Antifibrotic Effect of Baicalin on Arecoline Induced Human Oral Fibroblast: An In-Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Baicalin is a flavonoid obtained from the Chinese herb Scutellaria baicalensis, which has a wide varieties of health benefits and scope to be studied for its therapeutic potential in oral fibrosis. AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the antifibrotic effect of a Baicalin in arecoline induced human oral fibroblast in vitro setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Arecoline and ethanolic extracts of Baicalin were commercially purchased from Sigma-Aldrich. Human oral fibroblasts were cultured and characterized with specific fibroblast markers, and cells were stimulated with arecoline. An MTT assay (3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) was executed to determine the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of arecoline and Baicalin. Arecoline-induced cells (25µg/ml) were treated with a non-toxic dose of Baicalin (proliferative dose of 25µg/ml). Cytokine (CCL2, CXCL-8, IL17, IL-beta, and IL-6) and fibrotic marker genes were studied by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The inhibitory effect of Baicalin was studied to prove its antifibrotic properties. RESULTS: Arecoline significantly upregulated all inflammatory and fibrotic markers. On treatment with 25µg/ml of Baicalin, all inflammatory and fibrotic markers were inhibited. Arecoline affects fibroblast morphology, supporting the fact that arecoline is cytotoxic to cells. CONCLUSION: Baicalin can be used as an antifibrotic herb to treat OSMF.

Aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation affects nitrergic neuronal survival and delays intestinal motility in mice.

Despite progress describing the effects of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on the central nervous system, the effect of POPs on enteric nervous system (ENS) function remains underexplored. We studied the effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), a POP, and a potent aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) ligand, on the ENS and intestinal motility in mice. C57Bl/6J mice treated with TCDD (2.4 µg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks (once per week) exhibited significant delay in intestinal motility as shown by reduced stool frequency, prolonged intestinal transit time, and a persistence of dye in the jejunum compared to control mice with maximal dye retention in the ileum. TCDD significantly increased Cyp1a1 expression, an AHR target gene, and reduced the total number of neurons and affected nitrergic neurons in cells isolated from WT mice, but not Ahr-/- mice. In immortalized fetal enteric neuronal cells, TCDD-induced nuclear translocation of AHR as well as increased Cyp1a1 expression. AHR activation did not affect neuronal proliferation. However, AHR activation resulted in enteric neuronal toxicity, specifically, nitrergic neurons. Our results demonstrate that TCDD adversely affects nitrergic neurons and thereby contributes to delayed intestinal motility. These findings suggest that AHR signaling in the ENS may play a role in modulating TCDD-induced gastrointestinal pathophysiology.

Effects of surface modification techniques on zirconia substrates and their effect on bonding to dual cure resin cement - An in- vitro study.

Aim: This study aims to evaluate the effect of different surface treatments of monolithic zirconia on the bond strength of resin to zirconia and, to explore alternative methods to improve this bonding. Settings and Design: In-Vitro study. Materials and Methods: Fifty rectangular sintered blocks of Yttria-stabilized Tetragonal Zirconia Polycrystal ceramics of dimensions were milled and sintered. These specimens were further divided into five groups (control, air abrasion, etching with primer application, air abrasion with primer application and novel glass infiltrated zirconia surface group), containing 10 samples each. The specimens were analyzed for surface roughness, tensile bond strength to resin cements, and adhesive and cohesive mode of failures. Statistical Analysis Used: ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey test was perform to evaluate the significant differences in the mean values of the groups. Results: Air-abraded samples showed the highest surface roughness (4.95 ± 0.65) (P < 0.05). The group with air abrasion followed by primer application showed the highest tensile bond strength (7.12 ± 0.69) (P < 0.05). The lowest surface roughness (0.638 ± 0.8093) and tensile bond strength (2.03 ± 0.58) was seen in samples that were subjected to etchant treatment followed by application of methacryloyloxydecyl di-hydrogen phosphate (MDP) primer. The changes in comparison to the control group were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Except Groups A (control) and C (etchant followed by primer), all other groups showed a cohesive failure. Conclusion: Air abrasion of the zirconia surface with 50 µm alumina particles increases the surface roughness without damaging the surface. Air abrasion followed by MDP primer application is the recommended method of surface treatment to achieve superior bonding. Glass infiltration also showed promising results in terms of tensile bond strength.

Characterization and Pathogenicity of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Black Root Rot and Identification of Novel Sources of Resistance in Mulberry Collections.

