Eril's Branch-Based Perforator Plus Chondro-Cutaneous Flap for Reconstruction of Upper Third Helico-Scaphal Defects: A Clinical and Cadaver Study.

Reconstruction of upper third helico-scaphal defects (HSDs) exacts the expertise of the reconstructive surgeon. These three-dimensional defects deviate from normal facial form and cause a significant impact on the psyche of the patients. The origin, course, and dimensions of the perforators of the Eril's branch arising from superficial temporal vessels (EBSTV) were delineated by dissection and injection study. They were examined in twenty-four adult specimens. A prospective cohort study was conducted from March 2017 to March 2020, including six patients whose upper third HSDs were reconstructed with perforator plus chondro cutaneous flap based on EBSTV. After the debridement of the defect, the perforator plus chondro cutaneous flap was harvested from retro auricular sulcus skin with attached cartilages from triangular fossa and interhelical groove. The donor site was closed primarily, and the flap was rotated onto the defect. Superficial temporal vessels give a constant Eril's branch at the level of the root of the helix (otobasion superioris), which in turn divides into two perforators -superficial (lateral) and deep (medial) perforators. All six patients with post-traumatic upper third HSDs (4 males and 2 females) after reconstruction were followed for an average period of 15 months. The average age was 36.5 yrs. On average, two cartilages of maximum dimensions 3 × 2.5 mm were included in the perforator plus chondro cutaneous flap based on the medial-deep perforator of the EBSTV. In all six cases, the flaps survived without any complications. The average final computed institutional objective and subjective score was 15.67 (excellent results) (chi-square test, the p value was (p = 0.035) significant). The perforator plus chondro-cutaneous flap based on deep medial perforator of EBSTV may be a useful addendum in the armamentarium of plastic surgery. This novel reconstruction technique of upper helical defects provides good shape, size, and aesthesis of the upper external ear.

Mapping novel QTLs for yield related traits from a popular rice hybrid KRH-2 derived doubled haploid (DH) population.

A doubled haploid (DH) population consisting of 125 DHLs derived from the popular rice hybrid, KRH-2 (IR58025A/KMR3R) was utilized for Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) mapping to identify novel genomic regions associated with yield related traits. A genetic map was constructed with 126 polymorphic SSR and EST derived markers, which were distributed across rice genome. QTL analysis using inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) method identified a total of 24 major and minor effect QTLs. Among them, twelve major effect QTLs were identified for days to fifty percent flowering (qDFF12-1), total grain yield/plant (qYLD3-1 and qYLD6-1), test (1,000) grain weight (qTGW6-1 and qTGW7-1), panicle weight (qPW9-1), plant height (qPH12-1), flag leaf length (qFLL6-1), flag leaf width (qFLW4-1), panicle length (qPL3-1 and qPL6-1) and biomass (qBM4-1), explaining 29.95-56.75% of the phenotypic variability with LOD scores range of 2.72-16.51. Chromosomal regions with gene clusters were identified on chromosome 3 for total grain yield/plant (qYLD3-1) and panicle length (qPL3-1) and on chromosome 6 for total grain yield/plant (qYLD6-1), flag leaf length (qFLL6-1) and panicle length (qPL6-1). Majority of the QTLs identified were observed to be co-localized with the previously reported QTL regions. Five novel, major effect QTLs associated with panicle weight (qPW9-1), plant height (qPH12-1), flag leaf width (qFLW4-1), panicle length (qPL3-1) and biomass (qBM4-1) and three novel minor effect QTLs for panicle weight (qPW3-1 and qPW8-1) and fertile grains per panicle (qFGP5-1) were identified. These QTLs can be used in breeding programs aimed to yield improvement after their validation in alternative populations. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-021-03045-7.

Rabies encephalitis in a preschool child following postexposure prophylaxis.

