Tobacco Chewing Habits Research Articles

Genetic variants of interleukin-1α, interleukin-12β and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in oral cancer risk and progression

BackgroundCytokines and matrix metalloproteinases play an important role in inflammation and metastasis in the development of cancer. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in these genes may affect gene expression and protein activity and, therefore, may be associated with cancer predisposition. The study seeks to examine the correlation between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the cytokines (Interleukin-1α and Interleukin-12β) and Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9) gene with oral cancer. The interplay of the genetic variants, Interleukin 1α -889 C/T (rs1800587), Interleukin 12β +1188A/B (rs3212227), and MMP9 R279Q (rs17576) with tobacco chewing and smoking habits is determined in patients with oral cancer and controls. The relationship between these genetic variations with the tumor size, lymph node involvement, and metastasis in oral cancer was studied. MethodCase-control research was implemented with a total of 150 participants, which includes 50 individuals who were diagnosed with oral cancer and 100 healthy volunteers. The study on Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) was performed using the Polymerase Chain Reaction and Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. ResultsInterleukin-1α -889 C/T polymorphism was significantly associated with oral cancer. The heterozygous genotype (CT) IL-1α -899 C/T was most frequent in oral cancer patients with a p value of 0.000002 in the chi-square test with no node involvement or metastasis. No interaction with the smoking or tobacco chewing habit with the genotypes of any of the genes is observed. The genotype of the mutant (TT) was also significantly different among the two groups (p = 0.01, OR = 7.63, CI- 1.5–37.5). The distribution of the mutant RR genotype of MMP9 R279Q in oral cancer patients was statistically significant in comparison with healthy controls (p = 0.005, OR = 4.46, CI- 1.52–3.04). The genotypic variants of IL-12β +1188A/B were, however, not found to be associated with oral cancer risk. IL-1α-899 (CT) and MMP9R279Q (RR) genotypes were found to be significantly associated with tumor size. ConclusionThis finding indicates that the substitution of C to T at IL-1α-889 position and substitution of glutamine with arginine at amino acid position 279 in MMP9 due to single nucleotide polymorphism increases the risk of oral cancer. IL-12β +1188 polymorphism was not associated with oral cancer risk. Habit does not play any role in the interaction of these genes with oral cancer.

Demographic profile of head and neck cancer patients: a single tertiary institution-based study in Telangana

Background: Head and neck cancer (HNC) is a broad category of cancerous entity that arise from different types of tissues and organ sites located in the topographical areas of the head and neck (Hand N). H and N squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) comprises 30% of all cancer cases in India. The risk factors for HNSCC include tobacco and alcohol consumption. Methods: This study aimed to determine the demographics of HNC patients and classify the incidence of H&N cancers according to the primary histological type and organ of origin along with any recent change in pattern compared with previous study. Results: Highest incidence seen in 41-50 years of age group with majority of cases belonging to urban area. Tobacco chewing was observed as most common habit. Buccal mucosa cancer was seen as most common cancer particularly at gingivo-buccal sulcus. Squamous cell carcinoma was the most common type identified on histopathology. Majority of the cancers presented in locally advanced stage. Conclusions: Male plurality of carcinoma noted indicating male being more likely to be engaged in behaviours increasing risk of carcinoma head and neck. Buccal muscosa carcinoma particularly at gingivo-buccal sulcus noted to be most common site correlating to tobacco chewing habit and keeping tobacco quid at gingivo-buccal sulcus leading to prolonged exposure.

