Synthesis and application of titanium dioxide photocatalysis for energy, decontamination and viral disinfection: a review.

Global pollution is calling for advanced methods to remove contaminants from water and wastewater, such as TiO2-assisted photocatalysis.  The environmental applications of titanium dioxide have started after the initial TiO2 application for water splitting by Fujishima and Honda in 1972. TiO2 is now used for self-cleaning surfaces, air and water purification systems, microbial inactivation and selective organic conversion. The synthesis of titanium dioxide nanomaterials with high photocatalytic activity is actually a major challenge. Here we review titanium dioxide photocatalysis with focus on mechanims, synthesis, and applications. Synthetic methods include sol-gel, sonochemical, microwave, oxidation, deposition, hydro/solvothermal, and biological techniques. Applications comprise the production of energy, petroleum recovery, and the removal of microplastics, pharmaceuticals, metals, dyes, pesticides, and of viruses such as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

Accidental Pathological Findings in Asymptomatic Maxillary Sinuses in Patients Referred for Head and Neck Cone-Beam Computed Tomography: A Cross-sectional Study Analysis.

Background: The aim of the present study was to detect the prevalence of accidental pathological findings in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses in patients referred for head and neck cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) examination for varied reasons. Methods: The present cross-sectional study included a detailed analysis of CBCT scans of 150 patients aged between 18 and 70 years reporting for varied dental complaints for detecting accidental pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while the patients did not have any complaint pertaining to sinuses. Results: The findings of the present study revealed 58% patients to have pathological findings in maxillary sinuses while they were asymptomatic for sinuses. Furthermore, the prevalence of mucosal thickening was found in 29.3% of the patients while 36.7% patients presented with polypoidal mucosal thickening. Conclusion: Higher prevalence of pathologies in asymptomatic maxillary sinuses found in the present study emphasized significance of a thorough examination of routine dental patients by dento-maxillofacial radiologists with necessary investigations to be advised in the form of higher imaging modalities like CBCT, if necessary.

Lípidos anormales y síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida: asociación de lípidos séricos con el estado del VIH / Abnormal Lipids and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Association of Serum Lipids with HIV Status

Contexto y objetivo: las anomalías hematológicas se encuentran entre las complicaciones más comunes de la infección por el VIH. También se han realizado bastantes estudios sobre las alteraciones en el perfil de lípidos, aunque los resultados en gran medida no han sido concluyentes. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por el VIH y el SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. Materiales y métodos: El presente estudio fue diseñado como un estudio transversal, con base en un hospital, para evaluar el recuento de células CD4 y el perfil de lípidos en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en la población india y los correlaciona con los controles sero-negativos. La evaluación del perfil de lípidos se realizó utilizando Erba EM 360, un analizador automático impulsado por un fotómetro de rejilla de difracción, mientras que los recuentos de células CD4 se evaluaron utilizando el Contador de ciclo de Partec. Análisis estadístico utilizado: Los datos se analizaron con SPSS versión 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, EE. UU.). La comparación de dichos parámetros se realizó mediante el análisis de varianza (ANOVA) y la prueba post-hoc de Games-Howell. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados: Los niveles de colesterol total y lipoproteínas de baja densidad (LDL) disminuyeron significativamente, mientras que los triglicéridos y las lipoproteínas de muy baja densidad (VLDL) aumentaron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos. Conclusión: El colesterol total, las LDL, los triglicéridos y las VLDL se alteraron significativamente en los pacientes infectados por VIH y con SIDA en comparación con los controles sero-negativos

Context and Aim: Hematological abnormalities are amongst the most common complications of infection with HIV.There have been quite a few studies on the alterations in lipid profile, too, though the results have largely been inconclusive. The present study was carried-out to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Evaluation of lipid profile was done using Erba EM 360, an automated analyzer powered by a diffraction grating photometer while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Counter. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and post-hoc Games-Howell test. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls. Conclusion: Total cholesterol, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs were significantly altered in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls

Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Cyst of Maxilla: Report of A Case and Review and Discussion on the Terminology and Classification.

