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Tuberculosis (TB) remains as the second leading infectious killer worldwide. In 2022 alone, 1.3 million people died from TB, with the disease being most prevalent in low-resource countries. In these settings with high TB prevalence, access to expensive diagnostic tools is limited, making the development of fast, sensitive, specific and low-cost diagnostic methods crucial. Here, we employ the 4-N,Ndimethylamino-1,8-naphthalimide–conjugated trehalose (DMN-Tre) and 3-Hydroxychromoneconjugated trehalose (3HC-Tre) solvatochromic trehalose conjugated fluorogenic dyes to probe the unique properties of mycobacteria and other Actinomycetales. These conjugates are incorporated into the mycomembrane as trehalose dimycolates, where they fluoresce upon contact with the hydrophobic environment of the mycomembrane. For these probes to facilitate faster diagnostics, they must specifically target mycobacteria, eliminating the requirement of extensive pre-processing of clinical samples. This thesis presents the results of specificity testing for both DMN-Tre and 3HC-Tre. Using flow cytometry, plate reader and microscopy, this research demonstrates that DMN-Tre exhibits specificity for mycobacteria. In contrast, 3HC-Tre demonstrated limited specificity. These findings suggest that DMN-Tre has the potential to be developed into a rapid, low-cost diagnostic tool for TB, tailored to the needs of resource-limited settings.

PR, IFPRI3; ISI; IFPRIOA; CRP2; 3 Building Inclusive and Efficient Markets, Trade Systems, and Food Industry; Transfer Modality Research Initiative (TMRI), Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI); Food and Nutrition Policy, CGIAR Research Program on Policies, Institutions, and Markets (PIM), Many cash transfer programs include complementary nutrition training, with the aim of encouraging households to use transfer resources toward improving child nutrition. Evidence indicates that these bundled programs, if intensive and well-implemented, can be effective in improving child nutritional status. However, little is known about how adding nutrition training to transfer programs affects their economic impacts. In particular, few studies have assessed whether nutrition programming may induce reallocation of transfer resources from physical capital to human capital. Scarce evidence also exists as to whether these tradeoffs depend on the transfer modality. We study a pilot program called the Transfer Modality Research Initiative in Bangladesh (TMRI), designed as a randomized controlled trial. TMRI provided cash or food transfers, with or without intensive group-based nutrition behavior change communication (BCC), to mothers of young children in poor rural households. We find that adding nutrition BCC to cash or food transfers leads to larger impacts on both consumption and assets – potentially surprising, given that the transfer value is unchanged. Analysis of mechanisms suggests that these effects occur through the BCC inducing increases in income generation, through investments in livelihoods. Suggestive evidence indicates that the effects of TMRI’s BCC are plausibly due to the intensive group-based format, which increased social capital for participant women and their household members, as well as improved participant women’s agency and self-confidence, knowledge, and input into household decisions. Results indicate that adding nutrition BCC to cash or food transfer programs do not necessarily induce a tradeoff between investing in human capital versus physical capital, but can rather strengthen impacts on both if appropriately designed.

Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI); Nutrition, Diets, and Health (NDH)

Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI); Food and Nutrition Policy, A convergence of several risk drivers creates the compound crises we see across the globe today. At the same time, the global humanitarian community and national institutions in affected countries are increasingly resource constrained. In this context, existing financing mechanisms should be evaluated for their potential to create synergies between social protection, peace, and inclusion objectives on the one hand and climate resilience outcomes on the other. The existing international architecture of climate change mitigation and adaptation policy and financing holds, in principle, the potential to address not only its main purpose of climate action, but also to contribute to development outcomes and address multiple risk drivers. Examples of this exist, but for these mutual benefits to emerge, and for climate finance to contribute more significantly to crises prevention, the agendas must become more aligned. Aligning several factors may enable coherence: i) Timeframes, from short-term response to multi-year programming; ii) Planning and targeting, moving towards conflict-sensitive area-based approaches and universal access to services; iii) Institutional arrangements and partnerships, coordinated national planning and jointly implemented local action.

Pitt Ford’s Problem-Based Learning in Endodontology, 2nd Edition, is an essential reference for Endodontology, enriched with the latest research and clinical evidence. Employing a problem-based approach, it consolidates readers’ knowledge and diagnostic skills. Prepared by an international team of clinical academics, this edition reflects the latest advances in the field. Encouraging self-directed learning, the authors present diverse clinical cases covering topics such as non-odontogenic pain, pulp preservation, endodontic treatment, restoration, regenerative endodontic procedures, and trauma. Each section is accompanied by images as well as further reading recommendations. A touchstone to key areas concerning the dental pulp and the root canal system, Pitt Ford’s Problem-Based Learning in Endodontology is a valuable resource for dental students, residents, and clinicians seeking the latest techniques and procedures in Endodontology.