Cigarette Smoking and its Association with Dyslipidemia among Middle-aged Population in Rajshahi District

Background & objective: Dyslipidemia is one of the major risk factors for ischemic heart disease. Many factors contribute to the development of dyslipidemia. Smoking is one of them. Smoking and dyslipidemia are claimed to interact with each other and synergistically increase the risk of heart disease. The present study is, therefore, intended to find the association between smoking and dyslipidemia in the context of the Bangladeshi population. Methods:The present cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Biochemistry, Rajshahi Medical College (RMC), Rajshahi in collaboration with the Institute of Biological Science, Rajshahi University, Rajshahi over a period of five years between 2017 and 2022. A total of 230 adult (ranging from 30 to 60 years) male subjects who attended at Biochemistry Lab of RMC to have their blood tested for lipid profile were consecutively included in the study. However, individuals with the habit of chewing tobacco, ex-smokers, or those having any diseases influencing lipid profile, taking drugs (like β-blockers, thiazide, statins, fibric acid derivatives, and nicotinic acid) that may influence lipid profile, or obese persons under dietary restrictions were excluded from the study. The subjects who exhibited either serum TC: HDL ratio > 4.5 or serum Tg: HDL ratio > 3.5 or both conditions were considered as cases and the subjects who did not have either of the conditions were considered as controls in the present study. Result: In the present study, over one-third (34.8%) of subjects had a smoking habit with the mean duration of smoking being 13.6 ± 5.0 years. Dyslipidaemia (as defined by serum TC: HDL > 4.5) was found in 33% of subjects, while the same condition, defined by serum Tg: HDL > 3.5, was found in 42.6% of the subjects. While either of the two conditions was present in 13% of subjects, both conditions were concurrently observed in 31.3% of subjects. Of the total 230 subjects, 102(44.3%) were dyslipidaemic. Smoking habit was observed to be significantly higher in the case group (54.9%) than that in the control group (18.8%). The risk of having dyslipidaemia in smokers was > 5-fold (95% CI = 2.9 – 9.5) higher than that in non-smokers (p < 0.001). However, as the duration of smoking was correlated with different lipid profiles, it was not found to be significantly correlated with any of the lipid profiles. Conclusion: The study concluded that smokers are more likely to have dyslipidaemia than non-smokers. The risk of having dyslipidaemia in smokers is much higher than that in non-smokers. While serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and serum triglycerides are increased, serum high-density lipoprotein (HDL) is reduced. Ibrahim Card Med J 2023; 13 (1&2): 26-31

Complication Of Intralesional Hyaluronidase Injection DuringTreatment Of Oral Submucous Fibrosis: A Case Report

Aims and background: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a potentially malignant condition of oral cavity. Optimal dosage of local injection of corticosteroids with hyaluronidase is an effective treatment. Case description: A 34 years’ old male, diabetic patient reported with reduced mouth opening. He had a tobacco chewing habit. He was thoroughly examined and diagnosed with OSMF. Due to diabetes, he was advised only hyaluronidase injection. After 4 sessions of intralesional injection, he started developing facial edema after every session that subsided within 48-72 hours. Conclusion: The present report is to discuss a complication of intralesional hyaluronidase therapy. Clinical significance: Hyaluronidase can be administered without corticosteroid in OSMF patients with diabetes keeping in mind the adverse reactions that could happen and how to manage them when encountered.

Investigating Tobacco's Impact on DNA Repair Genes and Risks in Oral Precancer and Cancer: A Comprehensive Research Study.

This study aimed to explore genetic variations associated with DNA repair mechanisms to enhance the management of both oral cancer (OC) and oral precancer (OPC). A cohort of 380 patients diagnosed with OC and OPC, comprising 220 males and 160 females, was analyzed. Participants were categorized based on their tobacco-chewing habits, with corresponding control groups established. Key genetic markers investigated for polymorphisms included OGG1, APE1, and XRCC1. The XRCC1 Arg280H variant demonstrated significant associations with the susceptibility to both OC and OPC across various models. Further analyses, incorporating factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, unveiled a correlation between the XRCC1 Arg194Trp variant and an elevated risk of developing head and neck cancer. Stratified analyses also revealed an increased risk of OC or OPC based on the specific site of the cancer. The study underscores the importance of XRCC1 polymorphisms, particularly XRCC1 Arg280H and XRCC1 Arg194Trp, within the genetic framework of OC and OPC. Understanding these genetic associations provides valuable insights for the potential development of targeted interventions aimed at individuals predisposed to these conditions.

