Haloarchaeal poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate)] composite films reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets as a biomaterial for skin tissue engineering.

Halophilic archaea are an untapped source for a wide range of applications. This study explores the potential of a copolymer poly[(3-hydroxybutyrate)-co-(3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), naturally synthesized by the halophilic archaeon, Halogeometricum borinquense E3, as a potential candidate for a tissue engineering biomaterial. Composites and blends from natural PHBV were fabricated with poly(l-lactic acid) (PLLA), poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) to enhance the properties of the material. This significantly improved the tensile strength of the blend to 4.729 MPa (359%). The reinforcement with 0.3% w/v of GNP further increased the tensile strength to 13.268 MPa (981%). Characterization of the films was done using ATR-FTIR, XRD, TGA, and SEM. The haloarchaeal PHBV exhibited the highest porosity ergo the highest swelling percentage while the PHBV/GNP showed the least. All the films showed good biocompatibility compared to tissue culture plastic (TCP). The viability of HaCaT cells and L929 fibroblast cells was maximum on the PHBV/PLLA/PCL blend albeit no significant change in the cell viability was observed in the graphene-reinforced nanocomposite. The films were also highly hemocompatible (<5% hemolysis).

Guidance of Erupting First Permanent Molar in Complex Clinical Scenarios: A Case Series.

Aim: The aim of this current case series is to propose various design modifications of the conventional distal shoe space maintainers in relation to complex clinical scenarios. Background: Primary dentition plays a significant role in preserving space for underlying unerupted permanent teeth; early childhood caries (ECC) is a serious public health problem in both developing and developed countries, and it is often left untreated. Its consequences can have an immediate and long-term impact on the child's quality of life and overall health. Premature loss of primary dentition can result in loss of arch length, thereby hampering the eruption of the succeedaneous tooth, which can further lead to malalignment, crowding, rotation, and impaction of the permanent teeth. Space maintainers are advocated in cases where extraction of primary molars is inevitable. In the early loss of the second primary molar, a distal-shoe space maintainer is advocated to guide the eruption, as well as prevent mesial migration of the first permanent molar (FPM) during the eruption. In clinical scenarios where multiple losses of deciduous molars occur bilaterally, obtaining adequate anchorage is questionable and futile. The following clinical modifications, however, are useful in overcoming the problems related to the same. The following case series intends to project various modifications of distal shoes in complex scenarios. Case description: Various modifications of the distal shoe have been proposed in our current case series. The appliances were adjusted individually on a case-to-case basis depending on the clinical scenario. A 1-year clinical follow-up was carried out on all the patients. Conclusion: All the clinical modifications were successful in guiding the eruption of a FPM; there were no complications during any follow-up visit. Clinical significance: In cases where the traditional design is not indicated, certain modifications in distal shoes by adding new components to the appliance will allow the appliance to be placed and the space to be maintained effectively. Along with this, reinforcement of parents and the child for oral hygiene maintenance will maintain the remaining healthy tooth structure and increase the success of treatment. How to cite this article: Gunjal PY, Chauhan RS, Tirupathi S, et al. Guidance of Erupting First Permanent Molar in Complex Clinical Scenarios: A Case Series. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(3):362-367.

Quantum dots in noninvasive imaging of oral squamous cell carcinomas: A scoping literature review.

ABSTRACT: The current scoping review's objective was to outline existing applications, recent breakthroughs, and quantum dots' applicability in imaging of oral squamous cell cancer. Quantum dots are nanometric semiconductor crystals with customizable optical characteristics and intense, stable fluorescence suited for bioimaging and labeling. We used the Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) recommendations for conducting our systematic search. An analysis of the properties and applications of quantum dots in noninvasive detection of oral squamous cell cancer is presented in this study, which comprehensively explores the available evidence. Following searches in the databases PubMed, Ovid SP, and Cochrane using the search terms quantum dots AND oral squamous cell cancer, 55 published publications were chosen for this review. The review identified a total of eight papers that met the criteria. In noninvasive detection of oral squamous cell carcinoma, quantum dots have the potential to offer an array of therapeutic and diagnostic applications. Furthermore, quantum dots emit near-infrared and visible light, which is advantageous in biological imaging since it reduces light dispersion and absorption of tissue. The future may see quantum dots become a popular noninvasive imaging technique for oral squamous cell cancer. The number of studies accessible is quite limited, and further research is required.

Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Release from Four Commercially Available Pediatric Dental Restorative Materials.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the fluoride-releasing abilities of commercially available restorative materials such as-Activa™ BioActive-restorative™ material, Zirconomer (Shofu Inc), Beautifil® II (Shofu Inc), GC Gold Label 9 high strength posterior restorative glass ionomer cement (GIC Corp). Materials and methods: A total of 40 disk specimens (10 of each material) were placed into distilled/deionized (DI) water and the fluoride release was measured for 30 days. Fluoride ion measurement was performed at the end of the 1st, 3rd, 7th, 15th, and 30th day under normal atmospheric conditions by fluoride ion selective electrode (F-ISE) (Orion 9609 BNWP, Ionplus SureFlow fluoride electrode, Thermo Scientific, United States of America) coupled to a benchtop analyzer (Hachsen Ion+). Results: All the materials included in the study exhibited fluoride release. Although there were differences in the amounts of fluoride released between Activa™, Zirconomer, and GC Gold Label 9 the mean difference between these three groups was not found to be statistically significant. Beautifil® II showed low amounts of fluoride released at all time intervals. Conclusion: Among the above-compared materials Activa™ and Zirconomer exhibit both improved mechanical properties as well as they have fluoride-releasing ability so can be preferred over conventional glass ionomer restorations. How to cite this article: Dhumal RS, Chauhan RS, Patil V, et al. Comparative Evaluation of Fluoride Release from Four Commercially Available Pediatric Dental Restorative Materials. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2023;16(S-1):S6-S12.

Effectiveness of thaumaturgic distraction in alleviation of anxiety in 4-6-year-old children during inferior alveolar nerve block administration: a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Dental anxiety is a matter of serious concern to pediatric dentists as it may impede the efficient delivery of dental care. If not adequately resolved, a persistent negative response pattern may emerge. Thaumaturgy, commonly known as magic trick, has become popular recently. It is a tool that distracts and relaxes the child by using magic trick while the dentist performs necessary treatment. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of Thaumaturgic aid in alleviation of anxiety in 4-6 - year-old children during administration of local anesthesia using the inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) technique. Methods: Thirty children aged between 4-6 years with dental anxiety requiring IANB were included in this study. Patients were divided equally into two groups: Group I, thaumaturgic aid group and Group II, conventional non-pharmacological group using randomization. Anxiety was measured before and after using the intervention with Raghavendra Madhuri Sujata-Pictorial scale (RMS-PS), Venham's anxiety rating scale, and pulse rate. All the data were tabulated and compared using statistical analysis. Results: Children in thaumaturgy group (Group- I) exhibited significantly lower anxiety during IANB in comparison with children in the conventional group (Group- II) and the difference was statistically significant. Conclusion: Magic tricks are effective in reducing anxiety among young children during IANB; Moreover, it expands the arsenal of behavior guidance techniques for treatment of children with anxiety and plays an important role in shaping the behavior of a child in pediatric dentistry.

Composites of Bacillus megaterium H16 derived poly-3-hydroxybutyrate as a biomaterial for skin tissue engineering.

Composite films of Bacillus megaterium H16 derived PHB with 1%Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), 1%Poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL), and 0.3 % graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were produced by solvent cast method. The composite films were characterized by SEM, DSC-TGA, XRD, and ATR-FTIR. The ultrastructure of PHB and its composites depicted an irregular surface morphology with pores after the evaporation of chloroform. The GNPs were seen to be integrated inside the pores. The B. megaterium H16 derived-PHB and its composites demonstrated good biocompatibility which was evaluated in vitro on HaCaT and L929 cells by MTT assay. The cell viability was best for PHB followed by PHB/PLLA/PCL > PHB/PLLA/GNP > PHB/PLLA. PHB and its composites were highly hemocompatible as it resulted in <1 % hemolysis. The PHB/PLLA/PCL and PHB/PLLA/GNP composites can serve as ideal biomaterials for skin tissue engineering.

The combined effect of extraoral vibratory stimulus and external cooling on pain perception during intra-oral local anesthesia administration in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aimed to assess the combined use of extraoral vibratory stimulation and extraoral cooling in reducing the pain (subjective and objective) of dental local anesthesia administration in children. PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid SP databases were searched up to July 2021. Article titles were screened and full-text evaluations of the selected articles were performed. Finally, seven studies (391 children, aged 4 - 12 years) were included in this qualitative and quantitative analysis. The pooled data determined the combined effect of extraoral vibration and extraoral cooling as a single measure. Extraoral vibration or cooling alone were not compared. The measured primary and secondary outcomes were pain perception and subjective and objective pain, respectively. When compared with the control, extraoral vibration and cooling resulted in significant differences in the mean combined data for the variables, pain perception, and pain reaction. Children's subjective pain as measured by pain scores were reduced when extraoral vibration and cooling was used during local anesthesia administration (mean difference -3.52; 95% confidence interval [-5.06 - 1.98]) and objective pain (mean difference -1.46; 95% confidence interval [-2.95 - 0.02] ; mean difference -1.93; 95% confidence interval [-3.72 - 0.14]). Within the confines of this systematic review, there is low-quality evidence to support the use of combined extraoral vibration and cooling for reducing pain (subjective and objective) during intraoral local anesthesia administration in children.

