Pioneering superior efficiency in Methylene blue and Rhodamine b dye degradation under solar light irradiation using CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary photocatalysts.

In this research work, we have successfully synthesized the CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite for hydrothermal method for photocatalytic applications. The synthesized nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission electron microscopy TEM, Photoluminescent spectra (PL), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer- Emmett-Teller (BET) and Ultraviolet diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) technique. As per the optical spectroscopic investigations CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite exhibited the high optical absorption range and its band gap is reduced from 2.95 eV to1.83 eV. The PL spectra showed the lowered emission peak intensity of ternary nanocomposite which is revealed that the better charge separation and slow recombination of electron hole pairs. The highest photocatalytic degradation efficiency of CeO2/Co3O4/g-C3N4 ternary nanocomposite showed 93 % and 86 % towards the pollutant methylene blue and Rhodamine B. Moreover, photodegradation of the pollutants followed pseudo-first order kinetics with a very high-rate constant of 0.02211 min-1 and 0.017756 min-1. Additionally, the ternary nano catalyst was delivered the remarkable stability performance even after five cycles. This research may provide a low-cost approach for synthesized visible light responsive catalysts for use in environmental remediation applications.

Advances in detection algorithms for radiation monitoring.

This paper presents a review of up-to-date advancements in detection algorithms employed in radiation monitoring for generating radiation maps of ground contamination and tracking radioactive release into the atmosphere. Detection algorithms for true count processing, spectroscopy processing, and plume tracking are discussed in chronological order of development. Process steps of detection include height correction, solid-angle correction, background radioactivity correction, Compton continuum elimination, de-noising of gamma-radiation spectra, and recording of plume passage events.

Reliability and validity of PHQ-9 when administered by health workers for depression screening among women in primary care.

BACKGROUND: Depression is twice more prevalent among women but remains unidentified in primary care. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to estimate the reliability and validity of PHQ-9, when administered by health workers, a cadre of public health staff, posted in primary health centres. We translated PHQ-9 to Malayalam, a language spoken by 30 million people in Kerala, India. Health workers administered PHQ-9 to women (n = 238) aged 18-60 years in a high prevalent primary care setting. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) was administered by the psychiatrist on the same day to diagnose depressive disorder. Two health workers administered PHQ-9, independently, in a subset of 21 women. RESULTS: The internal consistency reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.89) and inter-rater reliability (intra class correlation coefficient, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.86-0.95) were high. On ROC analysis, area under curve was 0.92 (95% CI 0.88-0.96). For a cut-off score of ≥9, PHQ-9 had a sensitivity of 82.5%, (95% CI, 72.4-92.6), specificity of 90.1% (95% CI, 84.5-95.6%), positive predictive value of 73.4% (95% CI, 62.4-84.4%) and negative predictive value of 93.9% (95% CI, 90.2-97.6%). The accuracy was 88.2% (84.0-92.4%) and positive likelihood ratio was 8.3. Factor analysis supported a single factor, with eigen value above 1, with high loading for all items (0.73-0.79), except item related to appetite (0.58). This explained 62% of variance in the data. Prevalence of MINI diagnosed depressive disorders was 25%. CONCLUSION: When administered by health workers, PHQ-9 has good reliability and at cut off score ≥9, it has good validity to identify depression in primary care.

Effectiveness of community-based depression intervention programme (ComDIP) to manage women with depression in primary care- randomised control trial.

BACKGROUND: In low and middle income countries where mental health resources are limited, community based depression intervention models, which can be implemented through the existing health system, are extremely relevant. OBJECTIVE: To test the effectiveness of Community based Depression Intervention Programme (ComDIP), newly developed by us, to reduce severity of depression in women, compared to the treatment as usual (TAU). METHODS: An RCT (Trial registration Number: CTRI/2011/08/001978, Clinical Trials Registry -India) was conducted in a primary care setting in Trivandrum, Kerala, South India. Health workers screened 422 women, aged 18-60 years, using PHQ-9. Sixty women with HAM-D (Hamilton Depression Rating scale) score above 19 were randomized to receive either ComDIP or TAU. Primary care physicians and health workers together implemented ComDIP which had psycho-social intervention and drug treatment. Those in TAU arm were referred to available mental health services. Primary outcome was measured at 8 weeks, by HAM-D. RESULTS: At baseline and 8 weeks, mean (SD) HAM-D scores were 29.2 (5.8) and 12.2 (9.3) respectively among women in ComDIP; and 28.6 (5.1) and 21.7 (12.4) respectively among those in TAU (p = 0.02, effect size = 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: ComDIP, implemented through existing health system is an effective public health programme to manage women with depression in primary care.

