Cytokines and selective inflammatory mediators play crucial roles in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Growth factors such as fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth factor, and transforming growth factor-β are thought to play important roles in modulating the proliferation and migration of structural cells in the periodontium. These biomolecules have a range of overlapping functions to help engage and control immune and inflammatory responses.

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Background: Ultra conservative caries removal now has become an integral part of Minimal Invasive Dentistry. The main objective of deep caries removal is to conserve the tooth structure as well to maintain the integrity of pulpal health. Aim: To evaluate clinically the efficiency of caries removal using Carie-Care compared to the SmartPrep burs for complete caries excavation. Materials and Methods: Split mouth study was done in 64 children where caries excavation was done using Carie-Care on one side and Smart burs on the other side. The parameters assessed were complete caries excavation, pain reaction, need for local anesthesia and mean time required. Results: The differences between complete caries excavation, pain reaction and need for local anesthesia using both the techniques were statistically insignificant. Whereas the time taken for caries removal using Carie-Care was significantly less than Smart burs (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Both the techniques can be used effectively for caries excavation in primary teeth.

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Background: Palmistry in scientific terms is called as "dermatoglyphics" ("derma" means skin and "glyphic" means carvings). Dermatoglyphics as an independent field of study, even though it has a body of theory, methods, and applications; in many respects, it has been used as an adjunct to other disciplines, serving as a vehicle to resolve broader biomedical problems. Many studies have shown that hereditary factors play contributory role in the development of caries risk and malocclusion. This study was done to check whether dermatoglyphics plays a role in malocclusion and dental caries. Aim: To assess whether dermatoglyphics could help predict genetic susceptibility of children to dental caries and malocclusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 children aged 6-12 years were screened for dermatoglyphics, dental caries using decayed, missing, and filled teeth and discrete Fourier transform index and malocclusion using Angle's classification. Statistical Analysis Used: To show significant difference between the expected frequencies and the observed frequencies in one or more categories, a Chi-square test was applied. The observed difference was statistically significant and P = 0.03 (<0.05). Results: There was an increased frequency of loop in right hand digit 3 and 5 (middle and little finger) in caries positive participants. Eighty-one percent of loop pattern was observed in digit 5 (little finger) of right hand in Class II malocclusion. Conclusion: Specific fingerprint patterns may be used as a potential noninvasive anatomical tool for mass screening of dental caries and malocclusion and for guiding future research.

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Introduction: Strict adherence to the radiation exposure guidelines is mandatory when using X-rays for disease detection in order to minimize its harmful effects. The objective of this study was to determine the radiation protection awareness and practices in Cameroon Dental Health care facilities. Materials and Methods: This multiregional questionnaire-based study was conducted among dental clinics located in the capitals of the Littoral, Central, South West, and North West regions of Cameroon. Results: The majority 63 (90.0%) of the participants reported awareness of the adverse effects of radiation on patients and dental professionals. Only 22.9% reported awareness of the agency in-charge of X-ray protection and standardization in Cameroon. The majority of the X-ray machine were located inside the operating room of the dental clinic. The most vulnerable group to the effects of radiation reported was pregnant women while the most vulnerable part of the body to the effects of radiation reported was reproductive organs. The lead shield was the dominantly utilized radioprotective device among the participants. Six meters away from the direction of radiation was the most frequently adopted radioprotection positioning among the participants. Conclusion: Data from this study revealed that many aspects of radiation protection in dental radiology is suboptimal; hence, specific training in education and training in radiation protection is deemed necessary among dental health care professionals in Cameroon. It is recommended that Cameroon National Radiation Protection Agency should establish radiation protection guidelines in dental health care delivery.

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Existence of unicystic ameloblastoma with desmoplasia is a seldom occurrence. It was first described by Waldron and El-Mofty in the year 1987 as the term hybrid ameloblastoma. Here, we account a case of hybrid lesion depicting outstanding unicystic, follicular ameloblastoma with desmoplasia and mucus cell differentiation showing inductive changes. The patient is a 38-year-old male with a swelling in the lower right posterior region of the jaw. Radiologically, a mixed radiopaque-radiolucent lesion was sighted in this region. Taking into account of patient's complaint, clinical, radiographic, and histologic features; diagnosis of ameloblastic fibrodentinoma was made. It was followed by complete excision of the tumor. The challenge in the management of this tumor was to render complete excision as recurrence may occur in incomplete removal and also to reconstruct the bony defect to give a moderate cosmetic and functional result to the patient. The excisional biopsy report was established to be of hybrid ameloblastoma. Since there are few cases reported in the past of this lesion, the present case is an addition for better perception of this odontogenic tumor. This article identifies some profound concepts and new developments in the histopathologic design of ameloblastoma and its hybrid variant. It also briefly reviews the literature referring to this rare tumor entity. Considering the characteristics of ameloblastoma, priority of surgical management for hybrid lesion is also described.

