Two-dimensional C3N based sub-10 nanometer biosensor

The current observation demonstrates the usefulness of the two-dimensional C₃N system as a next generation bio-sensor for the sequencing of various nucleobases, offering new leads for future developments in bioelectronics, superior sensing architectures and sustainable designs.

Quantification of picric acid on nanosphere polypyrrole modified electrode by stripping voltammetric method

The electrochemical studies of picric acid were carried out in acidic, neutral and basic buffer media at bare glassy carbon (GC) and polypyrrole modified GC electrode. Cyclic Voltammogram (CV) of picric acid exhibited three reduction peaks at -0.4, -0.8 and -1.5V (vs. Ag/AgCl) and two oxidation peaks at 0.8 and 1.4V (vs. Ag/AgCl). Among the various pH studied, highly sensitive response was observed at pH 1.0. The effect of scan rate was studied between 25 and 500 mVs-1 at the optimal pH.CV results revealed the adsorption-controlled reaction at the electrode surface. The GC electrode was modified with polypyrrole conducting polymer film to enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the reductive species. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) images showed the nanosphere morphology of the polypyrrole film, which was coated uniformly on the electrode surface. Under optimum experimental conditions, the influence of concentration on the stripping signal was studied. The linear range of detection was found between 50 ppb and 250 ppb with the lower limit of detection of 10±3 ppb.

Acceleration of Swiss cheese ripening by microbial lipase without affecting its quality characteristics

The effect of exogenous microbial lipase enzyme on the ripening of Swiss cheese (0, 200, and 800U lipase in 30 L milk) was investigated for the physico-chemical, textural and sensory properties, along with its microstructure. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of microbial lipase to accelerate the ripening without affecting its original desirable quality characteristics. The effect of the microbial lipase was studied at different time periods (2, 30, 45, and 60 days) of the Swiss cheese ripening stages. Statistical analysis of the results showed that the physico-chemical parameters of cheese slightly increased during the ripening. Also, at all stages of the ripening hardness of Swiss cheese increased while the brittleness decreased. The number and size of the fat globules were also affected by the addition of the lipases. This study also showed that increase in the lipase amount had no significant change in quality and sensory parameters. Therefore, 200U of lipase was found to be sufficient to reduce the ripening time from 90 to 60 days by maintaining its genuine quality. Thus, this study suggested that the addition of microbial lipase may significantly reduce the cost of the cheese production by lowering the ripening period by 1 month and maintaining the quality of the final product.

CHANGES IN IRISIN RELEASE IN RESPONSE TO PERIPHERAL KISSPEPTIN-10 ADMINISTRATION IN HEALTHY AND OBESE ADULT MEN

Context

Kisspeptin role in metabolism has been implicated recently. However, the nature of the signals that may connect body fat/muscle tissues with the central nervous system governing energy homeostasis remains to be elucidated.

Objective

The present study was designed to investigate the effects of peripheral kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in human males.

Subjects and methods

Kisspeptin-10 was administered to normal weight (n=8) and obese (n=8) men. Sequential blood sampling was performed for 30 minutes pre and 210 minutes post kisspeptin injection at 30 minutes interval. ELISA kit was used to detect plasma irisin levels.

Results

There is a significant (P<0.0001) effect of Kisspeptin-10 administration on irisin release in both normal weight and obese participants. Mean irisin levels (96.24 ± 1.351 ng/mL) at 210 minutes were significantly (P<0.0001) enhanced as compared to pre-kisspeptin (59.18 ± 4.815 ng/mL) in normal weight subjects. In obese subjects mean irisin levels (75.76 ± 4.06 ng/mL) were significantly (P<0.0001) elevated at 180 minutes post-kisspeptin when compared with pre-kisspeptin irisin levels (41.28 ± 2.89 ng/mL).

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that kisspeptin may have a novel therapeutic potential to induce irisin release in humans which may have anti-obesity effects.

Comparative Evaluation of Shear Bond Strength of Newer Resin Cement (RelyX Ultimate and RelyX U200) to Lithium Disilicate and Zirconia Ceramics as Influenced by Thermocycling

Background/Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of high strength ceramics to cut dentine as influenced by different resin cement types after thermocycling.

Materials and Methods:

Shear bond strength testing was carried out for 56 sound, freshly extracted first permanent molars. Specimens were divided at random into 2 groups (n = 28) Lithium disilicate and Zirconia. Lithium disilicate and Zirconia specimens were further subdivided depending upon luting with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive and Rely X U200 cement. Half of the specimens of each material luted with cements were subjected to thermocycling. Shear bond strength was evaluated using Universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. Results were compared and evaluated using t-test at a significance level of 0.05. The nature of bond failure was observed under a stereomicroscope for each sample.

