Is YouTube a reliable source of information for temporomandibular joint ankylosis?

PURPOSE: In the digital era, the internet is the go-to source of information, and patients often seek insights on medical conditions like TMJ ankylosis. YouTube, a popular platform, is widely used for this purpose. However, YouTube's lack of regulation means it can host unreliable content. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to assess the scientific quality of YouTube videos concerning TMJ ankylosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study analyzed 59 TMJ ankylosis-related videos. Two Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery specialists assessed these videos. Data on the video source, duration, upload date, the time elapsed since upload, total views, likes, dislikes and comments, Interaction index, and viewing rate were collected and analyzed. Video quality was assessed using the Global Quality Scale (GQS) and the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), comparing health professionals and non-health professionals. RESULTS: Health professional's videos were better in terms of GQS 3.21 ± 0.94 and DISCERN score 3.03 ± 0.75 as compared to the non-health professional videos GQS 3.0 ± 1.04, and DISCERN 2.81 ± 1.13. Health professional group videos had more reliability and better quality than the non-health professional group (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: YouTube should not be relied on as a trustworthy source for high-quality and reliable information regarding TMJ ankylosis videos. Healthcare professionals must be prepared to address any ambiguous or misleading information and to prioritize building trustworthy relationships with patients through accurate diagnostic and therapeutic processes.

Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Based Virtual Assistants in Responding to Frequently Asked Questions Related to Orthognathic Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Despite increasing interest in how conversational agents might improve health care delivery and information dissemination, there is limited research assessing the quality of health information provided by these technologies, especially in orthognathic surgery (OGS). PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure and compare the quality of four virtual assistants (VAs) in addressing the frequently asked questions about OGS. STUDY DESIGN, SETTING, AND SAMPLE: This in-silico cross-sectional study assessed the responses of a sample of four VAs through a standardized set of 10 questionnaires related to OGS. INDEPENDENT VARIABLE: The independent variables were the four VAs. The four VAs tested were VA1: Alexa (Seattle, Washington), VA2: Google Assistant (Google Mountain View, California), VA3: Siri (Cupertino, California), and VA4: Bing (San Diego, California). MAIN OUTCOME VARIABLE(S): The primary outcome variable was the quality of the answers generated by the four VAs. Four investigators (two orthodontists and two oral surgeons) assessed the quality of response of the four VAs through a standardized set of 10 questionnaires using a five-point modified Likert scale, with the lowest score (1) signifying the highest quality. The main outcome variables measured were the combined mean scores of the responses from each VA, and the secondary outcome assessed was the variability in responses among the different investigators. COVARIATES: None. ANALYSES: One-way analysis of variance was done to compare the average scores per question. One-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc analyses was done to compare the combined mean scores among the VAs, and the combined mean scores of all questions were evaluated to determine variability if any among different VA's responses to the investigators. RESULTS: Among the four VAs, VA4 (1.32 ± 0.57) had significantly the lowest (best) score, followed by VA2 (1.55 ± 0.78), VA1 (2.67 ± 1.49), and VA3 (3.52 ± 0.50) (P value <.001). There were no significant differences in how the VAs: VA3 (P value = .46), VA4 (P value = .45), and VA2 (P value = .44) responded to each of the investigators except VA1 (P value = .003). CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE: The VAs responded to the queries related to OGS, with VA4 displaying the best quality response, followed by VA2, VA1, and VA3. Technology companies and clinical organizations should partner for an intelligent VA with evidence-based responses specifically curated to educate patients.

Common laboratory organic solvents are better medium for molecular detection of RNA viruses using PCR.

PURPOSE: The unavailability of recommended viral transport medium during epidemics of respiratory viral infections is a substantial healthcare concern. It may prompt the use of alternatives, which may give rise to results with questionable validity. The present study was carried out to assess and validate the utility of commonly available solvents in the hospital/healthcare set-ups which may be used as ready and economical alternatives to commercial VTMs. METHODS: To evaluate the readily available solvents as an alternative to VTM, cell culture supernatant of pH1N1 2009 isolate with HA titres of 1:4 and extracted viral RNA of SARS-CoV-2 were spiked in a 1:10 ratio in ethanol, acetone, methanol and were compared to commercially available VTM for detection of influenza virus by real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). The tubes were kept at room temperature 24 h, 48 h and 72 h. Ct values of the various solvents at different time points were compared and statistical analysis was performed using Python. RESULTS: The Ct values of the Influenza and SARS-CoV2 viral genes in each solvent were maintained for 3 days at room temperatures, suggesting viral samples were stably preserved in the solvent for 3 days. CONCLUSION: Methanol was found to be the most promising solvent for increasing the stability of viral RNA thereby enhancing the molecular diagnosis of the concerned pathogen.

