Expression of survivin in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus.

BACKGROUND: Up to one third (3-33%) oral squamous cell carcinomas develop from potentially malignant lesions. Most common potentially malignant lesions (PML) are leukoplakia and lichen planus. It is very important to diagnose PML at early stage to prevent malignant transformation of lesion. Survivin is a smallest member of the inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins. Survivin plays an important role in apoptosis regulation. High expression of survivin is an early event during oral carcinogenesis and it acts as a tool for the identification of precancerous lesions at higher risk of progression into invasive carcinoma. The aim of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin in oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus. METHODS: Fifteen patients with oral lichen planus and 15 patients with oral leukoplakia were selected as subjects for the present study and 15 patients with normal oral mucosa were selected as controls and were evaluated for expression of survivin. All sections were H&E stained and were studied immunohistochemically for the expression of survivin. RESULTS: Expression of survivin was evaluated based on the percentage of cells expressing surviving, as well as grading. Significant survivin expression was detected in oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Expression of survivin in potentially malignant lesions indicates the potential risk of malignant transformation.

Age Estimation in Mixed-dentition Children, Using Cameriere's European Formula and Demirjian's Method: A Comparative Pilot Study.

AIM: The objective of the present investigation is to compare the accuracy of two methods of age estimation, Cameriere's European formula and Demirjian's method, in estimating the age of mixed-dentition children in Telangana. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Digital orthopantomographs (OPGs) of 36 children between the age of 7 years and 12 years were subject to analysis. All the OPGs were analyzed for dental age using both Cameriere's and Demirjian's methods for mixed dentition. Chronological age was calculated by subtracting the date of births from the date on which the OPGs were taken. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: descriptive analysis was performed. The accuracies of both the methods (Cameriere's and Demirjian's) were evaluated by calculating the mean prediction error. Wilcoxon signed-rank test was performed for both methods of dental age estimation with chronological age and for boys and girls. Significance threshold was set at 5%. RESULTS: Cameriere method resulted in a mean prediction error of 0.579 for girls and 0.483 for boys. Demirjian's method resulted in a mean prediction error of 2.228 for girls and 2.046 for boys. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, as far as accuracy is concerned, Cameriere's European formula proved to be more accurate, according to the current investigation. SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of age estimation is reflected in various fields such as pediatric endocrinology, orthodontics, law, anthropology, archeology, and forensics where identification of unascertained human bodies is required (crime investigations, mass disasters). Demirjian's method is commonly employed for dental age estimation in pediatric dentistry, orthodontics, and forensic dentistry. Cameriere's method may serve as a more accurate and reliable method for dental age estimation. Key message: Cameriere's European formula proved to be better, in terms of accuracy, in determining the chronological age of mixed-dentition children in the region of Telangana, according to the current investigation.