The ability of spore formers to degrade milk proteins, fat, phospholipids, common stabilizers, and exopolysaccharides.

Spore formers are common spoilage-causing microorganisms in dairy products; however, their modes of spoilage (proteolysis, lipolysis, etc.) have not been described in detail for cultured dairy products such as sour cream and yogurt. The objective of the present study was to test the ability of spore-forming strains isolated from dairy environments for their spoilage-causing activities at typical sour cream (24°C) and yogurt (42°C) fermentation temperatures. A total of 25 spore-forming strains were isolated from different sources, including raw milk, pasteurizer balance tank, biofilms formed on heat exchangers, and milk powder. These strains were tested for proteolytic and lipolytic activities and for their ability to degrade phospholipids, common stabilizers (starch, gelatin, xanthan gum, pectin), and exopolysaccharides (EPS) at sour cream and yogurt fermentation temperatures. A higher percentage of positive strains was observed for selected activities at yogurt fermentation temperature compared with sour cream fermentation temperature. Identified proteolytic spore-forming strains, based on a skim milk agar method, were subsequently quantified for their level of proteolysis using non-casein nitrogen (NCN) content and sodium dodecyl sulfate-PAGE (SDS-PAGE). The proteolytic strains that showed the highest levels of proteolysis (highest percentages of NCN content) at 24°C were Bacillus mojavensis BC, Bacillus cereus DBC, Bacillus subtilis DBC, B. mojavensis DBC1, and Paenibacillus polymyxa DBC1. At 42°C the strains with the highest levels of proteolysis (highest percentages of NCN content) were B. subtilis DBC, B. mojavensis BC, B. mojavensis DBC1, B. cereus DBC, and Bacillus licheniformis DBC6. Results of SDS-PAGE demonstrated that proteolytic strains had primarily hydrolyzed ß- and κ-CN. A viscometric method was used to evaluate the susceptibility of exopolysaccharides (EPS) to degradation by selected spore formers. This method helped to determine that EPS produced by commercial yogurt and sour cream cultures is susceptible to degradation by spore formers present in dairy environments.

Understanding the adsorption behavior of surface active molecules on ZnO nanostructures by experimental and first-principles calculations.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructures with different morphologies are prepared in the presence of surface active molecules such as sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS), Tween 80 and Triton X-100 by a chemical method. The experimental and first principles methods are employed to understand the microscopic origin of the asymmetric growth mechanism of ZnO in the presence of various surface active molecules. Effect of increase in the amount of surface active molecules and temperature is studied on the growth morphology of ZnO. An innovative method is developed to synthesize ZnO nanowires (NWs) in the presence of SDS. Spherical nanoparticles (NPs) to spherical clusters are obtained in the presence of Triton X-100 and Tween 80. These results are then supported by first principles calculations. The adsorption of the -OH functional group on both polar and nonpolar surfaces of ZnO is modelled by using density functional theory (DFT). The calculated binding energy (BE) is almost equivalent on both the surfaces with no preference on any particular surface. The calculated value of BE shows that the -OH group is physio-adsorbed on both the surfaces. This results in the spherical morphology of nanoparticles prepared in the presence of Tween 80. Bader charge analysis shows that the charge transfer mainly takes place on top two layers of the ZnO(101[combining macron]0) surface. The absence of high values of electron localization function (ELF) reflects the lack of covalent bonding between the -OH group and the ZnO(101[combining macron]0) surface.

Three-dimensional profilometry of microlenses by phase shifting interferometery using nematic liquid crystal material filled cell as a phase modulator.

In this paper, we report the use of a nematic liquid crystal material filled cell in transmission mode as a voltage controlled phase modulator for the characterization of microlenses. In one arm of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, a nematic liquid crystal filled cell with DC voltage connection was placed, and in another arm of the interferometer microlenses with a 4-F imaging system were placed. Interference takes place between the light beams coming from the two arms of the Mach-Zehnder interferometer, one after passing through the nematic liquid crystal cell and another after passing through microlenses. Interference patterns were recorded by a CCD camera. By applying DC voltage to the nematic liquid crystal filled cell, various phase shifted interferograms were recorded, and from phase shifted interferograms, the shape and size of microlenses were determined. The results of the reconstructed profile of the microlenses are compared with white-light profilometry.

