Role of salinity on zooplankton assemblages in the tropical Indian estuaries during post monsoon.

The estuary is the transition zone between the riverine and marine environments, in which the zooplankton act as a trophic connector in the energy transfers from primary producers to secondary consumers. Zooplankton biovolume and species assemblages with reference to physical, chemical and biological properties in the Indian estuaries are rarely studied. To examine the zooplankton variability in abundance and diversity, we therefore, investigated seventeen Indian estuaries during the post monsoon of the year 2012. Based on salinity conditions, estuaries were classified into oligohaline, mesohaline and polyhaline. A marked spatial gradient in salinity was observed between the upstream and downstream estuaries. Relatively, salinity was high in downstream areas, resulting in high zooplankton biovolume and diversity perceived in downstream areas. In contrast, nutrient concentrations were higher in the upstream than the downstream estuaries, resulting in high phytoplankton biomass (in terms of chlorophyll-a) perceived in the upstream estuaries. Zooplankton abundance was numerically dominated by Copepoda, constituting approximately 76 % of the total zooplankton count. Zooplankton population was highly similar between upstream and downstream in the oligohaline estuaries. In contrast, heterogeneous assemblages were noticed between upstream and downstream in the mesohaline and polyhaline estuaries. Under oligohaline conditions, surface waters dominated by Acartia clausi, A. dane, A. plumosa, Cyclopina longicornis, Oithona rigida and Tigriopus sp. In contrast, under mesohaline and polyhaline conditions, Acartia tonsa, Acartia southwelli, Acartia spinicauda, Paracalanus spp. Centropages typicus, Temora turbinate, Oithona spinirostris and O. brevicornis become the key dominant species. Eucalanus spp., and Corycaeus spp. were indicator species in the downstream estuaries. Our findings suggest that zooplankton diversity and numerical abundance were chiefly governed by salinity rather than phytoplankton biomass (chlorophyll-a) in the Indian estuaries during the post monsoon.

Decadal changes in global phytoplankton compositions influenced by biogeochemical variables.

The global environmental changes owing to natural and anthropogenic influences are challenging the structure and functioning of the ocean ecosystem. The complex processes interacting within the physical, chemical, and biological environment at different spatio-temporal scales and their impact on the ocean ecosystem processes are yet to be investigated. A long term trend on phytoplankton biomass in terms of Chlorophyll-a concentration (Chl-a), phytoplankton compositions and the processes that control the variability is required for understanding the ocean ecosystem. This study investigated decadal trends (2002-2015) of phytoplankton composition and biogeochemical parameters over the Global Ocean (GO), Southern Ocean (SO), and the Arctic Ocean (AO) using ocean color remote sensing and assimilated data from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Ocean biogeochemical model. The results revealed the dominance of larger cell phytoplankton mainly diatoms throughout the SO and AO; however, the coccolithophores dominate in the remaining part of the GO. Analysis of nutrients showed that nitrate is not a limiting factor for the variability of phytoplankton biomass in the SO and AO. The low nitrate concentration influenced in the rest of the GO. The photosynthetically available radiation (PAR) limiting the phytoplankton biomass and composition in the SO and AO. Although the SO is known as the high nutrient low chlorophyll (HNLC) region of the GO, the low iron concentration along with the PAR co-limits the growth of phytoplankton biomass. Trend analysis showed that an increase in Chl-a and diatoms in the SO and AO. In contrast, it declined significantly in the other regions of the GO, in response to the consistent increase in sea surface temperature. The results indicated that, shifting of phytoplankton community from regional to global scale have a greater implication for climate change and marine ecosystem.

Influence of river discharge on abundance and composition of phytoplankton in the western coastal Bay of Bengal during peak discharge period.

