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Monitoring infections which are episodic, site specific, localized or generalized, initiated by a number of microorganisms and assessed with measurement devices that have inherent shortcomings presents a difficult task. The lack of precise clinical criteria for assessment of periodontal disease has led to a search for alternative means of determining active disease sites, predicting future sites of breakdown and evaluating response to therapy. This paper highlights the potential array of biomarkers present in gingival crevice fluid (GCF) and provides an insight of which of these factors has the greatest diagnostic potential. The rationale behind using GCF as sampling source is also described. Finally it discusses the possible use of predictive chair side diagnostic tests in periodontitis.

Employability is the ability to find and maintain employment, and students often prioritize developing their employability skills to increase their chances of securing a job after graduation. However, despite taking steps to enhance their employability, challenges such as a highly competitive job market, limited job opportunities in their chosen field, and a lack of experience or relevant skills can still hinder a student's ability to secure employment. Hence, addressing these challenges requires a thorough understanding of the existing initiatives taken by stakeholders, as well as identifying the gaps in those initiatives. A suggested plan of action highlighting the challenges and solutions to those challenges can help bridge these gaps and provide a solid solution. Implementation methods such as Personalised Learning, Skill Matching, Decentralised Learning, Automated Record Keeping, Micro-credentials, and Verifiable Credentials can better prepare students for the job market. A coordinated effort among stakeholders, including educators, employers, and government agencies, can help ensure the success of these initiatives while keeping in mind the exciting future field of study involving the Brain-Computer Interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this split-mouth clinical and radiographic study was to evaluate and compare the regenerative potential of a combination of recombinant human platelet-derived growth factor-BB (rhPDGF-BB) and beta tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) to the established technique of bone grafting with β-TCP alone in the surgical management of intraosseous defects. A total of 24 sites in 12 subjects with intraosseous defects were included and randomly divided into test (rhPDGF-BB + β-TCP) and control (β-TCP alone) sites. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Radiographic parameters were evaluated at baseline and 6 months. Both groups showed statistically significant reductions of all clinical parameters. Intergroup comparison demonstrated a significantly greater probing pocket depth reduction and clinical attachment level gain in the test group. The mean percentage defect fill was significantly greater in the test group than in the control group at 3 and 6 months, and greater improvement in defect angle was also evident in the test group. Although both groups showed definitive improvements in all parameters, the test group showed significantly better results when used to treat human periodontal intraosseous defects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of root coverage through vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) technique using platelet rich fibrin (PRF) or subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) in multiple gingival recessions. Materials and Methods: A total of 20 patients with multiple gingival recessions were included, and 10 subjects were randomly allocated to test group (VISTA with PRF) and 10 patients to control group (VISTA with SCTG). Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. Patient's response toward the treatment was also assessed by questionnaire. Results: All the clinical parameters in the study have showed better results in test group when compared to control group after a follow up period of 6 months with statistical significance. Conclusion: The results of the present study suggested that multiple gingival recessions can be successfully treated with both procedures, but better root coverage and a greater increase in keratinized tissue were achieved with the VISTA technique with SCTG. All the patients in both groups felt it was worth undergoing the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the melanocyte response following depigmentation by cryosurgery and mucosal excision at both clinical and histopathological levels during 6 months. Subjects and Methods: A total of 15 individuals, aged 25–45 years with hyperpigmentation on the facial aspect of the gingiva present in the esthetic zone were included. A split-mouth approach was used, wherein one side received depigmentation by a scalpel and the other side received cryotherapy, with the choice of the therapy and side chosen by the spin of the coin. For determining the melanocyte assay, a small amount of gingival tissue that was excised was studied under a special staining technique, i.e., Masson–Fontana method for melanin, a histochemistry procedure which determines the activity of melanin both quantitatively and qualitatively. Clinical and histological observations for the intensity of pigmentation were recorded at baseline and 6 months after surgery. Statistical