Survivability of endodontically treated cracked tooth: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Literature evidence describes various treatment protocols that have been employed for the effectiveness in improving survival and addressing associated symptoms of cracked teeth.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review investigates the survivability of endodontically treated cracked teeth and associated assessments, focusing on various treatment protocols.

METHODS

The PRISMA guidelines were utilised for guiding the article selection framework of this review. A comprehensive search of relevant literature was conducted in May 2023 across various databases, and studies meeting the inclusion criteria were selected. Data extraction, guided by a standardized form, captured crucial details, including study characteristics, treatment protocols, and treatment outcomes, enhancing the consistency and accuracy of information collection. Data extraction and synthesis was done by two reviewers independently. The Newcastle Ottawa tool was used to measure the methodological quality of the study. Six observational studies were eventually included.

RESULTS

Mandibular molars are particularly prone to developing cracks, with research indicating a heightened susceptibility to this dental issue. Studies reveal that endodontically treated cracked teeth boast robust overall survival rates ranging from 75.8% to 100%. The risk of bias assessment, utilizing the Newcastle Ottawa scale, indicated a moderate risk across studies, highlighting the necessity for careful interpretation of findings.

CONCLUSION

Endodontically treated cracked teeth show marked success in survival, with the incorporation of crowns post-endodontic treatment significantly enhancing longevity and resilience.

Ageing and the gut-brain axis: lessons from the Drosophila model

The steady decline of physiological function and increased vulnerability to age-related disorders are two features of the complicated biological process of ageing. As a key organ for nutrient absorption, metabolism, and immunological regulation, the gut plays a major part in the ageing process. Drosophila melanogaster, a well-established model organism, has emerged as a significant tool for exploring the intricate rapport between the gut and ageing. Through the use of Drosophila models, the physiological and molecular elements of the gut-brain axis have been thoroughly explored. These models have also provided insights into the mechanisms by which gut health impacts ageing and age-related illnesses. Drosophila's gut microbiota experience dysbiosis with age which has been linked to age-related diseases. To prevent this and promote healthy ageing in Drosophila, gut microbiota modification methods, such as dietary restriction in tandem with time-restricted feeding, administration of pro-, pre- and synbiotics, as well as pharmaceutical interventions have been generated with positive impacts. The article also covers the drawbacks and difficulties of investigating the gut via the Drosophila. Thus, with an emphasis on the lessons discovered from Drosophila research, this review provides an extensive description of the current studies on the role of the gut-brain axis in ageing and health.

Estimation of serum C-reactive protein activity in periodontal health and disease and response to treatment: a clinico-biochemical study

Background

Periodontitis is a chronic infectious disease affecting periodontium having multifactorial etiology, can cause significant systemic challengein addition to localized inflammation, tissue damage, and bone resorption. A serological marker of systemic inflammation known as C-reactive protein has been linked to an increased risk for a number of pathological conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.

Aim

To estimate levels of serum C-reactive protein in healthy individuals and subjects with periodontal diseases and to compare serum C-reactive protein levels in subjects having periodontal disease pre-operatively & post-operatively.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted on 60 subjects age ranging from 35 to 60 years. 30 individuals with healthy periodontium were in group 1 (control group) and the remaining 30 were diagnosed as adult periodontitis were in group 2 (experimental group). Periodontal examination done using gingival index, plaque index, periodontal pocket depth, and Russel's index. CRP levels were examined between group 1 and group 2 and in group 2 between baseline visit before treatment and 2 months after treatment.

Results

The findings of this study show a significant connection between periodontal disease and the inflammatory marker CRP in the body, as well as a tendency for a significant decrease in serumCRP levels following periodontitis therapy. At baseline, there was a positive correlation among C-reactive protein, probing pocket depth, and Russell's index.

Conclusion

As CRP is a key mediator for cardiovascular disease, an increase in C- reactive protein levels in periodontal diseases suggests a significant connection between periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases. Early periodontal treatment might decrease the severity of cardiovascular disease that already exists. This suggests that periodontal examination should be part of routine practicealong with cardiovascular examination.

