Evaluation of the effect of allograft with doxycycline versus the allograft alone in the treatment of infrabony defects: A controlled clinical and radiographical study

Background: Successful prevention and treatment of periodontal disease are contingent on effective control of periodontopathic microbiota based on the premise of periodontal disease being infectious disorders. An anti-microbial agent, i.e., doxycycline has been incorporated into the allograft to control infection and facilitate healing during and after periodontal therapy. Materials and Methods: Using a split-mouth design, 15 patients showing clinical evidence of almost identical bilateral infrabony defects requiring bone grafting procedures were randomly selected. In each patient, infrabony defects on one side were designated as Group A (control group) and infrabony defects of the contralateral side of the same arch were designated as Group B (test group). Clinical assessment of probing pocket depth and attachment level and radiographic evaluation of the defect depth was done pre-operatively and at 12-week and 24-week post-operatively. The relative efficacy of the two treatment modalities was evaluated using paired Student′s t-test and the comparative evaluation between the two groups over the 3 time intervals was done using independent Student′s t-test. Results: Both the groups exhibited a highly significant reduction in probing depth and gain in clinical attachment level (CAL) and a linear bone fill at the end of 12 and 24 weeks. Comparative evaluation showed a statistically significant gain in bone fill in Group B as compared to Group A, whereas a non-significant reduction in probing depth and gain in CALs between the two groups at the end of 24 weeks (whereas mean reduction in probing depth and gain in CAL were also greater in Group B but the difference was statistically non-significant). Conclusion: The increase in linear bone fill in Group B signifies the role of doxycycline in augmenting regenerative potential of allograft by combating residual infection and through host modulation

Effect of drying on the physico-chemical and organoleptic characteristics of Chayote (<i>Sechium edule </i>Sw.)

29-33Chayote (Sechium edule Sw.), a neglected and underutilized fruit grown in lower areas of Himachal Pradesh is rich in neutral and acid detergent fibres but low in protein, fat and available energy. However, the fruit is known for its medicinal value. In view of its poor keeping quality and limited shelf life, the preservation by dehydration of chayote pieces and shreds was attempted at 55, 65 and 75ºC in a mechanical drier. The results of the study revealed that dehydration at 55 and 65ºC yielded better quality products as assessed from the time of drying, colour changes, reconstitution and sensory acceptability

Assessment of additional relative plaque removing efficacy of a newly available toothbrush

Aim: To confirm claimed additional efficacy of Sensodyne Expert tooth brush over other commonly used commercially available tooth brushes. Methods and Materials: This was a single use randomized double blind study for the assessment of plaque remaining after tooth brushing with Sensodyne Expert tooth brush to that remaining after brushing with the. Forty subjects were enrolled in the study. Only the right-handed subjects were chosen for the study. One side of the subjects' oral cavity was randomly assigned to be brushed with Sensodyne Expert toothbrush while the other was brushed using the already in use subject's regular tooth brush for one minute each side. Two tone disclosing agent was then used to identify and score post-brushing plaque remaining after tooth brushing on the selected teeth. Plaque was scored using the Turesky et al. Modified Quigley-Hein Plaque Index (TQHPI) on selected teeth on both sides of the oral cavity. Results: The mean post brushing plaque score for assessed teeth brushed with Sensodyne Expert tooth brush was 1.283 ± 0.39, while that with already in use subject's regular tooth brush was and 1.153±0.71. Student t-test was used for analysis of results. There was an nonsignificant difference in post brushing plaque scores of both groups at assessed p value (P = 0.078). This suggests that subjects of this study were able to equally effectively remove plaque using their own and Sensodyne Expert tooth brushes. Conclusion: The plaque removing efficacy of Sensodyne Expert tooth brush was comparable to that of other tooth brusheswhen plaque on the selected teeth remaining after tooth brushing was assessed. Additional plaque removing efficacy of Sensodyne Expert tooth brushover subjects' other already in use toothbrushes was not found