Comparative evaluation of salivary, serum, and GCF alkaline phosphatase levels in chronic periodontitis patients before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy: A clinico-biochemical study.

Background: Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial disease that causes the supporting tissues around the teeth to become inflamed and destroyed, which further causes tooth mobility and eventual tooth loss. The enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP), which is involved in bone resorption and gingival inflammation, is an important biomarker. The current study's objective is to compare the serum, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), and salivary levels of ALP in individuals with chronic periodontitis before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

Role of procalcitonin, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 as a predictive marker for the use of perioperative steroid in maxillofacial trauma patients.

Maxillofacial trauma often brings significant challenges for surgeons in terms of preoperative oedema. Steroids offer oedema reduction, yet potentially increase the risks of postoperative infection. This study explores procalcitonin (PCT), as a marker for bacterial infection risk, and interleukins IL-6 and IL-10, which respectively signify pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, as potential indicators of infection and inflammation in these trauma cases and thereby aid in refining perioperative guidelines for the use of steroids.

Selective vitamins as potential options for dietary therapeutic interventions: In silico and In vitro insights from mutant C terminal fragment of FGA.

We have used an integrated computational approach to explore the role of vitamin C and vitamin D in preventing aggregation of Fibrinogen A alpha-chain (FGA) protein responsible for renal amyloidosis. We modelled structures of E524K / E526K mutants of FGA protein and examined the potential interactions of these mutants with vitamin C and vitamin D3. Interaction of these vitamins at the amyloidogenic site may prevent the intermolecular interaction required for amyloid formation.

Immediate autonomic changes during right nostril breathing and left nostril breathing in regular yoga practitioners.

Background: The ancient Indian science of Yoga makes use of voluntary regulation of breathing to make respiration rhythmic and calm the mind. This practice is called pranayama. Nadisuddhi pranayama means "purification of subtle energy paths," inhalation and exhalation are through alternative nostrils for successive respiratory cycles.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Leucine-Rich Alpha-2 Glycoprotein (LRG) Levels in Children with Acute Bacterial Meningitis.

This study evaluated the diagnostic role of cerebrospinal fluid leucine-rich alpha-2 glycoprotein (CSF LRG) concentration in children with acute bacterial meningitis, and its role in differentiation from aseptic meningitis. CSF LRG concentration was measured by ELISA Kit of 50 children with bacterial meningitis, 16 aseptic meningitis, and 20 children with normal CSF; control. CSF LRG was significantly elevated (p < 0.

Drugs repurposing against SARS-CoV2 and the new variant B.1.1.7 (alpha strain) targeting the spike protein: molecular docking and simulation studies.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV2) is responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic and millions of deaths worldwide. In December 2020, a new alpha strain of SARS-CoV2 was identified in the United Kingdom. It was referred to as VUI 202012/01 (Alpha strain modelled under investigation, 2020, month 12, number 01).

Vitamin C and Vitamin D3 show strong binding with the amyloidogenic region of G555F mutant of Fibrinogen A alpha-chain associated with renal amyloidosis: proposed possible therapeutic intervention.

G555F mutant of Fibrinogen A alpha-chain (FGA) is reported to be associated with kidney amyloidosis. In the current study, we have modelled the G555F mutant and examined the mutation's effect on the structural and functional level. We have also docked Vitamin C and D3 on the mutant's amyloidogenic region to identify if these vitamins can bind amyloidogenic regions.

Association of 4-basepair G-to-A transition in the 5'-untranslated region of ANKH gene with selected patients of primary knee osteoarthritis: A cross sectional study.

Method: A cohort study was carried out for a year to evaluate the presence of G-to-A transition in 5'-untranslated region of ankylosis human () gene in Indian Khatri patients (closely resembling Europeans of primary knee osteoarthritis (OA), residing in Lucknow, India.

Results: In the total participants, 25 were Khatri primary knee OA patients (cases) residing in Lucknow and 101 were random blood donors' samples (controls) collected from a blood bank. All were studied for the abovementioned mutation using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).

Molecular and clinical insights into protein misfolding and associated amyloidosis.

The misfolding of normally soluble proteins causes their aggregation and deposition in the tissues which disrupts the normal structure and function of the corresponding organs. The proteins with high β-sheet contents are more prone to form amyloids as they exhibit high propensity of self-aggregation. The self aggregated misfolded proteins act as template for further aggregation that leads to formation of protofilaments and eventually amyloid fibrils.

Correction to: Oral vitamin A supplementation in very low birth weight neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

The authors regret that Ethical approval section was incorrect in the original publication; the authors have requested that this be noted.

