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Abstract Background Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of death from gynecologic cancer in women worldwide. According to the National Cancer Institute, ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate among all the reproductive cancers in women. Advanced stage diagnosis and chemo/radio-resistance is a major obstacle in treating advanced ovarian cancer. The most commonly employed chemotherapeutic drug for ovarian cancer treatment is cis-platin. As with most chemotherapeutic drugs, many patients eventually become resistant to cis-platin and therefore, diminishing its effect. The efficacy of current treatments may be improved by increasing the sensitivity of cancer cells to chemo/radiation therapies. Methods The present study is focused on identifying the differential expression of regulatory microRNAs (miRNAs) between cis-platin sensitive (A2780), and cis-platin resistant (A2780/CP70) cell lines. Cell proliferation assays were conducted to test the sensitivity of the two cell lines to cis-platin. Differential expression patterns of miRNA between cis-platin sensitive and cis-platin resistant cell lines were analyzed using novel LNA technology. Results Our results revealed changes in expression of 11 miRNAs out of 1,500 miRNAs analyzed. Out of the 11 miRNAs identified, 5 were up-regulated in the A2780/CP70 cell line and 6 were down regulated as compared to cis-platin sensitive A2780 cells. Our microRNA data was further validated by quantitative real-time PCR for these selected miRNAs. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis was performed for the selected miRNAs and their putative targets to identify the potential pathways and networks involved in cis-platin resistance. Conclusions Our data clearly showed the differential expression of 11 miRNAs in cis-platin resistant cells, which could potentially target many important pathways including MAPK, TGF-β signaling, actin cytoskeleton, ubiquitin mediated proteasomal pathway, Wnt signaling, mTOR signaling, Notch signaling, apoptosis, and many other signaling pathways. Manipulation of one or more of these miRNAs could be an important approach for ovarian cancer chemotherapy.

Abstract Background Widespread use of chromium (Cr) contaminated fields due to careless and inappropriate management practices of effluent discharge, mostly from industries related to metallurgy, electroplating, production of paints and pigments, tanning, and wood preservation elevates its concentration in surface soil and eventually into rice plants and grains. In spite of many previous studies having been conducted on the effects of chromium stress, the precise molecular mechanisms related to both the effects of chromium phytotoxicity, the defense reactions of plants against chromium exposure as well as translocation and accumulation in rice remain poorly understood. Results Detailed analysis of genome-wide transcriptome profiling in rice root is reported here, following Cr-plant interaction. Such studies are important for the identification of genes responsible for tolerance, accumulation and defense response in plants with respect to Cr stress. Rice root metabolome analysis was also carried out to relate differential transcriptome data to biological processes affected by Cr (VI) stress in rice. To check whether the Cr-specific motifs were indeed significantly over represented in the promoter regions of Cr-responsive genes, occurrence of these motifs in whole genome sequence was carried out. In the background of whole genome, the lift value for these 14 and 13 motifs was significantly high in the test dataset. Though no functional role has been assigned to any of the motifs, but all of these are present as promoter motifs in the Database of orthologus promoters. Conclusion These findings clearly suggest that a complex network of regulatory pathways modulates Cr-response of rice. The integrated matrix of both transcriptome and metabolome data after suitable normalization and initial calculations provided us a visual picture of the correlations between components. Predominance of different motifs in the subsets of genes suggests the involvement of motif-specific transcription modulating proteins in Cr stress response of rice.

Background Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for the majority of oral cancers globally. It is characterized by metastasis, poor prognosis, high recurrence rate, and poor five-year survival rate due to late detection or diagnosis at an advanced stage. Novel biomarkers that can predict the prognosis of patients with OSCC are needed to improve survival. Lysosome-associated membrane protein-3 (LAMP3) glycoprotein, a member of the LAMP protein family, is a molecular marker for mature dendritic cells. LAMP3 expression has been correlated with unfavorable prognosis in patients with various cancers. Few studies have examined the relationship between LAMP3 and clinicopathological parameters in OSCC. This study aims to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of LAMP3 in OSCC and its relationship with clinicopathological characteristics. Methodology In this study, 75 formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples of cases diagnosed with primary OSCC were obtained and immunostained with LAMP3 antibody. Its expression was compared with clinicopathological parameters such as age, sex, tobacco and alcohol consumption habits, differentiation, TNM staging, tumor location, lymph node metastasis, lymphovascular invasion, perineural invasion, and pattern of invasion. Results Higher LAMP3 expression was highly significantly associated with the TNM stage (p = 0.001). High expression of LAMP3 was significantly associated with T stage (p = 0.002) and lymph node metastasis (p = 0.002). All poorly differentiated OSCC cases (n = 2, 100%) showed a high expression of LAMP3. Conclusions High LAMP3 expression and its significant association with TNM stage, T stage, and lymph node metastasis suggest a potential role for LAMP3 in OSCC carcinogenesis. High LAMP3 expression in poorly differentiated OSCC might indicate that it plays a pivotal role in oncogenic cell transformation. Our results indicate that LAMP3 may be a predictive marker for poor prognosis in OSCC., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Institutional Ethics Committee issued approval KIDS/IEC/009/2021/IV. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Jeyapriya et al.)