Verrucous carcinoma on lateral tongue in association with oral submucous fibrosis: A rare case report

Oral verrucous carcinoma (VC) is a rare tumor, which a clinical variant of well differentiated oral squamous cell carcinoma characterized by exophytic growth or cauliflower like growth in appearance. It establishes in older individuals, who has habit of chronic tobacco chewing and predominance in males. Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic, insidious, potentially malignant disorder associated with betel nut chewing habit. The development of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is seen in one-third of the OSMF patients, but the development of VC is rarely seen in such patients. In the literature a very few cases of OSMF with VC are reported. Here, we present such a rare case in a 25 years old female patient with VC in conjunction with OSMF.

A STUDY OF PREVALENCE, CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND MANAGEMENT OF LOWER LIMB ULCERS AT A TERTIARY HOSPITAL

Background: Lower limb ulcers are debilitating and painful, greatly reducing patients quality of life. These ulcers are often difficult to treat. The most common aetiologies for lower limb ulcers are venous, arterial, mixed venous and arterial, diabetic and pressure ulcers. However, atypical wounds comprise approximately 20% of chronic wounds and should be kept in mind during differential diagnosis.The successful ulcer management depends upon the accurate diagnosis and treatment of the underlying cause, and it often needs a multidisciplinary approach. Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study conductedin Department of General Surgery atBasaveshwara Teaching and General Hospital, Attached to Mahadevappa Rampure Medical College, Kalaburagi. The study was conducted during the period from June 2022 to December 2023 which included 97 patients presenting withlower limb ulcers and admitted in surgical wards of our hospital. Results: Most of the patients were engaged in agriculture (24%) followed by business (23%) and service (14%). 47.5% of the patients had habit of smoking,alcohol consumption and tobacco chewing. Most of the ulcers were diabetic (36.1%) followed by venous (22.6%) (Z=2.17 p=0). Only 4.1% and 3.1% were malignant and trophic ulcers. Peripheral neuropathy (26.8%) was the most common cause of ulcer followed by venous hypertension (24.7%).In most of the cases, debridement with dressing (32.9%) and Debreidment+dressing+skin grafting (19.6%) was done. At the end of study period, 90 ulcers were healed, 4 were disease free, 2 had recurrence and 1 patient died. Conclusion:A comprehensive assessment of patients general status, personal habits, skin, vascular status, limb, ulcer characteristics are required to determine the etiology and to formulate effective treatment plan. Thus, the study of various cases of lower limb ulcers arouses lot of interest and is mind boggling as far as the treatment of these cases are concerned. With the availability of arsenal of investigation, wide range of antibiotics and with ever improving dressing material, there is certainly a great improvement in treatment of lower limb ulcers. Education and training are vital for all those involved in caring of patients with ulcer.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma of moderate differentiation category in relation to left bucco-alveolus region in a geriatric female with the habit of tobacco chewing for the past 30 years – a case report and review of literature

Squamous cell carcinoma of the buccal mucosa has an aggressive nature. If cancers originating from the buccal mucosa invade adjacent anatomical structures, surgical tumor resection becomes more challenging. The present case describes the surgical management of a 65-year-old woman with persistent ulceration of the mucosal membrane due to tobacco chewing habit for the past 30 years and a mouth-opening limitation of 10 mm. Radiological investigations revealed a buccal mucosa tumor that had invaded the retroantral space upward with involvement of the anterior border of the masseter muscle by the lateral part of the tumor. In this report, we present the surgical approach to access the masticator space behind the maxillary sinus.

