Misdiagnosis of an Odontogenic Infection as a Skin Lesion: The Diagnostic Dilemma.

Extraoral sinus tracts of endodontic origin might be confused for a variety of dermatological conditions. Differential diagnosis of this clinical condition plays an essential role in providing appropriate clinical care because misdiagnosis is the most prevalent cause of prolonged therapy and healing failure. As a result, every cutaneous sinus structure affecting the face or neck should be investigated for dental issues. Its diagnosis can sometimes be difficult until the treating clinician examines the potential of a dental cause. Once an appropriate diagnosis has been established, definitive treatment, consisting of root canal therapy or tooth extraction, to remove the primary source of infection is a straightforward and successful operation.

Novel drug delivery systems in colorectal cancer: Advances and future prospects.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is an abnormal proliferation of cells within the colon and rectum, leading to the formation of polyps and disruption of mucosal functions. The disease development is influenced by a combination of factors, including inflammation, exposure to environmental mutagens, genetic alterations, and impairment in signaling pathways. Traditional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy are often used but have limitations, including poor solubility and permeability, treatment resistance, side effects, and post-surgery issues. Novel Drug Delivery Systems (NDDS) have emerged as a superior alternative, offering enhanced drug solubility, precision in targeting cancer cells, and regulated drug release. Thereby addressing the shortcomings of conventional therapies and showing promise for more effective CRC management. The present review sheds light on the pathogenesis, signaling pathways, biomarkers, conventional treatments, need for NDDS, and application of NDDS against CRC. Additionally, clinical trials, ongoing clinical trials, marketed formulations, and patents on CRC are also covered in the present review.

Determining the Emotional Intelligence and Compassion Fatigue Among Postgraduate Dental Students Using the Emotional Intelligence Scale and the Quality of Life Scale: An Observational Study.

Introduction Compassion fatigue (CF) is a problem for professionals who work with traumatized individuals. CF manifests as reliving personal sorrow, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, numbing or avoiding memories of the experience, and elevated physiological arousal. CF makes professionals more likely to make bad choices, such as misplacing treatments or mistreating patients. Emotional intelligence (EI) is essential to comprehending human behavior, performance, and well-being. EI is a crucial component of professional competency in medical education, as postgraduate dental students are also at risk of having CF. They are professionals and have to work with traumatized patients, so the study was conducted to evaluate their CF and EI. This study aimed to evaluate EI and CF among postgraduate dental students at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital, Wardha, India. Materials The observational study was conducted at Sharad Pawar Dental College and Hospital among postgraduate dental students. The data was collected from 80 postgraduate students who responded to the Professional Quality of Life Version 5 and the Emotional Intelligence Scale questionnaires. Result A total of 80 postgraduate dental students responded to the Professional Quality of Life Version 5 and the Emotional Intelligence Scale questionnaires, and all the responses were included in the study. Findings revealed that postgraduate dental students treating patients have high levels of CF and EI. Conclusion This study indicates that there is a high level of CF and EI in postgraduate dental students. As high CF is harmful and can affect physical and mental well-being, proper management should be done through psycho-education and self-care.

Botox: Current and Emerging Trends for Dental Practitioners in Esthetic Dentistry.

There are numerous medical and dental disorders for which there are no effective traditional therapy options. For various medical and dental disorders, botulinum toxin (BT) can be employed as an alternate therapeutic option that uses the chemodenervation approach. The range of dentistry treatment choices is expanding quickly. Applications of non-traditional therapy alternatives, such as the use of BT, are becoming more and more common in this situation. Although BT has been shown to be effective in a number of circumstances, its application in esthetic operations, such as the treatment of facial wrinkles, has gained widespread acceptance. This research is especially interested in applications of BT related to dentistry in the craniofacial region. For many diseases that a dentist would be interested in treating, BT provides a temporary, reversible, and generally safe therapy option. Due to their extensive knowledge of the anatomy of the faciomaxillary region, dental surgeons are a potential pool of operators who, with a small amount of skill enhancement, can use BT in their toolkit. This broadens the scope of minimally invasive alternatives to invasive protocols or refractory conditions. An online search was conducted for the use of BT in dentistry; all studies and articles pertaining to the subject were chosen, and dental-related content was removed and summarized. The fundamentals of BT and some of its applications in dentistry are covered in this article. The comprehensive details of its application in dentistry will be covered in the upcoming sections.

Pin-Retained Amalgam: An Intricate Restorative Case Study.

