Oral Mucormycosis: An Inevitable Complication of COVID-19.

Individuals who have shown recovery from coronavirus disease (COVID-19) are increasingly getting diagnosed with Mucormycosis or "Black fungus." It is a difficult condition to diagnose as it has symptoms that are common among a variety of diseases. Hence, it is important to identify the presenting signs and understand the underlying pathogenesis of COVID-19 associated Mucormycosis. The incidence of these mycotic infections has shown a substantial increase in current times owing to an increase in the prevalence of immunocompromised subjects, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Any suspected case of mucormycosis requires rapid diagnosis and management due to its rapid progression as well as the destructive course of infection. This article reviews the taxonomy, pathogenesis, and clinical signs along with laboratory investigations that may play a vital role in the timely diagnosis of this condition as it is mostly fatal.

Reliability of cheiloscopy and dermatoglyphics in hypertension and diabetes. A comparative study.

Background: Both dermatoglyphic and cheiloscopic patterns are genetically determined. These patterns are known to be associated with type II diabetes or diabetes mellitus and hypertension which are also considered to have genetic influence due to their familial occurrence. Hence, the aim of this study was to compare reliability of both cheiloscopy and dermatoglyphics with hypertension and type II diabetes. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study conducted on 300 study participants. Both cheiloscopic and dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using validated techniques. Obtained patterns were analyzed and assessed for statistical analysis using the SPSS version 21.0 statistical software. The Chi-square test was used for analyzing the obtained data. Results: In the present study, no statistical correlation was obtained between either dermatoglyphic or cheiloscopic patterns and type II diabetes or hypertension. Conclusion: The present study showed that cheiloscopy or dermatoglyphics cannot be used as a predictive tool for assessing a subject's risk of developing type II diabetes or hypertension. These are contradictory findings, thus emphasizing more research in this area so that these noninvasive techniques can be used as predictive tools for developing essential hypertension or type II diabetes.

Résumé Contexte: Les modèles dermatoglyphiques et cheiloscopiques sont génétiquement déterminés. Ces modèles sont connus pour être associés au diabète de type II ou au diabète sucré et à l'hypertension qui sont également considérés comme ayant une influence génétique en raison de leur occurrence familiale.Par conséquent, le but de cette étude était de comparer la fiabilité de la cheiloscopie et des dermatoglyphes avec l'hypertension et le diabète de type II. Matériaux et méthodes: Il s'agissait d'une étude prospective menée auprès de 300 participants à l'étude.Les modèles cheiloscopiques et dermatoglyphiques ont été enregistrés utilisant des techniques validées.Les modèles obtenus ont été analysés et évalués pour analyse statistique à l'aide du logiciel statistique SPSS version 21.0.Le test Chi-square a été utilisé pour analyser les données obtenues. Résultats: Dans la présente étude, aucune corrélation statistique n'a été obtenue entre les modèles dermatoglyphiques ou cheiloscopiques et le diabète ou l'hypertension de type II. Conclusion: La présente étude a montré que la chéiloscopie ou les dermatoglyphes ne peuvent pas être utilisés comme outil prédictif pour évaluer le risque de développer le diabète ou l'hypertension de type II d'un sujet.Ce sont des résultats contradictoires, mettant ainsi l'accent sur plus de recherche dans ce domaine afin que ces techniques non invasives puissent être utilisées comme outils prédictifs pour développer l'hypertension essentielle ou le diabète de type II. Mots clés: Dermatoglyphes, hypertension, empreintes de lèvres, diabète de type II.

The medicolegal importance of establishing human identity by using dactyloscopy and rugoscopy: A comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Palatal rugae are irregular and asymmetric mesenchymal ridges that extend in a lateral direction away from the incisive papilla and mid-palatine raphe. Their unique characteristics and environmental stableness justify their inclusion in forensic investigations. Dermatoglyphics or fingerprint patterns are epidermal ridges, which are genetically controlled and are specific to an individual. Hence they are used as a forensic tool. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to assess the reliability of Rugoscopic and Dermatoglyphic patterns for gender identification. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 200 subjects were recruited in this prospective study. All subjects were between the age range of 18 and 55 years. The subjects were categorized into 100 males and 100 females. Fingerprint dermatoglyphic patterns were recorded using stamp pad, ink, and A4 size white sheets. A subject's fingers were pressed onto the stamped ink pad and lightly pressed over a sheet of paper. Obtained patterns were coded and analyzed as per Galton's criteria into arch, loop, and whorl patterns. Palatal rugae patterns were obtained by making alginate impression material and impression trays. Obtained casts were analyzed for rugae pattern analysis using Kapali's classification. An unpaired t test was used as a statistical tool. RESULTS: On analyzing dermatoglyphic patterns, the arch pattern was most common among male subjects, whereas loop pattern was found to be most common among females. On rugoscopic pattern analysis, Straight pattern was most frequent among males, whereas the circular pattern was common among females. CONCLUSION: A statistically significant difference was noted between gender and rugoscopic patterns (P = 0.02) and dermatoglyphic patterns (P = 0.03).

Coexistence of hyperparathyroidism and peripheral giant cell granuloma of the jaw: A rare case report.

