Hybrid manifold smoothing and label propagation technique for Kannada handwritten character recognition

Handwritten character recognition is one of the classical problems in the field of image classification. Supervised learning techniques using deep learning models are highly effective in their application to handwritten character recognition. However, they require a large dataset of labeled samples to achieve good accuracies. Recent supervised learning techniques for Kannada handwritten character recognition have state of the art accuracy and perform well over a large range of input variations. In this work, a framework is proposed for the Kannada language that incorporates techniques from semi-supervised learning. The framework uses features extracted from a convolutional neural network backbone and uses regularization to improve the trained features and label propagation to classify previously unseen characters. The episodic learning framework is used to validate the framework. Twenty-four classes are used for pre-training, 12 classes are used for testing and 11 classes are used for validation. Fine-tuning is tested using one example per unseen class and five examples per unseen class. Through experimentation the components of the network are implemented in Python using the Pytorch library. It is shown that the accuracy obtained 99.13% make this framework competitive with the currently available supervised learning counterparts, despite the large reduction in the number of labeled samples available for the novel classes.

Leptin decreases the transcription of BKCa channels and Gs to Gi protein-ratio in late pregnant rat uterus

Obesity can have a significant impact on pregnancy outcomes by compromising the ability of the uterus to relax, which increases the likelihood of conditions such as preterm labor. One of the key pathways responsible for uterine relaxation is the β-adrenergic signaling pathway, and it is well-documented that obesity, often linked to a high-fat diet, can disrupt this pathway within the uterine environment. Hyperleptinemia is a significant feature of pregnancy as well as obesity. However, the effect of leptin on β-adrenergic signaling pathway has not been studied. In the present study, we studied the effects of leptin on transcriptions of the major proteins defining the β-adrenergic signaling pathway in pregnant rat uterus. Leptin treatment at a supraphysiological concentration to pregnant rat uterine strips increased the mRNA and protein expressions of Gs protein but not the mRNA of β2- and β3-adrenoceptors. It also enhanced the expression of Gi-protein, but not the Gq protein. Nevertheless, the mRNA ratio of Gs to Gi protein experienced a significant decrease. Further, leptin reduced the transcription of BKCaα and BKCaβ channel subunits. In leptin-stimulated tissues, there was also an increase in the expression of leptin receptor and JAK-2. In conclusion, leptin decreases the ratio of Gs to Gi proteins and BKCaα and BKCaβ channel subunits suggesting hyperleptinemia is a likely factor inducing uterine relaxant dysfunction in obesity.

Fat augments leptin-induced uterine contractions by decreasing JAK2 and BKCa channel expressions in late pregnant rats

Altered lipid metabolism in obesity causes pregnancy complications in humans and animals. Leptin levels increase in pregnancy, as well as obesity. However, the effect of obesity on uterine leptin receptors and its distal signaling is not clear. The present study aimed to understand the effect of increased fat on leptin signaling in rat uterus. Wistar female rats were fed with an HF diet (40% Fat, 17% Sucrose, 1.25% Cholesterol, 0.75% Cholic acid) for 6 weeks before the mating and during pregnancy. HF diet significantly increased the fat depots, liver weight, serum, and tissue cholesterol levels. It produced fatty degeneration in the liver and caused infiltration of inflammatory cells, cystic endometrial glands, and sub endometrial fibrosis of the uterus. In isometric tension experiments, leptin caused a significant increase in uterine contractions in high fat-fed animals compared to control animals. Analysis of receptor expressions revealed no significant difference between the groups. However, a significant decrease in the JAK2 and BKCaα mRNA expression was observed in the uterus of high fat-fed rats. No change in the BKCaβ, eNOS, iNOS, MLCP, and MLCK mRNA expressions was noticed in the HF group compared to the control. The findings of the present study suggest that the contractile response to leptin in the uterus of high fat-fed rats may be attributed to reduced signaling through JAK2 and, lowered expressions of BKCa channel α subunits.

A novel approach to interval-valued variables using new interval arithmetic to solve an intuitionistic fuzzy transportation problem

This paper is concerned with the solution mechanism to solve the transportation problem under unpredictability by using interval valued intuitionistic fuzzy parameters. The parameters are chosen as intervals in which costs are modeled by intuitionistic fuzzy numbers, whereas source and destination are taken as crisp values. Various methods of transportation problem like VAM, Monalisha’s Approximation method, Zero point method are used to illustrate the cost in interval numbers by using the interval arithmetic operations. For each method, a solution is derived without converting into crisp expression followed by a graphical representation.

