Fabrication and characterization of electrospun catechins-loaded nanofibres for fortification of milk.

Catechins in their free form are bitter in taste, and undergo deterioration and oxidation during processing and storage that limit their use as nutraceuticals in foods. Therefore, catechins were electrospun using zein as encapsulating polymer into nanofibres at 15, 18 and 21% w/w concentrations, 16, 20 and 24 kV applied voltage and 0.5 and 1.0 mL/h feed rate. The electrospinning conditions were optimized using Taguchi L18 (21 × 32) design. Encapsulation efficiency as high as 92.8% and mean fibre diameter as low as 95.2 nm were obtained at 18% concentration of zein, 0.5 mL/h feed rate and 20 kV applied voltage. Scanning electron and atomic force micrographs revealed that the nanofibres produced at zein concentration of 18% and above were clean and beadfree, with cylindrical morphology and non-porous topography. The hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential and polydispersity index of catechins-loaded nanofibres at optimized conditions were 172.3 nm, -26.3 mV and 0.15. FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray diffractometry confirmed that catechins were encapsulated within the nanofibres. The catechins got released from loaded nanofibres in a controlled and sustained manner, while their antioxidant property was retained. The physico-chemical and sensory qualities of milk were not affected after fortification with catechins-loaded nanofibres. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-023-05891-0.

Experimental and numerical analysis of the thermal performance of pebble solar thermal collector.

In this work, pebbles of higher specific heat than the conventional absorber materials like aluminium or copper are proposed as a absorber in the solar flat plate collector. The proposed collector are integrated into the building design and constructed with masonry. Tests were conducted by varying the operating parameters which influence its performance, like the flow rate of the heat-absorbing medium, and the tilt of the collector using both coated and uncoated pebbles. The maximum temperature difference that could be measured for a conventional absorber was approximately 8 °C for a flow rate of 0.6 L/min. While for a coated and uncoated absorber, it was 7 °C and 5.5 °C respectively. This difference decreased with an increase in flow rates from 0.6 L/min to 1.2 L/min. For all the flow rates, it was observed that the average difference in efficiency between the coated and the conventional absorber collector is 5.82 %, while the difference between the coated and uncoated absorber collector is 15.68 %. Thus, it is very much evident that by replacing the conventional absorber with the proposed coated pebble absorber, the overall loss in efficiency is just 5.82 %, but the advantages are enormous. Along with the experimental study, numerical analysis was also carried out with CFD modeling. The numerical results agreed well with experimental results with the least error. Therefore, CFD simulation can be further used to optimize the design of the collector.

Comparative evaluation of Hand, Rotary and Reciprocation motion on Dentin thickness and instrumentation time in Primary anterior teeth using CBCT: An observational study.

Background: Ultimate goal of BMP is to extirpate the pulp tissue completely, microorganisms, debris & shaping the canal which preserves the original course of the canal to receive an obturating material. Due to various morphological challenges present in deciduous root canal, there is high demand of an improved quality & design of file system with less working length to prevent undesirable complication & reduce treatment time. Aim: To evaluate & inter-compare the dentin thickness and instrumentation time in root dentin of deciduous teeth after BMP in Hand, Rotary & Reciprocation motion with single-file systems. Material and Methods: 60 extracted primary single rooted teeth with un-resorbed roots were included in the study. Teeth were divided into three groups consisting of 20 teeth in each group. In Group-1 Root canal preparation was done with pediatric Hand files, In Group-2 with pediatric Single-file system in rotary motion and in Group-3 with pediatric Single-file system in reciprocating motion. Teeth were scanned before & after preparation with CBCT. Segments were analyzed for dentin thickness at 3mm,5mm and 7mm respectively. Instrumentation time was recorded by an assistant. Results: Mean instrumentation time of Rotary was least as compared to Reciprocation & Hand respectively, instrumentation time taken by hand filing was significantly higher. Reciprocating filing helps in better dentin debridement at apical and the middle third and no difference was found at the coronal third among all three groups. Conclusions: Reciprocating filing helps in better dentin debridement and rotary instrumentation requires least time for canal preparation. Key words:Hand Files, Rotary Files, Reciprocating motion, CBCT.

Cardiological society of India document on safety measure during echo evaluation of cardiovascular disease in the time of COVID-19.

