Prokaryotic communities adapted to microhabitats on the Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) growing in the high-altitude urban Dal Lake.

Indian lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is one of the dominant aquatic plants cultivated in Dal Lake, situated at 1586 m above mean sea level (MSL) in the northeast of Srinagar, Kashmir. Despite their economic and ecological role, the microbial communities associated with the lotus plant are still unexplored. In this study, we investigated the prokaryotic communities on surfaces of different lotus microhabitats (roots, rhizome, leaves, flowers, and fruits), lake water, and sediments using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing. Overall, prokaryotic diversity decreased significantly on the surface of lotus microhabitats in comparison to the lake water and sediments. Among the microhabitats of lotus, roots and leaves harbored more diverse communities in comparison to rhizomes, fruits, and flowers. A total of 98 genera were shared by lotus and the Dal Lake sediments and water. However, significant differences were found in their relative abundance; for example, Pseudomonas was the most dominant genus on the majority of lotus microhabitats. On the other hand, Flavobacterium was highly abundant in the lake water, while a higher abundance of Acinetobacter was recorded in sediments. Additionally, we also noted the presence of potential human pathogenic genera including Escherichia-Shigella, Enterobacter, Pantoea, Raoultella, Serratia, and Sphingomonas on the lotus microhabitats. Predicted functions of prokaryotic communities revealed a higher abundance of genes associated with nutrient uptake in the microhabitats of the lotus. This study offered first-hand information on the prokaryotic communities harbored by lotus plants and water and sediments of the Dal Lake and demonstrated the adaptation of diverse communities to microhabitats of lotus.

Disposable Sensor Chips with Molecularly Imprinted Carbon Paste Electrodes for Monitoring Anti-Epileptic Drugs.

Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. Anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) are critical for their management. However, the therapeutic window is narrow, and traditional laboratory-based therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) methods can be time consuming and unsuitable for point-of-care testing. To address this issue, we developed a disposable sensor chip based on molecularly imprinted polymer-modified carbon paste electrodes (MIP-CPs) for the TDM of AEDs such as phenobarbital (PB), carbamazepine (CBZ), and levetiracetam (LEV). In this work, functional monomers (methacrylic acid) and crosslinking monomers (methylene bisacrylamide and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) were copolymerized in the presence of the AED template and grafted on the graphite particles by simple radical photopolymerization. The grafted particles were mixed with silicon oil, dissolving ferrocene as a redox marker to make the MIP-carbon paste (CP). Disposable sensor chips were fabricated by packing the MIP-CP into the base made of poly (ethylene glycol terephthalate) (PET) film. The sensor's sensitivity was determined using differential pulse voltammetry (DPV), carried out on a single sensor chip for each operation. Linearity was obtained from 0-60 µg/mL in PB and LEV and 0-12 µg/mL in CBZ, covering their respective therapeutic range. The time taken for each measurement was around 2 min. The experiment using whole bovine blood and bovine plasma indicated that the existence of species that interfered had a negligible effect on the test's sensitivity. This disposable MIP sensor provides a promising approach for point-of-care testing and facilitating the management of epilepsy. Compared with existing tests, this sensor offers a faster and more accurate way to monitor AEDs, which is crucial for optimizing therapy and improving patient outcomes. Overall, the proposed disposable sensor chip based on MIP-CPs represents a significant advancement in AED monitoring, with the potential for rapid, accurate, and convenient point-of-care testing.

Two unusual conjugated fatty acids, parinaric acid and α-eleostearic acid, are present in several Impatiens species, but not in congener Hydrocera triflora.

