Accuracy of sex estimation by morphometric evaluation of foramen magnum using computed tomography - a systematic review and meta-analysis.

The objective of this study is to determine whether the morphometric evaluation of the foramen magnum using computed tomography can be used as an accurate tool in estimating the sex of an individual. An extensive search of the databases, PubMed, ProQuest, Google Scholar, and Scopus, was carried out to procure articles that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The AQUA tool was used to assess the quality of the included studies. A random effects model was used for the meta-analysis of the eligible studies using the STATA software, version 16, 2019 at 95% CI and p ≤ 0.05. Eleven eligible articles that measured the transverse and sagittal diameters of the foramen magnum using computed tomography were included in this study. The sagittal diameter of the foramen magnum was greater than the transverse diameter, and both the diameters were greater in males than in females. Meta-analysis revealed that both transverse and sagittal diameters were more reliable for male sex estimation. Since there is a dimensional variation between the male and female foramen magnum, it can be used for initial sex identification and also as an auxiliary to other advanced methods of sex estimation.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice of dentists in the management of medical emergencies in India: A cross-sectional study.

Background: A medical emergency is an acute, unanticipated medical reaction or complication that threatens the patient's life or health and necessitates rapid attention or intervention. Since these emergencies can be life-threatening, the dentist's readiness is critical to avoid morbidity, mortality, and legal complications. Therefore, this study aims to assess dental students' and practitioners' knowledge, attitude, and practice in managing medical emergencies in India. Material and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at a private dental institute among 420 participants (318 males and 102 females) using a customized questionnaire consisting of sixteen questions - one open-ended and fifteen closed-ended. The data obtained was analysed using Chi-square test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Mann -Whitney U test, and Spearman's rank correlation coefficient test. Results: Out of the 420 respondents, 416 (99.05 %) respondents believed that it is essential to obtain patients' vital signs (blood pressure, pulse, respiratory rate, temperature) before starting any treatment. However, 345 (82.14 %) respondents had not taken any course in managing medical emergencies and only 196 (46.67 %) respondents were confident in handling a medical emergency. There was a statistically significant association (P < 0.05) between the various qualifications and responses for the majority of the questions. Conclusion: There is a general lack of knowledge among all the respondents and a lack of positive attitude among undergraduates in dealing with medical emergencies.

Comparison of Effectiveness of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Extract Gel (2%) with Retino A (0.1%) Cream for Treatment of Oral Leukoplakia: Double Blinded Randomized Control Trial.

AIM: The study aims to evaluate and compare the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf extract gel (2%) & Retino A cream (0.1%) in reducing the size of lesions in oral leukoplakia. OBJECTIVES: The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of two interventions, Moringa oleifera mucoadhesive gel and Retino-A cream, in reducing the size of lesions in patients with oral leukoplakia. Specifically, the objectives were: (1) to assess the efficacy of Moringa oleifera mucoadhesive gel in determining the reduction in lesion size, (2) to assess the efficacy of Retino-A cream in determining the reduction in lesion size, and (3) to compare the efficacy of Moringa oleifera mucoadhesive gel (2%) in determining the change in lesion size in oral leukoplakia patients. METHODS: Clinically diagnosed cases of oral Leukoplakia were included in this study. The sample size is 72. Thirty-six patients had lesion sizes ranging from 2- 4 cm, and 36 patients had lesion sizes ranging from 4.1 - 6 cm that were equally distributed in the case and control groups using the chit system. The case and control groups had 36 patients with an equal size range of lesions. The case and control group participants will be advised topical application of the intervention and Retino-A thrice daily using a sterile cotton bud. RESULTS: M. oleifera gel (2%) was found to be more effective in the reduction in the size of the lesion as compared to Retino-A in the treatment of oral leukoplakia patients. CONCLUSION: This study showed that M. oleifera mucoadhesive gel (2%) is an effective and safe treatment option for oral leukoplakia patients. It demonstrated a significant reduction in lesion size compared to Retino-A cream (0.1%) after 3 months of therapy, without any reported adverse effects. However, long-term follow-up studies are needed to evaluate its long-term effectiveness. The potent antioxidant property of M. oleifera makes it a promising candidate for further studies with concentration variations and in other potentially malignant oral disorders, such as lichen planus and OSMF. The development of chemotherapeutic drugs from M. oleifera for cancer treatment should also be considered. Overall, M. oleifera appears to be a promising natural alternative to synthetic drugs for the treatment of oral leukoplakia. KEY WORDS: Leukoplakia, Oral leukoplakia, premalignant lesion, precancer, potentially malignant disorders.

COVID-19 associated rhinomaxillary mucormycosis: a case series and review of literature

During COVID-19 pandemic, fulminant deep fungal infection started emerging in India, known as Mucormycosis. This type of mucormycosis was termed as COVID-19 associated mucormycosis (CAM). These patients had previous history of COVID-19 infection. Such cases were mainly reported in immunocompromised patients such as patients with poorly controlled diabetes and chronic renal diseases etc. Rhinomaxillary mucormycosis is an aggressive, fulminant, fatal deep fungal infection of head and neck region. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment can reduce the mortality and morbidity associated with the disease; hence we present case series of rhinomaxillary mucormycosis to create awareness amongst dental surgeons