Search

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between endodontic pathologies and CVDs. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed from databases such as PubMed MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and Science Direct, spanning the period from 2011 to 2022. Papers meeting the eligibility criteria were taken out and were critically examined. Results: Thirteen papers meeting the eligibility criteria were identified from databases, out of which a total of five studies were further evaluated on the basis of inclusion criteria. Conclusion: The findings of this scoping review indicate a correlation between CVDs and endodontic pathologies, underscoring the necessity for future studies to provide robust evidence to support this association.

Abstract This research addresses the scalable and inexpensive synthesis of α-Fe2O3via hydrothermal method without any precipitating agent as well as the enhancement of solar driven photocatalytic and H2 production through doping different chromium proportions. Competency of α-Fe2O3, both pure and doped with chromium, to function as photocatalyst was evaluated by its interaction with multiple dyes, which was real-time monitored utilizing (Internet of Things) IoT technique. By adding chromium, the rate of deterioration increased substantially from 15 to 94% for TB under sunlight in a remarkably brief 20 min by employing a very small amount of Cr0.8Fe1.2O3 (0.3 g/L), as evidenced by high degree of mineralization i.e. 85% and LC-HRMS. Also, the rapid breakdown of Trypan Blue (TB) was indicated by BOD5/COD ratio. Moreover, Cr-doped α-Fe2O3 displays excellent H2 production (~ 132 μmol h−1 g−1) as compared to α-Fe2O3. This work highlights the potential utilization of Cr-doped α-Fe2O3 for the purification of industrial waste water and green energy harvesting.

Metal-semiconductor plasmonic nanosystems have the ability to extract photocarriers generated on colloidal gold nanoparticles efficiently through the Schottky junction. This process leads to effective visible light photocatalysis. However, due to the short lifespan of plasmon carriers, plasmonic loss occurs before extraction by the semiconductor and transfer to the adsorbent. We aim to investigate the direct transfer of plasmonic energy to adsorbed organic pollutants in visible light photocatalysis using unsupported colloidal gold nanorods (Au NRs). Our decision to use gold nanorods is based on their exceptional ability to harness a greater amount of visible light through their longitudinal surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) at 765 nm and transverse surface plasmon resonance (TSPR) band at 521 nm. Additionally, we conducted experiments to evaluate the photocatalytic capabilities under specific wavelengths, such as blue (405 nm), green (532 nm), and red (660 nm) lasers, to gain a better understanding of the -d-sp interband transition and the role of surface plasmon in photocatalysis. Surprisingly, unsupported Au NRs showed only weak plasmonic photocatalysis under all these excitations. With the help of supporting characterization tools, we observed that without semiconductor support, the photoexcited carriers over Au nanorods are not well separated, resulting in reduced photocatalysis.

Information on the long-term effects of the addition of organics and fertilizers to wheat under the pearl millet–wheat cropping system with semi-arid conditions in north-western India is still lacking. The present research was conducted in an ongoing field experiment initiated during Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of Chaudhary Charan Singh at Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar. After 25 years, the impacts of nutrient management practices on soil fertility and wheat productivity were evaluated. The experiment comprised a total of eight treatment combinations viz. half and full doses of recommended fertilizers (N and P), organic manures (FYM: farmyard manure, POM: poultry manure, and PRM: press mud) alone and in combination with NP fertilizers. The conjoint application of organic manure and chemical fertilizers resulted in a positive influx of nutrients via increasing total organic carbon (TOC), available N, P, K, and S, which ranged from 0.46 to 1.42%, 122.70 to 194.70, 15.66 to 74.92, 340.5 to 761.2, and 15.26 to 54.63 kg ha−1 in surface soil (0–15 cm), respectively. Carbon fractions and crop yield were significantly improved by adopting integrated nutrient management (INM). The TOC showed a positive and significant correlation with C fractions (r > 0.92) and with soil-available N, P, K, and S (r > 0.77) content. The data also revealed a strong relationship between TOC and soil-available (0–15 cm) nutrients i.e., available N (R2= 0.769), available P (R2 = 0.881), available K (R2 = 0.758), and available S (R2 = 0.914), respectively. Thus, practices that increased TOC were also beneficial in enhancing the availability of the nutrients in the soil. A positive and highly significant correlation was also found among wheat yield, nutrient (NPKS) content, and uptake. A polynomial relationship between grain yield and grain N (R2 = 0.962), P (R2 = 0.946), and K (R2 = 0.967) content, and between straw yield and straw N (R2 = 0.830), P (R2 = 0.541) and K (R2 = 0.976) content was obtained. Integrated use of PRM7.5 followed by FYM15 and POM5 coupled with NP fertilizers proved best, which could be beneficial for obtaining nutritious and highest wheat yield (grain: 6.01 t ha−1 and straw: 7.70 t ha−1) coupled with improved fertility within a sustained manner under the pearl millet–wheat sequence in prevailing semi-arid conditions of the North Indian state of Haryana.

