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Purpose: The aim of the present study was to compare dental caries and periodontal disease status associated with oral microflora among smokeless tobacco chewers and non-chewers.Materials and Methods: Forty-two smokeless tobacco chewers and 42 non-chewers (age 20 to 60 years) were assessed for dental caries and periodontal disease status using the Decayed Missing Filled Surface (DMFS) Index, Community Periodontal Index (CPI) and Loss of Attachment (LA) Index. Stimulated saliva and subgingival plaque samples were collected from each subject for performing a culture-based analysis of 20 types of oral microorganisms. Qualitative and semi-quantitative culture-based analysis using MacConkey agar, and aerobic and anaerobic blood agar was carried out to determine the total cultivable microflora. Mutans-Sanguis agar, Pfizer selective Enterococcus agar and Rogosa SL agar were used for the culture of microorganisms associated with dental caries. Mann–Whitney U test and Student t test were employed to compare colony-forming units (CFUs) and caries experience between smokeless tobacco chewers and nonchewers. Z proportionality test was used to compare the periodontal disease status.Results: Caries experience among chewers (26 of 42), that is those subjects who were affected by caries, was significantly less at 61.9% (mean DMFS = 3.5) compared to non-chewers (38 of 42, 90.5%) (mean DMFS = 5.5) (P < 0.05). Deep pockets measuring > 5.5 mm on a CPI probe were found among 26.2% of chewers and 19.1% of nonchewers, with no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05). Counts of Lactobacillus species were significantly lower among chewers (median CFU = 0.788 x 10⁵) than among non-chewers (median CFU = 1.52 x 10⁵) (P < 0.05). Prevotella and Porphyromonas species had a median CFU of 0.04 x 105 in chewers and 0.15 x 10⁵ in non-chewers, whereas Fusobacterium species had a median CFU of 0.02 x 10⁵ in chewers and 0.1 x 10⁵ in non-chewers (P < 0.05).Conclusions: A higher percentage of caries among non-chewers can be explained by greater numbers of Lactobacillus species in this population. Chewers experienced a slightly higher incidence of periodontal disease than non-chewers, but the difference was not significant. These clinical observations suggest a lower ability of Gram-negative bacteria to mediate more periodontal disease in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To study the aphrodisiac potentials of ethanol extract of Argemone mexicana L. (A. mexicana) of Papaveraceae family in sexually sluggish male Wistar rats. Methods: The sexually inactive male rats were divided into two groups of 8 rats each. The test group animals were treated with ethanol extract of A. mexicana (EEAM) at 1 g/kg daily oral dose for 28 days. Other group animals were treated with sildenafil citrate at an oral dose of 5 mg/kg. The latencies of mount, intromission, ejaculation; post ejaculatory pause and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation were measured on 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th days. Serum testosterone levels were estimated using ELISA. Results: The EEAM was nonlethal even at dose of 4.0 g/kg. The oral dosing of EEAM has significantly enhanced the orientation of males towards female by increase in ano-genital investigatory behavior, frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculation (P< 0.01). The latencies of mount, intromission and ejaculation were significantly decreased (P

Objective: A parallel design clinical study evaluated reduction in hypersensitivity after brushing for 12 weeks with Anchor toothpaste (containing potassium citrate, zinc citrate, triclosan and sodium monofluorophosphate) (test) and Colgate Total (sodium fluoride, silica, triclosan and copolymer) (control) dentifrices. Materials and Methods: Sixty adults with sensitivity to hot and cold stimulus in at least two tooth surfaces were stratified at the baseline examination by tactile, hot and cold stimuli scores in two balanced groups. Subjects were randomly allocated the test and control dentifrices and evaluated after 6 and 12 weeks of dentifrice use for hypersensitivity. Results: The two teeth that were selected in each patient were designated as two different sets. The 12 th -week scores as compared to baseline scores for tactile, heat and cold tests in the test group showed a reduction in tooth hypersensitivity by 36.67% (P < 0.01), 20.35% (P < 0.01) and 53.64 % (P < 0.01), respectively, in the first set of teeth and 43.75% (P < 0.01), 24.48% (P < 0.01) and 59.78% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the second set of teeth. The 12 th -week scores as compared to baseline scores for tactile, heat and cold tests in the control group showed a reduction in tooth hypersensitivity by 42.86% (P < 0.01), 13.02% (P < 0.01) and 45.14% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the first set of teeth and 40% (P < 0.01), 16.59% (P < 0.01) and 44.16% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the second set of teeth. Conclusions: Both the products reduced dentinal hypersensitivity in the study subjects at the end of the 12-week period. However, there was no statistically significant difference in reduction in hypersensitivity between the two products.

Aim: The study's objective is to assess the bond strengths of four different endodontic sealers to root dentin using a push-out test technique., Material and Method: Sixty single-rooted teeth were selected and decoronated. Canal instrumentation was done using rotary files and divided into four groups ( n = 15) based on the sealer used. Group 1: zinc oxide eugenol (ZOE)-based, Group 2: epoxy resin-based, Group 3: methacrylate-based, and Group 4: bioceramic. Following obturation with Gutta Percha, each tooth was prepared with root portions that were 2 mm thick at the apical and middle 1/3 so that universal testing equipment could measure the push-out bond strength. Tukey's post hoc tests and one-way ANOVA were used to examine the data., Result: According to the results, group 4 had the strongest push-out relationship, followed by groups 3, 2, and 1, respectively. It can be concluded that the bioceramic sealers have superior bond strengths., Conclusion: Bioceramic sealers demonstrated the highest bond strengths to root dentin, outperforming methacrylate, epoxy resin, and zinc oxide eugenol sealers in the push-out test., Competing Interests: Nil., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Pharmacy and Bioallied Sciences.)

