STIF: Intuitionistic fuzzy Gaussian membership function with statistical transformation weight of evidence and information value for private information preservation

Data sharing to the multiple organizations are essential for analysis in many situations. The shared data contains the individual's private and sensitive information and results in privacy breach. To overcome the privacy challenges, privacy preserving data mining (PPDM) has progressed as a solution. This work addresses the problem of PPDM by proposing statistical transformation with intuitionistic fuzzy (STIF) algorithm for data perturbation. The STIF algorithm contains statistical methods weight of evidence, information value and intuitionistic fuzzy Gaussian membership function. The STIF algorithm is applied on three benchmark datasets adult income, bank marketing and lung cancer. The classifier models decision tree, random forest, extreme gradient boost and support vector machines are used for accuracy and performance analysis. The results show that the STIF algorithm achieves 99% of accuracy for adult income dataset and 100% accuracy for both bank marketing and lung cancer datasets. Further, the results highlights that the STIF algorithm outperforms in data perturbation capacity and privacy preserving capacity than the state-of-art algorithms without any information loss on both numerical and categorical data.

PROPORTION OF TYPE 2 DIABETES AMONG PATIENTS WITH UPPER TRACT UROLITHIASIS

Introduction: All industrialized nations are currently witnessing a steep rise in the incidence of urinary stone diseases, which closely follow the trends of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and type 2 diabetes. Aims: To nd the proportion of Type 2 Diabetes among patients with upper tract urolithiasis. Material & methods: The present study was a Cross-Sectional study. This Study was conducted from July 2021 to June 2022 at Department of Urology, Government Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram. Total 285 patients were included in this study. Result: In the serum prole of 285 patients, statistically signicant differences were found in the values of S. Creatinine (p<0.001), S. Calcium (p=0.029) and Fasting Blood Sugar (p<0.001). Urea (p=0.025) and uric acid (0.012) also showed statistically signicant differences in the two groups. Conclusion:In the current global scenario, obesity and type 2 diabetes are considered as epidemic. Both of them are considered as independent risk factors for nephrolithiasis

Postoperative infective complications following percutaneous nephrolithotomy

Introduction

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is recommended as the first choice of therapeutic strategy for patients with renal stones larger than 2 cm. It is reported that up to one-third of patients might have some perioperative complications, especially fever and urinary tract infections, which constitutes about 21%-39.8% of all the complications.

Primary and Secondary

The primary aim of the study was to study about the proportion of patients getting post-operative infective complications following PCNL. The secondary aim was to study the patient, stone and procedure related risk factors associated with the infective complications.

Settings and Design

This is an institution-based observational study.

Materials and Methods

All patients who underwent PCNL in the Department of Urology, Medical College, Thiruvananthapuram, during 3 years from September 2016- to August 2019, were included in the study. In this study, the demographic factors and factors related to the patient, stone, and the procedure were collected and analyzed.

Statistical Analysis Used

Data analysis was performed using SPSS version 22.0.

Results

During the 3-year period, a total of 201 patients with renal stones were treated with PCNL in our hospital. Of this 190 cases were taken for analysis. The mean age of patients was 47.7 years, 148 (77.9%) were male, 42 (22.1%) were female, The final outcomes evaluated were episodes of fever, documented urinary tract infection (UTI), pyelonephritis, and sepsis. Thirty-six (18.9%) patients had fever, of which 21 (11.1%) had UTI, 6 (3.1%) had pyelonephritis and 5 (2.6%) developed sepsis.

Conclusions

Post-PCNL complications are more commonly found in patients with history of preoperative UTI, previous history of renal surgeries, large stone burden, operative procedure more than 90 min, and presence of residual calculi.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) at the community level: An urban and rural case study from Karnataka

Context:

The emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major public health crisis in India and globally. While national guidelines exist, the sources of data which form the basis of these guidelines are limited to a few well-established tertiary care centres. There is inadequate literature on AMR and antibiotic mismatch from India at community level and even less literature on AMR patterns from rural India.