In recent years, biopolymer coatings have emerged as an effective approach for extending the shelf life of edible fruits. The invention of biopolymer coverings has emerged as an innovation for extending fruit shelf life. Natural polymers, like chitosan, alginate, and pectin, are used to create these surfaces, which have several uses, including creating a barrier that prevents water evaporation, the spread of living microbes, and respiratory movement. These biopolymer coatings' primary benefits are their environmental friendliness and lack of damage. This study highlights the advancements made in the creation and usage of biopolymer coatings, highlighting how well they preserve fruit quality, reduce post-harvest losses, and satisfy consumer demand for natural preservation methods. This study discusses the usefulness of the biopolymer coating in terms of preserving fruit quality, reducing waste, and extending the product's shelf life. Biopolymer coatings' potential as a sustainable solution for synthetic preservatives in the fruit sector is highlighted as are formulation process advances that combine natural ingredients and environmental implications. This essay focuses on the essential methods, such as new natural additives, as well as the environmental effect of biopolymer coatings, which are safe and healthy commercial alternatives.

2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD), a persistent organic pollutant and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand, causes delayed intestinal motility and affects the survival of enteric neurons. In this study, we investigated the specific signaling pathways and molecular targets involved in TCDD-induced enteric neurotoxicity. Immortalized fetal enteric neuronal (IM-FEN) cells treated with 10 nM TCDD exhibited cytotoxicity and caspase 3/7 activation, indicating apoptosis. Increased cleaved caspase-3 expression with TCDD treatment, as assessed by immunostaining in enteric neuronal cells isolated from WT mice but not in neural crest cell-specific Ahr deletion mutant mice ( Wnt1Cre +/- /Ahr b(fl/fl ) ), emphasized the pivotal role of AHR in this process. Importantly, the apoptosis in IM-FEN cells treated with TCDD was mediated through a ceramide-dependent pathway, independent of endoplasmic reticulum stress, as evidenced by increased ceramide synthesis and the reversal of cytotoxic effects with myriocin, a potent inhibitor of ceramide biosynthesis. We identified Sptlc2 and Smpd2 as potential gene targets of AHR in ceramide regulation by a chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay in IM-FEN cells. Additionally, TCDD downregulated phosphorylated Akt and phosphorylated Ser9-GSK-3β levels, implicating the PI3 kinase/AKT pathway in TCDD-induced neurotoxicity. Overall, this study provides important insights into the mechanisms underlying TCDD-induced enteric neurotoxicity and identifies potential targets for the development of therapeutic interventions.

Background Teeth serve many functions, and aesthetics is one of the most important aspects served by teeth, perceived by the limbic system of the human brain. The golden divine ratio is the unique proportion often correlated with beauty. The present study was devised to estimate the dimension of human permanent canines and approximation to the golden divine ratio. Materials and methods The present study included 47 extracted human permanent canines retrieved from the tooth repository of our institute's Department of Oral Biology. Using digital vernier calipers (Themisto TH-M61 digital vernier caliper, 0-150mm/ 6 inch, JIPVI Ecommerce Pvt. Ltd, India, 2022), the following measurements were taken: Mesio-distal and labiolingual dimensions of the crown, crown length, root length, root to crown ratio (R/C) and the tooth to root ratio (T/R). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26. Results All the dimensions' mean and standard deviations were calculated for both maxillary and mandibular canines. While the means of mesio-distal and labiolingual dimensions of the crown approximated the values reported in the literature, there was some variation in crown and root lengths. The mean crown lengths of the upper and lower canines were 10.34mm and 9.76mm, respectively, while the root lengths were 16.52 and 15.54mm, respectively. The R/C of both sets and the T/R of the upper canine only followed the golden ratio. T/R of the lower canine was slightly higher (1.64) Conclusion Although the number of included teeth was less, owing to the fact that canines are rarely extracted, our results provided new values of canines for updation in a unique population. More studies are required for comparative anthropological data updates., Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist., (Copyright © 2024, Kumar et al.)

