Assessment of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Agents on Periodontally Compromised Tooth: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the smear layer removal efficacy of three various agents on periodontally compromised tooth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current study included 75 molar teeth that were extracted due to periodontal disease. After that, 25 samples were randomly assigned using a simple random technique to the three different agent groups, group A: Scaling and root planing (SRP) and application of SofScale agent, group B: SRP and application of QMix agent, group C: SRP and application of MTAD agent. Using a diamond circular saw, the treated portions were divided into horizontal and vertical halves. All samples were viewed under Scanning Electron Microscope. Every tooth was focused at the coronal third, middle third, and apical third portion with a magnification of 1000×. Data were recorded and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: The smear layer removal efficacy was more in the QMix agent (3.06 ± 0.04) group followed by MTAD agent (3.28 ± 0.09) and SofScale agent (4.14 ± 0.10) group on the root surface. On intra group comparison, there was a statistically significant difference found in all the intra group agents with all the three levels. On inter group evaluation, at coronal third, there was no significant difference found between the different agents. There was a significant difference found between the different agents at middle and coronal third. CONCLUSION: On conclusion, the current investigation found that, the root surfaces treated with QMix shown a greater ability to remove smear layers compared to tooth surfaces treated with MTAD and SofScale agent. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Conventional therapies such as SRP effectively eliminate calculus, plaque, and necrosed cementum; nevertheless, they leave behind a smear layer that could impede normal healing. In an effort to overcome this, root conditioning agents were applied on the root surface to remove the smear layer. The traditional root conditioning agents such as citric acid have certain disadvantages, though, such as an acidic pH that could harm the root surface. As a result, researchers have been looking for biocompatible root conditioning treatments that are more effective. How to cite this article: Singh DK, BS Raj H, Soans CR, et al. Assessment of the Smear Layer Removal Efficacy of Three Different Agents on Periodontally Compromised Tooth: An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(2):156-159.

Evaluation of Stain Removal Efficacy and Color Stability of Three Different Dentifrices on Artificially Stained Enamel Surface-An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the stain removal ability and color stability of three distinct dentifrices on artificially stained enamel surface. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included 75 intact, healthy premolars free of dental caries that were extracted during orthodontic therapy. The samples were allowed to dry for 6 hours after being submerged in the prepared tea solution for roughly 18 hours every day. Then this procedure was repeated for seven successive days. All samples were randomly divided into three experimental groups with 25 samples in each group. Group I: control dentifrice, group II: dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide, group III: dentifrice containing papain and bromelain. A specially designed toothbrushing simulator was used to brush every sample in the relevant group. Using a spectrophotometer and a measurement program, color measurement was evaluated after staining process after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of teeth cleaning. Using a profilometer, the surface roughness values (Ra) were assessed. RESULTS: After 8 weeks of brushing of stained samples, the color stability was better in dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide (1.14 ± 0.11) followed by dentifrice containing papain and bromelain (1.22 ± 0.08) and control group (1.30 ± 0.09). And after 8 weeks of brushing of stained samples, the surface roughness was more in dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide (0.237 ± 0.02) followed by dentifrice containing papain and bromelain (0.229 ± 0.13) and control group (0.207 ± 0.05). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the dentifrice containing hydrogen peroxide showed a superior whitening effect on the stained enamel surface than dentifrice containing papain and bromelain and control dentifrice. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The development of various dentifrice products has been greatly aided by the increased demand for an improved esthetic appearance. Teeth's natural color and any external stains that could accumulate on the tooth surface combine to determine a tooth's color. Additionally, the use of whitening dental pastes to remove external stains has grown in favor. With the development of these whitening toothpastes, dentifrices' ability to lessen or eliminate extrinsic dental stains has increased. How to cite this article: Mishra D, Kamath DG, Alagla M, et al. Evaluation of Stain Removal Efficacy and Color Stability of Three Different Dentifrices on Artificially Stained Enamel Surface-An In Vitro Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):68-71.

