Involvement of the area postrema and the nucleus tractus solitarius in the emetogenic action of emetine in rats

ObjectivesThe aim of the present study was to demonstrate the effective dose of emetine for inducing nausea and/or emesis, and the effects of emetine on the excitability of central neurons in the area postrema (AP) and the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS).MethodsRats were used as experimental animals. We measured the conditioned taste aversion (CTA) induced by the intraperitoneal administration of emetine solution (0.03, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5, and 1.0 mM in saline) and that of only saline. We also performed immunohistochemical analyses of c-Fos expression in the area postrema and the NTS, to examine changes in the excitability of brainstem neurons that may be responsible for emetine-induced nausea and/or emesis.ResultsThe emetine-induced CTA occurred in a dose-dependent manner. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) of emetine on the saccharin preference was calculated to be 0.348 mM using the Hill equation. In the animals injected with emetine (0.5 and 1.0 mM), many c-Fos-like immunoreactive (Fos-ir) cells were observed in the area postrema and the NTS, while few Fos-ir cells were identified in the animals injected with saline. The average number of Fos-ir cells in the area postrema and the NTS was significantly larger in animals injected with emetine than in animals injected with saline.ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated a dose-responsive manner of emetine effects and emetine-induced upregulation of neuronal excitability in the area postrema and the NTS that form a part of the induction mechanisms of emetine-induced nausea and/or emesis.     

Conditioned-medium of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth prevent apoptosis of neural progenitors

PurposeThis study aimed to evaluate the neuroprotective ability of the conditioned medium of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (CM-SHED) to prevent glutamate-induced apoptosis of neural progenitors.Materials and methodsNeural progenitors were isolated from two-day-old rat brains, and the conditioned medium was obtained from a mesenchymal stem cell SHED. Four groups were examined: neural progenitor cells cultured in neurobasal medium with (N + ) and without (N-) glutamate and glycine, and neural progenitor cells cultured in CM-SHED with (K + ) and without (K-) glutamate and glycine.ResultsThe expression of GABA A1 receptor (GABAAR1) messenger RNA (mRNA) in neural progenitor measured by real-time quantitative PCR. GABA contents were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, whereas the apoptosis markers caspase-3 and 7-aminoactinomycin D were analysed with a Muse® cell analyzer. The viability of neural progenitor cells in the K + group (78.05 %) was higher than the control group N- (73.22 %) and lower in the N + group (68.90 %) than in the control group. The K + group showed the highest GABA content, which significantly differed from that in the other groups, whereas the lowest content was observed in the N + group. The expression level of GABAAR1 mRNA in the K + group was the highest compared to that in the other groups. CM-SHED potently protected the neural progenitors from apoptosis.ConclusionsCM-SHED may effectively prevent glutamate-induced apoptosis of neural progenitors.     

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 on saliva: TNF-⍺, IL-6, IL-10, lactoferrin,lysozyme, IgG,IgA, and IgM

ObjectivesUnderstanding the role of certain salivary components, such as TNF-?, IL-6, IL-10, lactoferrin, lysozyme, IgG, IgA, and IgM, in airway defense during the ongoing SARS-CoV-2 pandemic is essential. The salivary immune barrier of patients with COVID-19 may play a role in their prognosis. The present study aims to evaluate the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on saliva composition.MethodsA longitudinal study was carried out with male and female firefighters aged 24–48 years. The study sample (n = 34) was divided into 3 groups: asymptomatic volunteers with a negative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for SARS-CoV-2 (group 1, Control, n = 21); patients with symptoms of COVID-19 of less than 7 days’ duration and a diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 infection by PCR (group 2, COVID-19, n = 13); and recovered patients from group 2 who were free of COVID-19 symptoms for at least 2 months (group 3, post-COVID-19 recovery, n = 13). All groups underwent real-time PCR to detect the presence of SARS-CoV-2, as well as analysis of the salivary concentrations of TNF-?, IL-6, IL-10, lactoferrin, lysozyme, IgG, IgA, and IgM by the ELISA method.ResultsLactoferrin concentrations were significantly decreased in the infected group (COVID-19) when compared to those not infected by SARS-CoV-2 (control) (p = 0.032). IgA concentrations were decreased in the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups compared to the control group (p = 0.005 and p = 0.016, respectively). Comparison of the COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 groups also revealed an increase in IgM concentrations during acute SARS-CoV-2 infection (p = 0.010).ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 alters the composition of the salivary immune barrier.     

