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Computers and mobile phones have become an essential part of modern life. Improper ergonomic posture while looking at screens and reduced physical activities in regular life can lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Irrespective of age, many adults these days are being affected due to their working cultures and lifestyles. The therapies used for musculoskeletal disorders at the early stages of the disease yield good results. A cervical traction device is one such therapeutic device used for treating several such disorders like cervical spondylosis, cervical disc bulges, and cervical compression syndrome. Although several therapeutic machines exist, they are bulky, expensive, uncomfortable, and lack self-assistance. Moreover, the existing device can only provide uniaxial traction irrespective of the patient's problem. These devices create unnecessary traction on the other side of the cervical spine for patients with a one-sided disc bulge. Thus, there is a strong need for a new therapeutic device that can provide traction on a single desired side for these patients. A novel therapeutic machine is developed with the feasibility of traction coupled with single-sided twist in the neck. The new traction device uses a pneumatic piston-cylinder arrangement. The individual can have the pressure in the traction device set to his/her liking and can even lower or raise it as needed. For patients who suffer from single-sided cervical problems, the mechanism proposed in the current device can additionally generate a twist along with traction. A study has been conducted on a group of people of different ages, and the new traction device has been proven to be more effective than previous devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pendred syndrome is a rare. inherited, autosomal recessive disorder with an iodine organification defect of thyroxin produced by the thyroid gland. Its clinical features include sensorineural hearing loss, classically congenital and prelingual, and goiter. Methods: This is the first case report of Pendred syndrome in the dental literature with oral findings that include localized extensive attachment loss involving mandibular incisor teeth and idiopathic hypercementosis involving multiple teeth in addition to other oral manifestations, suggesting hypothyroidism like macroglossia and macrochegia. Furthermore, serum alkaline phosphatase along with inorganic calcium and phosphate levels were also elevated Peripheral neutrophil function test suggested a defective function of neutrophils. Results: Management of the case included augmenting thyroxin supplementation, in consultation with an endocrinologist, and extraction of hopeless mandibular central incisors followed by placement of immediate transitional dentures. Conclusion: A comprehensive medical history and systemic and laboratory evaluations should be considered a prerequisite to identity, manage, and report such rare conditions in routine clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Osteopontin (OPN), a glycosylated phosphoprotein, is a bone matrix component produced by osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and macrophages as a multifunctional cytokine. OPN anchors osteoclasts to the bone surface, and its absence leads to impaired bone resorption. The aim of the present study was to assess the relation between clinical parameters and concentrations of OPN within gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) from inflamed gingiva and periodontitis sites and, subsequently, after the treatment of periodontitis sites. Methods: A total of 45 subjects were divided into the following three groups based on modified gingival index (MGI) and Ramfjord periodontal disease index (PDI) scores: healthy (group I), gingivitis (group II), and chronic periodontitis (group III). A fourth group consisted of 15 subjects from group III, 6 to 8 weeks after treatment (i.e. scaling and root planing [SRP]). GCF samples collected from each patient were quantified for OPN using the enzymatic immunometric assay. Further, the correlation between OPN levels in situ with clinical parameters was analyzed in all groups and before and after treatment in periodontitis patients. Results: The highest mean OPN concentration in GCF (14.347 µg/ml) was observed in group III, and the lowest mean OPN concentration in GCF (2.522 µg/ml) was observed in group I. Its levels in group III decreased to 8.419 µg/ml after treatment (group IV). Further, GCF OPN levels in all the groups showed a statistically significant positive correlation with clinical attachment loss (P<0.05). Conclusions: OPN levels increase in GCF from healthy to periodontitis states, and periodontal treatment results in the reduction of OPN levels. The data indicate that OPN may play a key role in, and could be considered a biomarker of, periodontal disease progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the past, various models including the autoimmunity model have been proposed to explain the pathogenesis of periodontal diseases. The aim of this review is to introduce the pathogenic role of anti neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies (ANCAs) in various autoimmune diseases and compare these conditions with periodontal disease to elucidate common pathogenic mechanisms. Also, a novel model to explain the pathogenesis of periodontal disease based on the concept of ANCA-associated autoimmunity is proposed. This encompasses a wide array of biochemical mediators that range from direct and indirect initiators of ANCA production and eventual release of proinflammatory mediators and free radicals, all of which have been implicated in periodontal tissue destruction in the past. In addition, specific links between the typical ANCA-associated diseases and periodontal disease are discussed. Finally, a new paradigm in the periodontal disease associated destruction is proposed that includes the currently accepted mechanism, namely, the genetic-microbial-host interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]