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Dentoalveolar trauma leading to intrusion and lateral luxation of maxillary lateral and central permanent incisor in late mixed dentition phase is reported. The laterally luxated central incisor tooth was splinted for 3 weeks. Endodontic treatment of the same with intracanal calcium hydroxide dressing and subsequent obturation with gutta-percha was accomplished after splint removal. The intruded lateral incisor was kept under observation to allow spontaneous re-eruption. Clinical and radiographic follow-up to 9 months revealed satisfactory periodontal healing of the repositioned maxillary central incisor and passive re-eruption of intruded lateral incisor. The central incisor was esthetically restored and mouthgaurd was fabricated to prevent future injuries to the dentition.

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Introduction: Smoking and obesity are associated with chronic periodontal disease. Chronic periodontal disease has been suggested to be an associated risk factor for obesity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of smoking on body mass index (BMI) and periodontal status of patients. Materials and Methods: A total of 134 subjects (67 smokers and 67 nonsmokers) aged between 24 and 45 years were included in the study. Periodontal status was categorized into healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis (mild, moderate, and severe, and into localized and generalized). BMI was calculated using height and weight of the patients. A simple descriptive statistics was obtained by analyzing the collected data using MedCalc 15.4. Results: The results indicated that nonsmokers have higher BMI (mean = 23.4 kg/cm ² , 95% confidence interval [CI] = 22.7-24) as compared to smokers (mean = 21.1 kg/cm ² , 95% CI = 20.7-21.6). Among 134 subjects, 49 were suffering from chronic periodontitis. People in the overweight category were 26. Subjects who were both overweight and suffering from chronic periodontitis were only 6% (n = 8). Conclusions: The study found an association between periodontal disease and smoking, but no association between obesity and periodontal disease was noticed. Studies with larger sample size and patients from obesity clinics should be studied.

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Clastic cells are responsible for the resorption of mineralized matrix of hard tissues. Bone resorbing cells are called osteoclasts; however, they are able to resorb mineralized dental tissues or calcified cartilage, and then, they are called odontoclasts and chondroclasts, respectively. Clastic cells form when mononuclear precursors derived from a monocyte-macrophage cell lineage are attracted to certain mineralized surfaces and subsequently fuse and adhere to them for exerting their resorbing activity. The clastic cells are responsible for degradation of calcified extracellular matrix composed of organic molecules and hydroxyapatite. This process is mainly required in bone turnover and growth, spontaneous and induced (orthodontic) tooth movement, tooth eruption, and bone fracture healing, as well as in pathological conditions, such as osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and bone metastasis. In addition, they are responsible for daily control of calcium homeostasis. Clastic cells also resorb the primary teeth for shedding before the permanent teeth erupt into the oral cavity.

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Central giant cell granuloma, formerly known as giant cell reparative granuloma, is considered as a reactive lesion to an unknown stimulus or a neoplastic lesion. The lesion mainly affects young adults and commonly involves mandible more than maxilla. When present in the maxilla, it is usually seen anterior to cuspids, but in this case, it was the posterior maxilla which was involved making it an unusual site for its occurrence. This case report describes a 20-year-old female patient presenting with a chief complaint of swelling of the left side of the face for 1-year. Depending on the clinical features and radiographic findings, a diagnosis of giant cell granuloma was made, which was surgically excised.

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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) is the most common lymphoma that presents in extranodal areas without lymphoid tissue. It occurs in <5% of cases in the jaws and the maxilla are more commonly involved than mandible. The most common symptom is that of a nonpathognomic swelling mimicking odontogenic pathology with a mobile tooth. The lesion usually gets aggravated after extraction and presents as a painful nonhealing socket with symptoms of paresthesia. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common subtype and has a better prognosis and overall survival in patients. The treatment of NHL is by a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We present a rare case report of occurrence of NHL in the least preferred site of mandible with nonhealing socket following extraction of mobile tooth, diagnosed on histopathology and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.

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The cancer is a major health threat, which is considered as the third major cause of death. In old days, childhood cancer was a mortal threat. However, a revolution in medical technology and research work; life expectation is improved. Hence, from 1995 onward, there is increased 5-year survival rate particularly, in children treated with cancer and around 80% attain adulthood. Even in other cancers, recent treatment advances have increased survival rate. However; still there is a lack of awareness and consideration toward long-term consequences in increasing survivors. Hence, merely elimination of cancer from the body is not enough; there is a call to work collectively for the betterment of rest of the life for the survivors. The survivorship project considers the need of time, but narrow work force (8%) of qualified group is the main concern.

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Peripheral ossifying fibroma is classified under reactive lesions of oral cavity. They are relatively uncommon gingival growth and constitute about 10% of all reactive lesions. Chronic irritation and trauma are considered to be etiological agent. Usually occur in young adults with a female predominance and are solitary in nature. We report a case of peripheral ossifying fibroma in a 22-year old female.

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