Serum mRNA levels of cytokeratin-19 and vascular endothelial growth factor in oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders using RT-PCR.

BACKGROUND: Oral cancers, which include tumors of the oral cavity, salivary glands, and pharynx, are becoming increasingly prevalent worldwide. Squamous cell carcinoma accounts for over 90% of malignant oral lesions, with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) being notably common in the Indian subcontinent and other regions of Asia. This is especially true in South-Central Asia, including Sri Lanka, where it is particularly prevalent among men. This study aims to evaluate the levels of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) and Cytokeratin-19 (CK-19) mRNAs in whole blood as a potential method for the early detection of OSCC. METHODS: The study included 40 patients (each from OSCC, Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF), Oral Leukoplakia (OLK), Oral Lichen Planus (OLP), and 10 healthy controls. The expression levels of VEGF-A and CK-19 mRNAs were measured from extracellular RNA extracted from whole blood samples using real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) with sequence-specific primers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the effectiveness of these biomarkers in detecting OSCC. RESULTS: The results demonstrated a significant increase in blood transcripts of the candidate mRNAs CK-19 and VEGF-A in patients with OSCC, OSF, OLK, and OLP. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a p-value of 0.002 for each specific comparison between diseased patients and healthy controls (i.e., OSCC vs. HC, OSF vs. HC, OLP vs. HC, OLK vs. HC) for both CK-19 and VEGF-A. When these two biomarkers were used together, they provided a 60% predictive probability for patients with OSCC (p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: This study highlights the efficacy of blood mRNA transcriptome diagnostics in detecting OSCC. This innovative clinical approach has the potential to be a robust, efficient, and reliable tool for early cancer detection. Blood-based transcriptomes could be further explored for their effectiveness in various health contexts and for routine health monitoring.

Correlation between serum heavy metals and the risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma and oral potentially malignant disorders.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a serious public health problem in various Asian countries, including Sri Lanka, and a combination of cultural practices, lifestyle factors, and genetic predispositions influences the incidence of these cancers. The examination of the connection between exposure to heavy metals and the probability of developing oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) and OSCC has been limited in its scope, and the overall consequences of such exposure remain largely unknown. This study aims to clarify the link between serum levels of heavy metals and the risk of OSCC and OPMD. The concentrations of seven heavy metals-namely, arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)-were analyzed in serum samples from 60 cases and 15 controls in the Sri Lankan cohort. The Inductively Coupled Plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for the analysis. Subsequently, the data underwent statistical evaluation via the Kruskal-Wallis H test, using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 28 software, with a confidence interval set at 95%. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The cohort consisted of 48 men and 27 women, with 15 patients each diagnosed with OSCC, OSF, OLK, and OLP, and 15 healthy controls. The study used the Kruskal-Wallis Test to compare metal concentrations across groups, finding significant differences for all metals except As and Pb. Significant associations were observed between age, past medical history, drug history, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, and betel chewing. The Spearman Correlation test showed significant correlations between the concentrations of Cr, Co, Cu, As, and Zn and the presence of cancer/precancer conditions. The study's findings suggest that heavy metal contamination may be linked to the development of OSCC and precancerous conditions. When comparing OSCC and OPMD cases with controls, the serum concentrations of As and Pb did not differ significantly. However, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, and Zn exhibited significantly higher concentrations among cases compared to controls (p < 0.05). This study observed significant variations in the levels of these five heavy metals among cancerous (OSCC), premalignant (OPMD), and healthy tissues, suggesting a potential role in the progression of malignancies. These findings underscore the importance of environmental pollution in this specific context.

Incorporating basic periodontal screening into antenatal care services provided in Rwanda: A policy brief.

