OBJECTIVES: This research aims to assess the acute and sub-chronic toxicity of PHF in rats.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: PHF was administered once orally (1000 mg/kg body weight), and the rats (male and female) were monitored for toxicity signs for a 14-day period. For a 28-day chronic toxicity study, rats were daily administered with PHF dose of 500 mg/kg and 1000 mg/kg body weight. Rats were followed up for mortality, weight changes, and other morbidities. Further haematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes were assessed.
RESULTS: No death related to treatment or toxicity signs were recorded in the acute single-dose administration group. The results showed that the PHF was tolerated well up to a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight. Even at the high dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight, sub-chronic tests did not show any significant difference between the dosed and normal groups. No significant changes were seen in the histopathological analysis of the liver, spleen, and kidney as well as haematological and biochemical parameters in acute, sub-chronic and satellite groups following the administration of PHF.
CONCLUSION: The results confirmed that there was no adverse effect of this PHF at the maximum dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight in Wistar rats. Further, no adverse delayed effects related to PHF were observed in the satellite group. Therefore, this PHF appears safe for therapeutic purposes in the Ayurvedic medicinal system.
Materials and Methods: The study group comprised 150 outpatients aged 18-64 years, attending the Department of Psychiatry, District Civil Hospital, Raichur. A specific questionnaire was drawn up and was used to record the demographic and medical data and oral hygiene practices. Type III clinical examination was carried out. The WHO Assessment Form 1997 was used to assess the oral health status of the study population.
Results: Of the 150 patients examined, 90 (60%) were male and 60 (40%) were female. The mean age of the patients was 33.79 ± 10.57 years. The majority (52%) were diagnosed with epilepsy and 18% had anxiety disorder. The prevalence of caries was 87.3%. Periodontal status, according to the Community Periodontal Index scores, was as follows: 54% of the patients had shallow pocket (4 mm-5 mm) and 32% of the patients had 6-mm or more deep pocket.
Conclusion: This study highlights a substantial need for prevention and treatment of oral health needs among psychiatric patients, and to increase awareness toward oral health.
SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Roots from human premolar teeth (n = 40) were infected with E. faecalis strain the American Type Culture Collection 29212 in brain heart infusion for 21 days. After the experimental period, specimens were divided into two groups, Group A (n = 20), Group B (n = 20), and Group A specimens were stained with fluorescein diacetate dye for the detection of viability and adherence Group B were stained with acridine orange dye for detection of metabolic activity and adherence. Samples were washed, thoroughly sectioned and examined by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Computer-assisted determinants of fluorescence, bacterial viability, metabolic activity, and adherence were compared statistically.
RESULTS: E. faecalis was able to invade the dentinal tubules to a depth of 1-400 μm and adhere to 1-200 μm depth. Adherence (90%) was significantly higher in 1-100 μm using fluorescein diacetate and acridine orange dye.
CONCLUSION: Adherence of E. faecalis as evaluated by confocal laser scanning microscope was highest at the depth of 1-100 μm which may have an impact on the shaping and cleaning procedures on the root canal.