Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of TheraCal LC, MTA, and Calcium Hydroxide in Direct Pulp Capping in Primary Molars: Randomized Clinical Study.

Introduction: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of TheraCal light cured (LC) comparison to mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and calcium hydroxide in direct pulp capping of primary molars over a period of 9 months. Materials and methods: A total of 90 primary molars from children aged between 5 and 8 years were included in this randomized clinical study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into three groups-group I, TheraCal LC; group II, MTA; and group III, calcium hydroxide. Direct pulp capping (DPC) was performed in noncontaminated pulpal exposure with hemostasis achieved within 2-3 minutes followed by restoring the tooth using glass ionomer cement (GIC). Subjects were followed up at 3, 6, and 9 months for clinical and radiographic evaluations. Results: At 9 months of follow-up, the overall success rate of direct pulp capping in groups I, II, and III were 60%, 72.41%, and 48.14%, respectively. Intergroup comparison showed nonsignificant differences (p >0.05). Conclusion: The outcomes of this study suggest the limited success of direct pulp capping in primary molars. However, among the three materials used in this study, MTA comparatively had better results. How to cite this article: Jha S, Namdev R, Singhal R, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Effectiveness of TheraCal LC, MTA, and Calcium Hydroxide in Direct Pulp Capping in Primary Molars: Randomized Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S213-S219.

Molecular dynamics simulation of RAC1 protein and its de novo variants related to developmental disorders.

Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are conceptualized as childhood disability, but it has increasingly been recognized as lifelong neurological conditions that could notably impact adult functioning and quality of life. About 1%-3% of the general population suffers from NDDs including ADHD, ASD, IDD, communication disorders, motor disorders, etc. Studies suggest that Rho GTPases are key in neuronal development, highlighting the importance of altered GTPase signaling in NDDs. RAC1, a member of the Rho GTPase family, plays a critical role in neurogenesis, migration, synapse formation, axon growth, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton dynamics. We performed 6µs all-atom molecular dynamics simulation of native RAC1 (PDB: 3TH5) and three-point mutations (C18Y, N39S, and Y64D) related to developmental disorders to understand the impact of mutations on protein stability and functional dynamics. Our analysis, which included root mean square deviation (RMSD), root mean square fluctuation (RMSF), solvent accessible surface area (SASA), radius of gyration (Rg), free energy landscape (FEL), and principal component analysis (PCA), revealed that the N39S and Y64D mutations induced significant structural changes in RAC1. These alterations primarily occurred in the functional region adjacent to switch II, a region crucial for complex conformational rearrangements during the GDP and GTP exchange cycle.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Genome-wide association study of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) germplasm for dissecting the quantitative trait nucleotides and candidate genes underlying yield-related traits.

Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) is one of the most significant crops in the world in terms of oil and protein. Owing to the rising demand for soybean products, there is an increasing need for improved varieties for more productive farming. However, complex correlation patterns among quantitative traits along with genetic interactions pose a challenge for soybean breeding. Association studies play an important role in the identification of accession with useful alleles by locating genomic sites associated with the phenotype in germplasm collections. In the present study, a genome-wide association study was carried out for seven agronomic and yield-related traits. A field experiment was conducted in 2015/2016 at two locations that include 155 diverse soybean germplasm. These germplasms were genotyped using SoySNP50K Illumina Infinium Bead-Chip. A total of 51 markers were identified for node number, plant height, pods per plant, seeds per plant, seed weight per plant, hundred-grain weight, and total yield using a multi-locus linear mixed model (MLMM) in FarmCPU. Among these significant SNPs, 18 were putative novel QTNs, while 33 co-localized with previously reported QTLs. A total of 2,356 genes were found in 250 kb upstream and downstream of significant SNPs, of which 17 genes were functional and the rest were hypothetical proteins. These 17 candidate genes were located in the region of 14 QTNs, of which ss715580365, ss715608427, ss715632502, and ss715620131 are novel QTNs for PH, PPP, SDPP, and TY respectively. Four candidate genes, Glyma.01g199200, Glyma.10g065700, Glyma.18g297900, and Glyma.14g009900, were identified in the vicinity of these novel QTNs, which encode lsd one like 1, Ergosterol biosynthesis ERG4/ERG24 family, HEAT repeat-containing protein, and RbcX2, respectively. Although further experimental validation of these candidate genes is required, several appear to be involved in growth and developmental processes related to the respective agronomic traits when compared with their homologs in Arabidopsis thaliana. This study supports the usefulness of association studies and provides valuable data for functional markers and investigating candidate genes within a diverse germplasm collection in future breeding programs.