IJCM_161A: Lifestyle related risk behaviour among hypertensive fishermen: Baseline: characteristics of an interventional study

Background: Fishing forms one of the essential livelihood options of inhabitants of the coastal line of the country. It is a stressful and hazardous occupation making fishermen prone to multiple lifestyle diseases. A number of researches have revealed that modifiable risk factors of NCDs are prevalent and are associated with NCDs, including hypertension among fishermen. Risk factors contributing to these include; tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy dietary habits and obesity Objective: To identify the socio-demographic and lifestyle related risk factors among hypertensive fishermen at baseline of an interventional study Methodology: Baseline data for an interventional study was collected among hypertensive fishermen. Participants were recruited from Malpe and Kaup villages of Udupi district for the intervention and routine care arms respectively using a purposive sampling method identified from existing database. Data was collected using a pre-tested questionnaire using standard protocols. A health educational video was then shown to the participants of the intervention arm. The baseline data of both arms was entered and analysed using SPSS Version.26.0. Results: The mean (±SD) age of 112 participating fishermen from both study arms was 58.53 (± 8.72) years. Around 62.5% and 37.5% fishermen had blood pressure in grade 2 and grade 1 range respectively. More than half (61.6%) were ever tobacco users with 50.9% indulging in the habit of smokeless tobacco chewing. Majority (90.2%) were consumers of alcohol with 33% users indulging in hazardous drinking and showing dependence patterns. Nearly three-fourth (70.6%) fishermen were found to be obese and only 1.8% showed a low risk of cardiovascular diseases based on their waist-hip ratio. Conclusion: Risk factors for hypertension and other NCDs like substance use and central obesity were found in more than half of the hypertensive fishermen. Novel interventions facilitating behavioural modification in such occupational groups is essential

Dental caries, oral hygiene status and deleterious habits among migrant construction workers of Belagavi, India.

Occupation significantly influences oral health, with factors like the work environment, stress levels, access to dental care, and job-related habits playing crucial roles. The oral health of construction workers, especially migrant workers, is a noteworthy concern. Understanding the oral health of this population is crucial for enhancing their quality of life through various means. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of dental caries, oral hygiene status, and deleterious habits in this occupational group of Belagavi district, Karnataka. Study design was cross-sectional in nature. Before commencement of the study a pilot study was conducted. Multi-stage random sampling technique was employed, and 610 participants were recruited for the study. Trained and calibrated examiners recorded WHO dentition status and treatment needs (2013) and Oral Hygiene Index Simplified (OHI-S). Collected data was analyzed using descriptive analysis, chi-square, one-way ANOVA, and multiple linear regression analysis. The prevalence of dental caries among construction workers was significantly high (81%), and poor oral hygiene was observed among 36.9% of them. The prevalence of smoking, the tobacco chewing habit, and alcohol consumption among the construction workers was found to be 21.6%, 59.9%, and 37.3%, respectively. The dependence of OHI-S and DMFT on predictors (age, gender and deleterious habits) was found to be 21.5% and 39.6%, respectively. Migrant construction workers in Belagavi had a high caries prevalence, poor oral hygiene status, and a high prevalence of deleterious habits such as tobacco use. These results emphasize the necessity of awareness and dental health education programs to improve the oral health of construction workers.

Profile of Health Status in Relation to Working Pattern and Habits among Street Vendors in Bangalore City

Introduction: Street vendors are important informal self-employment group in the community and their health, nutritional and security status are affected because of weather conditions, pollution in urban area, mental stress and working hours. There is a lack of studies on health profile in street vendors in big cities. This study was conducted with as objective to know the socio demographic profile, health status in relation to their working pattern and habits among the street vendors. Material and Methods: This is a cross sectional and descriptive study. The data was collected by direct interviewing the subjects in their own language at their workplace in Bangalore city using pre tested semi open ended questionnaire. Sample size was determined based on the pilot study. The data included socio demographic, type of business, earning, working years, preexisting health status, body weight and height, habits etc. Subjects who were doing service or selling on mobile carts but not at fixed point and street vendors serving ready to eat foods were excluded. Body Mass Index was estimated as anthropometric nutritional status assessment. Data was analysed in SPSS software version. Results: The study subjects were 275 in the age group of 20 to 70 years and males accounted for 62.5 percentage. The proportion of subjects in the age of 41 years and above was 52.3%. Majority did not have formal schooling and common business was fruits and vegetables selling. Their working hours varying from 4 to 10, and doing business since 2 to 30 years with median of 20 years. The habit of smoking, tobacco chewing and alcohol was present in 30.2%, 14.5% and 14.2% the total. Overweight and obesity accounted for 78.9 % among the total where 19.8% and 25.2% were obese in males and females. The overall prevalence of Hypertension, Diabetes Mellitus and other conditions were 30.5%, 23.6% and 7.2% irrespective of their age, sex, type of business, working hours and habits. The prevalence ........

