Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back) can transmit begomovirus from Duranta to potato, tomato and bell pepper

Solanum whitefly, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back). (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was considered as a non-virusvector by European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO) reports. However, in the presentstudy it was found to transmit Duranta leaf curl virus (DLCV) to tomato, bell pepper and potato. A. trachoidesinfested field samples of Duranta sp (100%) and tomato (20%) tested positive for begomovirus by PCR usingbegomovirus degenerate primers and primers specific to Tomato leaf curl New Delhi virus showing ampliconof 520 bp and 2.7 Kb respectively. The DNA samples of A. trachoides collected from virus positive durantaand tomato plants also tested positive for the virus. Virulent whiteflies from duranta could successfully transmitDLCV to bell pepper (26%) and tomato (13%) plants as confirmed by Rolling Circle Amplification. The rate ofvirus transmission by A. trachoides from DLCV inoculated tomato to bell pepper and tomato to potato was100% and tomato to tomato was 80%. The results suggest whitefly A. trachoides as the vector for DLCV and tothe best of our knowledge, this is the first report for A. trachoides as vector of begomovirus. These findingssuggest need for reconsideration of A. trachoides as a virus-vector. This will have great impact on solanaceousvegetable cultivation in India and other parts of the world.

Morphometric study on posterior papillary muscles of human tricuspid valve.

Background: Aim of the present study was to observe the measurements of posterior papillary muscles present in tricuspid valve of human heart. Measurements of posterior papillary muscles in tricuspid valve gains utmost importance in cardiac surgeries because they are the causes of myocardial infarction in recent times because of its variations and detection of these causes by advent in modern technologies which will help in treatment of tricuspid valve diseases. Material and methods: This study was carried out on 96 normal formalin fixed human heart specimens. Dissection was performed according to standard techniques. Posterior papillary muscles were observed and length, width and thickness of each muscle were measured and documented. Results: In the present study, numbers of posterior papillary muscles were present with a frequency of 0-7, with most common appearance of 2 muscles in 38 hearts (39.6%) and least common incidence of 0 muscles in 1 heart (1%). Posterior papillary muscles were present in 95 hearts, with maximum number of 7 muscles in 1 heart (1%) and minimum number of 1 muscle in 27 hearts (28.1%). In measurements of papillary muscles, posterior papillary muscle mean height was 1.05±0.37 cm, mean width was 0.63±0.17 cm and mean thickness was 0.5±0.11 cm respectively. Conclusion: This study serves to understand the morphometry of posterior papillary muscles better and can help in various surgical procedures and cardiac treatment done on tricuspid valve.

Cadaveric Study on Anterior and Posterior Papillary Muscles of Tricuspid Valve.

Background: Aim of the present study was to observe the morphology, measurements and types of papillary muscles present in tricuspid valve of human heart. Morphology, measurements and attachments of papillary muscles in tricuspid valve gains utmost importance in cardiac surgeries and causes of myocardial infarction in recent times because advent in modern technologies in treatment of tricuspid valve diseases. Materials andMethods: This studywas carried out on 96 normal fresh formalin fixed human post-mortemheart specimens. Hearts are not grouped into any criteria of sex and age. Dissection was performed according to standard techniques. Types of papillary muscles observed and length, width and thickness of each muscle are measured and documented. Results: In the present study, number of papillary muscles was present with a frequency of 2-10. Maximum numbers of papillary muscles were 10 seen in only one heart (1%) and minimum numbers of papillary muscles were 2 seen in 3 hearts (3.1%). Anterior papillary muscles were present in all 96 (100%) hearts. Maximum numbers of muscles observed were 3 seen in 6 hearts (6.3%) and minimum number muscle was 1 seen in 66 (68.8%) hearts, which was normal. Two papillary muscles were seen in remaining 24 hearts (25%). Posterior papillary muscles were present in 95 (98.95%) hearts. Seven papillary muscles were observed in only 1 (1%) heart and only 1 papillary muscle was seen in 27 (28.1%) hearts. In measurements of papillary muscles, anterior papillary muscle mean height was 1.49±0.44 cm; mean width was 0.82±0.21 cm and mean thickness was 0.64±0.15 cm respectively and posterior papillarymuscle mean height was 1.05±0.37 cm,mean width was 0.63±0.17 cm and mean thickness was 0.5±0.11 cm respectively. Conclusion: We hope this study will serve to understand the tricuspid valve complex and morphometry of different papillary muscles better and it will help in various surgical procedures and cardiac treatment done on tricuspid valve.

