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Abstract An examination of the dynamics of seed markets in Bihar, India, reveals a paradox—despite an influx of wheat varieties bred by public and private sectors and the proliferation of seed market networks in rural villages, older wheat varieties remain prevalent—necessitating a thorough investigation of the seed distribution system. Unlike most empirical studies that examine the adoption of new and improved crop varieties from a farmer's perspective, our study shifts the focus to the seed supply side. We analyse data collected from 200 private seed dealers who cater to the needs of over 163,000 farmers spread across 10 districts in Bihar. We use descriptive statistics alongside dealer-level and varietal-level regression models to examine the relationship between seed sales and varietal age. Findings indicate that the number of varieties available with a dealer (varietal richness) is positively associated with the number of seed buyers (dealer’s reach) and the total quantity of seeds sold. Private varieties are in demand despite their higher prices. Dealer-level models showed that varietal age affects neither the reach nor the sales, allowing older public-sector varieties to coexist with more recent private-sector ones. However, the varietal-level regression models show that dealers rank the new varieties higher as the ones being sold more. To explore the potential of private seed markets to reduce the proliferation of old wheat varieties that are more susceptible to evolving biotic and abiotic stress factors, we recommend strengthening the varietal registration and seed certification processes, implementing better seed traceability systems, and fostering public–private partnerships in variety development and seed dissemination. Investing in market experiments to incentivize seed dealers to engage in quality assurance can help refine strategies and ensure efficient and inclusive dissemination of promising wheat varieties.

Glassy carbon (GC) microelectrodes have been successfully used for the detection of electroactive neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin through voltammetry. However, non-electroactive neurotransmitters such as glutamate, lactate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are inherently unsuitable for detection through voltammetry techniques without functionalizing the surface of the microelectrodes. To this end, we present here the immobilization of the L-glutamate oxidase (GluOx) enzyme on the surface of GC microelectrodes to enable the catalysis of a chemical reaction between L-glutamate, oxygen, and water to produce H2O2, an electroactive byproduct that is readily detectable through voltammetry. This immobilization of GluOx on the surface of bare GC microelectrodes and the subsequent catalytic reduction in H2O2 through fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) helped demonstrate the indirect in vitro detection of glutamate, a non-electroactive molecule, at concentrations as low as 10 nM. The functionalized microelectrodes formed part of a four-channel array of microelectrodes (30 μm × 60 μm) on a 1.6 cm long neural probe that was supported on a flexible polymer, with potential for in vivo applications. The types and strengths of the bond between the GC microelectrode surface and its functional groups, on one hand, and glutamate and the immobilized functionalization matrix, on the other hand, were investigated through molecular dynamic (MD) modeling and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both MD modeling and FTIR demonstrated the presence of several covalent bonds in the form of C-O (carbon–oxygen polar covalent bond), C=O (carbonyl), C-H (alkenyl), N-H (hydrogen bond), C-N (carbon–nitrogen single bond), and C≡N (triple carbon–nitrogen bond). Further, penetration tests on an agarose hydrogel model confirmed that the probes are mechanically robust, with their penetrating forces being much lower than the fracture force of the probe material.

