Root Level Research Articles

Effect of herbal irrigants on surface roughness of intraradicular dentin using quantitative method of 3D surface texture analysis

Replacing the conventional endodontic irrigants with herbal agents could avoid complications associated with using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). Endodontic irrigants alter the surface roughness of the dentinal wall surface, which affects sealer mechanical retention. This study aimed to assess the effect of experimental herbal Moringa oleifera and orange peel extract irrigant on intraradicular dentin (IRD) surface roughness using quantitative 3D surface analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) regarding the smear layer assessment. Sixty human root sections were divided into four groups (n = 15): NaOCl combined with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA); negative control (saline); moringa extract (MO); and orange oil (OO). SEM images were assessed quantitatively for surface roughness (Ra) in the coronal, middle, and apical IRD. The data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis, Friedman, and Dunn’s tests. All groups showed statistically significant differences (P = 0.007). MO exhibited significantly greater Ra values at the coronal, middle, and apical root levels than OO (P = 0.007, 0.009, and 0.046, respectively). There was no significant change in Ra values at various root levels within each group at P = 0.091, 0.819, 0.819, and 0.549 for the EDTA, saline, MO, and OO groups. Considerable (IRD) surface roughness analysis makes Moringa extract a promising herbal endodontic irrigant alternative to the NaOCl plus EDTA regimen.

Adsorption rate of uranium and thorium isotopes in soil and plants grown in a high background radiation area

ABSTRACT An important method for measuring radionuclide activity is alpha spectrometry. Ten soil samples were collected from the studied area. The activity concentrations of 238U and 234U in the collected soil samples ranged between 135 and 218 Bq kg–1 and between 117 and 183 Bq kg–1, respectively. 232Th, 230Th and 228Th activity concentrations ranged between 101 and 339, between 122 and 234 and between 106 and 385 Bq kg–1, respectively. When calculating the amount of radionuclide transport across the food chain, assessment models usually employ a transfer factor. Through root uptake, U and Th are transferred from the soil to food plants. To monitor the movement of radionuclides from the uranium series in diverse environments, it may be possible to use the ratios of uranium and thorium isotopes. Uranium mobility in soil depends on different physicochemical, organic and enzymatic factors and mechanisms. The high mobility of uranium is the main reason for the accumulation of uranium in the soil at root level and the possibility of its transfer to plants. A group of plants were selected that are grown in this area and the population relies on them mainly to meet their food needs. The concentration and transfer factor values of uranium isotopes were the highest in roots as compared with leaves and stems. Uranium in plants accumulates in roots and is then transferred to leaves. The mobility of uranium in plant tissues is constrained because it frequently adsorbs cell wall components. As a result, concentrations are frequently higher in tissues located in lower parts of the plant, with root surfaces having the highest concentrations.

Challenges of Frontline health workers on reduction of anaemia among adolescents: A Qualitative enquiry

Purpose: High prevalence of anaemia is a severe public health problem in several low- and middle-income countries like India. In adolescents, anaemia has been linked to impaired physical and mental development and increases reproductive morbidities among adolescent girls during their womanhood. To tackle this high prevalence, number of government programs have been launched in India. However, a slow decline in the prevalence of anaemia has been reported in Indian adolescents over the recent past. Therefore, it is important to unfold the issues in reduction of prevalence of anaemia and the current study was carried out to identify challenges in reducing anaemia among adolescent girls. Methods: 33 frontline health workers were recruited from 6 randomly selected villages (out of 6, 2 villages were having population less than 2000, 2 villages were having population 2000 to 5000 and 2 villages were having more than 5000 population) of Kashi Vidyapeeth block, Varanasi. between January 2022 to April 2022. In-depth, face-to-face interviews were carried out in local language using an interview guide. All the interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Transcribed data was analysed manually for theme extraction. This study was granted ethical permission by the Institutional Ethics Committee. Results: Following major themes were extracted during the data analysis: (i) Poor knowledge about adolescent health-related issues; (ii) non-adherence to program guidelines; (iii) Irregularity in the supply chain; (iv) Beneficiary’s lack of interest in only education about anaemia in the community; (v) Excessive administrative burden; (vi) Dissatisfaction in terms of monetary remuneration. Conclusions: The emerging findings throw light on the knowledge & perspective of Frontline health workers about program guidelines and also highlights the different challenges in implementing anaemia prevention strategies faced by them at the grass root level.