Aims:

The aims of this study were as follows: 1) to describe the patterns of AMR at an urban tertiary care hospital and a rural 100 bedded hospital; 2) to compare and contrast the AMR patterns noted with published ICMR guidelines; 3) to examine the issue of AMR and antibiotic mismatch; and 4) to identify local factors influencing drug-bug mismatch at the local level.

Settings and Design:

The data were obtained from two independently conceived projects (Site 1: Urban tertiary care hospital, Site 2: Rural 100-bedded hospital).

Methods and Materials:

Local antibiograms were made, and the antibiotic resistance patterns were compared between the urban and rural sites and with data published in the 2017 ICMR national guideline for AMR.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Descriptive statistics including means and medians were used.

Results:

Our data reveal: a) a significant mismatch between sensitivity patterns and antibiotics prescribed; b) The national guidelines fail to capture the local picture of AMR, highlighting the need for local data; and c) challenges with data collection/retrieval, access and accuracy of diagnostic tools, administrative issues, and lack of local expertise limit antimicrobial stewardship efforts.

Conclusions:

Our study finds the burden of AMR high in both rural and urban sites, reinforcing that AMR burden cannot be ignored in rural settings. It also highlights that national data obtained from tertiary care settings fail to capture the local picture, highlighting the need for local data. Mechanisms of linking rural practices, primary health centres, and small hospitals with a common microbiology laboratory and shared data platforms will facilitate antibiotic stewardship at the community level.

Evaluation of gingival and periodontal status in obese and non-obese type II diabetic patients - a cross sectional study

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate gingival and periodontal status in obese and non-obese type II Diabetic Patients.

Methods

The study population comprised of 75 subjects visiting the outpatient department of our institution, divided into three different groups, group 1 (obese diabetic), group 2 (non-obese diabetic), and group 3 (obese, non-diabetic). Diabetic status was assessed with HbA1c values and obesity status was assessed by body mass index (BMI) score greater than or equal to 30 kg/m². Gingival and periodontal status were assessed using the Gingival Index (GI) and Community Periodontal Index (CPI) respectively.

Results

The mean gingival index score in group 1, group 2, and group 3 were 1.58, 1.54, and 1.25, respectively. Gingival status was poor among obese and non-obese diabetic subjects (Groups 1 and 2) when compared with obese non-diabetic patients (Group 3). The periodontal status showed that periodontal pockets were increased in diabetic obese group (15.4%), followed by diabetic non obese (4.66%), and non-diabetic obese (2%) group respectively and loss of attachment was severe in diabetic obese group (60.7%), followed by diabetic non obese (45.9%) and non-diabetic obese (15.3%) respectively.

Conclusion

Gingival and periodontal status was poor in the obese diabetic group compared to non-obese diabetic and obese non diabetic group. Hence, the risk of gingivitis and periodontitis in obese diabetic patients should be addressed earlier to prevent further complications and achieve a good oral health status.

Expression of epithelial glycoprotein (EGP40) in oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)

Aim

To study the expression of Epithelial Glycoprotein (EGP40) in various grades of Oral Epithelial Dysplasia namely mild, moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia and in various grades of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) namely well, moderate & in poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma.

Material and Methods

This laboratory study comprised of 47 samples in which 27 samples were of three different grades of OSCC, Well (n=10), Moderate (n=10) and Poorly differentiated (n=7) and remaining 20 samples were of three different grades of dysplasia [Mild (n=7), Moderate (n=8), Severe dysplasia (n=5)]. All the 47 cases were subjected to immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression of EGP40. Chi square was used to analyze the significance of differences in different grades of oral epithelial dysplasia & in different grades of OSCC.

Results

The percentage of EGP40 immuno positivity was increased from mild to severe dysplasia and the percentage of EGP40 immuno positivity was increased from well to poorly differentiated carcinoma No statistical significance was observed in the immunoreactivity and in the intensity of expression between various grades of oral epithelial dysplasia and oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Conclusion

The epithelial cell adhesion molecule can be considered as an early marker for predicting malignant transformation of dysplastic epithelial lesions and used as a marker in predicting the OSCC prognosis.

