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Abstract Many neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD), Lewy body disease (LBD), multiple system atrophy (MSA), etc., show colocalized deposits of TDP-43 and α-synuclein (αS) aggregates. To understand whether these colocalizations are driven by specific molecular interactions between the two proteins, we previously showed that the prion-like C-terminal domain of TDP-43 (TDP-43PrLD) and αS synergistically interact to form neurotoxic heterotypic amyloids in homogeneous buffer conditions. However, it remains unclear if αS can modulate TDP-43 present within liquid droplets and biomolecular condensates called stress granules (SGs). Here, using cell culture and in vitro TDP-43PrLD – RNA liquid droplets as models along with microscopy, nanoscale AFM-IR spectroscopy, and biophysical analyses, we uncover the interactions of αS with phase-separated droplets. We learn that αS acts as a Pickering agent by forming clusters on the surface of TDP-43PrLD – RNA droplets. The aggregates of αS on these clusters emulsify the droplets by nucleating the formation of heterotypic TDP-43PrLD amyloid fibrils, structures of which are distinct from those derived from homogenous solutions. Together, these results reveal an intriguing property of αS to act as a Pickering agent while interacting with SGs and unmask the hitherto unknown role of αS in modulating TDP-43 proteinopathies.

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In the evolving landscape of anatomy education, this review highlights the game changing advancements and their educational implications, focusing on the integration of three-dimensional (3D) printing, bioinks, organ printing, and tissue engineering technologies. While traditional teaching methodologies offer basic foundational knowledge, there are recognized gaps, particularly in providing a dynamic understanding of the human anatomy. 3D printing technologies, including digital anatomical printing and polyjet, emerge as crucial tools for bridging this gap and allowing the creation of customized and detailed anatomical models that facilitate a deeper understanding of the subject. Bioinks play a vital role in developing interactive tissue models, enhancing students' engagement with living tissues and providing insight into cellular functions and physiological processes. The review also explores organ printing and contribution of tissue engineering in offering detailed organ replicas and biological substitutes enhancing students' interaction and understanding of anatomy further. These innovations significantly influence modern anatomical pedagogy by fostering interactive learning, providing personalized educational tools and preparing students effectively for their future careers in healthcare. This comprehensive review aims not only to explore these technologies but also to anticipate the future of anatomical education, offering a vision where learning is as intricate and dynamic as the anatomy it elucidates.

Background: Hydrokinesiotherapy facilitates a more significant lifestyle change in patients with cardiovascular disease than dry exercise does. Considerably smaller number of studies focus on the burden of assessing cardiac rehabilitation in water than on dry cardiovascular rehabilitation, particularly in patients with chronic heart failure. Methods: In this contribution we have included research studies published in electronic databases and journals by the end of 2019 as well as our own experience with hydrokinesiotherapy of cardiovascular diseases. Results and conclusions: At the end of the 20th century, it was recommended to include low- and medium-risk patients who tolerate well the dry exercises with a physiotherapist. Water exercise in high-risk patients has not been well-founded by sufficient research. Since then, research studies with good hydrokinesiotherapy outcomes have been published in patients with severe left ventricular impairment. The studies cited in our contribution indicate that the patients with steady heart failure experience have improved the parameters, while at the same time hydrokinesiotherapy has been proven as an effective and safe alternative to conventional exercise. The water stress testing in patients with ischemic heart disease was proven reliable and safe. While respecting the criteria that emerged from experimental studies and practice, it is possible for hydrokinesiotherapy to become the part of the lifestyle in patients with chronic heart failure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Germinal centers (GCs), sites of antibody affinity maturation, are organized into dark (DZ) and light (LZ) zones. Here, we show a B cell-intrinsic role for signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in GC DZ and LZ organization. Altered zonal organization of STAT3-deficient GCs dampens development of long-lived plasma cells (LL-PCs) but increases memory B cells (MBCs). In an abundant antigenic environment, achieved here by prime-boost immunization, STAT3 is not required for GC initiation, maintenance, or proliferation but is important for sustaining GC zonal organization by regulating GC B cell recycling. Th cell-derived signals drive STAT3 tyrosine 705 and serine 727 phosphorylation in LZ B cells, regulating their recycling into the DZ. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) analyses identified STAT3 regulated genes that are critical for LZ cell recycling and transiting through DZ proliferation and differentiation phases. Thus, STAT3 signaling in B cells controls GC zone organization and recycling, and GC egress of PCs, but negatively regulates MBC output.

