Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) of Wnt Signaling Related to Periodontal Ligament Formation: A Bioinformatics-Based Analysis.

Introduction The Wnt signaling pathway is crucial for tooth development, odontoblast differentiation, and dentin formation. It interacts with epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin) and beta-catenin in tooth development and periodontal ligament (PDL) formation. Dysregulation of Wnt signaling is linked to periodontal diseases, requiring an understanding of therapeutic interventions. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) can identify co-expressed gene modules. Our study aims to identify hub genes in WGCNA analysis of Wnt signaling-based PDL formation. Methods The study used a microarray dataset GSE201313 from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Gene Expression Omnibus to analyze the impact of DMP1 expression on XLH dental pulp cell differentiation and PDL formation. The standardized dataset was used for WGCNA analysis, which generated a co-expression network by calculating pairwise correlations between genes and constructing an adjacency matrix. The topological overlap matrix (TOM) was transformed into a hierarchical clustering tree and then cut into modules or clusters of highly interconnected genes. The module eigengene (ME) was calculated for each module, and the genes within this module were identified as hub genes. Gene ontology (GO) and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed to gain insights into the biological functions of the hub genes. The integrated Differential Expression and Pathway analysis (iDEP) tool (http://bioinformatics.sdstate.edu/idep/; South Dakota State University, Brookings, USA) was used for WGCNA analysis. Results The study used the WGCNA package to analyze 1,000 differentially expressed genes, constructing a gene co-expression network and generating a hierarchical clustering tree and TOM. The analysis reveals a scale-free topology fitting index R2 and mean connectivity for various soft threshold powers, with an R2 value of 5. COL6A1, MMP3, BGN, COL1A2, and FBN2 are hub genes implicated in PDL development. Conclusion The study identified key hub genes, including COL6A1, MMP3, BGN, and FBN2, crucial for PDL formation, tissue remodeling, and cell-matrix interactions, guiding future therapeutic strategies.

Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis of the Inflammatory Wnt Signaling Reveals Biomarkers Related to Bone Formation.

Background and aim Osteocytes regulate bone metabolism and balance through various mechanisms, including the Wnt (Wingless-related integration site signal transduction) signaling pathway. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) is a computational method to identify functionally related genes based on expression patterns, especially in the Wnt-beta-catenin and osteo-regenerative pathways. This study aims to analyze gene modules of the Wnt signaling pathway from WGCNA analysis. Methods The study used a microarray dataset from the GEO (GSE228306) to analyze differential gene expression in human primary monocytes. The study standardized datasets using Robust Multi-Array Average (RMA) expression measure and Integrated Differential Expression and Pathway (IDEP) analysis tool, building a co-expression network for group-specific component (GC) genes. Results The study uses WGCNA to identify co-expression modules with dysregulated mRNAs, revealing enrichment in Wnt-associated pathways and top hub-enriched genes like colony-stimulating factor 3 (CSF3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-23 subunit alpha (IL23A), suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 19 (CCL19). Conclusion WGCNA analysis of the Wnt signaling pathway will involve functional annotation, network visualization, validation, integration with other omics data, and addressing method limitations for better understanding.

AI-based 3D-QSAR model of FDA-approved repurposed drugs for inhibiting sclerostin.

