bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual-core negative curvature fiber-based terahertz polarization beam splitter with ultra-low loss and wide bandwidth
Authors: Hui Zhan-Qiang , Gao Li-Ming , Liu Rui-Hua , Han Dong-Dong , Wang Wei ,   School of Electronic Engineering, Xi’an University of Posts and Telecommunications, Xi’an 710121, China,   State Key Laboratory of Transient Optics and Photonics, Xi’an Institute of Optics and Precision Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xi’an 710119, China
Published: February 2022

A novel terahertz polarization beam splitter (PBS) with low loss and large bandwidth based on double core negative curvature fiber is designed. The device takes copolymers of cycloolefin as the substrate, and 12 circular tubes with embedded tubes are evenly distributed along the circumference. The fiber core is divided into two cores through two groups of circumscribed small clad tubes symmetrical up and down. The finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method is used to analyze its guide mode properties. The effects of various structural parameters on its beam splitting characteristics are investigated in detail, and the extinction ratio (ER), bandwidth and transmission loss of the PBS are analyzed. The simulation results show that when the incident light frequency is 1THz and the beam splitter length is 6.224 cm, the ER of x-polarized light reaches 120.8 dB, the bandwidth with ER above 20 dB is 0.024 THz, the ER of y-polarized light reaches 63.74 dB, the bandwidth with ER above 20 dB is 0.02THz, and the total transmission loss is as low as 0.037 dB/cm. Tolerance analysis shows that the PBS can still maintain good performance under the ±1% deviation of structural parameters.
Process deviation based electrical model of spin transfer torque assisted voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction and its application
Authors: Jin Dong-Yue , Cao Lu-Ming , Wang You , Jia Xiao-Xue , Pan Yong-An , Zhou Yu-Xin , Lei Xin , Liu Yuan-Yuan , Yang Ying-Qi , Zhang Wan-Rong ,   Faculty of Information Technology, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing 100124, China,   Hefei Innovation Research Institute, Beihang University, Hefei 230013, China
Published: February 2022

As one of the key components in the non-volatile full adder (NV-FA), spin transfer torque assisted voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy magnetic tunnel junction (STT assisted VCMA-MTJ) will possess superior development prospects in internet of things, artificial intelligence and other fields due to its fast switching speed, low power consumption and good stability. However, with the downscaling of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) and the improvement of chip integration, the effects of process deviation on the performances of MTJ device as well as NV-FA circuit become more and more important. Based on the magnetization dynamics of STT assisted VCMA-MTJ, a new electrical model of STT assisted VCMA-MTJ, in which the effects of the film growth variation and the etching variation are taken into account, is established to study the effects of the above deviations on the performances of MTJ device and NV-FA circuit. It is shown that the MTJ state fails to be switched under the free layer thickness deviation γtf ≥ 6% or the oxide layer thickness deviation γtox ≥ 0.7%. The sensing margin (SM) is reduced by 17.5% as the tunnel magnetoresistance ratio deviation β increases to 30%. The writing error rate can be effectively reduced by increasing Vb1, and increasing Vb2 when writing ‘0’ or reducing Vb2 when writing ‘1’ in the NV-FA circuit. The output error rate can also be effectively reduced by increasing the driving voltage of logical operation Vdd.
Millisecond time-resolved synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction and high-pressure rapid compression device and its application
Authors: Wang Bi-Han , Li Bing , Liu Xu-Qiang , Wang Hao , Jiang Sheng , Lin Chuan-Long , Yang Wen-Ge ,   Center for High Pressure Science & Technology Advanced Research, Shanghai 201203, China,   Shanghai Institute of Applied Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
Published: February 2022

Non-equilibrium transition dynamics under high pressure depends on temperature, pressure and (de)compression rate. The studies require combination of time-resolved probe and rapid compression device on different time scales. Here we report the time-resolved X-ray diffraction (XRD) and dynamic diamond anvil cell (dDAC) system, which were recently developed at the BL15U1 beamline of Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility (SSRF). There are two rapid loading methods for dDAC. One uses membrane control and the other is piezoelectric actuator driven dDAC. Both methods can dynamically compress the DAC sample chamber up to 300 GPa on millisecond scale (20 μm culet is used), and the time-resolved XRD data are obtained correspondingly. A new type of piezoelectric ceramic dDAC is designed with single-side drive or double-side drive, which allows us to realize extremely high pressure (above 300 GPa) with a fast compression rate of 13 TPa/s. During the rapid compression process, the X-ray diffraction spectra are collected continuously and simultaneously. The XRD detector is Pilatus 3X 900K, which has 2-ms resolution with 500 kHz frame rate. The millisecond time-resolved XRD and high pressure rapid compression system developed at BL15U1 of SSRF enrich the high-pressure experimental methods and enable the beamline to carry out ultra-high pressure experiments, non-equilibrium phase transition and relevant scientific researches.
Genetic variability studies for tuber yield and yield attributes in Ethiopian released potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) varieties
Authors: Tessema Gebrehanna Lemma , Mohammed Ali Wassu , Abebe Desta Tesfaye
Published: February 2022

