Extraction and characterization of natural lignocellulosic fibres from Typha angustata grass.

In recent years, efforts have been made to reduce deforestation to conserve the ecosystem. In the current scenario, agro-cultivated products are used instead of wood for engineering applications. Thus, natural lignocellulosic fibres are used as a reinforcing material and have been extremely attractive to industries and the scientific community during the past few decades. This study aimed to examine the use of natural fibres extracted from Typha angustata grass as reinforcement in polymer matrix composites. The density of the fibres was 1.015 g/cc. Chemical analysis confirmed that T. angustata fibres (TAFs) have a cellulose content of 73.54 wt%, a hemicellulose content of 10.11 wt%, a lignin content of 6.23 wt% and a wax content of 0.23 wt%. The crystallinity index (65.16 %) and crystalline size (6.40 nm) were identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The presence of functional groups in the TAFs was examined by employing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The presence of cellulose at peak intensities of C2, C3 and C5 in the TAFs was confirmed using 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. The single fibre tensile test revealed that the tensile strength was 665 ± 7 MPa and Young's modulus was 27.45 ± 3.46 GPa. The thermal stability of the TAFs was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and the prominent peak was observed at 298.48 °C, with a kinetic activation energy of 67.99 kJ/mol. The surface roughness of the fibres was analysed by atomic force microscopy (AFM) with an accuracy of 1 nm. The above-mentioned outcomes indicated that the TAFs have desirable properties that are comparable to existing natural fibres and suggested to be utilised as the possible reinforcement to fabricate the fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites.

Multifractal and cross-correlation analysis on mitochondrial genome sequences using chaos game representation.

We characterized the multifractality and power-law cross-correlation of mitochondrial genomes of various species through the recently developed method which combines the chaos game representation theory and 2D-multifractal detrended cross-correlation analysis. In the present paper, we analyzed 32 mitochondrial genomes of different species and the obtained results show that all the analyzed data exhibit multifractal nature and power-law cross-correlation behaviour. Further, we performed a cluster analysis from the calculated scaling exponents to identify the class affiliation and its outcome is represented as a dendrogram. We suggest that this integrative approach may help the researchers to understand the phylogeny of any kingdom with their varying genome lengths and also this approach may find applications in characterizing the protein sequences, mRNA sequences, next-generation sequencing, and drug development, etc.

A graph centrality-based approach for candidate gene prediction for type 1 diabetes.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) or insulin-dependent diabetes is an autoimmune disease that may pose life-threatening situations to individuals. In most cases, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) promotes killing of islets of Langerhans in the pancreas, which harbour insulin-producing beta cells. The trigger for autoimmune attack is still unclear; therefore, identifying and targeting candidate genes are imperative to hinder its deleterious effects. In the present study, we focused on identification of new candidate genes for T1DM. For our study, we exclusively selected immune-related genes as they play a crucial role in T1DM. We constructed and analysed a human immunome signalling network (directed network) to identify the new candidate genes through various graph centrality measures combining with Gene Ontology (GO). As a result, we identified 4 new candidate genes which may act as potential drug targets for T1DM. We further validated for their disease relevance through literature survey and pathway analysis and found that 3 out of 4 predicted genes mirrored their well-established roles as potential targets for T1DM.

PAP90, a novel rice protein plays a critical role in regulation of D1 protein stability of PSII.

Introduction: Photosystem II (PSII) protein complex plays an essential role in the entire photosynthesis process. Various known and unknown protein factors are involved in the dynamics of the PSII complex that need to be characterized in crop plants for enhancing photosynthesis efficiency and productivity. Objectives: The experiments were conducted to decipher the regulatory proteins involved in PSII dynamics of rice crop. Methods: A novel rice regulatory protein PAP90 (PSII auxiliary protein ~90 kDa) was characterized by generating a loss-of-function mutant pap90. The mutation was characterized at molecular level followed by various experiments to analyze the morphological, physiological and biochemical processes of mutant under control and abiotic stresses. Results: The pap90 mutant showed reduced photosynthesis due to D1 protein instability that subsequently causes inadequate accumulation of thylakoid membrane complexes, especially PSII and decreases PSII functional efficiency. Expression of OsFtsH family genes and proteins were induced in the mutant, which are known to play a key role in D1 protein degradation and turnover. The reduced D1 protein accumulation in the mutant increased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The accumulation of ROS along with the increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and induced expression of stress-associated genes and proteins in pap90 mutant contributed to its water-limited stress tolerance ability. Conclusion: We propose that PAP90 is a key auxiliary protein that interacts with D1 protein and maintains its stability, thereby promoting subsequent assembly of the PSII and associated membrane complexes.

