Oral Mucormycosis: An Inevitable Complication of COVID-19.

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

Oral Health Status and Treatment Need in Geriatric Patients with Different Degrees of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Health can be defined as more than an absence or lack of disease. It is generally related to personal, physical, social, along with spiritual wellness. However, the importance of good health is comparable with a progressive physical and cognitive limitations due to aging and hence, its clear definition is not possible. Hence, most of the important aims or goals in aging are unrelated to finding a cure but rather toward achieving an optimal function. Thus, a healthy aging process that encompasses physical, mental, psychological, and spiritual well-being is always much desired. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The aim and objective of this study is to assess the oral health status and degree of cognitive impairment along with dementia, if present. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a prospective and cross-sectional analysis comprising of 300 study participants of which 150 are males while 150 are females. Cognitive ability is assessed using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Examination (SMMSE) scoring test. A score value lesser than or equal to 23 is considered as low, whereas a score of 24 and above represents normal cognitive abilities. Subjects with low score are selected for the study. Oral health status is assessed by examining a) total numbers of teeth present; b) presence or absence of denture use; and c) capacity for masticatory or chewing ability (recorded as yes or no). Demographic variables parameters include age, gender, and presence of smoking habit. Clinical parameters or variables are analyzed by employing the independent t-test and Chi-square test. Pearson's correlation analysis is used to test a correlation between impairment of cognitive capacity, oral health status, masticatory capability, and use of dentures, if present. Two-tailed t-test is used to derive a P value for significance. RESULTS: The total numbers of teeth present are significantly correlated with a lower SMMSE score (R = + 0.56; P = 0.03) while a significant association is noted between ability for mastication and lower SMMSE score (P = 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study concluded that loss of cognition or dementia is closely related to a poor oral health status.

Prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India.

BACKGROUND: The psychological impact of anxiety, stress, and depression among health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India contribute significantly to the global burden of mental illness in the world. Impaired mental health and stress influence the efficiency and productivity of work. Long-term professional stress among individuals can lead to chronic illness, increased blood pressure, and many systemic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of anxiety, stress, and depression among the health care and nonhealth-care professionals in India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective survey-based study included 200 study participants (80 nonhealth care and 120 health-care workers) who were asked to submit their feedback and opinion on a questionnaire survey. Depression, stress, and anxiety were scored as per patient health questionnaire-4 and UCLA scale. The reliability of questionnaires was assessed using the Cronbach's alpha (r = 0.90). The statistical analysis was done using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Higher prevalence ratio of anxiety, depression, and stress was observed among nonhealth care compared to health-care professionals. CONCLUSION: Psychological disturbances were found to be higher among nonmedical when compared to health-care workers or professionals. Thus, psychological counseling is required to manage the stress levels in both health care and nonhealth-care professionals.

Association of maternal periodontal health with preterm birth and a low birth weight among newborns: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous advancements in prenatal and natal care, complications arising in pregnancy and related to child-birth are major concerns in public health. Various risk factors responsible for poor outcomes include - life-style, biological, social, infectious, hormonal, and metabolic conditions. Oral diseases have been identified as a risk factor for low birth weight both under preterm and at-term states. AIM: The aim of this study was to find an association of maternal periodontal health with preterm births and low birth weight among newborn infants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional observational study comprising of 300 pregnant females who had underwent child deliveries within the past 24 h with an age range of 21-30 years. Study participants were selected after interviewing for gestational history and obtaining prior informed consent. Postpartum female subjects following delivery within a time period of 24 h were included in the study. Gingival index (by Loe and Silness) was calculated for the evaluation of bleeding from gingival tooth surfaces. All data tabulations were done by performing statistical analysis into Microsoft Excel Worksheet 2007. RESULTS: Mean age group of study participants was calculated to be 25 years. On analyzing brushing frequency, it was observed that approximately 40% brushed three times daily whereas 35% used to brush twice daily while the remaining, 25% brushed only once daily. No statistical significance was obtained on comparing brushing frequency with gingival health (P = 0.8). Similarly, no association was found between periodontal health and preterm low weight child births. CONCLUSION: This study found no association between maternal periodontal health and preterm and low-birth weight births among newborns.

Implications of Down's syndrome on oral health status in patients: A prevalence-based study.

