Neoteric deep eutectic solvents: history, recent developments, and catalytic applications.

Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are modified versions of ionic liquids (ILs) and are formed by the fusion of polar components (liquids or solids) via hydrogen bonding interactions. DESs are prepared by the simple mixing of two or three cheap constituents (that are capable of self-association) with gentle heating, which leads to a drastic decrease in their melting points. The resultant clear homogeneous mixture consists of cations, anions, as well as neutral molecules; this will contribute both ionic and molecular solvent properties to the DESs. DESs have emerged as alternatives to conventional organic solvents and ILs, which meet different criteria such as availability, low cost, low toxicity, biodegradability, recyclability, ease of preparation method, tunable, and designer physiochemical properties. Many of them have attracted considerable attention and haave been applied in distinct fields of chemistry. To summarize the full-scale development of DESs, this review discusses the history, classifications, various methods of preparation, properties, and some major applications in catalysis in the last three years. This review is expected to be helpful for the further development of DESs based on a summary of the fundamental research in the field.

A new deep-water species of snake eel, Xyrias anjaalai sp. nov. (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae), from the Western Indian Ocean.

A new species of snake eel Xyrias anjaalai sp. nov. (Anguilliformes: Ophichthidae) is described from morphological analysis of 12 specimens and molecular analysis of four specimens, caught off Kollam, Kerala, southwestern India, by deep-sea trawling. X. anjaalai is distinguished from its congeners by having a large eye diameter, a short snout, a different dentition pattern as in the 3rd row of maxillary teeth beginning at the level of the 4th vomerine tooth between the two existing rows in the inner series of maxillary teeth, an irregular tooth patch for approximately 1/10th of the lateral side of the dental arch in the distal portion and a vertebral count of predorsal vertebrae 18-21, preanal vertebrae 73-76 and total vertebrae 147-149. Phylogenetic relationships of X. anjaalai with other species in Ophichthidae were examined using partial nucleotide sequences of the COI gene (617 bp). The genetic analyses suggest that the new species is closest to X. revulsus followed by Apterichtus klazingai with Kimura 2 parameter (K2P) values of 0.6 and 2.8% respectively. In the phylogenetic reconstruction, sequences of X. anjaalai formed a distinct clade demonstrating their uniqueness as a separate species.

Bacillus thuringiensis strains from Western Ghats of India possess nematocidal property against Haemonchus contortus larvae of goats.

Nematocidal properties of spore crystal mixtures of six Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) strains (KAU 49, 50, 52, 61, 99 and 424) collected from Western Ghats, a biodiversity hot spot of India, were analysed against Haemonchus contortus larvae isolated from goats. One dose nematocidal assay dose response to lyophilised spore-crystal mixtures (SCM) of the six Bt strains were determined by adding 200 µg/mL of each SCMs to culture plate wells containing aqueous suspension of H. contortus larvae. Out of the strains screened, KAU 50 and 424 were found to possess nematocidal properties. Maximum nematocidal properties were exhibited 7 days post-inoculation of the lyophilised SCMs. The 50 per cent lethal concentrations deduced by log probit analysis for KAU 50 was found to be 130.59 µg/mL, whereas that of KAU 424 was found to be 144.536 µg/mL at 95 per cent confidence level. This is the first report on the nematocidal propery of Bt strains against Haemonchus contortus larvae isolated from goats. Further studies are needed for identification and characterisation of the toxin.

Crystal Protein of a Novel Bacillus thuringiensis Strain Inducing Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptotic Cell Death in Human Leukemic Cells.

Parasporal inclusions of a native non haemolytic Bacillus thuringiensis strain KAU 59 was screened for its cytotoxicity against human lymphocytic leukemic cell line jurkat and normal human lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity of proteinase activated and non activated solubilised parasporal inclusions against both cell lines was assessed by Cell Titer 96 Aqueous Non Radioactive Cell Proliferation Assay Kit using MTS. The 50 per cent effective concentration (EC50) values were deduced from log probit analysis at 48 h. Morphological changes associated with cytotoxicity were evaluated and molecular mechanisms of cell death were elucidated by TUNEL assay at 48 h post-inoculation. The fluorescence assisted cell sorting was done in the flow cytometer to assess the stage of cell cycle arrest. Relative quantification of caspase-3 expression in Jurkat cells treated with parasporal inclusion protein of KAU 59 was done by qRTPCR The results indicated that the protein was cytotoxic to jurkat cells at the same time non toxic to normal lymphocytes. Cytotoxicity was evident only after proteolytic activation. Apoptotic cell death was confirmed in the protein treated cells by TUNEL Assay and also up regulated caspase-3 gene expression (P < 0.001). S phase cell cycle arrest was confirmed by and fluorescence associated cell sorting.

