Correlation of Vertical Dimension of Occlusion in Parents and Their Offspring: A Cephalometric Study.

BACKGROUND: Establishment of optimal vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) for prosthetic patients, either complete denture or fixed full mouth rehabilitation, is a vital step to discern at a pleasing esthetics and harmonious function. None of the experiments in the literature studied the hopeful inheritance of the VDO from a parent to offspring. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the dominant mode of inheritance of VDO from parents to offspring using cephalometric landmarks. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Following the inclusion criteria, 20 families were selected and explained about the study design. Individual cephalograph of father, mother, and offspring were traced out of bony landmarks. The reference planes were delineated for the measurements from maxillary incisal (I) tip and mesio-palatal cusp tip of maxillary first molar (M) to palatal (PP) and inter-foramina (IFP) planes. RESULTS: In all the distances measured, there exists a statistically significant difference between both father and son and mother and son. For the measured IPP, MPP, and IIFP distances, there is no statistically significant difference existed between father and daughter. However, in MIFP distance, there is a significant difference between father and daughter. Except for the IIFP distance between mother and daughter (P = 0.08), in all other measured distances, there existed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: There is no dominant mode of inheritance from the parent to the son with respect to the measured parameters. Inheritance was observed to be stronger between father and daughter than between mother and daughter.

Pharmacophore modeling, virtual screening and molecular docking of ATPase inhibitors of HSP70.

Heat shock protein 70 is an effective anticancer target as it influences many signaling pathways. Hence the study investigated the important pharmacophore feature required for ATPase inhibitors of HSP70 by generating a ligand based pharmacophore model followed by virtual based screening and subsequent validation by molecular docking in Discovery studio V4.0. The most extrapolative pharmacophore model (hypotheses 8) consisted of four hydrogen bond acceptors. Further validation by external test set prediction identified 200 hits from Mini Maybridge, Drug Diverse, SCPDB compounds and Phytochemicals. Consequently, the screened compounds were refined by rule of five, ADMET and molecular docking to retain the best competitive hits. Finally Phytochemical compounds Muricatetrocin B, Diacetylphiladelphicalactone C, Eleutheroside B and 5-(3-{[1-(benzylsulfonyl)piperidin-4-yl]amino}phenyl)- 4-bromo-3-(carboxymethoxy)thiophene-2-carboxylic acid were obtained as leads to inhibit the ATPase activity of HSP70 in our findings and thus can be proposed for further in vitro and in vivo evaluation.

Structural constraints-based evaluation of immunogenic avirulent toxins from Clostridium botulinum C2 and C3 toxins as subunit vaccines.

Clostridium botulinum (group-III) is an anaerobic bacterium producing C2 and C3 toxins in addition to botulinum neurotoxins in avian and mammalian cells. C2 and C3 toxins are members of bacterial ADP-ribosyltransferase superfamily, which modify the eukaryotic cell surface proteins by ADP-ribosylation reaction. Herein, the mutant proteins with lack of catalytic and pore forming function derived from C2 (C2I and C2II) and C3 toxins were computationally evaluated to understand their structure-function integrity. We have chosen many structural constraints including local structural environment, folding process, backbone conformation, conformational dynamic sub-space, NAD-binding specificity and antigenic determinants for screening of suitable avirulent toxins. A total of 20 avirulent mutants were identified out of 23 mutants, which were experimentally produced by site-directed mutagenesis. No changes in secondary structural elements in particular to α-helices and ß-sheets and also in fold rate of all-ß classes. Structural stability was maintained by reordered hydrophobic and hydrogen bonding patterns. Molecular dynamic studies suggested that coupled mutations may restrain the binding affinity to NAD(+) or protein substrate upon structural destabilization. Avirulent toxins of this study have stable energetic backbone conformation with a common blue print of folding process. Molecular docking studies revealed that avirulent mutants formed more favorable hydrogen bonding with the side-chain of amino acids near to conserved NAD-binding core, despite of restraining NAD-binding specificity. Thus, structural constraints in the avirulent toxins would determine their immunogenic nature for the prioritization of protein-based subunit vaccine/immunogens to avian and veterinary animals infected with C. botulinum.

