Unconventional Ways to Live and Die: Cell Death and Survival in Development, Homeostasis, and Disease.

Balancing cell death and survival is essential for normal development and homeostasis and for preventing diseases, especially cancer. Conventional cell death pathways include apoptosis, a form of programmed cell death controlled by a well-defined biochemical pathway, and necrosis, the lysis of acutely injured cells. New types of regulated cell death include necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, phagoptosis, and entosis. Autophagy can promote survival or can cause death. Newly described processes of anastasis and resuscitation show that, remarkably, cells can recover from the brink of apoptosis or necroptosis. Important new work shows that epithelia achieve homeostasis by extruding excess cells, which then die by anoikis due to loss of survival signals. This mechanically regulated process both maintains barrier function as cells die and matches rates of proliferation and death. In this review, we describe these unconventional ways in which cells have evolved to die or survive, as well as the contributions that these processes make to homeostasis and cancer.

Appraising and comparing the role of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Periodontal regeneration refers to procedures aimed at restitution of lost supporting tissue around the periodontally compromised tooth. Regenerative procedures very often include the use of barrier materials to encourage the growth of key surrounding tissues. The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal graft as a barrier membrane for the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients. A total of four data bases MEDLINE (by PubMed), Cochrane database, EBSCO, and Google Scholar were explored to identify the studies in English up to December 2022. An additional hand search of relevant journals was also done. A team of three independent reviewers screened the retrieved articles using the inclusion criteria. Randomized control trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of autogenous periosteal grafts in the treatment of intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis cases were included in the study. A total of six relevant articles were recognized for data procurement. A total of 117 patients with 68 sites with an age range between 18 years and 55 years were selected. Outcome variables examined were pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), radiographic bone defect fill (BDF), gingival recession (GR), plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) and bleeding on probing (BOP). Data were analyzed using Revman 5.3 software. The mean differences and 95% confidence interval were used to illustrate the estimate of effect size. There is an equal effect in both groups for the PI, GI, and BOP reduction. For PD reduction, the result was in the favor of periosteal graft with open flap debridement (OFD) group. For CAL gain, radiographic BDF and GR, results also favored the periosteal graft, but no statistically significant difference was found amongst the groups. Within the limitation of the study, it seems that the autogenous periosteal graft can be used successfully along with OFD to treat intrabony defects in chronic periodontitis patients.

Electrochemical and Optical Sensors for Real-Time Detection of Nitrate in Water.

The health and integrity of our water sources are vital for the existence of all forms of life. However, with the growth in population and anthropogenic activities, the quality of water is being impacted globally, particularly due to a widespread problem of nitrate contamination that poses numerous health risks. To address this issue, investigations into various detection methods for the development of in situ real-time monitoring devices have attracted the attention of many researchers. Among the most prominent detection methods are chromatography, colorimetry, electrochemistry, and spectroscopy. While all these methods have their pros and cons, electrochemical and optical methods have emerged as robust and efficient techniques that offer cost-effective, accurate, sensitive, and reliable measurements. This review provides an overview of techniques that are ideal for field-deployable nitrate sensing applications, with an emphasis on electrochemical and optical detection methods. It discusses the underlying principles, recent advances, and various measurement techniques. Additionally, the review explores the current developments in real-time nitrate sensors and discusses the challenges of real-time implementation.

Low-Cost Sensor for Continuous Measurement of Brix in Liquids.

This paper presents a Brix sensor based on the differential pressure measurement principle. Two piezoresistive silicon pressure sensors were applied to measure the specific gravity of the liquid, which was used to calculate the Brix level. The pressure sensors were mounted inside custom-built water-tight housings connected together by fixed length metallic tubes containing the power and signal cables. Two designs of the sensor were prepared; one for the basic laboratory testing and validation of the proposed system and the other for a fermentation experiment. For lab tests, a sugar solution with different Brix levels was used and readings from the proposed sensor were compared with a commercially available hydrometer called Tilt. During the fermentation experiments, fermentation was carried out in a 1000 L tank over 7 days and data was recorded and analysed. In the lab experiments, a good linear relationship between the sugar content and the corresponding Brix levels was observed. In the fermentation experiment, the sensor performed as expected but some problems such as residue build up were encountered. Overall, the proposed sensing solution carries a great potential for continuous monitoring of the Brix level in liquids. Due to the usage of low-cost pressure sensors and the interface electronics, the cost of the system is considered suitable for large scale deployment at wineries or juice processing industries.

