bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Borne Out with Whalebone: A Late Sixteenth-Century Farthingale Sleeve
Authors: Mikhaila Ninya
Published: February 2024

An extant farthingale sleeve support and a silk satin sleeve to wear over it form part of a collection of garments still owned by the Willoughby family to which it originally belonged in the 1590s or early 1600s. This paper provides an insight into its history as part of the Willoughby women’s wardrobe and a technical description of its materials, manufacture and current form. Its construction matches contemporary documentary evidence for farthingale sleeves which were assumed to form part of elite dress. Evidence presented here suggests that the fashion moved rapidly through society and became a feature of ordinary women’s dress by the early seventeenth century.
Effect of Foliar Application of Silicon Dioxide on Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) under Different Water Regimes
Authors: Akbar Nadeem , Anjum Shakeel Ahmad , Nazeer Shahid , Safdar Adnan , Safdar Bushra
Published: February 2024

Maize is one of the most significant cereal crops of the world. Water shortage has damaging effects on food production. Efficient water utilization for crops appears to be quite effective in the current situation of water scarcity. Application of nutrients (Plant Growth Regulators) which increase tolerance to water stress can mitigate the negative effects of water stress. Among the plant growth regulators silicon can increase the tolerance in maize plant for water scarcity. Silicon minimizes the effect of water stress on maize crop particularly at reproductive stage. To evaluate the effect of silicon on yield of maize field experiment was conducted during 2021 at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. The experiment was comprised of water stress conditions: no water stress, water stress at 5 leaf stage and water stress at milking stage and levels of foliar application of silicon: no spray, spray @ 40 mgL-1Si, 80 mgL-1Si, 100 mgL-1Si. Randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split plot arrangement was used consisting of three replications. Data of growth, physiology, yield and yield attributes were recorded. The data was analyzed by using Fisher's Analysis of variance technique. The results of present study indicated water stress applied at milking stage significantly reduced the yield characters including cobs per plant, grains and grain rows per cob, grain weight (g), biological yield (t/ha), economical yield (t/ha) and harvest index (%). The foliar applied silicon @ 80mgL-1 significantly increased the yield and yield characters.
Dijital Liderlik ve Kapsayıcı Liderliğin Çalışanların Dijital Yetenekleri Üzerindeki Etkisi: Bankacılık Sektörü Üzerine Bir Araştırma
Authors: ÖRÜCÜ Edip , HASIRCI Itır
Published: February 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı güncelliği yakalayan, her zaman yeniliğin izinde olan dijital liderliğin ve farklılıklara önem veren, hata yapmaktan korkmayan, örgüt iklimini ön planda tutan kapsayıcı liderliğin çalışanların dijital yetenekleri üzerindeki etkisini belirlemektir. Araştırmanın evrenini Balıkesir ilinde ve ilçelerinde çalışan 1830 banka personeli oluşturmaktadır. Araştırmanın örneklemini Bandırma ilçesinde ve Balıkesir il merkezinde bulunan bankalardan seçilen 507 personel oluşturmaktadır. Elde edilen verilerle, frekans analizi, güvenilirlik analizi, normallik testi, keşfedici faktör analizi, korelasyon analizi ve çoklu regresyon analizi yapılmıştır. Yapılan çoklu regresyon analizinin sonucuna göre dijital liderliğin ve kapsayıcı liderliğin çalışanların dijital yetenekleri üzerinde anlamlı ve olumlu etkiye sahip oldukları tespit edilmiştir. Çoklu regresyon analizinin sonucunda örneklem dâhilindeki bankalarda çalışanların dijital yetenekleri üzerinde en etkili liderlik modelinin kapsayıcı liderlik olduğu görülmüş, dijital liderliğinde en az kapsayıcı liderlik kadar dijitalleşme çağında hızlı dönüşüm yaşayan bankalar için önem arz ettiği belirtilmiş ve gelişimi için öneriler verilmiştir.
Gingival contour phoenexing with Ovate pontic – a report of two cases
Authors: Rajani Anisha , Mistry Gaurang , Shetty Omkar , Parab Sheetal , Mehta Kunal
Published: February 2024

Ensuring perfect aesthetic results when modelling a pontic in a bridge is an almost daily challenge for the specialists in reconstructive dentistry and fixed prosthodontics. This requires that planning the 3D shape of the pontic and its relation to the alveolar process takes into consideration the aesthetic, functional, technical and hygiene aspects depending on the pontic’s position.
The aesthetic result of a pontic within a bridge structure depends not only on the so-called “white” aesthetics (shape, texture, brightness, color and other photo-optical properties and material properties) but also, with equivalent if not greater importance, on the so-called “pink” aesthetics and, even more, on the illusion of the presence of a healthy natural tooth.
For this purpose it is necessary that the pontic emerges from the surrounding mucosa in the same way as a natural tooth. This article is a case series of 2 cases showing ovate pontic in a ridge defect and other showing ovate pontic prepared immediately post extraction.

