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Topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors are commonly used as chemotherapy to treat multiple types of cancer, though their use is also associated with the development of therapy related acute leukemias. While the chromosome-damaging effects of etoposide, a topo II poison, have been proposed to act through a threshold mechanism, little is known about the chromosome damaging effects and dose responses for the catalytic inhibitors of the enzyme. The current study was designed to further investigate the potencies and concentration-response relationships of several topoisomerase II inhibitors, including the topoisomerase II poison etoposide, as well as catalytic inhibitors aclarubicin, merbarone, ICRF-154 and ICRF-187 using both a traditional in vitro micronucleus assay as well as a flow-cytometry based version of the assay. Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis was used to identify models that best fit the data and estimate a BMD, in this case the concentration at which a one standard deviation increase above the control frequency would be expected. All of the agents tested were potent in inducing micronuclei in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells, with significant increases seen at low micromolar, and in the cases of aclarubicin and etoposide, at low nanomolar concentrations. Use of the anti-kinetochore CREST antibody with the microscopy-based assay demonstrated that the vast majority of the micronuclei originated from chromosome breakage. In comparing the two versions of the micronucleus assay, significant increases in micronucleated cells were observed at similar or lower concentrations using the traditional microscopy-based assay. BMD modeling of the data exhibited several advantages and proved to be a valuable alternative for concentration-response analysis, producing points of departure comparable to those derived using traditional no-observed or lowest-observed genotoxic effect level (NOGEL or LOGEL) approaches.

We report evidence of spontaneous formation of a heterogeneous network of superdomains in two-dimensional square artificial spin ice nanostructures in externally applied magnetic fields. Coherent resonant soft-x-ray scattering from such textures gives rise to unique internal structure in Bragg peaks. The magnetic heterogeneity is locally disordered but has a zigzag texture at longer length scales. Our result suggests that the macroscopic magnetic texture is derived from the microscopic structure of the Dirac strings.

We report direct evidence that magnetically charged superdomain walls formspontaneously in two dimensional square artificial spin ice nanostructures inresponse to external magnetic fields. These extended magnetic defects wererevealed by the development of internal structure, which varies as a functionof applied magnetic field, within the Bragg peaks of resonant soft x-raymagnetic scattering patterns. Magnetically charged superdomain walls extendover tens of lattice sites and do not necessarily align with the applied field.Our results illustrate a novel approach to detect hierarchical magneticstructures within spin textures.

Over the past decade, regulatory authorities and water purveyors have become increasingly concerned with accidental or intentional adulteration of municipal drinking water. Emergency response guidelines, such as the ‘Do Not Consume’ or use concentration limits derived herein, can be used to notify the public in such cases. Potassium permanganate (KMnO4) is used to control iron concentrations and to reduce the levels of nuisance materials that affect odor or taste of finished drinking water. Manganese (Mn) is recognized an essential nutrient, permanganate (MnO4−) and manganous (Mn+2) ions are caustic, and the acute toxicity of KMnO4 is defined by its oxidant/irritant properties and by the toxicity of Mn. Ingestion of small amounts (4–20 mg/kg) of aqueous KMnO4 solutions that are above 200 mg/L causes gastrointestinal distress, while bolus ingestion has caused respiratory arrest following coagulative necrosis and hemorrhage in the esophagus, stomach, or liver. Dilute KMnO4 solutions (1–100 mg/L) are used as a topical antiseptics and astringents, but >1:5000 (200 mg/L) dilutions can irritate or discolor sensitive mucous membranes and direct skin or ocular contact with concentrated KMnO4 can perforate tissues. Based on clinical experience with 200 mg/L KMnO4, a Do Not Consume concentration of 7 mg/L KMnO4 (equivalent to 2 mg Mn/L) is recommended. Recognizing limited empirical data from which to calculate an ocular reference value, a skin contact ‘Do Not Use’ concentration of 30 mg Mn/L is recommended based on the skin irritation in some patients after a 10-min contact with 100 mg KMnO4/L. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Congress [PL 107-188] amended the Safe Drinking Water Act and required each community water system serving more than 3,000 people to conduct vulnerability assessments. These assessments address potential circumstances that could compromise the safety and reliability of municipal water. Ferric chloride is used in coagulation and flocculation, and it is used to treat raw water with high viral loads, elevated dissolved solids or high bromide. Iron is an essential nutrient, but elevated concentrations of FeCl3 are corrosive as a result of hydrolysis to HCl. Based on a no-observed-adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 0.5% FeCl3 • 6H2O administered in drinking water to male and female F344 rats for up to 2 years, a do not consume concentration of 200 mg FeCl3 /L can be derived. Since instillation of 0.3 M (48.7 g/L) FeCl3 in saline to rodent vagina failed to elicit damage, a topical do not use concentration of 2000 mg FeCl3/L (600 mg Fe/L) can be assigned. The only FeCl3 data available to quantify ocular toxicity involved a pH 1 solution in rabbit eyes, but HCl instillation (pH 2.5) to rabbit eyes found permanent corneal ulceration after 10 min. The pH of FeCl3 in water at the do not use limit (2.4–2.6) is near the pH (2.0) considered corrosive by regulatory agencies. As direct eye contact with water at pH 4.5 or below increases complaints of ocular discomfort, emergency response plans that address FeCl3 in drinking water must account for Fe levels and the pH of the affected water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The U.S. Congress [PL 107–188] amended the Safe Drinking Water Act and required each community water system serving more than 3,000 people to conduct vulnerability assessments. These assessments address potential circumstances that could compromise the safety and reliability of municipal water. The present evaluation concerns the concentrations of the blended phosphates (also known as polyphosphates, condensed complex phosphates, polyphosphate glassy balls, and pyrophosphates) intended to aid regulatory agencies in decisions to avoid contact with affected water. Polyphosphates are direct food additives and they are used to treat municipal drinking water, but depending upon the concentration and duration of exposure these substances can induce chemical burns. Ingested polyphosphates are degraded by phosphatase enzymes to monophosphates, substances that are over-the-counter bowel purgatives. High oral doses of the monophosphates can induce transient hyperphosphatemia in older and susceptible young people, which can lead to acute phosphate nephropathy. In some patients, the condition is fatal. Based on the acute diarrhea after the ingestion of a single oral dose of monobasic (NaH2PO4) and dibasic (Na2HPO4) monophosphates in adults, a do not consume concentration of 600 mg PO4/L can be derived. Based on mild local irritation after topical application of 1.0% sodium metaphosphate [(NaPO3)6 • H2O] to intact skin of sensitive volunteers, a do not use concentration of 8,000 mg PO4/L can be assigned. Given the lack of eye irritation in rabbits after direct instillation of 0.2% (NaPO3)6 • H2O, an acute ocular contact limit of 50 mg PO4/L serves as the overall do not use level. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on energy storage devices has focused on improving asymmetric supercapacitors (ASCs) by utilizing two different electrode materials. In this work, we have successfully prepared a unique material, ZnO/SnO 2 nanoflower, via the hydrothermal method. Graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized by applying the modified Hummers' technique. The ZnO/SnO 2 nanoflower was deposited on a polypyrrole (PPY) nanotube/graphene oxide composite (ZS/GP) in two steps: in situ chemical polymerization, followed by a hydrothermal method. Electrochemical properties of the prepared material nanocomposite were analyzed by applying cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) techniques. An asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was constructed using ZS/GP nanocomposite as the positive electrode and Caesalpinia pod-based carbonaceous material as the negative electrode material, and its performance was investigated. As a result, the fabricated ASCs were found to have an excellent specific capacitance of 165.88 F g -1 at 1.4 V, with an energy density of 5.12 W h kg -1 and a power density of 2672 W kg -1 . The prepared nanocomposite material for the ASC showed a cycle stability of 17k cycles at a current density of 5 A g -1 . This study revealed that the electrode material ZS/GP nanocomposite is highly suitable for supercapacitor applications. The ASC device's extended cycle life experiments for 17k cycles produced a coulombic efficiency of 97% and a capacitance retention of 73%, demonstrating the promising potential of the electrode materials for greener as well as efficient energy storage applications while converting abundant bio waste into effective energy., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and PEDOT-functionalized carbon nanoparticles (f-CNPs) were synthesized by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization and pyrolysis methods. f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites were prepared by varying the concentration of PEDOT from 1 to 20% by weight (i.e., 1, 2.5, 5, 10, and 20 wt%). Several characterization techniques, such as field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), N 2 Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) and Barrett-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) analyses, as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge discharge (GCD), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), were applied to investigate the morphology, the crystalline structure, the N 2 adsorption/desorption capability, as well as the electrochemical properties of these new synthesized nanocomposite materials. FESEM analysis showed that these nanocomposites have defined porous structures, and BET surface area analysis showed that the standalone f-CNP exhibited the largest surface area of 801.6 m 2 /g, whereas the f-CNP-PEDOT with 20 wt% exhibited the smallest surface area of 116 m 2 /g. The BJH method showed that the nanocomposites were predominantly mesoporous. CV, GCD, and EIS measurements showed that f-CNP functionalized with 5 wt% PEDOT had a higher capacitive performance compared to the individual f-CNPs and PEDOT constituents, exhibiting an extraordinary specific capacitance of 258.7 F/g, at a current density of 0.25 A/g, due to the combined advantage of enhanced electrochemical activity induced by PEDOT doping, and highly developed porosity of f-CNPs. Symmetric aqueous supercapacitor devices were fabricated using the optimized f-CNP-PEDOT doped with 5 wt% of PEDOT as active material, exhibiting a high capacitance of 96.7 F/g at 1.4 V, holding practically their full charge, after 10,000 charge-discharge cycles at 2 A/g, thus providing the highest electrical electrodes performance. Hereafter, this work paves the way for the potential use of f-CNP-PEDOT nanocomposites in the development of high-energy-density supercapacitors.