Information on the extent of genetic variability and association among quantitative traits are vital for any crop improvement program and the development of suitable selection strategies. Limited research has been carried out thus far on potato genetic variability and trait association. This study on genetic variability and association among quantitative traits was conducted to assess the extent of genetic variability among yield and agronomic traits to identify superior varieties for the breeding program. To this effect, 20 improved varieties and a local cultivar were planted at two locations in central Ethiopia during the main cropping season of 2017/18 in a randomized complete block design using three replications. Analysis of variance of tuber yield and yield traits at each location and over locations, revealed the existence of highly significant (P < 0.01) differences among varieties in all agronomic and yield traits. Phenotypic coefficient of variation values ranged from 0.75% (specific gravity) to 32.22% (total starch yield) while the genotypic coefficient of variation values ranged between 0.70% (specific gravity) to 30.22% (total starch yield). Maximum difference between phenotypic and genotypic coefficient of variation values were noted for stem number, average tuber number, average tuber weight, number of leaves per plant and tuber yield. Hence, these traits are substantially influenced by the physiological status of the seed tuber at planting and by the environment, post emergence. Range of variability for most of the traits was high, indicating ample scope for selection and improvement in these traits. The estimated values for broad sense heritability and genetic advance, as percent of mean, ranged from 33.52% to 98.66% and 1.35% to 58.26%, respectively. All the traits had high heritability values, except average tuber number per hill, days to physiological maturity, average tuber weight and number of leaves per plant with moderate heritability values.
Vertical and temporal variations of soil bacterial and archaeal communities in wheat-soybean rotation agroecosystem
Authors: Yokota Mika , Guan Yupeng , Fan Yi , Zhang Ximei , Yang Wei
Published: February 2022

Soil microbes are an essential component of terrestrial ecosystems and drive many biogeochemical processes throughout the soil profile. Prior field studies mainly focused on the vertical patterns of soil microbial communities, meaning their temporal dynamics have been largely neglected. In the present study, we investigated the vertical and temporal patterns of soil bacterial and archaeal communities in a wheat-soybean rotation agroecosystem at a depth of millions of sequences per sample. Our results revealed different vertical bacterial and archaeal richness patterns: bacterial richness was lowest in the deep soil layer and peaked in the surface or middle soil layer. In contrast, archaeal richness did not differ among soil layers. PERMANOVA analysis indicated that both bacterial and archaeal community compositions were significantly impacted by soil depth but unaffected by sampling time. Notably, the proportion of rare bacteria gradually decreased along with the soil profile. The rare bacterial community composition was the most important indicator for soil nutrient fertility index, as determined by random forest analysis. The soil prokaryotic co-occurrence networks of the surface and middle soil layers are more connected and harbored fewer negative links than that of the deep soil layer. Overall, our results highlighted soil depth as a more important determinant than temporal variation in shaping the soil prokaryotic community and interspecific interactions and revealed a potential role of rare taxa in soil biogeochemical function.
Immediate Effect of Ujjayi Pranayama on Attention and Anxiety among University Students: A Randomised Self-control Study
Authors: Niranjan Parajuli , Balaram Pradhan
Published: February 2022

Introduction: Elevated level of anxiety and low attention in university students has detrimental effects on their academic performance and well-being. The practice of pranayama is considered to enhance the attention and reduce anxiety of individuals. Though, ujjayi pranayama has a relaxing and tranquilising effect, its effects on attention and anxiety in students has not been explored yet. Aim: To assess the immediate effect of ujjayi pranayama on sustained attention, selective attention and state-trait anxiety in university students. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised self-control study in which 34 students were randomly divided into group A and group B using the lottery method. Inclusion criteria were students in the age range of 18-35 years, conversant in English, willing to participate and having at least two years of proficiency in pranayama practice. The assessment and intervention were conducted at the yoga hall of Swami Vivekananda Yoga Anausandhana Samsthana, Bangalore, Karnataka, India, in the month of April 2015. The duration of intervention was for 10 minutes. On day one, group A practiced ujjayi pranayama for eight minutes and two minutes of breath observation. Students in group B were asked to sit in a meditative posture with eyes open. The order was reversed on the day second. Students from both groups were assessed just before and immediately after the intervention using the Digit Letter Substitution Test (DLST), Six Letter Cancellation Test (SLCT), and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). Results: Statistical analysis showed, a significant difference in STAI scores (9.00±3.05 vs. 10.29±3.23, p=0.005). No significant difference was observed in other variables in between group comparison. Likewise, the within group analysis showed a significant difference in pre and post scores of DLST (53.68±9.35 vs 59.65±9.66, p<0.001), SLCT (30.21±10.29 vs 33.71±11.67, p=0.007), and STAI (11.5±3.40 vs 9.00±3.05, p<0.001) in the group A as well as a significant difference in pre and post scores of DLST (55.82±10.44 vs 60.00±9.51, p=0.002) and STAI (10.94±3.19 vs 10.29±3.23, p=0.024) in the group B. Conclusion: The present study suggested that ujjayi pranayama improves sustained and selective attention and reduces the state-trait anxiety of university students. However, further studies to assess the chronic effect of ujjayi pranayama with greater sample size and advanced tools are required to support the present finding.
Management of Closed Tendoachilles Rupture- A Case Series
Authors: Anil R , Prabhu Avinash , Kumar Niranjan
Published: February 2022

