Valorization of wheat straw into paper by ultrafiltered enzymatic bleaching approach.

In this study, the potential of ultrafiltered xylano-pectinolytic enzymatic bleaching approach was investigated, for manufacturing wheat straw-based paper. The enzymatic step was found to be most effective, with xylanase-pectinase dose of 4-1.7 IU/g pulp and time period of 180 min. The absorption spectra of the pulp free filtrate samples obtained after treatment of the pulp with ultrafiltered enzymes showed the removal of more impurities, in comparison to the treatment with crude enzymes. Microscopic analysis also showed the removal of lignin impurities in enzymatically bleached pulp samples. This bleaching approach using enzymes resulted in 27% reduction in ClO2 dose. Ultrafiltered enzymes treated pulp samples also showed improved quality-related parameters, and Gurley porosity, burst index, breaking length, double fold, tear index, and viscosity increased by 19.05, 13.70, 8.18, 29.27, 4.41, and 13.27%, respectively. The lignin content, TDS, TSS, BOD and COD values also decreased in the effluent samples obtained after enzymatic bleaching plus 73% chemical bleaching dose. The BOD and COD values of the effluent samples improved by 23.01 and 23.66%, respectively. Thus, indicating the potential of ultrafiltered xylano-pectinolytic enzymes in reducing pollution during bleaching of wheat straw. This is the first study, mentioning the efficacy of ultrafiltered enzymes in the bleaching of wheat straw-based paper with better optical-strength-related properties and effluent characteristics.

Treatment for Adult Mandibular Condylar Process Fractures: A Network Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials.

PURPOSE: Using network meta-analyses (NMA) has become increasingly valuable as it enables the comparison of interventions that have not been directly compared in a clinical trial. To date, there has not been a NMA of randomized clinical trials (RCT) that compares all types of treatments for mandibular condylar process fractures (MCPFs). The aim of this NMA was to compare and rank all the available methods used in the treatment of MCPFs. METHODS: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in 3 major databases up to January 2023 to retrieve RCTs that compared various closed and open treatment methods for MCPFs. The predictor variable is treatment techniques: arch bars (ABs) + wire maxillomandibular fixation (MMF), rigid MMF with intermaxillary fixation screws, AB + functional therapy with elastic guidance (AB functional treatment), AB rigid MMF/functional treatment, single miniplate, double miniplate, lambda miniplate, rhomboid plate, and trapezoidal miniplate. Postoperative complications were the outcome variables and included occlusion, mobility, and pain, among other things. Risk ratio (RR) and standardized mean difference were calculated. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool and Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations system were used to determine the certainty of the results. RESULTS: The NMA included a total of 10,259 patients from 29 RCTs. At ≤6 months, the NMA revealed that the use of 2-miniplates significantly reduced malocclusion compared to rigid MMF (RR = 2.93; confidence interval [CI]: 1.79 to 4.81; very low quality) and functional treatment (RR = 2.36; CI: 1.07 to 5.23; low quality).Further, at ≥6 months, 2-miniplates resulted in significantly lower malocclusion compared to rigid MMF with functional treatment (RR = 3.67; CI: 1.93 to 6.99; very low quality).Trapezoidal plate and AB functional treatment were ranked as the best options in 3-dimensional (3D) plates and closed groups, respectively.3D-miniplates (very low-quality evidence) were ranked as the most effective treatment for reducing postoperative malocclusion and improving mandibular functions after MCPFs, followed closely by double miniplates (moderate quality evidence). CONCLUSIONS: This NMA found no substantial difference in functional outcomes between using 2-miniplates versus 3D-miniplates to treat MCPFs (low evidence).However, 2-miniplates led to better outcomes than closed treatment (moderate evidence).Additionally, 3D-miniplates produced better outcomes for lateral excursions, protrusive movements, and occlusion than closed treatment at ≤6 months (very low evidence).

Safety and efficacy of single-fraction gamma knife radiosurgery for benign confined cavernous sinus tumors: our experience and literature review.

Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) has emerged as a suitable primary treatment option for confined cavernous sinus tumors (CSTs) and residual/recurrent benign tumors extending from the surrounding neighborhood. The aim of this review was to further investigate the safety and efficacy of single-fraction GKRS for primary confined CSTs (hemangioma, meningioma, and schwannoma). This was a retrospective analysis of 16 patients of CSTs, primarily treated with GKRS between 2009 and 2017. The patients underwent follow-up clinical and radiological evaluation at a regular interval. Data on clinical and imaging parameters were analyzed. The published literature on GKRS for CSTs was reviewed. There were total 16 patients (eight meningiomas, seven hemangiomas, and one schwannoma). Patients presented with a headache (56.3%), ptosis (50%), and/or restricted extraocular movements (50%). There was 46.6% tumor volume (TV) reduction after single-fraction GKRS. Hemangiomas showed best TV reduction (64% reduction at > 3-year follow-up) followed by schwannoma (41.5%) and meningioma (25.4%). 56.3% of patients developed transient hypoesthesia in trigeminal nerve distribution. 44.4% of patients became completely pain-free. Among cranial nerves, the superior division of the oculomotor nerve showed best outcome (ptosis 62.5%) followed by an improved range of EOM. There was no adverse event in the form of new-onset deficit, vascular complication, or malignant transformation except for one out of the field failures. Among available treatment options, GKRS is the most suitable option by virtue of its minimally invasive nature, optimal long-term tumor control, improvement in cranial neuropathies, cost-effectiveness, favorable risk-benefit ratio, and minimal long-term complications.

Bio-degumming of banana fibers using eco-friendly crude xylano-pectinolytic enzymes.

In this study, the efficacy of xylano-pectinolytic enzymes in scouring of banana fibers has been reported. Maximum efficiency of bioscouring was recorded using xylanase and pectinase doses of 15 and 4.8 IU, respectively (produced by a bacterial isolate) at a material-to-liquor proportion of 1:25 having 8.5 pH, treatment time of 1 h, speed of 50 rpm, temperature 50 °C, 3 mM EDTA and 1% Tween-80, with maximum sugar release, enhanced fiber water absorbing power and the finest optical characteristics. Enzymatic treatment resulted in 13.27% increase in whiteness, 16.14% increase in brightness and 8.63% decrease in yellowness as compared to raw banana fibers. The bioscouring also resulted in 50% reduction in scouring chemicals, in order to achieve the similar optical characteristics as obtained by the chemically treated fibers with 100% scouring and bleaching. It decreased the consumption of environment polluting chemicals and energy. Therefore, this has proven to be an environment safe method for removing the non-cellulosic impurities. This is the first report mentioning the scouring of banana fibers using xylano-pectinolytic enzymes.

Protecting the Normal Physiological Functions of Articular and Periarticular Structures by Aurum Nanoparticle-Based Formulations: an Up-to-Date Insight.

Taking the articular and periarticular structures as a litmus test for gold-based nanoformulations, the potential of gold nanoparticles in protecting the normal physiological functions of these structures particularly in geriatric patients is one of the research areas of current interest. Aside from its use to make the traditional and fashionable ornaments for human usage, the gold metal is also known for its rich therapeutic activity. This is especially true when the gold is converted from its bulk form into nanosized form before its administering into the human body. Since it is the age of nanocomponents in medical and pharmaceutical research areas, this review is therefore mainly focused on nanoparticulate systems consisting of aurum. Accumulating research reports nevertheless show concrete evidence indicating the potential of gold-based nanoformulations to manage joint syndromes such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. This review embarks from preparation techniques and characterization methods to therapeutical application potentials of gold-based nanoformulations.

Simultaneous production of industrially important alkaline xylanase-pectinase enzymes by a bacterium at low cost under solid-state fermentation conditions.

