Emergence of Mycobacterium orygis-Associated Tuberculosis in Wild Ruminants, India.

Tuberculosis caused by Mycobacterium orygis was detected in 2 spotted deer from a wildlife sanctuary in western India and an Indian bison from a national park in central India. Nationwide surveillance is urgently required to clarify the epidemiology of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex at the human-livestock-wildlife interface.

Comparison between Different Shades of Monolithic Zirconia over Microhardness and Water Solubility and Sorption of Dual-cure Resin Cement.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the different shades of monolithic zirconia over microhardness and water solubility and water sorption of dual-cure resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty specimens were included in the study. They were categorized into four categories having 20 samples each. Category one: No ceramic disks were present in the control group; the cement was directly activated. Category two: Curing of the resin cement with one shade of monolithic zirconia topping. Category three: Curing of the resin cement with an overlaying layer A monolithic zirconia version with two shades. Category four: Curing of the resin cement with an overlaying layer A three-tone monolithic zirconia version. In each category, two subgroups were further created (n = 10). One subgroup consisted of conventional dual-cure resin-based cement, while the other subgroup consisted of self-adhesive dual-cure resin-based cement. Vickers microhardness, water solubility, and water sorption of resin cement sorption were precisely measured after 24 hours of storage in an incubator at 37°C. The statistical analysis was undertaken with the help of statistical tests like two-way analysis of variations (ANOVA), one-way ANOVA, independent t-tests, Tukey's test, and Tamhane's T2 test. The p ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Microhardness was more excellent in conventional dual-cure resin-based cement in comparison with self-adhesive dual-cure cement. At the same time, the water solubility and water sorption were lower in conventional dual-cure resin-based cement than self-adhesive dual-cure resin cement. The effect of shade of monolithic variant of zirconia was significant over the microhardness of both dual-cure resin-based cement; however, the impact was nonsignificant over the water solubility and water sorption of the resin-based resin cement. Further, it was also observed that the use of a monolithic variant of zirconia led to a decrease in microhardness of both dual resin-based cement in comparison to the condition when no ceramics were used. CONCLUSION: The effect of shade of monolithic variant of zirconia was statistically significant over the microhardness of both dual-cure resin-based cement; however, the result was not significant over the water solubility and water sorption of the resin-based cement. The use of a monolithic variant of zirconia led to a decrease in the microhardness of both dual resin-based cement compared to the condition when no ceramics were used. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The quantity of polymerization in resin-based cement affects their clinical effectiveness for a more extended period. It is believed that the measurement of microhardness is a reliable and straightforward process for evaluating the amount of polymerization of resin-based cement. Very few studies have been conducted in the past to compare the shades of monolithic zirconia over the microhardness, water solubility, and water sorption of the dual-cure resin-based cement.

Evaluation of Effectiveness of Three New Gingival Retraction Systems: A Comparative Study.

AIM: To analyze the clinical effectiveness of three new gingival retraction systems: knitted retraction cord, expanding polyvinyl siloxane, and aluminium chloride containing paste. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients were enrolled with age-group of more than 18 years and who required fixed prosthesis with minimum of two abutments. A preliminary impression of the arch was made with a stock metal tray and irreversible hydrocolloid impression material. Group WR-impression without retraction, Group A-impression after retraction with gingival retraction cord, Group B-impression after retraction with expanding polyvinyl siloxane, and Group C-impression after retraction with aluminium chloride containing paste. A total of four impressions were made for each abutment tooth. Each impression was given a label 1WR, 1A, 1B, 1C-20WR, 20A, 20B, 20C: where 1 denoted the sample number. Comparison of the stereomicroscopic images was done using image analysis software. Time required from start of placement of gingival displacement agents till completion was recorded in seconds with the help of a stop clock. RESULTS: The mean gingival retraction was found to be the highest for subjects of Group C followed by Group A, Group B, and Group WR. This difference was found to be statistically significant. Highly significant mean difference in time of placement was observed between Group A and Group B, between Group B and Group C, and between Group C and Group A. CONCLUSION: The aluminium chloride containing paste was found effective in almost all the variables considered. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The choice of particular gingival retraction system/technique is dependent upon the clinical variables and on operator's preference.

Impact of Oral Health Literacy on Periodontal Health among Low-income-group Workers of Dental Institutes in Patna, Bihar, India.

