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Introduction: Efficient care by labour monitoring tools manages labour, identifies the abnormalities and avoids the fatalities. Various studies are being undertaken by the researchers to understand the limited use of these therapeutic tools. The present study aimed to develop a novel labour monitoring instrument after understanding the barriers and enablers of the currently used tools and using it in the health setting for improving clinical outcomes., Materials and Methods: Methodological research design was adopted to develop the novel tool. Item pool was generated by literature review, focus group discussions and retrospective observations of the partographs. Developed tool was evaluated by various experts by undergoing three rounds and was found to be reliable in terms of stability and equivalency. After undergoing pilot runs by researcher and nurses, tool was found to be feasible and understandable. The developed novel labour monitoring tool was used on 200 intranatal women., Results: Focus group discussions revealed various barriers in the current labour tools, such as lack of clarity, complexity, staff shortage, workload etc. Retrospective observation of filled partographs revealed the incomplete recording of the components of the partograph. The prepared first draft underwent rigorous review by the experts. The prepared novel tool, after being used on 200 intranatal women resulted in 90% of normal vaginal deliveries. Duration of 1st stage of labour was around 5 hours., Conclusion: A novel labour monitoring tool was developed after methodological approach resulting in adequate monitoring and improved labour outcomes., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2024 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Cancer is one of the life-threatening diseases accountable for millions of demises globally. The inadequate effectiveness of the existing chemotherapy and its harmful effects has resulted in the necessity of developing innovative anticancer agents. Thiazolidin-4-one scaffold is among the most important chemical skeletons that illustrate anticancer activity. Thiazolidin-4-one derivatives have been the subject of extensive research and current scientific literature reveals that these compounds have shown significant anticancer activities. This manuscript is an earnest attempt to review novel thiazolidin-4-one derivatives demonstrating considerable potential as anticancer agents along with a brief discussion of medicinal chemistry-related aspects of these compounds and structural activity relationship studies in order to develop possible multi-target enzyme inhibitors. Most recently, various synthetic strategies have been developed by researchers to get various thiazolidin-4-one derivatives. In this review, the authors highlight the various synthetic, green, and nanomaterial-based synthesis routes of thiazolidin-4-ones as well as their role in anticancer activity by inhibition of various enzymes and cell lines. The detailed description of the existing modern standards in the field presented in this article may be interesting and beneficial to the scientists for further exploration of these heterocyclic compounds as possible anticancer agents., (© 2023. Crown.)

Introduction: Safe motherhood ensures safe pregnancy and childbirth. One of the noteworthy causes of maternal morbidity and mortality is the complications arising from prolonged or obstructed labour. World Health Organization recommends the use of partograph to significantly reduce the maternal mortality crisis. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a novel partograph in terms of maternal and perinatal outcomes along with its utility., Materials and Methods: A total of 400 intranatal women were selected in a non-randomized control trial to evaluate the effectiveness of novel partograph on selected maternal and perinatal outcomes. Subjects in experimental group (n=200) received care with newly developed partograph whereas subjects in control group (n=200) received standard care. Effectiveness was determined at a significance level of α ≤ 0.05. Utility of the novel partograph was determined as perceived by nurses., Results: There was significant reduction in the duration of the 1st and 2nd stage of labour (P=0.023 and 0.006 respectively) and number of vaginal examinations performed during labour (P=0.017) among mothers in the experimental group. Significant improvement in the Apgar score (P=0.005) was also observed among the infants of mothers in experimental group. Novel partograph was considered as of having extreme utility by 71% nurses., Conclusion: Study concluded that subjects monitored by the partograph experienced improved maternal and perinatal outcomes. It was found to be having extreme utility., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2022 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Dental plaque is a complex microbial population of bacterial and salivary polymers present on the tooth surface. It is understood that human diseases must be avoided and a high social concern for the population as a whole. The argument for the implementation of successful prevention measures is strong for life-threatening diseases or those with serious morbidity. However, regardless of seriousness, the case for avoiding any disease may be based on the belief that it is easier to be healthy than dead or sick. Thus plaque prevention is an efficient way to both treat and avoid periodontal diseases, it is an important component of gingival and periodontal diseases' primary management., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2021 Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.)

