Understanding the effect of irradiation temperature on microstructural evolution of 20MnMoNi55 steel.

In this study, the effect of irradiation temperature on microstructural evolution of Indian RPV steel is reported. This study, by virtue of helium ion irradiation at 77, 300 and 573 K, could bring out the effect of the irradiation induced defects on microstructural and mechanical property changes at different stages of their existence starting from the state of cascade damage till the point of their free migration. Irradiation experiments were performed with varying ion energies to achieve nearly uniform irradiation damage of 0.05, 0.2 and 3 dpa in a ~ 300 nm wide region. Irradiated samples were characterized using GIXRD, PAS, TEM and nanoindentation. Unirradiated samples showed predominant presence of a combination of di- and tri-vacancy type of defects. Most of the dislocations present in unirradiated samples were screw dislocations, while mixed type was noticed upon irradiation irrespective of the irradiation temperature. PAS study showed formation of distinct defect types at different irradiation temperatures. TEM study confirmed formation of dislocation loops and defect clusters on irradiation. Higher irradiation temperatures resulted in the extension of the width of the damage region owing to increased migration of defects.

A loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Quantitated Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) H37Rv DNA was used to analyse the sensitivity and the specificity was assessed using DNA isolated from the reference strain H37Rv, 12 nontuberculous mycobacterium (NTM) species and five nonmycobacterium species. Furthermore, performance of the assay was evaluated on the sputum samples and compared with smear microscopy, culture and PCR. mpt64 (also called mpb64 or Rv1980c) loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) successfully detected 1 pg DNA within 40 min and successfully rejected NTMs and other bacterial species tested. It specifically detected all the 119 confirmed TB cases and 100 of the 104 control cases. The resulting sensitivity and specificity of LAMP assay was found to be 100% (95% CI: 96·79-100%) and 96·15% (95% CI; 90·44-98·94%) respectively. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a technique for isothermal DNA amplification suitable for cost-limited settings as it prevents the use of sophisticated instruments. Using mpt64 antigenic protein gene, we developed a LAMP assay especially for organisms of the M. tuberculosis complex. mpt64 LAMP assay showed 100% sensitivity and detected all the bacteriologically and clinically positive TB cases not detected by smear, culture or PCR methods.

Sodium percarbonate as a novel intracoronal bleaching agent: assessment of the associated risk of cervical root resorption.

AIM: To evaluate the extraradicular peroxide release from sodium percarbonate compared to sodium perborate as an intracoronal bleaching agent. METHODOLOGY: Sixty mandibular single-rooted premolars with intact CEJ were selected. After root filling, gutta-percha was removed 4 mm apical to CEJ and 2 mm of GIC was condensed over the root filling. Intracoronal bleaching agents were placed into six groups of teeth (n = 10): sodium perborate with distilled water (SPW); sodium percarbonate with distilled water (SPCW); sodium perborate with 30% hydrogen peroxide (SPHP); sodium percarbonate with 30% hydrogen peroxide (SPCHP); 30% hydrogen peroxide as positive control (HP) and distilled water as negative control (CL). The teeth were then mounted in vials filled with distilled water, kept in an incubator and taken out at 1, 3 and 6 days for spectrophotometric analysis. Extraradicular peroxide release was quantified by the ferrothiocyanate method. Statistical analysis was undertaken with one-way anova and Scheffe post hoc tests. RESULTS: The greatest peroxide release occurred in the HP group, followed by the SPCHP and SPHP groups, and then by the SPCW and SPW groups. Intergroup comparison revealed that there was no significant difference in peroxide release among the groups SPCW and SPW on days 1, 3 and 6 (P > 0.05). Similarly, no significant difference was found between the SPCHP and SPHP treated groups on days 1, 3 and 6 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Extraradicular peroxide release from sodium percarbonate was comparable to that of sodium perborate, as the differences were not significant.

Synthesis and characterization of monodispersed water dispersible Fe3O4 nanoparticles and in vitro studies on human breast carcinoma cell line under hyperthermia condition.

Monodispersed Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) having size of 7 nm have been prepared from iron oleate and made water dispersible by functionalization for biomedical applications. Three different reactions employing thioglycolic acid, aspartic acid and aminophosphonate were performed on oleic acid coated Fe3O4. In order to achieve a control on particle size, the pristine nanoparticles were heated in presence of ferric oleate which led to increase in size from 7 to 11 nm. Reaction parameters such as rate of heating, reaction temperature and duration of heating have been studied. Shape of particles was found to change from spherical to cuboid. The cuboid shape in turn enhances magneto-crystalline anisotropy (Ku). Heating efficacy of these nanoparticles for hyperthermia was also evaluated for different shapes and sizes. We demonstrate heat generation from these MNPs for hyperthermia application under alternating current (AC) magnetic field and optimized heating efficiency by controlling morphology of particles. We have also studied intra-cellular uptake and localization of nanoparticles and cytotoxicity under AC magnetic field in human breast carcinoma cell line.

