Life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis of internal-stack trickling bio-electrochemical reactor: an evaluation for commercial viability.

The present study reports a detailed life cycle assessment and cost-benefit analysis of a commercially viable Internal-Stack-Trickling Bio-Electrochemical Reactor (IS-TrickBER). IS-TrickBER used wastewater as a feedstock and converted that wastewater through electrochemical methods into low-grade fertilizer and produced electricity. IS-TrickBER was observed for its performance in terms of power output and wastewater treatment. IS-TrickBER exhibited up to 4.2 Wh net energy yield while treating 84.84L wastewater per day along with 92.17% COD removal and 38.23% Columbic efficiency during the operational run with real municipal wastewater. Based on daily net energy yield, up to 1457.6Wh yearly net energy yield can be expected. A comprehensive start-to-end life cycle assessment study associated with the manufacturing, and operational phases of IS-TrickBER was also conducted to ascertain its impact on the environment. The environmental impact through air emissions during the manufacturing stage can be minimized by changing the plastic balls used as packing material in the reactor. A detailed cost-benefit analysis was also conducted to understand its economic viability. Cost-benefit analysis of IS-TrickBER, based on net energy yield, shows that IS-TrickBER could compensate its installation cost within a few years. IS-TrickBER performed well in eliminating the chemical load of wastewater and simultaneous electricity generation. Due to its scalability, compactness, and low maintenance, IS-TrickBER can be a suitable candidate in real-time wastewater treatment.

Pink Esthetics: A Study on Significant Gingival Parameters.

AIM: The aim of the study was to quantify the specific spatial displacement of gingival zenith (GZ) and determine a representative value for the interdental papilla height as a percentage ratio of clinical crown length (CL), as measured from GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 subjects and 1,200 interdental papillae were included. Eighty percent of the population presented with the gingival margin of lateral incisor (LI) teeth positioned coronally to the GZ of the ipsilateral canine (C) and central incisor (CI). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between mesial and distal papilla proportion (DPP) of maxillary incisor groups. In the C group, numerical values showed higher DPP. CONCLUSION: The data achieved provide the ideal numerical values for prosthetic, restorative, periodontal, implant, postorthodontic, and esthetic treatment outcomes. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study describes the importance of quantifying the ideal numerical values for prosthetic, restorative, periodontal, implant, postorthodontic, and esthetic treatment outcomes. The readers should understand to quantify the specific spatial displacement of GZ and determine a representative value for the interdental papilla height as a percentage ratio of clinical CL, as measured from GZ in the maxillary anterior dentition.

Evaluation of salivary biomarkers of periodontitis among smokers and nonsmokers: A novel study.

BACKGROUND: The analysis of salivary enzymes contributes to the clarification of pathogenesis and improvement in the diagnosis of periodontal disease. The present study aimed to examine the prospective association between smoking and periodontal disease progression and the effects of smoking on the following salivary biomarkers related to periodontitis: Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phosphatase (ACP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatinine (CRE), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urea (UA), free-hemoglobin (f-Hb), and neopterin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 64 male patients aged 21-60 years were recruited and grouped as Group 1: 16 healthy nonsmokers, who had never smoked. Group 2: 16 smokers with gingivitis. Group 3: 16 smokers with moderate periodontitis. Group 4: 16 smokers with severe periodontitis. Stimulated saliva was collected for at least 5 min and clinical measurements; salivary biomarkers were assessed in automated analyzer. RESULTS: Data showed significant correlation among salivary ACP, AST, LDH, CRE, BUN, UA, and f-Hb and neopterin levels showed higher in group 4 compared with other groups. CONCLUSION: This study indicated that smoking has several detrimental effects on periodontal tissues. A higher level of salivary biomarkers was seen in smokers with severe periodontitis. Hence, these biomarkers are helpful in future for the earlier detection of periodontal diseases progression and can also be used as potential salivary biomarkers for assessing smoking status and severity in chronic periodontitis.

Relationship between the nutritional status and antimicrobial protein levels with the periodontal condition in untreated head and neck cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis might be associated with oral premalignant lesions, tongue cancers, and other oral neoplasms, which is a foremost public health problem throughout the world. The nutritional status of the patient with cancer becomes very important for tolerating the treatment course as most of the newly diagnosed patients with head and neck cancer are malnourished before treatment begins. Antimicrobial proteins are also essential contributors to maintaining the balance between health and disease in this complex environment. Therefore the aim of this study was to determine whether an association exists between the measures of nutritional status and the levels of antimicrobial proteins with the periodontal condition in newly diagnosed, untreated head and neck cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 patients newly diagnosed with head and neck carcinoma were included. Saliva and plasma samples were collected, together with clinical periodontal recordings. Nutritional status parameters consisted of body mass index, serum albumin, hemoglobin, and total lymphocyte count. Cystatin C and lysozyme were the antimicrobial proteins. RESULTS: A logistic regression model showed that periodontal parameters were inversely related to their nutritional status; however, antimicrobial protein levels showed to be directly related to periodontal condition. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an association between periodontal disease, nutritional status parameters, and antimicrobial protein levels.

