Synthesis and Characterization of Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Grafted with Copolymer of Polyaniline and Polypyrrole Biocomposite for Adsorption of Dyes.

The emerging concepts of sustainable textiles and controlled production strategy demands ideally zero emissions of contaminants into the aquatic environment. However, the currently in-practiced conventional processes in textiles dispose of a number of contaminants especially super toxic synthetic dyes as effluents. In recent years, nanomaterials have become attractive choice for eco-friendly removal of organic dyestuff. Accordingly, this article reports synthesis and characterization of biocomposite wherein copolymer of polyaniline (PANI) and Polypyrrole (PPY) was grafted onto hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC). Further, adsorption properties of as-prepared composite were evaluated using textile dyes Rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl Orange (MO)- as model adsorbate. The characterization of novel biocomposite (HEC/PANI-PPy) was carried out using Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller analyzer (BET), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The operational parameters such as dye initial concentration, adsorbent amount, pH and contact time were also studied to evaluate the efficiency level of the prepared biocomposite. Interestingly, the composite-mediated adsorption of RhB and MO followed pseudo-second order and the Langmuir isotherm. It is found that the adsorption capacity HEC/PANI-PPy is 30.06 and 29.3 for RhB and MO respectively. Thus, HEC/PANI-PPy is an inexpensive and highly efficient adsorbent that could be employed for could be employed for the separation and removal of toxic organic dyes from polluted textile effluents.

Assessment of complications of the open treatment of mandibular condylar fractures

The objective of our study was to analyze the complications of open treatment of mandibular condylar fractures operated via various surgical approaches. Thirtyeight patients with 42 fracture sides having moderate to severely displaced condylar fractures were studied. Open treatment was performed, and patients were assessed for complications of open treatment in terms of facial nerve paresis, unaesthetic scar, salivary fistula/sialocele. Facial nerve paresis was noted in 13 (31%) cases, mostly transient in nature (n=9, 69.2%), that recovered within 8 weeks. Furthermore, 5 (11.9%) patients had unaesthetic scar formation, while just 1 (2.4%) case of salivary fistula was observed. Facial nerve paresis was the most common complication of open treatment of mandibular condylar fractures and most of them were observed in cases operated by preauricular approach.

Analysis of the conformational changes caused by the mutations in mitofusin2 gene by Insilico approach.

OBJECTIVE: To find the effect of pathogenic Mitofusin 2 mutations, responsible for Charcot-Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2A, on protein structure. METHODS: The study was conducted at department of biosciences COMSATS University Islamabad, Sahiwal campus from September 2016 to July 2017, and comprised patients with Charcot Marie-Tooth hereditary neuropathy type 2A who were divided into early-onset severe group A and late-onset mild group B. Bioinformatics and molecular analysis was done to find the changes in the protein structure caused by the mutation. Three mutations were selected in two domains of the gene. These were: p. Arg94Trp, p. His165Arg and p. Thr362Met. RESULTS: Of the 10 patients, 5(50%) were in each of the two groups. Change in the structure was predicted in the mutated protein at position p. Arg94Trp, and, due to the mutation, an extra alpha helix was formed in the mutated protein. CONCLUSIONS: Change in the structure of protein can be in a critical position that is involved in the mitochondrial fusion process. However, further studies are required to validate and explain the findings.

In silico analysis of four structural proteins of aphthovirus serotypes revealed significant B and T cell epitopes.

Foot and Mouth disease (FMD) is economically devastating, highly contagious transboundry viral disease of livestock with 100% morbidity, rapid spread and severe production losses in animals. The FMDV has seven different serotypes. There is no vaccine that can protect animals from all serotypes. Hence, it is need of the day to develop a vaccine that protects animals from hetrologous challenge. In this study, we used immunoinformatics approach to find T and B-cell epitopes that will help to construct a universal vaccine for FMDV. For this purpose, first we constructed a consensus sequence for four structural proteins (VP1, VP2, VP3 and VP4) of aphthovirus for seven serotypes (A, O, C, Asia1, SAT1, SAT2 and SAT3). Various computational tools were used to perform multiple sequence alignment to identify the conserved regions, generation of consensus sequence through conserved regions, structures prediction and finally prediction of B and T cell epitopes. We predicted 5 B cell and 18 T cell epitopes. Finally a GPGPG spacer was used to join these epitopes to decrease binding affinity around the core binding regions. Hence, our study identified the epitopes which can be used to develop cross protective vaccines against all the fatal strains of Aphthovirus which can easily protect all the serotypes. Though, successful In vivo and In vitro studies are required to determine the genuine strength of our predicted epitopes against the fatal strains of Aphthovirus.

