Group IIIB Research Articles

The A-15-type superconducting hydride La4H23: a nanograined structure with low strain, strong electron-phonon interaction, and a moderate level of nonadiabaticity

Abstract For seven decades, when referring to A-15 superconductors, we meant metallic A3B alloys (where A is a transition metal, and B is group IIIB and IVB elements) discovered by Hardy and Hulm (1953 Phys. Rev. 89 884). Nb3Ge exhibited the highest superconducting transition temperature, Tc = 23K, among these alloys. One of these alloys, Nb3Sn, is the primary material in modern applied superconductivity. Recently, Guo et al (2024 Natl Sci. Rev. nwae149, https://doi.org/10.1093/nsr/nwae149) extended the family of superconductors where the metallic ions are arranged in the beta tungsten (A-15) sublattice by observation of Tc ,zero = 81K in the La4H23 phase compressed at P = 118 GPa. Despite the fact that La4H23 has much lower Tc in comparison with the near-room-temperature superconducting LaH10 phase (Tc ,zero = 250K at P ∼ 200 GPa) discovered by Drozdov et al (2019 Nature 569 531), La4H23 holds the record for the highest Tc within the A-15 family. Cross et al (2024 Phys. Rev. B 109 L020503) confirmed the high-temperature superconductivity in compressed La4H23. In this paper, we analyzed available experimental data measured in La4H23 and found that this superconductor exhibits a nanograined structure, 5.5 nm ⩽ D ⩽ 35 nm, low crystalline strain, | ε | ⩽ 0.003, strong electron–phonon interaction, 1.5 ⩽ λe-ph⩽ 2.55, and a moderate level of nonadiabaticity, 0.18 ⩽ Θ D /T F ⩽ 0.22 (where Θ D is the Debye temperature, and T F is the Fermi temperature). We found that the derived Θ D /T F and Tc /T F values for the La4H23 phase are similar to those in MgB2, cuprates, pnictides, and the near-room-temperature superconductors H3S and LaH10. To the memory of Martin J. Ryan, man and scientist who taught EFT the intricacies of X-ray diffraction.

Propane dehydrogenation catalysis of group IIIB and IVB metal hydrides.

Catalytic propane dehydrogenation (PDH) has mainly been studied using metal- and metal oxide-based catalysts. Studies on dehydrogenation catalysis by metal hydrides, however, have rarely been reported. In this study, PDH reactions using group IIIB and IVB metal hydride catalysts were investigated under relatively low-temperature conditions of 450 °C. Lanthanum hydride exhibited the lowest activation energy for dehydrogenation and the highest propylene yield. Based on kinetics studies, a comparison between the reported calculation results and isotope experiments, the hydrogen vacancies of metal hydrides were involved in low-temperature PDH reactions.

Timing and Modality of Hemorrhoidal Prolapse Impact on Patients' Quality of Life.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess whether the frequency and presentation modality of hemorrhoidal prolapse may have an impact on patients' quality of life, leading to a different categorization of patients. Methods: A consecutive series of patients affected by primary hemorrhoidal disease were administered specific questionnaires to assess the severity of symptoms and their quality of life. The frequency/modality of prolapse was also assessed, and the classification of the patients into five categories was hypothesized. The severity of disease was assessed using a validated patient-reported score, while the health-related quality of life was evaluated with the Short Health Scale for hemorrhoidal disease. Results: A total of 122 patients were enrolled. The evaluation of the prolapse modality led to the following classification: type I, 5 patients (4.1%); type II, 9 (7.4%), type IIIa, 48 (39.3%); type IIIb, 52 (42.6%); and type IV, 8 (6.6%). The mean total hemorrhoidal disease score was 9.8 ± 3.3, while the mean total Short Health Scale score was 18.6 ± 5.2. Both scores progressively increased in the five types of prolapse identified, thus showing a worsening of symptoms and quality of life related to the increase in the frequency and modality of prolapse. The assessment of the quality of life showed that all four domains of the Short Health Scale score and the total score were significantly worse in group IIIb compared to IIIa. Conclusions: The frequency and modality of hemorrhoidal prolapse has an impact on the quality of life and allows the identification of new types of patients.

