bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigating the Prevalence of Third Molar Agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Venkatesan Nivethitha , Lakshmi Suman J. , Somasundaram Elangovan , Balasubramaniyam Senthil K. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Due to changes in the dietary habits, functional load for the teeth has relatively reduced nowadays. This had increased the agenesis of third molars. This study aims to create awareness about the increasing existence of agenesis of third molars.

Aim:
To examine the rate of third molar agenesis in the population of western Tamil Nadu.

Materials and Methods:
A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using 5,000 digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) of patients aged 10–16 years to observe the prevalence of third molar agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu. The quadrant without the evidence of a crypt was considered agenesis. Each digital OPG was evaluated in accordance with age, sex, and quadrants. Descriptive analysis and Pearson’s Chi–square test were performed.

Results:
The overall prevalence of third molar agenesis was 15.34%. The incidence of third molar agenesis was observed to be higher among individuals aged 10 and 11 years. OPGs of patients under the age group of 10 years had a prevalence of agenesis of 18 (88.4%) and 28 (84.5%). There were no significant differences in accordance to sex. The third molar agenesis in this study listed in descending order of frequency were, 18 (32.2%), 28 (31.0%), 48 (18.6%), 38 (18.1%)

Conclusion:
The prevalence of third molar agenesis in Western Tamil Nadu was 15.34%, with higher rates observed among 10- and 11-year-olds. Thus, this study proposes that the concept of increasing prevalence of third molars agenesis should be remembered when choosing third molars as a tool for age estimation.
Comparing the Efficacy of Transcutaneous Electric Nerve Stimulation (TENS) and Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in the Management of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kalaivanan Vishalini , Muruppel Alex M. , Deepthi Angeline , Ranjitha E. Gracelin , Deepak J. John Hearty , Murugan Kandasamy 
Published: January 2025

Background:
TMJ disorder is a common presenting condition in the dental clinic. There are various treatment modalities for the management of TMD. No specific therapy has proven its superiority over other therapies. However, the noninvasive procedures are safe and patient friendly with no side effects. Hence, we compared the efficacy of TENS and LLLT in this study.

Objectives:
To compare and evaluate the efficacy of TENS and LLLT in the treatment of TMJ disorder. To reduce pain intensity, muscular tenderness, and improve the mouth opening.

Methods:
Ten patients with TMJ symptoms coming under the Groups I and II of research diagnostic criteria are included in the study. The study was done as split mouth technique, where TENS was performed in one side and LLLT was performed in another side of the TMJ. Both the therapies were performed in a total of 9 sessions in alternative days. Pain intensity was measured using VAS before and after the procedure for each session and recorded. Statistical evaluation was done by using SPSS version 22 [using ANOVA and Mann–Whitney test (P < 0.05)].

Results:
Analyzing the pain intensities of both groups using VAS score at the end of each session showed statistically significant changes in pain reduction.

Conclusion:
Both therapies were effective in the treatment of TMJ disorder. However, LLLT is more efficient than transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation.
TONGUE—A NEWER BIOMETRIC: An Observational Study
Authors: Rajendran Vishnu , Murugan Arul Jothi , Ganesan Anuradha 
Published: January 2025

Background:
The tongue is an integral internal organ which is shielded from its outside environment within the oral cavity. Every individual has a distinct morphology and surface characteristics that can be employed for personal identification.

Aim:
To analyze the morphological alterations on the dorsum of the tongue using digital images and determine their significance for person identification.

Objectives:
To clinically examine the dorsum of the tongue and take digital photographs. To observe the morphological variations seen on the tongue surface. To assess the usefulness of observed morphological variations in personal identification.

Materials and Methods:
Our study included 104 participants, aged 21–41 years, reporting to the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology for various concerns. All the participants were examined visually; to assess various morphological patterns of the tongue, digital images of the dorsum of the tongue were taken.

