Search

Coronovirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, which originated from Wuhan, China, has seized the whole world in its grasp and created a huge pandemic situation before humanity. Since December 2019, genomes of numerous isolates have been sequenced and analyzed for testing confirmation, epidemiology, and evolutionary studies. In the first half of this article, we provide a detailed review of the history and origin of COVID-19, followed by the taxonomy, nomenclature and genome organization of its causative agent Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-related Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2). In the latter half, we analyze subgenus Sarbecovirus (167 SARS-CoV-2, 312 SARS-CoV, and 5 Pangolin CoV) genomes to understand their diversity, origin, and evolution, along with pan-genome analysis of genus Betacoronavirus members. Whole-genome sequence-based phylogeny of subgenus Sarbecovirus genomes reasserted the fact that SARS-CoV-2 strains evolved from their common ancestors putatively residing in bat or pangolin hosts. We predicted a few country-specific patterns of relatedness and identified mutational hotspots with high, medium and low probability based on genome alignment of 167 SARS-CoV-2 strains. A total of 100-nucleotide segment-based homology studies revealed that the majority of the SARS-CoV-2 genome segments are close to Bat CoV, followed by some to Pangolin CoV, and some are unique ones. Open pan-genome of genus Betacoronavirus members indicates the diversity contributed by the novel viruses emerging in this group. Overall, the exploration of the diversity of these isolates, mutational hotspots and pan-genome will shed light on the evolution and pathogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 and help in developing putative methods of diagnosis and treatment.

To review the current regimens and novel therapeutic modalities in various stages of research and development for the management of non-infectious posterior uveitis (NIPU). We performed a thorough review of current literature using PubMed, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify the published literature about the available therapeutics and novel drugs/therapies in different stages of clinical trials. The current management regimen for non-infectious posterior uveitis includes corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapies and anti-metabolites. However, NIPU requires long-term management for efficacious remission of the disease and to prevent disease relapse. Long-term safety issues associated with steroids have led to efforts to develop novel therapeutic agents including biological response modulators and immunosuppressants. The current therapeutic agents in various stages of development include calcineurin inhibitors, biologic response modifiers and a more a comprehensive modalities like ocular gene therapy as well as novel drug delivery mechanisms for higher bioavailability to the target tissues, with minimal systemic effects. Novel efficacious therapeutic modalities under development will help overcome the challenges associated with the traditional therapeutic agents.

Background: Meningioma constitutes only 0.4%–4.1% of all the pediatric tumors. This article aims to find the impact of the pediatric meningioma surgery on the developmental and scholastic performance among these children over long-term follow-up. Materials and Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of all the histopathological proven pediatric meningioma and a cross-sectional analysis to study the functional outcome, using Malin’s Intelligence Scale for Indian children (MISIC); scholastic performance was assessed from behavioral checklist for screening the learning disabled (BCSLD) and subjective self-filled questionnaire to know parent satisfaction. Results: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 14.52 ± 0.722 years) (M:F = 16:12) were analyzed (6 [21.4%] were grade-schooler and 22 [78.5%] were teenage), with most common symptom being headache (n = 20, 71.4%) and mean duration of symptoms was 11.19 ± 16.25 days. The mean intelligent quotient (IQ) of grade-schooler was 83.4 ± 9.072 compared to 75.69 ± 9.903 among teenage group. The BCSLD analyses showed that the postoperative score was poorer. Similarly, an average change in BCSLD was observed among the patients with complications (10) compared to the patients without complication (8). Conclusion: The discontinuation in schooling or lack of alternative education may lead to poor MISIC scores, wrongly categorizing the children in poor IQ group. In pediatric benign disease such as meningioma, the holistic approach should be opted from the time of first visit to neurological care team.