Background: Although the impact of weather on chronic diseases was known as long as ago as ancient China, yet there are few studies dealing with this issue. Objectives: To assess the impact of unfavorable meteorological conditions on pain and physical activity of people suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) and consider options to mitigate their negative effects. Methodology: In this work, we present findings from studies published in electronic databases and journals by the end of 2016, focused on objectification of the impact of weather on pain and physical activity of people with OA and the options of hypoalgesia via exercise. Results: Most people with OA are meteo-sensitive. The intensity and prevalence of meteo-sensitivity increases with age and is more common in women.Up to now, biological mechanisms influencing pain in meteo-sensitive patients have not been satisfactorily explained. However, all studies have confirmed discomfort both in somatic and mental area. Conclusion: Restitution of physical fitness and mental well-being which does not activate the source of nociception, acts hypalgesic. Physical activity of people with OA should be adapted to weather variances. Increased overall excitability with increased muscle tone with the weather changes can be influenced by relaxation techniques of yoga or autogenous training and complemented by other procedures according to the type of disorder.Several studies recommend some techniques and procedures developed by yoga or Chinese physical exercises (Tai Chi). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major culprit to cause morbidity in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients. Endothelial dysfunction (ED) precedes the progressed stage of CVD presentation. This study aimed to study the risk factors for ED and identify the modifiable factors for risk reduction and provide caution measures. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional observational study included 100 adult patients with T2DM on oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin therapy. Based on glycemic control, type 2 diabetic patients were divided into four groups: Group 1 (poor glycemic control and hemoglobin A1C (HbA1c) >9%), Group 2 (fair glycemic control and HbA1c 8%–8.9%), Group 3 (good glycemic control and HbA1C 7–7.9%), and Group 4 (excellent glycemic control, HbA1C 4.41 mm) with mean FMD of 4.58%. There was a statistically significant association seen between baseline brachial artery diameter and FMD (P < 0.05). Multivariate linear regression showed that HbA1c and treatment of both Oral hypoglycemic agents (OHA) and insulin were the significant independent factors affecting the ED with OR of 7.566 (P = 0.0003) and 0.013 (P = 0.011), respectively. Conclusion: In diabetics, the risk of ED is increased with worsening levels of lipid profile and glycemia irrespective of the age and duration of the disease.

Argonaute 2 (AGO2) binds RAS and is required for cellular transformation. Here, the authors establish a KRAS-driven mouse model of pancreatic cancer with conditional loss of AGO2 and show that the early phase of neoplastic lesion initiation is dependent on EGFR/RAS but not AGO2, while AGO2 is required for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma progression and metastasis.

Background: The aim of this study is to quantitatively evaluate the remineralization potential of three remineralizing systems as follows: fluoride, casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), and CPP-ACP with fluoride, under scanning electron microscope with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Materials and Methods: In this in vitro study A total of 40 enamel specimens were prepared from the buccal or lingual surfaces of human premolars extracted for orthodontic reason. Specimens were then placed in demineralizing solution for 96 h, to produce artificial caries-like lesion. Calcium and phosphate weight percentage of demineralized specimens was measured. Specimens were divided into four groups as follows: (a) control, (b) CPP-ACP, (c) CPP-ACP with fluoride, and (d) fluoride varnish. Except for the control group, the entire specimens were subjected to remineralization using respective remineralizing agents of their groups. The prepared specimens were assessed for calcium and phosphate weight percentage using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Tukey's test, was performed with the help of critical difference (CD) or least significant difference at 5% and 1% level of significance. P ≤ 0.05 was taken to be statistically significant and P < 0.001 as statistically highly significant. Results: The mean weight percentage of calcium and phosphorus of specimens treated with CPP-amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomplexes plus fluoride (ACPF) was significantly higher than other groups. Conclusion: All the groups showed statistically significant remineralization. However, because of added benefit of fluoride, CPP-ACPF showed statistically significant amount of remineralization than CPP-ACP.