Evaluation of scientific quality of YouTube video content related to orthodontic pain management.

INTRODUCTION: With the abundant use of the internet, patients undergoing or interested in orthodontic treatment try to use it to obtain information on pain during treatment. However, YouTube™ is unregulated and may potentially contain inaccurate information. OBJECTIVES: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the scientific quality of the videos on YouTube™ related to orthodontic pain management. METHODS: A total of 62 videos related to orthodontic pain management were included in the study. All videos were evaluated by two experienced orthodontists. The video uploader, content, length, upload date, time since upload, number of views, comments, likes, dislikes, Interaction index, and Viewing rate of the videos were recorded and evaluated. The videos were scored using the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Audio-Visual Quality (AVQ), and divided into two groups: Doctors and Non-doctors. RESULTS: The mean DISCERN score was 2.56 ± 0.91, the GQS score was 2.56 ± 1.06, and AVQ was 2.48 ± 0.68. A statistically significant difference was found in DISCERN score of videos uploaded by Doctors compared to Non-doctors, but no statistically significant difference was found in GQS and AVQ scores between both groups (p> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The videos uploaded by Doctors were better in terms of quality and reliability, as compared to Non-doctors; and the AVQ of the videos uploaded by both groups was adequate. Despite that, both groups did not serve as a good source of information. YouTube™ cannot be considered a reliable source of information in terms of quality and reliability on videos related to orthodontic pain management.

Comparative Assessment of the Periodontal Findings in Child Subjects With a Normal Body Mass Index and in Obese Subjects.

BACKGROUND: Obesity in children is a concerning issue affecting a large population globally. Obesity and overweight are risk factors for various medical conditions, including periodontal diseases, hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, cardiovascular disease, and/or diabetes. AIM: The study aimed to comparatively assess the periodontal findings in child subjects with a normal BMI and in obese subjects. METHODS: The present observational study aimed to comparatively assess 216 school-going child subjects that were divided into two groups: non-obese (BMI<25) and obese, with BMI≥25 having equal gender distribution. In both groups, clinical attachment loss (CAL), probing depth (PD), and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed along with a questionnaire on oral hygiene and dietary habits. The data gathered were statistically analysed. RESULTS: The study results showed that in obese subjects, significantly higher values were seen for probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index compared to non-obese subjects with p<0.05. However, no significant difference was noted in the CAL of obese and non-obese subjects (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The periodontal status is compromised in obese subjects with higher values of probing depth, bleeding on probing, and plaque index compared to child subjects with normal weight. The level of CAL does not differ significantly between obese and non-obese child subjects.

A novel thermoresponsive nano carrier matrix of hyaluronic acid, methotrexate and chitosan to target the cluster of differentiation 44 receptors in tumors.

Major challenges in current cancer chemotherapy include drug resistance, low efficacy and non-selectivity, resulting in undesirable side effects. In this study, we demonstrate a solution to these challenges that involves a dual targeting approach for tumors that overexpress CD44 receptors. The approach employs a nano-formulation (tHAC-MTX nano assembly), fabricated from hyaluronic acid (HA), the natural ligand for CD44, conjugated with methotrexate (MTX) and complexed with the thermoresponsive polymer 6-O-carboxymethylchitosan (6-OCMC) graft poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) [6-OCMC-g-PNIPAAm]. The thermoresponsive component was designed to have a lower critical solution temperature of 39 °C (the temperature of tumor tissues). In-vitro drug release studies reveal faster release of the drug at the higher temperatures of the tumor tissue likely due to the conformation changes in the thermoresponsive component of the nano assembly. Drug release was also enhanced in the presence of hyaluronidase enzyme. Higher cellular uptake and greater cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles were demonstrated in cancer cells that overexpress CD44 receptors suggesting a receptor binding and cellular uptake mechanism. Such nano-assemblies which incorporate multiple targeting mechanisms have the potential to improve efficacy and decrease side effects of cancer chemotherapy.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel antipyrine based α-aminophosphonates as anti-Alzheimer and anti-inflammatory agent.

