Duration Of Habit Research Articles

An MRI evaluation of the effects of qat chewing habit on the temporomandibular joint

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the qat chewing habit on the temporomandibular joint by using magnetic resonance imaging. Sixty patients were included: a study group (40 qat chewers) and a control group (20 nonchewers). On the basis of qat chewing habit duration, the study group was subdivided into 3 further subgroups: subgroup I (5-10 years), subgroup II (11-15 years), and subgroup III (>15 years). Data on qat chewing habit were recorded, and a standardized clinical examination was performed. Bilateral oblique sagittal magnetic resonance imaging sections were obtained to evaluate disk displacement, osteoarthritis, and joint effusion. Clicking and pain were diagnosed in 72.5% and 65% of study group patients, respectively. Significant differences were discovered between the study group and the control group in osteoarthritis and joint effusion (P= .003 and .002, respectively). With regard to qat chewing habit duration, there were differences between study subgroup II and subgroup III versus control group in osteoarthritis (P= .040 and .001, respectively) and the 3 study subgroups versus control group in joint effusion (P= .026, .004, and .001, respectively). Significant correlations were found between osteoarthritis and clicking (P= .006) and muscle pain (P ≤ .044), and between joint effusion and temporomandibular joint pain (P = .006) and muscle pain (P ≤ .014). Qat chewing habit may be a risk factor for temporomandibular joint disorders with high percentages of osteoarthritis and joint effusion.

The prevalence and systemic risk factors of diabetic macular edema: a cross-sectional study from Turkey

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of diabetic macular edema (DME) utilizing optical coherence tomography (OCT), and to clarify the effects of the systemic findings and risk factors on the development of DME.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted in the departments of ophthalmology and endocrinology at the Dokuz Eylul University School of Medicine in Izmir, Turkey. The demographics, type and duration of diabetes mellitus, treatment modality, smoking and alcohol consumption habits, as well as the systemic blood pressure, renal functional tests, hemoglobulin A1c level, serum lipid profile, and 24-h urine albumin level were noted and statistically analyzed. The relationships between the systemic findings and DME were studied.ResultsFour-hundred and thirteen eyes of 413 diabetic patients who were examined between January 2011 and July 2012 were enrolled in this study. The prevalence of DME was 15.3% among the patients. The males exhibited DME significantly more frequently than the females (p = 0.031), and the duration of diabetes was significantly longer in those patients with DME (p < 0.001). Those patients without DME frequently used antihyperlipidemic drugs and had a higher level of high density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.040 and p = 0.046, respectively). The patient’s alcohol consumption, nephropathy, neuropathy, previous cataract surgery, severity of diabetic retinopathy, and insulin usage were statistically significant factors with regard to the DME prevalence.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the prevalence of DME in Turkey by utilizing OCT. The development of DME can be avoided or limited and the response to treatment may be improved by the regulation of the DME risk factors.

P629 Impact of surgical treatment on quality of life in Crohn’s disease: Short-and longer-term follow-up

Symptoms of active CD have a substantial impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Even in the absence of active disease, CD patients report worse HRQoL. Achievement of disease remission, whether by medical therapies or surgery, is associated with an improvement of quality of life (QoL). Medical management not rarely is associated to side effects, hospitalisation, long treatment period and requires patient compliance, with impact on QoL. Surgery is often required, in the form of ileo-colic resection (ICR), open or laparoscopic. Aim of the study was to assess changes of QoL following ICR, and to identify specific factors, patient and disease-related, impacting on QoL in the short- and longer term. We analysed data from a prospective database of patients undergoing ICR from 01/2009 to 08/2017. Data included duration of CD, disease features, demographics, habits and comorbidities. We assessed medical therapies before surgery (steroids/biologics), open and laparoscopic technique. Quality of life (QoL) was analysed with the Cleveland Global Quality of Life (CGQL) Score, recording the three items: Current Quality of Life (CQoL), Current Quality of Health (CQoH), Current Energy Level (CEL). In addition, the Overall Quality of Happiness (OQH) was recorded and patients answered the question if they would have surgery again and/or they recommend the treatment to others. CGQL Scores and OQH were compared according to timing of follow-up, surgical technique, medical treatment, and demographics. One hundred and thirteen patients were considered for analysis. Demographics and pre-operative data were similar among the groups. Fifty-two (46%) patients had laparoscopy and 61 (54%) laparotomy. Both at 30 days and 6 months after surgery we observed a significant increase of CGQL (p < 0.0001). Incremental values were also recorder at 1 and 3 years with a minor increase. Significant improvement was observed in all the three items composing the CGQL (p < 0.0001). This was also confirmed from the OQH. 88% of patients would undergo surgery again or recommend it. Laparoscopy was associated with better CGQL scores. Steroids before surgery showed a significant minor improvement in CGQL. Positive factors for QoL improvements were young age, female gender, penetrating disease. QoL of patients with CD is lower than normal ranges. Medical treatments often are not able to keep symptoms under control, and surgery is required. Surgical treatment is able to remove the diseased bowel, and is associated with a clear improvement of all the items related with QoL. Laparoscopy seems to guarantee greater results.