AIM: To evaluate the impact of oral health literacy (OHL) on the periodontal health among low-income-group workers of dental institutes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 137 class III and IV workers of dental college. Data collection was done by using a customized pro forma including demographics, REALD-30 for calculating OHL, and items on oral hygiene habits like toothpaste use, brushing frequency, and any other oral hygiene aid. Following which periodontal health status was determined, which was categorized into severe, moderate, and mild periodontitis (health). The analysis was done using the SPSS 11.5. Periodontal health status was associated with OHL scores, oral hygiene habits, and demographics using the chi-square test. The statistical significance level was set at 5% level. RESULTS: Among the 137 subjects, 25 participants reported health/mild periodontitis, 53 had moderate periodontitis, and 59 had severe periodontitis. Low OHL was observed in 52.5% and only 13.8% had high OHL. The participants who had low OHL, 56.94% (n = 41), were having severe disease, while the subjects who had better OHL, only 21.05% (n = 4) were found to have severe disease. CONCLUSION: The people with low socioeconomic classes can be reached effectively if the community involvement concept is used through the workers of dental institutions. But first efforts should be made to improve the OHL of these workers. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Improving OHL can be of great help to the clinicians and the community health workers because it helps them to make patient adherent to the treatment and the medications prescribed to them. Periodontitis affects people with low socioeconomic status and in the present study it was class III and IV workers. Improving OHL of this population will decrease the oral disease burden of India.

Determining the occlusal plane using hamular notch incisive papilla plane evaluator: An in vivo study.

AIMS: Identification and establishment of the occlusal plane in patients with impaired occlusal plane, presents a major hurdle for the execution of natural esthetics, speech, and function. The aim of this study was to minimize such errors while occlusal rehabilitation, and employ hamular notchincisive papilla (H.I.P) plane as landmark and scribe it on the cast using H. I. P evaluator and utilise for occlusal corrections. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: HIP plane being parallel to the occlusal plane could ease the operator when it could be scribed on cast to analyze and restore the compromised occlusal plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dentulous casts of two hundred participants were mounted on the Hanau Wide-Vue articulator. Reference points were marked on the maxillary right central incisor and maxillary molars on casts for attaining different occlusal planes, the incisive papilla and hamular notch region were also marked for HIP plane. A plane parallel HIP was scribed on cast using HIP Evaluator. The casts were then scanned using a three-dimensional coordinate measuring machine attached to perception V5 laser scanner and measurements were made using Geomagic X design software. The most parallel occlusal plane to HIP plane was evaluated, and the reliability of HIP evaluator was verified. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: ANOVA test, Post hoc-Bonferroni test, and independent sample "t"-test were carried out for the comparison between occlusal planes, among the genders and for the analysis of the angle of deviation of scribed plane on the cast to HIP plane on the right and left sides. RESULTS: Occlusal plane III (Mesio-labial incisal edge of upper right central incisor to Mesio-buccal cusp tips of upper second molars) showed least angle of deviation with 1.316° ± 1.158° to HIP plane among tested subjects. There is no significant difference between the genders. The plane scribed on the cast with H. I. P evaluator showed relative parallelism to H. I. P plane with minimum deviation of 0.010° ± 0.363°. CONCLUSION: Occlusal plane III is more parallel to H. I. P plane. Scribed plane on the cast using H. I. P evaluator is parallel to H. I. P plane. H. I. P evaluator can be used as an alternative tool to establish the occlusal plane to rehabilitate patient with deficient dentition or disordered occlusal plane.

Peptidoglycan and Lipoteichoic Acid Induces Differential mRNA Response of Immune-Related Genes in PBMC of Crossbred, Tharparkar Cattle and Murrah Buffalo.

Subclinical mastitis, generally caused by Staphylococcus aureus, has a global economic impact all over the world. Hence, it needs to be resolved on higher priority which may be attained via. selection of mastitis resistant animals or inclusion of mastitis resistant trait into herd apart from management care. Diverse hosts with various genetic make-ups encounter pathogens in a diverse manner which in turn leads to contradicting outcome of the disease. Identification of species-wise or breed-wise differential expressed genes in response to S. aureus through relative evaluation of transcripts may be useful for judging the immuno-competency of a species or breed toward mastitis. The present study was undertaken to examine the stimulant effect of S. aureus peptidoglycan (PGN) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA) on Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) harvested from blood samples of crossbred cattle, Tharparkar cattle, and Murrah buffaloes. After 6 h of in vitro stimulation qRT-PCR was used to measure the relative mRNA expression of TLR-2, TNF-α, IL-8, IFN-γ and IL-10 genes in stimulated and un-stimulated PBMC. The selected genes revealed significant differences in the pattern of immune response among crossbred cattle, Tharparkar cattle and Murrah buffalo in spite of the same stimulant dose.

