Journal of pharmacy & bioallied sciences最新文献

Background: Targeted drug delivery in vascular diseases requires accurate modeling of blood flow dynamics. This study utilizes physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) to simulate pulsatile hemodynamics and optimize delivery timing for maximum therapeutic efficacy.

Methods: A PINN framework was developed to solve the Navier-Stokes and convection-diffusion equations in a reconstructed arterial domain. Pulsatile inlet conditions were imposed to replicate physiological blood flow. Drug bolus injections were simulated at varying phases of the cardiac cycle to evaluate optimal timing.

Results: The model achieved high accuracy with under 2% relative error compared to finite element benchmarks. Maximum drug accumulation (78%) at the target site occurred when injected 0.2 seconds post-systole, with minimal off-target dispersion (8%). Hemodynamic parameters, such as peak velocity (0.65 m/s) and wall shear stress (2.5 Pa), were consistent with physiological norms.

Conclusion: PINNs offer a robust, data-efficient approach for simulating vascular dynamics and optimizing personalized drug delivery strategies.

Background: Orthodontic treatment is often associated with discomfort, esthetic concerns, and functional limitations, all of which can impact oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Clear aligners have emerged as a more esthetic and comfortable alternative to traditional fixed appliances.

Methods: A total of 80 participants (mean age: 21.6 ± 3.4 years) undergoing orthodontic treatment were recruited and divided equally into two groups: Group A (clear aligners) and Group B (fixed appliances). OHRQoL was assessed using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) questionnaire at baseline (T0), 3 months (T1), and 6 months (T2). Statistical analyses included paired and unpaired t-tests and repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results: Both groups showed an initial decline in OHRQoL after appliance placement. However, Group A demonstrated significantly better scores in physical pain (T1: 3.1 ± 1.0 vs 5.4 ± 1.3, P < 0.001), psychological discomfort (T2: 2.6 ± 0.9 vs 4.8 ± 1.5, P = 0.002), and social disability (T2: 1.9 ± 0.6 vs 3.5 ± 1.1, P = 0.004) compared to Group B. By 6 months, the aligner group showed significant recovery in OHRQoL domains, whereas fixed appliance users continued to experience moderate impact.

Conclusion: Clear aligners are associated with a more favorable OHRQoL during orthodontic treatment compared to fixed appliances, particularly in reducing pain, psychological stress, and social challenges.

Background: Crestal bone loss is a critical determinant of long-term implant success. The choice of surgical technique-flapless versus flapped-may influence peri-implant bone preservation.

Objective: To compare the crestal bone loss around dental implants placed using the flapless technique versus the conventional flapped technique over a 6-month follow-up period.

Methods: A prospective, randomized clinical trial was conducted involving 40 systemically healthy patients requiring single-tooth implants in the posterior mandible. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (flapless technique, n = 20) and Group B (flapped technique, n = 20). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months to assess marginal bone loss. Crestal bone levels were measured mesially and distally using calibrated digital software. The primary outcome was mean crestal bone loss. Data were analyzed using paired and unpaired t-tests.

Results: At 6 months, the mean crestal bone loss in Group A was 0.48 ± 0.16 mm, while Group B showed 0.82 ± 0.21 mm. The difference between groups was statistically significant (P <0.001). Intragroup analysis revealed significant bone loss from baseline to 6 months in both groups (P <0.05), but bone preservation was significantly better in the flapless group.

Conclusion: The flapless implant placement technique demonstrated significantly reduced crestal bone loss compared to the flapped approach. Minimally invasive protocols may contribute to better preservation of peri-implant tissues in suitable clinical scenarios.

Introduction: Self-medication for dental issues is a prevalent public health concern, especially in resource-limited regions. Though it may provide temporary relief, unsupervised drug use risks misdiagnosis, antibiotic resistance, and organ damage.

Objectives: To evaluate the Knowledge, Practice, and Awareness (KPA) of self-medication among dental outpatients at a teaching dental hospital in South India and identify key influencing factors.