Amalgam has made dental restorations more manageable, especially in difficult cases, due to its strength, durability, and relatively low cost. There can be pros and cons of each dental material depending on which class of cases it is applied or not applied for, depending on the patient's need, and, of course, the dentist's choice. These materials are used frequently for their hardness and durability and are ideal for extensive restoration procedures. On the other hand, composite resins are considered to be more aesthetic for the profitable areas where esthetics are more important. In contrast, glass ionomer cement is considered to be ideal for low-stress-bearing areas. The following case report of pin-retained amalgam restoration presents an example of its application in practical situations and the factors that must be considered to justify the use of this material against others. This paper explains various factors in considering pin-retained amalgam restorations and the procedure for a better and positive outcome.

Management of Aberrant Frenum and Gingival Overgrowth in Orthodontic Patients: A Case Report.

The frenum, a fold of mucous membrane, connects the lip and cheek to the alveolar mucosa, gingiva, and underlying periosteum. When the frenum is positioned excessively near the gingival margin, it has the potential to compromise gingival health, impeding plaque control efforts and inducing muscular stress. A frenectomy is a commonly employed corrective measure for anomalous frenum attachments. In a recent clinical case, a 21-year-old female patient was referred from the Department of Orthodontics to the Department of Periodontics due to a papillary-type aberrant labial frenum attachment and excessive gingival tissue surrounding the upper right and left central incisors. The patient underwent a frenectomy, gingivectomy, and gingivoplasty procedures under local anesthesia to address the abnormal frenum attachment and gingival overgrowth using a scalpel. This approach has been demonstrated to yield optimal outcomes in orthodontic therapy for patients exhibiting elevated frenum attachment and gingival overgrowth. Following the achievement of hemostasis, a periodontal pack was applied to facilitate healing and preserve the soft tissue.

Evaluating the Impact of Chronic Care Model on Smoking Cessation: An Interventional Study.

BACKGROUND: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of the chronic care model (CCM) in helping primary healthcare workers quit smoking. The intervention involves implementing the CCM, which includes six key elements: the healthcare system, clinical care planning, clinical management information, self-management guidance, community resources, and decision-making. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study is based on a population of 60 primary healthcare workers who smoke. The main outcome measure is smoking cessation, determined by cotinine levels in urine at the baseline, and at 6 and 12 months after the intervention. Other potential results include alterations in smoking-related behaviors and attitudes. Data analysis involves using descriptive statistics and inferential tests to determine the intervention's effectiveness in smoking cessation among primary healthcare workers. RESULTS:  The CCM is expected to have contributed to a substantial decrease in the smoking rate among primary healthcare workers. It is also seen that there is a great reduction in urine cotinine levels during the 12-month intervention period. Moreover, a positive shift in the smoking-related behaviors and attitudes of the participants is expected. CONCLUSION:  This study provides key data about the effectiveness of the CCM in helping primary healthcare workers stop smoking. This statement emphasizes the importance of considering socioeconomic factors in the design and implementation of smoking cessation interventions. This ensures that people of different incomes and social statuses have equal access to quitting smoking and achieve similar results.

Quercetin in Oncology: A Phytochemical with Immense Therapeutic Potential.

Quercetin is a natural flavonoid with various pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, antiviral, antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antiviral activities. Looking at these enormous potentials, researchers have explored how they can be used to manage numerous cancers. It's been studied for cancer management due to its anti-angiogenesis, anti-metastatic, and antiproliferative mechanisms. Despite having these proven pharmacological activities, the clinical use of quercetin is limited due to its first-- pass metabolism, poor solubility, and bioavailability. To address these shortcomings, researchers have fabricated various nanocarriers-based formulations to fight cancer. The present review overshadows the pharmacological potential, mechanisms, and application of nanoformulations against different cancers.

Investigating the potent TOPO IIα inhibitors in breast cancer through the study of computational drug discovery research approaches.

