Vishnupriya K. Sweety

By Betsy Joseph, Archana Mootha, Vishnupriya K. Sweety and Sukumaran Anil

Zoonotic diseases, transmitted between animals and humans, have significant implications on public health, including oral health. This chapter aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the oral manifestations of zoonotic diseases and their prevention, highlighting the importance of early recognition and management by dental professionals. The chapter will discuss the various oral manifestations associated with common zoonotic diseases, such as periodontal manifestations, mucosal lesions, and salivary gland disorders, emphasizing the need for accurate diagnosis and timely referral to appropriate healthcare providers. Moreover, the chapter will delve into the role of dental professionals in preventing zoonotic disease transmission in clinical settings. It will explore the significance of education and training in recognizing and managing the oral manifestations of zoonotic diseases. Additionally, the chapter will emphasize the implementation of preventive measures, including the appropriate use of personal protective equipment, adherence to stringent infection control protocols, and the development of animal handling policies. By highlighting the intricate relationship between oral health and zoonotic diseases, this chapter aims to underscore the critical role of dental professionals in safeguarding the health and well-being of their patients and communities.

Part of the book: Current Topics in Zoonoses

By Sukumaran Anil, Krishnaa Sudeep, Sudeep Saratchandran and Vishnupriya K. Sweety

The diagnosis and management of dental caries, a prevalent global oral health issue, have traditionally depended on clinical examination and the interpretation of radiographic images. However, with the rapid advancements in technology, the landscape of dental diagnostics is transforming. This chapter delves into the revolutionary impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on detecting and managing dental caries. Dental professionals can now achieve enhanced diagnostic accuracy by harnessing the power of machine learning algorithms and image recognition technologies, even identifying early-stage caries that conventional methods might overlook. The integration of AI into dentistry not only promises improved patient outcomes by facilitating timely interventions and streamlining clinical workflows, potentially redefining the future of oral healthcare. While the prospects are promising, it is imperative to concurrently address the challenges and ethical considerations accompanying AI-driven diagnostics to ensure that the technology augments, rather than supplants, the expertise of dental professionals. The chapter serves as a comprehensive overview of the current state of AI in dental caries diagnosis, its potential benefits, and the road ahead.

Part of the book: Dental Caries Perspectives

By Biba Vikas, Vishnupriya K. Sweety, Sukumaran Anil and Senthilnathan Palaniyandi

This chapter comprehensively reviews numerous herbs and spices’ anticancer properties and mechanisms. Curcumin, derived from turmeric, exhibits cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, anti-invasive, and anti-metastatic effects against diverse cancer types by interacting with pathways controlling inflammation, survival, cell cycle, apoptosis, and angiogenesis. Ginger and its active compounds demonstrate antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activities in breast, skin, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer models, potentially through free radical scavenging, inhibiting inflammation, disrupting microtubules, and altering apoptotic gene expression. Garlic organosulfur compounds induce apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and antioxidant activity in various malignancies by affecting signaling proteins like STAT3 and VEGF. Basil, caraway, cinnamon, clove, coriander, dill, cumin, rosemary, saffron, thyme, and oregano extracts restricted growth, prompted cell death and beneficially impacted proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis markers across numerous cancer cell lines. Black pepper, cayenne pepper, green tea, and milk thistle constituents displayed cytotoxic, immune-enhancing, and chemopreventive actions against diverse human cancer models through modulation of pathways connected to oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, detoxification, and malignant proliferation. The immunomodulatory herbs astragalus, ginseng, echinacea, St. John’s wort, and cat’s claw also exhibited direct anticancer effects in specific cellular and rodent experiments. Many dietary phytochemicals show promising anticancer potential, but more clinical trials are needed to substantiate therapeutic efficacy in humans.

Part of the book: Herbs and Spices - New Perspectives in Human Health and Food Industry [Working title]