An on-going long term field experiment started in Rabi 1995 at the Research Farm of the Department of Soil Science, Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar, Haryana (India) under the pearl millet-wheat cropping system was selected to study the effect of long-term application of organic manures and fertilizers on soil organic carbon and microbiological properties. Highest soil organic carbon (SOC: 1.18 %), dissolved OC (DOC: 64.74 mg kg−1) content, microbial biomass C (MBC: 618.40 mg kg−1), dehydrogenase (DHA: 72.83 μg TPF g−1 24 hr−1), alkaline phosphatase (APA: 685.44 μg PNP g−1 soil hr−1) and aryl sulfatase (ASA: 12.56 μg PNP g−1 soil hr−1) activities were observed with the application of 15 Mg FYM+150 kg N+30 kg P2O5 ha−1. Integrated application of chemical fertilizers with pressmud showed superiority in the improvement of microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN: 73.73 mg kg−1) and urease activity (69.54 μg NH4+ g−1 hr−1) than FYM or poultry manure plus NP. Beneficial impacts of the sole application of organic manures on SOC, DOC, MBC content, DHA, APA, and ASA were found in order as: FYM > pressmud > poultry manure. Impacts of nutrient management practices on soil carbon fractions decreased with depth. Poultry manure application, either alone or in combination with NP fertilizers was inferior to FYM and pressmud. The SOC had a positive relationship with MBC (R2 = 0.95) and MBN (R2 = 0.75) and, also showed a highly positive and significant correlation with microbiological properties of soil. This dynamic equilibrium among soil properties indicated that the nutrient management practices that improve SOC could lead to improve soil fertility and accrued microbiological properties in these soils. This study revealed that conjuctive use of organic manures and chemical fertilizers have positive impact on soil fertility and microbiological properties as compared to sole application of organic manures or fertilizers; and among organic manures, FYM was superior to pressmud followed by poultry manure.

Background: Family planning methods prevent pregnancy-related health risks for women. Aims and Objectives: This study was undertaken to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of various family planning methods among postnatal women in a Medical College Hospital. Materials and Methods: A standard predesigned questionnaire was asked to randomly selected 300 postnatal women who delivered at F.M. Medical College and Hospital, Balasore, Odisha, India over a period of 1 year. Data on sociodemographic variables, knowledge regarding various family planning methods, source of information, utilization, and reason for its none use were analyzed. Results: Majority were between the age group of 20–30 years (81%). About 91% were aware of its use. About 82% were aware of its need. About 75% of the women gave history of prior use of birth spacing methods. Withdrawal, oral contraceptive pills (OCP) and barrier were mostly used methods in the past (i.e., 31%, 19%, and 9%, respectively). Child spacing was most common reason for use of family planning methods. Majority were aware of OCPs (79%) followed by sterilization (72%), barrier methods (71%), intrauterine contraceptive device (53%), withdrawal (31%), and injectable (23%). Social circle (54%) and health-care provider (35%) were major source of knowledge. Man reason for non-utilization of family planning methods was desire of child (42%), fear of side effects (17%), and husband and in-law opposition (16%). Conclusion: In spite of high contraceptive knowledge and awareness, the actual use of modern family planning method is not satisfactory in our study which suggests proper counseling and education are required to increase its usage.

The viability testing in hemp seeds is a crucial step in its seed supply chain. Based on the legal status of hemp cultivation, each provincial area would benefit from the viability assessment, either by screening out dead seeds in legalized zones or by detecting the viable seeds in areas where hemp cultivation is not legalized. The routine procedure of assessing seed viability through germination tests takes a minimum of 7 days, which is practically not beneficial in the seed supply system. There is a need for developing a quick, reproducible, and fool-proof technique whereby seed lots can be rapidly screened, utilizing minimum resources. In this experiment, we have standardized a tetrazolium-based viability testing protocol which can identify the viability status of seed lots within 3 h.

Horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum [Lam.] Verdc.) is an underutilized pulse crop primarily cultivated in South Asian countries like India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It offers various nutraceutical properties and demonstrates remarkable resilience to both biotic and abiotic stresses. As a result, it has emerged as a promising crop for ensuring future food and nutritional security. The purpose of this study was to assess the nutritional profile of 139 horsegram germplasm lines obtained from 16 Indian states that were conserved at the National Gene Bank of India. Standard analytical methods, including those provided by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC), were used for this investigation. The study revealed substantial variability in essential nutrients, such as protein (ranging from 21.8 to 26.7 g/100 g), starch (ranging from 26.2 to 33.0 g/100 g), total soluble sugars (TSSs) (ranging from 0.86 to 12.1 g/100 g), phenolics (ranging from 3.38 to 11.3 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAEs)/g), and phytic acid content (ranging from 1.07 to 21.2 mg/g). Noteworthy correlations were observed, including a strong positive correlation between sugars and phenols (r = 0.70) and a moderate negative correlation between protein and starch (r = −0.61) among the studied germplasm lines. Principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that the first three principal components contributed to 88.32% of the total variability, with TSSs, phytates, and phenols emerging as the most significant contributors. The cluster analysis grouped the accessions into five clusters, with cluster III containing the accessions with the most desirable traits. The differential distribution of the accessions from north India into clusters I and III suggested a potential geographical influence on the adaptation and selection of genes. This study identified a panel of promising accessions exhibiting multiple desirable traits. These specific accessions could significantly aid quality breeding programs or be directly released as cultivars if they perform well agronomically.

Aim: Missed canals are one of the imperative reasons for failure of endodontic treatment of molars. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of middle mesial canal (MMC) in mandibular molars (1st and 2nd) in the population of Greater Noida and also to find relationship of intracanal distance between mesiobuccal (MB) and mesiolingual (ML) canals with the presence or absence of MMC. Materials and Methods: Previous cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of mandibular molars from patients were included. The following data were collected: Identification of MMC, the distance between MB and ML orifices, whether MMC was more prevalent in mandibular 1st or 2nd molar, whether MMC was prevalent in mandibular molars of right or left side. The results were analyzed using the Chi-square test and independent Student's t-test. Results: The overall prevalence of MMC was 21.8% (P < 0.05). MMC was more prevalent in mandibular first molar (29.7%) than mandibular second molar (16%) and overall prevalence of MMC was higher on the left side (24.3%) than on the right side (18.8%). The mean distance between MB and ML orifices was 2.9 mm and 3.4 mm with and without MMC respectively, (P < 0.05), i.e., the MB-ML intraorifice distance was inversely related with the presence of MMC. Binary logistic regression was used to determine the possible association between predictor (independent variable) the MB-ML orifice distance and the occurrence of the outcome variable, which was the presence of an MM canal. Conclusion: MMC is a common finding in the population of Greater Noida. Along with the use of CBCT, careful exploration of the pulpal floor between canal orifices is crucial to prevent missing the MMC.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial effect of Photosensitized Nanoparticles, Diode Laser (DL), and Conventional and Sonic Irrigation Systems against Enterococcus faecalis in root canals – An in vitro Study. Materials and Methods: The root canals of 104 extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared, and E. faecalis was incubated in the root canals for 1 week. The teeth were randomly divided into four experimental groups and one control group (n = 20): No treatment was done, sodium hypochloride (NaOCl) group (n = 20): Canals irrigated with5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl for 60 s, NaOCl and Endoactivator group (n = 20): Canals irrigated with 5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl for 60 s followed by activation of NaOCl with Endoactivator for 30 s, NaOCl and 910 nm DL group (n = 20): (1 W 5 times for 5 s) canals irrigation with5 ml of 2.5% NaOCl for 60 s followed by Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) with 910 nm DL, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)/Indocyanine green (ICG)/DL group (n = 20): DL modified PDT with 5 min of irrigation with 5 mL AgNPs (100 ppm)/ICG/910 nm DL (200 mW, 30 s). A reduction in colony count was assessed by counting colony-forming units by Digital Colony Counter. Results: Significant reductions were noted in E. faecalis colony counts in all groups (P < 0.05). The greatest reduction in colony count (99.93%) was noted in the NaOCl and DL group followed by NaOCl and Endoactivator group; however, the differences in this respect between the AN/ICG/DL group and NaOCl group were not significant (P > 0.05). Conclusions: NaOCl and 910 nm DL were more successful in reducing the number of E. faecalis colony counts followed by NaOCl and Endoactivator group but it can also be concluded that PDT with ICG, an 910 nm DL, and AgNPs has the potential to be used as an adjunct for disinfection of the root canal system.

In the present article, an ionic liquid-based polymer gel electrolyte was synthesized by using poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF-HFP) as a host polymer. The electrolyte films were synthesized by using the solution casting technique. The as-prepared films were free-standing and transparent with good dimensional stability. Optimized electrolyte films exhibit a maximum room-temperature ionic conductivity of σ = 8.9 × 10−3 S·cm−1. The temperature dependence of the prepared polymer gel electrolytes follows the thermally activated behavior of the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher equation. The total ionic transference number was ≈0.91 with a wider electrochemical potential window of 4.0 V for the prepared electrolyte film which contains 30 wt % of the ionic liquid. The optimized films have good potential to be used as electrolyte materials for energy storage applications.

