Open-Label Extension Study Comparing Latanoprost 0.005% Without vs With Benzalkonium Chloride in Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term safety of latanoprost benzalkonium chloride (BAK)-free vs currently marketed latanoprost 0.005% ophthalmic solution containing BAK (referred to as reference), to treat open-angle glaucoma (OAG) or ocular hypertension (OHT).

Patients And Methods: This phase 3, multicenter, open-label, nonrandomized, single group assignment, safety study included patients who previously completed a phase 3 noninferiority study.

Noninferiority Study Comparing Latanoprost 0.005% Without Versus With Benzalkonium Chloride in Open-Angle Glaucoma or Ocular Hypertension.

Objectives: To evaluate the noninferiority of intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering latanoprost without benzalkonium chloride (BAK) versus latanoprost with BAK (for treatment of open-angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension).

Methods: Overall, 578 patients were randomized 1:1 to latanoprost without BAK or latanoprost with BAK once daily in the affected eye(s) for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was IOP, measured on days 0, 7, 28, 56, and 84 (8 am, 10 am, and 4 pm).

Functionally graded membrane: A novel approach in the treatment of gingival recession defects.

Background: Guided tissue regeneration has recently been advocated in re-constructing soft-tissue dimensions in recession defects. Advancement in nanotechnology has led to increased zest for approaches such as electrospinning of biologically active; nanofibrous functionally graded regenerative membranes for periodontal tissue engineering. A functionally graded membrane (FGM) had been tailored by incorporating chitosan and nano-hydroxyapatite over Amnion membrane and used in gingival recession defects.

Efficacy and Safety of OTX-101, a Novel Nanomicellar Formulation of Cyclosporine A, for the Treatment of Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: Pooled Analysis of a Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 Study.

Background: OTX-101 (CEQUA™) is approved in the United States for treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). This pooled analysis of 2 studies (phase 2b/3 and phase 3) evaluates the efficacy and safety of OTX-101 0.09% in the intent-to-treat (ITT) population and the subgroup of patients with a baseline Schirmer score less than 10 mm.

Effect of OTX-101, a Novel Nanomicellar Formulation of Cyclosporine A, on Corneal Staining in Patients With Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca: A Pooled Analysis of Phase 2b/3 and Phase 3 Studies.

Background: Keratoconjunctivitis sicca affects 5% to 33% of the population and is often accompanied by symptoms such as burning and dryness. This pooled analysis evaluated total and central corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) in patients receiving OTX-101 0.09% or vehicle in phase 2b/3 and 3 studies and whether improvements in corneal staining correlated with improved visual acuity.

A Phase 3, Randomized, Double-Masked Study of OTX-101 Ophthalmic Solution 0.09% in the Treatment of Dry Eye Disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of OTX-101, a novel aqueous nanomicellar formulation of cyclosporine (0.09%), in the treatment of patients with dry eye disease (DED).

Design: A randomized, multicenter, vehicle-controlled, double-masked, phase 3 clinical trial.

Safety of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24% for the treatment of allergic conjunctivitis in adult and pediatric subjects.

Purpose: The studies reported here aimed to assess the safety and tolerability of cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.24%, a new topical ophthalmic medication approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of ocular itching associated with allergic conjunctivitis.

Patients And Methods: Three clinical studies evaluated cetirizine ophthalmic solution 0.

Comparison of clinical effectiveness of single and multiple applications of 1% chlorhexidine varnish (Cervitec Plus) along with scaling and root planing in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Background: Local drug delivery is most commonly used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) for the treatment of periodontal disease. Varied success rates have been documented for various vehicles used for intrasite delivery of active therapeutic agents. Recently, varnishes acting as a reservoir of chlorhexidine have shown potential for the management of chronic periodontitis patients.

Evaluation of Curcumin Gel as Adjunct to Scaling & Root Planing in Management of Periodontitis- Randomized Clinical & Biochemical Investigation.

