Evaluation of Remineralizing Capacity of Tricalcium Phosphate, Nano-Hydroxyapatite and Ozone Remineralizing Agents on the Artificial Carious Lesion.

BACKGROUND: Dental caries is a dynamic process. By using therapeutic agents, early, noncavitated lesions and caries limited to the enamel can be stopped or even remineralized. For the remineralization of the initial carious lesion, many nonfluoridated remineralizing agents were investigated. OBJECTIVES: An observational study to assess the remineralizing efficacy of tricalcium phosphate (TCP), nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) and ozone remineralizing agents on the artificial carious lesion. METHODOLOGY: In this observational research, the artificial carious lesion was produced on extracted 40 premolar teeth. Later, remineralizing agents (Group A: nHAp, Group B: TCP, Group C: Ozone remineralizing agents, Group D: Control group (Deionized water) were used to remineralize demineralized teeth. Utilizing the Vickers Hardness Number, the level of demineralization and remineralization was assessed. Later these readings were statistically assessed using the Tukey's HSD (honestly significant difference) and ANOVA tests in SPSS version 21.0. The P value was set at 0.05 or less. RESULTS: After demineralization, there was a decrease in enamel microhardness values, with 32% in Group A, 26% in Group B, 22% in Group C, and 21% in Group D, respectively. From the baseline to demineralization, there was a statistically significant decrease in microhardness across all groups. After remineralization, Groups A, B, and C experienced an increase in microhardness while Group D experienced no changes. This showed that Group A had the highest remineralization percentage, followed by Group B and Group C. CONCLUSION: nHAp and TCP had the greater remineralizing ability, which can be used to manage initial carious lesions.

An In Vitro Comparative Assessment of Shaping Capacity of a Single-File System Over Multiple-File System in Root Canals.

Objectives: The study's objective was to contrast the two distinct rotary file techniques used to shape mandibular first molars. Materials and Methods: The investigation involved twenty recently removed mandibular molars. A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera was placed in a fixed position, a muffle block was built, and images of each tooth's three cross sections were obtained. The specimens were split into the following two groups at random: Rotary files from WaveOne were used to prepare group A and Mtwo rotary files were used to prepare group B. Results: At the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of the root canals, WaveOne file system demonstrated improved centering ability compared with the Mtwo file system (P 0.05). Conclusion: When compared to the Mtwo file system, WaveOne file system demonstrated improved centering capabilities and needed significantly less time to build the curved canals.

Clinical Assessment of Bone Quality at Implant Site using CBCT and Hounsfield Unit.

Objectives: The current research was done to assess the bone quality at implant site using CBCT. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 50 partially edentulous patients of both genders. All subjects had their chests scanned using a Kodac machine set to 120 kVp, 12 mA, and a 17-second exposure time. Using Hounsfield units, bone quality was classified as D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 (HU). Result: Out of 50 patients, 27 were males and 23 were females. The average HU was 786.1 at the anterior maxilla, 1174.3 at the anterior mandible, 332.1 at the posterior maxilla, and 742.4 at the posterior mandible. The variation was considerable (P-0.01). Conclusion: The anterior mandible, anterior maxilla, posterior mandible, and posterior maxilla were found to have the highest densities. Based on Hounsfield units, CBCT is helpful in determining the bone density at the implant site.

Evaluation of the Characteristics of Nano Hybrid Composite Resin Modified with Graphene after Thermomechanical Loading Cycle.

To evaluate the characteristics of a thermomechanically loaded composite resin enhanced with graphene nanoparticles. A total of 60 specimens were manufactured with Test group TG1 (20), TG2 (20), and control group CG (20). All samples were subjected to surface roughness using a three-dimensional (3D) Optical profilometer and flexural strength. All specimens were subjected to thermomechanical cyclic loading. Microhardness measurement was performed with a microhardness tester. The average microhardness and flexural strength were higher in test groups TG1 and TG2 and lowest in control group CG. There was an improvement in surface roughness, flexural strength, and microhardness in the test group after the addition of graphene nanoparticles compared to the control group. Conclusion: The addition of graphene nanoparticles to composite resin significantly improved flexural strength and microhardness. The physical and chemical properties of the composite showed marked improvement.

A comparative evaluation of nickel-titanium wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding.

