Comparative evaluation of remineralization potential of four different remineralization agents on human enamel: An in vitro study.

Aim: The study aimed to assess the remineralizing potential of four different commercially available agents using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, and Vickers Microhardness (VMH) Test. Materials and Methods: Forty-four specimens (n = 11 per group) were prepared from extracted teeth. A window of 6 mm × 4 mm was made on all the specimens that represented three zones, namely, sound enamel, demineralized enamel, and remineralized enamel. The zone for demineralized enamel was subjected to four different remineralizing agents; casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (CPP-ACPF), tricalcium phosphate fluoride (TCP-F), calcium sucrose phosphate (CSP), and self-assembling peptide (P11-4). Remineralization (REM) was assessed using VMH; the structural changes were assessed using SEM that was analyzed using EDX analysis. The specimens were subjected to a newer regimen of demineralization. One-way ANOVA followed by post hoc Tukey test was used with a level of significance at P ≤ 0.05. Results: There were no significant differences in VMH between the groups for sound enamel (P = 0.472) and demineralized enamel (P = 0.116). VMH was statistically significantly more for P11-4 and the least for CPP-ACPF (P = 0.011). A post hoc analysis revealed higher VMH for P11-4 compared to CPP-ACPF (P = 0.014) and TCP-F (P = 0.035). SEM showed a homogeneous layer of minerals for all groups except CPP-ACPF. TCP-F reported a higher degree of REM, followed by P11-4 as assessed using EDX analysis. Conclusion: Self-assembling peptide (P11-4) exhibited a higher degree of REM than other remineralizing agents followed by CSP.

Valencene-rich fraction from Vetiveria zizanioides exerts immunostimulatory effects in vitro and in mice

Objective: To decipher the responsible compound present in the aqueous root extract of Vetiveria zizanioides which has tremendous immunomodulatory activity. Methods: Different fractions of the water extract were collected and analyzed for immunomodulatory activity by analyzing in vitro phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production. One fraction VF3 was selected and further analyzed for possible compounds by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. The in vitro immunomodulatory parameters such as phagocytic index, nitrite content, and tumor necrosis factor-α production in murine macrophages were analyzed. In vivo studies, sheep red blood cell induced haemagglutination titer, the number of antibody-producing cells, and sheep red blood cell induced delayed-type hypersensitivity were analyzed. Cytotoxic studies in L929 normal fibroblasts were also performed. Results: One of the fractions, VF3, was selected and confirmed the presence of an active compound valencene. The in vitro immunomodulatory parameters were significantly (P<0.05) increased by valencene treatment. In vivo studies in Swiss albino mice showed that valencene could significantly (P<0.05) increase haemagglutination titer, the number of antibody-producing cells, and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Cytotoxic studies also showed that valencene did not cause any morphological changes and DNA damage in normal fibroblasts. Conclusions: Valencene possesses immunomodulatory activities and can be commercially exploited for its immunostimulatory potentials.

Valencene-rich fraction from Vetiveria zizanioides exerts immunostimulatory effects in vitro and in mice

Objective: To decipher the responsible compound present in the aqueous root extract of Vetiveria zizanioides which has tremendous immunomodulatory activity. Methods: Different fractions of the water extract were collected and analyzed for immunomodulatory activity by analyzing in vitro phagocytic activity and nitric oxide production. One fraction VF3 was selected and further analyzed for possible compounds by high performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with a mass spectrometer. The in vitro immunomodulatory parameters such as phagocytic index, nitrite content, and tumor necrosis factor-α production in murine macrophages were analyzed. In vivo studies, sheep red blood cell induced haemagglutination titer, the number of antibody-producing cells, and sheep red blood cell induced delayed-type hypersensitivity were analyzed. Cytotoxic studies in L929 normal fibroblasts were also performed. Results: One of the fractions, VF3, was selected and confirmed the presence of an active compound valencene. The in vitro immunomodulatory parameters were significantly (P<0.05) increased by valencene treatment. In vivo studies in Swiss albino mice showed that valencene could significantly (P<0.05) increase haemagglutination titer, the number of antibody-producing cells, and delayed-type hypersensitivity. Cytotoxic studies also showed that valencene did not cause any morphological changes and DNA damage in normal fibroblasts. Conclusions: Valencene possesses immunomodulatory activities and can be commercially exploited for its immunostimulatory potentials.

