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The term “rapid prototyping” (RP) refers to a variety of methods for creating “physical models based on computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing”. With the aid of RP technology, practically any variation of the surface and interior anatomical structure may be replicated in a medical model that is constructed layer by layer. To create the physical model, layer-by-layer construction is carried out using a variety of processes, including stereolithography, selective laser sintering, inkjet printing, and fused deposit modeling. Data for RP is received from magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography scans, which are then turned into digital images and then into standard triangulation language files. The use of this computerized programming in orthodontics incorporates “diagnosis and treatment planning”, the creation of removable “orthodontic appliances”, “impression trays” for indirect bonding, “3D printed occlusal splints and aligners”, prototype models used in various orthognathic surgeries, and the production of a distractor for distraction osteogenesis. It increases a crucial understanding at the time of preoperative treatment planning and raises the effectiveness of the therapy, yet, clinical judgment is still essential. Applications of RP for an orthodontist vary, and if we utilize it creatively, the future appears more hopeful. This article briefly reviews key advancements, challenges, and prospects in the integration of rapid prototyping and 3D printing, shaping a promising future for orthodontics.

Abstract Agro-waste is the outcome of the under-utilization of bioresources and a lack of knowledge to re-use this waste in proper ways or a circular economy approach. In the Indian medicinal system, the root of Cyperus scariosus (CS) is used at a large scale due to their vital medicinal properties. Unfortunately, the aerial part of CS is treated as agro-waste and is an under-utilized bioresource. Due to a lack of knowledge, CS is treated as a weed. This present study is the first ever attempt to explore CS leaves as medicinally and a nutrient rich source. To determine the food and nutritional values of the neglected part of Cyperus scariosus R.Br. (CS), i.e. CS leaves, phytochemicals and metal ions of CS were quantified by newly developed HPLC and ICPOES-based methods. The content of the phytochemicals observed in HPLC analysis for caffeic acid, catechin, epicatechin, trans-p-coumaric acid, and trans-ferulic acid was 10.51, 276.15, 279.09, 70.53, and 36.83 µg/g, respectively. In GC–MS/MS analysis, fatty acids including linolenic acid, phytol, palmitic acid, etc. were identified. In ICPOES analysis, the significant content of Na, K, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn was observed. The TPC and TFC of the CS leaves was 17.933 mg GAE eq./g and 130.767 mg QCE eq./g along with an IC50 value of 2.78 mg/mL in the DPPH assay and better antacid activity was measured than the standard (CaCO3). The methanolic extract of CS leaves showed anti-microbial activity against Staphylococcus aureus (15 ± 2 mm), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (12 ± 2 mm) and Escherichia coli (10 ± 2 mm). In silico studies confirmed the in vitro results obtained from the antioxidant, antiacid, and anti-microbial studies. In addition, in silico studies revealed the anti-cancerous and anti-inflammatory potential of the CS leaves. This study, thus, demonstrated the medicinal significance of the under-utilized part of CS and the conversion of agro-waste into mankind activity as a pharmaceutical potent material. Consequently, the present study highlighted that CS leaves have medicinal importance with good nutritional utility and have a large potential in the pharmaceutical industry along with improving bio-valorization and the environment.

Introduction: Despite a drastic reduction in maternal mortality rate, India still contributes to 12% of global maternal deaths. Multiple factors influence access to quality emergency obstetric care that is timely, effective, efficient, equitable, evidence, and client-centric. The present study was carried out to determine the factors influencing access to emergency services by obstetric patients using the Three Delay Model. Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study conducted in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at a tertiary care hospital from June 1st, 2021 to 31st July 2021. All Pregnant and Postpartum patients admitted from the emergency room were included. A predesigned proforma was used to record the reasons for the delay in receiving emergency care at the time of admission. Results: More than three-fourths of women (75.64%) had a delay of more than four hours from the onset of symptoms to the arrival at the emergency room. Out of these, the majority had Level 1 delay, i.e., there was a delay in deciding to seek care, most commonly due to unawareness of danger signs. The most common reason for level 2 delay, i.e., delay in reaching the facility was the refusal of admission/care at a center visited before reaching our facility. Conclusion: Three-delay model is an effective bottleneck assessment tool for understanding the reasons for delay in receiving emergency obstetric care. For minimizing level 1 delays, strengthening patient education and counseling in the antenatal clinics and engagement of family members in the counseling about the danger signals is important.

