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Introduction: Fear of the unknown causes anxiety in paediatric patients. The use of tell-show-do, along with audiovisual distraction, promotes positive behaviour and reduces anxiety. The use of a Dental Operating Microscope (DOM) as a visual distraction aid provides better cooperation in paediatric patients. Aim: To evaluate the effects of a DOM on anxiety, behaviour, and treatment time during a restorative procedure in paediatric dental patients. Materials and Methods: The present study was a parallel-arm, randomised clinical trial conducted at IGIDS, Puducherry, India, in 2022, over a period of four months. Healthy five to sevenyear-old children on their first dental visit were selected (n=90) and divided into two groups using simple randomisation. Group A: Restoration of teeth without a DOM, and group B: Restoration of teeth using a DOM. Anxiety and behaviour were measured as soon as the child entered the operatory (T1), after tell-show-do for the procedure (T2), after cavity preparation (T3), and after completion of the restoration (T4). Caries removal efficacy and treatment duration were also assessed. The data obtained were statistically analysed using the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test (p

Purpose: Inherited retinal dystrophies (IRD) are a heterogeneous group of retinal diseases leading to progressive loss of photoreceptors through apoptosis. Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is considered the most common form of IRD. Panel-based testing in RP has proven effective in identifying the causative genetic mutations in 70% and 80% of the patients. This is a retrospective, observational, single-center study of 107 RP patients who had undergone next-generation sequencing-based targeted gene panel testing for IRD genes. These patients were inspected for common phenotypic features to arrive at meaningful genotype–phenotype correlation. Methods: Patients underwent complete ophthalmic examination, and blood was collected from the proband for DNA extraction after documenting the pedigree. Targeted Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) was done by panel-based testing for IRD genes followed by co-segregation analysis wherever applicable. Results: Of the 107 patients, 72 patients had pathogenic mutations. The mean age of onset of symptoms was 14 ± 12 years (range: 5–55). Mean (Best Corrected Visual Acuity) BCVA was 6/48 (0.9 logMAR) (range 0.0–3.0). At presentation, over one-third of eyes had BCVA worse than 6/60 (

Pyrolysis oil derived from waste tires consists of sulfur content in the range of 7000 to 9000 ppm. For use in diesel engines, its sulfur content must be lowered to 10 to 15 ppm. Though conventional hydrodesulfurization is suitable for the removal of sulfur from tire pyrolysis oil, its high cost provides an avenue for alternative desulfurization technologies to be explored. In this study, oxidative desulfurization (ODS), a low-cost technology, was explored for the desulfurization of tire pyrolysis oil. Two categories of titanium-incorporated mesoporous supports with 20 wt% loaded heteropoly molybdic acid catalyst (HPMo/Ti-Al2O3 and HPMo/Ti-TUD-1) were developed and tested for ODS of tire pyrolysis oil at mild process conditions. Catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET-N2 physisorption, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The incorporation of Ti into Al2O3 and TUD-1 frameworks was confirmed by XPS. The surface acidity of catalysts was studied by the temperature-programmed desorption of NH3 and pyridine FTIR analyses. HPMo/Ti-Al2O3 and HPMo/Ti-TUD-1 catalysts contained both Lewis and Brønsted acid sites. The presence of titanium in catalysts was found to promote the ODS activity of phosphomolybdic acid. The Ti-TUD-1-supported catalysts performed better than the Ti-Al2O3-supported catalysts for the ODS of tire pyrolysis oil. Hydrogen peroxide and cumene peroxide were found to be better oxidants than tert-butyl hydroperoxide for oxidizing sulfur compounds of tire pyrolysis oil. Process parameter optimization by the design of experiments was conducted with an optimal catalyst along with the catalyst regeneration study. An ANOVA statistical analysis demonstrated that the oxidant/sulfur and catalyst/oil ratios were more significant than the reaction temperature for the ODS of tire pyrolysis oil. It followed the pseudo-first-order kinetics over HPMo/Ti-TUD-1.

During the ethnobotanical survey on the Pakkamalai, Gingee Hills, one of the Eastern Ghats hill ranges, the authors found a new species, which has been used as a medicinal plant in the local region in India. After a critical examination of the specimen and literature, it is described as new to science, Hedyotis sithiravaraiensis sp. nov. Description and illustration of the new species are given.