Context: Irrigation is a critical component in accessing the labyrinth of the pulp space. Although traditional irrigants such as sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) are widely employed, they exhibit several limitations, including cytotoxicity and complete microbial eradication. In contrast, phytochemicals derived from plants, including coffee, present promising alternatives due to their established antimicrobial properties. Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intracanal irrigants derived from locally cultivated Coffea arabica and Coffea canephora (Robusta) varieties, both recognized for their antimicrobial attributes. Subjects and Methods: A total of 70 extracted human single-rooted teeth were prepared. Coffee extracts were prepared through a decoction method, and the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of these extracts were determined using microbroth dilution assays. Microbial growth was quantitatively assessed at predetermined intervals. Results: Green Robusta extracts exhibited antimicrobial effectiveness at lower concentrations of 25% and 12.5%. All coffee extract groups demonstrated substantial reductions in microbial counts compared to the negative control, with Robusta extracts proving particularly efficacious. Notably, the Robusta green 12.5% extract exhibited sustained antimicrobial efficacy, suggesting its potential as an alternative to NaOCl. Conclusions: The findings of this study suggest a novel approach to improving endodontic therapy outcomes through the utilization of coffee extracts, potentially enhancing dental health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An examination of the dynamics of seed markets in Bihar, India, reveals a paradox—despite an influx of wheat varieties bred by public and private sectors and the proliferation of seed market networks in rural villages, older wheat varieties remain prevalent—necessitating a thorough investigation of the seed distribution system. Unlike most empirical studies that examine the adoption of new and improved crop varieties from a farmer's perspective, our study shifts the focus to the seed supply side. We analyse data collected from 200 private seed dealers who cater to the needs of over 163,000 farmers spread across 10 districts in Bihar. We use descriptive statistics alongside dealer-level and varietal-level regression models to examine the relationship between seed sales and varietal age. Findings indicate that the number of varieties available with a dealer (varietal richness) is positively associated with the number of seed buyers (dealer's reach) and the total quantity of seeds sold. Private varieties are in demand despite their higher prices. Dealer-level models showed that varietal age affects neither the reach nor the sales, allowing older public-sector varieties to coexist with more recent private-sector ones. However, the varietal-level regression models show that dealers rank the new varieties higher as the ones being sold more. To explore the potential of private seed markets to reduce the proliferation of old wheat varieties that are more susceptible to evolving biotic and abiotic stress factors, we recommend strengthening the varietal registration and seed certification processes, implementing better seed traceability systems, and fostering public–private partnerships in variety development and seed dissemination. Investing in market experiments to incentivize seed dealers to engage in quality assurance can help refine strategies and ensure efficient and inclusive dissemination of promising wheat varieties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B cell progenitors differentiate into multiple subsets with distinct functions. Here the authors analyze the epigenetic landscapes of sorted B cell subsets using multiple platforms and show that the epigenetic regulator, DNMT3A, is essential for modulating the activity of enhancers critical for B1 and B2 lineage-determining genes.

Objective(s): Photobiomodulation, also commonly referred to as low level laser therapy (LLLT), uses light energy to elicit biological responses from the cell and normalise cell function. Using LLLT on bone has been demonstrated to be effective in modulating inflammation, accelerating bone cell proliferation and enhancing the healing process. The objectives of this study were to evaluate postoperative pain and periapical healing in two different groups. Materials and Methods: 40 subjects with periapical lesion were selected and were assigned randomly into two groups. Group I: Conventional root canal therapy along with LLLT. Group II: Conventional root canal therapy only. Radiographs were obtained and assessed at baseline, 3, 6 and 9 months postoperatively. The VAS pain scale was assessed post operatively at 0, 7th and 14th day respectively. The Independent t-test was used for evaluation of the data. Results: Significant differences were noted in reduction of periapicallesion at 3 and 9 months follow-up. The healing was better in Group I that received LLLT with the conventional Root Canal Treatment (RCT). Values for postoperative pain was lower in Group I than Group II, but were statistically non-significant. Conclusion(s): LLLT when used as an adjunct with conventional root canal treatment showed acceleration of the healing process of periapical lesions. LLLT has a positive effect on modulating the immune response for favourable healing.

To contain the spread of the coronavirus, governments have instituted various stringent preventive measures including spraying disinfectants onto open spaces and people too, to reduce the spread of the virus. There is panic driving such responses especially in rural areas, where internally displaced workforces are now returning to their native villages. We seek to analyze the potential impact of such practices as a starting point for further scientific debate. We believe that findings of past studies on disinfection practices are not applicable to the spraying of open spaces or people as the conditions are totally different. We need to balance benefits with the potential for adverse risks of any public disinfection activities. As with other chemicals, spraying disinfectants into the environment is also likely to cause harm in some instances. While public authorities would wish to be seen to be doing something to reduce transmission and allay anxiety in the public, spraying disinfectant over public spaces and onto people could backfire substantially, if real or perceived adverse effects appear. Unanticipated consequences can result if consideration is not given to the Principle of Harm, which determines when Public health interventions are ethically justifiable and there is no attempt to minimize harm in the face of uncertainty. We recommend a systems approach to reporting of unintended harms from such interventions through a community based participatory process and further evaluation before implementation of such measures.

