bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetics and Periodontal Disease: An Explicit Insight
Authors: Grace Umesh Santo , Ramachandran Lakshmi , Karthikeyan Janani , Mani Anitha
Published: August 2021

A branch of Biology which deals with the science of hereditary influences on living organisms is termed as Genetics. There has been a broad study related to hereditary influence on human tissue linking to health and disease conditions. A vital role is played by genetics in the proper functioning, adaptive repair, regeneration and remodelling of hard and soft tissue. A major segment of genes are related to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease, being multifactorial in origin is directly or indirectly known to be caused by genetic factors also. A study on human and animals validates the concept that genetics could have influenced periodontal disorders and also plays a key role in the predisposition and progressiveness of the condition. The role played by genetics to damage the inflammatory and immune response system of the host tissues during periodontal conditions has been proved and this section will give a clear insight on the influence of genetics in this condition.
Strategies for Enhancing Product Yield: Design of Experiments (DOE) for Escherichia coli Cultivation
Authors: Kumar Gupta Puneet , Reddy Edula Jyotheeswara
Published: August 2021

E. coli is considered one of the best model organism for biopharmaceutical production by fermentation. Its utility in process development is employed to develop various vaccines, metabolites, biofuels, antibiotics and synthetic molecules in large amounts based on the amount of yield in shake flasks, bioreactors utilised by batch, fed-batch and continuous mode. Production of the desired molecule is facilitated in the bioreactor by employing strategies to increase biomass and optimised yield. The fermentation is a controlled process utilising media buffers, micronutrients and macronutrients, which is not available in a shake flask. To maximise the production temperature, dissolved oxygen (aerobic), dissolved nitrogen (anaerobic), inducer concentration, feed or supplementation of nutrients is the key to achieving exponential growth rate and biomass. Design of experiments (DOE) is critical for attaining maximum gain, in cost-effective manner. DOE comprises of several strategies likewise Plakett-Burman., Box–Behnken, Artificial Neural Network, combination of these strategies leads to reduction of cost of production by 2–8 times depending on molecules to be produced. Further minimising downstream process for quickly isolation, purification and enrichment of the final product.
The Most Probable Cosmic Scale Factor Consistent with the Cosmological Principle, General Relativity and the SMPP
Authors: N. James Arthur
Published: August 2021

Current literature on the evolution of the cosmic scale factor is dominated by models using a dark sector, these all involve making many conjectures beyond the basic assumption that the Cosmological Principle selects a space–time metric of the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker type through which ordinary Standard Model of Particle Physics matter moves according to General Relativity. In this chapter a different model is made using the same basic assumptions but without making extra conjectures, it depends on following the idea introduced by Boltzmann that when physically meaningful concepts fluctuate the value which will be observed is the one which has the highest probability. This change removes the mathematically incorrect procedure of averaging the matter density before solving Einstein’s Equation, the procedure which causes the introduction of many of the conjectures. In the non-uniform era the changes are that the evolution of the scale factor is influenced by the formation of structure and removes the conjecture of having to use two inconsistent probability distributions for matter through space, one to calculate the scale factor and one to represent structure. The new model is consistent from the earliest times through to the present epoch. This new model is open and matches SNe 1a redshift data, an observation which makes it a viable candidate and implies that it should be fully investigated.
Some Proposed Problems on Permutation Polynomials over Finite Fields
Authors: Kumar Singh Mritunjay , P. Singh Rajesh
Published: August 2021

From the 19th century, the theory of permutation polynomial over finite fields, that are arose in the work of Hermite and Dickson, has drawn general attention. Permutation polynomials over finite fields are an active area of research due to their rising applications in mathematics and engineering. The last three decades has seen rapid progress on the research on permutation polynomials due to their diverse applications in cryptography, coding theory, finite geometry, combinatorics and many more areas of mathematics and engineering. For this reason, the study of permutation polynomials is important nowadays. In this chapter, we propose some new problems in connection to permutation polynomials over finite fields by the help of prime numbers.
Neuropsychological Perspective on Dyslexia
Authors: González-Valenzuela María-José , Martín-Ruiz Isaías
Published: August 2021

The aim of this chapter is to offer a neuropsychological approach to dyslexia. Firstly, the definition of dyslexia is addressed, as a specific learning disability that is neuropsychological in origin. Secondly, the clinical manifestations of dyslexia are discussed: academic, cognitive-linguistic, and socio-emotional. Thirdly, the main clinical explanations are explored, based on genetic theories (familial and twin heritability) and neurological theories, mainly neuroanatomical (brain asymmetry, corpus callosum morphology, cerebellar morphology, and variations in grey/white matter) and neurophysiological hypotheses (magnocellular system, connectivity between brain areas, and functional activity of brain areas). Finally, the main bases of an adequate neuropsychological intervention are detailed, such as training in visual perception, auditory perception, phonological processing, and orthographic processing.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy for Early Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Mendis Rajith , Abdul-Razak Muzib
Published: August 2021

