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Background: Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) is a Glucose tolerance disorder first diagnosed during pregnancy. WHO recommend that all pregnant women or at least women with predisposing risk factors should be screened at the beginning of the 3rd trimester of pregnancy with the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT). Here, blood glucose level is screened 2hrs after giving a 75g oral glucose load. This is recommended for both screening and diagnosis. Not many studies have been done regarding the outcome of GDM mothers in India. Objective: 1. To describe the Obstetric profile of the mothers 2. To assess the outcome of GDM among the Mothers 3. To determine the neonatal outcome of GDM. Methodology: Study setting: The study was carried out at Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Attavar, and District Lady Goschen Hospital, Mangalore. Study design: Hospital based retrospective study. Study population: Pregnant women admitted to above mentioned hospitals with GDM and the new born. Inclusion criteria: All women diagnosed with GDM and have delivered in District Lady Goschen Hospital or KMCH Attavar. Sample size was 266. Results: Our study concluded that 24.8% of the women with GDM also had Pregnancy Induced Hypertension, which is comparable to the study done in Qatar where they found 19.2% of the women with GDM suffered from PIH. We also found that 15.8% of the women suffered from Pre-Eclampsia, over twice the percentage of people surveyed in the Qatari study. However the amount of babies suffering from Macrosomia was only 6.8% as opposed to 10.3% according to the aforementioned study and 19.3% as was found in a study in Poznan, Poland. Conclusion: No significant association was found between obstetric profile and antenatal & postpartum complications.

Composite materials possess advantages like high strength and stiffness with low density and prove their essentiality in the aviation sector. Aluminium metal matrix composites (AMMC) find applications in automotive, aircraft, and marine industries due to their high specific strength, superior wear resistance, and lower thermal expansion. The fabrication of composites using the liquid phase at high temperature leads to the formation of intermetallics and unwanted phases. Friction Stir Processing (FSP) is a novel technique of composite fabrication, with temperature below the melting point of the matrix, achieving good grain refinement. Many researchers reported enhancement of mechanical, microstructure, and tribological properties of AMMC produced by the FSP route. The FSP parameters such as tool rotational speed, tool traverse speeds are found to be having greater impact on uniform dispersion of particles. It is observed that the properties such as tensile strength, hardness, wear and corrosion resistance, are altered by the FSP processes, and the scale of the alterations is influenced significantly by the processing and tool parameters. The strengthening mechanisms responsible for such alterations are discussed in this paper. Advanced engineering materials like shape memory alloys, high entropy alloys, MAX phase materials and intermetallics as reinforcement material are also discussed. Challenges and opportunities in FSP to manufacture AMMC are summarized, providing great benefit to researchers working on FSP technique.

Niche signals maintain stem cells in a prolonged quiescence or transiently activate them for proper regeneration1. Altering balanced niche signalling can lead to regenerative disorders. Melanocytic skin nevi in human often display excessive hair growth, suggesting hair stem cell hyperactivity. Here, using genetic mouse models of nevi2,3, we show that dermal clusters of senescent melanocytes drive epithelial hair stem cells to exit quiescence and change their transcriptome and composition, potently enhancing hair renewal. Nevus melanocytes activate a distinct secretome, enriched for signalling factors. Osteopontin, the leading nevus signalling factor, is both necessary and sufficient to induce hair growth. Injection of osteopontin or its genetic overexpression is sufficient to induce robust hair growth in mice, whereas germline and conditional deletions of either osteopontin or CD44, its cognate receptor on epithelial hair cells, rescue enhanced hair growth induced by dermal nevus melanocytes. Osteopontin is overexpressed in human hairy nevi, and it stimulates new growth of human hair follicles. Although broad accumulation of senescent cells, such as upon ageing or genotoxic stress, is detrimental for the regenerative capacity of tissue4, we show that signalling by senescent cell clusters can potently enhance the activity of adjacent intact stem cells and stimulate tissue renewal. This finding identifies senescent cells and their secretome as an attractive therapeutic target in regenerative disorders.

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, and 0.000 respectively). CAL was reduced significantly only in the control group. However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

Hair follicle stem cells are regulated by dermal papilla fibroblasts, their principal signaling niche. Overactivation of Hedgehog signaling in the niche dramatically accelerates hair growth and induces follicle multiplication in mice. On single-cell RNA sequencing, dermal papilla fibroblasts increase heterogeneity to include new Wnt5ahigh states. Transcriptionally, mutant fibroblasts activate regulatory networks for Gli1, Alx3, Ebf1, Hoxc8, Sox18, and Zfp239. These networks jointly upregulate secreted factors for multiple hair morphogenesis and hair-growth-related pathways. Among these is non-conventional TGF-β ligand Scube3. We show that in normal mouse skin, Scube3 is expressed only in dermal papillae of growing, but not in resting follicles. SCUBE3 protein microinjection is sufficient to induce new hair growth, and pharmacological TGF-β inhibition rescues mutant hair hyper-activation phenotype. Moreover, dermal-papilla-enriched expression of SCUBE3 and its growth-activating effect are partially conserved in human scalp hair follicles. Thus, Hedgehog regulates mesenchymal niche function in the hair follicle via SCUBE3/TGF-β mechanism.

