Towards sustainable agriculture with carbon sequestration, and greenhouse gas mitigation using algal biochar.

With the increase in the world's population, demand for food and other products is continuously rising. This has put a lot of pressure on the agricultural sector. To fulfill these demands, the utilization of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has also increased.

Therapeutic Properties of PDMS Nanoparticles: A Promising New Drug Delivery Vehicle against Inflammatory Conditions.

Background: Over the last few decades, there has been a stupendous change in the area of drug delivery using particulate delivery systems, with increasing focus on nanoparticles in recent times. Nanoparticles help to improve and alter the pharmacodynamic properties and pharmacokinetics of various types of drug molecules. These features help to protect the drug entity in the systemic circulation, access of the drug to the chosen sites, and to deliver the drug in a controlled and sustained rate at the site of action.

OLIG2 maintenance is not essential for diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma cell line growth but regulates tumor phenotypes.

Background: Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a pediatric lethal high-grade brainstem glioma with no effective therapies. OLIG2 (oligodendrocyte transcription factor 2) was reported to be critical for the growth of a DIPG cell line CCHMC-DIPG-1. Surprisingly, we found that the CCHMC-DIPG-1 cells express little OLIG2 and exhibit a mesenchymal phenotype, which raised a question regarding the role of OLIG2 in the growth of DIPG cells.

Transient characteristics of universal cells on human-induced pluripotent stem cells and their differentiated cells derived from foetal stem cells with mixed donor sources.

Introduction: It is important to prepare 'hypoimmunogenic' or 'universal' human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with gene-editing technology by knocking out or in immune-related genes, because only a few hypoimmunogenic or universal hPSC lines would be sufficient to store for their off-the-shelf use. However, these hypoimmunogenic or universal hPSCs prepared previously were all genetically edited, which makes laborious processes to check and evaluate no abnormal gene editing of hPSCs.

Methods: Universal human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) were generated without gene editing, which were reprogrammed from foetal stem cells (human amniotic fluid stem cells) with mixing 2-5 allogenic donors but not with single donor.

Overcoming barriers to establishing autopsy procurement programs in pediatric patients with central nervous system tumors: a call to develop regional centers.

Background: While autopsy-repository programs with a variety of pediatric central nervous system (CNS) tumor types are a critical resource for preclinical neuro-oncology research, few exist and there is no published guidance on how to develop one. The goal of this prospective Pediatric Brain Tumor Repository (PBTR) study was to develop such a program at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC) and then publish the quantitative and experiential data as a guide to support the development of similar programs.

Methods: Protocols and infrastructure were established-to educate oncologists and families, establish eligibility, obtain consent, address pre- and post-autopsy logistics (e.

Microbiology's next top model: Galleria in the molecular age.

Galleria mellonella has risen to fame as an invertebrate model organism given its ethical advantages, low maintenance costs, rapid reproduction time, short life cycle, high number of progeny, tolerance for human body temperatures, innate immune system and similarities to mammalian host models. It is increasingly being utilised to evaluate in vivo toxicity and efficacy of chemical compounds and antimicrobials, modelling microbial (bacterial, fungal and viral) pathogenicity and assessing host-pathogen interaction during infection. During this molecular age of genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and genetic manipulation approaches, our understanding of microbial pathogenicity and host-pathogen interactions has deepened from high-throughput molecular studies performed in G.

Optogenetic modulation of cortical neurons using organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs).

Objective: There is a need for low power, scalable photoelectronic devices and systems for emerging optogenetic needs in neuromodulation. Conventional light emitting diodes (LEDs) are constrained by power and lead-counts necessary for scalability. Organic LEDs (OLEDs) offer an exciting approach to decrease power and lead-counts while achieving high channel counts on thin, flexible substrates that conform to brain surfaces or peripheral neuronal fibers.

Comparative evaluation of enamel microhardness after using two different remineralizing agents on artificially demineralized human enamel: An study.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to compare the remineralization outcomes of two agents using the Vickers microhardness test (VMHT) on artificially induced enamel subsurface lesions.

Materials And Methods: Forty sound extracted premolars were selected as samples for the current study and divided into four groups of 10 teeth each: Clinpro (group 1), Remin Pro (group 2), untreated positive control (group 3), and a demineralized negative control (group 4). All the sample groups were assessed first at baseline then after demineralization and remineralization using DIAGNOdent.

Applications of hepatic round ligament/falciform ligament flap and graft in abdominal surgery-a review of their utility and efficacy.

Background And Purpose: Despite their ubiquitous presence, easy availability and diverse possibilities, falciform ligament and hepatic round ligament have been used less frequently than their potential dictates. This article aims to comprehensively review the applications of hepatic round ligament/falciform ligament flap and graft in abdominal surgery and assess their utility and efficacy.

Methods: Medical literature/indexing databases were searched, using internet search engines, for pertinent articles and analysed.

Mild COVID-19 infection-predicting symptomatic phase and outcome: A study from AIIMS, New Delhi.

Context: Comprehensive management of mild COVID infection calls for better understanding of symptomatology in these group of patients as well as early identification and close monitoring of patients at risk, data on which is limited.

Aim: To study association between inflammatory markers and clinical presentation with progression of disease and the duration of resolution of symptoms.

Settings And Design: This is a retrospective study that has been conducted at a designated COVID -19 medical ward at AIIMS, New Delhi.

Risk factors and outcome among COVID-19 exposed and quarantined healthcare workers: A study on the status of existing practices of standard precautions.

Context: Health care workers (HCWs) are at high risk of COVID-19 infection but data on the risk factors for exposure and infection rate among Indian HCWs are limited.

