Biosorption of arsenic (III) from aqueous solution using calcium alginate immobilized dead biomass of Acinetobacter sp. strain Sp2b.

This study presents a novel biosorbent developed by immobilizing dead Sp2b bacterial biomass into calcium alginate (CASp2b) to efficiently remove arsenic (AsIII) from contaminated water. The bacterium Sp2b was isolated from arsenic-contaminated industrial soil of Punjab, a state in India. The strain was designated Acinetobacter sp. strain Sp2b as per the 16S rDNA sequencing, GenBank accession number -OP010048.The CASp2b was used for the biosorption studies after an initial screening for the biosorption capacity of Sp2b biomass with immobilized biomass in both live and dead states. The optimum biosorption conditions were examined in batch experimentations with contact time, pH, biomass, temperature, and AsIII concentration variables. The maximum biosorption capacity (qmax = 20.1 ± 0.76 mg/g of CA Sp2b) was obtained at pH9, 35 ̊ C, 20 min contact time, and 120 rpm agitation speed. The isotherm, kinetic and thermodynamic modeling of the experimental data favored Freundlich isotherm (R2 = 0.941) and pseudo-2nd-order kinetics (R2 = 0.968) with endothermic nature (ΔH° = 27.42) and high randomness (ΔS° = 58.1).The scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (SEM-EDX) analysis indicated the As surface binding. The reusability study revealed the reasonable usage of beads up to 5 cycles. In conclusion, CASp2b is a promising, efficient, eco-friendly biosorbent for AsIII removal from contaminated water.

UV blocking edible films based on corn starch/moringa gum incorporated with pine cone extract for sustainable food packaging.

Corn starch (CS) is a good alternative to synthetic polymers due to its sustainability; nevertheless, because of its weak tensile strength, the matrix requires another polymer. Therefore, 0.5 % (w/v) moringa gum (MG) was added. The purpose of this study was to assess how pine cone extract (PCE) affected the physiochemical and mechanical properties of corn starch and moringa gum (CS/MG) films and their use as UV-blocking composites. The findings suggest that the PCE improved the elongation at break from 3.27 % to 35.2 % while greatly reducing the tensile strength. The hydrogen bonding between CS/MG and PCE was visible in the FTIR spectra. The XRD graph indicated that the films were amorphous. In comparison to CS/MG films, PCE-incorporated edible films demonstrated significant UV-blocking ability indicating their potential as sustainable packaging material for light-sensitive food products.

Rehabilitation Using Hybrid Technique for Feeding Plate Fabrication in a 3-Month-Old Infant with Cleft Palate Defect Utilising Digital and Conventional Method: A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: Cleft palate leads to difficulty in suckling, speech abnormalities, dental problems, hearing loss and middle ear infections. Feeding plate acts as a barrier between the oral and nasal cavities allowing the normal development of jaws and enhanced nutritional supply to the patient. Fabrication of the feeding plate using digital means provide better adaptability due to the engagement of all the possible favourable anatomic undercuts, thereby, providing better retention. This case report discusses the hybrid technique including both the digital and conventional means for fabrication of a feeding plate to obturate the defect between the oral and nasal cavity.

Advancements in multiferroic, dielectric, and impedance properties of copper-yttrium co-doped cobalt ferrite for hydroelectric cell applications.

This paper explores yttrium and copper co-doped cobalt ferrite [Co1-xCuxFe1.85Y0.15O4] synthesized via the sol-gel auto-combustion route (0.0 ⩽x⩽ 0.08). Investigating the impact of co-dopants on CoFe2O4, the study reveals altered cation distribution affecting the structure, multiferroic, and electrical properties. X-ray diffraction studies show nanocrystalline co-doped cobalt ferrites with lattice expansion and smaller grains due to Cu-Y co-doping. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirms inverse spinel family classification with tetrahedral lattice shrinkage. Field emission scanning electron microscopy indicates a grain size of approximately 0.12µm. Ferroelectric analysis reveals a peak saturation polarization of 23.42µC cm-2for 8% copper doping, attributed to increased Fe3+ions at tetrahedral sites. Saturation magnetization peaks at 54.4706 emu g-1for 2% Cu2+ion substitution [Co0.98Cu0.02Fe1.85Y0.15O4] and decreases to 37.09 emu g-1for 4% Cu substitution due to irregular iron atom distribution at tetrahedral sites. Dielectric studies uncover Maxwell-Wagner polarization and high resistance in grain and grain boundaries using impedance spectroscopy. Fabricated hydroelectric cells exhibit improved ionic diffusion, suggesting their use in potential hydroelectric cell applications.