Decentralization and Development: The Missing Link

Decentralization is a basic form of democratic government that transfer power, resources and empowers the local people as the decision makers for the local governing system. Since the inception in the Indian Constitution, decentralization was predicated to strengthen local political organizations, increase their democratic nature, and establish institutions that would cater to the interests and needs of the people. It envisages increasing local government institutions’ accountability and performance which would enhance development and transparency of governance at the grass root level. There are various theoretical benefits associated with decentralization, and already three decades have passed since the introduction of the 73rd and 74th Amendment Act in 1992. However, in many instances, realizing these idealistic decentralization goals has proven to be extremely difficult. The study therefore seeks to examine if decentralization is improving service delivery at the local level as envisioned. Although, efforts were made to facilitate effective and accountable local governance, various factors have hindered decentralization to fully achieve its objectives. The study attempts to identify the ‘missing link’ which has hampered the efficacy of decentralized government in India.

Manganese toxicity elicits the degradation of auxin transport carriers to restrain arabidopsis root growth

Manganese (Mn) is an essential microelement for plant growth but can be toxic when in excessive. Mn toxicity-inhibited root growth possible involves in auxin biosynthesis and transport in plants, but the mechanism remains elusive. Our results have suggested that Mn-inhibited root growth was possible associated with a reduced auxin levels in roots, as shown in experiments with (1) transgenic DII-VENUS and DR5rev::GFP; (2) the application of L-kynurenine (an inhibitor of TAA1 activity), 1-naphthylacetic acid (NAA), 1-naphthylphthalamic acid (NPA) to manipulate auxin levels; (3) using taa1 (defection in auxin biosynthesis) mutants; and (4) determining IAA by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Those results were explained via down-regulated transcriptional levels of auxin biosynthesis-related genes in plants, and reduced abundance of PM-localized auxin transport carriers in roots. Combination of auxin transport-related transgenic pPINs-GFP or pAUX1::AUX1-YFP lines and a real-time in vitro observation of PM-localized PIN2/3/4 carriers using transgenic Dendra2 lines have revealed that excessive Mn induced degradation of these proteins, which might involve in Mn toxicity-elicited up-regulation of partially ubiquitin-, clathrin-meidiated endocytosis (CME)-, and endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT)-related genes. Overall, our results suggest that Mn toxicity reduces auxin level in the root apex possible via down-regulation of auxin biosynthesis-related genes and post-translational stimulation of the degradation of auxin transport proteins, leading to root growth inhibition caused by Mn toxicity.

Influence of Microalgae Biomasses Retrieved from Phycoremediation of Wastewaters on Yield of Lettuce, Soil Health, and Nitrogen Environmental Fate

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of three microalgae strains, Chlorella vulgaris, Scenedesmus quadricauda, and Klebsormidium sp. K39, on the enhancement of lettuce yield and soil fertility and in mitigation of nitrogen losses in groundwater, focusing on some aspects of the complex soil-plant system. The experimental trials were carried in pots, and involved the application of microalgae cells at two different concentrations (50 and 500 mg kg− 1 of soil), alone or in combination with standard mineral fertilization. The yield, main morpho-biometric parameters, and protein content of lettuce seedlings, as well as the activities of key enzymes involved in the nitrogen pathway (nitrate reductase, glutamine synthase, and glutamate synthetase) at both root and shoot levels, were monitored and the results were compared to not-inoculated control plants. The nitrate leached due to over irrigation was also evaluated. Furthermore, even the effects of microalgae biostimulants on soil biochemical activity were analysed by monitoring fluorescein diacetate hydrolysis, dehydrogenase, acid and alkaline phosphomonoesterase, and urease activities. All treatments significantly improved lettuce growth, especially when combined with mineral fertilization, providing comparable levels to the control plants treated only with microalgae cells. Furthermore, microalgae treatments positively influenced soil biological activities, as evidenced by increased of the potential biochemical index of soil fertility (Mw). In conclusion, microalgae soil treatments may be considered as a viable strategy to assist growers in reducing the use of mineral fertilizers, with a view to improve plant growth as well as soil biological activity.

Salvage of Iatrogenic Sciatic Nerve Injury Caused by Operatively Treated Acetabular Fractures: Two Cases and Literature Review.

