Studies on genetic variability and relationship of bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) using morphological and molecular markers

Bael (Aegle marmelos (L) Correa) is an important underutilized fruit crop of India. A total of 25 bael trees were selected from 356 bael trees of Sakharayapattana in Chikkamagalur district, Karnataka, India based on the fruit morphological traits (fruit weight, pulp weight, skull thickness, seed weight per fruit, No. of seeds per fruit, No. of locules per fruit, No. of seeds per locule, pulp wt. : seed wt.). These 25 trees were evaluated for phenotypic and genotypic variations using random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. RAPD and ISSR markers showed significant polymorphism among the trees. Jaccard’s genetic similarity value of RAPD and ISSR was found in the range of 0.00–0.95 and 0.06–0.56, respectively suggesting a moderate level of genetic diversity. The present study revealed that molecular markers can be successfully utilized for determining genetic diversity and relationship of bael trees for further varietal improvement

Child Abuse and Neglect: A Survey on Primary School Teachers of Kanpur City

Background: A major public concern in today’s world is child abuse and neglect (CAN). Teachers are in unique position to detect possible cases due to their daily contact with children. To assess the knowledge and awareness on recognizing and reporting child abuse and neglect among primary school teachers of Kanpur city.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 220 primary school teachers in 19 randomly selected schools of Kanpur city, Uttar Pradesh, India. A structured close ended questionnaire prepared in two languages (English and National language Hindi) comprising of 19 questions was used.Results: CAN was either never or rarely noticed among 47.3%. The criteria of recognizing the CAN was known by 57% and 90% felt comfortable considering an expert opinion in their schools and so can report confidently. Training to identify CAN was provided by school administration (36.4%) and was done on monthly basis (34.5%).Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for enhancing teacher’s education in CAN, as by reporting suspected CAN, teachers can make an important contribution to the early detection and prevention of child abuse

Alteration in Serum Lipid Profile Pattern in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Potentially Malignant Disorders

Objective: To evaluate and compare lipid profile level in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF), oral leukoplakia (OL) and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients. Material and Methods: Thirty histopathologically diagnosed subjects each of OL, OSMF, OSCC were recruited along with 30 healthy controls. 5ml of venous blood is collected and estimated using standard diagnostic kits. Results: The mean of Total cholesterol level in controls was 219.03 mg%, in OSCC, OL and OSMF was 142.89 ± 10.21mg%, 155.44 ± 17.63 mg% and 180.60 ± 13.25 mg%, respectively. The mean low-density lipid level in controls was 137.24 mg and in OSCC, OL and OSMF groups were 109.28 ± 2.16 mg%, 126.63 ± 0.85 mg% and 119.15 ± 0.93 mg%, respectively. The mean of high-density lipid level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 42.87 ± 0.42 mg%, 36.50 ± 2.31 mg%, 21.13 ± 0.77 mg% and 28.37 ± 1.11mg%, respectively. The mean of very low density lipids level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 30.12 ± 1.51 mg%, 17.24 ± 0.80 mg%, 22.25 ± 0.93 mg% and 25.89 ± 0.43 mg%, respectively. The mean triglyceride level in controls, OSCC, OL and OSMF was 118.80 ± 9.47 mg%, 91.2 ± 3.03 mg%, 105.05 ± 2.96 mg% and 106.19 ± 3.09 mg%, respectively. Conclusion: Lipid profile levels could be early indicators of precancer and cancer

The Association between Educational Achievements, Career Aspirations, Achievement Motives and Oral Hygiene Behavior among Dental Students of Udaipur, India

Background: There are several factors which influence oral hygiene behavior of an individual. Educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives of individuals are some of those factors. The objective of this study was to investigate whether educational achievements, career aspirations and achievement motives have associations with oral hygiene behavior among dental students of Udaipur, India.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all (n=200) 1st year dental students from all dental colleges of Udaipur City, India. Self-administered structured questions were used to assess their educational achievements, career aspirations and oral hygiene behavior (OHB). Achievement motives were assessed using Achievement Motive Scale developed by Lang and Fries (2006). Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression tests were used in data analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively.Results: Students with better educational achievements undergone regular dental check-up (30.48%) (p=0.03) and used other oral hygiene aids (90.24%) (p=0.01). Tooth brushing frequency, time and replacement time of tooth brush were found to be significantly associated with career aspiration (p=0.007; p=0.002; p=0.00 respectively). Achievement motives did not have statistically significant association with oral hygiene behavior.Conclusion: Educational achievements and career aspirations appear to be associated with oral hygiene behavior of young dental students. Students with higher career aspirations practiced better oral hygiene behavior. There was no significant relationship between achievement motives and oral hygiene behavior.Keywords: Educational achievements, career aspirations, achievement motives, oral hygiene

