Diet's Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index (DCHI) - A Novel, Comprehensive Index for Children.

BACKGROUND: Realistic and tailored dietary advice plays a vital role in Preventive Dentistry. An appropriate diet analysis forms the basis for precise dietary advice. Analysis of diet for its cariogenicity is a complex process. Performing a meaningful diet analysis is a challenge in routine clinical practice. Currently, very few tools are available for clinicians to assess children's diet relating to caries risk. The current scientific paper presents a novel index that assesses the cariogenicity and healthfulness of a child's diet objectively and guides the professional to achieve pragmatic diet modification in the prevention of dental caries. METHODS: Multi-disciplinary teams with a sample study population were involved in the initial structuring of Diet's Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index. To obtain cut-off values for cariogenicity of diet, a study was carried out with a sample of 774 children correlating diet diary with caries status. For statistics, the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve closest to the ideal of 100% sensitivity and 100% specificity was applied. RESULTS: ROC curve of 22.5 were plotted for diet scores for its cariogenicity. The sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of these cut-off values were 70 and 95, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The current scientific paper presents a novel Diet's Cariogenicity and Healthfulness Index that assesses the cariogenicity and healthfulness of a child's diet objectively to guide the professional to achieve a logical diet modification.

Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Bark Oil Incorporated and Probiotic Blend Incorporated Mucoadhesive Patch against Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Caries Active 7-10-year-old Children: An In Vivo Study.

INTRODUCTION: Among the various plants studied, cinnamon has emerged as a potential herbal antimicrobial agent. Besides the medicinal plants, recently probiotics have also been recognized to affect cinnamon bark oil Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) and other harmful oral and gut microflora. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: This placebo-controlled study aims to compare the antimicrobial potential of cinnamon bark oil incorporated and probiotic blend [Lactobacillus plantarum (TSP-Lp1), and Lactobacillus rhamnosus (TSP-Lrh1)] incorporated mucoadhesive patch against salivary S. mutans in caries active 7-10-year-old children. DESIGN: It was a double-blinded placebo-controlled study with n = 60. They were randomly allotted into three groups-Group I: Cinnamon patch, group II: probiotic patch, and group III: control patch (placebo) with n = 20 in each group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in three phases. In the first phase, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of cinnamon bark oil was determined against S. mutans followed by the formulation of cinnamon and probiotic patches. After a washout period of 2 weeks and a collection of baseline saliva samples, these patches were tested on the subjects from respective groups for 14 days with twice a day placement protocol. On the 15th day, saliva samples were collected and cultured, CFU/mL of the saliva of S. mutans for each subject was recorded and compared with baseline samples. Feedback in the form of a questionnaire was obtained from the patients. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics, paired t-test for intragroup comparison, unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison, analysis of variance (ANOVA) for intergroup comparison, and post hoc Scheffe's. RESULTS: The results showed that both cinnamon patch and probiotic patch were comparable to each other in terms of their anti-S. mutans activity. The intragroup comparison of the CFU/mL count showed a highly significant reduction from baseline to post-intervention for both the groups (p = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Both cinnamon and probiotic blend have a strong antimicrobial property owing to their ability to cause significant reduction in salivary S. mutans and both the patches showed good patient acceptance. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Gandhi HA, Srilatha KT, Deshmukh S, et al. Comparison of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Cinnamon Bark Oil Incorporated and Probiotic Blend Incorporated Mucoadhesive Patch against Salivary Streptococcus mutans in Caries Active 7-10-year-old Children: An In Vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(5):543-550.

Individual identification and correction of mistakes in statements of biochemical significance: An effective learning process for graduate medical students.

Focused self-directed learning process needs to be promoted at present among graduate medical students in view of the information load and limited time available with them. In this study, comparison of the effect of identifying and correcting the mistakes in a given set of wrong statements with the effect of studying correct statements individually by graduate medical students on their understanding of the topic "Cancer Biology" was carried out. At the end of regular teaching module, students were asked to identify the mistakes in a set of seven incorrect statements and correct them individually without peer consultation. Another set of seven correct statements were also provided to them and were asked to study their significance. The effects on low, medium, and high achievers were evaluated by pre- and post-tests with the same set of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). Mean post-test marks were significantly higher among all the three groups compared to pretest marks for the wrong statements given. For the correct statements, the post-test marks were significantly higher than the pretest marks only for the low and medium achievers. The gain from identifying the mistakes was higher than studying the correct statements for all the three groups of students. Individual correction of errors in statements is a superior active learning process in comparison to the study of correct statements. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):476-480, 2019.

Bio oil production from microalgae via hydrothermal liquefaction technology under subcritical water conditions.