While sciatic nerve injury has been described as a complication of acetabular fractures, iatrogenic nerve injury remains sparsely reported. This study aims to assess iatrogenic sciatic nerve injuries occurring during acetabular fracture surgery, tracking their neurological recovery and clinical outcomes, and investigating any correlation between recovery and the severity of neurologic injury to facilitate physicians in providing prediction of prognosis. We present two cases of male patients, aged 56 and 22, who developed sciatic palsy due to iatrogenic nerve injury during acetabular fracture surgery. Iatrogenic sciatic nerve injury resulted from operatively treated acetabular fractures. Surgical exploration, involving internal fixation removal and nerve decompression, successfully alleviated symptoms in both cases postoperatively. At the latest follow-up, one patient achieved full recovery with excellent function, while the other exhibited residual deficits at the L5/S1 root level along with minimal pain. Sciatic nerve injury likely stemmed from reduction techniques and internal fixation procedures for the posterior column, particularly when performed with the hip flexed, thereby placing tension on the sciatic nerve. Our case reports underscore the significance of liberal utilization of electrophysiologic examinations and intraoperative monitoring for the prediction of prognosis. Surgical exploration, encompassing internal fixation removal and nerve decompression, represents an effective intervention for resolving sciatic palsy, encompassing both sensory neuropathy and motor symptoms.

A Push-out Bond Strength Study and Interface Analysis of New Porous Titanium Dental Post Luted with Resin Cement

This study aimed to compare the push-out bond strength (PBS) between a new porous titanium post (PTP) and other marketed dental posts cemented with two types of dual-cure resin cement. A total of 96 extracted single-rooted human teeth were recruited. Four types of dental posts (n = 24 each), namely: stainless steel post (SSP), commercially-pure titanium post (CTP), fibre glass post (FGP), and PTP were cemented with two types of resin cements (RelyX U200 and ParaCore) and then sectioned at coronal and middle root levels. The specimens were subjected to a PBS test at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The interface analysis was performed using a stereomicroscope and scanning electron microscope. A p-value < 0.05 was considered significant for all statistical tests. PBS recordings showed that the highest PBS mean value in RelyX group was 2.68±1.10 MPa for PTP. The differences in PBS between PTP and SSP and FGP were not significant (p = 0.098 and p = 0.075, respectively). The null hypothesis for RelyX group at both coronal and middle sections of the root was retained (p > 0.05). No failure at the post-cement interface was found in the PTP group, which was founder superior over the other posts (no gap for this interface was observed). The PTP showed similar bonding strength and adhesion to the other tested posts when using RelyX U200 cement. The PTP can be considered a new alternative option for the dental post system.

Impact of COVID-19 among small-scale industry fishermen - A mixed methods study from the coastal area of Karnataka.

COVID-19 pandemic resulted in widespread and devastating physical, emotional, societal, and economic repercussions among workers in India. To evaluate the impact of COVID-19 and to understand the challenges faced and coping mechanism adopted among fishermen community from the coastal area of Karnataka. This community-based mixed-methods study included participants from a coastal Karnataka fishermen's community. Questionnaire based personal interviews collected information on sociodemographics, COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and related costs, COVID-19-appropriate behavior and were screened using DASS-21. Focus group discussions and key informant interviews were conducted to acquire qualitative data. Quantitative data collection involved 107 participants, predominantly males [70.1%], aged between 46-60 years [37.4%] and low socioeconomic status [79.4%]. Among 107, 51 participants reported to have probable COVID-19 symptoms. Around 11% had tested for COVID-19 and two were admitted in hospital with mean hospital stay of seven days. According to DASS-21, 20.6%, 15.9% and 9.3% of participants screened positive for depression, anxiety and stress respectively. Nearly one third of the participants were found to have significant socioeconomic impact.Major challenges faced included loss of livelihood, inaccessibility to health care, repayment of loans, stigma related to COVID-19 and meeting educational expenses of children with one dropping out of college. Activities of local self-help groups in the community and grass root level marketing strategies to sell fish were highly successful in mitigating the impact as a community. COVID-19 had a significant impact on fishermen community and implies a need for better pandemic and disaster preparedness strategies in the community.

