Comparative study of ethanol production from sodium hydroxide pretreated rice straw residue using Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Zymomonas mobilis.

Rice straw is a suitable alternative to a cheaper carbohydrate source for the production of ethanol. For pretreatment efficiency, different sodium hydroxide concentrations (0.5-2.5% w/v) were tested. When compared to other concentrations, rice straw processed with 2% NaOH (w/v) yielded more sugar (8.17 ± 0.01 mg/ml). An alkali treatment induces effective delignification and swelling of biomass. The pretreatment of rice straw with 2% sodium hydroxide (w/v) is able to achieve 55.34% delignification with 53.30% cellulose enrichment. The current study shows the effectiveness of crude cellulolytic preparation from Aspergillus niger resulting in 80.51 ± 0.4% cellulose hydrolysis. Rice straw hydrolysate was fermented using ethanologenic Saccharomyces cerevisiae (yeast) and Zymomonas mobilis (bacteria). Overall, superior efficiency of sugar conversion to ethanol 70.34 ± 0.3% was obtained with the yeast compared to bacterial strain 39.18 ± 0.5%. The current study showed that pretreatment with sodium hydroxide is an effective method for producing ethanol from rice straw and yeast strain S. cerevisiae having greater fermentative potential for bioethanol production than bacterial strain Z. mobilis.

Morphometric analysis of the palatine triangle in adult human skulls: a potential aid for anthropologists and intraoral bone grafts.

Morphometrics of the hard palate is an important aspect of forensic anthropology and odontology. Palatine triangle is a triangular area in the hard palate formed by the palatine processes of the maxillae, which can aid intraoral bone grafts. We present the osteological measurements of the palatine triangle (maxillary palate) based on sex, compare it with other hard palate parameters, and establish the correlation between them. Seventy-seven male skulls and 36 female skulls were examined. Various morphometric measurements of the hard palate and palatine triangle were performed meticulously. Mean and standard deviation of each parameter were computed for groups using SPSS 16.0. Relationships between all parameters were analyzed using Pearson's rank correlation test. The mean palatine length was 38.84 ± 3.75 mm in males and 37.22 ± 4.12 mm in females; the mean palatine breadth was 31.36 ± 2.61 mm in males and 29.78 ± 3.07 mm in females. The mean area of the palatine triangle was 600.88 ± 80.16 mm2 in male skulls and 547.96 ± 94.28 mm2 in the female skulls. Statistically significant difference in various measurements of the palatine triangle and hard palate between the male and female skulls was noted. Leptostaphyline (narrow palate) was the most prominent type of palate. The area of the palatine triangle showed a strong positive correlation between the total length and breadth of the palate for both male and female skulls. A strong positive correlation was also observed between the palate length and the palatine triangle length. Palatine index and palate breadth had a statistically significant moderate linear relationship. The maxillary palate length, breadth, and area of the palatine triangle were higher in males when compared to females in South Indian origin skulls. Most of the skulls had a narrow palate. The results of this metric analysis of the palatine triangle may lead to a new concept of anatomical research into studying the hard palate, which can be used for sexual dimorphism.

Decellularization of Skin Tissue.

Biomaterials science encompasses elements of medicine, biology, chemistry, materials, and tissue engineering. They are engineered to interact with biological systems to treat, augment, repair, or replace lost tissue function. The choice of biomaterial depends on the procedure being performed, the severity of the patient's condition, and the surgeon's preference. Prostheses made from natural-derived biomaterials are often derived from decellularized extracellular matrix (ECM) of animal (xenograft) or human (allograft) origin. Advantages of using ECM include their resemblance in morphology and three-dimensional structures with that of tissue to be replaced. Due to this, scientists all over are now focusing on naturally derived biomaterials which have been shown to possess several advantages compared to synthetic ones, owing to their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and remodeling properties. Advantages of a naturally derived biomaterial enhance their application for replacement or restoration of damaged organs/tissues. They adequately support cell adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Naturally derived biomaterials can induce extracellular matrix formation and tissue repair when implanted into a defect by enhancing attachment and migration of cells from surrounding environment. In the current chapter, we will focus on the natural and synthetic dermal matrix development and all of the progress in this field.

