PglB function and glycosylation efficiency is temperature dependent when the pgl locus is integrated in the Escherichia coli chromosome.

BACKGROUND: Campylobacter is an animal and zoonotic pathogen of global importance, and a pressing need exists for effective vaccines, including those that make use of conserved polysaccharide antigens. To this end, we adapted Protein Glycan Coupling Technology (PGCT) to develop a versatile Escherichia coli strain capable of generating multiple glycoconjugate vaccine candidates against Campylobacter jejuni. RESULTS: We generated a glycoengineering E. coli strain containing the conserved C. jejuni heptasaccharide coding region integrated in its chromosome as a model glycan. This methodology confers three advantages: (i) reduction of plasmids and antibiotic markers used for PGCT, (ii) swift generation of many glycan-protein combinations and consequent rapid identification of the most antigenic proteins or peptides, and (iii) increased genetic stability of the polysaccharide coding-region. In this study, by using the model glycan expressing strain, we were able to test proteins from C. jejuni, Pseudomonas aeruginosa (both Gram-negative), and Clostridium perfringens (Gram-positive) as acceptors. Using this pgl integrant E. coli strain, four glycoconjugates were readily generated. Two glycoconjugates, where both protein and glycan are from C. jejuni (double-hit vaccines), and two glycoconjugates, where the glycan antigen is conjugated to a detoxified toxin from a different pathogen (single-hit vaccines). Because the downstream application of Live Attenuated Vaccine Strains (LAVS) against C. jejuni is to be used in poultry, which have a higher body temperature of 42 °C, we investigated the effect of temperature on protein expression and glycosylation in the E. coli pgl integrant strain. CONCLUSIONS: We determined that glycosylation is temperature dependent and that for the combination of heptasaccharide and carriers used in this study, the level of PglB available for glycosylation is a step limiting factor in the glycosylation reaction. We also demonstrated that temperature affects the ability of PglB to glycosylate its substrates in an in vitro glycosylation assay independent of its transcriptional level.

Multivalent poultry vaccine development using Protein Glycan Coupling Technology.

BACKGROUND: Poultry is the world's most popular animal-based food and global production has tripled in the past 20 years alone. Low-cost vaccines that can be combined to protect poultry against multiple infections are a current global imperative. Glycoconjugate vaccines, which consist of an immunogenic protein covalently coupled to glycan antigens of the targeted pathogen, have a proven track record in human vaccinology, but have yet to be used for livestock due to prohibitively high manufacturing costs. To overcome this, we use Protein Glycan Coupling Technology (PGCT), which enables the production of glycoconjugates in bacterial cells at considerably reduced costs, to generate a candidate glycan-based live vaccine intended to simultaneously protect against Campylobacter jejuni, avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) and Clostridium perfringens. Campylobacter is the most common cause of food poisoning, whereas colibacillosis and necrotic enteritis are widespread and devastating infectious diseases in poultry. RESULTS: We demonstrate the functional transfer of C. jejuni protein glycosylation (pgl) locus into the genome of APEC χ7122 serotype O78:H9. The integration caused mild attenuation of the χ7122 strain following oral inoculation of chickens without impairing its ability to colonise the respiratory tract. We exploit the χ7122 pgl integrant as bacterial vectors delivering a glycoprotein decorated with the C. jejuni heptasaccharide glycan antigen. To this end we engineered χ7122 pgl to express glycosylated NetB toxoid from C. perfringens and tested its ability to reduce caecal colonisation of chickens by C. jejuni and protect against intra-air sac challenge with the homologous APEC strain. CONCLUSIONS: We generated a candidate glycan-based multivalent live vaccine with the potential to induce protection against key avian and zoonotic pathogens (C. jejuni, APEC, C. perfringens). The live vaccine failed to significantly reduce Campylobacter colonisation under the conditions tested but was protective against homologous APEC challenge. Nevertheless, we present a strategy towards the production of low-cost "live-attenuated multivalent vaccine factories" with the ability to express glycoconjugates in poultry.

