Statistical evaluation of liquid phase sequestration of acridine orange and Cr6+ by novel mesoporous glutamic acid-g-polyacrylamide/plaster of paris/riboflavin hydrogel nanocomposite.

The adsorption of acridine orange and Cr6+ ion onto plaster of paris reinforced glutamic acid-grafted-polyacrylamide hydrogel nanocomposite modified with riboflavin, Glu-g-PAM/POP/Rb HNC was studied. The Glu-g-PAM/POP/Rb HNC was physico-chemically characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analysis. The specific surface area, pore volume and pore diameter were 15.48 m2/g, 0.015 cm3/g and 4.23 nm, respectively. Adsorption process was strategized by response surface methodology (RSM) based on a 3-level 5-factor (initial solution pH, contact time, adsorbent dose, initial adsorbate concentration and temperature) central composite design (CCD), and validity of the estimated parameters was statistically evaluated using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The optimized operating variables were: pH (AO = 10; Cr6+ = 4.15), contact time (AO = 60 min; Cr6+ = 59 min), adsorbent dose (0.8 g/L), initial adsorbate concentration (60 mg/L) and temperature (298 K). Isotherm results were coincident with Langmuir isotherm model. The experimental kinetic adsorption data was congruous with pseudo-second order model, with the uptake rate controlled by both intraparticle and liquid film diffusions. The relatively high Langmuir saturation capacity of 202.63 mg AO/g and 143.68 mg Cr6+/g, supported by the decent recyclability up to four times affirmed the promising performance of the adsorbent. The efficacy of the adsorbent for simultaneous removal of AO and Cr6+ from bi-component system was assessed. The possible adsorption mechanism mainly involved hydrogen bonding, van der Waals forces, electrostatic and π-π interactions. Adsorption of AO and Cr6+ onto Glu-g-PAM/POP/Rb HNC was feasible and exothermic as revealed by the thermodynamic parameters. The findings demonstrated superior adsorbent efficacy for the seizure of pollutants, particularly AO and Cr6+ from aqueous solution.

Synthesis, physicochemical characterization, and in vitro evaluation of biodegradable PLGA nanoparticles entrapped to folic acid for targeted delivery of kaempferitrin.

Polymeric nanoparticles are widely studied in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Kaempferitrin-loaded nontoxic and biodegradable poly(d,l-lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) developed by the solvent emulsion evaporation method by improving its solubility and bioavailability. In order to improve the delivery of kaempferitrin (KM) to cancerous cells, folic acid (FA) combined kaempfertrin PLGA NPs were prepared. The goal of the study was whether PLGA NPs with surface KM and FA could help to prevent colorectal cancer. The synthesis of KM with FA in a nanomedicine could be crucial in the development of colon cancer chemotherapeutics. The physicochemical characteristics of synthesized KM-entrapped PLGA NPs were investigated by XRD, FTIR, zeta potential, and TEM. The KM + FA + PLGA NPs showed particle size with 132.9 ± 1.4 nm, zeta potential -15.0 ± 1.73 mV, encapsulation efficiency 67.92 ± 4.8, and drug-loading capacity 0.463 ± 0.173. In vitro cytotoxicity study on HT-29 cell lines using the MTT assay, the apoptotic study revealed that KM + FA + PLGA NPs have an enhanced cytotoxic effect compared to the KM + PLGA NPs drug solution. These findings suggested that KM + FA + PLGA NPs could be an effective chemotherapeutic drug delivery system in colon adenocarcinoma HT-29 cells.

Polyethylene Glycol 3350 Changes Stool Consistency and the Microbiome but not Behavior of CD1 Mice.