Materials and methods: A cross-sectional, interviewer-administered survey was conducted among 437 adult dental outpatients using a pre-validated structured questionnaire. Data collected included sociodemographic details, history of self-medication, drug types, sources, and related beliefs. Binary logistic regression was applied to identify predictors of self-medication, with P < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results: Self-medication was reported by 75.5% of participants, with 45.8% using medication for dental issues in the past year. Toothache (68.6%) was the main symptom, and paracetamol was the most used drug. Pharmacies (43.2%) and informal sources (26.5%) were common providers. Only 28.2% were aware of drug names or side effects, and 35% recognized risks like antibiotic resistance. Primary education level emerged as a significant predictor (AOR = 3.52; 95% CI: 1.08-11.49; P = 0.037).

Conclusion: Self-medication is highly prevalent among dental patients, particularly those with lower education levels. Public awareness is inadequate. Targeted education and tighter control on over-the-counter drug sales are needed to mitigate risks.

Background: Periodontitis, a chronic inflammatory disease, requires effective local antimicrobial therapy. Chlorhexidine (CHX) is a gold-standard antimicrobial, but conventional gel delivery faces limitations in sustained release and pocket penetration.

Materials and methods: A randomized, controlled, single-blind clinical trial was conducted with 60 periodontitis patients (30 per group). Clinical parameters (probing depth - PD, clinical attachment level - CAL, bleeding on probing - BOP) and microbial counts (Porphyromonas gingivalis, Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans) were assessed at baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months.

Results: PD reduction: Significantly greater in MN patch group at 3 months (2.8 ± 0.6 mm vs. 1.9 ± 0.5 mm, P < 0.001) and 6 months (3.1 ± 0.7 mm vs. 2.2 ± 0.6 mm, P < 0.001). CAL gain: Superior in the MN group at 6 months (2.5 ± 0.8 mm vs. 1.7 ± 0.7 mm, P = 0.002). Microbial reduction: Significantly higher for both pathogens in the MN group at all time points (P < 0.01). Patient discomfort: Lower with MN patches (15% vs. 45%, P = 0.008).

Conclusion: CHX-loaded MN patches demonstrate superior clinical and antimicrobial efficacy with enhanced patient comfort compared to gels, representing a promising advancement in localized periodontal therapy.

Background: Oral candidiasis is most commonly caused by yeast like fungus Candida albicans and it is the most common opportunistic infection in diabetic individuals. This type of subclinical colonization can make them more prone to develop deeper mucosal colonization with further dissemination via blood.

Materials and methods: Sixty patients that were previously diagnosed as type 2 diabetics by physician and were on oral hypoglycaemic drugs for a minimum period of 3 months and based on HbA1c <8% were kept as controlled group. This group was further divided into 3 sub-groups based according to their drug regimens group 1A-sulfonylureas (SU), group 1B-sulfonylureas + biguanides (SU + BIS), group 1C-sulfonylureas + biguanides + dipeptidylpeptidase (SU + BIS + DPP). Unstimulated whole saliva collected under standard temperature and humidity condition. Salivary sample used for identification of candida species and carriage under sabouraud agar culture media.

Results: Candida was cultured in 36.7% and 40% subjects in controlled and uncontrolled diabetic group, respectively. Candida albicans was most common isolated species, found in 6.7% and 13.3% of controlled and uncontrolled diabetics. A negative correlation was found with regards to Glipizide 5 mg (R = -0.004) (P = 0.981) and Pioglitazone 15 mg (R = -0.015) (P = 0.937).

Conclusion: The results of our study indicates that individuals in either group are equally susceptible to oral Candida infections and oral hypoglycaemic drugs may impact the Candida carriage and Candidal species in diabetic individuals.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate and compare salivary zinc levels in individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls.

