Identification of multiple strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis using heteroduplex polymerase chain reaction in varying severity of chronic periodontitis

Aim: Research has demonstrated that there are multiple strains of Porphyromonas gingivalis with varying potency to cause periodontal disease. The current study aims at using heteroduplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to detect the strain diversity of P. gingivalis in periodontitis lesions of varying severity in a sample of the Indian population. Materials and Methods: Subgingival plaque samples were collected from 60 individuals with varying severity of chronic periodontitis and 30 individuals with a clinically healthy periodontium. The samples were subjected to PCR analysis to identify P. gingivalis, followed by heteroduplex analysis to identify the strain diversity in a given sample. Bacterial culture was carried out as a comparative standard. Results: Of the 56 samples that were positive for P. gingivalis by PCR, 54 samples yielded eight different heteroduplex patterns. Analysis of these patterns indicated that two strains of P. gingivalis were present in 41 individuals (45.6%) and three strains were present in 13 individuals (14.4%). Detection of P. gingivalis by PCR was significantly more in the periodontitis group as compared to the healthy group. Conclusions: Species-specific PCR and heteroduplex analysis provide a simple and accurate method to analyse the strain diversity of P. gingivalis. P. gingivalis was detected in both healthy periodontal sites as well as sites with periodontitis. The presence of two or three P. gingivalis strains was seen in 60% of the samples.

Association of recurrent aphthous ulcers with stress among students in an Indian Dental Institution.

Background: Recurrent aphthous ulcers are painful oral lesions with no proven effective treatment. A definitive cause of these ulcerations still remains elusive. It is believed that psychological stress may be a significant contributor. Aim: The aim of the present study was to determine whether there was any significant association of Recurrentaphthous ulcers with episodes of stress by determining the prevalence of ulcers and levels of stress tolerance among dental students. Materials and methods: A cross sectional survey was carried out on 341 students of Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Manipal, India by distributing questionnaires. The questionnaire had two sections, the first part dealt with ulcers and the later part comprised of a perceived stress scale. The data collected was analyzed with Independent sample t test and ANOVA with post hoc Tukey’s test using the SPSS 16 version software. Results: Prevalence of ulcer was found to be 66.9%. Comparison of mean stress scores between the ‘ulcer-experienced’ and ulcer-free groups showed no difference. Assessment of stress among undergraduates, interns and post graduates who had reported ulcer experience revealed that interns were able to handle the stressful situations significantly better than under graduates and post graduates. Conclusion: The present study did not show any association between episodes of ulcers and stressful events.

Primary Renal Leiomyosarcoma: Case Report and Literature Review

Primary leimyosarcoma of the kidney is extremely rare. The management is unclear due to the limited literature on the subject. The diagnosis should be considered when imaging shows a relatively hypovascular tumor involving one renal pole; with atypical features on microscopy. We report a renal leiomyosarcoma in a 68 year old man; who underwent right radical nephrectomy. A tumor-free surgical margin is the most important prognostic factor. Although various modalities of adjuvant treatment have been tried; the overall prognosis is poor as the tumor is highly aggressive

Ocular prosthesis in children--clinical report.

Children and adolescents are particularly susceptible to injuries because of their fearless manner of play and their athletic immaturity due to which irreparable trauma to the eye is very commonly seen. Glaucoma is another common cause for eye loss in children. The loss of an eye causes disfigurement of the face due to which the children become emotionally weak and conscious and avoid taking part in social events, which in turn causes anxiety, stress and depression at an early age in life. Recovery after the loss of an eye requires an adjustment to monocular vision and improvement of the appearance with the use of artificial eyes carefully prepared to match the remaining natural eye. The custom made ocular prostheses are very comfortable and help children improve their appearances, which in turn, encourages them to build up their self-confidence to return back to their social life.