Aims: Our study aims to identify the risk factors and behavior of HCWs which make them high risk for COVID-19 infection and the infection rate among them.

Settings And Design: This is a retrospective study conducted at All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi.

A Direct Non-destructive Method for Determination of Sulfur in Ore Samples Using EDXRF Spectrometry.

A method has been developed for direct non-destructive energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) determination of sulfur in solid uranium ores and intermediates, obtained from the alkaline recovery process for uranium from its ores. The method involves thorough grinding of a few mg of solid powder samples to fine particle size and mixing the fine powder thus obtained with a few drops of 10% collodion solution in amyl acetate to make a paste. A very small amount of this paste was transferred with the help of the pestle tip, spread uniformly in the form of thin slurry on Mylar films, and dried to make very thin sample specimens on thin Mylar film supports.

Impact of the Inflow Population From Outbreak Areas on the COVID-19 Epidemic in Yunnan Province and the Recommended Control Measures: A Preliminary Study.

COVID-19 developed into a global pandemic in 2020 and poses challenges regarding the prevention and control capabilities of countries. A large number of inbound travelers from other regions could lead to a renewed outbreak of COVID-19 in the local regions. Globally, as a result of the imbalance in the control of the epidemic, all countries are facing the risk of a renewed COVID-19 outbreak brought about by travelers from epidemic areas.

Willingness and yield of screening for hepatitis B among outpatients of a tertiary care centre, Puducherry, South India.

India's National Viral Hepatitis Control Programme recommends screening outpatients for hepatitis B at tertiary care centres. We aimed to assess the yield of screening and reasons for refusal for testing. We included adult outpatients at a tertiary care centre, South India during September and October 2019.

Antibacterial and anticancer potential of Brassica oleracea var acephala using biosynthesised copper nanoparticles.

Introduction: Brassica oleracea var acephala was studied for preliminary phytochemical screening. The results showed that the ethanolic crude extract of the leaf contain high phytochemical activity hence B.oleracea var acephala is rich in flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates and phytosterols.

d-Serine Intervention In The Medial Entorhinal Area Alters TLE-Related Pathology In CA1 Hippocampus Via The Temporoammonic Pathway.

Entrainment of the hippocampus by the medial entorhinal area (MEA) in Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE), the most common type of drug-resistant epilepsy in adults, is believed to be mediated primarily through the perforant pathway (PP), which connects stellate cells in layer (L) II of the MEA with granule cells of the dentate gyrus (DG) to drive the hippocampal tri-synaptic circuit. Using immunohistochemistry, high-resolution confocal microscopy and the rat pilocarpine model of TLE, we show here that the lesser known temporoammonic pathway (TAP) plays a significant role in transferring MEA pathology to the CA1 region of the hippocampus independently of the PP. The pathology observed was region-specific and restricted primarily to the CA1c subfield of the hippocampus.

Remediation strategies for mitigation of phthalate pollution: Challenges and future perspectives.

Phthalates are a group of emerging xenobiotic compounds commonly used as plasticizers. In recent times, there has been an increasing concern over the risk of phthalate exposure leading to adverse effects to human health and the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to not only understand the current status of phthalate pollution, their sources, exposure routes and health impacts, but also identify remediation technologies for mitigating phthalate pollution.

Hypoxic-Mediated Oxidative Stress Condition and Hydroxyapatite-Inducing Osteogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells: A Mathematical Modeling Study.

Avascular necrosis (AVN) of the bones remains a major clinical challenge. Fractures in the talus, the scaphoid, and the neck of the femur are especially challenging to heal due to the low blood vessel network and the lack of collateral blood supply. These fractures are associated with high rates of nonunion and increased infections that require repeated operations.

An Open-Label Prospective Study to Compare the Efficacy and Safety of Topical Fluticasone Versus Tacrolimus in the Proactive Treatment of Atopic Dermatitis.

Background: Atopic dermatitis (AD), a chronic, recurrent inflammatory skin condition primarily affects children. Topical treatment, systemic treatment, and phototherapy are mainstays of treatment. Topical corticosteroids (TCS) are first-line therapy for AD but are associated with various adverse effects.

Biofriendly Substitutes for Xylene in Deparaffinization.

Background: Xylene is an aromatic hydrocarbon that is routinely used in histopathological laboratories. It is biohazardous and produces many toxic effects like carcinogenesis. A safer substitute for xylene is necessary to minimize its usage.

Comparative Study on Fracture Resistance of Endodontically Treated Tooth in Relation to Variable Ferrule Heights Using Custom-made and Prefabricated Post and Core: An Study.

Introduction: Endodontically treated teeth have significantly differentphysical properties compared to vital teeth. To ensure functional longevity,endodontically treated teeth must have at least 5 mm of tooth structure coronalto the crestal bone, 2 mm of coronal tooth structure incisal to the preparationfinish line are necessary to ensure functional integrity.

Aim And Objectives: To evaluate fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored withcustom cast post, custom cast post with variable ferrule height and teethwithout ferrule, prefabricated post with variable ferrule height and teethwithout ferrule.

Machine learning approach to detect focal-onset seizures in the human anterior nucleus of the thalamus.

There is an unmet need to develop seizure detection algorithms from brain regions outside the epileptogenic cortex. The study aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of classifying seizures and interictal states from local field potentials (LFPs) recorded from the human thalamus-a subcortical region remote to the epileptogenic cortex. We tested the hypothesis that spectral and entropy-based features extracted from LFPs recorded from the anterior nucleus of the thalamus (ANT) can distinguish its state of ictal recruitment from other interictal states (including awake, sleep).