Prognostic significance of tetraspanin CD9 and oncogenic epidermal growth factor receptor in tongue squamous cell carcinoma survival.

The most prevalent locations for head and neck cancer is the tongue. The surviving patients who are receiving therapy have considerably compromised speech, taste, chewing, and swallowing. CD9 is a cell surface protein that has contradictory role in cancer progression. The objective of the study is to analyze the Cluster of Differentiation 9(CD9), Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) and Phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) expression in tongue cancer specimens and its clinical significance.50 tongue cancer sections were used to analyze the expression of CD9,EGFR and p-Akt by immunohistochemistry. Data regarding the histological grade of the tumor, age, sex, and habits were recorded, and relation with CD9,EGFR and p-Akt expression was assessed. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM. Categorical data was analyzed by Chi-square test. Student t-test was used to check the significance of data between two groups.A significant increase in the CD9,EGFR and p-Akt expression (1.8 ± 0.11, 2.06 ± 0.18 and 2.3 ± 0.15 respectively) was seen in the tongue cancer specimens. CD9 and p-Akt expression had a significant association with the histological grade (p < 0.004 and p < 0.006 respectively). CD9 expression was higher in patients with the combination of addiction/habit compared to patients with single addictions(1.08 ± 0.11 and 0.75 ± 0.47). Overall a poor rate of survival was observed in CD9 positive patients(p < 0.039). EGFR and p-Akt expression increased with increasing expression of CD9, suggesting its use as a biomarker to track the development of TSCC.

Characterization of dynamic process of carious and erosive demineralization - an overview.

To review the analytical methods for carious and erosive demineralization an initial search of peer-reviewed scientific literature from the digital library database of PubMed/Medline indexed journals published up to early 2022 was carried out based on keywords relevant to the topic criteria including bibliographic citations from the papers to gather the most updated information. This current review aims to provide an updated overview of the advantages, limitations, and potential applications of direct and indirect research methods available for studying various dynamic stages of carious and erosive demineralization in enamel and dentin. This paper categorizes and describes the most suitable, frequently adopted and widely used quantitative and qualitative techniques in in vitro/in vivo research which are well-established, emerging, or comparatively novel techniques that are being explored for their potential validation.

Bioactive remineralization of dentin surface with calcium phosphate-based agents: An in vitro analysis.

Background: With the increasing prevalence of erosive tooth wear affecting both adults and children; designing optimum protocols of management in a noninvasive manner is gaining precedence. Aim: Comparative evaluation of topically applied calcium phosphate-based agents casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) and beta tricalcium phosphate (ß-TCP) on the surface of eroded dentin. Materials and Methods: Dentin blocks from human third molars in four groups were subjected to the surface treatment: (G1) sound dentin (G2) demineralized dentin (G3) CPP-ACP (G4) ß-TCP. All the samples except control (G1) were immersed in an acidic solution incubated at 37°C for 96 h. The samples in G3 and G4 were topically treated with CPP-ACP and ß-TCP for 4 min twice daily for 14 days; followed by pH-cycling for 21 days. Surface hardness testing and surface morphology were observed using the scanning electron microscopy. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software with Kruskal-Wallis test and post hoc test. Results: Dentin treated with both CPP-ACP (37.25) and ß-TCP (32.05) recorded significantly higher VHN than demineralized (G2-23.51) but lower compared to sound control (G1-57.06). Conclusion: The topical application of CPP-ACP and ß-TCP agents shows definite potential in promoting the hardening of demineralized dentin surface.

The "Butterfly Effect" and Its Correlation to the Direction of the Fracture Line in Root Dentin.