Key Words : Aesthetics; Bridge; Gingiva; Ovate Pontic; Prosthodomtics;
Phoenixing; Vestibular surface.
Aesthetic restoration of hypo-plastic maxillary young permanent central incisors: A clinical approach
Authors: Srivastava Vinay Kumar , Manhas Swati
Published: February 2024

Brief background:This case reportdiscusses injuriesto primary maxillary anterior teeth and theirsubsequent effects on the succedaneous teeth.The consequencesof the injuries leadto development of hypo-plastic enamel.

Materials and methods:Enamel hypo-plasia in young children was treated with direct light cureradiopaque composite resin (Restofill R Anabond Stedman) followed by incremental layering of Tetric N-Ceram A2 shade (Ivoclar Vivadent co.) along with fluoride varnish application (Fluor-protector, Ivoclar Vivadent co.) to prevent secondary caries development at the interface of tooth and restored resins.

Discussion:Hypo-plastic enamel favorus accumulation of plaque and food staining and unaesthetic appearance of permanent central incisors. Unaesthetic appearance may adversely affect the self-esteem and confidence of the child when the child is interactive with their peer groups.

Summery and conclusion:Self-esteem of the child can be restored and good aesthetic results can be achieved by proper diagnosis, treatment planning and good knowledge of advanced restorative materials and techniques when applied to restore the affected abutment.

Key Words: Hypo-plastic enamel, maxillary central incisors, aesthetic restoration.
Providing Lively Life to Carcinoma Patient- A Case Report
Authors: Patel Chandra Bhushan Singh , Misra Chandan , Mandal Barnali , Choudhary Kanaram , Patil Chetan
Published: February 2024

The causes for defects in the maxilla can be congenital, acquired, developmental, traumatic or surgical involving the oral cavity and contiguous anatomic structures. Absence or loss of some or all of the soft palate and / or hard palate results in insufficient structure or altered function/aesthetic , disruption of articulation and airflow during speech production and also nasal reflux during deglutition. Patients after surgical resection have altered hard/soft tissue anatomy due to scaring, tissue contracture, lack of adequate bony support and tissue edema. Such patients have problem of regurgitation of water and food through nose and difficulty in speech. Rehabilitation of such patients requires the fabrication of obturator prosthesis and also sometimes repeated prosthesis adjustments to conform to the soft tissue changes. In such a situation an obturator is designed in such a fashion to take the maximum advantage of remaining hard and soft tissue /anatomical favourable sites.

Key Words- cast metal framework., Obturator, Squamous cell carcinoma.
Clinical evaluation of platelet-rich fibrin membrane in the gingival depigmentation procedure: A case report
Authors: Kaur Karandeep , Vandana Vandana , Kaur Supreet , Singh Sahib Tej , Kaur Jasleen
Published: February 2024

Gingival pigmentation, which is caused by the deposition of melanin pigment, may not be a medical problem but is still a primary esthetic concern for many people. Esthetic gingival depigmentation performed in such patients leads to excellent results. The platelet concentrate, which is often addressed as a windfall in the regenerative therapy in periodontology, accelerates wound healing by excellent neovascularisation. It also promotes fast cicatricle tissue remodeling. This case report highlights the effectiveness of Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) membrane in the depigmentation procedure.

Keywords: Gingival Depigmentation, Esthetics, Platelet-rich fibrin.
COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis: The call for dental practitioners
Authors: Sachdev Sanpreet Singh , Chettiankandy Tabita Joy , Gaikwad Rajesh , Suryawanshi Sandesh , Yaduwanshi Kalyani
Published: February 2024

Mucormycosis is a deadly infection caused by fungi of the order Mucorales in individuals with immunocompromised states due to underlying conditions such as diabetes mellitus, malignancy or neutropenia. The disease was relatively more prevalent in India even before the COVID-19 Pandemic. However, SARS-CoV-2 in itself causes dysregulation of the immune system and the corticosteroids used in the management of hypoxemic COVID-19 also hamper the patient’s immunity. Injudicious use of other drugs used for treatment of COVID-19 such as Tocilizumab and Remdesivir could potentially result in bloodstream infections and other immunity-related problems. Furthermore, use of empirical broad-spectrum antibiotics may eliminate physiological protective commensal organism microbes of the body. As a result, there has been a recent rise in cases of Mucormycosis owing to various factors associated with the pandemic . Since the fungi enter primarily through the nose and the initial symptoms are evident in craniofacial region, dental professionals can play a pivotal role in combating infection. The present review aims to equip dental professionals with information pertaining to counter-measures essential to limit the incidence of Mucormycosis in India.

Keywords: Dentists; Fungal infection; Glucocorticoids, Prevention; Prophylaxis;
Managing fractured Maxillary incisor using Vanini’s stratification technique: Right way of achieving aesthetics
Authors: Rohra Mili , Shah Purnil , Kapoor Sonali
Published: February 2024

Tooth fractures are fairly common these days and cosmetic rehabilitation is vitalif appropriate layering methods are incorporated. There are various techniques for managing fractured anterior teeth and it is always important to consider the natural aesthetic principles before selecting the technique. Here we have incorporated theVanini’s stratification technique for composite layering.