BackgroundMobile health apps stand as one possible means of improving evidence-based mental health interventions for youth. However, a better understanding of youth and provider perspectives is necessary to support widespread implementation. ObjectiveThe objective of this research was to explore both youth and provider perspectives on using mobile apps to enhance evidence-based clinical care, with an emphasis on gathering perspectives on behavior-tracking apps. MethodsInductive qualitative analysis was conducted on data obtained from semistructured interviews held with 10 youths who received psychotherapy and 12 mental health care providers who conducted therapy with youths aged 13-26 years. Interviews were independently coded by multiple coders and consensus meetings were held to establish reliability. ResultsDuring the interviews, the youths and providers broadly agreed on the benefits of behavior tracking and believed that tracking via app could be more enjoyable and accessible. Providers and youths also shared similar concerns that negative emotions and user burden could limit app usage. Participants also suggested potential app features that, if implemented, would help meet the clinical needs of providers and support long-term use among youth. Such features included having a pleasant user interface, reminders for clients, and graphical output of data to clients and providers. ConclusionsYouths and providers explained that the integration of mobile health into psychotherapy has the potential to make treatment, particularly behavior tracking, easy and more accessible. However, both groups had concerns about the increased burden that could be placed on the clients and providers.

The quest to develop computational drug target identification methods in complex diseases like cancer is growing in recent years. Feedback, feed-forward loops and cross-talks observed among the MAPK pathways led to the definition of a network of MAPK pathways and considered for single or multiple therapeutic interventions. We developed a computational method to identify clusters of drug targets by analysing the directed network's topological properties and the individual node's functional roles. We aim to identify the primary drug target nodes possessing more cancerous properties and less number of cellular functional roles. For every primary drug targets, we collect the alternate substrate activating nodes for local resistance analysis. Alternate substrate activation free nodes identified as single drug target are SOS, ATF1, BAD, GAB1, LAD, NFAT4, ATF2, MEF2, eEF2K, 4EBP1 and HSP27. Among the remaining identified nodes and their corresponding alternate substrate activating nodes with their cancer retaining and side effects causing properties studied as three different classes-single, multiple and dangerous targets. C-Raf1 and MAPKAP-K observed as a single efficient target due to the absence of resistance mechanism. Due to the resistance mechanism observed among the targeted M3/6, GADD45, and MKK6 multiple target intervention of their corresponding alternate nodes might prove to be the efficient targets. Targeted effect on MLK3, ZAK, DLK and MLTKa/b will impair the network due to intertwined and proximity nature among themselves.

Proteins involved in the cross-talk between ERK1/2, ERK5, JNK, and P38 signalling pathways integrate the network of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase (MAPK) pathways. Graph theory-based approach is used to construct the network of MAPK pathways, and to observe the network organisational principles. Connectivity pattern reveals rich-club among the hubs, enabling structural ordering. A positive correlation between the degree of the nodes and percentage of essential protein showed hubs are central to the network architecture and function. Furthermore, attributes like connectivity, inter/intra-pathway class, position in the pathway, protein type and subcellular localization of the essential and non-essential proteins are characterizing complex functional roles. Shared properties of 34 cancerous essential proteins lack to be drug targets. We identified the seven nodes overlapping properties of the hub, essential and causing side effects on targeting them. We exploit the strategy of cancerous, non-hub and non-essential proteins as potential drug targets and identified 4EBP1, BAD, CHOP10, GADD45, HSP27, MKP1, RNPK, MLTKa/b, cPLA2, eEF2K and elF4E. We have illustrated the implication of targeting hub nodes and proposed network-based drug targets which would cause less side effect.

Patchouli oil is a high‐value essential oil used in cosmetic, food, and pharmaceutical industries. In this work, supercritical fluid extraction of patchouli oil with various operating process parameters (pressure, temperature, flow rate, and particle size) were studied and the results were modeled using the broken and intact cell model (BICM). From the experimental studies, it was found that the extraction rate was improved at higher pressures and flow rates, where the mass transfer resistances in the liquid and solid phase were decreased; however, the increase in temperature had an inverse effect on extraction rate and mass transfer. In the case of particle size, a moderate size of 0.3 to 0.6 mm gave the optimal extraction rate. The BICM predictions showed good agreements with experimental data and gave valuable insights regarding the mass transfer mechanism of the extraction process, including mass transfer coefficients and extraction periods governed by convection and diffusion.

