Sex determination using mandibular ramus flexure in South Indian population - A retrospective study.

Sex determination or sex estimation from a single or fragment of bone is always difficult in the absence of other bones from the same individual. The current study was an attempt to estimate the sex of an individual from the posterior ramus of mandible or the mandibular ramus flexure. A retrospective study was conducted using orthopantomographs (OPGs) of 200 males and 200 females between the age group of 20 - 70 years. Each radiographic image was examined for the presence of a flexure or notching on the posterior border of the ramus in relation to occlusal plane as the method followed by Loth & Henneberg 1996.The study resulted in samples that were correctly classified as females 59.5% and males 57.5 %. The overall correct sex estimation was achieved in 58.5% of the cases. The predictive accuracy or assessment was higher for females compared to males. Consequently, the posterior ramus of mandible or mandibular ramus flexure can be considered as supplementary rather than a definitive means of sex determination. Hence, it is preferable to include as many parameters as possible to attain optimal accuracy.

Delineation of mechanistic approaches of rhizosphere microorganisms facilitated plant health and resilience under challenging conditions.

Sustainable agriculture demands the balanced use of inorganic, organic, and microbial biofertilizers for enhanced plant productivity and soil fertility. Plant growth-enhancing rhizospheric bacteria can be an excellent biotechnological tool to augment plant productivity in different agricultural setups. We present an overview of microbial mechanisms which directly or indirectly contribute to plant growth, health, and development under highly variable environmental conditions. The rhizosphere microbiomes promote plant growth, suppress pathogens and nematodes, prime plants immunity, and alleviate abiotic stress. The prospective of beneficial rhizobacteria to facilitate plant growth is of primary importance, particularly under abiotic and biotic stresses. Such microbe can promote plant health, tolerate stress, even remediate soil pollutants, and suppress phytopathogens. Providing extra facts and a superior understanding of microbial traits underlying plant growth promotion can stir the development of microbial-based innovative solutions for the betterment of agriculture. Furthermore, the application of novel scientific approaches for facilitating the design of crop-specific microbial biofertilizers is discussed. In this context, we have highlighted the exercise of "multi-omics" methods for assessing the microbiome's impact on plant growth, health, and overall fitness via analyzing biochemical, physiological, and molecular facets. Furthermore, the role of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) based genome alteration and nanotechnology for improving the agronomic performance and rhizosphere microbiome is also briefed. In a nutshell, the paper summarizes the recent vital molecular processes that underlie the different beneficial plant-microbe interactions imperative for enhancing plant fitness and resilience under-challenged agriculture.

Diversity and Tissue Preference of Osmotolerant Bacterial Endophytes Associated with Pearl Millet Genotypes Having Differential Drought Susceptibilities.

Genetic and functional diversity of osmotolerant bacterial endophytes colonizing the root, stem, and leaf tissues of pearl millet genotypes differing in their drought susceptibility was assessed. Two genotypes of pearl millet, viz., the drought tolerant genotype TT-1 and the drought susceptible genotype PPMI-69, were used in the present study. Diazotrophs were found to be the predominant colonizers, followed by the Gram positive bacteria in most of the tissues of both the genotypes. Higher proportion of bacterial endophytes obtained from the drought tolerant genotype was found to be osmotolerant. Results of 16S rRNA gene-ARDRA analysis grouped 50 of the highly osmotolerant isolates into 16 clusters, out of which nine clusters had only one isolate each, indicating their uniqueness. One cluster had 21 isolates and remaining clusters were represented by isolates ranging from two to four. The representative isolates from each cluster were identified, and Bacillus was found to be the most prevalent osmotolerant genera with many different species. Other endophytic bacteria belonged to Pseudomonas sp., Stenotrophomonas sp., and Macrococcus caseolyticus. High phylogenetic diversity was observed in the roots of the drought tolerant genotype while different tissues of the drought susceptible genotype showed less diversity. Isolates of Bacillus axarquiensis were present in all the tissues of both the genotypes of pearl millet. However, most of the other endophytic bacteria showed tissue/genotype specificity. With the exception of B. axarquiensis and B. thuringiensis, rest all the species of Bacillus were found colonizing only the drought-tolerant genotype; while M. caseolyticus colonized all the tissues of only the drought susceptible genotype. There was high incidence of IAA producers and low incidence of ACC deaminase producers among the isolates from the root tissues of the drought-tolerant genotype while reverse was the case for the drought-susceptible genotype. Thus, host played an important role in the selection of endophytes based on both phylogenetic and functional traits.

Psammomatoid juvenile ossifying fibroma of mandible in a 6-year-old child.

