A Review on Graphene Analytical Sensors for Biomarker-based Detection of Cancer.

The engineering of nanoscale materials has broadened the scope of nanotechnology in a restricted functional system. Today, significant priority is given to immediate health diagnosis and monitoring tools for point-of-care testing and patient care. Graphene, as a one-atom carbon compound, has the potential to detect cancer biomarkers and its derivatives. The atom-wide graphene layer specialises in physicochemical characteristics, such as improved electrical and thermal conductivity, optical transparency, and increased chemical and mechanical strength, thus making it the best material for cancer biomarker detection. The outstanding mechanical, electrical, electrochemical, and optical properties of two-dimensional graphene can fulfil the scientific goal of any biosensor development, which is to develop a more compact and portable point-of-care device for quick and early cancer diagnosis. The bio-functionalisation of recognised biomarkers can be improved by oxygenated graphene layers and their composites. The significance of graphene that gleans its missing data for its high expertise to be evaluated, including the variety in surface modification and analytical reports. This review provides critical insights into graphene to inspire research that would address the current and remaining hurdles in cancer diagnosis.

Resilience of healthcare professionals involved in anesthesia practice: A cross-sectional questionnaire based pilot study.

Background and Aims: Resilience of healthcare professionals involved in Anesthesia practice is relatively a new area of research. Improvement of resilience is important for the sustainability of the healthcare workforce. The aim of this study was to evaluate resilience of the health care providers towards intra-operative emergency situation and intensive care unit. Material and Methods: In this cross-sectional pilot study, healthcare providers working involved in anesthesia practice responded to a questionnaire consisting of 20 questions related to their regular work profile. Answers were graded as- "Yes", "Not often" and "No". Scores of "Three", "Two" and "One" were assigned to these responses and total score was calculated. Frequency and percentage of each response were compared based on place of work and roles. Scores were compared based on the designation. Results: Out of 103 healthcare workers 56 (54.4%) were from government or charity hospital. Thirty-one (30.1%) were Junior Residents. Comparison of responses based on the role/designation, significant differences were observed for questions- I reach to operation theatre well before the proposed time for the case (0.02994), I personally check operation theatre preparation (p = 0.01966), I check for the consent form every time (p = 0.02018), I can recognize different electrocardiogram (ECG) patterns (p = 0.00231) and I always try to learn from everything (p = 0.01989). Based on the place of work of study participants, there was a significant difference (p = 0.002095) for question, i.e., "I personally check operation theatre preparation." Conclusion: The study results suggested good resilience of healthcare professionals involved in anesthesia and intensive care. Some pointers towards burnout are seen among study population. Early interventions may be useful to improve resilience and reduce risk of burnout.

Hemodynamic Stability, Patient Acceptance and Cost of Intravenous Propofol and Inhalational Sevoflurane for Induction of Anaesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized Comparative Study.

Introduction The effects of an anesthetic agent on the hemodynamic stability are of prime importance in patients with compromised hemodynamics. Although comparative studies of sevoflurane and propofol are reported, most of these are aimed to assess maintenance and early postoperative recovery. There are very few studies on hemodynamic changes occurring with these two agents. This study compares the hemodynamic stability, patient acceptance, and cost of intravenous (IV) propofol versus inhalational (IH) sevoflurane for the induction of anesthesia. Methods This prospective, randomized comparative study was conducted among 80 patients with American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade-I requiring general anesthesia (GA) for elective surgical procedures. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee and was conducted as per the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines. Enrolled patients were randomized to receive either intravenous (IV) propofol 2 mg/kg (n=40) or gradual inhalational (IH) induction with sevoflurane (n=40). All patients were maintained with sevoflurane 2% in 67% nitrous oxide (N2O) and O2. Hemodynamic parameters like pulse rate and mean arterial pressure (MAP) were monitored every minute up to five minutes. Patients' acceptance was assessed on a 10-item questionnaire, and the cost of anesthesia was assessed based on the anesthetic requirement. The hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups using two-way repeat-measures ANOVA. The incidence of hypotension was compared using Fischer's test.  Results The two groups were similar at baseline with respect to the demography and other baseline characteristics. There was greater (p<0.05) fall in MAP with propofol induction (28.48%) compared to sevoflurane (14.61%). Greater reduction in pulse rate (p<0.05) with sevoflurane (9.18) induction was observed compared to propofol (5.28). Patient acceptance for both drugs was similar (p>0.05). Although sevoflurane was unpleasant, propofol injection was painful. Ninety percent of patients preferred propofol for repeat anesthesia as against 85% of patients with sevoflurane. Considering the quantity of anesthetic consumed and the unit cost, propofol was more costly as compared to sevoflurane. Conclusion Sevoflurane maintains better hemodynamic stability compared to propofol, and patient acceptance of both drugs is similar. Induction with sevoflurane was found to be cheaper as compared to propofol induction.

