Objectives This study investigated the antioxidant activity of three fungal endophyte extracts derived from the stem bark of Oroxylum indicum . Material and Methods The fungal endophytes were isolated using PDA media, and their phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins. Results Among the three fungal species— Simplicillium (S), Neopestalotiopsis (N), and Trametes (T), Neopestalotiopsis exhibited the highest antioxidant activity. This is the first report of these three endophytes being found in the stem bark of O. indicum . The methanolic extract of Neopestalotiopsis demonstrated strong antioxidant activity, with 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and superoxide anion radical scavenging percentages of 30.35 ± 0.69 and 35.12 ± 0.32, respectively, at a concentration of 100 μg/mL. Furthermore, the extract showed significant total antioxidant activity, measuring 30.05 ± 0.78 Ascorbic Acid Equivalents. Neopestalotiopsis also had the highest total phenolic content (38.13 ± 0.52 gallic acid equivalents), and total flavonoid content (31.54 ± 0.17 quercetin equivalents) compared to the other two fungal isolates. Based on these results, the fungal endophyte, Neopestalotiopsis clavispora from O. indicum has the potential for development as an antioxidant agent. Conclusion Based on these results, the fungal endophyte, Neopestalotiopsis clavispora from O. indicum has the potential for development as an antioxidant agent.

Objectives Verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a well-differentiated variant of the squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), characterised by both endophytic and exophytic growth, and a minimal tendency for metastasis. Hybrid verrucous carcinoma (HVC) is a distinct variant of VC that exhibits areas of conventional SCC within the otherwise well-differentiated, exophytic, and slow-growing architecture typical of VC. Despite its distinct clinical and histological features, VC is often under-recognised and under-researched, particularly in comparison to conventional SCC. One of the critical gaps in current literature is the lack of systematic studies evaluating histopathological parameters such as depth of invasion (DOI), pattern of invasion (POI), tumour budding (TB), and tumour thickness (TT), and their correlation with clinical outcomes. To date, no comprehensive studies have addressed these parameters in VC, leaving a significant void in oncologic pathology. Therefore, the present study aims to analyse the pathologic parameters, such as assessment of TT, DOI, POI, and TB, in OVC and HVC, and interpret whether these factors can serve as better prognostic tools in analysing progression. Material and Methods A retrospective study was carried out on tissue sections obtained from archival biopsy specimens of 30 clinically diagnosed and histopathologically confirmed cases of OVC and HVC (that exhibit histopathological features of both conventional SCC and VC cases from the year 2010-2022 in the Institution’s department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Oral Microbiology. The pathologic features like TT, DOI, POI, and TB were analysed. The patient’s clinical details, including demographic data, habits, and treatment history with survival/expiry data, were also recorded for statistical analysis. For categorical and continuous data, a descriptive analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier survival curves. The validity of invasion depth, TT, TB, and invasion pattern as predictive markers was visualised. Results All four histopathological parameters were found to be significant indicators of disease progression in OVC. Among them, TB and POI were statistically significant predictors of prognosis (p < 0.05). A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed, with a follow-up period of 5 years to assess overall and disease-free survival.” Conclusion The pathological parameters studied, such as TB, POI, DOI, and TT, were found to be valuable indicators for predicting the progression of OVC. However, the study is limited by its retrospective nature. The relatively small sample size also limited the statistical power and reliability of Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. Future prospective studies with larger cohorts and extended follow-up are necessary to validate these findings and to explore the prognostic impact of these parameters using survival analysis methods such as Kaplan-Meier curves.

Objectives The objective of the study is to evaluate the salivary pH, buffer capacity, viscosity, and malondialdehyde (MDA) in children with Down syndrome and dental caries, pre- and post-caries control. Material and Methods The study included 15 children with Down syndrome, aged between 6 and 14 years, who reported to the Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry. To determine the baseline values for assessing salivary MDA, pH, viscosity, and buffering capacity, saliva samples were obtained. The concentration of MDA was determined using the trichloroacetic acid-thiobarbituric acid-hydrochloric acid reagent, where the intensity of the resulting pink colour was measured spectrophotometrically and found to be directly proportional to the MDA content in the samples. The saliva check buffer kit was used to assess salivary pH and buffering capacity, while the Ostwald viscometer was used to test salivary viscosity. Two weeks later, the patients were recalled, oral health education was provided, and saliva samples were collected for the assessment. The findings were then analysed statistically Results Among children with Down syndrome, post-treatment evaluation revealed a statistically significant difference in salivary MDA levels, viscosity, and buffering capacity between the 2-week intervals (p < 0.01) Conclusion After treatment, children with Down syndrome showed a significant increase in their buffering capacity as well as a significant decrease in the levels of salivary MDA and viscosity. Assessing these biomarkers can be a useful addition to determining the children’s caries risk.

