Various surgical methods of impacted maxillary canine exposure: A case series

Impacted tooth is often a common problem in dentistry. Maxillary canines are seen impacted most commonly in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment without reaching the line of occlusion. These impactions are commonly due to physical obstructions and the difference in the direction of movement of the tooth. Canines are the cornerstones for esthetic smile and functional occlusion. Hence, surgical exposure of these impacted canines, guiding them toward the line of occlusion, plays a very important role in the maintenance of the health of periodontium. A series of cases are discussed on various techniques that can be used in guiding the direction or altering the direction of impacted canines to bring them into a proper occlusion without disturbing the health of periodontium.

Classification of Myopathy and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Electromyograms Using Bat Algorithm and Deep Neural Networks

Electromyograms (EMG) are a recorded galvanic action of nerves and muscles which assists in diagnosing the disorders associated with muscles and nerves. The efficient discrimination of abnormal EMG signals, myopathy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, engage crucial role in automatic diagnostic assistance tools, since EMG signals are nonstationary signals. Hence, for computer-aided identification of abnormalities, extraction of features, selection of superlative feature subset, and developing an efficient classifier are indispensable. Initially, time domain and Wigner-Ville transformed time-frequency features were extracted from abnormal EMG signals for experiments. The selection of substantial characteristics from time and time-frequency features was performed using bat algorithm. Extensively, deep neural network classifier is modelled for selected feature subset using bat algorithm from extracted time and time-frequency features. The performance of deep neural network exerting selected features from bat algorithm was compared with conventional artificial neural network. Results demonstrate that the deep neural network modelled with layers 2 and 3 (neurons = 2 and 4) using time domain features is efficient in classifying the abnormalities of EMG signals with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 100% and also exhibited finer performance. Correspondingly, the developed conventional single layer artificial neural network (neurons = 7) with time domain features has shown an accuracy of 83.3%, sensitivity of 100%, and specificity of 71.42%. The work materializes the significance of conventional and deep neural network using time and time-frequency features in diagnosing the abnormal signals exists in neuromuscular system using efficient classification.

Bone loss evaluation by cone beam computed tomography postdental implant placement: An original research

Introduction:

The success of the prosthetic rehabilitation is a factor of the periodontal reactions. Hence, in the current study, we aim to assess bone loss in the osseointegrated implants posttreatment by the cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging.

Materials and Methods:

We conducted a prospective clinical observational study among 50 subjects who received mandibular dental implants for the replacement of the single lost anterior tooth. The follow-up was done at 1 week, 2 weeks, and after 6 weeks. The bone loss around the implant was noted by imaging with CBCT. The values were compared and analyzed statistically.

Results:

We observed a significant variation among the genders and the age groups. The mean bone loss around the implants was statistically significant for the different time intervals (P = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Significant bone loss was noted in the first few weeks after implantation. Care should be focused in the initial posttreatment phase to eliminate the factors aggravating the periodontitis.

Demographic studies and constraints of buffalo farming in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh

A survey was conducted to analyse the buffalo farming system in East Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh. The demographic studies showed that 77 per cent of buffalo farmers in the study area were of middle age. Majority of buffalo milk producers in delta and upland areas belonged to other caste, but in agency area, most belonged to scheduled tribe. Buffalo farmers under the survey were educated (52.67%) and agriculture was their occupation supported by dairying. Buffalo farmers in agency area practiced agriculture, horticulture and dairying whereas in delta and upland area practiced only agriculture and dairying. Majority of milk producers in delta area were small farmers and in upland area were marginal farmer category. Most (83.67%) of the families were of small size (up to 4 members) in the study area. Upland milk producers had more extension contact with veterinarians (53%). Most (83.67%) of the milk producers had no exposure to mass media. Inadequate availability of fodder seed/ slipswas the major constraint perceived by the milk producers of study area. Veterinarians expressed problem of anestrous or silent heat and repeat breeding in buffaloes as major constraints in dairy production in East Godavari district.