Prosthetic rehabilitation of mucormycosis patients using DMLS fabricated cast partial denture with semi-precision attachments-A case series.

BACKGROUND: The rehabilitation of maxillectomy defects is a challenging endeavour that necessitates customizing the procedure for each patient. The successful treatment for these patients requires a combined conventional and contemporary treatment options. The high-tech prosthodontic treatment option for these defects and distal extension cases are combining fixed and removable partial dentures with precision/semi-precision attachments. It will enhance retention, stability, esthetics and functional ability of the prosthesis. METHODS: Three post-Covid Mucormycosis patients reported after localised debridement and partial maxillectomy for definitive rehabilitation. For partial Maxillectomy patients, DMLS designed cast partial denture along with semi-precision attachments (Preci-vertix and OT strategy Rhein For patient with localized defect, DMLS designed cast partial denture was planned. For both patients the defect area was kept as hollow cavity (Closed or Open), in order to reduce the weight of the prosthesis. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The prosthodontic rehabilitation of these patient can be a simple and economical treatment options and it improves the stomatognathic functions and quality of life of the patient. The major hurdles during rehabilitation are retention and stability as there is no basal seat and hard tissue support. Hence, we tried a combined conventional and digital techniques in order to provide prosthesis with precise fit and accuracy as well as reducing the treatment time and visits of the patients.

Surgical Nasal Stent Fabrication Using Innovative Multisegmental Cast to Rehabilitate Anatomic and Functional Dynamicity of Upper Airway: A Case Report.

Aim: The purpose of this case report is to provide a simple, efficient, and novel technique for fabricating a nasal stent utilizing a multisegmental cast to rehabilitate the anatomic and functional dynamicity of the upper airway following primary cleft lip and primary rhinoplasty surgery. Background: Nasal deformity is often associated with congenital unilateral or bilateral cleft lip and palate. Despite primary nasal reconstruction at the time of definitive lip repair, the long-term postoperative outcome of the nasal correction frequently falls short of the surgeon's or patient's expectations. This condition is more prevalent in the Asian population due to undeveloped, thin alar cartilage and thick skin. Case description: A 4-month-old female infant was referred from the Department of Plastic Surgery for the fabrication of a nasal stent after surgical cleft lip repair with nasal reconstruction. A customized nasal stent using a multisegmental cast followed by relining with tissue conditioner was planned to minimize relapse of the nasal defect. Conclusion: The technique described in the present case for nasal stent fabrication is simple, cost-efficient and innovative. Postoperative use of this nasal stent helps to maintain the corrected position of the nose after primary lip and nasal correction, resulting in significantly improved esthetic results. Clinical significance: Nasal surgical correction deteriorates over time, especially within the 1st year of surgery due to tissue memory and contraction of the scar tissue. Hence a nasal stent should be worn after the surgery to maintain the corrected nasal form. How to cite this article: Singh S, Rathee M, Alam M, et al. Surgical Nasal Stent Fabrication Using Innovative Multisegmental Cast to Rehabilitate Anatomic and Functional Dynamicity of Upper Airway: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-2):S220-S223.

Effect of conventionally fabricated and three-dimensional printed provisional restorations on hard and soft peri-implant tissues in the mandibular posterior region: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Background: The purpose of this study was to conduct a randomized controlled clinical trial to compare and evaluate the effect of provisional restorations fabricated by two techniques, namely, conventional and three-dimensional (3D) printing processes on the peri-implant hard and soft tissues over early nonfunctional loaded implants in the mandibular posterior region. Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted across 24 subjects broadly divided into two groups with 12 dental implants each, i.e., GpIC with conventionally fabricated provisional restoration and GpIID with 3D printed fabricated provisional restoration. The prosthetic phase was carried out at 2 weeks, and subjects were evaluated at baseline (at the time of prosthesis placement), 2 months, and 4 months for peri-implant marginal bone level, mucosal suppuration, sulcular probing depth, and modified sulcular bleeding index. Patient satisfaction was assessed using 5-item questionnaires at 4 months. The intragroup comparison for all the data was done using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The intergroup comparison for all the data was done using Mann-Whitney U-test. The comparison of frequency of responses between GpIC and GpIID was done using Chi-square test. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: Nonsignificant difference was observed in all the hard and soft tissue parameters between the groups at baseline, 2 months, and 4 months (P > 0.05). Improvement in bleeding on probing was found to be greater around dental implants restored with 3D printed provisional restoration than dental implants restored with conventionally fabricated provisional restoration from baseline to 4 months of follow-up, and the difference in finding was statistically significant (P < 0.05). There was a statistically nonsignificant difference seen for the frequencies between the groups (P > 0.05) for all questions related to patient satisfaction. Conclusion: The effect of conventionally fabricated and 3D printed provisional restorations on peri-implant hard and soft tissues was comparable to each other on an early nonfunctionally loaded implant in the mandibular posterior region.

