Evaluation of the effects of Albizia lebbeck bark extracts on the cariogenic properties of Streptococcus mutans

Introduction: Oral diseases continue to be a major and common health problem worldwide and affect the quality of life by causing considerable pain and discomfort. While the mechanistic methods of caries prevention and treatment are in vogue, the concern about adverse effects of the constituents of these methods persists. Thus, there has always existed a need to develop effective and safe strategies to combat oral pathogens such as Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans). Aim: To examine the action of Albizia lebbeck (A. lebbeck) bark extracts on the growth and virulence factors of S. mutans such as- biofilm formation, surface adherence, cell surface hydrophobicity and acid production. Materials and Methods: Ethyl acetate, hexane, and chloroform extracts of the bark of A. lebbeck was prepared and tested for their activity against the ATCC 25175 S. mutans. The phytochemical constituents of the extracts were determined by biochemical assays and the MIC (Minimum Inhibitory Concentration) and MBC (Minimum Bactericidal Concentration) were obtained using the well diffusion assay. The effect of the sub-MIC concentrations of extracts on biofilm formation & eradication, microbial growth, adherence of the strain to glass surfaces, cell surface hydrophobicity and acid production were also determined. Results: All extracts inhibited the organism’s growth, and MIC was determined as 25 mg/ml. the sub-MIC concentrations of the extracts were found to- inhibit the formation of biofilms, eradicate formed biofilms and interfere with the adherence and acid production of S. mutans. Conclusion: The ethyl acetate and ethanolic extracts were found to be active at low concentrations (0.02mg/ml) and demonstrate a potential to be used in the formulation of anti-caries preparations.

A Synergistic Nephroprotective Activity of A Miracle Drink Ayurvedic Proprietary Medicine Renal Support A Novel Therapy for Chronic Kidney Disease in Human

Miracle drink “Renal Support (S-5)” an Ayurvedic formulation in conjugation with other cardiovascular support (S3), Sugar Care (S10), and liver health support (S4) was scientifically evaluated on 12 humans subjects for its therapeutic potential in treating chronic kidney diseases caused due to: a) Induce of pain killers medication, and other medications, b) Chronic diabetes, c) Blood pressure. Patients suffering from renal failure due to over medications, pain killer medication and BP were advised to take 15ml of Renal Support and S3 twice a day morning and evening before food, and 15ml of S4 trice a day. As the main biomarker of kidney disease, creatinine was monitored every month till three months of treatment whereas; blood urea and hemoglobin were screened at month end. Cytotoxicity and nephroprotective activity of Renal Support were evaluated on Baby Hamster Kidney Fibroblast cells (BHK-21). Radical decline in serum creatinine content was observed from 6.31mg/dl to 1.80mg/dl (68%), 1.20mg/dl (79%), and 0.84mg/dl (82%) on 30, 60, and 90 days of treatment respectively and in 90 days of treatment most of the patients showed 50 to 83% creatinine reduction. A significant decrease in the blood urea from 91mg/dl to 30mg/dl(67%) and hemoglobin content from 7.27 to 11.77g% was observed in 30days of treatment and the majority of patients showed >50% of blood urea reduction. No toxicity of Renal Support towards BHK-21 was noticed and showed 40.92% and 47.54% nephroprotective activity. A novel, natural-based, and safe Ayurveda formulation with significant nephroprotective potential for CKD treatment was proposed in the present study.

Pituitary blastoma, expanding the spectrum of newly recognized entities. A case report

Tumors of the pituitary gland and sellar region represent about 15% of all brain tumors, with pituitary adenoma being the commonest and pituitary carcinoma being very rare. Pituitary tumors in children are even rarer. Pituitary blastoma, a pediatric adenohypophysial tumor, is a new entity described in the 2017 WHO classification of pituitary tumors. This is a very rare tumor with only 21 cases reported so far. Hence, we are reporting this unusual case seen in a 7-month-old infant who presented with a large sellar/suprasellar mass with pressure symptoms of short duration. Typically, they present between 7–24 months of age. On histopathology, a cellular tumor was seen with primitive-looking round cells with scanty cytoplasm with few well-defined gland or rosette-like structures. The immunohistochemical stains showed diffuse strong staining for synaptophysin with a very high MIB-1 index. Other markers for common round cell tumors in this age group and hormonal markers of pituitary tumors were negative with INI-1 being intact. The initial cases described by Scheithauer presented with Cushing's disease and at least focally expressed adrenocorticotrophic hormone on immunohistochemistry. However, nonfunctioning tumors are also seen, albeit rarely. These are known to be associated with DICER 1 mutations and have a poor prognosis. Hence, morphologic recognition in the right clinical context and excluding other differential diagnoses in infants help make the correct diagnosis.

