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Aim: Nanotechnology presents a promising approach for managing chronic periodontitis, a common oral disease characterized by gum inflammation and loss of supporting bone around teeth. This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of acerola-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) gel and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) gel in periodontitis patients with and without diabetes. Materials and methods: The antimicrobial efficacy of acerola-mediated AgNPs gel and CuONPs nanogel was assessed using the agar well diffusion technique, Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) assay, Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) analysis, time-kill curve assay, and cytoplasmic and protein leakage analysis from periodontitis patients with and without diabetes. Results: The study found that acerola-mediated AgNPs gel demonstrated more consistent and effective antimicrobial activity against periodontitis, with lower MIC and MBC values compared to the CuONPs gel, across all tested concentrations. These results suggest that acerola-mediated AgNPs gel may be a more effective and targeted therapeutic agent for periodontal disease management. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the importance of nanoparticle gel concentration in optimizing periodontal treatment outcomes. Acerola-mediated AgNPs gel, with its superior efficacy and consistency in bactericidal activity, shows significant potential for periodontal therapy. Clinical significance: Innovative nanoparticles like copper and silver oxides exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, making them promising agents for targeting periodontal pathogens. Acerola (Malpighia emarginata), with its high vitamin C content and antioxidant properties, is beneficial in mitigating oxidative stress associated with chronic periodontitis.

Background: Covid-19 is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus and has resulted in more than 3.8 million deaths worldwide. Covid-19 can cause multiorgan complications, including hepatobiliary organs. Many assessments have been used to determine the severity and prognosis of hepatobiliary disorders, such as the Albumin Bilirubin (ALBI) score and the AST-platelet ratio index (APRI) score. Aim: This study aims to determine the relationship between the ALBI score and APRI score with severity, length of treatment, and mortality in COVID-19 infection. Methods: We conducted a case-control study in a population of adult patients with confirmed COVID-19 who were hospitalized at RSSA in the period January-December 2022. Patients with hepatobiliary and autoimmune disorders were excluded from the sample population for further analysis. Albumin, bilirubin, SGOT, and platelet levels were measured at the beginning of the patient's hospitalization. The correlation between variables was analyzed using the Rank-Spearman test with SPSS 27. Results: The study subjects' characteristics showed that most patients were more than 60 years old (66.67%). Based on the severity of the disease, five patients (16.67%) were mild, ten patients (33.33%) were moderate, and 15 patients (50%) were severe. Of the 30 patients, 16 recovered (53.33%) and 14 died (46.67%). The majority of subjects did not require treatment in the ICU (66.67%). The results of the Rank-Spearman Test showed that the ALBI score [R=0.372; p=0.043 (p

Abstract Background Celiac disease (CD) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by gluten intolerance, primarily affecting the gastrointestinal system but potentially influencing cardiovascular health. Emerging evidence suggests an association between CD and myocardial infarction (MI), though studies have produced inconsistent results. This study aimed to systematically review and conduct a meta-analysis of existing literature to quantify the risk of MI in individuals diagnosed with CD. Methods A comprehensive literature search was performed across PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science up to August 2024. Studies were included if they investigated the association between CD and MI in adult populations and provided relevant effect estimates. Data from eligible studies were extracted, and a random-effects meta-analysis was conducted to calculate pooled hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs), along with an assessment of heterogeneity. Statistical analysis has been performed by R software (V 4.4). Results A total of 8 studies were included in the systematic review. Pooled HR analysis showed no significant association between CD and MI (HR = 1.143, 95% CI: 0.619–2.109), and pooled OR analysis also revealed non-significant results (OR = 0.879, 95% CI: 0.481–1.606). High heterogeneity was observed (I2 = 86% for HR, 99% for OR). Conclusion This meta-analysis found no significant association between CD and MI. However, substantial heterogeneity across studies indicates variability in results, highlighting the need for further research with larger, more homogeneous cohorts to better understand cardiovascular risks in CD patients. Future studies should explore subgroups and the impact of gluten-free diet adherence.