Simultaneous production of alkaline xylanase and all seven types of pectinases by a bacterial isolate, under solid-state fermentation was checked in this study. Under optimized conditions, high concurrent production of xylanase (22,800 ± 578 IU/g substrate) and pectinase (4,832 ± 189 IU/g substrate) was achieved. The different types of pectinases produced were exo-polymethylgalacturonase (782 IU/g), endo-polymethylgalacturonase (6.42 U/g), exo-polygalacturonase (2,250 IU/g), endo-polygalacturonase (11.57 U/g), polymethylgalacturonate lyase (53.99 IU/g), polygalacturonate lyase (59.78 IU/g), and pectin esterase (5.78 IU/g). Wheat bran resulted in the highest titer of both enzymes. The maximum xylanase-pectinase yield was detected after 7 days of incubation with 2 mM MgSO4 and 1.5 g/L K2 HPO4 at wheat bran to moisture ratio 1:1.5 (w/v), media to flask volume ratio 1:25, pH 7.0, temperature 37 °C, and inoculum size 15%. Xylanase was most stable at pH 8.0, retained more than 75% activity up to 24 H, whereas pectinase was most stable at pH 9.0, having full activity even after 24 H. At 45 °C, the xylanase showed 82% residual activity after 6 H of incubation. The pectinase was 97% and 61% stable up to 3 H at 50 and 55 °C, respectively. This is the first report showing the production of xylanase-pectinases by bacterium along with high titer of seven types of pectinases, suitable for industries.

Temporary noncicatricial focal alopecia following Gamma knife radiosurgery: Case series and review of literature.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to report the pattern, timing, responsible radiation parameters, and dosimetric results on the outcome of alopecia following gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) for various intracranial pathologies. A literature review of radiation-induced alopecia and observation of this complication with GKRS are also included. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The authors report 6 cases of GKRS-induced focal temporary alopecia without dermal fibrosis or clinical scarring and with no long-term squeal. RESULTS: In all the cases, the scalp received ≥3 Gy radiation exposure. Post GKRS alopecia is a temporary, noncicatricial, focal, reversible phenomenon observed within 2 weeks of the treatment. This acute complication is dose-dependent and reflects damage to the hair follicle. It is only seen with treated volumes in the superficial location. Hair regrowth occurs within two months with no long-term complications and change in hair quality being noted. CONCLUSION: Compared to whole brain radiotherapy, chances of alopecia are significantly less after GKRS. Despite a sharp dose fallout, a single fraction high-dose radiosurgery with GKRS may expose the skin appendages to more than 3 Gy radiation exposures, which may injure the hair follicles irrespective of the growth phase (anagen, telogen, or catagen) they are in. A careful planning that includes sparing of the dermal appendages and hair roots up to 4-6 mm depth in the skin may prevent this complication. Patients with superficial lesions should be well informed about the reversible nature of this possible complication, with near-normal hair growth being established within 2 months of treatment.

Cost-effective and concurrent production of industrially valuable xylano-pectinolytic enzymes by a bacterial isolate Bacillus pumilus AJK.

Simultaneous production of xylanase and pectinase by Bacillus pumilus AJK under submerged fermentation was investigated in this study. Under optimized conditions, it produced 315 ± 16 IU/mL acidic xylanase, 290 ± 20 IU/mL alkaline xylanase, and 88 ± 9 IU/mL pectinase. The production of xylano-pectinolytic enzymes was the highest after inoculating media (containing 2% each of wheat bran and Citrus limetta peel, 0.5% peptone, 10 mM MgSO4, pH 7.0) with 2% of 21-hr-old culture and incubated at 37°C for 60 hr at 200 rpm. Xylanase retained 100% activity from pH 6.0 to10.0 after 3 hr of incubation, while pectinase showed 100% stability from pH 6.0 to 9.0 even after 6 hr of incubation. Cost-effective and concurrent production of xylanase and pectinase by a bacterial isolate in the same production media suggests its potential for various biotechnological applications. This is the first report of simultaneous production of industrially important extracellular xylano-pectinolytic enzymes by B. pumilus.

Improved Visualization and Assessment of Condylar Position in the Glenoid Fossa for Different Occlusions: A CBCT Study.

