Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis as the initial presentation of systemic lupus erythematosus.

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a hypercoagulable state due to a variety of mechanisms. Herein, we discuss the case of a 40-year-old gentleman who presented with cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) as the first manifestation of underlying SLE. On initial presentation, he did not endorse any other signs and symptoms to suggest the presence of an autoimmune condition. Work-up revealed an absence of antiphospholipid antibodies. Further evaluation uncovered the underlying etiology of the CVST as SLE-induced nephrotic syndrome. The existing literature on CVST suggests that there are only two other biopsy-proven cases of lupus nephritis leading to nephrotic range proteinuria as the etiology for CVST. Given the rarity of this presentation, there are no clearly delineated treatment strategies.

Chlorella vulgaris cultivation in airlift photobioreactor with transparent draft tube: effect of hydrodynamics, light and carbon dioxide on biochemical profile particularly ω-6/ω-3 fatty acid ratio.

Chlorella vulgaris is used for food and feed applications due to its nutraceutical, antioxidant and anticancer properties. An airlift photobioreactor comprising transparent draft tube was used for C. vulgaris cultivation. The effect of reactor parameters like hydrodynamics (0.3-1.5 vvm), light intensity (85-400 µmol m-2 s-1), photoperiod (12-24 h) and gas-phase carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration (5-15% v/v) were evaluated on microalgae and associated bacterial growth, biochemical profile; with special emphasis on ω-3, ω-6 fatty acids, and vitamin B12. The optimal growth of C. vulgaris without CO2 supplementation was observed at 1.2 vvm, which was associated with higher algal productivity, chlorophyll, vitamin B12 content, and bacterial load along with 72% of nitrate removal. The higher light intensity (400 µmol m-2 s-1) and photoperiod (24:0) increased biomass productivity and ω-3 fatty acid content (in lipid) up to 2-3 fold. The elevated levels of gas-phase CO2 concentration (15% v/v) enhanced EPA content up to 7% and biomass productivity up to 171 mg L-1 day-1. However, the increase in CO2 concentration lowered vitamin B12 content (up to 30%) and bacterial load (2-3 log). Also, all the cultivation conditions favoured desirable ω-6/ω-3 ratio(in the range of 1-2).

Characterization of membrane vesicles secreted by seaweed associated bacterium Alteromonas macleodii KS62.

Recent studies have reported abundant presence of bacterial extracellular membrane vesicles in the marine environment. However, the ecological significance of these bacterial vesicles in the marine environment is only beginning to be explored. In present study, for the first time we report and characterize membrane vesicles secreted by a seaweed associated bacterium, Alteromonas macleodii KS62. Proteomics studies revealed that the vesicle proteome was rich in hydrolytic enzymes (30%) like glycoside hydrolases, proteases, sulphatases, lipases, nucleases and phosphatases. Zymography experiments and enzyme assays established that the vesicles carry active κ-carrageenan degrading enzymes. κ-carrageenan is a major polysaccharide of cell walls of certain red seaweeds like Kappaphycus. Purified membrane vesicles were successfully able to degrade Kappaphycus biomass. Based on these results, we discuss how the hydrolase-rich vesicles may play a role in red seaweed cell wall degradation so that the bacteria can invade and colonise the seaweed biomass establishing a saprophytic lifestyle. We also discuss the role of these vesicles in nutrient acquisition and their ecological significance in the marine environment.

Growth and biochemical characteristics of an indigenous freshwater microalga, Scenedesmus obtusus, cultivated in an airlift photobioreactor: effect of reactor hydrodynamics, light intensity, and photoperiod.

The freshwater green algae, Scenedesmus obtusus, was cultivated in a 3.4 L airlift photobioreactor. The hydrodynamic parameters were estimated at different inlet gas flow rates (1, 2, 3, and 4 LPM) and their subsequent impact on the growth and biochemical characteristics of microalgae was studied. The biomass concentration and productivity increased with an increase in flow rates from 1 to 4 LPM. A maximum of 0.07 g L-1 day-1 productivity of biomass was attained at 3 LPM. An increase of total carbohydrate content from 19.6 to 26.4% was noticed with increment in the inlet flow rate of gas from 1 to 4 LPM. Major variations in total fatty acid content were not observed. The impact of light irradiance on growth and biochemical characteristics of S. obtusus was also evaluated. A maximum biomass productivity of 0.103 g L-1 day-1 was attained at an illumination of 150 µmol m-2 s-1 under continuous light. The major fatty acids reported were palmitic acid (C16:0), α-linolenic acid (C18:3), linoleic acid (C18:2), and oleic acid (C18:1). Biodiesel properties of the microalgae were estimated under various culture conditions. The light profile inside the airlift reactor was experimentally measured and the predictive modelling of light profile was also attempted.