BACKGROUND: Down syndrome which is also known as "trisomy 21" is the commonest chromosomal defect that has been associated with intellectual disability or impairment. Clinically, it has been characterized by the generalized presence of hypotonic musculature, variety of neurobiological alterations, numerous respiratory diseases, and significantly higher risk of developing infection along with various dental abnormalities and oro-facial dysmorphological changes. Periodontal diseases are the most prominent oral health issue among individuals diagnosed with Down Syndrome. AIM: The objective of the present prevalence analysis was to study the implications of Down's syndrome on oral health status among patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional prevalence analysis conducted within a duration of 1 year. A total of 100 children diagnosed with Down syndrome (aged between 5 and 16 years) were selected as the study sample. Inclusion criteria were (a) cytogenetic positive trisomy 21, (b) cooperative behavior, and (c) written informed consent obtained from the legal care-takers. Exclusion criteria were (a) any debilitating form of systemic diseases, (b) any other disability, and (c) extremely uncooperative children. The gingival health status was assessed using gingival index (GI) [Loe and Silness], calculus index (CI) [Ramfjord], and plaque index (PI) [Silness and Loe]. Information involving the practice of oral hygiene maintenance, diet plans, and parental educational status was derived from each parent. Based upon their intelligence quotient (I. Q.) values, the subjects were classified into three groups: a) mild (I. Q. level = 50 to 70), b) moderate (I. Q. level = 35 to 50), and c) severe (I. Q. level ≤35). Statistical analysis was performed using the statistical software tool Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0. Qualitative data were recorded as frequencies, and percentages and quantitative data were recorded as mean and standard deviation values. All categorical outcomes were analyzed by means of the Chi-square test. The quantitative outcomes of Calculus Index, Gingival Index, and Plaque Index were analyzed by either student's t-test or one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). Significance was set at a cut-off value of P < 0.05. RESULTS: Down syndromic children between 12 and 16 years were reported to have statistically significant higher Calculus Index, Gingival Index, and Plaque Index values in comparison with younger age syndromic children (P < 0.01). Those with severe mental retardation had significantly higher Plaque Index (P < 0.001) and Gingival Index (P < 0.04) values when compared with those with mild and moderate mental retardation. No significant difference in comparing Calculus Index was noted. CONCLUSION: Higher age group children with Down syndrome require close monitoring by parents for assisting in maintaining oral hygiene practices just as in younger age group children.

Keratoacanthoma of Upper Lip: Review and Report of Case Managed Surgically.

Keratoacanthoma is a benign lesion usually presenting as a solitary, dome shaped nodule with a central crater filled with keratin. It frequently occurs on the sun exposed areas of the skin. Keratoacanthoma can be difficult to differentiate from oral squamous cell carcinoma both clinically and microscopically. A case of keratoacanthoma involving the upper lip in a 51-year-old male is reported presenting as an exophytic growth that resolved after excisional biopsy.

Benign osteoblastoma of maxilla: a case report emphasizing the histopathological differential diagnosis.

Benign osteoblastoma is a rare bone tumour characterized histologically by production of woven bone spicules, which are bordered by prominent osteoblasts. It mainly affects male teenagers and young adults. A case of benign osteoblastoma of maxilla in a nineteen years old male is reported here. Also, histological comparison is made between benign osteoblastoma, aggressive osteoblastoma and osteosarcoma.

The early manifestation, tumor-specific occurrence and prognostic significance of TGFBR2 aberrant splicing in oral carcinoma.

Alternative splicing is an important mechanism that can disrupt cell cycle control resulting in tumorigenesis. Although many alterations of Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGFß) signaling are reported in cancers, the role of splice aberrations in destabilizing this signaling is the least understood mechanism. In this study, we compared TGFBR2 alternative splicing events in potentially malignant oral disorders (PMDs) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) samples with those in normal samples. Interestingly, there were five alternatively spliced forms of TGFBR2 with a deficient kinase domain in OSCCs. The TGFBR2 aberrant splicing was tumor-specific, suggesting that selective splicing out of TGFBR2 kinase domain could be a mechanism misused by cancer cells for evading TGFß signaling-mediated anti-tumor activities. Moreover, these aberrant transcripts were present in PMDs as well, suggesting an early occurrence of these events during oral carcinogenesis and offering the possibility of early diagnosis of malignancy. Furthermore, OSCC patients who harbored these aberrantly spliced transcripts exhibited poor disease free survival (p=0.028) and poor overall survival (p=0.013). Thus, assessing the presence of these TGFBR2 transcripts can serve as a prognostic marker for oral cancer.