INTRODUCTION: The butterfly effect is an optical phenomenon and is related to the presence of sclerotic dentin in the roots. The unique pattern of sclerotic dentin formation produces a characteristic butterfly shape in transverse sections of the roots. The objective of this study was to evaluate the direction of the fracture line in roots that exhibit the butterfly effect. METHODS: Thirty single-rooted premolars with oval-shaped roots were decoronated and embedded in acrylic blocks and subjected to vertical force under a universal testing machine (HPBSD; Tec-Sol India, Chennai, India). Fractured roots were examined under a stereomicroscope (Model no. 080772; Lawrence and Mayo, Mumbai, India) at ×10 magnification to determine the location and direction of the fracture line. To evaluate the correlation between the direction of sclerotic dentin and the direction of the fracture line, teeth were sectioned and observed under a stereomicroscope at ×20 and ×40 magnification. The correlation was analyzed using the Fisher exact test (P < .05 for the coronal and apical thirds and P > .05 for the middle third). RESULTS: Sclerotic dentin was observed more in the apical area and less in the coronal third of the root. The correlation between the direction of sclerotic dentin and the direction of the fracture line was statistically significant in the coronal and apical thirds of the root. CONCLUSIONS: The vertical root fracture that runs buccolingually is correlated to the harder sclerotic dentin present in the mesiodistal direction.

Biochemical and Cytological Comparison of Keratocystic Odontogenic Tumours to Nonkeratinising Odontogenic Cysts Fluid.

AIM: To evaluate the levels of albumin, prealbumin, total protein, inorganic phosphate and presence of keratinocytes in the cystic fluid for the diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning of keratocystic odontogenic tumours and other non keratinizing odontogenic cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen keratocystic odontogenic tumour and 15 controls were studied. The cystic fluid was aspirated and analysed to determine the levels of albumin, prealbumin, total protein, inorganic phosphate and the presence of keratinocytes. The data collected was statistically evaluated using Mann Whitney U-Test and Student's t-test. RESULTS: A highly significant difference (p<0.0001) was seen when a comparison of Prealbumin, total protein, inorganic phosphate and presence of keratinocytes was made between keratocystic odontogenic tumour and non keratinizing odontogenic cysts. The presence of albumin also showed a significant difference (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: A combined analysis of total protein, albumin, prealbumin, inorganic phosphorous and detection of epithelial squames may be used as a diagnostic adjunct in the preoperative diagnosis of keratocystic odontogenic tumour in a minimally invasive and highly accurate fashion.

Oral rinse-based cytology and conventional exfoliative cytology: a comparative study.

CONTEXT: Simple screening test for resource-challenged areas. AIMS: To compare specimen adequacy and diagnostic agreement between oral rinse-based smears and conventional smears in oral cancer, oral leukoplakia, and normal controls. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Twenty-five histologically confirmed cases of oral cancer, 29 clinically diagnosed cases of oral leukoplakia, and 54 normal controls were subjected to the oral rub-and-rinse technique and the conventional exfoliative cytology. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Smears were consequently stained with the Papanicolaou (PAP) stain and were examined independently by two different cytopathologists in a double-blind fashion. The results were classified as: Negative, atypical, positive, and unsatisfactory. Furthermore, they were compared, to assess the sample adequacy, cellular distribution, staining, leucocytes/inflammation and cellular clarity in both the smears. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Chi square test and Wilcoxon-matched pairs signed rank test (P ≤ 0.05). RESULTS: Among the cancer cases, 84% showed positive, 8% atypical, and 8% unsatisfactory, after using the conventional technique, whereas, the oral rinse technique showed 80% positive, 16% atypical, and 4% unsatisfactory cases. The conventional technique showed 44.82, 37.93, and 6.89% and the oral rinse technique showed 48.27, 31.03, and 20.68% negative, positive, and atypical cases, respectively, among the leukoplakia cases. Among the normal controls, 9.26 and 90.74% and with the oral rinse technique 3.70 and 96.29% showed atypical and negative cases with the conventional technique. Sample adequacy and cellular clarity showed a statistically significant difference between both techniques. CONCLUSIONS: Both smears were diagnostically reliable, however, the oral rinse-based method showed an overall improvement in sample adequacy and cellular clarity.

The Self-Reported Knowledge, Attitude and the Practices Regarding the Early Detection of Oral Cancer and Precancerous Lesions among the Practising Dentists of Dakshina Kannada-A Pilot Study.