B-1a B cells are innate-like cells with biased reactivity to bacteria and self-antigens. Here the authors show that reduced interleukin-7 in developing fetal liver-derived pro-B cells induces premature immunoglobulin κ rearrangement, alleviating the requirement for a pre-BCR selection stage and allowing the generation of autoreactive B1-a B cells.

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of dental fear and anxiety among children aged 4–13 years using three fear scales, i.e., facial image scale (FIS), Nepalese version of Children's Fear Survey Schedule–Dental Subscale (CFSS-DS), and Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale (MCDAS). Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 300 children (4–13 years) who visited the Department of Pedodontics and Preventive Dentistry. The fear and anxiety levels were measured using three fear measurement scales, i.e., FIS, Nepalese version of CFSS-DS, and MCDAS. The dental behavior observed was rated according to the Frankl's Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS). Results: The prevalence of dental fear according to FIS was 11.9% as evident from children having FIS 4 and 5 scores. Dental fear with CFSS-DS ≥38 was identified in 49 children (21 [12.5%] male and 28 [21.21%] female). In assessment of the behavior of children in the clinics through FBRS, it was observed that the maximum number of respondents (70.6%) showed Frankl's rating 3, i.e., positive. Conclusion: The Nepalese versions of the CFSS-DS and the MCDAS are both reliable and valid scales for evaluating dental anxiety and fear in young children. Assessing dental anxiety and fear is useful, as behavior management can be designed accordingly for child patients.

The continental collision process has made a large contribution to continental growth and reconfiguration of cratons throughout Earth history. Many of the mountain belts present today are the product of continental collision such as the Appalachians, the Alps, the Cordillera, the Himalaya, the Zagros, and the Papuan Fold and Thrust Belt. Though collisional mountain belts are generally elongate and laterally continuous, close inspection reveals disruptions and variations in thrust geometry and kinematics along the strike of the range. These lateral variations typically coincide with cross structures and have been documented in thrust fault systems with a variety of geometries and kinematic interpretations. In the Himalaya, cross faults provide segment boundaries that, in some cases separate zones of differing thrust geometry and may even localize microseismicity or limit areas of active seismicity on adjacent thrust systems. By compiling data on structural segmentation along the length of the Himalayan range, we find lateral variations at all levels within the Himalaya. Along the Gish fault of the eastern Indian Himalaya, there is evidence in the foreland for changes in thrust-belt geometry across the fault. The Gish, the Ganga, and the Yamuna faults all mark boundaries of salients and recesses at the mountain front. The Benkar fault in the Greater Himalayan sequence of eastern Nepal exhibits a brittle-ductile style of deformation with fabric that crosscuts the older thrust-sense foliation. Microseismicity data from several regions in Nepal shows linear, northeast-striking clusters of epicenters sub-parallel to cross faults. The map pattern of aftershock data from the 2015 Nepal earthquakes has an abrupt northeast-trending termination on its eastern side suggesting the presence of a structure of that orientation that limited slip. The orientations of the recognized cross faults and seismic patterns also align with the extensional zones to the north on the Tibetan Plateau and the Indian basement structures to the south. Results from multiple studies are consistent with a link between cross faults and either of these structural trends to the north or south and suggest that cross faults may play a role in segmenting deformation style and seismic activity along the length of the Himalaya.

Summary: The RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation is installed by the METTL3-METTL14 methyltransferase complex. This modification has critical regulatory roles in various biological processes. Here, we report that deletion of Mettl14 dramatically reduces mRNA m6A methylation in developing B cells and severely blocks B cell development in mice. Deletion of Mettl14 impairs interleukin-7 (IL-7)-induced pro-B cell proliferation and the large-pre-B-to-small-pre-B transition and causes dramatic abnormalities in gene expression programs important for B cell development. Suppression of a group of transcripts by cytoplasmic m6A reader YTHDF2 is critical to the IL-7-induced pro-B cell proliferation. In contrast, the block in the large-pre-B-to-small-pre-B transition is independent of YTHDF1 or YTHDF2 but is associated with a failure to properly upregulate key transcription factors regulating this transition. Our data highlight the important regulatory roles of the RNA m6A methylation and its reader proteins in early B cell development.

