Clinical Efficacy of Different Concentrations of Povidone Iodine in the Management of Peri-Implant Mucositis.

Mechanical plaque control is the first line of management of peri-implant diseases. Povidone iodine is one of the broad spectrum and potent antiseptics available at various concentrations. The aim of the study was to assess and compare the efficacy of various concentrations of povidone iodine in the management of peri-implant mucositis. In the present double blinded, parallel designed, randomized clinical trial, a total of 60 patients with peri-implant mucositis (20 participants in each group [Group 1 (povidone iodine 0.1%), Group 2 (povidone iodine 2%) and Group 3 (povidone iodine 010%)] were enrolled. Scaling and root planing was done and then the peri-implant sulcus was irrigated with respective irrigant and repeated once in a week for 4 weeks. Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) and Mombelli Modified sulcular bleeding index (BI) were recorded at baseline and after a month and compared. Statistical analysis was done using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test. A statistically significant difference (P = 0.000) observed between the three concentrations when compared after 1 month. Also, a statistically significant difference between Group 1 and Group 3 and Group 2 and Group 3 was observed in terms of post GI (P = 0.000) and post BI (P = 0.000) but statistically no significant difference was observed between Group 1 and Group 2 in terms of post GI (P = 0.171) and post BI (P = 0.338). The 2% and 10% povidone iodine showed significant improvement in gingival index and bleeding index and hence it could be an effective adjunct to scaling and root planing in the management of peri-implant mucositis.

Correlation of C-Reactive Protein and Severity of Peri-Implant Diseases.

Peri-implant disease pathogenesis is similar to periodontal disease pathogenesis resulting in production of pro-inflammatory mediators. These mediators are released during the inflammation phase, among which C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the acute phase reactants. The aim of the study was to correlate the levels of CRP with the severity of peri-implant diseases. The present observational study was carried out from June 2022 to December 2022 in the Department of Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India. A total of 60 patients with peri-implant health (n = 20), peri-mucositis (n = 20) and peri-implantitis (n = 20) were enrolled. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected and subjected to latex agglutination assay for CRP analysis. CRP levels were then correlated with severity of peri-implant diseases. The mean CRP level in peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, peri-implantitis were 0.25 ± 0.36 mg/dl, 3.56 ± 0.85 mg/dl and 5.07 ± 0.74 mg/dl, respectively. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between CRP and peri-implant parameters suggesting that the CRP level increased as the severity of peri-implant disease increased. CRP level increases with severity of peri-implant diseases and there exists a positive correlation between CRP level and peri-implant parameters. Therefore, CRP can be used as a diagnostic marker for peri-implant diseases.

Comparison of Alveolar Bone Level around Osseointegrated Dental Implants among Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women: A 2-Year Study.

The success of dental implants is affected by bone quality and quantity at the dental implant site. The present study was done to assess the changes in alveolar bone level around osseointegrated dental implants over a period of 2 years among the premenopausal and postmenopausal women. This prospective clinical study was conducted among 50 female patients who reported between January 2020-June 2020 and had a single missing molar in maxillary or mandibular arch. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: premenopause patients (Group A; n = 25) and postmenopause patients (Group B; n = 25). Marginal bone loss (MBL) was recorded at baseline, 12 mo and 24 mo follow-up and compared between both the groups using independent t-test. ANOVA was done to compare MBL between different time periods. On intragroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed between different time periods in both Group A (P = 0.05) and Group B (P = 0.04). Also, on intergroup comparison, a statistically significant difference was observed in Group B from Group A at 12 mo and 24 mo (P < 0.05). Increase in marginal bone loss was observed among postmenopausal women. Therefore, clinicians should emphasize the need for oral hygiene maintenance among postmenopausal women for peri-implant health.

Efficacy of Ozonated Olive Oil Gel in the Management of Peri-Implant Mucositis.