Aim and Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the stability of immediate-loaded single implants with periotest., Materials and Methods: In this in vivo study, dental implants with a length ranging from 10 to 13 mm and diameter of 3.0-4.2 mm were utilized. Stability of dental implant was evaluated using the Periotest® M handheld device before loading, at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year., Results: Implants 11.5 mm in length had the highest mean periotest value (0) after placement, whereas 10 mm-long implant had a value of -0.31 and 13 mm had a value of -0.48. After 1 month, 10 mm had a value of 1.23, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.32, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.24. After 6 months, 10 mm had a value of 1.78, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.4, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.41. After 1 year, 10 mm had a value of -0.54, 11.5 mm had a value of -0.51, and 13.0 mm had a value of -0.48. There was an unconstructive relationship between implant length and the average periotest score. There was also an unconstructive association between the implant diameter and the mean periotest value., Conclusion: The implant with long and greatest diameter had higher stability. Periotest can be used to determine dental implant stability., Clinical Significance: Periotest is useful in determining dental implant stability. Large-scale studies may be helpful in obtaining useful results.

Objective: Endodontic sealer should adhere to both dentin and the core filling material but the moisture conditions of the canals affect the adhesive properties of the sealer. An ideal sealer with perfect moisture conditions will lead to greater strength of the restored tooth, which may provide greater resistance to tooth fracture and clinical longevity of an endodontically treated tooth. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of moisture conditions on the push-out bond strength of three root canal sealers: AH Plus ® (Dentsply-Tulsa Dental, Tulsa, OK), Epiphany (Pentron Clinical Technologies, Wallingford, CT), and GuttaFlow (Coltene/Whaledent, Altstatten, Switzerland)., Materials and Methods: A total of 120 single-rooted, non-carious teeth were collected for the study and were stored in normal saline. The root canals were prepared using step-back technique. Teeth were divided into four groups based on type of drying procedure used and further subdivided into three subgroups based on the type of sealer used. The samples were cut horizontally to produce slices and then tested for push-out bond strength using Universal Testing Machine (Servo Series 50 kN; P S I Sales Private Limited, New Delhi, India). The specimens were examined for mode of fracture under magnification and the results were analyzed statistically., Results: Distinctive moisture conditions for all sealers were observed and the highest strength of AH Plus ® was evaluated under moist condition, Epiphany under dry condition, and GuttaFlow under normal condition, respectively., Conclusion: Distinctive moisture conditions affect the push-out bond strength of the sealers., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright: © 2019 Journal of International Society of Preventive and Community Dentistry.)

Panoramic radiographs and computed tomography (CT) play a paramount role in the accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and prognostic evaluation of various complex dental pathologies. The advent of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has revolutionized the practice of dentistry, and this technique is now considered the gold standard for imaging the oral and maxillofacial area due to its numerous advantages, including reductions in exposure time, radiation dose, and cost in comparison to other imaging modalities. This review highlights the broad use of CBCT in the dentomaxillofacial region, and also focuses on future software advancements that can further optimize CBCT imaging., (Copyright © 2019 by Korean Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology.)

Background: Fear of a dental child is most commonly associated with dentist attire and usage of syringe. The objective of the study was to evaluate the preference of dentist's attire and kind of syringe (conventional or camouflage) among different age groups of children., Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study A total of 750 children aged 4-14 years were included in the study. All the participants were subdivided into five major groups according to their age, i.e., 4-5 years, 6-7 years, 8-9 years, 10-11 years, and 12-14 years. A set of six photographs which included dentists in white-colored apron, pink-colored apron, green-colored apron, blue-colored apron, and gown with cartoon character and dentists without apron (formal attire) along with: (a) camouflage syringe and (b) conventional syringe were provided to every child and was asked to give his/her preference looking at the six set of pictures. The preference of each child was thus recorded. Children's anxiety level during injections and dentist attire was assessed and recorded using two anxiety scales, i.e. the Modified Child Dental Anxiety Scale faces version and Facial Image Scale. SPSS statistical software and Chi-square test were used. ( P < 0.05)., Results: A majority of 35.3% participants in the 4-5-years age group preferred aprons with cartoon character, while 65.3% in the 12-14-years age group selected white apron as the preferred choice. Regarding preference of the syringe type, it was observed that 82% of the younger age preferred camouflage syringe and 75% of the older age preferred conventional syringe. On comparison of both the scales, no significant differences were found. About 82% children in the older age group were reported to be nonanxious with white attire and only 14% were anxious with the conventional syringe type., Conclusion: Younger children have a greater preference of colorful attire of dentist and camouflage syringe over the conventional one when compared to older children., Competing Interests: The authors of this manuscript declare that they have no conflicts of interest, real or perceived, financial or nonfinancial in this article.

