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Objective: To compare the relative penetration of Prevotella melaninogenica and Enterococcus faecalis through 3 guided tissue regeneration membranes: Atrisorb, Lambone, and OsseoQuest. It was hypothesized that OsseoQuest would show increased bacterial penetration when compared to Lambone and Atrisorb. Method and Materials: Centrifuge tubes containing trypticase soy broth were sealed with circular sections of membranes and placed in test tubes containing culture media. The bacterial penetration was assessed by passage of bacteria from the outer tube culture media to the inner centrifuge tube media through the membrane. After incubation for 4 and 48 hours, the media from the outer and inner tubes were compared for bacterial count. Results: P melaninogenica exhibited 91% penetration for Lambone in 2 days, while OsseoQuest displayed 87% penetration with E faecalis in the same time. Atrisorb displayed a minimal penetration with both bacteria (2%). Conclusion: Atrisorb displayed the least bacterial penetration, which may be attributed to membrane structure, chemical configuration, hydrophobicity, and porosity of tested membranes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the adherence of Prevotella melaninogenica and Enterococcus faecalis to 3 guided tissue regeneration membranes: Atrisorb, Lambone, and OsseoQuest. It was hypothesized that OsseoQuest would show increased bacterial adherence compared to Lambone and Atrisorb. Method and Materials: The barriers were suspended in trypticase soy broth containing an inoculum of either P melaninogenica or E faecalis. The samples were incubated under appropriate conditions for 6, 24, and 48 hours. Following incubation, each membrane was mixed in fresh media in a vortex machine to dislodge adherent bacteria. The vortexed media was quantitatively assessed using serial dilutions for viable cell count. Results: E faecalis exhibited higher adherence compared to P melaninogenica with time. Of the membranes tested, Lambone displayed the least bacterial adherence. Conclusion: An analysis of the results indicated that bacterial adherence was time-dependent for all membranes. Membrane structure, chemical configuration, hydrophobicity, and bacterial cell surface structure were suggested as factors contributing to variance in bacterial adherence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractLeopard moth Zeuzera multistrigata (Lepidoptera: Cossidae) is a xylophagous insect whose larval stages are cryptic woodborers in apple and many other horticultural and forestry crops. The present study was carried out to test effectiveness of some biocontrol agents along with most effective pesticide against this pest on apple (cv. Royal Delicious) in Himachal Pradesh, India, for three consecutive years by injecting biocontrol agents/chemicals directly into galleries made by pest larvae. Investigations were conducted to observe the effect of Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Steinernemma feltiae, Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and azadirachtin along with a synthetic pesticide chlorpyriphos. The application of chlorpyriphos (0.04%) caused a 100%%larval mortality, whereas among the biocontrol agents H. bacteriophora (5000 IJs/gallery) exhibited the highest mortality of 66.7 to 80.0%% during these three years, which was significantly at par with application of azadirachtin (Neem baan) 1500 ppm @ 2 ml/Litre and S. feltiae @ 5000 IJs/gallery. The lowest mortality (33.3%) was observed with B. bassiana (5 g/Litre) for the first two years and with M. anisopliae (5 g/L) in the third year i.e. 40.0%. Application of entomopathogenic nematode H. bacteriophora (5000 IJs/gallery) is proven to be best among all biocontrol agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phylloplane microbes have been studied as strategic tools in management against plant pathogens. Non-pathogenic bacteria and fungi have been applied as crop protectants against various plant diseases. The present study aimed at evaluating the potentiality of Aspergillus niger spores in altering the activity of four key enzymes related to defense in tomato. The experiment was designed such that two groups of 50 tomato plants were considered: group 1 - sprayed with autoclaved distilled water (control) and group 2 - sprayed with A. niger spores. Spraying was carried out under aseptic conditions. The experimental parameters included analysis of the activity of peroxidase (POX), polyphenol oxidase (PPO), phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and tyrosine ammonia lyase (TAL) as well as expression of POX and PPO isoforms. The results demonstrated an inductive effect of A. niger on the activity of POX, PPO, PAL and TAL. Enhanced expression of POX and PPO isoforms was also observed. The results indicated that A. niger can be considered probiotic for the management of tomato against its phytopathogens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Ultrasound-guided regional anaesthesia using transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a newer and safer method that can be used in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. This systematic review and meta-analysis was done to quantify the analgesic potential and opioid-sparing capability of TAP block in these patients. Methods: The studies comparing TAP‑block to conventional analgesic regimens for liver transplant were searched. The studies evaluating the comparative 24-h morphine consumption during postoperative period in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries were searched and included as the primary outcome in the analysis. Results: We found two randomised controlled trials and two retrospective studies that on meta-analysis showed that TAP block group had significantly lower requirement of morphine (WMD=27.59 mg; 95% CI: 33.47–21.70) at 24 h for pain mitigation. Also, postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower (RR=0.76; 95% CI: 0.47–1.22) but not statistically significant. Conclusion: Ultrasound-guided TAP block provides postoperative analgesic efficacy in patients undergoing liver transplant surgeries. This study was registered in International prospective register of systematic reviews [PROSPERO: CRD42018094595]. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies of long-term outcomes of discrete subaortic stenosis (DSS) are rare. Therefore, we reviewed the long-term outcomes of subaortic membrane resection in children with isolated DSS over 16 years from a single institution. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients (n = 27) who underwent resection of DSS between 2000 and 2017. Patients with major concomitant intracardiac anomalies were excluded. Indications for surgery were mean left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT), Doppler gradient >30 mmHg, and/or progressive aortic insufficiency. Results: The mean age at diagnosis was 3.77 ± 3.49 years (range, 0.25–13 years) and the mean age at surgery was 6.36 ± 3.69 years (range, 1–13 years). All patients underwent resection of subaortic membrane. The mean LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 40.52 ± 11.41 mmHg preoperatively to 8.48 ± 5.06 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). The peak instantaneous LVOT Doppler gradient decreased from 75.41 ± 15.22 mmHg preoperatively to 18.11 ± 11.44 mmHg postoperatively (P < 0.001). At the latest follow-up, the peak gradient was 17.63 ± 8.93 mmHg. The mean follow-up was 7.47 ± 3.53 years (median 6.33 years; range 2.67–16 years). There was no operative mortality or late mortality. Recurrence of subaortic membrane occurred in 7 (25.92%, 7/27) patients who underwent primary DSS operation. Four (14.81%, 4/27) patients required reoperation for DSS recurrence at a median time of 4.8 years (3.1–9.1 years) after the initial repair. Risk factors for reoperation were age <6 years at initial repair. Eighteen (66.66%, 18/27) patients had AI preoperatively and progression of AI occurred in 70.37% (19/27). This included 4 (22.22%, 4/18) patients who had worsening of their preoperative AI. Short valve-to-membrane distance was found to be prognostically unfavorable. One (3.7%, 1/27) patient had an iatrogenic ventricular septal defect, and 2 (7.4%, 2/27) patients had complete AV block following membrane resection. Conclusions: Resection of subaortic membrane in children is associated with low mortality. Higher LVOT gradient, younger age at initial repair, and shorter valve-to-membrane distance were found to be associated with adverse outcome. Recurrence and reoperation rates are high, and progression of aortic insufficiency following subaortic membrane resection is common. Therefore, these patients warrant close follow-up into adult life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various human enteric pathogens have been isolated from surface of spinach, lettuce, sprouts, tomato, radish, berries etc. These microbes are not endemic to plant surface but they adapt and survive by mechanism(s) which are still unknown. This study was aimed to understand the colonization pattern of Serratia fonticola, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Chryseobacterium jejuense by leaf impression method on tomato plants raised under aseptic conditions. The biofilm forming ability of these bacteria were also studied. The study revealed that the population of these enteric pathogens were significantly high (89 CFU/cm2) on phylloplane of tomato after 96 hours of incubation. Each of these microbes had a distinct colonization pattern and could successfully form biofilm. The study throws light on the ability of human enteric pathogens to colonize phylloplane possibly aided by their biofilm forming capability on leaf surface. The study is significant since it shall enhance understanding of association of human enteric pathogens with plants to design strategies for their survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An approach towards the synthesis of aluminum modified graphene oxide (GO) has been studied in the present manuscript. Graphene oxide has been modified by the aluminum sulfate followed by alkalization to synthesized Al-GO composite. GO and Al-GO composite has been characterization by the means of different techniques i.e. XRD, FT-IR, FT-Raman, TEM, SEM, TGA and elemental mapping. Analysis confirmed the formation of GO and Al-GO composite. The prepared GO composite has been checked for the removal of fluoride from the potable water with different initial concentration of fluoride ions. Composite shows it's effectiveness for the removal of fluoride throughout the pH range. The maximum adsorption capacity and Langmuir constant determined for the adsorbent dose of 1 g L−1 are found to be 38.31 mg g−1 and 0.5252 L mg−1 respectively.GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bean anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum is one of the