Evaluation of Failure in Single-Piece Implant Systems: A One-Year Follow-Up Study.

Objective: This study's goal was to assess the failure rate and peri-implant complications of single-piece implant systems over the course of a one-year follow-up. Materials and Methods: Patient records were examined retrospectively. 150 single-piece dental implants were analyzed. Clinical results, implant features, and demographic information were gathered. Implant failure, which is characterized as the total loss of osseointegration, served as the key outcome indicator. Patient satisfaction and peri-implant problems were secondary outcomes. Data analysis employed descriptive statistics. Results: During the one-year follow-up period, the failure rate for single-piece implant systems was 6.7%. The two main factors leading to implant failure were found to be poor osseointegration (60%) and biomechanical overload (40%). 20% of the cases had peri-implant problems, such as peri-implantitis. 85% of the panelists felt that single-piece implants had satisfied their patients. Conclusion: A 6.7% failure rate in single-piece implant systems was seen in this one-year follow-up investigation. The major causes of implant failure were found to be poor osseointegration and biomechanical loading. In 20% of the cases, peri-implant problems such as peri-implantitis, were noted. There was great patient satisfaction. These results highlight the significance of regulating occlusal forces, optimizing osseointegration, and applying preventive measures to ensure the long-term viability of single-piece implant systems.

A cradle to cradle approach towards remediation of uranium from water using carbonized arecanut husk fiber.

Sustainable materials for remediation of pollutants from water is the need of the hour. In this study two carbonaceous adsorbents prepared through hydrothermal carbonisation and pyrolysis from arecanut husk fiber, an agricultural waste material were used for the adsorption of uranium from water. Batch adsorption data as interpreted using the Langmuir model showed adsorption capacities of 250 mg g-1 and 200 mg g-1 respectively at pH 6 for the hydrochar (AHFC) and the pyrochar (AHFT) exceeding that reported for most of the unmodified biochars. The adsorption followed pseudo-second order kinetics and was exothermic in nature. The high selectivity and excellent removal efficiencies on application to environmental ground water samples and good regeneration capacity make these sorbents promising eco-friendly materials for uranium remediation from water.

Prospective application of phosphorylated carbon nanofibers with a high adsorption capacity for the sequestration of uranium from ground water.

In this study carbon nanofibers (CNF) were phosphorylated by using ortho-phosphoric acid and applied for adsorptive remediation of uranium from water. The phosphorylated carbon nanofibers (PCNF) showed 96% removal of uranium as compared to 79% by CNF. The adsorption data from batch adsorption studies fitted well with the Langmuir model and a maximum adsorption capacity of 512.8 mg g-1 was obtained at pH 6.0 while the adsorption followed pseudo second order kinetics. A detailed characterisation of the adsorbent has been carried out using various analytical and spectroscopic tools. The application of the adsorbent to ground water samples exhibited promising results even in the presence of other interfering cations and anions which is imperative considering the toxic effects of uranium in ground water.

Linkers: A synergistic way for the synthesis of chimeric proteins.

In the cell, the protein domains are attached with the short oligopeptide, commonly known as linker peptide. Besides bridging, the linker assists in the domain-domain interaction and protein folding into the peculiar conformations. Linkers allow or control the movement of protein domains in the dynamic cellular environment. The recent advances in the recombinant DNA technology enable the construction of multiple gene constructs in an open reading frame. The express sequences can work in a cascade to cater for myriad functions. This trend has given momentum to incorporating bridge sequences (linker) that essentially separates the independent domains. According to the cellular need, the bridging partner can be spaced at a secure gap or requires attaching or interacting physically. The flexible or rigid linker can help to achieve such conformations in chimeric fusion proteins. The linker can improve solubility, proteolytic resistance and stability of such fusion proteins. Recently, linker aided protein switches and antibody-drug conjugates are gaining the attention of researchers worldwide. Here, we thoroughly reviewed the types of the linker, strategies for linker engineering and the composition of a linker.

Synthesis and crystal structure of a heterobimetallic cadmium-sodium complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, [CdNa2(C3H2N3O3)4(H2O)8].