Peri-implant mucosistis is similar to gingivitis, the former affects the mucosa around implants without bone loss. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of ozonated olive oil gel in the management of peri-implant mucositis. A randomized controlled clinical trial was conducted among 50 patients with peri-implant mucositis within the age group of 25-50 years. They were randomly divided into two groups with 25 participants in each group based on the intervention [Group A (Ozonated olive oil gel), Group B (Chlorhexidine gel)]. Silness and Loe plaque index (PI) and Loe and Silness gingival index (GI) were recorded at baseline and after 4 weeks. Paired t-test and independent t-test was used to test the significance. Within the groups, there was a statistically significant reduction in PI and GI from baseline (P < 0.05). However, the difference in PI and GI between both the groups was statistically insignificant (P > 0.05). Ozonated olive oil gel was equally effective to chlorhexidine gel in the management of peri-implant mucositis.

Comparative Assessment of Catalase Levels in Peri-Implant Health and Disease.

Peri-implant disease pathogenesis is similar to periodontal disease pathogenesis resulting in production of pro-inflammatory mediators. These mediators alter the redox balance leading to decrease in antioxidants, among which catalase is one of the enzymatic antioxidants. The aim of the study was to compare the levels of catalase in peri-implant health and disease. The present observational study was carried out from June 2022 to December 2022 in the Department of Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India. A total of 60 patients with peri-implant health (Group 1; n = 20), peri-implant mucositis (Group 2; n = 20) and peri-implantitis (Group 3; n = 20) were enrolled. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected and subjected to ELISA for catalase analysis. Catalase levels were then compared between the groups using ANOVA. The mean catalase level in peri-implant health, peri-implant mucositis, peri-implanti-tis were 25.07 ± 0.44 U/mL, 18.5 6 ± 0.65 U/mL, and 11.25 ± 0.76 U/mL respectively. The difference between the three groups were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Catalase level decreases with severity of peri-implant diseases. Therefore, catalase can be used as a diagnostic marker for peri-implant diseases.

Genetic Association of ICAM-1 (rs5498) Gene Polymorphism With Susceptibility to Stage II Grade B Periodontitis: A Case-Control Study in South Indian Population.

INTRODUCTION: In the contemporary perspective, periodontitis is considered a complex issue triggered and perpetuated by bacteria but strongly influenced by the way the body reacts to bacterial plaque. Recent research has indicated that variations in genes might have an impact on the development of periodontitis. This study was conducted to explore a probable link between the genetic variations in intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) represented by rs5498 and the occurrence of periodontitis.  Methods: A total of 100 participants, 50 with periodontitis and 50 with periodontally healthy or mild gingivitis, were recruited for this study. Whole blood drawn from the participants was used to obtain genomic DNA. The ICAM-1 gene polymorphism (rs5498) was determined using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and digestion. The ICAM-1 gene's flanking primers were used to amp up the DNA. For statistical analysis, the genotype that was analyzed using the pattern of restriction fragment length polymorphism was recorded. The Chi-square test compared genotype and allele frequency distributions between both groups. The odds ratio with 95% confidence intervals with each individual allele or genotype was used to compute the risk. Statistical significance was established in all tests when the p-value was less than 0.05. RESULTS:  There was no discernible difference between the genotype frequencies of patients and controls χ2df (P = 0.6065). The findings demonstrated that no significant difference was present between the two groups for homozygous or heterozygous mutant genotypes (AA vs. AG+GG; P = 0.6854). There was no discernible difference in the detected frequencies of the A allele (58% vs. 61%), G allele (42% vs. 39%), TT (16% vs. 24%), AG (40% vs. 36%), and TT genotypes in the studied groups. CONCLUSION: According to the results of the current investigation, the ICAM-1 (rs5498) gene polymorphism is not associated with periodontitis in the population investigated.

Preparation and Characterization of Ginseng Gel and In Vivo Evaluation of Its Clinical Efficacy in Generalized Chronic Gingivitis Patients.

