Impact of self-assessment on dental student's performance in pre-clinical conservative dentistry course.

BACKGROUND: Self-assessment (SA) is an interactive course that endorses the accomplishment of learning objectives through learners' identification of insufficiencies in their didactic knowledge and pre-clinical skills. This study was planned to determine whether there is any improvement in the faculty assessment (FA) score following the implementation of SA in the Pre-clinical Conservative Dentistry Course. METHODS: Fifty-four first-semester dental students were given an introductory lecture followed by a demonstration for Class I Cavity Preparation in typhodont mandibular first molar. At the end of the demonstration, the Scoring Rubric (SR) was explained point-wise in the prepared cavities. During the next session, all students performed Class I cavity preparation and they were given an assessment sheet to enter their scores (SA1). All teeth were evaluated by the Grading Faculties in a blinded manner (FA1). Each participant was explained the difference in their respective SA1 from FA1 and their queries were resolved individually. During the next sessions, Students and Grading Faculties followed the same protocol and scores were recorded as SA2, FA2, SA3 and FA3. RESULTS: The mean score of SA1 was significantly higher than that of FA1 (p < 0.001). However, no significant difference was obtained between SA and FA in the second (p = 0.352) and third (p = 0.434) assessments. In contrast with first assessment, mean marks obtained in FA were higher compared to SA in both second and third assessments. There was a statistically significant improvement in mean marks obtained by the students over time (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: SA endorsed student-faculty communication and enhanced student's poise and technical skills in operative pre-clinical dentistry.

Biomimetic approach to strengthen the incisal fracture composite build-up: an in vitro study.

OBJECTIVE: Incisal composite build-up shows a high failure susceptibility. The incorporation of fiber-reinforced composite (FRC) during composite restoration could improve its strength. Hence the study was planned to compare the effect of various positions of FRC on the strength of composite resin incisal build-ups. METHODS: In maxillary incisors (n = 90), 3 mm of the incisal edge was cut and teeth were categorized into three groups based on the location and number of fibers used during incisal composite build-up - Group I: composite resin; Group II: composite resin and a single fiber palatally and Group III: composite resin along with two fibers palatally. RESULTS: The data showed that group II had the maximum load-bearing values followed by group I and group III. CONCLUSION: Within the confines of our study, it can be concluded that the addition of FRC to the conventional incisal composite build-up increased the overall strength restoration. Such composite restoration reinforced with a single fiber on the palatal side showed the highest load-bearing capacity compared to two fibers reinforced and unreinforced composites. The common mode of failure in group I was in composite resin, in two fibers reinforced at fibers-composite junction, and in one fiber reinforced composite was in the remaining part of the tooth.

Comparative evaluation of effect of sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine in dental unit waterline on aerosolized bacteria generated during dental treatment.

BACKGROUND: In dentistry, nosocomial infection poses a great challenge to clinicians. The microbial contamination of water in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) is ubiquitous. Such infected DUWLs can transmit oral microbes in the form of aerosols. Previous studies have suggested treating DUWLs with various disinfectants to reduce cross-contamination. The literature lacks a comparative evaluation of the effect of the use of 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) and 0.1% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) in DUWLs on aerosolized bacteria generated during dental procedures. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of NaOCl and CHX in DUWLs on aerosolized bacteria generated during restorative and endodontic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 132 patients were equally divided into three groups (n = 44 in each group) according to the content of DUWL as follows. Group I-0.1% NaOCl Group II-0.2% CHX Group III-distilled water (Positive control) One-way ANOVA was performed and the Kruskal-Wallis test was used for intergroup comparison. RESULTS: For the restorative procedure, inter-group comparison of mean colony-forming units (CFU) scores showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p - .001) with the score of group 3 higher than group 2 followed by group 1. For the endodontics, an inter-group comparison of CFU scores showed a statistically significant difference between the groups (p - .003) with the mean score in group 1 being the lowest and group 3 being the highest. CONCLUSION: The addition of NaOCl or CHX in DUWLs shows an effective reduction in aerosolized bacteria compared to distilled water.

