"The impact of orthognathic surgery on articulation proficiency and speech intelligibility in skeletal Class III malocclusion: 18 months follow up".

Introduction: Orthognathic surgery results in the positional change of the maxilla and mandible that may affect speech. The present study evaluated the effect of combined maxillary advancement and mandibular setback surgery on articulation proficiency and speech intelligibility in patients with non-syndromic skeletal Class III malocclusion. Methods: In this prospective study, twenty-five patients with skeletal class III malocclusion and consecutively treated with Lefort-1 maxillary advancement and mandibular setback (BSSO) orthognathic surgery were included in this study. The speech sample was recorded with a digital audio tape recorder one day before surgery and at 3, 6, 9, 12 and 18 months after surgery. Three qualified and experienced speech and language pathologists evaluated articulation errors and intelligibility of speech samples. Repeated One-way analysis of variance was used to compare articulation proficiency and speech intelligibility at different time intervals. Results: The substitution, omission, distortion and addition errors showed no significant changes at 3 months and 6 months. The total articulation errors decreased to zero at 9 months and no significant increase was observed till 18 months (P < 0.05). Speech intelligibility showed statistically non-significant improvement at any time interval. Cephalometric skeletal parameters SNA and N l A°. were significantly correlated with addition and total articulation errors at 18 months follow up. Conclusions: The ortho-surgical treatment improves speech (decreases. articulation errors) in most of the patients usually 6-9 months post-surgery. Speech intelligibility is not affected by bimaxillary orthognathic surgery in skeletal class III patients. The articulation errors were correlated to changes in position of maxilla.

A sustainable approach to prepare green synthesis of copper nanoparticles of Bauhinia variegata & Saussurea lappa: Unveiling in-vitro anti-obesity applications.

Nanoparticles have different shapes and sizes between the range of 1-100 nm, which show advantages for stabilizing compounds, higher carrier capacity, and lower costs. Metal nanoparticles such as copper, gold, silver, and zinc are favorable components for various applications due to their interesting properties. In the present study, nanoparticles were synthesized by reduction with flower extracts of Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa that were used to stabilize the copper nanoparticles. Furthermore, the characterization of plants synthesized copper nanoparticles was carried out through UV-visible dynamic light scattering. Additionally, morphological characterization of nanoparticles was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy confirmed the elemental composition of copper nanoparticles. Powder X-ray diffraction was conducted for the analysis of crystallinity, purity, and crystal size of plant-synthesized copper nanoparticles. The average particle size was evaluated and exhibited the particle size at the peak of 8.721 nm and 98.03 nm for flower extracts of Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa copper nanoparticles. The Fourier Transform Infrared spectrum was taken to scrutinize the various functional groups that were responsible for the reduction of the copper ions. The antimicrobial results against the bacterial strains with the positive test results of the zone of inhibition were for Bauhinia variegate (17 mm, 18 mm, 19 mm, and 18 mm) and Saussurea lappa (17 mm, 19 mm, 18 mm, and 18 mm) respectively for plants synthesized copper nanoparticles against the Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Lipase inhibition assay and Amylase inhibition assay with different concentrations (20 µg/mL to 100 µg/mL) for Bauhinia variegate & Saussurea lappa (12.34 %-59.67 % and 10.50 %-47.01 %) and (34.52 %-89.02 % and 22.34 %-56.45 %) confirmed the anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities of plants extract synthesized copper nanoparticles.

Deciphering Physio-Biochemical Basis of Tolerance Mechanism for Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) Genotypes under Waterlogging Stress at Early Vegetative Stage.

