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Background: Dental phenotype shows variation in the form of various metric and non-metric traits, primarily due to gene-environment interplay. It gives an insight into the evolutionary trends, ancestry, and food habits. Recently, it has been explored for genetic affinity with several growth anomalies and development of craniofacial skeleton which is also responsible for dental and skeletal malocclusions. Objectives: The current study aims to investigate the non-metric dental crown traits (NDCTs) using Arizona State University Dental Anthropology system (ASUDAS) in different types of malocclusions in Delhi, National Capital Region (NCR) population. Materials and methods: The study design was observational and retrospective. The total sample comprised of 240 pairs of dental casts divided into four equal groups of 60 subjects each (30 male and 30 female), based on malocclusion. The four groups of malocclusions were: Angle’s Class I, Class II division 1, Class II division 2, Class III. The investigator was blinded for patient ID and sex before recording the data. The data for cast were recorded by three observers independently in a modified malocclusion- non-metric dental crown traits (M-NDCT) anthropological variants chart and statistically analyzed for association with different malocclusions and sex. Results: Significant differences were found in the expression of several NDCTs (both in presence and scoring) in different malocclusions. Class I malocclusion showed predominantly winging, shoveling –upper central and lateral incisor, protostylid, hypoconulid absence in lower second molar, and cusp number. Class II malocclusion showed double shoveling, interrupted groove, tuberculum dentale, canine mesial ridge, premolar accessory cusp, Carabelli’s trait, lingual cusp vari-ation, and seventh cusp in the lower left first molar. Class III malocclusion showed the absence of hypocone in upper second molar, deflecting wrinkle, distal trigonid crest, and Y groove in left lower second molar. Besides, sexual dimorphism was seen in shoveling –upper central and lateral incisor, canine mesial ridge, Carabelli’s trait, 3-cusp in upper second molar, and cusp number. Conclusions: Significant association was found between non-metric dental traits and malocclusions (Class I, Class division 1, Class II division 2, and Class III). Significant sex-linked differences were also found. Further studies can be performed at multicenter pan-India level or across ethnicities with a standard robust protocol and a large sample.

Abstract Background The non-metric dental crown traits (NDCT) can vary within and between the geo-populations. These play a critical role in the ethnicity determination and help in identification of an individual. A commonly used system for scoring these dental traits is “Arizona State University Dental Anthropology System” (ASUDAS). Aim and objectives Our study aims to evaluate the frequency trend of twenty NDCT traits in the India, National Capital Region population using ASUDAS, and check for any significant sexual dimorphism for each trait. Methods The maxillary and mandibular dental casts from 200 patients (100 males+100 females, age 18–30 years) reporting to the dental OPD of a Government dental college were evaluated. Twenty dental crown traits were scored as per ASUDAS protocol in each dental cast by three investigators independently. NDCTs were tabulated and the chi-square test was performed for calculation of the P value. Results The results showed that the trait cusp number (83%) and lingual cusp variation (79%) were the two most frequent NDCTs and Y groove pattern (13%) and premolar accessory cusp-4 (12.5%) were the two least frequent traits observed. Shoveling of the upper lateral incisor (P=0.007), tuberculum dentale (P=0.049), mesial ridge (lingual) (P=0.034), and hypocone absence (P=0.001) were found to show statistically significant sexual dimorphism (P < 0.05). Although grade-wise expression of shoveling in upper lateral had statistically significant sexual dimorphism and the frequency of higher expression grades was found more in females, overall dichotomy of expression was not significant. Similarly, although an expression of grade-wise tuberculum dentale, mesial ridge (lingual) and hypocone absence had statistically significant sexual dimorphism, an overall dichotomy of expression was not significant. Conclusion The current study shows certain NDCTs like cusp number and lingual cusp variation have a significant association with the NCR population. Sexual dimorphism was not significant; hence, future studies should be planned on a large sample with sex pooled data for each precise location and ethnicity in all the regions of India. This can be further correlated with different facial forms and dental occlusal patterns, for correlation with abnormalities in jaws and teeth.

Abstract Forensic odontology has contributed significantly in forensic investigations and involves various branches of dentistry including orthodontics. The current communication presents evidence-based perspective highlighting synergistic union of different specialties for Forensic Facial Approximation (FFA). It brings forth commonality in principles of anthropology, forensic science, anthropometry, anatomy, paleontology, forensic odontology, with orthodontics, used in FFA. Various attributes and skills of orthodontists’ aid in dental and skull profiling and the corresponding sex, age, and ethnicity-based soft tissue assessments for facial soft tissue thickness (FSTT), may aid a life-like appearance. They can assist hard tissue profiling by their expertise in growth of skeletal and soft tissue, along with the evolutionary trends in occlusion, and diet formulations. Their knowledge in identifying teeth patterns, dental/skeletal jaw relationships, cranial/facial indices, vertical/horizontal facial proportions, can help prepare skull for orientation and reconstruction. The dental, photographic, and radiographic records maintained by orthodontists and general dentists are instrumental in data retrieval, used in various software, clinical, or research areas. These can provide normative values for comparative analysis or facial recreation. The orthodontists can also assist anthropologists and forensic specialists in the virtual reconstructions due to their ease in using latest digital technologies including three-dimensional (3D) facial scan, stereo-photogrammetry, 3D printing, automated soft-tissue landmarks, growth, and age predictions. Thus, the current study established the commonality in concepts of various forensic disciplines with orthodontics, which can strengthen both forensic on-field facial approximations and hard/soft tissue research to further enhance the accuracy of contemporary digital software used in FFA.

