Cloning and characterization of the Plasmodium falciparum adenylosuccinate synthetase gene

The cloning and deduced amino acid sequence of Plasmodium falciparum adenylosuccinate synthetase (PfADSS) are reported. PfADSS exhibited 67% homology with the human enzyme. On expression in Escherichia coli, enzymatically active ADSS was produced as deduced by functional complementation analysis. The PfADSS activity was inhibited by hadacidin, a known competitive inhibitor of this enzyme. Nucleotide sequence data are available at GenBank under accession number AF095282

“Nanodentistry”- The Next Big Thing Is Small

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of dentistry with tremendous potential to provide the comprehensive oral health care using the nanomaterials, advanced clinical tools and devices. The new era of dentistry will encompass precisely regulated analgesia, tooth renaturalization, complete cure for hypersensitivity and rapid orthodontic treatment. Many novel nanotechnology products are on the way and new treatment modalities are also proposed. Nanotechnology has increased the hope for better oral health care delivery and improved maintenance through the ongoing research in diagnosis, cure and prevention of oral diseases. This review article provides an insight about the importance and possible applications of nanotechnology in the field of dentistry

Longevity of stainless steel crowns on primary molars - A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: Restoration of caries having multisurface involvement in primary teeth is a challenge to dentists. The success of the restoration often depends on its longevity. Hence, it is important to systematically review the longevity of stainless steel crowns (SSCs) on primary molars. Objectives: To determine the longevity of SSC and to determine the reasons of failure for the same. Data Sources: A systematic search was conducted in three databases: PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for the studies published from January 1, 2009 to September 25, 2019. Cross references of the selected articles were also searched and hand searching was done for the studies whose full texts were not available through the electronic search. Gray literature was also searched for the studies according to the relevance of this review. Study Eligibility: Studies were included if they were published between January 1, 2009 and September 25, 2019, which included comparative assessment of SSCs and other multisurface restorations in primary teeth. The study setting should be clinical based. The study designs included in the review were prospective, retrospective, and randomized control clinical trials. Studies written in the English language and studies written in any other language but are possible to get translated into English were included. Reviews, letters to the editor, and short communications were not included in the review. Studies conducted in permanent dentition were not included. For meta-analysis, randomized control trials and retrospective studies were included. Results: 1398 records were identified through data search using search strategy in PubMed, Google Scholar, and through Gray literature. After further exclusion, the total number of articles came out to be 41. Finally, six articles were included in the systematic review. These articles were also subjected to meta-analysis. The pooled success rate for SSC over 12 months was shown to be 96.096%. This was seen to be significantly higher. Conclusion: SSCs showed good longevity than the other restorative materials on primary molars

Knowledge and attitude regarding swine flu among dental house surgeons in Belagavi city: A cross-sectional study

Background: Influenza disease is one of the oldest medical problems, which is known to cause severe illness and high mortality rates, worldwide. In flu pandemics, medical and dental students' knowledge, attitudes, and practices are critical to save patients' life. Aims: To assess knowledge and attitude regarding swine flu among dental house surgeons in Belagavi city. Settings and Design: This was a cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted among dental surgeons of Belagavi city. Subjects and Methods: One hundred thirty-three participants were recruited in a convenient sampling cross-sectional survey. Pretested, self-reported questionnaire was used and results were analyzed applying fitting statistical tests. Statistical Analysis Used: Reliability of the questionnaire was checked using Cronbach's alpha which was found to be 78.4. Data were analyzed using SPSS 18.0 software. Results: From the present study, it was seen that the participants do not have adequate knowledge regarding swine flu influenza. Conclusions: We concluded that dental house surgeons do not have sufficient knowledge about swine flu. It seems that traditional educational models are not efficient and government with other nongovernmental organizations should emphasize to advocate motivational education methods including health belief model and motivational interview at undergraduate levels. Younger students and dentists may have less motivation to change their attitude and behavior so that we can focus our interventions on these groups

In vivo comparative evaluation of mineral trioxide aggregate and formocresol pulpotomy in primary molars: A 60-month follow-up study

Introduction: Pulpotomy is a regular procedure in the management of inflamed primary teeth. Diverse materials have been reviewed for the pulpotomy, some of them being formocresol, glutaraldehyde, ferric sulfate, and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Aims: The aim was to evaluate and compare clinically and radiographically the effects of MTA as a pulp dressing after coronal pulp amputation (pulpotomy) in primary molars. Settings and Design: Sixty primary molars of thirty healthy children using split mouth design aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. Subjects and Methods: Sixty primary mandibular molars of thirty healthy children aged between 4 and 6 years were treated by pulpotomy technique. The teeth on the right side were assigned to MTA (Group A) and the left side for the formocresol (Group B). The children were then examined clinically and radiographically every 6 months. Statistical analysis used: Chi-square test using the SPSS version 19.0 was used to compare between the two groups. Results: Results showed that both MTA and formocresol have the same outcome on the primary molars, with Chi-square value being 1.1483 (P ≥ 0.05). None of the teeth in any children in the study showed any clinical pathology. Conclusion: The principle conclusions of this study are that there are no significant differences in MTA and formocresol. The success rate of MTA and formocresol pulpotomy can be considered comparable till this therapy influences the development and growth of the permanent teeth