CONCEPT OF MUKHA SWASTHYA (ORAL HYGIENE) WITH AYURVEDIC PER-SPECTIVE

Background: Mukha is an Anga who is exposed to several risk factors on a regular basis, hence Mukha Swasthya (oral hygiene) is becoming more and more significant. Tobacco chewing, smoking, and other habits have increased the prevalence of oral cavity diseases. In Ayurveda, Dantdhawana, Kavala, Gandusha, and various other remedies are mentioned to maintain Mukha Swasthya. Ayurvedic classical texts prescribe Dan-tadhwana by Datuna (Chewing Sticks) in the morning and after every meal to prevent mouth ailments. Kavala comprises swishing a certain oil or herbal decoction in the mouth for a particular duration, whereas Gandusha involves retaining a larger quantity of liquid in the oral cavity for a longer period of time. Both treatments pro-mote comprehensive cleansing by eliminating dirt, pollutants, and potentially hazardous germs from the mouth and throat. Material and Method: This review paper has been taken from different Ayurvedic classical textbooks, Text-books of Swasthavritta, and various modern and Ayurvedic research papers from PubMed, Google scholar, SCI etc. Discussion: Ayurveda defines Dantdhawana vidhi as routine oral hygiene maintenance procedure in Dinachar-ya, including Kavala, Gandusha etc. Similar to this, modern practices like tooth brushing and gargling help to maintain oral hygiene to become healthy and free of diseases. These practices enhance dental health, reduce plaque formation, prevent cavities, alleviate halitosis, and promote gum health. Dantadhawana with its antimi-crobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-strengthening properties, may contribute to improving oral hygiene and gum health. On the other hand, in Kavala and Gandusha, the swishing action and the prolonged contact of the liquid with the oral tissues enhance the absorption of these beneficial compounds, aiding in the removal of pathogens and the restoration of oral balance. Result: A vital sign of general health, happiness, and quality of life is good oral health. Dental caries, periodon-tal disease, tooth loss, oral cancer, orodental trauma, noma, and congenital impairments including cleft lip and palate are just a few of the illnesses and problems it covers. In Charaka Samhita, Dantadhawana is mentioned as the subset of Dincharya, whereas it was referenced by Acharya Sushruta in the section on cures (Chikista Sthana) and Ashtanga Hridaya primarily mentioned its preventive aspects. In various studies, it is found that Dantadhawana makes natural whitening of teeth, improves oral hygiene, Strengthen teeth and gum. Whereas Kavala and Gandusha help in reduction of harmful bacteria, makes breathe fresh, enhances oral health, nourish oral tissues.

Evaluation of dermatoglyphics patterns as predisposition factor for occurrence of oral submucous fibrosis: A hospital-based case–control study

Background: One of the key factors in the prevention of the disease is the identification of the risk factors early in life. Based on multifactorial causation of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), apart from habit history, the genetical predisposition may be considered as an important risk factor in the occurrence of OSMF disease. The dermatoglyphic pattern may prove a salient genetic marker for the determination of OSMF as both are having similar intrauterine development period. Objectives: To find out and compare the association between dermatoglyphics and OSMF. Materials and Methods: The present study was conducted on total 108 subjects divided in three groups where Group A was subjects with OSMF, Group B was subjects with tobacco related habits but without OSMF, and Group C was healthy controls. Fingerprint patterns of both hands were recorded and classified into whorls, loops and arches. Results: The loop pattern was significantly higher in subjects having OSMF (Group A) as compared Group B and Group C in general as well as for left and right hands. The maximum prominence of loop patterns was noted in the little finger among the subjects with OSMF. Results for subjects with OSMF and without OSMF under five years of having tobacco chewing habits had also clearly demonstrated prominence of loop patterns in the subjects with OSMF. Conclusion: The results of our study show that there is a staunch possibility of genetically determined factors in the form of loop finger prints can be responsible for the occurrence of OSMF.