Parinaric and α-eleostearic acids are unusual conjugated fatty acids. Unusual fatty acids, in general, are known to have roles in defense response; however, the role of parinaric acid in I. balsamina is not known, nor is it known whether it occurs in different species of Impatiens or its closest monotypic relative, Hydrocera triflora (L.) Wight & Arn. The aim of the study was to (a) characterize the fatty acid composition of 21 species of Impatiens and H. triflora and (b) determine whether parinaric and α-eleostearic acids are present in these taxa and, if so, (c) whether there is interspecific and intraspecific variation in parinaric acid content. Fatty acid profiling was done using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry (GC-MS). To uncover taxonomic patterns of variation in fatty acids, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed. The major fatty acids in Impatiens were found to be palmitic (5.57-20.85%), stearic (2.86-21.61%), oleic (2.79-28.99%), linoleic (C18:2Δ9,12, 2.04-26.64%), α-linolenic (C18:3∆9,12,15; 11.07-53.99%), and four forms of parinaric acid (5.93-70.21%). Genus Impatiens contains two unusual conjugated fatty acids- parinaric and α-eleostearic, however these are absent in closely related H. triflora. This study reports the presence of four different forms of parinaric acid in Impatiens for the first time. Some species (I. mengtszeana, I. racemulosa and I. oppositifolia) were found to contain very high levels (> 50%) of parinaric acid and they might be useful for various biomedical and industrial applications. Apparently, the presence of parinaric acid is a characteristic of Impatiens. Significant variations were found in the amount and forms of parinaric acid. We propose the potential application of parinaric acid and α-eleostearic acid as chemotaxonomic markers for Impatiens. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-022-01194-4.

Functional characterization and expression profile of microsomal FAD2 and FAD3 genes involved in linoleic and α-linolenic acid production in Leucas cephalotes.

The genus Leucas belongs to Lamiaceae, and has attained more attention due to the presence of unusual allenic fatty acids called laballenic and phlomic acid in majority of its species. This genus has been known since traditional medicinal times and has numerous economical, nutritional, and industrial properties. So far genetic, molecular and biochemical analyses of lipid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthetic pathway in Leucas has not been reported. The objective of this study is to identify, isolate, analyze expression profiles, and functionally characterize the membrane-associated desaturases responsible for unsaturated fatty acid accumulation in Leucas cephalotes. Full-length LcFAD2 and LcFAD3 cDNAs were isolated and expressed in Saccharomyces cerevisiae BY4741 for functional characterization. Substrate feeding assay using S. cerevisiae confirmed that the LcFAD2 enzyme catalyzes desaturation of both palmitoleic (16:1∆9) and oleic (18:1∆9) acids to form palmitolinoleic (16:2∆9,12) and linoleic (18:2∆9,12) acids respectively. As a contrast, the heterologous activity of LcFAD2 enzyme in S. cerevisiae led to the synthesis of palmitolinoleic (16:2∆9,12) acid, an unusual fatty acid that is not found naturally in Leucas cephalotes. While the LcFAD3 enzyme catalyzed linoleic acid (18:2∆9,12) into α-linolenic acid (18:3∆9,12,15). Furthermore, transcript abundance of LcFAD2 and LcFAD3 cDNAs were estimated from various plant parts such as roots, shoots, leaves, petals and developing seeds. Our results have shown that the differential transcriptional activity of LcFAD2 and LcFAD3 desaturase genes differs significantly in developing seeds, petals, leaves, stems, and roots of L. cephalotes. Furthermore, for the industrial production of these essential fatty acids, namely, linoleic and α-linolenic acid, FAD2 and FAD3 enzyme activity could be exploited from this upcoming significant oil plant, Leucas cephalotes. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12298-021-01016-z.

