Cloning and sequencing of α-2u globulin of rat preputial gland to assess its longevity in the context of developing an effective rodent trap

α-2u globulin, a pheromone binding protein found majorly in the preputial gland, was reported to involve in chemo-communication of rats. The biosynthesis of this pheromone binding protein is under complex multihormonal control and its regulation takes place at transcription level. Assessing and increasing the longevity of this protein may retain the volatility of pheromone. So far nearly 20 isoforms of α-2u globulin in rat have been studied. The present study was aimed to extend the longevity of pheromone compound by cloning and sequencing of the mRNA which codes for α-2u globulin in the preputial gland of Rattus novergicus. Unexpectedly, this study resulted in a new isoform, which is similar in function with α-2u globulin protein with some different exons removed. Further analysis with this isoform may pave a way for rodent pest management.

Fatigue, depression and anxiety among nurses working in shift in a tertiary care hospital in South India

Background: Shift work has become a social and economic necessity, as most sectors like the healthcare require round the clock operation. Extended and variable working hours leads to desynchronization of the body’s circadian rhythm. Thus, shift work is commonly associated with various physical and mental disorders like insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, etc. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sleep deprivation and hence, the levels of fatigue, depression and anxiety among shift working nurses.Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among shift working nurses. Sleep deprivation among 97 female and 3 male healthy nurses of age 20-50 years was assessed by Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Fatigue Severity Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) were used for assessing fatigue, depression and anxiety respectively. Level of Sleep deprivation, Depression and Anxiety were expressed in Proportion. Difference in fatigue levels during day and night shift was analyzed using Wilcoxon Signed-Ranks Test.Results: Analysis of ESS, showed, 69% of shift working nurses had poorer sleep quality. The level of fatigue experienced following a night shift work was significantly higher than that following day shift work (Z= 3.34, p = 0.0008). Moderate to severe depression and anxiety was observed in 15% and 16% of the nurses working in shift.Conclusions: Thus, shift work is inevitably associated with sleep deprivation. There exists an increased prevalence of fatigue, depression and anxiety among shift working nurses.

In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials of an ethanolic extract of Ganoderma lucidum in rat mammary carcinogenesis / 中国天然药物

AIM@#Considering the importance of diet in the prevention of cellular damage caused by reactive oxygen species which has been implicated for several diseases, this present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of the fruiting bodies of Ganoderma lucidum on 7, 12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary carcinogenesis in Sprague Dawley rats.@*METHODS@#Ganoderma lucidum extract was tested for in vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging assays, such as (ABTS(+)) radical cation decolorization assay, DPPH radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical, and superoxide radical scavenging assays. The in vivo antioxidant potentials were analyzed by SOD, CAT, and GPx in plasma, mammary, and liver tissues.@*RESULTS@#In all the in vitro antioxidant and radical scavenging assays the extract exhibited good scavenging activity. In vivo enzymatic antioxidant levels, such as SOD, CAT, and GPx were decreased in DMBA-induced animals. Moreover, pretreatment with G. lucidum (500 mg · kg(-1) bw) to DMBA-induced animals significantly (P < 0.05) increased the levels of SOD, CAT, and GPx in plasma, mammary, and liver tissues compared to DMBA induced animals.@*CONCLUSIONS@#From these findings, it is suggested that G. lucidum extract could be considered as a potential source of natural antioxidants and can be used as an effective chemopreventive agent against mammary cancer.

Estimation of the levels of C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, total leukocyte count, and differential count in peripheral blood smear of patients with chronic periodontitis in a South Indian population / Estimado de los niveles de proteína C-reactiva, interleucina-6, Conteo total de leucocitos, y conteo diferencial en el frotis sanguíneo periférico de pacientes con periodontitis crónica en la población del sur de la India

AIMS: The aim of the present study is to investigate systemic levels of inflammatory markers of cardiovascular diseases like C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), total leukocyte count and differential count in patients with chronic periodontitis, in comparison to healthy individuals without periodontal disease. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 42 individuals, both males and females, above the age of 30 years, were included. Healthy controls (Group I, n = 14), patients with chronic localized periodontitis (Group II, n = 14) and chronic generalized periodontitis (Group III, n = 14), all without any other medical disorder were recruited and peripheral blood samples were taken. Serum samples of CRP and IL-6 were estimated by using different techniques. Total leukocyte count and differential count were estimated by standard clinical laboratory method. RESULTS: Groups II and III had higher mean CRP levels than Group I (0.479, 0.544 versus 0.304 mg/dL). C-reactive protein level in Group III was statistically significant when compared to Group I (p = 0.04). Group III had higher median IL-6 level (6.35 pgm/ml) than Group II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) and Group I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Median values of IL-6 were not statistically significant in any group (p = 0.29). Total leukocyte count was also elevated in Group III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) compared to Group II and Group I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm and 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). This was statistically significant between different study groups (p < 0.0001). Neutrophil count in Group III was higher (68.0%) than Group II (62.4%) and Group I (57.4%). Neutrophil percentage was statistically significant in Group III, when compared to Group I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis results in higher systemic levels of CRP, IL-6, total leukocyte count and neutrophils. These elevated inflammatory factors may increase inflammatory activity in atherosclerotic lesions, potentially increasing the risk for cardiovascular events.

