Block Copolymer-Assisted Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Effective Removal of Congo Red.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized via a block copolymer-assisted hydrothermal method and the phase purity and the crystal structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractometer spectra shows the hexagonal phase symmetry of α-Fe2O3. Further, the vibrational study suggests Raman active modes: 2A1g + 5Eg associated with α-Fe2O3, which corroborates the Rietveld analysis and orbital analysis of 2PFe. The superparamagnetic behavior is confirmed by magnetic measurements performed by the physical properties measurement system. The systematic study of the Congo red (CR) interaction with IONPs using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry system equipped with a triple quadrupole mass analyzer and an electrospray ionization interface shows effective adsorption. In visible light, the Fe2O3 nanoparticles get easily excited and generate electrons and holes. The photogenerated electrons reduce the Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ ions. The Fe2+/H2O2 oxidizes CR by the Fenton mechanism. The strong adsorption ability of prepared nanoparticles towards dyes attributes the potential candidates for wastewater treatment and other catalytic applications.

Techno-economic evaluation of simultaneous production of extra-cellular polymeric substance (EPS) and lipids by Cloacibacterium normanense NK6 using crude glycerol and sludge as substrate.

This study used the technical, economic analysis tool, SuperPro designer in evaluating a novel technology for simultaneous production of extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) and biodiesel using crude glycerol and secondary sludge. As renewable energy sources are depleting, the process utilizes municipal sewage sludge for production of EPS and biodiesel along with crude glycerol, which is a waste byproduct of biodiesel industry providing an alternate way for disposal of municipal sludge and crude glycerol. Newly isolated Cloacibacterium normanense NK6 is used as micro-organism in the study as it is capable of producing high EPS concentration, using activated sludge and crude glycerol as the sole carbon source. The technology has many environmental and economic advantages like the simultaneous production of two major products: EPS and lipids. Sensitivity analysis of the process revealed that biomass lipid content is a most significant factor where unit cost production of biodiesel was highly sensitive to lipid content during bioreaction. B7 biodiesel unit production cost can be lowered from $1 to $0.6 if the lipid content of the biomass is improved by various process parameter modifications.

Do long-term changes in relative maxillary arch width affect buccal-corridor ratios in extraction and nonextraction treatment?

INTRODUCTION: Our aims were to evaluate long-term maxillary arch width changes in orthodontic patients treated with and without premolar extractions and to provide a potential link to the buccal-corridor ratios. METHODS: Dental casts of 34 extraction and 32 nonextraction orthodontic patients with Class I malocclusions were digitized and evaluated before treatment (T1), at posttreatment (T2), and at postretention (T3). The mean postretention times for the extraction and the nonextraction groups were 5 years 2 months and 4 years 10 months, respectively. Specific arch width measurements were made on the anatomic y-axis of the casts between the most labial aspects of the anatomic dental arch immediately distal to the incisive papilla, the farthest point posteriorly of the conjunction of the third lateral and medial rugae on the midpalatal raphe and at an individually constant distance from the incisive papilla. Arch width changes were calculated and compared statistically to determine whether the dental arches were narrower after extraction treatment and at postretention. RESULTS: All maxillary arch width measurements remained virtually stable after extraction therapy and at the postretention follow-up. Significant increases were recorded for all maxillary arch width measurements in the nonextraction group after treatment (mean changes, 1.37-2.05 mm). Posterior arch width measurements decreased significantly between T2 and T3 (mean change, 0.5 mm). Mean changes between T1 and T2 were significant between the 2 groups for all measurements (P <0.05). Only the mean change in posterior arch width was significant between the 2 groups in the postretention period (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Extraction treatment did not result in narrower maxillary dental arches, whereas nonextraction treatment slightly expanded the dental arch.

Effect of HAART on salivary gland function in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).

OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on salivary gland function in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) positive women from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). DESIGN: Longitudinal cohort study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 668 HIV positive women from the WIHS cohort with an initial and at least one follow-up oral sub-study visit contributed 5358 visits. Salivary gland function was assessed based on a dry mouth questionnaire, whole unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates, salivary gland enlargement or tenderness and lack of saliva on palpation of the major salivary glands. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Changes in unstimulated and stimulated flow rates at any given visit from that of the immediate prior visit (continuous variables). The development of self-reported dry mouth (present/absent), enlargement or tenderness of salivary glands (present/absent), and absence of secretion on palpation of the salivary glands were binary outcomes (yes/no). RESULTS: Protease Inhibitor (PI) based HAART was a significant risk factor for developing decreased unstimulated (P = 0.01) and stimulated (P = 0.0004) salivary flow rates as well as salivary gland enlargement (P = 0.006) as compared with non-PI based HAART. CONCLUSIONS: PI-based HAART therapy is a significant risk factor for developing reduced salivary flow rates and salivary gland enlargement in HIV positive patients.