Effect of maleic acid on the bond strength of fibre posts to root dentine.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of maleic acid (MA) on both the bond strength of fibre post to root dentine and smear layer removal after post space preparation. Sixty, single-canal premolars were endodontically treated and randomly assigned to four groups: group 1 [0.9% saline solution (control]); group 2 [2.5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl)]; group 3 [17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) followed by 2.5% NaOCl]; and group 4 (7% MA followed by 2.5% NaOCl). Self-adhesive resin cement was used to test the adhesion of a glass-fibre post to the root dentine through a micropush-out test. Scanning electron microscopy was performed to examine and score the treated specimens for smear layer removal, and stereomicroscopy was applied to investigate the failure modes of fibre posts. Maleic acid exhibited the highest mean bond-strength values in the apical regions among all the groups. Most failure modes (31.9%) were adhesive-type failures between the dentine and luting materials. Maleic acid performed statistically significantly better than the other groups regarding smear layer removal, especially in the apical region. Maleic acid is an effective irrigant that can remove the smear layer, open dentinal tubules, and act as a high-efficiency final irrigant in activation protocols.

Surface anatomy of major anatomical landmarks of the neck in an adult population: A Ct Evaluation of Vertebral Level.

To compare the projectional surface anatomy of healthy individuals in an adult population with those with a thyroid mass, using computed tomography (CT). Sixteen slice CT images of 101 individuals were analyzed using a 32-bit Radiant DICOM viewer to establish the relationships among major anatomical landmarks in the neck and their vertebral levels. The structures investigated included: hard palate (HP), hyoid bone (HB) including body and lesser horns, soft palate (SP), thyroid gland (TG) (both superior and inferior poles), thyroid gland anteroposterior (APD) and superoinferior (SID) diameters, thyroid isthmus (TI) superoinferior dimension, epiglottis, vertebral arteries (right and left), and both right and left parotid glands (superior and inferior extents). The vertebral levels noted most frequently were: body of hyoid bone (C4, 42.71%); lesser horns of hyoid bone (C3, 36.46%); thyroid gland superior pole (C6, 31.25%); and thyroid gland inferior pole (T2, 30.2%). TG-ID, TG-APD, and TG-SID were not significantly different between males and females in the healthy group; however, there was a significant gender difference in thyroid gland inferior diameter in the pathology group [males 2.16(±1.16) vs. females 3.37(±1.30), P = 0.01, paired sample t-test]. Further studies are needed to determine whether neck pathology in those with a thyroid mass affects the dimensions of the thyroid gland. Moreover, the surface anatomy of the neck should be revisited using modern imaging techniques to address inconsistencies in anatomy and clinical reference texts. Clin. Anat. 30:781-787, 2017. © 2017Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Construction of a Titanium-Magnesium Composite Internal Fixation System for Repairing Bone Defects.

The repair and regeneration of maxillofacial bone defects are major clinical challenges. Titanium (Ti)-magnesium (Mg) composites are a new generation of revolutionary internal fixation materials encompassing the mechanical strength and bioactive advantages of Ti and Mg alloys, respectively. This study was aimed to construct a Ti-Mg composite internal plate/screw fixation system to fix and repair bone defects. Further, the effects of different internal fixation systems on bone repair were analyzed through radiological and histological analyses. Notably, Ti6Al4V with rolled Mg foil was used as the experimental group, and a bone defect model of transverse complete amputation of the ulna in rabbits similar to the clinical condition was established. The internal fixation system with the highest osteogenic efficiency was selected based on in vivo results, and the direct and indirect bone repair abilities of the selected materials were evaluated in vitro. Notably, the thin Mg foil-Ti6Al4V internal fixation system exhibited the best fixation effect in the bone defect model and promoted the formation of new bone and early healing of bone defect areas. In vitro, the thin Mg foil-Ti6Al4V composite enhanced the activity of MC3T3-E1 cells; promoted the proliferation, adhesion, extension, and osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells; and regulated new bone formation. Further, it also promoted the polarization of RAW264.7 cells to M2 macrophages, induced the osteogenic immune microenvironment, and indirectly regulated the bone repair process. Therefore, a internal fixation system holds a promising potential for the internal fixation of maxillofacial bone defects. Our findings provide a theoretical and scientific basis for the design and clinical application of Ti-Mg internal fixation systems.