Influence of Different Mouthwashes on the Efficacy of Fluoridated Dentifrices in Prevention of Enamel Erosion: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of three various mouthwashes on the effectiveness of fluoride dentifrices in preventing enamel erosion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 sound intact human premolar teeth which were extracted for orthodontic treatment were selected for the study. A 3 × 3 mm window section was positioned in the middle of the coronal surface of the tooth in order to define the study area. Each sample was placed in a solution of 1% citric acid (pH 3.5) for 10 minutes in order to produce an eroded surface. All samples were divided into two main groups (60 samples each) as follows: Group A for sodium fluoride dentifrices and group B for stannous fluoride dentifrices, again it is subdivided into: CHX: Chlohex ADS®, EO: Listerine®, CPC: Colgate® Plax (20 samples in each subgroup). After that, samples underwent the pH cycling model for 5 days. Samples were examined for surface loss using a scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: In sodium fluoride dentifrices group, before intervention, the surface loss was 3.12 ± 1.03 in CHX group, 3.08 ± 1.20 in EO group, and 3.09 ± 0.96 in CPC group. After intervention, the less surface loss found with CHX group (2.18 ± 0.84), followed by CPC (2.34 ± 0.74) and EO group (2.46 ± 0.97). In stannous fluoride dentifrices group, before intervention, the surface loss in CHX group was 3.26 ± 1.19, in EO group, it was 3.18 ± 1.31, and in CPC group, it was 3.22 ± 1.06. After intervention, the less surface loss found with CHX: group (1.90 ± 0.54), followed by CPC (2.24 ± 0.28) and EO group (2.38 ± 0.20). CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the fluoride dentifrices' preventive effects against tooth surface loss were unaffected by a different mouthwashes with varying compositions and major constituents. In terms of erosion, fluoridated toothpaste containing stannous fluoride was found to provide better surface loss protection than sodium fluoride. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Primary prevention and the eradication of contributing causes are the greatest strategies for preventing erosion. Simultaneously, antibacterial agent in the mouthwashes may help in enhancing the effect of fluoride in the enamel, owing to their high affinity for teeth structures. Therefore, in addition to cause-related treatment, further efforts to reduce tooth tissue loss are also necessary.

Determination of optimal daily light integral (DLI) for indoor cultivation of iceberg lettuce in an indigenous vertical hydroponic system.

The indoor cultivation of lettuce in a vertical hydroponic system (VHS) under artificial lighting is an energy-intensive process incurring a high energy cost. This study determines the optimal daily light integral (DLI) as a function of photoperiod on the physiological, morphological, and nutritional parameters, as well as the resource use efficiency of iceberg lettuce (cv. Glendana) grown in an indoor VHS. Seedlings were grown in a photoperiod of 12 h, 16 h, and 20 h with a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of 200 µmol m-2 s-1 using white LED lights. The results obtained were compared with VHS without artificial lights inside the greenhouse. The DLI values for 12 h, 16 h, and 20 h were 8.64, 11.5, and 14.4 mol m-2 day-1, respectively. The shoot fresh weight at harvest increased from 275.5 to 393 g as the DLI increased from 8.64 to 11.5 mol m-2 day-1. DLI of 14.4 mol m-2 day-1 had a negative impact on fresh weight, dry weight, and leaf area. The transition from VHS without artificial lights to VHS with artificial lights resulted in a 60% increase in fresh weight. Significantly higher water use efficiency of 71 g FW/L and energy use efficiency of 206.31 g FW/kWh were observed under a DLI of 11.5 mol m-2 day-1. The study recommends an optimal DLI of 11.5 mol m-2 day-1 for iceberg lettuce grown in an indoor vertical hydroponic system.

Targeting of rainwater harvesting structures using geospatial tools and analytical hierarchy process (AHP) in the semi-arid region of Rajasthan (India).