Gold nanoparticles reinforced poly (vinyl alcohol) of self-standing optical films.

A simple one-step process is developed to synthesize self-standing optical films of Au-doped polymer of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The visible color could be tuned precisely over a wide range from the violet to a yellowish with selective Au-contents from 0.1 to 5.0 wt%. The synthetic procedure involves a caloric Au3+ --> Au reaction in aqueous PVA at 60-90 degrees C temperatures followed by casting the sample (Au-nanocrystals (NCs) embedding in the PVA polymer molecules) as films or other shapes. Stable color persists of nanocolloids as well as films. The NCs are thin platelets of triangular, square, rectangular, or hexagonal shapes. There are very few pentagonal platelets and nanorods. As analyzed with microstructure, the NCs formation results in a structural anisotropy by the preferential adsorption of PVA on selective facets. An Au-content dependent emission occurs in the 400-650 nm regions, useful for possible optical data storage, nonlinear optical devices, and color pigments.

Profile changes of patients treated with and without premolar extractions.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we evaluated and compared treatment effects and long-term soft-tissue profile changes in patients treated with extraction of 4 first premolars and with a nonextraction protocol. METHODS: Cephalometric records of 98 patients were evaluated. For half (n = 49) of the patients, treatment included the extraction of 4 first premolars; the other 49 patients had no premolar extractions. The groups were evaluated before treatment (T1), at the end of treatment (T2), and at least 4 years postretention (T3). RESULTS: At T1, the extraction group had more protrusive lower lips than the nonextraction group, as measured by the Z-angle. At T2, the Z-angles had improved in both groups and were not significantly different. During treatment, upper lip vermilion and superior thicknesses increased, whereas lower lip vermilion thickness decreased in both groups. Except for lower lip inferior thickness, which increased significantly in the nonextraction group, no other soft-tissue differences were significant. Significant growth of the nose occurred during from T1 to T2 in both groups, and there was a tendency for the incisors in both groups to return to pretreatment values. The nose also continued to grow during that period. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the soft-tissue facial profile measurements for both extraction and nonextraction samples were similar at T3, and there were no clinically significant correlations between hard- and soft-tissue variables at T1, T2, and T3.

Assessment of anterior face height in a native African sample.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the anterior face height (AFH) of a native African ethnic group. METHODS: Cephalograms of 101 adult ethnic Shona subjects (51 men, 50 women; age range, 18 to 38 years) were evaluated and compared with norms of African Americans and North American whites. A number of measurements, some conventionally used and others specifically derived for this study, were assessed, including ANS to Me, Me to PP, and Me to FH, TAFH, NOrb, NANS, NPP, OrbANS, and OrbPP. Three age groups were considered: less than 22 years, 22 to 25, and more than 25 years. RESULTS: ANOVA detected significant differences among the 3 age groups and between the sexes. AFH was higher in men than in women. The post hoc Bonferroni test showed that NPP, NANS, and OrbPP were significantly different at ages less than 22 and more than 25. The older age group had shorter heights than the younger group. The AFH of the Shona was significantly lower than that of the African Americans. All AFHs for the men and only TAFH for the women were significantly shorter for the Shona than for the whites. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior vertical dimension of the Shona subjects was anatomically shorter than that of whites and African Americans, and conventional measurements did not provide the true status of the Shona, who had shorter lower AFHs.

Relapse of anterior crowding in patients treated with extraction and nonextraction of premolars.

INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate long-term stability of incisor crowding in orthodontic patients treated with and without premolar extractions. METHODS: Dental casts and cephalometric records of 98 patients were evaluated before treatment (T1), at posttreatment (T2), and at postretention (T3). Half of the patients had been treated with extractions, and half were treated nonextraction. RESULTS: Irregularity, as measured by the irregularity index, decreased 5.51 mm in the extraction group and 2.38 mm in the nonextraction group. Mandibular incisor irregularity increased 0.97 mm in the extraction group and 0.99 mm in the nonextraction group, respectively, in the postretention period. Maxillary incisor irregularity relapse was smaller than mandibular incisor relapse for both groups. Intercanine width expanded during treatment. At T3, mandibular intercanine width decreased in both groups, but the differences were not statistically significant. At T3, intermolar width was stable, arch depth decreased, overbite and overjet slightly increased, SN mandibular plane angle decreased, and incisor positions in both groups tended to return to T1 values. Clinically acceptable stability was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of the interincisal angle, no statistically significant differences were recorded between the extraction and nonextraction groups from T2 to T3. No statistically significant correlations were found between any variables studied and mandibular incisor irregularity at T1, T2, and T3.

Chemiluminescence as a diagnostic aid in the detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant epithelial lesions.

Chemiluminescence was evaluated as a diagnostic aid in the detection of oral cancer and potentially malignant epithelial lesions (PMELs) by comparing it against 1% tolonium chloride mouth rinse. Forty-six clinically identified lesions [14 primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), 26 PMELs and 6 benign lesions] and five cases of normal oral mucosa from 40 subjects (inclusive of 10 previously treated SCC cases) were examined with a commercial chemiluminescent kit (Vizilite) and tolonium chloride. Biopsy and histological verification of 31 lesions disclosed 14 SCC (45.2%), 10 epithelial dysplasias (32.3%), 5 lichen planus (16.1%) and 2 benign lesions (6.4%). For the remaining 15 lesions, a biopsy was not performed owing to patient's lack of consent or ill-health. The five cases of normal oral mucosa which tested negative for both tools were also not biopsied for ethical reasons. Sensitivity for Vizilite and tolonium chloride was 100% and 70.3%, respectively; and specificity was 14.2% for Vizilite and 25% for tolonium chloride. Their accuracy was 80.6% and 64.5%, respectively. Current findings suggest that chemiluminescence is a more reliable diagnostic tool than tolonium chloride in the detection of oral cancer and PMELs, and for follow-up of patients treated for the same.

Synthesis of analogs of 2-methoxyestradiol with enhanced inhibitory effects on tubulin polymerization and cancer cell growth.

A new series of estradiol analogs was synthesized in an attempt to improve on the anticancer activity of 2-methoxyestradiol, a naturally occurring mammalian tubulin polymerization inhibitor. The compounds were evaluated as inhibitors of tubulin polymerization and the binding of [3H]colchicine to tubulin, as well as for in vitro cytotoxicity in human cancer cell cultures. Overall, the most potent of the new compounds were 2-(2',2',2'-trifluoroethoxy)-6-oximinoestradiol, 2-ethoxy-6-oximinoestradiol, and 2-ethoxy-6-methoximinoestradiol. These agents lacked significant affinity for the estrogen receptor. The cytotoxicities of the compounds correlated in general with their abilities to inhibit tubulin polymerization, thus supporting inhibition of tubulin polymerization as the primary mechanism causing inhibition of cell growth.

Accuracy of decrease in blood flow in predicting hemodialysis graft thrombosis.

We recently showed that a single low graft blood-flow measurement (Qa) does not accurately predict graft thrombosis. In this study, we prospectively determined whether percentage of decrease in Qa (DeltaQa) or adjustment of Qa for mean arterial pressure (Qa/MAP; Delta(Qa/MAP)) provides greater predictive accuracy than a single Qa. We monitored 83 grafts from 80 patients for thrombosis over periods up to 12 months. Qa (by ultrasound dilution) and MAP were measured monthly during the study. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to determine whether Qa, DeltaQa, Qa/MAP, or Delta(Qa/MAP) provided the combination of high sensitivity (>80%) and low false-positive rate (FPR; <20%) needed for clinical use. This level of predictive accuracy requires an area under the curve (AUC) of approximately 0.90. We analyzed the four predictors by a number of criteria and found that all AUCs were less than 0.90 and adjustment for MAP reduced the AUC. In predicting thrombosis within 1 month, for example, AUCs for Qa and net DeltaQa (over 3 months) were 0.84 and 0.82, respectively, whereas AUCs for Qa/MAP and net Delta(Qa/MAP) were 0.78 and 0.75, respectively. At a sensitivity of 80%, FPRs for all predictors were at least 30%. Thus, a high sensitivity always required a high FPR. These results show that DeltaQa and adjustment for MAP are not more accurate than a single low Qa in predicting thrombosis. None of these predictors provide enough predictive accuracy to be the sole criterion for clinical decision making. A successful monitoring and intervention program will likely require the inclusion of other predictors that, together with Qa, may provide the needed accuracy.