Background: Left bundle branch area pacing (LBBAP) has swiftly emerged as a safe and effective alternative to right ventricular pacing. Limited data exist on the use of retractable-helix, stylet-driven leads for LBBAP., Objective: The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the performance and safety of a stylet-driven pacing lead in a rigorously controlled multicenter trial to support US market application., Methods: A multicenter, prospective, nonrandomized trial enrolled patients with standard pacing indications. Implant procedure and lead data, including threshold, sensing, impedance, and capture type, were collected through 3 months. Primary end points were freedom from LBBAP lead-related serious complications through 3 months and LBBAP implant success according to prespecified criteria. A blinded clinical events committee adjudicated all potential end point complications., Results: A total of 186 patients were included from 14 US sites. LBBAP implants were successful in 95.7% (178 of 186; 95% confidence interval 91.7%-98.1%; P < .0001 for comparison to the performance goal of 88%). Through the 3-month follow-up visit, 3 patients (1.7%) experienced a serious LBBAP complication (all lead dislodgments), resulting in a LBBAP lead-related complication-free rate of 98.3%. A total of 13 patients (7.8%) experienced any system- or procedure-related complication. The mean threshold was 0.89 V at 0.4 ms, the sensing value was 10.8 mV, and impedance was 608 Ω., Conclusion: The short-term results from this prospective trial demonstrate both high implant success and freedom from LBBAP lead-related complications using this stylet-driven retractable helix lead. This trial supports the safety, use, and effectiveness of stylet-driven leads for performing contemporary physiologic pacing., Competing Interests: Disclosures Dr Liu reports serving as a consultant for Biotronik. Dr Prasad reports having received consultation fees and honoraria from Biotronik. Dr Vijayaraman reports serving as a speaker and consultant for and receives research and fellowship support from Medtronic; he is also a consultant for Abbott and received honoraria from Biotronik and Boston Scientific and owns a patent on a His bundle pacing delivery tool. Dr Zanon reports speaker fees (modest) from Abbott, Biotronik, Boston Scientific, Medtronic, and MicroPort. Dr Gleva reports consultancy fees from Abbott, Biotronik, and Medtronic. Dr De Pooter reports speaker honoraria and consultancy fees from Medtronic, Biotronik, Abbott, and Boston Scientific. Dr Chinitz reports a speaker honoraria engagement with Abbott, Biotronik, Medtronic, and Biosense Webster. Dr Moretta reports no conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2024 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Historically, percutaneous transcatheter left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) has been performed under general anesthesia (GA) with transesophageal echocardiographic images obtained by a noninvasive cardiologist and usually requires an overnight hospital stay. Alternatively, we present our single-center experience performing LAACs under deep sedation (DS), employing an echocardiographic technician instead of a noninvasive cardiologist, and expediting same-day discharge. Mid- to long-term outcomes were also evaluated with follow-up imaging at a 45-day visit., Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the safety, feasibility, and outcomes of our single-operator-technician LAAC approach., Methods: A total of 150 patients, with elevated CHA 2 DS 2 -VASc scores (a mean of 4 points), underwent transesophageal echocardiography-guided LAAC using the WATCHMAN FLX (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA) device under DS., Results: The mean age of patients was 78 years. Seventy-six (51%) were men. One hundred forty-seven patients (98%) had the LAAC device successfully implanted, and 145 (97%) were discharged on the same day. Nine patients (6%) required conversion from DS to GA. Only 5 patients (4%) had complications during the procedure. None of the patients died or had complications from DS. During the 45-day follow-up visit, one patient had a significant peridevice leak (maximum diameter ≥ 5 mm) and another patient had device-related thrombosis., Conclusion: Our novel single-operator-technician approach under DS is safe and feasible. Implementing protocols to simplify the traditional 2-operator approach under GA by using DS and an echocardiography technician as well as incorporating same-day discharge could make LAACs more widely available and potentially reduce procedural costs., Competing Interests: While the authors did not receive specific funding or sponsorship for this manuscript's publication, Drs Stone, Abdelrahim, Crossen, and Prasad were compensated for performing percutaneous left atrial appendage closures as electrophysiologists. The remaining authors declared no conflicts of interest., (© 2024 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc.)