OBJECTIVES: To compare nickel-titanium (NiTi) wires and clear aligners in the management of mandibular incisor crowding. METHODS: Seventy-two participants were arbitrarily alienated into two groups with 36 samples in each. Group I participants were treated with NiTi arch wires and group II participants with clear aligners. Malocclusion was evaluated using Little's irregularity index. A questionnaire was applied to record the discomfort levels. Patients were recalled regularly at four weeks, eight weeks, and twelve weeks. RESULTS: At baseline, the mean score was 2.91 mm and 2.72 mm; at 4 weeks, it was 1.64 mm and1.48 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.98 mm and1.0 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.68 mm and 0.52 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The mean change in Little's irregularity index score at 4 weeks was 1.27 mm and 1.24 mm; at 8 weeks, it was 0.66 mm and 0.48 mm; and at 12 weeks, it was 0.30 mm and 0.48 mm in groups I and II, respectively. The disparity was not-considerable (p > 0.05). The mean discomfort score at baseline was 2.8 and 2.5; at 4 weeks, it was 2.4 and 2.0; at 8 weeks, it was 1.8 and 1.4; and at 12 weeks, it was 1.3 and 1.0 for groups I and II correspondingly. The disparity was non-significant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: From the present study, it was found that both NiTi wires and clear aligners were equally effective in managing mandibular anterior crowding cases.

Determination of the Physicochemical Quality of Groundwater and its Potential Health Risk for Drinking in Oromia, Ethiopia.

This study aimed to determine the physicochemical quality of groundwater and its potential health risk for drinking in Oromia, Ethiopia. The groundwater samples were collected from 17 sampling stations in the dry and wet season in the Sebeta zone, Oromia, from March to August 2020. Metals and physicochemical parameters, and selected heavy metals, such as iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) were monitored. The data were analyzed using multivariate statistical methods (Pearson's Correlation and T-test). The means seasonal variations were higher in the dry season than in the wet season except for pH and Turbidity. The variation was significant for most parameters except Pb, Zn, chlorine, Total Alkaline, Magnesium Hardness, Calcium Hardness ), and Turbidity. There was a strong and positive correlation between Total dissolved solids (TDS) and Conductivity), (pH and Cr), (T.H. and Magnesium (Mg)), (bicarbonate and Calcium (Ca), (Zn and Turbidity) in the dry season; and (T.H. with Potassium (K), (Pb and Fe); (bicarbonate and T.H.); (Ca and Mg); (Na and T.A.,) in the wet season. The hazard index (H.I.) values in the dry season (HI = 1.331) were higher than in the wet season (HIadults = 0.075). Likewise, the H.I. (dry season) was higher (HIchildren = 1.861) than in the wet season (HIchildren = 0.105). Chronic groundwater exposure at drinking sources in the dry season is a potential health risk to humans in general and is relatively high for children. Urgent management and close monitoring are required for drinking groundwater sources and other nearby residents' safety areas.

Formulation and Characterization of Gum Arabic Stabilized Red Rice Extract Nanoemulsion.

Interest in the utilization of plant-based bioactive compounds in foods has increased due to their biochemical activities and as alternatives in the reduction of high concentrations of chemical utilization. However, some of these additives are hydrophobic, thus being harder to disperse into the hydrophilic food matrix. Therefore, an oil-in-water nanoemulsion (RRE1-RRE10) was formulated with different concentrations of red rice extract (1-10% w/v). Nanoemulsion showed droplet sizes within the range of 157.33-229.71 nm and the best formulation (RRE5) was selected based on the creaming index which was stable to flocculation over a range of temperatures (30-90 °C), pH (2-9), and salt concentration (100-600 mM). It showed significantly improved antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity as compared to its other counterparts. Potential antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus was attributed to RRE5 nanoemulsion as compared to Escherichia coli. Therefore, due to the potential bioactivity of RRE5 nanoemulsion, it can be scaled up at the industrial level.

Evaluation of Soft Tissue and Airway Changes in Individuals Treated with Mini-Implant Assisted Rapid Palatal Expansion (MARPE).

INTRODUCTION: Mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) is gradually becoming the treatment of choice to correct the transverse dimension, exceeding the limitations of conventional RME devices. One of the key factors for orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning apart from a stable occlusion is a balanced and aesthetic facial profile that is influenced by maxillary expansion. Similarly, it also affects the anatomy and physiology of the nasal cavity since nasal airflow is a continuous stimulus for lowering of the palate and for lateral maxillary growth. Hence, there is a need to conduct further research on the effects of MARPE on the facial soft tissues as well as the airway, enabling the orthodontist to reach a more accurate diagnosis as well as aid in the treatment planning process. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This retrospective three-dimensional study was planned and designed with the objective of measuring facial soft tissue and airway changes in individuals treated with mini-implant assisted rapid palatal expansion (MARPE) using CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was carried out on CBCT records of 10 patients in the age group of 18-30 years. These records were then imported into Romexis software and calibrated. The facial soft tissue and airway parameters were measured for each individual at selected landmarks and compared before and after expansion. RESULT: Statistically significant differences in the soft tissue parameters were observed, which included an increased H-angle, increased soft tissue subnasal to H-line and a decreased soft palate surface area after MARPE.