Burgeoning population growth and subsequent demand for freshwater, besides competition among irrigation, domestic, and industrial sectors, coupled with a changing climate, have necessitated prudent and effective management of water resources. Rainwater harvesting (RWH) is considered one of the most effective strategies for water management. However, the location and design of RWH structures are essential for proper implementation, operation, and maintenance. An attempt has been made in this study to locate the most suitable site for RWH structure and design using one of the robust multi-criteria decision analysis techniques, viz. analytic hierarchy process, using geospatial tools in the Gambhir watershed, Rajasthan, India. High-resolution Sentinel-2A data and a digital elevation model of the Advanced Land Observation Satellite were used in this study. Five biophysical parameters, viz. land use and land cover, slope, soil texture, surface runoff, and drainage density, were considered to identify suitable locations for RWH structures. It was observed that runoff is the prime factor in determining the location of RWH structures compared to other parameters. It was revealed that 75.54 km2 (13% of the total area) was very highly suited for the construction of RWH structures, while 114.56 km2 (19%) was highly suitable. A total of 43.77 km2 (7%) of land was determined to be unsuitable for the construction of any type of RWH structure. Farm ponds, check dams, and percolation ponds were suggested for the study area. Furthermore, Boolean logic was used to target a particular type of RWH structure. The study indicated that a total of 25 farm ponds, 14 check dams, and 16 percolation ponds can be constructed at identified locations in the watershed. Water resource development maps of the watershed generated using an analytical approach would be useful for policymakers and hydrologists for targeting and implementing RWH structures in the study watershed.

MLVA typing of Brucella melitensis and B. abortus isolates of animal and human origin from India.

Brucellosis is a widely prevalent zoonotic disease of major public health significance. A collection of Brucella melitensis and Brucella abortus field isolates of animal and human origin were subjected to MLVA-15 typing followed by phylogeography studies. The MLVA-15 analysis of B. melitensis (n = 65) field isolates resulted in 48 different profiles. The panel I marker bruce45 was found to be most conserved, while the rest of the panel I markers showed low to moderate length polymorphism. Among the panel II markers, bruce04, bruce16 and bruce30 showed a high discriminatory index. The MLVA-15 typing of 13 B. abortus field isolates revealed 13 different genotypes with panel II markers showing higher discriminatory ability vis-à-vis panel I. The minimum spanning tree analysis (MST) in comparison with isolates from the international database revealed that all B. melitensis and B. abortus isolates from this study belonged to the 'Eastern Mediterranean' and the 'abortus C' lineage, respectively. The MLVA-15 typing could differentiate field isolates of B. abortus and B. melitensis originating from different regions, reaffirming the technique's potential of high resolution and suitability for local epidemiological studies. The MLVA scheme also has the advantage of comparison of local isolates with a worldwide database, allowing for phylogeographical studies.

Influence of Three Different Denture Cleansers on Surface Roughness and Strength of Heat-polymerizing Resin: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the impact of three different denture cleansers on the strength and surface roughness of heat-polymerizing resin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 resin discs (10 mm in diameter and 2 mm thick) were created using a stainless steel mold for surface roughness testing and flexural strength testing (in accordance with the American Dental Association (ADA) Specification No.12). Samples were divided into one of three groups (40 samples in each group): group I: Clanden, group II: Clinsodent, group III: Fittydent. Samples were immersed in denture-cleansing solutions for 30 minutes every day, and this process was repeated over a period of 15 days. Samples were stored in distilled water at room temperature in between the immersions. A surface analyzer was utilized to compare the surface roughness of each sample before and after immersion treatments. For recording flexural strength, each sample was subjected to three-point bending test by mounting samples on Universal testing machine. Comparing mean values between groups using one-way ANOVA and the Tukeys honest significant difference (HSD) post hoc test. A significance level of 0.05 was used for all statistical calculations Results: After 15 days, the maximum change of mean surface roughness of heat-polymerizing resin was found in Clanden denture cleanser group (2.64 ± 0.12) followed by Clinsodent group (2.26 ± 0.09) and Fittydent group (1.92 ± 0.06). After 15 days, the maximum change of mean flexural strength changes of heat-polymerizing resin was found in Clanden denture cleanser group (94.78 ± 0.14), followed by Fittydent group (98.64 ± 0.03) and Clinsodent group (99.26 ± 0.21). CONCLUSION: Within the limitation, the current study concluded that changes were observed in surface roughness and flexural strength of all heat-polymerizing resin samples after immersion in all three denture cleansers; but least surface roughness and flexural strength changes were observed with the Fittydent cleanser group and Clinsodent group, respectively. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Cleaning dentures is crucial for maintaining both the prosthesis and oral health; therefore, it is necessary to select a cleanser that is effective without negatively affecting the base resin's qualities over time.

Development of Smart Weighing Lysimeter for Measuring Evapotranspiration and Developing Crop Coefficient for Greenhouse Chrysanthemum.