Background: Preterm birth, which is child delivery before 37 weeks of pregnancy, is the primary cause of perinatal mortality worldwide. Preterm birth remains a major public health challenge in Rwanda, affecting approximately 13.8% of birth. The World Health Organization estimates that 15 million babies are born prematurely each year. While the association between periodontitis and preterm deliveries is increasingly recognized, little is known about this link in Rwanda. This policy brief aims to bridge this knowledge gap by presenting the findings of a recent study investigating the prevalence of periodontitis among pregnant women in Rwanda and its association with preterm deliveries. This policy brief also aims to inform and guide decision making towards incorporating periodontal screening into the antenatal care package in Rwanda. This has the potential to improve pregnancy outcomes and contribute to improved oral health in the future. Policy outcome and Implications: Contemporary evidence has shown a six-fold increased risk of preterm delivery for women with periodontitis in Rwanda, with a concerningly high prevalence (60%) among pregnant women. Additionally, nurses working in antenatal clinics displayed insufficient knowledge about gum disease. Actionable recommendations: The adoption of basic periodontal screening within existing antenatal care packages is recommended. This, coupled with nurse training and public awareness campaigns, can empower women and healthcare professionals to prioritize oral health for better pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions: Integrating periodontal screening into antenatal care has the potential to significantly reduce preterm deliveries and contribute to a healthier future generation in Rwanda.

Assessment of patterns and related factors in using social media platforms to access health and oral health information among Sri Lankan adults, with special emphasis on promoting oral health awareness.

BACKGROUND: Social media has evolved beyond its conventional purpose of communication and information sharing to become a potent tool for disseminating health and oral health awareness. This study seeks to assess the patterns and related factors of using social media platforms to access health and oral health information among Sri Lankan adults, with special emphasis to promotion of oral health awareness. METHODS: In March 2023, individuals aged ≥ 18 years residing in Sri Lanka, who are users of social media participated in this electronic questionnaire-based survey. Statistical analyses of the collected data were done using the SPSS version 21 software, with a p-value of < 0.05 set to determine the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: A total of 421 persons participated in this survey. Majority (68.4%) belonged to the age category of 18 to 30 years, and 55.5% were females. WhatsApp (96.8%) was the most frequently used social media platform across all age groups and both genders. Statistically significant differences were identified between genders in the usage of Telegram, Twitter, and Viber within the 18-30 years age category, with a higher percentage of males using these platforms (p ≤ 0.05). Similar significant differences were observed in the 31-40 years age group for WhatsApp and Telegram (p ≤ 0.05). Among 95.4% of online health information seekers, YouTube (74.9%) was the most popular platform. One-quarter of the respondents preferred social media platforms, and 22.3% preferred websites for obtaining oral health information. Furthermore, 74.9% had positive opinions on obtaining oral health information via social media, while only 17% reported pleasant experiences with social media platforms for oral health promotion. In assessing the reliability of oral health information on social media, 48% relied on the quality of the information. The most preferred source of oral health information was short videos from professionals (43.1%). Additionally, 69.5% reported changes in their oral health behaviours after accessing information through social media. CONCLUSION: Social media is a viable platform for promoting public oral health awareness in Sri Lankan; hence, workable strategies need to be employed, to further ensure its effective and wider use in a culturally and socioeconomically diverse country like Sri Lanka.

Sociocultural context of exclusive breastfeeding in Africa: A narrative review.

Background and Aims: Although exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) has many benefits, it is not commonly practiced in several countries as a result of context-specific challenges. EBF practice is thus a global health discourse because over 200 million children suffer from malnutrition despite the abundance of human milk. The risk of starvation remains very high among African children with less than 40% of them exclusively breastfed. In Africa, the adoption or nonadherence to EBF is a sociocultural issue. Hence, this narrative review examined the sociocultural context of EBF in the region. Methods: PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus were searched using keywords related to EBF and Africa. Relevant data from selected studies were synthesized narratively and reported using a structured narrative format. Results: EBF is strongly rooted in every culture and is a culturally determined behavior. Some believe that colostrum is dirty and harmful to newborns and, thus, needs to be purified. Despite the belief that human milk is the best food for babies, mothers often complement human milk with other foods right from birth because of perceived lactation inadequacy. Most African mothers believe in prelacteal feeding to help cleanse the infant's gastrointestinal tract for digestion, quench thirst, flush the bladder and help the mother to rest after childbirth before breastfeeding (BF) is initiated. The role of significant others was equally found important in the decision and duration of BF. The availability of family support (especially from grandmothers and husbands) reportedly encouraged EBF in Africa. The duration and exclusivity of BF in Africa are negatively associated with demographic variables like young age, low level of education, being unmarried, low income, out of employment, and parity (first-time mother). Conclusion: While there have been some efforts and policies to improve EBF, it is important to consider context-specific challenges and sociocultural factors. There is a need for more deliberate efforts to encourage mothers through the implementation of effective best practices concerning EBF in Africa.