Low-energy assisted sodium alginate stabilized Phyllanthus niruri extract nanoemulsion: Characterization, in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial application.

In this study, we formulated an oil-in-water nanoemulsion of Citrullus lanatus seed oil in the presence of Phyllanthus niruri methanolic extract using a delivery system based on sodium alginate. The control nanoemulsion was prepared without plant extract and the nanoemulsion loaded with extract was further characterized based on their size, polydispersity index, morphology, and stability. The nanoemulsion showed an average droplet size of about 192 nm, with a polydisperse droplet size with a spherical shape and the zeta potential of -15.0 mV and -18.4 mV. In contrast to the control nanoemulsion, the drug release rate of the nanoemulsion formulation was found to be significant (p <0.05). Antibacterial activity was assessed against a variety of pathogenic bacterial and fungal strains and the formulated nanoemulsion exhibited significantly higher potency against them in comparison to P. niruri extract alone. The results revealed thermodynamically stable nanoemulsion which could be used for various therapeutic applications.

In silico Approach for Exploring the Role of AT1R Polymorphism on its Function, Structure and Drug Interactions.

BACKGROUND: AT1R (Angiotensin II type 1 receptor) is the main component of RAS (renin-angiotensin system) system, which activates when ANG II (angiotensin II) binds to it. AT1R helps in maintaining osmotic homeostasis and blood pressure regulation. A huge number of polymorphism are associated with AT1R and few of them were studied and found to be associated with the diseases and drug efficacy. Although it is a very important receptor most of the polymorphisms (SNPs) were not studied for their implications in diseases. A huge number of polymorphisms are reported in the databases for AT1R, which provide an avenue to explore these polymorphisms for their implications in protein structure, function and drug efficacy. METHODS: In the current study, all the SNPs (10234) reported in NCBI were analyzed and SNPs that were important in protein structure and drug interactions were identified. Structures of these polymorphic forms were modeled and in silico drug interaction studies were carried out. RESULTS: The result of the interaction studies with polymorphism was in correlation with the reported case. Two SNP mutated structures of AT1R i.e. rs780860717 (G288T), rs868647200 (A182C) show considerably less binding affinities in the case of all angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). As a result, these polymorphisms may show less efficacy toward these ARBs. The other mutated structures rs12721226 (A163G), rs749234826 (A292G), rs775810028 (A87G), show increased binding affinities in case of Eprosartan and most of the mutated structures shows increased binding affinity toward Telmisartan than the wild type AT1R. Similarly, these polymorphisms may show increased efficacy in the case of these two ARBs. CONCLUSION: The outcome of the study will help in designing better drugs in the near future with broader spectrum. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies can be designed according to the current results.

Two new anticancer phenolic derivatives from leaves of Piper betle Linn.

In this study, phytochemical analyses of the chloroform extract of Piper betle L. var. haldia and maghai, Piperaceae, leaves led to the isolation of two new phenolic derivatives: 1-n-decanoyl hydroxy-benzoic acid/1-n-decanoyl phenol (H2) and 3-butylphenol (M1) on the basis of spectroscopic data 1D NMR (1H, 13C) and 2D NMR (1H - 1H COSY, HMBC) as well as ESI-MS, FT-IR and HR-ESI-MS analyses. Compounds H2 and M1 showed excellent antioxidant DPPH free radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 10.66 µ/mL and 13.65 µg/mL compared to ascorbic acid as a standard antioxidant with an IC50 value of 2.52 µg/mL. Evaluation of cytotoxic activity against two human oral cancer cell lines (SCC-40 and SCC-29B) showed significant effect with GI50 values of 24.08 and 33.08 µg/mL for compound H2 and 35.03 and 47.06 µg/mL for compound M1, compared to Doxorubicin® as a standard cytotoxic drug with GI50 value of < 10 µg/mL.

An assessment of potential nutritive and medicinal properties of Mucuna pruriens: a natural food legume.

Mucuna pruriens belongs to the Fabaceae family and is ordinarily known as velvet bean, in English cowitch and Hindi Kawaanch. The restorative quality of this bean makes it an excellent component in pharmaceutical and therapeutic applications. Apart from high protein and starch content, these beans contain (l-Dopa) 3, 4-dihydroxy-l-phenylalanine, which exhibits several medicinal properties. However, it is poisonous when ingested by ruminants. The obstruction to the advancement of Mucuna as nutrition or food is the nearness of antinutrients, which are high as opposed to other uncommon vegetables. Also, this legume is considered as a future restorative herb because of its anticholesterolemic, anti-Parkinson, antioxidant, antidiabetic, sexual enhancing, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antivenom activities. It also exhibits anticancer activities, but very few studies have been done. The seeds of Mucuna pruriens also contain a vast range of phytochemical constituents such as alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, and tannins, which provide an avenue to explore it for wider applications. This review sheds light on the possible mechanism of action of Mucuna pruriens on some diseases (hypoglycemia, Parkinson's disease, microbial diseases and tumor). and also fills the gap in the studies of Mucuna pruriens. and Further more in vitro and in vivo studies should be done to explore the potential of these seeds against many diseases, its application as a food source, its antinutrient, and harmful properties as well as its nutraceutical perspective.