Assessing the effect of oral diseases on oral health related quality of life of institutionalized elderly using Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire: a pilot study

Background

India establishes a geriatric population of about 80 million which is 7.2% of the total population. The geriatric population is often faced by a negative impact on their quality of life due to poor oral health.

Objectives

To assess the impact of oral disease on daily activities and quality of life among the institutionalized elderly in Kanpur, India.

Materials and Method

A total of fifty-six patients were purposively selected from two old age homes through convenience sampling technique. To assess the oral health status WHO basic oral health survey form (1997) was used. Short version of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP - 14) questionnaire was used to assess the Oral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL). Independent t-test and ANOVA test was done to determine the relationship between the groups.

Results

Presence or absence of grossly decayed teeth, chronic periodontitis, based on edentulism and remaining sound teeth status produced no significant differences in any of the domains. In comparison with males, females experienced greater impact of oral diseases with respect to mean OHIP-14 score; however, it was non - significant (p=0.45).

Conclusion

Oral health status of the institutionalized subjects in Kanpur city is poor, with edentulism and periodontitis. The effect of oral diseases on the lives of elderly is comparatively low and is non-significant.

Persistence and diffusion behaviour of chlorpyrifos in five different species of vegetables: A comparative analysis

Understanding of pesticide persistence and diffusion on the fresh vegetables are extremely important in food safety and decontamination process. In this study, we examine the persistence and diffusion behaviour of chlorpyrifos pesticide in five different species of vegetables. The chlorpyrifos pesticide was spiked on the vegetable surfaces and the extracted samples from peel and tissues were subjected to Gas Chromatography equipped with a Flame Photometric Detector (GC-FPD). Further, the chlorpyrifos diffusion behaviour was compared with the osmotic potential, shear strength, cuticular chemical profile and microstructure of peel surface of vegetables. The persistence analysis results revealed that chlorpyrifos level was decreased in peel surface and diffusion rate was increased in inner tissue with respect to durations. Within 72 h exposure, chlorpyrifos reached 0.7 cm depth into the inner tissue of vegetables. Significant level of chlorpyrifos diffusion with P ≤ 0.05 was observed in beetroot (2.47%), khon khol (1.46%) and brinjal (0.92%) compared to cucumber and potato. Remarkably, there was no direct linkage between the chlorpyrifos diffusion rate, osmotic potential and toughness of vegetables. In addition, the Gas Chromatography Mass Spectroscopy (GC-MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analyses revealed that epicuticular surface microstructure and chemical profiles were not correlated with the chlorpyrifos diffusion in all the tested vegetables. The study results concludes that chlorpyrifos diffusion is vegetable species specific and it is highly variable between the species.

Effect of propolis mouth rinse on oral microorganisms - a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of prepared propolis mouth rinse with Chlorhexidine mouthwash on oral pathogens and also the plaque and gingival index scores.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A triple-blind, concurrent parallel randomized controlled trial was conducted on 120 participants randomized to 4 mouth rinse study groups: (1) Hot Ethanolic Propolis extract; (2) Cold Ethanolic Propolis extract; (3) Chlorhexidine and (4) Distilled water. After a washout period of two weeks, oral prophylaxis and polishing was performed. Participants rinsed twice a day for 3 months. Saliva was collected at baseline, 5 min and 1 h for microbiological analysis. Plaque and Gingival index were recorded at baseline, 15 days, 1 month and 3 months. Repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

A decline in the concentration of S. mutans was observed in samples collected after the use of mouth rinse (p < 0.05). In comparison with baseline, L. acidophilus and S. mutans count decreased simultaneously when exposed to Hot Ethanolic mouthwash group (5.5 × 10²) and Chlorhexidine mouthwash (5.8 × 10²) respectively. At the end of 3 months, similar reduction in plaque scores was found in Chlorhexidine (0.45), Cold Ethanolic (0.46), Hot Ethanolic (0.47) mouthwash groups.

CONCLUSION

Propolis was found to be as efficient as Chlorhexidine in reducing plaque, gingivitis and dental caries pathogens.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Common microorganisms implicated in oral disease are S. mutans and L. acidophilus. There is great paucity of information on antimicrobial activity of propolis, against these microorganisms. Hence, the present study has been taken up to assess the effects of propolis on these oral pathogens.The effects of propolis on oral health have been proved which is obviously a new finding of significance.

