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Background: Ascites in the fetal period persisting into the neonatal period is a rare condition occurring due to a variety of causes, including urinary, bilious, chylous, congenital infections, peritonitis, gastrointestinal malformations, or metabolic diseases. Gastrointestinal malformations account for very few such cases. Clinical Description: We report a rare case of a preterm male newborn, delivered at 31 + 1 weeks with antenatal suspicion of fetal hydrops and oligohydramnios. The baby was born with isolated massive ascites with respiratory distress, though was hemodynamically stable. There was no pallor, and air entry was reduced in both lungs with normal cardiovascular evaluation. Management and Outcome: He underwent a complete evaluation for isolated fetal ascites, including echocardiography, ultrasound, and blood investigations. Erect abdominal X-ray showed air under the diaphragm, following which the newborn underwent laparotomy, which confirmed gastric perforation. Surgical repair resulted in the resolution of ascites. Postoperatively, supportive care, mechanical ventilation, total parenteral nutrition, and intravenous antibiotics were provided. The baby gradually tolerated enteral feeds by day 15 and was discharged on day 38. Conclusion: Gastric perforation in the intrauterine period should be kept as one of the differential diagnoses in newborns presenting with isolated ascites, the perforation may be spontaneous or idiopathic.

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective study was to look into patterns in the diagnosis and treatment of oral mucosal disorders over a 12-year period in a tertiary care environment. Methods: A comprehensive review of medical records from a Tertiary Care Center was conducted, encompassing 2010–2022. Data on patient demographics, clinical presentations, diagnostic methods, treatment modalities, and outcomes were systematically analyzed. Descriptive statistics and trend analyses were employed to discern patterns and changes over time. Results: A total of 500 cases were included in the research, with a mean age of 42.5 years. Aphthous ulcers, oral lichen planus, and candidiasis were the predominant diseases, collectively constituting 58% of cases. Diagnostic modalities varied, including biopsy and imaging. Treatment modalities ranged from topical agents to surgical procedures, tailored to specific diagnoses. The prevalence of squamous cell carcinoma was noteworthy at 8%. Conclusion: This research provides insights into the evolving landscape of oral mucosal disease diagnosis and treatment in tertiary care. Identified trends emphasize the importance of individualized care, advancements in diagnostic techniques, and ongoing research collaboration. Addressing challenges identified in this research is crucial for enhancing patient outcomes and shaping future research directions.

Background: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become a cornerstone in oral and maxillofacial radiology due to its high-resolution, three-dimensional imaging capabilities and lower radiation exposure compared to traditional computed tomography (CT). The purpose of this retrospective study is to examine long-term patterns in the use of CBCT in a tertiary care context, with an emphasis on patient characteristics, CBCT indications, and variations in use patterns over time. Methods: During the course of 5 years, a tertiary care facility performed 500 CBCT scans, all of which were included in the study. Information on the age, sex, and source of referral for each patient was gathered from their electronic medical records. Radiology data were used to categorize CBCT indications, which included implant planning, impacted tooth assessment, and pathology evaluation. Regression analysis and descriptive statistics were used to examine utilization trends. Results: Throughout the study period, there was a consistent rise in the use of CBCT, with implant planning being the most often cited indication. Impacted tooth assessment and pathology evaluation were next in line. Considerable differences were noted in the use of CBCT for various age groups and indications. The results demonstrate how CBCT is improving oral and maxillofacial radiology’s diagnostic precision and treatment planning. In summary, this study offers a significant understanding of the long-term patterns in CBCT use in a tertiary care context. With ramifications for resource allocation, patient care, and future research objectives, the observed trends highlight the increasing acceptability and incorporation of CBCT into standard clinical practice.

