Sex determination by amplification of amelogenin gene from dental pulp tissue by polymerase Chain Reaction.

INTRODUCTION: Forensic odontology necessarily involves the application of dentistry along with various other branches of sciences which deals with proper handling, examination, evaluation, and presentation of dental evidences, that aids to investigate a crime and deliver justice. Sex determination is a part of forensic odontology and an essential priority when traditional identification of the deceased becomes impossible. AIM: To determine Sex by analysis of the Amelogenin gene using Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method on Deoxyribose nucleic acid (DNA) isolated from dental pulp, which was exposed to various environmental conditions created artificially to mimic a forensic scenario. MATERIALS AND METHOD: This in-vitro study was conducted by subjecting extracted teeth to various conditions imitating a forensic scene, viz. desiccation at room temperatures, immersion in salt water, burial in soil and even exposing to extremes of temperatures. DNA was extracted from dental pulp tissue and sex determination was achieved by amplification of the amelogenin gene through AMEL gene based primers in PCR. RESULT: Among all the samples used in this study, DNA could be extracted from all, except from those that were subjected to a temperature of 350 °C. DNA amplification and sex determination of the samples were found to be accurate when compared to sex of the individual which was recorded initially, during collection of teeth samples. CONCLUSION: This study shows teeth to be a potent source of DNA even in extreme environmental conditions, barring high temperatures and determination of sex by PCR amplification of AMEL markers to be quite reliable.

The Insight for Initiation and Maintenance of Areca nut chewing Habit and its Effects on Oral Health Status among School Age Population in Western Rajasthan, India.

INTRODUCTION: Areca nut is highly carcinogenic according to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Its usage is continuously increasing in children and adolescents in India. AIM: The aim of the study was to understand the reasons for the development of the areca nut chewing habit at early age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 2846 subjects were surveyed from rural government schools between ages of 4 to18 years in Western Rajasthan, India. A structured questionnaire was designed to record the factors associated with initiation and continuation of areca nut chewing habits. A systemic oral examination was done to access current oral health status in these users. Students were divided into two groups viz. Group 1 and 2, comprising of students from 4 to 10 years and 11 to18 years respectively. RESULTS: Total 34.5% children in Group 1 and 72.8% in Group 2, were indulged with the habit of chewing areca nut. Study revealed that social environment and secondarily stimulating effect of areca nut have association with initiation and maintenance of habits. A total of 55 subjects were diagnosed at various clinical stages of Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSMF). CONCLUSION: Areca nut cessation programs should be initiated on the primary education level for the prevention of this habit in Western Rajasthan, India.

Screening the Drug Resistance Property Among Aerobic Pathogenic Microorganisms of Dental Caries in North-Western Indian Population: A Preliminary Study.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the emerging drug resistance among the caries pathogens isolated from carious dentine microbiologically. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Specimens from dental caries were collected from 75 patients referred to Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Vyas Dental College. Microbiological processing of all the samples was done within three hours to isolate the caries pathogens. The samples were inoculated on agar medium (Nutrient agar, Mac-conkey's agar) at 370C for 48 hours aerobically. The identification of strains was done by observing colony morphology and gram's staining. The predominant isolates were subjected to antimicrobial sensitivity test (Kirby Bauer's method). Statistical analysis of the isolates was done using paired t-test. RESULTS: Out of 75 patients more common isolates were Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yeast. The predominant were Staphylococcus and Pseudomonas species. Newer antibiotics were proved to be effective against these predominant strains after evaluating antibiotic sensitivity tests. CONCLUSION: Although Streptococcus mutans (S.mutans) is the most prevalent microorganism seen in dental caries, the role of other microorganisms like Staphylococcus, Pseudomonas in initiation and progression of caries is evident from this study. Further extensive and large scale studies need to be conducted for better understanding the role of these microorganisms in dental caries.

A Case of Amelanotic Malignant Melanoma of the Maxillary Sinus Presented with Intraoral Extension.

Melanoma of the sinonasal cavity has a high incidence of amelanotic presentation. Its diagnosis is difficult for clinicians and pathologists because of its hidden location and lack of pigmentation at the microscopic level. We reported a case of amelanotic melanoma of the maxillary sinus that showed aggressive extension to the oral cavity after extraction of the maxillary tooth. Histologically, the lesion resembled a plasmacytoid tumour. Diagnosis was made through the positive immunohistochemical staining for S100 and HMB-45.

Gingival rhabdomyosarcoma in an adult: a unique entity.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a disease that predominantly affects children. Approximately 40 per cent are located in the head and neck region but it is rare in the oral cavity. This article describes an interesting case of an embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma in a 36-year-old male, involving the mandibular gingiva. The lesion showed radiolucency with ill-defined margins that was crossing the midline. The history revealed a similar lesion six months back at the same site and the lesion had been completely excised. The biopsy reports confirmed the diagnosis of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma after which en-bloc resection of the tumor was performed with administration of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Due to high recurrence rate of rhabdomyosarcomas in adults, multimodal therapy should be planned for proper care of the patient. Clinical, radiological, histopathological and management aspects are discussed here.

Identification of the pattern of copper as an etiological factor in oral submucous fibrosis: a cytological study.

