Evaluation of Mesiodistal Root Angulation of Permanent Incisors, Canines, and First Pre-Molars by Orthopantomogram Dental Imaging Findings in 296 Children Aged 6-14 Years.

BACKGROUND Early pre-eruptive inclination changes of the first premolar (FP) and its associative changes with canine (C) inclination are important to predict canine impaction. This study aimed to evaluate the mesiodistal root angulation of permanent lateral incisors (LI), canines, and first molars by orthopantomogram dental imaging in 296 children ages 6-14 years at a single center in India. MATERIAL AND METHODS The total number of participants was 296, with equal numbers of boys and girls divided into 4 age groups: 6-8 years, 8-10 years, 10-12 years, and 12-14 years. Angles between lateral incisor, erupting canine, and first pre-premolar with midline were measured on an orthopantomogram (dental imaging which includes all the teeth with TMJ). The angle between the erupting C with LI and erupting C with FP was measured. Pearson's correlation was also evaluated between the movement of the erupting canine with lateral incisor and erupting canine with erupting first premolar. RESULTS There was a significant difference in the angular values of different age groups (P≤0.05). The movements between LI, C, and FP were moderately correlated boys and girls aged 6-12 years. CONCLUSIONS The findings from this study showed that in boys and girls aged 6-14 years, eruption of the upper canine tooth was synchronized with eruption of the LI and FP.

Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Pro-Inflammatory Biomarker Linking Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) is a member of the interleukin (IL)-1 family and has 2 isoforms: ST2L, a transmembrane form, and ST2, a soluble form. IL-33 can act as an immune system alarm signal when released by damaged cells, which in turn activates other cells expressing the ST2 receptor. This can cause inflammatory cytokines to be released and produced, as well as trigger osteoclastogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the levels of soluble ST2 in gingival samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population consisted of 30 individuals. The participants were divided into 3 groups: healthy participants, patients with periodontitis, and patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Periodontitis was determined using probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and gingival index. Patients with stage 2 to 4 periodontitis met the inclusion criteria. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for quantification of samples for ST2 levels by using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS The mean±standard deviation of ST2 GCF concentrations was relatively high (558.87±68.99) in the group with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, compared with that of the periodontitis group (452.06±54.18) and healthy group (252.82±87.9). CONCLUSIONS GCF ST2 values were found to be a marker of inflammatory activities. Thus, GCF ST2 could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of periodontitis as well as systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. This pilot study was limited by a small number of participants. To confirm the associations, more large-scale investigations should be conducted.

Effect of Fluoridated Mouthwashes on Corrosion Property of Orthodontic Appliances: A Narrative Review.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of various fluoride agents on metallic orthodontic materials. DESIGN: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Embase were searched using keyword combinations such as fluoride mouthwash and orthodontic appliance and corrosion, fluoride and fixed appliance, and metal degradation. RESULTS: Of 315 articles, 20 were selected for inclusion in the review. All types of fluoride agents, especially the acidulated form of fluoride, seemed to influence the corrosion of orthodontic metallic appliances. CONCLUSION: Since most of the studies reported suggest that fluoride ions are capable of causing corrosion of metallic orthodontic appliances, attention should be paid while prescribing fluoride agents for orthodontic patients. The degree of corrosion seems to be directly correlated with the acidity of the medium and the concentration of fluoride ions. Co-Cr brackets are resistant to corrosion by fluoride while stainless steel and Ti brackets are susceptible. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: It allows making the right choice while choosing the orthodontic brackets in relation to their susceptibility to corrosion by fluoride ions.

Effect of Repeated Moist Heat Sterilization on Titanium Implant-Abutment Interface-An In Vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: Sterilization eliminates microbial viability by decreasing the biological load, but likewise have the ability to deteriorate the mechanical properties of an implant material. This study intended to evaluate the effect of repeated moist heat sterilization on implant-abutment interface using two different implant systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty screw-retained titanium implant-abutment combinations (fixture 3.5 ×10 mm, abutment 2 mm diameter), twenty each from Genesis (Aktiv Implant Systems, United States) and Bredent (SKY, Germany), were divided into four different groups (n = 10) and placed in a computer-aided diagnostic model. The abutments from each group were exposed to first and second autoclave cycle (121°C for 30 minutes), connected back to the fixture and analyzed under scanning electron microscope for marginal gap and surface roughness. RESULTS: Genesis group showed higher marginal gaps on both sides (buccal/mesial [2.8 ± 0.47]; lingual/distal [2.8 ± 0.33]), while Bredent implant-abutment system (IAS) did not show any changes in marginal gaps after autoclaving. Differences within and between the group were found to be statistically significant. Surface roughness for Genesis (243.7 ± 70.30) and Bredent groups (528.9 ± 213.19) was highest at second autoclave, with Bredent implant-abutment showing higher values for surface roughness than Genesis IAS. CONCLUSION: Marginal vertical gap increased with autoclaving for Genesis IAS, while Bredent implant abutments were more stable. Surface roughness increases with autoclaving for both Genesis and Bredent group of IAS.

Ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots: bridging the gaps in dentistry.

Maintaining a microbe-free environment in healthcare facilities has become increasingly crucial for minimizing virus transmission, especially in the wake of recent epidemics like COVID-19. To meet the urgent need for ongoing sterilization, autonomous ultraviolet disinfection (UV-D) robots have emerged as vital tools. These robots are gaining popularity due to their automated nature, cost advantages, and ability to instantly disinfect rooms and workspaces without relying on human labor. Integrating disinfection robots into medical facilities reduces infection risk, lowers conventional cleaning costs, and instills greater confidence in patient safety. However, UV-D robots should complement rather than replace routine manual cleaning. To optimize the functionality of UV-D robots in medical settings, additional hospital and device design modifications are necessary to address visibility challenges. Achieving seamless integration requires more technical advancements and clinical investigations across various institutions. This mini-review presents an overview of advanced applications that demand disinfection, highlighting their limitations and challenges. Despite their potential, little comprehensive research has been conducted on the sterilizing impact of disinfection robots in the dental industry. By serving as a starting point for future research, this review aims to bridge the gaps in knowledge and identify unresolved issues. Our objective is to provide an extensive guide to UV-D robots, encompassing design requirements, technological breakthroughs, and in-depth use in healthcare and dentistry facilities. Understanding the capabilities and limitations of UV-D robots will aid in harnessing their potential to revolutionize infection control practices in the medical and dental fields.

Receptor binding domain of SARS-CoV-2 from Wuhan strain to Omicron B.1.1.529 attributes increased affinity to variable structures of human ACE2.

BACKGROUND: COVID-19 is an infectious disease declared as a global pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 virus. Genomic changes in the receptor binding domain (RBD) region of SARS-CoV-2 led to an increased, infectivity in humans through interaction with the angiotensin-converting enzyme2 (ACE2) receptor. Simultaneously, the genetic variants in ACE2 provide an opportunity for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severity. We demonstrate the binding efficiencies of RBDs of SARS-CoV-2 strain with ACE2 variants of the human host. METHODOLOGY: A Total of 615 SARS-CoV-2 genomes were retrieved from repository. Eighteen variations were identified contributing to structural changes in RBD that are distributed in 615 isolates. An analyses of 285 single nucleotide variances at the coding region of the ACE2 receptor showed 34 to be pathogenic. Homology models of 34 ACE2 and 18 RBD structures were constructed with 34 and 18 structural variants, respectively. Protein docking of 612 (34 *18) ACE2-RBD complexes showed variable affinities compared to wildtype Wuhan's and other SARS-CoV-2 RBDs, including Omicron B.1.1.529. Finally, molecular dynamic simulation was performed to determine the stability of the complexes. RESULTS: Among 612, the top 3 complexes showing least binding energy were selected. The ACE2 with rs961360700 variant showed the least binding energy (-895.2 Kcal/mol) on binding with the RBD of Phe160Ser variant compared to Wuhan's RBD complex. Interestingly, the binding energy of RBD of Omicron B.1.1.529 with ACE2 (rs961360700) structure showed least binding energy of -1010 Kcal/mol. Additionally, molecular dynamics showed structure stability for all the analysed complexes with the RMSD (0.22-0.26 nm), RMSF (0.11-0.13 nm), and Rg (2.53-2.56 nm). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, our investigation highlights the clinical variants contributing to structural variants in ACE2 receptors that lead to efficient binding of SARS-CoV-2. Therefore, screening of these ACE2 polymorphisms will help detect COVID-19 risk population so as to provide additional care and for safe management.

Salivary Biomarkers in Periodontitis Post Scaling and Root Planing.

OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of salivary uric acid and arginase in patients with periodontitis, generalized gingivitis, and in healthy individuals. Then, the effects of non-surgical periodontal therapy on levels of salivary arginase and uric acid were also investigated. METHODS: A total of 60 subjects were divided into three groups based on periodontal health: group I comprised 20 healthy individuals; group II comprised 20 subjects who had generalized gingivitis; group III comprised 20 subjects who had generalized periodontitis. On day 0, the clinical examination of periodontal status was recorded, following which saliva samples were collected. Group II and group III subjects underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy. These patients were recalled on day 30 to collect saliva samples. The periodontal parameters were reassessed on day 90, and saliva samples were collected for analysis of salivary arginase and uric acid levels. RESULTS: Group II and group III showed improvement in clinical parameters following non-surgical periodontal therapy on the 90th day. The MGI score, PPD, and CAL showed improvement. On day 0, at baseline, salivary arginase levels in group III and group II were higher than those in healthy subjects, whereas on day 0, salivary uric acid levels in group III and group II were lower than those in healthy subjects. Both on day 0 and day 90, the salivary arginase level showed a positive correlation with the periodontal parameters, whereas the salivary uric acid level was positively correlated with the periodontal parameters on day 90. CONCLUSION: the level of salivary arginase was a pro-inflammatory marker and a raised level of salivary uric acid was an anti-inflammatory marker following periodontal therapy, suggesting their pivotal role in assessing periodontal status and evaluation of treatment outcome.