The Prevalence of Low Birth Weight Among Newborn Babies and Its Associated Maternal Risk Factors: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Low birth weight (LBW) is at the forefront of 100 core health issues that are used as indicatorsto assess the global nutrition monitoring framework as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Several factors could contribute to LBW, which essentiallyincludeintrauterine growth retardation and premature delivery/birth. Moreover, LBW predisposes neonates to several developmental disturbances including both physical and mental disorders. Given that LBW is more common in poor and developing countries, there is not much reliable data that could be used to formulate strategies for controlling this problem. This study, therefore, attempts to assess the prevalence of LBW among newborn babies and its associated maternal risk factors. Methods This hospital-based cross-sectional study was carried out between June 2016 and May 2017 (one year) and included 327 LBW babies. A predefined and prevalidated questionnaire was used to obtain data for the study. The data collected includedage, religion,parity, birth spacing, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, height, mother's education, occupation, family income, socioeconomic status, obstetric history, previous history of stillbirths and abortions, and history of any LBW baby. Results The prevalence of LBW was noted to be 36.33%. The occurrence of LBW babies was predominant among mothers who were aged <19 years (62.26%) and >35 years (57.14%). Grand multipara women showed the highest rates (53.70%) of LBW babies. Additionally, LBW was predominantly noticed among newborns (46.66%) with a birth spacing of <18 months, those born to mothers with pre-pregnancy weight of <40 Kg (94.04%), mothers with a height of <145 cm (83.46%), mothers who gained <7 kg during the pregnancy (82.20%), illiterate mothers (43.75%), and mothers who were agricultural workers (63.76%). Other maternal factors that could predispose to LBW included lower monthly income (66.25%), low socioeconomic status (52.90%), less number of antenatal visits (59.65%), low blood hemoglobin (100%), history of strenuous physical activities (48.66%), smoking and/or tobacco chewing habit (91.42%), alcoholism (66.66%), lack of iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy (64.58%), history of stillbirths (51.51%), and mothers suffering from chronic hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia(47.61%), and tuberculosis (75%). Religion-wise, Muslim mothers revealed the highest prevalence (48.57%) of LBW, followed by Hindus(37.71%) and Christians (20%). The mother's age, pre-pregnancy weight, weight gain during pregnancy, height of the mother, hemoglobin concentration, weight of the baby, and length of the newborn(p≤0.05) couldinfluence the health of the newborn. However, maternal infections, previous bad obstetrics history, presence of systemic illnesses, and protein and calorie supplementation (p≥0.05) had no significant impact on birth weight. Conclusions The results showed that multiple factors are responsible for LBW. Maternal factors such as weight, height, age, parity, weight gained during pregnancy, and anemia during pregnancy could predispose to delivering LBW babies. Additionally, other risk factors for LBW identified in this study were the literacy level of mothers, occupation, family income, socioeconomic status, antenatal care, strenuous physical activity during pregnancy, smoking/tobacco chewing, alcohol/toddy consumption, and iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy.

