Fullerene molecules are composed entirely of carbon, in the form of a hollow sphere, ellipsoid, or tube. Fullerenes in the cylindrical form are called carbon nanotubes (CNTs) or buckytubes and fullerenes in the spherical form are referred to as buckyballs. The CNT represents one of the unique inventions in nanotechnology. CNTs have been studied closely over the last two decades by many researchers around the world for their great potential in different fields. Fullerenes have attracted considerable attention in different fields of science since their discovery in 1985. Their unique carbon cage structure coupled with immense scope for derivatization makes them a potential therapeutic agent. The fullerenes can be utilized in organic photovoltaic (OPV), portable power, medical purpose, antioxidants, and biopharmaceuticals and dentistry.

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Background and Objective: Dermatoglyphics are the dermal ridge configuration on the digits, palms and soles. They are genetically determined and influenced by environmental forces that are operating before birth. Several studies have shown association between dermatoglyphics and different types of cancer. Hence this study was undertaken to determine whether specific dermatoglyphic patterns exists which help in predicting the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oral leukoplakia. Materials and Methods: Finger and palm prints were collected using Ink method from 30 subjects with OSCC, 30 subjects with oral leukoplakia and 30 healthy controls and were evaluated qualitatively and quantitatively. Results: Arches and loops were more frequent in cases than in controls whereas whorls were more frequent in control group ( P < 0.01). Conclusion: Our study concluded that dermatoglyphic patterns may have a role in identifying individuals either with or at risk for developing oral leukoplakia and OSCC. Hence can be used to identify high risk group, so that early primary and secondary preventive measures can be instituted in order to prevent the occurrence of these lesions.

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For maintenance of the health of an individual, taste sensation is very important. It is an important sensation that serves to assess the nutritious content of food, support oral intake, and prevent ingestion of potentially toxic substances. Disturbances in the perception of taste can lead to loss of appetite, causing malnutrition and thus distressing both the physical and psychological well-being of the patient. Oral physicians are often the first clinicians who hear complaints about alteration in taste from the patients. In spite of the effect of taste changes on health, literature on the diagnosis, pathogenesis, and precise treatment of taste disorders are less. Taste changes may lead patients to seek inappropriate dental treatments. Proper diagnosis of the etiology is the foremost step in the treatment of taste disorders. Thus, it is important that dental clinicians to be familiar with the various causes and proper management of taste changes. In this article, we have reviewed related articles focusing on taste disorders and their management, to provide a quick sketch for the clinicians. A detailed search was performed to identify the systematic reviews and research articles on taste disorders, using PUBMED and Cochrane. All the authors independently extracted data for analysis and review. Ultimately, 26 articles underwent a full text review. In conclusion, the research to date certainly offers us valid management strategies for taste disorders. Meanwhile, practical strategies with the highest success are needed for further intervention.

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Aims and Objectives: This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of lycopene in the management of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and to compare its efficacy with intralesional betamethasone injections. Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients were divided randomly into two groups. Group I subjects were treated with 10,000 mcg of lycopene (Lyconex) daily, in two equally divided doses, for two months. Group II subjects were given intralesional injections of betamethasone. Both the groups were assessed in terms of mouth opening and burning sensation. Results: A significant improvement in mouth opening was seen in both the groups and the improvement was better in Group I. The mean improvement in mouth opening in Group I was 37.62% (12 mm) at the end of the study, which was statistically highly significant and weekly evaluation revealed that this high significance was from the third week onward, and Group II patients (only intralesional steroids) showed an average improvement of 13% (3.9 mm) at the final follow-up visit. Conclusion: Lycopene (Lyconex) is better than intralesional betamethasone injections in improving mouth opening and decreasing burning sensation.

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Aim and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to determine the number, types, and locations of oral mucosal lesions in patients who attended our outpatient department. Materials and Methods: The patients were divided into four groups based on age: 17–24 years, 25–34 years, 35–44 years and >44 years old. Clinical oral examination was done with diagnostic instruments using the Color Atlas of Common Oral Diseases as a guide for diagnosis. When clinical features were not diagnostic, a biopsy was undertaken. The lesions were divided into 7 major groups – normal variants, tobacco related, tongue lesions, potentially malignant disorders and oral malignancies, reactive lesions, inflammatory and pigmented lesions. Results: Among 1500 outpatients, of the 587 (39.1%) patients diagnosed with oral mucosal lesions, males were 416 (70.8%) and females 171 (29.1%). The age range of the patients was between 17 and 80 years. The overall prevalence of oral mucosal changes or lesions was 39.1%. The most commonly affected age group was >44 years. Overall, tobacco-related lesions (35.9%) were the most frequently detected conditions, followed by tongue lesions (16.1%), premalignant and malignant lesions (13.9%), inflammatory lesions (12.6%), normal variants (9.5%), reactive lesions (7.6%), and pigmented lesions (4.0%). Conclusion: The results of the present study provide important information about the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions among patients seeking dental care. The study provides baseline data for future studies about the prevalence of oral lesions in the general population.

