Exploring Genetic Link of Residual Ridge Resorption in Completely Edentulous Individuals: A Prospective Case-Control Clinical Study.

BACKGROUND: Residual ridge resorption presents obstacles in prosthodontic treatment, affecting denture stability and the success of dental implants. Genetic elements, specifically the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) 1772C>T variant within the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF-1α) gene, are hypothesized to contribute to residual ridge resorption progression. Nevertheless, its impact remains insufficiently investigated, especially within the context of South Indian populations. We sought to investigate the connection between SNP 1772C>T and residual ridge resorption (RRR) among fully edentulous individuals, considering demographic factors, genotyping methodologies, and statistical evaluations. METHODS: In a prospective case-control study, we recruited 100 completely edentulous participants from South India. Participants were categorized based on alveolar ridge height. Saliva samples were non-invasively collected for DNA extraction, and polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis was employed to determine genotype distribution using the HphI restriction enzyme. The statistical evaluations comprised the utilization of chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: We observed no significant variations in genotype distributions between the case and control cohorts (CT: p=0.24; CC: p=0.65; TT: p=0.30). The heterozygous genotype CT was prevalent in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Although we did not observe significant associations between SNP 1772C>T and RRR, our findings imply a genetic predisposition to residual ridge resorption that warrants further exploration. Variations in genetic susceptibility across ethnicities and the influence of other genetic variants on residual ridge resorption require additional investigation. This study lays the groundwork for personalized prosthodontic care by highlighting the potential of genetic analysis in routine dental practice to improve treatment strategies.

Association of Periodontal Red Complex Bacteria With the Incidence of Gastrointestinal Cancers: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Porphyromonas gingivalis is the primary microbe in the "periodontal red complex" bacteria (PRCB) along with Tannerella forsythia and Treponema denticola, which are linked to periodontal disease (PD). These pathogens are also implicated in various systemic disorders, but their association with the incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is less explored. A systematic review followed by a meta-analysis was conducted as per standard guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) 2022) to find this association between GI cancers and PRCB after a literature search for full-text papers in the English language (between 2010 and 2023) in databases (Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Web of Science) with suitable keywords using the Boolean search strategy. Data extraction involved titles, abstracts, and full texts retrieved and scored by the modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. The data were analyzed by the Review Manager (RevMan 5.2, Cochrane Collaboration, Denmark). Standard Cochran Q test and I2 statistics (for heterogeneity) and a random effects model (pooled OR with 95% CI) were applied to report results. P. gingivalis among the PRCB was linked to GI cancers (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.34-3.47). T. forsythia and T. denticola did not show meaningful associations as per existing evidence for GI cancers.

Comparative Evaluation of Dental Pulp Tissue Dissolution Ability of Sapindus mukorossi and Sodium Hypochlorite.

Background The Sapindus mukorossi (SM) extract has been reported to possess antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant characteristics. However, there is limited research demonstrating the effectiveness of SM in dissolving dental pulp tissue. Methods In an in vitro investigation, pulp tissue samples were extracted from human teeth, collectively weighing 144 mg. These samples were divided equally and activated by manual digital agitation (MDA) or ultrasonic (US) irrigation for three 30-second cycles with a resting period of 45 seconds between each activation. The samples in each group were sub-categorized into a set of three groups based on the treatment received as normal saline (NS), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (Hypo), or Sapindus mukorossi (SM). Statistical tests, including the student t-test and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), were employed to compare the mean weight differences among the groups, with a significance level set at p ≤ 0.05 for all comparisons. Results The one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and independent t-test revealed significant intergroup differences (p<0.05). Turkey's post hoc analysis indicated significant distinctions, particularly when comparing Hypo with the other two irrigants, namely Hypo-NS (p<0.05) and Hypo-SM (p<0.05) when the MDA method was employed. Considering only the method adopted, the US technique was significantly superior (p=0.04) to the MDA. Conclusion Sapindus mukorossi (SM) demonstrated efficacy in dissolving pulp tissue but was not as effective as sodium hypochlorite (Hypo) which is the standard agent for root canal irrigation. SM to be used as an alternative to Hypo on clinical grounds needs further validation from research.

Investigating the Association Between Fusobacterium nucleatum and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Pilot Case-Control Study on Tissue Samples.