The health and economic burden of osteoporotic fractures in Singapore and the potential impact of increasing treatment rates through more pharmacological options.

PURPOSE: This study aims to estimate the health and economic burden of osteoporosis in Singapore from 2017 to 2035, and to quantify the impact of increasing the treatment rate of osteoporosis. METHODS: Population forecast data of women and men aged 50 and above in Singapore from 2017 to 2035 was used along with prevalence rates of osteoporosis to project the osteoporosis population over time. The population projections by sex and age group were used along with osteoporotic fracture incidence rates by fracture type (hip, vertebral, other), and average direct and indirect costs per case to forecast the number of fractures, the total direct health care costs, and the total indirect costs due to fractures in Singapore. Data on treatment rates and effects were used to model the health and economic impact of increasing treatment rate of osteoporosis, using different hypothetical levels. RESULTS: Between 2017 and 2035, the incidence of osteoporotic fractures is projected to increase from 15,267 to 24,104 (a 57.9% increase) F 10,717 to 17,225 (a 60.7% increase) and M 4550 to 6878 (a 51.2% increase). The total economic burden (including direct costs and indirect costs to society) associated with these fractures is estimated at S$183.5 million in 2017 and is forecasted to grow to S$289.6 million by 2035. However, increasing the treatment rate for osteoporosis could avert up to 29,096 fractures over the forecast period (2017-2035), generating cumulative total cost savings of up to S$330.6 million. CONCLUSION: Efforts to improve the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of osteoporosis are necessary to reduce the growing clinical, economic, and societal burden of fractures in Singapore.

Relationship between mid-upper arm circumference and BMI for identifying maternal wasting and severe wasting: a cross-sectional assessment.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the strength of correlation and agreement between mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and BMI, and determine suitable MUAC cut-offs, to detect wasting and severe wasting among non-pregnant adult women in India. DESIGN: Cross-sectional studies were conducted in five high-burden pockets of four Indian states. SETTING: Prevalence of malnutrition among women and children is very high in these pockets and the government plans to implement community-based pilot projects to address malnutrition in these areas. PARTICIPANTS: Anthropometric measurements were carried out on 1716 women with children <5 years of age. However, analyses were conducted on 1538 non-pregnant adult women. RESULTS: The results showed a strong correlation between MUAC and BMI in the non-pregnant women, with correlation coefficient of 0·860 (95 % CI 0·831, 0·883; P < 0·001). Cohen's κ of 0·812 and 0·884 also showed good agreement between MUAC and BMI in identifying maternal wasting and severe wasting, respectively. The univariate regression model between MUAC and BMI explained 0·734 or 73 % of the variation in BMI. The MUAC cut-offs for wasting (BMI < 18·5 kg/m2) and severe wasting (BMI < 16·0 kg/m2) were calculated as 232 and 214·5 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: MUAC is a strong predictor of maternal BMI among non-pregnant women with children <5 years in high-burden pockets of four Indian states. In a resource-constrained setting where BMI may not be feasible, the MUAC cut-offs could reliably be used to screen wasting and severe wasting in non-pregnant women for providing appropriate care.

Comparison between Weight-for-Height Z-Score and Mid Upper Arm Circumference to Diagnose Children with Acute Malnutrition in five Districts in India.

BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization recommends weight-for-height Z-score (WHZ) or mid-upper arm circumference (MUAC) and bilateral pitting edema to diagnose acute malnutrition among children aged 6-59 months. WHZ and MUAC identify different sets of children with acute malnutrition, and overlap between their prevalence varies greatly among countries. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the degree of overlap and agreement between WHZ and MUAC to diagnose children with acute malnutrition in India. METHODS: Five nutrition surveys using Standardized Monitoring and Assessment of Relief and Transitions methodology were conducted in four Indian states. A total of 2127 children aged 6-59 months were analyzed. All anthropometric indices were calculated using emergency nutrition assessment software and analyzed in Epi-Info 3.5.4. RESULTS: Of total global acute malnutrition (GAM) cases, 96% and 28.4% cases were diagnosed with WHZ and MUAC, respectively. Similarly, of total severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases, 95.1% were identified using WHZ and 30% using MUAC. The proportion of overlap between the two criteria for GAM and SAM cases was 24.5% and 25.2%, respectively. The analysis showed that MUAC was comparatively more sensitive to identify acute malnutrition among 6-23-month aged children and females. CONCLUSION: One-fourth of GAM and SAM cases were identified with both criteria. MUAC identified approximately 30% of the total SAM cases which was lower than other countries. MUAC identified more number of females and younger children, who may have higher mortality risk and would result significantly smaller caseload (68% smaller) that requires intervention compared to when using WHZ.

Determination of baseline widal titres amongst apparently healthy blood donors in ahmednagar, maharashtra, India.

BACKGROUND: Enteric fever is endemic in all parts of India. The Widal agglutination test is widely used for its diagnosis. But the interpretation of Widal test depends upon the baseline titre which is prevalent amongst healthy individuals in a particular geographical area. AIM: Present study was undertaken to establish the normal baseline titre in apparently healthy blood donors and also to determine cutoff values for the Widal test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and three (103) sera were tested by the Widal tube agglutination test from January 2012 to February 2013. RESULTS: Eighty four (81.55%) sera were positive for agglutinins (titre ≥ 1:20) and the remaining 19 were negative. 31.64% sera were positive for agglutinins of 'O' antigen of Salmonella typhi (TO) at a titre of 1:40, 33.87% sera were positive for 'H' antigen of Salmonella typhi (TH) at a titre of 1:40 and 38.46% and 36.84% sera were positive for 'H' antigen of Salmonella paratyphi A (AH) and Salmonella paratyphi B (BH) respectively, both at a titre of 1:80. CONCLUSION: Therefore, the baseline titre for TO and TH was noted to be 1:40 and that for AH and BH was noted to be 1:80 and therefore, the cutoff level for TO and TH was ≥ 1:80 and that for AH and BH was ≥ 1:160.

Micro/milliflow processing with selective catalyst microwave heating in the Cu-catalyzed Ullmann etherification reaction: a µ(2)-process.

A µ(2)-process in the Ullmann-type C-O coupling of potassium phenolate and 4-chloropyridine was successfully performed in a combined microwave (MW) and microflow process. Selective MW absorption in a micro-fixed-bed reactor (µ-FBR) by using a supported Cu nanocatalyst resulted in an increased activity compared to an oil-bath heated process. Yields of up to 80 % were attained by using a multisegmented µ-FBR without significant catalyst deactivation. The µ-FBR was packed with beads coated with Cu/TiO(2) and CuZn/TiO(2) catalysts. Temperature measurements along axial positions of the reactor were performed by using a fiber-optic probe in the catalyst bed. The simultaneous application of MW power and temperature sensors resulted in an isothermal reactor at 20 W. Initially, only solvent was used to adjust the MW field density in the cavity and optimize the power utility. Subsequently, the reaction mixture was added to ensure the maximum MW power transfer by adjusting the waveguide stub tuners to steady-state operations as a result of the changed reaction mixture composition and, therefore, the dielectric properties. Finally, the beneficial influence of the Cu/TiO(2)- and CuZn/TiO(2)-coated glass beads (200 µm) on the MW absorption as a result of the additional absorbing effect of the metallic Cu nanoparticles was optimized in a fine-tuning step. For the catalyst synthesis, various sol-gel, deposition, and impregnation methods provided Cu catalyst loadings of around 1 wt %. The addition of Zn to the Cu nanocatalyst revealed an increased catalyst activity owing to the presence of stable Cu(0). Multilaminar mixing was necessary because of the large difference in fluid viscosities. To the best of our knowledge, this work is the first extended experimental survey of the decisive parameters to combine microprocess and single-mode MW technology following the concepts of "novel process windows" for organic syntheses.

New Cu-based catalysts supported on TiO2 films for Ullmann S(N)Ar-type C-O coupling reactions.

