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Background: The risk of COVID-19 infection and related health consequences is higher among persons with mental illnesses (PMI). Vaccines have had an impact in reducing the morbidity and mortality in patients with COVID-19 infection. Understanding the reasons for vaccine hesitancy in PMI is crucial for promoting vaccine acceptance in this population, but it remains an under-researched topic. Aims: This cross-sectional study assessed perspectives among unvaccinated PMI regarding COVID-19 vaccination in a tertiary care teaching hospital. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy in this population were explored. Materials and Methods: One-hundred consecutive PMI attending the psychiatric outpatient clinic who had not taken the COVID-19 vaccination were recruited after obtaining informed consent. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to elicit knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding COVID-19 vaccination. The Oxford vaccine hesitancy scale was used to assess vaccine hesitancy; the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 were administered to assess current psychopathology. Results: A majority of the participants (62%) were unwilling for the vaccination, the most common reasons being the perception that they were not at risk of infection, and worry about the possible side effects of the vaccination. Factors associated with low vaccine hesitancy were higher levels of education, greater perception of the risk of contracting the disease, belief that vaccination was effective, and easy accessibility to the vaccine. Conclusion: Improving awareness, providing accurate information, and ensuring better accessibility to vaccines are necessary to improve vaccine coverage among PMI. Mental health professionals need to assume an active role in providing education and clarifying misconceptions among our vulnerable patient population to help mitigate vaccine hesitancy.

The present research work was conducted to study the prevalence of NTS (Non-typhoidal Salmonella) in desi chicken farms in Namakkal district of Tamil Nadu state, India. For the study, fresh faecal samples were collected from 30 desi chicken farms located in Namakkal district. The samples were subjected to cultural examination for isolation and identification of Non-typhoidal Salmonella. The samples found to be positive in cultural isolation were subjected to molecular screening by PCR for confirmation. In the present study, out of 30 farms investigated, samples from seven farms were found to be positive for Non-typhoidal Salmonella and all the positive samples were confirmed to be S. typhimurium. The study indicates that small scale poultry production with desi chicken is also becoming source of NTS infection in human beings apart from organized commercial poultry sector. Creating awareness on prevalence of NTS in desi chicken and giving trainings to meat handlers and butchers regarding hygienic slaughter and food safety will minimize contamination of desi chicken meat with non-typhoidal Salmonella.

This study aimed to assess the efficacy of a bimetallic system consisting of Mg0-Pd0 and the bacterium Acinetobacter sp. for the complete detoxification of lindane. Our results demonstrate that palladium immobilized on activated charcoal achieved a removal rate of >99% for 100 mg.L-1 of Lindane within 10 minutes, with the accumulation of trace amounts of intermediates. The reductive transformation of lindane followed 1st-order kinetics, with a calculated rate constant (kobs) of 0.77 min-1. The bimetallic system resulted in the formation of a non-toxic hydrocarbon as the end-product, indicating complete dehalogenation of lindane. Furthermore, Acinetobacter sp. effectively mineralized >98% of 100 mg.L-1 of Lindane after 26 h of cultivation without any accumulation of toxic metabolite(s) in the reaction medium, demonstrating the efficiency of the biological system. Integrating both chemical and biological systems could provide significant advantages for the treatment of lindane, reducing the treatment time and overall cost. This synergistic approach can significantly enhance the overall removal efficiency of lindane from contaminated soil and water.

Nanoparticles differ significantly from their bulk counterparts in terms of their characteristics, and they have a wide range of scientific uses. The use of green nanoparticles have received considerable attention. Recent advances in green nanomaterial production have made it possible to utilize these materials in catalysis. Many techniques have been applied to treat the textile wastewater. In the current study, Alizarin Red S dye is photocatalytically degraded utilizing green synthesized NiO nanoparticles derived from green tea extract. Utilizing techniques such as FT-IR, UV-Visible spectroscopy, EDAX, SEM, and XRD, the synthesized nanoparticles were examined. The morphology of the nanoparticle was studied using the SEM images. The XRD analysis was used to find the size of the crystal. The formula developed by Debye Scherer was used to determine the crystallite size. It was seen that the crystallite size was 29.75 nm. Using EDAX, the existence of Ni was verified. FT-IR analysis was used to find the functional groups present in the nanoparticle. According to morphological research, the nanoparticles are flake-shaped and have a larger surface area. Systematically the impact of many parameters on dye degradation, including catalyst dosage, dye concentration, and pH was examined. The findings showed that NiO can be used as a good nanocatalyst to degrade organic dyes. The kinetics of photodegradation were studied. Antibacterial and antifungal activities carried out on the synthesized nanoparticle and the precursor green tea shows that they have good activity over bacteria and fungi. The right selection of operating conditions allows to degrade the pollutant effectively.