Physiological and growth responses of milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) to soil-applied herbicides

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) is cultivated globally as a valuable medicinal plant. The presence of weeds poses numerous challenges to milk thistle production, making weed management the primary concern in milk thistle fields. Chemical weed management is an economical and promising approach to controlling weeds in cropping systems. Therefore, to investigate the tolerance of milk thistle to soil-applied herbicides, in the spring of 2022, we conducted a pot experiment as a completely randomized factorial design with four replications at the research greenhouse of the University of Birjand, Iran. The applied herbicides included metribuzin, pendimethalin, trifluralin, and ethalfluralin at six doses (0, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150% of the recommended dose (ai ha−1)). Herbicide treatments had adverse effects on the root and shoot growth of milk thistle. Compared to the control, ethalfluralin at 150% (−60.1%) and metribuzin at 50% (−13.3%) had the highest and lowest herbicide negative effects on root dry weight, respectively. In contrast to the control, we found that ethalfluralin at 150% (−64.4%) and metribuzin at 50% (−9.3%) of the recommended dose had the highest and lowest impacts on shoot dry weight, respectively. Furthermore, herbicide applications decreased the membrane stability index (MSI) and relative water content (RWC). Root and leaf levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total phenol, DPPH scavenging, soluble carbohydrates, and proline increased after all herbicide treatments, compared to the control. Metribuzin and pendimethalin had fewer negative effects on milk thistle growth. Consequently, these herbicides could be considered as potential options for weed control in milk thistle fields.

Differential reduction in cadmium accumulation in barley under cadmium-salt co-exposure involves specific HMA genes and antioxidative responses

Salinity and heavy metal accumulation adversely affect agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. Little information exists about the combinatory effect of various stresses on plants, but it is assumed that stress interaction may trigger a specific response. Here, we assessed the combinatory effect of salinity and cadmium on various physiological and molecular traits in two cultivated barley genotypes with contrasting salinity tolerance; Rihane (RH, salt tolerant) and Lemsi (LM, salt sensitive). Studied genotypes were hydroponically exposed to CdCl2 (30 µM), NaCl (300 mM) or the combined Cd-NaCl stresses for 15 days. Salinity and to a lesser degree Cd-NaCl stress significantly reduced growth, leaf water content, chlorophyll pigments, and K uptake, and increased Na and Cl contents for both genotypes, with LM being more affected than RH. Cd content in roots was higher than in shoots for both genotypes either under Cd alone or when combined with NaCl. Interestingly, NaCl addition reduced Cd accumulation in both roots and shoots of the two barley genotypes, suggesting that the interaction of NaCl and Cd on their uptake and accumulation is antagonistic. The tolerant genotype (RH) accumulated lower Cd levels in shoots and roots than the salt-sensitive one (LM). Cd-NaCl stress significantly lowered H2O2 and MDA contents relative to NaCl treatment alone. The activity of several antioxidant enzymes was essentially higher in RH than in LM, under the different stresses. These responses were in concomitant with an enhanced expression of specific Heavy Metal ATPases (HvHMA) genes, mainly in RH, which can partially, explain the reduced Cd accumulation in this genotype. Overall, these findings suggest the possibility of cultivating salt-tolerant barley genotypes in saline soils slightly contaminated with Cd, whereas barley sensitive genotypes could be assessed for phytoremediation purposes.

Evaluation of maize varieties via multivariate analysis: Roles of ionome, antioxidants, and autophagy in salt tolerance.

Salt stress presents a major obstacle to maize (Zea mays L.) production globally, impeding its growth and development. In this study, we aimed to identify salt-tolerant maize varieties through evaluation using multivariate analysis and shed light on the role of ionome, antioxidant capacity, and autophagy in salt tolerance. We investigated multiple growth indices, including shoot fresh weight, shoot dry weight, plant height, chlorophyll content, electrolyte leakage, potassium and sodium contents, and potassium-to-sodium ratio, in 20 maize varieties at the V3 stage under salt stress (200 mm NaCl). The results showed significant differences in the growth indices, accompanied by a wide range in their coefficient of variation, suggesting their suitability for screening salt tolerance. Based on D values, clustering analysis categorized the 20 varieties into 4 distinct groups. TG88, KN20, and LR888 (group I) emerged as the most salt-tolerant varieties, while YD9, XD903, and LH151 (group IV) were identified as the most sensitive. TG88 showcased nutrient preservation and redistribution under salt stress, surpassing YD9. It maintained nitrogen and iron levels in roots, while YD9 experienced decreases. TG88 redistributed more nitrogen, zinc, and potassium to its leaves, outperforming YD9. TG88 preserved sulfur levels in both roots and leaves, unlike YD9. Additionally, TG88 demonstrated higher enzymatic antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and glutathione reductase) at both the enzyme and gene expression levels, upregulation of autophagy-related (ATG) genes (ZmATG6, ZmATG8a, and ZmATG10), and increased autophagic activity. Overall, this study offers insights into accurate maize varieties evaluation methods and the physiological mechanisms underlying salt tolerance and identifies promising materials for further research.