Tendoachilles is the most commonly ruptured tendon of lower limb. Forced eccentric loading on plantar flexed foot is the common cause for the rupture. Even though the frequency of this tendon rupture is high, the mode of treatment is still debatable. Here the authors describe case series of operative management of closed acute tendoachilles ruptures. Eleven cases are hereby presented who underwent this technique of surgery from 2018 to 2020. Mean age of patients was 36.54 years. All patients were operated electively under spinal anaesthesia. Postoperative period was uneventful with no complications observed. Physiotherapy was started after removal of cast and independent full weight bearing walking was observed between 9th to 11th postoperative weeks. This is a simple technique of repair of ruptured tendoachilles. Meticulous dissection is the requirement to avoid wound complication. Planned immobilisation followed by physiotherapy helps in early recovery of the patient.
A Serviceable Treatment Option for Partially Edentulous Cases- From Traditional to Technological
Authors: Sehgal Malika Jagannath , Dubey Surekha Anil
Published: February 2022

Rehabilitating patients with partial edentulism always pose countless challenges to the clinicians. Despite of the popularity of fixed options many individuals opt for removable prosthesis as an alternative due to monetary constraints, local anatomic factors and several medical conditions contradicting the use of fixed prosthesis. This case report describes the oral rehabilitation of two patients exhibiting Kennedys class 1 and class 2 conditions, respectively. In the first case, the patient was already a cast partial denture wearer and reported to the Department of Prosthodontics for the replacement of the same due to broken mandibular partial denture. However, in the second case the patient sought replacement of the missing mandibular teeth in the form of a removable partial denture. In both the cases the cast partial dentures were fabricated using Computer Aided Designing and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAD-CAM). The patients have shown enhancement in the fit of the prosthesis and at the same time shriveled the human handling faults, indistinctness, and surplus time period as well as the cost.
Corneal Topography: Sirius
Authors: Sahu Jigyasa
Published: February 2022

Present-day corneal tomography analysis has improved accuracy of corneal contour detection and is considered extremely valuable in the diagnosis of subclinical keratoconus. Sirius (Costruzione Strumenti Oftalmici, Florence, Italy) based on a single Scheimpflug camera with Placido imaging, is one of the commonly used corneal tomography systems. It creates 3-D imaging of the anterior segment and provides details of the anterior and posterior corneal contour, pachymetry, anterior chamber depth, and pupil diameter. This article will help the clinician understand different indices of topography scan and will guide the practicing clinician by giving practical tips for decision-making in the diagnosis and management of keratoconus.
Electrochemical Synthesis, and Electrochromic Properties of Poly(2-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)acetic acid) Film
Authors: Elkhidr H. E. , Awad M. H. , Hreeba Khaled A.
Published: February 2022

A poly(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid) thin-film was formed on the surface of a platinum (Pt) electrode by oxidative electropolymerization of a new carbazole derivative. Electrochemical polymerization was performed in reaction medium containing monomer and 0.1 M TBABF4 mixture in acetonitrile (ACN) using repeated cycling at a scanning rate of 250 mV. The electrochemical polymerization of 2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid (25mM) was studied using cyclic voltammetry on both Pt and ITO electrodes. The structure of the soluble polymer was elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (1H and 13CNMR) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The weight average molecular weight of poly(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid) was determined using gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and found to be 130900 g/mol. Characterizations of the resulting polymer were performed by cyclic voltammetry, dry conductivity measurement and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the UV-Visible spectroscopy and electrochemical spectroscopic studies indicated that the poly(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid) film showed a green color in the oxidized state, and high transmittance in the neutral state. Moreover, the poly(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid) film is soluble in common organic solvents, such as DMSO, THF, NMP, and DMAC. The conductivities of poly(2-(9H-carbazol-9-yl) acetic acid) is about 4.3x 10-2 S/cm.
Impact of Climate Change on Drinking Water Resources in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya
Authors: Odwori Ernest Othieno
Published: February 2022

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to mankind’s survival in the twenty-first century, and has a number of consequences for the Nzoia River Basin's drinking water resources, including increased dry spells, flooding associated with heavy rainfall events, degraded water quality, and changes in water demand. This study examines the impact of climate change on drinking water resources in Nzoia River Basin, Kenya. A cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. Busia (lower), Kakamega (middle) and Trans Nzoia (upper) were the three counties chosen randomly for survey in the basin. The research was conducted from May to September of 2017. The 400 households surveyed by questionnaires were chosen using multistage random sampling. The Author conducted the questionnaire survey with the help of trained University students. The interviewers also utilized observation checklists to gather information on the households and the community. The study results revealed the climate change drivers affecting drinking water resources in the basin as changes in rainfall patterns, increasing temperatures and seasonal Lake Victoria level risings. These drivers have been reviewed and ranked in order of severity across the basin by a team of water and climate change experts through in-depth interviews and brainstorming sessions. The influence of climate change on infrastructure investment initiatives is becoming increasingly important at County and National Government levels in the basin. National and County governments in the basin should begin re-evaluating drinking water development initiatives by including climate change into infrastructure design, capital investment, service provision planning, and operation and maintenance. Most water utilities face climate change variability and uncertainty in their daily operations and long-term planning. Most utilities are starting to consider the impact of climate change on their water supplies, as well as the technical, financial, operational, and institutional ramifications. These difficulties are exacerbated by the fact that utilities have more pressing needs, such as increasing coverage and dealing with high levels of non-revenue water, all of which compete with the development of climate change adaptation solutions.
Influence of Supplementing Dietary Herbal Concentrations on Growth and Survival of Red Tilapia (Oreochromis sp.) Juveniles
Authors: Lili Walim , Ibrahim N. S. T. Naufal Sofyan , Haetami Kiki , Grandiosa Roffi
Published: February 2022

