Synthetic DNA barcodes identify singlets in scRNA-seq datasets and evaluate doublet algorithms.

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) datasets contain true single cells, or singlets, in addition to cells that coalesce during the protocol, or doublets. Identifying singlets with high fidelity in scRNA-seq is necessary to avoid false negative and false positive discoveries. Although several methodologies have been proposed, they are typically tested on highly heterogeneous datasets and lack a priori knowledge of true singlets. Here, we leveraged datasets with synthetically introduced DNA barcodes for a hitherto unexplored application: to extract ground-truth singlets. We demonstrated the feasibility of our framework, "singletCode," to evaluate existing doublet detection methods across a range of contexts. We also leveraged our ground-truth singlets to train a proof-of-concept machine learning classifier, which outperformed other doublet detection algorithms. Our integrative framework can identify ground-truth singlets and enable robust doublet detection in non-barcoded datasets.

Advancements in poly(methyl Methacrylate) bone cement for enhanced osteoconductivity and mechanical properties in vertebroplasty: A comprehensive review.

The evolution of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) based bone cement (BC) from plexiglass to a biomaterial has revolutionized the joint and vertebral arthroplasties field. This widely used grouting material possesses exceptional properties for medical applications, including excellent biocompatibility, impressive mechanical strength, and favorable handling characteristics. PMMA-based BC is preferred in challenging conditions such as osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, scoliosis, vertebral hemangiomas, spinal metastases, and myelomas, where it is crucial in withstanding stress. This review aims to comprehensively analyze the available reports and guide further research toward enhanced formulations of vertebral BC, focusing on its osteoconductive and mechanical properties. Furthermore, the review emphasizes the significant impact of BC's mechanical properties and osteoconductivity on the success and longevity of vertebroplasty procedures.

Toxicological effect of endocrine disrupting heavy metal (Pb) on Mekong silurid Pangasius catfish, Pangasius hypophthalmus.

The current study aimed to investigate the effects of lead nitrate exposure on the enzymatical, haematological, and histological changes in the gill, liver, and kidney of Pangasius hypophthalmus. The fish were divided into six groups and treated with different Pb concentrations. The LC50 value of Pb was 55.57 mg/L at 96 h for P. hypophthalmus, and sublethal toxicity was assessed for 45 days at 1/5th (11.47 mg/L) and 1/10th (5.57 mg/L) of LC50 concentration. Enzymes such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, alkaline phosphate (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content increased significantly during sublethal toxicity of Pb. The reduction of HCT and PCV indicates an anemic condition due to the toxicity of Pb. Differential leucocytes, lymphocytes, and monocytes and their % values significantly decreased, indicating Pb exposure. The main histological changes observed in the gills were the destruction of secondary lamellae, the fusion of adjacent gill lamellae, primary lamellae hypertrophy, and severe hyperplasia, while in kidney exposed to Pb showed melanomacrophages, increased periglomerular, peritubular space, vacuolation, shrunken glomerulus, destruction of tubular epithelium, and hypertrophy of distal convoluted segment. The liver showed severe necrosis and rupture of hepatic cells, hyper trepheoid bile duct, shifting of nuclei, and vascular hemorrhage, while in the brain, binucleus, mesoglea cells, vacuole, and ruptured nucleus were observed. In conclusion, P. hypophthalmus, which has been exposed to Pb has developed a number of toxicity markers. Consequently, prolonged exposure to higher Pb concentrations may be harmful to fish health. The findings strongly suggest that the lead had a detrimental impact on the P. hypophthalmus population, as well as on the water quality and non-target aquatic organisms.

Transportation and Centering Ability of Kedo-S Pediatric and Mtwo Instruments in Primary Teeth: A Cone-beam ComputedTomography Study.

Background: Cleaning and debriding the canals and preserving the shape of the canal without deformation is the primary goals of pulpectomy. Transportation is a critical endodontic iatrogenic fault that could cause a catastrophe. This study evaluated the canal centering ability and canal transportation caused by Kedo-S pediatric and Mtwo instruments, using a cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). Materials and methods: This in vitro study was performed on distal roots of 50 primary mandibular first molars. The teeth were scanned using CBCT and randomly divided into two groups. The canals were then prepared using either Kedo-S or Mtwo files (n = 25). The instrumented canals were rescanned. The scanned volumes were sectioned at 2, 4, and 6 mm from cementoenamel junction (CEJ). Canal transportation (CT) and instrument centering ability were estimated and compared in both groups. Results: The mean values for two study groups were compared. T -test was used to determine theP value. The Levene's test was used to test the significance between two groups. The two groups showed similar results in terms of transportation and centering ability (P > 0.05). Conclusion: Kedo-S pediatric and Mtwo instruments demonstrated similar canal centering ability and CTs. How to cite this article: Haridoss S, Rakkesh KM, Swaminathan K. Transportation and Centering Ability of Kedo-S Pediatric and Mtwo Instruments in Primary Teeth: A Cone-beam Computed Tomography Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-1):S30-S34.

