Comparative Evaluation of Periodontal Ligament-associated Protein-1/Asporin Levels in Periodontal Tissue in Health and Disease.

Background: Periodontal ligament-associated protein-1 (PLAP-1)/asporin is an extracellular matrix protein that plays a protective role in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. There is a paucity of information about the association between PLAP-1/asporin and periodontitis in human PDL. Thus, in this study, PLAP-1/asporin levels between participants with healthy periodontium and chronic periodontitis were compared and correlated with periodontal parameters. Materials and Methods: Fifty participants were recruited and divided into 25 in each group: Group 1 (control) and Group 2 (test). Probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded. Periodontal ligament (PDL) samples were collected from extracted teeth for estimating PLAP-1/asporin levels using the Human Asporin Enzyme-Linked Immunoassay Kit. Results: A statistically significant difference (P = 0.001) in the PLAP-1/asporin levels was observed between Group 1 and Group 2. A weak negative correlation was observed between PLAP-1/asporin levels and periodontal parameters (PPD and CAL) in both groups. Conclusion: In this study, higher PLAP-1/asporin levels in participants with healthy periodontium highlight the protective role of PLAP-1/asporin in maintaining periodontal homeostasis.

Effectiveness of platelet rich fibrin versus demineralized bone xenograft in periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the rate of extraction space closure between periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) (Group 1) and PAOO using demineralized bone xenograft (DMBM) (Group 2) and to compare the level of wound healing between the PRF group vs the DMBM group after PAOO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A two-arm prospective single blind pilot study with a split-mouth design was used in which 14 patients requiring premolar extraction were divided into two groups: PRF and DMBM. En-masse space closure was carried out with using mini implants after the PAOO procedure. The amount of space closure was measured at five time points with 2-week intervals within 2 months. The gingival healing levels were assessed using early wound healing scores on the first postoperative day. RESULTS: The rate of extraction space closure was faster in the experimental quadrant at all time points (T1-T4) in the PRF group and at time points (T3, T4) in the DMBM group. Comparison between experimental quadrants showed a significant increase in the rate of space closure in the PRF group T1 to T3 (P < .05). The PRF group showed higher total early healing scores than the DMBM group. CONCLUSIONS: PRF, when used in the PAOO procedure, produces a faster rate of space closure with better early wound healing than DMBM.

Preparation and characterization of succinyl chitosan and succinyl chitosan nanoparticle film: In vitro and in vivo evaluation of wound healing activity.

Development of novel wound dressing materials having the ability to prevent bacterial infections and capable of accelerating the tissue regeneration process is utmost important, since the wounds in patients can cause severe health issues. In the present work, we synthesized novel N-succinyl chitosan nanoparticles (N-SuC NPs) films and tested their antimicrobial, cytotoxicity, and in vitro and in vivo wound healing activity. N-SuC NPs were synthesized by ionic gelation method, and subsequently N-SuC NPs films were prepared by solution casting method using synthesized N-SuC NPs. The prepared N-SuC NPs films showed significant antimicrobial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 6 mg/mL and <8 mg/mL, respectively. The biocompatibility and the in vitro wound healing activity of N-SuC NPs films were analyzed using human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cells. In vivo cutaneous wound healing of the N-SuC NPs film was investigated using the Wister rat model, and the studies showed that the N-SuC NPs film significantly accelerated the wound healing process by inducing more blood vessels formation and tissue granulation. The experimental results showed that synthesized N-SuC NPs film had excellent antimicrobial, cytotoxicity and wound healing activity, indicating that it could be used in biomedical applications.

Succinyl chitosan gold nanocomposite: Preparation, characterization, in vitro and in vivo anticandidal activity.

Herein, we have successfully synthesized a novel N-Succinyl chitosan/gold nanocomposite (N-SuC/Au NC) using N-SuC and gold(III) chloride, and investigated the biocompatibility and antifungal activity. The synthesized N-SuC/Au NC was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscope, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The N-SuC/Au NC exhibited a strong inhibition effect towards pathogenic Candida albicans. Morphological analysis revealed the destruction of C. albicans cell membrane due to N-SuC/Au NC treatment. The in vitro and in vivo toxicity of N-SuC/Au NC was analyzed with HEK293T mammalian cells and zebrafish larvae, respectively. The synthesized N-SuC/Au NC demonstrated no cytotoxicity towards HEK293T cells up to 1200 µg/mL concentration. The survival rate of the zebrafish larvae at 120 hpf, was found as 100% up to 1200 µg/mL of N-SuC/Au NC exposure. The in vivo studies further confirmed the inhibitory effects of N-SuC/Au NC on the formation of C. albicans hyphae in infected zebrafish muscle tissue.

Synthesis, characterization of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites and evaluation of its antifungal activity against pathogenic Candida albicans.