Theories, determinants, and intervention models and approaches on inequalities of undernutrition amongst under fives: A literature review.

Background and Aims: One of the greatest public health problems of the 21st century is undernutrition in children under the age of 5 years (CAUFY). Globally, over 232 million CUAFY are undernourished and approximately 45% of mortality in this population are undernutrition-induced. This paper reviewed and critically explained the factors perpetuating undernutrition in CUAFY in the global space. It further explained the multi-level determinants that influence health inequalities and consequently exacerbate undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally. It also went further to explain the intervention models and approaches that can be used to tackle undernutrition in CUAFY. Methods/Literature Search Strategy: Demiris et al.'s approach to narrative review was utilized for this paper. Relevant articles on child nutrition were retrieved from multiple credible databases and websites of foremost health organizations. Using an iterative process, multiple combinations of search terms were done by stringing relevant key terms and their synonyms with Boolean Operators. This process was constantly refined to align search results with the study aim. Database search produced relevant and resourceful publications which were utilized to develop this review. Results: The global burden of undernutrition remains high, especially in Oceania with the highest prevalence of stunting and wasting (41.4% and 12.5%), with Africa and Asia following closely. Malnutrition eradication is a global health issue of high priority as demonstrated by the "Goal 2" of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the United Nations (UN) Decade of Action on Nutrition 2016-2025. The review identified no significant positive outcome from previous interventions due to the endemic health inequalities. Determinants of the multi-level health inequalities associated with undernutrition in CUAFY, and probable solutions are explained with theoretical models of health inequalities. A diagonal intervention approach was proposed as a viable solution to ending undernutrition in CUAFY. Conclusion: The application of relevant theoretical models and context-specific intervention approaches can be utilized by stakeholders to close the existing inequality gaps, thereby reducing undernutrition amongst CUAFY globally.

A rare case of Gardner syndrome in an African adult male: A case report.

Gardner's syndrome with the complete manifestation of colonic and extracolonic features is uncommon. Therefore, every clinician should view extracolonic features with a high index of suspicion. This may be key to early diagnosis, definitive management in these patients and importantly, helps prevent malignant transformation of existing colonic polyps.

E-cigarettes in Nigeria: A scoping review of evidence.

Background and Aims: E-cigarettes will continue to be a public health issue in Nigeria. To curb the growing menace of the e-cigarette use in Nigeria through evidence-based approach, it is crucial to first map the empirical research landscape of e-cigarettes in Nigeria. No known study has mapped the existing empirical evidence and gaps concerning e-cigarettes in Nigeria; hence, this scoping review was conducted. Methods: This scoping review adopted the research design by Arksey and O'Malley. Four databases (PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO) were searched to retrieve literature on e-cigarettes in Nigeria. With the aid of Rayyan web application, all retrieved literature were deduplicated and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only those peer-reviewed journal papers meeting the inclusion criteria were included in the review. Relevant data from the included papers were charted, collated, and summarized. Results: A total of six papers were included in this review. The reviewed papers reported a lifetime prevalence of e-cigarette use (or vaping) ranging from 5.8% to 19.8%, with a current e-cigarette use prevalence of 11.8%, among different population groups in Nigeria. The major determinants of e-cigarette use, as reported in these articles, include being a youth, having a health condition, severe anxiety, tobacco use, peer influence, and current alcohol use. Dry mouth and oral lesions (gingival inflammation and oral ulcers) were also identified to be the medical conditions associated with e-cigarette use in Nigeria. Lastly, one of the included papers identified a lack of clear regulation on e-cigarettes in Nigeria. Conclusion: There is an urgent need for more scientific investigations on the sociodemographic, economic, health, and regulatory landscape of e-cigarettes in Nigeria, as robust empirical evidence is needed for the effective planning, implementation, and evaluation of evidence-based policies and interventions on e-cigarettes control and regulation in Nigeria.

Developments and future prospects of personalized medicine in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnoses and treatments.

