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The world is undergoing its biggest health crisis named coronavirus disease, which is associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine storm, which ultimately leads to various medical complications including acute respiratory distress syndrome. The treatment protocol was always controversial due to the excessive use of corticosteroids in aggressive pneumonia and associated hyperinflammatory conditions.The excessive use, misuse, and rampant use of steroids may lead to various coinfection like mucormycosis which is referred to as black fungus that manifests within the skin and also affects the lungs and brain which may be more fatal. It is necessary to have early diagnosis and management to tackle the severity of post covid coinfection.

Background: Resin-dentin bonds are less durable than enamel as they rely on organic part for mineralisation. Bond denaturation mainly takes place because of hydrolysis of polymerized resin or degradation of water-rich, resin-sparse collagen by collagenolytic endogenous matrix metalloproteinase and cysteine cathepsins. Hence, this limited stability of dentin bonding tenaciously reduces the longevity of tooth-coloured restorations. One of the strategies adopted to encounter this shortcoming is to induce biomimetic remineralisation. Aim: To assess the microtensile bond strength of resin composites to dentin following remineralisation using an experimental paste containing nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and biomimetic analogues, Poly Acrylic Acid (PAA) and Sodium Tri Polyphosphate (STPP). Methodology: Nine intact freshly extracted third molar were used for this study to evaluate the microtensile bond strength after treating with three different groups; Group I with paste containing nano hydroxyapatite nHAp Group II paste containing nHAp and non-collagenous protein analogues such as (Polyacrcrylic acid and Sodium tripolyphosphate) and the control groups containing adhesive and resin composite with no additional treatment. The samples were observed over a period of 24 hours and 1 week the inter group data analysis was done using ANOVA and paired sample t test and the intra-group data analysis over period of 24 hours the post HOC Bonferroni test was used for the statistical analysis. Results: After 24 hours the group with nHAp group showed highest value for microtensile bond strength among other groups, however after one week the group with nHAp +NCP analogues(PAA+STPP) showed highest value for microtensile bond. Conclusion: The treatment with the experimental paste [nHAp+NCP] analogues (PAA+STPP)] can bring about remineralisation to improve bonding to dentin.

Prior to the approval of erenumab, onabotulinum toxin A (onabot A) was the only Food and Drug Administration-approved chronic migraine preventive treatment. In this study, we assess the safety and efficacy of the combination of erenumab and onabot A for chronic migraine prevention.This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with a diagnosis of chronic migraine receiving onabot A, who were additionally started on erenumab. Primary endpoint was a decrease in number of migraine days while on the combination treatment as compared to onabot A alone. Secondary endpoints included a decrease in headache days and reported side effects.When erenumab was added to onabot A, participants (n = 50) experienced significantly lower number of monthly migraine days (11.3 ± 9.3 vs. 14.9 ± 9.4, p 0.001). The treatment of onabot A and erenumab also significantly lowered the number of monthly headache days (18.2 ± 10.3 vs. 20.7 ± 9.1, p = 0.042). There were no "severe" adverse effects reported in the combined treatment group.This retrospective case series showed a reduction in monthly migraine and headache days with the treatment combination of erenumab and onabot A compared to onabot A alone in patients with chronic migraine.

Proper hybrid layer formation lays the foundation of resin-dentin bonding. The resin infiltration in demineralized dentin collagen couples with the adhesive/resin composites in the mineralized dentin surface. However, the activation of enzymatic activity in the collagen matrix can degrade the hybrid layer. Over the time, it leads to reduced bond strength. Mainly, the enzymes involved are matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which are involved in degrading most of the extracellular matrix components.The purpose of the study was designed for evaluating the inhibitory action ofA total of 15 freshly extracted healthy human teeth were collected and stored at 4°C until use. The roots were separated. The enamel and remnant pulp tissue were removed, and collected teeth were pulverized with liquid nitrogen in the minimum volume of 50-mM phosphate buffer to obtain dentin powder extract. The dentin powder extract is the source of MMPs, and therefore, the extract was treated with

