Investigation of Rare Earth Element Binding to a Surface-Bound Affinity Peptide Derived from EF-Hand Loop I of Lanmodulin.

Bioinspired strategies have been given extensive attention for the recovery of rare earth elements (REEs) from waste streams because of their high selectivity, regeneration potential, and sustainability as well as low cost. Lanmodulin protein is an emerging biotechnology that is highly selective for REE binding. Mimicking lanmodulin with shorter peptides is advantageous because they are simpler and potentially easier to manipulate and optimize. Lanmodulin-derived peptides have been found to bind REEs, but their properties have not been explored when immobilized on solid substrates, which is required for many advanced separation technologies. Here, two peptides, LanM1 and scrambled LanM1, are designed from the EF-hand loop 1 of lanmodulin and investigated for their binding affinity toward different REEs when surface-bound. First, the ability of LanM1 to bind REEs was confirmed and characterized in solution using circular dichroism (CD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations for Ce(III) ions. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) was used to further analyze the binding of the LanM1 to Ce(III), Nd(III), Eu(III), and Y(III) ions and in low-pH conditions. The performance of the immobilized peptides on a model gold surface was examined using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-D). The studies show that the LanM1 peptide has a stronger REE binding affinity than that of scrambled LanM1 when in solution and when immobilized on a gold surface. QCM-D data were fit to the Langmuir adsorption model to estimate the surface-bound dissociation constant (Kd) of LanM1 with Ce(III) and Nd(III). The results indicate that LanM1 peptides maintain a high affinity for REEs when immobilized, and surface-bound LanM1 has no affinity for potential competitor calcium and copper ions. The utility of surface-bound LanM1 peptides was further demonstrated by immobilizing them to gold nanoparticles (GNPs) and capturing REEs from solution in experiments utilizing an Arsenazo III-based colorimetric dye displacement assay and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectrophotometry. The saturated adsorption capacity of GNPs was estimated to be around 3.5 µmol REE/g for Ce(III), Nd(III), Eu(III), and Y(III) ions, with no binding of non-REE Ca(II) ions observed.

Rice transcriptome upon infection with Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae relative to its avirulent T3SS-defective strain exposed modulation of many stress responsive genes.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) is a destructive pathogen that causes bacterial blight disease of rice worldwide. Xoo uses T3SS (type III secretion system) effectors to subvert rice innate immunity. However, the comprehensive knowledge of rice genes involved in T3SS effectors-mediated interaction remains unclear. In this study, the transcriptome profiles of rice infected with a virulent Xoo strain from North-eastern region of India relatives to its avirulent strain (that lacks functional T3SS) were analyzed at early (2-6 hpi) and late (16-24 hpi) hours of infection. Out of total 255 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), during early infection, 62 and 70 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. At late infection, 70 and 53 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively. The transcriptomic data identified many differentially expressed resistant genes, transposons, transcription factors, serine/threonine protein kinase, cytochrome P450 and peroxidase genes that are involved in plant defense. Pathway analysis revealed that these DEGs are involved in hormone signaling, plant defense, cellular metabolism, growth and development processes. DEGs associated with plant defense were also validated through quantitative real-time PCR. Our study brings a comprehensive picture of the rice genes that are being differentially expressed during bacterial blight infection. Nevertheless, the DEG-associated pathways would provide sensible targets for developing resistance to bacterial blight. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03193-4.

Care Around Birth Approach: A Training, Mentoring, and Quality Improvement Model to Optimize Intrapartum and Immediate Postpartum Quality of Care in India.

BACKGROUND: With the highest risk of maternal and newborn mortality occurring during the period around birth, quality of care during the intrapartum and immediate postpartum periods is critical for maternal and neonatal survival. METHODS: The United States Agency for International Development's Scaling Up Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Interventions project, also known as the Vriddhi project, collaborated with the national and 6 state governments to design and implement the Care Around Birth approach in 141 high caseload facilities across 26 high-priority districts of India from January 2016 to December 2017. The approach aimed to synergize evidence-based technical interventions with quality improvement (QI) processes, respectful maternity care, and health system strengthening efforts. The approach was designed using experiential training, mentoring, and a QI model. A baseline assessment measured the care ecosystem, staff competencies, and labor room practices. At endline, the approach was externally evaluated. RESULTS: Availability of logistics, recording and reporting formats, and display of protocols improved across the intervention facilities. At endline (October-December 2017), delivery and newborn trays were available in 98% of facilities compared to 66% and 55% during baseline (October-December 2015), respectively. Competency scores (> 80%) for essential newborn care and newborn resuscitation improved from 7% to 70% and from 5% to 82% among health care providers, respectively. The use of partograph in monitoring labor improved from 29% at the baseline to 61%; administration of oxytocin within 1 minute of delivery from 35% to 93%; newborns successfully resuscitated from 71% to 96%; and postnatal monitoring of mothers from 52% to 94%. CONCLUSION: The approach successfully demonstrated an operational design to improve the provision and experience of care during the intrapartum and immediate postpartum periods, thereby augmenting efforts aimed at ending preventable child and maternal deaths.