BACKGROUND: Wnt activation promotes bone formation and prevents bone loss. The Wnt pathway antagonist sclerostin and additional anti-sclerostin antibodies were discovered as a result of the development of the monoclonal antibody romosozumab. These monoclonal antibodies greatly increase the risk of cardiac arrest. Three-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationships (3D-QSAR) predicts biological activities of ligands based on their three-dimensional features by employing powerful chemometric investigations such as artificial neural networks (ANNs) and partial least squares (PLS). OBJECTIVE: In this study, ligand-receptor interactions were investigated using 3D-QSAR Comparative molecular field analysis (CoMFA). Estimates of steric and electrostatic characteristics in CoMFA are made using Lennard-Jones and Coulomb potentials. METHODS: To identify the conditions necessary for the activity of these molecules, fifty Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medications were chosen for 3D-QSAR investigations and done by CoMFA. For QSAR analysis, there are numerous tools available. This study employed Open 3D-QSAR for analysis due to its simplicity of use and capacity to produce trustworthy results. Four tools were used for the analysis on this platform: Py-MolEdit, Py-ConfSearch, and Py-CoMFA. RESULTS: Maps that were generated were used to determine the screen's r2 (Coefficient of Multiple Determinations) value and q2 (correlation coefficient). These numbers must be fewer than 1, suggesting a good, trustworthy model. Cross-validated (q2) 0.532 and conventional (r2) correlation values of 0.969 made the CoMFA model statistically significant. The model showed that hydroxamic acid inhibitors are significantly more sensitive to the steric field than the electrostatic field (70%) (30%). This hypothesis states that steric (43.1%), electrostatic (26.4%), and hydrophobic (20.3%) qualities were important in the design of sclerostin inhibitors. CONCLUSION: With 3D-QSAR and CoMFA, statistically meaningful models were constructed to predict ligand inhibitory effects. The test set demonstrated the model's robustness. This research may aid in the development of more effective sclerostin inhibitors that are synthesised using FDA-approved medications.

Fabrication of Periodontal Membrane From Nelumbo nucifera: A Novel Approach for Dental Applications.

Background The periodontal membrane plays a crucial role in tooth support and maintenance. Natural materials with biocompatible and bioactive properties are of interest for periodontal membrane fabrication. Nelumbo nucifera, known for its therapeutic properties, presents a potential source for such materials. Aim This study aimed to fabricate a periodontal membrane from N. nucifera and evaluate its biocompatibility and potential for periodontal tissue regeneration. Materials and methods N. nucifera stems were collected dried, and aqueous extract was prepared. The extracted material was then processed into a membrane scaffold using a standardized fabrication method. The fabricated membrane was characterized by its physical and chemical properties. Biocompatibility was assessed using human periodontal ligament fibroblast (hPDLF) cells cultured on the membrane, followed by viability, proliferation, and anti-microbial assays. Results The fabricated N. nucifera membrane exhibited a porous structure with suitable mechanical properties for periodontal membrane application. The membrane supported the adhesion, viability, and proliferation of hPDLF cells in vitro. Conclusion The fabrication of a periodontal membrane from N. nucifera shows promise as a natural and biocompatible material for periodontal tissue regeneration. Further studies are warranted to explore its clinical potential in periodontal therapy.

Dental Anomalies: An Identification Marker in Forensics.

Aim This study aims to evaluate the non-morphological traits of the South Indian population. Introduction Dental morphological traits, also known as non-metric dental traits, exhibit variation in appearance both within and between groups. The study analyzed the non-metric traits among the South Indian population, as few variants can be grouped within the population.  Materials and methods A total of 500 extracted tooth samples were collected. The dental non-metric traits that were evaluated are the cusp of Carabelli (CC), Talon's cusp (TC), shoveled incisor (SI), peg-shaped lateral incisor (PL), protostylid (PR), Dryopithecus pattern groove (DP), hypoconulid (HY), parastyle (PA), multiple parastyle (MPA), paracone (PC), Bushman's canine (BC), interruption groove (IG), tuberculum dentale (TD), tuberculum intermedium (TI), radix entomolaris (RE), fusion (F), radiculous premolar (RP), dilaceration (D), dens evaginatus (DE), and enamel pearl (EP).  Results Out of 20 dental non-metric traits that were evaluated in the study, 14 traits were identified to be common within the population. The prevalence were as follows: cusp of Carabelli (52%), shoveled incisor (8.2%), peg-shaped lateral incisor (7.4%), parastyle (0.8%), multiple parastyle (0.2%), Bushman's canine (0.4%), interruption groove (2.2%), tuberculum intermedium (0.6%), radix entomolaris (39.6%), fusion (2.8%), radiculous premolar (0.2%), dilaceration (58.2%), dens evaginatus (1.2%), and enamel pearl (0.8%) among the South Indian population.  Conclusion The current study was discovered to have more Carabelli traits, shoveled incisors, radix entomolaris, and dilaceration than other non-metric features. This shows that these characteristics are more prevalent in the South Indian population, which could be one of the strategies used to validate human identification in a forensic context.

