Siddharth Kumar Singh

Mandibular canine index: A reliable predictor for gender identification using study cast in Indian population.

CONTEXT Various methods are used for gender identification in anthropologic and forensic investigations. The canine tooth is widely used for gender determination because of its sexual dimorphism and durability in the oral cavity. Mandibular canine index (MCI) is one of the most reliable and valid predictor for gender identification. AIM To assess the reliability of MCI in gender determination in Indian population. SETTINGS AND DESIGN This was an experimental study involving the preparation of plaster models of 100 individuals residing in Udaipur, Rajasthan, India. Of these 45 were males and 55 were females. Both sexes were in the age group of 20-30 years. Study casts were prepared for all individuals and the measurements of mandibular canine teeth were taken. The MCI was calculated using standardized equation. In addition, the percentage of sexual dimorphism was calculated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED Independent sample t-test was used. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS There was a significant difference (P < 0.05) observed between inter-canine distance, right and left canine width and right and left MCI between males and females. Sexual dimorphism is more on left permanent mandibular canine teeth than right permanent mandibular canine teeth. The overall percentage of accuracy observed was 85.5%. CONCLUSIONS Study findings reveal that MCI can be used a reliable predictor for gender determination in Indian population and can form the basis of anthropologic and forensic investigations.

Occupational Hepatitis B Exposure: A Peek into Indian Dental Students' Knowledge, Opinion, and Preventive Practices.

Objective. To determine the level of knowledge, opinions, and preventive practices followed by dental students against Hepatitis B. The study also explored if any correlation existed between knowledge, opinion, and preventive practices score. Materials and Methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a dental teaching institution. The subjects comprised 216 dental students. The study was conducted using a pretested, self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was prepared to assess knowledge, opinion, and preventive practices against Hepatitis B. Kruskal-Wallis and Kendall Tau test were performed. Results. The study found that only 44.4% of the students were vaccinated with Hepatitis B vaccine. 59.3% of the students reported washing their hands after contact with patients body fluids. 63.9% used personal protective measures like facemask, aprons, head cap, eye shields, and so forth, while treating patients. Median knowledge, opinion, and practice scores were found to be 5.00, 3.00, and 3.00, respectively. Significant correlation was obtained between knowledge and preventive practices score (r = 0.385, p value <0.0001). Conclusion. Effective measures need to be taken to improve preventive practices of the students to prevent them from risk of Hepatitis transmission. Mandatory vaccination against Hepatitis B needs to be implemented.

Correlation of presence of Candida and epithelial dysplasia in oral mucosal lesions.

BACKGROUND Candida and epithelial dysplasia have long been associated with oro-mucosal lesions. AIM AND OBJECTIVE The present study was designed to evaluate the correlation between presence of Candida organisms and epithelial dysplasia in various oral mucosal lesions associated with areca nut and tobacco use. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 50 individuals were selected, between age range of 19-70 y. Three separate cytosmears were prepared for each participant. All the slides were stained with PAS stain and the best slide was viewed for candidal organisms. STATISTICAL TESTS The data was analysed using the SPSS version16. Chi square test was performed. RESULTS Out of these, samples of 26 participants displayed presence of Candida. It was further observed that all the samples that were positive for presence of Candida displayed the organism in hyphal form. Out of 50 biopsy specimens stained for presence of Candida using PAS stain, samples of only 2 participants demonstrated presence of Candida in hyphal form, whereas the biopsy specimens stained for demonstrating dysplastic changes using H&E stain displayed various levels of cellular atypia in samples of 16 participants. Out of these 12 were mild, 3 were moderate & 1 displayed severe dysplastic changes. CONCLUSION The study revealed a statistically non significant correlation between the presence of Candida and epithelial dysplasia in oral mucosal lesions.

Foramen magnum as a tool for sexual dimorphism: A cone beam computed tomography study

Background and Objectives: (1) To evaluate dimensions of the foramen magnum (FM) among males and females and to establish its role in sexual dimorphism using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT). (2) To evaluate sagittal diameter, transverse diameter, area, and circumference of FM among males and females. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and eighty CBCT scans (140 males and 140 females; age range, 20-80 years) were selected for this study. The sagittal diameter, transverse diameter, area, and circumference of FM were measured, and data were subjected to discriminant analysis for the evaluation of sexual dimorphism. Results: The area of FM was the best discriminant parameter which is used to study the sexual dimorphism with an overall accuracy of 72%. Interpretation and Conclusions: It can be concluded that the reconstructed CBCT image provides valuable measurements for the FM and could be used for sexing even when other methods are inconclusive.

Dental caries experience in high risk soft drinks factory workers of South India: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND The consumption of soft-drinks has been associated with dental caries development. OBJECTIVE The aim was to evaluate dental caries experience amongst the workers working in soft-drink industries located in South India and compare it with other factory workers. To evaluate the validity of specific caries index (SCI), which is newer index for caries diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a cross-sectional study carried out among 420 workers (210 in soft-drinks factory and 210 in other factories), in the age group of 20-45 years of Udupi district, Karnataka, India. Index used for clinical examination was decayed, missing, filled surfaces (DMFS) index and SCI. RESULTS The mean and standard deviation (SD) of decayed surface (5.8 ± 1.8), missing surface (4.3 ± 2) and filled surface (1.94 ± 1.95) and total DMFS score (12.11 ± 3.8) in soft-drinks factory workers were found to be significantly higher than the other factory workers. The total SCI score (mean and SD) was found to be significantly higher in soft-drinks factory workers (5.83 ± 1.80) compared with other factory workers (4.56 ± 1.45). There was a high correlation obtained between SCI score and DMFS score. The regression equation given by DMFS = 1.178 + 1.866 (SCI scores). CONCLUSION The caries experience was higher in workers working in soft-drinks factory and this study also showed that specific caries index can be used as a valid index for assessing dental caries experience.