A proposed classification for orthodontic practice in India.

AIM AND BACKGROUND: Dental practice is blooming in India with many conventional and advanced setups providing orthodontic services. Orthodontics as a specialty has come to the forefront, as awareness of orthodontic therapy has increased. It is important to classify any health practice to understand, compare, and research the implications of various organizational setups in the country. It should possess the ability to chart the similarities and distinctions between different setups for ease of communication and patient awareness. Presently, there is no defined system that classifies the type of orthodontic practice in the country. Lack of any classification of the organizational setups makes it impossible to categorize or compare the various setups for research purpose, recognition of the dental personnel and facilities provided. This article aims to propose a simple 3-stage classification to orthodontic practices in India. TECHNIQUE: Three-stage classification of orthodontic practice in group, type, and subtype gives a comprehensive coverage to all types of orthodontic setups in India. The group explains the center in three levels based on the armamentarium and services provided. The type explains the center in five levels based on ownership and scope of providing care. Finally, the subtype explains the availability and qualification of the operating personnel. CONCLUSION AND SIGNIFICANCE: This classification aims to provide a tool for communication and recording the levels of orthodontic care possible at any given center. It also facilitates continued study of its impact on practice efficacy and patient awareness.

Do the existing systemic diseases overstate anaesthetic intervention during cataract surgery under local anaesthesia? An observational study to correlate the association.

CONTEXT: The objective was to study the extent of anaesthetic intervention and its association with systemic comorbidities. The secondary objectives were to estimate the prevalence of systemic comorbidities in age-related cataracts. AIMS: To determine the prevalence of systemic comorbidities in cataract surgery patients and association with anaesthesiologists' intervention. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Prospective observational study. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The study was done inatertiary care hospital over a period of 3 months. Adult and consenting patients were included and those having sensitivity or toxic reaction to local anaesthetics, uncooperative, and paediatric patients were excluded. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The sample size (717) was calculated according to the formula for the finite population. The total number of patients suffering from comorbidities, adverse events during surgery, and events attended by an anesthesiologist with percentages were calculated. RESULTS: Of the 717 patients studied, comorbidities were associated with 385 (53.69%) patients; among which hypertension was most frequent and found in 174 (20.30%). As much as 113 (15.72%) patients had adverse events during surgery and required intervention by the attending anaesthesiologist in which 26 (15.72%) patients required drug administration for stabilization of condition of the patient. CONCLUSIONS: From this study, we conclude that there is a correlation between prevalent comorbidities and active intervention by the attending anaesthesiologist in patients undergoing cataract surgery.

Coprevalence of parasitic infections and diabetes in Sub-Himalayan region of Northern India.

OBJECTIVES: Parasitic infections such as toxoplasmosis, hydatidosis, and cysticercosis infect a large population worldwide. Toxoplasma gondii in the pancreas could damage the pancreatic cells. Hence, insulin secretion would be affected which leads to increased risk of diabetes. The present study was designed to investigate the cooccurrence of parasitic infections in patients with diabetes. METHODS: A total of 256 confirmed parasitic serum samples were included in the study, of which 95 were positive for toxoplasmosis, 87 for hydatidosis, and 74 for cysticercosis infection. These samples were then analyzed for hyperglycemia. RESULTS: In case of hydatidosis, the frequency of hyperglycemia was 14.94%, followed by cysticercosis (10.8%) and toxoplasmosis (8.42%). The frequency of insulin resistance was analyzed in these hyperglycemic samples. The coprevalence of diabetes was higher in case of hyperglycemic hydatidosis patient samples (11.49%), followed by cysticercosis (8.10%) while the coprevalence of diabetes was minimum (6.31%) in toxoplasmosis patients samples. Thus, the overall prevalence of diabetes with parasitic infections was 8.6%. CONCLUSION: The study suggested the coexistence of hyperglycemia in hydatidosis, cysticercosis, and toxoplasmosis infected samples. However, higher prevalence of high glucose level was detected among hydatidosis infected samples. Thus, suggested individuals infected with hydatidosis were more susceptible for diabetes in comparison to toxoplasmosis and cysticercosis.