We report a case of rabies encephalitis in a 4½-year-old male child with an exposure to a suspect rabid dog. The child developed rabies 25 days after receiving postexposure prophylaxis. Rabies immunoglobulin (RIG) is currently administered according to body weight. In high-risk exposures over the head and neck, local administration of RIG over and above the body weight depending on the site, size, and severity of exposure may help to prevent rabies death. There is a need for further studies to generate new evidence in this regard.

Molecular mapping of QTLs for yield related traits in recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the popular rice hybrid KRH-2 and their validation through SNP genotyping.

The study was undertaken to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing yield and its related traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the popular rice hybrid, KRH-2 (IR58025A/KMR3R). A genetic map spanning 294.2 cM was constructed with 126 simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci uniformly distributed across the rice genome. QTL analysis using phenotyping and genotyping information identified a total of 22 QTLs. Of these, five major effect QTLs were identified for the following traits: total grain yield/plant (qYLD3-1), panicle weight (qPW3-1), plant height (qPH12-1), flag leaf width (qFLW4-1) and panicle length (qPL3-1), explaining 20.23-22.76% of the phenotypic variance with LOD scores range of 6.5-10.59. Few genomic regions controlling several traits (QTL hotspot) were identified on chromosome 3 for total grain yield/plant (qYLD3-1) and panicle length (qPL3-1). Significant epistatic interactions were also observed for total grain yield per plant (YLD) and panicle length (PL). While most of these QTLs were observed to be co-localized with the previously reported QTL regions, a novel, major QTL associated with panicle length (qPL3-1) was also identified. SNP genotyping of selected high and low yielding RILs and their QTL mapping with 1,082 SNPs validated most of the QTLs identified through SSR genotyping. This facilitated the identification of novel major effect QTLs with much better resolution and precision. In-silico analysis of novel QTLs revealed the biological functions of the putative candidate gene (s) associated with selected traits. Most of the high-yielding RILs possessing the major yield related QTLs were identified to be complete restorers, indicating their possible utilization in development of superior rice hybrids.

Comparison of the antimicrobial properties of charcoal-infused and non-charcoal-infused toothbrushes: an in vitro study.

Toothbrushes act as a reservoir for a variety of microorganisms, possibly leading to oral infection. Some manufacturers are marketing toothbrushes that incorporate materials such as charcoal in their bristles and claiming that they reduce bacterial contamination. The present study aimed to explore the antimicrobial nature of charcoal-infused and non-charcoal-infused bristles and to characterize both bristle types physically and morphologically to ascertain any differences that might influence their antimicrobial activity. The antimicrobial property was analyzed using separate standard microbial solutions of Streptococcus mutans and Candida albicans to contaminate 40 commercially available toothbrushes of each bristle type, charcoal-infused and non-charcoal-infused (80 toothbrushes total), and microbial colonies were established. Each toothbrush head was rinsed 4 times in sterile tap water to simulate the brushing cycle, and the microbial counts of the rinsing solutions were recorded after the second and fourth rinses. After the fourth rinse, the toothbrush heads were left to dry for 20 hours, and the final microbial retention counts were recorded. The physical and morphologic characteristics of both bristle types were analyzed using Laser Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The microbiologic analysis showed a statistically significant decrease in colony counts from initial exposure to final retention of both microbes for both types of toothbrush (P < 0.05; Wilcoxon signed rank test). However, intergroup comparisons showed no significant differences between the brush types in final retention of either microbe. Raman spectroscopy showed similar carbon compositions for both types of bristle. No significant difference was found between the 2 types of toothbrushes regarding their characterization or antimicrobial activity. Therefore, before charcoal-infused toothbrushes are marketed as a means to reduce contamination, there is a need to identify an appropriate concentration, ascertain the mechanism of action, and identify the pathogen-specific action of charcoal.