Heterobimetallic crystals of a cadmium-sodium complex of 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione, namely, µ-aqua-1:2κ2 O:O-hepta-aqua-1κ3 O,2κ2 O,3κ2 O-bis-(µ-4,6-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-1,3,5-triazin-2-olato)-1:2κ2 O 2:N 1;2:3κ2 N 1:O 2-bis-(4,6-dioxo-1,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-1,3,5-triazin-2-olato)-1κO 2,3κO 2-2-cadmium-1,3-disodium, [CdNa2(C3H2N3O3)4(H2O)8], were grown by the single gel diffusion technique. The asymmetric unit of the title compound comprises four 1,3,5-triazine-2,4,6-trione ligands, two sodium atoms and one cadmium atom. Of the four ligands, two are monodentately coordinated to two Na atoms. The third ligand is coordinated bidentately to one Na and the Cd atom and the fourth is also coordinated bidentately to the Cd atom and the other Na atom. All the metal atoms are six-coordinate with a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The water mol-ecules bridge the Na atoms, constructing coordination polymer chains along the a axis and hence are linked by two Cd and one Na coordinations through the cyanuric acid ligands present in the coordination polymer chains, generating a two-dimensional coordination polymer in the (110) plane. The polymer formation is further assisted by means of many inter-molecular and intra-molecular N-H⋯O, O-H⋯O and O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds between the water mol-ecules and the ligands.

Positioning canine induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) in the reprogramming landscape of naïve or primed state in comparison to mouse and human iPSCs.

AIMS: Deriving canine-induced pluripotent stem cells (ciPSCs) have paved the way for developing novel cell-based disease models and transplantation therapies in the dog. Though ciPSCs have been derived in the presence of Leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) as well in the presence of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), the positioning of ciPSCs in the naïve or the primed state of pluripotency remains elusive. This study aims to understand whether canine iPSCs belong to naïve or prime state in comparison to mouse (m) iPSCs and human (h) iPSCs. MAIN METHODS: In the present study, we derived ciPSCs in presence of LIF and compared their state of pluripotency with that of miPSCs and hiPSCs by culturing them in the presence of LIF, bFGF, and LIF + bFGF. Gene expression level at transcript level was performed by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR and at the protein level was analysed by immunofluorescence. We also attempted to understand the pluripotency state using lipid body analysis by bodipy staining and blue fluorescence emission. KEY FINDINGS: In contrast to miPSCs, the naïve pluripotent stem cells, ciPSCs showed the expression of FGF5 similar to that of primed pluripotent stem cell, hiPSCs. Compared to miPSCs, ciPSCs cultured in presence of LIF showed enhanced expression of primed pluripotent marker FGF5, similar to hiPSCs cultured in presence of bFGF. Upon culturing in hiPSC culture condition, ciPSCs showed enhanced expression of core pluripotency genes compared to miPSCs cultured in similar condition. However, ciPSCs expressed naïve pluripotent marker SSEA1 similar to miPSCs and lacked the expression of primed state marker SSEA4 unlike hiPSCs. Interestingly, for the first time, we demonstrate the ciPSC pluripotency using lipid body analysis wherein ciPSCs showed enhanced bodipy staining and blue fluorescence emission, reflecting the primed state of pluripotency. ciPSCs expressed higher levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN), the enzyme involved in the synthesis of palmitate, similar to that of hiPSCs and higher than that of miPSCs. As ciPSCs exhibit characteristic properties of both naïve and primed pluripotent state, it probably represents a unique intermediary state of pluripotency that is distinct from that of mice and human pluripotent stem cells. SIGNIFICANCE: Elucidating the pluripotent state of ciPSCs assists in better understanding of the reprogramming events and development in different species. The study would provide a footprint of species-specific differences involved in reprogramming and the potential implication of iPSCs as a tool to analyse evolution.

Multicolor imaging in macular telangiectasia-a comparison with fundus autofluorescence.

PURPOSE: To describe various clinical features of idiopathic juxtafoveal retinal telangiectasis group 2A or idiopathic macular telangiectasia type 2 (MacTel) on multicolor imaging (MCI) and compare imaging findings of MacTel on MCI with fundus autofluorescence (FAF). METHODS: Patients with a clinical diagnosis of MacTel based on Gass and Blodi's classification were included. FAF and MCI images were graded qualitatively for stage of disease, margins of involvement, hyperautofluorescence on FAF (corresponding retinal atrophy on MCI), and detection of crystals. FAF and MCI were graded quantitatively for the area and number of quadrants involved, hypoautofluorescene on FAF (corresponding intraretinal pigment hyperplasia or retinal pigment epithelium [RPE] atrophy on MCI), and foci of right-angled venules. RESULTS: Seventy-eight eyes of forty five patients were included with both imaging modalities showing no difference with respect to staging of non-proliferative MacTel. Retinal crystals were recognized on MCI but not on FAF. Neurosensory retinal atrophy and  subretinal neovascular membranes were detected using MCI with 92.3 and 83.3% sensitivity, respectively. Intraretinal pigmented hyperplasia was more accurately detected (70.1 vs 58.4%) compared with RPE atrophy on MCI. MCI showed larger area of involvement, higher number of quadrants involved (p < 0.001), and better delineation of margins (p = 0.002) compared with FAF. A higher mean number of vessel dipping foci was noted on MCI in comparison with FAF (3.34 vs 3.1). CONCLUSION: Various parameters were more easily defined using MCI compared with FAF which qualifies MCI as an enface depth-resolved imaging adjunct to conventional multimodal imaging in MacTel. The ability to detect enface as well as cross-sectional imaging features makes MCI a valuable tool in MacTel.

