Clear and Spindle Cell Dedifferentiation in Ameloblastic Carcinoma: A Case Report on a Uncommon Phenomenon

Ameloblastic carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm with characteristic histopathological features that are directed towards an aggressive surgical approach than benign odontogenic lesions. It affects people of all ages, mostly in the posterior mandible, without a preference for race or gender. De novo cancer is one of its primary types, while the second type is defined as a malignant change from an antecedent case of benign ameloblastoma. The rapid progression of molecular biology led to the revelation that ameloblastoma contains a BRAF-V600E genetic mutation over 60%. Besides conventional ameloblastic carcinomas, rare histologic variants have also been described in the literature, including clear and spindle cells. These variants pose diagnostic challenges as to whether it is a dedifferentiation or a distinct entity. The dearth of data lends credence to the notion that these histologic variations are related to high-grade neoplasms and more aggressive outcomes. As a result, the current report intends to analyze a series of patients diagnosed with conventional ameloblastic carcinoma of the head and neck region with spindle and clear cell types along with a brief assessment of the literature.

DNA vaccine incorporated poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres offer enhanced protection against Aeromonas hydrophila infection

Encapsulation of DNA vaccines onto carriers enhances the immunogenicity of an antigen. Specifically, biodegradable polymers offer sustained release of vaccines which is crucial for any targeted delivery approach. Poly (lactic-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) microspheres were used to load a DNA vaccine having a targeted gene of outer membrane protein (OMP) of Aeromonas hydrophila to clone and construct a DNA vaccine using a eukaryotic expression vector system (pVAX1-OMP DNA) and delivery in Carassius auratus against A. hydrophila infection. PLGA microspheres were prepared by emulsion technique oil-in-water and characterized by a High-Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HR-SEM). The results of PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA microspheres shows that average of 100-150 μm particle size and a loading efficiency (LE) of 68.8 %. Results indicate that C. auratus fed with PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA microspheres revealed a significant improvement in innate immune response, which includes, myeloperoxidase activity, respiratory burst and total immunoglobulin level compared with control group fish. The immune-related gene, IL1β, IL10, TGF, c-type, and g-type lysozyme also showed significantly higher expression after immunization. Furthermore, dietary supplementation of the PLGA-pVAX1-OMP DNA (G III) group exhibited a significantly higher survival rate (78 %) than the control group of fish. These results help us to understand the of mechanism of DNA vaccine administrated feed through PLGA nanoparticles resistance to infection by regulating systemic and innate immunity in Carassius auratus.

The Out-of-pocket Expenditures Incurred during Neonatal Hospitalization in a Public Hospital in Tamil Nadu - A Cross-Sectional Study

Background

For effective policy making, it is important to understand out of pocket costs incurred in neonatal admissions in public hospitals. This cross sectional study was conducted with an objective to estimate out of pocket expenses expended on neonates and attenders during neonatal hospitalizations in a tertiary care referral hospital.

Material and Methods

The data were collected using a pretested and semi structured questionnaire in 298 neonates during July'2022. Expenditures were reported as median values with interquartile range (IQR) and compared using the Kruskal Wallis test.

Result

On analyzing the results, there were no direct medical costs. The median cost spent on food per day, transport during the stay, non medical expenses per day, and total expenses per day were Rs. 300 (IQR 200, 500), Rs. 1000 (500, 1500), Rs. 500 (333, 896), and Rs. 1080 (800, 1533), respectively. Higher expenses were associated with preterm, low birth weight, neonatal seizures, and longer stay (P values <0.001, 0.028, <0.001, and <0.001, respectively). About 9.39% and 1% of the families were found to be catastrophic health expenditures at 10% and 25% threshold levels, respectively.

Conclusion

To conclude, all the direct medical costs were borne by the caregiver. However, some non medical and indirect costs are associated with neonatal hospitalizations in public hospitals and cash benefit schemes can offset them.

Retraction: Electrodeposition of a porous strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite/zinc oxide duplex layer on AZ91 magnesium alloy for orthopedic applications

Retraction of 'Electrodeposition of a porous strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite/zinc oxide duplex layer on AZ91 magnesium alloy for orthopedic applications' by D. Gopi et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2014, 2, 5531-5540, https://doi.org/10.1039/C4TB00960F.