Depleting levels of endogenous anti-oxidant superoxide dismutase in oral sub-mucous fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Objective

The systematic review is aimed to assess the antioxidant status by superoxide dismutase level in oral sub-mucous fibrosis using available literature.

Materials and methods

A literature search was accomplished electronically in Pubmed (MeSH), Science Direct, Scopus, Web of Science core collection, Cochrane, and Cross-reference, using the keywords such as 'oral submucous fibrosis,' 'antioxidant status' and 'superoxide dismutase.'

Results

Of the 352 articles identified, only 16 satisfied the selection criteria and were included in the systematic review. Among the selected, six studies were included for serum level analysis of superoxide dismutase. The assessment showed a significant reduction of serum superoxide dismutase in oral submucous fibrosis patients than in control (p < 0.004). The mean difference in serum superoxide dismutase concentration between oral submucous fibrosis and healthy subjects was -86.23 U/ml (95% CI -145.30, -27.17). The serum SOD level was significantly reduced as the disease progressed to stage I or stage II (p < 0.001) compared to the control group.

Conclusion

The studies showed significantly lower levels of superoxide dismutase in various human samples of patients with OSMF. Therefore, further studies are required to estimate antioxidant status using different biomarkers of oral submucous fibrosis concerning different stages of the disease in order to augment future therapy.

Clinical relevance

Assessment of antioxidant activity helps to identify the patients at risk of malignant transformation. It serves as a reliable guide to validate therapy. It serves as a marker of prognosis in patients suffering from oral submucous fibrosis.

Anxiety and Depression Among Dentists in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Purpose

Dentists face a great deal of professional stress, in dental school and in practice. Their personal, as well as professional lives, get affected negatively by stress and poor mental health. This study aims to evaluate anxiety and depression among dentists of Abha in kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out among 246 registered dentists of Abha to assess anxiety and depression. Participants willing to participate, and completely filled questionnaire were included in study. Data regarding demography, work-related characters, lifestyle and self-reported physical and mental status were collected. Mental status was measured by using pre validated questionnaire Zung Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS 20) by IBM. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, independent t test and one way ANOVA were used to analyze the data at the significant interval of p≤0.05.

Results

Different levels of anxiety and depression were noticed both in males and female dentist. There was no statistical difference in the mean scores between males and females. There was a statistical difference of anxiety and depression scores noticed among dentist working in government institution, with five to ten years of experience. Habits of smoking were shown to significantly affect the risk of anxiety and depression scores.

Conclusion

Dentist due to nature of the practice are prone for anxiety and clinical depression. Stress coping methods should be included in dental curriculum which would indirectly improve professional abilities and personal life.

Evaluation of Knowledge and Preparedness Among Indian Dentists During the Current COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

Purpose

The current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic has forced dentists to prepare themselves by updating their knowledge and receive training to face the present and after effects of COVID-19. The present survey was thus conducted to assess the knowledge, risk perception, attitude, and preparedness of the dentists in India about COVID-19.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was carried out among registered dentists in India. A self-administered, anonymous, questionnaire comprising of 25 close-ended questions was circulated to gather the relevant information. A total of 765 dentists submitted a response, out of which 646 complete responses were included in the statistical analysis. Pearson's Chi-square test was used for inter-group statistical comparison.

Results

The majority (80.8%) of the dentists had a fair knowledge about the characteristics of COVID-19. Nearly 60.7% and 49.7% of the dentists had taken infection control training and special training for COVID-19, respectively. Nearly 50% of the dentists had the perception that COVID-19 is very dangerous. Only 41.8% of the dentists were willing to provide emergency services to patients. Most of the dentists had an opinion that there is a need to enhance personal protective measures. During the survey, it was found that varied technological advances are offered to dentists to ensure good clinical practice. They also concurred that there was a need to standardize the tools and measures available to carry out dental practices.