Resistance against Fracture in Teeth Managed by Root Canal Treatment on Restoring with Onlays, Inlays, and Endocrowns: A Comparative Analysis.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To compare the fracture resistance in teeth managed by root canal treatment after restoring with different types of onlays, inlays, and endocrowns prepared with hybrid ceramics and pulp chambers restored with fiber-reinforced composite and resin composite that were radiopaque, light-cured, and flowable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out on 252 extracted mandibular molars. All the specimens were divided into six groups randomly. Each group consisted of 42 specimens. Group 1 consisted of intact teeth without any access cavity. It was the control group. Group 2 consisted of teeth with endocrown and empty pulp chamber. Group 3 consisted of teeth with mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) onlay prepared with hybrid ceramics and pulp chamber filled with flowable, light-cured, radiopaque resin composite. Group 4 consisted of teeth with MOD onlay and pulp chamber filled with fiber-reinforced composite. Group 5 consisted of teeth with MOD inlay and pulp chamber filled with flowable, light-cured, radiopaque resin composite. Group 6 consisted of teeth with MOD inlay and pulp chamber filled with fiber-reinforced composite. Inlay, onlay, and endocrowns were prepared with computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided machine (CAM) using hybrid ceramics. Universal testing machine was used for the measurement of the fracture resistance of each specimen. Inferential statistics were performed by applying Fisher's exact test and chi-square test. RESULTS: Fracture strength was found to be maximum in the intact teeth group followed by the endocrown. The fracture strength was minimum in the inlay group. The fracture strength was intermediate in the onlay groups. CONCLUSION: Endocrown showed maximum fracture resistance as compared to the inlay and onlay restorations. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Proper management of root canal-treated teeth is one of the greatest challenges for endodontists. It has been observed that tooth preparation design and the material used for the restoration of root canal-treated teeth play a vital role in the resistance against fracture in the teeth.

Polydopamine Coated PB-MnO2 Nanoparticles as an Oxygen Generator Nanosystem for Imaging-Guided Single-NIR-Laser Triggered Synergistic Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy.

Exploring a combined phototherapeutic strategy to overcome the limitations of a single mode therapy and inducing high anticancer efficiency is highly promising for precision cancer nanomedicine. However, a single-wavelength laser activates dual photothermal/photodynamic therapy (PTT/PDT) treatment is still a formidable challenge. Herein, we strategically design and fabricate a multifunctional theranostic nanosystem based on chlorin e6-functionalized polydopamine (PDA) coated prussian blue/manganese dioxide nanoparticles (PB-MnO2@PDA-Ce6 NPs). Interestingly, the obtained PB-MnO2@PDA NPs not only offer an effective delivery system for Ce6 but also provide strong optical absorption in the near-infrared range, endowing high antitumor efficacy of PTT. More importantly, the as-prepared PB-MnO2@PDA-Ce6 nanoagents exhibit an effective oxygen generation, superior reactive oxygen species (ROS), and outstanding photothermal conversion ability to greatly improve PTT and PDT treatments. As a result, both in vitro and in vivo treatments guided by MR imaging on liver cancer cells reveal the complete cell/tumor eradication under a single wavelength of 660 nm laser irradiation, implying the simultaneous synergistic PDT/PTT effects triggered by PB-MnO2@PDA-Ce6 nanoplatform, which are much higher than individual treatment. Taken together, our phototherapeutic nanoagents exhibit an excellent therapeutic performance, which may act as a nanoplatform to find safe and clinically translatable routes to accelerate cancer therapeutics.

TiO2 and its composites as promising biomaterials: a review.

