Background: Streptococcus mutans is a major cause of dental caries. Its capacity to produce biofilm is fundamental in the pathogenesis of this ubiquitous condition. As maintaining a healthy dentition is a genuine goal given the contemporary advance in caries control, researchers are striving to achieve a breakthrough in caries therapy. We are taking the anti-cariogenic properties of vitamin C a step-further, considering the well-known evidence of the inversely proportionate relationship between salivary levels of vitamin C and dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine MIC, MBC, biofilm prevention concentration (BPC), and derivative measures of vitamin C against fresh clinical isolates of S. mutans to evaluate its efficacy as an anti-cariogenic agent. Results: Based on the data of four independent experiments done in quadruplicates, we found a concentrationdependent inhibitory effect of vitamin C on all S. mutans strains tested. The average MBC, MIC, and BPC of vitamin C were found to be 10.16, 9.38, and 5.61 mg/ml, respectively. Spectrophotometric quantitation of crystal violet showed diminished biofilm formation in the presence of vitamin C (p < 0.05). When compared with gentamicin, vitamin C produced a zone of inhibition that was three times as large against the clinical isolates.

Introduction: Hernias containing the appendix are well-known entities that preferentially affect the groin. The presence of an appendix within a Spigelian hernia, which is a rare ventral hernia that presents with nonspecific symptoms and location, adds significantly to the complexity and rarity of its diagnosis. Further, only 18 such cases were reported and published in the literature. We report a case of Spigelian hernia and appendicitis within the hernial sac to highlight the diagnostic challenges associated with this type of hernia. Case Presentation: In her late 30s, a female who underwent laparoscopic surgery for a uterine fibroid two and a half years back presented with right lower quadrant abdominal pain for two days. This followed abdominal pain on exertion for the previous nine months. On examination, there was tenderness, guarding, and a positive cough impulse in the right lower quadrant of the abdomen. Her body mass index was 37.53 kg/m2. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography imaging of the abdomen reported a right iliac fossa incisional hernia with omental congestion necessitating an emergency laparoscopic surgery. At surgery, a Spigelian hernia, which was at least 5 cm away from the port site scar of the previous surgery, was found. The hernia contained an inflamed appendix. Thus, a diagnosis of Spigelian hernia and appendicitis within the hernial sac was made. A laparoscopic reduction and repair of the Spigelian hernia and a laparoscopic appendectomy were performed. Conclusion: Whereas Spigelian hernias are considerably rare, the presence of an appendix within a Spigelian hernia sac is yet a more infrequent occurrence. Although the imaging modalities are often inconclusive, careful interpretation of the computed tomography imaging findings may reveal the pathology preoperatively.

Background Streptococcus mutans is a major cause of dental caries. Its capacity to produce biofilm is fundamental in the pathogenesis of this ubiquitous condition. As maintaining a healthy dentition is a genuine goal given the contemporary advance in caries control, researchers are striving to achieve a breakthrough in caries therapy. We are taking the anti-cariogenic properties of vitamin C a step-further, considering the well-known evidence of the inversely proportionate relationship between salivary levels of vitamin C and dental caries. The aim of this study was to determine MIC, MBC, minimum biofilm inhibitory concentration (MBIC), and derivative measures of vitamin C against fresh clinical isolates of S. mutans to evaluate its efficacy as an anti-cariogenic agent.Results Based on the data of four independent experiments done in quadruplicates, we found a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect of vitamin C on all S. mutans strains tested. The average MBC, MIC, and MBIC of vitamin C were found to be 10.16, 9.38, and 5.61 mg/ml, respectively. Spectrophotometric quantitation of crystal violet showed diminished biofilm formation in the presence of vitamin C (p < 0.05). This inhibitory effect was not seen when vitamin C was added 18 hours post-inoculation, proving its inability to detach preformed biofilm. When compared with gentamicin, vitamin C produced a zone of inhibition that was three times as large against the clinical isolates.Conclusion Our results show that vitamin C has a negative effect on S. mutans growth and biofilm formation, which appears to be related to an inhibitory mechanism. Being the first to meticulously utilize MBIC to explore a well-known effect of vitamin C, this report aims to help in the instigation of trials of higher evidence that will ultimately culminate in repurposing vitamin C as a novel anti-cariogenic agent, albeit further studies are required to provide auxiliary evidence in this context.