Genetic analysis of persistency in HF crossbred cattle at an organized farm of northern India.

The present study was undertaken to estimate effect of various genetic and non-genetic factors on persistency of milk production and to identify the most appropriate persistency method that fits best in our environment. In the present study, effects of different non-genetic factors, viz. year, season, days to attain peak yield, and genetic group based on the level of exotic inheritance on persistency of milk yield in crossbred cattle were studied. Data comprised of 686 first lactation daily milk yield records of crossbred cattle that were maintained at GADVASU dairy farm over a period of 25 years from 1991 to 2015 were utilized to calculate persistency coefficients by four methods, viz., Ludwick and Peterson method (P1), Mahadevan method (P2), ratio method (P3), and Prasad et al. method (P4). Overall least squares means for persistency by Ludwick and Peterson method (P1), Mahadevan method (P2), ratio method (P3), and Prasad et al. method (P4) were 0.896 ± 0.096, 1.385 ± 0.224, 187.207 ± 26.398, and 0.621 ± 0.098, respectively. Effect of sires was significant (P < 0.05) on P2 and P4 methods. Effect of genetic group on all four methods was non-significant. Period of calving had significant (P < 0.01) effect on persistency of milk yield (P2, P3, and P4 methods). Effect of season of calving on persistency of milk yield was found to be significant in all estimates obtained by the four methods. Summer and autumn calvers were most persistent whereas spring and winter calvers were least persistent for (P2, P3, and P4 methods). Persistency of milk yield was significantly (P < 0.05) affected by days to attain peak yield in P1 and P2 methods. Maximum persistency was obtained in animals attaining peak at 41-57 days of lactation and minimum in < 41 days for Mahadevan method and ratio method. The highest heritability of persistency and minimum value of standard error was estimated as 0.275 ± 0.11 for the Mahadevan method followed by the Prasad method (0.197 ± 0.10) by half sib correlation method. The maximum coefficient of variation which indicates available variability was estimated as 20.788% for persistency by the Mahadevan method followed by 18.969% for the Prasad method. The highest correlation was also observed between P1 and P3 methods by Spearman's and Pearson's correlation for least squares breeding value of the sires. On the basis of heritability, standard error of heritability, and coefficient of variation, it can be concluded that the Mahadevan method followed by the Prasad method suits best to our environment for animals in first lactation as well as they can be utilized for effective selection for higher persistency in crossbred animals of Punjab.

Factors Influencing the Consumption of Tobacco amongst the Khasi Indigenous People in Northeast India.

Background: Tobacco use in any form is a major public health concern. It accounts for nearly 1.35 million deaths every year. Many chronic illnesses occur due to the consumption of tobacco, either smoke or smokeless form. The study aims to explore how smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption are distributed across a range of demographic and socioeconomic markers among Khasi indigenous people in Northeast India. Materials and Methods: It is a case-control study conducted in adults over 31 years of age. The study was carried out between June 2020 and August 2021. An Independent t-test was performed to determine the significant difference in age between smoking/smokeless tobacco users and non-tobacco users. Univariate and Multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the significant predictors affecting the use of smoking/smokeless tobacco in the respondents. Results: A total of 505 respondents were included in the present study. There was a high statistically significant difference in the income level of tobacco and non-tobacco users (P value- 0.002). In Univariate analysis, it was found that the odds of consuming both forms of tobacco were significantly lower in the respondents aged between 51-60 (OR = 0.61, P value = 0.0453). The participants who studied till graduation and above had lower odds of both using forms of tobacco as compared to respondents who were illiterate/primary educated only (OR = 0.85, P value = 0.046). Conclusion: In conclusion, smoking and smokeless tobacco consumption are still widely prevalent in this region and strongly associated with age, gender, level of education, and place of residence. There is a need for further detailed analysis to identify risk factors that are strongly associated with the use of smoke and smokeless tobacco so that the community will be conscious about the hazardous effects of tobacco use in any form.