Pharmacological therapies are used to control Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) symptoms for a brief period, discontinuing them usually results in recurrence. Canalolith repositioning maneuvers, including Epley, Semont, and Gans maneuvers, have been recommended for treating posterior canal BPPV with a high rate of success. A prospective, quasi-randomized study was carried out to compare the efficacy of Epley, Semont, and Gans maneuvers in the treatment of posterior canal BPPV and their durability. All patients over the age of 20 who met the BPPV diagnostic criteria, regardless of gender, were included in the study. Diagnosis of BPPV was done by Dix Hallpike maneuver. Typical posterior canal BPPV, the most frequent form of BPPV, is characterized by paroxysmal nystagmus evoked through the Dix-Hallpike test; the nystagmus is torsional clockwise for the left side, counter-clockwise for the right side, with a vertical up-beating component. The patients were uniformly quasi-randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio to be treated with Epley, Semont, and Gans maneuvers. After performing the maneuver, the patients were again subjected to the Dix-Hallpike test. Based on the result of the Dix-Hallpike test's positivity, the maneuvers were repeated up to three times. All the patients were called for a reassessment 30 days after the last intervention to assess the durability of the maneuver. In the study, 54.44% (49) of the 90 patients were female, whereas 45.56% (41) were male. Overall, 83.33% (75) of patients required only one attempt, 15.56% (14) required two attempts, and 1.11% (1) required three attempts to improve. In the Epley maneuvers group, 86.66% (26) required only one attempt, 10% (3) required two attempts, and 3.33% (1) required three attempts. Similarly, 83.33% (25) required only one attempt in the Gans maneuvers group, and 16.67% (5) required two attempts. In Semont maneuver groups, 80% (24) required only one attempt, and 20% (6) required two attempts. The recurrence of the symptoms was seen in a total of 11 patients: 27.27% (3 patients) of the Epley maneuvers group, 36.36% (4 patients) of the Gans maneuvers group, and 36.36% (4 patients) of the Semont maneuvers group. All three maneuvers show equal efficacy in reducing vertigo. The Epley maneuver may be more relevant in the treatment of BPPV compared to others, considering the slightly higher improvement rate and the requirement for fewer attempts for the treatment., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestAll authors have declared that there are no conflicts of interest about the subject of this study., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a benign vasculoproliferative disorder. It usually affects young adults presenting as papules or nodules involving the skin of head and neck region and rarely involves extracutaneous sites. ALHE involving parotid is rare and can be a diagnostic dilemma as it mimics a parotid neoplasm. This is a case of a 23 year old male presenting with a recurrent swelling over the left parotid region post surgery. Ultrasonography revealed a vascular soft tissue lesion in the preauricular region suggestive of a benign lesion. Contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging showed a hyperintense lesion involving the superficial lobe of the left parotid gland. Patient underwent superficial parotidectomy and histopathologically was diagnosed to have ALHE. Very few cases have been reported and this case is highlighted as the facial nerve was enmeshed by the intraparotid lesion which was a surgical challenge., Competing Interests: Conflict of interestAll the authors declare that they have no conflict of interest., (© Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2023. Springer Nature or its licensor (e.g. a society or other partner) holds exclusive rights to this article under a publishing agreement with the author(s) or other rightsholder(s); author self-archiving of the accepted manuscript version of this article is solely governed by the terms of such publishing agreement and applicable law.)