Isolation, Culture, and Characterization of Dental Pulp Stem Cells from Human Deciduous and Permanent Teeth.

In the realm of regenerative medicine and therapeutic applications, stem cell research is rapidly gaining traction. Dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs), which are present in both deciduous and permanent teeth, have emerged as a vital stem cell source due to their accessibility, adaptability, and innate differentiation capabilities. DPSCs offer a readily available and abundant reservoir of mesenchymal stem cells, showcasing impressive versatility and potential, particularly for regenerative purposes. Despite their promise, the main hurdle lies in effectively isolating and characterizing DPSCs, given their representation as a minute fraction within dental pulp cells. Equally crucial is the proper preservation of this invaluable cellular resource. The two predominant methods for DPSC isolation are enzymatic digestion (ED) and outgrowth from tissue explants (OG), often referred to as spontaneous growth. This protocol concentrates primarily on the enzymatic digestion approach for DPSC isolation, intricately detailing the steps encompassing extraction, in-lab processing, and cell preservation. Beyond extraction and preservation, the protocol delves into the differentiation prowess of DPSCs. Specifically, it outlines the procedures employed to induce these stem cells to differentiate into adipocytes, osteoblasts, and chondrocytes, showcasing their multipotent attributes. Subsequent utilization of colorimetric staining techniques facilitates accurate visualization and confirmation of successful differentiation, thereby validating the caliber and functionality of the isolated DPSCs. This comprehensive protocol functions as a blueprint encompassing the entire spectrum of dental pulp stem cell extraction, cultivation, preservation, and characterization. It underscores the substantial potential harbored by DPSCs, propelling forward stem cell exploration and holding promise for future regenerative and therapeutic breakthroughs.

In Vitro Analysis of Enamel Patterns Across Three Species Using Stereomicroscopy.

Background Dental enamel, the outermost layer of the tooth, stands as a unique and remarkable tissue that plays a crucial role in safeguarding teeth against various external factors. The examination and analysis of enamel rod end patterns on tooth surfaces, referred to as ameloglyphics, offer a promising avenue for dental identification and forensic investigations in forensic medicine, thereby enhancing the precision and reliability of forensic analyses. This paper aims to evaluate and compare the ameloglyphics of different species under a stereomicroscope. The species examined in this study include the beaver (genus Castor), fox (genus Vulpes), and human (Homo sapiens). Methods Teeth samples from each species (n = 3) were gathered from the tooth repository and examined under a stereomicroscope at various magnifications, both with and without graphite staining. Photographs were captured, and the enamel patterns were meticulously evaluated. Through the utilization of plot profiles, the enamel patterns of the different species were compared, and any discernible differences between them were carefully noted. Results The plot profiles of the three species were analyzed, revealing distinct characteristics. Specifically, it was observed that the plots of the genus Castor teeth and Homo sapiens teeth exhibited dispersed arrangements, whereas the plot profile of the genus Vulpes displayed a closely arranged pattern. Conclusions Within the confines of the current investigation, it can be inferred that every mammal exhibits a distinct and exclusive arrangement of enamel rods. Hence, the task of identifying a deceased individual through dental imprints may pose difficulties if the structural characteristics are not thoroughly comprehended.

Exploring the Antimicrobial Potential and Cytotoxic Effects of Different Brassica oleracea Varieties.