Waterlogging represents a substantial agricultural concern, inducing harmful impacts on crop development and productivity. In the present study, 142 diverse sesame genotypes were examined during the early vegetative phase to assess their response under waterlogging conditions. Based on the severity of symptoms observed, 2 genotypes were classified as highly tolerant, 66 as moderately tolerant, 69 as susceptible, and 5 as highly susceptible. Subsequent investigation focused on four genotypes, i.e., two highly tolerant (JLT-8 and GP-70) and two highly susceptible (R-III-F6 and EC-335003). These genotypes were subjected to incremental stress periods (0 h, 24 h, 48 h, 72 h, and 96 h) to elucidate the biochemical basis of tolerance mechanisms. Each experiment was conducted as a randomized split-plot design with three replications, and the statistical significance of the treatment differences was determined using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Fisher least significant difference (LSD) test at p ≤ 0.05. The influence of waterlogging stress on morphological growth was detrimental for both tolerant and susceptible genotypes, with more severe consequences observed in the latter. Although adventitious roots were observed in both sets of genotypes above flooding levels, the tolerant genotypes exhibited a more rapid and vigorous development of these roots after 48 h of stress exposure. Tolerant genotypes displayed higher tolerance coefficients compared to susceptible genotypes. Furthermore, tolerant genotypes maintained elevated antioxidant potential, thereby minimizing oxidative stress. Conversely, susceptible genotypes exhibited higher accumulation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde content. Photosynthetic efficiency was reduced in all genotypes after 24 h of stress treatment, with a particularly drastic reduction in susceptible genotypes compared to their tolerant counterparts. Tolerant genotypes exhibited significantly higher activities of anaerobic metabolism enzymes, enabling prolonged survival under waterlogging conditions. Increase in proline content was observed in all the genotypes indicating the cellular osmotic balance adjustments in response to stress exposure. Consequently, the robust antioxidant potential and efficient anaerobic metabolism observed in the tolerant genotypes served as key mechanisms enabling their resilience to short-term waterlogging exposure. These findings underscore the promising potential of specific sesame genotypes in enhancing crop resilience against waterlogging stress, offering valuable insights for agricultural practices and breeding programs.

Removal of arsenic from jarosite waste using hydrometallurgical treatment.

The jarosite waste used during this study consists of minute amount of arsenic that has a potential to be leached into environment when kept in open area. This study tried to recover arsenic from jarosite waste using hydrometallurgical treatment. The comprehensive characterization of jarosite samples was performed using various analytical techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and it was characterized as natrojarosite. For optimal removal of arsenic, the response surface methodology (RSM) was applied with the key factors, including dosage (A), time (B), temperature (C), and acid concentration (D) on the recovery of arsenic. The results indicated that the dosage (A) and acid concentration (D) demonstrated significant positive effects on arsenic recovery. As expected, the higher dosage and acid concentration was associated with increased recovery percentages for the arsenic from jarosite. Whereas time (B) and temperature (C) did not exhibit statistically significant recovery of arsenic within the specified experimental range. The contour plots showed the optimal operating conditions for the highest recovery percentage was approximately 52.61% when 2.5 g of jarosite was treated with 10 mol/L acid for 150 min at operating temperature of 80°. Although our study showed very moderate recovery of arsenic, it is first report where arsenic has been removed from jarosite waste. Readjustment of range of operating parameters would provide more insight into the further optimization of the yield.

Structural and Surface Properties of pH-Varied Fe2O3 Nanoparticles: Correlation with Antibacterial Properties.

Hematite (Fe2O3) nanoparticles were synthesized using a hydrothermal synthesis route under different pH conditions (pH ∼8,10,11.5) (i.e., different ratios of H+/OH- ions). The sample synthesized at pH 10 had better motility toward the bacterial surface due to having an overall positive charge (ξ-potential = +11.10), leading to a minimal hydrodynamic size (Dτ = 186.6). The results are discussed in light of the relative ratio of H+/OH- that may affect bond formation by influencing the electronic clouds of the participating ions that can modify the structure. This, in turn, modifies crystallinity, strain, disorder, surface termination, and thereby, the surface charge, which has been correlated to the antibacterial properties of the nanoparticles due to the interaction between the respective opposite charges on the nanoparticle surface and bacterial cell wall. The structural modifications were correlated to all of these parameters in this work.

Counterion Association of Ionic Drugs with Sodium Tetradecyl Sulfate in the Aqueous Medium.

