Acupuncture as a Complementary Therapy in Conservative and Endodontic Procedures: A Narrative Review.

With over two millennia of history, traditional Chinese acupuncture ranks among the most renowned forms of supplementary and other healthcare. The use of acupuncture releases endorphins and serotonin, two naturally occurring painkillers, into the nervous system and stimulates it. It also modifies how pain signals are processed and perceived.

Harnessing the Sulfur-for-Oxygen Shift: A Magic Bullet for Dynamic Photophysical and Anticancer Activities of Indole-Barbituric Acid Construct.

The development of small molecule-based drugs emerged as a cornerstone of modern drug discovery. Structural activity relationship (SAR) studies in medicinal chemistry are crucial for lead optimization, where a subtle change in the substituent can significantly alter its binding affinity with the biological target. Herein, a highly efficient single-atom substitution (SAS) approach has been developed, where sulfur for oxygen strategy is utilized as a powerful molecular editing technique to identify N-vinyl Indole-thiobarbituric acid (6 a) as a novel small molecule-based scaffold with tunable photophysical and antiproliferative activities.

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in breast milk of women given one & two doses of COVID-19 vaccine.

Background & objectives The COVID-19 pandemic underscores the significance of vaccination in mitigating disease spread, with Covishield and Covaxin serving as pivotal vaccines in India. Breast milk, rich in vital antibodies like IgA and IgG, plays a crucial role in enhancing the immune defence of breastfeeding infants. However, limited research exists on the antibody responses in breast milk among individuals receiving single versus double doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes and Their Combinations Against Enterococcus faecalis Assessed Using the Agar Diffusion Method: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction: This study aimed to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of single-walled carbon nanotubes when combined with the commonly used intracanal medicaments by checking their zone of inhibition against .

Materials And Methods: The test materials were divided into five different groups, namely, Group I: single-walled carbon nanotubes; Group II: calcium hydroxide; Group III: chlorhexidine; Group IV: single-walled carbon nanotubes + calcium hydroxide; and Group V: single-walled carbon nanotubes + chlorhexidine. Five sterile Petri plates per group were inoculated with (); wells were made in the plates, one on each side, and a volume of 50 microliters of each solution was dispensed into individual wells using a pipette.

Mitochondria Localized Anticancer Iridium(III) Prodrugs for Targeted Delivery of Myeloid Cell Leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) Inhibitors and Cytotoxic Iridium(III) Complex.

Myeloid cell leukemia-1 (Mcl-1) is an antiapoptotic oncoprotein overexpressed in several malignancies and acts as one of the promising therapeutic targets for cancer. Even though there are several small molecule based Mcl-1 inhibitors reported, the delivery of Mcl-1 inhibitor at the target site is quite challenging. In this regard, we developed a series of mitochondria targeting luminescent cyclometalated iridium(III) prodrugs bearing Mcl-1 inhibitors via ester linkage due to the presence of Mcl-1 protein in the outer mitochondrial membrane.

Comparative Evaluation of Micro-tensile Bond Strength in Non-carious Lesions After Different Pre-surface Treatments.

Background: Non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) present themselves as smooth saucer lesions with variable height and depth. Treatment of choice for these lesions should be aimed at conservative management by restoring the teeth. The present study aims to evaluate the micro-tensile bond strength in NCCLs after various surface pre-treatments.

Effect of Alpha Hydroxy Acids as Dentin Conditioning Agents on Growth Factor Release: An In Vitro Study.

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the effects of alpha hydroxy acids and chelating agents on dentin conditioning for the release of growth factors.

Methods: The agents used for dentin conditioning included 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 10% glycolic acid (GA), 10% citric acid (CA), and 5% maleic acid (MA). Forty horizontally sectioned (SV1) human dentine slices were conditioned for 5 and 10 minutes so that the growth factor liberation reached quantifiable levels.

Atomically precise copper nanoclusters mediated Fenton-like reaction for cancer chemodynamic therapy.

We developed stable luminescent morpholine-appended copper nanoclusters CuNCs@MorMB with an ultra-small size (<3 nm) and a long emission lifetime (577 ns). They mediate a Fenton-like reaction to produce reactive hydroxyl radicals (˙OH), subsequently depleting antioxidant glutathione levels for cancer chemodynamic therapy (CDT).

The AlzMatch Pilot Study - Feasibility of Remote Blood Collection of Plasma Biomarkers for Preclinical Alzheimer's Disease Trials.

Background: Advances in plasma biomarkers to detect Alzheimer's disease (AD) biology allows researchers to improve the efficiency of participant recruitment into preclinical trials. Recently, protein levels of plasma amyloid-beta and tau proteins have been shown to be predictive of elevated amyloid in brain. Online registries, such as the Alzheimer's Prevention Trials (APT) Webstudy, include and follow participants using remote assessments to facilitate efficient screening and enrollment of large numbers of individuals who may be at higher risk for AD.

Microbial profiling, antimicrobial resistance surveillance, and molecular detection of MecA gene in Staphylococcal strains from donor human milk: Insights from a milk bank investigation.

Purpose: Donor human milk (DHM) from milk banks provides vital nutrition to vulnerable infants. Understanding its microbial profile and antimicrobial resistance patterns is crucial for ensuring its safety and efficacy. This study aimed to profile the microbial composition, detect antibiotic resistance, and identify the presence of mecA gene in Staphylococcal strains from DHM samples.

Evaluating the Role of Objective Structured Clinical Examination as a Summative Assessment Tool in Undergraduate and Postgraduate Psychiatry Residents.