Measurement of birefringence of nematic liquid crystal material by multiple-wavelength interferometry using nearly common-path single-stage Mach-Zehnder interferometer.

We report the measurement of birefringence of nematic liquid crystal (NLC) material using multiple-wavelength interferometry. A nearly common path single-stage Mach-Zehnder interferometer was used for recording interferograms of high stability. The Fourier transform fringe analysis technique was used to reconstruct the two-dimensional phase maps of interferograms consisting of the entire active area of the liquid crystal cell. Change in phase as a function of applied voltage to a liquid-crystal cell was measured for blue, green, and red color laser light, keeping the temperature constant during the experiment. From the change in phase, the birefringence for three colors, i.e., red, green, and blue light, was determined. It is found that the birefringence of NLC material for red, green, and blue colors decreases with the increase in wavelength in the visible range. The present method is noncontact, nonmechanical scanning and highly stable due to a common path interferometer.

Subepithelial connective tissue graft used with platelet-rich plasma in treatment of gingival recession.

UNLABELLED: This paper describes the use of subepithelial connective tissue graft with platelet rich plasma in the treatment of gingival recession. There was complete root coverage in both the cases and the coverage is still maintained after 4 years. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Subepithelial connective tissue grafting with platelet-rich plasma may be an effective way to treat gingival recessions. Use of platelet-rich plasma provides the clinician with an autologous source of growth factors to accelerate healing.

Depigmenting effect of banana stem and flower on melanocytes.

Gingival repigmentation is an inevitable hindrance among different procedures accepted for gingival depigmentation. To overcome this, there is a need for the procedure that can delay the duration of reappearance of pigmentation. A number of studies using herbal extracts with antioxidant property shown to have anti melanogenic effect. In the present in - vitro study, we investigated the effect of banana stem and flower extracts on melanocytes, as Banana stem and flower are rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, which are potent antioxidants. The melanocytes were exposed to ethanolic extract of banana stem and flower at 2 concentrations (100 µgm, 150 µgm) for 72 h. The cellular melanin contents were measured using Bradford assay which depicted the reduction in the melanin content and Resazurin assay was used for assessment of cell viability showed no significant cytotoxic effect of banana stem and flower on the cells. The cells exposed to higher concentration (150 µgm) of banana stem and flower showed significant reduction in melanin content. Flower extract showed better reduction in the melanin content. Based on these results both banana flower and stem can be tried as potent gingival depigmenting agent.

Coronally Advanced Flap Combined With Sticky Bone and i-PRF-Coated Collagen Membrane to Treat Single Maxillary Gingival Recessions: Case Series.

INTRODUCTION: Numerous techniques have been reported in the literature for the reconstruction of gingival recession defects. The purpose of this case series was to evaluate clinically and radiographically the efficacy of sticky bone with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane in the treatment of gingival recession. CASE SERIES: Sixteen patients exhibiting isolated Miller's Class I or II recession in the maxillary esthetic zone were treated using sticky bone (i-PRF + freeze-dried bone allograft) with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane using the coronally advanced flap. Clinical parameters including probing depth (PD), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), gingival thickness (GT), and recession depth (RD) were recorded at baseline and 6 months post-surgery. The radiographic (ST-CBCT) measurements computed were labial plate thickness (OT1, OT3, and OT5) and GT (GT1, GT3, and GT5) at baseline and 6 months post-treatment. Twelve out of sixteen treated cases achieved complete root coverage. An increase in GT was observed in all the cases. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this case series, sticky bone with i-PRF-coated collagen membrane showed promising results in the treatment of isolated maxillary Miller's Class I or II gingival recession and serves as an altered approach for root coverage procedure. However, histological analysis and larger sample size are needed to establish definitive proof of soft and hard tissue regeneration.

