Clinical evaluation of Carisolv in the chemico-mechanical removal of carious dentin

The Chemo-mechanical caries removal technique involves the application of chemical agents, to cause a selective softening of the carious dentine and facilitate removal by gentle excavation. Carisolv is one such new chemical agent used in this minimal invasive technique of carious dentine removal. The present study was, therefore, undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of Carisolv in the chemo-mechanical removal of carious dentine, the time taken for caries removal, the perception of the treatment by the patient, and to evaluate the restorations, radiographically. Accordingly, fifty primary and permanent molars with dentinal carious lesions were excavated using this technique of caries removal. The chemo-mechanical caries removal technique using Carisolv proved to be an effective atraumatic treatment modality with potential interest for use in clinical pediatric dentistry.

Behavior of 210Po and 210Pb in high background areas of coastal Kerala on the south west coast of India

This paper deals with the distribution and behavior of (210)Po and (210)Pb in beach sand and surface soil samples from the Quilon district of Kerala. Beach sand and soil samples were collected and analyzed for (210)Po and (210)Pb radionuclides using standard radiochemical analytical techniques. Mean activities of (210)Po and (210)Pb were found to be maximum in the samples collected at 20 m away from waterline. Among the beach sand samples, the activities of radionuclide were found to be maximum for samples from most of the regions of Chavara and few regions of Neendakara. The activity of (210)Po was found to vary from 2.4 to 20.5 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 8.3 Bq kg(-1) at the water line, 2.5-19.9 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 10.2 Bq kg(-1) at 20 m away from the waterline, and 2.1-6.7 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 3.5 Bq kg(-1) at 40 m away from waterline. The respective values found for (210)Pb were from 1.2 to 48.2 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 14.9, 11.3-34.2 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 19.8 Bq kg(-1) and 2.3 to 18.3 Bq kg(-1) with a mean value of 8.7 Bq kg(-1). The depth profile study indicated the mean activity of (210)Po to decrease with depth for samples collected 20 m away from waterline whereas the activity slightly increases with depth 40 m away from sea. The activity concentration of (210)Po and (210)Pb in surface beach sand shows good correlation, with a correlation coefficient 0.81.

Vertical profiles and enrichment pattern of natural radionuclides in monazite areas of coastal Kerala

Detailed studies on radionuclides concentration in different environmental matrices of high background areas were undertaken in the coastal areas of Karunagapalli, Chavara, Neendakara and Kollam to study the distribution and enrichment of the radionuclides in the region. The sand samples collected at different distances from sea waterline and at different depths, were analysed for primordial radionuclides by gamma spectrometry. The activity of primordial radionuclides was determined for the different size fractions of sand to study the enrichment pattern. The highest activity was found confined in 125-63 microm particle size fraction in sand. The minimum (232)Th activity was 9.4 Bq kg(-1), found in Kollam at a depth of 10-20 cm, 40 m away from waterline in 500-250 microm particle size fraction and maximum activity of 136,811.2 Bq kg(-1) was observed in Chavara in grains of size 125-63 microm at a depth of 0-10 cm for a sample collected 20 m away from waterline. The lowest (226)Ra activity observed was 29.6 Bq kg(-1) at Kollam beach for a sample 40 m away from waterline in grains of size 1000-500 microm and at a depth of 20-30 cm and the highest activity observed was 10,309 Bq kg(-1) in grains of size 125-63 microm for a sample collected at a distance 20 m away from waterline and at a depth of 0-10 cm. The activity of (40)K was below detectable level in most of the samples collected from the high background monazite area. The (232)Th, (226)Ra activities decrease with depth for the samples collected 20 m away from the waterline and increase with depth for the samples collected 40 m away from the waterline at Chavara and Kollam beaches. No definite correlation was found between variation of the concentrations of (232)Th and (226)Ra with depth at Karunagapalli and Neendakara beach sands. There exists a strong correlation between (226)Ra and (232)Th activities in the region. The results of these investigations are presented and discussed in this paper.

