ASSESSMENT OF ADMISSIBILITY OF DNA PROFILING IN INDIAN LEGAL SYSTEM

DNA profiling has very important place in administration of Justice. It resolves many issues in criminal trial as well as civil suits.We can’t close our eyes and go through the conventional method of investigation. The crime has changed it face and to detect the new changed face crime, new modern technique must be inserted in the investigation. The object is not to prove everyone offender but to find the truth that now a days can be discovered by availing the service of new modern forensic science technique. The DNA is in every human being and identified at molecular level. The DNA is unique and cannot be equal in two or more persons and that is why it is very important in criminal investigation. It helps in identifying person by a small drop of blood particularly in the cases of rape, murder and sexual assault. The admissibility is sometime challenged by the defense counsel regarding reliability and relevancy to the case. The Court has to use discretionary power to accept it or not. Foreign courts in the various countries have also given due importance to the admissibility of DNA in the evidence. Its need of the time to insert the evidence procured by such forensic technique in Administration of Justice.

Evaluation of persistent upper abdominal pain by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Background: The upper gastrointestinal tract is affected by a spectrum of conditions which span from infectious, idiopathic, inflammatory diseases, polyps, motility disorders and malignancy. Upper gastrointestinal scopy is believed to be the most effective screening modality as it not only allows direct visualization of oesophagus, gastric and duodenal mucosa but to perform biopsies in suspected malignancies. Aim: To evaluate persistent upper abdominal pain by upper gastrointestinal scopy.Methods: A total of 100 patients presented with complains of persistent upper abdominal pain were subjected to upper gastrointestinal scopy. Biopsies in indicated cases were taken from abnormal areas and sent for histopathology.Results: Most common finding in patients according to upper gastrointestinal scopy was gastritis (27%), followed by duodentitis (9%), and gastroduodenitis (7%). Rapid urease test in cases of gastritis and duodenitis to determine H. pylori infection were positive in 53.8% cases.Conclusions: Because of its precision and relatively safe technique upper GI endoscopy can be considered in patients above age of 50 years presenting to surgical OPD with complaints of persistent pain in upper abdomen. Investigating helicobacter pylori should be considered in all patients found to have gastric or duodenal lesions on upper GI endoscopy as its association with these lesions ranges from 50 to 80%.

Study of prescribing pattern of drugs used in the treatment of bronchial asthma at tertiary care hospital of northern India

Background: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease requiring long term treatment. For an effective control of asthma symptoms background knowledge of the prescribing pattern of anti-asthmatic drugs is a must.Methods: A prospective, observational study was conducted in the Department of Respiratory Medicine OPD, King George's Medical University, Lucknow. 114 patients of asthma were recruited for the study. A case report form was filled from patient’s prescription containing the demographic details of the patients, presenting complaints, investigations and drugs prescribed along with their dose, duration, frequency, route of administration.Results: 114 patients’ prescriptions were assessed which showed average number of drugs per prescription - 3.22. 42.8% and 50% of the drugs were prescribed in accordance with World Health Organization model list of essential medicines and National list of essential medicines. Short acting ?2 agonist (salbutamol), 61.4% was the most commonly and frequently prescribed single anti asthmatic drug. Combination of inhaled corticosteroid and long acting ?2 agonist, 86.8% was the most commonly prescribed fixed dose combination anti asthmatic drug. Inhalational route (75%) was the most preferred one over oral route (25%).Conclusions: Asthma being a chronic disease requires prolonged treatment which imposes economic burden on the patients. Judicious prescription of drugs not only improves the patient clinically but also removes the unnecessary burden. Data obtained from these studies can be used as a guide to make future decisions regarding standard prescription.

Drug utilization study in medicine intensive care unit in tertiary care hospital

Background: The medical intensive care unit (MICU) is a setting were patients who are critically ill are admitted and thus usually receive a large number of drugs of different pharmacological classes due to life threatening illnesses which may be fatal. The various drugs used in MICU and there clinical outcome was investigated in this study.Methods: Patients admitted between January 2017 to June 2018 in Medicine ICU of GMC Aurangabad were included in this study.Results: Total of 351 prescriptions was analyzed from the medicine intensive care unit. Out of 351 patients 243 (69.23%) were male, while 108 (30.77%) were female. The mean age of the patients admitted in MICU was 42.78�.14 years. The most common type of patients admitted in MICU have the diagnosis of organophosphorous poisoning (25.36%), followed by cerebrovascular accident (15.95%), pneumonitis (10.26%), snake bite (7.12%), chronic kidney disease (5.98%), diabetic ketoacidosis (5.70%) and seizure disorder (3.42%). The most common drugs used were ranitidine (99.71%) and ondansetron (99.43%). Among antibiotics cephalosporins were most commonly used, ceftriaxone (39.03%), cefotaxim (40.46%), cefoperazone and sulbactum (24.22%). Other antibiotics most commonly used were metronidazole (61.25%), amoxicillin and potassium clavulanate (26.78%), piperacillin and tazobactum (11.68%), meropenem (11.40%).Conclusions: In conclusion, we found that in MICU utilization rate of gastroprotective (ranitidine), antiemetic (ondansetron) and antibiotics (cephalosporins) was high. The present study provides valuable insight about the overall pattern of drugs used in medicine intensive care unit.

