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Key Clinical Message: Pemphigus vulgaris (PV) is a chronic autoimmune blistering disorder characterized by the loss of intraepithelial adhesion affecting the skin and mucous membranes, predominantly affects females in their fifth and sixth decades of life. Due to its rare occurrence in children and adolescents, there is often a delay in diagnosis and treatment in this age group. PV should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of oral ulcerative and vesiculobullous lesions in both children and adolescents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Regardless of amazing advancements in contemporary science & technology, it is not possible to provide everyone access to high-quality healthcare. Traditional medicine, in particular Ayurveda and Unani medicine, is regarded as a major global provider of healthcare. This manuscript is aimed to provide the promulgation of Unani Medicine in contemporary healthcare system. Methods: A in-depth literature analysis was successfully carried out from year 2006 to 2021 to collate the information on the advancement, growth and development of the Unani System of Medicine (USM). The search strategy was performed with recent surveys, articles and the numerous initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of AYUSH, Centre council in research in unani medicine (CCRUM) & other institutions on Unani education and research. Additionally, the updated market analysis (2020-2022) comprises import, export and trade data on Unani medicines is also described. From what we know, this review is the first of a kind to describe the domestic and global perspective of Unani medicine with and its global development. Results: The multi-disciplinary, multi-centric research initiatives of the Ministry of AYUSH have resulted in an increase in medical facilities and education in the Unani System of Medicine. With 1748 Unani dispensaries and 3947 beds in Unani hospitals, the number of these facilities has grown at a 2.4% annual pace between 2011 and 2021. Conclusion: There is tremendous growth in Unani as well as in herbal industry. Unani Medicines have shown their potential and need for better drugs and remedies against various diseases. The knowledge on import and export and the information on research and education enable to work more in this domain. These initiatives favour the World Health Organisation advocating Unani medicine as a better alternative system against various diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient canals (NCs) are passages containing neurovascular bundles (blood vessels, lymph vessels, and nerves). Best visualized on mandibular anterior intraoral periapical radiographs (IOPAR), their presence is usually associated with underlying pathological such as diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), advanced periodontitis, calcium deficiency, tuberculosis, and disuse atrophy. This study aimed to (a) evaluate NC prevalence in patients with DM, HTN, and chronic periodontitis and (b) correlate the detection of NCs as an important preliminary screening tool for inherent systemic diseases like DM, HTN, and chronic periodontitis and as an investigative clue in age and gender determination. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 subjects. Patients with complaints of pain in the mandibular anterior teeth, deep dentinal caries, abrasion, and attrition were subjected to IOPAR of the mandibular anterior teeth region to assess NCs. An increased frequency of NCs in DM (84%), HTN (66%), and periodontitis (52%) with a significant p-value was observed. Most NCs were seen beyond the root apex (72.4%). A notable association between the duration of disease and the presence of NCs in the diabetic and hypertensive cohorts (p-value 0.047 & 0.012, respectively) was observed. However, we could not establish any association between the prevalence of nutrient canals with age and gender. Our study suggested that a higher frequency of NCs on mandibular anterior IOPAR may be employed as an ancillary screening and investigative support in underlying systemic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the years, chemotherapy (CT) has evolved as an essential therapeutic modality for cancer, with oral manifestations frequently encountered as complications of cancer CT. Our study aimed to assess the prevalence of oral complications during CT and evaluate the significance of independent risk factors (age, gender, socio-economic status, oral hygiene practices etc). A cross-sectional study was carried out in a tertiary cancer hospital in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India, in which a total of 138 hospitalized patients undergoing CT and fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Comprehensive history and rigorous clinical examination eliciting the oral manifestations were carried out. Around 60% of patients exhibited oral manifestations. Xerostomia and lichenoid reactions were the highest and lowest recorded manifestations. Higher frequencies of oral lesions occurred in patients with breast cancer, TNM stage III, and with the administration of the docetaxel. Also, patients in the older age group, poor socio-economic status, poor quality of life, poor oral hygiene practices, and longer CT duration demonstrated more oral lesions. Individuals subjected to a dental evaluation either before or during CT exhibited a reduction in the number of oral features. Several oral complications were reported in the present study. All patients undergoing chemotherapy must receive reinforcement of oral hygiene instructions and dental evaluation before, during, and after chemotherapy treatment. The study also emphasizes the importance of oral health physician inclusion in the multidisciplinary cancer treatment team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a globally prevalent public health pandemic due to a viral COVID-19 infection. This cross-sectional observational study aimed at evaluating the depression, anxiety, and stress levels among private health care practitioners in the Delhi NCR region during the COVID-19 pandemic. The questionnaire included sociodemographic characteristics and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS)-21. Dentists exhibited the highest level of depression (83.89%), anxiety (89.3%), and stress (89.95%), followed by medical personnel and AYUSH workers. Most of the study cohort showed moderate levels of DASS scale. Fear of contracting the infection and fear of infection transmission to family/friends were the most common causes of mental distress. COVID-19 pandemic has imparted adverse effects on the mental health status of health professionals. The risk factors should be acknowledged, and necessary interventions should be implemented to maintain psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The recent outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the worst global crisis after World War II. Since the vaccine trials are still ongoing, the national lockdowns have been the most effective way to contain its spread. The pandemic has been extremely stressful and full of anxiety for those with comorbidities as they are the most vulnerable to the COVID-19 infections. Various efforts to assess and enhance the knowledge, attitudes, and practice, especially the high-risk groups, are critical to managing the COVID-19 pandemic successfully. A cross-sectional