Peptide Utility (PU) search server: A new tool for peptide sequence search from multiple databases.

Proteins are essential building blocks in humans that have garnered huge attention from researchers worldwide due to their numerous therapeutic applications. To date, different computational tools have been developed to extract pre-existing information on these biological molecules, but most of these tools suffer from limitations such as non-user friendly interface, redundancy of data, etc. To overcome these limitations, a user-friendly interface, the Peptide Utility (PU) webserver (https://chain-searching.herokuapp.com/) has been developed for searching and analyzing homologous and identical protein/peptide sequences that can be searched from approximately 0.4 million sequences (structural and sequence information) in both online and offline modes. The PU web server can also be used to study different types of interactions in PDBSum, identifying the most dominating interface residues, the most prevalent interactions, and the interaction preferences of different residues. The webserver would also pave way for the design of novel therapeutic peptides and folds by identifying conserved residues in the three-dimensional structure space of proteins.

A comparative evaluation of retention of pit and fissure sealant bonded using sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-generation adhesives: An in vivo study.

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is one of the most common preventable childhood infections. a number of measures are available to prevent occlusal caries; pit and fissure sealants are one of the various methods currently available to cost effectively reduce dental caries. AIM: To evaluate the retention of pit and fissure sealant bonded using sixth (Adper promt), seventh (Optibond) and eighth (Futurabond Dual Cure) generations of adhesives. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A total of 37 healthy children who fulfilled the inclusion were randomly selected. A total of 148 teeth (4 in each subject) were used as samples for the study. METHODS AND MATERIAL: The teeth to be sealed were then isolated using rubber dam. The placement of adhesives was done using split mouth design. The first permanent molars were randomly divided into four groups on the basis of sealant placed without and with using 6th, 7th and 8th generation bonding agents as follows: GROUP A (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed without bonding agent. GROUP B (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following sixth generation bonding agent (ADPER PROMT). GROUP C (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following seventh generation bonding agent. (OPTIBOND). GROUP D (N=37):- Pit and fissure sealant placed following eighth generation bonding agent. (FUTURA BOND DUAL CURE). The integrity of the sealant placed was assessed immediately after completion of the procedure, 3 months and 6 months after placement. The post-operative evaluation for retention was done using Simonsen criteria. A score of 0 was given for complete retention, 1 for partial retention and 2 for no retention. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The statistical analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) software version 21. RESULTS: It was found that there was no statistically significant difference between the groups after 3 and 6 months as the value obtained (0.133) was much greater than the p-value (0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded that the use of bonding agent prior to application of pit and fissure sealant does not necessarily aid in retention of sealant as compared to pit and fissure sealant placed without bonding agent, Sealants effectiveness is directly related to its retention and it dependent on application procedures. The failure of retention of pit and fissure sealants can attribute to moisture contamination, improper curing methods, inadequate adhesion, improper application procedure or early age placement.

Effect of Achyranthes aspera, 0.2% Aqueous Chlorhexidine Gluconate and Punica granatum Oral Rinse on the Levels of Salivary Streptococcus mutans in 8 to 12 Years Old Children.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To study the effect Achyranthes aspera, 0.2% aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate and Punica granatum oral rinse on salivary Streptococcus mutans count in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 children of 8 to 12 years of age were randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group A was given 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash, group B was given 10% A. aspera mouthwash and group C was given 15% P. granatum mouthwash. The day 1 saliva samples were collected from the subjects and inoculated onto mitis salivarius bacitracin (MSB) agar. The colony counts were obtained by a clinical microbiologist who was blinded to the subject allocation. Plaque scores were then recorded by the investigator with the help of a volunteer. Following this, they received a thorough scaling and polishing. Subjects in each group were then provided with 140 ml of the respective mouthwash, as a daily supervised rinse after breakfast and before sleeping as per instructions. Following mouth rinsing, the children were instructed not to eat or drink for 15 minutes. At the 7th day, unstimulated saliva was again collected from the subjects of all 3 groups, inoculated onto MSB agar and colony count was obtained. Modified Quigley-Hein plaque index was also evaluated for the refreshed score at this stage. Colony counting was done using loop method and statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) software version 21. RESULTS: All the three mouthwashes showed statistically significant reduction of S. mutans count and plaque index after 7 days, i.e. chlorhexidine (p < 0.001 for reduction in S. mutans count and p < 0.05 for plaque score reduction), A. aspera (p < 0.01 for reduction in S. mutans count and p < 0.05 for plaque score reduction) and P. granatum (p < 0.01 for reduction in S. mutans count and p < 0.05 for plaque score reduction). Chlorhexidine had marginally better results in reducing S. mutans count. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of chlorhexidine, A. aspera and P. granatum was statistically significant with respect to reduction of S. mutans count with chlorhexidine being marginally better than the other two; All the three mouthwashes were found to be at par when plaque index values from baseline and after interception of 7 days was calculated; Punica granatum has better antimicrobial effect than A. aspera.