Design and implementation of diabetic retinopathy detections on retinal images

A retinal picture gives a depiction of what's going on inside the human body. Specifically, the condition of the retinal vessels has been appeared to mirror the cardiovascular state of the body. Retinal pictures give impressive data on neurotic changes brought about by neighbourhood visual illness which uncovers diabetes, hypertension, arteriosclerosis, cardiovascular infection and stroke. PC supported examination of retinal picture assumes a focal part in indicative methodology. Nonetheless, programmed retinal division is muddled by the way that retinal pictures are frequently uproarious, inadequately differentiated, and the vessel widths can shift from enormous to exceptionally little. So in this venture, we can carry out robotize division approach dependent on diagram hypothetical strategy to give local data utilizing measure. We address the portioned vascular construction as a vessel fragment diagram and make the issue of recognize vessels as one of discovering the veins in the chart given a bunch of requirements like CRAE and CRVE. These estimations are found to have great connection with hypertension, coronary illness, and stroke. Be that as it may, they require the precise extraction of particular vessels from a retinal picture. We plan a strategy to tackle this improvement issue and assess it on an enormous genuine world dataset of retinal pictures.

Prevalence of Adverse Events in Healthcare Professionals Using Personal Protective Equipment to Treat COVID-19: A Web-based Survey

Introduction: Healthcare Professionals (HCPs) involved in managing Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic were instructed to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect themselves from contracting virus. However, PPE use can sometimes lead to adverse events which create greater impact on health status of HCPs. Thus, the prevalence of adverse events and associated risk factors should be estimated for taking necessary preventive measures. Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of adverse events in HCPs due to PPE use during second wave of COVID-19 in Tamil Nadu, India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in different levels of healthcare centres in Tamil Nadu, India, from April to May 2021. Data were collected using a pre-validated questionnaire from HCPs of any discipline who were directly involved in managing COVID-19 patients. A total of 282 responses were collected through Google forms and proportion of HCPs who experienced adverse events due to PPE and percentage of different adverse events associated with PPE wearing were assessed. Data were analysed using Chi-square test. Results: Out of 282 respondents of the survey included 224 doctors, 34 nurses and 24 lab technicians with a mean age of 30 years. There were 164 females and 118 males. A total of 177 (62.76%) participants experienced adverse events which included dehydration, thirst and heat, headaches, inability to go to restroom and other urinary/respiratory problems. With respect to duration of exposure to PPE, 163 (57.8%) HCPs had >6 hours/day and 102 (36.2%) had 4-6 hours/day. It was observed that factors such as age, gender, profession, various wards posted for COVID-19 duty and duration of PPE worn daily were significantly associated with adverse events to PPE (p-value<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the study concluded that higher prevalence of adverse events with PPE was seen among doctors and nurses. Most common encountered adverse events were dehydration, headache and skin problems, which have been associated with prolonged use of PPE.

Retraction: Ball flower like manganese, strontium substituted hydroxyapatite/cerium oxide dual coatings on the AZ91 Mg alloy with improved bioactive and corrosion resistance properties for implant applications

Retraction of ‘Ball flower like manganese, strontium substituted hydroxyapatite/cerium oxide dual coatings on the AZ91 Mg alloy with improved bioactive and corrosion resistance properties for implant applications' by D. Gopi et al., RSC Adv., 2015, 5, 27402–27411, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/C5RA03432A.

Retraction: Investigation of anticorrosive, antibacterial and in vitro biological properties of a sulphonated poly(etheretherketone)/strontium, cerium co-substituted hydroxyapatite composite coating developed on surface treated surgical grade stainless steel for orthopedic applications

Retraction of ‘Investigation of anticorrosive, antibacterial and in vitro biological properties of a sulphonated poly(etheretherketone)/strontium, cerium co-substituted hydroxyapatite composite coating developed on surface treated surgical grade stainless steel for orthopedic applications’ by D. Rajeswari et al., RSC Adv., 2014, 4, 61525–61536. https://doi.org/10.1039/C4RA12207K.