Machine Learning and Image Analysis Applications in the Fight against COVID-19 Pandemic: Datasets, Research Directions, Challenges and Opportunities

COVID-19 pandemic has become the most devastating disease of the current century and spread over 216 countries around the world. The disease is spreading through outbreaks despite the availability of modern sophisticated medical treatment. Machine Learning and Image Analysis research has been making great progress in many directions in the healthcare field for providing support to subsequent medical diagnosis. In this paper, we have propose three research directions with methodologies in the fight against the pandemic namely: Chest X-Ray (CXR) images classification using deep convolution neural networks with transfer learning to assist diagnosis; Patient Risk prediction of pandemic based on risk factors such as patient characteristics, comorbidities, initial symptoms, vital signs for prognosis of disease; and forecasting of disease spread & case fatality rate using deep neural networks. Further, some of the challenges, open datasets and opportunities are discussed for researchers.

A dataset for automatic contrast enhancement of microscopic malaria infected blood RGB images

In this article we introduce a malaria infected microscopic images dataset for contrast enhancement which assist for malaria diagnosis more accurately. The dataset contains around two hundred malaria infected, normal, species and various stages of microscopic blood images. We propose and experimentally demonstrate a contrast enhancement technique for this dataset. This simple technique increases the contrast of an image and hence, reveals significant information about malaria infected cells. Experiments on the dataset show the superior performance of our proposed method for contrast enhancement of malaria microscopic imaging.

Mature landfill leachate treatment using sonolytic-persulfate/hydrogen peroxide oxidation: Optimization of process parameters

The suitability of stand-alone ultrasound (US) system, coagulation pre-treatment followed by US, hydrogen peroxide added US system (US-H₂O₂) and persulfate added US system (US-PS) for the treatment of matured landfill leachate was investigated. With US system, around 67% COD removal and an increase in BOD/COD ratio were observed (from 0.033 to 0.142) after 15 min at 30% US amplitude. However, the energy input required for landfill leachate treatment in US system was found to be very high due to the presence of fixed solids. Coagulation pretreatment using alum was carried out to improve the overall COD removal and reduce the cost of treatment. As a result, the COD removal was increased to 78% (42% in pretreatment and 36% in US) in 15 min. On the other hand, US-H₂O₂ and US-PS hybrid systems have shown significant improvement in COD removals (93% and 86%, respectively) from raw leachate after 15 min. Subsequently, a three factor (i.e. PS dose (mg/L), H₂O₂ dose (mol/L), and US amplitude (%)) 5-level design of experiment was used to maximize the COD removal efficiency by response surface methodology (RSM). The RSM model generated a quadratic equation to accurately analyze the influence of input variables on COD removal efficiency (R² of 0.92). A maximum COD removal of 98.3% was predicted using the model and the corresponding optimal experimental condition were identified as follows: PS dose ∼4700 mg/L, H₂O₂ dose ∼0.7 mol/L and US amplitude ∼49%. The overall observations reveals that PS and H₂O₂ coupled with US system has a great prospective to treat mature landfill leachate.

Candidal carriage in diabetic patients: a microbiological study

Candida yeast species are widespread opportunistic microbes and incidence of its carriage in diabetic patients compared with non-diabetic controls is not clearly defined. The present study was carried out to isolate and identify the candida species in type I, type II diabetes mellitus patients and in controls. Study comprised of 60 subjects in the age range of 20 to 65 years, consisting of two groups of diabetes patients with controlled diabetic status (20 subjects each with type I and type II) and 20 age and sex matched controls. Saliva samples were collected from all groups and inoculated on Sabouraud's Dextrose Agar (SDA) to check for the fungus growth. The confirmed candidal colonies were further inoculated on CHROMagar for different colour differentiation. Out of 60 samples, 40 (66.67%) showed a positive fungal prevalence. Out of 40 positive fungal prevalence 82.50% were representative of candida. The positive fungal prevalence for candida I was 48.48%, in group II was 30.30%, in group III was 21.21 %. Further speciation in CHROMagar revealed different species of candida predominantly of candida albicans 20% and few mixed culture of candida albicans with candida krusei 5% and candida albicans with candida tropicalis 5% in group I. In group II, candida albicans was 35% and mixed culture of candida albicans with candida glabrata was 5%. In group III, candida albicans was 25% and candida tropicalis was 5%. The findings confirm that diabetic patients harbor yeast in their oral cavity and are more susceptible to oral candidiasis and also that CHROMagar medium is a satisfactory isolation medium for oral cavity specimens, allowing rapid and accurate identification of yeast colonies with easy recognition of mixed culture and is easy to use.