An echocardiographic investigation is one of the key modalities of diagnosis in cardiology. There has been a rising presence of cardiological comorbidities in patients positive for COVID-19. Hence, it is becoming extremely essential to look into the correct safety precautions, healthcare professionals must take while conducting an echo investigation. The decision matrix formulated for conducting an echocardiographic evaluation is based on presence or absence of cardiological comorbidity vis-à-vis positive, suspected or negative for COVID-19. The safety measures have been constructed keeping in mind the current safety precautions by WHO, CDC and MoHFW, India.

Cardiological Society of India: Document on acute MI care during COVID-19.

The unprecedented and rapidly spreading Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic has challenged public health care systems globally. Based on worldwide experience, India has initiated a nationwide lockdown to prevent the exponential surge of cases. During COVID-19, management of cardiovascular emergencies like acute Myocardial Infarction (MI) may be compromised. Cardiological Society of India (CSI) has ventured in this moment of crisis to evolve a consensus document for care of acute MI. However, this care should be individualized, based on local expertise and governmental advisories.

Inhibitory effect of a resin coat-containing prereacted glass fillers on the enamel demineralization of the primary teeth: An in vitro pilot study.

BACKGROUND: With an increasing interest in preventive strategies, pedodontics research is now more focused on developing newer materials and techniques to coat the primary teeth to prevent onset of new carious lesions. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the inhibitory effect of prereacted glass (PRG) filler-containing resin coat on enamel demineralization of the primary teeth. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eight de-rooted primary caries-free teeth sectioned into 4 mm × 4 mm were divided into either experimental group which received the PRG barrier coat or control group which was left uncoated. These were then immersed in acid buffer at pH 4.5 for 3 days. Mineral content was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Data were collected and analyzed statistically using paired Student's "t" test, with a P < 0.05 being considered statistically significant. RESULTS: When the calcium/phosphorous (Ca/P) ratio (wt%) which is indicative of the mineral content of enamel was compared, the values were higher for the experimental group than that for the control group and the association was statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The higher Ca/P ratio of experimental group was suggestive of the ability of PRG barrier coat to inhibit enamel demineralization in the primary teeth.

Clinical and angiographic profiles and six months outcomes of smokers with acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty.

BACKGROUND: Outcomes of primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute STEMI (ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction) in smokers are expected to be better than non-smokers as for patients of acute STEMI with or without fibrinolytic therapy. OBJECTIVES: This comparative study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of primary PCI in patients with acute STEMI in smokers and non-smokers. Clinical and angiographic profile of the two groups was also compared. METHODS: Over duration of two year, a total of 150 consecutive patients of acute STEMI eligible for primary PCI were enrolled and constituted the two groups [Smokers (n=90), Non-smokers (n=60)] of the study population. There was no difference in procedure in two groups. RESULTS: In the present study of acute STEMI, current smokers were about a decade younger than non-smokers (p value=0.0002), majority were male (98.9% vs 56.6%) were male with a higher prevalence of hypertension and diabetes mellitus (61.67% vs 32.28% and 46.67% vs 14.44%, p=0.001) respectively. Smokers tended to have higher thrombus burden (p=0.06) but less multi vessel disease (p=0.028). Thirty day and six month mortality was non-significantly higher in smokers 4.66% vs 1.33% (p=0.261) and 5.33% vs 2.66% (p=NS) respectively. Rate of quitting smoking among smokers was 80.90% at 6 months. CONCLUSION: The study documents that smokers with acute STEMI have similar outcomes as compared to non smokers with higher thrombus burden and lesser non culprit artery involvement. Smokers present at much younger age emphasizing the role of smoking cessation for prevention of myocardial infarction.

Practical consensus recommendations for gestational breast cancer.

This manuscript provides a practical and easy to use consensus recommendation to community oncologists on how to manage gestational breast cancer.

Triplication in permanent teeth: A rare case report.

Fusion is an anomaly manifested in both deciduous and permanent dentitions. Triple tooth refers to the union of three separate tooth entities. It can involve the normal dentition or supernumerary teeth. Triplication is rarely encountered in deciduous and permanent dentition with an incidence of 0.02%. The case presented herein describes a rare case of triplication in permanent maxillary incisors and supernumerary teeth in a 15-year-old female.