The cultivation of grapes encounters various challenges, such as the presence of pests and diseases, which have the potential to considerably diminish agricultural productivity. Plant diseases pose a significant impediment, resulting in diminished agricultural productivity and economic setbacks, thereby affecting the quality of crop yields. Hence, the precise and timely identification of plant diseases holds significant importance. This study employs a Convolutional neural network (CNN) with and without data augmentation, in addition to a DCNN Classifier model based on VGG16, to classify grape leaf diseases. A publicly available dataset is utilized for the purpose of investigating diseases affecting grape leaves. The DCNN Classifier Model successfully utilizes the strengths of the VGG16 model and modifies it by incorporating supplementary layers to enhance its performance and ability to generalize. Systematic evaluation of metrics, such as accuracy and F1-score, is performed. With training and test accuracy rates of 99.18 and 99.06%, respectively, the DCNN Classifier model does a better job than the CNN models used in this investigation. The findings demonstrate that the DCNN Classifier model, utilizing the VGG16 architecture and incorporating three supplementary CNN layers, exhibits superior performance. Also, the fact that the DCNN Classifier model works well as a decision support system for farmers is shown by the fact that it can quickly and accurately identify grape diseases, making it easier to take steps to stop them. The results of this study provide support for the reliability of the DCNN classifier model and its potential utility in the field of agriculture., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Competing Interests: While the authors did not receive specific funding or sponsorship for this manuscript’s publication, Dr Arriola received compensation for successfully cannulating and closing the hepatic veins in his capacity as an interventional radiologist. Drs Prasad and Stone were also compensated for performing the percutaneous left atrial appendage closures as electrophysiologists. The remaining authors declared no conflict of interest.

Musa ornata , wild species of banana is being used as a cut flower, potted plants and for landscape gardening etc., They are also being utilized in banana hybridization programmes for introgressing pest and disease tolerant traits into banana cultivars in addition to the development of inter specific ornamental banana hybrids. Symptoms of banana bract mosaic virus (BBrMV) was observed in the bracts of interspecific M. ornata based hybrid developed using another wild species i.e., Musa rubra Kurz at ICAR-National Research Centre for Banana (NRCB), Tiruchirapalli. Presence of the virus in the bracts, leaves and roots of symptomatic plants was confirmed through triple antibody sandwich enzyme linked immunosorbent assay with BBrMV monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies. BBrMV HC-Pro (1370 bp), CP (900 bp) and VPg (570 bp) genes were amplified from the infected bracts using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction with BBrMV respective gene primers. The amplicons of these three genes were cloned and sequenced. Blastn analysis revealed that HC-Pro, VPg and CP gene sequences has 97.67%, 97.72% and 99.67% similarity with the respective gene sequences of BBrMV infecting banana. Phylogenetic analysis clustered the test isolate with other BBrMV isolates of banana and other hosts based on CP and HC-Pro and VPg gene sequences. The virus is transmitted through Pentalonia nigronervosa and the transmitted plants expressed symptoms under glass house conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of BBrMV on ornamental M. ornata hybrid in India and its transmission occurs through Pentalonia nigronervosa ., Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13337-022-00788-6., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestAll authors declared no conflict of interest with respect to the research, authorship, and/or publication of this article., (© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Indian Virological Society 2022, Springer Nature or its licensor holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

The present study was designed to explore the anthocyanin profile and antioxidant activities in Indian rose varieties ( Rosa × hybrida ). Among fifty varieties, Ashwini recorded the highest total phenolic content (427.59 ± 3.47 mg GAE/100 g) along with the highest FRAP (397.15 ± 0.82 µmol trolox/g) and DPPH free radical scavenging activity (93.47 ± 0.19%) on a fresh weight basis. A significant positive correlation was observed between total anthocyanin content, total phenolic content, and antioxidant activities. Four distinct clusters were formed according to total anthocyanins, total phenols, and antioxidant activities; white- and yellow-colored varieties were most distant from red ones. Principal component analysis revealed that variable total anthocyanin content contributed to the maximum variation among the fifty rose varieties studied. Highly anthocyanin-rich rose varieties were characterized by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a photodiode array detector (HPLC-PAD), which identified two major components of anthocyanins, i.e., cyanidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside and pelargonidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside. Cyanidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside was the predominant anthocyanin in red- and pink-colored varieties, whereas pelargonidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside was the major one in the orange variety. The maximum cyanidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside content was recorded in variety Ashwini (497.79 mg/100 g), whereas the maximum pelargonidin 3,5-di- O -glucoside content was recorded in Suryakiran (185.43 mg/100 g). It is suggested that the rose varieties with high anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity can be exploited as a potential source of nutraceuticals in the food industry.

Consumption of poor quality water causes serious human health hazards. Therefore, it is very crucial to investigate factors influencing the quality of groundwater and its suitability for drinking purpose. In the present study, groundwater quality of the Dhenkanal district of Odisha, India was characterized and the spatial distribution of different water quality parameters were analyzed using the multivariate statistics, entropy theory, and geostatistics techniques. In the present study 112 number of groundwater tube well samples were collected from the study area. The entropy theory revealed that SO 4 2- , Mg +2 and Cl - were the most influencing parameters. A similar observation was also observed based on the correlation coefficient analysis. Groundwater quality index (GWQI) and entropy-weighted water quality index (EWQI) classifications indicated that 78.57 and 43.75% of the collected groundwater samples were categorized under excellent water quality, whereas, the rest of the samples were varying from good to medium drinking water quality. In addition, the result of EWQI classification offers more realistic assessment than that of GWQIs owing to its high precision, simplicity and without application of artificial weight. The correlation coefficient between Ca +2 and HCO 3 - , Mg +2 and PO 4 - were significantly high which might be due the presence of CaHCO 3 and MgPO 4 in the groundwater samples. The GWQI revealed a weak spatial dependence of groundwater quality., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.)

