Curcumin is an active ingredient isolated from Curcuma longa. It has several pharmacological effects, including anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. Due to its low bioavailability, chemical structure instability, and easy oxidation, the application of curcumin has been limited. In this study, to overcome these limitations, curcumin-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cur-MSN) were prepared, and the anticancerous effect of Cur-MSNs on head and neck cancer cells, HN5, was investigated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed rod-shaped mesoporous nanoparticles with average particle size smaller than 100 nm. Higher cytotoxicity of Cur-MSNs was seen in treated cancer cells compared with free curcumin. The expression of Bcl-2 was significantly reduced in the presence of Cur-MSNs compared to the control (untreated HN5 cells) (p < 0.05). A 3.43-fold increase in the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was seen in Cur-MSNs treated HN5 cells at the IC₅₀. Cur-MSNs increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Based on these novel results, we suggest that Cur-MSNs offer efficacy for cancer treatment and future studies should further characterize their properties in various experimental cancer models.

Aims: This study aimed to clinically evaluate of a novel gelatin-based biodegradable sponge after mandibular posterior teeth extraction to assess its abilities in controlling bleeding, pain, and dry socket compared a commercial sponge. Trial design: In this study, 26 patients who needed the extraction of two mandibular molar teeth were selected and, in each patient, after tooth extraction, the prepared gelatin sponge was used in the test group and the commercial sponge was used in the control group in the form of a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial. The sterile gauzes were used on top of each sponge to absorb the extra blood (unabsorbed blood of sponges) to assess the blood absorption amount. Also, the amount of bleeding was recorded for 1 and 4 h after extraction for two groups. The amount of pain was measured for 12, 24, and 48 h after tooth extraction by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All patients also returned for examination four days after extraction to assess the occurrence of dry socket. Results: The results showed that the average weight of absorbed blood by sterile gauze in the control group (6.32 ± 1.06 g) was higher than in test group (3.97 ± 1.1 g), e.g., the bleeding control was better for the test group (p < 0.05). Bleeding was observed to be significantly reduced in the test group within 1 h (p = 0.003), within 1–4 h (p = 0.002), and after 4 h (p = 0.042) post-operatively in comparison to the control group. The average pain decreased significantly over time in both groups and the reduction of the pain was significantly higher for the test group (p < 0.05). Just one dry socket case occurred in the control group. Conclusion: The prepared sponge is recommended for use in dental surgeries because of its abilities in bleeding, pain, and dry socket control.

A biodegradable micro/nano-structured porous hemostatic gelatin-based sponge as a dentistry surgery foam was prepared using a freeze-drying method. In vitro function evaluation tests were performed to ensure its hemostatic effect. Biocompatibility tests were also performed to show the compatibility of the sponge on human fetal foreskin fibroblasts (HFFF2) cells and red blood cells (RBCs). Then, 10 patients who required the extraction of two teeth were selected, and after teeth extraction, for dressing, the produced sponge was placed in one of the extracavities while a commercial sponge was placed in the cavity in the other tooth as a control. The total weight of the absorbed blood in each group was compared. The results showed a porous structure with micrometric and nanometric pores, flexibility, a two-week range for degradation, and an ability to absorb blood 35 times its weight in vitro. The prepared sponge showed lower blood clotting times (BCTs) (243.33 ± 2.35 s) and a lower blood clotting index (BCI) (10.67 ± 0.004%) compared to two commercial sponges that displayed its ability for faster coagulation and good hemostatic function. It also had no toxic effects on the HFFF2 cells and RBCs. The clinical assessment showed a better ability of blood absorption for the produced sponge (p-value = 0.0015). The sponge is recommended for use in dental surgeries because of its outstanding abilities.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is a very distressing structural condition. Interpositional arthroplasty has become the acceptable standard for the primary surgical management of TMJ ankylosis. Up to now, diverse interpositional materials have been proposed in this regard, with especial advantages and limitations. The temporalis muscle and facial flap, as well as the dermal graft, are among the most popular ones. This study aimed to compare the short-term clinical consequences between these 2 interpositional materials in patients with operated TMJ ankylosis. Twenty patients with TMJ ankylosis were randomized in 2 age- and sex-matched 10-patient groups and received either a temporalis muscle and facial flap or a dermal graft as the interpositional material. The maximal incisal opening (MIO) and the amount of lateral excursion (LE) were measured before and 3 months after surgery, and the mandibular deviation (MD) at the mouth opening 3 months after operation was compared between the 2 groups. Twenty patients were enrolled in the study. The presurgical MIO and LE were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Three months after the operation, evaluation of the patients did not reveal a significant difference considering the amount of the MIO, LE, or MD. The mentioned parameters were significantly improved 3 months after the operation in both groups. The interpositional arthroplasty in TMJ ankylosis patients using either a temporalis muscle and facial flap or a dermal graft would yield a comparable and almost satisfactory clinical outcome.

Background. Despite their benefits, dental implants may sometimes fail for a diversity of causes; the most common reasons of failure are infection and bone loss. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) bacteria show a major role in peri-implantitis infection and dental implant failure. Methods. In this study, the prevalence of P. gingivalis isolated from the gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) of fifteen Iranian patients with implant failure (more than 1/3 of the implant length), who had average oral and dental hygiene and no antibiotic use for at least one month, was determined. Moreover, the antimicrobial effects of curcumin nanocrystals against isolated P. gingivalis were investigated. The collected samples from patients were transferred to a microbiology laboratory to culture. The presence of P. gingivalis in the culture media was confirmed using a trypsin reagent test. An isolate from a patient with the highest colony count was selected to evaluate the antibacterial effects of curcumin nanoparticles. The inhibition zone diameter, minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were determined. Results. Out of fifteen patients, eight (53.33%) were positive for the presence of P. gingivalis. The results of the microbial tests showed that curcumin nanoparticles had an MIC of 6.25 µg/mL and an MBC of 12.5 µg/mL. Conclusions. The use of curcumin nanoparticles may control the bacterial infection around the implant.