Increasing Treatment Duration Research Articles

Combined Effect of Multiple Chemical Mutagens and Treatment Duration on the Germination of Rice Hybrids in M1F1 Generation

Background: Mutation breeding is one of the important techniques for creating genetic variability and developing improved crop varieties with desirable traits. Chemical mutagens such as ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), sodium azide (NaN3), colchicine and organic solvent dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) have been frequently used in plant mutation breeding programs. However, the combined effects of multiple chemical mutagens and their treatment durations on plant germination, growth and development are not well understood. Methods: This study investigated the combined effects of chemical mutagens comprising of EMS, Sodium azide, colchicine and DMSO on the germination of five commercial rice (Oryza sativa L.) hybrids in the M1 generation. Seeds were treated in the mutagen solution for varying durations ranging from 4 to 24 hours. Result: Significant differences were observed in germination rates among the hybrids and across treatment durations. The highest germination rate of 3.08% was observed in Arize 6444 Gold with a 4-hour treatment, while the lowest rate of 0.17% was recorded in Srichakra 1168 with a 24-hour treatment. Overall, germination rates decreased with increasing treatment duration, likely due to the cumulative mutagenic effects and DNA damage. Srichakra 1168 exhibited the highest tolerance to the mutagen mix, while DPS-Virat was the most sensitive. Despite the low germination rates, the surviving M1 plants may harbor a range of desirable and undesirable mutations, presenting opportunities for identifying valuable mutants with improved traits in subsequent generations. This study highlights the importance of optimizing mutagen combinations and treatment conditions to balance the induction of genetic variability with the maintenance of seed viability in mutation breeding programs for rice improvement.

Assessing the impact of low-temperature stress during anthesis stage on winter wheat grain development through computer vision and machine learning.

Extreme weather events, particularly spring low-temperature stress exacerbated by global warming, have become increasingly prevalent in the Huang-Huai-Hai Basin over the past 40 years, a key wheat-producing area in China. This study aims to assess the impact of low-temperature stress during the anthesis stage on the shape and texture parameters of RGB images of both superior and inferior grains of Jimai 22, utilizing computer vision and machine learning techniques. Results showed that decreasing temperatures and extended durations led to significant reductions in shape parameters and increased uniformity in texture parameters. Superior grains exhibited greater sensitivity to low-temperature stress, with developmental delays postponing parameter extremums from 21 to 28 days after anthesis. A low-temperature stress index (Z) was constructed using principal component analysis and validated with grain weight, achieving coefficients of determination (R2) of over 0.93. Self-organizing maps clustering based on Z and grain weight indicated that increased treatment duration more significantly affected grain parameters than temperature decrease. This research demonstrates that the combination of RGB imaging with machine learning techniques provides a methodology for assessing the severity of low-temperature stress in winter wheat grains. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.

Advanced Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement Treatment for Sustainable Pervious Concrete: Optimizing Strength, Hydraulic Performance and Long-Term Durability

The increasing depletion of natural aggregates and escalating construction waste necessitate the implementation of environmentally friendly substitutes in concrete production. This study explores the incorporation of treated Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) as an eco-efficient alternative to traditional coarse aggregates in pervious concrete (PC) matrices by evaluating its structural integrity, permeability, durability, and microstructural characteristics. A comprehensive multi-stage treatment process involving solar heating, natural oxidation, and mechanical roughening was employed to enhance aggregate bonding and bitumen reduction. The treatment of RAP was conducted for three treatment durations: 0-month, 12 months, and 24 months. Coarse aggregates were substituted with 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% RAP by weight, and all mixtures were cured for 90 days. The investigation focused on evaluating essential functional characteristics, including density, porosity, hydraulic conductivity, compressive and flexural responses, as well as durability under abrasion and chemical exposure to sulphate and chloride environments. Microstructural analysis utilizing Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) demonstrated a substantial reduction in bitumen content, as evidenced by a declining carbon peak with increased treatment duration. Additionally, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) micrographs revealed fewer voids, increased C-S-H formation, and improved bonding, with minor Interfacial Transition Zone (ITZ) variations across 12-month and 24-month treatments. The findings highlight that extended RAP treatment significantly improves density, reduces porosity, enhances compressive and flexural strength, and lowers permeability. Furthermore, 24-month treated RAP demonstrated superior durability, exhibiting enhanced abrasion and chemical resistance due to improved aggregate cohesion and matrix integration. This study establishes that pervious concrete with more than 50% RAP content, previously considered unviable, is structurally feasible when suitable treatment and gradation techniques are used, thereby advancing sustainable construction materials. Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-019 Full Text: PDF

