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Introduction: The bacteria colonising the oral cavity and the dentures acquire drug resistance due to frequent usage of antibiotics systemically and application of mouth rinses and denture disinfectants locally. These multidrug resistant bacteria pose potential threat to the health of the patient as infections caused by them do not respond to conventional antibiotics. Aim: The present study aims at detecting the drug resistant bacteria in patients who wear complete dentures. Materials and Methods: The study is a descriptive study and follows laboratory invitro study design involving 30 complete denture patients. Swabs were collected from their oral cavity as well as complete denture surfaces. Antibiotic sensitivity tests were performed for the following bacteriae namely Viridans streptococci species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and E.coli. Isolation of the bacteria were done by means of selective media and subjected to biochemical tests. The 16S rRNA sequencing was done to ascertain the microorganisms by which 20 isolates of each of the selective bacteria were obtained. The bacteria were classified as sensitive, intermediate sensitive and resistant based on antibiotic sensitivity tests. Those isolates which exhibited MultiDrug Resistance (MDR) were visualised using SEM. Results: Viridans streptococci spp. (40%) and Staphylococcus aureus (25%) isolates were resistant to Amoxiclavulinic acid and Methicilin, whereas Klebsiella pneumoniae (30%) and (30%) E.coli isolates were most resistant to Cefotaxime and Doxicilin. Conclusion: Drug resistant bacteria have been identified from complete dentures and oral cavity in the present study. Antibiotic sensitivity tests, 16S rRNA sequencing and SEM are vital investigative tools to detect and to visualise drug resistant bacteria. Cell density, Extracellular Polymeric Substances (EPS) and capsule could be important factors for providing drug resistance.

Does the adaptive plant morphology actually hint at its potential bioactive profile? To understand and decipher this, a micro-morphological investigation was conducted on an arid zone plant. Andrographis serpyllifolia (Rohl.ex.vahl.) Wight is a slightly bitter, acrid endemic herb with fair history of ethno-botanical use among different tribes of peninsular India. A. serpyllifolia was a highly evolved geophyte well-suited for high survivability in extremely harsh terrain. This plant was found to grow and perpetuate successfully under high-stress conditions of water deficit, high soil and atmospheric temperatures, poor nutrition and constant threat from herbivores. Under such circumstances, this plant possessed the potential to develop morphological adaptations that produce and accumulate a wide range of phytochemicals that could preserve, protect and defend its plant body. The twin objectives of this study were to investigate the micro-morphological features and their functional advantage that enabled the plant to flourish in adverse conditions and interpret by deductive reasoning, the potential phytochemical array of this plant given the observed features. Scanning electron microscope was used to explore surface morphologies of various vegetative and floral parts. Key findings of this micro-morphological study were presence of numerous diacytic stomata on both adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces, abundant glandular sessile trichomes on abaxial leaf surfaces, reticulate pollen ornamentation with echinate sulcus outlined with smooth morus and deeply reticulate, highly pitted spermoderm or seed testa reminiscent of human brain. These three features may serve as pharmacognostic markers aiding in accurate identification and quality control of this herb.

Structures of the compounds 1-dimethyl amino-3-dimethyl imino 2-(para chlorophenyl) prop-1-ene perchlorate, C 13 H 20 N 2 O 4 Cl 2 ( 3 ) 1-dimethyl amino-3-dimethyl imino 2-(para nitrophenyl) prop-1-ene perchlorate, C 13 H 20 N 3 O 6 Cl( 6 ), and 1-dimethyl amino-3-dimethyl imino 2-(phenyl) prop-1-ene perchlorate, C 13 H 21 N 2 O 4 Cl( 7 ) have been solved. The compounds exhibit NLO property. The C-N bonds are of the order of 1.32 Å, showing a pseudo double bond character. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Aims: To evaluate and compare the flexural strength and impact strength of conventional and microwave cured denture base resins before and after repeated sterilization using microwave energy to consider microwave curing as an alternative to the conventional method of sterilization. Materials and Methods: The conventional heat cure acrylic resin (DPI heat cure material) Group A and microwave-polymerized acrylic resin (Vipi Wave Acrylic resin) Group B were used to fabricate 100 acrylic resins samples using a standard metal die of (86 mm × 11 mm × 3 mm) dimensions. The criterion was flexural strength and impact strength testing which had Group A and Group B samples; 50 samples for flexural strength and 50 samples for impact strength measurement. For each criterion, five control samples were taken for Group A and Group B. The samples were stored in water before experimenting. The test samples were subject to four cycles of microwave sterilization; followed by flexural strength testing with a 3-point flexural test in universal testing machine (UNITEK 94100) and impact strength testing with impact testing machine (ENKAY Pr09/E1/16). Results: The physical properties had significant changes for conventionally cured denture base resins, whereas no changes found for microwave-cured resins after repeated sterilization cycles.