Early stage oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC) has a significant risk of subclinical nodal metastases, which is the strongest independent prognostic factor for regional recurrence and survival. However current preoperative imaging modalities are unable to identify patients with micrometastases, and an observation strategy has been associated with inferior outcomes when compared to an elective neck dissection. Sentinel lymph node biopsy provides a safe and accurate staging procedure to select the patients who benefit from an elective neck dissection, while avoiding unnecessary surgery in the patients who are node negative. There is recent Level II evidence demonstrating equivalent oncological outcomes when compared with elective neck dissection. However, a multidisciplinary approach is required including reliable mapping of the sentinel lymph node, precise surgical technique and comprehensive histopathological analysis to ensure accurate results are obtained.
The Fallacy of Happiness: A Psychological Investigation of Suicide among Successful People
Authors: Misra Nishi , Srivastava Shobhna
Published: August 2021

There are three feelings that prompt a person to take their life: hopelessness, helplessness and worthlessness. Studies have found that the risk of suicide increases with decreasing happiness. In the recent past, people have been left clueless when celebrities and successful people ended their lives despite appearing overtly happy. What prompted them to do so? Modern society today highlights the importance of success over failure. Although we are motivated to be successful in life, it should not become our main gauge of happiness. In the same way we should not let success be our main goal in life and get discouraged by failure. Happiness has been viewed in two ways: as concerning the well-being of a person, and as the opposite of depression. Each one of us has different ways of measuring happiness. The quality of one’s happiness depends on one’s priorities in life. Happiness is not merely something that can be quantified with how much success and failure one has because such metric is very much subjective. How do we prevent a young life from extinguishing? How do we identify suicidal behavior among successful people and help those around? The present chapter covers the possible reasons why successful people commit suicide. Role of media in preventing suicide and measures for preventing suicide by successful people has been discussed.
Sexual Maturation in Farmed Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar): A Review
Authors: Rivera Patricia , Gallardo José , Araneda Cristian , Vasemägi Anti
Published: August 2021

The sexual maturation of Atlantic salmon Salmo salar is a multifactorial process in which fish acquire somatic characteristics to reproduce. In salmon farming has been described a high variability in the trait age at maturation derived from wild reproductive strategies. Early maturation is a phenotype that generates serious economic repercussions on both, sea cage and on land-based aquaculture systems. In view of the challenges of this problem for the global salmon farming industry, it is essential to thoroughly understand the influencing factors of early and late maturation to find efficient alternatives for managing the phenomenon. This review briefly describes sexual maturation in S. salar, its variability in cultures, and the factors influencing the maturation age trait at the physiological, genetic and environmental levels. The control of early maturity through changes to the natural photoperiod and through the use of genetic markers are discussed.
Immune System of Fish: An Evolutionary Perspective
Authors: Sahoo Sujata , Banu Husne , Prakash Abhinav , Tripathi Gayatri
Published: August 2021

Fishes are the most successful and diverse group of vertebrate animals, first appeared during Devonian period. Despite of certain differences, the immune system of fish is physiologically similar to that of higher vertebrates. The heterogenous group of fishes are the apparent link between innate immunity and the first appearance of the adaptive immune response. Importantly, fishes have immune organs homologous to that of mammalian immune system. In comparison to higher vertebrates, fishes live free in their environment from the early embryonic stage and during that time mostly they are dependent on non-specific immune system for their survival. In the fishes, non-specific immunity is the fundamental defense mechanism, therewith acquired immunity also plays key role in maintaining homeostasis by activation though a system of receptors proteins, which identify pathogen associated molecular pattern typical of pathogenic microorganism includes lipopolysaccharides, peptidoglycans, DNA, RNA and other molecules that are typically not present on the surface of multicellular organism. There are several external factors like environmental factors, biological factors, stress and internal factors like genetic makeup, age and sex, maternal effect etc. can affect immunological defense capabilities of the fishes.
Examining Learning Disabilities in Schools through an Intersectional and Equitable Lens
Authors: Leung Enoch
Published: August 2021

This book chapter examines the intersection between learning disabilities (LD) and other marginalized identities to understand the diverse experiences of students with LDs and the disproportionalities that exist in LD identification and support in schools. Largely driven by the history and evolution of inclusion of disabilities in schools, Response to Intervention (RtI) arose as a model designed to increase academic performance among students with and without disabilities. Though RtI is a model shown to minimize inappropriate identification of LDs, intersectionality must be taken into consideration to understand the disproportionate representation of culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students in special education. Data from the National Assessment of Educational Progress suggest social factors (e.g. socioeconomic disadvantages, racial and ethnic intersection) as a potential cause for disproportionate representation and points to a need to further understand the disproportionality of different groups of students being over- or under-identified to receive special education services.
Advances in Pasture Management and Animal Nutrition to Optimize Beef Cattle Production in Grazing Systems
Authors: Scholz Berça Andressa , Prates Romanzini Eliéder , da Silva Cardoso Abmael , Eduardo Ferreira Luís , Pastori D’Aurea André , Bertelli Fernandes Lauriston , Andrade Reis Ricardo
Published: August 2021