Background: Impairments in postural sway have been identified in people with mechanical neck pain. The influence of cervical spine range of motion (ROM) on postural sway is unclear in mechanical neck pain (MNP)., Objective: This study investigated the relationship between cervical spine range of motion (ROM) and postural sway in MNP., Methods: The cervical ROM was measured using the Cervical Range of Motion (CROM) device. Standing postural sway characterised by mean centre of pressure (COP) measurements in the anterior posterior (AP) and medio-lateral direction with eyes closed and feet together condition was recorded on a posturography platform. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to identify the relationship between cervical ROM and postural sway., Results: Seventy-two MNP individuals (Mean age: 29 . 9 ± 11 . 7 ) of either sex (Male: Female = 23 : 49 ) were recruited. Overall, no statistically significant correlations were identified between cervical spine ROM in sagittal and frontal plane and postural sway ( r values ranging from 0.00 to - 0 . 38 ; p -values > 0 . 05 ). However, a weak negative correlation was present between the cervical rotation and AP ( r - value =- 0 . 23 ; p - value = 0 . 04 ) and mediolateral ( r - value =- 0 . 38 ; p - value = 0 . 01 ) COP excursion., Conclusion: The cervical spine ROM was found to have a weak relationship with postural sway in individuals with MNP. This suggests the investigation of other mechanisms especially muscle tension which might be responsible for altered postural sway in MNP., Competing Interests: Authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2023, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association.)

Magnons, quanta of spin waves, are known to enable information processing with low power consumption at the nanoscale. So far, however, experimentally realized half-adders, wave-logic, and binary output operations are based on few µm-long spin waves and restricted to one spatial direction. Here, magnons with wavelengths λ down to 50 nm in ferrimagnetic Y 3 Fe 5 O 12 below 2D lattices of periodic and aperiodic ferromagnetic nanopillars are explored. Due to their high rotational symmetries and engineered magnetic resonances, the lattices allow short-wave magnons to propagate in arbitrarily chosen on-chip directions when excited by conventional coplanar waveguides. Performing interferometry with magnons over macroscopic distances of 350 × λ without loss of coherency, unprecedentedly high extinction ratios of up to 26 (±8) dB [31 (±2) dB] for a binary 1/0 output operation at λ = 69 nm (λ = 154 nm) are achieved in this work. The reported findings and design criteria for 2D magnon interferometry are particularly important in view of the realization of complex neuronal networks recently proposed for interfering spin waves underneath nanomagnets., (© 2023 The Authors. Advanced Materials published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Statement of Problem: Determining the vertical dimension of occlusion for an edentulous patient depends on clinical judgment and the skill and experience of the dentist. Though many methods have been advocated, a universally accepted method of determining the vertical dimension of occlusion in edentulous patients is lacking., Purpose: This clinical study aimed to find a correlation between the intercondylar distance and occlusal vertical dimension in dentate individuals., Material and Methods: This study was conducted on 258 dentate individuals aged 18 to 30 years. The Denar posterior reference point was used to determine the center of the condyle. The posterior reference point was marked on either side of the face with this scale, and the intercondylar width between these 2 posterior reference points was measured with custom digital vernier calipers. A modified Willis gauge was used to measure the occlusal vertical dimension from the base of the nose to the lower border of the chin when the teeth were in maximum intercuspation. The relationship between the ICD and OVD was analyzed with the Pearson correlation test. Simple regression analysis was used to formulate a regression equation., Results: The mean intercondylar distance was 133.5 mm, and the mean occlusal vertical dimension was 55.4 mm. A statistically significant correlation (R=0.619) was found between the intercondylar distance and occlusal vertical dimension in the study population (P<.001)., Conclusions: A significant correlation was found between the intercondylar distance and occlusal vertical dimension of the participants. Occlusal vertical dimension may be predicted from the intercondylar distance by using a regression model., (Copyright © 2023 Editorial Council for the Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare lecture-based teaching and simulation-based hybrid training for ENT induction and objectively assess the performance of trainees in a simulated environment., Methods: This is a prospective interventional study that included 60 interns in their rotatory internship with no prior exposure to ENT emergencies. The interns came in batches of 5‒6 for their 15-days ENT postings. On the first day, a pre-test questionnaire, lecture-based teaching on three scenarios and then allocation into one of the three simulation groups- Group A (Tracheostomy group), Group B (Nasogastric tube group), and Group C (Epistaxis group) was done. Hands-on simulation training was given only to the assigned group. At the end of 15-days, post-test questionnaire and an objective assessment of the three scenarios in a simulated environment was conducted. The same training was repeated for each batch of participants who attended the posting., Results: The participants had significant improvement in the post-test scores in all three scenarios (p <  0.05), and these improvements were marked in those who had received simulated training. On comparing simulation scores, the participants who received hands-on training on a particular scenario outperformed other (p <  0.05)., Conclusion: Simulation-based training improves cognition and overall confidence in managing ENT skills and emergencies. In simulation training, objective and standardized assessment is the key to achieve specific learning objectives to improve the psychomotor and cognitive skill., Level of Evidence: II., (Copyright © 2022 Associação Brasileira de Otorrinolaringologia e Cirurgia Cérvico-Facial. Published by Elsevier Editora Ltda. All rights reserved.)

Aperiodicity and un-conventional rotational symmetries allow quasicrystalline structures to exhibit unusual physical and functional properties. In magnetism, artificial ferromagnetic quasicrystals exhibited knee anomalies suggesting reprogrammable magnetic properties via non-stochastic switching. However, the decisive roles of short-range exchange and long-range dipolar interactions have not yet been clarified for optimized reconfigurable functionality. We report broadband spin-wave spectroscopy and X-ray photoemission electron microscopy on different quasicrystal lattices consisting of ferromagnetic Ni 81 Fe 19 nanobars arranged on aperiodic Penrose and Ammann tilings with different exchange and dipolar interactions. We imaged the magnetic states of partially reversed quasicrystals and analyzed their configurations in terms of the charge model, geometrical frustration and the formation of flux-closure loops. Only the exchange-coupled lattices are found to show aperiodicity-specific collective phenomena and non-stochastic switching. Both, exchange and dipolarly coupled quasicrystals show magnonic excitations with narrow linewidths in minor loop measurements. Thereby reconfigurable functionalities in spintronics and magnonics become realistic., Competing Interests: Competing interestsThe authors declare no competing interests., (© The Author(s) 2023.)

Recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vectors are often produced in HEK293 or Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf)-based cell lines. We compared expression profiles of "oversized" (∼5,000 bp) and "standard-sized" (4,600 bp) rAAV5-human α1-antitrypsin (rAAV5-hA1AT) vectors manufactured in HEK293 or Sf cells and investigated molecular mechanisms mediating expression decline. C57BL/6 mice received 6 × 10 13 vg/kg of vector, and blood and liver samples were collected through week 57. For all vectors, peak expression (weeks 12-24) declined by 50% to week 57. For Sf- and HEK293-produced oversized vectors, serum hA1AT was initially comparable, but in weeks 12-57, Sf vectors provided significantly higher expression. For HEK293 oversized vectors, liver genomes decreased continuously through week 57 and significantly correlated with A1AT protein. In RNA-sequencing analysis, HEK293 vector-treated mice had significantly higher inflammatory responses in liver at 12 weeks compared with Sf vector- and vehicle-treated mice. Thus, HEK293 vector genome loss led to decreased transgene protein. For Sf-produced vectors, genomes did not decrease from peak expression. Instead, vector genome accessibility significantly decreased from peak to week 57 and correlated with transgene RNA. Vector DNA interactions with active histone marks (H3K27ac/H3K4me3) were significantly reduced from peak to week 57, suggesting that epigenetic regulation impacts transgene expression of Sf-produced vectors., Competing Interests: Declaration of interests B.H., A.M.I., L.Z., B.Y., C.K.K., L.X., C.-R.S., R.M., T.B., N.L.M., M.X.D., E.P., V.S.B., S. Bullens, S. Bunting, and S.F. are employees and stockholders of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. S.S. and R.D.A. are former employees of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. and may hold stock., (Copyright © 2022 BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The current work explores the adsorptive efficiency of carbon nanospheres (CNSs) derived from oil palm leaves (OPL) that are a source of biowaste. CNSs were synthesized at 400, 600, 800 and 1000 °C, and those obtained at 1000 °C demonstrated maximum removal efficiency of ~91% for malachite green (MG). Physicochemical and microscopic characteristics were analysed by FESEM, TEM, FTIR, Raman, TGA and XPS studies. The presence of surface oxygen sites and the porosity of CNSs synergistically influenced the speed of removal of MG, brilliant green (BG) and Congo red (CR) dyes. With a minimal adsorbent dosage (1 mg) and minimum contact time (10 min), and under different pH conditions, adsorption was efficient and cost-effective (nearly 99, 91 and 88% for BG, MG and CR, respectively). The maximum adsorption capacities of OPL-based CNSs for BG were 500 and 104.16 mg/g for MG and 25.77 mg/g for CR. Adsorption isotherms (Freundlich, Langmuir and Temkin) and kinetics models (pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and Elovich) for the adsorption processes of all three dyes on the CNSs were explored in detail. BG and CR adsorption the Freundlich isotherm best, while MG showed a best fit to the Temkin model. Adsorption kinetics of all three dyes followed a pseudo-second-order model. A reusability study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of CNSs in removing the MG dye and showed ~92% efficiency even after several cycles. Highly efficient CNSs with surface oxygen groups and speedy removal of organic dyes within 10 min by CNSs are highlighted in this paper.

In the modern era of virtual computers over the notional environment of computer networks, the protection of influential documents is a major concern. To bring out this motto, digital watermarking with biometric features plays a crucial part. It utilizes advanced technology of cuffing data into digital media, i.e., text, image, video, or audio files. The strategy of cuffing an image inside another image by applying biometric features namely signature and fingerprint using watermarking techniques is the key purpose of this study. To accomplish this, a combined watermarking strategy consisting of Discrete Wavelet Transform, Discrete Cosine Transform, and Singular Value Decomposition (DWT-DCT-SVD) is projected for authentication of image that is foolproof against attacks. Here, singular values of watermark1 (fingerprint) and watermark2 (signature) are obtained by applying DWT-DCT-SVD. Affixing both the singular values of watermarks, we acquire the transformed watermark. Later, the same is applied to cover image to extract the singular values. Then we add these values to the cover image and transformed watermark to obtain a final watermarked image containing both signature and fingerprint. To upgrade the reliability, sturdiness, and originality of the image, a fusion of watermarking techniques along with dual biometric features is exhibited. The experimental results conveyed that the proposed scheme achieved an average PSNR value of about 40 dB, an average SSIM value of 0.99, and an embedded watermark resilient to various attacks in the watermarked image., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Bhargavi Mokashi et al.)

Biowaste based nanoadsorbents have gained much attention in the recent times for wastewater decolourization owing to their low cost, high surface area and high adsorption capacities. In the present research, garlic peel based nanoparticles (GCNP) were synthesized at different temperatures by a one step pyrolytic green approach for the effective removal of cationic dye, malachite green from the aqueous medium. The surface properties of Garlic nanoparticles were elucidated by N 2 adsorption- desorption and all the GCNP samples were found to exhibit Type IV(a) isotherm indicating the presence of mesopores in carbon matrix. Using BET calculations, highest surface area (380 m 2 /g) was obtained for GCNP synthesized at 1000 ◦ C. Characterization of nanoparticles was done by XRD, EDAX, SEM and FTIR studies before and after the dye treatment. Adsorption studies conducted using different parameters like contact time, concentration and pH and dosage of adsorbent showed removal efficiency above 90% for the contact time of 70 min. Best adsorption experimental results were obtained for GCNP synthesized at 1000 °C ascribable to its high surface area, higher total pore volume (0.26 cm 2 /g) and higher carbon content. Four adsorption isotherm models were used to validate batch equillibrium studies and the results showed data in good agreement with Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms with maximum Langmuir adsorbtion capactiy to be 373.7 mg/g. Kinetic modelling of the data showed best fit with the Pseudo second order model with rate constant value of 48.726 g mg -1  min -1 . Regenerative studies were conducted conducted upto 6 cycles. Also the GC nanoparticles were tested for their compatibility in membrane form wherein, removal efficiency results were obtained for GCNP anchored in polyvinyl difluoride (PVDF) and polysulfone (PSF) membrane matrix for dye adsorption., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Background and Objectives: Fluoride varnishes are being used to prevent caries in children. The high concentration of fluoride in varnishes apart from caries prevention may cause changes in surface properties of esthetic restorations. The study aims to evaluate and compare the effect of four commercially available fluoride varnishes with added calcium and phosphate on microhardness of three esthetic materials namely conventional GIC (Fuji II), high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX), and nanocomposite (Filtek Z350)., Materials and Methods: A total of 28 pellets were made of each material and stored in distilled water at 37 °C for 48 hours. The microhardness of the pellets was tested which served as a baseline. These were then randomly divided into four subgroups. In one subgroup Profluorid varnish was applied, second subgroup MI varnish was applied, third subgroup Embrace varnish was applied, and in the fourth subgroup Enamel Pro varnish was applied as per protocol. Thereafter, all the pellets were subjected to microhardness testing (load = 100 g for 15 seconds)., Results: The fluoride varnishes increased the microhardness of conventional GIC (Fuji II) whereas in case of high viscosity GIC (Fuji IX) the application of varnishes reduced the microhardness. In case of nanocomposite restorative material (Filtek Z350) only Profluorid varnish increased its microhardness., Conclusion: Fluoride varnish and calcium-phosphate containing fluoride varnish effect on the microhardness of restorative material is material dependent. So, the choice of fluoride varnish with or without proprietary additives depends on the nature and composition of the restorative material., How to Cite This Article: Shetty RS, Bhat SS, HK Sundeep, et al. Effect of Fluoride-based Varnishes with Added Calcium and Phosphate on Microhardness of Esthetic Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):187-193., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2022; The Author(s).)

Quantifying the composition of viral vectors used in vaccine development and gene therapy is critical for assessing their functionality. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, which are the most widely used viral vectors for in vivo gene therapy, are typically characterized using PCR, ELISA, and analytical ultracentrifugation which require laborious protocols or hours of turnaround time. Emerging methods such as charge-detection mass spectroscopy, static light scattering, and mass photometry offer turnaround times of minutes for measuring AAV mass using optical or charge properties of AAV. Here, we demonstrate an orthogonal method where suspended nanomechanical resonators (SNR) are used to directly measure both AAV mass and aggregation from a few microliters of sample within minutes. We achieve a precision near 10 zeptograms which corresponds to 1% of the genome holding capacity of the AAV capsid. Our results show the potential of our method for providing real-time quality control of viral vectors during biomanufacturing.