In Vitro Evaluation Of The Effect Of Different Cleansing Agents On The Shear Bond Of Contaminated Zirconia Ceramics To Resin Cement

Aim: The aim of this in-vitro study was to evaluate the effect of different cleansing solutions on the shear bond strength of contaminated zirconia ceramic to resin cement. Materials and Methods: Fifty zirconia disc (Dental Direkt,YES Germany) of size 10mm x 3mm were fabricated and mounted in self-cure acrylic resin block using a customized jig. The samples (n=10) were grouped based on two cleansing solutions and sub grouped based on two contaminants. Group I (control), neither contaminated nor any cleansing solution used. Group IIA, contaminating with saliva, cleansed with water and Group IIB, contaminating with GC Fitchecker II, cleansed with water. Group IIIA, contaminating with saliva, cleansed with Zirclean and Group IIIB, contaminating with GC Fitchecker II, cleansed with Zirclean. Subsequently fifty composite buttons (5.5mm x 3mm) were fabricated and bonded to the test samples using resin modified glass ionomer cement (Riva Cem,SDI). Thermocycling, shear bond strength, scanning electron microscopy were carried out for all the groups. Statistical analysis was done using independent t test with SPSS software Results: On comparison it was found that samples contaminated with saliva, cleansed with Zirclean showed a higher mean shear bond strength and the result was statistically significant (P<0.001). Samples contaminated with GC Fitchecker, cleansed with Zirclean showed a higher mean shear bond strength and the result was statistically significant (P<0.001). The result collaborated with SEM analysis of the debonded samples. Conclusion: Zirclean can be used as an effective surface cleansing solution for zirconia restorations.

Genome-wide identification of XTH gene family in Musa acuminata and response analyses of MaXTHs and xyloglucan to low temperature.

Banana (Musa spp.) production is seriously threatened by low temperature (LT) in tropical and subtropical regions. Xyloglucan endotransglycosylase/hydrolases (XTHs) are considered chief enzymes in cell wall remodelling and play a central role in stress responses. However, whether MaXTHs are involved in the low temperature stress tolerance in banana is not clear. Here, the identification and characterization of MaXTHs were carried out, followed by prediction of their cis-acting elements and protein-protein interactions. In addition, candidate MaXTHs involved in banana tolerance to LT were screened through a comparison of their responses to LT between tolerant and sensitive cultivars using RNA-Seq analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence (IF) labelling was employed to compare changes in the temporal and spatial distribution of different types of xyloglucan components between these two cultivars upon stress. In total, 53 MaXTHs have been identified, and all were predicted to be located in the cell wall, 14 of them also in the cytoplasm. Only 11 MaXTHs have been found to interact with other proteins. Among 16 MaXTHs with LT responsiveness elements, MaXTH26/29/32/35/50 (Group I/II members) and MaXTH7/8 (Group IIIB members) might be involved in banana tolerance to LT stress. IF results suggested that the content of xyloglucan components recognized by CCRC-M87/103/104/106 antibodies might be negatively related to banana chilling tolerance. In conclusion, we have identified the MaXTH gene family and assessed cell wall re-modelling under LT stress. These results will be beneficial for banana breeding against stresses and enrich the cell wall-mediated resistance mechanism in plants to stresses.

French Polynesian Scytosiphonaceae (Ectocarpales, Phaeophyceae): A combined molecular and morphological approach to their diversity and systematics.