Herein, a series of novel antipyrine based α-aminophosphonates derivatives were synthesized and characterized. The synthesized derivatives were subjected for in vitro cholinesterase inhibition, enzyme kinetic studies, protein denaturation assay, proteinase inhibitory assay and cell viability assay. For cholinesterase inhibition, the results inferred that the test compounds possess better AChE activity (0.46 to 6.67 µM) than BuChE (2.395 to 12.47 µM). Compound 4j inhibited both AChE and BuChE (IC50 = 0.475 ± 0.12 µM and 2.95 ± 0.16 µM, respectively), implying that it serves as a dual AChE/BuChE inhibitor. Also, kinetic studies revealed that compound 4j exhibits mixed-type inhibition against both AChE and BuChE, with Ki values of 3.003 µM and 5.750 µM, respectively. Further, protein denaturation and proteinase inhibitory assays were used to test in vitro anti-inflammatory potential. It was found that compound 4o exhibited highest activity against protein denaturation (IC50 = 42.64 ± 0.19 µM) and proteinase inhibition (IC50 = 37.57 ± 0.19 µM) when compared to diclofenac. In addition, cell viability assay revealed that active compounds possess no cytotoxicity against N2a cell and RAW 264.7 macrophages. Finally, molecular docking experiments for AChE, BuChE, and COX-2 were conducted to better understand the binding modes of active compounds.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Evaluation of scientific quality of YouTube video content related to orthodontic pain management

ABSTRACT Introduction: With the abundant use of the internet, patients undergoing or interested in orthodontic treatment try to use it to obtain information on pain during treatment. However, YouTube™ is unregulated and may potentially contain inaccurate information. Objectives: Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the scientific quality of the videos on YouTube™ related to orthodontic pain management. Methods: A total of 62 videos related to orthodontic pain management were included in the study. All videos were evaluated by two experienced orthodontists. The video uploader, content, length, upload date, time since upload, number of views, comments, likes, dislikes, Interaction index, and Viewing rate of the videos were recorded and evaluated. The videos were scored using the Quality Criteria for Consumer Health Information (DISCERN), Global Quality Scale (GQS), and Audio-Visual Quality (AVQ), and divided into two groups: Doctors and Non-doctors. Results: The mean DISCERN score was 2.56 ± 0.91, the GQS score was 2.56 ± 1.06, and AVQ was 2.48 ± 0.68. A statistically significant difference was found in DISCERN score of videos uploaded by Doctors compared to Non-doctors, but no statistically significant difference was found in GQS and AVQ scores between both groups (p> 0.05). Conclusions: The videos uploaded by Doctors were better in terms of quality and reliability, as compared to Non-doctors; and the AVQ of the videos uploaded by both groups was adequate. Despite that, both groups did not serve as a good source of information. YouTube™ cannot be considered a reliable source of information in terms of quality and reliability on videos related to orthodontic pain management.

RESUMO Introdução: Com o uso abundante da Internet, os pacientes em tratamento ortodôntico, ou interessados em fazê-lo, tentam usá-la para obter informações sobre a dor durante o tratamento. Entretanto, o YouTube™ não é regulamentado e pode conter informações imprecisas. Objetivos: Esse estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade científica de vídeos no YouTube™ relacionados ao controle da dor ortodôntica. Métodos: No total, 62 vídeos relacionados ao controle da dor ortodôntica fora incluídos nesse estudo. Todos os vídeos foram avaliados por dois ortodontistas experientes. O responsável pela postagem do vídeo, seu conteúdo, sua duração, data de postagem, tempo decorrido desde a postagem, o número de visualizações, os comentários, os likes, os deslikes, o índice de interação e a taxa de visualização dos vídeos foram registrados e avaliados. Os vídeos foram pontuados usando os Critérios de Qualidade para Informações sobre Saúde do Consumidor (DISCERN), a Escala de Qualidade Global (GQS) e a Qualidade Audiovisual (AVQ), e divididos em dois grupos: Doutores e Não Doutores. Resultados: A pontuação DISCERN média foi de 2,56 ± 0,91, a pontuação GQS foi de 2,56 ± 1,06 e a AVQ foi de 2,48 ± 0,68. Foi encontrada uma diferença estatisticamente significativa na pontuação DISCERN dos vídeos postados por Doutores, em comparação com os Não Doutores, mas não foi encontrada diferença estatisticamente significativa nas pontuações GQS e AVQ entre os dois grupos (p> 0,05). Conclusões: Os vídeos postados pelos Doutores foram melhores em termos de qualidade e confiabilidade, em comparação com os Não Doutores, e o AVQ dos vídeos postados por ambos os grupos foi adequado. Apesar disso, ambos os grupos não serviram como uma boa fonte de informações. Em termos de qualidade e confiabilidade dos vídeos relativos ao manejo da dor ortodôntica, o YouTube™ não pode ser considerado uma fonte confiável de informações.