Abstract Introduction Molecular diagnostics for SARS-CoV-2 infection characteristically involves the sampling of the throat or nasopharyngeal swab (NPS). However, these procedures are invasive, require necessary skills for sample collection, cause patient discomfort, and are non-conducive for extensive scale testing. Saliva is increasingly being suggested as an alternate diagnostic sample in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Objectives This scoping review was done with the objective of exploring the evidence on the role of saliva as an alternate diagnostic sample in SARS‐CoV‐2 condition. Methods Thorough search of the literature in major databases was undertaken in June 2020 using free text and MESH terms, followed by PRISMA to identify 17 studies for data extraction. Results and conclusions Evidence was summarised for study characteristics, salivary sampling characteristics, viral load, and longevity of virus in saliva. The literature supports that saliva offers a simple sample collection method compared to technique-sensitive NPS and has the advantage of point-of-care testing for initial screening in community or hospital-based set-up. The additional highlights of this review are heterogeneity in the current literature and the gaps in methodology. Therefore, a robust study design to generate higher levels of evidence has been proposed.

The world-wide crisis of COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted daily lives, global economies, intra/inter-countries political outlook and educational systems. Schools and colleges in India and abroad are under lock-down to maximize social distancing and minimize the spread of infection amongst students and teaching staff. Health sciences related universities and researchers are forced to adopt non-contact teaching and research.Present article highlights the positive impact and opportunities provided by COVID-19 crisis to health care research and academic set-up. We have compiled ethical, effective and practical guidelines to mitigate the impact on health care related research and academic front during these pandemic times in an Indian perspective. These guidelines and management suggestions can be modified to suit region based cases and can be applied in global perspective also.The suggestions in the current article provide a working collaboration of students and teachers to effectively connect on virtual platforms to strengthen their research output, giving suggestions of data-sharing and rapid review of proposals by online review ethical boards. This time is proposed to be used for generating a positive impact on health and research sector to use each adversity as an opportunity.

Background: Azadirachta indica (neem), belongs to the family of Meliaceae plants, is found in the Indian subcontinent. The neem tree is colloquially referred to as the village pharmacy due to its array of biological properties. Every part of the neem tree like its bark, leaves, sap, fruit, seeds, and twigs find a multitude of uses. It is customary to use them for management of skin diseases and various other infections.The anticancer properties of neem have been studied in the past and these include its ability to modulate the tumour environment, increase the cytotoxic ability of host monocytes and suppress the proliferation of tumour cells. The present review was conducted with the objective of scrutinizing and assimilating data about the usefulness Azadirachta indica in oral cancer from all the previously done work. Material and methods: A planned review was conducted of all the studies that investigated the role of Azadirachta indica in oral cancer. Literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases. In addition to electronic searching, hand searching, cross referencing and various internet engines were also used to collect data. The articles were perused and articles not pertinent to our search were omitted. Results and conclusion: The anticancer properties of neem were evaluated and the active constituents of neem have been demonstrated to unequivocally have preventive and therapeutic potential against oral cancer. Although, greater exploration of the anticancer properties of neem are required in order to effectively integrate it into the routine management of oral cancer.

Nasopalatine duct cyst (NPDC) is a non-odontogenic, developmental epithelial cyst that accounts for 1% of maxillary cysts. It often arises due to the spontaneous proliferation of the epithelial tissue remnants, although trauma, bacterial infection, and mucous retention may also trigger the proliferation. Owing to its slow-growing, asymptomatic nature, the cyst is often discovered as an accidental finding during routine clinical and radiographic examinations. However, the majority of cases present as a tiny, asymptomatic swelling just posterior to the palatine papillae. Radiographically, it appears as a well-defined oval or round radiolucency in the maxillary anterior teeth region and should be differentially diagnosed with inflammatory periapical lesions and a wide incisive foramen. A pulp vitality test is essential to rule out lesions of endodontic origin. Microscopically, NPDCs display a mixed pattern of the epithelial lining and exhibit neurovascular bundles (small to medium-sized nerves, arteries, and veins), and minor salivary glands in the cystic connective tissue, a distinctive feature facilitating a confirmatory diagnosis. Enucleation and marsupialization remain the treatment of choice. NPDC associated with impacted mesiodens is an extremely uncommon entity. A comprehensive literature search carried out on the PubMed and Google Scholar search engines revealed only three cases of NPDC with impacted mesiodens to date. The purpose of this study is to report an extremely rare case of NPDC associated with an impacted inverted mesiodens in a 19-year-old male patient who presented with an asymptomatic swelling in the maxillary anterior teeth region. To the best of our knowledge, this is only the fourth reported case of NPDC with impacted mesiodens.