Sensors and Instruments for Brix Measurement: A Review.

Quality assessment of fruits, vegetables, or beverages involves classifying the products according to the quality traits such as, appearance, texture, flavor, sugar content. The measurement of sugar content, or Brix, as it is commonly known, is an essential part of the quality analysis of the agricultural products and alcoholic beverages. The Brix monitoring of fruit and vegetables by destructive methods includes sensory assessment involving sensory panels, instruments such as refractometer, hydrometer, and liquid chromatography. However, these techniques are manual, time-consuming, and most importantly, the fruits or vegetables are damaged during testing. On the other hand, the traditional sample-based methods involve manual sample collection of the liquid from the tank in fruit/vegetable juice making and in wineries or breweries. Labour ineffectiveness can be a significant drawback of such methods. This review presents recent developments in different destructive and nondestructive Brix measurement techniques focused on fruits, vegetables, and beverages. It is concluded that while there exist a variety of methods and instruments for Brix measurement, traits such as promptness and low cost of analysis, minimal sample preparation, and environmental friendliness are still among the prime requirements of the industry.

A Comprehensive Review of Microfluidic Water Quality Monitoring Sensors.

Water crisis is a global issue due to water contamination and extremely restricted sources of fresh water. Water contamination induces severe diseases which put human lives at risk. Hence, water quality monitoring has become a prime activity worldwide. The available monitoring procedures are inadequate as most of them require expensive instrumentation, longer processing time, tedious processes, and skilled lab technicians. Therefore, a portable, sensitive, and selective sensor with in situ and continuous water quality monitoring is the current necessity. In this context, microfluidics is the promising technology to fulfill this need due to its advantages such as faster reaction times, better process control, reduced waste generation, system compactness and parallelization, reduced cost, and disposability. This paper presents a review on the latest enhancements of microfluidic-based electrochemical and optical sensors for water quality monitoring and discusses the relative merits and shortcomings of the methods.

The histidine kinase CusS senses silver ions through direct binding by its sensor domain.

The Cus system of Escherichia coli aids in protection of cells from high concentrations of Ag(I) and Cu(I). The histidine kinase CusS of the CusRS two-component system functions as a Ag(I)/Cu(I)-responsive sensor kinase and is essential for induction of the genes encoding the CusCFBA efflux pump. In this study, we have examined the molecular features of the sensor domain of CusS in order to understand how a metal-responsive histidine kinase senses specific metal ions. We find that the predicted periplasmic sensor domain of CusS directly interacts with Ag(I) ions and undergoes a conformational change upon metal binding. Metal binding also enhances the tendency of the domain to dimerize. These findings suggest a model for activation of the histidine kinase through metal binding events in the periplasmic sensor domain.

A Rare Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in a 3-month-old Child: A Case Report.

A rare case of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy (MNTI) occurring in a 3-month-old male child affecting the left maxilla is described. Computed tomography showed the benign expansile type of lesion affecting the left maxilla. The lesion was surgically excised completely. Histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of melanotic neuroectodermal tumor. Almost 6 months of follow-up showed no recurrence. How to cite this article: Patankar SA, Pawar SR, Sharma R, et al. A Rare Melanotic Neuroectodermal Tumor of Infancy in a 3-month-old Child: A Case Report. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2024;17(1):79-81.

Comparative Evaluation of Mogibacterium timidum in the Subgingival Plaque of Periodontally Healthy and Chronic Periodontitis Patients: A Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Study.