Synthesis, Spectral Characterization and Biological Activities of Co(II) and Ni(II) Mixed Ligand Complexes.

2,4-Dinitrophynylhydrazine and two thiocyanate ions in a (M:L1:L2) 1:2:2 molar ratio was synthesized in the complexes of Co(II) and Ni(II). The prepared compounds were identified through a C.H.N.S. analysis, conductivity measurements, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), the infrared spectrum, and a UV-visible spectrum analysis, in addition to the magnetic properties being measured. The measurements of the molar conductance implieda nonelectrolytic nature of compounds Co(II) and Ni(II). The magnetic susceptibility, as well as electronic spectra, represented all the metal complexesthroughoctahedral geometry, respectively. The PXRD patterns suggested that all the complexes were an orthorhombic system with unit cell parameters. The in-vitro biological activity of the ligand and the metal complexes were screened against the Gram-positive and negative pathogenic bacteria Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas, aeruginosa and Escherichia coli, as well as the fungal species of Aspergillusniger and Candida albicans.Thus, the metal complexes showeda high efficiency of antimicrobial activity compared with the ligand. Furthermore, applications of the ligand, as well as the metal complexes, were tested for in-vitro antioxidant potential in aDPPH assay. The results showed that the activity of the metal complexes with the in-vitro antioxidant was more active than that of 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazine(DNPH).

Knowledge and Awareness of Jaw Relation among Dental Interns: A Questionnaire Survey.

AIMS: This study aims to explore the awareness among the interns regarding the jaw relation procedures. Jaw relation is one of the most important criteria for the fabrication of complete dentures to provide a satisfactory oral function for the aging population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study design was a descriptive survey. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was designed and distributed among 202 interns in three different colleges in Salem and Namakkal in Tamil Nadu using Stratified Proportionate Random Sampling Technique. The survey included a questionnaire with ten questions to assess the knowledge and awareness of jaw relation procedures among the interns. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical tools used to analyze the levels of awareness among the interns were frequencies and percentage analysis. Chi-square tests and logistic regression were used to investigate the relationship between awareness among interns, with respect to gender, age, and complete dentures done, with the level of significance at P < 0.05 using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software version 23. RESULTS: The awareness prevalent regarding jaw relation and its procedures among the respondents was 83%. There was a statistically significant relationship between maximum complete dentures done and awareness among interns (P < 0.001). Complete dentures made a significant contribution to the prediction of awareness (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: To improve the awareness among the interns increased educational programs, clinical training and greater patient exposure to the clinical application of jaw relation procedures to construct complete dentures are needed during their undergraduate education.

Spectrophotometric Evaluation of Shade Selection with Digital and Visual Methods.

AIM: The main purpose of the study was to learn the possible shade differences between human eye and the digital method with spectrophotometric methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty dental students of age groups 18-25 with maxillary right central incisor after undergoing oral prophylaxis were included in this study. Before undergoing shade selection, standardization protocol was followed. The shade of the right maxillary central incisor was determined by using the following methods: visual, spectrophotometer, and digital photography. The shades obtained by both spectrophotometer and visual methods are compared and similarly L*, a*, and b* values obtained by both spectrophotometer and digital methods are compared. Finally these comparisons are subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Z and P values of digital and spectrophotometric methods were found to be statistically significant. Tooth shade selected between spectrophotometric and visual method was analyzed by using chi-square test, which shows highly significant value. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the digital photography can be used as one of the reliable methods for shade selection in a clinical setup.

Characterization of natural cellulosic fibers from Nendran Banana Peduncle plants.