Multifunctional Sutures with Temperature Sensing and Infection Control

The next-generation sutures should provide in situ monitoring of wound condition such as temperature while reducing surgical site infection during wound closure. In this study, functionalized nanodiamond (FND) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) into biodegradable polycaprolactone (PCL) are incorporated to develop a new multifunctional suture with such capabilities. Incorporation of FND and rGO into PCL enhances its tensile strength by about 43% and toughness by 35%. The sutures show temperature sensing capability in the range of 25-40 °C based on the shift in zero-splitting frequency of the nitrogen-vacancy (NV^- ) centers in FND via optically detected magnetic resonance, paving the way for potential detection of infection or excessive inflammation in healing wounds. The suture surface readily coats with antibiotics to reduce bacterial infection risk to the wounds. The new suture thus is promising in monitoring and supporting wound closure.

Determination of N-Octyl Bicycloheptene Dicarboximide, Pyrethrins, and Butylcarbityl 6-Propylpiperonyl Ether in Technical Materials, Concentrates, and Finished Products by Capillary Gas Chromatography: Collaborative Study

Nineteen collaborating laboratories (including the authors') analyzed 6 blind, duplicate pairs of various technical materials, pyrethrum extracts, concentrates, and finished products by split injection capillary gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection. This procedure simultaneously quantitates with speed, ease, accuracy, and precision all 6 insecticidal compounds in pyrethrum: pyrethrin I, jasmolin I, cinerin I, pyrethrin II, jasmolin II, and cinerin II, as well as butylcarbityl 6-propylpiperonyl ether (BPE, the predominant compound in technical piperonyl butoxide, also commonly known as piperonyl butoxide) and both the endo and exo isomers of N-octyl bicycloheptene dicarboximide (MGK 264). Repeatability ranged from 4.28 to 7.22% for total pyrethrins, from 2.41 to 7.04% for BPE, and from 2.20 to 4.91 % for total MGK 264. Reproducibility ranged from 5.22 to 9.71 % for total pyrethrins, from 4.37 to 7.04% for BPE, and from 2.66 to 6.01 % for total MGK 264. The capillary GC method for these insecticidal compounds in technical materials, concentrates, and finished products has been adopted first action by AOAC INTERNATIONAL.

Effect of nanocomposite coating and biomolecule functionalization on silk fibroin based conducting 3D braided scaffolds for peripheral nerve tissue engineering

In this work, the effects of carbon nanofiber (CNF) dispersed poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) nanocomposite coatings and biomolecules functionalization on silk fibroin based conducting braided nerve conduits were studied for enhancing Neuro 2a cellular activities. A unique combination of biomolecules (UCM) and varying concentrations of CNF (5, 7.5, 10% w/w) were dispersed in 10% (w/v) PCL solution for coating on degummed silk threads. The coated silk threads were braided to develop the scaffold structure. As the concentration of CNF increased in the coating, the electrical impedance decreased up to 400 Ω indicating better conductivity. The tensile and dynamic mechanical property analysis showed better mechanical properties in CNF coated samples. In vitro cytocompatibility analysis proved the non-toxicity of the developed braided conduits. Cell attachment, growth and proliferation were significantly enhanced on the biomolecule functionalized nanocomposite coated silk braided structure, exhibiting their potential for peripheral nerve regeneration and recovery.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Cathepsin D in Primary and Recurrent Squamous Cell Carcinoma

AIM

The aim of this study is to analyze and compare the immunohistochemical expression of cathepsin B in primary oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and recurrent OSCC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 50 cases were studied immunohistochemically for rabbit polyclonal antihuman cathepsin D expression. A total of 10 cases of breast carcinoma were taken as positive controls. Immunohistochemical staining was performed using labeled streptavidin-biotin technique.