Epileptic seizure anticipation and localisation of epileptogenic region using EEG signals.

Electric activity of brain gets disturbed prior to epileptic seizure onset. Early prediction of an upcoming seizure can help to increase effectiveness of antiepileptic drugs. The scalp electroencephalogram signals contain information about the dynamics of brain and have been used to predict an upcoming seizure and localise its zone. The objective of this paper is to localise the epileptogenic region and predict an upcoming seizure at the earliest. To localise epileptogenic region, Electroencephalogram signals are categorised into four regions of brain (Frontal, Temporal, Parietal and Central). For each signal seventy-two (72) parameters in frequency domain have been extracted by using ten minute non overlapping window. Four prominent ratio parameters, γ1/γ5, γ3/γ1, θ/γ2 and γ4/θ have been identified as best parameters based on relative fisher score. Zone 2 shows the highest change in all the parameters as compared to the other zones. So, temporal region is identified as the epileptogenic region in this work. For prediction of the epileptic seizure machine learning algorithm artificial neural network (ANN) is proposed. The proposed machine learning algorithm has an accuracy of 92.3%, sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 83.3%.

Phytochemical analysis and mode of action against Candida glabrata of Paeonia emodi extracts.

In the present study, we have evaluated the antifungal activity of the seed, root and leaf of Paeonia emodi (commonly known as Himalayan peony) in four common solvents (acetone, chloroform, methanol and water) against six fungal strains. The methanolic seed extract (MSE) showed promising antifungal activity against Candida albicans (6.25mg/mL), Candida glabrata (3.12mg/mL) and Candida parapsilosis (12.50mg/mL) among all the fungal strains tested. Combination of the MSE with the well-known commercial antifungal drugs amphotericin B (Amp B), nystatin (NYS) and fluconazole (FLC) resulted in the killing of C. glabrata at non-inhibitory concentrations, i.e., 0.35µg/mL for Amp B, 0.55µg/mL for NYS and 1.19µg/mL for FLC. Notably, MSE caused cell wall damage of C. glabrata cells, as confirmed by confocal microscopy, flowcytometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MSE was fractionated by thin layer chromatography (TLC). TLC-bioautography was used to determine the active compounds present in the MSE. Column chromatography was used to separate the potential active compounds from the MSE. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) andfourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to identify the phytocomponents of the MSE. These experiments revealed 13-docosenamide/9-octadecenamide/trans-13-docosenamide (89.70%) as being the predominant compound using a chloroform/methanol solvent system for the separation. Interestingly, the MSE also exhibited less significant cytotoxicity at the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against mammalian cells (HeLa and HEK293). This study suggests that the MSE of P. emodi can be used for the treatment of C. glabrata infection.

Liquid like nucleation in free-standing nanoscale films.

The concept of a critical nucleus size (r*) is of pivotal importance in phase transformations involving nucleation and growth. The current investigation pertains to crystallization in nanoscale thin films and study of the same using high resolution lattice fringe imaging (HRLFI) and finite element simulations. Using the CuZrAl bulk metallic glass system as a model system for this study, we demonstrate a liquid like nucleation behaviour in nanoscale free-standing films upon heating. The r* for the formation of the Cu10Zr7 phase in thin films (of decreasing thickness) approaches that of the r* for the formation of the crystal from a liquid (i.e.). Working in the nucleation dominant regime, we introduce the concept of 'depth sensitive lattice fringe imaging'. The thickness of the film is determined by electron energy loss spectroscopy and the strain energy of the system is computed using finite element computations.

Warfarin related acute kidney injury: A case report.

Warfarin is an oral anticoagulant used extensively in clinical practice; However, its side-effect of causing renal damage has been recently detected. The mechanism leading to renal damage is glomerular hemorrhage and red blood cell tubular casts prothrombin time. Recently, it was found that warfarin causes renal damage in patients with chronic kidney disease and is also associated with progression of renal disease. Warfarin causing acute kidney injury in patients with normal renal function is a rare manifestation. It is important to be aware of this condition as its innocuous presence can lead to chronic kidney disease if not corrected in time. Further studies have also found that novel oral anticoagulants such as dabigatran also cause a similar syndrome and hence a new term called anticoagulant-related nephropathy is now in vogue.