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae depends on multiple non-TAL (Xop) T3SS effectors for its coveted growth inside the pomegranate plant through repressing the immune responses during bacterial blight development.

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. punicae (Xap), the bacterial blight pathogen of pomegranate, incurs substantial loss to yield and reduces export quality of this economically important fruit crop. During infection, the bacterium secretes six non-TAL (Xop) effectors into the pomegranate cells through a specialized type three secretion system (T3SS). Previously, we demonstrated the role of two key effectors, XopL and XopN in pathogenesis. Here, we investigate the role of rest effectors (XopC2, XopE1, XopQ and XopZ) on disease development. We generated null mutants for each individual effector and mutant bacterial suspension was infiltrated into pomegranate leaves. Compared to Xap wild, the mutant bacterial growth was reduced by 2.7-11.5 folds. The mutants produced lesser water-soaked lesions when infiltrated on leaves by 1.13-2.21 folds. Among the four effectors, XopC2 contributes highest for in planta bacterial growth and disease development. XopC2 efficiently suppressed the defense responses like callose deposition, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the activation of immune responsive genes. Being a major contributor, we further characterize XopC2 for its subcellular localization, its protein structure and networking. XopC2 is localized to the plasma membrane of Nicotiana benthamiana like XopL and XopN. XopC2 is a 661 amino acids protein having 15 alpha and 17 beta helix. Our STRING and I-TASSER based analysis hinted that XopC2 interacts with multiple membrane localized plant proteins including transcription regulator of CCR4-NOT family, TTN of maintenance of chromosome family and serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) isoform. Based on the interaction it is predicted that XopC2 might involve in diverse functions like nuclear-transcribed mRNA catabolic process, maintenance of chromosome, hormone signaling and protein dephosphorylation activities and thereby suppress the plant immunity. Altogether, our study suggests that Xap largely depends on three non-TAL (Xop) effectors, including XopC2, XopL and XopN, to modulate pomegranate PTI for its unrestricted proliferation during bacterial blight development.

Complete Genome Sequence of Indian Race 4 of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the Causal Agent of Bacterial Blight of Rice.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae, the causal bacterium of bacterial blight limits rice production globally. Currently, genome sequences for only a few X. oryzae pv. oryzae isolates are available from India. Based on the next-generation sequencing and single-molecule sequencing in real-time technologies, we present here the complete genome sequence of X. oryzae pv. oryzae race 4, a highly virulent member of the Indian X. oryzae pv. oryzae population that has been extensively used in different research studies. The genome data will contribute to our understanding of X. oryzae pv. oryzae genomic features and pave the way for research on rice-X. oryzae pv. oryzae interactions.

Strengthening the Use of Partograph in High Caseload Public Health Facilities in India through an Integrated Quality Improvement Approach.

BACKGROUND: The effective implementation of evidence-based practices including the use of partograph to improve maternal and newborn outcomes is critical on account of increased institutional delivery. However, despite clear guidelines, partograph use in India is not widely practiced. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quality improvement (QI) efforts along with training and mentoring were operationalized in a total of 141 facilities across 26 high priority districts of India. Assessments were conducted across baseline, intervention period, and end line. These included reviewing the availability of partograph and staff competency in filling them at baseline and end line, as well as reviewing monthly data for use and completeness of filling. The monthly data were tabulated quarter wise to study trends. Competency scores were tabulated to show the difference across assessments. RESULTS: An overall upward trend from 29% to 61% was seen in the practice of partograph use. Simultaneously, completeness in filling up the partograph increased from 32% to 81%. Staff competency in filling partograph improved considerably: proportion of staff scoring low decreased over the intervention period from 63% to 2.5% (P < 0.0001), and the proportion scoring high increased from 13% to 72% (P < 0.0001) from baseline to end line. CONCLUSION: The integrated approach of training, mentoring, and QI can be used in similar settings to strengthen partograph use.