Objectives: To evaluate the potential benefits of local application of Thymoquinone gel as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing (SRP) in subjects with chronic periodontitis., Material and Methods: Twenty subjects with 40 test sites were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria. They were further divided into 2 groups. Group I comprised of study subjects (Thymoquinone in addition to SRP) and Group II comprised of control subjects (only SRP). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Probing Pocket Depth (PPD), Relative Attachment Level (RAL), were monitored at baseline and 6 weeks post operatively. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) were evaluated at baseline and 6 weeks post operatively using microcapillaries. In addition antimicrobial efficacy of Thymoquinone was evaluated against 3 bacteria using antimicrobial strains., Results: Statistically highly significant reduction was observed in PI, GI and PPD, rise in RAL and GCF ALP level in both the groups at 6 weeks from baseline. On comparison between Group I and Group II, former demonstrated statistically significant reduction in PPD, GCF-ALP levels and rise in RAL but statistically no significant differences were observed in PI and GI at 6 weeks. On microbiological assessment of 0.2% Thymoquinone gel, it was observed to be sensitive against P. gingivalis , A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. intermedia ., Conclusion: Significant changes in clinical and biochemical parameters were achieved in the current study. Hence, it is concluded that intracrevicular application of 0.2% Thymoquinone gel could be a beneficial adjunct to SRP in treating chronic periodontitis.

Background: The management of non-vital teeth includes endodontic treatment and restoration followed by post and core restoration in selected cases. The present study was conducted to compare the indirect cast post, and core buildup with direct composite post build up in patients., Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on 128 teeth of 82 patients. The success rate over 3 years was evaluated clinically and radiographically by observing caries, tooth mobility, probing depth, periapical pathology, and root fractures., Results: Group I consisted of 16 incisors, 20 canines, 22 premolars, and six molars while group II had 17 incisors, 14 canines, 25 premolars, and eight molars. The difference was statistical non-significant (p-0.1). Forty-four teeth in group I and 42 teeth in group II utilized composite cement, whereas 18 teeth in group I and 16 teeth in group II used GIC and zinc phosphate was used in two teeth in group I and six teeth in group II. The difference was statistical ly significant (p< 0.05). Four teeth in group I and 8 in group II were lost. One tooth in group I and two teeth in group II showed root fracture and three teeth in group I and six teeth in group II showed periapical pathology. The difference was statistically significant (p-0.01). Most common type of complication was probing depth > 4 mm, caries, tooth mobility, and root fracture. The difference was non- significant (p-0.31)., Conclusion: Both composite post buildup and cast gold post and core build-up exhibited similar properties., Clinical Significance: Both composite post buildup and cast gold post and core build-up exhibited similar properties hence either of the methods can be used in post core build up.