The objective of this work is to explore the natural cellulosic fibers extracted from Nendran Banana Peduncle plants. This is the first time, the tests are carried out in the Nendran Banana Peduncle Fiber (NBPF) to measure the properties of the chemical, physical, mechanical, thermal (TGA/DTG), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy(FT-IR), Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) analysis and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) furnished in this work. The Weibull distribution analysis was adopted for the analysis of diameter, tensile strength and Young's modulus of the fiber. The XRD analysis for the NBPF shows that the crystallinity index of 53.3%and crystallinity size of 4.72 nm. Thermogravimetric analysis depicted that NBPF can withstand thermally up to 356 °C. FT-IR results proved the existence of different chemical compositions and their corresponding functional groups. AFM analysis revealed the surface of the fiber found as rough. From the results, it is concluded that NBPF utilized as a polymer matrix composite for manufacturing light load automotive components and construction equipment.

ASSESSMENT OF ADULT DIAGNOSTIC REFERENCE LEVELS IN INTRAORAL RADIOGRAPHY IN TAMIL NADU REGION, INDIA.

In the present study, incident air kerma has been measured, for six intraoral examinations, for establishing regional adult diagnostic reference levels (DRLs), in intraoral radiography, in Tamil Nadu, India. A total of 131 units, both digital (semiconductor-based) and analog (film-based) radiography systems, were selected for the study. The third quartile values, for the six intraoral examinations selected for the present study, ranged from 1.2 to 2.0 mGy, for the adult settings. The results showed a wide range of patient doses existing across the clinics or hospitals studied. This is the primary study for the establishment of adult intraoral DRL, in Tamil Nadu, one of the major states of the country. Similar studies will be undertaken in other major states across the country to establish national DRLs in intraoral radiography in the country.

Assessment of Regional Pediatric Diagnostic Reference Levels for Panoramic Radiography Using Dose Area Product.

AIM: The current work aims to calculate dose area product (DAP) and to determine regional diagnostic reference level (DRL) for pediatric panoramic radiography in Tamil Nadu. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, DAP was calculated after finding the product of air kerma on the detector side of scanner with the corresponding exposed area. The obtained DAP values were further analyzed, and DRL was calculated using Microsoft Excel. The study was carried out with routine pediatric exposure parameters. RESULTS: The obtained mean, range, and third quartile values for pediatric panoramic radiography are found to be 65 mGycm2, 11-148 mGycm2, and 82 mGycm2, respectively. The proposed DRL is comparable with the other countries' DRL. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it was observed that there exists a wide difference in mean doses among the panoramic scanners. The variation in radiation doses between the clinics/hospitals and similar scanners suggests a large potential for optimization of panoramic procedures.

Study on characterization of Furcraea foetida new natural fiber as composite reinforcement for lightweight applications.

The exploration of new natural fibers in the field of polymer composites can contribute to increase the invention of natural reinforcements and expand their use in possible applications. In the present work, the physico-chemical, thermal, tensile and morphological properties of Furcraea foetida (FF) fiber are presented for the first time. Chemical analysis results shows that FF has relatively higher cellulose (68.35%) with lower hemicelluloses (11.46%) and lignin (12.32%). Structural analysis of FF was conducted by Fourier transform infrared and 13C (CP-MAS) nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis evidenced that FF has crystallinity index of 52.6% with crystalline size of 28.36nmThe surface morphology of FF was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray micro analyzer (EDX) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) reveals thermal constancy of the fiber upto 320.5°C with the kinetic activation energy of 66.64kJ/mol, which can be used as reinforcements in thermoplastic green composite whose working temperatures is below 300°C. The FF results were compared with those of other natural fibers, and indicated as a suitable alternative source for composite manufacture.

Partial Edentulousness in a Rural Population Based on Kennedy's Classification: Epidemiological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Edentulousness falls in a special category among the various conditions of dental origin. A simple estimation of the partial edentulous condition is a rough indication of the prevalence of dental diseases and success or failure of dental care. METHODOLOGY: In this study a cross sectional survey was carried out among 1000 patients of rural population in JKK Nataraja Dental College, Komarapalayam, Namakkal District, Tamilnadu, India. The aim of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological features of partial edentulous condition in the age group of 30-60 years in a rural Population based on the Kennedy classification. A pre tested questionnaire was Used in this study. RESULT: Chi-square test was conducted and results were obtained and P value <0.05 was considered stastically significant. CONCLUSION: The study revealed Kennedy Class III partially edentulous condition was more common than other conditions. There is significant correlation between lack of awareness, education and socio-economic status in relation to loss of teeth among population.

