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 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.

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.