Introduction: Snakebites are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in India despite availability of anti-snake venom and the absence of a large number of highly venomous snakes. This may be attributed to treatment seeking behaviour of the population. The study aims to find out common clinical features, outcome, and delay in arrival time to the hospital in snakebite cases., Materials and Methods: This is a cross-sectional retrospective record-based study among the patients presented with a history of snakebites to the Basaveshwara Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Chitradurga, conducted from 1 January 2019 to 31 January 2021., Results: Out of the 96 patients, the majority of snakebite victims were male and of an age group of 21-30 years. The most common site for snakebite was the lower limb, and about 57.2% of patients had visible fang marks. Among snake species identified, the most common was krait bites, followed by cobra bites. Neurotoxic envenomation manifestation and severe presentation were found in almost half (53.1%) of the cases. Almost half of the patients took 1-4 hours to arrive at the health facility. Surprisingly, only 35% cases arrived to the health care facility within an hour of snakebite. Most of the patients (82%) recovered with the treatment with very minimal fatality/mortality., Conclusion and Recommendations: Although half of the patients presented with severe forms, only 35% of the patients arrived within an hour to the health care facility. This indicates the need for an information dissemination system to avoid severe disease as well as to prevent mortality., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Background: Research on the compatibility of time domain indices, frequency domain measurements of heart rate variability obtained from electrocardiogram (ECG) waveforms, and pulse wave signal (pulse rate variability; PRV) features is ongoing. The promising marker of cardiac autonomic function is heart rate variability. Recent research has looked at various other physiological markers, leading to the emergence of pulse rate variability. The pulse wave signal can be studied for variations to understand better changes in arterial stiffness and compliance, which are key indicators of cardiovascular health. Methods: 35 healthy overweight people were included. The Lead II electrocardiogram (ECG) signal was transmitted through an analog-to-digital converter (PowerLab 8/35 software, AD Instruments Pty. Ltd., New South Wales, Australia). This signal was utilized to compute Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and was sampled at a rate of 1024 Hz. The same AD equipment was also used to capture a pulse signal simultaneously. The right index finger was used as the recording site for the pulse signal using photoplethysmography (PPG) technology. Results: The participants' demographic data show that the mean age was 23.14 + 5.27 years, the mean weight was 73.68 +  7.40 kg, the mean body fat percentage was 32.23   +  5.30, and the mean visceral fat percentage was 4.60   +  2.0. The findings revealed no noticeable difference between the median values of heart rate variability (HRV) and PRV. Additionally, a strong correlation was observed between HRV and PRV. However, poor agreement was observed in the measurement of PRV and HRV. Conclusion: All indices of HRV showed a greater correlation with PRV. However, the level of agreement between HRV and PRV measurement was poor. Hence, HRV cannot be replaced with PRV and vice-versa., Competing Interests: No competing interests were disclosed., (Copyright: © 2023 Kumar SM et al.)