The dual role of palladium in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of CdS dispersed on NaY-zeolite.

A stable photocatalyst, CdS dispersed on zeolite with Pd as both the dopant and the co-catalyst, has been developed. Enhancement of photocatalytic activity for hydrogen generation is observed for CdS when doped with palladium and dispersed on NaY-zeolite (CdPdS-Z). A further increase in the photocatalytic activity of CdPdS-Z is observed when palladium is added as a co-catalyst (Pd-CdPdS-Z). Cd0.95Pd0.05S-Z is synthesized via a facile soft chemical route and the Pd co-catalyst is loaded onto the composite using a wet impregnation method. This composite catalyst exists as two phases consisting of CdPdS and zeolite and CdPdS exists as a highly dispersed phase on zeolite as revealed by TEM studies. The Pd doped CdS-zeolite composite exhibits increased visible light absorption indicating the alteration of the band structure of CdS as a result of doping. Time resolved fluorescence studies reveal that the lifetime of the charge carriers is higher in the composites than in pure CdS. A detailed characterization using XRD, Raman and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates that Pd has substituted for Cd in the CdS lattice and Pd exists in the Pd(2+) oxidation state. Solid state MAS NMR studies indicate that an interaction exists between CdS (or CdPdS) and zeolite at the interface and Cd selectively interacts with Al of the zeolite framework. The photocatalytic activity of the Pd-CdPdS-Z catalyst remains unchanged with repeated cycles. Characterization of the used catalyst indicates that it is stable under the present experimental conditions. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of Pd-CdPdS-Z is attributed to the enhanced visible light absorption arising due to Pd doping and increased lifetime of the photogenerated charge carriers assisted by zeolite and the Pd co-catalyst. This study highlights the multiple roles played by palladium in enhancing the photocatalytic activity of the CdS-zeolite composite.

Transcriptome analysis of salinity responsiveness in contrasting genotypes of finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) through RNA-sequencing.

Finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.) is a hardy cereal known for its superior level of tolerance against drought, salinity, diseases and its nutritional properties. In this study, attempts were made to unravel the physiological and molecular basis of salinity tolerance in two contrasting finger millet genotypes viz., CO 12 and Trichy 1. Physiological studies revealed that the tolerant genotype Trichy 1 had lower Na(+) to K(+) ratio in leaves and shoots, higher growth rate (osmotic tolerance) and ability to accumulate higher amount of total soluble sugar in leaves under salinity stress. We sequenced the salinity responsive leaf transcriptome of contrasting finger millet genotypes using IonProton platform and generated 27.91 million reads. Mapping and annotation of finger millet transcripts against rice gene models led to the identification of salinity responsive genes and genotype specific responses. Several functional groups of genes like transporters, transcription factors, genes involved in cell signaling, osmotic homeostasis and biosynthesis of compatible solutes were found to be highly up-regulated in the tolerant Trichy 1. Salinity stress inhibited photosynthetic capacity and photosynthesis related genes in the susceptible genotype CO 12. Several genes involved in cell growth and differentiation were found to be up-regulated in both the genotypes but more specifically in tolerant genotype. Genes involved in flavonoid biosynthesis were found to be down-regulated specifically in the salinity tolerant Trichy 1. This study provides a genome-wide transcriptional analysis of two finger millet genotypes differing in their level of salinity tolerance during a gradually progressing salinity stress under greenhouse conditions.

Work-Related Health Problems among Nursing Personnel.