Aim: The aim of the study is to know about the awareness of probiotics among undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: We conducted cross-sectional research where we had distributed a questionnaire consisting of ten open-ended questions, among 150 dental students through emails. The questions were based on the utilization of probiotics in dentistry. The data obtained was statistically analyzed with the help of Chi-square test. Results: In our study, we noted that most of the participants were aware of the term probiotics and had general ideas but were not fully aware of its pathogenesis. Around 83.2% of the participants were aware of probiotics and general concepts. We also noted that only 42.5% of the students agreed that probiotics can be used in the management of halitosis as well as periodontitis. Conclusion: We concluded that most of the dental students had a lack of awareness as well as were not familiar with the usage of probiotics in dentistry.

Aim: This study was performed with the idea of assessing age and gender utilizing differences in osseous microanatomy in human jawbones. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted retrospectively among human jawbone samples. Various morphometric assessments such as trabecular width, marrow space, and their corelation were studied. In the samples, variations among osteon numbers, differences in the shapes of the osteocytes of jawbones, and amount of inflammation in the bony areas were recorded. Results: It was noted in this study that mean values of the diameter of the Haversian canal and vessel density had a noteworthy increase in female jawbone samples. The amount of osteocytes in both female and male bone samples was also statistically significant in terms of the correlation coefficient. Conclusion: We concluded that more sensitive identification of human remains, that is, age and gender analysis, can be performed by histomorphometric evaluation of bone remains.

Primary tuberculous osteomyelitis of the sternum is a rare entity, accounting for only 1 to 3% of cases of osteoarticular tuberculosis (TB). It usually presents in young patients as a localized swelling, with a discharging sinus tract, and is accompanied by one of the systemic symptoms in the form of fever, night sweats, weight loss, or anorexia. Due to its atypical presentation, it poses a diagnostic challenge. We report the case of a 37-year-old female with primary sternal TB mimicking a lytic bone tumor lesion of the anterior chest wall.

There is a constant rise in cases of rhino-orbital mucormycosis in people with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Generally, mucormycosis develops in immunosuppression or debilitating diseases. In cases having head and neck involvement, the mold enters the respiratory tract with further involvement of nose and sinuses and there is consecutive progression into orbital and intracranial structures. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an independent risk factor for both severe COVID-19 and mucormycosis. The clinical examination and direct smears are helpful for early diagnosis of the disease and timely intervention. For the better prevention and management of such opportunistic infections in COVID-19 patients, it is prudent to establish prophylactic treatment protocols along with rational use of corticosteroids. We here report a case of rhino-orbital mucormycosis infection caused by Rhizopus oryzae in a COVID-19 patient with DM.

Background: The etiological pattern of hemoptysis has evolved, with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) becoming less prevalent as a cause. There is a paucity of literature regarding the spectrum of diseases that present as hemoptysis and the data related to detailed clinical profile are lacking. Hence, this study is taken up to determine the clinical profile of hemoptysis and its correlation with radiological and microbiological findings. Methods: This was a 3-year observational prospective study of a total of 50 patients who presented with active hemoptysis. Data were recorded from these patients for assessing the clinical characteristics, radiological, and microbiological correlation. Results: The most common etiologies of hemoptysis identified in this study were PTB in 60% of the patients, aspergilloma in 14%, followed by bronchiectasis in 8%, pneumonia in 8%, carcinoma lung in 4%, and lung abscess in 1 (2%). Mild hemoptysis was present in 8% of patients, whereas 42% had moderate hemoptysis, 18% of patients had severe, and 32% had massive hemoptysis. Sixty percent of patients had recurrent hemoptysis, and the majority of the patients, i.e., 68% tested negative on sputum smear examination for acid-fast bacillus. In 60% of patients, no growth was obtained in the sputum cultures. The most common organisms isolated from sputum cultures of the rest of the patients were Pseudomonas in 14%, Klebsiella in 10%, Escherichia coli in 4%, Staphylococci in 4%, and Streptococcus pneumoniae in 4% of the cases. The majority of the patients were having consolidation and cavitary disease. A highly significant correlation was noted between the radiological findings of consolidation, mycetoma, cystic shadows, lung mass, and lung abscess and the etiology of hemoptysis (P = 0.000). Conclusion: Hemoptysis of any volume implies a life-threatening process, which mandates immediate evaluation and treatment. It is evident that the etiological spectrum of hemoptysis is continuously changing, and more sophisticated investigations, better imaging techniques, bronchoscopic tools, availability of newer techniques in the developing world, and changing patterns of diseases, all contribute to these changes. Identification of the etiology, and localization of the bleeding site, is essential for the efficient management of hemoptysis.