Phenolic and Mineral Characteristics of Seed Coats and Kernels from 24 Species from Raipur Area, India

Aims: The objective of the present work is the investigation of the physicochemical characteristics of seed coats and kernels from 24 species with medicinal and food applications. Methodology: Seeds from 24 species (2 herbs, 11 vines and 11 trees), belonging to 13 families, were sampled in Raipur (India) in 2017. The collected seeds were dried and weighed, after which seed coats were manually peeled and separately weighed. Phenolic and mineral contents in the seed coats and kernels were analyzed by spectrophotometric and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) techniques, respectively. Results: The seed coat fraction represented from 12% to 95% of the seed mass, depending on the species. The concentrations of total polyphenols, flavonoids and minerals in the seed coats varied from 1800 to 32300 mg/kg, from 1200 to 26900 mg/kg, and from 5876 to 36499 mg/kg, respectively. In the seed kernels, TPh, Fla and minerals ranged from 780 to 31760 mg/kg, from 300 to 12020 mg/kg, and from 12595 to 40810 mg/kg, respectively. P, S, K, Mg, Ca and Fe were found to be the main macro- and micro-elements. Seed coats from Loganiaceae, Phyllanthaceae, Lauraceae and Rutaceae families featured the highest total polyphenol contents, and those from Lauraceae and Rutaceae families showed the highest flavonoid concentrations. The highest total mineral contents corresponded to seed coats from Lauraceae, Rutaceae and Euphorbiaceae families. Conclusion: Indian-laurel and curry tree stand out as promising phytochemical and nutrient sources.

Nutritional, Spectral and Thermal Characteristic of Lamiaceae Seeds

Aims: Species of the family Lamiaceae possess a rich tradition of use for flavoring and medicinal purposes. This paper focusses on the nutritional and thermal characteristics of the seeds from eight species belonging to this family: Gmelina arborea Roxb. ex Sm., Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., Leonotis nepetifolia (L.) R.Br., Ocimum americanum L., Ocimum sanctum L. (Rama Tulsi), Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Krishna Tulsi), Origanum vulgare L. and Tectona grandis L.f. Methodology: The oil, starch, total polyphenol, flavonoid and mineral contents for aforementioned seeds were determined. Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was used to assess the phytoconstituents. Thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric analyses (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses were performed to analyze the decomposition patterns. Results: The concentrations of oil, starch, total polyphenol, flavonoids and minerals for the seeds from the eight plants under study ranged from 11.8 to 50.4%, from 0.22 to 1.84%, from 295 to 5842 mg/kg, from 1660 to 12680 mg/kg and from 11756 to 33927 mg/kg, respectively. Unsaturated oils, polyphenols and lignin were recognized by vibrational spectroscopy. The sequence of thermal effects in the seed pyrolysis process above 100°C have been put in relation to seed protein crystallization (endotherm at 200°C), oxidation reactions and degradation of hemicellulose and other fiber components (at around 300°C), and decomposition of polyunsaturated (at 357°C) and mono-unsaturated (at 391°C) triglycerides. Conclusion: Lamiaceae seeds are potential food alternatives to cereals.

Chemical Composition of Abrus precatorius L. Seeds

Aims: A. precatorius seed powder is traditionally used in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani medicine. The objective of present work is to describe the oil, starch, protein, polyphenol and mineral composition of A. precatorius seeds. Methodology: Legumes from A. precatorius were collected, and seeds were manually separated. Dried seeds in powder form were employed for the various analyses: solvent extraction was used for elucidation of the oil percentage value; starch content was determined by the enzymatic method; total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were spectrophotometrically analyzed using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride as the color developing reagents, respectively; and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) was used for the mineral contents assessment. Results: The seed kernel consisted of stored oil (3.2%), protein (92.0%) and starch (4.8%). The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents were 24710 and 2520 mg/kg (dw). A remarkably high content of polyphenols was observed in the seed coat and the seed pod. P, S and (mainly) K nutrients were hyper-accumulated in the seed kernel. The seeds showed a glass transition at -21°C, two endothermic peaks at 109°C (dehydration and protein unfolding) and at 209°C, and a calorific value (~406 kcal/100 g dw) that exceeded those of Pisum sativum L., Lens culinaris Medik. and other common pulses. Conclusions: The seed kernel from A. precatorius was mainly composed of stored protein, with low oil and starch contents. High contents of polyphenols, K, Mg, Ca and Fe were found in the seeds. Heavy metals were below the safety limits established for human consumption.