Cavitary myiasis and its management

Myiasis is a parasitic disease of humans and vertebrates, caused by fly larvae feeding on the host's necrotic or living tissue. Myiasis is classified into cutaneous and cavitary myiasis. Cavitary myiasis is rare and occurs more frequently in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and America associated with low economic status and poor hygiene. This article reviews current literature, provides general descriptions, and discusses life cycles of each species. It also gives diagnosis, treatment techniques and descriptions of each type of illness that result from interaction / infestation.

Assessment of hospital based prevalence of oral cancer among population of Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh

BACKGROUND

Oral cancer incidence depends on both qualitative and quantitative factors wherein the incidence of oral cancer in patients with smoking and tobacco chewing habit is 8.4 times higher than that of patients with no habit.

AIM

To understand about the prevalence of oral cancer in population of Kanpur reported to the hospital and analyse the association with age, gender and tobacco habit.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

All 320 cases of Squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed histopathologically, since January 2007 to December 2016, were retrieved from the archives and a retrospective study was conducted along with association with the variables such as age, gender, site, habit and histopathological type.

RESULTS

A total of 71 cases were reported in the age group of 30-39 (22.18%) and 60 cases (18.75%) were seen to be below 30yrs. Among individuals with habit, 135 (42.18%) were tobacco chewers and smoking was prevalent in about 48 (15%). The prevalence was more in males 37 (15.22%). Amongst both males (44.03%) and females (48.05%) gingivo-buccal sulcus was the most common site. The least common site was seen to be lip with only 10 (3.12%) patients. Well differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was common in both males and females with 155 (63.78%) and 47 (61.03%) respectively. Poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma was only reported in 4(1.64%) males.

CONCLUSION

Early detection of these oral cancers will enable appropriate clinical management and monitoring. Moreover, improving the incidence, mortality, and survival rates of oral cancer requires a multi-tier structural approach that targets society, dentists, communities, and the individual.

Micronuclei assay in exfoliated buccal cells of radiation treated oral cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Micronuclei are suitable internal dosimeters for revealing tissue-specific genotoxic damage in individuals exposed to carcinogenic mixtures. Evaluation of radiation-induced cellular changes to predict radiosensitivity has invested many investigators since such changes were first found in biopsy material.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to assess the relationship of with histopathological grade and number of radiation therapy sittings with the frequency of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies among oral cancer patients.

MATERIAL & METHOD

Thirty male patients with histologically proven cases of oral cancer undergoing radiation therapy and age and sex matched 20 healthy controls were included in the study. Scrape cytology smears of exfoliated buccal cells were prepared and stained using Feulgen stain and frequency of micronuclei and other nuclear anomalies counts were evaluated with the help of light microscope expressed as per 1000 buccal cells.

RESULTS

The mean values of the micronuclei and nuclear anomalies were 14.03 and 21.30 respectively. There was a significant association and strong positive correlation of Radiation exposure and grades of squamous cell carcinoma with micronuclei and nuclear anomalies. There was no statistically significant association and correlation between nuclear anomalies in well differentiated and moderately differentiated carcinomas.

CONCLUSION

With increase number of radiation therapy sittings, there was increase in number of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies. Hence the result of this study highlights that increased number of micronuclei and nuclear anomalies provides information regarding radiosensitivity of epithelial cells.

Assessment of relationship of ABO blood groups among tobacco induced oral cancer patients of Kanpur Population, Uttar Pradesh

BACKGROUND

The possibility of association between ABO blood groups and malignancy was first discussed by Anderson DE & Haas C. The association between blood group and oral cancer is least explored and hence this study was undertaken to evaluate relationship of ABO blood groups with an increased risk for oral cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The present study was conducted at various cancer hospitals in Kanpur. The study samples comprised 100 oral cancer patients and 50 controls with tobacco chewing habit. The information regarding the socio demographic profile, history on tobacco habits, type of oral cancer and ABO blood group profile was obtained from the case sheets of the patients.

RESULTS

The frequency of squamous cell carcinoma was significantly higher in men (78%) than women (22%) and mostly found in the age range of 45-65 years and also consuming chewing type of tobacco. It was found that out of 100 patients, 53 were of blood group B+ve, 28 of O +ve, 16 of A+ve and 3 had the blood group AB+ve. The high potential risk of developing OSCC was more in B+ve blood group (1.96 times), and relative frequency (%) in blood group O+ve (1.64 times) than in the control group Among locations of oral cancers, squamous cell carcinoma of tongue (25%) and buccal mucosa (15%) was more common in B+ve and Carcinoma of floor of mouth (11%) was more common in O+ve blood group cases. It was found that people with blood group B+ve, followed by O+ve had increased risk of developing OSCC with most prevalent being Well Differentiated OSCC as compared to people of other blood groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study reveals that there is an inherited element in the susceptibility against different types of oral cancers. The people with blood group B+ve and O+ve having tobacco chewing habits can be appraised that they are more at risk to develop oral cancer than people with other blood groups.

