Comparative Study of Immunohistochemical Expression of Moesin and FLOT 1 in OSCC and Their Correlation with Histopathological Prognostic Factors.

AIM: To study immunohistochemical (IHC) expression patterns of Moesin and FLOT 1 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to correlate it with histopathological prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was conducted on histopathologically diagnosed cases of OSCC. The inclusion criteria were carcinoma of buccal mucosa, tongue, alveolar mucosa, palate, gingiva, the floor of the mouth, retromolar area, and soft palate. The exclusion criteria included cases of squamous cell carcinoma from sites other than the oral cavity, potentially malignant disorders (PMDs), and any pseudomalignancies of the head and neck. Tissue sections were subjected to IHC staining for Moesin and FLOT 1 and the results were subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: Moesin showed strong positivity and was significantly associated with the histopathological variables such as lymph nodes and the worst pattern of invasion, whereas FLOT 1 was not associated with any clinical, histopathological, or demographical variable in this study. CONCLUSION: Cytoplasmic detection of Moesin (35.19%) was higher than FLOT 1 (15.74%). There was no statistically significant relationship between the grade of the lesion and Moesin and FLOT 1. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: New emerging prognostic biomarkers can aid to assess the rate of malignant transformation (epigenetic and molecular changes), thereby resulting in early prophylactic conciliation of the disease progression in OSCC. There is an urgent need for introducing these as an interventional therapy for effectively addressing OSCC at an early stage, thus preventing it from further proceeding to the advanced severe stage.

Role of matrix vesicles and crystal ghosts in bio-mineralization.

Matrix vesicles (MVs) are extracellular membrane-bound vesicles of about ~ 50-200 nm in diameter that play a role in the bio-mineralization process of hard tissue formation. The present review is based on the empirical phenomenon of primary mineralization process via matrix vesicle-mediated mechanism with special reference to crystal ghosts as well as the mechanism on the organic-inorganic relationship between matrix vesicles and crystal ghosts, and the transformation that these structures undergo during bio-mineralization.

Quantitative assessment of myofibroblast in severe dysplasia, microinvasion and oral squamous cell carcinoma: an immunohistochemical study.

UNLABELLED: Myofibroblast are essential for the integrity of human body by virtue of its role in wound healing and pathological organ remodeling. Myofibroblast is a universal cellular component in mammalian lesions, but not a typical component of normal untraumatized tissues. Therefore its presence in abundance in case of cancer is a matter of concern. Tumor microenvironment plays a pivotal role in tumor progression. These so called cancer associated fibroblast or myofibroblast are the major components and occur in stromal tissue during carcinogenesis processes. This study is a quantitative assessment of presence and distribution of myofibroblast in severe dysplasia, microinvasion and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). KEYWORDS: Myofibroblast, Vimentin, α-SMA, OSCC, Severe dysplasia, Microinvasion. How to cite this article: Kapse SC, Rathod N, Baad R, Mandlik J, Sharma AS, Bommanavar S. Quantitative Assessment of Myofibroblast in Severe Dysplasia, Microinvasion and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: An Immunohistochemical Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2013;14(1):34-38. Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None declared.

To evaluate an association between prognostic significance of Moesin with histopathological grading of oral squamous cell carcinoma: A systematic review.