Perinatal mental health in India: protocol for a validation and cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Common mental disorders (CMD) are among the largest contributors to global maternal morbidity and mortality. Although research on perinatal mental health in India has grown in recent years, important evidence gaps remain, especially regarding CMD. Our study aims to improve understanding of CMD among perinatal and non-perinatal women of reproductive age across two settings in India: Bangalore (Karnataka) and Tanda (Himachal Pradesh). METHODS: The study is embedded within the Maternal and Perinatal Health Research Collaboration India (MaatHRI). This mixed-methods observational study comprises three consecutive phases: (i) focus group discussions and individual interviews to explore women's knowledge and seek feedback on CMD screening tools; (ii) validation of CMD screening tools; and (iii) prospective cohort study to identify CMD incidence, prevalence and risk factors among perinatal and non-perinatal women. Results of the three phases will be analyzed using inductive thematic analysis, psychometric analysis and multivariable regression analysis, respectively. CONCLUSION: Improving understanding, detection and management of CMD among women is key to improving women's health and promoting gender equality. This study will provide evidence of CMD screening tools for perinatal and non-perinatal women in two diverse Indian settings, produce data on CMD prevalence, incidence and risk factors and enhance understanding of the specific contribution of the perinatal state to CMD.

Patterns of Usage of Complementary and Alternative Medicine Among Adults Visiting Health Care Centers in Mysuru, India: A Questionnaire-Based Survey.

The study intended to assess extent of complementary and alternative medicine use among patients visiting health care facilities in Mysuru, India, and factors influencing its choice. Prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use was 33% and was not influenced by sociodemographic factors and individual health perceptions and habits.

Staphylococcus aureus MnhF mediates cholate efflux and facilitates survival under human colonic conditions.

Resistance to the innate defenses of the intestine is crucial for the survival and carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, a common colonizer of the human gut. Bile salts produced by the liver and secreted into the intestines are one such group of molecules with potent antimicrobial activity. The mechanisms by which S. aureus is able to resist such defenses in order to colonize and survive in the human gut are unknown. Here we show that mnhF confers resistance to bile salts, which can be abrogated by efflux pump inhibitors. MnhF mediates the efflux of radiolabeled cholic acid both in S. aureus and when heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli, rendering them resistant. Deletion of mnhF attenuated the survival of S. aureus in an anaerobic three-stage continuous-culture model of the human colon (gut model), which represents different anatomical areas of the large intestine.

Antiplaque and antigingivitis efficacy of triphala and chlorhexidine mouthrinse among schoolchildren - a cross-over, double-blind, randomised controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare the effect of triphala extract mouthrinse and chlorhexidine on dental plaque and gingivitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this double blind, crossover study, 120 qualifying boarding-school students aged 13-16 years were randomised into three groups: 10% triphala, 0.2% chlorhexidine and negative control. The study was conducted in 3 phases of 1-month duration each and a washout period of 15 days. During the experimental period, subjects rinsed with the allocated mouthrinse once daily for 30 s under supervision. The plaque and gingival status was assessed using the Turesky modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index (QHI) and the gingival index (Löe and Silness) at baseline and at the end of each phase. The results were tested for significance at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Triphala and chlorhexidine yielded a significant reduction in plaque and gingival index scores as compared to negative control (P < 0.001). No significant difference was found between the scores obtained with triphala and chlorhexidine mouthwashes. CONCLUSION: The antiplaque and antigingivitis activity of triphala closely parallels that of chlorhexidine.

Evaluation of oral stereognostic ability after rehabilitating patients with complete dentures: in vivo study.

Stereognosis has been defined as the appreciation of the form of objects by palpation. Whilst this definition holds good for the manual exploration of objects, it is possible for the shape of objects to be explored intra orally referred to as oral stereognosis. To better understand patients' relative satisfaction with complete dentures, differences in oral stereognostic perception, based on the identification of 6 edible objects was analyzed in a group of 30 edentulous individuals at 3 stages, namely, just before (pre-treatment), 30 min after (30 min post-treatment) and 1 month after (1 month post-treatment) the insertion of new dentures. The time required to identify each object was recorded and the correctness of identification of each object was scored using oral stereognostic score. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon signed rank test, Spearman's rank correlation test, Pearson Chi square test was used to statistically analyze the data obtained. OSA scores was significantly increased 1 month post-treatment compared to 30 min post-treatment (p < 0.05). It was found that Oral stereognostic test is reliable for measuring patients' oral stereognostic perception and may be used as one of the clinical aids in appreciating the functional limitations imposed by the prostheses.

Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Propofol Anesthesia for Middle-Ear Surgeries: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blind Study.