Comparison between Mineral Trioxide Aggregate Mixed with Water and Water-based Gel Regarding Shear Bond Strength with Resin-modified Glass Ionomer Cement and Composite.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare between mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) mixed with water and water-based gel regarding shear bond strength with resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and composite. METHODS AND MATERIALS: In this study, 40 blocks of cylindrical shape were prepared with acrylic. These blocks were divided into four groups with each group consisting of 10 blocks: group-1A: MTA + distilled water + composite, group-1B: MTA + distilled water + RMGIC, group-2A: MTA + polymer + composite, and group-2B: RMGIC + MTA + polymer. After that, a universal testing machine was used for the measurement of shear bond strength. The acrylic blocks were placed under this machine. A blade with a knife-edge was used to provide a crosshead speed of 1 mm/minute. This was continued till bond of MTA in both forms (distilled water/gel) and restorative material failed. RESULTS: It was observed that a statistically significant difference was found between MTAw + composite and MTAg + composite resin but no statistically significant difference between MTAw + RMGIC and MTAg + RMGIC with p ≥ 0.05. It was found that a statistically significant difference was present between the RMGIC and composite groups within the same MTA type with p ≤ 0.05. CONCLUSION: It was concluded from the present study that MTA with a water-based gel has a better shear bond strength than composite resin and RMGIC materials. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It has been found that MTA has different properties when it is mixed with polymer and water. Very few studies have been conducted in the past to compare MTA mixed with water and water-based gel regarding the shear bond strength with RMGIC and composite.

Justicia adhatoda reveals two morphotypes with possible functional significance.

Justicia adhatoda L. (Acanthaceae), an Old-World species of Justicia, is found in almost all geographical regions of India. Indian botanists have persistently used two accepted synonyms of J. adhatoda, namely, Adhatoda vasica and Adhatoda zeylanica, treating them as names of separate species, but without considering or making any reference to variation of forms in the species. Here, different aspects of variation-phenotypic, genotypic, and distributional-in Indian populations of J. adhatoda were studied to determine whether the two names might have been used to designate distinguishable forms of the species. We conducted field studies in different regions of India, laboratory studies of diverse phenotypic traits in experimental plots (anatomical, biochemical, reproductive, and morphometric), and a preliminary study of genetic variation using homologous cytochrome P450 gene fragments. We assessed herbarium samples from across India and the taxonomic literature for pointers indicating the presence of distinguishable forms. Population-level phenotypic and genetic variation pointed to the presence of two distinct morphotypes of the species, which separately tend to occur in dry and wet regions. Each form retains its original phenotype, either when the two forms are transplanted and cultivated together, or when found growing in regions (presumed introduced) outside its normal distributional range. Morphological studies and metabolic profiling (leaf and seed fatty acids, wax load and wax composition in leaf) suggest functional adaptation of the two forms, one to drier and the other to wetter regions. We could distinguish these forms in herbarium specimens dating back to 1821, but neither herbarium specimens nor the taxonomic literature reveal any reference to two forms. We propose that the forms be recognized as two distinct morphotypes of Justicia adhatoda.

A Fixed Reconstruction and Immediate Rehabilitation of Fully Edentulous Arch Using the All-on-Four Concept: Case Series.

The implant survival largely depends on the mechanical setting in which they work as an independent entity. The implant design, number and position markedly affect the treatment plan. Deficient bone quantity and quality and presence of a vital anatomical landmark have often led the practitioners to conduct researches to find newer ways of implant insertion. One such technique is the 'All-On-4' concept, an alternative to the conventional implant therapy; lessens the amount of strain to the alveolar bone by increasing the antero-posterior spread with distal tilting the posterior implant. It is a cost-effective procedure that decreases the treatment time and the morbidity rate allowing a higher patient quality of life. The article demonstrates clinical cases describing rehabilitation of completely edentulous arches using the All-On-4 concept.

Interaction between Cymbidium aloifolium and Apis cerana: Incidence of an outlier in modular pollination network of oil flowers.

So far, oil-rewarding flowers are known to be pollinated only by oil-collecting bees, which gather and use lipids for larval feed and nest building. As honeybees do not have oil-collecting appendages on their legs, they have not been associated with pollination of such flowers. In a predominantly Apis pollinated and food deceptive clade of wild Cymbidiums, we investigated the reproductive strategy of Cymbidium aloifolium, hitherto unknown for its floral oil reward. Our study demonstrates the requisites for establishment of mutualistic interaction between the oil flower and Apis cerana indica, a corbiculate bee. Success in pollination requires learning by honeybees to access the food reward, thereby displaying cognitive ability of the pollinator to access the customized reward. Morphometric matching between orchid flowers and the pollinator, and that between pollinia and stigmatic cavity also appear to be essential in the pollination success. Absence of pollinator competition and prolonged flower-handling time are suggested to promote floral constancy. The present study highlights the need to explore the spectrum of pollination rewards pursued by honeybees, which may include unconventional composition of floral resources.