This study revisited the taxonomy and diversity of brown macroalgae within the Scytosiphonaceae family in French Polynesia, which had previously been recognized as encompassing only six species. Using the chloroplast and mitochondrial genes rbcL, psbA, and cox3 as molecular markers in conjunction with morpho-anatomical observations, we unveiled the presence of 11 species spanning six genera: Chnoospora minima, Colpomenia claytoniae, Co. sinuosa [groups IIIa and IIIb], Hydroclathrus rapanuii, H. tenuis, H. tilesii, Manzaea minuta, Pseudochnoospora implexa, Rosenvingea australis, and the newly described species R. polynesiensis sp. nov. and R. tahitiensis sp. nov. This encompasses the recognition of two previously unreported genera in this region: Manzaea and Pseudochnoospora. Sequences were successfully acquired for four taxa that had been documented previously, while the absence of sequences for H. clathratus and H. tumulis in French Polynesia raises queries about their presence in this region. With these additions, the total species count now stands at 13 (including H. clathratus and H. tumulis), one being an endemic species. The molecular-assisted alpha taxonomic approach used here allowed for a critical revision of the Scytosiphonaceae species checklist for French Polynesia. The diversity revealed in this region accounts for a substantial 20% of the family's global diversity. Additionally, our study presents an updated species-level phylogeny for the Scytosiphonaceae.

Radiological findings associated with postoperative wound infection after extraction of impacted mandibular third molar: A retrospective study

IntroductionStudies directly relating radiological findings to the risk of postoperative wound infection (PWI) in impacted mandibular third molars (M3) are limited and poorly understood. This study aimed to clarify the radiological risk of PWI. Materials and methodsTwenty-six patients who developed PWI after M3 extraction were retrospectively analyzed using orthopantomography (OPG) and computed tomography (CT) before M3 extraction to determine the association between M3 impaction status and PWI. These were compared with an equal number of non-infected groups. Moreover, the possibility of assessing the same risk in OPG as in CT imaging was examined. ResultsMultivariate analysis identified class III and position B of the Pell and Gregory classification system as independent risk factors for PWI. On CT, an axial overlap distance (AOD) >3.5 mm was significantly associated with PWI. Furthermore, the sagittal overlap distance (SOD) and AOD of the OPG were significantly greater in group III-B. A strong positive correlation was observed between SOD and AOD. ConclusionThese results indicate that class III, position B, and an AOD >3.5 mm may be novel risk factors for M3 PWI. The strong correlation between SOD and AOD suggests that the risk assessment for PWI can be performed by evaluating OPG alone.

Design of high-temperature superconductors at moderate pressures by alloying AlH3 or GaH3

Since the discovery of hydride superconductors, a significant challenge has been to reduce the pressure required for their stabilization. In this context, we propose that alloying could be an effective strategy to achieve this. We focus on a series of alloyed hydrides with the AMH6 composition, which can be made via alloying A15 AH3 (A = Al or Ga) with M (M = a group ⅢB or IVB metal), and study their behavior under pressure. Seven of them are predicted to maintain the A15-type structure, similar to AH3 under pressure, providing a platform for studying the effects of alloying on the stability and superconductivity of AH3. Among these, the A15-type phases of AlZrH6 and AlHfH6 are found to be thermodynamically stable in the pressure ranges of 40–150 and 30–181 GPa, respectively. Furthermore, they remain dynamically stable at even lower pressures, as low as 13 GPa for AlZrH6 and 6 GPa for AlHfH6. These pressures are significantly lower than that required for stabilizing A15 AlH3. Additionally, the introduction of Zr or Hf increases the electronic density of states at the Fermi level compared with AlH3. This enhancement leads to higher critical temperatures (Tc) of 75 and 76 K for AlZrH6 and AlHfH6 at 20 and 10 GPa, respectively. In the case of GaMH6 alloys, where M represents Sc, Ti, Zr, or Hf, these metals reinforce the stability of the A15-type structure and reduce the lowest thermodynamically stable pressure for GaH3 from 160 GPa to 116, 95, 80, and 85 GPa, respectively. Particularly noteworthy are the A15-type GaMH6 alloys, which remain dynamically stable at low pressures of 97, 28, 5, and 6 GPa, simultaneously exhibiting high Tc of 88, 39, 70, and 49 K at 100, 35, 10, and 10 GPa, respectively. Overall, these findings enrich the family of A15-type superconductors and provide insights for the future exploration of high-temperature hydride superconductors that can be stabilized at lower pressures.