OBJETIVOS: El objetivo del presente estudio es investigar los niveles sistémicos de los marcadores inflamatorios de enfermedades cardiovasculares, como la proteína C-reactiva (PCR), la interleucina-6 (IL-6), el conteo total de leucocitos, y el conteo diferencial en los pacientes con periodontitis crónica, en comparación con individuos saludables sin la enfermedad periodontal. SUJETOS Y MÉTODOS: El estudio comprendió un total de 42 individuos - varones y hembras - mayores de 30 años de edad. Los controles saludables (Grupo I, un = 14), los individuos con periodontitis crónica localizada (Grupo II, n = 14), y aquellos con periodontitis crónica generalizada (Grupo III, n = 14), todos sin ningún otro problema médico, fueron reclutados y se tomaron muestras de sangre periférica. Las muestras de suero de PCR e IL-6 fueron estimadas usando técnicas diferentes. El conteo total de leucocitos y el conteo diferencial fueron calculados mediante el método estándar de laboratorio clínico. RESULTADOS: Los grupos II y III tuvieron niveles promedio más altos de PCR que el Grupo I (0.479, 0.544 frente a 0.304 mg/dL). El nivel de proteína C-reactiva en el Grupo III fue estadísticamente significativo, comparado con el Grupo I (p = 0.04). El Grupo III tuvo un nivel mediano más alto de IL-6 (6.35 pgm/ml) que el Grupo II (< 5.0 pgm/ml) y el Grupo I (< 5.0 pgm/ml). Los valores medianos de IL-6 no fueron estadísticamente significativos en ningún grupo (p = 0.29). El conteo total de leucocitos también fue elevado en el Grupo III (10.4 x 10³/c.mm) comparado con el Grupo II y el Grupo I (9.2 x 10³/c.mm y 7.9 x 10³/c.mm). Dicho conteo fue estadísticamente significativo entre diferentes grupos de estudio (p < 0.0001). El conteo de neutrófilos en el Grupo III fue más alto (68.0%) que en el Grupo II (62.4%) y el Grupo I (57.4%). El porcentaje de neutrófilos fue estadísticamente significativo en el Grupo III, en comparación con el Grupo I (p = 0.0003). CONCLUSIÓN: La periodontitis produce niveles sistémicos más altos de PCR, IL-6, conteo total de leucocitos y neutrófilos. Estos factores inflamatorios elevados pueden aumentar la actividad inflamatoria en las lesiones ateroscleróticas, aumentando potencialmente el riesgo de accidentes cardiovasculares.

Evaluation of the antibacterial and physical properties of glass ionomer cements containing chlorhexidine and cetrimide: An in-vitro study.

Background: Incorporation of antibacterial agents frequently results in changes in the physical properties of restorative materials. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study investigated the antibacterial and physical properties of Glass ionomer cement (GIC) with chlorhexidine and cetrimide, to determine the optimal concentration, for incorporation of these agents to obtain antibacterial GICs for use with the Atraumatic restorative treatment approach. This was assessed using the agar diffusion test. Chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were added to Glass ionomer cement type-IX (GIC-FUJI IX) at 1 and 2% W/W ratio. The experimental GIC specimens were placed on agar plates inoculated with Lactobacillus casei, and the area of inhibition was calculated after 48 hours. Results: All the experimental GICs exhibited inhibition of bacteria, but the sizes were dependent on the concentration of the antibacterial agent. Incorporation of chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide, at 2%, significantly decreased the compressive strength, and the setting time was extended a little by the addition of any concentration of chlorhexidine and cetrimide. Conclusions: The present study demonstrated that experimental GICs containing chlorhexidine diacetate and cetrimide were effective in inhibiting bacteria associated with caries, and incorporation of 1% cetrimide was optimal to give the appropriate antibacterial and physical properties.

Spiral CT diagnosis and endodontic management of an anatomically variant palatal root with two canals in a maxillary first molar.

This case report presents the endodontic management of an anatomically variant palatal root with 2 canals (Vertucci type II) in a maxillary first molar, which was confirmed with the help of spiral computed tomography (SCT). This serves to remind clinicians that such anatomic variations should be taken into account during the endodontic treatment of maxillary molars and highlights the invaluable aid of the SCT in accurate diagnosis and in negotiating the complex morphologic variations in root canals, thus enabling successful endodontic management.

Protective effect of proanthocyanidins on endotoxin induced experimental periodontitis in rats.

