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Objective: There has been an observable trend towards developing medical competency frameworks across the globe. These competency frameworks are intended to improve societal trust in the medical education system in developing appropriately competent medical practitioners. A framework developed by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons; Canada has been widely accepted by several institutions across the world. Medical Council of India has also published a similar framework of medical competencies. Most of these frameworks does not consider ancient Indian frameworks which have existed for several thousand years. Current paper examines the medical competency frameworks from ancient India and compares it with current frameworks. Method: A review of literature available in reputable libraries and online on the medical competency framework from ancient India has been attempted. Key words including 'competency framework, medical framework, ancient India and fully equipped physician' were used. Results: A medical competency framework was written and implemented more than two thousand years ago. The framework identified key competencies including: Medical expertise, Communication skills, Scholar, Health advocacy and Professionalism. This framework was used for medical practitioners at the time and used during the training and subsequent medical practice. Conclusion: There is striking similarity between ancient Indian and current model of competency framework. Teachings and wisdom from ancient India can prove invaluable while developing future medical competency frameworks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Smoking and chewing tobacco carry significant risks for the development of oral cancer and premalignant lesions. The present study was conducted to find the prevalence of tobacco-related habits in Hazaribagh population and its association with oral mucosal lesion. Methodology: The present study was carried out on patients who visited the Department of Oral Medicine And Radiology, Hazaribagh College of Dental Sciences And Hospital. A total of 5,000 subjects were screened for tobacco-related habits and associated mucosal changes. Detailed clinical history about tobacco-related habits was obtained. Oral mucosal lesions were screened using the WHO format for diagnosis of oral lesions. The findings were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: Of the 5,000 subjects enrolled for the study, 1,085 (21.7%) used tobacco in some forms. Habit of smoking tobacco was present among 273 (25.2%) and using smokeless tobacco among 811 (74.7%) individuals. Tobacco pouch keratosis (46.1%) was found to be most common lesion, followed by oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) (16.1%), lichenoid reaction (14.1%), smokers palate/melanosis (12.2%), leukoplakia (7.2%), erythroplakia (2.3%), and oral cancer in (2%). Conclusion: The results provide insight into prevalent tobacco habits and associated oral mucosal lesions in Hazaribagh population. These may act as baseline data for the formulation of preventive programs and help future studies explore the prevalence of tobacco-associated lesions in vulnerable populations. Current knowledge, including findings from the present study, about the prevalence of tobacco use and various oral lesions associated with it may help primary health care physicians to promote among patients visiting them the awareness about the adverse effects of tobacco consumption and treatment options available for tobacco-related lesions at the early stage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Periapical granuloma and periapical cysts develop as a sequela of inflammation of dental pulp, usually a consequence of an infected root canal. Mast cells (MCs) have most frequently been implicated in the pathophysiology of periapical lesions such as periapical granulomas and cysts. Aims: The present study was undertaken to emphasize the presence and quantification of MCs in periapical lesions (granulomas and cysts) using toluidine blue stain, with an aim to elucidate their role in the pathogenesis of these lesions. Materials and Methods: The study comprised a total of 55 previously diagnosed cases (30 cases of radicular cyst and 25 cases of periapical granuloma) selected from the departmental archives. The MCs were quantified in all the sections in the three zones, namely the epithelial, subepithelial, and deeper connective tissue zones. The results were sent for statistical analysis. Statistical Analysis: Wilcoxon paired t-test and Mann–Whitney U test were applied for intra- and intergroup comparison MCs in different zones of periapical granulomas and radicular cyst, respectively. Results: A statistically significant difference was observed between the two lesions in all the three zones, i.e., epithelial, subepithelial, and in deeper connective tissue zone with P = 0.001. Conclusion: Although MCs were present in all the three zones of both periapical cysts and granuloma, they were predominantly observed in radicular cysts than in periapical granuloma. This suggests a significant role of MC in initiation, development, and progression of these periapical lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cheiloscopy is the study of furrows and grooves present on the red part, or the vermilion border of the human lips. The type of groves is unique for an individual and can be used for person identification. Aim: The aim of this study is to ascertain whether the uniqueness of lip print (LP) can help in identifying a person. In addition to evaluate the comparison of LP types and blood groups was taken up to see if there is any correlation between the two. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 200 participants (77 males and 123 females), aged between 25 to 45 years, to determine any correlation between LP types and blood groups. These lip patterns were analyzed and interpreted using Tsuchihashi's classification and later associated blood group matching was performed to determine the predominant LP type with the ABO and Rh blood grouping system. Results: The present study showed a positive correlation between LP pattern and blood group among males and females. Thus, distribution of LP patterns, and ABO blood groups might help in the identification of an individual. Conclusion: Since LP and blood group are unique for a person. Hence, cheiloscopy along with blood group can play a vital role in person identification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]