Comparative evaluation of implant stability and crestal bone level between tapered and cylindrical implants in the posterior regions of the mandible: A prospective, randomized, split-mouth clinical trial.

Purpose: To compare the clinical outcome of tapered and cylindrical implants placed in the posterior region of mandible by measuring implant stability and crestal bone level at the healing period. Materials and Methods: A prospective clinical study was conducted on 15 patients who were included in the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A total of 30 dental implants were placed in both groups: 15 implants in Group I (tapered implants) and 15 implants in Group II (cylindrical implants) in the posterior region of mandible. Implant stability assessment by periotest was done at the time of implant placement (baseline) and after 3 months. The crestal bone level was measured with the help of radiovisiography (RVG) at the time of implant placement (baseline) and at 3 and 6 months. Results: At baseline, there was statistically significant (P < 0.01) difference in primary implant stability. Tapered implants had higher primary implant stability than cylindrical implants. However, at 3 months, there was no statistically significant (P > 0.05) difference in the secondary implant stability of both the groups. Also, the crestal bone level on the mesial and distal sides of dental implant for tapered and cylindrical implants was statistically nonsignificant (P > 0.05) at all time intervals, that is, at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Conclusion: Tapered implants had higher primary stability than cylindrical implants, and no difference was found in secondary stability. The crestal bone level was similar for both groups during early healing and early post-loading periods.

Unveiling the impact of Ni2+/Y3+ co-substitution on the structural, dielectric, and impedance properties of multiferroic spinel ferrite for hydroelectric cell application.

Substitution with rare earth (RE3+) and transition (X = Cu, Ni, Mn, Zn, etc.) metals can distort the spinel ferrite structure and create defects, which can be exploited in multifarious applications. In this study, yttrium and nickel co-substituted cobalt ferrites [Co1-xNixFe1.85Y0.15O4], (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) were synthesized by a modified sol-gel reaction route. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the single phase and highly crystalline nature of the prepared samples. Field emission scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray (FESEM-EDX) spectroscopy confirmed the morphology of the prepared samples sintered at 800 °C and showed the grain sizes of the particles decreased with the addition of nickel ions. The simultaneous co-existence of saturation magnetization and ferroelectricity at room temperature confirmed the multiferroic nature of the co-substituted cobalt ferrites. The dielectric and impedance studies confirmed the Maxwell-Wagner polarization phenomenon and the enhanced values with Y-Ni co-substitution. The maximum saturation ferroelectric polarization was attained around 6.142 µC cm-2 for yttrium-substituted cobalt ferrite and then decreased with the increase in the substitution % of nickel. The maximum value of saturation magnetization (Ms = 99.50 emu g-1) was obtained with the highest substitution % of nickel of x = 0.15 in yttrium-substituted cobalt ferrite (YCFO) nanoferrites, which was also confirmed from the vibrating sample magnitude (VSM) studies at room temperature. The improvements in the structural, morphological, electrical, and multiferroic properties in the co-substituted cobalt ferrites were found to correlated to the substitution of the bigger cationic Y3+ ions compared to the Fe3+ ions, while the small substitution of Ni2+ ions lead to changes in the lattice parameters, porosity, and conduction behavior. These significant enhancements in co-substituted cobalt ferrites can be exploited for hydroelectric cell applications.

Kinase inhibitors in thyroid cancers.