A cyst is defined as a pathological cavity which may or may not have an epithelial lining and which has a fluid, semi-fluid, or gaseous contents and is not formed by accumulation of pus. The calcifying epithelial odontogenic cyst (CEOC) was first reported by Gorlin et al. in 1962. At that time, it was classified as a cyst related to the odontogenic apparatus. It was later renamed as calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT) in the World Health Organization classification devised in 2005 due to its histological complexity, morphological diversity, and aggressive proliferation. CCOT was later recognized by numerous names including Gorlin cyst, calcifying ghost cell odontogenic cyst, and/or dentinogenic ghost cell tumor. It has a peak incidence during the second and third decades of life and does not demonstrate any gender predilection. Radiographically, CEOC may appear as a unilocular or multilocular radiolucent lesion with either well-circumscribed or poorly-defined margins and may also be observed in association with unerupted teeth. Calcification is an important radiographic feature for the interpretation of CEOC/CCOT. The typical histopathological features of CEOC include a fibrous wall and lining of odontogenic epithelium with either columnar or cuboidal basal cells resembling ameloblasts. The treatment of choice for CEOC is conservative surgical enucleation, however, recurrence is also not found to be uncommon. Herein, we are reporting a case of the same in a 21-year-old female which was a great dilemma during the diagnostic work-up.

Lípidos anormales e inmunidad adquirida Síndrome de Deficiencia: Asociación de Suero Lípidos con estatus de VIH / Abnormal Lipids and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Association of Serum Lipids with HIV Status

Context and Aim: Hematological abnormalities are amongst the most common complications of infection with HIV.There have been quite a few studies on the alterations in lipid profile, too, though the results have largely been inconclusive. The present study was carried-out to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Materials and Methods: The present study was designed as a cross-sectional, hospital-based study to assess CD4 cell counts and lipid profile in the HIV infected and AIDS patients in the Indian population and correlates them with the sero-negative controls. Evaluation of lipid profile was done using Erba EM 360, an automated analyzer powered by a diffraction grating photometer while CD4 cell counts were evaluated using Partec Cyflow Counter. Statistical analysis used: The data was analyzed using SPSS version 15.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). Comparison of the said parameters was done using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and posthoc Games-Howell test. p-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The levels of total cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides and very low density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls. Conclusion: Total cholesterol, LDLs, triglycerides and VLDLs were significantly altered in the HIV infected and AIDS patients when compared with the sero-negative controls.

Safety and efficacy of laparoscopic near-total colectomy and ileo-distal sigmoid anastomosis as a modification of total colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis for prophylactic surgery in patients with adenomatous polyposis syndromes: a comparative study.

AIM: Colectomy in patients with adenomatous polyposis (AP) syndromes demands good oncological and surgical outcome. Total colectomy with ileorectal anastomosis (TC-IRA) is one surgical option for these patients. Anastomotic leakage rates of 11% have been reported following TC-IRA. Ileo-distal sigmoid anastomosis (IDSA) is a recent modification of our practice. Our aim was to compare postoperative outcome in patients with AP following near-total colectomy with IDSA (NT-IDSA) and TC-IRA at a single institution. METHOD: A prospectively maintained database was reviewed to identify patients with AP who underwent laparoscopic NT-IDSA and TC-IRA. Patient demographics, early morbidity and mortality and outcome of endoscopic surveillance were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 191 patients with AP underwent laparoscopic colectomy between 2006 and 2017, of whom 139 (72.8%) underwent TC-IRA and 52 (27.2%) NT-IDSA. The median age at surgery in the TC-IRA and NT-IDSA groups was 20 years (IQR 17-45) and 27 years (IQR 19-50), respectively. Grade II complications were comparable between the two groups. There were no anastomotic leakages in the NT-IDSA group compared with 15 (10.8%) in the TC-IRA group (P = 0.0125) and no reoperation in the NT-IDSA group compared with 17 (12.2%) in the TC-IRA group (P = 0.008). The frequency of polypectomies per flexible sigmoidoscopy was comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that laparoscopic NT-IDSA for polyposis is associated with a significant improvement in anastomotic leakage rates and surgical outcome. It is too soon to tell whether NT-IDSA alters the need for further intervention, either endoscopic polypectomy or further surgery.

Recurrent oral submucous fibrosis with nil mouth opening surgical management and reconstruction with bilateral nasolabial flap: A case report and review of literature.

Oral submucous fibrosis [OSF] is a premalignant condition characterized by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of submucosal tissue, resulting in trismus. It is associated with chewing of areca nut in betel quid. Mortality rate is significant because it transforms into oral squamous cell carcinoma at a rate of 2.3%-7.6%. The aim of this article is to share our experience in managing a case of recurrent oral submucous fibrosis with nil mouth opening by surgical excision, coronoidotomy, and reconstruction of buccal defect using bilateral inferiorly based nasolabial flap, followed by active oral physiotherapy. The patient had reached an acceptable mouth opening with no further recurrence. The patient was observed closely for any malignant transformation. Surgical excision of bands and coronoidotomy followed by reconstruction with nasolabial flaps and active physiotherapy in the postoperative period remains a good option for recurrent and advanced cases of OSF with acceptable functional and cosmetic results.

