The changing face of dentistry: nanotechnology

The human body comprises molecules; hence, the availability of molecular nanotechnology will permit dramatic progress to address medical problems and will use molecular knowledge to maintain and improve human health at the molecular scale. Nanomedicine could develop devices that are able to work inside the human body in order to identify the early presence of a disease, and to identify and quantify toxic molecules and tumor cells, for example. Nanodentistry will make possible the maintenance of comprehensive oral health by employing nanomaterials, including tissue engineering and, ultimately, dental nanorobots. This review is an attempt to highlight the possible applications of nanotechnology and the use of nanomaterials in dentistry

Periodontal disease as a risk factor for coronary artery disease

Background: To evaluate and compare the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL in subjects with healthy periodontal disease with that of chronic generalized severe periodontitis.Methods: 30 subjects with a healthy periodontium (control group) and 30 subjects suffering from chronic generalized severe periodontitis (test group) were selected for the study to compare their serum levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL after obtaining informed consent. Blood samples were collected and sent for the assessment of lipid (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL) levels and the data was subjected to statistical analysis.Results: The results of the our study show that there is significantly higher levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL in chronic generalized severe periodontitis as compared to healthy periodontium. Conclusion: The observation of this study was that there was a statistically highly significant level of total cholesterol, triglyceride and LDL in chronic generalized severe periodontitis as compared to healthy subjects suggesting a relationship between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease

Fibroblasts and Phagocytic Cells in Phenytoin-induced Connective Tissue Proliferation

Objective: To evaluate the relationship of phenytoin-induced gingival enlargement and inflammation to find out if there is any significant correlation between hyperplastic index andperiodontal parameters, the number of fibroblasts and phagocytic cells. Background: The introduction of phenytoin as an anti-epileptic drug in 1938 marked the beginning of a new era in the treatment of grandmal epileptic patients decreasing significantly not only the epileptic attacks but also improving the quality of life. However, there is concern in dentistry regarding gingival overgrowth as a side-effect. A histological study of this tissue can shed some light on the changes taking place. Materials and methods: Twenty-four epileptic patients on phenytoin therapy were divided into two groups as follows: • Group I or test group of individuals who had been suffering from gingival enlargement, • Group II or control patients taking phenytoin without any gingival enlargement. Plaque, gingival and hyperplastic indices of anterior teeth were determined in all the subjects. Biopsy specimens of allpatients were taken and subjected to histopathological examination to determine the number of fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes, and the level of inflammation, capillary proliferation and collagenation. Results: There is a significant increase in number of fibroblasts, macrophages, lymphocytes,collagenation and capillary proliferation in the enlarged gingiva of test group as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The degree of inflammation increases with the degree of enlargement. There is an increase in angiogenesisand the number of phagocytic cells thus indicating that phenytoin exerts growth promoting effects on the connective tissues.&nbsp

ENHANCED SUPERCAPACITIVE PERFORMANCE OF NANOCRYSTALLINE Mn3O4 SYNTHESIZED BY HYDROTHERMAL METHOD

Mn3O4 nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a simple hydrothermal method at low temperatures. The processing conditions such as reaction temperature and time were optimized to synthesized phase pure nanocrystalline Mn3O4 with good electrochemical properties. The particles synthesized at a reaction temperature of 150°C for 12 h exhibited different characteristic peaks along with (211) predominant orientation which corresponds to tetragonal structure of Mn3O4 with space group I41/amd (141) and estimated crystallite size of 32 nm. The SEM analysis reveals that the octahedral shape of grains with an average grain size of 180 nm. The vibrational studies from Raman and FTIR measurements confirmed the microstructure and presence of Mn-O bonding. The conductivity of the product was increased with increasing temperature following the Arrhenius behavior with estimated activation energy of 0.37 eV. The supercapacitive performance of nanocrystalline Mn3O4 octahedrons in 1M Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte exhibited a high specific capacitance of 348 Fg-1 at current density of 0.5 mAcm-2 and 70% capacitive retention even after 4000 cycles

A prospective study on the predictors of mechanical ventilation in organophosphate poisoning

Background: Organophosphorus poisoning is one of the most common poisonings often requiring ICU care and ventilatory support. The objective and aim of this study are to identify the factors which predict the need for ventilation in these patients.Methods: 50 patients who were diagnosed to have consumed organophosphorus compound poison admitted in Konaseema Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Foundation who presented within 24 hours of consumption are included in the study. Patients with double poisonings, concomitant illnesses, chronic lung diseases and those treated outside are excluded from the study.Results: A total number of 50 patients were studied. 18(36%) patients required ventilation. Generalized fasciculations was a discernible feature in 66% of cases in this study. 69.2% of patients with a fasciculation score of ≥4 required ventilation. Ventilation was needed by 55% of patients who had a Glasgow Coma Scale score of ≤10.Conclusions: Patients who presented with higher fasciculation scores and/or lower GCS scores were more likely to require ventilation. Using GCS scores as a predictor for the requirement of ventilatory support in organophosphate poisoning, a GCS score ten or less was significantly associated with an increased need for ventilatory support

Acceptance sampling plans for percentiles based on the inverse Rayleigh distribution

In this article, acceptance sampling plans are developed for the inverse Rayleigh distribution percentiles when the life test is truncated at a pre-specified time. The minimum sample size necessary to ensure the specified life percentile is obtained under a given customer’s risk. The operating characteristic values (and curves) of the sampling plans as well as the producer’s risk are presented. Two examples with real data sets are also given as illustration

Geriatric Endodontic

Developments in medicine have resulted in an increase in the life span of people, thereby leading to an increase in the number of geriatric patients. Adverse oral health has been identified as a risk factor for several systemic disorders/diseases. Therefore, dental care should be integrated into overall health management of all geriatric patients. Increased numbers of such patients in dentistry has resulted in the preferred use of alternatives like endodontics rather than extractions to improve the longevity of the natural dentition. Special knowledge, skills and attitude are necessary for the management of the geriatric patients. This review discusses the unique challenges faced by the endodontist in carrying out root canal treatment in such individuals