Using total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) measurements as a tool for assessing potential human health risks associated with exposures to petroleum products in the environment poses unique challenges, as TPH represents highly variable and complex mixtures containing hundreds of individual chemicals with wide-ranging chemical and physical properties. Current risk assessment practice generally involves analysis of environmental samples for various TPH fractions and summation of risk across those fractions. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) derived provisional toxicity criteria for low, medium, and high carbon range aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions over a decade ago. These criteria have been used, in whole or in part, to derive risk-based cleanup levels for TPH contamination in soil and groundwater. Herein, we evaluate and update oral and inhalation toxicity criteria for two of these fractions - medium carbon range aromatics and aliphatics - using, where applicable, newer data, updated modeling techniques, and new/alternative analyses of certain endpoints, human relevance, and uncertainty. The results of the analyses support an ~10-fold increase in the USEPA provisional reference concentration ( p -RfC) values from 0.1 mg/m 3 to 1 mg/m 3 for both medium carbon range aromatics (different uncertainty factor) and aliphatics (new study and different judgment of toxicity data from existing study). Compared to the USEPA provisional oral reference dose ( p -RfD) values for the medium carbon range aromatics and aliphatics of 0.03 mg/kg-day and 0.01 mg/kg-day, respectively, the present analyses suggest the RfD for medium carbon range aromatics could be increased >6.6-fold to 0.2 mg/kg-day (updated modeling and different uncertainty factors), and the RfD for medium carbon range aliphatics could be increased ~20-fold to 0.2 mg/kg-day (new study). These updated toxicity criteria could be used by regulatory agencies to reevaluate risk-based screening levels or by risk managers to support cleanup levels for medium carbon range aromatics and aliphatics, while still ensuring adequate health protection. Implications : Petroleum products represent complex mixtures of hydrocarbons broadly comprised of aliphatic compounds (straight-chain, branched-chain, and cyclic alkanes and alkenes) and aromatic compounds such as benzene, alkylbenzenes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The complex nature of petroleum products presents challenges for assessing potential health risks associated with exposure to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in the environment. It has been over ten years since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency derived provisional toxicity criteria for low, medium, and high carbon range aromatic and aliphatic hydrocarbon fractions. In that time, risk assessment guidance and tools have evolved, and new studies have been published. Our analyses indicate that current provisional toxicity criteria for medium carbon range aromatics and aliphatics fractions are overly conservative by approximately an order of magnitude.

Electrochemically deposited ZnO nanoparticles on a pencil graphite electrode (PGE) coated with graphene generate a noteworthy conductive and selective electrochemical sensing electrode for the estimation of cortisol. Electrochemical techniques such as cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis and electrochemical impedance spectroscopic (EIS) tests were adopted to analyze and understand the nature of the modified sensor. Surface morphological analysis was done using various spectroscopic and microscopic techniques like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Structural characterization was conducted by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The effect of scan rate, concentration, and cycle numbers was optimized and reported. Differential pulse voltammetric (DPV) analysis reveals that the linear range for the detection of cortisol is 5 × 10 -10 M - 115 × 10 -10 M with a very low-level limit of detection value (0.15 nM). The demonstrated methodology has been excellently functional for the determination of salivary cortisol non-enzymatically at low-level concentration with enhanced selectivity despite the presence of interfering substances., Competing Interests: The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Introduction  Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) is one of the common disorders of the peripheral vestibular system. The prevalence of BPPV is found to be higher among middle-aged women. Objectives  To estimate the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D in patients with BPPV, and to study their association. Methods  The present is a hospital-based prospective case-control study. Venous blood samples of the 49 patients with BPPV and an equal number of age- and gender-matched individuals were recruited and submitted to an analysis of the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D. Results  Among the cases, 67.3% were found to be females, and 32.7% were males. Most of the 30 cases (61.3%) were aged > 40 years. The mean age of the cases was 44.39 years. The mean serum level of vitamin D in the cases was of 21.26 ng/ml compared with 17.59 ng/ml in the controls. The mean serum level of calcium was of 9.33 mg/dl in the cases, compared with 8.95 mg/dl in the controls. There was no significant difference in the serum levels of vitamin D and calcium between cases and controls. Conclusion  We could not establish any correlation between the serum levels of calcium and vitamin D with BPPV. However, a negative relationship was found between the serum levels of vitamin D and the number of episodes of BPPV ( p  = 0.012)., Competing Interests: Conflict of Interests The authors have no conflict of intersts to declare., (Fundação Otorrinolaringologia. This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonDerivative-NonCommercial License, permitting copying and reproduction so long as the original work is given appropriate credit. Contents may not be used for commecial purposes, or adapted, remixed, transformed or built upon. ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/ ).)

Introduction: Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a common IgE -mediated inflammatory condition characterised by sneezing, nasal congestion, itching and rhinorrhoea. Nasal allergy is a strong risk factor for the onset of asthma in adults. Bronchial hyper-responsiveness (BHR) is a distinct feature of pathophysiology in asthma. Spirometric parameters like Forced Expiratory Volume in first second [FEV1] and Forced Expiratory Flow [FEF 25-75% ] are known to be impaired in patients with allergic rhinitis. We studied these parameters in subjects of AR who have never experienced any chest symptoms. It is well known that, subjects with allergic rhinitis are at greater risk of developing overt bronchial asthma in future., Methods: All patients presented with symptoms of allergic rhinitis without history of bronchial asthma were included. Patients those who were clinically diagnosed with allergic rhinitis were evaluated with absolute eosinophilic count, serum IgE and Spirometric assessment. In spirometry, post bronchodilator FEV1 reversibility and post bronchodilator FEF 25-75% values were used to assess lower airway abnormalities., Results: Among 61 subjects, 32 were males and 29 were females. The maximum numbers [28] of patients were in 21-35 age group. Absolute eosinophil count was elevated in 38% of patients. 33% of patients showed elevated IgE values above 1000. 43% of patients showed FEV1 reversibility which is a sign of Bronchial hyperreactivity. 5% of patients showed impaired post bronchodilator FEF 25-75% which indicates presence of small airway disease. There was significant correlation between FEV1 reversibility and elevated IgE., Conclusion: Impaired spirometric parameters indicate coexistence of bronchial impairment and hence predisposition to progression from allergic rhinitis alone to overt asthma in future. Thus careful evaluation of lower airway has to be done to rule out coexisting subclinical asthma., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest., (© 2021 Published by Elsevier Ltd.)