The increasing demand of meat requires the adoption of sustainable intensification livestock systems, applying nutritional strategies to reduce any negative contribution from beef cattle to global warming and, at the same time, to increase animal performance and productive efficiency. The pasture management practices and feed supplementation, mainly using non-edible feed with less costs, could minimize environmental and social impacts, resulting in higher productivity with less inputs utilization. Tropical grass submitted to grazing management according to plant height present high soluble protein and low levels of indigestible neutral detergent fiber contents. Energy or rumen undegradable protein supplementation, associated to alternative additives to antibiotics effects, such as probiotics, tannin, essential oils and saponin, can help to fully exploit the animal genetic potential and nutrient utilization efficiency, which decreases greenhouse gases emissions and improves animal performance. Hence, more information about these tools can make the livestock systems in tropical pasture more efficient and eco-friendlier.
Three-Dimensional Sheath Inked Rapid Acquisition with Refocused Echoes Imaging (SHINKEI) MRI for Delineating the Intraparotid Facial Nerve Branches and Their Anatomical Relationship with Parotid Tumors
Authors: Jiang Yanwei , Sun Cheng , Zhou Wei , Yu Lianpin , Zhang Weidong , Li Chuanting
Published: August 2021

Background: Accurate imaging of the anatomical relationship between the intraparotid facial nerve branches and parotid tumor can be helpful for surgical planning and effective protection of the facial nerve during surgery. Three-dimensional sheath inked rapid acquisition with refocused echoes imaging (3D-SHINKEI) is a new MRI sequence with a high tissue contrast resolution, which has been used for imaging the peripheral nerves in several organs. Objectives: To evaluate the value of 3D-SHINKEI sequence in representing the intraparotid facial nerve branches and their anatomical relationship with neoplasms of the parotid gland. Patients and Methods: Thirty-six patients with parotid tumors underwent MRI with 3D-SHINKEI and 3D-T2-fast field echo (3D-T2-FFE) sequences in the coronal plane. The contrast-to-noise ratios (CNRs) and signal intensity ratios (SIRs) of the facial nerves in the two sequences were compared. The relationship between the intraparotid facial nerve branches and parotid tumor was also analyzed in 36 patients, and the results were compared with the intraoperative anatomy and postoperative pathological findings. Results: The image quality score of the 3D-SHINKEI sequence for anatomical representation of the intraparotid facial nerve branches was significantly higher than that of the 3D-T2-FFE sequence (Z = −6.197, P < 0.01). The SIRs and CNRs of the facial nerves were significantly higher in the SHINKEI images as compared to the 3D-T2-FFE images (t = 10.772, P < 0.01 and t = 11.586, P < 0.01, respectively). The delineation accuracy of the anatomy of the main trunk of the facial nerve and its first-level branches and their relationship with tumors was significantly higher with the 3D-SHINKEI sequence than with the 3D-T2-FFE sequence (P < 0.01). Besides, the relationship between parotid tumors and the main trunk of the facial nerve and its first-level branches was classified into six types. Conclusion: A high-resolution 3D-SHINKEI sequence could accurately represent the relationship between the intraparotid facial nerve branches and parotid gland neoplasms. It was also found to be more accurate than the 3D-T2-FFE sequence.
Structural fuzzy reliability analysis using the classical reliability theory
Authors: Nguyen Tuan-Hung , Le Huynh-Xuan
Published: August 2021

This study is focused on a novel approach for calculating structural fuzzy reliability by using the classical reliability theory. In order to handle the structural fuzzy reliability problem, the formulae for establishing normal random variables equivalent to symmetric triangular fuzzy number are presented. From these equivalent random ones, the original problem is converted to the basic structural reliability problems, then the methods of the classical reliability theory should be applied to calculate. Moreover, this study proposes two notions in terms of central fuzzy reliability and standard deviation of fuzzy reliability as well as a calculation procedure to define them. Lastly, the ultimate fuzzy reliability of the proposed method is established and utilized to compare the allowable reliability in the design codes. Numerical results are supervised to verify the accuracy of the proposed method.
Fulton-projektet. Forskningsrapport
Authors: Petersen Karen Bjerg , Andersen Frans Ørsted
Published: August 2021