The removal of dental plaque from the gingival margins of teeth is essential to maintain periodontal health. Whilst it has been established that the electric toothbrush demonstrates a greater ability to remove plaque, no systematic review has specifically investigated which technology is better for removing plaque from the interdental tooth surfaces, where plaque control may be more difficult. Three databases were searched up to October 2023: MEDLINE, DOSSS via EBSCO host and Embase. Data extraction was carried out on studies which met the inclusion criteria, and a risk of bias assessment was completed. The study findings were combined via a narrative synthesis and a meta-analysis where appropriate. Seventy-seven studies were found, out of which 14 were selected and included for the analysis. The mean difference in interproximal plaque reduction, measured using the Rustogi Modified Naval Plaque Index (RMNPI) at 8 weeks was 0.09 (p<0.00001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush. At 6 and 12 weeks, the mean difference in plaque reduction (RMNPI) was 0.05 (p=0.0008) and 0.04 (p=0.0001) in favor of the oscillating-rotating toothbrush, respectively. The studies show a tendency for oscillating-rotating toothbrushes to remove more interproximal plaque than oscillating toothbrushes especially in a short time (8 weeks).

The aim of this paper was to investigate the incidence of artefacts produced by endodontically treated teeth on CBCT images and their impacts the diagnostic value of the image for endodontic purposes. A retrospective analysis of 57 root filled teeth from 40 CBCT scans from UCLAN dental clinic between 2016-2020 was undertaken. Each tooth was split into crown and root section with the incidence of all known artefacts recorded by the binary yes/no variable. Subjective assessment into the diagnostic acceptability of the image in relation to endodontic indications stated in the European Society of Endodontics guidance was done. Age, gender, field of view, tooth type, location, coronal restoration of subject tooth and adjacent teeth were recorded. Statistical analysis (SPSS v28, IBM system) was used to assess the relationship between study factors, artefact expression and the effects on diagnostic quality. Scatter artefacts were present in 100% of samples with Beam Hardening being present in 94.7% of samples. Image Noise, Motion and Aliasing (distortion) artefacts reported an incidence ranging between 0-17.5%. The significance level was set at p

Point defects in two-dimensional materials are of key interest for quantum information science. However, the parameter space of possible defects is immense, making the identification of high-performance quantum defects very challenging. Here, we perform high-throughput (HT) first-principles computational screening to search for promising quantum defects within WS2, which present localized levels in the band gap that can lead to bright optical transitions in the visible or telecom regime. Our computed database spans more than 700 charged defects formed through substitution on the tungsten or sulfur site. We found that sulfur substitutions enable the most promising quantum defects. We computationally identify the neutral cobalt substitution to sulfur (Co S0 ) and fabricate it with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The Co S0 electronic structure measured by STM agrees with first principles and showcases an attractive quantum defect. Our work shows how HT computational screening and nanoscale synthesis routes can be combined to design promising quantum defects.

People often experience regret when we consider counterfactuals to our past actions, which can help us improve our future behaviours. However, existing developmental measures of regret typically involve no means of foreseeing the eventual outcome, which means that any reported experiences of regret may not aid children in making better choices in similar future situations. We investigated if 4- to 9-year-olds (N = 144) experienced stronger regret towards a choice where they could have foreseen the eventual outcome. Children selected one box each from two pairs of boxes, with both selected boxes leading to sub-optimal outcomes. Critically, one pair of boxes had windows on the bottom, such that children could have apparently foreseen the sub-optimal outcome of their choice if only they had first looked underneath the boxes. Not until 8 years of age did many children feel worse about the box selection with the foreseeable outcome.

The counterfactual emotions of regret and relief arise from considering how the present would look had one taken an alternative past action. We investigated if 4- to 9-year-old children (N = 192) could identify others' regret and relief by watching videos of actors choosing between two boxes that concealed a better or worse prize. Each actor first looked inside the chosen box and made a happy or sad facial expression, and children were then shown the contents of that box. Critically, the actor then looked inside the non-chosen box and made either a happy or sad facial expression, and children were asked what they thought was inside. Children aged 6 years and older were able to identify that the non-chosen box concealed a better prize when the actor was sad, and a worse prize when the actor was happy. The abilities to experience and recognise counterfactual emotions may develop concurrently.

Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) is divided into two subtypes: classic (absence of acute GVHD features) and overlap cGVHD (ocGVHD), in which both chronic and acute GVHD clinical features are present simultaneously. While worse outcomes with ocGVHD have been reported, there are few recent analyses. We performed a secondary analysis of data from the ABA2 trial (N = 185), in which detailed GVHD data were collected prospectively and systematically adjudicated. Analyses included cumulative incidence of classic versus ocGVHD, their specific organ manifestations, global disease severity scores, non-relapse mortality (NRM), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in these two cGVHD subtypes. Of 92 patients who developed cGVHD, 35 were classified as ocGVHD. The 1-year cumulative incidence, organ involvement, and global severity of classic and ocGVHD were similar between ABA2 patients receiving CNI/MTX+placebo and CNI/MTX+abatacept; thus, cohorts were combined for ocGVHD evaluation. This analysis identified ocGVHD as having significantly higher severity at presentation and at maximum global severity compared to classic cGVHD. OS and DFS were significantly lower for ocGVHD versus classic cGVHD. OcGVHD is associated with increased cGVHD severity scores, and is associated with decreased OS and DFS compared to classic cGVHD, underscoring the high risks with this cGVHD subtype.

BackgroundThere is potential for adverse events from corticosteroid injections, including increase in blood glucose, decrease in bone mineral density and suppression of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Published studies note that doses lower than those commonly injected provide similar benefit.MethodsDevelopment of the practice guideline was approved by the Board of Directors of American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine with several other societies agreeing to participate. The scope of guidelines was agreed on to include safety of the injection technique (landmark-guided, ultrasound or radiology-aided injections); effect of the addition of the corticosteroid on the efficacy of the injectate (local anesthetic or saline); and adverse events related to the injection. Based on preliminary discussions, it was decided to structure the topics into three separate guidelines as follows: (1) sympathetic, peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections; (2) joints; and (3) neuraxial, facet, sacroiliac joints and related topics (vaccine and anticoagulants). Experts were assigned topics to perform a comprehensive review of the literature and to draft statements and recommendations, which were refined and voted for consensus (≥75% agreement) using a modified Delphi process. The United States Preventive Services Task Force grading of evidence and strength of recommendation was followed.ResultsThis guideline deals with the use and safety of corticosteroid injections for sympathetic, peripheral nerve blocks and trigger point injections for adult chronic pain conditions. All the statements and recommendations were approved by all participants after four rounds of discussion. The Practice Guidelines Committees and Board of Directors of the participating societies also approved all the statements and recommendations. The safety of some procedures, including stellate blocks, lower extremity peripheral nerve blocks and some sites of trigger point injections, is impro

The objective of this study was to create and assess homogeneous bilayered floating tablets of aceclofenac in order to increase the drug's bioavailability and prolong its stomach release. One of the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) common side effects is poor solubility and minimal stomach retention, which makes it difficult to treat effectively. As matrix-forming polymers, ten formulations (F1–F10) were made with different amounts of HPMC K15 and additional excipients. Physical properties, buoyancy, in vitro drug release, and kinetic modelling were evaluated for each formulation. With a floating lag time of less than one minute and buoyancy maintained for more than 12 hours, Formulation 5 (F5) showed the most promising findings. With 97.01% of aceclofenac released over 12 hours, it showed a regulated drug release pattern that followed the Korsmeyer-Peppas release model well (R2 = 0.9242). Pre-compression and post-compression values for the optimised formulation F5 were adequate, suggesting good flow characteristics and tablet integrity. FTIR spectroscopy was used to verify the drug-excipient compatibility, guaranteeing stability and the lack of interactions. According to these results, aceclofenac's homogenous bilayered floating tablets, specifically formulation F5, may be able to improve gastric retention time and offer a sustained release profile. This could mean that the medication can be used to treat chronic inflammatory conditions more effectively and with better patient compliance. Keywords: gastric retention, bioavailability, drug excipient compatibility.

