Chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles: a positive modulator of drought stress tolerance in soybean.

BACKGROUND: Chitosan biopolymer is an emerging non-toxic and biodegradable plant elicitor or bio-stimulant. Chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) have been used for the enhancement of plant growth and development. On the other hand, NO is an important signaling molecule that regulates several aspects of plant physiology under normal and stress conditions. Here we report the synthesis, characterization, and use of chitosan-GSNO nanoparticles for improving drought stress tolerance in soybean. RESULTS: The CSGSNONPs released NO gas for a significantly longer period and at a much lower rate as compared to free GSNO indicating that incorporation of GSNO in CSNPs can protect the NO-donor from rapid decomposition and ensure optimal NO release. CS-GSNONPs improved drought tolerance in soybean plants reflected by a significant increase in plant height, biomass, root length, root volume, root surface area, number of root tips, forks, and nodules. Further analyses indicated significantly lower electrolyte leakage, higher proline content, higher catalase, and ascorbate peroxidase activity, and reduction in MDA and H2O2 contents after treatment with 50 µM CS-GSNONPs under drought stress conditions. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis indicated that CS-GSNONPs protected against drought-induced stress by regulating the expression of drought stress-related marker genes such as GmDREB1a, GmP5CS, GmDEFENSIN, and NO-related genes GmGSNOR1 and GmNOX1. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential of nano-technology-based delivery systems for nitric oxide donors to improve plant growth, and development and protect against stresses.

Scattering Searches for Dark Matter in Subhalos: Neutron Stars, Cosmic Rays, and Old Rocks.

In many cosmologies dark matter clusters on subkiloparsec scales and forms compact subhalos, in which the majority of Galactic dark matter could reside. Null results in direct detection experiments since their advent four decades ago could then be the result of extremely rare encounters between the Earth and these subhalos. We investigate alternative and promising means to identify subhalo dark matter interacting with standard model particles: (1) subhalo collisions with old neutron stars can transfer kinetic energy and brighten the latter to luminosities within the reach of imminent infrared, optical, and ultraviolet telescopes; we identify new detection strategies involving single-star measurements and Galactic disk surveys, and obtain the first bounds on self-interacting dark matter in subhalos from the coldest known pulsar, PSR J2144-3933; (2) subhalo dark matter scattering with cosmic rays results in detectable effects; (3) historic Earth-subhalo encounters can leave dark matter tracks in Paleolithic minerals deep underground. These searches could discover dark matter subhalos weighing between gigaton and solar masses, with corresponding dark matter cross sections and masses spanning tens of orders of magnitude.

Neutron Star Internal Heating Constraints on Mirror Matter.

Mirror sectors have been proposed to address the problems of dark matter, baryogenesis, and the neutron lifetime anomaly. In this work we study a new, powerful probe of mirror neutrons: neutron star temperatures. When neutrons in the neutron star core convert to mirror neutrons during collisions, the vacancies left behind in the nucleon Fermi seas are refilled by more energetic nucleons, releasing immense amounts of heat in the process. We derive a new constraint on the allowed strength of neutron-mirror-neutron mixing from observations of the coldest (sub-40 000 Kelvin) neutron star, PSR 2144-3933. Our limits compete with laboratory searches for neutron-mirror-neutron transitions but apply to a range of mass splittings between the neutron and mirror neutron that is 19 orders of magnitude larger. This heating mechanism, also pertinent to other neutron disappearance channels such as exotic neutron decay, provides a compelling physics target for upcoming ultraviolet, optical, and infrared telescopes to study thermal emissions of cold neutron stars.

Breaking up the Proton: An Affair with Dark Forces.