Estimation of Salivary and Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase in Oral Submucous Fibrosis.

Aim and Objectives:The objective of the present study was to estimate the serum and salivary lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in patients with oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and to study the association between serum and salivary LDH levels and mouth opening, frequency of habit, and duration of habit in patients with OSMF.Materials and Methods:Participants were divided into two groups: Group I – case group diagnosed with OSMF and Group II – the control group. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from all the participants. The International Federation of Clinical Chemistry method was carried out with the help of LDH (P-L) kit (Crest Biosystems, Goa). Collection of blood sample was done under aseptic precautions and processed for LDH. The data were analyzed using SPSS software 2010 (version 19, IBM, Armonk, NY, USA). Descriptive statistics including mean, range, standard deviation, and percentage were used along with unpaired t-test and Pearson's correlation test.Results:All the participants were male and were in the age range of 18–60 years, with a mean age of 28.63 ± 10.39 years. The mean salivary LDH levels in patients with OSMF were 1057.30 ± 640.12 μg/dl and in the control group were 668.25 ± 498.45 μg/dl. The mean serum LDH level in patients with OSMF was 408.35 ± 158.35 μg/dl as compared to the control group was 313.05 ± 82.69 μg/dl. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between serum LDH and frequency of habit, duration of habit, and mouth opening was found to be 0.55, 0.53, and 0.69, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between salivary LDH and frequency of habit, duration of habit, and mouth opening was found to be 0.33, 0.04, and 0.13, respectively. The Pearson's correlation coefficient between salivary LDH and serum LDH was found to be −0.18.Conclusions:There was a significant increase in the serum and salivary LDH in OSMF patients as compared to controls; the salivary LDH did not seem to correlate with frequency of the habit, duration of the habit, or mouth opening of OSMF patients. However, serum LDH was found to correlate directly with frequency of the habit and mouth opening in OSMF patients. Hence, based on the results of the present study, it can be hypothesized that serum LDH is a better biological marker than salivary LDH in the evaluation of OSMF.

The Prevalence of Dental Caries in Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users

Introduction: To assess the prevalence of dental caries in smokers and smokeless tobacco (ST) users and compare it with that of nonusers. Materials and Methods: A sample of 549 patients of both genders within 18–75 years, visiting the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, were categorized as follows: Group A—199 patients who smoked tobacco, Group B—150 patients who use ST, and Group C—200 patients with no habit of tobacco usage. A clinical examination of dental caries was conducted using Black’s criteria, and habit duration, frequency, form, and the type of tobacco used were recorded. The obtained data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal–Wallis analysis of variance with post-hoc Conover test using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Results: The study revealed a higher prevalence of dental caries in the control group (mean—2.78) followed by the group with ST usage (mean—2.36) and then the group with smokers (mean—2.23), with the age range within 26–35 years having statistical significance of P

Effects of salivary thiocyanate levels on oral mucosa in young adult smokers: A biochemical and cytological study.