Detecting Early Degradation of Wood Ultrastructure with Nonlinear Optical Imaging and Fluorescence Lifetime Analysis.

Understanding the deterioration processes in wooden artefacts is essential for accurately assessing their conservation status and developing effective preservation strategies. Advanced imaging techniques are currently being explored to study the impact of chemical changes on the structural and mechanical properties of wood. Nonlinear optical modalities, including second harmonic generation (SHG) and two-photon excited fluorescence (TPEF), combined with fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM), offer a promising non-destructive diagnostic method for evaluating lignocellulose-based materials. In this study, we employed a nonlinear multimodal approach to examine the effects of artificially induced delignification on samples of Norway spruce (Picea abies) and European beech (Fagus sylvatica) subjected to increasing treatment durations. The integration of SHG/TPEF imaging and multi-component fluorescence lifetime analysis enabled the detection of localized variations in nonlinear signals and τ-phase of key biopolymers within wood cell walls. This methodology provides a powerful tool for early detection of wood deterioration, facilitating proactive conservation efforts of wooden artefacts.

Beyond Infection: The Role of Stunting in Tuberculosis Susceptibility and Treatment Outcomes

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) remains a major global health concern, particularly in developing countries. Stunting, a manifestation of chronic malnutrition, is prevalent in these regions and is increasingly recognized as a significant risk factor for TB. This systematic review aims to comprehensively analyze the impact of stunting on TB susceptibility and treatment outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and ScienceDirect databases was conducted for studies published in the last 10 years, focusing on the relationship between stunting and TB. The PRISMA guidelines were followed for article selection and data extraction. Results: The review identified a significant association between stunting and increased TB risk. Stunted individuals exhibit impaired immune responses, making them more susceptible to TB infection. Moreover, stunting negatively affects TB treatment outcomes, including increased treatment duration, higher relapse rates, and greater mortality risk. Conclusion: Stunting is a critical determinant of TB susceptibility and treatment outcomes. Addressing stunting through comprehensive nutritional interventions is crucial not only for reducing the burden of malnutrition but also for enhancing TB prevention and control efforts.

Immunologic Profiling of CSF in Subarachnoid Neurocysticercosis Reveals Specific Interleukin-10-Producing Cell Populations During Treatment.

Subarachnoid neurocysticercosis (SANCC) is the most severe form of Taenia solium CNS infection and accounts for the majority of neurocysticercosis-associated mortality. Inflammation is important in the treatment of SANCC because overactivity can lead to serious complications, but excessive suppression may be counterproductive toward parasite eradication. A relative abundance of CSF IL-10 to IL-12 has been associated with increased treatment duration for patients with SANCC, suggesting that IL-10 plays an important role in this disease process. To better understand SANCC immunology and the major sources of IL-10 during anthelmintic treatment, we took an unbiased and comprehensive approach to phenotype the immune cell populations in the CSF and peripheral blood of patients with SANCC. Eight samples of CSF cells collected from 5 patients with SANCC during treatment were evaluated using single-cell RNA sequencing. Matched CSF and peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 4 patients were assessed using flow cytometry. Staining for extracellular and intracellular markers allowed for the characterization of IL-10-producing T cells. The CSF during SANCC contains a diversity of immune cell populations including multiple myeloid and lymphoid populations. Although there were changes in the composition of CSF cells during treatment, the largest population at both early and late time points was CD4+ T cells. Within this population, we identified 3 sources of IL-10 unique to SANCC CSF compared with controls: natural regulatory T cells (nTregs), induced regulatory T cells (iTregs), and Th17 cells. The abundance and phenotype of these IL-10-producing populations differed between CSF and blood in patients with SANCC, but iTregs were the single most productive population in the CSF. During treatment, these IL-10 producers persisted in consistent proportions despite decreases in parasite antigen over time. This profile of immune cell populations in the CSF provides a comprehensive blueprint of the local and systemic immunology associated with SANCC. The identification of IL-10-producing cells in the CSF and peripheral blood deepens our understanding of the immunosuppressive phenotype that deters SANCC treatment success. Finally, the discovery that these IL-10 producers persist throughout treatment highlights the endurance of these populations in the CNS.