Work-related injuries among nursing personnel are quite frequent and costly problems in terms of both workers'pain and suffering as well as medical expenses, and lost work for organisations. A descriptive study was conducted in Christian Medical College, Vellore to assess the prevalence of selected work-related health problems among nursing personnel. Total of 500 Nursing personnel were included in the study. The instruments used were Modified Cornell Musculoskeletal discomfort questionnaire to assess and score the musculoskeletal discomfort and CEAP (C-clinical, E-Etiologic, A-Anatomic, P- Pathophysiologic) classification to assess the presence and grade the varicose veins. Results demonstrated that 84.4 percent of the participants had musculoskeletal discomfort and 29.6 percent of the participants had varicose veins. Findings of the study demonstrated that there is a need to increase the awareness among nurses regarding the problems and to follow specific strategies to prevent work-related health problems.

Chronic otomycosis due to malassezia spp.

We report the case of a 31-year-old male presenting with complaints of mild pain in the right ear for three months and hypoacusis for 10 days. On otoscopic examination, a thin, papery, white material was extracted from his ear and sent for fungal identification. This material revealed presence of Malassezia spp - with characteristic "spaghetti and meat ball appearance". The patient was treated with 2% acetic acid, hydrocortisone and Clotrimazole powder for one week and he resolved completely.

Database on pharmacophore analysis of active principles, from medicinal plants.

UNLABELLED: Plants continue to be a major source of medicines, as they have been throughout human history. In the present days, drug discovery from plants involves a multidisciplinary approach combining ethnobotanical, phytochemical and biological techniques to provide us new chemical compounds (lead molecules) for the development of drugs against various pharmacological targets, including cancer, diabetes and its secondary complications. In view of this need in current drug discovery from medicinal plants, here we describe another web database containing the information of pharmacophore analysis of active principles possessing antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anticancerous and antioxidant properties from medicinal plants. The database provides the botanical, taxonomic classification, biochemical as well as pharmacological properties of medicinal plants. Data on antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti oxidative, anti tumor and anti inflammatory compounds, and their physicochemical properties, SMILES Notation, Lipinski's properties are included in our database. One of the proposed features in the database is the predicted ADMET values and the interaction of bioactive compounds to the target protein. The database alphabetically lists the compound name and also provides tabs separating for anti microbial, antitumor, antidiabetic, and antioxidative compounds. AVAILABILITY: http://www.hccbif.info /

Enhanced hydrogen generation by particles during sonochemical decomposition of water.

A novel effect of any oxide particle/intermetallics enhancing hydrogen generation from water as compared to water alone when subjected to ultrasonic irradiation is reported here. Addition of methanol to water or decrease in particle size also improved the hydrogen yield. Hydrogen generation from water was further enhanced by the presence of both methanol and particles in water.

Bioefficiency of indigogera tinctoria linn. On isoniazid induced hepatotoxicity in albinorats.

Indigofera tincoria leaf extract has been evaluated for its anti-hepatotoxic activity on Rats. Isoniazid is a first line agent for treatment of tuberculosis. Acute ingestion by adults with little dose can lead to mild liver toxicity. In our study, administration of isoniazid (100mg/Kg of the body weight) to normal albino rats for 15 days, results in the induction of hepatitis, which is reversed by the leaf extract of Indigofera tincoria. Two different dose volumes of Indigofera tincoria (5ml/kg of the body weight and 10ml/kg of body weight) were given to determine the hepatoprotective efficacy. The effect of the extract was found to be dose dependent and the altered levels of AST, ALT, ALP and other serum parameters such as total protein, total bilirubin are showing normal values. Indigofera tinctoria provided significant protection against most of the biochemical alterations produced by isoniazid in test animals.