Black root rot (BRR) caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an alarming disease of mulberry that causes tremendous economic losses to sericulture farmers in India and China. Successful control of this disease can be attained by screening germplasm and identifying resistant sources. Seventy four diseased root samples were collected from farmer's fields belonging to four major mulberry growing states of South India. Based on morpho-cultural and scanning electron microscopy studies, 57 fungal isolates were characterized and identified as L. theobromae. Phylogenetic analysis of concatenated internal transcribed spacer and ß-tubulin sequences revealed variation of the representative 20 isolates of L. theobromae. Following the root dip method of inoculation, pathogenicity studies on susceptible mulberry genotypes (Victory-1 and Thailand male) recognized the virulent isolate MRR-142. Accordingly, MRR-142 isolate was used to evaluate resistance on a set of 45 diverse mulberry accessions. In the repeated experiments, the mulberry accession ME-0168 which is an Indonesian origin belonging to Morus latifolia was found to be highly resistant consistently against BRR. Eight accessions (G2, ME-0006, ME-0011, ME-0093, MI-0006, MI-0291, MI-0489, and MI-0501) were found to be resistant. These promising resistant resources may be exploited in mulberry breeding for developing BRR resistant varieties and to develop mapping populations which successively helps in the identification of molecular markers associated with BRR.

Total hip replacement monitoring: numerical models for the acoustic emission technique.

Any mechanical instability associated with total hip replacement (THR) excites elastic waves with different frequencies and propagates through the surrounding biological layers. Using the acoustic emission (AE) technique as a THR monitoring tool provides valuable information on structural degradations associated with these implants. However, several factors can compromise the reliability of the signals detected by AE sensors, such as attenuation of the detected signal due to the presence of biological layers in the human body between prosthesis (THR) and AE sensor. The main objective of this study is to develop a numerical model of THR that evaluates the impact of biological layer thicknesses on AE signal propagation. Adipose tissue thickness, which varies the most between patients, was modeled at two different thicknesses 40 mm and 70 mm, while the muscle and skin thicknesses were kept to a constant value. The proposed models were tested at different micromotions of 2 µm, 15-20 µm at modular junctions, and different frequencies of 10-60 kHz. Attenuation of signal is observed to be more with an increase in the selected boundary conditions along with an increase in distance the signals propagate through. Thereby, the numerical observations drawn on each interface helped to simulate the effect of tissue thicknesses and their impact on the attenuation of elastic wave propagation to the AE receiver sensor.

Ocular surface indicators and biomarkers in chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease: a prospective cohort study.

This longitudinal cohort study compared ocular surface indicators in forty allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) subjects with twenty healthy controls at baseline and identified changes in ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). Outcome measures included: Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI), tear osmolarity, Schirmer's test, Oxford corneal staining score, tear break-up time (TBUT), and tear and serum biomarkers (IFN-γ, IL-10, MMP-9, IL-12, IL-13, IL-17α, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL10, MCP-1, MIP-1α, RANTES, TNF-α). At baseline the HSCT group had higher median Oxford corneal staining score (1.7 vs. 0.0; P < 0.0001), higher tear TNF-α (20.0 vs. 11.2 pg/mL; P < 0.0001), lower tear RANTES (70.4 vs. 190.2 pg/mL; P < 0.0001), higher serum IL-8 (10.2 vs. 4.5 pg/mL; P = 0.0008), and higher serum TNF-α (8.7 vs. 4.2 pg/mL; P < 0.0001). The incidence of oGVHD was 62% and associated changes included increased Oxford corneal staining score (4.6 vs. 1.8, P = 0.0001), decreased Schirmer's test (3.0 vs. 10.0; P < 0.0001), and decreased TBUT (4.7 vs. 9.0 s; P = 0.0004). Baseline differences in ocular surface indicators suggest a tendency toward ocular dryness in individuals with hematologic disorders preparing for HSCT. Individuals who developed oGVHD showed changes in corneal staining score, Schirmer's test, and TBUT.