Pattern and Management of Missile Injury to the Oral and Maxillofacial Region: A 12-Year Experience During Boko Haram Insurgency in Maiduguri, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Introduction: Missile injury is a global public health problem, which occurs in both military and civilian settings. Boko Haram insurgency in North-Eastern Nigeria is one of the major violence the country experienced that resulted in many civilian casualties. This study was aimed at exploring the various patterns of the missile injuries to the maxillofacial region during Boko Haram insurgency. Methods: In this retrospective cross-sectional study, relevant information was retrieved from patient records including sociodemographic, causes of missile injuries, site of injuries, pattern of presentation, treatment, and the complications, and analysed using SPSS version 23. Result: A total of 526 patients with various maxillofacial injuries were seen during this 12-year study period, with age ranging from 4 to 65 years, the peak incidence in the age group 31-40 years, 89.5% were males, 92.9% of the injuries were allegedly inflicted by insurgents and comprised of 61.0% gunshot injuries, 24.5% bomb blast, and machete cuts 7.4%. Most of the injuries occurred in the lower third of the face, 39.8%, and mandible was the commonest fractured facial bone. Conclusion: Facial injuries commonly are associated with devastating consequences to survivors and, hence, may require long time monitoring and psychosocial rehabilitations.

Functional Outcomes Of Open Versus Closed Treatment Of Unilateral Mandibular Condylar Fractures.

BACKGROUND: Although mandibular condylar fractures are among the most common fractures of maxillofacial region, the ideal method for treatment of these fractures is still a controversy. The objective of this study was to compare functional outcomes of open vs closed treatment of unilateral mandibular condylar fractures. METHODS: This study was carried out at Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi. All patients, included in our study, were randomly put in open and closed treatment groups. Patients were assessed for maximal mouth opening, deviation of mandible on opening and occlusal status six months postoperatively. Maximal mouth opening was assessed by maximal interincisal distance, deviation of mandible on opening by calculating the midline discrepancy during mouth opening and occlusion was assessed by clinical examination according the modified criteria described by Singh V et al. Independent samples t-test was used to compare means of variables in open and closed treatment groups. RESULTS: After six months of follow up the mean mouth opening was 36.39±4.72 mm in open treatment group while it was 33.74±4.72 mm in closed treatment group and difference was statistically significant. While deviation of mandible on opening was found to be 0.48±0.99 mm in open treatment group and 1.09±1.60 mm in closed treatment group. The mean occlusal disturbance was found to be 1.17±0.38 in closed treatment group while it was 1.10±0.30 in open treatment group.. CONCLUSIONS: Open treatment of unilateral mandibular condylar fractures results in better functional outcomes particularly in terms of mobility of mandible (mouth opening).

In vitro degradation and antibacterial property of a copper-containing micro-arc oxidation coating on Mg-2Zn-1Gd-0.5Zr alloy.

Copper (Cu) has a good antibacterial effect and micro-arc oxidation (MAO) coating has good corrosion resistance for magnesium (Mg) alloys. If they are combined together, the coated Mg alloy is expected to have both good corrosion resistance and antibacterial effect. In this work, the degradation, antibacterial property and cytotoxicity of a Cu-containing MAO coating on an extruded Mg-2Zn-1Gd-0.5Zr alloy were systematically studied. The results revealed that the addition of Cu could further improve the degradation resistance of MAO coated alloy. After two weeks immersion, the corrosion rate of Cu + MAO coated alloy was 0.16 mm/y, lower than those of both MAO coated and uncoated alloy. The release of Cu2+ from Cu + MAO coated alloy inhibited the bacterial proliferation. After 12 h co-culture, the antibacterial rate reached 96%. Cytotoxicity test (MG63 cell) showed that Cu + MAO coated alloy had good biocompatibility. The Cu + MAO coating has great potential for application on Mg alloys due to its good corrosion resistance, antibacterial property and good biocompatibility.

Effects of magnesium coating on bone-implant interfaces with and without polyether-ether-ketone particle interference: A rabbit model based on porous Ti6Al4V implants.

We investigated the effects of magnesium (Mg) on osteogenesis and bone resorption at a porous structure interface. A three-dimensional (3D)-printed porous Ti6Al4V implant coated with Mg was introduced, and polyether-ether-ketone wear particles were added to generate an animal model of implant loosening. We also examined the effects of Mg leach liquor on osteoblast/osteoclast gene expression, alkaline phosphatase activity, collagen secretion, tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase activity, and bone resorption in vitro. Mg inhibited the early stage of osteoclast differentiation and inhibited bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. However, Mg did not enhance osteogenesis in vitro or in vivo in the porous structures or in peripheral areas around the implants. For implants with porous structures, the Mg coating did not improve the osteogenic ability by itself, but could restrain peri-implant osteolysis, which may make it favorable for use in patients with osteoporosis. Further studies are needed to examine the precise mechanism of Mg-induced anti-osteolysis and the long-term effects of Mg-coated implants in humans. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 107B: 2388-2396, 2019.

Congenital Synechia and Syngnathia: Two Case Reports.