The management of water resources is a priority problem in agriculture, especially in areas with a limited water supply. The determination of crop water requirements and crop coefficient (Kc) of agricultural crops helps to create an appropriate irrigation schedule for the effective management of irrigation water. A portable smart weighing lysimeter (1000 × 1000 mm and 600 mm depth) was developed at CPCT, IARI, New Delhi for real-time measurement of Crop Coefficient (Kc) and water requirement of chrysanthemum crop and bulk data storage. The paper discusses the assembly, structural and operational design of the portable smart weighting lysimeter. The performance characteristics of the developed lysimeter were evaluated under different load conditions. The Kc values of the chrysanthemum crop obtained from the lysimeter installed inside the greenhouse were Kc ini. 0.43 and 0.38, Kc mid-1.27 and 1.25, and Kc end-0.67 and 0.59 for the years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, respectively, which apprehensively corroborated with the FAO 56 paper for determination of crop coefficient. The Kc values decreased progressively at the late-season stage because of the maturity and aging of the leaves. The lysimeter's edge temperature was somewhat higher, whereas the center temperature closely matched the field temperature. The temperature difference between the center and the edge increased as the ambient temperature rose. The developed smart lysimeter system has unique applications due to its real-time measurement, portable attribute, and ability to produce accurate results for determining crop water use and crop coefficient for greenhouse chrysanthemum crops.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri Cell-Free Supernatants Inhibit Candida parapsilosis Pathogenic Potential upon Infection of Vaginal Epithelial Cells Monolayer and in a Transwell Coculture System In Vitro.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) is a common clinical condition with symptoms and signs of vaginal inflammation in the presence of Candida species. At least one episode of VVC is experienced in up to 75% of women in the reproductive age group during their lifetime, and 5% to 8% of such women suffer from the chronic form. Most cases of VVC are still caused by C. albicans. However, the incidence of VVC cases by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, such as C. parapsilosis, is continuously increasing. Despite the prevalence of VVC from NAC, little is known about these species and almost nothing about the mechanisms that trigger the VVC. Lactobacillus spp. are the most widely before represented microorganisms in the vaginal microbiota of healthy women. Here, cell-free supernatants (CFS) obtained from L. acidophilus, L. plantarum, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri were assessed for their effect on C. parapsilosis virulence traits. Moreover, we assessed if such an effect persisted even after the removal of the CFS (CFS preincubation effect). Moreover, a transwell coculture system was employed by which the relevant antifungal effect was shown to be attributable to the compounds released by lactobacilli. Our results suggest that lactobacilli can work (i) by reducing C. parapsilosis virulence traits, as indicated by the reduced fungal proliferation, viability, and metabolic activity, and (ii) by improving epithelial resistance to the fungus. Overall, these data suggest that, in the context of the vaginal microbiota, the lactobacilli may play a role in preventing the onset of mucosal C. parapsilosis infection. IMPORTANCE The incidence of VVC by non-albicans Candida (NAC) species, such as C. parapsilosis, is increasing. Treatment failure is common in NAC-VVC because some species are resistant or poorly susceptible to the antifungal agents normally employed. Research on C. parapsilosis's pathogenic mechanisms and alternative treatments are still lacking. C. albicans triggers the VVC by producing hyphae, which favor the loss of epithelial tolerance. Differently, C. parapsilosis only produces pseudohyphae. Hence, different virulence factors may trigger the VVC. Likewise, the therapeutic options could also involve different fungal targets. Substantial in vitro and in vivo studies on the pathogenicity mechanisms of C. parapsilosis are lacking. The data presented here ascribe a novel beneficial role to different Lactobacillus spp., whose CFS provides a postbiotic-like activity against C. parapsilosis. Further studies are needed to unravel the mechanisms involved in the bioactivities of such compounds, to better understand the role of single postbiotics in the CFS.

Mechanisms of Pathogenic Candida Species to Evade the Host Complement Attack.