Background and Objectives:Cigarette smoking is one of the major global health issues. Accurate measurement of smoking is essential for accepting patterns of adolescent smoking behavior and for the evaluation of health education programs aimed at reducing or preventing the habit. The aim of the present study was to estimate and compare the salivary thiocyanate levels in young adult smokers and nonsmokers and also to evaluate and correlate the cellular and nuclear changes in cytological smears with salivary thiocyanate levels.Materials and Methods:The study included a total of 70 individuals in the age range of 18–25 years comprising of 35 smokers and 35 nonsmokers. A volume of 2 ml unstimulated whole saliva samples were collected by spitting method and were carried in a vaccine carrier with ice pack to the laboratory to avoid biochemical changes. Each sample was analyzed on the same day of collection by spectrophotometric method. In addition, cytosmears were prepared using Cytobrush® plus and stained with rapid Papanicolaou stain for cytological evaluation.Results:Salivary thiocyanate levels were significantly higher in smokers than nonsmokers. When these levels were compared with pack-years, there was a progressive significant increase in salivary thiocyanate levels as the pack-years increased. Duration of habit showed no statistically significant effect on salivary thiocyanate levels. Cytological evaluation revealed increase in nuclear-cytoplasmic area ratio and number of micronuclei in smokers than nonsmokers. The correlation between salivary thiocyanate levels and cytological changes showed insignificant result.Conclusion:Salivary thiocyanate levels were significantly higher in smokers than controls and showed significant correlation with the number of pack years. Although the present study failed to reveal any significant correlation between salivary thiocyanate level and cytological alterations, few early alterations in the oral mucosa even in the absence of clinical manifestations were detected by exfoliative cytology. Salivary thiocyanate determination is a safe, inexpensive, noninvasive method to differentiate early smokers from nonsmokers.

Preventive measures and lifestyle habits against exertional heat illness in radiation decontamination workers.

The aim of this study was to reveal the current state of preventive measures and lifestyle habits against heat illness in radiation decontamination workers and to examine whether young radiation decontamination workers take less preventive measures and have worse lifestyle habits than the elder workers. This was a cross-sectional study. Self-administered questionnaires were sent to 1,505 radiation decontamination workers in Fukushima, Japan. Five hundred fifty-eight men who replied and answered all questions were included in the statistical analysis. The questionnaire included age, duration of decontamination work, previous occupation, lifestyle habit, and preventive measures for heat illness. We classified age of the respondents into five groups: <30, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and ≥60 years and defined the workers under 30 years of age as young workers. Logistic regression analysis was used to reveal the factors associated with each lifestyle habit and preventive measures. In comparison with young workers, 50-59-year-old workers were significantly associated with refraining from drinking alcohol. Workers 40 years of age or older were significantly associated with cooling their bodies with refrigerant. Furthermore, 30-39-year-old workers and 40-49-year-old workers were significantly associated with adequate consumption of water compared to young workers. The results of our study suggests that young decontamination workers are more likely to have worse lifestyle habits and take insufficient preventive measures for heat illness. This may be the cause of higher incidence of heat illness among young workers.

A study on genetic polymorphism in Matrix Metalloproteinases-3 in oral submucous fibrosis patients and in healthy individuals

BackgroundOSF is a potentially malignant condition affecting the oral cavity and oropharynx. MMP-3 also known as Stromelysin -I is a key member of the MMP family which is responsible for degradation of collagen type II,IV,V,IX and X, proteoglycans, gelatins, fibronectin, laminin and elastin. It plays an important role in activation of pro MMP-1 into the active form of MMP-1 in malignant tissues. MMP-3 expression is low in normal tissues but it is altered during tumour formation, where remodeling of ECM is required.Purpose of the studyTo assess the association of single-nucleotide polymorphisms, Adenosine (Insertion/Deletion) in -1171 5A > 6A in the MMP-3 promoter regions of patients with oral submucous fibrosis and in healthy individuals (controls).MethodsThirty cases of OSF were categorized according to Khanna et al classification into four groups and Twenty age and sex matched controls were included in the study. Blood samples were collected in EDTA coated vacutainers and PCR restriction analysis was done. A statistical analysis was done using Chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test to assess the frequency and association of the alleles in the case-control group.ResultsThe result showed a statistical significance difference between the duration of habit and disease severity with polymorphisms. The result also showed a higher frequency of the 5A allele in the study group as compared to the controls.ConclusionA long-term follow up of these patients is mandatory to see the prognosis and their susceptibility to malignancy. The positive outcome of an association of the disease with polymorphisms would result in the development of potential diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in potentially malignant and malignant lesions.