The upsurge in the concerning issues like global warming, environmental pollution and depletion of fossil fuel resources led to the thrust on third generation biofuels. Algal research has gained a lot of importance in the recent years. Effective utilization of algal biomass in a single step is necessary as it can produce Bio-oil (BO), gases and in addition to a variety of valuable products, along with nutrient recovery. Hydrothermal liquefaction technology does not require the energy intensive drying steps and is an attractive approach for the conversion of algae to liquid fuels. This study investigates direct hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of microalgae (Algal biomass) to produce bio-oil using a high-pressure batch reactor under subcritical water conditions. Three different micro algae samples namely, Chlorella vulgaris, Botryococcus braunii and Scenedesmus quadricauda have been examined under hydrothermal liquefaction with different water concentrations (1:6, 1:7, 1:8, 1:9 & 1:10 ratio) at certain temperature range (200-320 °C), pressure (60 bars) and reaction time (30 min). Through liquefaction, the highest BO yield achieved with S. quadricauda was 18 wt% at 1:9 ratio. The chemical components of the obtained bio-oil were analyzed via gas chromatography and the results indicated that the algal BO was composed of furan, phenol, acid, and ester derivatives. Moreover, it was found that by increasing the temperatures, the BO yields increased. This was due to the polymerization reactions that converted the small biomass components into heavier molecules. FTIR spectra showed high percentage of Aliphatic, Phenolic, alcoholic, Carboxylic and Hydroxyl groups for solid residues.

CA 125 is a better marker to differentiate endometrial cancer and abnormal uterine bleeding.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of endometrial cancer in India is increasing due to lifestyle changes and obesity. As 5 year survival rate of cancer confined to uterus is good, there is need for serum tumor marker for early diagnosis. This study was designed to identify a tumor marker which differentiate endometrial carcinoma and abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) because common presentation of endometrial carcinoma is AUB. OBJECTIVES: To estimate and compare serum prolactin, Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125), Cancer Antigen 15-3 (CA15-3), and Carcino embryonic antigen (CEA) levels in patients with endometrial cancer and abnormal uterine bleeding; To evaluate the role of these markers in diagnosing endometrial cancer. METHODOLOGY: Thirty eight patients with endometrial cancer and 40 patients with AUB were recruited in this study. Serum prolactin, CA 125, CEA, and CA 15-3 levels were estimated in both groups. RESULTS: The levels of CA 15-3, CA 125, CEA, and prolactin were increased in endometrial carcinoma patients, on comparison with AUB patients. CA 125 alone was found to be a better marker to detect endometrial cancer with 52.63% sensitivity, 80.00% specificity. CONCLUSION: As individual tumor marker, serum CA 125 has the ability to detect endometrial cancer in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding.

Hydrogen storage studies on palladium-doped carbon materials (AC, CB, CNMs) @ metal-organic framework-5.

Metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are a rapidly growing class of porous materials and are considered as best adsorbents for their high surface area and extraordinary porosity. The MOFs are synthesized by using various chemicals like triethylamine, terepthalic acid, zinc acetate dihydrate, chloroform, and dimethylformamide (DMF). Synthesized MOFs are intercalated with palladium/activated carbon, carbon black, and carbon nanomaterials by chemical reduction method for the purpose of enhancing the hydrogen adsorption capacities. We have observed that the palladium doped activated carbon on MOF-5 showed high hydrogen storage capacity. This may be due to the affinity of the palladium toward hydrogen molecule. The samples are characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis. We have observed a clear decrease in the BET surface area and pore volume. The obtained results show a better performance for the synthesized sample. To our best knowledge, no one has reported the work on palladium-doped carbon materials (activated carbon, carbon black, carbon nanomaterials) impregnated to the metal-organic framework-5. We have attempted to synthesize carbon nanomaterials using indigenously fabricated chemical vapor deposition (CVD) unit as a support. We have observed an increase in the hydrogen storage capacities.

Hydrogen production using thermocatalytic decomposition of methane on Ni30/activated carbon and Ni30/carbon black.

Hydrogen is an energy carrier of the future need. It could be produced from different sources and used for power generation or as a transport fuel which mainly in association with fuel cells. The primary challenge for hydrogen production is reducing the cost of production technologies to make the resulting hydrogen cost competitive with conventional fuels. Thermocatalytic decomposition (TCD) of methane is one of the most advantageous processes, which will meet the future demand, hence an attractive route for COx free environment. The present study deals with the production of hydrogen with 30 wt% of Ni impregnated in commercially available activated carbon and carbon black catalysts (samples coded as Ni30/AC and Ni30/CB, respectively). These combined catalysts were not attempted by previous studies. Pure form of hydrogen is produced at 850 °C and volume hourly space velocity (VHSV) of 1.62 L/h g on the activity of both the catalysts. The analysis (X-ray diffraction (XRD)) of the catalysts reveals moderately crystalline peaks of Ni, which might be responsible for the increase in catalytic life along with formation of carbon fibers. The activity of carbon black is sustainable for a longer time compared to that of activated carbon which has been confirmed by life time studies (850 °C and 54 sccm of methane).

