Efficacy of seventh generation bonding agents as desensitizers in patients with dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most challenging and persistent dental complaints characterized by transient, intense pain triggered by various stimuli. It affects a significant portion of the global population, predominantly those aged 20-40. This study aims to evaluate the desensitizing efficacy of seventh-generation dentin bonding agents (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) against a control group using Bifluorid 12 by Voco in mitigating DH within a month of the follow-up period. METHODS: This was a single-center, parallel-group, double-blind, controlled randomized clinical trial conducted at Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi, Pakistan. A total of 105 patients with DH were allocated into three groups for this study. The patients were divided into three groups (Single Bond Universal by 3 M ESPE and Xeno-V + by Dentsply) and the control group containing fluoride varnish (Bifluorid 12 by Voco). Discomfort Interval Scale scores and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale scores were recorded at baseline, immediately after the intervention, after 01 weeks, and after 01 month. RESULTS: All the materials demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in discomfort and sensitivity (DIS scores p-value 0.01) immediately after 01 week and over a period of 01 month after treatment compared with the baseline scores before application, with no single material proving superior over the one-month observation period. The study also provided insights into dental hygiene practices, with a significant majority using a toothbrush and sensitivity patterns, with cold stimuli being the most common cause of sensitivity. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrates that Single Bond Universal, Xeno V+, and Bifluorid 12 are equally effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity, with no distinct superiority observed over a one-month period. The findings highlight the potential of fluoride varnishes as a less technique-sensitive and cost-effective option for treating DH, offering valuable insights for future research and clinical practice. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT04225247 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04225247 ), Date of Registration: 13/01/2020. (Retrospectively registered).

Gender-Based Outcome Discrepancies in Patients Who Underwent Alcohol Septal Ablation or Septal Myectomy for Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Clinical evidence and emerging studies suggest that the clinical heterogeneity observed in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy could be because of gender-based differences. We aimed to explore the gender-related differences pertaining to the treatment outcomes after alcohol septal ablation (ASA) and septal myectomy (SM). We searched PUBMED/MEDLINE, EMBASE, and SCOPUS to identify studies that report gender-stratified comparison of outcomes. The primary outcome of interest was short-term (within 30 days) mortality. A total of 15 studies totaling 31,907 patients (47% men and 53% women) were included. Women were found to be significantly older at the time of intervention (ASA: mean difference [MD] 7.55 years; SM: MD 4.41). In the ASA and SM treatment arms, women had a significantly higher risk of short-term all-cause mortality (ASA: risk ratio 0.48, 95% confidence interval 0.32 to 0.71, p = 0.0003; SM: risk ratio 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.44 to 0.90, p = 0.01), more frequent permanent pacemaker implantation (ASA; p = 0.002, SM: p = 0.05), and longer in-hospital stay (ASA: MD 1.00 days, SM: MD 0.69). Among those who underwent ASA, women had a significantly higher rate of atrioventricular block. In conclusion, regardless of ASA or SM, women consistently presented at an older age and exhibited a higher risk-increased mortality rate, a greater incidence of atrioventricular block, and a higher likelihood of permanent pacemaker requirement-and longer hospital stay among women than men. This strongly emphasizes the need for a gender-specific approach to optimize care and improve treatment outcomes in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

In silico and in vitro study of bioactive compounds of Nigella sativa for targeting neuropilins in breast cancer.

Introduction: Breast cancer poses a significant global challenge, prompting researchers to explore novel approaches for potential treatments. Material and Methods: For in vitro study we used thin layer chromatography (TAC) for phytochemical screening, total antioxidant capacity (TLC) assay for antioxidant capacity, and hemolytic activity test for toxicity of Neuropilins (NRPs). We performed bioinformatic analyses to predict protein structures, molecular docking, pharmacophore modeling, and virtual screening to reveal interactions with oncogenes. We conducted 200 ns Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations and MMGBSA calculations to assess the complex dynamics and stability. Results: We identified phytochemical constituents in Nigella sativa leaves, including tannins, saponins, steroids, and cardiac glycosides, while phlobatannins and terpenoids were absent. The leaves contained 9.4% ± 0.04% alkaloids and 1.9% ± 0.05% saponins. Methanol extract exhibited the highest yield and antioxidant capacity, with Total Flavonoid Content at 127.51 ± 0.76 mg/100 g and Total Phenolic Content at 134.39 ± 0.589 mg GAE/100 g. Hemolysis testing showed varying degrees of hemolysis for different extracts. In-silico analysis indicated stable Neuropilin complexes with key signaling pathways relevant for anti-cancer therapy. Molecular docking scores at different possesses (0, C-50, C -80, C-120,C -150, C -200 ns) revealed strong hydrogen bonding in the complexes and showed -12.9, -11.6, and -11.2 binding Affinities (kcal/mol) to support their stability. Our MD simulations analysis at 200ns confirmed the stability of Neuropilin complexes with the signaling pathways protein PI3K. The calculated binding free energies using MMGBSA provided valuable quantitative information on ligand potency on different time steps. These findings highlight the potential health benefits of N. sativa leaves and their possible role in anti-cancer treatments targeting angiogenesis. Conclusion: Nigella sativa leaves have shown significant medical potential due to their bioactive compounds, which exhibit strong properties in supporting organogenic processes related to cancer. Furthermore, studies have highlighted the promising role of neuropilins in anticancer treatment, demonstrating stable interactions and potential as targeted therapy specifically for breast cancer.

