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Background and Objectives: Hepatitis C is global health problem affecting a significant portion of the world's population. Available data in Western Maharashtra on seroprevalence, risk factors and genotype distribution are very limited., Objectives: The present study was carried out to estimate the seroprevalence, factors influencing transmission and distribution of genotype of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in a hospital-based population., Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional, hospital-based study. A total of 25193 serum samples were tested for HCV and HBV infection. All samples from HCV antibody-positive patients were subjected for HCV RNA detection and genotype. Chi-square, unpaired t-test, logistic regression analysis was used for statistical analysis., Results: The seroprevalence for anti-HCV-Ab was 0.46%. Backward multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed increasing age; alcoholic, blood transfusion and dialysis were significant risk factors. Of 116 patients with HCV, 8 (6.89%) patients had HCV-HBV co-infection. The most common genotype (61.90%) was 3 followed by Genotype 1 (38.09%)., Conclusions: In the present study, significant risk factors were a history of blood transfusion, habit of alcohol, dialysis. The prevention of HCV infection can be achieved by screening of blood and blood products and creating awareness about risk factors. Since the efficacy of current and new therapies differ by genotype, genotype study is essential.

Context and Aim: Retrocaval ureter (RCU), also known as circumcaval ureter, occurs due to anomalous development of inferior vena cava (IVC) and not ureter. The surgical approach for this entity has shifted from open to laparoscopic and robotic surgery. This is a relatively new line of management with very few case reports. Herein, we describe the etiopathology, our experience with six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU operated at tertiary care center in India and have reviewed different management options., Methods: From 2013 to 2016, we operated total six cases of transperitoneal laparoscopic repair of RCU. All were male patients with average age of 29.6 years (14-50). Pain was their only complaint with normal renal function and no complications. After diagnosis with CT Urography, they underwent radionuclide scan and were operated on. Postoperative follow-up was done with ultrasonography every 3 months and repeat radionuclide scan at 6 months. The maximum follow-up was for 2.5 years., Results: All cases were completed laparoscopically. Average operating time was 163.2 min. Blood loss varied from 50 to 100 cc. Ureteroureterostomy was done in all patients. None developed urinary leak or recurrent obstruction postoperatively. Maximum time for the requirement of external drainage was for 4 days (2-4 days). Average postoperative time for hospitalization was 3.8 days. Follow-up ultrasound and renal scan showed unobstructed drainage., Conclusions: Transperitoneal or retroperitoneal approach can be considered equivalent as parameters like operative time, results are comparable for these two modalities. We preferred transperitoneal approach as it provides good working space for intracorporeal suturing., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

We here for the first time demonstrate an analytical approach for the highly selective and sensitive detection of amoxicillin (Amox) in aqueous medium based on the fluorescence quenching of quantum dots (QDs). The change in fluorescence intensity of mercaptopropionic acid-capped cadmium sulphide (MPA-CdS) QDs is attributed to the increasing concentration of Amox. The results show that the fluorescence quenching of QDs by Amox takes place through both static and dynamic types of quenching mechanism. The fluorescence quenching of QDs with increase in concentration of Amox shows the linear range between 5 μg ml -1 and 30 μg ml -1 and the limit of detection (LOD) is 5.19 μg ml -1 . There is no interference of excipients, which are commonly present in pharmaceutical formulation and urine samples. For the practical application approach, the developed method has been successfully applied for the determination of Amox in pharmaceutical formulations and urine samples with acceptable results., (Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

A series of newer 1,2,4-triazole-3-thiol derivatives 5(a-m) and 6(a-i) containing a triazole fused with pyrazine moiety of pharmacological significance have been synthesized. All the synthesized compounds were screened for their in vitro antileishmanial and antioxidant activities. Compounds 5f (IC 50 =79.0µM) and 6f (IC 50 =79.0µM) were shown significant antileishmanial activity when compared with standard sodium stibogluconate (IC 50 =490.0µM). Compounds 5b (IC 50 =13.96µM) and 6b (IC 50 =13.96µM) showed significant antioxidant activity. After performing molecular docking study and analyzing overall binding modes it was found that the synthesized compounds had potential to inhibit L. donovani pteridine reductase 1 enzyme. In silico ADME and metabolic site prediction studies were also held out to set an effective lead candidate for the future antileishmanial and antibacterial drug discovery initiatives., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

A simple carbazole based nanoprobe prepared by reprecipitation method shows selective sensing behavior for Fe 3+ ion in aqueous medium. The prepared SDS capped 9-phenyl carbazole nanoparticles (9-PCzNPs) has narrower particle size distribution with an average diameter 35nm and zeta potential of -34.3mV predicted a good stability with negative surface charge over the nanoparticles. The Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM) image showed cubic shape morphology of nanoparticles. The aqueous suspension of SDS capped 9-phenyl carbazole nanoparticles exhibited aggregation induced enhanced red shifted intense emission in comparison with the emission arising from dilute solution of 9-phenyl carbazole in DCM. The cation recognition test based on fluorescence change shows Fe 3+ ion induce significant fluorescence quenching, however remaining cations responds negligibly. The obtained quenching data fit into Stern-Volmer relation in the concentration range of 0.0-1.0μg·mL -1 of Fe 3+ ion solution and the detection limit is 0.0811μg·mL -1 . The probable mechanism of fluorescence quenching of SDS capped 9-PCzNPs is because of adsorption of Fe 3+ ion over the negatively charged surface of NPs through electrostatic interaction. Thus the proposed method was successfully applied for the detection of Fe 3+ ion in environmental water sample., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) crowned chrysene nanoparticles (CHYNPs) were prepared by using a reprecipitation method. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies indicate that the monodispersed spherical nanoparticles bear a negative charge on their surfaces. The bathochromic spectral shift in the UV-visible and fluorescence spectrum of CHYNPs from chrysene (CHY) in acetone solution supports the J- type aggregation of nanoparticles. The aggregation-induced enhanced emission of CHYNPs at 486 and 522 nm decreases by increasing the concentration of the Ca 2 + ion solution. It can display an ON-OFF type fluorescence response with high selectivity towards Ca 2 + ions aqueous medium. Furthermore, the in situ generated PVP-CHYNPs-Ca 2 + ensemble could recover the quenched fluorescence upon the addition of fluoride anions resulting in an OFF-ON type sensor. The present method has a correlation coefficient R 2 = 0.988 with a detection limit of 1.22 μg/mL for Ca 2 + in the aqueous medium. The fluorescence changes of PVP crowned CHYNPs upon the addition of Ca 2 + and F - can be utilized as an INHIBIT logic gate at the molecular level, using Ca 2 + and F - chemical inputs and the fluorescence intensity signal as output., (Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Background and Aims Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a common cause of osteoarthritis. Periacetabular osteotomy can restore femoral head coverage; however, it is reserved for patients with minimal articular degeneration. We examined the relationship between delays in diagnosis and outcomes. Methods We identified patients presenting to a hip specialist with a new diagnosis of hip dysplasia. The time taken between patients presenting to their general practitioner and attending the young adult hip clinic was established. Patients were stratified into Early, Moderate and Late Referral groups. Hip and SF-12 questionnaires were completed. Radiographs were graded according to the Tönnis classification system and the outcome following hip specialist review documented. Results Fifty-one patients were identified. Mean time from attending a general practitioner to review at the young adult hip clinic was 40.4 months. Lower hip and SF-12 scores, and higher radiological osteoarthritis grades were found in the Moderate and Late Referral groups. A higher proportion of the Moderate and Late Referral group underwent total hip arthroplasty rather than periacetabular osteotomy. Conclusion Delays in referring a patient to a hip specialist are associated with poorer outcomes. We propose pelvic radiographs are requested early by general practitioners to allow prompt diagnosis and referral to a hip specialist.