Deep inelastic scattering of e^{±} off protons is sensitive to contributions from "dark photon" exchange. Using HERA data fit to HERA's parton distribution functions (PDFs), we obtain the model-independent bound ε≲0.02 on the kinetic mixing between hypercharge and the dark photon for dark photon masses ≲10 GeV. This slightly improves on the bound obtained from electroweak precision observables. For higher masses, the limit weakens monotonically; ε≲1 for a dark photon mass of 5 TeV. Utilizing PDF sum rules, we demonstrate that the effects of the dark photon cannot be (trivially) absorbed into refit PDFs and, in fact, lead to non-Dokshitzer-Gribov-Lipatov-Altarelli-Parisi (Bjorken x_{B}-independent) scaling violations that could provide a smoking gun in data. The proposed e^{±}p collider operating at sqrt[s]=1.3 TeV (Large Hadron Electron Collider) is anticipated to accumulate 10^{3} times the luminosity of HERA, providing substantial improvements in probing the effects of a dark photon: sensitivity to ε well below that probed by electroweak precision data is possible throughout virtually the entire dark photon mass range, as well as being able to probe to much higher dark photon masses, up to 100 TeV.

Neutrinos from Type Ia and Failed Core-Collapse Supernovae at Dark Matter Detectors.

Neutrinos produced in the hot and dense interior of the next galactic supernova would be visible at dark matter experiments in coherent elastic nuclear recoils. While studies on this channel have focused on successful core-collapse supernovae, a thermonuclear (type Ia) explosion, or a core collapse that fails to explode and forms a black hole, are as likely to occur as the next galactic supernova event. I show that generation-3 noble liquid-based dark matter experiments such as darwin and argo, operating at sub-keV thresholds with ionization-only signals, would distinguish between (a) leading hypotheses of type Ia explosion mechanisms by detecting an O(1) s burst of O(1) MeV neutrinos, and (b) progenitor models of failed supernovae by detecting an O(1) s burst of O(10) MeV neutrinos, especially by marking the instant of black hole formation from abrupt stoppage of neutrino detection. This detection is sensitive to all neutrino flavors and insensitive to neutrino oscillations, thereby making measurements complementary to neutrino experiments.

Hydrogen Portal to Exotic Radioactivity.

We show that in a special class of dark sector models, the hydrogen atom can serve as a portal to new physics, through its decay occurring in abundant populations in the Sun and on Earth. The large fluxes of hydrogen decay daughter states can be detected via their decay or scattering. By constructing two models for either detection channel, we show that the recently reported excess in electron recoils at xenon1t could be explained by such signals in large regions of parameter space unconstrained by proton and hydrogen decay limits.

Dark Kinetic Heating of Neutron Stars and an Infrared Window on WIMPs, SIMPs, and Pure Higgsinos.

We identify a largely model-independent signature of dark matter (DM) interactions with nucleons and electrons. DM in the local galactic halo, gravitationally accelerated to over half the speed of light, scatters against and deposits kinetic energy into neutron stars, heating them to infrared blackbody temperatures. The resulting radiation could potentially be detected by the James Webb Space Telescope, the Thirty Meter Telescope, or the European Extremely Large Telescope. This mechanism also produces optical emission from neutron stars in the galactic bulge, and x-ray emission near the galactic center because dark matter is denser in these regions. For GeV-PeV mass dark matter, dark kinetic heating would initially unmask any spin-independent or spin-dependent dark matter-nucleon cross sections exceeding 2×10^{-45} cm^{2}, with improved sensitivity after more telescope exposure. For lighter-than-GeV dark matter, cross-section sensitivity scales inversely with dark matter mass because of Pauli blocking; for heavier-than-PeV dark matter, it scales linearly with mass as a result of needing multiple scatters for capture. Future observations of dark sector-warmed neutron stars could determine whether dark matter annihilates in or only kinetically heats neutron stars. Because inelastic interstate transitions of up to a few GeV would occur in relativistic scattering against nucleons, elusive inelastic dark matter like pure Higgsinos can also be discovered.

Bar retained dento-alveolar prosthesis: a case report.

A technique for restoring missing anterior teeth with associated extensive alveolar bone loss has been presented. This technique combines fixed and removable restorations where in removable prosthesis that restores the alveolar defect gets attached to the fixed prosthesis through precision attachment. The fixed prosthesis contributes to esthetics, function and also elevates patient's self image. The removable prosthesis provides the much needed soft tissue support and also facilitates oral hygiene maintenance.