New routes for the preparation of highly active TiO(2)-supported Cu and CuZn catalysts have been developed for C-O coupling reactions. Slurries of a titania precursor were dip-coated onto glass beads to obtain either structured mesoporous or non-porous titania thin films. The Cu and CuZn nanoparticles, synthesized using a reduction by solvent method, were deposited onto calcined films to obtain a Cu loading of 2 wt%. The catalysts were characterized by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy, temperature-programmed oxidation/reduction (TPO/TPR) techniques, (63)Cu nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM-EDX) and X-ray photo-electron spectroscopy (XPS). The activity and stability of the catalysts obtained have been studied in the C-O Ullmann coupling of 4-chloropyridine and potassium phenolate. The titania-supported nanoparticles retained catalyst activity for up to 12 h. However, catalyst deactivation was observed for longer operation times due to oxidation of the Cu nanoparticles. The oxidation rate could be significantly reduced over the CuZn/TiO(2) catalytic films due to the presence of Zn. The 4-phenoxypyridine yield was 64% on the Cu/nonporous TiO(2) at 120 °C. The highest product yield of 84% was obtained on the Cu/mesoporous TiO(2) at 140 °C, corresponding to an initial reaction rate of 104 mmol g(cat) (-1) s(-1). The activation energy on the Cu/mesoporous TiO(2) catalyst was found to be (144±5) kJ mol(-1), which is close to the value obtained for the reaction over unsupported CuZn nanoparticles (123±3 kJ mol(-1)) and almost twice the value observed over the catalysts deposited onto the non-porous TiO(2) support (75±2 kJ mol(-1)).

Effect of the load size on the efficiency of microwave heating under stop flow and continuous flow conditions.

A novel heating efficiency analysis of the microwave heated stop-flow (i.e. stagnant liquid) and continuous-flow reactors has been presented. The thermal losses to the surrounding air by natural convection have been taken into account for heating efficiency calculation of the microwave heating process. The effect of the load diameter in the range of 4-29 mm on the heating efficiency of ethylene glycol was studied in a single mode microwave cavity under continuous flow and stop-flow conditions. The variation of the microwave absorbing properties of the load with temperature was estimated. Under stop-flow conditions, the heating efficiency depends on the load diameter. The highest heating efficiency has been observed at the load diameter close to the half wavelength of the electromagnetic field in the corresponding medium. Under continuous-flow conditions, the heating efficiency increased linearly. However, microwave leakage above the propagation diameter restricted further experimentation at higher load diameters. Contrary to the stop-flow conditions, the load temperature did not raise monotonously from the inlet to outlet under continuous-flow conditions. This was due to the combined effect of lagging convective heat fluxes in comparison to volumetric heating. This severely disturbs the uniformity of the electromagnetic field in the axial direction and creates areas of high and low field intensity along the load Length decreasing the heating efficiency as compared to stop-flow conditions.

Comparative evaluation of bond strengths of different core materials with various luting agents used for cast crown restorations.

The coronal cast restoration continues to be used commonly to restore mutilated, endodontically treated teeth. The tensile bond strength of luting cements is of critical importance as many of failures are at the core and the crown interface. An invitro study with aim to evaluate and compare bond strengths of luting cements between different core materials and cast crowns. A total of 45 extracted identical mandibular second premolars were endodontically treated and divided into 3 groups of 15 each. Specimens in first group were restored with cast post and core (Group C), and specimens in second group were restored with stainless steel parapost and composite core material (Group B) and specimens in third group were restored with stainless steel parapost and glass ionomer core build (Group G). Standardized crown preparation was done for all the specimens to receive cast crowns. Each group was further divided into 3 subgroups and were cemented using 3 different luting cements namely, resin cement, polycarboxylate cement, glass ionomer cement (Type I). The samples of each subgroup (n = 5) were subjected to tensile testing using Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min till the dislodgement of crown from the core surface was observed. The bond strengths were significantly different according one way ANOVA (F-150.76 and p < 0.0000). The results of the study showed that the specimens cemented with resin cement in cast core, composite core and glass ionomer core exhibited significantly higher bond strengths as compared to specimens cemented with glass ionomer and polycarboxylate cement. Composite resin core and resin cement combinations were superior to all other cement and core combinations tested.

Chairside method for incorporating metal O-ring attachment in mandibular implant-retained overdenture.