Abstract Background People living with HIV (PLWH) are more vulnerable to infectious and non-infectious comorbidities due to chronic inflammation and immune dysfunction. Air pollution is a major global health risk, contributing to millions of deaths annually, primarily from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. However, the link between air pollution and mortality risk in PLWH is underexplored. This systematic review assesses the association between exposure to pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), and carbon monoxide (CO) and mortality risk in PLWH. Methods A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase was conducted for studies published up to August 2024. Eligibility criteria included cohort, case-control, and cross-sectional studies assessing air pollution exposure and mortality in PLWH. Nested-Knowledge software was used for screening and data extraction. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was applied for quality assessment. A narrative approach and tabular summarization were used for data synthesis and presentation. Results Nine studies, mostly from China, demonstrated a significant association between long-term exposure to PM1, PM2.5, and PM10 and increased risks of AIDS-related and all-cause mortality in PLWH. Hazard ratios for mortality increased by 2.38–5.13% per unit increase in PM concentrations, with older adults (> 60), females, and those with lower CD4 counts (

This article explores the efforts of Sanggar Permadani in developing, preserving, and sustaining Javanese culture. The primary focus of the Javanese cultural heritage preserved by Sanggar Permadani is pambiwara, individuals responsible for organizing and guiding traditional Javanese ceremonial events. This preservation is crucial as fewer people are performing traditional Javanese wedding ceremonies and employing the services of pambiwara. This qualitative study employs an ethnographic approach, with data collected through observations, interviews, and documentation. The findings reveal that Sanggar Permadani has successfully preserved Javanese culture by training new generations of pambiwara through annual courses or training sessions held over five months. All participants are of Javanese descent and come from diverse educational backgrounds. To date, Sanggar Permadani has graduated 20 cohorts. The findings align with Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of cultural capital and embodied state, which posits that individuals shape their identity based on cultural capital and educational investment imparted from birth.

Introduction: Nurses are the primary contact for caregivers of Children with Special Healthcare Needs (CSHCN). Parent counselling and health screening programs are undertaken in which nurses play an important role. Along with this, it is also essential to have knowledge of oral health and the importance of maintaining oral hygiene, especially for CSHCN. Aim: To evaluate the knowledge of nursing graduates regarding oral healthcare for CSHCN at baseline, one week and one month after a Structured Visual Pedagogy (SVP) intervention, and to compare their knowledge scores before and after the intervention. Materials and Methods: This pretest-posttest quasi-experimental study was conducted at Dr. D.Y. Patil College of Nursing, Pune, Maharashtra, India, between February 2023 and June 2023, among 60 nursing graduates. An SVP was curated and delivered to the study population. It was an audio-video discussion-based intervention covering the various domains of oral healthcare for CSHCN, including their oral manifestations, barriers to oral hygiene maintenance, and their management through counselling and timely referrals. Participants completed a pre-validated questionnaire at three intervals: before the intervention, one week after and one month after the intervention, and their knowledge was analysed. The data were analysed using International Business Machines (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) software version 21.0, USA. Results: The mean age of study group was 21±0.85 years. Among the participants, 52 (86.6%) were females and 8 (13.4%) were males. Between the baseline and the first week of the SVP, as well as, between the baseline and the first month, nursing graduates’ understanding of the oral health requirements of CSHCN increased. The mean knowledge score at the pre-intervention stage was 6.83±2.35; at one week post-intervention, the mean knowledge score was 14.40±1.50; and one month post-intervention, the mean knowledge score was 13.65±1.40. It was observed that there was a statistically significant increase in the mean knowledge score one week, as well as, one month post-intervention compared to the baseline (p-value