Variation of radiation level and radionuclide enrichment in high background area

Significantly high radiation level and radionuclide concentration along Quilon beach area of coastal Kerala have been reported by several investigators. Detailed gamma radiation level survey was carried out using a portable scintillometer. Detailed studies on radionuclides concentration in different environmental matrices of high background areas were undertaken in the coastal areas of Karunagapalli, Kayankulam, Chavara, Neendakara and Kollam to study the distribution and enrichment of the radionuclides in the region. The absorbed gamma dose rates in air in high background area are in the range 43-17,400nGyh⁻¹. Gamma radiation level is found to be maximum at a distance of 20m from the sea waterline in all beaches. The soil samples collected from different locations were analysed for primordial radionuclides by gamma spectrometry. The activity of primordial radionuclides was determined for the different size fractions of soil to study the enrichment pattern. The highest activity of (232)Th and (226)Ra was found to be enriched in 125-63μ size fraction. The preferential accumulation of (40)K was found in <63μ fraction. The minimum (232)Th activity was 30.2Bqkg⁻¹, found in 1000-500μ particle size fraction at Kollam and maximum activity of 3250.4Bqkg⁻¹ was observed in grains of size 125-63μ at Neendakara. The lowest (226)Ra activity observed was 33.9Bqkg⁻¹ at Neendakara in grains of size 1000-500μ and the highest activity observed was 482.6Bqkg⁻¹ in grains of size 125-63μ in Neendakara. The highest (40)K activity found was 1923Bqkg⁻¹ in grains of size <63μ for a sample collected from Neendakara. A good correlation was observed between computed dose and measured dose in air. The correlation between (232)Th and (226)Ra was also moderately high. The results of these investigations are presented and discussed in this paper.

Stimulation-mediated translocation of calmodulin and neurogranin from soma to dendrites of mouse hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons

Calmodulin (CaM) and neurogranin (Ng) are two abundant neuronal proteins in the forebrain whose interactions are implicated in the enhancement of synaptic plasticity. To gain further insight into the actions of these two proteins we investigated whether they co-localize in principle neurons and whether they respond to high frequency stimulation in a coordinated fashion. Immunohistochemical staining of CaM and Ng in mouse hippocampal slices revealed that CaM was highly concentrated in the nucleus of CA1 pyramidal neurons, whereas Ng was more broadly localized throughout the soma and dendrites. The asymmetrical localization of CaM in the nucleus of pyramidal neurons was in sharp contrast to the distribution observed in pyramidal cells of the neighboring subiculum, where CaM was uniformly localized throughout the soma and dendrites. The somatic concentrations of CaM and Ng in CA1 pyramidal neurons were approximately 10- and two-fold greater than observed in the dendrites, respectively. High frequency stimulation (HFS) of hippocampal slices promoted mobilization of CaM and Ng from soma to dendrites. These responses were spatially restricted to the area close to the site of stimulation and were inhibited by the N-methyl-D-asparate receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid. Furthermore, HFS failed to promote translocation of CaM from soma to dendrites of slices from Ng knockout mice, which also exhibited deficits in HFS-induced long-term potentiation. Translocated CaM and Ng exhibited distinct puncta decorating the apical dendrites of pyramidal neurons and appeared to be concentrated in dendritic spines. These findings suggest that mobilization of CaM and Ng to stimulated dendritic spines may enhance synaptic efficacy by increasing and prolonging the Ca2+ transients and activation of Ca2+/CaM-dependent enzymes.

Comparison of Lip Print Patterns in Two Indian Subpopulations and Its Correlation in ABO Blood Groups

BACKGROUND

The study of lip-print pattern (cheiloscopy) is a scientific method for personal identification and plays a major role in forensic and criminal investigations.

OBJECTIVE

To compare the lip print patterns in Kerala and Maharashtra population and correlate between ABO blood groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred subjects, 100 from Maharashtra and 100 from Kerala were considered for the study. Lip prints were recorded, analyzed according to Tsuchihashi classification. The lip print patterns were compared in the two populations, correlated in ABO blood groups. The data obtained was statistically analyzed with SPSS software using chi-square test.