Synthesis of carbazole based α-aminophosphonate derivatives: design, molecular docking and in vitro cholinesterase activity.

A series of novel carbazole based α-aminophosphonate derivatives were synthesized under solvent-free condition, characterized and evaluated for their cholinesterase inhibition, enzyme kinetic inhibition, in-vitro cell viability using N2a cells, neuroprotective studies against H2O2-induced stress using N2a cells and antioxidant studies using DPPH radical activity. Test compounds displayed better AChE activity (0.475 to 7.781 µM) than BuChE (3.306 to 21.32 µM). Compound 4j was most potent derivative against AChE as well as BuChE with IC50=0.475 ± 0.12 µM and IC50=3.306 ± 0.21 µM respectively. Kinetic inhibition studies indicate that compound 4j exhibits mixed type inhibition against both enzymes which was supported by molecular docking studies. Cell viability studies showed that compounds did not induce any cytotoxic effect against N2a cells using MTT assay. Also, compound 4j, 4 s and 4r were subjected to H2O2-induced stress using N2a cells and were found to be protective in nature. ADME predictions were carried out to understand the pharmacokinetics behaviour.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Synthesis, characterization, in vitro cholinesterase and hRBCs hemolysis assay and computational evaluation of novel 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzothiazepine appended α-aminophosphonates.

A series of novel 2,3,4,5-tetrahydrobenzothiazepine appended α-aminophosphonate derivatives were synthesized by subjecting 2,3-dihydrobenzothiazepine to Pudovik reaction using diethyl phosphite. Tested derivatives exhibited better AChE inhibition (0.86-12.85 µM) when compared to BuChE (3.13-19.36 µM). Derivative 5f (IC50 = 0.86 ± 0.08 µM), 5g (IC50 = 1.05 ± 0.06 µM) and 5d (IC50 = 1.64 ± 0.06 µM) exhibited higher AChE inhibitory activity as compared to standard drug galantamine (IC50 = 2.15 ± 0.05 µM). Similarly, derivative 5e (IC50 = 3.13 ± 0.11 µM) and 5f (IC50 = 3.64 ± 0.06 µM) demonstrated comparable BuChE inhibitory activity to reference drug galantamine (IC50 = 3.86 ± 0.03 µM). Further, enzyme kinetic studies were carried out for the most active molecule i.e. derivative 5f (for AChE) and derivative 5e (for BuChE) and the results imply that derivatives 5f and 5e show mixed-type inhibition with Ki values of 1.779 µM and 3.851 µM respectively. Enzyme reversibility inhibition studies demonstrated that all the tested derivatives possess reversible inhibitor characteristics. In addition, % hemolysis studies were carried out using human red blood cells (hRBCs) and the results demonstrated that the synthesized derivatives were biocompatible in nature as they impart very less cytotoxicity to hRBCs (CC50 > 1000 µg/mL). Also, cell viability studies for tested derivatives revealed no cytotoxicity in N2a cells. Moreover, molecular docking studies revealed that derivative 5e and 5f bind to the PAS and CAS of the AChE. ADME predictions suggested that synthesized derivatives have high possibility of being drug-like.

Antibacterial and Antifungal Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Fibrin and Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix against Root Canal Microflora.