The Toxicology Forum convened an international state-of-the-science workshop Assessing Chemical Carcinogenicity: Hazard Identification, Classification, and Risk Assessment in December 2020. Challenges related to assessing chemical carcinogenicity were organized under the topics of (1) problem formulation; (2) modes-of-action; (3) dose-response assessment; and (4) the use of new approach methodologies (NAMs). Key topics included the mechanisms of genotoxic and non-genotoxic carcinogenicity and how these in conjunction with consideration of exposure conditions might inform dose-response assessments and an overall risk assessment; approaches to evaluate the human relevance of modes-of-action observed in rodent studies; and the characterization of uncertainties. While the scientific limitations of the traditional rodent chronic bioassay were widely acknowledged, knowledge gaps that need to be overcome to facilitate the further development and uptake of NAMs were also identified. Since one single NAM is unlikely to replace the bioassay, activities to combine NAMs into integrated approaches for testing and assessment, or preferably into defined approaches for testing and assessment that include data interpretation procedures, were identified as urgent research needs. In addition, adverse outcome pathway networks can provide a framework for organizing the available evidence/data for assessing chemical carcinogenicity. Since a formally accepted decision tree to guide use of the best and most current science to advance carcinogenicity risk assessment is currently unavailable, a Decision Matrix for carcinogenicity assessment could be useful. The workshop organizers developed and presented a decision matrix to be considered within a carcinogenicity hazard and risk assessment that is offered in tabular form.

Objective: Dilated common bile duct (CBD) (8-15 mm) with normal liver function tests is seen not infrequently, while management of such patients is ambiguous. We propose a treatment algorithm for this cohort of patients after observing them over a period of 8 years., Methods: Seventy-eight such patients were managed from 2009 to 2017 and categorized as: Group A-dilated CBD with post-cholecystectomy status (n = 15); B-dilated CBD with cholelithiasis (n = 34); C-dilated CBD without cholelithiasis (n = 16); D-dilated CBD with no cause identified and underwent CBD excision (n = 13). Causes for CBD dilatation were evaluated. The outcome of patients in Group B + C without any cause (n = 33) was compared with Group D., Result: Median age, CBD diameter, bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase were 51 years (13-79), 10 mm (8-20), 0.6 mg/dl (0.2-2.5) and 126 IU (60-214), respectively. Group-A patients who did not manifest any cause of CBD dilatation were managed conservatively. The aetiology was identified in 17/50 patients in Group B & C [acute pancreatitis (n = 6), passed CBD calculi (n = 3), perivaterian diverticulum (n = 3), viral aetiology (n = 4) and tumour (n-1)]. In Group-C, 7 patients with no obvious cause underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy, pancreatoduodenectomy (n = 1), and the rest were managed conservatively (n = 8). There was no significant difference in the complication between Group B + C (without any cause) and Group D (3/33 vs. 1/13; p = 0.58) at a median follow-up of 72 months (30-90)., Conclusion: Dilated CBD with normal LFT's without apparent cause is mostly benign and of no consequence. Excision of the CBD is not required for most of these patients., (© 2021. Société Internationale de Chirurgie.)

Quasicrystals are aperiodically ordered structures with unconventional rotational symmetry. Their peculiar features have been explored in photonics to engineer bandgaps for light waves. Magnons (spin waves) are collective spin excitations in magnetically ordered materials enabling non-charge-based information transmission in nanoscale devices. Here, we report on a two-dimensional magnonic quasicrystal formed by aperiodically arranged nanotroughs in ferrimagnetic yttrium iron garnet. By phase-resolved spin wave imaging at gigahertz frequencies, multidirectional emission from a microwave antenna is evidenced, allowing for a quasicontinuous radial magnon distribution, not observed in reference measurements on a periodic magnonic crystal. We observe partial forbidden gaps, which are consistent with analytical calculations and indicate band formation as well as a modified magnon density of states due to backfolding at pseudo-Brillouin zone boundaries. The findings promise as-desired filters and magnonic waveguides reaching out in a multitude of directions of the aperiodic lattice., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors, some rights reserved; exclusive licensee American Association for the Advancement of Science. No claim to original U.S. Government Works. Distributed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 (CC BY).)

Porous carbon nanospheres were synthesized from agro-waste garlic peels by a one-pot facile and easy to scale-up pyrolysis method. Surface morphology and structural features of the nanospheres have been studied by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and N 2 adsorption desorption experiments were explored to detect surface functionality, surface area, and porosity. Average particle diameter of the synthesized nanospheres was 31 ± 6.3 nm and zeta potential of - 25.2 mV ± 1.75 mV. Nanoscale carbon was mesoporous in nature with type IV isotherms, mean pore diameter of 15.2 nm, and total pore volume of 0.032 cm 3 /g. Minimum inhibitory concentration and minimum bactericidal concentration values of carbon nanospheres against Escherichia coli are 480 ± 0.5 μg/ml and 495 ± 0.5 μg/ml, respectively. Synthesized nanospheres exhibited gram-selective antimicrobial action against Escherichia coli probably linked to membrane deformity due to interaction of nanocarbon with the bacterial membrane. Carbon nanospheres resulting from waste to wealth transformation emerged as promising candidates for antibacterial application. Graphical abstract.

Purpose: The current in vitro study was conducted to assess the remineralization potential of CPP-ACP and a customized dentifrice (tricalcium-phosphate) on artificial carious lesions using DIAGNOdent., Materials and Methods: Fifty-one extracted premolars that satisfied the inclusion criteria were painted using acid-resistant nail varnish. A window of 4 × 4 mm was exposed on the center of the buccal surface of each tooth. After 20 minutes of drying, the baseline reading of enamel specimens was assessed using DIAGNOdent. The teeth were then immersed in a bath of demineralizing solution. An incubation period of 96 hours at 37°C resulted in artificial caries-like lesions on the specimen. Readings of the specimen within the window after demineralization were recorded using DIAGNOdent for all the samples. The specimens were divided into three groups randomly [group I-casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP), group II-customized dentifrice, group III-artificial saliva]. Samples were subjected to the daily treatment regimen for a period of 30 days. The samples were evaluated for remineralization by laser fluorescent device (DIAGNOdent) on the 15th and 30th day, respectively., Results: The statistical analysis was done using the Friedman test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Wilcoxon sign rank test, and Mann-Whitney test. The results showed that both CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice showed almost similar remineralization potential but CPP-ACP showed significant remineralization ( p < 0.001)., Conclusion: The DIAGNOdent observation conclusively proves that CPP-ACP and customized dentifrice remineralizes the demineralized tooth samples in vitro with CPP-ACP showing significant remineralization., How to Cite This Article: Arjun DS, Bhat SS, Hegde SK, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Two Remineralizing Agents on Artificial Carious Lesion Using DIAGNOdent. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(2):192-195., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None, (Copyright © 2021; Jaypee Brothers Medical Publishers (P) Ltd.)