Background Middle-ear surgery commonly performed under a microscope requires a bloodless field provided by hypotensive anesthesia. Our objective was to study the effects of dexmedetomidine on propofol consumption and intraoperative hemodynamic stability. Methods One hundred adults undergoing elective middle-ear surgery were randomized into two groups. The propofol+dexmedetomidine group (Group PD) received a loading dose of dexmedetomidine 1µg/kg in 10ml normal saline over 10min followed by infusion of the same at 0.5µg/kg/h. Propofol-only group (Group P) received 10ml normal saline over 10min followed by an infusion of the same. General anesthesia was induced with intravenous morphine, propofol, and vecuronium, and maintained with propofol, oxygen, and N2O. During microscope use, we aimed to maintain mean arterial pressure (MAP) within 60-69mmHg. Results There was no significant difference in the mean (SD) consumption of propofol [Group P 8.6 (2.1)mg/kg/h vs Group PD 8.1 (1.5)mg/kg/h, P=0.172]. The induction dose of propofol was significantly less in Group PD [1.8 (0.3) vs 2 (0.4)mg/kg, P<0.001]. Except for the baseline value, the heart rate was significantly lower in Group PD, P<0.001. The time duration during which MAP was within 60-69mmHg was higher in Group P [37.5 (36.8) vs 30.9 (38.3)min] though the difference was not statistically significant. The recovery was delayed in Group PD [25.4 (8.6) vs 17.6 (4.9)min, P<0.001]. Group PD had a significantly better operative field, P=0.0003. Conclusion The addition of dexmedetomidine did not reduce propofol consumption but reduced the induction dose of propofol. Propofol and dexmedetomidine combination provided comparable mean arterial pressure and better operative field but caused delayed recovery.

Effects of commonly consumed beverages on surface roughness and color stability of the nano, microhybrid and hybrid composite resins: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Consumption of certain beverages may affect the esthetic and physical properties of the resin composite, thereby undermining the quality of restorations. AIM: To analyze the effect of three beverages (cola, coffee, tea) on color stability and surface roughness of three different types of resin composites at various time intervals in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nano, microhybrid and hybrid resin composites were used. Each material was randomly divided into four equal subgroups of 10 samples each according to the beverages used (cola, coffee, tea, distilled water). The samples were immersed in each beverage for 1, 15 and 30 days. Surface roughness and color changes measurements were noted at the baseline-the first, fifteenth and thirteenth day. RESULTS: It was found that nanoresin composite followed by microhybrid and hybrid showed least surface roughness and color change. The Coke beverage subgroup showed more surface roughness and the subgroup coffee has shown more color changes with respect to other subgroups. CONCLUSION: All specimens showed discoloration after completion of the test period which was visually perceptible and clinically unacceptable. At the end of 30th day, among the materials, nanofilled composite resin showed comparatively less surface roughness and color change than microhybrid and hybrid composite resins.

Comparative assessment of validity and reliability of the Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) frequency scale: a cross-sectional survey among adolescents in Davanagere city, Karnataka, India.

AIM: To evaluate reliability and validity of an abbreviated version of the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire and to analyse the interrelationship between OIDP scores, socio-demographic characteristics and oral health status among high school children in Davanagere city, Karnataka, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional survey was conducted with 900 school children aged between 12 and 15. The subjects were randomly selected from six high schools. Selected subjects completed a survey instrument predesigned to measure subjective oral health indicators including the eight-item OIDP frequency scores. The study participants were clinically examined for dental caries, and they completed a self-administered questionnaire about demographic information and oral behaviours. RESULTS: 44% of the students reported at least one oral impact in the previous 6 months. The reliability of the instrument was measured in terms of Cronbach's alpha for the OIDP frequency. It was found to be 0.81. Eating was the most common performance affected (33%) followed by cleaning teeth (22%) and speaking (20%). The severity of impacts was low for relaxing and carrying out works. CONCLUSION: The OIDP frequency score has acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey among high school children of Davanagere city, Karnataka, India.

Impact of Menopausal Duration on Salivary Flow Rate, Tooth Loss, and Oral Health-related Quality of Life in Indian Communities.

