Awareness toward AIDS: A Dental Perspective

Background: HIV/AIDS (human immunodeficiency virus/ acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) constitute not only a pathological entity but also have a social implication which notonly affects the general quality of life but also of those who are related to him/her. So, it becomes imperative to facilitate the spread of awareness among the dental professionals to build a stronger foundation against this social taboo. Aims and objectives: To assess the awareness of dental fraternity of Bhopal on HIV/AIDS and to assess and compare the differences and similarities between various groups of dental fraternity. Materials and methods: The study population included 200 individuals. It was divided into three categories as undergraduate (UG) students, postgraduate (PG) students, and dental practitioners. Standardized questionnaire was prepared including open- and close-ended objective type questions. The questionnaire consisted of 17 questions. Questions were based on three groups, i.e. knowledge and awareness, clinical manifestations of HIV and diagnosis and prognosis. Data collected was then transferred to Microsoft excel work sheet and evaluated by SPSS 20.0 version software. Results: From our study we deduced that basic knowledgeabout HIV is 75.5% in dental practitioners as compared to 64 and 36% of UG and PG. Knowledge about diagnosis of HIV in dental fraternity is 35% in UG as compared to 26 and 33% inPG and dental practitioners, knowledge about symptoms and treatment is 70% in UG as compared to 68 and 62% of PG and dental practitioners, awareness about HIV/AIDS is 90% in PG as compared to 80% of UG and dental practitioners. Conclusion: From our study we can safely conclude that the overall knowledge of dentists about HIV/AIDS is adequate, butthere are certain gray areas, such as diagnosis and treatment which need our attentions. It becomes imperative for us to know and be aware of the HIV/AIDS threat. This article attempts to assess and reflect how much we need to improve our education system so as to be foolproof against this virus of mass destruction because forewarned is forearmed

Effect of Conventional and Microwave Tissue Processing Technique on DNA Integrity: A Comparative Molecular Analysis

BACKGROUND: Methods of diagnostic molecular biology are routinely applied on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues processed via conventional method. Recently, there has been a growing interest to use microwave technology in histopathology laboratories to overcome the deficiencies of the conventional processing method. Thefore, this study was aimed to compare and analyze the quality and quantity of DNA obtained from tissues processed by conventional and microwave tissue processing techniques and to further ascertain the applicability of the latter for PCR (polymerase chain reaction based research).METHODS: Thirty fresh tissues of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) were included, and each sample was cut into two equivalent halves. One tissue half was processed by conventional manual method whereas the other half was processed using a domestic microwave oven. DNA was obtained from all the tissues which were then subjected to Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to evaluate GAPDH (Glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase) gene expression.RESULTS: The results revealed better DNA yield from microwave processed tissue while the quality of the DNA was alike from both the techniques.CONCLUSION: On the basis of the results obtained, it can be concluded that DNA produced by microwave processed tissues was similar to that obtained by conventional processing technique in terms of quantity and quality. Thus, microwave processed tissue samples can be successfully used for further molecular studies and researches

Craniofacial and dental anomalies among mentally challenged children

Aim: To evaluate the prevalence of craniofacial and dental anomalies among different developmental disorders in mentally challenged subjects of various special schools. Material and Methods : A cross sectional study was conducted in four rehabilitation centers for mentally disabled subjects in Bhopal City. Atotal o f296 subjects with age range of 5-15 years were screened and findings were recorded in specially prepared proforma. Results: Among 296 subjects, 73 were of Down′s syndrome (DS), 168 of mental retardation (MR), 31 of autism (AT) and 24 of cerebral Palsy (CP). The anomalies were found to be predominant in syndromic mental disability compared to non-syndromic disorders. High vault palate was the most common developmental anomaly amongst all the four disabilities. Gingivitis & hypersalivation was noted as an additional finding in all the subgroups. Conclusion: Craniofacial and dental anomalies usually supplement mentally challenged children, leading to poor performance of stomatognathic complex. Therefore critical appraisal of oral health status of such subjects is imperative

Polymorphous Low-Grade Adenocarcinoma

Polymorphous low-grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is a rare, malignant salivary gland tumor commonly affecting the minor salivary glands, histologically showing morphological diversity and a low metastatic potential. Hereby reporting a case of PLGA in a 58-year-old male patient showing involvement of antral floor

Endodontic treatment and esthetic management of a primary double tooth with direct composite using silicone buildup guide

Gemination and fusion are morphological dental anomalies, characterized by the formation of a clinically wide tooth. Gemination occurs when one tooth bud tries to divide, while fusion occurs if two buds unite. The terms double teeth, double formation, conjoined teeth, geminifusion, vicinifusion and dental twinning are often used to describe fusion and gemination. Double teeth are associated with clinical problems such as poor esthetics, spacing problems and caries susceptibility. Management of such cases requires a comprehensive knowledge of the clinical entity as well as the problems associated with it. This report presents a case of primary double tooth in a 6-year-old boy involving maxillary left central incisor. The anomalous tooth was carious and pulpally involved. This was treated conservatively by endodontic treatment and esthetic rehabilitation was done with direct composite restoration using a silicone buildup guide. The treated tooth was followed up until exfoliation

A human specific Alu DNA cassette is found flanking the genes of transcription factor AP2

Abstract Objective Alu elements are retroposons that invaded the primate genome and shaped its biology. Some Alus inserted recently and are polymorphic in the human population. It is these Alus that are being sought after in disease association studies and regulatory biology. Discovering polymorphic Alus in the human genome can open areas of new research in these fields. Results Using the polymerase chain reaction on genomic DNA, we identified a polymorphic Alu in the flanking region of the TFAP2B and TFAP2D genes. The new insert was found in higher frequency in Europeans (0.4) and Asians (0.38) and lower frequency in Africans (0.25). We also show this Alu to be part of a 3 Alu cassette that is human specific. The TFAP2B and TFAP2D genes encode members of the transcription factor AP-2, which plays a role in organ development. The insertion of this Alu cassette flanking the transcription factor genes distinguishes humans from the primates. This cassette can possibly affect the regulation of both genes or alternately provoke genomic deletions, which we have shown in this study. Its presence in such a location is intriguing and unquestionably opens an investigational window in disease association studies and in the field of gene regulation