Thermoelectric generator powered timepiece circuit for rechargeable battery operation

The advent of digital technology has revolutionized the way we keep track of time. Digital watches have become an essential part of our daily lives and provide us with accurate and reliable time measurement. However, battery reliability is a long-standing issue in the digital watch industry. Batteries require frequent replacement and are a major source of waste. To solve this problem, a digital watch that runs on a lithium-polymer battery that is recharged by a voltage generated by a thermoelectric generator (TEG) placed on the hand. The proposed model uses TEG1-19913 that generates power in the range of 11.5 W to 14.5 W with hot end basking at 250 °C and a cold end between 30 °C and 50 °C. The TEG voltage is used to charge the lithium polymer battery, eliminating the need for conventional charging methods. The watch is designed to be compact and lightweight, so it can be worn comfortably for extended periods of time. The TEG is integrated into the watch strap and ensures that it is constantly in contact with the skin. The lithium-polymer battery used in the watch is a high-performance rechargeable battery that has high energy density and long life. In summary, the proposed digital watch is an innovative ecological solution to the problems associated with traditional battery-powered watches. The compact and light design of the watch combined with the energy-efficient display makes it a convenient and efficient timekeeping device.

Effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy on Systemic Inflammatory Markers, Glycemic Status and Levels of Proteinuria in Type 2 Diabetic and Non-Diabetic Patients With Chronic Periodontitis

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

 The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on systemic inflammatory markers, glycemic status, and levels of proteinuria in Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals with chronic periodontitis.

METHODOLOGY

A total of 120 patients, categorized into three groups of 40 each, were included in this randomized observational study. Group 1 comprised patients with chronic periodontitis; Group 2 had chronic periodontitis with controlled diabetes; and Group 3 represented patients with chronic periodontitis with uncontrolled diabetes based on fasting blood sugar (FBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels. Periodontal clinical parameters like plaque index, gingival index, bleeding on probing, pocket depth, and clinical attachment levels were evaluated. Blood samples and urine samples were collected and assessed for the levels of FBS, HbA1c, total protein, albumin, globulin, and proteinuria. All parameters recorded at baseline and three months after non-surgical periodontal therapy were analyzed for statistical significance at p <.05 using SPSS Inc. Released 2007. SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0. Chicago, SPSS Inc.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in the periodontal clinical parameters within the groups, except for the clinical attachment level in Group 1 patients (p = 0.05), was observed. Glycemic status revealed a significant reduction after non-surgical periodontal therapy (p < 0.001), and on intragroup comparison, the total protein, albumin, globulin, and microprotein blood and urine levels showed significance among the evaluated groups (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Non-surgical periodontal treatment can effectively improve the periodontal and circulating inflammatory status. Results of our study showed improved glycemic control and a reduction in systemic inflammatory markers and proteinuria after performing non-surgical periodontal treatment in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Rapid microwave hydrothermal processed spinel Co3O4nanospheres infused N-doped graphene nanosheets for high-performance battery

Spinel Co₃O₄nanospheres have been synthesized by the microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The N-doped graphene nanosheets (NGN) were synthesized using Hummer's method. The prepared spinel Co₃O₄and NGN were mixed under certain proportions using an ultrasonication process and treated with microwave radiation to prepare a novel spinel Co₃O₄nanospheres infused NGN. The synthesized samples were characterized by x-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Zetasizer, scanning electron microscope/transmission electron microscopy and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy for identifying crystal structure and phase, particle size, and the morphology of the nanostructure and the elemental configuration, respectively. The prepared spinel Co₃O₄/NGN were used as anode material and lithium metal as a reference electrode to fabricate half cell using Swagelok cell components. The electrochemical properties were studied and found to exhibit a larger specific capacity of 575 mAh g^-1compared to traditional graphite electrodes, after 100 cycles under 0.1 C rate with a coulombic efficiency of ≈100%. The good electrochemical properties ascribe to the distinctive surface morphological nanostructures of nanoporous nanospheres of spinel Co₃O₄nanospheres and nanosheets of N-doped graphene that reduce the lithium-ion diffusion pathway. The developed anode material would be a potential electrode for lithium ion battery applications.

