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Background: The majority of the current evidence suggests that tobacco smoking increases the risk of diabetes. Salivary alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) considered a biomarker to detect various oral diseases. Several studies suggest that smoking habits tend to alter ALP and GSHPx levels. However, at present, there is no much information about these enzymes in smokers with diabetes. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate the status of salivary ALP and GSHPx levels in diabetic and nondiabetic participants with and without smoking habits. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee. A total of 60 male participants between the age group 35-50 years were recruited. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Participants were categorized into four groups: Group I - Smokers with diabetes (n = 15), Group II - Smokers without diabetes (n = 15), Group III - Nonsmoker with diabetes (n = 15), and Group IV - Nonsmoker without diabetes (n = 15). Salivary ALP levels and GSHPx activity were measured by colorimetric assay. Data were compared between groups using the one-way analysis of variance, followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: Nonsmoker diabetic participants demonstrated significantly higher ALP levels as compared to other groups (P < 0.05). We observed significantly lower levels of ALP in smokers with diabetes (P < 0.05). We observed a significant decrease in GSHPx activity in smokers with diabetes compared to all other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Salivary ALP can be used as a clinical biomarker to be correlated for evaluating diabetes. GSHPx activity can be used to understand the response of supplementation therapy in smokers with diabetes.

Large-scale production of bis-3'-5'-cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) would facilitate biological studies of numerous bacterial signaling pathways and phenotypes controlled by this second messenger molecule, such as virulence and biofilm formation. C-di-GMP constitutes also a potentially interesting molecule as a vaccine adjuvant. Even though chemical synthesis of c-di-GMP can be done, the yields are incompatible with mass-production. tDGC, a stand-alone diguanylate cyclase (DGC or GGDEF domain) from Thermotoga maritima, enables the robust enzymatic production of large quantities of c-di-GMP. To understand the structural correlates of tDGC thermostability, its catalytic mechanism and feedback inhibition, we determined structures of an active-like dimeric conformation with both active (A) sites facing each other and of an inactive dimeric conformation, locked by c-di-GMP bound at the inhibitory (I) site. We also report the structure of a single mutant of tDGC, with the R158A mutation at the I-site, abolishing product inhibition and unproductive dimerization. A comparison with structurally characterized DGC homologues from mesophiles reveals the presence of a higher number of salt bridges in the hyperthermophile enzyme tDGC. Denaturation experiments of mutants disrupting in turn each of the salt bridges unique to tDGC identified three salt-bridges critical to confer thermostability.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura is a skin condition result from a low platelet count due to drug-induced anti-platelet antibodies caused by drugs. Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura should be suspected when a patient, child or adult, has sudden, severe thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura is even more strongly suspected when a patient has repeated episodes of sudden, severe thrombocytopenia

Introduction: Mobile phones generate heat and radiofrequency radiation. The parotid gland is one potential target, because mobile phones are pressed against the side of the face where the gland is located. Aims and Objectives: To compare the effect of mobile phone radiation on parotid gland volume, systolic velocity, salivary flow rate, and protein concentration between the dominant and the nondominant side of mobile phone usage among heavy mobile phone users. Materials and Methods: Ultrasonography of the superior lobe of parotid was performed bilaterally to measure gland volume. Systolic velocity of the external carotid artery in gland was calculated bilaterally using color Doppler imaging. Saliva flow rate was measured bilaterally with modified Schrimer strip. Carlson-Crittenden device was used to collect 0.5 ml saliva sample from the duct and biuret assay was done to determine the protein concentration. Settings and Design: A cohort study was conducted with 50 undergraduate students of a dental college based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Statistical Analysis Used: Pearson correlation test was used to correlate and compare changes in the parameters of parotid gland and analyzed to a significant level of 0.05. Results: The volume, systolic velocity of blood flow of the external carotid artery, the salivary flow rate, and protein concentration of the parotid gland were significantly more by 11.9, 18, 23, and 8%, respectively, on the dominant side than the nondominant side of mobile phone usage. Conclusion: The study emphasized that prolonged mobile phone usage causes biological changes in parotid gland.

Intramuscular hemangioma (IMH) is a rare congenital benign vascular tumour occuring in the skeletal muscles. Mostly they occur in the muscles of lower extremity and rarely in the muscles of oral cavity. This is a case report of a 37 year old female patient with a Chief complaint of painless dependent swelling in the left middle third of the cheek region for the past 4 years. Clinical examination supported by the findings of Ultrasonography [USG] and Magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] leading to the diagnosis of intramuscular hemangioma of masseter. The diagnosis is later confirmed after Excisional biopsy followed by histopathologic evalution of the biopsied section. The masseter muscle is most frequent muscle accounting for 5% of all intramuscular hemangiomas. Due to the fibro vascular nature IMH have a rubbery, firm texture and vascular bruits or thrills are infrequent. The management has ranged from steroids to injection of sclerosing agents, radiation therapy, and surgical excision.