Results:
Statistical analysis showed that U-shaped tongue was predominant in both sexes, and smooth borders were more common in females (82.7%) than males (63.5%). Male participants showed single or multiple fissures more commonly.

Conclusion:
Considering the uniqueness, genetic independence, and simple procedure, tongue print can be considered biometric identification along with other forensic identification techniques.
Analyzing Morphometry of Foramen Magnum using CBCT: A Forensic Radiology Study
Authors: Misra Deepankar , Bateja Sumit 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Foramen magnum is the largest aperture at the base of the skull. The crucial tissues that travel via the foramen magnum make its proportions extremely important from a therapeutic standpoint.

Objectives:
The study’s objective was to do morphometric analysis of foramen magnum and to obtain any gender-wise or age-wise correlation between these measurements of foramen magnum in population of Western Uttar Pradesh using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:
450 CBCT scans of the subjects aged between 11 and 70 years were used in the study. To ascertain the growth rate, variations between groups, and variations in the size of the foramen by sex, the transverse and sagittal dimensions were measured. A statistical analysis of the data was done.

Results:
The mean transverse and sagittal diameters of the foramen magnum for the total group were 28.76 (±3.66) mm and 34.58 (±5.26) mm, respectively. The results were found to be smallest in 11–20 age group gradually increasing in size to attain maximum size in the age group 31–40 years before declining with growing age. The results were statistically significant for both transverse and sagittal dimensions (P = 0.00). However, gender-wise, the dimensions were statistically nonsignificant; they were larger in males than in females.

Conclusion:
The foramen magnum size showed age dependence, with measurements comparable to males and females.
Acupuncture Therapy in the Management of Orofacial Pain and Headaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Neralla Ananya , Mishra Silpiranjan , Chinnannavar Sangamesh Ningappa , Bhuvaneshwari S. , Bajoria Atul A. , Singh Dhirendra K. 
Published: January 2025

Background:
The patient’s quality of life may be impacted by pain and dysfunction ranging from moderate discomfort to severe agony.

Objective:
To evaluate the viability of acupuncture for managing orofacial pain and headaches through meta-analysis.

Methodology:
The review was conducted following “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis” (PRISMA) 2020 and registered in PROSPERO-CRD42034561. Databases were searched for studies evaluating the effectiveness of acupuncture compared to conventional therapy for managing orofacial pain and headaches and their effect on pain reduction from June 1991 till April 2023. Revman software version 5.3 was used for quality assessment, while the Cochrane risk of bias (ROB)-2 tool was used for randomized controlled trials (RCT). Standardized mean difference (SMD) was summarized using a random effect model.

Results:
Moderate to low ROB was revealed on quality assessment. The pooled estimate favored acupuncture in reducing orofacial pain – SMD = 0.76 (−1.27–0.26), reducing headache with SMD is 0.11 (−0.34–0.12) compared to alternative therapies. Systematic heterogeneity was revealed on funnel plots indicating the presence of publication bias.

Conclusion:
Acupuncture is more effective in reducing orofacial pains and headaches. Further trials are needed to support the results of our study.
Assessment of the Alterations in Craniovertebral Angle Attributed to Continued Digital Usage as an Etiology for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders in North Indian Population: A Pilot Case-Control Study
Authors: Sharma Manisha Lakhanpal , Kaur Simran 
Published: January 2025

Context:
Alterations in the craniovertebral angle (CVA) affect the neutral head position setting in a cascade of changes in the cranio-cervico-mandibular complex.

Objectives:
This study correlates TMDs with forward head posture (FHP), digital usage, and neck pain.

Methods and Material:
Seventy subjects of the age group 30-40 were given a standardized questionnaire for TMD assessment followed by a thorough clinical examination of TMJ complex. Thereafter, subjects were divided into two groups. Standardized questionnaires were recorded for neck pain and digital usage. Furthermore, CVA was evaluated by a universal goniometer.