This work highlighted the counterion association of diphenhydramine hydrochloride (DPC) and chlorpheniramine maleate (CPM) with anionic sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) by conductivity, fluorescence, and UV spectrophotometer measurements. The presence of drugs and the formation of premicellar aggregates of STS were highlighted. The modified Corrin-Harkins CH approaches assessed the STS counterion binding values B = 0.300 for DPC and 0.379 for CPM in the aqueous media at 25 °C. The counterion binding constant (ßc) and Gibb's free energy of micellization (ΔGmic°) were increased and became more negative, suggesting that the drug-surfactant interaction was controlled by electrostatic interaction. Furthermore, the spectral study evaluated that the three isosbestic points for CPM and one isosbestic point for DPC in the STS micelles were observed, which confirmed that CPM was more binding than DPC with the STS micelles. The differential absorbance spectra study was applied to UV spectra to determine the binding constants (Kb) of 2.232 and 2.837 and partition coefficients (Kx) of 286.64 and 3209.21 for DPC and CPM in the presence of STS micelles. The findings demonstrated that the CPM molecules have been associated with the Palisade layer of the STS micelles, and the DPC molecules were bound to the Stern layer of the STS micelles. Finally, we came to the conclusion that ionic drugs could improve the micellization capabilities of surfactants, which might be useful for choosing the best excipients for pharmaceutical applications.

Nonprescription use of buprenorphine tablets among patients at a tertiary care addictive disorder treatment center in India: Observa-tions and implications.

OBJECTIVE: Nonprescribed use of drugs is a clinical and public health challenge fueled by diversion of controlled opioids like buprenorphine. In this study, we report the nonprescription use of buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone for the first time in India. DESIGN: A cross-sectional observational study utilizing semistructured interviews. SETTING: A tertiary care addictive disorder treatment center in India, which provides inpatient and outpatient medically oriented care that includes agonist treatment (buprenorphine) or detoxification and antagonist treatment (naltrexone). PARTICIPANTS: Patients aged 18-65 years, registered at the center, and who had a history of current (within the past 6 months) nonprescription use of buprenorphine tablets were recruited. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants were questioned about demographic and clinical factors and details of nonprescription use of buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone using a structured questionnaire. Since both buprenorphine with naloxone and buprenorphine without naloxone are available and transacted on the street "loose" out of the blister packs, we were unable to differentiate the use of plain buprenorphine and a combination of buprenorphine- naloxone. RESULTS: A majority of the participants used nonprescribed tablets buprenorphine and buprenorphine-naloxone with an intent to control the withdrawal symptoms, and the reason for this use was that other patients shared their prescriptions of these medications. About half of the participants injected the tablets, and liquid pheniramine was most commonly used as the solvent for dissolving the tablets. A "high" was perceived by around half of those who injected. Participants reported knowing, on an average, around 13 peers who injected the tablet buprenorphine or -buprenorphine-naloxone. CONCLUSION: Nonprescription use of tablets buprenorphine and -buprenorphine-naloxone is a clinical concern and also an important public health issue. Geographical and systemic expansions of the availability of buprenorphine may reduce the "demand" for nonprescribed buprenorphine, while the opportunities for diversion from treatment centers can be minimized through more careful clinical prescriptions and monitoring practices.

Analysis of Auxin-Encoding Gene Family in Vigna radiata and It's Cross-Species Expression Modulating Waterlogging Tolerance in Wild Vigna umbellata.

Mungbean is known to be susceptible to waterlogging (WL) stress. Some of the wild species have the potential to tolerate this through various physiological and molecular mechanisms. Auxin Response Factor (ARF) and Auxin/Indole Acetic Acid (AUX/IAA), an early responsive gene family, has multiple functions in growth, development, and stress tolerance. Here, we report the first comprehensive analysis of the ARF and AUX/IAA gene family in mungbean. A total of 26 ARF and 19 AUX/IAA genes were identified from the mungbean genome. The ARF and AUX/IAA candidates were clearly grouped into two major clades. Further, the subgrouping within the major clades indicated the presence of significant diversity. The gene structure, motif analysis, and protein characterization provided the clue for further fundamental research. Out of the10 selected candidate genes, VrARF-5, VrARF-11, VrARF-25, and VrAUX/IAA-9 were found to significantly multiple-fold gene expression in the hypocotyl region of WL-tolerant wild relatives (PRR 2008-2) provides new insight into a role in the induction of lateral root formation under WL stress. The analysis provides an insight into the structural diversity of ARF and AUX/IAA genes in mungbean. These results increase our understanding of ARF and AUX/IAA genes and therefore offer robust information for functional investigations, which can be taken up in the future and will form a foundation for improving tolerance against waterlogging stress.

