An integrated buoy-satellite based coastal water quality nowcasting system: India's pioneering efforts towards addressing UN ocean decade challenges.

The Indian coastal waters are stressed due to a multitude of factors, such as the discharge of industrial effluents, urbanization (municipal sewage), agricultural runoff, and river discharge. The coastal waters along the eastern and western seaboard of India exhibit contrasting characteristics in terms of seasonality, the magnitude of river influx, circulation pattern, and degree of anthropogenic activity. Therefore, understanding these processes and forecasting their occurrence is highly necessary to secure the health of coastal waters, habitats, marine resources, and the safety of tourists. This article introduces an integrated buoy-satellite based Water Quality Nowcasting System (WQNS) to address the unique challenges of water quality monitoring in Indian coastal waters and to boost the regional blue economy. The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has launched a first-of-its-kind WQNS, and positioned the buoys at two important locations along the east (Visakhapatnam) and west (Kochi) coast of India, covering a range of environmental conditions and tourist-intensive zones. These buoys are equipped with different physical-biogeochemical sensors, data telemetry systems, and integration with satellite-based observations for real-time data transmission to land. The sensors onboard these buoys continuously measure 22 water quality parameters, including surface current (speed and direction), salinity, temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, phycocyanin, phycoerythrin, Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter, chlorophyll-a, turbidity, dissolved methane, hydrocarbon (crude and refined), scattering, pCO2 (water and air), and inorganic macronutrients (nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, phosphate, silicate). This real-time data is transmitted to a central processing facility at INCOIS, and after necessary quality control, the data is disseminated through the INCOIS website. Preliminary results from the WQNS show promising outcomes, including the short-term changes in the water column oxic and hypoxic regimes within a day in coastal waters off Kochi during the monsoon period, whereas effluxing of high levels of CO2 into the atmosphere associated with the mixing of water, driven by local depression in the coastal waters off Visakhapatnam. The system has demonstrated its ability to detect changes in the water column properties due to episodic events and mesoscale processes. Additionally, it offers valuable data for research, management, and policy development related to coastal water quality.

Quantitative assessment of transforming growth factor-ß1 release from dentin matrix upon conditioning with ethylene diamine tetra-acetate, doxycycline hydrochloride, and propolis: An in vitro study.

Background: Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-ß1) is a key morphogen in regenerative endodontics that plays a central role in regulating cellular functions. Various chelating agents have been shown to release this growth factor upon conditioning. The objective of the study was to evaluate TGF-ß1 release from the dentin matrix upon conditioning with ethylene diamine tetra-acetate (EDTA), doxycycline hydrochloride, and propolis. Materials and Methods: Forty-two human 3rd molar teeth were collected and coronal portion of the teeth was sectioned to obtain dentin blocks with dimensions 2 mm × 2 mm × 2 mm. The blocks were then randomly divided into three groups depending on the conditioning agent used; Group 1: 17% EDTA, Group 2: doxycycline hydrochloride (100 mg/mL), and Group 3: propolis (250 µg/mL). Conditioned blocks were placed in 0.5 mL of phosphate buffered saline and incubated for 1 week for quantification. Results: Highest TGF-ß1 release was noted for propolis (0.21 ng/mL), followed by doxycycline hydrochloride (0.18 ng/mL) and 17% EDTA (0.14 ng/mL). Conclusion: Doxycycline hydrochloride and propolis significantly enhanced the release of TGF-ß1 from the dentin matrix compared to EDTA (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed between doxycycline hydrochloride and propolis (P > 0.05). Doxycycline and propolis can be used as effective alternatives to EDTA during regenerative endodontic procedures.

Zirconia surface infiltration with low-fusing glass: A surface treatment modality to enhance the bond strength between zirconia and veneering ceramic.

Background: The pursuit of esthetics and superior mechanical properties prompted the layering of Yttrium stabilized Zirconia with ceramic material. However, the bioinert nature of zirconia causes the chipping off of this ceramic layer. Selective infiltration etching (SIE) of zirconia provides good bond strength between zirconia and veneering ceramic. Materials and Methods: One hundred and fifty zirconia specimens of dimensions 5 × 5 × 10 mm were divided into 5 groups. Group 1: Air abrasion with 30 µ Al2O3 for 15 s with 0.4 bar pressure. Group 2: SIE and heat-induced maturation (HIM) as demonstrated by Abousheilb. Group 3: Sintered zirconia specimens were taken up for air abrasion followed by SIE/HIM. Group 4: Air abrasion and SIE performed on unsintered specimens followed by heat treatment at 1500°C. Group 5: Air abrasion performed on unsintered zirconia specimens followed by heat treatment at 1500°C followed by SIE/HIM. The samples were then layered with ceramic and subjected to shear bond strength (SBS) analysis. Results: The mean and standard deviation were calculated for the data. The mean SBS among the groups was compared using ANOVA. The post hoc Bonferroni test was applied to compare between the groups. The mean SBS was highest for Group 5 (47.89 ± 6.53) followed by Group 2 (34.94 ± 3.04), Group 3 (32.56 ± 6.04), Group 1 (29.12 ± 7.37), and Group 4 (27.56 ± 7.54). ANOVA test showed statistically significant differences among the groups (F = 48.86, P = 0.00). Conclusion: SIE/HIM when combined with sandblasting with appropriate heat treatment demonstrated a significant increase in bond strength. This prolongs the longevity of the restoration, thereby meeting the clinical needs.

