Morphometric Analysis of Sella Turcica and a Proposed Novel Sella Turcica Index - A Digital Lateral Cephalometric Study.

Background: The sella turcica is a structure readily seen on lateral cephalograms and sella point is routinely traced for various cephalometric analyses. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the morphometric variation in size and shape of sella turcica via lateral cephalogram. The objectives were to introduce a novel sella turcica index (STI) and assess its reliability that could be helpful in gender determination. Materials and Methods: A total of 80 lateral cephalograms of the patients of age group 10-30 years were included for the study. The morphological variations of the sella turcica was done based on the classification given by Axelsson et al. (2004). The length, depth and perimeter of the sella turcica was measured and STI derived and calculated. The data was further subjected to discriminant analysis to validate the gender outcome. Reliability of the novel index was determined by calculating the sensitivity and specificity. Results: The overall most common morphological type of sella turcica was Type A (56.25%) followed by Type B (18.75%) and Type E (13.75%). The mean perimeter and depth of sella turcica was higher in females whereas the mean length of sella turcica was higher in males. The mean STI was higher in males and statistically highly significant. The sensitivity and specificity of this index was 72.5% and 90% respectively. Conclusion: A significant relationship was observed between the morphometric measurements of sella turcica and gender. STI could be of great help as a reliable tool for personal identification in forensic sciences. Supplementary Information: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-04082-9.

Increased vitamin B12 levels in patients with oral cancer.

Background: Oral cancer (OC), which happens to be one of the leading causes of death in the Indian population, is caused primarily by tobacco use, although other factors are also responsible. Serum vitamin B12 is important in maintaining the immune system and also repairing the damaged deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of cells. The aim of our study was to evaluate the serum B12 levels in patients with OC and look for any association between the two. Methods: One hundred subjects were selected for the study and divided into two groups: group A having OC (including cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), verrucous carcinoma and oropharyngeal carcinoma; 50 patients) and group B had age- and gender-matched healthy controls (50 healthy volunteers). Patients diagnosed clinically and histopathologically confirmed as OC were selected for the study. All the patients were subjected to haematological investigation to assess serum vitamin B12. Results: Males subjects in the 4th and 5th decades of life were predominantly affected. Serum vitamin B12 was significantly increased in OC patients when compared with controls, which was statistically significant. The mean serum vitamin B12 was slightly higher in males than in females, which was statistically non-significant. Conclusion: Our study found increased vitamin B12 levels in OC patients, and it was statistically significant.

Reduced levels of serum vitamin B12 in symptomatic cases of oral lichen planus: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: Oral Lichen Planus (OLP) is an immune mediated disease and causes oro-mucosal burning sensation that reduces food intake and hence resulting in nutritional deficiency. The present study was done to evaluate the serum levels of vitamin B12 in patients with symptomatic OLP and establish an association between reduced B12 levels and OLP. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Serum vitamin B12 was assessed in 60 symptomatic cases of oral lichen planus and 60 healthy age and gender matched controls. RESULTS: Serum vitamin B12 was significantly reduced (p value < 0) in patients with oral lichen planus when compared to healthy individuals. 43.33% of cases (26 out of 60) had B12 levels less than 187 pg/ml. CONCLUSION: Oral lichen planus causes serum vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is linked with normal functioning of immune and neuropsychologic system which has a role to play in etiopathogenesis and malignant transformation of oral lichen planus.

Prevalence of periodontitis and caries on the distal aspect of mandibular second molar adjacent to impacted mandibular third molar: A guide for oral health promotion.

OBJECTIVES: Pericoronitis of mandibular third molars is commonly encountered in our day to day practice. Most of the case extraction becomes mandatory. This study was carried out to find the incidence of periodontitis on the distal aspect of the second molar adjacent to impacted third molar. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 patients were included in the study. Patient selection was randomly done. Whoever came with a chief complaint of pain in the third molar area were included in the study. They were evaluated both clinically and radiographically with an orthopantomogram. Patients' age, gender, type of impaction, presence or absence of bone loss, type of bone loss, and presence or absence of caries was evaluated radiographically and noted. RESULTS: Periodontitis was observed in 39% of the cases and caries in 26% of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: These percentages are alarming and could be used to prophylactically extract the impacted third molars and thereby promoting the oral health of the individual.

Serum Immunoglobulins as Diagnostic Markers in Smokeless Tobacco Users for Prevention of Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) remains a threat amongst a large population across the globe and particularly in India. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent and it has been shown to cause immunomodulatory effects making the individual susceptible to various diseases. Immunoglobulins (Ig) form the defense against pathogens at the mucosal surfaces and SLT might interfere with its production and function. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to estimate the level of IgG and IgA in SLT patients and establish a correlation between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 subjects (34 khaini users and 26 gutkha users) were selected for the study. Complete demographic data and history was taken and clinical examination done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the serum immunoglobulin parameters. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the serum IgA and IgG level in SLT users. Serum IgG level had a positive correlation whereas serum IgA had a negative correlation with the form of SLT and were statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION: The present study might serve as an early diagnostic tool and helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of using SLT among the Indian population as a despicable substitute to smoking tobacco. It also confers an imperative role into SLT mediated effects on immunoglobulins levels.

