Characterization of saliva in immunocompromised patients and tobacco users: A case-control study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and salivary albumin concentration in systemically compromised subjects and tobacco users and its comparison to healthy controls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients were selected and then were equally divided into systemically compromised group, tobacco users, and control group with 20 in each group. Saliva flow rate was assessed using modified Schirmer test (MST), salivary pH was estimated by pH meter, and salivary albumin concentration was determined using bromocresol green method. RESULTS: The salivary flow rate readings measured by MST were 22.65 ± 2.79, 22.6 ± 3.57, and 33.22 ± 2.30 mm/3min in systemically compromised individuals, tobacco users, and control group, respectively (P < 0.001). The salivary pH was 6.80 ± 0.24, 6.81 ± 0.25, and 7.18 ± 0.17 in systemically compromised subjects, tobacco users, and control group, respectively (P < 0.001). The salivary albumin concentration was 2.49 ± 0.61, 0.73 ± 0.13, and 1.14 ± 0.12 g/dl in systemically compromised subjects, tobacco users, and control group, respectively (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: MST can be routinely used as chair-side investigation to evaluate salivary flow which is objective, inexpensive, easy-to-perform, and patient-friendly. The salivary flow rate, salivary pH, and salivary albumin level in systemically compromised subjects, tobacco users, and normal individuals showed significant differences.

Digitized morphometric analysis of dental pulp of permanent mandibular second molar for age estimation of Davangere population.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to estimate the age of Davangere population by evaluating the pulp to tooth area ratio (PTR) by using digitized intraoral periapical radiographs of permanent mandibular second molar. METHODS: 400 intraoral periapical radiograph (IOPA) of permanent mandibular 2nd molar of both the sexes aged 14-60 years were used. Digital camera was used to image the radiographs. Images were computed and PTR was calculated by AUTOCAD software. Intra and Inter observer variability was also assessed. Regression analysis was used to estimate the age of an individual by taking PTR as dependent variable. RESULTS: The mean PTR of males and females was 0.10 ± 0.02 and 0.09 ± 0.02 respectively. Negative correlation was observed, when age was compared with PTR {r = -0.441, -0.406 & -0.419 among males, females and total subjects (p < 0.001)}. Regression analysis showed a Standard Error of Estimate (SEE) of 12 years. The Kappa coefficient value for the intra and inter examiner variability was 0.85 & 0.83 respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that permanent mandibular 2(nd) molar can be taken as an index tooth for estimating the age of the adults using digitized periapical radiograph and AUTOCAD software. Also high differences were observed between estimated and chronological age of 12 years which is not in the acceptable range. But it provides a new window for research in the forensic sciences in estimating the adult age.

Modified schirmer test--a screening tool for xerostomia among subjects on antidepressants.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study is to assess salivary flow rate in the subjects who were on antidepressant medications and its comparison with healthy controls and assessment of unstimulated salivary flow rate by modified Schirmer test (MST) and volumetric method (spitting method) for evaluation of xerostomia and whether any correlation exists between two methods. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Thirty subjects who were on antidepressants were divided into two groups: tricyclic antidepressants (TCA) and selective sertonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) of 15 each, compared with 30 age and gender matched controls. Unstimulated salivary flow rate was measured by both MST and spitting method. RESULTS: The unstimulated salivary flow rate measured by MST at the end of 3rd minute was 13.7 ± 10.08, 19.86 ± 8.95 and 31.0 ± 5.4 mm and by spitting method was 0.12 ± 0.07, 0.19 ± 0.10 and 0.30 ± 0.75 ml/min in TCA, SSRI and controls respectively (p<0.001). The Pearson correlation coefficient of r=0.85 shows excellent correlation between the two screening tests. Sensitivity and Specificity of MST was 90.9% and 31.5%. CONCLUSION: Salivary flow rate was less in antidepressant subjects when compared to the healthy controls. Results of the present study showed an excellent correlation excellent correlation between the two screening tests which suggests that MST can be routinely used as chair-side screening tool to evaluate hyposalivation which is time saving, patient friendly and specific of salivary secretions.

Primary oral myiasis: A case report

Myiasis is the infestation of live human and vertebrate animal with dipterous larvae which feed on the host’s dead or livingtissue. A case of oral myiasis in the maxillary anterior region in a 42-year-old female with neurologic deficit caused by thelarvae (maggots) of Musca Nebulo (Family Diptera) is reported. The treatment consisted of manual removal of the larvaeby topical application of turpentine oil, oral therapy with ivermectin and surgical debridement of the oral wound (AU)