Steroid hormones regulate genome-wide epigenetic programming and gene transcription in human endometrial cells with marked aberrancies in endometriosis.

Programmed cellular responses to cycling ovarian-derived steroid hormones are central to normal endometrial function. Abnormalities therein, as in the estrogen-dependent, progesterone-"resistant" disorder, endometriosis, predispose to infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes. The endometrial stromal fibroblast (eSF) is a master regulator of pregnancy success. However, the complex hormone-epigenome-transcriptome interplay in eSF by each individual steroid hormone, estradiol (E2) and/or progesterone (P4), under physiologic and pathophysiologic conditions, is poorly understood and was investigated herein. Genome-wide analysis in normal, early and late stage eutopic eSF revealed: i) In contrast to P4, E2 extensively affected the eSF DNA methylome and transcriptome. Importantly, E2 resulted in a more open versus closed chromatin, confirmed by histone modification analysis. Combined E2 with P4 affected a totally different landscape than E2 or P4 alone. ii) P4 responses were aberrant in early and late stage endometriosis, and mapping differentially methylated CpG sites with progesterone receptor targets from the literature revealed different but not decreased P4-targets, leading to question the P4-"resistant" phenotype in endometriosis. Interestingly, an aberrant E2-response was noted in eSF from endometriosis women; iii) Steroid hormones affected specific genomic contexts and locations, significantly enriching enhancers and intergenic regions and minimally involving proximal promoters and CpG islands, regardless of hormone type and eSF disease state. iv) In eSF from women with endometriosis, aberrant hormone-induced methylation signatures were mainly due to existing DNA methylation marks prior to hormone treatments and involved known endometriosis genes and pathways. v) Distinct DNA methylation and transcriptomic signatures revealed early and late stage endometriosis comprise unique disease subtypes. Taken together, the data herein, for the first time, provide significant insight into the hormone-epigenome-transcriptome interplay of each steroid hormone in normal eSF, and aberrant E2 response, distinct disease subtypes, and pre-existing epigenetic aberrancies in the setting of endometriosis, provide mechanistic insights into how endometriosis affects endometrial function/dysfunction.

Electron transfer dissociation of synthetic and natural peptides containing lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges.

RATIONALE: The modes of cleavage of lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges under electron transfer dissociation (ETD) were investigated using synthetic and natural lantipeptides. Knowledge of the mass spectrometric fragmentation of lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges may assist in the development of analytical methods for the rapid discovery of new lantibiotics. The present study strengthens the advantage of ETD in the characterization of posttranslational modifications of peptides and proteins. METHODS: Synthetic and natural lantipeptides were obtained by desulfurization of peptide disulfides and cyanogen bromide digestion of the lantibiotic nisin, respectively. These peptides were subjected to electrospray ionization collision-induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID-MS/MS) and ETD-MS/MS using an HCT ultra ETDII ion trap mass spectrometer. MS3 CID was performed on the desired product ions to prove cleavage of the lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridge during ETD-MS/MS. RESULTS: ETD has advantages over CID in the cleavage of the side chain of lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges. The cleavage of the N-Cα backbone peptide bond followed by C-terminal side chain of the lanthionine bridge results in formation of c•+ and z+ ions. Cleavage at the preceding peptide bond to the C-terminal side chain of lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges yields specific fragments with the cysteine/methylcysteine thiyl radical and dehydroalanine. CONCLUSIONS: ETD successfully cleaves the lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges of synthetic and natural lantipeptides. Diagnostic fragment ions of ETD cleavage of lanthionine/methyllanthionine bridges are the N-terminal cysteine/methylcysteine thiyl radical and C-terminal dehydroalanine. Detection of the cysteine/methylcysteine thiyl radical and dehydroalanine in combined ETD-CID-MS may be used for the rapid identification of lantipeptide natural products.

Synthesis and Characterization of Controlled Size CdSe Quantum Dots by Colloidal Method.

