Characterization of oleosin genes from forage sorghum in Arabidopsis and yeast reveals their role in storage lipid stability.

MAIN CONCLUSION: Overexpression of forage sorghum oleosin genes in Arabidopsis oleosin-deficient mutant and yeast showed increased germination rate, triacylglycerol content, and protection against lipase-mediated TAG degradation. Plant lipids are an important source of ration for cattle or other livestock animals to fulfil their energy needs. Poor energy containing green forages are still one of the major sources of food for livestock animals, leaving the animals undernourished. This lowers the milk and meat production efficiency, thereby affecting human consumption. Oleosin, an essential oil body surface protein, is capable of enhancing and stabilizing the lipid content in plants. We identified and functionally characterized three forage sorghum oleosin genes (SbOle1, SbOle2, and SbOle3) in Arabidopsis and yeast. Phylogenetic analysis of SbOle proteins showed a close relationship with rice and maize oleosins. Expression analysis of SbOle genes determined a higher expression pattern in embryo followed by endosperm, while its expression in the non-seed tissues remained negligible. Overexpression of SbOle genes in Arabidopsis ole1-deficient mutants showed restoration of normal germination whereas control mutant seeds showed lower germination rates. Heterologous overexpression of SbOle in yeast cells resulted in increased TAG accumulation. Additionally, the TAG turnover assay showed the effectiveness of SbOle genes in reducing the yeast endogenous and rumen bacterial lipase-mediated TAG degradation. Taken together, our findings not only provide insights into forage sorghum oleosin for increasing the energy content in non-seed organs but also opened up the direction towards implication of oleosin in rumen protection of fodders.

Comparative evaluation of webinar, powerpoint presentation and lecture as oral health educational interventions among school children: a randomized controlled trial.

The study compared the effectiveness of three teaching methods on the oral health status of high school children. The study population of 791 school children selected from three different schools was randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups: (i) Webinar group (Online presentation)-260 subjects, (ii) Face to Face lecture using PowerPoint presentation (F2F PP group)-261 subjects and (iii) Control group (Only lecture)-270 subjects. Subjects from the Webinar group and F2F PP group received oral health education at an interval of 15 days starting from baseline. Subjects from the control group received oral health education only at baseline. Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Gingival Index (GI) were measured at baseline, at 1 month, 2 months' and 3 months' interval. OHI and GI showed a significant reduction (P = 0.001) in the Webinar group and F2F PP group; However, in the control group, OHI and GI reduced from baseline till second month and showed an increase at 3 months' interval. F2F PP group showed a maximum reduction in OHI and GI followed by the Webinar group. It can be concluded that F2F PowerPoint-based oral health education was most effective followed by the webinar method.

Anticancer activity of chlorhexidine and cranberry extract: an in-vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral cancer is considered to be a global pandemic. The study was conducted to assess the anti-cancer activities of Chlorhexidine (CHX) and Cranberry against oral cancer cell lines. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Anticancer activity of CHX and Cranberry extract (CE) was assessed against AW13516 (poorly to moderately differentiated squamous cell carcinoma of tongue) and KB (Nasopharyngeal carcinoma) using Sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay at the Advanced Centre for Treatment Research and Education in Cancer (ACTREC) Mumbai, India. Three dose related parameters GI50, TGI and LC50 were calculated for each drug. RESULTS: CE (80µg/ml) showed no anti-cancer property against AW13516 cell line; however it showed 70.6% growth inhibition against KB cell line. CHX demonstrated 80.15% & 95.7% of growth inhibition against AW13516 & KB cell line respectively. Both the drugs were less potential than positive control drug Adriamycin, as reflected by their GI50, TGI and LC50 values. CONCLUSION: CHX exhibited better anti-cancer properties than CE for both the oral cancer cell lines.

Unveiling silicon-mediated cadmium tolerance mechanisms in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek): Integrative insights from gene expression, antioxidant responses, and metabolomics.

