Recent publications
Background
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a prevalent form of head and neck cancer characterized by aggressive behavior and a poor prognosis. Conventional therapies have demonstrated limited effectiveness, underscoring the need for innovative strategies that target the molecular mechanisms involved in OSCC progression. Multitargeting agents present a promising approach by simultaneously addressing several key pathways, potentially addressing issues of treatment resistance. Desmostachya bipinnata, a medicinal plant renowned for its anticancer properties, contains bioactive compounds that may serve as effective treatments for OSCC.
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the therapeutic potential of bioactive compounds from Desmostachya bipinnata in treating OSCC. It uses bioinformatics and molecular docking techniques to identify key molecular targets and pathways, evaluate compound binding affinities, and propose novel multitargeting agents for OSCC therapy.
Materials and Methods
This study aimed to explore the therapeutic potential of Desmostachya bipinnata compounds for OSCC using bioinformatics and molecular docking. Six of the 19 compounds screened were excluded due to toxicity, leaving 14 for further analysis. GeneCards, DisGeNet, and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases identified 3,278 OSCC-related genes, and SwissTargetPrediction predicted 221 targets. Protein–protein interaction and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis pinpointed significant hub genes. Molecular docking of four selected compounds (linoleic acid, kaempferol, daucosterol, stigmasterol-glucoside) with six key targets (MMP2, PTGS2, STAT3, MAPK1, MMP9, AKT1) revealed strong binding affinities, suggesting potential therapeutic efficacy.
Results
This study evaluated potential therapeutic compounds from Desmostachya bipinnata for OSCC through a comprehensive approach. After assessing the toxicity of 19 compounds, six were excluded due to predicted adverse effects, leaving 14 for further analysis. We identified 3,278 OSCC-related genes by integrating data from GeneCards, DisGeNet, and GEO databases. Using SwissTargetPrediction, we narrowed down 221 unique targets for these compounds and identified 95 common targets with OSCC genes. Protein–protein interaction analysis via STRING and Cytoscape, along with Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE), highlighted a significant gene cluster. Expression analysis with Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) led to the exclusion of low-expressing genes (IL6, MAPK3, ESR1, BCL2), focusing on MMP2, PTGS2, STAT3, MAPK1, MMP9, and AKT1, which are involved in cancer-related pathways. Molecular docking studies showed that linoleic acid, kaempferol, daucosterol, and stigmasterol-glucoside exhibit strong binding affinities to these targets, suggesting their potential as effective therapeutic agents. Activity predictions confirmed their antineoplastic properties, underscoring their potential utility in OSCC treatment.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that Desmostachya bipinnata compounds exhibit promising multitargeting activity against OSCC. The strong binding affinities and interaction profiles of these compounds with key OSCC-related targets support their potential as effective therapeutic agents. Further experimental validation is needed to confirm these results and explore the clinical applicability of these compounds in OSCC treatment.
Background
H19, a 2.3 kb lncRNA, has been linked to tumor metastasis and progression, but its significance in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. H19 was initially thought to have a tumor-suppressive function, but recent studies have shown that it possesses both tumor-promoting and suppressive functions. The variation in H19 expression may be due to the influence of tobacco or low basal expression levels. However, there are limited studies available on the association between H19 and its role in the prognosis of OSCC.
Objective
The present study analyzes the expression of H19 correlated with clinicopathological parameters, tobacco habit, loco-regional recurrence, and overall survival.
Methods
A longitudinal study was undertaken using 96 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) OSCC tissues and 30 FFPE adjacent normal mucosa (NM) tissues from patients who had surgery between 2015 and 2018. The tissues were subjected to quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) to determine H19 expression. The differential expression levels of H19 in OSCC were compared to clinicopathological variables and risk habits using the t-test and ANOVA. H19 expression correlated overall survival was analyzed by drawing the Kaplan–Meier curve followed by the log-rank test. A multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine the ability of H19 to independently predict loco-regional recurrence and overall survival for OSCC.
Result
H19 was significantly underexpressed in OSCC compared to NM in both the study cases and the TCGA OSCC database. The lower expression of H19 was significantly associated with the tobacco smoking habit and was not associated with any clinical or pathological features. Multivariate Cox’s proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that low H19 expression and positive lymph node metastasis were independent predictors of overall survival for OSCC. Higher age, higher TNM staging, and low H19 expression were independent predictors of loco-regional recurrence.
Conclusion
The findings in the present study indicate that H19 is a novel prognostic marker and may provide a therapeutic strategy for the targeted treatment of OSCC, and tobacco may play a role in the expression of H19.
Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized dental imaging by providing precise three-dimensional visualization of hard tissue structures with minimal radiation exposure compared to conventional CT. This review explores the integration of CBCT in interdisciplinary diagnosis and treatment planning across various fields of dentistry. CBCT offers versatile applications including assessment of impacted teeth, airway analysis, temporomandibular joint evaluation, detection of jaw pathologies, and precise diagnosis of dento-maxillofacial fractures. Its ability to generate static and rotational 3D images aids in surgical planning and treatment outcome prediction. Furthermore, CBCT plays a crucial role in orthodontics for localization of impacted teeth and evaluation of craniofacial anomalies such as cleft lip and palate. In periodontics and implantology, CBCT facilitates detailed assessment of periodontal structures, bone defects, and precise implant placement. Additionally, CBCT assists in maxillofacial prosthetics by enabling virtual surgical planning and custom prosthetic fabrication. This paper underscores CBCT as an indispensable tool in modern dental practice, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, treatment precision, and patient outcomes across diverse clinical scenarios.
Introduction And Objectives: Restoration of extensively decayed primary teeth is a challenging task. Hence full coverage crown restorations become mandatory for teeth with multi-surface carious lesions and teeth that have undergone pulp therapy. Pediatric dentists also report pressure from parents of child patients for an esthetic restoration. The major factors that inuence the nal choice of the restoration are, it's strength to bear the masticatory load and esthetics. Thus, this study aimed to compare the fracture resistance and wear resistance of three preformed esthetic crowns available for primary teeth. The mean force required to fracture the crowns was determined using Materials And Methods: servo hydraulic test. While the wear was noted using the pin on disk wear test machine. The results obtained were statistically analysed. Statistical analysis of the results received was done by using the software SPSS version Statistical Analysis: 20. Results: Fracture resistance Zirconia crowns was signicantly higher compared to the fracture resistance of Figaro crowns and the Biox crowns while no signicant difference was noted in the fracture resistance between Figaro and Biox crowns. No signicant difference was seen in the wear resistance between any of the three groups. Higher fract Conclusion: ure resistance was noted with the preformed Zirconia crowns compared to the garo crowns and Biox crowns which showed their fracture resistance in a comparable range. Thus, Zirconia crowns may be could be considered a better alternative, having promising properties to eliminate the traditional restorations in the coming years.
Aim
To evaluate the effect of applying a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor on the fracture resistance of root-filled teeth restored with Everstick fiber-reinforced composite resin.
Subjects and Methods
After the selection of 60 freshly extracted human mandibular first molar, root canal access and standard uniformly sized mesio-occluso-distal (MOD) cavities were made and the teeth were randomly assigned into three groups ( n = 20 each): Group I, the MOD cavity was first lined with flowable composite resin and then restored with composite resin. In Group II, Everstick fiber was placed into the bed of flowable composite in buccal–pulpal–lingual direction before the composite restoration was placed. In Group III, after etching of the cavity, a 2% chlorhexidine MMP inhibitor was applied. Then, the MOD cavity was restored same as group II. A universal testing machine was employed to compressively load the teeth at a cross-head speed of 0.5 mm/min till fracture. The maximum fracture loads were recorded in Newtons (N) and data were analyzed with one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey tests.
Results
Group III exhibited significantly higher fracture resistance compared to all other groups ( P < 0.001), whereas Group I demonstrated the lowest fracture resistance.
Conclusion
The utilization of Everstick glass fiber, combined with MMP inhibitor treatment, yielded the greatest fracture resistance. Hence, this method may be prioritized over conventional restoration techniques for strengthening root canal-treated teeth with structurally compromised crowns.
This study aimed to assess the factors influencing healthcare-seeking behaviour among patients presenting to a dental institution.
Oral diseases, such as dental caries and periodontal diseases are prevalent global health concerns, particularly in developed countries, whereas oral cancers are more common in developing countries. In India, there is observed lower utilization of dental care services and higher rates of dental problems.
This descriptive study involved 220 patients who visited a dental college and hospital in India. Patients were interviewed to gather information on their chief complaint, history of previous treatment for the complaint, and reasons for delaying dental treatment.
The study identified several key factors contributing to delays in seeking dental treatment. Negligence was cited by 27.1% of patients, absence of symptoms by 14.5%, and financial constraints by 9%. Gender, occupation, and education level of patients also showed varying impacts on healthcare-seeking behaviour.
Negligence, lack of symptom awareness, and financial constraints, particularly in rural and suburban areas were the significant barriers to timely dental treatment among patients in a dental institution in India.