Malaria detection is a time-consuming procedure. Only blood sample investigation is the practice which provides the confirmation. Now numerous computational methods have been used to make it faster. The proposed model uses the conception of Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) to lessen the time complexity in identification of Malaria. The prototypical model uses different deep learning algorithms which uses the same dataset to validate the stability. Model uses the two various components of CNN like Sequential and ResNet. ResNet uses more of number of hidden layers rather than sequential. The ResNet model achieved 96.50% accuracy on the training data, 96.78% accuracy on the validation data and 97% accuracy on the testing data. Sequential model on the other hand achieved 98% accuracy on the training data, 96% accuracy on the validation data and 96% accuracy on the testing data. From the initial hypothesis, we get to know that there is no significant difference in the accuracy when we have too many layers.

Areca nut is consumed extensively throughout the world with significant public health and oral implications. This habit is more prevalent amid communities belonging to India and the South-East Asia region (SEAR). In the past few decades, surveys have reported that consuming areca nut has increased among population and a high proportion of school children use areca-nut daily in some form. Low cost, easy availability, advertising, role modeling, social acceptance and perception of areca nut as harmless is what contributes to its use. Areca nut users are at high risk of oral submucous fibrosis, a debilitating and potentially malignant condition and also suffer adverse health outcomes. Though industrially made areca nut products have been banned in all states and union territories of India, but it is still widely available. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides evidence-based policies for reducing tobacco use, but no global policy exists for the control of areca nut use. Associative research is needed to sermon this nugatory global public health emergency and to mobilize efforts to control areca nut use. In addition, possible prevention and cessation programs for areca nut users, effective actions to increase awareness regarding health risks among general public and to minimize its use both at personal and government levels should be undertaken.

Snakebite being commonly encountered emergency in our country and most dreaded one too. It has been estimated that as many as 2.8 million people are bitten by snakes, and 45 900 people die from snakebite every year in India1. The most common coagulopathy associated with snake-bite envenoming is Venom Induced Consumptive Coagulopathy. Venom contain enzymes like proteases, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and arginine ester hydrolase. Phospholipase A2 is the factor responsible for hemolysis secondary to the esterlytic effect on the red cell membranes The hyaluronidase causes spread of the venom in the subcutaneous tissue by disrupting mucopolysaccharides. In majority of cases there is disruption in coagulation profile causing increase in PT, INR, aPTT, thrombocytopenia and increase in FDP, which suggests DIC as the probable cause for intracerebral hemorrhage . But always it is not true there are some cases in which there is hemorrhagic risk without alteration in coagulation profile. All my 3 cases present to us with normal coagulation profile , One 26 year old male present within one hour of snake bite and died within 3 days of the bite, while other two presented lately that is 2and 6 day of the snake bite ,of which both survived and had no residual focal deficit at time of discharge. This delayed clinical, laboratory manifestation of vasculotoxic snake due to the delayed seepage of venom from deeper reservoirs in the bite site or due to disassembly of the antigen-antibody complex with reinstitution of circulating unbound venom constituents. Intracranial hemorrhages are poorly understood in case of snake bite and can occur later complication also even after treatment with ASV. Still use of FFP is not advocated in much studies, there is immense need to investigate this area. Use of ASV and FFP without increased WBCT to avoid later complication is to be studied.

A 48-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset altered sensorium 2 days after a snake bite (unidentified species) and was found to have a large right frontal intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with transtentorial herniation (TTH) causing brain stem compression. A day later, neurological examination revealed internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) fitting the clinical description of wall eyed bilateral INO syndrome. INO is a rare ocular motor sign, the most common causes being brain stem infarction, haemorrhage or demyelinating disease. It rarely acts as a false localising sign, such as in this case, and in an even rarer cause for ICH, that is, haemotoxic snake bite without initial evidence of coagulopathy. An emphasis needs to be laid on detailed physical examination, often considered a lost art nowadays, to help detect subtle clinical signs which could herald ominous complications of conditions like TTH and help in early diagnosis and treatment of the same.