Keywords:
Elli's class Ⅱ fracture, Vanini’s Stratification Technique, Composite Layering.
Understanding patient perspectives of relationship between periodontal and systemic health: a hospital-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Francis Jacob , Eldho Elizabeth , Ambooken Majo , Mathew Jayan
Published: February 2024

Background: Patient awareness regarding the interrelationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases is an essential consideration in the periodontal management of medically compromised patients

Aims: The present study envisages understanding the patient perspective on periodontal diseases and periodontal-systemic disease interrelationship.
Settings and Design: Hospital-based cross-sectional questionnaire study
Methods and Material: Data was collected through a questionnaire consisting of 21 self-administered, structured, close ended questions that was distributed among 302 subjects presenting to the department of Periodontology.

Statistical analysis used:The frequency of each response was expressed as percentage and correlations between responses to related questions were performed.

Results: A reasonably acceptable level of awareness was noted regarding independent understanding of periodontal diseases and common systemic diseases. However, many of the subjects failed to appreciate the relationship between them

Conclusions: According to the findings of the survey, there exist the need of educating patients regarding the interrelationship between periodontal diseases and systemic health.

Key-words: Interrelationships, Patient awareness, Periodontal diseases, Questionnaire,
Systemic diseases

Key Messages: Awareness and cooperation on the part of the patients are essential in managing periodontal diseases in patients with systemic diseases. Patients need to be educated regarding the perio-systemic interrelationships for the successful management of periodontal and systemic problems, the onus of which is equally upon both medical and dental fraternities.
A Non-Compliant Slow expansion devise in orthodontics: A case report on NiTi palatal expansion appliance.
Authors: Gurubaran Nidhya varshini , V Thailavathy , Sabapathy Kannan , Chaturvedula Balavenkata Barathi
Published: February 2024

Normal palatal growth is nearly complete by age 6 and increasing inter-digitation of the suture makes separation difficult to achieve after puberty. Palatal expansion can be done with either slow/ rapid maxillary expansion. In this case report, maxillary expansion was done with NiTi palatal expander by making use of its unique properties like temperature transition and shape memory to produce an expansion of the maxilla.

Keywords: NiTi palatal expansder, shape memory, temperature transition
Screening and Diagnosis of Oral Precancerous Lesions/precancerous conditions for General Practitioners
Authors: Desai Ashwini , Diwan Nikhil , Desai Niranjan , Sakpal Rashmi , Supnekar Shraddha
Published: February 2024

Brief Background
Oral cancer has a tendency to be detected always at a later stages which is very dangerous to the patients because of its higher mortality rates. Early detection of oral cancer is therefore very important to prevent its progression to later stages. General practitioners are well suited to providing head and neck examinations, and to screening for the presence of suspicious oral lesions. This is a review article on screening and diagnosing the precancerous lesions or conditions which are now termed as oral potentially malignant disorders(OPMDs).

Key Words
Early detection, Malignant potential, Pre cancerous lesions
Ectopic mandibular canine with supernumerary teeth - A Case Report
Authors: Keerthana S. Vaibava , Kannan M. S. , Chaturvedula Balavenkata Barathi
Published: February 2024

Odontomesare asymptomatic benign tumors often identified during a routine radiographic investigation. Mandibular canine impaction is a less common dental anomalyfrequently associated with Odontomes. The management of impacted caninesare mainly based on position and direction of the impacted tooth, root development and space available in the arch. This case report involved impacted 43 and Odontome in relation to 43 on askeletal class II base, Angle’s class I molar and canine relationship.

Key Words
Mandibular canine, Impaction, Odontome.
Treatment of Class II Malocclusion with AdvanSyncTM 2 Appliance: Case Report
Authors: Chakkaravarthi Subhiksha , T Thailavathy , Chaturvedula Balavenkata Barathi
Published: February 2024

Class II malocclusions are very common and challenging to treat. Of the various modalities available for treatment,fixed functional appliances play an important role. Among the various fixed functional appliances the AdvanSyncTM 2appliance is the recent one. The literature efficacy is scarce owing to its latest introduction. This case report discusses the use of AdvanSyncTM 2 with extraction for the correction of class II malocclusion.

Key words: AdvanSyncTM 2, class II malocclusion, Fixed functional appliance
Current understanding of Diagnosis, Clinical Implications and Treatment Protocols of Peri-Implant Mucositis and Peri-Implantitis
Authors: Muthuraj Maria Subash Aaron , Chithresan Koshy
Published: February 2024

As the use of dental implants as an option for replacement of missing teeth is surging in the present scenario, incidence of post implant complications also on the rise.Peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are the two common complications affecting the soft and hard tissues around the implants. Many concepts regarding diagnosis, clinical implications and treatment protocols regarding peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis are evolving. Knowledge of the above is essential for the management of biologic complications such as peri-implant mucositis and peri-implantitis. In this review article,the current concepts of diagnosis, clinical implications and treatment protocols of peri-implantdiseases and its evolution from the previous concepts will be elaborated.