Effects of atorvastatin on sevoflurane postconditioning in in vivo rabbit hearts

ObjectivesMyocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury is a phenomenon that promotes myocardial damage when the blood supply returns to the tissue after a period of ischemia. Anesthetic postconditioning involves myocardial protection against myocardial I/R injury. The effects of atorvastatin (ATV) on sevoflurane postconditioning against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury have not been thoroughly studied. The present study aimed to investigate if ATV interacts synergistically with sevoflurane postconditioning against myocardial infarction in rabbit hearts in vivo.MethodsTwenty-eight male rabbits underwent 30 min of left anterior descending coronary artery occlusion that was followed by reperfusion for 180 min under ketamine/xylazine (K/X) anesthesia. Rabbits were randomly assigned to four groups that included Group K/X (under K/X anesthesia only), Group POST (sevoflurane exposure at initial reperfusion), Group ATV (ATV 5 mg/kg/day administered before ischemia), and Group ATV + POST (POST intervention with atorvastatin administered once daily for 3 days). At the end of reperfusion, the myocardial infarct size and the area at risk were both measured.ResultsThe mean infarct sizes in the POST, ATV, and ATV + POST groups were significantly smaller compared to those in the K/X group. Furthermore, the mean infarct size in Group ATV + POST was significantly smaller than was that in Group POST and significantly smaller compared to that in Group ATV.ConclusionThe combination of sevoflurane postconditioning and pre-administration of ATV further reduced the myocardial infarction size compared to that observed with sevoflurane postconditioning alone or ATV alone. Our data suggest that sevoflurane postconditioning and ATV may function additively to enhance cardioprotection.     

Comparison of the abrasive effects of children's toothpaste on glass ionomer cement

ObjectivesTo evaluate the effect of two different children's toothpaste on the surface properties of conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC), which is used in Atraumatic Restorative Treatment (ART) method.MethodsThere were 3 groups and 10 glass ionomer cements in each group. The distribution was as follows: Group 1, Splat; Group 2, R.O.C.S.; Group 3, Control. A test aparatus made of steel with a screw design that allows the replacement of electric toothbrushes was designed to provide 2 N force. Brushing was carried out for each samples for duration of 2 min, twice a day, for seven days. One-way ANOVA for intergroup comparison and paired sample T tests for intragroup comparisons were used in statistical analysis, the significance level was p < 0.05.ResultsAccording to the results, no statistically significant difference was found between the baseline and 7th day roughness values within and between groups (p > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, as a percental increase in roughness was found in each group compared to the initial values. This amount of increase was found in Group 2, Group 1 and Group 3 as a descending order. The results were supported by scanning electron microscopy analysis.ConclusionAs a result of this study, child pastes that do not cause a statistically significant increase in roughness were found to be safe for daily use. When considering long-lasting restorations, low relative dentin abrasivity (RDA) value child pastes can be recommended as they will encourage brushing with both taste and smell compared to brushing with water.     

Biochemical and X-ray micro-computed tomographic analyses of critical size bone defects grafted with autogenous bone and mercerized bacterial cellulose membranes salified with alendronate

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the repair of critical-sized bone defects grafted with autogenous bone and mercerized bacterial cellulose membranes (BCm) salified with alendronate (ALN).MethodsForty-eight male Wistar rats underwent surgery to create a 5 mm-diameter bone defect in the calvarium. The removed bone was particularized, regrafted into the defect, and covered by a BCm according to the group: control group (CG), simply mercerized BCm; group 1 (G1), negatively charged BCm (BCm-CM^-) salified with ALN; and group 2 (G2), positively charged BCm (BCm-DEAE⁺) salified with ALN. Serum samples were collected preoperatively and before euthanasia to analyze osteoprotegerin (OPG), parathyroid hormone (PTH), sclerostin (SOST), and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) levels. The animals were euthanized after 15 or 60 d. Calvaria were analyzed using quantitative microtomography (μCT).ResultsThere was an increased level of PTH in the CG compared to the G2 group, at day 60 (p = 0.019). When analyzing the same group over time, G1 presented an increased FGF23 level on days 15 and 60 (p < 0.05). CG presented an increase in PTH (p = 0.037) at day 60. The μCT analysis detected increased trabecular separation on day 15 in G2 compared to G1 (p = 0.040).ConclusionsSalification of ionized BCm with ALN had no direct effect on bone repair; however, BCm-CM^- increased the levels of FGF23 over time. BCm-DEAE⁺ decreased PTH levels compared to mercerized BCm. BCm-CM-salified with ALN-induced superior bone quality, with respect to trabecular separation, compared to BCm-DEAE⁺.     