BACKGROUND: Precision healthcare has entered a new era because of the developments in personalized medicine, especially in the diagnosis and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This paper explores the dynamic landscape of personalized medicine as applied to HNSCC, encompassing both current developments and future prospects. RECENT FINDINGS: The integration of personalized medicine strategies into HNSCC diagnosis is driven by the utilization of genetic data and biomarkers. Epigenetic biomarkers, which reflect modifications to DNA that can influence gene expression, have emerged as valuable indicators for early detection and risk assessment. Treatment approaches within the personalized medicine framework are equally promising. Immunotherapy, gene silencing, and editing techniques, including RNA interference and CRISPR/Cas9, offer innovative means to modulate gene expression and correct genetic aberrations driving HNSCC. The integration of stem cell research with personalized medicine presents opportunities for tailored regenerative approaches. The synergy between personalized medicine and technological advancements is exemplified by artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) applications. These tools empower clinicians to analyze vast datasets, predict patient responses, and optimize treatment strategies with unprecedented accuracy. CONCLUSION: The developments and prospects of personalized medicine in HNSCC diagnosis and treatment offer a transformative approach to managing this complex malignancy. By harnessing genetic insights, biomarkers, immunotherapy, gene editing, stem cell therapies, and advanced technologies like AI and ML, personalized medicine holds the key to enhancing patient outcomes and ushering in a new era of precision oncology.

Quality of life of patients treated with robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region: a scoping review of empirical evidence.

BACKGROUND: There is a blooming trend in the application of robotic surgery in oral and maxillofacial care, and different studies had evaluated the quality of life (QoL) outcomes among patients who underwent robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region. However, empirical evidence on the QoL outcomes from these procedures is yet to be mapped. Thus, this study was conducted to evaluate the available scientific evidence and gaps concerning the QoL outcomes of patients treated with robotic surgery in the oral and maxillofacial region. METHODS: This study adopted a scoping review design, and it was conducted and reported based on the Arksey and O'Malley, PRISMA-ScR, and AMSTAR-2 guidelines. SCOPUS, PubMed, CINAHL Complete, and APA PsycINFO were searched to retrieve relevant literature. Using Rayyan software, the retrieved literature were deduplicated, and screened based on the review's eligibility criteria. Only the eligible articles were included in the review. From the included articles, relevant data were charted, collated, and summarized. RESULTS: A total of 123 literature were retrieved from the literature search. After deduplication and screening, only 18 heterogeneous original articles were included in the review. A total of 771 transoral robotic surgeries (TORSs) were reported in these articles, and the TORSs were conducted on patients with oropharyngeal carcinomas (OPC), recurrent tonsillitis, and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). In total, 20 different QoL instruments were used in these articles to assess patients' QoL outcomes, and the most used instrument was the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory Questionnaire (MDADI). Physical functions related to swallowing, speech and salivary functions were the most assessed QoL aspects. TORS was reported to result in improved QOL in patients with OPC, OSA, and recurrent tonsillitis, most significantly within the first postoperative year. Notably, the site of the lesion, involvement of neck dissections and the characteristics of the adjuvant therapy seemed to affect the QOL outcome in patients with OPC. CONCLUSION: Compared to the conventional treatment modalities, TORS has demonstrated better QoL, mostly in the domains related to oral functions such as swallowing and speech, among patients treated with such. This improvement was most evident within the initial post-operative year.

Prevalence and Causes of Blindness and Visual Impairment Among Nigerian Children: A Systematic Review.

Background: Low/middle-income countries have the highest burden of blindeness and visual impairment, which directly affects the children and indirectly affects their community. Furthermore, the number of blind years suffered by children with low vision or blindness creates a self-perpetuating ripple effect on their development, health and the socio-economic development of their communities. This systematic review aims to interrogate the existing evidence on the prevalence and causes of blindness and visual impairment in Nigerian children to provide evidence to drive health policy. Methods: This was a systematic review without meta-analysis (SwiM) using a narrative synthesis of the evidence reported using the PRISMA guidelines. All primary cross-sectional studies (in English) reporting the prevalence and causes of visual impairment among Nigerian children under 20 years old between 2003 and 2022 were included in this review. PUBMED, AJOL, BASE and ProQuest databases were searched for eligible studies between 6 June and 15 July 2023. The quality of the included studies was assessed using the AXIS tool. Results were extracted and summarised using descriptive statistics. Visual impairment and blindness using the presenting visual acuity in the better eye were reported using the WHO classification. Results: Seventeen studies, involving 16,924 children from 13 states across five geo-political zones in Nigeria, were included in the final analysis of this review. The prevalence of visual impairment was 3.9%, 2.7% and 0.3% for mild, moderate and severe visual impairments, respectively, due to ametropia, cataracts, glaucoma, etc. The prevalence of blindness was 0.2% due to cataracts, corneal scars and optic atrophy. Conclusion: Blindness and visual impairment is still a significant clinical and public health burden among Nigerian children. Hence, there is still a need for clinicians, especially opthalmologists, public health specialists, policy-makers, and other relevant stakeholders to intensify efforts towards the prevention and control of this burden.