Adeno associated virus (AAV) capsids are a leading modality for in vivo gene delivery. Complete and precise characterization of capsid particles, including capsid and vector genome concentration, is necessary to safely and efficaciously dose patients. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled to multiangle light scattering (MALS) offers a straightforward approach to comprehensively characterize AAV capsids. The current study demonstrates that this method provides detailed AAV characterization information, including but not limited to aggregation profile, size-distribution, capsid content, capsid molar mass, encapsidated DNA molar mass, and total capsid and vector genome titer. Currently, multiple techniques are required to generate this information, with varying accuracy and precision. In the current study, a new series of equations for SEC-MALS are used in tandem with intrinsic properties of the capsids and encapsidated DNA to quantify multiple physical AAV attributes in one 20-min run with minimal sample manipulation, high accuracy, and high precision. These novel applications designate this well-established method as a powerful tool for product development and process analytics in future gene therapy programs.

Biomass-based carbon nanospheres derived from Mimosa pudica (commonly called "Touch-me-not") smeared on carbon fiber paper have been used as a host matrix for electrochemical deposition of palladium nanoparticles. The physicochemical characterization of modified electrodes was performed by field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to study the electroanalytical properties of the electrodes. The modified electrode demostrated an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the oxidation of a flavonoid, morin, which gave a sensitive anodic peak at -0.30 V (vs SCE). An ultralow-level detection limit of 572 fM with a linear dynamic range of 37.50-130 pM was achieved. The proposed electrochemical sensor was successfully employed for the analysis of morin in mulberry and guava leaves. This is a sustainable engineering approach where a perfect unique host matrix is created using carbon nanospheres from biomass.

We investigate spin dynamics of microstates in artificial spin ice (ASI) in Ni&#95;{81}Fe&#95;{19} nanomagnets arranged in an interconnected kagome lattice using microfocus Brillouin light scattering, broadband ferromagnetic resonance, magnetic force microscopy, x-ray photoemission electron microscopy, and simulations. We experimentally reconfigure microstates in ASI using a 2D vector field protocol and apply microwave-assisted switching to intentionally trigger reversal. Our work is key for the creation of avalanches inside the kagome ASI and reprogrammable magnonics based on ASIs.

Small intestinal (SI) tumors are relatively uncommon outcomes in rodent cancer bioassays, and limited information regarding chemical-induced SI tumorigenesis has been reported in the published literature. Herein, we propose a cytotoxicity-mediated adverse outcome pathway (AOP) for SI tumors by leveraging extensive target species- and site-specific molecular, cellular, and histological mode of action (MOA) research for three reference chemicals, the fungicides captan and folpet and the transition metal hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)). The gut barrier functions through highly efficient homeostatic regulation of SI epithelial cell sloughing, regenerative proliferation, and repair, which involves the replacement of up to 10 11 cells per day. This dynamic turnover in the SI provides a unique local environment for a cytotoxicity mediated AOP/MOA. Upon entering the duodenum, cytotoxicity to the villous epithelium is the molecular initiating event, as indicated by crypt elongation, villous atrophy/blunting, and other morphologic changes. Over time, the regenerative capacity of the gut epithelium to compensate declines as epithelial loss accelerates, especially at higher exposures. The first key event (KE), sustained regenerative crypt proliferation/hyperplasia, requires sufficient durations, likely exceeding 6 or 12 months, due to extensive repair capacity, to create more opportunities for the second KE, spontaneous mutation/transformation, ultimately leading to proximal SI tumors. Per OECD guidance, biological plausibility, essentiality, and empirical support were assessed using modified Bradford Hill considerations. The weight-of-evidence also included a lack of induced mutations in the duodenum after up to 90 days of Cr(VI) or captan exposure. The extensive evidence for this AOP, along with the knowledge that human exposures are orders of magnitude below those associated with KEs in this AOP, supports its use for regulatory applications, including hazard identification and risk assessment.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding RNA species that play key roles in post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. MiRNAs also serve as a promising source of early biomarkers for different environmental exposures and health effects, although there is limited information linking miRNA changes to specific target pathways. In this study, we measured liver miRNAs in male B6C3F1 mice exposed to a known chemical activator of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) pathway, di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), for 7 and 28 days at concentrations of 0, 750, 1500, 3000, or 6000 ppm in feed. At the highest dose tested, DEHP altered 61 miRNAs after 7 days and 171 miRNAs after 28 days of exposure, with 48 overlapping miRNAs between timepoints. Analysis of these 48 common miRNAs indicated enrichment in PPARα-related targets and other pathways related to liver injury and cancer. Four of the 10 miRNAs exhibiting a clear dose trend were linked to the PPARα pathway: mmu-miRs-125a-5p, -182-5p, -20a-5p, and -378a-3p. mmu-miRs-182-5p and -378a-3p were subsequently measured using digital drop PCR across a dose range for DEHP and two related phthalates with weaker PPARα activity, di -n- octyl phthalate and n-butyl benzyl phthalate, following 7-day exposures. Analysis of mmu-miRs-182-5p and -378a-3p by transcriptional benchmark dose analysis correctly identified DEHP as having the greatest potency. However, benchmark dose estimates for DEHP based on these miRNAs (average 163; range 126-202 mg/kg-day) were higher on average than values for PPARα target genes (average 74; range 29-183 mg/kg-day). These findings identify putative miRNA biomarkers of PPARα pathway activity and suggest that early miRNA changes may be used to stratify chemical potency., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Occurrence of stem cells (CSCs) in cancer is well established in last two decades. These rare cells share several properties including presence of common surface markers, stem cell markers, chemo- and radio- resistance and are highly metastatic in nature; thus, considered as valuable prognostic and therapeutic targets in cancer. However, the studies related to CSCs pave number of issues due to rare cell population and difficulties in their isolation ascribed to common stem cell marker. Various techniques including flow cytometry, laser micro-dissection, fluorescent nanodiamonds and microfluidics are used for the isolation of these rare cells. In this review, we have included the advance strategies adopted for the isolation of CSCs using above mentioned techniques. Furthermore, CSCs are primarily found in the core of the solid tumors and their microenvironment plays an important role in maintenance, self-renewal, division and tumor development. Therefore, in vivo tracking and model development become obligatory for functional studies of CSCs. Fluorescence and bioluminescence tagging has been widely used for transplantation assay and lineage tracking experiments to improve our understanding towards CSCs behaviour in their niche. Techniques such as Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Positron emission tomography (PET) have proved useful for tracking of endogenous CSCs which could be helpful in their identification in clinical settings.