Heteroatom doped mesoporous carbon materials are promising catalysts for the electrochemical sensing application. Herein, we report highly efficient dual heteroatom-doped hexagonal mesoporous carbon (MC) derived from Santa Barbara Amorphous-15 (SBA-15) hard template for the detection of phenolic isomers. The synthesis involves dopamine hydrochloride (DA)/thiophene complex, which helps to attain perfectly retained N and S dual doped mesoporous carbon (NS-MC) framework. NS-MC exhibits higher surface area (951 m 2  g -1 ) as well as higher pore volume (0.12 cm 3  g -1 ) with huge graphitic, pyridinic and thiophenic defective sites which facilitates the well-resolved simultaneous electrochemical detection of phenolic isomers hydroquinone (HQ) and catechol (CC). Our results demonstrate that as-synthesized NS-MC material had a LOD of 0.63 μM and 0.29 μM for HQ and CC, respectively. From the calibration curve, sensitivities of proposed sensor were found to be 9.44, 2.71 μA μM -1 cm -2 and 20.80, 10.02 μA μM -1 cm -2 for HQ and CC, respectively with good linear ranges of 10-45 μM and 45-115 μM for HQ; 2-16 μM and 16-40 μM for CC. The NS-MC modified electrode exhibited good selectivity over various possible interferences. The present investigation reveals that the proposed NS-MC material is a promising metal-free catalyst which boosted to electrochemically detect both HQ and CC, present in the municipal tap as well as natural river stream water samples., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Dabigatran has a better safety profile and requires less monitoring, but is costlier than warfarin. This study evaluated the cost-utility of dabigatran relative to warfarin for preventing stroke in nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF) in India., Methods: A Markov decision analysis model was developed to compare dabigatran (110 or 150 mg twice a day) to warfarin titrated to target prothrombin time in patients with NVAF at high risk of stroke. Model utilities and transition probabilities were based on literature and costs on market prices. Data on out-of-pocket expenses and income lost were taken from a nationally representative survey. We adopted a societal perspective and discounted both costs and outcomes at 3%. Ischemic stroke, intracranial bleed, other major bleeds, and death were outcomes of NVAF. The model projected the costs, life-years, and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) for each intervention over a lifetime. We used gross domestic product per capita of India (US dollars [US$]1889) as the cost-effectiveness threshold. Sensitivity analyses were conducted., Results: Treatment with either dose of dabigatran was associated with gain in life-years and QALYs compared with warfarin. The discounted incremental cost-effectiveness ratios/QALYs for both doses of dabigatran (110 mg US$7519; 150 mg US$6634) were above the cost-effectiveness threshold, and the probability of being cost-effective at this threshold was low. Cost of dabigatran was an important factor in determining incremental cost-effectiveness ratio. Price reduction of 150 mg dose by 49% will make it cost-effective., Conclusions: Dabigatran is not cost-effective in the Indian societal context. Reducing the price of dabigatran 150 mg by half will make it cost-effective., (Copyright © 2022 International Society for Health Economics and Outcomes Research. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Single-use plastics (SUPs) have become an essential constituent of our daily life. It is being exploited in numerous pharmaceutical and healthcare applications. Despite their advantages and widespread use in the pharma and medical sectors, the potential clinical problems of plastics, especially the release of micro-nanoplastics (MNPs) and additives from medical plastics (e.g. bags, containers, and administrative sets) and sorption of drugs remain understudied. Certainly, the MNPs are multifaceted stressors that cause detrimental effects to the ecosystem and human health. The origin and persistence of MNPs in pharmaceutical products, their administration to humans, endurance and possible health implication, translocation, and excretion have not been reviewed in detail. The prime focus of this article is to conduct a systematic review on the leaching of MNPs and additives from pharmaceutical containers/administrative sets and their interaction with the pharmaceutical constituents. This review also explores the primary and secondary routes of MNPs entry from healthcare plastic products and their potential health hazards to humans. Furthermore, the fate of plastic waste generated in hospitals, their disposal, and associated MNPs release to the environment, along with preventive, and alternative measures are discussed herein., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of artificial intelligence-based analysis of polychromatic staining in oral premalignant and malignant lesions and to predict their biological behavior. The study also aims to evaluate the prognostic value of collagen in these oral lesions., Methods: In this study, a total of 45 histopathologically diagnosed normal (15), Premalignant lesions (n-15), and oral squamous cell carcinoma (n=15) were included. The tissue sections were subjected to routine Hematoxylin and Eosin (H and E) staining and a differential staining technique- Herovici's stain. The stained slides were viewed under 10x magnification in the microscope and images of these sections were captured. The images were labelled, transferred and stored in the computer for image analysis. The collagen content in the photomicrographs were analysed using Image J software. The results were tabulated and subjected to Kruskal- Wallis test using the SPSS software., Results: A significant increase in the amount of type III (blue stained) collagen fibers, compared to type I collagen fibers, was seen as the lesion progressed from premalignant disorders to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Normal mucosa showed predominantly type I (red stained) collagen fibers. The difference in the ratio of type I and III collagen fibers between the three groups was found to be statistically significant (P= 0.00)., Conclusion: The study concluded that a significant change in stromal collagen composition exists, with an increase in the amount of type III collagen, that can be correlated to the lesion's progression from premalignant to oral squamous cell carcinoma. Differential staining is an inexpensive and highly reproducible method of evaluating the composition of the stroma and using Image analysis to carry out this analysis makes the process more objective and renders it bias free.