BackgroundThe relationship between ideal cardiovascular health reflected in the cardiovascular health score (CVHS) and valvular heart disease is not known. The purpose of this study was to determine the association of CVHS attainment through midlife to late life with aortic stenosis prevalence and severity in late life. Methods and ResultsThe following 6 ideal cardiovascular health metrics were assessed in ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) Study participants at 5 examination visits between 1987 and 2013 (visits 1–4 in 1987–1998 and visit 5 in 2011–2013): smoking, body mass index, total cholesterol, blood pressure, physical activity, and blood glucose. Percentage attained CVHS was calculated in 6034 participants as the sum of CVHS at each visit/the maximum possible score. Aortic stenosis was assessed by echocardiography at visit 5 on the basis of the peak aortic valve velocity. Aortic stenosis was categorized sclerosis, mild stenosis, and moderate‐to‐severe stenosis. Mean age was 76±5 years, 42% were men, and 22% were black. Mean percentage attained CVHS was 63±14%, and the prevalence of aortic stenosis stages were 15.9% for sclerosis, 4.3% for mild stenosis, and 0.7% for moderate‐to‐severe stenosis. Worse percentage attained CVHS was associated with higher prevalence of aortic sclerosis (P

Introduction: The difficulty in reproducing accurate angle of condylar guidance in semi-adjustable articulators. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between the angle of horizontal condylar inclination obtained on a semi-adjustable articulator and the corresponding angle traced on a temporomandibular joint (TMJ) radiograph in completely edentulous subject. Materials and Methods: The horizontal condylar inclination angle was obtained in a semi-adjustable articulator by means of height tracer (extra oral tracing device) and interocclusal records to program the articulator in 21 subjects. TMJ radiograph were recorded by the same operator with same orthopantomogram (OPG) machine (planmeca). Tracings of inclines of articular eminence on the radiograph were compared with the angle obtained on a semi-adjustable articulator. Each measurement was made using manual methods of measuring angle. The results were subjected to the Pearson correlation statistical analysis (α =0.01). Results: The outline of the articular eminence in a TMJ tomogram radiographic image was identified and traced. A significant correlation was found between the horizontal condylar inclination on a semi-adjustable and the corresponding TMJ tomogram radiographic image for both right (R = 0.789; P = 0.001) and left (i = 0.747; P = 0.004) sides. Conclusion: The articular eminence traced on a TMJ tomogram image represents the horizontal condylar inclination with a mean difference of 5° in 21 subjects evaluated.

Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites, which have received much attention because of their potential health benefits. Silibinin (SIL) is a well‐known naturally occurring flavonolignan, which is extensively used in treating a wide variety of diseases as a dietary supplement as well as a prescribed drug. The mechanism of binding of SIL to calf thymus DNA (ctDNA) was investigated by employing multispectroscopic techniques, viz., absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism besides viscosity measurements and docking studies. Analysis of fluorescence results indicated that SIL has interacted with ctDNA and quenched its intensity through static quenching mechanism. The binding constant at room temperature was found to be 2.48×104 mol−1, suggesting moderate binding affinity between SIL and ctDNA. The hypochromicity observed in the absorption spectra of ctDNA in the presence of SIL revealed the intercalation of SIL into ctDNA base pairs. Further, the intercalative mode of binding between SIL and ctDNA was confirmed by viscosity measurements and molecular docking studies. The outcome of present study helps to decipher the interaction mechanism between SIL and DNA at physiological pH, which further assists in the design of a new analogue for better therapeutic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To evaluate and compare the variations in the inclination of occlusal plane of casts mounted on Artex articulator using a facebow with a fixed value and customized nasion indicator. Materials and Methods: Twenty two subjects were selected for this investigation. Two maxillary impressions were made, and casts poured. For each of the twenty two subjects, the facebow records were made with, Artex face-bow using a fixed value nasion indicator and customized nasion indicator and mounted. The angle between the occlusal plane of upper cast and the upper articulator arm was measured with a Universal bevel protractor and compared with the gold standard cephalometric value. Results: It shows that, when angle was measured between maxillary occlusal plane and upper member of the articulator, on the mounted cast using a customized nasion indicator and fixed value nasion indicator against the gold standard cephalometric value as a whole, it was found to be not significant. But, if each patient were evaluated individually, there found to be the difference in the angle. Discussion and Conclusion: Variation in occlusal plane was very minimal and close to the cephalometric value when using customized nasion indicator compared to fixed value nasion indicator on the Artex.

