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Background: Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing chemoradiotherapy (CRT) are susceptible to acute oral complications that have deleterious effects on oral health, reducing the patients' quality of life. Aim: To assess the onset and progression of oral complications in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. Materials and Method: This was a prospective study conducted among 40 patients with HNC undergoing CRT. Oral complications onset and grades of severity at different time points on a weekly basis for six weeks were assessed. Weekly pairwise comparisons of oral complications was done using the Friedman one-way repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA). The Chi-squared test was done in oral candidiasis to determine the significance between groups (P < 0.05). Results: Among 40 HNC patients who completed CRT and showed oral complications, 27 (67.5%) were males and 13 (32.5%) females, with peak age of 51–60 years (40%). All the oral complications had onset first noticed in the second week of CRT except dysphagia that occurred in the first week. A statistically significant difference in oral complications grading during week 1 to week 6 with P < 0.001 was present. All the patients had oral mucositis (OM), xerostomia, and dysgeusia observed in the fourth week, and dysphagia in fifth week. Severity in grading was noticed in the sixth week for all the complications. Candida albicans were more predominantly found in the later weeks as the dose of CRT increased (P < 0.001). Conclusion: In our study, a majority of oral complications had onset by second week of CRT and disease severity progressed in the sixth week of CRT. Awareness of the nature of oral complications by clinicians will aid in developing novel strategies and management in the near future that may help to improve the quality of life of the patient with HNC undergoing CRT.