Enhancing moisture transfer and quality attributes of tomato slices through synergistic cold plasma and Osmodehydration pretreatments during infrared-assisted pulsed vacuum drying

Enhancing moisture transfer and quality attributes of tomato slices through synergistic cold plasma and Osmodehydration pretreatments during infrared-assisted pulsed vacuum drying

Study of the Effects of Plasma Pretreatment on the Microstructure of Peanuts

In this study, cold plasma treatments are employed to modify peanuts. This study systematically investigates the effects of various plasma treatment conditions, including power, duration, and gas type, on the microstructure of peanut seed coats and embryos. Observations under a scanning electron microscope (SEM) reveal that as plasma treatment power increases from 100 W to 500 W, the etching level of peanut seed coats significantly intensifies, surface roughness deepens, and concavities become more pronounced. Additionally, micro-pores on the seed coat gradually enlarge and form cracks. Specifically, when the plasma treatment is set at 200 W for 60 s, the oxygen (O2) treatment group shows interconnected cracks on the peanut seed coat surface, with lipid particles exuding and protein particles and polymers decomposing. In contrast, the helium (He) treatment group displays clear cell structures and deep grooves, with no noticeable lipid particles exuding around surface cracks. The argon (Ar) treatment group exhibits a distinct rectangular cell structure with clear boundaries, and although surface cracks form, only a few protein particles escape from the cracks. The embryo surface structure becomes looser after plasma treatment, leading to the disintegration of lipid particles, protein particles, and polymers, affecting the fusion and migration of large and small lipid bodies within the peanut’s internal structure. Increasing treatment duration intensifies the etching phenomenon, resulting in more lipid particles exuding, which indicates a positive correlation between lipid particles exuding and treatment duration. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying changes in peanut microstructure due to cold plasma treatment, providing scientific evidence for improving peanut quality, enhancing oil extraction efficiency, and optimizing food processing techniques.

Relationship between serum zinc levels and the burden of treatment in children with pneumonia

Background: Pneumonia is a common childhood disease often requiring hospitalization, with the potential for rapid progression and complications, particularly in children under five years old. Zinc plays a crucial role in various organ systems, especially the respiratory system. However, data on zinc levels and pneumonia in Vietnamese children remain limited. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum zinc levels and the treatment burden in children with pneumonia. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted involving 200 children aged 2 to 59 months who were diagnosed with pneumonia and hospitalized at Can Tho Children's Hospital, Vietnam. Serum zinc levels were measured, and treatment characteristics were monitored, including the need for respiratory support, antibiotic escalation, and treatment duration. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, simple linear regression and multivariable linear regression to determine associations between serum zinc levels and treatment outcomes. Results: Children who were not exclusively breastfed for the first six months had significantly lower serum zinc levels compared to those who were exclusively breastfed (p<0.001). Lower serum zinc levels were significantly associated with the need for respiratory support (p=0.001), antibiotic escalation (p=0.002), prolonged antibiotic use (p=0.01), and longer treatment duration (p=0.011). Multivariate linear regression revealed that each unit decrease in serum zinc levels increased treatment duration by 0.218 days (p=0.015). Conclusion: Low serum zinc levels are associated with increased treatment burden in children under five years old with pneumonia.

