Effect of mono- and multi-valent ionic environments on the in-lattice nanoparticle-grafted single-stranded DNA.

Polyelectrolyte (PE) chains respond in a complex manner to multivalent salt environments, and this behavior depends on pH, temperature, and the presence of specific counter ions. Although much work has been done to understand the behaviour of free PE chains, it is important to reveal their behaviour on a nanoparticle's surface, where surface constraints, particle geometry, and multi-chain environment can affect their behaviour and contribute to particles' assembly states. Our work investigates, using in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), the morphology of PE (single-stranded DNA) chains grafted onto the surface of spherical gold nanoparticles assembled in a lattice in the presence of monovalent, divalent and trivalent salts. For divalent salts, the DNA brush length was found to decrease at a faster rate with salt concentration than in the monovalent salt environment, while trivalent salts led to chain collapse. Using a power law analysis and the modified Daoud-Cotton model, we have obtained insight into the mechanism of a nanoparticle-grafted chain's response to ionic environments. Our analysis suggests that the decrease in brush length is due to the conventional electrostatic screening for monovalent systems, whereas for divalent systems both electrostatic screening and divalent ion bridging must be considered.

Quantitative inspiratory-expiratory chest CT to evaluate pulmonary involvement in pediatric hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation patients.

Pulmonary complications following allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) are a significant source of morbidity and complications may arise from a myriad of infectious and noninfectious sources. These complications may occur soon or many months post-transplantation and can have a broad range of outcomes. Surveillance for pulmonary involvement in the pediatric HSCT population can be challenging due to poor compliance with clinical pulmonary function testing, primarily spirometry, and there may be a role for clinical imaging to provide an additional means of monitoring, particularly in the era of clinical low-dose computed tomography (CT) protocols. In this single-site, retrospective study, a review of our institution's radiological and HSCT databases was conducted to assess the utility of a quantitative CT algorithm to describe ventilation abnormalities on high-resolution chest CT scans of pediatric HSCT patients. Thirteen non-contrast enhanced chest CT examinations acquired both in inspiration and expiration, from 12 deceased HSCT patients (median age at HSCT 10.4 years, median days of CT 162) were selected for the analysis. Also, seven age-matched healthy controls (median age 15.5) with non-contrast-enhanced inspiration-expiration chest CT were selected for comparison. We report that, compared to healthy age-matched controls, HSCT patients had larger percentages of poorly ventilated (median, 13.5% vs. 2.3%, p < .001) and air trapped (median 12.3% vs. 0%, p < .001) regions of lung tissue, suggesting its utility as a potential screening tool. Furthermore, there was wide variation within individual HSCT patients, supporting the use of multivolume CT and quantitative analysis to describe and phenotype post-transplantation lung involvement.

Inferior alveolar nerve paraestheia and cutaneous sinus on the face associated with periapical infection of lower molar teeth in a 14-year-old girl: A rare and unusual case report.

BACKGROUND: Paresthesia is defined as a burning or prickling sensation or partial numbness caused by neural injury. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this paper is to present a rare and unusual case report of odontogenic infection-induced inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) paresthesia along with cutaneous draining sinus on the face of a pediatric patient and to discuss the possible pathophysiologic mechanism of nerve injury. METHODS: A 14-year-old female patient with cutaneous sinus and paresthesia associated with inferior alveolar nerve was enrolled in the study and the clinical and radiological manifestations of sinus lesion were carefully evaluated. RESULTS: The most appropriate treatment was carried out not only to resolve extraoral sinus but also to ensure progressive healing for the complete resolution of neurological disturbance. CONCLUSION: The simultaneous occurrence of infection and paresthesia strongly suggested a definitive relationship. Therefore, there seems to be a correlation between duration, origin, significance of the injury and the prognosis of paresthesia.