A review on the frying process: Methods, models and their mechanism and application in the food industry.

Frying is one of the most popular and traditional processes used in the food industry and food services to manufacture products that are high in quality and with unique sensory characteristics. The most common method of frying is deep-fat frying, used worldwide due to its distinct flavor profile and sensory aspects, which leads to physio-chemical changes at both macro and micro levels. One of the major concerns with deep-fried foods is their high oil content, and a variety of metabolic disorders can be caused by overconsumption of these foods, including heart disease, obesity, and high cholesterol. Due to their enticing organoleptic properties with their delicious flavor, pleasing mouthfeel, and unique taste, making them irresistible, it is also responsible for undesirable and unacceptable characteristics for consumers. Oil absorption can be reduced by developing novel frying methods that limit the amount of oil in products, producing products with fewer calories and oil while maintaining similar quality, flavor, and edibility. In addition, different pretreatments and post-frying treatments are applied to achieve a synergistic effect. The transfer of mass and heat occurs simultaneously during frying, which helps to understand the mechanism of oil absorption in fried food. Researchers have discovered that prolonged heating of oils results in polar compounds such as polymers, dimers, free fatty acids, and acrylamide, which can alter metabolism and cause cancer. To reduce the oil content in fried food, innovative frying methods have been developed without compromising its quality which also has improved their effect on human health, product quality, and energy efficiency. The aim is to replace the conventional frying process with novel frying methods that offer fried food-like properties, higher nutritional value, and ease of use by replacing the conventional frying process. In the future, it might be possible to optimize frying technologies to substantially reduce fried foods' oil content. This review focuses on a detailed understanding of different frying techniques and attempts to focus on innovative frying techniques such as vacuum frying, microwave cooking, and hot-air frying that have shown a better potential to be used as an alternative to traditional frying.

Investigating the impact of terminal heat stress on contrasting wheat cultivars: a comprehensive analysis of phenological, physiological, and biochemical traits.

Terminal heat stress has become one of the major threats due to global climate change which is significantly affecting the production and productivity of wheat crop. Therefore, it is necessary to identify key traits and genotypes to breed heat-tolerant wheat. The present study was undertaken with the objective of comparing the effects of heat stress (HSE) and extended heat stress (EHSE) on phenological-physio-biochemical traits of contrasting heat-tolerant and heat-susceptible genotypes during the reproductive phase. Phenological traits exhibited significant reduction under EHSE compared to HSE. Heat-tolerant genotypes maintained balanced phenological-physio-biochemical traits, while heat-sensitive genotypes showed significant reductions under both stress regimes. Among phenological traits, DM (R2 = 0.52) and BY (R2 = 0.44) have shown a positive effect on seed yield, indicating that biomass and crop duration contributed to the yield advantage under stress. During the grain filling stage, both the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and chlorophyll (Chl) exhibited consistently positive impacts on grain yield under both HSE and EHSE conditions. This could be attributed to the enhanced photosynthesis resulting from delayed senescence and improved assimilate remobilization under terminal heat stress. The biochemical activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) was induced in tolerant genotypes under HSE. The correlation of canopy temperature with phenological-physio-biochemical traits remained static under HSE and EHSE, suggesting CT as the best selection parameter for heat tolerance. The traits showing a positive association with yield and that are less affected under stress could be used for selecting tolerant genotypes under stress environments. These tolerant genotypes can be used to develop mapping populations to decipher the genes conferring tolerance as well as to study the molecular basis of tolerance.

A Novel Artificial-Intelligence-Based Approach for Classification of Parkinson's Disease Using Complex and Large Vocal Features.

