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[Display omitted] The use of nanotechnology strategies is a current hot topic, and research in this field has been growing significantly in the cosmetics industry. Inorganic nanoparticles stand out in this context for their distinctive physicochemical properties, leading in particular to an increased refractive index and absorption capacity giving them a broad potential for cutaneous applications and making them of special interest in research for dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic purposes. This performance is responsible for its heavy inclusion in the manufacture of skin health products such as sunscreens, lotions, beauty creams, skin ointments, makeup, and others. In particular, their suitable bandgap energy characteristics allow them to be used as photocatalytic semiconductors. They provide excellent UV absorption, commonly known as UV filters, and are responsible for their wide worldwide use in sunscreen formulations without the undesirable white residue after consumer application. In addition, cosmetics based on inorganic nanoparticles have several additional characteristics relevant to formulation development, such as being less expensive compared to other nanomaterials, having greater stability, and ensuring less irritation, itching, and propensity for skin allergies. This review will address in detail the main inorganic nanoparticles used in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic products, such as titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, silicon dioxide, silver, gold, copper, and aluminum nanoparticles, nanocrystals, and quantum dots, reporting their physicochemical characteristics, but also their additional intrinsic properties that contribute to their use in this type of formulations. Safety issues regarding inorganic nanoparticles, based on toxicity studies, both to humans and the environment, as well as regulatory affairs associated with their use in dermopharmaceuticals and cosmetics, will be addressed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internal iliac artery ligation is a highly effective method of stemming blood loss whose use needs to be judicious and specific in the field of obstetrics. In this case a 35-year-old, primigravida at 38 weeks gestation was referred for gestational hypertension with thrombocytopenia and large subserosal fibroid occupying lower uterine segment. Patient underwent caesarean section which was complicated by postpartum haemorrhage. Bilateral internal iliac artery ligation was performed following which caesarean myomectomy was conducted. The patient remained uneventful post-procedure. Follow-up was done at six weeks and six months. At the 6-month sonographic checkup, no fibroid was seen, the patient was asymptomatic, and no new complications were present. The procedure was an effective life and uterus saving method to control obstetric haemorrhage as well as removing the myoma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The recent Marburg virus outbreaks in Equatorial Guinea and Tanzania in March 2023 have sparked fears about potential worldwide spread. Thus, assessing healthcare workers’ (HCW) knowledge of the disease is critical, particularly in India, where the healthcare system is underfunded and understaffed and already has an immense burden of infectious illnesses. Methods: We carried out a cross-sectional web-based survey among 300 healthcare workers including doctors, nurses, and pharmacists. The Google survey form was circulated online via email. To recruit participants, a convenience sample technique was utilized. Descriptive and logistic regression was applied to analyse data. Results: 50.9% were aware of Marburg virus disease, and 60.5% had a favourable attitude towards Marburg virus disease (MARVD) control and prevention. Bleeding was cited as the most common clinical symptom of MARVD by 53.3% of participants. Regarding the mode of transmission, 51.6% were aware of how MARVD is spread. Almost all HCWs (99%) claimed they would accept an approved vaccine for themselves, however, the readiness to receive experimental treatments was less certain. The logistic regression model showed gender [female—OR: 2.8 (1.75 to 3.5), p = 0.001] and job roles [pharmacist—OR: 4.1 (2.9 to 7.2), P < 0.001] as predictors of poor KAP about MARVD. Conclusion: Although there was a high degree of awareness about MARVD, there were notable knowledge gaps and differences in attitudes among healthcare professionals. This underlines the importance of customized training programs for each group to increase healthcare workers’ knowledge of MARVD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