Studies on the development of cassava based reconstituted dry starch sago with modified starch as binder and characterization of its physico-functional properties

Aim: The present study was conducted to investigate the status and diversity of plant species used for rearing of Eri silkworm and their traditional management in the homegardens of Mishing tribe.Methodology: A total of 45 homegardens from three villages were surveyed randomly which were primarily associated with rearing of Eri silkworm. Vegetation was studied using quadrat method. The data on traditional knowledge associated with the management of plants species for rearing of Eri silkworm were collected using semi structured questionnaires. Results: The average size of studied homegardens was 0.35 ha. A total of 243 plant species were recorded from the studied homegardens of which six species were used as food plants for rearing of Eri silkworm and 10 species were used in construction of mountage. Trees related to Eri culture contributed to 37.47% of the total importance value index (IVI) in the studied homegardens. Heteropanax fragrans (Roxb.) Seem and Ricinus communis L. were the primary food plants of Eri silkworm and were found to be dominant in the homegardens. Activities such as land preparation, sowing, pruning, weeding and watering are carried out for the management of Eri silkworm food plant species and were found to vary for different species. Interpretation: There is an urgent need to document the indigenous knowledge and traditional practices associated with the management of host and food plants used in the rearing of Eri silkworm in the present day context as it is a part of their cultural heritage and should be reoriented through integration of modern farming technique.

Assessment of fragile histidine triad expression in ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst and dentigerous cyst

Background: FHIT (Fragile histidine triad) a member of tumor suppressor family, has been extensively studied in many solid tumors including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Among all head and neck cyst and tumors odontogenic lesions account approximately 3%-9%. The molecular pathogenesis of these lesions is less explored. Defects in cell cycle regulators and tumor suppressor genes could result in the development of odontogenic cyst and tumors. Hence, we aimed to determine the significant role of a tumor suppressor gene FHIT in most commonly occurring odontogenic lesions mainly ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst and dentigerous cyst. Subjects and Methods: Immunohistochemical analysis of FHIT was done in ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, dentigerous cyst and dental follicle. Interpretation of the stained slides were done using standard scoring criteria by two pathologist. The results were subjected for statistical analysis. Results: Expression of FHIT varied among the groups, with highest negative expression in ameloblastoma 44.4% followed by odontogenic keratocyst 14% and 100%positive expression was seen in dentigerous cyst. The expression levels between the groups were statistically insignificant. Conclusion: The varied expression or negative expression of FHIT could be considered as an indicator for aggressive behavior and transformation of preneoplastic/cystic epithelium.

Prevalence and risk-factors of early childhood caries among 2–6-year-old Anganwadi children in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India: A cross-sectional survey

The objective of this study is to study the prevalence and associated risk determinants of early childhood caries (ECC) among preschool children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was designed to assess the ECC prevalence and associated risk factors among preschool children in Anganwadi of Nellore district using a standardized questionnaire. Results: A total of 550 study participants of age 2–6 years are enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Mean age of the participants was 4.39 ± 0.89 years. Most of the study participants (38%) were in the age of 5 years. When gender wise comparison was made girls represented 62% and boys 38% of the total population. When the risk factors were assessed for their association with caries experience, socioeconomic status, mother's schooling at child's birth, duration of using bottle, and bottle feeding while sleeping and plaque scores showed significant association with caries experience. Conclusion: ECC was more prevalent among 5-year-old children as compared to other age groups and moreover demographic factors such as mother's occupation, education, socioeconomic status, developmental characteristics such as enamel hypoplasia, feeding habits like prolonged and nocturnal bottle feeding and clinical parameters like plaque scores showed significant correlation with ECC.

Incidence of Henosepilachna Vigintioctopunctata Fab. on Brinjal in Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Field trial was conducted to study the seasonal incidence and influence of abiotic and biotic factors on Henosepilachna vigintioctopunctata of brinjal during 2011-12.The incidence of H.vigintioctopunctata started during first week after transplanting with a mean population of 0.81 per planton brinjal crop. The peak incidence was observed during the third week of October with a mean population of 6.98 per plant and the incidence decreased gradually up to crop maturity. Data recorded on effect of abiotic and biotic factors on H.vigintioctopunctata population revealed that the incidence had non-significant relation with a biotic factors like minimum temperature, evening relative humidity and significant relationship with maximum temperature, morning relative humidity and rainfall. The pest population also shows positive and significant correlation with biotic factors like coccinellid beetles as well as spiders.