Vitamin C and eggshell membrane facilitate orthodontic tooth movement and induce histological changes in the periodontal tissue

ObjectivesCollagen remodeling of the periodontal tissue is an important mechanism that involves several biologically active substances to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement. It is known that Vitamin C (VC) enhances collagen production and induces tooth movement. Moreover, the eggshell membrane (ESM) is an integral component of various formulations used to promote wound healing. The purpose of our study was to determine the effects of combined treatment with VC and ESM on periodontal tissues during tooth movement.MethodsNine-week-old male osteogenic disorder Shionogi rats were randomized into four groups: control, VC, ESM, and VC + ESM. The control group was given tap water, and the VC, ESM, and VC + ESM groups were orally administered 0.1% VC solution, 1 wt% ESM solution, and a combination of 0.1 wt% VC and 1 wt% ESM solutions, respectively. A force of 25 or 75 g was applied for 10 days to produce orthodontic tooth movement. Distances of tooth movement were measured on days 3, 7, and 10 of treatment. Histological examination of the periodontal ligament was performed to determine the increase in type I and III collagen levels in response to treatment.ResultsDistances of tooth movement were significantly greater in the VC + ESM group than in the control group. The compression area of the alveolar bone showed increased osteoclastic activity and higher levels of bone resorption in the VC + ESM group. Expression levels of type I and III collagen in the tension area of the alveolar bone were higher in the VC + ESM group than in the control group.ConclusionsThis study revealed that the combined administration of VC and ESM accelerated tooth movement by protecting the periodontal tissue during orthodontic treatment. The combined clinical application of VC and ESM could potentially shorten orthodontic treatment time.     

Assessment of the possible ameliorative effect of curcumin nanoformulation on the submandibular salivary gland of alloxan-induced diabetes in a rat model (Light microscopic and ultrastructural study)

BackgroundNowadays, attention is directed to herbal treatments in an attempt to lessen the adverse effects of diabetes. Nanoformulation of curcumin (NC) was shown to enhance stability and water solubility compared to native curcumin.ObjectiveTo examine the effect of different NC concentrations on the histopathological structure of the submandibular salivary gland of diabetic rats.Methods28 rats were divided equally into 4 groups. Group I: Control group, Group II (diabetic), III (diabetic + nanocurcumin low dose), and IV (diabetic + nanocurcumin high dose): Rats of groups II, III and IV were injected with a single dose of alloxan (140 mg/kg) to induce diabetes. After 7 days, groups III and IV were treated for 6 weeks with NC (100 mg/kg/day) for group III, and (200 mg/kg/day) for group IV. Submandibular salivary glands were assessed histologically, immunohistochemically using α smooth muscle actin (α SMA) and ultrastructurally.ResultsDiabetic samples showed destruction of parenchymal elements of the gland, with thick fiber bundles encircling the excretory ducts and minimal reaction for α SMA. Amelioration of the gland's architecture was detected in groups III and IV with reduction of collagen deposition and elevation of positive immunoreactivity to α SMA.ConclusionNC profoundly repaired the induced diabetic histopathological and ultrastructural alterations of the gland in a dose dependent manner.     