TiO 2 NPs is one of the major components of paints and sunscreens and also acts as a catalyst for waste water treatment. The study demonstrates the toxic effects of TiO 2 NPs on an anaerobic bacterium, Macrococcus caseolyticus , isolated from the activated sludge of a waste water treatment facility. The cytotoxicity assessment under UVA, visible light, and dark conditions revealed a dose- and exposure-dependent reduction in viability. The examination of cytotoxicity was performed with membrane permeability assessment through LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase) detection. The formation of exopolymeric substances (EPS) was observed to be dose-dependent, and maximum EPS release was noted under UVA condition. The scanning electron microscopy described the aggregation tendency of biofilm to be more pronounced under UVA condition when treated with TiO 2 NPs as compared to the control biofilm. Uptake of TiO 2 NPs by the biofilm indicated possible remediation of the NPs in waste water by these organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study is aimed to explore the toxicity of TiO2 nanoparticles at low concentrations (0.25, 0.50 & 1.00 μg/ml); on five bacterial isolates and their consortium in waste water medium both in dark and UVA conditions. To critically examine the toxic effects of nanoparticles and the response mechanism(s) offered by microbes, several aspects were monitored viz. cell viability, ROS generation, SOD activity, membrane permeability, EPS release and biofilm formation. A dose and time dependent loss in viability was observed for treated isolates and the consortium. At the highest dose, after 24h, oxidative stress was examined which conclusively showed more ROS generation & cell permeability and less SOD activity in single isolates as compared to the consortium. As a defense mechanism, EPS release was enhanced in case of the consortium against the single isolates, and was observed to be dose dependent. Similar results were noticed for biofilm formation, which substantially increased at highest dose of nanoparticle exposure. Concluding, the consortium showed more resistance against the toxic effects of the TiO2 nanoparticles compared to the individual isolates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of pH and ionic strength on the mobility (individual and co-transport) and deposition kinetics of TiO2 and ZnO NPs in porous media was systematically investigated in this study. Packed column experiments were performed over a series of environmentally relevant ionic strengths with both NaCl (0.1−10 mM) and CaCl2 (0.01–0.1mM) solutions and at pH 5, 7, and 9. The transport of TiO2 NPs at pH 5 was not significantly affected by ZnO NPs in solution. At pH 7, a decrease in TiO2 NP transport was noted with co-existence of ZnO NPs, while at pH 9 an increase in the transport was observed. At pH 5 and 7, the transport of ZnO NPs was decreased when TiO2 NPs was present in the solution, and at pH 9, an increase was noted. The breakthrough curves (BTC) were noted to be sensitive to the solution chemistries; the decrease in the breakthrough plateau with increasing ionic strength was observed under all examined pH (5, 7, and 9). The retention profiles were the inverse of the plateaus of BTCs, as expected from mass balance considerations. Overall, the results from this study suggest that solution chemistries (ionic strength and pH) are likely the key factors that govern the individual and co-transport behavior of TiO2 and ZnO NPs in sand. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Bio-inspired Cu x O (x=1,2) prepared by annealing method. • Bio-inspired Cu x O (x=1,2) demonstrate electrowetting, and photocatalytic properties. • Electrowetting results indicate the reversible switchable nature of Cu x O (x=1,2) structures. • This is a Cost-effective and environment friendly method for pollutant degradation. A facile thermal oxidation method is utilized to synthesize Cu x O (x =1,2) nanorods and further these nanorods are investigated extensively for their hydrophobic-hydrophilic property. Annealing condition is systematically tuned to obtain desired size and density of nanorods. These nanorods containing surfaces exhibit excellent photocatalytic activity and regeneration ability. The catalytic activity of nanorods is investigated by the reduction of 4-Nitrophenol to 4-Aminophenol using the reducing agent sodium borohydride (NaBH 4). The highest obtained rate constant (k) for this conversion is found to be 9.45 min−1. The switching of the superhydrophobic surface into hydrophilic is observed upon exposure to the reducing atmosphere and the regeneration of the surface hydrophobicity with similar activity has been achieved. We also demonstrate the synergistic relationship between the effects of structural transformation on the contact angle, electrowetting, and the photocatalytic properties of Cu x O (x =1,2) nanorods which can be used for the self-cleaning application. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthcare is an imperative sector for India, considering the huge population in the country and the sub-par health facilities available to a majority of the country’s people. In this scenario, and given the havoc wreaked by the COVID-19 pandemic, owing to India’s lack of optimal healthcare infrastructure, a large part of the healthcare industry expected that India’s Union Budget 2023 would provide significant outlays for the sector. However, with the budgetary outlay for healthcare coming in at the 10th position from the top, this hope was severely dashed, leading to questions about the country’s interest in providing healthcare facilities to its people. This article discusses the various facets of the Union Budget, and the lack of focus on healthcare, while also delineating the reasons why budgetary focus on healthcare is imperative for a developing country like India. It has also brought forth potential solutions, such as a public–private partnership in healthcare, which could ensure increased access to healthcare, improved quality of healthcare, reduced costs, and enhanced innovation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The adoption and successful implementation of digital health solutions heavily depend on digital health literacy, which is particularly critical in the current COVID-19 era. Low levels of digital health literacy are associated with poor preventative practices, the spread of inaccurate information, vaccine hesitancy, and reduced subjective well-being. Thus, the aim of this review was to highlight areas of current scholarly interest and identify any gaps in the literature regarding conceptual and methodological advancements in digital disruption. Methods: The authors conducted a literature search using the databases Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar, focusing on papers released between 2003 and October 2023. The following keywords were used to conduct a thorough literature search: ((digital health OR digital disruption OR digital dental health)) AND (medical health OR telemedicine)), ((online doctor OR online consultation OR online health app)) AND (COVID-19 OR pandemic)). A total of 1,244 studies were screened, including duplicates and non-English research. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 72 articles were selected for the review. Results: A total of 72 articles were included in this review. The studies discussed the potential reasons for disrupted access to healthcare, which is linked to avoidable hospital admissions. Delayed care due to disruptions can lead to disease progression, the exacerbation of existing conditions, and chronic ambulatory care-sensitive conditions. Digital health innovations were presented as solutions to enhance care, reduce clinical workload, and promote independent living. Conclusions: In conclusion, this narrative review provides a comprehensive overview of the conceptual and methodological advancements in digital technology related to healthcare. It demonstrates the potential of digital technology to revolutionize both medical and dental education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The felicitous electrolyte with advance electrodes (cathode and anode) results in the development of an improved and efficacious battery/fuel cell. Perovskite based zinc‐air batteries with biological gel electrolyte prove to outperform the aqueous batteries. In this research, a zinc‐air battery was developed using a novel biocompatible electrolyte, Guar‐gum employing LaMnO3 (LMO) perovskite as a bi‐functional electro‐catalyst. The performance of the developed perovskite catalyst in guar‐gum electrolyte was obtained and compared with the performance of the material in both polymer gel (polyvinyl alcohol‐KOH) and aqueous medium. The bi‐functional catalyst shows enhanced catalytic activity, endurance and durability in alkaline medium with an open circuit voltage of 1.40 V, power density of 9.77 mW cm−2 at the current density of 11.12 mA cm−2 and a specific capacity of 2624 mAh g−1 comparatively competent with respect to the PVA‐based battery with the specific capacitance of 753 mAh g−1. Also, the rechargeable LMO zinc‐air battery exhibited excellent cycling stability at a current density of 10 mA cm−2. Thus, the results obtained proved the competent performance of the guar‐gum electrolyte compared to the previous developed polymer electrolyte. This is how the combination of LMO in the guar‐gum electrolyte is seen to be successful for commercial use in metal‐air batteries and fuel cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perovskite‐based catalysts have received a lot attention as bifunctional oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR/OER) catalysts in secondary rechargeable zinc–air