Significance and Diagnostic Role of Antimicrobial Cathelicidins (LL-37) Peptides in Oral Health

Cathelicidins are a group of oral antimicrobial peptides that play multiple vital roles in the human body, such as their antimicrobial (broad spectrum) role against oral microbes, wound healing, and angiogenesis, with recent evidences about their role in cancer regulation. Cathelicidins are present in humans and other mammals as well. By complex interactions with the microenvironment, it results in pro-inflammatory effects. Many in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted to ultimately conclude that these unique peptides play an essential role in innate immunity. Peptides are released in the precursor form (defensins), which after cleavage results in cathelicidins formation. Living in the era where the major focus is on non-invasive and nanotechnology, this ultimately leads to further advancements in the field of salivaomics. Based on current spotlight innovations, we have highlighted the biochemistry, mode of action, and the importance of cathelicidins in the oral cavity

Investigation of barium sulphate shielding during panoramic radiography

Abstract Background Radiation shielding in radiology has historically been achieved with lead; however, there has been an increasing demand for radiation shielding to be more environmentally friendly. Barium has shown promise as a substitute in many radiology applications. This study aims to investigate a barium sulphate shield in protecting the thyroid and the eye lens during panoramic radiography. Methods During a simulated panoramic examination, an anthropomorphic phantom and a solid-state detector measured the radiation dose to the surface thyroid and the eye lens. The measurements were taken using no shield and a barium sulphate shield. A Welch's T-test was employed to compute the shield's effect on radiation. Two radiologists assessed the image quality with and without the thyroid shields. Results The dose reduction was between 66 and 75% for the barium shield at the thyroid. The dose reduction ranged between 15 and 61% in the eye region. Images using a barium shield were deemed adequate for diagnostic interpretation. Conclusions Barium shields effectively reduce the radiation dose in the thyroid region during panoramic radiography without degrading image quality. The dose reduction depends on the tube voltage and the area of interest