Arsenic contamination is a severe issue because of its toxicity and related health risks. This review article presents an overview of the sources, health hazards, and treatment options for arsenic pollution. Conventional approaches to achieving the permitted level of 10 ppb set by the WHO, such as chemical oxidation, biological oxidation, and coagulation–flocculation, are ineffective and time-consuming. The paper analyses the advantages and disadvantages of various advanced treatment technologies, including membrane filtration, ion exchange, advanced oxidation, phytoremediation, and adsorption. This paper summarized the effectiveness of hybrid arsenic remediation techniques in removing arsenic and its operating conditions. This study is a helpful tool for putting remediation strategies into practice. This article describes arsenic pollution's damaging effects on human health, underscoring the necessity for careful treatment. The article addresses numerous treatment technologies, each with advantages and disadvantages preventing widespread use. Due to these limitations, deciding the best technique for arsenic remediation is difficult. As a result, hybrid treatment systems are urgently needed, with photocatalysis-adsorption being the most popular approach. The relevance of adaptable, user-friendly, low-maintenance hybrid technologies that are versatile, easy to use, and provide affordable arsenic removal options, especially for poor populations, is highlighted by prospects. HIGHLIGHTS The origin of arsenic pollution and health hazard has been mentioned.; Comparison between conventional and advanced treatment methods has been discussed.; Integrated and hybrid arsenic treatment technologies have been introduced.;

Abstract A natural plant product, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), was evaluated for its effectiveness in the regulation of osteoclastogenesis. We found that EGCG inhibited the osteoclast (OC) differentiation in vitro, and in primary bone marrow cells in a dose-dependent manner. Quantitative RT-PCR studies showed that the EGCG reduced the expression of OC differentiation markers. DCFDA, MitoSOX, and JC-1 staining revealed that the EGCG attenuated the reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial membrane potential; and flux analysis corroborated the effect of EGCG. We further found that the EGCG inhibited mRNA and protein expressions of mitophagy-related molecules. We confirmed that the OC differentiation was inhibited by EGCG by modulating mitophagy through AKT and p38MAPK pathways. Furthermore, in silico analysis revealed that the binding of RANK and RANKL was blocked by EGCG. Overall, we defined the mechanisms of osteoclastogenesis during arthritis for developing a new therapy using a natural compound besides the existing therapeutics.

BACKGROUND: Contrast sensitivity (CS) evaluation is very much necessary for the diagnosis and management of eye conditions. Several disadvantages seen in the traditionally used Pelli-Robson (PR) chart persuaded us to develop a novel digital device for the evaluation of CS at various levels of visual acuity (VA) for early detection of deteriorating vision. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new chart was constructed on the Debian software. Letters were constructed at each level of VA from 6/60 to 6/6 with a contrast of 0–2.25 logCS. The newly constructed chart was validated against the PR chart. The data were analyzed on the SPSS software version 23. The Pearson's correlation test was used to find out the correlation between the digital CS chart (DCSC) and PR charts. RESULTS: On successful construction of a DCSC with varying VA, 56 participants were examined with a mean age of 20.43 ± 1.44 years. The mean CS with PR was 1.84 ± 0.13 logCS, whereas DCSC was 2.09 ± 0.14 logCS. The correlation between the two charts was moderate having r = 0.489 with P = 0 (confidence interval 95%). CONCLUSION: A newly developed CS chart is efficient in examining the CS in clinical practice and has good repeatability; it may help in the early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases.

Background: The inability to focus light onto the retina, known as refractive error, is a significant cause of correctable visual impairment. Unfortunately, students' ocular complaints often go unnoticed due to a lack of awareness. To address this issue, a questionnaire with high sensitivity and reasonable specificity was developed for teachers to identify students with refractive error. Methods: A questionnaire with surrogate indicators for refractive error in children was used and the data was analysed using SPSS. Significant markers were scored and a ROC curve determined a suitable cut-off. Sensitivity and specificity were calculated based on this cut-off. Results: The questionnaire was developed using five variables that had a 65% probability of identifying refractive error, including copying errors, copying from peers, eye squeezing, previous use of glasses, and eye deviation. A cut-off score of 5.5 out of 14 achieved 90% sensitivity and 50% specificity in detecting refractive errors. Conclusion: This study created a tool with five markers that demonstrated good internal consistency and content validity, it had an average sensitivity and specificity of 84% and 63%, respectively. The tool is twice as likely to identify someone with refractive error than someone without it.