Objective/aim: The aim of this study is to measure the association between oral mucosal lesions (OMLs) and habit of tobacco and alcohol in the population of Guntur city, Andhra Pradesh, South India., Material and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 participants in Guntur city with the habit of tobacco and alcohol consumption in various forms who were selected by stratified cluster random sampling technique. Guntur city was divided into four zones, that is, North, East, South, and West; and two administrative wards were randomly selected from each zone as clusters. Information was obtained by interviewing the participant regarding various tobacco-related habits followed by standardized clinical examination in the field. Clinical data were collected using a modified 1980 WHO Pro forma where the basis for diagnosis was established as per the criteria provided by the epidemiology guide for the diagnosis of oral mucosal diseases (WHO). Statistical tests such as Pearson Chi-square were exercised to test the significance, using SPSS version 19.0 with 0.05 as cutoff level of significance., Results: Overall oral soft-tissue lesions were found in 42.4% of the study participants including nicotinic stomatitis, tobacco pouch keratosis, smokers melanosis, mild keratosis of the palate, and chewer's mucosa. In this study, nicotinic stomatitis was found to be the most common soft-tissue lesion among men, while leukoplakia was found to be the most common premalignant lesion with the prevalence being 5.7%. While oral submucous fibrosis was found to be the most common premalignant condition among women. It was found that 13.2% of illiterates (53) were having leukoplakia. In the present study, the lower labial mucosa and buccal mucosa were found to be the most common sites of occurrence of leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis., Conclusion: This study gives information on the association of OML in smokers, chewers, alcoholics, and those with mixed habits. This study highlighted six habit-related OML which included potentially malignant disorders such as leukoplakia and oral submucous fibrosis. Future case-control or cohort studies for individual lesions and with larger sample size are necessary to evaluate the risk for OML including potentially malignant conditions and oral cancer resulting from smoking and chewing habits., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Introduction: All good tissue specimen preparations require complete fixation. The process of tissue handling and processing from patient to paraffin block is too frequently invisible to the pathologists. Many times due to certain emergencies or unavailability of a proper fixative, tissues are kept in different carrying media such as normal saline (NS) or local anesthetic till the availability of a proper fixative solution. This fixation delay can lead to various tissue architectural changes which can affect its diagnostic value., Aims: The aim of this study was to assess sectioning ability, staining intensity and microscopic details of tissues kept in different carrying media at different time intervals followed by standard fixation., Materials and Methods: Fresh tissue specimen, i.e., goat tongue was collected and its middle portion was retained and was used for study purpose. The tissue was grossed and kept in various carrying media for five different time intervals. Standard formaldehyde fixation was then carried out followed by sectioning and staining. The sections were evaluated histologically under light microscope., Statistical Analysis: For sectioning parameter, Fisher's exact test and for staining and microscopic details, Mann-Whitney U-test was used., Results: According to the study, NS is considered as a best carrying media followed by 10% honey and local anesthetic. Two percent hydrogen peroxide cannot be used as a carrying media., Conclusion: It was concluded that NS should be given first preference as a carrying media till the availability of a suitable fixative. Clinicians and Pathologists should have to familiarize themselves with the advantages and disadvantages of using various carrying media and the histomorphometric changes associated with delayed fixation which may lead to incorrect diagnosis., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest.

Aim and Objectives: This study evaluated the efficacy of oral methylprednisolone and diclofenac sodium on post-operative sequelae after third molar surgery., Settings and Design: A randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted (with institutional and university approval for dissertation) to evaluate the effect of methylprednisolone with diclofenac sodium (group A) as compared with diclofenac sodium and placebo (group B) on three variables: Pain, swelling and trismus, after third molar surgery., Materials and Methods: Thirty consecutive consenting patients for surgical removal of mandibular impacted third molar were randomly placed into two groups of 15 each (groups A and B). Pain, swelling and trismus were observed by visual analog scale, facial measurements and inter-incisal opening. Scores were recorded after 24 and 72 h and on the seventh post-operative day. Results were subjected to the Chi-square test and independent sample t-test (P = 0.05)., Results: Mean difference in pain experienced between the two groups was statistically significant at 24 h (P = 0.015) and 72 h (P = 0.001) and on the seventh day (P = 0.005). Difference in inter-incisal distance was insignificant (P = 0.239) pre-operatively, but significant after 24 h (P = 0.014) and 72 h (P = 0.001) and on the seventh post-operative day (P = 0.001). Mean difference in swelling was highly significant after 24 h (P = 0.001) and 72 h (P = 0.0001) and on the seventh post-operative day (P = 0.047)., Conclusions: The combination of oral dose of methylprednisolone (a corticosteroid) diclofenac sodium (a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) was found to be more effective than diclofenac sodium alone on the sequelae of surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molar.

Objectives: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of fifth and seventh generation bonding agent on sealant success., Materials and Methods: Sixty-four school children aged six to nine years received sealants in four permanent molars in a split mouth design, such that each patient received sealant in the first permanent molar with fifth generation bonding agent in one arch and seventh generation bonding agent in the other arch; contra-lateral molars were sealed with sealant alone. The evaluation was carried out at baseline, three months, six months and 12 months, according to the criteria by Feigal et al, in 2000. Chi- square test was used to analyze data at P<0.05 level of significance., Results: Statistically significant differences were found for sealant retention between fifth generation and sealant group, and fifth generation and seventh generation groups; whereas, no significant difference was found for sealant retention between seventh generation and sealant group at three, six and 12 months., Conclusion: As separate etch and rinse steps are not required for seventh generation bonding agents, and almost similar results were obtained for both sealant and seventh generation groups, it can be concluded that application of sealant along with a seventh generation bonding agent may enhance sealant success and can be used for caries prevention in preventive programs.