INTRODUCTION: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is one of the leading causes of mortality in India. The screening and the early detection of the premalignant and malignant lesions are the only means for controlling the disease. General dental practitioners can play a great role in this direction. The objective of the present study was to assess the self-reported knowledge, attitude, as well as the practices concerning the early detection of oral cancer among the dentists of Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka, India. MATERIAL AND METHODS: About 200 clinicians (BDS/MDS) were randomly selected for an 18 itemed questionnaire survey. The aspects which were enquired into were the usage of exfoliative cytology in their clinical practice, the recent attempts which are made by dentists at updating their knowledge on oral cancer, their practical approaches towards the screening for oral premalignant diseases, etc. RESULTS: Over 98% of the dentists reported to have not performed exfoliative cytology in their clinics. However, 85% had attended education programs on oral cancer. About 72% felt the need to be trained and they welcomed the suggestion of conducting practical workshops in this direction. 29.5% conducted biopsies when they encountered suspicious looking lesions, but only 13% counseled such patients for the habit cessation. 86% felt the need for Oral Pathology consultants in their clinics. CONCLUSION: This pilot survey identified an existing gap in the knowledge and practices among physicians and dentists and this emphasises the need to increase the numbers of oral cancer detection workshops which are held among the professional groups.

Salivary protein concentration, flow rate, buffer capacity and pH estimation: A comparative study among young and elderly subjects, both normal and with gingivitis and periodontitis.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the salivary protein concentration in gingivitis and periodontitis patients and compare the parameters like salivary total protein, salivary albumin, salivary flow rate, pH, buffer capacity and flow rate in both young and elderly patients with simple methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty subjects were grouped based on their age as young and elderly. Each group was subgrouped (20 subjects) as controls, gingivitis and periodontitis. Unstimulated whole saliva was collected from patients and flow rate was noted down during collection of the sample. Salivary protein estimation was done using the Biuret method and salivary albumin was assessed using the Bromocresol green method. pH was estimated with a pHmeter and buffering capacity was analyzed with the titration method. Student's t-test, Fisher's test (ANOVA) and Tukey HSD (ANOVA) tests were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: A very highly significant rise in the salivary total protein and albumin concentration was noted in gingivitis and periodontitis subjects of both young and elderly. An overall decrease in salivary flow rate was observed among the elderly, and also the salivary flow rate of women was significantly lower than that of men. CONCLUSION: Significant associations between salivary total protein and albumin in gingivitis and periodontitis were found with simple biochemical tests. A decrease in salivary flow rate among elderly and among women was noted.

Oral rinse as a simpler approach to exfoliative cytology: a comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Oral rinse is a novel method that can be used to detect dysplasia in potentially malignant disorders and malignant oral lesions in resource challenged areas. A study was undertaken to compare the quality of the normal smears prepared with the oral rinse and that of the wooden tongue spatula. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred five normal subjects were selected for the study. Two smears were prepared from clinically normal mucosa using an oral rinse and further two smears were scraped from clinically normal buccal mucosa using a wooden spatula. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The smears were graded for cell yield, dispersion and cellular clarity on a three-point scale by two observers. The results were analyzed using Mann Whitney non parametric test. RESULTS: The Oral rinse was found to be significantly more efficient than the wooden spatula, in terms of cell yield (p<0.0001), cell dispersion (p =.0052) and cellular detail (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: The study showed that the Oral rinse is an effective method for use in exfoliative cytology of normal oral mucosa.

Multiple trichoepitheliomas: A rare occurrence.

Trichoepitelioma is an extremely rare cosmetically disfiguring condition usually affecting the females. Trichoepitheliomas are benign lesions seen on the face, which are thought to derive from the hair follicle. Malignant transformation to basal cell carcinoma is rare and occurs late in the course of the disease These lesions are often misinterpreted and diagnosed clinically as neurofibromatosis or histpathologically as basal cell carcinoma. We report a case of multiple trichoepithelioma occurring in a male patient. The patient presented with multiple dermatologic growths on the face with varied histopathological presentations which have been described in detail.

Palatal schwannoma in an elderly woman.

Schwannoma also known as neurilemmoma is a benign tumour derived from schwann cells and is relatively rare in occurrence. Only 1% of the schwannomas in the head and neck region occur at intra-oral sites. Schwannomas usually occur during the third or fourth decades of life and the tongue is the most common intra-oral site. A case of intra-oral schwannoma in a 70-year-old female in the region of hard palate is described which is extremely rare.