Candida species are common colonizers of the human skin, vagina, and the gut. As human commensals, Candida species do not cause any notable damage in healthy individuals; however, in certain conditions they can initiate a wide range of diseases such as chronic disseminated candidiasis, endocarditis, vaginitis, meningitis, and endophthalmitis. The incidence of Candida caused infections has increased worldwide, with mortality rates exceeding 70% in certain patient populations. C. albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, and C. krusei are responsible for more than 90% of Candida-related infections. Interestingly, the host immune response against these closely related fungi varies. As part of the innate immune system, complement proteins play a crucial role in host defense, protecting the host by lysing pathogens or by increasing their phagocytosis by phagocytes through opsonization. This review summarizes interactions of host complement proteins with pathogenic Candida species, including C. albicans and non-albicans Candida species such as C. parapsilosis. We will also highlight the various ways of complement activation, describe the antifungal effects of complement cascades and explore the mechanisms adopted by members of pathogenic Candida species for evading complement attack.

Functional Characterization of Secreted Aspartyl Proteases in Candida parapsilosis.

Candida parapsilosis is an emerging non-albicans Candida species that largely affects low-birth-weight infants and immunocompromised patients. Fungal pathogenesis is promoted by the dynamic expression of diverse virulence factors, with secreted proteolytic enzymes being linked to the establishment and progression of disease. Although secreted aspartyl proteases (Sap) are critical for Candida albicans pathogenicity, their role in C. parapsilosis is poorly elucidated. In the present study, we aimed to examine the contribution of C. parapsilosisSAPP genes SAPP1, SAPP2, and SAPP3 to the virulence of the species. Our results indicate that SAPP1 and SAPP2, but not SAPP3, influence adhesion, host cell damage, phagosome-lysosome maturation, phagocytosis, killing capacity, and cytokine secretion by human peripheral blood-derived macrophages. Purified Sapp1p and Sapp2p were also shown to efficiently cleave host complement component 3b (C3b) and C4b proteins and complement regulator factor H. Additionally, Sapp2p was able to cleave factor H-related protein 5 (FHR-5). Altogether, these data demonstrate the diverse, significant contributions that SAPP1 and SAPP2 make to the establishment and progression of disease by C. parapsilosis through enabling the attachment of the yeast cells to mammalian cells and modulating macrophage biology and disruption of the complement cascade.IMPORTANCE Aspartyl proteases are present in various organisms and, among virulent species, are considered major virulence factors. Host tissue and cell damage, hijacking of immune responses, and hiding from innate immune cells are the most common behaviors of fungal secreted proteases enabling pathogen survival and invasion. C. parapsilosis, an opportunistic human-pathogenic fungus mainly threatening low-birth weight neonates and children, possesses three SAPP protein-encoding genes that could contribute to the invasiveness of the species. Our results suggest that SAPP1 and SAPP2, but not SAPP3, influence host evasion by regulating cell damage, phagocytosis, phagosome-lysosome maturation, killing, and cytokine secretion. Furthermore, SAPP1 and SAPP2 also effectively contribute to complement evasion.

Minocycline diminishes the rotenone induced neurotoxicity and glial activation via suppression of apoptosis, nitrite levels and oxidative stress.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of minocycline against pesticide rotenone induced adverse effects in different rat brain regions. Assessment of oxidative stress, nitrite levels, degenerating neurons and level of cleaved caspase-3 was done in frontal cortex, mid brain, hippocampus and striatum regions of rat brain. In addition the expression profile of neuronal (MAP2), astrocytes (GFAP) and microglia (cd11b) markers was done after treatments. Rotenone induced DNA fragmentation was also assessed in all studied rat brain regions by utilizing comet assay. Rotenone administration caused significantly decreased level of glutathione along with increased level of nitrite and lipid peroxidation. Significant oxidative and nitrosative stress was also observed after rotenone administration which was considerably inhibited in minocycline treated rats in time dependent manner. Fluorojade staining and levels of cleaved caspase 3 showed the degeneration of neurons and apoptosis respectively in studied rat brain regions which were further inhibited with minocycline treatment. Rotenone administration caused significantly increased reactivity of astrocytes, microglia and altered neuronal morphology in rat brain regions which was also partially restored with minocycline treatment. In conclusion, present study showed that minocycline treatment attenuated the rotenone induced oxidative stress, nitrite level, degeneration of neurons, augmented glial reactivity and apoptosis.