BACKGROUND: Mogibacterium timidum is a new genus of anaerobic bacteria discovered in the year 2000. It is one of the most common bacteria present in the host microbial flora of dental plaque. The levels of M. timidum are supposedly higher in inflammatory conditions. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to quantify the levels of M. timidum species in the subgingival plaque samples of healthy patients and patients with chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 24 samples of the subgingival plaque, 12 healthy samples and 12 samples of chronic periodontitis patients, were collected in a buffer solution using a sterile Gracey curette. These samples were then sent to a laboratory for real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing. RESULTS: M. timidum was found in higher quantities in plaque samples taken from chronic periodontitis patients when compared to healthy patients. CONCLUSION: M. timidum can be said to be associated with chronic periodontitis condition. Further studies are required to know the exact nature of the pathogen.

Comparative Evaluation of the Differentiation and Proliferation Potential of Dental Pulp Stem Cells on Hydroxyapatite/Beta-Tricalcium Bone Graft and Bovine Bone Graft: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: Stem cells of mesenchymal origin have good proliferative capacity when compared to other stem cell types. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) are a variety of mesenchymal cells obtained from the pulpal tissue of teeth and are abundantly available and easy to obtain. DPSCs facilitate and improve the formation of new bone using different bone graft scaffolds. This present study aims to evaluate and compare the osteogenic potential of DPSCs on alloplastic and xenogeneic bone grafts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hydroxyapatite and beta-tricalcium bone graft and bovine bone graft were used in a triplicate manner in the laboratory. DPSCs were obtained from the pulpal tissue of extracted third molars in the laboratory. The cytotoxicity, osteogenic potential, and difference in the rate of proliferation of mesenchymal cells on the biomaterials were assessed. RESULTS: Darker purple staining was seen in the case of hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium bone graft on MTT colorimetric assay stating that there was an increase in cell viability in hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium bone graft as compared to the bovine bone graft. Hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium bone graft showed more osteogenic potential as compared to the bovine bone graft as a higher degree of red staining was seen in Alizarin staining. CONCLUSION: Higher cell viability and higher osteogenic proliferation and differentiation were seen on the hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium bone graft compared to the bovine bone scaffold.

Comparative analysis of platelet-rich fibrin membrane and 0.2% hyaluronic acid gel on healing following gingival depigmentation procedure.

Introduction: Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) accelerates wound healing by promoting faster cicatricial tissue remodeling and excellent neovascularization. Hyaluronic acid (HA) being biocompatible, anti-inflammatory, and proangiogenic leads to improvement in the rate of wound healing. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of PRF membrane and 0.2% HA gel on wounds after gingival depigmentation surgery. Materials and Methods: This study was carried out on 30 systemically healthy individuals recruited from the pool of patients who visited the department of periodontology. After depigmentation procedure in every patient, the sites were divided into three even groups. Group A received PRF membrane and periodontal dressing, Group B received 0.2% HA gel application and periodontal dressing, and Group C served as a control group in which only periodontal dressing was placed. The individuals were evaluated for the healing index (HI) and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) on the 3rd and 5th day. Epithelialization test (ET) was performed on the 5th day. Gingival biotype was reassessed and compared to preoperative value after 3 months. The clinical trial was expressed in terms of mean and standard deviation. Intra-group comparison and inter-group comparison were done through the Kruskal-Wallis ANOVA test. All statistical tests were performed through SPSS version 25.0 (IBM). Results: The inter-group statistical analysis concerning NRS, HI, and ET showed statistically significant results in Groups A and B compared to Group C (P < 0.05), while gingival biotype showed statistically significant results in Group A compared to Groups B and C. Conclusion: The use of PRF membrane and HA gel to protect the raw wound site of depigmented gingiva proved to be an effective approach, resulting in faster healing.

Study of Microchannels Fabricated Using Desktop Fused Deposition Modeling Systems.