Introduction
Smokeless tobacco (SLT) causes dental caries and so does chewing of areca nut (sweetened supari) due to the presence of sugar. Since conflicting views exist about whether areca nut causes dental caries or not, and since studies are undertaken in adults and data on adolescents are not available, this study was carried out. Since those were cross-sectional or longitudinal studies, this case-control study was undertaken to understand if flavored/sweetened areca nut is a risk factor for dental caries.
Material and Method
This unmatched case-control study was conducted among the male students of 8 th to 10 th standard in the age group of 12–16 of four Madhyamik Vidyalaya’s (MVs) in Pimpri–Chinchwad (urban area), Pune. A directed acyclic graph (DAG) was drawn to determine the independent variables to be selected for the study and minimal variables to be adjusted during data analysis. Selection of cases was based on diagnostic and eligibility criteria. The data on the use of sweetened areca nuts and the presence of caries were collected through oral examination and a semistructured questionnaire administered by the principal investigator on a one-to-one basis between August 2022 and October 2022. Data were analyzed using epiinfo TM 7.2.5.0.
Results
This study of 146 males in the age group of 13 to 16 years had 61 students as cases and 85 as controls. No significant difference was observed between the group with (cases) and without (controls) dental caries for areca nut use (pack years) whether consumed daily or less frequently for 1 year or more. While the exposure rate to areca nut among cases was 44.26%, for the control group it was 36.47%. The odds ratio of sweetened areca nut as being the risk factor for dental caries was 1.38 at 95% CI (0.70–2.71) with P = 0.44.
Conclusion
This study revealed that the adolescent users of sweetened areca nuts studying in government schools had a higher exposure odds ratio for dental caries. However, it was not significant statistically. Information bias including recall may have influenced the outcome.
Aim
The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of linezolid, clindamycin, and calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH) 2 ) as an intracanal medicament on Enterococcus faecalis biofilm.
Methodology
Fifty-six root blocks obtained from extracted single-rooted human teeth were decoronated, and the apical part of the root was removed to obtain a 6 mm cylinder of radicular dentin. The specimens were standardized for diameter, infected with microorganisms, and randomly divided into four groups. linezolid, clindamycin, Ca(OH) 2 , and methylcellulose (control) were placed in the root canal for 7 days. Dentin shavings were collected from 200 to 400 µm depth, and bacterial load was assessed by counting colony-forming units. Scores were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA and the Mann–Whitney test.
Results
Linezolid and clindamycin had better antibacterial effects than control at both 200 µm and 400 µm depth after 7 days.
Conclusion
Linezolid and clindamycin outperformed Ca(OH) 2 in reducing bacteria and were equally efficient against E. faecalis but showed no significant differences in antimicrobial efficacy.
BACKGROUND
The global incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is on the rise, yet the etiological variables influencing PCOS remain unclear. The lack of a standardized diagnostic and treatment protocol adds complexity to managing PCOS. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of PCOS at SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital in Dharwad, Karnataka, India, utilizing the Rotterdam criteria over a period of 9 months from January to September 2023.
METHODS
A prospective, observational and cross-sectional study was conducted, enrolling 150 women from the tertiary care hospital. PCOS diagnosis was based on the Rotterdam criteria, considering factors such as age, marital status, education, occupation, nutrition, and biochemical parameters. Data analysis employed GraphPad Prism version 9 and SPSS software version 20.
RESULTS
Of the 150 participants, 72.47% met the Rotterdam criteria for PCOS, with oligomenorrhea, clinical/biochemical hyperandrogenism, and polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography identified. The highest prevalence was in the age group of 27–30 years (31.19%). Significant associations were observed between PCOS and dietary habits, with P < 0.001. Demographic profiles indicated a higher prevalence among married individuals (81.65%) and those with primary education (69.72%). Body mass index and waist-to-hip ratio were significantly different between PCOS and control groups ( P = 0.0326 and < 0.001, respectively). Biochemical parameters such as luteinizing hormone/follicle-stimulating hormone ratio and anti-Müllerian hormone levels showed significant differences ( P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION
PCOS prevalence was notable among reproductive age women at the tertiary care hospital. The study underscores the importance of considering both clinical and biochemical parameters for PCOS diagnosis using the Rotterdam criteria. Lifestyle management, including dietary changes and physical activity, emerged as the essential components. Further research and awareness initiatives are needed to address the increasing prevalence of PCOS and improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Deficiency of peri-implant tissue contours is commonly seen due to the process of alveolar ridge resorption after tooth loss. Minor deficiencies can be effectively managed by soft-tissue augmentation procedures to create a more biomimetic tissue contour. The minimally invasive roll technique is a modification of the palatal roll-flap technique and can be carried out at both stages of implant surgery. In this technique, the crestal keratinized tissue is marked and de-epithelialized using a circular partial-thickness incision. The crestal connective tissue is then reflected using a lingual full-thickness semi-circular incision, keeping the buccal attachment intact. This buccal attachment serves as the pedicle. The crestal connective tissue is then rolled into a pouch on the buccal aspect of the ridge to obtain soft-tissue augmentation. The present case study documents the clinical results of the minimally invasive roll flap technique (MIRT) in three clinical scenarios, namely single-stage implant surgery, second-stage implant surgery, and anterior esthetic soft-tissue contouring. In all the cases, excellent soft-tissue contour and thickness has been obtained around dental implants. The MIRT is a simple and efficient technique for areas that require minor soft-tissue augmentation. The technique can be used both in the maxilla and the mandible and facilitates a suture-free surgery.