Analysis Used: Paired and unpaired t-test. Results: The mean value of the Dummett Oral Pigmentation Index (DOPI) was 2.44 ± 0.51 at baseline; following depigmentation with scalpel technique, the mean DOPI was 1.05 ± 0.23 at 6 months; and there was a statistically significant difference in the mean DOPI when compared with that of the baseline (P = 0.001). Following depigmentation with cryosurgery technique, the mean DOPI was 0.33 ± 0.48 at 6 months which also varied statistically significantly with that of the baseline (P = 0.001). The mean value of melanin histopathological count (MHC) was 95.53 ± 9.03 at baseline; following depigmentation with the scalpel technique, the mean DOPI was 89.49 ± 7.56 at 6 months, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.795). Following depigmentation with the cryosurgery technique, the mean MHC was 75.38 ± 5.63 at 6 months, which was not statistically significant (P = 0.285). Conclusions: The mean histologic count of the melanocytes, which accounts for the re-pigmentation process has shown low recurrence values in cryosurgery over the scalpel technique even though the difference was not statistically significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The search for an ideal biomarker which can determine the current disease status that predicts the sites and individuals with increased susceptibility to periodontal disease has been going on since a long time. One such group of molecules which have been investigated recently are the trefoil factors, and the present study aims to determine the role of salivary trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) in periodontitis and gingivitis patients. Materials and Methods: A total of fifty participants, of which 25 were diagnosed with moderate-to-severe periodontitis and 25 with chronic gingivitis were included in the study. The routine periodontal parameters were recorded at baseline and at 6 weeks which included plaque index, gingival index, bleeding index, probing depth, and clinical attachment level. The saliva samples were collected from both the groups at baseline and 6 weeks after nonsurgical periodontal therapy and analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to estimate the concentration of trefoil factor 3. Results: All the periodontal parameters improved at 6-week reevaluation in both the groups. There was a significant change in the TFF3 levels in the periodontitis group from baseline to 6 weeks, and the concentrations were found to be higher following nonsurgical therapy, whereas the quantum of change in the gingivitis group was negligible. The levels of TFF3 remained unchanged in those periodontitis participants who required surgical intervention at the 6th-week reevaluation. Conclusion: The estimation of TFF3 levels may aid in decision-making in the treatment strategy of patients with moderate-to-severe periodontitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Health-related quality of life (HRQL) is an important outcome measure for various diseases, although there are sparse data regarding HRQL among Indian patients with hypothyroidism. Aims: This study aimed to assess HRQL among Indian patients with hypothyroidism using the SF-36 questionnaire. Methods: This cross-sectional study evaluated 244 consecutive patients with hypothyroidism who were treated at the Vydehi Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre in Bengaluru. All patients were >18 years old and visited the outpatient department for endocrine treatment. Perceived health status was evaluated using the SF-36 questionnaire. The patients' data were compared to data from 250 age-matched and sex-matched healthy controls. Results: Compared to the healthy controls, the patients with hypothyroidism had significantly lower scores for six of the eight SF-36 scales. No significant intergroup differences were observed in the "role emotional" and "social functioning" dimensions. Interpretation and Conclusions: Hypothyroidism was associated with reduced HRQL among Indian patients. These patients generally experienced greater reductions in physical dimensions, compared to social and emotional dimensions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives: Lasers have been widely used because of several potential benefits such as antibacterial effect and stimulation of wound healing. In addition, lasers help in hemostasis and delaying epithelial migration which may facilitate the outcome of flap surgery. Hence, this study is aimed to investigate the adjunctive effect of diode laser irradiation on conventional access flap surgery in the treatment of periodontal disease. Materials and Methods: A total of 23 patients requiring periodontal flap surgery in two sextants with probing pocket depth ≥5 mm in at least three teeth post-phase I therapy were selected for a split-mouth study. Flap surgery with adjunctive diode laser irradiation was performed in the test quadrant while conventional access flap surgery was done in the control quadrant. Procedural pain and tissue response of the patients were evaluated at 3, 7, and 14 days postoperatively. Clinical parameters including probing depth, clinical attachment level, plaque index, and gingival index were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months following treatment. Results: There is no significant difference between the groups with respect to healing response of tissues; however, patients experienced more pain in test sites compared to control