OBJECTIVES: Polyethylene Glycol 3350 (PEG3350) is a laxative commonly used to treat constipation in children. The Food and Drug Administration has received reports of increased anxiety, aggression, and obsessive--compulsive behaviors in children administered PEG3350. Thus, we assessed whether daily administration of PEG3350 leads to anxiety-like behavior in mice. METHODS: Outbred CD-1 IGS mice were administered either a high or a low dose of PEG3350 via daily oral gavage for 2 weeks. As a laxative comparison and control, additional mice were given a high or low dose of magnesium citrate or vehicle (water). Weight and stool consistency were assessed after each gavage to determine laxative effectiveness. Anxiety-like behaviors were assessed using light/dark, open field, and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests at baseline, after 2 weeks of daily gavage, and after a 2 week washout in experiment 1, and after 2 weeks of daily gavage in experiment 2. Stool samples were collected for microbiome analysis in experiment 2 at baseline, after 2 weeks of daily gavage, and after 2 weeks washout. RESULTS: PEG3350 and magnesium citrate significantly changed stool consistency, as well as microbiome alpha and beta diversity. Anxiety-like behaviors were not, however, different in mice administered low or high doses of PEG3350 or magnesium citrate. CONCLUSIONS: Although changes in stool consistency and the gut microbiome occurred, administration of PEG3350 did not alter anxiety-like behaviors.

Design and Characterization of Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Mercury(II) Ion in Real Samples Based upon a New Schiff Base Derivative as an Ionophore.

The present paper provides a description of the design, characterization, and use of a Hg2+ selective electrode (Hg2+-SE) for the determination of Hg2+ at ultra-traces levels in a variety of real samples. The ionophore in the proposed electrode is a new Schiff base, namely 4-bromo-2-[(4-methoxyphenylimino)methyl]phenol (BMPMP). All factors affecting electrode response including polymeric membrane composition, concentration of internal solution, pH sample solution, and response time were optimized. The optimum response of our electrode was obtained with the following polymeric membrane composition (% w/w): PVC, 32; o-NPOE, 64.5; BMPMP, 2 and NaTPB, 1.5. The potentiometric response of Hg2+-SE towards Hg2+ ion was linear in the wide range of concentrations (9.33 × 10-8-3.98 × 10-3 molL-1), while, the limit of detection of the proposed electrode was 3.98 × 10-8 molL-1 (8.00 µg L-1). The Hg2+-SE responds quickly to Hg2+ ions as the response time of less than 10 s. On the other hand, the slope value obtained for the developed electrode was 29.74 ± 0.1 mV/decade in the pH range of 2.0-9.0 in good agreement with the Nernstian response (29.50 mV/decade). The Hg2+-SE has relatively less interference with other metal ions. The Hg2+-SE was used as an indicator electrode in potentiometric titrations to estimate Hg2+ ions in waters, compact fluorescent lamp, and dental amalgam alloy and the accuracy of the developed electrode was compared with ICP-OES measurement values. Moreover, the new Schiff base (BMPMP) was synthesized and characterized using ATR-FTIR, elemental analysis, 1H NMR, and 13C NMR. The PVC membranes containing BMPMP as an ionophore unloaded and loaded with Hg(II) are reported by scanning electron microscope images (SEM) along with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) spectra.

Assessment of perioperative, early, and late postoperative complications of the inside-out transobturator tape procedure in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence..