BACKGROUND: One of the major objectives of orthodontic treatment is to improve facial attractiveness. To orthodontists, this means that the nose, lips, and chin form an attractive outline when the faces are viewed from one side. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of lip inclination on perceived attractiveness using North Indian observer ratings on profile silhouettes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A profile photograph of an Indian male and female were converted to silhouettes for the study using computer software. The lip inclination of the idealized profile image was altered in two-degree increments to create a series of profiles with different upper lip inclination angles and rated by laypersons on a Likert scale. RESULTS: An angle of 79° was deemed to be neither attractive nor unattractive. Therefore, within the range of 65°–75°, the pictures were deemed acceptable. Angles above or below this range, up to 91° were perceived as slightly unattractive, and anything outside the range of 93°–105° was deemed very unattractive. LIMITATIONS: The study is not generalizable to ethnic groups other than the North Indian population. Another limitation is the inability to visualize the entire face for a complete facial analysis. CONCLUSION: An upper lip inclination of 75°–85° in the male profile was associated with perceived attractiveness in all three groups whereas it was in the range of 65°–75° for a female profile. An upper lip inclination angle ranging from 95° to 105° was associated with unattractiveness in all three groups of observers and requires correctional intervention.

Abstract Osteoblast differentiation is critically reduced in various bone-related pathogenesis, including arthritis and osteoporosis. For future development of effective regenerative therapeutics, herein, we reveal the involved molecular mechanisms of a phytoestrogen, ferutinin-induced initiation of osteoblast differentiation from dental pulp-derived stem cell (DPSC). We demonstrate the significantly increased expression level of a transcription factor, Kruppel-like factor 2 (KLF2) along with autophagy-related molecules in DPSCs after induction with ferutinin. The loss-of-function and the gain-of-function approaches of KLF2 confirmed that the ferutinin-induced KLF2 modulated autophagic and OB differentiation-related molecules. Further, knockdown of the autophagic molecule (ATG7 or BECN1) from DPSC resulted not only in a decreased level of KLF2 but also in the reduced levels of OB differentiation-related molecules. Moreover, mitochondrial membrane potential-related molecules were increased and induction of mitophagy was observed in DPSCs after the addition of ferutinin. The reduction of mitochondrial as well as total ROS generations; and induction of intracellular Ca2+ production were also observed in ferutinin-treated DPSCs. To test the mitochondrial respiration in DPSCs, we found that the cells treated with ferutinin showed a reduced extracellular acidification rate (ECAR) than that of their vehicle-treated counterparts. Furthermore, mechanistically, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed that the addition of ferutinin in DPSCs not only induced the level of KLF2, but also induced the transcriptionally active epigenetic marks (H3K27Ac and H3K4me3) on the promoter region of the autophagic molecule ATG7. These results provide strong evidence that ferutinin stimulates OB differentiation via induction of KLF2-mediated autophagy/mitophagy.

Existing drugs have limited success in managing obesity in human due to their low efficacy and severe side-effects. Surface-modified gold nanoparticles have now received considerable attention of researchers for efficient biomedical applications owing to their superior uptake by cells, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity and non-immunogenicity. Here we prepared Cinnamomum verum derived bioactives-functionalized gold nanoparticles (Au@P-NPs) and assessed their impact on obesity and related immune-metabolic complications in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice using metabolic experiments along with 16S RNA gene-based gut microbial profiling and faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). Au@P-NPs treatment prevented weight gain, decreased fat deposition, reduced metabolic inflammation and endotoxaemia in HFD-fed mice. Au@P-NPs-treated group exhibited better glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity than HFD-fed control mice, and got completely protected against hepatic steatosis. These impacts were related to increased energy expenditure and enhanced Ucp1 expression in the brown adipose tissues of Au@P-NPs-administered animals, which strongly linked with the mRNA expression of the membrane bile acid receptor TGR5. Treatment of HFD-fed animals with Au@P-NPs altered plasma bile acid profile, and increased Akkermansia muciniphila and decreased Lactobacillus populations in the faeces. Au@P-NPs-treated animals revealed altered plasma bile acid profile, and increased Akkermansia muciniphila and decreased Lactobacillus populations in the faeces. FMT experiments showed lesser weight gain and greater energy expenditure in the mice fed with faecal suspension from Au@P-NPs-treated animals than that from HFD-fed mice. These results clearly establish that gold nanoparticles functionalized with bioactive compounds of C. verum have high potential to be an anti-obesity drug.