Patients wearing complete dentures whether both arches or a single mandibular denture pose a great problem of midline fracture. They are more evident in patients who have retained their natural maxillary teeth. Few reports are available on the incidence of mandibular complete denture and its management. This study aims to evaluate the prevalence of midline fractures in mandibular complete denture .This study was designed as a retrospective clinical study. All the patients with Complete dentures who have been treated at the department of Prosthodontics from June 2019-March 2020 were included in the study. A total of 915 patients wearing complete dentures in the age group 40-80 years were included in the study .Various parameters namely midline fracture, denture age and the arch were evaluated. The data was analysed and results were recorded. In the present study, out of 915 only 11 patients reported with complete denture fractures predominantly within 5 years of denture use. Midline fracture was found to be more prevalent in mandibular complete denture than maxillary complete denture. Patients wearing dentures for less than or equal to 5 years had a higher frequency of denture fracture in both maxilla(0.22%) and mandible(0.66%).The prevalence of midline fracture in mandibular complete denture was found to be 17.2%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oral SubMucous Fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, potentially malignant disorder of the oral cavity seen predominantly in the south east asian region[1].The most common cause is tobacco chewing habits like pan, areca nut and gutkha. This cross sectional study aims to determine the prevalence of OSMF among habitual tobacco chewers. This study was designed as a cross sectional study. All the patients with a tobacco chewing habit were included in the study. The patient records were accessed and data was collected between June 2019 and March 2020.The clinical diagnosis of OSMF was based on the presence of palpable fibrous bands, blanched oral mucosa and limited mouth opening. The data collected was analysed using SPSS software and the results were recorded. Out of the 311 habitual tobacco chewers, OSMF was prevalent in 30.5 % of the population with pan chewing(39%) being the most common abusive habit. Men were predominant (92.4%). Buccal mucosa (68.5%) was the most commonly affected site. This study shows a prevalence of 30.5% among habitual tobacco chewers.OSMF was highly prevalent in men within the age group 31-50 years. Pan chewing habit was common over gutkha and areca nuts. Awareness and education on the detrimental effects of tobacco chewing and the risk associated with it should be implemented to limit the frequency of occurrence amongst the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are therapeutic drugs that are used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. It serves as a vital and useful armamentarium to fight against harmful pathogens. However its injudicious use in the modern times has led to antibiotic resistance which is a global threat to human health. The aim and objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and awareness of antibiotic use among dental and paramedical students. The study was conducted through an online survey link where a structured questionnaire containing 15 questions were distributed to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding antibiotic use among 1127 dental and paramedical students. The collected data were analysed using SPSS version 22. The current study revealed that there was adequate Knowledge and attitude among the dental and paramedical students, however practice towards antibiotic usage was not satisfactory. As part of the healthcare system, dental and paramedical students should have adequate knowledge, attitude and practice about the use of antibiotics as well as its misuse. The current study reveals that there is a need to elaborate the education on antibiotics and its use among the study population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fluorosis is an endemic disease that affects millions of people all over the world. Long term ingestion of excess fluorides through drinking water and other sources can lead to fluorosis affecting both the skeletal system and teeth. Dental fluorosis is a developmental disturbance of enamel due to the excessive exposure to fluoride. It mostly affects families located in high-fluoride belt regions with excessive fluoride present in drinking water. The aim of the study is to determine the awareness of dental fluorosis among college students in chennai. The study was conducted through an online survey link where a structured questionnaire containing 14 questions were distributed among 150 college students in chennai. This study revealed that nearly 50% of the population were unaware about dental fluorosis and Only 42% of the participants agreed that the main cause of dental fluorosis was the water quality. About 46% of the participants agreed that dental Fluorosis may cause tooth problems as well as skeletal problems. More than 50% of the participants were unaware of the various modes of treatments that are available for dental fluorosis. Hence this study shows that there is a lack awareness about dental fluorosis among the college students in Chennai. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: This study aims to synthesize and study the free radical scavenging activity of plant-mediated zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs). Introduction: ZnO NPs have received much attention recently as it has many properties such as its extensive antimicrobial activity, eco-friendliness, and simplicity. ZnO especially has special attention due to its excellent antibacterial nature. In addition to these properties, ZnO NPs were also found to be less toxic in in vitro test. ZnO NPs characterization is done ultraviolet-visible techniques. ZnO NPs exhibited high antioxidant activity against DPPH free radicals scavenger. Materials and Methods: Collection and preparation of plant extracts, synthesis of ZnO NPs, characterization of ZnO NPs, and preparation of NPs powder were used. Results: The plant extract is in dark green color and the ZnO NPs are seen in light yellowish in color. The graph reached its peak at a wavelength of 380 nm. Conclusion: This research shows that ZnO NPs show excellent biocompatibility and less toxicity. Hence, the NPs are expected to be utilized in the future in various industries for wide purposes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Diabetes is without any doubt is one of the most common diseases that have been affecting hundreds and thousands of people around the world. It is a disease that occurs due to high levels of blood sugar over a prolonged period. Although there are people who are aware of their diabetic conditions, there are also some who do not their health conditions and especially unaware that they are diabetic. Moreover, if untreated it could lead a lot of complications and sometimes possibly lead to death. Materials and Methods: In this survey, there were 100 participants in which all of them were female between the age between the 23 and above. It is a questionnaire based online survey. 14 questions were asked related to diabetes using survey planet. The results were recorded. Results and Discussion: In this survey, it was found that 33% of the homemakers were diabetic. This shows that they are aware of their health conditions and possibly taking precautions by following a healthy and altered lifestyle. Conclusion: Every moment is important as more and more people are affected and dying due to this uncompromised disease. Therefore, it is important to create awareness among every household to reduce and possibly prevent the occurrence of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The foramen of Huschke (FH) otherwise known as foramen tympanicum represents a developmental defect in the anteroinferior aspect of the bony external auditory meatus and is an uncommon disorder. It is posteromedial to the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) occurs due to a defect in normal ossification in the first 5 years of life. The FH may predispose individuals to TMJ pathology or it may be associated with salivary discharge into the external acoustic canal during mastication. The aim of this study is to find the incidence of FH in the temporal bone. Materials and Methods: A total of 34 dry adult skulls of unknown sex and age were observed from the Department of Anatomy, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai. Results: FH was observed in two dry human adult crania of the 34 human crania with an occurrence of 5.8%. Both the FHs were present on the left side of the crania and were circular in shape. Conclusion: This case report describes one of the variations of a temporal bone, the FH with its embryological and clinical aspects. This study might enhance the knowledge of temporal bone in the field of osteology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antibiotics are medicines used to prevent and treat bacterial infections. New resistance mechanisms are rapidly developing and spreading globally, causing peril to our ability to treat common infectious diseases, resulting in prolonged illness, disability and worse, and death. Antibiotic resistance increases the cost of health care with prolonged stays in hospitals and requirement of more intensive care. Antibiotic resistance occurs when bacteria change in response to the use of these medicines. Antibiotics inhibit the important cellular processes, retarding growth and causing cell death. Antibiotic resistance is a global public health concern, which has accelerated by the overuse of antibiotics worldwide. The increasing prevalence of antimicrobial resistance threatens the success and continuation of clinical medicine. This threat reduces the ability to successfully treat many infectious and common diseases while simultaneously exposing and increasing health risks for vulnerable patients. Coordinated efforts to implement new policies, renew research efforts, and pursue steps to manage the crisis are greatly needed to overcome this problem. This crisis is global, as it shows the overuse of antibiotics all over the world. Antibiotic-resistant infections place a substantial health and economic burden on the world health-care system and population. It can be concluded that this review article insists on the judicious use of antibiotics for a good global health-care system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural, micro structural and electric properties have been investigated for lead oxide doped strontium titanate ceramics synthesized via conventional solid state diffusion method which were calcined at 900°C for 13hr and sintered at 1000°C for 4hrs respectively. The strong relaxation dynamics in loss factor was observed at higher temperatures. AC- conductivity variations with temperatures were studied and the activation energies (Ea) were calculated of the range 0.24-0.94eV using the lnσ Vs 1/T plots. The crystalline sizes were found to be varying from 77nm-109nm by means of XRD and the FTIR spectrum was recorded over a continuous spectral range of 400-4000cm-1 to study the presence of different metal oxides. Dielectric constant plot established the curie transition temperature Tc = 653K revealing the structural transformation from cubic to tetragonal phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pharmacological activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2 (NRF2) provides protection against several environmental diseases by inhibiting oxidative and inflammatory injury. Besides high in protein and minerals, Moringa oleifera leaves contain several bioactive compounds, predominantly isothiocyanate moringin and polyphenols, which are potent inducers of NRF2. Hence, M. oleifera leaves represent a valuable food source that could be developed as a functional food for targeting NRF2 signaling. In the current study, we have developed a palatable M. oleifera leaf preparation (henceforth referred as ME-D) that showed reproducibly a high potential to activate NRF2. Treatment of BEAS-2B cells with ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes ( NQO1 , HMOX1 ) and total GSH levels. In the presence of brusatol (a NRF2 inhibitor), ME-D-induced increase in NQO1 expression was significantly diminished. Pre-treatment of cells with ME-D mitigated reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity induced by pro-oxidants. Furthermore, ME-D pre-treatment markedly inhibited nitric oxide production, secretory IL-6 and TNF-α levels, and transcriptional expression of Nos2 , Il-6 , and Tnf-α in macrophages exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Biochemical profiling by LC-HRMS revealed glucomoringin, moringin, and several polyphenols in ME-D. Oral administration of ME-D significantly increased NRF2-regulated antioxidant genes in the small intestine, liver, and lungs. Lastly, prophylactic administration of ME-D significantly mitigated lung inflammation in mice exposed to particulate matter for 3-days or 3-months. In conclusion, we have developed a pharmacologically active standardized palatable preparation of M. oleifera leaves as a functional food to activate NRF2 signaling, which can be consumed as a beverage (hot soup) or freeze-dried powder for reducing the risk from environmental respiratory disease.