Aim The aim of the present study was to prepare and characterize ginseng gel and then to evaluate its clinical efficacy in terms of plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI) among generalized chronic gingivitis patients. Materials and methods Ginseng gel was prepared using 250 g of ginseng powder. The antimicrobial activity of prepared ginseng gel and chlorhexidine gel was checked at various concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 and 275 µg) against anaerobic organisms to find the concentration with maximum antimicrobial activity. The concentration with highest antimicrobial activity was subjected to in vivo analysis. A total of 30 generalized chronic gingivitis patients were subjected to scaling and then divided into two groups for intraoral gel application - Group I (ginseng gel) and Group II (chlorhexidine gel) for one month. The clinical parameters PI, GI were measured at baseline (pre scaling) and one month (post scaling) comparing ginseng gel and chlorhexidine gel (Hexigel - chlorhexidine gluconate 1.0% w/w). Independent t test and paired t test were done for statistical analysis. Results At 275 µg, ginseng gel showed highest antibacterial action against anaerobic oral microorganisms. In Group I, the reduction in PI from baseline was (2.52±0.02) to follow up after one month (0.75±0.05), GI from baseline (2.2±0.35) to follow up after one month (0.9±0.02). In Group II, the reduction in PI from baseline was (2.54±0.01) to follow up after one month (0.79±0.02), GI from baseline (2.1±0.42) to follow up after one month (0.8±0.01). Conclusion Ginseng gel showed equal clinical efficacy to chlorhexidine gel in terms of PI and GI. Though chlorhexidine was effective in lower concentrations, it has considerable adverse effects such as taste alteration. Hence it is better to encourage the use of herbal-based products for the management of gingivitis to prevent side effects of synthetic preparations.

Biologic Width Following Different Crown Lengthening Procedures: A Six-Month Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: One of the important things to preserve during crown lengthening is the biologic width (BW), recently called supracrestal tissue attachment. A healthy periodontium with adequate BW is very essential for the success of restored teeth. There are various techniques to perform crown lengthening procedures. Most of the studies have focused on assessing the changes in the position of the marginal gingiva and bone as outcome parameters rather than BW. Also, most of the research was done on animal models. AIM: The purpose of this study was to assess the periodontal tissue changes at three months and six months following two different surgical crown lengthening procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty mandibular first molars among 60 patients that required surgical crown lengthening were enrolled in the study and subjected to two different procedures, gingivectomy (Group I; n=30) and apically positioned flap with ostectomy (Group II; n=30). The following parameters were recorded at baseline, three months, and six months, position of free gingival margin (FGM), probing depth (PD), relative attachment level (RAL), bone level (BL), and BW. These measurements were made at three sites in every patient: treated tooth sites (TT), adjacent tooth's adjacent sites (AD), and adjacent tooth's non-adjacent sites (NAD). The data was then subjected to statistical analysis using SPSS software (Version 20.0). Statistical significance was set to p<0.05. RESULTS: When groups I and II were compared at three and six months, there was no statistical difference in terms of position of FGM, PD, and RAL (p>0.05). When BW was compared between the two groups at three and six months, group II showed better reestablishment of BW at any given time period and was statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:  Following surgical crown lengthening, the bone level was shifted apically and allowed for the reestablishment of BW. At six months of follow-up, the apically positioned flap with ostectomy was superior in restoring the BW compared to gingivectomy.

Comparison of Roughness, Wettability, and SEM Features between Sandblasted Acid-Etched and Oxidized Titanium Dental Implants.

The surface of dental implants has undergone multiple modifications across the timeline to enhance osseointegration, thereby enhancing the success of dental implants. This study compared the surface roughness, wettability and topography of sandblasted acid-etched, and oxidized titanium dental implants. Three commercially available implants-namely, SLA, SLActive, and TiUnite-were evaluated for surface roughness in terms of Ra, Rq, and Rz; wettability in terms of contact angle (CA); and topography using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Roughness and wettability values were compared between the three surfaces by ANOVA and pairwise comparison by Tukey's HSD post hoc testing using SPSS Software. A p value of < 0.01 was considered to be statistically significant. The TiUnite surface exhibited the highest roughness values (Ra = 1.91 ± 0.006 µm, Rq = 2.99 ± 0.005 µm, Rz = 8.37 ± 0.003 µm) followed by the SLA and SLActive surfaces. The contact angles of the SLA, SLActive, and TiUnite dental implants were 98.44 ± 0.52°, 9 ± 0.03°, and 94.39 ± 0.08°, respectively. These data demonstrated statistically significant differences between the three surfaces (p < 0.01). There were no distinct differences in SEM features between the SLA and SLActive surfaces. However, the TiUnite surface exhibited a distinctly porous morphology. Oxidized dental implants differ from sandblasted acid-etched implants in terms of roughness, wettability, and surface topography.

