Comparative study of the three-dimensional perception of videos recorded on a "Do it yourself" three-dimensional recording assembly versus the conventional recording system.

PURPOSE: To develop an indigenous "Do it yourself" (DIY) three-dimensional (3D) ophthalmic surgery recording system and validate the perception of stereopsis using it. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of practicing ophthalmologists with post-postgraduation experience of at least 5 years for perception of stereopsis for three different surgeries was performed; cataract, retinal detachment, and intravitreal drug injection were recorded on DIY assembly, viewed on VRBOX and using laptop videos and pseudo 3 d videos as control. RESULTS: The laptop videos and 3D VR Box videos received higher ratings for stereopsis than the pseudo 3D videos. The parameters that received significantly higher ratings on the 3D VR Box viewing were instrument's position relative to the ocular surface in cataract surgery, anterior chamber depth during capsular staining, ophthalmic visco-surgical device injection, capsulorhexis, phaco tunnel depth, movement of nuclear fragments in the anterior chamber, and intra-ocular lens tilt in the capsular bag during cataract surgery (P < 0.05). In scleral buckling surgery, the parameters that were significantly rated higher on VR Box were globe contour, separation of the scleral plane from muscle, and explant plane (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the depth of the needle in the vitreous cavity while administering intravitreal drug injection was also rated significantly higher on VR Box (P < 0.05). However, the ratings for the depth of corneal incision, depth of scleral incision, overall color, and overall quality were not different statistically when compared between laptop and VR Box viewing. CONCLUSION: DIY 3D recording assembly offers a superior means of appreciating depth at various stages of cataract surgery, scleral buckling, and intravitreal drug injection when compared to laptop viewing and can serve as an effective tool for skill transfer.

Investigation of antimicrobial and anti-cancer activity of thermally sensitive SnO2 nanostructures with green-synthesized cauliflower morphology at ambient weather conditions.

A tin oxide (SnO2) nanostructure was prepared using Matricaria recutita leaf extract to investigate its anticancer activity against SK-MEL-28 cells. The tetragonal crystal structure of tin oxide nanoparticles with an average crystal size of 27 nm was confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The tetragonal crystal structure of the tin oxide nanoparticles, with an average crystallite size of 27 nm, was confirmed by XRD an absorbance peak at 365 nm was identified by UV-visible spectroscopy analysis as belonging to the bio-mediated synthesis of SnO2 nanoparticles. The SnO2 NPs are capped and stabilized with diverse functional groups derived from bioactive molecules, including aldehydes, benzene rings, amines, alcohols, and carbonyl stretch protein molecules. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis validated the presence of these capping and stabilizing chemical bonds. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies revealed the cauliflower-shaped morphology of the SnO2 nanoparticles with an average particle size of 28 nm. The antimicrobial activity of both prepared and encapsulated samples confirmed their biological activities. Furthermore, both prepared and encapsulated tin oxide samples exhibited excellent anticancer activity against SK-MEL-28 human cancer cells. The present study introduces a reliable and uncomplicated approach to produce SnO2 nanoparticles and demonstrates their effectiveness in various applications, including cancer therapy, drug administration, and disinfectant.

Comparative evaluation of frictional characteristics between nano coated and non coated orthodontic brackets and arch wire configuration-An experimental in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: To compare and assess the coefficient of frictional resistance between nano-coated orthodontic brackets and orthodontic archwires with conventional orthodontic brackets and archwires. METHODOLOGY: In this experimental study, 128 samples were divided into 4 groups consisting of 32 orthodontic wires and brackets in each group. The samples were randomly allocated into GROUP A- ZNO nanoparticle coated archwires and brackets, GROUP B ZNO nanoparticle coated bracket and conventional archwire, GROUP C-ZNO nanoparticle coated archwire and conventional bracket, and GROUP D- conventional archwire and bracket after positioning them on special jigs frictional resistance was studied and evaluated. Bon - Ferroni test was used for inter group comparison and one way ANOVA was used for intr-group comparison. RESULTS: The lowest mean frictional resistance is seen with Group A (nanocoated archwire with nanocoated bracket) N = 0.3401 ± 0.420; and highest with Group D (conventional brackets with conventional archwires) N = 0.8413 ± 0.60. a significant difference in mean frictional resistance was observed between the groups (P ≤ 0.01). The frictional resistance for the groups was in the following order from lowest to highest: group A < B < C < D. CONCLUSION: The study showed decreased friction in ZNO nanoparticle coated archwires and brackets than conventional archwires and brackets.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Evaluation of presence of nasal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea using cone beam computed tomography.

OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the presence of nasal septal deviation in patients presenting with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). METHOD: Patients diagnosed with OSA using polysomnography were further evaluated radiographically for the presence of nasal septal deviation, maxillary sinus septa, and oropharyngeal airway volume using CBCT. RESULTS: Nasal deviation was present in all the patients and was classified according to Negus et al classification, further categorized with Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score, maxillary sinus septa in those patients were classified according to Al Faraj et al, and the oropharyngeal airway volume was found to be an average of 10,086.37 ± 3966.116 mm2 airway volume. CONCLUSION: All the patients in the study had nasal septal deviation, hence it can be considered as a radiographic marker in suspecting OSA.

Hydrothermally synthesized Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) for photocatalytic dye degradation and antibacterial activity.

This work successfully utilised eco-friendly green synthesis to produce Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs). As pollution and energy limitations have become global issues, there is an ongoing need to develop more effective catalysts through straightforward and environmentally friendly methods. The Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) XRD pattern exhibits an anatase TiO2 and FCC crystal structure of Ag nanoparticles. The SEM investigation revealed a nanofiber-like surface morphology. The Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) exhibits an optical band gap energy is 2.5 eV. Methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), Congo red (CR), and crystal violet (CV) dye aqueous solutions were used to evaluate the photocatalytic performance of the synthesized Ag-modified TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) under direct sunlight irradiation. The effects of catalyst size on the efficient breakdown of MB dye were also investigated. The optimum catalyst concentration was found to be at 0.02 mg/mL. At 120 min of direct sunlight, the highest photosynthetic degradation efficiency (DE percentage) of 94% was achieved for MB dye. Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) have been demonstrated to have exceptional antibacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Gram-negative bacteria E-Coli. Because of these great qualities, it seems likely that the Ag-TiO2 nanofibers (NFs) made could be a great photocatalyst for getting dye pollutants out of wastewater.

Comparison of Pre- and Posttreatment Airway Volume in Patients with Temporomandibular Joint Disorders Treated with Ultra-Low Frequency Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Abstract Introduction Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD) present with a multitude of symptoms that can range from headaches to shoulder pain. Patients frequently present with pain in the ear, dizziness, and vertigo. It is noted that some patients who report TMDs also have a history of sleep disturbances, which is noted in cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as a reduction in the oropharyngeal airway volume. Objective To evaluate the airway volume in pre- and posttreatment of TMD with the use of neuromuscular orthotics made with ultra-low frequency transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ULF-TENS). Methods A total of 15 patients were evaluated for TMDs using the related criteria. Those included were treated with ULF-TENS with evaluation of the airway volume both pre- and posttreatment using CBCT and the Dolphin 3D volume analysis software. Results While the symptoms were shown to be significantly reduced in patients who were treated with this particular modality, the airway volume varied in those who reported a reduction after a period of 3 months and those that reported after a period of 6 months. Conclusion Posttreatment evaluation of the airway should be done after a period of 6 months for a more objective evaluation. A multidisciplinary evaluation of the patient is required in such cases.

Inhibition of SRC-mediated integrin signaling in bone marrow niche enhances hematopoietic stem cell function.

