Global variations in eruption chronology of permanent teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Population-based variations have been reported in permanent teeth eruption but only sparse literature exists on the same. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess the global variations in eruption chronology of permanent teeth in children and adolescents and the role of sexes, jaws and classes of socio-economic status (SES) on timing of eruption was explored. METHODS: The protocol for the systematic review was registered in PROSPERO. An extensive search of PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, EBSCO, Cochrane library, and anthropology databases was carried out until April 2023. Additionally, grey literature search and hand-searching of relevant key journals was done. RESULTS: Overall, 3797 cross-sectional and longitudinal studies were retrieved from multiple databases. A total of 939, 191 participants were included from 80 studies of which, 41 were carried out in Asia, 26 in Europe, 5 in Africa, 4 in North America, and 4 in Oceania. The mandibular first molar eruption was found to be as early as 4.09 years while the maxillary second molar erupted as late as 13.45 years. Using a random effects model, 28 forest plots were generated. Meta-regression interpreted tooth eruption to be earlier in females and in the mandible. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study show that the ages of permanent teeth eruption was advanced in the European population followed by Africa and Asia.

Global variations in eruption chronology of primary teeth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: This systematic review aimed to assess global variations in the eruption chronology of primary teeth in children and the role of sexes, jaws, and socio-economic status on eruption timing. DESIGN: An extensive search of electronic databases, grey literature, and hand-searching was carried out until April 2023 RESULTS: A total of 42,109 children, with an age range of 0-83 months were included from 42 studies (22 in Asia, 7 in Europe, 5 in Africa, 4 in North America, 3 in Oceania and 1 in South America). The mandibular central incisor was the first tooth to erupt at 6 months in North America and 13.5 months in Asia while the mandibular second molar erupted at 20.1 months in Europe and 29 months in South America. CONCLUSIONS: The age of primary teeth eruption was advanced in the European population followed by North America, Africa, Oceania, and Asia while it was delayed in the South American population. Meta-analysis showed that tooth eruption was earlier in the left quadrant than the right but the role of other factors (sexes, jaws, and socio-economic status) was insignificant. Population-specific data on primary teeth emergence may serve as a baseline for future research. In clinical practice, these population-based eruption charts can serve as a valuable asset for diagnosis and treatment planning in children.

Batch and fixed bed sorption of low to moderate concentrations of aqueous per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) on Douglas fir biochar and its Fe3O4 hybrids.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) can cause deleterious effects at low concentrations (70 ng/L). Their remediation is challenging. Aqueous µg/L levels of PFOS, PFOS, PFOSA, PFBS, GenX, PFHxS, PFPeA, PFHxA, and PFHpA (abbreviations defined in Table 1) multi-component adsorption (pH dependence, kinetics, isotherms, fixed-bed adsorption, regeneration, complex matrix) was studied on commercial Douglas fir biochar (BC) and its Fe3O4-containing BC. BC is a waste product when syn-gas is produced in a large scale from wet Douglas fir wood fed to gasification at 900-1000 °C and held for 1-20 s. This generates a relatively high surface area (∼700 m2/g) and large pore volume (∼0.25 cm3/g) biochar. Treatment of BC with FeCl3/FeSO4 and NaOH to chemically precipitate Fe3O4 onto BC. BC and its magnetic Fe3O4/BC analogue rapidly adsorbed (20-45 min equilibrium time) significant amounts of PFOS (∼14.6 mg/g) and PFOA (∼652 mg/g) at natural waters' pH range (6-8). Adsorption from µg/L concentrations has produced remediated aqueous PFAS concentrations of ∼50 ng/L or below the detection limits, which is closing in on EPA advisory limits. Column capacities of PFOS were 215.3 mg/g on BC and 51.9 mg/g Fe3O4/BC vs 53.0 mg/g and 21.8 mg/g, respectively, for PFOA. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are thought to drive this sorption. Successful stripping regeneration by methanol was achieved. Thus, hydrophobic Douglas fir biochar produced by fast high temperature pyrolysis and its Fe3O4/BC analogue are adsorbent candidates for PFAS remediation from the dilute PFAS concentrations often found in polluted environments. Small Fe3O4/BC particles can be magnetically removed from batch treatments avoiding filtration.

Structure-property relationships in critically connected (GeTe4)100-x(As2Se3)x glasses.