EHMO-Based Deep ResNet for Survival Timeline Prediction of Adenocarcinoma Cancer

Lung cancer is due to the growth of uncontrolled cells in the lungs, and the death rate is high compared with all types of cancer. It is recognized and treated using images of computed tomography (CT). This paper develops the elephant herding magnetic optimization-based deep residual network (EHMO-based Deep ResNet) for survival timeline prediction in adenocarcinoma. Here, preprocessing is performed using a Gaussian filter for the lung CT image. The preprocessed image is subjected to lung lobe segmentation, which is performed by the active contour model. Nodule identification locates nodules in the segmented image, where the process is carried out using a grid-based scheme. After that, feature extraction is carried out to extract intensity, wavelet, tetrolet transform, local optimal oriented pattern (LOOP), and clinical features. Finally, the extracted features are fed to the prediction module, which is based on the Deep ResNet classifier, which is trained by the proposed EHMO optimization algorithm. Here, the developed EHMO combines elephant herding optimization (EHO) and the magnetic optimization algorithm (MOA). The developed adenocarcinoma survival timeline prediction technique exhibits efficient performance in terms of accuracy, 0.955; maximal sensitivity, 0.962; and high specificity, 0.958.

Nanofibrous yarn reinforced HA-gelatin composite scaffolds promote bone formation in critical sized alveolar defects in rabbit model

Alveolar ridge resorption and crestal bone loss necessitate the use of bone graft substitutes for dental rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to compare the bone regenerative property of nanofibre incorporated two composite matrices (nanofibrous sheet layered matrix (CS-S) and nanofibrous yarn reinforced matrix (CS-Y)) in critical sized mandibular defect in a rabbit model (under load bearing scenario). Histological evaluation revealed continuous bone formation in the defect implanted with fibre reinforced scaffolds than those without fibres as well as commercial nanoHA-collagen graft. Interestingly, the mineralisation and the mineral density were significantly higher with nanoyarn reinforced scaffolds. Moreover, the compressive strength of new bone formed from CS-Y scaffolds was almost similar to that of native rabbit mandible. It can be concluded that the mechanical strength provided by three-dimensionally reinforced nanoyarns in the matrix could promote bone formation in load bearing mandibular region, and these can be proposed as a scaffold of choice for alveolar bone augmentation and dental rehabilitation.

BMP2 expressing genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells on composite fibrous scaffolds for enhanced bone regeneration in segmental defects

The treatment of critical sized bone defect remains a significant challenge in orthopedics. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effect of the combination of bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) expressing genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) [MSCs engineered using a multimam vector, pAceMam1, an emerging gene delivery vector] and an osteoconductive scaffold [silica coated nanohydroxyapatite-gelatin reinforced with fibers] in enhancing bone regeneration in critical sized segmental defects. The scaffold with transfected MSCs showed significantly higher viability, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation in vitro. Further, this group augmented union and new bone formation in critical sized rat femoral segmental defect at 12 weeks when compared to control groups (scaffold with MSCs and scaffold alone). These data demonstrated that the MSCs engineered for transient expression of BMP2 can improve the repair of segmental defects, which paves an avenue for using pAceMam1 as a vector for bone tissue regeneration.

Customer Choice of Super Markets using Fuzzy Rough Set on Two Universal Sets and Radial Basis Function Neural Network

Information and communication technology made shopping more convenient for common man. Additionally, customers compare both online and offline price of a commodity. For this reason, offline shopping markets think of customer satisfaction and try to attract customers by various means. But, prediction of customer's choice in an information system is a major issue today. Much research is carried out in this direction for single universe. But, in many real life applications it is observed that relation is established between two universes. To this end, in this paper the authors propose a model to identify customer choice of super markets using fuzzy rough set on two universal sets and radial basis function neural network. The authors use fuzzy rough set on two universal sets on sample data to arrive at customer choice of super markets. The information system with customer choice is further trained with radial basis function neural network for identification of customer choice of supermarkets when customer size increases. A real life problem is presented to show the sustainability of the proposed model.

Combinatorial Effects of Aromatic 1,3-Disubstituted Ureas and Fluoride on In vitro Inhibition of Streptococcus mutans Biofilm Formation

Dental caries occur as a result of disequilibrium between acid producing pathogenic bacteria and alkali generating commensal bacteria within a dental biofilm (dental plaque). Streptococcus mutans has been reported as a primary cariogenic pathogen associated with dental caries. Emergence of multidrug resistant as well as fluoride resistant strains of S. mutans due to over use of various antibiotics are a rising problem and prompted the researchers worldwide to search for alternative therapies. In this perspective, the present study was aimed to screen selective inhibitors against ComA, a bacteriocin associated ABC transporter, involved in the quorum sensing of S. mutans. In light of our present in silico findings, 1,3-disubstituted urea derivatives which had better affinity to ComA were chemically synthesized in the present study for in vitro evaluation of S. mutans biofilm inhibition. The results revealed that 1,3-disubstituted urea derivatives showed good biofilm inhibition. In addition, synthesized compounds exhibited potent synergy with a very low concentration of fluoride (31.25-62.5 ppm) in inhibiting the biofilm formation of S. mutans without affecting the bacterial growth. Further, the results were supported by confocal laser scanning microscopy. On the whole, from our experimental results we conclude that the combinatorial application of fluoride and disubstituted ureas has a potential synergistic effect which has a promising approach in combating multidrug resistant and fluoride resistant S. mutans in dental caries management.