Morphological Characteristics and Similarity Analysis of Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) in Wonosobo, Temanggung, and Magelang Regencies

The diversity of cassava in Wonosobo, Temanggung and Magelang districts must be investigated. The objective of the study was to analyze the diversity of cassava based on morphological characteristics. The cassava of each accession was planted in Bandongan, Magelang Regency. Morphological characters observed after six months of planting included apical leaf color, apical leaf hair, leaf lobe shape, petiole color, leaf color, number of leaf lobes, leaf length, leaf width, petiole length, vein color, petiole orientation, color epidermis of stem, color of outer appearance of stem, distance between nodes, stem growth, color of mature branch tip, branching type, tuber, tuber shape, outer tuber skin color, tuber flesh color, and tuber inner skin color. Analysis of the morphological characteristics of cassava is presented in the form of a dendrogram using the MVSP (Multi Variate Statistical Package) version 3.22. The results of the study obtained 39 accessions of cassava which showed different morphological characteristics. The lowest morphological similarity (0.735) was found in Group I only consisted of 2 acquisitions that did not have tubers, namely Red Vegetables and Green Vegetables and Group II ( Groups III and IV) have a similarity of 0.92. The highest similarity was in groups IIIa and IIIb and Groups IVa and IVb have a similarity coefficient value of 0.95. The morphological diversity of 39 accessions is a source of cassava germplasm: 37 accessions are harvested for tubers and 2 accessions areharvested explicitly for leaves as vegetables. This research was useful for the development of cassava-based food industry bioproducts.

Adipose-Derived Stromal Vascular Fraction in Treatment of Osteoarthritis: Experimental Study

Background Osteoarthritis OA is the commonest musculoskeletal disabling disease in adults. Most of the current available treatments provide only symptomatic relief. Adipose derivedstromal vascular fraction SVF has been recently introduced as potential regenerative therapy for OA. Objective We aimed to study the therapeutic role of adipose – derived SVF in OA. Materials and Methods This work included 42 female Wister rats for induction of osteoarthritis and 6 male Wistar rats acting as donors for the extraction of SVF from adipose tissue which yielded 106 cells/ml. Osteoarthritis was induced by intra-articular injection of collagenase type II in the right knee joint of all female rats and the left knee was considered as healthy controls. Rats were divided into three groups, healthy control Group (group I), induced osteoarthritis control group (Group II) which received no treatment and SVF treatment group (Group III). Group II and III were subdivided into 2 subgroups; IIa, IIb and IIIa, IIIb which were euthanized after 1 and 2 months of OA induction respectively. Modified Manikin score (MS) was used to assess cartilage degeneration. Image Analysis was used to assess chondrocyte count, articular cartilage thickness and optical density in slides stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin and Safranin-O-stain. Results It was observed that MS scored highest in Group II compared to Group III and Group I (P < 0.001). After 1 month, MS in Group IIa and Group IIIa was (10.75 ± 0.50 and 2.50 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Similarly at 2 months MS was (8.50 ± 0.58, 0.50 ± 0.53, P < 0.001). Also, morphometric analysis revealed Group II contained least chondrocyte cellular count compared to Group III and Group I (P < 0.001). After 2 months, articular cartilage thickness was least in Group II compared to Group IIIb and highest in Group I (P < 0.001). Also, optical density OD measurement using imaging in slides stained with Safranin revealed OD was highest in Group I, followed by Group III and least in Group II (P < 0.001). Conclusion Adipose derived SVF represents potential regenerative therapy for OA. It decreased development of degenerative changes at early stages of induced osteoarthritis in rats and promoted regeneration with increased cartilage thickness and proteoglycan content at later stage.