Comparative Evaluation of Chlorhexidine Polymer Scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and Formocresol for Vital Primary Pulp Therapy: A Randomized 6-month Clinical Study.

Introduction: The study was performed to evaluate and compare the clinical and radiographic efficacy of chlorhexidine (CHX) polymer scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and formocresol for vital primary pulp therapy-a randomized clinical study. Materials and methods: A total of 120 primary molars were included from children aged between 6 and 8 years in this randomized clinical study based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly allocated into three groups (group I-CHX polymer scaffold, group II-3Mixtatin, and group III-formocresol. Pulpotomy was performed in a vital cariously exposed primary tooth with healthy periodontium where their retention is more beneficial than extraction. Subjects were followed up at 1, 3, and 6 months for clinical and radiographic evaluations. Results: At 6 months of follow-up, the overall success rate of pulpotomy in groups I, II, and III was 56.41, 71.05, and 60.52% in each group, respectively. Nonsignificant difference (p > 0.05) was seen during intergroup comparison. Conclusion: However, among the three materials used in this study, 3mixtatin comparatively had better results. How to cite this article: Goel N. Comparative Evaluation of Chlorhexidine Polymer Scaffold, 3Mixtatin, and Formocresol for Vital Primary Pulp Therapy: A Randomized 6-month Clinical Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(3):478-482.

Genome-Wide Identification and Analysis of the Hsp40/J-Protein Family Reveals Its Role in Soybean (Glycine max) Growth and Development.

The J-protein family comprises molecular chaperones involved in plant growth, development, and stress responses. Little is known about this gene family in soybean. Hence, we characterized J-protein genes in soybean, with the most highly expressed and responsive during flower and seed development. We also revealed their phylogeny, structure, motif analysis, chromosome location, and expression. Based on their evolutionary links, we divided the 111 potential soybean J-proteins into 12 main clades (I-XII). Gene-structure estimation revealed that each clade had an exon-intron structure resembling or comparable to others. Most soybean J-protein genes lacked introns in Clades I, III, and XII. Moreover, transcriptome data obtained from a publicly accessible soybean database and RT-qPCR were used to examine the differential expression of DnaJ genes in various soybean tissues and organs. The expression level of DnaJ genes indicated that, among 14 tissues, at least one tissue expressed the 91 soybean genes. The findings suggest that J-protein genes could be involved in the soybean growth period and offer a baseline for further functional research into J-proteins' role in soybean. One important application is the identification of J-proteins that are highly expressed and responsive during flower and seed development in soybean. These genes likely play crucial roles in these processes, and their identification can contribute to breeding programs to improve soybean yield and quality.

Genetic diversity and population structure analysis in cultivated soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) using SSR and EST-SSR markers.

Soybean (Glycine max) is an important legume that is used to fulfill the need of protein and oil of large number of population across the world. There are large numbers of soybean germplasm present in the USDA germplasm resources. Finding and understanding genetically diverse germplasm is a top priority for crop improvement programs. The current study used 20 functional EST-SSR and 80 SSR markers to characterize 96 soybean accessions from diverse geographic backgrounds. Ninety-six of the 100 markers were polymorphic, with 262 alleles (average 2.79 per locus). The molecular markers had an average polymorphic information content (PIC) value of 0.44, with 28 markers ≥ 0.50. The average major allele frequency was 0.57. The observed heterozygosity of the population ranged from 0-0.184 (average 0.02), while the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.20-0.73 (average 0.51). The lower value for observed heterozygosity than expected heterozygosity suggests the likelihood of a population structure among the germplasm. The phylogenetic analysis and principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) divided the total population into two major groups (G1 and G2), with G1 comprising most of the USA lines and the Australian and Brazilian lines. Furthermore, the phylogenetic analysis and PCoA divided the USA lines into three major clusters without any specific differentiation, supported by the model-based STRUCTURE analysis. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed 94% variation among individuals in the total population, with 2% among the populations. For the USA lines, 93% of the variation occurred among individuals, with only 2% among lines from different US states. Pairwise population distance indicated more similarity between the lines from continental America and Australia (189.371) than Asia (199.518). Overall, the 96 soybean lines had a high degree of genetic diversity.