James M Roza,1 Shalini Srivastava2 1Research & Development, Layn Natural Ingredients, Irvine, CA, 92602, USA; 2Clinical Development Department, Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, Maharashtra, IndiaCorrespondence: Shalini Srivastava, Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd, Morya House, 118-B, off Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400053, India, Tel +91 9619477885, Email shalini.s@vediclifesciences.comPurpose: The study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of SophorOx® (LN-OS-22) on oxidative stress and body composition in adults with excessive body weight and obesity.Participants and Methods: The 56-days randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, multi-centric clinical trial had individuals aged 30– 60 years with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 to ≤ 34.9 kg/m2. 68 participants were randomly allocated to LN-OS-22 or placebo groups. The primary outcome was improvement in the oxidative stress. Secondary outcomes were changes in plasma lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, weight and waist circumference, inflammatory markers, and quality of life.Results: At day 56, a statistically significant change in the 8-Isoprostane levels between LN-OS-22 vs placebo was observed (p = 0.0222). As compared to placebo, at the end of study, statistically significant reductions were demonstrated in body weight, waist circumference and BMI in the LN-OS-22 group (p < 0.0001). Also, a statistically significant change when compared to placebo for the energy/stamina domain (p = 0.0300) of the Impact of Weight on Quality of Life-Lite-Clinical Trials Version (IWQOL-Lite-CT) questionnaire was depicted in LN-OS-22 group.Conclusion: The study demonstrates that LN-OS-22 was effective in reducing the oxidative stress, anthropometrics and improving the quality of life in individuals with overweight and obesity.Keywords: obesity, oxidative stress, inflammation, weight loss, body composition

The prevalence of polymer usage in everyday activities has emerged as a detriment to both human life and the environment. A large number of studies describe severe impacts of micropolymers (MP) and nanopolymers (NP) on various organ systems, including the endocrine system. Additionally, plasticizers utilized as additives have been identified as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). MP/NP, along with associated plasticizers, affect principal signalling pathways of endocrine glands such as the pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, and gonads, thereby disrupting hormone function and metabolic processes crucial for maintaining homeostasis, fertility, neural development, and fetal growth. This review delves into the sources, distribution, and effects of micropolymers, nanopolymers, and associated plasticizers acting as EDCs. Furthermore, it provides a detailed review of the mechanisms underlying endocrine disruption in relation to different types of MP/NP.

Shane S Neibart,1 Shalini Moningi,1 Krishan R Jethwa2 1Department of Radiation Oncology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA; 2Department of Radiation Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USACorrespondence: Shalini Moningi, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, 75 Francis Street, Boston, MA, 02115, USA, Tel +01 (781) 624-4700, Email Shalini_Moningi@dfci.harvard.eduIntroduction: For patients with locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC), who are candidates for radiation therapy, dose-escalated radiation therapy (RT) offers unique benefits over traditional radiation techniques. In this review, we present a historical perspective of dose-escalated RT for LAPC. We also outline advances in SBRT delivery, one form of dose escalation and a framework for selecting patients for treatment with SBRT.Results: Techniques for delivering SBRT to patients with LAPC have evolved considerably, now allowing for dose-escalation and superior respiratory motion management. At the same time, advancements in systemic therapy, particularly the use of induction multiagent chemotherapy, have called into question which patients would benefit most from radiation therapy. Multidisciplinary assessment of patients with LAPC is critical to guide management and select patients for local therapy. Results from ongoing trials will establish if there is a role of dose-escalated SBRT after induction chemotherapy for carefully selected patients.Conclusion: Patients with LAPC have more therapeutic options than ever before. Careful selection for SBRT may enhance patient outcomes, pending the maturation of pivotal clinical trials.Keywords: pancreatic cancer, stereotactic body radiation therapy, locally advanced pancreatic cancer, ablative radiation therapy

Background: While parent-delivered pain management has been demonstrated to effectively reduce neonatal procedural pain responses, little is known about to what extent it is utilized. Our aim was to explore the utilization of parents in neonatal pain management and investigate whether local guidelines promote parent-delivered interventions. Methods: A web-based survey was distributed to neonatal units worldwide. Results: The majority of the 303 responding neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) from 44 countries were situated in high-income countries from Europe and Central Asia. Of the responding units, 67% had local guidelines about neonatal pain management, and of these, 40% answered that parental involvement was recommended, 27% answered that the role of parents in pain management was mentioned as optional, and 32% responded that it was not mentioned in the guidelines. According to the free-text responses, parent-delivered interventions of skin-to-skin contact, breastfeeding, and parental live singing were the most frequently performed in the NICUs. Of the responding units, 65% answered that parents performed some form of pain management regularly or always. Conclusions: There appears to be some practice uptake of parent-delivered pain management to reduce neonatal pain in high-income countries. Additional incorporation of these interventions into NICU pain guidelines is needed, as well as a better understanding of the use of parent-delivered pain management in low- and middle-income countries.