Assessment of Streptococcus mutans in healthy versus gingivitis and chronic periodontitis: A clinico-microbiological study.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries and periodontal disease are most common oral diseases. Streptococcus mutans are considered to be the major pathogens in initiation of dental caries. Evidence shows that periodontal disease and caries share a number of contributory factors. Thus in view of these findings it would be worthwhile to examine whether Streptococcus mutans persist within the saliva and subgingival environment of the periodontitis patients and to determine whether there is any association between Streptococcus mutans colonization, pH of saliva and sub-gingival plaque pH in periodontal diseases before therapy. METHODS: The study comprises of 75 subjects aged between 20-70 years, reporting to department of Periodontology, KLEs Institute of Dental Sciences, Bangalore. Subjects were divided into 3 groups of 25 each. Group 1 - Healthy controls, Group 2 - Gingivitis Group, 3 - Chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile container and immediately pH was evaluated. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from four deepest periodontal pockets in chronic periodontitis and from first molars in healthy subjects using 4 sterile paper points. In gingivitis subjects samples were collected from areas showing maximum signs of inflammation. All paper points and saliva samples were cultured on mitis salivarius agar culture media with bacitracin for quantification of the Streptococcus mutans colonies. RESULTS: Increased colonization of Streptococcus mutans was seen in chronic periodontitis subjects both in saliva and sub-gingival plaque samples. There was also a positive correlation seen with the periodontal parameters. CONCLUSION: More severe forms of periodontal disease may create different ecological niches for the proliferation of Streptococcus mutans.

The Effect of Two Soft Drinks on Bracket Bond Strength and on Intact and Sealed Enamel: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of two soft drinks, Coca-Cola and Mirinda orange on bracket bond strength, on adhesive remnant on teeth after debonding the bracket, and to observe by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) the effect of these drinks on intact and sealed enamel. METHODS: 120 non-carious maxillary premolar teeth already extracted for Orthodontic purposes were taken and divided into three groups, i.e., Coca-Cola drink, Mirinda orange, and control (artificial saliva) group. Brackets were bonded using conventional methods. Teeth were kept in soft drinks for 15 days, for 15 min, 3 times a day, separated by intervals of 2 h. At other times, they were kept in artificial saliva. The samples, thus obtained were evaluated for shear bond strength using the universal testing machine and subsequently subjected for adhesive remnant index (ARI) scores. SEM study on all the three groups was done for evaluating enamel surface of the intact and sealed enamel. RESULTS: The lowest mean resistance to shearing forces was shown by Mirinda orange group (5.30 ± 2.74 Mpa) followed by Coca-Cola group (6.24 ± 1.59 Mpa) and highest resistance to shearing forces by control group (7.33 ± 1.72 Mpa). The ARI scores revealed a cohesive failure in control samples and an adhesive failure in Mirinda and cola samples. SEM results showed areas of defect due to erosion caused by acidic soft drinks on intact and sealed enamel surface. CONCLUSION: Mirinda group showed the lowest resistance to shearing forces, followed by Coca-Cola group and with the highest resistance to shearing forces by the control group. There were significant differences between the control group and the study groups. Areas of defects, which were caused by erosion related to acidic soft drinks on the enamel surface around the adhesive, were seen. Areas of defects caused by Coca-Cola were more extensive when compared to Mirinda orange drink.

Evaluation of Nickel and Chromium Ion Release During Fixed Orthodontic Treatment Using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer: An In Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Fixed orthodontic appliances with the use of stainless steel brackets and archwires made of nitinol have a corrosive potential in the oral environment. Nickel and chromium ions released from these appliances act as allergens apart from being cytotoxic, mutagenic and carcinogenic in smaller quantities in the range of nanograms. This study was done to evaluate the release of nickel and chromium ions from orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Saliva samples from 30 orthodontic patients undergoing treatment with 0.022″ MBT mechanotherapy were collected prior to commencement of treatment, after initial aligning wires and after 10-12 months of treatment. Salivary nickel and chromium ion concentration was measured in parts per billion (ppb) using ICP-MS. RESULTS: Mean, standard deviation and range were computed for the concentrations of ions obtained. Results analyzed using ANOVA indicated a statistically significant increase of 10.35 ppb in nickel ion concentration and 33.53 ppb in chromium ion concentration after initial alignment. The ionic concentration at the end of 10-12 months of treatment showed a statistically significant increase in of 17.92 ppb for chromium and a statistically insignificant decrease in nickel ion concentration by 1.58 ppb. Pearson's correlation coefficient showed a positive correlation for an increase in nickel concentration after aligning, but not at the end of 10-12 months. A positive correlation was seen for an increase in chromium ion concentration at both time intervals. CONCLUSION: Nickel and chromium ion concentration in saliva even though below the recommended daily allowance should not be ignored in light of the new knowledge regarding effects of these ions at the molecular level and the allergic potential. Careful and detailed medical history of allergy is essential. Nickel free alternatives should form an essential part of an orthodontist's inventory.