Goldsmith Workers (GSWs): A Skilled Job & Status of Illness

Background: This study was conducted among the goldsmith workers of different goldsmith's workshops located Islampur of Dhaka city to find out respiratory illness among them. `Methodology: It was a descriptive cross sectional study. By purposive sampling a total of 120 goldsmith workers were interviewed about respiratory problems using questionnaire and checklist.Result: The study revealed out of 120 respondents 5% were illiterate, 40% had education upto Primary level and 55% respondents had education at secondary level and above. Around 31.7% and 30.8% respondents had monthly income 7100-9000 and 9100-11000 taka respectively. Most of them had length of service 6-20 years (72.5%) and 25.8% had length of service &gt;20 years. The study showed 37.5% had been suffering from respiratory illness and among them 75.6% were suffering from cough for 3months or more in a year, 66.7% suffering from cough with phlegm, 18.9% Blood mixed phlegm, 71.1% running nose/ sneezing and 33.3% were suffering from breathlessness. 96.7% respondents had knowledge on use of personal protective equipments (PPE). Around 58.3% respondents were smoker and their mean duration of smoking habit was 15.59 ( 7.36) years. PEFR was significantly low (p&lt;0.001) both in sitting and standing position among the respondents suffering from respiratory problems. Mean PEFR on sitting position was 426.22 L/min and 430.33 L/min in standing position in respondents with respiratory problems.Conclusion: This indicates 37.5% respondents are suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and necessitates preventive and therapeutic measures to minimize sufferings of goldsmith workers.Anwer Khan Modern Medical College Journal Vol. 6, No. 2: July 2015, P 5-10

Comparative assessment of salivary cotinine level and psychological dependence among tobacco users.

The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between salivary cotinine level and psychological dependence measured through Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (FTND) questionnaire among tobacco users. This was a cross-sectional study, conducted on tobacco users. Participants with the present habit of tobacco chewing and smoking above the age of 16 years were included in the study. A standard questionnaire form of FTND revised version for smoking and smokeless form of tobacco were given to each participant. Each participant was asked to answer the questions as per their experience of tobacco consumption and calculate the total point score or FTND score. Salivary cotinine level assessment was done using commercial available NicAlert kit. When salivary cotinine level was correlated with different variables of both groups, it was observed that weak correlation between salivary cotinine level and FTND scoring in smokers group (r = 0.083) and also in smokeless group (r = 0.081). When two groups were compared for salivary cotinine level, statistically significant difference (P = 0.021) was observed, with smokeless group showing high level of salivary cotinine level as compared to smokers group. Salivary cotinine and psychological dependence through FTND scoring are not strongly correlating with each other. This indicates that dependence over tobacco is a separate phenomenon and cannot be assessed by salivary cotinine level. It is well accepted that salivary cotinine level is influenced by age of individual, duration of habit, and type of tobacco consumption.

Smokeless Tobacco: Profiling Sachets and Pattern of Use among Low Socioeconomic Population of Puducherry.

Background:Tobacco consumption is highest among labor classes and low socioeconomic status (SES), with inclination toward smokeless tobacco (SLT).Aim:The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of SLT consumption with secondary objective to profile various sachets of SLT most commonly sold in the study setting.Setting and Design:A cross-sectional questionnaire study conducted in rural Puducherry.Materials and Methods:A self-interviewed structured questionnaire was administered to 150 participants from two villages. Data on education, occupation, and income were collected with details in the form of tobacco consumed, duration of habit, daily consumption, and brand of SLT among other things. Profiling of sachets was done with manufacturing date, date of expiry, presence and absence of warning signs, and name of the manufacturer as parameter.Statistical Analysis:Descriptive analysis was done for frequency distribution and Chi-square test for proportions.Results:The overall prevalence of SLT was 44% with women consuming more than males. 41–50-year-old were highest users of SLT. More than 50% of the participants were unaware of the “pictorial warnings” and 65% did not know about the presence of “contents” on sachets. Pan masala with tobacco was the most preferred form. Only 5 of the 23 commercial brands of sachets had both “pictorial and readable warnings” printed.Conclusion:The prevalence of STC was high when compared to the general population. Steps need to be taken to address the adverse effects printed on sachets for low SES populations. The printed warnings need to be inspected regularly. Dual tobacco use is a new addition to the existing list of challenges.