Abstract Background A new species of smut fungus, Urocystis heteropogonis, was discovered infecting Heteropogon contortus in Shawar Valley, Swat district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. The study aimed to characterize this fungus based on its morpho-anatomical and molecular features and clarify its phylogenetic position within the genus Urocystis. Results Urocystis heteropogonis was identified as a novel species, distinct from other Urocystis species. Morphologically, it is characterized by larger spore balls (14–69 × 11–45 μm) and central spores that are 14–28 × 11–20 μm in size, with each spore containing1–8 central spores. The spore walls measure 0.9–2.5 μm in thickness and the species differs in infection patterns compared to other Urocystis species. Phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS and LSU regions of nuclear ribosomal DNA (nrDNA) further confirmed the novelty of the species, placing it within a distinct clade alongside U. agropyri, U. occulta, U. piptatheri, and U. tritici. Conclusions The discovery of Urocystis heteropogonis adds to the diversity of smut fungi infecting grasses and highlights the need for further research into its ecological and agricultural implications. Future studies should focus on the disease’s spread, management, and potential impact on host populations.

Abstract Background The choice of de novo assembler for high-throughput sequencing (HTS) data remains a pivotal factor in the HTS-based discovery of viral pathogens. This study assessed de novo assemblers, namely Trinity, SPAdes, and MEGAHIT for HTS datasets generated on the Illumina platform from 23 apple samples, representing 15 exotic and indigenous apple varieties and a rootstock. The assemblers were compared based on assembly quality metrics, including the largest contig, total assembly length, genome coverage, and N50. Results MEGAHIT was most efficient assembler according to the metrics evaluated in this study. By using multiple assemblers, near-complete genome sequences of citrus concave gum-associated virus (CCGaV), apple rubbery wood virus 1 (ARWV-1), ARWV-2, apple necrotic mosaic virus (ApNMV), apple mosaic virus, apple stem pitting virus, apple stem grooving virus, apple chlorotic leaf spot virus, apple hammerhead viroid and apple scar skin viroid were reconstructed. These viruses were further confirmed through Sanger sequencing in different apple cultivars. Among them, CCGaV, ARWV-1 and ARWV-2 were recorded from apples in India for the first time. The analysis of virus richness revealed that ApNMV was dominant, followed by ARWV-1 and CCGaV. Moreover, MEGAHIT identified novel single-nucleotide variants. Conclusions Our analyses highlight the crucial role of assembly methods in reconstructing near-complete apple virus genomes from the Illumina reads. This study emphasizes the significance of employing multiple assemblers for de novo virus genome assembly in vegetatively propagated perennial fruit crops.

Objective: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), defined according to the level of respiratory support and supplemental oxygen administered at 36 weeks postmenstrual age, has multi-factorial causes. Diuretics have been used to prevent or treat established BPD and are the most frequently prescribed medication for the management of severe BPD. There is significant variation in the use of diuretics, and there is limited evidence showing improvement in medium to long term outcomes. We explored whether the use of diuretics in infants with BPD reduced the duration of HoT in a service that uses a unified protocol-driven pathway to monitor and wean HoT Material and Methods: A retrospective cohort study of 281 infants with BPD discharged home with oxygen therapy between 2001 and 2018. Of the 281 infants, 154 had complete data sets and were included in the study population. Results and Conclusions: Forty-nine infants (31.8%) were exposed to at least one diuretic, and 105 infants (68.2%) were not exposed to any. There was no difference in the duration of HoT in infants exposed to diuretics compared to those who were unexposed. Infants exposed to diuretics had a significantly longer length of stay (LoS) in the hospital compared to unexposed infants (P < .001). We conclude that in a setting of a service in which diuretics are actively discontinued post-discharge and in which weaning of HoT is driven by a unified protocol, the use of diuretics pre-discharge does not reduce the duration of HoT.

