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Recent advances in fluorescence imaging permit large-scale recording of neural activity and dynamics of neurochemical release with unprecedented resolution in behaving animals. Calcium imaging with highly optimized genetically encoded indicators provides a mesoscopic view of neural activity from genetically defined populations at cellular and subcellular resolutions. Rigorously improved voltage sensors and microscopy allow for robust spike imaging of populational neurons in various brain regions. In addition, recent protein engineering efforts in the past few years have led to the development of sensors for neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. Here, we discuss the development and applications of these genetically encoded fluorescent indicators in reporting neural activity in response to various behaviors in different biological systems as well as in drug discovery. We also report a simple model to guide sensor selection and optimization.

Background: In recent years, there has been remarkable growth in AI-based applications in healthcare, with a significant breakthrough marked by the launch of large language models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and Google Bard. Patients and health professional students commonly utilize these models due to their accessibility. The increasing use of LLMs in healthcare necessitates an evaluation of their ability to generate accurate and reliable responses. Objective: This study assessed the performance of LLMs in answering orthodontic-related queries through a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar was conducted up to 31 October 2024. The quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Prediction model Risk of Bias Assessment Tool (PROBAST), and R Studio software (Version 4.4.0) was employed for meta-analysis and heterogeneity assessment. Results: Out of 278 retrieved articles, 10 studies were included. The most commonly used LLM was ChatGPT (10/10, 100% of papers), followed by Google's Bard/Gemini (3/10, 30% of papers), and Microsoft's Bing/Copilot AI (2/10, 20% of papers). Accuracy was primarily evaluated using Likert scales, while the DISCERN tool was frequently applied for reliability assessment. The meta-analysis indicated that the LLMs, such as ChatGPT-4 and other models, do not significantly differ in generating responses to queries related to the specialty of orthodontics. The forest plot revealed a Standard Mean Deviation of 0.01 [CI: 0.42–0.44]. No heterogeneity was observed between the experimental group (ChatGPT-3.5, Gemini, and Copilot) and the control group (ChatGPT-4). However, most studies exhibited a high PROBAST risk of bias due to the lack of standardized evaluation tools. Conclusions: ChatGPT-4 has been extensively used for a variety of tasks and has demonstrated advanced and encouraging outcomes compared to other LLMs, and thus can be regarded as a valuable tool for enhancing educational and learning experiences. While LLMs can generate comprehensive responses, their reliability is compromised by the absence of peer-reviewed references, necessitating expert oversight in healthcare applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite the large number of studies that have been done in this area, there is still a gap in the literature when it comes to comparing the orthodontic tooth movement (OTM) efficacy of Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances. The primary objectives of this study were to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances in terms of the amount and rate of OTM. Specifically, the study aimed to determine if there was a statistically significant difference between these two treatment modalities in achieving OTM and to assess whether treatment duration differs significantly between Invisalign and traditional fixed appliances. This investigation seeks to address the existing gaps in the literature by providing a clear comparison based on recent empirical evidence, thereby contributing to more informed treatment decisions in orthodontic practices. Methodology: Relevant MeSH keywords and Boolean operators were selected by a team of reviewers to search several online databases for papers that were in accordance with the objectives of our review. Results: At the end of the search protocol, 10 studies were deemed to be eligible for inclusion in the review. The pooled analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in treatment time for patients using Invisalign compared to those with fixed appliances, with a total OR of 0.61 [95% CI 0.43, 0.85]. No significant heterogeneity was detected (I2 = 0%), and the test for overall effect was significant (Z = 2.86, p = 0.004). Furthermore, a nonsignificant trend favoring Invisalign was shown, with an odds ratio of 1.43 and a confidence interval that included 1 (0.97, 2.10). The p value was 0.07, and there was negligible heterogeneity among studies, as indicated by an I2 of 0%. Conclusion: Based on the findings from the selected studies, it can be concluded that Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances have similar overall efficacy in eliciting OTM. However, Invisalign treatment requires significantly less time to complete than fixed orthodontic appliances. Despite these observations, further studies are required to explore the long‐term stability of OTM achieved with Invisalign and fixed orthodontic appliances. Registration and Protocol: Registration was done in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) standards (CRD42023405593). The research protocol was created to meet the goals and was properly filed with PROSPERO; however, it has not been prospectively registered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biopolymer analysis, including proteomics and glycomics, relies heavily on the use of mass spectrometry for structural elucidation, including sequence determination. Novel methods to improve sample workup, instrument performance, and data analysis continue to be developed to address shortcomings associated with sample preparation, analysis time, data quality, and data interpretation. Here, we present a new method that couples in‐source collision‐induced dissociation (IS‐CID) with two‐dimensional tandem mass spectrometry (2D MS/MS) as a way to simplify proteomics and glycomics workflows while also providing additional insight into analyte structures over traditional MS/MS experiments. Specifically, IS‐CID is employed as a gas‐phase digestion method, i.e. to break down intact full‐length polysaccharide or peptide ions prior to mass analysis. The resulting mixtures of oligomeric ions are analyzed by 2D‐MS/MS, a technique that allows association of product ions with their precursor ions without isolation of the latter. A novel data analysis strategy is introduced to leverage the second dimension of 2D MS/MS spectra, in which stairstep patterns, representing outputs of a molecule's MSn scans, are extracted for structural interconnectivity information on the oligomer. The results demonstrate the potential applicability of 2D MS/MS strategies to the modern omics workflow and structural analysis of various classes of biopolymers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: A well-known method for quantitatively evaluating scholarly work is bibliometric analysis. Best-cited papers raise awareness of the influential publications and patterns in the literature on a specific subject. The aim was to conduct bibliometric analysis to determine most cited articles on vesiculobullous oral lesions. This is the first study on citation analysis with respect to vesiculobullous oral lesions. Materials and Methods: A retrospective data search was explored on December 2022 using the Scopus database. The articles were evaluated, and fundamental data for bibliometric analysis was reviewed. Standard details about the author, linked organizations, publishing year, and place of origin were noted. