Analysis of stromal mucin in oral epithelial dysplasia & oral squamous cell carcinoma- A histochemical study.

BACKGROUND: Mucins are glycoproteins that act as a selective molecular barrier and its alterations usually accompany the carcinogenesis. AIM: To evaluate the transition of mucins in the grades of oral epithelial dysplasia (OED) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using histochemical stains. MATERIALS & METHOD: A total of 66 samples of variable grades of OED and OSCC and each section was stained with PAS, Alcian blue- PAS (AB-PAS) and Aldehyde fuschin - Alcian blue (AF-AB). Mucins pattern and intensity were examined at 5 randomly selected fields on 10x magnification. RESULTS: 1. PAS stain - Predominantly OED and OSCC showed a diffuse pattern with a gradual decrease in intensity in OED and overall a weak intensity in OSCC. 2. AB-PAS stain - Neutral mucins showed gradual increase in its intensity in grades of OED and OSCC with no predominant pattern. The intensity for the acid mucins remains weak in all the grades of OED and OSCC with diffuse distribution, except in higher grades of OED and OSCC. 3. AF- AB stain - For sulphated mucins, in OED a focal and diffuse pattern was observed in OSCC with minimal intensity. The carboxylated mucin was absent in both. CONCLUSION: Mucins undergo change in its pattern and intensity in varying grades of OED/OSCC. Although in GIT and other mucosa, the expression of altered mucin is a recognized factor, seldom research has been done in OED and OSCC. Thus, the present study could be the stepping stone in the exploration of mucinous alteration in OED and OSCC.

Bacterial Viability within Dental Calculus: An Untrodden, Inquisitive Clinico-Patho- Microbiological Research.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic inflammatory periodontal diseases i.e. gingivitis and periodontitis are one of the most common afflictions faced by human beings. Dental plaque, which is a pool of pathogenic microorganisms, remains to be current mainstay in etiopathogenesis. Dental calculus, which is a mineralized product of this plaque remains ignored and is considered merely as an ash heap of minor significance. However, the intriguing array in disease etiopathogenesis bulldozed researchers to suspect the role of calculus in disease chrysalis but still the viability of bacteria inside calculus and thus its pathogenicity remains an intricacy; the answer to which lies in the Pandora's Box. AIM: The present study was undertaken to investigate the viability of bacteria within dental calculus along with their identification. Also, to classify dental calculus on the basis of mineralization and to observe the variation of viable microflora found in dental calculus with the extent of mineralization and disease severity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 samples were obtained, by harvesting two samples of supragingival calculus from each patient having chronic inflammatory periodontal disease. These samples were divided into two groups (Group A and Group B). Samples of Group A were kept non-irradiated and samples of Group B were exposed to UV radiation. The samples were categorized into less, moderately and highly mineralized according to the force required for crushing them. All the crushed calculus samples were then divided into three parts. These were used for dark-field microscopy, gram staining and bacterial cultures. Bacterial identification of the cultures obtained was also carried out by performing various biochemical assays. RESULTS: The present study revealed the presence of motile spirochaetes within the samples under dark-field microscope. Gram staining revealed presence of numerous gram positive cocci and gram negative bacilli. Bacterial cultures showed growth of variety of aerobic and capnophilic microorganisms. CONCLUSION: The present study concludes the presence of viable aerobic and capnophilic bacteria inside dental calculus which may reside within the lacunae and channels in the calculus.

A questionnaire survey on forensic odontology: Are we really aware?

INTRODUCTION: The role of a dentist is not only to examine and treat the oral diseases but also to assist the legal authorities by means of its branch-forensic odontology. Through forensic odontology, a dentist plays a very important role in crime investigation of any type. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the knowledge, awareness, and interest of forensic odontology among the dental teaching staff who are working in the dental colleges within the Delhi NCR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire of 12 questions (both open-ended and close-ended) was prepared and the survey was conducted with 200 dental teaching staff. RESULTS: A sufficient knowledge but poor awareness and interest among the dental teaching staff was observed. CONCLUSION: The study highlighted that although dental teaching staff themselves have sound knowledge regarding forensic odontology, their awareness and interest need to be upgraded on a regular basis. The success of acquiring such extensive knowledge would be valid if better job opportunities in these fields would be increased.