Thermal, optical, mechanical and structural studies were carried out on glasses in the pseudo-binary joint GeTe4-As2Se3 prepared by a melt quenching method. (GeTe4)100-x(As2Se3)x glasses in the entire composition range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 100 have an average coordination number (Zav) = 2.4, where the glass forming ability is found to be maximum. In general, for Zav ≤ 2.4, the glass transition is found to be dominated by the network connectivity and the chemical composition effects are minimal. Although Zav of Ge20Te80 (GeTe4) and As2Se3 (As40Se60) is 2.4, GeTe4 is a poor glass former and As2Se3 is an excellent glass former. The glass-forming ability is expected to increase with the addition of As2Se3. Surprisingly, the glass forming ability is found to decrease with the initial addition of As2Se3 and then shows an increasing trend. Glass transition (Tg) shows a large variation from 175 °C for x = 0 to 108 °C for x = 30. Based on the variation in the properties, the tie-line can be divided into three regions: region I (0 ≤ x ≤ 20) where Tg shows a decreasing trend, region II (25 ≤ x ≤ 55) where Tg remains almost constant and region III (60 ≤ x ≤ 100) where Tg shows an increasing trend. Hardness measurement also shows a similar trend in the three regions. Thermal stability shows a continuous increase with the increase of As2Se3. The fragility index varies between 15 and 30 for all these glasses except for x = 0 (GeTe4) indicating the strong nature of the melts containing As2Se3. Raman studies indicate that the glassy network is dominated mainly by GeTe(4/2) in region I and in region III the network is dominated by AsSe(3/2) based structures. Glasses in region II are found to be dominated by AsTe3/2 based structures. This study brings out the dominance of chemical composition effects over the network connectivity in a critically coordinated network. These glasses are also found to transmit IR light up to 18 µm and offer a wide composition range to prepare bulk glasses to be useful for infrared applications.

Self-care practices and factors influencing self-care among type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in a rural health center in South India.

BACKGROUND: Self-care for diabetes is very important in preventing complications of diabetes and also improving quality of life. This study aims to find the various self-care practices of type 2 diabetes patients who are being treated at a rural health center of a medical college and the factors influencing self-care. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a hospital-based cross-sectional study. Type 2 diabetes patients registered and receiving treatment from the noncommunicable disease clinic of a rural health center were administered a pretested questionnaire, developed based on different diabetes self-care questionnaires making changes as appropriate and including most aspects of self-care practices. The proportion of compliant was then cross-tabulated with background characteristics and their glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. SPSS version 16.0 was used for the analysis. RESULTS: Among 390 patients with a mean age 56 years, 25.5% adhered to at least four dietary modifications, 46% were physically active, and 57% had good compliance to drugs; hypoglycemia prevention practices ranged from 21% to 51%. Except for avoiding barefoot walking (90%), other foot-care practices were followed by only a quarter of them. Among ever users, 69.2%, 64.3%, and 29.4% have quit smoking, alcohol, and tobacco use, respectively. Adherence to dietary modifications and drug compliance were associated with a lower HbA1c level of ≤7 g% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In this study, the compliance to physical activity or medications is much better than dietary changes and foot-care practices. Focused education programs and monitoring during follow-up visits will improve self-care in the less adhered to aspects. Those who are adherent to dietary modifications and drugs have better glycemic control.

Prevalence of Hypoglycemia Among Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in a Rural Health Center in South India.

Introduction: One of the greatest threats to achieving tight glycemic control is hypoglycemia, which can lead to decreased drug compliance, cardiovascular events, and even mortality. There is lack of literature on this complication in the Indian setting. This study will aid the primary care physician to achieve better glycemic control of the diabetic patients and provide patient education to prevent hypoglycemia. Materials and Methods: It was a cross-sectional study in which 390 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus getting treated in a primary health center were assessed for symptoms of hypoglycemia. Results: Prevalence of hypoglycemia was 57.44% (95% CI 52.48-62.25). Severe hypoglycemia was found in 10.7% of the patients. The first reported symptom of hypoglycemia was dizziness (72.3%). The most common etiological factor leading to hypoglycemia was missing a meal (89.3%). Females were at a significant higher risk of developing hypoglycemia (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1.04-1.3, P < .05). Conclusion: This study has established the high prevalence of self-reported hypoglycaemia in the rural settings where resources are limited to monitor the glucose levels. The high prevalence urges the need for the primary care physicians to enquire about the hypoglycemic symptoms to all diabetic patients at each visit. It is also important to educate these patients about the symptoms of hypoglycemia and the importance of reporting of such symptoms, which will help in adjusting dose and preventing future attacks.

