The Oncological Safety of Submental Flap Reconstruction in Head-and-Neck Cancers: An Extended Follow-up Study.

Introduction: The oncological safety of a submental (SM) flap is thought to be controversial. The objective of our study was to validate our previous study regarding the oncological safety of SM flaps in oral cavity reconstruction. Materials and Methods: An electronic database was searched from 2015 to 2021 for all head-and-neck tumor patients, where reconstruction was performed using a SM flap. Results: Eighty-eight oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma patients, among whom 71 were males (81.8%), with a mean age of 55.3 years (range: 25-79 years), were retrieved from the database. The sites of involvement were 37 buccal mucosa, 27 lower alveolus, and 24 tongues. The mean follow-up was 33.5 months. The SM flap reconstruction was done for 88 patients; 3 had complete loss of flap, 17 had incomplete loss/partial necrosis, and 68 patients had uneventful recovery of the flap. We had 16 patients with local recurrence. Of these, 4 (4.5%) patients had clear margins and no lymphadenopathy at the level I at the final histopathology report. Conclusion: This study provides validation of the oncological safety of the SM flap and establishes that nodal positivity at level I alone does not contribute to recurrence at the primary site.

Effects of biochar types on seed germination, growth, chlorophyll contents, grain yield, sodium, and potassium uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under salt stress.

Soil salinity is a significant challenge in agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions such as Pakistan, leading to soil degradation and reduced crop yields. The present study assessed the impact of different salinity levels (0, 25, and 50 mmol NaCl) and biochar treatments (control, wheat-straw biochar, rice-husk biochar, and sawdust biochar applied @ 1% w/w) on the germination and growth performance of wheat. Two experiments: a germination study and a pot experiment (grown up to maturity), were performed. The results showed that NaCl-stress negatively impacted the germination parameters, grain, and straw yield, and agronomic and soil parameters. Biochar treatments restored these parameters compared to control (no biochar), but the effects were inconsistent across NaCl levels. Among the different biochars, wheat-straw biochar performed better than rice-husk and sawdust-derived biochar regarding germination and agronomic parameters. Biochar application notably increased soil pHs and electrical conductivity (ECe). Imposing NaCl stress reduced K concentrations in the wheat shoot and grains with concomitant higher Na concentrations in both parts. Parameters like foliar chlorophyll content (a, b, and total), stomatal and sub-stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate were also positively influenced by biochar addition. The study confirmed that biochar, particularly wheat-straw biochar, effectively mitigated the adverse effects of soil salinity, enhancing both soil quality and wheat growth. The study highlighted that biochar application can minimize the negative effects of salinity stress on wheat. Specifically, the types and dosages of biochar have to be optimized for different salinity levels under field conditions.

Agricultural waste-based modified biochars differentially affected the soil properties, growth, and nutrient accumulation by maize (Zea mays L.) plants.

Biochar (BC) is an organic compound formed by the pyrolysis of organic wastes. Application of BCs as soil amendments has many benefits including carbon sequestration, enhanced soil fertility and sustainable agriculture production. In the present study, we acidified the different BCs prepared from rice straw, rice husk, wheat straw, cotton stalk, poultry manure, sugarcane press mud and vegetable waste; following which, we applied them in a series of pot experiments. Comparisons were made between acidified and non- acidified BCs for their effects on seed germination, soil properties (EC, pH) nutrient contents (P, K, Na) and organic matter. The treatments comprised of a control, and all above-described BCs (acidified as well as non-acidified) applied to soil at the rate of 1% (w/w). The maize crop was selected as a test crop. The results showed that acidified poultry manure BC significantly improved germination percentage, shoot length, and biomass of maize seedlings as compared to other BCs and their respective control plants. However, acidified BCs caused a significant decrease in nutrient contents (P, K, Na) of soil,maize seedlings, and the soil organic matter contents as compared to non- acidified BCs. But when compared with control treatments, all BCs treatments (acidified and non-acidified) delivered higher levels of nutrients and organic matter contents. It was concluded that none of the BCs (acidified and non-acidified) had caused negative effect on soil conditions and growth of maize. In addition, the acidification of BC prior to its application to alkaline soils might had altered soil chemistry and delivered better maize growth. Moving forward, more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of modified BCs on nutrient dynamics in different soils. In addition, the possible effects of BC application timings, application rates, particle size, and crop species have to be evaluated systemtically.