Staphylococcus aureus is the emerging and prevalent pathogen causing serious infections in community and hospital associated diseases. S. aureus resistant to methicillin is nowadays a big and expanding problem of concern in India. Amongst the different pathogens, S. aureus is being studied for prevalence of infections and drug resistance behavior. The present study describes the dominance of Staphylococcus aureus prevalence in the clinical samples of TMU, Moradabad, India. The study showed the isolation of 450 cultures of S. aureus from different samples. Amongst which, 234 isolates of S. aureus were from pus, 164 isolates were from blood, 15 isolates were from respiratory fluid samples, 33 isolates were from urine samples and 04 isolates were from ear swabs and nasal swabs. These strains of S. aureus were screened for characteristic coagulase assay. The strains were found to be coagulase positive and coagulases negative both. It was observed that, amongst, 450 isolates of Staphylococci, 185 (41.11%) strains were coagulase positive and 265 (58.88%) were coagulase negative. A total of 142 (76.75%) of the coagulase positive staphylococci strains shows resistance to methicillin and 202 (76.22%) coagulase negative strains showed methicillin resistance. Methicillin resistance was consistent when tested with other antibiotics in coagulase positive strains but when studied about coagulase negative strains, about 12.5% strains showed sensitivity with other antibiotics although they were found resistant when checked with methicillin. It was determined that, on an average, 85 (18.88%) Staphylococci strains were resistant.

This letter presents a new approach for balanced power amplifier protection against load mismatch under pulsed-RF operation. The proposed protection mechanism completely eliminates the reflected power under severe mismatch conditions while not affecting nominal operating condition. The concept is based on detection, comparison, and switching technique. The proposed protection circuit offers full protection against open and short at the output. This protection mechanism has been demonstrated on a 10-W $X$ -band power amplifier, intended to be used in space borne radar payloads. The reaction time of the proposed protection mechanism is

BackgroundEarly life adversity exposure impacts preterm infants’ neurodevelopment and early intervention protocols may modulate neurodevelopmental outcomes.Neuronal genomes are plastic in response to environment and mobile genetic elements, including LINE-1 (L1), are source of brain genomic mosaicism. Maternal care during early life regulates L1 methylation and copy number variations (CNVs) in mice. Here, we sought to identify the effects of maternal care and positive multisensory stimulation (Early Intervention) on L1 methylation and neurodevelopment in preterm infants.MethodsVery preterm infants were randomized to receive Standard Care or Early Intervention. L1 methylation was measured at birth and at hospital discharge. At 12 months infants’ neurodevelopment was evaluated with the Griffiths Scales. L1 methylation and CNVs were measured in mouse brain areas at embryonic and postnatal stages.ResultsWe demonstrated that L1 is hypomethylated in preterm versus term infants at birth. Early Intervention contributes to restore L1 methylation and positively modulates neurodevelopment. We showed that L1 methylation is developmentally-regulated in mice, decreasing in early postnatal life stages, which turns into an increased L1 CNVs specifically in hippocampus and cortex.ConclusionsHere we demonstrated that L1 dynamics can be modulated by Early Intervention, in parallel with ameliorated neurodevelopmental outcomes. We further identified a specific developmental window of the fetal mouse brain, sensitive to early life experience, in which L1 dynamics are fine-tuned contributing to shape the brain genomic landscape.Trail RegistrationclinicalTrial.gov (NCT02983513)FundingItalian Ministry of Health (RC 780/03 2017), University of Milan (DISCCO 2015) and INGM internal funding.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well established to have promising therapeutic properties. TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a potent tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory factor, has been demonstrated to be responsible for a significant part of the tissue-protecting properties mediated by MSCs. Nevertheless, current knowledge about the biological function of TSG-6 in MSCs is limited. Here, we demonstrated that TSG-6 is a crucial factor that influences many functional properties of MSCs. The transcriptomic sequencing analysis of wild-type (WT) and TSG-6−/−-MSCs shows that the loss of TSG-6 expression leads to the perturbation of several transcription factors, cytokines, and other key biological pathways. TSG-6−/−-MSCs appeared morphologically different with dissimilar cytoskeleton organization, significantly reduced size of extracellular vesicles, decreased cell proliferative rate, and loss of differentiation abilities compared with the WT cells. These cellular effects may be due to TSG-6-mediated changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. The supplementation of ECM with exogenous TSG-6, in fact, rescued cell proliferation and changes in morphology. Importantly, TSG-6-deficient MSCs displayed an increased capacity to release interleukin-6 conferring pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic properties to the MSCs. Overall, our data provide strong evidence that TSG-6 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness and other biological properties of murine MSCs.