Interaction with microenvironmental factors is crucial for the regulation of hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) function. Stroma derived factor (SDF)-1α supports HSCs in the quiescent state and is central to the homing of transplanted HSCs. Here, we show that integrin signaling regulates Sdf-1α expression transcriptionally. Systemic deletion of Periostin, an Integrin-αv ligand, showed increased expression of Sdf-1α in bone marrow (BM) niche. Pharmacological inhibition or CRISPR-Cas9-mediated deletion of SRC, resulted in a similar increase in the chemokine expression in vitro. Importantly, systemic SRC-inhibition led to increase in SDF-1α levels in BM plasma. This resulted in a robust increase (14.05 ± 1.22% to 29.11 ± 0.69%) in the homing efficiency of transplanted HSCs. In addition, we observed enhancement in the recovery of blood cell counts following radiation injury, indicating an enhanced hematopoietic function. These results establish a role of SRC-mediated integrin signaling in the transcriptional regulation of Sdf-1α. This mechanism could be harnessed further to improve the hematopoietic function.

Plasma chemokines as immune biomarkers for diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis.

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) in children is challenging due to paucibacillary disease, and lack of ability for microbiologic confirmation. Hence, we measured the plasma chemokines as biomarkers for diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis. METHODS: We conducted a prospective case control study using children with confirmed, unconfirmed and unlikely TB. Multiplex assay was performed to examine the plasma CC and CXC levels of chemokines. RESULTS: Baseline levels of CCL1, CCL3, CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL10 were significantly higher in active TB (confirmed TB and unconfirmed TB) in comparison to unlikely TB children. Receiver operating characteristics curve analysis revealed that CCL1, CXCL1 and CXCL10 could act as biomarkers distinguishing confirmed or unconfirmed TB from unlikely TB with the sensitivity and specificity of more than 80%. In addition, combiROC exhibited more than 90% sensitivity and specificity in distinguishing confirmed and unconfirmed TB from unlikely TB. Finally, classification and regression tree models also offered more than 90% sensitivity and specificity for CCL1 with a cutoff value of 28 pg/ml, which clearly classify active TB from unlikely TB. The levels of CCL1, CXCL1, CXCL2 and CXCL10 exhibited a significant reduction following anti-TB treatment. CONCLUSION: Thus, a baseline chemokine signature of CCL1/CXCL1/CXCL10 could serve as an accurate biomarker for the diagnosis of pediatric tuberculosis.

Comparative study of effect of different lever arm positions and lengths on transverse and vertical bowing in lingual orthodontics - An FEM study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of changing the size and position of lever arm on transverse and vertical bowing effects during retraction in lingual biomechanics. METHODS: A three dimensional 3D finite element method was used to simulate en masse anterior teeth retraction using lingual appliance with sliding mechanics. Two groups were made, 1st group had lever arm mesial to canine while 2nd group had distal to canine. Each group had 4 subgroups with lever arm height varying from 0mm to 12mm. Displacements of the maxillary anterior teeth were noted in each group. RESULTS: As the Lever Arm Height (LAH) increased in group I, the vertical bowing effect reduced while the transverse bowing increased with respect to canines. In group II, both vertical and transverse bowing effects increased but transverse bowing was less as compared to group I. CONCLUSION: Strategic location of the lever arm is required in different clinical situations during en-mass retraction, keeping in mind the location of Centre of Resistance (CRes) as well as the vertical and the transverse bowing effects.

Surface quality and endothelial cell viability after femtosecond laser-assisted donor lenticule preparation for endothelial keratoplasty - An in-vitro study.