INTRODUCTION:  Dental caries has become a substantial global health burden, and many techniques have been used in dentistry to protect the tooth from decay. Brassica oleracea is a green cruciferous vegetable with a good source of vitamins C, K and E, which are also effective antibiotics and antioxidants. These characteristics will shield the oral cavity from pathogenic onslaught and can be considered during the formulation of antimicrobial mouthwash, toothpaste, or dental sealants. MATERIALS AND METHODS:  B. oleracea extract was prepared by heating and condensing the red and green cabbage. Both extracts were assessed for antimicrobial activity (antibacterial and antifungal activities) and cytotoxicity. After incubation, the zone of inhibition was calculated for antibacterial activity and the number of live nauplii for cytotoxicity.  Results: The extract from red cabbage was found to have more effective antibacterial properties than that from green cabbage. The red B. oleracea extract formed the highest zone of inhibition against Candida albicans (20 mm), followed by Enterococcus faecalis (15 mm) and Streptococcus mutans (9 mm). In contrast, the green cabbage extract formed the highest inhibition against E. faecalis (12 mm). The cytotoxicity increases with increased concentration, with the highest toxicity at 20 µL for both extracts.  Conclusion: The properties of B. oleracea can be utilized in dental products such as toothpaste, mouthwash, and dental sealants due to their antibacterial effects. By incorporating B. oleracea extracts into these products, oral health professionals may soon have additional tools to promote oral hygiene and prevent oral infections, offering a natural and effective alternative to traditional oral care ingredients.

Quantification of the Anti-diabetic Effect of Allium cepa.

BACKGROUND: Allium cepa, or onion, boosts numerous health benefits, including anti-diabetic effects. Its rich array of antioxidants and sulfur compounds not only aids heart health by lowering cholesterol and blood pressure but also exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. Onion's antibacterial and antiviral properties help combat infections, while its compounds like quercetin show promise in cancer prevention. Additionally, Allium cepa supports respiratory health by relieving coughs and colds and aids digestion with its prebiotic properties. Incorporating onions into a balanced diet can enhance overall well-being, including managing blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine if the ethanolic extract from the dried peel of Allium cepa holds potential as an anti-diabetic agent, with a focus on its ability to manage diabetes and reduce blood sugar levels. METHODOLOGY: To prepare the ethanolic extract from dried onion peel, the peel was finely ground and soaked in ethanol. The mixture was then agitated and filtered to separate the liquid extract. Finally, the filtrate was concentrated using methods such as rotary evaporation or vacuum distillation to obtain a concentrated extract for further analysis like alpha-amylase inhibition assay and alpha-glucosidase inhibition assay. RESULTS: The ethanolic extracts derived from dried onion peel demonstrate inhibition of alpha-glucosidase, leading to reduced blood glucose levels. Additionally, this inhibition prompts an increase in insulin production. CONCLUSION: The study underscores that the efficacy of the ethanolic extract of dried onion peel increases with concentration. It highlights the presence of beneficial compounds like total phenolics, flavonoids, quercetin, and its derivatives in onion peel, known for their therapeutic roles in cardiovascular health, weight management, diabetes control, cancer prevention, and antimicrobial activity. These findings affirm the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic properties of Allium cepa's ethanolic leaf extract.

Prediction of the Need for Anticonvulsants in the Management of Orofacial Neuropathic Pain Using Machine Learning.

Background and aim Orofacial neuropathic pain is a medical condition caused by a lesion or dysfunction of the nervous system and is one of the most challenging for dental clinicians to diagnose. Anticonvulsants, antidepressants, analgesics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and other classes of medications are frequently used to treat this condition. Our study aimed to build a machine learning-based classifier to predict the need for anticonvulsant drugs in patients with orofacial neuropathic pain. Materials and methods A machine learning tool that was trained and tested on patients for predicting and detecting algorithms, which would in turn predict the need for anticonvulsants in the treatment of orofacial neuropathic pain, was employed in this study. Results Three machine learning algorithms successfully detected and predicted the need for anticonvulsants to treat patients with orofacial neuropathic pain. All three models showed a high accuracy, that is, 97%, 94%, and 89%, in predicting the need for anticonvulsants. Conclusion Machine learning algorithms can accurately predict the need for anticonvulsant drugs for treating orofacial neuropathic pain. Further research is needed to validate these findings using larger sample sizes and imaging modalities.

Molecular Insights of an Avian Species with Low Oxygen Affinity, the Crystal Structure of Duck T-State Methemoglobin.