Evaluation of the efficacy of the modified bluegrass appliance in cessation of thumb-sucking habit: an in vivo study with 12 months follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Blue grass appliance, also known as habit correction roller has gained universal attention and acceptance to correct thumb sucking habit. The present study utilizes the modified bluegrass appliance that was fabricated with an inexpensive acrylic roller to lower the cost of treatment and make it more affordable for the patients in developing countries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the modified bluegrass appliance in cessation of thumb-sucking habit. METHODS: Forty children aged 4-14 years visiting our department for the treatment of thumb sucking habit were selected. A modified bluegrass appliance having an acrylic roller was used along with the positive reinforcement. The patients were followed-up after two weeks of appliance placement and then monthly for twelve months. The various factors like need of reinsertion, discomfort caused due to improper placement or distortion, and/or breakages of the appliance following insertion were evaluated. The cessation of the thumb sucking habit was determined by the patient and/or parental/legal guardian confirmation and disappearance of the callous formation on the thumb. However, the total treatment time was determined when the appliance was removed. RESULTS: Of the total 33 patients included in the final analysis, the treatment was successful in 32 (97%) of the patients. The treatment time for the cessation of habit was ≤ 4 weeks in 13 (40.6 %) patients and 5-20 weeks in 50% of the subjects. Conversely, in 2 (6.3%) of the patients the habit ceased after 21-24 weeks and in 1 (3.1%) patients it took 25-28 weeks for the habit to cease. The appliance had to be reinserted during the treatment in 5 (15.7%) out of the total 32 patients. The total treatment time for the cessation of thumb-sucking habit with modified bluegrass appliance was ≤24 weeks in 17 (53.1%) patients, 25-36 weeks in 34.4% and 37-48 weeks for the 12.5% subjects. CONCLUSION: The modified bluegrass appliance was found to be highly comfortable and cost saving for the patients and very much successful in eliminating the habit within a short period of time without any complications.

Knowledge, attitudes and practice preference regarding drug prescriptions of resident dental doctors: A quantitative study.

BACKGROUND: There has been an increasing need to examine undergraduate dental education in prescribing to confirm whether it is establishing the goal of producing safe and rational prescribers. Prescribing by dental doctors after graduation is influenced by a variety of factors: the different teaching approaches of the professors at the clinics and in the pharmacology course, fellow colleagues and even the information provided by the pharmaceutical industry. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the prescription knowledge, attitude, preference and common errors made by junior resident dental doctors in the dental department of two medical colleges and hospitals in India. METHODS: Dental graduates (n = 70) who served as junior resident doctors at dental departments and graduated from various dental colleges in India, participated in the study. A survey was conducted among 70 junior resident dental doctors in the dental department, applying a previously validated questionnaire consisting of open-ended questions. The knowledge, attitude and practice preference of resident doctors regarding drug prescription and common errors made by them were analyzed and reviewed. RESULTS: The most frequent response to each question was considered the most significant. The most common reason for prescribing medication was infection (n = 33, 47.14%) and the most widely prescribed antibiotic was amoxicillin (n = 29, 41.42%). The most frequent error reported by resident doctors was lack of knowledge about drug posology (n = 31, 44.28%). Maximum number of junior doctors acquired the information for prescribing drugs from their faculty (n = 33, 47.14%). Around 45.71% dental doctors had no knowledge about the WHO Guide to Good Prescribing. About 50- 60% doctors had knowledge about the dose, frequency, duration and route of administration of the drug prescribed. While prescribing drugs to the patient, 25.71% doctors explain the disease and treatment properly to the patient; 24.28% doctors do not criticize other doctors, and 10% doctors address the patient by name. CONCLUSION: The results of this study indicate that resident dental doctors' knowledge, attitudes and behavior about the drug prescription need to be improved. More studies are needed to determine whether this issue affects the quality of patient care and the effectiveness and safety of treatments.

