Epigenetic modulation of long noncoding RNA H19 in oral squamous cell carcinoma-A narrative review.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) showed a seemingly increasing incidence in the last decade. In India, despite the use of tobacco decreased rapidly, in the past five years, the incidence pattern of OSCC over gender and age showed a drastic shift. About 51 % of the head and neck cancers are not associated with habits. Studies exploring various contributing factors in the incidence of this malignancy have documented. Recently, the epigenetic factors associated with the induction and progression of OSCC were explored. More than 90 % of the human genome is made up of non-coding transcriptome, which believed to be noises. However, these non-coding RNAs were identified to be the major epigenetic modulators, which raises concern over incidence of carcinoma in non-habit patients. H19 is a long non coding RNA which proved to be an effective biomarker in various carcinoma. Its role in oral squamous cell cancer was not investigated in depth. This review discusses in detail the various epigenetic role of H19 in inducing oral carcinogenesis.

Antibiotics Knowledge, Usage, and Prescription Patterns Among Dental Practitioners in Hyderabad, South India.

BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial resistance is a pertinent issue in the healthcare sector, accounting for 1.27 million patient deaths worldwide. Dental practitioners account for 3% to 11% of total antibiotic prescriptions. Therefore, this study aimed to specifically assess their knowledge of antibiotic prescriptions, guidelines, and clinical practices. METHOD: Before conducting this knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) survey, study approval was obtained from the Scientific Review Board of Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Chennai, India. A total of 200 participants were randomly selected from the list of Indian Dental Association (Hyderabad chapter), and dental colleges, dental conferences, and peer suggestions. We received a total of 130 responses by the end of the survey. RESULTS: The survey revealed gaps in practitioners' KAP. Of those surveyed, 83 (63.85%) of the practitioners kept themselves updated about antibiotic guidelines and news, but many (94, 72.31%) were unaware of the WHO's access, watch, reserve (AWaRe) and antimicrobial stewardship concepts (103, 79.23%). A total of 111 (85.38%) practitioners considered cross-reactions with other medications, yet only 28 (21.5%) practitioners tested patients for antibiotic sensitivity. While 64 (49.23%) practitioners encountered patients who did not respond to antibiotics, 84 (64.62%) practitioners encountered patients who demanded antibiotics. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the lack of awareness about the WHO's AWaRe classification and antimicrobial stewardship among the majority of dental practitioners across Hyderabad. Misuse or overuse of antibiotics was indicated in this survey by both patients and dental practitioners. Prioritizing updates on antibiotic knowledge and guidelines and awareness of their use is important. It is essential to educate patients about the ill effects of self-prescribing antibiotics. Dental practitioners need to consider cross-reactions and antibiotic-sensitivity testing before prescribing antibiotics. Labeling the sensitivity of a particular antibiotic for specific microbes on packaging can help reduce misuse and the use of antibiotics for the wrong indications.

Salivaomics to decode non-coding RNAs in oral cancer. A narrative review.

Oral cancer is the most debilitating disease which affects the orderly life of a human. With so much advancement in research and technology, the average life expectancy of an individual with oral cancer appears to be about 5 years. The changing trend in incidence of oral cancer among young individuals and women without tobacco habits are ascending. Non habit related oral cancer are taking centre stage and multiple factors which induce complex biology are associated in such scenarios. To decipher the aetiology and to understand the process, these cancerous conditions are to be studied at molecular level. Saliva, the most non-invasively obtained body fluid are assessed for biomarkers exclusively in liquid biopsy. This fluid gives a huge platform to study number of molecules associated with oral cancer. Non coding RNAs are transcripts with no protein coding function. They are gaining more importance in recent times. Long noncoding RNA, microRNA are major types of noncoding transcriptome that influences in progression of oral cancer. They seem to play an important role in health and disease. Apart from these, circulating tumour cells, exosomes, extracellular vesicles, antigens and other proteins can be studied from saliva. This review is aimed to update the knowledge on current biomarkers in saliva associated with oral cancer and their epigenetic role in disease progression as well recent advances in detecting these markers to identify the stage of the disease, which will help in deciding the treatment protocol.

Smartphone Addiction and its Impacts on Loneliness, Happiness, and Satisfaction with Life in Medical Students with Different Personalities During COVID-19 Pandemic.