Monodispersed and highly luminescence cadmium selenide (CdSe) quantum dots (QDs) have been prepared in a single pot by colloidal reaction method. The QDs were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), UV-visible absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy to study the structural, morphological, compositional and optical properties. The growth temperature played an important role to control the particle size. The optical wavelength was found to be shifted systematically from 460 nm to 575 nm upon increasing the reaction temperature from 110 °C to 260 °C. The size of CdSe QDs, ~2-4 nm was estimated from absorption data. The emission tail exhibited at higher wavelength in PL measurement for the QDs synthesized for lower reaction temperature revealed the presence of surface trap-states. A cubic crystal structure of CdSe QDs was revealed by XRD analysis. The spherical QDs of size 2 to 4.5 nm were observed from TEM analysis for the samples prepared at 140 °C, 200 °C and 260 °C. The sizes of QDs obtained by TEM are in good agreement with the results obtained from optical and XRD data. High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the cubic crystal structure of CdSe QDs. The Selected area diffraction (SAD) pattern exhibited diffused ring corresponds to (111), (220) and (311) reflections of cubic structure of CdSe. The compositional analysis studied by EDS revealed the growth of nearly stoichiometric CdSe QDs. The LO1 vibrational mode observed about 202-205 cm-1 decreases the broadening systematically upon increasing the reaction temperature.

The bond strength of different tray adhesives on vinyl polysiloxane to two tray materials: an in vitro study.

There has been no established chemical bonding between custom tray resin and the elastomeric impression materials without the use of manufacturer's recommended specific tray adhesive. The present study was aimed to compare the bond strength of the manufacturer recommended tray adhesives with the universal tray adhesives using the medium body consistency vinyl polysiloxane (VPS) material and custom tray made of autopolymerising resin and visible light cure (VLC) resin. A total 90 cubicle specimens of autopolymerising resin and 90 specimens of VLC resin were tested for its tensile bond strength. Effectiveness of universal tray adhesive was compared with manufactured tray adhesive. Each of these specimens was then subjected to tensile load in hounsefield universal testing machine at a cross head speed of 5 mm/min and the results were compared and evaluated using one way analysis of variance and post hoc Tuckey's test. Analysis of bond strength revealed that the universal tray adhesive showed better strength and was statiscally significant when compared to the manufacture supplied tray adhesive. Comparison between both the groups, VLC resin showed better bond strength as compared to autopolymerizing resin. Universal tray adhesive had better tensile bond strength than the manufacturers recommended tray adhesive with the medium body viscosity VPS impression material for both autopolymerising and VLC tray resin.

Capturing the art and science of dentistry in a lens: Digital dental photography.

Dental photography is now an excellent tool that plays a crucial role in dentistry as it helps in documenting and analyzing the oral conditions of patients. Photography provides a visual representation of the teeth, gums, and other oral structures, which aids in diagnosis, treatment planning, and monitoring the progress of treatment. Therefore, it is essential for dental professionals to understand the importance of dental photography and incorporate photography it into regular practice. The purpose of this paper is to provide emphasis and elucidate the path of dental photography easier for dental student and practitioner.

Pharmacist-led review of empagliflozin and ertugliflozin following formulary update.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the appropriateness of the medication management for anyone who might have been affected by the Horizon New Jersey Health Medicaid Health Maintenance Organization (HNJH Medicaid HMO) formulary update from empagliflozin to ertugliflozin and to then optimize drug selection and monitoring. STUDY DESIGN: This is a single-center, 2-phase, pilot project led by 2 pharmacy students and the lead clinical pharmacist at a federally qualified health center in Trenton, New Jersey. METHODS: The primary outcome of the study is the number and percentage of patients whose prescription was changed inappropriately from empagliflozin to ertugliflozin. Secondary outcomes include the number and percentage of patients whose prescription was changed inappropriately because of failure to consider cardiovascular history and/or missed renal function checks and whether pharmacists were able to optimize therapy. Data were generated from electronic health record reports and analyzed in Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: A total of 126 unique patients were identified as receiving empagliflozin and/or ertugliflozin and 16 patients were switched from empagliflozin to ertugliflozin, all of whom had HNJH Medicaid HMO. Thirteen of the 16 (81.3%) patients were managed inappropriately based on their history of cardiovascular disease or inappropriate renal monitoring. Pharmacists recommended 22 interventions for patients who received empagliflozin and/or ertugliflozin, and all recommendations were accepted by providers. CONCLUSIONS: Following the HNJH Medicaid HMO's coverage update from empagliflozin to ertugliflozin, some patients received inappropriate therapy and providers accepted clinical pharmacists' recommendations to optimize therapy.