Genetic diversity, population structure, and genome-wide association study for the flowering trait in a diverse panel of 428 moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) accessions using genotyping by sequencing.

BACKGROUND: Moth bean (Vigna aconitifolia) is an underutilized, protein-rich legume that is grown in arid and semi-arid areas of south Asia and is highly resistant to abiotic stresses such as heat and drought. Despite its economic importance, the crop remains unexplored at the genomic level for genetic diversity and trait mapping studies. To date, there is no report of SNP marker discovery and association mapping of any trait in this crop. Therefore, this study aimed to dissect the genetic diversity, population structure and marker-trait association for the flowering trait in a diversity panel of 428 moth bean accessions using genotyping by sequencing (GBS) approach. RESULTS: A total of 9078 high-quality single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were discovered by genotyping of 428 moth bean accessions. Model-based structure analysis and PCA grouped the moth bean accessions into two subpopulations. Cluster analysis revealed accessions belonging to the Northwestern region of India had higher variability than accessions from the other regions suggesting that this region represents its center of diversity. AMOVA revealed more variations within individuals (74%) and among the individuals (24%) than among the populations (2%). Marker-trait association analysis using seven multi-locus models including mrMLM, FASTmrEMMA FASTmrEMMA, ISIS EM-BLASSO, MLMM, BLINK and FarmCPU revealed 29 potential genomic regions for the trait days to 50% flowering, which were consistently detected in three or more models. Analysis of the allelic effect of the major genomic regions explaining phenotypic variance of more than 10% and those detected in at least 2 environments showed 4 genomic regions with significant phenotypic effect on this trait. Further, we also analyzed genetic relationships among the Vigna species using SNP markers. The genomic localization of moth bean SNPs on genomes of closely related Vigna species demonstrated that maximum numbers of SNPs were getting localized on Vigna mungo. This suggested that the moth bean is most closely related to V. mungo. CONCLUSION: Our study shows that the north-western regions of India represent the center of diversity of the moth bean. Further, the study revealed flowering-related genomic regions/candidate genes which can be potentially exploited in breeding programs to develop early-maturity moth bean varieties.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Undergraduate Dental Students on Information and Communication Technology and Computer-assisted Learning.

Introduction: The use of information and communication technology (ICT) in education and clinical purposes is growing immensely. The usage skill, attitude of dental students, and difficulties faced by students are important concerns to be addressed. Objective: The study was designed to investigate the knowledge, attitude, and skills of ICT of undergraduate dental students via assessing the ease of computer and internet use among students, the level of computer skills and training of the students, and usage pattern of computer activities. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among students of three dental colleges in Haryana using a self-designed questionnaire having sections related to demographics, devices, softwares and search engine usage, ICT skills, ICT attitude, and educational and social use. Results: The response rate was 81.96%. A total of 99.1% of the individuals responded affirmatively to the usage of mobile phones, 48.4 and 13.1% for laptops and tablets, respectively. The average duration of use of smartphones per day was 4.2121 ± 2.834 hours. Google was opted as the most popular search engine used and PubMed the least popular. Only 12.9% of participants showed a negative attitude toward the use of ICT in studies. More social use than academic use was observed. Attitude scores showed a significant correlation with the educational use of ICT (r = 0.89, p = 0.003). Conclusion: Most of the participants were well acquainted with the usage and had a positive attitude toward ICT for educational purposes. Sensitization and training in scientific literature search and basics of ICT and their practical utilization in dental education, research, and practice should be included in the curriculum. How to cite this article: Sikka N, Arya L, Bala S, et al. Knowledge, Attitude, and Perception of Undergraduate Dental Students on Information and Communication Technology and Computer-assisted Learning. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(5):711-715.

Targeting the Complement-Sphingolipid System in COVID-19 and Gaucher Diseases: Evidence for a New Treatment Strategy.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2)-induced disease (COVID-19) and Gaucher disease (GD) exhibit upregulation of complement 5a (C5a) and its C5aR1 receptor, and excess synthesis of glycosphingolipids that lead to increased infiltration and activation of innate and adaptive immune cells, resulting in massive generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines and growth factors. This C5a-C5aR1-glycosphingolipid pathway- induced pro-inflammatory environment causes the tissue damage in COVID-19 and GD. Strikingly, pharmaceutically targeting the C5a-C5aR1 axis or the glycosphingolipid synthesis pathway led to a reduction in glycosphingolipid synthesis and innate and adaptive immune inflammation, and protection from the tissue destruction in both COVID-19 and GD. These results reveal a common involvement of the complement and glycosphingolipid systems driving immune inflammation and tissue damage in COVID-19 and GD, respectively. It is therefore expected that combined targeting of the complement and sphingolipid pathways could ameliorate the tissue destruction, organ failure, and death in patients at high-risk of developing severe cases of COVID-19.

