Age and Gender-related Morphometric Assessment and Degenerative Changes of Temporomandibular Joint in Symptomatic Subjects and Controls using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT): A Comparative Analysis

BACKGROUND

The temporomandibular joint diseases have been associated with various predisposing factors. Joint spaces, articular eminence height and inclination, and the shapes of the condylar and glenoid fossa have all been shown to vary in temporomandibular joint diseases (TMD) patients. Advanced imaging techniques like cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) have been employed to estimate these parameters.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The aim of the current study was to investigate the condylar morphology, condylar and glenoid fossa shapes, and assessment of joint spaces, such as anterior, posterior, superior, lateral, and medial spaces, through CBCT slices in coronal and sagittal planes and compare them between the control group and TMD group.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was planned where 80 joints in 40 patients were assessed for the above parameters; group I consisted of healthy patients, and group II included those with temporomandibular joint diseases (TMDs). The articular eminence height and inclination were assessed on the midsagittal section. The condylar changes and shapes of the glenoid fossa and condyles, as well as the joint spaces, were assessed on the selected coronal and sagittal sections.

RESULTS

The condylar fossa had a triangular shape in the TMJ group and an oval shape in the control group. The results were highly significant (P = 0.000**). A highly significant difference in morphological parameters, such as AJS, PJS, SJS, MJS, LJS, articular eminence height, and inclination, was found between the two groups (P = 0.000**). The association of morphological parameters, such as AJS, PJS, SJS, MJS, LJS, and articular eminence height and inclination were compared with condylar and glenoid fossa shapes, where the association of superior joint space and articular eminence inclination was observed. A highly significant difference was noted between the two groups with regard to all the parameters with P=0.00*.

CONCLUSION

The articular eminence inclination, as well as the superior joint space, were found to be associated with the glenoid and condyle fossa shapes in the TMJ group. These observations would, therefore, help in the early diagnosis of temporomandibular joint diseases.

COVID-19 prevalence and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, India

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic posed a new challenge not only to public health but also to the health care systems and dentists are one of the highly vulnerable health care professionals for COVID-19 infection.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the COVID-19 prevalence, associated factors, and infection control practices among dentists in Andhra Pradesh State, IndiaMETHODS:A cross-sectional web-based questionnaire survey was conducted among dentists in Andhra Pradesh state, India. 21-item pretested questionnaire was used for data collection between January 30, 2021 and February 21, 2021. 3700 dentists from the Andhra Pradesh state were selected from the Dentists Register of India through systematic random sampling method.

RESULTS

Out of 3700 dentists invited to participate in this study, responses from 1876 dentists were received with response rate of 51%. Prevalence of 8 among the study population was 9%. Patients were the primary source of infection for 60.5% of the COVID-19 positive study participants. 65.8% of total respondents using full face shield and two-third of them using N-95 or equivalent mask while providing dental care.

CONCLUSION

This study found a high prevalence rate of COVID 19 among the dentists. Among the associated factors, being into active practice during the pandemic was found to be statistically significant. This study recommend for additional infection control protocols specific to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Russia-Ukraine conflict and COVID-19: a double burden for Ukraine's healthcare system and a concern for global citizens

The conflict between Ukraine and Russia significantly influences the healthcare sector. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the armed conflict have badly devastated the established healthcare system. Only 36.08% of the Ukrainian population has received the COVID-19 vaccination, with the majority receiving two doses, and currently, Ukraine records the highest mortality rate in the world. In addition to the conflict injuries, increased susceptible deaths to COVID-19 can be found due to inadequate vaccination rates for the disease. To save their lives and for their well-being, many individuals have been relocating to the underground metro stations, other cities, nearby towns and countries. In these settings, social distancing, hand sanitation and wearing masks are not prioritised. In the current circumstances, the broken healthcare system needs to be rebuilt, and the Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), doctors and all the front-line workers should extend their humanitarian support to the Ukrainian population. Conclusion: It is an arduous task for healthcare organisations to supply vaccines and medicines in this ‘armed conflict’ between Russia and Ukraine. This can only happen when both parties extend their support to rebuild the shattered healthcare infrastructure.