Tissue-engineered nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) are a viable clinical alternative to autografts and allografts and have been widely used to treat peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs). Although these NGCs are successful to some extent, they cannot aid in native regeneration by improving native-equivalent neural innervation or regrowth. Further, NGCs exhibit longer recovery period and high cost limiting their clinical applications. Additive manufacturing (AM) could be an alternative to the existing drawbacks of the conventional NGCs fabrication methods. The emergence of the AM technique has offered ease for developing personalized three-dimensional (3D) neural constructs with intricate features and higher accuracy on a larger scale, replicating the native feature of nerve tissue. This review introduces the structural organization of peripheral nerves, the classification of PNI, and limitations in clinical and conventional nerve scaffold fabrication strategies. The principles and advantages of AM-based techniques, including the combinatorial approaches utilized for manufacturing 3D nerve conduits, are briefly summarized. This review also outlines the crucial parameters, such as the choice of printable biomaterials, 3D microstructural design/model, conductivity, permeability, degradation, mechanical property, and sterilization required to fabricate large-scale additive-manufactured NGCs successfully. Finally, the challenges and future directions toward fabricating the 3D-printed/bioprinted NGCs for clinical translation are also discussed.

Quinones are considered a class of organic compounds having a quinonoid group and are the ultimate electron acceptors. Due to this property, they have favourable redox potential and the ability to form stable hydrogen bonds. Luminescence quenching is one of the most important techniques used to get information regarding the structure and dynamics of a luminophore. A variety of transition metal complexes have been synthesized and studied to comprehend the quinones' electron-accepting characteristics. Among these, Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes have widespread applications in electron transfer reactions due to their well-defined photophysical and photochemical stability. The reaction of excited state Tris(4,4'-dimethoxy-2,2'-bipyridine)ruthenium(II)tetrafluoroborate [Ru(dMeObpy)3](BF4)2 complex with quinones was investigated through photoinduced electron transfer reaction in homogeneous and microheterogenous medium. The luminescence quenching technique has been used to study this reaction. The complex has an absorbance maximum of 448 nm in aqueous medium. The quenching rate constants were deduced using the Stern-Volmer equation. The interaction between the complex and the quinones in a cationic micellar medium, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), was analyzed based on electrostatic interaction and hydrophobicity. The plot between RTlnkq vs. reduction potential of the quinones, as well as the transient absorption spectra, confirmed the oxidative nature of quenching of the ruthenium complex in the presence of quinones. The quenching constant values are influenced by many factors, such as the nature of the ligand, medium, size, and structure of quenchers, and electron transfer distance between the donor and the acceptor. The formation of Ru3+ species is confirmed by its characteristic absorption at 600 nm.

Dharmapuri rural farmers were aware about TANUVAS Aseel strains of backyard poultry and had experience of rearing TANUVAS Aseel chicks trained by KVK, Dharmapuri. About 23.6% of the farmers have discontinued the practice due to lack of awareness about brooding and non-availability of chicks and 22.03% of the farmers did not followed the practice because of low preference and predator attack. Farmers preferred TANUVAS Aseel strain of backyard poultry for meat and egg purpose, who fetch meat cost @ ₹400/kg. Therefore, KVK, VUTRC and Animal Husbandary sector should aid supportive services like brooding, vaccination, feeding, housing, marketing of these birds to the farmers in order to encourage backyard poultry farmers. Conclusively, extension activity should be strengthened for efficient transfer of technology from the laboratory to the farmer field.