Overdenture Prostheses with Metal Copings: A Retrospective Analysis of Survival and Prosthodontic Complications.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively evaluate complications associated with overdentures and abutment teeth restored with metal copings, including post-procedural and prosthetic problems; also to analyze the frequency and influencing factors associated with these problems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 subjects (48 females, 32 males, mean age 62 years) wearing root-supported overdentures were enrolled in the study. All participants were thoroughly examined by a single examiner, and appropriate maintenance care was performed. The 80 subjects had 270 abutments, which were endodontically treated teeth. All 80 subjects were carefully interviewed, inspected, and evaluated for post-procedural and clinical problems with their overdentures for an observation period of up to 5 years. RESULTS: Of the post-procedural problems evaluated, the most common problems were gingival inflammation (69%) and root caries (36%) because of poor oral hygiene (41%) and loss of metal copings (34%), followed by overdenture base fracture over abutment teeth (34%). Other post-procedural problems reported were loss of overdenture stability (23%), incidence of overdenture repair (20%), poor retention (18%), incidental finding of root fragments (unplanned) in the jaws (15%), and up to two grade net change in the mobility of overdenture abutments (8%). All prostheses were in use at the time of data collection and observation up to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Overdenture therapy was satisfactory; however, post-procedural and prosthetic complications and aftercare maintenance must not be underestimated.

Dental Infection Mimicking Dermatological Lesion: Three Case Reports of Cutaneous Fistulae and Sinus Tracts on Face.

Cutaneous odontogenic fistulae or sinus tracts are commonly misdiagnosed and incorrectly treated, leading to unnecessary and excessive medications attributing to patient agony. An understanding of cutaneous sinus tracts and their drainage will guide to more appropriate treatment. The following clinical case reports present three patients with cutaneous sinus tracts on chin and jaw line, secondary to chronic periapical dental infection, which was misdiagnosed initially as dermatological lesion and was submitted to inappropriate dermatological treatment and antimicrobial therapy. Diagnosis, etiopathogenesis, and treatment in relation to patient history, clinical findings, and radiographic imaging are elaborated.

A comparative study to determine strength of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and autopolymerizing composite resin influenced by temperature during polymerization: An In Vitro study.

AIM: Temporary coverage of a prepared tooth is an important step during various stages of the fixed dental prosthesis. Provisional restorations should satisfy proper mechanical requirements to resist functional and nonfunctional loads. A few studies are carried out regarding the comparison of the effect of curing environment, air and water, on mechanical properties of autopolymerizing acrylic and composite resin. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare the transverse strength of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and autopolymerizing composite resin as influenced by the temperature of air and water during polymerization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of autopolymerizing acrylic resin and composite resin were prepared by mixing as per manufacturer's instructions and were placed in a preformed stainless steel mold. The mold containing the material was placed under different controlled conditions of water temperature and air at room temperature. Polymerized samples were then tested for transverse strength using an Instron universal testing machine. RESULTS: Alteration of curing condition during polymerization revealed a significant effect on the transverse strength. The transverse strength of acrylic resin specimens cured at 60°C and composite resin specimens cured at 80°C was highest. Polymerizing the resin in cold water at 10°C reduced the mechanical strength. CONCLUSIONS: Polymerization of the resin in hot water greatly increased its mechanical properties. The method of placing resin restoration in hot water during polymerization may be useful for improving the mechanical requirements and obtaining long-lasting performance.

Hemifacial Microsomia : Clinicoradiological Insight and Report of a Case.

BACKGROUND: Hemifacial microsomia is a congenital malformation characterized by deficiency in the amount of hard and soft tissue on one side of the face. It is primarily a syndrome of the first branchial arch, involving underdevelopment of the temporomandibular joint, masticatory muscles, mandibular ramus, ear and, occasionally, defects in facial nerve and muscles. CASE DETAILS: The clinical and radiological manifestations of a 14-year-old male patient having hemifacial microsomia is highlighted in this article to enhance our knowledge and diagnostic skill of this rare entity. CONCLUSION: This case illustrates that early diagnosis and intervention in a patient with hemifacial microsomia is quintessential for proper functioning and esthetics of the orofacial structures, which will lead to a better prognosis.

Intraradicular reinforcement for traumatized immature teeth.