Use of an implant-retained overdenture for the mandible is associated with a high success rate. After osseointegration, connecting the implants to the lower denture is an important step in achieving successful treatment. Different methods and attachment systems described in the literature may require a high level of laboratory support. This article describes a chairside method for connecting the O-ring attachment to the implant-retained mandibular denture.

Rehabilitation of geriatric hemiglossectomy patient with implant-supported overdentures. Clinical report.

Carcinomas of the tongue constitute approximately 5% to 10% of oral carcinomas. Rehabilitation of these patients postsurgery is challenging because the motor control of the tongue is lost and postsurgical scarring reduces the vestibular depth needed to support and retain a denture. Implant-supported overdentures are a viable option to rehabilitate such patients. The restoration provides enhanced function and wearer comfort.

Evaluation and comparison of the effect of different surface preparations on bond strength of glass ionomer cement with nickel-chrome metal-ceramic alloy: a laboratory study.

Retention of fixed partial dentures is mostly dependent upon the bond between metal and cement as well as cement and tooth structure. However, most of the time clinical failure of bond has been observed at metal and cement interface. The treatment of metal surface, prior to luting, plays a crucial role in bonding cement with the metal. This study is conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of different surface preparations on the bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement with nickel-chromium metal ceramic alloy. Fifty caries-free extracted molar teeth were made flat until the dentin of the occlusal surface was exposed. After fabrication of the wax patterns and subsequent castings, the castings were subjected to porcelain firing cycles. The nickel-chromium metal ceramic alloy discs were also divided into five groups and subjected to various surface treatments: (1) Unsandblasted (U), (2) sandblasted (S), (3) sandblasted and treated with 10% aqueous solution of KMnO4 (SK), (4) unsandblasted and roughened with diamond abrasive points (UD) and (5) unsandblasted and roughened with diamond abrasive points and treated with 10% aqueous solution of KMnO(4) (UDK). After surface treatments, the castings were cemented using Fuji PLUS encapsulated resin-modified glass ionomer cement. The obtained values of all the groups were subjected to statistical analysis for Tensile and Shear bond strength. Different surface treatments of the metal affects the bond strength values of resin-modified glass ionomer cement when used as luting agent.

Evaluation of shear bond strength of porcelain bonded to laser welded titanium surface and determination of mode of bond failure.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the shear bond strength of porcelain to laser welded titanium surface and to determine the mode of bond failure through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrophotometry (EDS). Forty five cast rectangular titanium specimens with the dimension of 10 mm x 8 mm x 1 mm were tested. Thirty specimens had a perforation of 2 mm diameter in the centre. These were randomly divided into Group A and B. The perforations in the Group B specimens were repaired by laser welding using Cp Grade II titanium wire. The remaining 15 specimens were taken as control group. All the test specimens were layered with low fusing porcelain and tested for shear bond strength. The debonded specimens were subjected to SEM and EDS. Data were analysed with 1-way analysis of variance and Student's t-test for comparison among the different groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed no statistically significant difference in shear bond strength values at a 5% level of confidence. The mean shear bond strength values for control group, Group A and B was 8.4 +/- 0.5 Mpa, 8.1 +/- 0.4 Mpa and 8.3 +/- 0.3 Mpa respectively. SEM/EDS analysis of the specimens showed mixed and cohesive type of bond failure. Within the limitations of the study laser welding did not have any effect on the shear bond strength of porcelain bonded to titanium.

Effect of anchorage on the accuracy of fit in removable partial denture framework.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the effect of anchorage on the accuracy of fit in removable partial denture framework. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-four partially edentulous maxillary refractory casts were duplicated from a machine-milled metal cast. Twelve of these were included in the test group, which had the provision for anchorage in the refractory cast, and the remaining 12 were taken as control group, which did not have provision for anchorage. Identical wax patterns for the maxillary strap major connector were invested and cast in cobalt chromium alloy. The accuracy of fit of the cast partial major connector frameworks were measured at two selected points using a profile projector. The resultant data were analyzed using student's t-test and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Student's t-test showed statistically significant improvement in the fit of the major connectors of the test group at point A (p= 0.0003) and P (p= 0.0074). Unpaired t-test was performed for the control and test group. The results of the unpaired t-test for the control group exhibited a greater gap discrepancy (0.44 +/- 0.20 mm) than for the test group at point A (0.16 +/- 0.10 mm). Similarly, the gap was more at Point P for the specimens in the control group (0.65 +/- 0.10 mm) than the test group (0.42 +/- 0.24 mm). CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of the study it is concluded that the accuracy of fit of the palatal major connector was significantly better in the test group than the control group, with 0.1% level of significance at point P. The accuracy was significantly improved in both groups at point A by 1% level of confidence.