XopR T3SS-effector of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae suppresses cell death-mediated plant defense response during bacterial blight development in rice.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causes bacterial blight disease that limits the rice production globally. The bacterium secretes effector proteins directly into plant cells through a type III secretion system (T3SS). Here, we examined the role of a conserved XopR T3SS-effector in the suppression of host basal defense response. Phylogenetic and sequence analysis showed that XopR is well conserved within Xoo strains but shares varying degree of similarity among the other Xanthomonas species. The expression of XopR was shown to be regulated by hrpX, a key regulator of hrp cluster. For functional analysis we employed two mutant strains of Xoo, one lacks xopR gene and other lacks hrpX gene (making the strain defective in T3SS). Programmed cell death (PCD) events was examined both in rice and tobacco leaves through trypan blue staining method. In XopR expressing tobacco leaves the PCD induction was compromised. We observed higher PCD on rice leaves inoculated with Xoo mutants lacking either xopR or functional T3SS as compared to wild type. Contrary, when xopR gene was complemented in mutated strain the PCD was suppressed which clearly suggests that XopR acts as suppressor of the PCD mediated defense response. The EYFP::XopR fusion protein was shown to be localized to the plasma membrane of Nicotiana benthamiana and onion epidermal cells. Altogether our study leads to the understanding that XopR T3SS-effector is essential for Xoo to suppress PCD, primarily to support the in planta colonization of Xoo during blight pathogenesis.

Stroke due to Paradoxical Embolization Related to Fibroid Uterus Enlargement Compressing the Right Common Iliac Vein.

Stroke in young women is commonly cryptogenic or associated with an underlying hypercoagulable state (e.g., hormonal contraception). Paradoxical embolization has been postulated as a potential risk factor for stroke in young adults. Many sources of venous thrombosis leading to paradoxical embolization have been described. There have been few reported cases of uterine enlargement leading to iliac vein compression and paradoxical embolization. We present the case of a young adult woman who had a left middle cerebral artery infarction related to patent foramen ovale and right common iliac vein compression from an enlarged fibroid uterus.

XopR TTSS-effector regulates in planta growth, virulence of Indian strain of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae via suppressing reactive oxygen species production and cell wall-associated rice immune responses during blight induction.

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae (Xoo) causing bacterial blight of rice is a global problem in rice production. Phytopathogenic Xanthomonads overpower PAMP-triggered immunity (PTI) through secreting effectors via type III secretion system (TTSS). We previously screened the TTSS effector repository of an Indian strain of Xoo (race 4), a predominant strain from north-west India that contains 21 Xop and 18 TALE effectors. Here, we demonstrate that Xoo race 4 employs XopR for in planta colonisation, virulence and for the suppression of cell wall-associated immune responses in its natural host. XopR null mutant (Xoo ΔxopR) produced 2.6-fold less-severe lesion as compared with Xoo wild type. Xoo ΔxopR showed 1.58-fold reduced colonisation compared with wild indicating that XopR is required for maximum colonisation in rice. Xoo ΔxopR produced 3.8-fold more callose deposits compared with wild. Xoo ΔxopR caused significantly higher production of ROS in rice. RT-qPCR expression analysis of immune responsive genes of rice indicated 10- to 43-fold upregulation upon challenged inoculation with Xoo ΔxopR over wild. Altogether, our study revealed that XopR of Indian Xoo strain supports its in planta growth and contributes immensely for successful blight development through suppressing defence related events like reactive oxygen species production, callose deposition and transcript abundance of immune responsive genes during rice::Xoo interaction.