BACKGROUND: Binding of such proteins with a developing fibrin mesh or to the extracellular matrix has the ability to create chemotactic gradients aiding the recruitment of stem cells, thereby, stimulating cell migration and differentiation this may promotes repair and regeneration. There is a unique concept in platelet concentrates called platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) which is processed using higher attraction without the utilization of bovine thrombin. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal effects of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and PRFM against root canal microflora. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood samples were taken from 20 adults, age ranging from 20 to 40 years who were systemically healthy, nonsmokers with no symptoms of infection, or on antibiotics at least 3 months before experiments. The procedures and the protocols involved in the study were accepted by the Institutional Ethical Committee. Written informed consent was obtained from the donors and patients. Approximately 10 ml of blood was collected from each donor. 5 ml of blood was used for the preparation of PRF and 5 ml for PRFM. RESULTS: The antifungal scores among the groups. The highest antifungal scores were seen in metapex followed by PRF and PRFM group. Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to check the statistical difference among the groups, and there was a statistically significant difference seen among the groups (P = 0.00). The antibacterial scores among the groups. The highest antibacterial scores were seen in Metapex followed by PRF group and PRFM group Kruskal-Wallis test was applied to check the statistical difference among the groups, and there was a statistically significant difference seen among the groups. CONCLUSION: PRF demonstrated antibacterial activity against passage isolates but had no antifungal efficacy. This antibacterial property may be a valuable adjunct when using PRF for regenerative procedures in endodontics. Both PRF and PRFM have to be analyzed for antimicrobial properties for extended duration and various other clinical strains with larger sample size.

Design, synthesis and evaluation of dihydropyranoindole derivatives as potential cholinesterase inhibitors against Alzheimer's disease.

A series of novel dihydropyranoindole derivatives containing sulphonamide group were designed, synthesized and evaluated for in-vitro anti-cholinesterase activity. The result showed that all the compounds exhibited potent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity (IC50 = 0.41-8.79 µM) while demonstrated moderate to good activity for butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) (IC50 = 1.17-30.17 µM). The tested compounds exhibited selectivity towards AChE over BuChE. Compound 5o was most potent towards both AChE (IC50 = 0.41 µM) and BuChE (IC50 = 1.17 µM) when compared to standard galantamine and rivastigmine. Enzyme kinetics and molecular docking studies revealed that compound 5o shows mixed type inhibition and binds to peripheral anionic site (PAS) and the catalytic sites (CAS) of both the enzymes. Furthermore, cell viability studies were also performed against N2a cells along with neuroprotection studies against H2O2 in the same cell line. Antioxidant studies using DPPH radical and H2O2 were also performed which revealed that all compounds possessed some antioxidant activity. Also, DNA damage protection assay for compound 5o was performed implying that compound 5o was protective in nature. ADME studies were also performed which demonstrated good pharmacokinetics. These findings indicated that dihydropyranoindole derivatives could be possible drug lead in the search for new multifunctional AD drugs.

Assessment of Anatomical Variations of Mandibular Canal Depicted in Panoramic Radiography.

BACKGROUND: Anatomical variations of the mandibular canal play a vital role while performing surgical procedures affecting an area with mandibular canal course in the mandible. The neurovascular bundle may be severed during surgical procedures carried out mandible. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present retrospective study was aimed to assess and evaluate the mandibular canal and its variations on the panoramic radiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 88 randomly selected panoramic radiographs with complete mandible and associated bone. On a panoramic radiograph, the following parameters were assessed including bifid mandibular canal and location of bifurcation, the diameter of the mandibular canal as recorded in the first molar region, trabeculation in submandibular gland fossa, anterior loop measurement, direction and diameter of the bifid mandibular canal were all evaluated. Statistical analysis was done. RESULTS: In 51 hemimandibles, the mandibular canal was found to be corticalized, whereas in 21.59% (n = 19), the mandibular canal was visible. In the remaining 20.45% (n = 18) of the study participants, the mandibular canal was not visualized. In the submandibular gland fossa region, diminished trabeculation was seen in 55.68% of the evaluated radiographs, whereas trabeculation was not seen at all in the remaining 23.86% of the subjects. A significant correlation was seen in decreased trabeculation of submandibular gland fossa and absence of the mandibular canal (P value < 0.001). The bifid mandibular canal was seen in 19.31% of the study participants (n = 17) with a mean width of 3.12 ± 1.1 mm. Extension of the anterior loop of the mental nerve was seen as up to 2 mm in majority participants in 67.04% individuals (n = 59). CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that panoramic radiographs are a reliable tool for assessment of the mandibular canal and associated anatomical variations associated with it.