Statistical Analysis:
One-way ANOVA, unpaired t test, Shapiro–Wilk test, Pearson Coefficient, and Leven’s test were used.

Results:
In the study group, the prevalence of FHP was 94.2%. There was a significant association between FHP and screen time, neck pain as well as TMDs. However, the association between screen time and TMDs was insignificant.

Conclusions:
TMDs should be managed using the holistic approach which incorporates a reduction in digital usage, correction of posture, therapeutics for cervicofacial muscles, and TMJ.
A Retrospective Cross-sectional Study to Assess Maxillary Canine Impactions Among Maharashtra State Population of India
Authors: Ashwinirani S R , Suragimath Girish , Basavaraj Sowbhagya Malligere 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Impacted maxillary canines are the second most impactions of teeth, causing functional and esthetic complications.

Objectives:
To study the type, position, and prevalence of maxillary canine impactions among Maharashtra state population of India, with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Methods:
A cross-sectional, descriptive, retrospective study was performed using 1200 CBCT images of maxillary jaw, retrieved from the archives of dental radiology records. All the CBCT images were assessed by a senior oral radiologist to evaluate the type, prevalence, and position of maxillary canine impactions based on Yamamoto classification. Statistical analysis was performed using frequency and percentage with a statistical software.

Results:
Of 1200 images, 62.3% were of males and 37.8% were of females. Unilateral canine impactions (68.3%), on the right side (64%) were more common than the bilateral canine impaction (31.7%). Maxillary canine impaction prevalence was 6.8%, which was higher among females (13.2%) than males (2.9%), with statistically significant differences. Type II canine impactions were the maximum in our population.

Conclusions:
The maxillary canine impaction prevalence in Maharashtra state population was 6.8% and statistically more among the females. Unilateral impactions on the right side and Type II impactions as per Yamamoto classification were more predominant.
Secretory Status and ABO (H) Antigens Expression in Patients with Potentially Malignant and Malignant Oral Disorders Associated with Habits
Authors: Dcosta Zeena , Ahmed Junaid , Shenoy Nandita , Sujir Nanditha , Govindarajan Giridharan , Gupta Aarti 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Blood group antigens, known as ABO antigens, are located on the surface of red blood cells and other types of epithelial cells. Changes in these antigens are important for the diagnosis of oral malignancies.

Objectives:
The purpose of the study was to look into the secretory status and expression of ABO (H) antigens in individuals who had tobacco-related habits and possibly malignant and malignant oral illnesses.

Materials and Methods:
Three groups of ninety patients (OPMD, OSCC, and Controls) were created, and each group’s blood type was identified. An inhibition test was used to find out how secretory saliva was.

Results:
Among various patients, nonsecretors predominated in the category followed by ‘A’ secretors. Premalignant individuals exhibited a partial reduction in antigens, while cancer patients displayed a partial to full depletion of blood group antigens. This correlation was found to be statistically notable (P < 0.01).

Conclusion:
Blood group classification ought to be factored in alongside other risk elements to comprehend the individual patient’s susceptibility to malignant progression in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs).
Analysis of Inter-radicular Septum in the Treatment Planning for the Placement of Immediate Maxillary Molar Implants: A Retrospective Cone Beam CT Study
Authors: Karmarkar Pradnya , Mhapuskar Amit , Hiremutt Darshan R. Prasad , Kale Isha , Bhokare Akash 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Our study highlights the assessment of inter-radicular septum (IRS) on cone beam CT (CBCT) as an important pretreatment tool for immediate maxillary molar implant (IMI) placement. The aim of our study was to evaluate the suitability of the IRS of the maxillary first and second molars on CBCT to receive IMI.

Objectives:
The objectives of our study were to measure and compare IRS dimensions of the first and second molars and to assess the suitability of maxillary first and second molars to house an immediate implant.

Method:
In total, 200 CBCT scans (100 each for first and second molars) that display IRS completely were selected for the study. The IRS was analyzed in all three dimensions. Then, the percentage of first and second maxillary molars that were suitable to receive an IMI based on Smith and Tarnow’s classification was calculated.