Comparison of antifungal efficacy of ethanolic extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa leaf and Punica granatum peel in uncontrolled diabetic patients wearing removable dentures: A randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The search for the development of a suitable novel antimicrobial agent for fungal diseases continues to be a key problem in the current clinical field. The present investigation was aimed to determine the antifungal effect of the ethanolic crude extracts of Woodfordia fruticosa leaf (Wfl) and Punica granatum peel (Pgp) in uncontrolled diabetic patients wearing removable dentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ethanolic extracts of both plants were prepared using the soxhlet extraction method, and the obtained metabolites were confirmed by thin- layer chromatography. After the preparation of the mouthwash, a total of 100 subjects were randomly divided into two groups. Each subject was given physiological saline at the baseline. Group I was provided with P. granatum mouthwash, while Group II was given W. fruticosa mouthwash. Following the administration of the mouthwash, the patients were requested to rinse the mouthwash using the oral rinse technique twice daily 5 ml/rinse for 30 sec. Subsequently, colony-forming units (CFU) were evaluated in the participants. Post-therapeutic samples were collected 1 h and 1 week after the mouthwash use.

RESULTS

The mean reduction of CFU was calculated at the baseline, as well as 1 h and 1 week after using mouthwash. The results indicated a drastic reduction in CFU 1 h and 1 week after the application of Wfl mouthwash.

CONCLUSION

The obtained data revealed that Wfl had potential anticandidal activity against Candida yeast cells, probably owing to its bioactive compounds like glycosides. Therefore, this agent can be used effectively as a natural remedy for the treatment of oral candidiasis. However, the exact mechanism of action of this plant needs to be elucidated.

Evaluation of Antifungal Efficacy of Ethanolic Crude Lawsone and Listerine Mouthwash in Uncontrolled Diabetics and Denture Wearers - A Randomized Clinical Trial

INTRODUCTION

Lawsonia Inermis (LI) is a shrub cultivated throughout India. Many in vitro studies have been done on antifungal activity of LI, although none of the studies have been conducted invivo.

AIM

To evaluate the antifungal efficacy of ethanolic extract of crude lawsone in comparison with listerine mouth wash in known diabetics and wearing dentures.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 subjects were taken and randomly divided into two groups of 30 each. Group 1 received crude lawsone mouthwash and Group 2 received listerine mouth wash. Oral rinse technique was performed. Each subject was given distilled water at baseline and Colony Forming Units (CFU) of candidal species was determined. Post therapeutic samples were then collected 1hr and 1week following drug usage and they were further advised to use given mouth washes twice daily with volume of 5ml/rinse for 30 seconds and CFU was evaluated.

RESULTS

Crude lawsone mouthwash showed superior antifungal activity when compared to listerine mouthwash. On individual comparison of both mouth washes at baseline, 1hr and 1week highly significant results were obtained using inferential statistics. The inter group comparison was done using independent t-test where lawsone was considered to be more effective in reducing CFU, at 1hr and 1week of using the mouth wash (p<0.01). Subjective symptoms like taste and smell were determined by chi square test where good taste was felt for lawsone and olfactory satisfaction was good with listerine (p<0.01). Burning sensation was found to be more with listerine mouth wash.

CONCLUSION

The present study revealed superior antifungal activity with ethanolic extract of crude lawsone mouth wash compared with listerine mouthwash.

Intraosseous adenoid cystic carcinoma of maxilla: A rare case report

Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) accounts for approximately 6-10% of all salivary gland tumors. Palatal minor salivary glands, parotid, and sub-mandibular glands are usually affected. Rarely, these lesions arising intraosseously have been reported. Mandible is commonly involved than maxilla. The present case is a giant ACC involving the right maxilla. A thorough clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed to assess the involvement of surrounding vital structures along with a meticulous metastatic work-up. Computed tomography showed a giant lesion in maxilla encroaching the left nasal fossa, antrum, buccal space, and oral cavity. No metastasis was noted. Histological evaluation from multiple sites showed both cribriform and solid patterns. Radiotherapy was given as patient did not comply for surgery. Though central ACC is extremely rare, especially in maxilla, it should be included in the differentials for lesions in maxilla. A prompt diagnosis with treatment and long-term follow-up is advised in such cases.