Analysis of dataset on reduction of high temperature stress by green net shade alleviate oxidative stress and augments the growth and vase life of gladiolus cut flower.

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of green net shade during staggered planting times on growth, biochemical, antioxidant enzymes and vase life of gladiolus cut flowers. The green net shade effectively reduces the internal temperature, particularly during extremely hot planting times. Under the green net shade conditions, high quality morphological and biochemical observations were observed during the months of March and April planting times. These included longer plant height, spike length, a higher number of leaves plant-1, larger leaf area, maximum spike diameter, greater number of florets spike-1, heavier flower diameter, higher fresh and dry weight, elevated photosynthetic rate, and reduced time taken for flowering. Additionally, chlorophyll contents and transpiration rate showed significant increases, while antioxidant enzyme activity (POD and CAT) was recorded at higher levels. This resulted in reduced electrolyte leakage and an extended vase life of the gladiolus cut flowers. Moreover, the application of green net shade conditions during the planting in May and June significantly enhanced the quality characteristics of gladiolus cut flowers. Effectiveness of green net shade is evident in reducing temperature of growing environment, leading to improved growth, alleviate oxidative stress, enhanced quality features and vase life of the gladiolus flowers.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice.

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) encapsulating Foeniculum vulgare (FV) seed extract (SE) were prepared for the controlled delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents. The prepared CSNPs encapsulating FVSE as sustain-releasing nanoconjugate (CSNPs-FVSE) was used as a potent source of functional metabolites including kaempferol and quercetin for accelerated reclamation of sensory and motor functions following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The nanoconjugate exhibited in vitro a biphasic diffusion-controlled sustained release of quercetin and kaempferol ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects. The CSNPs-FVSE was administered through gavaging to albino mice daily at a dose rate of 25 mg/kg body weight from the day of induced PNI till the end of the experiment. The conjugate-treatment induced a significant acceleration in the regain of motor functioning, evaluated from the sciatic function index (SFI) and muscle grip strength studies. Further, the hotplate test confirmed a significantly faster recuperation of sensory functions in conjugate-treated group compared to control. An array of underlying biochemical pathways regulates the regeneration under well-optimized glucose and oxidant levels. Therefore, oxidant status (TOS), blood glycemic level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in the conjugate-treated group and compared with the controls. The treated subjects exhibited controlled oxidative stress and regulated blood sugars compared to the non-treated control. Thus, the nanoconjugate enriched with polyphenolics significantly accelerated the regeneration and recovery of functions after nerve lesions. The biocompatible nanocarriers encapsulating the nontoxic natural bioactive constitutents have great medicinal and economic value.

Chitosan nanoparticles encapsulating curcumin counteract salt-mediated ionic toxicity in wheat seedlings: an ecofriendly and sustainable approach.

Over-accumulating salts in soil are hazardous materials that interfere with the biochemical pathways in growing plants drastically affecting their physiological attributes, growth, and productivity. Soil salinization poses severe threats to highly-demanded and important crops directly challenging food security and sustainable productivity. Recently, there has been a great demand to exploit natural sources for the development of nontoxic nanoformulations of growth enhancers and stress emulators. The chitosan (CS) has growth-stimulating properties and widespread use as nanocarriers, while curcumin (CUR) has a well-established high ROS scavenging potential. Herein, we use CS and CUR for the preparation of CSNPs encapsulating CUR as an ecofriendly nanopriming agent. The hydroprimed, nanoprimed (0.02 and 0.04%), and unprimed (control) wheat seeds were germinated under salt stress (150 mM NaCl) and normal conditions. The seedlings established from the aforementioned seeds were employed for germination studies and biochemical analyses. Priming imprints mitigated the ionic toxicity by upregulating the machinery of antioxidants (CAT, POD, APX, and SOD), photosynthetic pigments (Chl a, Chl b, total Chl, and lycopene), tannins, flavonoids, and protein contents in wheat seedlings under salt stress. It controlled ROS production and avoided structural injuries, thus reducing MDA contents and regulating osmoregulation. The nanopriming-induced readjustments in biochemical attributes counteracted the ionic toxicity and positively influenced the growth parameters including final germination, vigor, and germination index. It also reduced the mean germination time, significantly validating the growth-stimulating and stress-emulating role of the prepared nanosystem. Hence, the nanopriming conferred tolerance against salt stress during germination and seedling development, ensuring sustainable growth.