Comparative Histology of Human and Cow, Goat and Sheep Liver

Comparative histology deals with the comparison of microscopic structural relations of the various animals with in the ecosystem. Here, we compare the microscopic structure of the human liver with domestic animals like cow, sheep and goat. Human and cow, goat and sheep’s liver were taken and divided in to 3 groups. We kept liver specimen in formalin for fixation. Thin cut sections of specimen were taken after paraffin embedding. Slides were stained by Haematoxylene and Eosin, later observed the histological features under light microscope. The study was undertaken to compare the histological differences like hepatic lobule, connective tissue septa, portal triad, hepatocytes of liver between human and cow, goat and sheep. It plays a useful tool for morphological studies based on the evolution. Hepatic lobule was hexagonal in shape in cow, goat and sheep, but it was not clearly seen in human liver. Hepatocytes were larger in human beings but smaller and polygonal in cow, goat and sheep. Connective tissue septa were scanty in human liver, in comparison to other animals. Central vein was closer to the hepatic lobule in human and goat’s liver, while in case of cow and sheep, it was found to be close to the portal triad. This comparative histological study may be useful to all the research scholars who undertaken similar studies, veterinary scientists and the field of liver transplantation.

Importance of role of pharmacist mediated adherence in hypertensive patients a brief overview.

Hypertension is an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease, the incidence of which it is possible to reduce by prophylactic treatment with antihypertensive drugs. Adherence to long-term therapies for chronic diseases in developed countries averages only 50%. In developing countries the rate is even lower, probably reflecting inequalities of access to appropriate health care facilities, supervised by qualified health care professionals. In clinical practice, however, only a minority of patients reach target blood pressure levels. The resulting gap between actual and potential health gains has been attributed to the fact that many patients do not take prescribed treatment as recommended. Pharmacists can play important roles in helping their patients with high blood pressure manage their condition. Serving as a partner and coach, pharmacists can provide medication therapy management services, educate patients about Hypertension. Further Pharmacists, physicians and other healthcare professionals should regard patients as partners in all decisions on treatments involving medication.

The Study of Base Catalysed Synthesis of 2-Chloro- 4-Amino-5-Flouropyrimidine from a biologically active Compound 5-Flouro Pyrimidine.

The base catalyzed study of synthesis of 2-chloro-4-Amino-5-flouroPyrimidine to improve the yields and economically viable industrialization process from its biological active pyrimidine derivative of 5-flourouracil.

Malignant myelomatous pleural effusion with good response to combination chemotherapy.

Malignant pleural effusion in myeloma is a rare terminal event with 91 cases reported so far. Majority of the patients survive less than 4 months. We are presenting a short series of four such cases, who had a good clinical response to combination chemotherapy.

Reuse of polyethylene waste in road construction.

The cost of construction of flexible pavements depends on thickness of the pavement layers. The thickness of pavement mainly depends on the strength of the subgrade. By suitable improvement to the strength of the subgrade, considerable saving in the scarce resources and economy can be achieved. Because of their lightweight, easy handling, non-breakable and corrosion free nature, polyethylene have surpassed all other materials in utility. But polyethylene waste has been a matter of concern to environmentalists as it is non-biodegradable. In this investigation, an attempt has been made to study the improvement of California Bearing Ratio (CBR) value of soils stabilized with waste polyethylene bags. This alternative material is mixed in different proportions to the gravel and clay to determine the improvement ofCBR value. Use of the waste polyethylene bags observed to have a significant impact on the strength and economy in pavement construction, when these are available locally in large quantities.

Bacteriological analysis of water samples from tsunami hit coastal areas of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu.

Water borne diseases such as cholera, enteric fever and dysentery were expected after the tsunami, which hit the coastal areas of Kanyakumari district, Tamil Nadu. In the present study 151 drinking water sources were collected from the tsunami affected villages and relief shelters and tested for coliforms and pathogens. Nine well water samples were also collected for specific bacteriological analysis. Presence of coliforms was detected in 56 (37%) water samples. One isolate each of Salmonella Paratyphi B and NAG Vibrio were isolated from two well water samples. There was no report of acute diarrhoeal diseases or typhoid illness during the post tsunami period monitored by a field microbiology laboratory for a month.

Expression of DNA transferred into mammalian cells.

There are several methods to introduce purified DNA into mammalian cells. These include microinjection into the nuclei of the recipient cells and complexing the DNA with facilitating agents such as calcium-phosphate. After it enters the nucleus, the DNA is expressed in a large proportion of the cells. This expression is dependent upon cis-acting sequences that are recognized by the mammalian transcriptional and translational machinery. In a smaller proportion of cells, the exogenous DNA becomes covalently integrated into the host cell DNA at random sites. Non-selectable genes can be introduced into mammalian cells by ligating them to a selectable marker or mixing the DNA with carrier DNA containing a selectable marker. The DNA that is introduced into mammalian cells can be rescued for examination and analysis. These gene transfer methods have already proven to be useful in identification of sequences which are necessary for normal gene expression as well as gene regulation. In addition a number of genes have been isolated using gene transfer methods. DNA mediated gene transfer holds much promise to target genes to specific sites in the chromosomes, to understand mechanisms of mammalian development and cell differentiation and is expected to provide a method to produce important and novel gene products that may be used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.