Purpose This study aims to examine the role of psychological empowerment (PE) in mediating the relationship between organizational culture, innovative behaviour and work-related attitude. Design/methodology/approach Data were collected in two phases from a total sample of 324 middle- and senior-level executives working in India through a completed self-report questionnaire. Findings The results show a significant relation between organization culture, PE and work-related outcomes. PE fully mediated the relationship between adaptability and mission culture and innovative behaviour. PE also fully mediated the relationship between consistency and adaptability culture and job satisfaction; adaptability culture and commitment; and involvement culture and turnover intentions. Research limitations/implications Cross-sectional design undermines the causal conclusions derived from the findings. Generalizability is limited, as the study was set up in India. The research highlights the role of PE for innovative behaviour and other work-related attitudes. Originality/value The study establishes the linkage between organizational culture, PE, work-related attitude and innovative behaviour, thus extending the PE theory.

Background Oral cancer is most common cancer globally and is one of the most life-threatening conditions worldwide. Aim To assess the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer and the impact of pictorial warnings on the willingness to quit tobacco in young tobacco consumers in India. Methods This cross-sectional study included 250 young tobacco consumers from Ranchi, Jharkhand. A pretested validated questionnaire was used that collected information on knowledge and awareness of oral cancer from the respondents. The responses were estimated on a three-point scale (No/Don’t know/Yes). p-Value Results The majority of the respondents were aware of oral cancer (92.0%). Educational status was significantly associated with a good knowledge of awareness of oral cancer and its associated risk factors (p-Value Conclusion Alternative strategies need to be employed by the government to motivate people to quit tobacco consumption. Dental health education should be provided and educational pamphlets should be distributed to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

Aim The present study aimed to obtain information about knowledge, execution, and attitude toward biomedical waste (BMW) and its management. Materials and methods In the present study, a self-administered closed-ended questionnaire was designed to conduct a cross-sectional survey. It was distributed among 614 dentists (institution associated or private practitioners) in the cities of North India. The questionnaire comprised 36 questions regarding knowledge, execution, and attitude toward BMW and its management. Frequency distribution and chi-square test along with paired t-test were used to compare the data obtained between the private practitioners and institution-associated dentists. Results The study showed that 80% private practitioners were aware of the categories of BMW as compared with 100% of institution-associated dentists. However, 41% dentists associated with institution were disposing the chemical waste directly into sewer and a surprising high number of private practitioners were discarding directly without any treatment. Furthermore, regarding the mandatory maintenance of BMW records, 100% institution-associated respondents were aware, whereas only 6.5% private practitioners knew about it. Regarding BMW management not frequently being followed, 78% of private practitioners believed extra burden as the reason. Conclusion Most of the dentists had adequate knowledge regarding BMW policies and its management. Although it was being practiced in mostly all the institutes on a regular basis, the majority of private practitioners were not practicing it due to various reasons, such as financial burden, lack of availability of service, and poor attitude toward its management. Clinical significance There is a need to make it compulsory and organize training sessions to educate the dental personnel and to establish the importance of proper management. How to cite this article Raghuvanshi M, Sinha S, Mohiddin G, Panda A, Dash KC, Bhuyan L. Awareness of Biomedical Waste Management among Dentists associated with Institutions and Private Practitioners of North India: A Comparative Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2018;19(3):273-277.

Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNTs) have a great potential for microelectronics, optics and in biomedical applications (e.g. as nanoelectrodes for neural stimulation and functional scaffolds for tissue engineering). In order to understand the interactions of MWCNTs with the human body on a whole, it is important to know how they interact with the cells. In this study, we dispersed the MWCNTs with anionic surfactant, characterized the properties of dispersed MWCNTs, and then evaluated the uptake of MWCNTs by A549 lung epithelial cells using Confocal Raman spectroscopy.

CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery system is an innovative, effective, frameless, non-invasive substitute for conventional surgical treatment of cancer. It works on the principle of stereotaxy. It is used for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, intracranial lesions, tumors of lung, spine, prostate, and kidney, recurrent cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, and trigeminal neuralgia. It has an advantage over other systems like Gamma knife radiosurgery and linear accelerator (LINAC)-based systems, as it is frameless, has submillimeter accuracy, does not affect the normal cells adjacent to the lesion, and tracks the lesion in synchronization with the patient's respiratory rate. The future of CyberKnife encompasses possibilities such as incremental improvements in accuracy and better shaping of the field of radiation and would certainly allow extension of radiosurgery as an effective substitute for chemotherapy. This paper aims to review and highlight the immense potential that CyberKnife holds in the field of dentistry in treating disorders of the head and neck region, thereby ensuring enhanced longevity for the patients.

An evolutionary clustering algorithm has been proposed to cluster genes having similar expression profiles. This algorithm is a hybrid of clustering algorithm and evolutionary computation. An evolutionary computation uses an algorithm that utilizes the three biological principles of evolution, namely mutation, crossover, and natural selection to solve an optimization problem. The idea of mutual information is used to find the genetic distances between the genes. It takes into account the similarities as well as positive and negative correlations among the genes. Similar types of genes are clustered together. A large search space of gene expression levels are incorporated using genetic algorithm so that it might lead to better optimization of gene clustering problems. A study on some cancerous microarray gene expression datasets and a comparison with some existing algorithms proves that the as-used algorithm is superior. The algorithm is used to find the top candidate genes responsible for gastric cancer.

The history of DNA sequencing dates back to 1970s. During this period the two first generation nucleotide sequencing techniques were developed. Subsequently the Sanger's dideoxy method of sequencing gained popularity over Maxam and Gilbert's chemical method of sequencing. However, in the last decade, we have observed revolutionary changes in DNA sequencing technologies leading to the emergence of next-generation sequencing (NGS) techniques. NGS technologies have enhanced the throughput and speed of sequencing combined with bringing down the overall cost of the process over a time. The major applications of NGS technologies being genome sequencing and resequencing, transcriptomics, metagenomics in relation to plant-microbe interactions, exon and genome capturing, development of molecular markers and evolutionary studies. In this review, we present a broader picture of evolution of NGS tools, its various applications in crop plants, and future prospects of the technology for crop improvement.

Keratin 8/18, the predominant keratin pair of simple epithelia, is often aberrantly expressed in various squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) including skin SCC. Its aberrant expression is correlated with increased invasiveness and poor prognosis of the same, although the underlying mechanism is still unclear. A previous report from our laboratory has shown K8-mediated regulation of α6β4 integrin signaling and thereby tumorigenic potential of oral SCC-derived cells. Another study on transgenic mouse model has shown that during skin carcinogenesis, K8 favors conversion of papillomas toward malignancy. In order to understand the role of K8 and allied mechanism in skin SCC, K8 was stably knocked down in a skin epidermoid carcinoma-derived A431 cells. K8 downregulation significantly reduced the tumorigenic potential of these cells. In agreement with our phenotypic data, differential quantitative proteomics followed by IPA analysis showed altered expression of many proteins associated with biological functions including 'Cancer', 'Cellular movement', 'Cell death and survival', and 'Cellular morphology'. Some of these proteins were TMS1, MARCKSL1, RanBP1, 14-3-3γ, Rho-GDI2, etc. Furthermore, to our surprise, there was a significant reduction in K17 protein stability upon loss of K8, probably due to its caspase-mediated degradation. This was supported by altered TMS1-NF-κB signaling, leading to increased apoptotic sensitivity of A431 cells which in turn affected 'Cell death and survival'. Moreover, MARCKSL1-Paxillin1-Rac axis was found to be deregulated bestowing a possible mechanism behind altered 'Cellular movement' pathway. Altogether our study unravels a much broader regulatory role of K8, governing multiple signaling pathways and consequently regulating oncogenic potential of skin SCC-derived cells. Database Proteome Xchange Consortium via PRIDE database (dataset identifier PXD007206).

The peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is an osteogenic neoplasm and is believed to arise from the periodontal ligament. It accounts for 3.1% of all oral tumors and 9.6% of all gingival lesions. It frequently occurs in the maxillary anterior region in teenagers and young adults, and has a female predilection. Trauma, local irritation due to calculus, ill-fitting dentures and faulty restorations, and hormonal disturbances are the known predisposing factors. An early diagnosis and surgical excision is required to prevent its recurrence. Here we present a case of PCOF with a history of just two months, occurring in an elderly female involving the edentulous mandibular posterior region.

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements comprising similar to 17% of the human genome. New L1 insertions can profoundly alter gene function and cause disease, though their significance in cancer remains unclear. Here, we applied enhanced retrotransposon capture sequencing (RC-seq) to 19 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) genomes and elucidated two archetypal L1-mediated mechanisms enabling tumorigenesis. In the first example, 4/19 (21.1%) donors presented germline retrotransposition events in the tumor suppressor mutated in colorectal cancers (MCC). MCC expression was ablated in each case, enabling oncogenic beta-catenin/Wnt signaling. In the second example, suppression of tumorigenicity 18 (ST18) was activated by a tumor-specific L1 insertion. Experimental assays confirmed that the L1 interrupted a negative feedback loop by blocking ST18 repression of its enhancer. ST18 was also frequently amplified in HCC nodules from Mdr2(-/-) mice, supporting its assignment as a candidate liver oncogene. These proof-of-principle results substantiate L1-mediated retrotransposition as an important etiological factor in HCC.

Keratin 8/18, a simple epithelia specific keratin pair, is often aberrantly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) where its expression is correlated with increased invasion and poor prognosis. Majority of Keratin 8 (K8) functions are governed by its phosphorylation at Serine73 (head-domain) and Serine431 (tail-domain) residues. Although, deregulation of K8 phosphorylation is associated with progression of different carcinomas, its role in skin-SCC and the underlying mechanism is obscure. In this direction, we performed tandem mass tag-based quantitative phosphoproteomics by expressing K8 wild type, phosphodead, and phosphomimetic mutants in K8-deficient A431 cells. Further analysis of our phosphoproteomics data showed a significant proportion of total phosphoproteome associated with migratory, proliferative, and invasive potential of these cells to be differentially phosphorylated. Differential phosphorylation of CDK1T14,Y15 , EIF4EBP1T46,T50 , EIF4BS422 , AKT1S1T246,S247 , CTTN1T401,S405,Y421 , and CAP1S307/309 in K8-S73A/D mutant and CTTN1T401,S405,Y421 , BUB1BS1043 , and CARHSP1S30,S32 in K8-S431A/D mutants as well as some anonymous phosphosites including MYCS176 , ZYXS344 , and PNNS692 could be potential candidates associated with K8 phosphorylation mediated tumorigenicity. Biochemical validation followed by phenotypic analysis further confirmed our quantitative phosphoproteomics data. In conclusion, our study provides the first global picture of K8 site-specific phosphorylation function in neoplastic progression of A431 cells and suggests various potential starting points for further mechanistic studies.

