A radiographic study on the visualization of the anterior loop in dentate subjects of different age groups

The anterior loop is defined as where the mental neurovascular bundle crosses anterior to the mental foramen then doubles back to exit the mental foramen. It cannot be seen clinically but can be detected in 11-60 of panoramic radiographs. As this anatomical structure is important in determining the placement position of endosseous implants in the mandibular premolar region, a pilot study was undertaken to determine its visibility on dental panoramic radiographs in dentate subjects of various age groups. One or more anterior loops were visible in 39 (40.2) radiographs encompassing 66 sites (34.4). Interestingly, anterior loops were most commonly observed bilaterally, followed by on the right side of the mandible only. An anterior loop on the left side only was observed in just 1 radiograph. Visibility of anterior loops reduced as the age of subjects increased. More than half (58.1) of subjects aged 20-29 years exhibited at least one anterior loop; this gradually reduced to only 15 percent of subjects aged 50 and older. There was no association between visualization of the anterior loop and subject gender

Understanding the diverse sexual repertoires of men who have sex with men, trans and gender-diverse groups is important for sexually transmitted infection prevention

The sexual repertoires of men who have sex with men (MSM), transgender (trans) and gender-diverse groups are poorly understood despite their disproportionate rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The interrelated landscapes and syndemics of the social and sexual behaviour of MSM, trans and gender-diverse groups, and transmission of STIs have changed beyond recognition over the past 20 years.1–3 We are only beginning to understand the complex and evolving sexual behaviours of MSM in mainly urbanised Western populations such as described in the article by Kilner et al.4 The majority of our understanding of sexual behaviour in the trans population comes from studies of trans women, with much less being understood about trans men and almost nothing about non-binary or other gender-diverse people.5 Little is also known about the sexual behaviours of sexual orientations such as pansexual or individuals who mainly have sex with trans or non-binary people, for whom we still lack clear terminology. It is time we included all sexual and gender minorities in behavioural and epidemiological research of this kind

Effect of Plasticizer on PVAc-d3 Dynamics using 2H Solid-State NMR

Poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) is an important polymer for use in many applications due to its various bulk and surface characteristics. The structure of poly(vinyl acetate) results in a relatively low glass transition temperature (Tg) and makes it important for processing and applications such as paints, adhesives, thin films and surface coatings. Poly(vinyl acetate) can also be easily plasticized, widening its range of applications. The term plasticizer refers to a species that will decrease Tg of a polymer.1 Polymer-plasticizer systems have been studied for years and continue to be of current interest. The effects of polymer-plasticizer interactions2 and plasticizer structure3 on polymer chain motions have been studied extensively, but there is still much to be learned in this area. Deuterium NMR is an excellent tool for studying the mobility of polymer chains. In this work, we report the investigation of the effect of plasticizer content on the Tg of poly(vinyl acetate) using deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (2H NMR) spectroscopy. The methyl groups of poly(vinyl acetate) were deuterated in order to probe the mobility of their segments using the 2H NMR technique. Random orientations of the methyl groups, with respect to a magnetic field, are reflected as a powder pattern in the 2H NMR spectrum for segments with little or no motion. Segmental mobility averages the quadrupole couplings and ultimately leads to the collapse of the powder pattern into a single resonance for rubbery polymers when the motion is on the scale of or faster than the interactions.

Segmental Dynamics of Poly(Vinyl Acetate)- D₃ Absorbed on Silica by Solid State 2HNMR: Effect of Small Molecule Plasticizer

There has been significant progress in understanding the behavior of polymeric thin films on surfaces. The change in the apparent glass transition temperature (Tg) of supported thin polymer films with thickness (Tg -nanoconfinement effect) has been widely studied over the last fifteen years. While many studies focused on the thickness dependence of Tg, there are other aspects which are important to understand in a nanoconfined polymer system. For example, polymeric photoresists contain small-molecule photoactive compounds, plasticizers, and processing aids. These components interact with the polymer chains and affect the segmental mobility, which, in turn, affects the Tg - nanoconfinement effect. Plasticizers or low molecular mass diluents are often blended with polymers to increase flexibility by effectively shifting the Tg to lower temperatures. 1 the mechanism of plasticization is not understood in great detail, but the conventional model envisions a dynamic interaction between the polymer and diluent, resulting in reduced chain-chain interactions, reduced local viscosity and increased chain mobility.2 in this paper we report the effect of plasticizer on the dynamics of poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) chains adsorbed on silica surfaces using solid-state deuterium nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and modulated differential scanning calorimeter (MDSC). The deuterium NMR technique is an excellent tool to probe interfacial phenomena and study the dynamics of polymer chains on surfaces.3,4 in our lab, we have used deuterium NMR extensively for characterizing different types of polymers like poly(methyl acrylate)5,6,7 and PVAc8 on silica surfaces. The methyl groups of PVAc have been deuterated in order to probe the mobility of their segments. Random orientations of the methyl groups, with respect to the static magnetic field, result in powder patterns in the 2H NMR spectrum for segments with little or no motion. Segmental mobility averages the quadrupole couplings and ultimately leads to the collapse of the powder pattern into a single resonance for rubbery polymer