B-cell development is tightly regulated by transcription programs that are coordinated by transcription factors (TF) and locus accessibility. Here the authors show that, in mice and humans, the epigenetic reader BRWD1 inhibits and promotes the accessibility of enhancers for early and late B lymphopoiesis, respectively.

Background: Optimal feeding of infants and young children is of utmost importance for their better health and survival; deviation from this will result in infections, malnutrition or other morbidities and death as its worst consequence. Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess the IYCF practices among mothers having children of 0-23 Months, especially in accordance with WHO Indicators for the same. Methods: A Cross-Sectional Study was done among 360 mothers having children of 0-23 Months attending a tertiary health care institution, Kolkata during Oct-Nov, 2016. Results: Out of 170 infants aged 0-5 month 89.4% were exclusively breast fed; rest were predominantly breastfed. Around 30% babies were bottle-fed while only 33.3% children started complementary feeding from 6-8 months of age. Majority of the children i.e.70.0% of 6-23 months fulfilled minimum meal frequency whereas only 30% fulfilled minimum dietary diversity. Adequate diet was taken by 36.8 % of the 6-23 months old children. Conclusion: IYCF practices among mothers are still sub-optimal which need to be addressed urgently for attaining healthy childhood while avoiding morbidities and premature death.

Introduction: Prevention of parent-to-child transmission (PPTCT) program aims at reduction of HIV transmission through vertical route. Although medical intervention reduces chance of HIV transmission substantially, several demographic factors are often contributory. Minimum literacy is required for HIV-infected individuals to understand the course of medicine and to ensure compliance to the treatment which may have impact on vertical transmission. The objective of this study is to analyze relationship between maternal education and possibility of her babies to get HIV infected. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study was carried out through analysis of secondary data during the period from April 13 to September 16 from all stand-alone integrated counseling and testing centers in West Bengal. A total number of 326 HIV-exposed babies, whose 6th week HIV-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) reports are available and both the mother-baby received PPTCT services, were recruited in the study, and their maternal literacy status was substantiated and analyzed. Results: HIV positivity among HIV-exposed babies was found to be 6.67% whose mothers were illiterate as compared to 5.55% whose mothers were literate up to primary standard and 3.93% whose mothers were educated up to secondary standard. HIV positivity among the exposed babies whose mothers studied higher secondary standard or above showed zero HIV positivity. Chi-square was done to ascertain statistical significance but result was inconclusive although the trend shows increasing chance of HIV-exposed babies to get infected with decreasing literacy. Conclusion: Maternal literacy status favorably influences vertical transmission of HIV.

Multilayer capacitors consist of multiple, often hundreds of capacitors connected in parallel to maximize volumetric efficiency. As the dielectric and electrode layer thicknesses are scaled down, microstructural imperfections become increasingly influential on the device electrical performance. Specifically, the presence of nonplanar and discontinuous electrodes can lead to local field enhancements while the relative morphologies of two adjacent electrodes determine variations in the local dielectric thickness. To study the effects of electrode morphologies, an analytical approach is taken to calculate the field enhancement and leakage current with respect to an ideal parallel-plate capacitor. It is shown that the electrode roughness causes the leakage current to increase with respect to that of the ideal flat parallel-plate capacitor. To further include the effects of local curvature on electric field enhancements, finite element methods are used to calculate field distributions within capacitor structures containing rough interfaces and porosity. In these simulations, the effects of electrode pore diameters, dielectric layer thickness, and the amplitude and wavelength of the electrode roughness are studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multilayer ceramic capacitors ( MLCCs), owing to their processing conditions, can exhibit microstructure defects, such as electrode porosity and roughness. The effect of such extrinsic defects on the electrical performance of these devices needs to be understood to achieve successful miniaturization. To understand the influence of microstructural defects on field distributions and leakage current, the three-dimensional (3-D) microstructure of a local region in MLCCs is reconstructed using a serial-sectioning technique in the focused ion beam. This microstructure is then converted into a finite element model to simulate the perturbations in electric field due to the presence of electrode defects. The electric field is significantly enhanced in the vicinity of such defects, and this is expected to have a bearing on the leakage current density of these devices. To simulate the scaling effects, the dielectric layer thickness is reduced in the 3-D microstructure keeping the same electrode morphology. It is seen that the effect of microstructure defects is more pronounced as one approaches thinner layers, leading to higher local electric field concentrations and a concomitant drop in insulation resistance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zbtb16-encoded transcription factor PLZF directs the differentiation of multiple innate and innate-like cell lineages, but how Zbtb16 itself is regulated remains unclear. Here the authors show, using CRISPR gene editing, ATAC-seq and ChIP-seq, that specific Runx1-bound enhancer elements critically modulate lineage-dependent expressions of PLZF.