Key words:Dental implants, peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis, peri-implant defects.
Ortho-surgical management of a Class II division 2 Malocclusion- A case report
Authors: Khoday Madhuri , Belludi Anup , Kotrashetti Sharadindu , Durgekar Sujala Ganapati , Shetty Prathyaksha
Published: February 2024

A Class II division 2 malocclusion is characterized by retroclination of two or more maxillary incisors, Class II molar relationship and an increased overbite.This article describes a case report of a 17-year-old female patient who was concerned about an irregularly placed tooth. The clinical and radiographic investigations revealed that the patient had Class II skeletal relation, mesoprosopic facial form, deep labiomental fold, average growth pattern and Angle’s Class II div 2 type D malocclusion. Camouflage line of treatment with severe skeletal discrepancy would compromise on facial esthetic. Therefore, Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO) with mandibular advancement was performed which resulted in favourable esthetic outcome.

Keywords: Class II div 2 malocclusion,Skeletal Class II malocclusion, Mandibular retrognathism, Bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.
Non surgical management of trauma induced root resorption and large periapical
lesion using bioactive material- A case report
Authors: Prajapati Tejasvini , Kapoor Sonali , Shah Purnil , Arora Ankit , Rana Hardik
Published: February 2024

Multiple root resorption with a huge periapical lesion is considered as a great challenge in daily endodontic practice. The anterior teeth are easy victim to traumatic injuries, and thereby a common site for huge lesions of the jaw. Considering hard tissue loss in surgical intervention, the non-surgical modality with triple antibiotic paste (TAP) and Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) as an obturation material is gaining popularity in managing such lesions. The present case shows successful healing outcome of a large periapical lesion with inflammatory root resorption in mandibular anterior teeth with non-surgical endodontic modalities.

Key-words: External root resorption, Triple antibiotic paste, MTA, CBCT
Knowledge Of Professional Ethics In Dentistry Among Dental Students – A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rajeev Ananthalekshmy , Kumari Monika
Published: February 2024

Introduction: In this modern era, there has been mounting public concern regarding the ethical conduct of healthcare professionals. Dental ethics is a moral responsibility that incorporates professional conduct and judgment imposed by the members of dental profession. It is necessary for the dental students to become well equipped to resolve ethical dilemmas. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge of dental students about professional ethics in dentistry.

Materials and Methods: A questionnaire based cross-sectional study was conducted among 425 dental students in Ghaziabad. The knowledge of dental students about professional ethics in dentistry was assessed using Chi square analysis and p value ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: Out of 425 dental students, 401 completed the entire questionnaire. The response rate is 94.35%. Most of the dental students were aware about the Hippocratic Oath while only a minor percentage had knowledge about Nuremburg code, ICMR guidelines and Helsinki declaration. A higher percentage of dental students felt that knowledge of ethics is moderately important for them in their work but only a minor population attended training in ethics.

Conclusion: Dental students in this study have less knowledge of healthcare ethics. This can result in the lack of their sensitivity to resolve the ethical dilemmas they encounter. So, it is essential to improve the knowledge and awareness regarding ethical aspects among dental students.

Keywords: Dentistry, Ethics, Knowledge, Students
Challenges in Practicing Paediatric Dentistry post COVID-19 Outbreak:
A Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Tulsani Sneha G. , Khavnekar Simran S. , Kulkarni Vinaya , Patil Amol , Dongre Tejaswini
Published: February 2024

Context:
Considering the extensive spread of COVID-19, the entire world was under a lockdown due to which many industries were affected one of them being the dental practise.Dentists had to make multiple modifications in order to limit the spread of infection. Paediatric dentists being no exception to this scenario also have had to cope up with the virus while providing the best to their patients.

Aim:
The aim of this questionnaire survey was to assess the awareness, perception and challenges regarding practicing Paediatric Dentistry in COVID-19 pandemic, amongst Indian Paediatric dentists.

Methodology:
A total of 150 Indian paediatric dentists completed the online questionnaire survey. The self-designed questionnaire consisting of 20 questions was divided into 3 categories- general knowledge of COVID-19, dentists’ perception of attitude of parents and children and alterations in the clinical practise during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Results:
64.7% were aware of the newer COVID-19 strain affecting the children. About 52% experienced difficulty in treating uncooperative children with Personal Protective Equipment kit while 54% believed that children were more apprehensive seeing the same. Subsequently, a number of participants had made modifications in their practices to manage paediatric patients as well as reduce the spread of infection.67.3% of the participating dentists had started offering tele-dentistry as a service in the pandemic.

Conclusion:
The present study shows that although the paediatric dentists have found treating patients with the rigorous COVID-19 protocols challenging, they have successfully managed to modify their practices for the benefit of the patients.

Key-words: Indian paediatric dentist, Survey, COVID-19, Behaviour management
Attitude of Dental undergraduates towards Specialization in Covid-19 Pandemic:
An Online Survey
Authors: Lambat Apurva Ram , Chahande Jayashree , Sakpal Omkar , Khadse Shreeyash
Published: February 2024

Introduction
The various education bodies are keen on knowing the students’ perspectives on choosing various career paths and their Attitude towards them. This study aimed to record the attitudes of dental undergraduates towards postgraduate specialization in VSPM Dental college and research centre and to recognize if there are any influencing factors.

Materials and methods
A total of 300 undergraduate students were asked to participate in this cross-sectional survey, survey and a questionnaire were filled out using Google forms.