An actual problem of medical diagnostics is that the determination of acetone concentration in air exhaled by persons. For industrial health and safety, environmental monitoring and process control Gas detection instruments are needed. Conducting polymer composites have various industrial applications. The most dangerous pollutants released each year by anthropogenic sources are benzene, toluene, nitrogen oxides, hydrogen sulfide or ammonia They have harmful effects both on human beings and animals. People may develop a headache, fatigue and even narcosis when the concentration of acetone in air is higher than 10,000 ppm. Hence, detecting and measuring acetone concentrations in the workplace or human body are necessary for our safety and health. Gas sensors play vital role in detecting, monitoring and controlling the presence of hazardous and poisonous gases in the atmosphere at very low concentrations. In the present work, a pasty solution of PVDF/ZrO2 was coated on glass plates using an Apex Spin Coating unit (SCU 2005) and the samples were tested for gas sensing. For this study, acetone, ethanol and ammonia gases were used and the electrical resistance of polymer composites over the vapours were determined using MECO 603 digital multimeter. The vapours of acetone were detected by the sensor. The sensing cycle is reversible upto to two cycles. In order to validate the selectivity of the gas sensor, polymer composite plates were exposed to ammonia and ethanol vapours which do not show any response. The PVDF / ZrO2 (PVDZr) composites were characterized by using PXRD, FTIR and SEM. The results show that the thick film of PVDZr composite can function as a very good gas sensor for acetone vapours.

Cocoon weight and shell weight are the key economic traits ultimately determining silk yield. In order to detect the main quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with the cocoon traits of the mulberry silkworm, Bombyx mori, the parents of larvae that produced cocoons that differed greatly in weight and shell weight were screened using 240 primer pairs of single nucleotide polymorphic markers (SNPs) representing all the 28 linkage groups in silkworm. Out of the 240 primer pairs, 48 (20%) revealed distinct polymorphism between the parents, which was confirmed by the co-dominant expression of both polymorphic PCR products in the F1 generation. The bulked segregant analysis (BSA) was used to compare the SNP profiles of the parents, F1 and F2 bulks using the 48 informative SNP primers. This revealed that out of 48 primer pairs, only one pair, i.e., No. 04124 of the linkage group 4 showed clear differences in the amplified products between the bulks corresponding to that of the parents with different cocoon traits suggesting that the DNA regions amplified by this primer pair are closely linked to the QTL controlling the cocoon traits. The results were also confirmed by screening the backcross (BC) progeny. This is the first report of the identification of a QTL using SNPs with BSA. The results of the present study indicate that it might be possible to use SNPs for marker assisted selection (MAS) in silkworm breeding programs aimed at improving cocoon traits.

Animal-Assisted Therapy (AAT) is a popular complementary therapy available overseas and is widely supported by empirical literature. We report the results of a pilot programme conducted locally. Two middle-aged candidates with intellectual and physical disabilities were recruited to receive weekly AAT for eight weeks. Designed activities involving therapy dogs were carried out to improve their physical conditions. Upon completion of the programme, their physical abilities have shown marked improvement which demonstrated that AAT is likely an effective form of therapy. With a stringent candidate selection and sound safety measures, the future for AAT in Singapore is promising.

Cancer chemotherapy remains an area of concern, as many of the therapies are uncomfortable involving side effects and unpleasant experiences. These factors could further reduce patient’s quality of life, and even endanger their life. Many therapeutic strategies have been tried to reduce the unpleasant side effects and increase the treatment effectiveness; however, none have shown to have promising effects. One of the main hindrances to cancer therapy is the escape strategies by tumor cells to the immune attack. Promoting inflammation in the tumor microenvironment is the cornerstone and key therapeutic target in cancer chemotherapy. High-salt diet (HSD) intake, though it has deleterious effects on human health by promoting chronic inflammation, is found to be advantageous in the tumor microenvironment. Studies identified HSD favors an increased abundance of Bifidobacterium species in the tumor environment due to gut barrier alteration, which, in turn, promotes inflammation and favors improved response to cancer chemotherapy. A review of the literature was carried out to find out the effects of an HSD on health and diseases, with special mention of its effect on cancer chemotherapy. Studies emphasized HSD would block the myeloid-derived suppressor cells which will enhance the tumor immunity. Exploration of the precise mechanism of simple HSD regime/ingestion of specific bacterial species as probiotics will be effective and essential to formulate the game-changing cancer chemotherapy. With the modern era of healthcare moving toward precision medicine where the physician can choose the treatment option suitable for the individual, HSD regime/ingestion of specific bacterial species can be considered.

Thumb tip injuries constitute one of the most common hand injuries. There are various reconstructive options for thumb tip injuries. We present our series of thumb tip injuries reconstructed using Elliot's modification of the Moberg flap, which provides like-for-like tissue. We also present our flap improvisation, which can be useful in the armamentarium of plastic surgeons.

Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and retinitis pigmentosa (RP) are retinal degenerative diseases which cause severe retinal dystrophy affecting the photoreceptors. LCA is predominantly inherited as an autosomal recessive trait and contributes to 5% of all retinal dystrophies; whereas RP is inherited by all the Mendelian pattern of inheritance and both are leading causes of visual impairment in children and young adults. Homozygosity mapping is an efficient strategy for mapping both known and novel disease loci in recessive conditions, especially in a consanguineous mating, exploiting the fact that the regions adjacent to the disease locus will also be homozygous by descent in such inbred children. Here we have studied eleven consanguineous LCA and one autosomal recessive RP (arRP) south Indian families to know the prevalence of mutations in known genes and also to know the involvement of novel loci, if any. Complete ophthalmic examination was done for all the affected individuals including electroretinogram, fundus photograph, fundus autofluorescence, and optical coherence tomography. Homozygosity mapping using Affymetrix 250K HMA GeneChip on eleven LCA families followed by screening of candidate gene(s) in the homozygous block identified mutations in ten families; AIPL1 - 3 families, RPE65- 2 families, GUCY2D, CRB1, RDH12, IQCB1 and SPATA7 in one family each, respectively. Six of the ten (60%) mutations identified are novel. Homozygosity mapping using Affymetrix 10K HMA GeneChip on the arRP family identified a novel nonsense mutation in MERTK. The mutations segregated within the family and was absent in 200 control chromosomes screened. In one of the eleven LCA families, the causative gene/mutation was not identified but many homozygous blocks were noted indicating that a possible novel locus/gene might be involved. The genotype and phenotype features, especially the fundus changes for AIPL1, RPE65, CRB1, RDH12 genes were as reported earlier.

Biochar from the liquefaction of pig manure was used as a precursor of H2S desulfurization adsorbents. In its inorganic matter, it contains marked quantities of calcium, magnesium and iron, which are known as hydrogen sulfide oxidation catalysts. The char was used either as-received or mixed with 10% nanographite. The latter was added to increase both the content of the carbon phase and conductivity. ZnCl2 in two different ratios of char to an activation agent (1:1 and 1:2) was used to create the porosity in the carbon phase. The content of the later was between 18–45%. The activated samples adsorbed 144 mg/g H2S. Sulfur was the predominant product of reactive adsorption. Its deposition in the pore system and blockage of the most active pores ceased the materials’ activity. The presence of the catalytic phase was necessary but not sufficient to guarantee good performance. The developed porosity, which can store oxidation products in the resulting composite, is essential for the good performance of the desulfurization process. The surface of the composite with nanographite showed the highest catalytic activity, similar to that of the commercial Midas® carbon catalyst. The results obtained indicate that a high quality reactive adsorbent/catalyst for H2S removal can be obtained from pig manure liquefaction wastes.

Background: The incidence of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) infections is increasing globally. In India, around 65% of K. pneumoniae isolates are resistant to carbapenem antibiotics. The blaNDM is the predominant carbapenem-resistant gene in CRKP isolates. However, blaOXA-48 has also been reported to be increasing in recent days. Methods: K. pneumoniae strains isolated from the clinical specimens of patients attending a tertiary care hospital in Hyderabad from June 2021 to May 2022 were included in this study. Resistance to carbapenems and other antibiotics was screened using Kirby-Bauer’s disc diffusion method. Phenotypic tests such as the Carbapenemase Nordmann Poirel (CarbaNP) test, Modified Carbapenem Inactivation Method (mCIM), and EDTA Carbapenem Inactivation Method (eCIM) were used to detect the carbapenemase producers. The genes responsible for carbapenemase production were detected by the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Results: Out of 1265 K. pneumoniae strains isolated, 241 (19 %) isolates showed resistance to any one of the carbapenem antibiotics tested. Phenotypic tests such as CarbaNP, mCIM, and eCIM revealed that 94.6 %, 97.1 %, and 95.4 % of CRKP isolates were carbapenemase producers, respectively. About 66.4 % of CRKP isolates harbored blaNDM, 17.4 % harbored blaOXA-48, and 16.2 % harbored both blaNDM and OXA-48 genes. None of the isolates tested positive for blaKPC, blaVIM, and blaIMP genes. Conclusion: In this study, blaNDM is the most prevalent carbapenemase gene in CRKP isolates. Furthermore, blaOXA-48 and the co-existence of both blaNDM and blaOXA-48 genes were also found. CRKP is emerging as a serious threat among drug-resistant bacterial pathogens which would complicate the treatment of bacterial infections with available antibiotics.