Multicolor imaging in central serous chorioretinopathy - a quantitative and qualitative comparison with fundus autofluorescence.

Central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) is characterised by choroidal hyperpermeability which results in neurosensory detachments (NSD) along with numerous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) alterations such as RPE atrophy. Fundus autofluorescence (FAF) demonstrates the functionality of the RPE while multicolor imaging(MCI), by means of its three incident wavelengths, provides insight into clinical changes at various levels of the retina and choroid in CSCR. This study compares various clinical findings in CSCR (NSD, subretinal deposits, RPE atrophy, pigment epithelial detachments (PED) and pachyvessels) on the above mentioned imaging modalities both qualitatively and quantitatively. MCI showed higher mean cumulative area of RPE atrophic patches (6.3 ± 6.02 vs 5.7 ± 5.7 mm2, p = 0.046), PED (1.3 ± 1.4 vs 1.1 ± 1.2 mm2, p = 0.068) and NSD (17.2 ± 11.4 vs 15.7 ± 10.7 mm2, p = 0.033). MCI demonstrated better defined lesions (NSD, PED, RPE atrophy) and more number of eyes with PED and pachyvessels in comparison to FAF.Both investigations had a 100% sensitivity in detecting NSD and 100% specificity for sub retinal deposits. This study demonstrates the ability of MCI to quantitatively and qualitatively define various clinical features in CSCR and the advantages it holds over FAF. MCI can hence be considered as a useful imaging modality in documenting and monitoring various structural changes in eyes with CSCR.

The road less travelled: The efficacy of canine pluripotent stem cells.

The path-breaking discovery of induced pluripotent stem cells has fuelled the scientific advancements of stem cells. Nevertheless, the need to ensure the safety of stem cell therapy at translational level is still at large, prompting scientists to use animal models which are genetically and anatomically homologous to that of humans. Dogs, being genomically and physiologically more similar to humans serve as better models in mimicking human diseases as compared to rodents. The heterogeneity in canine breeds offers an excellent opportunity to comprehend the complexities of many genetic diseases, making them exceptional tools for stem cell therapies. Various canine gene therapy models have paved the foundation for strategizing therapies for humans. But a similar progress is lacking in utilizing canine stem cells for stem cell-based therapies in both dogs and humans. This review attempts to bridge the gap, by articulating the key differences in canine pluripotency pathways, based on the recent derivation of canine embryonic stem cells (cESCs) and canine induced pluripotent stem cells (ciPSCs), thereby attempting to position dog in the reprogramming landscape. The potential clinical application of canine iPSCs also offers great hope to canine patients and might lead to significant contributions in veterinary medicine.

Recombinant human adenovirus-5 expressing capsid proteins of Indian vaccine strains of foot-and-mouth disease virus elicits effective antibody response in cattle.

Recombinant adenovirus-5 vectored foot-and-mouth disease constructs (Ad5- FMD) were made for three Indian vaccine virus serotypes O, A and Asia 1. Constructs co-expressing foot-and- mouth disease virus (FMDV) capsid and viral 3C protease sequences, were evaluated for their ability to induce a neutralizing antibody response in indigenous cattle (Bos indicus). Purified Ad5-FMD viruses were inoculated in cattle as monovalent (5×109 pfu/animal) or trivalent (5×109 pfu/animal per serotype) vaccines. Animals vaccinated with monovalent Ad5-FMD vaccines were boosted 63days later with the same dose. After primary immunization, virus neutralization tests (VNT) showed seroconversion in 83, 67 and 33% of animals vaccinated with Ad5-FMD O, A and Asia 1, respectively. Booster immunization elicited seroconversion in all of the animals (100%) in the monovalent groups. When used in a trivalent form, the Ad5-FMD vaccine induced neutralizing antibodies in only 33, 50 and 16% of animals against serotypes O, A and Asia 1, respectively on primo-vaccination, and titers were significantly lower than when the same vectors were used in monovalent form. Neutralizing antibody titers differed by serotype for both Ad5-FMD monovalent and trivalent vaccines, with Asia 1 serotype inducing the lowest titers. Antibody response to Ad5 vector in immunized cattle was also assessed by VNT. It appeared that the vector immunity did not impact the recall responses to expressed FMDV antigens on booster immunization. In summary, the study suggested that the recombinant Ad5-FMD vaccine has a potential use in monovalent form, while its application in multivalent form is not currently encouraging.