Petroleum in the Jurassic Reservoirs within the Eastern Fukang Sub‐depression, Junggar Basin, NW China: Correlation and Source Rock

AbstractThe origin and source of the petroleum in the Jurassic reservoirs within the eastern Fukang sub‐depression were geochemically investigated. They show thermal maturities matching the peak generation stage, while the condensates are at the early stage of intense cracking. Oils and condensates may have experienced mild evaporative fractionation, while mixing of severely biodegraded with non‐biodegraded oils has occurred. Using biomarkers and isotopes, petroleums were classified into Group I, II and III genetic groups, with Group III further divided into IIIa and IIIb subgroups. Group I petroleum displays heavy carbon isotopes, a strong predominance of pristine over phytane, high C19 and C20 tricyclic and C24 tetracyclic terpanes, low gammacerane, and dominant C29 steranes, while Group II shows light carbon isotopes, a predominance of phytane over pristine, high C21 and C23 tricyclic with low C24 tetracyclic terpanes, high gammacerane and dominant C27 steranes. Group IIIa petroleum shows mixing compositions of Group I and II, while Group IIIb displays similar compositions to Group I, but with significantly higher Ts, C29Ts and C30 diahopane proportions. Oil‐source rock correlation suggests Group I and II petroleums originate from Jurassic and Permian source rocks, respectively, while Group IIIa are mixtures sourced from these rocks and IIIb are mixtures from Jurassic and Triassic source rocks.

Comprehensive ab initio study of effects of alloying elements on generalized stacking fault energies of Ni and Ni3Al

Excellent high-temperature mechanical properties of Ni-based single-crystal superalloys (NSCSs) are attributed to the yield strength anomaly of ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$ that is intimately related to generalized stacking fault energies (GSFEs). Therefore, clarifying the effects of alloying elements on the GSFEs is of great significance for alloys design. Here, by means of ab initio density functional theory calculations, we systematically calculated the GSFEs of different slip systems of Ni and ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$ without and with alloying elements using the alias shear method. We obtained that for Ni, except for magnetic elements Mn, Fe, and Co, most of the alloying elements decrease the unstable stacking fault energy (${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\text{USF}}$) of the $[01\overline{1}](111)$ and $[11\overline{2}](111)$ slip systems and also decrease the stable stacking fault energy (${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\text{SF}}$) of the $[11\overline{2}](111)$ slip system. Interestingly, the reduction effects exhibit a strong correlation with the inverse of atom radii. For ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$, most of the alloying elements in groups IIIB--VIIB show a strong Al site preference. Except for Mn and Fe, the elements in groups VB--VIIB and the first column of group VIII increase the values of ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\text{USF}}$ of different slip systems of ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$, which makes the slip deformation and dislocation emits difficult. On the other hand, the elements in groups IIIB--VIIB also increase the value of ${\ensuremath{\gamma}}_{\text{SF}}$, and thus reduce the stability of the antiphase boundary, complex stacking fault, and superlattice intrinsic stacking fault of ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$. We found that Re is an excellent strengthening alloying element that significantly increases the slip barrier of the tailing slip process for Ni, and also enhances the slip barrier of the leading slip process of three slip systems for ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$. W and Mo exhibit similar effects as Re. We predicted that Os, Ru, and Ir are good strengthening alloying elements as well, since they show the strengthening effects on both the leading and the tailing slip process for Ni and ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$. This work established an exhaustive dictionary of the effects of various alloying elements on the GSFEs of both Ni and ${\mathrm{Ni}}_{3}\mathrm{Al}$ phases, which would help to guide the design of next-generation high-performance NSCSs.

Demonstration of compensated n-type scandium nitride Schottky diodes

Scandium nitride (ScN) is an emerging group III-B transition metal pnictide and has been studied extensively for its thermoelectric properties, as interlayers for defect-free GaN growth, in epitaxial metal/semiconductor superlattices, and recently for its polaritonic and optoelectronic synaptic functionalities. However, to realize the full potential of its semiconducting properties in electronic, thermionic, and optoelectronic device applications, it is necessary to develop Schottky diodes of ScN that are missing thus far. Here we show Schottky diodes of ScN with elemental metals such as silver (Ag) and gold (Au). As-deposited ScN thin films exhibit a high electron concentration in the (1–4) × 1020 cm−3 range due to unintentional oxygen doping. These excess electrons are compensated by Mg hole doping, leading to a wider depletion region at the metal/ScN interface for activated electronic transport. Current–voltage (I–V) characteristics show the rectification nature in ScN/Ag and ScN/Au diodes, and the barrier heights of 0.55 ± 0.05 eV and 0.53 ± 0.06 eV, respectively, are obtained. Interface annealing with time and temperature results in a slight increase in the forward junction potential. The capacitance–voltage (C–V) measurements also revealed the presence of interface trap states. The demonstration of Schottky diodes marks an important step in realizing the full potential of ScN in electronic, thermionic, and optoelectronic devices.