Presence of hemophagocytes in bonemarrow- A study in a tertiary care center inSouth India

Introduction and Aim:HaemophagocyticLymphohistiocytic Syndrome (HLH) is a fatal disease with characteristic proliferation of histiocytes in the organs including bone marrow, liver, spleen, kidney, csf, meninges, lymph nodes and subcutaneous tissue which phagocytes the blood cells. In all unexplained cases of cytopenias, organomegaly and pyrexia of unknown origin the HLH should be thought off. Though there are established criteria to diagnose, early diagnosis can reduce the mortality rate due to HLH. Documenting the haemophagocytes in the biopsy can sometimes be very helpful in arriving at the diagnosis.   Materials and Methods:We identified patients who were diagnosed with or suspected to have HLH by bone marrow aspiration or biopsy admitted to Sri Ramachandra Medical College Hospital and Research Institution from January 2010 to June 2017.We retrospectively reviewed patients’ medical records that have haemophagocytes in bone marrow aspirations and collected complete clinical history and laboratory findings. Those history included fever, cytopenias, and organomegaly. Their triglyceride levels, ferritin, ESR or any other abnormal elevated lab values were also noted down. If they had any established diagnosis then that was also noted.   Results:This is a descriptive study and the details of the data like clinical history, clinical features, laboratory investigations and abnormal values are represented using tabular column, Pie chart and bar diagrams.   Conclusion:From pathological point of view, documenting each case presenting with Haemophagocytes and looking into the factors like age, significant laboratory values along with clinical features can be a valuable tool to come to a provisional diagnosis and might help the clinician to proceed with the treatment for alife-threatening disease without much delay.

Effect of piper extract mouthwash as postprocedural rinse on levels of Porphyromonas gingivalis in periodontitis patients

Background:

Dental biofilm plays a crucial role in periodontal disease development. Mouth rinse is used to enhance oral hygiene after scaling and root planning (SRP). The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of a piper extract mouthwash against Chlorhexidine (CHX) in periodontitis patients.

Materials and Methods:

Sixty patients with Stage II periodontitis participated in this study and were randomly divided into two groups (Group I – Stage II Grade A periodontitis patients were provided with prepared piper extract mouthwash and Group II – Stage II Grade A periodontitis patients were provided with 0.2% CHX). Plaque index, gingival index, sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were recorded at baseline and 30 days after SRP. Subgingival plaque samples were taken for microbial examination (colony-forming unit), quantification of Porphyromonas gingivalis using the real-time polymerase chain reaction at baseline, and 30 days after SRP.

Results:

Intragroup comparison for the clinical parameters showed statistically significant reduction in both the groups (P < 0.0001). Intergroup comparison for clinical parameters, there was no statistical significance seen after 30 days. Intragroup comparison for microbial analysis showed significant reduction in both the groups after 30 days (P < 0.0001). On intergroup comparison for microbial analysis, both the groups showed reduction after 30 days without significance.

Conclusion:

Piper extract mouthwash (Group I) showed similar antimicrobial activity against P. gingivalis when compared to 0.2% CHX mouthwash (Group II) that could be used as a substitute to CHX.

Phytochemicals reverse P-glycoprotein mediated multidrug resistance via signal transduction pathways

P-glycoprotein, encoded by ATP-binding cassette transporters B1 gene (ABCB1), renders multidrug resistance (MDR) during cancer chemotherapy. Several synthetic small molecule inhibitors affect P-glycoprotein (P-gp) transport function in MDR tumor cells. However, inhibition of P-gp transport function adversely accumulates chemotherapeutic drugs in non-target normal tissues. Moreover, most small-molecule P-gp inhibitors failed in the clinical trials due to the low therapeutic window at the maximum tolerated dose. Therefore, downregulation of ABCB1-gene expression (P-gp) in tumor tissues seems to be a novel approach rather than inhibiting its transport function for the reversal of multidrug resistance (MDR). Several plant-derived phytochemicals modulate various signal transduction pathways and inhibit translocation of transcription factors, thereby reverses P-gp mediated MDR in tumor cells. Therefore, phytochemicals may be considered an alternative to synthetic small molecule P-gp inhibitors for the reversal of MDR in cancer cells. This review discussed the role of natural phytochemicals that modulate ABCB1 expression through various signal transduction pathways in MDR cancer cells. Therefore, modulating the cell signaling pathways by phytochemicals might play crucial roles in modulating ABCB1 gene expression and the reversal of MDR.

Influence of monomers involved in the fabrication of a novel PES based nanofiltration thin-film composite membrane and its performance in the treatment of common effluent (CETP) textile industrial wastewater

OBJECTIVE

In this article, monomers (tannic acid (TA) and m- phenylenediamine (MPD)) were used in the fabrication of a novel PES based thin-film composite nanofiltration (TFC-NF) membrane for the treatment of a common effluent treatment plant (CETP) of textile industrial wastewater.