sites. Intragroup comparisons showed a statistically significant reduction of all clinical parameters from baseline to 6 months without any significant difference between the groups. Conclusion: Overall within the limitations of the study, diode lasers did not show any significant added benefits over conventional access flap surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim of Study: The aim is to study the prevalence and pattern of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) gene variations in patients with fibrocalculous pancreatic diabetes (FCPD) using whole gene sequencing. Materials and Methods: A total of 56 consecutive patients of FCPD were recruited for the study. Diagnosis of FCPD was based on the presence of diabetes mellitus in patients having chronic pancreatitis with radiological evidence of ductal calcifications, in the absence of other known causes for pancreatitis. Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid samples were collected from all patients, and complete gene sequencing was performed for SPINK1 gene using Sanger technique. Results: Overall 35 patients (62.5%) were detected to have genetic alterations in SPINK1 gene. N34S polymorphism was seen in 23 participants (41.07%) out of which 3 were homozygous. N34S was seen to be in linkage disequilibrium with IVS1 - 37T>C (18/23) and IVS3-69insAAAA (19/23) polymorphisms. Seven patients (12.5%) had a 272 C>T 3'UTR polymorphism while one patient (1.8%) had a P55S polymorphism. Two patients (3.5%) had an IVS3 + 2T>C mutation which has been shown to be associated with loss of function of SPINK protein. Overall 48.2% of FCPD patients had genetic variations that were significant compared to the control population. There was no difference in anthropometric and biochemical parameters between those with or without SPINK1 gene variations. Conclusions: Variations in SPINK1 gene are frequently observed in FCPD. N34S polymorphism was the most common variation followed by intronic variations. Two patients had the pathogenic intronic IVS3 + 2T>C mutation. Whole gene sequencing of the SPINK1 gene enabled detection of an additional 7.1% of patients with significant SPINK1 gene variations as compared to targeted screening for the N34S variation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the combined therapeutic effects of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) in the treatment of periodontal intrabony defects. Materials and Methods: Fourteen patients with 28 intrabony defects were treated with a combination of PRP and β-TCP. The changes in clinical measurements such as probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and mobility along with radiographic estimation of the amount of bone fill were evaluated 9 months post operatively. Statistical analysis was carried out net difference in measurements and to compare the differences. Results: Combined use of PRP and β-TCP resulted in periodontal regeneration. There were marked reduction in probing pocket depth and significant gain in CAL as compared to baseline values. Summary and Conclusions: In the lateral excursion other than canine protected and group function, there exists some different occlusal contact pattern. No significant difference was found in occlusal pattern in the comparision of males and females. Discussion: The results of this study clearly demonstrate that combination therapy is effective in the treatment of intrabony defects. Combined use of PRP and β-TCP improves different clinical parameters post operatively and triggers defect fill [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: There are variable reports on the reversibility of type 2 diabetes mellitus (type 2 DM) with higher rates among younger patients with short duration of diabetes. Hence, we studied the reversibility of diabetes among young adults with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. Methods: This prospective study included 32 patients with newly diagnosed type 2 DM. All type 2 DM patients were initially treated with intensive lifestyle therapy (ILT) (low-calorie diet [1500 kcal/day] and brisk walking for 1 h/day]). Four patients who with HbA1C <9.0% were treated with ILT alone. Except for three patients with concomitant infections who were treated with insulin, remaining 25 patients with HbA1C =9.0% were treated with metformin (1000-2000 g) in addition to ILT. When fasting plasma glucose was <126 mg/dl or HbA1C was <6.5% antidiabetic drug dose was reduced or stopped. The patients were followed for a minimum period of 2 years. Results: Reversal/remission rates at 3 months, 1 year, and 2 years were 24 (75%), 24 (75%), and 22 (68.75%), respectively. Seventeen (53.1%) patients achieved complete reversal and seven (21.9%) patients achieved partial reversal at 3 months. Rates of complete and partial remission at 1 year were 50% and 25% and at 2 years were 46.9% and 21.9%, respectively. Conclusion: Young adults with newly diagnosed type 2 DM have high rates of diabetes reversal and should receive ILT to achieve reversal of diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a case study on the development of a learner-centric system using Appreciative Inquiry (AI) and Appreciative Experimental Learning (AEL). The development of the learner-centric system through the partnership between Maharani Lakshmi Ammanni College for Women (MLACW) and Pegasus Institute for Excellence (PIE) is examined. A brief overview of higher education in India is provided.