Introduction: Variations in sex steroid hormones, noticeable through the menstrual cycle of women, may impact periodontal health. A relationship between female sex hormone levels and periodontal changes during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause has been reported. Little research on gingival status at different periods of menstrual cycle, but very less work has been done to observe the effect of scaling on gingival status during different periods of menstrual cycle., Materials and Methods: Thirty female subjects, aged 18-25 years were selected for a three month study. In Stage 1, clinical parameters {Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), Modified Sulcular Bleeding Index (mSBI) and Probing depth (PD)} were recorded at three different time intervals {OV (Ovulation), PM (Premenstruation), M (Menstruation)} of their menstrual cycle, without scaling and polishing. In Stage 2, all clinical parameters were recorded at their subsequent menstrual cycle after scaling and polishing., Results: In interstage analysis, OV 1 > OV 2, PM 1 > PM 2 and M 1> M 2. In intrastage analysis, for PI, mean difference between all values was not statistically significant. For mSBI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For GI, PM 1 > OV 1 > M 1, also PM 2 > OV 2 > M 2. For PD, mean difference was not statistically significant., Conclusion: Ovarian hormones influence gingival status of females, with an increase observed primarily during PM and OV phases of menstrual cycle. Scaling leads to a subsequent decrease in gingival inflammation.

Background: The marginal fit of crowns is of clinical importance. It is found that marginal and occlusal discrepancies are commonly increased following cementation. The resistance of cementing materials is a factor that prevents cast restorations from being correctly seated. Different finish lines behave differently in facilitating the escape of the cement. When the escape path of the cement decreases, the crown fails to seat further., Materials and Methods: This study was planned with an aim to evaluate the effect of various finish lines on the marginal seal and occlusal seat of full crown preparations. Six stainless steel metal dies were machined to simulate molar crown preparations. The diameter was 10 mm and height was 6mm. The occlusal surface was kept flat and a small circular dimple was machined for reorientation of the wax pattern and metal copings, margins of various designs were machined accurately. The margins prepared were Group A- 90(0)C shoulder, Group B- Rounded shoulder, Group C- 45 degree sloped shoulder, Group D- Chamfer, Group E- Long chamfer, Group F- Feather edge. Full cast metal crowns of base metal alloy were fabricated over the metal dies. Zinc phosphate luting cement was used for the cementation. After twenty four hours, the cemented crown and die assembly were embedded in clear acrylic resin so as to hold the assembly together while sectioning. Twenty four hours later, all the samples were sectioned sagitally. The sectioned halves were focused under a stereomicroscope and the cement spaces were measured to the nearest micron. The cement thickness was measured at two points on the occlusal surface and one at each margin., Results: Significant differences were observed in the occlusal seat and marginal seal of all the finish line configurations. The rounded shoulder had the best occlusal seat, followed by 90(0)C shoulder. The occlusal seat and marginal seal afforded by the shoulder finish lines were similar whereas there was a vast difference in the seating and sealing of long chamfer and feather edged preparations. They showed the worst occlusal seat., Conclusion: It was found that the finish lines like shoulder preparations which exhibit poor sealing prior to complete cementation allow good seating whereas margins which seal earlier do not allow escape of cement and hence do not seat completely.

Introduction: Gonial angle is an important parameter of the craniofacial complex giving an indication about the vertical parameters and symmetry of the facial skeleton. Both orthopantomogram (OPG) and lateral cephalograms can be used for the measurement of gonial angle. Because of the superimpositions seen on lateral cephalograms, reliable measurement of the gonial angle becomes difficult. The aim of the present study is to check the possible application and reliability of OPG for gonial angle determination by clarifying whether there is any significant difference between the determination of gonial angle from OPG and cephalogram., Materials and Methods: Gonial angle measurements were made on lateral cephalograms and orthopantomograms of 98 patients - 44 males (mean age 25.9 years) and 54 females (mean age 21.3 years), and compared using Statistical Package for Social Sciences., Results: One-way analysis of variance demonstrated no significant differences between the values of gonial angles determined by lateral cephalogram and panoramic radiography. Pearson correlation showed a high correlation between cephalometric and OPG gonial angle value., Conclusion: Panoramic radiography can be used to determine the gonial angle as accurately as a lateral cephalogram. For determination of the gonial angle, an OPG may be a better choice than a lateral cephalogram as there are no interferences due to superimposed images of anatomical structures as in a lateral cephalogram. Thus, the present study substantiates the possibility of enhancing the clinical versatility of the panoramic radiograph, which is an indispensable tool for dental diagnosis.

