Arterial supply of the trigeminal ganglion, a micromorphological study

Background: In this study, we explored the specific microanatomical properties of the trigeminal ganglion (TG) blood supply and its close neurovascular relationships with the surrounding vessels. Possible clinical implications have been discussed. Materials and methods: The internal carotid and maxillary arteries of 25 adult and 4 foetal heads were injected with a 10% mixture of India ink and gelatin, and their TGs subsequently underwent microdissection, observation and morphometry under a stereoscopic microscope. Results: The number of trigeminal arteries varied between 3 and 5 (mean 3.34), originating from 2 or 3 of the following sources: the inferolateral trunk (ILT) (100%), the meningohypophyseal trunk (MHT) (100%), and from the middle meningeal artery (MMA) (92%). In total, the mean diameter of the trigeminal branches was 0.222 mm. The trigeminal branch of the ILT supplied medial and middle parts of the TG, the branch of the MHT supplied the medial part of the TG, and the branch of the MMA supplied the lateral part of the TG. Additional arteries for the TG emerged from the dural vascular plexus and the vascular network of the plexal segment of the trigeminal nerve. Uniform and specific intraganglionicdense capillary network was observed for each sensory trigeminal neuron. Conclusions: The reported features of the TG vasculature could be implied in a safer setting for surgical approach to the skull base, in relation to the surrounding structures. The morphometric data on TG vasculature provide anatomical basis for better understanding the complex TG blood supply from the internal and external carotid arteries

Titanium functionalized with polylysine homopolymers: In vitro enhancement of cells growth

In oral implantology, the success and persistence of dental implants over time are guar-anteed by the bone formation around the implant fixture and by the integrity of the peri-implant mucosa seal, which adheres to the abutment and becomes a barrier that hinders bacterial penetration and colonization close to the outer parts of the implant. Research is constantly engaged in looking for substances to coat the titanium surface that guarantees the formation and persistence of the peri-implant bone, as well as the integrity of the mucous perimeter surrounding the implant crown. The present study aimed to evaluate in vitro the effects of a titanium surface coated with polylysine homopolymers on the cell growth of dental pulp stem cells and keratinocytes to establish the potential clinical application. The results reported an increase in cell growth for both cellular types cultured with polylysine-coated titanium compared to cultures without titanium and those without coating. These preliminary data suggest the usefulness of polylysine coating not only for enhancing osteoinduction but also to speed the post-surgery mucosal healings, guarantee appropriate peri-implant epithelial seals, and protect the fixture against bacterial penetration, which is responsible for compromising the implant survival

Validated spectrophotometric methods for determination of Alendronate sodium in tablets through nucleophilic aromatic substitution reactions

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Alendronate (ALD) is a member of the bisphosphonate family which is used for the treatment of osteoporosis, bone metastasis, Paget's disease, hypocalcaemia associated with malignancy and other conditions that feature bone fragility. ALD is a non-chromophoric compound so its determination by conventional spectrophotometric methods is not possible. So two derivatization reactions were proposed for determination of ALD through the reaction with 4-chloro-7-nitrobenzo-2-oxa-1,3-diazole (NBD-Cl) and 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene (DNFB) as chromogenic derivatizing reagents.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Three simple and sensitive spectrophotometric methods are described for the determination of ALD. Method I is based on the reaction of ALD with NBD-Cl. Method II involved heat-catalyzed derivatization of ALD with DNFB, while, Method III is based on micellar-catalyzed reaction of the studied drug with DNFB at room temperature. The reactions products were measured at 472, 378 and 374 nm, for methods I, II and III, respectively. Beer's law was obeyed over the concentration ranges of 1.0-20.0, 4.0-40.0 and 1.5-30.0 μg/mL with lower limits of detection of 0.09, 1.06 and 0.06 μg/mL for Methods I, II and III, respectively. The proposed methods were applied for quantitation of the studied drug in its pure form with mean percentage recoveries of 100.47 ± 1.12, 100.17 ± 1.21 and 99.23 ± 1.26 for Methods I, II and III, respectively. Moreover the proposed methods were successfully applied for determination of ALD in different tablets. Proposals of the reactions pathways have been postulated.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The proposed spectrophotometric methods provided sensitive, specific and inexpensive analytical procedures for determination of the non-chromophoric drug alendronate either per se or in its tablet dosage forms without interference from common excipients.</p> <p>Graphical abstract</p> <p><display-formula><graphic file="1752-153X-6-25-i3.gif"/></display-formula></p

The effect of casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate on chemical-induced enamel erosion: an in vitro study with ESEM analysis

AIM: Chemical exogen acids effect can be considered in terms of the loss of hard tissue of teeth or potential loss. When the remineralization does not antagonize the demineralization, the dissolution of hard tissues arises. Significant among physical processes is degeneration in enamel structure due to the chemical processes of acidification and alkalinization. There are also several underlying determinants of enamel erosion. The enamel erosion induced by chemical exogen acids causes the dissolution of the hard tissues of teeth. The aim of this study was to analyze the erosive effect of three different soft drinks on the enamel surface and the potential remineralizing effect after applying casein phosphopeptide-amorphic calcium phosphate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen human third molar teeth specimens were analyzed to assess the effects of the topical cream containing 10% w/w casein phosphopeptide-amorphic calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) nanocomplexes on enamel teeth lesions. Morphological characterization of teeth was performed using Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope (ESEM). In addition, the surface of specimens was examined before and after immersion into three recipients containing three different soft drinks and after the remineralization process for comparison. RESULTS: Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis showed enamel morphology alterations after acidic soft drink exposure and superficially repair of teeth enamel after remineralizing treatment. CONCLUSION: This in vitro study demonstrated that the casein phosphopeptide-amorphic calcium phosphate treatment was effective in remineralizing demineralized subsurface lesion enamel in vitro after having caused alterations by exogen acids

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and cervical spine: is there any relationship between them?