Conclusion

In the present study, Indian dentists have presented satisfactory knowledge with adequate preparedness as the majority of them had a fair level of knowledge with significantly higher knowledge among female respondents and those with post-graduation studies. Dentists should make judicious utilization of all the precautionary measures to safely practice dentistry. As we are going through an evolutionary phase where new advances are expected to evolve, dentists will definitely emerge successfully out from the crisis of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The differential roles of caspase family members in mediating PF4-induced breast cancer apoptosis

INTRODUCTION

This study focused on PF4 effects on caspase-3,-6, -7, -8 and -9 which regulate the apopotosis process in breast cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Breast tumours were induced in forty 21-day-old female Sprague Dawley rats (SDRs) using MNU until tumour size reached 14.5 mm (SD: 0.5 mm). The rats were then divided into two groups: Group 1 (control injected with 0.9% saline; n = 20), and Group 2 (platelet factor 4 (PF4); n = 20). PF4 was administered through focal intralesional injection at 20 μg/lesion dose. Following 5-day treatment, the SDRs were sacrificed. Subsequently, representative sections from the tumour were obtained for haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The expressions of caspase-3, -6, -7, -8 and -9 were evaluated using immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining.

RESULTS

The majority of breast tumour specimens were of aggressive types [n_control = 13 (65%); n_PF4 = 12 (60%)]. Invasive ductal carcinoma not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS) was the most commonly observed breast tumour histology for control and PF4 groups (n = 8 (40%) in respective groups). PF4-treated group exhibited significant differences in the caspase-3, -6 and -8 expression levels compared to the control group (all p < 0.001). There were no significant differences in caspase-7 (p = 0.347) and caspase-9 (p = 0.373) expression levels between both groups.

CONCLUSION

This study found that PF4 acts via the caspase-mediated extrinsic apoptosis pathway without the involvement of the intrinsic pathway.

Effect of Er substitution on ultrasonic anomaly in Dy(0.5-x)Er(x)Ba(0.5)CoO3 cobaltates

Rare-earth cobaltates Dy0.5-xErxBa0.5CoO3 (x=0, 0.03 and 0.05) have been systematically investigated to elucidate the effect of Er substitution on elastic as well as magnetic and transport properties. DC electrical resistance and AC susceptibility measurements showed that the x=0 sample exhibited an insulating behavior and an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) transition, TN at 198 K as well as ferromagnetic (FM) transition, TC at 260 K. Increasing of Er content suppressed the FM and AFM state suggestively due to the increase in size disorder arising from the size mismatch between A-site cations as shown from our calculation of variance σ(2). On the other hand, both absolute longitudinal and shear velocities and related elastic moduli measured at 210 K decreased with Er content in conjunction with the declining in the FM domain indicating a weakening in elastic properties. A longitudinal velocity anomaly characterized by a drop in velocity upon cooling before hardening with further cooling was observed for all samples. This abnormal elastic anomaly can be attributed due to the Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion of intermediate-spin Co(3+) ions. Analysis of the elastic anomaly using the mean-field theory suggested that it is related to the JT effect which transformed from dynamic to static type with decreasing temperature. The elastic anomaly shifted to lower temperature from 129 K (x=0) to 124 K (x=0.05) with Er substitution indicating a weakening of the static JT effect.

Physical and functional interaction between two pluripotent proteins, the Y-box DNA/RNA-binding factor, YB-1, and the multivalent zinc finger factor, CTCF