Background: Diminishing hormonal levels after menopause evoke physiological changes in a woman's body. Their effects on the oral cavity are noteworthy, considering symptoms of dry mouth, altered taste perceptions, and tooth loss that may be attributed to reduced salivary flow and alveolar density changes. Aim: The purpose of this study was to assess changes in salivary flow rate, tooth loss, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) as menopausal duration increased. Materials and Methods: A total of 327 women fulfilling the eligibility criteria were chosen from two villages in the Mysuru district, Karnataka. They were categorized into three groups based on menopausal durations. Salivary flow rates, number of teeth lost, and OHRQoL after menopause were assessed and compared at different menopausal durations. Sociodemographic characteristics and oral hygiene practices were recorded to identify potential confounders. Results: Multivariate analysis demonstrated a significant association between menopausal duration and salivary flow rates (adjusted odds ratio = 2.269). However, no such associations were observed with tooth loss and OHRQoL. Conclusion: Menopausal duration significantly affects salivary flow rate. Its influence on tooth loss and OHRQoL is, however, less evident. Although strong associations cannot be established, the inevitability of the menopausal state advocates consideration of other major yet modifiable factors to improve oral health.

Validity and reliability of Oral Impacts on Daily Performances Frequency Scale: a cross-sectional survey among adolescents.

AIM: To examine reliability and validity of an abbreviated version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) questionnaire and to analyze the interrelationship among OIDP scores, socio-demographic characteristics and oral health status among 12-15 year old adolescents in Davanagere city, Karnataka, India. METHOD: The descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 900 adolescents aged between 12-15 years. The study subjects were randomly selected from six high schools. Selected subjects completed a survey instrument designed to measure subjective oral health indicators including the eight-item OIDP frequency scores. The study participants were clinically examined for dental caries and completed a self-administered questionnaire about demographic information and oral behaviors. RESULTS: 44% of the students reported at least one oral impact in the last six months. Cronbach's alpha for the OIDP frequency items was 0.81. Eating was the most common performance affected (33%) followed by cleaning teeth (22%) and speaking (20%). The severity of impacts was low for relaxing and carrying out works. CONCLUSION: The OIDP frequency score have acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey among 12-15 year old adolescents.

Antimicrobial efficacy of Xylitol, Probiotic and Chlorhexidine mouth rinses among children and elderly population at high risk for dental caries - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Chlorhexidine is considered the most potent chemotherapeutic agent against Streptococcus mutans. However, its side effects due to prolonged use, indicates need for alternatives. The study intended to assess and compare antimicrobial efficacies of probiotic, xylitol and chlorhexidine mouth rinses in children and elderly. Methods: The study was a Double blind Randomized Controlled Trial conducted among residential school children aged 5-12 years and elderly greater than 60 years residing in old age homes. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04399161). 30 participants each among children and elderly were chosen based on eligibility criterion (high risk for caries). They were further randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 participants in each group. Participants were asked to rinse with 15 ml of freshly prepared mouth rinses once daily for 2 minutes for 14 days. Antimicrobial efficacy was determined by assessing change in Streptococcus mutans levels in dental plaque. Results: Significant reduction in Streptococcus mutans counts were observed in both children and elderly (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 3.11 log10CFU/g, p = 0.022, Xylitol: mean difference = 0.93 log10CFU/g, p = 0.046, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.91 log10CFU/g, p = 0.023 in children); (Chlorhexidine: mean difference = 2.23 log10CFU/g, p = 0.004, Xylitol: mean difference = 1.39 log10CFU/g, p = 0.009, Probiotic: mean difference = 1.61 log10CFU/g, p = 0.018 in elderly). Intergroup comparison showed no significant difference. Conclusions: Antimicrobial efficacy of xylitol and probiotic mouth rinses were comparable to that of chlorhexidine in both children and elderly. Probiotics could potentially be more efficacious than xylitol among children.

Flexural strength and impact strength of heat-cured acrylic and 3D printed denture base resins- A comparative in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the flexural strength and impact strength of heat-cured acrylic/Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) denture base resin and 3D printed denture base resin. METHODS: 60 rectangular specimens were fabricated from conventional heat-cured acrylic and 3D-printed denture base resins. 15 specimens each of heat-cured acrylic and 3D printed denture base resin were tested for flexural strength and impact strength. The flexural strength was assessed using three point bend test while impact strength was assessed by Izod impact test. RESULTS: The mean flexural strength of heat-cured acrylic resin was 92.01 ± 12.14 MPa and 3D printed denture base resin was 69.78 ± 7.54 MPa. The mean impact strength of heat-cured acrylic resin was 1.67 ± 0.79 kJ/m2 and 3D printed denture base resin was 1.15 ± 0.40 kJ/m2.The differences in mean impact and flexural strength between heat-cured acrylic and 3D printed denture base resins were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Heat-cured acrylic denture base resin (DPI heat-cure) had greater flexural and impact strength than 3D printed denture base resin (Next Dent denture 3D+).