Long-term use of lokivetmab in dogs with atopic dermatitis.

Lokivetmab, a caninised monoclonal antibody against interleukin (IL)-31, is an effective treatment for the pruritus associated with canine atopic dermatitis (cAD). To investigate the efficacy and safety of lokivetmab during long-term treatment defined as at least three consecutive lokivetmab injections in atopic dogs under field conditions. To assess individual factors influencing treatment outcome and adverse events. 150 dogs with cAD. Medical records of dogs treated with lokivetmab were reviewed, and owners and/or veterinarians were contacted as needed for follow-up. A decrease of the pruritus Visual Analog Scale (PVAS) score by ≥2 or a PVAS score ≤2 after treatment was considered as treatment success. Logistic regression was used to investigate the influence of a variety of factors on outcome: type of cAD (food versus environment), age at first lokivetmab administration, disease chronicity, dosage and/or secondary infection. Any adverse event that occurred during the study period was recorded. Lokivetmab reduced the PVAS score with long-term use (p < 0.01); the success rate was 53 of 69 total dogs (77%). The probability of treatment failure decreased with increasing treatment duration. None of the factors investigated influenced the treatment outcome. Twelve dogs of 150 (8%) showed adverse events such as gastrointestinal signs or lethargy. Lokivetmab appears to be an effective and safe long-term anti-itch therapy for dogs with cAD.

Treatment duration by morphology and location of impacted maxillary canines: A cone-beam computed tomography investigation

Treatment duration by morphology and location of impacted maxillary canines: A cone-beam computed tomography investigation

Predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates with sepsis.

Sepsis is a common disease with high morbidity and mortality among newborns in intensive care units world-wide. Gram-negative bacillary bacteria are the major source of infection in neonates. Gentamicin is the most widely used aminoglycoside antibiotic in empiric therapy against early-onset sepsis. However, therapy failure may result due to various factors. The purpose of this study was to identify predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates with sepsis. This was a prospective cross-sectional study at the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Windhoek Central Hospital over a period of 5 months in 2019. Neonates received intravenous gentamicin 5 mg/kg/24 h in combination with either benzylpenicillin 100 000 IU/kg/12 h or ampicillin 50 mg/kg/8 h. Logistic regression modeling was performed to determine the predictors of treatment outcomes. 36% of the 50 neonates were classified as having gentamicin treatment failure. Increasing treatment duration by 1 day resulted in odds of treatment failure increasing from 1.0 to 2.41. Similarly, one unit increase in CRP increases odds of gentamicin treatment failure by 49%. The 1 kg increase in birthweight reduces the log odds of treatment failure by 6.848, resulting in 99.9% decrease in the odds of treatment failure. One unit increase in WBC reduces odds of gentamicin treatment failure by 27%. Estimates of significant predictors of treatment failure were precise, yielding odds ratios that were within 95% confidence interval. This study identified the following as predictors of gentamicin therapy failure in neonates: prolonged duration of treatment, elevated C-reactive protein, low birthweight, and low white blood cell count.

Detection of cytotoxic effects of carboplatin in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelioid cell line CNE-1 by Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis

Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis was used to examine the molecular mechanism of carboplatin toxicity in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma epithelioid cell line CNE-1. Multivariate analysis was performed through principal component analysis combined with linear discriminant analysis, through which a diagnostic algorithm that could discriminate between the control and treatment groups was generated. Compared with the control group (0 μmol/L, 0 hour), the 2 protein Raman peaks (1002 cm−1 and 1659 cm−1) and the 2 deoxyribonucleic acid Raman peaks (1303 cm−1 and 1338 cm−1) in the treatment group decreased with increasing carboplatin concentrations as well as with increasing treatment durations. Using principal component analysis combined with linear discriminant analysis, the discrimination accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity between the control group and the cell groups treated at 12 and 16 μmol/L carboplatin for 24 hours were all 100%, suggesting that 16 μmol/L is suitable as the therapeutic dosing. Using the same method, the discrimination accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity between the control group and the cell groups that were treated with 12 μmol/L carboplatin for 24 and 36 hours were all 100%, indicating that 24 hours could be suitable treatment duration. These results suggest that Raman spectroscopy combined with multivariate statistical analysis could be a useful tool for assessing carboplatin-induced cytotoxicity in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells.