Evaluation of calcium ion release from apical plugs formed by Biodentine and MTA with and without incorporation of triple antibiotic powder and modified triple antibiotic powder (cefaclor) using atomic absorption spectrophotometry - An in vitro study.

Introduction: Apexification procedure with Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and Biodentine as apical plugs along with the incorporation of medicaments such as silver zeolite, chlorhexidine, and triple antibiotic powder (TAP) is a new area of research that is gradually gaining momentum in dentistry. Aim: The study aimed to evaluate and compare the calcium released from the apical plugs formed by MTA and Biodentine with and without incorporation of 2% TAP and 2% modified triple antibiotic powder (mTAP). Materials and Methods: Ninety single-rooted teeth were randomly divided (n = 15) into two experimental groups with three subgroups (n = 5) each based on the composition of apical plugs (4 mm) as follows: Group A: Biodentine - Subgroup 1: Biodentine, Subgroup 2: Biodentine + 2% TAP, and Subgroup 3: Biodentine + 2% modified TAP and Group B: MTA - Subgroup 1: MTA, Subgroup 2: MTA + 2% TAP, and Subgroup 3: MTA + 2% modified TAP. Each sample tooth was then immersed in 10 mL of deionized water. Evaluation of calcium release was done on days 7, 15, and 30 using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Data were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance and a Tukey's post hoc test. Results: Calcium ion release was maximum for Biodentine compared to MTA and was greater with materials incorporated with TAP and mTAP than materials alone at days 7, 15, and 30. Conclusion: The incorporation of 2% TAP and 2% mTAP resulted in increased calcium ions released from MTA and Biodentine which helps in faster apexification.

Comparative Evaluation of Penetration Depth of Irrigants into Root Dentin after Manual Sonic and Ultrasonic Activation using Dye Penetration Method under Light Microscope: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: To evaluate the penetration depth of irrigants into root dentin after manual, ultrasonic, and sonic activation using the dye penetration method under light microscope. Materials and methods: Ninety-two extracted single-rooted human teeth were used in the age range of 14-18 years. After access opening, root canals were instrumented. Canals were irrigated with preheated 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Teeth were divided into four groups-group I, control group without activation; group II, manual dynamic activation; group III, ultrasonic activation; and group IV, sonic activation. About 1% methylene blue dye was used, which was activated for 30 seconds using the respective activation method. Cross sections of apical 1 mm were prepared from the apical third. Each section was examined under a light microscope to check the penetration depth of dye in a micrometer at the apical third level. Results: There was a statistically highly significant difference seen for the values between the groups (p < 0.01) with higher values in group IV and least in group I, revealing that group IV had higher penetration depth compared to other groups. Conclusion: The use of needle irrigation with the use of EndoActivator (sonic agitation method) has enhanced irrigation in the apical third. Clinical significance: As during biomechanical preparation and irrigation with the traditional method of needle and syringe, canals remain inadequately disinfected at the apical third level. So, this study was done to assess whether the advanced methods of activation are more effective than commonly used techniques in their ability to penetrate dentinal tubules. How to cite this article: Dadhich S, Srivastava H, Raisingani D, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Penetration Depth of Irrigants into Root Dentin after Manual Sonic and Ultrasonic Activation using Dye Penetration Method under Light Microscope: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-3):S253-S257.

Renal Transplantation in Patients With Tuberculosis: A Single-center Experience From an Endemic Region.

Background: Despite being a common infection in end-stage kidney disease patients, there are no evidence-based guidelines to suggest the ideal time of transplantation in patients on antitubercular therapy (ATT). This study aimed to examine the outcome of transplantation in patients while on ATT compared with those without tuberculosis (TB). Methods: This was a retrospective study. Renal transplant recipients transplanted while on ATT were compared with a 1:1 matched group (for age, sex, diabetic status, and type of induction agent) of patients without TB at the time of transplant. Patient outcomes included relapse of TB and graft and patient survival. Results: There were 71 patients in each group. The mean duration for which ATT was given pretransplant was 3.8 ± 2.47 mo. The average total duration of ATT received was 12.27 ± 1.25 mo. Mortality in both the groups was similar (8.4% in the TB group versus 4.5% in the non-TB group; P = 0.49). None of the surviving patients had recurrence of TB during the follow-up. Death-censored graft survival (98.5% in the TB group versus 97% in the non-TB group; P = 1) and biopsy-proven acute rejection rates (9.86% in the TB group versus 8.45% in the non-TB group; P = 1) were also similar in both the groups. Conclusions: Successful transplantation in patients with end-stage kidney disease on ATT is possible without any deleterious effect on patient and graft survival and no risk of disease recurrence. Multicentric prospective studies are needed.