TiO2 is a well-known material and has remarkable physical, chemical and biocompatible properties which have made it a suitable material in the biological world. The development of new TiO2-based materials is strongly required to achieve desired properties and applications. A large number of TiO2 composites have been synthesized and applied in various fields. The present review reports the utility of TiO2 and its composites in biosensing, in Photodynamic Therapy, as an antimicrobial agent and as a nanodrug carrier. The aim of this review is to discuss the biological application of the TiO2 based materials and some recent advancement in TiO2 to enhance its application in the biological world.

Lingual Nerve Entrapment in Fused Submandibular and Sublingual Salivary Glands: A Unique Finding.

Lingual nerve (LN) is one among the 3 branches of posterior division of mandibular nerve. It might get entrapped in the infratemporal fossa by lateral pterygoid muscle, pterygospinous ligament, or lateral pterygoid plate. Its entrapment in the submandibular region has not been reported yet. A unique entrapment of LN in the fused submandibular and sublingual salivary glands in a cadaver was reported. The deep parts of the submandibular and sublingual salivary glands were completely fused with each other. The LN passed through the center of the fused part. Histologically both submandibular and sublingual salivary glands had both mucous and serous acini. Though this entrapment might not cause any functional problems, it might get injured during various surgical procedures of the submandibular region.

Radiographic Assessment of Anatomy of Nasopalatine Canal for Dental Implant Placement: A Cone Beam Computed Tomographic Study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to assess the morphology of nasopalatine canal (NPC) with cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 460 subjects of both genders were subjected to CBCT with NewTom machine, and sagittal and coronal sections were used for evaluation of the shape of NPC and width of buccal cortical plate. Types of NPC were also assessed. RESULTS: Of 460 subjects, males were 210 and females were 250. The difference was nonsignificant (p = 0.1). Type III canals were mostly seen in both males and females, followed by types I and II. The mean length of NPC in males and females showed statistical significant difference (p < 0.05). Males showed significantly higher diameter of nasal opening, oral opening, and width of the buccal bone plate over the oral opening as compared with females. CONCLUSION: The exact location, morphology, and dimensions of NPC can be well visualized with CBCT. All findings were higher in males as compared with females. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The success of dental implant in maxillary anterior region may be affected by the approximation with NPC. The exact location and morphology play an important role for the correct placement of implant. Cone beam computed tomography is a useful tool providing three-dimensional images in all sections.

Outcome of metal vs plastic stents for biliary obstruction in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preoperative biliary drainage (PBT) may be warranted in patients with borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic carcinoma before neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) to relieve obstructive jaundice. However, it is unclear if the use of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) has any benefit over plastic stents in this setting. METHODS: We searched electronic databases from inception to February 11, 2022 to identify studies comparing SEMS and plastic stents for PBT in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing NAT. Random effect models were used to determine pooled rates of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) and/or need for reintervention, stent-related complications and surgical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies (474 patients; metal group-37.1%) were included. Pooled risk ratio of RBO and/or need for reintervention was lower in the metal group (RR, 0.23 [95% CI: 0.11-0.45, I2  = 60%]). Pooled risks of stent occlusion (RR, 0.43 [95% CI: 0.24-0.80, I2  = 45%]) and stent-related cholangitis (RR, 0.37 [95% CI: 0.17-0.78, I2  = 1%]) were lower in the metal group. However, risks of stent-related cholecystitis (RR, 1.51 [95% CI: 0.36-6.41, I2  = 0%]) and pancreatitis (RR, 1.52 [95% CI: 0.07-31.84, I2  = 66%]) were higher in the metal group. The metal group was also associated with a reduced risk of delay in NAT (RR, 0.38 [95% CI: 0.18-0.80, I2  = 14%]). Pooled risk ratio of R0 resection and postoperative complications was equal amongst both groups. CONCLUSION: Metal stents are associated with reduced risk of RBO and/or need for reintervention, reduced risk of stent occlusion and cholangitis as compared to plastic stents in patients with pancreatic carcinoma undergoing NAT.

Evaluation of microbial contamination in removable dental prosthesis at different time of usage.