Correlation between Primary Stability of Dental Implants and Bone Density: A Retrospective Analysis.

Dental implants have gained popularity in recent years. The most important variable in determining the effectiveness of the implant's primary stability is bone density. The success of the implant depends on proper procedure and implant stability. With this background, the aim of the present study was to study the correlation between primary stability and bone density. The present retrospective study was conducted among 2,440 patients who had undergone implant treatment in the Department of Implantology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, from June 2021 to February 2022. Data regarding patient's age, gender, implant location, bone density, and primary stability were taken into consideration. Association between primary stability and bone density was assessed using the Chi-square test. Of the subjects, 33.42% had D2 bone density in the lower posterior region; 13.98% had D3 density in the lower posterior region. Primary stability of 30-40 Ncm was seen in the majority of the subjects; 32.64% who had primary stability of 30-40 Ncm had D2 bone density. There was a statistically significant association between implant site and bone density (p = 0.04) and primary stability and bone density (p = 0.03). Within the limitations of the study, it can be concluded that there is a strong association between implant primary stability and bone density.

Association Analysis of MMP-13 (rs2252070) Gene Polymorphism and the Susceptibility to Chronic Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis is a multifactorial inflammatory condition influenced by genetic factors. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-13, serving as a crucial enzyme involved in extracellular matrix remodeling, is associated with the degradation of periodontal tissues. Therefore, this study assesses the genetic link between the MMP-13 (rs2252070) genetic variation and chronic periodontitis in a Southern Indian demographic. METHODOLOGY: The study was conducted at Saveetha Dental College in Chennai, India. It involved a total of 100 subjects, 50 individuals affected with periodontitis (classified as stage II and above, American Association of Periodontology 2018 criteria) and 50 individuals who were periodontally healthy or were diagnosed as having mild gingivitis. We isolated DNA from the blood samples obtained from the participants. Specific primers that flank the BsrI region of the MMP-13 receptor gene were used in the process of DNA amplification. Subsequently, a restriction fragment length analysis using the BsrI enzyme was carried out for genotyping of the amplicon. Based on the restriction fragment length polymorphism pattern, we obtained certain genotypes. These were further recorded and followed by statistical analysis. We conducted a chi-square test to draw a comparison in terms of their genotype and allele frequencies. We calculated the odds ratio, along with 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: The frequency of genotypes and distribution of MMP-13 polymorphism did not exhibit a statistically significant difference at χ2 degrees of freedom (P = 0.913). We inferred from our study that there was no significant difference between the groups concerning homozygous and heterozygous mutant genotypes (AA vs. AG + GG), with a P-value of 0.6871. The observed frequencies of GG (47% vs. 43%) and AG+AA (41% vs. 42%) genotypes did not indicate a significant difference between the groups. Similarly, there was no noteworthy distinction between the A allele (62% vs. 65%) and G allele (38% vs. 35%) in the case and control groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study reveal that there is no correlation between MMP-13 (rs2252070) gene polymorphism and periodontitis.

Correlation Between Body Mass Index and Periodontitis: A Clinical and Biochemical Analysis.

Introduction Obesity is the excessive deposition of body fat in relation to lean body mass. In this research, its relation to periodontitis has been analysed using clinical and biochemical parameters. The current study assessed the correlation between body mass index (BMI) and periodontitis using salivary visfatin levels. Materials and methods Sixty participants (33 males and 27 females) were categorised into three different groups according to BMI: group 1: normal weight (n=20); group 2: overweight (n=20); and group 3: obese (n=20). Clinical parameters such as probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Salivary samples were collected and assessed for salivary visfatin levels with the aid of a human visfatin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The results were assessed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2015; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results The PPD, CAL, and salivary visfatin levels were higher in group 3, followed by groups 2 and 1, and were statistically significant (p=0.000). The correlation between visfatin and PPD (r=0.962) and visfatin and CAL (r=0.978) was strongly positive and statistically significant. Conclusion This study demonstrates a strong positive correlation between BMI and periodontitis. Moreover, salivary visfatin can be considered a diagnostic marker for periodontal diseases.

Clinical and Biochemical Effects of Antioxidant Gel as a Local Drug Delivery Agent in Stage II Grade A Periodontitis Patients: A Prospective Clinical Study.