The mental foramen is an important anatomic landmark located on the buccal aspect of the mandible. Evaluation of anatomical variants in the mental foramen (MF) is an important prerequisite for implant and surgical procedures involving the anterior part of the mandible body to avoid mental nerve branches injury. The most frequent variation is the presence of double mental foramen, ranging from 1.4% to 12.5%. The incidence of triple mental foramen is extremely rare ranging from 0.7% to 1.2%. Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is the diagnostic tool of choice for imaging the maxillofacial region, which allows accurate three-dimensional analysis of mental foramen variations. The present report describes an unusual case of triple mental foramina of the right side of the mandible in a 39-year-old south Indian male detected by CBCT.

Background: The majority of the current evidence suggests that tobacco smoking increases the risk of diabetes. Salivary alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) considered a biomarker to detect various oral diseases. Several studies suggest that smoking habits tend to alter ALP and GSHPx levels. However, at present, there is no much information about these enzymes in smokers with diabetes. Hence, the study aimed to evaluate the status of salivary ALP and GSHPx levels in diabetic and nondiabetic participants with and without smoking habits. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee. A total of 60 male participants between the age group 35-50 years were recruited. Informed consent was obtained from participants. Participants were categorized into four groups: Group I - Smokers with diabetes (n = 15), Group II - Smokers without diabetes (n = 15), Group III - Nonsmoker with diabetes (n = 15), and Group IV - Nonsmoker without diabetes (n = 15). Salivary ALP levels and GSHPx activity were measured by colorimetric assay. Data were compared between groups using the one-way analysis of variance, followed by a Bonferroni post-hoc test. Results: Nonsmoker diabetic participants demonstrated significantly higher ALP levels as compared to other groups (P < 0.05). We observed significantly lower levels of ALP in smokers with diabetes (P < 0.05). We observed a significant decrease in GSHPx activity in smokers with diabetes compared to all other groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Salivary ALP can be used as a clinical biomarker to be correlated for evaluating diabetes. GSHPx activity can be used to understand the response of supplementation therapy in smokers with diabetes.

Introduction: Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition triggered by an imbalance in the periodontal bacterial community, leading to damage of the tooth-supporting structures. Over recent decades, numerous studies have highlighted a significant link between periodontitis and coronary heart disease. Lipids gets adhered in the intima layer, where it is oxidized, and leads to the beginning of coronary heart disease. Saliva, being an ultrafiltrate of plasma, serves as a valuable non-invasive medium for diagnostic purposes. The present study aimed to assess salivary lipid profile parameters such as Triglycerides (TGL), High-Density Lipoproteins (HDL), Low-Density Lipoproteins (LDL), Very Low-Density Lipoproteins (VLDL), and Total Cholesterol in individuals with and without periodontal disease. Methods: This study included 30 subjects. Unstimulated salivary samples were collected into sterile containers from 15 patients with chronic periodontitis and 15 individuals with healthy periodontium. Lipid profile levels were estimated using calorimetric method. Results: Patients with periodontal disease exhibited increased salivary levels of LDL, Total Cholesterol and decreased HDL levels by supporting the hypothesis that salivary lipid levels will be increased in patients with chronic periodontitis which may act as a precursor for atherosclerosis. Conclusion: Patients with chronic periodontitis have increased LDL and total cholesterol levels in saliva which could be a risk factor for developing atherosclerosis.

Large-scale production of bis-3'-5'-cyclic-di-GMP (c-di-GMP) would facilitate biological studies of numerous bacterial signaling pathways and phenotypes controlled by this second messenger molecule, such as virulence and biofilm formation. C-di-GMP constitutes also a potentially interesting molecule as a vaccine adjuvant. Even though chemical synthesis of c-di-GMP can be done, the yields are incompatible with mass-production. tDGC, a stand-alone diguanylate cyclase (DGC or GGDEF domain) from Thermotoga maritima, enables the robust enzymatic production of large quantities of c-di-GMP. To understand the structural correlates of tDGC thermostability, its catalytic mechanism and feedback inhibition, we determined structures of an active-like dimeric conformation with both active (A) sites facing each other and of an inactive dimeric conformation, locked by c-di-GMP bound at the inhibitory (I) site. We also report the structure of a single mutant of tDGC, with the R158A mutation at the I-site, abolishing product inhibition and unproductive dimerization. A comparison with structurally characterized DGC homologues from mesophiles reveals the presence of a higher number of salt bridges in the hyperthermophile enzyme tDGC. Denaturation experiments of mutants disrupting in turn each of the salt bridges unique to tDGC identified three salt-bridges critical to confer thermostability.

Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura is a skin condition result from a low platelet count due to drug-induced anti-platelet antibodies caused by drugs. Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura should be suspected when a patient, child or adult, has sudden, severe thrombocytopenia. Drug-induced thrombocytopenic purpura is even more strongly suspected when a patient has repeated episodes of sudden, severe thrombocytopenia