Juvenile ossifying fibroma (JOF) is a rare fibro-osseous lesion of the jaw occurs at the early age of onset frequently under 15 years with a propensity to recur. It appears as a unilobulated/multilobulated lesion at an early stage followed by radiopaque appearance surrounded by radiolucent rimming at advanced stages. The psammomatous type of JOF (PsJOF) principally involves the bones of the orbit and paranasal sinuses. However in some cases, maxilla or rarely the mandible may be pretentious. Here, we report a challenging case of PsJOF in a 6-year-old child with a complaint of swelling imitating a cystic lesion in left back region of the lower jaw for 2 months. The authors propose that a careful examination and correlations of clinical, radiological, and histopathological features are essential to arrive at correct diagnosis and play a vital role in management of such patients.

A case of unilateral atypical orofacial pain with Eagle's syndrome.

Eagle's syndrome is not an uncommon condition, but less known to physicians, where an elongated styloid process or calcified stylohyoid ligament compresses the adjacent anatomical structures leading to orofacial pain. Diagnosis is made with appropriate radiological examination. Nonsurgical treatment options include reassurance, analgesia, and anti.inflammatory medications; and the surgical option includes a transoral or external approach. Here, we present a case report of a male patient, of age38 years, with a chief complaint of unilateral atypical orofacial pain on the right side of his face radiating to the neck region, for the last two months.

Intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma of maxilla: a rare entity.

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is the malignant salivary gland neoplasm chiefly occurred in minor salivary gland. One of the rare variant of MEC is intra-osseous variant found in the jaws known as central mucoepidermoid carcinoma. Presently in this case report, we described a 28-year-old male diagnosed with central low grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma subsequently with the presence of asymptomatic swelling with a history of trauma. Clinically mimicking a cystic lesion and radiographically gives an idea of mixed radio-opaque radiolucent lesion which creates a confusion to render a final diagnosis. The site, duration and history of the case are uncommon for the occurrence of intra-osseous malignant lesion of salivary glands. Present case adds new dimensions to the present knowledge about the clinical and radiographical picture that a central mucoepidermoid carcinoma can mimic.

Macroglossia Associated with Lymphangioma: Surgical Management of An Interesting Case.

Lymphangioma is considered as benign as well as a hamartomatous lesion of the lymphatic vessels that shows a marked predilection for the head and neck region. The most common site for intraoral lymphangiomas is the anterior two-thirds on the dorsal surface of tongue resulting in macroglossia. Such patients have a tendency of speech disturbances, poor oral hygiene, and bleeding from tongue following a trauma. A child with markedly enlarged tongue presents a unique challenge to the clinicians. Aesthetic, occlusal, functional and psychosocial problems may arise as a result of this condition. The indexed patient presented with an enlarged tongue. Wide excision of the lesion was done as a treatment.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor associated with a dentigerous cyst.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is a relatively uncommon benign lesion of odontogenic origin mainly affecting females in second decade of life, having a predilection for the anterior region of the maxilla. Histologically, it is composed of odontogenic epithelium in a variety of histopathological patterns in a mature, fibrous connective tissue stroma and characterized by slow but progressive growth. Very few cases of AOT associated with a dentigerous cyst have been reported in the literature. PubMed and Medline data showed a total of 11 cases of AOT associated with a dentigerous cyst in the literature. We present an additional case of an AOT arising from a dentigerous cyst around the crown of an unerupted upper canine in a 20-year-old female, which was clinically diagnosed as a dentigerous cyst. Histologically, the case showed proliferation of odontogenic epithelium in the form of whorls and islands typical of AOT associated with dentigerous cyst appearing thin reduced enamel like epithelium lining the cystic cavity, described previously. However, it is unclear whether this entity has a more aggressive potential.

Adenomatoid Odontogenic Tumor (AOT) Arising from a Dentigerous Cyst: Literature Review and Report of a Case.

Adenomatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT) is an uncommon benign tumor of odontogenic origin composed of odontogenic epithelium in a variety of histopathological patterns. These lesions are usually solid but are occasionally cystic. AOT has been reported to occur in association with odontogenic cysts. Very few cases have been described that arise in association with a dentigerous cyst. A systematic search of the English-language medical literature in PubMed and Medline search (keywords adenomatoid odontogenic tumor, dentigerous cyst) data bases revealed only ten such cases. The present case is very unique, exceptional and first of this kind that occurred in the posterior mandible associated with an impacted lower first premolar in a 19-year old female patient. The intraosseous follicular AOT, as this case reported here, frequently resemble dentigerous cysts. There is an uncertainty whether the lining of an associated cyst represents a true dentigerous cyst, cystic change within an AOT or may represent a distinct entity. We believe that this case represents an odontogenic cyst with neoplastic change. Hence, in such cases, the final diagnosis should be made on the basis of histological examination of extensive tissue sampling of entire excised tissue specimen. Further studies to determine whether the AOT derived from an odontogenic cyst could represent a distinct variant are to be done.