This study aimed to determine and analyze the concentration of fish herbs optimal for growth and survival of red tilapia juveniles. The Complete Random Design (CRD) was used as the experimental study method with 5 treatments and 3 replications. The to the applied treatments as follows: A (control), B (concentration of fish herbs 25 ml Kg-1), C (concentration of fish herbs 50 ml Kg-1), D (concentration of fish herbs 75 ml Kg-1), E (concentration of fish herbs 100 ml Kg-1). Observed parameters were Specific Growth Rate (SGR), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR), Protein Efficiency Ratio (PER), Survival Rate, and Water Quality. The results showed that highest SGR value were on treatment C (0,86%), treatment B (0,73%), treatment A (0,69%), Treatment D (0,68%), Treatment E (0,60%). The lowest FCR values were at treatment C (1,34), treatment B (1,56), treatment D (1,72), treatment A (1,79), treatment E (1,93). The highest PER value was on treatment C (0,54), treatment B (0,52), treatment D (0,44), treatment E (0,32). The optimum concentration of fish herbs for highest growth of red tilapia was 50 ml Kg- 1 fish herbs concentration treatment . The study highlights the efficacy of "herbal" which is an ancient tradition, used in some parts of India. This ancient concept should be carefully evaluated in the light of modern medical science and can be utilized partially if found suitable.
Evaluation of Occupational Lead Exposure in Informal Work Environment in Kenya
Authors: Namungu L. , Mburu C. , Were F. H.
Published: February 2022

Lead (Pb) is widely used in the informal sector and much of the exposure levels is through handling, processing, fabrications, burning and disposal of materials containing Pb. Furthermore, Pb bio-accumulate and is highly toxic to human health and is persistent in the environment. This study was therefore designed to evaluate levels of exposure to airborne Pb among workers in the informal sector. Airborne Pb was collected using air sampler in 34 production areas (sheds) and two control areas. The concentration of airborne Pb was determined using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). An empirical survey using questionnaires also assessed the knowledge about airborne Pb and occupational safety, and health strategies in place. Nearly 56.0% of the sheds had airborne Pb concentration ranging from 1.4 µg/m3 to 126.9 µg/m3. On the contrary, 44.1% of the production areas and control sites had airborne Pb levels below the detectable limit (BDL). The welding works in sheds 11 and 27, and painting activities in shed 6 and 16 had significantly (p <0.05) higher levels of airborne Pb with a mean ± standard deviation (sd) of 126.9 ± 20.1µg/m3, 117.4 ± 5.2 µg/m3 and 56.4 ± 3.1 µg/m3, and 53.6 ± 0.6 µg/m3, respectively than other operations within the sheds, and the controls areas. These levels in the welding and painting areas also exceeded the USA. Occupational Safety Health Act (OSHA) Permissive Exposure Limit (PEL) Time Weighted Average (TWA) of 50 µg/m3. The study further found that the informal sector workers had limited information about Pb exposure despite the fact that 50.0% of them had secondary education and 9.4% had primary education. About 62.0% of these workers were unaware of Pb exposure and related adverse effects. 70.6% of the workers had not taken annual medical check-ups. In addition, the workers did not have appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) that would reduce their exposure to Pb. The study recommends comprehensive awareness and training programs on Pb exposure and occupational safety and health in the informal work environment to prevent associated health effects.
Correlation and Regression Studies of Growth, Yield Attributes, Yield and Equivalent Yield of Sesamum Based Intercropping System
Authors: Kumar Dinesh , Ardeshna R. B. , Mahanta R. K.
Published: February 2022

A field experiment was conducted at College Farm, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (India) to assess the association and interrelationship of various growth and yield attributing traits that determine seed yield of sesamum. The experiment was carried out in randomized block design with four replications and nine treatments viz., T1: sole sesamum, T2: sole sesamum (Paired rows at 30-60 cm), T3: sole sesamum (Paired rows at 30-30-75 cm), T4: sole green gram, T5: sole cowpea, T6: sesamum + green gram (paired 2:1), T7: sesamum + green gram (paired 3:2), T8: sesamum + cowpea (paired 2:1) and T9: sesamum + cowpea (paired 3:2). Results showed that seed yield of sesamum was significantly affected and positively correlated with growth characters viz., number of branches/plants at 45 DAS (r=0.656**), harvest (r=0.545**), dry matter accumulation at 45 DAS (r=0.687**) and harvest (r=0.553**). Various yield attributing traits viz., number of capsules/plants (r=0.671**), capsule length (r=0.618**), number of seeds/capsules (r=0.672**) and test weight (r=0.704**) significantly influenced the seed yield of sesamum. Sesamum equivalent yield was also significantly and positively correlated with available N, P and K status of soil. Regression studies indicated that the yield variations in seed yield of sesamum due to yield attributes to a great extent (80 to 98%). Overall, it can be concluded that better growth and yield attributing traits caused significant and positive improvement in seed yield of sesamum as well as its equivalent yield.
Health Workers and Users’ Perspective of Quality of Maternal Health Care in Health Facilities in Somali Region of Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Oladeji Olusola , Farah Abdifatah Elmi
Published: February 2022

