Esthetics with prosthetics in case of maxillary canine transposition: a clinical report

Transposition is a dental anomaly manifested by a positional interchange of two permanent teeth. The maxillary permanent canine usually transposes with the first premolar and occasionally with the lateral incisor. These are mainly genetically governed and are treated orthodontically if complete segment of tooth is present; in case of missing teeth, participation of cosmetic dentist is must. The present case report describes a situation where left canine to lateral incisor complete transposition was present along with a missing left central incisor. Esthetic rehabilitation of the "smile zone" was the major concern. Scrupulous treatment planning to esthetically contour transposed teeth according to their normal positions, i.e., transposed left canine to lateral incisor and transposed left lateral incisor to canine with replacement of missing tooth, was a challenge.

First Report of a Natural Infection of Stevia rebaudiana by a Group 16SrXXIV Phytoplasma in India

Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni (Asteraceae) is one of the most important commercial crops in the world (4). It is known to produce glycosides that are as much as 300 times sweeter than sucrose and do not affect blood sugar levels. Unlike artificial sweeteners like saccharin, they are noncarcinogenic and safe for diabetics. An unknown disease emerged during the summers of 2007 to 2009 in a field of S. rebaudiana at CIMAP Lucknow, India, where more than 20% of the plants exhibited symptoms typical of phytoplasma infection including leaf yellowing, reduced size of leaves, shoot proliferation, flower bud deficiency, as well as bushy and stunted growth. Some of these plants were potted and kept in a glasshouse for investigation. Affected plants in the field expressed a quick decline consisting of growth cessation, bronzing of mature leaves, wilting, and death, resulting in a significant reduction in biomass and quality. Typical phytoplasma-like (pleomorphic) bodies ranging from 450 to 900 nm were observed in the phloem cells of infected plants by transmission electron microscopy (1). These bodies were always found in diseased plants, but not in asymptomatic ones. No other microorganisms were noted. Total DNA was extracted from symptomatic as well as asymptomatic plants by a CTAB method. PCR was carried out with the universal phytoplasma primers P1/P6 (P1, 5'-AAGAGTTTGATCCTGGCTCAGGATT-3'; P6, 5'-CGGTAGGGATACCTTGTTACGACTTA-3') (2) followed by nested primers R16F2n/R16R2 (R16F2n, 5'-GAAACGACTGCTAAGACTGG-3'; R16R2, 5'-TGACGGGCGGTGTGTACAAACCCCG-3') targeting the 16S rRNA gene sequence (3). The P1/P6 and R16F2n/R16R2 primers produced the expected 1.5- and 1.2-kb amplicons, respectively, from the symptomatic plants and not from the asymptomatic ones. Seventeen symptomatic and eight asymptomatic samples were analyzed through PCR. Nested PCR products were ligated into the plasmid vector using the TOPO TA Cloning Kit (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA). Transformation and selection of recombinant clones was carried out according to the manufacturer's recommended protocol. The sequence obtained from the final PCR product was deposited in the GenBank database (No. JF970603). It was analyzed through the iPhyClassifier ( http://plantpathology.ba.ars.usda.gov/cgi-bin/resource/iphyclassifier.cgi ) online tool and found to share 98.2% similarity with that of the 'Sorghum bunchy shoot phytoplasma' reference strain (GenBank No. AF509322) that belongs to 16SrXXIV-A subgroup. The virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern of the S. rebaudiana phytoplasma 16S rRNA gene sequence showed maximum similarity to the reference pattern of AF509322 (similarity coefficient of 0.85). Although a number of phytoplasmas have been detected on a wide range of plants in India, little is known about the leafhopper that presumably transmits them to S. rebaudiana and other medicinal crops. Infections by diverse phytoplasma strains/species underscore the need for phytoplasma-free planting stock and intensification of research efforts to reduce ecological and economic impacts of these phytoplasmas. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a natural infection of S. rebaudiana by a group of 16SrXXIV-A phytoplasma. References: (1) P. V. Ajayakumar et al. Aust. Plant Dis. Notes 2:67, 2007. (2) S. Deng and C. Hiruki. J. Microbiol. Methods 14:53, 1991. (3) D. E. Gundersen and I. M. Lee. Phytopathol. Mediterr. 35:144, 1996. (4) S. M. Savita et al. J. Hum. Ecol. 15:261, 2004.