Breast cancer (BC) is the second-leading cause of cancer after lung cancer. The disease has affected millions of people and resulted in many deaths. In the metastasis of breast cancer cells, Topoisomerase IIα plays a vital role. Therefore, this investigation aims to identify potential flavonoid compounds against BC by inhibiting this enzyme at an early stage. Based on previous studies, we selected and screened several plant-derived flavonoid compounds with potential anti-breast cancer activity using PyRx 0.8 and Schrodinger applications for preliminary molecular docking: the highest docking scores of Myricetin (-11.6 kcal/mol) and Quercetin (-10.0 kcal/mol). Next, we evaluated the top four compounds on the Way2Drug server to complete the cytotoxicity evaluation, which demonstrated anti-cancer and anti-breast cancer activity in various cell lines. According to pharmacokinetics studies, four compounds exhibited outstanding values and functioned similar to drug-like molecules. Moreover, Myricetin, Quercetin, and Morin displayed the highest number of hydrogen bonds, with the corresponding receptor forming residues asn120, thr147, and lys168. The protein-ligand complexes were validated using the Desmond simulator, and their data were compared to the anti-breast cancer drug Doxorubicin. In the simulation analysis, various parameters were evaluated, including RMSD, RMSF, Rg, SASA, MolSA, PSA, and hydrogen bond interaction. Finally, validated our dynamic simulation result with MM-GBSA operation, and Myricetin and Quercetin had the greatest score of -72.74344651, -66.66771823 kcal/mol, which is outstanding than the control drug. Hence, the computational research approach determined that Myricetin, Quercetin, and Morin could be industrially developed for the alternative treatment of breast cancer following additional confirmation from animal and cell line studies.

A Comparative Analysis of Skeletal and Dental Parameters in Bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate vs. Non-bilateral Cleft Lip and Palate Patients in the Central Indian Population: A NemoCeph Study.

Introduction Orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning encounter distinctive complexities when dealing with cleft lip and palate anomalies. This research endeavors to thoroughly examine skeletal and dental characteristics through cephalometric analyses among individuals with bilateral cleft lip and palate (BCLP) within the central Indian population. Due to anatomical variations and growth constraints, traditional cephalometric mean values derived from standard population studies are often inadequate for these cases. Advanced technology, such as NemoCeph (Nemotech, Madrid, Spain) software, enhances measurement accuracy. Methods Fifty patients, including 25 with BCLP and 25 without BCLP, aged 10 to 18, were selected for this cross-sectional study. Lateral cephalograms were traced and analyzed using NemoCeph software. Skeletal and dental parameters were measured, and a comparison was made between BCLP patients and the general population. Statistical analysis was conducted using the Student's unpaired t-test. Both SPSS Statistics Version 24.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) and GraphPad Prism Version 7.0 (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA) were used for data analysis. Results The investigation revealed significant disparities across several parameters, including sella-nasion-A point angle (SNA), sella-nasion-B point angle (SNB), A point-nasion-B point angle (ANB), the inter-incisal angle (the angle between the long axes of the upper and lower incisors), and UP 1 to A-pog (a specific vertical measurement between anatomical markers labeled "upper 1" and "A point to pogonion"), with associated p-values for the skeletal and dental parameters of 0.310, 0.259, 0.195, 0.0001, and 0.0001, respectively. A comparison between manual tracing and digital methods indicated a reduction in errors and an improvement in measurement precision. Notably, patients diagnosed with BCLP exhibited distinctive skeletal and dental traits, highlighting the necessity for tailored treatment approaches. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of personalized cephalometric evaluations for patients with BCLP. Standard mean values may not be applicable due to unique anatomical considerations in these cases. Advanced technology and patient-specific assessments are crucial for accurate diagnosis, treatment planning, and orthognathic procedures in individuals with cleft lip and palate conditions. Embracing digital tools and tailored approaches can enhance patient care quality and lead to better clinical outcomes.

Copper(II)-Mediated, Site-Selective C(sp2)-H Sulfonamidation of 1-Naphthylamines.

An operationally simple and efficient protocol for copper(II)-mediated, picolinamido-directed C8-H sulfonamidation of 1-naphthylamine derivatives with various sulfonamides has been developed. Remarkably, this cross-dehydrogenative C-H/H-N coupling reaction exhibits a broad substrate scope with excellent functional group tolerance, is scalable, and enables an expeditious route to a library of unsymmetrical N-arylated sulfonamides in good to excellent yields with exclusive site selectivity.

Polyetheretherketone Material in Dentistry.

A polyaromatic nearly-crystalline thermoplastic polymer, polyetheretherketone (PEEK), has become a useful biomaterial and its use has increased in dentistry because of its properties. PEEK is scientifically approved and is among the safest material used to restore lost orofacial tissues at present. PEEK has a property of high biocompatibility, therefore there is increased utilization of PEEK in orthopaedic and trauma cases. PEEK has several excellent properties due to which it has been used in several fields of dentistry such as orthodontic wires, implants, removable dentures, fixed partial dentures, finger prostheses, temporary abutments, implant-supported provisional crowns, healing caps, maxillofacial prostheses, etc. Due to its modification, PEEK material is used more frequently in clinical dentistry. PEEK can be used as a material that is not traditional in the realm of dental care. Modification of PEEK has led to an increase in its use in the field of dentistry.