Background: Low protein diets have been linked to decreased bone strength in humans. Arginine and lysine can help improve the healing process and stimulate growth factors., Aim: To evaluate if dietary arginine and lysine combination aids in reducing the time frame for osseo-integration process and bone formation in animal models., Materials and Methods: Controls (Group I) and Experimental (Group II) consisted of twelve New Zealand rabbits. Animals in the experimental group were fed a conventional pellet food, water, and the amino acids L-Lysine and L-Arginine (Biovea, USA), whereas those in the control group were offered a standard diet. In both groups of animals, titanium implants measuring 2.5mm* 6mm were implanted in each tibial osteotomy. At the end of two weeks, four weeks, and eight weeks, the animals were euthanized. The tibial bone was removed and preserved in 1% formalin. The samples were analysed histologically for presence or absence of Necrosis, presence or absence of clot formation, Vascularization, Fibroblast, Osteoblasts and Osteoid Bone growth., Results: Histological outcomes on vascularization, fibroblasts, osteoblasts, osteoid bone growth inferred no significant variation between the control and experimental groups after 8 weeks (P>.05)., Conclusion: Vascularity, clot organisation, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, and osteoid bone production in the protein fed experimental group animals were better in initial stages of healing when compared to control groups., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Background: Pelvic lymph node (PLN) metastasis has been included in the FIGO staging, so there is a need to determine the dose contribution from brachytherapy to ascertain the total delivered dose to the pelvic lymph nodes in cervical cancer. The aim of the study was to calculate the equivalent dose in 2 Gy (EQD2) of the pelvic lymph nodes (PLNs) based on volume prescription using three applicators., Materials and Methods: Forty-one patients who had undergone external beam radiotherapy followed by brachytherapy using tandem ovoids (TO), tandem ring (TR) and TO + free hand interstitial needles (TO + FH) applicators were taken for this study. 26 Gy in 4 fractions was prescribed to HRCTV. The external iliac node (ELN), internal iliac node (ILN) and obturator (OBT) were contoured and the median EQD2 of the lymph nodes was calculated., Results: The median bilateral EQD2 values of ELN were 1.55 Gy (TR), 1.75 Gy (TO), 1.9 Gy (TO + FH), of ILN these were 2.57 Gy (TR), 3.27 Gy (TO), 3.04 Gy (TO + FH), and of OBT these were 3.69 Gy (TR), 4.46 Gy (TO), 4.69 Gy (TO + FH), respectively. The total median EQD2 values of TR, TO and TO + FH were 52.71 Gy, 53.03 Gy, and 53.88-62.73 Gy, respectively., Conclusion: Our study calculated the median EQD2 to the pelvic lymph nodes using three types of applicators in brachytherapy. This could serve as reference to decide on the EBRT boost dose while treating patients with enlarged pelvic lymph nodes., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None declared., (© 2021 Greater Poland Cancer Centre.)

Thailanstatin A and spliceostatin D, two naturally occurring molecules endowed with potent antitumor activities by virtue of their ability to bind and inhibit the function of the spliceosome, and their natural siblings and designed analogues, constitute an appealing family of compounds for further evaluation and optimization as potential drug candidates for cancer therapies. In this article, the design, synthesis, and biological investigation of a number of novel thailanstatin A analogues, including some accommodating 1,1-difluorocyclopropyl and tetrahydrooxazine structural motifs within their structures, are described. Important findings from these studies paving the way for further investigations include the identification of several highly potent compounds for advancement as payloads for antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) as potential targeted cancer therapies and/or small molecule drugs, either alone or in combination with other anticancer agents.

Purpose: To estimate the prevalence of Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON) along with genetic screening at a tertiary eye care center in southern India., Methods: Patients with LHON were identified at the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic, Aravind Eye Hospital (AEH; Madurai, India) from 2015 to 2019. Clinical data were collected along with blood samples. Genetic testing was performed for the confirmation of LHON using a multiplex PCR restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) approach to detect the primary mutations 3460A, 11778A, and 14484C in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA)., Results: During the study period, 1,598,441 outpatients attended AEH of whom 40,527 were referred to the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic. Among them, 55 patients were diagnosed with LHON. The male to female ratio was 8.2:1.0, and the mean age at onset was 20.95 years (SD 8.940). The estimated prevalence was 1:737 or 13.57 per 10,000 (95% confidence intervals [CI] 10.23-17.66) at the Neuro-Ophthalmology Clinic. The frequency of primary mutations in the patients with LHON was determined as 43.6% (24/55), giving a prevalence of 1:1689 or 5.92 per 10,000 (95% CI 3.78-8.81)., Conclusions: The high prevalence of LHON observed at a single hospital highlights the impact of the disease in southern India. As the epidemiology of LHON remains unexplored in this region, these findings will pave the way to evaluate the national prevalence. Further, screening the whole mitochondrial genome may help to increase the detection of mutations to estimate the accurate prevalence of the disease., (Copyright © 2020 Molecular Vision.)

Objectives: : This study is aimed to evaluate and compare the effect of moist heat fomentation therapy with ultrasound therapy in patients with the masticatory myalgia., Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 42 patients with masticatory myalgia, dividing them into two groups; Group A (21 patients), received moist heat therapy and Group B (21 patients), received ultrasound therapy for seven effective days. Prior and after the treatment the numeric rating scale (NRS) and the electromyography (EMG) scores were recorded and compared. The observations were analyzed clinically and statistical support was taken to assess the NRS and EMG data., Results: Irrespective of the groups, patients testified a significant reduction in pain after the treatment. From the EMG readings; even though the standard deviation for each group was varied considerably, EMG recorded an improved muscle activity. Statistical analysis was used to assess and identify the best treatment methodology between the two modalities., Conclusion: From the statistical analysis, it is concluded that, though both the therapies had significantly reduced the symptomatic response, it is moist heat fomentation that improved muscle activity both statistically and clinically in comparison to ultrasound.