Elucidation of novel SNPs affecting immune response to classical swine fever vaccination in pigs using immunogenomics approach.

The host genetic makeup plays a significant role in causing the within-breed variation among individuals after vaccination. The present study was undertaken to elucidate the genetic basis of differential immune response between high and low responder Landlly (Landrace X Ghurrah) piglets vis-à-vis CSF vaccination. For the purpose, E2 antibody response against CSF vaccination was estimated in sampled animals on the day of vaccination and 21-day post-vaccination as a measure of humoral immune response. Double-digestion restriction associated DNA (ddRAD) sequencing was undertaken on 96 randomly chosen Landlly piglets using Illumina HiSeq platform. SNP markers were called using standard methodology. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) was undertaken in PLINK program to identify the informative SNP markers significantly associated with differential immune response. The results revealed significant SNPs associated with E2 antibody response against CSF vaccination. The genome-wide informative SNPs for the humoral immune response against CSF vaccination were located on SSC10, SSC17, SSC9, SSC2, SSC3 and SSC6. The overlapping and flanking genes (500Kb upstream and downstream) of significant SNPs were CYB5R1, PCMTD2, WT1, IL9R, CD101, TMEM64, TLR6, PIGG, ADIPOR1, PRSS37, EIF3M, and DNAJC24. Functional enrichment and annotation analysis were undertaken for these genes in order to gain maximum insights into the association of these genes with immune system functionality in pigs. The genetic makeup was associated with differential immune response against CSF vaccination in Landlly piglets while the identified informative SNPs may be used as suitable markers for determining variation in host immune response against CSF vaccination in pigs.

A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study on Clinical Epidemiology of Different Types of Cancer in a Tertiary Care Centre: Insights From Eastern India.

Background and aim Cancer poses a significant burden in India, with a considerable number of people living with the disease and a substantial increase in new cases every year. Hence, considering the unique challenges faced by developing nations regarding the disease burden, this study has been designed. The aim of this work was to carry out a descriptive retrospective cross-sectional study on various types of cancer conducted in a tertiary care centre in India. Methods One thousand cancer patients who attended the outpatient department (OPD) from tertiary care cancer hospitals from July 2019 to December 2023 in Eastern India were enrolled. Patients included were of either gender, with their demographic details and the disease duration, who visited the OPD of hospitals meeting the eligibility criteria. Exclusion criteria were terminally ill cancer patients and patients who did not visit the outpatient department of the studied site. Descriptive analysis and chi-square test were carried out using the SPSS statistical software, version 20.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY) for data analysis. Ethics committee approval was taken. Results Gastrointestinal tract cancer (31.3%, n=313) and breast cancer (19.8%, n=198) were found to be the most common types of cancer among all. Out of the total patients studied, 41.1% were males and 58.9% were females. Among regions, North Chotanagpur had the highest (40.5%) prevalence, followed by South Chotanagpur (26.0%). The majority of individuals belonged to 41 to 60 years (49.0%, n=490), followed by 21-40 years (28.9%, n=289). Gastrointestinal cancer was more prevalent among males (35.5%, n=146), while breast cancer was predominant among females (31.4%, n=185). Conclusion Cancer is more prevalent among rural females (58.9%), providing valuable insights into the prevalence of various cancers and highlighting differences between regions, age groups, and genders.

Insights into the mechanism of binding of doxorubicin and a chlorin compound with 22-mer c-Myc G quadruplex.