Cone Beam Computed Tomography-Dawn of A New Imaging Modality in Orthodontics.

Today, we are in a world of innovations, and there are various diagnostics aids that help to take a decision regarding treatment in a well-planned way. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has been a vital tool for imaging diagnostic tool in orthodontics. This article reviews case reports during orthodontic treatment and importance of CBCT during the treatment evaluation.

Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis: diagnostic and therapeutic challenges to general surgeon.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, four decades since its first description still remains a disease of dilemma. Correct diagnosis with exclusion of various causes and appropriate treatment with surgery, antibiotics and steroids are the keys to overcome the persisting challenge that lies in management of this dilemmatic disease. MATERIAL: We report 4 cases of idiopathic granulomatous mastitis that were treated in Kannur medical college hospital. CONCLUSION: Idiopathic granulomatous mastitis is uncommon benign breast disease that can be confused with two of the very common breast conditions, breast carcinoma and breast abscess. The management of IGM needs a holistic approach with the surgeon, pathologist and radiologist working in unison to unravel the difficulties that lie in treating this disease and bringing back the smile on patients face.

miRNA regulation during cardiac development and remodeling in cardiomyopathy.

miRNAs have been found to play a major role in cardiomyopathy, a heart muscle disorder characterized by cardiac dysfunction. Several miRNAs including those involved in heart development are found to be dysregulated in cardiomyopathy. These miRNAs act either directly or indirectly by controlling the genes involved in normal development and functioning of the heart. Indirectly it also targets modifier genes and genes involved in signaling pathways. In this review, miRNAs involved in heart development, including dysregulation of miRNA which regulate various genes, modifiers and notch signaling pathway genes leading to cardiomyopathy are discussed. A study of these miRNAs would give an insight into the mechanisms involved in the processes of heart development and disease. Apart from this, information gathered from these studies would also generate suitable therapeutic targets in the form of antagomirs which are chemically engineered oligonucleotides used for silencing miRNAs.

Epistatic interactions in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) is a poorly understood complex disorder, which results in progressive remodeling of the pulmonary artery that ultimately leads to right ventricular failure. A two-hit hypothesis has been implicated in pathogenesis of IPAH, according to which the vascular abnormalities characteristic of PAH are triggered by the accumulation of genetic and/or environmental insults in an already existing genetic background. The multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analysis is a statistical method used to identify gene-gene interaction or epistasis and gene-environment interactions that are associated with a particular disease. The MDR method collapses high-dimensional genetic data into a single dimension, thus permitting interactions to be detected in relatively small sample sizes. AIM: To identify and characterize polymorphisms/genes that increases the susceptibility to IPAH using MDR analysis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 77 IPAH patients and 100 controls were genotyped for eight polymorphisms of five genes (5HTT, EDN1, NOS3, ALK-1, and PPAR-γ2). MDR method was adopted to determine gene-gene interactions that increase the risk of IPAH. RESULTS: With MDR method, the single-locus model of 5HTT (L/S) polymorphism and the combination of 5HTT(L/S), EDN1(K198N), and NOS3(G894T) polymorphisms in the three-locus model were attributed to be the best models for predicting susceptibility to IPAH, with a P value of 0.05. CONCLUSION: MDR method can be useful in understanding the role of epistatic and gene-environmental interactions in pathogenesis of IPAH.