N-phenyl and N-benzyl substituted succinimides: Preclinical evaluation for their antihypertensive effect and underlying mechanism.

The study was designed to investigate the antihypertensive potential of 2-(2, 5-dioxo-1-phenylpyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal (Comp-1) and 2-(1-benzyl-2,5-dioxopyrrolidin-3-yl)-3-(4-isopropylphenyl)-2-methylpropanal (Succ-5) in rats. The study results showed that, just like nifedipine (the standard reference drug), the test compounds, Comp-1 (at doses of 15 and 20 mg/kg) and Succ-5 (at a dose of 20 mg/kg) had significant antihypertensive effect against deoxycorticosterone acetate-salted rats. The test compounds maintained the level of cardiac markers troponin I and creatinine kinase myocardial bands (CK-MB) in serum, and modulate the oxidative stress markers Glutathione s-transferase (GST) activity, reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase levels, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). These compounds also reduced the expression of inflammatory markers, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in heart tissues. Furthermore, in the ex-vivo study, the test substances relaxed the contractions induced by phenylephrine (PE) and potassium (K+). Vasodilation was endothelium-independent because the test substances showed nearly the same effect in aortic rings with intact endothelium, denuded endothelium, and with L-NAME pretreatment. The test compounds shifted the calcium curve to the right, i.e., contraction was inhibited and decreased the maximal response. This study demonstrated the antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and vasodilate effects of the test compounds. In addition, the results supported the phenomenon of calcium channel blockades responsible for vasodilation.

Exploration of high-performance triptycene-based thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials via structural alteration of donor fragment.

The utilization of thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) materials in highly proficient organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) has attracted much attention. Based on TADF material TPA-QNX(CN)2, a series of three-dimensional donor-acceptor (D-A) triptycenes have been designed via structural modification of D-fragment. The influences of different D-fragments with various electron-donating strengths on the singlet-triplet energy gap (ΔEST), emission wavelength (λem), and electron/hole reorganization energy (λe/λh) are extensively studied by applying density functional theory (DFT) coupled with time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT). The computed results imply that as the electron-donating strength of the D-fragments increases, the ΔEST value decreases and λem is red-shifted for the molecules using the same acceptor units. Analogously, the 1CT‒3CT state splitting (ΔEST (CT)) is also decreased by enlarging the twist angle (ß) between the phenyl ring and alternative D-fragment. Therefore, efficient color tuning within a broad emission range (434-610 nm), as well as small ΔEST (CT) values (0.01-0.05 eV), has been accomplished by structural modification of the D-fragments. The greater electron-donating strength, the smaller ΔEST, and the smaller λh for PPXZ-QNX(CN)2 make it the best candidate among all the designed molecules.

Survival Outcomes and Patterns of Failure in Maxillary Alveolus Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary alveolus is a relatively rare disease. There is lack of data on this subsite as compared with other sites. The factors that affect survival in cases of maxillary alveolar SCC are tumor stage, local and cervical metastases, histological grading, and the margin status. Objectives To evaluate the overall survival (OS), the disease free survival (DFS), and the complex interaction and effects of margin status, histological differentiation, habits (such as smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products), and cervical and distant metastases based on clinicopathological data. Methods We examined the electronic database at our hospital from 2003 to 2017. We included all cases with a histopathological diagnosis of SCC of the maxillary alveolus. Tumors originating primarily from the maxillary alveolus were included, while those originating from adjacent subsites, like the hard palate, the buccal mucosa or the maxillary sinus were excluded. We also excluded all the patients who were not operated on with a curative intent. Results More than half of the patients had stage-IV tumors at the time of presentation, while only one fourth of them had nodal metastasis. The rate of recurrence increased in cases of primary tumors in advanced stages and the degree of histological differentiation. The 2-year and 5-year OS rates were of 54.5% (18 patients) and 30.3% (10 patients) respectively. Conclusion Primary tumors in advanced stages, histological grade, and presence of nodal metastasis are poor prognostic markers in terms of long-term survival.

Advancements in technology and innovation for sustainable agriculture: Understanding and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soils.