Type III collagen disorders: A case report and review of literature

Collagen type III is a normal component of interstitium and blood vessels. Collagenofibrotic glomerulopathy (CG) and nail patella syndrome (NPS) are the diseases of abnormal type III collagen deposition. In spite of these curved frayed structures with a periodicity of 45-60 nm are deposited in subendothelium and mesangium in CG, they are found only in the basement membrane in NPS. The clinical features of CG are confined to the kidney, NPS has associated extra-renal manifestations. Electron microscopy is essential to make the renal diagnosis in both these rare diseases. Both the entities considered to be systemic diseases evidence to suggest similar deposition in other organs, understanding etiopathogenesis and disease progression await research.

Neural network and rough set hybrid scheme for prediction of missing associations

Currently, internet is the best tool for distributed computing, which involves spreading of data geographically. But, retrieving information from huge data is critical and has no relevance unless it provides certain information. Prediction of missing associations can be viewed as fundamental problems in machine learning where the main objective is to determine decisions for the missing associations. Mathematical models such as naive Bayes structure, human composed network structure, Bayesian network modelling, etc., were developed to this end. But, it has certain limitations and failed to include uncertainties. Therefore, effort has been made to process inconsistencies in the data with the introduction of rough set theory. This paper uses two processes, pre-process and post-process, to predict the decisions for the missing associations in the attribute values. In preprocess, rough set is used to reduce the dimensionality, whereas neural network is used in postprocess to explore the decision for the missing associations. A real-life example is provided to show the viability of the proposed research.

Relevance of fiber integrated gelatin-nanohydroxyapatite composite scaffold for bone tissue regeneration

Porous nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) is a promising bone substitute, but it is brittle, which limits its utility for load bearing applications. To address this issue, herein, biodegradable electrospun microfibrous sheets of poly(L-lactic acid)-(PLLA)-polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) were incorporated into a gelatin-nanoHA matrix which was investigated for its mechanical properties, the physical integration of the fibers with the matrix, cell infiltration, osteogenic differentiation and bone regeneration. The inclusion of sacrificial fibers like PVA along with PLLA and leaching resulted in improved cellular infiltration towards the center of the scaffold. Furthermore, the treatment of PLLA fibers with 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide enhanced their hydrophilicity, ensuring firm anchorage between the fibers and the gelatin-HA matrix. The incorporation of PLLA microfibers within the gelatin-nanoHA matrix reduced the brittleness of the scaffolds, the effect being proportional to the number of layers of fibrous sheets in the matrix. The proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells was augmented on the fibrous scaffolds in comparison to those scaffolds devoid of fibers. Finally, the scaffold could promote cell infiltration, together with bone regeneration, upon implantation in a rabbit femoral cortical defect within 4 weeks. The bone regeneration potential was significantly higher when compared to commercially available HA (Surgiwear™). Thus, this biomimetic, porous, 3D composite scaffold could be offered as a promising candidate for bone regeneration in orthopedics.

Primary hyperparathyroidism in a child

Primary hyperparathyroidism is rare in children. We report a 12-year-old girl who presented with recurrent renal calculi, muscular weakness and inability to walk; was diagnosed to have parathyroid adenoma and underwent parathyroidectomy.

Combinatorial nanomedicines for colon cancer therapy

Colon cancer is one of the major causes of cancer deaths worldwide. Even after surgical resection and aggressive chemotherapy, 50% of colorectal carcinoma patients develop recurrent disease. Thus, the rationale of developing new therapeutic approaches to improve the current chemotherapeutic regimen would be highly recommended. There are reports on the effectiveness of combination chemotherapy in colon cancer and it has been practiced in clinics for long time. These approaches are associated with toxic side effects. Later, the drug delivery research had shown the potential of nanoencapsulation techniques and active targeting as an effective method to improve the effectiveness of chemotherapy with less toxicity. This current focus article provides a brief analysis of the ongoing research in the colon cancer area using the combinatorial nanomedicines and its outcome.