TiO2 nanoparticles derived from egg shell waste: Eco synthesis, characterization, biological and photocatalytic applications

Biosynthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles has attracted much attention in recent years owing to the increasing impact for improving hygienic substances, cost effective approaches, environment friendly solvents and reusable resources. The present study has shown the eco synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles using the aqueous extract of egg shell waste. UV, XRD, FT-IR, and FE-SEM with EDX methods were implied for TiO₂ nanoparticles. The agar well approach was used to investigate the antimicrobial properties of biosynthesized nanoparticles against pathogenic organisms. The cytotoxicity analysis was investigated by MTT assay method and photocatalytic activity was studied using methylene blue, methyl orange and Congo red dye. X-ray diffraction studies showed that the presence of tetragonal structure. The crystallite size of synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles is 27.3 nm. FE-SEM analysis indicates that the average grain size of the prepared sample was found to be in the range of 30-40 nm. Eco synthesis of TiO₂ nanoparticles displayed amazing antimicrobial efficacies against human pathogenic organisms and obtained excellent cytotoxicity investigation was performed against Osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63). Further it was also found that the expression of impressive catalytic efficiency, 91.1 percent decreased in 60 min for methylene blue. From the results, we found that eco synthesized TiO₂ nanoparticles has promising utility in multidisciplinary like antimicrobial, anticancer and photocatalytic applications.

A promising era of immediate esthetic rehabilitation

The extraction of a tooth in the anterior region can result in resorption of alveolar bone around the socket, especially the buccal bone leading to horizontal as well as vertical bone loss. This makes rehabilitation in the anterior region an esthetically complex situation. To preserve the buccal bone, the root is bisected and buccal two-thirds is preserved in the socket. This is called socket shield technique. Immediate implant placement and immediate provisionalization yield an esthetically pleasing and more acceptable outcome.

Acquired partial auricular defect rehabilitation aided by four-part mold technique and spectrophotometer

Patients with auricular defects benefit greatly by an ear prosthesis. However, during the fabrication of auricular prosthesis, difficulties can be faced in obtaining a satisfactory outcome, such as tearing of the prosthesis, fracture of the mold and poor color matching. An 18 year old male lost part of his left auricle in an assault and battery because of which the patient was suffering from adverse psychosocial impact. Surgical reconstruction was ruled out because of patient's desire and financial constraints. Partial auricular prosthesis using four part mold technique and spectrophotometer was fabricated leading to a desirable outcome. Four part mold technique prevented fracture of mold and made retrieval of prosthesis easier. Spectrophotometer reduced the duration of patient visit and the artistic skill required for colour matching in tral and error method.

Post-COVID pulmonary fibrosis: therapeutic efficacy using with mesenchymal stem cells - How the lung heals

COVID-19 is an acute respiratory infectious disease caused by SARS-COV 2 (Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus) that has become a global pandemic. COVID-19 mainly causes the respiratory complications of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), cytokine storm, and severe immune disruptions. The assays depict that though people recuperate from COVID-19, there are still symptoms that persists in the body causing discomfort, which is the consequence of the viral infection due to severe immune disruptions. Upon various difficulties of post COVID-19, the pulmonary fibrosis is the stumbling block in the lungs causing severe damage. In this review, we have shown the effectiveness and importance of the Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) secreted by Mesenchymal Stem Cell (MSC) therapy on selective stoppage of the Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) signalling pathway by causing immunomodulatory effects that ameliorate the pulmonary fibrosis through paracrine signalling. However, more pilot studies have to be carried out to determine the efficacy and outcomes of the re-emerging complication.

Clinical audit on assessment of non-glycemic parameters in diabetic patients by physicians

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major health problem in family practice causing multiple micro and macrovascular complications; the prevention of which should be the main aim of treating physicians. Lack of proper assessment can hasten the complications and a meticulous screening system is a prerequisite in every diabetic patient's evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to assess the pattern of screening for non-glycemic parameters in type 2 DM patients by physicians in an outpatient setting.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital during December 2019. A total of 254 patients with type 2 DM without any complications were randomly selected for screening as per the criteria developed by RSSDI [Research Society for the Study of Diabetes in India].

RESULTS

Complete history and physical examination were done by physicians in all the participants. Measurement of blood pressure at every visit was done in about 95% of patients and 90% of them were counseled for cessation of smoking. But only about 60% or less of patients were screened for microalbuminuria, diabetic retinopathy, and peripheral neuropathy. Advice on comprehensive foot care was also not a regular practice among physicians.

CONCLUSION

This clinical audit showed that 90% of the patients had undergone only 4 of the 9 RSSDI recommended screening. The other parameters had been carried out in only among 40 to 60% of the patients. Thus, primary care physicians have to emphasize on the subtle but important criteria like ophthalmic examination, peripheral neuropathy and microalbuminuria during regular outpatient visits.