Peripheral giant cell granuloma (PGCG) known as "giant cell epulis" is a benign, reactive exophytic gingival lesion that accounts for less than 10% of all gingival lesions. PGCG affects females more than males with middle age predilection. Till now the etiology of PGCG remains unclear but various factors that can cause PGCG include poor oral hygiene, food impaction, following an extraction, dry mouth, hormonal disturbance, and hyperparathyroidism. The reported recurrence rate of the lesion is 5.0%-70.6%. The present case report describes the rare case of PGCG with primary hyperparathyroidism in a male patient with a history of swelling in the mandibular anterior region.

Update on psoriasis: A review.

Psoriasis is a disease characterized by the presence of papules and plaques over the surface of skin with variable morphology, distribution and severity. The lesions of psoriasis are distinct from these other entities and are classically very well circumscribed, circular, red papules or plaques with a grey or silvery-white, dry scale. In addition, the lesions are typically distributed symmetrically on the scalp, elbows, knees, lumbosacral area, and in the body folds. The oral manifestations of psoriasis may involve the oral mucosa or the tongue. The dorsal surface of the tongue shows characteristic red patches surrounded with a yellow white border. The relationship between eye lesions and psoriasis are the current findings in the literature. The ocular complications along with the several extracutaneous manifestations are common complications seen in psoriasis. The pathogenesis of exact relationship between these two is still controversial. Immunological studies have shown a positive relationship between T helper cells and uveitis. Various signs and symptoms of ocular psoriasis may be overlooked. Thus, a complete understanding of ophthalmic involvement is important to the comprehensive care of patients with psoriasis. Almost any part of the body can be affected in psoriasis, but the ophthalmic complications of psoriasis usually remain clinically subtle. This review highlights the various manifestations of psoriasis with their clinical sign and symptoms.

Assessment of diagnostic accuracy of a direct digital radiographic-CMOS image with four types of filtered images for the detection of occlusal caries.

BACKGROUND: Digital imaging has the potential to improve diagnostic accuracy and make quantitative diagnoses. In the recent decades, software for radiographic analysis has been investigated and developed for the detection of lesions and the quantitative assessment of the depth of a caries lesion. In addition, the accuracy of diagnosis may also be enhanced by programs that filter the images. These programs can adjust the brightness and contrast, determine the gray level, invert the shades of gray, and apply pseudocolors. Few studies compared different types of digital images in the diagnosis of changes in the tooth crown. AIM: The main aim of this study was to assess the the diagnostic accuracy of a direct digital radiography (DDR)-CMOS image with four types of filtered images for the detection of occlusal caries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty randomly selected patients' teeth were clinically examined and digitally radiographed. Radiographed images are converted into four filter images with the help of software. Filtered images were then selected for inter- and intraobserver examination and the result was subjected to statistical analysis. CONCLUSION: DDR-CMOS and negative image were found to be more useful in diagnosing occlusal caries.

Assessment of C-reactive Proteins, Cytokines, and Plasma Protein Levels in Hypertensive Patients with Apical Periodontitis.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic apical periodontitis (CAP) manifests mostly as periapical radiolucency. Various inflammatory mediators play a significant role in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis. In acute inflammatory conditions, C-reactive proteins (CRP) and fibrinogen show a rise in their concentrations. In chronic diseases with high inflammatory components, an increased prevalence of hypertension has been observed. Hence, we assessed the association of CAP and plasma levels of various inflammatory markers (CRP, interleukin 6 [IL-6], and fibrinogen) in severely hypertensive patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in the conservative wing of the institute and included assessment of 250 hypertensive patients with apical periodontitis. With the help of periapical radiographs and clinical examination, the assessment of following parameters was done: Amount of teeth present, visible plaque index, periodontal pocket probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, presence/absence of carious lesions, which included assessment of caries in crown portion, in the root portion, and residual tooth roots (RR), presence of CAP from each patient; 8 mm of venous blood was collected in the morning for the assessment of plasma levels of IL-6, CRP, and fibrinogen levels. Immediate collection and processing of the samples were done in the hospital laboratory. All the results were analyzed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. RESULTS: Out of 250, 155 patients were females. Mean plasma levels of CRP observed in our study were 0.8 mg/dL. Mean plasma levels of IL-6 and fibrinogen were found to be 3.3 and 337.1 mg/dL respectively. A significant correlation was observed while comparing mean body mass index (BMI), RR, and CAP in hypertensive patients. While comparing the mean plasma IL-6 levels, mean BMI, and CAP in the patients, significant results were obtained. Significant correlation was observed while comparing the mean BMI and CAP in hypertensive patients. CONCLUSION: Systemic levels of CRP, IL-6, and fibrinogen levels are influenced by the presence of CAP in hypertensive patients. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In hypertensive patients, CAP alters the systemic levels of various inflammatory markers.

How to help the oral pathologist in making an accurate diagnosis.

A biopsy is a valuable diagnostic tool in clinics. In this procedure, the sample tissue is obtained in order to study its structure both macro and microscopically, thus making it possible to establish a final diagnosis. Some clinicians are surprised and disappointed when the report from the oral pathologist comes as "not from the representative area and "inadequate specimen size", instead of a final diagnosis. To avoid such disappointments and to make the best utilization of the skills of the oral pathologist, certain ideas have been suggested. Right from the history taking to the clinical examination to the operative findings, the clinician can pave the way to a conclusive histopathological diagnosis.