Musculoskeletal problems of hand-sewn crafted footwear manufacturing artisans in Kolhapur, India.

BACKGROUND: Kolhapuri hand-sewn crafted footwear is one of the well-designed and traditional footwear in India. Many of the processes in these industries are manual. The study was carried out to establish the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in different body parts of artisans engaged in crafted footwear manufacturing activity. Due to the difficult physical activities carried out by artisans, there was a possibility of evolving different kinds of MSDs. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the prevalence of MSD symptoms in various body regions of crafted footwear manufacturing artisans. This work further aims to assess different working postures. METHODS: The existing working environment and the occurrences of MSD indications of 105 artisans of Kolhapuri crafted footwear manufacturing were evaluated in this study. The data collection was done through an interview and using Nordic musculoskeletal questionnaire. The work uses the Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) method for posture analysis. Multiple regression investigation was used to evaluate different risk factors linked with MSDs symptoms. RESULTS: It has been cleared that there are high occurrences of MSD pain between crafted footwear manufacturing artisans. The most frequently affected body areas were low back, neck, hips/thighs/buttocks, shoulder, elbows, hand and wrist, knees and upper back. The final RULA grand total of 6.1 specifies that artisans' posture needs to be change. CONCLUSION: The artisans who were associated with the manufacturing of Kolhapuri footwear had a high prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms. Analysis of data suggests that the necessity of operational implementation program for handcrafted footwear manufacturing artisans.

Management of separated endodontic instruments: case reports.

Successful management of separated endodontic instruments is difficult, but several techniques are available for the retrieval of a separated instrument (SI). An appropriate treatment plan depends on various factors, including the anatomy and location of the tooth; the size, type, and location of the SI; and the skill of the clinician. However, the selection of the most appropriate management technique based on these factors can be a challenging decision that directly influences the success of the procedure. This article presents 4 symptomatic cases of SIs managed with various modalities as well as 1-year clinical and radiographic follow-up results. The management techniques applied in these cases included the use of ultrasonic tips, the wire loop method, safe-sided H-files, the braiding technique, and bypassing of the file. The medical history of the patients was noncontributory except for a single patient who had type 2 diabetes mellitus, which might have delayed healing. After instrument retrieval, the patients were evaluated clinically for relief of signs and symptoms as well as for their responses to various tests such as percussion, palpation, and tooth mobility. Radiographic evaluation at the 12-month follow-up was used to determine the periapical index. The clinical and radiographic results and patient-reported outcomes were satisfactory in all cases. The 4 cases presented demonstrate that the keys to successful management of an SI are understanding the factors that influence the case and selecting an appropriate therapeutic technique.

Comparative evaluation of hypofractionated radiotherapy versus conventionally fractionated radiotherapy for patients with intermediate and high risk prostate cancer.

Background: The purpose of this study was to comparatively evaluate an efficacy and toxicity profile of hypofractionated radiotherapy (67.5 Gy in 25 fractions) to conventionally fractionated radiotherapy (78 Gy in 39 fractions) in prostate cancer patients with intermediate and high-risk disease. Materials and methods: From January 2015 to December 2018, 168 patients were randomized to hypofractionated radiation treatment and conventional fractionated radiation treatment schedules of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to the prostate and seminal vesicles. All the patients also received androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) and radiation therapy started after ADT. Results: The median (range) follow-up was 51 (31-63) and 53 (33-64) months in the hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated regimes, respectively. The 3-year biochemical no evidence of disease (bNED) rates were 86.9% and 73.8% in the hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated groups, respectively (p = 0.032, significant). The 3-year bNED rates in patients at a high risk [i.e., pretreatment prostate-specific antigen (PSA) > 20 ng/mL, Gleason score ≥ 8, or T ≥ 2 c], were 87.9% and 73.5% (p = 0.007, significant) in the hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy groups, respectively. No statistically significant difference was found for late toxicity between the two groups, with 3-year grade 2 gastrointestinal toxicity rates of 19% and 16.7% and 3-year grade 2 genitourinary toxicity rates of 15.5% and 11.9% in the hypofractionated and conventionally fractionated radiotherapy groups, respectively. Conclusion: Hypofractionated schedule is superior to the conventional fractionation schedule of radiation treatment in terms of bNED in intermediate and high grade prostate cancer patients. Also, the late toxicity is found to be equivalent between the two treatment groups.