Scaling the electrophoretic separation of rapeseed proteins and oleosomes

Gentle extraction of ingredients from raw materials is essential for high-quality food ingredients and can lead to reducing the use of water, chemicals, and energy in the extraction. For example, a simple aqueous extraction can yield a mixture of oil, in the form of a natural oil-in-water oleosome emulsion, and proteins. The oleosomes and proteins can then be further separated in a next step. We explored a continuous counter-current electrophoretic process that separates oleosomes and proteins based on their electrophoretic mobility by balancing an electric field with an opposing solvent flow. The separation is accomplished through the retention of the component with the higher electrophoretic mobility, the oleosomes, and the passage of the proteins, having lower mobility. The fluxes of oleosomes and proteins from rapeseed, after aqueous extraction, were analyzed as a function of the electric field (0–75 Vcm−1) and 1.2 ± 0.1 mLmin-1 solvent flow rate. At 50 Vcm−1, the permeation flux of proteins was 10-fold higher than that of oleosomes, as shown by the selectivity increasing to 9.84 from 1.90 at 25 Vcm−1. The difference in their flux promises to become more pronounced under an increasing treatment duration, but two main technical limitations, electrolysis-based pH alteration and membrane fouling, restrict further separation. We expect the listed challenges can be mitigated with the addition of electrode rinse chambers and the use of larger pore size membranes.

Assessing the Impact of Oral Isotretinoin on the Menstrual Cycle: A Prospective Study on Predictors of Menstrual Irregularities.

Background and Objectives: This study aims to evaluate the association between the use of oral isotretinoin and menstrual irregularities in acne patients with previously regular menstrual cycles. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted on 58,599 female patients aged 14 to 36 at King Abdullah University Hospital in Irbid, Jordan. The patients were followed for a period of 4.5 to 8 months during treatment and for 2 months post-treatment. Menstrual cycle changes were documented, and statistical analysis was performed to identify any significant associations. Results: A total of 111 (37.1%) patients, who were previously known to have regular menstrual cycles, complained of menstrual changes while using oral isotretinoin. Ninety-nine of those patients who complained of menstrual changes had their cycles back to normal post-treatment. There is a significant difference in the total accumulative dose between those with changes in menses and those without; p-value [0.008]. The most common change that occurred was amenorrhea (p < 0.001), followed by oligomenorrhea and menorrhagia (p < 0.001 and p = 0.050, respectively). The duration of treatment was a significant predictor of menstrual irregularities, with an odds ratio (OR) of 5.106 (95% CI: 1.371-19.020, p = 0.015), indicating a higher likelihood of menstrual changes with increased treatment duration. The total accumulative dose was also significantly associated with menstrual irregularities (OR = 0.964; 95% CI: 0.939-0.990; p = 0.006). Additionally, a family history of PCOS significantly increased the odds of menstrual irregularities (OR = 3.783; 95% CI: 1.314-10.892; p = 0.014). Conclusions: The study identified that 37.1% of the participants experienced changes in their menstrual cycles while undergoing isotretinoin therapy, with the vast majority (89.2%) returning to normal within two months post-treatment. Our logistic regression analysis pinpointed the duration of isotretinoin treatment, the total accumulative dose, and a family history of PCOS as significant predictors of menstrual irregularities.