The mathematical modelling of biological fluids is of utmost importance due to its applications in various fields of medicine. The peristaltic mechanism plays a crucial role in understanding numerous biological flows. The current paper emphasizes on the MHD peristalsis of Jeffrey nanofluid flowing through a vertical channel when subjected to the combined heat/mass transportation. The equations for the current flow scenario are developed with relevant assumptions for which the perturbation technique is followed to simulate the solution. The expressions of velocity, temperature and concentration are obtained, and the solutions of skin-friction coefficient, Nusselt number and Sherwood number at the wall are acquired. Further, the influence of relevant parameters on various physical quantities for both non-Newtonian Jeffery and viscous fluid is graphically analyzed. The outcomes are deliberated in detail Further, it is renowned that the current study has many biomechanical applications such as the movement of chyme motion in the gastrointestinal tract and during the surgery to take control of the flow of blood by adjusting the magnetic field intensity.

Background: Phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is an adverse drug reaction affecting few individuals, on phenytoin therapy for its antiepileptic effect. Analysis of genetic variation of CYP2C9*2 gene was done to identify the action of metabolic enzyme cytochrome P 450 on this drug. The main background of this publication is a quick review about one of the molecular techniques used to identify the single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) using polymerase chain reaction coupled with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)., Materials and Methods: Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted from 5 ml of venous blood withdrawn from the individual, who had gingival overgrowth following phenytoin therapy. DNA was isolated, using the phenol-chloroform method. Isolated DNA was used for SNP analysis of CYP2C9*2 presentation. The basic procedure used for SNP analysis in our case was PCR-RFLP., Results: Genetic variation of CYP2C9*2 in our case was homomutant., Conclusion: The etiology of phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth is always an enigma, but it is now becoming clearer that a multifactorial role may be involved in the cause. One of the factors analyzed was polymorphism of CYP2C9*2 gene and it was found to be homomutant in our case. Adverse drug reaction can be minimized, by either reducing the drug dosage or drug substitution. However, larger scale genome-wide study has to be carried out to confirm one of the etiopathogenesis as mutation of the CYP2C9 gene, in phenytoin-induced gingival overgrowth., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology.)

Rose ( Rosa  ×  hybrid L.) is one of the most important commercial ornamental crops cultivated worldwide for its beauty, fragrance and nutraceutical values. Characterization of rose germplasm provides precise information about the extent of diversity present among the cultivars. It also helps in cultivar identification, intellectual property right protection, variety improvement and genetic diversity conservation. In the present study, 109 Indian bred rose cultivars were characterized using 59 morphological and 48 SSR markers. Out of 48 SSRs used, 31 markers exhibited polymorphism and 96 alleles were identified with an average of 3.9 alleles per locus. Nei's expected heterozygosity value of each locus ranged from 0.08 (with SSR ABRII/RPU32) to 0.78 (SSR Rh58). The similarity coefficient values ranged from 0.42 to 0.90 which indicated presence of moderated diversity among Indian cultivars. The neighbor-joining tree based on morphological data grouped the cultivars into two major clusters and several minor clusters based on their morphological resemblance. However, UPGMA dendrogram constructed using matching coefficient values grouped the cultivars into eight different clusters. Interpopulation analysis revealed higher genetic similarities between Hybrid Tea and Floribunda cultivars. An analysis for presence of population sub-structure grouped the Indian cultivars into eight different genetic groups. Analysis of molecular variance revealed apportioning of 97.59% of the variation to within subgroup diversity and 3.07% to between the cultivar groups. We have demonstrated here successful utilization of robust SSR to distinguish cultivars and assess genetic diversity among Indian bred rose cultivars. The information provided here is useful for cultivar identification and protection, cultivar improvement and genetic diversity conservation., (© Prof. H.S. Srivastava Foundation for Science and Society 2019.)