Evaluation of Efficiency of Different Decontamination Methods of Dental Burs: An In vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Infection control is very important in dentistry. Both dentist and patients are at risk of communicating diseases during treatment procedures. Dental burs have been identified as a source of cross-contamination between patient and dental personnel. AIM: The present study was done to quantitatively and qualitatively assess the pathogenic contamination of dental burs used for tooth preparation and to determine the effective method of sterilization(autoclave, glass bead sterilizer, hot air oven and surgical spirit immersion) of burs used for crown preparation. METHODOLOGY: Dental burs were assessed before and after tooth preparation, also after sterilization burs were evaluated. CONCLUSION: Findings of our study revealed that among the experimental groups used in the present study, Autoclave and Hot air oven was found to be the relatively best method to sterilize burs. Proper cleaning and sterilization of burs should be strictly employed to prevent cross contamination in clinical practice.

Activation-tagging in indica rice identifies a novel transcription factor subunit, NF-YC13 associated with salt tolerance.

Nuclear factor Y (NF-Y) is a heterotrimeric transcription factor with three distinct NF-YA, NF-YB and NF-YC subunits. It plays important roles in plant growth, development and stress responses. We have reported earlier on development of gain-of-function mutants in an indica rice cultivar, BPT-5204. Now, we screened 927 seeds from 70 Ac/Ds plants for salinity tolerance and identified one activation-tagged salt tolerant DS plant (DS-16, T3 generation) that showed enhanced expression of a novel 'histone-like transcription factor' belonging to rice NF-Y subfamily C and was named as OsNF-YC13. Localization studies using GFP-fusion showed that the protein is localized to nucleus and cytoplasm. Real time expression analysis confirmed upregulation of transcript levels of OsNF-YC13 during salt treatment in a tissue specific manner. Biochemical and physiological characterization of the DS-16 revealed enhanced K+/Na+ ratio, proline content, chlorophyll content, enzymes with antioxidant activity etc. DS-16 also showed transcriptional up-regulation of genes that are involved in salinity tolerance. In-silico analysis of OsNF-YC13 promoter region evidenced the presence of various key stress-responsive cis-regulatory elements. OsNF-YC13 subunit alone does not appear to have the capacity for direct transcription activation, but appears to interact with the B- subunits in the process of transactivation.

In vitro comparative evaluation of mechanical properties of temporary restorative materials used in fixed partial denture.

INTRODUCTION: Materials used to fabricate provisional restorations can be classified as acrylics or resin composites. Provisional crows can be either prefabricated or custom made. ACRYLICS: These materials have been used to fabricate provisional restorations since the 1930s and usually available as powder and liquid. They are the most commonly used materials today for both single-unit and multiple-unit restorations. In general, their popularity is due to their low cost, acceptable esthetics, and versatility. COMPOSITES: Composite provisional materials use bis-acryl resin, a hydrophobic material that is similar to bis-GMA. Composites are available as auto-polymerized, dualpolymerized and visible light polymerized. PREFORMED CROWNS: Preformed provisional crowns or matrices usually consist of tooth-shaped shells of plastic, cellulose acetate or metal. They are commercially available in various tooth sizes and are usually selected for a particular tooth anatomy. They are commonly relined with acrylic resin to provide a more custom fit before cementation, but the plastic and metal crown shells can also be cemented directly onto prepared teeth. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to choose a material to serve as a better interim prosthesis and to compare three different properties - flexural strength, compressive strength, and color stability. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The samples were made with three different provisional materials (Revotek LC, Protemp 4, TemSpan). RESULT: It was inferred from the study that no one material was superior in all three tested parameters.

An in vitro study to evaluate the difference in shade between commercially available shade guides and glazed porcelain.

INTRODUCTION: Smile is one of the most important interactive communication skills of a person. A smile is the key factor for an aesthetic appearance. Hence aesthetics is one of the motivating factor for the patients to seek dental care. Correction of unaesthetic appearance gives a positive effect to the self esteem of the patient. AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the difference in the shade between the commercially available shade guides namely Vita Classical And Ivoclar Chromascop and the fired porcelain samples fabricated using Vita Zahnfabrik VMK 95 and Ivoclar Classic Materials respectively. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to obtain a matching brand of material that has a particular shade tab among the brands used. CONCLUSION: To conclude, Ivoclar material matched the chromascop shade guide better than the vita material matched the vita classic shade guide.