Result
The response rate was 100%, including almost 3/4th of female candidates. Students were more inclined towards oral and maxillofacial surgery and orthodontics as their first choice having maximum responses. Most students chose these subjects because of having interests in the field (28.3%) followed by financial reasons at 20.3%; however, the cost of specialization seemed to demotivate a major mass.

Conclusion
Most students did change their perception of pursuing post-graduation during the COVID-19 pandemic. The need for dentists of a particular field/specialization in any given area and benefits of post-graduation on financial stability. further studies are required on the topics mentioned above.

Keywords Academics during Covid-19, Covid 19 pandemic; attitudes; specialisation
Dental Myths – An Illusion Verses Reality
Authors: G. Harshini , Krishnan T. Gopala , Murugaiyan Uma , P. Harini
Published: February 2024

Healthcare services for all are still a distant dream in our country. Even though, with growing knowledge and education, many myths still pervade in society to the point that it affects people’s attitude ,behavior and quality of life. These hurdles are to be removed for people to utilize the available resources. Therefore, the objective of this review is to give an idea about the common prevalent myths or taboos related to dentistry among the general population. Creating awareness about these myths and its related facts would help our people to break the misconceptions that has been passed on to generations.
Key Words: Dental myths, oral hygiene, dentistry, oral hygiene practices, exfoliated deciduous teeth
Tongue habits, GERD and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Kaur Tavleen
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is to correlate development and habits of tongue to gastric and neurological problems. The effect of each tongue problem on the body and mind as a whole is considered.
Materials and Methods - Articles describing various effects, diagnosis and management of the condition are presented.
Conclusion - Management of the disease and desiring an overall wellbeing of the patient rather than just treating dental disease should always be the goal.
Key Words: Adenoid Facies Patients, Neurodegenerative Disease, Local anaesthesia
Assessment of dental students' satisfaction regarding online learning in Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pandhare Kshitija , Kahar Anita , Joshi Jayashree
Published: February 2024

Introduction - During the pandemic, the institutions and the teachers played a great role to teach their students by adopting this new method of teaching and learning to reach each and every student via online. But at the same time, it was not easy for all the students to get it adopted,especially for the students who reside in small towns and villages, so it is equally important to know the learners' satisfaction regarding theimplementationof online learning.
Aim & Objective - To evaluate thesatisfaction of dental undergraduates with online learning during Covid-19 pandemic.
Material and Methods - A cross-sectional surveywas conducted among undergraduate students. A pre-validated questionnaire was used which consisted of 26 items in four domains.
Result - Results showed thatabout54.66%showed satisfaction towards online learningand 29.60% gave their neutral opinion.
Conclusion - During Covid-19 pandemic even though online learning wasnew for students, but their satisfaction regarding it was appears to be good. Student’s approval wasvital during this critical periodfor successful online learning acceptance and proper outcomes.
Key Words - Covid-19 pandemic, Online learning, Student’s satisfaction
Regional Soil Patterns as Indicators of Late Cenozoic Change in the Critical Zone: A Baseline Synthesis for the Landscapes of Peninsular India
Authors: Gunnell Yanni , Durand Nicolas , Pappu Shanti
Published: February 2024

Regolith across the South Indian shield has not previously been mapped. Here we provide a diagnosis of directional and lasting climate change from humid to semi-arid since the late Cenozoic based on evidence provided by mosaics of 1) residual, 2) colluvial and 3) alluvial soils across 700,000 km
2
of southern peninsular India. Results are inferred from a systematic geomorphological and palaeoenvironmental interpretation of 1:250,000 scale legacy soil maps at order to subgroup level, complemented by field surveys and controls of soil parent material—i.e., regolith. The inventory highlights two generations of residual soils: 1) deep Lixisols, hosting low-activity clays and large iron hydroxide concentrations indicative of humid conditions in the geological past; and 2) shallow Luvisols containing high-activity clays and large stocks of exchangeable bases, indicative of drier conditions compatible with the modern climate. Where still present, the relict Lixisol inliers straddle drainage divides and are in the final stages of being thinned or fully stripped by headward stream erosion. They are being replaced by the Luvisols over shallow weathering fronts. Colluvial and alluvial soils, including widespread Vertisols, are used as tools for detecting and mapping different generations of Quaternary flood deposits: fluvial terraces, coastal fan-deltas, and shallow upland palaeolakes. In a region mostly devoid of carbonate rock outcrops, the widely distributed pool of soils hosting abundant accumulations of pedogenic CaCO
3
also reveals the magnitude of silicate bedrock weathering as a process for generating secondary calcium carbonate in the rock cycle, thereby highlighting an under-appreciated contribution to inorganic carbon sequestration in the global carbon cycle. The results and maps produced provide exploration tools for future, more systematic and coordinated investigations of the nature and chronology of Quaternary deposits in peninsular India. This includes assessing their potential for hosting different generations of prehistoric archaeological remains.
Characterization and engineering of plastic-degrading polyesterases jmPE13 and jmPE14 from Pseudomonas bacterium
Authors: Zhou Xiaoli , Zhou Xianmin , Xu Zhiqiang , Zhang Mingxia , Zhu Honghui
Published: February 2024

