Antimicrobial efficacy of modified gutta-percha for obturation - A systematic review.

Gutta Percha (GP) cones are made in an aseptic environment, a number of investigations have shown the presence of bacteria in recently opened boxes and this contamination rises with incorrect handling, storage and aerosol application. Numerous physicochemical techniques have been documented aiming to boost the antibacterial activity of GP cones while ensuring its obturation requirements. This systematic review aimed to critically evaluate the efficacy of antibacterial activity of GP modified with various antibacterial agents.

Tamarind seed gum-based hydrogel for the targeted delivery of imidazobenzothiazole sulfonamide derivative as an anticancer agent.

The current investigation intended to assess the controlled delivery of 7-sulfonamide-2-(4-methylphenyl) imidazo[2,1-b] [1, 3] benzothiazole an anticancer agent (ACA) by tamarind seed gum-based hydrogel; for its potential activity against hepatocellular carcinoma. The FTIR spectra, SEM, C NMR, PXRD, and TGA analyses evidenced the successful loading of ACA into the hydrogel system. The rheological testing conveyed the increase in the elastic nature of ACA-loaded hydrogel helping in an effective release.

Synergistic interaction of green-synthesized titanium dioxide nanoparticles and Averrhoa carambola extract in chitosan films.

Chitosan-based films incorporated with green-synthesized TiO nanoparticles (CT) and Averrhoa carambola extract (CP) at different concentrations were fabricated and optimised based on enhanced tensile, moisture-gas barrier and retention capabilities of antioxidants. Chitosan incorporated with 0.06 % TiO NP and those incorporated with 6 % carambola extract exhibited optimal results, and developed films of the above two concentrations of the additives were blended into chitosan (CTP) for further analysis.

Self-supervised learning via VICReg enables training of EMG pattern recognition using continuous data with unclear labels.

In this study, we investigate the application of self-supervised learning via pre-trained Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks for training surface electromyography pattern recognition models (sEMG-PR) using dynamic data with transitions. While labeling such data poses challenges due to the absence of ground-truth labels during transitions between classes, self-supervised pre-training offers a way to circumvent this issue. We compare the performance of LSTMs trained with either fully-supervised or self-supervised loss to a conventional non-temporal model (LDA) on two data types: segmented ramp data (lacking transition information) and continuous dynamic data inclusive of class transitions.

Liposome-based Freezing Medium Improves the Outcome of Mouse Prepubertal Testicular Tissue Cryopreservation.

Cryopreservation of testicular tissue holds an important role in the field of fertility preservation, particularly for prepubertal boys diagnosed with cancer. However, prepubertal testicular tissue cryopreservation is still considered to be in the experimental stage necessitating the refinement of cryopreservation protocol. Considering the fact that loss of membrane lipids is the primary cause of freeze-thaw-induced loss of testicular cell functions, in this study, we explored the beneficial properties of exogenous supplementation of membrane lipids in the form of liposomes in enhancing the cryosurvival of prepubertal testicular tissue.

Ustilaginoidea virens, an emerging pathogen of rice: the dynamic interplay between the pathogen virulence strategies and host defense.

The Ustilaginoidea virens -rice pathosystem has been used as a model for flower-infecting fungal pathogens. The molecular biology of the interactions between U. virens and rice, with an emphasis on the attempt to get a deeper comprehension of the false smut fungus's genomes, proteome, host range, and pathogen biology, has been investigated.

Can genomic signatures guide the selection of host-specific agents for weed biological control?

Biological control of weeds involves deliberate introduction of host-specific natural enemies into invaded range to reduce the negative impacts of invasive species. Assessing the specificity is a crucial step, as introduction of generalist natural enemies into a new territory may pose risks to the recipient communities. A mechanistic understanding of host use can provide valuable insights for the selection of specialist natural enemies, bolster confidence in non-target risk assessment and potentially accelerate the host specificity testing process in biological control.

Assessment of Physicochemical Characterization and Mineralization of Nanofibrous Scaffold Incorporated With Aspartic Acid for Dental Mineralization: An In Vitro Study.

Aim The aim of this study was to assess the physicochemical characterization and mineralization of nanofibrous scaffold incorporated with nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) and aspartic acid (Asp) for dental mineralization.  Methodology Three nanofibrous scaffolds were prepared, namely polycaprolactone (PCL), PCL with nHA, and PCL with nHA and Asp. Each scaffold was prepared separately by electrospinning.

Introduced species shed friends as well as enemies.

Many studies seeking to understand the success of biological invasions focus on species' escape from negative interactions, such as damage from herbivores, pathogens, or predators in their introduced range (enemy release). However, much less work has been done to assess the possibility that introduced species might shed mutualists such as pollinators, seed dispersers, and mycorrhizae when they are transported to a new range. We ran a cross-continental field study and found that plants were being visited by 2.

Comprehensive insights into the impact of bacterial indole-3-acetic acid on sensory preferences in Drosophila melanogaster.

Several bacteria of environmental and clinical origins, including some human-associated strains secrete a cross-kingdom signaling molecule indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). IAA is a tryptophan (trp) derivative mainly known for regulating plant growth and development as a hormone. However, the nutritional sources that boost IAA secretion in bacteria and the impact of secreted IAA on non-plant eukaryotic hosts remained less explored.