Cadmium (Cd), one of the most phytotoxic heavy metals, is a major contributor to yield losses in several crops. Silicon (Si) is recognized for its vital role in mitigating Cd toxicity, however, the specific mechanisms governing this mitigation process are still not fully understood. In the present study, the effect of Si supplementation on mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek) plants grown under Cd stress was investigated to unveil the intricate pathways defining Si derived stress tolerance. Non-invasive leaf imaging technique revealed improved growth, biomass, and photosynthetic efficiency in Si supplemented mungbean plants under Cd stress. Further, physiological and biochemical analysis revealed Si mediated increase in activity of glutathione reductase (GR), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and catalase (CAT) enzymes involved in reactive oxygen species (ROS) metabolism leading to mitigation of cellular damage and oxidative stress. Untargeted metabolomic analysis using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) provided insights into Si mediated changes in metabolites and their respective pathways under Cd stress. Alteration in five different metabolic pathways with major changes in flavanols and flavonoids biosynthesis pathway which is essential for controlling plants antioxidant defense system and oxidative stress management were observed. The information reported here about the effects of Si on photosynthetic efficiency, antioxidant responses, and metabolic changes will be helpful in understanding the Si-mediated resistance to Cd stress in plants.

Correlation of Mucormycosis with Various Clinical Parameters Among COVID-19 Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), during the second wave in early 2021, caused devastating chaos in India. As daily infection rates continue to rise alarmingly, the number of severe cases also increased dramatically. Mucormycosis is an infection caused by filamentous molds, and there was a rise in mucormycosis cases after COVID-19 infection. The aim of the study is to assess various parameters associated with mucormycosis patients who suffered from COVID-19. Material and Methodology: This study was a cross-sectional questionnaire study. The target population for the study were 70 mucormycosis-infected patients (51 = males, 19 = females). The questionnaire mainly focused on association of various parameters of COVID-19 with mucormycosis. Results: Result showed that out of 70 cases of mucormycosis the association was found between history of diabetes mellitus 45 (64.2%), type of hospitalization, number of days of hospitalization, oxygen administered, type and maintenance of face mask, i.e., patient who had reused mask by washing 59 (84.3%), and method of oral hygiene practices. Conclusion: Mucormycosis is extremely rare in population. The study findings emphasize the need to be aware of invasive mucormycosis developing in COVID-19 patients, especially including patients with diabetes mellitus and outside the ICU, patient who had poor oral hygiene during COVID-19, patients receiving oxygen therapy should ensure that the water in the humidifier is clean and is refilled regularly, knowledge and education about the use of the facemask.

Dental professionals' knowledge and behavior towards utilization of gloves: a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Dental practitioners are at risk of developing infections due to nature of their occupation which can be prevented by following proper infection control protocols, including proper use of gloves. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the perception and beliefs of dental healthcare providers towards usage of different type of gloves. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a total of 241 participants out of which 198 participants (77 interns, 58 dental post-graduate students (PG) and 63 dental faculty members) returned completed questionnaire (response rate of 82.15%). The questionnaire comprised of questions on dental professionals' preferences for certain types of gloves and the reasons for these preferences, as well as determining their knowledge, beliefs and behavior concerning the use of dental gloves as a means of barrier protection. Data obtained was analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Dental faculty members had a better knowledge regarding use of gloves as compared to dental PG students and interns. Most of the study participants preferred certain types of gloves for the purpose of better protection followed by comfort. Most of the participants believed that gloves provide full protection as long as there is no visible tear (interns 70.1%; PG students 50%; faculty members 60.3%). Most of the interns (42.9%) and PG students (41.4%) did not know about the fact that petroleum based products affect the integrity of the gloves. 2.6% interns, 29.3% PG students and 20.6% faculty members reported that they would not change gloves during an uninterrupted three-hour long procedure. CONCLUSION: Most of the interns and PG students had poor knowledge regarding usage of gloves which calls for an action on the part of educators to educate and train dental professionals regarding proper infection control practices.