Laser guided automated calibrating system for accurate bracket placement

BACKGROUND

The basic premise of preadjusted bracket system is accurate bracket positioning. It is widely recognized that accurate bracket placement is of critical importance in the efficient application of biomechanics and in realizing the full potential of a preadjusted edgewise appliance.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to design a calibrating system to accurately detect a point on a plane as well as to determine the accuracy of the Laser Guided Automated Calibrating (LGAC) System.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To the lowest order of approximation a plane having two parallel lines is used to verify the accuracy of the system. On prescribing the distance of a point from the line, images of the plane are analyzed from controlled angles, calibrated and the point is identified with a laser marker.

RESULTS

The image was captured and analyzed using MATLAB ver. 7 software (The MathWorks Inc.). Each pixel in the image corresponded to a distance of 1cm/413 (10 mm/413) = 0.0242 mm (L/P). This implies any variations in distance above 0.024 mm can be measured and acted upon, and sets the highest possible accuracy for this system.

CONCLUSION

A new automated system is introduced having an accuracy of 0.024 mm for accurate bracket placement.

In vitro combinatorial anticancer effects of 5-fluorouracil and curcumin loaded N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles toward colon cancer and in vivo pharmacokinetic studies

Colon cancer is the third most leading causes of death due to cancer worldwide and the chemo drug 5-fluorouracil's (5-FU) applicability is limited due to its non-specificity, low bioavailability and overdose. The efficacy of 5-FU in colon cancer chemo treatment could be improved by nanoencapsulation and combinatorial approach. In the present study curcumin (CUR), a known anticancer phytochemical, was used in combination with 5-FU and the work focuses on the development of a combinatorial nanomedicine based on 5-FU and CUR in N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles (N,O-CMC NPs). The developed 5-FU-N,O-CMC NPs and CUR-N,O-CMC NPs were found to be blood compatible. The in vitro drug release profile in pH 4.5 and 7.4 showed a sustained release profile over a period of 4 days. The combined exposure of the nanoformulations in colon cancer cells (HT 29) proved the enhanced anticancer effects. In addition, the in vivo pharmacokinetic data in mouse model revealed the improved plasma concentrations of 5-FU and CUR which prolonged up to 72 h unlike the bare drugs. In conclusion, the 5-FU and CUR released from the N,O-CMC NPs produced enhanced anticancer effects in vitro and improved plasma concentrations under in vivo conditions.

Management of gummy smile with Botulinum Toxin Type-A: A case report

A 23 year old female patient presented with the chief complaint of gummy smile after previously undergoing Orthodontic treatment. Patient had a straight profile with competent lips and during posed and unposed smile the patient exhibited excessive gingival display. Since the patient was unwilling to undergo Orthodontic treatment and apprehensive about surgical procedures, this problem was addressed by injecting Botulinum toxin type-A as an alternative treatment approach. Two weeks post treatment; on follow up examination, improved results were seen without any side effects. As a result, an attractive and confident smile was perceived by the patient. How to cite the article: Dinker S, Anitha A, Sorake A, Kumar K. Management of gummy smile with Botulinum Toxin Type-A: A case report. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):111-5.

Rugoscopy: Human identification by computer-assisted photographic superimposition technique

BACKGROUND

Human identification has been studied since fourteenth century and it has gradually advanced for forensic purposes. Traditional methods such as dental, fingerprint, and DNA comparisons are probably the most common techniques used in this context, allowing fast and secure identification processes. But, in circumstances where identification of an individual by fingerprint or dental record comparison is difficult, palatal rugae may be considered as an alternative source of material.

AIM

The present study was done to evaluate the individualistic nature and use of palatal rugae patterns for personal identification and also to test the efficiency of computerized software for forensic identification by photographic superimposition of palatal photographs obtained from casts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two sets of Alginate impressions were made from the upper arches of 100 individuals (50 males and 50 females) with one month interval in between and the casts were poured. All the teeth except the incisors were removed to ensure that only the palate could be used in identification process. In one set of the casts, the palatal rugae were highlighted with a graphite pencil. All the 200 casts were randomly numbered, and then, they were photographed with a 10.1 Mega Pixel Kodak digital camera using standardized method. Using computerized software, the digital photographs of the models without highlighting the palatal rugae were overlapped over the images (transparent) of the palatal rugae with highlighted palatal rugae, in order to identify the pairs by superimposition technique. Incisors were remained and used as landmarks to determine the magnification required to bring the two set of photographs to the same size, in order to make perfect superimposition of images.

