Publications by authors named "Pedada Divya Harika"

Article Synopsis
  • Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic condition often caused by areca nut chewing, and this study focuses on how serum trace elements (copper, iron, zinc, selenium) affect its progression and potential for cancer.
  • The research involved 80 participants categorized into four groups based on their areca nut usage and OSMF status, with blood samples taken to analyze trace element levels.
  • Results showed significant increases in serum copper and zinc in individuals with malignant-transformed OSMF compared to healthy controls, suggesting elevated copper may be a key marker for diagnosing OSMF's malignant transformation, warranting further investigation into copper chelation as a treatment option.
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Introduction: Menopause triggers hormonal changes that can manifest in oral symptoms like dysgeusia, xerostomia, and burning sensations, substantially impacting daily life, including chewing, swallowing, and taste perception. Menopausal women are particularly susceptible to nutritional fluctuations, including variations in zinc levels, which are believed to be linked to taste perception. Taste alterations can render food unappetizing, leading to malnutrition and diminished quality of life.

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Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic mucocutaneous disease affecting the general population, with its exact etiology remaining unknown. This condition is characterized by T-cell mediated autoimmunity wherein auto-cytotoxic CD8+ T cells precipitate basal cell apoptosis in the oral epithelium. Conventionally, corticosteroids have been the mainstay of treatment for OLP, necessitating the exploration of alternatives to mitigate long-term corticosteroid-related adverse effects.

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Article Synopsis
  • The study focuses on using forensic radiology, specifically the structure of the frontal sinus, to determine gender in deceased individuals, which is often necessary in medicolegal cases.
  • It evaluates frontal sinus measurements from 300 digital cephalograms (150 males and 150 females) to establish differences based on gender, using parameters defined by Yoshino's classification.
  • Results indicate statistically significant differences in the size and shape of the frontal sinus between males and females, highlighting its potential as a reliable feature for gender identification in forensic studies.
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Space is a complex and challenging setting encompassing the region beyond Earth's atmosphere where astronauts and spacecraft operate. The unique conditions of spaceflights, particularly microgravity and radiation, pose significant challenges to astronaut health, including the orofacial region. It has effects on saliva production, microbial composition, and oral hygiene practices, which influence oral health status, such as increased risk of dental caries, gum diseases, oral discomfort, temporomandibular joint dysfunctions, sialoliths, pain and dysesthesia in the teeth and oral mucosa, masticatory muscle atrophy, and oral cancer which can be detrimental during prolonged missions.

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