Background Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the fundamental step for managing periodontal disease (gingivitis and periodontitis). Various adjuncts in the form of mouthwash, gels, and toothpaste are also being used as adjuncts to SRP for managing periodontitis. Recently, Lycium barbarum ( L. barbarum), commonly known as goji berry or wolfberry, has gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontitis has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of goji berry mouthwash compared to chlorhexidine mouthwash for managing periodontitis. Methods 60 adult participants were divided randomly using computer-generated random sequences into two groups (case group: L. barbarum mouthwash (Males: 16; Female: 14); control group: 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash (Males: 14; Females: 16)). The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results A significant reduction in the mean PPD, Pi, and Gi was seen from baseline to one month in both the control (P-value=0.006, 0.027, and 0.036 respectively) and test groups (P-value=0.035, 0.000, and 0.000 respectively). CAL was reduced significantly only in the control group. However, the antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were significantly increased only in the test group. Conclusion Goji berry mouthwash along with SRP reduced the Gi, Pi, BOP, and PPD in patients with periodontitis. However, no statistically significant difference was noted between the use of goji berry and chlorhexidine mouthwash. Goji berry mouthwash was more effective than chlorhexidine in increasing the antioxidant levels in saliva.

The human brain is a complex network of connected neurons whose dynamics are difficult to describe. Brain dynamics are the global manifestation of individual neuron dynamics and the synaptic coupling between neurons. Membrane potential is a function of synaptic dynamics and electrophysiological coupling, with the parameters of postsynaptic potential, action potential, and ion pump dynamics. By modelling synaptic dynamics using physical laws and the time evolution of membrane potential using energy, neuron dynamics can be described. This local depiction can be scaled up to describe mesoscopic and macroscopic hierarchical complexity in the brain. Modelling results are favorably compared with physiological observation and physically acquired action potential profiles as reported in the literature.

Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the functional relationship between the mixing temperature and properties of a commercially available zinc oxide eugenol impression paste (ZnOE paste). Settings and Design: In-vitro study. Materials and Methods: A custom-made simulated mixing device was indigenously designed to maintain different mixing temperatures, simulating cold, ambient, and hot weather. A commercially available ZnOE paste was mixed according to the manufacturer's instructions in the simulated mixing device at the temperatures ranging from 10°C to 50°C. Initial setting time and consistency were measured according to A. D. A. Specification No. 16 (n = 8). A stainless-steel die having 25, 50, and 75 μm lines was used for surface detail reproduction. Detail reproduction of the stone casts of the impressions was evaluated with a stereomicroscope at 30 magnification (n = 8). The shear bond strength of ZnOE paste to self-cure acrylic tray resin was measured by using the UTM at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min (n = 8). Statistical Analysis Used: Data were analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's post hoc tests at a confidence interval of 95% (alpha =0.05) Results: Initial setting time, consistency, and detail reproduction of the ZnOE paste were affected by the mixing temperature (P < 0.001). Mixing ZnOE paste at a lower temperature of 10°C and higher temperatures of 40°C and 50°C resulted in shorter initial setting time, thicker consistency, and poor detail reproduction. However, no significant difference was obtained in the shear bond strength among the different mixing temperatures evaluated (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Based on this in vitro study, it is advisable to perform the manipulation of ZnOE paste at a clinical/laboratory temperature of 30°C for optimum performance. The simulated mixing device used in this study can be an alternative for extreme climatic conditions.

Uncaria tomentosa is a plant that has been used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and immunostimulant properties. As a result, it can be found in several over-the-counter supplements worldwide. Acute interstitial nephritis (AIN) can be due to an offending medication, infection, or autoimmunity. We present a case of a patient who was on a strict ketogenic diet, utilizing over-the-counter diet shakes containing the herbal supplement Uncaria tomentosa who developed acute kidney injury with a serum creatinine of 3.6 mg/dL up from a baseline of 0.7 mg/dL. Serological evaluation was negative, and kidney biopsy revealed interstitial inflammatory infiltrates including focally prominent eosinophils and multifocal tubulitis. Stopping the keto-diet shake containing Uncaria tomentosa and concomitant corticosteroid therapy resulted in improvement in kidney function to near baseline. To our knowledge, this is the only biopsy-proven case of AIN in the setting of Uncaria tomentosa use.