Background Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) has been increasingly linked to oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), prompting this study to explore its presence using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and evaluate its clinical significance. Methods In this pilot case-control study, 12 OSCC tissue samples and 12 non-cancerous oral mucosal tissue samples were analyzed. Total RNA extraction and complementary DNA (cDNA) synthesis were performed using Trizol-based methods, followed by PCR amplification and gel electrophoresis. The clinical characteristics of participants and PCR results were recorded. Results Among the OSCC tissue samples, three out of 12 tested positive for F. nucleatum, while none of the control samples showed its presence. The detection rate of F. nucleatum in OSCC was 25%. Gel analysis confirmed specific amplicon amplification, and ImageJ software enabled copy number quantification. Discussion Our findings support previous research indicating a potential association between F. nucleatum and OSCC. Understanding the etiological significance of F. nucleatum in OSCC has clinical implications, including early detection, risk stratification, and prognostication. However, the limited sample size and the need for further research to elucidate underlying mechanisms are acknowledged. Conclusion This pilot study provides initial evidence of F. nucleatum's presence in a subset of OSCC samples, supporting its potential association with oral cancer. Detecting F. nucleatum in OSCC tissues holds promise for future research and clinical applications as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. Understanding its role in oral carcinogenesis will facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic strategies. Larger studies are warranted to validate these findings and investigate the precise mechanisms involved.

Association of Alzheimer's disease and periodontitis - a systematic review and meta-analysis of evidence from observational studies.

The relationship between periodontitis (or periodontal disease) with Alzheimer's disease has been reported by various primary sources in the past decade, but not with a solid secondary research statement. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted in accordance with the guidelines of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement and registered (Reference number: CRD42020185264) with PROSPERO (International prospective register for systematic reviews). A literature search was conducted on specific databases for suitable articles in English language. Out of 612 studies selected, 41 underwent full-text analysis; five studies were eligible for systematic review, and 3 for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was performed with tests for sensitivity and statistical heterogeneity followed by calculation of summary effect measures in terms of odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The results of this review showed a significant association between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease in the meta-analysis [OR 1.67 (1.21-2.32)].

Assessment of Oral Mucosal Integrity Status in Patients with Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent aphthous stomatitis represents one of the most common oral pathoses with multifactorial etiology. Decrease in mucosal barrier resistance is believed to be one of the etiologies in its pathogenesis. This study was conducted to assess the oral mucosal integrity status by evaluating the salivary albumin level in patients with aphthous stomatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients diagnosed with aphthous stomatitis were selected as case group. Equal number of age- and sex-matched healthy individuals formed the control group. Salivary albumin level was estimated during active and quiescent stage of the disease in both case group and control group. RESULT: Mean salivary albumin level for the case group during the active and quiescent stage was 0.070 g/dL (SD = 0.037) and 0.004 g/dL (SD = 0.007) (SPSS, version 7.0), respectively, and that for the control group was 0.027 g/dL (SD =0.042). Statistically significant difference was found on comparison of the mean salivary albumin level between the case group during active and quiescent stage and the normal controls using Mann-Whitney U test. No statistically significant difference in salivary albumin level was seen between the quiescent stage in case group and the normal controls. CONCLUSION: Increase in salivary albumin level at the time of disease presentation could be attributed to the leakage of albumin through the ulcerated mucosa. Absence of significant elevation in the salivary albumin level after the resolution of the aphthous ulcer apparently indicates inherently a healthy mucosal barrier in majority of the patients.

A Comparative Data Analysis of 1835 Road Traffic Accident Victims.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the study was to analyze and compare the incidence of road traffic accidents (RTA) with head injuries and maxillofacial injuries in two arterial roads, Old Mahabalipuram road (OMR) and East Coast road (ECR), connecting with Chennai city and outlining the need of safety precautions to be followed to reduce the incidence of morbidity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved the medical records of about 1835 trauma victims who reported to Chettinad Health city, kelambakkam, between August 2008 and June 2013. The data analyzed were, age of trauma victims, gender, type of trauma, type of vehicle, accident time, accident zone, presence of head injury, maxillofacial injury and history of alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Trauma victims were predominantly male (84.3%), with majority of individuals in the age group of 21-40 yrs (56%). About 42% of the reported accidents occurred in OMR and 18.3% of accidents occurred in ECR. About 51.2% of the reported road traffic accidents occurred in the busy traffic hours, between 7am-10am and 5pm-9pm. About 66.4% of RTAs were due to two wheeler vehicles and 21.6% were due to four wheeler vehicles. The incidence of head injury was 47.5% and about 1417 (77.2%) patients reported with maxillofacial injuries. CONCLUSION: RTAs are more common in OMR than in ECR, involving mostly male victims and two wheeler vehicles, during the peak traffic hours. Rash driving and over speeding of vehicles are the preventable causative factors. Wearing of Helmets by the two wheeler riders and seat belts by the four wheeler riders are essential to prevent morbidity. We stress the need of separate lane for Ambulance on the roads for faster transport of accident victims to nearby Hospital and trauma care centers.