Direct N-heterocyclization of hydrazines to access styrylated pyrazoles: synthesis of 1,3,5-trisubstituted pyrazoles and dihydropyrazoles.

A microwave-assisted method has been developed for the synthesis of tri-substituted pyrazoles via direct N-heterocyclization of hydrazines with metal-acetylacetonate and -dibenzylideneacetonate without using any base or additives. Most importantly, the synthesis of 1-aryl-5-phenyl-3-styryl-1H-pyrazoles was achieved in a single step using hydrochloride salt of various phenylhydrazines and this is the first report for direct construction of these molecules. The reaction medium and microwave conditions play a critical role for their selective product formation during the reaction. The present reaction explored the usage of metal-diketonic complexes as reaction substrates providing acetylacetone and dibenzylideneacetone moieties to directly participate in cyclization with hydrazines to form the corresponding pyrazoles in excellent yields. The present protocol introduces the important N-heterocyclic moieties in the final structures, giving the reaction great applications from a medicinal chemistry perspective, particularly in the late stage modification strategies in drug discovery.

Mandibular Reconstruction: Overview.

INTRODUCTION: Mandibular reconstruction has changed significantly over the years and continues to evolve with the introduction of newer technologies and techniques. PURPOSE: This article reviews the history of oromandibular reconstruction, biomechanics of mandible, summarizes the reconstruction options available for mandible with defect classification, goals in reconstruction, the various donor sites, current reconstructive options, dental rehabilitation and persistent associated problems. SUMMARY: Oromandibular reconstruction, although a challenge for the head and neck reconstructive surgeon, is now reliable and highly successful with excellent long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes with the use of autogenous bone grafts and current reconstructive options. The ideal reconstruction would provide a solid arch to articulate with the upper jaw, restoring swallowing speech, mastication, and esthetics. Autogenous vascularized bone grafts in combination with microsurgical techniques have revolutionized mandibular reconstruction in oral cancer surgery. Current trends in mandibular reconstruction aim to achieve reestablishment of a viable mandible of proper form and maxillary mandibular relationship while decreasing the need for invasive autogenous graft procurement. However the optimal reconstruction of mandibular defects is still controversial in regards to reconstructive options which include the donor site selection, timing of surgery and method of reconstruction.

Versatility of Pleuripotent Undifferentiated Stem Cells Aspirated from Bone Marrow and its Applications in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Bone marrow (BM) derived pleuripotent undifferentiated stem cells represent a promising population for supporting new concepts in cellular therapy. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the versatility of pleuripotent undifferentiated stem cells derived from BM aspiration and its applications in oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 patients out of which 15 were with hard tissue defects (cystic lesions n = 6, post surgical alveolar defects n = 4, peri implant defects n = 3, alveolar clefts n = 2) and 15 soft tissue lesions (leukoplakia and lichen planus n = 6, oral submucous fibrosis n = 7, post traumatic soft tissue loss n = 2) were included in the study on randomized clinical basis. The patients received autologous BM derived mononuclear cells which were being locally delivered into the lesion and followed up. The parameters used were (1) To compare and evaluate the bone regeneration by radiographic assessment at the end of 3rd and 6th month postoperatively. (2) Duration of the procedure. (3) Clinical improvement in the management of soft tissue lesions. (4) Assessment of wound healing by Vancouver burn scar assessment of wound. (5) Safety, postoperative infections and complications. RESULTS: For hard tissue lesions CT scans and OPG revealed adequate regenerated bone, bridging the defect after 3 months. Hounsfield units of regenerated bone after 6 months were more or less similar to native bone which was statistically significant (unpaired t test = p < 0.05). For soft tissue lesions (1) 7 cases of OSMF showed adequate clinical mouth opening (one way anova test = p < 0.05), reduction in burning sensation and blanching of mucosa, (2) 6 cases of leukoplakia and lichen planus and 2 cases of post traumatic soft tissue defects showed good clinical improvement by Vancouver burn scar assessment of wound index. CONCLUSION: The study shows that there is a definite beneficial effect in bone regeneration and soft tissue wound healing with the use of BM-derived mononuclear cells.