RESULTS

The result of the overlapping of the digital photographs of highlighted palatal rugae over normal set of models without highlighted palatal rugae resulted in 100% positive identification.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that utilization of palatal photographs is highly viable. The photographic superimposition technique using Adobe Photoshop 8.0 software (used in this study for comparison of palatal rugae) was proved effective for human identification and can be used when ante-mortem data regarding palatal rugae is provided. This study also concluded that palatal rugae are highly individualistic and play an important role as a complementary method in personal identification.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of osteoporosis therapeutic peptide PTH 1-34 loaded pegylated chitosan nanoparticles

Oral formulation of human parathyroid hormone 1-34 (PTH 1-34) is an alternative patient compliant route in treating osteoporosis. PTH 1-34 loaded chitosan nanoparticles were PEGylated (PEG-CS-PTH NPs) and characterized by DLS, SEM, TEM and FTIR. PEG-CS-PTH NP aggregates of 200-250 nm which in turn comprised 20 nm individual nanoparticles were observed in SEM and TEM images respectively. The PEG-CS-PTH NP with 40% encapsulation efficiency was subjected to an in vitro release in simulated rat body fluids. PEG-CS-PTH NP treated human primary osteoblast cells, upon PTH 1-34 receptor activation, produced second messenger-cAMP, which downstream stimulated intracellular calcium uptake, production of bone specific alkaline phosphatase, osteocalcin etc., which substantiates the anabolic effect of the peptide. PEG-CS-PTH NPs showed an oral bioavailability of 100-160 pg/mL PTH 1-34 throughout 48 h, which is remarkable compared to the bare PTH 1-34 and CS-PTH NPs. The NIR image of gastrointestinal transit of ICG conjugated PEG-CS-PTH NPs supports this significant finding.

In vitro evaluation of paclitaxel loaded amorphous chitin nanoparticles for colon cancer drug delivery

Chitin and its derivatives have been widely used in drug delivery applications due to its biocompatible, biodegradable and non-toxic nature. In this study, we have developed amorphous chitin nanoparticles (150±50 nm) and evaluated its potential as a drug delivery system. Paclitaxel (PTX), a major chemotherapeutic agent was loaded into amorphous chitin nanoparticles (AC NPs) through ionic cross-linking reaction using TPP. The prepared PTX loaded AC NPs had an average diameter of 200±50 nm. Physico-chemical characterization of the prepared nanoparticles was carried out. These nanoparticles were proven to be hemocompatible and in vitro drug release studies showed a sustained release of PTX. Cellular internalization of the NPs was confirmed by fluorescent microscopy as well as by flow cytometry. Anticancer activity studies proved the toxicity of PTX-AC NPs toward colon cancer cells. These preliminary results indicate the potential of PTX-AC NPs in colon cancer drug delivery.

Curcumin-loaded N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan nanoparticles for cancer drug delivery

Chitosan (CS) and its carboxymethyl derivatives are smart biopolymers that are non-toxic, biocompatible and biodegradable, and, hence, suitable for various biomedical applications, such as drug delivery, gene therapy and tissue engineering. Curcumin is a major chemotherapeutic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative, anticancer and antimicrobial effects. However, the potential of curcumin as a chemotherapeutic agent is limited by its hydrophobicity and poor bioavailability. In this work, we developed a nanoformulation of curcumin in a carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC) derivative, N,O-carboxymethyl chitosan (N,O-CMC). The curcumin-loaded N,O-CMC (curcumin-N,O-CMC) nanoparticles were characterized using DLS, AFM, SEM, FT-IR and XRD. DLS studies revealed nanoparticles with a mean diameter of 150 ± 30 nm. AFM and SEM confirmed that the particles have a spherical morphology within the size range of 150 ± 30 nm. Curcumin was entrapped with in N,O-CMC nanopartcles with an efficiency of 80%. The in vitro drug-release profile was studied at different pH (7.4 and 4.5) at 37°C for different incubation periods with and without lysozyme. Cytotoxicity studies using MTT assay indicated that curcumin-N,O-CMC nanoparticles showed specific toxicity towards cancer cells and non-toxicity to normal cells. Cellular uptake of curcumin-N,O-CMC nanoparticles was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy and was reconfirmed by flow cytometry. Overall, these results indicate that like previously reported curcumin loaded O-CMC nanoparticles, N,O-CMC will also be an efficient nanocarrier for delivering curcumin to cancer cells.