‘Mate’ Intake, Hormone-Based Risk Factors and Breast Cancer: a Case-Control Study

Previous reports on the inverse association between ‘mate’ intake (infusion of Ilex Paraguariensis herb) and breast cancer (BC) risk led us to consider two main roles for the infusion: as a substantial antioxidant contributor and as a hormone regulator, particularly through anti-aromatase capacities. Since menstrual-reproductive risk factors for BC reflect women’s estrogenic exposure during the reproductive lifespan, and considering that ‘mate’ intake exerts putative stronger protection among high antioxidant contributors, we attempted to analyze interactions among the infusion, hormon-linked reproductive factors and BC risk, which have hitherto remained unexplored. We analyzed a database of 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls. Women were interviewed with a specific questionnaire featuring socio-demographic, lifestyle and reproductive variables (age at menarche, 1st live birth and menopause; number of live births; breastfeeding months), and a food frequency questionnaire, focusing on ‘mate’ intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit). Odds ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence Intervals were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. ‘Mate’ intake showed strong inverse associations with some high-risk hormone-related factors: early menarche, nulliparity, low breastfeeding, long reproductive years and high number of ovulatory cycles. Moreover, all subsets of high dietary energy demonstrated even stronger associations. In conclusion, regarding exposure to known hormone risk factors, we found strong inverse associations between high ‘mate’ intake and BC, which were greater among those consuming higher calorific diets. Our analyses support possible combined antioxidant and antiestrogenic effects for ‘mate’ infusions.

Association between harmful oral habits and the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system: perception of parents/guardians.

To verify the occurrence and associate the presence and duration of harmful oral habits with the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system. This is a cross-sectional, exploratory study. Participants' participation was formalized by the signing of an Informed Consent Form. The non-probabilistic sample comprised 289 children aged one to 12 years assisted at a Family Health Strategy unit. The data were obtained through a questionnaire to identify harmful oral habits applied to the children's parents and/or guardians. The results were considered at 5% level of significance. The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS 19.0 software and the chi-squared association test was employed to investigate the categorical variables. The breastfeeding rate found was 85%; however, only 32.4% of the children were exclusively breastfed until six months of age. The most prevalent habits and those currently maintained were use of conventional bottle (28.62%) and conventional pacifier (23.18%). Significant correlation (p=0.001) was found between keeping the mouth open and oral and oronasal breathing. The presence of habits such as using orthodontic bottle (p=0.016) and orthodontic pacifier (p=0.001) was associated with the breathing mode reported. Habit duration was associated with the perception of changes in speech (p=0.046) and with malocclusion (p=0.014). The presence and duration of harmful oral habits were associated with the perception of changes in the structures and functions of the stomatognathic system regarding occlusion, breathing, and speech, accounting for a significant portion of the demand for rehabilitation.

Effect of Frequency and Duration of Tobacco Use on Oral Mucosal Lesions – A Cross-Sectional Study among Tobacco Users in Hyderabad, India

Purpose:Tobacco use is one of the most important risk factors for the development of oral mucosal lesions including oral pre-cancer and cancer. The type and location of the lesion varies with the type of tobacco used, the way it is used, and the frequency and duration of use. Hence, the present study aimed to determine the effect of frequency and duration of tobacco use on oral mucosal lesions among tobacco users in Hyderabad city.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was carried out among 280 tobacco users who were categorized into smokers, chewers and mixed groups according to the habit. One forty subjects diagnosed with Oral Mucosal Lesions, designated as cases and One forty lesion free controls, frequency matched for age, gender, habit and family income were assessed. The study protocol included a visual oral soft tissue examination and a questionnaire-based interview. Statistical analysis was done using Chi square test and t- test. Multiple logistic regression analysis was done to assess the association of the variables with lesions.Results:Oral submucous fibrosis (18%) was the most common oral mucosal lesion followed by Leukoplakia (14%) and Smoker’s palate (12%). Dose-response relationships were observed for both duration and frequency of habits on the risk of oral mucosal lesions. However, it was significant only for frequency of the habit. A significant positive correlation was observed between occurrence of lesion and those with no education (p=0.005).Conclusion:The study revealed that frequency and duration of tobacco use was associated with the risk of oral mucosal lesions.

Nicotine dependence and its correlates among the adult tobacco users in a slum of Burdwan district, West Bengal, India.