RESULTS

All the 45 cases of OSCC, both primary and recurrent cases included, showed varying grades of cathepsin D immu-noreactivity. Statistical significance at 5% level was observed in cathepsin D expression between the different grades of well, moderate, and poorly differentiated primary squamous cell carcinomas. In the comparison of cathepsin D staining intensity among primary squamous cell carcinomas with and without recurrence, a statistical significance between the groups was observed when the p-value was at 10%, but the same comparison was not significant when the p-value was at 5%.

CONCLUSION

Cathepsin D expression in primary squamous cell carcinomas with recurrences was very variable as compared with primary squamous cell carcinomas without recurrences. Comparison of cathepsin D expression in primary with their recurrent counterparts showed mostly similar intensity of expression in recurrent carcinomas, thus suggesting its limited usefulness in predicting recurrence.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Although cathepsin D might have shown limited usefulness in predicting cancer recurrence, it, however, is a proven valuable tool to detect the aggressiveness of various other tumors, and if corroborated with a larger sample may hold the key to early, more effective, and more specific treatment modalities for cases of oral cancer also.

Associations between Physical Activity and Cognitive Functioning among Middle-Aged and Older Adults

OBJECTIVES

To describe aerobic physical activity among middle-aged and older adults by their self-reported cognitive decline and their receipt of informal care for declines in cognitive functioning and most common type of physical activity.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study using data from the 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.

SETTING

Landline and cellular telephone survey.

PARTICIPANTS

93,082 respondents aged 45 years and older from 21 US states in 2011.

MEASUREMENTS

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) was defined as experiencing confusion or memory loss that was happening more often or getting worse during the past 12 months. Regular care was defined as always, usually, or sometimes receiving care from family or friends because of SCD. Using the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, respondents were classified as being inactive, insufficiently active, or sufficiently active based on their reported aerobic exercise. We calculated weighted proportions and used chi-square tests for differences across categories by SCD status and receipt of care. We estimated the prevalence ratio (PR) for being inactive, insufficiently active, and sufficiently active using separate log-binomial regression models, adjusting for covariates.

RESULTS

12.3% of respondents reported SCD and 23.1% of those with SCD received regular care. 29.6% (95%CI: 28.9-30.4) of respondents without SCD were inactive compared to 37.1% (95%CI: 34.7-39.5) of those with SCD who did not receive regular care and 50.2% (95%CI: 45.2-55.1) of those with SCD who received regular care. 52.4% (95%CI: 51.6-53.2) of respondents without SCD were sufficiently active compared to 46.4% (95%CI: 43.8-49.0) of respondents with SCD and received no regular care and 30.6% (95%CI: 26.1-35.6) of respondents with SCD who received regular care. After adjusting for demographic and health status differences, people receiving regular care for SCD had a significantly lower prevalence of meeting aerobic guidelines compared to people without SCD (PR=0.80, 95%CI: 0.69-0.93, p=0.005). The most prevalent physical activity was walking for adults aged ≥ 45 years old (41-52%) regardless of SCD status or receipt of care.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the prevalence of inactivity was high, especially among people with SCD. These findings suggest a need to increase activity among middle-aged and older adults, particularly those with SCD who receive care. Examining ways to increase walking, potentially by involving informal caregivers, could be a promising way for people with SCD to reduce inactivity and gain the health benefits associated with meeting physical activity guidelines.

Immunohistochemical Expression of Cyclin B1 in Epithelial Hyperplasia, Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas - A Comparative Study

INTRODUCTION

Cyclin B1 is important in the cell cycle progression from G2 to M phase. Cyclin B1 binds to CDC2, which then becomes dephosphorylated and gets relocated to the nucleus, ensuring the transition toward mitosis.

AIM

Over expression of Cyclin B1, has been reported more recently in breast, colon, prostate, oral and esophageal carcinomas. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the expression of Cyclin B1 in hyperplasia, dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 64 histopathologically diagnosed cases of epithelial hyperplasias, dysplastic oral epithelium and OSCC were included in the study. Immunohistochemical procedure was carried out using the monoclonal mouse Cyclin B1 antibody (Clone V-152). The Cyclin B1 positive tumor cells counted were expressed as percentage of positive tumor cells. Nuclear and cytoplasmic labeling index (n&cLI) were calculated. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test- One Way ANOVA and Mann Whitney U- test.