Objectives: Dental behaviour support (DBS) describes all specific techniques practiced to support patients in their experience of professional oral healthcare. DBS is roughly synonymous with behaviour management, which is an outdated concept. There is no agreed terminology to specify the techniques used to support patients who receive dental care. This lack of specificity may lead to imprecision in describing, understanding, teaching, evaluating and implementing behaviour support techniques in dentistry. Therefore, this e-Delphi study aimed to develop a list of agreed labels and descriptions of DBS techniques used in dentistry and sort them according to underlying principles of behaviour. Methods: Following a registered protocol, a modified e-Delphi study was applied over two rounds with a final consensus meeting. The threshold of consensus was set a priori at 75%. Agreed techniques were then categorized by four coders, according to behavioural learning theory, to sort techniques according to their mechanism of action. Results: The panel (n = 35) agreed on 42 DBS techniques from a total of 63 candidate labels and descriptions. Complete agreement was achieved regarding all labels and descriptions, while agreement was not achieved regarding distinctiveness for 17 techniques. In exploring underlying principles of learning, it became clear that multiple and differing principles may apply depending on the specific context and procedure in which the technique may be applied. Discussion: Experts agreed on what each DBS technique is, what label to use, and their description, but were less likely to agree on what distinguishes one technique from another. All techniques were describable but not comprehensively categorizable according to principles of learning. While objective consistency was not attained, greater clarity and consistency now exists. The resulting list of agreed terminology marks a significant foundation for future efforts towards understanding DBS techniques i

Background and Objective: Several drugs on the market are substrates for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), an efflux transporter highly expressed in barrier tissues such as the intestine. Body weight, weight loss, and a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) may influence P-gp expression and activity, leading to variability in the drug response. The objective of this study was therefore to investigate digoxin pharmacokinetics as a measure of the P-gp phenotype in patients with obesity before and after weight loss induced by an RYGB or a strict diet and in normal weight individuals. Methods: This study included patients with severe obesity preparing for an RYGB (n = 40) or diet-induced weight loss (n = 40) and mainly normal weight individuals scheduled for a cholecystectomy (n = 18). Both weight loss groups underwent a 3-week low-energy diet (<1200 kcal/day) followed by an additional 6 weeks of <800 kcal/day induced by an RYGB (performed at week 3) or a very-low-energy diet. Follow-up time was 2 years, with four digoxin pharmacokinetic investigations at weeks 0, 3, and 9, and year 2. Hepatic and jejunal P-gp levels were determined in biopsies obtained from the patients undergoing surgery. Results: The RYGB group and the diet group had a comparable weight loss in the first 9 weeks (13 +/- 2.3% and 11 +/- 3.6%, respectively). During this period, we observed a minor increase (16%) in the digoxin area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity in both groups: RYGB: 2.7 mu g h/L [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67, 4.7], diet: 2.5 mu g h/L [95% CI 0.49, 4.4]. In the RYGB group, we also observed that the time to reach maximum concentration decreased after surgery: from 1.0 +/- 0.33 hours at week 3 to 0.77 +/- 0.08 hours at week 9 (-0.26 hours [95% CI -0.47, -0.05]), corresponding to a 25% reduction. Area under the concentration-time curve from zero to infinity did not change long term (week 0 to year 2) in either the RYGB (1.1 mu g h/L [-0.94, 3.2]) or the diet group (0.9

Forest ecosystems have a major role in sequestering atmospheric CO2 and as such, their resilience is of upmost importance. In the boreal forest, trees grow only during a short period when air temperature is favourable. During winter, trees have specific mechanisms to survive in the cold air temperature. In order to understand the response of trees to a changing climate, this study assessed the influence of environmental variables on three phases of tree radial variation (i.e., growth, shrinkage and expansion) during three periods of the year (i.e., growing season, freeze–thaw period, and winter). The three phases were extracted from stem radial variation measured for as much as 11 years on 12 balsam fir [Abies balsamea (L.) Mill.] trees located in a cold and humid boreal forest of eastern Canada. The random forest algorithm was used to model each phase during each period. Our results show that tree growth increased with high precipitation and high relative humidity. Stem shrinkage was affected mostly by solar radiation, precipitation and vapour pressure deficit during the growing season and was likely caused by tree transpiration. During both the freeze–thaw and winter season periods, stem shrinkage increased with decreasing air temperature. During the growing season, stem expansion was related to 1-day-lag solar radiation and 1-day-lag vapour pressure deficit, which are the same variables associated with shrinkage the preceding day. Stem expansion increased with increasing air temperature and relative humidity during the freeze–thaw and winter season periods, respectively. This study shows that sink-driven tree growth is promoted mostly under humid conditions while antecedent dry and warm conditions are required during the growing season for trees to assimilate carbon through photosynthesis.