To understand the influence of river discharge on phytoplankton composition along western coastal Bay of Bengal (BoB), surface water samples were collected during peak discharge period. River discharge from the Ganges influences northwest (NW) coastal BoB whereas peninsular rivers (Godavari and Krishna) discharge to the southwest (SW) coastal Bay. River discharge from the Ganges is an order of magnitude higher than peninsular river resulting in low saline, less suspended matter and lower nutrients concentrations in the NW and contrasting to that was observed in the SW. ~50%of the phytoplankton were composed of Thalassiosira spp., Nitzschia spp., Microcystis spp., Amphiprora spp. and Thalassionema spp. in the SW whereas Thalassiosira spp., Nitzschia spp., Chaetoceros spp., Merismopedia spp. and Peridinium spp. in the NW. Significant variability in phytoplankton composition was observed from coast to offshore. Our study revealed that river discharge and associated physico-chemical characteristics governed the phytoplankton community along western coastal BoB.

River discharge as a major driving force on spatial and temporal variations in zooplankton biomass and community structure in the Godavari estuary India.

Variability in horizontal zooplankton biomass distribution was investigated over 13 months in the Godavari estuary, along with physical (river discharge, temperature, salinity), chemical (nutrients, particulate organic matter), biological (phytoplankton biomass), and geological (suspended matter) properties to examine the influencing factors on their spatial and temporal variabilities. The entire estuary was filled with freshwater during peak discharge period and salinity near zero, increased to ~ 34 psu during dry period with relatively high nutrient levels during former than the latter period. Due to low flushing time (< 1 day) and high suspended load (> 500 mg L-1) during peak discharge period, picoplankton (cyanophyceae) contributed significantly to the phytoplankton biomass (Chl-a) whereas microplankton and nanoplankton (bacillariophyceae, and chlorophyceae) during moderate and mostly microplankton during dry period. Zooplankton biomass was the lowest during peak discharge period and increased during moderate followed by dry period. The zooplankton abundance was controlled by dead organic matter during peak discharge period, while both phytoplankton biomass and dead organic matter during moderate discharge and mostly phytoplankton biomass during dry period. This study suggests that significant modification of physico-chemical properties by river discharge led to changes in phytoplankton composition and dead organic matter concentrations that alters biomass, abundance, and composition of zooplankton in the Godavari estuary.

Comparative evaluation of nickel discharge from brackets in artificial saliva at different time intervals.

OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the potential difference of nickel release from three different orthodontic brackets, in different artificial pH, in different time intervals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven samples of three different orthodontic brackets were selected and grouped as 1, 2, and 3. Each group was divided into three subgroups depending on the type of orthodontic brackets, salivary pH and the time interval. The Nickel release from each subgroup were analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrophotometer (Perkin Elmer, Optima 2100 DV, USA) model. Quantitative analysis of nickel was performed three times, and the mean value was used as result. ANOVA (F-test) was used to test the significant difference among the groups at 0.05 level of significance (P < 0.05). The descriptive method of statistics was used to calculate the mean, standard deviation, minimum and maximum. SPSS 18 software ((SPSS.Ltd, Quarry bay, Hong Kong, PASW-statistics 18) was used to analyze the study. RESULT: The analysis shows a significant difference between three groups. The study shows that the nickel releases from the recycled stainless steel brackets have the highest at all 4.2 pH except in 120 h. CONCLUSION: The study result shows that the nickel release from the recycled stainless steel brackets is highest. Metal slot ceramic bracket release significantly less nickel. So, recycled stainless steel brackets should not be used for nickel allergic patients. Metal slot ceramic brackets are advisable.

Ghost teeth: Regional odontodysplasia of maxillary first molar associated with eruption disorders in a 10-year-old girl.

Regional odontodysplasia (RO) is an uncommon, developmental anomaly of the dental hard tissues that affects ectodermal and mesodermal dental components with characteristic clinical and radiographic findings. Clinically, RO affects a particular segment in either or both dentitions in the maxilla or mandible or both jaws. Radiographic features have consistently demonstrated thin and defective layers of enamel and dentine, resulting in a faint, fuzzy outline, creating a ghost-like appearance. The RO etiology is uncertain; numerous factors have been suggested and considered as local trauma, irradiation, hypophosphatasia, hypocalcemia, hyperpyrexia. A case of RO in a 10-year-old girl whose chief complaint were forwardly placed upper front teeth and the absence of eruption of permanent teeth. Clinical and radiographic features are described.

