Braided silk sutures coated with photoreduced silver nanoparticles for eradicating Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans infections.

BACKGROUND: Infections resulting from surgical procedures and wound closures continue to pose significant challenges in healthcare settings. To address this issue, the investigators have developed antibacterial non-resorbable braided silk sutures using in situ deposited silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and investigated their efficacy in eradicating Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus mutans infections. METHODS: The braided silk sutures were modified through a simple and efficient in situ photoreduction method, resulting in the uniform distribution of AgNPs along the suture surface. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dynamic light scattering analysis (DLS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy analysis (FTIR) confirming their successful integration onto the silk sutures. The antibacterial activity of the nanoparticle coated sutures were compared and evaluated with non-coated braided silk sutures through in vitro assays against both S. aureus and S. mutans. RESULTS: The surface and cross-sectional analysis of the treated sutures revealed a uniform and homogeneous distribution of silver particles achieved through the photoreduction of silver solution. This observation confirms the successful coating of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on the sutures. The antimicrobial studies conducted, demonstrated significant reductions in bacterial colonies when exposed to the silver nanoparticle-coated sutures. Notably, the width of the inhibition zone surrounding the coated sutures remained consistently wide and stable for duration up to 7 days. This sustained and robust inhibitory effect against gram-positive bacteria, specifically S. aureus and S. mutans, serves as strong evidence of the antibacterial efficacy of the coated sutures. CONCLUSION: The coating of silk sutures with AgNPs provided a significant and effective antibacterial capacity to the surgical sutures, with this activity being sustained for a period of 7 days. This suggests that AgNPs-in situ photoreduction deposited sutures have the potential to effectively manage S. aureus and S. mutans infections.

A Study on Utilization and Evaluation of Antiemetics in Chemotherapy-induced Nausea and Vomiting.

PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) are the major adverse effects of cancer chemotherapy. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the utilization of antiemetics in CINV and to assess the emetogenicity of chemotherapy and to investigate the incidence of acute and delayed CINV. METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out in patients undergoing chemotherapy. A suitable data collection form was designed to collect data regarding patient's demographics, cancer type, chemotherapy regimen, antiemetic prescribed, and incidence of CINV according to the standard methods utilizing morrow assessment of nausea and emesis form. RESULTS: Among 200 patients enrolled in the study, with age range of 18-83 (52 ± 11.65; mean ± standard deviation) of both sexes (44% of male and 56% of female), 38.5% of patients received highly emetogenic chemotherapy and 46.5% received moderate emetogenic chemotherapy. Among the patients, 88% received 5HT3-RA in combination with corticosteroid (99%) and NK1-RA (40.5%). Despite the administration of antiemetic, the incidence of acute and delayed nausea after chemotherapy treatment was reported by 54% and 15.5%, respectively. The comparable figures for acute and delayed vomiting were 36.5% and 14.5%. CONCLUSION: The incidence of CINV among the patients was relatively high and it indicates that more attention is needed for the treatment of both acute and delayed CINV. It also gives an idea for implementation of more efficient antiemesis guideline in the clinical practice.

Estimation and correlation of salivary thiocyanate levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis.

AIM: This study was conducted to estimate and correlate salivary thiocyanate (SCN) levels in periodontally healthy subjects, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis. METHODOLOGY: The study population consisted of 40 systemically healthy subjects in the age group of 18-55 years that was further divided into four groups: Control, smokers, nonsmokers, and gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis. Gingival index (GI) (Loe and Silness-1963), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss was assessed. Estimation of SCN was performed by ultraviolet spectrophotometer at 447 nm wavelength. Statistical analysis was performed using the one-way ANOVAs Welch test and Pearson's correlation test using SPSS version 17 software. RESULTS: Results showed statistically significant increase in SCN levels in smokers as compared to gutka-chewers with chronic periodontitis, control, and nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis subjects. Significantly higher PD and loss of attachment were seen in smokers group compared with other groups. A negative correlation observed between the GI and thiocyanate levels. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed a significant increase in SCN levels in smokers with periodontitis as compared to nonsmokers.

Poor periodontal health: A cancer risk?

Evidence indicates that chronic infections and inflammation are associated with increased risk of cancer development. There has also been considerable evidence that proves the interrelationship between bacterial and viral infections and carcinogenesis. Periodontitis is a chronic oral infection thought to be caused by gram-negative anaerobic bacteria in the dental biofilm. Periodontal bacteria and viruses may act synergistically to cause periodontitis. Many studies have shown that periodontal pockets may act as reservoirs for human papilloma virus, cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr virus, and suspected agents associated with oral cancer. Periodontitis, characterized by epithelial proliferation and migration, results in a chronic release of inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, prostaglandins, and enzymes, all of which are associated with cancer development. This review article intends to shed light on the association between periodontal health and carcinogenesis.

Metastasis to maxillary gingiva from carcinoma of breast. A case report.

A rare case of metastatic infiltrating duct carcinoma involving gingiva in relation to maxillary left canine-premolar of a 40 year old female is presented. The unilateral gingival enlargement in canine-premolar region was quite unusual. Pertinent history and histological examination revealed that the tumor was a metastatic carcinoma, the primary lesion of which was in the breast. The differential diagnosis of gingival enlargements is discussed in this paper. The resemblance of this mass to an inflammatory hyperplastic condition reflects the need for a detailed case history and examination.