Aim: The current study evaluates and compares the percentage distribution of different microorganisms according to their strains and occurrence among the three studied groups. Method and Methodology: Sample of 30 removable dental prosthesis wearing patients was selected: wearing either complete dentures or partial dentures and without any significant medical history or on prescription medication for the past 3-6 months. Samples were obtained in three subcategories based on the duration of prostheses worn by the patient. A sterile swab made up of cotton moistened with phosphate buffer saline (PBS) was scrubbed on the dental prosthesis at the fitting surfaces and the denture-bearing area of the oral cavity. Within two hours, the collected swab sample was infused in the sterile tube containing 1 ml of 0.84% PBS solution maintained at pH 7-7.2 and sent for microbiological analysis. The samples were then inoculated into different medias. Microbial growth was checked after incubating the culture plates for 48 h at 37°C. Microorganisms were recognized and counted by calibrated colony counter. Gram's stain was used to stain the colony smear and biochemical tests such as coagulase, catalase, oxidase, sugar fermentation with acid and gas production (triple sugar iron), methyl red test, test for indole production, hydrogen sulphide (H2S) production, citrate utilization, urease test, germ tube tests were performed. Statistical Analysis: Descriptive statistics included calculation of means and standard deviation using multivariate analysis. All values were considered statistically significant for a value of P < 0.05. Results: Streptococcus species, Coagulase-negative staphylococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, Candida albicans and Klebsiella pneumoniae showed the maximum positive culture among the secluded microorganisms in all three groups. Conclusion: A progressive increase in the microbial contamination was directly proportional to the duration of removable prosthesis usage.

Scanning Electron Microscopy Analysis of Smear Layer Removal Ability of Conventional Endodontic Irrigation Regimen, MTAD, and QMix™ Versus a Mixture of Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Smear layer removal from root canals aid in the penetration of both irrigants and endodontic sealer into the dentinal tubules, thereby improving the efficacy of endodontic treatment. The aim of this in vitro study was to compare the smear layer removal ability of a conventional endodontic irrigation regimen, MTAD (mixture of tetracycline, acid, and detergent), and QMix™ (Dentsply Sirona, Charlotte, North Carolina, United States) with that of a mixture of herbal irrigants, namely, aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica (neem) and Citrus limon (lemon), evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 40 extracted human premolar teeth for the study, which we randomly divided into five groups (eight samples each) according to irrigation solution: (i) Group A (normal saline); (ii) Group B (conventional endodontic regimen, 3% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) + 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) + 2% chlorhexidine (CHX)); (iii) Group C (MTAD); (iv) Group D (QMix 2-in-1); and (v) Group E (aqueous extracts of Azadirachta indica and Citrus limon). After we prepared the canals with ProTaper Universal nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary files (Dentsply Sirona) and the respective irrigants, we split the teeth longitudinally to evaluate the amount of remnant smear layer in the coronal, middle, and apical thirds using SEM photomicrographs. We performed statistical analyses of the data using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests, where the level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The SEM analysis of the coronal third showed mean values of 3.83 in Group A, 3.67 in Group B, 2.79 in Group C, 3.63 in Group D, and 4.00 in Group E. The SEM analysis of the middle third showed mean values of 4.00 in Group A, 3.88 in Group B, 3.75 in Group C, 3.50 in Group D, and 3.50 in Group E. The SEM analysis of the apical third showed mean values of 3.92 in Group A, 3.63 in Group B, 3.71 in Group C, 3.88 in Group D, and 3.17 in Group E. Therefore, we found that there were significant statistical differences between the groups when an overall comparison was done for the coronal, middle, and apical third, with a p-value of 0.001. On multiple comparisons across the different tooth-section thirds. Groups A and B showed statistically significant differences in the apical third (p-value=0.017). Groups A and C showed statistically significant differences in the coronal third and middle third (p-values=0.001 and 0.010, respectively). Groups A and D showed statistically significant differences in the middle third (p-value=0.001). Groups A and E showed statistically significant differences in all thirds (p-values=0.039, 0.001, and 0.001, respectively) Conclusion: The conventional needle irrigation with MTAD showed the highest level of smear layer removal ability on the root canal surface, followed by QMix 2-in-1, the Azadirachta indica leaf and Citrus limon extract mixture, and the conventional endodontic regimen. Normal saline showed the lowest smear layer removal effect.