Background Periodontal tissue breakdown is mainly due to pathogenic bacteria and dysregulated immune response resulting in the production of reactive oxygen species/reactive nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) causing tissue degradation. Scaling and root planing (SRP) is usually done for the management of periodontitis. However, it has been reported that adjuncts like antibiotics, antiseptics, and antioxidants in the form of local drug delivery enhance the outcome of SRP. Aim The present clinical study aims to examine the efficacy of an antioxidant oral gel (Bluem®) as a local drug delivery agent adjunct to SRP in the management of stage II grade A periodontitis in terms of clinical and biochemical parameters. Materials and methods The prospective clinical study was conducted among 40 stage II grade A periodontitis patients. The participants were then divided into two groups: Group 1 (Control)-SRP alone (n=20) and Group 2 (Test)-antioxidant gel (Bluem®) with SRP (n=20). Clinical variables including plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Saliva (unstimulated) specimens were collected to measure total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAOC), and oxidative stress index (OSI). Specimen collection and assessment of clinical variables were done before intervention (baseline) and after three months. SPSS Software (Version 20.0, Armonk, NY, USA: IBM Corp) was used for statistical analysis. Intragroup and intergroup comparisons were done by paired t-test and independent t-test, respectively. A p-value <0.05 indicated that the result was statistically significant. Results On intragroup analysis, both the groups at three months revealed statistically significant improvement of PI, GI, PD, CAL, TOS, TAOC, and OSI (p<0.05) from baseline. Intergroup comparison in the third month showed a statistically significant improvement in favor of Group 2 in terms of all the clinical and biochemical parameters (p<0.05) except for PI (p>0.05). Conclusion The locally delivered antioxidant gel as an adjunct to SRP seems to be effective in reducing oxidative stress and improving the periodontal parameters among stage II grade A periodontitis patients.

Association Between FADS1 Gene Polymorphism (rs174549) and Chronic Periodontitis: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Introduction FADS1 (fatty acid desaturase 1) gene polymorphism results in more susceptibility to certain metabolic diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases like periodontitis. This study aims to analyze the association between FADS1 gene polymorphism and various stages of periodontitis. Materials and methods One hundred subjects included in the study were categorized into two groups: group A (n = 50) had healthy periodontium, and group B (n = 50) had ≥stage II periodontitis. They were graded based on the clinical parameters of probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP). Five milliliters of venous blood were collected, and DNA isolation was done. Genomic DNA was extracted. The DNA was then subjected to amplification with the help of specific primers flanking the Providencia stuartii I (PstI) polymorphic site of the FADS1 gene. A chi-square test aimed to examine the genotype and allele frequency distributions in both groups; p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results The difference in genotype frequency of FADS1 polymorphism was statistically insignificant (p = 0.91). Our study revealed no significant difference (AA vs. AG+GG) between the periodontitis and control groups between homozygous and heterozygous variant genotypes with a p-value of 0.7764. The frequency of AG (28% vs. 30%) and GG (62% vs. 58%) genotypes showed no significant difference between the periodontitis group and healthy control subjects. No significant difference was seen in the G allele (77% vs. 73%) and A allele (23% vs. 27%) between the periodontitis and control groups. Conclusion The study concluded that FADS1 receptor polymorphism is not associated with periodontitis in the study population.

Efficacy of Rose Bengal-Mediated Antimicrobial Photodynamic Therapy as an Adjunct to Scaling and Root Planing on Clinical and Microbiological Parameters in the Management of Chronic Periodontitis: A Single-Blinded, Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