Purpose: Many techniques have been described to correct anterior hypospadias with variable results. Anterior urethral advancement as one stage technique was first described by Ti Chang Shing in 1984. It was also used for the repair of strictures and urethrocutaneous fistulae involving distal urethra. We report our experience of using this technique with some modification for the repair of anterior hypospadias., Materials and Methods: In the period between 2013-2015, 20 cases with anterior hypospadias including 2 cases of glanular, 3 cases of coronal, 12 cases of subcoronal and 3 cases of distal penile hypospadias were treated with anterior urethral advancement technique. Patients' age groups ranged from 18 months to 10 years. Postoperatively, patients were passing urine from tip of neomeatus with satisfactory stream during follow up period of 6 months to 2 years., Results: There were no major complications in any of our patients except in one patient who developed meatal stenosis which was treated by periodic dilatation. Three fold urethral mobilization was sufficient in all cases., Conclusion: Anterior urethral advancement technique is a single-stage procedure with good cosmetic results and least complications for anterior hypospadias repair in properly selected cases.

Aims: There has been much speculation and discussion about the infective complications of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). While fever is common after PCNL, the incidence of it progressing to urosepsis is fortunately less. Which patient undergoing PCNL is at risk of developing urosepsis and in whom aggressive treatment of fever postoperatively may prevent the progression to severe sepsis becomes a very important question. This study aims to answer these vital questions., Settings and Design: This is a single institutional, retrospective study over a period of 3 years., Materials and Methods: Retrospective analysis of medical records of the patients undergoing PCNL from August 2012 to July 2015 was done. A total of 580 patients were included in the study, and the study variables recorded were analyzed statistically., Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test., Results: Three factors significantly correlated with postoperative severe sepsis, namely, stone size >25 mm, prolonged operative time >120 min, and significant bleeding requiring transfusion. Factors associated with fever after PCNL which did not progress to sepsis were the presence of staghorn calculi and multiple access tracts in addition to the factors listed above for sepsis., Conclusions: Fever after PCNL is not uncommon but it has a low incidence of progressing to life-threatening severe sepsis and multiorgan dysfunction syndrome. Special precautions and monitoring should be taken in patients with bigger stone (>25 mm) and patients with severe intraoperative hemorrhage requiring blood transfusion. It is better to stage the procedure rather than prolong the operative time (120 min). Identifying these factors and minimizing them may decrease the incidence of this life-threatening complication., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Schiff base centered fluorescent organic compound 1,1'-[(1E,2E)-hydrazine-1,2-diylidenedi(E)methylylidene]- dinaphthalen-2-ol (HN) was synthesized followed by spectral characterization viz., NMR, IR and Mass spectroscopy. The fluorescent nanoparticles of HN prepared using reprecipitation method shows red shifted aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE) with respect to HN solution in acetone. The average particle size of nanoparticles (HNNPs) is of 67.2 nm shows sphere shape morphology. The surfactant cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) used to stabilize HNNPs induces positive charge surface with zeta potential of 11.6 mV. The positive charge of HNNPs responsible to adsorb oppositely charged analyte on its surface with binding interactions. The fluorescence experiments performed with and without addition of different analytes to the aqueous suspension of HNNPs shows selective fluorescence quenching of HNNPs by D-Penicillamine (D-PA). The effect of other coexisting analytes does not affect the selective sensing behavior of D-PA. The mechanism of binding between HNNPs and D-PA was discussed on the basis of electrostatic interaction and adsorption phenomenon. The results interpreted by using DLS-Zeta sizer, Fluorescence lifetime measurements, conductometric titration supports the electrostatic adsorption between HNNPs and D-PA. The method has extremely low limit of detection (LOD) value 0.021 ppm is of significant as compared to reported methods. The proposed fluorescence quenching method was effectively used for quantitative estimation of D-PA from pharmaceutical medicine. Graphical Abstract The fluorescence quenching based selective recognition of D-Penicillamine (D-PA) by using Schiff base centered fluorescent organic nanoparticles was developed and successfully applied to quantitative determination of D-PA from pharmaceutical samples viz. capsule and tablet.

Background: The present randomized controlled clinical study was designed to investigate the effect of in situ application of 1.2 mg Simvastatin (SV) gel in the surgical management of Intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients., Methodology: 20 patients contributing 40 sites were categorized into two treatment groups: Open flap debridement plus 1.2 mg SV gel (Group 1) and Open flap debridement plus Placebo gel (Group 2). Gingival index (GI), Plaque index (PI), Pocket depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months. At baseline and at the end of 6 and 9 months Radiographic evaluation of Intrabony defect fill was done using Image j software., Results: Significant reduction of GI, PD and gain in CAL was observed at the end of 9 months in both groups. Amount of bone fill and percentage of original defect fill in Group 1 was statistically highly significant than Group 2 at the end of 6 and 9 months., Conclusion: Higher amount of decrease in GI and PD along with more amount of CAL gain was observed in treatment group than control group. Radiological assessment confirmed that significant intrabony defect fill and percentage fill of original defect in treatment group than controlled group.