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Here we report an unusual case of peripheral ossifying fibroma in a 57-year-old woman, who reported to the KLES Institute of Dental Sciences, Belgaum. Clinically, the lesion appeared as a nodular swelling on the gingiva. Though the possibility exists that the lesion is reactive, it appears to be true neoplastic growth and a purely soft tissue process arising from the gingiva. Thus, we proposed the term peripheral ossifying fibroma for this distinct lesion.

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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of turmeric in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) patients. Objectives: To check the treatment efficacy of turmeric in terms of burning sensation on Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and mouth opening, and to evaluate the group which showed the maximum improvement. Materials and Methods: 30 subjects diagnosed with OSMF were included in this study. The patients were administered commercially available turmeric; their mouth opening and burning sensation on VAS scale were evaluated at regular intervals, and the data was then compared. Results: The improvement in mouth opening was not significant; however, the change in burning sensation on VAS was significant. Conclusion: Treatment of OSMF with turmeric is an affordable and effective treatment methodology; however, further research needs to be done.

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Aims and Objectives: To determine the prevalence of visible calcifications in soft tissues of the orofacial region in digital panoramic radiographs. Materials and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of 1615 adult male and female dental outpatients who had visited the dental college for various dental treatments were scrutinized for calcifications. Soft tissue calcifications were recorded according to gender, age, and site. Results: Patients identified with soft tissue calcifications comprised 63.41% arteriosclerosis, 45.29% calcified atherosclerotic plaques, phlebolith in 11.7%, sialolith of submandibular salivary gland in 4.3%, calcified stylomandibular and stylohyoid ligament in 4.2%, tonsillolith in 3.2% and lymph node calcification in 2.1% of the radiographs. The association of presence of calcification with age was analyzed with the Chi-square test (P<0.05). Women showed an increased prevalence of soft tissue calcifications (P<0.001). Mean age of participants with calcification and without calcification was assessed (P<0.05) using Mann-Whitney U test. Conclusion: Carotid artery calcifications were found to be high among the soft tissue calcifications and women after menopause showed an increase in the carotid artery calcifications.

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Introduction: The greatest burden of oral diseases is on the disadvantaged and socially marginalized populations. In developing countries like India, the availability and accessibility of oral health services in rural areas are limited, and the provision of oral health care is also very limited. Aims and Objectives: To assess the factors affecting the utilization of oral health services among the rural population of western Rajasthan, India. Materials and Methods: A structured self-administered questionnaire was employed as the instrument for data collection. Study was carried out for a period of 1 year in the rural areas of western Rajasthan, India. A total of 5476 people were selected. The questionnaire was explained to all the participants before the distribution, and the participants returned questionnaires after it was completed. Results: Among the total study group of 5476 subjects, 3934 were males and 1542 females. The study group was divided into five equal age groups from 20 to 60 years and above. It was found that 31.57% were illiterate and only 1.53% were graduates. One thousand, four hundred and thirty-six participants (26.22%) stated that cost of dental treatment was the major factor, followed by 1386 (25.31%) who believed in myths associated with dental treatment. Conclusion: Utilization of oral health services among the rural population has been found to be influenced by socio-demographic factors. Improving access to oral health care is a critical and very important first step to improving oral health outcomes and reducing disparities.

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Introduction: Haller cells, an anatomical variation in paranasal sinuses, have also been suggested as a causative factor in maxillary sinus disease because of their ability to cause narrowing of the infundibulum because of their complex positioning. Research in the past had suggested the probable etiology for maxillary pathology from the obstruction at the osteomeatal complex leading to localized infection and inflammation. These further proceed to the sequel of another sinus pathology. Aim and Objective: The purpose of this study was to calculate the prevalence of Haller cells and to evaluate the association of the presence of Haller cells with maxillary sinus diseases. Materials and Methods: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) image volumes of 200 patients were retrieved from Planmeca ProMax 3D Mid machine and evaluated using Romex 3.1 software, in coronal section and keeping slice thickness of 4 mm. In total, 400 sites were analyzed for Haller cells and maxillary sinus disease. Haller cells were identified using criteria given by Mathew et al. Data obtained were subjected to the Chi-square test and Cohen' kappa test for statistical analysis and P values of <0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Out of 400 sites, Haller cells were noted at 129 sites and reported with the prevalence of 49%. Maxillary sinus pathology was noted at a total of 144 sites out of which 68 were associated with Haller cells. Maxillary sinusitis in association with Haller cells was reported at 50 sites where as benign mucosal cyst was reported at 18 sites. Conclusion: Haller cells should be used as an important anatomical variation in maxillary sinus pathologies.