Способ расширяющей кишечной пластики мочевого пузыря у больных с лучевыми пузырно-влагалищными свищами и микроцистисом.

Introduction. Radial vesicovaginal fistulas are one of the most difficult problems of urogynecology, despite the fact that modern technologies make it possible to personalize the use of radiation therapy. Standard surgical techniques in the treatment of such patients are ineffective. The search for alternative surgical solutions can improve the results of treatment of patients with radial fistulas and microcystis. Study objective. To compare the effectiveness of augmentation ileocystoplasty and two-stage surgical treatment, represented by expanding intestinal cystoplasty in combination with the use of a Martius or Martius-Symmonds flaps. Materials and methods. The study included 8 patients. The first group included 4 patients who underwent laparotomy, augmentation ileocystoplasty. In 3 patients relapsed fistulas were closed with vaginal access using a Martius flap a few months later. The second group included 4 patients who underwent expanding intestinal cystoplasty by laparotomy, with further formation of Martius or Martius-Symmonds flaps by perineal access and moving them into the pelvic cavity for fixation from the abdominal cavity. Results. The average duration of the operation in the first group was 337.5 minutes, in the second group – 470 minutes. The patients of the first group had no complications of the III-V groups according to Clavien-Dindo. Natural urination was eventually recovered in all patients. In 2 patients of the second group, postoperative complications were recorded: in 1 patient – complication of group IIIa according to Clavien-Dindo – marginal necrosis of the skin flap after abdominoplasty, which required stage necrectomy and secondary skin sutures, in another 1 patient – complication of group IIIb according to Clavien-Dindo – dynamic intestinal obstruction, which required relaparotomy and nasointestinal intubation. There were no relapses of vesicovaginal fistulas. After urination was restored, all patients retained the urge to urinate. Conclusion. The proposed two-stage operation allows not only to eliminate the vesicovaginal fistulas, but also to increase the capacity of the bladder, restore voluntary urination.

Prediction of cardiovascular outcome by estimated glomerular filtration rate among high-risk patients: a Thai nationwide cohort study.

Decline of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) is associated with increased cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, but the predictive value of different eGFR on CV outcomes is limited in Southeast Asian populations. We aimed to stratify CV outcomes according to renal function among Thai patients with high atherosclerosis risk. We performed a secondary analysis in a 5-year national cohort entitled "CORE-Thailand study." Subjects were classified in 6 groups according to baseline kidney function: group I, eGFR ≥ 90; group II, eGFR 60-89; group IIIa, eGFR 45-59; group IIIb, eGFR 30-44; group IV, eGFR 15-29; group V, eGFR < 15ml/min/1.73 m2 or receiving renal replacement therapy. The primary outcome was 4-point major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, CV mortality, hospitalization for heart failure, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke. A total of 6376 subjects (3467 men and 2909 women) were categorized in 6 groups. After adjusting covariates in the Cox proportional hazards model, compared to group I, subjects in groups II-V had a 1.65-fold, 2.17-fold, 2.67-fold, 4.24-fold, and 4.87-fold risk for 4-point MACE, respectively, with statistical significance at P < 0.05 in all groups. Kaplan-Meier analysis illustrated stepwise lower survivals from 4-point MACE following the groups with lower baseline eGFR (log-rank test with P < 0.001). All secondary outcomes showed similar trends as the primary outcome, except nonfatal stroke. Lower baseline kidney function was independently associated with increased risk of CV events and all-cause mortality in Thai populations at high CV risk.