Cold-induced activation of brown adipose tissue (BAT) has an important impact on systemic lipoprotein metabolism by accelerating the processing of circulating triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) expressed by adipocytes is translocated via endothelial to the capillary lumen, where LPL acts as the central enzyme for the vascular lipoprotein processing. Based on preliminary data showing that LPL is not only expressed in adipocytes but also in endothelial cells of cold-activated BAT, we aimed to dissect the relevance of endothelial versus adipocyte LPL for lipid and energy metabolism in the context of adaptive thermogenesis. By metabolic studies we found that cold-induced triglyceride uptake into BAT, lipoprotein disposal, glucose uptake and adaptive thermogenesis were not impaired in mice lacking Lpl exclusively in endothelial cells. This finding may be explained by a compensatory upregulation in the expression of adipocyte-derived Lpl and endothelial lipase (Lipg).

We report a rare case of unilateral localized amyloidosis of levator palpebrae superioris (LPS) muscle causing blepharoptosis. A 71-year-old male presented with a history of gradually progressing left upper eyelid ptosis. LPS resection was planned and the resected unusually thickened muscle was sent for histopathological examination which revealed amyloidosis. Investigations excluded systemic involvement. Amyloidosis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of aponeurotic ptosis.

Background: This study compared the shaping ability of four nickel-titanium rotary file systems of varying metallurgy along curved canals. Aim: The aim of the present study is to compare the shaping ability of rotary systems of varying metallurgy in curved canals and its analysis using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and Methods: Forty mesiobuccal canals of mandibular first molars with an angle of curvature ranging from 20° to 40° were divided according to the instrument used in canal preparation into four groups of 10 samples each: Hyflex CM (Group I), Vortex Blue (Group II), Flexicon (Group III), and K3XF (Group IV). All samples were instrumented according to the manufacturer's guidelines and prepared to size 30, 0.06-taper master apical file. Canals were scanned and evaluated using an NNT CBCT unit before and after preparation at different levels from the apex. The data were subjected to statistical analysis. Statistical Analysis: The intergroup comparison in terms of canal transportation and the time taken for canal preparation was done by the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test with Bonferroni post hoc test. The intragroup comparison in terms of canal transportation was done by the repeated measures ANOVA test with the post hoc Bonferroni test. For the canal-centering ability, the Kruskal–Wallis test with Mann–Whitney U-test was used for the intergroup comparison and the intragroup comparison was done by Friedman's test with Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results: Hyflex CM and Vortex Blue files showed significantly least canal transportation and highest canal-centering ability values as compared to Flexicon and K3XF file systems. Conclusion: The metallurgy and file design of Hyflex CM and Vortex Blue file systems resulted in superior shaping ability, with the instruments remaining more centered in the canal than Flexicon and K3XF.

Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy is an innovative approach in diabetes due to its capacity to modulate tissue microenvironment and regeneration of glucose-responsive insulin-producing cells. In this study, we investigated the role of MSC-derived exosomes in pancreatic regeneration and insulin secretion in mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated and characterized from umbilical cord blood (UCB). Exosomes were isolated and characterized from these MSCs. Diabetes was induced in male C57Bl/6 mice by streptozotocin (STZ; 40 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) for five consecutive days. The diabetic mice were administered (i.v.) with MSC (1×105 umbilical cord blood MSC cells/mice/day), their derived exosomes (the MSC-Exo group that received exosomes derived from 1×105 MSC cells/mice/day), or the same volume of PBS. Before administration, the potency of MSCs and their exosomes was evaluated in vitro by T cell activation experiments. After day 7 of the treatments, blood samples and pancreatic tissues were collected. Histochemistry was performed to check cellular architecture and β cell regeneration. In body weight, blood glucose level, and insulin level, cell proliferation assay was done to confirm regeneration of cells after MSC and MSC-Exo treatments. Hyperglycemia was also attenuated in these mice with a concomitant increase in insulin production and an improved histological structure compared to mice in the PBS-treated group. We found increased expression of genes associated with tissue regeneration pathways, including Reg2, Reg3, and Amy2b in the pancreatic tissue of mice treated with MSC or MSC-Exo relative to PBS-treated mice. MicroRNA profiling of MSC-derived exosomes showed the presence of miRs that may facilitate pancreatic regeneration by regulating the Extl3-Reg-cyclinD1 pathway. These results demonstrate a potential therapeutic role of umbilical cord blood MSC-derived exosomes in attenuating insulin deficiency by activating pancreatic islets’ regenerative abilities.