Microtensile Bond Strength of Embrace Wetbond Hydrophilic Sealant in Different Moisture Contamination: An In-Vitro Study.

AIM: Contamination of etched enamel with saliva has been shown to result in sealant failure. Recently, a hydrophilic sealant has been introduced. In absence of documented literature, this in vitro study was undertaken to ascertain the efficacy of Embrace Wet Bond without reduction of microtensile bond strength in the different moisture contamination. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 5mm block of sealant were built over prepared occlusal surface of 40 non-carious therapeutically extracted third molars which were sectioned into 1mm thick stick and tested using Zwick micro tensile tester. Obtained data were subjected to descriptive analysis, one-way ANOVA and Scheffe's post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Mean microtensile bond strength of Embrace sealant was not significantly lowered in different moisture contamination groups except Group 3 (air drying), which showed very highly significant (p<0.001) decrease in µTBS as compared to Group 1 (non-contaminated). CONCLUSION: Mean µTBS of Embrace sealant remains largely unchanged even in presence of moisture. Owing to its hydrophilic property, this sealant can be a great help in cases where maintaining isolation is difficult.

Evaluation of the Load-bearing Capacity of Fractured Incisal Edge of Maxillary Permanent Central Incisors restored with a Glass Fiber-reinforced Nanocomposite: An in vitro Study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the load-bearing capacity of fractured incisal edge of maxillary permanent central incisors restored with a nanocomposite and a glass fiber-reinforced nanocomposite. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-six extracted sound maxillary central incisors randomly divided in three groups were used for the present study. Group I (control) contained untreated teeth. Samples in experimental groups II and III were prepared by cutting the incisal (one-third) part of the crown horizontally and subjected to enamel preparations and restored with a nanocomposite and a glass fiber-reinforced nanocomposite respectively. All restored teeth were stored in distilled water at room temperature for 24 hours. Fracture resistance was evaluated as peak load at failure (Newton) for samples tested in a cantilever-bending test using Hounsfield universal testing machine. Failure modes were microscopically examined. RESULTS: Highest mean peak failure load (Newton) among experimental groups was observed in glass fiber-reinforced nano composite group (863.50 ± 76.12 N) followed by nanocomposite group (633.67 ± 40.14 N). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that the restoration technique significantly affected the load-bearing capacity (p < 0.001). Scheffe's post-hoc comparison test (subset for α = 0.05) revealed that there was significant difference in the mean peak failure load values of nanocomposite and glass fiber-reinforced nanocomposite groups when considered together (p < 0.001). Experimental groups showed similar types of failure modes with majority occurring ascohesive and mixed type. Fifty-eight percent of the teeth in glass fiber-reinforced nanocomposite group fractured below the cementoenamel junction. CONCLUSION: By using fiber-reinforced composite substructure under conventional composites in the repair of fractured incisors, the load-bearing capacity of the restored incisal edge could be substantially increased. How to cite this article: Kumar PSP, Srilatha KT, Nandlal B, Dhull KS. Evaluation of the Load-bearing Capacity of Fractured Incisal Edge of Maxillary Permanent Central Incisors restored with a Glass Fiber-reinforced Nanocomposite: An in vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2015;8(1):22-29.

Guided bone regeneration: A novel approach in the treatment of pediatric dentoalveolar trauma.

Traumatic injuries in the primary dentition pose major challenges for management. This emergency treatment requires proper planning so as to achieve favorable results. Trauma causing severe dentoalveolar injuries, especially in children, needs an interdisciplinary approach so as to retain normal functional anatomy for that age. This article describes a clinical innovative technique, which utilizes a resorbable membrane in management of pediatric dentoalveolar trauma. The membrane was shaped to cover the multiple alveolar bone fracture, thereby favoring the healing of the bone defects. The use of this resorbable membrane maintained a secluded space for the bone growth and prevented overgrowth of the soft tissue in the region of the defect. This resulted in uneventful healing leading to well-maintained functional bone contour, which further favored the esthetic rehabilitation as well as protected the underlying permanent tooth buds.

Distribution of uranium concentration in groundwater samples from the Peddagattu/Nambapur and Seripally regions using laser fluorimetry.