online survey was carried out using a self-designed questionnaire. A total of 383 participants who were 30 years or older, with at least one comorbidity, were included in the study. The mean age of the participants was 50.63±11.83 years. The most common comorbidities among the included participants were hypertension, followed by diabetes mellitus and thyroid disorders (48.5%, 44.7% and 23.3%, respectively). Our study also showed the education (p=0.004) and occupation (p=0.04) had a significant association with the attitude and practices towards the COVID-19 pandemic. In conclusion, our study showed that a high level of knowledge, attitude, and practices are the backbone to combat a global crisis like COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) encompass a wide array of ailments affecting the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), muscles of mastication, and the allied structural framework. Myofascial pain, internal derangement of the joint, and degenerative joint diseases constitute the majority of TMDs. TMDs usually have a multifactorial etiology, and treatment modalities range from conservative therapies to surgical interventions. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has evolved as an efficient non-invasive therapeutic modality in TMDs. Previously conducted systematic reviews and meta-analyses have shown variable results regarding the efficiency of LLLT in TMJ disorder patients. Hence, this systematic review was carried out as an attempt to evaluate the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of temporomandibular joint disorder patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuberculosis is chronic multisystemic disease caused mostly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease has its mention in the Vedas and Chakra and Sushruta described the features in the early 600 B.C. TB has a known site predilection for lungs, although, extra pulmonary cases have also been reported. The oral tuberculous lesions are a rare occurrence with atypical signs and symptoms, thus deferring an accurate diagnosis and treatment. A plethora of standard and contemporary diagnostic adjuncts facilitate the rapid and precise diagnosis. Anti-tubercular regimen forms the mainstay of treatment, although several recent drugs are also in clinical trial phase. This article aims to highlight the etio-pathogenesis, clinical and oral features of tuberculosis, diagnostic tools, and management protocol for tuberculosis. There is also a brief mention on the various policies considered by World health Organization (WHO) to combat this dreaded disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymph nodes are distributed along with the lymphatic system all over the body. Enlargement of lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) may result from an infection, hyperplasia during the immunologic response, and sometimes also by infiltration by cancer cells or lipid cells. Lymphadenopathy may be regional or generalized and or caused by local or systemic factors. Therefore, the differential diagnosis of lymphadenopathy is critical. Oral physician during routine physical examination also includes the examination of any enlarged lymph node in the head and neck region. Lymphadenopathy may be the only clinical presentation or one of the few findings, and enlarged lymph nodes may often raise the suspicion of an underlying pathology like lymphoma, leukemia, and Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). This review focuses on the various causes of cervical lymphadenopathy, and the systemic approach to the differential diagnosis and the management along with the health care team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Mouth is the mirror of the human body that reflects systemic disorders, and various systemic pathologies find expression in the oral region. Oral manifestations may be the initial feature or the only presenting sign in mucocutaneous diseases. Mucocutaneous disorders share two features in common: An immune-mediated pathogenesis and possibly common clinical appearance termed as 'Desquamative gingivitis'. Desquamative gingivitis is mostly a manifestation of a wide array of vesiculobullous disorders; however, it may also result due to endocrine disturbances, chronic infections, and allergic/chemical reactions. Hereby, presenting a case of oral lichen planus with Desquamative gingivitis as the sole manifestation in a 35-year-old female patient. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral health is vital to the general well being and is a time-tested indicator of the systemic health of an individual. Oral cavity may be the primary site affected in endocrine disorders, renal disorders, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, hematological, autoimmune cutaneous disorders, and psychosomatic disorders. Eating disorders (primarily Anorexia nervosa and bulimia) are psychosomatic disorders having multifaceted etiology, and characterized by abnormal eating patterns. In many cases, the oral cavity may be the only site of the manifestations of eating disorders. An oral physician may often unveil the mystery of this underlying systemic pathology by a vigilant and meticulous examination of the oral cavity. This not only helps in nabbing the disease in its early course but also prevents the patients from the appalling consequences due to the disease. This article aims to highlight the etiopathogenesis and various oral features in eating disorders. The oral physician should be familiar with the bizarre oral features of eating disorders and should work in close connection with other healthcare physicians to prevent the psychosomatic and systemic consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lichen planus (LP) is a chronic inflammatory disorder with involvement of skin, oral and genital mucosa, scalp, and nail appendages. Oral lichen planus (OLP) lesions demonstrate a number of morphologic presentations, persist for a long time with rare self-resolution, and undergo malignant changes. OLP has been associated with numerous systemic connotations such as metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, thyroid diseases, psychosomatic ailments, chronic liver disease, gastrointestinal diseases, and genetic susceptibility to cancer. The oral health physician should be aware of these systemic associations and should work in close connect with the primary healthcare physicians to rule out the predisposing factors for the associated comorbidities. This article aims to highlight the various systemic associations of OLP and warrants the screening of these ailments in OLP for prevention and effective management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ebola virus disease (EVD), a fatal viral hemorrhagic illness, is due to infection with the Ebola virus of the Filoviridae family. The disease has evolved as a global public health menace due to a large immigrant population. Initially, the patients present with nonspecific influenza-like symptoms and eventually terminate into shock and multiorgan failure. There exists no specific treatment protocol for EVD and only supportive and symptomatic therapy is the line of treatment. This review article provides a detailed overview of the Ebola virus; it's clinical and oral manifestations, diagnostic aids, differential diagnosis, preventive aspects, and management protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]