Purpose: The aim of the present Aetiology/Risk type and Prognostic type of systematic review is to evaluate the value of Moesin as a biomarker of invasiveness in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma patients and to review/assess the available evidence regarding the prospective prognostic association between Moesin and histopathological grading of OSCC to enhance the quality of life and survival rate of oral cancer patients. Method: A systematic wide-range literature search was performed by authors (BS, KS, and DK) till October 2022 using both, electronic search media and manual search by hand, searching appropriate journals as per the focussed guiding question and inclusion/exclusion criteria. Major databases such as Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane central register for controlled trials, PubMed & Google Scholar were conducted by two calibrated reviewers independently to gauge the association between the prognostic significance of Moesin with histopathological grading of oral squamous cell carcinoma. As this study is based on tissue samples of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, all the selected studies were mostly, cross-sectional studies, and retrospective in nature. The studies were integrated with this review to gauge the association between the prognostic significance of Moesin with histopathological grading of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The review included a total of 7 studies with tissue samples of 645 cases. The prime outcome was to assess the immunoexpression of Moesin among the different histopathological grades i.e well-differentiated SCC, moderately differentiated SCC, and poorly differentiated SCC and the subordinate outcome was to consider the extent of strong immunoexpression characteristics (cytoplasmic, membranous and mixed type) in different grades of OSCC as well as to correlate with morbidity, mortality, and/or 5 years or 10 years survival rate. Results: The results were analyzed and presented narratively using the Critical Appraisal Tools developed by the University Of Oxford; Risk of Bias - Cochrane Risk of Bias tool - RoB 2.0, and GRADE-pro (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) which rates the features of the evidence as high, moderate, low and very low. The risk of mortality expressed in terms of Hazard ratio has been elicited as a 1.37 times higher rate of mortality in the advanced histopathological stages of the OSCC cases. As the sample size of this review was insignificant, therefore, the authors have incorporated hazard ratios of some other studies of carcinomas in diverse sites in the body to give a flavor of prognostic outcomes of Moesin. It was observed that Moesin expression in Breast cancer and UADT carcinomas have a higher mortality rate as compared to OSCC and lung carcinoma cases and this decree strengthens our conviction that Moesin expression in the cytoplasm of advanced histopathological stages of cancer can be assumed as a sign of poor prognosis in all carcinomas including OSCC patients. Conclusion: A sample of seven studies is inadequate as definite evidence for claiming that Moesin is a strong biomarker of invasiveness in OSCC cases and more clinical trials need to be conducted on the prognostic efficacy of Moesin expression in the various histopathological grades of OSCC cases.

Membrane-organizing extension spike protein and its role as an emerging biomarker in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most malignant tumor worldwide with a relatively poor prognosis. This can be due to lack of using new specific biomarkers as a mode of pristine interventional therapy for detecting the lesions at an early stage, thereby not allowing it to proceed to a severe advanced stage. Biomarkers, being the products of malignant cells, can prove to be promising prognostic factors in understanding the molecular pathogenesis of oral cancer. One such biomarker is membrane-organizing extension spike protein (MOESIN). Belonging to the family of ezrin/radixin/MOESIN proteins, MOESIN acts as a structural linker between plasma membrane and actin filament of the cell moiety and is involved in regulating many fundamental cellular processes such as cell morphology, adhesion and motility. This narrative review is a systematic compilation on MOESIN and its role as an emerging biomarker in OSCC.

Double facial talons on maxillary incisor-A rare case report and new proposed classification system.

Background: Double facial talon's cusp is a rare developmental anomaly affecting the deciduous or/and permanent dentition. The major complications associated with facial talons of maxillary incisors include poor esthetic appearance with increased susceptibility to caries and, sometimes, even soft tissue irritation, thereby needing early detection and precise management. Case Report: We report a case of a 10 year-old female patient with a large double talon's cusp on the permanent left maxillary central incisor who presented with issues of soft tissue irritation and esthetic concern. One of the highlighting feature of this documented case was the difference in the extent of both talon's cusps on the facial surface of 21 teeth. As per Mayes' classification system, the talon towards the midline belonged to stage 2 and the talon away from the midline belonged to stage 3. Highlights: Based on the previous literature search on classification systems, we intended to propose a new classification system for double facial talons depending on their size (equal/unequal) and presence of developmental grooves (separate or fused). The aim of this new classification system is to enlighten a new area of research that can be conducted on the treatment aspect by studying the difference in the structure of enamel rods, dentin, especially in case of double talons of unequal size (as the direction of enamel rods/dentinal tubules of the talons with that of the direction of enamel rods/dentinal tubules of the underlying tooth will vary) and their compatibility with choice of dental materials, to be used for proper adaptation and develop new treatment protocols of tooth preparation and restoration for such cases.

Effect of an educational intervention on manual toothbrush bristle wear: A light microscopic study.

Background and Objectives: The usage of a toothbrush with the most appropriate bristle type and a correct brushing technique are the most important factors in determining the thoroughness of plaque control. The dental undergraduate course conventionally does not impart tooth brushing techniques in the preclinical years. This study aimed to assess the effect of an educational intervention of correct tooth brushing technique on the wear of toothbrush bristles by light microscopic examination amongst the budding dental professionals. Materials and Methods: Toothbrush bristle wear was measured by light microscopy before and after an educational intervention amongst 30 first-year dental professional students. Wear index (WI), wear rate (WR), and acceptable percentage of bristle end morphology were calculated. Mann-Whitney U-statistics test and unpaired t-test were used to compare measurements of acceptable percentage and gender wise, respectively. The difference was said to be significant if P < 0.05. Results: The mean WI before intervention was 0.29 ± 0.122 and after the intervention was 0.23 ± 0.07, while the mean WR before intervention was 1.6 ± 0.167 and after the intervention was 1.17 ± 0.46% of bristle end morphology before intervention was 52.5 ± 10.064 and after intervention was 64.5 ± 5.625 with the difference being statistically significant with P < 0.05. Interpretations and Conclusion: The present study highlights the importance of imparting a correct tooth brushing technique in reducing the toothbrush bristle wear and improving the efficiency of the toothbrush in maintaining optimum oral hygiene. Early intervention of correct oral hygiene measures is especially prudent for the budding dental professional for future healthcare delivery to the general population.