Oral manifestation in mentally challenged children.

BACKGROUND: In general, mentally challenged children have higher rates poor oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontitis than the general population. An investigation was undertaken to assess the oral manifestations of mentally challenged children in Chennai, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 150 children (70 Down syndrome patients and 80 cerebral palsy patients). Of which, 93 patients were males and 57 were females. RESULTS: Speech difficulty hindered the communication between the patient and the dentist. Mastication and swallowing difficulties were also present in few children. Profuse salivation was a cause for drooling of saliva down the cheeks, which was a constant finding in cerebral palsy children. The oral hygiene statuses of the patient were significantly poor. The prevalence of periodontitis was 35.7% in Down syndrome and 55.0% in cerebral palsy patients. Whereas, the prevalence of gingivitis was found to be 92.9% and 61.3% respectively. The prevalence of fractured maxillary anterior teeth was found to be more evident in cerebral palsy patients (62.9%) when compared to Down syndrome patients (0.0%). An increase in age shows an increase in the decayed-missing-filled teeth which is statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The prominent findings like flat nasal bridge (94.3%), hypertelorism (92.9%), high arched palate (78.6%) and fissured tongue (78.6%) in our study, suggest that they could be used as a reliable clinical markers to diagnose Down syndrome condition.

Endodontic Treatment of a Mandibular Second Premolar with Type IV Wiene's Root Canal: A Case Report.

This case report describes an endodontic treatment of a mandibular second premolar with type IV root canal. A 26-year-old male patient reported pain in right mandibular second premolar. Clinical examination showed a large carious lesion with pulp exposure. Radiographs showed minimal periapical changes and slight widening of periodontal ligament space. Mandibular second premolars usually have one canal. The mandibular second premolar may present large number of anatomic variations. The clinician should be aware of the configuration of the pulp system. This case presents the diagnosis and clinical management of a mandibular second premolar with two distinct canals in the apical third of root (Type IV Wiene's canal configuration), drawing particular attention to tactile examination of all the canal walls and obturating it with calamus 3D obturation system.

Collagen matrix (DuraGen) in dural repair: analysis of a new modified technique.

STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective review of 110 patients undergoing spinal dural repair and regeneration using an onlay, suture-free, 3-dimensional-collagen matrix graft (DuraGen) over an 8-year period (1995-2003). OBJECTIVES: Technique appraisal of collagen matrix to repair spinal dura following incidental durotomy, spinal tumor surgery, and trauma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Traditional methods of spinal dural repair following incidental durotomy involve tedious attempts at primary watertight suture with a 5% to 10% failure rate. Dural injury occurs after trauma, or dural excision may be required after tumor resection. Collagen matrix is a newer development in collagen sponge. METHODS: The clinical and demographic data included diagnosis, type and site of surgery, infection risk, size of defect, use of lumbar drains, closed suction subfascial drains, and adverse events. The primary endpoints of graft failure were cerebrospinal fluid leak and pseudomeningocele formation. Neurosurgical wound infection rates were determined. RESULTS: Collagen matrix was used (n = 110) in the following conditions: degenerative (69), pseudomeningocele formation repair (4), tumors (14), trauma (13), and congenital (5). There were 15 cervical (10 anterior), 21 thoracic (3 anterior), and 71 lumbar (all posterior) surgeries. Fibrin glue was used in 7.3%, subfascial drains in 82%, and lumbar drainage in 2.7%. Overall, cerebrospinal fluid leaks occurred in 2.7%. The 2 pseudomeningocele formations (3.2%) resolved at 3 months. There were 2 wound infections. In the subgroup with incidental durotomy (n = 69), failure of cerebrospinal fluid containment occurred in 4.3% [1 cerebrospinal fluid leak (1.4%), 2 pseudomeningocele formations (2.9%)]. CONCLUSIONS: Collagen matrix was successful in cerebrospinal fluid containment in > 95% of patients requiring dural repair following anterior and posterior spinal surgery. Subfascial drains were safe. Routine lumbar drains are not required but are recommended for repair of established pseudomeningocele formations.