Teledentistry, which leverages telecommunication technology for dental care and education, has gained traction, especially in paediatric dentistry. This review evaluates its current applications, various tools, benefits, challenges, and prospects. It highlights how teledentistry improves access to dental services for children, particularly in underserved and rural areas, by enabling remote consultations, diagnosis, and treatment planning. Additionally, it promotes oral health education and preventive care for children and their caregivers through the inclusion of child-friendly applications and games. While teledentistry offers advantages such as improved access, cost-effectiveness, and convenience, significant efforts are needed to overcome certain challenges. Future research and policy initiatives are crucial for integrating teledentistry into paediatric dental practice, showcasing its potential to enhance accessibility and efficiency, ultimately leading to better oral health outcomes for children.

Objectives Addressing caregiver burden through emotional, financial, and social interventions is essential in improving the quality of life (QOL) for both caregivers and breast cancer patients. This study aimed to evaluate the burden and QOL among caregivers of patients with breast cancer. Material and Methods A descriptive correlational research design was employed. Using a purposive sampling technique, 85 caregivers for breast cancer patients were selected. The Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI) scale was used to assess caregivers’ burden, and the Modified Quality of Life for Family version questionnaire was used to assess the QOL of the caregivers. The data were analysed using SPSS version 24. Results The study results revealed a linear negative relationship (r = -0.221; 95% CI, (-0.414, -0.0029, P < 0.05) between the caregiver’s burden and QOL. Social support was 8.766 (P-value=0.035), Wage loss due to caregiving was 8.636 (P-value=0.033), and co-morbidities of caregivers were 8.75 (P-value=0.033), respectively. Fisher’s exact test values were 17.442 (P < 0.05), 8.766 (P < 0.05), 8.636 (P < 0.05), and 8.75 (P < 0.05), respectively. Social support, wage loss due to caregiving, and co-morbidities of caregivers were statistically significant. The presence of co-morbidities in caregivers was significantly associated with QOL, 14.59 (P < 0.05). Conclusion Burden hurts the caregiver’s QOL. Factors such as age, social support, wage loss due to caregiving, and caregiver comorbidities may also mediate this relationship.

Objectives Vocabulary acquisition is considered crucial in second language learning for those aiming to achieve high proficiency. Traditionally, the rote learning approach is characterised by memorisation of vocabulary through repetition. It is also considered one of the most popular methods for acquiring new languages. On the other hand, a few seminal research works suggest that Akshara-based approaches, which are rooted in training syllables and script-based learning, may offer unique advantages in specific linguistic contexts. The Akshara system is prevalent in languages that follow alpha syllabary systems, and this may positively influence memory retention and cognitive processing of learning new vocabulary. To better understand the uncertainties and interesting phenomena in word-learning approaches to vocabulary acquisition in new languages, the current study aimed to compare rote learning strategies with Akshara-based word learning among native speakers of the Kannada and Malayalam languages. Material and Methods A total of 30 participants, aged between 18 and 25 years, were recruited for the study. Two sets of words, each containing 15 words, were listed in both languages. The first set was designed to train words using rote learning, and the second set used Akshara-based learning. The participants were asked to listen to the words recited along with their orthographic representation in both Kannada and Malayalam languages. Both word lists were targeted for three sessions; thereafter, a word identification task was presented, and performance was scored using a three-point scoring system. Results The results revealed no statistical difference between group 1 (Kannada) and group 2 (Malayalam) for rote learning strategy as well as Akshara-based learning. Additionally, the within-group comparison revealed no statistical difference between rote learning and Akshara-based learning in the Kannada and Malayalam languages. Conclusion The study results appear to be reliable, as they propose a viable strategy for training new words in languages that follow the alpha-syllabic structure. This paradigm needs reiteration and extension to various disorder populations such as specific language impairment, childhood aphasia, Hearing impairment, and Intellectual disability. In addition, the paradigm used in the study can serve as the template for future studies that investigate the strategies for new word learning in other languages.