Evaluation of the microleakage in class II cavities restored with composite resin by using different placement techniques and light cure units– An in vitro study

The aim of the present study is to evaluatepost thermocycling microleakage scores in class II cavities restored with Tetetric n ceram (TC) by, Bulk fill technique, Incremental technique, Centripetal techniques, followed by polymerization light source QTH and LED.ethodsClass II Conventional Mesioocclusal (MO) cavities were prepared with occlusal gingival depth 1mm above the CEJ. The final preparation has the following dimensions, 3 mm – buccolingual extension1.5 mm –axial dept hand 4 mm –occluso-cervical extension. The samples will be etched and rinsed, and then the universal matrix will be placed after that the bonding agent will be applied and curedLater all specimens were randomly divided into three groups, each containing 20 teeth.GROUP I-Bulk Technique, GROUPII- Incremental Technique with oblique laying GROUP III-Specimens were stored in distilled water at 37C till it is subjected to thermocycling. Sthermo cycled for 500 cycles at with temperature range of 5 to 55 degrees with 20 seconds dwell time. Specimens were sectioned along the long axis in the mesiodistal direction of the restoration with a diamond disc and analyzed using a stereo microscope at 10x magnification by an independent examiner who was blinded by the groups.Comparison of three groups with microleakage scores at gingival margins by Kruskal Wallis one-way ANOVA test. Pair-wise comparison of all groups with respect to microleakage scores at gingival margins by Mann-Whitney U test. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS STATISTICS 21.0 software.Among the three experimental groups least microleakage was seen with subgroup IIA (IN-QTH) followed by subgroup IIIA (CE-QTH) followed by subgroup IA (B-QTH).Among all these groups and subgroups, the least microleakage is seen in IN-LED (subgroup IIB), highest microleakage is seen in B-QTH (subgroup IA), interestingly there is no statistical difference between IN-QTH (subgroup IIA) and CE-LED (sub group IIIB).

Red propolis reduces inflammation in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.

Introduction. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used to treat malignant neoplasias and control autoimmune diseases. Still, one of its metabolites, acrolein, is toxic to the urothelium and can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis and severe discomfort.Objective. To evaluate the ability of red propolis to prevent and treat CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.Materials and methods. Red propolis was extracted in 1% gum arabic and administered subcutaneously (sc). In the first experiment, groups IA, IIA, and IIIA and groups IB, IIB, and IIIB received water, gum arabic (GA), or propolis, respectively, for 30 days. Then water (controls) or CP (treatment) was administered i.p. In the second experiment, groups IVA, VA, and VIA received water i.p. while groups IVB, VB, and VIB received CP i.p. This was followed by 5 injections at 2-hour intervals with either water, GA, or propolis. Bladder tissue was examined according to Gray’s criteria.Results. The total inflammatory histology score was significantly smaller in group VIB (11.33 ± 2.07). Mild inflammation predominated in group VIB while most of the animals in group IVB had severe inflammation (p=0.0375). Ulcers were predominantly multiple in Groups IVA and VB but rare or absent in Group VIB (p=0.0118). Urothelial cells were mostly absent in groups IVB and VB and present/normal in group VIB (p=0.0052). Fibrin was abundant in groups IVB and VA but mostly absent in group VIB (p=0.0273).Conclusions. Red propolis can reduce inflammation in CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.

RISK MANAGEMENT RELATED TO THE PRESENCE OF LEAD IN DRINKING WATER: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Background: Lead is classified as a toxic element because of its adverse health effects. World Health Organization fixes its tolerance limit at 10μg/l. Lead in drinking water mainly comes from the dissolution of lead present in pipes, especially in old buildings. Resources and procedures: Through a literature review, we analyzed articles dealing with lead intoxication through drinking water. Used key words for the search were: lead, water and lead intoxication. The aim is to focus on the causes of this intoxication, the different consequences on the body, the standards in use and the prophylactic measures regarding this toxic element. Results and comments: Saturnism is a disease corresponding to acute or chronic lead intoxication. Once absorbed, lead diffuse rapidly in soft tissues and more slowly in the skeleton. Lead presents a cumulative toxicity with generalized effects, classified in group IIIB. Screening is based on blood lead levels, induced lead poisoning or radiology exams. Treatment is based on lead fixation in a non-toxic form and its elimination under methodical control. Water pollution comes from natural or anthropogenic origins and several methods and tips can reduce the risk of lead exposure. The most common technique for the determination of lead is inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Conclusion: In order to reduce as much as possible the risks linked to lead water pollution, it is essential to raise awareness of all stakeholders on the risks related to lead exposition and to sensitize them about preventive measures to be implemented.