A 13-year old girl was admitted to the University of California Davis Medical Center for evaluation and treatment of cutaneous bullae and ulcerations over her lower extremities that were refractory to antibiotic therapy and incision and drainage. Her disease continued to worsen with the appearance of multiple new bullae and the progression of old ones into deep ulcers with undermined borders. Biopsy revealed a neutrophilic dermatosis and diagnostic work-up was negative for infectious or autoimmune etiologies. Given her clinical presentation, biopsy results, and negative work-up, a diagnosis of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) was made and she was started on immunosuppressive medications. The patient was started on a multidrug regimen of prednisone and cyclosporine but remission was not achieved until the addition of adalimumab. After the inflammatory component of her disease was under control, wound care measures were maximized to promote ulcer healing. Wound care measures included compression and debridement. Upon complete closure of all wounds she was successfully transitioned to mycophenolate mofetil monotherapy for maintenance therapy. This case emphasizes the need for combinational therapy to successfully treat severe cases of PG, which are often refractory to monotherapy with prednisone or cyclosporine. It also highlights the importance of appropriate wound care to achieve complete ulcer healing.

Background: Surgical-site infections (SSIs) are an unfortunate consequence of cutaneous surgery. Their incidence can be a significant problem for patients and surgeons. Most SSIs are presumed to originate from the patient and operating room staff., Objectives: To review the potential routes of iatrogenic bacterial transfer during cutaneous surgery., Methods: A review of the medical literature., Conclusions: Potential routes of bacterial transfer during surgery include respiratory droplets and nuclei, skin scales carried on air currents, direct contact with the surgical team's skin, and contaminated fomites. The route with the most significant potential for iatrogenic bacterial transfer is direct physical contact. Strategies that minimize contact with infected fomites and with the surgical team would probably have the best chances of reducing the incidence of SSIs., (© 2011 by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, Inc. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Candidiasis, an often encountered oral disease, has been increasing in frequency. Most commonly caused by the overgrowth of Candida albicans, oral candidiasis can be divided into several categories including acute and chronic forms, and angular cheilitis. Risk factors for the development of oral candidiasis include immunosuppression, wearing of dentures, pharmacotherapeutics, smoking, infancy and old age, endocrine dysfunction, and decreased salivation. Oral candidiasis may be asymptomatic. More frequently, however, it is physically uncomfortable, and the patient may complain of burning mouth, dysgeusia, dysphagia, anorexia, and weight loss, leading to nutritional deficiency and impaired quality of life. A plethora of antifungal treatments are available. The overall prognosis of oral candidiasis is good, and rarely is the condition life threatening with invasive or recalcitrant disease.

