Comparison of the effectiveness of lifestyle interventions and multi-interventional therapy on biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome among women.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is one of the emerging health issues in developing countries. It includes diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and elevated blood cholesterol. This study aimed to compare the effects of two different types of interventions: multi-interventional therapy (MIT) and lifestyle interventions (LIs) on high-density lipoprotein (HDL), triglycerides, and fasting blood sugar (FBS) among women with metabolic syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study used a quasi-experimental nonequivalent control group design with two experimental groups and one control group. This study was conducted among self-help group women from nine area development societies (ADS) in a selected area in South India from March 1, 2019, to February 28, 2020. Women (aged between 35 and 55 years) with metabolic syndrome were recruited by multistage sampling (N = 220) and randomly assigned into three groups: (a) control, (b) MIT (intervention 1), and (c) LIs (intervention 2). Reflexology foot massage, dietary modification, moderate-intensity exercise, and structured education were given to the MIT group and dietary modification, moderate-intensity exercise, and structured education were given to the LI group for 12 weeks. The control group received routine care. A demographic and clinical data sheet is used to collect the basic information. Biochemical variables (HDL, triglycerides, and FBS) were assessed before and after the intervention. The data obtained from the study were computed using a frequency distribution to describe the demographic characteristics, and a Chi-square (x2) test was conducted to find the homogeneity. Both parametric and nonparametric tests were conducted for the comparison of the effectiveness of different methods of interventions on biochemical parameters of metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: Women who received MIT and LI had significantly lower values of HDL, triglycerides, and FBS after the treatment from baseline and compared with the control group. The study found a significant improvement in the biochemical parameters in the MIT group as compared to the control group and the LI group (<0.001). CONCLUSION: Paired t-test shows significant improvement in HDL, triglycerides, and FBS (P < 0.001) in both the LI and MIT groups. In case of triglycerides, MIT was found to be more effective (P < 0.001). Both MIT and LIs can be considered interventions for reducing triglycerides and FBS and increasing HDL.

Utilizing Experiment and Theory to Evaluate Rhodamine B ethylenediamine as a Fluorescent Sensor for G-type Nerve Agents.

Nerve gas mimic binding with Rhodamine B ethylenediamine (1) was studied in organic media. Binding of the nerve gas mimic, diethyl chlorophosphate (DCP), with the probe generated a non-fluorescent intermediate and a fluorescent product. Fluorescent and non-fluorescent products generated were identified using mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography. Time-dependent density functional theory calculations were also used to investigate the electronic structure of the fluorescent probe in the ground and lowest lying π → π* singlet excited state. Though good agreement between theory and experiment can be obtained for the intense peak in the experimental spectrum using non-hybrid functionals, care must be taken when modelling these complexes due to the appearance of an n → π* transition that is too low in energy and appears to fall in the shoulders of the π → π* transitions.

Marker-assisted improvement of the elite restorer line of rice, RPHR-1005 for resistance against bacterial blight and blast diseases.

This study was carried out to improve the RPHR-1005, a stable restorer line of the popular medium slender grain type rice hybrid, DRRH-3 for bacterial blight (BB) and blast resistance through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). Two major BB resistance genes, Xa21 and Xa33 and a major blast resistance gene, Pi2 were transferred to RPHR-1005 as two individual crosses. Foreground selection for Xa21, Xa33, Pi2, Rf3 and Rf4 was done by using gene-specific functional markers, while 59 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers polymorphic between the donors and recipient parents were used to select the best plant possessing target resistance genes at each backcross generation. Backcrossing was continued till BC2F2 and a promising homozygous backcross derived line possessing Xa21+ Pi2 and another possessing Xa33 were intercrossed to stack the target resistance genes into the genetic background of RPHR-1005. At ICF4, 10 promising lines possessing three resistance genes in homozygous condition along with fine-grain type, complete fertility restoration, better panicle exertion and taller plant type (compared to RPHR-1005) were identified.

Development of Gene-Pyramid Lines of the Elite Restorer Line, RPHR-1005 Possessing Durable Bacterial Blight and Blast Resistance.