Computed Tomographic Assessment of Remaining Dentin and Risk of Perforation after Kedo-S and Mtwo Rotary Instrumentation in Root Canals of Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study.

Background: Root canal cleaning is a key step in the endodontic treatment of the primary molars. An innovative generation of endodontic instruments has been devised with the aim of emerging better procedures. The objective of the study is to assess the preparation of time, the risk of lateral perforation, and the removal of dentin from Kedo-S and Mtwo rotary instruments on primary teeth. Study design: This is an in vitro experimental study comparing the two groups. Materials and methods: A total of 50 extracted mandibular primary first molars are collected, divided randomly into two groups of 25 teeth each. Group I: Kedo-S Pediatric rotary file, Group II: Mtwo rotary file. Distal canal is standardized for evaluation and teeth are sectioned at the CEJ. The teeth were instrumented according to manufacturer's guideline. Both the groups are scanned before and after instrumentation of the canal using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and values are evaluated. Results: Compared with Mtwo files, Kedo-S files need less instrumentation time and limited lateral perforation. No statistical differences were reported between the instrumentation of Kedo-S and Mtwo with regard to the amount of dentin removed. Conclusion: In pediatric endodontics, Kedo-S pediatric rotary file can be considered an effective alternative to traditional rotary files because it requires less instrumentation time and preserves dentin thickness. How to cite this article: Swaminathan K, Rakkesh KM, Haridoss S. Computed Tomographic Assessment of Remaining Dentin and Risk of Perforation after Kedo-S and Mtwo Rotary Instrumentation in Root Canals of Primary Teeth: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(S-1):S87-S91.

Screening and evaluation of fungal resources for loratadine metabolites.

Loratadine is a selective inverse agonist of peripheral histamine H1-receptors. Microbial biotransformation gained a lot of attention for its ability to convert molecules to valuable medicinally active substances. The main objective of the present research was to investigate the ability of different fungi to biotransform the drug loratadine to its active metabolite desloratadine, because desloratadine is four times more potent, possess longer duration of action than loratadine and is effective at low doses. The screening studies were performed with selected fungi using their respective broth media and sterile incubation conditions. The drug and metabolites formed (if any) were extracted and analysed using HPLC analysis. Structural elucidation and confirmation of metabolites were by mass and proton NMR spectroscopy. Among the six fungi selected, Cunninghamella elegans, Cunninghamella echinulata and Aspergillus niger cultures showed extra peaks at 3.8, 3.6 and 4.1 min, respectively, in HPLC when compared with their controls, which indicated the formation of metabolites. The metabolites thus formed were isolated and their structures were confirmed as dihydroxy desloratadine, desethoxy loratadine and 3-hydroxy desloratadine by Cunninghamella elegans, Cunninghamella echinulata and Aspergillus niger cultures, respectively, by mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy. Three fungi were identified to have the ability to biotransform loratadine to its active metabolite and other different metabolites.

Thyroglossal Duct Cyst: Abbreviated Review and Case Report.

The thyroglossal duct cyst (TGDC) is the most common developmental cyst of the neck. The cyst typically occurs along the midline of the neck on the ventral surface. Malignant transformation is rare and can be diagnosed only after histologic examination of a biopsy specimen. This article presents a brief, focused narrative review, which includes a discussion of successful treatment of a TGDC, and a single case report that describes a Sistrunk-like procedure.

Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog Hamartoma Tumor Syndrome: A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) hamartoma tumor syndrome (PHTS) may manifest as one of four distinctive disorders: 1) Cowden syndrome; 2) Bannayan-Riley-Ruvalcaba syndrome; 3) Proteus syndrome; or 4) Proteus-like syndrome. Clinical features of PHTS commonly include multiple benign hamartomas of the skin and mucous membranes as well as macrocephaly. Despite the benign nature of the characteristic lesions, patients diagnosed with PHTS are at increased risk of certain cancers, most notably carcinomas of the breast, thyroid, and endometrium. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old African-American female presented with generalized gingival overgrowth that involved the palate, gingival margins, and retromolar areas. The dorsal tongue also exhibited a generalized tissue hyperplasia. Based on clinical presentation, biopsies were performed for histology and genetic testing. Although histology revealed non-specific fibroepithelial hyperplasia, genetic testing revealed a novel heterozygous mutation of the PTEN gene (c.158_164dupTAGTAAG), believed to result in premature termination of the protein. The patient did not exhibit macrocephaly or extraoral skin lesions and did not have any obvious cognitive deficit. CONCLUSIONS: This presentation of a Cowden syndrome-like scenario demonstrates that intraoral lesions may be the first symptom leading to a diagnosis of PHTS. Furthermore, the case shows that communication with and referral from the general dentist to specialists (e.g., oral pathologist, oral surgeon, or periodontist) can facilitate the establishment of a definitive diagnosis and allow for preventive screening and genetic counseling to aid in the treatment of secondary diseases, most notably associated cancers.

Use of an Analytical Grading Rubric for Self-Assessment: A Pilot Study for a Periodontal Oral Competency Examination in Predoctoral Dental Education.

While educators agree that using self-assessment in education is valuable, a major challenge is the poor agreement often found between faculty assessment and student self-assessment. The aim of this study was to determine if use of a predefined grading rubric would improve reliability between faculty and dental student assessment on a periodontal oral competency examination. Faculty members used the grading rubric to assess students' performance on the exam. Immediately after taking the exam, students used the same rubric to self-assess their performance on it. Data were collected from all third- and/or fourth-year students in four classes at one U.S. dental school from 2011 to 2014. Since two of the four classes took the exam in both the third and fourth years, those data were compared to determine if those students' self-assessment skills improved over time. Statistical analyses were performed to determine agreement between the two faculty graders and between the students' and faculty assessments on each criterion in the rubric and the overall grade. Data from the upper and lower performing quartiles of students were sub-analyzed. The results showed that faculty reliability for the overall grades was high (K=0.829) and less so for individual criteria, while student-faculty reliability was weak to moderate for both overall grades (Spearman's rho=0.312) and individual criteria. Students in the upper quartile self-evaluated themselves more harshly than the faculty (p<0.0001), while the lower quartile students overestimated their performance (p=0.0445) compared to faculty evaluation. No significant improvement was found in assessment over time in the students who took the exam in the third and fourth years. This study found only limited support for the hypothesis that a grading rubric used by both faculty and students would increase correspondence between faculty and student assessment and points to a need to reexamine the rubric and instructional strategies to help students improve their ability to self-assess their work.

Student evaluation of clickers in a combined dental and dental hygiene periodontology course.

The purpose of this report is to describe the general use of clickers as an active learning tool and how they were used in teaching a combined periodontology course for second-year dental and junior dental hygiene students. A survey was used to capture student perceptions following completion of the course. Specific domains were active learning, improved performance, and expectations. The survey response rate was 94.5 percent (121/128). Descriptive analyses showed that, in the domain of active learning, 102 (84.3 percent) agreed/strongly agreed that the use of clickers made the lectures more interactive; sixty-six (54.5 percent) agreed/strongly agreed that the clickers made them focus; and ninety-two (76 percent) agreed/strongly agreed that the clickers encouraged active participation. In the domain regarding improved performance, sixty-three (52 percent) agreed/ strongly agreed that the review sessions utilizing clickers helped them prepare for tests. In the domain of expectations, ninety-three (76.9 percent) had a better idea of what to expect on the examination due to the use of clickers, and seventy-three (60.3 percent) thought that the clickers should be used in future semesters for this class. In addition, faculty members appreciated the greater participation afforded through the use of clickers to obtain a better understanding of the students' grasp of course content. Learning theory suggests that students must actively engage in the learning process in order for meaningful learning in the form of critical thinking and problem-solving to take place. In this study, students confirmed that the use of clicker technology encouraged their active participation in a periodontology course.

Diode laser offers minimal benefit for periodontal therapy.

Current evidence indicates that use of diode lasers in the treatment of periodontitis--either as a monotherapy or adjunctive to traditional therapy--offers minimal benefit. Further, subgingival application of the diode laser during nonsurgical periodontal therapy can result in undesired outcomes, even when using manufacturer-recommended parameters.