This article aims to present the spectrum of pulmonary fungal infections observed in postcoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diabetic patients. In this case series, three post-COVID-19 diabetic patients with poor glycemic control were diagnosed with pulmonary mucormycosis, invasive candidiasis, and pulmonary aspergillosis, respectively. The patients were subjected to clinical, radiological evaluation, including bronchoscopy. The etiologic agents were isolated in these cases and identified by biopsy and subsequent histopathological confirmation. A high index of suspicion, early use of appropriate diagnostic methods aided with suitable antifungal agents, and control of risk factors such as diabetes mellitus are the main factors governing the successful management of fungal infections in post-COVID-19 immune-suppressed patients, presenting with worsening respiratory symptoms.

Pulmonary hamartomas are rare, benign lung tumors. They are usually asymptomatic, and are present as solitary or multiple, round nodules. Here, we report an unusual presentation of pulmonary hamartoma in a 60-year-old male, mimicking pulmonary tuberculoma. Histopathological examination subsequent to wedge resection confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary hamartoma.

The term heart-related disease is stated as the range of condition that impacts an individual heart negatively. In the current scenario, cardiovascular diseases are causing more deaths when compared with other ailments, it has been estimated that there are nearly 18 million deaths annually as per the recent report released by World Health Organization (WHO). It has been stated that unhealthy habits and other related aspects adopted by individuals are considered as the primary reasons for an increase in the risk of heart diseases. High cholesterol, eating more junk foods, hypertension, etc., created the issue related to heart diseases. Hence, addressing food quality and suggesting better eating habits enable individuals to enhance their living and support better health. The application of new technologies like machine learning, deep learning, and other models support doctors, nurses, and radiologists to predict heart disease effectively. Studies have stated that the various models are used mainly for the classification and forecasting of the diagnosis of heart-related diseases. The researchers have identified that critical algorithms like CART support the predictability of the disease by 93.3% whereas the conventional models possess vert less specificity. Furthermore, deep neural networks can be applied for analyzing and detecting heart failures effectively and supporting medical practitioners in making better and more critical clinical decisions making. The researchers focus on using a descriptive research study for performing the study; moreover, the researcher collates the data using the questionnaire method, which enables sourcing the critical information from the medical practitioners and supports in making critical data analysis effectively. The researchers also use secondary data modes for sourcing the information related to past studies on the related topic. The researchers use the frequency analysis, correlation analysis, and structural equation model analysis for performing the study, and the results are stated in detail in the respective sections.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has become a public health concern due to its misinterpretation with vascular dementia (VD) and mixed dementia Alzheimer’s disease (MXD). Therefore, an accurate differentiation of these diseases is essential for improving the treatment procedure. It has been seen that nutrition along with several other factors plays a role in the disease progression. Scientists are trying to find a solution using some machine learning (ML) techniques. The ML algorithms used for this purpose are neural networks, support vector machines, regression and many more. The current research is focused on understanding the extent of the application of machine learning tools in enhancing food management for patients with Alzheimer’s since there is no cure known for the same. A total of 100 patient data have been collected where the patients had AD, VD, and MXD. Their demographic data, dietary intake, Fazekas scores, and Hachinski scores were collected (independent variables) and analysed in IBM SPSS by considering the risk of development of AD, VD, and MXD as dependent variables. The findings showed that age is highly related (p