In recent decades, Technology and Innovation (TI) have shown tremendous potential for improving agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability. However, the adoption and implementation of TI in the agricultural sector and its impact on the environment remain limited. To gain deeper insights into the significance of TI in enhancing agricultural productivity while maintaining environmental balance, this study investigates 21 agriculture-dependent Asian countries. Two machine learning techniques, LASSO (Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator) and Elastic-Net, are employed to analyze the data, which is categorized into three regional groups: ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). The findings of this study highlight the heterogeneous nature of technology adoption and its environmental implications across the three country groups. ASEAN countries emerge as proactive adopters of relevant technologies, effectively enhancing agricultural production while simultaneously upholding environmental quality. Conversely, SAARC countries exhibit weaker technology adoption, leading to significant fluctuations in environmental quality, which in turn impact agricultural productivity. Notably, agricultural emissions of N2O (nitrous oxide) and CO2 (carbon dioxide) in SAARC countries show a positive association with agricultural production, while CH4 (methane) emissions have an adverse effect. In contrast, the study reveals a lack of evidence regarding technological adoption in agriculture among GCC countries. Surprisingly, higher agricultural productivity in these countries is correlated with increased N2O emissions. Moreover, the results indicate that deforestation and expansion of cropland contribute to increased agricultural production; however, this expansion is accompanied by higher emissions related to agricultural activities. This research represents a pioneering empirical analysis of the impact of TI and environmental emission gases on agricultural productivity in the three aforementioned country groups. It underscores the imperative of embracing relevant technologies to enhance agricultural output while concurrently ensuring environmental sustainability. The findings of this study provide valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in formulating strategies to promote sustainable agriculture and technological advancement in the context of diverse regional dynamics.

Titanium doped cobalt ferrite fabricated graphene oxide nanocomposite for efficient photocatalytic and antibacterial activities.

Dyes and microbes are the main sources of water pollution and their treatment with titanium doped cobalt ferrite nanoparticles (CoTixFe2-xO4 NPs) is highly challenging due to the recombination ability of their electron-hole pairs which could be mitigated by making their composite with graphene oxide (GO). In the present study, titanium doped cobalt ferrite was fabricated on GO (CoTi0.2Fe1.8O4/GO NC) via the facile ultrasonication method and its confirmation was done by various analytical studies. Homogeneous dispersion of spherical CoTi0.2Fe1.8O4 NPs on the GO surface was realized by SEM analysis. Excellent crystallinity was corroborated by XRD while a Zeta Potential value -21.52 mV depicted exceptional stability. The photocatalytic power of CoTi0.2Fe1.8O/GO NC against Congo Red (CR) dye showed 91% degradation efficiency after 120 min visible light irradiation under optimum conditions of pH 9 and dye concentration 1 mg L-1 which was reasonably higher as compared to bare CoTi0.2Fe1.8O NPs (78% degradation efficiency). The improved photocatalytic performance is accredited to its narrow bandgap value (1.07 eV) and enhanced charge separation as indicated by the Tauc plot and Photoluminescence analysis, respectively. Additionally, CoTi0.2Fe1.8O/GO NC could be readily regenerated and reused five times with only ∼2% performance loss. Meanwhile, MICs of CoTi0.2Fe1.8O4/GO NC against P. aeruginosa and S. aureus were 0.046 and 0.093 mg mL-1 while MBCs were 0.093 and 0.187 mg mL-1, respectively. Thereby, optimized NC can open new avenues for the degradation of dyes from polluted water besides acting as a promising antimicrobial agent by rupturing the cell walls of pathogens.

Ultrasonic-assisted sustainable pollution free advanced method for isolation of colouring material from Amba Haldi (Curcuma aromatica) for wool dyeing.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the colouring performance of Amba Haldi-based natural extracted yellowish colour for the dyeing of wool fabric using ultrasonic (US) treatments. Before and after the US treatment, the colourant was separated in aqueous and acidic solutions for up to 60 min. Scanning electron microscopy and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy were used to investigate the surface morphology and chemical changes in the cloth before and after radiation. On the wool fabric that was ultrasonically treated at 75°C for 45 min, an acidic extract of Amba Haldi powder after US treatment for 20 min showed good colour depth (K/S). Acacia extract (2%), pomegranate extract (1.5%) and pistachio extract (1%), when used as pre-biomordants, were shown to have excellent colour strength. Acacia (1.5%) extract, pomegranate (2%) extract and pistachio (1.5%) extract were also used as post-biomordants. As pre-chemical mordants, Al salts (1%), Fe salts (1.5%) and tannic acid salts (2%), whereas Al salts (2%), Fe salts (1%) and tannic acid salts (2%), have produced successful results as post-chemical mordants. Overall, it was discovered that pomegranate extract (2%), used as a post-bio-mordant, and salt of Fe (1.5%), used as a post-chemical mordant, both exhibit exceptional colour strength. Ultrasonic treatment, a procedure that is harmless for the environment, has only served to increase the colour strength of dye on wool fabric, and the addition of bio-mordants has made the process more sustainable.