Results:
It was found that 89% first and 71% of second molars were eligible sites for IMI.

Conclusion:
Careful evaluation of IRS will lead to a better prognosis for IMI.
Assessment of Anti-Inflammatory and Cytotoxic Property of Herbal Gel Containing Saffron, Withania Somnifera, Dry Ginger, and Tulsi Against Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Mahalingam Madhumitha , Pillai Devika S. , Shanmugam Rajesh Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Oral ulcers are frequent ulcerative conditions in the oral cavity that cause pain, recur often, and negatively impact quality of life.

Aim and Objective:
This study aims to assess the effectiveness of herbal extracts containing saffron, Withania somnifera, dry ginger, and tulsi as anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic agents for treating oral ulcers.

Materials and Methods:
A blend of 1 g each of tulsi, Withania somnifera, and dry ginger powders was mixed with 100 ml of distilled water and heated at 50 to 60 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities were tested by adding 5 ml of the extract to a gel composed of 5 g of carboxylate methyl cellulose and carbopol. The anti-inflammatory properties of the herbs were assessed using the Membrane Stabilization Assay, BSA Assay, and EA Assay, while the cytotoxic effect was evaluated using the Brine Shrimp Lethality Assay.

Results:
The Membrane Stabilization Assay at concentrations of 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 micrograms/ml showed values of 53, 64, 77, 79, and 85, respectively. The BSA Assay results were 42, 56, 67, 75, and 77, and the EA Assay results were 54, 61, 65, 69, and 78. The P values were 0.658 for the Membrane Stabilization Assay, 0.281 for the BSA Assay, and 0.647 for the EA Assay. These values indicate that the herbal ingredients’ cytotoxic activity is comparable to the standard.

Conclusion:
This study demonstrates that the natural components of medicinal herbs can effectively treat oral ulcers, improving patients’ quality of life. Thus, herbal medicines can be used alongside commercially available allopathic drugs.
Imaging Characteristics of Odontogenic Keratocysts: A Retrospective Radiographic Study
Authors: Nair Admaja K. , Lamees Fathimath , Sreela L. S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Background:
Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) poses diagnostic challenges due to its aggressive nature and varied clinical as well as radiographic presentations, often resembling other cysts and tumors. The buccolingual to mesiodistal width ratio has been proposed as a potential radiographic parameter for diagnosing OKC.

Aim:
This study aimed to characterize OKC radiographically using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) as well as panoramic radiographs, exploring the utility of the buccolingual to mesiodistal width ratio for diagnosis.

Materials and Methods:
An OKC retrospective radiography investigation was conducted with CBCT and panoramic radiographs from an archival database of patients in our institution, reported from 2019 to 2022. A total of 28 cases that were histopathologically confirmed OKC were analyzed.

Results:
Analyzing 28 histopathologically confirmed OKC cases, the mean age was 29.3 years, with a 3:4 female-to-male ratio. Predominantly located in the posterior mandible (60%), only one case occurred in the maxilla. The buccolingual to mesiodistal width ratio was <0.5 in 71% of cases, and over 80% exhibited unilocular radiolucency with scalloped borders.

Conclusion:
CBCT’s width-length ratio has emerged as a significant diagnostic factor, though histopathology remains the gold standard. The research emphasizes the significance of considering radiographic parameters, with potential implications for OKC diagnosis.
Impact of Smoking on Oxygen Saturation, Carboxyhemoglobin, and Carbon Monoxide Levels: A Pilot Study of Chairside Biomarkers for Smoking Status
Authors: Binny Christeena , Jacob Mathew , Fenn Saramma M. 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Tobacco use is associated with various health risks, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

Aim:
The objective of this study is to assess the levels of oxygen saturation, carboxyhemoglobin, and carbon monoxide in smokers compared to nonsmokers.