Liver and thyroid profile in educating smokeless tobacco users and its role in oral health promotion.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) usage contributes about 40% of the total tobacco used in India. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent. This has challenged the metabolic condition leading to a rise in the inflammatory status, hepatic injury, and apoptosis of the liver and thyroid tissues. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of SLT on the liver and thyroid and establish a correlation between them in Jharkhand population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 individuals (50 SLT users and 50 healthy individuals) were selected for the study. A complete history was obtained, and clinical examination was done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the liver function test and thyroid profile. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the liver enzyme levels and thyroid profile in SLT users when compared to healthy controls. All the parameters of liver function test had a positive correlation with the form of SLT, whereas thyroid profile had a negative correlation. CONCLUSION: This study might be helpful in creating awareness on the hazards of using SLT among the Indian population as a despicable substitute to smoking tobacco. It also acts as a diagnostic tool and warning alarm in chronic tobacco users.

Smokeless Tobacco and Its Adverse Effects on Hematological Parameters: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Smokeless tobacco (SLT) as a drug substance has been used throughout the world although it has dangerous effects on human health. Among the 28 known carcinogens in SLT, tobacco-specific nitrosamines are considered to be the most potent. This has challenged the metabolic condition leading to a rise in the inflammatory status, increased apoptosis, and red blood cell (RBC) membrane damage. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the adverse effects of SLT on hematological parameters and establish a correlation between them. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 100 subjects (50 SLT users and 50 nonusers) were selected for the study. Complete demographic data and history were taken and clinical examination was done to evaluate any oral mucosal changes. Venous blood samples were taken to analyze the hematological parameters. RESULTS: Significant changes were observed in the complete blood profile in SLT users when compared to nonusers. All the hematological parameters had a negative correlation with form of SLT except for total leucocyte count which had a positive correlation. CONCLUSION: The current study confers an imperative role into SLT mediated effects on a complete hemogram and might be beneficial in spreading awareness against its usage. It also serves as a forewarning alarm among the population consuming SLT as an alternative to smoking tobacco.

Is panoramic mandibular index a reliable marker in the evaluation of bone mineral density and sexual dimorphism??

INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a silent, progressive, and chronic disease affecting bones of the adults, especially postmenopausal women. Its effect on mandibular bone quality has also been described by some authors in men inferring that gender and age are factors that may influence bone mineral density (BMD) and prognosis. The panoramic radiograph is used widely for the early detection of osteoporosis. The present study was undertaken to evaluate whether the panoramic mandibular index (PMI) is useful for BMD and sexual dimorphism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 25-40 years were selected for the study. Orthopantomograph was taken and PMI determined with the help of Sidexis next-generation software. All the measurements were performed by four observers and data subjected to the statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean superior PMI was 0.22-0.27, and the inferior PMI was 0.28-0.34. The mean superior and inferior linear measurements from the mental foramen were higher in males than females and statistically significant. The mean mandibular cortical width was 3.8-4.7 mm but did not show much gender difference. CONCLUSION: PMI is a reliable indicator for determining BMD but is not much influenced by gender variation.

A Novel Computer-Assisted Method of Bite Mark Analysis for Gender Determination.

Background: Bite mark analysis is an imperative area of forensic odontology and considered the commonest form of dental evidence presented in the criminal court. The process of comparing bite marks with a suspect's dentition includes analysis and measurement of shape, size, and position of an individual's teeth. The present study was aimed to evaluate the bite marks of males and females using a novel indirect computer-assisted method and explicate its application in forensic odontology. Materials and methods: 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) with normal occlusion were included in the present study. Bite registrations were obtained with help of modelling waxes, and positive replicas were prepared with dental stone and barium powder. Intraoral periapical radiographs were taken for the same. The radiographs obtained were scanned and analyzed by measuring tools using Sidexis Next Generation software. Intercanine distance (ICD), line AB, angle ABX, and angle ABY were measured. The Kruskal-Wallis test was performed to compare the bite marks of males and females. Results: The mean ICD of males and females was found to be 32.95 mm and 29.84 mm, respectively, and was statistically highly significant with a p value <0.001. The mean ICD, line AB, and angle ABX were found to be higher in males when compared to females. Conclusion: Analysis of bite marks using this novel computer-assisted method is a simple, reliable, easily reproducible, and economical technique with confidentiality of the identity of the participants involved.