Comparative evaluation of secondary caries formation around light-cured fluoride-releasing restorative materials.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare and evaluate secondary caries formation around light-cured fluoride-releasing restorative materials. METHODOLOGY: Standard Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of forty extracted healthy premolars. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups of ten teeth each and labeled as Group I, II, III, and IV and restored with one of the following materials, namely, Fuji II LC (Group I), Vitremer (Group II), F-2000 (Group III), and Z-100 (Group IV; Control). The teeth were thermocycled and immersed in jars containing an acid gel for caries-like lesion formation. After 15 weeks, the samples were removed, washed, and sectioned buccolingually through the restoration. The sections were then grounded to a thickness of 80-100 µm. After imbibition in water, the sections were mounted on slides and lesions were examined, measured, and photographed with Leica DMRB Research Microscope. The observation recorded was subjected to (a) analysis of variance, (b) Studentized range test (Newman-Keuls), (c) Snedecor's F-test. RESULTS: The depth of the outer lesion in teeth restored with Z-100 (Group IV; Control) was significantly higher than the teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III), Vitremer (Group II), and Fuji II LC (Group I) (P < 0.01). The depth of the outer lesion in teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III) was also significantly higher than the teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I) (P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in depth of the outer lesions among the teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I). No wall lesion (WL) was evident in teeth restored with Vitremer (Group II) and Fuji II LC (Group I). The WL length and body depth in teeth restored with Z-100 (Group IV; Control) were significantly higher than the teeth restored with F-2000 (Group III) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Fuji II LC and Vitremer had a inhibitory effect on the development of WL and OL depth. Even though F- 2000 was not fully effective in preventing the development of WL, there was significant reduction in WL and depth when compared to Z-100.

Views of faculty members in a medical school with regards to error disclosure and reporting to parents and/or higher authorities.

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the views of faculty members who train medical students concerning open disclosure. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to determine the views of faculty in a medical school on: 1 what constitutes a medical error and the severity of such an error in relation to medication use or diagnosis; 2 information giving following such an adverse event, based on severity; and 3 acknowledgement of responsibility, remedial action, compensation, disciplinary action, legal action, and reporting to a higher body in relation to such adverse event. METHODS: We adapted and contextualized a questionnaire developed from a previous study. The questionnaire had 4 case vignettes that described 1 clear medication error with lifelong disability; 2 possible diagnostic error with lifelong disability; 3 possible diagnostic error without harm; and 4 clear medication error without harm. We invited all faculty members attached to the medical school at the International Medical University to participate in the study. RESULTS: Seventy faculty members took part. Faculty members viewed a medical error as having taken place depending on how clearly an error had occurred (94% and 73% versus 53% and 27%). They viewed cases as more severe based on the severity of complications (85% and 46% versus 5% and 10%). With increasing severity, they tended to attribute responsibility for the event and the duty to disclose towards more senior clinicians. They were also more agreeable with remedial action, compensation, disciplinary action, and reporting to a higher agency. There was no strong evidence of association between these areas and the demographics of faculty members. CONCLUSIONS: Faculty members are more likely to perceive an error had occurred depending on the clarity of the circumstances. They viewed severity based on the presence of complications. Severity determined how they attributed responsibility, duty to disclose, and other areas related to open disclosure.

The Combined use of Diode LASER & Conscious Sedation in the Excision of Pyogenic Granuloma in A Nine-Year-Old Patient.

This case report is to comprehensively review N2O/ O2 inhalational sedation in the context of conscious sedation for treating a nine-year-old patient with pyogenic granuloma. The excision was carried out by the use of diode laser. The six month postoperative follow up showed complete resolution of the lesion and increased patient acceptance for the future treatment. The use of laser minimizes the pain during the surgery and postoperatively and suturing was not required. Therefore this case report emphasizes the use of combined treatment modalities to increase patient comfort and to obtain a better function and aesthetics of the oral cavity.

Suicidal plant poisoning with Colchicum autumnale.

