Sustainable preparation of luminescent carbon dots from syringe waste and hyaluronic acid for cellular imaging and antimicrobial applications.

Addressing the global challenge of persistent waste through an eco-conscious strategy to transform it into valuable and versatile materials holds great significance in today's swiftly evolving world. By adopting a sustainable approach, we can repurpose waste syringes composed of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) into fluorescent carbon dots (CDs) using a simple hydrothermal process. This research harnessed hyaluronic acid to carbonize and modify discarded plastic syringes, resulting in the creation of luminescent syringe carbon dots (SCDs). Rigorous analysis employing diverse techniques delved into their optical attributes, size distribution, and surface characteristics. Extensive biocompatibility assessments using established assay methods confirmed the safety of the derived SCDs, unveiling their potential antibacterial and antifungal traits. Additionally, a confocal microscope was employed to evaluate the cellular imaging capabilities of SCDs on HeLa cells. Notably, at bactericidal concentrations, SCDs exhibited mild cytotoxicity towards mammalian cells, showcasing cell viability surpassing 91.07% at 1 mg/mL. This pioneering exploration paves the way for potential applications of SCD-based nano-bactericides across various biomedical domains. The initial outcomes established herein mark a significant stride towards the creation of cost-effective and ecologically sound fluorescent probes for biomedical imaging, aimed at combating microbial infections. By ingeniously reutilizing polyethylene terephthalate (PET), this investigation offers a sustainable remedy to address the ecological predicaments linked with plastic waste. In doing so, it charts a course towards contributing to the development of affordable, eco-friendly solutions, heralding a promising prospect for a cleaner, healthier environment.

Evaluation of alveolar antral anastomosis in south Indian population using cone beam computed tomography: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The posterior superior alveolar artery (PSAA) and the infraorbital artery (IOA), both of which are ultimate branches of the maxillary artery, are connected by a horizontal anastomosis. PSAA anastomoses intraosseously and extraosseously with IOA. Profuse bleeding from the lateral wall while performing the direct sinus augmentation is a significant intraoperative complication.Thus the present study focused to assess the location of an alveolar antral anastomosis (AAA) in relation to the crest of the alveolar bone using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). METHODS: A total of 200 CBCT scans of patients who were indicated for implant surgery were chosen and assessed. Group 1 includes 100 dentate patients and Group 2 includes 100 partially edentulous patients. The location of anastomosis along the lateral wall of the maxillary sinus was evaluated in association with alveolar bone height with respect to three posterior maxillary teeth: first premolar, second premolar, and first molar. RESULTS: The mean distance for P1, P2, and M1 was 21.94 ± 1.02 mm, 19.41 ± 0.40 mm, and 17.36 ± 0.51 mm, respectively, in the dentate group, whereas in the edentulous group, it was 20.07 ± 0.46 mm, 18.95 ± 0.32 mm, and 16.08 ± 0.16 mm. In 80% of participants, the distance of an AAA from the alveolar crest was between 16 and 23 mm, whereas in 12% of the participants the distance of an AAA from the alveolar crest was less than 16 mm. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes that the first premolar region is safe for preparing the lateral window but for the second premolar and first molar additional care should be taken prior to surgery.

Suppression of Tumorigenicity 2 Pro-Inflammatory Biomarker Linking Diabetes Mellitus and Periodontitis: A Pilot Study.

BACKGROUND Suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) is a member of the interleukin (IL)-1 family and has 2 isoforms: ST2L, a transmembrane form, and ST2, a soluble form. IL-33 can act as an immune system alarm signal when released by damaged cells, which in turn activates other cells expressing the ST2 receptor. This can cause inflammatory cytokines to be released and produced, as well as trigger osteoclastogenesis. This study aimed to investigate the levels of soluble ST2 in gingival samples. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study population consisted of 30 individuals. The participants were divided into 3 groups: healthy participants, patients with periodontitis, and patients with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus. Periodontitis was determined using probing depth, clinical attachment loss, and gingival index. Patients with stage 2 to 4 periodontitis met the inclusion criteria. Gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) was collected for quantification of samples for ST2 levels by using an enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS The mean±standard deviation of ST2 GCF concentrations was relatively high (558.87±68.99) in the group with periodontitis and diabetes mellitus, compared with that of the periodontitis group (452.06±54.18) and healthy group (252.82±87.9). CONCLUSIONS GCF ST2 values were found to be a marker of inflammatory activities. Thus, GCF ST2 could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of periodontitis as well as systemic diseases, such as diabetes mellitus. This pilot study was limited by a small number of participants. To confirm the associations, more large-scale investigations should be conducted.

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.

Lipid and renal profile in assessing the severity of alcoholic liver disease.