Uranium is a naturally occurring element, which is widespread in nature. It is found in low levels within all rocks, soils and water. Peddagattu and Seripally areas of Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh, India were known as a rich uranium mineralised zone. Atomic mineral division and Baba Atomic Research Center proposed a uranium mine in this area. This study was carried out to know the distribution of uranium concentration in the groundwater samples by using laser fluorimetry. The observation reveals that the uranium concentration in the groundwater of this region ranges from 0.6 to 521.15 ppb. About 43 % of the groundwater samples had the uranium concentration above the standards set by United States Environmental Protection Agency (30 ppb).

Biodiesel production from used cooking oil by two-step heterogeneous catalyzed process.

The present study demonstrates the production of biodiesel from used cooking oil containing high free fatty acid by a two-step heterogeneously catalyzed process. The free fatty acids were first esterified with methanol using a 25 wt.% TPA/Nb(2)O(5) catalyst followed by transesterification of the oil with methanol over ZnO/Na-Y zeolite catalyst. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, FT-IR, BET surface area and CO(2)-TPD. In the case of transesterification the effect of reaction parameters, such as catalyst concentration, methanol to oil molar ratio and reaction temperature, on the yield of ester were investigated. The catalyst with 20 wt.% ZnO loading on Na-Y exhibited the highest activity among the others. Both the solid acid and base catalysts were found to be reusable for several times indicating their efficacy in the two-step process.

Preparation of biodiesel from rice bran fatty acids catalyzed by heterogeneous cesium-exchanged 12-tungstophosphoric acids.

Biodiesel synthesis from rice bran fatty acids (RBFA) was carried out using cesium exchanged 12-tungstophosphoric acid (TPA) catalysts. The physico-chemical properties of the catalysts were derived from X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) of NH(3) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The characterization techniques revealed that the Keggin structure of TPA remained intact as Cs replaced protons. The partial exchange of Cs for protons resulted in an increase in acidity and the catalysts with one Cs(+) (Cs(1)H(2)PW(12)O(40)) showed highest acidity. Under optimized conditions about 92% conversion of RBFA was obtained. The catalyst was reused for five times and retained of its original activity. Pseudo-first order model was applied to correlate the experimental kinetic data. Modified tungstophosphoric acids are efficient solid acid catalysts for the synthesis of biodiesel from the oils containing high FFA.

Efficacy of various root canal irrigants on removal of smear layer in the primary root canals after hand instrumentation: a scanning electron microscopy study.

AIM: The purpose of this in-vitro study is to determine the efficacy of various irrigants in removing the smear layer in primary teeth root canals after hand instrumentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study consisted of 30 human primary incisors which were sectioned at the cementoenamel junction horizontally. The specimens were divided randomly into four experimental and one control group having six teeth each and each group was treated with the specific irrigant. 5.25% NaOCl, 5.25% NaOCl + 10% EDTA, 6% citric acid, 2% chlorhexidine, saline (control) were the irrigants evaluated for efficacy in removal of smear layer. The specimens were split along the longitudinal axis using a chisel after placing superficial grooves in cementum not extending to the root canal. The exposed surface was subjected to scanning electron microscopic analysis to reveal the efficacy of irrigants in removal of smear layer. The representative areas were evaluated twice at 15 days interval by a single evaluator. The scale for the smear layer removal by Rome et al was modified and used in the present study. RESULTS: The pictures from the scanning electron microscopy showed that among the tested irrigants, citric acid has the best efficacy to remove the smear layer without altering the normal dentinal structures, which was supported by the lowest mean smear scores. The pictures from the 10%EDTA + 5.25% sodium hypochlorite group showed that even though it removed the smear layer, it adversely affected the dentine structure. SEM pictures of the other groups like sodium hypochlorite, chlorhexidine revealed that these irrigants does not have the capacity to remove the smear layer in primary teeth. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study clearly indicate the superior efficacy of 6% citric acid than the other tested irrigants on removing the smear layer in primary teeth root canals.

Management of recurrent fracture of central incisor with internal resorption using light transmitting (luminex) post.

The normal root canal anatomy may be altered in various pathological processes and making it very difficult and at times impossible to achieve ideal obturation by normal methods. Internal resorption is one among them. There are several treatment protocols advised for this pathological condition. A crown-root fracture is defined as a fracture involving enamel, dentin and cementum and accounts for 5% of all traumatic injuries to the permanent dentition. In anterior teeth, these fractures are usually caused by direct trauma and often complicated in fully erupted teeth. In cases where the fracture line extends down along the long axis of the root, extraction of the tooth is indicated. The purpose of this report is to present the use of light transmitting post system to reinforce the crown root fractured maxillary central incisor due to trauma and internal resorption.