Barriers and facilitators for people with severe mental illness accessing cancer screening: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: Evidence suggests that people with severe mental illness (PwSMI) are 2.1 times more likely to die from cancer before the age of 75, compared to people without Severe mental illness (SMI). Yet, cancer screening uptake is low among PwSMI. This mixed-methods systematic review aimed to identify the barriers and facilitators for PwSMI deciding to access and attend primary cancer screening of the cervix, breast and colon. METHODS: Six electronic databases and two grey literature sources were searched, with 1017 records screened against inclusion criteria. Included papers were appraised and data synthesised using the constructs of Normalisation Process Theory. RESULTS: Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria. Factors that impact upon uptake of PwSMI accessing cancer screening were found to include age, gender, race, and income. Common barriers to attending screening included poor communication from healthcare staff, stigmatising attitudes, and accessibility problems such as no access to transportation. While, facilitators included social support from friends, family, and healthcare providers. CONCLUSIONS: Due to ease and privacy, colorectal screening was found to have fewer barriers when compared to cervical and breast screening. The review identified multiple barriers that can be addressed and targeted to support decision-making for cancer screening among PwSMI. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022331781).

Strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in patient education on oral cancer: A Nigerian study.

BACKGROUND: The burden of oral cancer in Nigeria is increasing. Different studies have shown how public education on oral cancer have increased knowledge of oral cancer across populations, however, it is not known if these practices are adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. AIMS: To investigate the patient oral cancer education strategies adopted by oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. METHODS: This study adopted an analytical cross-sectional study design. This study surveyed practicing oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria. An e-questionnaire was used for this study. The data were analyzed using the SPSS Version 20 software, and a p-value of <.05 was used to determine the level of statistical significance. RESULTS: The study's response rate was 46.6% (75/161). The 75 participants were from the six geopolitical zones in Nigeria responded to the survey questionnaire. Even though more than half (43/75, 57.3%) of the respondents have never received any training since their post-bachelor's degree qualification on the strategies that can be used in educating patients on oral cancer, majority (54/75, 72.0%) of them knew at least one education strategy; also, the most known (36/54, 66.7%) and utilized (33/54, 61.3%) strategy among those respondents who were aware of patient education strategy was health talk. Only 38.7% (29/75) of the respondents reported that health learning materials (posters, leaflets, fliers, and flipcharts) are available in their clinics, all of which were in insufficient quantities. Also, 93.3% (70/75) of the respondents opined that it is worthwhile that dental clinics/hospitals in Nigeria invest in the provision of oral cancer learning materials for patient use. Inferential statistical analysis did not reveal any significant relationship between the respondents' characteristics and their awareness and practice on patient oral cancer education strategies. CONCLUSION: This study identified that many oral physicians, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and oral pathologists in Nigeria lack the needed capacity to educate their patients on oral cancer. There is a need to strengthen their capacity by giving them training on patient oral cancer education strategies, and by providing them with good quality and enough teaching aids.

The use of Qigong and Tai Chi in the management of temporomandibular joint dysfunction: A systematic review.

Background and Aims: Qigong and Tai Chi (QTC) are mind-body exercises involving a sequence of graceful movements, which promote self-healing, meditation, and self-cultivation. There is growing evidence that Qigong and/or Tai Chi therapy may improve the physical and psychological health among adults with multiple health conditions including joint movement. This systematic review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the type and effectiveness of QTC therapies used in the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. Methods: This systematic review followed the AMSTAR-2 guideline, and it was reported based on guidelines in the PRISMA checklist. The review involved a systematic search of nine electronic databases. After deduplication and screening of the literature retrieved from the search, only one article was included based on the review's inclusion criteria. Data was extracted from this article and synthesized. Results: The only included article was on a non-randomized control trial which investigated the role of Tai Chi Qigong (a form of Qigong) therapy in improving joint mobility and alleviating trismus among 52 survivors of nasopharyngeal carcinoma who had TMJ disorders. The study reported, at different time intervals (at pretest; at mid-intervention; at posttest; and at follow-up posttest), that no significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed concerning mouth opening capacity between the intervention group and the control group. However, over time, less severe deterioration in mouth-opening was noted among the participants in the intervention group (p = 0.181) as compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The role of QTC therapies in improving joint mobility and alleviating trismus is not yet fully understood, but it seems promising. The available evidence is inadequate to categorically conclude on the efficacy of these therapies. Further studies will be required to fully assess the effectiveness of QTC therapies in the management of TMJ dysfunction.