Discovery of isoquinolinone and naphthyridinone-based inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP1) as anticancer agents: Structure activity relationship and preclinical characterization.

The exploitation of GLU988 and LYS903 residues in PARP1 as targets to design isoquinolinone (I & II) and naphthyridinone (III) analogues is described. Compounds of structure I have good biochemical and cellular potency but suffered from inferior PK. Constraining the linear propylene linker of structure I into a cyclopentene ring (II) offered improved PK parameters, while maintaining potency for PARP1. Finally, to avoid potential issues that may arise from the presence of an anilinic moiety, the nitrogen substituent on the isoquinolinone ring was incorporated as part of the bicyclic ring. This afforded a naphthyridinone scaffold, as shown in structure III. Further optimization of naphthyridinone series led to identification of a novel and highly potent PARP1 inhibitor 34, which was further characterized as preclinical candidate molecule. Compound 34 is orally bioavailable and displayed favorable pharmacokinetic (PK) properties. Compound 34 demonstrated remarkable antitumor efficacy both as a single-agent as well as in combination with chemotherapeutic agents in the BRCA1 mutant MDA-MB-436 breast cancer xenograft model. Additionally, compound 34 also potentiated the effect of agents such as temozolomide in breast cancer, pancreatic cancer and Ewing's sarcoma models.

Potential for differentiation of glioma recurrence from radionecrosis using integrated 18F-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging: A prospective evaluation.

PURPOSE: To assess the utility of 18F-fluoroethyl-L-tyrosine (FET) positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (PET/MRI) in distinguishing recurrence from radionecrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two patients (25 males, 7 females) of glioma who had already undergone surgery/chemoradiotherapy and had enhancing brain lesions suspicious of recurrence were evaluated using integrated 18F-FET PET/MRI, and followed up with histopathology or clinical follow-up and/or MRI/PET/MRI imaging. Manually drawn regions of interest over areas of maximal enhancement or FET uptake were used to calculate tumor to background ratios [TBRmax, TBRmean], choline: creatine ratio [Cho: Cr ratio], normalized relative cerebral blood volume [N rCBVmean] and apparent diffusion coefficient [ADCmean]. Correlations were evaluated using Pearson's coefficient. Accuracy of each parameter was calculated using independent t-test and receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis while utility of all four parameters together using multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) for differentiating recurrence vs. radionecrosis was evaluated. Positive histopathology and imaging/clinical follow up served as the gold standard. RESULTS: Twenty-four of the 32 patients were diagnosed with recurrent disease and 8 with radiation necrosis. Significant correlations were observed between TBRmaxand N rCBVmean (ρ =0.503; P = 0.003), TBRmean, and N rCBVmean (ρ =0.414; P = 0.018), TBRmaxand ADCmean (ρ = -0.52; P = 0.002), and TBRmeanand ADCmean(ρ = -0.518; P = 0.002). TBRmax, TBRmean, ADCmean, Cho: Cr ratios, and N rCBVmeanwere significant in differentiating recurrence from radiation necrosis with an accuracy of 94.1%, 88.2%, 80.4%, 96.4%, and 89.9%, respectively. MANOVA indicated that combination of all parameters demonstrated better evaluation of recurrence vs. necrosis than any single parameter. The diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity using all MRI parameters were 93.75%, 96%, and 85.7%, and using all FET PET/MRI parameters was 96.87%, 100%, and 85.7%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Synergetic effect of multiple MR parameters evaluated together in addition to FET PET uptake highlights the fact that integrated 18F-FET PET/MRI might have the potential to impact management of patients with glioma by timely and conclusive recognition of true recurrence from radiation necrosis.

