Comparative evaluation of the surface tension and the pH of calcium hydroxide mixed with five different vehicles: an in vitro study.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the surface tension and pH of five different vehicles that are used as potential agents to mix calcium hydroxide in root canal treatments and to compare them with the final surface tension and pH of calcium hydroxide mixed with these vehicles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in two phases. In Phase I, the surface tension and pH of five vehicles (distilled water, saline, anesthetic solution, chlorhexidine, and glycerin) were evaluated using a Du Nuoy Tensiometer and a pH Meter. In Phase II, a predetermined amount of calcium hydroxide was mixed with the individual vehicles and the surface tension and pH was determined. In each group, seven samples were evaluated. RESULTS: Among the individual vehicles, chlorhexidine had the least surface tension values (39.8+1.1 dynes/cm). Among the various calcium hydroxide mixtures, calcium hydroxide with chlorhexidine showed the least surface tension values (36.4+1.1 dynes/cm). All the vehicles showed an acidic pH ranging from 5 to 6.5. There was a significant increase in the pH values with the addition of calcium hydroxide to the respective vehicles. The calcium hydroxide mixtures had an alkaline pH ranging from 9 to 11.5; the highest pH was observed for calcium hydroxide mixed with distilled water and saline (11.5+0.2). CONCLUSION: The surface tension and pH of the vehicles directly influenced the surface tension and pH of the calcium hydroxide mixtures. Chlorhexidine was found to be a better vehicle for calcium hydroxide when used as an intracanal medicament.

Anatomical variations of mandibular premolars in Chennai population.

AIM: To analyse the prevalence of anatomical variations of mandibular premolars in Chennai population. METHODOLOGY: It was observed, during the routine treatment of mandibular premolars that aberrations were becoming common. This necessitated an encompassing study on 500 patients, evaluating the occurrence of these aberrations. The parameters of this study included sex predilection, unilateral/ bilateral occurrences, and comparison of the incidence of anatomical variations in mandibular first and second premolar canal configuration. The study pattern was designed to observe these premolars using Radiovisiography (RVG) in different angulations to highlight the anatomical aberrations. The results were subjected to statistical analysis, which were performed using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Science) statistical program version 10.0.5. Descriptive statistics were computed for all the variables. RESULT: The present study revealed high incidence of anatomical aberrations in mandibular premolars among Chennai population. Out of the 500 patients studied, 123 patients [24.6%] showed anatomical variance in the canal configuration. There was high incidence of Vertucci's Type IV canal configuration as compared to Type V, Type II and Type VIII in the descending order of occurrence. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this in-vivo study, it was inferred that the incidence of aberrations in the canal configuration of mandibular premolars is common and due considerations are to be given during endodontic intervention.

Hypocholesterolemic efficacy of garlic-smelling flower Adenocalymma alliaceum Miers. in experimental rats.

Dried flower of A. alliaceum when fed at 2% level in diet for 6 weeks to experimental rats rendered hypercholesterolemic by cholesterol feeding, exhibited blood cholesterol lowering effect. Cholesterol lowering efficacy of these garlic smelling flowers was similar to garlic oil fed at 0.002% level. Animals fed A. alliaceum flowers excreted higher amounts of neutral and acidic sterols in faeces similar to onion or asafoetida fed (at 2% dietary level) rats. A. alliaceum significantly lowered the absorption of dietary cholesterol from intestine like other sulfur containing spices, viz. garlic oil, onion and asafoetida. It is inferred from this study that limitation in intestinal cholesterol absorption is responsible for cholesterol lowering effect of this flower in hypercholesterolemic animals.

Comparative influence of vanillin & capsaicin on liver & blood lipids in the rat.

The influence of vanillin (0.15 mg %) and capsaicin (0.3 mg %) on liver and blood lipids in growing female Wistar rats was determined, when fed along with a normal diet. Vanillin, like capsaicin, decreased the serum triglycerides and the triglycerides associated with lipoproteins viz., VLDL+LDL and HDL with a tendency to lower liver triglycerides as well. Cholesterol and phospholipids in liver and serum were unaffected. The accumulation of triglycerides in serum after Triton WR-1339 blocking was higher in animals fed a vanillin supplemented normal or hypertriglyceridemic diet than in the corresponding controls. The accumulation of triglycerides in serum with capsaicin supplementation with either diet was much higher than with vanillin supplementation.

Effect of capsaicin on skeletal muscle lipoprotein lipase in rats fed high fat diet.

A synthetic analogue of capsaicin (0.2 mg%) fed to female Wistar rats along with a high fat diet for 11 weeks, lowered adipose tissue weight and also liver and serum triglycerides. The compound elevated total post heparin plasma lipase and skeletal muscle lipase activities. The increase in the latter indicates the possible mechanism by which capsaicin enhances serum triglyceride uptake by muscle tissue and in turn lowers triglyceride levels. A single dose of capsaicin even at a much higher level failed to lower serum triglycerides emphasizing the necessity of continuous ingestion of capsaicin for exerting its hypolipidemic effect.

influence of capsaicin, curcumin and ferulic acid in rats fed high fat diets.

Three compounds capsaicin, curcumin and ferulic acid showing hypolipidemic activity have been tested in adult Wistar rats fed high fat diets. Capsaicin (0·20 mg%) fed to female rats along with a 30% saturated fat diet lowered the rate of weight gain, liver and serum triglycerides. In male rats it lowered only the liver and serum total and very low density and low density lipoprotein triglycerides whether fed continuously for 13 or 8 weeks after interchanging the control and test diets from the 5th week onwards. Capsaicin fed to female rats in 30% mixed fat diet increased the rate of weight gain, lowered liver and serum triglycerides, lowered adipose tissue lipoprotein lipase, elevated the hormone sensitive lipase and serum free fatty acids. Capsaicin in 30% saturated fat diet lowered both the enzyme activities to a much lesser extent. Curcumin and ferulic acid (both at 25 mg%) in 30% saturated fat diet tended to lower the rate of weight gain, liver total lipids and serum triglycerides. It is of significance that a common dietary compound 'capsaicin' in the range of human intake triggers lipid lowering action in rats fed high fat diets.