Various treatment options are available for rehabilitating the complete edentulous patients with implants. However, due consideration for the prosthesis is not given prior to implant surgery. This can result in implant being placed in locations that do not provide the best esthetic and functional result. Incorrect implant localization and angle are the primary cause of non-axial loading and may contribute to loss of Osseo-integration. For predictable outcome, the treatment should begin with visualizing the end result. A step-wise pre-implant surgery evaluation is necessary to achieve the objectives. This is a case report of a completely edentulous patient who was treated with fixed implant prosthesis following various steps in the pre-implant surgery evaluation.

Introduction: Diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction is associated with an increase in oxidative stress. Scavengers of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and aid in the management of sexual dysfunction in diabetes. Aim: The aim of the study was to test the hypothesis that antioxidant, which scavenge ROS and reduce formation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), can potentiate efficacy of phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction that is associated with oxidative stress. Materials and Methods: Effect of phloroglucinol and sildenafil on serum glucose level, sexual function, penile smooth muscle : collagen ratio, and phenylephrine precontracted corpus cavernosum smooth muscle (CCSM) was studied. The ability of phloroglucinol to reduce the formation of AGEs and its ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and nitric oxide (NO) was also evaluated. Main Outcome Measures: Antioxidant potential of phloroglucinol was studied in addition to its effect on diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction in presence and absence of sildenafil. Results: Phloroglucinol (50 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly decreased serum glucose level and increased sexual function in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats when compared with diabetic control rats. Sildenafil (5 mg/kg, p.o.) had no effect on glycemia but significantly increased sexual function of diabetic rats. Coadministration of phloroglucinol increased the efficacy of sildenafil by improving sexual function. Treatment of diabetic rats with phloroglucinol + sildenafil maintained smooth muscle : collagen levels similar to that of normal rat penile tissue. Phloroglucinol decreased formation of AGEs and significantly scavenged DPPH radical activity in vitro. Sildenafil relaxed isolated CCSM of normal rat and diabetic rat significantly, but phloroglucinol did not show any significant effect. Phloroglucinol also inhibited human CYP3A4 enzyme activity in vitro. Conclusion: Phloroglucinol coadministration increases efficacy of sildenafil in diabetes-induced sexual dysfunction. However, further studies are required to ascertain the benefits of phloroglucinol owing to its undesirable CYP3A4 inhibition activity.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0052689.].

The extracellular microenvironment in bone marrow (BM) is known to regulate the growth and differentiation of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). We have developed cell-free matrices from a BM stromal cell line (HS-5), which can be used as substrates either in native form or as tissue engineered coatings, for the enhanced ex vivo expansion of umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived HSPC. The physicochemical properties (surface roughness, thickness, and uniformity) of native and spin coated acellular matrices (ACM) were studied using scanning and atomic force microscopy (SEM and AFM). Lineage-specific expansion of HSPC, grown on these substrates, was evaluated by immunophenotypic (flow cytometry) and functional (colony forming) assays. Our results show that the most efficient expansion of lineage-specific HSPC occurred on spin coated ACM. Our method provides an improved protocol for ex vivo HSPC expansion and it offers a system to study the in vivo roles of specific molecules in the hematopoietic niche that influence HSPC expansion.

Background: One method used to disinfect a dental cast is immersion in a disinfecting solution. Repeated immersion of a cast in disinfectant may affect its physical properties. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in dimensional accuracy and hardness of the dental casts as a result of repeated disinfection in 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde solutions. Materials and Methods: Sixty specimens were made of type III dental stone. Twenty specimens were immersed in slurry, a supernatant solution of calcium sulfate in distilled water (control casts), 20 specimens in 0.525% sodium hypochlorite, and 20 specimens in 2% glutaraldehyde solutions for 30 min and air dried for 24 h. This process was repeated for 7 times for testing. Linear dimensional change and hardness were determined according to American National Standards Institute/American Dental Association (ANSI/ADA) standards. The data were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance. Results: For specimens prepared with type III stones, treatment was by immersion in slurry (group I - control casts), and by immersion in 0.525% sodium hypochlorite (group II - test group 1) and in 2% glutaraldehyde solution (group III - test group 2). The specimens treated with sodium hypochlorite and glutaraldehyde showed more linear dimensional change compared to the specimens treated in slurry. However, the difference between test casts and control casts was significant. But the difference between the two test groups was not significant. Both the test groups showed decrease in hardness of the specimens compared to that specimens in control group. But the difference between two test groups was not significant in hardness.However,the values remained close to ANSI/ADA standards. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that repeated immersion of type III dental stone specimens in slurry with distilled water, 0.525% sodium hypochlorite and 2% glutaraldehyde, along with drying in air, caused a significant increase in linear dimension and a significant decrease in hardness.