Cranial nerve palsies in typhoid fever: report of three cases

Neurological manifestations of enteric fever are well known. However, isolated cranial nerve palsies are rare. A 4-year-old boy and two girls aged 5 and 11 years with culture-proven typhoid fever are described, two of whom developed palatal palsy and the other sixth cranial nerve palsy. Following treatment, there was complete resolution of the cranial nerve palsies within 5-7 weeks. While palatal palsy is reported rarely, isolated sixth cranial nerve palsy associated with typhoid has not been reported previously.

Self Injurious Behavior in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) or self-mutilating behavior (SMB) is rare but can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Such a behavior during seizures is not usually recalled by patient. Here is a case with self mutilating behavior in left temporal lobe epilepsy, presented because of its rare manifestation and diagnostic dilemma. A 19 year old unmarried Muslim student presented to emergency with SMB, guilty rumination and a persecutory delusion. The patient was intermittently confused about place and time. In subsequent assessments, he was found harboring death wishes and suicidal ideation. He transiently had auditory hallucination and thought broadcasting. He episodically tried to harm himself by severely biting only his left ring finger. It was difficult to influence him during such episodes. EEG revealed left temporal lobe seizure. Diagnosis of 'Epilepsy and Organic Psychosis' was made. The patient responded well to Antiepileptic and Antipsychotic medications. Keywords: seizure, self injurious behavior, suicide, temporal epilepsy.

Protective potential of 17β-estradiol against co-exposure of 4-hydroxynonenal and 6-hydroxydopamine in PC12 cells

4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) and 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)-mediated damage in dopaminergic neurons is well documented. Protective potential of steroidal hormone (17β-estradiol) has also been suggested. However, therapeutic potential of such promising hormone is hampered due to complex brain anatomy and physiology. Thus, the present investigations were studied to suggest the applicability of dopamine expressing PC12 cells as in vitro tool to screen the pharmacological potential of 17β-estradiol against 4-HNE and 6-OHDA. MTT assay was conducted for cytotoxicity assessment of both 4-HNE (1 μM to 50 μM) and 6-OHDA (10-4 to 10-7 M). Non-cytotoxic concentrations, that is, 4-HNE (1 μM) and 6-OHDA (10-6 M) were selected to study the synergetic/additive responses. PC12 cells were found to be more vulnerable towards co-exposure of individual exposure of 4-HNE and 6-OHDA, even at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Then, cells were subjected to pre-treatment (24 hours) of 17β-estradiol (1 μM), followed by a permutation of combinations of both 4-HNE and 6-OHDA. Pretreatment of 17β-estradiol was found to be significantly effective against the cytotoxic responses of 4-HNE and 6-OHDA, when the damage was at lower level. However, 17β-estradiol was found to be ineffective against higher concentrations. Physiological-specific responses of PC12 cells against 4-HNE/6-OHDA and 17β-estradiol suggest its applicability as first tier of screening tool.

Trace metal concentration in different Indian tobacco products and related health implications

Concentrations of seven heavy metals, viz. Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, Cu, Fe and Zn were determined in 30 samples of various brands of five different tobacco product types easily available in Indian markets. Three product types cigarettes, cigars and biri (tobacco rolled in dry leaf and smoked without filter) are consumed by smoking while chewing tobacco and snuff are consumed by chewing and sniffing, respectively. The metal content showed smoking and non-smoking type, brand and element specific variations. In the non-smoking type, chewing tobacco samples contained more heavy metals compared to snuff samples. Biri showed minimum metal content compared to cigarettes and cigars among the smoking types. This could be due to the metal enrichment during both chemical and physical processing in finished product; biri being the most raw and cheap product. The intra brand variations also indicate the same as the processing technologies are exclusive and different for each brand. The results are nearly comparable to the existing data with limited exceptions. We suggest that the smoke and ash produced could be significant contributor to metal load in the soil, air and water systems in addition to the adverse human health effects via direct tobacco consumption.