Administration of bisphosphonate (ibandronate) impedes molar tooth movement in rabbits: A radiographic assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Bisphosphonate (Bp)-ibandronate is a pharmacological agent, exhibits antiosteoclastic or antiresorptive activity and used to treat osteolytic or osteopenic disorders. BP-ibandronate may also interfere during orthodontic tooth movement. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of locally administered Bp-ibandronate on experimental tooth movement in rabbits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty rabbits were divided into two groups- "10" served as Group-1 (control) and other "10" as Group-2 (experimental). Both groups received nickel-titanium closed coil springs with 100 g force between mandibular molar and incisors. Group-1 animals received 1 ml normal saline and Group-2 animals received ibandronate solution (0.3 mg/kg body weight) locally, mesial to the mandibular molar on the 1(st), 7(th), and 14(th) day of the experiment. A total of "40" lateral cephalograms were taken from both groups on the 1(st) and 21(st) day using a digital X-ray unit (Siemens X-ray systems, 300 mA Pleomophos analog, 2008, Germany). Individually, each animal's radiograph was traced manually and superimposed. The molar tooth movement was measured with the help of a standard metric scale. RESULTS: The Student's t-test has been done to compare the mean values of Group-1 (4.650 ± 0.363) and Group-2 (2.030 ± 0.291) and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The retarded molar tooth movement was noticed in local drug administered rabbits, which could be beneficial in orthodontics to control the undesired tooth movement.

Relationship Between Drinking Water Fluoride Levels, Dental Fluorosis, Dental Caries and Associated Risk Factors in 9-12 Years Old School Children of Nelakondapally Mandal of Khammam District, Andhra Pradesh, India: A Cross-sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: The present study was conducted to assess the relationship between drinking water fluoride (F) levels, dental fluorosis and dental caries among 9-12 years old school children of Nelakondapally Mandal, Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted on 1500 school children aged 9-12 years, selected by stratified random sampling from different areas with different levels of naturally occurring F in drinking water. The children were assessed for dental fluorosis according to WHO basic survey guidelines. The overall oral health status of the child was assessed by decayed missing filled teeth (DMFT)/dmft index. Statistical analysis was done using mean, standard deviation, standard error, Z-test, ANOVA test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The results of the present study revealed that the prevalence of fluorosis was 74.9%. Number of children having dental fluorosis was highest in children who consume water from bore wells. Caries prevalence in the study population was about 56.5%. Caries prevalence and mean DMFT/dmft scores were least in children with optimal F areas and highest in children with below optimal F areas. CONCLUSION: There was moderate prevalence of fluorosis in Nelakondapally Mandal of Khammam district, and caries prevalence is high in areas below optimal F areas. How to cite the article: Shanthi M, Reddy BV, Venkataramana V, Gowrisankar S, Reddy BV, Chennupati S. Relationship between drinking water fluoride levels, dental fluorosis, dental caries and associated risk factors in 9-12 year old school children of Nelakondapally Mandal of Khammam district, Andhra Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional survey. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(3):106-10.

Impact of Bisphosphonate on Orthodontic tooth movement and osteoclastic count: An Animal Study.