Objectives: To compare the effects of two new fluoride toothpastes with Dual Zinc plus Arginine to the effects of a fluoride control toothpaste in reducing bacteria in oral biofilm on teeth and in multiple soft tissue locations, as well as in saliva, 12 hours after 14 and 29 days of product use., Methods: A randomized, single-center, three-cell, double-blind, parallel-group design was employed. The study protocol was approved by an Institutional Review Board. One hundred eighty adult subjects who met inclusion and exclusion criteria and signed an informed consent form were enrolled in the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of the three study products: 1) 0.96% zinc (zinc oxide, zinc citrate), 1.5% L-arginine and 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride in a silica base, Test 1; 2) 0.96% zinc (zinc oxide, zinc citrate), 1.5% L-arginine and 1000 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride in a silica base, Test 2; and 3) 1450 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride in a silica base, Control, for twice-daily use during tooth brushing. Oral samples were collected from the teeth, tongue, oral buccal mucosa, gingiva, and saliva at baseline and 12 hours after 14 and 29 days of assigned product use and were processed, serially diluted, plated, incubated, and scored for viable bacteria. Statistical analyses were performed separately for each sample site using ANOVA and ANCOVA for within- and between-treatment comparisons, respectively., Results: One hundred seventy-three subjects completed the study. Relative to subjects in the Control group, subjects in the two Test groups exhibited statistically significant reductions of 29-41% in numbers of bacteria in each of the five sample areas, 12 hours after 29 days of product use. Similar results were seen after 14 days of product use, but some differences were not statistically significant, indicating that the effects of these zinc-based toothpastes build over time with continued use. The two Test toothpastes were shown to be clinically equivalent using the Fieller's confidence interval test., Conclusions: Toothpastes containing 0.96% zinc (zinc oxide, zinc citrate), 1.5% L-arginine and either 1450 ppm or 1000 ppm fluoride as sodium fluoride in a silica base provide statistically significant reductions in oral bacteria on the teeth, tongue, cheeks, and gums, as well as in saliva, compared to toothpaste with fluoride alone, 12 hours after 29 days of twice-daily tooth brushing. The results demonstrate that regular and continued twice-daily use of these new toothpastes provide 12-hour whole mouth antibacterial protection for whole mouth health., Competing Interests: Drs. KVV Prasad, SG Therathil, and A Agnihotri are independent clinical investigators in the Department of Public Health Dentistry, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Karnataka, India. Mr. LR Mateo is an independent statistical consultant at LRM Statistical Consulting LLC, West Orange, New Jersey, USA. Dr. Prasad and Mr. Mateo declare no conflict of interest. Dr. PK Sreenivasan is an employee of the Colgate-Palmolive Company. Dr. D Cummins is a retiree of the Colgate-Palmolive Company. She is currently an independent consultant and was funded by the Colgate-Palmolive Company to author this paper., (Copyright© by the YES Group, Inc.)

This case describes some of the commonly overlooked device-related issues in patients who have reportedly failed to respond to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The case demonstrates voltage-dependent right ventricular capture instead of right atrial capture by a subtly malpositioned right atrial lead. CRT therapy failed to improve symptoms of heart failure and the diagnosis of "CRT nonresponder" was made. With a detailed fact-finding approach, the mechanism behind this nonresponse was identified, and the outcome of CRT was significantly improved with rectification of the problems.

Introduction: Oral health in relation to general health is influen-ced by the retention of teeth. Understanding factors affecting tooth retention will help health and social policy-makers to translate the knowledge on tooth retention into action programs for improving oral health of the people and hence enhance tooth retention., Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine the factors affecting tooth retention among adult population of Dharwad district, India., Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 1100 subjects (616 urban and 484 rural) residing in Dharwad district, Karnataka, India, was conducted. Self-designed questionnaire was prepared and data were collected on socio-demographic factors, oral hygiene practices, diet practices, adverse oral habits and frequency of dental visits by the interview method and clinical examination. Statistical analysis was carried out by applying one way analysis of variance (ANOVA), unpaired t-test and backward stepwise multiple regression. Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to test the correlation between the two quantitative variables., Results: A total of 66.72% subjects retained all 28 teeth and mean number of teeth retained by the study subjects were 25.33 (90.46%). There was gradual reduction in tooth retention with increase in age. Males (95.8%) compared to females (94.07%), unmarried (98.8%) than married subjects (93.3%) and subjects with intermediate or post high school diploma (97.5%) than those who were illiterate (89.5%) and other low educational level study subjects retained more teeth. Further mean values of tooth retention for other socio demographic factors i.e., occupation, income and family size were not statistically significant (p≤0.05). In addition, subjects using tooth brush (96.6%) and tooth paste (96.6%) for cleaning the teeth, subjects practicing mixed diet (96.6%) and subjects who never visited the dentist (96.5%) in their lifetime showed statistically significant greater tooth retention than study subjects who visited the dentist infrequently (92.7%) (p≤0.05) (p=significance level)., Conclusion: Males compared to females, lower age, profess-ionals compared to illiterates, unmarried and mixed diet population, tooth brush and tooth paste users and population who never visited dentist showed more tooth retention.

Methods: Spirometry datasets from South-Asian children were collated from four centres in India and five within the UK. Records with transcription errors, missing values for height or spirometry, and implausible values were excluded(n = 110)., Results: Following exclusions, cross-sectional data were available from 8,124 children (56.3% male; 5-17 years). When compared with GLI-predicted values from White Europeans, forced expired volume in 1s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) in South-Asian children were on average 15% lower, ranging from 4-19% between centres. By contrast, proportional reductions in FEV1 and FVC within all but two datasets meant that the FEV1/FVC ratio remained independent of ethnicity. The 'GLI-Other' equation fitted data from North India reasonably well while 'GLI-Black' equations provided a better approximation for South-Asian data than the 'GLI-White' equation. However, marked discrepancies in the mean lung function z-scores between centres especially when examined according to socio-economic conditions precluded derivation of a single South-Asian GLI-adjustment., Conclusion: Until improved and more robust prediction equations can be derived, we recommend the use of 'GLI-Black' equations for interpreting most South-Asian data, although 'GLI-Other' may be more appropriate for North Indian data. Prospective data collection using standardised protocols to explore potential sources of variation due to socio-economic circumstances, secular changes in growth/predictors of lung function and ethnicities within the South-Asian classification are urgently required.