Background:Tobacco kills half of its users, with smoking and smokeless tobacco killing nearly 6 million people worldwide – one death every 6 s in each year. Use of tobacco over time causes a physical and psychological addiction due to the presence of nicotine. To find out the level of nicotine dependence among adult (18 years and above) tobacco users and the factors responsible for it.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted among 128 current tobacco users in an urban slum of Burdwan District, West Bengal, India. Study tools comprised of predesigned, pretested, semi-structured schedule, containing Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND) questionnaire. Data were collected by interview after getting consent from the participants. Chi-square test, unpaired student t-test, ANOVA, correlation coefficient, and linear regression was calculated. SPSS software (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Inc, Chicago, IL, USA). was used for analysis.Results:High level of nicotine dependence was maximally seen among increased in age group, prolonged duration of use and daily users. Age, duration of tobacco use and habit of tobacco use had a significant positive correlation with FTND score while starting age of tobacco had a significant negative correlation. Then in multivariable linear regression, starting age of tobacco use, habit of tobacco use and duration of tobacco use emerged as a significant predictor of FTND score and could explain 27.3% of total variation in FTND score.Conclusions:Suitable plan for quitting may be developed based on the FTND score of an individual, the most important determinant of quitting.

RELIABILITY OF BARR, LEECH, AND BLETHYN SCORE IN USING OF PLAIN RADIOGRAPHY IN DETERMINING FECAL IMPACTION IN CHILDREN WITH AND WITHOUT CONSTIPATION.

- Several scoring was developed for evaluation of children with fecal retention using plain radiograph. There are controversies about specificity and sensitivity of these scoring system. - The aim of this study was to evaluate Barr, Blethyn, and Leech score in evaluation of fecal load in plain radiograph. - This case control study was conducted on children aged 2-14 years old with abdominal pain who visited Abuzar children's Hospital of Ahvaz University of Medical Sciences. This study was conducted in fall season. Children with history of previous abdominal surgery, any systemic illness including sickle cell anemia were excluded. Children with constipation were placed in case group. Subjects without constipation were placed in control group. Subjects without exclusion criteria were examined by physician who is blind to aim of the study. Careful history and physical examination was done. Demographic features, history of gastrointestinal problem, duration of abdominal pain, defecation habit, stool consistency (loose, hard), and results of physical examination were recorded. Rome III criteria was used for definition of constipation. Abdominal x-ray was ordered for each patients. Abdominal radiography was reviewed by radiologist. Barr, Leach, and Blethyn scores were calculated for each case. - In this study 102 children with functional constipation and 102 children without constipation as a control were included. Mean ±SD for case and control group was 68.39±34.88 and 69.46±32.60 (P=0.82).Leech score (mean ±SD) was 11.05±2.177 and 5.67±3.228 for case and control group respectively (P<0.0001). Barr score (mean ±SD) was 14.86±3.54 and 7.16±5.59 for case and control group respectively (P=<0.0001). Blethyn (mean ±SD) score was 1.97±0.667 and 1.04±0.900 for case and control group respectively (P=0.000). Sensitivity and specificity of Barr score was 83% and 79% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Leech score was 92% and 80% respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of Blethyn score was 79% and 92% respectively. - Barr, Blethyn and Leech scores were significantly higher in children with abdominal pain and constipation in contrast to children with abdominal pain and without constipation. Sensitivity of Leech score was more than Barr and Blethyn scoring systems. Specificity of Blethyn score was more than Barr and Leech score.

Prevalence of dental and periodontal status and association with length of time since beginning dialysis

Objective: Among all the systemic disorders, diseases of the renal system pose a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The present study aims to establish the multivariate relationship of socio demographic conditions, state of dental health, periodontal health among patients in relation to duration of hemodialysis (HD). Method: A cross-sectional study, using a self-administrated structured questionnaire was conducted among haemodialysis patients. A self-structured questionnaire in English language was designed to record the patient’s sociodemographic data, duration of dialysis, smoking habit and tooth cleaning habits, medication history and other medical condition. Dental and periodontal status was also recorded. Results: A total of 133 patients were registered for the study. Of these patients, the one undergoing haemodialysis for less than 1 years were 53 whereas the one undergoing HD for 1-3 years and for more than 3 years were 47 and 33 respectively. The difference in mean values of the periodontal indices when compared among three groups were statistically significant. A higher prevalence of decayed teeth (p<0.001) and larger DMFT index (p<0.01) was found to be significantly correlated with duration of haemodialysis. Conclusion: Within the limits of this study, it was concluded that subjects who were being treated with HD for more than 3 years had a poorer periodontal health and a higher DMFT index score, suggesting that the length of time on HD could negatively affect the oral health status of these individuals.

Mate Intake and Risk of Breast Cancer in Uruguay: a Case- Control Study.