Chemical Composition of Caesalpinioideae Seeds

Aims: Caesalpinioideae species have great medicinal and food values. In this work, six Caesalpinioideae species that grow abundantly in central India were selected for chemical investigation: Delonix regia, Entada gigas, Leucaena leucocephala, Mimosa pudica, Parkia javanica and Senna siamea. The objective of the present work is to describe the phytochemical and mineral composition and the bioaccumulation potentialities of the seeds from aforementioned species. Methodology: Spectrophotometric, enzymatic and X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometric techniques were used for the quantification of polyphenols, starch and mineral contents, respectively. Results: The sum of the total concentrations of 17 macro- and micronutrients (P, S, Cl, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo and Pb), oil, protein and total starch in the six seeds were in the 20253-78489 mg/kg, 3.1-30.1%, 52.9-91.5% and 5.4–41.0% range, respectively. The highest concentrations of Fe, oil and phenolics were observed in M. pudica seeds. Both thermal and spectral characteristics allowed to differentiate M. pudica and P. javanica seeds (with the highest caloric contents) from the seeds from the other species. Conclusion: The selected Caesalpinioideae seeds are potential sources of the nutrients (i.e., P, S, K, Mg, Ca and Fe) and polyphenols, which are needed for biological metabolism and human health. The presence of heavy metals was well below safety limits, enabling their medicinal uses.

Evaluation of the Phytochemical and Mineral Characteristics of Some Selected Sapotaceae Plants

Aims: To study the spectral and thermal characteristics, and the oil, starch, polyphenol and mineral contents of seeds and leaves from three Sapotaceae species, provided that trees and shrubs of this family are an important source of nutritional and functional products. Methodology: Leaves and seeds from three Sapotaceae plants, namely Moa tree (Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel.), Chico sapote (Manilkara zapota (Linn.) van Royen) and Spanish cherry (Mimusops elengi Linn.), were collected in the Raipur area of Chhattisgarh, India. Their physicochemical characterization (including oil, polyphenol, starch and mineral contents; functional groups; and thermal degradation patterns) was carried out by using various techniques, viz. solvent extraction, spectrophotometry, enzymatic digestion, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies, thermogravimetric/derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. Results: The three Sapotaceae seeds under study were found to contain polyphenol, mineral, starch and oil contents in the 1850–23180 mg/kg, 11390–19385 mg/kg, 6.7–9.1% and 9.8-54.1% range, respectively. Their leaves and seed coats featured total phenolic contents in the 24260–28600 mg/kg and 7810–23060 mg/kg range, respectively, and mineral contents in the 8823–27462 mg/kg and 3619–15884 mg/kg range, respectively. The functional groups of the phytochemicals, studied by FTIR, were assigned. Their thermal decomposition patterns, which involved loss of water and volatile organic compounds, proteins, oil and starch/cellulose, were also described. Conclusion: The Sapotaceae leaves, seed coat, kernel and cake are enriched with very high contents of starch, proteins, polyphenols and minerals, suggesting their possible valorization in human food, animal feeding and as herbal medicines.

Nutritional and Spectral Characteristics of Terminalia Plants

Aims: Terminalia spp. is medicinal plants that belong to Combretaceae family, widely used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. In this work, the nutritional constituents of the leaves, seed kernel and seed coat from four Terminalia species (T. arjuna, T. bellirica, T. catappa and T. chebula) are reported. Methodology: Polyphenol and flavonoid contents were analyzed spectrophotometrically by using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride as reagents, respectively; mineral contents were quantified by using X-ray fluorescence; and the functional groups of the phytochemicals were investigated by infrared spectroscopy. Results: The total concentration of 20 macro- and micronutrients and heavy metals (viz. P, S, Cl, K, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Al, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, As and Pb), and the total polyphenol and flavonoid contents in the seed kernels ranged from 1754 to 65521 mg/kg, from 2150 to 51100 mg/kg and from 63 to 42300 mg/kg, respectively. Polyphenol and mineral contents for the Terminalia spp. seed coats and leaves were also determined. The enrichment in each of aforementioned elements with respect to the soil content was calculated. The vibrational spectra of the leaves and seed coats agreed with a composition rich in lignin, hemicellulose, cutin, pectin and flavonoids, while those of the seed kernels were in accordance with the presence of unsaturated oils, protein, and fiber. Conclusion: Various parts of the four Terminalia species under study (T. arjuna, T. bellirica, T. catappa and T. chebula) featured high contents of nutrients and polyphenols needed for biological metabolism and human health. In addition, heavy metals were only present at traces level, indicating that these Terminalia plants would be safe for medicinal uses.