Purpose: To assess serum cholesterol, triglycerides, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL and LDL) levels (serum lipid profile) in subjects with chronic periodontitis and the possible association for risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)., Materials and Methods: Total of 80 participants (42 males and 38 females) who were in the age range of 30-65 years were divided into test group (group I- 40 subjects with chronic periodontitis) and control group (group II- 40 subjects with healthy periodontium), based on their periodontal disease statuses. Three ml of venous blood samples were taken for measurement of parameters of lipid metabolism [serum cholesterol (chol); triglycerides (Tg); HDL and LDL., Results: Significant increase in serum cholesterol and LDL (P<0.05) were observed in test group (group I), whereas serum triglycerides and HDL (P>0.66) showed no significant increase in test group (group I) as compared to their values in the control group (group II). A P-value of < 0.05 was considered for statistical significance., Conclusions: Subjects with chronic periodontitis showed increased serum cholesterol and LDL levels. This may suggest that these subjects are potentially at a risk of getting CVD.

PICA is an act or habit of eating non-food items such as stone, bricks, chalk, soap, paper, soil etc., It occurs in children who actually start seeing the world through the oral cavity. There are many theories behind it such as iron and zinc deficiency etc., We as dentists should be able to diagnose and treat such conditions, as they may cause ill-effects to the developing dentition. This case report attempt to highlights the importance of proper diagnosis and treatment of pica.

Fibrous dysplasia is a nonneoplastic, developmental disease of the bone that begins in childhood with obscure etiology. Clinically, it is presented as a continuously growing, painless mass at late childhood. Maxilla and mandible are mostly involved in facial skeleton. Involvement of the zygomatic bone is rare. Fibrous dysplasia of the zygomatic bone may cause orbital dystopia, diplopia, proptosis, loss of visual acuity, swelling, mass formation, or facial asymmetry. We present 1 case of fibrous dysplasia with isolated zygomatic bone involvement.

Few topical formulations have been designed specifically to treat oral mucosal diseases. Local drug delivery may provide a more targeted and efficient option than systemic delivery for diseases of the oral mucosa. The permeability to the topical drugs differs according to the thickness of the epithelium and the extent of keratinization. The loss of the permeability barrier in the oral mucosa, due to ulceration or erosion, leads to rapid diffusion of the drug into tissues as compared to the intact areas of the mucosa. Oral mucosal delivery has the potential to treat many different conditions and diseases, such as oral cancer, mucositis, lichen planus, herpes simplex, candidiasis, recurrent aphthous stomatitis, vesiculo-bullous diseases, neuropathic pain and salivary dysfunction. Each therapy requires distinct penetration and drug retention profiles in order to optimize treatment and minimize side effects. In this paper, topical medications are discussed, as these are advantageous for the treatment of oral mucosal lesions with fewer side effects.

Aim: To determine whether there is a relationship between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis., Methods: A total of 1520 (852 - periodontal group; 668 - general group) individuals of 30-70 years age group and residents of Baddi industrial estate in Himachal Pradesh, India, were assessed for the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis and Periodontal Disease (PD). The prevalence and severity of periodontitis were determined by recording the Community Periodontal Index (CPI) with loss of attachment, based on WHO guidelines (1997). The criteria considered for diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis were as those given by American Rheumatism Association -1988. Frequency distributions for bivariate analysis and logistic regression for multivariate analysis were used for assessment of statistical association between variables., Results: In patients referred for periodontal treatment, the prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis was 4.4%. Females (3.2%) and subjects aged above 50 years (3.5%) showed a significantly higher prevalence in comparison to their counterparts (p<0.001). The odds of rheumatoid arthritis in females were nearly three times (OR=2.813) higher than those in males, which was also statistically significant (p<0.05)., Conclusion: The findings provide evidence of a relationship, suggesting that individuals with moderate to severe periodontal disease are at higher risk of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis and vice versa.

