Identification of rare atypical BCR-ABL1 transcript: A case report

CML is characterized by the presence of a BCR-ABL1 fusion transcript. Several guidelines have been published for its detection and molecular monitoring. Here, a case is described of chronic myeloid leukemia presenting in the blast phase with a rare variant transcript, with a discussion on possible red flags in its detection and genetic testing and description of the patient's clinical characteristics. This case highlights the pitfalls of using real-time quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) for diagnosis of CML, especially when the clinical picture and the test results are discordant.

Oral hygiene practices and habits among dental professionals in Chennai.

Aims and objectives : The present study was carried out to assess the oral hygiene practices and habits among practicing general dentists. Materials and Methods : The study was carried out in four dental schools with the help of a self administered questionnaire. The questionnaire covered dentists' oral self care, smoking habits, professional reading and oral health concepts. A total of 700 dentists responded, of which 457 were males. Recommended oral self care (ROSC) included tooth brushing one per day, eating sugary snacks daily or rarely and regularly using fluoride tooth paste. Results : The data obtained was then subjected to statistical analyses and evaluated using chi-square tests and logistic regressions.It was found that 55.9% of all respondents brushed twice a day, 59.4% consumed sugar containing snacks less than once daily and 55.1% of them used fluoride containing paste regularly while brushing. 81.1% of the 700 dentists never used tobacco products. In all, 19.6% 0f the practicing general dentists followed recommended oral self care. Conclusion : From the present study, it can be concluded that only 19.6% of south Indian dentists follow recommended oral self care and hence awareness programs and continuous dental education programs among dentists is essential to improve the present scenario and to increase the number of dental professionals following ROSC.

Assessment of growth and feeding practices in children with cleft lip and palate.

Feeding difficulties in cleft lip and palate (CLP) infants is commonly observed and is the most traumatic experience the family has to face. These infants are undernourished and have compromised growth. The purpose of this study was to 1) assess general health and growth parameters in children with CLP and in normal children; and 2) investigate the feeding methods of CLP infants and normal infants. A total of 221 children from birth to six years of both sexes, with CLP (60 children) and normal (161 children) were selected. The CLP and normal children were divided into three subgroups by age. The practice of feeding the infants in subgroup I was assessed using standard piloted questionnaires. The assessment of growth was done at baseline and at six months in all the subgroups.The general well being of the children was assessed by noting the number of common infections. Results showed that a significantly higher percentage of mothers with normal babies (p < 0.01) had a positive attitude towards breast feeding. When compared to normal children, CLP children were more susceptible to infections (p < 0.05) and measured significantly lower on the height growth curve(p < 0.05). Hence, height can be used to monitor growth in CLP children.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia--a case report.

A case presented here is that of a nine year old male patient with total anodontia. Findings of this case as regards to the orofacial, radiographic and other general manifestations were suggestive of hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia. The dental problems were best managed by prosthetic replacement of dentition taking into consideration a design which would provide adequate relief for the preservation of the ridges which were thin and underdeveloped to the absence of teeth.

Assessment and treatment of dental caries in semi-urban school children of Tamilnadu (India).

The study was carried out with the purpose of evaluating the prevalence of dental caries, in semi urban school children. The sample comprised of 415 school going children. DMFT/dmft scores were recorded as per WHO 1987 criteria. Mean DMFT was found to be 0.17, 0.06 in male and female children at 3 to 6 age group which increased to 1.21 & 1.10 in males and female in 9 to 12 year age group. Mean dmft at 3 to 6 years was 1.36, 1.17 in male and female children which further increased at 6 to 9 years in both sexes but in the 9 to 12 year age group the value decreased to 1.48, 0.87 in male and female children respectively. The entire sample showed a dental caries prevalence of 58.1. It was noted that the children brushed once a day with toothpaste and toothbrush. Complete oral rehabilitation was undertaken through an incremental school health care programme.