Awareness on cytology procedure in oral cancer detection among undergraduates: An institutional study

BACKGROUND

The screening and the early detection of the premalignant and malignant lesions are the only means for controlling the oral cancer which is known to be one of the leading causes for mortality worldwide. Oral exfoliative cytology though not a substitute for biopsy can be a powerful tool for its early detection. Dental Surgeons can play a great role in this direction.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to assess the self-reported knowledge and attitude regarding the early detection of oral cancer and exfoliative cytology among the undergraduates of Rama Dental College, Kanpur.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A pretested questionnaire based cross sectional study consisting of twenty four questions was conducted among hundred randomly selected students from third year, final year and intern's batch.

RESULTS

According to 73% of students biopsy was the special test done in oral cancer detection and only 59% had heard regarding oral cytology technique. Formalin was the fixative known for cytology smears among 61%. Significance of toluidine blue staining was not known by 62%. Seventy seven percent of students were not aware about classes of cytology reporting. Eighty six percent of students felt that the adequacy of training in cytology was lagging.

CONCLUSION

This survey identified an existing gap in the knowledge among the dental students regarding cytology as a diagnostic aid in oral cancer detection. This emphasizes the need to provide training for undergraduates at clinical level on regular basis and also through CDE and oral can-cer detection workshops.

Oral impacts on daily performance: Validity, reliability and prevalence estimates among Indian adolescents

BACKGROUND

Dental diseases negatively influence people's oral health-related quality of life and thus their perceived need for dental care.

OBJECTIVES

To test the validity and reliability of an Indian version of Oral Impacts on Daily Performance (OIDP) index for college students and to identify age and sex-specific OIDP prevalence estimates.

METHODS

Cross-sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 800 professional and non-professional bachelor degree college students of Udaipur, India aged between 17 and 24 years. Oral health-related quality of life among the college students was assessed through OIDP, tested for validity and reliability and then prevalence rates were estimated. Chi square test was employed for statistical analysis. Cronbach's alpha was found to be 0.82.

RESULTS

Sixty percent subjects reported at least one oral impact in last 6 months with overall mean OIDP score of 2.49±3.92. The most commonly affected performances were cleaning teeth (24%) and eating (12%). A significant association in oral impacts on daily performances among college students was observed with age (P=.001) but not with gender (P=.053).

CONCLUSIONS

The validity and reliability of OIDP and also the prevalence of oral health-related impacts were found to be high. OIDP index showed acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey among Indian college students.

Prevalence of odontogenic lesions among the Kanpur population: an institutional study

BACKGROUND

The frequency and incidence of odontogenic cysts and tumors are controversial and depends in the geographic location. These lesions have great clinical and histopathological diversity, and reflect a need for epidemiological profile to be considered when these lesions are studied.

AIM

The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of odontogenic cysts and tumors over a period of 10 years and to compare with other data reported around the world.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Data for the study were obtained from the archives of the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, diagnosed as the cases of Odontogenic cysts and tumors histopathologically, reported from January 2007 to March 2016. Case records of the patients that fit the histological classification of the World Health Organization (2005) were included in the study and the variables analyzed were: Age, sex, anatomical location, and histological type.

RESULTS

In a total of 1319 biopsies reported, 112 were odontogenic in nature. Of these 112 odontogenic lesions reported, Odontogenic Cysts accounted for 54.4% and odontogenic tumors of 45.53%. Of them 61.60% of the patients were males. Common age of occurrence was 21-50 years and mandibular posterior was the most common site of occurrence. Most common odontogenic cyst and tumor reported was dentigerous cyst and ameloblastoma respectively.

CONCLUSION

This study provides epidemiological information on odontogenic cyst and tumors at an institutional level. The relative frequency of these cysts and tumors can be analyzed at a global level to understand their prevalence, incidence, biological behaviour, and distribution.

Basal cell adenoma of palatal glands

Salivary gland neoplasms represent less than 3% of all tumors in the general population of which benign adenomas account for 65.5%. Basal cell adenoma which is classified as a subtype of monomorphic adenomas accounts for 1-2% of all salivary gland epithelial tumors, and more than 80% of them arise in the major salivary glands, mostly the parotid gland and has female predominance reporting mostly in the elderly age groups. We here report a case of basal cell adenoma of trabecular type in a male patient of age 45 years in the minor salivary glands of left posterior palatal region.