Long-term visual outcomes in intraocular retinoblastoma with eye preservation

Purpose: Inconsistent data exist on long-term visual outcomes in survivors of retinoblastoma. No studies have been reported on role of ocular coherence tomography (OCT) in predicting visual acuity. We assessed visual acuity in patients with retinoblastoma treated at our center in whom affected eyes were preserved. Methods: Patients who had completed a 2-year follow-up and were more than 5 years of age at assessment were included. Clinical data were obtained from database and factors predicting visual acuity were analyzed. OCT was performed in these patients to assess central macular thickness (CMT). Results: Visual outcomes were assessed in 45 eyes of 43 patients, of which 38 (88 %) had bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at diagnosis was 12 months. Sixty percent 27/45) had International classification of retinoblastoma group C or D disease with 40 % eyes showing macular lesions. The far visual acuity was better than 6/12 in 53 % (24/45), 6/12 to 6/60 in 40 % (18/45) and 6/60 in 7 % (6/ 60). Macular location and International classification of retinoblastoma predicted poor vision (p = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively). CMT was less than 200 lm in 3 of 36 eyes (8 %) and 1 eye showed epiretinal membrane. Radiotherapy was associated with foveal thinning (p = 0.003). Two of 3 eyes with foveal thinning had a vision of 6/60. Conclusions: Good visual outcomes were observed in half of retinoblastoma patients treated with eye preservation. Macular location and International classification of retinoblastoma group C and D predicted poor visual acuity, while previous radiotherapy predicted foveal thinning, which was associated with poor visual acuity (AU)

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Evaluation and comparison of transverse and impact strength of different high strength denture base resins.

AIM: The present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the impact strength and transverse strength of the high-impact denture base materials. A conventional heat polymerized acrylic resin was used as a control. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The entire experiment was divided into four main groups with twenty specimens each according to denture base material selected Trevalon, Trevalon Hi, DPI Tuff and Metrocryl Hi. These groups were further subgrouped into the two parameters selected, impact strength and flexural strength with ten specimens each. These specimens were then subjected to transverse bend tests with the help of Lloyds instrument using a three point bend principle. Impact tests were undertaken using an Izod-Charpy digital impact tester. RESULTS: This study was analyzed with one-way analysis of variance using Fisher f-test and Bonferroni t-test. There was a significant improvement in the impact strength of high-impact denture base resins as compared to control (Trevalon). However, in terms of transverse bend tests, only DPI Tuff showed higher transverse strength in comparison to control. Trevalon Hi and Metrocryl Hi showed a decrease in transverse strength. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limits of this in vitro study, (1) There is a definite increase in impact strength due to the incorporation of butadiene styrene rubber in this high strength denture base materials as compared to Trevalon used as a control. (2) Further investigations are required to prevent the unduly decrease of transverse strength. (3) It was the limitation of the study that the exact composition of the high-impact resins was not disclosed by the manufacturer that would have helped in better understanding of their behavior.

Self-assembling N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl)-l-Phenylalanine hydrogel as novel drug carrier.

Supramolecular hydrogel as a novel drug carrier was prepared from N-(9-Fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl) (Fmoc) modified l-phenylalanine. Its different properties like stability at different pH, temperature and rheology were evaluated in reference to salicylic acid (SA) as a model drug, entrapped in the supramolecular hydrogel network. The release behaviour of SA drug in supramolecular hydrogel was investigated by UV-vis spectroscopy. The influence of hydrogelator, pH values of the accepting media, temperature and concentration of SA drug on the release behaviour was investigated under static conditions. The results indicated that the release rate of SA in the supramolecular hydrogels was slightly retarded with an increase of the hydrogelator concentration. Also, the release rates of SA increased with an increase of temperature and its concentration. Furthermore, the release behaviour of SA was found to be different at various pH values in buffers. The study of the release kinetics indicated that the release behaviour of SA from the carrier was in accord with the Peppas model and the diffusion controlled mechanism involved in the Fickian model.

Long-term visual outcomes in intraocular retinoblastoma with eye preservation.