Antibacterial activity of garlic extract on cariogenic bacteria: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium Sativum) is ubiquitous, small and commonly used spice for processing food. There are many types of garlic and differ in shape, size, color, taste, number of cloves per bulb and storability. OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the antibacterial activity of soft neck and hard neck species of garlic against cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. After incubation in an appropriate culture medium, diameter of zone of inhibition was measured to assess the antibacterial efficacy of garlic extract. Chlorhexidine mouthwash (ICPA HEALTH PRODUCTS LTD.) was kept as control group. Results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test and independent 't' test. Thus, zone of inhibition (in mm) was analyzed using mean of all the readings obtained and the level of significance at <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 5% of level of significance. RESULTS: Maximum zone of inhibition was found with hard neck garlic extract (24mm) followed by soft neck garlic extract (18mm) and Chlorhexidine (17mm) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. CONCLUSION: Action of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus raises the possibility that it can be used for dental caries and other oral infections possibly.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotic, Herbal and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Gingival Health: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Due to inherent limitations of Chlorhexidine (CHX), search for an effective and potentially safe anti-plaque agent has led to emergence of alternative products. AIM: The present study evaluated the comparative efficacy of probiotic, herbal and CHX mouthwashes on gingival health of healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was randomized parallel group controlled trial. A group of 45 healthy subjects in the age group of 18-21 years received complete supragingival scaling at baseline and study variables viz., Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded. Subjects were then randomly divided into three groups (15 in each group) and were randomly intervened with three different mouthwashes i.e., HiOra mouthwash, CHX mouthwash and Probiotic mouthwash. Variables were again recorded on the seventh and 14th day after use of mouthwashes and data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the efficacy of CHX, HiOra regular and probiotic mouthwashes on plaque accumulation, gingival health and oral hygiene status. CONCLUSION: Herbal and probiotic mouthwashes can prove to be effective alternatives to CHX with minimal side effects.

Level of Fluoride in Soil, Grain and Water in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India.

INTRODUCTION: Fluoride has an influence on both oral as well as systemic health. The major source of fluoride to body is through drinking water as well as through diet. Staple diet mainly depends on local environmental factors, food grains grown locally, its availability etc. Determination of fluoride level in these food grains is important. So, estimation of the amount of fluoride in grains and its relation to the sources of fluoride used for their cultivation viz., soil and water is important. AIM: To estimate the relation of fluoride concentration in grains (Jowar) with respect to that of soil and water used for their cultivation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen samples each of soil, water and grains were collected using standardized method from the same farm fields of randomly selected villages of Jalgaon district. Fluoride ion concentration was determined in laboratory using SPADNS technique. Mean difference in fluoride levels in between the groups were analyzed using ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey test. Linear regression method was applied to analyse the association of the fluoride content of grain with water and soil. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in between mean fluoride levels of soil and water (p<0.001) and in between soil and grain (p<0.001); however, difference in between mean fluoride levels of water and grain was found to be non significant (p=0.591). Also fluoride levels in all the three groups showed significant association with each other. CONCLUSION: Fluoride level of soil, grains and water should be adjusted to an optimum level. Soil has positive correlation with respect to uptake of fluoride by Jowar grains. So, Jowar grains with optimum fluoride content should be made available in the commercial markets so that oral and general health can be benefitted.

Comparative assessment of antibacterial activity of different glass ionomer cements on cariogenic bacteria.

OBJECTIVES: Glass ionomer cements (GICs), which are biocompatible and adhesive to the tooth surface, are widely used nowadays for tooth restoration. They inhibit the demineralization and promote the remineralization of the tooth structure adjacent to the restoration, as well as interfere with bacterial growth. Hence, the present study was conducted to assess and compare the antimicrobial activity of three commercially available GICs against two cariogenic bacteria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An agar plate diffusion test was used for evaluating the antimicrobial effect of three different GICs (Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech) on Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and Lactobacillus acidophilus (L. acidophilus). Thirty plates were prepared and divided into two groups. The first group was inoculated with S. mutans, and the second group was inoculated with L. acidophilus. These plates were then incubated at 37℃ for 24 hours. Zones of bacterial growth inhibition that formed around each well were recorded in millimeters (mm). RESULTS: The zones of inhibition for Fuji IX, Ketac Molar, and d-tech on S. mutans were found to be 10.84 ± 0.22 mm, 10.23 ± 0.15 mm, and 15.65 ± 0.31 mm, respectively, whereas those for L. acidophilus were found to be 10.43 ± 0.12 mm, 10.16 ± 0.11 mm, and 15.57 ± 0.13 mm, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: D-tech cement performed better in terms of the zone of bacterial inhibition against the two test bacteria, than the other two tested glass ionomers.

Effect of Reinforcement of Oral Health Education Message through Short Messaging Service in Mobile Phones: A Quasi-Experimental Trial.

