Comparison of the Effectiveness of a Novel Matrix-Modified Bovine Collagen Membrane With a Conventional Bovine Collagen Membrane for Oral Mucosal Defects: A Single-Center Study.

Background Surgical procedures such as excision of a growth or lesion lead to soft tissue or oral mucosal defects. These defects require a proper surgical dressing to promote better wound healing and to avoid infection and scarring. A collagen membrane is one of the most commonly used surgical dressings because of its ease of adaptability to defects and its inherent ability to promote epithelialization and inhibition of pain through the indirect mechanism of preventing infection of the surgical site. Collagen also serves as a reservoir of regenerative factors. The regenerative potential increases as porosity decreases. The novel bovine-derived collagen membrane used in this current study has an average porosity of 20 microns which increases the availability of regenerative factors. Objective  The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness between a novel matrix-modified bovine collagen membrane (SurgiColl) and a conventional bovine collagen membrane for promoting wound healing for oral mucosal or soft tissue defects. Materials and methods This clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital. The sample size of the study was 20, divided into two groups: novel bovine collagen (Surgicoll-Mesh) (Group 1) and conventional bovine collagen (Group 2) with 10 participants in each group. The randomization process was adopted. The parameters assessed were epithelialization, granulation, and wound contraction at the end of two weeks. All the parameters were assessed using a standardized visual assessment scale. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States), and an independent sample t-test was done at 95% confidence interval. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The difference in epithelialization between the two groups was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.015 (<0.05). The difference in granulation tissue formation between the two groups was statistically significant with a p-value of 0.015 (<0.05). The difference in wound contraction at the end of two weeks between the two groups was also statistically significant with a p-value of 0.005 (<0.05). Group 1 showed superior results compared to Group 2 for all the outcomes assessed. Conclusion  The novel bovine-derived collagen membrane (SurgiColl-Mesh) was superior in its properties of wound healing for oral mucosal or soft tissue defects than the conventional bovine collagen membrane.

Genetic Association of the C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) rs1024611 Polymorphism With Periodontitis.

Introduction To a large extent, a person's susceptibility to developing periodontitis is determined by their genetic makeup. Research has shown that chemokines generated during an immune response can harm the periodontal ligaments, gingiva, and alveolar bone. Various chemokine genes located on different chromosomes contribute to periodontitis, and one such gene is C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), associated with the rs1024611 polymorphism, which is part of a cytokine gene cluster on the q-arm of chromosome 17. Objective Our specific objective was to investigate whether CCL2 polymorphisms could influence the relative risk of developing periodontitis. Building on these findings, we aimed to compare the frequency of a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the CCL2 gene between individuals with and without periodontitis. Materials and methods Fifty participants were enrolled in the study after obtaining informed consent and ethical clearance. Clinical assessments, including probing pocket depth, clinical attachment loss, and bleeding on probing, were utilized to classify individuals into two groups: a control group (Group A, n=25) and a periodontitis group (Group B, n=25). DNA extraction from collected samples involved drawing 2 ml of venous blood from the antecubital fossa and transferring it into a sterile tube with a pinch of ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to prevent clotting. DNA extraction was performed and polymorphisms of CCL2 were assessed through polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction enzyme digestion. Results The periodontitis group consisted of 25 patients, with an average age of 39.0±0.22 years, who met the American Academy of Periodontology's 2018 criteria for at least stage II periodontitis. The control group comprised 25 individuals with an average age of 41.3±0.49 years. Regarding the CCL2 gene polymorphism (rs1024611), there was no substantial variation in genotype frequencies between the patients and controls (p = 0.695). An agarose gel electrophoretogram, along with a standard DNA ladder, demonstrated partial amplification of the CCL2 gene spanning the polymorphism site (rs1024611). Genotypes observed were as follows: homozygous AA - 333 bp; heterozygous AG - 333 + 250 + 73 bp; homozygous GG - 250 + 73 bp. Conclusion In conclusion, there is no significant association between the CCL2 gene polymorphism rs1024611 and susceptibility to periodontitis.

MicroRNA-34a-3p and its target tumor necrosis factor-α in the regulation of South Indian oral squamous cell carcinoma population.

BACKGROUND: The most frequent head and neck cancer is oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the common histological cancer of the oral cavity and is one of the most prevalent forms of cancer globally. It has been known that there are several biomarkers and therapeutic targets that have been discovered for OSCC, but none of them were effective against the progression of OSCC. Interestingly, small non-coding RNAs termed microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate cellular activity by targeting numerous signaling pathways or genes that either promote or repress the progression of diseases. Surprisingly, among the differentially expressed miRNAs, miR-34a was identified to be highly sensitive and specific to OSCC and widely studied for its role in various cancers, including OSCC. METHODS: The secondary structure of miR-34a-3p was analyzed using bioinformatic analysis and its targets were screened using the TargetScan database. Specimens of 25 OSCC cancer tissues and adjacent normal tissues were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. The tissues were processed for H&E staining and gene expression analysis of miR-34a-3p and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). RESULTS: The minimum free energy for miR-34a-3p was found to be -47.20 kCal which proved the stability of the miRNA. The histopathological examination confirmed the OSCC cases and the gene expression analysis revealed that miR-34a-3p was significantly downregulated in OSCC tissues, whereas TNF-α showed vice versa expression. CONCLUSIONS: miR-34a-3p could be postulated as a potential therapeutic target for OSCC.

