Access to finance: an empirical analysis

YesFinancial access is gradually being recognised as an important input to economic development. Using World Bank (2007) database, this study measures the extent of financial access in developed and developing countries. Further, it develops a new Socio-Economic Development Index, which incorporates financial access. It then compares socio-economic development of various countries as shown by Human Development Index (HDI) alone and by the new index incorporating financial access. The results of the study show that Spain ranks highest in terms of financial access followed by Belgium, Malta and South Korea. In addition, the ranking of countries in terms of HDI changes if financial access is taken into accoun

Effect of microwave postpolymerization treatment on residual monomer content and the flexural strength of autopolymerizing reline resin

<b>Background</b> :<b> </b> Microwave postpolymerization has been suggested as a method to improve the flexural strength of an autopolymerizing denture reline resin. However, the effect of microwave postpolymerization on the residual monomer content and its influence on flexural strength have not been investigated. <b> Objectives</b> :<b> </b> This study analyzed the effect of microwave postpolymerization on the residual monomer content and its influence on the flexural strength of an autopolymerizing reline resin (Denture Liner). <b> Materials</b> <b> and</b> <b> Methods</b> :<b> </b> A total of 70 specimens (64 &#935; 10 &#935; 3.3 mm) were polymerized according to the manufacturer&#x2032;s instructions and divided into 7 groups (n = 10). Control group specimens were not subjectedto any further processing. Before testing, the specimens were subjected to postpolymerization in a microwave oven using different power (550 and 650 W) and time (3, 4, and 5 min) settings. Two specimens of each group were then manually ground into fine powder and samples extracted from the specimens using reflux method. The samples were then subjected to gas chromatography for residual monomer determination in area&#x0025;. Eight specimens were subjected to a three-point bending device with a span of 50&#8197;mm and crosshead speed of 5 mm/min, and the flexural strength was determined in MPa. Data analyses included Student&#x2032;s t-test and one-way analysis of variance. <b> Results</b> :<b> </b> For the Denture Liner reline resin, the residual monomer content decreased and the flexural strength increased significantly with the application of microwave irradiation using different time/power combinations. The specimens with the lowest residual monomer content were the similar specimens which presented with the highest flexural strength. <b>Conclusion</b> :<b> </b> Microwave postpolymerization irradiation can be an effective method for increasing the flexural strength of denture liner (at 650 W for 5 min) by reducing the residual monomer content by further polymerization at free radical sites

Identification and characterization of nonpolio enterovirus associated with nonpolio-acute flaccid paralysis in polio endemic state of Uttar Pradesh, Northern India.

Despite polio eradication, nonpolio enterovirus (NPEV) detection amid polio surveillance, which is considered to have implications in paralysis, requires attention. The attributes of NPEV infections in nonpolio-AFP (NPAFP) cases from Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, remain undetermined and are thus investigated. A total of 1839 stool samples collected from patients with acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) from UP, India, between January 2010 and October 2011 were analyzed as per the WHO algorithm. A total of 359 NPAFP cases yielded NPEVs, which were subjected to microneutralization assay, partial VP1 gene-based molecular serotyping and phylogenetic analysis. Demographic and clinical-epidemiological features were also ascertained. Echoviruses (29%) and Coxsackievirus (CV)-B (17%) were the most common viruses identified by the microneutralization assay. The molecular genotyping characterized the NPEVs into 34 different serotypes, corresponding to Enterovirus (EV)-A (1.6%), EV-B (94%) and EV-C (5.3%) species. The rarely described EV serotypes, such as EV-C95, CV-A20, EV-C105, EV-B75, EV-B101, and EV-B107, were also identified. NPEV-associated AFP was more prevalent in younger male children, peaked in the monsoon months and was predominantly found in the central part of the state. The NPEV strains isolated in the study exhibited genetic diversity from those isolated in other countries. These form part of a different cluster or subcluster existing in cocirculation, limited to India only. This study augments the understanding of epidemiological features and demonstrates the extensive diversity exhibited by the NPEV strains in NPAFP cases from the polio-endemic region. It also underscores the need or effective long-term strategies to monitor NPEV circulation and its associated health risks in the post-polio eradication era

Management of Grossly Decayed Mandibular Molar with Different Designs of Split Cast Post and Core

Mandibular molar with extensive loss of tooth structure, especially where no cavity wall is remaining, and insertion of posts in both the roots appear necessary so as to achieve proper retention for the core material. A single unit metal casting with two posts, one in the mesial root and the other in the distal divergent root, is difficult to fabricate due to difference in the path of insertion of the two posts. Multisection post and core or single cast post and core with auxiliary post can be an effective design to manage grossly decayed mandibular molars