A clinico-microbiological and biochemical study evaluating the adjunctive use of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy and local drug delivery of 1.2 % simvastatin gel compared to scaling and root planing alone.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of antimicrobial Photodynamic therapy (aPDT), Local Drug Delivery (LDD) of 1.2 % Simvastatin gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planning (SRP) and SRP alone in the treatment of Periodontitis using clinical, microbiological and biochemical parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 33 test sites in 11 Grade A Stage II periodontitis patients were randomly divided into three groups: GROUP I: Treated by SRP alone (SRP group); GROUP II: Treated by SRP followed by aPDT (aPDT group); GROUP III: Treated by SRP followed by single subgingival application of 1.2 % simvastatin gel (SMV group). Clinical parameters including API, PBI, PPD and RAL were assessed. Quantification of Porphyromonas gingivalis was evaluated by RT -PCR technique and estimation of RANKL levels was checked by ELISA. All assessments were done at baseline and 3 months RESULTS: All three groups showed significant reduction in the scores of clinical parameters, P. gingivalis DNA copy numbers and GCF RANKL levels at 3 months post therapy compared to baseline (p < 0.05). On comparison between the three groups, the results were non significant for all parameters both at baseline and at 3 months post therapy (p > 0.05). However slightly greater reduction was seen in the mean scores of PPD and RAL in the SMV Group and in P. gingivalis DNA copy numbers and GCF RANKL levels in aPDT group compared to the other groups although statistically non significant. A significant positive correlation(p < 0.05) was observed between P. gingivalis DNA copy numbers and PPD scores in SMV group and a significant negative correlation(p < 0.05) was observed between P. gingivalis DNA copy numbers and API & PBI scores in SRP group at 3 months follow up. CONCLUSIONS: aPDT, 1.2 % SMV local drug delivery as adjunct to SRP and SRP alone are effective in improving clinical parameters, reducing P. gingivalis DNA copy numbers and GCF RANKL levels. The superiority of one over another modality of treatment could not be established in this short term study.

Knowledge, attitude, and implementation of nicotine replacement therapy by dental and medical interns in Davangere city: A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: One of the prime causes of illness and premature death is smoking. Almost 50% of smokers attempt to quit the habit; however, at most, 2%-3% achieve success. The rationale is that innumerable withdrawal attempts are unplanned, and the most effective cessation aids are unacquainted. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is the most common cessation aid. Furthermore, motivation from dental and medical professionals can be effective for patients to quit smoking. The study aimed to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding the implementation of NRT among dental and medical interns in Davangere city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted, which included 442 dental and medical interns from two dental and two medical colleges in Davangere city, Karnataka. The questionnaire included multiple-choice questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and implementation of NRT. The response rate of interns was 93.67%. RESULTS: Among dental and medical interns, there was no statistically significant difference in knowledge about NRT with P = 0.976 (P > 0.05). However, a statistically significant difference existed regarding attitude and implementation in the interns about NRT among dental and medical interns with P = 0.001 (P < 0.05). Among dental and medical interns, dental interns had a positive attitude and implementation toward NRT than medical interns. CONCLUSION: The overview implicated that the dental interns had better vision than medical interns; however, both the groups' comprehension concerning NRT is scanty and advocates education about the fundamentals of NRT either via workshop or by continuing dental education programs.

Effect of carbon nanotubes on response time of ferroelectric liquid crystals.

We present the results of the fast electro-optic response of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)-doped deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC). The fastening of the response in MWCNTs-doped DHFLC has been attributed to the decrease in rotational viscosity and increase in anchoring energy. The decrease in the former is due to the experience of the torque both by MWCNTs and DHFLC and perturbation of order parameter of the DHFLC while the increase in the latter is due to the pi-pi electrons stacking between the MWCNTs, DHFLC molecules, and alignment layers. The increase in conductance in doped cells has also been observed.

Memory effect in weakly anchored surfaces of deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals.

A wide-range memory effect in deformed helix ferroelectric liquid crystals (DHFLCs) has been investigated by electro-optical and textural methods. A comparative study has been performed on strongly and weakly anchored surfaces of DHFLC cells. The saturation voltage has been compared in both types of cells by studying the variation of tilt angle and spontaneous polarization with applied voltage. The long-lasting memory effect has been observed in untreated (weakly anchored) cells. It has been proposed that perfect memory in DHFLC cells without any surface treatment is due to the possibility of the absence of depolarization and ionic charges over the surfaces of the cells.