Neuroprotective effect by naringin against fluorosis-induced neurodegeneration in adult Wistar rats.

Fluorosis is widespread in several areas of the world and including India leading to dental and skeletal fluorosis as well as neurological manifestations. With a limited number of treatment options available, we have tried to address the issue with a nutraceutical such as naringin which is an alkaloid derived from the citrus fruit. Naringin is a potent antioxidant and has neuroprotective action which can counteract the redox imbalance induced by sodium fluoride ingestion. Neurological effects of fluorosis were evaluated in Wistar rats by open field test (OFT) and novel object recognition test (NORT) along with lipid peroxidation (LPO) and glutathione estimation in brain homogenate and cresyl violet staining of CA3 neurons in the hippocampus. Animals were divided into groups namely, normal, vehicle, fluoride, naringin 100 mg/kg bd.wt group and fluoride with naringin (FLU-NAR) group. Fluorosis was induced by providing 100 ppm of sodium fluoride ad libitum in drinking water for 30 days and prophylactic treatment of naringin for 15 days per oral. OFT, NORT and forced swim test showed significant (P ≤ 0.05) changes in the FLU-NAR group as compared to the fluoride group indicating behavioral changes in the fluoride group and positive changes in the FLU-NAR group with attenuation of stress, fear, hyperactivity and memory impairment. The decrease in LPO and increase in glutathione levels in the treatment group compared to the fluoride group were supported by histological improvement as compared to the fluoride group. Prophylactic treatment of naringin showed its possible neuroprotective effect, thus giving an alternative treatment strategy to deal with neurological manifestations of fluorosis.

Epiganthus presenting as respiratory distress in a male neonate: A rare case report.

An epignathus is an extremely rare form of oropharyngeal teratoma that arises from the oral cavity, most commonly from the palate and is associated with a high mortality secondary to airway obstruction in the neonatal period. It predominantly occurs in females. Here, we are presenting a case of giant epignathus in a male baby with associated cleft palate.

Correlation between lip print patterns and skeletal class I and II malocclusions - A tool to diagnose early.

BACKGROUND: Cheiloscopic analysis has been shown to have close association with skeletal malocclusion. Hence, aim of the present study was to explore any association between lip prints patterns and skeletal class I and II malocclusions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study sample of 90 subjects aged between 18 and 25 years was selected from individuals opting for orthodontic therapy. Skeletal malocclusion using ANB angle was assessed using lateral cephalograms while lip print patterns were analyzed using the cellophane-adhesive method. Statistical analysis: Mean ± SD was analyzed and significance was assessed using ANOVA. RESULTS: Skeletal class I group showed more branched pattern (29%). Other patterns in decreasing order were intersected (25%), reticular (24%), and vertical lip patterns (22%), while the skeletal class II group showed branched pattern as most common (32%), followed in decreasing order by reticular (29%), intersected (25%), and vertical lip patterns (14%). No statistical significance was derived between lip pattern type and skeletal malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Lip print patterns are important indicators of malocclusion and can help in predicting the same at an earlier stage.