Objective: Obesity due to overnutrition causes adipose tissue dysfunction, which is a critical pathological step on the road to type 2 diabetes (T2D) and other metabolic disorders. In this study, we conducted an unbiased investigation into the fundamental molecular mechanisms by which adipocytes transition to an unhealthy state during obesity. Methods: We used nuclear tagging and translating ribosome affinity purification (NuTRAP) reporter mice crossed with Adipoq-Cre mice to determine adipocyte-specific 1) transcriptional profiles (RNA-seq), 2) promoter and enhancer activity (H3K27ac ChIP-seq), 3) and PPARγ cistrome (ChIP-seq) profiles in mice fed chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks. We also assessed the impact of the PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone (Rosi) on gene expression and cellular state of adipocytes from the HFD-fed mice. We integrated these data to determine the transcription factors underlying adipocyte responses to HFD and conducted functional studies using shRNA-mediated loss-of-function approaches in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Results: Adipocytes from the HFD-fed mice exhibited reduced expression of adipocyte markers and metabolic genes and enhanced expression of myofibroblast marker genes involved in cytoskeletal organization, accompanied by the formation of actin filament structures within the cell. PPARγ binding was globally reduced in adipocytes after HFD feeding, and Rosi restored the molecular and cellular phenotypes of adipocytes associated with HFD feeding. We identified the TGFβ1 effector protein SMAD to be enriched at HFD-induced promoters and enhancers and associated with myofibroblast signature genes. TGFβ1 treatment of mature 3T3-L1 adipocytes induced gene expression and cellular changes similar to those seen after HFD in vivo, and knockdown of Smad3 blunted the effects of TGFβ1. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that adipocytes fail to maintain cellular identity after HFD feeding, acquiring characteristics of a myofibroblast-like cell type through reduced PPARγ activity and elevated TGFβ-SMAD signaling. This cellular identity crisis may be a fundamental mechanism that drives functional decline of adipose tissues during obesity.

Micro-RNAs (miRs) encapsulated inside urinary exosomes (uEs) have the potential as early biomarkers. Previously, we reported that a rise in uE miR-451 predicted albuminuria in diabetic rats; however, whether the rise was protective or detrimental, and occurred in response to injury or general hyperglycemia, was unknown. To address this, we studied both human and rat models of renal disease. In humans, uE miR-451 was approximately twofold higher in subjects with early-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD; serum creatinine < 2.0 mg/dl; n = 28), as compared to age-matched healthy controls (n = 23), and had a significant negative correlation with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (r2 = −0.10, p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis of CKD subjects showed that those without diabetes had slightly (∼30%) but significantly higher uE miR-451 as compared to those with diabetes, with no differences in albumin excretion, eGFR, serum sodium, and potassium. Using human proximal tubule (hPT) cells, we found that locked nucleic acid (LNA) inhibition of miR-451 resulted in a significant increase in the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of kidney-injury-associated miR-451 targets, e.g., CAB39, TBX1, and YWHAZ, as compared to treatment with a control LNA. Moreover, hPT cells and their secreted exosomes showed an increase in miR-451 in response to mechanical injury but not high glucose (20 versus 5 mM). For further proof of concept, in diabetic rats, we showed that atorvastatin (AT), a treatment proven to attenuate renal injury without affecting systemic glucose levels, reduced uE miR-451 with the concomitant restoration of renal miR-451. These data elucidate the stimuli for renal miR-451 expression and exosomal release and support its role as a therapeutic target and early biomarker for renal injury in humans.

Pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (PAP) is a rare disease characterized by the deposition of extracellular lipoproteinaceous material within the air spaces. Although the diagnosis is mainly based on histopathological findings, sometimes, the diagnostic yield of transbronchial and even open lung biopsy can be unsatisfactory. The advantage with bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cytology is that apart from being safer for the patient, it can sample a much wider area and help in giving an early diagnosis and treatment to the patient. Herein, we present a case of PAP diagnosed on BAL fluid cytology in an elderly female.

Arachnoiditis ossificans (AO) is a rare type of chronic arachnoiditis characterized by the presence of calcification or ossification of the spinal arachnoid which is usually associated with progressive neurological deficits. It is usually followed by prior history of trauma, surgery, infection, or myelography. Magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography are the characteristics that are helpful in the diagnosis of most cases. Prognosis and treatment depends on the site and clinical presentation of the patients. We present a case of a young female who presented with a long-standing history of neurological symptoms and a intradural lesion mimicking a tumor.