Dynamical reflection electron microscopy (REM) can provide a wealth of time-resolved data pertinent to the initial and intermediate stages of cluster growth. REM allows one to follow and quantify the size and shape evolution of individual clusters. Average cluster size and cluster density data can be obtained as a function of time due to the large field of view produced by REM image foreshortening. We describe here a methodology for extracting these data from dynamical REM experiments, based on a geometrical model for the interpretation of REM images from two- and three-dimensional clusters. This methodology has been applied to studies of In cluster growth on (110) surfaces at 650°C. The average In cluster height and length initially increased as a fourth root of time, with a constant contact angle with the surface, consistent with surface-diffusion-limited growth of 3D clusters. The same behavior was found in the later stage of cluster growth, but the intermediate stage showed anomalous power laws for the cluster height and base length, accompanied by a decrease in the contact angle between the In clusters and the (110) surface. This anomalous regime can be explained by growth of In clusters into the InP substrate, when the true contact angle is no longer defined with respect to the InP(110) surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To address maintenance and durability issues for concrete pavement, the City and County of Denver explored the use of carbon nano-tube admixtures. This research documents the hardened and fresh properties of two mix designs that use carbon nano-tube admixture as a water reducer. The authors performed compressive strength, slump and air-entrainment tests. Results indicate that the 3 gallon-per-yard (GPY) (14.85 l/m3) mix provides both the highest slump and the highest compressive strength, while meeting the air-entrainment specifications for Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Class E 12 h Concrete Mix. While additional testing is recommended to evaluate long-term maintenance impacts, initial results are promising and suggest that adoption of a 3 GPY (14.85 l/m3) mix may be a viable alternative for CDOT. The contribution of this research is to document preliminary laboratory and in-situ testing of carbon nano-tube admixtures in concrete pavement mix design. Keywords: Carbon nano-tubes, Admixture, Concrete mix design, Concrete pavement

Background: Six-minute walk test (6MWT) is a simple, objective, reproducible test which correlated well with different spirometric indices, and thus able to predict severity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can replace spirometry in resource poor set-up. Aims and Objectives: To find out correlation between spirometric indices (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV 1 ), forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR)) and 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) in COPD patients, and thus to assess whether 6MWT can replace spirometry. Settings and Design: Institution based cross-sectional observational study. Materials and Methods: Eighty patients of COPD (diagnosis confirmed by Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2010 criteria) were enrolled for the study after applying exclusion criteria. All patients underwent spirometric measurement of FEV 1 , FVC, PEFR, and ratio of FEV 1 and FVC and test repeated after bronchodilation by 200-400 μg of salbutamol. 6MWT was performed following American Thoracic Society (ATS) protocol of 6MWT and distance was measured in meters. Results: We found significant linear correlation of 6MWT with post-FEV 1 (r = 0.478, P < 0.001), post-FVC (r = 0.454, P < 0.001), and post-PEFR (r = 0.408, P < 0.001), but no correlation with FEV 1 /FVC (r = 0.250, P = 0.025). We also found significant correlation of 6MWT with BODE (body mass index (BMI), airway obstruction, dyspnea, and exercise capacity) index (r = −0.419, P < 0.001). Conclusions: 6MWT can be a useful replacement of spirometry in assessment of severity of COPD.