Initiation of adjuvant chemotherapy within 8 weeks of elective colorectal resection improves overall survival regardless of reoperation.

AIM: Reoperation after elective colorectal resection may delay the start of adjuvant chemotherapy (AC). The study investigated the dual impact of a reoperation and AC delay on overall survival (OS). METHOD: The Hospital Episode Statistics database was analysed between 1997 and 2012. Patients were divided into colon and rectal cancer cohorts and data were analysed based on whether there was delay in receiving AC beyond 8 weeks and whether a patient suffered reoperation within 30 days. Multivariate regression analysis was undertaken to investigate the relationship between delay in giving AC and reoperation and their combined effect on OS. RESULTS: Logistic regression showed reoperation, amongst other things, to be an independent predictor of AC delay, in both colon and rectal cancer (colon, odds ratio 2.31, P < 0.001; rectal, odds ratio 2.19, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference in OS between patients who had no AC delay but suffered a reoperation and patients who had no AC delay and no reoperation. Patients who had AC delay but no reoperation, however, had significantly worse OS compared to those who had no AC delay and no reoperation [colon, hazard ratio (HR) 1.16, P < 0.001; rectal, HR 1.17, P < 0.001]. Individuals who had both AC delay and a reoperation also had worse OS compared with patients who had neither (colon, HR 1.33, P = 0.037; rectal, HR 1.38, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Delayed receipt of AC beyond 8 weeks after surgery is associated with significantly reduced OS regardless of reoperation status in both colon and rectal cancer patients.

Defining the timing and causes of death amongst patients undergoing colorectal resection in England.

AIM: Historically, postoperative deaths have been reported up to 30 days following surgery. There is, however, emerging evidence that deaths attributable to surgery continue to occur much later than this time frame. This aim of this study was to analyse the timing and causes of mortality following colorectal resection. METHOD: Data were obtained from the Hospital Episode Statistics database with linkage to mortality data from the Office for National Statistics. Patients who underwent colorectal resection between April 2001 and February 2007 were included. Causes of death were classified into colorectal cancer (CRC), other malignancy, cardiac, respiratory, gastrointestinal, neurological and other. RESULTS: During the study period 171 791 patients underwent a colorectal resection. Thirty-day mortality rates for elective procedures were 1.3, 3.5, 7.0 and 12.1% for the ≤ 65, 66-75, 76-85 and > 85 year age groups, respectively, compared with 2.2, 5.4, 9.8 and 16.7% at 90 days. For elective operations, at 30 days, 38.6% of patients who died had CRC recorded as the primary cause of death, whilst 25.4% died of cardiac causes. In the younger population undergoing a resection, deaths due to cardiac causes were significantly higher than the national average for the same age group even beyond 30 days (13.5% at 30 days, 11.1% at 90 days and 5.7% at 1 year). CONCLUSION: This study shows that deaths attributable to colorectal surgery occur beyond the conventionally utilized 30-day period. Information presented to patients on the basis of 30-day mortality estimates is likely to underestimate the true risk of surgical intervention.

A study to evaluate cephalometric hard tissue profile of Tamil population for orthognathic surgery.

The primary aim of this study is to compare, the cephalometric hard tissue profile values and analysis between Tamil and Caucasian population. The study also aims to create a better understanding in the facial proportions of Tamil Nadu population and to have better diagnosis and treatment planning for orthognathic surgery for Tamil population in Tamil Nadu.

The impact of adjuvant chemotherapy timing on overall survival following colorectal cancer resection.

