ABSTRACT
Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the microleakage of three different direct restorative materials (amalgam [AA], glass ionomer cements [GICs], and Cention N [CN]) in Class II restorations using stereomicroscope. Materials and Methods: A standardized Class II cavity preparation was made involving the proximal and occlusal surfaces. All prepared samples were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups, with 10 teeth each according to the restoration material used: Group I-AA; Group II-GICs; and Group III-CN. The restored teeth were stored for 24 h in distilled water and thermocycled for 500 cycles between 5°C and 55°C with a dwell time of 30 s in each bath. Samples were immersed in 0.5% basic fuchsin dye for 24 h. The teeth were sectioned along the mesiodistal direction. The dye penetration of the occlusal and gingival margins of each section was evaluated independently by the observer using a stereomicroscope. Results: Statistical analysis revealed lower microleakage scores in GIC and CN. Higher microleakage was observed in Group AA. Mean microleakage score of Group-I (AA) was the highest of all groups. Mean microleakage score of Group-III (CN) was the lowest of all groups. As per the critical differences (CD), the mean microleakage score of Group-III CN) was significantly lower than that of Group-I (AA), Group-II (GIC) (P < 0.01). There is no significant difference between the mean microleakage score of Group-I (AA) and Group-II (GIC). Conclusion: Out of all the restorative materials, CN a newer restorative material displayed minimum microleakage compared to AA and GICs.
ABSTRACT
Low birth weight has an adverse effect on the perinatal life and beyond. Several maternal factors contribute to the birth weight of a neonate. This prevalence study was undertaken to study how various factors modulates the birth weight. A community based cross sectional study on birth weight of newborns was conducted among pregnant women of an urban slum in Guwahati, Assam, India.Out of 378 pregnant women in the study group 200 primigravida and 178 multigravida in the age group of 18-37 yrs. Heamoglobin estimation was done by conventional method. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 software for windows. Data were analysed by Chi-square test. The results were considered as significant if P values were 0.05 or less. In the study, age and hemoglobin level is significant in relation to birth weight (p=.008, p=.005 respectively) but Parity of mother is not significant in relation to birth weight (p=.790). To find out the risk factor of Low Birth Weight the odds ratio has been calculated. It shows 1.15% more chances giving birth to babies having Low Birth Weight in Primipara than multipara.
ABSTRACT
Phospholipases A2 (PLA2) are enzymes that specifically hydrolyze the sn-2 fatty acid acyl bond of phospholipids, producing a free fatty acid and a lyso-phospholipid. We report the cloning and expression of a secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) from Mesobuthus tamulus, Indian red scorpion. The nucleotide sequence codes for a 167 residue enzyme. The open reading frame codes for a 31 amino acid signal peptide followed by a mature portion of the protein. The primary structure shows the calcium binding motif, catalytic residues, 8 highly-conserved cysteines and C-terminal extension which classify it as a group III PLA2. The entire transcript was expressed in Escherichia coli and was purified by metal affinity chromatography under denaturing conditions. The protein was refolded by serial dilutions in the refolding buffer to its active form. Hemolytic assays indicate that the protein adopts a functional conformation. The functional requisites such as optimum pH of 8 and calcium dependency are shown. This report provides a simple but robust methodology for recombinant expression of toxic proteins.