Many studies supported the clinical, anatomical and functional relationship between the cranial region, the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) and the cervical spine; however, the mechanism of this relationship remains unclear, and the relation between temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) and the head and neck posture changes are still controversial. The understanding of the complex interrelations between the stomatognathic system, cervical spine, pain and dysfunctions in other areas of the body is useful in order to be able to treat patients more efficiently and effectively at the initial stage, when painful symptoms appear, and to cure them much swifter and in a more efficient way. On the other hand, the increased severity of temporomandibular disorders also could lead to a compensatory or antalgic posture of the neck. The function of the masticatory system should be evaluated in patients with neck complaints to rule out the possible involvement of the masticatory system. In addition, to be able to make successful therapeutic interventions, dental surgeons should cooperate in an interdisciplinary fashion with neurologists, orthopedists or neurosurgeons

Early functional orthodontic treatment of bad oral habits with AMCOP® bio-activators

Genetic and environmental factors influence craniofacial growth. The presence of bad habits such as fingeror pacifier sucking, atypical swallowing, oral breathing, nail-biting and abnormal postures play an essential rolein developing malocclusions. The severity and type of malocclusion are related to the age of the patient and thefrequency, duration and intensity of the spoiled habit. The most common malocclusions are: posterior crossbite,transverse contraction of the palate, anterior open bite, and augmented overjet. Eliminating oral habits withan interceptive functional treatment allows for restoring the correct development of the bone bases and normalocclusion. Elastodontic devices represent a valid tool to correct neuromuscular dysfunctions and re-educaterespiratory, swallowing, speech and masticatory functions, performing a functional, orthopaedic action

Electric toothbrush vs. sonic toothbrush, the effectiveness on gingival inflammation: a randomized clinical trial

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of electric or sonic toothbrushes on periodontal inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, one-blind study was conducted. Patients in the test group used sonic toothbrushes (Sonicare FlexCare with ProResults brush head, HX6011, Philips Oral Healthcare Inc, Bothell, Wash), whereas those in the control group used electric toothbrushes (Oral B Professional Care Triumph 4000, Procter &amp; Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). Periodontal status was recorded at baseline and 3 months. In total, 60 patients were recruited for the study at baseline. Plaque Index (PI) and Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) were used. Student’s t-test repeated was used to compare the mean PI and GI scores obtained between the test and control groups at each time point. RESULTS: In total, 56 subjects completed the study. Significant differences were recorded between the two groups for periodontal parameters at 3 months. In addition, the indices of group Sonic were significantly reduced at 3 months compared to the Roto-oscillatory Group (P &lt;.005). CONCLUSION: Sonic toothbrush reduced parameters of periodontal inflammation more effectively than the electric toothbrush

Salivary markers quantification of oxidative stress in patients with periodontitis, before and after intensive periodontal treatment: a one-blinded, randomized, clinical trial

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate the efficacy of electric or sonic toothbrushes on periodontal inflammation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized, controlled, one-blind study was conducted. Patients in the test group used sonic toothbrushes (Sonicare FlexCare with ProResults brush head, HX6011, Philips Oral Healthcare Inc, Bothell, Wash), whereas those in the control group used electric toothbrushes (Oral B Professional Care Triumph 4000, Procter &amp; Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio). Periodontal status was recorded at baseline and 3 months. In total, 60 patients were recruited for the study at baseline. Plaque Index (PI) and Loe and Silness Gingival Index (GI) were used. Student’s t-test repeated was used to compare the mean PI and GI scores obtained between the test and control groups at each time point. RESULTS: In total, 56 subjects completed the study. Significant differences were recorded between the two groups for periodontal parameters at 3 months. In addition, the indices of group Sonic were significantly reduced at 3 months compared to the Roto-oscillatory Group (P &lt;.005). CONCLUSION: Sonic toothbrush reduced parameters of periodontal inflammation more effectively than the electric toothbrush. © by BIOLIFE, s.a.s. Author keywords electric toothbrush; gingival inflammation; manual toothbrus; powered toothbrush; sonic toothbrus

Periodontal disease and clinical association with COVID-19 infection

SARS-CoV-2 infection can cause long-standing damage to the immune system characterized by increasedinflammatory cytokine activation. Maintaining periodontal health may reduce host susceptibility to COVID-19and prevent COVID-19 aggravation in infected patients. There is sufficient evidence in the literature towarrant an association between the presence of PDs and the development and course of respiratory illnesses.Optimum oral health, maintaining good systemic health, and elimination of smoking habits may be beneficialfor the prevention and management of COVID-19 infections. Future studies on the periodontal status ofpatients with COVID-19, including from mild to severe forms, could allow the opportune identification ofpeople at risk of severe illness and generate relevant recommendations. The connection, if any, betweenthe oral microbiome and COVID-19 complications is urgently required to establish the importance of oralhygiene and pre-existing oral disease in the severity and mortality risk of COVID-19