Search

Introduction: Simvastatin (SMV) is used for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Long-term systemic administration of SMV has been shown to result in increased bone mineral density. Alendronate (ALN) is known to inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption and has osteostimulative properties. Aim: To compare percentile changes in gain in clinical attachment level and reduction of pocket depth, and to radiographically evaluate osseous defect fill with subgingival local drug delivery of 1.2% SMV gel and 1% ALN gel. Materials and Methods: A split-mouth study was conducted with 40 infrabony defects from 20 patients diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. The sites were assigned as test site 1 (SMV gel) or test site 2 (ALN gel). After phase I therapy, a single application of SMV gel or ALN gel was done into periodontal pockets. Clinical periodontal parameters and percentage of bone fill were evaluated at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction in pocket depth, plaque index, and bleeding index scores, gain in Clinical attachment level (CAL) and bone defect fill from baseline to 6 months at both sites. On comparison between the groups, test site 2 showed significant improvement in clinical attachment level than in test site 1 at 6-month follow-up. Test site 2 showed more percentage bone fill than test site 1. Conclusion: Usage of both SMV and ALN gels in periodontal intra bony defects can lead to significant improvements in clinical and radiographic parameters; however, ALN showed better osseous defect fill. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Periodontal diseases are inflammations of the periodontium caused by certain microorganisms, leading to progressive destruction of the periodontal ligament and alveolar bone. Conventional medications have limitations such as extrinsic tooth discoloration, altered taste sensation, and the development of bacterial resistance. Licorice is an herb with glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) as its main active component. GA has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. There is limited evidence for the preparation and in vitro evaluation of licorice extract as a topical drug in periodontology. The aim of this study was the formulation and in vitro characterization of a controlled-release gel containing licorice extract that can be used as a topical agent in periodontal therapy. An in vitro study was conducted in which an ethanolic extract of licorice was prepared. The local drug delivery gel was formulated with the specified minimum inhibitory concentration of Glycyrrhiza glabra using Carbopol 940 polymer. In vitro characterization of the formulated gel was done in terms of physical appearance, determination of pH, squirtability, drug content, gelation temperature and time, viscosity, mucoadhesive force, in vitro drug release, thermodynamic stability and X-ray diffraction analysis. The licorice gel formulation was thermodynamically stable, mucoadhesive, and sprayable. It also released the drug slowly for up to 48 hours. The incorporation of licorice extract into a polymeric gel base exhibits good physicochemical properties, adequate mucoadhesiveness, and controlled drug release. Thus, it is a potential herbal extract for local drug delivery that can be used to improve the therapeutic results of scaling and root planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Preterm low birth weight (PLBW) is one of the causes of infant mortality and morbidity. Most of the studies have indicated the periodontal-systemic interlink. The association of periodontal pathogen on pregnancy outcome still stands inconclusive. The aim of the study was to detect the prevalence of Porphyromonas gingivalis in umbilical cord blood of new-born infant and correlate the same pathogen in subgingival plaque of pregnant women and to determine the adverse pregnancy outcomes and also to determine the correlation between periodontitis and the association of P. gingivalis in preterm birth/low birth. Materials and Methods: The present study included 130 pregnant participants in their full-term and preterm delivery with periodontitis. Periodontal disease was diagnosed clinically using gingival index, pocket depth, plaque index, and clinical attachment level. Umbilical cord blood samples and plaque samples collected using Gracey curette were subjected to culture for the detection of P. gingivalis. The results were subjected to the statistical analysis using the SPSS software. Results: The comparison of P. gingivalis in umbilical cord blood and plaque between preterm and full-term group was found to be significantly increased in preterm group. A statistically significant difference was also seen for the clinical parameters between the two groups, with increased values seen in case of preterm labor. Odd's ratio on the comparison of prevalence of periodontitis among full term and preterm group was statistically significant in preterm birth as compared with full-term birth. Conclusion: The study results showed statistically significant association of P. gingivalis with PLBW. Periodontal disease significantly affects the adverse pregnancy outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mesotherapy is a minimally invasive procedure which involves local intradermal therapy (LIT) with biologically active substances given in minor quantities to the area of pathology. Vitamin C is an important antioxidant agent which can modulate the attenuation of inflammatory process and enhance tissue repair. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of local injections of Vitamin C for treating persisting inflammation of the gingiva. Materials and Methods: After phase I therapy was completed, five patients with persisting chronic inflammation of the gingiva were injected with the same dosages of Vitamin C into the gingival tissues. Patients were evaluated each week for resolution of gingival inflammation. Results: Clinical observation showed a significant improvement in inflammation of the injected sites during recall appointments. Conclusions: LIT with Vitamin C has a synergistic interaction along with scaling and root planing in the treatment of persistent gingival inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, the effect of l-ascorbic acid (AA) was studied on the climbing ability of the Parkinson's disease (PD) model Drosophila expressing normal human alpha synuclein (h-αs) in the neurons. These flies show locomotor dysfunction as the age progresses. AA at final concentration of 11.35 × 10−5 M, 22.71 × 10−5 M, 45.42 × 10−5 M, and 68.13 × 10−5 M was added to the diet, and the flies were allowed to feed for 21 days. AA at 11.35 × 10−5 M did not show any significant delay in the loss of climbing ability of PD model flies. However, AA at 22.71 × 10−5 M, 45.42 × 10−5 M, and 68.13 × 10−5 M showed a dose dependent significant ( p < .05) delay in the loss of climbing ability of PD model flies as compared to the untreated PD flies. The total protein concentration in brain homogenate was measured in treated as well as control groups after 21 days, no significant difference was obtained between treated as well as control (PD flies and l-dopa) groups. The results suggest that AA is potent in delaying the climbing disability of the PD model flies expressing h-αs in the neurons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature, the periodontal tissue reaction to dissimilar occlusal stress has been described, including clinical and histologic changes caused by stresses in periodontal structures. With respect to occlusal forces, periodontal assembly demonstrates varying adaptive capacity from individual to individual and period to period within the same individual. Unfortunately, these occlusal stresses are yet to be quantified. As a result, determining the effect of normal occlusal force on periodontal elements in various angulations is of interest. Based on CBCT images, one FEA of the maxillary First molar was created, consisting of tooth pulp, periodontal ligament (PDL), and alveolar bone; the effect of normal occlusal force on the pdl in alternate angulations was assessed. Occlusion will occur at three contact areas representing the centric occlusion contact points, each of which will share a 150 N force. The analysis was performed for four force inclinations (0, 22.5°, 45°, and 90°). Maximum stresses are observed in cases of 90-degree loading. These stresses, however, are insignificant and will not cause the periodontal components to rupture. These tensile stresses, which are concentrated in the apical and cervical regions, may obstruct blood flow, resulting in tooth decay or, in some cases, periodontal breakdown in PDL. There have been attempts to express numerical data of stress to be provided for normal and hyper function loads to simulate occlusal situations at various angulations that are known to be accountable for healthy and diseased periodontium., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest, (© 2022 Biomedical Informatics.)