Analysis of the nano and microstructures of the cervical cementum and saliva in periodontitis: A pilot study

ObjectivesDuring the progression of periodontitis, the structures of the cementum and saliva are altered due to pathological changes in the environment. This study aimed to analyze the nanostructures of the cervical cementum and saliva in patients with periodontitis.MethodsPatients with periodontitis (n = 10) and periodontally healthy controls (n = 8) were included. Single-rooted teeth with indications for extraction were obtained from individuals. The cervical-thirds of the roots were sectioned transversely to obtain 1 mm thick sections. Unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected from each individual. The nanostructures of the cementum and saliva were analyzed using small and wide-angle X-ray scattering methods.ResultsThe mean radius and distance values of the cementum nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 368 Å and 1152 Å, and 377 Å and 1186 Å, respectively. The mean radius and distance values of the saliva nanoparticles in the periodontitis and control groups were 425 Å and 1359 Å, and 468 Å and 1452 Å, respectively. More wide-angle X-ray scattering profile peaks were observed in the cementum of the controls. Similarities were observed between the 3D profiles of the cementum and the saliva nanoparticles.ConclusionsAccording to the results of the present study, (i) the cementum and saliva nanoparticles were of similar size in periodontitis and healthy controls, (ii) the cementum was more crystalline according to the (002) crystallographic plane in controls, and (iii) the similarities in the 3D-profile of the cementum and saliva nanoparticles suggest some interactions between them in the sulcus/periodontal pocket at the nanolevel.     

Dysgeusia: A review in the context of COVID-19

BackgroundTaste disorders in general, and dysgeusia in particular, are relatively common disorders that may be a sign of a more complex acute or chronic medical condition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, taste disorders have found their way into the realm of general as well as specialty dentistry, with significance in screening for patients who potentially may have the virus.Types of Studies ReviewedThe authors searched electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Google Scholar) for studies focused on dysgeusia, ageusia, and other taste disorders and their relationship to local and systemic causes.ResultsThe authors found pertinent literature explaining the normal physiology of taste sensation, proposals for suggested new tastes, presence of gustatory receptors in remote tissues of the body, and etiology and pathophysiology of taste disorders, in addition to the valuable knowledge gained about gustatory disorders in the context of COVID-19. Along with olfactory disorders, taste disorders are one of the earliest suggestive symptoms of COVID-19 infection.ConclusionsGustatory disorders are the result of local or systemic etiology or both. Newer taste sensations, such as calcium and fat tastes, have been discovered, as well as taste receptors that are remote from the oropharyngeal area. Literature published during the COVID-19 pandemic to date reinforces the significance of early detection of potential patients with COVID-19 by means of screening for recent-onset taste disorders.Practical ImplicationsTimely screening and identification of potential gustatory disorders are paramount for the dental care practitioner to aid in the early diagnosis of COVID-19 and other serious systemic disorders.     

Overexpression and extra-mitochondrial localization of the chaperonin Hsp60 in ameloblastoma

ObjectivesAmeloblastoma is an odontogenic neoplasm of the mandible and maxilla with various histological types and subtypes. It has been reported that some ameloblastomas could arise from dentigerous cyst walls; thus, the development of ameloblastoma from dentigerous cysts may be due to differential protein expression. Our aim was to identify a membrane protein that is differentially expressed in ameloblastomas with respect to dentigerous cysts.MethodsWe analyzed the SDS-PAGE profiles of membrane proteins from ameloblastomas and dentigerous cysts. The protein in a band present in the ameloblastoma sample, but apparently absent in the dentigerous cyst sample was identified via mass spectrometry as the chaperonin Hsp60. We used western blotting and immunohistochemistry to analyze its overexpression and localization in ameloblastoma.ResultsWe found a differential band of 95 kDa in the membrane proteins of ameloblastoma. In this band, the chaperonin Hsp60 was identified, and its overexpression was corroborated using western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Hsp60 was localized in the plasma membrane of all ameloblastoma samples studied; in addition, it was found in the cell nucleus of the plexiform subtype of conventional ameloblastoma.ConclusionsOur results suggest that Hsp60 may be involved in ameloblastoma development, and could therefore be a potential therapeutic target for ameloblastoma treatment.     

Correlation of plasma osteopontin and osteocalcin with lower renal function in dental patients with carotid artery calcification and tooth loss