CTCF is a unique, highly conserved, and ubiquitously expressed 11 zinc finger (ZF) transcriptional factor with multiple DNA site specificities. It is able to bind to varying target sequences to perform different regulatory roles, including promoter activation or repression, creating hormone-responsive gene silencing elements, and functional block of enhancer-promoter interactions. Because different sets of ZFs are utilized to recognize different CTCF target DNA sites, each of the diverse DNA.CTCF complexes might engage different essential protein partners to define distinct functional readouts. To identify such proteins, we developed an affinity chromatography method based on matrix-immobilized purified recombinant CTCF. This approach resulted in isolation of several CTCF protein partners. One of these was identified as the multifunctional Y-box DNA/RNA-binding factor, YB-1, known to be involved in transcription, replication, and RNA processing. We examined CTCF/YB-1 interaction by reciprocal immunoprecipitation experiments with anti-CTCF and anti-YB-1 antibodies, and found that CTCF and YB-1 form complexes in vivo. We show that the bacterially expressed ZF domain of CTCF is fully sufficient to retain YB-1 in vitro. To assess possible functional significance of CTCF/YB-1 binding, we employed the very first identified by us, negatively regulated, target for CTCF (c-myc oncogene promoter) as a model in co-transfection assays with both CTCF and YB-1 expression vectors. Although expression of YB-1 alone had no effect, co-expression with CTCF resulted in a marked enhancement of CTCF-driven c-myc transcriptional repression. Thus our findings demonstrate, for the first time, the biological relevance of the CTCF/YB-1 interaction.

Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of new platinum(IV) axial carboxylate complexes: crystal structure of potential antitumor agent [PtIV(trans-1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)trans(acetate)2Cl2]

A series of new platinum(IV) complexes of the type [PtIV(DACH)trans(L)2Cl2] (where DACH = trans-1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane, and L = acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, hexanoate, or heptanoate) bearing the carboxylate groups in the axial positions have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the analogue [PtIV(DACH)trans(acetate)2Cl2] was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction method. There were two crystallographically independent molecules, both of which lie on crystallographic two-fold axes. The bond lengths and bond angles of both the molecules were the same within the experimental error. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2, with a = 11.180(2) A, b = 14.736(3) A, c = 10.644(2) A, beta = 112.38(3) degrees, Z = 4 and R = 0.0336, based upon a total of 1648 collected reflections. In this complex, the platinum had a slightly distorted octahedron geometry owing to the presence of a geometrically strained five-member ring. The two adjacent corners of the platinum plane were occupied by the two amino nitrogens of DACH, whereas the other two equatorial positions were occupied by two chloride ions. The remaining two axial positions were occupied by the oxygens of acetate ligands. The DACH ring was in a chair configuration. An intricate network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds held the crystal lattice together. These analogues were evaluated in vitro and demonstrated cytotoxic activity against the human ovarian 2008 tumor cell line (IC50 = 0.001-0.06 microM). Structure-activity study revealed that activity was highest for the analogue where L = butyrate.

Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activity of new platinum(IV) trans-carboxylate complexes: crystal structure of [Pt(cis-1,4-DACH)trans-(acetate)2Cl2]

A series of novel platinum(IV) cisplatin analogues of the type [Pt(cis-1,4-DACH)trans-(L)2Cl2] (where cis-1,4-DACH = cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane and L = acetate, propionate, butyrate, valerate, hexanoate, heptanoate, octanoate, nonanoate, or decanoate) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 13C-NMR, and 195Pt-NMR spectroscopy. The structure of [Pt(cis-1,4-DACH)trans-(acetate)2Cl2] (1) was determined by X-ray crystallography. The crystals were monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n (no. 14) with a = 10.193(2), b = 10.687(2), c = 14.265(3) A, beta = 99.67(3) degrees, Z = 4. The total reflections collected were 2556. The structure refinement converged to R1 = 0.0539 and wR2 = 0.1531. In this complex, platinum has distorted octahedral geometry, and cis-1,4-DACH is in a unique twist-boat configuration. cis-1,4-DACH forms a seven-member chelating ring with platinum, leading to considerable strain in bidentate DACH binding. The strain is evidenced by a large 126.5(9) degrees C-N-Pt angle. The N-Pt-N angle is expanded to 97.4(5) degrees owing to geometric constraints of the cis-1,4-DACH geometry. Three lower homologs of the cis-1,4-DACH-Pt(IV) series were tested in the murine L1210/0 leukemia model for antitumor activity. The results indicate that activity decreases in ascending the homologous series, and that the activity of two of the complexes is substantially better than that of cisplatin with respect to increase in life span and cures.