Context: Caries is one of the devastating problems affecting the dental hard tissue structure. It may infect both spontaneously conceived and in vitro fertilization (IVF) children. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries status affecting deciduous, mixed, and permanent dentition of IVF and spontaneously conceived children of West Bengal utilizing caries assessment spectrum and treatment (CAST). Settings and Design: In a cross-sectional case-control study of dental caries status of 3–14-year-old children were evaluated. The case group consisted of term, singleton babies who were the consequence of IVF in the studied area in 2012–2013. Subjects and Methods: The control group was consisted of term, first child, singleton, and spontaneously conceived 3–14-year-old children who were also a resident of our mentioned studied area. A sample of 351 IVF and 351 spontaneously conceived children was examined. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was carried out using Chi-square tests or Z-test. Results: Statistically significant difference found in studied, i.e., IVF children and control group, i.e. spontaneously conceived children. Conclusions: IVF children are considered better than spontaneously conceived children when studied in relation to dental caries status evaluated through CAST.

Fused tooth and talon cusp are both developmental anomalies affecting mainly permanent dentition. Talon cusp is more common on the palatal surfaces of the permanent maxillary anteriors. Here is a case report of the fusion of mandibular anteriors with both the labial and lingual talon cusps.

Aim: The primary aim of the following study is to evaluate and secondary aim is to compare clinically and radiographically the success of using white mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) versus formocresol (FC) medicament for primary tooth pulpotomy. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 teeth were selected for pulpotomy; of which 50 teeth underwent FC pulpotomy and 50 teeth underwent pulpotomy with white MTA. Out of 100 treated teeth, 82 teeth (42 FC and 40 MTA teeth) were available at the end of 24 months for evaluation. 4 failures were found in FC group at 1 st month evaluation and no failures were found in white MTA group. A statistical analysis was performed to evaluate the overall success rate of study and individual success rates of medicaments. Overall success rate of the study was 95%, success rate of FC group was 90.48% and success rate of MTA group was 100%. Results: MTA produced better results as pulpotomy medicament in comparison to FC. The superior success obtained in the present study was matching other studies mentioned in the literature. Conclusion: MTA seems to be a promising pulpotomy medicament for future use.

Chronic arsenic exposure causes cutaneous effects like hyperkeratosis, peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, non-cirrhotic portal hypertension, hepatomegaly, peripheral neuropathy, respiratory involvement, bad obstetrical outcome, hematological disturbances, and diabetes mellitus. Here we present a case of a 24-year-old lady, with chronic exposure to arsenic, presenting to us with progressive dyspnea. We found pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) as a cause of her dyspnea. PAH can occur in arsenicosis, secondary to arsenic-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung fibrosis, and portal hypertension, which we excluded by appropriate investigations in our case. We also excluded a familial or heritable form of PAH. Thus, with the exclusion of all these secondary causes of PAH, as well as a hereditary cause, we came to a conclusion that this PAH might be due to chronic arsenic exposure. To the best of our knowledge, no case of PAH in chronic arsenicosis has been reported to date.

Pneumoconiosis has been identified in an adult dead spoonbill (Platalea leucorodia) from a Zoo in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. An environmental automobile pollutants present around that ambient may be the cause of pneumoconiosis.

Concomitant infestation of Ascaridia spp. along with Raillietina spp. and Emeria spp. has been identified in Indian Peafowl (Pavo cristatus) of Ramnabagan Mini Zoo, Burdwan, West Bengal, India.

Objective: This study was carried out to measure the caries prevalence and treatment needs in school children of 6-14 year old residing in coastal areas of West Bengal. Materials and Methods: A total of 1764 children of 6-14 years age group, studying in different primary and high schools of the coastal areas were examined using World Health Organization criteria (1997) to record the prevalence of dental caries. The treatment needs were also calculated according to that given criteria. Statistical Analysis: The results were subjected to statistical analysis using the Chi-square test and unpaired ′t′ test. Results: Dental caries were founded low in the studied population. The overall all caries prevalence in the permanent dentition was 28.06%, in boys it was 25.39% and in girls it was 30.86%. Therefore caries prevalence in female was higher and which was statistically highly significant (P < 0.05). The most frequently required treatment was one surface filling followed by other treatments irrespective of sex and age group. Discussion: The presence of sea foods containing high fluoride and least availability of refined carbohydrate in the diet may be the reason of lower prevalence. Conclusion: child oral health is always a matter of concern for a developing country so further research is required to explore actual causes.