Musculo Skeletal Disorders in Dentistry

In dental practice knowledge of patients and operator’s position is important for the health and comfort of both patient and operator. The causes of musculoskeletal disorders in dentistry are multi factorial, ranging from non-ergonomic loupes and improper selection of delivery systems, to generic exercise that worsens muscle imbalances. Therefore proper operator positioning techniques help in preventing the progression toward chronic pain or potential injury for the operator

Evaluation of Lipase from an Indigenous Isolated Bacillus Strain for Biodiesel Production

Lipases are utilized in biodiesel production utilizing various types of substrates. The use of lipase in bioenergy production aims to reduce energy crises and environmental pollution. Lipase-producing indigenous bacteria Bacillus licheniformis (Accession no. OP56979) and Bacillus rugosus (Accession no. OP56980) were isolated from various oil-contaminated sites. The isolated potential lipolytic bacteria were screened for maximum lipase production. Then, the bacteria showing the highest lipolytic activity were subjected to identification using the 16s rRNA technique while other isolated were identified biochemically. Lipase [LipBL-WII(c)] from Bacillus licheniformis having the highest lipolytic activity expressed various characteristics. Characterization of crude LipBL-WII(c) expressed that it showed stability in a wide range of pH (4 to 10) with optimum lipolytic activity observed at pH 8. It was then found to be active at a temperature range from 20°C to 80°C with optimal at 50°C. Lipase activity was also stimulated in metal ions such as Ca+1, Mg2+, and Zn2+ the most. Furthermore, LipBL-WII(c) retained lipolytic activity in the presence of various organic solvents and surfactants. The kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) for LipBL-WII(c) were ascertained using Lineweaver- Burk plot. LipBL-WII(c) showed a potential for biodiesel production using olive oil as a source. Lipase gave 84% yield of biodiesel production from olive oil. Thus, it could be employed as a potential candidate for green biodiesel production using oil sources

Cell membrane and extracellular vesicle membrane-coated nanoparticles : an envisaged approach for the management of skin conditions

Cell membrane-coated biomimetic nanosystems have been recognized as promising drug delivery vehicles in recent years for the management of diverse skin conditions. Nanoparticles (NPs) coated with biomembranes, derived from either cell membranes or subcellular structures (e.g., extracellular vesicles), offer an opportunity to combine the biological interfacial characteristics of the coating alongside with the internal core component at the nanoscale. The biomimetic coating enhances the biocompatibility of NPs and their interaction with the skin, improving skin affinity, contact, and retention. This coating also enables the controlled release of drugs and provides skin-targeting capabilities, which collectively improve the effectiveness, safety, and stability of topical and transdermal formulations. In this context, the current review delves into the recent progress in using biomimetic NPs for skin therapeutics. Specifically, it examines the various types of coatings, including their origins, heterogeneous functions, and surface molecular repertoires, in great detail. Additionally, this review presents the methods of preparing and characterizing biomimetic-coated NPs. Furthermore, the potential of bioinspired NPs in treating a range of skin-related conditions has been meticulously explored. Last, the toxicological aspects of these NPs have been thoroughly examined to provide a thorough summary of the evolution of biomimetic-coated nanosystems for skin applications

Molecular Basis of Increased Serum Resistance among Pulmonary Isolates of Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae

Non-typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), a common commensal of the human pharynx, is also an opportunistic pathogen if it becomes established in the lower respiratory tract (LRT). In comparison to colonizing isolates from the upper airway, LRT isolates, especially those associated with exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, have increased resistance to the complement- and antibody-dependent, bactericidal effect of serum. To define the molecular basis of this resistance, mutants constructed in a serum resistant strain using the mariner transposon were screened for loss of survival in normal human serum. The loci required for serum resistance contribute to the structure of the exposed surface of the bacterial outer membrane. These included loci involved in biosynthesis of the oligosaccharide component of lipooligosaccharide (LOS), and vacJ, which functions with an ABC transporter encoded by yrb genes in retrograde trafficking of phospholipids from the outer to inner leaflet of the cell envelope. Mutations in vacJ and yrb genes reduced the stability of the outer membrane and were associated with increased cell surface hyrophobicity and phospholipid content. Loss of serum resistance in vacJ and yrb mutants correlated with increased binding of natural immunoglobulin M in serum as well as anti-oligosaccharide mAbs. Expression of vacJ and the yrb genes was positively correlated with serum resistance among clinical isolates. Our findings suggest that NTHi adapts to inflammation encountered during infection of the LRT by modulation of its outer leaflet through increased expression of vacJ and yrb genes to minimize recognition by bactericidal anti-oligosaccharide antibodies