Antimicrobial efficacy of triple antibiotic-loaded chitosan nanoparticles activated with photochemical disinfection: A microbiological and confocal microscopic analysis.

Introduction:This in-vitro study comprises Antimicrobial and Confocal Microscopic analysis of the efficacy of Triple Antibiotic and Toluidine Blue (TBO) loaded chitosan nanoparticles (chnp) activated with photodynamic therapy (PDT) against Enterococcus faecalis (Ef).Methodology:105 single-rooted extracted teeth were decoronated, cleaned and shaped, and incubated with Ef. The roots were randomly divided into three groups: Group I-Control, Group II-Triple Antibiotic Paste (TAP), Group III: Triple antibiotic-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (tachnp), and Group IV: Tachnp and TBO loaded chnp activated with PDT. Ten specimens from all the groups were subjected to antimicrobial analysis and five specimens were observed under the confocal microscope after 24 h and 7 days. Group IV was additionally analyzed after 24 h and 7 days of laser activation.Results:Group IV C showed the least colony-forming units followed by Group IVB, Group IIIB, Group IVA, and Group IIIA. Group II showed more colony-forming units. On intergroup comparison of mean colony count in control and experimental groups at 24 h and 7 days using one-way ANOVA F test was highly significant P < 0.001. The confocal microscopic images of IV C showed the increased intensity of fluorescent red indicating dead bacteria.Conclusion:Within the limitations of this study, TAP loaded chitosan nanoparticles activated with PDT showed a significant reduction in colony count.

ДИНАМИКА РАСПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ВЗРОСЛОГО НАСЕЛЕНИЯ ПО ГРУППАМ ЗДОРОВЬЯ ЗА ПЕРИОД 2013-2021 гг.

Significance. The “health group” indicator represents an integral assessment of health. The established health group determines the entire subsequent plan of work with the patient. Assessment of dynamics in health groups is also important from the point of view of changes: with the previously established health group I – does it still remain; if health group II was established – was the correction of risk factors successful; if the health group IIIa or IIIb was established – was condition stabilized and the target values of the parameters characterizing the course of the disease achieved? This approach will allow to evaluate performance, both at the level of a medical organization and the entire system of medical prevention. The purpose of the study was to analyze dynamics in distribution of adult population of the Russian Federation by health group based on the results of preventive medical examinations and regular check-ups in 2013-2021. Material and methods. Orders of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation on organizing preventive medical examinations and regular check-ups in 2012-2021, industry statistical reporting form No.31/o, data of the information and analytical review “Results of regular check-ups of certain groups of the adult population of the Russian Federation” in 2013-2018. Methods: content analysis, descriptive statistics. Results. The share of population with the established health group I decreased in all age groups in 2013-2020. In the age group of 39-60 years, the share of people with the established health group IIIa is almost three times higher than in the age group of 21-36 years, and its increase is mainly due to the decreased health group I. The share of people with health group II remained almost unchanged. The share of people with health group IIIb increased about 1.5 times. In the age group over 60, the share of people with the established health group IIIa is about 80%, while the share of people with health group I and health group II falls dramatically. A list of subjects with the dynamics in distribution of health groups corresponding to the theoretical model proposed by the authors has been developed. Conclusions. The distribution of population by health group is an indicator that determines the entire further program of preventive activities, and its dynamics is an indicator of effectiveness of medical prevention. Subjects with positive dynamics in the shares of health groups I and IIIa and negative dynamics in the share of health group II are of the greatest interest in terms of analyzing effectiveness of preventive activities and identifying best practices. It is advisable to assess dynamics in distribution by health group with due regard to gender and age. Scope of application. The integrated assessment of preventive activities at the regional level, primary care facility, and site of therapeutic and general medical practice.