INTRODUCTION: The position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa plays an important role in the stability of occlusion after orthodontic treatment. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) provides an optimal imaging of the osseous components of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and give a full size truly three-dimensional (3D) description in real anatomical size. The present study aimed to visualize and compare the position of condyle in the glenoid fossa for different occlusions by using CBCT Materials and methods: Cone beam computed tomographic images of 45 subjects, aged 18 to 42 years, were evaluated. Subjects were equally divided into three groups according to the A point, nasion, B point (ANB) angle. RESULTS: In the sagittal plane, condyle is positioned nonconcen-trically; positioned anteriosuperiorly in class I and III occlusions and lies posteriosuperiorly in class II occlusion. In the frontal plane, condyle is positioned centrally (mediolaterally) in all the three types of occlusions. In the axial plane, the parameters showed significant difference between the different occlusions. No statistical significant distinction could be made in the position of the condyle when comparing the right and left joints. CONCLUSION: The position of condyle in glenoid fossa influences sagittal, transverse, and vertical relationships of the jaws which eventually contribute to development of various malocclusions. Nonconcentricity is the feature of the condyle in the sagittal plane in different malocclusions. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: An important consideration in orthodontic treatment is the recognition of the importance that the dentition should be in harmony with the related musculoskeletal structures. Therefore, the condylar position is an important concern in maintaining or restoring temporomandibular harmony with the dentition and the position of the condyle in the glenoid fossa plays an important role in the stability of occlusion after orthodontic treatment.

Characterization of industrially-valuable xylano-pectinolytic enzymes produced concurrently by a novel isolate of Bacillus pumilus.

Xylanase and polygalacturonase were concurrently produced by a novel alkalo-thermotolerant Bacillus pumilus AJK. They were purified and characterized to evaluate their potential for various industrial applications. Xylanase was purified to 19-fold with 67 % recovery and polygalacturonase up to 23-fold with 75 % recovery. Existence of multiple forms of xylanase was indicated by its elution-profile through Sephadex G-100 as two peaks, xylanase-I and xylanase-II, with molecular weights of ~24.5 and ~13 kDa, respectively, and by the presence of two pH optima, one at pH 6.0 and other at pH 8.5. The molecular weight of polygalacturonase was ~40 kDa by gel-filtration chromatography. Zymographic studies confirmed the presence of seven isozymic forms of xylanase. Xylanase and polygalacturonase are stable over a broad range of pH and temperature.

Lactonase-expressing Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 attenuates the virulence factors of multiple drug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in co-culturing environment.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa possesses an arcade of both cell-associated and extracellular cytotoxic virulence factors which are regulated by a multi-component quorum sensing system. Many research studies report success of lactonase in combating the pathogenicity of P. aeruginosa but delivery of lactonase remains a challenge. The present study aims at developing a delivery vehicle for lactonase. Lactobacillus plantarum NC8 was used as host for aiiA (Bacillus thuringiensis 4A3 lactonase gene) using pSIP409 expression vector. pSIP409: aiiA construct was stably maintained in L. plantarum NC8. Co-culturing of multi-drug resistant (MDR) clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa and PAO1 with recombinant L. plantarum NC8 led to significant reduction (p < 0.001) in extracellular virulence factors like pyocyanin, protease, elastase and rhamnolipids in P. aeruginosa and also showed significant reduction in adhesion of P. aeruginosa strains to uroepithelial cells in vitro. This study shows the heterologous expression of AiiA lactonase in L. plantarum NC8. Co-culturing of lactonase expressing L. plantarum NC8 with MDR P. aeruginosa strains led to attenuation of their virulence significantly. These results underscore the potential application of recombinant L. plantarum NC8 with anti-quorum sensing properties to control infections caused by multidrug resistant P. aeruginosa.

Heterotopic Ossification After Reconstruction with Free Fibula Flap - an Ambiguous Mishap.

Heterotopic ossifications (HO) are rare, yet, well reported complications after free flap transfer. We present a case of HO that occurred within a month, and has not been previously described in the literature. This serves as a reminder that bony hard swellings proximal to the free flap within a month should raise the suspicion of HO.