Background : The aim of the current study is to examine the effect of systemically administered BP-Pamidronate, on Orthodontic Tooth Movement (OTM) along with osteoclastic quantification in New Zealand white rabbits. Materials & Methods : Twenty rabbits used in the study, were equally divided into 2 groups ; Group-1 as Control & Group-2 as Experimental. A sentalloy NITI closed coil spring (GAC International, USA) of 100 gram force, ligated between the lower first molar and the anterior most incisors of the rabbit has served as orthodontic force element. The BP- Pamidronate was administered at the dosage of 1.5 mg/kg body intra-peritonially, on the 1st, 7th and 14th day of the experiment. On the 21st day both group of animals were sacrificed, mandibles were dissected. The formed diastema between the 1st and 2nd molar was measured on the dissected mandibles using standard metric scale, which is considered as the OTM in the mesial direction. Next, the alveolar bone regions along with intact mesial surfaces were processed for histological investigation (osteoclastic count). Results : The student 't' test has been done to compare the mean values of molar tooth movement and osteoclastic count. Parameter :1 molar tooth movement has shown a significant difference between the control (3.750 ± 0.548 mm) and the experimental group (3.050 ± 0.556 mm) with calculated 'p' value (p-value <0.05) is significant at 0.0110 level. Parameter : 2 osteoclastic count has shown a significant difference between the control (13.335000 ± 0.735856 per square mm.) and the experimental group (11.426900 ± 1.49369 per square mm) calculated 'p' value (p-value <0.05) is significant at 0.003 level. Conclusion : The molar tooth movement and the osteoclastic count were significantly reduced in BP - Pamidronate administered animals than non-drug recipients. How to cite the article: Venkataramana V, Chidambaram S, Reddy BV, Goud EV, Arafath M, Krishnan S. Impact of Bisphosphonate on Orthodontic tooth movement and olsteoclastic count: An Animal Study. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):1-8.

Dento-Alveolar distraction osteogenesis using rigid intra-oral tooth borne distraction device.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this clinical prospective study is to apply and evaluate an approach to reduce the overall orthodontic treatment time, by means of dentoalveolar distraction osteogenesis to achieve rapid canine retraction using an indigenously developed intra-oral tooth-borne distraction device. MATERIALS & METHODS: This study was carried out in the Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics. Four patients selected for the purpose of Maxillary and/or Mandibular canine distraction with a rigid custom-made, intra-oral distraction device made of stainless steel and were scheduled for orthodontic treatment with bilateral first premolar extraction and then subsequent bilateral canine teeth distalization. RESULTS: In all the patients the canine teeth moved distally and made contact with the second premolars within 14-16 days range after which they were kept passive, with the appliance for a week of consolidation. The amount of canine retraction was in 7-7.5mms range, in all the patients, in each of the four quadrants studied. Bodily movement, tipping and buccal flaring of the canine teeth were noticed in all the cases. CONCLUSION: Combination of newer orthodontic appliances and the principles of biomechanics to maintain the control over rapid tooth movement, rapid canine distalization using distraction osteogenesis awaits further development before routine application, of this innovative and exciting approach. How to cite the article: Nair A, Kumar JP, Venkataramana V, Yuvaraj A, Reddy VS, Kumar SK. Dento-Alveolar distraction osteogenesis using rigid intra-oral tooth borne distraction device. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(2):106-13.

Anatomy and clinical applications of the mandibular nerve.

A thorough anatomical knowledge is very essential for clinical practice and any surgical procedure. Unfortunately anatomical variations can lead to hazards in medical and dental diagnosis and treatment. Such knowledge is very essential even in effective local anesthesia which is an essential part of treatment in patients with many oral disorders. Therefore a normal anatomy and its possible variations are utmost important aspects also in dentistry. One of the structures that dentists very often deal with is the mandibular nerve which therefore needs a thorough review. However, there are not many consolidated literature reviews available regarding its variations and clinical applications. Keeping this in mind, in this article, the authors have brought together available literature on various aspects of mandibular nerve. The final review will be of benefit to clinicians (Fig. 2, Ref. 63).

Anomalous muscle from the fascia around popliteal vessels.

Normally, the popliteal fossa contains popliteal vessels, tibial and common peroneal nerves. An occurrence of muscle in the popliteal fossa is very rare. During routine dissection classes for medical undergraduates, an anomalous muscle in the popliteal fossa was encountered. The muscle was originating from the thick fascia around the popliteal vessels. It was getting inserted to the medial head of the gastrocnemius through a narrow tendon and was supplied by a branch of tibial nerve. The muscle was observed in the right limb and was unilateral. An awareness of the possibility that such anomalous muscles can occur in the popliteal fossa is clinically essential as these may possibly entrap and compress the popliteal vessels. The muscle reported in the present case bears clinical significance since near its origin it almost completely surrounded the popliteal vessels and could pull on these vessels on contraction (Fig. 3, Ref. 14).