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications of urinary incontinence surgery with transobturator tape (TVT-O) system and to describe its diagnosis and management. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 156 patients who were diagnosed as having stress incontinence and mixed incontinence with stress predominance underwent a TOT operation under spinal anesthesia by one surgeon or two surgeons (MB, AEY) from the team. TVT-obturator inside out material was used in the operation. Urodynamic tests and pad tests were done on all the patients. This is a prospective and retrospective study of the complications of TVT-O. The operation was performed under regional anesthesia, as described by Deval et al. Patients were excluded from the study if they had been operated under general or local anesthesia, had undergone any vaginal operations except for anterior repair (cystocele), wanted to have a baby, had severe systemic diseases or had been diagnosed as having urge incontinence in urodynamic tests. These situations may affect the rate of complications, the authors also excluded slings that had materials other than monofilament polypropylene, and patients who were suspected of having neurologic bladder conditions. The bladder and urethra were evaluated using cystoscopy. The durations of the TOT procedure, cystoscopy, and if performed, the cystocele operation, were recorded. Perioperative, early, and late postoperative complications were analyzed by follow-up visits (after two months to four years). RESULTS: Of the 156 patients included in the study, 100 (64.1%) had pure stress urinary incontinence and 56 (35.9%) had mixed incontinence, 20 (12.8%) had previous incontinence surgery. The mean duration of follow up was 30.3 ± 7.4 (range 17-42) months. The mean age of the patients was found to be 48.43 ± 6.24 years (range 42-68). The mean parity of the patients was 5.24 ± 2.86 (range 2-13), and mean body mass index was found to be 23.7 ± 4.8. Mean maximum detrusor pressure was 10.30 ± 4.08 and the mean ALP value was 80.80 ± 25.57. Mean operative time was found to be 13.8 ± 5.16 min in patients who underwent only TOT and TOT-anterior repair. Vaginal injury including to the lateral fornix (4.4%), hemorrhaging of more than 200 ml (3.2%), vascular damage (1.9%), hematoma on the leg (1.9%), hemorrhaging of more than 500 ml (0.064%), and bladder perforation (1.2%) were detected as perioperative complications. Urethral injury and perioperative nerve and intestinal injury did not occur. The most common complication in early postoperative period was inguinal pain extending the legs (30.7%), followed by headaches (23.7%), fever (12.8%), urinary tract infection (5.7%), and urinary retention (3.2%), respectively. Late postoperative complications included vaginal erosion (4.4%), de novo urge incontinence (8.9%), de novo dyspareunia (7.1%), perineal pain (4.4%), and worsening urgency (8.9%). CONCLUSION: Although the TVT-O technique is a minimal invasive surgery method applied to treat the urinary incontinence surgically, it does not imply that it is a complication-free surgical procedure. Despite the low incidence of intraoperative complications, there is a mild risk of early and late postoperative complications. Fortunately these complications can be taken under control by either conservative and simple medical treatments or surgical procedures.

Phytoremediation of toxic heavy metals in polluted soils and water of Dargai District Malakand Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

The contamination of natural resources with heavy metals released from steel mills is the primary cause of soil and water pollution in the Dargai Malakand, located on the northern side of Pakistan. Therefore, the present study was aimed to determine the level of heavy metals in soil and water samples of this area. The wild plant growing (nine native plants: Pteris vittata, Populus nigra, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Persicaria maculosa, Arundo donax, Xanthium strumarium, Verbascum thapsus, Ricinus communis and Parthenium hysterophorus) there were then tested for their phytoremediation capabilities which is an environmentally friendly, generally utilized, and low-cost approach to eliminate heavy metals from polluted soils and water. Soil, water, and effluent samples were taken from the contaminated sites of seven steel mills in Dargai District Malakand and subjected to heavy metals analysis. Based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) calculated, The highest BCF for zinc was recorded for Pteris vittata roots (3.93), while the lowest value was observed for Verbascum thapsus leaves (0.306). Pteris vittata root showed the highest BCF for iron (1.618), while Ricinus communis leaves showed the lowest (0.023). The highest BCF value for chromium was highest for Populus nigra roots (0.717), while the lowest value was recorded for Persicaria maculosa leaves (0.031). For the selected metals; Fe, Zn and Cr the highest TF were recorded for Pteris vittata (0.988), Verbascum thapsus (0.944) and Xanthium strumairum (0.968) respectively. Therefore, it is recommended that these plants should be grown near to steel mills to reclaim heavy metals from industrial effluent, polluted soil as well as from polluted water.

Efficient liquid phase confiscation of nile blue using a novel hybrid nanocomposite synthesized from guar gum-polyacrylamide and erbium oxide.