Morquio's Syndrome: A Case Report of Two Siblings.

Morquio syndrome or MPS IVA is a rare type of lysosomal storage disease associated with highly specific dental abnormalities. We present two siblings with enamel hypoplasia and skeletal abnormalities. A diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidosis type IVA was reached based on the clinical, radiographic, and dental findings of the patients. The dental findings are useful diagnostic aid for the early diagnosis of this debilitating disorder.

A case report of granular cell ameloblastoma associated with aneurysmal bone cyst like features.

Granular cell ameloblastoma is a rare variant of ameloblastoma, which is histopathologically characterized by the presence of large eosinophilic granular cells within the ameloblastic follicle. Its accurate preoperative diagnosis is based upon clinical, radiological, and incisional biopsy findings. This article reports a case of granular cell ameloblastoma in a 65-year-old female, which on incisional biopsy showed the features suggestive of aneurysmal bone cyst. Furthermore, the influence of macroscopic presentation of the current lesion on its accurate preoperative incisional biopsy diagnosis is discussed in detail.

A rare case of clear cell variant of oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma with prominent clear cell differentiation is a rare occurrence. A 35-year-old female patient presented with a nonhealing ulcer persistent for 1-month involving the left lateral border of the tongue and lingual vestibule. Lobules of malignant squamous epithelial cells with abundant cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei in the connective tissue were observed following histopathology. Neoplastic cells constituting majority of lobules exhibited clear cell changes. Periodic acid-Schiff and mucicarmine stains showed negative reaction. Immunohistochemical study using antibody for cytokeratin, revealed diffuse and intense positivity. The neoplastic cells showed complete negative reaction with antibodies for vimentin, smooth muscle actin and homatropine bromide-45 antigens.

Osteosarcoma of the mandible: A case report with an early radiographic manifestation.

Osteosarcoma is a classical malignant bone-forming neoplasm which usually presents with an aggressive clinical course. The current case is presented with the radiographic feature of widening of the periodontal ligament space of the involved teeth, which is considered to be the earliest radiographic manifestation of osteosarcoma involving the jaw bone. The main aim of this case report was to focus on the importance of early diagnosis of this tumor based on clinical and radiographic examinations, and confirmation by histopathology. Considering the rarity of the disease type and particularly taking into account the fast progression and aggressiveness of this neoplasm, it is clear that the presentation of a clinical case represents a major contribution to better understanding of osteosarcomas involving the jaw bone.

Practical significance of utilizing fine needle aspiration cytology as an adjunct diagnostic aid in the preoperative presumptive diagnosis of ameloblastoma.

BACKGROUND: Cytological reports of ameloblastoma are relatively rare in the literature. Appropriate cytologic diagnosis may play a significant role in its preoperative presumptive diagnosis, especially when incisional biopsy findings are inadequate. AIM: To systematically study the detailed cytomorphologic features of ameloblastoma and to evaluate the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in its preoperative diagnosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, FNAC was done on 26 cases of intra-osseous jaw lesion, clinically diagnosed as odontogenic tumor or developmental odontogenic cysts and detailed cytopathological interpretation was carried out and the results were correlated with the corresponding histopathology. RESULTS: Of the 26 cases, 15 were found to be ameloblastoma and sensitivity of FNAC in the diagnosis of ameloblastoma was found to be 86.6%. None of the intra-osseous jaw lesion was false positively diagnosed as ameloblastoma in FNAC and hence the specificity was found to be 100%. CONCLUSION: Presence of cohesive epithelial cell clusters exhibiting smaller basaloid cells with peripherally placed tall columnar cells and occasional large squamous cells either adjoining the basaloid epithelial clusters or in isolated group aids in the specific cytological diagnosis of ameloblastoma and FNAC offers an excellent diagnostic aid that may play a significant role in preoperative presumptive diagnosis of ameloblastoma along with incisional biopsy.