Immature necrotic teeth after trauma pose both endodontic and restorative challenges because of incomplete closure of the apex, and thin and weakened dentinal walls that make them prone to fracture. The use of light-transmitting plastic posts, in combination with adhesive materials, enable intraradicular reinforcement of flared canals, helping to rehabilitate fractured immature teeth and maintain a functional unit within the dental arch. The purpose of this paper is to present the case of a nine-year-old patient who had a complicated fracture of an immature anterior tooth, which was endodontically treated with mineral trioxide aggregate in the apical third. The dentinal root walls were successfully reinforced with composite resin and a light-transmitting glass fiber post, followed by the placement of a glass fiber composite post and a metal ceramic crown.

Genetic basis of dental agenesis - molecular genetics patterning clinical dentistry

Tooth agenesis is one of the most common congenital malformations in humans. Hypodontia can either occur as an isolated condition (non-syndromic hypodontia) or can be associated with a syndrome (syndromic hypodontia), highlighting the heterogeneity of the condition. Though much progress has been made to identify the developmental basis of tooth formation, knowledge of the etiological basis of inherited tooth loss is still lacking. To date, the mutation spectra of non-syndromic form of familial and sporadic tooth agenesis in humans have revealed defects in various such genes that encode transcription factors, MSX1 and PAX9 or genes that code for a protein involved in canonical Wnt signaling (AXIN2), and a transmembrane receptor of fibroblast growth factors (FGFR1). The aim of this paper is to review the current literature on the molecular mechanisms responsible for selective hypodontia in humans and to present a detailed overview of causative genes and syndromes associated with hypodontia

Sodium hypochlorite dental accidents.

Sodium hypochlorite is widely used in dentistry as an intra-canal irrigant, for debridement and to disinfect root canals. Although it is considered to be safe, serious mishap can result from its inappropriate use, and this has been reported infrequently in the literature. Two unusual cases of sodium hypochlorite toxicity and their successful non-surgical management are described in a 14-year-old girl and a 13-year-old boy.

Understanding dental status and treatment need of geriatric patients: oral health trends in an Indian population.

BACKGROUND: Comprehensive data on the oral health status and dental treatment needs of the elderly population in India is deficient. AIM: To understand and assess the dental status and treatment needs of a geriatric population in Northern India. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in National capital of India, New Delhi, and 412 subjects aged 60 years and above was involved in this study (259 females and 153 males). An intraoral clinical examination and a questionnaire performa were performed. The treatment needs were evaluated independently of the patient's request based on their dental and prosthetic status. RESULTS: he prevalence of edentulism was 75%, with gender difference (69% of the men and 81% of the women). Eighty percent wore removable dentures, 10% had natural teeth only, and 10% had neither prostheses nor natural teeth. Most of the subjects needed to redo the prostheses (50%), 60% extractions and 25% conservative treatments. The treatment needs were extensive and mainly accumulated due to lack of awareness, neglected care and economic barriers. CONCLUSION: high unmet need for perceived oral care and dental treatment existed among the sample elderly population studied.

An innovative approach to cessation of thumb-sucking in a child with epilepsy: a case report.

The thumb-sucking habit is acquired in infancy, but if it persists beyond preschool age, it can have deleterious effects on facial growth, oral function, occlusal relationship, and aesthetics, leading to dental and skeletal deformities. This paper presents a clinical case history of using nonpunitive reminder therapy to intercept the thumb-sucking habits of an 8-year-old child with epilepsy. A modified Bluegrass appliance was used along with the positive reinforcement. The modified Bluegrass appliance utilized an acrylic roller and was very comfortable for the patient; it was also successful in eliminating the habit within a short period of time.

Rehabilitation of partial maxillectomy defect with implant retained hollow bulb obturator prosthesis: a case report.

Tissue integrated oral implants have initiated a new perspective in oral rehabilitation of tumor patients who have had undergone surgical resection procedure. The present case demonstrated a simple and predictable approach to rehabilitate a patient who had partial maxillectomy using dental implants. The use of an implant in conjunction with hollow bulb obturator shared remarkable improvement in retention and stability of the existing complete denture prosthesis.