Role of fractal analysis in detection of dysplasia in potentially malignant disorders.

BACKGROUND: Fractal analysis is, a noninvasive method, used to determine the intricate characteristics of the matter. Oral leukoplakia (OL), a potential malignant disorder, has definite propensity to turn in to malignancy. In such lesions, fractal dimension analysis (FDA) could be helpful in the early detection of malignant transformation. OBJECTIVES: To determine the efficacy of fractal dimension analysis in detecting malignancy potential of oral leukoplakia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After ethical clearance, we enrolled 121 patients in our study. Lesions were photographed before and after toluidine staining. Image J software was used to analyze fractal dimensions (FDs) of digital image and results were compared with biopsy. RESULTS: Fractal dimension value is significantly higher in leukoplakia with dysplastic changes. FD values increase as age of patients increases. FD value in leukoplakia with different tobacco products showed more positive correlation with surti/khaini abusers. CONCLUSION: Fractal dimension analysis is a useful method in determination of complication in OL cases and can be used as an effective, noninvasive screening tool at primary healthcare centers for early intervention.

Comparative study on alveolar bone healing in postextraction socket versus healing aided with autologous platelet-rich fibrin following surgical removal of bilateral mandibular impacted third molar tooth: A radiographic evaluation.

AIM: This study was to evaluate and compare the bone regeneration potential of autologous platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) placed in one of the extracted sockets after the surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-five patients (10 females and 15 males; 18-35 years old) were taken for surgical removal of bilateral impacted mandibular third molar, performed in the same session. The autologous PRF was placed in one of the extracted sockets whereas the opposite side was taken as control side, and primary closure was done. Radiographic examination with orthopantomogram was done preoperatively and 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months postoperatively to assess the degree of bone regeneration at the extracted site and compare it with the control side using MATLAB software and the data are statistically analyzed using paired t-test. RESULTS: PRF side had better healing and bone formation when compared with the control side as indicated by significant P values of (P = 0.06>5%) 1 month, (P = 0.00<1%) 3 month, and (P = 0.00<1%) 6 month postoperatively. The repeated-measures ANOVA showed a significant difference seen on 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively on PRF side (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The autologous PRF improves and fastens the bone regeneration and healing in the extracted sockets.

Larvae of Contracaecum sp. among inshore fish species of southwestern Australia.

Larval nematode infections were investigated in 236 fish from 17 estuarine and near-shore species in southwestern Australia. Larvae of the genus Contracaecum were found in 4 species of fish (Acanthopagrus butcheri, Sillaginodes punctata, Mugil cephalus and Aldrichetta forsteri). The prevalence and intensity of infection was highest in the 2 species of mullet: 81% infected and 9.8 +/- 1.5 larvae fish(-1) for M. cephalus; 100% and 12.7 +/- 3.7 larvae fish(-1) for A. forsteri. There was no evidence of post-mortem migration of worms from the visceral organs to the musculature of the fish.

Colonization and risk factors for Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli in humans and dogs on tea estates in Assam, India.

The prevalence of colonization with the anaerobic intestinal spirochaetes Brachyspira aalborgi and Brachyspira pilosicoli was investigated in humans (n = 316) and dogs (n = 101) living on three tea estates in Assam, India. Colonization was detected using PCR on DNA from faeces. Nineteen (6%) human faecal samples contained B. aalborgi DNA, 80 (25.3%) contained B. pilosicoli DNA, and 10 (3.2%) contained DNA from both species. One canine sample contained DNA from B. pilosicoli. Significant factors for B. aalborgi colonization in logistic regression were: infection of family members with B. aalborgi (P < 0.001), being a resident of Balipara (P = 0.03), and use of water treatment (P = 0.03). For B. pilosicoli, significant factors were: other family members being positive for B. pilosicoli (P < 0.001), water obtained from a well (P = 0.006), water treatment (P = 0.03), and not having visited a doctor in the previous 12 months (P = 0.03).