Background: In this digital era, around the globe, smartphones have become ubiquitous and an indispensable part of everyday life. Despite being a highly productive tool, smartphone is often overused or misused leading to addiction. Studies have been carried out to assess factors influencing smartphone addiction, but very little focus has been placed on psychosocial changes in adults with different personalities, especially among medical students. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the influence of smartphone addiction on personality among medical students in South India. Methods: A validated extrovert and Introvert Personality Inventory (IPEI) was administered to assess the personality after obtaining the necessary permissions. Using a validated questionnaire, the satisfaction with life, subjective happiness, and loneliness scales were administered via Google Forms. Findings: The results showed there was a statistically significant increase in life satisfaction and loneliness scores among the extroverts in the mobile phone addiction group compared with the non-addiction group (P<0.0001). Conclusion: Considering the impact of cell phones on various factors in adults in different areas can complement the nationwide statistics so as to formulate a health policy to address the vulnerable population and thus prevent the deterioration of the psychosocial behavior of the young generation.

Used Toothbrush as a Potential Source of Gene Expression Among Subjects With Systemic Disease and Adverse Habits.

Purpose To explore the viability of used toothbrush as a source of gene expression and comparison of the same among tobacco, alcohol, diabetic and hypertensive subjects. Materials and methods Fourteen subjects with a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and hypertension were allocated to Group I, 14 subjects with tobacco and alcohol habits allocated to Group II and 14 healthy subjects allocated to Group III. Genetic materials retrieved from the used toothbrush of the study subjects were assessed for genetic expression of cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4), Bcl-2-like protein 4 (BAX), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (CDKN2A), B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), G-protein beta-3 (GNB3), and subunit gene and transcription factor 7-like 2 (TCF7L2) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results BAX gene showed reduced expression in tobacco and alcohol users (p=0.0497). BCL2, CDK4, and GNB3 showed no significant difference in expression in both the groups and with control. CDKN2A was expressed at a lower level in Group I and II participants. TCF7L2 showed higher expression in Group 2 participants (p=0.001). Conclusion The study concluded that used toothbrush is a reliable source for genetic expression. There was no difference in BCL2, CDK4, and GNB3 gene expression between subjects with systemic disease, adverse habits and healthy controls. There is a downregulation of BAX and upregulation of TCF7L2 gene in subjects with adverse habits.

Polyphenols as Potent Epigenetics Agents for Cancer.

Human diseases such as cancer can be caused by aberrant epigenetic regulation. Polyphenols play a major role in mammalian epigenome regulation through mechanisms and proteins that remodel chromatin. In fruits, seeds, and vegetables, as well as food supplements, polyphenols are found. Compounds such as these ones are powerful anticancer agents and antioxidants. Gallic acid, kaempferol, curcumin, quercetin, and resveratrol, among others, have potent anti-tumor effects by helping reverse epigenetic changes associated with oncogene activation and tumor suppressor gene inactivation. The role dietary polyphenols plays in restoring epigenetic alterations in cancer cells with a particular focus on DNA methylation and histone modifications was summarized. We also discussed how these natural compounds modulate gene expression at the epigenetic level and described their molecular targets in cancer. It highlights the potential of polyphenols as an alternative therapeutic approach in cancer since they modulate epigenetic activity.

Awareness about the significance of acid-base balance of saliva in maintaining oral health.

Saliva is a multilayered secretion. The quality of saliva is just as crucial as the quantity. Saliva is necessary for preserving the integrity of oral structures, personal connections, digestion, and acid-base balance. The acid-base balance in one's oral environment is always being challenged. It happens every time we eat a meal, and when microorganisms are present. At a pH of 5 or 5.5, the demineralization of the enamel and hard tooth structures occurs. This study aimed to raise awareness about the importance of acid-base balance of saliva in dental health. A self-structured questionnaire was prepared to assess the awareness on the importance of acid-base balance in maintaining oral health. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, and the results were plotted in a graph. The Chi-square test was employed for evaluating the data, which was done with SPSS software. The study indicated that 91.74% of the participants were aware of the salivary pH in case of healthy gingiva, 34.82% of the respondents were aware of the salivary pH in case of chronic gingivitis, and 20.33% of the respondents were aware of the salivary pH in case of chronic periodontitis. We also correlated our results with gender and year of study. Oral health plays a major role in identifying systemic diseases and hence enough knowledge about various aspects about the oral cavity and its manifestations needs to be created among dental students to ensure that they become efficient dental surgeons in the future. Even though a fair amount of people knew the pH of clinically healthy gingiva, most of them did not know the pH at which periodontitis or gingivitis was caused. Hence, creating awareness about this topic stands vital. Further studies are required for a better understanding of salivary components and how they affect the caries process. The utilization of modified oral molecules as medicinal agents could become a reality with this understanding. Our findings imply that being aware of dietary composition has an impact on acid-base balance. To maintain the correct acid-base balance, more awareness of protein consumption is required.

Knowledge and awareness on Balo's disease among dental students: A survey.