Digital Panoramic Radiographs for Age Prediction Utilizing the Tooth Coronal Index of First Mandibular Bicuspids Among the South Indian Population.

Introduction Age estimation holds significant importance within the realm of forensic science, serving as a crucial tool for various purposes such as validating birth certificates, aiding immigration processes, and determining eligibility for retirement benefits. Additionally, age estimation carries significant implications in situations involving human trafficking, offering insights into matters such as legal culpability, adult classification, and marriage age assessment. Aim The purpose of this research was to assess the precision of the Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) in the estimation of age, a key component of forensic odontology. Materials and methods The research employed a retrospective approach, analyzing 700 digital panoramic radiographs of the mandibular first bicuspids. The study population was categorized into five age groups viz. 20-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and above 61 years respectively. Statistical methods were applied to investigate the relation between TCI and age. Additionally, one-way ANOVA was utilized to compare the groups. Results Findings revealed that males aged between 20-30 years exhibited underestimation, while males above 60 years displayed overestimation. Among females, the smallest disparity between existent and calculated age was observed in the 31-40 age group. Notably, ANOVA analysis for females indicated highly significant differences between the calculated and actual ages across all age segments (P<0.01). Regarding the mean TCI, inter-group comparisons showed statistically insignificant differences in males, while in females, the distinctions were statistically extremely noteworthy (P<0.01). Conclusion The utilization of TCI for age estimation based on mandibular first bicuspids is recommended as a convenient, non-invasive, and time-efficient approach.

Genetic association between rs1695 in glutathione S-transferase P1 and risk of periodontitis: a pilot study.

The present study aims to determine the association between a genetic polymorphism of GSTP1 (rs1695) and the risk of periodontitis. This study used a cross-sectional design and included subjects from the South Indian population. A total of 100 individuals enrolled at Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Tamil Nadu were included in this study. The participants were divided into control (n=50) and periodontitis (n=50) based on clinical examination. Blood samples were collected. Genotyping was performed using specific primers spanning the polymorphic site. The genotypic frequencies for the rs1695 polymorphism were not significantly different between cases and controls.

Prospective study: expression levels of microRNA-7-3p and its target STAT3 in head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most prevalent type of cancer in the globe, and it encompasses a wide range of tumors that affect the oral, facial and neck region. Despite breakthroughs in treatment strategies, patients survival has not increased substantially in the last few decades. Therefore, there is need for quick and reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets for the treatment of HNC. Interestingly, microRNAs (miRNAs) are a small non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that have a role in the post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression. Thus, the aim of the study is to evaluate the role of miR-7-3p in the HNC and normal tissues. METHODS: A total of 25 HNC and normal tissues were collected from the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals. Bioinformatic tool (TargetScan) was used to predict the target for miR-7-3p. The tissue samples were processed for Hematoxylin and Eosin staining and following that total RNA was extracted and analyzed for expression studies using RT-qPCR. RESULTS: The bioinformatic analysis of the current study have revealed that STAT3 is a direct target for miR-7-3p. The histopathological examination showed damaged epithelial cells and keratin pool formation was observed in HNC tissue. Our results have also revealed that the miR-7-3p levels were significantly reduced and STAT3 levels were significantly higher in the HNC tissues when compared to the normal tissues. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-7-3p can be used as a prognostic, diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for the treatment of HNC.

Molecular Mechanisms of Antifungal Resistance in Mucormycosis.

Mucormycosis is one among the life-threatening fungal infections with high morbidity and mortality. It is an uncommon and rare infection targeting people with altered immunity. This lethal infection induced by fungi belonging to the Mucorales family is very progressive in nature. The incidence has increased in recent decades owing to the rise in immunocompromised patients. Disease management involves a multimodal strategy including early administration of drugs and surgical removal of infected tissues. Among the antifungals, azoles and amphotericin B remain the gold standard drugs of choice for initial treatment. The order Mucorales are developing a high level of resistance to the available systemic antifungal drugs, and the efficacy still remains below par. Deciphering the molecular mechanisms behind the antifungal resistance in Mucormycosis would add vital information to our available antifungal armamentarium and design novel therapies. Therefore, in this review, we have discussed the mechanisms behind Mucormycosis antifungal resistance. Moreover, this review also highlights the basic mechanisms of action of antifungal drugs and the resistance landscape which is expected to augment future treatment strategies.