RESULTS

In our study, predominant lip print pattern observed in Kerala population was type IV (53%) and Maharashtra population was type II (42%). The difference between the two population was statistically significant (p<0.001). Subjects with A+ and O- blood groups had type II lip print predominance. Subjects with B+, AB+ and O+ blood groups had type IV predominance. The lip print patterns do not show any correlation in ABO blood groups.

CONCLUSION

Lip prints are unique to each individual and are different even in two persons. Lip print patterns were different in the two sub populations studied, and they showed no correlation in ABO blood groups.

Salivary proteolytic activities in periodontitis, gingivitis and diabetes mellitus

Elastase activity was found to be significantly increased in periodontitis (0.872±0.4270 absorbance units/mg protein, mean±S. D., 1.05±0.61 units/ml saliva), gingivitis (0.772±0.416 units/mg protein, 1.515±0.952 units/ml) and diabetes (0.549±0.286 units/mg protein, 1.20±0.769 units/ml) compared to normals (0.255±0.089) units/mg protein, 0.264±0.079 units/ml). Chymotryptic activity was not found to be increased in these disease conditions over the normal level (0.284±0.096 units/mg protein). Aminopeptidase activity was elevated only in periodontitis (0.670+0.140 units/mg protein) compared to normals (0.349±0.100 units/mg protein). Trypsin-like activity was also found to be significantly raised in periodontitis compared to normals when Pro-Phe-Arg-p-nitroanilide (0.666±0.204 units/mg protein), Ile-Pro-Arg-p-nitroanilide (1.59±0.260 units/mg protein) and Pyroglu-Pro-Arg-p-nitroanilide (1.82±0.380 units/mg protein) were used as substrates. The normal values with these three substrates were respectively, 0.454±0.110, 1.04±0.231 and 1.15±0.312 units/mg protein. Total protein level in saliva was found to be significantly elevated in gingivitis (209±66.8 mg/dl) and diabetes (204±68.0) compared to normal values (107±20.7). Increase in periodontitis was marginal (127±28.3 mg/dl). Expression of proteolytic activities normalized to protein level was useful in differential diagnosis. Increase in elastase level in saliva is not a specific marker for periodontal diseases.

Prevalence of oral lesions in tuberculosis: A cross sectional study

OBJECTIVE

Tuberculosis (Tb) is a fatal infectious disease that primarily affects the pulmonary system and rarely occurs in other body organs including oral cavity. The aim of this study was to report all patients with primary manifestations of oral tuberculosis and to evaluate the clinical characteristics of oral tuberculosis lesions. All these patients were subsequently diagnosed with tuberculosis based on oral histological findings and referred for management and therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twelve patients with oral lesions from the year 2010 to 2018 were histologically diagnosed as having tuberculosis, who did not give any history of the disease, following surgical biopsy. Clinical symptoms, auxiliary examinations, treatments, and outcomes were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Oral TB was found in all 12 patients; 8 males and 4 females, with male to female ratio 8:4. Involved oral sites included the angle of the mandible (one case), right mandibular molar region (two cases), left mandibular molar region (four cases), gingiva (three cases), buccal mucosa (one case), and the tongue (one case). Oral TB patients in this series ranged in the age group of 6-65 years. All the lesions were suggestive of primary tuberculosis. The appearance of the affected mucosa in oral TB was variable. The most common manifestation was ulceration and swelling of the mucosa.

CONCLUSION

TB should be considered in patients with oral ulcerations and swellings. A biopsy specimen for histological study, acid-fast stains, and cultures should be obtained for confirmation and differential diagnosis along with other conditions.