Polyester plastics are widely used in daily life, but also cause a large amount of waste. Degradation by microbial enzymes is the most promising way for the biobased upcycling of the wastes. However, there is still a shortage of high-performance enzymes, and more efficient polyester hydrolases need to be developed. Here we identified two polyester hydrolases, jmPE13 and jmPE14, from a previously isolated strain Pseudomonas sp. JM16B3. The proteins were recombinantly expressed and purified in E. coli, and their enzymatic properties were characterized. JmPE13 and jmPE14 showed hydrolytic activity towards polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and Poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) at medium temperatures. The enzyme activity and stability of jmPE13 were further improved to 3- and 1.5-fold, respectively, by rational design. The results of our research can be helpful for further engineering of more efficient polyester plastic hydrolases and their industrial applications.
Automatic speech recognition and the transcription of indistinct forensic audio: how do the new generation of systems fare?
Authors: Loakes Debbie
Published: February 2024

This study provides an update on an earlier study in the “Capturing Talk” research topic, which aimed to demonstrate how automatic speech recognition (ASR) systems work with indistinct forensic-like audio, in comparison with good-quality audio. Since that time, there has been rapid technological advancement, with newer systems having access to extremely large language models and having their performance proclaimed as being human-like in accuracy. This study compares various ASR systems, including OpenAI’s Whisper, to continue to test how well automatic speaker recognition works with forensic-like audio. The results show that the transcription of a good-quality audio file is at ceiling for some systems, with no errors. For the poor-quality (forensic-like) audio, Whisper was the best performing system but had only 50% of the entire speech material correct. The results for the poor-quality audio were also generally variable across the systems, with differences depending on whether a .wav or .mp3 file was used and differences between earlier and later versions of the same system. Additionally, and against expectations, Whisper showed a drop in performance over a 2-month period. While more material was transcribed in the later attempt, more was also incorrect. This study concludes that forensic-like audio is not suitable for automatic analysis.
District administrator perspectives of current and ideal approaches to identifying and supporting student social, emotional, and behavioral needs
Authors: Chafouleas Sandra M. , Cintron Dakota W. , Koslouski Jessica B. , Briesch Amy M. , McCoach D. Betsy , Dineen Jennifer N.
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Leadership support has been identified as a key facilitator to successful implementation of school-based initiatives. School leadership contributions to student academic success and school reform have been documented, but less work has focused on the effects of leadership on school mental health initiatives such as social, emotional, and behavioral (SEB) screening. Few studies have investigated administrator knowledge and support for SEB screening or compared their current and ideal approaches to SEB screening, both of which are important to informing directions for implementation supports.

Methods

Using a nationally representative sample of U.S. public school districts, we investigated tensions between school district administrators’ (n = 1,330) current and ideal approaches to SEB screening within the current study. We fit binomial and multinomial logistic regression models to determine predictors of positive, negative, or no tensions based on the administrators’ current approach to SEB screening, administrators’ beliefs about the role of schools in student SEB concerns, and district demographics.

Results

Nearly half of administrators (46.7%) reported using an approach to SEB screening that was not their ideal approach. Higher beliefs scores commonly predicted administrator desire for more proactive approaches, whereas district characteristics yielded varied results.

Discussion

Results call for targeted next steps, including implementation supports, funding, and knowledge building aligned with administrator and district characteristics.
The effect of PFAS exposure on glucolipid metabolism in children and adolescents: a meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Qingqing , Yan Wu , Gao Shenghu , Li Xiaonan
Published: February 2024

Background

Previous studies showed that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are widely found in the environment, can disrupt endocrine homeostasis when they enter the human body. This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate current human epidemiological evidence on the relationship between PFAS exposure and glucolipid metabolism in childhood and adolescence.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, and identified population-based epidemiological studies related to PFAS and glucolipid metabolism indexes that were published before 30 December 2022. The heterogeneity of the included literature was assessed using the I-square (I2) test and statistics Q. Random-effects and fixed-effects models were used to combine the effect size. Subgroup analysis based on age and sex of the study participants was performed. A sensitivity analysis was used to evaluate the robustness and reliability of the combined results. Egger’s and Begg’s tests were used to analyze publication bias.

Results

A total of 12 studies were included in this analysis. There was a positive association between PFAS and TC (β = 1.110, 95% CI: 0.601, 1.610) and LDL (β = 1.900, 95% CI: 1.030, 2.770), and a negative association between PFAS and HOMA-IR in children and adolescents (β = −0.130, 95% CI: −0. 200, −0.059). PFOS was significant positive associated with TC (β = 8.22, 95% CI: 3.93, 12.51), LDL (β = (12.04, 95% CI: 5.08, 18.99), and HOMA-IR (β = −0.165, 95% CI: −0.292, −0.038). Subgroup analysis showed that exposure to PFAS in the adolescent group was positively associated with TC and LDL levels, and the relationship was stronger in females.