Percutaneous transhepatic techniques for management of biliary anastomotic strictures in living donor liver transplant recipients.

AIM: To retrospectively analyze the percutaneous transhepatic techniques and their outcome in the management of biliary strictures in living donor liver transplant (LDLT) recipients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved the hospital records of 400 LDLT recipients between 2007 and 2015 and identified 45 patients with biliary strictures. Among them, 17 patients (37.8%) (Male: female = 13:4; mean age, 36.1 ± 17.5 years) treated by various percutaneous transhepatic biliary techniques alone or in combination with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were included in the study. The technical and clinical success of the percutaneous management was analyzed. RESULTS: Anastomotic strictures associated with leak were found in 12/17 patients (70.6%). Ten out of 12 (83.3%) patients associated with leak had more than one duct-duct anastomoses (range, 2-3). The average duration of onset of stricture in patients with biliary leak was 3.97 ± 2.68 months and in patients with only strictures it was 14.03 ± 13.9 months. In 6 patients, endoscopic-guided plastic stents were placed using rendezvous technique, plastic stent was placed from a percutaneous approach in 1 patient, metallic stents were used in 2 patients, cholangioplasty was performed in 1 patient, N-butyl- 2-cyanoacrylate embolization was done in 1 child with biliary-pleural fistula, internal-external drain was placed in 1 patient, and only external drain was placed in 5 patients. Technical success was achieved in 12/17 (70.6%) and clinical success was achieved in 13/17 (76.5%) of the patients. Posttreatment mean time of follow-up was 19.4 ± 13.7 months. Five patients (29.4%) died (two acute rejections, one metabolic acidosis, and two sepsis). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous biliary techniques are effective treatment options with good outcome in LDLT patients with biliary complications.

A contemporary approach for treatment planning of horizontally resorbed alveolar ridge: Ridge split technique with simultaneous implant placement using platelet rich fibrin membrane application in mandibular anterior region.

Treatment of edentulous sites with horizontal atrophy represents a clinical situation in which the positioning of endosseous implants might be complex or sometimes impossible without a staged regenerative approach. This case report presents management of horizontally deficient mandibular anterior ridge with a contemporary approach to treatment planning and application of platelet-rich fibrin membrane for ridge split technique and simultaneous implant placement. Implants in anterior mandibular area are considered to be most predictable, stable, with high success rate and patients' satisfaction with implant esthetics. In contrast to traditional ridge augmentation techniques, ridge splitting allows for immediate implant placement following surgery and eradicates the possible morbidity from a second surgical site.

High performance liquid chromatography determination of dexamethasone in plasma to evaluate its systemic absorption following intra-space pterygomandibular injection of twin-mix (mixture of 2 % lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine and 4 mg dexamethasone): randomized control trial.

PURPOSE: To determine systemic absorption of dexamethasone by detection of plasma concentration using high performance liquid chromatography following its administration along with local anesthetic agent as a mixture via pterygomandibular space. METHODS: A prospective randomized double-blind clinical study was undertaken to analyze the plasma concentration of dexamethasone after intra-space pterygomandibular injection along with local anesthesia. The study was performed as per split mouth model where the mandibular quadrant allocation was done on a random basis considering each of the 30 patients is included in the two study interventions (SS and CS). For the study site (SS) procedures, dexamethasone was administered as a mixture (2 % lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine and 4 mg dexamethasone) intra-space. In the control site (CS) procedures, a regular standard inferior alveolar nerve block was administered, and dexamethasone was given as intramuscular injection. The plasma dexamethasone determination was done in venous blood 30- and 60-min post injection using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The clinical parameters like pain; swelling; and mouth opening on the first, third, and seventh post-operative day were analyzed and compared. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in the clinical parameters assessed; comparative evaluation showed less swelling in the SS interventions. The plasma concentration of dexamethasone for the CS interventions was 226 ± 47 ng/ml at 30-min and 316 ± 81.6 ng/ml at 60-min post injection, and for SS, it was 221 ± 81.6 ng/ml at 30-min and 340 ± 105 ng/ml at 60-min post injection. On inter-site (CS and SS) comparison, no statistically significant difference was ascertained in dexamethasone plasma concentration at 30-min post injection (P = 0.77) and at 60-min post injection. (P = 0.32). CONCLUSION: Intra-space (pterygomandibular space) administration of dexamethasone can achieve statistically similar plasma concentration of the drug as when the same dose is administered intramuscularly with demonstration of similar clinical effects.

Congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts: Imaging findings and endovascular management.

We present two cases of congenital intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in which the right portal vein directly communicated with the inferior venacava (IVC) in one patient and with the hepatic vein in the other. Multiple hepatic nodules consistent with focal nodular hyperplasia (FNH) were seen in the first patient. The second patient presented with recurrent history of hepatic encephalopathy. Percutaneous transhepatic embolization was performed using coils and Amplatz device following which she completely recovered.

Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stenting in the management of chronic mesenteric angina: A single center experience.

INTRODUCTION: The objective of our study was to review the results of percutaneous angioplasty (PTA)/stenting in the treatment of patients who presented with symptoms and angiographic findings of chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 13 consecutive patients from a single institution who underwent PTA/stenting for the treatment of symptoms suggestive of CMI. RESULTS: All 13 patients in our study were men, and most common presenting symptoms were weight loss and postprandial pain. Atherosclerosis was the most common cause. PTA and stenting was performed in 9 patients and PTA alone was done in 4 patients. Primary technical success rate was 92% with complete resolution of symptoms within 2 weeks in all patients. No statistical difference was noted in primary clinical success rate based on the number of vessels treated or the method of treatment. However, in patients whom SMA was treated had longer duration of symptom-free survival as compared to other vessels. CONCLUSION: PTA and stenting are very effective therapeutic options for patients presenting with CMI symptoms. It should be considered as the first-line of management in such patients.

Takayasu arteritis in an infant.

Takayasu arteritis (TA), a chronic inflammatory arteritis affecting the aorta and its main branches, is a rare condition mainly affecting young women in the second and third decades of life. Occurrence of TA in infants is extremely rare, with only less than 10 cases reported all over the world until date. We report a case of a 2-year-old girl who presented with hypertension and was diagnosed to have TA with bilateral renal artery stenosis and this is probably the youngest case reported from India.

Utility of C-arm CT in overcoming challenges in patients undergoing Transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma.

Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) is the well-known treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma. Multiple digital subtraction angiography (DSA) acquisitions in different projections are required to identify difficult arterial feeders. Moreover, the tell-tale tumor blush can be obscured by proximity to lung base, small size of lesion, and breathing artifacts. C-arm CT is a revolutionary advancement in the intervention radiology suite that allows acquisition of data which can be reformatted in multiple planes and volume rendered incorporating both soft tissue and vascular information like multidetector computed tomography (MDCT). These images acquired during the TACE procedure can provide critical inputs for achieving a safe and effective therapy. This case series aims to illustrate the utility of C-arm CT in solving specific problems encountered while performing TACE.

A 'pen' in the neck: an unusual foreign body and an unusual path of entry.

Penetrating injuries to head and neck region with varying objects have been reported in the literature. Majority of these injuries occur in interpersonal violence or bomb blasts or road traffic accidents. Despite the improvement in imaging technologies and surgical methods, penetrating injuries to head and neck with impacted foreign bodies are very challenging due to the proximity to vital structures and/or difficulties in accessing them for the removal. Following injury the normal anatomy could be altered because of edema or tissue destruction, which makes the diagnosis or retrieval more difficult. Parapharyngeal or prevertebral space is an unusual place for lodgment of foreign bodies and in these cases the usual point of entry is the oral cavity, cheek or neck. Here, we report a case of a ball point pen extending to the prevertebral region at the level of C1-C2 vertebrae from point of entry at the suprazygomatic region in the temporal fossa.

Effects of intra-space injection of Twin mix versus intraoral-submucosal, intramuscular, intravenous and per-oral administration of dexamethasone on post-operative sequelae after mandibular impacted third molar surgery: a preliminary clinical comparative study.