Comparative Analysis of Shear Bond Strength of Composites to the Sodium Ascorbate Hydrogel-treated Bleached Enamel Surfaces: An In Vitro Analysis.

AIM: To compare the shear bond strength of composites to the sodium ascorbate hydrogel-treated bleached enamel surfaces. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty-six extracted human maxillary first premolars were sectioned mesiodistally to obtain two nonocclusal surfaces (n = 132). The specimen in the experimental group (n = 80) were divided into four treatment groups depending upon bleaching protocols used: group I (10% FGM home bleach), group II (22% Pola Night home bleach), group III (37% light-activated in-office bleach Pola Office+), and group IV (35% Pola office in-office bleach without light activation). Specimens were subjected to the 1-minute application twice with sodium ascorbate hydrogel and were further divided into two subgroups "a" (acetone-based) and "b"(ethanol-based) depending upon the bonding agents used. The specimens of the control group (n = 52) were further divided into two treatment groups, that is, positive control and negative control. The specimens were tested using universal testing machine. RESULTS: The result of the present study revealed that the specimens bleached with 10% FGM home bleach showed the greatest shear bond strength and specimens bleached with 35% in-office bleach Pola Office showed the lowest shear bond strength. CONCLUSION: A twice 1-minute application of sodium ascorbate hydrogel was effective to reverse the deleterious results of bleaching on enamel shear bond strength. Bonding agent containing acetone as a solvent (Prime and Bond NT) in this present study showed greater shear bond strength values than the bonding agent containing ethanol as a solvent (Adper Single Bond). STATEMENT OF CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The shear bond strength of composite restorative materials could be improved by applying sodium ascorbate gel to the bleached enamel surfaces. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Pathak K, Kumar P, Choudhary A, et al. Comparative Analysis of Shear Bond Strength of Composites to the Sodium Ascorbate Hydrogel-treated Bleached Enamel Surfaces: An In vitro Analysis. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(6):741-747.

Cohort profile: Indian Network of Population-Based Surveillance Platforms for Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses among the Elderly (INSPIRE).

PURPOSE: We describe here a multicentric community-dwelling cohort of older adults (>60 years of age) established to estimate incidence, study risk factors, healthcare utilisation and economic burden associated with influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in India. PARTICIPANTS: The four sites of this cohort are in northern (Ballabgarh), southern (Chennai), eastern (Kolkata) and western (Pune) parts of India. We enrolled 5336 participants across 4220 households and began surveillance in July 2018 for viral respiratory infections with additional participants enrolled annually. Trained field workers collected data about individual-level and household-level risk factors at enrolment and quarterly assessed frailty and grip strength. Trained nurses surveilled weekly to identify acute respiratory infections (ARI) and clinically assessed individuals to diagnose acute lower respiratory infection (ALRI) as per protocol. Nasal and oropharyngeal swabs are collected from all ALRI cases and one-fifth of the other ARI cases for laboratory testing. Cost data of the episode are collected using the WHO approach for estimating the economic burden of seasonal influenza. Handheld tablets with Open Data Kit platform were used for data collection. FINDINGS TO DATE: The attrition of 352 participants due to migration and deaths was offset by enrolling 680 new entrants in the second year. All four sites reported negligible influenza vaccination uptake (0.1%-0.4%), low health insurance coverage (0.4%-22%) and high tobacco use (19%-52%). Ballabgarh had the highest proportion (54.4%) of households in the richest wealth quintile, but reported high solid fuel use (92%). Frailty levels were highest in Kolkata (11.3%) and lowest in Pune (6.8%). The Chennai cohort had highest self-reported morbidity (90.1%). FUTURE PLANS: The findings of this cohort will be used to inform prioritisation of strategies for influenza and RSV control for older adults in India. We also plan to conduct epidemiological studies of SARS-CoV-2 using this platform.