Undergraduates' comparative assessment, utilizing a structured rubric, of hands-on versus video-supported presentation in class II cavity preparation.

BACKGROUND: Dental education is considered as a complex, challenging and often stressful educational procedure. Acquisition of psychomotor skills by undergraduate students is an important step in many health professions to become a successful professional. During under graduation, class II cavity preparation exercise is of utmost important in dentistry. OBJECTIVE: To compare class II cavities prepared by students after hands-on live demonstration and pre-recorded video demonstration using well-organised evaluation rubrics. METHOD: Preclinical dental students (n= 50) were divided into two groups. The students in group I (n= 25) attended a hands-on live demonstration performed by one faculty while students in group II (n= 25) watched a 15-minute pre-recorded procedural video on the projector. Both groups were appealed to prepare class II cavity for amalgam involving disto-occlusal surface of mandibular second molar articulated on jaw model (TRU LON study model, Jayna industries, Ghaziabad U.P., India). Following completion of the preparations, all teeth were collected, and labelled grades of prepared cavities were given according to prespecified rubrics. The data of scores were presented as means and standard deviation. Statistical analysis of data was executed using SPSS software. A paired t-test was used to compare scores between groups. RESULTS: The study shows that the video-supported demonstration of a cavity preparation was better than the live hands-on demonstration. A higher mean response for the procedural video group was found compared to the live demonstration group (p= 0.000133). CONCLUSION: Pre-recorded video-supported demonstration along with guidance by a tutor may be a viable alternative to hands-on live demonstration in cavity preparation procedures during undergraduate dental training. Moreover, rubric methods can be implemented in the teaching of various preclinical exercises for conservative dentistry and endodontics.

Formulation and development of taste masked fast-disintegrating tablets (FDTs) of Chlorpheniramine maleate using ion-exchange resins.

CONTEXT: Masking of bitter taste of drug for better patient compliance. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research was to mask the bitter taste of Chlorpheniramine maleate using cation exchange resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different cation exchange resins were used for taste masking. The drug resin complexes (DRC) were prepared by batch process. Complexes of ion-exchange resin and Chlorpheniramine maleate were prepared by taking drug: resin ratios 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4 (w/w). The optimum drug:resin ratio and the time required for maximum complexation was determined. The drug resinates were evaluated for the drug content, taste, drug release, FTIR, DSC and X-ray diffraction (PXRD). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The X-ray diffraction study confirmed the monomolecularity of entrapped drug in the resin beads. The taste evaluation depicted the successful taste masking of Chlorpheniramine maleate with DRCs. Fast disintegrating tablets (FDTs) were developed depending upon percent complexation, release study at salivary and gastric pH, taste evaluation; Chlorpheniramine maleate: Indion-234 complex of ratio 1:2 was used to develop and formulate FDTs. The drug release of 94.77% in 30 min was observed from FDTs. CONCLUSION: The Effective taste masking can be obtained from DRC that can be formulated as FDTs for better patient compliance.

Comparative evaluation of four different root canal irrigation techniques for apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite - An in vitro study.

