Chitta Chowdhury

Objectives: This study examines the relationship between maxillary morphology and the severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in adults, with a focus on intermolar distance (IMD) and palatal height (PH) as predictive factors. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted at private orthodontic practices in Sydney, Australia. A total of 100 adults (50 OSA patients and 50 controls) were included. OSA diagnosis and severity were confirmed via hospital-based polysomnography. Digital maxillary models were analyzed using the Medit Link software (version 3.2.0; Medit Corp., Seoul, Republic of Korea), and IMD and PH were measured. Statistical analyses included one-way ANOVA and linear regression modeling, with adjustments for age and sex. Results: The OSA group exhibited significantly narrower IMD (28.96–35.01 mm) and higher PH (21.68–29.56 mm) compared to the control group (IMD: 36.35–41.50 mm; PH: 18.57–23.51 mm). A negative correlation was observed between IMD and PH across all groups. Linear regression analysis demonstrated a strong association between these craniofacial parameters and OSA severity (R2 = 0.76, p < 0.001). IMD was negatively correlated with the Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) (p = 0.003), while PH was positively correlated (p < 0.001). The inclusion of demographic variables did not significantly enhance the predictive model. Conclusions: Maxillary morphology associates with OSA severity, with narrower IMD and greater PH linked to higher AHI.

Autoantibody detection is a promising approach to cancer screening. Serum p53 antibodies have been time tested in various cancers, including oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). This study is aimed to detect and determine the level of p53 autoantibodies (p53-AAbs) in saliva. The association of clinicopathological features among patients with and without OSCC was also explored as a novel method for the detection of autoantibodies. One hundred preoperative saliva samples from patients with histologically confirmed OSCC and a hundred from normal healthy individuals were collected. Anti p53 detection kit assessed levels of salivary p53-AAbs. The cut-off value was 1.3 U/mL by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The p53-AAb levels were expressed in terms of the median and interquartile range (IQR). Fischer's exact test and Chi-square test were used to determine the association with clinicopathological features among patients with OSCC and healthy controls with tobacco consumption habits. Median level of p53-AAb is 0.234 U/mL (IQR 0.18-0.37U/mL) in healthy controls and 0.285U/mL (IQR 0.16-0.58U/mL) in OSCC. p53-AAbs was positive in 15% of 100 patients with OSCC, which was statistically higher (P < 0.001) among OSCC, and controls were negative for p53-AAb. No significant correlation of p53-AAbs with the patient's age, gender, site, clinical staging (TNM), and pathologic grade was observed. However, a significant association was seen between the node involvement and salivary p53-AAbs. Salivary p53-AAb positivity was seen in a higher proportion in OSCC patients than in healthy controls with tobacco consumption, and the levels did differ significantly among OSCC and healthy controls. [Abstract copyright: Copyright © 2023 Copyright: © 2023 Indian Journal of Cancer.]

A study was conducted to establish levels of awareness of oral cancer and its causes among an Indian population.A pre-tested structured questionnaire on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice [KAP] (open and closed ended questionnaire) was used to estimate the KAP score, followed by clinical examination of the oral mucosal lesions. The subjects were counselled immediately after completion of KAP scoring using a structured protocol of regarding tobacco cession, and given advice about intake of natural sources of anti-oxidants in the diet, of tomato, carrot and green leafy vegetables (GLV).Subjects who had a KAP score 50% or less were counselled using a structured protocol. Subjects who had a KAP score greater than 50% were also counselled and given the correct information to their incorrect answers.In the group of people with a KAP score 50% or less, continual behavioural therapy was given to remain tobacco free for life. The subjects were monitored weekly for between 30 and 40 days. Clinically suspect lesions of hyperplasic candidiasis, lichen planus, and all varieties of Leucoplakia were confirmed histopathologically and routine treatment (conservative or surgical) was started without delay for the group. Those cases with dysplastic changes (of all different grades) were also counselled. Regular follow-up was maintained over several months and re-assessment carried out at intervals and any improvement noted.A study was conducted to establish levels of awareness of oral cancer and its causes among an Indian population.A pre-tested structured questionnaire on Knowledge, Attitude and Practice [KAP] (open and closed ended questionnaire) was used to estimate the KAP score, followed by clinical examination of the oral mucosal lesions. The subjects were counselled immediately after completion of KAP scoring using a structured protocol of regarding tobacco cession, and given advice about intake of natural sources of anti-oxidants in the diet, of tomato, carrot and green leafy vegetables (GLV).Subjects who had a KAP score 50% or less were counselled using a structured protocol. Subjects who had a KAP score greater than 50% were also counselled and given the correct information to their incorrect answers.In the group of people with a KAP score 50% or less, continual behavioural therapy was given to remain tobacco free for life. The subjects were monitored weekly for between 30 and 40 days. Clinically suspect lesions of hyperplasic candidiasis, lichen planus, and all varieties of Leucoplakia were confirmed histopathologically and routine treatment (conservative or surgical) was started without delay for the group. Those cases with dysplastic changes (of all different grades) were also counselled. Regular follow-up was maintained over several months and re-assessment carried out at intervals and any improvement noted.This is a cost-effective and simple method for estimation of the score on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of the ill-effect of tobacco habit(s) and engaging the popolation-in-need for their appropriate understanding about oral cancer screening and education for prevention and control.CONCLUSIONThis is a cost-effective and simple method for estimation of the score on knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP), and determinants of the ill-effect of tobacco habit(s) and engaging the popolation-in-need for their appropriate understanding about oral cancer screening and education for prevention and control.