Studies on the antiviral activity of inorganic heteropolyanions against Semliki forest virus in vivo and vaccinia virus in vitro.

Seven new inorganic heteropolyanions were tested for their antiviral activity. One of these, sodium 12-tungstoborate, was found to protect mice from Semliki forest virus and mouse embryo fibroblast monolayers from vaccinia virus infections. In mice these heteropolyanions exhibited no synergistic antiviral activity with the interferon inducing mycoviral double-stranded RNA.

Bialveolar protrusion in a Zimbabwean sample.

This study was undertaken to assess dentoalveolar relationships in a well-balanced sample of adult black Zimbabweans. Lateral cephalograms of 25 men and 25 women 18 to 38 years of age with Class I occlusions were obtained from the University of Zimbabwe. Twelve angular and 6 linear measurements were analyzed, and men and women were compared with the Student t test. No statistically significant difference was noted between the 2 sexes. The Zimbabwean sample had a low Frankfort-mandibular plane angle (19.6 degrees +/- 5.5 degrees ) with a receding chin as shown by the negative Pog-NB measurement (-0.7 +/- 1.5 mm). Both the maxilla (SNA = 88.5 degrees +/- 4.7 degrees ) and the mandible (SNB = 83.3 degrees +/- 4.4 degrees ) were prognathic, and the ANB difference was large (5.3 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees ). The maxillary incisors were more upright compared with those of white people as measured by the angle of the maxillary incisor to NA line (20.6 degrees +/- 7.7 degrees ), while the mandibular incisors were severely proclined (IMPA = 105.8 degrees +/- 6.0 degrees, L1-Apog = 6.9 degrees +/- 2.7 degrees, L1-NB = 37.6 degrees +/- 4.9 degrees ), and this proclination was considered to be compensatory to the prognathic maxilla.

Changes in the curve of Spee with treatment and at 2 years posttreatment.

The purposes of this study were to determine pretreatment skeletal and dental patterns related to curve of Spee depth, evaluate changes in the curve of Spee with treatment and the effects on dentofacial structures, and determine factors associated with the stability of the curve of Spee after treatment. Lateral cephalograms and dental casts were evaluated for 24 white male and 26 white female patients at pretreatment, posttreatment, and at least 2 years postretention. All patients had mandibular permanent second molars and premolars erupted and in occlusion. The following variables were correlated with increased pretreatment curve of Spee depth: low Frankfort-mandibular plane angle, deep overbite, increased overjet, and Class II molar malocclusion. No significant differences were found in pretreatment curve depth between male and female patients or between right and left sides. Leveling the curve of Spee was accomplished by uprighting the molars, extruding the premolars, and intruding or flaring the incisors. Extraction and nonextraction cases demonstrated no significant differences in the amount of curve relapse. Increased curve relapse was correlated with postretention increases in overbite, irregularity index, and patients given removable retainers. Overall, the curve of Spee was relatively stable after treatment, with only a 16% relapse of the leveled curve.

Comparison of maxillary and mandibular growth.

In this longitudinal study, serial lateral cephalometric radiographs were used to compare growth patterns of the maxilla and mandible, with hand-wrist radiographs used to assess skeletal maturity. The sample comprised 28 untreated subjects (15 female, 13 male) who were followed from ages 6 to 20 years. All subjects had Class I malocclusions without anterior crossbites. Absolute values and incremental changes for linear and angular cephalometric measurements were recorded and analyzed, and the relative growth-rate formula was used to provide an accurate index of acceleration and deceleration of growth. The SNA angle did not change significantly with age, but the SNB angle increased significantly in the male subjects. The ANB angle decreased continuously until age 14. The palatal plane descended significantly from the horizontal plane. The anterior and posterior nasal spines moved at about the same rate. The mandible grew in length twice as much as the maxilla from ages 6 to 20. With growth, the facial profiles of the male subjects became straighter as the chin became more prominent. The female subjects had less incremental growth and duration of growth of the mandible, so that the profiles remained more convex. Overall, skeletal and chronologic ages did not differ significantly, except at ages 10 and 16 in the female subjects. Individual variability pointed to the need for assessing each patient's pattern in the general guidelines of the group pattern.

Prospective study of posttreatment changes in the temporomandibular joint.

