We describe predictions made using the Rosetta structure prediction methodology for both template-based modeling and free modeling categories in the Seventh Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction. For the first time, aggressive sampling and all-atom refinement could be carried out for the majority of targets, an advance enabled by the Rosetta@home distributed computing network. Template-based modeling predictions using an iterative refinement algorithm improved over the best existing templates for the majority of proteins with less than 200 residues. Free modeling methods gave near-atomic accuracy predictions for several targets under 100 residues from all secondary structure classes. These results indicate that refinement with an all-atom energy function, although computationally expensive, is a powerful method for obtaining accurate structure predictions.

Context:Antimicrobial proteins and peptides constitute a diverse class of host-defense molecules that act early to combat invasion and infection with bacteria and other microorganisms. Among the various antimicrobial peptides in the oral cavity, adrenomedullin (ADM), a cationic peptide, is found in gingival crevicular fluids (GCFs) in amounts twice as high in periodontal disease sites as healthy sites. Studies have also shown that plasma levels of ADM increased in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus as compared with controls.Aims:This clinico-biochemical study was undertaken to try to decipher the probable link between ADM, diabetes and periodontitis.Materials and Methods:The study comprised of 90 patients who were divided into three groups based on community periodontal index scores and diabetes status. Probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were measured in all subjects. GCF was collected from all the participants using micropipettes and blood samples were collected from subjects in Groups III, for analysis of glycated hemoglobin. ADM levels were measured in GCF samples by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Statistical Analysis Used:The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance, Bonferroni test and Pearson's correlation.Results:An increase in GCF levels of ADM from periodontal health to disease and in periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes was noted.Conclusions:Increase in GCF levels of ADM from periodontal health to disease and in periodontitis patients with type 2 diabetes reinforces the perio-systemic interlink concept.

Context:Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) and Platelet-rich-fibrin (PRF) are extensively used autologous platelet concentrates in periodontal regeneration, and PRF has a better efficacy as compared to PRP. The rationale for this difference has often been attributed to the difference in the structure of the fibrin matrix. However, the effect of concentration of platelets on the regenerative potential of these concentrates is obscure.Aims:The study was conducted to evaluate and compare, clinically and radiographically, the efficacy of PRF and PRP in the treatment of periodontal endosseous defects and to assess the effect of platelet concentration on periodontal regeneration.Materials and Methods:Twenty intrabony defects were selected and divided into two groups randomly by the coin toss method. Group I received PRP and Group II subjects were treated with PRF. The platelet counts in PRP and PRF were analyzed. Clinical and radiological parameters were assessed at baseline and 3, 6, and 9 months postoperatively.Statistical Analysis:Kruskal–Wallis Chi-square test, Wilcoxon signed rank test, t-test, and Spearman's rank correlation were used for statistical analysis of data.Results:There was statistically significant improvement in all the parameters in the two groups except in relation to gingival recession. There was a statistically significant difference between the platelet count in Group I and Group II (P = 0.002).Conclusion:PRP and PRF appear to have nearly comparable effects in terms of periodontal regeneration. The concentration of platelets appears to play a paradoxical role in regeneration. The regenerative potential of platelets appears to be optimal within a limited range.

Dental calculus is a hard deposit that is formed by calcification of dental plaque primarily composed of calcium phosphate mineral salts which is deposited on natural teeth and restorations and is covered by a layer of unmineralized plaque. These hard deposits may form coronal to or apical to the gingival margin, hence named accordingly as supragingival and subgingival calculus respectively. The distribution of calculus is very versatile and it differs from individual to individual, from tooth to tooth, and from surface to surface. So, a thorough knowledge on prevalence of calculus is important for the clinician in outlining the treatment plan. It is a well-known fact that calculus is itself not an inducing agent for pathological changes that occur in gingival tissues; instead it is covered by a layer of unmineralized plaque which is proven to be the key etiological agent involved in these pathogenic mechanisms. But, attributing to the porosity of calculus and its ability to retain bacterial antigens makes it an important contributing factor in initiating and accentuating periodontal disease progression. In this review, we made an attempt to discuss various aspects of calculus composition, its formation, and its etiological significance in periodontal disease progression. How to cite this article Aghanashini S, Puvvalla B, Mundinamane DB, Apoorva SM, Bhat D, Lalwani M. A Comprehensive Review on Dental Calculus. J Health Sci Res 2016;7(2):42-50.