Evaluation of Digital Palmar Dermatoglyphics in Oral Submucous Fibrosis and Leukoplakia: A Prospective Comparative Clinical Study.

Aim: To analyze and compare digital dermatoglyphic patterns in patients with oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis and their role as noninvasive diagnostic tool. Materials and Methods: Two hundred patients were segregated into four groups of 50 patients each with oral leukoplakia, oral submucous fibrosis, and patients with habits but no lesions were included. They were compared with 50 subjects without habits and without lesions. The study was undertaken to investigate the association of palmar dermatoglyphics with leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis. Palm and fingerprints were taken using digital method which were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: The present study found increase in frequency of whorls, palmar patterns in I2-I3 area, total finger ridge count, total triradius count and decrease in atd angle with the absence a-b ridge count in patients with oral leukoplakia and OSMF. Conclusion: Thus, with the study of peculiar changes in digital dermatoglyphic patterns in patients with oral leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis, early detection and preventive measures can be instituted in normal individuals having habit history without lesions to prevent the occurrence and progression of these potentially malignant disorders.

Preemptive Oral Ketorolac with Local Tramadol Versus Oral Ketorolac in Third Molar Surgery: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

Aims: To assess preemptive analgesic efficacy of oral ketorolac with submucous placebo versus oral ketorolac with submucous tramadol during impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Methodology: A double-blind, split-mouth clinical study was carried on 40 patients having bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. They were divided as group A comprising of 40 patients in whom oral ketorolac with submucous tramadol was administered and group B comprising of 40 patients in whom oral ketorolac with submucous placebo was administered. The study parameters included were pain intensity scores, duration to take 1st rescue analgesia, need of analgesic intake during the first 24 h postoperatively and patient's experience. Results: The patient's experience was found to be better in the group A as compared to group B while evaluating mean pain intensity scores (VRS, VAS); need of postoperative analgesics and drug-related complications. Conclusion: Preemptive oral ketorolac with tramadol in comparison to oral ketorolac results in better pain relief, longer pain free intervals with minimum rescue analgesics requirement & lesser postoperative analgesics consumption.

Regenerative Endodontic Therapy in the Management of Nonvital Immature Permanent teeth: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis is intended to evaluate the reliability of evidences published in current regenerative endodontic publications in a critical way. This meta-analysis is used to summarize and analyze the various clinical and radiographic findings associated with nonvital immature permanent teeth which have been treated with regenerative endodontic techniques. We also intend to significantly evaluate the worth of facts provided in the previous published literature. A structured electronic search by authors was undertaken in August 2020 using MEDLINE and PubMed search engine. The chosen parameters studied in this systematic review were presented in flowcharts and were summarized. We observed a good accomplishment rates in terms of survival of the treated tooth and also in resolution of any associated pathology in the apical areas; on contrary, our results in relation to apex closure along with constant root development, our findings from various studies were quiet variable. Regenerative endodontic procedures are constantly being restructured and enhanced to benefit present-day dentistry in all likely ways. Still, many factors that are important for the success of regenerative endodontic treatment outcomes still remain unexplained. There are still numerous gaps in our expertise at the present stage of this study.

Comparison of the Success Rate of Mineral Trioxide Aggregate, Endosequence Bioceramic Root Repair Material, and Calcium Hydroxide for Apexification of Immature Permanent Teeth: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

This systematic review aims to compare the success rate of Endosequence bioceramic root repair material (BCRRM), mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), and calcium hydroxide for apexification of necrotic immature permanent teeth. Indexed Journals such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Research Gate, Wiley Online Library, and other related journals were hand searched from inception till November 2020 and articles were selected for review based on PRISMA guidelines. Of the 410 studies that were identified, 150 articles were selected after title/abstract reading. After full-text reading and based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 9 studies were finalized for systematic review. Clinical, radiographic success, and the time taken for apical barrier formation were reviewed. All the three materials had almost similar success rate in terms of clinical symptoms, but the time taken for apical barrier formation and also single visit treatment makes MTA and Endosequence BCRRM superior to calcium hydroxide. Studies comparing EndoSequence Root Repair Material and MTA are very limited and need further evaluation in the future.

Evaluation and diagnostic usefulness of saliva for detection of HIV antibodies: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Use of saliva as a specimen for detection of antibodies to infectious agents has generated particular interest in AIDS research community since 1980s. HIV specific antibodies of immunoglobulin isotypes IgA, IgG, and IgM are readily found in salivary secretions. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: In the present study, HIV specific antibodies were detected in saliva and serum samples of HIV patients by ELISA in confirmed HIV seropositive patients and efficacy of saliva was established in diagnosis of HIV. METHODS: The 100 saliva and serum samples were collected from age and sex matched confirmed HIV seropositive subjects and 100 Healthy Controls without any infections. HIV antibodies were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using Genscreen HIV 1/2 Kit. RESULTS: The results were found to be 99% sensitive and 100% specific for saliva samples, while it was 100% sensitive and specific for serum samples. CONCLUSION: Saliva can be used as alternative to blood for detection of HIV antibodies as saliva collection is painless, non-invasive, inexpensive, simple, and rapid. Salivary antibody testing may provide better access to epidemic outbreaks, children, large populations, hard-to-reach risk groups and may thus play a major role in the surveillance and control of highly infectious diseases.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy and latency of twin mix vs 2% lignocaine HCL with 1:80000 epinephrine in surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