An 81-year-old woman with a history of renal cell carcinoma and years of slowly, progressively enlarging pulmonary nodules of uncertain etiology presented with several weeks of painful lower extremity nodules. A biopsy revealed changes consistent with nodular vasculitis. A purified protein derivative and QuantiFERON test were positive, favoring the diagnosis of erythema induratum of Bazin. Treatment with a standard four-drug antituberculous regimen resulted in radiographic and clinical improvement. This case emphasizes the importance of dermatologic manifestations in the detection of systemic disease.

Kaposi sarcoma (KS) may be categorized into four primary clinical variants: classic, iatrogenic, endemic or African, and epidemic or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-associated Kaposi sarcoma typically presents on the face and trunk as pink to red macules and papules and can be rapidly progressive leading to disseminated visceral involvement and death. Rarely has AIDS-associated KS been described as presenting on the feet. We report a case of AIDS-associated nodular KS manifesting as an exophytic nodule on the plantar foot.

Primary cutaneous lymphomas are rare in the pediatric population and most often represent mycosis fungoides or CD30+ lymphoproliferative disorders. Primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma has rarely been reported in children, and in the past may have been mistaken for disseminated nodal disease or benign cutaneous lymphoid hyperplasias. We describe two cases of marginal zone primary cutaneous B-cell lymphoma in young males. Thus far both have been managed with local therapy. We review the literature of this rare malignancy.

Background: The expression of human neutrophil antigen-2a (HNA-2a) or NB1 is highly variable. This study investigated variations in neutrophil expression of HNA-2a by comparing the expression of epitopes recognized by three HNA-2a-specific CD177 antibodies among healthy adults and pregnant women., Study Design and Methods: Flow cytometry was used to compare the neutrophil reactions of three CD177 antibodies (MEM-166, TAG4, and 7D8) among 52 healthy adults. Because HNA-2a expression is greater in women than men, neutrophils were studied from 21 women early in pregnancy and 23 women late in pregnancy., Results: All three CD177 antibodies reacted with two populations of neutrophils: a brightly staining population and a dimly staining population. Among the 52 healthy adults, there was no difference in the mean size of the brightly reactive population of neutrophils recognized by each antibody (46 +/- 23% for MEM-166, 49 +/- 23% for TAG4, and 49 +/- 23% for 7D8), and all three antibodies were specific for HNA-2a. For all three antibodies the size of the antigen bright neutrophil population was greater on neutrophils collected both early and late in pregnancy than in healthy adults. There was no difference in the size of the antigen bright population among neutrophils tested early and late in pregnancy., Conclusion: HNA-2a antigen expression increases in pregnancy. Some of the variations in neutrophil expression of HNA-2a among individuals is likely due to differences in gene regulation or differences in post-translational protein modifications rather than gene polymorphisms.

Background: RBC components collected from donors with sickle cell trait frequently occlude WBC-reduction filters. In vitro, sickle trait RBCs have the potential for sickle Hb (Hb S) polymerization at low oxygen saturations and high Hb concentrations., Study Design and Method: To determine if the low pH and high osmolarity of the CP2D used in the collection contributed to filter failures, the filterability of sickle trait donor RBCs collected in CP2D was compared with RBCs from the same donors collected in heparin., Results: Five of six sickle trait components collected in CP2D did not complete filtration, but all six RBC components collected in heparin filtered completely. RBC components collected in CP2D from four other sickle trait donors were divided in two, and one-half was treated with carbon monoxide to convert Hb S to its liganded form to prevent Hb S polymerization. All four carbon monoxide-treated components filtered within 9 minutes, but only one untreated component filtered completely. RBC components collected by apheresis contained less CP2D, and five of seven sickle trait apheresis components filtered completely; four of the five filtered rapidly (<15 min) and one filtered in 100 minutes. Hb oxygen saturation was greater in the four rapidly filtering apheresis RBC components (68 +/- 9%) than in the three that filtered slowly or incompletely (37 +/- 5%, p = 0.03)., Conclusions: Hb S polymerization appears responsible for RBC WBC-reduction filter failures. Citrate anticoagulant and low oxygen saturation are responsible in part for Hb S polymerization in this setting.