Introduction: The reported cancer detection rate of Trans-Rectal Ultrasonography (TRUS) biopsies (TRUS biopsy yield) has been around 30 percent in western countries. However it is much lower in Asian countries, including India. Hence a larger proportion of patients in India undergo unnecessary biopsies., Aims: To find out the cancer detection rate of TRUS biopsy (TRUS biopsy yield) in contemporary Indian population. Also, to study the positive predictive values at different serum Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)/PSA Density (PSAD) cut off levels and suspicious Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) findings., Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care institute. All symptomatic patients who underwent TRUS guided biopsy for indication of raised serum PSA level (>4 ng/ml) or suspicious DRE findings (nodule, irregularity, hard consistency, immobile rectal mucosa) from January 2012 to December 2014 were included. For serum PSA range (4-10) ng/ml, TRUS guided biopsy was done in patients with percent free/total PSA < 25. Statistical analysis used were Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Spearman's rank correlation analysis and Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve., Results: Out of the 235 patients included, 60 patients had malignancy (overall cancer detection rate= 25.53%). The cancer detection rate for PSA ranges of (4-10) and (10-20) ng/ml was as low as 5.95% and 13.16% respectively. Patients with malignant disease had significantly smaller prostate gland size than patients with benign disease (53.89 vs 63.06; p-value <0.05). On the other hand, cancer detection rate was 100% for PSA greater than 50ng/ml. The cancer detection rates were only upto 10% for PSA density ranges upto 0.25 ng/ml/cm 3 . The Area Under the Curve (AUC) for PSA and PSAD was 0.876 and 0.884 respectively. Only one patient (0.43%) had post-biopsy complication (acute bacterial prostatitis) requiring hospital admission., Conclusion: The current serum PSA and PSAD cut offs of 4 ng/ml and 0.15 ng/ml/cm 3 need to be raised for Indian population to increase its positive predictive value. Prospective study validation of this finding is lacking.

The fluorescent 2-[(E)-(2-phenylhydrazinylidene)methyl]phenol nanoparticles (PHPNPs) were prepared by a simple reprecipitation method. The prepared PHPNPs examined by Dynamic Light Scattering show narrower particle size distribution having an average particle size of 93.3nm. The Scanning Electron Microphotograph shows distinct spherical shaped morphology of nanoparticles. The blue shift in UV-absorption and fluorescence spectra of PHPNPs with respect to corresponding spectra of PHP in acetone solution indicates H- aggregates and Aggregation Induced Enhanced Emission (AIEE) for nanoparticles. The nanoparticles show selective tendency towards the recognition of Sn(2+) ions by enhancing the fluorescence intensity preference to Cu(2+), Fe(3+), Fe(2+), Ni(2+), NH4(+), Ca(2+), Pb(2+), Hg(2+) and Zn(2+) ions, which actually seem to quench the fluorescence of nanoparticles. The studies on Langmuir adsorption plot, fluorescence lifetime of PHPNPs, DLS-Zeta sizer, UV-visible and fluorescence titration with and without Sn(2+) helped to propose a suitable mechanism of fluorescence enhancement of nanoparticles by Sn(2+) and their binding ability during complexation. The fluorescence enhancement effect of PHPNPs induced by Sn(2+) is further used to develop an analytical method for detection of Sn(2+) from aqueous medium in environmental samples., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Urethrocutaneous fistula, which occurs after hypospadias surgery, is often a baffling problem and its treatment is challenging. The study aimed to evaluate the results of the simple procedure (Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique) for this complex problem (post-hypospadias repair fistula)., Methods: During the period from 2011 to 2015, 20 patients with post-hypospadias repair fistulas underwent Durham Smith repair. Common age group was between 5 and 12 years. Site wise distribution of fistula was coronal 2 (10%), distal penile 7 (35%), mid-penile 7 (35%), and proximal-penile 4 (20%). Out of 20 patients, 15 had fistula of size <5 mm (75%) and 5 patients had fistula of size >5 mm (25%). All cases were repaired with Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique by a single surgeon. In case of multiple fistulas adjacent to each other, all fistulas were joined to form single fistula and repaired., Results: We have successfully repaired all post-hypospadias surgery urethrocutaneous fistulas using the technique described by Durham Smith with 100% success rate., Conclusion: Durham Smith vest-over-pant technique is a simple solution for a complex problem (post hypospadias surgery penile fistulas) in properly selected patients., (© 2017 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

Context: Gates method tends to over-estimate glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in borderline functioning kidneys. We study the role of calculated GFR in these cases in decision-making regarding performing kidney-sparing surgery or nephrectomy., Aims: The aim of this study is to find the correlation between GFR calculated by percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) urine creatinine clearance in obstructed kidneys and GFR by radionuclide scintigraphy. It also studies the role of this calculated GFR in borderline functioning kidneys., Settings and Design: Single tertiary care center; retrospective., Materials and Methods: A total of 46 patients in whom PCN was inserted as an emergency measure in an obstructed kidney and for whom diethylene-triamine-penta-acetic acid/ethylene-di-cysteine (DTPA/EC) scan was also done (Gates method) were analyzed retrospectively. PCN creatinine clearance was calculated for 3 consecutive days, and the mean value was used., Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson's correlational analysis; Chi-square test., Results: Overall strong correlation was found between the two GFR values (Pearson's r = 0.540692, P < 0.001). Totally 26 patients (56.52%) had comparable GFR values ( P > 0.05). Among the 36 patients with borderline functioning kidneys, DTPA/EC scan significantly over-estimated GFR in one-third of the patients. The management plan was changed in 7 out of those patients (46.67%), with nephrectomy performed in all instead of kidney-sparing procedure. When the highest value of calculated GFR was compared, 28 patients had comparable GFRs (60.87%)., Conclusions: GFR based on radionuclide scintigraphy may be insufficient for evaluation of residual renal function to determine the management of obstructed kidney with borderline function. For adequate decision-making, other factors including creatinine clearance via PCN should also be considered. Gates method tends to overestimate GFR as compared to calculated creatinine clearance at low GFR levels., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

A simple and straightforward method for the determination of dolasetron mesylate (DM) in aqueous solution was developed based on the fluorescence quenching of 3-Mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) capped CdS quantum dots (QDs). The structure, morphology, and optical properties of synthesized QDs were characterized by using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements. Under the optimum conditions, the MPA-CdS QDs fluorescence probe offered good sensitivity and selectivity for detecting DM. The probe provided a highly specific selectivity and a linear detection of DM in the range of 2-40 µg/mL with detection limit (LOD) 1.512 µg/mL. The common excipients did not interfere in the proposed method. The fluorescence quenching mechanism of CdS QDs is also discussed. The developed sensor was applied to the quantification of DM in urine and human serum sample with satisfactory results.