INTRODUCTION: A prospective randomized double-blind controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the latency and duration of pterygomandibular nerve block with a mixture of 1.8 ml 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine and 1 ml of 4 mg dexamethasone and its impact on postoperative sequelae after surgical extraction of impacted mandibular third molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in 40 subjects referred to the department of oral and maxillofacial surgery; they were divided into 20 subjects each in group A and B with the age range of 18-72 years planned for elective surgical removal of unilateral impacted mandibular third molar. Each patient was randomly selected to receive anesthesia using 1.8 ml 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine in group A or 2.8 ml twin mix (1.8 ml 2% lignocaine with 1:80,000 epinephrine + 1 ml 4 mg dexamethasone) in group B. After injection of the anesthetic solution, the time to anesthetic effect, duration of anesthesia from initial patient perception of the anesthetic effect to the time when the effect subsides, need to reanesthetize the surgical site were recorded, and 10-point visual analog scale (VAS) was used to subjectively assess the overall pain intensity while injecting the study drug, during surgery, and in the postoperative period. RESULTS: Mean VAS value for pain on local anesthetic injection was less in twin-mix group. The time of onset of the local anesthetic was significantly less for the study group T, 51.35 ± 7.15 s when compared with patients in study group C (P less than 0.0001). The duration of soft tissue anesthesia was longer for all the patients in the study group T. On comparative evaluation between study group C and study group T, patients in the control group had more severe swelling and reduction in mouth opening in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: The addition of dexamethasone to lignocaine and its administration as an intraspace injection significantly shortens the latency and prolongs the duration of the soft tissue anesthesia, with improved quality of life in the postoperative period after surgical extraction of mandibular third molars.

Comparative Study of Antifungal Efficacy of Various Endodontic Irrigants with and without Clotrimazole in Extracted Teeth Inoculated with Candida albicans.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the application of clotrimazole (1%) as a complementary antifungal agent along with sodium hypochlorite (5.25%), chlorhexidine gluconate (2%), and doxycycline hydrochloride (5%) against Candida albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy freshly extracted single-rooted premolars with matured apices were collected, stored, and handled according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines and recommendations. These were divided into three groups (two tests and one control group) depending on irrigants used. The efficacy of each irrigant group was compared. The observations were statistically analyzed by the multiple intergroup comparisons using ANOVA and Scheffe multiple comparisons (p < 0.001). RESULTS: The sodium hypochlorite (group IA-mean 129.6) has shown a statistically significant decrease in colony-forming units (CFUs) (p < 0.01) on comparison with chlorhexidine [(IB) mean 190.2]. A similar result was obtained in comparison with the sodium hypochlorite group (IA) and doxycycline HCl group [(IC) mean 318.4] and also between the sodium hypochlorite group (IA) and the control group [(III) mean 554.2]. The intragroup comparison of group II, group IIA (mean 63.3), and group IIB (mean 73.8) showed no statistically significant difference. Group III (mean 554.2) was the least effective of all the subgroups. CONCLUSION: Sodium hypochlorite showed better antifungal efficacy than chlorhexidine and doxycycline when used alone. The addition of clotrimazole increased the efficiency of doxycycline also, but it was less compared to sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine. Within the limitations of this study, the inclusion of 1% clotrimazole increased the antifungal efficacy of all the three irrigants. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Our study compared the efficacy of the various endodontic irrigants and also determined their efficiency with the addition of the antifungal agent. Clotrimazole (1%) addition in irrigating solutions showed better results and promoted faster healing.

Oral manifestation in leprosy: A cross-sectional study of 100 cases with literature review.

BACKGROUND: Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous disease of the peripheral nerve and muscle of upper respiratory tract. Consequence to the neighboring primary site, oral lesions have been seen in 20--60% of patient with leprosy mainly lepromatous leprosy. The lepromatous nodules may be infective and may lead to the spread of disease and hence require proper diagnosis. AIM: To assess oral lesion in leprosy patients. To assess the disease and the occurrence of oral lesion according to age and gender. To detect any primary lesion in oral cavity and compare these lesions in duration to study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 patients with leprosy were examined and there oral manifestations were recorded. RESULTS: It was found that 70 (70%) leprosy patients showed oral manifestations. And 18 (25%) had chronic generalized periodontitis, 9 (12.8%) cases of oral melanosis, 7 (10%) atrophy of papillae and loss of taste sensation each, 6 (8.5%) complained of aphthous and candidiasis each, 5 (7.14%) depigmentation, and 4 (5.71%) smokers palate, oral submucous fibrosis, and fissured tongue. CONCLUSION: Our clinical findings are in conjugation with previous studies; however, as per the review of literature this is the first study worldwide where we have examined 100 cases of leprosy which has not been documented till date. We suggest that the lesser incidence of oral lesions observed recently compared to older reports because of more effective present treatment which is initiated earlier.