Noma: a PubMed-based informetric analysis of a neglected tropical orofacial disease in Nigeria.

Noma is an orofacial gangrenous infection commonly affecting malnourished children in the tropical region of the World, particularly the sub-Saharan Africa. Nigeria is a sub-Saharan African country which is among the countries seriously affected by noma. In Nigeria, noma has been classified as a priority disease. However, only very little attention has been focused on noma research in Nigeria, unlike many other priority diseases. This study conducted an informetric analysis of research outputs on noma in Nigeria, using the PubMed database - a world-leading and authoritative database of medical literature. This study revealed that only 26 PubMed-indexed publications on noma (PONs), published between January 1990 and September 2021, were available. A trend analysis of these PONs showed that the average output (outputs from 1999 to 2020 = 23) rate per year (from 1990 to 2020 [31 years]) was 0.74 (23/31). Sokoto (n = 11), Oyo (n = 4) and Kebbi (n = 3) were the top three Nigerian states surveyed on noma in the included PONs. Only 12 publications had international co-authors, of which only few publications had co-authors affiliated with institutions in other African countries: South Africa - 5 publications; and Rwanda - 2 publications. Only two publications were funded. Also, the top five prolific Nigerian authors on noma in Nigeria were affiliated with Noma Children Hospital, Sokoto State, Nigeria. In conclusion, PONs by Nigerian authors is so meagre in quantity. This low output is an issue of medical concern. More research focused on noma in Nigeria is needed through funding and other research capacity-strengthening measures.

Nanoplatforms: The future of oral cancer treatment.

Background and Aims: Cytotoxicity is a key disadvantage of using chemotherapeutic drugs to treat cancer. This can be overcome by encapsulating chemotherapeutic drugs in suitable carriers for targeted delivery, allowing them to be released only at the cancerous sites. Herein, we aim to review the recent scientific developments in the utilization of nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for treating oral malignancies that can lead to further improvements in clinical practice. Methods: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and other notable databases to identify recent peer-reviewed clinical trials, reviews, and research articles related to nanoplatforms and their applications in oral cancer treatment. Results: Nanoplatforms offer a revolutionary strategy to overcome the challenges associated with conventional oral cancer treatments, such as poor drug solubility, non-specific targeting, and systemic toxicity. These nanoscale drug delivery systems encompass various formulations, including liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, dendrimers, and hydrogels, which facilitate controlled release and targeted delivery of therapeutic agents to oral cancer sites. By exploiting the enhanced permeability and retention effect, Nanoplatforms accumulate preferentially in the tumor microenvironment, increasing drug concentration and minimizing damage to healthy tissues. Additionally, nanoplatforms can be engineered to carry multiple drugs or a combination of drugs and diagnostic agents, enabling personalized and precise treatment approaches. Conclusion: The utilization of nanoplatforms in oral cancer treatment holds significant promise in revolutionizing therapeutic strategies. Despite the promising results in preclinical studies, further research is required to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and long-term effects of nanoformulations in clinical settings. If successfully translated into clinical practice, nanoplatform-based therapies have the potential to improve patient outcomes, reduce side effects, and pave the way for more personalized and effective oral cancer treatments.

The roles of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria: A narrative review.