Background: Dental caries and periodontal disease are most common oral diseases. Streptococcus mutans are considered to be the major pathogens in initiation of dental caries. Evidence shows that periodontal disease and caries share a number of contributory factors. Thus in view of these findings it would be worthwhile to examine whether Streptococcus mutans persist within the saliva and subgingival environment of the periodontitis patients and to determine whether there is any association between Streptococcus mutans colonization, pH of saliva and sub-gingival plaque pH in periodontal diseases before therapy., Methods: The study comprises of 75 subjects aged between 20-70 years, reporting to department of Periodontology, KLEs Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore. Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 25 each. Group 1 - Healthy controls, Group 2 - Gingivitis Group, 3 - Chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile container and immediately pH was evaluated. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four deepest periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis and from first molars in healthy subjects using 4 sterile paper points. In gingivitis subjects samples were collected from areas showing maximum signs of inflammation. All paper points and saliva samples were cultured on mitis salivarius agar culture media with bacitracin for quantification of the Streptococcus mutans colonies., Results: Increased colonization of Streptococcus mutans was seen in chronic periodontitis subjects both in saliva and sub-gingival plaque samples. There was also a positive correlation seen with the periodontal parameters., Conclusion: More severe forms of periodontal disease may create different ecological niches for the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans ., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Bluetongue (BT) is an arthropod-borne viral disease mostly of sheep. Bluetongue virus (BTV) is a segmented double-stranded RNA virus belonging to the genus Orbivirus of family Reoviridae and is transmitted by midges belonging to Culicoides spp. The disease is endemic in the tropics and subtropics, and the incidence is high in southern India. Twenty-six serotypes of BTV have been reported worldwide. Although most of the serotypes have been reported in India, information regarding currently circulating serotypes is essential to develop control programs. Both serological assays and nucleic acid-based assays have been used for typing BTV. Segment 2, which codes for the outer capsid protein VP2, is the target for PCR-based typing; however, the VP2 sequence diversity among viruses belonging to the same serotype but isolated from different geographical areas makes it essential to develop geographical based reagents. In this study, reverse transcription PCR was developed based on sequences of Indian isolates of BTV (serotypes 1, 2, 9, 10, 12, 16, 21 and 23), and this was applied to type 52 isolates obtained during the last decade. It was found that multiple serotypes circulate, with involvement of more than one serotype infecting individual animals and herds over a period in a given area. Detection of circulating serotypes and estimation of herd immunity against different serotypes of BTV may provide important information for predicting the distribution of these serotypes and inclusion of serotypes in vaccines., (© 2015 Blackwell Verlag GmbH.)

Objective: To investigate the influence of silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles on shear bond strength (SBS)., Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty extracted premolars divided into four groups with thirty specimens in each group. Group 1 (control): brackets (American Orthodontics) were bonded with Transbond XT primer. Groups 2, 3, and 4: brackets (American Orthodontics) were bonded with adhesives incorporated with Ag, ZnO, and TiO 2 nanoparticles in the concentration of 1.0% nanoparticles of Ag, 1.0% TiO 2 , and 1.0% ZnO weight/weight, respectively. An Instron universal testing machine AGS-10k NG (SHIMADZU) was used to measure the SBS. The data were analyzed by SPSS software and then, the normal distribution of the data was confirmed by Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. One-way ANOVA test and Tukey's multiple post hoc procedures were used to compare between groups. In all statistical tests, the significance level was set at 5% ( P < 0.05)., Results: A significant difference was observed between control (mean [standard deviation (SD)] 9.43 [3.03], confidence interval [CI]: 8.30-10.56), Ag (mean [SD]: 7.55 [1.29], CI: 7.07-8.03), ZnO (mean [SD]: 6.50 [1.15], CI: 6.07-6.93), and TiO 2 (mean [SD]: 6.33 [1.51], CI: 5.77-0.89) with SBS ( F = 16.8453, P < 0.05) at 5% level of significance., Conclusion: Incorporation of various nanoparticles into adhesive materials in minimal amounts may decrease SBS and may lead to the failure of bracket or adhesive. The limitation of this study is that it is an in vitro research and these results may not be comparable to what the expected bond strengths observed in vivo . Further clinical studies are needed to evaluate biological effects of adding such amounts of nanoparticles and approve such adhesives as clinically sustainable.

An aqueous suspension of fluorescent nanoparticles (PHNNPs) of naphthol based fluorescent organic compound 1-[(Z)-(2-phenylhydrazinylidene) methyl] naphthalene -2-ol (PHN) were prepared using reprecipitation method shows bathochromically shifted aggregation induced enhanced emission (AIEE) in the spectral region where erythrosine (ETS) food dye absorbs strongly. The average size of 72.6 nm of aqueous suspension of PHNNPs obtained by Dynamic light scattering results shows a narrow particle size distribution. The negative zeta potential of nano probe (-22.6 mV) responsible to adsorb oppositely charged analyte on its surface and further permit to bind nano probe and analyte within the close distance proximity required for efficient fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) to take place from donor (PHNNPs) to acceptor (ETS). Systematic FRET experiments performed by measuring fluorescence quenching of PHNNPs with successive addition of ETS solution exploited the use of the PHNNPs as a novel nano probe for the detection of ETS in aqueous solution with extremely lower limit of detection equal to 3.6 nM (3.1 ng/mL). The estimation of photo kinetic and thermodynamic parameters such as quenching rate constant, enthalpy change (∆H), Gibbs free energy change (∆G) and entropy change (∆S) was obtained by the quenching results obtained at different constant temperatures which were found to fit the well-known Stern-Volmer relation. The mechanism of binding and fluorescence quenching of PHNNPs by ETS food dye is proposed on the basis of results obtained in photophysical studies, thermodynamic parameter, energy transfer efficiency, critical energy transfer distance (R0) and distance of approach between donor-acceptor molecules (r). The proposed FRET method based on fluorescence quenching of PHNNPs was successfully applied to develop an analytical method for estimation of ETS from food stuffs without interference of other complex ingredients. Graphical Abstract A fluorescent organic nanoprobe developed for the detection of erythrosine (ETS) food dye in aqueous medium based on fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The FRET process between donor (nanoparticles) and acceptor (ETS dye) arises due to oppositely charge attraction through hydrophobic interactions. The proposed method was successfully applied to quantitative determination of ETS dye in food stuff sample collected from local market.