Parkinson's disease (PD) affects a large proportion of elderly people. Symptoms include tremors, slow movement, rigid muscles, and trouble speaking. With the aging of the developed world's population, this number is expected to rise. The early detection of PD and avoiding its severe consequences require a precise and efficient system. Our goal is to create an accurate AI model that can identify PD using human voices. We developed a transformer-based method for detecting PD by retrieving dysphonia measures from a subject's voice recording. It is uncommon to use a neural network (NN)-based solution for tabular vocal characteristics, but it has several advantages over a tree-based approach, including compatibility with continuous learning and the network's potential to be linked with an image/voice encoder for a more accurate multi modal solution, shifting SOTA approach from tree-based to a neural network (NN) is crucial for advancing research in multimodal solutions. Our method outperforms the state of the art (SOTA), namely Gradient-Boosted Decision Trees (GBDTs), by at least 1% AUC, and the precision and recall scores are also improved. We additionally offered an XgBoost-based feature-selection method and a fully connected NN layer technique for including continuous dysphonia measures, in addition to the solution network. We also discussed numerous important discoveries relating to our suggested solution and deep learning (DL) and its application to dysphonia measures, such as how a transformer-based network is more resilient to increased depth compared to a simple MLP network. The performance of the proposed approach and conventional machine learning techniques such as MLP, SVM, and Random Forest (RF) have also been compared. A detailed performance comparison matrix has been added to this article, along with the proposed solution's space and time complexity.

Successful outcome of permanent maxillary incisor reimplanted after 30 hours of extra-oral time-a case report with 5-year follow-up.

Key Clinical Message: Tooth reimplantation should be attempted in every possible case with thorough disinfection and impervious obturation. Integration of progressive innovations with recommended protocols can enhance complication free survival in intense situations. Abstract: The present case describes the unique successful outcome of a tooth reimplanted after the delay of 30 hours. A 21-year old male patient presented with an avulsed #21 after a fall due to electric shock. It was reimplanted according IADT guidelines with the addition of specific irrigation sequence proposed for regenerative endodontic procedures during the endodontic treatment. The final obturation was accomplished by combination of Biodentine and BioRCS root-canal sealer. Subluxated #11 developed symptoms at 6 months and was further managed using recommended endodontic procedure. Both teeth had complication free survival during 5 year follow-up.

Screening of Comprehensive Panel of Cultivated and Wild Vigna Species for Resistance to Pulse Beetle, Callosobruchus chinensis L.

Pulses are a key source of dietary proteins in human nutrition. Despite several efforts to increase the production, various constraints, such as biotic and abiotic factors, threaten pulse production by various means. Bruchids (Callosobruchus spp.) are the serious issue of concern, particularly in storage conditions. Understanding host-plant resistance at morphological, biochemical and molecular levels is the best way to minimize yield losses. The 117 mungbean (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek) genotypes, including endemic wild relatives, were screened for resistance against Callosobruchus chinensis; among them, two genotypes, PRR 2008-2 and PRR 2008-2-sel, which belong to V. umbellata (Thumb.), were identified as highly resistant. The expression of antioxidants in susceptible and resistant genotypes revealed that the activity of phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) was upregulated in the highly resistant wild Vigna species and lower in the cultivated susceptible genotypes, along with other biomarkers. Further, the SCoT-based genotyping revealed SCoT-30 (200 bp), SCoT-31 (1200 bp) and SCoT-32 (300 bp) as unique amplicons, which might be useful for developing the novel ricebean-based SCAR markers to accelerate the molecular breeding programme.

Capturing agro-morphological variability for tolerance to terminal heat and combined heat-drought stress in landraces and elite cultivar collection of wheat.

Climate change has resulted in extreme temperature and drought around the globe, which poses serious threat to food security. Both heat and drought stress affects the production and productivity of wheat crop. The present study was undertaken to evaluate 34 landraces and elite cultivars of Triticum spp. for phenological and yield-related traits under optimum, heat, and combined heat-drought stress environments during 2020-2021 and 2021-2022. The pooled analysis of variance showed significant genotype × environment interaction, suggesting an influence of stress on trait expression. The trait performance of genotypes exhibited significant reduction under combined heat-drought stress as compared to optimum and heat stress environments. The maximum seed yield penalty was observed under combined heat-drought stress environment as compared to heat stress alone. Regression analysis indicated significant contribution of number of grains per spike towards stress tolerance. Based on Stress Tolerance Index (STI), genotypes Local-17, PDW 274, HI-8802, and HI-8713 were identified to be tolerant to both heat and combined heat and drought stress at Banda, whereas genotypes DBW 187, HI-8777, Raj 4120, and PDW 274 were tolerant at Jhansi location. The genotype PDW 274 showed stress tolerance under all treatments at both the locations. The genotypes PDW 233 and PDW 291 showed highest stress susceptibility index (SSI) across the environments. The number of grains per spike and test kernel weight were positively associated with seed yield across the environments and locations. The selected genotypes Local-17, HI 8802, and PDW 274 were identified to be the potential sources of heat and combined heat-drought tolerance, which may be utilized in hybridization to develop tolerant wheat genotypes and also for mapping of underlying genes/quantitative trait loci (QTLs).