RESULTS

Combined n&cLI was considered only in 28.57% of epithelial hyperplasias, 40.7% of oral epithelial dysplasias and 72% of OSCC showed over expression of Cyclin B1 with p value being 0.029. Cyclin B1 expression was not significantly different between the grades of dysplasia, between the grades of OSCC and between the marginal groups.

CONCLUSION

The present study demonstrates more than 50% of the study group showing less than 20% of nuclear staining. The importance of such variations within a type of lesion requires further investigation, since Cyclin B1 has proved useful in many studies from esophageal and laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma as a prognostic indicator, an indicator of recurrence and as an indicator for tumor sensitivity to radiotherapy. Further studies are to be extended towards evaluating the role of Cyclin B1 as a prognostic indicator.

Implementation of a neonatal transcutaneous bilirubin screening programme in rural India

BACKGROUND

Universal pre-discharge assessment of risk for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia is recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics. A common algorithm is universal transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) screening, followed by confirmatory total serum bilirubin (TSB) testing for results which cause concern. There is a paucity of data on the feasibility of TcB screening in low-income settings.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of implementing universal TcB screening at a resource-limited hospital in rural India, and to determine if it was associated with increased recognition of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia.

METHODS

In December 2012 at Vivekananda Memorial Hospital, Karnataka, India, universal TcB screening at 24-48 hours of life was implemented, with TSB estimated if TcB was >75th percentile for age. The proportion of families that provided consent and the proportion of infants who underwent TcB and TSB testing were calculated. The rates of phototherapy pre- and post-implementation and the rate of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia (TSB >95th percentile for age) post-implementation among infants ≥ 35 weeks gestation were determined.

RESULTS

Parents of 568 of 660 (86%) eligible infants consented to participation. All of these infants were screened with TcB. The proportion who had TSB testing was similar in the pre- (6%) and post-implementation (7%) periods. The rate of phototherapy was not significantly different after implementation (2% vs 3%). Five cases of high-risk hyperbilirubinaemia were identified post-implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrates the acceptability and feasibility of universal TcB screening at a resource-limited hospital in rural India. In settings in which early post-discharge follow-up cannot be assured, TcB can play a valuable role in identifying infants who need evaluation.

Spectroscopic and electrical studies on Nd(3+), Zr(4+) ions doped nano-sized BaTiO3 ferroelectrics prepared by sol-gel method

Lead free ferroelectric ceramics in the form of Ba(1-3x)Nd(2x)Ti(1-y)ZryO3 ((where x=0.025, y=0 (BT1), 0.025 (BT2), 0.05 (BT3)) were prepared using sol-gel method. The surface morphology and the orientation of grains of the present ceramics were examined using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images. The effect of Nd(3+), Zr(4+) ions content on the BaTiO3 was studied using Raman and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies. From the Raman analysis the band observed at ∼838 cm(-1) was attributed due to the presence of Nd(3+)-barium vacancy pairs. The FTIR studies suggested that the addition of Nd(3+) ions in A-site of BaTiO3 (ABO3) perovskite create lattice distortion by forming A-site vacancies and Zr(4+) ions in B-site of BaTiO3 induce the lattice distortion by forming ZrO6 octahedra in the place of TiO6 octahedra. Dielectric measurements of the samples were done at different frequencies from RT-150°C. Charge transportation phenomenon is explained using DC conductivity, which is found to increase with temperature.

Transition metal and base free synthesis of 2-aryl-2-oxazolines from aldehydes and β-amino alcohols catalysed by potassium iodide

Synthesis of 2-aryl-2-oxazolines from β-amino alcohols and aldehydes was achieved in good to excellent yield by employing a potassium iodide (KI)–tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) catalytic system.

Annexin v - affinity assay - apoptosis detection system in granular cell ameloblastoma

BACKGROUND

The aim of the study is to detect apoptosis in granular cell ameloblastoma by annexin v affinity assay, a novel technique.