Objective: The treatment landscape for thyroid cancers has changed rapidly with the availability of kinase inhibitors against VEGFR, BRAF, MEK, NTRK, and RET. We provide an up-to-date review of the role of kinase inhibitors in thyroid cancer and discuss upcoming trials. Design & Methods: A comprehensive review of the available literature describing kinase inhibitors in thyroid cancer was performed. Results and Conclusions: Kinase inhibitors have become the standard of care for patients with metastatic radioactive iodine-refractory thyroid cancer. Short-term treatment can re-sensitize differentiated thyroid cancer to radioactive iodine, thereby potentially improving outcomes and sparing toxicities associated with the long-term use of kinase inhibitors. The approval of cabozantinib as salvage therapy for progressive radioactive iodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer following failure with sorafenib or lenvatinib adds to the available armamentarium of active agents. Vandetanib and cabozantinib have become mainstay treatments for metastatic medullary thyroid cancer regardless of RET mutation status. Selpercatinib and pralsetinib, potent and selective receptor kinase inhibitors with activity against RET, have revolutionized the treatment paradigm for medullary thyroid cancers and other cancers with driver mutations in RET. Dabrafenib plus trametinib for BRAF mutated anaplastic thyroid cancer provides an effective treatment option for this aggressive cancer with a dismal prognosis. In order to design the next generation of agents for thyroid cancer, future efforts will need to focus on developing a better understanding of the mechanisms of resistance to kinase inhibition including bypass signaling and escape mutations.

Magnet-Retained closed bulb hollow obturator and orbital prosthesis for patient with maxillectomy and orbital exenteration following COVID-Associated mucormycosis.

The rehabilitation of facial deformities is a challenging endeavour that necessitates customising the procedure for each patient. Significant physical and psychological impacts might arise as a result of the deformity in the orofacial region. Post-COVID rhino-orbital mucormycosis has led to rise in extraoral and intraoral defects since 2020. To avoid further surgery, an economical maxillofacial prosthesis is an excellent choice as it is aesthetic, durable, long-lasting and retentive. This case report describes the prosthetic rehabilitation of the patient with post-COVID mucormycosis maxillectomy and orbital exenteration using a magnet-retained closed bulb hollow acrylic obturator and room-temperature vulcanising silicone orbital prosthesis. To enhance retention, a spectacle and medical-grade adhesive were also used.

Prosthetic Rehabilitation Following Segmental Maxillectomy Confluent with an Orbital Defect Using a Hollow Orbital Prosthesis Retained Magnetically with an Obturator: A Case Report.

Loss of a sense organ, such as an eye in situations of orbital involvement, or any other bodily part, such as the maxilla or palate, might make one more dependent on others for care and affect how they perceive themselves in society. The prosthetic rehabilitation of large mid-facial defects is a challenging task due to the varied size and shape of the defect. Confluent maxillary and orbital abnormalities are best restored with prosthetic means by creating a comfortable, aesthetically pleasing prosthesis that allows for the restoration of speech, deglutition, and mastication. The retention of any prosthesis is must for it to be successful. The hollow orbital conformer described in this case presentation aids in reducing the weight of the prosthesis, thereby enhancing the retention of the prosthesis. This clinical case presentation highlights the aesthetic and functional rehabilitation using a combined obturator-orbital prosthesis connected using intraoral magnets.

Innovative Customized Pressure Appliance as an Adjuvant in Presurgical Management of Bilateral Multiple Keloid: A Case Report.

Keloid is a benign, long-lasting fibroproliferative mass of dermal connective tissue that forms at the site of cutaneous injury as a result of an unregulated repair and healing process at specific anatomical locations, with a preference for the highly pigmented ethnic group. The use of clips or splints to apply pressure to the affected area is common treatment of keloids; nevertheless, controlling the volume and direction of the keloids might be challenging. The appliance's unique design allows for more precise control over the amount and direction of pressure applied to the scar tissue.

Overall and Event Free Survival of Childhood Cancer - Report From a Hospital-based Cancer Registry in Northern India, 2013-21.

OBJECTIVE: Using data from a hospital-based cancer registry (HBCR) in the private sector in Northern India, we provide overall survival (OS) and event-free survival (EFS) for childhood cancer patients. METHODS: All newly diagnosed childhood (age <18 years) cancer patients in our HBCR registered between March 1, 2013 till July 31, 2021 were eligible. 3-year and 5-year OS (death was an event), EFSc (death, progression/relapse was an event), and EFSa (death, progression/relapse, abandonment of treatment was an event) were calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method. Regression analysis was done to see their association with demographic, diagnostic and treatment variables. RESULTS: 705 newly diagnosed children (36.2% female) with cancer were registered. Common cancers were leukemias (26%), CNS tumors (20%) and bone tumors (16%). 202 (28.6%) had experienced an event at median follow up of 1.95 years (range 0-8.14 years), which included 23 (3.3%) who abandoned treatment. The 3-year OS, EFSc, EFSa were 70.8%, 64.4% and 63.6%, respectively. Correspondingly, 5-year OS, EFSc, EFSa were 66%, 58.6% and 57.5%, respectively. There was no significant difference by age group, gender, nationality, and if cancer directed treatment initiated elsewhere. The OS, EFSa and EFSc by the main and the extended International Childhood Cancer Classification categories varied significantly (P<0.001). CONCLUSION: We add more recent registry-based OS data on childhood cancer in India and present the first estimates on EFS.

