M. S. Ramaiah Dental College and Hospital

Inflammation and oxidative stress are key pathological drivers of many chronic and neurodegenerative disorders, prompting increasing interest in natural compounds that can safely modulate inflammatory responses and protect neural cells from oxidative damage. In this study, walnut shell pectin (WSP), extracted from Chilean walnut shells, was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential using in vitro models. The anti-inflammatory effects were assessed in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages, while the neuroprotective effects were investigated in rotenone-treated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. WSP significantly reduced LPS-induced inflammation by downregulating the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α and enhancing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. In rotenone-exposed SH-SY5Y cells, WSP increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, catalase and superoxide dismutase, thereby reducing oxidative stress and improving neuronal viability. The maximum protective concentration for both cell lines was determined to be 50 µg/ml. Overall, WSP exhibited strong anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities in vitro, highlighting its potential as a natural therapeutic compound for preventing and managing inflammation-associated and neurodegenerative disorders.

The green chemistry approach in synthesizing nanoparticles, particularly using plant extract, has gained booming demand for eco-friendly nanotechnology, evaluating their multifunctional properties, and exploring potential applications. Hence, addressing the need for sustainable nanomaterials in biomedical and environmental fields. This work describes the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Manilkara zapota (M. zapota) leaf extract as a reducing agent through a simple bio-combustion method. The synthesized AgNPs were characterized by various analytical techniques such as UV-visible spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and so on. The optical studies of the AgNPs reveal a bandgap energy of about 3.31 eV. The nanoparticles synthesized in this work were found to crystallize in a cubic phase, corresponding to JCPDS #96-9013046, in the Fm-3 m space group. The crystallite size was 22.38 nm and was independently confirmed through the W-H plot (24.75 nm). Infrared spectroscopy results revealed the characteristics of O-H stretching at 3335 cm⁻¹ and a metal peroxide peak at 849 cm⁻¹, respectively. It was seen that the SEM and TEM images depict a clustered agglomeration of the nanoparticles, while EDAX confirmed the elemental composition. The as-synthesized AgNPs showed high catalytic efficiency towards degradation of MB dye (83.33%) following 0th order kinetics with an R² value of 0.98 and rate constant k₀ of 0.007, under acidic conditions at pH-2 being optimal for their performance. The antibacterial assays showed that AgNPs were effective against both Staphylococcus aureus (gram-positive) and Escherichia coli (gram-negative) bacterial strains. Activity was observed at a low concentration of 400 µg/mL. Hence, the obtained AgNPs prepared via bio-combustion route resulted in a potential multifunctional nanomaterial with strong catalytic properties coupled with antibacterial activity.

Quadriceps tendon rupture (QTR) is a rare but debilitating condition that impairs knee extension, crucial for gait. It typically affects the elderly but may occur in younger individuals with systemic comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD). We report a case of sequential bilateral QTRs in a young male with CKD. The patient initially presented with left knee pain, swelling and extension lag. Imaging confirmed a full-thickness quadriceps tendon tear, which was surgically repaired using two double-loaded titanium suture anchors, followed by an uneventful recovery. Seven months later, he sustained a similar injury to the right knee. MRI confirmed a full-thickness avulsion tear and the same surgical technique was applied. At a 14-month follow-up, the patient achieved full, pain-free range of motion and improved functional outcomes in both knees. This case highlights the rarity of bilateral sequential ruptures and demonstrates successful management using suture anchor fixation and a structured rehabilitation programme.

This qualitative research study explored the barriers and facilitators, scope, and feasibility of integrating oral ‎health into school health programs in Bengaluru, India. Findings indicate that barriers such as resource ‎constraints, curriculum gaps, awareness and engagement deficits, environmental, structural, geographic ‎, and socioeconomic barriers, poor resources, inadequate curriculum, and limited awareness among key ‎stakeholders contribute to the significant hurdles in incorporating oral health into such programs. On the other ‎hand, facilitators emerged, such as administrative commitment, community collaboration, school children-centric engagement, support from strong administrators, coordination with the community, and active ‎involvement of school children, all of which can increase the feasibility of such initiatives. It further emphasizes the ‎role of innovative teaching methods and comprehensive health curricula in fostering sustainable oral health ‎practices. The study provided recommendations to design effective oral health programs, which can be adapted ‎for use in other urban contexts to promote lifelong health benefits and reduce future healthcare costs‎.