E-brand management in Indian SMEs : a strategic perspective

The intense competitive environment combined with discerning consumers and variedattention span persuades brands to be outstanding and distinct. A strong brand develops anemotional connect amongst organisations and customers by generating substantial value, so itis imperative that strong brands integrate digitalisation into their strategy. The digitalisationadopts the combination of electronic branding and online marketing to develop a brand overwide range of digital venues consisting of internet-based applications and online mediacontent.The research explores electronic brand (E-brand) management in the context of Small andMedium Enterprises (SMEs). The literatures in the domains of SME branding and Ebranding from a strategic perspective are under investigated areas, with a focus of extantliterature being devoted to studies from the customer perspective. Hence this study reports anexploratory study which enables a consideration of wider perspectives on E- branding.The study argues that SME branding activities are influenced by owner-managers, resourceconstraints, and online networking. The research considers conceptualisations on E- brandingfrom the perspectives of owners/managers, including the success components and thechallenges faced by the SMEs in managing E- brands.Drawing upon the interpretivist research tradition, the study adopts interview with the OwnerManager of ten SMEs in the Hospitality sector located in Kerala; a coastal state in southernIndia. The study contributes to academic knowledge and practice, most significantly in thedevelopment of E-brands for SMEs. The research not only adds to the scant research in thedomains of branding and E-branding in SMEs but indicates possibilities for further researchand future of E- brands in the SMEs

Cloning and sequencing of the depolymerase-like gene from Bacteriophage J25

Bacteriophage are viruses that infect, replicate and kill bacteria. Salmonella and EHEC food poisoning are caused by Salmonella and E. coli bacteria. Bacteriophage can be used to prevent food poisoning by application to food products or processing machinery. Bacteriophage J25 specifically infects Salmonella and E. coli bacteria. We cloned fragments of the J25 genome, sequence the DNA and used bioinformatics to identify J25. We used genome data from similar bacteriophage in Genbank to design primers to amplify the depolymerase-like gene. We amplified and cloned this gene. When expressed, the gene product will be test with bacteriophage food treatment where it should augment bacteriophage killing

Breakage and coalescence of drops in turbulent stirred dispersions

The various existing models for predicting the maximum stable drop diameter dmax in turbulent stirred dispersions have been reviewed. Variations in the basic framework dictated by additional complexities such as the presence of drag reducing agents in the continuous phase, or viscoelasticity of the dispersed phase have been outlined. Drop breakage in the presence of surfactants in the continuous phase has also been analysed. Finally, the various approaches to obtaining expressions for the breakage and coalescence frequencies, needed to solve the population balance equation for the number density function of the dispersed phase droplets, have been discussed

There is detectable variation in the lipidomic profile between stable and progressive patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF)

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic interstitial lung disease characterized by fibrosis and progressive loss of lung function. The pathophysiological pathways involved in IPF are not well understood. Abnormal lipid metabolism has been described in various other chronic lung diseases including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, its potential role in IPF pathogenesis remains unclear. Methods In this study, we used ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-QTOF-MS) to characterize lipid changes in plasma derived from IPF patients with stable and progressive disease. We further applied a data-independent acquisition (DIA) technique called SONAR, to improve the specificity of lipid identification. Results Statistical modelling showed variable discrimination between the stable and progressive subjects, revealing differences in the detection of triglycerides (TG) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) between progressors and stable IPF groups, which was further confirmed by mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) in IPF tissue. Conclusion This is the first study to characterise lipid metabolism between stable and progressive IPF, with results suggesting disparities in the circulating lipidome with disease progression