Molecular investigation of FGFR3 gene mutation and its correlation with clinicopathological findings in Indian bladder cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Molecular alteration of FGFR3 gene is the most common genetic event currently known in bladder cancer. Notably, FGFR3 mutation has emerged as a promising molecular biomarker for recurrence, prognosis, and therapeutic target in bladder cancer. AIM: The present study explored the frequency and distribution pattern of FGFR3 mutation in 100 Indian bladder cancer patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Exons 7, 10, and 15 were subjected to nested PCR followed by bidirectional sequencing of the PCR products. Overall, FGFR3 gene mutations were identified in 19 bladder cancer patients (19%, 19 of 100). Most of the mutations were noted in exon 7 (15%), followed by exon 10 (4%). All mutations detected were missense in nature affecting amino acids at codons 248, 249, and 373. The S249C mutations were the most recurrent mutation seen in exon 7, while Y373C was commonly observed in exon 10. In contrast to exons 7 and 10, no mutations were seen in exon 15 in this study. Females and older age patients tend to show increased frequency of FGFR3 mutations. Furthermore, FGFR3 mutations were more common in low pathological stage (6/20 pTa and 13/71 pT1) and low-grade tumors (13/46). This predominance in low-grade tumors were significantly high in comparison to high-grade tumor (P = .04). Likewise, FGFR3 mutations were significantly higher in well-differentiated tumors (32.6%, 14/43) in comparison to moderately differentiated tumors (11.3%, 5/44), and poorly differentiated tumor (0%, 0/13) (P = .007). No other association of FGFR3 with tumor size, necrosis, and variant histology was noted. CONCLUSIONS: The current study highlights the spectrum of FGFR3 mutation in Indian patients, and the data presented here are similar to those reported from across the globe.

Improving Adolescent Health Services across High Priority Districts in 6 States of India: Learnings from an Integrated Reproductive Maternal Newborn Child and Adolescent Health Project.

BACKGROUND: India has been at the forefront of designing adolescent health (AH) policies. The National Adolescent Reproductive and Sexual Health policy (2006), the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn Child, and AH strategy (2013), and the "Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)" (2014) have been the critical milestones in this direction. However, despite policies being available, the AH outcomes need improvement through operationalization of focused and need-based AH interventions. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to improve services for RKSK interventions across select geographies of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: USAID's VRIDDHI Project has been providing technical support at the national level and in six focus states to improve uptake of evidence-based high-impact reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and AH interventions. To improve AH services and outcomes, two approaches were implemented, namely (a) strengthen the functioning of adolescent-friendly health clinics in 95 high caseload health facilities in 26 high priority districts across six states and (b) demonstrate other operational strategies outlined in RKSK program including strengthening of district committees on AH, undertaking formative research for developing adolescent-focused communication strategy, and operationalizing weekly iron and folic acid supplementation program. RESULTS: As a result of ongoing technical support over 2-year period (January 2016-December 2017), improvements were noted across multiple AH indicators. In addition, evidence-based learnings were also generated from the demonstration models for potential scale up to other geographies. CONCLUSION: The project was successful in improving AH services in the intervention facilities through an integrated approach which is replicable, sustainable, and scalable for driving the AH program in India.

IgG4-related intraocular inflammation masquerading as ciliary body melanoma in a young girl.

Immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4-related diseases) affects various tissues and organs of the human body. Orbital, adnexal, and scleral inflammations were already reported in the medical literature. To the best of our knowledge, we report the first case of intraocular IgG4-associated inflammatory mass in the ciliary body mimicking as a melanoma in a 23-year-old female from Northeast India. Characteristic histopathology, immunohistochemistry in the tissue, protein chemistry, and raised serum IgG4 were supportive for the diagnosis. As this newly diagnosed disease has multi-organ affection and little is known about its pathogenesis particularly in eye and adnexa, the present case will open many challenges in clinico-pathological diagnosis and research in the future.

Molecular evaluation of PIK3CA gene mutation in breast cancer: determination of frequency, distribution pattern and its association with clinicopathological findings in Indian patients.

Somatic mutations in the PIK3CA gene are common in breast cancer and represent a clinically useful marker for prognosis and therapeutic target. Activating mutations in the PI3K p110 catalytic subunit (PIK3CA) have been identified in 18-40 % of breast carcinomas. In this study, we evaluated PIK3CA mutation in 185 Indian breast cancer patients by direct DNA sequencing. PIK3CA mutations were observed in 23.2 % (43/185) of breast tumor samples. PIK3CA mutations were more frequent exon 30 (76.8 %) than in exon 9 (23.2 %). Mutations were mostly clustered within two hotspot region between nucleotides 1624 and 1636 or between 3129 and 3140. Sequencing analysis revealed four different missense mutations at codon 542 and 545 (E542K, E545K, E545A and E545G) in the helical domain and two different amino acid substitutions at codon 1047 (H1047R and H1047L) in the kinase domain. None of the cases harbored concomitant mutations at multiple codons. PIK3CA mutations were more frequent in older patients, smaller size tumors, ductal carcinomas, grade II tumors, lymph node-positive tumors and non-DCIS tumors; however, none of the differences were significant. In addition, PIK3CA mutations were common in ER+, PR+ and HER2+ cases (30 %), and a comparatively low frequency were noted in triple-negative tumors (13.6 %). In conclusion, to our knowledge, this is the largest study to evaluate the PIK3CA mutation in Indian breast cancer patients. The frequency and distribution pattern of PIK3CA mutations is similar to global reports. Furthermore, identification of molecular markers has unique strengths and can provide insights into the pathogenic process of breast carcinomas.

