Oligomer Sensor Nanoarchitectonics for "Turn-On" Fluorescence Detection of Cholesterol at the Nanomolar Level.

Sensitive and rapid monitoring of cholesterol levels in the human body are highly desirable as they are directly related to the diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. By using the nanoarchitectonic approach, a novel fluorescent conjugated oligofluorene (OFP-CD) functionalized with ß-cyclodextrin (ß-CD) was assembled for "Turn-On" fluorescence sensing of cholesterol. The appended ß-CD units in OFP-CD enabled the forming of host-guest complexes with dabsyl chloride moieties in water, resulting in fluorescence quenching of the oligofluorene through intermolecular energy transfer. In the presence of cholesterol molecules, a more favorable host-guest complex with stoichiometry 1 cholesterol: 2 ß-CD units was formed, replacing dabsyl chloride in ß-CD's cavities. This process resulted in fluorescence recovery of OFP-CD, owing to disruption of energy transfer. The potential of this nanoarchitectonic system for "Turn-On" sensing of cholesterol was extensively studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The high selectivity of the sensor for cholesterol was demonstrated using biologically relevant interfering compounds, such as carbohydrates, amino acids, metal ions, and anions. The detection limit (LOD value) was as low as 68 nM, affirming the high sensitivity of the current system.

Comparative evaluation of nano-filled and conventional adhesives for bonding of molar tubes.

It is of interest to compare the bonding characteristics of the two nano filled adhesives, Grandio (Voco, Cuxhaven, Germany) and Transbond Supreme LV (TSLV, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, California) with conventional bonding adhesive Transbond XT (TBXT, 3M Unitek) for bonding of molar tubes. 45 extracted human permanent molar teeth, divided into three groups of 15 each, were bonded with stainless steel molar tubes (3M Unitek, USA) using TBXT in Group 1, Grandio in Group 2, TSLV in Group 3. Remnant Index and shear bond strength was evaluated after 24 hrs. of storage with the aid of Instron Universal testing machine and Stereomicroscope respectively. Data were analysed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test, Post-hoc Bonferroni test and Kruskal Wallis test. The mean SBS of Group 1(TBXT) was 13.86±3.27 MPa, Group 2 (Grandio) was 9.48±2.36 MPa and Group 3 (TSLV) was 11.64±2.71 MPa. Both nano-filled adhesives had SBS well above the clinically acceptable range. Assessment of ARI scores and type of bond failure revealed that adhesive failure for TBXT and TSLV and cohesive failure for Grandio. Nano-filled adhesives can be an appropriate substitute for the conventional adhesive for bonding of molar tubes.

Applicability of Tanaka-Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir Mixed Dentition Analyses in School-going Children of Sri Ganganagar City, Rajasthan (India): A Cross-sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: The orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning are the fundamental goals during the mixed dentition period. Numerous methods have been proposed till date such as Nance method, Moyer's method, Staley-Kerber and Tanaka-Johnston's method, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir method. AIM: The aim of the study is to determine the mesiodistal widths of the lower permanent canines and premolars from Tanaka-Johnston, Moyers, and Bernabé E and Flores-Mir C mixed dentition analysis and to determine the correlation coefficients and the new prediction equation for Sri Ganganagar population. SETTING AND DESIGN: A total of 3572 children were clinically examined from the contemporary population of Sri Ganganagar city and Outpatient Department of Pediatric and Preventive Dentistry in Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan. A total of 150 individuals were randomly selected for the study based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were designated as "study samples. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 150 children aged 11-16 years of Sri Ganganagar city were randomly selected. The mesiodistal width of permanent incisors, canines, premolars, and molars was measured with the help of digital vernier caliper with an accuracy of ±0.01 mm. The measurements of canines and premolars were summed up and compared with those derived from Tanaka and Johnston equations, Moyers probability tables, and Bernabé and Flores-Mir equations. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using IBM SPSS Statistics Windows version "20.0" using Student's t-test, Pearson correlation coefficient, and Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: All the three methods overestimated the actual sum of permanent canine and premolars in both the arches in our population. The correlation coefficients and the new regression equations were derived for both maxilla and mandible in males and females for Sri Ganganagar population. CONCLUSION: The predicted values obtained from all the three methods overestimated the actual values.

Comparison of Frictional Resistance in Conventional Brackets with Different Stainless Steel Wires.

AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare static and kinetic friction of round (0.018") and rectangular (0.019 × 0.025") stainless steel (SS) wires of different brands with conventional preadjusted edgewise brackets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Maxillary canine and two bicuspids of 0.022 × 0.028" slot sized MBT prescription (Gemini, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, California) brackets were chosen. The wires selected were 0.018" SS (3M Unitek); 0.018" Australian wire (AJ Wilcock, UK), and 0.019 × 0.025" SS (3M Unitek). The testing was done on Instron 3382. A total of 30 test combinations with three wires were repeated 10 times. The static and kinetic friction was recorded in Newton. The kinetic friction was also recorded in Newton at 3, 5, 7, and 9 mm of movement. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and descriptive statistics were used for comparing the friction. To test the level of significance, multiple comparisons were used within wire in bracket by using post hoc test. RESULTS: Static friction was found to be greater than kinetic in all wires; 0.018" SS (3M) wire exhibited minimum static and kinetic friction; while 0.019 × 0.025" SS (3M) exhibited maximum static friction. Kinetic friction was similar in both 0.018" AJ Wilcock and 0.019 × 0.025" SS but greater than 0.018" SS (3M). CONCLUSION: Least static and kinetic friction was exhibited by 0.018" SS (3M). Kinetic friction was similar in both 0.018" AJ Wilcock and 0.019 × 0.025" SS. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The study concluded that 0.018" SS (3M) is better for individual canine retraction than the other wires used in the study because it has the least frictional resistance; 0.019 × 0.025" SS (3M) is a better wire for canine retraction than 0.018" AJ Wilcock as we can have a three-dimensional control over tooth movement. When torque control is not a prime requisite, then 0.018" SS (3M) can be used for retraction of incisors instead of 0.018" AJ Wilcock in severely proclined incisor cases.