The effect of irrigating solutions on the hydration of tricalcium silicate cements: an in vitro study

Background: Calcium silicate cements are hydraulic cements, routinely used for perforation repairs. During such repairs, these cements are invariably exposed to irrigating solutions. Aim: This study aimed to understand the effect of irrigating solutions on the hydration of calcium silicate cements.  Materials and Methods: Sixty extracted teeth were taken and horizontal sections of 2mm were obtained. These samples were randomly divided into two groups viz. Biodentine and BioMTA Plus groups later these cements were condensed into the canal spaces and allowed to set until their setting time. These samples were further subdivided and allowed to encounter three irrigating solutions viz. Normal saline, 17% EDTA, and 2% Chlorhexidine for 5 minutes. These were allowed to mature in an incubator for seven days and subjected to Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis. Results: The SEM analysis of the Biodentine/control group displayed a petal-like appearance, with a Ca/Si ratio of 2. Whereas, the Biodentine/Normal saline, Biodentine/17% EDTA and Biodentine/2% Chlorhexidine group displayed crumbled paper-like appearance. The Ca/Si ratios for the Biodentine/Normal saline, Biodentine/17% EDTA and Biodentine/2% Chlorhexidine were 2.72, 1.6, and 4.21, respectively. In the BioMTA Plus group, all the SEM analyses displayed round crystalline structures in all groups. The Ca/Si ratio of BioMTA Plus/Control, BioMTA Plus/17% EDTA and BioMTA Plus/2% Chlorhexidine were 25.5, 17.42, 24.1, and 39.4, respectively. Conclusion: The study concluded that the irrigating solutions did not affect the hydration mechanism of Biodentine and BioMTA Plus despite the variations in the Ca/Si ratios and surface morphology

Targeting Inflammation-Induced Immune Evasion in Colorectal Cancer: Zinc Pyrithione Downregulates PD-L1 Expression to Restore Antitumor Immunity

Background: Colorectal cancer is adept at modulating immune responses, particularly in the context of chronic inflammation, with immune evasion being a critical factor in its progression. Inflammation can induce the expression of Programmed Death-Ligand 1, leading to T cell inactivation and tumor immune escape. Zinc Pyrithione has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties; however, its potential to modulate immune checkpoint pathways and restore immune function under inflammatory conditions remains largely unexplored. This study investigates the immunomodulatory role of ZnPT in counteracting inflammation-induced immune escape in colorectal cancer.Methods: In vitro experiments were conducted using HT-29 and SW480 colorectal cancer cell lines to simulate an inflammation-induced immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide to induce inflammation, followed by treatment with ZnPT. PD-L1 expression was assessed at both mRNA and protein levels. A co-culture model with peripheral blood mononuclear cells was employed to evaluate the impact of ZnPT on immune cell-tumor interactions, with interferon-gamma secretion quantified via ELISA as a measure of immune activation.Results: LPS stimulation significantly increased PD-L1 expression in colorectal cancer cells, confirming the induction of an immune escape phenotype. Subsequent treatment with ZnPT effectively restored IFN-γ secretion in PBMC co-cultures, indicating a reversal of inflammation-induced immune suppression. In HT-29 cells, LPS exposure reduced IFN-γ levels, but ZnPT treatment led to a dose-dependent increase in IFN-γ secretion. Similarly, in SW480 cells, IFN-γ levels decreased after LPS treatment, but ZnPT administration elevated IFN-γ production.Conclusion: ZnPT can modulate PD-L1 expression and enhance immune responsiveness in the tumor microenvironment. These findings suggest the potential of ZnPT as a therapeutic agent for reversing immune suppression and restoring effective anti-tumor immune responses in colorectal cancer