Aims: In spite of   progress made in reducing maternal mortality, there remains a high burden of deaths related to the quality of care mothers receive in low- and middle-income countries. Ethiopia health sector transformation plan focused on improving equity and quality of health care at all levels of the system. The study explored health workers and users’ perspectives of quality of maternal health care in health facilities in Somali Region.

Study Design: This was a descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: Somali Region of Ethiopia in October 2021.

Methodology: A qualitative, descriptive design conducted in four project woredas in the region selected using multistage sampling technique. The participants were 23 health workers (health facility providers and health administrators) and 20 pregnant and lactating women purposefully identified and recruited based on their knowledge of maternal health care delivery in the study sites. The WHO framework for quality of maternal and newborn health care was used for the in-depth interviews and focus group discussions.

Results: The health workers had knowledge about what constitutes quality health care which include availability of adequate human resources, drugs and equipment, patient satisfaction and improved service utilization, effective referral services and use of clinical guidelines. Compassionate, respectful and caring health workforce was considered by the users as a major component of quality of care. Three major barriers to providing quality of care in the health facilities were human resource (shortage and high turnover of health workers, poor motivation, poor use of clinical guidelines), management constraints (limited training, and supervision, weak ambulance services for referral) and material constraints (shortage of medical supplies/drugs, equipment  and infrastructure).

Conclusion: To ensure quality of maternal and newborn care, the identified barriers should be addressed focusing on the key priority areas.
Are Probiotics Effective in Preventing Dental Caries? – A Narrative Review
Authors: Shenbagam R. , Poorni Saravanan , M.S. Nivedhitha , Srinivasan Manali Ramakrishnan , Rakshagan V. , Jeevitha M. , Jeyaraman Selvaraj
Published: February 2022

Changing lifestyle has resulted in worsening of oral health in people of all age groups. One such common oral health disease is said to be dental caries. There are various modalities in the prevention of dental caries which include proper maintenance of oral hygiene, fluoride application, chemoprophylactic agents, antimicrobial peptides and sugar substitutes. The increasing global problems with the traditional disease management and prevention strategies have prompted the investigators to be in constant search of alternatives for managing the oral health issues. Recently probiotics have been used as an alternative for caries prevention that has gained a lot of importance in improving oral health. The effect of probiotics on dental caries and its related risk factors is gaining momentum in the current era. This narrative review summarised the available literature on different probiotic strains and their mechanism of action and future scope of probiotics in caries prevention.
A Review on Internal Resorption
Authors: Nagne Mrunali , Ikhar Anuja
Published: February 2022

Tooth Resorption is classified majorly into internal and external resorption as given by Andreason.

The lesion puts the dentist in a predicament for treatment of the lesion, as it is often discovered accidentally, decreasing the prognosis as it is found later. Since the lesion usually affects the esthetically important region, it places the dentist in a quandary on what to do. Various factors affecting the pathophysiology of the lesion are the inflammatory process, stimulation of clastic cells. The etiology for the lesion is trauma in the majority of the cases. However, it may also be caused by excessive heat production during cavity preparation and in untreated carious lesions. Clinically it appears to be typically asymptomatic, although when it is actively progressing, the lesion shows symptoms of pulpitis as it mainly occurs due to chronic inflammation of the pulp. Histopathologically the lesion shows connective tissue of pulp which is inflamed and infiltrated by neutrophils, lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. The granulation tissue dominates the lesion. Radiographically the lesion occurs as oval to round radiolucency in the crown. The treatment performed is root canal treatment (RCT), as terminating the progressing resorptive process is the goal, and by doing so, further damage to the tooth can be prevented. Internal resorption will result in loss of tooth unless it is treated.
Palliative Care Dentistry: A Review
Authors: Hemnani Gaurav , Mohod Swapnil
Published: February 2022

The palliative team gives warmth of life to the terminally ill patient and takes his/her care in order to maintain their well-being. The oncologists come across various hurdles while treating the problems of oral cavity in such patients. A trained dental professional can give a helping hand in such situations. However, general dental surgeon has minimal amount of knowledge regarding his responsibilities in these treatments. Even, the society is unaware about the potential benefits of a dentist in this area. Adequate learning programs should be included in the undergraduate curriculum and should be educated regarding the same. This review article suggests the forgetting responsibilities of an oral practitioner in palliation and discussing about various goals of palliation and about oral complications in terminally ill patients as well.
Role of Endogenous Serotonin Replica Mediated Through β-Catenin/Wnt Signaling in Lung Cancer Prevention and Prognosis - an in-vitro Study in A549 Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Rishikesan M. , Prathap Lavanya , Jayaraman Selvaraj , Preetha S.
Published: February 2022

Background: Lung cancer is still the most common cause of carcinoma-related death in the globe. Non-pharmacological treatments such as physical activity and exercise have been shown to improve quality of life and provide better results in lung cancer patients. Lung cancer patients usually lack adequate amounts of physical activity and exercise, both of which can improve quality of life.