BACKGROUND: The interaction of small molecules with G quadruplexes is in focus due to its role in molecular recognition and therapeutic drug design. Stabilization of G-quadruplex structures in the promoter regions of oncogenes by small molecule binding has been demonstrated as a potential approach for cancer therapy. METHODS: In this study, electronic spectroscopy (ultraviolet-visible, fluorescence, circular dichroism), differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular modeling were employed to explore the interactions between the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin and a chlorin compound 5,10,15,20-tetraphenyl-[2,3]-[bis(carboxy)-methano]chlorin (H2TPC(DAC)), and the c-Myc 22-mer G quadruplex DNA. RESULTS: Spectroscopic studies indicated external binding of the compounds with partial stacking at the end quartets. Calorimetric studies and temperature dependent circular dichroism data displayed increased melting temperatures of G quadruplex structure on binding with the compounds. Circular dichroism spectra indicated that the G quadruplex structure is intact upon ligand binding. Both the compounds showed binding affinities of the order of 106 M-1. Fluorescence lifetime studies revealed static quenching as major mechanism for fluorescence quenching. Polymerase chain reaction stop assay hinted that binding of both ligands under study could inhibit the amplification of the DNA sequence. CONCLUSION: Results show that doxorubicin and H2TPC(DAC) bind to the 22-mer c-Myc quadruplex structure with good affinity and induce stability. SIGNIFICANCE: Doxorubicin and H2TPC(DAC) have demonstrated their affinity towards c-Myc G quadruplex DNA, stabilizing it and inhibiting expression and polymerization. The results can be of practical use in designing new analogs for the two compounds, which can become potent anti-cancer agents targeting the c-Myc GQ structure.

Insights into the Potential of Biopolymeric Aerogels as an Advanced Soil-Fertilizer Delivery Systems.

Soil fertilizers have the potential to significantly increase crop yields and improve plant health by providing essential nutrients to the soil. The use of fertilizers can also help to improve soil structure and fertility, leading to more resilient and sustainable agricultural systems. However, overuse or improper use of fertilizers can lead to soil degradation, which can reduce soil fertility, decrease crop yields, and damage ecosystems. Thus, several attempts have been made to overcome the issues related to the drawbacks of fertilizers, including the development of an advanced fertilizer delivery system. Biopolymer aerogels show promise as an innovative solution to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of soil-fertilizer delivery systems. Further research and development in this area could lead to the widespread adoption of biopolymer aerogels in agriculture, promoting sustainable farming practices and helping to address global food-security challenges. This review discusses for the first time the potential of biopolymer-based aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery, going through the types of soil fertilizer and the advert health and environmental effects of overuse or misuse of soil fertilizers. Different types of biopolymer-based aerogels were discussed in terms of their potential in fertilizer delivery and, finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions of biopolymer aerogels in soil-fertilizer delivery.

Incidence, Clinical Features, and Outcomes of Transient Tachypnea of the Newborn at a Tertiary Care Center in Western India.

Background Transient tachypnea of the newborn (TTN) is a self-limiting, benign condition leading to respiratory distress shortly after birth. It is among the leading cause of respiratory distress in term and late preterm neonates. The disease is transient and resolves by three to four days in most neonates. Objective The objective of this study was to study the incidence of TTN, its clinical features, predictors of outcomes and duration of hospital stay in these neonates suffering from it. Methods This was a prospective study done at a tertiary care center carried out between August 2019 to July 2021. The study subjects were late pre-term (34 to 36 weeks of gestation) and term neonates with respiratory distress who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). The diagnosis was based on clinical features, radiological features, and clinical course in NICU. Results The total number of cases with TTN was 74. The incidence of TTN was 16 per 1000 live births. 63.5% were male, 75.7% were term births, 70.3% were born via lower section cesarean section (LSCS), and 66.2% were normal birth weight (≥2.5 kg) infants. A high incidence of TTN was found in late pre-term babies, babies born via LSCS, and male sex. None of the neonates required ventilatory support, either noninvasive or invasive. Conclusion Delivery by LSCS and male sex were risk factors for the development of TTN. The distress in TTN is usually mild to moderate, and in most cases, oxygen supplementation suffices. Higher Downes' score at presentation, low birth weight, preterm, and delivery by LSCS were found to be predictors for a longer duration of distress and thus the longer duration of NICU stay. Although severe complications for TTN have been reported in the literature, they are rare. Careful observation can decrease not only a lot of unnecessary investigations but also allow clinicians at secondary and primary centers to better care for neonates with TTN.