Sodium hypochlorite is an effective intracanal irrigant when used judiciously with rubber dam isolation. Inadvertent contact of sodium hypochlorite may lead to severe necrosis of soft tissue. A case of gingival and alveolar bone necrosis caused by accidental leakage of sodium hypochlorite under the rubber dam during root canal preparation was reported. After initiation of root canal treatment, during the second visit patient complained of pain in the gingiva surrounding the tooth. Accidental seepage of hypochlorite into gingiva and underlying bone led to the necrosis of these tissues. The patient required surgical intervention which led to successful recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is little published literature on the profile of patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) from India. The aim of this study was to compile data of CS patients treated at this hospital. Materials and Methods: Patients referred to the endocrine services of this hospital for diagnosis/treatment of CS from January 1985 to July 2012 were the subjects for this study. All patients had detailed medical history, physical examination and biochemical and hormonal assays (which changed with availability of tests and changing views). Assays for plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) (late 90s), salivary cortisol estimation, IJV sampling for ACTH and corticotrophin releasing hormone stimulation tests were added on later. Imaging included computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (since the late 80's) and 68Ga DOTA-TOC/FDG PET-CT (2008). Results: Three hundred sixty-four patients (250 females, 114 males, age 6 months to 65 years, mean 28 years + 12 years) were diagnosed to have CS during this period. Two hundred and ninety-three patients (80.5%) were ACTH dependent (CD 215, ectopic ACTH syndrome 22, occult ACTH source 56) while 71 (19.5%) were ACTH independent (adrenal carcinoma 36, adenoma 30, primary pigmented nodular adrenal disease 4, AIMAH 1). Pituitary macro adenoma was seen in 14% of the CD cases. The most common presenting complaints were hypertension and diabetes mellitus. A total of 63% patients complained of weight gain while 15% had lost weight. Myopathy, infections, skeletal fractures and psychiatric problems were the other common observations in our patients. Conclusion: The clinical spectrum was broad. CD was the most common cause for CS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite major advances in periodontal regeneration over the past three decades, complete regeneration of the lost periodontium on a regular and predictable basis in humans has still remained elusive. The identification of stem cells in the periodontal ligament together with the growing concept of tissue engineering has opened new vistas in periodontal regenerative medicine. In this regard, ribonucleic acid interference (RNAi) opens a new gate way for a novel RNA based approach in periodontal management. This paper aims to summarize the current opinion on the mechanisms underlying RNAi, in vitro and in vivo existing applications in the dental research, which could lead to their future use in periodontal regeneration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enlargement of the gingiva can be due to various causes. Most prevalent are the inflammatory type and drug-induced type of gingival hyperplasia. However, sever enlargement associated with an aggressive type of periodontitis is an infrequent finding. Reported here is a case of a female patient aged 18 years who presented with severe enlargement of the maxillary and mandibular gingiva. Examination revealed enlargement extending up to the incisal edge of all the teeth and also an associated generalized loss of attachment with radiographic evidence of reduced bone height resembling an aggressive type of periodontitis. There were no associated systemic signs and symptoms or any family history except that there was generalized vitiligo of the skin and oral mucous membrane. The case was treated by gross electrosection of the gingiva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Gingival recession (GR) is a common manifestation in most populations, and is considered as an early sign of periodontal disease. GR is an intriguing condition where various factors play an important role in its etiology. Only few studies have been undertaken to assess the prevalence and risk factors for GR in patients visiting dental hospitals. The aim of this study is not only to estimate prevalence, severity, and extent of GR in hospital population, of Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, but also to assess the potential risk factors for the same. Materials and Methods: In this study, 2837 patients were examined of which 627 were included into the study. The age range was 16-80 years. Subjects were interviewed using a structural questionnaire, and full mouth clinical examination was done to assess recession. Results: Of all subjects examined 45.6%, 16.2% of individuals and 13%, 4.8% of teeth per individual showed GR >3 mm. Prevalence and severity of recession was correlated with age. Recession was present but recession threshold ≥3 and ≥5 mm affected only small percentage of teeth in subjects younger than 45 years. Mandibular incisors showed the highest prevalence of GR ≥1 mm with 61% of teeth being affected. Smoking and presence of supragingival calculus were most significantly associated localized and generalized recession. Conclusion: Prevalence of periodontal disease is high among this population based on the presence of gingival recession in most the individuals. High prevalence of GR is significantly associated with supragingival calculus and smoking habits. This suggests a need to improve their periodontal condition through education, motivation, and improving their periodontal health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of a bovine derived xenograft Bio-Oss™ and to compare with open flap debridement in human infrabony periodontal defects. Materials and Methods: Twelve healthy patients (5 males, 7 females; aged 30-50 