Health care workers’ qualitative descriptions of ethically challenging situations evoking moral distress during Covid-19

Background: The high public demand for healthcare services during the COVID-19 pandemic and strict infection control measures, coupled with threat of severe illness and death, and limited resources, led to many healthcare workers (HCWs) experiencing ethically challenging situations (ECSs). Objective: To systematically explore first-hand accounts of ECS-evoking moral distress among HCWs during this public health emergency. Research design: This was an open cohort study. All participants were asked whether they had been in ECS-evoking moral distress during the pandemic. Those who had were asked to describe these situations. Answers were systematically analyzed according to three levels of root causes for ECSs, using thematic analysis. Participants and research context: In January 2022, 977 HCWs from four Norwegian university hospitals participated. Ethical considerations: The study received ethical approval from the Norwegian Ethical Review Authority (No. 130944). Results: In total, 508 participants (52%) reported that they had experienced ECS-evoking moral distress during the pandemic, whereof 323 provided a qualitative description. We found that while a few reported ECSs caused at the patient level, and some described situations at the unit/team level, the vast majority reported situations caused at the system level, predominantly related to resource scarcity, particularly poor staffing. Conclusion: Our findings strongly indicate that efforts to mitigate moral distress among HCWs should be targeted at the system level. More specifically, the study findings highlight resource limitations, particularly poor staffing, as a major cause of moral distress during the pandemic.

The Assessment of C-shaped Canal Prevalence in Mandibular Second Molars Using Endodontic Microscopy and Cone Beam Computed Tomography: An In Vivo Investigation.

Background Understanding root canal anatomy variations, particularly C-shaped canals, is crucial for successful endodontic treatment. This study used clinical and radiographic methods to assess the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in Western Maharashtra. Materials and methods This prospective study was conducted in the western region of Maharashtra, India. The samples included patients requiring endodontic treatment for mandibular second molars. Clinical evaluation was conducted using a surgical endodontic microscope and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. Inclusion and exclusion criteria ensured the selection of a focused and homogeneous sample. Data analysis included assessment of unilateral/bilateral occurrence, canal distribution, and cross-sectional characteristics. Results Out of 200 mandibular second molars, 7.5% exhibited C-shaped root canals, with no significant gender differences. Canal distribution varied across coronal, middle, and apical levels, with prevalent configurations being C1, C2, C3, and C4. No significant differences were observed in canal distribution based on root levels. No significant gender differences were found in the presence of grooves on the root surfaces. Conclusion This study provides valuable insights into the prevalence and characteristics of C-shaped canals in mandibular second molars in Western Maharashtra. Further research into histological and genetic aspects can enhance our understanding, leading to improved treatment strategies for complex root canal anatomy variations.

Comparative Effectiveness of Different Er:YAG Laser-Activated Irrigation Systems on Removing Calcium Hydroxide from Simulated Internal Root Resorption Cavities at Different Root Levels.