Major Phytochemicals: Recent Advances in Health Benefits and Extraction Method.

Recent scientific studies have established a relationship between the consumption of phytochemicals such as carotenoids, polyphenols, isoprenoids, phytosterols, saponins, dietary fibers, polysaccharides, etc., with health benefits such as prevention of diabetes, obesity, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, etc. This has led to the popularization of phytochemicals. Nowadays, foods containing phytochemicals as a constituent (functional foods) and the concentrated form of phytochemicals (nutraceuticals) are used as a preventive measure or cure for many diseases. The health benefits of these phytochemicals depend on their purity and structural stability. The yield, purity, and structural stability of extracted phytochemicals depend on the matrix in which the phytochemical is present, the method of extraction, the solvent used, the temperature, and the time of extraction.

Genome-Wide Analysis of Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein Gene Family in Vigna Species and Expression of VrLEA Encoding Genes in Vigna glabrescens Reveal Its Role in Heat Tolerance.

Late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) proteins are identified in many crops for their response and role in adaptation to various abiotic stresses, such as drought, salinity, and temperature. The LEA genes have been studied systematically in several crops but not in Vigna crops. In this study, we reported the first comprehensive analysis of the LEA gene family in three legume species, namely, mung bean (Vigna radiata), adzuki bean (Vigna angularis), and cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), and the cross-species expression of VrLEA genes in a wild tetraploid species, Vigna glabrescens. A total of 201 LEA genes from three Vigna crops were identified harboring the LEA conserved motif. Among these 55, 64, and 82 LEA genes were identified in mung bean, adzuki bean, and cowpea genomes, respectively. These LEA genes were grouped into eight different classes. Our analysis revealed that the cowpea genome comprised all eight classes of LEA genes, whereas the LEA-6 class was absent in the mung bean genome. Similarly, LEA-5 and LEA-6 were absent in the adzuki bean genome. The analysis of LEA genes provides an insight into their structural and functional diversity in the Vigna genome. The genes, such as VrLEA-2, VrLEA-40, VrLEA-47, and VrLEA-55, were significantly upregulated in the heat-tolerant genotype under stress conditions indicating the basis of heat tolerance. The successful amplification and expression of VrLEA genes in V. glabrescens indicated the utility of the developed markers in mung bean improvement. The results of this study increase our understanding of LEA genes and provide robust candidate genes for future functional investigations and a basis for improving heat stress tolerance in Vigna crops.

Cardiomyopathy and echocardiographic abnormalities in Indian patients with psoriasis: Results of a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The relationship between psoriasis and cardiomyopathy is understudied in Indian patients. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated psoriasis patients for cardiomyopathy and other echocardiographic abnormalities. METHODS: About 98 (M:F = 67:31) patients with mild to moderate psoriasis aged 18-75 years (mean ± SD = 42.12 ± 12.79 years) having no pre-existing metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disorders were studied. X-ray chest, electrocardiogram and echocardiography were performed and interpreted by cardiologist for size of the left and right ventricles, left ventricle ejection fraction, diastolic function, pulmonary artery pressure and valve abnormality/regurgitation and their severity as per current guidelines/recommendations. The cardiomyopathies were defined according to standard diagnostic guidelines. RESULTS: Echocardiographic abnormalities were noted in 13 (13.3%) patients aged 19-75 years (mean ± SD = 43.30 ± 15.71 years). The left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (grade 1) was observed in nine patients (moderate severe psoriasis in four patients) and one of them also had concentric left ventricular hypertrophy; a precursor of restrictive cardiomyopathy. Mild tricuspid valve regurgitation was present in other four patients. There was no statistically significant difference in age, gender, duration and the severity of psoriasis when compared with patients having normal echocardiography. The mitral or aortic valves, pulmonary artery pressure, mid-right-ventricular diameter and the left atrial volume showed no abnormality. CONCLUSIONS: Psoriasis perhaps plays a role in left ventricular dysfunction and possibly cardiomyopathy even with moderately severe disease and in the absence of clinical symptoms. However, these observations need to be interpreted with caution in the absence of any statistically significant difference between age, gender, duration and severity of psoriasis in the patients having normal and abnormal echocardiography.