RPHR-1005, the stable restorer line of the popular medium slender (MS) grain type rice hybrid, DRRH-3 was improved in this study for resistance against bacterial blight (BB) and blast diseases through marker-assisted backcross breeding (MABB). In this study, four major resistance genes (i.e., Xa21 and Xa33 for BB resistance and Pi2 and Pi54 for blast resistance) have been transferred to RPHR-1005 using RPBio Patho-1 (possessing Xa21 + Pi2), RPBio Patho-2 (possessing Xa21 + Pi54) and FBR1-15EM (possessing Xa33) as the donors. Foreground selection was carried out using PCR-based molecular markers specific for the target resistance genes and the major fertility restorer genes, Rf3 and Rf4, while background selection was carried out using a set of parental polymorphic rice SSR markers and backcrossing was continued uptoBC2 generation. At BC2F2, plants possessing the gene combination- Xa21 + Pi2, Xa21 + Pi54 and Xa33 in homozygous condition and with >92% recovery of the recurrent parent genome (RPG) were identified and intercrossed to combine all the four resistance genes. Twenty-two homozygous, pyramid lines of RPHR-1005 comprising of three single-gene containing lines, six 2-gene containing lines, eight 3-gene containing lines, and five 4-gene containing lines were identified among the double intercross lines at F3 generation (DICF3). They were then evaluated for their resistance against BB and blast, fertility restoration ability and for key agro-morphological traits. While single gene containing lines were resistant to either BB or blast, the 2-gene, 3-gene, and 4-gene pyramid lines showed good level of resistance against both and/or either of the two diseases. Most of the 2-gene, 3-gene, and 4-gene containing pyramid lines showed yield levels and other key agro-morphological and grain quality traits comparable to the original recurrent parent and showed complete fertility restoration ability, with a few showing higher yield as compared to RPHR-1005. Further, the experimental hybrids derived by crossing the gene-pyramid lines of RPHR-1005 with APMS6A (the female parent of DRRH-3), showed heterosis levels equivalent to or higher than DRRH-3. The results of present study exemplify the utility of MABB for targeted improvement of multiple traits in hybrid rice.

Rhodamine Based Turn-On Sensors for Ni(2+) and Cr(3+) in Organic Media: Detecting CN(-) via the Metal Displacement Approach.

Two novel sensors bearing rhodamine B and quinoline units have been synthesized. One of these, 1, allows sensitive and selective detection of Ni(2+) and Cr(3+) by forming non-fluorescent (1-Ni(2+)) and fluorescent (1-Cr(3+)) complexes respectively. Both metals trigger the formation of highly colored ring-open spirolactam. These form excellent probes for CN(-) which quenches the fluorescence of the 1-Cr(3+) complex by extracting the Cr(3+). Both Cr(3+) and Cu(2+) gave color changes with 2, but they are easily identified separately via the large fluorescence enhancement that occurs only with Cr(3+).

A study on evaluation of center of resistance of maxillary four incisors during simultaneous intrusion and retraction: A finite element study.

AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the center of resistance of maxillary incisors during simultaneous intrusion and retraction. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: In this study, the following steps were employed namely, (1) Preprocessing - the creation of geometric model, mesh generation and boundary conditions. (2) Postprocessing - the tooth movement and determination of center of resistance. RESULTS: The center of the mid-sagittal plane approximately 6 mm apical and 4 mm posterior to a line perpendicular to the occlusal plane from the labial alveolar crest of the central incisor resistance for the maxillary four incisors was located within the. CONCLUSION: Finite element is a sound mechanical method of analysis as it was sufficient enough to provide insight into interactions between orthodontic forces, and dental tissues and reliability of this study. Further by using this study clinically, the center of resistance can be precisely located in single rooted tooth during orthodontic treatment.

Bordetella pertussis FbpA binds both unchelated iron and iron siderophore complexes.

Bordetella pertussis is the causative agent of whooping cough. This pathogenic bacterium can obtain the essential nutrient iron using its native alcaligin siderophore and by utilizing xeno-siderophores such as desferrioxamine B, ferrichrome, and enterobactin. Previous genome-wide expression profiling identified an iron repressible B. pertussis gene encoding a periplasmic protein (FbpABp). A previously reported crystal structure shows significant similarity between FbpABp and previously characterized bacterial iron binding proteins, and established its iron-binding ability. Bordetella growth studies determined that FbpABp was required for utilization of not only unchelated iron, but also utilization of iron bound to both native and xeno-siderophores. In this in vitro solution study, we quantified the binding of unchelated ferric iron to FbpABp in the presence of various anions and importantly, we demonstrated that FbpABp binds all the ferric siderophores tested (native and xeno) with µM affinity. In silico modeling augmented solution data. FbpABp was incapable of iron removal from ferric xeno-siderophores in vitro. However, when FbpABp was reacted with native ferric-alcaligin, it elicited a pronounced change in the iron coordination environment, which may signify an early step in FbpABp-mediated iron removal from the native siderophore. To our knowledge, this is the first time the periplasmic component of an iron uptake system has been shown to bind iron directly as Fe(3+) and indirectly as a ferric siderophore complex.