Reducing the environmental impact of surgery on a global scale: systematic review and co-prioritization with healthcare workers in 132 countries

Abstract Background Healthcare cannot achieve net-zero carbon without addressing operating theatres. The aim of this study was to prioritize feasible interventions to reduce the environmental impact of operating theatres. Methods This study adopted a four-phase Delphi consensus co-prioritization methodology. In phase 1, a systematic review of published interventions and global consultation of perioperative healthcare professionals were used to longlist interventions. In phase 2, iterative thematic analysis consolidated comparable interventions into a shortlist. In phase 3, the shortlist was co-prioritized based on patient and clinician views on acceptability, feasibility, and safety. In phase 4, ranked lists of interventions were presented by their relevance to high-income countries and low–middle-income countries. Results In phase 1, 43 interventions were identified, which had low uptake in practice according to 3042 professionals globally. In phase 2, a shortlist of 15 intervention domains was generated. In phase 3, interventions were deemed acceptable for more than 90 per cent of patients except for reducing general anaesthesia (84 per cent) and re-sterilization of ‘single-use’ consumables (86 per cent). In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for high-income countries were: introducing recycling; reducing use of anaesthetic gases; and appropriate clinical waste processing. In phase 4, the top three shortlisted interventions for low–middle-income countries were: introducing reusable surgical devices; reducing use of consumables; and reducing the use of general anaesthesia. Conclusion This is a step toward environmentally sustainable operating environments with actionable interventions applicable to both high– and low–middle–income countries

Status of lung functions in buffing polishing workers and the impact of yogic regimen on their pulmonary health

Background: The metal buffers & polishers in automobile industry are exposed to inhalation of air borne metal dust. Deposition of this metal dust in respiratory tract, in due course of time, can cause obstructive, restrictive or combined respiratory disease. Aims and Objectives: Yoga and pranayama may play an impressive role in improving the pulmonary functions and facilitating gas diffusion at the alveolo-capillary membrane. This study was aimed to record the pulmonary function tests (PFTs) in buffing polishing workers of an automobile industry before and after 12 weeks of yoga regimen. Materials and Methods: 35 male subjects of the age group of 25-40 years working on buffing polishing machine for 4-6 hours/day, 6 days in a week for more than 2 years were selected as subjects from an automobile industry. PFTs were carried out on all the subjects at the onset of the study and after12 weeks of subjecting them to a standardized yogic regimen. PFT parameters were analysed between group and with controls by ANOVA followed by Tukey’s Test. Results: Significant improvement was seen in slow vital capacity, forced vital capacity, peak expiratory flow rate, maximum voluntary ventilation, and DLCO after following yogic regimen. FEV1, and FEV1% also showed a trend towards improvement in buffing polishing workers. Conclusions: Yoga and pranayama breathing exercises can improve the lung functions of the industrial workers. These can be encouraged as a part of their routine schedule as it can reduce absenteeism by improving their health

Effect of yogic intervention on urinary melondialdehyde levels, autonomic functions and quality of life among buffing polishing workers of an automobile industry

Background: Oxidative stress at industry setting poses a threat to autonomic functions and quality of life deterioration of the workers in automobile industry. Yogic intervention may improve the stress levels and autonomic functions thereby improves their quality of life. Aims and Objectives: This study was aimed to see the effect of 12 weeks of yogic regimen on urinary melondialdehyde levels (MDA), autonomic functions and quality of life in workers exposed to buffing polishing work in an automobile industry. Materials and Methods: 35 male subjects of age group 25-40 years working on buffing polishing machine for 4-6 hours/day, 6 days in a week for the last 2 years were selected as subjects from an automobile industry. Same number of age and sex matched controls not involved in buffing polishing work were also selected from the same socioeconomic background. Urinary MDA levels, autonomic functions and health related quality of life parameters were recorded before and after 12 weeks of practicing yogic regimen. All the parameters were analyzed intergroup as well as intra-group by 2 way ANOVA followed by the Tukey’s Test. Results: Significant improvement was found in MDA levels, weight, BMI, E:I ratio & cold pressor test of autonomic function tests and all the physical and psychological domains of quality of life after practicing 12 weeks of yoga regimen. Conclusions: Integrated yogic regimen in buffing polishing workers can improve stress markers thereby improving their autonomic functions and health related quality of life. Thus yoga and pranayama can be encouraged and incorporated as a part of their routine schedule