Anti-obesity efficacy of the selected high altitude Himalayan herbs: in vitro studies.

Obesity is a serious health problem for all age groups and it also promotes Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, cancer and hypertension. Herbs are used for the weight reduction from ancient times, therefore, 12 herbs viz. Betula utilis, Bunium periscum, Angelica glauce, Saussurea lappa, Podophyllum hexandrum, Bergenia ciliate, Rumex acetosa, Aconitum heterophyllum, Centella asiatica, Andrographis paniculata, Dactylorhiza hatagirea and Bauhina variegate were selected as per literature. Rumex acetosa roots showed the highest extraction rate (39.5%), while C. asiatica leaf showed lowest extraction rate (1.25%) as compared to other herbs. As well, S. lappa leaf extract (396.52 mg GAE/g), R. acetosa root extract (181.5 mg QE/g), and B. ciliate leaf extract (79.19%) showed significantly higher Total Phenolic Content, Total Flavonoid Content and antioxidant activity, respectively. Furthermore, lipase and amylase inhibition activity and IC50 value of herb extract were higher in S. lappa root extract (75.75%, 75.41% and 62.47, 61.37, respectively). Bauhina variegate leaf extract showed a significantly higher glucose level, percentage of glucose movement (1.446 mg/dL and 63.85%) and (0.938 mg/dL and 76.55%). Based upon these experiments, 5 herbs were selected and different formulations were prepared and out of these, F3 herb formulation showed higher lipase and amylase inhibition activity (81.75% and 70.66%) and therefore, F3 herbal formulation was selected for treatment of obesity.

National Exit Test: How Will One Size Fit All?

Medical education in India is expected to undergo a significant reform after the introduction of the National Medical Commission Act. Single, nationwide National Exit Test (NEXT) is an essential provision under this act, which will be implemented during the next three years. It aims to bring about uniformity in the minimum standard of final MBBS examination, quality control in the licentiate examination and elimination of multiple entrance examinations for admission in postgraduate courses. Since the NEXT has multiple and varied objectives, we suggest a three-step scheme for the conduct of NEXT. Step I (Part A and B) will be equivalent to present-day first and second professional MBBS examinations and step II will act as the final professional MBBS and licentiate examination. Step III will form the basis for admission to the different PG courses. The written exam of Step I and II will consist of structured long, short and multiple choice type questions, whereas practical or clinical examination will consist of structured instruments with lesser inter-rater variability (viz., OSCE, OSPE, OSLER, etc.). This opinion piece is a result of in-depth discussions among major stakeholders such as MBBS students, resident doctors, and faculty of AIIMS, New Delhi. The suggested three-step plan is probably the most feasible way to ensure that the three modalities (final year MBBS, licentiate examination, and PG entrance competitive) are assessed in a valid, reliable, and acceptable manner. Due consideration is given to the fact that an assessment process has a significant impact on learning and teaching. The government may consider these suggestions while formulating the regulations of the NMC Act.

Comparing Scanning Electron Microscope and Transmission Electron Microscope Grain Mapping Techniques Applied to Well-Defined and Highly Irregular Nanoparticles.

Investigating how grain structure affects the functional properties of nanoparticles requires a robust method for nanoscale grain mapping. In this study, we directly compare the grain mapping ability of transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) in a scanning electron microscope to automated crystal orientation mapping (ACOM) in a transmission electron microscope across multiple nanoparticle materials. Analysis of well-defined Au, ZnO, and ZnSe nanoparticles showed that the grain orientations and GB geometries obtained by TKD are accurate and match those obtained by ACOM. For more complex polycrystalline Cu nanostructures, TKD provided an interpretable grain map whereas ACOM, with or without precession electron diffraction, yielded speckled, uninterpretable maps with orientation errors. Acquisition times for TKD were generally shorter than those for ACOM. Our results validate the use of TKD for characterizing grain orientation and grain boundary distributions in nanoparticles, providing a framework for the broader exploration of how microstructure influences nanoparticle properties.