Clinicopathological correlation of microRNA 21 expression in oral cancer patients with tobacco chewing habits

Introduction: Oral cancer is one of the most common malignancies and has a significant association with tobacco chewing. Micro RNA 21 (mi-RNA 21) has been identified as oncogenic RNA, implicated in etio-pathogenesis of various neoplastic lesions. Objective: (i) To assess the microRNA 21 expression in oral cancer patients with history of tobacco chewing habits and (ii) to carry out its clinicopathological correlation. Material and Method: The present study was carried out as a case-control study, for a two year period in which a total of 20 biopsy tissue specimen obtained from oral cancer patients having tobacco chewing habits were enrolled as cases and an equal number of biopsy tissue specimen obtained from age, and sex-matched patients of oral leukoplakia were enrolled as controls. Clinical details, personal habits were noted and histopathological assessment was done. miRNA21 was done using Taq Man microRNA assay (ABI) using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).Real time PCR results was analyzed and expressed as relative miRNA expression of the threshold cycle (CT) values. Mean values were compared using independent samples ‘t’-test and ANOVA using SPSS 21.0 software. p-value less than 0.05 indicated a statistically significant association. Results: Mean age of cases was 52.65±7.82 years, majority of cases were males (85%). Among cases, majority (70%) had clinical stage I and were histo-pathologically well differentiated (75%). There were 3 (15%) cases with metastasis. Mean relative miRNA 21 expression were significantly higher in cases (10.53±3.52) as compared to that in controls (8.76±1.16) (p=0.029). Relative miRNA21 values showed a significant increasing trend with increasing clinical stage, histopathological grade and metastasis. Conclusion: miRNA21 expression was able to differentiate between leukoplakia and oral cancer cases. miRNA21 also showed a significant correlation with clinicopathological factors.

A study for correlation of demographic data, chief complaints and risk factors with periodontitis

Background: Periodontal disease, ever since the days of hippocrates has crippled the survival of human dentition. As a quiescent disease most of the time, periodontal disease presents mainly a chronic or asymptomatic chief complaint. In its most common form, periodontal disease generally is considered to be a painless process unless it reaches severe stages. For this reason, it often is overlooked by patients and dentists in early stages, especially when inflammation is not obvious. The aim of this study was to determine the most common chief complaints of chronic periodontitis patients to assess public awareness about this disease symptom, distribution of these chief complaints among males &amp; females and their correlation with age and some of periodontal parameters. Methods: The data of patients include chief complaint of the patients, age-sex, patient’s education level, systemic and oral health status, smoking, tobacco and gutka chewing habits were collected. The examiner also collected information related to the toothbrushing frequency of each patient. Results: Total samples testing in the study were 100 (n=100). Out of which majority samples were female patients. Maximum samples were received from age group of 51-60 years. Major pre-disposing factor is Tobacco and Gutka Chewing. Majority of chief complaint was mobility of teeth. Conclusions: 51 years to 60 years of age group with higher number of females and tobacco chewer have higher incidence of periodontitis with major chief complaint of mobility of teeth. These patients are brushing once in a day.

NICOTINE DEPENDANCE IN LIGHT OF STRESS: UNSEEN ENEMY IS ALWAYS THE MOST FEARSOME!

Context: The estimated number of tobacco users both smoked and smokeless forms is escalating at alarming rates in South-east Asian countries especially India. Likewise neuro-psychiatric disorder is an unheralded public health crisis worldwide. Perceived stress may be regarded as fearsome unseen enemy executing backstage role in tobacco addiction. Aims: To assess the nicotine dependence and stress in tobacco chewers. Further to investigate correlation between stress and nicotine dependence among patients visiting in dental school in India. Methods and Material: This prospective, cross sectional study was based on self administered questionnaires. The study population included 35 patients with tobacco chewing habit. Perceived stress was measured by the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10). The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence- Smokeless Tobacco (FTND-ST) was used to measure nicotine dependence. Further correlation between perceived stress and nicotine dependence was analysed. Results: The data so obtained was tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using the statistical package of social sciences 25.0 software (SPSS Inc., Chicago IL). Chi-square test was applied and binary logistic regression model was calculated using all socio demographic variables. In the present study, the subjects with moderate stress had a positive association with nicotine dependency Conclusions: This study illustrate that perceived stress is associated with nicotine dependence. Chewing has been found to act as a stress reliever as well as being associated with uncontrollable social and economic stressors disproportionately affecting all.