Objective. This paper aims to assess the effectiveness of reinforcement of oral health education message through short messaging service (SMS) in mobile phones. Material and Methods. 400 subjects from two colleges (200 from each college) belonging to 18-20 years age group possessing mobile phones were randomly selected and baseline examination of oral hygiene and gingival status was carried out using Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Gingival Index (GI). Oral health education was provided to all the subjects. Oral health education message was reinforced through short messaging service (SMS) in mobile phones for the subjects belonging to the intervention group. There was no such reinforcement for the control group. Follow-up examinations were done at the end of 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month. After the 3rd month, subjects of the intervention group did not receive oral health education message through short messaging service (SMS) and were followed up after next three months. Compiled data was analyzed using SPSS version 16 statistical software. Result. Mean OHI and GI scores in intervention group were significantly (p < 0.01) less than those of control group after the 2nd, 3rd, and 6th month. Conclusion. Reinforcement of oral health education message through short messaging service (SMS) is effective media to improve oral health.

Mitigation of Fluorosis - A Review.

Fluoride is required for normal development and growth of the body. It is found in plentiful quantity in environment and fluoride content in drinking water is largest contributor to the daily fluoride intake. The behaviour of fluoride ions in the human organism can be regarded as that of "double-edged sword". Fluoride is beneficial in small amounts but toxic in large amounts. Excessive consumption of fluorides in various forms leads to development of fluorosis. Fluorosis is major health problem in 24 countries, including India, which lies in the geographical fluoride belt. Various technologies are being used to remove fluoride from water but still the problem has not been rooted out. The purpose of this paper is to review the available treatment modalities for fluorosis, available technologies for fluoride removal from water and ongoing fluorosis mitigation programs based on literature survey. Medline was the primary database used in the literature search. Other databases included: PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, WHO, Ebscohost, Science Direct, Google Search Engine, etc.

Patterns of Mobile Phone use and Self-reported Health Problems among Adults Visiting a Private Dental Institute

Background: Increased use of mobile phones has led to increase in the prevalence of health problems. Hence, the presentstudy was undertaken to assess the pattern of the use of mobile phone and its association with self-reported health problemsamong adults.Materials and Methods: A total of 1520 participants visiting a private dental institute in Dhule, Maharashtra, were interviewedusing a pre-tested, structured questionnaire. The questionnaire included variables such as socio-demographic details, use ofmobile phone use and its pattern, selected health problems, perceived benefits, or threats of the use of mobile phone. Dataobtained were analyzed using SPSS software.Results: The majority of the participants (87.9%) were using mobile phone for up to 3 h daily. The majority of the participants(98.3%) reported using mobile phone for calling facility followed by internet or social networking purpose (67.2%). Healthsymptoms such as headache, stressful eyes, tiredness, and painful fingers showed an increased prevalence with increase in thedaily usage of mobile phones; whereas hypertension was inversely related to the use of mobile phone. Most of the participantsagreed that they start feeling stressed or anxious without their mobile phones.Conclusion: Selected health problems showed a positive association with increasing mobile phone use. People should bemade aware of harmful effects caused due to over-indulgence in the use of mobile phone and should restrict the use of focusonly on mobile positive phones to the minimum possible.

Sublingual versus vaginal use of Misoprostol for induction of labor

Background: Induction of labor is one of the great challenges for obstetric care provider. Misoprostol is used for induction of labor by various routes with the advantages in being cheap and stable at room temperature and widely available even in resource-poor settings.Methods: A randomized controlled study was conducted in the obstetrics and gynecology department of Govt. Medical College and associated Maharani Hospital, Bastar, Chhattisgarh, India over a period of 1.75 years from September 2014 to May 2016. Study has comprised of 200 pregnant women admitted in the department for induction of labor fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data was collected and analyzed by SPSS 16.0. z-test and chi-square test to compare the safety and efficacy of both the routes of misoprostol use for IOL.Results: There were insignificant differences in number of doses required for induction with satisfactory maternal and neonatal outcome but shorter (12 hours) induction delivery interval with sublingual Misoprostol induction. Most of the cases of both the groups were delivered by vaginal route (86% and 62%) within 12 hours of induction(58% and 42%) yet significant (p value < 0.001) number of cases had undergone caesarean in group of vaginal misoprostol administration (29%) with major indications of meconium stained liquor (3% and 12%) and non assuring fetal heart rate (1% and 10%).Conclusions: Although both the routes of induction by Misoprostol are well tolerated by the women with satisfactory neonatal outcome, sublingual Misoprostol has an added advantage of quicker delivery, less caesarean and ease of administration indicates better safety and effectiveness.