Prognostic Ability of Expression of Myofibroblasts in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

AIM: To systematically review the existing scientific literature in providing a comprehensive, quantitative analysis on the prognostic ability of Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) a novel meta-analysis. METHODS: Review was performed in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines and registered in PROSPERO - CRD CRD42023467899. Electronic databases were searched for studies having data on effect of CAFs on overall survival rate and disease prognosis in patients with OSCC, oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) compared to normal healthy controls. Quality assessment of included was evaluated through Newcastle Ottawa scale (NOS) for included studies through its domains. The hazard ratio (HR) and risk ratio (RR) was used as summary statistic measure with random effect model and p value <0.05 as statistically significant. RESULTS: Twenty studies fulfilled the eligibility criteria and were included in qualitative synthesis and eighteen studies for meta -analysis. Included studies had moderate to low risk of bias. It was observed through the pooled estimate that overall survival rate - (HR) =2.30 (1.71 - 3.10) was lesser in group with high CAFs compared to low CAFs while pooled estimate through RR =1.53 (0.73 - 3.19) and RR = 5.72 (2.40 - 13.59) signified that overall survival rate was lower n OSCC patients with high CAF compared to patients with OED and healthy controls. Publication bias through the funnel plot showed asymmetric distribution with presence of systematic heterogeneity indicating presence of publication bias. CONCLUSION: Abundance of CAFs in tumor stroma of OSCC patients is associated with overall poor survival rate and poor disease prognosis. CAFs acts as a good prognostic and therapeutic marker in disease progression and advancements and should be assessed early to reduce patient's mortality and morbidity.

Premenstrual Syndrome: Awareness and Oral Manifestations in Patients Attending Dental Hospital in Pune.

Fluctuations in androgenic hormonal levels are noticeable through women's menstrual cycle. Changes in estrogen and progesterone have been shown to affect periodontium. Many women report an increase in gingival inflammation and discomfort associated with their menstrual cycle, most commonly before the menstrual period. Approximately 80% of women experience complaints of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) 7 to 10 days before menstruation. Therefore, the present study was carried out to check prevalence of PMS and its oral and periodontal manifestations in patients attending dental hospital. For the study, 100 systemically healthy women of reproductive age attending dental hospital were selected. Thorough recording of oral discomfort and associated symptoms during late luteal phase was done. Clinical parameters such as plaque index and gingival index were recorded. Thirty-seven females reported complaints suggestive of PMS. Oral changes during PMS were experienced by 59 females. Halitosis and oral ulcers were more frequent. Findings of the present study showed the possibility of influence of sex hormones on oral manifestations during premenstrual period.

Assessment of knowledge, attitude and practices of tobacco cessation counselling and nicotine replacement therapy among dental professionals.

Background: Establishment of Tobacco Cessation Centres across all dental institutions has been made mandatory by the Dental Council of India. To make it a success, adequate knowledge and training, positive attitude and practices are expected by the dental health care professionals. Our study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of dentists towards Tobacco Cessation Counselling (TCC) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). Materials and Methods: 200 participants (60 faculty members, 20 postgraduate students and 120 interns) participated in this cross-sectional study. A self-designed questionnaire of 27 questions was used to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the participants regarding TCC and NRT. A descriptive analysis of the data was done. Frequency and percentage were calculated for each variable. The data were processed and analysed using SPSS software version 19-SPSS Inc. Chicago, IL, USA. Results: 22% candidates were trained for TCC as opposed to 78% candidates who didn't have an idea about it. 65% participants knew about various agents which are used for NRT but many did not know how to prescribe them. 83.5% were not willing to spare time for tobacco cessation in their private practice. Only 12% were currently practising TCC or NRT at workplace. Conclusion: Inclusion of TCC in the undergraduate curriculum, training and updating of dental faculty and students regarding TCC and NRT will help in serving the noble cause.

A Comparative Study to Evaluate Efficacy of Curcumin and Aloe Vera Gel along with Oral Physiotherapy in the Management of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Rationale (Hypothesis): The antioxidant,anti-inflammatory,immunomodulatory and anti-tumorigenic properties of natural plant's extracts like aloe Vera and curcumin  may produce beneficial therapeutic effects on OSMF patients and may lead to their symptomatic relief. Also, increase in the tissue elasticity with the help of oral physiotherapy excercises , would help in reinforcing increment in  mouth opening. AIM: The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of Curcumin gel with Aloe Vera gel when both the gel are supplemented along with oral physiotherapy in the management of OSMF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A study of parallel group trial design, using simple randomization technique, was conducted on confirmed cases of OSMF. Patients were divided into two groups, one group(30 patients) was given curcumin gel(Curenext) and other group (30 patients) aloe Vera gel (Aloe Vera 100% relief) and each group was asked to do same oral physiotherapy excercises supplementally. Follow-up was done for 6 weeks and patients were assessed on the basis of improvement in mouth opening and burning sensation at 2, 4, and 6 weeks. RESULTS: There was an improvement in both the parameters at subsequent visits, but the Aloe Vera gel showed better improvement than curcumin gel in burning sensation after 6 weeks of treatment which was highly statistically significant p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: Curcumin gel and Aloe Vera gel are effective in improving OSMF symptoms, but aloe Vera gel is more efficacious in burning sensation improvement without any side effects. Hence, we can advocate these drugs as adjuvant treatment in addition to the recommended treatment.