Background: Successful management of periodontitis requires treatment strategy that integrates therapies addressing both pathogen and host aspects of disease etiology. To evaluate sub gingivally applied curcumin gel in treatment of chronic periodontitis based on clinical and biochemical parameters.

Materials & Methods: A randomized, double blind, parallel-group trial was carried out on 30 patients suffering from chronic generalized periodontitis with probing pocket depth≥5mm on at least 4 sites who were then randomly allocated to two groups.

Clinical and Microbiological Investigation of the Effects of Probiotics Combined with Scaling and Root Planing in the Management of Chronic Periodontitis: A Randomized, Controlled Study.

Aim: To assess the adjunctive effect of probiotics to scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: Thirty systemically healthy subjects in the age range of 20 - 55 years suffering from chronic generalized periodontitis were selected and randomly assigned to a control group of patients who received scaling and root planing (SRP) alone, or a test group of patients who received SRP supplemented with probiotic administration, i.e.

Dysfunctional tear syndrome: dry eye disease and associated tear film disorders - new strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) is a common and complex condition affecting the ocular surface. The health and normal functioning of the ocular surface is dependent on a stable and sufficient tear film. Clinician awareness of conditions affecting the ocular surface has increased in recent years because of expanded research and the publication of diagnosis and treatment guidelines pertaining to disorders resulting in DTS, including the Delphi panel treatment recommendations for DTS (2006), the International Dry Eye Workshop (DEWS) (2007), the Meibomian Gland Dysfunction (MGD) Workshop (2011), and the updated Preferred Practice Pattern guidelines from the American Academy of Ophthalmology pertaining to dry eye and blepharitis (2013).

Correlation of alkaline phosphatase activity to clinical parameters of inflammation in smokers suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Context: Current clinical periodontal diagnostic techniques emphasize the assessment of clinical and radiographic signs of periodontal diseases which can provide a measure of history of disease. Hence, new methodologies for early identification and determination of periodontal disease activity need to be explored which will eventually result in expedited treatment.

Aim: To evaluate the correlation of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) to clinical parameters of periodontal inflammation in smokers with chronic periodontitis.

Evaluation of bone morphogenic proteins in periodontal practice.

Forty years ago Marshal R. Urist discovered a substance in bone matrix that had inductive properties for the development of bone and cartilage, until date, at least 20 bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) have been identified, some of which have been shown in vitro to stimulate the process of stem cell differentiation into osteoblasts in human and animal models. The purpose of this paper is to give a brief overview of BMPs and to review critically the clinical data currently available on the use of BMPs in various periodontal applications.

Comparative Assessment of Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Chronic Periodontitis Patients of Rural and Urban Populations in Punjab.

Purpose: To assess and compare the oral health related quality of life in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis using the short questionnaire of oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) in rural and urban populations of Punjab state, India.

Materials And Methods: One hundred patients suffering from chronic periodontitis were screened and divided into two groups, rural and urban (50 participants in each group). The clinical parameters plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), pocket probing depth (PPD) and OHIP-14 were assessed in all patients.

The Gender Bender effect in Periodontal Immune Response.

Background: The gender and sex of an individual is known to have a significant bearing on the immune system, responsible for protection against infections and disease. Contemporary evidence suggests there exists a sexual dimorphism in the hetero immune as well as autoimmune responses in human beings and females show stronger and more vigorous immune responses to antigenic stimulations, e.g infectious diseases and vaccination.

Intracameral phenylephrine and ketorolac during cataract surgery to maintain intraoperative mydriasis and reduce postoperative ocular pain: Integrated results from 2 pivotal phase 3 studies.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of phenylephrine 1.0%-ketorolac 0.3% (Omidria) for maintenance of mydriasis during, and reduction of ocular pain after, cataract surgery.

Effect of tear osmolarity on repeatability of keratometry for cataract surgery planning.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of tear osmolarity on the repeatability of keratometry (K) measurements in patients presenting for cataract surgery.

Setting: Three clinical practices.

Design: Observational prospective nonrandomized study.

