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Introduction: The Visually Enhanced Lesion Scope (VELscope®) is a handheld medical device that can be used to clinically visualise and diagnose oral mucosal lesions. It works by the application of direct fluorescence and the loss of fluorescence in visible and non visible high-risk oral lesions. Numerous publications have offered insights on the possible use of VELscope® for identifying oral mucosal lesions. By analysing patterns in publication outputs, citation metrics and collaborative networks, researchers can gain insights into the development, influence and key contributors in the field of VELscope®, guiding future research directions and policy decisions. Aim: To track down and analyse all studies published on the application of VELscope® in the diagnosis of oral mucosal lesions and to assist future researchers by highlighting the most cited earlier publications. Materials and Methods: This bibliometric analysis was conducted using articles published on the applications of VELscope® in detecting oral mucosal lesions between 2006 and 2022. In December 2023, a comprehensive search was performed on PubMed and Scopus databases using medical subject heading terms like "VELscope®," "Autofluorescence imaging system," and "Oral" in several combinations. Bibliographic data regarding the top 100 most cited articles were extracted and collated. Results: The analysis showed that the most contributions came from the journals "Oral Oncology," "Oral Diseases," and "Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy," with significant contributions from researchers in the USA and India. The highest number of publications occurred in 2015, with a notable peak in the decade 2011-2020. The articles were cumulatively cited 4,559 times. Conclusion: The current bibliographic analysis provided valuable insights into the development and impact of research on the applications of VELscope® in dentistry by highlighting publication trends, influential works, leading authors and collaborative networks. These insights can guide future research directions, inform policy decisions and enhance understanding of the evolution and scholarly influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws is the most dangerous long-term side effect of head and neck radiation therapy that can significantly affect the quality of life of the patients. In ORN of the jaw, the bone within the radiation field becomes devitalized and gets exposed via the overlying skin or mucosa, which remains unhealed. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is used as an adjunctive therapy along with surgical debridement for the management of ORN of the jaws. HBOT promotes angiogenesis, neovascularization, fibroblast and osteoblast proliferation, and collagen production. However, the benefit of HBOT in improving the healing of tissues in patients with ORN remains controversial because of low evidence. The present systematic review aimed to compare the available data on the efficacy of HBOT on the healing of ORN of the jaw. Databases like PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, Science Direct, Lilac, and Web of Science were searched without any date filter to obtain the relevant articles. A total of six articles met the eligibility criteria and were further processed for data extraction. Two retrospective studies observed that HBOT combined with surgical debridement promoted wound healing in patients with early stages of ORN of the jaws. Similarly, a prospective study reported that prophylactic HBOT reduced the risk of the development of ORN of the jaws following surgery to irradiated jaws. In contrast, three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported that HBOT did not improve the healing outcome of patients with advanced lesions of ORN of the jaws. Based on the scope of this review, we concluded that the routine use of HBOT for the prevention or management of ORN of the jaws is not recommended. Adjunctive HBOT may be considered in patients who have failed conservative therapy and subsequent surgical resection and are regarded to be at high risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Interdental aids such as dental floss and water flossers have been found to be effective in removing interdental plaque. This systematic review aimed to compare the available data on the efficacy of dental floss and water flossers in plaque removal among adults. Materials and Methods: Five databases: PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane, ScienceDirect, Lilac, and Google Scholar were searched from January 1, 2002, to October 31, 2022, to obtain the relevant articles. Based on the search strategy, the titles of the studies were screened independently by two reviewers. Randomized controlled trials were included in the review, in which the study participants were given either dental floss or water flosser. Reduction in plaque scores was the outcome that was assessed. Seven articles met the eligibility criteria and were further processed for qualitative analysis. Results: The majority of the studies favored water flossers over dental floss in plaque reduction. Water flosser was also found to be effective in removing plaque from inaccessible interproximal areas of the tooth surfaces as compared to dental floss. Conclusion: Based on the scope of this review, results suggest that water flossers can be used as an effective alternative to dental floss in patients with manual dexterity, patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and patients with dental prostheses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current systematic review aimed to compare the available literature on the effect of loss-and gain-framed tobacco cessation messages on smokers. Databases such as Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, Lilac, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched comprehensively from the earliest available date till May 31, 2023. Observational, prospective