Denne rapport, hvis målgruppe er den brede offentlighed med et særligt blik for personale i det pædagogiske område, gør rede for Fulton følgeforskningen og dens resultater i perioden fra 2017 til 2021. Selve Fulton-projektet blev igangsat i 2017 som et samarbejde mellem Fulton Fonden, Esbjerg Kommune og Lauritzen Fonden med henblik på at give udsatte unge i Esbjerg Kommune en mulighed for at komme ud af deres daglige omgivelser og problemstillinger ved at få et ophold på skonnerten Fulton og indgå i skibets daglige aktiviteter. Hensigten med Fulton-projektet er først og fremmest at få udsatte unge i Esbjerg Kommune ”tilbage på ret køl”. Afhængig af den enkelte unges forudsætninger, har de unge gennem kortere og/eller længevarende ophold på skonnerten Fulton skullet indgå på lige fod med skipper og den øvrige besætning i de daglige aktiviteter, der er forbundet med skonnerten Fultons sejladser i de danske farvande. Dette skal dog ses i sammenhæng med at Fulton samtidig afspejler den klassiske hierarkiske kultur, der altid har været på sejlskibe, og som kan ses som nødvendig for at skibet overhovedet kan sejle sikkerhedsmæssigt forsvarligt.
Psychodiagnostic evaluation of parental position in settlement of legal disputes on child upbringing in the course of forensic psychological examination
Authors: Korolev Andrei Aleksandrovich , Sokolov Yaroslav Vladimirovich
Published: August 2021

This article explores the crucial points associated with the objective assessment of parental position in the process of forensic psychological examination. The subject of this research is the specificity of parental position in the situation of forensic psychological expert study. The object is the parents in the situation of forensic psychological examination. The author describes the main capabilities of psychological diagnostics of parental position in the expert practice. The article analyzes the data acquired from psychometric surveys carried out among 46 parents/custodians involved in forensic psychological examination on civil cases related to disputes over child upbringing. The study employs the psychometric surveys for evaluation of child-parent relations (“The Analysis of Family Relationship” and “Child-Parent Interaction”). Based on the array of expert material, the author carries out statistical analysis of the data acquired via tested psychometric methods aimed at the assessment of parental position. The obtained correlation between the scales of psychometric surveys, the author highlights the most significant diagnostic criteria give an integral estimate of parental position. The novelty of this work consists in determination of diagnostic parameters that verify the key criteria of parental position in the course of forensic psychological examination: adequacy, predictivity, flexibility. The acquired materials contribute to objectification of conclusions of the psychologist in complicated expert situations on settling the issues related to child upbringing.
GIV/Girdin, a non-receptor modulator for Gαi/s, regulates spatiotemporal signaling during sperm capacitation and is required for male fertility
Authors: Reynoso Sequoyah , Castillo Vanessa , Katkar Gajanan Dattatray , Lopez-Sanchez Inmaculada , Taheri Sahar , Espinoza Celia , Rohena Cristina , Sahoo Debashis , Gagneux Pascal , Ghosh Pradipta
Published: August 2021

For a sperm to successfully fertilize an egg, it must first undergo capacitation in the female reproductive tract and later undergo acrosomal reaction (AR) upon encountering an egg surrounded by its vestment. How premature AR is avoided despite rapid surges in signaling cascades during capacitation remains unknown. Using a combination of conditional knockout (cKO) mice and cell-penetrating peptides, we show that GIV (CCDC88A), a guanine nucleotide-exchange modulator (GEM) for trimeric GTPases, is highly expressed in spermatocytes and is required for male fertility. GIV is rapidly phosphoregulated on key tyrosine and serine residues in human and murine spermatozoa. These phosphomodifications enable GIV-GEM to orchestrate two distinct compartmentalized signaling programs in the sperm tail and head; in the tail, GIV enhances PI3K→Akt signals, sperm motility and survival, whereas in the head it inhibits cAMP surge and premature AR. Furthermore, GIV transcripts are downregulated in the testis and semen of infertile men. These findings exemplify the spatiotemporally segregated signaling programs that support sperm capacitation and shed light on a hitherto unforeseen cause of infertility in men.
Neural dynamics between anterior insular cortex and right supramarginal gyrus dissociate genuine affect sharing from perceptual saliency of pretended pain
Authors: Zhao Yili , Zhang Lei , Rütgen Markus , Sladky Ronald , Lamm Claus
Published: August 2021

Empathy for pain engages both shared affective responses and self-other distinction. In this study, we addressed the highly debated question of whether neural responses previously linked to affect sharing could result from the perception of salient affective displays. Moreover, we investigated how the brain network involved in affect sharing and self-other distinction underpinned our response to a pain that is either perceived as genuine or pretended (while in fact both were acted for reasons of experimental control). We found stronger activations in regions associated with affect sharing (anterior insula [aIns] and anterior mid-cingulate cortex) as well as with affective self-other distinction (right supramarginal gyrus [rSMG]), in participants watching video clips of genuine vs. pretended facial expressions of pain. Using dynamic causal modeling, we then assessed the neural dynamics between the right aIns and rSMG in these two conditions. This revealed a reduced inhibitory effect on the aIns to rSMG connection for genuine pain compared to pretended pain. For genuine pain only, brain-to-behavior regression analyses highlighted a linkage between this inhibitory effect on the one hand, and pain ratings as well as empathic traits on the other. These findings imply that if the pain of others is genuine and thus calls for an appropriate empathic response, neural responses in the aIns indeed seem related to affect sharing and self-other distinction is engaged to avoid empathic over-arousal. In contrast, if others merely pretend to be in pain, the perceptual salience of their painful expression results in neural responses that are down-regulated to avoid inappropriate affect sharing and social support.
TRPC3 and NALCN channels drive pacemaking in substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Um Ki Bum , Hahn Suyun , Kim So Woon , Lee Yoon Je , Birnbaumer Lutz , Kim Hyun Jin , Park Myoung Kyu
Published: August 2021

Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons are slow pacemakers that maintain extracellular DA levels. During the interspike intervals, subthreshold slow depolarization underlies autonomous pacemaking and determines its rate. However, the ion channels that determine slow depolarization are unknown. Here we show that TRPC3 and NALCN channels together form sustained inward currents responsible for the slow depolarization of nigral DA neurons. Specific TRPC3 channel blockade completely blocked DA neuron pacemaking, but the pacemaking activity in TRPC3 knock-out (KO) mice was perfectly normal, suggesting the presence of compensating ion channels. Blocking NALCN channels abolished pacemaking in both TRPC3 KO and wild-type mice. The NALCN current and mRNA and protein expression are increased in TRPC3 KO mice, indicating that NALCN compensates for TRPC3 currents. In normal conditions, TRPC3 and NALCN contribute equally to slow depolarization. Therefore, we conclude that TRPC3 and NALCN are two major leak channels that drive robust pacemaking in nigral DA neurons.
Inhibition of Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 promotes the progression and drug resistance of lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Gao Hong , Tang Peipei , Ni Kejie , Zhu Lun , Chen Song , Zheng Yulong , Wan Yufeng
Published: August 2021

Background

Lung cancer is a common malignant carcinoma of respiratory system with high morbidity and mortality. Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-related protein 1 (Keap1), a member of the BTB-Kelch protein family, has been reported as an important molecule in several cancers. However, its potential role in tumor is still controversial. Here we aim to clarify the effect of Keap1 on the biological characteristics and chemotherapy resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).

Methods

Immunohistochemistry was conducted to compare Keap1 expression in lung adenocarcinoma tissues and matched non-cancerous tissues, and the correlation between Keap1 expression and clinicopathological features was analyzed. Subsequently, the stable A549 and H1299 cell lines with Keap1 knockdown or overexpression were constructed using lentivirus. The roles of Keap1 on the cell proliferation, migration, invasion and drug resistance were investigated by colony formation assay, cell proliferation assay, wound scratch test, transwell invasion assay and drug sensitivity assay, respectively.

Results

Keap1 was lowly expressed in tumor tissues compared to matched non-cancerous tissues, and its expression was correlated with TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Early stage (I) tumors without lymph node metastasis had higher levels of Keap1 expression compared with late-stage tumors (II, III) with the presence of lymphatic metastasis. Colony formation assays showed that Keap1 knockdown promoted the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells, and the cell growth curves further confirmed this feature. In contrast, wound scratch and transwell invasion experiments showed that Keap1 overexpression inhibited cell migration and invasive malignancy. The IC50 for cisplatin and paclitaxel were significantly increased by Keap1 knockdown in A549 and H1299 cell lines.

Conclusion

Keap1 knockdown promotes tumor cell growth, proliferation, invasion, metastasis and chemotherapy resistance in LUAD. It may be a potential tumor marker to guide the staging and treatment of lung cancer.
Health status risk factors and quality of life in 75–84-year-old individuals assessed for dementia using the short 10/66 dementia diagnostic schedule
Authors: Davis Gershwin , Baboolal Nelleen , Tripathi Vrijesh , Stewart Robert
Published: August 2021

Background

Trinidad is an island that not only has a population at high vascular risk but also one that is in epidemiological transition with high dementia prevalence. The aim of the study was to investigate modifiable risk factors associated with dementia in middle-old (75–84 years) individuals.

Methods

As part of a large national community survey of dementia prevalence in Trinidad, 811 people aged 75–84 years were evaluated for dementia using the 10/66 short algorithm. Demographic data collected included information on age, gender, ethnicity, religion, education, occupation, living accommodation, smoking, alcohol consumption, self-reported medical conditions, impairments and ability to do instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). Data were analysed using multivariable logistic regression models.

Results

Of the 811 participants, nearly 55% were female. The mean age was 78.8 (SD = 2.8) years and dementia was present in 198 (24.4%). Having less than ten years of education, being an agricultural worker, skilled labourer or housewife and having more than four co-morbidities were significantly associated with dementia. The odds ratio for dementia for those having self-reported stroke was 4.93 (95% CI [2.64–9.23]) and for diabetes was 1.76 (95% CI [1.17–2.65]) adjusting for age, age2, gender, ethnicity, religion, education and occupation. Impairment in eyesight, hearing, climbing stairs, and walking were also more common in the group with dementia. Ability to perform IADLs was linked with dementia. Individuals with dementia were more likely to be unable to perform any of the eight IADLs. Those who did not exercise at all (OR 6.95, 95% CI [2.02–23.90]) and those who did low exercise (OR 1.83, 95% CI [1.07–3.13]) compared to those who did moderate to high exercise were also more likely to have dementia.