Introduction: Long-term or even indefinite retention is routinely prescribed after orthodontic treatment as a preventive safeguard against post-treatment changes induced by tooth movement, physiological healing, and the aging process. Though both fixed and removable versions of retainers may be equally effective in terms of results, sufficient research to support this assumption is missing at the moment. Objectives: Long-term effects of fixed and removable retention on the periodontium, and the compliance level when used for an extended period of time. Methods: For 4 years participants were given a supply of canine-to-canine retainers and vacuum-formed canine-to-canine retainers. The inter-canine, as well as inter-molar widths, the length, and the extraction space opening of the mandibular anterior portion, were measured. Gingival inflammation, calculus, and plaque were observed, as well as the attachment of clinical and the case of bleeding during probing. 42 members had returned in the follow-up period, with 21 from each of the two groups. Measurements of the modified gingival index and plaque scoring were performed on the 10 intra-oral photographs that were taken at 4-week intervals in this study to investigate the intra-examiner reliability. Results: After controlling for confounding variables, there was a 1.64 mm (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.30, 2.98 mm) median between-groups difference among patients who utilized vacuum-formed retainers (VFRs). The treatment groups did not vary in inter-canine and intermolar widths (P = 0.52; 95% CI, −1.07, 1.05), arch length (P = 0.99; 95% CI, −1.15, 1.14), or opening of extraction spaces (P = 0.84). Conclusion: A long-term study demonstrates that fixed retention can preserve the alignment of the mandibular anterior over time for the first time. Gingival discomfort and higher plaque scores were reported in both types of retainers.

By possessing good thermal stability and minimal overall toxicity, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) appear to be the most effective of all metal nanoparticles (MNPs). Owing to their rapid and simple synthesis, size and shape effect, large surface area, strong adsorption ability, facile conjugation with analyte, excellent biocompatibility, conductivity, and catalytic properties, AuNPs have been used in the fields of catalysis, environmental remediation, healthcare therapy, etc. These properties are important for the detection of a wide range of analytes of interest, such as metal ions, hazardous pollutants, and so on. Metal ions are essential in an assortment of industries, as well as human biological functions and metabolism, so their detection and monitoring for everyday applications have garnered a lot of attention. AuNP-based sensors are expected to transform the practicalities of sensing and detecting various metal ions due to their tunable surface features. In this short review article, we focus on the application of AuNPs-based nanocomposites in metal ion sensing by employing spectrometry and electrochemical techniques. Additionally, a brief description of computational studies on the interaction of AuNPs-based composites with metal ions, biomolecules, and drugs has also been presented. Finally, we discussed the benefits and drawbacks of AuNPs-based sensors for the analyte of interest sensing using these methodologies, as well as future research possibilities.

Using a hybrid approach that incorporates both particle swarm optimization (PSO) and gravitational search algorithms (GSA), this project aims to find the best way for power systems to distribute their energy. A novel heuristic search optimization technique, the GSA is works on the law of gravity. While this strategy has many advantages, it suffers from sluggish search performance and memory constraints. In order to discover a solution to this problem, the PSO technique was utilized. PSO and GSA, were utilized in this investigation to discover the optimal power flow utilizing a combination of these two methodologies. The suggested optimization method merges the social thinking and local search features of particle swarm optimization with those of the GSA, therefore taking benefit of both algorithms. This study examines and evaluates an optimization technique for the optimal power flow problem, focusing on reducing fuel costs, improving the voltage profile, and minimizing real power losses. The investigation and assessment are conducted on the commonly used IEEE 30-bus test systems. The simulation findings showcase the robust and effective resolution of the optimum power transfer problem through the amalgamation of Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) and Gravitational Search Algorithm (GSA).