Relationship between body mass index and dental caries among adolescent children in South India.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and dental caries and to study the role of sweet consumption in predicting this relationship among adolescent children in Udupi district, India. METHODS: The study population consisted of 463 school children in the 13-15-year age group. Anthropometric (height in metres and weight in kilograms) and caries measurements and decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT) index, were carried out by a trained recorder according to standard criteria. RESULTS: The majority of the children were having low normal weight (BMI < 25) with 18.6% classified as overweight (BMI 25-29.9) and 3.5% as obese (BMI > 30). The frequency of sweet consumption significantly increased from low normal weight children to overweight and obese children. Analysis showed that the obese group of children had more caries than the overweight and low normal weight children. Correlation analysis showed significant positive relation with BMI, decayed teeth (DT) [r = 0.254, p < 0.001] and DMFT (r = 0.242, p < 0.001). Binomial logistic regression showed that males (OR = 2.09, CI = 1.01, 4.33), obese/overweight children (OR = 3.68, CI = 1.79, 7.56) and those who consumed sweets more than once a day (OR = 3.13, CI = 1.25, 7.85) were more likely to have high caries experience. CONCLUSION: There was a significant association between overweight/obesity and caries experience among school children of the Udupi district. Obesity and dental caries have common risk determinants and require a comprehensive multidisciplinary approach by both medical and dental healthcare professionals.

The association of fluoride in drinking water with serum calcium, vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in pregnant women and newborn infants.

BACKGROUND: Chronic exposure to fluoride in drinking water causes an increase in plasma fluoride levels that is related to a reduction in calcium transport across the renal tubule endoplasmic reticulum and plasma membrane. In the present study, it was hypothesised that varying levels of fluoride present in drinking water are associated with serum levels of calcium and the related hormones vitamin D and parathyroid hormone in pregnant women and newborn infants. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included two groups based on the fluoride concentration in drinking water. One group was considered low/optimum in which the fluoride concentration in drinking water was <1 ppm, and the other group was considered a high fluoride group with ≥1 ppm fluoride in drinking water. In each group, 90 pregnant women were recruited at the hospital during delivery. The participants were given a questionnaire regarding their medical history, sunshine exposure duration, and supplement use and a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Fluoride was measured in drinking water, urine, maternal serum and cord blood. Serum calcium, vitamin D, and parathyroid hormone were measured in a fully automated analyser. RESULTS: In pregnant women, drinking water that contained fluoride was significantly positively correlated with urine and blood serum. Low mean concentrations of vitamin D and deficient (<10 ng/ml) vitamin D were more prevalent among the high fluoride group irrespective of diet, sunshine exposure and supplementation. Serum calcium and parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels were significantly lower in the high fluoride group than in the low/optimum fluoride group in both pregnant mothers' blood and cord blood. CONCLUSIONS: Drinking water with high fluoride levels was significantly associated with calcium and the related hormones vitamin D and parathyroid hormone.

Mapping the Transcriptional and Fitness Landscapes of a Pathogenic E. coli Strain: The Effects of Organic Acid Stress under Aerobic and Anaerobic Conditions.

Several methods are available to probe cellular responses to external stresses at the whole genome level. RNAseq can be used to measure changes in expression of all genes following exposure to stress, but gives no information about the contribution of these genes to an organism's ability to survive the stress. The relative contribution of each non-essential gene in the genome to the fitness of the organism under stress can be obtained using methods that use sequencing to estimate the frequencies of members of a dense transposon library grown under different conditions, for example by transposon-directed insertion sequencing (TraDIS). These two methods thus probe different aspects of the underlying biology of the organism. We were interested to determine the extent to which the data from these two methods converge on related genes and pathways. To do this, we looked at a combination of biologically meaningful stresses. The human gut contains different organic short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by fermentation of carbon compounds, and Escherichia coli is exposed to these in its passage through the gut. Their effect is likely to depend on both the ambient pH and the level of oxygen present. We, therefore, generated RNAseq and TraDIS data on a uropathogenic E. coli strain grown at either pH 7 or pH 5.5 in the presence or absence of three SCFAs (acetic, propionic and butyric), either aerobically or anaerobically. Our analysis identifies both known and novel pathways as being likely to be important under these conditions. There is no simple correlation between gene expression and fitness, but we found a significant overlap in KEGG pathways that are predicted to be enriched following analysis of the data from the two methods, and the majority of these showed a fitness signature that would be predicted from the gene expression data, assuming expression to be adaptive. Genes which are not in the E. coli core genome were found to be particularly likely to show a positive correlation between level of expression and contribution to fitness.