Conclusion

In the middle-old population in Trinidad having diabetes and stroke, low IADL score, and no exercise were more common in people with dementia.
An In-Vitro Evaluation of Microbial Adhesion on Different Types of Orthodontic Brackets
Authors: Patni Vedant , Dmello Kuldeep , Wadhwa Jitesh , Reddy Mora Sathi Rami , Singh Atul
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Information regarding the adhesion of bacterial species and plaque accumulation to bracket material is limited. Adequate information is needed in order to offer patients orthodontic treatment without significantly increasing their risk of developing white spots, caries, or gingival inflammation. Aim: To determine the levels of the caries-inducing S. mutans species on metallic, self-ligating and ceramic brackets and to compare the total bacterial counts and counts of species present on these bracket materials. Materials and Methods: By means of an in-vitro study, six commercially available bracket systems {3M Gemini (A), American Ortho (B), Ormco (C), Begg (D), Ceramic (E) and Self-ligating (F)} were compared. The brackets were bonded in the cell well culture plate and the agar plates were prepared. Brain heart infusion medium including bacteria and artificial saliva was introduced to each bracket system containing 10 premolar brackets and were incubated. After 72 hours, the adherent bacteria were then detached by sonication and the Colony-Forming Units (CFU) of Streptococcus mutans were calculated on each bracket and were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 17.0 for Windows. Results: Between the different bracket types, significant differences were found in terms of biofilm formation. The Begg brackets showed the least bacterial adhesion and the self-ligating brackets showed the highest bacterial adhesion and was statistically significant among all the groups (p<0.05). Ceramic brackets also showed a higher bacterial adhesion after the self-ligating brackets. Among the three groups of metallic brackets, 3M brackets showed the least bacterial adhesion but was statistically insignificant (p>0.05). Conclusion: Different orthodontic brackets serve as different loci for biofilm formation showing that the Begg brackets are the most hygienic among all the brackets taken in this study.
Mental Well-Being of Students of Pedagogy at Ho Chi Minh City: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Huynh Son Van , Truong-Thi Thien-Thu , Dang-Thi Nhu-Thuyen , Tran-Chi Vinh-Long
Published: August 2021

Introduction: The well-being of students refers to the psychological, cognitive, and social functioning of the life of students. The Vietnamese undergraduate students are under a great deal of burden and pressure, that makes examining their well-being more necessary than ever. Aim: To examine the Vietnamese Pedagogy students' well-being. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study from April 2018 to September 2018, on Four hundred and seventy-six students (128 males and 348 females) at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education on completed paper-based questionnaires that included demographic items. Our research utilised the Mental Health Continuum Short Form in Vietnamese, which surveyed Vietnamese pedagogy undergraduates. The scale was developed with an aim of creating a brief self-rating assessment tool which accesses three components of well-being: emotional, social, and psychological. The emotional well-being subscale including 3 items is defined as positive effects/satisfaction with life. Social well-being includes social contribution, social integration, social actualisation, social acceptance, and social coherence. Finally, six items represent psychological well-being: self-acceptance, environmental mastery, positive relations with others, personal growth, autonomy, and purpose in life. To achieve this goal, descriptive statistics were used for describing the sample statistics and conclusion. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 16.0 was used for data analysis. Frequency, percentage, mean score, and standard deviation were used to analyse descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: A convenience sample of 476 (response rate of 600 questionnaires distributed at 79.3%) Vietnamese students from the Ho Chi Minh City University of Education was studied which included 128 males (26.9%) and 348 females (73.1%). The majority of the participants (78.6%; n=372) were born in Ho Chi Minh City, and 21.4% (n=102) were born in other provinces of Vietnam. Regarding their academic year, 50.4% (n=240), 18.9% (n=90), 13.2% (n=63) and 17.5% (n=83) were respectively represents, sophomore, junior, and senior, respectively. The results indicated that Vietnamese Pedagogy students had a high level of psychological well-being (M=2.99, SD=1.12) and emotional well-being (M=2.96, SD=1.26), while their social well-being (M=2.40, SD=1.12) was medium. Conclusion: Pedagogy students in Vietnam had a high level of psychological well-being, emotional well-being, and medium level of social well-being. All results obtained after this research are indispensable to understand the pedagogy undergraduates’ well-being. This research was conducted with the notion that it would act as a stimulant in extending related work to improve pedagogy students' well-being.
Physiotherapeutic Intervention for Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome: A Scoping Review
Authors: Pandey Shubhrendu Sekhar , Ashish Ashish , Singh Royana
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome (CBPS) is a disorder of enhanced mechanosensitivity to the neural structure, also known as lower cervical pain Syndrome. Cervicobrachial pain is managed by manual and traditional therapy, besides medical management. Aim: The aim of this scoping analysis was to determine the efficacy of the protocols for cervicobrachial syndrome treatment. Materials and Methods: Until March 2020, initial literature searches were performed through robust online electronic databases such as “Scopus” “MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Sciences and Cochrane Controlled Trials Register in Cochrane Library, Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), ProQuest 5000 International, ProQuest Health and Medical Complete, and following keywords were used “Neck Disability Index, “Upper Limb Tension test, “Goniometry “Neck pain,” “Cervicobrachial Pain Syndrome,” Thirty six studies were included in this scoping study using PRISMA guidelines. Results: There is little evidence of manual and conventional physiotherapy treatment of cervicobrachial pain and its efficacy. Key advantages have been reported in manual therapy and exercises methods for pain relief and rehabilitation. Electrotherapeutic modalities, neck strengthening exercises, traction and methods for handling soft tissue are considered to be less effective in managing cervicobrachial pain syndrome relative to manual therapy. Lateral cervical glide and median nerve slider technique (neurodynamic) have useful effects as a treatment intervention in multiple cases of cervicobrachial pain syndrome, such as the median nerve slider technique and contra-lateral cervical glide technique. Recommendations for the management of cervicobrachial syndrome in practice should be encouraged in additional trials of innovative treatment methods. Conclusion: Studies should identify which cervicobrachial pain respond to specific interventions for immediate and effective response so as to increase the quality of life of the patients. Further research with innovative techniques of therapeutic approach would facilitate practice guidelines for the management of cervicobrachial syndrome.
Chlorpromazine and Trifluperazine Induced Parkinsonism in a Patient with Insomnia
Authors: Girija S , Kumar N Naresh , Prasannaa N Natis , Sarumathy S , Kumar R Nanda
Published: August 2021