Release of nickel and chromium ions in the saliva of patients with fixed orthodontic appliance: An in-vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Various components of fixed orthodontic appliances are continuously interacting with saliva and other fluids in the mouth releasing various metal ions including nickel and chromium that can cause damaging effects if their concentration exceeds above the toxic dose. AIM: To determine and compare the level of nickel and chromium in the saliva of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment at different time periods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample of saliva of 13 patients was taken at different time periods that is: Group 1 (before appliance placement), Group II, III, and IV (after 1-week, 1-month, and 3 months of appliance placement respectively). The fixed appliance comprised of brackets, bands, buccal tubes, lingual sheath, transpalatal arch and wires composed of Ni-Ti and stainless steel. The level of ions was determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectro-photometry. The data thus obtained were statistically analyzed using SPSS Statistical Analysis Software (Version 15.0). RESULTS: Level of nickel and chromium in saliva was highest in Group II and lowest in Groups I for both the ions. On comparison among different Groups, it was statistically significant for all the groups (<0.001) except between Group III and Group IV. CONCLUSION: The release of nickel and chromium was maximum at 1-week and then the level gradually declined. These values were well below the toxic dose of these ions. The results should be viewed with caution in subjects with Ni hypersensitivity.

Malignant granular cell tumor of the breast; literature review.

Malignant granular cell tumor (MGCT) is rare tumors that comprise 1-2% of all granular cell tumors. They commonly arise on lower extremity, nuchal region, chest wall, gastrointestinal tract, head, and neck but very rarely in breast. We report a case of a MGCT of breast with review of literature. The patient had noticed a breast mass 4 years back which was operated, and wide local excision was done. The tumor was diagnosed as MGCT. The tumor fulfilled 3 of the 6 criteria of Fanburg-Smith et al. The patient received 8 cycles of chemotherapy thereafter with 4 cycles of antharacycline and 4 of taxanes. However, the tumor reoccurred 4 years after resection and grew rapidly. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography done showed a large lobulated breast mass with axillary lymph node metastasis. She underwent Modified Radical Mastectomy with axillary clearance. The histopathology this time also revealed similar malignant tumor. To the best of our knowledge, only 7 cases have been reported in indexed English literature occurring primarily in breast.

A rare syndrome with unusual dental findings: Oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome.

Radiculomegaly of a tooth is a rare condition. When it is associated with other dental abnormalities, facial dysmorphism and congenital cataracts, the condition is named as oculofaciocardiodental (OFCD) syndrome. This is an X-linked dominant trait, reported only in women, suggesting that it is lethal in males. The most consistent and pathognomic dental finding of OFCD is radiculomegaly (extremely long roots), particularly of the canines and occasionally of other teeth including premolars and incisors, which can easily be diagnosed on dental panoramic radiographs by a dentist or an orthodontist. Till date, 21 cases have been reported worldwide. The aim of this report is to present a new case of a 24 year old female affected by this syndrome and to evaluate it from a dental perspective to call the attention of dentists to this rare anomaly.

Evaluation of canine retraction following periodontal distraction using NiTi coil spring and implants - A clinical study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the amount of canine retraction with periodontal distraction using miniscrew implants and NiTi coil spring. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Sample comprised of 25 patients who were scheduled for all 1st premolar extraction (13 males and 12 females), in the age range of 16-22 years with mean age 18.8 ± 2.7 years. For each patient left side served as control side (Group I) and right side as experimental side (Group II). At the time of first premolar extraction, periodontal distraction was performed only on the experimental side, followed by retraction of canine from mini-implant by closed NiTi coil spring on both the sides. "Nemotech" software was used to evaluate the amount of canine retraction for a period of 3 months. RESULTS: Significantly higher amount of tooth movement was seen from T0-T1 and from T1-T2 in Group II for the maxillary parameters 3C-5C, 6CF-3C, 3C-I/3C-J and for the mandibular parameter 6CF″-3C″. Whereas no significant amount of tooth movement was observed for maxillary and mandibular parameters between T2-T3 except for 6CF″-3C″ (p ≤ 0.01) which was significantly higher for the Group II. CONCLUSION: There was accelerated canine retraction on the periodontal distraction side as compared to the control side, with negligible anchorage loss.