Removal of Arsenic(III) from water using magnetite precipitated onto Douglas fir biochar.

Magnetic Fe3O4/Douglas fir biochar composites (MBC) were prepared with a 29.2% wt. Fe3O4 loading and used to treat As(III)-contaminated water. Toxicity of As(III) (inorganic) is significantly greater than As(V) and more difficult to remove from water. Removal efficiency was optimized verses pH, contact time and initial concentration. Column sorption and regeneration were also studied. Adsorption kinetics data best fitted the pseudo second order model (R2 > 0.99). Adsorption was analyzed with three isotherm models at 20, 25 and 40 °C. The Sips isotherm showed the best fit at 25 °C with a 5.49 mg/g adsorption capacity, which is comparable with other adsorbents. MBC gave faster kinetics (~1-1.5 h) at pH 7 and ambient temperature than previous adsorbents. The Gibbs free energy (ΔG) of this spontaneous As(III) adsorption was -35 kJ/mol and ΔH = 70 kJ/mol was endothermic. Experiments were performed on industrial and laboratory wastewater samples in the presence of other co-existing contaminants (pharmaceutical residues, heavy metals ions and oxi-anions). The composite reduced the arsenic concentrations below the WHO's safe limit of 0.2 mg/L for waste water discharge. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies found As(III) and less toxic As(V) on Fe3O4 surfaces indicating adsorbed (or adsorbing) As(III) oxidation occurred upon contact with O2 and possibly dissolved Fe(III) or upon drying under oxic conditions. Under anoxic conditions magnetite to maghemite transformation drives the oxidation. A pH-dependent surface chemisorption mechanism was proposed governing adsorption aided by XPS studies vs pH.

The influence of three acid modifications on the physicochemical characteristics of tea-waste biochar pyrolyzed at different temperatures: a comparative study.

Tea-waste is an abundant feedstock for producing biochar (BC) which is considered to be a cost effective carbonaceous adsorbent useful for water remediation and soil amendment purposes. In the present study, tea-waste BC (TWBC) produced at three different temperatures were subjected to nitric, sulfuric and hydrochloric acid modifications (abbreviated as NM, SM and HM respectively). Characteristics of the raw and modified BC such as ultimate and proximate analyses, surface morphology, surface acidity and functionality, point of zero charge, cation exchange capacity (CEC) and thermal stability were compared to evaluate the influence of pyrolysis temperature and of modifications incorporated. The amount of carboxylic and phenolic surface functionalities on TWBC was seen to decrease by 93.44% and 81.06% respectively when the pyrolysis temperature was increased from 300 to 700 °C. Additionally, the yield of BC was seen to decrease by 46% upon the latter temperature increment. The elemental analysis results provided justification for high-temperature BC being more hydrophobic as was observed by the 61% increase in H/C ratio which is an indication of augmented aromatization. The CEC was the highest for the low-temperature BC and was seen to further increase by NM which is attributed to the 81.89% increase in carboxylic functionalities. The surface area was seen to significantly increase for BC700 upon NM (∼27 times). The SM led to pore wall destruction which was observed in scanning electron microscopy images. Findings would enable the rational use of these particular modifications in relevant remediation and soil amendment applications.

Association of cord blood leptin, soluble leptin receptor, insulin-like growth factor-I and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-1 on birth indices in healthy full-term newborns.