Association of dopamine DA-D2 receptor in rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells

The investigations were aimed to study the possible association of dopamine DA-D2 receptor in rotenone-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells, one among the most studied cell line in neurotoxicity studies. PC12 cells were subjected to receive an exposure of rotenone (10-6 to 10-4 M) for 24 and 48 hours. Cytotoxicity studies were carried out using standard end points including, (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and neutral red uptake (NRU). Cells were found to be vulnerable to rotenone in dose-dependent manner. In general, 10-4 and 10-5 M concentrations were found to be cytotoxic, whereas 10-6 M and lower concentrations used have shown nonsignificant effect on cell viability. Further, studies were extended to study the rotenone-induced alterations in cellular glutathione (GSH) level and dopamine DA-D2 receptor expression. Significant (p < 0.001) chronological depletion in GSH levels were recorded following rotenone exposure. Expression of dopamine DA-D2 receptor was also found to be effected significantly (p < 0.001) at 24 hours of rotenone exposure (10-4 and 10-5). However, no further depletion in the expression of dopamine DA-D2 receptor could be recorded with extended exposure period, that is, 48 hours. Rotenone at 10-6 M and lower concentrations was found to be ineffective in PC12 cells. Data suggest the vulnerability of PC12 cells against experimental exposure of rotenone, which possibly routed through dopamine DA-D2 receptor and oxidative stress machinery.

Self injurious behavior in temporal lobe epilepsy

Self-injurious behavior (SIB) or self-mutilating behavior (SMB) is rare but can occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Such a behavior during seizures is not usually recalled by patient. Here is a case with self mutilating behavior in left temporal lobe epilepsy, presented because of its rare manifestation and diagnostic dilemma. A 19 year old unmarried Muslim student presented to emergency with SMB, guilty rumination and a persecutory delusion. The patient was intermittently confused about place and time. In subsequent assessments, he was found harboring death wishes and suicidal ideation. He transiently had auditory hallucination and thought broadcasting. He episodically tried to harm himself by severely biting only his left ring finger. It was difficult to influence him during such episodes. EEG revealed left temporal lobe seizure. Diagnosis of 'Epilepsy and Organic Psychosis' was made. The patient responded well to Antiepileptic and Antipsychotic medications.

NGF induced differentiated PC12 cells as in vitro tool to study 4-hydroxynonenal induced cellular damage

Investigations were carried out to examine the suitability of PC12 cells as an in vitro tool to examine 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-induced toxicity in nervous tissue. On day 8 of differentiation, markers of neural effects and oxidative stress were measured following exposure of PC12 cells to 1-50 microM 4-HNE for 1-8h. Endpoints included dopamine DA-D(2) receptor and glutathione S-transferase (GSTP1-1) protein levels, 4-HNE-protein binding, glutathione (GSH) concentrations and intracellular calcium levels. GSH levels were maximally depleted after 4h. 4-HNE also induced depletion of GSTP1-1 and increased intracellular Ca(++), with the latter seen as early as 1h after exposure. Responses at 8h were not greater than responses at earlier times. The experiments suggest that PC12 cells could be an in vitro tool for understanding toxicant-cell interactions, especially those that result in oxidative stress.

Differential protection of pre-, co- and post-treatment of curcumin against hydrogen peroxide in PC12 cells

Pharmacological potential of curcumin was assessed in PC12 cells against hydrogen peroxide (H(2) O(2)) exposure. In MTT [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays, 24-hour exposure of H(2)O(2) (0.5 mM and above) was found to be cytotoxic. A significant (p < 0.001) increase in percentage cell viability was recorded in PC12 cells pretreated with curcumin (25, 50 and 100 µg/mL) for 24 hours prior to H(2)O(2) (0.5 and 1 mM) exposure for 24 hours. Co-exposure to H(2)O(2) and curcumin was also found effective. However, a therapeutic treatment of curcumin for 24 hours after H(2)O(2) exposure to the cells was found ineffective. Differential response of PC12-H(2)O(2) model to curcumin in MTT and LDH assays suggests the utility of these endpoints to sort the drug candidates to study their antioxidant potential.