Publication patterns in Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics

OBJECTIVES: Restorative Dentistry and Endodontics (Restor Dent Endod; RDE) is an English-language journal published by the Korean Academy of Conservative Dentistry, and it has been online since 2012 with quarterly publications. The purpose of this paper was to review and analyze the publications in this journal since its inception and over the 7-year period from 2012 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This paper assessed the number, type, and subject of articles published, as well as authorship patterns and article citations of the journal over a 7-year period. The citation indicator for the journal (h-index) was assessed using Google Scholar. RESULTS: The number of articles per issue has remained relatively consistent in the 7 years that were analyzed. An analysis of the article types revealed various categories of review articles. Original research articles accounted for the most articles per volume. Twice as many articles per volume were on endodontic topics than on restorative subjects. Articles published in RDE have been widely cited in Synapse, Crossref, and PubMed Central. A country-wise mapping of authors' institutions revealed significant contributions from authors around the world. With an h-index of 24, RDE ranks third among journals in its specialty. The most cited articles were open lectures on statistics and research articles on recent concepts, technology, and materials. CONCLUSION: Over the last 7 years, RDE has served as a platform for a large number of manuscripts in the field of restorative dentistry and endodontics.

Management of dental erosion induced by gastro-esophageal reflux disorder with direct composite veneering aided by a flexible splint matrix

Dental erosion is frequently overlooked in clinical practice. The management of erosion-induced damage to the dentition is often delayed, such that extensive occlusal rehabilitation is required. These cases can be diagnosed by a careful clinical examination and a thorough review of the patient's medical history and/or lifestyle habits. This case report presents the diagnosis, categorization, and management of a case of gastro-esophageal reflux disease-induced palatal erosion of the maxillary teeth. The early management of such cases is of utmost importance to delay or prevent the progression of damage both to the dentition and to occlusal stability. Non-invasive adhesively bonded restorations aid in achieving this goal.

Unwanted effects due to interactions between dental materials and magnetic resonance imaging: a review of the literature

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an advanced diagnostic tool used in both medicine and dentistry. Since it functions based on a strong uniform static magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses, it is advantageous over imaging techniques that rely on ionizing radiation. Unfortunately, the magnetic field and radiofrequency pulses generated within the magnetic resonance imager interact unfavorably with dental materials that have magnetic properties. This leads to unwanted effects such as artifact formation, heat generation, and mechanical displacement. These are a potential source of damage to the oral tissue surrounding the affected dental materials. This review aims to compile, based on the current available evidence, recommendations for dentists and radiologists regarding the safety and appropriate management of dental materials during MRI in patients with orthodontic appliances, maxillofacial prostheses, dental implants, direct and indirect restorative materials, and endodontic materials.

Lung Cancer Stem Cells-An Update

Lung cancer is regarded as one of the most common cancers in the world with a worldwide occurrence of approximately 1.8 million cases and an estimated mortality of 1.6 million in 2012 alone.1 In the United States, there are approximately 2,25,000 new cases of lung cancer with over 1,60,000 deaths annually. Lung cancer is a very serious problem of the Indian subcontinent, especially in the lower socioeconomic subgroups. In India lung carcinoma is the 5th most common tumor and 2nd most common tumor in the males as per the ICMR [Indian Council Of Medical Research] registry of 2002.It accounts for 6.9% of new cancer cases detected each year.3 The importance of study of stem cells and cancer stem cells lays in CSC acting as prognostic and therapeutic markers. It is a known fact that there are innate stem cells present in the lining of the bronchial epithelium, at the carina and alveolar lining which help in regeneration of lungs post injury , however there are present similar cells which post driver mutations are christened CSC and help in cancer survival, growth and chemo resistance. CSC also known as “cancer stem-like cells” (CSLCs), or “tumor-initiating cells” (TICs) are heterogeneous cell population comprising of a small subpopulation of cancer cells with the property of self-renewal and differentiation. CSCs are thought to be responsible for cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, recurrence, and drug resistance.Important CSC under study in lung are, CD 133, ALDH 1, CD 44,ABCG2 etc.