A new technique to determine vertical dimension of occlusion from anthropometric measurement of interpupillary distance.

BACKGROUND: A number of techniques are being practiced for the evaluation of VDO, but none of them is scientifically more accurate than other. Each method advocated has its own limitations. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to find correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and interpupillary distance (IPD). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 dentate subjects comprising of 200 males and 200 females. Anthropometric measurement of VDO was recorded clinically using modified digital vernier caliper. Also, a standardized digital photograph of face was generated from the frontal aspect using a digital camera for the measurement of IPD in millimeters. Correlation between VDO and IPD was studied using Spearman's coefficient. For the execution of regression command and preparation of prediction equations to estimate VDO, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) Software Version 11.5 was used. RESULTS: VDO and IPD was more in males compared to females. VDO was significantly and positively correlated with IPD only in males whereas females showed a weak correlation. Hence, regression equation was derived only for males. VDO estimation using regression equation for IPD had a standard error of ± 3.94 in males. CONCLUSIONS: Since the variations between VDO and IPD are within the range of 2-4 mm, VDO prediction through this method is reliable and reproducible for male patients. Also, the method is simple, economic, and non invasive; hence it could be recommended for everyday practice to determine vertical dimension of occlusion in case of male patients. Key words:Anthropometry, interpupillary distance, jaw relation, vertical dimension of occlusion.

Surface-bound iron: a metal ion buffer in the marine brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus?

Although the iron uptake and storage mechanisms of terrestrial/higher plants have been well studied, the corresponding systems in marine algae have received far less attention. Studies have shown that while some species of unicellular algae utilize unique mechanisms of iron uptake, many acquire iron through the same general mechanisms as higher plants. In contrast, the iron acquisition strategies of the multicellular macroalgae remain largely unknown. This is especially surprising since many of these organisms represent important ecological and evolutionary niches in the coastal marine environment. It has been well established in both laboratory and environmentally derived samples, that a large amount of iron can be 'non-specifically' adsorbed to the surface of marine algae. While this phenomenon is widely recognized and has prompted the development of experimental protocols to eliminate its contribution to iron uptake studies, its potential biological significance as a concentrated iron source for marine algae is only now being recognized. This study used an interdisciplinary array of techniques to explore the nature of the extensive and powerful iron binding on the surface of both laboratory and environmental samples of the marine brown alga Ectocarpus siliculosus and shows that some of this surface-bound iron is eventually internalized. It is proposed that the surface-binding properties of E. siliculosus allow it to function as a quasibiological metal ion 'buffer', allowing iron uptake under the widely varying external iron concentrations found in coastal marine environments.

Borate as a synergistic anion for Marinobacter algicola ferric binding protein, FbpA: a role for boron in iron transport in marine life.

Boron in the ocean is generally considered a nonbiological element due to its relatively high concentration (0.4 mM) and depth independent concentration profile. Here we report an unexpected role for boron in the iron transport system of the marine bacterium Marinobacter algicola. Proteome analysis under varying boron concentrations revealed that the periplasmic ferric binding protein (Mb-FbpA) was among the proteins whose expression was most affected, strongly implicating the involvement of boron in iron utilization. Here we show that boron facilitates Fe(3+) sequestration by Mb-FbpA at pH 8 (oceanic pH) by acting as a synergistic anion (B(OH)4(1-)). Fe(3+) sequestration does not occur at pH 6.5 where boric acid (B(OH)3; pK(a) = 8.55) is the predominant species. Borate anion is also shown to bind to apo-Mb-FbpA with mM affinity at pH 8, consistent with the biological relevance implied from boron's oceanic concentration (0.4 mM). Borate is among those synergistic anions tested which support the strongest Fe(3+) binding to Mb-FbpA, where the range of anion dependent affinity constants is log K'(eff) = 21-22. Since the pKa of boric acid (8.55) lies near the pH of ocean water, changes in oceanic pH, as a consequence of fluctuations in atmospheric CO2, may perturb iron uptake in many marine heterotrophic bacteria due to a decrease in oceanic borate anion concentration.

