Comparative Evaluation of Azadirachta indica (Neem) Chip and Soft Tissue Diode Lasers as a Supplement to Phase i Periodontal Therapy in Localized Chronic Moderate Periodontitis: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction. The current trial aimed to assess and compare the efficacy of neem chip and diode laser as a local drug delivery (LDD) agent as a supplement to phase I periodontal therapy in treatment of localized chronic moderate periodontitis. Materials and Methodology. Fourteen systemically healthy participants with 4-6 mm deep periodontal pockets at least in three quadrants (with no alveolar bony defect amenable to respective or regenerative osseous surgery, as seen in orthopantomograph) were selected for the trial. One week after phase I therapy, 10% absorbable chip of neem (commercially prepared by staff of a pharmacy college, Sheriguda, India) was placed in the periodontal pocket on one site, and soft tissue diode laser pocket sterilization was performed on the other site of the arch. Remaining one site was considered as a control. Parameters recorded clinically were plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and relative attachment level (RAL) measured at baseline, 21st day, and one month postoperatively. Results. Statistically significant improvements were observed in all clinical parameters at one month as compared to baseline for both treatment groups. Conclusion. Neem chip supplemented with phase I therapy showed best improvement in clinical parameters followed by laser supplemented with phase I therapy in comparison to phase I therapy alone at one month follow-up. Clinical Significance. Neem chips are nature's products, affordable without side effects, with a potential to be used as a local drug delivery agent in treating moderate chronic periodontitis

Physiological Gingival Melanin Hyperpigmentation Treatment with Injectable Vitamin C and Scalpel Technique: A Randomised Controlled Clinical Trial

Harmony between facial complexion and gingival health goes hand in hand. Gingival depigmentation is an aesthetic correction of hyperactive melanocytes in gingival tissues that lead to hyperpigmentation. Current study compares depigmentation, pain scores, and itching with scalpel technique and nonsurgical intramucosal Vitamin C injection. 30 individuals in the age range of 18–40 years conscious of dark gums were randomly allocated to test and control group by lottery method. Torough Phase I therapy was performed one week before the procedure. Area and intensity of depigmentation were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively; pain score, itching, and repigmentation percentage were the postoperative parameters. After 24 hrs, test group showed signifcantly lesser VAS score for pain as compared to control group. Tere was no statistically signifcant diference in preoperative area of pigmentation between the test and control group (p = 0.936). Postoperatively also, there was no statistically signifcant diference in area of pigmentation between the test and control group (p = 0.932). For comparing area of pigmentation, an independent t-test was applied and Mann–Whitney test was used for diferentiating the intensity of pigmentation, repigmentation, and VAS score between the groups. Te study concluded that Vitamin C mesotherapy and scalpel technique showed comparable results in reduction of areas and intensity of gingival hyperpigmentation. Copyright © 2023 Dhanashree S. Chaudhary et al

Zika virus – emergence, evolution, pathology, diagnosis, and control: current global scenario and future perspectives – a comprehensive review

This review converses the Zika virus which has attained global concern due to its rapid pandemic potential and impact on humans. Though Zika virus was first isolated in 1947, till the recent large-scale outbreak which occurred in Micronesia, in 2007, the virus was placed into the innocuous pathogen category. The World Health Organization on 1 February 2016 declared it as a 'Public Health Emergency of International Concern.' Of the note, American as well as Pacific Island strains/isolates is relatively closer to Asian lineage strains. The African and American strains share more than 87.5% and 95% homologies with Asian strains/isolates, respectively. Asian strains form independent clusters, except those isolated from China, suggesting relatively more diversity than African strains. Prevention and control are mainly aimed at the vector population (mosquitoes) with Aedes aegypti being the main species. Surveys in Africa and Asia indicated seropositivity in various animal species. However, so far its natural reservoir is unknown. There is an urgent need to understand why Zika virus has shifted from being a virus that caused mild illness to unforeseen birth defects as well as autoimmune-neurological problems. Unfortunately, an effective vaccine is not available yet. Availability of cryo-electron microscopy based on 3.8 Å resolution revealing mature Zika virus structure and the probable virus attachment site to host cell would provide critical insights into the development of antiviral treatments and vaccines