Functional and Radiological Outcomes of Anterior Decompression and Posterior Stabilization via Posterior Transpedicular Approach in Thoracic and Thoracolumbar Pott's Disease: A Retrospective Study

STUDY DESIGN: This is a retrospective study. PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy and safety of a posterior transpedicular approach with regard to functional and radiological outcomes in people with thoracic and thoracolumbar spinal tuberculosis. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Spinal tuberculosis can cause serious morbidity, including permanent neurological deficits and severe deformities. Medical treatment or a combination of medical and surgical strategies can control the disease in most patients, thereby decreasing morbidity incidence. A debate always existed regarding whether to achieve both decompression and stabilization via a combined anterior and posterior approach or a single posterior approach exists. METHODS: The study was conducted at the Indian Spinal injuries Centre and included all patients with thoracic and thoracolumbar Pott's disease who were operated via a Posterior transpedicular approach. Data regarding 60 patients were analyzed with respect to the average operation time, preoperative and postoperative, 6 months and final follow-up American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) grading, bony fusion, implant loosening, implant failure, preoperative, postoperative, 6 months and final follow-up kyphotic angles, a loss of kyphotic correction, Oswestry disability index (ODI) score, and visual analog scale (VAS) score. Data were analyzed using either a paired t -test or a Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 260±30 minutes. Fifty-five patients presented with evidence of successful bony fusion within a mean period of 6±1.5 months. Preoperative dorsal and lumbar angles were significantly larger than postoperative angles, which were smaller than final follow-up angles. The mean kyphotic correction achieved was 12.11±14.8, with a mean decrease of 5.97 and 19.1 in VAS and ODI scores, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Anterior decompression and posterior stabilization via a posterior transpedicular approach are safe and effective procedures, with less intraoperative surgical duration and significant improvements in clinical and functional status.

Role of vertebroplasty in osteoporotic compression fracture

xMajority of osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture present with back pain and some of them with spinal deformity. Percutaneous vertebroplasty not only addresses pain relief but also the correction of spinal deformity with least post-operative morbidity. 72 patients with osteoporotic compression fracture and spinal deformity with chronic invalidating pain treated with percutaneous vertebroplasty were followed for 2.8 years with an average of 1.3 years.47% showed excellent,13% showed good and 40% showed fair result on vas score. There was good improvement in stature in 43%, fair in 40% and 17% showed no improvement.

Sports Dentistry and Mouthguards.

Dental and orofacial injuries have been reported to be the most commonly occurring form of traumatic injury resulting from sport-related activities. Sports dentistry is the upcoming field in dentistry which is associated with the correct diagnosis, prevention and treatment of orofacial injuries and related oral diseases. This branch also deals with the collection and dissemination of information on dental athletic injuries and the encouragement of research in the prevention of such traumatic injuries. This article discusses an overview of sport-related injuries in orofacial and dental region, incidence, evaluation, treatment and their prevention. It also discusses the several functions and types of mouthguards. It stresses the prime role of dentist in educating the general public, parents/guardians, staffs of emergency department, coaches and athletes regarding health risks and benefits of mouth guards including the importance of emergency care for orofacial injuries.

Rare Patterns of Impacted Mandibular Teeth: A Case Series.

Tooth eruption is the axial movement of the tooth from its developmental position within the jaws to the functional position in the occlusion plane. Any interference in the complex sequential events or pathology of the surrounding bone may cause diffi culty in eruption. Th is may cause an ectopic eruption and aberrant eruption pattern. Th is process might be altered by genetic, molecular, cellular or tissue causes too. Impacted teeth may therefore, be non-functional, abnormal or pathological. Moreover, ectopic eruption of second molars is rarely seen and infrequent. Here we report a case series of ectopic eruption of permanent mandibular molars with some rarest presentation.

Duloxetine hydrochloride-induced oral lichenoid reaction: a case report

Objective: To report the first case of duloxetine hydrochloride [DH]-induced oral lichenoid drug reaction [OLDR]

Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 57-year-old male patient presented with painful ulcerative lesions on the bilateral buccal mucosa of 2-year duration. The patient was on multiple drug therapy for his systemic ailments. After thorough evaluation for possible medical ailments and with the physician's consent, withdrawal of DH was done. The oral lesions were resolved after 2 weeks

Conclusion: In this case, DH induced OLDR