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square analysis. VOSviewer software was used to determine the bibliometric network analysis for co-occurrence among coauthors and commonly used keywords. Results: A total of 344 articles published from 1971 to 2022 were included in the study. A total of 6680 citations and 19.41 citations per article were observed. The journal Archives of Dermatology received the most citation. There was a significant association between the number of citations and the journal type (open access vs. non-open access) (P < 0.05). Four to five highly related clusters with the help of VOSviewer software were found during co-occurrence network analysis. Conclusions: The top 10 articles on vesiculobullous oral lesions that received the most citations were listed in detail in the present study. This will be a valuable resource for academics, clinicians, and researchers in the fields of dermatology, general pathology, oral pathology, and oral medicine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the process of melting of polymer crystals using Langevin dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained united atom model. We have considered two ideal situations: one in which a single crystal melts and the other in which a multichain crystal melts. We show that the melting of the single crystal proceeds through a globular metastable state, which is followed by expansion to a more random coil-like state. Similarly, the melting of the multichain crystal reveals a special mechanism comprising two steps: one in which a long-lived partially molten metastable state is formed, followed by a second step in which the chains peel off from the crystalline core to a free state. We elucidate the nature of the metastable state close to the equilibrium melting temperature and show that the multichain crystals equilibrate to states of intermediate order, with the extent of ordering decreasing as we increase the melting temperature. We quantify the kinetics of melting by estimating a free energy landscape using parallel tempering Langevin dynamics simulations. These simulations reveal a metastable state in the single molecule systems, allowing us to estimate the free energy barriers. Additionally, the melting of the multichain crystals reveals the existence of two barriers, with the preference for the intermediate state reducing with increasing temperature. We compare our findings to the existing experimental evidence and find qualitative agreements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Dental caries is most prevalent oral infections worldwide, characterized by a progressive demineralization that affects the mineralized dental tissues. Although the decline of dental caries prevalence can be attributed to the widespread use of dentifrices that contain fluoride, there is a need for an advanced alternative fluoride remineralizing dentifrice preferably, herbal-based dentifrices. Aim: To investigate and compare the remineralization effect of demineralized human enamel using two herbal toothpastes via in vitro method. Materials and Methods: An in vitro study was conducted on 40 extracted natural teeth. Crowns and roots were sectioned at cementoenamel junction, and crowns were further sectioned to buccal and lingual halves. All the teeth samples were examined for baseline hardness level by Vickers hardness tester. Samples were kept for demineralization continuously for 48 h and postdemineralization hardness values were also evaluated. Samples randomly divided and allocated into two groups for remineralization procedure. Group A -Dabur Red (N = 20) and Group B - Patanjali Dant Kanti (N = 20). Remineralization using two dentifrice slurries was performed for 10 days and postremineralization hardness estimated. Data were collected and analyzed using Student's unpaired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Intergroup analysis was done using Student's t-test and intragroup analysis at baseline, demineralization and remineralization was done using ANOVA. Results: A highly significant difference in the Vickers hardness was observed between the two groups with Group A showing increased mean hardness levels in comparison to Group B (P < 0.001) and there was a significant change in hardness observed from baseline, demineralization, and remineralization of both Dabur Red (Group A) and Patanjali (Group B). Conclusions: Both the herbal toothpastes showed better remineralization potential but still Dabur Red showed highest remineralization when compared to Patanjali Dant Kanti. The role of herbal dentifrices as a remineralizing agent appears to be as effective as conventional toothpastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The invitro study was done to find out the efficacy of shelcal, shelcal with Vitamin C and calcium sandoz in remineralizing enamel surfaces on which artificial carious lesions had been created. The changes were analyzed using Vickers Hardness Testing Machine. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 permanent teeth were selected and divided into three groups: Group I - Shelcal, Group II - Shelcal with Vitamin C, and Group III - Calcium sandoz tablets. All samples were subjected to deminralization and assessed using Vickers Hardness Testing Machine. Each demineralized sample was randomly divided into three groups: Group I - Shelcal, Group II - Shelcal with Vitamin C, and Group III - Calcium sandoz tablets. After the 10 days of remineralization, the obtained data were analyzed statistically. The significance of mean difference between the groups was done by post hoc Bonferroni test and repeated measures ANOVA. All analyses were performed on SPSS software (Windows version 20.0). Results: Statistical analysis showed that shelcal remineralizes artificially induced carious lesions in permanent teeth. Conclusion: Shelcal (Group I) exhibited superior remineralization potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have studied the crystallization of ring polymers using Langevin dynamics simulations with a coarse-grained united atom model. We show that there are marked differences in the crystallization of single ring polymers in comparison to single linear polymers. Contrary to expectations from equilibrium thermodynamics, ring polymers melt at lower temperatures than linear polymers. An analysis of the early stage crystallization mechanism shows that ring and linear polymers crystallize through the birth of baby nuclei with their coarsening depending uniquely on their topology. The single ring polymers nucleate faster than the single linear analogs and into several metastable lamellar thicknesses, although the motion of the monomers in both cases is comparable. Additionally, using multiple polymer molecules, we find that the secondary nucleation of ring polymers proceeds with free energy barriers, as opposed to linear polymers where no barriers are found. Our results are in qualitative agreement with some experiments, while in disagreement with some other experiments, indicating additional roles by chemistries of ring and linear polymers. Our simulations are designed to explore only the topological effects without any consideration of non-universal chemical effects for our particular model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]