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Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted a rapid shift from in-person to virtual learning in dental education. This study aims to assess the perceptions of virtual education learning among dental residents and faculty and employ regulatory focus theory (RFT) to understand the impact of motivational orientations on virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In total, 46 dental residents and 10 faculty members in a dental institution participated in the study (June–August 2021). Questionnaires were used to obtain data on demographics, perceptions of virtual learning, burnout, and RFT types (promotion and prevention focus). Multiple regression analyses were used to examine factors associated with perceptions of virtual learning and burnout. Results: Overall, 70% of residents and 44% of faculty found virtual learning effective. Younger residents with less experience preferred virtual learning more than their older, experienced peers. Residents trained outside the U.S. and Canada favored in-person learning more than those trained within. Furthermore, residents with a higher promotion focus score found virtual learning more interactive for didactic courses. Additionally, 52% of residents experienced burnout, with a higher incidence among females (p = 0.044). Conclusions: Virtual learning is well received by dental residents and faculty, with potential for continued use post-pandemic. Future efforts should focus on creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment that meets the motivational and well-being needs of dental residents and faculty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the functionalized ligand 2-(imidazole-1-yl)terephthalic acid was obtained by grafting an imidazole group onto 2-bromoterephthalic acid. Then, defective MOFs were synthesized with Hf ions and the ligand in the presence of monocarboxylic acid acting as a modulator, and NHC (nitrogen heterocyclic carbene)–CO2 adducts were grafted onto the Hf-based MOFs to catalyze the cycloaddition reaction of epoxides with CO2 to produce cyclic carbonates under green conditions of ambient pressure and being solvent- and cocatalyst-free. The mesopore defects created by the modulator and DMC (dimethyl carbonate) solvothermal etching, the enhanced Lewis acidity of the Hf clusters and the grafted NHC–CO2 adducts can improve synergistically the catalytic performance of the MOFs via decreasing activation energy, promoting mass transfer and providing more active catalytic sites. The results show that the highest conversion rate reaches 81.64% at 100 °C and 10 h for the cycloaddition reaction of CO2 with epichlorohydrin. Finally, a possible reaction mechanism was proposed based on characterization and catalytic measurement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nociception is an unpleasant experience that has a negative effect on both the physiological and psychological status of individuals. Factors including temperature, and physical damage originating from mechanical, chemical, or even biological stimuli are likely to induce pain. Currently, a limited choice of antinociceptive medications is available for the management of pain. Purpose: Pharmacological activities of various plant extracts and derivatives are being actively explored for discovering novel plant-based antinociceptive agents. In the current work, we explored Adhatoda vasica for its antinociceptive activities. Materials and Methods: In the current experiment, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, and to induce pain, formalin was administered. We used extracts from A. vasica at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/ml for determination of the antinociceptive effect. To evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the A. vasica extract, animal behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, nitric oxide (NO) estimation, and reduced glutathione (GSH) estimation were performed. For behavioral analysis, the animal movement was recorded as a movie and analyzed using Behavioral Observation of Research Interactive Software (BORIS). Results: The behavior of fish was recorded by BORIS. Fishes treated with formalin preferred to stay in darkness. In addition, they also maintained their position at the bottom of the water tank. Upon treatment with the plant extract, the fish moved to light and the middle layer of the tank. The plant extract ameliorated the pain in fish, as evidenced by the swimming pattern. Further, the plant extract reduced the ROS and NO. Conclusion: The A. vasica plant extract reduced inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in the inflammatory markers. The antinociceptive activity was further indicated by restoration of the color change induced by formalin. In conclusion, the current study emphasizes the significance of A. vasica plant extract in relieving pain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]