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Objectives:The objective of the study was to determine whether plasma levels of white blood corpuscles (WBCs) and platelets were altered in patients with chronic periodontitis compared to healthy controls. Study Design:A total of 120 subjects, 60 with chronic periodontitis and 60 with healthy periodontium of age group 30-50 years were selected for the study. Oral hygiene status and pocket probing depth were measured. During clinical evaluation, venous blood samples were taken to analyze the WBC and platelet counts. Statistical analysis was utilized to compare differences across various groups. Results:The WBC count was higher in patients with chronic periodontitis when compared with controls whereas the platelet count was lower in the case group. Conclusions:Elevated WBC count plays a key role in chronic periodontitis and in turn a risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. However, there is no significant role of platelets in periodontal infection even though it has a major role in atherogenesis. Key words:Periodontitis, white blood cells, platelets, cardiovascular diseases.

Exposure to pollutants in the environment, tobacco and alcohol consumption, poor oral hygiene and opportunistic viral infections are important aetiological factors in head and neck cancers. In this study, we evaluate the complex interrelationships between these factors and molecular events such as p53 overexpression in causation of head and neck cancers. Tissue samples from 110 patients with histopathologically confirmed carcinoma of head and neck were analyzed from our tissue biorepository with patient consent. Data pertaining to their dietary habits, tobacco and alcohol consumption were abstracted. P53 overexpression was analysed by immunohistochemistry and HPV (high-risk genotype) were studied by Chromogenic in situ Hybridization using an ultra sensitive DNA probe. Chi-square analysis was done to determine relationships between proportions of dependent and independent variables. Bivariate relationships were determined between these variables using Spearman's rank correlation. Linear regression analysis was used to determine the best predictor variable influencing p53 expression. Tobacco consumption especially smoking cigarettes and all forms of tobacco consumption put together and HPV infection significantly influenced p53 overexpression. Forty-five percent of the studied cohort was positive for HPV. Regression analysis showed interaction between tobacco and HPV infection to be a primary predictor (β = 0.31, p = 0.02) for p53 expression. Tobacco in any form: chewing, smoking and snuffing, along with HPV infection is significantly associated with p53 overexpression. There is a high prevalence of HPV infection (45%) in Indian patients suggesting its possible role in the aetiology of head and neck cancer.

Ductal papillomas have unique papillary features arising from the salivary gland duct system. They comprise three rare benign adenomas, namely, inverted ductal papilloma, sialadenoma papilliferum, and intraductal papilloma. Intraductal papilloma is an extremely rare benign salivary gland tumor that occurs most commonly in the minor salivary glands. Here, we are presenting a case report of intraductal papilloma in an 18-year-old patient.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the knowledge and awareness of dental postgraduate students regarding risk factors, signs of oral cancer, and treatment plan and post treatment complications. A questionnaire was given to the 450 dental postgraduate students of all specialties to various dental colleges in Andhra Pradesh. The questionnaire included 10 questions pertaining to knowledge about oral cancer, its risk factors, key symptoms, and treatment plan and post treatment complications. Majority of postgraduate students were aware that habits (94 %) were the main risk factor for most of oral cancer whereas 50 % of students were aware of clinical presentation of oral cancer and 67 % were confident about the proper treatment protocol. Majority of the postgraduate students were aware of the main risk factors. On the other hand, several aspects like clinical signs of oral cancer, treatment protocol, referrals, and post treatment complications need to be improved. Continuing dental education programs and workshops on oral cancer should be carried out to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the postgraduate students.

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the maximum mesiodistal width of mandibular canines for establishing their variation as a tool to determine gender and to determine the accuracy of the measurements through clinical examination and dental cast models. Study design: A total of 60 subjects (30 males and 30 females) in the age group of 15-34 years were selected for the study. The maximum mesiodistal widths of the right and left mandibular canines were first measured intraorally and then on cast models of the same patients with the help of a divider and a digital vernier caliper. The collected data were subjected to statistical analysis and sexual dimorphism was calculated. Results: The mesiodistal width of the mandibular canines as determined by clinical examination and on plaster models was statistically insignificant. The mean canine widths were found to be higher in males when compared with females. The right mandibular canine showed a greater sexual dimorphism than the left mandibular canine. Conclusion: The present study established the mandibular canine as a valuable tool for sex determination.ª 2014 Hosting by Elsevier B.V. on behalf of Forensic Medicine Authority.

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