UNLABELLED: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a well-recognized, potentially malignant disorder causing generalized fibrosis of the submucosal oral soft tissues. Though this disease is believed to be multi-factorial, areca nut chewing has emerged as the most important causative factor for OSF. Areca nut is known to have high levels of copper, which is believed to cause lysyl oxidase associated fibrosis. AIM: To evaluate the pattern of copper in buccal mucosal cells of OSF patients, areca nut chewers and normal healthy individuals and to elicit the etiology of copper in OSF. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were divided into three groups each comprising of 20 individuals- Healthy individuals (Group I); areca nut chewers without OSF (Group II); histopathologically confirmed OSF (Group Ill). The cytological smears made from each patient were stained with rhodanine stain for copper and evaluated for the qualitative and quantitative parameters of copper by using specific grading criteria. RESULTS: Quantitative estimation of copper content showed a marked variation in the mean values. Mean value of group I was 0.11 ± 0.39; group II was 1.09 ± 0.81 and group III was 2.34 ± 0.74 (p<0.001). Mean values for qualitative estimation of copper were - 0.01 ± 0.36 for group I, 1.08 ± 0.82 for group II and 2.39 ± 0.72 for group III (p<0.001). Chi square analysis was used to assess the percentage distribution of copper granules. This revealed that the colour intensity and the number of granules were seen to maximum in OSF patients, areca nut chewers without OSF having intermediated values and normal healthy individuals having the least values. CONCLUSION: An evident increase in the copper staining in group III individuals as compared to group I and group II was well appreciated. Increased copper levels in the local environment of the oral cavity indicates its role in lysyl oxidase associated submucosal fibrosis.

The perceived relevance of tooth carving in dental education: Views of practicing dentists and faculty in West India.

BACKGROUND: Teaching dental anatomy includes observation and analysis of natural teeth and carving wax models to accurately reproduce the morphology of teeth. The aim of this survey was to assess the importance of tooth carving in its relevance to clinical practice in the opinion of practicing clinicians throughout west India. METHODS: Faculties of 27 dental colleges and dental practitioners of the Rajasthan and Gujarat states in western India were contacted through e-mail, telephone and mail. A total of 1866 subjects were contacted of which 1722 responded. The perceived relevance of tooth carving in clinical practice was assessed through a 14-item multiple choice questionnaire. Questions ranged from the queries of clinicians' interest in tooth carvings, their opinion of the practical significance of this exercise during their training to their clinical practice, and their recommendations regarding tooth carving. RESULTS: A total of 69.1% of respondent practitioners believe that the tooth carving exercise influences their clinical practice, and 93.4% recommend tooth carving to be continued in the undergraduate dental curriculum. DISCUSSION: The results indicated that most dentists in west India valued what they learned through tooth carving and that they use this knowledge in their practice. This information supports the continued teaching of tooth carving in the undergraduate dental curriculum.

Anomalous Bilateral Communication between the Inferior Alveolar Nerve and the Auriculotemporal Nerve: A Rare Variation.

Branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve show various anomalous communications in the infratemporal region. Understanding such communication has relevance in the management of neuropathies and surgical procedures in this region. This study was conducted to explore such communicating branches, anticipating that they might provide information of clinical significance. A total of 15 human cadavers (30 infratemporal regions) were studied to explore such communicating branches in infratemporal region. The branches of the posterior division of the mandibular nerve were carefully dissected, and these branches were studied and analysed for any abnormal course. In one case, a rare type of bilateral communication between the auriculotemporal nerve and the inferior alveolar nerve, forming a loop with no association with any structure, was observed. It is possible that such communicating branches may be associated with delayed regression of the first arch vessels. The clinical implications of these anomalous communications require further detailed study for improved management of neuropathies and surgical procedures.

Odontogenic keratocyst: What is in the name?

The classification of odontogenic cysts is complicated and can create confusion for both clinicians and pathologists. The odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) is an enigmatic developmental cyst that deserves special attention. It has characteristic histopathological and clinical features; but, what makes this cyst special is its aggressive behavior and high recurrence rate. Despite of many classifications and nomenclature, unfortunately the clinicians still have to face difficulties in the management of this commonly found jaw lesion. This article is an effort to provide an overview of various aspects of OKC with emphasis on nomenclature, recurrence, molecular aspects, and management of OKC.

Clear cell calcifying epithelial odontogenic (Pindborg) tumor involving the maxillary sinus: A case report and review of literature.

Calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is a rare benign odontogenic neoplasm of the jaws, accounting for less than 3% of all odontogenic tumors. It rarely extends into the maxillary sinus. Till date, six cases involving maxillary sinus have been reported. In this paper, we report the seventh case of a 52-year-old male with CEOT in maxilla extending from distal surface of the right maxillary canine to retromolar area and involving maxillary sinus with no association with impacted teeth. The diagnosis was confirmed by aspiration cytology and histologically, the tumor was composed of sheets of epithelial cells, with areas of clear cell changes. The presence of clear cells in the histological sections, accounts for the aggressive nature of the tumor simulating the clinical appearance. Prevention of recurrence can be achieved by radical resection.