ObjectivesTo investigate plasma osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OCN) levels in dental patients with carotid artery calcification (CAC) and determine the correlations between these proteins and renal function and tooth loss.MethodsThe health parameters and number of teeth of 99 participants were recorded. Panoramic radiographs were taken for CAC evaluation, and OPN and OCN levels were measured.ResultsNone of the participants had overt kidney disease, and 14 (14.14%) had CAC. The age, sex, and health profiles of patients with CAC were not different from those without CAC. The OPN and OCN levels in participants with CAC were higher than in those without (p = 0.026 and p = 0.025, respectively). The OPN levels were correlated with the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (p = 0.021) and tooth loss (p = 0.027). The OCN levels were correlated with the eGFR (p = 0.002), tooth loss (p = 0.023), blood urea nitrogen (p = 0.040), and creatinine levels (p = 0.031). The median tooth loss in individuals with an eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m² was higher than that of individuals with an eGFR ≥60 mL/min/1.73 m² (p = 0.033). In individuals with CAC, tooth loss correlated more strongly with the eGFR, and the correlation between OPN and OCN levels was more apparent.ConclusionDental patients with CAC and increased tooth loss have a greater tendency for decreased renal function, which may be associated with OPN and OCN; thus, these patients should be referred for investigation.     

Histological,immunohistochemical and radiographic evaluation of Amitriptyline administration on the periodontium of albino rats (An experimental study)

BackgroundAmitriptyline is a tricyclic antidepressant drug accustomed to treat depressive disorders. It recorded many side effects on different tissues.ObjectiveTo investigate reaction of Albino rats’ periodontium after oral administration of Amitriptyline histologically and radiographically.MethodsFourteen adult male albino rats (150–200 g) were divided into two groups, control and experimental. Rats of experimental group received 10 mg?kg?day of Amitriptyline hydrochloride by oral gavage for four weeks. Mandibles were prepared for hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and anti-osteopontin (Anti-OPN) immunohistochemistry staining. Bone mineral density was measured in mandibular alveolar bone. Statistical analysis for Anti-OPN and relative Hounsfield unit value (HU value) was performed using independent-samples t-test.ResultsGingiva of experimental group showed epithelial degeneration with pyknotic nuclei and disintegration in lamina propria. Areas of separation in alveolar bone and degeneration of some regions in cementum were seen with apparent increase in periodontal ligament (PDL) thickness and its detachment from bone and cementum at some regions. Immunohistochemical examination of experimental group showed apparently increased immunopositivity in gingiva, cementocytes, osteocytes, cementum, bone matrices, fibroblasts and PDL fibers when compared to control group. Statistical analysis revealed insignificant difference of Anti-OPN area% in gingiva between both studied groups. While there was statistical significant increase of Anti-OPN area% in the other periodontium tissues and high statistical significant decrease of relative HU value in experimental group when compared to control.ConclusionsAmitriptyline has destructive effect on periodontal tissues and statistically increases the expression of Anti-OPN in all periodontal tissues except gingiva and decreases bone mineral density.     

Photobiomodulation vs NSAIDs in the management of postoperative dentoalveolar pain

BackgroundPostoperative pain, the most common complication of dentoalveolar surgery, is routinely controlled by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). However, despite its proven efficacy, the long-term consumption of NSAIDs is associated with several serious and adverse effects. As a result, photobiomodulation (PBM) or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used in many treatment modalities to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing.Aim of the studyTo compare the analgesic effects of LLLT and Ibuprofen after surgical dental extraction.Materials and methodsA clinical trial study was conducted at Umm Al-Qura University Dental Clinics, involving 46 healthy patients between 20 and 60 years of age. The recruited patients were divided into two groups of 23 patients each. Group 1 (positive control group) was prescribed Ibuprofen and Group 2 (experimental group) was treated with LLLT. The pain was measured on days 1, 2, and 7 using the Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS).ResultsThe mean level of pain decreased with both treatments. On the first postoperative day, the pain level in the laser therapy group was significantly lower than in the control group (U = 62.5, p = 0.024). The results indicated a significant decrease in pain level on the second postoperative day for both the control and experimental groups (Z = ?3.61, p < 0.005, and Z = ?3.1, p = 0.002, respectively). However, the pain level was lower in the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant (U = 79, p = 0.102).ConclusionConsidering the constraints of this study, NSAIDs were found to be significantly better at reducing pain than LLLT.     