Objective: The critical role of adipose tissue in energy and nutrient homeostasis is influenced by many external factors, including overnutrition, inflammation, and exogenous hormones. Prior studies have suggested that glucocorticoids (GCs) in particular are major drivers of physiological and pathophysiological changes in adipocytes. In order to determine whether these effects directly require the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) within adipocytes, we generated adipocyte-specific GR knockout (AGRKO) mice. Methods: AGRKO and control mice were fed chow or high fat diet (HFD) for 14 weeks. Alternatively, AGRKO and control mice were injected with dexamethasone for two months. Glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, adiposity, lipolysis, thermogenesis, and insulin signaling were assessed. Results: We find that obesity, insulin resistance, and dysglycemia associated with high fat feeding do not require an intact GR in the adipocyte. However, exogenous dexamethasone (Dex) promotes metabolic dysfunction in mice, and this effect is reduced in mice lacking GR in adipocytes. The ability of Dex to promote “whitening” of brown fat is also reduced in these animals. We also show that GR is required for β-adrenergic and cold stimulation-mediated lipolysis via expression of the key lipolytic enzyme ATGL. Conclusions: Our data suggest that the GR plays a role in normal adipose physiology via effects on lipolysis and mediates at least some of the adverse effects of exogenous steroids on metabolic function. The data also indicate that intra-adipocyte GR plays less of a role than previously believed in the local and systemic pathology associated with overnutrition.

Epigenomic mechanisms direct distinct gene expression programs for different cell types. Various in vivo tissues have been subjected to epigenomic analysis; however, these studies have been limited by cellular heterogeneity, resulting in composite gene expression and epigenomic profiles. Here, we introduce “NuTRAP,” a transgenic mouse that allows simultaneous isolation of cell-type-specific translating mRNA and chromatin from complex tissues. Using NuTRAP, we successfully characterize gene expression and epigenomic states of various adipocyte populations in vivo, revealing significant differences compared to either whole adipose tissue or in vitro adipocyte cell lines. We find that chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) using NuTRAP is highly efficient, scalable, and robust with even limited cell input. We further demonstrate the general utility of NuTRAP by analyzing hepatocyte-specific epigenomic states. The NuTRAP mouse is a resource that provides a powerful system for cell-type-specific gene expression and epigenomic profiling.

Achalasia cardia is an oesophageal motility disorder characterised by aperistalsis and failure of relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter. The management is predominantly palliative with focus on addressing the sphincter that involves either pneumatic dilatation or Heller myotomy which relieves dysphagia in the majority of the cases. End-stage achalasia (ESA) is characterised by failed myotomy, massively dilated and tortuous oesophagus with nutritional deterioration due to progressive dysphagia and vomiting. In these subgroups of patients, oesophagectomy may be the last resort. While oesophagectomy has been described for ESA before, thoracoscopic oesophagectomy has not been reported previously. Hereby, we report our experience of performing minimally invasive oesophagectomy (thoracoscopic) with the gastric pull-up.

INTRODUCTION: Infantile hemangioma is the most common benign tumor in infancy. Currently, oral propranolol is the treatment of choice for infantile hemangioma, but there is no consensus when it comes to its recommended dosage for this condition. Hence this study was conducted this study to find out the appropriate dosage of oral propranolol for treatment of infantile hemangioma. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted on 25 patients with infantile hemangioma, who were treated with gradually increasing dose of propranolol starting from a lower dose of 1mg/kg/day. RESULTS: 17/22(76%) patients showed regression of the tumor at the dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg/d. 5/22(24%) patients were unresponsive on lower dose and they did not respond even with the gradually escalated dose of 3-4 mg/kg/day. CONCLUSION: Propranolol in a lower dose of 1-1.5 mg/kg/day is safe and efficacious in the treatment of infantile hemangioma and the lesions which do not show initial response to the lower dose are unlikely to respond to the higher dose of 3-4 mg/kg/day.

A good optical quality semi-organic single crystal of Potassium Acid Phthalate (KAP) was harvested from aqueous solution by using slow evaporation solution growth technique (SEST) at ambient condition. The defect free single crystal of KAP was analyzed by different instrumentation techniques, for checking its compatibility for different applications. Its unit cell dimensions and phase purity was examined by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and found that it crystallizes in orthorhombic with non-centrosymmetric in nature. The quality of the grown ingot was assessed by high resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) technique and found that, the crystalline quality is better with less grain boundaries. Its optical properties were scrutinized by UV–vis., photoluminescence (PL) and time resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) measurements respectively. The mechanical stability of the grown crystal was tested by Vickers microhardness method and found that the grown crystal shows indentation size effect (ISE) which was explained using different theoretical models. Its third order nonlinear optical properties were studied by Z-scan measurement by using Ti:Sapphire laser as a source and determined its nonlinear absorption coefficient ( β ) and it was found that the KAP crystal is one of the preferable choices for optical limiting applications.