batteries due to their tunable structure, stability at high current densities, low cost, lightweight, and nontoxicity. This paper investigates a new perovskite material, Sr2TiMnO6 (STMO), for a rechargeable zinc–air battery (ZAB). The crystalline structure, morphology, and adsorption/desorption behavior of STMO are thoroughly studied and investigated their catalytic processes. The perovskite catalyst shows high catalytic activities, durability, and endurance in the alkaline medium, resulting in the power density of 97 mW·cm−2, and a specific capacity of 705.21 mAh·g−1. The rechargeable STMO ZAB exhibited good cycling stability with the current density of 3.5 mA·cm−2 for 6.66 h and low overpotential. The observed results promise STMO to be a viable candidate as a functional (ORR/OER) electrocatalyst which can be successfully used for commercial fuel‐cells and metal air batteries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: The main objective of root canal therapy is to locate all the canals, cleaning, and shaping, and obturation to obtain fluid tight seal and to heal the periapical lesion if present. The proper cleaning, shaping, and disinfection of the pulp chambers, as well as the filling of the canals, are critical to the efficacy of treatment with root canals. The success of an endodontically treated tooth is dependent on the accuracy of the diagnosis, disinfection, cleaning and shaping, obturation, and finally, the prosthetic rehabilitation management. Root canal therapy should provide a hermatic as well as fluid impenetrable seal which prevents the progression of periapical infection. There are two ways to treat such lesions: surgical and nonsurgical methods. If the root canal is cleaned, shaped, and sealed properly and adequately without the use of a surgical procedure, these lesions will recover during nonsurgical root canal therapy. This case series focuses primarily on the nonsurgical treatment of an enormous periapical lesion and provides evidence that these lesions respond well without surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Non Platinum group metal (PGM) catalyst received huge attention for the electrochemical water splitting to produce hydrogen. Among different non PGM groups nickel (Ni), nickel oxide (NiO), nickel molybdenum oxide (Ni-MoO x ) show very good activity towards hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In this work, Ni and Ni-MoO 2 nanostructured particles were impregnated on the reduced graphene oxide (RGO) sheets and utilized for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in highly alkaline medium (1 M KOH). Electrochemical studies have been done by linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) which concludes that there is decrease in overpotential of about 124 mV at 10 mA cm−2 as we switch from Ni/RGO to Ni-MoO 2 /RGO. To understand reaction mechanism, temperature dependent HER have also performed within the temperature range of 293–333 K respectively. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), Arrhenius activation energy calculations concluded enhanced catalytic activity of Ni-MoO 2 /RGO. Temperature-controlled experimental data clearly confirm that addition of molybdenum leads to reduction in energy barrier for hydrogen evolution in Ni-MoO 2 /RGO. Graphical abstract Study of the Hydrogen evolution Reaction (HER) on the Ni-MoO 2 catalyst supported on the reduced graphene oxide sheets in alkaline medium. fx1 Highlights • Kinetics and mechanisms of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) of Ni/RGO with the addition of the MoO 2 in alkaline medium. • Improvement in the catalytic activities of HER with the addition of the MoO 2 in Ni/RGO. • Study of effect of temperature on the kinetics and mechanisms of HER. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a persistent need to assess the effects of TiO 2 nanoparticles on the aquatic ecosystem owing to their increasing usage in consumer products and risk of environmental release. The current study is focused on TiO 2 nanoparticle-induced acute toxicity at sub-ppm level (≤1 ppm) on the three different freshwater sediment bacterial isolates and their consortium under two different irradiation (visible light and dark) conditions. The consortium of the bacterial isolates was found to be less affected by the exposure to the nanoparticles compared to the individual cells. The oxidative stress contributed considerably towards the cytotoxicity under both light and dark conditions. A statistically significant increase in membrane permeability was noted under the dark conditions as compared to the light conditions. The optical and fluorescence microscopic images showed aggregation and chain formation of the bacterial cells, when exposed to the nanoparticles. The electron microscopic (SEM, TEM) observations suggested