A morphologic comparison of gingival changes influenced by cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats: an experimental study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the morphologic changes in the gingiva brought about by the administration of cyclosporin and tacrolimus in rats. METHODS: The study was conducted on 30 six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats, divided into three groups of 10 rats each, for a period of 4 weeks. Group I rats received cyclosporin (30 mg/kg body weight), and group II rats received tacrolimus (1.5 mg/kg body weight), by means of a gavage. Group III served as control and received olive oil alone. Impressions of the mandibular incisal region were made weekly, and stone casts were prepared for measuring morphologic changes of the gingiva. RESULTS: An increase in the measured gingival dimensions was observed in the test groups as early as week 2 after the commencement of drug administration. Intergroup comparison revealed that the increase in the measured dimensions was greater in group I than group II at the end of 4 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Cyclosporin and tacrolimus were capable of causing gingival enlargement in Sprague-Dawley rats. However, the magnitude of tacrolimus-influenced gingival enlargement seemed to be comparatively less than cyclosporin.

Staged Ridge Split Procedure in the Management of Horizontal Ridge Deficiency Utilizing Piezosurgery.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: Edentulism is an incapacitating and irretrievable condition which can lead unswervingly to functional limitation, physical, psychological and social handicap. Maintenance of bone after tooth loss to improve retention, function, and performance of the restoration is a challenging task. The existence of a thin edentulous ridge signifies a clinical situation that is more complex for the placement of endosseous implants. Dental rehabilitation of the edentulous ridges with oral implants has become a routine treatment modality in the last few decades with consistent long term results. METHODS: A staged ridge spilt procedure was performed in the maxillary posterior edentulous region employing piezosurgery for the augmentation of horizontal ridge deficiency which was followed by the successful placement of implant supported prosthesis. RESULTS: At the 20 months follow-up, stable results were appreciated with minimal bone loss around the implants. CONCLUSION: This proficient technique precludes the need for a second surgical site for the procurement of graft which in turn decreases patient discomfort. Hence this procedure can be used as an alternative to other strenuous procedures.

Natural Tooth Pontic: An Instant Esthetic Option for Periodontally Compromised Teeth-A Case Series.

Sudden tooth loss in the esthetic zone of the maxillary or mandibular anterior region can be due to trauma, periodontal disease, or endodontic failure. The treatment options for replacing the missing tooth can vary between removable prosthesis, tooth-supported prosthesis, and implant-supported prosthesis. Irrespective of the final treatment, the first line of management would be to provisionally restore the patient's esthetic appearance at the earliest, while functionally stabilizing the compromised arch. Using the patient's own natural tooth as a pontic offers the benefits of being the right size, shape, and color and provides exact repositioning in its original intraoral three-dimensional position. Additionally, using the patient's platelet concentrate (platelet rich fibrin) facilitates early wound healing and preservation of alveolar ridge shape following tooth extraction. The abutment teeth can also be preserved with minimal or no preparation, thus keeping the technique reversible, and can be completed at the chair side thereby avoiding laboratory costs. This helps the patient better tolerate the effect of tooth loss psychologically. The article describes a successful, immediate, and viable technique for rehabilitation of three different patients requiring replacement of a single periodontally compromised tooth in an esthetic region.

Short-term assessment of the Nd:YAG laser with and without sodium fluoride varnish in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity--a clinical and scanning electron microscopy study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to evaluate clinically and under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the efficacy of Nd:YAG laser irradiation alone and in combination with 5% sodium fluoride varnish in the management of dentin hypersensitivity. METHODS: The study was conducted on 40 patients divided into four groups who had at least one tooth of Grade III mobility with clinically elicitable dentin hypersensitivity. Following the pretreatment assessment of hypersensitivity using the visual analog scale (VAS) and cold air blast test, the selected tooth in all the groups received 1% citric acid treatment for 1 minute. Group 1 patients received no further treatment; group 2, 3, and 4 patients received additional treatment with 5% sodium fluoride varnish, Nd:YAG laser for 2 minutes, and a combination of 5% sodium fluoride varnish and Nd:YAG laser, respectively. Two hours following treatment, hypersensitivity was again assessed, and the teeth were extracted, sectioned, and scanned using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The mean VAS score in group 1 showed a 27% increase from baseline, but groups 2, 3, and 4 showed a decrease of 33%, 44%, and 62%, respectively. The mean cold air blast score showed a 22% increase in group 1, but values decreased by 43%, 50%, and 83% in groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The number of patent tubules also progressively decreased from group 1 through group 4. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of Nd:YAG laser and 5% sodium fluoride varnish seems to show an impressive efficacy, when compared to either treatment alone, in treating dentin hypersensitivity. The SEM findings seem to relate to the clinical findings in that reduction in number/patency of tubules was associated with improvement in treatment efficacy.