experimental studies, and randomized controlled trials were included in the review. Ten full-text articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were further processed for the data extraction. Gain-framed messages were preferred by majority of the study participants over loss-framed messages in motivating them to quit. Smokers have been exposed to loss-framed warning messages quite frequently (like on cigarette packets), and as a result, they may have learned everything there is to know about the potential harms of smoking, perhaps leading to wear-out effects. Gain-framed messages could be perceived as feeling fairly fresh, which lowers the risk of wear-out consequences. However, the outcome varied based on the moderators used in the studies. Based on the results, a strategic combination of gain-framed and loss-framed messages with appropriate moderators and long follow-up needs to be developed based on the study population for assessing the effectiveness of these messages on actual smoking behavior and habit cessation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The fundamental aim of surgery in management of oral cancer is to provide adequate clearance of the tumour by complete removal of microscopic or subclinical foci of malignancy. Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis guides the surgeon to revise the surgical margins on table in real time and obtain clear surgical margins. Intraoperative frozen section diagnosis can be done by both general and oral pathologists. However, there can be interobserver variability in the evaluation of surgical margins among them. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the archival intraoperative surgical margins in patients with recurrence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and to assess the interobserver variability among general and oral pathologists in reporting the archival intraoperative surgical margins. Materials and Methods: Thirty-two patients with recurrence of OSCC were included in the study. A total of 200 archival intraoperative surgical margins of their previous surgery were assessed by two double blinded general pathologists and the scoring was done based on the presence/absence of dysplasia and/or invasion and grade of dysplasia. The gradings provided were compared to the previous intraoperative frozen section diagnosis signed out by the oral and maxillofacial pathologist and the interobserver variability was assessed. Results: A total of 200 archival intraoperative surgical margins were obtained from thirty two previously operated OSCC patients, who reported with recurrence. All the sections were assessed by two blinded General Pathologists. There was only slight disparity between the diagnosis of frank invasion cases between the General Pathologists and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologists. Conclusion: All the dental institutions should have a frozen section diagnostic facility. All the surgical margins must be completely processed and their histological and molecular evaluation must be done to minimize the chances of recurrence. Extensive training of oral pathologists must be conducted in collaboration with the general pathologists for accurate evaluation of margins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Antibiotics are routinely used in dental practice to treat microbial diseases. However, the spread of drug resistant pathogens has drawn researchers' interest to find out new antimicrobial agents against oral microbial diseases. Aim: To compare the anti-microbial activity of clove oil, cinnamon oil, turmeric oil, nutmeg oil, and peppermint oil against oral pathogens. Materials and Methods: It was an in-vitro study. The organisms used in this study were Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis. Agar Well Diffusion Method was used to assess the anti-microbial efficacy of the five essential oils against oral pathogens. Five discs/concentration/microorganism were used in the study. The zone of inhibition was measured after incubation. Kruskal Wallis Test was used to compare the difference in the anti-microbial activity of the oils. Results: The mean zone of inhibition of clove oil against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis was highest at 100 μL (29.8 mm, 44.75 mm, 40.33 mm, respectively), cinnamon oil was highest at 100 μL (39.8 mm, 40.33 mm, 40 mm, respectively), turmeric oil was highest at 100 μL (41.8 mm, 40.50 mm, 40 mm, respectively), peppermint oil was highest at 100 μL (41.8 mm, 27.16 mm, 17 mm, respectively) and nutmeg oil against was highest at 100 μL (24 mm, 24.83 mm, 9.3 mm, respectively). Conclusion: Clove oil, cinnamon oil, turmeric oil, nutmeg oil, and peppermint oil had anti-microbial activity against oral pathogens. Based on the findings, the most effective oil against Streptococcus mutans was turmeric oil and peppermint oil. The most effective oil against Candida albicans and Enterococcus faecalis was clove oil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Type I diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by absolute insulin deficiency, which is caused by progressive destruction of the β -islet cells of the pancreas. Aminotransferases participate in the interconversion of amino acids and oxalic acids by transfer of amino groups. Organ damage leads to leakage of transaminases into the blood. IgA is the only immunoglobulin that is found in saliva and forms the first line of defense. Alteration in the levels of secretory IgA often indicates a local or systemic disease. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the role of salivary aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and IgA as biomarkers for T1DM patients. Materials and Methods: An electronic literature search was conducted by two independent reviewers using PubMed, Medline and Google scholar without any date filter. The inclusion criteria included case control and cross-sectional studies. Publications in languages other than English, review articles, letters to the editor, and studies done on animal models were excluded from the review. The difference in the levels of salivary AST, ALT, or IgA in T1DM patients and in healthy individuals were compared. Risk of bias assessment was done using the ROBINS-I tool. Results: A total of eight relevant articles were assessed, out of which three studies showed elevated salivary AST and ALT levels and five studies showed elevated salivary IgA levels in patients with T1DM. Conclusion: Our review reflected that salivary AST, ALT, and IgA were elevated in T1DM patients, and they can be used for monitoring these patients. Further studies are needed to establish the diagnostic accuracy of these parameters for clinical application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Besides chewable tobacco and alcohol consumption, development of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) has also been linked to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, particularly HPV16. A significant number of publications have shed light on the etiopathogenesis, molecular mechanism, and prognosis of HPV-associated HNSCC. The current bibliographic review aimed to identify and analyze the top 100 most cited articles on HPV-associated HNSCC, to guide future researchers by highlighting the most cited previous publications. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search of bibliographic databases was performed by two independent reviewers, using medical sub-heading terms like “HPV-induced HNSCC” in several combinations. All types of published studies were included in this bibliographic analysis. The top-100 most cited articles were then identified, tabulated, and analyzed to extract the various bibliometric details. Results: The total number of citation was 19,570 (range from 11 to 1,773). The article with highest number of citation (1,773) was published in 2008 in the “Journal of Clinical Oncology.” Maximum publications originated from the United States of America. Conclusion: This article identifies the top-100 most influential articles on HPV-induced HNSCC and recognizes the evolution of knowledge through leading researchers as they guide today’s clinical decision making and future research prospects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Bluing is the process which changes the initial soluble reddish-purple hematoxylin into an insoluble darker bluish-purple. After differentiation with acid, the tissue sections are subsequently treated with an alkaline solution or vapors to neutralize the acid and restore the blue color to the tissue. Commonly used bluing agents in histopathology are tap water, Scott's tap water, and ammonium hydroxide water. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of 0.5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide as an alternative to ammonium hydroxide water as a bluing agent. Materials and Methods: About 0.5% of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide was freshly prepared by dissolving 0.5g of sodium hydroxide powder in 100 ml of distilled water. Ammonium hydroxide water was prepared by adding 5 ml of ammonium hydroxide solution to 100 ml of distilled water. From each of the ten blocks procured, two sections were cut using soft-tissue microtome. After staining with hematoxylin, the ten test group slides and ten control group slides were dipped once in 0.5% aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide and ammonium hydroxide water, respectively, for bluing. After counterstaining with eosin and dehydration with graded alcohol, the slides were mounted and rated by two blinded observers. Results: The nuclear intensity and morphology, cytoplasmic staining intensity, bluing, and clarity were better when ammonium hydroxide water was used as a bluing agent. Conclusion: About 0.5% of aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide cannot be used as an alternative to ammonium hydroxide water for bluing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Immunohistochemistry (IHC) is an important application of monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies to determine the tissue distribution of an antigen of interest in health and disease. IHC is widely used for diagnosis of cancers; specific tumor antigens are expressed de novo or up-regulated in certain cancers. Cytokeratins (CKs) are intermediate filaments of the cytoskeletons found in all types of epithelial cells. Thus, they are specific for epithelial cell lineage. CKs are over-expressed in Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) compared to normal mucosa because cancerization of normal oral epithelium could lead to variation of degree of differentiation of epithelium. Epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), a product of Mucin 1 gene, is widely distributed in epithelial and mesothelial tissues and tumors arising from them. Squamous cell carcinomas show positive EMA staining of cytoplasmic membranes. Aim: The aim of the study was to formulate a standard operating protocol for immunohistochemical epithelial markers, CK, and EMA. Materials and Methods: Two tissue blocks of known histopathological diagnosis were procured from the archives of the department of oral and maxillofacial pathology. Four sections of 2.5 µm were cut from each block. Eight lysin coated slides were thus prepared and incubated overnight. The slides used were positive controls of CK and EMA. Three variations were tried and compared with the normal immunohistochemical protocol. Results: The staining intensity, uniformity of staining intensity, and specificity of variation 3 were better, compared to the normal protocol for CK and EMA. Variation 3 showed minimal background staining compared to other variations. Conclusion: It can be concluded that the variation in which deparaffinization was done for 35 min, antigen retrieval for 1 whistle, incubation time increased to 80 min, and 3,3' Diaminobenzidine chromogen to buffer ratio altered to 1:25, showed better result