Development of a microfluidic device for cell concentration and blood cell-plasma separation.

This work presents design, fabrication and test of a microfluidic device which employs Fahraeus-Lindqvist and Zweifach-Fung effects for cell concentration and blood cell-plasma separation. The device design comprises a straight main channel with a series of branched channels placed symmetrically on both sides of the main channel. The design implements constrictions before each junction (branching point) in order to direct cells that would have migrated closer to the wall (naturally or after liquid extraction at a junction) towards the centre of the main channel. Theoretical and numerical analysis are performed for design of the microchannel network to ensure that a minimum flow rate ratio (of 2.5:1, main channel-to-side channels) is maintained at each junction and predict flow rate at the plasma outlet. The dimensions and location of the constrictions were determined using numerical simulations. The effect of presence of constrictions before the junctions was demonstrated by comparing the performances of the device with and without constrictions. To demonstrate the performance of the device, initial experiments were performed with polystyrene microbeads (10 and 15 µm size) and droplets. Finally, the device was used for concentration of HL60 cells and separation of plasma and cells in diluted blood samples. The cell concentration and blood-plasma purification efficiency was quantified using Haemocytometer and Fluorescence-Activated Cell Sorter (FACS). A seven-fold cell concentration was obtained with HL60 cells and a purification efficiency of 70 % and plasma recovery of 80 % was observed for diluted (1:20) blood sample. FACS was used to identify cell lysis and the cell viability was checked using Trypan Blue test which showed that more than 99 % cells are alive indicating the suitability of the device for practical use. The proposed device has potential to be used as a sample preparation module in lab on chip based diagnostic platforms.

Finger millet bran supplementation alleviates obesity-induced oxidative stress, inflammation and gut microbial derangements in high-fat diet-fed mice.

Several epidemiological studies have shown that the consumption of finger millet (FM) alleviates diabetes-related complications. In the present study, the effect of finger millet whole grain (FM-WG) and bran (FM-BR) supplementation was evaluated in high-fat diet-fed LACA mice for 12 weeks. Mice were divided into four groups: control group fed a normal diet (10 % fat as energy); a group fed a high-fat diet; a group fed the same high-fat diet supplemented with FM-BR; a group fed the same high-fat diet supplemented with FM-WG. The inclusion of FM-BR at 10 % (w/w) in a high-fat diet had more beneficial effects than that of FM-WG. FM-BR supplementation prevented body weight gain, improved lipid profile and anti-inflammatory status, alleviated oxidative stress, regulated the expression levels of several obesity-related genes, increased the abundance of beneficial gut bacteria (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacteria and Roseburia) and suppressed the abundance of Enterobacter in caecal contents (P≤ 0·05). In conclusion, FM-BR supplementation could be an effective strategy for preventing high-fat diet-induced changes and developing FM-BR-enriched functional foods.

Biomimetic ion substituted and Co-substituted hydroxyapatite nanoparticle synthesis using Serratia Marcescens.