PURPOSE: Inconsistent data exist on long-term visual outcomes in survivors of retinoblastoma. No studies have been reported on role of ocular coherence tomography (OCT) in predicting visual acuity. We assessed visual acuity in patients with retinoblastoma treated at our center in whom affected eyes were preserved. METHODS: Patients who had completed a 2-year follow-up and were more than 5 years of age at assessment were included. Clinical data were obtained from database and factors predicting visual acuity were analyzed. OCT was performed in these patients to assess central macular thickness (CMT). RESULTS: Visual outcomes were assessed in 45 eyes of 43 patients, of which 38 (88 %) had bilateral retinoblastoma. The median age at diagnosis was 12 months. Sixty percent (27/45) had International classification of retinoblastoma group C or D disease with 40 % eyes showing macular lesions. The far visual acuity was better than 6/12 in 53 % (24/45), 6/12 to 6/60 in 40 % (18/45) and 6/60 in 7 % (6/60). Macular location and International classification of retinoblastoma predicted poor vision (p = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively). CMT was less than 200 µm in 3 of 36 eyes (8 %) and 1 eye showed epiretinal membrane. Radiotherapy was associated with foveal thinning (p = 0.003). Two of 3 eyes with foveal thinning had a vision of 6/60. CONCLUSIONS: Good visual outcomes were observed in half of retinoblastoma patients treated with eye preservation. Macular location and International classification of retinoblastoma group C and D predicted poor visual acuity, while previous radiotherapy predicted foveal thinning, which was associated with poor visual acuity.

Proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal immunoglobulin deposition disease: The utility of routine staining with immunoglobulin light chains.

Proliferative glomerulonephritis occurring as a consequence of monoclonal glomerular deposits of IgG is uncommon. It is a form of renal involvement in monoclonal gammopathy that mimics immune complex glomerulonephritis. Here, we report the first series of proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID) from the Indian subcontinent highlighting use of light chain immunofluorescence (IF) in routine renal biopsy interpretation. We retrieved 6 patients diagnosed as proliferative glomerulonephritis with monoclonal IgG deposits (PGNMID) out of 160 biopsies (3.7%) with membranoproliferative patterns over 5 1/2 years (2009-2014), one of whom had recurrence 6 months post-renal transplant. Four (67%) patients presented with rapidly progressive renal failure and two (33%) with nephrotic syndrome. None of these patients had overt multiple myeloma. The predominant histologic pattern was membranoproliferative with all the biopsies showing IgG3 Kappa deposits on IF. The deposits were primarily subendothelial on electron microscopy.

Chitosan silk-based three-dimensional scaffolds containing gentamicin-encapsulated calcium alginate beads for drug administration and blood compatibility.

In the present study gentamicin was encapsulated within calcium alginate beads and incorporated into porous chitosan, gelatin, double-hybrid silk fibroin, chitosan/gelatin and double-hybrid silk fibroin/chitosan scaffolds. Physiochemical, morphological and biological properties of fabricated amenable model systems were evaluated, revealing hemocompatible nature of double-hybrid silk fibroin/chitosan and double-hybrid silk fibroin scaffolds of hemolysis %<5 and porosity >85%. Fourier transform infrared results confirmed the blend formation and scanning electron microscope images showed good interconnectivity. Double-hybrid silk fibroin/chitosan-blended scaffold shows higher compressive strength and compressive modulus than other fabricated scaffolds. A comparative drug release profile of fabricated scaffolds revealed that double-hybrid silk fibroin/chitosan scaffold is a pertinent model system because of its prolonged drug release, optimal hemocompatability and high compressive modulus.

Coincidental diagnosis of tuberculous lymphadenitis: a case report.

The aim of this case report was to present a case of multiple calcified tuberculous lymph nodes found on a panoramic radiograph coincidently diagnosed in an endodontic clinic. A detailed discussion on the differential diagnosis of similar such calcification found in the same region is also presented. A 14-year-old girl was referred to our department with the complaint of painless swelling in the left side of the lower jaw. Clinical and radiographical examinations were performed, leading to the initial diagnosis of chronic periapical abscess. The patient's medical history was re-evaluated. Advanced imaging and excisional biopsy were performed in order to confirm the final diagnosis. Regarding the presenting signs and symptoms of bilateral carious mandibular molars, a periapical inflammatory process was considered in the provisional diagnosis. A thorough examination and investigations were suggestive of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (scrofula), and the patient underwent excision of the same. The clinician should consider the possibility of chronic granulomatous inflammatory lesions in the differential diagnosis of radiopaque lesions.

Weight loss for reduction of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy: Comparison with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor therapy.