The pathogenesis of periodontitis involves anaerobic oral bacteria as well as the host response to infection and several drugs have been developed which can curtail these deleterious effects. Proanthocyanidin, a novel flavanoid extracted from grape seeds, has been shown to provide a significant therapeutic effect on endotoxin (Escherichia coli) induced experimental periodontitis in rats. In this study, protective action of different doses of proanthocyanidins was investigated in blood by assaying the reactive oxygen species such as hydrogen peroxide, superoxide anion, myeloperoxidase and lipid peroxides, lysosomal enzyme activities such as cathepsin B, cathepsin D, β-glucuronidase and acid phosphatase, nonenzymatic antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, -tocopherol, ceruloplasmin, reduced glutathione and antioxidant enzymes such as catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-s-transferase. Experimental periodontitis rats showed a reduction in body weight and body weight gain could be noticed when they were administered proanthocyanidins. The levels of reactive oxygen species and lysosomal enzymes were found to increase whereas antioxidant levels were decreased significantly in experimental periodontitis. Proanthocyanidins at an effective dose of 30mg / kg body weight, sc, for 30 days effected a decrease in serum reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxides, lysosomal enzymes, acute phase proteins and an increase in antioxidant levels. Histopathological evidence of experimental periodontitis showed cellular infiltration of inflammatory cells while proanthocyanidin treated groups demonstrated only scattered inflammatory cells and blood vessels. Thus, the results showed that dietary supplementation of proanthocyanidin enhanced the host resistance as well as the inhibition of the biological and mechanical irritants involved in the onset of gingivitis and the progression of periodontal disease.

Subepithelial connective tissue grafts for the coverage of denuded root surfaces: a clinical report.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of subepithelial connective tissue grafts (SCTG) in the coverage of denuded roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 16 sites with > or =2 mm of recession height were included in the study for treatment with SCTG. The clinical parameters, such as recession height, recession width, width of keratinized gingiva, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were measured at the baseline, third month, and at the end of the study [sixth month]. The defects were treated with a coronally positioned pedicle graft combined with connective tissue graft. RESULTS: Out of 16 sites treated with SCTG, 11 sites showed complete (100%) root coverage; the mean root coverage obtained was 87.5%. There was a statistically significant reduction in recession height, recession width, and probing pocket depth. There was also a statistically significant increase in the width of keratinized gingiva and also a gain in clinical attachment level. The postoperative results were both clinically and statistically significant ( P 0.05). CONCLUSION: From this study, it may be concluded that SCTG is a safe and effective method for the coverage of denuded roots.

Systemic sclerosis.

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a rare generalized disorder of connective tissue origin. This condition is predominantly a clinical diagnosis, based on the clinical signs and symptoms. Here is a case report of 26-year-old female patient with the classical features of this disease. This case is reported for its rarity and variable expressivity. This article also reviews the literature of this uncommon condition.

Root coverage with free gingival autografts--a clinical study.

AIM: To assess the percentage of root coverage with autogenous free gingival grafts. MATERIALS & METHODS: Ten non-smoking patients with Miller's class I or class II recessions were included in the study. The clinical parameters such as recession depth, recession width, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level and width of the keratinized gingiva were recorded at the baseline, at the end of 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months after the surgical procedure. Autogenous free gingival grafts harvested from the palatal mucosa were used to cover the denuded roots. RESULTS: Four out of ten sites showed 100% root coverage. A mean percentage of 80.3% of root coverage was achieved.

Oxidative stress in rat liver and lung induced by furanoterpenoids isolated from Fusarium solani infected sweet potatoes.

A crude extract containing some toxic furanoterpenoids was isolated from F. solani infected sweet potatoes. Chronic administration of the crude extract to male albino rats at a dosage of 1 mg/kg body weight/day for 21 days brought about a sharp increase in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and a depression of glutathione levels in the lung and liver homogenates. The antioxidant defense system was affected as evident from a significant fall in the activities of the enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutathione-S-transferase. Such an alteration could be the reason for the lung and liver damage caused by these toxic furanoterpenoids.

Effect of chloroquine on rat liver mitochondria.

Chloroquine causes an increase in phospholipid and a decrease in cholesterol in liver mitochondria. A significant decrease in the activities of mitochondrial inner membrane enzymes such as NADH dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase and cytochrome c oxidase is observed. Decrease in cytochrome contents and respiratory control ratio, shown by a decrease in state 3(+ADP) and an increase in state 4 (-ADP), implies decreased ATP synthesis following chloroquine administration. The results confirm drug-induced inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, thereby impairing availability and utilisation of energy.

Hypolipidemic activity of tincture of Crataegus in rats.

Tincture of Crataegus (TCR), an alcoholic extract of the berries of Crataegus oxyacantha, when administered to rats fed a hyperlipidemic diet (HLD), could prevent the elevation in plasma lipid levels. A significant decrease in lipid deposits in liver and aorta was also observed. Analysis of the plasma lipoprotein profile showed that TCR produced remarkable reduction in the increased levels of cholesterol, triglycerides and phospholipids in the low density lipoprotein (LDL) and very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) fractions in hyperlipidemic rats. Histological examination showed severe fatty vacuolation and degeneration of liver of HLD fed rats. TCR administration had an ameliorating effect on these changes. Agarose gel electrophoretic pattern of plasma lipoproteins also indicated that the drug brought down the raised levels of the atherogenic beta-lipoproteins in hyperlipidemic rats.