Aim To diagnose and surgically manage the case of Gorlin–Goltz syndrome.
Background Gorlin–Goltz syndrome is an inherited autosomal dominant syndrome with a high level of penetrance and variable expressiveness.
Case Description This is a rare case series of Gorlin– Goltz syndrome with familial history in brother and sister, who were incidentally diagnosed with syndrome following presentation with multiple odontogenic keratocysts, bifid ribs, bilamellar calcification of falx cerebri and palmar pits. Conclusion Thorough clinical and radiographic assessment is needed to evaluate involvement of other bones. Gorlin– Goltz syndrome mandates genetic counselling for all the other family members due to inherited tendency. Long-term follow-up is required to warrant no recurrence of keratocyst. Clinical Significance Management strategy involves diagnosis with criteria and prompt surgical treatment with genetic advice followed by multidisciplinary approach to defer the extent of the syndrome.
Eruption of permanent teeth involves complex processes. Ectopic teeth in the nasal cavity are rare (0.1–1%), often asymptomatic, and challenging to diagnose. Timely Imaging aids in diagnosis, with surgical removal being the mainstay of therapy. An elderly gentleman presented with a blocked left nostril and thick discharge. After consultation, surgical removal under anaesthesia was performed, successfully eliminating symptoms. Nasal teeth, although rare, present with vague symptoms and complications. Diagnosis involves clinical and radiographic assessments, with CT scans providing valuable diagnostic information. Recognition of intranasal teeth is crucial as they can impact quality of life. Surgical removal is a safe and effective treatment, but meticulous closure of nasal mucosa tears is essential to avoid further issues ECTOPIC.
Context
PhD is one of the programs pursued by faculty working in health sciences institutions. It is valuable to know about the perceived challenges and support available for the faculty to pursue PhD.
Aims
The aim was to study the factors affecting the pursuit of PhD by faculty employed in institutions offering medicine and dentistry in the state of Karnataka.
Settings and Design
This was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted among 366 faculty across 22 medical and 12 dental institutions.
Subjects and Methods
The questionnaire was administered online after content and face validation.
Statistical Analysis
The Mann–Whitney U -test and Spearman’s correlation coefficient were used.
Results
Knowledge creation (86.1%), personal career advancement in the form of promotions (75.5%), and contribution to the health of society or community (73.8%) were generally perceived as the motives to pursue PhD. Work commitments in the department (80.6%) and lack of appropriate academic position after completing PhD (79.5%) were identified as the major factors obstructing the enrollment for PhD. Respondents reported that the scientific rigor of research might be undermined by career-related motives (70.7%). Routine professional activities like clinical work (72.7%) and academic work (71.9%) were reported to be adversely affected while pursuing PhD. 68.8% of faculty believed that a PhD holder would be a better researcher.
Conclusions
Both personal and altruistic motives influence the pursuit of PhD. Many factors hinder the pursuit of PhD and the conduct of quality research. Institutional support may enhance the enrollment.
Background
It is a well-recognized fact that abnormal cell proliferation plays a crucial role in the development of odontogenic lesions. p53 is a tumour-suppressor gene which assists in cell cycle regulation and p63 is a homolog of p53 responsible for ectodermal differentiation and maintenance of stratified epithelial progenitor-cell. Analysing the tissue expression of p53 and p63 in odontogenic lesions may provide us with an insight into their potential role in the development of these lesions.
Objective
The objective is to study the expression of p53 and p63 in selected odontogenic lesions using immunohistochemistry.