Breastfeeding and Contraceptive Methods in Women With Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-COV-2) Infection in Peripartum Period.

Objective: This study aimed to assess the exclusive breastfeeding and contraceptive methods among women delivering within 1-week of a positive test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Materials and methods: In this study, 106 women with SARS-CoV-2 infection who were either asymptomatic or had mild disease were included. They were admitted for maternity care at a tertiary center between May to September 2020. The data was collected during their hospital stay and subsequently by telephonic or in-person interviews at 4-6 weeks and 8-10 weeks postpartum for contraceptive use, breastfeeding and use of facemask and hand-hygiene. Results: Sixty-three (59.4%) women had vaginal delivery and 43 (40.6%) required cesarean-section. Only one of the 98 newborns who were tested for SARS-CoV-2 turned out positive. Initiation of breastfeeding was delayed by an average of three days due to preparing the Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) report. Exclusive breastfeeding was practiced by 69% and mixed feeding by 26%.Pre breastfeeding hand hygiene and facemask use declined after discharge (100% to 53.75% at 8-10 weeks postpartum). Out of 106, 86 (81%) women used no contraception at 8-10 weeks postpartum, continued with post-placental-IUD in 8/106 (7.5%) and tubal-sterilization during cesarean in 8/106 (7.5%) cases. Only 4/106 (4%) adopted alternative methods like barrier contraception. Conclusion: The practice of exclusive breastfeeding remains unchanged among women who suffered from SARS-CoV-2 infection in the peripartum period while uptake of postpartum contraception was minimal except for the women who opted for long term contraceptive methods in the immediate postpartum period.

Prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries in fluoride endemic areas of Rohtak district, Haryana.

Objectives: This study investigates the estimation of the fluoride concentration in drinking water in Rohtak district, Haryana, and quantifies its effect on the prevalence of dental fluorosis and dental caries. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 1262 school children in endemic fluoride areas of Haryana. Using simple random sampling, thirty villages from five blocks of Rohtak districts were selected, and children 6-12 years of age were examined. A questionnaire survey form was filled out to record the demographic details of the samples. Dental caries was recorded according to DMFT (D = Decayed, M = Missing due to caries only, F = Filled, T = Teeth)/deft index (d = decayed, e = extracted due to caries, f = filled, t = teeth). Assessment of Dental Fluorosis was done according to Dean's Fluorosis index, modified in 1942. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 19, and nonparametric tests were used to assess the significance. Results: The study participants included 615 males and 647 females among which Mean DMFT in the area of study ranged from 0.32 to 1.90. Mean deft in the area of study ranged from 0.34 to 1.91. The fluoride concentrations in groundwater are in the range of 0.532-8.802. Out of 1262 children examined, 655 (51.90%) children were having dental fluorosis. 607 (48.10%) of the subjects were free from fluorosis. 16.09%, 13.39%, 9.11%, and 8.16% and 5.15% were having questionable, very mild, mild, moderate, and severe form of fluorosis, respectively. Conclusion: It can be concluded that in Rohtak district, the fluoride levels in drinking water and the prevalence of dental fluorosis are high, so requiring an urgent need to improve the quality of water and institute de-fluoridation of drinking water in affected areas to lower the burden of dental fluorosis in the community.

Analysis of genotype × environment interactions for agronomic traits of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) using association mapping.