Background/aims Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are the most frequently used nanomaterials in industrial and biomedical applications. Their functionalization significantly impacts their properties and potential applications. Despite the need to produce, investigate and apply them, not much is known about the toxicity of silver nanoparticles to and their interaction with blood components, such as erythrocytes. Here, we report on the effect of two negatively charged AgNPs (Creighton, and Lee-Meisel) on ion transport in human red blood cells (HRBCs). Methods HRBCs were obtained from blood of adult donors, which was either expired, fresh or refrigerated for variable lengths of time, and from fresh or refrigerated cord blood. Rb+ and K+ ions were measured by atomic emission and absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. Erythrocyte hemoglobin optical density (Hbc OD), was determined at 527 nm to estimate RBC volume in the same tubes in which Rb+ and K+ were measured. Cellular Rb+ uptake and intracellular K+ concentrations, [K]i, were calculated in mmol/L of original cells (LOC) per time. Rubidium, a potassium ion (K+) congener used to measure K+ influx, [K]i, and Hbc ODs were determined in the presence and absence of several concentrations (0-150 µg mL-1) of spherical AgNPs of an average diameter of 10 nm, at different time points (0-60 min). Results Creighton AgNPs inhibited Rb+ influx and depleted the cells of K+ independently of the source and in a time and dose-dependent manner. In contrast, Lee-Meisel AgNPs caused ~ 50 % Rb+ influx inhibition and ~ 15 % K+ loss with larger interindividual variability than Creighton AgNPs. The loss of K+ from HRBCs was entirely accounted for by an increase in extracellular K+ concentration, [K]o. Enhanced dark field optical microscopy in conjunction with CytoViva® hyperspectral imaging helped visualize AgNPs internalized by HRBCs, thus pointing to a potential cause for their cytotoxic effects. Conclusion These findings indicate that HRBC K+ homeostasis is an early and sensitive biomarker for AgNPs toxicity and is a function of their surface functionalization.

BACKGROUND Dengue is a mosquito borne infection and is a major public health concern around the world. There has been a rapid increase in the infection rate and nearly 400 million people across the globe are at risk of dengue infection. This infection is caused by dengue virus (DENV) which is a member of the genus flavivirus of the family flaviviridae, and is a single-stranded positive sense RNA virus. There are four DENV serotypes (DENV 1-4) found in tropical and subtropical regions of the globe DENV cycles between the vectors viz; Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and human beings. MATERIALS AND METHODS This observational study was carried out at R L Jalappa hospital the teaching hospital of Sri Devaraj Urs Medical College, Tamaka, Kolar, Karnataka. The study period was from October 2016 to January 2017. A total of 72 patients who were diagnosed as dengue fever who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. RESULTS The number of male patients was 49 contributing to 68% and the number of female patients was 23 contributing to 32%; maximum were in the age range of 26 to 45 years (70.8%). With highest number of patients presenting with fever and pain abdomen (n=32) as the most predominant clinical presentation followed by fever and breathlessness (n=12). Hepatomegaly has been the most predominant clinical sign followed by icterus and petechiae. Dengue serology results indicated that out of the 72 patients, 55 patients were positive for NS1Ag (76.3%), 10 patients had IgM positivity (13.88%) and 7 patients had IgG positivity (9.7%). Ultrasound abdomen showed findings of thickened and oedematous gall bladder (n=53, 73.6%), free fluid in abdomen (n=32, 44.4%) and hepatosplenomegaly (n=43, 59.7%). CONCLUSION The present study suggests that fever with abdominal pain could be one of the presenting symptoms among the patients infected with dengue virus and a radiological evaluation might be of relevance in medical management of dengue infection.

BACKGROUND Several studies have demonstrated an association between subclinical hypothyroidism and diabetic retinopathy with conflicting results. This study is aimed to find out if any such association exists as it may have therapeutic implications as both conditions are commonly seen. MATERIALS AND METHODS This case-control study was done at RLJ hospital, Kolar, Karnataka. A total of 150 cases and 150 controls were screened for thyroid function. SCH patients were defined as having TSH level >4.0 μIU/ml under normal free thyroxine level conditions without taking any thyroid medications. Euthyroid was defined as normal TSH and free thyroxine levels. Blood samples from diabetic patients satisfying the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken, after written informed consent was obtained. Subject’s height and weight were measured. Body mass index was calculated as weight divided by height squared. Blood pressure was measured in the sitting position after 10 minutes of rest. Fasting venous blood sample was collected for measurement of glucose, lipid profile and thyroid function. HbA1c was measured using high-performance liquid chromatography instruments. RESULTS Mean age of cases was 56 ± 9 years and mean age of controls was 56.5 ± 10.2 years. There was no significant difference in mean age between two groups. (Age matching achieved). Majority of cases and controls were males. There was no significant difference in Gender distribution. (Gender Matching achieved). There was no significant difference in mean FBS, PPBS and HbA1c between two groups. CONCLUSION The study concludes that TSH levels were significantly higher in cases than in controls after matching age, gender and glycemic control. Subclinical hypothyroidism is more frequently seen in diabetic retinopathy patients and was more common in PDR patients than NPDR patients.