Background: The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is the gold standard and universal format to assess medical students' clinical competence in a comprehensive, reliable, and valid manner. OSCE is gaining global popularity for assessing medical students in various specialties. Our country uses it in multiple disciplines, but its application in psychiatry remains limited.

A Comparative Evaluation of Real-Time Guided Dynamic Navigation and Conventional Techniques for Post Space Preparation During Post Endodontic Management: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction:  The three-dimensional (3D) dynamic navigation system (DNS; Navident, ClaroNav Technology, Toronto, ON) is a revolutionary technique in endodontics that offers superior precision and efficiency compared to existing techniques for post space preparation.

Aim: The aim is to evaluate and contrast the efficacy and efficiency of the DNS with conventional post space preparation techniques. This assessment considers several parameters, notably canal deviation (global coronal and apical deviation and angular deflection), duration of the procedure, and total volumetric loss of instrumented root canal and volumetric loss of instrumented root canal above 4 mm from the apex.

Smile Beyond the Stars: A Narrative Review Exploring the Challenges for Dentistry in Space.

Space dentistry addresses the unique challenges of providing dental care in space, where zero gravity, limited resources, and the vast distance from Earth complicate the maintenance of oral health. Ensuring astronauts' dental health is crucial, as dental issues can adversely affect their overall health and mission performance. Microgravity exacerbates risks for dental problems such as periodontitis, dental caries, bone loss, and potentially, neoplasms.

Comparative Evaluation of Three Access Cavity Preparation Techniques on Root Canal Instrumentation Using Micro-CT: An In Vitro Study.

Background Access cavity preparation is a crucial step in nonsurgical root canal treatment. Recent advancements in access cavity designs focus on preserving maximum tooth structure while ensuring sufficient access to canal orifices for effective cleaning and shaping, resulting in minimally invasive procedures. However, there is limited information on the impact of three-dimensional (3D)-guided access cavity preparation in molars.

Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness of Different Rotary Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) Files After Autoclaving: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study.

Introduction Canal preparation is a critical step in endodontic therapy. Introducing nickel-titanium (NiTi) rotary instruments has significantly reduced the likelihood of errors in curved canals. However, due to their price, these instruments are often reused following autoclaving.

Comparative Evaluation of Surface Roughness and Color Stability Between Single-Shade Composite and Multi-Shade Composite: An In Vitro Study.

Introduction Composite resin materials are a popular choice for direct tooth-colored restorative purposes due to their excellent aesthetic qualities and versatility. The key determinants that impact the visual aspect of the restoration are gloss, surface roughness, and color stability. Research indicates that there is a direct correlation between the level of roughness on a composite resin surface and the likelihood of discoloration.

Evaluation of the pH and Antibacterial Efficacy of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate With and Without the Incorporation of Titanium Tetrafluoride.

Introduction Microorganisms play an important role in causing inflammation in the pulp and periapical regions. Even after undergoing chemo-mechanical procedures during root canal treatment, bacteria may persist within dentinal tubules, posing a risk of disease recurrence. Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), introduced as a dental material, has been investigated as a potential antibacterial agent since its early use.

Surveillance of ventilator associated pneumonia in a network of indian hospitals using modified definitions: a pilot study.

Background: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients receiving mechanical ventilation in India. Surveillance of VAP is essential to implement data-based preventive measures. Implementation of ventilator-associated events (VAE) criteria for surveillance has major constraints for low resource settings, which can lead to significant underreporting.

Comparative Evaluation of Activated and Nonactivated Microbubbles on the Efficacy of Bleaching Agents.

Introduction: Intracoronal bleaching serves as a conservative option for nonvital teeth that exhibit discoloration. Hydrogen peroxide (HO) is frequently utilized in bleaching processes owing to its capability to produce free radicals. The main drawbacks of the currently available bleaching agents are the occurrence of cervical resorption and the multiple dental visits to achieve the desired result.

Immature dendritic cell-targeting mRNA vaccine expressing PfCSP enhances protective immune responses against liver infection.

Resurgence in malaria has been noted in 2022 with 249 million clinical cases resulting in 608,000 deaths, mostly in children under five. Two vaccines, RTS, S, and more recently R21, targeting the circumsporozoite protein (CSP) are recommended by the WHO but are not yet widely available. Strong humoral responses to neutralize sporozoites before they can infect the hepatocytes are important for vaccine-mediated protection.

Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-Surface (REASON).

The Radar for Europa Assessment and Sounding: Ocean to Near-surface (REASON) is a dual-frequency ice-penetrating radar (9 and 60 MHz) onboard the Europa Clipper mission. REASON is designed to probe Europa from exosphere to subsurface ocean, contributing the third dimension to observations of this enigmatic world. The hypotheses REASON will test are that (1) the ice shell of Europa hosts liquid water, (2) the ice shell overlies an ocean and is subject to tidal flexing, and (3) the exosphere, near-surface, ice shell, and ocean participate in material exchange essential to the habitability of this moon.

Effectiveness of buzz session teaching and perception among medical students: an academic interventional study.

This interventional study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of buzz session teaching in large groups and assess undergraduate medical students' perceptions of the buzz session teaching method. The study involved 100 first-year medical students divided into two groups, i.e.

High circulating concentrations of estradiol are anabolic for bone mass and strength in an adult male to female transgender mouse model.

The effects of gender affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) on bone microarchitecture and fracture risk in adult transgender women is unclear. To investigate the concept that skeletal integrity and strength in trans women may be improved by treatment with a higher dose of GAHT than commonly prescribed, we treated adult male mice with a sustained, high dose of estradiol. Adult male mice at 16 weeks of age were administered ~1.