In this study, we investigated the antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of ZnO-chitosan nanocomposites (ZnO-C NCs) against Candida albicans and human epithelial type 2 (HEp2) cells, respectively. The crystalline phase, morphology, composition, particle size and optical absorption properties of the synthesized ZnO-C NCs were systematically investigated by various contemporary methods. The X-ray diffraction analysis results showed characteristic diffraction peaks corresponding to both ZnO and chitosan, while field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) displayed clusters of spherical shaped particulate morphology. UV-vis absorption spectra showed a shift in the optical absorption towards lower wavelength for ZnO-C NCs when compared to ZnO nanoparticles (NPs). The antifungal activity results (against C. albicans) showed that the minimum inhibitory concentration of ZnO NPs and ZnO-C NCs were 200µg/mL and 75µg/mL, respectively, suggesting the greater therapeutic potential of ZnO-C NCs. FESEM analysis results showed the substantial change in the external morphology of C. albicans after treatment with both ZnO NPs and ZnO-C NCs due to the fungal cell membrane damage. ZnO-C NCs displayed lower cytotoxicity with HEp2 cells indicating the good cytocompatibility of the synthesized ZnO-C NCs. It is expected that ZnO and chitosan complement each other and exhibit synergistic effects potential for antimicrobial and biomedical applications.

Self-reported prenatal oral health-care practices of preterm low birth weight-delivered women belonging to different socioeconomic status: A postnatal survey.

BACKGROUND: The differences in the oral health status between the individuals with a high socioeconomic status (SES) and those with a low SES had markedly increased. There is, however, minimal information available on women understanding the need of dental hygiene for overall health and whether pregnant women comply with the current oral health strategies. In Lieu with the above, the present study aims to assess the awareness, dental hygiene practices, and the frequency of dental visits during pregnancy in postnatal women who delivered preterm low birth weight babies of different SES in and around Puducherry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 individuals who visited Rajiv Gandhi Maternity Centre, Puducherry for delivery were selected. Information regarding onset of prenatal care, referral to dentist, and oral hygiene habits such as frequency of brushing, type of brush used, method of brushing, and frequency of brush change were obtained. Periodontal health status was recorded using PSR system. RESULTS: Awareness of oral hygiene practices was more among upper middle class and lower middle class compared to upper lower strata. Visit to dentist during perinatal period was high among upper middle class compared to other socioeconomic strata. CONCLUSIONS: The awareness of oral health-care practices and importance of oral care during perinatal period were less among low socioeconomic strata.

Effectiveness of a controlled release chlorhexidine chip (PerioCol™-CG) as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing when compared to scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis: A comparative study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a controlled-release chlorhexidine chip as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing when compared with scaling and root planing alone in the treatment of chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 20 patients with a total number of 40 posterior sites were selected. These sites were divided into two groups in a split mouth design,: Group A (control site) had 20 sites treated with scaling and root planing alone and Group B (test site) had 20 sites treated with scaling and root planing and PerioCol™-CG. The clinical parameters (Plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing pocket depth, clinical attachment level) were recorded at baseline, 90(th) and 180(th) day for both the groups. RESULTS: When both groups were compared the change in Plaque index was significantly higher in Group B when compared to Group A on the 90(th) day and 180(th) day. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean percentage of gingival bleeding sites between the two groups on the 90(th) day, though Group B showed a statistically higher reduction in the mean percentage of gingival bleeding sites at the end of 180(th) day. There was no statistically significant difference in probing pocket depth between the two groups on both 90(th) and 180(th) day. Gain in clinical attachment level was significantly higher in Group B when compared to Group A on the 90(th) and 180(th) day. CONCLUSION: From the results observed in this study, it can be concluded that the adjunctive use of PerioCol™-CG was safe and provided significant improvement in both Plaque index and gingival bleeding index. It was also more favorable than scaling and root planing alone for gain in clinical attachment level.

Effect of oil pulling on halitosis and microorganisms causing halitosis: a randomized controlled pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: Oil pulling therapy has been used extensively as a traditional Indian folk remedy for many years for strengthening teeth, gums, and jaws and to prevent decay, oral malodor, bleeding gums and dryness of throat, and cracked lips. AIMS: The aims of this study were to evaluate the effect of oil pulling with sesame oil on halitosis and the microorganisms that could be responsible for it and to compare its efficacy with chlorhexidine mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group I (oil pulling) and group II (chlorhexidine) included 10 adolescents each. The following parameters were assessed: marginal gingival index, plaque index, organoleptic breath assessment (ORG 1), self-assessment of breath (ORG 2), and BANA test from tongue coating samples on days 0 and 14 of the experimental period. RESULTS: The comparisons of the pre and post therapy values of plaque and modified gingival index score showed a statistically significant difference (P = 0.005 and 0.007, respectively) in group I and II. There was a definite reduction in the ORG 1, ORG 2, scores and BANA test score in both groups I and II. CONCLUSIONS: Oil pulling therapy has been equally effective like chlorhexidine on halitosis and organisms, associated with halitosis.

Stability of chloramphenicol residues in shrimp subjected to heat processing treatments.

The stability of chloramphenicol residues in white shrimp (Penaeus indicus) subjected to cooking (100 degrees C) for 10, 20 and 30 min (C1, C2 and C3) as well as retorting (121 degrees C) for 10 and 15 min (R1 and R2) was studied by a microbial assay method using Photobacterium leiognathi as the test organism. The microbial assay method was found to have a good sensitivity of 1 microg/ml the loss of chloramphenicol in shrimp subjected to cooking for 10, 20 and 30 min was 6%, 12% and 29%, respectively. Similarly, the loss was 9% and 16% from the shrimp subjected to retorting for 10 and 15 min, respectively. The loss of chloramphenicol was found to increase with increase in temperature and duration of heating. This study showed that chloramphenicol is an unstable aquaculture drug that is destroyed or degrades during heat processing treatments.