Expression of HIF-1α and Nestin in oral squamous cell carcinoma and its association with vasculogenic mimicry.

AIM: To evaluate and correlate the expression of HIF1-α and Nestin in tumor center and periphery of nonmetastatic, and recurrent oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its association with vasculogenic mimicry. MATERIALS AND METHODS: About 60 histopathological proven cases of OSCC with proper tumor center and periphery were collected. Among them 25 are nonmetastatic, 25 metastatic, and 10 recurrent cases of OSCC. Immunohistochemical analysis of HIF, Nestin, and CD31/PAS (periodic acid Schiff) was done. RESULTS: Based on the extent of tumor cells stained, staining intensity and index score, expression of both HIF and Nestin was highly significant in periphery of metastatic OSCC with a P value of 0.003* and 0.001*. The total number of vessels expressed in nonmetastatic, metastatic, and recurrent OSCC was not significant but the overall expression of CD31/PAS was significant in the periphery of the tumor with a P value of 0.024*. Correlating the overall expression, HIF showed a positive relation with Nestin and CD31/PAS with a P value of 0.026* and 0.038* in nonmetastatic OSCC using Pearson's correlation coefficient analysis. CONCLUSION: Based on the above results hypoxia plays a vital role in cancer stem cells maintenance with the formation of vessel-like structures by tumor cells at an early stage of cancer development.

Cervical cancer knowledge and attitude among a cohort of female schoolteachers in Salem city - A cross-sectional survey.

The present study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitude of female schoolteachers toward cervical cancer. Materials and Method: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 256 Government female schoolteachers aged 22-60 years in Salem city, Tamil Nadu. A self-administered questionnaire which assessed the levels of knowledge (6 items) and attitude (4 items) regarding cervical cancer was employed and responses were recorded on a three-point Likert scale. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software version 20.0. Results: Overall adequate knowledge and good attitude regards to cervical cancer was observed among 60% and 66.8% of schoolteachers, respectively. Participants in the age range of 31-45 years (p = 0.007), primary schoolteachers (p = 0.004) and Hindus (p = 0.001) displayed significantly adequate levels of knowledge compared to their respective counterpart. Likewise, based on attitude subjects possessing postgraduation (p = 0.001) and middle schoolteachers (p = 0.009) had significant good attitude scores. Significant linear correlation was observed knowledge with class teacher (r = 0.136, P = 0.03) and religion (r = 0.208, P = 0.001) whereas attitude with qualification (r = 0.165, P = 0.008) and class teacher (r = 0.206, P = 0.001) which are positive predictors. Moreover, knowledge had a significant positive correlation with attitude (r = 1.000, P = 0.000). Conclusion: Primary care physicians partnering network with schoolteachers having adequate knowledge and good attitude acts as a workforce to support cervical cancer screening and human papillomavirus vaccination.

Correlation of Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice with their Oral Health Status among Young Adults of Nursing Care: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Background: Nursing profession execute an imperative role in health promotion, disease, and injury prevention, providing care and assist in cure of patients with diverse age groups, and backgrounds both in individual and community settings. The study aimed to determine and compare the oral health knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with oral health status among nursing students in Salem. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on nursing students of Vinayaka Mission's Annapoorna College of Nursing, Salem, Tamil Nadu, India. The study included self-administered questionnaire covering demographic details and oral health KAP questions (18-items) followed by oral examination using the World Health Organization survey (2013). Data analysis was performed using SPSS 22. Results: Two hundred and sixty-one students were included in the survey (63 males and 198 females). Females reported better mean ± standard deviation (SD) in knowledge (24.08 ± 4.3), attitude (5.43 ± 1.3), and practice (10.82 ± 1.5, P = 0.000) than males. Moreover third-year students had higher mean ± SD scores in knowledge (24.42 ± 4.3) and practice (10.89 ± 1.7) while higher mean ± SD attitude scores (5.61 ± 1.2) was reported among second years. Relationship between attitude-practice indicated a positive significant correlation (r = 0.145, P = 0.05). Conclusions: There are an adequate knowledge, negative attitude, and inadequate practice toward oral health among nursing students. The study introspects the gap between knowledge and actions. As attitude influence on a person's behavior, discriminate knowledge in the right direction to best bring out the outcomes.

Students Perception toward Effectiveness of Online Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic among University Dental Students in India and United Arab Emirates: A Multi Centric Study.