Biomimicry is becoming deep-rooted as part of bioceramics owing to its numerous functional advantages. Naturally occurring hydroxyapatite (HA) apart from primary nano structures are also characterised by various ionic substitutions. The ease of accommodating such key elements into the HA lattice is known to enhance bone healing properties of bioceramics. In this work, hydroxyapatite synthesized via biomimetic approach was substituted with individual as well as multiple cations for potential applications in bone repair. Ion substitutions of Sr, Mg and Zn was carried out on HA for the first time by using Serratia grown in a defined biomineralization medium. The individual ions of varying concentration substituted in Serratia HA (SHA) (Sr SHA, Mg SHA and Zn SHA) were analysed for crystallinity, functional groups, morphology and crystal size. All three showed decreased crystallinity, phase purity, large agglomerated aggregates and needle-shaped morphologies. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra indicated increased carbonate content of 5.8% resembling that of natural bone. Additionally, the reduced O-H intensities clearly portrayed disruption of HA lattice and subsequent ion-substitution. The novelty of this study lies primarily in investigating the co-substitution of a combination of 1% Sr, Zn and Mg in SHA and establishing the associated change in bone parameters. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) images clearly illustrated uniform nano-sized agglomerates of average dimensions of 20-50 nm length and 8-15 nm width for Sr SHA; 10-40 nm length and 8-10 nm width for both Zn SHA and Mg SHA and 40-70 nm length and 4-10 nm width in the case of 1% Sr, Zn, Mg SHA. In both individual as well as co-substitutions, significant peak shifts were not observed possibly due to the lower concentrations. However, cell volumes increased in both cases due to presence of Sr2+ validating its dominant integration into the SHA lattice. Rich trace ion deposition was presented by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and quantified using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). In vitro cytotoxicity studies in three cell lines viz. NIH/3T3 fibroblast cells, MG-63 osteosarcoma cells and RAW 264.7 macrophages showed more than 90% cell viability proving the biocompatible nature of 1% Sr, Zn and Mg in SHA. Microbial biomineralization by Serratia produced nanocrystals of HA that mimicked "bone-like apatite" as evidenced by pure phase, carbonated groups, reduced crystallinity, nano agglomerates, variations in cell parameters, rich ion deposition and non-toxic nature. Therefore ion-substituted and co-substituted biomineralized nano SHA appears to be a suitable candidate for applications in biomedicine addressing bone injuries and aiding regeneration as a result of its characteristics close to that of the human bone.

Management of Cervical Tracheo-Esophageal Fistula by Lateral Cervical Approach: Our Experience'.

Acquired Tracheo-esophageal fistula (TEF) is a challenging and complicated condition. The laryngeal protection is lost in acquired TEF cases due to the established connection between the esophagus and the airways leading to aspiration, pneumonia, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Malignancy contributes to about 80% of acquired TEF. Nonmalignant causes for TEF include prolonged ventilation, trauma (iatrogenic, penetrating, or blunt injury), foreign bodies, corrosive burns, and granulomatous infections. With the advancements in critical care, the incidence of TEF post-ventilation is on the rise in recent decades. We would like to share our experience managing ten cases of nonmalignant acquired cervical TEF by the lateral cervical approach at our institute. Apart from the isolated TEF cases, one patient with concomitant tracheal stenosis was repaired simultaneously with good postoperative results. TEF was identified in two cases following removal of T-tube and solid stent respectively and was repaired successfully with lateral cervical approach with strap muscle flap interposition.

Pre-service Teachers Computational Thinking (CT) and Pedagogical Growth in a Micro-credential: A Mixed Methods Study.

Teacher preparation programs are essential to ensure pre-service teachers are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to teach in the PK-12 learning environment, but are rooted in a traditional paradigm of a compacted curriculum with little room for more content. The addition of Computational Thinking (CT) becomes one more thing to add to a packed schedule and integration of CT into established courses takes major redesign of courses. One university in Maryland, U.S. developed a CT focused micro-credential for K-8 pre-service and in-service teachers. In examining pre- and post-content surveys, reflection journal entries and lesson plans, pre-service teachers report CT and pedagogical content growth in their awareness and integration of CT in their lives and future classrooms. Results indicate a CT micro-credential could be an innovative solution to adding CT content to an over-packed, pre-service curriculum. In addition, CT micro-credential courses increased pre-service teachers' knowledge and self-awareness to the feasibility to proficiently implement CT across all courses.

Sequence analysis and structural characterization of a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene from the phytopathogenic fungus Eremothecium ashbyi.

Eremothecium ashbyi is a phytopathogenic fungus infesting cotton, soybeans and several other plants. This highly flavinogenic fungus has been phylogenetically characterized, but the genetic aspects of its central metabolic and riboflavin biosynthetic pathways are unknown. An ORF of 996 bp was obtained from E. ashbyi by using degenerate primers for glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GPD) through reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and 5'-3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE-PCR). This nucleotide sequence had a high similarity of 88% with GPD sequence of Ashbya gossypii. The putative GPD peptide of 331-aa had a high similarity of 85% with the GPD sequence from other ascomycetes. The ORF had an unusually strong codon bias with 5 amino acids showing strict preference of a single codon. The theoretical molecular weight for the putative peptide was 35.58 kDa with an estimated pI of 5.7. A neighbor-joining tree showed that the putative peptide from E. ashbyi displayed the highest similarity to GPD of A. gossypii. The gene sequence is available at the GenBank, accession number EU717696. Homology modeling done with Kluyveromyces marxianus GPD (PDB: 2I5P) as template indicated high structural similarity.