Does the adjunctive use of autologous platelet concentrate during secondary alveolar bone grafting reduce the risk of wound dehiscence? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Wound dehiscence is a common complication after secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG), leading to unfavourable surgical outcomes. Studies have shown that autologous platelet concentrates (APC) may enhance wound healing and improve outcomes. Therefore, this review aimed to evaluate in patients with alveolar clefts, whether using APC and iliac crest bone graft can mitigate the likelihood of wound dehiscence formation compared with those who underwent iliac bone grafting only following SABG. A comprehensive literature search was conducted using various electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, EBSCOhost, Ovid MEDLINE, LILACS, Cochrane Library, and grey literature, to include studies until July 31, 2023, without any restriction to language and time of publication. Only randomized (RCT) and controlled (CCT) clinical trials were included. Two independent reviewers screened the studies based on the predefined criteria, after which a qualitative and quantitative analysis was conducted. The search yielded 821 studies, of which seven were deemed eligible for systematic review. The risk of bias assessment done using "The Cochrane collaboration tool for risk of bias assessment" for six RCTs and the "Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions" for one CCT revealed a moderate to high risk of bias. The meta-analysis of five studies showed that the overall risk of developing wound dehiscence was lower in the APC group (RR = 0.33; 95% CI: 0.16, 0.71; p = 0.005; χ2 = 0.82; I2 = 0%). Subgroup analyses based on study design further supported these findings. Although the adjuvant use of APC for alveolar cleft reconstruction reduces the risk of wound dehiscence, more studies with increased scientific rigour and fewer confounding variables are warranted.

Chyle leak after head and neck surgeries: a comprehensive review of diagnosis and management strategies.

Chyle leaks are uncommon complications after head and neck surgeries. Although uncommon, such a complication is noteworthy mention due to its perplexing diagnosis and management strategies. This scoping review aims to highlight and emphasize the diagnosis and management options proposed in the literature. A comprehensive search was performed in PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases and identified 617 articles that were reduced to 40 studies and reports after applying the eligibility criteria. Although numerous treatment options ranging from simple, conservative measures to invasive surgical procedures have been mentioned for low-output, high-output, and massive leaks, there is no concrete evidence on the best method. Thus, a combination of management options must be customized by case for optimum results.

Minimal clinically important difference in maxillofacial trauma patients: a prospective cohort study.

The present study estimated the minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for pain on a visual analogue scale - numerical rating scale (VAS-NRS) and mean bite force (MBF) in patients treated for maxillofacial trauma (MFT). This cohort study included 120 MFT patients treated according to AO principles. Preoperative and four-week postoperative pain on the VAS-NRS, and MBF were measured to calculate MCIDs as indicators of functional rehabilitation. The patient's perspective of the treatment was assessed using a four-item anchor question. The MCID was determined by two anchor-based approaches, namely, the change difference (CD) method and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve method. According to the CD method, the MCID for pain was 2.4 and the MBF was 147.9 N. Based on the ROC curve, the MCID for pain was 2.5 (sensitivity 91.7%, specificity 47.2%) and MBF was 159.1 N (sensitivity 71.4%, specificity 61.1%). This study demonstrated a high sensitivity (>70%) for MCID, which implies that pain reduction of 2.4-2.5 points on the VAS-NRS and a gain in MBF of 147.9-159.1N are clinically relevant for patients treated for MFT.

Digitizing tools for post introduction evaluation of rotavirus vaccine introduction in India.