Cytotoxicity of lycopene-mediated silver nanoparticles in the embryonic development of zebrafish-An animal study.

Nano-silver (AgNP) has biological properties which are significant for consumer products, food technology, and medical applications (e.g., wound care products, implantable medical devices, in diagnosis, drug delivery, and imaging). Thus, the use of nano-silver is becoming more and more widespread in medicine. However, the effect of these AgNPs on zebrafish remains unclear. Whereas, lycopene, a fat-soluble carotenoid acts as a potent antioxidant has proved its major role in treating many oral health problems such as lichen planus, and periodontitis. Usage of these lycopene AgNPs would yield better results in wound healing. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of AgNPs on fibroblasts cells of humans. To investigate the toxic effects of the lycopene-mediated AgNPs on the zebrafish (Danio rerio) and to examine these effects on the embryonic development of the fetus of this species. In this study, zebrafish embryos were treated with AgNPs 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 L nanoparticles/ml for 24 to 96 h post fertilization. Our results showed that with the increasing concentration of nanoparticles, there was a very mild toxic effect. Less toxic effects were observed with 1µl. Our results show that exposure to silver nanoparticles is less toxic to embryonic zebrafish at lower concentrations. The results will contribute to the current understanding of the potential biotoxic effects of nanoparticles and will aid in the safety assessment and synthesis of silver oxide nanoparticles.

Analgesics/Anti-Inflammatory Drugs Preferred Following Implant Placement: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND: In dentistry, pain is a rather inevitable perception that often plagues both the care provider and receiver. Pain, which was described by Rene Descartes in the sixteenth century, has been defined as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with tissue damage or described in terms of such damage. Various dental procedures also provoke a perception of anxiety that culminates with pain and exaggerates the perception of pain. Hence, adequate pain control and assurance are of utmost importance during and following implant surgery. AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs preferred following implant placement and also to find an association between gender, age, and various analgesics/anti-inflammatories prescribed following implant surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective data collection was conducted from June 2019 to March 2020 among 200 patients who underwent implant surgery, based on records management system software to analyze the most commonly prescribed analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs following implant surgery. RESULTS: Among 200 patients the frequency distribution showed that 87% of the patients were prescribed with combination of Aceclofenac (100 mg), Paracetamol (325 mg), and Serratiopeptidase (15 mg), 10% of the patients were prescribed with Paracetamol (650 mg), whereas 3% of the patients were prescribed with Piroxicam (20 mg). CONCLUSION: The present study showed that combination of Aceclofenac, Paracetamol, and Serratiopeptidase was the commonly prescribed analgesic/anti-inflammatory drug for postoperative pain management following implant placement. Also there was no significant association between gender vs. various analgesics/anti-inflammatory drugs prescribed following implant placement.

Association of SRXN1 Receptor Gene Polymorphism with Susceptibility to Periodontitis.

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that oxidative stress forms a key component in the etiopathogenesis of periodontitis. Literature evidence have shown potential antioxidants responsible for combating the pro-oxidants which stress the periodontium, but the peroxiredoxin-sulfiredoxin system is explored very minimally in periodontal disease. Thus, the present study was aimed to evaluate the genetic association of SRXN1 receptor gene polymorphism (rs6053666). Materials and Methods: A total of 100 subjects were recruited for this study, which included 50 Periodontitis patients (Stage II and above based on the criteria of American Association of Periodontology-2018) and 50 periodontally healthy or mild gingivitis. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood collected from the subjects. DNA was amplified using specific primers flanking the BtgI region of the SRXN1 receptor gene. The amplicon was further subjected to genotyping using restriction fragment length using BtgI enzyme. The genotype obtained based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern was recorded and used for statistical analysis. The distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies in the periodontitis and control groups were compared using the Chi-square test. The risk associated with individual alleles or genotypes was calculated as the odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals. Statistical significance in all tests was determined at P < 0.05. Results: The genotype frequency and distributions of SRXN1 receptor BtgI polymorphism did not differ significantly at ꭕ2df (P = 0.557). Our study results showed that homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes had no significant difference (CC vs. CT + TT) between the periodontitis patients and control group with a P = 0.4266. The detected frequency of CT (38% vs. 34%) and TT (42% vs. 52%) genotype showed no significant difference between control and test group. There was no significant difference in C allele (39% vs. 31%) and T allele (61% vs. 69%) between the test and control group. Conclusion: The present study denotes that SRXN1 receptor gene polymorphism is not associated with periodontitis in the study group analyzed.

Enhanced Gingival Recession Coverage by Er,Cr:YSGG Laser Root Biomodification.