Reliability of Incision Biopsy for Diagnosis of Oral Verrucous Carcinoma: A Multivariate Clinicopathological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Studies have reported 20 % of conventional squamous cell carcinoma in patients with verrucous carcinoma (VC), later these cancers were termed as hybrid VC. It is important to distinguish both while planning treatment since hybrid VC requires addressing regional lymphatics in addition to respective surgery. Information on odds of missing the foci of invasion on routine incision biopsy might be useful in this regard. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of all the patients surgically treated for oral cancer from Jan 2010 to Oct 2013 in a Tertiary Cancer Centre was analyzed. Patients diagnosed with primary VC or Verrucous Hyperplasia on incision biopsy were included in the study. Proportion of patients undiagnosed for invasive component on incision biopsy was calculated, multivariate analysis of the sample was performed to find associated cofounders. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients who reported with the diagnosis of VC (n = 53) or Verrucous Hyperplasia (n = 2) on incision biopsy were included in the study. Twenty-seven were diagnosed as VC and 28 as hybrid VC after excision. This corresponded to 51 % (n = 28) of cases missing invasive component on incision biopsy. VC was significantly more commonly seen in lip and in buccal mucosa, hybrid VC was more commonly seen in tongue and gingiva and this association was statistically significant (p = 0.031) in our study. CONCLUSION: Incision biopsy is extremely unreliable to diagnose and differentiate oral Hybrid VC from VC or Verrucous Hyperplasia. Caution is required while planning treatment of these patients regarding possibility of presence of conventional squamous cell carcinoma within these tumors.

Assessment of the Efficacy of Submental Intubation in the Management of Midfacial and Panfacial Trauma Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Securing an airway in maxillofacial injuries remains a challenge and is an important objective on the part of a maxillofacial surgeon to thoroughly understand its management. PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of submental intubation in the management of midfacial/panfacial trauma patients where oro-endotracheal or naso-endotracheal intubation is contraindicated and tracheostomy can be avoided. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with maxillofacial injuries were selected for submental intubation who were admitted in Kamineni Hospital, Narketpally, Nalgonda during a 2 year period (2010-2012). The parameters used to assess the efficacy were; restoration of the occlusion, duration of the surgery, presence of scar, presence of infection, damage to vital structures or any post-operative salivary fistula. RESULTS: Submental intubation allowed reduction and fixation of all fractures without the interference of the tube during surgical procedure in all of the patients. There were no intra-operative complications and none of the patients required post-operative ventilation. There were no significant post-operative complications. However, in one of the cases (case 4) infection of submental wound was seen and in another case (case 11) salivary fistula was formed. Both the cases were appropriately managed without any difficulty. The submental scar was well accepted by all the patients. CONCLUSION: Submental intubation is a safe and extremely useful procedure in severe maxillofacial injuries. It presents a low incidence of operative and post operative complications. It allows both the surgeon and the anaesthetist to deliver a better quality of patient care.

Management and Treatment Outcomes of Maxillofacial Fibro-osseous Lesions: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Fibro-osseous lesions are a diverse group of bone disorders and include developmental, reactive or dysplastic diseases and neoplasms. They share overlapping clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features and demonstrate a wide range of biological behaviour. AIM: To evaluate the characteristics, treatment and outcome of benign fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws. PATIENTS AND METHOD: All patients with fibro-osseous lesions of the jaws treated at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery of the Kamineni Institute of Dental Sciences from 2007 to 2013 were included in this study. RESULTS: Six males and four females were treated. Juvenile ossifying fibroma was most often encountered (40 %), and the mandible was the most frequent location (70 %). Main clinical feature in most of the cases was a painless expansile swelling with facial asymmetry, and radiologically mixed (radiolucent and radiopaque lesions) were seen in majority of cases. All cases were surgically treated and histopathologically confirmed. Segmental ostectomy was performed in six cases; maxillectomy was done in one case and excision along with margin in three cases. Mean follow-up was of 3.3 years with no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Fibro-osseous lesions, although sharing similar microscopic features, exhibit a variety of clinical behavior rendering their treatment highly individualized. Radical treatment is the choice to achieve an outcome without recurrence.

Study of Efficacy and the Comparison Between 2.0 mm Locking Plating System and 2.0 mm Standard Plating System in Mandibular Fractures.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and comparison between 2.0 mm locking plate system and 2.0 mm Champy's titanium mini plating system in mandible fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 20 patients with mandibular fractures were selected and divided into two groups A and B on randomized basis. Group A was treated with open reduction internal fixation using 2.0 mm locking plates and group B with 2.0 mm Champy's titanium miniplates. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks postoperatively. RESULTS: Results of the study show less screw loosening, less precision in plate adaptation and less alteration of the osseous or occlusal relationship upon screw tightening in group A. Chi square test was applied to compare the results between the two groups. Statistical analysis did not show significant difference of incidence of malocclusion between the two groups (p value = 0.606). Statistical analysis using un-paired t test showed significant difference of working time between the two groups (p value = 0.00296). When comparing the overall complication rates according to plates used, the χ(2) test showed no statistically significant difference between the locking and nonlocking plates (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: It is observed in our study that the locking plate/screw system offers significant advantages over the conventional plating system. The precise adaptation required for using conventional plates is not needed when this locking plate/screw system is used. Locking plate/screw system provides better stability than the conventional plate/screw system.