The soybean yield is a complex quantitative trait that is significantly influenced by environmental factors. G × E interaction (GEI), which derives the performance of soybean genotypes differentially in various environmental conditions, is one of the main obstacles to increasing the net production. The primary goal of this study is to identify the outperforming genotypes in different latitudes, which can then be used in future breeding programs. A total of 96 soybean genotypes were examined in two different ecological regions: Faisalabad and Tando Jam in Pakistan. The evaluation of genotypes in different environmental conditions showed a substantial amount of genetic diversity for grain yield. We identified 13 environment-specific genotypes showing their maximum grain yield in each environment. Genotype G69 was found to be an ideal genotype with higher grain yield than other genotypes tested in this study and is broadly adapted for environments E1 and E2 and also included in top-yielding genotypes in E3, E4, and E5. G92 is another genotype that is broadly adapted in E1, E3, and E4. In the case of environments, E3 is suggested to be a more ideal environment as it is plotted near the concentric circle and is very informative for the selection of genotypes with high yield. Despite the presence of GEI, advances in DNA technology provided very useful tools to investigate the insight of advanced genotypes. Association mapping is a useful method for swiftly and efficiently investigating the genetic basis of significant plant traits. A total of 26 marker-trait associations were found for six agronomic traits in five environments, with the highest significance (p-value = 2.48 × 10-08) for plant height and the lowest significance (1.03 × 10-03) for hundred-grain weight. Soybean genotypes identified in the present study could be a valuable source for future breeding programs as they are adaptable to a wide range of environments. Genetic selection of genotypes with the best yields can be used for gross grain production in a wide range of climatic conditions, and it would give an essential reference in terms of soybean variety selection.

C-X-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 9 and Its CXCR3 Receptor Are the Salt and Pepper for T Cells Trafficking in a Mouse Model of Gaucher Disease.

Gaucher disease is a lysosomal storage disease, which happens due to mutations in GBA1/Gba1 that encodes the enzyme termed as lysosomal acid ß-glucosidase. The major function of this enzyme is to catalyze glucosylceramide (GC) into glucose and ceramide. The deficiency of this enzyme and resultant abnormal accumulation of GC cause altered function of several of the innate and adaptive immune cells. For example, augmented infiltration of T cells contributes to the increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, (e.g., IFNγ, TNFα, IL6, IL12p40, IL12p70, IL23, and IL17A/F). This leads to tissue damage in a genetic mouse model (Gba19V/-) of Gaucher disease. The cellular mechanism(s) by which increased tissue infiltration of T cells occurs in this disease is not fully understood. Here, we delineate role of the CXCR3 receptor and its exogenous C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 9 (CXCL9) in induction of increased tissue recruitment of CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in Gaucher disease. Intracellular FACS staining of macrophages (Mϕs) and dendritic cells (DCs) from Gba19V/- mice showed elevated production of CXCL9. Purified CD4+ T cells and the CD8+ T cells from Gba19V/- mice showed increased expression of CXCR3. Ex vivo and in vivo chemotaxis experiments showed CXCL9 involvement in the recruitment of Gba19V/- T cells. Furthermore, antibody blockade of the CXCL9 receptor (CXCR3) on T cells caused marked reduction in CXCL9- mediated chemotaxis of T cells in Gba19V/- mice. These data implicate abnormalities of the CXCL9-CXCR3 axis leading to enhanced tissue recruitment of T cells in Gaucher disease. Such results provide a rationale for blockade of the CXCL9/CXCR3 axis as potential new therapeutic targets for the treatment of inflammation in Gaucher disease.

Genetic Defects and Pro-inflammatory Cytokines in Parkinson's Disease.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a movement disorder attributed to the loss of dopaminergic (DA) neurons mainly in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Motor symptoms include resting tremor, rigidity, and bradykinesias, while non-motor symptoms include autonomic dysfunction, anxiety, and sleeping problems. Genetic mutations in a number of genes (e.g., LRRK2, GBA, SNCA, PARK2, PARK6, and PARK7) and the resultant abnormal activation of microglial cells are assumed to be the main reasons for the loss of DA neurons in PD with genetic causes. Additionally, immune cell infiltration and their participation in major histocompatibility complex I (MHCI) and/or MHCII-mediated processing and presentation of cytosolic or mitochondrial antigens activate the microglial cells and cause the massive generation of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which are all critical for the propagation of brain inflammation and the neurodegeneration in PD with genetic and idiopathic causes. Despite knowing the involvement of several of such immune devices that trigger neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in PD, the exact disease mechanism or the innovative biomarker that could detect disease severity in PD linked to LRRK2, GBA, SNCA, PARK2, PARK6, and PARK7 defects is largely unknown. The current review has explored data from genetics, immunology, and in vivo and ex vivo functional studies that demonstrate that certain genetic defects might contribute to microglial cell activation and massive generation of a number of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, which ultimately drive the brain inflammation and lead to neurodegeneration in PD. Understanding the detailed involvement of a variety of immune mediators, their source, and the target could provide a better understanding of the disease process. This information might be helpful in clinical diagnosis, monitoring of disease progression, and early identification of affected individuals.