Gingival recession predisposes to functional and aesthetic concerns, for which many surgical procedures are available. Among these, till now subepithelial connective graft is considered as the gold standard technique for its higher predictability of achieving recession coverage. However, it does not heal by new attachment, thus many techniques to promote new attachment such as root biomodification are done. This case enumerates the use of Er, Cr: YSGG laser for root biomodification to treat a wide and deep gingival recession defect by subpedicle connective tissue graft. Six months results show better recession coverage inspite of a wide and deeper defect. Thus, Er, Cr: YSGG laser can be an adjunctive tool to enhance the recession coverage.

Association of vitamin D receptor gene polymorphism (rs10735810) and chronic periodontitis.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to analyze the association between vitamin D receptor (VDR) (rs10735810) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis (CP). METHODS: A total of 100 subjects were recruited for this study, which included 50 CP and 50 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was extracted from the whole blood collected from the subjects. DNA was amplified using specific primers flanking the FokI region of the VDR gene (rs10735810). The amplicon was further subjected to genotyping using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) using the FokI enzyme. The genotype obtained based on RFLP pattern was recorded and used for statistical analysis. The distribution of genotypes and allele frequencies in the chronic periodontitis and control groups were compared using the χ2 -test. RESULTS: The CP group displayed the highest frequency of CT (20%) and TT (6%) genotypes when compared with the control subjects. Allele frequency was found to be similar in both groups. The C allele was found to be predominant in the study population compared with the T allele. CONCLUSION: The present study denotes that the VDR polymorphism (rs10735810) is not associated with CP in the study group analyzed.

Effect of Resin Bonded Luting Agents Influencing Marginal Discrepancy in All Ceramic Complete Veneer Crowns.

INTRODUCTION: Marginal discrepancy severely affects the long term success of All ceramic complete veneer crowns. The precise role of resin luting agents influencing this phenomenon needs to be explored further. AIM: To estimate and compare the marginal discrepancy in CAD/CAM processed All ceramic complete veneer crowns prior and following luting with resin bonded luting agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extracted human maxillary first premolars were randomly allocated into four groups of 27 samples each Viz., Group I-Resin Modified Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) (RelyX), Group II-Bis-GMA based dual cure resin cement (Variolink II), Group III-PMMA based resin cement (Superbond), Group IV- Urethane Dimethacrylate resin cement (Calibra). Following tooth preparation, CAD/CAM All ceramic complete veneer crowns were fabricated and sectioned and marginal discrepancy was evaluated using a scanning electron microscope (TESCAN, Magnification power-1,00,000x) prior and after luting with the experimental resin cements. RESULTS: The vertical and horizontal discrepancy before and after cementation with Group I [270.08±103.10µm, 165.3±53.00µm and 270.86±102.70µm, 166.62±54.96µm respectively]; Group II [254.21±79.20µm, 117.75±24.29µm and 234.81±79µm, 116.89±18.22µm respectively]; Group III [272.47±86.25µm, 142.08±50.83µm and 251.82±62.69µm, 136.07±44.95µm respectively]; Group IV were [260.28±64.81µm, 116.98±17.71µm and 233.08±69.44µm, 116.58±21.13µm respectively]. ANOVA inferred a statistically significant difference between the four test specimen with regards to vertical and horizontal marginal discrepancy after cementation (F=9.092, p<0.001), (F=10.97, p<0.001). Tukey HSD Post-hoc test observed significant differences in vertical and horizontal marginal discrepancies between the resin modified glass ionomer and resin cements (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Resin cements exhibited a greater reduction in the marginal discrepancy than the resin modified glass ionomer following luting in All ceramic complete veneer crowns. Hence resin cements are more preferable to GIC for luting All ceramic complete veneer crowns.

Impact of Video Based Learning on the Perfomance of Post Graduate Students in Biostatistics: A Retrospective Study.

INTRODUCTION: Education, being a process of knowledge transfer always has advances which are generally on par with the discovery of newer technologies. Currently, most of the education process has shifted away from the conventional black board towards the usage of more student friendly technologies. This leads us to the aim of this study, which is to analyse the impact of video based learning on the performance of dental post graduate students in their biostatistics course. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A new video based discussion method was followed to teach biostatistics to MDS postgraduate students in 2013 (test group, n=44). The performance of these students were compared to a historical cohort of scores obtained by students of the 2012 batch (control group, n=44) who underwent a traditional lecture based teaching for the same course. The scores obtained by the students in their undergraduate board exams were compared to test for difference in academic aptitude of the students in the two groups. RESULTS: The mean exam score of the test group was significantly higher (66.60±8.92) when compared to the control group (53.48±8.38); (p < 0.001 Independent Sample t-test). There was no significant difference in the overall academic performance of the students from both groups (test group mean academic performance was 61.47±4.86 and control group was 63.19±4.69. CONCLUSION: The results of this study suggest that video based discussion based teaching is more effective in training postgraduate dental students in biostatistics.