Associations of cumulative voriconazole dose, treatment duration, and alkaline phosphatase with voriconazole-induced periostitis

ObjectiveTo investigate the associations of cumulative voriconazole dose, treatment duration, and alkaline phosphatase with voriconazole-induced periostitis.Materials and methodsOne hundred and thirty-one patients with voriconazole use were identified using a clinical informatics tool. Health record data including age, sex, immune status, alkaline phosphatase, voriconazole levels, voriconazole dose, frequency, and treatment duration were collected. Imaging studies during the duration of treatment were reviewed by two radiology trainees and imaging features of voriconazole-induced periostitis were confirmed by a board-certified musculoskeletal radiologist. The length, location in the body, location in the bone, type, and morphology of periostitis lesions were recorded. Incident voriconazole-induced periostitis was defined as new periostitis on imaging after 28 days or more of voriconazole treatment in the absence of an alternative diagnosis. Univariate Firth’s logistic regression models were performed using cumulative voriconazole dose, treatment duration, and average ALP as predictors and incident VIP as the outcome.ResultsThere were nine patients with voriconazole-induced periostitis and 122 patients without voriconazole-induced periostitis. The most common lesion location in the body was the ribs (37%) and morphology was solid (44%). A 31.5-g increase in cumulative voriconazole dose was associated with 8% higher odds of incident periostitis. Increased treatment duration (63 days) and higher average alkaline phosphatase (50 IU/L) were associated with 7% higher odds of periostitis and 34% higher odds of periostitis, respectively.ConclusionIncreased cumulative voriconazole dose, treatment duration, and average alkaline phosphatase were associated with higher odds of voriconazole-induced periostitis.

P134 Developing a potential composite pharmacodynamic serum marker of skin severity in systemic sclerosis

Abstract Background/Aims Previously, through multilevel and high dimensional analysis, we derived a composite biomarker for modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients using a derivation cohort (BIOPSY). This identified 4 blood proteins (COMP, COL4A1, TNC and SPON1) that independently correlated with mRSS and also with skin gene and dermal blister expression at a separate 12-month timepoint. These proteins likely reflect overlapping aspects of SSc skin pathobiology that are not overly influenced by other disease compartments. In the present study, we undertake technical and biological validation of this novel composite marker in well characterised SSc patients. Methods COMP (DCMP0, R&amp;D Systems), COL4A1 (CSB-EL005741HU, Cusabio), TNC (ab213831, Abcam) and SPON1 (CSB-EL022599HU, Cusabio) were examined in serum samples from diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) cases in two independent cohorts of patients, BIOPSY (n = 33) and MODERNISE (n = 37). The BIOPSY cohort was previously used to derive the composite marker and MODERNISE was a novel validation cohort. Later, early dcSSc patients from both cohorts were combined into a third analysis group (n = 36). Multiple regression analysis derived a formula for a composite biomarker score which predicted mRSS based on serum ELISA results. Results Serum concentration positively correlated with mRSS for COMP and TNC, particularly in early dcSSc patients (COMP, r = 0.10, p = 0.05; TNC, r = 0.13, p = 0.03). No significant correlation was observed for COL4A1 (r = 0.03, p = 0.34). Interpretable data could not be obtained for SPON1 due to technical limitations of the ELISA. Confirming previous results multiple regression analysis derived a formula for the prediction of mRSS using the three remaining serum proteins (r = 0.15, p = 0.009). mRSS = 9.896 + 0.01719(COMP) - 0.006481(COL4A1) - 0.002318(TNC). Patients receiving mycophenolate mofetil showed numerically lower serum concentrations of COMP (p = 0.16), COL4A1 (p = 0.32), TNC (p = 0.15) and a lower composite biomarker score (p = 0.22) with increasing treatment duration in early dcSSc cases (Table 1). Conclusion Our results confirm this novel three-protein composite serum marker predicts skin severity in SSc better than each individual analyte. After further validation, this blood-based approach may help evaluate treatment response to standard immunosuppression. Further work will establish utility of this composite measure as a predictive or prognostic biomarker. Disclosure E. Roblin: None. K.E.N. Clark: None. C. Beesley: None. V.H. Ong: None. C.P. Denton: Consultancies; C.P.D. has received consulting fees from Arxx Therapeutics, Roche, Janssen, GlaxoSmithKline, Bayer, Sanofi, Galapagos, Boehringer Ingelheim, CSL Behring and Acceleron. Honoraria; C.P.D. has received honoraria from Janssen, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Corbus. Grants/research support; C.P.D. has received research grants to the institution from Servier, Horizon, Arxx Therapeutics and GlaxoSmithKline.