Prevalence of gingival biotype and its relationship to clinical parameters.

INTRODUCTION: The dimensions of gingiva and different parts of the masticatory mucosa have a profound impact in periodontics as it governs the way; the gingival tissue reacts to various physical, chemical, or bacterial insults. The purpose of the following study was to assess the gingival thickness (GT) and correlate it to gender, presence of recession, and width of keratinized gingiva (WKG) in a subset of the Indian population. METHODS: A total of 400 subjects in the age range of 20-35 years (200 males and 200 females) were included in the study. Clinical parameters such as probing depth, recession depth, WKG, and GT were recorded for all the patients. RESULTS: The prevalence of thin biotype was 43.25%, and that of thick gingival biotype was 56.75%. The mean GT of central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine in Group I was 1.11 ± 0.17, 1.01 ± 0.16, and 0.82 ± 0.17 mm, respectively. No significant association was observed between the gender and the presence of gingival recession to GT. The mean WKG of central incisor, lateral incisor, and canine in Group I was 4.38 ± 1.18, 5.18 ± 1.25, 4.16 ± 1.16 mm, respectively. A positive correlation exists between WKG and the GT (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It was concluded that the prevalence of thick and thin gingival biotype is 56.75% versus 43.25%, respectively, and there is no significant relationship between age, gender, and the presence of recession to gingival biotype. A positive correlation exists between WKG and the GT.

Evaluation of specifically designed implants placed in the low-density jaw bones: A clinico-radiographical study.

AIM: In the less dense bone, it is difficult to obtain implant anchorage. The present study was undertaken to determine the survival rate of Maestro™ implants placed in d3 and d4 bones. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients (10 males and 4 females) were selected for the study and implants were evaluated for posttreatment changes in at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months from implant placement. The implant probing depth and mobility were recorded 3 and 6 months after prosthesis placement. Also, peri-implant bone level was assessed at the baseline and 12 months postoperatively, followed by a statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean plaque and gingival indices showed a reduction at repeated intervals. The mean sulcular bleeding showed a slight reduction which was statistically significant. An overall mean bone loss was observed after 12 months follow-up, which was statistically not significant. The overall survival rate of implants was reported as 92.3%. CONCLUSION: The specific implant used in the study is advantageous in the soft bone condition. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although, there is a great evidence of implant failure in compromised jaw quality, the newer designs and approaches suggest that the poor quality is not a contraindication.

Fluorinated quinazolones III: synthesis and CNS depressant activity of fluorinated quinazolone derivatives.

The synthesis of 2-allylthio-3-(4'-fluorophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrafluoro-4-quinazolone, 2-n-propylthio-3-(4'-fluorophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrafluoro-4-quinazolone, 3-(4'-bromophenyl)-5,6,7,8-tetrafluoro-2,4-quinazolinedithione, and seven fluorinated 2-alkyl/phenyl-3-aryl-4(3H)-quinazolones is described. The synthesized compounds were screened for CNS depressant activity using pentobarbital sleeping time, pentylenetetrazol convulsions, and condition avoidance test as the parameters. Most of the screened compounds exhibited significant depressant activity.

Ameloblastic fibroma--a case report.

An unusual case of ameloblastic fibroma involving two supernumerary teeth in the anterior part of maxilla has been presented here. The radiographic picture mimics a dentigerous cyst where there is a gross migration of one of the involved super-numerary tooth. After the histopathological diagnosis, the lesion was treated with enucleation and curettage.

Bilateral dens invaginatus involving impacted supernumerary teeth.

The occurrence of bilateral dens invaginatus in the supernumerary teeth is rare. In the patient described in this report the supernumerary teeth were palatally impacted. The tip of one tooth had emerged through the palatal mucosa, and this tooth had pulpal and periapical infection. Both were extracted.