INTRODUCTION: A prospective randomised double-blind study was undertaken to compare the effects of intra-space injection of 'Twin mix' versus intraoral-submucosal, intramuscular, intravenous and per-oral administration of dexamethasone on post-operative sequelae after mandibular impacted third molar surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomised double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients with class II position B impaction of mandibular third molars. Sixty transalveolar extractions were performed prospectively with ten patients randomly allocated to each of the six study groups (group T: intra-space injection of Twin mix; group S: submucosal dexamethasone; group M: intramuscular dexamethasone; group V: intravenous dexamethasone; group O: per-oral dexamethasone; group C: control group, no dexamethasone). A ten-point visual analogue scale was used to assess the overall pain intensity/patient discomfort, and specific facial measurements were recorded to assess the post-operative facial swelling. Maximal mouth opening was compared pre and post-operatively to assess the trismus. RESULTS: Mean operative visual analogue scale scores did not show statistical variation, and post-operative visual scores indicated better patient comfort in the steroid groups with statistically significant difference between group T and the control group on the first, third and the seventh post-operative day. Mean increase in distances between tragus and soft tissue menton to assess facial swelling showed strong statistically significant difference between the first and the third post-operative day between the control group and group T (p value <0.0001). Association of trismus was found less with the steroid treatment groups when compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: Steroid groups had a better clinical outcome with improved quality of life post-operatively when compared to the nonsteroid study group. Intra-space injection of dexamethasone in pterigomandibular space as Twin mix was found to have similar clinical effects as conventional methods of administering steroids via intraoral-submucosal, intramuscular, intravenous and per-oral routes. This, however, is a small study which would now benefit from larger numbers.

Guidelines of the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the Treatment of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Infections: As Applied to Oral and Maxillofacial Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to undertake a systematic review of literature on methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections in oral and maxillofacial online data-bases and discuss the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) guidelines and its applications in maxillofacial clinical practice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The available literature in oral and maxillofacial online databases was searched. The only inclusion criterion was to review published reports, abstracts and retrospective studies with emphasis on the treatment of clinical cases with methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections. Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the treatment of methicillin-resistant S. aureus infections in adults and children was reviewed and included in the study. RESULTS: Out of 18 articles found with the search terms "Methicillin-resistant S. aureus" and "MRSA" in the online databases 12 articles met the inclusion criteria for this study. The relevant data was extracted and tabulated. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions were drawn and discussed based on the reviewed maxillofacial literature and the Guidelines by the IDSA.

A prospective randomized double-blind study to assess the latency and efficacy of twin-mix and 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine in surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars: a pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: A prospective randomized double-blind study was conducted to assess the latency and duration of pterygomandibular nerve block with a mixture of 1.8 ml 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine and 1 ml of 4 mg dexamethasone and its impact on postoperative sequelae of surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted as a prospective randomized double-blind clinical trial on 20 patients with bilateral impaction of mandibular third molars. A total of 40 interventions were included for the study, 20 with 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine (study group C, control) and 20 with the twin-mix (study group T, twin-mix), with a gap of 1 month between two interventions in a single patient. After injection of the anesthetic solution, the time to anesthetic effect, duration of anesthesia, and the need to re-anesthetize the surgical site were recorded. A 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to assess the overall pain intensity while injecting the study drug, during surgery, and in the postoperative period. pH of the test anesthetic solutions was also determined using a pH meter. RESULTS: Twin-mix was found to be more basic than 2% lignocaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine. Mean VAS value for the pain/sting on local anesthetic injection/block was less in study group T. Time of onset of the local anesthetic was significantly less for the study group T, 51 ± 17.5 s when compared with patients in study group C (P less than 0.0001). The duration of soft tissue anesthesia was longer for all the patients in the study group T. On comparative evaluation between study group C and study group T, patients in the control group had more sever swelling and reduction in mouth opening in the postoperative period. DISCUSSION: The addition of dexamethasone to lignocaine and its administration as an intra-space injection significantly shortens the latency and prolongs the duration of the soft tissue anesthesia, with improved quality of life in the postoperative period after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars.

Pituitary stalk transection syndrome: Comparison of clinico-radiological features in adults and children with review of literature.

Hypo-pituitarism results from impaired production of one or more of anterior pituitary trophic hormones. A rare cause of hypo-pituitarism is pituitary stalk transection syndrome. The MRI features of this condition in children and its association with hormonal deficiencies have been reported earlier. Reports on adults with this disorder are scarce, with only one small case series published in the recent literature. We studied the hormonal deficiency pattern and MRI findings of 12 patients with pituitary stalk transection syndrome who presented to our department between 2004 and 2011. Six patients were children and six were adults (≥18 years). This article compares the adult clinico-radiological phenotype of pituitary transection syndrome with the pediatric group of patients with same condition.

