Curcumin loaded poly (amidoamine) dendrimer-plamitic acid core-shell nanoparticles as anti-stress therapeutics.

Despite poor bioavailability of the drug and in vivo stability, curcumin has been reported for many pharmacological activities. Considering the potential of dendrimers as a drug delivery system, current research work is focused on the formulation and characterization of G4 PAMAM dendrimer-Palmitic acid core-shell nanoparticle-containing curcumin as antistress therapeutics to maximize the bioavailability of curcumin. Various formulations were prepared using different concentrations of palmitic acid and an optimized ratio of dendrimer and curcumin. All formulations were investigated for evaluation of physicochemical parameters, encapsulation efficiency, and in vitro release. Particle size, PDI, zeta-potential, and encapsulation efficiency of final formulation was found to be 257.9 ± 0.365 nm, 0.10 ± 0.004, 3.59 ± 0.167 mV, and 80.87%, respectively. In vitro release studies have shown that 53.62 ± 2.431% of the drug was released after 24 h. In vivo studies pharmacokinetic parameters, drug distribution, pharmacological, and toxicological were also estimated using swiss albino mice. The findings have shown the selected formulation is better than plain curcumin formulation.

Comparative assessment of cephalometric with its analogous photographic variables.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of photographic measurements and compare it with its analogous cephalometric variables. Materials and Methods: Lateral cephalograms and standardized facial profile photographs were obtained from a sample of 120 subjects (92 females, 28 males; age 12-22 years with mean age of 17.5 years). A total of 4 linear and 7 angular measurements along with 3 ratios analogous to one another were measured on both. Descriptive statistics for all measurements were computed. Pearson's correlation coefficients were computed between analogous measurements, and regression analysis was done for each variable measured on the photograph to accurately predict the cephalometric variable. Results: The reliability of the standardized photographic technique was satisfactory. Most photographic measurements showed highly significant correlations (P < 0.001) with cephalometric variables. Among all measurements used, the A'N'B' angle was the most effective in explaining the variability of its analogous cephalometric (r2= 0.35). The Frankfort-mandibular plane angle' angle showed best results for vertical assessment (r2= 0.81) along with anterior face height (AFH) and lower anterior facial height (r2= 0.859) and ratio lower posterior facial height/AFH (r2= 0.702). Conclusions: Although we cannot rule out lateral cephalogram as the primary record in orthodontics, photographic assessment can always be used through proper standardization, as an alternative diagnostic aid, and also for large-scale epidemiological purposes and places with unavailability of cephalostat.

Root and canal morphology of maxillary first premolar teeth in north Indian population using clearing technique: An in vitro study.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the root form and canal configuration in maxillary first premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 250 extracted human adult maxillary first premolar teeth from North Indian population were collected. Access cavities were prepared and the coronal pulp tissue was extirpated. The samples were stored in 5% nitric acid solution for 5 days. They were then rinsed, dried, and dehydrated using increasing concentrations of ethanol (70, 80, and 95%) successively for 1 day. Teeth were rendered transparent by immersing in methyl salicylate. India ink was then injected. The root canal morphology was examined under stereomicroscope. RESULT: 53.6% were single rooted followed by fused root form followed by two root form. 0.4% had three rooted maxillary first premolar. Variable root canal configurations were also found. Type IV configuration was most prevalent (33.2%). Two teeth showed an additional configuration. Lateral canals were present in 34.8% of the samples and intercanal communications in 16%. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that in North Indian population, there was an increased propensity for types IV, I, II, and III canal morphologies in maxillary first premolars. Single root form was most common.