Assessment of essential and toxic elemental concentrations in tumor and non-tumor tissues with risk of colorectal carcinoma in Pakistan.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal tumor is a major cause of cancer morbidity and mortality both in USA and around the globe. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as toxic trace elements has been implicated in colorectal malignancy. However, data linking them to this cancer are generally lacking. METHODS: Accordingly, the current study was to investigate the distribution, correlation and chemometric evaluation of 20 elements (Ca, Na, Mg, K, Zn, Fe, Ag, Co, Pb, Sn, Ni, Cr, Sr, Mn, Li, Se, Cd, Cu, Hg and As) in the tumor tissues (n = 147) and adjacent non tumor tissues (n = 147) of same colorectal patients which were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophometry employing nitric acid-perchloric acid based wet digestion method. RESULTS: On the average, Zn (p < 0.05), Ag (p < 0.001), Pb (p < 0.001), Ni (p < 0.01), Cr (p < 0.005) and Cd (p < 0.001) showed significantly higher levels in the tumor tissues compared with the non tumor tissues of patients, whereas mean levels of Ca (p < 0.01), Na (p < 0.05), Mg (p < 0.001), Fe (p < 0.001), Sn (p < 0.05) and Se (p < 0.01), were significantly elevated in the non tumor tissues than the tissues of tumor patients. Most of the elements revealed markedly disparities in their elemental levels based on food (vegetarian/nonvegetarian) habits and smoking (smoker/nonsmoker) habits of donor groups. The correlation study and multivariate statistical analyses demonstrated some significantly divergent associations and apportionment of the elements in the tumor tissues and non tumor tissues of donors. Noticeably, variations in the elemental levels were also noted for colorectal tumor types (lymphoma, carcinoids tumor and adenocarcinoma) and stages (I, II, III, & IV) in patients. CONCLUSION: Overall, the study revealed that disproportions in essential and toxic elemental concentrations in the tissues are involved in pathogenesis of the malignancy. These findings provide the data base that helps to oncologist for diagnosis and prognosis of colorectal malignant patients.

Effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles and co-composted biochar on growth and Cd uptake by wheat plants: A field study.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common toxic trace element found in agricultural soils which is mainly due to anthropogenic activities. Cadmium posed a significant risk to humans all around the world due to its cancer-causing ability. The current study demonstrated the effects of soil-applied biochar (BC) and foliar-applied titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) (at a rate of 0.5% and 75 mg/L respectively) alone or in combination on growth and Cd accumulation in wheat plants under field experiment. Soil applied BC and foliar TiO2 NPs, as well as BC coupled with TiO2 NPs, reduced Cd contents in grains by 32%, 47%, and 79%, than control respectively. The usage of NPs and BC boosted the plant height as well as chlorophyll contents by lowering oxidative injury and changing selected antioxidant enzyme activities in leaves than control plants. The combined use of NPs and BC prevented excess Cd accumulation in grains over the critical level (0.2 mg/kg) for cereals. The health risk index (HRI) due to Cd was reduced by 79% by co-composted BC + TiO2 NPs treatment than control. Although, HRI was lower than one for all treatments but this may exceed the limit if grains obtained from such field consumed over long periods. In conclusion, TiO2 NPs and BC amendments can be implemented in fields across the globe where excess Cd is present in soils. Additional studies on the use of such approaches in more precise experimental settings are needed in order to address this environmental problem at larger scale.

Synthesis, DNA binding and biological evaluation of benzimidazole Schiff base ligands and their metal(ii) complexes.