MEMBRANE SYNTHESIS

PES support sheets and TFC layers were fabricated via non-solvent induced phase inversion and in-situ interfacial polymerization (IP) process. The ultra-thin active layer was synthesized via the IP process with monomers such as tannic acid (TA) and m- phenylenediamine (MPD). T and M series membranes correspond to (PES/x wt% TA, x = 2, 4, 6) as T1, T2, T3 -TA and (PES/x wt% MPD, x = 2, 4, 6) as M1, M2, M3-MPD respectively. M0 corresponds to PES which is the virgin membrane.

RESULTS

The chemical structure, surface morphology, surface roughness and surface properties were explored using fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and contact angle, respectively. The filtration performance of the thin-film composite nanofiltration (TFC-NF) membranes was investigated by various properties like pure water flux, salt rejection, porosity, mean pore radius and antifouling analysis.

CONCLUSION

T1-TA membrane showed better water permeability, high salt rejection and better industrial effluent rejection with 94.4% of TDS that are suitable for industrial reuse and agricultural irrigation. Moreover, for T1-TA membrane, the water flux, porosity, mean pore radius, salt rejection, surface roughness and contact angle of 43.5lm^- 2 h ^- 1, 47.1%, 16.7nm, 72.7%, 11.7nm and 41.48°was achieved respectively that was found to be higher than that of all the other fabricated membranes. Further, the rejection efficiency rate of textile effluent characteristics such as pH, turbidity, TDS, alkalinity, total hardness, BOD and COD were also achieved with maximum deduction in the T1-TA TFC-NF membrane compared to the M0-Virgin PES membrane. From the results, it can be confirmed that the T1-TA membrane significantly reduced the alkalinity, total hardness, BOD and COD rejections of 78%, 77.3%, 58.5% and 67.5% respectively, present in the effluent. Water flux recovery ratio (FRR) was improved from 74.6% for M0-Virgin PES membrane to 94.8% for T1-TA membrane. The modified TFC-NF membranes especially T1-TA, had better anti-fouling property and excellent hydrophilicity than the unmodified M0-Virgin PES membrane.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40201-021-00624-x.

SARS-CoV-2: Pathogenesis, Molecular Targets and Experimental Models

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a recent pandemic outbreak threatening human beings worldwide. This novel coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) infection causes severe morbidity and mortality and rapidly spreading across the countries. Therefore, there is an urgent need for basic fundamental research to understand the pathogenesis and druggable molecular targets of SARS-CoV-2. Recent sequencing data of the viral genome and X-ray crystallographic data of the viral proteins illustrate potential molecular targets that need to be investigated for structure-based drug design. Further, the SARS-CoV-2 viral pathogen isolated from clinical samples needs to be cultivated and titrated. All of these scenarios demand suitable laboratory experimental models. The experimental models should mimic the viral life cycle as it happens in the human lung epithelial cells. Recently, researchers employing primary human lung epithelial cells, intestinal epithelial cells, experimental cell lines like Vero cells, CaCo-2 cells, HEK-293, H1299, Calu-3 for understanding viral titer values. The human iPSC-derived lung organoids, small intestinal organoids, and blood vessel organoids increase interest among researchers to understand SARS-CoV-2 biology and treatment outcome. The SARS-CoV-2 enters the human lung epithelial cells using viral Spike (S1) protein and human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2) receptor. The laboratory mouse show poor ACE-2 expression and thereby inefficient SARS-CoV-2 infection. Therefore, there was an urgent need to develop transgenic hACE-2 mouse models to understand antiviral agents' therapeutic outcomes. This review highlighted the viral pathogenesis, potential druggable molecular targets, and suitable experimental models for basic fundamental research.