Familial oral hygiene practices and its influence among rural youths-exploring primary preventive measures.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A child usually takes up the behavioural habits by observing the parents at home. The mapping of the current level of influence of parents' practices over children is necessary for developing any preventive programs therefore the aim of the study was to determine the influence of familial oral health habits on the adolescent children belonging to rural background. METHOD: The present cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted on 236 rural participants (parents and their children) reporting to a private dental college in a rural set up in India. Questions on demographics, oral hygiene habits and oral health knowledge were asked. Chi-square test and unpaired 't' test was used to determine the differences between parents and children. The cut-off point was set at (0.05). RESULTS: A total of 95 parents considered themselves having good oral health, majority of their children (n = 74; 77.9%) matched their perception. Most of the parents (n = 124) and children (n = 108) reported to dentist only in case of any dental problem. Maximum participant, 85.6% parents and 81.4% children brushed their teeth once a day. Mean knowledge score were higher in children (11.06 ± 2.68) and difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Most children (74.6%) learned to brush from their mother followed by father (10.2%). CONCLUSION: Correct knowledge regarding good oral hygiene practices should be rendered to the parents so that they will successfully transfer these habits to their youngsters.

Investigation of drug-polymer miscibility, biorelevant dissolution, and bioavailability improvement of Dolutegravir-polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylene glycol graft copolymer solid dispersions.

The aim of the current study was to prepare the efficacious amorphous solid dispersion of poorly water-soluble compound, Dolutegravir. After theoretical and experimental determination of drug-polymer miscibility, polyvinyl caprolactam-polyvinyl acetate-polyethylne glycol graft copolymer was chosen as a polymer. The solid dispersions of Dolutegravir were prepared by quench cooling and solvent evaporation method. Though quench cooling successfully stabilized the drug into amorphous form, solvent evaporation technique failed to render the drug completely amorphous. Owing to the negative Gibbs free energy at room temperature, the prepared dispersions were found stable at room temperature for 60 days. To resolve the overlapping contribution of micellar solubilization and amorphicity in improving the dissolution characteristics of Dolutegravir, the in vitro dissolution studies were performed in USP phosphate buffer as well as bio-relevant media. The dissolution advantage between prepared dispersions and pure drug in USP phosphate buffer was found bridged in the bio-relevant media. For this, the micellar solubilization driven dissolution of Dolutegravir in the presence of bile and lecithin micelles was thought as a contributing factor. Nevertheless, the dissolution advantage of dispersions prepared by quench cooling method was found endured in FeSSIF, which was thought to be due to its amorphicity leading to molecular level dissolution. Subsequently, the dissolution advantage was translated into the improved flux. Further, in vivo oral bioavailability was investigated for the dispersion prepared by quench cooling by using crystalline Dolutegravir as a control. The overall exposure of Dolutegravir was improved by 1.7 fold (AUC), while the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) demonstrated 2 fold increase after comparing with crystalline Dolutegravir.

3D analysis of breast augmentation defines operative changes and their relationship to implant dimensions.

Breast augmentation is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures performed in the United States today. Evaluation of postoperative results lacks true objective measurements. The following study reports the application of 3-dimensional (3D) photography to document changes that occur in breast morphology after breast augmentation. Patients undergoing augmentation mammaplasty with a periareolar incision were offered pre- and postoperative 3D photographs. 3D models were constructed and the following parameters were assessed: maximum anterior-posterior projection from the chest wall, angle of breast projection, total breast volume, volumetric tissue distribution in the superior and inferior poles, and surface and vector distance measurements to key landmarks. A completed series of 3D images were obtained from 14 augmentation patients (28 breasts) at an average postoperative day of 143. Saline and silicone implants were used equally (n = 14 for each). Total volume of the breast changed in correlation with the implant size (1.9% difference, P = 0.83). There were no significant changes in the volumetric distribution within the upper and lower poles of the breasts noted between pre- and postoperative scans (P = 0.81). The internal angle of breast projection was found to increase (13.6 degrees, P < 0.01), as did the sternal notch to nipple distance (11 mm, P = 0.018). Anterior-posterior projection significantly increased by 23.3 mm. However, this increase in projection was 20.9% less than expected based on implant dimensions (72.7-58.7 mm, respectively, P < 0.01). This study documents objective changes in breast morphology after augmentation mammaplasty. 3D imaging scans were able to document true changes that occur with breast augmentation including breast volume, the increase in the internal angle of the breast projection, and the sternal notch to nipple distance. 3D photography further highlighted that breast augmentation results in less than expected anterior-posterior projection, possibly due to tissue attenuation occurring anterior to the implant.