This work aimed to validate the potential use of dental pulp-derived stem cells (DPSCs) for the treatment of inflammation by defining their mechanisms of action. We planned to investigate whether priming of DPSC with proinflammatory molecules had any impact on their behavior and function. In the first step of our validation in vitro, we showed that priming of DPSCs with the bioactive agents LPS, TNF-α, or IFN-γ altered DPSCs’ immunologic properties by increasing their expression levels of IL-10, HGF, IDO, and IL-4 and by decreasing their mitochondrial functions. Moreover, DPSCs induced accelerated wound healing irrespective of priming, as determined by using a gut epithelial cell line in a scratch wound assay. Wound healing of gut epithelial cells was mediated by regulating the expressions of AKT, NF-κB, and ERK1/2 proteins compared to the control epithelial cells. In addition, primed DPSCs altered monocyte polarization toward an immuno-suppressive phenotype (M2), where monocytes expressed higher levels of IL-4R, IL-6, Arg1, and YM-1 compared to monocytes cultured with control DPSCs. In silico analysis revealed that this was accomplished in part by the interaction between kynurenine and PPARγ, which regulated the expression of M2 differentiation-related genes. Collectively, these data provided evidence that the DPSCs reduced inflammation, induced M2 polarization of myeloid cells, and healed damaged gut epithelial cells through inactivation of inflammation and modulating constitutively active signaling pathways.

Purpose: To compare refractive measurements of noncycloplegic photoscreener Plusoptix S12R with cycloplegic retinoscopy, noncycloplegic autorefractor, and cycloplegic autorefractor in children. Methods: The study population (200 eyes of 100 children) was divided into two groups: Group 1 (age 3–7 years) and Group 2 (age 8–15 years). In Group 1, Plusoptix was compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy. In Group 2, Plusoptix was compared with cycloplegic retinoscopy and autorefraction. The second group was made because the younger group was found to be uncooperative for autorefraction. Paired t-test and Pearson's correlation were used for statistical analysis. Results: The mean difference in sphere (DS), spherical equivalent (DSE), and cylinder (DC) between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix in Group 1 was 0.68 ± 0.55 (P < 0.001), 0.77 ± 0.61 (P < 0.001), and 0.18 ± 0.28 (P < 0.001), respectively. In Group 2, DS, DSE, and DC between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix were 0.86 ± 0.49 (P < 0.001), 0.97 ± 0.51 (P < 0.001), and 0.23 ± 0.28 (P < 0.001); between cycloplegic autorefractor and Plusoptix were 0.69 ± 0.47 (P < 0.001), 0.74 ± 0.49 (P < 0.001), and 0.10 ± 0.31 (P = 0.002); and between noncycloplegic autorefractor and Plusoptix were − 0.25 ± 0.39 (P < 0.001), −0.19 ± 0.41 (P < 0.001), and 0.11 ± 0.31 (P < 0.001), respectively. Pearson's correlation coefficients of S, SE, and C between Plusoptix and cycloplegic retinoscopy were 0.948, 0.938, and 0.924 in Group 1 and 0.972, 0.972, and 0.946 in Group 2, and these values were statistically significant. Bland–Altman plots showed good agreement between cycloplegic retinoscopy and Plusoptix in both groups. Plusoptix gave axis values within 10° of cycloplegic retinoscopy in 81.56% of eyes in Group 1 and in 71.44% of eyes in Group 2. Conclusion: Plusoptix photoscreener can be used for prescription of axis of cylinder in children; however, other refractive measurements must be refined by cycloplegic retinoscopy.