Signaling Network Map of Endothelial TEK Tyrosine Kinase.

TEK tyrosine kinase is primarily expressed on endothelial cells and is most commonly referred to as TIE2. TIE2 is a receptor tyrosine kinase modulated by its ligands, angiopoietins, to regulate the development and remodeling of vascular system. It is also one of the critical pathways associated with tumor angiogenesis and familial venous malformations. Apart from the vascular system, TIE2 signaling is also associated with postnatal hematopoiesis. Despite the involvement of TIE2-angiopoietin system in several diseases, the downstream molecular events of TIE2-angiopoietin signaling are not reported in any pathway repository. Therefore, carrying out a detailed review of published literature, we have documented molecular signaling events mediated by TIE2 in response to angiopoietins and developed a network map of TIE2 signaling. The pathway information is freely available to the scientific community through NetPath, a manually curated resource of signaling pathways. We hope that this pathway resource will provide an in-depth view of TIE2-angiopoietin signaling and will lead to identification of potential therapeutic targets for TIE2-angiopoietin associated disorders.

Spectral, thermal, structural, dielectric and microhardness studies of gel grown diaquasuccinatocadmium(II) hemihydrate.

Diaquasuccinatocadmium(II) hemihydrate (DSCH) single crystals were grown successfully by single gel diffusion technique at room temperature. Block shaped crystals of size 11 mm × 6 mm × 3 mm have been obtained in 24 days. The grown crystals were colorless and transparent. The crystalline nature and reflection planes of the sample were confirmed by the powder X-ray diffraction technique. The crystal structure of the DSCH crystal was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. According to microanalytical results the formula of the crystal is [Cd(C(4)H(4)O(4))H(2)O](2)·0.5H(2)O. Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Fourier Transform Raman (FT-Raman) studies were used to confirm the presence of various functional groups in the crystal. The thermal behavior of the crystal was studied by simultaneous TGA-DTA methods in nitrogen atmosphere. The mechanical strength of the grown crystal was estimated by Vickers microhardness test. The dielectric behavior of the sample was also studied.

Urinary tract infection due to Enterobacter sakazakii.

Enterobacter sakazakii is a rare but important cause of necrotizing enterocolitis, bloodstream infection and central nervous system infections in humans, with mortality rates of 40-80%. It has not been reported to cause urinary tract infection. We report a case of urinary tract infection due to E. sakazakii in a 63-year-old lady with chronic renal failure.

Comparative efficacy of PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) & multiplex PCR for glycoprotein B (gB) genotyping of human cytomegalovirus.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE: Glycoprotein B (gB), involved in cell-to-cell transmission of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), is a critical factor in tissue tropism and viral pathogenesis. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficiency of PCR-based RFLP and multiplex nested PCR for gB gene of HCMV to determine their genotype in clinical specimens from patients with HCMV. METHODS: The PCR based RFLP and the multiplex nested PCR were applied on standard strain of HCMV AD169, 4 clinical HCMV isolates and 70 clinical specimens positive for HCMV by pp65 antigenaemia assay or nested PCR for mtr II region or both. RESULTS: Three of the four clinical isolates were genotyped as gB1 and the other as gB3 by both the methods. HCMV genome in all the 70 clinical specimens were genotyped by multiplex nested PCR whereas only 65 were genotyped by PCR-based RFLP. Forty one of 65 clinical specimens, gave concordant results by both methods. In the remaining 24, mixed infection with multiple genotypes was identified by multiplex nested PCR whereas single genotypes were identified by PCR-based RFLP. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: Multiplex nested PCR provided a rapid, sensitive and cost-effective assay for gB genotyping of HCMV and allowed detection of multiple gB genotypes of HCMV in clinical samples compared to PCR-based RFLP.