A new technique to determine vertical dimension of occlusion from anthropometric measurements of fingers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find the correlation between vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) and length of fingers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 400 dentate subjects comprising of 200 males and 200 females. Anthropometric measurements of VDO, length of index finger, length of little finger, and distance from tip of thumb to tip of index finger of right hand were recorded clinically using modified digital vernier caliper. Correlation between VDO and length of fingers was studied using Spearman's coefficient. For the execution of regression command and preparation of prediction equations to estimate VDO, Statistical Package for Social Sciences Software Version 11.5 was used. RESULTS: VDO was significantly and positively correlated with all the parameters studied. In males, correlation of VDO was strongest for length of index finger (r-0.406) whereas in females, it was strongest for length of little finger (r-0.385). VDO estimation using regression equation had a standard error of ± 3.76 in males and ± 2.86 in females for length of index finger, ±3.81 and ± 2.74 in males and females respectively for length of little finger, ±3.99 and ± 2.89 in males and females respectively for distance from tip of thumb to tip of index finger. CONCLUSIONS: Since the variations between VDO and finger lengths are within the range of 2-4 mm, VDO prediction through this method is reliable, and reproducible. Also the method is simple, economic, and non-invasive; hence, it could be recommended for everyday practice.

A cephalometric study to determine the plane of occlusion in completely edentulous patients.

AIM: Determination of the plane of occlusion in completely edentulous patients with the help of the ala-tragus line (Camper's plane) may be questioned. An attempt to devise an alternative method to determine the orientation of the plane of occlusion was made. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cephalometric analysis was used to identify whether a correlation exists between the plane of occlusion of dentulous Indian individuals and other stable cranial landmarks. RESULTS: A negative correlation was found to exist between the occlusal Plane-FH plane angle and the porion-nasion-anterior nasal spine (PoNANS) angle. CONCLUSIONS: From the derived mathematical correlation, it was concluded that the angulation of the occlusal plane in completely edentulous subjects may be determined by taking a cephalogram at the diagnostic stage. Further, the clinical applicability of the derived mathematical formula (while determining the plane of occlusion) was tested on completely edentulous patients.

A simple and inexpensive bar-coding technique for denture identification.

A number of commercial methods for identifying dentures are available. They can be either invasive or noninvasive techniques. The less sophisticated procedures include simple engraving with bur, and more sophisticated procedures use labels or chips. Bar coding system is a way of transferring data to the computer and huge data can be stored as a record. Bar coding can be easily incorporated during acrylization of the denture and thus could be used in individual identification.

Single- and multiphoton turn-on fluorescent Fe(3+) sensors based on bis(rhodamine).

Selective and sensitive turn-on fluorescent Fe(3+) sensors based on novel bis(rhodamine) dye molecules are reported. The compounds are synthesized with very high yields and characterized with NMR, ESI mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Single- and two-photon fluorescence enhancement is observed for both molecules in the presence of Fe(3+). High selectivity and sensitivity is observed over other metal ions and is shown to be due mainly to the spirolactam ring-opening power of Fe(3+). All measurements are made in buffer environments simulating biological conditions to facilitate single- and multiphoton fluorescence imaging of Fe(3+) in vivo and in vitro. Larger enhancement of fluorescence for both one- and two-photon excitation makes them suitable candidates for fluorescent labeling of biological systems. Two photon cross-section and time-resolved fluorescence measurements are utilized to understand the selectivity of the present sensors for Fe(3+)-sensing.

Comprehensive prosthetic rehabilitation of a patient with partial finger amputations using silicone biomaterial: A technical note.

Finger and partial finger amputations are some of the most frequently encountered forms of partial hand loss. A high quality aesthetic prosthesis with passive function can be helpful to the patient since loss or congenital absence or malformation have both a social and psychological impact on the patient. Prosthetics is an art and science which provides a lifelike appearance to the lost structures of the patient. This case report presents the fabrication of a silicone finger prosthesis which had good suspension, adequate function, was comfortable to use and aesthetically acceptable to the patient.

A cephalometric study to determine the plane of occlusion in completely edentulous patients: part I.