Balo's disease is an uncommon central nervous system disorder causing demyelination and is a form of multiple sclerosis. Concentric sclerosis, leukoencephalitis periaxialis concentrica, is also known as Balo's disease. Concentric sclerosis signalizes the bands of intact myelin and alternating rings of myelin loss present in several parts of the brainstem and brain. The present study aimed to assess and create awareness about Balo's disease among dental undergraduates. The study included an online survey about the knowledge and awareness of Balo's disease among dental students. A questionnaire was prepared, uploaded, and distributed in an online portal. The latest software version of SPSS was used to analyze the collected data. Descriptive statistical analysis and Chi-square test were done, and the P value was calculated. The survey showed that 54.55% of males and 45.45% of females participated in this survey. Most of the respondents (87.88%) knew about Balo's disease, whereas only 12.12% of participants were not aware of the disease. It was found that most of dental students are aware of Balo's disease. The study also showed that male respondents are more aware than the females.

Awareness of Vitamin and mineral supplements among college students.

A Vitamin or mineral supplement is a kind of adjunct that aims to supplement the diet and it comprises a wide range of Vitamins, minerals, herbs, etc., that amplifies different nutrient levels. People intake such supplements for protection against health illnesses such as stress, cold, flu, osteoporosis, heart attacks, tooth decay, cancer, and neural tube defects in infants, etc. Anyhow, intake of large amounts without proper medical consideration can have severe negative consequences. This study aimed to assess the awareness on Vitamin and mineral supplements among College students. An online cross-sectional questionnaire was made using Google Forms and distributed among 100 College students. The data collected were analyzed using SPSS software. Descriptive analysis and Chi-square tests were done. Results showed that the majority of 63.43% of UG students and 21.64% of PG students believed that its consumption was beneficial and in general awareness was more among UG students. When asked about the Vitamin that should be avoided during pregnancy, a majority of 20.30% of UG students opted for Vitamin E and 7.52% of PG students opted for Vitamin A which shows that both were feasible options as they were fat-soluble vitamins capable of causing congenital defects. The most probable issue related with the use of dietary supplements is that the people who include them in their diet might see it as a substitute, in lieu of a supplement, thus, more people should be made aware of the proper consumption and side effects of Vitamin and mineral supplements.

Knowledge and awareness of the Klinefelter Syndrome among the dental students.

The presence of one or more extra X chromosomes in a male causes Klinefelter Syndrome (KS). KS affects 1 in 500-1 in 1000 men, while about half remain undiagnosed. KS is characterized by huge stature, increase in arm length, the feminine distribution of adipose tissues (including gynecomastia), less or pubic hair, infertility, hypotonia, reduced size of penis and less than average verbal IQ, struggle in learning and requirements for less specified speech therapy. KS is a primary testicular insufficiency with high levels of gonadotropin caused by a lack of pituitary gland feedback. The aim of the study is to assess the knowledge and awareness of the KS among the dental students. This cross-sectional survey was conducted among dental students of a private dental hospital. To evaluate the knowledge and awareness of the participants about KS, a self-administered questionnaire consisting of 10 questions was prepared. Percentage analysis and frequency analysis and percentage analysis were performed. A Chi-square test was done to assess the correlation using the SPSS software. In our study, most of the participants were aware of the KS. They also knew that the KS is caused due to the additional X chromosome. We would like to conclude that the dental students were much aware about the Klinefelter and they also had a thorough knowledge about it.

Knowledge and awareness about Bowen's disease among dental students.

The study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge about Bowen's disease among dental students. Bowen disease is an infrequent skin disorder and is also referred to as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. It is a noninvasive form of intraepidermal squamous cell carcinoma with flat or slightly raised lesions. An online survey was conducted among 300 dental students between the age group of 18-30 years in the Chennai district based on Bowen's disease. This is the best approach to data collection due to the large population of the city of Chennai and is also appropriate in the current situation where people need to avoid gatherings and close contact. About 78.21% were BDS students and 21.79% were MDS students. In the age group of 10-20 years, 8.97% responded heard about Bowen disease and 3.85% responded not heard. Within the 21-30 years age group, 44.02% responded that Bowen disease is invasive and 20.09% responded noninvasive. Studies showed that the exact occurrence of Bowen's disease is not known. It is found to be more common in men than in women. To conclude, about 65% of participants were aware of Bowen's disease. Nevertheless, patients with Bowen's disease seem to be at an abnormal risk of internal malignancies, and they need to be educated about the various treatments available to prevent the cause as soon as possible.

Effectiveness of Salivary Glucose in Diagnosing Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.