Drug Induced Parkinsonism (DIP) can be described as reversible development of Parkinsonian syndrome in patients treated with drugs which impair dopamine function. It includes symptoms such as tremor, muscular rigidity and bradykinesia. Gastrointestinal prokinetics, calcium channel blockers, modern atypical antipsychotics, and antiepileptic drugs may cause DIP. This report is about a 40-year-old female patient who developed a DIP after taking the antipsychotic medication combination (chlorpromazine and trifluperazine) for insomnia after being prescribed from a psychiatric clinic. After four weeks of initiation of treatment, she developed tremors, muscular rigidity and slowness in movements. The patient was admitted with the following complaints and then the drugs chlorpromazine and trifluperazine were stopped. The patient was then treated with tablet levodopa and carbidopa 110 mg, trihexiphenidyl 2 mg and tablet alprazolam 0.25 mg after which she gradually improved and was feeling better after a week. Atypical antipsychotics indicated for psychiatric disorders have high potential to cause extrapyramidal symptoms. Hence, for the treatment of insomnia newer drugs such as zolpidem and zaleplon can be used to minimise the chances of occurrence of DIP.
Assessment of Dermatology Life Quality Index in Vitiligo Patients Treated with Narrow Band Ultraviolet B Therapy: A Prospective Interventional Study
Authors: Sanjana AS , Okade Rajendra
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Vitiligo is a disorder of skin pigmentation that is associated with tremendous psychological impact on the affected patients. The prevalence of vitiligo range from 0.1% to 8%. Narrow Band Ultraviolet B (NBUVB) therapy has been reported to be effective and a safe tool in vitiligo. Aim: To determine the effect of NBUVB treatment on vitiligo patients and to assess the impact on Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) of patients after the therapy. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted pre and post intervention (NBUVB) on all the vitiligo patients attending Dermatology Outpatient Department (OPD) at our Institute from January 2019 to June 2019. The estimated sample size was 80 patients. The patients who met the inclusion criteria underwent whole body NBUVB irradiation. The treatment was started with an initial dose of 300 mJ/cm2 in all the cases. It was administered two days per week on non consecutive days. The irradiation dose was increased by 50 mJ/cm2 on each subsequent visit until the optimal dose was obtained to have a minimal erythema in the lesion. The DLQI questionnaire designed by Finlay and Khan was used to determine the quality of life impairment in the study patients. The DLQI scoring was done twice, the first scoring at the start of therapy and the second scoring at the end of therapy. The data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 20.0 version software for determining statistical significance. Chi-square test, Fisher-exact test and odds ratio were used to check for the associated factors, p-value <0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: A total of 79 patients were included in the study. Age ranged from 18 to 72 years, with a mean age of 43.2±15.14 years. The sex distribution among study patients was almost equal, with 39 females and 40 males. The duration of NBUVB irradiation ranged from two months to six months. The cumulative number of NBUVB irradiation sessions ranged from 14 to 48, with an average of 22.65±7.42 sessions. The grade of repigmentation in the study group was excellent in 2 (2.5%), good in 52 (65.8%), average in 25 (31.7%) and poor in none. The baseline DLQI score distribution ranged from 6 to 28, with mean score of 11.76±3.69. The end of therapy DLQI score ranged from 0-7, with mean score of 2.58±2.32. The difference between the mean baseline DLQI score and end of therapy DLQI score was statistically significant. Conclusion: The NBUVB treatment is effective on vitiligo patients in achieving repigmentation of depigmented patches. The baseline DLQI score of vitiligo patients were high, and it significantly decreased after the NBUVB therapy.
Minimizing of Dextran during Sugar Beet Manufacturing
Authors: Alraoof H. S. Abd , Syiad S. I. El- , Hamid A. A. Abdel- , Sherif Sanaa A. El-
Published: August 2021