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the vertical marginal discrepancy of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and pressable lithium disilicate onlays., Materials and Methods: A maxillary first premolar typodont tooth was prepared to receive lithium disilicate onlay. Mesio-occluso-distal cavity was prepared with palatal cusp reduction and collar preparation. In the proximal box, gingival seat was placed 1 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction and mesiodistal width of the seat was kept to 1 mm. Thirty stone models were prepared from thirty rubber base impressions and divided into two groups, based on the technique of fabrication of onlays: (1) Group CL (CAD/CAM lithium disilicate) and (2) Group PL (Pressable lithium disilicate). Fifteen onlays per each group were fabricated by following the manufacturer instructions. Marginal fit of all the samples were analyzed by using stereomicroscope with Image Analysis software. Statistical analysis was done by t -test., Results: Statistical significant difference was found between both the groups. The lowest marginal discrepancy (41.46 μm) was measured for Group CL (CAD/CAM lithium disilicate) specimens, and the highest (55.95 μm) discrepancy was observed on the Group PL (Pressable lithium disilicate) specimens., Conclusion: Although there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, marginal gap of both the groups were in clinically acceptable levels., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Journal of Conservative Dentistry.)

For the first time, highly porous and hierarchical carbon with high surface area (∼2430 m 2  g -1 ) has been prepared from waste amla fruits at different carbonization temperatures viz., 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C by a simple and eco-friendly method for the simultaneous electrochemical sensing of biologically important compounds such as ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), uric acid (UA) and nitrite. The porous carbon materials synthesized at 700 °C, 800 °C and 900 °C are denoted as ABC-700, ABC-800 and ABC-900, respectively. The structural and morphological evaluations of as-synthesized hierarchical porous carbon are carried out with advanced tools and the existence of porous morphology is ascertained. The morphology, amorphous nature, disordered nature, surface area, pore volume, thermal stability and elemental composition of the as-prepared porous carbon are investigated by SEM, HRTEM, FT-IR, Raman, TGA, BET, XPS, EDAX and CHNS analysis. Compared with ABC-700 and ABC-900, the electrochemical sensing ability was higher in the case of ABC-800. Therefore, further electrochemical sensing studies are carried out by using ABC-800. The limit of detection for the simultaneous determination of AA, DA, UA and NO 2 - are 13.7 μM, 3.2 μM, 1.1 μM and 3.3 μM, respectively. The sensitivity are (0.55, 0.01), (4.73, 0.11), 0.11 and 0.57 μA cm -2 μM -1 and linear ranges are (33-166, 166-26470), (1.6-72, 82-2630), 1.6-4134 and 4.9-1184 μM, respectively for AA, DA, UA and NO 2 - . The porous carbon based sensor also proves reliable operational stability, long time stability, selectivity and good antifouling properties. The porous carbon based sensor was successfully applied to the practical application for the detection of these biomolecules in the real samples of urine., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Motorized two-wheelers, pedestrians, and cyclists are termed vulnerable road users (VRUs).Globally up to 50% of road deaths involve VRU and up to 80% in developing and rapidly motorizing economies., Objective: The objective of this study is to study the prehospital and clinical profile of fatally injured VRU. This would help in informed decision-making regarding prevention and trauma care infrastructure., Materials and Methods: A hospital-based study was performed at a Trauma Centre in Puducherry from January 2013 to June 2014 (18 months). Puducherry is a union territory of India in the state of Tamil Nadu. A total of 193 deaths due to Road traffic accident were included in this study. The demographics, prehospital findings, and the clinical progress of fatally injured VRU are described., Results: More than 80% of road traffic collision/crash deaths involved VRU of which the elderly comprised a significant proportion. Alcohol was a serious issue even in the elderly pedestrian. This study revealed specific injury patterns and severity. Head injury was the most common cause of death. Early deaths, that is within 24 h of injury was common at 50%., Conclusion: The majority of deaths were in the early phase of trauma hence mandating a strong call for prevention, along with strengthening of trauma care., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C 17 H 16 N 4 O 6 , contains two independent mol-ecules ( A and B ). The two benzene rings are twisted by an angle of 79.14 (7)° in mol-ecule A , whereas, in mol-ecule B , they are inclined by 19.02 (14)°. The conformations of the mol-ecules are stabilized by intra-molecular N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the amide nitro-gen atom and the O atom of the ortho -nitro substituent on the phenyl ring, enclosing an S (6) ring motif. In the amide and aliphatic segments, all the N-H, C=O and C-H bonds are anti to each other. In the crystal, the A and B mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular amide-to-amide N-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, resulting in chains running along the b- axis direction. The inter-molecular inter-actions were analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis. The two-dimensional fingerprint plots of the inter-molecular contacts indicate that the major contributions are from H⋯H and O⋯H inter-actions.