Schleichera oleosa Seed Extract Reduced the Proliferation of Breast Cancer by Regulating the BRCA1 and p16 Genes.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death in females worldwide. Schleichera oleosa (kusum tree) belongs to the Sapindaceae family commonly found in many states of India. This plant is traditionally being used in various pathological conditions. METHODS: In vitro studies were performed using seed extract of Schleichera oleosa. Different concentrations of seed extracts were treated on MCF-7 breast cancer cell line and its effect on migration and colony formation were observed. BRCA1 and p16 gene expression was analyzed by real-time PCR and Western blotting. RESULTS: We have analyzed anticancer and anti-metastatic effects of seed extract in breast cancer and IC50 was 140µg/ml concentration. Further, its inhibitory role in cell migration and colony formation was at 140µg/ml (P<0.0001) concentration and reduced significantly growth of sphere at 140 µg (P<0.0031) and 150µg (P<0.0010) concentration after 5 days of treatment. The apoptosis study was shown a significant increase at 140 µg (P<0.0001) in apoptotic cells. Expression of BRCA1 and p16 were found to be over-expressed as 1.4 and 1.7 fold, respectively, at 140µg/ml concentration after 24 h of treatment at the transcription level. BRCA1 protein was up-regulated but p16 expression down-regulated at 140 to 150µg/ml (One-Way ANOVA, P<0.0001) concentration. CONCLUSION: In this study, we found a significant role of S. Oleosa seed extract has an anti-cancer as well as anti-metastatic via up-regulation of BRCA1 and p16 genes in breast cancer cells.

Optimization of Selective Laser Melting Parameter for Invar Material by Using JAYA Algorithm: Comparison with TLBO, GA and JAYA.

In this study, the hardness and surface roughness of selective laser-melted parts have been evaluated by considering a wide variety of input parameters. The Invar-36 has been considered a workpiece material that is mainly used in the aerospace industry for making parts as well as widely used in bimetallic thermostats. It is the mechanical properties and metallurgical properties of parts that drive the final product's quality in today's competitive marketplace. The study aims to examine how laser power, scanning speed, and orientation influence fabricated specimens. Using ANOVA, the established models were tested and the parameters were evaluated for their significance in predicting response. In the next step, the fuzzy-based JAYA algorithm has been implemented to determine which parameter is optimal in the proposed study. In addition, the optimal parametric combination obtained by the JAYA algorithm was compared with the optimal parametric combination obtained by TLBO and genetic algorithm (GA) to establish the effectiveness of the JAYA algorithm. Based on the results, an orientation of 90°, 136 KW of laser power, and 650 mm/s scanning speed were found to be the best combination of process parameters for generating the desired hardness and roughness for the Invar-36 material.

Effect of Metal-Cored Filler Wire on Surface Morphology and Micro-Hardness of Regulated Metal Deposition Welded ASTM A387-Gr.11-Cl.2 Steel Plates.

Environmental and human-friendly welding is the need of the hour. In this context, this study explores the application of the regulated metal deposition (RMD) technique for ASTM A387-Gr.11-Cl.2 steel plates. To examine the effect of metal-cored filler wire (MCFW), MEGAFIL 237 M was employed during regulated metal deposition (RMD) welding of 6 mm thick ASTM A387-Gr.11-Cl.2 steel plates. The welding was carried out at an optimized current (A) of 100 A, voltage (V) of 13 V, and gas flow rate (GFR) of 21 L/min. Thereafter, the as-welded plates were examined for morphological changes using optical microscopy. Additionally, the micro-hardness of the as-welded plates was measured to make corroboration with the obtained surface morphologies. In addition to this, the as-welded plates were subjected to heat treatment followed by surface morphology and micro-hardness examination. A comparison was made between the as-welded and heat-treated plates for their obtained surface morphologies and microhardness values. During this, it was observed that the weld zone of as-welded plates has a dendritic surface morphology which is very common in fusion-based welding. Similarly, the weld zone of heat-treated plates has a finer and erratic arrangement of martensite. Moreover, the obtained surface morphologies in the weld zone of as-welded and heat-treated plates have been justified by their respective hardness values of 1588.6 HV and 227.3 HV.

A double blind randomized controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of green tea in gingivitis.

Gingivitis is the most common form of oral disease especially among patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Green tea, which is extensively used in Asian countries, can help to improve the overall gingival health, which can be assessed by using the gingival indices. Evaluation of the effectiveness of green tea on the gingival health of patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment is of interest. 40 otherwise healthy patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment were randomly divided in two groups namely (1) study group and (2) control group. Gingival indices were scored for all the patients. Study group was given mouth rinse with green tea extract and control group was given placebo with no green tea extract. Gingival indices were measured for all the patients after 21 days. Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon test was used for statistical analysis. The gingival indices scoring in which the values before and after the use of mouthwash were compared. The p value was found to be statistically significant (p<0.05) in study group. But in control group statistical significant could not be reached.