Nanotechnology Innovations Transforming Oral Health Care and Dentistry: A Review.

Nanotechnology has revolutionized dentistry by transforming how oral health care is conceptualized, delivered, and maintained. Harnessing nanomaterials and advanced clinical instruments has opened new avenues for precision and innovation across various aspects of dental care. Nanotechnology offers the potential for precise pain management, tooth restoration, and alleviating dental hypersensitivity. Nanomaterials can occlude exposed dentinal tubules, enhancing patient comfort and overall oral well-being. Orthodontic therapy is also revolutionized by nanomaterials with shape memory properties, enabling rapid and more efficient tooth movement. The development of groundbreaking products and therapeutic alternatives is supported by ongoing research efforts, enabling the formation of dental implants, fillings, and prosthetic devices that closely mimic natural tooth characteristics. Nano-delivery systems are being devised for precise drug delivery within the oral cavity, ensuring optimal therapeutic outcomes with minimal side effects. The integration of nanotechnology in dentistry represents a groundbreaking evolution beyond the conventional boundaries of oral health care, enabling the development of innovative diagnostic techniques and improved oral well-being.

Comparative Assessment of Hypersensitivity Reactions on Use of Latex and Nitrile Gloves Among General Dental Practitioners: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background  Latex gloves are used more frequently by dental, medical, and other health workers and their allergy has also increased as a result, dentists are frequently exposed to latex or nitrile gloves for extended periods. This prolonged exposure often leads to local symptoms such as itching and erythema rashes. However, some dentists experience more severe systemic reactions, including swelling, wheezing, breathlessness, and even an increase in blood pressure. Latex gloves have recently been replaced with nitrile gloves, powder-free latex gloves, and other preventive measures to avoid allergies. Latex allergies are more common than nitrile allergies, as they are hypoallergic with properties such as tear-resistant and provide an equivalent level of defense against various dental materials and procedures. Women experience more allergic reactions than men. Not only are dentists exposed to this allergy but the patient can also be exposed during the procedure. This study aimed to assess hypersensitive reactions to the use of latex and nitrile gloves among general dentist practitioners and dental students. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Wardha, Maharashtra, India, to evaluate allergic reactions to latex and nitrile gloves among general dental practitioners and dental students at college. A questionnaire-based study was conducted with a sample size of 356. The self-administered survey inquiries about glove compliance, the time they wear the gloves, regular glove use, and problems related to latex or nitrile contact. In addition, dentists and dental students' personal histories of allergies to medications, dental materials, disinfectants, or other chemicals were noted, as well as signs and symptoms they experienced from prolonged contact with gloves. Result The total number of responses collected was 356. The investigated dentists were 274 and 82 were students, out of which 122 (34.3%) were male and 234 (65.7%) were female. Responses showed that 224 (62.92%) used latex gloves, and 132 (37.08%) used nitrile gloves. Among 356 participants 175 showed symptoms by the use of both latex and nitrile gloves, out of which 85.14% showed allergy to latex and 14.85% to nitrile gloves. All 175 individuals showed type IV hypersensitivity, and none of them showed type I. Conclusion Latex gloves are not the only option for dentists who experience itching when wearing gloves; they can also use powered-free latex gloves and nitrile gloves or take precautions such as not using oil-based cream, washing their hands, or taking pharmaceuticals such as cetirizine, pheniramine maleate, etc. However, when symptoms worsen and include erythema, swelling, wheezing, and in some cases, anaphylactic shock may occur they tend to use alternative gloves.

Assessment of Awareness and Perceptions of Healthcare Professional Graduates Regarding the Use of Clear Aligners in Orthodontic Treatment.

Background Clear aligners have been one of the most recent advancements in the field of orthodontics. With an increasing demand for aesthetics, the use of clear aligners has progressed, but knowledge is still lacking among the population. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the perception and awareness of health professional graduates regarding the use of clear aligners in orthodontic treatment. Materials and methods A draft questionnaire was formulated and validated consisting of eight open-ended questions assessing the perception of respondents and two close-ended questions assessing awareness of clear aligners. A web-based survey was performed. The sample (n=438) population included graduates of different health professions including medical (248), Ayurveda (114), nursing (18) and physiotherapy(58). A Google form was prepared and the link was circulated to all. The response was sought in terms of Likert scales. Results A total of 438 graduates responded to the questionnaire, of which 56% were from medical faculty, 26% from Ayurveda, 13.20% from physiotherapy, and 4.1% from nursing. On average, the awareness and perception of health professional graduates regarding the use of clear aligners in orthodontics was average to low. Among all the health professions, the graduates from the medical faculty showed maximum knowledge regarding clear aligners, whereas the awareness amongst the nursing students was the least. Conclusion On assessing the knowledge of health professional graduates from different faculties regarding clear aligners, statistically different results were found for responses from all faculties. Since it is one of the most recent advancements in the field of orthodontics, there is a need to bridge this knowledge gap among health professionals, which would help them guide their patients to seek the best treatment modality at the appropriate age.