Male Breast Cancer: An Updated Review of Patient Characteristics, Genetics, and Outcome.

Male breast cancer (MBC) is a rare entity, underrepresented in population studies and clinical trials, resulting in management of MBC to be informed by current research on female breast cancer (FBC). A literature review was conducted by accessing relevant articles on 2 databases, by searching keywords "male breast cancer". A total of 29 articles from year 2011 to 2022 were selected for this review. The authors found that male breast cancer generally occurs later in life with higher stage, higher grade, and more estrogen receptor (ER) positive tumours. Most of the studies noted the mean age for MBCs at the time of presentation as >60 years. Risk factors for male breast cancer include family history, obesity, lower physical activity, and syndromes like the Klinefelter syndrome. Positive family history is much higher in MBC compared to FBC (30.9 vs. 18.4%). BRCA 2 cancers constitute a higher proportion compared to FBCs. A lot of genetic mutations have been observed. Some show promise to assess disease-specific survival and proliferative rate like TWIST1 and RUNX3, among others. MBCs usually present with a palpable lump in central region, with a bigger size and chance of nodal involvement and metastasis compared to FBCs. They are mostly infiltrating ductal type and hormone receptor positive, with worse histological grade. Treatment usually follows the same principles as FBCs (systemic therapy, surgical excision, and radiotherapy), with poorer prognosis to same treatment approach, possibly owing to its advanced stage at presentation. This is a rare entity which requires further research to ascertain need for different management approach than FBCs.

Axillary artery thrombosis with anteroinferior shoulder dislocation: a rare case report and review of literature.

A very rare and serious complication of shoulder dislocation is a lesion to the axillary artery in the elderly population, whose vascular structures have become less flexible. Axillary artery injury secondary to anteroinferior shoulder dislocation is much rarer, especially in the young people. Proper recognition and treatment of this entity offers a full recovery to the patient. Present report highlights the possibility of axillary artery injury with anteroinferior shoulder dislocation. A few case reports and small case series of this injury have been reviewed. And recommendations for management have been brought up to date, in line with current thinking.

Biodegradable metal-organic framework MIL-88A for triboelectric nanogenerator.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are multifunctional materials with a unique advantage of high porosity and surface area and size tunability and can be modified without altering the topology. The interesting and desirable properties of MOFs led to their exploration for the triboelectric nanogenerator. Herein, a biodegradable MOF MIL-88A for TENG (MIL-TENG) is reported. MIL-88A can be easily synthesized by coordinating iron chloride and fumaric acid in water, thus offering eco-friendly synthesis. Various materials are selected as opposite layers to MIL-88A to analyze triboelectric behavior and performance. The MIL-TENG exhibits an output trend of TENGEC < TENGKapton < TENGFEP. The MIL-88A and FEP generated an output voltage of 80 V and an output current of 2.2 µA. The surface potential measurement and electrical output trend suggest the positive triboelectric behavior of MIL-88A concerning FEP and Kapton. The utilization of biomechanical motions and numerous low-rating electronics powered via a capacitor are demonstrated.

Metal-Amino Acid Nanofibers based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self-Powered Thioacetamide Sensor.

The biomolecules offer different metal-binding sites to form a coordination polymer with structural diversity. The coordination directed one-dimensional metal-biomolecule nanofibers (Cu-Asp NFs) designed using copper as metal ion and aspartate as a ligand for triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is reported here. The different characterization techniques reveal the detailed characteristics of the synthesized Cu-Asp NFs. The robust coating of the Cu-Asp NFs is achieved using a simple tape cast coater. The bending and water dipping studies suggest the stability of the coated material. The relative polarity test and Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) reveal the position of Cu-Asp in the triboelectric series. The Cu-Asp NFs and Teflon are used as the active material for the fabrication of freestanding mode (NF-TENG) and contact-separation mode (cNF-TENG) TENG. The NF-TENG generates an output of 200 V and 6 µA. The simple ion deposition technique enhances the voltage, current, and transferred charge of cNF-TENG by 2.5, 8, and 3 times. The use of the material for the single electrode sliding mode device further confirms the coated material's stability and robustness. A selective self-powered thioacetamide sensor is developed with the cNF-TENG, which exhibits a sensitivity of 0.76 v mM-1. Finally, NF-TENG is demonstrated for powering up numerous portable electronics.