Materials and methods: A total of 20 participants were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. The participants were divided into two equal groups. Group 1 consisted of 10 healthy individuals who served as controls, while Group 2 included 10 individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Saliva samples were collected from all participants, and the zinc levels were measured and analyzed to determine any differences between the two groups.

Results: The average salivary zinc level in the rheumatoid arthritis group (Group 2) was 83.52 ± 5.9 μg/dL. In comparison, the control group (Group 1) showed a lower mean level of 69.56 ± 11.2 μg/dL. This indicates a noticeable difference in zinc concentrations between the two groups.

Conclusion: Based on the findings, individuals with rheumatoid arthritis exhibited higher salivary zinc levels compared to healthy controls. This suggests that salivary zinc concentration may be altered in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and could potentially serve as a marker for disease activity or metabolic changes associated with the condition.

Background: Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a range of functional and structural pathologies affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), leading to pain, restricted movement, and quality-of-life impairment. Traditional imaging methods have limitations in providing accurate 3D assessments. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) offers high-resolution imaging with minimal radiation exposure.

Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 60 patients (aged 18-50 years; mean age 31.8 ± 9.2 years) clinically diagnosed with TMD. CBCT scans were evaluated for condylar morphology, joint space, osteoarthritic changes, and disc displacement indicators. Clinical symptoms were correlated with CBCT findings to plan targeted interventions. Data were analyzed using SPSS v26.0, with significance set at P < 0.05.

Results: CBCT detected condylar erosion in 46.7% of patients, flattening in 38.3%, and osteophyte formation in 21.7%. The joint space asymmetry was present in 53.3% of cases. Patients with radiological signs of osteoarthrosis had significantly higher pain scores (VAS ≥ 6) compared to those without (P = 0.012). CBCT findings altered the initial management plan in 41.7% of cases.

Conclusion: CBCT provides detailed structural visualization of the TMJ, allowing accurate diagnosis and more precise management planning of TMDs. Its use is recommended in patients with ambiguous clinical signs or chronic symptoms.

Background: The aim of this study is to assess whether there is a difference in the wound healing process following the extraction of a tooth between type 2 diabetes patients on oral hypoglycemic medications and nondiabetic patients.

Methods: Patients referred for dental extractions were divided into two groups: diabetics on oral hypoglycemic and nondiabetic patients. Random blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin levels were recorded for all participants. Extractions were performed under local anesthesia, and cases of delayed healing were noted. Statistical analyses were done.

Results: Pain and healing were assessed on postoperative day 3, day 7, and day14. No significant association between delayed extraction socket healing and diabetic patients was noted.

Conclusion: This study did not support the traditional belief that diabetics are more prone to delayed healing in tooth extraction. Type 2 diabetics on oral hypoglycemic medications can be managed in the same way as nondiabetic patients for dental extractions.

Background: Dental anxiety is a prevalent issue among adolescents and often leads to the avoidance of dental care, exacerbating oral health problems during a critical stage of development.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adolescents aged 13-18 years from four secondary schools in an urban area. The Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS) was used to assess dental anxiety. Oral health-seeking behavior was evaluated through a validated questionnaire assessing frequency of dental visits, reasons for avoidance, and symptom-based consultation patterns.

Results: The mean MDAS score was 15.3 ± 4.2, indicating moderate anxiety levels. Among participants, 38.5% had high dental anxiety (MDAS ≥ 19), with significantly higher prevalence in females (45.8%) than males (31.2%, P = 0.003). Only 27.5% reported routine dental check-ups in the past year. High anxiety was significantly associated with infrequent dental visits (P < 0.001), symptom-driven visits (P = 0.002), and avoidance behavior due to fear (P < 0.001). Logistic regression revealed that adolescents with high dental anxiety were 3.6 times more likely to delay dental care.

Conclusion: Dental anxiety significantly impairs oral health-seeking behavior in adolescents. Early identification and psychological interventions may promote regular dental visits and improve overall oral health outcomes in this age group.