Discrete trial training (DTT) was used to test its effects on four target grammatical morphemes and its generalisation and maintenance to untrained stimulus exemplars in a child with late cochlear implantation. A 6.9-year-old female child with profound hearing loss who had late cochlear implantation at 5.6 years with no other known sensory and cognitive co-morbidities underwent DTT. Treatment trials using the behavioural principles of DTT were carried out by presenting the target exemplars on a personal laptop in a sequential order using a background animation with and without modelling. Treatment progress was monitored in every session that lasted 45 minutes for a total of 22 sessions. Treatment trials for the four grammatical morphemes showed 100% acquisition within the first 20 trials. The child also showed an ability to generalise the learned grammatical morphemes to untrained exemplars on the probes that followed, to a criterion of 90%. A response accuracy of 90% was also observed for untrained exemplars 20 days post-treatment. DTT can reduce the treatment time for rehabilitating grammatical morphemes in children with hearing impairment. The rate of language development and the observed maintenance imply that DTT is one of the promising approaches to treat language deficits in children with late cochlear implants.

To meet the most recent aesthetic trends, the fully digital dentistry age represents a revolutionary concept with exceptional innovation capabilities. In the present world, technological advancements are by no means limited to specific industries.The phrase “digital dentistry” describes the application of dental technology or gadgets that conduct various dental procedures by substituting computerised or digitally controlled components for mechanical or electrical instruments. Guided periodontal surgery planning begins with a thorough initial evaluation of the patient, which includes facial visualisation, record-keeping, and anamnesis. The next step is the periodontal examination. Shorter recovery times, easier graft removal, and improved postoperative outcomes are all possible with guided soft tissue transplant procedures. Recent developments in digital workflow in dentistry have had a considerable impact on the planning of surgical crown-lengthening treatments. Surgeons utilising computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) techniques perform more precise and predictable surgeries, which lead to better cosmetic outcomes and fewer invasive operations. A surgical guide can be realistically modelled and 3D printed to guide the osteotomy and incision involved in the crown lengthening procedure.

Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted anosmia as a key symptom in SARS-CoV-2 infection. While anosmia is widely recognised, its correlation with underlying comorbidities remains underexplored. Patients with known comorbidities are found to be worst affected by SARS-CoV-2, with increased risk of complications and mortality rates. This observational study investigates anosmia in COVID-19 patients with associated comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and asthma. Material and Methods This observational study included 111 COVID-19 RT-PCR-positive patients. They were subjected to a telephonic interview using a predesigned questionnaire to assess their symptomatology and comorbidities. Data were analysed for the association between anosmia, comorbidities, and disease progression. The chi-square test was the statistical tool used to find the association between anosmia and comorbidities. Results The most common comorbidities recognised in this study were type II Diabetes (17%) and hypertension (16%), followed by asthma (8%). There was a higher prevalence of anosmia in asthmatic patients, with a p-value of 0.05, indicating a borderline statistical significance. Diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and other comorbidities showed no significant correlation with anosmia. Conclusion This study found no direct correlation between anosmia and disease progression or prognosis among COVID-19 patients with pre-existing comorbidities. These findings contribute to the clinical significance of anosmia in COVID-19, particularly in patients with preexisting comorbidities.

Objectives The potent nosocomial pathogens, Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC), comprise a group of diverse, metabolically active bacteria that cause infections in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic granulomatous disease (CGD). They have been identified as the leading cause of bacteraemia and sepsis in patients with CF and non-CF. The primary challenge in treating Burkholderia cepacia is its intrinsic resistance to multiple antibiotics, forming a baseline resistance profile. This study aimed to investigate integron-associated acquired resistance mechanisms in selected clinical Burkholderia isolates. Material and Methods Clinical Burkholderia cepacia isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility and screened for integrons using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The integron-positive isolates were further Sanger sequenced to detect the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes within the cassettes. Result The Burkholderia cepacia isolates tested according to the CLSI guidelines showed the highest resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic Acid (85%). Based on the susceptibility patterns, 55 multidrug-resistant (MDR) isolates were further screened for integrons. Although the prevalence was low, 14 isolates showed the presence of integrons during PCR amplification. Sanger sequencing revealed that one isolate, B6981, carried an integrase and two antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs): dihydrofolate reductase (dfrA5) and erythromycin esterase (ereA2), which code for trimethoprim and erythromycin resistance, respectively. The other isolate, B591, harboured only the integrase gene. The sequencing results were correlated with the phenotypic results. Conclusion Although a majority of Burkholderia isolates were found to be multidrug-resistant, the study highlights the low prevalence of integrons among these isolates, suggesting the presence of other resistance mechanisms.