Impact of Covid Pandemic and Working Strategies on Private Practitioners.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic is badly affecting more than 2 million population of 213 countries and has caused 1,952,976 deaths till January 12, 2020. India has also suffered a great loss in terms of economy and people. Furthermore, owing to the complete lockdown enforced in India, restricting humanitarian movement also affected day-to-day life of Indians with a huge impact. OBJECTIVES: The present clinical trial was carried out to evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on private practitioners. Furthermore, changes in their practice pattern were evaluated along with the perspective of their health, role, and response to the pandemic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study includes a total of 120 health-care professionals of either gender. The stress and mental health of the participants was assessed using Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 in English format, also included the questions related to the demographic characteristics, use of technologies for providing virtual health care, changes in the working during the pandemic, and an opinion of their experiences during that period. The data collected were subjected to the analysis and were kept confidential and anonymous. RESULTS: 16.6% of participants preferred virtual consultation before the pandemic in contrast to 83.3% during the pandemic. The most preferred method remained the phone call by 15.8% (n = 19) patients. Depression was seen severely in 35% of study participants (n = 42) and 13.3% of participants extremely severe depression was seen (n = 16). Severe and extremely severe anxiety was noticed in 31.66% (=38) and 15% (18) study participants respectively, whereas severe and extremely severe stress was found in 30% (n = 36), and 12.5% (n = 15) private practitioners. The most common factor that can be considered responsible for compromised mental health in private practitioners was the possibility of infecting the society seen in 59.1% (n = 71) participants. CONCLUSION: During the pandemic breakout, private practitioners suffered a great challenge both financially and mentally, especially during the lockdown. Furthermore, a significant increase was seen in the virtual consultation methods during the pandemic breakout.

Evaluation of the Orofacial Features in the Victims of Abuse and Neglect of 5-16-Year-old Age Children.

BACKGROUND: Oral cavity may be considered a pivotal focal point in physical assault or abuse because of its implication in communication and nutrition. Dentists trained in a child abuse curriculum can provide valuable information and assistance to physicians about oral and dental aspects of child abuse and neglect. The present study was conducted to evaluate the orofacial features of children between the age group of 5-16 years suspected to be victims of child abuse/neglect. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted on 250 children ranging between 5 and 16 years were enrolled in the study. All the participants were suspected to be victims of child abuse/neglect. The orofacial features were carefully examined by a well-trained dentist. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty children were enrolled in the study. Seventy-two children (30%) presented with laceration of various sites including lip (n = 13), frenum (n = 8), buccal mucosa (n = 26), palate (n = 16), and floor of the mouth (n = 9). Twenty-nine participants exhibited the features of avulsion (11.6%). Eighteen children revealed dento-alveolar fractures, 104 presented with dental caries (41.6%), 19 presented with missing teeth (7.6%), all the candidates presented with deposits (100%). CONCLUSION: Careful intraoral and perioral examination of the participants victimized to abuse and/neglect is necessary as the oral cavity is a central focus for physical abuse, which may be allied to its importance in communication and nutrition. Physicians and dentists should work together to increase the prevention, detection, and treatment of these conditions.

Expert Group Meeting on Aphasia: A Report.

A multidisciplinary team of experts took stock of the current state of affairs about many aspects of aphasia in India, including community burden, diagnostic assessment, therapy, rehabilitation, research, education, and advocacy. The broad spectrum of aphasiology was matched by the types of participants ranging from neurologists, speech-language pathologists, clinical psychologists, linguists, to experts in neuroimaging and computer sciences. Threadbare discussion in 16 sessions over 3 days leads to the identification of pressing problems and possible solutions. Many action plans have been envisaged and recommendations made. A few examples with high priority are community-based and hospital-based study incidence and prevalence of aphasia, development of test batteries for the assessment of many components of speech and communication in Indian languages which are validated on rigorous psychometric, and linguistic criteria, national registry for aphasia, educational modules about aphasia for different target groups, resources for advocacy and its training, a bank of research questions and outlines of research protocols for young professionals to pursue. The expert group will continue to oversee execution of some of the actionable plans in short and long term.

Expected and unexpected transformations of manganese(III) tris(4-nitrophenyl)corrole.

The synthesis and characterization of manganese complexes of 5,10,15-tris(4-nitrophenyl) corrole in different oxidation states are described. Adoption of established protocols for the synthesis of (nitrido)manganese(V) complexes led to the expected corrole derivative as a minor product, accompanied by nitrogen atom insertion into the macrocycle. The major product was fully characterized via the combination of spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography as (nitrido)manganese(V) 6-azahemiporphycene.

*NO2-mediated meso-hydroxylation of iron(III) porphyrin.

(*)NO(2) generated from (*)NO and air add to iron(III) porphyrin upon nitration, which isomerized spontaneously to hydrolysis, yielding a meso-hydroxylated cation that seized by the end oxidation product, a nitrate ion, through extensive hydrogen bonding.