This study investigated the effect of conceptual change text on student understanding and misconception reduction of dynamic electricity concept. A quasi-experimental research with pre-test/post-test non-equivalent control group design was used. The subjects for this study consisted of 90 tenth-grade students. The three-tier test, the Dynamic Electricity Concept Test (DECT), was developed as pre-test and post-test to access the student conceptions. While the experimental group (n=45) received a conceptual change text, the control group (n=45) received an expository text. MANCOVA analysis was used to know the effect of conceptual change text structure on both dependent variables. The results of the study indicated that the student in the experimental group showed significantly higher understanding and higher misconceptions reduction compared to the students in the control group. Both groups had increased concept understanding and misconceptions reduction, however, the experimental group’s result was better than the control group.

Statement of problem: Disinfection of prostheses with chemical solutions has deleterious effects on dentures. The appropriate power setting of microwave for disinfection, without affecting denture base properties, is a controversy. Purpose: To evaluate and compare the effect of simulated microwave disinfection at a recommended power setting on the mechanical properties of three denture base heat polymerized acrylic resins. Material and Methods: Ninety rectangular specimens of each acrylic resin of 65mm × 10mm × 3 mm dimensions were divided into three groups. Group A (Trevalon), Group B (Trevalon- HI), Group C (Ivocap). In each group, thirty specimens were divided into three subgroups with ten specimens in each and they were submitted to MicroVickers hardness, flexural strength, and impact strength tests. In each subgroup, five specimens were tested before the simulated microwave disinfection and they served as the control group. The remaining five were tested after simulated microwave disinfection and they were considered as the experimental group. Simulated microwave disinfection was done in a domestic microwave oven at 650 W for 5 minutes. Results: The data were analyzed using One-way ANOVA and t-test. The mechanical properties of the three denture base resins were not altered after simulated microwave disinfection, as compared to those of the controls. Conclusion: Microwave irradiation at 650 W for 5 min did not affect the mechanical properties of the three denture base resins. Domestic microwave oven, at the prescribed setting, can be used as an alternative method of disinfection for complete dentures without affecting their properties.

Native silicon (Si) oxide growth on Si (100) wafers in air and in ultrapure water at room temperature requires coexistence of water and oxygen in the air and ultrapure water ambients. The growth rate data on n-, n+-, and p+-Si (100) in air indicate layer-by-layer growth of an oxide. The growth rate on n-Si (100) in ultrapure water may be governed by a parabolic law. For native oxide growth in ultrapure water, the number of Si atoms dissolved in ultrapure water is over one order of magnitude larger than the number of Si atoms contained in the grown native oxide film. The structural difference between the native oxide film in air and in ultrapure water is also discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Natriuretic peptides promote natriuresis, diuresis, and vasodilation. Experimental deficiency of natriuretic peptides leads to hypertension (HTN) and cardiac hypertrophy, conditions more common among African Americans. Hospital‐based studies suggest that African Americans may have reduced circulating natriuretic peptides, as compared to Caucasians, but definitive data from community‐based cohorts are lacking. Methods and Results We examined plasma N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide (NTproBNP) levels according to race in 9137 Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study participants (22% African American) without prevalent cardiovascular disease at visit 4 (1996–1998). Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed adjusting for clinical covariates. Among African Americans, percent European ancestry was determined from genetic ancestry informative markers and then examined in relation to NTproBNP levels in multivariable linear regression analysis. NTproBNP levels were significantly lower in African Americans (median, 43 pg/mL; interquartile range [IQR], 18, 88) than Caucasians (median, 68 pg/mL; IQR, 36, 124; P

Context: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common metabolic abnormality which affects ~2-5% of the pregnancies annually. Various risk factors such as advanced maternal age, previous infants with macrosomia, a strong family history of non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or GDM, poor glycaemic control and a high pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) have been implicated for the development of GDM. Aims: To compare the serum creatinine, uric acid and the albumin levels in patients with GDM and in normal pregnant women and to see if there existed any correlation between these biochemical markers and certain clinical parameters in the study groups. Settings and Design: Hospital based prospective study. Methods and Material: The study group consisted of 40 patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and 40 normal healthy pregnant women who served as the controls. We evaluated the biochemical and the metabolic alterations in these women by measuring their serum creatinine, uric acid and albumin levels. We also concentrated on the maternal complications and the perinatal outcomes. Statistical analysis used: The independent samples t-test and the Pearson’s correlation test. Results: There was a significant increase in the serum creatinine and the uric acid levels and a significant decrease in the serum albumin levels in the GDM patients. The incidence of GDM in the studied groups was influenced by factors such as maternal age, gravidity, pre-pregnancy BMI and blood pressure. We observed quite a number of complications such as pre-eclampsia, polyhydramnios, hyperbilirubinaemia, RDS, etc. in the GDM women and their foetuses. Conclusions: The estimation of serum creatinine, uric acid and albumin can help us in predicting the metabolic alterations which occur in the GDM patients and their foetuses. Further, it is quite essential to identify and manage the complications which are associated with GDM and to prevent its recurrence by considering the modifiable risk factors, since such women would in all probability be prone for GDM in their future pregnancies.