Results:

The mean difference of Lithium disilicate test specimens bonded with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive with and without thermocycling was found to be 42.95+/-17.41MPa and 120.62+/-56.46 MPa respectively. The mean difference of Zirconia test specimens with Rely X ultimate cement bonded with single bond universal adhesive, with and without thermocycling, was found to be 8.74+/-2.90 MPa and 164.28+/-43.78 MPa respectively. The mean difference of Lithium disilicate test specimens bonded with Rely X U200 with and without thermocycling was found to be 2.36+/-0.63 MPa and 36.79.62+/-17.21MPa respectively. The mean difference of Zirconia test specimens bonded with Rely X U200 with and without thermocycling was found to be 5.96+/-3.11MPa and 122.46+/-23.01MPa respectively.

Conclusion:

Zirconia was found to have better shear bond strength than Lithium discilicate. The use of single bond universal adhesive improves bonding to newer higher strength ceramics such as Zirconia. Cohesive failure was predominant at cement dentine interface.

Effectiveness of TB sensitization initiatives in improving the involvement of self help group members in rural TB control in south India

Background

The 'End TB strategy' has highlighted the importance of inter-sectoral collaboration and community mobilization for achieving zero TB deaths by 2020.

Objective

The aim of the study was to develop and test a model TB sensitization programme involving self help groups (SHGs).

Methodology

This experimental study was conducted in two blocks (intervention and control), in Tiruvallur district. The intervention content included short-lecture, musical story telling activity, role play, short film on TB. The impact was compared at baseline, third and sixth months in terms of SHGs' awareness, promotion of awareness, identification and referral of presumptive TB cases and provision of TB treatment.

Results

A total of 764 vs 796 SHGs were enrolled in control and intervention groups, respectively. The knowledge attitude, and practice score (lower score indicated a better attitude and practice), from baseline to 6 months was significantly reduced (29 to 24) in the intervention group. Similarly, a significant difference was observed in identification and referral of chest symptomatics in the intervention group at 3 and 6 months. During the 3 month follow-up a significantly higher proportion of SHG members were involved in TB awareness activities in the intervention (623/748 [83.3%]) vs control group (471/728 [64.7%]; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Findings from this study highlight the feasibility of involving SHGs through a model TB sensitization program for strengthening TB prevention and control activities.

National service for adolescents and adults with severe obsessive–compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders

Aims and Method

National guidelines for the assessment and treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder were published in 2005 by the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE). Local services are unable to treat a small but significant number of the most severely ill patients successfully, and the guidelines recommend that such patients should have access to highly specialised care. From 1 April 2007, the Department of Health decided to centrally fund treatment services for severe, chronic, refractory OCD and BDD. We describe a new National Service for Refractory OCD; its rationale, treatments offered, referral criteria and expected clinical outcomes.

Results

Initial results from one centre show an average 42% reduction in OCD symptoms at the end of treatment.

Clinical Implications

The operational challenges and potential generalisability of this model of healthcare delivery are discussed. We present a summary of the progress made so far in establishing a new, coherent National Service for Refractory OCD, 18 months after the NICE guideline was published. the aim of the paper is to educate clinicians about the service and describe its rationale, treatments offered, referral criteria and expected clinical outcomes.

Community model in treating obsessive–compulsive and body dysmorphic disorders

Aims and Method

In November 2005, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published guidelines for the treatment of obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) and body dysmorphic disorder. These guidelines incorporated a stepped care approach with different interventions advised throughout the patient pathway. South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust devised a system of expert clinicians with special expertise in OCD/body dysmorphic disorder to help deliver this model of care. To aid the delivery of service it was decided to operationalise the definitions of severity of OCD/body dysmorphic disorder at each of the stepped-care levels. Examples are given as to how this has been applied in practice. Outcome is presented in terms of clinical hours in the first year of operation.

Results

In total, 108 patients were referred to the service in the first year. Many of these patients were treated by offering advice and support and joint working with the community mental health team and psychotherapy in primary care teams who had referred. Sixty-eight patients were treated by a member of the specialist service alone and 57 of these suffered from severe OCD. Outcome data from these 57 patients is presented using an intention-to-treat paradigm. They showed a clinically and statistically significant reduction in OCD symptoms after 24 weeks of cognitive–behavioural therapy comprising graded exposure and self-imposed response prevention. the mean Yale–Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale score dropped from 28 (severe OCD) to 19 (considerable OCD). Depressive symptoms on the Beck Depression Inventory also decreased by an average 24% over the same period.

Clinical Implications

The feasibility of extending this model of service organisation to other areas and other diagnoses is discussed.

A novel approach for prosthodontic management of patient with cleft of palate

Nutrition is important in every stage of child development. A child born with cleft lip and palate may experience difficulties while feeding due to the lack of seal of the oral cavity due to incomplete facial and palatal structures. Difficulty in feeding leads to inadequate nutrition and affects the health. Children with cleft lip and palate need certain modifications to thrive and grow. Feeding difficulties should be assessed and intervened as early as possible, as they are an important aspect of multidisciplinary team approach in management and may have an impact on long-term outcome. This case report presents fabrication of feeding appliance in 6-month-old infant with cleft palate with ethylene vinyl acetate.