Background. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of dentinal cracks during root canal preparation with different periodontal ligament simulating materials in vitro. Methods. Seventy freshly extracted human mandibular first premolars were selected and divided into 7 groups in terms of simulating material: group 1: polyether impression material; group 2: polyvinyl acetate adhesive; group 3: polyvinyl siloxane impression material; group 4: cyanoacrylate adhesive; group 5: epoxy resin adhesive; group 6: positive control, without any periodontal ligament simulation; and group 7: negative control, where neither a periodontal ligament simulating material was used nor canal preparation was carried out. Root canal preparation was carried out in all the groups followed by sectioning of roots at 3 mm, 6 mm and 9 mm. The sections were evaluated under a stereomicroscope at ×2.5 for the presence or absence of cracks. Chi-squared test was used to compare the appearance of defective roots between the different experimental groups. Results. The least number of cracks were found in the negative control group, followed by group 1 where polyether impression material was used for periodontal ligament simulation. The difference was significant with a P-value of 0.002 for coronal sections. Conclusion. Under the limitation of the present study, polyether and polyvinyl siloxane (light body) can both be used for simulation of periodontal ligament. Key words: , , .

Honey is an excellent source of polyphenolic compounds that are effective in attenuating quorum sensing (QS), a chemical process of cell-to-cell communication system used by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa to regulate virulence and biofilm formation. However, lower water solubility and inadequate bioavailability remains major concerns of these therapeutic polyphenols. Its therapeutic index can be improved by using nano-carrier systems to target QS signaling potently. In the present study, we fabricated a unique drug delivery system comprising selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs; non-viral vectors) and polyphenols of honey (HP) for enhancement of anti-QS activity of HP against P. aeruginosa PAO1. The developed selenium nano-scaffold showed superior anti-QS activity, anti-biofilm efficacy, and anti-virulence potential in both in-vitro and in-vivo over its individual components, SeNPs and HP. LasR is inhibited by selenium nano-scaffold in-vitro. Using computational molecular docking studies, we have also demonstrated that the anti-virulence activity of selenium nano-scaffold is reliant on molecular binding that occurs between HP and the QS receptor LasR through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions. Our preliminary investigations with selenium-based nano-carriers hold significant promise to improve anti-virulence effectiveness of phytochemicals by enhancing effective intracellular delivery.

Chrysophanol is a unique anthraquinone having broad-spectrum therapeutic potential along with ecological importance. It is the first polyketide that has been reported to be biosynthesized in an organism-specific manner. The traditional Chinese and Korean medicinal systems provide evidence of the beneficial effects of chrysophanol on human health. The global distribution of chrysophanol encountered in two domains of life (bacteria and eukaryota) has motivated researchers to critically evaluate the properties of this compound. A plethora of literature is available on the pharmacological properties of chrysophanol, which include anticancer, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and antimicrobial activities. However, the pharmacokinetics and toxicity studies on chrysophanol demand further investigations for it to be used as a drug. This is the first comprehensive review on the natural sources, biosynthetic pathways, and pharmacology of chrysophanol. Here we reviewed recent advancements made on the pharmacokinetics of the chrysophanol. Additionally, we have highlighted the knowledge gaps of its mechanism of action against diseases and toxicity aspects.

Silver-based nanostructures are suitable for many biomedical applications, but to be useful therapeutic agents, the high toxicity of these nanomaterials must be eliminated. Here, we biosynthesize nontoxic and ultra-small silver nanoclusters (rsAg@NCs) using metabolites of usnioid lichen (a symbiotic association of algae and fungi) that exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity against fluconazole (FCZ)-resistant Candida albicans that is many times higher than chemically synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and FCZ. The rsAg@NCs trigger apoptosis via reactive oxygen species accumulation that leads to the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, DNA fragmentation, chromosomal condensation, and the activation of metacaspases. The proteomic analysis clearly demonstrates that rsAg@NCs exposure significantly alters protein expression. Most remarkable among the down-regulated proteins are those related to glycolysis, metabolism, free radical scavenging, anti-apoptosis, and mitochondrial function. In contrast, proteins involved in plasma membrane function, oxidative stress, cell death, and apoptosis were upregulated. Eventually, we also established that the apoptosis-inducing potential of rsAg@NCs is due to the activation of Ras signaling, which confirms their application in combating FCZ-resistant C. albicans infections.