devastating diseases in common beans possessing wide genetic and pathogenic variability. Sixty isolates of C. lindemuthianum collected from three North-Western Himalayan States were characterized on differential bean cultivars and analyzed by random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR). Based on pathogenicity tests and CIAT-defined binary race-classification system, 60 isolates belonged to 27 races. Out of 27 races, 19 races were identified from Himachal Pradesh, three from Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) and 13 from Uttrakhand. Predominant races present in North Western Himalayas were 17 and 503, although 25.9% (7 out of 27) of the races were detected repeatedly. In addition, this is the first study on characterization of C. lindemuthianum races from J&K and Uttrakhand. The virulence analysis on differential cultivars from Andean and Mesoamerican gene pool suggested four interaction types in accordance with the genetic origin of the cultivars that were attacked by a particular race. The interaction type I with race 0 isolates was avirulent on all the differential cultivars, while the races placed in interaction type IV attacked the genotypes from both the gene pools, thereby complicating the designing of resistance breeding strategies in this part of the world. The genetic diversity analysis using RAPD and ISSR markers revealed higher polymorphism with RAPD markers compared to ISSRs. The population STRUCTURE analysis revealed that most of the isolates from three States shared unique haplotypes based on Bayesian clustering. The RAPD and ISSR markers based analysis of C. lindemuthianum isolates grouped in different races revealed a very low level of similarity coefficient and thus their correlation with pathogenic races could not be established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic disease of the oral cavity which presents clinically with burning sensation, leathery consistency of oral mucosa with palpable fibrous bands leading to reduced mouth opening. Though the evaluation of quality of life (QOL) in health care is gaining importance, researches regarding the evaluation of QOL in OSMF individuals are very sparse. Aim: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the QOL assessment in OSMF patients through WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. Methodology: The study includes a total of 300 participants recruited from the outpatient department. The quality of life was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. The raw scores for the physical health, psychological health, social relationships and environmental health domains were done on 4–20 scale suggested by the WHOQOL procedural manual. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used for the simultaneous comparison of mean scores for the four domains, and independent t test was used for the comparison of two means of domain scores. Results: The participants with OSMF have a significant negative impact on the quality of life when compared with the participants without OSMF (P = 0.002). The environmental factors in the WHOQOL-BREF have shown a significant difference in the QOL of participants with OSMF than without OSMF (P = 0.001). Conclusion: The oral submucous fibrosis has a negative impact on the quality of life in participants with OSMF specifically in social and environmental domains of the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This pilot study in Kuwait was aimed to assess the effect of Sudarshan kriya yoga (SKY) on anxiety, depression and total quality of life in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). 26 T2DM patients aged greater than 30, male and female visiting the outpatient clinic of Dasman Diabetes Institute were enrolled for the study. Pre and post 5 day SKY intervention responses of participants on psychosocial problems were evaluated using four questionnaires (Hamilton anxiety, patient health questionnaire (PHQ-9), Hospital anxiety depression and WHO total quality of life (QOL). Biochemical parameters; such as lipid profile, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) were measured at baseline and after 15 weeks of SKY practice. The mean age of the participants was 56.7 (±11.4 SD) years, and mean duration of diabetes 15.0 (±9.3 SD) years. Comparison of responses before and after intervention indicated a significant improvement in the QOL, depression, anxiety and insomnia. But no significant improvement in glycemic control. Results indicate that SKY can be potentially beneficial for treating anxiety, insomnia, and depression associated in people with T2DM and in improving the quality of life in people with T2DM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present investigation reports one-pot synthetic approach to develop cation exchange membranes (CEMs) via free radical polymerization which avoids the post functionalization step that involves use of hazardous chemicals. The CEM is composed of sodium styrene sulfonate (StSO3Na), methyl methacrylate, divinyl benzene, and polyvinyl chloride which is prepared by varying relative amount of vinyl monomers. The membranes shown improved ion-exchange capacity, water uptake, ionic conductivity, and stabilities (mechanical, chemical, and thermal). Among different CEMs, CEM-1 has shown significantly improved performance with 8.54 × 10−2S.cm−1 proton conductivity and 2.71 meq. g−1 proton exchange capacity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This