Aesthetic rehabilitation of amputated phalanx by three part mould technique using silicone elastomer - case report.

The unfortunate loss of all or part of a finger caused by traumatic amputation has a negative impact on physical and psychological well-being of a person. Thus an aesthetic prosthesis can offer psychological, functional and rehabilitative advantages. One of the major problems with the prosthetic replacement of a partially amputated finger is inadequate retention of the prosthesis and there are numerous means to enhance the retention. The most routinely used are adhesives, adhesive tape, magnets and implants. The present article describes a technique which utilizes room temperature vulcanizing silicone (RTV) as a prosthetic material retained by preformed artificial rings. Such treatment can be opted for in cases of financial constraints.

Atropisomerism transforming anti-cancer drug discovery.

Atropisomerism is a stereochemical phenomenon that describes how groups are arranged in space as a result of their impeded rotation around a single bond. It is one of the frequently underappreciated conformational kinds of chirality. A significant role for atropisomers in drug discovery and development has been established via substantial study on the characteristics of molecules exhibiting this form of chirality. According to studies on the target selectivity of anti-cancer drugs, it was identified that atropisomers of specific compounds could be examined to modulate the selectivity of promiscuous inhibitors, which are a key target in cancer therapy. Conversely, it was discovered that these deliberate rigidifications of possible molecules along an axis of chirality gave an abundant possibility of acquiring more tailored anti-cancer action. Atropisomerism plays a significant role in altering pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties and thereby the success of any proposed drug candidate. It is thus necessary to anticipate the impact of stereogenic centres in such compounds on cancer drug development. Hence, herein we review atropisomeric anti-cancer moieties which have been investigated based on their target proteins, origin and isomerism. The insights offered herein would be extremely useful in anti-cancer drug design, pave way for new avenues to development promising potent agents to combat this life-threatening disease.

Anterior esthetic rehabilitation with full and partial veneers using conventional and digital techniques: A case series.

Effective esthetic rehabilitation requires a proper treatment planning in addition to the associated diagnostic wax-up. For anterior rehabilitation, most dentists favor conservative and esthetic treatments, such as indirect laminate veneer restorations which can be partial- or full-ceramic anterior crowns according to the clinical situations. After the introduction of technologies such as intraoral scanners, dental software for digital restoration design, and additive manufacturing (three-dimensional printing), these techniques further enhanced the digital workflow of restorative therapy. These technologies also fabricate prosthesis with natural esthetics and marginal integrity. This case series discusses the conventional and digitally fabricated full- and partial-ceramic veneers for discolored and misaligned anterior teeth after the fabrication of corresponding diagnostic wax-up.

Rehabilitation of orbital exenteration postsquamous cell carcinoma of orbit using magnet retained two-part silicone and acrylic prosthesis: A case report.

ABSTRACT: Orbital exenteration performed to treat various neoplasms or nonmalignant diseases results in functional, aesthetic, and psychological issues for the patients. If reconstructive surgery is not possible or not desired by the patient, an orbital prosthesis is an excellent choice for cosmetic and psychological rehabilitation. An orbital prosthesis is aesthetic, durable, long lasting, cost-effective, and most importantly retentive. The present case report describes the rehabilitation of an orbital exenteration postsquamous cell carcinoma using a two-part prosthesis, in which retention is achieved by a combination of relining of anatomic undercuts and magnets.

A Conservative Approach towards Aesthetic, Functional, and Psychological Management of Non-Syndromic Oligodontia Patient: A Case Report with 12-Year Follow-up.

Dental agenesis is the most common developmental aberration in humans, and it is typically linked with a variety of other oral anomalies. Oligodontia, anodontia, and hypodontia are the words used in the literature to denote missing teeth. Although tooth agenesis is not a serious public health problem, it can cause speech, masticatory, aesthetic, and functional problems. A multidisciplinary approach is necessary to establish comprehensive treatment planning, counselling sessions, and frequent follow-ups, to obtain stable, functional, and psychological rehabilitation, which will eventually improves the patient's quality of life. In this case study, after considering the young age and growth of the patient and also his financial status, a conservative approach to rehabilitate the non-syndromic oligodontia patient with a 12-year follow-up and fabrication of maxillary overlay denture and mandibular conventional complete denture has been discussed.