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Introduction: Surgical removal of the lower jaw is the most common cause of mandibular deviation due to benign or malignant neoplasms. The Palatal Guide Flange Prosthesis (PGFP) is a recommended corrective appliance to reduce this clinical manifestation. The primary goals of rehabilitation with PGFP are to train the mandibular muscles and restore a healthy occlusal relationship so that the patient can effectively control their mouth opening and closing movements. In the present article, the Masticatory Performance (MP) of patients who had undergone hemi-mandibulectomy surgery was evaluated both before and after receiving an interim PGFP. Aim: To clinically evaluate MP pre- and post-mandibular guidance therapy in hemi-mandibulectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients selected from the Outpatient Department of the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, from January 2021 to July 2022, and were included as the sample size for the study. A total of 10 samples were selected. The study design was quasi-experimental. All cancer patients had lost their mandibular continuity and showed mandibular deviation toward the affected side. PGFPs were fabricated using Heat Cure Acrylic Resin (DPI) for each participant (n=10). Corn flakes (Kellogg’s) were given to the participants to chew, and the samples were sieved using a US standard 8-mesh sieve and collected at three different time intervals: T0 (preprosthesis), T1 (8th week), and T2 (16th week post-prosthesis). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel Version 13 and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and frequency analysis for categorical variables. For categorical variables, a Chi-square proportion test was utilised, and MP was evaluated between T0-T1 and T0-T2. We utilised a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: When comparing the MP between T0, T1 and T2 time intervals, it was found that the difference in mean MP was statistically significant (p

Pomegranate is an important fruit crop that is capturing international attention for its rich antioxidants and nutraceutical value. The demand for the fruit is rapidly increasing in major national and international markets. Therefore, any serious pest is of great importance and here we report the severe incidence of adult beetles of Schizonycha ruficollis that resulted in potential yield loss due to its feeding on pomegranate flowers in Devanahalli, Karnataka. Usually June/July adult beetle emerge and feed on hosts like neem and Melia rubra which the farmers plant them as wind breaks along the borders. These attract the beetles into pomegranate field and the pomegranate flowers are then infested by the adult beetles. The pomegranate on an average possess 223 female flowers per tree, which when damaged fails to set fruits causing economic loss. A documentation study during 2023 was taken up to evaluate the crop loss caused by S. ruficollis in pomegranate resulted in potential seven percent yield loss accounting to ₹ 53215/acre at the farm gate price. This loss can be avoided by initiating a management practice at the first site of the beetles especially after the first monsoon rain. This study also helped us to alert pomegranate exporters and extension officials about the need of preventive measures to avoid the yield loss.

Biosensors have the potential to revolutionize healthcare by providing rapid and accurate diagnosis of diseases. Biosensors are analytical devices that convert molecular recognition of a target analyte into a measurable signal. Older diagnostic techniques, such as immunoaffinity column assays, fluorometric, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, are laborious, require qualified personnel, and can be time consuming. In contrast, biosensors offer improved accuracy, sustainability, and rapidness due to their ability to detect specific biomarkers with high sensitivity and specificity. The review covers various bacterial cellulose (BC)-based biosensors, from SARS-CoV-2 detection to wearable health monitoring and interaction with human-computer interfaces. BC's integration into ionic thermoelectric hydrogels for wearable health monitoring shows its potential for real-time health tracking. Incorporating BC in biosensors for low-noise electrodes, and wearable sensors has been elaborated. The invention of a phage-immobilized BC biosensor for S. aureus detection is a significant contribution to the field, highlighting the biosafety and efficiency of BC in pathogen identification and demonstrating BC's versatility across multiple sensing platforms. Palladium nanoparticle-bacterial cellulose hybrid nanofibers show excellent electrocatalytic activity for dopamine detection, whereas Au-BC nanocomposite biosensors show efficacy in glucose detection, with potential therapeutic applications. The “lab-on-nanopaper” device, utilizing BC nanopaper, not only visually detects human serum albumin but also establishes itself as a new-generation optical biosensing platform with superiority over conventional substrates. This review contributes to the ongoing advancements in biosensor technology, highlighting the potential of BC as a versatile material for developing innovative biosensors. This is crucial for improving the accuracy, sensitivity, and efficiency of diagnostic tools in healthcare.

In the present work, polycarbazole (PCz)/magnesium cobalt oxide (MgCo2O4)/reduced graphene oxide (RGO) based ternary nanocomposite was prepared through in-situ polymerization, and utilized it as an active electrodes for electrochemical energy storage supercapacitor applications. The electrochemical behaviour of PCz and its nanocomposites were investigated by measuring specific capacitance using cyclic voltammetry (CV), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) analysis. The PCz/MgCo2O4/RGO hybrids exhibited higher capacitance (548.54 F/g) than that of PCz (117.65 F/g) and PCz/MgCo2O4 (482.92 F/g) at the scan rate of 50 mV/s, as determined by CV method. The enhanced supercapacitance indicates high power and energy storage capabilities of the ternary metal oxide-graphene based polycarbazole nanocomposites. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed low solution resistance of PCz/MgCo2O4/RGO. Thermogravimetric analysis affirmed the increased thermal stability of PCz/MgCo2O4/RGO composite compared to that of pure polycarbazole and PCz/MgCo2O4 nanocomposite. The scanning electron micrographs of nanocomposite confirmed the successful incorporation of nanofillers into the PCz matrix. On the basis of the research findings, PCz/MgCo2O4/RGO can be expected to be a promising electrode active material for high performance energy storage supercapacitors.