Study of ABO Blood Group Susceptibility to Coronavirus Disease - COVID-19.

Background: The pandemic outbreak of COVID-19 highlighting the zoonotic cross-over link in the present century has provoked an emergency worldwide. Recent experimental evidence supporting the proposition of ABO blood grouping and its susceptibility in certain blood group individuals has created interest among researchers to explore more. Aim: The aim of this study is to find the susceptibility of "ABO" blood group in COVID-19-positive cases. Objectives: Association of ABO blood group patterns with COVID-19-positive cases. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, observational study design was conducted among 728 confirmed positive COVID-19 admitted to the tertiary health care center in Maharashtra from June 01, 2020 to August 31, 2020. The inclusion criteria were COVID-19-positive cases confirmed by positive real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction test of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. We collected the demographic details, associated clinical symptoms and ABO blood groups from all the patients. The data collected were subjected to statistical analysis. Results: The most common blood group affected was B + (35.5%) followed by A + (26.10%), AB + (20.60%) and O + (11.18%) and the least common was AB- (0.96%), O- (1.51%), A- (1.65%) and B- (1.79%). Conclusions: ABO blood grouping can be used as one of the simplest yet efficient markers for COVID-19. Blood group B Rh-positive and A Rh-positive were the most prevalent blood group types in patients with COVID-19.

Carcinosarcoma: A rare case report of a recurrent mass in the neck region.

Carcinosarcoma, a biphasic malignant mixed tumor, is an extremely rare neoplasm with >1% incidence. This aggressive malignancy is characterized by the presence of two components admixed with each other, i.e., the epithelial component and the mesenchymal component arising from a monoclonal/multiclonal origin or de novo. Most patients usually present between 60 and 65 years of age with no sex predilection. The authors present a case of carcinosarcoma arising as a mass in the neck region of a 14-year-old male. The case is been presented for its rarity of occurrence in the younger age group.

Correlation and Comparison of Cheiloscopy and Dactyloscopy with Blood Groups ­ An Institutional Study

Background: The most crucial evidence that is left behind at the crime scenarios that might narrow down the suspect pool are lip prints and fingerprints. These are undoubtedly the most reliable and valuable evidence till date in the court of law. One more biological record that remains unchanged throughout the lifespan of a person is the blood group. Aim and Objectives: To study, correlate and compare cheiloscopy and dactyloscopy with blood group among dental students in the Western Maharashtra population. Materials and Methods: A total of 200 dental students with age groups ranging between 18-25 years were included in the study. Lip print pattern, fingerprint pattern and ABO blood groups were collected and compared. SPSS version 20.0 was used to analyse the data. Results: There was a statistically significant correlation between lip prints and ABO - Rh (χ2 37.56, P < 0.05) as well as between fingerprints and ABO-Rh blood groups (χ2 30.6, P < 0.05). Conclusion: Hence, this study concluded that fingerprints-ABO blood group and lip prints-ABO blood groups are valuable evidence that can be relied upon in forensic investigations for the identification of the suspect in crime.

Diminishing reactive adipogenesis leads to disease progression of oral submucous fibrosis.

Oral fibroblasts, similar to dermal fibroblasts, have the potential to resist the local insults like trauma to the oral mucosa by differentiating into adipocytes and secreting antimicrobial peptide cathelicidin (Camp) and this physiologic process in known as reactive adipogenesis. We hypothesize that in oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), due to constant secretion and up-streaming of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF- ß), oral fibroblast lose their adipogenic differentiation potential and Camp production, which leads to progressive fibrosis in OSF. The implication of this hypothesis could open some promising vistas on still unexplored innate immune systems harboured by oral mucosa. Restoring and maintaining the adipogenic and protective potential of oral fibroblasts by inhibiting TGF- ß receptors could hinder the disease progression of OSF.