The identification of a constantly increasing number of genes whose mutations are causally implicated in tumor initiation and progression (cancer genes) requires the development of tools to store and analyze them. The Network of Cancer Genes (NCG 3.0) collects information on 1494 cancer genes that have been found mutated in 16 different cancer types. These genes were collected from the Cancer Gene Census as well as from 18 whole exome and 11 whole-genome screenings of cancer samples. For each cancer gene, NCG 3.0 provides a summary of the gene features and the cross-reference to other databases. In addition, it describes duplicability, evolutionary origin, orthology, network properties, interaction partners, microRNA regulation and functional roles of cancer genes and of all genes that are related to them. This integrated network of information can be used to better characterize cancer genes in the context of the system in which they act. The data can also be used to identify novel candidates that share the same properties of known cancer genes and may therefore play a similar role in cancer. NCG 3.0 is freely available at http://bio.ifom-ieo-campus.it/ncg.

Introduction: Dental identification can be done on the basis of “sexual dimorphism,” which refers to the differences in size, stature and appearance of males and females. The most reliable bony structures for sex determinations are pelvis and skull. Zygomatic arch and vault area as being part of skull can be considered most reliable and accurate for their objectivity and reproducibility. Among the various skull radiographs, jug handle radiograph provides the best view of zygomatic arches and vault area. Hence the present study has been undertaken to measure bizygomatic and intervault distance on the jug handle radiograph for gender determination. Aim and Objectives:(i) To assess the efficacy and reliability of craniometric measurement using bizygomatic distance for gender determination. (ii) To assess the efficacy and reliability of craniometric measurement using intervault distance for gender determination. (iii) To determine the most appropriate and reliable craniometric method for gender determination among bizygomatic and intervault distance. Methodology: Sixty individuals (30 males and 30 females) between age group of 18 to 25 years were included in the study. Jug handle radiographs were taken under standardized manner. Bizygomatic and inter vault distances were measured, and the results obtained were later subjected to statistical evaluation (independent Student's t-test). Result: The average bizygomatic distance of male was found to be 72.594 and for female was 65.3583, and intervault distance for male was 63.8693 and for female were 59.664, which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: It was observed that males have more bizygomatic distance and intervault distance when compared to females. Also, bizygomatic distance gave better result as compare to intervault distance. Thus, based on the observations from the present study we can conclude that craniometric measurement can be considered as a reliable tool for gender determination.

The WHO estimates that more than 1/3rd of world population is anemic, of which iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is most common and serious problem of public health significance. Prevalence of anemia in India is among the highest in the world but within the country prevalence rates differ substantially between different regions. Indian Armed Forces personnel and families form a special class as it includes people from all regions. However, reliable data on the prevalence of anemia in families of naval personnel is scanty. The present study highlights the problem of anemia in non-pregnant wives of serving enrolled personnel of the Indian Navy in the reproductive age group.A community based, cross sectional study was carried out at a Naval Base. Physical examination and hemoglobin estimation was done for 257 (100% sample) non-pregnant/non-lactating wives of serving enrolled personnel of the Indian Navy of age between 18 and 45years. Statistical analysis was carried out to estimate the prevalence of anemia.The prevalence of anemia was found to be 31.90%. Literacy status and Mean BMI of women with anemia was found to be significantly less than subjects without anemia. In conclusion this was a small study conducted to simply access the prevalence of anemia in wives of naval personnel, which though found much lower than national average is still high at 31.90%. Hence a larger multicentric study is being planned to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in families of Armed Forces personnel.