Lipid and Renal dysfunction in Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) patients occurs either due to multi-organ involvement or secondary to alcoholism. This study was conducted to evaluate the role of lipid and renal parameters in assessing the severity of progression of ALD. Sixty cases of ALD (two groups based on compensated and decompensated features) and thirty healthy controls for comparison were included. Lipid profile (Total Cholesterol, LDL, HDL and Triglycerides) and renal parameters (serum urea, creatinine and uric acid), total and direct bilirubin, total protein and albumin were measured using automated chemistry analyzer. There was a significant decrease in Total cholesterol ,LDL and HDL levels and increased triglycerides when compared to controls (mean of 128.4 ± 59 vs 155 ± 27.2, 77 ± 44.3 vs 97.4 ± 27.2, 28.3 ± 18 vs 39.5 ± 14.1 and 115.8 ± 70.4 vs 91 ± 38 mg/dL respectively). Lipid profile showed a linear decrease while progressing from compensated to decompensated ALD. Renal parameters revealed a statistically significant decrease in serum urea ,increased creatinine and uric acid levels when compared to controls (17.57±2.96 vs23.73±4.94, 1.12±0.55 vs0.88±0.16,6.60±1.32 vs 4.68±1.40 mg/dL respectively).Total cholesterol and HDL showed a linear decrease when ALD progresses. Serum uric acid showed an early increase in compensated stage of ALD. This study inferred that Total cholesterol, TGL, HDL and uric acid can be used for assessing the severity of progression of ALD.

Biochemical predictors for Sars-Cov-2 severity.

It is of interest to assess the inflammatory marker profile in SARS-CoV-2 patients and to correlate the levels of systemic inflammatory biomarkers such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), C-Reactive Protein CRP, Ferritin, Creatine kinase (CK), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and liver function analytes total serum proteins, albumin, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infections. A total of 1000 COVID-19 positive patient's data were collected. Laboratory assessments consisted of NLR (neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio) by cell counter, C Reactive Protein (CRP) by immunoturbidimetry, Ferritin by electrochemiluminescence (ECLIA) and Creatine Kinase (CK), Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin, Total Protein and Albumin by spectrophotometry. The mean plasma CRP levels, NLR, ferritin, CK and LDH levels were higher in severe cases than in non-severe cases, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). All liver function tests such as the total and direct bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, total protein and albumin were higher in severe patients than non-severe patients and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). Data indicate that NLR, CRP, Ferritin, CK, LDH and liver function analytes have a crucial role as prognostic markers for SARS-CoV-2 infections and hence should be routinely recommended for risk assessment and stratification of the patients to reduce the associated morbidity and mortality.

Mobility to Stability-Journey of a Hopeless Tooth.

The impact of implant dentistry is such that, today, very few dentists think about saving grade III mobile teeth with recurrent periodontal abscess. This case report presents the management of grade III mobile lower anterior teeth with recurrent periodontal abscess. Treatment included SRP, splinting of the lower anterior teeth using wire and composite, RCT of the lower anterior teeth, periodontal flap surgery, and placement of bone graft and PRF. A patient was evaluated at one week and then every three months up to one year. Clinical examination showed reduction in mobility, resolution of inflammation, and abscess; radiographic examination showed bone fill.

Comparative Evaluation of Bone Formation between PRF and Blood Clot Alone as the Sole Sinus-Filling Material in Maxillary Sinus Augmentation with the Implant as a Tent Pole: A Randomized Split-Mouth Study.

The lack of bone volume in the posterior maxillary region can be augmented with sinus elevation. Since the elevated sinus is a closed cavity, a blood clot that fills the sinus space itself can aid in bone formation. The aim of this study was to compare bone formation in the elevated maxillary sinus between platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and blood clot alone as the sole sinus-filling material with the implant as a tent pole. The study was a randomized controlled trial with a split-mouth design involving seven patients. An implant was placed on one side only and blood was allowed to fill the elevated sinus cavity; on the other side, PRF plugs were inserted. The sinus window was covered by nonresorbable titanium-reinforced membrane. The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups, but the PRF group showed increased bone gain in the mesial, buccal, and palatal regions, and increased average height and bucco-palatal width at the height of the old and new sinus floor. A greater increase in distal bone height was seen in the control group. It was concluded that PRF may be more effective as a sole sinus-filling material in the elevated sinus cavity with an implant as a tent pole.