Hemoglobin (Hb) is the key metalloprotein within red blood cells involved in oxygen transportation from lungs to body cells. The heme-iron atom inherent within Hb effectuates the mechanism of oxygen transportation and carbon dioxide removal. Structural investigations on avian Hb are limited when compared with the enormous work has been carried out on mammalian Hb. Here, the crystal structure of T-state methemoglobin (T-metHb) from domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos), a low oxygen affinity avian species, determined to 2.1Å resolution is presented. Duck T-metHb crystallized in the orthorhombic space group C2221 with unit cell parameters a = 59.89, b = 109.42 and c = 92.07Å. The final refined model with R-factor: 19.5% and Rfree: 25.2% was obtained. The structural analysis reveals that duck T-metHb adopts a unique quaternary structure that is distinct from any of the avian liganded Hb structures. Moreover, it closely resembles the deoxy Hb of bar-headed goose, a high oxygen-affinity species. Besides the amino acid αPro119 located in the α1ß1 interface, a unique quaternary structure with a constrained heme environment is attributed for the intrinsic low oxygen-affinity of duck Hb. This study reports the first protein crystal structure of low oxygen-affinity avian T-metHb from Anas platyrhynchos.

Loss of the yeast transporter Agp2 upregulates the pleiotropic drug-resistant pump Pdr5 and confers resistance to the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide.

The transmembrane protein Agp2, initially shown as a transporter of L-carnitine, mediates the high-affinity transport of polyamines and the anticancer drug bleomycin-A5. Cells lacking Agp2 are hyper-resistant to polyamine and bleomycin-A5. In these earlier studies, we showed that the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide blocked the uptake of bleomycin-A5 into the cells suggesting that the drug uptake system may require de novo synthesis. However, our recent findings demonstrated that cycloheximide, instead, induced rapid degradation of Agp2, and in the absence of Agp2 cells are resistant to cycloheximide. These observations raised the possibility that the degradation of Agp2 may allow the cell to alter its drug resistance network to combat the toxic effects of cycloheximide. In this study, we show that membrane extracts from agp2Δ mutants accentuated several proteins that were differentially expressed in comparison to the parent. Mass spectrometry analysis of the membrane extracts uncovered the pleiotropic drug efflux pump, Pdr5, involved in the efflux of cycloheximide, as a key protein upregulated in the agp2Δ mutant. Moreover, a global gene expression analysis revealed that 322 genes were differentially affected in the agp2Δ mutant versus the parent, including the prominent PDR5 gene and genes required for mitochondrial function. We further show that Agp2 is associated with the upstream region of the PDR5 gene, leading to the hypothesis that cycloheximide resistance displayed by the agp2Δ mutant is due to the derepression of the PDR5 gene.

A case report of chronic intermedullary inflammation of bone in a child.

Osteolytic lesions refer to the destruction of any part of bone due to a disease process (pertaining to dissolution of bone, especially loss of calcium). Osteomyelitis is the inflammation of the bone caused by an infecting organism. Although bone is normally resilient to bacterial colonization, events such as trauma, surgery, infections, the presence of foreign bodies, and anemia may disrupt bony integrity and lead to the onset of bone infections. Sometimes, osteomyelitis causes no signs and symptoms or the signs and symptoms are hard to distinguish from other problems. This may be true for children, older adults, and people whose immune systems are compromised. Here, we report a case of chronic intermedullary inflammation of bone in a child.