In the present investigation, we have explored the preparation of Pt _x Ru _1-x -NiTiO _3 hybrid electrocatalysts for the application of methanol oxidization. The XRD and Raman analysis of Pt _x Ru _1-x -NiTiO _3 confirmed the rhombohedral crystal structure of NiTiO _3 and cubic-structured Pt(Ru) nanoparticles. TEM analysis signifies that Pt(Ru) nanoparticles is decorated on the surface of the NiTiO _3 . The mean size of the Pt(Ru) nanoparticles calculated from the TEM profile is around 2 nm which corroborates with the crystallite size estimated from XRD. The XPS analysis confirms the presence of metallic Pt along with its oxidized components (Pt ^2+ and Pt ^4+ ). The cyclic voltammetry analysis evidence that Pt _0.5 Ru _0.5 -NiTiO _3 has shown better activity in methanol oxidation compared with the other compositions of Pt _x Ru _1−x -NiTiO _3 along with the maximum current density of 65.41 mA cm ^−2 with less carbon poisoning. Chronoamperometry and polarization studies represent the stability and electrochemical activity of the Pt _0.5 Ru _0.5 -NiTiO _3 electrocatalysts towards methanol oxidation. Based on the research carried out in this work, it is concluded that the Pt _x Ru _1−x -NiTiO _3 would be a promising candidate as an electrocatalyst for methanol oxidation in direct methanol fuel cells.

Abstract Bioactive glass (BG) is an interesting topic in soft tissue engineering because of its biocompatibility and bonding potential to increase fibroblast cell proliferation, synthesize growth factors, and stimulate granulation tissue development. The proposed BG with and without sodium (Na), prepared by the sol–gel method, is employed in wound healing studies. The BG/graphene oxide (GO) and BG (Na-free)/GO nanocomposites were investigated against fibroblast L929 cells in vitro; the 45S5 BG nanocomposites exhibited desired cell viability (80%), cell proliferation (30%), cell migration (25%), metabolic activity, and wound contraction due to extracellular matrix (ECM) production and enhanced protein release by fibroblast cells. Additionally, the antioxidant assays for BG, BG (Na-free), GO, and BG/GO, BG (Na-free)/GO were evaluated for effective wound healing properties. The results showed decreased inflammation sites in the wound area, assessed by the (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate) (DPPH) assay with ~ 80% radical scavenging activity, confirming their anti-inflammatory and improved wound healing properties.

Abstract Electrochemical synthesis of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) via a two‐electron (2e–) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) has emerged as a sustainable synthesis route compared to the anthraquinone oxidation synthesis process. Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe(1‐x)CuxO3‐δ perovskite is a particularly interesting electrocatalyst for ORR applications owing to its doping flexibility. In this study, we use experimental and computation approaches to study Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3‐δ with and without copper doping at the B‐site for 2e– ORR. Our electrochemical measurements in oxygen‐saturated alkaline solution show that the selectivity of perovskite electrocatalyst increases from 30% to 65% with (0.05) copper doping in the B‐site and the onset potential is decreased. Density functional theory calculations are used to unravel the role of copper in driving high activity and selectivity toward 2e– ORR. Site‐specific engineering of Ba0.5Sr0.5FeO3‐δ by copper doping in the B‐site exposed unique adsorption sites with improved activity and selectivity for H2O2 formation.

The present study reports the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) using Clitoria ternatea flower extract and examination of their antibacterial activity. The change in color of the reaction mixture from violet to yellow colour indicated the formation of ZnO NPs. The formation of ZnO NPs was confirmed by the appearance of a maximum absorption peak at 381 nm in the UV-visible spectrum. The XRD pattern corresponding with the JCPDS card for ZnO showed the presence of purecrystalline ZnO NPs. FTIR spectra confirmed the stretching vibrations of C=O, C–O–H, and O–H groups involved in the reduction of ZnO NPs. The size and morphology of the ZnO NPs were confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Further particle size was determined by using Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of ZnO NPs showed significant inhibitory activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short non-coding single-stranded RNAs with approximately 22 nucleotides in length that negatively regulate the mRNA translation of a target gene. MiR-2b-1 belongs to the largest miR-2 family in Drosophila melanogaster with 8 members and this miRNA family is conserved in invertebrates. miRNAs play key roles in gene regulation, cell proliferation, cell death, cell differentiation and cell developmental homeostasis in multicellular organisms. Its role in various human diseases is continuously being studied. miRNAs also found out to be crucial in maintaining stem cell niche in D. melanogaster gonads. We have identified that ectopic overexpression of miR-2b-1 of D. melanogaster causes testicular bulging (a tumour like phenotype) in 3-5 days old adult flies. Hence, we have performed a transcriptomic (RNA-seq) analysis to understand the role of miR-2b-1 in the development, maintenance, and differentiation of D. melanogaster adult testis stem cells. Data are available from GEO (accession number GSE211399).