In recent times, biopolymer-metal oxide nanocomposites have gained prominent importance in the attenuation of environmental toxicants from aqueous phase. But lanthanide oxide-based biopolymer nanocomposites have scantly been evaluated for their adsorption potential. A novel guar gum-polyacrylamide/erbium oxide nanocomposite (GG-PAAm/Er2O3 NC) adsorbent was synthesized by copolymerization of guar gum (GG) and acrylamide (AAm) utilizing N-N'-methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and Er2O3 as a reinforcing agent. The adsorptive efficacy of GG-PAAm/Er2O3 nanocomposite was evaluated using nile blue (NB) as a model pollutant dye from aquatic system. The prepared adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM). The optimal process parameters, which include dosage (0.8 g/L), agitation time (40 min), initial solution pH (6), and initial NB concentration (80 mg/L) were determined by batch methodology. The equilibrium data for NB confiscation was better expressed by Langmuir isotherm model, with maximal adsorption effectiveness (Qm) of 225.88 mg NB/g demonstrating the actively monolayer adsorption onto homogeneous surface of GG-PAAm/Er2O3 NC. The kinetics of NB sorption process onto GG-PAAm/Er2O3 NC was reliable with pseudo-second order model. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH° (15-17 kJ/mol) and ΔS° (0.079-0.087 kJ/mol/K), and - ΔG° (8.81-10.55 kJ/mol) for NB validated the endothermic, an increased randomness at the GG-PAAm/Er2O3-NB interface, and spontaneity and feasibility of the process, respectively. The spent nanocomposite was effectively regenerated with NaOH, and could be reused proficiently for five runs demonstrating the high reusability potential of the nanocomposite. The commendable removal efficiency and high reusability of GG-PAAm/Er2O3 NC recommended it to be a highly competent adsorbent for cationic dyes particularly NB diminution from aqueous waste.

Validated image ordering guidelines for odontogenic infections.

Overuse of computed tomography (CT) is a prevalent problem across multiple disciplines in healthcare and is common in the workup of odontogenic infections. To address this problem, an imaging pathway was created through collaboration of the oral maxillofacial surgery and emergency medicine departments to reduce unnecessary CT orders. A prospective study was implemented to assess the success of the imaging pathway to guide in the selection of the most appropriate radiological imaging modality when managing an odontogenic infection. Subjects included were adults, presenting through the emergency department for confirmed odontogenic infection. The primary outcome was the rate of unnecessary CT scans performed after the introduction of the pathway. Statistics were performed via the t-test, χ2 test, and multiple regression analysis; P < 0.05 was considered significant. Between February 1 and December 15, 2019, 100 patients met the inclusion criteria and were enrolled. The rate of unnecessary CT scans was 25.6%, compared to 56.6% prior to the introduction of the imaging pathway. The pathway did not misclassify any patient to not receive a CT when it was medically necessary. Use of the imaging pathway has the potential to reduce unnecessary CT imaging for odontogenic infections, without negatively affecting patient outcomes.

Dynamic analysis of maxillary perfusion during Le Fort I osteotomy using indocyanine green.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the dynamic perfusion of the maxilla during various stages of a Le Fort I osteotomy using indocyanine green (ICG) dye angiography. This was a retrospective evaluation of patients who underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy. ICG was used to assess perfusion at specific time points during the procedure. Twenty-four patients underwent a Le Fort I osteotomy with dynamic perfusion ICG angiography. Statistically significant differences in perfusion were noted at all three locations assessed between preoperative (T0), post down-fracture (T1), and postoperative (T2) time points. When controlling for mean arterial pressure, statistically significant differences were noted at all three locations assessed between T0 and T1, and between T0 and T2. There were no statistically significant differences in patient age, heart rate, preservation or sacrifice of the descending palatine arteries, or conventional vs. segmental Le Fort I osteotomies across T0, T1, and T2. In conclusion, there was a statistically significant decrease in perfusion, as assessed by intraoperative dynamic angiography, to the anterior maxilla following maxillary down-fracture. Patient age, conventional vs. segmental Le Fort I osteotomy, changes in mean arterial pressure and/or heart rate, and preservation of the descending palatine vessels had no statistically significant effect on perfusion.

Quantitative analysis of facial soft tissue perfusion during hypotensive anesthesia using laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography.

The aim of this study was to quantitatively evaluate the efficacy of induced hypotensive anesthesia in decreasing facial soft tissue perfusion during orthognathic surgery using laser-assisted indocyanine green fluorescence angiography. This retrospective study involved the evaluation of 16 patients who underwent orthognathic surgery. Data collection included facial tissue perfusion of the bilateral cheeks and chin at normotension and with pharmacologically induced hypotensive anesthesia. There were statistically significant differences in the facial tissue perfusion at normal and depressed levels of blood pressure (P<0.001). This study used an objective measure to demonstrate the long-standing belief that hypotensive anesthesia is efficacious in reducing tissue perfusion in the surgical field. The data suggest that pharmacologically depressing the level of mean arterial pressure by 18% may result in a 41-52% decrease in facial soft tissue perfusion. This study reports a novel method of quantitative analysis.