Detection of microorganisms on formalin-fixed and stored pathology tissues: A microbiological study

Background:

Formalin is widely used to fix histological preparations and as preservatives in embalming solutions and is an age-long practice in medical laboratories. It is generally accepted that the risk of contracting infections is relatively high among medical laboratory workers and pathologists. Recent studies have, however, suggested that formalin does not effectively inactivate all kinds of microbes in formalin-fixed tissue (FFT). Long time preserved tissues in formalin may develop growth of microbes on the surface of the formalin.

Aims and Objectives:

The purpose of the study is to determine the growth of microorganisms on the surface of FFTs.

Materials and Methods:

Fifty-one containers of 10% formalin with fixed tissues and undiscarded formalin solution not containing tissues of years 2013–2015 (17 in each year) were selected, and samples for inoculation onto the cysteine lactose electrolyte deficient agar plates were taken from the surface of the FFT using sterile cotton tips. The growth of the colonies was checked for after 48 h.

Results:

Out of 51 samples from 2013 to 2015, 17 had shown growth of microbial colonies. Six out of 17 samples of 2013, 7 out of 17 of 2014 and 4 out of 17 samples of 2015 had colonies of microbes on agar plates. Gram-negative bacilli, Bacillus subtilis and micrococci were mostly found.

Conclusion:

There were viable microbes on the surfaces of formalin solution containing pathology tissue. Since cross-contamination by microbes may occur during regrossing or processing, protocols to decrease cross-contamination should be instituted.

Awareness of General Dental Practitioners about Oral Screening and Biopsy Procedures in Udaipur, India

PURPOSE

Oral cancer presents with high mortality rates, and the likelihood of survival is remarkably better when detected early. The present study aimed to assess the awareness of general dental practitioners (GDPs) about oral screening and biopsy procedures in Udaipur, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, 83 GDPs were surveyed using a self-administered structured questionnaire consisting of several mandatory and optional questions. The data were analysed and frequency distribution was performed.

RESULTS

Most of the GDPs adequately performed complete oral cavity examinations and were aware of suspicious oral lesions, most common sites and risk factors for oral pre-cancer/cancer, but did not inquire about patients' tobacco/ alcohol consumption habits. Half of them referred lesions requiring biopsy to a specialist/higher centre rather than performing biopsies themselves, even after recognising the importance of biopsy as a diagnostic tool due to concerns of inadequate experience and instruments required. Varied results regarding selection of the appropriate site for biopsy and preservation of biopsied specimens were noted.

CONCLUSION

Most of the GDPs were adequately aware of oral screening and biopsy procedures but felt reluctant to perform them, which suggests that dental education programmes are needed for GDPs in oral pre-cancer/cancer detection as well as screening and diagnostic procedures.

Evaluation of the Secretor Status of ABO Blood Group Antigens in Saliva among Southern Rajasthan Population Using Absorption Inhibition Method

INTRODUCTION

The ABO blood group system was the significant element for forensic serological examination of blood and body fluids in the past before the wide adaptation of DNA typing. A significant proportion of individuals (80%) are secretors, meaning that antigens present in the blood are also found in other body fluids such as saliva. Absorption inhibition is one such method that works by reducing strength of an antiserum based on type and amount of antigen present in the stains.

AIM

To check the efficacy of identifying the blood group antigens in saliva and to know the secretor status using absorption inhibition method among southern Rajasthan population.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Blood and saliva samples were collected from 80 individuals comprising 20 individuals in each blood group. The absorption inhibition method was used to determine the blood group antigens in the saliva and then the results were correlated with the blood group of the collected blood sample. The compiled data was statistically analysed using chi-square test.

RESULTS

Blood groups A & O revealed 100% secretor status for both males and females. While blood groups B and AB revealed 95% secretor status.

CONCLUSION

Secretor status evaluation of the ABO blood group antigen in saliva using absorption inhibition method can be a useful tool in forensic examination.

Antimicrobial Effect of Jasminum grandiflorum L. and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L. Extracts Against Pathogenic Oral Microorganisms--An In Vitro Comparative Study

PURPOSE

To assess and compare the antimicrobial potential and determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Jasminum grandiflorum and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis extracts as potential anti-pathogenic agents in dental caries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aqueous and ethanol (cold and hot) extracts prepared from leaves of Jasminum grandiflorum and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus using the agar well diffusion method. The lowest concentration of every extract considered as the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined for both test organisms. Statistical analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA).