Current updates on dental perspectives of leprosy - Revisited.

The present review summarizes the current updates on dental perspectives on leprosy and the affording factors that are responsible for the prevalence of caries and periodontal diseases in leprosy. It also highlights immunopathological phenomena and reactional episodes of leprosy that occur due to daedal interactions between the perio-odontopathic bacteria and M. leprae. In addition, a brief introduction, historiography, classification and clinicopathological aspects are also been covered.

Prevalence and awareness of nutritional anemia among female medical students in Karad, Maharashtra, India: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Anemia is a global public health problem affecting both developing and developed countries. According to the World Health Organization, the highest number of individuals affected by anemia is observed in nonpregnant women aged 15-49.99 years. Though nutritional anemia can affect any age group, female medical students form a vulnerable population due to their hectic schedules, erratic mealtimes, and long working hours while staying in hostel for majority of times. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the prevalence and awareness of anemia among the apparently healthy female students studying at a health institute. METHODS: A cross-sectional study is conducted among 300 female students studying at a health institute in western Maharashtra after their written informed consent. A structured questionnaire elicits their general information, the knowledge about signs and symptoms of anemia, and dietary habits. Basal metabolic index and hemoglobin using the spectroscopy method are estimated for each participant. RESULTS: Anemia prevalence in our population is 86 (28.6%). Based upon the severity of anemia, about 54 (18%) has mild anemia and 32 (10.6%) has moderate anemia. No case of severe anemia is noted in our study sample. CONCLUSION: The findings of the study highlight that anemia can affect even medical female students who are a vulnerable group unexpectedly suffering from nutritional deficiencies. Thus, this study highlights the need for interventional programs at primary health-care systems and colleges for improvement in the nutritional status of anemic students to reduce its complications.

Effect of using tobacco on taste perception.

BACKGROUND: Impaired taste perception has impact on quality of life. Tobacco is a perilous factor that contributes to an impaired taste. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and compare taste perception among tobacco chewers and nonchewers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty subjects (30 tobacco chewers + 30 nonchewers as controls) were enrolled in the study for evaluating taste perception. Taste identification time using four aqueous solutions of basic tastes - sweet, salty, sour, and bitter - was recorded (in seconds) and compared between tobacco chewers and controls. The data were analyzed using Student's t-test and analysis of variance using SPSS 20 version software. RESULTS: A statistically significant increase in taste identification time for salty taste in tobacco chewers (12.32 s) was noted compared with nonchewers (10.21 s) (P = 0.03). The average taste identification time was higher for tobacco chewers than nonchewers for sweet and salty taste. However, the average taste identification time was lower for tobacco chewers than nonchewers for sour and bitter taste. In nonchewers, the average taste identification time was 13.01, 10.21, 8.43, and 7.56 s for sweet, salty, bitter, and sour taste, respectively. In tobacco chewers, the average taste identification time was 15.16, 12.32, 7.75, and 7.04 s for sweet, salty, bitter, and sour taste, respectively. CONCLUSION: The results of the study demonstrated noticeable decrease in taste perception to salty taste among tobacco chewers when compared with tobacco nonchewers. There is a remarkable difference in taste perception to basic tastes among tobacco chewers and controls.

Effect of socioeconomic status on dental caries during pregnancy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: It is generally agreed that people with low socioeconomic status have a significantly worse oral and general health compared to people with higher socioeconomic status. The aim of the study was to find out the role of socioeconomic status of pregnant women on their oral health by evaluating the dental caries risk factor, the salivary Streptococcus mutans count and DMFT index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 50 first time pregnant women were randomly sampled and were divided into different socioeconomic strata following the Kuppuswamy socioeconomic status scale. DMFT index and microbiological assessment of dental caries risk factor parameter, the salivary Streptococcus mutans colony forming units, were carried out during the three trimesters and postpartum period. The observations were compared with 50 non-pregnant women of same age group. RESULTS: Of the randomly sampled subjects, majority of the pregnant women (28/50) of the study group were of middle/lower middle class, 11 pregnant women were of upper middle class, and 11 were of the lower/upper lower class. When followed in their three trimesters and postpartum period, statistically significant increase in the salivary Streptococcus mutans colony forming units was noted in 2nd trimester, 3rd trimester and postpartum period (P value < 0.05) of all pregnant women. Comparison of the caries risk factor between the pregnant women of three socioeconomic strata, however, revealed that no particular class was at a higher risk for dental caries. CONCLUSION: This study gives an insight into the possible changing trends towards awareness for oral hygiene in various socioeconomic strata of pregnant women.