Comparison of Efficacy of Manual and Powered Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Inflammation: A Clinical Study among the Population of East Indian Region.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To figure out, analyze and assess the effectiveness of powered toothbrush (Braun/Oral-B two-dimensional) and manual toothbrush (Oral-B40 Regular Advantage Plus) on supragingival plaque and gingival health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The efficacy of powered toothbrush to that of manual one was compared by using a randomized clinical trial over a 4 weeks period in controlling plaque and gingivitis using gingival index, plaque index (PI), and oral hygiene index. A total of 45 patients with age group from 19 to 23 years were included in the study. Collected data were analyzed, and different subgroups were compared using Student's t-test, Levene's test, and Chi-square test. RESULTS: In both groups whether using powered or manual toothbrush, there was marked decrease in PI scores and gingival health improvement. However, there was better reduction in PI scores and improvement in gingival health in powered toothbrush group. CONCLUSION: All individuals with both groups showed reduction in PI and hygiene index, but when it was assessed on the 4th week, individuals using powered toothbrush showed better results when compared to the individuals using manual toothbrush.

Comparative Evaluation of Antiplaque Efficacy between Essential Oils with Alcohol-Based and Chlorhexidine with Nonalcohol-Based Mouthrinses.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare the antiplaque efficacy of alcohol-based mouthwash with essential oils and nonalcohol-based chlorhexidine mouthrinse in 4 days plaque re-formation study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The current research paper is double-blinded, parallel designed clinical trial that was conducted in the Department of Periodontics and Oral Implantology, Kalinga Institute of Dental Sciences, Bhubaneswar. This included ninety dental students of Bachelor of Dental Surgery curriculum (in the age range from 20 to 24 years) Professional cleaning with scaling and polishing was carried out to acquire a zero plaque and gingival index (GI) for all ninety patients at baseline. Ninety patients were randomly divided into three groups with thirty patients in each group named as Group A, B, and C, respectively. Two commercially available mouthrinses, one containing alcohol (labeled as Solution (A) and one without alcohol (labeled as Solution (B) were placed in identical bottles and distributed to Group A and Group B patients. Whereas, the Group C patientswere instructed to use warm saline mouth rinse. The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (Version 18). RESULTS: Essential oils with an alcohol-based and chlorhexidine (CHX) alcohol-free mouthrinse (0.2%) groups compared to normal saline showed significant reductions in GI and PI scores.(P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The antiplaque efficacy of both alcohol-based mouthwash with essential oils and nonalcohol based CHX mouthwash were found to be equally effective in 4 days of plaque re-formation.

Effects of chelidonic acid, a secondary plant metabolite, on mast cell degranulation and adaptive immunity in rats.

The present study evaluated the immunomodulatory effects of chelidonic acid, a secondary plant metabolite, with therapeutic potential in allergic disorders, in experimental animals. In mast cell degranulation studies, ovalbumin immunized and challenged rats, chelidonic acid (1, 3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.) dose relatedly prevented ovalbumin challenge induced mast cell degranulation by differing degrees when compared with vehicle treated group, and these effects were comparable with prednisolone (10mg/kg). A reduction in post-challenge mortality was also observed in all treated groups. Further, there were reductions in the blood eosinophil counts and serum IgE levels after chelidonic acid treatment. Chelidonic acid also inhibited histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells (RPMC) in vitro, in a dose related manner. In tests for adaptive immunity, in rats immunized with sheep RBC, chelidonic acid differentially suppressed the (a) plaque forming cell (PFC) count in rat splenic cells, (b) anti-SRBC antibody titre and serum IgG levels and (c) increases in foot pad thickness in the DTH assay - all of which were comparable with prednisolone. These experimental results are discussed in light of the possible therapeutic potential of chelidonic acid in allergic disorders.

Regulation of expression of microRNAs by DNA methylation in lung cancer.

Differential expression of miRNAs has been linked with lung carcinogenesis. Recent studies have indicated that DNA hypermethylation can lead to silencing of tumor suppressor miRNA-encoding genes. Restoration of tumor suppressor miRNAs using inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases has been shown to suppress cell proliferation, angiogenesis, invasion and metastasis implying that modulation of methylation of specific miRNAs can be used as novel therapeutic targets in lung cancer. In this review, we highlight tremendous progress which has been made in the identification of methylation-mediated silencing of miRNAs and their contribution in lung carcinogenesis along with the clinical utility of methylated miRNAs.