Detection of cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Torque Teno virus in subgingival and atheromatous plaques of cardiac patients with chronic periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Periodontitis and atherosclerosis represent a chronic inflammatory process. The incidence of periodontitis in cardiac patients with atherosclerosis is a well-established fact. The role of viruses in the etiopathogenesis of both has been proposed. AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of Torque Teno virus (TTV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), and cytomegalovirus (CMV) in cardiac patients with atherosclerosis and coexisting chronic periodontitis (CP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients (17 males and 13 females) with atherosclerotic plaques and coexisting periodontitis were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Viral DNA was extracted from the subgingival and atheromatous plaque. The presence of CMV, EBV, and TTV in the plaque samples was identified using polymerase chain reaction. The collected data were statistically analyzed for the prevalence of the viruses and Chi-squared test was performed to find out its association with atheroma and CP. RESULTS: The prevalence of CMV, EBV, and TTV in atheromatous plaque was 63.3%, 56.7%, and 46.7%, respectively, as compared to rates of 80%, 63.3%, and 53.3% in subgingival plaque. Results also indicated no significant association of CMV, EBV, and TTV in both samples (P = 0.08, 0.346, and 0.261, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant association of CMV, EBV, and TTV between subgingival and atheromatous plaque. The prevalence of CMV, EBV, and TTV was high in atheromatous plaque. TTV was isolated from more than 50% of participants in atheromatous plaque, which is a significant finding.

Comprehensive rehabilitation using dental implants in generalized aggressive periodontitis.

Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) is a debilitating form of the disease and it results in deteriorating effects on the esthetic and functional aspects of the oral cavity. This case report describes the comprehensive rehabilitation of GAP patient using dental implants. The treatment planning involved thorough scaling and root planning (SRP) with oral hygiene instructions. The patient was motivated to adhere to a strict oral hygiene regimen following which periodontal flap surgery employing guided tissue regeneration and bone grafts was performed. Bacterial culture for anaerobic microorganisms was done using a gas pack pre- and postperiodontal treatment to confirm the effectiveness of the periodontal treatment regimen and also to proceed with dental implant placement. The rigorous maintenance program ensured the stability of the periodontium following which immediate placement of dental implants in the maxillary and mandibular anterior region was done. The fixed metal-ceramic prosthesis was fabricated in a step-by-step process and the patient was recalled on a periodic basis over a 3-year follow-up duration. This case is a testimonial to the postperiodontal treatment long-term stability with excellent patient cooperation and strict maintenance protocol.

Analysis of association of TaqI VDR gene polymorphism with the chronic periodontitis in Dravidian ethnicity.

AIM: The aim of this study is to analyze the association of TaqI vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene polymorphism with the chronic periodontitis (CP) in Dravidian ethnicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 120 subjects were recruited for this study, which included 60 CP and 60 healthy controls. TaqI VDR gene polymorphism was analyzed using specific primers and amplified by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and visualized under 2% agarose gel. RESULTS: Our study results showed that Tt and tt genotype had a higher frequency of occurrence in CP compared with controls. Similarly, t allele was found to be associated with CP. CONCLUSION: Our study concludes that TaqI VDR gene polymorphism is associated with CP in Dravidian ethnicity.

Comparative analysis of presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epsteinbarr virus -1 (EBV-1) in cases of chronic periodontitis and aggressive periodontitis with controls.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the presence of Cytomegalovirus (CMV) and Epsteinbarr virus -1 (EBV-1)viruses in sub gingival plaque of chronic periodontitis (groupA), aggressive periodontitis patients (group B), periodontally healthy controls (group C) and to compare the clinical parameters between virus negative and positive sites in each of these groups. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects were included in the study and equally divided into the 3 groups (group A - 20, group B - 20, group C - 20). Sub gingival plaque samples were obtained from the 3 deepest periodontal pocket sites in case of subjects suffering from periodontitis, and from one random bleeding site per quadrant in healthy groups. Clinical parameters like plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD) and clinical loss of attachment (CAL) were recorded. Viral Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) was extracted using Proteinase-K DNA Extraction method, and the presence of CMV and EBV-1 was detected by polymerase chain reaction and 2% agarose gel. RESULTS: Results of our study showed a 45% prevalence of CMV and EBV-1 in Aggressive periodontitis cases. Prevalence of CMV in chronic periodontitis and healthy subjects was 20% and 10%, respectively; while for EBV-1 it was 25% and 0%, respectively. In terms of comparison of the clinical parameters with virus presence, both CMV and EBV-1 positive sites showed a significantly higher mean pocket depth compared to virus negative sites. CONCLUSION: Our studyshowed that the prevalence of EBV1 was higher in chronic and aggressive periodontitis subjects compared to controls and the prevalence of CMV was higher in aggressive periodontitis patients. The virus positive sites showed higher pocket depth compared to virus negative sites.

Idiopathic orofacial granulomatosis in a young patient: A rare entity.