Primary Sjogren's syndrome: a great masquerader.

A 41-year-old woman presented with paresthesia and inability to walk for 7 days. She had history of fatigue, polyarthralgia and difficulty in swallowing food for the last 1 year. She became edentulous over the last 5 years and wore dentures for the same. She appeared pale, emaciated and had oral thrush. She had areflexic quadriparesis with weakness more in lower limbs compared with upper limbs. With the initial diagnosis of Guillian-Barre syndrome, she was given five cycles of plasmapheresis following which there was a significant improvement in power. Sjogren's syndrome was suspected based on edentulous state in a middle-aged woman with multisystem involvement. Evaluation with Schirmer's test, parotid scintigraphy and labial minor salivary gland biopsy confirmed the diagnosis. She was treated with steroids following which a dramatic improvement in haemoglobin and total leucocyte count was noted. We report a varied presentation of primary Sjogren's syndrome.

Stable Dispersions of Covalently Tethered Polymer Improved Graphene Oxide Nanoconjugates as an Effective Vector for siRNA Delivery.

Conjugates of poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) with modified graphene oxide (GO) are attractive nonviral vectors for gene-based cancer therapeutics. GO protects siRNA from enzymatic cleavage and showed reasonable transfection efficiency along with simultaneous benefits of low cost and large scale production. PAMAM is highly effective in siRNA delivery but suffers from high toxicity with poor in vivo efficacy. Co-reaction of GO and PAMAM led to aggregation and more importantly, have detrimental effect on stability of dispersion at physiological pH preventing their exploration at clinical level. In the current work, we have designed, synthesized, characterized and explored a new type of hybrid vector (GPD), using GO synthesized via improved method which was covalently tethered with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and PAMAM. The existence of covalent linkage, relative structural changes and properties of GPD is well supported by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV-visible (UV-vis), Raman, X-ray photoelectron (XPS), elemental analysis, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), and zeta potential. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of GPD showed longitudinally aligned columnar self-assembled ∼10 nm thick polymeric nanoarchitectures onto the GO surface accounting to an average size reduction to ∼20 nm. GPD revealed an outstanding stability in both phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and serum containing cell medium. The binding efficiency of EPAC1 siRNA to GPD was supported by gel retardation assay, DLS, zeta potential and photoluminescence (PL) studies. A lower cytotoxicity with enhanced cellular uptake and homogeneous intracellular distribution of GPD/siRNA complex is confirmed by imaging studies. GPD exhibited a higher transfection efficiency with remarkable inhibition of cell migration and lower invasion than PAMAM and Lipofectamine 2000 suggesting its role in prevention of breast cancer progression and metastasis. A significant reduction in the expression of the specific protein against which siRNA was delivered is revealed by Western blot assay. Furthermore, a pH-triggered release of siRNA from the GPD/siRNA complex was studied to provide a mechanistic insight toward unloading of siRNA from the vector. Current strategy is a way forward for designing effective therapeutic vectors for gene-based antitumor therapy.

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome: A Rare Case Report.

Gorlin-Goltz syndrome (GGS) is an autosomal dominant disorder with a high degree of penetrance and variable expressivity. It is a rare phakomatosis characterized by multiple odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), bifid ribs, and other abnormalities. The incidence of the GGS is estimated at 1 in 57,000-1 in 256,000 in the general population. The OKC is frequently the presenting manifestation of this syndrome. We report a case of a 25-year-old male patient, presenting with a swelling in the right side of the face which was diagnosed as GGS by correlating the clinical findings, histological findings, and evaluating the various tools of imaging. In the case of GGS, it is of great importance to make an early diagnosis since the severity of complications such as maxillofacial deformities related to the jaw cysts can be avoided.