Aim: The study aims to assess the efficacy of rose bengal (RB)-mediated antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (a-PDT) as an adjunct to scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis patients in terms of clinical parameters like gingival index (GI), probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and microbiological parameters like total microbial count, total red complex organism count, Porphyromonas gingivalis count, Treponema denticola count, and Tannerella forsythia count. Materials and Methods: In this randomized controlled clinical trial, a total of 30 patients were recruited who met the inclusion criteria. The participants were randomly allocated into group A with scaling and root planning (SRP) alone and group B with SRP + a-PDT. The clinical and microbiological parameters were measured at baseline and at 3-month follow-up. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons were performed using independent t test and paired t test, respectively. Value of p < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At 3-month follow-up, group B treated with SRP + a-PDT showed statistically significant reduction in GI (0.58 ± 0.20) and PPD (1.81 ± 0.32 mm), gain in CAL (0.73 ± 0.04 mm), and reduction in total microbial count [2.80 ± 0.08 × 104 colony forming unit (CFU)], total red complex count (0.29 ± 0.14 × 102 CFU), P. gingivalis count (0.43 ± 0.13 × 102 CFU), T. denticola count (0.61 ± 0.04 × 102 CFU), and T. forsythia count (0.59 ± 0.04 × 102 CFU) as compared with group A (p < 0.05). Conclusion: RB-mediated a-PDT as an adjunct to SRP was significantly more effective in improving GI, PPD, and CAL and in reducing microbial count as compared with SRP alone in the management of chronic periodontitis.

Efficacy of Locally Delivered Aloe Vera Hydrogel in Patients With Chronic Periodontitis: A Prospective Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Various herbal and natural products have been used for multiple purposes in medicine due to recent interest and advancements in the field of alternative medicine. For the past few millennia, aloe vera has been used as medicine. Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties have been proven to reduce periodontal disease. AIM: In patients with generalised chronic periodontitis, this study examined the impact of aloe vera hydrogel in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP). METHODS: Sixty patients with generalised chronic periodontitis were enrolled in this study and split into two groups: Group 1 (control) - SRP alone (n=30) and Group 2 (test) - Aloe vera hydrogel with SRP (n=30). Clinical parameters related to periodontal disease, such as plaque index (PI), clinical attachment level (CAL), and probing depth (PD) were measured at baseline and three months after the procedure, and the results were compared using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS, version 23.0; IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Armonk, NY) software. A p-value of <0.05 indicated that the result was statistically significant. RESULTS: When comparing both groups' third-month periodontal clinical parameters to the baseline, there was a significant improvement (p<0.05). In the third month, the test group showed better improvement in PD and CAL than the control group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of SRP and aloe vera hydrogel greatly improved periodontal clinical parameters. However, studies with long-term follow-up assessing the efficacy of other modes of delivering aloe vera and also its effect on microbiological and immunological parameters are warranted in the future to substantiate these findings.

Development and Characterization of Gadolinium and Copper Reinforced Bioactive Glass: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Bioactive glass, an innovative alloplastic material utilizing a matrix of silica particles combined with calcium and phosphorus, has been widely employed for the regeneration of bony defects due to its bone-forming capabilities and biocompatibility. Nevertheless, it comes with several drawbacks, including a slow degradation rate, low mechanical strength, and susceptibility to fractures. To address these issues, the present research was done to develop and characterize a novel bioactive glass incorporating gadolinium (Gd) and copper (Cu). METHODS: The bioactive glass doped with Gd and Cu were synthesized and subjected to characterization through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and attenuated total reflectance-infrared (ATR-IR) analysis. RESULTS: The bioactive glass, enriched with Gd and Cu, underwent analysis using ATR-IR spectroscopy, XRD, and SEM. ATR-IR revealed characteristic silicate bands, while SEM indicated the presence of particles larger than 4 µm. XRD analysis identified the formation of Na2Ca4(PO4)2SiO4 (Silicorhenatite), Na2Ca2Si3O9 (Combeite), and wollastonite (calcium inosilicate mineral; CaSiO3). The crystalline nature of these compounds contributed to the favorable mechanical properties of the bioactive glass. CONCLUSION: In summary, the creation of the innovative Gd-Cu-incorporated bioactive glass demonstrates favorable mechanical characteristics, suggesting significant promise for augmenting bone regeneration.

Synthesis and Analysis of Novel Hyaluronic Acid-Based Dual Photocrosslinkable Tissue Adhesive: An In Vitro Study.