Stimulation of biomethanation by Clostridium sp. PXYL1 in coculture with a Methanosarcina strain PMET1 at psychrophilic temperatures.

AIM: Bioaugumentation of low temperature biogas production was attempted by addition of cold-adapted Clostridium and a methanogen. METHODS AND RESULTS: A psychrotrophic xylanolytic acetogenic strain Clostridium sp. PXYL1 growing optimally at 20 degrees C and pH 5.3 and a Methanosarcina strain, PMET1, growing optimally on acetate and producing methane at 15 degrees C were isolated from a cattle manure digester. Anaerobic conversion of xylose at 15 degrees C with the coculture of the two strains was performed, and batch culture methane production characteristics indicated that methanogenesis occurred via acetate through 'acetoclastic' pathway. Stimulation studies were also undertaken to evaluate the effect of exogenous addition of the coculture on biogas yields at 15 degrees C. Addition of 3 ml of PXYL1 at the rate of 12 x 10(2) CFU ml(-1) increased the biogas 1.7-fold (33 l per kg cowdung) when compared to control (19.3 l per kg cowdung) as well as increased the volatile fatty acid (VFA) levels to 3210 mg l(-1) when compared to 1140 mg l(-1) in controls. Exogenous of addition of 10 ml PMET1 inoculum at the rate of 6.8 + or - 10(2) CFU ml(-1) in addition to PXYL1 served to further improve the biogas yields to 46 l kg(-1) as well as significantly brought down the VFA levels to 1350 mg l(-1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the rate-limiting methanogenic step at low temperatures could be overcome and that biogas yields improved by manipulating the population of the acetoclastic methanogens. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Stimulation of biomethanation at low temperature by coculture.

Studies on expression levels of pil Q and fli P genes during bio-electrogenic process in Kluyvera georgiana MCC 3673.

The bacterium Kluyvera georgiana MCC 3673 transfers electrons directly to the electrode for bio-electricity generation in microbial fuel cell (MFC). This could be due to the formation of biofilm on the surface of electrode or with through the extracellular appendages, or both. The role of extracellular appendages pili and flagella in exo-electron transfer mechanism was investigated. The expression level of the genes fli P and pil Q for pili and flagella, respectively, in K. georgiana MCC 3673 was compared in MFC and in shake flask. The transcript analysis was done by qRT-PCR at different times and conditions. The expression level of pil Q transcript in K. georgiana MCC 3673 showed over twofold higher expression during bio-electrogenic process, compared to the one inoculated in shake flask. Similarly, fli P had also showed similar kind of expression in MFC compared to that in shake flask. Higher level of pil Q and fli P transcripts were observed throughout bio-electrogenic process. The level of pil Q was found to be nearly fourfold higher in biofilm-forming cells forming compared to the cells in suspension form. The obtained results suggest that flagella have a role in movement of bacterium towards electrode for donating the electron in absence of oxygen, and pili aiding in adhering on the surface of electrode and forming biofilm. The cumulative effect of fli P and pil Q resulted in exo-electron transfer to the electrode and bio-electricity generation process. The open circuit potential (OCV) of + 0.7 V was produced with the maximum power density of 393 ± 14 mW/m2 in MFC.

Laccase Immobilization Strategies for Application as a Cathode Catalyst in Microbial Fuel Cells for Azo Dye Decolourization.

Enzymatic biocathodes have the potential to replace platinum as an expensive catalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, enzymes are fragile and prone to loss of activity with time. This could be circumvented by using suitable immobilization techniques to maintain the activity and increase longevity of the enzyme. In the present study, laccase from Trametes versicolor was immobilized using three different approaches, i.e., crosslinking with electropolymerized polyaniline (PANI), entrapment in copper alginate beads (Cu-Alg), and encapsulation in Nafion micelles (Nafion), in the absence of redox mediators. These laccase systems were employed in cathode chambers of MFCs for decolourization of Acid orange 7 (AO7) dye. The biocatalyst in the anode chamber was Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 in each case. The enzyme in the immobilized states was compared with freely suspended enzyme with respect to dye decolourization at the cathode, enzyme activity retention, power production, and reusability. PANI laccase showed the highest stability and activity, producing a power density of 38 ± 1.7 mW m-2 compared to 25.6 ± 2.1 mW m-2 for Nafion laccase, 14.7 ± 1.04 mW m-2 for Cu-Alg laccase, and 28 ± 0.98 mW m-2 for the freely suspended enzyme. There was 81% enzyme activity retained after 1 cycle (5 days) for PANI laccase compared to 69% for Nafion and 61.5% activity for Cu-alginate laccase and 23.8% activity retention for the freely suspended laccase compared to initial activity. The dye decolourization was highest for freely suspended enzyme with over 85% decolourization whereas for PANI it was 75.6%, Nafion 73%, and 81% Cu-alginate systems, respectively. All the immobilized laccase systems were reusable for two more cycles. The current study explores the potential of laccase immobilized biocathode for dye decolourization in a microbial fuel cell.