The granular enlargement of the gingiva may be the first clinical manifestation of Orofacial granulomatosis, preceding other local or systemic manifestations. The term Idiopathic Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) refers to conditions restricted to the oral region without any identifiable systemic granulomatous diseases. We report a case of nine year old female patient with gingival enlargement as the sole manifestation without any systemic involvement. Laboratory investigations were done to rule out tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, allergic hypersensitivity, Crohn's disease. The patient was treated by gingivectomy and there is complete remission of the lesion without any recurrence. Thus the early investigations and diagnosis of OFG can help in the prevention of future systemic complications.

Prevalence of TT Virus in patients with chronic periodontitis, patients with aggressive periodontitis and healthy controls: a pilot study

Torque teno virus (TTV), a novel DNA virus resides in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and replicates when these cells get activated. The TTV replication shifts the immunobalance. Aim: To determine the presence of TTV in the gingiva of patients with aggressive periodontitis, patients withchronic periodontitis, and healthy controls, and to correlate the presence of TTV with probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level. Methods: Forty-two subjects (22 males and 20 females)aged 21 to 55 years were recruited for this study. Subjects were stratified into aggressive periodontitis (Group I), chronic periodontitis (Group II) and healthy controls (Group III). Gingival tissue biopsy was taken from all the subjects and the presence of TTV was analyzed using PCR and 2% agarose gel electrophoresis. Results: TTV was identified in half of the subjects and more number of subjects with periodontitis have TT virus compared to controls. There was significant association between presence of TT virus and pocket depth, clinical attachment level. Conclusions: The findings from the present study shows that there was no significant association between TT virus and periodontitis, even though it was isolated from more number of subjects with aggressive periodontitis, and TTV was associated with pocket depth and clinical attachment level. These findings need to be investigated in further studies.

Management of mucous membrane pemphigoid with dapsone plus weekly steroid injections in a young patient: a case report / Tratamento de penfigóide membranoso mucoso com dapsona e injeções semanais de esteróide em um paciente jovem: relato de caso

Purpose: Mucous Membrane Pemphigoid (MMP) is an autoimmune subepithelial blistering disorder usually affecting older individuals. This paper describes the pharmacological management of MMP in a young patient. Case description: A 23 year-old woman showed erythematous ulcerative gingiva in the maxillary palatal region and around the retromolar region. A perilesional excisional biopsy was done, and the histologic and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the clinical diagnosis of MMP as the cause of desquamative gingivitis in this patient. The patient was treated with topical steroids plus daily Dapsone 100 mg and weekly steroid injections (40 mg). The lesions began to resolve after 12 weeks of therapy. Conclusion: This case of MMP in a young female patient was effectively managed with a combination therapy of topical steroids, Dapsone and steroid injections.

Objetivo: O penfigóide membranoso mucoso (PMM) é uma desordem autoimume subeptelial bolhosa que geralmente afeta indivíduos mais velhos. Este relato de caso descreve a abordagem farmacológica do PMM em uma paciente jovem. Descrição do caso: Uma paciente do sexo feminino, com 23 anos de idade, apresentava a gengiva eritematosa e ulcerada na região palatina e na região retromolar. A biópsia excisional total foi realizada e as análises histológica e de imuno-histoquímica confirmaram o diagnóstico clínico de PMM como causa da gengivite descamativa nesta paciente. A paciente foi tratada com esteróides tópicos, Dapsona 100 mg diariamente e injeções de esteróides mensais (40 mg). A resolução das lesões se iniciou após 12 semanas de terapia medicamentosa. Conclusão: Este caso de PMM em uma paciente jovem foi efetivamente tratado com uma terapia combinada de esteróides tópicos, Dapsona e injeções de esteróides.

Analysis of the association between interleukin-1beta (+3954) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in a sample of the south Indian population.

AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the association between IL-1B (+3954) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in a sample of the south Indian population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This study employed a cross-sectional design involving individuals from the state of Tamil Nadu in the southern part of India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genomic DNA was obtained from the white blood cells of 30 patients with chronic periodontitis (18 males and 12 females) and 31 healthy controls (20 males and 11 females). The age of the subjects ranged from 30 to 55 years old and all were non smokers. DNA was amplified using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with specific primers flanking the locus +3954 of IL-1beta gene and analyzed by 3% agarose gel electrophoresis. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A Chi-square test was used to determine the genotype distribution between the groups and the relative risk was estimated with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The chronic periodontitis group displayed a higher percentage of T allele, even though it was not statistically significant. The relative risk analysis between genotypes showed that the risk was higher for the CT genotype compared with the CC genotype and the risk was significant. In conclusion, our data suggested that there was no significant association between IL-1beta (+3954) gene polymorphism and chronic periodontitis in the south Indian population.