Background: The physiologically mobile natural tooth and rigidly fixed dental implant causes different distribution of stress when connected in prosthesis and nonrigid connector compensates this. Understanding of biomechanical behavior is necessary for an adequate choice and construction of this type of rehabilitation. However, there has been insufficient research focusing on different location and type of the nonrigid connector related with the prognosis of both implant and the tooth., Aim of the Study: The purpose of this finite element (FE) analysis was to evaluate the stress distribution around bone, implant, and tooth in tooth implant fixed prosthesis under static load with variations in design and location of nonrigid connectors under simulated functional loads., Materials and Method: Three, 3-dimensional FE models connecting tooth and implant were constructed with different location and type of nonrigid connector. Simulated occlusal load was applied on the restorations and stresses developed in the supporting structures were monitored., Results: The highest stresses were found around the implant in model with nonrigid connector placed between the tooth and implant and model with modified nonrigid connector. On the other hand, less stress was noted around the implant where nonrigid connector was placed between the implant and pontic., Conclusion: It is advisable to place the nonrigid connector between the implant and the pontic to protect the implant from torque effects in a tooth implant fixed prosthesis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest

The title compound bis[2-hydroxybenzylidenehydrazono)(methylthio)methyl]disulfide (1), an S-methyldithiocarbazate derivative with a disulfide bond has been synthesized by the condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde with S-methyldithiocarbazate. It has been characterized by elemental analyses, 1H, 13C NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The single crystal X-ray structure shows that the compound exists in a tautomeric thione form with the dithiocarbazate fragment adopting an EE configuration with respect to the C=N bond of the benzylidene moiety. The thermal behaviour of the compound has been studied using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The molecular geometry of the compound in the ground state has been optimized using density functional theory (DFT/B3LYP) method with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis sets. Molecular docking of the compound with human carbonic anhydrase II has been performed to probe the nature of interaction.

Objectives: To evaluate the in vitro growth inhibition of Candida albicans , in the soft-liner material and Shore A hardness from resin-based denture soft lining materials modified by neem or garlic incorporation., Materials and Methods: Resin discs were prepared with poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) and soft liners incorporated with varying concentrations of neem or garlic. For antifungal activity, resin discs were placed on agar plates inoculated with C. albicans and were evaluated after 2, 4, and 7 days using the streaking method. The hardness of the PMMA was evaluated with the use of Shore A at 2, 4, and 7 days. Data were statistically processed by SPSS software (IBM Company, Chicago, USA) using Kruskal-Wallis test, and post hoc comparisons were done using Dunn's test. P <0.05 was considered statistically significant., Results: Neem and garlic added to PMMA soft liner had an inhibitory effect on C. albicans . Both the neem and garlic when added showed positive results against C. albicans when compared to the control group. The soft liner hardness increased statistically by time but not for the different plant extract concentrations., Conclusions: Within the limitations of this in vitro study, it was found that neem and garlic can be used as an additive to tissue conditioner to reduce the adherence of C. albicans without significantly affecting the hardness of the heat-polymerized acrylic resin., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Angiogenesis is a critical step during tumor progression. Anti-angiogenic therapy has only provided modest benefits in delaying tumor progression despite its early promise in cancer treatment. It has been postulated that anti-angiogenic therapy may promote the emergence of a more aggressive cancer cell phenotype by generating increased tumor hypoxia-a well-recognized promoter of tumor progression. TH-302 is a 2-nitroimidazole triggered hypoxia-activated prodrug (HAP) which has been shown to selectively target the hypoxic tumor compartment and reduce tumor volume. Here, we show that melanoma cells grown under hypoxic conditions exhibit increased resistance to a wide variety of therapeutic agents in vitro and generate larger and more aggressive tumors in vivo than melanoma cells grown under normoxic conditions. However, hypoxic melanoma cells exhibit a pronounced sensitivity to TH-302 which is further enhanced by the addition of sunitinib. Short term sunitinib treatment fails to prolong the survival of melanoma bearing genetically engineered mice ( Tyr::CreER; BRaf CA ;Pten lox/lox ) but increases tumor hypoxia. Long term TH-302 alone modestly prolongs the overall survival of melanoma bearing mice. Combination therapy of TH-302 with sunitinib further increases the survival of treated mice. These studies provide a translational rationale for combining hypoxic tumor cell targeted therapies with anti-angiogenics for treatment of melanoma., Competing Interests: CONFLICTS OF INTEREST The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Substances that are consumed daily or occasionally may influence an individual's oral health. Some substances, such as alcohol, tobacco, and areca nut, adversely affect the oral region. However, some other substances, such as honey and green tea, which have antimicrobial properties, and berries, which have anticarcinogenic potential, exhibit beneficial effects on oral health. The effectiveness of synthetic drugs in maintaining oral health cannot be ignored; however, the benefits of synthetic drugs are associated with adverse effects and high costs. By contrast, the medicinal use of natural substances is associated with safety, affordability, and long-term benefits. In this paper, we review various natural substances that are potentially beneficial to oral health.

