Engineering hydrophobic-aerophilic interfaces to boost N2 diffusion and reduction through functionalization of fluorine in second coordination spheres.

Ammonia is a crucial biochemical raw material for nitrogen containing fertilizers and a hydrogen energy carrier obtained from renewable energy sources. Electrocatalytic ammonia synthesis is a renewable and less-energy intensive way as compared to the conventional Haber-Bosch process. The electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) is sluggish, primarily due to the deceleration by slow N2 diffusion, giving rise to competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Herein, we have engineered a catalyst to have hydrophobic and aerophilic nature via fluorinated copper phthalocyanine (F-CuPc) grafted with graphene to form a hybrid electrocatalyst, F-CuPc-G. The chemically functionalized fluorine moieties are present in the second coordination sphere, where it forms a three-phase interface. The hydrophobic layer of the catalyst fosters the diffusion of N2 molecules and the aerophilic characteristic helps N2 adsorption, which can effectively suppress the HER. The active metal center is present in the primary sphere available for the NRR with a viable amount of H+ to achieve a substantially high faradaic efficiency (FE) of 49.3% at -0.3 V vs. RHE. DFT calculations were performed to find out the rate determining step and to explore the full energy pathway. A DFT study indicates that the NRR process follows an alternating pathway, which was further supported by an in situ FTIR study by isolating the intermediates. This work provides insights into designing a catalyst with hydrophobic moieties in the second coordination sphere together with the aerophilic nature of the catalyst that helps to improve the overall FE of the NRR by eliminating the HER.

Ultrafine Mix-Phase SnO-SnO2 Nanoparticles Anchored on Reduced Graphene Oxide Boost Reversible Li-Ion Storage Capacity beyond Theoretical Limit.

Tin-based materials with high specific capacity have been studied as high-performance anodes for Li-ion storage devices. Herein, a mix-phase structure of SnO-SnO2@rGO (rGO = reduced graphene oxide) was designed and prepared via a simple chemical method, which leads to the growth of tiny nanoparticles of a mixture of two different tin oxide phases on the crumbled graphene nanosheets. The three-dimensional structure of graphene forms the conductive framework. The as-prepared mix phase SnO-SnO2@rGO exhibits a large Brunauer-Emmett-Teller surface area of 255 m2 g-1 and an excellent ionic diffusion rate. When the resulting mix-phase material was examined for Li-ion battery anode application, the SnO-SnO2@rGO was noted to deliver an ultrahigh reversible capacity of 2604 mA h g-1 at a current density of 0.1 A g-1. It also exhibited superior rate capabilities and more than 82% retention of capacity after 150 charge-discharge cycles at 0.1 A g-1, lasting until 500 cycles at 1 A g-1 with very good retention of the initial capacity. Owing to the uniform defects on the rGO matrix, the formation of LiOH upon lithiation has been suggested to be the primary cause of this very high reversible capacity, which is beyond the theoretical limit. A Li-ion full cell was assembled using LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC-532) as a high-capacity cathodic counterpart, which showed a very high reversible capacity of 570 mA h g-1 (based on the anode weight) at an applied current density of 0.1 A g-1 with more than 50% retention of capacity after 100 cycles. This work offers a favorable design of electrode material, namely, mix-phase tin oxide-nanocarbon matrix, exhibiting adequate electrochemical performance for Li storage applications.

Assessment of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Institutionalized Orphan Children: A Cross-sectional Study.

Background: Traumatic dental injuries (TDIs) are impact injuries to the teeth and surrounding hard and soft tissues. It can range from minor tooth fracture to extensive dentoalveolar damage. It affects not only the physiology and function but also the esthetics of the child. They have a high prevalence among children. Children living in orphanage institutions due to parental absence or abandonment are more prone to TDI due to inadequate individualized attention, neglect toward oral health, and lack of awareness regarding TDI among the caretakers. However, the data about the prevalence of TDI among institutionalized orphan children are limited and lacking. Aim and objective: To determine the prevalence of TDIs in institutionalized orphan children. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in six institutions for orphan children in New Delhi, India. A total of 500institutionalized orphan children in the age group of 5-14 years were included in the study. A single calibrated examiner performed the clinical examination in the study sample to evaluate the dental trauma status using the WHO oral health assessment form for children 2013. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science-21 (SPSS-21). Results: The prevalence of TDI was found to be 5.8% among the institutionalized orphan children with a higher prevalence among boys when compared with girls. The most common tooth involved was maxillary central incisors. Enamel and dentin fractures were the most prevalent TDIs. Conclusion: It is the need of the hour to gather more data regarding TDI and assess their risk factors. This can help in the formulation of plans to raise awareness regarding the prevention and management of TDIs in orphan children with special needs. Adequate knowledge regarding TDI among caretakers can also help prevent these injuries and provide timely intervention for the same. How to cite this article: Goswami M, Bhardwaj S. Assessment of Traumatic Dental Injuries among Institutionalized Orphan Children: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(1):124-127.

