Assessment of genotoxic instability markers in peripheral blood lymphocytes of breast cancer patients: a case control study.

Changes in genetic constitution of an individual leads to uncontrollable cell growth and tumour formation. The acquisition of genomic instability predisposes cells to accumulate stable genome mutations causing carcinogenesis. The cytokinesis-block micronucleus cytome assay (CBMN), a well-established marker assay for chromosomal mutagen sensitivity, was applied in this study enrolling breast cancer patients and age and sex-matched controls. This work aimed to assess the predictive value of the frequency of genotoxic markers in peripheral blood lymphocytes for the risk/susceptibility of breast cancer. Samples from a hundred untreated breast cancer patients and age and sex matched controls were enrolled in the study from Government Medical College, Alappuzha. The genomic instability was assessed using cytokinesis block micronucleus assay where cytome events were marked. The results showed a significant increase in the frequency of micronucleus, nucleoplasmic bridge, and buds in the binucleated cells of breast cancer patients compared to the control samples. The variability was assessed by CBMN Cyt assay. The frequency of Micronuclei and Nucleoplasmic buds was significantly higher in the patient groups than in the controls (p < 0.0001). In Breast cancer patients, the median (IQR) range of MNi was 12(6), the Nucleoplasmic bridge 3(3) and the Nuclear buds were 2(1) and, in the controls, it was 6(5), 1(2) and 1(1) respectively. A larger difference in the frequency of genetic markers in cancer patients over control cases support a significant role of these markers in the population screening of individuals at high risk of cancer.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Reproductive biology and breeding system of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) De Wilde: a vulnerable medicinal plant.

Ashoka (Saraca asoca) is a perennial, evergreen tree valued for its ornamental flowers and medicinal values. This species is classified as 'vulnerable' under IUCN list due to its dwindling population because of destructive harvesting from natural habitats. Therefore, conservation and multiplication of this species is need of the hour to utilize its astonishing medicinal uses eternally. Conservation approaches of any plant species require in-depth study of its reproductive biology, which is lacking in this species. The present study is the first detailed report on reproductive biology of S. asoca. This tree bears fragrant flowers in paniculate corymbose inflorescence from December end to May, with peak flowering during February-March. The fruits attain its maturity during last week of May-July. Seeds were dispersed from the pod to the tree premises upon complete maturity. The time of anthesis in this species is noticed in the early morning from 3.00 to 5.30 am, which coincided with anther dehiscence, stigma receptivity and insect activity. The length of the stamen and pistil points towards the pollination compatibility in both male and female parts. Pollen viability was maximum within 2 h of anthesis, which decreased thereafter and no pollens were viable after 6 h. The stigma was receptive at the time of anthesis and continued for 24 h. The tree produces bright colour attractive flowers, which changed from yellow/light orange to scarlet/red from the inception of buds to wilting. The bright color of the flowers attracted floral visitors/pollinators thereby facilitated the pollination in this species. The observations of the floral biology and breeding system indicated the cross pollination behaviour, which limited the production of selfed seeds and would help to maintain the sustainable levels of heterozygosity among the various populations. Considerable amount of seeds produced in this species indicated that the species is capable of sustaining its progenies in the natural populations. Polyembryony to an extent of 5% was also recorded in this species.

Prevalence of gingival enlargement in Karnataka school going children.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal diseases affect more people all over the world than dental caries. Increase in size of gingiva is known as gingival hyperplasia or gingival enlargement. Gingival swelling is almost universally the result of Fluid accumulation within the tissues. Enlargement and even aesthetically disfiguring over growth of the gingival tissue, is also a common finding of leukemia, scurvy and subjects undergoing the hormonal changes of puberty, pregnancy, menopause and drugs. MATERIALS & METHODS: A sample size of 1500 was taken. All children who were between the chronological age of 5-12 years from selected schools were included in the study.Three age groups were selected for the study, Group I: 5-7yrs, Group II: 7-9 yrs, Group III 9-12yrs. Each group comprised of 500 students. The examination of gingival enlargement was made according to Gingival Enlargement Index. The oral hygiene status of the child was examined using Oral Hygiene Index-Simplified. RESULTS: The prevalence of Gingival Enlargement increased with the increase of age. Though the Prevalence of GE in female children (15.1%) was more than male children (13.4%), it was not statistically significant. Female children (1.6%) had a higher prevalence of epilepsy than male children (0.29%) in this present study. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of gingival enlargement was predominantly inflammatory, showing that the oral hygiene status of the oral Children in Karnataka was far from satisfactory. Further studies need to be undertaken regarding the prevalence if GE in School going children. How to cite the article: Krishna KB, Raju PK, Chitturi RR, Smitha G, Vijai S, Srinivas BV. Prevalence of gingival enlargement in Karnataka school going children. J Int Oral Health 2014;6(1):106-10.

Rare association of dens invaginatus with impacted mesiodens - A case report.

Mesiodens is a supernumerary tooth occupying the position in the maxillary anterior region. This additional tooth structure may cause disturbance in eruption or position of the adjacent teeth. About 8-25% of supernumerary teeth in the anterior region erupt spontaneously. Un-erupted supernumerary teeth are incidentally identified on a routine radiographic examination. Dens invaginatus is a rare tooth malformation showing an in-folding of enamel and dentine of affected tooth sometimes extending deep into the pulp cavity and the root portion. We report a case of un-erupted mesiodens causing midline diastema of permanent teeth subsequently corrected following extraction of mesiodens. Dens invaginatus was identified affecting the un-erupted mesiodens. It is rare to find dens invaginatus associated with a supernumerary tooth and only 10 such instances of dens invaginatus affecting supernumerary teeth have been reported in the English literature.