MATERIALS & METHODS

Excitional biopsy of two patients with granular cell ameloblastoma were fixed in buffered formalin and later embedded in paraffin wax. Blocks were sliced into 3m thick sections for routine histological and subsequent immunohistochemical examinations. For electron microscopic examination tissues were fixed in 2.5% glutaraldehyde.electron microscopic examination was carried out to find the nature of granularity in granular cell ameloblastoma which was finally confirmed by annexin v technique.

RESULTS

Annexin v is a sensitive marker to detect early apoptosis. Fluorescence in granular cell clusters showed that apoptotic cell death is higher in granular cells. Both early and late events of apoptosis were identified in annexin v staining and electron microscopic study respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms that increased apoptotic cell death and subsequent phagocytosis is responsible for granular appearance of cells in granular cell ameloblastoma compared with that of conventional ameloblastoma. How to cite this article: Balaji N, Devy AS, Sumathi MK, Vidyalakshmi S, Kumar GS, D'Silva S. Annexin V - Affinity Assay - Apoptosis Detection System in Granular Cell Ameloblastoma. J Int Oral Health 2013; 5(6):25-30 .

A study of lip prints among Pondicherry population

BACKGROUND

Cheiloscopy is a forensic investigation that deals with the examination of the system of furrows on the red part of human lips. Like fingerprint, lip print is also unique for every individual. But most of the crime-detecting agencies are unaware of the importance of lip print and it is not commonly attempted in identification of the suspects.

AIM

The aim of the present study is to determine the predominant lip print pattern among Pondicherry population, India, and also to determine its uniqueness.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study comprised of 60 students (30 males and 30 females), aged from 17 to 25 years, from Pondicherry population, India. A dark-colored lipstick was applied with a single stroke and the students were asked to rub both the lips to spread the applied lipstick, after which a lip print was made on butter paper. The lip print was visualized with magnifying lens.

STATISTICAL ANALYSIS

Percentage calculation method was used to identify the predominant lip pattern. One-sample T test was done to identify the statistical significance within the different types of lip pattern with P value <0.05.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION

The present study concludes that every individual has unique lip print and Type III appears to be the most predominant pattern in males, followed by the Type II, Type IV, Type I and Type V patterns. In females, Type II appears to be the most predominant pattern followed by the Type IV, Type I, Type III and Type V patterns.

Stability-Indicating RP-HPLC Method for Determination of Tamsulosin HCL in Pharmaceutical Dosage Form

A selective, specific and sensitive stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for the determination of Tamsulosin in in pharmaceutical dosage forms. Celecoxib was used as Internal Standard (IS). The chromatographic conditions comprised of a reversed-phase Lichrocart / Lichrosphere C18 column (250 × 4.0 mm packed with 5) with mobile phase consisting of a mixture of Acetonitrile: T.D.W. in the ratio (40: 60). Flow rate was 0.8 mL / min. Detection was carried out at 275 nm. The retention time of Tamsulosin HCl and Celecoxib were found to be 1.608 and 2.767min respectively and the linear regression analysis data for the calibration plots showed good linear relationship in the concentration range 1 - 200 g/mL. The value of correlation coefficient, slope and intercept were, 0.9995, 0.7453 and 0.4584, respectively. Tamsulosin HCl was subjected to stress conditions of degradation in aqueous solutions including acidic, alkaline, oxidation, photolysis and thermal degradation. The developed method was validated with regard to linearity, accuracy, precision, selectivity and robustness and the method was found to be precise, accurate, linear and specific. The method was employed successfully for identification and determination of Tamsulosin in pharmaceutical preparations.

Immuno-histochemical evaluation of Cathepsin D in malignant salivary gland carcinomas

OBJECTIVE

Cathepsin D is a lysosomal acid protease secreted in increased levels in several malignancies. However, its role in salivary gland tumors has not been studied extensively. The present study aims to assess the expression of Cathepsin D in malignant salivary gland tumors and to compare its expression in these tumors.