years), with no systemic disease with moderate to severe periodontitis were treated. Surgically defects were included only if presence of two or more vertical osseous defects as verified by radiographs with associated probing pocket depth of ⩾5.0 mm following non-surgical therapy. Final selection included 24 defects. The defects were randomly assigned treatment with bovine derived xenograft Bio-Oss™ as experimental sites or open flap debridement as control sites. Soft tissue and hard tissue measurements were recorded on the day of surgery and six months post-operatively. Results: The results showed significant difference statistically between experimental and control sites in all measurements. Soft tissue measurements for the experimental sites included probing pocket depth reduction of 4.33±0.651 mm and attachment gain of 2.92±0.9003 mm, while the control sites showed a probing pocket depth reduction of 2.92±0.669 mm and a attachment gain of 0.583±0.515 mm. Osseous measurements showed bone fill of 1.936±1.046 mm (54.065±12.642%) for experimental sites and 0.02±0.01 mm (0.534±0.384%) for the control sites. Defect resolution was 50.75% for the experimental sites and 5.45% for the control sites. Conclusion: Bio-Oss™ is a bone graft material of considerable promise. However, further long term clinical studies with histological evaluation are warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study compared the healing response and esthetic outcome following the Modified Widman Flap (MWF) and Papilla Preservation Flap (PPF) in maxillary anterior region with diastema. 20 patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease were selected for the study and each was randomly assigned either to PPF group or MWF group with probing pocket depth ≥5mm and clinical attachment loss ≥4mm in maxillary anterior region. Clinical parameters comprising of plaque index, gingival index, papilla presence index, probing pocket depths, clinical attachment level, and recession, along with evaluation of patient's perception of esthetic outcome using visual analogue scale were assessed at baseline and at the end of 6 months post-operative checkup. The periodontal health in all the patients of both the groups improved as evidenced by good plaque control, maintenance of gingival health, significant reductions in probing pocket depths and gain in clinical attachment levels. There was a marginal increase in recession and decrease in the height of interdental papilla in both the groups. There was no difference between the two groups in the esthetic outcome as evaluated from the patient's feedback. Overall, the PPF flap did not result in any superiority over the MWF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess the effectiveness of diet management program (DMP) among adults with Type 2 Diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: Patients with T2DM, under routine clinical care, either participated in or declined dietary counselling by a registered dietician in-clinic, along with fortnightly expert call center follow-up for at least 3 months. We undertook a retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of diet counselling by comparing plasma glucose and total cholesterol levels in both the groups. Results (presented as value [SD]): Age was 50.8 (11) years in DMP vs 53.6 (11.4) years non-DMP group; male gender 68.7 (90) in DMP vs 61.5 (184) non-DMP group. At baseline, HbA1c was >7.5% in all patients with no significant differences in other parameters. After 3 months HbA1c reduced from 9.5 (1.4) to 8.3 (1.6) in patients under DMP and from 9.5 (1.5) to 9.1 (1.6) (p < 0.01) in non- DMP patients. More patients under DMP achieved a HbA1c ≤7 (23.7%) compared to non-DMP patients (6.7%) (p < 0.01). Total Cholesterol decreased from 177 (46) to 153 (32) (p < 0.01) in patients under DMP vs a non-significant increase from 165 (52) to 168 (46) in non-DMP patients. Conclusion: The present study found a significant improvement in the HbA1c and total cholesterol levels of patients who were adherent to the diet program for a period of 3 months or more. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Periodontal disease is a chronic, infectious gum disease, which eventually leads to tooth loss, adversely affecting quality of life (QoL). Most of the research in this area focuses on evaluating clinical parameters rather than patient-based outcomes. Currently, these parameters are gaining importance along with treatment outcomes of chronic diseases and QoL. This study evaluates the impact of periodontal disease and its treatment on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL)., Methods: We recruited 90 participants who were divided into two groups. One was the test group (n = 45) that underwent non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) followed by periodontal flap surgery (SurgPT). Second was the control group (n = 45) that underwent only NSPT. Clinical parameters, plaque index, gingival index, periodontal/probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and mobility were recorded. An OHRQoL questionnaire was used to assess the functional, physical, social, and psychological domains at baseline, three, and six months., Results: The mean PPD in the test group was 6.9 ± 0.38, 3.2 ± 0.36, 3.5 ± 0.5, and 5.8 ± 0.67, 3.13 ± 0.21, 3.73 ± 0.45 in the NSPT group at baseline, 3, and 6 months, respectively. The mean CAL in the SurgPT group was 7.07 ± 0.41, 3.56 ± 0.27, 3.74 ± 0.30, and 6.08 ± 0.16, 4.02 ± 0.17, 4.16 ± 0.19 in the NSPT group at baseline, 3, and 6 months, respectively. Both treatments resulted in reduction in all clinical parameters and were statistically significant in the SurgPT group ( p  < 0.001). Oral Health Impact Profile scores substantially decreased in the SurgPT group (mean difference-25.0) compared to the NSPT group (mean difference-5.0) ( p -0.001)., Conclusions: In this study, NSPT and SurgPT had a positive impact on OHRQoL by improving clinical parameters, but SurgPT had substantially better outcomes in terms of improved QoL., (© 2021 Taibah University. Production and hosting by Elsevier Ltd.)