BACKGROUND: Several studies including two meta-analyses have showed that delay between surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy adversely impacts colorectal cancer survival. This study investigated this impact at a population level over a fifteen year period in England. METHODS: The Hospital Episode Statistics database was analysed between 1997 and 2012. Colonic cancer and rectal cancer patients were collated and multivariate Cox regression analyses were undertaken to ascertain the relationship between chemotherapy delay and overall survival. RESULTS: A total of 181 984 patients underwent resection without any reoperation (106 477 (58.5%) having colonic cancer and 75 507 (41.5%) having rectal cancer). In total, 30 836 (16.9%) received adjuvant chemotherapy. 9019 (49.3%), 4573 (25.0%), 2587 (14.1%), 1323 (7.2%) and 804 (4.4%) of 18 306 colonic cancer patients received within 8 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 12-14 weeks and 14-16 weeks, respectively. Sequentially worse overall survival was observed: <8 weeks: Ref; 8-10 wks: Hazard Ratio (HR) 1.09; 10-12 wks: HR 1.13; 12-14 wks HR 1.32 and 14-16 wks: HR 1.32, p < 0.001. 5625 (44.9%), 3087 (24.6%), 1940 (15.5%), 1162 (9.3%) and 716 (5.7%) of 12 530 rectal cancer patients received within 8 weeks, 8-10 weeks, 10-12 weeks, 12-14 weeks and 14-16 weeks, respectively. Sequentially worse overall survival was observed: <8 weeks: Ref; 8-10 wks: HR 1.09; 10-12 wks: HR 1.22; 12-14 wks HR 1.23 and 14-16 wks: HR 1.31, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Adjuvant chemotherapy delay adversely impacts colonic and rectal cancer survival. Efforts to prevent complications such as reoperation and to improve access to chemotherapy services, will improve survival in this patient cohort.

A Study on the Influence of the Osteotomy Slope on Bony Changes after Advancement Genioplasty.

INTRODUCTION: The slope of the osteotomy used for the genioplasty dictates the vertical change. The horizontal bony changes after advancement genioplasty are not identical to the intercortical bony changes, because the variety of osteotomy slopes result in different vertical changes. MATERIAL AND METHODOLOGY: Ten of these patients had additional osteotomies as follows: five maxillary, three mandibular and two both maxillary and mandibular. Pre-operative and post-operative (at least 6 months) lateral cephalograms were retrospectively analyzed to assess horizontal and vertical movements of the chin. The following landmarks were used, Hard tissue pogonion (Pog), Occlusal plane (OPL), Menton (Me), Menton plane (MePL). The following parameters were calculated: ΔH = H-H, ΔV = V-V, The ratio between ΔH and ΔV equals tangent α, Calculated α = inverse tangent α . RESULTS: The Mean Horizontal bony movements was 3.75 mm (SD 1.4 mm, range -6 to 15 mm). The Mean Vertical bony movements was 1.4 mm (SD 0.8 mm, range 0.5-2 mm). The Mean Measured Osteotomy slope angle was 82.2 (SD 7.4, range 75-91). The Calculated Mean Slope Angle based on the ΔH/ΔV ratio was 82.3 (SD 7.0, range 74-95). DISCUSSION: The slope of the osteotomy used for the genioplasty dictates the vertical change. The osteotomy slope angle was defined as the angle between the osteotomy and a line perpendicular to the occlusal plane. The measured angle was compared with the calculated angle deduced from the horizontal and vertical genial post-operative changes.

Tube ileostomy for faecal diversion in elective distal colorectal anastomosis: a systematic review and pooled analysis.

AIM: Tube ileostomy may be an alternative technique to loop ileostomy for protection of distal anastomosis, but its evidence base has not yet been established. This systematic review aims to evaluate the use of tube ileostomy and compare the outcomes associated with it. METHOD: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and the Cochrane database was conducted. Studies reporting on elective left-sided/colorectal anastomosis were included. Studies which reported on emergent surgery, small bowel anastomosis or tube ileostomy as a bridging procedure were excluded. The intra-operative technique, postoperative management and complications were assessed. Outcome measures included anastomotic leak, reoperation and complications related to the stoma or tube ileostomy. RESULTS: Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Three were case series with 101 patients and four were nonrandomized comparative studies with 665 patients. Pooled analyses of three comparative studies, comparing tube ileostomy (n = 278) with loop ileostomy (n = 254), revealed no significant differences in anastomotic leak rates (pooled OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.41-1.75; I(2) = 0%, P = 0.43). CONCLUSION: There is a re-emergence of interest in the use of tube ileostomy to defunction a distal anastomosis. Pooled analyses of studies comparing tube ileostomy with loop ileostomy do not show statistically significant differences in anastomotic leak rates. Further refinement of this technique and randomized controlled studies are necessary for this technique to be routinely taken up by surgeons.

A systematic review of patient preference elicitation methods in the treatment of colorectal cancer.