Comparison of the roles of serratiopeptidase and dexamethasone in the control of inflammation and trismus following impacted third molar surgery.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical extraction of lower 3 rd molar is the most frequent intervention in oral surgery. This procedure is often associated with significant post operative swelling that may have both biological and social implications. Various studies have been done using different anti inflammatory drugs to study their impact on inflammation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 110 patients who had undergone surgical removal of mandibular third molar. The subjects were divided into two groups by double blind method. In addition to post operative swelling and pain , trismus was evaluated using two different groups of drugs. RESULTS: One group was administered 1 mg of dexamethazone every 8 hours for 3 days post operatively. The other group was administered 10 mg of serratiopaptidase every 8 hours for 3 days post operatively. Swelling, pain and trismus were assessed on the 1 st , 3 rd , 5 th and 7 th post operative days. The results of the studies were statistically analysed. CONCLUSION: The results showed dexamethazone was more effective in reduction of swelling and pain in comparison with serratiopaptidase. Both dexamethazone and serratiopaptidase had the same effect on trismus.

Comparison of onset and duration of action of soft tissue and pulpal anesthesia with three volumes of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in maxillary infiltration anesthesia.

PURPOSE: This randomized double-blind investigation was conducted to compare the onset and duration of action of soft tissue and pulpal anesthesia with three volumes of 4% articaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine in maxillary infiltration anesthesia. The injection discomfort associated with three volumes of infiltration anesthesia was also assessed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 10 subjects received 0.6 mL (group 1), 0.9 mL (group 2), and 1.2 mL (group 3) of the anesthetic buccal to the upper canine. Test teeth were assessed with electrical stimulation to determine onset and duration of pulpal anesthesia. Soft tissue anesthesia was assessed by pin-prick test, and injection discomfort was assessed using a visual analogue scale. The statistical analysis of the data recorded was carried out with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. RESULTS: The 1.2-mL dose induced faster onset of pulpal anesthesia, a higher success rate, and a longer duration of soft tissue/pulpal anesthesia than was achieved with 0.6 mL (P < 0.005). No differences in injection discomfort were observed between treatment groups. Group 3 where 1.2 mL of local anesthetic was injected showed faster onset and longer duration of action of articaine. Group 3 also had longer soft tissue anesthesia as compared to groups 1 and 2. CONCLUSION: Maxillary infiltration anesthesia with articaine and epinephrine has a faster onset, a greater success rate, and a longer duration when a volume of 1.2 mL is used than when volumes less than 1.0 mL are used. Palatal tissues were anesthetized with the highest concentration (1.2 mL) in our study (30% of cases).

Retromandibular approach for reduction and fixation of mandibular condylar fractures: a clinical experience.

This study evaluated the efficiency and safety of a retromandibular approach to reduce and fix displaced condylar fractures. The study group included 31 patients who had undergone surgery for 35 condylar fractures (8 bilateral, 23 unilateral). Consultants and residents had performed the procedure. Inclusion criteria were: patient's choice for open reduction and fixation; displaced unilateral condylar fractures with occlusal derangement; bilateral condylar fractures with anterior open bite. Restriction of lateral movement towards the unaffected side was observed preoperatively in all cases taken up. There was a difference in the lateral movements towards the fractured side (mean 7.2) and unaffected side (mean 4.2) during the first postoperative review. Functional occlusion identical to the preoperative occlusion and good reduction of the condyles was noted in all cases. Facial nerve was encountered in 6 cases (17%) intraoperatively. There was one case (3%) of temporary facial nerve weakness, which resolved within 2 weeks. There was no permanent facial nerve damage in any patient. The retromandibular-transparotid approach seems to be a safe and efficient method for reduction and internal fixation of condylar fractures with little or no risk to the branches of facial nerve.

Silver-doped photopolymer media for holographic recording.

Incorporation of silver ions into a dye-sensitized poly(vinyl alcohol)/acrylamide photopolymer is observed to give better performance compared to other metal-ion-doped photopolymer holographic recording media. Plane-wave transmission gratings were recorded in the photopolymer films using a He-Ne laser, and various holographic parameters were optimized so as to explore maximum potential of the material for various holographic applications. Silver-doped films showed good energy sensitivity, and gratings recorded in optimized film exhibited a diffraction efficiency of more than 75%. The potential of the material for holographic data storage applications is also studied using peristrophic multiplexing.