Background: The distinguishing feature of cancer cells is their ability to proliferate indefinitely, which is in contrast to the restricted cell multiplication potential for somatic cells. A better understanding of this contrasting behavior was provided in the early 1990s with the discovery of a relationship between telomeres, telomerase, aging, and cancer. Telomeres (tandem repeat DNA sequence TTAGGG) are protective caps at the ends of human chromosomes. Normal human cells experience telomere shortening with each successive cell division. However, in tumor cells, an overexpression of telomerase confers limitless replicative potential to tumor cells by continuous elongation of telomeres. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the data available on telomerase expression in oral cancer, with special reference to its role in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. Materials and Methods: A systematic review of studies that investigated the telomerase expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was registered with PROSPERO. Subsequent to registration, a predetermined search strategy in accordance with PRISMA guidelines was formulated, and a literature search was conducted using online databases along with hand searching. Results: Eighty-nine articles from PubMed, 83 from Scopus, 5 from BioMed Central, 43 from Google Scholar, and 2 from hand search were identified. A total of 21 articles were shortlisted that met strict inclusion and exclusion criteria and quality assessment. Each study was evaluated for the markers under study, type of sample used, study design/methodology, and statistical analysis. The studies were then grouped into three subheads depending on their implications in the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of OSCC. Conclusion: This review explains the basic biology and the clinical implications of telomerase-based diagnosis and prognosis, the prospects for its use in anticancer therapy, in the context of oral cancer.

Forensic Facial Approximation (FFA) or forensic facial reconstruction is a three-dimensional recreation of face of an entity from skull remains which adequately resembles deceased person to allow identification of individual. FFA involves an assimilation of anatomy, forensic science, anthropology, osteology and above all craftsmanship to artistically recreate the identity of the deceased. The aim of the present study was to highlight skills and attributes of dentist/forensic odontologists qualifying him to be part of FFA team. By careful appraisal using various search engines and hand search, we discuss to propose inclusion of a dental expert (preferably a forensic odontologist) to be a part of FFA team based on their sound scientific knowledge about human anatomy, musculature as well as exposure to various hard tissue and soft tissue landmarks that are taught as a part of undergraduate dental curriculum all over the globe. Practical training, material knowledge, artistic handiwork with adept use of various hand instruments given to dentists/forensic odontologist may be extremely beneficial when working on the skull, hence qualifies him/her as an expert to include in team of FFA.

Background: Environmental and patho-physiologic stresses stimulate synthesis of heat shock proteins (HSPs) which enable the cell to survive and recover from stressful conditions, by as yet incompletely understood mechanisms. Heat shock proteins show an increased expression in a wide range of human cancers and have been associated with tumor cell proliferation, differentiation, invasion, metastasis, death, and recognition by the immune system. Yet the role of heat shock proteins in oral cancer is ambiguous. The objective of this review was to systematically assess the data available on the role of HSP expression in oral cancer with special reference to its role in diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. Methods and Results: A systematic review of studies that investigated the HSP expression in oral squamous cell carcinoma using Scopus, Medline, Embase and Google scholar databases from their inceptions to 2013, without language restrictions was conducted. We selected 24 studies from which data extraction and validations were performed. Conclusion: The literature search revealed differential expression of HSPs during oral tumorigenesis with implications for the specific role of HSPs in the pathogenesis of oral cancer. HSP expression has been regarded as an independent prognostic factor for oral squamous cell carcinoma patients and HSPs are being explored as potent vehicles for delivery of preventive and treatment vaccines in cancer and other diseases.

Background: Histopathological diagnosis of lesions arising from the intake of tobacco is based on subjective evaluation of morphological alterations within the lesional tissue. Oral exfoliative cytology is a non-invasive diagnostic technique for early detection of oral premalignant and malignant lesions. Morphometric techniques have been advocated as objective and reproducible methods of detecting changes before they are visible by routine microscopy and can facilitate differentiation of normal and abnormal epithelium. This study was conducted to assess the morphometric parameters (cell diameter, nuclear diameter and nuclear cytoplasmic ratio [N:C ratio]) in tobacco smokers and chewers and to evaluate the variations, if any. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on cytological smears obtained from oral lesions of patients with habit of tobacco smoking (Group B) and tobacco chewing (Group C). Group A comprised of subjects free from oral lesions and not using tobacco in any form. Patients with both the habits were excluded. The smears were stained using Papanicoloaou staining method. For morphometric analysis, Microimage 3.0 image analysis software was employed. The statistical test employed was an analysis of variance and P < 0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The results of this study showed that the cellular diameter was progressively reduced and nuclear diameter progressively increased from Group A to Group B to Group C. The N:C ratio also showed a progressive increase from Group A to Group C. Conclusion: The results confirmed that tobacco chewing and smoking influenced the cytomorphology of normal appearing buccal mucosa and the degree of these changes were found to be greater in chewers as compared to smokers.