Assessment of Cluster Front Line Demonstrations (CFLDs) on Groundnut in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study investigates the performance of Cluster Frontline Demonstrations (CFLDs) on groundnut yield in West Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh, during the rabi season from 2016-17 to 2019-20. The demonstrations conducted on 350 farmers' fields revealed a significant improvement, with CFLDs achieving an average yield of 3663 kg/ha, 14.92% higher than the prevailing farmers' practice of 3196 kg/ha. Analysis of yield gaps revealed an average yield gap of 4.66 q/ha, indicating potential yield increase through improved practices. The technology gap of 10.51 q/ha and technology index of 21.52% further revealed the effectiveness of CFLDs in bridging the yield gap. The average gross return from the CFLDs was recorded as Rs. 2,01,220 per hectare, which is higher than the gross return from farmers' usual practices (Rs. 1,74,285 per hectare). Similarly, the net return from the CFLDs was recorded at Rs. 1,57,077 per hectare, higher than the net return from farmers' practices (Rs. 1,27,035 per hectare). The average benefit-cost (B: C) ratio in the cluster frontline demonstrations was calculated at 4.64, while in farmers' practices, it was 3.71. Groundnut productivity has notably enhanced by conducting cluster frontline demonstrations and incorporating proven technologies with improved varieties on farmers' fields. This increase has, in turn, improved the income levels of farmers and positively impacted the status of living of the farming community in west Godavari district

Hierarchical graphene oxide-Ni3S2 quantum dots nanocomposites modified glassy carbon electrode for electrochemical detection of dopamine and tyrosine

A facile synthetic strategy is demonstrated to generate nickel sulfide quantum dots (Ni3S2). The thus formed Ni3S2 quantum dots are assembled onto exfoliated graphene oxide sheets hydrothermally to form nickel sulfide-graphene oxide nanocomposite material (GO-Ni3S2). The microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of the GO-Ni3S2 nanocomposites revealed the shape, size, crystalline phases, and oxidation states (of elements) of the hybrid material. The GO-Ni3S2 nanocomposites are then coated onto the glassy carbon electrode by drop casting to form GO-Ni3S2@GCE. The modified electrode is then used to detect dopamine and tyrosine simultaneously. The effect of scan rate, analyte concentrations, pH, and interfering agents on the peak current are studied to establish a plausible mechanism for oxidizing dopamine and tyrosine at GO-Ni3S2@GCE. The GO-Ni3S2@GCE is stable for 3 weeks and ten cycles of washing with minimal loss in the peak current in each cycle. Dopamine with a concentration as low as 12 nM can be detected using the GO-Ni3S2@GCE system

Organic Farming: The New Success Mantra for Sustainable Agriculture

Organic farming avoids investment in costly chemicals and pesticides. Mrs Neerukonda Satyanarayana adopted organic farming from the year 2015-16. He attended various trainings organized by the Department of Agriculture and Krishi vigyan Kendra, Venkataramannagudem. After that he prepared 14 types of organic inputs, bio fertilizers, bio pesticides on his farm. Banana, Papaya, Vegetables (Brinjal, Tomato, chilli and Spine gourd) and Black gram crops were cultivated in 10 acres area by using the organic inputs. He got a net income of Rs.3 lakhs /ac from Vegetable cultivation. In the case of bananas, he got  1.5 lakhs /ac net income. For Black gram, Rs. 35000/ac net income, and for papaya, 1.5 lakhs

Impact of COVID 19 on Agricultural Sector in West Godavari District of Andhra Pradesh, India

This study was formulated to know the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture and allied sectors in Krishi Vigyan Kendra Operational areas in West Godavari District.  Ex-post facto design of research was used. Data was collected from 60 farmers. Interview schedule as well as questionnaire was developed in the form of Google on set of question related to impact of COVID 19 on horticulture sector, food sector and livestock sector. Normal descriptive statistics (frequency & per centage) was used. During the study it observed that in horticulture sector harvesting of major fruits and vegetable crops have been affected due labour shortage. Impact of COVID 19 in case of food crops is harvesting of major food crop (paddy) was completed due to mechanization but the labour unavailability has increased the labour cost and cost of cultivation of crops. In livestock sector, feed and concentrate availability were major affected areas followed by non-availability of veterinary services, shortage of fish seed, feed and transportation. 86.66 per cent of farmers reported that the government has announced relief measures and supply ration to poor ration card holders including farmers and farm women get 5 kg of rice and one Kg of pulses free of cost every month during lockdown period. 86.66 per cent farmers suggested that quality seed, fertilizers, pesticides supply from the government on subsidy basis followed by Provide MSP for produce and government directly procure the produce from farmers

Prediction of outcomes in acute exacerbation of COPD with DECAF score and BAP 65 score in a rural population