Glassy carbon (GC) microelectrodes have been successfully used for the detection of electroactive neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin through voltammetry. However, non-electroactive neurotransmitters such as glutamate, lactate, and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are inherently unsuitable for detection through voltammetry techniques without functionalizing the surface of the microelectrodes. To this end, we present here the immobilization of the L-glutamate oxidase (GluOx) enzyme on the surface of GC microelectrodes to enable the catalysis of a chemical reaction between L-glutamate, oxygen, and water to produce H2O2, an electroactive byproduct that is readily detectable through voltammetry. This immobilization of GluOx on the surface of bare GC microelectrodes and the subsequent catalytic reduction in H2O2 through fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) helped demonstrate the indirect in vitro detection of glutamate, a non-electroactive molecule, at concentrations as low as 10 nM. The functionalized microelectrodes formed part of a four-channel array of microelectrodes (30 μm × 60 μm) on a 1.6 cm long neural probe that was supported on a flexible polymer, with potential for in vivo applications. The types and strengths of the bond between the GC microelectrode surface and its functional groups, on one hand, and glutamate and the immobilized functionalization matrix, on the other hand, were investigated through molecular dynamic (MD) modeling and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Both MD modeling and FTIR demonstrated the presence of several covalent bonds in the form of C-O (carbon–oxygen polar covalent bond), C=O (carbonyl), C-H (alkenyl), N-H (hydrogen bond), C-N (carbon–nitrogen single bond), and C≡N (triple carbon–nitrogen bond). Further, penetration tests on an agarose hydrogel model confirmed that the probes are mechanically robust, with their penetrating forces being much lower than the fracture force of the probe material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Prostate cancer is the second leading malignancy in males worldwide, with a similar preponderance being seen in India. Universally, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a widely utilised resourceful screening and prognostic marker; however, few patients still present in advanced stage. Hence, it is crucial to recognise the risk groups with utility of different prognostic parameters like Gleason grade grouping apart from PSA level. Studies have validated the Grade Group (GG) as prognostic marker for Biochemical Recurrence (BR) as well as diseasespecific death of patients. Aim: To assess the usefulness of the new prostatic GG system as compared to the earlier Gleasons scoring system in prognostication, with the post therapy PSA levels being utilised as evidence of BR. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study conducted on cases received over a duration of three years from January 2017 to December 2019 in the Department of Pathology Yenepoya Medical College, Mangalore. All the prostatic carcinoma slides were reviewed and reported by histopathologists according to modified grade grouping system and College of American Pathologists protocol. All parameters were analysed in SPSS software version 23. Results: A total 72 cases (23 prostatectomy and 49 biopsy samples) were included. Majority of prostatectomy cases presented in T3b TNM stage and showed perineural invasion. Significant relationship was found between old Gleason’s Scoring (GS) system and new grade grouping with p-value of 0.05. Regression analysis reveals new GG is 15 times better than old GS reporting. Conclusion: The new grade grouping of prostatic adenocarcinoma is better than GS system in prognostication and compares well with TNM staging and perineural invasion.