BACKGROUND: Leptin and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) promote fetal growth. Their availability is modulated by soluble leptin receptor (SLR) and insulin-like growth factor-binding proteins (IGFBP). Studies that accounted for SLR levels when investigating the association of leptin, IGF-I and IGFBPs on birth indices are scarce. METHODS: Cord blood leptin, SLR, IGF-I, IGFBP-1 and their association with birth indices were studied in term newborns (n = 110; males = 60). Data were compared between males and females using the Mann-Whitney U test/unpaired Student's t test as appropriate. Univariate correlations and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify variables significantly influencing birth indices. RESULTS: Birth indices were comparable between male and female newborns. Females had a significantly lower SLR (p = 0.0142), a higher leptin/Ponderal index (p = 0.033) and a higher free leptin index (leptin/SLR) (p = 0.0081). Leptin and male gender positively and IGFBP-1 negatively influenced birth weight (p = 0.0005, p = 0.02, and p = 0.005, respectively) and head circumference (p = 0.0052, p = 0.0098, and p = 0.0183, respectively) when accounted for other variables. When tested in a different multiple regression model, the free leptin index positively influenced crown-heel length (p = 0.0016) in addition to birth weight (p < 0.0001) and head circumference (p = 0.0016). CONCLUSIONS: In healthy full-term pregnancies, cord blood leptin and IGFBP-1 exert independent and opposing effects on fetal growth.

Effect of Aqueous Extract of Passiflora edulis on Biochemical and Hematological Parameters of Wistar Albino Rats.

Passiflora edulis is traditionally used in folk lore medicine for the treatment of various ailments. To validate its use in traditional medicine, it is important to evaluate its toxicity in the animal system. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the toxicological effects of oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of P. edulis in Wistar albino rats. Acute toxicity tests were conducted by the oral administration of 200, 500, 1000 and 2000 mg/kg body weight of the animal. In subacute study, they were administered with various doses of aqueous extract of P. edulis (100, 200, 300, and 400 mg/kg body weight) to evaluate its toxicity for a period of 7 days. The effect of aqueous extract of P. edulis on organ weight, hematological, renal, and hepatic markers were analyzed. In acute toxicity study, no mortality was seen with in 24 h of the administration of P. edulis extract. No signs of neurological and behavioral changes were noticed with in 72 h. In the subacute study, the extract intake has not changed the hematological parameters such as RBC, WBC, and platelets and it was also found that the plasma level of amino transferases, ALP, urea, uric acid and, creatinine were also not altered by the administration of P. edulis extract throughout the study. The weight of organ was found to be unaltered in all the doses selected. The acute toxicity study reveals that the oral administration of the extract was found to be safe up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg. The subacute study indicates that the extract is safe on the bone marrow function and it is neither hepatotoxic nor nephrotoxic. This supports the safety use of the aqueous extract of P. edulis in pharmacological studies.

Glucose lowering effect of aqueous extract of Bauhinia tomentosa L. on alloxan induced type 2 diabetes mellitus in wistar albino rats.

The study was designed to evaluate the anti-diabetic effect of aqueous extract of Bauhinia tomentosa L. leaf on alloxan induced Wistar albino rats. Diabetes was induced in albino rat models with alloxan monohydrate (150mg/kg body weight). Aqueous leaf extract of Bauhinia tomentosa at the dose of 300 mg/kg was orally administered once a day for 30 days to the diabetic animals. In this study, glycemic parameters, lipid parameters and serum enzymes were reduced whereas the level of high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol was elevated. The extract significantly increased the total protein and glycogen level in the liver of diabetic rats. Furthermore, the liver carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were normalized by the administration of the extracts. Histopatholgical examination results of liver, pancreas and kidney were normal in general. The above results indicated the anti-diabetic efficacy of the B.tomentosa leaf extract.

Stimulation of biomethanation by Clostridium sp. PXYL1 in coculture with a Methanosarcina strain PMET1 at psychrophilic temperatures.

AIM: Bioaugumentation of low temperature biogas production was attempted by addition of cold-adapted Clostridium and a methanogen. METHODS AND RESULTS: A psychrotrophic xylanolytic acetogenic strain Clostridium sp. PXYL1 growing optimally at 20 degrees C and pH 5.3 and a Methanosarcina strain, PMET1, growing optimally on acetate and producing methane at 15 degrees C were isolated from a cattle manure digester. Anaerobic conversion of xylose at 15 degrees C with the coculture of the two strains was performed, and batch culture methane production characteristics indicated that methanogenesis occurred via acetate through 'acetoclastic' pathway. Stimulation studies were also undertaken to evaluate the effect of exogenous addition of the coculture on biogas yields at 15 degrees C. Addition of 3 ml of PXYL1 at the rate of 12 x 10(2) CFU ml(-1) increased the biogas 1.7-fold (33 l per kg cowdung) when compared to control (19.3 l per kg cowdung) as well as increased the volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels to 3210 mg l(-1) when compared to 1140 mg l(-1) in controls. Exogenous of addition of 10 ml PMET1 inoculum at the rate of 6.8 + or - 10(2) CFU ml(-1) in addition to PXYL1 served to further improve the biogas yields to 46 l kg(-1) as well as significantly brought down the VFA levels to 1350 mg l(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the rate-limiting methanogenic step at low temperatures could be overcome and that biogas yields improved by manipulating the population of the acetoclastic methanogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Stimulation of biomethanation at low temperature by coculture.

