Antimicrobial Activity of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum Against Dental Caries Causing Microorganisms

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum fruit extracts were studied against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The acetone, ethanol and methanol extracts of the selected plants exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested microorganism except L. acidophilus. The most susceptible microorganism was S.aureus followed by S.mutans, S.cerevisiae and C.albicans in case of Amomum subulatum while in the case of Elettaria cardamomum; S.aureus was followed by C.albicans, S. cerevisiae and S.mutans. The largest mean zone of inhibition was obtained with the ethanolic extract of A. subulatum and acetonic extract of E.cardamomum against Staphylococcus aureus (16.32mm and 20.96mm respectively). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were also determined against the four selected microorganisms showing zones of inhibition ≥10mm. This study depicts that ethanol and acetone extracts of fruits of Amomum subulatum and Elettaria cardamomum can be used as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents used to cure dental caries

Molecular Dynamics in Rydberg Tweezer Arrays: Spin-Phonon Entanglement and Jahn-Teller Effect

Atoms confined in optical tweezer arrays constitute a platform for the implementation of quantum computers and simulators. State-dependent operations are realized by exploiting electrostatic dipolar interactions that emerge, when two atoms are simultaneously excited to high-lying electronic states, so-called Rydberg states. These interactions also lead to state-dependent mechanical forces, which couple the electronic dynamics of the atoms to their vibrational motion. We explore these vibronic couplings within an artificial molecular system in which Rydberg states are excited under so-called facilitation conditions. This system, which is not necessarily self-bound, undergoes a structural transition between an equilateral triangle and an equal-weighted superposition of distorted triangular states (Jahn-Teller regime) exhibiting spin-phonon entanglement on a micrometer distance. This highlights the potential of Rydberg tweezer arrays for the study of molecular phenomena at exaggerated length scales.Comment: Accepted version in PRL. 7+4 pages, 4 figure

In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis Against Dental Caries Pathogens

The in vitro antimicrobial activity of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis fruit extracts were studied against Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The acetone, ethanol, methanol, hot water and cold water extracts of S.mukorossi exhibited antimicrobial activity against one of the tested microorganisms i.e. S.cerevisiae. All the five extracts of E.officinalis showed inhibitory activity against S.mutans while the acetonic, hot and cold aqueous extracts showed inhibitory activity against S.aureus also. The largest zone of inhibition was obtained with the acetonic extract of S.mukorossi against S.cerevisiae (29.65mm) and hot water extract of E.officinalis against S.aureus (40.32mm). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) of the extracts were also determined against the selected microorganisms showing zones of inhibition ≥8mm. This study depicts that the fruits of Sapindus mukorossi and Emblica officinalis possess very good antifungal and antibacterial activities respectively and can be used as a potential source of novel antimicrobial agents used to cure dental caries

Molecular Dynamics in Rydberg Tweezer Arrays: Spin-Phonon Entanglement and Jahn-Teller Effect

Atoms confined in optical tweezer arrays constitute a platform for the implementation of quantum computers and simulators. State-dependent operations are realized by exploiting electrostatic dipolar interactions that emerge, when two atoms are simultaneously excited to high-lying electronic states, so-called Rydberg states. These interactions also lead to state-dependent mechanical forces, which couple the electronic dynamics of the atoms to their vibrational motion. We explore these vibronic couplings within an artificial molecular system in which Rydberg states are excited under so-called facilitation conditions. This system, which is not necessarily self-bound, undergoes a structural transition between an equilateral triangle and an equal-weighted superposition of distorted triangular states (Jahn-Teller regime) exhibiting spin-phonon entanglement on a micrometer distance. This highlights the potential of Rydberg tweezer arrays for the study of molecular phenomena at exaggerated length scales

Integrated Framework for Inclusive Town Planning Using Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Method for a Semi Urban Town

Planning is a continuous process and must incorporate a regular evaluation of implementation and further revision for effective and efficient utility for the betterment of society through modification of the planning standards. Development plans for cities / towns are criticized for being rigid and static, having little regard for investment planning efforts, and taking a very long time in the process of formulation and approval. In depth analysis and review of the existing situation, covering the demographic, economic, financial, infrastructure, physical, environmental, and institutional aspects, is important so as to identify the strengths and weaknesses in the city overall development. In the present study, an attempt has been made to thoroughly review the existing planning standards adopted for the preparation and implementation of development plans in India, especially in Maharashtra. Since the development plan's objectives are not measurable, this study will use the Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) to assess their level of performance. For the purpose of identifying the various viewpoints of various stakeholders, field surveys and questionnaire surveys were conducted. This application can be used as an objective evaluation tool for planners and policy makers to improve planning practices and provide necessary knowledge for revising plans. The results indicated the importance of criteria from the pre-planning, preparation, and implementation stages of DP. These results were used for two semi-urban towns in Maharashtra regions and could also be used by planning engineers for further development of planning standards. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2022-08-12-07 Full Text: PD

Drosophila PSI controls circadian period and the phase of circadian behavior under temperature cycle via tim splicing

The Drosophila circadian pacemaker consists of transcriptional feedback loops subjected to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation. While post-translational regulatory mechanisms have been studied in detail, much less is known about circadian post-transcriptional control. Thus, we targeted 364 RNA binding and RNA associated proteins with RNA interference. Among the 43 hits we identified was the alternative splicing regulator P-element somatic inhibitor (PSI). PSI regulates the thermosensitive alternative splicing of timeless (tim), promoting splicing events favored at warm temperature over those increased at cold temperature. Psi downregulation shortens the period of circadian rhythms and advances the phase of circadian behavior under temperature cycle. Interestingly, both phenotypes were suppressed in flies that could produce TIM proteins only from a transgene that cannot form the thermosensitive splicing isoforms. Therefore, we conclude that PSI regulates the period of Drosophila circadian rhythms and circadian behavior phase during temperature cycling through its modulation of the tim splicing pattern