RNAi phenotype profiling of kinases identifies potential therapeutic targets in Ewing's sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: Ewing's sarcomas are aggressive musculoskeletal tumors occurring most frequently in the long and flat bones as a solitary lesion mostly during the teen-age years of life. With current treatments, significant number of patients relapse and survival is poor for those with metastatic disease. As part of novel target discovery in Ewing's sarcoma, we applied RNAi mediated phenotypic profiling to identify kinase targets involved in growth and survival of Ewing's sarcoma cells. RESULTS: Four Ewing's sarcoma cell lines TC-32, TC-71, SK-ES-1 and RD-ES were tested in high throughput-RNAi screens using a siRNA library targeting 572 kinases. Knockdown of 25 siRNAs reduced the growth of all four Ewing's sarcoma cell lines in replicate screens. Of these, 16 siRNA were specific and reduced proliferation of Ewing's sarcoma cells as compared to normal fibroblasts. Secondary validation and preliminary mechanistic studies highlighted the kinases STK10 and TNK2 as having important roles in growth and survival of Ewing's sarcoma cells. Furthermore, knockdown of STK10 and TNK2 by siRNA showed increased apoptosis. CONCLUSION: In summary, RNAi-based phenotypic profiling proved to be a powerful gene target discovery strategy, leading to successful identification and validation of STK10 and TNK2 as two novel potential therapeutic targets for Ewing's sarcoma.

RNAi screening of the kinome identifies modulators of cisplatin response in ovarian cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE: Ovarian cancer retains a poor prognosis among the female gynaecological malignancies. It constitutes about 3% of all malignancies in women and accounts for 5% of all female cancer related deaths. A standard treatment is cytoreductive surgery followed by adjuvant chemotherapy, and re-treatment with platinum based chemotherapy at the time of relapse. In order to improve cisplatin response in ovarian cancer cells, we utilized a high-throughput RNAi screening to identify kinase modulators. METHODS: A high-throughput RNAi screen was performed using a siRNA library targeting 572 kinases to identify potentiators of cisplatin response in the ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3. RESULTS: RNAi screening identified at least 55 siRNAs that potentiated the growth inhibitory effects of cisplatin in SKOV3 cells. Inhibition of ATR and CHK1 resulted in the greatest modulation of cisplatin response. Drug dose response of cisplatin in the presence of siRNA validated the effects of these target genes. To show that the siRNA data could be successfully translated into potential therapeutic strategies, CHK1 was further targeted with small molecule inhibitor PD 407824 in combination with cisplatin. Results showed that treatment of SKOV3 and OVCAR3 cells with CHK1 inhibitor PD 407824 led to sensitization of ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provides kinase targets that could be exploited to design better therapeutics for ovarian cancer patients. We also demonstrate the effectiveness of high-throughput RNAi screening as a tool for identifying sensitizing targets to known and established chemotherapeutic agents.

A Comparative Evaluation of Two Commonly Used GP Solvents on Different Epoxy Resin-based Sealers: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: This study evaluates epoxy resin-based sealers after their final set, immersed in Endosolve-R or xylene for 1-2 minutes, for its easy removal mechanically after softening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty Teflon molds were grouped with 20 samples in each of the three commercially available sealers, i.e., AH 26, AH Plus, and Adseal. The sealers were put in the specific molds after their manipulation as per the instructions given in the literature by the manufacturer. They were allowed to harden for 2 weeks at 37°C in 100% humidity. Two subgroups, A-Xylene and B-Endosolv-R, of 10 samples each, were formed from 20 set specimens based on solvents to which they were immersed for 1 and 2 minutes, respectively. The data obtained was subjected to the Mauchly's test one-way ANOVA and two-way ANOVA for analysis. RESULTS: It was proved that for all the sealers immersed in solvents, there was a significant reduction in the mean Vickers hardness as the time increases. There was a significant difference in the initial hardness between the mentioned sealers with AH plus showing the highest followed by AH 26 and Adseal showing the lowest. AH Plus and Adseal sealers were softened by xylene after 2 minutes of their initial microhardness (p < 0.001); least effect was seen on AH 26. After 2 minutes, Endosolv-R softened initial microhardness of all the three sealers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Endosolv-R was more effective in softening the epoxy-based resin sealer than xylene, after 2 minutes of exposure. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Tyagi S, Choudhary E, Choudhary A, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Two Commonly Used GP Solvents on Different Epoxy Resin-based Sealers: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):35-37.