STUDY DESIGN

A total of 30 cases of malignant salivary gland carcinomas which included 16 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC), 9 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC), and 5 cases of polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) were evaluated immunohistochemically using anti-Cathepsin D antibody.

RESULT

All the cases showed positivity (100%) for Cathepsin D with intense expression noted in ACC and MEC as compared to PLGA. Comparison of these tumors revealed statistical significant difference in expression between ACC and PLGA.

CONCLUSION

Intense expression of Cathepsin D in high grade carcinomas may be a marker for invasive potential and aggressive behavior.

Neoplastic potential of odontogenic cysts

Odontogenic cysts and tumors are distinct entities and quite a common occurrence in the jaw bones. The lining of odontogenic cysts shows a potential for neoplastic transformation to non odontogenic malignancies like squamous cell carcinoma and mucoepidermoid carcinoma, and odontogenic tumors like ameloblastoma and adenoamatoid odontogenic tumor (AOT). AOT is a benign, epithelial odontogenic tumor, common site being the anterior maxilla. Its origin from a dentigerous cyst and in the mandible is rare. A case of an AOT arising from a dentigerous cyst associated with an impacted permanent mandibular left lateral incisor is reported.

Oculo-facio-cardio-dental syndrome in a girl and her mother

Congenital heart defects are known to be associated with facial dysmorphism and other congenital anomalies. Oculo-facio-cardio-dental (OFCD) syndrome is one such rare multiple congenital anomaly syndrome inherited as an X-linked dominant condition characterized by congenital cataracts, multiple minor facial dysmorphic features, congenital heart defects and dental anomalies. It is unrecognized by many medical and dental professionals. Only 21 cases have been reported so far. This syndrome is often misrecognized as rubella embryopathy because of association of congenital cataract with cardiac anomalies. It is usually the orthodontists who diagnose the syndrome based on typical findings on dental panoramic radiographs. But we suspected our patient to be having OFCD syndrome based on typical facial dysmorphism, ocular and cardiac defects, and finally it was confirmed after noticing typical dental radiographic findings.

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.

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.

Campylobacter biofilm phenotype exhibits reduced colonization potential in young chickens and altered in vitro virulence

In this study, we evaluated the ability of different Campylobacter phenotypes (biofilm versus planktonic) to colonize young poultry. It has been suggested that a persistent Campylobacter biofilm reservoir may be involved in the initial contamination of poultry flocks. Campylobacter jejuni cultured adherent to agar was utilized as the biofilm model and C. jejuni cultured in broth was evaluated as the planktonic model. In 2 independent trials, 1-d-old broiler chicks were given 1 of 3 treatments: 1) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured in broth, 2) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar, or 3) no C. jejuni (negative control). Cecal contents of all birds were evaluated by culturing 12 d after the initial challenge with C. jejuni. In both trials, birds challenged with C. jejuni cultured in broth had approximately 3 to 4 log higher cecal Campylobacter concentration than birds challenged with C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar. Using 2 cell lines (INT 407 and DF1), virulence of C. jejuni cultured in broth versus adherent to agar also was evaluated by challenging monolayers of eukaryotic cells with 1 of 3 treatments: 1) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured in broth, 2) 10(5) cfu.mL(-1) of C. jejuni cultured adherent to agar, or 3) no C. jejuni (negative control). The virulence study also showed differences of C. jejuni cultured in broth or agar in attachment and invasion abilities to tissue culture cells, but differences were not as consistent as with the chick colonization study. This study indicates that phenotype may play a role in colonization of chickens and virulence by C. jejuni.

Histochemical and polarization microscopic study of two cases of vegetable/pulse granuloma

Vegetable granuloma (VG) or pulse granuloma (PG) results from the implantation of food particles of plant or vegetable origin. It is usually seen in the periapical or in the sulcus areas. These lesions have been described as a distinct entity and classified into central and peripheral lesions according to the location. Central lesions are asymptomatic, whereas peripheral lesions present as painless sub-mucosal swellings. Many authors have postulated that food particles in VG or PG get implanted and are rapidly digested, and sometimes partly get altered by host responses. The cellulose part of plant foods being indigestible persists in the form of hyaline material, whereas the starch matter gets digested. This cellulose moiety invokes chronic granulomatous response.