Argemone mexicana (L.) has a role in the treatment of epileptic disorders in Indian traditional system of medicine. We studied its effect on induced status epilepticus (SE) and oxidative stress in rats. SE was induced in male albino rats by administration of pilocarpine (30 mg/kg, ip) 24 h after injection of lithium chloride (3 mEq/kg, ip). Different doses of the ethanol extract of A. mexicana were administered orally 1 h before the injection of pilocarpine. The severity of SE was observed and recorded every 15 min for 90 min and thereafter at every 30 min for another 90 min, using the Racine scoring system. In vivo lipid peroxidation of rat brain tissue was measured utilizing thiobarbiturate-reactive substances. Both in vitro free radical nitric oxide and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl scavenging activities of the extract were also determined. The SE severity was significantly reduced following oral administration of the extract at 250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg doses. None of the animals from groups 3 to 5 (with A. mexicana extract) have exhibited forelimb clonus of stage 4 seizure. The extract also exhibited both in vivo and in vitro antioxidant activities.

Background: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice of ergonomics among dental professionals of Hubli-Dharwad twin cities, India., Methods: Investigator-developed, self-administered, closed-ended questionnaire assessing knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding ergonomics during dental practice was filled in by undergraduates, house surgeons, postgraduates, and faculty members of dental institutions and private practitioners from Hubli-Dharwad twin cities., Results: Data were collected from a total of 250 participants, 50 belonging to each academic group. Overall mean knowledge, attitude, and practice scores were 52%, 75%, and 55%, respectively. Significant correlation was found for age with attitude (χ(2) = 10.734, p = 0.030) and behavior (χ(2) = 12.984, p = 0.011). Marital status was significantly associated with all the three domains; knowledge (χ(2) = 29.369, p = 0.000), attitude (χ(2) = 29.023, p = 0.000), and practices (χ(2) = 13.648, p = 0.009)., Conclusion: Participants had considerable awareness and behavior toward ergonomics in dental practice. The high attitude score indicates stronger acceptance of ergonomics principles and guidelines during routine dental procedures. The current study highlights the situation of ergonomics in dental practice in the form of knowledge, attitude, and practices.

A ligand/additive/Pd-free Cu-mediated coupling/cyclization strategy afforded the first practical, one-pot and general approach towards synthesis of N-(un)substituted isoquinolin-1(2H)-ones. Both the catalyst and the solvent used are recyclable. The use of the Cu reagent in excess led to the unusual formation of regioisomeric and uncommon isoquinolin-1(4H)-ones.

Some N-[(N-benzoyldehydrophenylalalnyl)glycinyl/cysteinyl]-N,N'-dicyclohexylurea analogs (3a-3o) were synthesized by conjugating different substituted N-benzoyldehydrophenylalanyl glycines/cysteines (differing substitutions on benzylidene ring) and dicyclohexyl carbodiimide (DCC) using base as a catalyst. The synthesized compounds were characterized and evaluated for biological activities. Compounds 3a and 3h with unsubstituted dehydrophenylalanyl glycinyl/cysteinyl moiety exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Compound 3j bearing 4-hydroxy substitution on benzylidene ring of dehydrophenylalanyl cysteinyl moiety displayed potent antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. The results obtained from docking studies on compound 3j with penicillin binding protein and protease supported the results., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

The synthesis and anticonvulsant properties of new N-diethylmalonyl derivatives of nifedipine and other isosteric analogues (7a-7n) were described. Anticonvulsant screening was performed by subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole (scPTZ) and maximal electroshock (MES) induced seizures tests. Majority of the compounds were effective in scPTZ and MES screens. Compound 7k showed good activity displaying maximum protection, which may be due to the presence of styryl moiety at position 4 of 1,4-dihydropyridine nucleus and the methyl groups of diester functionality. Compounds 7a-7d, 7g, 7i and 7k obeyed the Lipinski's "rule of five" and have drug-likeness. Based on computational prediction of molecular and pharmacokinetic properties, it was found that the compounds have good oral absorption., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To obtain insights into disaster management among dental graduates in a dental institute in India., Methods: A total of 103 of 104 house surgeons in Shri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswar College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, participated in the main study (response rate = 99.04%). Their knowledge, attitude, and behavior regarding disaster management were assessed by use of a survey questionnaire. Information was also collected regarding age, gender, religion, and residence., Results: Mean knowledge, attitude, and behavior scores toward disaster management were 45.46%, 79.53%, and 37.70%, respectively. A significant relationship was observed between knowledge and attitude scores (r = 0.248, P = .012). No significant differences were found in knowledge, attitude, and behavior by gender, religion, and residence. Religion was a significant predictor of knowledge scores (χ2 = 10.108, P = .006)., Conclusions: Respondents had favorable attitudes toward disaster management, but their knowledge and behavior required considerable improvement. Knowledge of the respondents was significantly associated with their attitude. This pilot study highlights the need for curriculum changes in dental education in India and further nationwide study.

A new one-pot protocol has been developed for the synthesis of benzophenazine, quinoxaline, and phenoxazine derivatives by the reaction of benzoxepine-4-carboxylates with benzene-1,2-diamines, ethane-1,2-diamine, and 2-aminophenols in the presence of Bi(OTf)3 (5 mol %) under mild conditions in very good yields. The present protocol opens a new way for C-C, C-N, and C-O bond-formation reactions in a single-step process. The structural assignment was confirmed by X-ray analysis.