Splinting of Longitudinal Fracture: An Innovative Approach

Trauma may result in craze lines on the enamel surface, one or more fractured cusps of posterior teeth, cracked tooth syndrome, splitting of posterior teeth, and vertical fracture of root. Out of these, management of some fractures is of great challenge and such teeth are generally recommended for extraction. Literature search reveals attempts to manage such fractures by full cast crown, orthodontic wires, and so forth, in which consideration was given to extracoronal splinting only. However, due to advancement in materials and technologies, intracoronal splinting can be achieved as well. In this case report, longitudinal fractures in tooth #27, tooth #37, and tooth #46 had occurred. In #27, fracture line was running mesiodistally involving the pulpal floor resulting in a split tooth. In teeth 37 and 46, fractures of the mesiobuccal cusp and mesiolingual cusp were observed, respectively. They were restored with cast gold inlay and full cast crown, respectively. Longitudinal fracture of 27 was treated with an innovative approach using intracanal reinforced composite with Ribbond, external reinforcement with an orthodontic band, and full cast metal crown to splint the split tooth

Genetic Variants of Echovirus 13, Northern India, 2010

Nonpolio acute flaccid paralysis is increasing in India. To determine viral causes, we conducted cell culture and molecular analysis identification of nonpolio human enteroviruses associated with acute flaccid paralysis during March–August 2010 in northern India. The predominant nonpolio enterovirus found was echovirus 13, a serotype rarely isolated in India

Comparison of intracervical Foley catheter used alone or combined with a single dose of dinoprostone gel for cervical ripening: a randomised study

Prostaglandins and intracervical catheters are similarly effective for cervical ripening and for an induction of labour (IOL). Studies comparing the combined use with either method alone have administered repetitive doses of prostaglandins vaginally, which may increase the risk of tachysystole and chorioamnionitis. These disadvantages may be offset by co-administering a single dose of prostaglandin. Women (n = 110) planned for IOL, ≥37 weeks of gestation and with a Bishop Score of ≤6 were randomised into two groups: intracervical Foley catheter alone or combined with dinoprostone gel (0.5 mg) for 12 hours followed by oxytocin. The primary outcome was the IDI and the others were: change in Bishop Score, caesarean section (CS) requirement, any complications and neonatal outcome. The baseline Bishop was ≤4 in all and >80% were nulliparous. The post-ripening Bishop was significantly higher (6.67 vs. 5.98; p = .045) and the IDI was significantly lower in the combined group (16 hours and 16 minutes vs. 20 hours 44 minutes, p = .002). The CS rate was similar (29.1 vs. 25.5%; p = .669). No woman had hyperstimulation or chorioamnionitis and the neonatal outcomes were similar. Thus, co-administering one dose of an intracervical PGE2 gel with Foley was superior to Foley alone for cervical ripening and IOL.Impact statement What is already known on this subject? Prostaglandins and intracervical balloon catheters used individually are similarly effective for ripening an unfavourable cervix prior to the induction of labour (IOL). A few studies which have compared their found it to result in a shorter cervical ripening time and induction delivery interval (IDI) as compared to prostaglandins alone, though chorioamnionitis was a concern. When compared to balloon catheter used alone, combined use was either similarly or more effective. The studies comparing combined use with either method used alone have administered repetitive doses of prostaglandins vaginally, which may increase the risk of tachysystole, and possibly of chorioamnionitis. Co-administering a single dose of prostaglandin with a balloon catheter may offset these disadvantages. What do the results of this study add? A combined method for cervical ripening using a single dose of intracervical dinoprostone gel (PGE2, 0.5 mg) coadministered with an intracervical Foley catheter was superior to Foley catheter alone. The combined method improved the Bishop score after 12 hours and reduced the IDI significantly compared to the Foley catheter alone; while the caesarean rate and neonatal outcomes were similar. No woman had chorioamnionits or hyperstimulation. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? The combined methods for cervical ripening should be compared to individual methods in more women, and the combinations may explore the use of other single use prostaglandins like the dinoprostone vaginal insert or misoprostol tablets

Unrevealing the Role of miRNA in Successful TNBC Treatment: A Pilot Study to Explore the Chemotherapy Drugs for Timely Treatment of TNBC

Objective Worldwide, breast cancer is the most prevalent and common type of cancer. Physical examination and mammography with a range of sensitivities are currently used as screening methods. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) lacks estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2) gene expression. MicroRNAs (miRNA) as potential prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers, miRNA 125, 200c, 221, 21, and 34a were selected for study