Colchicum autumnale is commonly known as autumn crocus, and as 'gowri gedde' in the southern region of Karnataka State in South India. It contains an alkaloid called colchicine, which blocks the cell division by inhibiting mitosis. We present a sporadic case of suicidal plant poisoning wherein a 24-year-old man consumed 'gowri gedde' to end his life. Initially he presented with severe vomiting, diarrhoea and epigastric pain. He died on the third day of ingestion due to multiorgan failure. Chemical analysis of blood and viscera obtained postmortem confirmed the presence of colchicine. Colchicine poisoning is potentially life threatening because of its high toxicity and unavailability of specific antidotal treatment. It classically presents with gastroenterocolitis, and may result in multiorgan failure in fatal cases.

Fracture resistance of microhybrid composite, nano composite and fibre-reinforced composite used for incisal edge restoration.

Traumatized anterior teeth need quick, aesthetic and functional repair. Along with aesthetics, the physical properties of restorative material should also be considered for long-lasting restoration. Fibre reinforcement has been tried as a newer technique to improve the physical properties of composite materials. Hence, this study was carried out to evaluate the fracture resistance of microhybrid composite, nano composite and fibre-reinforced composite used for restoration of incisal edge of fractured maxillary central incisors. Extracted permanent maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into four groups of 10 samples each: control group with intact teeth (Group A), microhybrid composite (Esthet X; Dentsply/Caulk, Milford, DE, USA) (group B), nano composite (Ceram X; Dentsply/Caulk) (group C) and microhybrid composite reinforced with polyethylene fibre - flowable composite unit [(Ribbond THM; Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA; Esthet X flow; Dentsply/Caulk)] (group D). The fracture resistance was measured under universal testing machine at a speed of 1mmmin(-1) with the loading tip of 2mm diameter. The samples were further evaluated for mode of fracture under stereomicroscope at 3.5× magnification. The data were analysed using one-way anova and Tukey's test for fracture resistance. Group A and group D exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance than group B and group C. No significant difference was found between group B and group C as well as between group A and group D. Fisher's exact test for the mode of fracture revealed no statistical significance. It was concluded that fibre reinforcement of composite could be an alternative technique for restoration of fractured anterior teeth for better aesthetics and longevity of the restoration.

Spectrophotometric analysis on bleaching efficacy of blood stained demineralized and deproteinized dentin--an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this in vitro study, is to evaluate the influence of various dentin treatment procedures prior to bleaching namely, demineralization and demineralization in conjunction with deproteinization on the dentin permeability and bleaching efficacy. METHOD: The study used a total of 40 sound premolars, which were sectioned longitudinally, and their color coefficients and absorption spectrum was recorded and used as control values for the later study. These dentin samples were then discolored by blood and their color coefficients and absorption spectrum were calibrated. They were then divided into two Groups with 20 samples each per group. Group A--dentin samples were demineralized prior to bleaching. Group B--dentin samples were deproteinized also in conjunction to demineralization prior to bleaching. The values of color coefficient and absorption spectrum were determined using Spectrophotometer for samples of each group respectively. RESULTS: There were significantly higher color coefficient and absorption spectrum values in the group where dentin was treated with demineralization in conjunction with deproteinization prior to bleaching when compared to the group where dentin was treated by demineralization alone prior to bleaching. CONCLUSION: Demineralization in conjunction with deproteinization has proven to be a good method of increasing dentin permeability for achieving a higher bleaching efficacy.

Studies on thermal decomposition mechanism of CL-20 by pyrolysis gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS).

The thermal decomposition study of CL-20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) using pyrolysis GC/MS was carried out mainly by electron impact (EI) mode. Chemical ionization (CI) mode was used for further confirmation of identified species. Mass spectrum of CL-20 decomposition products predominantly revealed fragments with m/z 81 and 96 corresponding to C(4)H(5)N(2)(+) and C(4)H(4)N(2)O(+) ions, respectively. The total ion chromatogram (TIC) of CL-20 pyrolysis shows peak within first 2 min due to the presence of low molecular weight gases. Peaks corresponding to several other products were also observed including the atmospheric gases. Cyanogen formation (C(2)N(2), m/z 52) observed to be enriched at the scan number 300-500. The low molecular mass range decomposition products formed by cleavage of C-N ring structure were found in majority. Additional structural information was sought by employing chemical ionization mode. The data generated during this study was instrumented in determining decomposition pathways of CL-20.