Regarding 'mate' intake (infusion of Ilex paraguariensis herb, a staple beverage in temperate South American regions), most epidemiologic studies showed positive associations with risk of some cancers, (e.g. upper aerodigestive tract), but evidence on breast cancer (BC) risk is limited to a previous multi-site study, which reported a non significant odds ratio [OR]=0.85, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67-1.09, p for trend=0.31) for the highest quartile of intake. The present study was conducted in order to further assess associations of 'mate' intake with BC risk. We combined two databases of women belonging to public and private healthcare hospitals. The sample included 572 BC incident cases and 889 controls interviewed with a specific questionnaire featured by socio-demographic, reproductive and lifestyle variables, and a food frequency questionnaire of 64 items, also analyzing 'mate' intake (consumer status, daily intake, age at start, age at quit, duration of habit, intensity of intake). ORs and their 95%CI were calculated through unconditional logistic regression, adjusting for relevant potential confounders. The highest quartile of 'mate' intake was inversely associated with BC risk (OR=0.40, 95%CI 0.26-0.57, p for trend <0.001). Stratified analyses also displayed strong significant inverse associations for 'mate' in frequent tea drinkers (OR=0.22), high energy intake (OR=0.23), high body mass index (OR=0.29) and in postmenopausal women (OR=0.36), among other results. As conclusions, we found evidence of a significant inverse association for 'mate' intake and BC risk.

Oral submucous fibrosis: A demographic study

Introduction: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) has the highest malignant potential disorder than any other oral premalignant lesions. It is found in the Asian subcontinent, mostly India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. The understanding of the exact role of alkaloids and other etiological agents with respect to pathogenesis will help in the management and treatment modalities. Materials and Methods: A total of 1006 patients of OSF attending the dental outpatient clinic of the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology over a period of 24 months were selected for the study. A detailed case history and clinical examination was done in visible light. The diagnosis of OSF was difficulty in opening the mouth and associated blanched oral mucosa, with palpable fibrous bands. Other diagnostic features included burning sensation, salivation, tongue protrusion, habits and associated malignant changes. Study was done on the basis of age group, habit duration, frequency of habit, and type of habit. Statistical Analysis Used: Simple correlation analysis was performed. Results: Of the 1006 cases of OSF studied, 422 (41.94%) cases were stage II. Two hundred and twenty six (22.29%) were stage IV, 184 (18.29%) stage III, and 174 (17.29%) stage I. Among the groups divided based on age, Group II (20-30 years age) showed more prevalence than the others. Areca nut (gutkha) was a powerful etiological factor (60.43%) among other etiological factors. Conclusion: In the present study it was concluded that although the prevalence based on duration and frequency of habit was variable, it was found that most of the subjects were having stage II OSF and the severity was more in subjects who were chewing for longer duration and swallowing.

Correlation of degree of dysplasia in potentially malignant disorders with tobacco use: A cross-sectional study

Background: Oropharyngeal malignancies are the sixth leading cause of cancer worldwide. However, in India, oral and pharyngeal cancers are the most common cancer among men. It has been well established that virtually all oral cancer are preceded by a visible oral precursor lesions. Furthermore, the incidence of oral malignancies is higher among persons who use tobacco. We aimed to study the association between the degree of dysplasia in potentially malignant disorders (PMDs) with the type and duration of tobacco use. Materials and Methods: A record based cross-sectional study was conducted during February 2015. We included all the PMDs diagnosed and biopsied in our institute between 2006 and 2013. The study variables such as sex, age, type, and duration of tobacco habit were retrieved from the registers maintained in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology, and the histopathological diagnosis was retrieved from the biopsy reports of the PMDs documented in the Department of Oral Pathology. Lesions were classified as high-risk lesions (HRLs) or low-risk lesions (LRLs) based on the grade of cellular atypia and architectural features. The data were analyzed using EpiData software. Results: Out of total 112 cases, 80 (71%) were males and majority were older than 45 years (58%). About 64 (57%) reported use of any form of tobacco product. Of the tobacco users, 39 (65%) patients had reported tobacco use for 10 or more years. About one-fifth had HRL, and the remaining had LRL. Increasing age, any form of tobacco use (chewable or smoke form), tobacco smoking and longer duration of tobacco use were significantly associated with the development of HRLs (P < 0.05). Conclusion: By this retrospective study, we concluded that HRLs were more common among people who use any form of tobacco, either chewable or smoke form. Clearly, there is an increasing proportion of HRL with advancement in age and the duration of tobacco use.