Augmentation of the infraorbital rim in orthognathic surgery.

Mid-face augmentation via a Le Fort I osteotomy is a commonly performed operation. Advancement of the upper jaw and associated structures (nose, lower cheek areas) can certainly improve function as well as facial aesthetics and harmony. Often, in patients with severe mid-face deficiency, hypoplasia of the maxilla extends all the way up to the infraorbital rims. The receding infraorbital rim contributes to the negative vector of the globes. In patients with this level of mid-face hypoplasia, while advancing the maxilla at the Le Fort I level satisfies all of the requirements for orthognathic surgery, the deficient infraorbital rim remains unchanged and can actually accentuate the negative vector of the globes. This article explains our approach in augmentation of the deficient infraorbital rim using alloplastic silicone implants at the time of a Le Fort I osteotomy.

Juvenile hyaline fibromatosis: two new patients and review of the literature.

We report on a sister and a brother (born to normal consanguineous parents) with joint contractures and osteolytic lesions of bones. The sister had also gingival hyperplasia and skin lesions consisting of multiple tumors of the face, nose, palate, ears, and neck. Histologic examination showed findings of juvenile hyaline fibromatosis. The literature is reviewed, and 15 cases already reported are summarized.

Head and neck war injuries: 10-year experience at the American University of Beirut Medical Center.

Lebanon has witnessed over the past 10 years fierce outbreaks of violence resulting in heavy casualties. Head and neck injuries secondary to bullets, shrapnel, and/or glass were quite frequent: 1,357 injuries in 1,021 patients were taken care of by members of the Department of Otolaryngology between 1975 and 1984. They were distributed as follows: (Formula: see text). Fractures of the mandible were treated by closed reduction in 54% of cases and by open reduction in 46%; 74% healed well and 26% required secondary surgery. Primary repair of oral cavity injuries resulted in healing in 68% of cases; 32% had dehiscences or fistulae. In around one-third of the orbital injuries, the orbital contents herniated into the maxillary sinus, so orbital floor repairs had to be done with good results in 82% of cases. The nasal fractures were treated by closed reduction in 75% of cases and open reduction when the wound was open in the rest. The overall infection rate was 12%. The most common offending organisms were, in order of frequency, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, and E. coli.

Mouth and genital ulcerations in the community.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of mouth and genital ulceration in the community and its relationship to rheumatic diseases. METHODS: A house to house survey was carried out over a period of 18 months extending from September 1993 to February 1995, on 5,894 individuals utilizing detailed questionnaires on symptoms of musculoskeletal diseases and associated symptoms including history of mouth, genital ulcers, eye symptoms, and skin changes. After the initial phase, a 2nd phase was completed by trained nurses and paramedical staff, the purpose of which was to explore in detail, the history of those responding positively to any of the questions in phase one. The 3rd stage was conducted by general practitioners and rheumatologist to interview and examine those identified in phase 2 at King Fahad Hospital, Buraidah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: We identified 7 (0.1%) cases of genital ulceration, 43 (0.7%) cases of mouth ulceration, 263 (4.5%) cases of reddish eye or blurred vision, and 124 (2.1%) cases of skin rashes. Only 2 cases had both mouth and genital ulceration in addition to eye disease, skin rash and musculoskeletal pain. There was significant correlation between mouth ulcers and skin rash, eye symptoms, genital ulcerations, male sex, single status, weight loss and backpain. CONCLUSION: The vast majority of mouth and genital ulcers are not associated with a known rheumatic disease.

Management of upper airway obstruction: intubation vs tracheotomy.

Management of the obstructed upper airway may be very challenging. It requires careful clinical evaluation as well as supportive laboratory data and physiologic monitoring. A team approach is essential. This paper is an overall review of the subject of airway control intended to guide health care providers dealing with such patients. Various options of intervention including endotracheal intubation, tracheotomy and transtracheal jet ventilation are discussed. The indications, advantages, disadvantages and potential complications of each of these methods are detailed. Recent advances in this field are described such as new tube material and technology, non-invasive physiologic monitoring (oxygen saturation measurements) and modifications of the surgical techniques.