Background: Ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties (THA) are commonly implanted. We investigated the incidence of noise in ceramic-on-ceramic and determined any association with patient satisfaction and hip scores., Methods: We recruited 140 THA. Questionnaires were completed to assess the incidence and frequency of noise, and satisfaction level. Hip and SF-12 scores were recorded., Results: Forty-two patients (30%) were aware of noise production. Patients with noise production had lower satisfaction, mean hip and SF-12 scores than those with silent hips., Conclusion: Given the high incidence of noise in ceramic-on-ceramic THA, patients should be counselled on this risk pre-operatively.

Ureterocalycostomy can be performed in patients in whom desired methods of treating secondary PUJ (Pelvi-Ureteric Junction) obstructions either failed or could not be used. In our study, one child and two adults in whom one redo-ureterocalycostomy and two ureterocalycostomies were performed for severely scarred PUJ. The causes for secondary PUJ obstruction were post-pyelolithotomy in one case, post-pyeloplasty and ureterocalycostomy for PUJ obstruction in the second patient and the third patient had long upper ureteric stricture post-ureteropyeloplasty due to tuberculosis. In all these cases ureterocalycostomy proved to be salvage/final resort for preserving functional renal unit.

Semiconducting nanowire (NW) devices have garnered attention in self-powered electronic and optoelectronic applications. This work explores and exhibits, for the first time for visible light, clear evidence of the zero-biased optoelectronic switching in randomly dispersed Ge and Si NW networks. The test bench, on which the NWs were dispersed for optoelectronic characterization, was fabricated using a standard CMOS fabrication process, and utilized metal contacts with dissimilar work functions-Al and Ni. The randomly dispersed NWs respond to light by exhibiting substantial photocurrents and, most remarkably, demonstrate zero-bias photo-switching. The magnitude of the photocurrent is dependent on the NW material, as well as the channel length. The photocurrent in randomly dispersed GeNWs was found to be higher by orders of magnitude compared to SiNWs. In both of these material systems, when the length of the NWs was comparable to the channel length, the currents in sparse NW networks were found to be higher than those in dense NW networks, which can be explained by considering various possible arrangements of NWs in these devices.

An efficient cellulolytic and acidothermophilic actinobacterium was isolated from soil, adhered to decomposing tree bark and was identified as Streptomyces DSK59. Screening of synthetic media and the media components identified that, a medium based on starch casein minerals containing carboxy methyl cellulose (CMC) and beef extract (BE) could support enhanced cellulase production by the organism. CMC, BE, NaCl, temperature and pH were accounted as significant for cellulase production and these were optimized using a response surface central composite design (CCD). Optimization of cellulase production resulted in an enhancement of endoglucanase activity to 27IUml(-1). Acidothermophillic Streptomyces cellulase was found to be efficient for hydrolysis of pretreated sorghum stover and liberated 0.413gg(-1) of total reducing sugars which was higher than previously reported sugar yields obtained using fungal enzymes., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Based on the known complexation ability between polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) and fluorescein sodium (FL Na(+)), fluorescent PVP capped anthracene nanoparticles (PVP-ANPs) were prepared using a reprecipitation method for detection of fluorescein in aqueous solution using the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) approach. A dynamic light scattering histogram of PVP-ANPs showed narrower particle size distribution and the average particle size was 15 nm. The aggregation-induced enhanced emission (AIEE) of PVP-ANPs was red shifted from its monomer by 1087.22 cm(-1). The maximum emission was seen to occur at 420 nm. The presence of FL Na(+) in the vicinity of PVP-ANPs quenched the fluorescence of PVP-ANPs because of its adsorption on the surface of PVP-ANPs in aqueous suspension. The FL Na(+) and PVP-ANPs were brought close enough, typically to 7.89 nm, which was less than the distance of 10 nm that is required between the energy donor-acceptor molecule for efficient FRET. The quenching results fit into the Stern-Volmer relationship even at temperatures greater than ambient temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters determined from FRET results helped to propose binding mechanisms involving hydrophobic and electrostatic molecular interaction. The fluorescence quenching results were used further to develop an analytical method for estimation of fluorescein sodium from ophthalmic samples available commercially in the market., (Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

4-Chloro-2-(diphenylamino)-1,3-thiazole-5-carbaldehyde was reacted with an active methylene compounds, cyanomethyl benzimidazole, cyanomethyl benzothiazole, barbituric acid and Meldrum's acid under Knoevenagel conditions to give novel push-pull styryl chromophores 8a-8d. The synthesized styryl chromophores were characterized by FT-IR, Mass and (1)H NMR spectral analysis. The photophysical characteristics of these styryl chromophores were evaluated. The effect of solvent polarity and viscosity on the absorption and emission properties of these chromophores was studied. The structural, molecular, electronic and photophysical parameters of the push-pull dyes were studied by using density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) computations. The ratio of the ground to the excited state dipole moment of the synthesized novel styryl dyes were calculated by Bakhshiev and Bilot-Kawski correlations.