Species inhabit complex environments and respond to selection imposed by numerous abiotic and biotic conditions that vary in both space and time. Environmental heterogeneity strongly influences trait evolution and patterns of adaptive population differentiation. For example, heterogeneity can favor local adaptation, or can promote the evolution of plastic genotypes that alter their phenotypes based on the conditions they encounter. Different abiotic and biotic agents of selection can act synergistically to either accelerate or constrain trait evolution. The environmental context has profound effects on quantitative genetic parameters. For instance, heritabilities measured in controlled conditions often exceed those measured in the field; thus, laboratory experiments could overestimate the potential for a population to respond to selection. Nevertheless, most studies of the genetic basis of ecologically relevant traits are conducted in simplified laboratory environments, which do not reflect the complexity of nature. Here, we advocate for manipulative field experiments in the native ranges of plant species that differ in mating system, life-history strategy and growth form. Field studies are vital to evaluate the roles of disparate agents of selection, to elucidate the targets of selection and to develop a nuanced perspective on the evolution of quantitative traits. Quantitative genetics field studies will also shed light on the potential for natural populations to adapt to novel climates in highly fragmented landscapes. Drawing from our experience with the ecological model system Boechera (Brassicaceae), we discuss advancements possible through dedicated field studies, highlight future research directions and examine the challenges associated with field studies.

The present study is on the development of dialkyl 4-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-6-yl)-1,4-dihydro-2,6-dimethyl-1-substituted pyridine-3,5-dicarboxylate derivatives as isosteric analogues of isradipine and nifedipine, by the replacement of benzofurazanyl and 2-nitrophenyl groups respectively with benzo[d][1,3]dioxo-6-yl group, as potential anticonvulsants. Fivfteen new derivatives (8a-8o) were synthesized and tested for anticonvulsant activity using maximal electroshock and subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole induced seizure methods. Compound 8f possessing free NH group in 1,4-dihydropyridine ring, diethyl ester functionality at the positions 3 and 5 showed significant anticonvulsant and antioxidant activities. This was also supported by molecular properties prediction data. Selected compounds were evaluated for antinociceptive activity in capsaicin induced nociception assay at 10 mg/kg body weight, but displayed no significant activity at the tested dose., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Deposition of tar balls along the coast of Goa, India is a common phenomenon during the southwest monsoon. Representative tar ball samples collected from various beaches of Goa and one Bombay High (BH) crude oil sample were subjected to fingerprint analysis based on diagnostic ratios of n-alkane, biomarkers of pentacyclic tri-terpanes and compound specific stable carbon isotope (δ¹³C) analysis to confirm the source. The results were compared with the published data of Middle East Crude Oil (MECO) and South East Asian Crude Oil (SEACO). The results revealed that the tar balls were from tanker-wash derived spills. The study also confirmed that the source is not the BH, but SEACO. The present study suggests that the biomarkers of alkanes and hopanes coupled with stable carbon isotope analysis act as a powerful tool for tracing the source of tar balls, particularly when the source specific biomarkers fail to distinguish the source., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Due to high rate of operative mortality and morbidity non-operative management of blunt liver and spleen trauma was widely accepted in stable pediatric patients, but the general surgeons were skeptical to adopt it for adults. The current study is analysis of so far largest sample (1071) of hemodynamically stable blunt liver, spleen, kidney and pancreatic trauma patients managed non operatively irrespective of severity of a single /multiple solid organ injury or other associated injuries with high rate of success., Methods: Experience of 1071 blunt abdominal trauma patients treated by NOM at a tertiary care National Trauma Centre in Oman (from Jan 2001 to Dec 2011) was reviewed, analyzed to determine the indications, methods and results of NOM. Hemodynamic stability along with ultra sound, CT scan and repeated clinical examination were the sheet anchors of NOM. The patients were grouped as (1) managed by NOM successfully, (2) failure of NOM and (3) directly subjected to surgery., Results: During the 10 year period, 5400 polytrauma patients were evaluated for abdominal trauma of which 1285 had abdominal injuries, the largest sample study till date. Based on initial findings 1071 patients were admitted for NOM. Out of 1071 patients initially selected 963 (89.91%) were managed non operatively, the remaining 108 (10.08%) were subjected to laparotomy due to failure of NOM. Laparotomy was performed on 214(19.98%) patients as they were unstable on admission or had evidence of hollow viscous injury., Conclusion: NOM for blunt abdominal injuries was found to be highly successful in 89.98% of the patients in our study. Management depended on clinical and hemodynamic stability of the patient. A patient under NOM should be admitted to intensive care / high dependency for at least 48-72 hours for close monitoring of vital signs, repeated clinical examinations and follow up investigations as indicated.