Conclusion

PFAS exposure is associated with glucolipid metabolism in children and adolescents. Among them, PFOS may play an important role. Recognition of environmental PFAS exposure is critical for stabilizing the glycolipid metabolism relationship during the growth and development of children and adolescents.
Glycemic variability evaluated by HbA1c rather than fasting plasma glucose is associated with adverse cardiovascular events
Authors: Sheng Lijuan , Yang Guifang , Chai Xiangping , Zhou Yang , Sun Xin , Xing Zhenhua
Published: February 2024

Background

Although studies have shown that glycemic variability is positively associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, few studies have compared hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) variability with adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

Methods

This was a post hoc analysis of the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) study. Cox proportional hazards models were used to explore the relationship between HbA1c or FPG variability and the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs).

Results

In total, 9,547 patients with T2DM were enrolled in this study. During the median 4.6 ± 1.5 years follow-up period, 907 patients developed MACEs. The risk of MACEs increased in the HbA1c variability group in each higher quartile of HbA1c variability (P < 0.01). Compared with those in the first quartile of HbA1c variability, patients in the fourth quartile had a hazard ratio of 1.37 (Model 2, 95% confidence interval: 1.13–1.67) for MACEs. Higher FPG variability was not associated with a higher risk of MACEs in patients with T2DM (P for trend=0.28). A U-shaped relationship was observed between HbA1c and FPG variability, and MACEs. Glucose control therapy modified the relationship between HbA1c and MACEs; participants with higher HbA1c variability receiving intensive glucose control were more likely to develop MACEs (P for interaction <0.01).

Conclusion

In adults with T2DM, the relationship between glycemic variability evaluated using HbA1c and FPG was U-shaped, and an increase in HbA1c variability rather than FPG variability was significantly associated with MACEs. The relationship between HbA1c variability and MACEs was affected by the glucose control strategy, and a higher HbA1c variability was more strongly associated with MACEs in patients receiving an intensive glucose control strategy.
Assessment of groundwater suitability for irrigation purposes in the Fritissa region, Moulouya, Morocco
Authors: Ben Driss Moulay Ahmed , Ifliliss Abdelhadi , Ettazarini Said , Hahou Yousef , Boudad Larbi , El Amrani Mohamed , Courba Said
Published: February 2024

Under arid and semi-arid climate conditions, as is the case in many Moroccan regions, the availability and quality of water are the main keys to the sustainable development of agricultural zones. In the Fritissa region covering Middle Moulouya and a part of Lower Moulouya, North-eastern Morocco, irrigation practices are necessary for agricultural activities, in an environment with significant population growth, and limited water resources. The main aim of this study is to assess the quality of groundwater and its suitability for irrigation purposes, and to determine the possible water-rock interaction processes that influence the groundwater chemistry. The approach is based on the analysis of major ions contents and the calculation of quality indices namely pH, Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), Total Hardness (TH), Sodium Percentage (Na%), Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Permeability Index (PI) for 94 groundwater samples. Piper classification is used to determine the chemical water facies, while commonly used distribution and geochemical diagrams helped to discuss the possible interaction processes between water and aquifer rocks. The studied groundwater showed varying values for pH (5.8–8.8), salinity (367–3301 mg/L) and total hardness (15–186 mg/l as CaCO3). Ca-Mg-HCO3, Ca-Mg-SO4-Cl, and mixed water facies types are found, while one sample showed Na-K-SO4-Cl facies. The plotting of samples in Gibbs diagrams suggests possible water-rock interactions, that are confirmed by geochemical distribution diagrams. The Wilcox diagram showed that most of the water samples are of excellent to good and good to permissible categories, while the US salinity Hazard diagram revealed low sodium hazard and low, medium and high levels of salinity. Groundwater is suitable for irrigation according to current international standards if some precautions are considered.
Comparative study of typical asphalt binders in Xinjiang region modified with warm mix additives
Authors: Hu Bangyan , Ai Xianchen , Feng Juan
Published: February 2024

Xinjiang’s representative asphalt binders, such as Karamay and Tahe asphalt, lack sufficient research on warm-mix additive modification effects. Given their unique microstructure and molecular composition differences, comprehensive investigations are essential for a nuanced understanding of these binders. This study added Sasobit and Evotherm warm mix additives to Karamay 90# asphalt and Tahe 90# asphalt, respectively. The evaluation of diverse warm mix additives’ impact on diverse asphalt binders involved viscosity, softening point, penetration tests, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and analysis of saturate, aromatic, resin, and asphaltene (SARA) fractions. Additionally, molecular models of asphalt were constructed using Materials Studio software, based on the SARA test data. Molecular models of Sasobit and Evotherm were also developed, representing organic wax and a cationic quaternary ammonium surfactant, respectively. Conducting molecular dynamics simulations of warm mix additives and two asphalt molecules yielded valuable insights into solubility parameters and the radial distribution function (RDF). This approach enabled a thorough and comparative exploration of the modification mechanisms employed by various warm mix additives on different asphalt types at a molecular scale. The results indicate that, Evotherm excelled in enhancing high-temperature asphalt performance, while Sasobit surpassed it in low-temperature. The viscosity reduction by Sasobit proved more effective for K90, while for T90 asphalt, the trend was reversed with Evotherm exhibiting superior performance. The solubility parameter in MD simulations consistently correlates with asphalt viscosity results. Sasobit showed enhanced compatibility with K90 asphalt, while T90 asphalt demonstrated greater suitability for modification with Evotherm.
Interferon type I signature associated with skin disease in juvenile dermatomyositis
Authors: Raupov Rinat , Suspitsin Evgeny , Preobrazhenskaya Elena V. , Kostik Mikhail
Published: February 2024

Background

Interferon type I (IFN-I) signaling system hyperactivation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM).