Correlation of CD4 counts with oral and systemic manifestations in HIV patients.

AIM: Aim of the study was to correlate CD4 counts with oral and systemic manifestations in HIV patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Study population comprised of newly diagnosed 100 confirmed seropositive patients, before starting any antiretroviral therapy, were included. The oral lesions were diagnosed based on clinical manifestation using international criteria and CD4 count was determined within maximum 1 week of oral examination. Oral and systemic manifestations of HIV-positive patients were recorded and correlated with CD4 counts. RESULTS: It was found that decrease in CD4 count is associated with a wide range of oral and systemic manifestations which can be used as prognostic marker for immune suppression in AIDS patient. CONCLUSION: Correlation of CD4 count with oral and systemic manifestation in HIV patient demonstrate the role of oral physician in identification, diagnosis, and treatment of HIV-associated lesions, providing proper guidance to the patient and allowing for an early diagnosis and treatment of the disease, which is fundamental for a successful management of the life conditions of HIV infected patients.

DNA Laddering to Evaluate Cytogenetic Damage in Patients with Periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory conditions show cytogenetic damage in peripheral blood leukocytes and this can be assessed using various tests. Cytogenetic damage as observed in the peripheral blood cells, is a marker of periodontal disease. DNA laddering is a sensitive assay which evaluates the cytogenetic damage. DNA laddering is a feature that can be observed when DNA fragments, resulting from apoptotic DNA fragmentation, are visualised after separation by gel electrophoresis which results in a characteristic "ladder" pattern. AIM: The aim of the present study is to investigate the cytogenetic damage in different forms of periodontitis in comparison with healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 15 systemically healthy subjects with moderate to severe chronic periodontitis (CGP), 15 systemically healthy subjects with generalised aggressive periodontitis(GAP) and 15 systemically healthy control subjects were recruited. Blood samples of the patients were drawn and evaluated for the cytogenetic damage by DNA laddering. RESULTS: Apoptotic DNA fragmentation was observed as a "ladder" pattern at 180-200 BP intervals in both CGP and GAP groups indicating the DNA damage, in contrast with the healthy group where the ladder pattern was not observed suggesting of the healthy DNA. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that there are cytogenetic damages in both the chronic and aggressive periodontitis groups incontrast to the healthy controls.

Botulinum Toxin Application in Facial Esthetics and Recent Treatment Indications (2013-2018).

BACKGROUND: Ever-changing perception of beauty from childhood to old age is changing with the revolution in cosmeceuticals science. Esthetics is an individual's perception since time immemorial. Standards of beauty have changed through centuries with increased awareness about esthetics. The face remains main source of information for identification and discrimination. It constitutes a structural ground for many nonverbal messages including the emotional state of a person, so the proverb "Face is an index of mind" holds good. The wrinkles and laxity are considered to be one of the factors for aging. Hence, escalating demand for cosmetic treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and laxity has stimulated us to search for published literature for nonsurgical techniques for enhancement of facial beauty. The review analyzed the published data to provide narrative basic review in a concise way to the beginners, clinicians, and students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have adopted search criteria using keywords: Botox, Botulinum toxin, incobotulinumtoxinA, esthetics, face, uses of Botox, with various Boolean operators and or in title, and abstract using PubMed search engine. The database search limited to PubMed only from January 2013 to June 2018. RESULTS: Various search results have been appended as annexures at the end of the article for further reference for the readers. Finally, 17 references were selected to write narrative review to meet our objectives. CONCLUSION: The advancing front in the use of toxins is an emerging science for the beautification of a face. Botox exploded in to market because of efficacy, tolerability, and minimally invasive nature. The present review gives brief about the history of Botulinum toxin, types, mechanism of action, clinical indications, preparations, storage, and technique for various uses with a brief note on patient selection, contraindications, and complications.

Adult Immunization - Need of the Hour.

Immunization is the process of making individuals immune. Childhood immunization is a common process for various aliments, but adult immunization in the Indian scenario is obscure. Officially, India has been declared polio-free, which is an achievement despite cultural, political, economic, geographic, and so many other factors. The changing demographics of adult, geriatric population and growing cost of health-care maintenance are a concern in developing countries like India. Thus, promoting healthy lifestyle needs prevention, early detection, and management of various diseases and disorders. Certainly, prevention in adults is yet to be tapped completely, so that goal of 100% prevention can be achieved. Various fraternities of medical association have come up with guidelines for adult immunization schedules in India. The present paper reviews infectious diseases such as anthrax, chikungunya, cholera, dengue, influenza, and malaria in this section of the review. We humbly request all health-care professionals and educators to educate the mass for adult immunization. So that, cost involved for treatment and workforce for the management of diseases can be better utilized in some other needed areas.