Periodontal tissue regeneration by recombinant human collagen peptide granules applied with β-tricalcium phosphate fine particles

ObjectivesRecombinant human collagen peptide (RCP) is a recombinantly created xeno-free biomaterial enriched in arginine-glycine-aspartic acid sequences with good processability whose use for regenerative medicine applications is under investigation. The biocompatibility and osteogenic ability of RCP granules combined with β-tricalcium phosphate (TCP) submicron particles (β-TCP/RCP) were recently demonstrated. In the present study, β-TCP/RCP was implanted into experimental periodontal tissue defects created in beagles to investigate its regenerative effects.MethodsAn RCP solution was lyophilized, granulated, and thermally cross-linked into particles approximately 1 mm in diameter. β-TCP dispersion (1 wt%; 500 μL) was added to 100 mg of RCP granules to form β-TCP/RCP. A three-walled intrabony defect (5 mm × 3 mm × 4 mm) was created on the mesial side of the mandibular first molar and filled with β-TCP/RCP.ResultsA micro-computed tomography image analysis performed at 8 weeks postoperative showed a significantly greater amount of new bone after β-TCP/RCP grafting (2.2-fold, P < 0.05) than after no grafting. Histological findings showed that the transplanted β-TCP/RCP induced active bone-like tissue formation including tartaric acid-resistant acid phosphatase– and OCN-positive cells as well as bioabsorbability. Ankylosis did not occur, and periostin-positive periodontal ligament-like tissue formation was observed. Histological measurements performed at 8 weeks postoperative revealed that β-TCP/RCP implantation formed 1.7-fold more bone-like tissue and 2.1-fold more periodontal ligament-like tissue than the control condition and significantly suppressed gingival recession and epithelial downgrowth (P < 0.05).Conclusionsβ-TCP/RCP implantation promoted bone-like and periodontal ligament–like tissue formation, suggesting its efficacy as a periodontal tissue regenerative material.     

Fabrication of calcium phosphate composite polymer/SLS-stabilized emulsion-based bioactive gels and their application for dentine tubule occlusion

ObjectivesCalcium phosphate/SLS/P123 composite bioactive gels were prepared to achieve dentine tubule occlusion.MethodsGels containing calcium phosphate particles were prepared in a water-in-oil microemulsion system with a mixture of triblock copolymer pluronic (P123) as a co-surfactant and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as a surfactant in cyclohexane. Subsequently, calcium chloride dihydrate and sodium hydrogen phosphate aqueous solutions were added in a water phase. Finally, slow evaporation of the oil phase at room temperature was performed to produce a hybrid gel. The obtained gels were investigated for their toxicity by the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay and applied on human dentine specimens to examine their ability to occlude dentine tubules.ResultsThe size and morphology of the calcium phosphate particles embedded in the gel depended on the concentration of P123 and SLS, which were used as a template for mineral precipitation. The prepared calcium phosphate particles (200–500 nm in diameter) with the maximum polymer and surfactant content exhibited spherical shapes. Further, on reducing their content twice and tenfold yields micro-particles with flower-like shapes. These bioactive gels were able to occlude into dentine tubules after 3 days of application with a plugging rate of 79.22% when using the smallest particles. In addition, calcium phosphate nanorods were transformed into dentine tubules with a maximum depth of 6 μm on increasing the amount of gel.ConclusionsThe bioactive gels were effectively used as bioactive fillers to occlude exposed human dentine tubules.     

Myricitrin: A promising herbal therapy for periodontitis in immunosuppressed status

BackgroundPeriodontitis is a complex chronic inflammatory disease aggravated in immunosuppressed patients. However, adjuvant therapies can alleviate severe inflammation and slow down disease progression.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of myricitrin, a herbal flavonoid glycoside, in reducing immunosuppression-associated periodontitis and compare its effects with that of alendronate on alveolar bone regeneration.MethodsFifty albino Wistar rats were randomly allocated to the control, periodontitis, immunosuppressant, myricitrin, and alendronate groups. Ligature-associated periodontitis was induced in all groups, except the control group. Cyclosporin A (CsA) was administered subcutaneously in the immunosuppressant group for immunosuppression. The myricitrin group received CsA and myricitrin, whereas the alendronate group received CsA and alendronate. The therapeutic efficacies of myricitrin and alendronate were compared histologically, morphometrically, and biochemically.ResultsMyricitrin reversed bone destruction in the periodontitis and immunosuppressant groups. Morphometrically, myricitrin showed comparable improvements to alendronate in terms of gaining more bone area to 49.4 ± 4.6 and 59.5 ± 2%, respectively (P < 0.001 in relation to the untreated periodontitis group). Concomitantly, myricitrin increased osteoblast count significantly to 28.4 ± 4.7 closer to the 34.5 ± 2.4 count in the alendronate group (P < 0.001 compared with 22.5 ± 2.6 count of the immunosuppressant group). Moreover, myricitrin restored the serum calcium to 9.4 ± 0.6 mg/dL and alkaline phosphatase up to 112.9 ± 2.9 IU/L, which were almost normal levels similar to the control cohort (P > 0.05).ConclusionMyricitrin showed beneficial effects in counteracting bone resorption in subjects with immunosuppression-associated periodontitis. Its efficacy in slowing down disease progression was comparable to that of alendronate.     