Noninvasive Technique for the Screening and Diagnosis of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common types of malignancy. Squamous cell carcinoma is the second-most prevalent type of cutaneous malignancy after basal cell carcinoma. Biopsy followed by histopathological assessment is the primary basis for assessing squamous cell carcinoma, but nowadays optical non-invasive screening modalities are gaining more importance. There has been an emphasis on implementing relatively quick, affordable, and non-invasive screening methodologies because of various limitations associated with conventional screening techniques, including the encroaching characteristic of the biopsy technique, and the increased price value for treatment. Liquid biopsy, optical detection systems, oral brush cytology, and microfluidic detection, are a few examples of these, each of which has advantages and disadvantages of their own. Dermoscopy is one of the fundamental non-invasive screening techniques used for the examination of cutaneous lesions in clinical practice. Optical coherence tomography and high-frequency ultrasound are considered to be beneficial, particularly for assessing the dimensions of tumors before surgery. The primary site of the lesions, tumor diameter, and the state of the operative borders are some factors that can influence prognosis.

Zirconia Facts and Perspectives for Biomaterials in Dental Implantology.

Dental implantology has witnessed remarkable advancements in recent years, and zirconia has emerged as a prominent biomaterial for dental implant applications. This review explores the multifaceted aspects of zirconia, focusing on its properties, processing methods, biocompatibility, mechanical performance, and clinical applications. Over the past few decades, the most popular choice of material for dental implantology has been titanium which has been found to have the highest success rate of implant treatment. However, recently, it has been observed that zirconia might replace titanium and eventually emerge as one of the gold-standard materials of dental implants. Analysis of biomechanical sciences and biomaterial sciences provides an opportunity for the refinement of design and material notions for surgical implants. However, the most important aspect and prime concern is how tissue at the implant site responds to biomechanical disturbances caused by foreign materials. The literature revealed that zirconia has certain characteristics that make it an excellent material for implants, including biocompatibility and osseointegration which depicts positive soft tissue response with low plaque affinity as well as aesthetics owing to light transmission and color. Additionally, this review discusses the current challenges and prospects of zirconia in dental implantology as well as aims to provide dental professionals and researchers with a comprehensive understanding of zirconia's potential as a biomaterial in dental implantology. The present overview of available literature intends to highlight and explore the biological characteristics of zirconia for applications in dental implantology. However, research is urgently required to fill in gaps over time for clinical assessments of all zirconia implants, consequently, the implementation of hybrid systems (a titanium screw with a zirconia collar) has recently been suggested.

Overcoming Barriers to Dental Care in India by the Use of Mobile Dental Vans.

The aim of this literature review was to compile and present information on the use of mobile dental vans (MDVs) in India and to figure out if the use of these vans can be used to eliminate the barriers that prevent Indian people from getting access to quality and affordable dental care. Since the working of an MDV is quite complex, this article also serves to summarize the information available in the existing literature in a much simpler yet elaborate manner. An electronic database search was done using relevant keywords such as MDVs, mobile health units, dental vans, mobile dentistry, and portable dentistry on search engines PubMed, Scopus, and Medline. After removing the irrelevant and duplicate articles, 30 were shortlisted and reviewed. It is a difficult task to provide access to affordable dental care to every person in a country like India, which has such a large population and a large number of people living in rural areas. People who live in rural areas and/or belong to a lower socioeconomic class are more susceptible to oral diseases. Lower economic status, geographical location, motivational barriers, lack of public transportation, etc., deter people from receiving adequate dental care. MDVs are vehicles that can work as independent, efficient operatories to provide dental care and act as an adjunct as well as an alternative to conventional methods of improving the oral health of the community. The global impact of MDVs, coupled with efficient and organized implementation, can make them an instrumental tool for the good. The various barriers to providing dental care to the underserved groups of the population can be easily overcome through this powerful tool.