Abstract Accurate streamflow prediction is crucial for effective water resource management and planning. This study aims to enhance streamflow simulation accuracy in the data-scarce Upper Narmada River Basin (UNB) by proposing a novel hybrid approach, ANNHybrid, which combines a physically-based model (WEAP) with a data-driven model (ANN). The WEAP model was calibrated and validated using observed streamflow data, while the ANN model was trained and tested using meteorological variables and simulated streamflow. The ANNHybrid model integrates simulated flow from both WEAP and ANN to improve prediction accuracy. The results demonstrate that the ANNHybrid model outperforms the standalone WEAP and ANN models, with higher NSE values of 95.5% and 92.3% during training and testing periods, respectively, along with an impressive R2 value of 0.96. The improved streamflow predictions can support better decision-making related to water allocation, reservoir operations, and flood and drought risk assessment. The novelty of this research lies in the development of the ANNHybrid model, which leverages the strengths of both physically-based and data-driven approaches to enhance streamflow simulation accuracy in data-limited regions. The proposed methodology offers a promising tool for sustainable water management strategies in the UNB and other similar catchments.

Abstrak: Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan hasil belajar siswa kelas II SD Muhammadiyah Malawili Kabupaten Sorong melalui metode pembelajaran fonik dalam meningkatkan literasi membaca. Pemahamamn terkait bacaan dalam proses belajar terhambat karena kurangnya kemampuan siswa dalam literasi membaca. Hal ini ditunjukkan dari rendahnya hasil capaian belajar siswa dengan KKM (Kriteria Ketuntasan Minimum) sangat rendah. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan dengan metode Penelitian Tindakan Kelas (PTK) dengan prosedur penelitian melalui perencanaan, pelaksanaan, pengamatan dan refleksi. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan sebanyak 2 kali siklus dengan subjek penelitian siswa kelas II yang berjumlah 28. Hasil dari penelitian ini yaitu, dalam siklus I rata-rata hasil belajar siswa 67,75 dengan presentase ketuntasan klasikal 71,72%. Sementara dalam siklus II rata-rata hasil belajar siswa mencapai nilai 82,61 dengan presentase ketuntasan klasikal 79% yang masuk kaegori tinggi. Dari data tersebut dapat disimpulkan bahwa terjadi peningkatan literasi membaca siswa melalui metode pembelajaran fonik pada siswa kelas II SD Muhammadiyah Malawili Kabupaten Sorong. Abstract: This study aims to improve the learning outcomes of second-grade students at SD Muhammadiyah Malawili, Sorong Regency, through the phonics teaching method to enhance reading literacy. Understanding related to reading in the learning process is hindered due to the lack of students' reading literacy skills. This is indicated by the low student achievement with a very low Minimum Mastery Criterion (MMC). This research was conducted using the Classroom Action Research (CAR) method with a research procedure involving planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research was carried out in two cycles, with the research subjects being 28 second-grade students. The results of this study show that in the first cycle, the average student learning outcome was 67.75, with a classical completeness percentage of 71.72%. Meanwhile, in the second cycle, the average student learning outcome reached 82.61, with a classical completeness percentage of 79%, categorized as high. From this data, it can be concluded that there is an improvement in students' reading literacy through the phonics teaching method among second-grade students at SD Muhammadiyah Malawili, Sorong Regency.

Context The global COVID-19 pandemic has universally impacted individuals, with lactating women being uniquely susceptible to severe infection. Vaccination plays a critical role in building population immunity, mitigating severe illness and curtailing the health crisis. However, data on adverse effects and vaccine safety in lactating women remains scarce. Aims To assess the prevalence and types of adverse effects post-COVID vaccination in lactating women. Methods This study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital’s COVID-19 vaccination centre in North India, and followed a prospective observational design over a specific timeframe. A total of 200 lactating women were surveyed, with specific inclusion and exclusion criteria applied. Telephonic follow-up was conducted for one month after the first dose for 152 participants and after the second dose for 123 participants. Adverse effects following immunization (AEFIs) were recorded and analyzed. Results Of the study cohort, 45 (29.60%) reported minor adverse effects following the first vaccine dose, with just four (3.25%) experiencing adverse effects after the second dose. Common AEFIs included fever (18.42%) and body aches (9.21%), along with headache, malaise, injection site pain and diffuse abdominal pain. Conclusions This study provides valuable insights into the adverse effects of COVID-19 vaccines in lactating women, which can help primary physicians and policy maker to improve vaccination policies and guidelines. The study revealed that lactating mothers experienced only mild AEFIs, aligning with current literature. Further broader, multicentre research is needed to reinforce these findings and to assess the long-term safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in this population.