manuscript deals with graphene oxide (GO) and GO-metal oxide composite for heavy metal adsorption. Metal oxide-GO composites e.g. Fe3O4-GO and Mn3O4-GO have been prepared and explored for heavy metals e.g. lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium etc. adsorption from the water. Metal oxide-GO composites have been prepared through respective techniques. The various characterizations of the nanocomposites viz. structural and thermal have been analysed by transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyser etc. Different concentration of heavy metal has been taken to examine the efficiency of composites towards adsorption. Furthermore, effect of time on adsorption has also been evaluated. Metal oxide-GO composites illustrate better results as compared to GO showing the usability of composites for heavy metal adsorption for the production of clean water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, the applicability of MOF-based composite ion exchange membranes have been explored. Series of membranes have been synthesized by varying Zn-MOF content in SPES matrix. Number of spectroscopic techniques were used to characterize the successful synthesis of Zn-MOF and composite membranes. Physicochemical properties of composite membranes have been evaluated and observed to be enhanced. Composite membranes have been subjected to salt removal efficiency through electrodialysis, and observed that Z-2 membrane shows best flux and salt removal efficiency than others, which were 1.72 molm−2h−1 and 1.0 kWhkg−1 respectively with superior electro-chemical performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Bone-specific radiotracers are known to accumulate in breast lesions. Tc-99m diphosphonates have been widely studied in differentiating breast lesions. In this retrospective study, we aimed to assess the uptake of the bone-specific PET radiotracer, F-18 fluoride (NaF), in primary breast cancers to determine its sensitivity and to identify any differences in NaF uptake between calcified and non-calcified tumors, histological subtypes, and patients with or without axillary lymphadenopathy.Methods: NaF positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) images of 69 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients were reviewed. F-18 fluoride uptake as maximum standardized uptake value (NaF SUVmax) was measured in the primary tumor, enlarged axillary lymph nodes and contralateral normal/non-tumoral breast tissue. Low-dose CT images were reviewed to locate the primary tumor and grossly assess its calcification and check for ipsilateral axillary lymphadenopathy. Whole body NaF PET/CT images were reviewed to search for bone metastases. Eighteen patients also underwent F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) PET/CT study.Results: The primary breast tumor was clearly seen as focal or diffuse uptake on NaF PET images in 27 of 69 patients (39%) (mean NaF SUVmax: 2.0 ± 1.0). In the rest, there was only mild bilateral diffuse breast uptake. When analyzing images per histological subtype (42 patients, 43 tumors), 14 of 31 invasive ductal carcinomas (IDC) (45%) and 3 of 4 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) were visible on PET. Five invasive lobular carcinomas, 2 invasive mammary carcinomas, and 1 mucinous carcinoma were not visible on PET. Mean NaF SUVmax of contralateral normal/non-tumoral breast tissue was 1.0 ± 0.4. There was no significant difference in mean NaF SUVmax of primary tumor in cases with and without calcification or with and without axillary lymphadenopathy (p 0.892 and 0.957). There was no correlation between NaF SUVmax and FDG SUVmax values of the primary tumors (r 0.072, p 0.797, Pearson correlation).Conclusion: NaF PET has relatively low sensitivity in detecting breast cancer. However, abnormal breast uptake on NaF PET requires further evaluation. F-18 fluoride uptake in the primary breast tumor does not seem to be correlated with axillary lymphadenopathy (metastasis potential), gross tumor calcification or metabolic activity of the tumor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the ectopic eruption of permanent molars and discusses the method for its management. It discusses a survey of the literature on ectopic eruption. A case history is utilized to present a method of managing ectopic eruptions. An eight year old patient showed bilateral maxillary first permanent molar ectopic eruptions. It was observed that there was severe crowding in both arches of the patient which would require serial extractions. After undergoing an entire procedure of correction of ectopic eruptions, it is now expected that the first permanent molars will erupt normally.

The article discusses the ectopic eruptions which is the developmental disturbances in the eruption pattern of the permanent dentition. It is stated that in 1923, ectopic eruption was for the first time classified by author H. Chapman, who stated four possible causes of the ectopic eruption of the maxillary first permanent molars. Dentists state that there is a difference among investigators regarding the causes of ectopic eruption. It is stated that while author G. Nikiforuk state that a lack of regional bone growth is the reason behind the eruption, author Franklin Pulver proposes more than one etiologic factor to be responsible for the eruption. Experts state that a complete radiographic examination is needed to eliminate the presence of any serious pathological condition.