A Comparative Study on Fetomaternal Outcome in Patients with Meconium-stained Amniotic Fluid vs Clear Amniotic Fluid

Aim: To compare and study the perinatal maternal outcome and complications in neonates in patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid. Materials and methods: This was a randomized comparative analysis and prospective study conducted from 1st October 2021to 30th May 2022. 120 patients with meconium-stained amniotic fluid were studied for fetomaternal outcomes and compared to 120 patients with clear amniotic fluid. The patients were monitored for fetal heart rate, mode of delivery, Apgar score at 1 and 5 minutes, NICU admissions and neonatal complications. Result: An increased rate of caesarean section and operative vaginal deliveries was associated with meconium-stained amniotic fluid as compared to clear amniotic fluid. The commonest fetal abnormality seen was bradycardia in 35% of meconium-stained amniotic fluid cases. The APGAR score was less than 7 at 5 min in 5% of the meconium-stained amniotic fluid group and the major complication was birth asphyxia (18.18%) which was more in the thick MSL group (14.87%). Meconium aspiration syndrome was seen in 4 in the the MSL group and 2 in thin MSL group. NICU admission was required in 18% of cases in MSL group while 7% in the control group. The morbidity was more in the MSL group (52%) than thin MSL group (20%). Conclusion: The study proved that meconium staining of amniotic fluid affects the fetal outcome adversely

Effectiveness of planned health education on knowledge of nurses working at tertiary care hospital regarding early detection of cancer cervix Karad, Western Maharashtra, India

Background: Cervical cancer is a major and devastating cause of mortality worldwide with an estimated global incidence of 5 lakhs new cases and 2.7 lakhs deaths annually among women. The objective of this study was to assess the existing level of knowledge and to determine the effectiveness of planned health education among the nurses regarding early detection and prevention of ca cervix.Methods: Evaluative approach with Quasi experimental one group pre-test-post-test design was used.168 sample were selected with simple random sampling technique, who those are working in tertiary care hospital, Karad. A pre-test given related to cervical cancer questionnaires followed by planned health education imparted for the duration of 45 minutes. Post-test using the same questionnaire were conducted after 7 days.Results: The study results showed that, the planned health education was effective in increasing the knowledge at the level of P <0.001.Conclusions: It is seen that training of nurses less than 30 years, even with lesser experience lesser than 5 years and with unmarried status benefited most. In service education training at the time of induction program and also frequently to refresh to sensitize the nurses with updating knowledge is recommended so that they can motivate the symptomatic and asymptomatic women who those are attending hospital as an outdoor patient or coming with the indoor patient as caretakers

Survey to Specify SGLT2 Inhibitor Choice in T2DM Management

Objective: There are no major head-to-head comparative studies till date to compare the differences in glycemic efficacy, safety, or cardio-renal effects within SGLT2 inhibitors. This survey was conducted to understand the different parameters that clinicians identify while choosing an SGLT2 inhibitor in routine clinical practice. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey of healthcare professionals (HCP) was conducted across India. Data were analyzed and expressed as descriptive statistics. Results: In clinical practice, the majority of HCPs identified a history of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the most important factor for prescribing SGLT2 inhibitors in patients with T2DM. The majority of HCPs opined that among all the SGLT2 inhibitors, canagliflozin had the strongest effect on HbA1c reduction (56%), reduction in body weight (59%), and renal benefit (66%), whereas empagliflozin was associated with CV benefits (48%). In terms of heart failure, canagliflozin, empagliflozin, and dapagliflozin were similarly preferred. Conclusions: This survey gives us an understanding of the current clinical practice prevalent among Indian physicians as far as the prescription pattern of SGLT2 inhibitors is concerned

G-CSF increases calprotectin expression, liver damage and neuroinflammation in a murine model of alcohol-induced ACLF

Background and aims: Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been proposed as a therapeutic option for patients with ACLF, however clinical outcomes are controversial. We aimed at dissecting the role of G-CSF in an alcohol-induced murine model of ACLF.Methods: ACLF was triggered by a single alcohol binge (5 g/kg) in a bile duct ligation (BDL) liver fibrosis model. A subgroup of mice received two G-CSF (200 μg/kg) or vehicle injections prior to acute decompensation with alcohol. Liver, blood and brain tissues were assessed.Results: Alcohol binge administered to BDL-fibrotic mice resulted in features of ACLF indicated by a significant increase in liver damage and systemic inflammation compared to BDL alone. G-CSF treatment in ACLF mice induced an increase in liver regeneration and neutrophil infiltration in the liver compared to vehicle-treated ACLF mice. Moreover, liver-infiltrating neutrophils in G-CSF-treated mice exhibited an activated phenotype indicated by increased expression of CXC motif chemokine receptor 2, leukotriene B4 receptor 1, and calprotectin. In the liver, G-CSF triggered increased oxidative stress, type I interferon response, extracellular matrix remodeling and inflammasome activation. Circulating IL-1β was also increased after G-CSF treatment. In the cerebellum, G-CSF increased neutrophil infiltration and S100a8/9 expression, induced microglia proliferation and reactive astrocytes, which was accompanied by oxidative stress, and inflammasome activation compared to vehicle-treated ACLF mice.Conclusion: In our novel ACLF model triggered by alcohol binge that mimics ACLF pathophysiology, neutrophil infiltration and S100a8/9 expression in the liver and brain indicate increased tissue damage, accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammasome activation after G-CSF treatment