Various methods like Gustafson's method, Demirjian's method, Nolla's method, Kvaal's method and amino acid racemisation have been used to estimate age. Present study aims to determine regression formulae and to check its accuracy in calculating age using Kvaals's method on OPGs for a specific population and to check the applicability and reliability of the derived formulaes on our specified population. Sixty subjects aged between 20 to 60 years, were randomly selected and digital OPGs were taken using standard procedures. Measurements were recorded from which linear regression formulas were obtained and age was calculated. Statistically, the coefficient of determination (R²) was strongest when the ratios for all 6 teeth were included (0.244) and weakest when mandibular first premolar used alone (0.069). Among the mandibular and maxillary teeth, maxillary teeth showed better coefficient of determination (R² = 0.181) The derived formulas when applied to a 15 randomly selected subject's IOPARs gave difference between calculated and chronological age within the acceptable limits. Thus, it proved the feasibility of Kvaal's method of age estimation in adults using orthopantomograph in the selected population.

A simulation study at Ka-band window frequency at 35 GHz has been carried out to analyse and explore the DC and high frequency properties of cubic polytypic wide band gap semiconductor DDR impatts based on 3C-SiC and ZnB-GaN. The chosen structure is a flat profile p+pnn+ DDR impatt which is optimised at a particular bias current density with respect to efficiency and output power including the effect of mobile space charge. The results obtained for the above impatts are compared with those of silicon counterpart. The simulated results obtained are very encouraging and suggest the strong potentiality of impatts based on cubic wide band gap semiconductors. The DC-to-millimetre wave conversion efficiency for cubic 3C-SiC impatt is 18.3% with an estimated output power of 34.17 W at an optimised bias current density of 2×108 A/m2. The conversion efficiency and estimated output power in case of cubic ZnB-GaN impatt is 50% and 2.83 W respectively at an optimum bias current density of 3.2×109 A/m2. Both the results are superior in comparison to the silicon counterpart for which the conversion efficiency and estimated output power at an optimum bias current density of 2.5×108 A/m2 are 10.1% and 2.53 W respectively. The design results presented in this paper will be very helpful to realise experimentally impatts based on cubic wide band gap semiconductors and explore their potential as a powerful millimetre wave source.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is almost invariably associated with an underlying inflammatory state, whose direct contribution to the acquisition of critical genomic changes is unclear. Here we map acquired genomic alterations in human and mouse HCCs induced by defects in hepatocyte biliary transporters, which expose hepatocytes to bile salts and cause chronic inflammation that develops into cancer. In both human and mouse cancer genomes, we find few somatic point mutations with no impairment of cancer genes, but massive gene amplification and rearrangements. This genomic landscape differs from that of virus- and alcohol-associated liver cancer. Copy-number gains preferentially occur at late stages of cancer development and frequently target the MAPK signalling pathway, and in particular direct regulators of JNK. The pharmacological inhibition of JNK retards cancer progression in the mouse. Our study demonstrates that intrahepatic cholestasis leading to hepatocyte exposure to bile acids and inflammation promotes cancer through genomic modifications that can be distinguished from those determined by other aetiological factors.

Establishing an individual's identity in post-mortem issues can be a very difficult and tedious process. Lip prints are considered to be unique and thus can lead us to important information and help in a person's identification.

Introduction: Estimation of age is an important aspect of forensic science. The assessment of age is useful in forensic odontology and in treatments plans of orthodontic and pedodontic patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine dental age from orthopantomograph using Demirjian′s method and Nolla′s method. It was also to evaluate the interrelationship between chronological and dental age according to both these methods and to evaluate which technique was better. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences (UP, Northern India). A total of 300 subjects (150 girls and 150 boys) of age group from 6 years to 15 years were enrolled. These subjects were grouped by a difference of 1 year into 10 groups (each group comprised of 30 subjects: 15 males and 15 females). For every individual included in the study a panoramic radiograph was taken, with standard parameters and adequate protective measures. Results: The results imply that Demirjian′s method is applicable to all age groups and for both genders with better accuracy than Nolla′s method, which had a limited utility in younger age group. Thus Demirjian′s method is a better method when compared to Nolla′s method in Northern Indian population.