This case report presents two cases of rare congenital malformation, i.e syngnathia. First case is of 2-day infant with bilateral fusion of maxilla and mandible, leaving a small anterior portion. After consultation with other concerned specialties, early intervention was planned and fusion was released to facilitate feeding. The infant suffered from frequent respiratory tract infections and subsequently died at the age of ten months. The second case is of 8-month baby girl with unilateral congenital maxillomandibular bony fusion without any other anomaly. She underwent general anesthesia for thorough examination and release of soft tissue union. Second surgery was performed after few months for removal of bony fusion. Good mouth opening was seen on 1 month follow-up.

Mechanical properties of magnesium alloys for medical application: A review.

Magnesium alloys as a class of biodegradable metals have great potential to be used as implant materials, which attract much attention. In this review, the mechanical properties of magnesium alloys for medical applications are summarized. The methods to improve the mechanical properties of biodegradable magnesium alloys and the mechanical behaviors of Mg alloys in biomedical application are illustrated. Finally the challenges and future development of biodegradable magnesium alloys are presented.

In-vivo anti-diabetic and wound healing potential of chitosan/alginate/maltodextrin/pluronic-based mixed polymeric micelles: Curcumin therapeutic potential.

Development of curcumin-loaded mixed polymeric micelles based on chitosan, alginate, maltodextrin, pluronic F127, pluronic P123, and tween 80, by thin-film hydration method has been investigated in Bisphenol A induced diabetics rats. Curcumin (C21H20O6) extracted from rhizomes of the "Curcuma longa" has attracted considerable attention of pharmaceutical researchers due to its low cost, excellent pharmacological activities and lesser side effects. Despite its diverse pharmacological properties, the therapeutic application of curcumin as an oral therapy has been limited due to its poor aqueous solubility, fixed chemical stability, and low bioavailability. In an attempt to overcome these limitations, we developed curcumin-loaded mixed polymeric micelles. Diabetes mellitus is a most common chronic carbohydrate metabolic disorder. The results clearly demonstrated the ability of developed formulation to reduce the elevated blood glucose level and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides). It maintained the body-weight, HDL cholesterol level, various biochemical parameters and accelerated the wound healing process when treated with these curcumin-based formulations. The treatment of curcumin loaded mixed polymeric formulations allowed a favorable inhibitory effect to these histopathological changes of liver, kidney, and pancreas. The newly developed curcumin-based formulations have proved superior therapeutic potential and excellent healing efficacy as compared to standard drugs and pure curcumin.

Transpapillary versus palatal injection technique for maxillary tooth extractions.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the pain during injection administration and efficacy of transpapillary injection with palatal injection for simple maxillary tooth extractions. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized control trial. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: The oral and maxillofacial surgery department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from July to December 2009. METHODOLOGY: Patients requiring simple extraction in maxilla were randomly divided into two groups each consisting of 100 patients. Group 1 was given conventional palatal injection and served as a control, whereas Group 2 received the transpapillary injection. Two percent Lignocaine with Adrenaline (1:100,000) was used for both groups. Pain during injection and then during the extraction were recorded for both groups using the Visual Analogue Scale and Faces Pain Score Scales on specially designed proformas. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 17.0 and independent t-test was applied to compare pain between both groups. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: Group 1 consisted of 61 males and 39 females with an age ranging from 11-73 years (mean= 39.92 + 14.85 years) while Group 2 consisted of 59 males and 41 females with an age ranging from 10-70 years (mean= 39.31 + 18.53 years). Results of FPS and VAS scores for injection and procedure were analyzed using independent t-test. Difference of scores for pain during injection were found to be significant (p < 0.05) while the scores for the procedure were seen to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05) showing that transpapillary injection is equally effective for maxillary extractions as palatal injection but with significantly decreased pain during injection. CONCLUSION: Transpapillary injection is an easy and effective way of eliminating the pain of palatal injection for maxillary extractions.

Efficacy of intra-alveolar chlorhexidine gel in reducing frequency of alveolar osteitis in mandibular third molar surgery.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of intra-alveolar administration of chlorhexidine (CHX) gel in reducing the frequency of alveolar osteitis (AO) after impacted mandibular third molar surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized control trial study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, from January to December 2007. METHODOLOGY: One hundred patients including 65 males and 35 females with the age range 18-40 years were divided in two equal groups (50 each in the CHX and the control groups). Surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar was carried out and after surgery CHX gel was placed into the alveolus of CHX group. Patients were followed at the first, second and third postoperative days. A proforma indicating presence or absence of pain, blood clot disintegration, halitosis and AO was filled for each patient. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for qualitative data. Chi-square test was applied to compare both subgroups. RESULTS: Eighteen patients (18%) were diagnosed with AO (11 males and 7 females). Out of these 18 cases, 14 (28%) were found in control group (9 males and 5 females), while 4 cases (8%) in the CHX group (2 males and 2 females). This was statistically significant p=0.017. CONCLUSION: Single application of CHX gel was effective in reducing frequency of AO following mandibular third molar surgery.