Objective: This study compared the potential for apical extrusion of sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) when using needle irrigation (NI), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), passive subsonic irrigation (PSI), and negative pressure system (NP). Materials and Methods: One hundred freshly extracted human permanent anterior teeth with complete root formation were embedded rigidly in agarose gel-containing cresol purple. Teeth were randomly allocated to six groups: G1-NI; G2-PUI; G3-PSI; G4-NP; G5-positive control; and G6-negative control. The chemomechanical preparation was completed and 12 ml of 3% NaOCl was delivered for 180 s in all groups. Dye diffusion was standardized by doing gel photography after the NaOCl final irrigation the Chi-square test and Kruskal-Wallis one-way analysis of variance test were used for the data analysis. Results: G1 had statistically significant apical extrusion compared to G2 (P = 0.001), G3 (P = 0.001), and G4 (P = 0.001) groups. G4 showed the least amount of apical extrusion. Conclusions: pH-sensitive gel model is useful in evaluating NaOCl extrusion. NP produced least NaOCl extrusion as compared to the other three systems. Due consideration should be given to the potential for apical extrusion of the irrigant before the selection of an irrigation system.

Single visit rehabilitation of 12-day neonate with cleft palate using modified feeding spoon impression technique: A case report.

The rehabilitation of the cleft requires a multidisciplinary approach involving a pediatrician, surgeon, otolaryngologist, speech therapist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, and psychologist. The present case report illustrates the rehabilitation of a 12-day-old neonate with a cleft palate. Since the palatal arch of the neonate was very small, a feeding spoon was innovatively modified to obtain the impression. The obturator was fabricated on the same day and delivered in one appointment.

Collagen Application in Pediatric Superficial Burns: The Right Time!

Introduction Delayed presentation of burn patients, in a developing country with the patient being referred from one center to another higher one, is a common occurrence. Efficient management of such delayed burn wounds thus becomes critical to decrease the morbidity of the patient within economic constraints. The advantages of collagen dressing are numerous. However, there is scarce literature on the timing of its application. Traditionally, it is thought that collagen sheets should be applied within 24 hours of burns as the wound is still sterile. This thus becomes ironical as patients are presenting late. Hence, we studied retrospectively the result of collagen application in delayed presentation of burns. Methods A retrospective study was conducted in which records of pediatric patients of less than 10 years with less than 30% total body surface area scald burns were considered. Collagen dressing was done in all these patients. Presentation time from burns, timing of collagen application, status of wound at various check dresses, complication of burn wound, and total healing times were recorded. Appropriate statistical formulas were used to calculate significance levels for continuous and categorical variables. Result Fifty-three patients, 33 male and 20 female were studied. The most common cause of scald was hot water spillage from baths and cooking, with the anterior trunk being the most involved site. The mean time of presentation of the patient from burns is 71.74 hours and that of collagen application was 76.4 hours. Fourteen (25.4%) patients had wound complications in the form of soakage, fever, and pus. Eight patients had their collagen removed. The average healing time for patients with intact collagen was 12.15 days and that for those on daily dressing was 21.9 days. Conclusion Collagen should be preferred even when the patient presents after 24 hours of burns. A thoroughly washed wound is a necessary prerequisite before collagen application. Burn patients presenting after 3 days have a higher incidence of wound infection. No such time stamp of application of collagen sheets within 24 hours can thus be given for its use as the advantages of adhered and successful collagen dressings outweigh those on daily dressings.

Effect of low-cost automation on labor productivity and labor fatigue for corrugated boxes flaps twisting.

BACKGROUND: Flaps of the corrugated box folded inversely while manual packing of goods initiative this will cause tearing of the box at creased positions. OBJECTIVE: To avoid tearing, it is required to twist each box along creased positions as soon as it is manufactured and in wet condition due to liquid gum application. METHODS: To apply and evaluate the effect of Low-Cost Automation on labor productivity and labor fatigue for corrugated boxes flaps twisting. Low-Cost Automation solution is applied to overcome low labors' productivity and excessive labors' fatigue problems in the manual box twisting work. Productivity need analysis is performed to identify the key productivity measures. Three automated mechanisms are developed for box stopping, clamping, and twisting activities. RESULTS: Reduction in labors muscular efforts requirement is confirmed through surface electromyography technique. It is observed that the average actual time required for twisting one box reduced from 34 seconds to 17 seconds, and labor productivity almost doubled. The muscular efforts required for twisting of flaps of the boxes are reduced significantly. CONCLUSION: The developed low-cost automation solution is unique and found worthy for small scale corrugated box manufacturers.