Background and Aims: The epidemiological burden of cancer in Africa, and Nigeria in particular, has been increasing significantly over the past few decades due to exposure to numerous risk factors as well as belief in various myths and misconceptions. Chaplains can play crucial roles in dispelling these myths and misconceptions about cancer among people. Therefore, this study seeks to review the epidemiological burden, risk factors, and myths relating to cancer and the roles of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria. Methods: This paper is a narrative review that relied on secondary sources obtained through a thorough literature search of relevant articles on multiple electronic databases including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Web of Science. Published books, journal articles, and other published materials that were written in English were consulted in line with the objectives of this study. Both theoretical and empirical papers were used for this review. Results: Cancers are associated with risk factors including exposure to chemicals, ultraviolet radiation, harmful tobacco and alcohol use, exposure to human papillomavirus (HPV), and these factors may vary with age, cultural beliefs (myths and misconceptions), and socioeconomic factors among others. Chaplains, however, have crucial roles to play in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria. These roles include counseling, advocacy, education, and psycho-social support which may be limited by challenges such as spiritual ambiguity, inadequate training of healthcare providers and limited time/resources. These challenges can be addressed by training healthcare providers and incorporating chaplain practice in Nigerian healthcare. Conclusion: The role of chaplains in dispelling cancer myths in Nigeria is crucial despite the numerous challenges. Hence, an urgent address of these challenges will be instrumental in ensuring effective chaplain practice in Nigeria.

Health risks associated with the production and usage of charcoal: a systematic review.

Charcoal production and utilisation are linked to various health issues and occupational hazards. However, to our knowledge, no systematic review has primarily focused on the health implications of charcoal production and its use while distinguishing charcoal from other solid fuels such as wood and coal. OBJECTIVES: This systematic review presents a synthesis of the evidence on the health risks associated with producing and using charcoal across the world. DESIGN: Systematic review using a systematic narrative synthesis approach. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE (through Ovid interface), CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library and SCOPUS, from inception to 26 February 2021. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Peer-reviewed journal articles reporting empirical findings on the associations between charcoal usage/production and health parameters. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS: Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed the quality of primary studies. RESULTS: Our findings showed that charcoal production and usage are linked with specific adverse health outcomes, including respiratory diseases (n=21), cardiorespiratory and neurological diseases (n=1), cancer (n=3), DNA damage (n=3), carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning (n=2), physical injury (n=2), sick house syndrome (n=1), unintentional weight loss and body mass index (BMI) reduction (n=2), increase in blood pressure (n=1) and CO death (n=1). Among the included articles that reported respiratory diseases (n=21), there was one case of asthma and tuberculosis and two cases of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. CONCLUSIONS: This review links charcoal production/usage and some associated human health risks. These include respiratory diseases and other non-respiratory illnesses such as sick-building syndrome, cardiovascular diseases, DNA damage, CO poisoning and death, unintentional weight loss and BMI reduction, and physical injuries.

Burnout: A predictor of oral health impact profile among Nigerian early career doctors.

There have been reported association of oral health disorders with burnout, stress, and mental health. Arguably, with these reported associations, and the current prevalence of burnout amongst Nigerian doctors, exploring the role of burnout on oral health amongst Nigerian doctors is timely. This study aims to determine the relationship between burnout and oral health-related quality of life amongst Early Career Doctors (ECDs) in Nigeria, while also identifying the role other possible predictors plays in this relationship. This was a cross-sectional study conducted amongst Nigerian ECDs as part of Challenges of Residency Training in Nigeria (CHARTING) II project. A total of 632 ECDs were recruited across thirty-one tertiary hospitals in the 6 geopolitical zones of the country using a multistage cluster sampling technique. A self-administered paper-based semi-structured questionnaire was given to each participant that consented. The tools used to assess burnout and Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) were Copenhagen Burnout Inventory (CBI) and Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) respectively. Independent samples T-test, ANOVA and Multiple linear regression were used to draw inferences from the data collected. Overall mean OHIP-14 score of all participants was 11.12 (±9.23). The scores for the 3 dimensions of burnout were below 50% with CBI-Personal Burnout having the highest score of 49.96 (±19.15). Significant positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between OHIP-14 and all the dimensions of burnout, as the burnout scores were increasing, there was a corresponding increase in the OHIP scores thus poorer OHRQoL. The regression model shows that the predictors of OHIP were CBI-PB (p = 0.003), use of fluoride paste (p = 0.039), use of tobacco (p = 0.005) and being a denture user (p = 0.047). This study shows a positive correlation between burnout and OHIP of ECDs. We found that as burnout was increasing, OHIP increased thus implying poorer oral health related quality of life amongst ECDs. The use of fluoride toothpaste, tobacco and denture are other factors we found that could affect the OHIP of ECDs.