To determine the relationship between the plane of occlusion and the Camper's line (ala-tragus line). Lateral cephalograms of 105 dentulous subjects were obtained after outlining the tragus and the base of the ala of the nose with radiopaque markers. Tracings of the cephalograms were done and the relationship between the plane of occlusion and the Camper's line (ala-tragus line) was noted. The most common tragal reference as a posterior landmark for determination of plane of occlusion was found to be below inferior (in 30.48% of subjects), and inferior (in 24.76% of subjects). The least common tragal reference was found to be above superior (in 3.82% of subjects) followed by superior of tragus and the point between superior and middle of the tragus (in 6.66% of subjects). The tragal reference in this study population was more towards the inferior of the tragus, with most of the times being below the inferior border. Therefore, the orientation of the plane of occlusion using the superior of tragus as a posterior landmark (according to the widely accepted definition of Camper's line) may be considered to be questionable. Further, the use of the tragus as a posterior landmark for the orientation of the plane of occlusion may be questioned on the basis of the findings of this study.

Comparison of efficacy of oral drotaverine plus mefenamic acid with paracervical block and with intravenous sedation for pain relief during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

BACKGROUND: Office hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy is usually the first investigation for abnormal uterine bleeding and other uterine diseases. AIMS: To evaluate the effect of oral drotaverine with mefenamic acid on pain perception during hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy and to compare it with that of paracervical block using 1% lignocaine and with that of intravenous sedation using diazepam with pentazocine. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Outpatient gynecological department and open randomized trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred twenty women undergoing hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy were randomized into 3 groups. Group I received tablet containing drotaverine hydrochloride (80 mg)+mefenamic acid (250 mg), group II received lignocaine paracervically and group III received intravenous diazepam. The intensity of pain during the procedure, 30 and 60 minutes later on visual analog scale (VAS) was assessed. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test, with the Bonferroni correction, the t test, and the chi2 test. RESULTS: Groups were similar in age, parity, vaginal birth or relevant medical history. A statistically significant difference in pain scores was noted among the 3 groups during the procedure (group I, 4.13+/-1.28; group II, 5.93+/-1.26; group III, 5.58+/-1.51), (P<0.001); as well as 30 minutes later (group I, 1.78+/-0.89; group II, 2.53+/-0.81; group III, 2.23+/-0.94), (P<0.001) and 60 minutes later (group I, 1.2+/-0.46; group II, 1.98+/-0.83; group III, 1.68+/-0.75), (P<0.001). VAS at different time intervals among the groups was also statistically significant. No adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Oral drotaverine with mefenamic acid is effective in women undergoing hysteroscopy and endometrial biopsy.

Medical termination of pregnancy and concurrent contraceptive adoption in a tertiary referral hospital in Delhi.

This study was undertaken to review the demographic profile and assess the concurrent contraceptive acceptance in women seeking medical termination of pregnancy. A total of 15,726 women came for induced abortion in the years 1995 to 2007 at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. The mean age and parity of women was 27.6 +/- 5.3 years and 2.5 respectively with 63% between 25-29 years, 99.1% married and 72% with three or more living children. Majority of married (92.5%) and 12% unmarried women reported in the first trimester of pregnancy. Nearly 40% were not using any contraception at the time of conception and only 4.2% used oral pills or intrauterine contraceptive device. The main reasons for seeking abortion were enough children (56%), unplanned pregnancy (14%), contraceptive failure (10%), previous child very young (7.5%) and others (12.5%). The concurrent contraception accepted was 95.54% with 56.32% sterilization, 37.84% IUD, 0.75% and 0.5% oral pills and DMPA respectively. Quality counseling provided at time of abortion can help the couple make an informed choice.

Metformin therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical, biochemical, hormonal, and ultrasonographic effects of 6 months of metformin therapy in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and compare with pretherapy parameters. METHOD: 50 Indian women with PCOS, 25 unmarried and 25 married, infertile women, were enrolled in this prospective clinical study. After a baseline workup, including body mass index (BMI), waist hip ratio (WHR), Ferriman Gallwey hirsutism scoring, menstrual pattern, levels of fasting insulin, lipids, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), serum gonadotropins, estradiol (E2), testosterone, androstenedione, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), patients were given 1000 gm of metformin for 6 months and then reevaluated. RESULT: In 41 of 50 women who completed treatment, significant improvement in BMI, WHR, menstrual cyclicity (80.5%), ovulation rate (66%), and pregnancy rate (28%) was noted. Statistically significant decrease in lutenising hormone (LH) and LH/FSH ratio with an increase in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were seen. Levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (Chol) increased along with a decrease in total cholesterol. Improvement was noted in ovarian volume, stromal thickness, and number of follicles. There was no change in hirsutism, acne, levels of other sex steroid hormones, and lipids. CONCLUSION: A 6-month course of metformin therapy may improve menstrual cyclicity and fertility in women with PCOS.