Quantification and localization of mast cells in periapical lesions.

BACKGROUND: Periapical lesions occur in response to chronic irritation in periapical tissue, generally resulting from an infected root canal. Specific etiological agents of induction, participating cell population and growth factors associated with maintenance and resolution of periapical lesions are incompletely understood. Among the cells found in periapical lesions, mast cells have been implicated in the inflammatory mechanism. AIM: Quantifications and the possible role played by mast cells in the periapical granuloma and radicular cyst. Hence, this study is to emphasize the presence (localization) and quantification of mast cells in periapical granuloma and radicular cyst. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 cases and out of which 15 of periapical granuloma and 15 radicular cyst, each along with the case details from the previously diagnosed cases in the department of oral pathology were selected for the study. The gender distribution showed male 8 (53.3%) and females 7 (46.7%) in periapical granuloma cases and male 10 (66.7%) and females 5 (33.3%) in radicular cyst cases. The statistical analysis used was unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Mean mast cell count in periapical granuloma subepithelial and deeper connective tissue, was 12.40 (0.99%) and 7.13 (0.83%), respectively. The mean mast cell counts in subepithelial and deeper connective tissue of radicular cyst were 17.64 (1.59%) and 12.06 (1.33%) respectively, which was statistically significant. No statistical significant difference was noted among males and females. CONCLUSION: Mast cells were more in number in radicular cyst. Based on the concept that mast cells play a critical role in the induction of inflammation, it is logical to use therapeutic agents to alter mast cell function and secretion, to thwart inflammation at its earliest phases. These findings may suggest the possible role of mast cells in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions.

Tumor of the maxilla-odontogenic or glandular? A diagnostic challenge and the role of immunohistochemical markers.

Today's practice in medicine has reached remarkable change mainly due to the advances in the field. Odontogenic tumors represent a spectrum of lesions ranging from hamartomas to benign and malignant neoplasms. Rarely, odontogenic tumors pose a challenge due to varied histological features. But appropriate and accurate diagnosis is crucial for further treatment and follow-up as these have an influence on the prognosis. In such situations, immunohistochemical. (IHC) markers play a significant role in the differentiating various lesions. Within its palette of histology, there are multiple histopathological presentations, many a times these features come in an intermixed pattern simulating different origin. We here, report such a case presented in a 70-year-old female came with a complaint of swelling in the posterior maxilla. The microscopic findings were indicative of a benign neoplasm. To know the nature of the lesion and arrive at a diagnosis, many IHC markers were used. Based on all these findings, a final diagnosis of unicystic ameloblastoma was arrived.

Drug induced erythema multiforme: two case series with review of literature.

Erythema Multiforme, (EM) an uncommon, acute inflammatory reactive mucocutaneous disorder and primary allergies confined to the oral mucosa. However the subsequent attacks can produce more severe forms of EM involving the skin. Manifestations of EM are varied and present a diagnostic dilemma because infections (particularly herpes simplex and mycoplasma pneumoniae) and drugs seem to predispose towards development of EM. We report two cases of EM in which drugs (Dioclofenac sodium & Amoxycilline) seems to be precipitating factor. In addition, the article reviews various aspects of EM as relevant to dental practice and highlight the associated potential etiologic agents, pathogenic mechanisms and therapies.

Estimation of age from development and eruption of teeth.

The developing dentition is used to assess maturity and estimate the age in many disciplines including anthropology, archeology, forensic science, pediatric dentistry and orthodontics. There is evidence that dental development is less effected than skeletal development by malnutrition and hormonal disorders. There are two methods of dental age assessment, radiographically and by clinically visualization of eruption of teeth. The clinical method to assess dental age is based on the emergence of teeth in the mouth. This method is more suitable since it does not require any special equipment, expertise and is more economical. Tooth formation is the best choice for estimating the age as variations are less as compared to other development factors. Eruption of teeth is one of the changes observed easily among the various dynamic changes that occur from the formation of teeth to the final shedding of teeth. The times of eruption of teeth are fairly constant and this can be made use of in ascertaining the average age of eruption of the tooth. Assessment of age of an individual by examination of teeth is one of the accepted methods of age determination.

Oral health management of a patient with 47,XYY syndrome.

The 47,XYY syndrome is an aneuploidy (abnormal number) of sex chromosomes, where a human male receives an extra Y chromosome, making 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Individuals with 47,XYY are usually physically normal and tend to be tall and thin. They are not at increased risk of mental retardation and cardiovascular diseases. They may have speech delay, hyperactivity and normal/decreased IQ level. Behavioural problems are not common in 47,XYY individuals. There have been reports that suggest the tooth-size increase in 47,XYY males is due to a direct genetic effect. The patient presented with multiple over-retained deciduous, unerupted permanent teeth and increased incidence of carious lesions may be attributed to decreased oral hygiene maintenance. The present article describes the medical and dental history along with the clinical management of oral health issues in an 18-year-old male patient with 47,XYY syndrome having normal physical structure and development.