Oral Health of Pre-School Aged Children in Dhanbad District, Jharkhand, India- A Peek into their Mother's Attitude.

INTRODUCTION: Mothers are directly responsible for the dental health of their children and play a major role in shaping the dental health behaviors of their children. They also play an important role in preventing oral diseases in them. OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of attitude of mothers in relation to their pre-school aged children, which in turn can influence the level of oral health. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 312 mothers, selected randomly from eight blocks of Dhanbad district, Jharkhand, India. They were administered with a structured questionnaire on attitude, by an interviewer. RESULTS: The overall data indicated that the attitude of mothers about oral health in their pre-school children increased as their age increased which was not statistically significant (p>.066). Mothers who had less than higher secondary school education and belonged to socio-economically lower groups had poor knowledge of oral health which was statistically significant (p<.001). CONCLUSION: Mothers should be motivated so that their attitude about their child's oral health is enhanced which in turn would improve their oral health related quality of life.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for rapid diagnosis and its role in prevention of human brucellosis in Punjab, India.

OBJECTIVES: Brucellosis is the most common zoonotic disease that has been diagnosed mainly by serological tests and blood culture to some extent. This study was designed to establish a PCR technique for rapid diagnosis to be used in surveillance activities. METHODS: The purpose of this study was firstly explained to the study population and verbal consent was obtained before sample collection. Peripheral blood was collected from 116 occupationally exposed groups with and without pyrexia of unknown origin from various districts of Punjab. Samples were subjected to blood culture, serological tests and DNA extraction was done using conventional laboratory extraction procedure. A primer pair B4/B5 that amplifies a gene encoding a 31 kDa immunogenic outer membrane protein (bcsp31) of Brucella species was used for PCR amplification. RESULTS: The results showed that 8 (7%) of the cases had positive PCR and the detection threshold of primers used in this study were 715 cfu/ml. PCR results were 51.3% accurate for sensitivity of 12.6% and specificity of 100% using STAT as gold standard. CONCLUSIONS: Early-case reporting is possible by rapid tests like PCR. Thus, PCR is a promising diagnostic tool for routine investigation and surveillance of brucellosis which is the key element for management of prevention and control programmes. But patient condition before testing, optimal clinical specimen, sample volume used, simple and efficient DNA extraction protocol are the points of concern for PCR to be used as a routine test in clinical laboratory practice.

Immunochemical characterization of antigens of Brucella canis and their use in seroprevalence study of canine brucellosis

OBJECTIVE@#To explore immunochemical characterization of antigens of Brucella canis (B. canis), and the use in seroprevalence study of canine brucellosis.@*METHODS@#External hot phosphate buffer saline extract (HPBSE) and internal sonicated (SA) antigens were prepared from B. canis strain MEX 51 and immunochemically characterized. These antigens were used to test 527 serum samples of dogs by 2-mercaptoethanol-tube agglutination test (2 ME-TAT), agar gel immunodiffusion test (AGID), dot-ELISA and indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (I-ELISA) to assess the seroprevalence of canine brucellosis.@*RESULTS@#The protein content of HPBSE and SA antigens was 0.387 mg/mL and 0.195 mg/mL, respectively, whereas carbohydrate content was 0.174 mg/mL and 0.150 mg/mL, respectively. The sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (12.5%) of HPBSE and SA, revealed 6 and 8 visible peptide bands ranging from 18-80 kDa and 12-45 kDa, respectively. Western blot analysis showed immunodominant bands of MW 12, 28, 39 and 45 kDa for HPBSE and 20-24 kDa for SA. The AGID revealed HPBSE as more specific antigen than SA but both I-ELISA and dot-ELISA indicated SA antigen to be more specific and reliable than HPBSE. The seroprevalence of canine brucellosis was 2.27% by 2ME-TAT, 1.5% by AGID, 3.03% by dot-ELISA and 16.12% by I-ELISA.@*CONCLUSIONS@#On the basis of the results of present study, we concluded that HPBSE is suitable antigen for AGID, which is more specific; whereas SA antigen is suitable for I-ELISA, which is highly sensitive. Therefore, initial screening of serum samples should be carried out by I-ELISA followed by confirmation with AGID.