RESULTS

At lower concentrations, hot ethanol Jasminum grandiflorum (10 μg/ml) and Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (25 μg/ml) extracts were found to have statistically significant (P≤0.05) antimicrobial activity against S. mutans and L. acidophilus with MIC values of 6.25 μg/ml and 25 μg/ml, respectively. A proportional increase in their antimicrobial activity (zone of inhibition) was observed.

CONCLUSION

Both extracts were found to be antimicrobially active and contain compounds with therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, clinical trials on the effect of these plants are essential before advocating large-scale therapy.

Congenital anomalous/aberrant systemic artery to pulmonary venous fistula: closure with vascular plugs & coil embolization

A 7-month-old girl with failure to thrive, who, on clinical and diagnostic evaluation [echocardiography & CT angiography] to rule out congenital heart disease, revealed a rare vascular anomaly called systemic artery to pulmonary venous fistula. In our case, there was dual abnormal supply to the entire left lung as¹ anomalous supply by normal systemic artery [internal mammary artery]² and an aberrant feeder vessel from the abdominal aorta. Left Lung had normal bronchial connections and normal pulmonary vasculature. The fistula drained through the pulmonary veins to the left atrium leading to ‘left–left shunt’. Percutaneous intervention in two stages was performed using Amplatzer vascular plugs and coil embolization to close them successfully. The patient gained significant weight in follow up with other normal developmental and mental milestones.

Effect of Chocobar Ice Cream Containing Bifidobacterium on Salivary Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacilli: A Randomised Controlled Trial

PURPOSE

To examine the effect of chocobar ice cream containing bifidobacteria on salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A double-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted with 30 subjects (18 to 22 years of age) divided into 2 groups, test (chocobar ice cream with probiotics) and control (chocobar ice cream without probiotics). The subjects were instructed to eat the allotted chocobar ice cream once daily for 18 days. Saliva samples collected at intervals were cultured on Mitis Salivarius agar and Rogosa agar and examined for salivary mutans streptococci and lactobacilli, respectively. The Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Postingestion in the test group, a statistically significant reduction (p < 0.05) of salivary mutans streptococci was recorded, but a non-significant trend was seen for lactobacilli. Significant differences were was also observed between follow-ups.

CONCLUSION

Short-term daily ingestion of ice cream containing probiotic bifidobacteria may reduce salivary levels of mutans streptococci in young adults.

Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms and a synchronized examination of plasma and tissue expression in epithelial ovarian cancers

In this study, we have analyzed six genetic polymorphisms of the VEGF-A gene and correlated the genetic data with plasma and tissue expression of VEGF-A in epithelial ovarian carcinomas. A total of 130 cases including 95 malignant carcinomas, 17 low malignant potential and 18 benign tumours were studied. rs699947, rs833061, rs1570360, rs2010963, rs1413711 and rs3025039 were studied by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Plasma levels of VEGF-A were estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tissue expression of VEGF-A by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Four polymorphisms of the above excluding rs699947 and rs3025039 showed significant association with malignancy, and we observed the presence of positive correlation between haplotype CCGGCC and increased expression of VEGF-A in both plasma and tissues which also correlated with poor prognosis and recurrence suggesting a probable increase in resistance to treatment in such carriers. Highly upregulated tissue expression of VEGF-A was seen in all epithelial ovarian carcinomas with intensity of expression increasing from benign to malignant cases. ELISA data from our study showed an increase in circulating levels of VEGF-A in malignancies. VEGF-A plasma levels can be employed as a biomarker for high-grade malignancy in epithelial ovarian cancers alongside tissue expression and CA-125 levels. This study is unique due to the fact that a simultaneous analysis of plasma and tissue expression has been demonstrated and is a first such study in epithelial ovarian cancers and representing the Indian population (South-east Asian) synchronized with genetic polymorphism data as well.

Perceived barriers to the provision of preventive care among dentists of Udaipur, India

AIM

To investigate the practice-, patient- and dentist related barriers to the provision of preventive dental care as perceived by dentists of Udaipur city, Rajasthan, India.

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

- A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 120 dentists of Udaipur city, Rajasthan.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Mean Content Validity Ratio (CVR) was calculated as 0.87 based on the opinions expressed by a panel of total six academicians. Cronbach's coefficient was found to be 0.88, which showed a high internal reliability of the questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of demographic questions and 12 specific research questions.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED

- Student's t-test and ANOVA test were applied for the statistical evaluation of means. Level of significance was set at 0.05.