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Er:YAG laser-activated irrigation (LAI) with a short pulse duration for removing calcium hydroxide (CH) from simulated internal root resorption (IRR) cavities at three root levels. Background: Pulse duration is an important parameter during LAI, which ensures the efficiency of irradiation and the corresponding activation process. Short pulses in the range of a few microseconds enable rapid expansion and successive implosion of irrigants, resulting in distinct fluid movement. There have been few reports on CH removal efficacy from IRR cavities of different LAI systems, including those using short pulse duration. Methods: IRR cavities (1.6 mm diameter) were created at the apical, middle, and coronal root levels in 60 mandibular premolars and filled with a radiopaque CH paste. Samples were assigned to the following irrigation groups (n = 12, each): (1) LAI(P)-F, a prototype laser device that operates with short pulse duration (Morita Manufacturing) with a flat tip; (2) LAI(EA)-F, the ErwinAdverl laser device (Morita Manufacturing) with a flat tip; (3) LAI(EA)-T, the ErwinAdverl laser device with a tapered tip; (4) PIPS-T, the Lightwalker laser device (Fotona) with a tapered tip; and (5) SI, the syringe irrigation group. The laser tips were fixed at the canal entrance. The remaining CH volume and surface area were assessed in IRR cavities using micro-computed tomography and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. Data were statistically analyzed utilizing one-way analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% significance level. Results: The LAI(P)-F and PIPS-T groups exhibited the highest CH removal rates at three different levels (p < 0.05). The LAI(EA)-F group had a significantly better efficacy of CH removal compared with the LAI(EA)-T group at the middle level (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The LAI(P)-F and PIPS-T groups demonstrated superior efficiency in removing CH from simulated IRR cavities.

Effect of ultrasonic and Er,Cr:YSGG laser-activated irrigation protocol on dual-species root canal biofilm removal: An in vitro study.

The aim of the study was to investigate the disinfecting efficacy of a standardized irrigating solution activated by ultrasonics or laser irradiation on mature dual-species biofilms at different root levels in vitro. Conventional access cavity preparations were done on 160 single-rooted mandibular premolar teeth with single canals. Freshly extracted oral microbial strains of Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans after biochemical confirmation were used to generate two discrete dual-species microbial inoculums. The sterilized tooth samples were randomly segregated into two groups (n = 80) and inoculated with a mixed inoculum of S. aureus + E. faecalis strains (Group 1) and S. mutans + C. albicans strains (Group 2), respectively. Following the 21-day incubation period under aerobic conditions, the infected specimens in each group were divided into four subgroups (n = 20) and subjected to experimental treatment protocols. This included a positive control (no treatment of biofilms), syringe irrigation alone with TruNatomy needle, passive ultrasonically activated irrigation with 20# Irrisafe tip, and laser agitation of irrigant with Er,Cr:YSGG laser using RFT 2 laser tip. Root canals of experimental specimens (except the control samples) are instrumented with TruNatomy rotary file system using 1:1 mixture of 3% NaOCl and 18% etidronic acid as irrigants. The quantitative assessment of reduction in viable biofilm microbes after treatment was done using colony-forming unit counts and confocal laser scanning microscopy image analysis. The obtained data were analyzed statistically with a significant level set at 0.05. Laser-assisted irrigation has shown a considerably higher mean percentage reduction of microbes compared to ultrasonic agitation and the syringe irrigation showed the least microbial reduction (P = 0.001). No significant difference was noted between the three root regions of ultrasonic and laser groups (P > 0.05), whereas in the syringe groups, apical portions showed higher microbial counts compared to cervical and mid-root regions (P = 0.001). Erbium laser-assisted irrigation has performed superior to ultrasonic agitation against both the experimental dual-species biofilms, while the syringe irrigation showed the least microbial reduction specifically at apical root portions.

Businesspeople Becoming Politicians: A Paradigm Shift and Challenges/Opportunities Ahead

The political environment is one of the most crucial factors that shapes the direction of businesses at any point in time. Bangladesh has been practicing democracy for more than three decades and has enjoyed a period of relative stability for more than a decade. This emerging economy of South Asia has been witnessing a noticeable development in its business sector, which constitutes several industries across the country. As a parliamentary form of governance has now been in place for a period of time, a number of business leaders, primarily the owners of businesses in Bangladesh, have begun to engage in politics more actively than was the case previously. In Bangladesh, politics was formerly predominantly controlled by veteran politicians coming from the root level of the political parties, but now an evident transformation has occurred. This article aims to identify the influence of business leaders on policymaking. As policies ultimately determine the future of employees, who are also the citizens of Bangladesh, this whole issue clearly requires a close examination. The article employs secondary data in order to analyze the relationship between the business owners’ involvement in politics and the changes that have taken place as a result of this. As business and politics work hand in hand on a global scale, the author explains the potential opportunities and challenges that this paradigm shift will create for Bangladesh.

Frequency of apical periodontitis in root-filled teeth restored with post and core: A 5-year retrospective study.

