Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of nicotine chewing gum and nicotine patches as nicotine replacement therapy using salivary cotinine levels as a biochemical validation measure.

Background: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and habit cessation counseling are considered the mainstay treatment for high nicotine dependence smokers. However, adherence to NRT is very poor. Among the NRTs, nicotine gums and nicotine patches are the most widely available. This study mainly evaluates the efficacy of nicotine gum and nicotine patches as NRT using salivary cotinine levels as a biochemical validation measure. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 72 known smokers who were willing to receive nicotine replacement therapy for cessation of smoking habits. The sample was divided into two groups: Group 1 tobacco smokers were offered nicotine chewing gum, and group 2 tobacco smokers were offered nicotine patches. Both groups received treatment for 12 weeks. At baseline and at the end of the trial period, the saliva samples were analyzed for cotinine levels using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The severity of smoking was assessed using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND). Results: The quit rate was higher in the nicotine patch group compared with the nicotine gum group. On comparison of week one vs week twelve in the nicotine group nicotine gum group showed (CI: 18.10 to 13.83) and in the patch group (CI: 7.754 to 6.56) with P < 0.001. The pre- and post-cotinine estimation was significantly reduced for nicotine patches compared with nicotine gums, and patient compliance also yielded better results for nicotine patches. Conclusion: This study depicts that nicotine patches were better adhered to in comparison with nicotine gums, and salivary cotinine level is an effective biochemical validation measure.

Monocyte-to-High-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol Ratio as a Novel Inflammatory Marker in Periodontal Disease: A Pilot Study.

AIM: The monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (MHR) has currently been proposed as an indicator of inflammation. The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship between the monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio and periodontal health and disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 90 patients were selected for the study - 30 healthy patients (group I) and 60 periodontitis patients (groups II and III). All the patients were subjected to blood sampling and serum malondialdehyde (MDA), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels and monocyte counts were estimated. RESULTS: Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio was 80.64 ± 28.71 for patients with moderate periodontitis (group II), 95.14 ± 53.21 in severe periodontitis (group III), and 14.28 ± 16.05 for the healthy patients. Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio values were found to be statistically significantly higher than the control group (p < 0.001). Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio also showed significantly positive correlation with the severity of periodontitis. CONCLUSION: Malondialdehyde and MHR are increased in periodontal disease and correlate with severity of the periodontal disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Monocyte-to-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio is a novel, readily available inflammatory and oxidative stress marker in patients with periodontitis and can be useful to evaluate periodontitis and disease severity.

Marfan Syndrome.

Marfan syndrome (MFS) is the autosomal dominant-inherited multisystem connective-tissue disorder, with a reported incidence of 1 in 10,000 individuals and equal distribution in both genders. The main clinical manifestation of this disorder consists of an exaggerated length of the upper and lower limbs, hyperlaxity, scoliosis, alterations in the cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and atypical bone overgrowth. Orofacial manifestations such as high-arched palate, hypodontia, long narrow teeth, bifid uvula, mandibular prognathism, and temporomandibular disorders are also common. Early diagnosis of MFS is essential to prevent the cardiovascular complications and treatment of orofacial manifestations, thus to increase the quality of life of the patient.

A new venture with sclerotherapy in an oral vascular lesion.

Vascular malformations are one of the most common lesions of the oral cavity. The lesion may be a congenital malformation observed in neonates or arteriovenous malformation observed in adults. Various surgical and medical managements are possible for vascular lesions which include surgical excision, laser therapy, cryotherapy, selective embolization, intralesional sclerosing agents, ß-blockers and steroid therapy. Here we report a case of oral vascular lesion where intralesional injection with 30 mg/ml of sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) was given, which resulted in local complications with severe inflammatory response including pain, swelling, and surface ulceration that remained for 2 weeks. Sclerotherapy with STS still remain an effective agent in treating benign oral vascular lesions and provides alternative or support for surgical methods. Sometimes it can lead to undesirable complications like allergic reactions, local inflammatory response, etc.

Lymphangioma of the tongue - a case report and review of literature.

Lymphangiomas are benign tumours resulting from a congenital malformation of the lymphatic system. They are relatively uncommon and usually diagnosed in infancy and early childhood. Commonly located at head and neck, they rarely occur in the oral cavity. Intraoral lymphangiomas occur more frequently on the dorsum of tongue, followed by palate, buccal mucosa, gingiva, and lips. Lymphangioma of the tongue is a common cause of macroglossia in children associated with difficulty in swallowing and mastication, speech disturbances, airway obstruction, mandibular prognathism, openbite and other possible deformities of maxillofacial structures. We present the case of a 13-year-old female with lymphangioma of tongue. The clinical, radiological, and treatment modalities of this case are discussed.

The baffling human body and the boundless nanomaterial boon-a trap for cancer crab.

Life is a balance of infinite physiochemical balanced harmonies and the basic unit cell is responsible in maintaining it. Cardiovascular diseases and Cancer are the prime causes of death worldwide. Cancerous cells break the harmonious balance and result in uncontrolled growth and spread. Emerging among the existing modalities for management of cancer, as a ray of hope is Nanotechnology based treatment. Dendrimers, Quantum dots and nanobubbles contribute significantly as part of nano based diagnosis and treatment in the management of cancer. Dendrimers are nanoparticles which employ the principle of Trojan horse strategy in that encapsulation and conjugation of anti cancer agents helps in targeting the cancerous cells specifically without affecting the adjacent healthy cells. Quantum dots are cadmium based nanoparticles which when exposed to UV light glow and help in destroying the cancerous cells in the incipient stage. Nanobubbles are generated with short pulses of laser, which helps in identifying the individual cancerous cells and explodes them. Apart from them other technologies such as liposomes, fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, nanoshells, paramagnetic nanoparticles, nanoburrs, respirocytes, microbiovores, nanopores, smart coating and nano bandaid contribute a great lot as boundless nanomaterial boon for the management of cancer, cardiovascular problems and overall systemic health.