Comparison of Clopidogrel Versus Ticagrelor for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI) Patients Managed with Therapeutic Hypothermia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Various antiplatelet drugs, such as clopidogrel and ticagrelor, are available on the market for use after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the efficacy of such drugs in patients being managed with therapeutic hypothermia (TH) has always been debated. In light of this controversy, this systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to enhance existing literature. Various databases were searched for potentially relevant studies from inception to April 2023, including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Scopus. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa scale for cohort studies and the Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized controlled trials. Outcomes of interest included risk of bleeding, stent thrombosis, and all-cause mortality. Five studies were shortlisted for inclusion into the meta-analysis, featuring a total of 245 patients receiving either clopidogrel or ticagrelor. Overall, no significant differences were noted when the use of clopidogrel and ticagrelor was compared in PCI patients being managed with TH. To the best of our knowledge, this is the most comprehensive meta-analysis comparing the outcomes of clopidogrel and ticagrelor in PCI patients being managed with TH. Despite existing studies claiming an altered efficacy of clopidogrel in such conditions, our meta-analytic findings could not prove this relationship. Due to the limited sample size, further comprehensive and randomized studies are encouraged to arrive at a robust conclusion.

Characterization of alkaline metalloprotease isolated from halophilic bacterium Bacillus cereus and its applications in various industrial processes.

Microbial proteases are one of the most demanding enzymes for various industries with diverse applications in food, pharmaceutics, and textile industries to name the few. An extracellular alkaline metalloprotease was produced and purified from moderate halophilic bacterial strain, Bacillus cereus TS2, with some unique characteristics required for various industrial applications. The protease was produced in basal medium supplemented with casein and was partially purified by ion exchange chromatography followed by ammonium sulphate precipitation. The alkaline metalloprotease has molecular weight of 35 kDa with specific activity of 535.4 µM/min/mg. It can work at wide range of pH from 3 to 12, while showing optimum activity at pH 10. Similarly, the alkaline metalloprotease is stable till the temperature of 80 °C and works at wide range of temperature from 20 to 90 °C with optimum activity at 60 °C. The turnover rate increases in the presence of NaCl and Co+2 with k cat/KM of 1.42 × 103 and 1.27 × 103 s-1.M-1 respectively, while without NaCl and Co+2 it has a value of 7.58× 102. The alkaline metalloprotease was relatively resistant to thermal and solvent mediated denaturation. Applications revealed that the metalloprotease was efficient to remove hair from goat skin, remove blood stains and degrade milk, thus can be a potential candidate for leather, detergent, and food industry.

A review on extraction, composition, structure, and biological activities of polysaccharides from different parts of Nelumbo nucifera.

Nelumbo nucifera (lotus plant) is an important member of the Nelumbonaceae family. This review summarizes the studies conducted on it since the past 15 years to provide an understanding on future areas of focus. Different parts of this plant, that is, leaves, roots, and seeds, have been used as food and for the treatment of various diseases. Polysaccharides have been extracted from different parts using different methods. The manuscript reviews the methods of extraction of polysaccharides used for leaves, roots, and seeds, along with their yield. Some methods can provide better yield while some provide better biological activity with low yield. The composition and structure of extracted polysaccharides have been determined in some studies. Although monosaccharide composition has been determined in various studies, too little information about the structure of polysaccharides from N. nucifera is available in the current literature. Different useful biological activities have been explored using in vivo and in vitro methods, which include antioxidant, antidiabetic, antitumor, anti-osteoporotic, immunomodulatory, and prebiotic activities. Antitumor activity from polysaccharides of lotus leaves is yet to be explored, besides lotus root has been underexplored as compared to other parts (leaves and seeds) according to our literature survey. Studies dedicated to the successful use of combination of extraction methods can be conducted in future. The plant provides a therapeutic as well as nutraceutical potential; however, antimicrobial activity and synergistic relationships of polysaccharides from different parts of the plant need further exploration.

A placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial of antibiotics versus probiotics as an adjuvant to nonsurgical periodontal treatment among smokers with Stage III, Grade C generalized periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics are viable microorganisms, which if delivered in appropriate dose can provide health benefits. Lactobacillus reuteri (DM17938+ATCC PTA 5289) has been recommended as a safe choice for probiotics. The objective of this study is to compare the improvement in the periodontal parameters amongst smokers with generalized periodontitis with Stage III, Grade C treated with nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) to which either an antibiotics or probiotics were given as an adjuvant. METHODS: Sixty smokers with Stage III, Grade C generalized periodontitis were randomized in two groups after taking informed consent. Periodontal parameters including bleeding on probing (BOP), probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were recorded. Group 1 received (after NSPT and oral hygiene instructions) amoxicillin and metronidazole for 7 days and a placebo for probiotics for 30 days. Group 2 was provided (after NSPT and oral hygiene instructions) with one tablet of Lactobacillus reuteri probiotics (2 × 108 CFU) twice daily for 30 days and placebo antibiotics for 7 days. The periodontal parameters were recorded again at 1- and 3-month follow-ups as outcome variables. Mean, standard deviation, and confidence interval were reported using SPSS 20.0. RESULTS: A statistically significant clinical improvement in the PD, BOP, PI, and GI were observed in both the groups at 3-month follow-up. However, the AL remained unchanged in both the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of probiotics and antibiotics along with NSPT yield statistically significant differences in PD and BOP from baseline to 3-month follow-up. However, between the group differences were not statistically significant for the periodontal parameters (AL, PD, and BOP).

Analysing root roughness and smear layer relationship by comparing contemporary dental curettes with conventional dental curettes: a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Root debridement procedures for the treatment of periodontal diseases, produces root surface irregularities and smear layer on the root surface that can adversely affect the healing of periodontal tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the surface texture of root after hand instrumentation with Gracey curette, After Five curette, and Mini Five curette. METHODS: A randomised, controlled clinical trial was conducted with 120 participants clinically diagnosed with chronic periodontitis. Participants were equally randomised into four groups, with parallel treatment assignment of scaling and root planning using Gracey Curettes, After five and Mini five curette, and a control group with no instrumentation. Mobile teeth of these patients were then extracted atraumatically and analysed under a Scanning Electron Microscope and graded for "Roughness and Loss of Tooth substance index" and "Smear layer index." Cross Tabulation was made between the test groups (Control, Gracey Curette, After five, and Mini Five) versus "Roughness and Loss of Tooth substance Index" and "Smear Layer Index." A Chi-square test with Bonferroni correction was used to determine the graded distribution among the groups. RESULTS: In the control group, 73.3% of the teeth showed grade 1 roughness. In the Gracey group, 56.7% showed grade 2 roughness; in the After 5 group, 70% showed grade 3 roughness; in the Mini 5 group, 76.7% showed grade 3 roughness. A significant association was found between roughness scores and the use of individual instruments. Regarding smear layer formation, 46.7% of teeth showed a grade 4 smear layer in the control group. 50% of teeth showed grade 2 smear layer thickness in the Gracey group. In the After 5 group, 73.3% of teeth showed a grade 1 smear layer, while in the Mini 5 group, 80.0% showed a grade 1 smear layer. The use of individual instruments was significantly associated with the smear layer scores. CONCLUSION: Gracey curettes produced relatively smoother root surfaces with less smear layer formation than After Five and Mini Five curettes, which produced relatively more roughened root surfaces with thicker smear layer formation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ID: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04216966 Date of Registration: January 3, 2020.

Immobilized cells of a novel bacterium increased the degradation of N-methylated carbamates under low temperature conditions.

Carbamates are synthetic pesticides, extensively used throughout the world due to their broad specificity against various insect pests. However, their enormous and inadequate use have made them a potential threat to the environment. At low temperature, degradation of carbamates becomes difficult mainly because of low biological activity. In the present study, we isolated a bacterial strain from a low temperature climate where the N-methylated carbamates are used for crop protection. The bacterium, was identified as Pseudomonas plecoglossicida strain (TA3) by 16S rRNA analysis. Degradation experiments with both free and immobilized cells in minimal salt medium indicated that the strain TA3 utilized carbaryl, carbofuran and aldicarb as both carbon and nitrogen source. TA3 can grow well at 4 °C and demonstrated the ability to degrade three carbamates (50 µgml-1) at low temperature. The immobilized cells were found more efficient than their free cells counter parts. Immobilized cells has ability to degrade 100% of carbamates at 30 °C while 80% at 4 °C but incase of their free cells counter parts the efficiency to degrade carbamates was less which was 60% at 4 °C and 80% at 30 °C. TA3 free cellsextract also depicted high activity against all the three carbamates even at 4 °C indicating a possible enzymatic mechanism of degradation.