Evaluation of CD44 antigen in type 2 diabetic patients with periodontitis: An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) is a known systemic risk factor for periodontitis. An increased expression of CD44 has been suggested in type 2 diabetics and periodontitis patients. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to assess the expression of CD44 antigen in patients with chronic periodontitis (CP) and type 2 DM in a South Indian urban population. Additionally, the relationships between the expression of CD44 antigen in gingival tissues, periodontal clinical parameters, and the random blood sugar (RBS) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 63 subjects were divided into 3 groups: systemically and periodontally healthy controls (group H); CP patients, otherwise healthy (group CP); and CP patients with type 2 DM (group CP+DM). Periodontal parameters were recorded for all groups, and additionally the RBS and HbA1c levels for group CP+DM. Gingival tissue samples were obtained and subjected to immunohistochemical analysis for CD44. RESULTS: The expression of CD44 was significantly higher in the diseased groups. Epithelial CD44 expression was significantly stronger in group CP+DM as compared to groups CP and H (p < 0.001), whereas connective tissue CD44 expression was similar in groups CP and CP+DM (p = 0.657). Furthermore, an inverse relationship was observed between blood glucose parameters and CD44 expression in the epithelium and connective tissue. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of CD44 increased with the severity of periodontal disease. Additionally, glycemic control in patients with CP and type 2 DM had an impact on CD44 expression. Our findings indicate a possible destructive role of CD44 in the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases in individuals with type 2 DM.

Quantification of the Bioactivity of Ethanolic Extract From Phoenix dactylifera.

AIM: This study aims to quantitatively assess the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera seeds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Around 30 seeds of Phoenix dactylifera were collected, crushed, and powdered; 10 gm of powder was added to 100 ml of ethanolic extract and boiled for further analysis. Egg albumin denaturation assay and hydroxyl radical scavenging assay were done to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, respectively. An independent t-test was used to compare the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera using SPSS Statistics version 22.0 (IBM Corp. Released 2013. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 22.0; Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.), and values less than 0.05 are considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The seeds of Phoenix dactylifera have potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties improved with higher concentrations and were comparable to the control substances diclofenac sodium, vitamin E, and ascorbic acid, respectively. The most significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect was observed at a dosage of 50 µL, with a p-value of 0.001. CONCLUSION: To conclude, we found that the ethanolic extract of Phoenix dactylifera has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, which can further be used for the improvement of pharmaceuticals.

Assessment of Oral Masticatory Muscle Activity With Different Chewing Gums: A Cross-Sectional Study Based on Electromyogram Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Facial muscles, particularly those involved in mastication, play a pivotal role in the chewing process. Despite their influence on chewing, these muscles undergo alterations during mastication. Examining the relationship between chewed substances and muscle activity can provide insights into various pathological processes and aid in the development of therapeutic chewing techniques. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different commercially available chewing gums on the activity of key masticatory muscles. METHOD: Twenty-two participants were recruited for the study. They were instructed to chew four commercially available gums: group 1 comprised sugar gum with a strong flavor; group 2 included gum containing sorbitol; group 3 consisted of gum containing xylitol; and group 4 provided sugar gum with a mild flavor. Electromyogram (EMG) recordings were utilized to assess muscle activity. Various aspects of muscle activity, including chewing time, maximum muscle potential, and coordination between different muscles, were evaluated. Data tabulation and analysis were performed using IBM SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). RESULT: Analysis revealed that in terms of temporalis symmetry, group 2 exhibited the highest mean deviation, while for masseter symmetry, group 3 demonstrated the highest mean deviation. The total deviation for the temporalis and masseter muscles was 72.16% and 65.55%, respectively, indicating greater symmetry in the temporalis muscle. Additionally, group 3 displayed the highest mean deviation in both left and right-sided synergic activity of the muscles. The total deviation for the right and left sides was 64.34% and 65.67%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that sugar-free chewing gums elicit increased muscle activity compared to sugar-containing chewing gums. Furthermore, the utilization of calorie-free chewing gums with a firm texture was associated with better-coordinated muscle activity. These results provide valuable insights into the effects of different chewing gums on masticatory muscle function and coordination, which may have implications for therapeutic interventions and oral health management.

Estimation of Tooth Dimensions and Golden Divine Ratio in Extracted Human Permanent Maxillary and Mandibular Canines in a Cohort of Tamil Ethnicity.