Effect of virtual reality and music therapy on anxiety and perioperative pain in surgical extraction of impacted third molars

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of virtual reality (VR) and music therapy on anxiety and perioperative pain in patients undergoing extraction of impacted third molars.MethodsA total of 275 patients who had to undergo surgery for third-molar extraction participated in a randomized controlled trial and were divided into 3 parallel groups: music therapy intervention (n = 91), VR intervention (n = 93), and control (n = 91). The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and the visual analog scale of pain intensity were used as measurements in this study.ResultsPatients in the music therapy and VR groups showed a greater reduction in anxiety level scores after third-molar extraction surgery (reduction in total anxiety in music group: 15.12; 95% CI, 13.16 to 17.08; Rosenthal r, 1.61; P < .001; reduction in total anxiety in VR group: 9.80; 95% CI, 7.66 to 11.95; Rosenthal r, 0.97; P < .001; reduction in total anxiety in control group: 9.80; 95% CI, 7.66 to 11.95; Rosenthal r, 0.97; P < .001). The intensity of pain after the intervention was lower in patients in the music therapy group than patients in the control group (P = .04). After the intervention, the music therapy and VR groups presented a significant decrease in systolic blood pressure (P < .05), diastolic blood pressure (P < .05), and heart rate (P < .05) compared with the control group.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that the use of music therapy and VR during third-molar extraction surgery reduces anxiety and improves the patient’s physiological parameters.Practical ImplicationsImplementation of these interventions (noninvasive, nonpharmacologic, economic) in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery and dentistry could improve procedures performed under local anesthesia, improving the clinical experience of patients. This clinical trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. The registration number is ACTRN12622000384752.     

Local accuracy of actual intraoral scanning systems for single-tooth preparations in vitro

BackgroundThe authors evaluated the local accuracy of intraoral scanning (IOS) systems for single-tooth preparation impressions with an in vitro setup.MethodsThe authors digitized a mandibular complete-arch model with 2 full-contour crowns and 2 multisurface inlay preparations with a highly accurate reference scanner. Teeth were made from zirconia-reinforced glass ceramic material to simulate toothlike optical behavior. Impressions were obtained either conventionally (PRESIDENT, Coltène) or digitally using the IOS systems TRIOS 3 and TRIOS 3 using insane scan speed mode (3Shape), Medit i500, Version 1.2.1 (Medit), iTero Element 2, Version 1.7 (Align Technology), CS 3600, Version 3.1.0 (Carestream Dental), CEREC Omnicam, Version 4.6.1, CEREC Omnicam, Version 5.0.0, and Primescan (Dentsply Sirona). Impressions were repeated 10 times per test group. Conventional (CO) impressions were poured with type IV gypsum and digitized with a laboratory scanner. The authors evaluated trueness and precision for preparation margin (MA) and preparation surface (SU) using 3-dimensional superimposition and 3-dimensional difference analysis method using (95% – 5%) / 2 percentile values. Statistical analysis was performed using Kruskal-Wallis test. Results were presented as median (interquartile range) values in micrometers.ResultsThe authors found statistically significant differences for MA and SU among different test groups for both trueness and precision (P < .05). Median (interquartile range) trueness values ranged from 11.8 (2.0) μm (CO) up to 40.5 (10.9) μm (CEREC Omnicam, Version 5.0.0) for SU parameter and from 17.7 (2.6) μm (CO) up to 55.9 (15.5) μm (CEREC Omnicam, Version 5.0.0) for MA parameter.ConclusionsIOS systems differ in terms of local accuracy. Preparation MA had higher deviations compared with preparation SU for all test groups.Practical implicationsTrueness and precision values for both MA and SU of single-unit preparations are equal or close to CO impression for several IOS systems.