Chemical and biological studies on a series of novel (trans-(1R,2R)-, trans-(1S,2S)-, and cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane)platinum(IV) carboxylate complexes

A series of novel platinum(IV) complexes of the type DACH-PtIV-trans-(Y)2-cis-X (where DACH = trans-(1R,2R)-, trans-(1S,2S)-, or cis-1,2-diaminocyclohexane; X = diacetate, oxalate, malonate, methylmalonate, cyclobutanecarboxylate (CBCA), or 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylate (CB-DCA); and Y = acetate or trifluoroacetate) has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, and 195Pt-NMR spectroscopy. The compounds have been tested against cisplatin-sensitive L1210/0 leukemia, cisplatin-resistant L1210/DDP leukemia, and M5076 reticulosarcoma cell lines in vivo. Most of these analogs displayed reasonable activity against L1210/0 cells (%T/C = 135 to > 700). There were no gross differences in activity between analogs containing isomers of DACH. Selected compounds were evaluated against L1210/DDP tumor models in which they demonstrated reduced but significant activity compared with activity in the L1210/0 model. Interestingly, complex 20, PtIV(trans-1R,2R-DACH)-trans-(acetate)2-methylmalonate, was highly active against M5076, although it had no activity against the L1210 lines. The results demonstrate that specific combinations of axial and equatorial carboxylate ligands, together with the DACH carrier ligand, can favorably modulate the antitumor properties of platinum complexes and enhance circumvention of cisplatin resistance.

Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activity of a series of novel cisplatin analogs with cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane as nonleaving amine group

A series of novel platinum(II) complexes of the type PtII(cis-1,4-DACH)X (where cis-1,4-DACH = cis-1,4-diaminocyclohexane and X = dichloro, sulfato, oxalato, malonato, methylmalonato, tartronato, or 1,1-cyclobutanedicarboxylato [CBDCA) ligand and novel platinum(IV) complexes of the types PtIV(cis-1,4-DACH)trans(Y)2Cl2 (where Y = chloro, hydroxo, acetato, propionato, or butyrato ligand) and PtIV(cis-1,4-DACH)trans(Cl)2(X) (where X = oxalato or CBDCA ligand) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopic techniques. Platinum complexes had good in vitro cytotoxic activity against murine leukemia L1210/0 (IC50 = 0.0032-1.60 microM) and human ovarian A2780 (IC50 = 0.045-0.430 microM) cell lines.

Synthesis, antimicrobial, and antitumor activity of a series of palladium(II) mixed ligand complexes

Mixed ligand complexes of cisdichloromethioninepalladium(II) with 2-mercaptopyrimidine and 2-aminopyrimidine were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, conductivity data, infrared, and 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectra. In these mixed ligand complexes methionine coordinates to palladium through amino nitrogen and sulphur, thus leaving a free carboxylic acid group. The pyrimidine ligand coordinates to metal ion through N3. Mixed ligand complexes of cisdichloroethioninepalladium(II) with cytosine and guanosine were synthesized and characterized earlier. All the above mixed ligand complexes were screened for antimicrobial activity against Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, Escherichia coli, Shigella flexnerri, Salmonella typhii, Klebsella pneumoniae, and Vibrio cholerae. It was found that complexes [Pd(meth)Cl2]: [Pd(meth)(2merpy)Cl]Cl; [Pd(meth)(2ampy)Cl]Cl; [Pd(ethio)Cl2]; [Pd(ethio)(cyt)Cl]Cl; and [Pd(ethio)(guo)Cl]Cl showed broad spectrum antimicrobial activity against all the human pathogens tested, however [Pd(meth)(2merpy)Cl]Cl eliminated plasmid with 100% frequency. These complexes have also been screened in vitro for antitumor activity against Hela (Epidermoid Carcinoma Cervix) and CHO cell lines. An excellent correlation between the antitumor activity of Pd(II) complexes and their ability to cure plasmids exists.