The purpose of this follow-up prospective longitudinal study was to determine what changes occurred in the condyle/fossa relationship after treatment. Orthodontic posttreatment records, including corrected tomograms of 106 white patients (58 Class I and 48 Class II Division 1), from a pretreatment sample of 232 patients, were analyzed. The average pretreatment age was 13.6 +/- 3.0 years. The average length of treatment was 2.3 +/- 0.6 years for the Class I group and 2.8 +/- 0.9 years for the Class II Division 1 group. With orthodontic treatment, the condyle became more concentrically positioned, and a significant (P <.05) decrease in left and right anterior, posterior, and superior joint spaces was observed in most subjects. There was no statistically significant correlation between changes in the condyle/fossa relationship based on age, gender, skeletal or dental variables, signs or symptoms of temporomandibular disorder, headgear use, type of elastics, or nonextraction vs extraction treatment.

Anterior open bite in the deciduous dentition: longitudinal follow-up and craniofacial growth considerations.

The aim of this longitudinal cephalometric study was to evaluate craniofacial growth changes in subjects with an anterior open bite in the deciduous dentition. From longitudinal records of untreated subjects, an open bite group (n = 14) was selected at the age of 5 years based on the presence of a negative overbite and compared with a control group (n = 14) with a regular overbite at this age. Cephalometric measurements were analyzed at ages 5, 9, and 12 years. Although only 1 subject in the deciduous dentition open bite group had an open bite at 12 years of age, the overbite remained lower during the longitudinal follow-up. Early cephalometric characteristics of the open bite group included a reduced overbite depth indicator and a lower ANB angle. At ages 9 and 12 years, the open bite sample was also characterized by shorter ramus height. An underlying skeletal pattern seems to be present in the deciduous dentition open bite sample that persists during the longitudinal follow-up. The overbite depth indicator might help to identify patients with anterior open bite tendencies.

Role of cranial base flexure in developing sagittal jaw discrepancies.

The aim of this longitudinal cephalometric study was to investigate skeletal features in patients with small and large cranial base angles. Two groups of untreated subjects were formed on the basis of a small and large cranial base angle N-S-Ar at the age of 5 years: the large cranial base angle group (n = 22) consisted of subjects with an N-S-Ar angle larger than 125 degrees (mean, 128.1 degrees ), and the small cranial base angle group (n = 20) included subjects with an N-S-Ar angle of less than 120 degrees (mean, 117.6 degrees ). Cephalometric data of the 2 groups were analyzed at subject ages 5 and 12 years. At both ages, the groups showed significant differences of the variables SNA, SNB, individualized ANB, and Y axis. The unadjusted ANB angle and the angle of convexity N-A-Pg were not significantly different between the 2 groups. According to the individualized norm of the ANB angle, subjects with a large cranial base angle in the primary dentition demonstrated a skeletal Class II tendency both at the initial observation and at the longitudinal follow-up. On the basis of cephalometric variables at 12 years of age, it was possible to classify 88.1% of the initial large and small cranial base angle individuals, indicating a constancy of the skeletal pattern during the longitudinal follow-up. The relationship between cranial base flexure and skeletal pattern of the jaws seems to be established before the age of 5 years.

Skeletal Class II patterns in the primary dentition.

The aim of this longitudinal cephalometric study was to investigate early characteristics of favorable and unfavorable growth. Two groups of untreated subjects with skeletal Class II pattern were formed on the basis of an ANB angle at least 2.5 degrees above the individual norm, according to Järvinen, at age 5. The subjects were followed longitudinally until age 12. The favorable growth group (n = 13) consisted of subjects who exhibited a decrease in the individualized ANB angle of at least 1.5 degrees during follow-up. The unfavorable growth group (n = 10) was characterized by an increase in the individualized ANB angle during the growth period from 5 to 12 years. Early characteristics of unfavorable growth included increased mandibular plane angle (measured to the sella-nasion line and the palatal plane, P <.05), increased lower gonial angle (P <.05), and a decreased ratio of posterior-to-anterior face height (P <.05) [corrected]. At the longitudinal follow-up at age 12, the 2 groups showed significant differences in SNB (P <.01) and individualized ANB (P <.01). The improved sagittal jaw relationship in the favorable growth group was the result of changed mandibular position. Morphogenetic posterior rotation seems to occur early in patients with skeletal Class II pattern and unfavorable growth and might be part of an adaptive mechanism compensating for insufficient mandibular growth.