A family case of fertile human 45,X,psu dic(15;Y) males

We report on a familial case including four male probands from three generations with a 45,X,psu dic(15;Y)(p11.2;q12) karyotype. 45,X is usually associated with a female phenotype and only rarely with maleness, due to translocation of small Y chromosomal fragments to autosomes. These male patients are commonly infertile because of missing azoospermia factor regions from the Y long arm. In our familial case we found a pseudodicentric translocation chromosome, that contains almost the entire chromosomes 15 and Y. The translocation took place in an unknown male ancestor of our probands and has no apparent effect on fertility and phenotype of the carrier. FISH analysis demonstrated the deletion of the pseudoautosomal region 2 (PAR2) from the Y chromosome and the loss of the nucleolus organizing region (NOR) from chromosome 15. The formation of the psu dic(15;Y) chromosome is a reciprocal event to the formation of the satellited Y chromosome (Yqs). Statistically, the formation of 45,X,psu dic(15;Y) (p11.2;q12) is as likely as the formation of Yqs. Nevertheless, it has not been described yet. This can be explained by the dicentricity of this translocation chromosome that usually leads to mitotic instability and meiotic imbalances. A second event, a stable inactivation of one of the two centromeres is obligatory to enable the transmission of the translocation chromosome and thus a stably reduced chromosome number from father to every son in this family

Appraisal of awareness on medical emergencies and its management among dentists in Bhubaneswar, India

Background. Medical emergencies can be distressing for any dental professional, whether in a dental practice, hospital or other sites. Objectives. To assess the knowledge and awareness of dental practitioners towards medical emergencies and its management in Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods. In this cross-sectional investigation, a self-administered questionnaire which included demographic details and 19 questions regarding knowledge about medical emergencies, was disseminated to a random sample of 183 dentists working in their private dental clinic set up in Bhubaneswar. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results. Total sample size was 183, out of which 79 (43.17%) were males and 104 (56.83%) were females. The mean age was found out to be 30.7 ± 5.38 years. Practically 96% of the practitioners were not certain enough to deal with the emergency conditions at dental office. Around 67% had not attended any workshop on emergency training. It was amazing to observe that larger part (90%) of the experts didn't possess first aid kit at their dental office. In instances of handling emergency situation at the dental chair no statistical significance (p>0.05) with respect to age and gender was found. Conclusion. This investigation showed that hypothetically dental professionals had better knowledge on medical emergencies yet at the same time they were not equipped efficiently to manage the same at their workplace

Risk factors and patterns related to dental caries evaluated with caries assessment spectrum and treatment (cast) among schoolchildren of Bhubaneswar, India

Objectives. To determine the complete range of carious conditions and furthermore to compare the risk factors and patterns of dental caries amongst schoolchildren aged 12 and 15 years in Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods. Cross-sectional descriptive survey was performed among 800 schoolchildren to assess the dental caries status by Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) scoring. Chi-square, parametric t-test, one-way ANOVA with post hoc Bonferroni and stepwise multiple linear regression were utilized for statistical analysis. Results. Study population comprised of 476 (59.5%) boys and 324 (40.5%) girls, of which 356 (44.5%) and 444 (55.5%) represented the 12- and 15-years age group respectively. Prevalence of dental caries was 60.6% (Mean 0.38+0.545). Younger age group children presented a significant (p<0.05) lower caries prevalence (54.8%) as against 65.3% in 15 years children. Majority, 189 (23.6%) revealed distinct visual change in enamel (code 3). Acuteness of disease constructed on maximum CAST score for each subject showed that teeth with morbidity (28.5%) is higher followed by reversible pre-morbidity (23.6%) and serious morbidity (6.5%). Predominantly first molars were generally influenced. Significant interpreters in plunging order for DMFT were frequency of cleaning teeth and sweet score. Conclusions. A creative instrument named CAST index describes full continuum of dental caries. Its utilization in epidemiological studies is exceptionally encouraging as it is less tedious and more cost effective. It can possibly be a useful tool for planning caries control programs in both individual and community levels

Oral myiasis in children

Oral myiasis is a rare condition in humans and is associated with poor oral hygiene, severe halitosis, mouth breathing during sleep, mental handicap, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, anterior open bite, incompetent lips, and other conditions. In this report, a 14 year-old boy who had an orofacial trauma in the maxillary dentoalveolar region,which was neglected, has been described. There was a deep lacerated wound on the upper vestibule which was infected and maggots were found on the same wound. The clinical features, management, treatment are discussed and relevant literature is reviewed