A Study on Synthesis of Chalcone Derived -5- Membered Isoxazoline and Isoxazole Scaffolds.

Chalcone-derived isoxazole scaffolds remain the central focus due to their greater biological, clinical, and pharmacological properties. The present study reviews the synthesis of various chalcone derived - 5- membered isoxazoline and isoxazole scaffolds with the available literature until 2021.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Eating Disorders among Children and Adolescents Engaged in Sports: A Cross-sectional Study.

Aim and objective: To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding eating disorders among children and adolescents, engaged in sports. Materials and methods: A total sample of 650 children was recruited and further divided into two groups on the basis of age. Group, I comprised of children and adolescents between 10-14 years of age and Group II between 15-18 years of age. A self-instructed open ended questionnaire was used in English and Hindi. The sports included were Basketball, Yoga, Wrestling, Judo, Cricket, Gymnastics, Boxing, Badminton, Table Tennis and others based on the availability of children in each sport. Result: The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Bulimia nervosa in Group I was 0.228 ± 0.41, 2.69 ± 0.586, and 0.000, respectively. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Anorexia nervosa in Group I was 4.76 ± 1.2, 0.22 ± 0.41, and 1.17 ± 0.908. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Binge eating disorders in Group I was 0.22 ± 0.41, 1.65 ± 0.50, and 0.18 ± 0.39, respectively. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Bulimia nervosa in Group II were 3.717 ± 1.21, 0.34 ± 0.56, and 0.145 ± 0.35. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Anorexia nervosa in Group II were 5.26 ± 1.17, 0.34 ± 0.56, and 1.12 ± 0.85. The mean knowledge, attitude, and practice of Binge eating disorders in Group II were 0.34 ± 0.56, 1.76 ± 0.42, and 0.28 ± 0.60. Conclusion: The likely chance of developing an eating disorder and habits practiced related to Bulimia nervosa and Anorexia nervosa was found higher among adolescents between 15-18 years of age. However, these findings were found similar for Binge eating disorders among both age groups. How to cite this article: Goswami M, Kumar G, Garg A, et al. Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Eating Disorders among Children and Adolescents Engaged in Sports: A Cross-sectional Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(2):135-142.

From Lockdown to Slow Release: Pediatric Dental Services during COVID-19 Pandemic-Emergency Preparedness and Impact on Future.

INTRODUCTION: The emergence of novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has led to global pandemic raising significant challenges to the healthcare professionals due to its high transmission rate via droplet spread or direct contact. Pediatric dentists play an important role in the healthcare system by managing dental emergencies in children while taking special measures to practice universal infection control in this COVID-19 pandemic. However, data are limited pertaining to the prevalence, etiology, and treatment provided to children at pediatric dental emergency services during the COVID-19 lockdown period. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown period on Pediatric Dental Emergency Services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using data of patients aged 0-14 years who visited the Pediatric Dental Emergency Services, during the COVID-19 lockdown period from March 23, 2020, to August 31, 2020. Information regarding age, gender, time of presentation, chief complaint, and treatment were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: This study revealed that dental emergencies in the pediatric dental services were predominantly related to dental pain (54.49%) followed by an abscess (12.35%), traumatic dental injuries (8.42%), and swelling (8.42%). A 5-year-old was the most prevalent age-group who reported dental emergencies. CONCLUSION: Dental pain was the most common chief complaint of patients reporting during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the recent state of affairs obligates the need to strike a balance between the safety of the healthcare professionals and providing optimum dental care to the patients requiring emergency intervention. While dental emergencies are unforeseeable, increasing community awareness about proper at-home care routines and utilizing regular dental preventive measures can potentially reduce the number of emergency visits. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Goswami M, Gogia M, Bhardwaj S. From Lockdown to Slow Release: Pediatric Dental Services during COVID-19 Pandemic-Emergency Preparedness and Impact on Future. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):398-402.

Prevalence of Shape-related Developmental Dental Anomalies in India: A Retrospective Study.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim and objective of this study was to review the literature to analyze the prevalence of developmental dental anomalies regarding shape in India. BACKGROUND: Although there have been several studies investigating the prevalence of individual dental anomalies related to shape, only a few studies considered all subtypes and their distribution among genders, especially in India. RESULTS: An electronic search was made in the PUBMED database to review prevalence-based data on developmental dental anomalies related to shape in India up to December 2018. A diverse range of results regarding prevalence of developmental dental anomalies related to shape were seen in these studies due to vast regional, cultural, and ethnic diversities and various environmental factors affecting the tooth development. CONCLUSION: There is a necessity to conduct more study on shape-related dental anomalies because there are very limited studies regarding prevalence of concrescence, dilacerations, and accessory root and various associated factors. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Early diagnosis and timely management of these anomalies can prevent complications. The knowledge on identification and prevalence of dental anomalies helps the dental practitioners improve the treatment plan. The prevalence studies can be of utmost importance in the formulation of oral healthcare programs by using their data to analyze the intensity of dental anomalies. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Goswami M, Bhardwaj S, Grewal N. Prevalence of Shape-related Developmental Dental Anomalies in India: A Retrospective Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(4):407-411.