Pharmacological investigations on efficacy of Phlorizin a sodium-glucose co-transporter (SGLT) inhibitor in mouse model of intracerebroventricular streptozotocin induced dementia of AD type.

OBJECTIVES: The study has been commenced to discover the potential of Phlorizin (dual SGLT inhibitor) in streptozotocin induced dementia of Alzheimer's disease (AD) type. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Injection of Streptozotocin (STZ) was given via i.c.v. route (3 mg/kg) to induce dementia of Alzheimer's type. In these animals learning and memory was evaluated using Morris water maze (MWM) test. Glutathione (GSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) level was quantified to evaluate the oxidative stress; cholinergic activity of brain was estimated in term of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity; and the levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO) were measured as inflammation marker. RESULTS: The mice model had decreased performance in MWM, representing impairment of cognitive functions. Biochemical evaluation showed rise in TBARS level, MPO and AChE activity, and fall in GSH level. The histopathological study revealed severe infiltration of neutrophils. In the study, Phlorizin/Donepezil (serving as positive control) treatment mitigate streptozotocin induced cognitive decline, histopathological changes and biochemical alterations. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that Phlorizin decreased cognitive function via its anticholinesterase, antioxidative, antiinflammatory effects and probably through SGLT inhibitory action. It can be conferred that SGLTs can be an encouraging target for the treatment of dementia of AD.

Comparison of Curcuma Caesia extracts for bioactive metabolite composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial potential.

The objective of this study was to compare the antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Curcuma caesia rhizome extracts and to characterise its bioactive metabolites by Fourier Transform-Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS). Extracts were prepared using methanol, acetone and ethyl acetate by cold percolation methods. Compared to other extracts, methanol extract discovered to have the greatest antioxidant capacity. Analysis of FTIR spectra of all the extracts of Curcuma caesia shows the existence of several functional groups such as phenol, aldehydes and carboxylic group. But in methanol extract C≡C stretching bond, nitro compound and conjugated aldehyde were also presented. GC-MS extract assessment showed that sesquiterpene and monoterpenes were primarily presented. This research provides an efficient basis for separating the innovative bioactive compound from plant and assessing their effectiveness for antioxidant and antibacterial operations in particular.[Figure: see text].

Effect of temperature and pressure on antimycobacterial activity of Curcuma caesia extract by supercritical fluid extraction method.

Background: Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) is an advanced technique using CO2as a solvent and plant-based drug exploration is a topic of growing interest. Curcuma caesia is a medicinal herb with many medicinal potential. Hence, in the present study, the effect of temperature (40°C-60°C) and pressure (10-20 MPa) on extraction yield and antimycobacterium potential of C. caesia Roxb. dry rhizome powder using supercritical fluid extraction method were evaluated. Methods: The extract of C. caesia by SFE was accomplished using temperature range (40°C-60°C) and pressure range (10-20 MPa). The chemical profile of the extracts were investigated by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS) and the antimycobacterial activity of the extracts were analyzed against Mycobacterium smegmatis strains MTCC06 and MTCC994. Compounds found in the extract were further checked by in silico analyses with two protein target 4DRE and 3UCI. Results: Extraction yield ranged from 3.0 to 5.6 g/25g dry substrate, with the highest value being achieved at 50°C and 15 MPa. The results of GCMS analyses revealed the presence of beta-elemene, curzerenone, boldenone, and 2-cyclohexen-1-one, 4-ethynyl-4-hydroxy-3, 5, 5-trimethyl in the extracts. The extract obtained at 50°C temperature and 15 MPa pressure showed the highest zone of inhibition against M. smegmatis strains MTCC06 and MTCC994, that is, 15.6 mm and 13.6 mm, respectively. Active constituents present in the extracts showed good binding energy with 4DRE and 3UCI by in silico analysis. Conclusion: This study identified the effect of temperature and pressure on yield C. caesia extract by SFE method. Furthermore, the effect of different extracts on antimycobacterial potential and docking study validated the antimycobacterial potential.

A validation study of early warning system in high-risk pregnant women.