Copper (II) is one of the most abundant heavy metal ions commonly found in water resources from industrial effluents discharge. Subsequently, it contaminates the food chain and becomes a source of toxicity to human beings and the entire ecological system. High intake of Cu (II) causes serious health effects and even death. The amino acid ligands possess high interaction towards metal ions. To efficiently remove Cu (II) ions from wastewater, we designed and prepared an eco-friendly Zirconium-based Metal-Organic Framework (Zr-MOF) using solitary amino acid (L-tyrosine) as ligand via a simple solvothermal method. The Zr-MOF is partially amorphous, strong solid with a thermal stability of 180 °C. The Zr-MOF has a surface area of 295 m2 g−1, wide pore size distribution ranges from 0.2 to 1.2 nm, with a pore volume of 0.6 cm3 g−1, which can easily trap the Cu (II) ions. Cu (II) ions adsorption analyses are carried out using a simple one-step method (UV Visible Spectroscopy) over other complicated experiments and equations. Zr-MOF exhibits adsorptive behavior on Cu (II) ions from water under any pH range from 1 to 13. The newly developed adsorption technique iss successfully employed to remove Cu (II) with an average adsorption capacity (qe) of Zr-MOF is 79.34 mg g−1 (maximum: 125 mg g−1) and a maximum Cu (II) ion removal efficiency (R) of Zr-MOF is found as 50% (average: 31.7%) in real water samples. This amino acid ligated MOF synthesis will open the doors towards biocompatible MOF development for the environmental remediation applications.

Abstract Widespread commercialization of high‐energy‐density lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries is difficult due to the lithium polysulfide, Li2Sn (n = 4, 6, 8), shuttle effect. Efficient adsorption/conversion of Li2Sn species on an electrocatalytic surface can suppress the shuttle effect. Modeling of the adsorption of Li2Sn species using density functional theory (DFT) calculations has contributed significantly toward an understanding of their anchoring mechanism at a surface. Different surfaces show a unique range of binding energies for faster Li2Sn adsorption/reaction kinetics. To predict the optimum binding energy zone, a systematic DFT study is performed on transition‐metal sulfide (TMS) surfaces including TiS2, VS2, NbS2, MoS2, WS2, and SnS2. The investigation revealed that the geometric properties at the anchoring site possibly regulate the adsorption energy of Li2Sn species. A geometry parameter, Gscore, is defined as a function of bond length and number of lithium‐atom interactions between the Li2Sn species and the binding surface. The design principle is extended to sulfur‐deficient (TMSs‐x) and edge‐exposed (TMS(100)) surfaces. The Gscore predicts the most effective binding energy zone distinctive to these materials—TMS (1.7–2.1 eV/Gscore ≥ 2.0), TMSs‐x (2.0–2.8 eV/Gscore ≥ 2.1), and TMS(100) (2.5–3.2 eV/Gscore ≥ 1.09).

Background: Age, sex, stature, and ethnic background are considered a main attributes of biological identity of the individual, which are also called the “Big Four” in forensic. Human identification is of chief importance, in both legal and humanitarian purpose. Teeth can remain virtually unaffected and survive long after other soft tissue and skeletal tissues were destroyed. Hence, its implication in personal identification was gained popularity and high accuracy. Aim and Objective: The aim and objective of the study were to determine the reliability of gender determination from deciduous dental pulp tissue by comparing Feulgen stain, acridine orange, and Papanicolaou stain. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 25 samples, out of which 14 female teeth and 11 male teeth. The pulp was collected from the teeth undergoing pulpectomy. Then, the pulp tissue was transferred to the centrifuge tube containing Carnoy's fixative. After centrifugation, the cells were collected and stained using Feulgen stain, acridine orange, and Papanicolaou stain. Results: The reliability of gender determination is significant, with the female shows 100% positive results and the male shows negative. The Papanicolaou stain shows better nuclear morphology while comparing with Feulgen and acridine orange. Conclusion: Hence, gender determination can be identified using deciduous dental pulp.