Aim: To analyse Chemotherapeutic potential of endogenous serotonin replica mediated through   β-catenin/Wnt signaling in lung tumor cell lines (A549).

Methods and Materials: The National Centre for Cell Sciences (NCCS), Pune, India, provided the human lung cancer cell line (A549). MTT assay was used to determine cell viability. Real-time PCR was used to examine -Catenin mRNA, Wnt mRNA, and GSK mRNA gene expression. The significance of the acquired data was determined using one-way analysis of variance and Duncan's multiple range test with Graph Pad Prism version 5. Duncan's test was used to determine significance at the 0.05 level.

Results: The Results suggest that maximum inhibition of cell growth was at concentration (2-4 mM/ml) used in this study when compared to control. The cancer cells were significantly inhibited and it was found that there was notable reduction in GSK mRNA gene expression, β-Catenin, Wnt  when compared to control at a dose of 2 mM/ml.

Conclusion: It may be concluded, based on the analyses' findings and the study's limitations, that the role of exercise induced endogenous serotonin may act as the regulator of wnt/β-catenin signaling in lung cancer cells. The exercise may help in maintaining the equilibrium of the gene expression by modeling Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and act as a protective factor in prevention.
Ease of Care Giving for Children: Parent Perceptions of the Physical Demands of Care Giving for Children with Cerebral Palsy in Indian Context
Authors: Sankar U. Ganapathy , Monisha R.
Published: February 2022

Care giving for children with cerebral palsy engages the complete parenting measure of how difficult to safely manage and help their children with cerebral palsy to complete the activities of daily living skills. The aim of the current study was to examine the consistency and test-retest reliability and construct validity of the group methods on the ease of parenting for children with cerebral palsy and 10 parents of children without motor delay in the age group of 18 to 60 months were included and parents were instructed complete the ease of care giving and have to be present with the therapist assessed gross motor function. The Rasch model of item response was used to develop interval level scale. Results declare the high internal consistency and test retest reliability. It has been identified that ease of care giving varies with different ages for parents with cerebral palsy children. Parents of children with gross motor defects reported more trouble in care giving than parents of children with intact gross motor skill.  Rasch analysis was used to hierarchical ordering of items with logical sequence. Findings of the current study suggested that ease of care giving for children with cerebral palsy as a reliable and valid measure of parent’s perception of their trouble to safely help their children perform their ADL skills in Indian context. There is a need for health care professionals to evaluate the family needs in parenting their children with cerebral palsy.
A Case Report on Primary Infertility
Authors: Vaidya Aishwaraya , Kasturkar Pooja , Uke Trupti , Gomase Kavita , Gawai Jaya , Singh Seema , Pohekar Savita
Published: February 2022

Introduction: All womens want to become mothers. Infertility is defined as unable to or failure to conceive within one or more years of regular unprotected coitus. Primary infertility denotes patients who have never conceived.

Clinical Findings: The main symptom of primary infertility is the inability to get pregnant. A menstrual cycle is not continued. That's too long (35 days or more), too short (less than 21 days), irregular or absent results of patients not ovulating. Late menstrual cycle, pain in menstrual cycle, infertility, there might be no other signs or symptoms.

Diagnostic Evaluation: serological test, semen test in her husband, sonography, hysteroscopy, laparoscopy.

Investigation of BHCG value: BHCG value greater than 25 indicates positive results.

Therapeutic Intervention: Inj. Chorion(Human chorionic gonadotropin) 500 IU, Inj. Filgastrium(Neupogen) 300IU every third day, Inj. Lomoh 20mg Alternate day, Tab. Esrobet 2mg×TDS, Tab. Ecosprin 150mg×OD.

Outcomes: After In-vitro fertilization treatment patients show improvement. Patients can be pregnant,with the help of In-vitro fertilization treatment.

Conclusion: My patient was admitted in gynaecology ward no. 08, AVBRH (Acharya Vinoba Bhave Rural Hospital) with case of primary infertility and complaints of infertility, late menstrual cycle and repeated abortion after IVF (In-vitro fertilization) treatment patient condition improved  and got pregnant. ET(Embryo transfer)  was done on 15/11/2021.
Isoxazole Clubbed 1-carbothioamido-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles: Design, Synthesis, Characterization and Antitubercular Evaluation
Authors: Gopal Pasumarthy N. V. , Murthy K. V. Ramana
Published: February 2022