Topoisomerase II (topo II) inhibitors are commonly used as chemotherapy to treat multiple types of cancer, though their use is also associated with the development of therapy related acute leukemias. While the chromosome-damaging effects of etoposide, a topo II poison, have been proposed to act through a threshold mechanism, little is known about the chromosome damaging effects and dose responses for the catalytic inhibitors of the enzyme. The current study was designed to further investigate the potencies and concentration-response relationships of several topoisomerase II inhibitors, including the topoisomerase II poison etoposide, as well as catalytic inhibitors aclarubicin, merbarone, ICRF-154 and ICRF-187 using both a traditional in vitro micronucleus assay as well as a flow-cytometry based version of the assay. Benchmark dose (BMD) analysis was used to identify models that best fit the data and estimate a BMD, in this case the concentration at which a one standard deviation increase above the control frequency would be expected. All of the agents tested were potent in inducing micronuclei in human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells, with significant increases seen at low micromolar, and in the cases of aclarubicin and etoposide, at low nanomolar concentrations. Use of the anti-kinetochore CREST antibody with the microscopy-based assay demonstrated that the vast majority of the micronuclei originated from chromosome breakage. In comparing the two versions of the micronucleus assay, significant increases in micronucleated cells were observed at similar or lower concentrations using the traditional microscopy-based assay. BMD modeling of the data exhibited several advantages and proved to be a valuable alternative for concentration-response analysis, producing points of departure comparable to those derived using traditional no-observed or lowest-observed genotoxic effect level (NOGEL or LOGEL) approaches., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Dietary supplements are regulated by the U.S. FDA as a subset of foods. Most botanical dietary ingredients do not have pesticide tolerances, resulting in the enforcement of zero tolerance or general maximum residue limits (GMRL), rather than utilizing science-informed tolerances. In the current study, chemical-specific maximum allowable levels (MALs) were derived for 185 pesticides by converting existing, authoritative-body human health effects criteria. MALs were derived for 96% of pesticides using criteria established by the U.S. EPA. If multiple authoritative-bodies had established human health effects criteria, the most scientifically-defensible criteria was selected, taking into consideration both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic endpoints. Five pesticides (o-phenylphenol, pirimicarb, oxadixyl, tetradifon, o,p'-DDT), lacking criteria established by the U.S. EPA had criteria established by other authoritative-bodies that were utilized in the derivation of MALs. Two pesticides did not have any established human health effects criteria (o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDE). In total, MALs were derived from existing criteria for over 98% of the pesticides in the present study. Consequently, it is demonstrated that human health effects criteria derived by authoritative-bodies can be effectively utilized to derive chemical-specific, science-informed MALs applicable to all food commodities, including botanical ingredients, thereby, minimizing reliance on precautionary zero tolerance and GMRLs., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The application of chemical-specific toxicokinetic or toxicodynamic data to address interspecies differences and human variability in the quantification of hazard has potential to reduce uncertainty and better characterize variability compared with the use of traditional default or categorically-based uncertainty factors. The present review summarizes the state-of-the-science since the introduction of the World Health Organization/International Programme on Chemical Safety (WHO/IPCS) guidance on chemical-specific adjustment factors (CSAF) in 2005 and the availability of recent applicable guidance including the WHO/IPCS guidance on physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling in 2010 as well as the U.S. EPA guidance on data-derived extrapolation factors in 2014. A summary of lessons learned from an analysis of more than 100 case studies from global regulators or published literature illustrates the utility and evolution of CSAF in regulatory decisions. Challenges in CSAF development related to the adequacy of, or confidence in, the supporting data, including verification or validation of PBPK models. The analysis also identified issues related to adequacy of CSAF documentation, such as inconsistent terminology and often limited and/or inconsistent reporting, of both supporting data and/or risk assessment context. Based on this analysis, recommendations for standardized terminology, documentation and relevant interdisciplinary research and engagement are included to facilitate the continuing evolution of CSAF development and guidance.

Aim: To compare the acidogenic potential of plain milk, milk with sugar, milk with cornflakes, and milk cornflakes with sugar by assessing the salivary pH., Materials and Methods: The study was carried out on 40 school children of 8 to 12 years; 20 boys and 20 girls were randomly selected. The salivary pH was assessed before and after the consumption of milk; milk and sugar; milk and cornflakes; and milk, sugar, and cornflakes. Baseline unstimulated saliva was collected in sterile plastic tube and the pH was recorded. The change in the salivary pH from the respective groups after consuming the test meal was recorded as follows: (1) after 5 minutes; (2) after 10 minutes; (3) after 15 minutes; (4) after 30 minutes; (5) 120 minutes. Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences 18.0 (SPSS)., Results: The average baseline salivary pH among all the groups was 7.26. A fall in pH at 5 minutes was seen in all the four groups. However, at different time intervals 5, 10, 15, 30, and 120 minutes, the pH values between the groups showed a significant difference at p < 00.7, 0.005, 0.001, 0.010, and 0.028 respectively., Conclusion: The fall in pH in all the groups was not significant to a limit of critical pH. Milk when added with sugar and/or cornflakes as a meal did not pose a threat as there was not significant decrease in pH., How to Cite This Article: Bhat SS, Hegde SK, Bhat VS, Ramya KM, Jodalli PS. Acidogenic Potential of Plain Milk, Milk with Sugar, Milk with Cornflakes, and Milk Cornflakes with Sugar: A Comparative Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2016;9(3):218-221., Competing Interests: Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None

We have used scanning electron microscopy with polarization analysis and photoemission electron microscopy to image the two-dimensional magnetization of permalloy films patterned into Penrose P2 tilings (P2T). The interplay of exchange interactions in asymmetrically coordinated vertices and short-range dipole interactions among connected film segments stabilize magnetically ordered, spatially distinct sublattices that coexist with frustrated sublattices at room temperature. Numerical simulations that include long-range dipole interactions between sublattices agree with images of as-grown P2T samples and predict a magnetically ordered ground state for a two-dimensional quasicrystal lattice of classical Ising spins.

Current strategies for predicting adverse health outcomes of environmental chemicals are centered on early key events in toxicity pathways. However, quantitative relationships between early molecular changes in a given pathway and later health effects are often poorly defined. The goal of this study was to evaluate short-term key event indicators using qualitative and quantitative methods in an established pathway of mouse liver tumorigenesis mediated by peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα). Male B6C3F1 mice were exposed for 7 days to di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), di-n-octyl phthalate (DNOP), and n-butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP), which vary in PPARα activity and liver tumorigenicity. Each phthalate increased expression of select PPARα target genes at 7 days, while only DEHP significantly increased liver cell proliferation labeling index (LI). Transcriptional benchmark dose (BMDT) estimates for dose-related genomic markers stratified phthalates according to hypothetical tumorigenic potencies, unlike BMDs for non-genomic endpoints (relative liver weights or proliferation). The 7-day BMDT values for Acot1 as a surrogate measure for PPARα activation were 29, 370, and 676 mg/kg/day for DEHP, DNOP, and BBP, respectively, distinguishing DEHP (liver tumor BMD of 35 mg/kg/day) from non-tumorigenic DNOP and BBP. Effect thresholds were generated using linear regression of DEHP effects at 7 days and 2-year tumor incidence values to anchor early response molecular indicators and a later phenotypic outcome. Thresholds varied widely by marker, from 2-fold (Pdk4 and proliferation LI) to 30-fold (Acot1) induction to reach hypothetical tumorigenic expression levels. These findings highlight key issues in defining thresholds for biological adversity based on molecular changes., (Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the Society of Toxicology 2015. This work is written by US Government employees and is in the public domain in the US.)