Objectives Delivery of craving management tools via smartphone applications (apps) may improve smoking cessation rates, but research on such programmes remains limited, especially in real-world settings. This study evaluated the effectiveness of adding craving management tools in a cessation app (BupaQuit). Methods The study was a two-arm pragmatic pilot parallel randomised controlled trial, comparing a fully-automated BupaQuit app with craving management tool with a control app version without craving management tool. A total of 425 adult UK-based daily smokers were enrolled through open online recruitment (February 2015–March 2016), with no researcher involvement, and individually randomised within the app to the intervention ( n = 208) or control ( n = 217). The primary outcome was self-reported 14-day continuous abstinence assessed at 4-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included 6-month point-prevalence and sustained abstinence, and app usage. The primary outcome was assessed with Fisher's exact test using intent to treat with those lost to follow-up counted as smoking. Participants were not reimbursed. Results Re-contact rates were 50.4% at 4 weeks and 40.2% at 6 months. There was no significant difference between intervention and control arms on the primary outcome (13.5% vs 15.7%; p = 0.58; relative risk = 0.86, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–1.36) or secondary cessation outcomes (6-month point prevalence: 14.4% vs 17.1%, p = 0.51; relative risk = 0.85, 95% confidence interval = 0.54–1.32; 6-month sustained: 11.1% vs 13.4%, p = 0.55; relative risk = 0.83, 95% confidence interval = 0.50–1.38). Bayes factors supported the null hypothesis ( B [0, 0, 1.0986] = 0.20). Usage was similar across the conditions (mean/median logins: 9.6/4 vs 10.5/5; time spent: 401.8/202 s vs 325.8/209 s). Conclusions The addition of craving management tools did not affect cessation, and the limited engagement with the app may have contributed to this.

Tuberculosis (TB) and sarcoidosis are multisystem, chronic granulomatous diseases. Although characterized by similar clinical manifestations, these disease entities vary significantly in etiologies and management. Sarcoidosis is an immunological disorder of unknown etiology, characterized by the presence of noncaseating granulomas in the tissues involved. TB is the infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by granulomas with caseous necrosis. It is rare to have both the diseases concomitantly. We present the case of a 38-year-old male with microbiological confirmation of coexistent pulmonary TB and sarcoidosis.

Intestinal tuberculosis (TB) is a diagnostic challenge and can closely mimic Crohn's disease (CD) and colon cancer. These disease entities very closely resemble each other in symptomatology, imaging, appearance, and pathology. We present a case of colonic TB where the initial diagnostic workup was suggestive of CD. However, the detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in biopsy specimens confirmed the diagnosis.

Can infection with the dental caries pathogen, Streptococcus mutans, be intercepted or modified immunologically? Resolving this question requires answer to many questions: What are the pathways by which this cariogenic streptococcus enters and accumulates in the dental biofilm? Can bacterial components associated with virulence induce immune responses? What is the level of maturity of immune pathways in the oral cavity of the young child at the time of infection? Many such questions have been answered. For example, preclinical application of modern methods of mucosal vaccine design and delivery has routinely resulted in protection from dental caries caused by S. mutans infection, using antigens involved in the sucrose-independent or sucrose-dependent mechanisms of infection by these cariogenic streptococci. Passive administration of antibody to functional epitopes of S. mutans virulence antigens has also provided a degree of protection in preclinical studies and small-scale human investigations. The caries-protective capacity of active immunization with dental caries vaccines now awaits proof of principle in pediatric clinical trials.

Background: Smartphone applications (apps) are popular aids for smoking cessation. Smoke Free is an app that delivers behaviour change techniques used in effective face-to-face behavioural support programmes. The aim of this study was to assess whether the full version of Smoke Free is more effective than the reduced version. Methods: This was a two-arm exploratory randomised controlled trial. Smokers who downloaded Smoke Free were randomly offered the full or reduced version; 28,112 smokers aged 18+ years who set a quit date were included. The full version provided updates on benefits of abstinence, progress (days smoke free), virtual ‘badges’ and daily ‘missions’ with push notifications aimed at preventing and managing cravings. The reduced version did not include the missions. At baseline the app recorded users’: device type (iPhone or Android), age, sex, daily cigarette consumption, time to first cigarette of the day, and educational level. The primary outcome was self-reported complete abstinence from the quit date in a 3-month follow-up questionnaire delivered via the app. Analyses conducted included logistic regressions of outcome on to app version (full versus reduced) with adjustment for baseline variables using both intention-to-treat/missing-equals smoking (MES) and follow-up-only (FUO) analyses. Results: The 3-month follow-up rate was 8.5% (n=1,213) for the intervention and 6.5% (n=901) for the control. A total of 234 participants reported not smoking in the intervention versus 124 in the control, representing 1.6% versus 0.9% in the MES analysis and 19.3% versus 13.8% in the FUO analysis. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.90, 95%CI=1.53-2.37 (p