Detection of Peripheral Malarial Parasites in Blood Smears Using Deep Learning Models.

Due to the plasmodium parasite, malaria is transmitted mostly through red blood cells. Manually counting blood cells is extremely time consuming and tedious. In a recommendation for the advanced technology stage and analysis of malarial disease, the performance of the XG-Boost, SVM, and neural networks is compared. In comparison to machine learning models, convolutional neural networks provide reliable results when analyzing and recognizing the same datasets. To reduce discrepancies and improve robustness and generalization, we developed a model that analyzes blood samples to determine whether the cells are parasitized or not. Experiments were conducted on 13,750 parasitized and 13,750 parasitic samples. Support vector machines achieved 94% accuracy, XG-Boost models achieved 90% accuracy, and neural networks achieved 80% accuracy. Among these three models, the support vector machine was the most accurate at distinguishing parasitized cells from uninfected ones. An accuracy rate of 97% was achieved by the convolution neural network in recognizing the samples. The deep learning model is useful for decision making because of its better accuracy.

Role of portable chest radiography in management of COVID-19: Experience of 422 patients from a tertiary care center in India.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze radiological changes in portable chest radiographs in coronavirus disease-19(COVID-19) patients to optimize the management of hospitalized patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 638 portable radiographs of 422 hospitalized COVID-19 patients with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 infection. All the radiographs were reported in a structured format by two experienced radiologists. A severity score was assigned to every Chest Xray (CXR) and correlation was done with the CT scans whenever available. RESULTS: Out of 422 baseline portable radiographs assessed, the ratio of male: female patients was 337:85 that is 79.8% were males and 20.14% were females. The mean age was 50.5 years and the range was 17-84 years. Of these 422 patients, 187 patients (44.3%) had abnormal baseline CXR. 161 out of 187 (86%) had either typical or indeterminate findings for COVID-19 pneumonia, rest 26 (13.9%) patients had CXR findings not consistent with COVID-19, like pleural effusion, hydropneumothorax, or lung cavity. Most commonly observed CXR findings in COVID 19 pneumonia were bilateral, multifocal air space opacities (consolidation and ground-glass opacities) predominantly involving lower zones and peripheral lung fields. X-ray identifiable lung changes of COVID-19 were mostly seen at 9-11 days after symptom onset. CONCLUSION: The presence of multifocal air-space opacities with bilateral, peripheral distribution on chest radiograph is highly suggestive of COVID-19 pneumonia in this pandemic setting. Portable chest radiography is a widely available and quicktool for estimating the evolution and assessing the severity of lung involvement of COVID-19 pneumonia in hospitalized symptomatic patients.

Molecular investigations reveal bitter gourd crop is more susceptible to tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus infection in diverse crop cultivation practices.

Small- and medium-scale farmer's typically follow polyculture or diverse crop cultivation. However, cultivation of diverse crops in small area can cause cross infection leading to disease spreading across crops. A microplot-based field study was conducted to understand the disease susceptibility and disease mobility across various crops, including tomato, chilli, mungbean, and bitter gourd. The mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) incidence was noted first in the mungbean crop followed by tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus (ToLCNDV) in tomato and chilli leaf curl virus (ChLCV) in chilli crop. Interestingly, bitter gourd crop was infected lastly with symptoms including yellow and green mottling, severe leaf curling, and stunted growth. However, in bitter gourd crop symptoms, like typical leaf curl virus, could not be conclusively related to a certain type of begomovirus. Molecular diagnosis using begomovirus specific deng primers and coat protein (CP) gene primers specific to begomovirus species revealed the presence of ToLCNDV in bitter gourd samples. The phylogenetic analysis of CP gene sequences revealed 98 per cent nucleotide identity with ToLCNDV. Further cross infectivity assays confirmed the transmission of ToLCNDV from tomato to bitter gourd and vice versa. The cryptic species of whiteflies isolated from the bitter gourd fields were sequence confirmed to belong to Asia-I genetic group that were reported to transmit ToLCNDV previously. Overall, our study suggests the vulnerability of bitter gourd crop for ToLCNDV infection when cultivated by the side of tomato plots. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-02975-6.