Ebastine, 4-(benzhydr-yloxy)-1-[4-(4- tert -butyl-phen-yl)-4-oxobut-yl]piperidine, reacts with 3,5-di-nitro-benzoic acid in methanol solution to give the title 1:1 salt, ebastinium 3,5-di-nitro-benzoate, C 32 H 40 NO 2 + ·C 7 H 3 N 2 O 6 - . In the cation, the disubstituted aryl ring exhibits orientational disorder over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies 0.706 (4) and 0.294 (6), with a dihedral angle of 41.2 (5)° between the two orientations: the bulky Ph 2 CH-O- substituent occupies an axial site on the piperidine ring. The two ions in the selected asymmetric unit are linked by a nearly linear N-H⋯O hydrogen bond and this, in combination with two C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, links the ions into complex sheets.

The N , N- di-methyl-ethylamminium unit in N , N -dimethyl-[2-(2,2-diphen-yl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxyacet-oxy]ethyl-amine, C 21 H 23 NO 3 (I), is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.880 (3) and 0. 120 (3), but there are no direction-specific inter-actions between the mol-ecules of (I). The cation in N , N -dimethyl-[2-(2,2-diphen-yl)-2-prop-2-ynyloxyacet-oxy]ethyl-ammonium 2,4,6-tri-nitro-phenolate (picrate), C 21 H 24 NO 3 + ·C 6 H 2 N 3 O 7 - (II), shows a similar type of disorder, with occupancies of 0.654 (11) and 0.346 (11), although the overall conformation of the cation in (II) is different from that in the neutral (I). The component ions are are linked by an almost planar three-centre N-H⋯(O) 2 hydrogen bond, and the ion pairs are further linked by a combination of three C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds to form sheets. Comparisons are made with some related structures.

Context: Cancers of the buccal mucosa (CaBM) predominate in India with late- stage diagnosis and poor survival, necessitating optimal management. Aim: Our study aimed at testing the efficacy of combination neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) using cisplatin (CIS), bleomycin (BL) and methotrexate (MTX) for reducing tumour volume prior to surgery., Methodology: Patients with advanced CaBM (stage III, IV, n = 100) were administered 6 rounds of NACT with CIS, BL and MTX. Responses, toxicity and 6-month follow-up was monitored statistically to determine persistence of response., Results: A significant number of patients showed objective response as either complete or partial tumour regression with subjective response as reduced trismus, pain, salivation and foul odour. Moreover, there was mild associated toxicity and tumour regression continued in most patients even after 6-month follow-up., Conclusion: Our study indicates that NACT with CIS, BL and MTX offers a good therapeutic alternative in terms of significant objective and subjective responses, low toxicity, affordable costs and persistent responses., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Aim: The aim of the study is to evaluate the reliability of soft tissue landmark identification between manual and digital plot-tings in both X and Y axes., Materials and Methods: A total of 50 pretreatment lateral cephalograms were selected from patients who reported for orthodontic treatment. The digital images of each cephalogram were imported directly into Dolphin software for onscreen digi-talization, while for manual tracing, images were printed using a compatible X-ray printer. After the images were standardized, and 10 commonly used soft tissue landmarks were plotted on each cephalogram by six different professional observers, the values obtained were plotted in X and Y axes. Intraclass correlation coefficient was used to determine the intrarater reliability for repeated landmark plotting obtained by both the methods., Results: The evaluation for reliability of soft tissue landmark plottings in both manual and digital methods after subjecting it to interclass correlation showed a good reliability, which was nearing complete homogeneity in both X and Y axes, except for Y axis of throat point in manual plotting, which showed moderate reliability as a cephalometric variable. Intraclass correlation of soft tissue nasion had a moderate reliability along X axis. Soft tissue pogonion shows moderate reliability in Y axis. Throat point exhibited moderate reliability in X axis., Conclusion: The interclass correlation in X and Y axes shows high reliability in both hard tissue and soft tissue except for throat point in Y axis, when plotted manually. The intraclass correlation is more consistent and highly reliable for soft tissue landmarks and the hard tissue landmark identification is also consistent., Clinical Significance: The results obtained for manual and digital methods were almost similar, but the digital landmark plotting has an added advantage in archiving, retrieval, transmission, and can be enhanced during plotting of lateral cephalograms. Hence, the digital method of landmark plotting could be preferred for both daily use and research because of the advantages.