An in vitro comparison of calcium ions release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide-based intracanal medicament in combination with three different vehicles like propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol.

Context: Calcium hydroxide, which is an intracanal medicament, is widely used in endodontics. Improvements can be made to its effectiveness, as calcium hydroxide is dependent on the vehicle. Aim: The study aims to compare and evaluate the release and diffusion ability of calcium hydroxide when mixed with - propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol. Methods: For this study, 33 single-rooted extracted premolar teeth have been decoronated. After the working length and enlargement of the canals had been established, different preparations of calcium hydroxide with vehicles such as propolis, chitosan, and propylene glycol were loaded into the canals. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used to analyze the release of calcium ions in three groups, while a digital pH meter was used to determine an acid change. Results: Atomic absorption spectrophotometry showed sustained releases of calcium ions and the digital pH meter showed increased diffusion capacity in the propylene glycol paste group in comparison to the other two groups. Conclusion: Propylene glycol vehicle made it easier to enter calcium hydroxide into the dentinal tubules.

Evaluation of the efficacy of a novel disinfecting material on the surface topography of gutta-percha: An in vitro study.

Context: The effect of chemical disinfection on gutta-percha (GP) has to be closely studied whether it affects surface topography and thereby causes leakage and reinfection of canals. Aims: The purpose of the study is to assess the surface topography of GP cones after disinfecting with a novel disinfecting material, graphene oxide (GO), and compare the same with other disinfecting materials, including sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and silver nanoparticles (AgNps). Settings and Design: After determining the power (0.84) of the study, 48 GP cones were taken and categorized into four different groups based on disinfecting agents. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight GP cones (ISO size 30 6% taper, DIADENT) were taken and are randomly selected and grouped as follows according to the disinfecting agents: Group 1 - control (untreated GP points, n = 12), Group 2 - NaOCl (n = 12), Group 3 - AgNPs (n = 12), and Group 4 - GO (n = 12), respectively. After treating with the above disinfecting materials, the surface topography of samples was evaluated using atomic force microscopy. The data were analyzed statistically using one-way ANOVA and post hoc (Tukey's honestly significant difference) tests. Statistical Analysis Used: IBM SPSS (version 21.0) software was used. The tests performed were one-way ANOVA and post hoc. Statistically, significance was set at a P ≤ 0.05. Results: The root means square values and surface roughness values were lesser for the GO group and AgNPs when compared with the NaOCl group, which were statistically significant. Conclusions: Within the limitations of the study, this study had shown lesser surface topography deterioration of GP cones when treated with GO and AgNPs, whereas more deterioration was observed with NaOCl.

Pharmacogenomics: the right drug to the right person.

UNLABELLED: Pharmacogenomics is the branch of pharmacology which deals with the influence of genetic variation on drug response in patients by correlating gene expression or single-nucleotide polymorphisms with a drug's efficacy or toxicity. It aims to develop rational means to optimize drug therapy, with respect to the patients genotype, to ensure maximum efficacy with minimal adverse effects. Such approaches promise the advent of personalized medicine, in which drugs and drug combinations are optimized for each individual's unique genetic makeup. Pharmacogenomics is the whole genome application of pharmacogenetics, which examines the single gene interactions with drugs. KEYWORDS: Pharmacogenetics; Single nucleotide polymorphisms; Genomics; Genotype.