An ocular defect may affect a patient psychologically. An ocular prosthesis is given to uplift the patient psychologically and improve the confidence. Ocular prosthesis can be custom made or a stock shell. To improve the comfort and matching of the prosthesis with that of the adjacent natural eye an custom made ocular prosthesis is preferred. Different techniques are available to fabricate a custom ocular prosthesis, here we have used paper iris disk technique.

Several studies have examined the link between atrial fibrillation (AF) and various echocardiographic measures of cardiac structure and function in whites and other racial groups but not in blacks. Exploring AF risk factors in blacks is important given that the lower incidence of AF in this racial group despite higher risk factors, is not completely explained.We examined the association of echocardiographic measures with AF incidence in 2283 blacks (64.5% women, mean age 58.8 years) free of diagnosed AF and enrolled in the Jackson cohort of Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study, a prospective study of cardiovascular disease. Echocardiography was performed in 1993-1995, and incident AF was determined by electrocardiograms at a follow-up study exam, hospitalization discharge codes and death certificates through the end of 2009. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals for AF associated with the echocardiographic measures, adjusting for age, sex, and known AF risk factors.During an average follow-up of 13.5 years, 191 (8.4%) individuals developed AF. Left ventricular (LV) internal diameter 2-D (diastole) and percent fractional shortening of LV diameter displayed a U-shaped relationship with risk of AF, while left atrial diameter displayed a J-shaped nonlinear association. LV mass index was associated positively with AF. E/A ratio 1.5 and ejection fraction (EF

Heterotrimeric G-protein signal transduction initiated by G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in the plasma membrane is thought to propagate through protein-protein interactions of subunits, Gα and Gβγ in the cytosol. In this study, we show novel nuclear functions of Gβγ through demonstrating interaction of Gβ(2) with integral components of chromatin and effects of Gβ(2) depletion on global gene expression. Agonist activation of several GPCRs including the angiotensin II type 1 receptor specifically augmented Gβ(2) levels in the nucleus and Gβ(2) interacted with specific nucleosome core histones and transcriptional modulators. Depletion of Gβ(2) repressed the basal and angiotensin II-dependent transcriptional activities of myocyte enhancer factor 2. Gβ(2) interacted with a sequence motif that was present in several transcription factors, whose genome-wide binding accounted for the Gβ(2)-dependent regulation of approximately 2% genes. These findings suggest a wide-ranging mechanism by which direct interaction of Gβγ with specific chromatin bound transcription factors regulates functional gene networks in response to GPCR activation in cells.

Chronic activation of angiotensin II (AngII) type 1 receptor (AT(1)R), a prototypical G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) induces gene regulatory stress which is responsible for phenotypic modulation of target cells. The AT(1)R-selective drugs reverse the gene regulatory stress in various cardiovascular diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms are not clear. We speculate that activation states of AT(1)R modify the composition of histone isoforms and post-translational modifications (PTM), thereby alter the structure-function dynamics of chromatin. We combined total histone isolation, FPLC separation, and mass spectrometry techniques to analyze histone H2A in HEK293 cells with and without AT(1)R activation. We have identified eight isoforms: H2AA, H2AG, H2AM, H2AO, H2AQ, Q96QV6, H2AC and H2AL. The isoforms, H2AA, H2AC and H2AQ were methylated and H2AC was phosphorylated. The relative abundance of specific H2A isoforms and PTMs were further analyzed in relationship to the activation states of AT(1)R by immunochemical studies. Within 2 hr, the isoforms, H2AA/O exchanged with H2AM. The monomethylated H2AC increased rapidly and the phosphorylated H2AC decreased, thus suggesting that enhanced H2AC methylation is coupled to Ser1p dephosphorylation. We show that H2A125Kme1 promotes interaction with the heterochromatin associated protein, HP1α. These specific changes in H2A are reversed by treatment with the AT(1)R specific inhibitor losartan. Our analysis provides a first step towards an awareness of histone code regulation by GPCRs.