Signaling through dynamic linkers as revealed by PKA.

Protein kinase A (PKA) is a prototype of multidomain signaling proteins functioning as allosteric conformational switches. Allosteric transitions have been the subject of extensive structural and dynamic investigations focusing mainly on folded domains. However, the current understanding of the allosteric role of partially unstructured linkers flanking globular domains is limited. Here, we show that a dynamic linker in the regulatory subunit (R) of PKA serves not only as a passive covalent thread, but also as an active allosteric element that controls activation of the kinase subunit (C) by tuning the inhibitory preequilibrium of a minimally populated intermediate (apo R). Apo R samples both C-binding competent (inactive) and incompetent (active) conformations within a nearly degenerate free-energy landscape and such degeneracy maximally amplifies the response to weak (∼2RT), but conformation-selective interactions elicited by the linker. Specifically, the R linker that in the R:C complex docks in the active site of C in apo R preferentially interacts with the C-binding incompetent state of the adjacent cAMP-binding domain (CBD). These unanticipated findings imply that the formation of the intermolecular R:C inhibitory interface occurs at the expense of destabilizing the intramolecular linker/CBD interactions in R. A direct implication of this model, which was not predictable solely based on protein structure, is that the disruption of a linker/CBD salt bridge in the R:C complex unexpectedly leads to increased affinity of R for C. The linker includes therefore sites of R:C complex frustration and frustration-relieving mutations enhance the kinase inhibitory potency of R without compromising its specificity.

Comparison of Shear Bond Strength and Estimation of Adhesive Remnant Index between Light-cure Composite and Dual-cure Composite: An in vitro Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To measure and compare the shear bond strength and adhesive remnant index of light-cure composite. (Enlight, Ormco.) and dual-cure composite (Phase II dual cure, Reliance Ortho). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted human premolar teeth were divided into two groups: group I (blue): conventional light cure composite resin. (Enlight, Ormco.) and group II (green): dual cure composite resin. (Phase II dual cure, Reliance Ortho.) with 30 teeth in each group. These samples were tested on the universal testing machine to measure the shear bond strength. RESULTS: Student t-test showed that the mean shear bond strength of the conventional light cure group (8.54 MPa - 10.42 MPa) was significantly lower than dual cure group (10.45 MPa -12.17 MPa). CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the shear bond strength of dual-cure composite resin (Phase II dual cure, Reliance Ortho) is comparatively higher than conventional light-cure composite resin (Enlight, Ormco). In the majority of the samples, adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores were 4 and 5 in both the groups whereas score 1 is attained by the least number of samples in both the groups. How to cite this article: Verma G, Trehan M, Sharma S. Comparison of Shear Bond Strength and Estimation of Adhesive Remnant Index between Light-cure Composite and Dual-cure Composite: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2013;6(3):166-170.

Cephalometric evaluation of hyoid bone position and pharyngeal spaces following treatment with Twin block appliance.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the position of hyoid bone in the subjects treated with Twin block appliance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The sample consisted of 40 Angle's Class II division 1 subjects treated with Twin block appliance. Lateral radiographs were taken before and after treatment. According to Schudy's facial divergence angle (SN-MP), the subjects were classified in to three groups: group I (hypodivergent, SN-MP: <31° (27°-30°), n=15), group II (normodivergent, SN-MP: 31°-34°, n=15), and group III (hyperdivergent, SN-MP: >34° (35°-38°), n=10). Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed manually. After measurements of variables, Student's t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed. RESULTS: Post treatment with Twin block therapy, hyoid bone shifted significantly (P<0.01) forward in horizontal dimension in all three groups, although it was highest in group III. However, there was no significant difference amongst the groups. In vertical dimension, hyoid bone shifted in upward direction in all three groups; however, the shift was significant (P<0.01) only in group I and there was a significant difference between group I and rest of the two groups. Width of upper airway significantly (P<0.01) increased and ANB angle significantly (P<0.001) decreased in all three groups with forward movement of mandible. CONCLUSIONS: After treatment with Twin block appliance, significant changes occurred in horizontal dimension (anterior displacement), which resulted in significant increase in width of upper pharynx in all three groups.