Two novel benzimidazole ligands (E)-2-((4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)-6-bromo-4-chlorophenol (L1) and (E)-1-((4-(1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2-yl)phenylimino)methyl)naphthalene-2-ol (L2) with their corresponding Cu(ii), Ni(ii), Pd(ii) and Zn(ii) complexes were designed and synthesized. The compounds were characterized by elemental, IR, and NMR (1H & 13C) spectral analyses. Molecular masses were determined by ESI-mass spectrometry, and the structure of ligand L1 was confirmed by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Molecular docking was carried out for the theoretical investigation of DNA binding interactions. The results obtained were verified experimentally by UV/Visible absorption spectroscopy in conjunction with DNA thermal denaturation studies. It was observed that ligands (L1 and L2) and complexes (1-8) were moderate to strong DNA binders, as evident from the binding constants (K b). The value was found to be highest for complex 2 (3.27 × 105 M-1) and lowest for 5 (6.40 × 103 M-1). A cell line study revealed that breast cancer cells were less viable to the synthesized compounds compared to that of standard drugs, cisplatin and doxorubicin, at the same concentration. The compounds were also screened for in vitro antibacterial activity for which complex 2 showed a promising broad-spectrum effect against all tested strains of bacteria, almost in the proximity of the reference drug kanamycin, while the rest of the compounds displayed activity against selected strains.

Different feedstocks of biochar affected the bioavailability and uptake of heavy metals by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants grown in metal contaminated soil.

Heavy metals (HMs) contamination of agricultural soils is an emerging food safety challenge at world level. Therefore, as a possible treatment for the remediation of a HMs contaminated soil (sewage water irrigation for 20-years), the impact of biochar (BC) was investigated on the uptake of HMs by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants. The BC was produced from seven different feedstocks (cotton stalks (CSBC), rice straw (RSBC), poultry manure (PMBC), lawn grass (LGBC), vegetable peels (VPBC), maize straw (MSBC), and rice husks (RHBC)). Each BC was applied at 1.25% (dry weight basis, w/w) in contaminated soil and a control was maintained without BC addition and wheat was grown in potted soil and harvested at maturity. Results revealed that the properties of different biochars regulated their effects on soil nutrient and HMs mobility and uptake by plants. The maximum plant phosphorous and potassium uptake and translocation to grain (173.4% and 341%, respectively) was found in RSBC treatment over control. The RHBC, PMBC, and MSBC treatments showed a maximum decrease in grain Cd concentration (32.9%, 33.8%, and 34.1%, respectively) compared to the control. The grain Pb (-41% to -51%, with no significant differences among different treatments) and Ni (-63%) concentrations were also reduced significantly following BC treatments compared to control. The daily intake and health risk index of Cd were significantly decreased due to PMBC (-28.1% and -33.8%, respectively), and MSBC (-28.3% and -34.1%, respectively) treatment over control. The BC treatments significantly increased the translocation factor of Cd in the order of VPBC (52.1%) > LGBC (25.4%) > CSBC (13.6%) > RSBC (12.1%) compared to control. The study demonstrated that the effects of BC on metal uptake in plants varied with feedstocks and suitable BC can be further exploited for the rehabilitation of contaminated soils and thereby ensuring food safety.

Combined effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and melatonin on wheat growth, chlorophyll contents, cadmium (Cd) and zinc uptake under Cd stress.

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) and melatonin (MT) have been known to regulate heavy metal toxicities in plants in some studies, the effect of their combined use on cadmium (Cd) uptake by wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and underlying mechanisms is largely unknown. Thus, plant growth, uptake and translocation of Cd mediated by soil applied ZnONPs and foliar applied MT were investigated in wheat grown in Cd polluted soil under ambient conditions. The results depicted that ZnONPs stimulated the growth, chlorophyll contents, and yield of wheat in a dose additive way and this effect was further increased with foliar application of MT. 100 mg/kg of ZnONPs alone enhanced the grain yield by 60.5 % and this increase was about 177.5 % under combined ZnONPs and 100 µM MT treatment. ZnONPs treatments decreased Cd concentration whereas increased zinc (Zn) concentrations in shoots, roots, husks and grains and the effect was further increased with exogenous MT combined with NPs in a dose-additive way. 50 and 100 mg/kg ZnONPs treatments alone decreased grain Cd by 6.5 %, and 20 % and increased the Zn concentration by 20.1 % and 24 % than control. 100 mg/kg ZnONPs +100 µM MT treatment decreased the grain Cd by 63.5 % and increased grain Zn by 51 % than control treatment. Total Cd uptake (tissues biomass × Cd concentration in respective tissues) in shoots, roots, husks and grains increased with ZnONPs alone or combined with MT than control whereas soil post-harvest bioavailable Cd concentration decreased with treatments than control. The Cd reduction in grains was due to increase in biomass and Zn concentration thereby decreasing bioavailable Cd in soil and its accumulation in plants. This study suggested that combined use of ZnONPs and MT may provide new approaches for minimizing Cd and biofortification of Zn in edible parts of plants.