PURPOSE: To compare surface quality and endothelial cell viability of descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) donor lenticules prepared with femtosecond laser (FSL) or microkeratome (MK). METHODS: Experimental ex-vivo evaluation of 15 DSAEK donor lenticules prepared from optical quality donor corneas using 200 KHz FSL (9 eyes) or MK (6 eyes). Surface quality and smoothness of the cut were assessed using atomic force microscopy and endothelial cell viability was assessed using transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: Mean lenticule thickness was 121.89 ± 17.13 µm in FSL group and 112.67 ± 5.89 µm in MK group (P = 0.33). Average roughness of stromal surface (RMSavg) [FSL- 30.51 ± 4.55 nm, MK-22.37 ± 1.83 nm; P = 0.02] and root mean square roughness (RMSrough) [FSL-31.39 ± 5.75 nm, MK-23.08 ± 0.40 nm; P = 0.012] was significantly more in FSL group. Increased granular and linear irregularities were observed in the FSL group. Endothelial cell disruption was more in FSL group (FSL- 29.49 ± 6.91% MK-13.28 ± 3.62%; P < 0.001) with decreased mean nucleus length (FSL-5.56 ± 0.17 µm, MK-7.52 ± 0.65 µm; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Automated MKs are still the standard of care for donor lenticule preparation and MK-assisted donor lenticules have smoother surface with less endothelial cell disruption than FSL. Further research is mandatory before FSL platforms can be considered a viable alternative to the MK.

Dirofilaria hongkongensis - A first report of potential zoonotic dirofilariosis infection in dogs from Tamil Nadu.

Dirofilariosisis, is a mosquito borne anthropo-zoonotic disease caused by the filarial nematodes of the genus Dirofilaria. The current paper reports a species of Dirofilaria, which has not been recorded in Tamil Nadu, in addition to differentiating it from the existing species of Dirofilaria spp. through morphological and molecular techniques. Micrometry of the microfilaria detected by Knott's technique as well as in Giemsa stained blood smears revealed that the length was on an average 280 µm to 310 µm whereas the width was 5 to 8 µm. The microfilariae were unsheathed with blunt heads and tapering tails. For molecular confirmation, the blood sample was subjected to genomic DNA isolation. PCR amplification using specific primers for D. hongkongensis was carried out using thermal cycler with the isolated genomic DNA as template. Molecular analyses revealed the band size of about 230 bp which confirmed the presence of D. hongkongensis. Phylogenetic analysis was done using UPGMA and MLM method. Dirofilaria is recognized as a zoonotic entity throughout the world, and dirofilariasis should be considered an emerging zoonosis in southern India. The control of ubiquitous mosquito population is essential to prevent the transmission of microfilaria from animals to arthropods and from arthropods to humans.

Hypodermosis in cattle translocated to Tamil Nadu from Punjab.

Fifteen apparently healthy Kandari cross-bred cattle aged about 4 years were purchased from Rurki, Patiala district of Punjab by a private dairy farmer in Erode, Tamil Nadu. Four animals showed eruptions on the lateral thoracic and dorsal abdominal regions of the body after 15-day period of quarantine. Manual palpation of the eruptions resulted in the emergence of larval stages of dipteran flies, identified by their morphology as Hypoderma from these animals. Molecular identification based on mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase-1 (COX-1) gene confirmed it to be Hypoderma lineatum. Treatment with oral ivermectin did not have any curative effects, with exacerbation of disease being noticed, as more than 500 eruptions subsequently emerged in each animal, which had to be culled. Consequences of long distance migration of host on parasite epidemiology are discussed. Awareness must be created among livestock farmers to prevent their economic loss while purchasing cattle from different parts of the country.

Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli in captive wildlife species of India.

Campylobacteriosis is an important zoonotic disease and the prevalence of Campylobacter is largely unknown in the wildlife of India. A total of 370 samples, comprising of 314 fresh faecal samples from apparently healthy captive wild animals and birds, 30 stool swabs from animal care takers and 26 samples of the animals' food and water were collected from G. B. Pant High Altitude Zoo, Nainital, Kanpur Zoo, Wildlife Park, IVRI and the Post Graduate Research Institute in Animal Sciences (PGRIAS), Chennai, Tamilnadu from August 2014 to May 2015. Samples were processed for cultural isolation, direct PCR and multiplex PCR for species confirmation. To decipher the genetic diversity, the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, sequenced and analyzed. Based on isolation, the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. was 0.8% (3/370), being 2.94% (3/102) for captive wild birds. Three Campylobacter jejuni were isolated from silver pheasants, lady amherest pheasants and saras cranes. Direct PCR assay showed the overall occurrence rate of Campylobacter spp. to be 4.77% (15/315), being 1.58% (2/126) for captive wild ruminants, 5.81% (5/86) for non-ruminants and 7.84% (8/102) for birds. All the isolates were identified as C. jejuni.