considerable damage of cells and bio-uptake of nanoparticles. The exopolysaccrides (EPS) production and biofilm formation were noted to increase in the presence of the nanoparticles, and expression of the key genes involved in biofilm formation was studied by RT-PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The progress in new delivery systems for active ingredients has boosted the dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic fields by allowing formulations to display enhanced skin permeation capabilities. Cyclodextrins (CDs) are cyclic oligosaccharides able to form host-guest inclusion complexes with guest active molecules, resulting in improved physicochemical properties of such molecules. The incorporation of CDs in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetics formulations has received much attention since the late 1970 s by enhancing modulation of the passage through the skin and vectorization into the target site while simultaneously offering a biocompatible delivery system. This paper features the advantages of CDs in dermopharmaceutical and cosmetic applications, such as the improvement of the apparent solubility and the stability of the active ingredients, the possibility of masking unpleasant odors, among others that are be described, emphasizing that these versatile skin active ingredient carriers are strongly promising both in the treatment of skin diseases and in the improvement of cosmetic formulations. [Display omitted] • Cyclodextrins are effective and highly biocompatible skin active ingredient carriers. • Dermatological applications of cyclodextrins-based formulations are discussed. • Skin targeted formulations are described, with a focus on marketed products. • In vitro and in vivo results corroborate the enhanced skin bioactivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanocomposites of polymethyl-methacrylate (PMMA) have gained high attention owing to their extensive applications as antibacterial agents. The antibacterial activities of Ag and TiO 2 nanoparticles are well established. This study intended to differentiate the antibacterial activities exhibited by PMMA/TiO 2 /Ag nanocomposite, towards bacterial consortium and single dominant bacterial isolates from packaged drinking water. A silver nanoparticle dose-dependent decline in cell viability of consortium and individual isolates was compared under UVC and dark conditions to evaluate the antibacterial activity of the nanocomposite. To corroborate with the viability results, oxidative stress & cell permeability was also assessed under similar conditions. Surface characterization of PMMA/TiO 2 /Ag nanocomposite was performed by FTIR, AFM, and SEM analyses after interaction with the bacteria. The PMMA/TiO 2 /Ag nanocomposite showed enhanced antibacterial activity against single bacterial isolate compared to the consortium. The outcomes from the study with PMMA/TiO 2 /Ag nanocomposite necessitate relooking at the test design for assessment of antibacterial effects in real conditions incorporating the impact on the consortium of microorganisms instead of individual strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lithium-rich layered oxide (LLO) with a large specific capacity (>250 mAhg−1) and the wider voltage window (2.0–4.8 V) delivers an energy density of about 1000 Wh/kg. However, oxygen release from the surface of LLO and decomposition of electrolyte solvents leads to increased electrode-electrolyte interface resistance. To achieve the maximum energy density of LLO, it becomes mandatory to protect the surface structure and simultaneously activate the cationic and anionic redox reaction. Here, we demonstrate a novel in-situ carbon encapsulation on Li 1.15 Ni 0.23 Co 0.08 Mn 0.54 O 2 by the industrially viable co-precipitation process followed by solid-state reaction. Effect of carbon encapsulation on structure formation, chemical composition, and elemental oxidation states of Li 1.15 Ni 0.23 Co 0.08 Mn 0.54 O 2 are analyzed by the techniques such as X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The enhanced electrochemical performance is confirmed by increased coulombic efficiency, reduced interfacial resistance, and suppressed voltage fading. Moreover, carbon-coated LLO retains an excellent capacity of 94% after 300 cycles at 2C rate cycling, while the pristine LLO retained only 77.8% of capacity. Further, electrochemical cycling of carbon encapsulated LLO with pre-lithiated graphite delivers an energy density of 500 Wh/kg after 100 cycles at 0.5C rate (150 mAg−1). [Display omitted] • In-situ Carbon coating on Li1.15Ni0.23Co0.08Mn0.54O2. • Surface oxygen vacancy engineering. • Electrochemical cycling of Li1.15Ni0.23Co0.08Mn0.54O2with pre-lithiated graphite. • Surface protection from carbon coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]