In a randomized controlled trial, a daily Oral Vitamin D supplementation was given in dose of 2000 IU for Group A, 1000 IU for Group B , 500 IU for Group C and placebo for Group D over 3 months period to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D on gingivitis at various doses. The changes in gingival scores were measured at the period of 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd month. Gingivitis score changed in direct proportion to the dose of vitamin D supplementation. Group A mean gingival scores were 2.4 (baseline); 1.7 (1 st month), 0.8 (2 nd month) and 0.3 (3 rd month). The group B the mean baseline gingival score from 2.3 reduced to 2.0 (month), 1.1 (two months) and 0.5 (third month). Group C had baseline gingival scores of 2.2 and 1.9 (1 st month), 1.4 (2 nd month) and 0.8 (last visit). Comparing baseline gingivitis scores with later visit score by Wilcoxon paired test, the anti-inflammatory effect was significantly seen in group A after one month itself, group B at two months and group C at 3 rd month after oral vitamin D supplementation. However, Group D did not show any significant anti-inflammatory effect.

In Arabidopsis, pre-mRNAs of serine/arginine-rich (SR) proteins undergo extensive alternative splicing (AS). However, little is known about the cis-elements and trans-acting proteins involved in regulating AS. Using a splicing reporter (GFP-intron-GFP), consisting of the GFP coding sequence interrupted by an alternatively spliced intron of SCL33, we investigated whether cis-elements within this intron are sufficient for AS, and which SR proteins are necessary for regulated AS. Expression of the splicing reporter in protoplasts faithfully produced all splice variants from the intron, suggesting that cis-elements required for AS reside within the intron. To determine which SR proteins are responsible for AS, the splicing pattern of the GFP-intron-GFP reporter was investigated in protoplasts of three single and three double mutants of SR genes. These analyses revealed that SCL33 and a closely related paralog, SCL30a, are functionally redundant in generating specific splice variants from this intron. Furthermore, SCL33 protein bound to a conserved sequence in this intron, indicating auto-regulation of AS. Mutations in four GAAG repeats within the conserved region impaired generation of the same splice variants that are affected in the scl33 scl30a double mutant. In conclusion, we have identified the first intronic cis-element involved in AS of a plant SR gene, and elucidated a mechanism for auto-regulation of AS of this intron., (© 2012 The Authors. The Plant Journal © 2012 Blackwell Publishing Ltd.)

The Arabidopsis Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-binding transcription factor SIGNAL RESPONSIVE1 (AtSR1/CAMTA3) was previously identified as a key negative regulator of plant immune responses. Here, we report a new role for AtSR1 as a critical component of plant defense against insect herbivory. Loss of AtSR1 function impairs tolerance to feeding by the generalist herbivore Trichoplusia ni as well as wound-induced jasmonate accumulation. The susceptibility of the atsr1 mutant is associated with decreased total glucosinolate (GS) levels. The two key herbivory deterrents, indol-3-ylmethyl (I3M) and 4-methylsulfinylbutyl (4MSOB), showed the most significant reductions in atsr1 plants. Further, changes in AtSR1 transcript levels led to altered expression of several genes involved in GS metabolism including IQD1, MYB51 and AtST5a. Overall, our results establish AtSR1 as an important component of plant resistance to insect herbivory as well as one of only three described proteins involved in Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent signaling to function in the regulation of GS metabolism, providing a novel avenue for future investigations of plant-insect interactions.

Identification of the causal genes that control complex trait variation remains challenging, limiting our appreciation of the evolutionary processes that influence polymorphisms in nature. We cloned a quantitative trait locus that controls plant defensive chemistry, damage by insect herbivores, survival, and reproduction in the natural environments where this polymorphism evolved. These ecological effects are driven by duplications in the BCMA (branched-chain methionine allocation) loci controlling this variation and by two selectively favored amino acid changes in the glucosinolate-biosynthetic cytochrome P450 proteins that they encode. These changes cause a gain of novel enzyme function, modulated by allelic differences in catalytic rate and gene copy number. Ecological interactions in diverse environments likely contribute to the widespread polymorphism of this biochemical function.

Aim: To assess knowledge and the associated factors among Indian school teachers towards oral disease., Methods: A cross-sectional design was employed using a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 215 school teachers were selected, with a response rate of 95.3% (n = 205)., Results: A total of 35.6% of school teachers had "good" knowledge, while 42.4% had "medium" knowledge of the prevention of oral disease. Knowledge of dental caries was highest, as opposed to oral cancer, which was lowest. School teachers aged >50 years and those with postgraduate degrees had greater knowledge. A significant association was observed between teachers' levels of knowledge and their age groups (χ(2) = 20.9950, P < 0.05) and education level (χ(2) = 13.9740, P < 0.05). However, the multivariate stepwise regression analysis showed that education, age group, sex, and type of institutional funding (public/private) was significantly correlated to knowledge (R(2) = 0.1250, P < 0.05)., Conclusions: The study revealed that school teachers, in particular younger teachers and those with only basic educational qualifications, need to be further motivated to improve their awareness and knowledge about oral diseases. Therefore, the establishment of school-based oral health promotion programs in India with immediate effects is essential., (© 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.)

In India, tobacco use is incredibly linked to poverty and accounts for the high public health costs of treating tobacco-related diseases. Dental public health programs aid in detecting the tobacco-related periodontal diseases, oral cancers, etc., where the majority belongs to the submerged portion of iceberg, which otherwise leads to substantial morbidity and mortality. Moreover, public health dentists plays a key role in identifying both clinical and subclinical cases and aid in tobacco use cessation through various modes of health education and counseling. Therefore, the community-based measures are deemed to be the most cost-effective tool for tobacco cessation.