Comparative Evaluation of the Influence of Different Sports/Energy Drinks and Alcoholic Beverages on the Surface Roughness of Three Different Flowable Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the surface roughness of three flowable esthetic restorative materials after exposure to sports/energy drinks and alcoholic beverages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 210 specimens of dimension (2cm diameter and 2 mm thickness) with giomer, compomer, and composite (70 samples with each esthetic material) were made with the help of plastic rings. The prepared samples were tested in six experimental sports/energy drinks (beer, whiskey, vodka, Gatorade, Red Bull, and Sting) and distilled water was considered as the control group. Profilometric analyses of all samples were recorded before immersing into the experimental and control solutions. Then, the samples were stored in the experimental and control group solutions for 5min for 30 days. The profilometric analysis was repeated after 30 days and records were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Flowable composite showed the minimum surface roughness, whereas the flowable compomer showed the maximum surface roughness in the present test conditions. When the erosive potential of the test solutions was evaluated, surface roughness values were more for sports/energy drinks when compared to that of alcoholic beverages. CONCLUSION: All the sports/energy drinks and alcoholic beverages evaluated in this study altered the surface roughness of the tested restorative materials. The effects ranged from slight to a markedly negative impact on the surface roughness of the test restorative materials.

Prevalence and risk factors of root caries in the geriatric population in the rural sector.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing age, long-term deleterious habits, and increased bone resorption leading to the gingival recession have become a significant reason for poor geriatric oral health among which root caries are the most prevalent ones among the Indian population. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was conducted among the geriatric population above 60 years of age and those who gave voluntary consent for participating in the study were included in the study and were briefed about the questionnaire. The self-administered questionnaire was given and complete oral examination was done. Results were analyzed using the SPSS 22 version using descriptive analysis and Chi-square test. RESULT: Percentage of deleterious habits amongst males was higher than that of females i.e. 56%. Thus, males were reported with root caries more than females. The percentage of married people suffering from root caries was 85%. The most prevalent occupation among the geriatric population was found to be the farmers with 37%. Religion with maximum percentage and frequency was found to be Hinduism with 84%. Educational statuses with 6th to 12th standards were reported with maximum root caries, i.e. 55%. CONCLUSION: The study showed that criteria including income, gender, marital status, occupation, religion, and educational status were significant in assessing the prevalence of root caries. Whereas the risk factors such as habits, methods of cleaning, and brushing techniques influenced the root caries among the geriatric population.

A Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Dental Age Estimation Methods in India: A Test of Ethnic Variability.

AIM: The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the applicability of Demirjian, Willems, and Haavikko methods of dental age estimation in southeastern (Dravidian ethnicity) and northwestern regions (Aryan ethnicity) of the Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes the orthopantomographs (OPGs) of 303 individuals (173 males and 130 females) of age ranging from 5 to 14 years. The participants in the present research were evaluated under two study groups: group I: participants of the southeastern region and group II: participants of the northwestern region. Dental age was calculated using Demirjian, Willems, and Haavikko methods and compared with the chronologic age of each participant. The accuracy of dental age estimation methods was evaluated by mean absolute error. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t tests were used to test the significant difference between the chronologic age and estimated dental ages. RESULTS: The Demirjian method showed overestimation, while Willems and Haavikko methods showed underestimation for boys and girls in both the ethnic groups of Indian population. The Willems method of dental age estimation showed comparatively more accurate and reliable results in both the ethnic groups of the Indian population. CONCLUSION: The dental age estimation by Demirjian, Willems, and Haavikko methods showed no significant variation between the different ethnicities of the Indian population. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The present research will be helpful in pedodontic, orthodontic, and forensic investigations for accurate and reliable dental age estimation in different parts of Indian population. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chaudhry K, Talwar M, Vanga NRV, et al. A Comparative Evaluation of Three Different Dental Age Estimation Methods in India: A Test of Ethnic Variability. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(1):16-20.