QTc prolongation in patients of cirrhosis and its relation with disease severity: An observational study from a rural teaching hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Cirrhotic cardiomyopathy is characterised by increased baseline cardiac output, systolic and diastolic dysfunction, diminished cardiovascular response to stressful stimuli and electrophysiological abnormalities in patients of cirrhosis in the absence of any underlying cardiac disease. QTc prolongation has been described as a common electrocardiographic abnormality in cirrhosis patients. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study was done to evaluate the prevalence of QTc changes in patients of cirrhosis coming to a rural tertiary care centre and to analyse its correlation with disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was conducted on 100 patients suffering from cirrhosis of liver presented to the department of medicine. Around 100 age and sex-matched individuals were recruited as controls. The Child-Pugh score was used to determine the disease severity in cirrhosis patients. Standard 12-lead ECG was recorded in all cases and controls. RESULTS: Prolongation of QTc interval on ECG was observed in the majority (80%) of cirrhosis patients and it was significantly higher as compared to the healthy controls (P <0.01). The prolongation of QTc was significantly associated with the duration of disease (P <0.05) and disease severity as measured by the Child-Pugh score (P <0.01). CONCLUSION: QTc prolongation on ECG may be an early marker of cardiac involvement in patients of cirrhosis and is significantly associated with disease severity.

Dealing with "Coronavirus Pandemic": A Dental Outlook.

An emergent pneumonia outbreak, denoted as coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization (WHO) originated in Wuhan City, in late December 2019 and spread at an alarming rate to become a pandemic affecting more than 200 countries. The COVID-19 is caused by a novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV), which is highly contagious and is associated with a high mortality rate. The current COVID-19 outbreak has created a major havoc among every strata of the society with a detrimental impact on healthcare professionals, including dentists limiting their capabilities at large. The transmission of virus through aerosols produced by high- and low-speed handpieces, ultrasonic scalers, air/water syringes, or an infected patient coughing, and even when taking intraoral radiographs has made it difficult for dental personnel to provide even the most basic services to the needful. The virus survives on environmental surfaces for extended periods of time, including metal and plastic surfaces commonly found in dental offices making it utmost necessary to follow the precautions and recommendations issued by various organizations in order to contain its spread. This article aims to provide the latest knowledge encompassing the various aspects of COVID-19 to pediatric dentists in India. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Goswami M, Sharma S, Kumar G, et al. Dealing with "Coronavirus Pandemic": A Dental Outlook. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(3):269-278.

Synthesis and In Silico Molecular Docking Studies on Substituted Piperic Acid Derivatives as Inhibitors of Bacterial DNA Gyrase.

BACKGROUND: Piperine or piperic acid was isolated from fruits of Piper nigrum and had been reported as pharmacological valuable bioactive constituents. Keeping in view, a series of piperic acid-based N heterocyclic's derivatives were synthesized and evaluated for antibacterial activity. All these prepared ligands were docked to study the molecular interactions and binding affinities against the protein PDB ID: 5 CDP. OBJECTIVE: To meet the real need of newer antibacterials, we designed and synthesized scaffolds with good antibacterial activity. The obtained antibacterials have been validated in terms of ligand-protein interaction and thus prove to build up as good drug candidates. METHODS: Antibacterial activity of the compounds were carried out against bacterial strains; three Grampositive and three Gram-negative bacterial strains using agar well diffusion method. In silico molecular docking studies were carried out using Glide (grid-based ligand docking) program incorporated in the Schrödinger molecular modeling package by Maestro 11.0. RESULTS: Compounds BC 28, BC 32, and BC 33 exhibits antibacterial activity along with Glide docking score of -8.580, -9.753 kcal/mol, and -8.813 kcal/mol, respectively. Docking studies explained hydrogen bonding, pi-pi, and hydrophobic interactions with amino acid residues which explain the binding affinity of the most docked ligand with protein. CONCLUSION: In the present study, substituted piperic acid was synthesized and evaluated as antibacterial compared with standard drug ciprofloxacin and results interpret that having nitrogen as heteroatom in the heterocyclic nucleus found to be more potent than the standard drug ciprofloxacin. On comparing, substitution with electron-donating groups generates excellent antibacterial potential against the bacterial strains. It was also proved that having substitution with electron-donating groups on meta and para position with triazoline ring system exhibits greater potential while compounds which have a meta- electron-donating substituent showed lesser activity with thiazole nucleus. In addition, structure-based activities of the prepared analogs were discussed under Structure-Activity Relationship (SAR) section.