Objective. The objective of this study was to determine the candidal load of the patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and evaluate the oral health status of subjects with COPD. Material and Methods. N = 112 COPD subjects and N = 100 control subjects were included in the study. The selection of COPD cases was confirmed based on the set criteria from the American College of Physicians. The oral health status was assessed as per WHO criteria to determine the score of decayed, missing, and filled teeth (DMFT), significant caries index (SiC), community periodontal index and treatment needs (CPITN), and oral hygiene index-simplified (OHI-S). Gram staining was performed to identify Candida using the whole saliva. Quantitative evaluation of the candidal load was carried out using Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA). Chrome agar was used to differentiate between the commensal carriages. A statistical analysis paired t-test and 95% confidence interval (CI) for proportions was carried out using STATA software. Results. Candidal growth was found in 21.42% (n = 24) of COPD cases and 1.1% (n = 11) of control cases (p < 0.05) (95% CI 0.45, 0.59). The DMFT score was 8.26 in COPD subjects and 4.6 in controls, the SiC score was 16.42 in COPD subjects and 10.25 in controls, and the CPITN score for both COPD and control cases was score 2. Conclusion. In conclusion, there was a higher candidal load among subjects suffering from COPD. Theophylline medication can be a risk factor for increased candidal load in COPD patients.

Objective: To determine any genetic association of COL1A2 polymorphism and the occurrence of dental fluorosis within an Indian human dental fluorosis population.
Material and Methods: Fifty-six (56) subjects from two groups i.e. cases with dental fluorosis from the Pavagada population (n=29) and a control group (n=27) without fluorosis, were explored. The ages ranged between 15 and 76 years (mean 50.8 years) were included, and the male to female ratio was 70:30. The severity of dental fluorosis was graded using WHO’s Thylstrup-Fejerskov index (TF), and the concentration of fluoride was determined by a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE). Genomic DNA was extracted using the standard phenol-chloroform method. The rs412777 and rs414408 polymorphism in COL1A2 were genotyped using the Sanger sequence method.
Results: Genotype distributions for rs412777 within each group were: AA 41%, AC 51%, and CC 7% for dental fluorosis participants, and AA 56%, AC 46%, and CC 0% for the control participants.
Conclusions: The rs412777 and rs414408 polymorphisms in the COL1A2gene showed no significant association between COL1A2 and the occurrence of dental fluorosis amongst this Indian population.

Objectives:The study aims to investigate dental anxiety in first- and final-year undergraduate dental students in India. Design:Questionnaire Study Setting: BDS Students in four University dental colleges in India carried-out during 2013 and 2014. Subjects materials and methods:The students (n = 614) were assessed using a pre-tested questionnaire. We estimated the level of dental anxiety by using the Modified-Dental-Anxiety-Scale (MDAS). ANCOVA and Mann-Whitney U, and Chi-squared contingency tests were employed to analyze the extensive dataset acquired. Univariate clustering analysis and principal component regression were also applied. Students had similar demographic and lifestyle patterns. Interventions:Assessments of the level of dental anxiety amongst undergraduate dental students. Main outcome measures:Mean ± SD MDAS scores for first- and final-year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) students were 12.96 ± 4.00 and 10.54 ± 3.41, respectively. Results:Six hundred and fourteen (n = 614) students from four dental colleges were included in this study. In total 77% were female (n = 478) and 23% were male (n = 136). The mean age of the first- and final-year students were 18.31 and 21.54 years, respectively. First-year BDS students had dental anxiety score (Mean ± SD 12.96 ± 4.00) compared to that of the final year (10.54 ± 3.41), a difference which was very highly statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Conclusions:Dental anxiety was moderately higher amongst first year BDS students over that of final-year students but it is lesser than the dental phobic threshold level.