Background: Prognostic research in exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) requiring hospitalization has been limited and there appears to be little common ground between predictors of mortality in stable disease and during AECOPD. Furthermore, none of the prognostic tools developed in stable disease have been tested on hospitalised patients, and most require clinical measurements not routinely available at hospital admission. This study intends to test dyspnoea, eosinopenia, consolidation, acidemia, and atrial fibrillation (DECAF) and biological assessment profile (BAP) 65 Scores on Indian patients in a tertiary care set up and validate the same to be used as a routine and effective score in predicting the outcome in AECOPD.  Methods: Hospital based prospective observational study was carried out in 100 patients with AECOPD who was present to general medicine. DECAF and BAP-65 Scores were calculated. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22 version software.Results: In our study both DECAF score and BAP‑65 score performed equally well for prediction of need for Mechanical Ventilation. The AUROC for need for Mechanical Ventilation was 0.77 (95% CI=0.67–0.84) for DECAF score and 0.77 (95% CI=0.67–0.85) for BAP‑65 score. The AUROC for prediction of mortality for DECAF score was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]=0.74–0.89) and for BAP‑65 score was 0.79 (95% CI=0.69–0.86).Conclusions: DECAF and BAP-65 are good and also equal in predicting mortality as well as need for mechanical ventilation. Both scores can be easily applicable in AECOPD patients, so that death during hospitalization for AECOPD and need for mechanical ventilation can be minimized.

Isolation and evolutionary analysis of Australasian topotype of bluetongue virus serotype 4 from India

Bluetongue (BT) is a Culicoides-borne disease caused by several serotypes of bluetongue virus (BTV). Similar to other insect-borne viral diseases, distribution of BT is limited to distribution of Culicoides species competent to transmit BTV. In the tropics, vector activity is almost year long, and hence, the disease is endemic, with the circulation of several serotypes of BTV, whereas in temperate areas, seasonal incursions of a limited number of serotypes of BTV from neighbouring tropical areas are observed. Although BTV is endemic in all the three major tropical regions (parts of Africa, America and Asia) of the world, the distribution of serotypes is not alike. Apart from serological diversity, geography-based diversity of BTV genome has been observed, and this is the basis for proposal of topotypes. However, evolution of these topotypes is not well understood. In this study, we report the isolation and characterization of several BTV-4 isolates from India. These isolates are distinct from BTV-4 isolates from other geographical regions. Analysis of available BTV seg-2 sequences indicated that the Australasian BTV-4 diverged from African viruses around 3,500 years ago, whereas the American viruses diverged relatively recently (1,684 CE). Unlike Australasia and America, BTV-4 strains of the Mediterranean area evolved through several independent incursions. We speculate that independent evolution of BTV in different geographical areas over long periods of time might have led to the diversity observed in the current virus population

Human protein reference database—2006 update

Human Protein Reference Database (HPRD) () was developed to serve as a comprehensive collection of protein features, post-translational modifications (PTMs) and protein–protein interactions. Since the original report, this database has increased to >20 000 proteins entries and has become the largest database for literature-derived protein–protein interactions (>30 000) and PTMs (>8000) for human proteins. We have also introduced several new features in HPRD including: (i) protein isoforms, (ii) enhanced search options, (iii) linking of pathway annotations and (iv) integration of a novel browser, GenProt Viewer (), developed by us that allows integration of genomic and proteomic information. With the continued support and active participation by the biomedical community, we expect HPRD to become a unique source of curated information for the human proteome and spur biomedical discoveries based on integration of genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic data

Federated learning enables big data for rare cancer boundary detection

Although machine learning (ML) has shown promise across disciplines, out-of-sample generalizability is concerning. This is currently addressed by sharing multi-site data, but such centralization is challenging/infeasible to scale due to various limitations. Federated ML (FL) provides an alternative paradigm for accurate and generalizable ML, by only sharing numerical model updates. Here we present the largest FL study to-date, involving data from 71 sites across 6 continents, to generate an automatic tumor boundary detector for the rare disease of glioblastoma, reporting the largest such dataset in the literature (n = 6, 314). We demonstrate a 33% delineation improvement for the surgically targetable tumor, and 23% for the complete tumor extent, over a publicly trained model. We anticipate our study to: 1) enable more healthcare studies informed by large diverse data, ensuring meaningful results for rare diseases and underrepresented populations, 2) facilitate further analyses for glioblastoma by releasing our consensus model, and 3) demonstrate the FL effectiveness at such scale and task-complexity as a paradigm shift for multi-site collaborations, alleviating the need for data-sharing.</p