Aim of the study

To analyze IFN-I score with disease activity in patients with JDM.

Materials and methods

Clinical manifestations laboratory data, and treatment options were analyzed in 15 children with JDM. Disease activity was assessed by CMAS (childhood myositis assessment tool) and CAT (cutaneous assessment tool) scores. IFN I-score was assessed by RT-PCR quantitation of 5 IFN I-regulated transcripts (IFI44L, IFI44, IFIT3, LY6E, MXA1).

Results

All patients had skin and muscle involvement, some had a fever (n = 8), swallowing disorders (n = 4), arthritis (n = 5), calcinosis (n = 3), lipodystrophy (n = 2), and interstitial lung disease (n = 5). Twelve patients had elevated IFN I-score and it was correlated with skin disease activity. Ten patients had clinically active disease and the level of IFN I-score and its components were higher than in patients with inactive disease (8.8 vs. 4.2, p = 0.011). IFN I-score was evaluated in nine patients during follow-up. The simultaneous reduction of IFN I-score and its components, CMAS and CAT scores was observed.

Conclusion

Skin involvement in refractory JDM is a challenging problem requiring the use of additional medications. Serum IFN I-score might be suggested as the promising biomarker of skin disease activity in JDM patients. Further investigations on patients with JDM and recurrent disease activity are needed, especially concerning biomarkers that determine the response to JAK inhibitors and treatment options for patients who don’t respond to them.
Association between preoperative albumin levels and postoperative delirium in geriatric hip fracture patients
Authors: Wang Wei , Yao Wei , Tang Wanyun , Li Yuhao , Lv Qiaomei , Ding Wenbo
Published: February 2024

Objective

This study aims to examine the association between preoperative serum albumin levels and postoperative delirium (POD) in geriatric patients who have undergone hip fracture surgery, with the goal of offering novel insights for clinical interventions targeting POD.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical records of patients who underwent hip fracture surgery in a tertiary medical institution from January 2013 to November 2023. The patients were classified based on hypoalbuminemia (defined as a serum albumin level < 35 g/L) and clinical threshold. Multivariable logistic regression and propensity score matching analysis (PSM) were employed to calculate the adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for POD to eliminate potential confounding factors. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed to explore the interaction effect.

Results

The retrospective cohort study included 1,440 patients, with an incidence of POD found to be 19.1%. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, patients with hypoalbuminemia had an adjusted OR of 2.99 (95%CI: 2.14–4.18) compared to those with normal albumin levels (≥ 35 g/L). Furthermore, a significant trend was observed across different severity categories, including mild hypoalbuminemia (34.9–30.0 g/L; adjusted OR = 2.71, 95%CI: 1.84–3.99), moderate hypoalbuminemia (29.9–25.0 g/L, adjusted OR = 3.44, 95%CI: 1.88–6.28), and severe hypoalbuminemia (<25.0 g/L; adjusted OR = 3.97, 95%CI: 1.78–8.86), with a trend value of p <0.001. Similar results were observed in the PSM analysis. Additionally, treating preoperative serum albumin level as a continuous variable, the risk of POD increased by 11% (95% CI, 1.08–1.15) with each 1 g/L decrease in preoperative serum albumin level.

Conclusion

Low preoperative levels of albumin are strongly associated with POD in geriatric patients with hip fractures, and a significant dose–response relationship exists between them.
Alteration of the gut microbiota profile in children with autism spectrum disorder in China
Authors: Li Hui , Guo Wei , Li Sijie , Sun Bishao , Li Ningshan , Xie Dongjing , Dong Zongming , Luo Dan , Chen Wei , Fu Weihua , Zheng Ji , Zhu Jingzhen
Published: February 2024

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species.

Purpose

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with alterations in the gut microbiome. However, there are few studies on gut microbiota of children with ASD in China, and there is a lack of consensus on the changes of bacterial species.

Methods

We used 16S rRNA sequencing to analyze ASD children (2 to 12 years), HC (2 to 12 years).

Results

Our findings showed that the α-diversity, composition, and relative abundance of gut microbiota in the ASD group were significantly different from those in the HC groups. Compared with the HC group, the α-diversity in the ASD group was significantly decreased. At the genus level, the relative abundance of g_Faecalibacterium, g_Blautia, g_Eubacterium_eligens_group, g_Parasutterella, g_Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group and g_Veillonella in ASD group was significantly increased than that in HC groups, while the relative abundance of g_Prevotella 9 and g_Agathobacter was significantly decreased than that in HC groups. In addition, KEGG pathway analysis showed that the microbial functional abnormalities in ASD patients were mainly concentrated in metabolic pathways related to fatty acid, amino acid metabolism and aromatic compound metabolism, and were partially involved in neurotransmitter metabolism.

Conclusion

This study revealed the characteristics of gut microbiota of Chinese children with ASD and provided further evidence of gut microbial dysbiosis in ASD.