Salivary antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde and sialic acid levels among smokers and non-smokers with chronic periodontitis-A clinico-biochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis of most of the inflammatory process are associated with reactive oxygen species (ROS), derived from various metabolic sources and which may lead to direct or indirect tissue damage due to oxidative stress, resulting in periodontal diseases. Usually antioxidant systems are capable of removing free radicals, thereby preventing tissue damage from free radical. ROS can result in tissue damage, involving lipid peroxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), malondialdehyde (MDA), and sialic acid (SA) in periodontally healthy and chronic periodontitis among nonsmokers and smokers and to determine their value as diagnostic markers for chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 male patients aged 20--60 years were recruited and grouped as Group 1: 30 Healthy nonsmokers, who had never smoked. Group 2: 30 nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis. Group 3: 30 smokers with chronic periodontitis. Unstimulated saliva was collected for at least 5 min and clinical measurements; SOD, GPx, MDA and SA were assessed using a spectrophotometric method. RESULTS: Data showed a significant correlation between salivary SOD, GPx, MDA, and SA in group 1, group 2, and group 3. SOD and GPx were found to be lower and MDA and SA levels were found to be higher among smokers with chronic periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Reduced levels of antioxidant enzymes SOD and GPx and elevated levels of lipid peroxidation product MDA as well as increased levels of SA could be used as diagnostic markers to measure oxidative stress in periodontal disease associated with risk factor such as smoking.

Osteomas of Temporal Bone: A Retrospective Study.

Osteomas of temporal bone are rare, slow growing benign tumours and they are reported in all parts of temporal bone. This study is a retrospective study of the clinical presentation, management and complications of temporal bone osteoma done from January 1999 through January 2017. The study population is thirteen patients, all who has been radiologically and histopathologically proven to be a case of osteoma. Total number of patients were 13 of which 7 were females and rest 6 were male. Presenting complaints included swelling behind the ear (6 cases), reduced hearing in 4 cases, 2 cases had ear discharge, 3 of them were asymptomatic in whom it was diagnosed accidently. The duration of symptoms ranged from 1 month to 10 years. Of total 13 patients 7 had external auditory canal involvement and 4 cases had mastoid region. Two patients were managed conservatively, one refused surgery and rest ten cases underwent excision. The specimen was sent for histopathological examination and diagnosis of osteoma was confirmed. The decision regarding whether to operate or not depends on each case depending on its size, symptoms and more importantly the complications. Excision of osteoma remains the treatment of choice.

Architectural adaptations of microbial fuel cells.

Conventional wastewater treatment consumes a large amount of money worldwide for removal of pollutants prior to its discharge into water body or facilitating reuse. Decreasing energy expenditure during wastewater treatment and rather recovering some value-added products while treating wastewater is an important goal for researchers. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are representative bioelectrochemical systems, which offer energy-efficient wastewater treatment. MFCs convert chemical energy of organic matter into electrical energy by using biocatalytic activities. Although MFCs are not truly commercialized, they have potential to make energy-gaining wastewater treatment technologies and represent their capabilities successfully. Over the last decade, MFCs have developed remarkably in almost every dimension including wastewater treatment capabilities, power output, and cost optimization; however, its architectural design is an important consideration for scaling up. Here, we review various architectural advancements and technology up-gradation MFCs have experienced during its journey, to take this technology step forward for commercialization.

Rapid and selective detection of experimental snake envenomation - Use of gold nanoparticle based lateral flow assay.

In this study, we have developed a gold nanoparticle based simple, rapid lateral flow assay (LFA) for detection of Indian Cobra venom (CV) and Russell's viper venom (RV). Presently, there is no rapid, reliable, and field diagnostic test available in India, where snake bite cases are rampant. Therefore, this test has an immense potential from the public health point of view. The test is based on the principle of the paper immunochromatography assay for detection of two snake venom species using polyvalent antisnake venom antibodies (ASVA) raised in equines and species-specific antibodies (SSAbs) against venoms raised in rabbits for conjugation and impregnation respectively. The developed, snake envenomation detection immunoassay (SEDIA) was rapid, selective, and sensitive to detect venom concentrations up to 0.1 ng/ml. The functionality of SEDIA strips was confirmed by experimental envenomation in mice and the results obtained were specific for the corresponding venom. The SEDIA has a potential to be a field diagnostic test to detect snake envenomation and assist in saving lives of snakebite victims.