Normal hematological indices, blood chemistry and histology and ultrastructure of pancreatic islets in the wild Indian bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata radiata).

The present study is aimed at determining some haematological and biochemical parameters in the wild Indian bonnet monkeys as also the microscopic and ultrastructural characteristics of their pancreatic islets. Adult wild Indian bonnet monkeys (Macaca radiata radiata) of both sexes weighing between 2.5 and 4 kg were used in these experiments. Their platelet, reticulocyte and total leukocyte counts and the blood concentrations of hemoglobin and plasma proteins and the serum concentrations of aspartate amino transferase, alanine amino transferase and calcium are similar to the values reported for M. mulatta. Plasma glucose is lower when compared with reported values of M. mulatta and M. fascicularis. Insulin levels are comparable with those of M. mulatta and M. nigra. Histology of islets is similar to that of humans. Ovoid cell collections of islet cells are scattered throughout the pancreas. Ultrastructure of A, B and D cells is similar to humans. These findings suggest that this relatively underutilized macaques may be a suitable model for biomedical research.

Effect of streptozotocin on the ultrastructure of rat pancreatic islets.

Our objective was to study the effects of three (30, 40, and 50 mg/kg) doses of Streptozotocin (STZ) on fasting plasma glucose level (FPG) and observe its effects at the cellular level in rat pancreas by electron microscopy. FPG was measured in rats before induction of diabetes and then on 3, 7, and 14 days after induction of diabetes with STZ. Keto diastix urine strips were used to check urine glucose and ketone bodies. Two weeks after the induction of diabetes, the rat pancreas was removed and fixed for light and electron microscopic studies. Three days after induction, the mean FPG level was 112 mg/dl in Group I (30 mg/kg STZ), 217 mg/dl in Group II (40 mg/kg STZ), and 376 mg/dl in Group III (50 mg/kg STZ). Histology was normal in Group I but revealed altered islet structure in Groups II and III. Ultrastructure revealed intact D cells in all three groups. The focal mitochondria and Golgi complex swelling found in A and B cells was occasional in Group I and frequent in Groups II and III. Swelling of other organelles and reduction in the size and number of granules was further observed in Group III. It is our conclusion that the 30-mg/kg body weight STZ produces mild changes while 50 mg/kg proves to be fatal. STZ at 40 mg/kg has a moderate effect on plasma glucose as well as on the islets of Langerhans at a cellular level.

A novel cold-tolerant Clostridium strain PXYL1 isolated from a psychrophilic cattle manure digester that secretes thermolabile xylanase and cellulase.

A Clostridium strain PXYL1 was isolated from a cold-adapted cattle manure biogas digester at 15 degrees C. It could grow at temperatures as low as 5 degrees C up to 50 degrees C with highest specific growth rate at 20 degrees C and is a psychrotroph. It produced extracellular hydrolytic enzymes namely xylanase, endoglucanase, beta-xylosidase, beta-glucosidase and filter paper cellulase, all of which had maximal activity at 20 degrees C. The induction of xylanase was highest on birch wood xylan (37 IU(mg protein)(-1)) compared with xylose (1.11 IU(mg protein)(-1)), cellobiose (1.43 IU(mg protein)(-1)) and glucose (no activity). The xylanase was thermolabile with a half-life of 30 min at 40 degrees C and 8 min at 50 degrees C but stable for over 2 h at 20 degrees C. The crude enzyme released reducing sugars (1.25 g l(-1)) from finger millet flour at 20 degrees C, while commercial food-grade xylanases showed no hydrolysis at this temperature. This is the first report of a Clostridium strain growing at 20 degrees C and producing an array of xylanolytic and cellulolytic enzymes, possessing low temperature optima of 20 degrees C, which may facilitate degradation of plant fibre under low-temperature conditions.