Background: Periodontal disease is one of the most common and complex disease affecting mankind. Being multifactorial in etiology it encompasses a variety of infectious entities with various unique microbial constellations and immune responses. A bacteriologic cause alone seems insufficient in explaining several clinical features of the periodontal disease. Recent studies suggest that periodontal herpes viruses comprise an important source of triggering periodontal tissue destruction. The following study aims to assess human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV-I) interaction with the established periodontopathic bacteriae, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) in pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis (AgP) using Hotstart polymerase chain reaction (PCR)., Materials and Methods: A total of 30 subjects, 15 with AgP and 15 healthy controls contributed random subgingival plaque samples. PCR methodology was used to identify the subgingival herpesviruses, Pg, and Aa. Yates corrected Chi-square test was employed to identify a statistical association between herpesviruses and periodontopathic bacteriae., Results: Findings suggested that viruses may be pertinent to disease progression. The prevalence of the periodontopathic bacteria Aa was found in 53.33% (P = 0.0168, S) and Pg in 40% (P = 0.2155, NS) of the AgP patients. Herpesviruses, HCMV and EBV-I were found to have a prevalence of 46.67% (P = 0.039, S) and 40% (P = 0.084, NS). The viral and bacterial co-infection was found to be 77.78% (P = 0.0002, S) with Aa and HCMV., Conclusion: The present data reveals, viruses may exert periodontopathic effect by causing local immunosupression which may set a stage for the subgingival colonization and multiplication of periodontal bacteriae. Further studies are needed to develop an understanding into the significance of herpesviruses in human periodontitis which, may allow for improved diagnosis, more specific therapy and ultimately disease prevention.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of and the relationship between pulp and renal in affected patients and in healthy adults., Materials and Methods: A total of 240 patients participated in the study. Group A consisted of 120 patients who had renal calculi and Group B had 120 randomly selected controls for the study. The periapical radiographs for all patients were evaluated for the presence or absence of the narrowing of dental pulp chambers and pulp canals. The radiographs were also evaluated to determine the presence or absence of pulp stones. The results were compared and analyzed using the Chi-square test (p < 0.001)., Results: A total of 164 patients had pulp narrowing and 112 patients had pulp stones, which included 55 controls and 57 renal calculi patients. There was no statistical correlation between pulp narrowing and renal stones (p > 0.001) and also between pulp stones and renal stones (p > 0.001)., Conclusion: However, there was no significant correlation between the presence of pulp stones and renal stones, and the incidental findings of pulp stones on periapical radiographs can provide useful information in the early diagnosis of the systemic calcifications.

Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the prevalence of carotid artery calcification (CAC) in postmenopausal females on panoramic radiographs and to study the correlation of CAC with possible risk factors such as hypertension, osteoporosis, and hypercholesterolemia, among others., Materials and Methods: Totally, 1214 panoramic radiographs of postmenopausal females attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were examined for the presence of CAC. The subjects were also assessed for the presence of various risk factors and the possible correlation to CAC. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test, and P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant., Results: Two hundred and seventy-eight postmenopausal females presented with CAC and a prevalence of 22.9%. These patients presented with a medical history that was laden with risk factors, of which hypertension (71.2%) was the most common risk factor. Hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, osteoporosis, and obesity were significantly (P < 0.05) related to the presence of CAC while age, diabetes, and smoking were not significantly (P > 0.05) related to CAC., Conclusion: The incidental finding of CAC on panoramic radiographs during the routine dental examination can provide life-saving information for the identification of postmenopausal females who are at a higher risk for stroke. Oral clinicians should, therefore, record a proper medical history of such patients to identify the atherogenic risk factors and refer such patients to the physician for careful evaluation and conformation of the disease.

This study reports the interaction and energy transfer between fluorescent carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and D-Penicillamine capped gold nanoparticles (DPA-AuNPs). The CQDs was synthesized by a simple chemical oxidation method at room temperature. The prepared CQDs shows a strong fluorescence at λ em  = 430 nm when excited at λ ex  = 320 nm. The interaction of CQDs with DPA-AuNPs was characterized by fluorescence spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) study and Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) techniques. The fluorescence study shows the continuous quenching in the fluorescence intensity of CQDs in presence of increasing concentrations of DPA-AuNPs. The change in fluorescence spectra of CQDs in presence of increasing concentration of DPA-AuNPs and quenching are suggestive of a rapid adsorption of CQDs on the surface of DPA-AuNPs. The K sv , K, K q and n values were calculated and results indicated that the dynamic type of quenching takes place. The distance between donor and acceptor (r) is 6.07 nm which supports the energy transfer by Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) phenomenon. The plausible mechanism for FRET is also discussed.

The novel benzofused phenazine π-conjugated skeleton with a coumarin and isophoron core was synthesized, characterized, and condensed with suitably substituted active methylene compounds by classical Knoevenagel condensation reaction to obtain novel mono-styryl dyes 6a-6d. These novel styryl dyes have hue varying from yellow to violet. The geometries of the styryl dyes were optimized at B3LYP/6-31G (d) level of theory, and their electronic excitation properties were evaluated using density functional theory.

Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is drawing increasing attention as an insulator and substrate material to develop next generation graphene-based electronic devices. In this paper, we investigate the quantum transport in heterostructures consisting of a few atomic layers thick hBN film sandwiched between graphene nanoribbon electrodes. We show a gate-controllable vertical transistor exhibiting strong negative differential resistance (NDR) effect with multiple resonant peaks, which stay pronounced for various device dimensions. We find two distinct mechanisms that are responsible for NDR, depending on the gate and applied biases, in the same device. The origin of first mechanism is a Fabry-Pérot like interference and that of the second mechanism is an in-plane wave vector matching when the Dirac points of the electrodes align. The hBN layers can induce an asymmetry in the current-voltage characteristics which can be further modulated by an applied bias. We find that the electron-phonon scattering suppresses the first mechanism whereas the second mechanism remains relatively unaffected. We also show that the NDR features are tunable by varying device dimensions. The NDR feature with multiple resonant peaks, combined with ultrafast tunneling speed provides prospect for the graphene-hBN-graphene heterostructure in the high-performance electronics.

Objective: To know the prevalence of tobacco associated changes among male population of Aljouf province of Saudi Arabia., Materials and Methods: This study included 536 male subjects with positive history of tobacco habits. All the participants were asked to fill a questionnaire regarding the habit details and were examined clinically for the oral changes., Results: Majority of the subjects used tobacco in smoked form (69.0%). Out of the 536 patients with tobacco smoking and chewing habits 72% showed changes in oral mucosa. Smokers melanosis (43.28%) was the most commonly observed oral change followed by leukoedema (27.05%) and smoker's palate (22.76%). Leukoplakia (3.17%) was the most commonly seen premalignant lesion., Conclusion: The study confirms the fact that use of tobacco can be positively correlated to the occurrence of various benign, premalignant and malignant oral changes. This study aids in creating awareness among the public regarding the deleterious effects of tobacco and may motivate them for cessation of tobacco use.