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global problem inspite the availability of drugs. This state of affairs is due to the limitations of existing drugs including muti-drug resistance and toxicites. As a result, there is a pressing need for new antitubercular medicines to be developed. In the present investigation we designed and synthesized a series of isoxazole clubbed 1-carbothioamido-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazoles (16-30) in considerable yeilds (43-78%). Further these compounds were purified by recrystallization and charcterized by spectral techniques-Mass, FT-IR and 1H NMR and then evaluated for their antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv strain. Among the tested compounds, the analogues 24 bearing 3,5-dimethoxyphenyl scaffold at the 5th position of 4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole ring showed superior activity than isoniazid (MIC = 0.25 µg/mL) with MIC value 0.1 µg/mL whereas the compound 25 containing 2,3,4-trimethoxyphenyl had equal potency as that of isoniazid. Additionally, 24 and 25 were found to be less selective towards the human normal liver cell lines-LO2 in their cytotoxicity assays. Hence, these two compounds are safe and useful lead candidates for the development of novel antitubercular drugs.
Folic Acid Supplementation Diminishes Diabetes Induced Neural Tube Defects by Recovering Impaired Embryo Gene Expression Through Its Antioxidant Activity
Authors: Li Kevin , Chen Xuyang , Hu Yuan , Gao Bingyan
Published: February 2022

Aimes: This study aimed to determine whether folic acid supplementation could decrease the neural tube defects (NTDs) in embryos caused by hyperglycemia and the mechanism is associated with its antioxidative activity.

Study Design: Diabetic pregnancy model were made and folic acid, Vitamin E and control were given to mice. Then the neural tube defects rate, oxidative stress markers and embryos size were measured and were analyzed. 

Methodology: We injected folic acid to diabetic mice to score NTDs rate, measured embryos size, assayed ROS scavenging enzymes and Pax3 expression and oxidative stress marker including malondiadehyde and H2O2 as well as the vitamin E controls.

Results: Injection of folic acid during gestation could diminish neural tube defect rate of diabetic mice and recover the Pax3 expression inhibition which is similar to vitamin E, but no effect was observed on nondiabetic mice. Folic acid supplementation also normalized the embryos size, decreased oxidative stress level including malondiadehyde and H2O2 in diabetic mice and decreased the intracellular ROS of embryonic cells on day 8.5 induced by high glucose incubation in a dose-dependent manner. No effects were observed on ROS scavenging enzymes activity by folic acid supplementation.

Conclusion: Overall, the conclusion is that folic acid supplementation could diminish NTDs induced by hyperglycemia, the mechanism is associated with its antioxidant activity which can reduce the oxidative stress and recover the inhibition of Pax3 expression.
Role of Imaging in Dental Implantology: A Review
Authors: Chandak Shreyash , Lohe Vidya , Sune Ravikant , Mohod Swapnil , Meshram Mrunal
Published: February 2022

Dental radiography has long been a fascinating and useful diagnostic tool in the field of dentistry with the ever-increasing number of imaging modalities this has never been more true. The only sort of (non-surgical) bone examination necessary for implant therapy is radiography. The decision to image and which imaging modalities to utilize is dependent on several variables, including identifying the quality and amount of bone in order to decide the optimal position for implant placement, detecting  the presence or absence of pathosis, and patient availability at a reasonable expense. Furthermore, while selecting radiographic examinations, it is critical to reduce patient exposure to radiation to a minimum. This article reviews current implant planning concepts utilizing various radiographic modalities, as well as their application to enhance the clinician's role in efficient implant placement. The importance of pre-surgical treatment planning for successful implant therapy cannot be overstated. In this case, diagnostic imaging is critical. Various imaging techniques are accessible to help in the placement of the implant in the correct position with respective facility and predictability. Among the modalities referenced are intraoral radiography, panoramic radiography, computed tomography and cone beam CT. The use of CBCT is utilized by the specialist to outline the method of the course of nerves in the jawbone and to decide the legitimate insert length. Inserts ought not be embedded into the sinuses. The vicinity of maxillary sinus may be accurately seen with CBCT. The surgeon can take exact measurements and pick the optimal implant length to prevent puncturing the maxillary sinus. For the optimal support, the right implant size can be chosen. The surgeon can use CBCT to analyze the accessible bone and select the dimensions that are suitable for the region. The CBCT programming produces improved picture, oblique and curved planar reorganization. Furthermore, minimizing the patient's radiation dosage during radiographic testing should always be a primary priority.
Assessment of Hematological and Serum Electrolytes Effects of Intermittent Fasting on Mice
Authors: Ikwuka David Chibuike , Anyaehie Bond Ugochukwu , Iyare Eghosa E. , Ugwu Princewill , Katchy Amechi Uchenna , Igbokwe Gabriel Ejike , Uzoigwe Jide Uzowulu , Ezeokafor Emmanuel Nonso , Ezeudensi Kelechi Love
Published: February 2022

Introduction: There is growing interest on trying to explore the importance of fasting to health as it has been practiced as religious exercises for centuries. This study assessed the haematological and serum electrolytes effects of intermittent fasting (IF) on mice.

Methods: Fifty (50) male mice were randomly assigned into five (5) groups A, B, C, D and E (n=10). Group A (control) was fed normal chow ad libitum, experimental groups B,C,D and E were fasted seven weeks intermittently for 12, 18, 24 and 48 hours respectively. Blood samples were collected and analysed for haematological and electrolyte indices. Data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.