HES6 acts as a transcriptional repressor in myoblasts and can induce the myogenic differentiation program.

HES6 is a novel member of the family of basic helix-loop-helix mammalian homologues of Drosophila Hairy and Enhancer of split. We have analyzed the biochemical and functional roles of HES6 in myoblasts. HES6 interacted with the corepressor transducin-like Enhancer of split 1 in yeast and mammalian cells through its WRPW COOH-terminal motif. HES6 repressed transcription from an N box-containing template and also when tethered to DNA through the GAL4 DNA binding domain. On N box-containing promoters, HES6 cooperated with HES1 to achieve maximal repression. An HES6-VP16 activation domain fusion protein activated the N box-containing reporter, confirming that HES6 bound the N box in muscle cells. The expression of HES6 was induced when myoblasts fused to become differentiated myotubes. Constitutive expression of HES6 in myoblasts inhibited expression of MyoR, a repressor of myogenesis, and induced differentiation, as evidenced by fusion into myotubes and expression of the muscle marker myosin heavy chain. Reciprocally, blocking endogenous HES6 function by using a WRPW-deleted dominant negative HES6 mutant led to increased expression of MyoR and completely blocked the muscle development program. Our results show that HES6 is an important regulator of myogenesis and suggest that MyoR is a target for HES6-dependent transcriptional repression.

Impact of Sputum Volume in the Diagnosis of Smear-Positive Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

OBJECTIVE: To find the impact of sputum volume in the diagnosis of smear-positive (SP) pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) and its association with gender. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in the Department of Microbiology, GSL Medical College. PT patients were included and informed to provide good-quality sputum; volume was not mentioned. Smears were stained by Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Based on the volume of sample submitted, the participants were divided into three groups. Chi-square test was used to find the statistical significance; P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Volume-wise, 22, 38, and 74 participants submitted sputum, respectively, in groups, <2 mL, 2-5 mL, and >5 mL; statistically, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). The smear positivity was 13% (15), 28% (32), and 59% (68), respectively, in groups, <2 mL, 2-5 mL, and >5 mL; statistically, the difference was significant (P < 0.05). Among the missed cases, the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in males and the difference was statistically not significant (P > 0.05) in females. CONCLUSIONS: Notable number of SP cases are identified in ≤5 mL sputum. Hence, sample should not be discarded/rejected if the volume is <5 mL.

Xerogel based catalyst for improved cathode performance in microbial fuel cells.

In a microbial fuel cell (MFC) the reduction reaction at cathode has been a limiting factor in achieving maximum power density, and numerous strategies have been implemented in an attempt to overcome this. Herein, we demonstrate that carbon xerogel (CX) doped with iron (Fe) and nitrogen (N) followed by modification with graphene oxide (GO) is an efficient catalyst for MFCs. The CXFeNGO catalyst was characterized using a scanning electron microscope, and X-ray diffraction, and the catalytic activity was confirmed using cyclic voltammetry studies. At the anode, colonization of bacterial cells on the electrode surface, forming a biofilm, was observed. When the CXFeNGO-modified electrode was used at the cathode in the MFC, a maximum power density of 176.5 ± 6 mW m-2 was obtained, compared to that of plain graphite electrode, which produced 139.1 ± 4 mW m-2. The power density of the modified electrode is thus 26.8% higher. The power density further increased to 48.6% when the pH of the catholyte was increased to 12, producing a power density of 207 ± 4 mW m-2.

Suitable Alternative for Human Cadaver Temporal Bone Dissection: Comparative Micro Ear Anatomy of Cattle, Pig and Sheep with Human.