The aim of the present work was to prepare hydrogel matrix tablets using crosslinked chitosan and hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) for controlled release of gabapentin. The chitosan was crosslinked with acetaldehyde and used for the preparation of hydrogel matrix tablets along with hydroxylethyl cellulose by wet granulation method. The samples were characterized by FTIR, DSC, TGA, XRD, SEM and evaluated drug content, swelling pattern and drug release. The matrix tablets were capable of releasing the drug for 24h depending upon the formulation variables. It was observed that as the concentration of HEC increased in the tablets, the drug release was also increased. On the other hand, as the crosslinking of chitosan was increased, the drug release was decreased. Drug release mechanism followed non-Fickian transport. This study demonstrated that the blend hydrogel matrix tablets of crosslinked chitosan and HEC could be a versatile drug delivery system for controlled release of gabapentin.

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virusinfected women account for almost half the number of cases of HIV worldwide. Despite reduction in HIV prevalence among the population, the percentage of Indian women contracting the disease seems to have increased. The social implications are also different in females. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted from September 2009 to July 2011 at tertiary care hospitals attached to the Kasturba Medical College Mangalore, on a group of 200 HIV-positive patients. Patients above 18 years of age diagnosed with HIV as per National AIDS Control Organisation guidelines were included in the study. Clinical profile among women and men was compared with respect to clinical presentation, disease detection, CD4 count and response of family and society. Results: Clinical presentation was similar among both men and women. Eighty-one percent men had promiscual sexual exposure, 19% of women had so. Males were identified to be HIV-positive earlier than their spouse (tested later), time lag being 27.6 weeks. After detection of positivity 77% of females felt being less cared for by the in-laws. CD4 count less than 50 was detected in more number of females as compared to men (11% females and 1% males). Death of spouse was seen more often in females (among 35% of women and 11% of men). Conclusion: Most of the females were likely to acquire infection from their spouse. Females tend to seek and get medical attention at the late stage of disease as compared to men. HIV in females has different social implications which includes discrimination within the family.

Context : Blood stream infections are an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Enterococci have become increasingly resistant to a wide range of antimicrobial agents and enterococcal bacteraemia results in a high mortality of about 54%. Aim : The present study was done to determine the prevalence of different enterococcal species in blood stream infections and their anti-microbial resistance, with a special reference to vancomycin and high level aminoglycoside resistance. Material and methods : The study was conducted on 50 enterococcal blood isolates. The isolates were identified by using standard microbiological techniques and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was done by the Kirby Bauer disc diffusion method according to the CLSI guidelines. Results : The maximum numbers of enterococci were isolated from male patients of the age group of 0-20 years. Most of the enterococcal isolates (78%) were non-haemolytic and multidrug resistant. E.faecium (70%) was the predominant species which was isolated. Linezolid showed good antienterococcal activity. Vancomycin resistance was seen in 6 (12%) isolates and high level aminoglycoside resistance was seen in 20 (40%) isolates. The E.faecium isolates were more drug resistant than the E.faecalis isolates. Conclusion : Steps should be taken to regularly screen the enterococcal isolates for vancomycin and high level aminoglycoside resistance and to treat the enterococcal infections effectively to limit the spread of multidrug resistant enterococcal infections.

Introduction: Surgical removal of the lower jaw is the most common cause of mandibular deviation due to benign or malignant neoplasms. The Palatal Guide Flange Prosthesis (PGFP) is a recommended corrective appliance to reduce this clinical manifestation. The primary goals of rehabilitation with PGFP are to train the mandibular muscles and restore a healthy occlusal relationship so that the patient can effectively control their mouth opening and closing movements. In the present article, the Masticatory Performance (MP) of patients who had undergone hemi-mandibulectomy surgery was evaluated both before and after receiving an interim PGFP. Aim: To clinically evaluate MP pre- and post-mandibular guidance therapy in hemi-mandibulectomy patients. Materials and Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on patients selected from the Outpatient Department of the Department of Prosthodontics at Bharati Vidyapeeth Dental College and Hospital, Sangli, Maharashtra, India, from January 2021 to July 2022, and were included as the sample size for the study. A total of 10 samples were selected. The study design was quasi-experimental. All cancer patients had lost their mandibular continuity and showed mandibular deviation toward the affected side. PGFPs were fabricated using Heat Cure Acrylic Resin (DPI) for each participant (n=10). Corn flakes (Kellogg's) were given to the participants to chew, and the samples were sieved using a US standard 8-mesh sieve and collected at three different time intervals: T0 (preprosthesis), T1 (8th week), and T2 (16th week post-prosthesis). Data were entered into Microsoft Excel Version 13 and analysed using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used, including mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and frequency analysis for categorical variables. For categorical variables, a Chi-square proportion test was utilised, and MP was evaluated between T0-T1 and T0-T2. We utilised a 95% confidence interval and a p-value of less than 0.05. Results: When comparing the MP between T0, T1 and T2 time intervals, it was found that the difference in mean MP was statistically significant (p<0.05), with MP increasing from 26.2% to 43% to 61.2%, respectively. Conclusion: The occlusion restored with the guide flange prosthesis, along with continuous use over a longer period, helped correct the deviated mandible and, in turn, improved the MP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]