Objectives: The rationale of this study was to compare the efficiency of online learning and the differences in outcome between the two universities in India and United Arab Emirates (UAE). Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with a validated questionnaire among dental students of a dental college in India and a dental college in the UAE. The data were analyzed using the SPSS software version 22, and comparison was done using the Chi-square test, ANOVA, correlation, and regression analysis. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05. Results: A total of 491 students responded to the questionnaire, of which 314 were from India and 177 from UAE. The awareness of online learning among students had increased after COVID-19, and Zoom was the most common platform (30.9%). The satisfaction ratio was 78.4%, and smartphones were commonly used by students. Based on the satisfaction of online learning, study participants from UAE had a higher mean attitude score (2.72 ± 0.98) as compared to Indian students (2.47 ± 0.77) (P < 0.027*). Conclusion: The study results show that online learning was comparable to traditional method of learning. Although poor network connectivity was a deterrent for online learning among students from India and UAE, future teaching methods could inculcate online teaching methods and hence encourage blended learning as part of the teaching curriculum.

Role of probiotics and synbiotics on inhibiting Streptococcus mutans level in saliva of children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Probiotics and synbiotics through its direct and indirect interactions interferes with biofilm formation, competes with oral microorganisms thereby creating better oral health. AIM: This study aims to assess the effectiveness of Probiotics and Synbiotics on inhibiting Streptococcus mutans level in saliva of children after 15 days of daily intake of probiotic and synbiotic curd. METHODOLOGY: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was planned. Salivary samples at baseline were collected from forty children in the age group of 6-12 years who were divided into two groups of 20 each to receive probiotic and synbiotic curd respectively for 15 days. Salivary samples were collected after intervention and S. mutans levels were estimated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The collected data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. Intra- and inter-group comparison of mean S. mutans levels for both the groups were done using the paired and unpaired t-test respectively. The statistical significance was set at P ≤ 0.05. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in salivary S. mutans counts was observed in both the groups after 15 days (P < 0.001). A significantly higher inhibition of S. mutans growth was present in the probiotic compared to synbiotic group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Probiotics and Synbiotics were effective in inhibiting salivary S. mutans level of children. However, inhibition of S. mutans growth was found to be better in children who consumed Probiotic curd than the Synbiotic curd.

Comparative evaluation of shear bond strength of two adhesive materials on demineralized dentin treated with silver diamine fluoride: An in-vitro study.

CONTEXT: Early childhood caries (ECC) is one of the most common diseases in the children of developing countries, affecting their oral health-related quality of life. From an economic perspective, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can limit the progression of active carious lesions. AIMS: To estimate and compare the loss of shear bond strength among two adhesive materials on SDF-treated demineralized primary teeth dentin. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Laboratory setting and in-vitro study design. METHODS AND MATERIAL: For the in-vitro study, 40 primary teeth indicated for extraction were selected. The demineralization solution was 5% nitric acid. The samples were divided into four groups, Group 1 - GIC Type IX, Group 2 - Self-etch (SE) adhesive + G-Aenial Universal Flo, Group 3 - SDF + GIC Type IX, and Group 4 - SDF + SE adhesive + G-Aenial Universal Flo. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance with Tukey's Post hoc test. RESULTS: The shear bond strength of GC G-Aenial Universal Flo(18.8165 ± 13.0448 MPa) found to be superior to GIC (5.7845 ± 1.8968 MPa). However, bond strength was significantly reduced with GC G-Aenial Universal Flo(34.0441 ± 14.1949/18.8165 ± 13.0448 MPa) compared to GIC (7.7956 ± 2.2804/5.7845 ± 1.8968 MPa) following the application of SDF. CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that SE adhesive + GC G-Aenial Universal Flois the material with better shear bond strength compared to GIC Type IX with and without SDF. Considering the severity and prevalence of ECC, socioeconomic strata of Indian population, the choice of material for masking the discoloration, and prevention of disease, GIC can be suggested as an alternative over GC G-Aenial Universal Flo.

Correlation of pharmacy students' knowledge, attitude, and practices with their oral health status in Salem city-A cross-sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Pharmacy is the health profession that links the health sciences with the basic sciences also contributes in health maintenance and promotion for the population. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) among pharmacy students in Salem toward oral health. Secondary objectives are to correlate KAP with their oral health status. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out using self-administered 16-item pretested and pre-validated questionnaire and oral health status data were collected using the WHO oral health assessment form (1997) targeting pharmacy students Vinayaka Missions College of pharmacy. Six, four, and six questions were used to assess pharmacy students' knowledge, attitude, and practice, respectively. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20.0 to perform the Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney, Kruskal-Wallis, Spearman's correlation, and linear regression analysis. RESULTS: 386 participated in the survey (263 males and 123 females). The highest mean for knowledge was among 17-21 years of age group students (18.07 ± 3.07) and this was statistically significant when compared to another age group (P < 0.05). The gender difference was seen with males having a significantly (P < 0.001) more positive mean ± SD oral health KAP compared to their female counterparts. KAP scores upon correlation revealed a positive relationship between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.015), knowledge-practice (r = 0.016), and attitude-practice (r = 0.069). RESULTS: 386 participated in the survey (263 males and 123 females). The highest mean for knowledge was among 17-21 years of age group students (18.07 ± 3.07) and this was statistically significant when compared to another age group (P < 0.05). The gender difference was seen with males having a significantly (P < 0.001) more positive mean ± SD oral health KAP compared to their female counterparts. KAP scores upon correlation revealed a positive relationship between knowledge-attitude (r = 0.015), knowledge-practice (r = 0.016), and attitude-practice (r = 0.069). CONCLUSION: Results of this study suggest that oral health KAP of students is inadequate and needs to be improved as they play an important role in the patients' counseling toward oral care.