Introduction: Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder with a reported prevalence of 4%-10%. Previous studies have reported significant gaps in the basic knowledge about the condition in hypothyroid patients. It has also been observed that faulty practices prevail among these patients. There is paucity of data on the assessment of knowledge and practices among treated hypothyroid patients., Aim: The present study was aims to assess the knowledge, awareness and practices in treated hypothyroid patients., Materials and Methods: The current cross-sectional study was conducted on 244 consecutive hypothyroid patients, attending the Endocrinology Outpatient Department (OPD). The patients were asked to fill a structured questionnaire pertaining to knowledge and practices about various aspects of hypothyroidism., Results: Only two-thirds of the participants correctly identified thyroid as a gland and 41% were aware that hypothyroidism is caused due to decreased function of the thyroid gland. The most common symptom attributed to hypothyroidism was weight gain (139 responses). Nearly 45% of the patients believed alternative forms of medicine can be used for treatment of hypothyroidism. It was believed by 42% of the patients that hypothyroidism runs in the family and about 10% believed it could be transferred to their spouses. Only 33% of the patients gave one hour gap between levothyroxine and food intake., Conclusion: The study demonstrates the lack of knowledge about basic aspects of hypothyroidism among the patients. In addition, there is a high prevalence of misconceptions and faulty practices. The study highlights the need for comprehensive patient education to improve therapeutic outcomes and compliance among hypothyroid patients.

A case-control study was done to assess the influence of smoking on clinical, microbiological, and histopathological parameters. Methods. Two hundred dentate male patients (100 smokers and 100 nonsmokers) ranging between 25 and 50 years were enrolled in the study. Periodontal parameters were recorded. Plaque samples were collected for microbial analysis for BANA test. Gingival biopsies were obtained from selected site for assessing histopathological changes. Results. Both groups showed almost similar plaque levels (P=0.258), but smokers had reduced gingival (0.62 ± 0.31) and bleeding indices (28.53 ± 17.52) and an increased calculus index (1.62 ± 0.36). Smokers had an increased probing depth of 4-7 mm (P=0.009) and overall increased CAL. No difference in microbiota was found between the two groups. Histopathologically smokers showed a decreased blood vessel density (8.84 ± 0.96) and inflammatory cells (52.00 ± 9.79). Conclusions. It is quite possible that many of the pathogenic mechanisms involved in tissue degradation in periodontitis in smokers could be quite different from those in nonsmokers.

Aim of Study: To assess the maternal and fetal outcome of pregnancies in thyrotoxic women., Method: Thyrotoxic women who conceived while on treatment or who conceived within two years after stopping treatment, were recruited into the study. The antithyroid drugs (PTU and methimazole) dosage were adjusted to keep T3 and T4 within the upper normal range for these women. Cord blood and baby's blood (between days 4 and 10) were assayed for T3, T4 and TSH., Results: Thirteen women (16 pregnancies) required antithyroid drugs during pregnancy. The drug dosage remained the same during pregnancy in 8 women while it was increased in 5 women and reduced in 3 women. One woman who was in remission at the time of conception remained euthyroid throughout her pregnancy. There were 14 spontaneous vaginal deliveries and 3 Caesarean sections. One baby had a small VSD while no other congenital malformations or perinatal death occurred., Conclusions: Drug therapy can adequately control thyrotoxicosis during pregnancy and improve maternal and fetal outcome.