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Free radicals and antioxidant therapy have attracted a great deal of attention in recent years. Antioxidants are compounds that destroy the free radicals in the body, thereby preventing harmful oxidation-reduction reactions. Antioxidants are critical for maintaining optimum health and well-being. The best sources of antioxidants are fruits and vegetables, which provide a variety of antioxidants such as Vitamins A, C, E, and carotenoids. Currently available data are compatible with the notion that these vitamins act as chemopreventives against some important cancers, e.g., carotenoids for lung cancer, ascorbic acid for salivary gland cancer, tocopherols for head and neck cancers, etc. Thus, a greater consumption of fruits and vegetables should be encouraged as they are the natural sources of these chemopreventive antioxidants along with other protective factors packaged by nature.

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Background and Objectives: Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic condition of the oral cavity which results in permanent disability. The pathogenesis is poorly understood and the disease is difficult to treat. OSMF is associated with immunological changes (altered levels of serum immunoglobulins) and the effect of treatment (especially antioxidants and levamisole) on serum immunoglobulins (Ig) is not known. This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical effects of levamisole (VERMISOL), and antioxidants (ANTOXID) and its effect on serum immunoglobulins IgG, IgA and IgM. Meterials and Methods: Forty-five study subjects were included in the study. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups. There were 15 patients in each group; group I patients received levamisole, 50 mg three times daily for three alternate weeks, group II patients received 2 capsules of antoxid daily for six weeks, group III patients received levamisole and antoxid. The results were analyzed with paired 't' test and unpaired 't' test. Results: The results indicated that levamisole, antoxid and the combination of levamisole and antoxid showed significant improvement in mouth opening and reduction in burning sensation. Significant reduction of serum IgG, IgA and IgM was seen in the levamisole group and combination group whereas in the antoxid group significant reduction was observed only in serum IgA and IgM. Interpretation and Conclusion: Levamisole can bring about clinical improvement and is better than antoxid and the combination regimen. The addition of antoxid to the treatment regimen does not seem to have an added advantage over levamisole alone.

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The term unicystic ameloblastoma (UA) refers to those cystic lesions that show clinical, radiographic, or gross features of a jaw cyst, but on histologic examination show a typical ameloblastomatous epithelium lining part of the cyst cavity, with or without luminal and/or mural tumor growth. Even though the lesion is not as aggressive as the solid ameloblastoma, an accurate histopathologic diagnosis is essential for the treatment and prognosis. Here we present 3 cases of UA showing different histologic features and coming under histologic variants of UA. These cases re-establish the fact that thorough microscopic examination of the surgical specimen is necessary for the final diagnosis of UA. Also the complexity of the diagnostic process of bone pathologies increases when the lesions are present at uncommon locations. The most important aspect governing treatment modalities in these three cases are individual considerations rather than theoretical factors.

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Ossifying fibroma (OF) is a benign, non-odontogenic tumor of the jaw, a type of fibro-osseous lesion. Traditionally, this type of lesion was subclassified histologically into ossifying fibroma and cementifying fibroma according to the hard tissues formed, but both types are now known by the unified term, ossifying fibroma. It is generally accepted that the histological subclassification of these two lesions is of academic interest only since differential diagnosis is often arbitrary and their biological behaviour seems to be identical. The present article discusses the case of central ossifying fibroma in a 35-year-old female patient who presented with a swelling in premolar-molar region of left mandible which was symptom-free and present since last 6 months. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology.

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Aim: To evaluate mandibular ramus linear measurements on digital panoramic radiographs and to assess the usefulness of mandibular ramus in sex determination. Material and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on 100 patients (50 males and 50 females) using digital panoramic radiographs of Khammam population with age ranging from 20 to 50 years. Standard digital panoramic radiographs were taken without any errors by Sirona, ORTHOPHOS XG 5 machine. The following five mandibular linear measurements were performed in cm such as upper ramus breadth, lower ramus breadth, condylar ramus height, projective ramus height, and coronoid ramus height. The obtained data were analyzed with the software SPSS 13.0 for statistical analysis using discriminate methods. Results: In the present study, all the linear measurements of mandibular ramus on digital panoramic radiographs showed a statistically significant difference between the genders. Conclusion: We conclude that the use of mandibular ramus is recommended as an aid for sex determination in forensic science due to their unique feature of sexual dimorphism.