Background Teeth serve many functions, and aesthetics is one of the most important aspects served by teeth, perceived by the limbic system of the human brain. The golden divine ratio is the unique proportion often correlated with beauty. The present study was devised to estimate the dimension of human permanent canines and approximation to the golden divine ratio. Materials and methods The present study included 47 extracted human permanent canines retrieved from the tooth repository of our institute's Department of Oral Biology. Using digital vernier calipers (Themisto TH-M61 digital vernier caliper, 0-150mm/ 6 inch, JIPVI Ecommerce Pvt. Ltd, India, 2022), the following measurements were taken: Mesio-distal and labiolingual dimensions of the crown, crown length, root length, root to crown ratio (R/C) and the tooth to root ratio (T/R). The data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 26. Results All the dimensions' mean and standard deviations were calculated for both maxillary and mandibular canines. While the means of mesio-distal and labiolingual dimensions of the crown approximated the values reported in the literature, there was some variation in crown and root lengths. The mean crown lengths of the upper and lower canines were 10.34mm and 9.76mm, respectively, while the root lengths were 16.52 and 15.54mm, respectively. The R/C of both sets and the T/R of the upper canine only followed the golden ratio. T/R of the lower canine was slightly higher (1.64) Conclusion Although the number of included teeth was less, owing to the fact that canines are rarely extracted, our results provided new values of canines for updation in a unique population. More studies are required for comparative anthropological data updates.

Glandular odontogenic cyst: Review of literature and report of two cases.

Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC) is a rare developmental odontogenic cyst from the cell rests of Serres. GOC is locally aggressive with a tendency toward recurrence. The most common site of occurrence is the anterior mandible with an asymptomatic presentation. Radiographically, it presents as unilocular or multilocular radiolucency. It bears histopathological resemblance to low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma. We report two cases of GOC occurring in a 16-year-old and a 33-year-old male patient with a review of the clinical presentation, histopathological features, and diagnostic aspects of GOC reported so far in literature.

Analysis of Spatial and Biochemical Characteristics of In Vitro Cariogenic Biofilms.

Background Dental caries is the most common bacterial disease of calcified tissues of teeth. Cariogenic biofilms formed on the tooth surface secrete organic acids and thus result in demineralization. Delving into the depth of biofilms is crucial to understand the pathogenic mechanisms and design improved therapeutic approaches. The aim of the study is to analyze the spatial and biochemical characteristics of cariogenic biofilms. Materials and methods Pulp tissue samples sourced from freshly extracted third molars were incubated with oral cariogenic bacteria namely Streptococcus mutans, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Entamoeba faecalis, and Candida albicans to form the biofilm. Spatial assessment of biofilms was done under FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscope, JSM-IT800, JEOL, Tokyo, Japan). FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Alpha II, Bruker, Germany) spectra were assessed for chemical molecular interactions in 24- and 48-hour time periods.  Results Morphological assessment with FESEM revealed rapid growth and aggregation within a short time period. FTIR spectra to analyze chemical constituents of biofilm presented with varied peaks of water, amide A, amide I, water, lipids, and phospholipids. Conclusion Further validation with more advanced imaging for an extended time period is vital to derive better conclusive evidence.

Assessment of Female Hormonal Influence on COVID-19 Vaccine Response: A Prospective Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: The diversity of oral epithelial cells offers potential viral infection sites. The lower level of ACE2 inhibitors in women's blood renders them more resistant to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). In order to determine the effect of COVID-19 vaccination on female hormones, salivary levels of total antibody, immunoglobulin G (IgG), and cortisol were measured in young and elderly women. METHODS: Saliva samples from 88 participants were collected and subjected to ELISA for detecting total antibody, IgG, and cortisol. RESULTS: Women who were infected with COVID-19 and who completed two doses of vaccination had more IgG antibodies when compared to the uninfected individuals/single-dose/non-vaccinated individuals. The cortisol levels in post-menopausal women were higher than those in women with normal menstrual cycles, and the difference was statistically significant (P-value 0.00). The increased cortisol levels were well correlated with increased levels of IgG antibodies which was statistically significant (Spearman rho P value 0.00) Conclusions: COVID variants will continue to mutate and evolve as long as the epidemic persists. The higher cortisol and IgG antibodies produced by female hormones protect them from COVID-19 infection.