Psychological behavior management techniques to alleviate dental fear and anxiety in 4–14-year-old children in pediatric dentistry: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Child's uncooperative behavior can impede the efficient delivery of dental care. Therefore, in spite of exceeding availability of behavior management techniques there is a need to search for a psychological behavior management technique that effectively reduces fear and anxiety during dental treatment and instill a change in child's attitude toward the treatment and is also acceptable by the parents. The aim of our systematic review is to determine the efficacy of various psychological behavior management techniques in managing a child's behavior in pediatric dentistry by assessing the fear and anxiety levels, ease of use by the clinician, application in various operative procedures, and parental acceptance. A systematic search was conducted by two reviewers in databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane for the studies published from January 1, 2011, to December 31, 2020. Studies included were clinical studies which evaluated the efficacy of various psychological behavior management techniques by evaluating the fear and anxiety levels and the changes in behavior during dental treatment in children aged between 4 and 14 years. The studies selected were then assessed for quality with the help of predetermined criteria which categorized the studies into high, medium, and low. Through search strategy, 7147 articles were yielded. After screening through titles and abstracts, 60 nonduplicated articles were selected which were further screened for full text. At the end, 15 articles were included in systematic review and 3 articles for meta-analysis. It was concluded that all the psychological behavior management techniques aided in reduction of fear and anxiety. In noninvasive procedures, conventional psychological behavior management techniques can be effective but in invasive procedures other newer psychological behavior management techniques showed better results. The aspect of parental acceptance regarding various techniques was not discussed in any of the included studies

Comparative evaluation of postoperative pain after single sitting pulpectomy using hand and rotary instrumentation in primary molars of children – A randomized control study

AIM: The aim of the study is to evaluate and compare postoperative pain after single sitting pulpectomy using hand and rotary instrumentation in the primary molars of children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty children of age 4–8 years were selected using standard sample size formula for the single sitting pulpectomy after fulfilling inclusion and exclusion criteria and all participants were equally divided into two groups. Single sitting pulpectomy procedure was carried out in both groups. In the control group, K files and in the experimental group Pro AF baby gold pediatric rotary files were used, followed by obturation with zinc oxide-eugenol cement. Evaluation of postoperative pain was done using the modified visual analog scale at 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h. Furthermore, an evaluation of instrumentation time and quality of obturation was done. The patient is recalled after 7 days for the placement of stainless steel crown. RESULTS: The results showed no statistically significant difference in the postoperative pain after single sitting pulpectomy using hand and rotary instrumentation in the primary molars of children. There was no significant difference with the quality of obturation in both the study groups. However, a significant difference has been observed in the instrumentation time while using the rotary method of instrumentation as compared to hand instrumentation with independent t-test, t = 19.797 and P = 0.001. CONCLUSION: Among both the materials there was no significant difference found in postoperative pain and quality of obturation after single sitting pulpectomy in children. However, lesser instrumentation time was taken by rotary instrumentation as compared to conventional K file during single sitting pulpectomy in children

Evaluation of effectiveness of dental apps in management of child behaviour: A pilot study

Background: We see children from all age groups, be it a toddler to a teenager, stuck up to the mobile phone playing interactive games or even browsing internet entertainment holds a major share in the field of mobile applications, be it from listening to music or playing online games. However, very little has happened in favor of pediatric dentistry or even educating the patients about the procedures of their treatment which can help reduce their fear or apprehension. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dental apps in the management of child's anxiety and behavior. Materials and Methods: Sixty children (24 girls and 36 boys) were made to use mobile dental app called “My Little Dentist” developed by Tenlogix Games available on the Google Play Store on the android platform of the smartphones. Their anxiety levels were noted before and after playing the game using the face imaging scale. Results: The results were found to be highly significant; 86.67% patients turned from a negative to positive behavior, 11.67% from positive to definitely positive, and 1.67% from definitely negative to negative according to Frankl's behavior rating scale. Conclusion: The mobile dental app was found to be very useful in the dental setup to reduce the fear and anxiety of the pediatric patients

Evaluation of salivary nitric oxide levels in caries-free children and children with early childhood caries: An in vivo study

Background and Objectives: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most prevalent diseases of childhood. Pediatric dentists must make conscious efforts to prevent this condition for optimal oral health. Normal salivary function is considered critical for the maintenance of a healthy oral cavity. Saliva provides an easily available, noninvasive medium for the diagnosis of wide range of diseases and clinical conditions. The objective of the present study was to estimate and compare salivary nitric oxide (NO) levels in caries-free children and children with ECC. Methodology: The children were divided into two groups. Group I comprised thirty caries-free children and Group II comprised thirty children with ECC. Saliva was collected by suction method. Griess reaction was used to estimate the NO levels. Unpaired t-test was used for comparing and evaluating the NO levels in both the groups. Results: Mean salivary Nitric Oxide level is significantly higher in caries free children as compared to that of children with early childhood caries (ECC). Interpretation and Conclusion: The present study clearly indicates a significant increase in salivary NO levels in caries-free children as compared to children with caries. This may be attributed to the antimicrobial action of NO

The evaluation of different methods viz., acid etch and by air abrasion on retentivity of fissure sealant after 6 months: A clinical study

Background and Purpose: The objectives of the study were (1) to compare two techniques of sealant placement using Acid-etch technique and by using an Air abrasive technique, (2) to determine whether particular tooth locations are related to sealant loss or retention. Methodology: 30 children in age group 7-12 years were received sealant on non carious, non filled, occlusal, and buccal pit surfaces of both permanent first mandibular molars (36, 46) two in each subject of treatment groups: 1) Acid etch technique (Group A) and 2) Air abrasion without acid etch (Group B). A total of one hundred and twenty surfaces received sealants, and were evaluated at six months. Results: Rate of complete sealant retention at six months for occlusal surfaces were 89.29% for Acid etching and 78.57% for Air abrasion , and for buccal surface were 50% for Acid etching and 32.14% for Air abrasion. Conclusion: This study suggested that, rates of complete retention on the occlusal and buccal surfaces of both treatment groups were not significant. More research is needed to identify factors contributing to low retention rates on occlusal and buccal surfaces for Air abrasion technique