Ulnar and humeral heads forming separate bellies: a rare case of digastric flexor carpi ulnaris muscle / Cabezas ulnar y humeral formando vientres separados: un caso raro del músculo flexor ulnar del carpo digástri

Proper knowledge of muscular variations is essential for both anatomists and surgeons. Variations of the flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU) are not very common. We are reporting an unusual case of FCU muscle with two bellies. The two heads (ulnar and humeral) of the muscle continued as two separate bellies and the tendons of which joined each other slightly proximal to the wrist before getting inserted to pisiform bone. Further, detailed literature review of variations of FCU muscle is done and the developmental basis for the variation and its surgical importance are discussed.

El correcto conocimiento de las variaciones musculares es esencial para anatomistas y cirujanos. Variaciones del músculo flexor ulnar del carpo (MFUC) no son muy comunes. Se reporta un caso inusual del MFUC con dos vientres. Las dos cabezas (ulnar y humeral) del músculo continuaron como dos vientres separados. Los tendones se unieron entre sí, ligeramente proximal a la muñeca, antes de llegar a su inserción en el hueso pisiforme. Se hace una detallada revisión de la literatura de las variaciones del MFUC y son discutidas las bases del desarrollo de las variaciones, destacándose además su importancia quirúrgica.

Multiple variations in the paired arteries of the abdominal aorta.

Variations in the origin of arteries in the abdomen are very common. The arteries that show frequent variations include the celiac trunk, renal arteries, and gonadal arteries. We observed multiple variations in a 45-year-old male cadaver. The variations found on the left side were: one accessory renal artery, two testicular arteries, and middle suprarenal and inferior phrenic arteries that branched from the celiac trunk. On the right side, the inferior phrenic and middle suprarenal arteries arose from the right renal artery.

Bilateral prehilar multiple branching of renal arteries: a case report and literature review.

Proper knowledge of variations of the arteries supplying the kidney is essential not only to the anatomists but also to the surgeons. In the present paper we are reporting a case of bilateral early and multiple branching of the renal arteries. The origin of the 2 renal arteries was normal but soon after their origin they ended by giving rise to multiple branches. Most of these branches entered the kidney through the hilum. However, on both sides, one of the branches (superior polar artery) passed superolaterally to reach the upper pole of the kidney. The superior polar artery also gave rise to the inferior suprarenal artery. Further, related literature review is done and the urological implications of these variations in renal surgeries are discussed.

Nutritional neglect and physical abuse in children of alcoholics.

OBJECTIVE: Children of alcoholics are at higher risk for physical injuries and malnutrition. In this study nutritional neglect and physical abuse in children of alcoholics has been compared with children of non-alcoholics in a General Hospital attached to a Medical College. METHODS: 72 children of alcoholics were compared with 81 normal controls. 86.1% in case group and 49.4% in control group had malnourishment of various grades. RESULTS: 45% of the children of alcoholics had physical injuries in contrast to 23.4% of children of non-alcoholics. Malnutrition co-existed in almost all injured children of alcoholics. CONCLUSION: Alcoholism in parents of malnourished and injured children are frequently ignored in routine clinical evaluation. If the risk children are identified early some of the morbidity can be avoided.

Russell-Silver syndrome: a study of 3 cases.

Russell-Silver syndrome, a syndrome of unknown etiology, is characterized by short stature of prenatal onset, triangular facies, asymmetry, variations in the pattern of sexual development, and other abnormalities, such as cafe-au-lait pigmentation, clinodactyly, and dental and oral abnormalities. We report three cases of Russell-Silver syndrome, all of which had dental anomalies. The clinical features of the syndrome are discussed.