(ARTICLE RETRACTED) Diagnostic value of VIA comparing with conventional Pap smear in the detection of colposcopic biopsy proved CIN

This article has been retracted because it has already been published in the Nepal Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vol.6(1) 2011 pp.7-12. http://www.nepjol.info/index.php/NJOG/article/view/5245

Metalaxyl effect on nitrogenase activity (acetylene reduction) and yield of mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) wilzek)

In an experiment, application of different levels of metalaxyl to a sandy loam soil significantly affected the nodulation and nitrogenase activity of mungbean. In both the compost amended and unamended soils, 0.5 mg kg(-1) of metalaxyl enhanced acetylene reduction activity and yield of mungbean, where as higher concentrations (1 mg and 2.5 mg kg(-1) of fungicide) inhibited the nodulation traits as well as economic traits of mungbean.

Estimation of Sexual Dimorphism of the Mandible in Coastal Karnataka and Kerala Populations using Cone Beam Computed Tomography

Objective The mandible has been used for sex determination and forensic identification due to its unique anatomy and morphology. Every part of the mandible is unique, including the shape and size of the temperomandibular joint, the ramus, the body and the symphysis region, and the inferior alveolar canal. In addition, the position and placement of the teeth within their sockets are unique for every individual.

Sample Population A study was conducted on 20 males and females to estimate sexual dimorphism using anthropometric measurements obtained by cone beam computed tomography images of the mandible of Karnataka and Kerala populations.

Materials and Methods The mean, standard deviation, and standard error along with the confidence interval of different measurements were documented. Various measurements between the sexes were compared using Student's t-test. Association between categorical variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test. A p-value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data were analyzed using statistical SPSS software.

Results The p-value of mRBr L, GA L, and GA R among females was significantly higher in the Karnataka population when compared with that in the Kerala population. The Karnataka State population showed significantly higher values of RL R, BiGBr, and BiCBr among males, and the p-value of the Kerala population for GGL L and GGL R was significant and higher among the males.

Conclusion The data derived from the above study suggest that the mandibular anthropometric measurements used may be applied for forensic sex estimation.

Pulmonary embolism: an observational study at Narayana Hrudayalaya Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore, India

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is extremely common and is a leading cause of death in all age groups. Unfortunately the diagnosis is most often missed than it is made. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can dramatically reduce the mortality and morbidity. This study was done to evaluate the patients with acute PE, assess the utility of laboratory tests and potential of high resolution spiral computed tomogram angiography of pulmonary arteries (sCTPA) as the confirmatory diagnostic tool. Twenty six consecutive patients with acute PE admitted to CCU of Narayana Hrudayalaya of Banglore were followed prospectively. There were 15 male and 11 female (M:F=1:3:1); age range was 32-58 yrs. (mean 45+/-13 yrs). Pre-testing probability assessment of PE was done by a combined approach of history, physical examination and presence of risk factors. D-dimer and cardiac troponin I (TnI) estimation and sCPTA done by contrast enhanced 64-slice spiral CT scanner in all patients. In addition to the typical findings of PE, sCTPA included and revealed features of cardiac and venous CT imaging. Doppler study of leg veins were done to exclude deep vein thrombosis. Trans-thoracic echocardiography assessed right ventricular dilatation and presence of pulmonary hypertension. Nineteen patients (73.0%) had sub-massive PE, 5 patients (19.2%) had non-massive and 2 patients (7.6%) presented with massive PE. A raised D-dimer (0.5mugm/ml) was found in all the cases (100.0%). An elevated a trponin I (TnI) was found in 18 patients (69.2%). RV dilatation, (i.e. RV/LV>0.9) was found in 21 patients (80.7%). All patients (100.0%) received unfractionated heparin. Thrombolysis with alteplase, without concomittent heparin was administered in 11 patients (42.3%). Inferior venacaval filter were implanted in 9 patients (34.6%) with sub massive PE and recurrent events despite anticoagulation. Embolectomy done in one patients with massive PE, offered satisfactory recovery. Pulmonary endarterectomy were undertaken in 6 patients with acute on chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. Thus sCTPA detected PE, source of PE and provided prognostic information.