Peripheral osteoma of the body of mandible.

Osteoma is a benign osteogenic neoplasm microscopically consisting of proliferation of cancellous or compact bone. Peripheral osteomas (PO) arise from the periosteum and are quite uncommon in the jaw bones. POs of mandible are considered as rare entity and very few cases have been reported in the literature. The pathogenesis of PO is unclear. Some investigators consider it a true neoplasm, while others believe it as a developmental anomaly, a reactive mechanism due to trauma or infection. The purpose of this article is to present the clinical, radiographic, surgical and histological features of a solitary peripheral osteoma of the mandible in a 43-year-old woman and to review the literature for PO located in the mandible.

Bimaxillary presentation of central ossifying fibroma: a unique aggressive entity.

Central ossifying fibroma is a benign neoplasm, having slow growing nature. Some rare lesions show very aggressive nature, multifocal appearance and reach up to a very massive size. So, these kinds of cases require special attention for their treatment. A unique case of central ossifying fibroma with aggressive nature, multifocal appearance is reported. This case shows growth both in maxilla and mandible with maxillary lesion massive in size involving maxillary sinus. There have not been any such cases reported so far in the literature showing bimaxillary growth of ossifying fibroma.

Ectopic mandibular third molar in subcondylar region: report of a rare case.

BACKGROUND: A tooth is ectopic if it is malpositioned due to congenital factors or displaced by the presence of pathology. Recent literature review suggests only 14 cases of ectopic mandibular third molar in the condylar region. Most have been treated using an extra-oral or endoscopic approach. Patients with an ectopic tooth impaction can remain asymptomatic over the course of their lifetime. But when such a tooth is accompanied by a cyst, patients can experience significant morbidity and require intervention. CASE REPORT: This report presents a case of ectopic mandibular third molar in the left subcondylar region associated with pain and trismus. DISCUSSION: Ectopic eruption of teeth is rare and reported in the mandibular condyle, coronoid process, orbit, palate, nasal cavity, nasal septum, chin and the maxillary antrum. Management of such cases should be meticulously planned on the basis of the position and type of the ectopic tooth and related potential trauma which could be caused by surgical intervention.

Concomitant hypo-hyperdontia with dens invaginatus.

Although developmental anomalies of tooth number are quite common in permanent dentition, concomitant occurrence of hypohyperdontia is a very rare mixed numeric anomalous condition of teeth. Very few cases of this condition have been reported in the English literature. Here we report such a rare case noted in a 26 year-old male dental graduate with no other associated systemic condition or syndrome.

Immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 in benign and malignant salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVES: The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 in selected benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 50 cases of buffered formalin-fixed, paraffin embedded tissues of previously diagnosed cases of benign and malignant salivary gland tumors from the archives of Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology and Microbiology, SDM College of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, India, were taken for the study. The immunohistochemical staining procedure was performed using monoclonal anti Bcl-2 antibody, as directed by the manufacturer. RESULTS: Thirty six cases (72%) out of 50 cases showed a positive expression for Bcl-2. Benign salivary gland tumors showed a positive expression in 8 out of 14 cases (~57%) and malignant salivary gland tumors in 28 out of 36 cases (~78%). The staining was intense in the normal lymph node, which is used as a positive control. Bcl-2 expression was seen in both benign and in malignant salivary gland tumors taken for the study except in "canalicular adenoma". CONCLUSION: The immunohistochemical expression of Bcl-2 was greater and more intense in malignant salivary gland neoplasms, suggesting a high survival rate of tumor cells in malignant neoplasms.

Extranodal non-Hodgkin's lymphoma presenting as gingival mass.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) commonly presents as non-tender, enlarged lymph nodes, accompanied by diffuse symptoms of fatigue and low-grade intermittent fever and it is derived predominantly from the cells of the B lymphocyte series. NHL cases occur extra-nodally and in 3% of these cases the initial presentation may be in the oral cavity. Though extra-nodal NHL of the oral cavity is a rare finding, patients with oral lesions of NHL commonly present at the dental clinic in the first instance. A careful clinical evaluation supported by histopathological and other laboratory investigations will help in identifying the disease at an early stage, resulting in better prognosis. Any delay in diagnosis has important implications on the morbidity and mortality of the condition. Due to the rarity of intraoral NHL, we present one such a case with a complaint of tumor-like mass on the gingiva of lower molar region. The lesion was clinically thought as pyogenic granuloma and later diagnosed as extra nodal NHL of the oral cavity.