Large-scale identification of human cerebrovascular proteins: Inter-tissue and intracerebral vascular protein diversity.

The human cerebrovascular system is responsible for regulating demand-dependent perfusion and maintaining the blood-brain barrier (BBB). In addition, defects in the human cerebrovasculature lead to stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, vascular malformations, and vascular cognitive impairment. The objective of this study was to discover new proteins of the human cerebrovascular system using expression data from the Human Protein Atlas, a large-scale project which allows public access to immunohistochemical analysis of human tissues. We screened 20,158 proteins in the HPA and identified 346 expression patterns correlating to blood vessels in human brain. Independent experiments showed that 51/52 of these distributions could be experimentally replicated across different brain samples. Some proteins (40%) demonstrated endothelial cell (EC)-enriched expression, while others were expressed primarily in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC; 18%); 39% of these proteins were expressed in both cell types. Most brain EC markers were tissue oligospecific; that is, they were expressed in endothelia in an average of 4.8 out of 9 organs examined. Although most markers expressed in endothelial cells of the brain were present in all cerebral capillaries, a significant number (21%) were expressed only in a fraction of brain capillaries within each brain sample. Among proteins found in cerebral VSMC, virtually all were also expressed in peripheral VSMC and in non-vascular smooth muscle cells (SMC). Only one was potentially brain specific: VHL (Von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor). HRC (histidine rich calcium binding protein) and VHL were restricted to VSMC and not found in non-vascular tissues such as uterus or gut. In conclusion, we define a set of brain vascular proteins that could be relevant to understanding the unique physiology and pathophysiology of the human cerebrovasculature. This set of proteins defines inter-organ molecular differences in the vasculature and confirms the broad heterogeneity of vascular cells within the brain.

Prognostic Factors in Primary Vaginal Cancer: A Single Institute Experience and Review of Literature.

BACKGROUND: Primary vaginal carcinoma is rare, accounting for 1-2 % of all gynecological malignancies. Being rare, most observations are based on retrospective and comparative analyses. This study was aimed to retrospectively analyze the prognostic factors and its relevance in the outcomes of primary vaginal cancers. MATERIALS: Medical records of all cases of primary vaginal cancers, presented to Department of Oncology, from 2004 to 2012, at a tertiary care center in southern India, were retrieved from electronic medical records, and were analyzed. RESULTS: The total number of cases was 32. Median age at presentation was 64.28 years. Squamous histology accounted for 84.4 %, with the rest being adenocarcinoma. Surgery was offered for five (15.6 %), and concurrent chemotherapy for 14 (43.8 %) patients. Three patients had only surgery. All others received radiotherapy. Twenty received external beam radiation (EBRT) and vaginal brachytherapy (VBT); seven only EBRT and two, adjuvant radiation. Five patients had residual disease; two, stage III, and three stage IV. Median follow-up was 55.83 months. Twelve patients were alive at last follow-up (37.5 %), while 14 were dead (43.8 %-8 of disease and 6 of other causes). Six patients were lost to follow-up (18.8 %). Twenty patients were disease free. Seven had recurrence, three loco-regional and four distant. Median overall survival (OS) was 86.1 months, disease-free survival (DFS) 90.17 months, and disease-specific survival (DSS) 97.13 months. When well and moderately differentiated tumors were taken together, the 5-year OS, DFS, and DSS rates were, 56.6, 64.3, and 82.3 %. For poorly differentiated tumors, median OS, DFS, and DSS were, 20.9, 14.6, and 20.9 months, with statistically significant advantage for better grade tumors, for DSS (p 0.050). Better 5-year OS, DFS, and DSS rates were observed for stage I + II group, with 54.9, 79.8, and 78.9 %, compared with advanced stage where the same were 54.8, 38.2, and 68.6 % (DFS-p 0.003, DSS-p 0.009). Grade and stage of tumor had statistically significant predictive value over the outcomes, while tumor size showed a significant trend. Patients treated with combination of EBRT and VBT fared well. CONCLUSION: Our study could conclude that grade of differentiation was a significant predictor of poor survival as was stage of disease. Combination of VBT and external beam radiotherapy provides good DFS.