In Vitro Antibacterial Activity of Unconjugated and Conjugated Bile Salts on Staphylococcus aureus.

Bile salts are potent antimicrobial agents and are an important component of innate defenses in the intestine, giving protection against invasive organisms. They play an important role in determining microbial ecology of the intestine and alterations in their levels can lead to increased colonization by pathogens. We have previously demonstrated survival of the opportunistic pathogen Staphylococcus aureus in the human colonic model. Thus investigating the interaction between S. aureus and bile salts is an important factor in understanding its ability to colonize in the host intestine. Harnessing bile salts may also give a new avenue to explore in the development of therapeutic strategies to control drug resistant bacteria. Despite this importance, the antibacterial activity of bile salts on S. aureus is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the antibacterial effects of the major unconjugated and conjugated bile salts on S. aureus. Several concentration-dependent antibacterial mechanisms were found. Unconjugated bile salts at their minimum inhibitory concentration (cholic and deoxycholic acid at 20 and 1 mM, respectively) killed S. aureus, and this was associated with increased membrane disruption and leakage of cellular contents. Unconjugated bile salts (cholic and deoxycholic acid at 8 and 0.4 mM, respectively) and conjugated bile salts (glycocholic and taurocholic acid at 20 mM) at their sub inhibitory concentrations were still able to inhibit growth through disruption of the proton motive force and increased membrane permeability. We also demonstrated that unconjugated bile salts possess more potent antibacterial action on S. aureus than conjugated bile salts.

Catheter-based interventions guided solely by a new phased-array intracardiac imaging catheter: in vivo experimental studies.

BACKGROUND: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) has had useful but limited use during interventional procedures because of technologic limitations. We used a novel phased-array ICE device (AcuNav) with 2-dimensional sector imaging and full Doppler capability to see whether it could guide cardiac interventions without fluoroscopy. METHODS: Twelve dogs were studied, and we performed atrial septostomy, tricuspid, and pulmonary valve disruption using only ICE. Preinterventional and postinterventional anatomic and hemodynamic data were noted. RESULTS: All attempts were successful in the placement of the ICE catheter (100%). We attempted septostomy on 11 dogs and were successful 8 times (73%). Tricuspid valve disruption and balloon dilatation were performed successfully on 5 dogs (100%). We attempted pulmonary valve disruption on 4 dogs and could always correctly place the guidewire (100%). We performed pulmonary valve balloon dilatation on one dog (25%). A comprehensive echocardiographic examination was always possible. CONCLUSION: This new ICE device can guide interventions without fluoroscopy. However, further studies are needed to evaluate whether it can replace fluoroscopy.

Relationship of body mass index and dental caries with oral health related quality of life among adolescents of Udupi district, South India.

AIM: To evaluate the relationship of body mass index (BMI) and dental caries with oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) among adolescents of Udupi district, India. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 13-15-year-old adolescents was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect information on age, gender, type of school, frequency of sugar consumption and child oral impacts on dental performances (OIDP). Weight, height and dental caries were recorded as per standard guidelines. RESULTS: Of 456 children, 34.4 % were overweight/obese. There was a significant difference in the distribution of overweight/obese adolescents with respect to age, gender and frequency of sugar consumption. The prevalence of impacts ranged from 7.4-32.8 % in low normal and 12.9-49.7 % in overweight/obese adolescents. Impacts while eating were most frequently reported in both low normal (32.8 %) and overweight/obese (49.7 %) adolescents. There was a significantly higher mean for overweight/obese than low normal adolescents for items related to "eating", "speaking", "sleeping", "smiling", "emotional status", OIDP total score and caries. BMI and decayed teeth (DT) showed significant association with OIDP-Additive score. CONCLUSION: Adolescents with caries and increased BMI had poor OHRQoL.