Hollow Bulb One Piece Maxillary Definitive Obturator - A Simplified Approach

In maxillary defects, role of a prosthodontist is to rehabilitate the intra- and extra-oral structures and to endow with the normal function of mastication, speech, deglutition, and esthetics. Malignancies are common in the oral region and are treated usually through surgical intervention. Surgical intervention creates anatomical defects creating communication between oral and nasal cavity. Patients pose difficulties while performing normal functions such as swallowing and speaking, due to this communication. To overcome the problems encountered by the patient, obturators are fabricated. The main problem with rehabilitation of large defect is the weight of prosthesis; the prosthesis becomes very bulky and nonretentive due to its weight. Hollow obturators are fabricated to conquer this tribulation by different techniques. This case report describes a simplified method of fabrication of a definitive hollow bulb obturator for rehabilitation of a maxillary defect (Aramany's class I) by insertion of balloon.

Technical note on the isolation and characterization of collagen from fish waste material

The aim of this manuscript was to evaluate the major technical problems on the isolation and characterization of the collagen from fish waste materials that were usually faced by the growing researchers. Although the original research article published by authors contributed new information to the literature, some of them were failed to provide sufficient details in order to reproduce the study as well as could not adequately interpret/compared the results with other publications. Therefore, it is required to research the technical problems during the isolation and characterization of the collagen. This technical note provides the information which is crucial for the reader's and growing researchers for understanding as an essential part of the published research studies about the collagen extraction and characterization. Hence, this technical note may be helpful to those working on the collagen extraction and characterization from fish/marine waste materials.

Infection control knowledge and practice: A cross-sectional survey on dental laboratories in dental institutes of North India

Aim and Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the knowledge of dental laboratory technicians regarding infection control and modes of infection control employed by them.

Settings and Design

A self-assessment questionnaire-based survey was carried out among dental technicians to assess the knowledge and practice of infection control in dental laboratories.

Materials and Methods

Survey instrument containing 16 questions were randomly distributed to 70 dental colleges of North India regarding knowledge of infection control methods and infection control practised in laboratories. Data were collected and analyzed.

Results

The response showed that 30.76% of dental technicians receive 30-50 or more than 50 impressions in a week. About 96.15% of the technicians used a plastic bag to carry impressions. Twenty-five percent of the dental technicians were aware of infection control protocol. Fifty-five percent of the technicians received impressions while wearing gloves and 61.53% of the institutes had a separate receiving area. Nearly 71.15% of the technicians communicate with the doctor regarding the disinfection of impression received in the laboratory. Almost 30.76% of the dental technicians disinfect all the impressions and 67.30% technicians use immersion for disinfection of impressions. Only 38.46% responded that they immerse impressions for 10 min for disinfection. About 73.07% use gloves, 90.38% use mouth masks, 57.69% wear eye shields, and 88.46% wear aprons while working. Nearly 78.84% of the technicians received vaccination against hepatitis B virus. Almost 69.23% of the technicians change pumice slurry after regular intervals, and 75% do not add any disinfectant. Nearly 59.61% of technicians disinfect the prostheses before sending it to the clinic, and 42.30% disinfect them by immersion technique. About disposal of waste, 80.76% said that they dispose the waste properly.

Conclusion

To summarize, most of the technicians were not aware of basic infection control protocols.

Comparative evaluation of bonding strength of computer aided machined ceramic, pressable ceramic, and milled metal implant abutment copings and effect of surface conditioning on bonding strength: An in vitro study

Background/Purpose:

The aim of this study was to compare the shear bond strength of computer aided design/computer aided machined ceramic (CAD/CAM), pressable ceramic, and milled metal implant copings on abutment and the effect of surface conditioning on bonding strength.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 90 test samples were fabricated on three titanium abutments. Among 90 test samples, 30 copings were fabricated by CAD/CAM, 30 by pressable, and 30 by milling of titanium metal. These 30 test samples in each group were further subdivided equally for surface treatment. Fifteen out of 30 test samples in each group were surface conditioned with airborne particle abrasion. All the 90 test samples were luted on abutment with glass ionomer cement. Bonding strength was evaluated for all the samples using universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 5 mm/min. The results obtained were compared and evaluated using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc and unpaired t-test at a significance level of 0.05.

Results:

The mean difference for CAD/CAM surface conditioned subgroup was 1.28 ± 0.12, for nonconditioned subgroup was 1.20 ± 0.11. The mean difference for pressable surface conditioned subgroup was 1.18 ± 0.04, and for nonconditioned subgroup was 0.75 ± 0.28. The mean difference for milled metal surface conditioned subgroup was 2.57 ± 0.58, and for nonconditioned subgroup was 1.49 ± 0.15.

Conclusions:

On comparison of bonding strength, milled metal copings had an edge over the other two materials, and surface conditioning increased the bond strength.

Implant success lies in complications management: A report of two cases

At present, implant supported or retained prostheses are considered as a first therapeutic alternative for patients. Although the success rate of dental implants is very high, no treatment is without complications; same applies to implants also. Implant failure can be due to biological factors, i.e., loss of osseointegration or due to technical complications. This case report presents implant complications involving both factors along with the management of these cases. In implant supported overdenture patient, loss of implant on the right side and implant body fracture of the left side implant is reported and in another patient abutment screw fracture and its management is reported.