Central giant cell granuloma is a benign, non odontogenic lesion accounting for fewer than 7% of all benign tumors of the jaws. It commonly occurs in anterior mandible with a female prediction in ages below 30yrs. Multiple treatment modalities have been used with varying degrees of success, there is no accepted algorithm for therapeutic intervention. Surgical treatment has been the traditional accepted modality reducing chances of recurrence. Non-surgical treatments with alpha interferon (a-IFN), calcitonin, Denosumab and corticosteroids have been described in literature as adjuvants or as definitive treatments. This case report reviews presentation and currently used therapies for CGCG while describing a uncommon case of central giant cell granuloma occurring in a 45 year old female who presented with a swelling in relation to the left edentulous mandible. Surgical curettage of the lesion along with reconstruction and local delivery of steroid in the cavity was done allowing for the best esthetic and functional result with no recurrence during follow up. Keywords: Central giant cell granuloma, Edentulous mandible, Surgical curettage, Steroids

ABSTRACT Monitoring wolf abundance is important for recovery efforts of Mexican wolves (Canis lupus baileyi) in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area in Arizona and New Mexico, USA. Although radiotelemetry has been a reliable method, collaring and tracking wolves in an expanding population will be prohibitively expensive and alternative methods to estimate abundance will become necessary. We applied 10 canid microsatellite loci to 235 Mexican wolf samples, 48 coyote (C. latrans) samples, and 14 domestic dog (C. lupus familiaris) samples to identify alleles that provide reliable separation of these species. We then evaluated an approach for prescreening, noninvasively collected DNA obtained from fecal samples to identify Mexican wolves. We generated complete genotypes for only those samples identified as probable Mexican wolves. We used these genotypes to estimate mark–recapture population estimates of Mexican wolves and compared these to known numbers of wolves in the study area. We collected fecal samples during 3 sampling periods in 2007–2008 and used Huggins‐type mark–recapture models to estimate Mexican wolf abundance. We were able to generate abundance estimates with 95% confidence for 2 of 3 sampling periods. We estimated abundance to be 10 (95% CI = 6–34) during one sampling period when the known abundance was 10 and we estimated abundance to be 9 (95% CI = 6–30) during the other sampling period when the known abundance was 10. The application of this noninvasive method to estimate Mexican wolf abundance provides an alternative monitoring tool that could be useful for long‐term monitoring of this and other recovering populations. Published 2016. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

Ameloblastoma is a common benign odontogenic tumor with multiple histologic types. This case report describes an unusual type of ameloblastoma called “Hybrid Ameloblastoma” with features of both follicular and desmoplastic ameloblastoma in a 50-year-old female. This is a very rare form of ameloblastoma as

Introduction: We present a 51 year old, African American, female who presented with persistent hypoxemia. She had been taking dapsone for many years for prophylaxis against Pneumocystic Jiroveci with no symptoms but eventually developed methemoglobinemia only after a splenectomy. From our literature review there are no documented cases that have demonstrated this relationship between dapsone, splenic function and methemoglobin and we hope to share our perplexing case and shed light on the interaction. Description: Our patient has type 1 diabetes and underwent multiple pancreas transplants and an initial kidney transplant during her disease course. One year prior to her presentation she underwent a distal pancreatectomy and an incidental splenectomy during the same procedure. She had been taking dapsone for approximately 17 years due to her allergy to sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and her immunosuppressive regimen included tacrolimus, sirolimus, and low dose prednisone. She had presented for a routine, post-surgery follow up visit when she was diagnosed with hypoxemia. After an extensive but unsuccessful work up for persistent hypoxemia, she presented to our clinic for a second opinion. Repeat testing of the arterial blood gas in clinic showed a significant methemoglobin (MHb) level of 16.6 mg/dl. Discussion: Although methemoglobinemia is a well-known risk of dapsone exposure, we report a case that suggests that splenectomy can interact with dapsone to further increase the risk of methemobloginemia. We believe that our patient did not develop methemoglobinemia initially, despite being on dapsone for many years because her spleen was able to remove older more susceptible erythrocytes from the circulation leaving the more robust younger erythrocytes. With the splenectomy, the number of older erythrocytes in the peripheral circulation increased and resulted in an accumulation of MHb leading to the low oxygen saturations. Her dapsone was immediately stopped and she was started on vitamin C with a 3 day follow up revealing resolution of her methemoglobinemia and normal oxygen saturation on room air.