Expression of ß-catenin in oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis: An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Oral potentially malignant disorders have increased propensity to turn malignant than its apparently normal counterparts. Histopathological examination, although gold standard, needs adjunct technique to give accurate diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry has proved to be a promising adjunct to aid in the diagnosis so far. The quest for a definitive marker is still on. Beta-catenin (ß-catenin), a structural protein has been evaluated to identify its likely role in malignant transformation of potentially malignant lesions and possibly designate it as one of the identifiable signature molecules in the transformation. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and estimate the expression of ß-catenin in different grades of dysplasia, oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and normal mucosa and compare the same. METHODOLOGY: A total number of 40 cases including different grades of dysplasia, OSMF and normal mucosa were immunohistochemically stained, location and intensity of its expression were evaluated for ß-catenin. The results were statistically analyzed using the one-way analysis of variance and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The expression of ß-Catenin in the cytoplasm as well as in the nucleus increased from mild-to-moderate dysplasia to OSMF and to severe epithelial dysplasia in an increasing order. The expression is seen to translocate from membranous to cytoplasm to nucleus indicating a proliferative potential in these group of lesions. CONCLUSION: ß-catenin is a promising marker which indicates the malignant transformation potential in the higher grades of dysplasia and OSMF.

Nanomedicine-driven molecular targeting, drug delivery, and therapeutic approaches to cancer chemoresistance.

Cancer cell resistance to chemotherapeutics (chemoresistance) poses a significant clinical challenge that oncology research seeks to understand and overcome. Multiple anticancer drugs and targeting agents can be incorporated in nanomedicines, in addition to different treatment modalities, forming a single nanoplatform that can be used to address tumor chemoresistance. Nanomedicine-driven molecular assemblies using nucleic acids, small interfering (si)RNAs, miRNAs, and aptamers in combination with stimuli-responsive therapy improve the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile of the drugs and enhance their accumulation in tumors and, thus, therapeutic outcomes. In this review, we highlight nanomedicine-driven molecular targeting and therapy combination used to improve the 3Rs (right place, right time, and right dose) for chemoresistant tumor therapies.

Comparison of Ribbond and Everstick Post in Reinforcing the Re-attached Maxillary Incisors Having Two Oblique Fracture Patterns: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to compare the resistance to fracture in maxillary incisors which were fractured in two different oblique patterns and then were re-attached and reinforced using anatomic fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) post. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty extracted and intact human maxillary incisors were obtained and divided into two groups (A and B; n = 30). "Labiopalatal" and "palatolabial" fractures were induced in group A and group B, respectively. These two groups were further subdivided into two subgroups (n = 15). In subgroup I Ribbond fiber (Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) and in subgroup II Everstick post (everStick Post™, GC Corporation, Tokyo, Japan) were used. Fractured fragments were re-attached using resin and tested for fracture resistance in universal testing machine. Statistical analysis was done with ANOVA one-way test and post hoc test. RESULTS: The labiopalatal fracture pattern of group A showed significantly increased resistance to fracture than the palatolabial fracture pattern of group B in both the subgroups. Similarly, subgroup II with Everstick post exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than subgroup I with Ribbond in both groups A and B (p value < 0.05). CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study simulates a clinical scenario of coronal fracture of a tooth and focuses on the techniques and materials which can be used for successful management of such cases. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Khurana D, Prasad AB, Raisingani D, et al. Comparison of Ribbond and Everstick Post in Reinforcing the Re-attached Maxillary Incisors Having Two Oblique Fracture Patterns: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):689-692.