A key parametric study of ultrasonic exfoliation of 2D TiB2 using DI water as a unique medium

A key parametric study of ultrasonic exfoliation of 2D TiB2 using DI water as a unique medium

Impact of irregular appointment interval on Orthodontic treatment amid COVID-19 Pandemic- A Cross sectional Observational Study.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic situation has affected all professions including orthodontics. The present study proposed determination of impact of irregular appointments on Orthodontic treatment amid COVID-19 pandemic. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional observational study design enrolled 134 patients over period of 2 weeks were recorded such as treatment start date, total number of appointments scheduled and frequency of missed appointments after 24 March 2020, Stage of Orthodontic treatment on or before 24 March 2020 i.e., Alignment &amp; levelling b) Space closure c) Finishing and Detailing d) Retention. Results: The distribution of malocclusion based on Angle Molar criteria showed prevalence of 53.73 % Class I, 37.32 % Class II and 8.95% Class III. The malocclusions were treated predominantly by extraction in 57.46 % and non-extraction in 42.44 % patients. The total treatment duration revealed that more than 51 % patients’ treatment lasted beyond 24 months but finished before 36 months. Similarly, 35.82 % patients’ treatment duration was less than 12 months. It was found that more than 47 % were in Stage I, 28.36 % were in stage II, 18.66 % in stage III and lastly 5.97 % were in stage IV. Conclusion: Orthodontic emergencies and un-schedule appointments had prevalence of Class I, followed by Class II and Class III with extraction treatment therapy. Majority patients treated with fixed mechanotherapy followed by Clear aligners and Retainers. More than half of the patients had increased treatment duration due to irregular follow up. Keywords: COVID-19, Corona Virus Disease, Orthodontic Appointment, Orthodontic Appliances.

Effects of Thermo-Mechanical Processing on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of β -Type Titanium Alloys

This study investigates the microstructural evolution and mechanical behavior of severe cold-rolled β-type Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr (TNTZ) alloys under systematic solution heat treatments (ST) at 1063 K for durations ranging from 5 to 60 minutes. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the microstructural and mechanical characteristics of TNTZ alloys under varying solution heat treatment durations, offering a foundational understanding for optimizing their application in engineering contexts. Microstructural analysis reveals that both solution-treated (ST) and cold-rolled (CR) samples exhibit a predominant single body-centered cubic (BCC) β phase, while cold-rolled and solution-treated (CST-Q) samples display a combination of β and martensite orthorhombic α'' phases. ST samples demonstrate equiaxed grains with an average diameter of ~72 μm, albeit with limited clarity. In contrast, CST-Q samples treated for over 10 minutes exhibit finer equiaxed grains within the 7-14 μm range. Hardness values increase with prolonged solution heat treatment, reaching approximately ~183 HV for ST and ~234 HV for CR. Moreover, hardness continues to rise with increasing treatment duration, reaching ~204 HV for CST10Q, ~229 HV for CST30Q, and ~242 HV for CST60Q. Mechanical properties, including tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation, vary across samples. ST shows values of ~710 MPa, ~610 MPa, and ~25%, CR with ~1305 MPa, ~395 MPa, and ~17.5%, CST5Q with ~1042 MPa, ~440 MPa, and 17.5%, CST10Q with ~1010 MPa, ~650 MPa, and 21%, and CST60Q with ~930 MPa, ~660 MPa, and ~21%. Fracture surfaces of all samples exhibit dimple structures and microvoid nucleation, indicative of ductile failure.