Antimicrobial, wound healing and antioxidant activities of Anthocephalus cadamba

Anthocephalus cadamba (Roxb.) Miq. Syn A. chinensis (Lamk) A. Rich (Rubiaceae) is ethnomedicinally widely used in the form of paste by tribe in western Ghats for treating skin diseases. In this context, antimicrobial potential of A. cadamba against a wide range of microorganisms was studied. To validate the ethnotherapeutic claims of the plant in skin diseases, wound healing activity was studied, besides antioxidant activity to understand the mechanism of wound healing. The alchoholic and aqueous extract of this plant showed significant antibacterial and antifungal activity against almost all the organisms: Micrococcus luteus, Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Proteus mirabilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and four fungi Candida albicans, Trichophyton rubrum--dermatophyte fungi, Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus nidulans--systemic fungi, with especially good activity against the dermatophyte (Trichophyton rubrum) and some infectious bacteria (Escherichia coli, Proteus mirabilis and Staphylococcus aureus) with an MIC of 2.5 microg/disc. The results show that A. cadamba extract has potent wound healing capacity as shown from the wound contraction and increased tensile strength. The results also indicated that A. cadamba extract possesses potent antioxidant activity by inhibiting lipid peroxidation and increase in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity.

Primary intraosseous odontogenic carcinoma with osteoid/dentinoid formation

Primary intraosseous carcinoma/odontogenic carcinomas are extremely rare malignant odontogenic tumours that are thought to arise from residues of odontogenic epithelium. An unusual case of primary intraosseous carcinoma arising de novo in a previously unreported site of posterior maxilla is described. The tumour was characterized by sheets of pleomorphic round-to-ovoid cells and marked osteoid/dentinoid formation with foci of globular mineralization.

Permanent maxillary central incisor impaction: report of two cases

Impaction of the permanent maxillary central incisor is rare. Trauma to the primary maxillary anterior teeth is the most common cause. Two case reports of impacted permanent maxillary central incisors with a history of trauma to the primary maxillary anterior teeth are presented. In one case there was radiographic evidence of complete arrest of root formation, and in the other case the root was dilacerated from the cervical third and the enamel surface was rough.

Synthesis and characterization of a peptide identified as a functional element in alphaA-crystallin

Eye lens alpha-crystallin is a member of the small heat shock protein (sHSP) family and forms large multimeric structures. Earlier studies have shown that it can act like a molecular chaperone and form a stable complex with partially unfolded proteins. We have observed that prior binding of the hydrophobic protein melittin to alpha-crystallin diminishes its chaperone-like activity toward denaturing alcohol dehydrogenase, suggesting the presence of mutually exclusive sites for these proteins in alpha-crystallin. To investigate the mechanism of the interaction between alpha-crystallin and substrate proteins, we determined the melittin-binding sites in alpha-crystallin by cross-linking studies. Localization of melittin-binding sites in alpha-crystallin resulted in the identification of RTLGPFYPSR and FVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTVK of alphaA-crystallin and FSVNLDVK of alphaB-crystallin as the chaperone sites. Of these sites, FVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTVK and FSVNLDVK were identified earlier as 1,1'-bi(4-anilino) naphthalene-5,5'-disulfonic acid (bis-ANS)-binding hydrophobic sites. Here we also report the synthesis and characterization of the peptide, KFVIFLDVKHFSPEDLTVK, having the melittin as well as bis-ANS-binding sequence of alphaA-crystallin. We show that this peptide has characteristics similar to that of alphaA-crystallin by in vitro thermal aggregation assay, gel filtration study, CD spectroscopy, and bis-ANS interaction studies. The peptide sequence corresponds to the beta3 and beta4 region present in the alpha-crystallin domain of sHSP 16.5. We hypothesize that the alpha-crystallin domain in other sHSPs may have a similar function and would likely possess the anti-aggregation property even when separated from the native protein.