Fibular Aplasia, Tibial Campomelia, Oligo-Syndactyly Syndrome and Probable Femur Fibula Ulna Syndrome- Case Reports

One in two thousand neonates suffer from congenital limb deficiencies. Fibular hemimelia, a birth defect, has an estimated incidence of 5.7 to 20 cases per 1 million births. Fibular Aplasia, Tibial Campomelia and Oligo-Syndactyly (FATCO) syndrome is one such which is a triad of fibular hemimelia (aplasia/hypoplasia of fibula), tibial campomelia (bending of tibial bone) and oligo syndactyly. It is a syndrome of unknown genetic basis and inheritance. Very few cases on this condition have been reported so far. This article reports two cases on this condition, wherein the babies had considerable variability of limb malformations. The first is a newborn with FATCO, and the second is a two-month-old male infant with FATCO associated with right focal femoral deficiency. In view of paucity of the cases, there is a need to report every case which may help in creating awareness and a standardised management approach.

Knowledge about Kangaroo Mother Care among the Mothers and Grandmothers- A Cross-sectional Study in a Neonatal Follow-up Clinic of a Tertiary Care Hospital in Tamil Nadu, India

Introduction: Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC) is a simple method of caring Low Birth Weight (LBW) babies with a birth weight below 2500 grams. The grandmothers play a key role in child rearing in the Indian society. Aim: To estimate the level of knowledge about the KMC in the grandmothers and to compare it with that of the mothers. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study was conducted in the neonatal follow-up clinic of a tertiary care hospital with a convenience sampling of all the mother (Group 1) and grandmother (Group 2) dyads. The mothers and grandmothers were interviewed separately using a pre-validated questionnaire with 15 open ended questions to assess the knowledge about the KMC. Mann-Whitney U test and Fischer’s- exact test were used for statistical analysis. Results: There were 390 mother- grandmother dyads in the study group. The mean age of the mothers and grandmothers were 24.69±1.54 years and 53.89±1.80 years, respectively. For all the 15 questions the grandmothers had a significantly lower score when compared to the mothers (p<0.001). The grandmothers (mean score: 8.48±2.00) had a significantly lower overall knowledge scores than the mothers (mean score: 23.10±1.55). On comparison of the mean knowledge scores of the mothers with their age, educational status and socio- economic class, it was found to be independent of these factors (p-value=0.209, 0.691 and 0.731, respectively). Conclusion: This study had demonstrated that the grandmothers have a significantly lower knowledge about KMC. There is an urgent need to empower them with the knowledge about KMC for the successful continuation KMC in the home.

Awareness of Chronic Kidney Disease among Tamil Nadu Population- ACross-sectional Study

Introduction: Chronic kidney failure in India and around the world is a significant health problem. The most effective and affordable treatment may require screening for early detection,intervention and prevention. Public awareness is a key determinant to overcome the burden of Chronic Kidney Disease(CKD). However, there is a lack of information on CKD among South Indian people. Aim: To assess the awareness and knowledge of CKD among the South Indian population. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted through an online form; the questions were generally based on the physiological role of kidney and awareness questions related to CKD. The sample size was 500 participants, of age >18 years and snowball sampling method was implemented. Among the study population, 68 participants had a family history of CKD and they were excluded. The data were analysed through Pearson Chi-Square test. Results: The mean knowledge score was 13 (SD±5.0), with values ranging from 0 to 22. The mean age of the population was 47.80±8.5 years. Multiple regression on demographic data and knowledge yielded statistically negligible results.The study population included 432 participants and the result showed the realms that most responded incorrectly were physiology of kidney, CKD symptoms, risk factors and the domain of testing and diagnosis. Conclusion: The participants had ample knowledge of the risk factors, signs and symptoms of CKD and insufficient knowledge of the physiological function of the kidney and the diagnosis of CKD. Therefore, efforts are necessary to create awareness and educate people about the early detection and prevention of CKD.

Depression, anxiety, and bodily pain independently predict poor sleep quality among adult women attending a primary health center of Puducherry, India

Background:

Sleep disorders and mental health problems are common diagnoses in primary care settings. The objective of this study was to estimate the magnitude of poor sleep, depression, and anxiety through opportunistic screening and to find out the independent predictors of poor sleep quality among female participants.