Henry Miller is a modern American novelist who was famous for his autobiographical expression of sexuality in his novels on the background of metropolis like New York and Paris. His novel “Black Spring” which was written in 1932-1933 and first published in 1936 presents his childhood memories in Brooklyn and New York. The novel focuses on the development of sexuality of the novelist and his journey from childhood to adulthood, focusing on his sexuality. The novel presents his childhood sexuality, fantasies and his approach to sexuality changing with time. Miller challenges the taboos, canons and moral orders taking sexuality as a weapon against a person. He modifies all the rules of self-expression and perhaps he is the first novelist who presents himself as sexual hero. The research focuses on Miller’s view on sexuality and morality and his journey from childhood to youth and his development of personality along with the role of sexuality in the development of his personality. The paper is also an endeavour to study the concepts of contemporary moral order and social ethics presented by Henry Miller.

Abstract Characterization of a productive oil/gas well blowout through seismological methods is relatively uncommon. In this paper, we conduct an in-depth seismic evaluation of one of the world’s most significant onshore oil well blowout incidents, which occurred in 2020 at the Baghjan oil field in Assam, northeast India. We show that the blowout and related on-site activities generated distinct signals that can be distinguished by their spectral characteristics, temporal variation in geometric spreading, and sharp attenuation of daytime noise in comparison to the nighttime. A micro-earthquake potentially triggered by the blowout was also detected. Furthermore, we show how seismic data can be used to reasonably estimate blowout gas exit velocity and flame height. Our results demonstrate that a detailed characterization and spatiotemporal variation of blowout activity can be successfully captured through seismic monitoring, opening new opportunities for hazard mitigation and cost-effective disaster management for such catastrophic events.

Abstract Day-by-day increasing irrigation water scarcity requires the application of water-saving irrigation techniques to sustain agriculture production. A two-year field investigation was conducted during 2018 to 2020 to determine the effects of various mulches and irrigation volumes on the growth, leaf chemicals and soil properties of one-year-old sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi. The study included three irrigation schedules, viz.100% ETc (I1), 80% ETc (I2), and 60% ETc (I3), and five different mulches were used, viz. without mulch, white polythene, coriander straw, dry grass and black polythene mulches, replicated thrice. Results demonstrated that drip irrigation with 100% ETc and mulching with black polythene mulch significantly increase the plant growth attributes like height of the plant (28.64%) (30.31%), rootstock girth (36.61%) (37.90%), plant canopy spread (E-W and N-S) (EW- 63.82%, NS- 63.87%) (EW- 67.56%, NS- 67.90%) and leaf area (2.4%) (2.34%). Furthermore, plant leaf chlorophyll content (2.41 mg g-1) (2.41 mg g-1) and leaf mineral content such as N (2.39%) (2.40%), P (0.16%) (0.165%), K (1.57%) (1.59%), Ca (47.34 g kg-1) (47.80 g kg-1), Mg (4.54 g kg-1) (4.57 g kg-1), Fe (120.51 g kg-1) (123.15 g kg-1) and Zn (39.00 g kg-1) (37.84 g kg-1) were noted to be significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher in plants that received 100% (were ETc (I1) and mulching with black polythene mulch (M1) treatment. Taken together, the results suggested that treatments I1 and M1 have the potential to maximize plant growth, leaf chemicals and soil nutrients of sweet orange (Citrus sinensis) cv. Mosambi plants.