Survival Outcomes and Patterns of Failure in Maxillary Alveolus Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Abstract Introduction Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the maxillary alveolus is a relatively rare disease. There is lack of data on this subsite as compared with other sites. The factors that affect survival in cases of maxillary alveolar SCC are tumor stage, local and cervical metastases, histological grading, and the margin status. Objectives To evaluate the overall survival (OS), the disease free survival (DFS), and the complex interaction and effects of margin status, histological differentiation, habits (such as smoking and the use of smokeless tobacco products), and cervical and distant metastases based on clinicopathological data. Methods We examined the electronic database at our hospital from 2003 to 2017. We included all cases with a histopathological diagnosis of SCC of the maxillary alveolus. Tumors originating primarily from the maxillary alveolus were included, while those originating from adjacent subsites, like the hard palate, the buccal mucosa or the maxillary sinus were excluded. We also excluded all the patients who were not operated on with a curative intent. Results More than half of the patients had stage-IV tumors at the time of presentation, while only one fourth of them had nodal metastasis. The rate of recurrence increased in cases of primary tumors in advanced stages and the degree of histological differentiation. The 2-year and 5-year OS rates were of 54.5% (18 patients) and 30.3% (10 patients) respectively. Conclusion Primary tumors in advanced stages, histological grade, and presence of nodal metastasis are poor prognostic markers in terms of long-term survival.

Sphenoid Wing Dysplasia: Report Of 3 Cases.

Sphenoidal Dysplasia is the absence of complete or a part of sphenoid bone, most commonly the greater wing of sphenoid. It can occur as an isolated deformity or in Neurofibromatosis-1 (NF1). Features of NF1 include café au lait spots, inguinal or axillary freckling, neurofibromas, optic gliomas, scoliosis and tibial deformity. Our study is retrospective case series of 3 cases of Sphenoid wing dysplasia. There was 1 case of isolated bone defect, 1 case of NF-1 and 1 case of operated Craniofacial Fibrous Dysplasia involving the sphenoid wing. There were 2 primary operated cases while 1 was operated secondarily. There was resolution of pulsatile exophthalmos in patient with sphenoid and temporal bone defect. Patient with facial deformity NF1 was debulked to the satisfaction of the patient, the patient however declined surgery to correct the sphenoid bone deformity. The 3rd patient was a re-do surgery patient in which the previous implant material was removed and the CSF rhinorrhoea, the patient did not consent to the correction of vertical orbital dystopia. Sphenoid wing dysplasia is a complex deformity requiring multi speciality care and treatment planning. With meticulous planning and surgery, good results can be achieved as shown in our case series.

Cation Incorporation and Synergistic Effects on the Characteristics of Sulfur-Doped Manganese Ferrites S@Mn(Fe2O4) Nanoparticles for Boosted Sunlight-Driven Photocatalysis.

In the present work, sulfur-doped manganese ferrites S@Mn(Fe2O4) nanoparticles were prepared by using the sol-gel and citrate method. The concentration of sulfur varied from 1 to 7% by adding Na2S. The samples were characterized by performing Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Ultraviolet-Visible spectroscopy (UV-Visible). The synthesized sulfur-doped manganese ferrites were applied to evaluate the photocatalytic degradation of the dyes. Further, the degradation studies revealed that the nanoparticles successfully degraded the methylene blue dye by adding a 0.006 g dose under the sunlight. The sulfur-doped manganese ferrite nanoparticles containing 3% sulfur completely degraded the dye in 2 h and 15 min in aqueous medium. Thus, the ferrite nanoparticles were found to be promising photocatalyst materials and could be employed for the degradation of other dyes in the future.