Nosocomial infections are a major concern to both clinicians and health care seekers. Investigations have suggested that laptops & mobile phones may contribute to cross-contamination and can serve as vehicles for infection transmission. Therefore, it is of interest to document the data on hidden reservoirs such as mobile phones and laptops of pathogens in dental settings at the Hazaribag College of dental sciences and Hospital, Jharkhand. The samples were collected from 25 laptops and 25 mobile phones from dentists working in a dental college in Hazaribag city. The samples were collected aseptically using sterile cotton swabs dipped in sterile saline by rotating the swabs on the keyboard surfaces of laptops and mobile phones, inoculated into Brain Heart Infusion broth, vortexed for 1 minute in Fischer Vortex Genie 2 on highest setting & streaked immediately on 5% sheep blood agar plates and were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours aerobically. The isolates were identified based on the colony morphology, colony characteristics and biochemical reactions. The bacterial species isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Bacillus species, Enterococci, Micrococci, and Pseudomonas etc. Predominant species isolated was Staphylococcus aureus and least was Micrococci. Higher percentage of organisms was found at the Department of Periodontics, Endodontics and least was found in Department of Public Health Dentistry. The percentage and type of organism isolated from keyboards of laptops and mobile phones were similar. Thus, laptops and mobile phones act as vehicles for transfer of potential pathogens associated with dental hospitals. Disinfecting the hands prior to examination of patients and disinfection of laptops and mobiles with alcohol wipes should be done to prevent nosocomial infections., (© 2021 Biomedical Informatics.)

All living organisms respond to various physical or chemical stressors by the induction of heat shock protein (HSP). The present study was performed on transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9) in which the transformation vector is inserted with a P-element, the line contains wild-type hsp70 sequence up to the lacZ fusion point. The effect of L-ascorbic acid on the hsp70 expression and tissue damage was studied at the doses of 1, 2, 4, and 8 × 10(-4) g/ml in the third instar larvae of transgenic D. melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9). The larvae were exposed to different doses of L-ascorbic acid for 24 and 48 hours. A dose-dependent significant increase in the hsp70 expression was observed at 2, 4, and 8 × 10(-4) g/ml of L-ascorbic acid for both 24 and 48 hours. The tissue damage was observed only in the 48 hours of exposure and mostly only in the salivary glands of the third instar larvae of transgenic D. melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9). The present study also validates and supports the use of transgenic D. melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9) for the toxicological evaluations.