RESULTS

The barriers correlated strongly with each other (0.60 to 0.85). A significant gender difference was observed in mean sums of scores of practice and patient related barriers. Practice, dentist and patient related barriers for very much hindrance were reported by 8 to 13%, 5 to19% and 0 to 29% of the dentists respectively. A significant difference was observed among mean of sum scores of practice and patient related barriers with age and experience. Qualification was significantly related to practice related barriers.

CONCLUSIONS

Perception of dentists showed that patient related barriers were found to be the foremost to the provision of preventive care. Also, dentist's attitude towards health promotion and disease prevention needs a radical transformation. Key words:Dental care, dentists, patients, perception.

Relationship between oral clinical conditions and daily performances among young adults in India - a cross sectional study

Objective of the present study was to investigate relationship between oral health-related quality of life using Oral Impacts on Daily Performances (OIDP) scale and specific clinical dental measures. A cross sectional descriptive survey was conducted among 800 students. Oral health status and impacts were assessed using WHO guidelines and OIDP index respectively. Chi square test and multiple logistic regressions were employed for statistical analysis. Participants with caries were significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) more likely to have an impact on cleaning (OR = 2.487) and sleeping and relaxing (OR = 8.996). Similarly participants with oral mucosal conditions were more likely to have an impact on eating (OR = 3.97), cleaning (OR = 2.966) and physical activities (OR = 11.190). Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) impacted on cleaning (OR = 2.134), emotional stability (OR = 3.957) and social contact (OR = 3.21). OIDP Index showed acceptable psychometric properties in the context of an oral health survey. Subjects presented a strong and consistent relationship between dental status and perceived impacts.

Dimorphic Mandibular canines in gender determination in Moradabad population of Western Uttar Pradesh

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Among morphological characteristics that differentiate a male from a female, tooth size has also been evaluated in various populations for its applicability in anthropologic and forensic investigations to identify the gender from dental remains. The present study was undertaken to investigate the accuracy of mesio-distal width of the mandibular canines, inter-canine arch width, and Mandibular Canine Index (MCI) with which gender can be differentiated in Moradabad population and to correlate the results with other available data.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on the casts of 30 males and 30 females between the age group of 19-30 years.

RESULTS

The mean right and left canine dimension (RCW and LCW) for females was between 6.28 mm and 6.54 mm while that of males was 7.06 mm and 7.45 mm. The mean inter-canine arch width (ICW) in males was 27.64 mm, whereas in females was 23.42 mm. Area under curve (AUC) of ICW, RCW, and LCW had 100%, 98%, and 99.7%. The predicted sensitivity and specificity observed of three criteria was 100% for ICW, 93.3% and 93.3% for RCW, and 96.7% and 100% for LCW, which were found to be highly statistically significant. The mean values of right and left CMI were significantly higher in females as compared to males (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

The MCI parameter in the present study was a quick and reliable method for sexual identification and showed sexual dimorphism by both the RMCI and LMCI with greater significance in identifying females by using RMCI.

Impact of fixed orthodontic appliances on quality of life among adolescents' in India

Context: Malocclusion can seriously impair quality of life and they may affect various aspects of life, including function, appearance, interpersonal relationships and even career opportunities. Objectives: To assess and determine various factors that may influence the impact of orthodontic treatment on the quality of life of adolescents. Study Design: Cross sectional study in adolescents of Moradabad was conducted on 109 males and 113 females (n=222) adolescents having a fixed orthodontic appliance, aged 13 to 22 years (mean 17.5±1.5). A pre-structured questionnaire designed by Mandall et al, with nine conceptual impact sub-scales to highlight the problem faced by the patient in daily life after wearing the appliance was used to collect the data. Unpaired t-test was used to determine the statistical significance and the influence of variables were analysed using multiple linear regression analysis. Results: Factors which demonstrated high impact were oral hygiene (Mean=3.42; SD=0.78) followed by time constraints (Mean=3.23; SD=0.72) and physical impact (Mean=3.00; SD=0.61). Gender difference showed statistical significance in social impact (p=0.009), time constraints (p=0.001) and travel or cost implications (p=0.009). Internal reliability of the questionnaire ranged from low to good (Cronbach’s alpha 0.29-0.81). Test-retest reliability ranged from an intra-class correlation coefficient 0.09-0.42. Conclusions: Patients who had been comprehensively informed about their treatment had greatest levels of satisfaction and compliance with treatment. Younger patients showed an earlier adaptation to treatment with fixed appliances which influenced the treatment to be started at the earliest possible age.

Key words:Impact, malocclusion, quality of life.