Context: Routine dental procedures produce aerosol and splatter, which pose a potential risk to the clinician and dental personnel, as well as the immunocompromised patient. Reports indicate that the ultrasonic scaler is the greatest producer of aerosol and splatter., Aims: The study aimed to evaluate the contamination distance, contamination amount and contamination duration of aerosol produced during ultrasonic scaling., Methods and Materials: The study was performed on a mannequin fitted with phantom jaws on a dental chair. Mock scaling was done for 15 min using an auto-tuned magnetostrictive ultrasonic scaler with the simultaneous use of a low volume saliva ejector. An ultrafiltrate-containing fluorescent dye was used in the reservoir supplying the scaler unit. Filter paper discs were placed in different positions and distances in the operatory. Immediately following scaling, the filter paper discs were replaced with new ones. This was done every 30 min for a total duration of 90 min., Results: Maximum contamination was found on the right arm of the operator and left arm of the assistant. Contamination was also found on the head, chest and inner surface of the face mask of the operator and of the assistant. The aerosol was found to remain in the air up to 30 min after scaling., Conclusions: The occupational health hazards of dental aerosols can be minimized by following simple, inexpensive precautions., (Copyright © 2014 King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) capped 9-Anthraldehyde nanoparticles (9-AANPs) in aqueous suspension prepared by reprecipitation method are seen brick shaped in Scanning Electron Microscope image. The Dynamic Light Scattering histogram of nanoparticle suspension reveals narrow particle size distribution and average particle size is 89 nm. The positive zeta potential 20.8 mV measured on zeta sizer indicates high level stability of nanoparticle suspension. The blue shift of 65359.47 cm(-1) observed in the UV-Visible absorption spectrum of CTAB capped 9-AANPs from the absorption maximum of dilute solution of 9-Anthraldehyde (9-AA) in acetone is an indication of formation of H-bonded aggregates by π stacking effect. The strong Aggregation Induced Enhanced Emission (AIEE) of CTAB capped 9-AANPs at 537 nm is selectively quenched with addition of phosphate anion solution. The fluorescence quenching results of the nanoparticle in aqueous solution fit into conventional Stern-Volmer relation in the range of phosphate ion concentration of 0-40 μM. The possible mechanism of fluorescence quenching of nanoparticle is explained by considering adsorption of phosphate anion electrostatistically on positively charged surface of nanoparticle generated by CTAB cap. The Langmuir adsorption plot constructed for PO(4)(3-) adsorption on the basis of fluorescence quenching results of CTAB capped 9-AANPs is linear. The estimated value of Langmuir constant (K) and Stern - Volmer constant (K(sv)) are in close agreement within experimental limits. The sensing method of phosphate ion based on fluorescence quenching of 9-AANPs is applied successfully for quantification of phosphate from pharmaceutical tablet chloroquine phosphate and hence to determine the amount of chloroquine.

An imatinib intermediate, 6-methyl-N-[4-(pyridin-3-yl)pyrimidin-2-yl]benzene-1,3-diaminepyridopyrimidotoluidine (PPT-1), was developed for the colorimetric sensing of Cu(2+) ions in aqueous solution. With Cu(2+), the receptor PPT-1 showed a highly selective naked-eye detectable color change from colorless to red over the seventy other tested cations. The colorimetric sensing ability of PPT-1 was successfully utilized in the preparation of test strips and supported silica for the real samples analysis to detect Cu(2+) ions from 100% aqueous environment. Moreover, the iodide-sensing ability of receptor PPT-1 was explored among the ten examined anions.

Background: Poor sanitation is thought to be a major cause of enteric infections among young children. However, there are no previously published randomized trials to measure the health impacts of large-scale sanitation programs. India's Total Sanitation Campaign (TSC) is one such program that seeks to end the practice of open defecation by changing social norms and behaviors, and providing technical support and financial subsidies. The objective of this study was to measure the effect of the TSC implemented with capacity building support from the World Bank's Water and Sanitation Program in Madhya Pradesh on availability of individual household latrines (IHLs), defecation behaviors, and child health (diarrhea, highly credible gastrointestinal illness [HCGI], parasitic infections, anemia, growth)., Methods and Findings: We conducted a cluster-randomized, controlled trial in 80 rural villages. Field staff collected baseline measures of sanitation conditions, behaviors, and child health (May-July 2009), and revisited households 21 months later (February-April 2011) after the program was delivered. The study enrolled a random sample of 5,209 children <5 years old from 3,039 households that had at least one child <24 months at the beginning of the study. A random subsample of 1,150 children <24 months at enrollment were tested for soil transmitted helminth and protozoan infections in stool. The randomization successfully balanced intervention and control groups, and we estimated differences between groups in an intention to treat analysis. The intervention increased percentage of households in a village with improved sanitation facilities as defined by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme by an average of 19% (95% CI for difference: 12%-26%; group means: 22% control versus 41% intervention), decreased open defecation among adults by an average of 10% (95% CI for difference: 4%-15%; group means: 73% intervention versus 84% control). However, the intervention did not improve child health measured in terms of multiple health outcomes (diarrhea, HCGI, helminth infections, anemia, growth). Limitations of the study included a relatively short follow-up period following implementation, evidence for contamination in ten of the 40 control villages, and bias possible in self-reported outcomes for diarrhea, HCGI, and open defecation behaviors., Conclusions: The intervention led to modest increases in availability of IHLs and even more modest reductions in open defecation. These improvements were insufficient to improve child health outcomes (diarrhea, HCGI, parasite infection, anemia, growth). The results underscore the difficulty of achieving adequately large improvements in sanitation levels to deliver expected health benefits within large-scale rural sanitation programs., Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01465204. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

Background: C-reactive protein (CRP) - a prototypic marker of inflammation has been shown to be elevated in chronic periodontitis (CP) and also been shown to predict cardiovascular events. Increased carotid intima media thickness (CIMT) has been recently recognized as surrogate marker for atherosclerosis. In this context, we studied to correlate between CIMT and CRP in CP and to know whether CRP predicts the cardiovascular risk in CP., Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 30 systemically healthy subjects aged over 40 years - 15 subjects with CP as cases and 15 subjects with no periodontitis as controls. All subjects were subjected to measurement of CRP levels and CIMT in addition to detailed periodontal evaluation. Quantitative determination of CRP was done by turbidimetric immunoassay. IMT of the common carotid arteries was estimated bilaterally using B-mode ultrasound at 6 sites. Positive CRP was defined as more than 10 mg/l., Results: Mean CRP levels were significantly higher in subjects with CP (19.58 ± 17.03), then in non CP (NCP) (5.54 ± 1.63, P < 0.004). Mean CIMT value was significantly higher in subjects with CP (1.09 ± 0.45) than in NCP (0.57 ± 0.06, P < 0.001) and all periodontal indices correlated well with CIMT. Further, there was significant correlation between CRP and increased CIMT in subjects with CP (r = 0.863, P < 0.001)., Conclusions: The present study indicates CRP as a possible underlying pathway in the association between periodontal disease and the observed CIMT. CRP can be used as a risk predictor for atherosclerosis in patients with CP.