Microfluidic devices are used to transfer small quantities of liquid through micro-scale channels. Conventionally, these devices are fabricated using techniques such as soft-lithography, paper microfluidics, micromachining, injection moulding, etc. The advancement in modern additive manufacturing methods is making three dimensional printing (3DP) a promising platform for the fabrication of microfluidic devices. Particularly, the availability of low-cost desktop 3D printers can produce inexpensive microfluidic devices in fast turnaround times. In this paper, we explore fused deposition modelling (FDM) to print non-transparent and closed internal micro features of in-plane microchannels (i.e., linear, curved and spiral channel profiles) and varying cross-section microchannels in the build direction (i.e., helical microchannel). The study provides a comparison of the minimum possible diameter size, the maximum possible fluid flow-rate without leakage, and absorption through the straight, curved, spiral and helical microchannels along with the printing accuracy of the FDM process for two low-cost desktop printers. Moreover, we highlight the geometry dependent printing issues of microchannels, pressure developed in the microchannels for complex geometry and establish that the profiles in which flowrate generates 4000 Pa are susceptible to leakages when no pre or post processing in the FDM printed parts is employed.

Lobular Capillary Hemangioma of the Palate -A Case Report.

INTRODUCTION: Lobular capillary hemangioma (LCH) is caused by exuberant neovascular response to infection, local irritation (e.g., trauma), or hormonal influence (e.g., pregnancy and consumption of oral contraceptive pills). Pyogenic granuloma is considered to be a misnomer. Although the gingiva is involved in most of the cases, there are is rare cases of extragingival involvement. Herein, we reported a case of LCH associated with the dehiscence of the underlying bony hard palate. CASE REPORT: A 50-year-old woman presented with a gradually increasing swelling over hard palate for 2 years. She was a hypertensive patient and mishri user (using tobacco-containing teeth cleaning powder) with known diabetes. She had undergone a teeth extraction 2 years ago. The palatine swelling was reddish-blue, sessile with a lobulated surface, firm in consistency, and non-tender with a of size 4×3 cm. The computed tomography (CT) scan revealed bony dehiscence of the underlying palate. Histopathological examination after excision and curettage was suggestive of LCH. CONCLUSION: The LCH is common in females due to cyclical hormonal changes. Our case was presented in the fifth decade of life. The etiological factors for the patient could be mishiri usage or iatrogenic trauma of teeth extraction rather than mere hormones. The dehiscence of the underlying palatine process of the maxilla could be due to the acquired invasive nature of the lesion. No recurrence was observed in our patient since the elimination of the lesion and strict abstinence from mishiri till this date.

Comparative Evaluation of Boric Acid Gel versus Chlorhexidine Gel in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Over the years, various antimicrobials have been tried and tested in the treatment of periodontitis. Chlorhexidine (CHX) has emerged as the gold standard. In recent years, trend has shifted toward the use of agents with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteoblastic activity. Boric acid (BA) is one such agent which possess all such properties and thus been evaluated in the treatment of periodontitis. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare and evaluate the efficacy of 0.75% BA gel versus 1% CHX gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis both clinically and microbiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial where 45 systemically healthy patients with chronic periodontitis were included in the study. About 15 patients each were divided into three groups, that is, Group I received BA gel, Group II received CHX gel, and Group III received placebo gel as a local drug delivery agent. Clinical parameters such as gingival index, plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, probing pocket depth, and clinical attachment level were evaluated at baseline and 6-month follow-up. Microbiological analysis to check for mixed anaerobic flora was done using subgingival plaque samples at baseline and 3 months after treatment. RESULTS: Significant reduction was seen in all clinical parameters in both BA and CHX gel groups as compared to control group (P < 0.05). However, on comparing BA gel group with CHX gel, the results were statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: BA gel and CHX gel both were equally effective in improving the clinical and microbiologic parameters in patients with chronic periodontitis when used as a local drug delivery agent.

Evaluation of the Protective Role of Glycine max Seed Extract (Soybean Oil) in Drug-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Rats.