Improvised external fixator device to restore motion in a neglected elbow dislocation

Neglected posterior dislocation of the elbow is a common problem in developing countries. One acceptable form of treatment is open reduction and transarticular Steinmann pin fixation. However, this leads to a stable but stiff elbow. We used an improvised external fixator after open reduction in two cases, which allowed for early mobilisation with adequate stability. This option can be considered when modern implants are not available.

Oxygen glucose deprivation model of cerebral stroke in PC-12 cells: glucose as a limiting factor

Optimum time points for oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and re-oxygenation have been identified to suggest the suitability of PC-12 cells as rapid and sensitive in vitro model of cerebral stroke. Further, the precise role of glucose as one of the limiting factors was ascertained. PC-12 cells were subjected to receive OGD of 1-8 h followed by re-oxygenation for 6 to 96 h in medium having glucose 0-10 mg/ml. Loss of cell viability was assessed using trypan blue dye exclusion and MTT assays. The significant (p < 0.05) reduction in percent viable cell count was started at 2 h of OGD (80.7 +/- 2.0) and continued in further OGD periods (3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 h), i.e. 65.7 +/- 3.5, 59.7 +/- 4.6, 54.3 +/- 3.2, 44.7 +/- 2.9, 20.3 +/- 4.3, 5.7 +/- 2.0 of counted cells, respectively. Cells growing in glucose-free medium have shown a gradual (p < 0.001) decrease in cell viability throughout the re-oxygenation. Re-oxygenation of 24 h was found to be first statistically significant time point for all the glucose concentrations. Glucose concentration during re-oxygenation was found to be one of the key factors involved in the growth and proliferation in PC-12 cells. The OGD of 6 h followed by a re-oxygenation period of 24 h with 4-6 mg/ml glucose concentration could be recorded as optimum conditions under our experimental conditions.

Proteomics-based approach for identification and purification of human phosphate binding apolipoprotein from amniotic fluid

Human amniotic fluid is of both maternal and fetal origin; it protects the fetus and provides the environment for growth and development of the fetus. We used a proteomics-based approach for targeting and purifying human phosphate binding protein, a member of the DING family of proteins from amniotic fluid, using Blue Sepharose CL-6B, DEAE-Sephacel and gel filtration chromatography. The protein had earlier been reported to be serendipitously purified along with PON1 (paraoxonase 1). It was identified using electro-spray-ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry and was found to be human phosphate binding protein. Human phosphate binding proteins have been reported to play a role as phosphate scavengers and may have a protective function against phosphate-related disorders, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes and kidney stones.

The Effect of Surface Treatments on the Micro-shear Bond Strength of a Resin Luting Agent and Four All-ceramic Systems

The bond strength between ceramics and a resin luting agent is affected by the ceramic surface treatment, which is dependent on the ceramic composition.

Renal amyloidosis secondary to childhood tuberculosis: a report of two cases

Childhood renal amyloidosis is a rare entity and is mostly secondary in nature. We describe two cases of renal amyloidosis in association with childhood tuberculosis. The first case was a 10-year-old girl who presented with abdominal tuberculosis and nephrotic syndrome, while the second case was a 5-year-old boy who presented with disseminated tuberculosis and nephrotic syndrome. They were found to have amyloidosis on renal biopsy. The former was treated with anti-tubercular drugs, while the latter required anti-tubercular drugs and steroids. Both the cases showed clinical improvement with remission of nephrotic syndrome. Successful treatment of tuberculosis can result in remission of nephrotic syndrome due to secondary renal amyloidosis. It is important, especially in developing countries, to be aware that tuberculosis continues to be part of the differential diagnosis of amyloidosis in children.