INTRODUCTION: Oral health is an important component of general health. The World Health Organization has highly recommended the integration of oral health promotion into general health care. In majority of the cases, patients visit their physicians with simultaneous oral and systemic complaints, and primary oral complaints are more frequently encountered. Therefore, primary care physicians can play an expanded role within oral health care to raise the overall health of the patients. AIM: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and awareness of family physicians regarding oral health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An observational (cross-sectional) study was conducted among 250 family physicians who are practicing in Tricity. A self-structured questionnaire (close-ended) prepared by a panel of oral health experts in English language (close-ended) was administered to the study participants. The questionnaire which was divided into two parts, A and B, contained 15 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding oral health. Categorization of knowledge scores was done at three levels: low, medium, and high. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance and Student's t-test. RESULTS: Males comprised 72.8% (182) of the study population and 55.2% (138) of the participants were doing combined practice (academic and private both). Low knowledge scores were reported in 47.2% (118) of the participants whereas only 22.4% (56) of participants had a high score. The mean knowledge score according to educational level and working profile was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of our study showed a considerable lack of knowledge among family physicians regarding connection of oral health with general health. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase their knowledge by various continued medical education and training programs.

Early orthodontic interventions are often initiated in the developing dentition to promote favourable developmental changes. Interceptive orthodontic can eliminate or reduce the severity of a developing malocclusion, the complexity of orthodontic treatment, overall treatment time and cost. The safest way to prevent future malocclusions from tooth loss is to place a space maintainer that is effective and durable. An appropriate use of space maintainer is advocated to hold the space until the eruption of permanent teeth. This case report describes the various changing trends in use of space maintainers: conventional band and loop, prefabricated band with custom made loop and glass fibre reinforced composite resins as space maintainers.

Background: Smartphone applications (apps) are popular aids for smoking cessation. Smoke Free is an app that delivers behaviour change techniques used in effective face-to-face behavioural support programmes. The aim of this study was to assess whether the full version of Smoke Free is more effective than the reduced version. Methods: This was a two-arm randomised controlled trial. Smokers who downloaded Smoke Free were randomly offered the full or reduced version; 28,112 smokers aged 18+ years who set a quit date were included. The full version provided updates on benefits of abstinence, progress (days smoke free), virtual ‘badges’ and daily ‘missions’ with push notifications aimed at preventing and managing cravings. The reduced version did not include the missions. At baseline the app recorded users’: device type (iPhone or Android), age, sex, daily cigarette consumption, time to first cigarette of the day, and educational level. The primary outcome was self-reported complete abstinence from the quit date in a 3-month follow-up questionnaire delivered via the app. Analyses conducted included logistic regressions of outcome on to app version (full versus reduced) with adjustment for baseline variables using both intention-to-treat/missing-equals smoking (MES) and follow-up-only (FUO) analyses. Results: The 3-month follow-up rate was 8.5% (n=1,213) for the intervention and 6.5% (n=901) for the control. A total of 234 participants reported not smoking in the intervention versus 124 in the control, representing 1.6% versus 0.9% in the MES analysis and 19.3% versus 13.8% in the FUO analysis. Adjusted odds ratios were 1.90, 95%CI=1.53-2.37 (p Conclusions: Despite very low follow-up rates using in-app follow up, both intention-to-treat/missing equals smoking and follow-up only analyses showed the full version of the Smoke Free app to result in higher self-reported 3-month continuous smoking abstinence rates than the reduced version.