Materials and Methods:

A hospital-based study was conducted in the outpatient department (OPD) of an urban primary health center of Puducherry. Patients and accompanying healthy attendants ≥ 18 years of age who visited the OPD for any reason were included. Those with serious acute illness, previously diagnosed mental illness, pregnant women, and women in postpartum period (upto 6 weeks) were excluded. Systematic random sampling was used to select the participants. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect sociodemographic and clinical details along with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Height and weight were also measured.

Results:

A total of 301 participants were recruited. Mean age of the participants was 49.4 (standard deviation 15.2) years. Magnitude of poor sleep (PSQI score > 5), abnormal anxiety, and abnormal depression were 118 (39.2%), 60 (19.9%), and 28 (9.3%) respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that history of pain [odds ratio (OR) 3.2 (1.6–6.5), P = 0.001], abnormal anxiety [OR 2.5 (1.2–5.6), P = 0.021], and abnormal depression [OR 4.3 (1.4–13.2), P = 0.01] independently predicted poor sleep quality among females.

Conclusion:

OPD-based opportunistic screening for sleep and mental health problems should be routinely conducted by primary care and family physicians.

Optical coherence tomography: A guide to interpretation of common macular diseases

Optical coherence tomography is a quick, non invasive and reproducible imaging tool for macular lesions and has become an essential part of retina practice. This review address the common protocols for imaging the macula, basics of image interpretation, features of common macular disorders with clues to differentiate mimickers and an introduction to choroidal imaging. It includes case examples and also a practical algorithm for interpretation.

Adenosquamous variant of metaplastic carcinoma of breast - an unusual histological variant

Metaplastic carcinoma of breast refers to a heterogeneous group of neoplasms characterized by intimate admixture of adenocarcinoma with dominant areas of spindle cell, squamous cell and/ or mesenchymal differentiation. They constitute the rarest histological variant of invasive ductal carcinoma. These carcinomas have aggressive clinical behaviour and show suboptimal response to standard treatment. A 49-year-old female presented with lump in the left breast for one year. She was diagnosed as infiltrating ductal carcinoma breast with triple negative hormone status by trucut biopsy. She completed four cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Postchemotherapy, axillary nodes decreased in size but the size of the primary tumour remained the same. Hence, she underwent modified radical mastectomy and the specimen sent for histopathological examination. Grossly, there was a solitary cyst measuring 4x3cm. Histologically, cyst enclosing malignant cells which resemble mature squamous epithelial cells. Also, seen are malignant cells in glandular pattern.

Ball flower like manganese, strontium substituted hydroxyapatite/cerium oxide dual coatings on the AZ91 Mg alloy with improved bioactive and corrosion resistance properties for implant applications

Mn, Sr-HAP/CeO₂dual layer coated AZ91 Mg alloy will be a revolutionary potential material for orthopedic implants.

Synthesis and characterization of surfactants assisted Cu(2+) doped ZnO nanocrystals

In the present work, we report a simple chemical precipitation method to synthesize precursors of different levels of Cu(2+) ions doped crystalline zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles in the presence of capping agents namely cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP). Thermal analysis result suggests that 300°C could be the optimum level of annealing for the harvest of pure phase of ZnO from the as prepared particles. The structural, optical and chemical features of undoped and surfactants assisted ZnO: Cu(2+) nanoparticles were studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. Among the two surfactants used SHMP is an effective one in controlling the size and morphology of the particles.

Electrodeposition of a porous strontium-substituted hydroxyapatite/zinc oxide duplex layer on AZ91 magnesium alloy for orthopedic applications

Magnesium alloy is a potential biomedical implant because of its outstanding biodegradability and mechanical properties. But the poor corrosion resistance of AZ91 magnesium alloy in physiological solution limits its biomedical applications. In order to improve the corrosion resistance and biological performance of AZ91 magnesium alloy, we have fabricated a strontium-substituted porous hydroxyapatite (Sr-HAP)/zinc oxide (ZnO) duplex layer on AZ91 magnesium alloy by electrodeposition. The porous Sr-HAP/ZnO duplex-layer coating on AZ91 magnesium alloy was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Also, the mechanical properties of the duplex-layer coating were evaluated using adhesion and Vickers micro-hardness tests. The effects of the duplex-layer coating on the corrosion behavior of AZ91 magnesium alloy were also investigated in simulated body fluid using electrochemical studies. The potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy results indicated that the corrosion resistance of AZ91 magnesium alloy was significantly improved by the duplex-layer coating. The in vitro cell-material interaction of the duplex-layer coating was observed with human osteosarcoma MG63 cells for cell viability at 1, 4 and 7 days of incubation and the coating exhibited good biocompatibility. Hence, from the obtained results we believe that the duplex-layer made of ZnO together with porous Sr-HAP on AZ91 magnesium alloy could provide effective corrosion protection and enhanced bioactivity. Thus, duplex-layer-coated AZ91 magnesium alloy can serve as a promising candidate for orthopedic applications.