COVID-19: Emergence of Infectious Diseases, Nanotechnology Aspects, Challenges, and Future Perspectives.

Wuhan, a city of China, is the epicenter for the pandemic outbreak of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). It has become a severe public health challenge to the world and established a public health emergency of international worry. This infectious disease has pulled down the economy of almost all top developed nations. The coronaviruses (CoVs) known for various epidemics caused time to time. Infectious diseases such as severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS), followed by COVID-19, are all coronaviruses led outbreaks that scourged the history of mankind. CoVs evolved themselves to more infectious, transmissible, and more pandemic with time. To prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2, many countries have ordered the complete lockdown to combat the outbreak. This paper briefly discussed the historical background of CoVs and the evolution of human coronaviruses (HCoVs), the case studies and the development of their antiviral medications. The viral infection encountered with present-day challenges and futuristic approaches with the help of nanotechnology to minimize the spread of infectious viruses. The antiviral drugs and their clinical advances, along with herbal medicines for viral inhibition and immunity boosters, are described. Elaboration of tables related to CoVs for the compilation of the literature has been adopted for the better understanding.

Correction: Novel Insight into Mutational Landscape of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093102.].

Synthetic lethal RNAi screening identifies sensitizing targets for gemcitabine therapy in pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer retains a poor prognosis among the gastrointestinal cancers. It affects 230,000 individuals worldwide, has a very high mortality rate, and remains one of the most challenging malignancies to treat successfully. Treatment with gemcitabine, the most widely used chemotherapeutic against pancreatic cancer, is not curative and resistance may occur. Combinations of gemcitabine with other chemotherapeutic drugs or biological agents have resulted in limited improvement. METHODS: In order to improve gemcitabine response in pancreatic cancer cells, we utilized a synthetic lethal RNAi screen targeting 572 known kinases to identify genes that when silenced would sensitize pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. RESULTS: Results from the RNAi screens identified several genes that, when silenced, potentiated the growth inhibitory effects of gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer cells. The greatest potentiation was shown by siRNA targeting checkpoint kinase 1 (CHK1). Validation of the screening results was performed in MIA PaCa-2 and BxPC3 pancreatic cancer cells by examining the dose response of gemcitabine treatment in the presence of either CHK1 or CHK2 siRNA. These results showed a three to ten-fold decrease in the EC50 for CHK1 siRNA-treated cells versus control siRNA-treated cells while treatment with CHK2 siRNA resulted in no change compared to controls. CHK1 was further targeted with specific small molecule inhibitors SB 218078 and PD 407824 in combination with gemcitabine. Results showed that treatment of MIA PaCa-2 cells with either of the CHK1 inhibitors SB 218078 or PD 407824 led to sensitization of the pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of synthetic lethal RNAi screening as a tool for identifying sensitizing targets to chemotherapeutic agents. These results also indicate that CHK1 could serve as a putative therapeutic target for sensitizing pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.

Network of evolutionary processors with splicing rules and permitting context.

In this paper we consider networks of evolutionary processors with splicing rules and permitting context (NEPPS) as language generating and computational devices. Such a network consists of several processors placed on the nodes of a virtual graph and are able to perform splicing (which is a biologically motivated operation) on the words present in that node, according to the splicing rules present there. Before applying the splicing operation on words, we check for the presence of certain symbols (permitting context) in the strings on which the rule is applied. Each node is associated with an input and output filter. When the filters are based on random context conditions, one gets the computational power of Turing machines with networks of size two. We also show how these networks can be used to solve NP-complete problems in linear time.