Effect of Saliva Contamination on Shear Bond Strength of Self-etch Adhesive System to Dentin: An In Vitro Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the outcome of saliva contamination on shear bond strength (SBS) of a self-etch adhesive system to dentin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 premolars were selected. Occlusal surfaces of the teeth were severed off. Three groups of 20 teeth in each were formed after the samples were randomly divided. Group I: Not subjected to any contamination (control group). Group II: Contamination with saliva occurred before coating the teeth with a self-etch adhesive system. Group III: Contamination with saliva occurred after coating the teeth with a self-etch adhesive system. After the contamination, the composite was placed with the help of a Teflon tube. Under the universal testing machine, the SBS of these samples was then tested. RESULTS: The data obtained after testing were analyzed using SPSS software. Statistical difference was seen between all the three groups. Group II projected the least SBS. CONCLUSION: Contamination with saliva has a deleterious effect on the SBS. Contamination that occurs before the application of adhesive systems has shown considerably reduced SBS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study successfully established that saliva contamination acts as a major factor in reducing the SBS of the bonding agent. Hence, in clinical situations, it is necessary to ensure sufficient steps are taken to eliminate or reduce the chances of contamination with saliva to aid in the success of the restoration. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chaudhari RR, Srivastava HR, Raisingani D, et al. Effect of Saliva Contamination on Shear Bond Strength of Self-etch Adhesive System to Dentin: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(4):443-446.

Biofabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles from Melia azedarach and its potential in controlling soybean seed-borne phytopathogenic fungi.

Present study, report the biofabrication of zinc oxide nanoparticles from aqueous leaf extract of Melia azedarach (MaZnO-NPs) through solution combustion method and their novel application in preventing the growth of seed-borne fungal pathogens of soybean (Cladosporium cladosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum). The standard blotter method was employed to isolate fungi and was identified through molecular techniques. The characterization of MaZnO-NPs was carried out by UV-Vis spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). The physicochemical characterization confirmed the particles were of high purity and nano size (30-40 nm) with a hexagonal shape. The synthesized MaZnO-NPs inhibited the growth of C. cladosporioides and F. oxysporum in a dose dependent manner. Biomass, ergosterol, lipid peroxidation, intracellular reactive oxygen species and membrane integrity determination upon MaZnO-NPs treatment offered significant activities there by confirming the mechanism of action against the test pathogens. In conclusion, due to the effectiveness of MaZnO-NPs in controlling the growth of C. cladosporioides and F. oxysporum, the synthesized MaZnO-NPs provides insight towards their potential application in agriculture and food industries.

Factors associated with acute diarrhoea in children in Dhahira, Oman: a hospital-based study.

To elucidate the bacterial etiology of childhood diarrhoea in Dhahira, 856 children < 12 years admitted for diarrhoea to Ibri Regional Referral Hospital from 2000 to 2002 were studied. The mean age was 2.4 (SD 2.3) years; the majority (92.9%) were < 5 years. Bacterial etiology was found in 15.2% of cases; 10.6% due to Shigella and 2.1% to Salmonella. Sh. sonnei was the commonest Shigella serogroup isolated. Salmonella infection was significantly associated with cramps, while Shigella infection was associated with fever, bloody stools and cramps. Antibiotics were prescribed in 36.2% of cases and the resistance to the common antibiotics tested was low.

Coalition of E-cadherin and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in predicting malignant transformation in common oral potentially malignant disorders.

BACKGROUND: Reduced E-cadherin expression and increased VEGF expression is known to be involved in tissue growth and transformation of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders (OPMDs) and has been correlated with their differing histological grades in numerous studies. AIM: To evaluate Immunohistochemical (IHC) expression of both E-cadherin and VEGF in predicting the malignant transformation potential of common OPMDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten cases each of Normal Oral mucosa (NOM), Mild Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED), Moderate OED, Severe OED, Oral Submucous Fibrosis, (OSMF) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) were stained and evaluated for the expression of Ecadherin and VEGF. Quick score (QS) for expression intensity in all epithelial layers was calculated for both markers and results statistically analysed using Kruskal -Wallis ANOVA and Mann-Whitney "U" test. RESULTS: E-cadherin expression was continuous and membranous in all the layers of NOM and reduced with progressing grades of OED to OSCC. In OSMF, expression was intermediate between moderate and severe OED. VEGF expression increased as the disease progressed from normal to increasing grades of OED to malignancy. In OSMF, expression was similar to that in mild OED. VEGF, E-cadherin expression for basal and parabasilar cells showed a strong statistically significant negative correlation in NOM. A very strong statistically significant positive correlation with perfect monotonic relation was noted in superficial cells in severe OED group and OSCC group. CONCLUSION: E-Cadherin and VEGF could be used as combination markers to predict the potential risk for malignant transformation in OEDs.