Results: Our findings revealed no significant differences in the RBC, HGB, HCT, MCV, MCH and MCHC between the different fasting groups and the control. There was increase significantly in group C for Red density width-coefficient of variance (RDW-CV) and group C and E for Red density width-standard deviation (RDW-SD). Platelet count decreased, plateletcrit increased significantly in group C. There were no significant differences in the mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet-large cell count (P-LCC) and Platelet-large cell ratio (P-LCR). Sodium ion decreased significantly in group C and chloride ion decreased significantly in group B, C and E. There were no significant differences in serum potassium ion and bicarbonate ion.

Conclusion: 12, 24 and 48 hours IF are safe and do not negatively influence hematological indices and electrolyte levels but 18 hours IF could have a slight negative effect on platelet count, plateletcrit and sodium ion levels.
The Gαs‐protein‐mediated pathway may be steadily stimulated by prostanoid EP2 receptors, but not by EP4 receptors
Authors: Fukushima Keijo , Senoo Kanaho , Kurata Naoki , Regan John W. , Fujino Hiromichi
Published: February 2022

EP2 and EP4 prostanoid receptors have long been considered to have similar roles, since they are known to couple with Gαs‐protein and activate cAMP‐mediated signaling pathways. In this study, we re‐evaluated the results of cAMP assays with or without phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor pretreatment. Here, we show that in the absence of PDE inhibitor pretreatment, prostaglandin E2 causes accumulation of cAMP in EP2 receptors, whereas markedly low levels of cAMP accumulated in EP4 receptors. By applying the Black/Leff operational model calculation, we found that EP2 receptors have a biased ability to intrinsically activate the Gαs‐protein‐mediated pathway, whereas EP4 receptors have strong biased activity for the Gαi‐protein‐mediated pathway. Thus, EP2 and EP4 receptors may not be similar Gαs‐coupled receptors but instead substantially different receptors with distinct roles.
Nanopore 16S sequencing enhances the detection of bacterial meningitis after neurosurgery
Authors: Jang Yoonhyuk , Kim Seondeuk , Kim Narae , Son Hyoshin , Ha Eun Jin , Koh Eun Jung , Phi Ji Hoon , Park Chul‐Kee , Kim Jeong Eun , Kim Seung‐Ki , Lee Sang Kun , Cho Won‐Sang , Moon Jangsup , Chu Kon
Published: February 2022

Objective

Nosocomial bacterial meningitis is one of the major complications after neurosurgery. We performed nanopore 16S amplicon sequencing from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to evaluate bacterial meningitis in patients who underwent neurosurgery.

Methods

Among the patients who visited the neurosurgery department of Seoul National University Hospital between July 2017 and June 2020, those with clinically suspected bacterial meningitis were included. 16S rDNA PCR was performed from the CSF, and nanopore sequencing was performed for up to 3 h. The reads were aligned to the BLAST database. In each case, the culture and the 16S rRNA gene amplicon analysis were simultaneously performed and compared with each other, and we retrospectively reviewed the medical records. Genuine infection was determined by the identical results between conventional culture study and the sequencing, or clinically determined in cases with inconsistent results between the two methods.

Results

Of the 285 samples obtained from 178 patients who had 16S rDNA PCR, 41 samples (14.4%) were diagnosed with genuine infection. A total of 56.1% (23/41) of the samples with genuine infection showed a false‐negative culture test. In particular, 16S amplicon sequencing was useful in evaluating patients at the initial tests who had infection with intraventricular hemorrhage (Culture false‐negative rate = 100%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (Culture false‐negative rate = 77.8%), and systemic cancer (Culture false‐negative rate = 100%), which are risk factors for central fever. Moreover, 16S amplicon sequencing could suggest the possibility of persistent bacterial meningitis in empirical antibiotic use.

Conclusion

CSF nanopore 16S sequencing was more effective than conventional CSF culture studies in postoperative bacterial meningitis and may contribute to evidence‐based decisions for antibiotic maintenance and discontinuation.
A Centrosymmetric Organic Semiconductor with Donor–Acceptor Interaction for Highly Photostable Organic Transistors
Authors: Zhang Haoquan , Hu Yongxu , Chen Xiaosong , Yu Li , Huang Yinan , Wang Zhongwu , Wang Shuguang , Lou Yunpeng , Ma Xiaonan , Sun Yajing , Li Jie , Ji Deyang , Li Liqiang , Hu Wenping
Published: February 2022

Molecule design of organic semiconductors (OSCs) for eliminating photoresponse and maintaining high charge mobility concurrently is beneficial to realize intrinsically photostable and high‐performance organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs), which has never been reported. Here, a novel organic semiconductor TFP‐TT‐TPA with a centrosymmetric structure is synthesized. Remarkably, OFETs with TFP‐TT‐TPA show negligible photoresponse under light intensity up to 170.4 mW cm−2 (higher than sunlight intensity, about 138 mW cm−2), which ensures that the devices can work stably under sunlight. Through the single‐crystal structure and exciton dynamics analysis, it is found that the specific structure design can make strong intermolecular D–A interaction that occurs in the aggregate state, which facilitates the process of exciton quenching and thus enables the photostable OFETs. This study provides a new strategy for the design of organic semiconductors with intrinsic photostability and the construction of photostable organic optoelectronic devices for applications in light environment.