Comparison of salivary total protein and electrolyte profile in HIV patients with and without antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND: Saliva provides a primary defense mechanism against several infectious diseases through its numerous immunological and non-immunological factors. Alteration in the composition of saliva often compromises its defense mechanisms, predisposing the oral cavity to disease entities. HIV patients under antiretroviral therapy (ART) have shown to exhibit altered salivary composition. These changes are postulated to be a result of the effect of ART on the salivary protein and electrolytes levels. OBJECTIVES: The present study aims to assess the potential difference in the salivary total protein and electrolyte levels in HIV patients with and without ART. METHODS: Patients were divided into 3 groups- Group A (HIV-1 positive patient under ART for at least 6 months)-66, Group B (HIV-1 positive patient not started on ART)-66, Group C (HIV negative patients)-66. Saliva samples were collected and evaluated for total salivary protein and electrolyte levels in all the 3 groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference in the salivary protein (p = 0.000) and electrolyte (Sodium, p = 0.000; Potassium, p = 0.039; chlorine, p = 0.027; ionized calcium, p = 0.002) levels among the three groups. CONCLUSION: HIV positive individuals with and without ART have alteration in the salivary composition. Some of these alterations (total protein and iCa levels) are due to the HIV infection, while others (Na, K, Cl) could be due to ART or a combined effect of both. Salivary changes in HIV positive individuals could predispose them to oral diseases. Thus, regular oral examination and prophylactic regimen must be formulated to maintain their oral hygiene and quality of life.

Molecular phylogeny, identification and pathogenicity of Rhizopus oryzae associated with root rot of mulberry in India.

AIMS: Root rot caused by a group of fungi is a serious disease in mulberry. This study aims to identify and characterize Rhizopus oryzae and other fungal species associated with root rot of mulberry in India. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rotted root samples were collected from the mulberry gardens from four states of Southern India. The majority of the isolates identified were R. oryzae, and others were saprophytic fungi, less abundant to occasional. Two methods of inoculations were tested to confirm the pathogenicity of the selected isolates and R. oryzae was found to be pathogenic on susceptible mulberry genotypes RC2 and SRDC-1. Multi gene phylogenetic analyses using the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS), actin (ACT) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF), identified the isolates as R. oryzae. Additionally, Ovatospora brasiliensis, Amesia nigricolor, Gongronella butleri, Myrmecridium schulzeri, Scedosporium boydii, Graphium euwallacea, Clonostachys rosea andTalaromyces spp. were also identified. CONCLUSION: This study revealed the existence of eleven species of fungi including the first report of R. oryzae and the occurrence of weak pathogens or saprophytes that are associated with the root rot of mulberry in India. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report of R. oryzae causing Rhizopus rot of mulberry in India. Moreover, the occurrence of saprophytes associated with root rot of mulberry was identified. Further studies should focus more on the ability of these species to generate secondary metabolites and extracellular lytic enzymes as they are beneficial for the management of root rot disease.

Anatomic variations of the osteomeatal complex and its relationship to patency of the maxillary ostium: A retrospective evaluation of cone-beam computed tomography and its implications for sinus augmentation.

AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the incidence of obliterated osteomeatal complex (OMC) due to the presence of anatomic variants. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Retrospective Study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, a total of 71 patients, 34 males and 37 females, aged 35-65 years were included in the study. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of patients were assessed to identify the status of the OMC in the presence of anatomic variants and their incidence was recorded. The radiological assessment of the anatomical variants was made by viewing the coronal sections of the scans. The variants observed were deviated nasal septum, uncinate process), agger nasi, Haller cells, middle turbinate variants, enlarged bulla, accessory ostium, and maxillary sinus abnormalities). Ostium patency was evaluated in the coronal section of each sinus and classified as "patent" or "obstructed." The most common variants observed were then correlated with the patency of the ostium. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square test was performed to assess the association between the anatomic variants and the patency of the OMC. RESULTS: In the present study, the incidence of an obliterated OMC due to the presence of anatomic variants was 73.2%. The four most common variants associated with the possibility of an obliterated OMC were the deviated nasal septum (76.2%), middle turbinate (86.4%), enlarged bulla (77.8%), and sinus cavity variants (80.0%). A statistically significant association was noted between middle turbinate variants and Haller cells and the patency of the OMC. CONCLUSION: Thorough pretreatment CBCT evaluation should be performed to assess the presence of anatomic variants and thereby, the patency of the ostium before sinus floor elevation procedures. The pre and postsurgical treatment plans and regimes can be modified according to anticipated postsurgical sequelae, thereby avoiding postsurgical complications and enhancing the success of the graft procedure.

A novel approach for breast cancer prediction using optimized ANN classifier based on big data environment.

Cancer is caused by the un-controlled division of abnormal cells in a body part. Various cancers exist in this world and one amongst them is breast cancer. Breast cancer (BC) threatens the lives of people and today, it is the secondary prime cause of death in women. Numerous research directions concentrated on the prediction of BC. The prevailing prediction model is time-consuming and have less accuracy. To trounce those drawbacks, this paper proposed a BC prediction system (BCPS) utilizing Optimized Artificial Neural Network (OANN). Primarily, the unprocessed BC data are regarded as the input. The big data (BD) storage comprises some repeated information. Secondarily, such repeated data are eliminated by utilizing Hadoop MapReduce. In the subsequent stage, the data are preprocessed utilizing replacing of missing attributes (RMA) and normalization techniques. Subsequently, the features are generally chosen by utilizing Modified Dragonfly algorithm (MDF). Then, the selected features are inputted for classification. Here, it classifies the features utilizing OANN. Optimization is done by employing the Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm. Experiential outcomes are contrasted with prevailing IWDT (Improved Weighted-Decision Tree) in respect of precision, recall, accuracy, and ROC.

