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The first case of pneumonia of unknown origin was identified in Wuhan, the capital city of Hubei province situated in the Republic of China. The pathogenic organism that has been identified as a causative organism is a novel enveloped RNA betacoronavirus which has been designated as' severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus- 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus has been found to have a similar phylogeny to SARS-CoV. The novel Coronavirus or COVID-19 can be symptomized through clinical manifestations like- Pyrexia or fever, Cough, Dyspnea/difficulty in breathing, Myalgia/muscle pain, and constant fatigue. In the later stages, these symptoms worsen leading to severe pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, and multiple organ failure. These days, this pandemic is emerging as a major threat for dental health-care professionals. The dental surgeons are at greater risk of novel coronavirus infections due to direct contact with infected patients and exposure to contaminated blood, saliva, and other body fluids. This article deals with viral structure, clinical symptoms, and modes of transmission, recommended measures to prevent its spread in dental operatories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Health can be defined as more than an absence or lack of disease. It is generally related to personal, physical, social, along with spiritual wellness. However, the importance of good health is comparable with a progressive physical and cognitive limitations due to aging and hence, its clear definition is not possible. Hence, most of the important aims or goals in aging are unrelated to finding a cure but rather toward achieving an optimal function. Thus, a healthy aging process that encompasses physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual well-being is always much desired. Aim and Objectives: The aim and objective of this study is to assess the oral health status and degree of cognitive impairment along with dementia, if present. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective and cross-sectional analysis comprising of 300 study participants of which 150 are males while 150 are females. Cognitive ability is assessed using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) scoring test. A score value lesser than or equal to 23 is considered as low, whereas a score of 24 and above represents normal cognitive abilities. Subjects with low score are selected for the study. Oral health status is assessed by examining a) total numbers of teeth present; b) presence or absence of denture use; and c) capacity for masticatory or chewing ability (recorded as yes or no). Demographic variables parameters include age, gender, and presence of smoking habit. Clinical parameters or variables are analyzed by employing the independent t-test and Chi-square test. Pearson's correlation analysis is used to test a correlation between impairment of cognitive capacity, oral health status, masticatory capability, and use of dentures, if present. Two-tailed t-test is used to derive a P value for significance. Results: The total numbers of teeth present are significantly correlated with a lower SMMSE score (R = + 0.56; P = 0.03) while a significant association is noted between ability for mastication and lower SMMSE score (P = 0.05). Conclusion: This study concluded that loss of cognition or dementia is closely related to a poor oral health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lymphomas constitute the third most common neoplasm in head and neck region arising from the lymphoreticular system. Malignant lymphomas are divided into Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). NHL comprises approximately 5% of head and neck malignancies and displays a wide range of appearances comparable with Hodgkin's disease. Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are seen in the head and neck region, but extranodal disease, with or without lymph node involvement, is more common among NHL patients. Extranodal involvement includes the areas such as Waldeyer's ring (i.e., the tonsils, pharynx, and base of the tongue), salivary glands, orbit, paranasal sinuses, and thyroid glands. There are several classification systems for categorizing NHL out of which WHO classification for lymphoid neoplasms is mostly followed. This review describes the pathogenesis of NHL and explains some of the important NHL (Marginal zone B-cell Lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tumor markers are the substances produced in response to the presence of cancer either by the body itself or by the cancer cells. These markers mostly are the proteins that are produced at a greater rate by the cancer cells. Increased levels of these substances can be detected in urine, blood, or body tissues of the patients with certain types of cancer. These markers are useful in differentiating primary or secondary tumors. In few noncancerous conditions, these markers are often found to be elevated. For these reasons, the knowledge regarding these biomarkers has increased tremendously. This article classifies the different types of tumor markers and implicates their role in some diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Calcifying odontogenic cyst (COC), also known as "Gorlin cyst," is a rare developmental odontogenic lesion, introduced by Gorlin in 1962. COC exists either as a cystic or a solid variant. This lesion has been known by different names and classified into various subtypes. The World Health Organization classified (2005) COC as a neoplasm and used the term calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor for benign cystic type, the dentinogenic ghost cell tumor for the benign solid type lesions which occur centrally or peripherally, and the malignant one as ghost cell odontogenic carcinoma. COC mimics other odontogenic cysts clinically as well as radiologically, and a definitive diagnosis can be made only by histological means. The present article discusses the various terminologies, classification, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry of COC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma-cell gingivitis (PCG) is an uncommon inflammatory condition of idiopathic etiology. PCG is a rare condition, appearing as erythema (redness) and edema (swelling) of the attached gingiva. The diagnosis of PCG is based on arrant history taking, clinical examination, and appropriate diagnostic tests. Here, we are presenting a case of PCG in a 12-year-old boy, its management and treatment outcome after 3 years of regular follow-up in tertiary health-care center in North Kerala. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]