High-risk obstetric patients have chances of deterioration which can be detected by any early warning score. This study was aimed to assess the suitability of the Obstetrics National Early Warning System (ONEWS) for the pregnant women. This prospective study was conducted on 500 high-risk pregnant women attending a tertiary care teaching hospital. The ONEWS charts were plotted for each of them. The primary outcome measure was composite adverse maternal outcome (CAMO) in the form of one or more among mortality, severe maternal morbidity and intensive care unit admissions. Of the 500 women who participated, 200 (40%) had a score ≥3 (triggered an intervention). The CAMO among the triggered group [59.5% (n=119)] was significantly higher compared to that in the non-triggered group [13.3% (n=40) (P=0.001)]. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.800 (95% confidence interval 0.752-0.847). The sensitivity of the ONEWS in predicting CAMO was 74.8 per cent, specificity 76.2 per cent, positive predictive value 59.5 per cent and negative predictive value 86.7 per cent at a cut-off score of 3. ONEWS appears to be a useful tool for predicting adverse maternal outcomes in high-risk pregnant women.

Complement drives glucosylceramide accumulation and tissue inflammation in Gaucher disease.

Gaucher disease is caused by mutations in GBA1, which encodes the lysosomal enzyme glucocerebrosidase (GCase). GBA1 mutations drive extensive accumulation of glucosylceramide (GC) in multiple innate and adaptive immune cells in the spleen, liver, lung and bone marrow, often leading to chronic inflammation. The mechanisms that connect excess GC to tissue inflammation remain unknown. Here we show that activation of complement C5a and C5a receptor 1 (C5aR1) controls GC accumulation and the inflammatory response in experimental and clinical Gaucher disease. Marked local and systemic complement activation occurred in GCase-deficient mice or after pharmacological inhibition of GCase and was associated with GC storage, tissue inflammation and proinflammatory cytokine production. Whereas all GCase-inhibited mice died within 4-5 weeks, mice deficient in both GCase and C5aR1, and wild-type mice in which GCase and C5aR were pharmacologically inhibited, were protected from these adverse effects and consequently survived. In mice and humans, GCase deficiency was associated with strong formation of complement-activating GC-specific IgG autoantibodies, leading to complement activation and C5a generation. Subsequent C5aR1 activation controlled UDP-glucose ceramide glucosyltransferase production, thereby tipping the balance between GC formation and degradation. Thus, extensive GC storage induces complement-activating IgG autoantibodies that drive a pathway of C5a generation and C5aR1 activation that fuels a cycle of cellular GC accumulation, innate and adaptive immune cell recruitment and activation in Gaucher disease. As enzyme replacement and substrate reduction therapies are expensive and still associated with inflammation, increased risk of cancer and Parkinson disease, targeting C5aR1 may serve as a treatment option for patients with Gaucher disease and, possibly, other lysosomal storage diseases.

Maternal and neonatal vitamin-D status in twin versus singleton pregnancies.

AIM: There is a paucity of information on vitamin D status of women with twin pregnancy and their newborns. This case-control study compared maternal and neonatal vitamin-D status in twin versus singleton pregnancies. METHODS: Subjects included 50 women with twin pregnancy delivering at >28 weeks and 50 gestational-age-matched women with singleton pregnancy delivering during the same period. Maternal and neonatal serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH)D] was compared between the two groups using the independent Student's t-test on log values. Serum albumin-adjusted calcium, inorganic phosphate, and intact parathormone levels were also compared. RESULTS: Maternal vitamin-D deficiency (VDD; serum 25(OH)D < 30 nmol/L) was present in 90% of twin and 88% of singleton pregnancies. The prevalence of neonatal VDD was 89% in twin and 74% in singleton pregnancies (P = 0.03). Maternal serum 25(OH)D was lower in the twin group as compared to the singleton group (14.3 ± 10.47 vs 18.5 ± 12.36 nmol/L; P = 0.02). Mean serum calcium, intact parathormone, and inorganic phosphate were comparable between the women in the two groups. Maternal and neonatal 25(OH)D showed positive correlation in the two groups (P < 0.001). Mean cord blood 25(OH)D was significantly lower in the twins than in singleton newborns (14.8 ± 12.63 vs 22.6 ± 16.68 nmol/L; P = 0.002). The difference persisted even after adjustment for birthweights and maternal serum 25(OH)D. Mean serum calcium was significantly lower in the twins. CONCLUSION: Twin newborns and their mothers have higher VDD as compared to singleton newborns and their mothers in the VDD population.