Background and aims: The Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) introduction is a landmark event in the history of Indian public health as for the first time a novel, low-cost indigenous vaccine was introduced in a short timeline between 2016 and 2019. As per WHO mandate, post-introduction evaluation (PIE) be conducted within 6 to 12 months of vaccine introduction to provide an understanding of the operational aspects of the program. For RVV PIE, an innovative approach to developing and deploying a digitized tool was employed. The present study aims to document the processes followed for digitizing the data collection and analysis tools. Methods: The development of the RVV-PIE digital tool was undertaken in two phases. In the first phase, conceptualization and iteration of the modified WHO PIE tool were undertaken. Questions were organized sequentially to ensure natural progression in responses. The finalized questionnaire was converted to a digital version and extensive dummy data was entered to improve automated qualitative data analysis. Phase 2 involved updating the draft tool and incorporating changes to provide a field-tested version for deployment. Results: The digital version of the tool was successfully developed. The GPS functionality of the tool allowed live tracking of data collection making the process more accountable. The tool was prepopulated with reference materials and data points for easy reference and retrieval by the evaluators. The digitization of the tool also allowed easy visualization of data through maps, charts, and graphs on a real-time user-friendly dashboard. Conclusions: The digitization of the PIE tool for RVV in India has been a great learning experience where the dire situation of an ongoing pandemic catapulted us towards a more efficient and comprehensive process innovation. The RVV PIE tool could serve as a customizable digital PIE tool for other health programs heralding an era of a more effective and proficient process of PIE.

Enablers and barriers to rotavirus vaccine coverage in Assam, India- A qualitative study.

Background: Estimates suggest that 78,000 children died due to rotavirus gastroenteritis annually between 2011 and 2013 in India. The north eastern state of Assam reported 38.4% pediatric diarrheal admissions testing positive for rotavirus. Rotavirus vaccine (RVV) was introduced in Assam in 2017 following which the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) (2019) revealed low RVV coverage in Assam with wide variation between the districts. the current study was conceptualized and undertaken to capture the enablers and barriers to RVV coverage in Assam. Methods: Qualitative study conducted in 5 randomly selected districts in Assam. Participants (key informants) were recruited by purposive sampling at each level of the health system including healthcare officials, service providers and caregivers based on availability. Thirty-five in-depth interviews (IDIs) and five focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted. Interviews were tape recorded and transcribed. Data was coded and analyzed using the thematic framework approach. Results: Findings from the qualitative data collection were collated and analyzed under 7 identified themes. Difficult terrain, limited service provider availability and no catch-up training for new recruits were some of the barriers to RVV coverage. In contrast, Information, Education & Communication (IEC) in vernacular language, RVV safety profile, development partner support and adequate RVV supply were identified as some of the enablers of RVV coverage. Conclusion: Few broad recommendations to overcome identified barriers include comprehensive inter-sectoral coordination, regular monitoring and frequent refresher training sessions. There is a need for a future study utilizing existing coverage data and larger sample size to triangulate the findings of this study.

A Glimpse at the Quinoline-Hybridization Approach for the Development of New Antimalarials.

One of the most fatal infectious diseases, malaria, still poses a threat to about half of the world's population and is the leading cause of death worldwide. The use of artemisinin-based combination therapy has helped to significantly reduce the number of deaths caused by malaria, but the emergence of drug resistance threatens to undo this gain. In a bid to boost adherence, several new combination therapies with effectiveness against drug-resistant parasites are currently being tested in clinical settings. Nevertheless, notwithstanding these gains, malaria must be completely eradicated by a concerted international effort on several fronts. Quinoline-based compounds were the cornerstone of malaria chemotherapy until recently when resistance to these drugs severely hampered efforts to achieve a "Zero Malaria" world. The inappropriate use of available antimalarials is one of the factors responsible for resistance development and treatment failure, warranting the search for new chemical entities and alternative approaches to combat this threat. A vast number of solutions have emerged and one of them, quinoline-hybridization, is an effective method for introducing structural diversity, resulting in molecules with improved biological activities, reduced drug resistance, fewer drug-drug interactions, and improved safety and pharmacokinetic profiles. Choosing the ideal target combination and achieving a balanced activity toward them while preserving drug-like properties are the key challenges in the development of molecular hybrids. This review examines the highlights of quinoline hybridization, with some of the hybrids exhibiting remarkable in vitro and in vivo activities, emphasizing that it is a useful method for developing new anti-malarial lead compounds.