IntroductionMillets are nutritionally superior and climate-resilient short-duration crops and hold a prominent place in cropping sequences around the world. They have immense potential to grow in a marginal environment due to diverse adaptive mechanisms.MethodsAn experiment was conducted in an organic production system in the North Eastern Himalayan foothills of India for 3 consecutive years by evaluating high-yielding varieties (HYVs) of different millets, viz., finger millet, foxtail millet, little millet, barnyard millet, proso millet, and browntop millet, along with local landraces of finger millets (Sikkim-1 and Sikkim-2; Nagaland-1 and Nagaland-2) to identify stable, high-yielding, and nutritionally superior genotypes suited for the region.ResultsAmong the various millets, finger millet, followed by little millet and foxtail millet, proved their superiority in terms of productivity (ranging between 1.16 and 1.43 Mg ha−1) compared to other millets. Among different varieties of finger millets, cv. VL Mandua 352 recorded the highest average grain yield (1.43 Mg ha−1) followed by local landraces, Nagaland-2 (1.31 Mg ha−1) and Sikkim-1 (1.25 Mg ha−1). Root traits such as total root length, root volume, average diameter of roots, and root surface area were significantly higher in finger millet landraces Nagaland-1, Nagaland-2, and Sikkim-1 compared to the rest of the millet genotypes. The different millets were found to be rich sources of protein as recorded in foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (12.3%), proso millet cv. TNAU 145 (11.5%), and finger millet landraces, Sikkim-1 and Nagaland-2 (8.7% each). Finger millet landrace Sikkim-2 recorded the highest omega-6 content (1.16%), followed by barnyard millet cv. VL 207 (1.09%). Barnyard millet cv. VL 207 recorded the highest polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content (1.23%), followed by foxtail millet cv. SiA 3088 (1.09%). The local finger millet landraces Sikkim-1 and Sikkim-2 recorded the highest levels of histidine (0.41%) and tryptophan (0.12%), respectively. Sikkim-1 and Nagaland-2 recorded the highest level of thiamine (0.32%) compared to the HYVs.ConclusionThese findings indicate that finger millet has great potential in the organic production system of the North Eastern Himalayan Region (NEHR) of India, and apart from HYVs like VL Mandua 352, local landraces, viz., Nagaland-2 and Sikkim-1, should also be promoted for ensuring food and nutritional security in this fragile ecosystem.

Background: Removal of the microbial deposits (plaque and calculus) by performing effective scaling and root planing (SRP) is the primary and fundamental requirement for managing periodontal disease. Various adjuncts with antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties are used as adjuncts to SRP for managing chronic periodontitis. However, with a rapid rise in antimicrobial resistance to several antimicrobial agents along with the increased risk of adverse effects, the use the conventional chemotherapeutic agents for managing periodontal disease is slowly declining. Hence, there is a urgent need to explore new plant-based products for treating periodontal disease. Lycium barbarum (L. barbarum), or goji berry, has recently gained popularity for managing chronic inflammatory and infectious diseases. However, its efficacy in managing periodontal diseases has never been explored. Hence the present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP compared to chlorhexidine for managing chronic periodontitis. Methods: The study is designed as a randomized clinical trial with 57 adult participants (Males:29; Females:28) with chronic periodontitis. The participants were divided randomly into two groups: One group used L. barbarum mouthwash and the other group used ‘0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate’ mouthwash. The changes in the gingival index (Gi), plaque index (Pi), bleeding on probing (BOP), clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing pocket depth (PPD), microbial load, and antioxidant levels (protein thiol) in saliva were noted at the baseline, at 15 days and one month. Results: A statistically significant difference was noted in the Pi (P-value = 0.791), Gi (P-value= 0.594), PPD (with P-value= 0.134), and microbial levels (P-value = 0.188) in both groups from the baseline. The protein thiol levels in saliva were increased only in the goji berry group. Conclusion: L. barbarum mouthwash along with SRP was found to be effective in managing periodontal disease.

Objective: This study was conducted to explore frontline nurses’ experiences of the impact of COVID 19 pandemic and suggestions for improvement in the healthcare system, policy and practice in the future. Method: A qualitative descriptive design was used. Frontline nurses who were involved in providing care to patients affected with COVID 19 in four designated COVID units from the Eastern, Southern and Western regions of India were interviewed during January to July 2021. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed manually by researchers from each region and thematically analysed. Result: Twenty-six frontline nurses aged between 22 and 37 years with a range of 1–14 years of work experience following a Diploma or Bachelor's degree in Nursing and Midwifery and working in the COVID units of selected regions in India participated in the study. Three key themes emerged: ‘Physical, emotional and social health - an inevitable impact of the pandemic’ described effects of the pandemic on nurses' health and wellbeing; ‘Adapting to the uncertainties’ narrated how nurses accommodated to the uncertainties during the pandemic; and ‘An agenda for the future - suggestions for improvement’ emphasised on practical strategies for the future. Conclusion: The inevitability of the pandemic had an influence at a personal, professional, and social level with learning for the future. The findings of this study have implications for healthcare system and facilities by enhancing resources, supportive environment for staffs to cope with the challenges imposed by the crisis and ongoing training to manage life threatening emergencies in the future.