and can be used as a standard operating protocol for immunohistochemical epithelial markers, CK, and EMA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Oral and maxillofacial pathology is a branch of dentistry that deals with the clinical, radiographic, and microscopic diagnosis of the diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial region. Setting up an oral pathology laboratory is a difficult task. Right from gathering Funds, Sample collection to staffing and accreditation, all the necessary steps must be undertaken to set up an oral pathology laboratory. Hence, in comparison to general pathology laboratories, the number of oral pathology laboratories in India is minimal. In this study, we aim to assess the knowledge, attitude, and perception among oral pathologists about setting up an oral pathology laboratory in India. Materials and Methods: A validated questionnaire containing ten questions was created using Google Forms. The link to this questionnaire survey was circulated to oral and maxillofacial pathologists all over the country by E-mail. 106 responses were received, which were tabulated. The frequencies and percentages were calculated. Based on these calculations, the results were represented using two-dimensional bar chart and pie chart. Results: Nearly 99% of the participants agreed that there are very few oral pathology laboratories in India. 50.94% of participants attributed it to the lack of dentist’s knowledge about the importance of histopathological evaluation of tissues. Conclusion: The decreased number of oral pathology laboratories is attributed to lack of dentist’s awareness. Educating the dentist along with proper promotional measures and recruitment of adequate and qualified staff can help in setting up the oral pathology laboratory in India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Hematoxylin is the most commonly used stain in histological laboratory. It is obtained from the heartwood of logwood tree, Haematoxylon campechianum. Durability, easy differentiation, and comparative permanency make it the most popular nuclear stain. However, there is apparent worldwide shortage of hematoxylin. Most commonly used counterstain with hematoxylin is eosin. Eosin is a synthetic xanthene dye. Although it is very efficient, it is hazardous to human and animal health and the environment. The worldwide shortage of hematoxylin and the hazardous effects of chemicals and synthetic dyes like eosin has led to the development of alternative organic and eco-friendly dyes from these natural sources. The use of these non-allergic, non-toxic, and biodegradable stains has become the need of the hour due to the increased environmental awareness. The aim of this study is to systematically review the use of various natural organic stains in histopathology. Materials and Methods: Comprehensive electronic and manual search of literature was done and 13 articles were included in the systematic review, based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The systematic review was done and the data extracted from the studies were tabulated. Results: The results suggested that aqueous and alcoholic extracts of various parts from the plant source can be used as alternative natural dyes, replacing routinely used hematoxylin and eosin stain in histopathology. Conclusion: Dyes from naturally occurring plant sources can be used as organic stains in histopathology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer is a highly complex disease. The challenges encountered in cancer detection and management include delayed detection, invasive investigation methods such as biopsy, comorbidity due to non-specific systemic distribution, inadequate drug concentration, and inability to monitor therapeutic responses. Through this article, we would like to throw some light on the use of nanotechnology and nanoparticles in the early detection and management of cancer, their advantages, limitations, and the various recent advancements in the field of nanomedicine and their use for the treatment of cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The shape and design of interdental brushes are crucial for appropriate adaptation to the interproximal areas, despite their excellent cleaning efficacy. The aim of this review is to assess and compare the available data on the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes with any other shaped-interdental brushes among patients with wide interdental spaces., Methods: Scopus, PubMed, Cochrane, Science Direct, EBSCO Host, Lilacs, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from the earliest available year (2011) till May 15, 2024. PICO Strategy: P: Individuals with open interproximal spaces; I: Waist-shaped interdental brushes; C: Any other shaped interdental brushes; O: Interproximal plaque cleaning efficacy. The review only comprised randomized controlled trials. The risk of bias assessment and quality of evidence was assessed using the RoB-2 Tool and GRADE Tool respectively., Results: Three full-text publications that met the requirements for eligibility underwent additional processing for data extraction. The overall results of the review suggest that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes is better than straight/cylindrical-shaped interdental brushes in patients with open interdental spaces; especially on the buccal and lingual line angles. However, the pooling of data was not possible due to the high heterogeneity between the studies., Conclusion: The current review suggests that the plaque cleaning efficacy of waist-shaped interdental brushes could be better than straight or cylindrical shaped-interdental brushes in patients with open interproximal spaces, especially in buccal and lingual line angles. However, further research should focus on appropriate methodological techniques to increase overall reporting quality and limit the possibility of bias., (© 2024. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to British Dental Association.)