Background: The role of HbA1C in predicting the outcomes of acute coronary syndrome remains controversial. Lesser is known about it in non-diabetic patients. Therefore authors conducted a study to seek association between the HbA1C levels and the clinical outcome in non-diabetic patients who presented with acute coronary syndrome. Objective of the study was to estimate HbA1C levels in population of prediabetics and non-diabetics and to document and correlate major adverse cardiac events in prediabetic and non-diabetics.Method: This case control study included consecutive patients (n=68) without known diabetes mellitus admitted with acute coronary syndrome (STEMI, NSTEMI, UA) at our hospital. HbA1c was measured on admission. The patients were divided into 2 groups according to their HbA1c level (group 1 HbA1c5.7%). The main outcome was MACE (major adverse cardiac events including cardiogenic shock, arrhythmia, heart failure).Results: There was no significant difference between baseline characteristics of both groups but complications were seen in higher number cases with HbA1c >5.7%. No significant difference in mortality was found. On analysis HbA1c >5.7% was found to be an independent predictor of MACE.Conclusion: HbA1C is a predictor of major adverse cardiac events. Measurement of HbA1C levels may improve risk assessment in such patients presenting with ACS.

Many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not take medications as prescribed, resulting in suboptimal glycemic control and a greater risk of diabetes complications. Taking medications regularly requires adequate health literacy and numeracy skills, but associations between health literacy and numeracy skills and medication adherence have been mixed. We used validated, reliable, and widely accepted measures to examine the relationship between health literacy, numeracy, and medication adherence among a sample of adults with T2D. We analyzed cross-sectional data using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. For every 1 point increase on the Brief Health Literacy Screen and Subjective Numeracy Scale, participants were 1.8 and 2.7 times more likely to optimally take medications ( p < .05). Health literacy and numeracy skills should be considered in the design of education materials for diabetes medication management and adherence. [ HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice . 2018;2(1):e15–e20.]

The spacecraft navigation is done by the communication of radio waves with ground stations in earth. Delta Differential One-Way Ranging (ADOR), is a powerful interplanetary navigation technique, provides the angular position measurements of a spacecraft. Its principle is to measure the difference in the arrival time of a spacecraft signal at two ground stations, and calibrating it with an ICRF (International Celestial Reference Frame) quasar signal. The correlation processing is the core section of the receiving system and it gathers signals from independent antennas which are then processed to find essential data that are used for the guidance and navigation of a spacecraft. The aim of this work is to analyse the time lag correlation section of XF correlator used for Delta-DOR.

Radio interferometric techniques have been applied to the tracking of spacecraft and enables precise measurement of the angular positions of spacecraft, stars and other cosmic objects in deep space. The image, or intensity distribution, of a source from the deep space has a Fourier transform that is the two-point correlation function of the electric field, whose components can be directly measured by an interferometer. In Very Long Baseline Interferometry (VLBI), the received signals are converted to an intermediate frequency low enough that they could be recorded directly on a magnetic tape and then given to the correlator. Delta differential One-way Ranging (ΔDOR), is an application of VLBI and is a powerful interplanetary navigation technique providing a direct measurement of the angular position of a spacecraft. The correlation processing is the core section of the receiving system and it gathers signals from independent antennas which are then processed to find essential data that are used for the guidance and navigation of a spacecraft. This paper explains the importance of data correlation in radio interferometry and then discusses different types of the correlators used for radio interferometry like XF, FX, HXF correlators. Then XF correlator will be explained in detail and the performance of time lag correlation section and the spectral response for different values of integration lengths of different time delays will be analysed.