Salivary Human Chorionic Gonadotropin as a Novel Biomarker for Early Detection of Pregnancy: A Pilot Study.

CONTEXT: The role of saliva in detection of pregnancy has not received the due importance it deserves. AIMS: The present paper aims at determining the role of saliva in detection of pregnancy using home-based pregnancy detection kits to provide an alternative biofluid that is more user friendly, acceptable, noninvasive, rapid, and easy for home use. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was conducted among 35 women visiting a gynecology clinic for confirmation of pregnancy, who gave a history of a missed menstrual cycle not more than 4 weeks. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A home-based pregnancy detection kit meant for urinary human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) detection with 20 mIU specification was used in the study for estimation of salivary hCG. Routine test that was prescribed to the patient such as laboratory-based urine hCG and/or ultrasound examination was used for confirmation of pregnancy status and correlation with the saliva-based result. RESULTS: A positive test was obtained in 74% participants, with a dark band in 43% participants and a light band in 31% participants. A negative result was noted in 26% participants. We observed that salivary hCG estimation showed a 77% accuracy and 23% false-negative results. CONCLUSIONS: An astounding 74% of participants showed a positive result with an existing pregnancy kit which indicates a strong plausibility of using salivary hCG as a biomarker for detection of pregnancy. With the findings obtained from our study, we could positively affirm that salivary hCG can be used as a potential, user friendly, and more acceptable biomarker for early detection of pregnancy.

Adenoid cystic carcinoma of alveolar mucosa: A rare case report.

Adenoid cystic carcinomas are rare epithelial malignancies of salivary glands that show slow growth and local invasion with recurrences seen many years after diagnosis. Upto 50% of tumors occur in intraoral minor salivary glands usually in the hard palate. Tumors on the alveolar mucosa are extremely rare. We present a case of adenoid cystic carcinoma on the right alveolar mucosa in a 35 year old female. The case is been presented for its rarity.

Leprosy of the hard palate: A rare case report.

Leprosy is a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, a bacillus that presents a peculiar tropism for the skin and peripheral nerves. Leprosy instigates various types of clinical presentation and exerts influence on the patient's immune response. The clinical gamut of leprosy ranges from the tuberculoid form (TT) to the disseminative and progressive lepromatous form (LL). Oral lesions are uncommon but, when present, occur in the lepromatous form and are broadly divided into nonspecific and specific lesions. In this article, we present a case of leprosy of the hard palate in a 25-year-old male. The case is been presented for its rarity.

Dietary habits amongst medical students: An institution-based study.

INTRODUCTION: In recent times, with the increasing burden caused by the lifestyle diseases on the health sector, there has been a renewed interest in the relationship between food and health. Research regarding nutritional status in college students in western Maharashtra, India, has been found lacking. Therefore, this study was undertaken to ascertain the dietary habits in the undergraduate students of a health institute. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This questionnaire-based study was conducted amongst 130 students from a health university regarding their dietary attitudes and lifestyle practices. The students had the option of choosing more than one answer based on the nature of the question. All the data were tabulated and relevant inferences were drawn. RESULTS: A total of 130 students comprising 74 girls and 56 boys from a health university participated in the study. Daily consumption of fruits and vegetables was only 1-2 portions for 98 (75%) of the participating students. Twenty-four (18%) participants were noted to be underweight and 11 (8%) students were either overweight or obese. CONCLUSION: Thus, the findings of the study indicate that the diet and nutritional aspects of our future medical health professionals should be researched in further details and timely interventions initiated for ensuring the knowledge and practice of the WHO principles regarding the same to be incorporated.

Phenotypic switch: The enigmatic white-gray-opaque transition system of Candida albicans.

Candida albicans represents the most common commensal and opportunistic fungal pathogen colonizing humans. As a member of the normal microflora, it is present on the skin and the mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract and female genital tracts. It is therefore not transmitted. It lies in wait for a change in some aspect of the host physiology that normally suppress growth and invasiveness through an enigmatic phenomenon called Phenotypic Switch System or White-Opaque Transition. This system involves reversible and heritable switching between alternative cellular phenotypes. White-opaque switching in Candida albicans was first discovered in 1987. This was initially identified in strain WO-1. Switching has been demonstrated to occur at sites of infection and to occur between recurrent episodes of infection in select cases esp. AIDS and diabetes.