Apigenin prevents gamma radiation-induced gastrointestinal damages by modulating inflammatory and apoptotic signalling mediators

The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of apigenin against radiation-induced gastrointestinal (GI) damages in whole-body irradiated (WBI) Swiss albino mice. Swiss albino mice were pre-treated with apigenin (15 mg/kg body wt.) intraperitoneally for six consecutive days, and on the seventh day, the mice were exposed to 7 Gy WBI. Histological findings revealed a deterioration of the crypt-villus architecture in the 7 Gy irradiated mice intestine. Conversely, apigenin pre-treatment ameliorated radiation-induced intestinal damages and restored intestinal crypt-villus architecture. Besides, apigenin modulates 7 Gy radiation-induced apoptotic markers (p53, p21, Bax, caspase-3, -9) expression in the GI tissue of WBI mice. Furthermore, apigenin prevented radiation-induced activation of NF-kB expression in the GI tissue. Therefore, the present results indicate apigenin's radioprotective effect through modulating NF-kB mediated apoptotic signalling in the WBI intestinal tissue.

The effect of iron doping on the structural, optical, surface morphological, and temperature-dependent magnetic properties of ZnO nanoparticles

This study reports the role of temperature on the magnetic properties of the Fe-doped (0, 1, 3, and 5 wt%) ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized using the facile co-precipitation procedure. Powder x-ray diffraction analysis revealed the crystallinity deterioration of the ZnO matrix on trivalent cationic doping and the shifting of peak position due to the mismatch in ionic radius between the Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺. A clear redshift in the bandgap of the iron-doped ZnO samples is observed from the UV-vis diffused reflectance spectroscopic studies. The existence of lattice defects including the zinc interstitials, zinc vacancies, and oxygen vacancies are confirmed by the room temperature photoluminescence analysis. Scanning electron microscopic investigations showed the synthesized NPs possesses agglomerated spherical morphology. The role of temperature on the magnetization of the iron-doped ZnO nanoparticles has been examined at 300 and 100 K. A 3-fold enhancement of magnetization value perceived for the 5% iron-doped ZnO nanoparticles at 100 K compared to the magnetization value of such sample at 300 K.

Crude Cell-Free Extract From Deinococcus radiodurans Exhibit Anticancer Activity by Inducing Apoptosis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Cells

Extremophilic organisms have the potential to tolerate extremely challenging environments of nature. This property can be accredited to its production of novel secondary metabolites that possess anticancer and other pharmaceutical values. The present study was aimed to investigate the anticancer activity of crude secondary metabolite extract (CSME) obtained from the radiation-tolerant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans in triple-negative human breast carcinoma (MDA-MB-231) cells. The 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay showed the antiproliferative potential of CSME in MDA-MB-231 cells (IC₅₀ = 25 μg/ml) and MCF-7 cells (IC₅₀ = 10 μg/ml). Further, the CSME treatment led to the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear membrane alterations with the formation of apoptotic bodies in MDA-MB-231 cells. Considerable DNA damage and low antioxidant status were observed in CSME-treated MDA-MB-231 cells. The results also showed that the CSME treatment induced apoptotic markers expression in MDA-MB-231 cells. Western blot results illustrated significant upregulation of p53, caspase-3, and caspase-9 proteins expression. Then, we analyzed the presence of secondary metabolites which may be linked with antiproliferative potential of CSME by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The results illustrated the presence of 23 bioactive compounds some of which are already reported to possess anticancer properties. The study indicates that the CSME of D. radiodurans possess anticancer properties and exhibit the potential to be used as an anticancer agent.

Opuntiol Prevents Photoaging of Mouse Skin via Blocking Inflammatory Responses and Collagen Degradation

In the present study, we investigated the potential of opuntiol, isolated from Opuntia ficus-indica, against UVA radiation-mediated inflammation and skin photoaging in experimental animals. The skin-shaved experimental mouse was subjected to UVA exposure at the dosage of 10 J/cm² per day for ten consecutive days (cumulative UVA dose: 100 J/cm²). Opuntiol (50 mg/kg b.wt.) was topically applied one hour before each UVA exposure. UVA (100 J/cm²) exposure induces epidermal hyperplasia and collagen disarrangement which leads to the photoaging-associated molecular changes in the mouse skin. Opuntiol pretreatment prevented UVA-linked clinical macroscopic skin lesions and histological changes in the mouse skin. Further, opuntiol prevents UVA-linked dermal collagen fiber loss in the mouse skin. Short-term UVA radiation (100 J/cm²) activates MAPKs through AP-1 and NF-κB p65 transcriptional pathways and subsequently induces the expression of inflammatory proteins and matrix-degrading proteinases in the mouse skin. Interestingly, opuntiol pretreatment inhibited UVA-induced activation of iNOS, VEGF, TNF-α, and COX-2 proteins and consequent activation of MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 in the mouse skin. Moreover, opuntiol was found to prevent collagen I and III breakdown in UVA radiation-exposed mouse skin. Thus, opuntiol protects mouse skin from UVA radiation-associated photoaging responses through inhibiting inflammatory responses, MAPK activation, and degradation of matrix collagen molecules.