Clinical Overlap Between Myopericarditis and Stress Induced Cardiomyopathy: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge.

BACKGROUND Stress induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is characterized by non-obstructive coronary arteries and characteristic ventricular apical ballooning. The exact pathogenesis of SIC is not well recognized. We present an unusual case of SIC that mimicked acute myopericarditis and discuss the effect of this masquerading presentation of SIC in recognizing pathophysiological association between myopericarditis and SIC and limitations of current diagnostic criteria. CASE REPORT A 47-year-old female presented with flu-like illness and pleuritic chest pain. An electrocardiogram (ECG) showed diffuse PR depressions and ST elevations, troponin 5 ng/mL, hemoglobin 14.2 mg/dL, leukocytosis (white blood cell count of 15.1×103/uL) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 22.4 mm/hour. Echocardiogram showed reduced ejection fraction (EF) with apical ballooning. Catheterization showed non-obstructive coronary disease. The patient was given colchicine and ibuprofen for 1 day with symptom resolution over the next 2 days and repeat echocardiogram with preserved EF. Troponin trended down to 3.24 ng/mL and 0.44 ng/mL, 6 hours apart. ECG showed resolution of PR depressions and subsequent T wave inversions in 1, AVl, V1-V6 by day 3. The diagnosis of myopericarditis was favored by viral prodrome, fever, pleuritic pain, pericardial rub, ECG findings, and elevated ESR. History of emotional stress, characteristic ballooning of left ventricle apex with rapid resolution favored SIC. CONCLUSIONS This case showed that SIC and myocarditis need not be mutually exclusive and differentiating clinically between these 2 entities can be difficult. Alternatively, SIC can accompany other cardiac conditions like myocardial infarction, pericarditis, and myocarditis making diagnosis and management challenging. Clinicians need to be cautious while making this differentiation as duration and type of therapy may be significantly different. SIC can be considered a variant of regional inflammatory myocarditis wherein pericarditis may result secondary to extension of myocardial inflammation to overlying pericardium. The current Mayo Clinic criteria for diagnosis of SIC appears to be outdated, not accounting for such atypical presentations, and therefore needs to be revised.

Assessment of Antagonist Enamel Wear and Clinical Performance of Full-Contour Monolithic Zirconia Crowns: One-Year Results of a Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical performance and survival of full-contour monolithic zirconia (MZ) crowns and enamel wear produced over a 1-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 60 patients requiring full-coverage restorations for endodontically treated posterior teeth opposed by healthy unrestored antagonistic teeth were selected. MZ crowns were fabricated. Vinyl polysiloxane impressions of the antagonist teeth were made, and the stone casts were digitized using a 3D laser scanner. Wear of the opposing natural teeth was evaluated at baseline (1 week), 6 months, and 1 year after crown cementation. Superimposition of the follow-up scans on the baseline scans were performed to evaluate wear. Survival and function of the restorations were evaluated by the modified USPHS rating criteria at the same timeframes. RESULTS: Comparison of the baseline and the follow-up wear values was statistically tested using the paired t-test. Statistical significance was noted between the wear values at 6 months (15.5 µm) and at 12 months (16.3 µm) (p < 0.05). The Wilcoxon signed rank sum test was performed to evaluate each parameter of the modified USPHS criteria and to analyze the change in the follow-up scores of the restorations. The survival rate for the crowns was 100%. Results were classified as "excellent" over a 1-year follow up. CONCLUSIONS: MZ crowns showed promising results related to antagonist enamel wear and survival/clinical performance.

Long term explant culture for harvesting homogeneous population of human dental pulp stem cells.