Methods:
Participants who had refrained from smoking for 3 hours prior to measuring exhaled carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin levels. After holding their breath for 15 s, they exhaled into a breath analyzer, which displayed carbon monoxide (ppm) and carboxyhemoglobin levels (%). Oxygen saturation was measured with a pulse oximeter on the right index finger.

Results:
Significant differences were found in carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin levels between cigarette smokers and Beedi smokers as well as between cigarette smokers and nonsmokers (P = 0.001). Beedi smokers also showed higher levels than nonsmokers (P = 0.001). Using ANOVA, differences in these levels across the groups (P = 0.001) were observed. Correlation analysis showed positive associations between carbon monoxide and carboxyhemoglobin and negative correlations between oxygen saturation and these parameters. Carboxyhemoglobin was significantly correlated with both carbon monoxide and oxygen saturation.

Conclusion:
The findings indicate that oxygen saturation, carboxyhemoglobin, and carbon monoxide levels are effective chairside biomarkers of smoking status, offering smokers immediate feedback on the harmful effects of smoking.
Evaluation of Maxillary and Sphenoidal Sinuses’ Volume and Bizygomatic Width Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography – A Promising Tool for Sex Determination
Authors: Sivasamy Indhumathi , Ramakarishna Pinakapani , Johaley Satyapal , Sikdar Sarbani Deb , Jain Shilpa K. , Diwan Raj Kumar 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction:
Sex determination is a critical step in the identification of individuals in forensic medicine. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is an excellent tool for analyzing the volume of paranasal sinuses that can be used for sex determination.

Aim:
To measure and compare sexual dimorphism in the bizygomatic distance and the volumes of the maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses on CBCT images and evaluate their significance in sex determination.

Materials and Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted using 102 CBCT scans, which were analyzed using ITK-SNAP software to determine the volumes of the maxillary sinus and sphenoidal sinuses. The bizygomatic width was measured in the axial section. The differences in the volumes of the maxillary and sphenoidal sinuses and bizygomatic width were assessed for their significance in sex determination. The study population was divided into male and female groups (51 males and 51 females). The age range was 20–75 years. Statistical analysis was conducted using independent t-tests and discriminant functional analysis.

Results:
Statistically significant differences were observed in bizygomatic width, right maxillary sinus volume, left sphenoidal sinus volume, total maxillary sinus volume, and total sphenoidal sinus volume (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:
Adult paranasal sinus volumes and bizygomatic width analyzed using CBCT may be useful for sex determination in forensic investigations.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection Modulates Inflammatory Cytokines in Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mahdi Karar Abdulzahra , Al-Mudhafar Muhassad H. , Hanweet Dunya Malhan 
Published: January 2025

Background:
Temporomandibular disorders are conditions that affect the structures of the jaw joint. These conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including discomfort, restricted movement, and the inability to perform certain functions.

Objectives:
To investigate the impact of providing platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections on the levels of interleukin 8 (IL-8) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the synovial fluid of patients who were experiencing traumatic knee dislocations (TMDs), the objective of this study was to investigate the impact of these injections.

Methodology:
Intra-articular PRP injections were administered to 33 individuals diagnosed with TMDs. Samples of synovial fluid were taken both at baseline and two months after the PRP injection. The determination of TNF-α and IL-8 concentrations was carried out by utilizing ELISA Kits. For statistical analysis, the paired t-test was utilized.

Results:
TNF-α levels (baseline mean = 26.55 pg/mL, post-PRP, mean = 18.79 pg/mL) and IL-8 levels (baseline mean = 72.28 pg/mL, post-PRP mean = 6.83 pg/mL) were significantly reduced after PRP therapy.

Conclusion:
The decrease in TNF-α and IL-8 levels following PRP injection indicates a potential anti-inflammatory effect in TMDs. PRP’s growth factors may help reverse degenerative changes by promoting tissue regeneration and repair.