The most serious processing problem can clear arise from the presence of dextran gum. The presence of dextran in sugar processing leads to less of sucrose and creates problems to sugar producers by increasing viscosity, lowing sugar yield, increasing molasses purities slowing filtration. The application of dextran enzyme to reduce dextran from raw juice was more efficient and economic than adding it to clear juice and syrup. Sixty percent of dextran removal was achieved when dextranase applied at concentration of 20u/100ml raw juice and 30min incubation. The dextran reduction and reached 65% by the use of 30u under some condition in clear juice, the percentage of dextran reduction reached 25,27 and 45% when dextranase enzyme used at 30u /100mol after 10,20 and 30 min of the incubation respectively. The use of the application of dextranase enzyme to reduce dextran from raw juice was more efficient and economic than adding it to clear juice and syrup.

Sixty percent of the dextran was removed when using dextranase   applications at a concentration of 20u/100ml of raw juice over 30 minutes.
Identifying Minimum Effective Dose Under Heteroscedasticity
Authors: Adjabui Michael J. , Dioggban Jakperik , Angbing Irene D.
Published: August 2021

We propose a stepwise confidence procedure for identifying minimum effective dose (MED) without multiplicity adjustment.Stepwise procedures strongly control the familywise error rate (FWER) which is a critical requirement for statistical methodologies in identification of MED. The partitioning principle is invoked to validate the control of the FWER. Our simulation study indicates that the FWER was properly controlled in the case with balanced design but failed in some cases of sample sizes for situations of unbalanced design. In addition, the power of the procedure increases with increasing mean of ratio differences and the sample sizes.
On the Stability Analysis of Linear Unperturbed Non-integer Differential Systems
Authors: Akpan Ubong D.
Published: August 2021

In this paper, the stability of non-integer differential system is studied using Riemann-Liouville and Caputo derivatives. The stability notion for determining the stability/asymptotic stability or otherwise fractional differential system is given. Example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the result.
The Existence of Entire Positive Solutions to Monge-Amp`ere Type Equations
Authors: Bai Shuangshuang
Published: August 2021

Aims/ Objectives: In this paper, we study the Monge-Amp`ere type equation det D2u + α∆u = p(|x|)f(u)(x ∈ Rn). 

In the previous articles, the equation with Monge-Amp`ere operator or Laplace operator has been studied extensively. However, the research about the combination of two kinds of operator is scarce. We would like do some research on this topic. We obtain a sufficient condition of the existence of entire positive solutions for the equation. 

Study Design: Study on the existence of solutions. 

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Mathematics and Physics, North China Electric Power University, September 2019 to present. 

Methodology: We prove the existence of the solution by constructing Euler’s break line, combining the idea of transformation and the method of mathematical analysis. Results: We obtain a sufficient condition of the existence of entire positive solutions for the equation.

Conclusion: We prove the existence of entire positive solutions to Monge-Amp`ere type equation det D2u + α∆u = p(|x|)f(u)(x ∈ Rn) and obtain the sufficient condition for the existence of solutions.
Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Screening of Male Flower Buds of Some Banana Cultivars Grown in Assam
Authors: Das Hemanga , Hazarika D. N. , Langthasa Supriya , Borah Rupshree
Published: August 2021

The experiment was conducted in the Department of Horticulture, Biswanath College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Biswanath Chariali in the period begning from November, 2016 till the end of 2018 with eight different banana cultivars grown in Assam i.e T1: Jahaji (AAA), T2: Amritsagar (AAA), T3: Chenichampa (AAB), T4: Malbhog (AAB), T5: Kachkal (ABB), T6: Manohar (ABB), T7: Bhimkal (BBB), T8: Wild banana (BB). Phytochemical assessment revealed the highest and lowest values of pH in the cultivars of balbisiana group and  acuminata group, respectively. The moisture content ranged from 80 to 90 percent; ash content, sucrose content, crude fibre and total carbohydrate content varied in all the cultivars. Sugar content in terms of glucose and fructose were highest in Chenichampa while the lowest glucose content was recorded in Amritsagar. Phosphorus content ranged from 51.98 mg/100g to 14.27 mg/100g while potassium content ranged from 786.40 mg/100g to 427.61 mg/100g. The male flower buds possessed crude protein, starch, anthocyanin, sugars, carbohydrates, proteins, important minerals like phosphorus, potassium, sodium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron and anti-nutrients like tannin, saponin and phenolic compounds, but their concentrations varied among the cultivars. Organoleptic taste revealed that the male flower buds of cultivars namely, Bhimkal (BB), Wild banana (BB), Malbhog (AAB) and Kachkal (ABB) were found to be tastiest for consumption as vegetable.