Materials and Methods
Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues of 15 ameloblastomas, 10 adenomatoid odontogenic tumours (AOT), 15 odontogenic keratocysts (OKCs), 10 dentigerous cysts (DCs) along with 10 cases of normal mucosa were retrieved from the departmental archives. These specimens were then subjected to immunohistochemical staining using p53 and p63 oncoproteins.
Results
p53 and p63 immune-expression showed mainly intranuclear localization. The mean positivity of p53 in ameloblastoma (59.45%) and OKC (26.38%) was significantly higher than AOT (6.77%) and DC (4%). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the positivity of p63 in between ameloblastoma (77.55%), AOT (69.50%), OKC (76.47%), and DC (50.69%).
Conclusion
p53 expression can be correlated with the clinical behaviour of the odontogenic lesions and it can be used as a prognostic marker in odontogenic cysts and tumours. In contrast, p63 expression does not corelate with the biological behaviour of odontogenic lesions.
The amount of apically extruded debris following glide-path preparation of mesial root of 120 freshly extracted human mandibular molar teeth using Senseus ProFinder files, PathFile, G-Files, Scout-RaCe files, HyFlex glidepath files and V glide-path two file system is of interest. The Eppendorf tubes were used as test equipment for collecting debris and the average weight of the debris was measured using an electronic micro-balancing system. It was observed that regardless of the file system utilized, debris was expelled from the apex. The G files resulted in a lower quantity of debris being extruded (0.070 ą 0.002 mg). In contrast, the V glide-path two file system exhibited the highest amount of debris extrusion (0.110 ą 0.004 mg) compared to all other file systems.
Objectives
Calcium channel blockers are one of the most commonly used drugs for the management of cardiovascular disorders and are known for causing gingival overgrowth as an adverse effect. Disfiguring gingival overgrowth triggered by this medication is not only esthetically displeasing but also often impairs nutrition and access to oral hygiene, resulting in increased susceptibility to oral infection, caries, and periodontal diseases. The present study aimed to correlate the incidence of the extent of gingival enlargement in hypertensive patients receiving amlodipine and also a correlation of the extent of gingival enlargement with the dosage and duration of intake of Amlodipine.
Materials and Methods
Hypertensive patients attending the outpatient of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology were selected for the study. A detailed history of the subjects was recorded for single or multiple drug usage, including the intake of amlodipine medications for hypertension, the dose and duration of the drug usage, following which a clinical examination was performed to evaluate the grades of gingival enlargement and local factors affecting the same.
Results
The majority of the patients (81%) received 5 mg of amlodipine medication, and more than 40% of patients were receiving amlodipine for more than one year. More than 50% of patients had grade 2 gingival enlargement. There was a significant correlation between gingival enlargement and amlodipine dosage. Also noted was an association between gingival enlargement and duration of receiving amlodipine.
Conclusion
Even with a minimal dose of amlodipine, significant gingival enlargement is seen; hence, regular follow-up with a suitable dental evaluation referral for examining gingival and periodontal status becomes imminent. Therefore, dental professionals need to identify and then guide the patient to seek the necessary medical intervention for the same.
OBJECTIVES
To assess and compare the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in saliva samples during the initial stages of orthodontic treatment with fixed orthodontic appliances (FAs) and clear aligners (CAs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS
This longitudinal study comprised 40 patients (22 males, 18 females, mean age 22 ± 7 years) who were categorized into two equal-sized groups. Group A comprised 20 patients treated with FA, and Group B comprised 20 patients treated with CA. Unstimulated saliva was collected before the intiation of treatment and then collected again after the placement of the FA/CA at 24 hrs, 7 th day, and on the 21 st day in both groups. TNF-α levels were determined through ELISA.
STATISTICAL ANALYSIS
The data were subjected to statistical analysis. For intragroup comparison of TNF-α at different time points, the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test was used, and for intergroup comparison of FAs and CAs at different time points, the Mann–Whitney U test was used.
RESULTS
TNF-α levels in the saliva increased significantly at 24 hours, followed by a decline on the 7 th day and 21 st day in both groups. Changes in TNF-α levels were significantly higher in the FA group than those in the CA group at different time points.
CONCLUSION
This study showed that the salivary TNF-α levels increased significantly during the initial stages of FA and CA treatment at different time points. The mean salivary TNF-α level in both FA and CA groups increased significantly at 24 hours, followed by a decline on the 7 th day and then on the 21 st day. There was a significant difference between the FA and CA treatment, where the CAs showed a significantly low level of TNF-α in saliva at different intervals of time when compared to the FAs.
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