FisiograftTM as a bone material in the treatment of periodontal vertical defects and its clinical and radiological evaluation: clinical study / FisiograftTM como material de enxerto ósseo no tratamento de defeitos periodontais verticais e sua avaliação clínica e radiográfica: um estudo clínico

Objectives: The purpose of this clinical study is to determine the efficacy of Fisiograft™ as a bone graft materialin the treatment of three wall vertical defects in generalized chronic periodontitis patients and theirclinical and radiological evaluation. Materials and methods: Twenty patients (with 30 defects) diagnosedwith generalized chronic periodontitis having two or more three wall vertical defects were selected for thisstudy. Clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachmentlevels were recorded at different points of time over six months. Radiographic evaluation included the depthof the bone defect and the percentage of bone defect fill, and was carried out for both the groups at baseline,three months and six months. After recording clinical parameters and administering phase-1 therapy, thesites were randomly treated either with Fisiograft™ or open flap debridement only. Results: At the end of sixmonths there was a significant reduction in the plaque and gingival scores in both test and control groups.There was 64% decrease in probing pocket depth for the test site as compared to 55% decrease seen for thecontrol group. Similarly there was an 85% gain in clinical attachment level from the baseline to six monthspost operatively for the experimental group in comparison to 69% gain for the control group. Furthermore,44% bone fill was observed for the experimental site whereas only 18% of bone fill was evident in the controlsite. Conclusion: Fisiograft™ improves healing outcomes, leads to a reduction of probing depth, a resolutionof osseous defects and a gain in clinical attachment, compared with open flap debridement by itself.

Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo clínico foi determinar a eficácia do Fisiograft®, como material de enxerto ósseo, no tratamento de defeitos ósseos verticais de três paredes em pacientes com periodontite crônica,bem como avaliações clínica e radiográfica. Materiais e métodos: Vinte pacientes (com 30 defeitos)diagnosticados com periodontite crônica generalizada, portando dois ou mais defeitos ósseos verticais detrês paredes foram selecionados para o estudo. Parâmetros clínicos como índice de placa, índice gengival,profundidade de bolsa à sondagem e níveis clínicos de inserção foram registrados em diferentes intervalos de tempo até seis meses. Avaliações radiográficas incluíram a profundidade do defeito ósseo e a porcentagem de preenchimento do defeito ósseo, sendo realizadas em ambos os grupos imediatamente (baseline),em três meses e seis meses. Após registrar os parâmetros clínicos e administrar a terapia de fase-1, os locais foram tratados aleatoriamente com Fisiograft® ou retalho de espessura total somente. Resultados: Ao fim do período de seis meses houve redução significativa nos índices de placa e gengival em ambos os grupos,controle e experimental. Houve redução de 64% na profundidade de bolsa à sondagem para os locais de teste comparado, 55% de redução no grupo controle. Similarmente, houve ganho de 85% no nível clínico de inserção do baseline para o período de seis meses de pós-operatório para o grupo experimental em comparação ao ganho de 69% para o grupo controle. Adicionalmente, um preenchimento ósseo de 44% foi observado para os locais experimentais, enquanto somente 18% de preenchimento foi evidente nos locais de controle.Conclusão: O Fisiograft® melhora os resultados de cicatrização, promove redução na profundidade de sondagem,constitui uma resolução para os defeitos ósseos e aumento na inserção clínica, comparado ao retalho de espessura total somente.

Detection and characterization of group a rotaviruses (RVA) detected in diarrhoeic children in Madhya Pradesh, Central India.

Background and objectives: Rotavirus is the leading cause of viral gastroenteritis throughout the world and is associated with up to 600000 deaths worldwide every year, of which more than 150,000 occur in India. This study was undertaken to detect and analyze the human rotavirus A (RVA) isolates from Madhya Pradesh, central India, between 2007 and 2008.Methods: Forty diarrhoeic samples from children up to the age of 5 years, admitted or visited the hospital, were screened using RNA-viral electrophoresis (PAGE), reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and selected isolates were further analyzed by sequencing.Results and interpretation: Incidence of RV was 32.5% in children (13/40) and all the isolates showed a typical migration pattern of 4:2:3:2, suggestive of group A RVs. All the PAGE positive samples yielded positive amplification in RT-PCR, confirming them to be human RVA. The VP7 gene sequence analysis of the selected isolates (H-14 and H-16) identified as G1 type revealed that these isolates form a cluster with Indian G1 isolates (mani63-06 and mani 365-07) and strain from Bangladesh (DH378) with sequence identity of more than 97% at amino acid levels. Simplot and boot scan analysis showed no recombination with other G1 strains.Conclusions: The G1 was detected to be the predominant genotype in this area of the country, which is helpful in selecting the vaccine strain.

RNA interference for the control of whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) by oral route.

RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing was explored for the control of sap-sucking pest Bemisia tabaci, commonly known as whitefly. dsRNAs and siRNAs were synthesized from five different genes – actin ortholog, ADP/ ATP translocase, α-tubulin, ribosomal protein L9 (RPL9) and V-ATPase A subunit. A simplified insect bioassay method was developed for the delivery of ds/siRNA through the oral route, and efficacy was evaluated. ds/siRNA caused 29–97% mortality after 6 days of feeding. Each insect ingested nearly 150 nl of insect diet per day, which contained a maximum of 6 ng of RNA. Knocking down the expression of RPL9 and V-ATPase A caused higher mortality with LC50 11.21 and 3.08 μg/ml, respectively, as compared to other genes. Semi-quantitative PCR of the treated insects showed significant decrease in the level of RPL9 and V-ATPase A transcripts. siRNAs were found stable in the insect diet for at least 7 days at the room temperature. Phloem-specific expression of dsRNAs of RPL9 and V-ATPase A in transgenic plants for the protection against whiteflies might be an interesting application of this technology.

Antimicrobial activity of bauhinia purpuria linn.

The antimicrobial activity of the various extracts of the root bark of Bauhinia purpuria has been studied by agar cup plate diffusion method. Significant antibacterial and antifungal activity was shown by petroleum ether, chloroform and acetone extracts.

Hopeless to hopeful: a clinical study on management of periodontal abscess with grade II furcation involvement - endodontic and periodontal interdisciplinary approach: case report / Da condenação à esperança: estudo clínico sobre o manejo do abscesso periodontal com envolvimento de furca grau II - abordagem interdisciplinar endodôntica e periodontal: relato de caso

OBJECTIVES: To present a case report of management of grade II furcation involvement associatedwith a periodontal abscess of mandibular right first molar utilizing an alloplastic bone graft. DISCUSSION:The case was diagnosed as periodontal abscess with grade-II furcation involvement and was primaryperiodontal lesion with secondary endodontic involvement. Treatment included scaling, root planing &curettage and root canal treatment of the involved tooth. Periodontal flap surgery was done with bonegraft placement in the furcation area. RESULTS: Patient was evaluated after onear. Radiographicexamination showed healing of furcation defect as well as resolution of periapical inflammation. Clinicalevaluation revealed resolution of furcation involvement as well as reduction of tooth mobility.

OBJETIVOS: Apresentar um caso de comprometimento grau II de furca, lesão primariamenteperiodontal com comprometimento endodôntico secundário, em primeiro molar inferior. Otratamento constituiu de alisamento radicular, curetagem e tratamento endodôntico do dentecomprometido. Cirurgia de retalho periodontal foi efetuada, com colocação de enxerto ósseo na área da furca. RESULTADOS: o paciente foi avaliado após um ano, sendo que a imagemradiográfica demonstrou cicatrização do defeito da furca, bem como resolução da inflamaçãoperiapical. A avaliação clínica demonstrou resolução da lesão da furca, bem como reduçãoda mobilidade dentária.

Clinical evaluation of an ionic tooth brush on oral hygiene status, gingival status, and microbial parameter.

It has long been recognised that the presence of dental plaque leads to gingivitis and periodontal disease, as well as dental caries. Today tooth brushing is the most widely accepted method of removing plaque. Hence this present clinical study was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of an ionic toothbrush on oral hygiene status. For this study, 20 dental students in the age group of 18-20 years were included. All the subjects after undergoing dental prophylaxis were then provided with ionic toothbrushes, either active (equipped with lithium battery) or inactive (without lithium battery). Plaque index and gingival bleeding index were examined at 7th, 14th, and 21st day. Microbial assessment was done for detection of colony forming units (CFU) from the plaque samples which were collected on 0 day and 21st day, both before brushing and after brushing. Results shown a significant reduction in all the parameters and the reduction was more significant in active and inactive ionic toothbrush users. It was concluded that both active and inactive ionic toothbrushes reduced the plaque index and gingival bleeding index scores significantly and active ionic tooth brushes were more effective as compared to inactive ionic toothbrushes. There was no soft tissue trauma following the use of both type of toothbrushes, which showed that ionic toothbrushes were equally safe for regular long-term use.

Development and mechanisms of resistance to Bacillus thuringiensis endotoxin Cry1Ac in the American bollworm, Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner).

The American bollworm, H. armigera, evolved 31-fold resistance to selection pressure of B. thuringiensis endotoxin Cry1Ac within six generations. The Cry1Ac selected larvae of H. armigera showed cross-resistance to Cry1Aa and Cry1Ab both in terms of mortality and growth reduction. Studies on mechanisms of resistance to Cry1Ac showed that proteases of resistant insects degraded Cry1Ac faster than those of susceptible insects, which led to the relative unavailability of toxin of about 58 kDa for binding and perforation of midgut epithelial membrane of the target insect. Besides, resistant and susceptible populations of H. armigera differed in the binding of their receptors with Cry1Ac toxin. These results suggest the possibility of both mechanisms existing in imparting resistance. These findings mandate the necessity of B. thuringiensis resistance management for usage of B. thuringiensis either as a conventional insecticide or through transgenic crops.