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Background: Although several studies have been done on lip prints for human identification in forensic science, there is a doubt about their use in gender determination. Aims: The present study was designed to study the lip groove patterns in all the quadrants of both male and female subjects to identify the sex, based on the patterns of the grooves of the lip prints. Study Design: 300 lip prints were collected from volunteers of D. J. College of Dental Sciences and Research, Modinagar (UP). Materials and Methods: Lip prints were recorded with lip stick and transferred on to a glass slide. Statistical Analysis: Pearson chi-square test was adopted for statistical analysis and probability value (P value) was calculated. Conclusion: In our study, none of the lip prints were identical, thus confirming the role of lip prints in individual identification. According to Suzuki's classification, Type I, II, III and IV patterns were significant in gender determination.

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Introduction: The evolving state of art digital technology currently available is opening new avenues in forensic odontology for age estimation methods which are subject to debate in terms of accuracy and precision. A study was carried to analyze efficacy and practical application for age estimation using digital panoramic radiographs on South Indian population. Aims and Objectives: 1. To study reduction of coronal pulp chamber using Tooth Coronal Index (TCI) on panoramic radiographs and correlate with chronologic age. 2. To establish accuracy of digital panoramic radiographs as a simple, non-invasive tool. Materials and Methods: The study illustrates the potential value of a little known aging method. The study groups comprised a total of 100 subjects of both sexes in age range of 20 and 60 years each who were subjected to panoramic radiography. A panoramic radiographic examination using digital panoramic machine was conducted on selected individuals. The TCI was calibrated using AGFA computer software for accuracy and precision. The values obtained were subjected to regression analysis, results calculated and correlated with chronologic age. In the present study a population of known age was studied and subjected to digital panoramic radiographic examination. The correlation between reduction of coronal pulp cavity and chronological age was examined. TCI was computed for each tooth and regressed on real age. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation co-efficient was used to find the significance of relationship between age and TCI. Regression analysis has been used for predicting age using TCI for premolar and molar. Inaccuracy and bias have been determined to assess the precision of prediction equations. Results and Conclusion: Prediction potential of TCI comes down for ages above 50 years and is comfortably good below 50 years without much difference between premolars and molars. This study demonstrates the potential value of TCI for age estimation.

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Introduction: Saliva is an important diagnostic biofluid and the salivary composition is affected by various systemic conditions including pregnancy. Aims: The study was conducted to evaluate the salivary flow rate and pH in pregnant and non-pregnant Indian women and, consequently, to compare and correlate the salivary flow rate, pH, and prevalence of dental caries in both groups. Settings and Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted in our institute on a sample of 30 pregnant and 30 non-pregnant women. Materials and Methods: The clinical findings for Decayed-Missing-Filled Teeth (DMFT) index were recorded. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected to determine the salivary flow rate and pH. Statistical Analysis Used: Data were statistically analyzed using Student's t-test. Results: Salivary flow rate was lower in pregnant women (0.63 ml/min) as compared to that in non-pregnant women (0.81 ml/min) (P < 0.05) and the pH was also lesser in pregnant women (6.56) than in non-pregnant women (6.86) (P < 0.05). DMFT index showed a strong negative correlation with pH in pregnant women and non-pregnant women (P < 0.05). Conclusion: A difference was observed between the salivary parameters of pregnant and non-pregnant women in this sample. However, all the values were within the normal range. A significant inverse relation was found between salivary pH and dental caries for both the groups.

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Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) in Chennai city population. Materials and Methods: To obtain a representative sample, a house-to-house survey was conducted in three zones of Chennai and a total of 4197 individuals were randomly selected for the study. Among 4197 individuals, 1158 were excluded from the study, based on the exclusion criteria. Finally, a total of 3039 individuals were included in the study population. Results: More than half of the study sample (53.7%) in the present study had one or more clinical signs and symptoms of TMD. Deviation of mandible on mouth opening (42.1%) and clicking sound (38.6%) made up the highest percentage. Females aged 18 years and older reported higher prevalence of TMD signs and symptoms than men. However, these differences were not significant for all signs and symptoms in all age groups. Prevalence of TMD was reported in this study according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/TMD) system of classification, and myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS) was reported in 0.8% of the population, internal derangement in 38.3%, and osteoarthritis in 14.6% of the population. Conclusion: Our study, in comparison to other prevalence studies, had a higher sample size and was representative of a cross section of the population. The results of this study show that a significant percentage of the population has signs of TMDs and there are chances that they may develop symptoms of TMDs. Further studies are needed for early identification and initiation of preventive measures which could prevent TMDs progressing to advanced stages where management becomes difficult.