Aims: To compare the apical extrusion of Enterococcus faecalis after instrumentation with three different Ni-Ti rotary instruments- An in vitro study. Settings and Design: In vitro study Methods and Material: Forty freshly extracted mandibular premolars were mounted in bacteria collection apparatus and root canals were contaminated with a suspension of Enterococcus faecalis. The contaminated teeth were divided into 4 groups of 10 teeth each according to rotary system used for instrumentation: Group1: Hyflex files, Group 2: GTX files, Group 3: Protaper files and Group 4: control group (no instrumentation). Bacteria extruded after preparations were collected into vials and microbiological samples were incubated in BHI broth for 24 hrs. The colony forming units were determined for each sample. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA followed by post hoc independent " t" test. Results: GTX files extruded least amount of bacteria followed by Hyflex files. Maximum extrusion of E. faecalis was seen in rotary Protaper group. Conclusion: Least amount of extrusion was seen with GTX files followed by Hyflex files and then rotary Protaper system.

Cardiac triacylglycerol (TG) catabolism critically depends on the TG hydrolytic activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Perilipin 5 (Plin5) is expressed in cardiac muscle (CM) and has been shown to interact with ATGL and its coactivator comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58). Furthermore, ectopic Plin5 expression increases cellular TG content and Plin5-deficient mice exhibit reduced cardiac TG levels. In this study we show that mice with cardiac muscle-specific overexpression of perilipin 5 (CM-Plin5) massively accumulate TG in CM, which is accompanied by moderately reduced fatty acid (FA) oxidizing gene expression levels. Cardiac lipid droplet (LD) preparations from CM of CM-Plin5 mice showed reduced ATGL- and hormone-sensitive lipase-mediated TG mobilization implying that Plin5 overexpression restricts cardiac lipolysis via the formation of a lipolytic barrier. To test this hypothesis, we analyzed TG hydrolytic activities in preparations of Plin5-, ATGL-, and CGI-58-transfected cells. In vitro ATGL-mediated TG hydrolysis of an artificial micellar TG substrate was not inhibited by the presence of Plin5, whereas Plin5-coated LDs were resistant toward ATGL-mediated TG catabolism. These findings strongly suggest that Plin5 functions as a lipolytic barrier to protect the cardiac TG pool from uncontrolled TG mobilization and the excessive release of free FAs.

Non-invasive renal signatures can help in serial monitoring of diabetic patients. We tested whether urinary exosomal (UE) microRNA (miR) analysis could non-invasively predict renal pathology in diabetic rats during the course of diabetes. Diabetes mellitus (DM) was induced in male Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg body weight). Non-diabetic control (CTRL) rats were injected with vehicle. Insulin (INS) treatment (5U/d, s.c.) was provided to 50% of the DM rats. Urine samples were collected at weeks 3, 6, and 9 following injections and UE prepared. An increase in miR-451-5p and miR-16, observed by pilot small RNA sequencing of UE RNA, was confirmed by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and selected for further study. Subsets of rats were euthanized after 3, 6, and 9 weeks of diabetes for renal pathology analysis, including determination of the tubulointerstitial fibrotic index (TFI) and glomerulosclerotic index (GI) scores. qPCR showed a substantial rise in miR-451-5p in UE from DM rats during the course of diabetes, with a significant rise (median fold change >1000) between 3 and 6 weeks. Moreover, UE miR-451-5p at 6 weeks predicted urine albumin at 9 weeks (r = 0.76). A delayed but significant rise was also observed for miR-16. In contrast, mean urine albumin only increased 21% between 3 and 6 weeks (non-significant rise), and renal TFI and GI were unchanged till 9 weeks. Renal expression of miR-451-5p and miR-16 (at 10 weeks) did not correlate with urine levels, and moreover, was negatively associated with indices of renal pathology (r≥-0.70, p = 0.005 for TFI and r≥-0.6, p≤0.02 for GI). Overall, a relative elevation in renal miR-451-5p and miR-16 in diabetes appeared protective against diabetes-induced kidney fibrosis; while UE miR-451-5p may hold prognostic value as an early and sensitive non-invasive indicator of renal disease.

The total contribution of the acyl CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) enzymes, DGAT1 and DGAT2, to mammalian triacylglycerol (TG) synthesis has not been determined. Similarly, whether DGAT enzymes are required for lipid droplet (LD) formation is unknown. In this study, we examined the requirement for DGAT enzymes in TG synthesis and LDs in differentiated adipocytes with genetic deletions of DGAT1 and DGAT2. Adipocytes with a single deletion of either enzyme were capable of TG synthesis and LD formation. In contrast, adipocytes with deletions of both DGATs were severely lacking in TG and did not have LDs, indicating that DGAT1 and DGAT2 account for nearly all TG synthesis in adipocytes and appear to be required for LD formation during adipogenesis. DGAT enzymes were not absolutely required for LD formation in mammalian cells, however; macrophages deficient in both DGAT enzymes were able to form LDs when incubated with cholesterol-rich lipoproteins. Although adipocytes lacking both DGATs had no TG or LDs, they were fully differentiated by multiple criteria. Our findings show that DGAT1 and DGAT2 account for the vast majority of TG synthesis in mice, and DGAT function is required for LDs in adipocytes, but not in all cell types.