RELATIONSHIP OF INTERNET ADDICTION WITH DEPRESSION AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN INDIAN DENTAL STUDENTS

Background and aims Internet addiction (IA) has negative consequences on the mental health and affects daily activities. This study was conducted with the aim to assess the prevalence of Internet addiction among dental university students and to determine if there is any relationship of excessive Internet use with depression and academic performance among students. Methods This was a cross sectional study which included 384 dental students from different academic years. A questionnaire was prepared that collected information on demographic characteristics, pattern of Internet use, duration of use, and most common mode of Internet access. Internet addiction was assessed using Youngs Internet Addiction test. Depression was assessed using Becks depression inventory [BDI-1]. Results The prevalence of Internet addiction and depression was found to be 6% and 21.5% respectively. The first year students showed the highest mean Internet addiction (17.42±12.40) score. Chatting was the main purpose for Internet use. Logistic regression analysis showed that individuals who were depressed (Odds Ratio=6.00, p value<0.0001*) and scored less than 60% marks (Odds Ratio=6.71, p value<0.0001*) were more likely to be addicted to Internet. Conclusion The addiction to internet has negative impact on mental health and academic performance. These high risk group students should be identified and psychological counseling should be provided.

A Focus on Variation in Morphology of Soft Palate Using Cone-Beam Computed Tomography with Assessment of Need's Ratio in Central Madhya Pradesh Population.

INTRODUCTION Soft palate is an anatomical structure that helps in modifying the quality of voice and to breathe while swallowing. Through the variants and shapes of the soft palate, we can assess the age and gender of an individual. AIM The aim of the present study was to investigate the variation in morphology of soft palate and to find its association with the Needs ratio, Velar Length (VL), Velar Width (VW) and Pharyngeal Depth (PD), in age groups and gender using CBCT in Central Madhya Pradesh population. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study sample consisted of 121 CBCT scans of individuals aged between 15 to 45 years. These scans were retrieved from the Department of Oral Radiology. The velar morphology on CBCT was examined and grouped into six types. The results obtained were subjected to a statistical analysis to find the association between variants of the soft palate with gender and different age groups. ANOVA and Z-test were used for statistical analysis. The p≤0.05 was considered as significant while p≤0.001 was considered as highly significant. RESULTS The most frequent type of soft palate was rat tail shaped. The mean VL and VW values were significantly higher in males while PD and Needs ratio were higher among females, insignificantly associated with the types of soft palate. A significant association was observed between the mean VL and VW with various age groups, showing an increase in values with an increase in age. CONCLUSION A variation in morphology of soft palate plays an important role in the assessment of velopharyngeal closure and in diagnosing obstructive sleep apnoea individuals.

Unusual Morphological Alteration in Sigmoid Notch: An Insight Through CBCT.

The Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) is a ginglymo-diarthrodial joint known to be the most complex joint in human body. Growth disturbances, owing to genetic influences or trauma during the intrauterine life or during early developmental age may lead to morphological and functional variations in the mandible resulting in developmental anomaly. We report a rare case of altered sigmoid notch morphology on the right side and condylar hypoplasia on the left side, not related to any clear pathological disorder. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) was helpful in evaluating this case. This case of unknown aetiology was thoroughly examined; based on clinical and radiographic findings, we suggest that this case is of congenital origin.

Spontaneous Bacterial Peritonitis (SBP) caused by Bacillus Cereus in an Alcoholic Patient: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) is infection of peritoneal covering of the abdomen caused by bacteria, without any known etiology. Common known predisposing factors are cirrhosis of liver and old age among others. Bacillus cereus is an uncommon cause of SBP and often wrongly interpreted as a contaminant. We hereby report a case of peritonitis in chronic alcoholic, elderly male patient presenting in the outpatient department. Bacillus cereus is often regarded as contaminant but must be carefully identified and correlated clinically in case of isolation from peritoneal fluid.

Evaluation of Correlation of Blood Glucose and Salivary Glucose Level in Known Diabetic Patients

INTRODUCTION Diabetes mellitus is a chronic heterogenous disease in which there is dysregulation of carbohydrates, protein and lipid metabolism; leading to elevated blood glucose levels. The present study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between blood glucose and salivary glucose levels in known diabetic patients and control group and also to evaluate salivary glucose level as a diagnostic tool in diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS A total number of 250 patients were studied, out of which 212 formed the study group and 38 formed the control group. RESULT Among 250 patients, correlation was evaluated between blood glucose and salivary glucose values which on analysis revealed Pearson correlation of 0.073. The p-value was 0.247, which was statistically non significant. CONCLUSION Salivary glucose values cannot be considered as a diagnostic tool for diabetic individuals.