Increased lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione levels in liver of rats fed high sucrose high fat (HSHF) diet were normalized by concomitant administration of (+)-catechin hydrate. Plasma non-enzymatic antioxidants viz. alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid and total thiols decrease were also significantly less in rats administered with (+)-catechin hydrate concomitantly with HSHF diet. Thus the present results indicate that (+)-catechin hydrate has antioxidant activity and is effective in reducing oxidative stress. The study is of clinical importance as oxidative stress is known to be the cause of many clinical manifestations viz. cancer, Parkinson's disease, atherosclerosis, heart failure, myocardial infarction and many other diseases.

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common problem in elderly, but it is not an inevitable feature of ageing. About 80-90% of individuals of both sexes have radiographic evidence of OA by the time they reach an age of 65. But not all of them have the symptoms like pain and decreased joint motion., Objective: The objective of the present study was conducted to find out whether the osteoarthritic changes in human articular cartilage are similar to the ageing process or not., Methods: Femoral articular cartilage specimens obtained from 13 osteoarthritic patients (52-80 years) undergoing total knee replacement and 9 cadavers of same age group (50-80 years) (control) were processed and studied under electron microscope. The ultrastructure of the cartilage from the two groups was compared with each other., Results: Under the electron microscope, articular cartilage from control group had chondrocytes having a secretary cell characteristic with prominent nucleus and well developed organelles. In osteoarthritic cartilage, degenerating or necrotic chondrocytes were found. Nuclei of these chondrocytes appeared lobulated or indented. Chondrocytes below the fibrillated surface had dilated and irregular endoplasmic reticulum. Electron dense lipid deposits in the extracellular matrix as well as intracytoplasmic glycogen deposits were much increased in osteoarthritic cartilage as compared to the control group. Amount of perinuclear intracytoplasmic fine filaments was also increased in the chondrocytes of osteoarthritic cartilage., Conclusion: Ultrastructural findings of the osteoarthritic articular cartilage were much different from the ageing non-osteoarthritic cartilage. Hence, OA should be considered a specific process and not simply an inevitable feature of ageing.

Background: Oral health is an essential component of health throughout life. Two major oral diseases, dental caries and periodontal diseases, are both ancient and widespread. The oral health situation analysis demands that the preventive program be implemented in both the developing and developed countries. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of delivering the primary preventive strategies through non dental and dental personnel., Aims and Objectives: To develops the preventive package for improving the oral health status of children utilizing the different communication approaches. To find out the most feasible and effective communication approach for delivering the preventive package. To evaluate the changes produced in terms of various soft and hard core parameters after 6 months of implementation of the oral-health preventive package in the school children of different study groups as compared to control., Materials and Methods: This study was conducted on total of 972 children in the age group of 5-16 years who were randomly selected from four schools of Chandigarh and Panchkula to evaluate and compare the prevalence of dental caries and knowledge, attitude, and practice about oral health., Results and Conclusions: The results of various parameters indicate that direct communication through the dentist proved to be the most effective communication approach as compared to the other two indirect communication approaches.

Magnesium deficiency has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and late diabetic complications, diseases often associated with increased oxidative stress. Present study was carried out to examine the effect of magnesium deficiency on oxidative stress and total radical trapping antioxidant parameter (calculated) in rats and correlate it with the development of free radical mediated diseases. Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups and pair fed for six weeks with low magnesium diet (70 mg/kg) and control diet (990 mg/kg) prepared synthetically. Deionized water was given ad libitum. Low magnesium diet caused a significant decrease in plasma and red blood cell magnesium levels. A marked increase in plasma malondialdehyde and corresponding decrease in total radical trapping antioxidant parameters (calculated) were observed in the low magnesium diet group than control group. The level of plasma glucose increased moderately in the low magnesium diet group. Hypertriglyceridemia and significantly decreased plasma HDL (high density lipoprotein)-cholesterol levels were observed in the low magnesium diet group. The results clearly demonstrate that magnesium deficiency is associated with increased oxidative stress through reduction in plasma antioxidants and increased lipid peroxidation suggesting that the increased oxidative stress may be due to increased susceptibility of body organs to free radical injury.