Massive ossifying fibroma of mandible

Ossifying fibroma is a benign bone neoplasm often considered to be a type of fibro-osseous lesion. Its origin is believed to be from periodontal membrane, and it shows more predilection toward females. Mandible is more commonly affected than maxilla. This bone tumor consists of highly cellular, fibrous tissue that contains varying amounts of calcified tissue-resembling bone, cementum, or both. Radiographically, the lesions are either completely radiolucent or mixed, depending on the amount of calcification, or are completely radiopaque and surrounded by a radiolucent rim. Ossifying fibroma requires radical surgery, because of the tendency for recurrence and possibility of malignant transformation. Here, we have presented a case of massive ossifying fibroma of mandible in an 80-year-old female.

Association of IL-1β +3954 C/T and IL-10-1082 G/A cytokine gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) constitutes the major cause of death due to infectious diseases. Cytokines play a major role in defence against Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Polymorphisms in the genes encoding various cytokines have been associated with tuberculosis susceptibility. Household contacts (HHC) are at increased risk of developing the disease. In this study, we examined the association of IL-1β and IL-10 cytokine gene polymorphisms with risk of developing tuberculosis in TB patients, their HHC and healthy controls (HC) using JavaStat and SPSS. Multifactor dimensionality reduction (MDR) analyses were performed to explore the potential gene-gene interactions. The genotype and allele frequencies of IL-1β +3954C/T polymorphism did not vary significantly between TB patients and HC. GG (P < 0.005, OR = 0.219 and 95% CI = 0.059-0.735) and GA (P < 0.0001, OR = 2.938 and 95% CI = 1.526-5.696) genotypes of IL-10-1082 G/A polymorphism were found to be significantly associated with patients versus HC. HHC with CC (P < 0.03, OR = 1.833 and 95% CI = 1.1-3.35) genotype in IL-1β and GA (P < 0.0001, OR = 4.612 and 95% CI = 2.225-9.702) genotype in IL-10 were at increased risk of developing tuberculosis. MDR tests revealed high-risk genotypes in IL-1β and IL-10 based on the association model. Our results demonstrate that the polymorphisms of IL-1β and IL-10 genes may be valuable markers to predict the risk for the development of TB in household contacts.

Fixation of zygomatic and mandibular fractures with biodegradable plates

Context:

In this prospective study, 13 randomly selected patients underwent treatment for zygomatic–complex fractures (2 site fractures) and mandibular fractures using 1.5 / 2 / 2.5-mm INION CPS biodegradable plates and screws.

Aims:

To assess the fixation of zygomatic-complex and mandibular fractures with biodegradable copolymer osteosynthesis system.

Materials and Methods:

In randomly selected 13 patients, zygomatic-complex and mandibular fractures were plated using resorbable plates and screws using Champy's principle. All the cases were evaluated clinically and radiologically for the type of fracture, need for the intermaxillary fixation (IMF) and its duration, duration of surgery, fixation at operation, state of reduction at operation, state of bone union after operation, anatomic reduction, paresthesia, occlusal discrepancies, soft tissue infection, immediate and late inflammatory reactions related to biodegradation process, and any need for the removal of the plates.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptives, Frequencies, and Chi-square test were used.

Results:

In our study, the age group range was 5 to 55 years. Road traffic accidents accounted for the majority of patients six, (46.2%). Postoperative occlusal discrepancies were found in seven patients as mild to moderate, which resolved with IMF for 1-8 weeks. There were minimal complications seen and only as soft tissue infection.

Conclusions:

Use of biodegradable osteosynthesis system is a reliable alternative method for the fixation of zygomatic-complex and mandibular fractures. The biodegradable system still needs to be refined in material quality and handling to match the stability achieved with metal system. Biodegradable plates and screws is an ideal system for pediatric fractures with favorable outcome.