Comparative Fluoride Ion Release Pre and Postrecharge Situations among Three Different Pediatric Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study.

Objectives: To determine the initial fluoride (F) release and rerelease after recharge of three pediatric dental restorative materials when aged in artificial saliva (M1) and deionized water (M2). Materials and methods: A total of 30 disks, 10 disks of each restorative material R1: Jen Rainbow, Jen Dent Ukraine; R2: Tetric® N-Flow, Ivoclar Vivadent, and R3: resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) (Fuji II LC- GC Corporation) were fabricated and were tested for F dynamics in two different media, M1: artificial saliva, M2: deionized water group. The F initial release was measured on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th day, and on the 31st day, acidulated phosphate F (APF) gel was applied and F rerelease was measured on the 31st, 37th, 44th, 51st, and 60th day using F ion-specific electrode (Orion). The result was statistically analyzed using two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and post hoc Bonferroni test. Results: Fluoride (F) ion release was significantly higher in deionized water than in artificial saliva (M1), and F ion rerelease (after recharge) was significantly higher in artificial saliva (M1). Fuji-II LC demonstrated a significantly (p < 0.05) higher F release and rerelease among all the tested materials. Among the tested composites, R2: Tetric® N-Flow exhibited significantly higher F dynamics than R1: Jen Rainbow composite. Conclusion: All the tested restorative materials exhibited optimum F release (0.024 ppm, that is, the range to prevent newer carious lesions) in both the pre and postrecharge conditions. Even though Fuji-II LC demonstrated significantly better F dynamics in the tested scenarios, Tetric® N-Flow has the additional advantage of improved mechanical retentive and esthetic properties along with the optimum F release in pre and postrecharge scenarios. How to cite this article: Mathias MR, Rathi N, Bendgude VD, et al. Comparative Fluoride Ion Release Pre and Postrecharge Situations among Three Different Pediatric Dental Restorative Materials: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):729-735.

Fibrolipoma on a Child's Lip: A Rare Clinical Finding.

Lipoma is very common benign tumor of adipose tissue, but its presence in the oral cavity is rare. Fibrolipoma is a histological variant of lipoma that affects the buccal mucosa and nasal septum in the orofacial region and causes functional and cosmetic issues. However, this lesion has not been reported on the upper lip and may be confused with other soft tissue lesions of children. Hence, accurate histopathological examination of lipomas is important for a correct treatment plan. The purpose of this report is to describe the case of an 11-year-old boy with fibrolipoma of the upper lip.

An in vitro comparative evaluation of fracture resistance of custom made, metal, glass fiber reinforced and carbon reinforced posts in endodontically treated teeth.

BACKGROUND: Posts are used to enhance crown buildup in pulpless teeth with destructed crown portion. Different types of post are used in endodontically treated teeth. The aim of the present in vitro study was to evaluate fracture resistance of custom made, metal, glass fiber reinforced and carbon reinforced posts in endodontically treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was carried out on extracted 40 human maxillary central incisor teeth, which was divided into four groups with 10 samples in each group with custom made, metal post, glass fiber reinforced, and carbon reinforced posts. The samples were decoronated at cemento-enamel junction and endodontically treated. Post space was prepared and selected posts were cemented. The composite cores were prepared at the height of 5 mm and samples mounted on acrylic blocks. Later fracture resistance to the compressive force of samples was measured using Universal Testing Machine. RESULTS: The maximum resistance to the compressive force was observed in carbon reinforced and glass fiber reinforced posts compared others which is statistically significant (P > 0.001) and least was seen in custom fabricated post. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that carbon reinforced fiber post and glass fiber posts showed good fracture resistance compared to custom made and metal posts.

A spectro photometric comparative evaluation of apical sealing ability of three different sealers; calcium hydroxide based, resin based and zinc oxide eugenol based sealers.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with AH26, Sealapex and Tubliseal sealers in endodonticaly treated teeth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 36 extracted mandibular molar specimens were divided into three groups; Group I: Sealapex, Group II: Tubliseal, Group II: AH26 with 12 samples in each group. Standard access cavity and biomechanical preparation was done with step back flare technique. Obturations were done using respective sealers in the three different groups. Then, samples were subjected to spectro photometric analysis using a filter of 670 nm. Spectrophotometric analysis was performed to quantitatively analyze the amount of dye leakage with all three sealers. RESULTS: Tubliseal exhibited the least microleakage. In comparison to Sealapex, Tubliseal showed a significant difference. Compared to Sealapex, AH26 showed no significant difference. Comparisons made between Tubliseal and AH26 showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: In the present study, Tubliseal sealer showed least microleage compared with Sealapex and AH26 sealer.