Enhancing Antimicrobial Efficacy and Synergistic Effects of Nano-Silica-Based Combinations With Doxycycline, Metronidazole, and Ciprofloxacin Against Enterococcus faecalis Biofilms.

Background:  biofilm formation within root canals poses a challenging problem in endodontics, often leading to treatment failure. To combat this issue, nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing antimicrobial efficacy. This study explores the potential synergistic effects of combining nanoscale silica particles with conventional antibiotics, including doxycycline, metronidazole, and ciprofloxacin, against biofilms.

Dietary agents in the prevention of radiation-induced nausea and vomiting (RINV): review addressing the scientific observations, benefits, lacunae and future direction.

Purpose: Radiation-induced Nausea and Vomiting (RINV) is an important side effect and conservative estimates are that 50-80% of the patients undergoing curative radiotherapy (RT) will experience some sought of retching, nausea, and/or vomiting during the course of their treatment. Conventionally, antiemetic drugs like the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor antagonists and steroids are the mainstay of treatment. However, the use of these agents, especially steroids, can cause side effects and thereby negate the proposed benefits.

Comparative Evaluation of Bacterial Reduction by Laser-Activated Irrigation Technique (LAI) With Conventional Needle Irrigation (CNI) in Single-Rooted Teeth With Pulpal Necrosis: A Single-Blinded Randomized Controlled Trial.

Aim  To compare the bacterial reduction in single-rooted teeth with pulpal necrosis after laser-activated irrigation technique (LAI) and conventional needle irrigation (CNI). Methodology In this clinical trial (CTRI/2021/09/047767), 32 patients with pulpal necrosis were enrolled. Under complete aseptic conditions, access cavity preparation was done and the baseline sample S1 was collected from the root canal using paper points.

Tiptoe Walking in the Presence of Superimposed Aeromonas With Dengue Infection.

The rise in limb salvage surgeries has led to an increase in post-traumatic equinus contractures, resulting in secondary causes of tiptoe walking. There is notable evidence linking superimposed bacteremia to heightened risks of morbidity and mortality in dengue patients, particularly when the immune system is compromised, leading to documented cases of -induced necrotizing fasciitis with myonecrosis. A case report from August 2019 involves a five-year-old boy admitted for dengue fever, which progressed to severe bilateral leg necrotizing fasciitis caused by concurrent infection.

Decision-Change Informed Rejection Improves Robustness in Pattern Recognition-Based Myoelectric Control.

Post-processing techniques have been shown to improve the quality of the decision stream generated by classifiers used in pattern-recognition-based myoelectric control. However, these techniques have largely been tested individually and on well-behaved, stationary data, failing to fully evaluate their trade-offs between smoothing and latency during dynamic use. Correspondingly, in this work, we survey and compare 8 different post-processing and decision stream improvement schemes in the context of continuous and dynamic class transitions: majority vote, Bayesian fusion, onset locking, outlier detection, confidence-based rejection, confidence scaling, prior adjustment, and adaptive windowing.

Rare Case of Focal Gigantism of the Foot.

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa (MDL) is a rare congenital variant of focused gigantism that is non-hereditary. Typically, MDL presents with localized gigantism in either the hand or foot. In this case report, we present the unique instance of a 12-year-old girl who has experienced enlargement of the first and second toes on her right foot since birth.

PARP1 inhibition protects mice against Japanese encephalitis virus infection.

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a vector-borne viral disease that causes acute encephalitis in children. Although vaccines have been developed against the JE virus (JEV), no effective antiviral therapy exists. Our study shows that inhibition of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1), an NAD-dependent (poly-ADP) ribosyl transferase, protects against JEV infection.

The great escape: patterns of enemy release are not explained by time, space or climate.

When a plant is introduced to a new ecosystem it may escape from some of its coevolved herbivores. Reduced herbivore damage, and the ability of introduced plants to allocate resources from defence to growth and reproduction can increase the success of introduced species. This mechanism is known as enemy release and is known to occur in some species and situations, but not in others.

Linear-in-temperature resistivity for optimally superconducting (Nd,Sr)NiO.

The occurrence of superconductivity in proximity to various strongly correlated phases of matter has drawn extensive focus on their normal state properties, to develop an understanding of the state from which superconductivity emerges. The recent finding of superconductivity in layered nickelates raises similar interests. However, transport measurements of doped infinite-layer nickelate thin films have been hampered by materials limitations of these metastable compounds: in particular, a high density of extended defects.

Neuroprotective effects of dietary plants and phytochemicals against radiation-induced cognitive and behavioral deficits: a comprehensive review of evidence and prospects for future research.

Exposure to ionizing radiation (IR) is a common occurrence in clinical practice and incidents involving nuclear detonation or nuclear reactor accidents. IR triggers cellular events that result in oxidative stress and damage to macromolecules, rendering it harmful. While the central nervous system (CNS) was once believed to be resistant to radiation, emerging evidence suggests that even small doses of IR can adversely impact the brain.

High doses of clethodim-based herbicide GrassOut Max poses reproductive hazard by affecting male reproductive function and early embryogenesis in Swiss albino mice.

Clethodim is a widely used and approved class II herbicide, with little information about its impact on the reproductive system. Herein, we investigated the male reproductive toxicity of clethodim using a mouse model. GrassOut Max (26% clethodim-equivalent) or analytical grade clethodim (≥90%) were given orally to male mice for 10 d in varying doses.