Dynamics of subsurface chlorophyll maxima in the northern Indian Ocean.

Subsurface chlorophyll maxima (SCM) significantly contributes to oceanic primary productivity, emphasizing the need to study its dynamics and governing mechanisms. We used datasets from various platforms to investigate relationships between the SCM characteristics (SCM depth (ZSCM), SCM magnitude (Chlmax), SCM thickness (TSCM)) and environmental variables modulated by various physical processes in the Northern Indian Ocean (NIO). In the Arabian Sea (western NIO), seasonal processes like convective mixing and upwelling, primarily regulated the SCM characteristics. In the Bay of Bengal (eastern NIO), SCM characteristics were jointly influenced by fresh water influx, barrier layer formation, presence of eddies, and the propagation of Kelvin and Rossby waves. Any changes in these oceanic processes, potentially driven by climate change, could therefore impact oceanic primary production. Additionally, a positive association obtained between Chlmax and downward CO2 flux, while a shallower ZSCM, associated with higher concentrations of DMS, indicated SCM's role in regulating atmospheric gases.

Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia with Pulmonary Hypertension Associates with Loss of Semaphorin Signaling and Functional Decrease in FOXF1 Expression.

Lung injury in preterm infants leads to structural and functional respiratory deficits, with a risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) that in its most severe form is accompanied by pulmonary hypertension (PH). To examine cellular and molecular dynamics driving evolving BPD in humans, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of preterm infant lungs in early stages of BPD and BPD+PH compared to term infants. Analysis of the endothelium revealed a unique aberrant capillary cell-state primarily in BPD+PH marked by ANKRD1 expression. Predictive signaling analysis identified deficits in the semaphorin guidance-cue signaling pathway and decreased expression of pro-angiogenic transcription factor FOXF1 within the alveolar parenchyma in neonatal lung samples with BPD/BPD+PH. Loss of semaphorin signaling was replicated in a murine BPD model and in humans with alveolar capillary dysplasia (ACDMPV), suggesting a mechanistic link between the developmental programs underlying BPD and ACDMPV and a critical role for semaphorin signaling in normal lung development.

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of EMLA Versus Ice as Topical Anesthetic in Prior to Needle Prick in Palatine Nerve Blocks-A Randomized Split Mouth Study EMLA Versus Ice as Topical Anesthetic in Dental Nerve Blocks.

Background and Objectives: The study aims to evaluate the pain efficacy of EMLA versus ice in palatine nerve blocks undergoing extraction. Materials and Methods: A prospective randomized study, single-blind, split-mouth study carried out on a total of 20 healthy individuals needing extraction of bilateral maxillary teeth under local anesthesia referred to our department in the university from March 2021 to April 2022. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups: Group E (5% EMLA) and Group I (ice application), with 20 operative sites, respectively. In the study, the VAS-pain and satisfaction score and SEM score were analyzed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 software using the Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Study results showed that 13 patients were men and 7 were women whose ages ranged from 46 ± 18 years. Statistical analysis of pain on the VAS scale showed that the mean score for Group E and Group I were 2.3 ± 0.47 and 3.2 ± 0.41(mean ± SD), respectively, which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). On the statistical analysis of the SEM scale for Group E and Group I, the mean score was 1.00 ± 0.00 and 1.25 ± 0.44426 (mean ± SD), respectively, which was statistically significant (P < 0.018). Conclusion: EMLA and ice were both good topical anesthetics each with advantages and disadvantages in clinical use. Each clinician needs to weigh the pros and cons of the different available methods and expenses to determine what type of anesthetic to use for each particular case during treatment.

Corona Chronicles: A Cross-sectional Survey of Practices, Challenges, and Dermatological Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Objective: Mask usage and hand hygiene are the pillars of defense against the novel pathogen causing COVID-19. This study was conducted to compare these practices among healthcare workers (HCWs) and nonhealthcare workers (nonHCWs) and to examine the outlook toward the healthcare sector among the two. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey (via Google forms) using snowball sampling was conducted. Appropriate ethical clearance was taken from the Institutional Ethical Committee (IEC). HCWs and nonHCWs 18 years of age or older with basic literacy in English and with internet access were included. Results: There were 404 total respondents (M:F ratio: 0.87:1; mean age: 30.16±9.63 years). Among the respondents, 63.3 percent were HCWs while 35.6 percent were nonHCWs. Persons performing hand hygiene more than10 times/day were found to be almost three times more likely to develop skin dryness (odds ratio [OR]: 2.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.372, 6.362). Female participants were found to be 2.5 times more likely to develop dryness (odds ratio: 2.594, 95% CI: 1.590, 4.234). Use of gloves was found to be a protective factor against development of dryness (odds ratio: 0.485,95% CI: 0.287, 0.818). A statistically significant correlation was found between mask acne and female respondents (p-value=0.000), HCWs (p-value=0.000), and use of N95 mask in combination with surgical mask (p-value=0.04). Limitations: Being an online survey, responses could not be captured from people with limited internet access and of lower socio-economic strata. Conclusion: There is a considerable burden of preventive measures on HCWs and nonHCWs alike. Significant dermatological implications are seen with frequent hand hygiene and mask usage.