Basal Cell Adenoma with Perplexity in Diagnosis - A Case Report.

Every salivary gland tumour irrespective of its benign or malignant nature or occurrence, exhibits certain unique and overlapping histopathologic features. Basal Cell Adenoma (BCA) is a rare salivary gland tumour and hence it becomes our responsibility to report every case with unique histopathologic features so that it can add to our present knowledge of this lesion. Often, the pathologists experience difficulty while diagnosing lesions like BCA which contain basaloid cells due to its similarity with other lesions of similar histological appearance. Hence, this paper discusses a case of BCA with rare histopathologic features along with the possible differential diagnosis.

Kaleidoscope of oral artifacts: A vivid picture through light and polarizing microscope.

BACKGROUND: This study is based on finding of an inexplicable artifact that was seen in the tissue received as periapical granuloma. AIM: To observe the histological appearance of different commonly implanted food particles and easily incorporated substances from a laboratory in the oral biopsy tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Various food particles such as wheat chapatti, beans, peas, pulses, and coriander leaves and substances such as a suture, cotton, and paper that can easily gain entry during biopsy and histotechnical procedures were intentionally introduced in the tissue specimens of a uterus from outside. Both light and polarizing microscopes were utilized to view them. RESULTS: Different food particles and substances gave different appearances that could lead to misdiagnosis. Some of these also exhibited positive birefringence under the polarizing microscope. CONCLUSION: Knowledge and familiarity with probable foreign substances which can appear in tissues may help prevent misdiagnosis or erroneous diagnosis of biopsy specimens.

Architectural Analysis of Picrosirius Red Stained Collagen in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma using Polarization Microscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Collagen degradation is important both for carcinogenesis and in its progression. Research regarding the co-relation of collagen with Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) is less explored. AIM: To elucidate the nature of collagen in Oral Epithelial Dysplasia (OED) and Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) using Picrosirius Red Stain (PSR) under polarizing microscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study consisted of a total 40 samples which were divided into three groups. Group I included buccal mucosa as negative and irritation fibroma as positive control, group II consisted of OED and group III consisted of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC). A histochemical analysis was conducted using PSR-polarization method by two independent observers. RESULTS: The control group shows predominantly reddish-orange birefringence. In OED with the advancement of grades, the colour changed from yellowish-orange colour to yellow-greenish with progressive increase in greenish hue. As OSCC regresses from well to poorly differentiated, the colour changed from reddish-orange to yellowish orange to greenish-yellow suggesting a transition from mature to immature collagen. CONCLUSION: An observable gradual change in collagen of both OED and OSCC was noted as they were proceeding from benign to critical step. Thus, PSR is a useful tool for studying stromal changes as supporting collagen shows the transition in the form besides the alterations in epithelial cells.

Ghost cells: A journey in the dark .

Ghost cells have been a topic of controversy since a long time. The appearance of these cells in different lesions has given it varying terms. In lesions like that of Calcifying cystic odontogenic tumor (CCOT), these cells have been termed as 'Ghost cells' whereas similar descriptive cells have been called shadow/translucent cells in non-odontogenic lesions like Craniopharyngiomas of the pituitary gland and Pilomatricomas of skin. Controversy arises because of the fact that there are varying opinions and incomplete knowledge about their origin, nature, significance and relation in different neoplasms. Irrespective of the origin, these cells are seen in odontogenic and non-odontogenic neoplasms, which probably direct us towards a missing link between these differing neoplasms. This article attempts to present a review on the concepts around these peculiar cells and shed some light on these ghosts that are still in dark.