4-(N-Phenyl-N'-substituted benzenesulfonyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)quinolines as inhibitors of mammalian target of rapamycin.

A series of 4-(N-phenyl-N'-substituted benzenesulfonyl)-6-(4-hydroxyphenyl)quinolines was designed, synthesized and evaluated for their biological potential as anticancer agents by screening the molecules against panel of five human cancer cell lines viz. HL-60, MiaPaCa-2, HCT116, PC-3 and HEP-G2. The series has shown good mTOR inhibitory activity at 0.5 µM concentration. The representative compound 7h was found to be most active with the IC50 of 613 nM against mTOR. In supportive evidence, the western blotting experiment revealed that compound 7h is more potent in inhibiting p-mTOR (S2448) activity in 2-4h at 5 and 10 µM concentrations and was selective and specific towards mTORC1 versus mTORC2. Towards understanding the mechanistic aspects we studied cell cycle analysis, mitochondrial membrane potential loss in MiaPaca-2 cells for compound 7h. The docking study for this series was performed to understand the binding mode of the compounds and its consequent effect in biological activity, the initial interaction studies were found to be useful in design of molecules, where compound 7h has shown additional H-bond interaction with Lys2171 apart from Val2240 and also a small hydrophobic cleft was observed with Leu2185, Met2345 and Ile2356.

DMSO/I2 mediated C-C bond cleavage of α-ketoaldehydes followed by C-O bond formation: a metal-free approach for one-pot esterification.

A novel and efficient I2/DMSO mediated metal-free strategy is presented for the direct C-C bond cleavage of aryl-/heteroaryl- or aliphatic α-ketoaldehydes by C2-decarbonylation and C1-carbonyl oxidation to give the corresponding carboxylic acids followed by esterification in one pot, offering excellent yields in both the steps. Here, DMSO acts as the oxygen source/oxidant and this reaction works very well under both conventional heating and microwave irradiation. This is a very simple and convenient protocol.

Myofibroma-a rare entity with unique clinical presentation.

Myofibroma and myofibromatosis is a well-recognized spindle cell neoplasm that occurs predominantly in infants and young children. They have been described under different names since 1951. These lesions are a benign fibroblast and myofibroblast proliferation containing a biphasic presentation of spindle shaped cells surrounding a central zone of less differentiated cells focally arranged in a hemangiopericytoma like pattern. Classically these lesions are described in children younger than two, with 2/3rd present at birth and rarely in adults. Controversy exists as to an autosomal dominant or recessive inheritance or to a sporadic occurrence. Presented here is a unique case of myofibroma involving the mandible in a 11 year-old male patient. Clinically it mimicked more like a beningn tumor and not exhibiting any of its classical signs. The diagnosis could be established only after complete excision of the lesion and histopathological examination. There was no recurrence after a follow up period of 4 months.

Variations in the cone packing density with eccentricity in emmetropes.

AIM: To describe the parafoveal cone arrangement in emmetropic subjects and its variations with eccentricity, meridians and change in axial length in Indian eyes. METHODS: We imaged 25 subjects using compact adaptive optics (AO) retinal camera prototype, the rtx1. Imaging was done at 1, 2, and 3° eccentricity from the fovea in four meridians: nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior. RESULTS: A statistically significant drop in the cone packing density was observed from 2 to 3° (2° eccentricity=25 350/mm(2) (5300/mm(2), 8400-34 800/mm(2)) 3° eccentricity=20 750/mm(2) (6000 mm(2), 9000-33 670/mm(2))) P<0.05. The spacing correspondingly increased with increase in distance from the fovea (2° eccentricity=6.9 µm (0.70 µm, 5.95-11.6 µm)) and 3°eccentricity=7.80 µm (1.00 µm, 6.5-13.5 µm) P<0.05. As the axial length increases, the cone density significantly decreases. Interocular variations were noted. CONCLUSION: With the advent of AO, visualization at the cellular level is now possible. Understanding the photoreceptor mosaic in the parafoveal space in terms of its density, spacing, and arrangement is crucial so as to detect early pathology and intervene appropriately. Newer therapeutic modalitites that are targeted at the cellular level like yellow micropulse laser, stem cells, gene therapy and so on may be better monitored in terms of safety and efficacy.

Facile access to amides and hydroxamic acids directly from nitroarenes.

A new method for synthesis of amides and hydroxamic acids from nitroarenes and aldehydes is described. The MnO2 catalyzed thermal deoxygenation of nitrobenzene resulted in formation of a reactive nitroso intermediate which on reaction with aldehydes provided amides and hydroxamic acids. The thermal neat reaction in the presence of 0.01 mmol KOH predominantly led to formation of hydroxamic acid whereas reaction in the presence of 1 mmol acetic acid produced amides as the only product.