AIM: This systematic review aimed to assess the use of patient preference in colorectal cancer treatment. Eliciting patient preference is important for shared decision-making in colorectal cancer treatment. The introduction of newer treatments, which balance quality of life and overall survival, makes this an important future focus. METHOD: A systematic search strategy of MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Database for Systematic Reviews was undertaken to obtain relevant articles. Information regarding the type of patients included, preference instruments, study settings, outcomes and limitations was extracted. RESULTS: The eight articles comprising this review each described an empirical study using a validated instrument to define patient preference for an aspect of colorectal cancer treatment. The evidence suggests that patients are prepared to trade significant reductions in life expectancy to avoid certain complications of colorectal surgery, particularly stoma formation. In the adjuvant setting, patients are prepared to risk significant treatment side effects to gain small potential increases in life expectancy and chance of survival. Where neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment risks worsening function, however, patients generally forgo any potential increase in survival to improve bowel function and therefore quality of life. The only predictors of preference were tertiary education and previous cancer treatment. CONCLUSION: Most patients judge a moderate survival benefit to be sufficient to make adjuvant therapy for colorectal cancer worthwhile, but they are willing to trade a potential reduction in life expectancy and survival to avoid certain unwanted surgical sequelae.

Impact of chronic kidney disease on postoperative outcome following colorectal cancer surgery.

AIM: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is increasing in prevalence and is associated with cardiovascular events and mortality in asymptomatic and vascular surgery populations. This study aimed to determine the role of CKD in stratifying peri- and postoperative risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) patients with nonmetastatic disease undergoing elective curative resection. METHOD: Patients diagnosed with nonmetastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma and undergoing surgical resection between 2006 and 2011 were identified from a prospectively collated database. Further information on survival and cause of death was gathered from a regional cancer registry. Estimated glomerular filtration rates were calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) equation. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed for disease-free and overall survival. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to determine the role of CKD after stratification by several clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: Seven-hundred and eight colorectal resections were studied [median follow up: 45 (interquartile range, 21-65) months). Overall postoperative complications were similar, but patients with CKD were more likely to develop cardiovascular morbidity (P < 0.001) and 30-day mortality [4.8% (six of 124) in the CKD group vs 2.1% (12/580) in the non-CKD group]. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed poorer overall survival for localized (Stage I-II; P = 0.019) and Stage III (P = 0.001) CRC in the CKD population. Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified CKD as an independent prognostic factor for noncancer death [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.82 (95% CI: 1.07-3.10); P = 0.027] but not for overall survival [HR = 1.21 (95% CI: 0.90-1.47); P = 0.116]. CONCLUSION: Patients with CKD may be more likely to develop cardiovascular complications following CRC resection and have an increased risk of a noncancer death. Future research should explore the interaction of CKD in competing mortality risks following CRC surgery.

Single ectopic main right renal artery originating from the coeliac axis.

We present a rare case of an ectopic main right renal artery originating as part of the coeliac axis. Renal arteries are usually paired vessels which originate directly from the aorta to supply each kidney. Variations in their origin and numbers have been reported by many authors. However, there has only been one previous report of a left main renal artery arising from the coeliac axis in the medical literature, in 1980, seen during angiography. We believe we have the first CT angiographic evidence of such anatomy. This important aberrant anatomy must be noted not only for its rarity but also for its implications in the field of transplant surgery and interventional radiology. There will be more similar reports as non-invasive imaging is being used ever more frequently.

Characteristics of Craniofacial Trauma in a Rural Hospital in South India

Background/Purpose:Purpose of this study was to evaluate the population characteristics of patients with both head injury and facial fractures in rural centre.Methods:This study was a retrospective study performed at Justice K.S. Hegde Charitable Hospital; Deralakatte (Mangalore) and a total of 36 patients were reviewed. Type of fracture; mechanism; clinical features and pattern of injuries were noted. All patients who sustained both cranial and facial injuries were included in this study.Results: Mean age was 32.64 years (range; 4 years to 70 years) with a male to female ratio of 35:1. Motor vehicular accidents (44.4) were most common cause of injury followed by fall (22.2). Most common areas involved were upper face (36.1) and lower face (25) followed by combination of upper and middle face (11.1) other areas were less commonly involved. Headache and vomiting were most common clinical features followed by loss of consciences. Closed head injuries were the most common neurological injury (14 cases) followed by skull fractures (5 cases). Most patients with upper facial fractures or combination of it had associated injuries. There was no mortality in the present series.Conclusion: This study further supports that injury patterns in developing countries particularly in rural area are no different from developed countries and needs to follow similar preventive and counseling measures