A Cross-Sectional Study of Determinants of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Among Professional Drivers in the Perambalur Municipality Area of Tamil Nadu, India.

Background Professional drivers have a powerful impact on public safety. They are also at a higher risk of obesity, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) because of their lifestyle. Diabetes and its complications can affect driving and cause increased road traffic accidents. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of T2DM and determine the risk factors contributing to the development of T2DM among professional drivers in the Perambalur Municipality of Tamil Nadu, India. Methodology This cross-sectional study was carried out between September 2022 and December 2022 among 118 private bus drivers and full-time, professional, three-wheeler drivers in the Perambalur Municipality. A pre-tested semi-structured proforma was used to collect information on the driver's socio-demographic profile and to inquire about their diabetes history, which was verified with their records.We elicited the risk factors of T2DM among those drivers.We recorded the anthropometric measurements and blood pressure. Data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 21.0 (Released 2012; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Out of 118 study participants, the majority were in the age group of 51-65 (37.3%). Seventy-seven of the participants have completed their secondary education, and 38 of them belong to the class 2 socioeconomic class. Three-fourths of the sample (83.1%) belonged to nuclear families. Around one-third were current smokers, one-fourth had the habit of chewing tobacco, and more than half of the participants consumed alcohol. Nearly 83.7% had moderate physical activity, followed by 11.9% who had heavy activity, and 5.1% who did not do any physical activity. The prevalence of T2DM among professional drivers was 11.9%. The risk factors that contributed to the development of T2DM among professional drivers were age, education, smoking, tobacco chewing, hypertension, elevated BMI, and elevated WC, which are statistically significant (p˂0.05). Conclusion We found the proportion of obesity, hypertension, and diabetes to be higher among professional drivers than among the general population. This demands an urgent need for preventive and health-promotive interventions to address these chronic diseases.

A Rare Case of Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma with Intracranial Extension and Pneumocephalus.

A 32-year-old male patient with a history ofchronic tobacco chewing habit for the last 10 years with no known comorbidities, hailing from Bandigram, Madhya Pradesh, India, presented to our institution in May 2022 with a new onset ulcer over the right cheek for 20 days. He gave a history of painful ulcer in the oral cavity for the last 9 months that was managed with over-the-counter medications. On clinical examination, there was a large ulcer overlying the right angle of mandible with bone fragment protruding through it. The patient had restricted mouth opening (up to 2 mm) limiting intraoral evaluation. There were no palpable neck nodes. Patient was conscious and alert and did not have any neurological deficits.

Assessment of knowledge and awareness among North Indian populations about oral precancerous lesions (OPL): A cross-sectional survey study.

A precancerous lesion is a morphologically altered tissue in which oral cancer is more likely to occur than its apparently normal counterpart. They are quite common in the Indian population due to the habitual habit of chewing tobacco. The aim of this study was to evaluate the awareness of oral precancerous lesions by a questionnaire-based survey among the study subjects having been diagnosed with it. In this descriptive study, a structured questionnaire having 11 survey questions has been used to record the response from study subjects who have been diagnosed and reported for treatment for oral premalignant lesions in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology. A total of 1013 study subjects were assessed for awareness about OPL and its consequences. 44.3% of the study population was addicted to smoking tobacco (cigarettes) while 57.9% of study subjects were addicted to non-smoking tobacco (Pan masala). The reason behind their addiction was reported to be stress (54.9%) and workload (25.3%). Most of the study subjects were diagnosed with oral sub-mucous fibrosis (53.4%). 78.6% of study subjects diagnosed with OPL were not aware of it and 94% were willing to quit the addiction. The awareness about OPL among patients was found to be low. Although many wanted to quit their addiction to smoking and chewing tobacco but were unable to do so. So it is a need for time to develop a national policy on tobacco use and related diseases. This policy will definitely reduce the burden of oral premalignant lesions and oral cancer in Indian population.