Computational models for predicting anticancer drug efficacy: A multi linear regression analysis based on molecular, cellular and clinical data of oral squamous cell carcinoma cohort

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The computational prediction of drug responses based on the analysis of multiple clinical features of the tumor will be a novel strategy for accomplishing the long-term goal of precision medicine in oncology. The cancer patients will be benefitted if we computationally account all the tumor characteristics (data) for the selection of most effective and precise therapeutic drug. In this study, we developed and validated few computational models to predict anticancer drug efficacy based on molecular, cellular and clinical features of 31 oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cohort using computational methods.

METHODS

We developed drug efficacy prediction models using multiple tumor features by employing the statistical methods like multi linear regression (MLR), modified MLR-weighted least square (MLR-WLS) and enhanced MLR-WLS. All the three developed drug efficacy prediction models were then validated using the data of actual OSCC samples (train-test ratio 31: 31) and actual Vs hypothetical samples (train-test ratio 31: 30). The selected best statistical model i.e. enhanced MLR-WLS has then been cross-validated (CV) using 341 theoretical tumor data. Finally, the performances of the models were assessed by the level of learning confidence, significance, accuracy and error terms.

RESULTS

The train-test process for the real tumor samples of MLR-WLS method revealed the drug efficacy prediction enhancement and we observed that there was very less priming difference between actual and predicted. Furthermore, we found there was a less difference between actual apoptotic priming and predicted apoptotic priming for the tumors 6, 8, 21 and 30 whereas, for the remaining tumors there were no differences between predicted and actual priming data. The error terms (Actual Vs Predicted) also revealed the reliability of enhanced MLR-WLS model for drug efficacy prediction.

CONCLUSION

We developed effective computational prediction models using MLR analysis for anticancer drug efficacy which will be useful in the field of precision medicine to choose the choice of drug in a personalized manner. We observed that the enhanced MLR-WLS model was the best fit to predict anticancer drug efficacy which may have translational applications.

Apigenin prevents ultraviolet-B radiation induced cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers formation in human dermal fibroblasts

Exposure to solar ultraviolet-B (UVB) radiation leads to the formation of cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs). We investigated the protective effect of apigenin against UVB-induced CPDs formation in human dermal fibroblasts cells (HDFa). For this purpose, HDFa cells were treated with apigenin (15μM) prior to UVB irradiation (20mJ/cm²); DNA damage and subsequent molecular end points were observed. Exposure to UVB radiation increased significant CPDs formation in HDFa cells and the frequencies of CPDs were reduced by treatment with apigenin (15μM). UVB-induced CPDs downregulates the expression of nucleotide excision repair (NER) genes such as xeroderma pigmentosum complementation group C, B, G and F (XPC, XPB, XPG and XPF), transcription factor II human (TFIIH) and excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) in HDFa cells. Conversely, apigenin treatment restored UVB-induced loss of NER proteins in HDFa cells, which indicates its preventive effect against CPDs formation. Besides, single low dose UVB-exposure induced nuclear fragmentation, apoptotic frequency and apoptotic proteins expression (Bax and Caspase-3) have been prevented by the apigenin pretreatment. Furthermore, apigenin exhibits strong UV absorbance property and showed 10.08 SPF value. Thus, apigenin can protect skin cells against UVB-induced CPDs formation probably through its sunscreen effect. Hence, apigenin can be considered as an effective protective agent against UV induced skin damages.

Folic acid in cleft lip, alveolus and palate prevention: awareness among dental professionals

OBJECTIVES

To determine the awareness amongst dental students, practitioners and maxillofacial surgeons the role of folic acid in the prevention of CLAP and its clinical use.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Questionnaire based study involving a sample base of 1100, comprising of dental students, practitioners and specialist maxillofacial surgeons.

RESULTS

hundred percent of the sample population were aware of CLAP disorders, of which 9.5 % believed that CLAP could be prevented. 3.8 % of the population were able to correlate folic acid to CLAP while a negligible 0.03 % could provide the dosage.

CONCLUSION

Educating healthcare providers and, in turn, the prospective parents on benefits folic acid would not only help in reducing the incidence of CLAP but also significantly influence the economics of the patients afflicted with CLAP disorders.