Detection of nuclear receptors in gingival samples of diabetic and nondiabetic periodontitis patients

Background

Diabetes and periodontitis are two chronic inflammatory diseases sharing specific etiopathogenetic mechanisms, and both cause severe inflammation and destruction.

Aims

The present study aimed to determine the receptor expressions of peroxisome proliferative-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ, retinoid X receptor (RXR)-α, vitamin D receptor (VDR), and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) expressions in healthy gingiva and diseased gingival samples with or without diabetes.

Methods

Forty-five participants as (1) healthy controls (C), (2) periodontitis group (P), and (3) diabetes and periodontitis group (DP) were enrolled. Plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment levels (CAL), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were recorded in all participants. Two gingival biopsies from each participant were obtained, and one underwent histological tissue processing while the other underwent qRT-PCR analysis of nuclear receptors. Inflammatory and fibroblast cell counts, PPAR-γ, RXR-α, VDR, and NF-κB were evaluated.

Results

Fibroblast cells were lowest in the DP group and highest in the healthy group. PPAR-γ, VDR, RXR, and NF-κB expressions were higher in the healthy controls in the qRT-PCR analysis and similar in the other groups. Immunohistochemistry analysis also showed similar results.

Conclusion

qRT-PCR results concluded that healthy gingival samples had higher PPAR-γ, RXR, VDR, and NF-κB expressions, and immunohistochemistry findings supported the results. In addition, healthy gingiva contained higher fibroblast cells and lower inflammatory cells.

Effectiveness of Jigsaw learning compared to lecture-based learning in dental education

AIM

The objective of this study was to evaluate the success levels of students using the Jigsaw learning method in dental education.

METHOD

Fifty students with similar grade point average (GPA) scores were selected and randomly assigned into one of two groups (n = 25). A pretest concerning 'adhesion and bonding agents in dentistry' was administered to all students before classes. The Jigsaw learning method was applied to the experimental group for 3 weeks. At the same time, the control group was taking classes using the lecture-based learning method. At the end of the 3 weeks, all students were retested (post-test) on the subject. A retention test was administered 3 weeks after the post-test. Mean scores were calculated for each test for the experimental and control groups, and the data obtained were analysed using the independent samples t-test.

RESULTS

No significant difference was determined between the Jigsaw and lecture-based methods at pretest or post-test. The highest mean test score was observed in the post-test with the Jigsaw method. In the retention test, success with the Jigsaw method was significantly higher than that with the lecture-based method.

CONCLUSION

The Jigsaw method is as effective as the lecture-based method.

Gold weight with single hole versus multiple holes--experimental study in rabbits

Lagophtalmia can be a serious complication of facial paralysis. Gold weight application to the upper eyelid is one of the most popular and practical conventional techniques. However, displacement or extrusion are commonly encountered complications. In order to minimize these complications, we modified the original design of the gold weight. Our hypothesis is that gold weight with multiple holes resists displacement and resultant extrusion via extensive fibrous tissue formation through the holes. Twelve New Zealand rabbits were used for this experiment. 2 x 1 cm and 1.8 g ellipsoid golden weights with single and multiple holes were compared. They were placed subcutaneously, to the dorsal surface of the rabbit ears and no suturing was performed. Golden weights with single holes were introduced to the left ear while the golden weights with multiple holes were placed to the right ear. The rates and degree of extrusion and displacement were evaluated in the second and third weeks macroscopically and microscopically. Results were compared by Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U tests. Statistically better outcomes were achieved by golden weights with multiple holes versus single hole (p<0.0034).

The distally based superficial sural artery island flap: clinical experiences and modifications

The coverage of defects of the Achilles tendon, malleoli, and heel remains a challenge to reconstructive surgeons. The distally based superficial sural artery island flap is vascularized by the median superficial sural artery, posterolateral septal perforators originating from the peroneal artery, neurovascular arteries of the sural nerve, and combinations of these systems as suprafascial plexus. We used distally based superficial sural artery island flaps for the reconstruction of defects of ankle, malleolus, and heel in 17 patients between 1991 and 1997. The largest flap we have used until today was 12 cm in width and 15 cm in length. All flaps have survived. However, we observed venous congestion and edema in two flaps. Also, marginal necrosis occurred in two flaps for which we had not taken the sural nerve with the flap. After these complications, we made some modifications. We left a skin extension over the fasciovascular pedicle and used it as a roof of the tunnel. We took the sural nerve and the deep fascia in all cases. The main advantage of this flap is a constant and reliable blood supply without sacrifice of a major artery. In addition, this is a one-stage, safe and easy procedure that can be used for large defects.