The study was undertaken to compare the micro ear anatomy of three commonly available animal models which are expected to have similar anatomy to human and to find out suitable model among them as an alternative for human cadaver temporal bone dissection. This is an observational study of comparison of micro ear anatomy of the three animal models with human. Decapitated heads of cattle, pig and sheep were collected from slaughter houses, soft tissues along with brain were removed and preserved in commercially available formalin preservative. CT scan was taken for the three specimens and 3D reconstructions were done. Each specimen was subjected to micro dissection and the anatomical features were studied and compared with human. Among the three animal models sheep is found to be an ideal model for a beginner because of ease of exposure of bone, very thin cortical bone, and no cellularity, good exposure of all the middle ear structures and similar interrelations of middle ear structures with human. Pig may not be an ideal model because of abundant fatty soft tissues, thick periosteum very narrow space occupied by the middle ear, difficulty in accessing cellularity small fragile ossicular chain and overhanging facial nerve.

Structural divergence of bacterial communities from functionally similar laboratory-scale vermicomposts assessed by PCR-CE-SSCP.

AIMS: To evaluate bacterial community structure and dynamics in triplicate vermicomposts made from the same start-up material, along with certain physico-chemical changes. METHODS AND RESULTS: The physico-chemical parameters (pH, temperature, carbon, nitrogen, soluble substances and cellulose) evolved similarly in the triplicate vermicomposts, indicating a steady function. The 16S bacterial gene abundance remained constant over time. To monitor changes in the bacterial community structure, fingerprinting based on capillary electrophoresis single-strand conformation polymorphism was employed. A rise in bacterial diversity occurred after precomposting and it remained stable during the maturation phase. However, a rapid shift in the structure of the bacterial community in the vermicompost replicates was noted at the beginning that stabilized with the process maturation. Multivariate analyses showed different patterns of bacterial community evolution in each vermicompost that did not correlate with the physico-chemical changes. CONCLUSIONS: The broad-scale functions remained similar in the triplicates, with stable bacterial abundance and diversity despite fluctuation in the community structure. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has demonstrated that microbial fingerprinting with multivariate analysis can provide significant understanding of community structure and also clearly suggests that an ecosystem's efficacy could be the outcome of functional redundancy whereby a number of species carry out the same function.

High power density from Pt thin film electrodes based microbial fuel cell.

Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) are robust devices capable of taping biological energy, converting sugars into potential sources of energy. Persistent efforts are directed towards increasing power output. However, they have not been researched to the extent of making them competitive with chemical fuel cells. The power generated in a dual-chamber MFC using neutral red (NR) as the electron mediator has been previously shown to be 152.4 mW/m2 at 412.5 mA/m2 of current density. In the present work we show that Pt thin film coated carbon paper as electrodes increase the performance of a microbial fuel cell compared to conventionally employed electrodes. The results obtained using E. coli based microbial fuel cell with methylene blue and neutral red as the electron mediator, potassium ferricyanide in the cathode compartment were systematically studied and the results obtained with Pt thin film coated over carbon paper as electrodes were compared with that of graphite electrodes. Platinum coated carbon electrodes were found to be better over the previously used for microbial fuel cells and at the same time are cheaper than the preferred pure platinum electrodes.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of a complete bilateral maxillectomy patient using a simple magnetically connected hollow obturator: a case report.

AIM: The purpose of this clinical report is to present a description of the prosthetic rehabilitation of a bilateral complete maxillectomy patient using a two piece magnetically connected prosthesis. BACKGROUND: A complete bilateral maxillectomy defect presents a considerable reconstructive challenge for the prosthodontist. It results in devastating effects on cosmetic, functional, and psychological aspects of the patient. REPORT: A 46-year-old woman reported with a chief complaint of missing teeth in the upper jaw. Her primary concerns were a poor facial appearance, inability to chew food, and regurgitation of the food into the nasal cavity. She was diagnosed with carcinoma of the maxillary sinus, for which a bilateral maxillectomy was done followed by post surgical radiation therapy. The prosthetic treatment objectives were to separate the nasal and oral cavities, restore the mid-facial contour, and improve her masticatory functions by providing a full complement of maxillary teeth using a two-piece connected hollow obturator prosthesis connected by a magnet. SUMMARY: Insertion and removal of a large prostheses used for rehabilitation of midfacial defects requires good neuromotor coordination and an adequate mouth opening. Because these factors were problematic for this patient, the treatment plan was to fabricate a two piece magnetically connected prosthesis. After fabrication and insertion of the prosthesis, the fit between two sections was evaluated and instructions for insertion, removal, and maintenance of the obturator were given. The patient's speech, masticatory efficiency, and swallowing dramatically improved after insertion.