Dental pulp stem cells have emerged as a preferred source of mesenchymal stem cells, because of its easy availability and high stem cell content. Dental pulp is a specific fibrous tissue that contains heterogeneous populations of odontoblasts, fibroblasts, pericytes, progenitors, stem cells, leukocytes and neuronal cells. In this study, we propose sustained explant culture as a simple, economical and efficient process to isolate dental pulp stem cells from human Dental pulp Tissue. Historically explant cultures were used to get fibroblast cells from embryonic chick heart using plasma clot cultures. The subculture was performed by lifting mother explant (original explant) and grafting it in a new plasma clot. We modified this age old technique to suit the modern times. Here we demonstrate for the first time that the mother explant (E0) of human dental pulp tissue could be sub-cultured consecutively seven times (E7) without displacement. This technique is highly reproducible and permits growth and proliferation of dental pulp stem cells yielding an enriched homogeneous mesenchymal stem cells population in the first passage itself as revealed by surface marker expression. These dental pulp stem cells exhibit differentiation into adipogenic, chondrogenic and osteogenic lineage revealing their mesenchymal stem cell nature. We propose that dental pulp stem cells isolated by sustained explant culture are phenotypically and functionally comparable to those obtained by enzymatic method. It is a simple, inexpensive and gentle method, which may be preferred over the conventional techniques for obtaining stem cells from other tissue sources as well especially in cases of limited starting material.

Angiogenesis and Fibrogenesis in Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Viewpoint.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is characterized by excessive fibrosis of submucosa. The degree of vascularity in OSF has always been a matter of debate. Angiogenesis is the key mechanism involved in regeneration and repair. It also plays an important role in various pathologic conditions. Angiogenesis may contribute to the progression of fibrosis in fibrotic disorders. Inhibition of pathological angiogenesis is considered to be a new strategy for the treatment of various fibrotic disorders. In OSF, angiogenesis can be related to progression fibrosis. This article briefly describes the role of angiogenesis in pathogenesis of fibrosis in OSF and the importance of inhibition of pathologic angiogenesis in its prevention and treatment. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding the association between angiogenesis and fibrogenesis can help in developing new therapeutic strategies for treatment of OSF.

Major haemorrhage requiring transarterial embolisation following open biopsy of an unusual neck mass.

A 65-year-old man presented with a right supraclavicular neck mass and right arm pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a 96mm lesion in the upper thoracic paraspinal region extending into the deep supraclavicular fossa. The presentation was consistent with a sarcoma or lymphoma but fine needle aspiration was inconclusive. During open biopsy of the lesion, the patient had a rapid intraoperative haemorrhage of 1l from the tumour. Haemostasis could only be achieved by transarterial embolisation of the feeding vessel and the biopsy result confirmed Ewing's sarcoma. Open biopsy is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of certain tumour types; however, the morbidity from haemorrhage must be considered. This case highlights the key role that transarterial embolisation can play in achieving haemostasis in the neck.

Chronic Giardiasis in a Case of Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID): A Case Report.

Common Variable Immunodeficiency (CVID) is a primary immunodeficiency characterized by low antibody levels and recurrent infections. This makes an individual more prone to recurrent respiratory and gastrointestinal tract infections. In cases where there is persistent positive finding of intestinal parasites in stool, a high index of suspicion should be raised to rule out immunodeficiency state. Early diagnosis of such cases will help in reducing the morbidity and better management of the patient. A case of CVID in 18-year-old male with recurrent lower respiratory tract infection and chronic diarrhoea due to Giardia lamblia is reported herewith.

Three-Dimensional Evaluation of Alveolar Bone and Soft Tissue Dimensions of Maxillary Central Incisors for Immediate Implant Placement: A Cone-Beam Computed Tomography Assisted Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This study explored the relationship between the thickness of bone and soft tissue along the labial and palatal aspect of maxillary central incisors. The influence of overall socket width, labiopalatal positioning of the incisor on the bone, and soft tissue thickness were also investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study used cone-beam computed tomography of 150 patients to determine labial, palatal soft and hard tissue thickness, labiopalatal (B-P) socket width and corelated the same to the labiopalatal positioning of maxillary central incisors. RESULTS: Mean (SD) thicknesses of the labial soft tissue at cervical (C), midroot (M), and apical (A) locations and the corresponding bone thicknesses were 1.07 (0.28), 0.987 (0.27), 1.240 (0.41), and 0.928 (0.39), 0.894 (0.52), 1.57 (0.88), respectively. Similarly, palatal soft tissue and bone thicknesses at locations C, M, A were 1.807 (0.66), 1.557 (0.62), 1.639 (0.66), and 1.679 (0.62), 3.439 (1.28), 6.038 (1.63), respectively. Mean (SD) thicknesses of the B-P socket width at location C was 8.047 (0.963). CONCLUSIONS: There is a positive correlation between the labial and palatal bone and corresponding soft tissue thickness, between thickness of the labial bone and the labiopalatal thickness of the alveolar socket. No correlation was observed between the thickness of the labial cortical bone and the labiopalatal positioning of the tooth.