Identification of cis-elements and evaluation of upstream regulatory region of a rice anther-specific gene, OSIPP3, conferring pollen-specific expression in Oryza sativa (L.) ssp. indica.

KEY MESSAGE: Pollen-specific expression. Promoters comprise of various cis-regulatory elements which control development and physiology of plants by regulating gene expression. To understand the promoter specificity and also identification of functional cis-acting elements, progressive 5' deletion analysis of the promoter fragments is widely used. We have evaluated the activity of regulatory elements of 5' promoter deletion sequences of anther-specific gene OSIPP3, viz. OSIPP3-∆1 (1504 bp), OSIPP3-∆2 (968 bp), OSIPP3-∆3 (388 bp) and OSIPP3-∆4 (286 bp) through the expression of transgene GUS in rice. In silico analysis of 1504-bp sequence harboring different copy number of cis-acting regulatory elements such as POLLENLELAT52, GTGANTG10, enhancer element of LAT52 and LAT56 indicated that they were essential for high level of expression in pollen. Histochemical GUS analysis of the transgenic plants revealed that 1504- and 968-bp fragments directed GUS expression in roots and anthers, while the 388- and 286-bp fragments restricted the GUS expression to only pollen, of which 388 bp conferred strong GUS expression. Further, GUS staining analysis of different panicle development stages (P1-P6) confirmed that the GUS gene was preferentially expressed only at P6 stage (late pollen stage). The qRT-PCR analysis of GUS transcript revealed 23-fold higher expression of GUS transcript in OSIPP3-Δ1 followed by OSIPP3-Δ2 (eightfold) and OSIPP3-Δ3 (threefold) when compared to OSIPP3-Δ4. Based on our results, we proposed that among the two smaller fragments, the 388-bp upstream regulatory region could be considered as a promising candidate for pollen-specific expression of agronomically important transgenes in rice.

Constitutive expression and silencing of a novel seed specific calcium dependent protein kinase gene in rice reveals its role in grain filling.

Ca(2+) sensor protein kinases are prevalent in most plant species including rice. They play diverse roles in plant signaling mechanism. Thirty one CDPK genes have been identified in rice and some are functionally characterized. In the present study, the newly identified rice CDPK gene OsCPK31 was functionally validated by overexpression and silencing in Taipei 309 rice cultivar. Spikelets of overexpressing plants showed hard dough stage within 15d after pollination (DAP) with rapid grain filling and early maturation. Scanning electron microscopy of endosperm during starch granule formation confirmed early grain filling. Further, seeds of overexpressing transgenic lines matured early (20-22 DAP) and the average number of maturity days reduced significantly. On the other hand, silencing lines showed more number of unfilled spikelet without any difference in maturity duration. It will be interesting to further decipher the role of OsCPK31 in biological pathways associated with distribution of photosynthetic assimilates during grain filling stage.

Nucleotide diversity of Pita, a major blast resistance gene and identification of its minimal promoter.

Improvement of host plant resistance is one of the best methods to protect the yield from biotic stresses. Incorporation of major resistance genes or their variants into elite rice varieties will enhance the host plant resistance and its durability. Allele mining is a preferred choice to discover the novel allelic variants of major genes from wide range of germplasm. 'True' allele mining includes coding and noncoding regions, which are known to affect the plant phenotype, eventually. In this study, major blast resistance gene, Pita was analyzed by allele and promoter mining strategy and its different allelic variants were discovered from landraces and wild Oryza species. Polymorphisms at allelic sequences as well as transcription factor binding motif (TFBM) level were examined. At motif level, MYB1AT is present in Pita(Tadukan) and other resistance alleles, but was absent in the susceptible allele. Core promoter was demarked with 449 bp, employing serial promoter deletion strategy. Promoter with 1592 bp upstream region could express the gfp two fold higher than the core promoter. The identified Pita resistance allele (Pita(Konibora)) can be directly used in rice blast resistance breeding programs. Moreover, characterization of Pita core promoter led to deeper understanding of resistance gene's regulation and the identified core promoter can be utilized to express similar genes in rice.