Background Tissue adhesives are mainly used for aiding in the attachment of adjacent tissues or to nearby hard tissue surfaces. They promote the natural healing processes of the tissues, especially for less painful closure, simple application, no need for sutures following surgery, and localized drug release. This study aimed to synthesize and assess the properties of hyaluronic acid (HA)-based, dual photocrosslinkable tissue adhesive. Materials and methodology N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS), 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-carbodiimide (EDC), HA, and polymethylmethacrylate, which served as a photoinitiator, were combined to synthesize a tissue adhesive. The prepared formulation was characterized, and its biocompatibility was assessed. Results Surface morphology, mechanical properties, and biological properties of the HA adhesive were comparable to those of conventional fibrin glue. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis showed the average size of the molecules, 10-25 mm in diameter, and also showed a smooth and nonporous surface. The specimens experienced maximum compressive stress of 0.06 ± 0.02 MPa, compressive strain of 3.07 ± 2.02, and a compressive displacement at break of 3.04 ± 1.23 mm, with a maximum force of 2.33 ± 0.07 N at break. The cytotoxicity assay results for HA and fibrin glue are almost equal. Conclusion HA-based photocrosslinkable tissue adhesive could be a potential biomaterial in various applications in the field of medicine, especially in soft tissue management.

Preparation and Evaluation of the Biological Properties of Ethanolic Extract of Red Clover: An In Vitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: Red clover, a perennial herbaceous plant, has been demonstrated to possess blood-purifying, expectorant, and calming properties. This research endeavors to create and evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant characteristics, and cytotoxic effects of the ethanolic extract derived from red clover. METHODS: A water-based solution of red clover was formulated and subjected to centrifugation. Various concentrations of the extract were applied to the wells of agar plates inoculated with E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans and then left to incubate. The inhibition zones for each concentration were subsequently measured. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, while the cytotoxicity of the extract was assessed through the brine shrimp lethality assay. RESULTS: Initially, the extract was tested with a volume of 10 µL, which was subsequently incremented to 20 µL, 30 µL, 40 µL, and 50 µL. According to the DPPH assay, as the concentration of the extract solution increased incrementally by 10 µL, its antioxidant activity also exhibited a corresponding rise. The cytotoxicity assay indicated that the mouthwash formulated with red clover had minimal cytotoxic effects within the range of 5-20 µL. Antibacterial analysis revealed a similar zone of inhibition between the test and control groups. CONCLUSION: The ethanolic extract obtained from red clover was identified as a powerful antioxidant, antibacterial, and biocompatible substance. Hence, it can be a potential candidate for application as a mouthwash.

Preparation and Characterization of Ferulic Acid Hydrogel and Its Application as a Local Drug Delivery Agent in Periodontitis.

Introduction Periodontitis, a persistent inflammatory condition, impacts the tissues supporting teeth. Beyond mechanically eradicating the biofilm, additional host-modulating agents can aid in the treatment of periodontitis. Among these, gels are a very popular choice for use in the field of dentistry as these systems boast high biocompatibility and bioadhesiveness. These qualities make them easily administered and fabricated. They are typically placed into the periodontal site via wide-port needle syringes. Many investigations have demonstrated that hydrogels possess the ability for controlled drug release and aid in periodontal wound healing. Hence, this study aimed to develop a ferulic acid hydrogel and assess its effectiveness for managing periodontitis. Materials and methods Ferulic acid hydrogel was prepared followed by haemolysis assay and biocompatibility assay. After the in vitro analysis, a clinical trial was conducted: 20 patients were divided into Group A (comprising patients in whom scaling and root planing (SRP) was done) and Group B (comprising patients in whom SRP along with hydrogel application was done). Each patient's pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL), gingival index (GI), and plaque index (PI) were recorded at baseline and at three months. Intergroup and intragroup comparisons of the parameters were made. Results Ferulic acid hydrogels exhibit a minimal ratio of red blood cell destruction, indicating their low haemolytic activity. Beyond 94 hours, ferulic acid hydrogel demonstrates minimal toxicity towards human fibroblasts, suggesting it has good biocompatibility. When clinical parameters were compared after three months of treatment with SRP alone, significant reductions were observed in all parameters. However, when hydrogel application was done along with SRP, greater reduction was seen in terms of all clinical parameters indicating the efficacy of the ferulic acid hydrogel as an adjunct.  Conclusion Ferulic acid has distinct haemolytic activity as well as good biocompatibility. Its use also led to a considerable reduction in all clinical parameters, necessitating its role as a local drug delivery agent in the treatment of periodontitis.