A Shift to Synergistic Surface Treatment Using Laser to Enhance the Bonding of Zirconia to Veneering Ceramic: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of combination of surface treatment using laser along with other modalities of surface treatment on shear bond strength of zirconia to veneering ceramic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Milled and sintered zirconia cylinders (n = 150) were used in the study which were divided into six groups that were subjected to various surface treatments. Samples in group I were subjected to sandblasting. In group II Laser (Er: YAG) surface treatment was performed. Samples in group III were subjected to sandblasting followed by laser ablation. In group IV laser ablation was carried out followed by liner application, and samples in group V were subjected to laser ablation followed by argon plasma treatment. Instron machine was used to test the shear bond strength (SBS). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni test were used for statistical analysis. RESULT: Samples in group III showed highest values for SBS followed by groups I, IV, and V with less SBS value for group II. CONCLUSION: Thus, the results conclude the use of combination of surface treatment using laser to be an effective modality to enhance the shear bond strength of zirconia. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Synergistic surface treatment using laser increases the bond strength of zirconia prosthesis to veneering ceramic improving its clinical longevity.

Efficacy of Laser Photoacoustic Streaming in Paediatric Root Canal Disinfection - An Ex-Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Various techniques have been employed to enhance the root canal disinfection rate using sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) as an irrigant. Photon initiated photo-acoustic streaming using lasers is a newer method of endodontic disinfection. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the efficacy of photo-initiated photoacoustic streaming and conventional irrigation technique using 2.5% NaOCl for root canal disinfection in primary teeth. SETTING AND DESIGN: Laboratory setting and ex-vivo design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty extracted primary teeth were selected in which Enterococcus faecalis incubation was done in the root canals and bacterial counts were obtained before the intervention. The teeth were randomly allocated into two groups. Group I samples were irrigated with conventional syringe method using 2.5% NaOCl and Group II samples were irrigated using photon-initiated photo-acoustic streaming method with erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (wavelength - 2940 nm). Postintervention samples were obtained, and bacterial colony count was done. Wilcoxon Signed- Ranks Test and Mann-Whitney test were applied to test the intragroup and intergroup differences in the bacterial counts. RESULTS: Postintervention results showed no bacterial growth in the canals irrigated using Laser (P = 0.004) whereas, fewer bacterial colonies were observed in NaOCl group (P = 0.005). There was statistically significantly higher reduction in E. faecalis counts in Laser Activated irrigation (LAI) group compared to NaOCl group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Total elimination of E. faecalis counts was obtained by the use of laser activated NaOCl irrigation in the infected root canals, hence, it can be considered as an effective method for pediatric endodontic disinfection.

Effect of triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide on the rate of healing of periapical lesions: A systematic review.

Aim: The rate of healing of periapical lesion after the antibacterial dressing with triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide was assessed. Materials and Methods: Case reports which used triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide as the intracanal dressing was searched in PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Oral Health's Trials Register up to August 2020, without language and period restriction. Two authors independently reviewed all identified titles and abstracts for eligibility. Tables were generated to summarize the included studies. Results: Sixteen (n = 16) articles met the eligibility criteria. Nonsurgical endodontic treatment was carried out in eleven cases with triple antibiotic paste and in nineteen cases calcium hydroxide was used. Results of the study after analyzing the case reports indicate that both triple antibiotic paste and calcium hydroxide are equally effective as intracanal medicament. In cases where calcium hydroxide failed to eliminate symptoms, triple antibiotic paste was found to be effective. Conclusion: As far as the effect on the healing of the periapical lesions is concerned, all the studies showed a high success rate. Available scientific data indicates nonsurgical treatment can be adopted as a routine measure to conservatively treat large periapical lesions of endodontic origin.

Effect of Headspace and Trapped Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) of the Chinese Caterpillar Mushroom, Ophiocordyceps sinensis (Ascomycetes), against Soil-Borne Plant Pathogens.

Headspace volatile metabolites produced by Ophiocordyceps sinensis were tested against soil-borne plant pathogens (namely, Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici, F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, Thanatephorus cucumeris, Athelia rolfsii, and Macrophomina phaseolina). Diffusible volatile metabolites produced by O. sinensis inhibited 52% and 48% of the mycelial growth of F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici and F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense, respectively. In addition to inhibiting mycelial growth, the headspace volatile metabolites also induced several morphological changes in the culture characteristics and mycelia of the tested fungi. Stunted and depressed colony growth was observed for F. oxysporum f. sp. cubense and F. oxysporum f. sp. lycopersici. The headspace volatile compounds produced by O. sinensis were trapped in a glass cartridge (Porapak Q). The trapped compounds were eluted from the column by using hexane and then, by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, were identified as tetratetracontane, 1(2H)-naphthalenone, 3, 4-dihydro-3-methyl, 3-hexenoic acid, 1-methyl-3-ethyladamantane, and phenol, 3-ethyl.

A highly sensitive spectrophotometric determination of platinum(IV) using leuco xylene cyanol FF.

A new, simple, highly sensitive and rapid spectrophotometric method has been described for the determination of platinum(IV). The method is based on the oxidation of leuco xylene cyanol FF (LXCFF) to its blue form of xylene cyanol FF by platinum(IV) in sulfuric acid medium (pH 1.0-2.5), the formed dye shows an absorption maximum at 620 nm in acetate buffer medium (pH 3.0-4.5). The method obeys Beer's law over a concentration range of 0.3 to 2.6 micro g mL(-1) platinum, having molar absorptivity and Sandell's sensitivity of 5.1x10(4) L mol(-)(1) cm(-1) and 0.0038 micro g cm(-2), respectively. The optimum reaction conditions and other analytical parameters have been evaluated. The developed method has been successfully applied to the determination of platinum in pharmaceutical preparations, soil, natural water, plant material, platinum-containing catalyst, and synthetic alloy samples.