With climate change continuing to threaten the earth’s ecosystems, the travel industry is under increased pressure to adopt green policies. The effective implementation of these policies is largely dependent on employee commitment, but research offering insights into employees’ green behavior in the travel industry is sparse. We addressed this gap using the value-belief-norm theory to conceptualize the drivers of employees’ task-related and voluntary green behaviors. We examined the impact of values (biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic), beliefs (the new environmental paradigm, awareness of consequences, and ascription of responsibility), and pro-environmental personal norms on these outcomes. Analyzing time-lagged data collected in three waves from 186 hotel employees, we found a positive sequential association of biospheric values with beliefs, norms, and green behaviors. From a theoretical viewpoint, our study grounds hotel employees’ green behaviors in a prosocial theory, thereby offering a relatively new yet pertinent explanation of these behaviors.

The aim of the present study was to prepare and evaluate Ketoprofen loaded microspheres fabricated with sodium alginate and Carbopol 934 by ion gelation method which enhances the drug residence time into the stomach by adhering to the mucus layer of and control the rate of drug release for longer period of time. Ketoprofen is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that is commonly used for its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic (fever-reducing) properties. It belongs to the propionic acid class of NSAIDs and is available in various formulations, including oral tablets, capsules, topical gels, creams, and as an injectable solution. In present study ketoprofen incorporates in mucoadhesive drug delivery system for utilizing its controlled drug delivery up to 12 hrs. In present study prepared microspheres were evaluated for- particle size, entrapment efficiency, percentage yield, morphology, mucoadhesive property, in-vitro drug release property. Keywords: Mucoadhesive microspheres, NSAID, ion gelation method, ketoprofen

The project aims to revolutionize information retrieval from extensive academic repositories like theses and dissertations by developing an advanced system. Unlike conventional search engines, it focuses on handling complex academic documents. Six dedicated teams oversee different facets: Knowledge Graph, Search and Indexing, Object Detection and Topic Analysis, Language Models, Integration, and User Interaction. The infrastructure and DevOps team is responsible for integration, orchestrates collaborative efforts, manages database access, and ensures seamless communication among components via APIs. The team oversees the container utilization in the CI/CD pipeline, maintains the container cluster, and tailors APIs for specific team needs. Expressing gratitude for previous contributions, the team has made notable progress in migrating to Endeavour, establishing a robust CI/CD pipeline, updating the database schema, tackling Kafka challenges, and deploying authentication services while creating accessible filesystem and database APIs for other teams.

An important role that agriculture plays in strengthening the US economy is as follows. The advancement of humanity can be attributed to agriculture. India is an agricultural nation in the United States of America, with a fruit-based economy. The foundation of everything in the United States is agriculture. In agricultural businesses, crop selection is vital. The yield's commitment might be entirely dependent on a number of variables, such as production stages, market costs, and national legislation. Numerous agricultural changes are necessary to enhance the financial system in India. Agricultural productivity may be increased by using technology to learn techniques that are effectively used in the field. Precious and accurate data on a wide range of issues play a major role in agriculture, in addition to all the things within the sphere of machinery and inventions utilized in it. The purpose of the gadget is to implement a yield dedication strategy, a random woodland, and a regressor tree judgment in order to enable this selection to address several challenges related to agriculture and farmers. This is strengthening the Indian economy and producing more plants.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Dental Practicality Index (DPI) training using an online video on the treatment planning decisions and confidence level of dental undergraduates (DUs). Materials and methods Ninety-four DUs were shown 15 clinical case scenarios and asked to decide on treatment plans based on 4 treatment options. The most appropriate treatment plan had been decided by a consensus panel of experienced dentists. DUs then underwent DPI training using an online video. In a post-DPI-training test, DUs were shown the same clinical case scenarios and asked to assign the best treatment option. After 6 weeks, DUs were retested to assess their knowledge retention. In all 3 tests, DUs completed the confidence level scale questionnaire. Data were analyzed using the related-samples Wilcoxon signed rank test and the independent-samples Mann-Whitney U test with the level of significance set at p < 0.05. Results DPI training significantly improved the mean scores of the DUs from 7.53 in the pre-DPI-training test to 9.01 in the post-DPI-training test (p < 0.001). After 6 weeks, the mean scores decreased marginally to 8.87 in the retention test (p = 0.563). DPI training increased their confidence level from 5.68 pre-DPI training to 7.09 post-DPI training. Conclusions Training DUs using DPI with an online video improved their decision-making and confidence level in treatment planning.

Blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a distinguishing checkpoint that segregates peripheral organs from neural compartment. It protects the central nervous system from harmful ambush of antigens and pathogens. Owing to such explicit selectivity, the BBB hinders passage of various neuroprotective drug molecules that escalates into poor attainability of neuroprotective agents towards the brain. However, few molecules can surpass the BBB and gain access in the brain parenchyma by exploiting surface transporters and receptors. For successful development of brain-targeted therapy, understanding of BBB transporters and receptors is crucial. This review focuses on the transporter and receptor–based mechanistic pathway that can be manoeuvred for better comprehension of reciprocity of receptors and nanotechnological vehicle delivery. Nanotechnology has emerged as one of the expedient noninvasive approaches for brain targeting via manipulating the hurdle of the BBB. Various nanovehicles are being reported for brain-targeted delivery such as nanoparticles, nanocrystals, nanoemulsion, nanolipid carriers, liposomes and other nanovesicles. Nanotechnology-aided brain targeting can be a strategic approach to circumvent the BBB without altering the inherent nature of the BBB.

Shalini Kanagasingam reviews “Keewatin: Into the Ice Box”. Martin Curzon, 2023 £12.00 (includes P&P)

Face is an important and first attracting part of our body. Any flaws related to  face or appearance can create physical as well as psychological problems in an  individual. In recent years there has been increase in the incidence of hair  problems in the tropical and developing countries like India due to various  factors like pollution, stress, chemical treatments and medications etc. Hair  loss is often distressing and can have a significant effect on one’s confidence.  Hairfall termed as khalitya in Ayurveda. In Ayurveda it is mentioned under  Shiroroga and Kshudraroga. Khalitya is commonly seen in the age group of  18- 40 years and most common in males than females. Khalitya is a slowly  progressing disorder and it hampers the social life of an individual to a great  extent. Now a days, Khalitya is mostly observed in youngsters due to their  changing lifestyle, sleeping habits, unhealthy diets, stress and high use of  chemicals on hairs. In Ayurveda there are number of medicines and oils which  are beneficial for hair loss but it has been observed that medicine alone not  able to give the visible results for hair fall. So to provide promising result  application of Panchakarma like Virechan, Raktamokshan are helpful. Here  special efforts have been made to show the beneficial sites of  Jalaukavacharana in the form of Raktamokshan. Number of patients in  kayachikitsa OPD of Sir Sundal Hospital, B.H.U were treated with Jalauka and got promising results in controlling hair fall. Thus the current article  illustrates the role of Jalaukavacharana in hair fall.

Shalini Srivastava,1 Shu Fen Huang,2 Manjiri S Jagtap3 1Department of Clinical Development and Strategy, Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India; 2Department of Biochemistry, NuLiv Holding Inc., Taipei City, Taiwan (Republic of China); 3Skin Cure n Care Clinic, Thane, Maharashtra, IndiaCorrespondence: Shalini Srivastava, Department of Clinical Development and Strategy, Vedic Lifesciences Pvt. Ltd., Morya House, 118-B, Off Link Road, Andheri West, Mumbai, Maharashtra, 400053, India, Tel +91-9619477885, Email shalini.s@vediclifesciences.comPurpose: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized, proof-of-concept trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of VerbasnolTM [Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch leaf-based extract (RGLE)] in females, with moderate to severe acne vulgaris.Participants and Methods: Twenty-two females aged 18 to 35 years having moderate to severe acne with Global Acne Grading System (GAGS) scores of 19 to 38 were included in the study and were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive either one capsule (100 mg/day) of RGLE or placebo orally after breakfast for 56 days. The primary outcome was a change in acne severity measured by the GAGS compared to the placebo on day 56. The secondary outcomes were changes in the number of inflammatory acne lesions, facial sebum secretion, quality of life, local pain and itching, skin wrinkle severity, and other skin characteristics, including radiance, luminosity, smoothness, texture, firmness, and hydration. Additionally, the percentage of responders and global tolerability and efficacy were evaluated.Results: The mean GAGS score was reduced by 21.72% and 14.20% on day 28 in RGLE (n=10) and placebo groups (n=12), respectively, which further reduced in both groups on day 56. The RGLE group reported better improvement in other skin characteristics on day 56. No safety or tolerability concerns were reported for the extract. RGLE reduced acne and improved the skin quality in females comp

High frequency and high power are the driving forces behind semiconductor transistor technology. However, conventional devices have the tradeoff of either being high speed or high breakdown—but not both. Wafer-bonded current aperture vertical electron transistors (BAVETs) help eliminate the tradeoff by combining a high-speed III-As channel to a high-breakdown III-N drift region. The device presented herein comprises of an InAlAs gate-barrier/InGaAs channel, wafer-bonded to an InGaN/GaN drift region, with the InGaAs/InGaN interface referred to as the wafer-bonded interface (WBI). The electronic behavior of WBIs is yet less known but necessary in realizing the potential of a BAVET. Herein, strong trap activity at the WBI is shown to be the cause of abnormally high saturation voltage ( VDS_SAT ) in BAVETs. The traps cause unintentional space charge (SC) region in the drain region of the device. This causes a drain resistance, a higher ON-resistance ( RON ), and a higher VDS_SAT . The challenge is overcome by hydrogen passivation of traps at WBI by using a p-doping for the InAlAs layer, which reduces the trap-charge concentration at the WBI. Consequently, the width of the SC region is reduced and a reduction in VDS_SAT is demonstrated, wherein it reduces from >12 to 5 V.