Use of Antegrade Continence Enema for the Treatment of Fecal Incontinence and Functional Constipation in Adults: A Systematic Review.

BACKGROUND: Antegrade continence enema is a proximal colonic stoma that allows antegrade lavage of the colon for the treatment of fecal incontinence and functional constipation. Its role in the treatment of these conditions in adults has not been established. OBJECTIVE: This review aimed to evaluate the clinical response and complications of antegrade continence enema in the adult population. DATA SOURCES: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials databases from January 1980 to October 2013 was conducted. STUDY SELECTION: Studies reporting clinical outcomes of antegrade continence enema in adult patients were considered. Only studies with participants aged 16 years and older were selected. INTERVENTION(S): Use of the antegrade continence enema for the treatment of constipation and incontinence in adults was investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was the number of patients irrigating their stoma. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of stoma stenosis, assessment of functional outcome, and evaluation of quality of life. RESULTS: Overall, 15 studies were selected, describing outcomes in 374 patients. All of the reports were observational cross-sectional studies, and 4 were prospective. The number of participants still using their stoma ranged from 47% to 100% over a follow-up period of 6 to 55 months. Eleven studies reported achievement of full continence in 33% to 100% of patients. Four studies described functional outcomes, and 7 studies reported a wide range of patient satisfaction. The rate of stoma stenosis varied from 8% to 50%. LIMITATIONS: There were considerable heterogeneities within and across studies. Most studies were of poor quality, as reflected in the Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies score. CONCLUSIONS: Antegrade continence enema has been reported as an acceptable treatment of both functional constipation and fecal incontinence in adults across several analyses. There is wide variation regarding outcome measures. Larger prospective studies are required to assess the role of antegrade continence enema in the adult population.

Accessory pancreatic lobe with gastric duplication cyst: diagnostic challenges of a rare congenital anomaly.

Reports of combined congenital abnormalities of gastric duplication cysts and accessory pancreatic lobes are rarely reported. Patients with such anomalies may require appropriate surgical intervention tailored to the individual patient for complete cure. A multimodality diagnostic approach using ultrasonography, CT and MRI is useful for appreciation of the relevant anatomy of the congenital abnormality and for proper surgical planning. We present a case of a gastric duplication cyst with accessory pancreatic lobe and ectopic pancreatic rest in a 5-year-old child presenting with symptoms of recurrent pancreatitis.

Magnetotactic bacteria for cancer therapy.

Cancer is characterized by anomalous cell growth. Conventional therapies face many challenges and hence alternative treatment methods are in great demand. In addition, nature offers the best inspiration and recently many therapies of natural origin have proved multi-targeted, multi-staged, and a multi-component mode of action against cancer. Magnetotactic bacteria and magnetosomes-based treatment methods are among them. Present paper reviews various routes by which magnetotactic bacteria and magnetosomes contribute to cancer therapy.

Intra-oral Mouth-Guard In Sport Related Oro-Facial Injuries: Prevention is Better Than Cure!

India is rapidly assuming a more health-conscious posture. Olympic competition and professional sports have turned from mere dreams into goals. Many major professional sports leagues are expanding. Sports dentistry is a composite of skills for treatment, prevention, education and research in which dentistry and sports come together. Custom athletic mouth guards present additional health-care opportunities. They are designed to reduce the impact force of a direct blow to the jaw and create a gap between the condyle and skull thereby reducing the transference of the impact to the brain. The prevalence and severity of injuries to the teeth, jaws and intra-oral and peri-oral soft tissues, concussions and neck injuries are reduced when mouth guards are used. The dentist can play a proactive role in helping to deliver important expanded health care services.

Rehabilitation of Patient with Acquired Maxillary Defect, using a Closed Hollow Bulb Obturator.

Palliative care means providing support and care for patients with life-threatening or debilitating illness so that they can live their life as comfortably as possible. The fact that cure is no longer a reality does not mean that care cannot be made available. Partial maxillectomy defect presents a prosthodontic challenge in terms of re-establishing oronasal separation. Such defect has direct effect on cosmetic, function and psychology of the patient. This article describes step by step clinical and laboratory procedures involved in the rehabilitation of a hemimaxillectomy patient, using a definitive closed hollow bulb obturator, which improved his physical, emotional, functional, social and spiritual needs.