Evaluation of Efficacy of 1% Curcuminoids as Local Application in Management of Oral Lichen Planus - Interventional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease affecting the oral cavity which has been associated with severe burning sensation which in turn affects the quality of life of the patients. Currently, the effective treatment of choice remains the use of corticosteroids. The chronicity and recalcitrant nature of the disease demand the long term use of these drugs with ensuing adverse effects. Turmeric and its active ingredient, "curcumin", have been found to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anticancer properties. Hence, this intervention study was done to evaluate the efficacy of curcumin oral gel in the management of oral lichen planus. AIM: The study was conducted to compare the efficacy of 1% curcumin gel with the conventional mid-potent topical corticosteroid, triamcinolone acetonide 0.1% in managing the signs and symptoms of OLP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An intervention study was conducted on 75 patients diagnosed with OLP divided into three groups, Group 1 (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide oral paste thrice daily in tapering doses), Group 2 (curcumin oral gel thrice daily) and Group 3 (curcumin oral gel six times daily). The patients were analysed for the symptom (burning) and sign (erythema and ulceration) using the numerical rating score and Modified Oral Mucositis Index (MOMI) for a period of three months on a bimonthly basis. The results were analysed using Students t-test and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Intragroup comparison using paired t-test showed statistically significant reduction in burning sensation (p<0.001) as well as erythema and ulceration (p<0.001) in all the three groups. However, when the three groups were compared Group 1 showed the maximum reduction in burning sensation (77%) and erythema and ulceration (67%). Among the curcuminoid group, increased frequency was found to be more beneficial. CONCLUSION: Curcumin oral gel can bring about clinical improvements in OLP patients; however it cannot be used as a mainstay drug. Instead, it can be used as a maintenance drug after the patient is treated with an initial course of corticosteroids. Further studies with larger sample size and increased drug concentrations may be required.

Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based amplification of hmcp3 and hmcp6 cysteine protease genes of Haemonchus contortus from small ruminants.

Haemonchus contortus is a haematophagous nematode in small ruminants population and causes anaemia, weakness and mortality especially in young animals. In the present study, hmcp3 partial gene of 836 bp and hmcp6 full length gene of 1041 bp were amplified from the cDNA of Bareilly isolate of adult male H. contortus by polymerase chain reaction. Further gene characterization and expression studies are warranted to know the immunoprophylactic potential of hmcp3 and hmcp6 proteins of H. contortus.

Discovery of target based novel pyrrolyl phenoxy derivatives as antimycobacterial agents: an in silico approach.

A new series of pyrrolyl phenoxy derivatives bearing alkoxy linker were synthesized and evaluated for anti-tubercular activity (anti-TB) against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Molecular modeling, pharmacophore constructed using GALAHAD to produce an effective alignment of data set and evaluated by Pareto ranking. The pharmacophore features were filtered by Surflex-dock study using enoyl ACP reductase from M. tuberculosis, which is one of the key enzymes involved in type II fatty acid biosynthesis pathway of M. tuberculosis. Compound 6a27 showed the H-bond with NAD(+), whereas compound 6a26 showed H-bonds with Tyr158, Thr196, Met199 and NAD(+) that fitted well into the binding pocket of target InhA. The alkoxy linker bridge and acceptor groups with benzene ring were advantageous for anti-TB activity, which merit further investigation.