Oral Tissue Involvement and Probable Factors in Post-COVID-19 Mucormycosis Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study.

The primary goal of this study was to assess the prevalence of oral involvement and, secondarily, the likely variables in patients with confirmed COVID-19 accompanied by mucormycosis infection. The study design was a cross-sectional descriptive sort that was performed at a tertiary centre. The non-probability convenience sampling approach was used to determine the sample size. Between May 2021 and July 2021, all patients who presented to our tertiary care centre with suspected mucormycosis were considered for the investigation. The research only included individuals with proven mucormycosis after COVID-19. The features of the patients, the frequency of intraoral signs/symptoms, and the possible variables were all noted. Of the 333 COVID-19-infected patients, 47 (14%) were diagnosed with confirmed mucormycosis. The mean (SD) age of the patients was 59.7 (11.9) years. Of the 47 patients with confirmed mucormycosis, 34% showed sudden tooth mobility, 34% expressed toothache, 8.5% reported palatal eschar, 34% presented with jaw pain, 8.5% had tongue discoloration, and 17% had temporomandibular pain. About 53% of the patients were known cases of type 2 diabetes mellitus, 89% of patients had a history of hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection, 89.3% underwent oxygen support therapy, and 89.3% were administered intravenous steroids during hospitalization due to COVID-19 infection. About 14% of the suspected cases attending the mucormycosis out-patient department (OPD) had been confirmed with definite mucormycosis. Oral involvement was seen in 45% of cases of CAM (COVID-associated mucormycosis). The most frequent oral symptoms presented in CAM were sudden tooth mobility and toothache. Diabetes and steroids were the likely contributing factors associated with CAM.

Effect of various single file systems on microcrack formation in root canals: Scanning electron microscope study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare dentinal crack formation in root canal walls following 3 single file systems with continuous rotation under a scanning electron microscope (SEM). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this SEM study, seventy mandibular premolars were randomly divided into 5 groups. 3 experimental groups (n = 20) and 2 control groups (n = 5) as follows: Group I: Neolix NiTi file system, Group II: OneShape systems, Group III: OneCurve file system, positive control: conventional Hand File system, negative control: unprepared. After root canal preparations, the roots were sectioned at 3, 6, and 9 mm from the apex with water irrigation. The sections were inspected in all directions under SEM at × 100 magnification to determine the presence of cracks. The Chi-square test was used to analyze the data. There is a statistically significant difference in the crack formation between the apical third (P = 0.012) and coronal third (P = 0.002) when comparing all the 5 groups. No significant difference is found in the middle third (P = 0.46). P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Maximum cracks in the apical third were seen with One Shape file 11 (55%) and in the coronal third with Neolix NiTi 14 (70%). There is a statistically significant difference in the crack formation only in OneCurve when comparing the apical, middle, and coronal third for the individual group (P = 0.042). CONCLUSION: There was a significant difference in crack formation in apical and coronal third. OneCurve caused the least incidence of cracks when compared to other file systems. OneCurve file system can be a choice for canal preparation over Neolix Niti and OneShape.