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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.

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Introduction: Third molars are the most common teeth that may follow an abortive eruption path and become impacted as a result of pathology, anatomical structures or insufficient osseous space posterior to the second molars. Aims and Objectives: The present study evaluated (1) the distribution of the impaction of mandibular third molar; (2) the distribution of the patterns of impaction radiographically; and (3) the gender distribution for pattern of impaction. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based retrospective study was conducted over a course of 6 months in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology and presents the analysis of 122 panoramic radiographs of patients between the age group of 18-30 years. They were interpreted and assessed for the impaction of mandibular third molars. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-square test. Results: Bilateral impaction of mandibular third molar is more common than unilateral in both the sexes, with mesioangular being the most common pattern. In males, mesioangular pattern was followed by horizontal, whereas in females it was followed by vertical. Conclusion: The present study provides useful data regarding the radiographic status of impacted mandibular third molars in patients.

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Background and Objectives: The importance of saliva for oral health is well known. Diabetes mellitus affects the salivary gland functioning and thus alters the salivary constituents. For many years the question of the presence of glucose in saliva has been a subject of debate and only few people found correlation between serum glucose and salivary glucose in diabetics. Hence, the purpose of this study was to estimate and correlate salivary glucose concentration and serum glucose concentration in diabetics and healthy controls. Materials and Methods: 60 newly diagnosed diabetic patients and 60 age and sex matched control subjects were included in the study. Blood and saliva samples from both the groups were collected at least two hours after the breakfast. The samples were centrifuged and subjected to glucose analysis using Semiautoanalyzer (BioSystems BTS-310 Photometer). For experimental group, the samples were collected again after the control of diabetes mellitus. The statistical comparisons were performed using paired and unpaired t -test. Results: A highly significant correlation was found between salivary glucose and serum glucose before the treatment and also after the control of diabetes. The correlation between salivary glucose and serum glucose was also highly significant in controls. The levels of salivary glucose did not vary with age and sex. Conclusion and Interpretation: As there was significant correlation between salivary glucose and serum glucose, salivary glucose holds the potential of being a marker in diabetes. Further, it has an added advantage of being non-invasive procedure with no need of special equipments and with fewer compliance problems as compared with collection of blood.

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C-reactive protein (CRP) is a plasma phase protein that takes part in systemic responses to inflammatory reactions. Its serum concentration can increase up to 1000 folds or more in relation to acute stimuli due to infections, tissue injuries, and malignant disorders. It is highly resistant to proteolysis, principally synthesized in the liver in response to proinflammatory cytokines, i.e. interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor. These cytokines are seen to be related to neoplastic disorders. It forms an integral component of innate immunity and serves primarily to recognize potential pathogens and damaged cells. The present article summarizes the importance of CRP and its significance in oral cancer and associated disorders. It was found that a lowered CRP level may prove to be beneficial in prevention and treatment of oral cavity cancer.

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Every healthcare professional should be aware of Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen's discovery of X-rays over 100 years ago, which had an interesting, eventful, and dramatic history. The physicist from Germany won the first Nobel Prize in physics in 1901 for this discovery. Röntgen was one of the outstanding physicists of the nineteenth century, even without considering his best-known discovery, which opened up new vistas in research. In addition to the discovery of X-rays, Röntgen is credited with three standard components that are currently used in X-ray analysis: The fluorescent screen, the photographic plate, and a prototype of the ionization chamber method. This paper is a wordy tribute to a great scientist and presents a simplified picture of Röntgen's great discovery of X-rays.

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Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is the chronic debilitating and crippling condition of oral mucosa. It is well recognised as potentially malignant disorder which is associated mainly with the use of arecanut in various forms. It is characterised by inflammation and progressive fibrosis of the submucosal tissue. The pathogenesis of the disease includes various factors like arecanut chewing, chillies, nutritional deficiencies and genetic processes. The management of OSF has been the subject of controversy ever since Schwartz first described the condition in 1952. Through this article, an attempt is made to update the knowledge regarding aetiology and its therapeutic and surgical management which improves the life expectancy of patients suffering from OSF.

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