CONTEXT: Frequent monitoring of glucose is important in the management of diabetes. A noninvasive painless technique was used to detect glucose levels with the use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid. AIMS: The aim of our study was to correlate the blood glucose levels with stimulated and unstimulated salivary samples and also to assess the reliability of using salivary glucose in diagnosing and monitoring the blood glucose levels in gestational diabetic patients. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted among 100 clinically healthy nondiabetic individuals and 99 individuals suffering from gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Fasting blood glucose estimation and postprandial salivary glucose estimation were done in stimulated and unstimulated salivary samples using glucose oxidase/peroxidase method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data obtained were subjected to normality test, and P ≤ 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. The correlation between blood and salivary glucose levels was evaluated using Pearson's correlation test. RESULTS: A positive correlation was obtained for stimulated and unstimulated salivary samples in fasting and postprandial conditions. Linear regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve were plotted, and the optimal cutoff value for unstimulated and stimulated salivary glucose under fasting conditions was 5.1 mg/dl and 5.4 mg/dl, respectively. The optimal cutoff value for unstimulated and stimulated salivary glucose was 8.8 mg/dl and 9.3 mg/dl, respectively, in postprandial conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Saliva appears to be a reliable biofluid to assess the blood glucose levels and can definitely be a reliable alternative to blood glucose in GDM patients.

Obesogenic Behavior and Binge Eating Disorder in an Elderly Female with Schizophrenia.

Eating disorders, like binge eating, have a strong association with schizophrenia. Illness characteristics like disordered eating, cognition, and behavior can lead to eating disorders. Previous research highlighted the neurobiological structural similarity and the role of hormonal factors, like hypocretin, in the etiology of eating disorders in schizophrenia. Modifying the obesogenic environment by adapting healthy eating styles has been effective in reducing binging episodes. Antipsychotic medications also have a role in altering eating patterns that result in binge eating disorder. Adolescents with psychosis have a higher incidence of eating disorders. Here, we present an elderly female with schizophrenia who had obesogenic behaviors along with binge eating disorder. Interestingly, the patient had atypical age of onset and presentation and no psychopathological symptoms as a reason for binging.

Beta-sitosterol attenuates insulin resistance in adipose tissue via IRS-1/Akt mediated insulin signaling in high fat diet and sucrose induced type-2 diabetic rats.

In our previous study, we have shown that ß-sitosterol (SIT) enhances glycemic control by increasing the activation of insulin receptor (IR) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) proteins in adipose tissue. However, the possible role of SIT on the regulation of post-receptor insulin signal transduction is not known. Hence, the study was aimed to assess the effects of SIT on IRS-1/Akt mediated insulin signaling molecules in high-fat diet and sucrose induced type-2 diabetic rats. An oral effective dose of SIT (20 mg/kg b.wt) was given for 30 days to high fat-fed type-2 diabetic rats to find out whether SIT regulates IRS-1/Akt pathway of insulin signaling. The results showed that SIT attenuated the insulin receptor substrate-1 serine phosphorylation (p-IRS-1Ser636) (P = 0.0003). However, it up-regulated the mRNA expression of IR (P = 0.0036) and post-receptor insulin signaling molecules such as IRS-1 (P < 0.0001), ß-arrestin-2 (P < 0.0058), Akt (P = 0.0008), AS160 (P = 0.0030) and GLUT4 (P < 0.0001) with a concomitant increase in the levels of IRS-1(P < 0.0001), p-IRS1-1Tyr632 (P = 0.0014), Akt (P < 0.0001), p-AktSer473/Thr308 (P = 0.0006; P < 0.0001), AS160 and p-AS160Thr642 (P < 0.0001) compared with type-2 diabetic rats. In Silico analysis was also performed and it showed that SIT possesses the greater binding affinity with ß-arrestin-2, c-Src, and IRS-1 as well as Akt proteins and proved to attenuate insulin resistance as this study coincides with in vivo findings. Our present study clearly shows that SIT attenuates high fat diet-induced detrimental changes in adipose tissue. Therefore, it is concluded from the present findings that, SIT could be used as potential therapeutic phytomedicine for the management of type-2 diabetes.

Molecular docking analysis of compounds from Justica adhatoda L with glycogen synthase kinase-3 ß.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is linked with Glycogen synthase kinase-3 ß.Therefore, it is ofinterest to document molecular docking analysis data of compounds from Justica adhatoda L with glycogen synthase kinase-3 ß. We report the binding features of ethambutol, pyrazinamide, stigmasterol and vasicoline with GSK-3 ß.

Molecular docking analysis of the BRCA1 protein with compounds from Justica adhatoda L.

BRCA1 is a human tumour suppression gene. Therefore, it is of interest to document the Molecular docking analysis data of the BRCA1 protein with compounds from Justica adhatoda L (adhatoda). We report that Amrinone, Hexadecanoic acid, Pyrazinamide & Vasicinone have acceptable binding features with the BRCA1 protein for further consideration.