Comparative evaluation of gingival trauma by Prophy-Jet and rubber-cup polishing techniques using aluminium trihydroxide.

Objective: The aim of the present study was to compare the gingival trauma with Prophy-Jet and rubber-cup polishing techniques using aluminium trihydroxide as polishing agent.

Materials And Methods: 15 subjects suffering from gingivitis were enrolled in a randomized controlled split mouth experimental investigation. After scaling, Prophy-Jet and rubber-cup polishing techniques were applied on either side of the mouth using aluminium trihydroxide as polishing agent and the gingival trauma was assessed immediately after, 7 days and 21 days posttreatment using trauma index (TI).

Exploring association between sleep deprivation and chronic periodontitis: A pilot study.

Background: Sleep deprivation has become a global phenomenon, and epidemiologic data indicate that short sleep duration adversely impacts human physical health. Underlying mechanisms involve modulation of immune-inflammatory mechanisms. These changes might contribute to potentiation of destructive periodontal disease.

Epigenetics and periodontal disease: hope to tame the untameable.

Epigenetics means gene expression alterations which occur due to the biochemical changes of the nucleotides modifying structure of DNA rather than the changes in the genetic code itself as in case of mutations. The epigenome, consisting of chromatin and its modifications, acts as a link between the inherited genome and the changes imposed by the environment. Over the past decade, there has been mounting evidence suggestive of associations between epigenetic modifications and various human conditions such as aging, and most common human diseases viz.

Comparative evaluation of single application of 2% whole turmeric gel versus 1% chlorhexidine gel in chronic periodontitis patients: A pilot study.

Aim: To evaluate and compare the clinical effects of topical subgingival application of 2% whole turmeric gel and 1% chlorhexidine gel as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) in patients suffering from chronic periodontitis.

Materials And Methods: Fifteen patients with localized or generalized chronic periodontitis with a pocket depth of 5-7 mm were selected. In each patient, on completion of SRP, three non-adjacent sites in three different quadrants were randomly divided into three different groups, that is, Group I: Those receiving 2% turmeric gel, Group II: Those receiving 1% chlorhexidine gel (Hexigel), and Group III: SRP alone (control site).

Correlation of the interdental and the interradicular bone loss: A radiovisuographic analysis.

Background: Presence of furcation involvement indicates advanced periodontitis, and a potentially less-favorable prognosis, for the affected tooth and its diagnosis has always been an enigma. The present study was carried out to measure and correlate the interdental and interradicular bone loss in patients suffering from periodontitis using radiovisuography (RVG) for the purpose of early furcation diagnosis.

Materials And Methods: A total of 50 patients suffering from chronic generalized periodontitis and with furcation involvement in mandibular molars were selected.

Porphyromonas gingivalis antigenic determinants--potential targets for the vaccine development against periodontitis.

Periodontal disease, is the most prevalent inflammatory affliction characterized by the loss of supporting structures of the teeth. Although bacteria are identified as prime agents initiating the disease, but major part of tissue destruction is driven by the host immune response to infecting agent and is responsible for the clinical presentation of the disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.

Evaluation of efficacy of a bioresorbable membrane in the treatment of oral lichen planus.

Background: Gingival involvement is commonly seen in lichen planus, a chronic mucocutaneous inflammatory condition of the stratified squamous epithelia. It is often painful and may undergo malignant transformation and thus warrants early diagnosis and prompt treatment. The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of a bioresorbable membrane (Polyglactin 910) in the management of erosive lichen planus of gingiva.

Embrasure morphology and central papilla recession.

Background: The aim of this study was to ascertain the effects of vertical and horizontal distances between the maxillary central incisors on the presence of interproximal dental papilla and to assess the association between the embrasure morphology and central papilla recession.

Materials And Methods: The central papilla was visually assessed in 50 subjects using the standardized periapical radiographs of maxillary central incisors. The following vertical distances were measured; distance from the contact point to papilla tip, CP to proximal cementoenamel (pCEJ) junction, bone crest to CP (BC-CP) and BC-PT.