Maharashtra University of Health Sciences

ABSTRACT Objectives Vertical root fractures (VRFs) pose significant clinical challenges and may result in tooth loss. Current diagnostic methods, including conventional radiography and CBCT, are challenging to detect VRFs, especially in the early stages. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has recently been introduced as a non‐invasive imaging technique for dental diagnostics. However, current knowledge of OCT in endodontics requires further research. This Article will review current literature on OCT and evaluate its potential as a diagnostic tool for VRFs in endodontics. Methods A comprehensive scoping review was conducted using electronic databases including PubMed, Scopus, Ebsco, Google Scholars, and Embase without any language restrictions up to January 2025, focusing on OCT applications in diagnosing cracks and VRFs. Google and Open‐Grey were used to search for grey literature alongside handsearching. Clinical and laboratory‐based studies conducted on adult human‐teeth were considered eligible. A total of 28,303 studies were generated when screened in the last 20 years; 27,887 studies were found relevant, and 416 duplicates were removed. Following title and abstract screening, a total of 36 studies were considered for full‐text review. Ten studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Results OCT system demonstrated high specificity (63%–100%) and sensitivity (83%–98%) in detecting cracks and VRFs. SS‐OCT demonstrated promising imaging capabilities and deep penetration. OCT offers advantages over radiographs and CBCT in non‐radiation exposure and real‐time imaging. OCT systems could be considered in clinical practice following improvements in relation to penetration depth and intra‐oral adaptation. Conclusions Within the limitation of this scoping review, the use of OCT is promising for detection of cracks and VRFs. By addressing the limitations related to penetration depth, mechanical design, and soft tissue imaging, OCT may find its path into clinical adoption, including endodontics. Areas that can help includes developing OCT systems tailored for routine endodontic use and assessing long‐term impacts in the field.

Background: Uttarabasti is a classical Ayurvedic procedure involving the intrauterine or intravaginal instillation of medicated oils, ghee preparations, or herbal decoctions. It is classified under Basti Karma and holds a prominent position in the Ayurvedic management of female reproductive disorders (Yoni Vyapad). Objectives: To examine the anatomical basis, classical textual descriptions, pharmacological rationale, and proposed mechanisms of action of Uttarabasti; to analyse its drug delivery principles in relation to modern pharmaceutical science; and to assess available clinical evidence across specific gynaecological conditions. Search Strategy: A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, the AYUSH Research Portal, and Google Scholar was conducted for studies published between 1990 and 2024. Search terms included "Uttarabasti", "intrauterine Ayurvedic therapy", "Basti Karma gynaecology", and condition-specific descriptors. A total of 392 records were identified; after deduplication and screening, 38 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria were included. Results: Uttarabasti provides pharmacokinetic advantages including avoidance of hepatic first-pass metabolism, the first uterine pass effect, and capacity for targeted lipid-mediated drug delivery to the uterovaginal mucosa. Available clinical evidence (12 randomised controlled trials, 14 observational studies, 8 case series, 4 case reports) supports its utility in primary dysmenorrhoea, PCOS-related infertility, tubal factor infertility, and endometrial receptivity deficits, though methodological limitations restrict definitive conclusions. Conclusion: Uttarabasti represents a well-grounded therapeutic modality whose classical pharmacological logic is consistent with modern drug delivery science. Standardised multicentre randomised controlled trials with pharmacokinetic substudies are needed to establish a robust evidence base and facilitate integration into evidence-based gynaecological practice.

Background: Anemia in pregnancy is a major public health problem in India, contributing significantly to maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite ongoing national programs, its prevalence remains high, particularly in resource-limited settings. Objectives: To determine the prevalence of anemia and identify its associated risk factors among pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic. Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 378 antenatal women attending a tertiary care government hospital. Data were collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire covering sociodemographic, obstetric, dietary, and healthcare-related variables. Hemoglobin levels were obtained from routine laboratory investigations, and anemia was classified according to World Health Organization criteria. Data were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 28.0. Associations were assessed using the Chi-square test and logistic regression, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. Results: The overall prevalence of anemia was 62.4%. Among anemic women, 31.2% had moderate anemia, 24.9% mild anemia, and 6.3% severe anemia. Anemia was significantly associated with lower educational status (p < 0.001), higher parity (p < 0.001), advancing gestational age (p = 0.002), inadequate dietary intake (p < 0.001), irregular iron-folic acid supplementation (p < 0.001), and fewer antenatal visits (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Anemia remains highly prevalent among pregnant women, influenced by multiple sociodemographic and healthcare-related factors. Strengthening nutritional education, improving compliance with supplementation, and promoting adequate antenatal care are essential to reduce its burden.