Vascular complications in young Asian Indian patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

To determine the prevalence of micro vascular and macro vascular complications in Asian Indian Type 1 diabetic subjects. There has been no major report on the prevalence of vascular complications in Type 1 diabetic patients in India. This study was done in Type 1 diabetic patients, aged < or =20 years at diagnosis of diabetes (n=617, M:F 322:295) with a minimum of 3 year follow-up. Standard diagnostic methodologies were used to test for micro vascular and macro vascular complications of diabetes. Retinopathy was detected in 13. 4% (background diabetic retinopathy 11.2%, proliferative diabetic retinopathy 1.9%, preproliferative 0.31%, maculopathy was seen in 13.3% of retinopathy cases), nephropathy in 7.1%, sensory neuropathy in 3.0%, ischaemic heart disease in 0.5% and peripheral vascular disease in 0.5% of the study subjects. Duration of diabetes showed positive association with retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy. Average glycosylated haemoglobin values, at follow up showed an association with retinopathy. Although the glycaemic control was suboptimal in the study group, prevalences of all complications, especially macro vascular complications were lower in Type 1 diabetic patients in this ethnic group, in comparison with the European or American counterparts.

Prevalence of vascular complications and their risk factors in type 2 diabetes.

OBJECTIVE: a) To determine the prevalence of microvascular and macrovascular complications in Type 2 diabetes in India and b) to identify the major factors for the complications. METHODS: A study was done in 3010 subjects (M:F 1892:1118, Mean age 52 +/- 9.7 years) attending a diabetic clinic. The study sample resembled the population sample in anthropometry, age and socioeconomic factors. All patients had undergone the tests for retinopathy, nephropathy, neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease (PVD) and cardiovascular disease by ECG. RESULTS: Retinopathy was diagnosed in 23.7% (background retinopathy in 20.0% and proliferative in 3.7%), proteinuria was present in 19.7% and persistant proteinuria of > or = 500 mg/dl was seen in 5.5% of them, CHD was present in 11.4% and PVD was present in 4.0%. Of the total 119 cases with PVD, 18 had gangrene and 21 had undergone amputations. Peripheral neuropathy was present in 27.5%. Cerebrovascular accidents were reported in 26 cases (0.9%). Hypertension was present in 38% of the cases. Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that age had a significant association with retinopathy, neuropathy, CHD and PVD. Duration of diabetes had significant association with the complications other than CHD. Higher HbA1 increased the risk of retinopathy, neuropathy and nephropathy. Hypertension was associated with the complications except PVD and neuropathy. The strongest association was between hypertension and nephropathy. CONCLUSION: The study highlights the high prevalence of vascular complications in Type 2 diabetes in India. Retinopathy and neuropathy were the commonest complications of diabetes.

Foetal outcome in gestational diabetes in south Indians.

The study was performed to reassess the prevalence of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in south Indians and to study the foetal outcome in women with GDM in comparison with normal pregnancies. In 1036 pregnant women, glucose tolerance was tested with 75-g oral glucose load, in the second or third trimester. Those with 2-h plasma glucose of > or = 200 mg/dl were considered as diabetic (WHO Criteria). Those with 2-h values of 140-199 underwent a 3-h glucose tolerance test (GTT) with 100-g glucose load (O'Sullivan and Mahan criteria). GDM was diagnosed in nine women (0.87%) by this criteria. Foetal outcome in 211 GDM referred to the diabetes centre was compared with the outcome in 853 normal pregnancies. There were no cases of aborted pregnancy among the GDM, while six cases were reported among the normal glucose tolerance (NGT). Still birth and the number of premature babies were higher in GDM. Babies with birth weight > or = 3.5 kg were more among the GDM (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the occurrence of congenital anomalies in the two groups. It was noted that congenital abnormalities in the foetus were more common among those born of mothers with higher plasma glucose (9 versus 1.1%). Multiple linear regression analyses in NGT and GDM showed that the birth weight of the baby was dependent on the plasma glucose and the body mass index of the mothers. The results of the present study show that the prevalence of GDM in urban south India was low, when the NDDG criteria was used. It also indicated that the WHO criteria may be more appropriate as the foetal outcome was determined by even a small rise in maternal plasma glucose. With good metabolic control in GDM, the foetal risks are very much reduced.