Role of Hematological and Immunological Parameters in COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to efforts from the medical and scientific community in understanding the biological basis of COVID-19 pathophysiological mechanisms. Thus, analysis of various hematological and immunological parameters may be helpful for COVID-19 infection evaluation for risks involved and effectiveness in management. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of various hematological and immunological parameters in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed on 300 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. All participants of the study were divided into - (a) Group I: patients with mild symptoms and normal chest radiographic findings; (b) patients with moderate disease presenting with fever and cough along with other respiratory symptoms, and (c) patients suffering from severe disease. Data collection was done from all patients at the time of hospital admission for hematological and immunological parameters - (a) total leukocyte count, (b) lymphocyte count, (c) lymphocytic subset count, (d) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, (e) D-dimer, (f) C-reactive protein (CRP), and (g) ferritin levels. SPSS 22.0 software was used for determining P values by independent t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The median age was 65 years (interquartile range -57-71 years). While comparing white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, extremely significant P values were obtained. D-dimers and ferritin levels demonstrated extremely significant P values while both LDH and CRPs showed statistical significance. Correlation of lymphocytic subsets showed extreme significance in total lymphocyte counts in mild-to-moderate as compared to severely infected patients while both CD4+ and CD8+ counts demonstrated statistical significance in mild-moderate infected cases. Statistical significance was noted in D-dimer, CRP, and LDH levels also. CONCLUSION: Assessment of hematological and immunological parameters can be used to plan the management of COVID-19 patients.

Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Fibrin in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects with or Without Bone Graft: A Clinical Comparative Study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal diseases are a group of inflammatory diseases causing alveolar bone loss and eventually leading to loss of teeth. The present study was evaluated the effectiveness of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) in the treatment of intrabony defects with or without bone graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty subjects with the presence of intrabony defects were enrolled. All subjects were included irrespective of age and gender. A questionnaire was prepared for extracting demographic and personal details of all the patients. William probe and moth mirror-tweezers set was used for carrying out clinical examination of all subjects. Random and unbiased division of all the subjects was done with ten patients in each group as follows: Group I: Subjects in which treatment was carried out using PRF with demineralized bone matrix, Group II: Subjects in which treatment was carried out using PRF alone, and Group III: Subjects in which treatment was carried in the form of open flap debridement (OFD). Pretreatment and posttreatment clinical variables were assessed which included plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), and gingival recession (GR) were assessed at baseline and 9 months postoperatively were calculated. RESULTS: Mean PI among Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 at baseline was 0.78, 0.8, and 0.84, respectively. Mean PI among Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 at 9 months follow-up was 0.56, 0.55, and 0.72, respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the PI among the three study groups at follow-up. Mean GI among Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 at baseline was 0.78, 0.8, and 0.84, respectively. Mean GI among Group 1, Group 2, and Group 3 at 9 months follow-up was 0.56, 0.55, and 0.72, respectively. Significant results were obtained while comparing the GI among the three study groups at follow-up. Significant difference was seen in PD, RAL, and GR from baseline to 9 months in all groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PRF leads to significantly better improvement in the clinical parameters on follow-up in comparison to OFD alone in patients with the presence of intrabony defects.

Assessment of the Survival of a Single Implant-Supported Cantilever Prosthesis in the Anterior Mandible.

BACKGROUND: Implant dentistry has seen rapid and remarkable progress in recent years. The present study assessed the survival of a single implant-supported cantilever prosthesis (ISCP) in the anterior mandible. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with missing mandibular anterior teeth of both genders were provided with a single implant and restored with cantilever screw-retained prosthesis. All were followed for 2.5 years for the implant and prosthetic success. RESULTS: Age group of 20-30 years comprised 14 males and 10 females, 30-40 years had 10 males and eight females, 40-50 years had six males and seven females, and 50-60 years had four males and five females. The difference was nonsignificant (P > 0.05). A screw loosening was seen in total of 15 cases, in 1 at 12 months, 5 at 18 months, 2 at 24 months, and 7 at 30 months, and porcelain fracture was seen in total of eight cases, in 4 at 18 months, 1 at 24 months, and 3 at 30 months. The difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Screw-retained ISCP developed complications such as screw loosening and porcelain fracture.