Welcome to "Millets: Miracle Grains of the 21st Century." In an era marked by a growing emphasis on health, sustainability, and the preservation of traditional wisdom, the significance of millets in our lives has never been more pronounced. As we navigate through the complexities of modern dietary patterns and agricultural practices, millets stand out as an invaluable treasure trove of nutrition, resilience, and cultural heritage. This book is a celebration of millets – ancient grains that have sustained civilizations for millennia and continue to offer us a pathway to a healthier and more sustainable future. Through meticulous research, insightful analysis, and heartfelt storytelling, we delve into the multifaceted world of millets, exploring their nutritional prowess, ecological resilience, and socio-economic impact. In the pages that follow, you will embark on a journey of discovery, uncovering the rich tapestry of millet cultivation, consumption, and innovation across diverse cultures and landscapes. From the sun-kissed fields of the Indian subcontinent to the verdant highlands of Africa, from the bustling markets of South America to the serene homesteads of Europe, millets have left an indelible imprint on the collective consciousness of humanity. Through the lens of science, tradition, and sustainability, we unravel the secrets of millets – their unparalleled nutritional content, their adaptability to harsh climates, and their pivotal role in food security and climate resilience. We explore the ways in which millets have empowered farmers, nourished communities, and fostered culinary creativity across continents.   But beyond their practical utility, millets embody a profound ethos of harmony with nature and reverence for the land. They remind us of our inherent interconnectedness with the web of life and our responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations. As we stand at the threshold of a new agricultural paradigm, millets beckon us to emb

Land use is a key driver of the ongoing biodiversity crisis and therefore also a major opportunity for its mitigation. However, appropriately considering the diversity of land-use actors and activities in conservation assessments and planning is challenging. As a result, top-down conservation policy and planning are often criticized for a lack of contextual nuance widely acknowledged to be required for effective and just conservation action. To address these challenges, we have developed a conceptually consistent, scalable land system typology and demonstrated its usefulness for the world's tropical dry woodlands. Our typology identifies key land-use actors and activities that represent typical threats to biodiversity and opportunities for conservation action. We identified land systems in a hierarchical way, with a global level allowing for broad-scale planning and comparative work. Nested within it, a regionalized level provides social-ecological specificity and context. We showcase this regionalization for five hotspots of land-use change and biodiversity loss in dry woodlands in Argentina, Bolivia, Mozambique, India, and Cambodia. Unlike other approaches to present land use, our typology accounts for the complexity of overlapping land uses. This allows, for example, assessment of how conservation measures conflict with other land uses, understanding of the social-ecological co-benefits and trade-offs of area-based conservation, mapping of threats, or targeting area-based and actor-based conservation measures. Moreover, our framework enables cross-regional learning by revealing both commonalities and social-ecological differences, as we demonstrate here for the world's tropical dry woodlands. By bridging the gap between global, top-down, and regional, bottom-up initiatives, our framework enables more contextually appropriate sustainability planning across scales and more targeted and social-ecologically nuanced interventions.

Poverty, Gender, and Inclusion (PGI); Nutrition, Diets, and Health (NDH), Gender considerations in the design and delivery of social protection programs are critical to meet overall objectives of reducing poverty and vulnerability. We provide an overview of the policy discourse and research on social protection and gender in low- and middle-income countries, focusing on social assistance, social care, and social insurance. Taking a ‘review of reviews’ approach, we aggregate findings from rigorous evaluations on women's health, economic, empowerment, and violence impacts. We show there is robust evidence that social assistance has beneficial effects across all four domains. In addition, there is emerging evidence that social care has positive impacts on women’s economic outcomes, but scarce evidence of its impacts on other domains. Aggregated evidence on the impacts of social insurance are lacking. Key design elements facilitating positive impacts for women relate to gender targeting; quality complementary programming; replacing conditionalities with soft nudges; ensuring the value, frequency, and duration of benefits are sufficient; and gender-sensitive operational components. We close with a discussion of evidence gaps and priorities for future research.