In conjunction with post placement in root-filled teeth with periapical healthy conditions, root canal retreatment may be performed to improve the seal of the root canal. Whether root canal retreatment for technical reasons (retreatments in teeth without apical periodontitis (AP)) results in lower frequency of AP is unknown. To examine whether there is a difference in frequency of AP between roots with root canals retreated for technical reasons, and roots with root canals not retreated before post placement, with a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Also, to examine changes in root filling quality following root canal retreatment for technical reasons. This retrospective study included radiographs of 441 root-filled roots without periapical radiolucencies at baseline, scheduled for post and core treatment. Follow-up data for a minimum of 5 years were available for 305 roots (loss to follow-up 30.8%), 46 of which were retreated for technical reasons. Two calibrated observers assessed root filling sealing quality and length, respectively, and periapical status according to the Periapical Index. The main outcome of the study, AP, was used as the dependent variable and all analyses were performed at root level. The overall frequency of AP at follow-up was 13.8%. The difference in frequency of AP between retreated (4.3%) and nonretreated (15.4%) root canals was not statistically significant, p = .061. Analyses including only roots with preoperatively inadequate root filling quality showed a statistically significant difference (p = .017) between the two treatment groups (2.4% vs. 22.9%). Root canal retreatment for technical reasons before post and core placement significantly reduces the frequency of AP in roots with inadequate root filling quality.

BR regulates wheat root salt tolerance by maintaining ROS homeostasis.

Trace amounts of epibrassinolide (EpiBL) could partially rescue wheat root length inhibition in salt-stressed situation by scavenging ROS, and ectopic expression of TaDWF4 or TaBAK1 enhances root salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by balancing ROS level. Salt stress often leads to ion toxicity and oxidative stress, causing cell structure damage and root development inhibition in plants. While prior research indicated the involvement of exogenous brassinosteroid (BR) in plant responses to salt stress, the precise cytological role and the function of BR in wheat root development under salt stress remain elusive. Our study demonstrates that 100mM NaCl solution inhibits wheat root development, but 5nM EpiBL partially rescues root length inhibition by decreasing H2O2 content, oxygen free radical (OFR) content, along with increasing the peroxidase (POD) and catalase (CAT) activities in salt-stressed roots. The qRT-PCR experiment also shows that expression of the ROS-scavenging genes (GPX2 and CAT2) increased in roots after applying BR, especially during salt stress situation. Transcriptional analysis reveals decreased expression of BR synthesis and root meristem development genes under salt stress in wheat roots. Differential expression gene (DEG) enrichment analysis highlights the significant impact of salt stress on various biological processes, particularly "hydrogen peroxide catabolic process" and "response to oxidative stress". Additionally, the BR biosynthesis pathway is enriched under salt stress conditions. Therefore, we investigated the involvement of wheat BR synthesis gene TaDWF4 and BR signaling gene TaBAK1 in salt stress responses in roots. Our results demonstrate that ectopic expression of TaDWF4 or TaBAK1 enhances salt tolerance in Arabidopsis by balancing ROS (Reactive oxygen species) levels in roots.

Characterization of a Simulated Martian Regolith Ecosystem by Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Relaxometry and Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) and Visible (VIS)-Near-Infrared (NIR) Spectroscopies

Of the various Martian soil simulant mixes developed by NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), three types were chosen that have the closest features to those of the Martian regolith to be analyzed. The characterization of the Martian regolith types was performed the advanced methods of 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and visible (VIS)-near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy, as well as classical methods such as pH, the electrical conductivity, and the total dissolved solids. These analyses showed that trace water, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are present in the Martian regolith simulant. A Martian Garden has been built with the Martian soils, in which various vegetables have been seeded. Among the Fourier Transform infrared (FT-IR) spectra acquired for the plants, a high degree of similarity was observed, which indicates that the substrate ‘Martian regolith simulant of terrestrial soil’ does not significantly influence the structure of the radish, peas and bean leaves, stems, or roots. Nevertheless, the results of 1D 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) relaxometry indicate that the substrate presents a high influence on the water dynamics in plant pores at the level of roots, stems and leaves and in bound water. A Marsarium was designed and built, where all types of Martian and terrestrial soils were introduced, together with a family of ants. The ants adapted to the imposed conditions, as they dug tunnels in the soils.