The molecular interactions between salicylic acid (SA) and proflavin hemisulfate (PF) were investigated using fluorescence and UV-VIS absorption spectroscopy in an aqueous micellar environment. Changes in the absorption spectra of SA in the presence of PF indicate a ground state interaction between salicylate and proflavine hemisulfate ions to form a complex. The excitation bands of SA monitored at its emission wavelength reveal a red spectral shift of 8390.54 and 2037.75 cm(-1) when compared with absorption bands. The intensity of both excitation bands decreased in the presence of increasing amounts of PF. The absence of excitation bands of PF rules out the possibility of its direct excitation and suggests energy transfer from excited SA to PF, resulting in quenching of the SA fluorescence. The fluorescence quenching results were found to fit the well-known Stern-Volmer (S-V) relation. S-V plots at different temperatures were used to further evaluate thermodynamic parameters such as ∆G, ∆H and ΔS. The thermodynamic and kinetic data obtained from the quenching results were used to investigate the possible mechanism of binding, the nature of the binding force and the distance between SA and PF molecules. The linear relation between SA fluorescence quenching and PF concentration used to develop an analytical method for the determination of PF from Lorexane (a veterinary cream) using a fluorescence quenching method., (Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

An efficient fluorescent chemosensor Al(3+) receptor based on pyrimidine derivative,2-amino-6-hydroxy-4-(4-N,N-dimethylaminophenyl)-pyrimidine-5-carbonitrile (DMAB), has been synthesized by three-component condensation of aromatic aldehyde, ethyl cyanoacetate and guanidine hydrochloride in ethanol under alkaline medium. High selectivity and sensitivity of DMAB towards Aluminum ion (Al(3+)) in water: ethanol and acetate buffer at pH 4.0 makes it suitable to detect Al(3+) with steady-state UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. Method shows good selectivity towards Al(3+) over other coexisting metal ions tested, viz. Fe(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+), Co(2+), Pb(2+), Sb(3+), Na(+), Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Hg(2+), Ba(2+), Cd(2+) and K(+). A good linearity between the Stern-Volmer plots of F0/F versus concentration of Al(3+) was observed over the range from 10 to 60 μg mL(-1) with correlation coefficient of 0.991. The accuracy and reliability of the method were further confirmed by recovery studies via standard addition method with percent recoveries in the range of 101.03-103.44% and lowest detection limit (LOD=7.35 μg mL(-1)) for Al(3+) was established. This method may offer a new cost-effective, rapid, and simple key to the inspection of Al(3+) ions in water samples in the presence of a complex matrix and can be capable of evaluating the exceeding standard of Al(3+) in environmental water samples. The probable mechanism for fluorescence quenching was also discussed., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background: Family care burden among schizophrenia and depressive disorders has not been addressed in the research. Family burden was significantly high in patient with schizophrenia except the effect on physical health of other family member. Comparing burden in these two groups may help in the psychosocial management., Aim: The aim of the study was to examine family care burden in families of schizophrenia patient and compare them with patients having depressive disorders., Materials and Methods: One hundred family caregivers of patient with schizophrenia and 100 family caregivers of patient with depressive disorders were recruited for the study. It was cross sectional study. The patients were diagnosed as having schizophrenia (all types) and depressive disorders using International Classification of Disease-10, Classification of Mental and Behavioral Disorders, Diagnostic Criteria for Research ICD-10 DCR criteria. Pollack and Perlick scale was used to identify the key family caregivers. Patient with 2 or more than 2 years duration of illness were included in the study groups. Family burden was assessed in the both groups by using the Family Burden Interview Schedule (FBIS) of Pai and Kapur. Data was analyzed using the descriptive statistics, Chi-square test., Results: Caregivers of patients with schizophrenia in comparison to depressive disorder has significantly increased mean FBIS score (P<0.001). The family burden was significantly high in family caregivers of patients with the schizophrenia except the effect on physical health of other family members., Conclusion: To conclude caregivers of patient with schizophrenia experience high-level of burden than the caregivers of patients with the depressive disorders.

Rhino-orbital mucormycosis is a rare but life threatening infection that generally occurs in patients with diabetes mellitus and other immune deficiency conditions. Rhino-orbital and Rhino-cerebral are two form of the disease. As such the condition is a medical emergency. Early recognition and treatment are essential because it may lead to death in few days. Fungal infection of nasal cavity is uncommon but is being seen with increasing frequency in patients with immune deficiency.

Background and Objectives: Chikungunya fever occurred in an epidemic form in the state of Maharashtra after a gap of about 32 years. Many cases with symptoms which were suggestive of Chikungunya fever were reported from the village Kasegaon, Dist Sangli, Maharashtra, India. Hence, this study was done to assess the magnitude of the outbreak and to identify the possible socio-environmental factors which are responsible for Chikungunya fever., Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out at Kasegaon by a team from the Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Karad, Maharashtra, in collaboration with the Primary Health Centre, Kasegaon, Distt. Sangli., Results and Conclusion: The Chikungunya prevalence was 9.6%. There were 154 clinically suspected Chikungunya fever cases. Of these, 54.5% were males and 45.5% were females. About 72.7% of the cases were in the age range of 11-50 years, which is the active age group. The main symptoms were an acute onset of fever with joint pain (100%). Multiple joints were involved in (89.6%) cases. The mean duration of the fever was 3 days (range 1-10 days). About 40.3% people preferred to consult a government health facility. In the affected area, 83.1% people were aware of Chikungunya fever. Only few (1.1%) knew the vectors which were responsible for the Chikungunya transmission. Among the people in the affected area, 33.1% had knowledge on insecticide spraying, 23.2% had knowledge on the use of mosquito nets and repellents, 12.5% had knowledge on source reduction and 0.8% had knowledge on larvicides.