PNPLA3 (adiponutrin, calcium-independent phos­pholipase A2 epsilon [iPLA2∊]) is an adipose-enriched, nutritionally regulated protein that belongs to the patatin-like phospholipase domain containing (PNPLA) family of lipid metabolizing proteins. Genetic variations in the human PNPLA3 gene (i.e., the rs738409 I148M allele) has been strongly and repeatedly associated with fatty liver disease. Although human PNPLA3 has triacylglycerol (TAG) hydrolase and transacylase activities in vitro, its in vivo function and physiological relevance remain controversial. The objective of this study was to determine the metabolic consequences of global targeted deletion of the Pnpla3 gene in mice. We found that Pnpla3 mRNA expression is altered in adipose tissue and liver in response to acute and chronic nutritional challenges. However, global targeted deletion of the Pnpla3 gene in mice did not affect TAG hydrolysis, nor did it influence energy/glucose/lipid homoeostasis or hepatic steatosis/injury. Experimental interventions designed to increase Pnpla3 expression (refeeding, high-sucrose diet, diet-induced obesity, and liver X receptor agonism) likewise failed to reveal differences in the above-mentioned metabolic phenotypes. Expression of the Pnpla3 paralog, Pnpla5, was increased in adipose tissue but not in liver of Pnpla3-deficient mice, but compensatory regulation of genes involved in TAG metabolism was not identified. Together these data argue against a role for Pnpla3 loss-of-function in fatty liver disease or metabolic syndrome in mice.

The infection of the root canal system is considered to be a polymicrobial infection, consisting of both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. Because of the complexity of the root canal infection, it is unlikely that any single antibiotic could result in effective sterilization of the canal. A combination of antibiotic drugs (metronidazole, ciprofloxacin, and minocycline) is used to eliminate target bacteria, which are possible sources of endodontic lesions. Three case reports describe the nonsurgical endodontic treatment of teeth with large periradicular lesions. A triple antibiotic paste was used for 3 months. After 3 months, teeth were asymptomatic and were obturated. The follow-up radiograph of all the three cases showed progressive healing of periradicular lesions. The results of these cases show that when most commonly used medicaments fail in eliminating the symptoms then a triple antibiotic paste can be used clinically in the treatment of teeth with large periradicular lesions.

House dust mites are ubiquitous and are one of the major sources of indoor allergens for humans. The cases of allergic diseases associated with house dust mite allergens are on increasing trends. House dust mite inhabits human dwellings and has been reported to be present in closed rooms and houses frequently visited or used by humans. However, information on the abundance of house dust mite species is scarce and limited to the classrooms of schools and colleges where students spend ample time a day. Therefore, the present study was carried out to examine the diversity and abundance of house dust mites in the classrooms of colleges of Dhanbad, Jharkhand. The result found the presence of 7 species of domestic mites in the dust samples of classrooms. The identified species belonged to 3 orders and 6 families. Out of the 7 isolated mite species, the Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus of the family Pyroglyphidae was the most abundant species in the dust samples of classrooms with a relative abundance of 46-47%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here in this work, the electrocatalytic activity of trimetallic zinc–nickel–iron (ZNF) layered double hydroxide (LDH) and cobalt–nickel–iron LDH (CNF) has been mechanistically explained with reference to bimetallic nickel–iron LDH (NF). Intriguingly, the OER activity of ZNF and CNF was exacerbated compared to that of pristine NF in 1 M KOH. The underlying reason for such reduced activity has been explained based on the localization of charges and breakage in the charge transfer chain of Ni–O–Fe–O–Zn and Ni–O–Fe–O–Co moieties. EXAFS manifests change in the local coordination environment due to local distortion or vacancies in the case of ZNF and CNF, which affects the vibrational mode of the system. Further, the Raman profile exhibits a decrease in phonon lifetime and indicates the confinement of phonons. Encompassing all, it was found that the interaction of electrons with the confined phonons leads to the localization of charges, affecting the reaction pathway and kinetics, resulting in an overall reduced electrocatalytic activity in the trimetallic system. Furthermore, the hindrance in the charge transfer process for the aforementioned moieties has been explained in terms of filling of eg and t2g orbitals employing the concept of d band orbital splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]