Full mouth rehabilitation of severely attrited dentition. A case report.

Tooth wear and its management should be accurately diagnosed and planned. In some patients, long-term monitoring is essential before embarking on any irreversible, interventive treatment. Patients with excessive wear often require extensive restorative treatment. This article describes the case of one such patient who had severe tooth wear, resulting in reduced vertical dimension.

The abrasive effect of a porcelain and a nickel-chromium alloy on the wear of human enamel and the influence of a carbonated beverage on the rate of wear.

PURPOSE: This study was conducted to determine the abrasive effect of a porcelain and an Ni-Cr alloy on the wear of human enamel, and the influence of a carbonated beverage on the rate of wear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tooth specimens were prepared by embedding 48 freshly extracted mandibular first premolars in acrylic. Twenty-four of these specimens were abraded against Ni-Cr, and the remaining 24 against porcelain in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media, respectively (n = 12), on a specially designed abrasive testing machine at a constant load of 40 N with 6 mm amplitude for 15,000 cycles. The cusp heights of the tooth specimens were measured both before and after abrasion using a profile projector. The abraded cast specimens were subjected to profilometry for computing the surface roughness; the abrading media was subjected to atomic absorption spectrophotometry for analyzing Ni and Cr ion levels. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Porcelain specimens in a medium of carbonated beverage caused the highest wear of tooth specimens. The lowest wear of tooth specimens was Ni-Cr specimens in artificial saliva medium. Carbonated beverage caused significantly higher wear of tooth specimens when abraded against Ni-Cr and porcelain specimens than did artificial saliva. The mean quantitative surface roughness of porcelain specimens was significantly higher than that of Ni-Cr specimens, irrespective of the medium in which abrasion testing was conducted. There was no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of Ni ions released in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media. Also, there was no statistically significant difference between the concentrations of Cr ions released in artificial saliva and carbonated beverage media. CONCLUSIONS: The wear of human enamel was significantly higher in the presence of carbonated beverage than artificial saliva and against porcelain when compared with Ni-Cr. The surface roughness of porcelain in the presence of carbonated beverage was found to be highest, and the release of Ni and Cr was not affected by carbonated beverage.

Investigation of marginal fit and surface roughness of crowns, due to different bench set and different burnout temperature using base metal alloy.

The conventional investing technique is used most commonly for casting. Inspite of the popularity of this technique, it is very time consuming. To save time of the patient, dentist and dental laboratory technician, accelerated casting technique can be used. This study uses different bench set and different burnout temperatures and has been carried to investigate their effects on marginal fit and surface roughness. A total of 40 wax patterns were made simulating the artificial crown from the first master die and 20 rectangular wax patterns were made from the second master die. Twenty castings simulating the crown and 10 castings of rectangular plates were obtained by short protocol represented as Group A and C, similarly the remaining castings were obtained by standard protocol and represented as Group B and D. Marginal discrepancy of both Group A and B were determined by using Travelling microscope, whereas Perthometer was used for quantitative evaluation of average surface roughness of both Group C and D. Scanning electron microscope evaluated the surface roughness qualitatively for the specimens of both Groups C and D. The obtained values of Group A and C and Group C and D were subjected to statistical analysis. Qualitative analysis of Group C and D were done. Accelerated/short protocol gives similar results in terms of marginal fit and surface roughness as compared to the conventional/standard protocol and is definitely a time saving procedure.

A tiger cannot change its stripes: using a three-dimensional model to match images of living tigers and tiger skins.

The tiger is one of many species in which individuals can be identified by surface patterns. Camera traps can be used to record individual tigers moving over an array of locations and provide data for monitoring and studying populations and devising conservation strategies. We suggest using a combination of algorithms to calculate similarity scores between pattern samples scanned from the images to automate the search for a match to a new image. We show how using a three-dimensional surface model of a tiger to scan the pattern samples allows comparison of images that differ widely in camera angles and body posture. The software, which is free to download, considerably reduces the effort required to maintain an image catalogue and we suggest it could be used to trace the origin of a tiger skin by searching a central database of living tigers' images for matches to an image of the skin.