This study was conducted to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of Glycine max seed extract (soybean oil) against gentamicin- and rifampicin-induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats and to compare its effects with those of vitamin E, which has well-established antioxidant and nephroprotective effects. Sixty male Sprague-Dawley rats (body weight 150-210 g) were divided into 10 groups. The first five groups were treated for 14 consecutive days with normal saline (5 ml/kg, by mouth [p.o.]); gentamicin (80 mg/kg intraperitoneally [i.p.]); gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) + vitamin E (250 mg/kg p.o.); gentamicin (80 mg/kg i.p.) + soybean oil (2.5 ml/kg p.o.); and gentamicin (80 mg/kg, i.p.) + soybean oil (5 ml/kg p.o.), respectively. For the next five groups, the same group allocation was done, but gentamicin was replaced with rifampicin (1 g/kg i.p.). Various biomarkers for nephrotoxicity in serum and urine were evaluated along with histopathological examination of kidneys. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was done following Tukey's multiple comparison test; p < .05 was considered significant. Soybean oil in both doses significantly (p < .005) decreased serum blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, urea, uric acid and urine volume, kidney weight, urinary sodium, urinary potassium, and total protein and significantly (p < .005) increased serum total protein and urine creatinine in gentamicin- and rifampicin-treated animals, exhibiting nephroprotective effects. Soybean oil also showed strong antioxidant effects, causing significant (p < .005) increase in kidney homogenate catalases, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase and significant (p < .005) decrease in lipid peroxidase in gentamicin- and rifampicin-treated animals. Soybean oil demonstrated good nephroprotective activity due to antioxidant effects.

Congenital pulmonary airway malformation with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension for lobectomy-anesthetic considerations.

The association of congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) with congenital heart disease is rare. We present the case of a 6-month-old child with atrial septal defect and pulmonary hypertension (PH) who presented with severe respiratory distress and hypoxia. The patient underwent right lobectomy for CPAM. With timely management, real-time monitoring, one lung ventilation, and adequate analgesia, we were able to extubate the child in the immediate postoperative period. We conclude that with meticulous planning and multidisciplinary team approach, such complex cases can be managed successfully.

Antimicrobial effect of platelet-rich plasma and platelet-rich fibrin.

CONTEXT: Platelet concentrates have been extensively used in a variety of medical fields to promote soft- and hard-tissue regeneration. The significance behind their use lies in the abundance of growth factors (GFs) in platelets α-granules that promote wound healing. Other than releasing a pool of GFs upon activation, platelets also have many features that indicate their role in the anti-infective host defense. AIM: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antimicrobial activities of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) against periodontal disease-associated bacteria. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Blood samples were obtained from ten adult male patients. PRP and PRF were procured using centrifugation. The antimicrobial activity of PRP and PRF was evaluated by microbial culturing using bacterial strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans. RESULTS: P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans were inhibited by PRP but not by PRF. CONCLUSIONS: PRP is a potentially useful substance in the fight against periodontal pathogens. This might represent a valuable property in adjunct to the enhancement of tissue regeneration.

Increased expression of interleukin-1 beta is associated with persistence of the disease and invasion in complete hydatidiform moles (CHM).

Complete hydatidiform moles (CHM), a post-conceptual pathologic condition of the placenta, have a high prevalence rate (12/1,000 deliveries) in Kerala, India. This study addresses the expression of IL-1 alpha and beta by immunohistochemistry in relation to persistence and invasion of the disease. Mild to moderate expression of IL-1 alpha in the villous cytotrophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts and decidua of the first trimester in the normal placenta and all gestational ages in the molar placenta were observed. IL-1 beta expression was observed in the extravillous trophoblasts, syncytiotrophoblasts and decidua in both the normal and molar placentae and also in the villous cytotrophoblasts and the stromal Haufbaur cells in molar placentae. Strong expression of IL-1 beta in the placenta suggests its involvement in placental physiology supporting earlier reports. Higher expression of IL-1 beta correlated well with the invasive and persistent nature of the tumour and holds potential as a marker of persistence and invasion in CHM.

Extensive Infection of Face by Mycobacterium chelonae: An Unusual Presentation.

Mycobacterium chelonae is a rapidly growing mycobacteria, causes cutaneous, soft tissue, and rarely lung infections. Here we present a rare case of extensive infection of face at multiple sites by Mycobacterium chelonae, with an unusual presentation, diagnosed by using conventional methods.