database such as NR or UniProt. Searching against the KEGG pathway database indicated that 37,918 unigenes from root and 35,130 unigenes from shoot were mapped to 133 KEGG pathways. Based on the DGE data we found that most of the transcript related to CYP450s and UDP-glucosyltransferases were specifically upregulated in shoot tissue as compared to root tissue. Finally, we have selected 43 transcripts related to secondary metabolism including transcription factor families which are differentially expressed in shoot and root tissues were validated by qRT-PCR and their expression level were monitored after MeJA treatment and wounding for 1, 3 and 5 h., Conclusions: This study not only represents the first de novo transcriptome analysis of Bacopa monnieri but also provides information about the identification, expression and differential tissues specific distribution of transcripts related to triterpenoid sapogenin which is one of the most important pharmacologically active secondary metabolite present in Bacopa monnieri. The identified transcripts in this study will establish a foundation for future studies related to carrying out the metabolic engineering for increasing the bacosides biosynthesis and its regulation for human health benefits.

Interdigital electrodes fabricated by standard lithography on silicon chips are employed to probe the dipolar molecular dynamics and electric conduction properties of thin rhodamine films grown with two different methods. The conductivity is due to electronic charge carriers, and at around room-temperature, it is higher by 1 order of magnitude in solution-deposited films than in thermally evaporated ones. The organic material exhibits two intrinsic dynamic processes, of which the one at higher temperature is due to the orientational motion of the dipole moment of the rhodamine units, while the one at lower temperature is due to the motion of a local dipole associated with the chlorine counterions and is absent in thermally evaporated films. Our results show that thin-film dielectric spectroscopy is an easily implementable and versatile tool to extract valuable information on thin organic films.