Reduction of weight in obese type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) individuals is emerging as a significant strategy in the reduction of proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy along with control of hyperglycemia, hypertension, and dyslipidemia. The objective was to evaluate the reduction in 24-h proteinuria in T2DM patients with nephropathy by weight loss, with conventional therapy (angiotensin-converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitors) as the control arm. A prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted between June 2010 and May 2011. T2DM patients with confirmed nephropathy by 24-h urinary protein estimation with a body mass index (BMI) of >25 kg/m(2) were studied. Patients who had nondiabetic nephropathy, uncontrolled hypertension (>125/75 mmHg) irrespective of antihypertensive drugs, excess weight due to edema or obesity due to other specific diseases, alcoholics, smokers, and patients who were on hemodialysis were excluded from the study. The patients were divided into three groups, namely, group A, patients on ACE inhibitor therapy; group B, patients on lifestyle modifications for weight loss; and group C, patients on an antiobesity drug (orlistat) and lifestyle modifications. At the end of 6 months, all the three groups were compared. Data were analyzed using software SPSS version 15.0. This study encompassed a total of 88 patients; 12 patients were dropped during the study period and 76 (group A: 22, group B: 23, and group C: 31) patients remained. The mean age of the patients was 58.36 ± 10.87 years (range: 30-70 years). At baseline, age, gender, mean BMI, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and 24-h proteinuria did not vary significantly among the three groups. At 6 months, the mean BMI significantly decreased in group C (P < 0.001) compared to that in the other two groups. Among the parameters BMI and WHR, the proportional form of BMI correlated well with the degree of reduction in proteinuria (r = 0.397, P = 0.01). Reduction in weight using lifestyle modifications and antiobesity drugs might improve renal function and proteinuria safely as observed in obese patients with diabetic nephropathy.

Counter ion induced irreversible denaturation of hen egg white lysozyme upon electrostatic interaction with iron oxide nanoparticles: a predicted model.

The effects of electrostatic interaction between the hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) and the functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) have been investigated using several techniques, e.g., CD, DSC, ζ-potential, UV-visible spectroscopy, DLS, TEM. Nanoparticles (IONPs) were functionalized with three hydrophilic ligands, viz., poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), trisodium citrate (TSC) and sodium triphosphate (STP); where both TSC and STP contain Na(+) counter ions. It has been observed that the secondary structure of HEWL was not affected by PEG functionalized IONPs, but was partially and almost completely perturbed by TSC and STP functionalized IONPs, respectively. The perturbation of the secondary structure was irreversible. We have predicted an interaction model to explain the origin of perturbation of HEWL structure. We have also investigated the stability of nanoparticles dispersions after interaction with HEWL and used the DLVO theory to explain results.

Synthesis of uniform gold nanoparticles using non-pathogenic bio-control agent: evolution of morphology from nano-spheres to triangular nanoprisms.

Green synthesis of gold nanospheres with uniform diameter and triangular nanoprisms with optically flat surface was carried out using a non-pathogenic bio-control agent Trichoderma asperellum for reduction of HAuCl(4). Kinetics of the reaction was monitored by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. No additional capping/complexing agent was used for stabilizing the gold nanoparticles. Evolution of morphology from pseudospherical nanoparticles to triangular nanoprisms was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It revealed that three or more pseudospheres fused to form nanoprisms of different shapes and sizes. Slow rate of reduction of HAuCl(4) by constituents of cell-free fungal extract was instrumental in producing such exotic morphologies. Isolation of gold nanotriangles from the reacting masses was achieved by differential centrifugation.

Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of mercury in house fly Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

Mercury, one of the most widely diffused and hazardous environmental contaminants, induces oxidative stress in organisms, which ultimately leads to genotoxicity and cytotoxicity. House fly Musca domestica L. was used as a model for assaying the genotoxic potential of mercury with the help of micronucleus assay, chromosomal aberration assay as end points and cytotoxicity by assaying the mitotic index and the extent of tissue damage by trypan blue dye exclusion. Late third instar larvae were exposed to different dietary concentrations of mercury (0.0001 mg/ml- 10 mg/ml) for various time intervals. A dose dependent increase in chromosomal aberrations, micronucleus frequency and mitotic index was observed. Micronucleus frequency increases with time while mitotic index decreases showing decreasing rate of cell proliferation due to an increase in cell death. Trypan blue staining gives the visual manifestation of cytotoxicity at higher concentrations of mercury (1 mg/ml- 10mg/ml). The present study suggests that the house fly model may be used to assay the genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of mercury as well as other environmental pollutants.

Seasonal genetic variation in house fly populations, Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae).

Seasonal genetic variation was assessed in the common house fly Musca domestica. Allozymes at six gene enzyme system viz., ACPH, EST, G6PD, ME, AO and XDH were analyzed. Fourteen loci with twenty seven alleles were unraveled. The genetic variations were found to be affected to a great extent by environmental influence .F statistics has been used to calculate genetic variation which revealed that very little genetic variation has occurred among the house fly populations analyzed in the present study. Further, except ACPH-2, G6PD-2 and XDH-1 all the other loci show inbreeding (Fis>Fst). Thus it appears that the house fly populations analyzed are characterized by high level of inbreeding. Nei's genetic identity (I) and distance (D) values reveal a close similarity between summer and rainy season collections.