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Oral cancer is the term described as cancers occurring in the mouthparts that include lips, cheeks, sinuses, tongue, hard and soft palate, or the base of the mouth extending up to the oropharynx. Globally, oral cancer ranks 17th among all types of cancer in terms of both incidence and mortality. India has the largest number of oral cancer cases in the world, and this constitutes more than one-third of the total global burden. In India, oral cancer ranks as the second most common cancer, and is the number one cancer among males. In India, around 130,000 new cases and >75,000 deaths were reported only in the year 2020, with an expected doubling of incidence by 2040. This burden of oral cancer is further complicated by the late-stage diagnosis and low survival rates. In India, the majority of oral cancer cases are reported in the advanced stages, and hence, the chances of cure are very low. This report provides an insight into oral cancer as a public health problem in India, along with etiology and strategies to diagnose, treat, and prevent it while providing recommendations to improve upon the availability and delivery of treatment for oral cancer. The predominant risk factor for developing oral cancer is tobacco consumption. The continual use of tobacco in both smoking and smokeless forms is a major contributor to tumor development in the oral cavity. Other risk factors such as alcohol, diet and nutrition, oral thrush, dental problems, chronic irritation from sharp teeth or ill-fitting dentures, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection also contribute to the burden. Further, social, cultural, and psychological factors too play an important role in developing oral cancer. Oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) are a diverse group of conditions that are the precursors of oral cancer. It is important to recognize that a patient diagnosed with an OPMD has an increased risk of developing oral cancer compared to a person with a healthy mucosa. Lesions such as Erythroplakia, Erythroleukoplakia, Leukoplakia, Proliferative verrucous leukoplakia, Submucous fibrosis, Palatal lesions associated with reverse smoking, oral lichenoid lesions, oral lichen planus, smokeless tobacco keratosis, and more are the common OPMDs seen in the country. Oral cancer screenings, which are conducted to identify any clinical premalignant phase (accessible to visual inspection), are usually done on a mass scale and shows a decreased burden of advanced oral cancer incident cases and deaths as compared to no screening. Among the screening strategies, it is suggested that high-risk screening is cost-effective compared to mass screening at periodic intervals. Oral cancer screening methods vary across healthcare settings, each with its advantages and limitations. While visual inspection remains a fundamental tool, adjunctive technologies are sometimes used in dental clinics; community outreach programs and telemedicine extend accessibility to screening. The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, has prepared a universal and objective operational framework for cancer screening and management that aims to promote, coordinate, and conduct research to better understand, detect, diagnose, and treat cancer. The framework makes it mandatory to perform screening of oral, cervix, and breast cancer for males and females above the age of 30. Concerning oral cancer treatment, several modalities are available; however, the cure depends on the cancer stage when diagnosed and the delay in starting treatment. Primary surgery is the preferred modality of treatment for a vast majority of operable oral cancers. Radiotherapy is an alternate for early-stage oral cancers with comparable control rates to surgery. Typically, the primary treatment for oral cancer is surgery. The primary goal of surgical resection is to ensure complete removal of the tumor tissue. However, the potential negative impacts on appearance and functionality due to the extent of the disease and the necessary surgical removal stress the importance of using less invasive surgical methods. The National Cancer Grid Management Guidelines for early-stage cancer recommends surgical local excision with a minimum of 1 cm gross margin, accompanied by appropriate neck dissection and suitable reconstruction. For advanced stages, surgery is preferred, along with adjuvant radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Oral cancer in its entirety imposes a significant fiscal burden on a national, institutional, family, and individual level. Funding of cancer care in India is a complex mixture of state and government accountabilities, with the government shouldering most of the responsibility. Oral cancer as such, has not been given a separate budget in India, but it is covered under various facilities of the government, schemes, and programs for cancer. This report entails the Task Force Committee recommendation for screening, diagnosis, prevention, and management of oral cancer, along with research, policy, and advocacy recommendations to address this immense public health problem in the country.

Recent advances in materials science, microelectronics, and data analytics have propelled the flexible and wearable sensors field forward. This comprehensive review summarizes the current state of research in flexible and wearable sensors, shedding light on their evolving technology, applications, and potential impact on various industries. The key developments in sensor materials, fabrication techniques, and integration methods, highlighting their implications for human–machine interaction, health monitoring, sports and fitness, and beyond are explored. Additionally, the difficulties and possibilities in this quickly developing field are addressed and perspectives on the future paths and possible uses of wearable and flexible sensors, highlighting their influence on environmental monitoring, personalized technology, and the current healthcare landscape are provided. This review serves as a resource for researchers, engineers, and innovators interested in cutting‐edge developments and emerging opportunities in the realm of flexible and wearable sensors.

Among head and neck cancers, oral cancer (OC) is one of the most common forms. OC is diagnosed at an advanced locoregional stage, it has increased individuals of deaths, making it the sixth common cancer recorded globally. Although the greater part of OC was discovered in the final stage, about 45% probability of living two more years, early detection and prompt treatment provide the best results for patients. Poor OC outcomes are mostly caused by insufficient or nonexistent detection and monitoring in the regional primary centre, which holds up the patient transfer to specialists, for the further management. Artificial intelligence (AI) was developed quickly in the area of cancer, with noteworthy advancements recently documented. Through this review, the current work seeks to expand the body of evidence supporting the early adoption of AI in OC screening. AI may play a key role in properly predicting the onset of OC, but certain technical issues must be addressed simultaneously with the growth of AI approaches to allow for their general transfer to individuals predicated detection protocols.