Evaluation of aromatherapy on success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block in teeth with irreversible pulpitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective, block randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on the success rate of inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) in teeth with irreversible pulpitis. METHOD AND MATERIALS: In this clinical trial, 46 patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into two equal groups: group I (n = 22) received IANB in a closed operatory without any fragrance, whereas group II (n = 24) received IANB in a separate closed operatory saturated with lavender fragrance using a candle warmer. The modified dental anxiety scale (MDAS) for anxiety and visual analog scale (VAS) for pain were recorded preoperatively as well as during access cavity preparation. For MDAS, a total score of more than 18 was considered as tremendously anxious or dental phobic. No or mild pain on VAS was considered as success. Data were analyzed using paired t test and independent sample t test. P < .05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Difference in mean VAS (P = .749) and MDAS (P = 1.000) between both the groups was statistically nonsignificant. However there was a statistically significant difference in mean VAS (P = .000) and MDAS (P = .001) during access opening. CONCLUSION: Lavender aromatherapy can be used successfully to alleviate dental anxiety as well as to increase the anesthetic success rate of IANB in teeth with irreversible pulpitis.

Ergonomics and efficient workplace design for hand-sewn footwear artisans in Kolhapur, India.

BACKGROUND: The footwear manufacturing industry is one of the significant sectors of leather businesses in India. In the Indian footwear production industry, there is an enormous potential for employment, export, and development. Kolhapuri footwear is a popular handmade craft in India. It is a well-designed craft used by Indian people for many years. Artisans using traditional tools manufacture this footwear manually. Workers of this craft use traditional methods and work in cottage-based enterprises where organized laws and legislations are not applicable. Therefore, any occupational hazard-related documentation is not available. Due to the nature of the job, workers occupy various apparent non-optimal postures that may cause multiple work-related disorders such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to study and assess different footwear manufacturing workstations and working postures. The work further aimed to improve the design of current workstations and evaluate the proposed design using virtual ergonomic assessment techniques. METHODS: An anthropometric database for the Kolhapuri footwear making population was developed. This work measured 35 different body dimensions of the footwear manufacturing artisans. Rapid Upper Limb Assessment (RULA) was used for postural analysis of the artisans. RESULTS: It was observed that the entire footwear making activity was carried out in awkward postures. RULA scores suggested that 'a change in posture' to improve the efficiency of artisans was required for most of the workstations. This work proposed a novel workstation design to reduce the high risk of MSDs. The design was evaluated for thigh clearance, vision analysis and RULA analysis with the help of Digital Human Modelling (DHM). The virtual ergonomics assessment of this design revealed that the vision, thigh clearances, and RULA scores were satisfactory in the new design. CONCLUSION: The anthropometric database proposed in this study is likely to be useful in designing Kolhapuri footwear manufacturing tools. The proposed workstation and work layout are helpful to improve the accessibility of required tools and materials to footwear workers. It also helps to reduce occupational risks by easing uncomfortable work positions.

Discovery of Novel, Potent, Brain-Permeable, and Orally Efficacious Positive Allosteric Modulator of α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor [4-(5-(4-Chlorophenyl)-4-methyl-2-propionylthiophen-3-yl)benzenesulfonamide]: Structure-Activity Relationship and Preclinical Characterization.

The discovery of a series of thiophenephenylsulfonamides as positive allosteric modulators (PAM) of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) is described. Optimization of this series led to identification of compound 28, a novel PAM of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). Compound 28 showed good in vitro potency, with pharmacokinetic profile across species with excellent brain penetration and residence time. Compound 28 robustly reversed the cognitive deficits in episodic/working memory in both time-delay and scopolamine-induced amnesia paradigms in the novel object and social recognition tasks, at very low dose levels. Additionally, compound 28 has shown excellent safety profile in phase 1 clinical trials and is being evaluated for efficacy and safety as monotherapy in patients with mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease.

Clubbed [1,2,3] triazoles by fluorine benzimidazole: a novel approach to H37Rv inhibitors as a potential treatment for tuberculosis.

A Novel Clubbed [1,2,3] triazoles with fluorine benzimidazole series of H37Rv strain inhibitors, potentially useful for the treatment of tuberculosis is disclosed on the basis of promising results of preliminary antimicrobial study. Evaluation of the SAR of substitution within these series has followed the identification of a range of compounds. Some of the derivatives are under further evaluation showing better considerable activity compared to rifampin.