The 'forgotten rubber band' syndrome - A systematic review of a uniquely 'desi' complication with a case illustration.

BACKGROUND: Once an exceedingly rare entity, multiple cases of forgotten rubber band syndrome or the so-called 'dhaaga' syndrome have now been reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a thorough and systematic review of the literature for all articles reporting a chronic type of rubber band syndrome and to present an additional similar case as an illustration. STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review and case report. METHODOLOGY: PubMed, EMBASE and Google Scholar databases were searched for relevant articles using different combinations of the keywords till 20th June 2017. All articles reporting cases of chronic rubber band syndrome with a discharging sinus were included. Pearling of the bibliographies of selected articles was conducted to locate articles missed by the primary database search. Data from these reports were collected on pre-defined forms and the results were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 15 cases have been reported in the literature so far and all cases are from India. Thirteen of these have been reported in the wrist region. Median duration of presentation is 7.6 months after the application of elastic band. Characteristic clinical signs are a circumferential linear scar with discharging sinus (multiple sinuses noted in around one-fourth of the cases). 'Soft tissue constriction sign' on plain radiograph is pathognomonic for this condition. Rate of missed/misdiagnosis is very high (46.7%) and it has been confused with tubercular osteomyelitis which is endemic in India. All cases responded to surgical debridement of circumferential fibrous tissue and foreign body removal with good functional outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion must be maintained for this 'syndrome' in chronic osteomyelitis cases presenting with a linear, circumferential scar and discharging sinus in India. Soft tissue constriction sign on plain radiographs are pathognomonic.

Novel Interfacial Bulk Heterojunction Technique for Enhanced Response in ZnO Nanogenerator.

In this paper, a direct sustainable approach for the development of a n-ZnO:p-CuO heterojunction (ZCH) through a simple grinding is reported to be an effective technique to enhance the piezoelectric performance of ZCH/polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) nanocomposite-based nanogenerators (ZP-PNGs). We have first optimized the best concentration for ZnO/PDMS nanocomposite for the realization of the piezoelectric nanogenerator. Later, with the same configuration, we implemented a novel, simple, facile, frugal, and inexpensive technique to fabricate ZCH. The heterojunction results in the improved charge transfer characteristics, low capacitance, and charge nullification contributing to the enhanced piezoelectric output. This reflects in the improvement of the peak-to-peak piezoelectric potential of the device from 2.7 to 9 V. The instantaneous max power density was found to be 0.2 mW/m2. The device can work as a force sensor with improved sensitivity of 1.7 V/N compared to 1.05 V/N of the intrinsic device. The device is being systematically studied for load matching and capacitor charging to demonstrate its practicability. Furthermore, we tested our device to harness the biomechanical energy from day-to-day life activities. Finally, the device was used to fabricate sustainable piezoelectric-based smart urinal systems for low-income group countries.

A Comparative in Vitro Study of Power Output Deterioration over Time Between Ho:YAG Laser Fibers from Different Manufacturers as a Function of Deflection and Power Input.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the performance of laser fibers from 6 major manufacturers in vitro and to identify the effect of time and angulations (180° and 0°) on fiber power output. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 36 single-use fibers were used. Each was tested with an energy input of 0.8, 1.4 and 2.0 Joules. A power detector measured power output after 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes for three 15-minute cycles of continuous use. For the first 2 cycles, the fiber was bent to 180° with the use of a pre fabricated mould. Analysis of the data was performed by ANOVA and Tukey's test when the results were significant amongst groups. Statistical significance was deemed p < 0.05. RESULTS: No fiber fracture occurred. There was no significant difference in output at 15 minutes of continuous use at 0° and 180°. The reduction in energy output at the 15th minute of continuous use at 180° was not significant for any fiber type or initial input. Only output differences between the fibers proved to be significant (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Fiber fracture and decline in performance is not due to deflection and continuous use. Frictional forces that occur between the fiber tip and the stone fragments may be responsible.