Effect of biofouling on anodized and sol-gel treated titanium surfaces: a comparative study

Anodization and sol-gel treatments of titanium (Ti) were evaluated as biofilm control measures on surfaces exposed to seawater exposed to ultraviolet light. Anodized and sol-gel treated specimens were characterized using Raman spectroscopy to confirm the presence of TiO(2). The single anatase phase was observed at the anodized surfaces whereas the anatase/rutile mixed phase was detected on the sol-gel coated surfaces. After exposure of the specimens to seawater, biofilms were characterized by total viable counts, and epifluorescence and Raman microscopy. These techniques confirmed the reduction in biofilm formation on both the anodized and sol-gel coated Ti specimens compared to the untreated specimens. Biofilm control by anodization was found to be more effective than by sol-gel treatment of the specimens. The higher particle size and the inhomogeneity at the sol-gel coated surfaces produced less effective biofilm control.

Sinonasal schwannoma with secondary changes

Schwannomas of the Sinonasal tract are very rare, representing less than 4% of schwannomas arising in the head and neck [1]. The most frequent site is the acoustic nerve; other locations include the scalp, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, trachea, parotid gland, and middle ear. Secondary changes in a Schwannoma are a very rare entity. We report a case of Sinonasal schwannoma with pseudoangiomatous changes. The purpose of this article is to highlight the possibility of unusual presentation of a sinonasal schwannoma.

Differential expression of E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 and net proliferative rate of gingival keratinocytes in oral epithelium in periodontal health and disease

BACKGROUND

The effects of periodontal disease on the oral gingival epithelium (OGE) have not been documented fully because they may not be as dramatic as those seen on the junctional epithelium. The aim of this study was to estimate the changes occurring in the OGE with respect to its proliferation and E-cadherin and cytokeratin 19 (K19) expression during pocket formation.

METHODS

Gingival samples were collected from 17 periodontally healthy subjects and 18 subjects with chronic periodontitis. K19 and E-cadherin levels were analyzed immunohistochemically. The net proliferative rate was calculated as the difference between the proliferative rate and the apoptotic rate as determined by immunohistochemical analysis of Ki-67 and p53, respectively.

RESULTS

There was a significant increase in the net proliferative rate of the OGE during pocket formation (periodontitis group, 220.90+/-46.85; healthy group, 107.60+/-25.86; P<0.001). There was a significant reduction in E-cadherin expression (periodontitis group, 0.837+/-0.428; healthy group, 1.846+/-0.555) and a significant increase in K19 expression during pocket formation (periodontitis group, 1.45+/-0.686; healthy group, 0.533+/-0.410).

CONCLUSION

OGE appears to undergo significant changes in proliferation and differentiation during pocket formation that do not seem to be restricted to proteolytic destruction by the invading microorganisms.

Functional sites in protein families uncovered via an objective and automated graph theoretic approach

We report a method for detection of recurring side-chain patterns (DRESPAT) using an unbiased and automated graph theoretic approach. We first list all structural patterns as sub-graphs where the protein is represented as a graph. The patterns from proteins are compared pair-wise to detect patterns common to a protein pair based on content and geometry criteria. The recurring pattern is then detected using an automated search algorithm from the all-against-all pair-wise comparison data of proteins. Intra-protein pattern comparison data are used to enable detection of patterns recurring within a protein. A method has been proposed for empirical calculation of statistical significance of recurring pattern. The method was tested on 17 protein sets of varying size, composed of non-redundant representatives from SCOP superfamilies. Recurring patterns in serine proteases, cysteine proteases, lipases, cupredoxin, ferredoxin, ferritin, cytochrome c, aspartoyl proteases, peroxidases, phospholipase A2, endonuclease, SH3 domain, EF-hand and lectins show additional residues conserved in the vicinity of the known functional sites. On the basis of the recurring patterns in ferritin, EF-hand and lectins, we could separate proteins or domains that are structurally similar yet different in metal ion-binding characteristics. In addition, novel recurring patterns were observed in glutathione-S-transferase, phospholipase A2 and ferredoxin with potential structural/functional roles. The results are discussed in relation to the known functional sites in each family. Between 2000 and 50,000 patterns were enumerated from each protein with between ten and 500 patterns detected as common to an evolutionarily related protein pair. Our results show that unbiased extraction of functional site pattern is not feasible from an evolutionarily related protein pair but is feasible from protein sets comprising five or more proteins. The DRESPAT method does not require a user-defined pattern, size or location of the pattern and therefore, has the potential to uncover new functional sites in protein families.