Oral vitamin A supplementation in very low birth weight neonates: a randomized controlled trial.

This randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effects of early postnatal oral vitamin A supplementation (VAS) in 196 inborn very-low birth weight (VLBW) infants requiring respiratory support at 24 h of age. Eligible infants were randomized to receive aqueous syrup of vitamin A (10,000 IU of retinol/dose; n = 98) or placebo (n = 98) on alternate days for 28 days. Primary outcome variable was composite incidence of all-cause mortality and/or oxygen requirement for 28 days.

Distribution of rheumatological diseases in rural and urban areas: An adapted COPCORD Stage I Phase III survey of Lucknow district in north India.

Objectives: To study the distribution of various rheumatological diseases in rural and urban areas of Lucknow, India.

Method: A study using adapted a Community Oriented Program for the Control of Rheumatic Diseases scheme was carried out in a cluster of rural (n = 5118) and urban (n = 5053) communities through a door-to-door survey. Trained community volunteers completed the questionnaires.

Antioxidant and antibacterial activity of silver nanoparticles synthesized by Cestrum nocturnum.

Background: Silver nanoparticles are toxic to bacteria and have widespread application in different research areas.

Objective: The aim of this study was to synthesize silver nanoparticles using an aqueous leaf extract of Cestrum nocturnum and to test its antioxidant and antibacterial activities.

Materials And Methods: The silver nanoparticles were synthesized by addition of 20 ml extract (8% w/v) with 180 ml silver nitrate solution (1 mM).

Development of graft copolymer of carboxymethylcellulose and N-vinylcaprolactam towards strong antioxidant and antibacterial polymeric materials.

The present paper reports graft copolymerization of N-vinylcaprolactam (NVCL) onto carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) initiator in N atmosphere. The grafting was found to be highest when concentrations of CMC, NVCL and TBHP were 6.25×10gdm, 10×10moldm and 20×10moldm respectively.

Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Females with Primary Knee Osteoarthritis in a Vitamin D Deficient Population.

Aim And Objective: To find prevalence of osteoporosis (OP) in postmenopausal females with primary knee osteoarthritis (OA) in India, where there is widespread Vitamin D deficiency (VDD).

Material And Methods: 75 postmenopausal women (PMW) fulfilling ACR criteria for Knee OA between 40 - 60 years of age, having OA grade 2 or more as per Kellgren Lawrence grade on anterior- posterior radiograph of the right knee were enrolled. 34 PMW of the same age with normal right knee radiograph were taken as controls.

Prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas : a cross-sectional study in northern India.

Objectives: To study the prevalence of rheumatic musculoskeletal symptoms in rural and urban areas of Lucknow.

Method: The survey was carried out in a cluster of rural (n = 5118) and urban (n = 5053) communities of Lucknow through a door-to-door survey. Demographic data were collected and subjects with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain) were identified.

Performances of Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) appear to be better than the gold standard Disease Assessment Score (DAS-28-CRP) to assess rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Background/purpose: To compare the performance of Disease Assessment Score of 28 joints - C-reactive protein (DAS-28-CRP), Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) and Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) composite measures to assess status of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on methotrexate, versus DAS-28 CRP as the gold standard.

Methods: One hundred and thirty-five patients with RA as per the 2010 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria were included in the prospective study. The disease activity was assessed at baseline and at every 6 weeks for 24 weeks, by DAS-28-CRP, CDAI and SDAI.

Does long term colchicine prevent degradation of collagen fiber network in osteoarthritis?

Aim: Several studies have shown that colchicine exhibits an improvement in the symptoms of knee osteoarthritis (OA) but its effect on disease progression is unknown. To clarify the mechanism of action this study was done to see if colchicine prevents degradation of collagen fiber network in OA by studying serum cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels, a marker of cartilage turnover, over a period of 1 year.

Methods: Seventy-five patients received colchicine plus paracetamol and 75 received placebo alone for the same time period.

Oral Methotrexate in split dose weekly versus oral or parenteral Methotrexate once weekly in Rheumatoid Arthritis: a short-term study.

Objective: To investigate whether methotrexate (MTX) administered orally to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in split doses at 2-3 days' interval, would result in equal or better efficacy, tolerability and compliance, without increasing toxicity compared to single weekly dose given orally or parenterally.

Materials And Methods: One hundred and thirty-five patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) 2010 criteria for RA, on 7.5 mg of MTX weekly orally, with the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) > 11 were enrolled for a 24-week period.