Effectiveness of different irrigation techniques on smear layer removal in apical thirds of mesial root canals of permanent mandibular first molar: A scanning electron microscopic study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare smear layer removal after final irrigant activation with sonic irrigation (SI), manual dynamic agitation (MDA), passive ultrasonic irrigation (PUI), and conventional syringe irrigation (CI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty mesial canals of mandibular first molars (mesial roots) were cleaned and shaped by using ProTaper system to size F1 and sodium hypochlorite 3% and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid. The specimens were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 10) according to the final irrigation activation technique: Group 1, PUI; group 2, manual dynamic activation (MDA); group 3, SI; and group 4, control group (simple irrigation). Samples were split longitudinally and examined under scanning electron microscope for smear layer presence. RESULTS: Control groups had the highest smear scores, which showed the statistically significant highest mean score at P < 0.05. This was followed by ultrasonic, MDA, and finally sonic, with no significant differences between them. CONCLUSIONS: Final irrigant activation with sonic and MDA resulted in the better removal of the smear layer than with CI.

Surgical Stabilization of Femur Fractures in Post-Traumatic Hypoxemic Patients: When and Why?

BACKGROUND: Post-traumatic hypoxemia can deteriorate during operative manipulations. OBJECTIVES: In the present study, criteria-based approach was applied to determine optimum conditions for femur surgery. The aim of this study was to optimize perioperative management of post-traumatic hypoxemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective observational study, post-traumatic adults with PaO2 < 70 mmHg in room air were enrolled. Physiological parameters, O2 saturation (SO2), arterial blood gas (ABG) analysis, Schonfeld fat embolism index score (SS), and Murray's lung injury scores (LIS) were assessed. The management protocol was femur surgery when patient was hemodynamically stable with LIS < 2.5 and PaO2/FiO2 > 200 mmHg (FiO2 < 0.5, PEEP < 8 cm H2O). RESULTS: A total of 31 adults (26 males and 5 females) with LIS of 0.1 to 2.5 (26 patients) and > 2.5 (five patients) at admission were recruited. Sixteen patients were admitted within 24 hours and 15 between 24 and 90 hours after injury. Thirteen patients were operated within 24 hours. Post-operative LIS was improved. No adverse sequels or mortality were seen. CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate surgical stabilization can be safely performed during established post-traumatic hypoxemia using a multidisciplinary approach, continuous monitoring, and serial investigations to diagnose fulminant pathology and associated injuries.

Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery in a child with multiple hereditary exostosis: a rare case report and literature review.

Multiple hereditary exostosis (MHE) is a rare condition that tends to be overlooked because of its benign nature. The formation of pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication in association with osteochondromatosis. An 8-year-child with MHE presented with a mass behind her left thigh. Imaging confirmed pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery. The patient was operated for closure of rent in the arterial wall with a polytetrafluroethylene graft and excision of osteochondroma. At 2 years of follow-up, circulation was normal and the patient was symptom free, without any growth disturbance. This case report highlights the rare possibility of pseudoaneurysm with osteochondroma and focuses on thorough evaluation and proper management of these patients.

Macrodystrophia lipomatosa.

OBJECTIVE: We present a series of six cases of macrodystrophia lipomatosa (MDL) and their outcome after debulking surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted from 2002 to 2005; the cases are selected from outpatients department of postgraduate institute of medical education and research. The patients were in the age group of 2-5 years of age with the complaints of progressive increase in size of the toe, difficulty in walking and recurrent injury to the foot. RESULTS: There were no complication in three (50%) cases but two cases (33%) had skin blackening along the suture margins, One case (16%) was under corrected. And none of the cases had recurrence. CONCLUSION: Simple debulking surgery is sufficient for MDL.