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Keratin 8/18, the predominant keratin pair of simple epithelia, is known to be aberrantly expressed in several squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs), where its expression is often correlated with increased invasion, neoplastic progression, and poor prognosis. The majority of keratin 8/18 structural and regulatory functions are governed by posttranslational modifications, particularly phosphorylation. Apart from filament reorganization, cellular processes including cell cycle, cell growth, cellular stress, and apoptosis are known to be orchestrated by K8 phosphorylation at specific residues in the head and tail domains. Even though deregulation of K8 phosphorylation at two significant sites (Serine73 /Serine431 ) has been implicated in neoplastic progression of SCCs by various in vitro studies, including ours, it is reported to be highly context-dependent. Therefore, to delineate the precise role of Kereatin 8 phosphorylation in cancer initiation and progression, we have developed the tissue-specific transgenic mouse model expressing Keratin 8 wild type and phosphodead mutants under Keratin 14 promoter. Subjecting these mice to 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-mediated skin carcinogenesis revealed that Keratin 8 phosphorylation may lead to an early onset of tumors compared to Keratin 8 wild-type expressing mice. Conclusively, the transgenic mouse model developed in the present study ascertained a positive impact of Keratin 8 phosphorylation on the neoplastic transformation of skin-squamous cells.

PURPOSE: To examine the retention rates and efficacy of silicone punctal plugs for the treatment of dry eye disease (DED) in patients with ocular graft-versus-host-disease (oGVHD) in comparison to dry eye disease due to non-oGVHD etiologies. METHODS: We reviewed the case-records of 864 consecutive patients with DED who were symptomatic despite topical therapy and had silicone punctal plugs placed over an eight-year- period at a single academic center. We compared plug retention rates in oGVHD and non-oGVHD DED patients using Kaplan-Meier analyses. Furthermore, we analyzed changes in objective ocular surface parameters including tear breakup time (TBUT), Schirmer’s test, and corneal fluorescein staining (CFS) score in plug-retaining patients at two-, six- and twelve-month follow-up. RESULTS: Median age of dry eye patients was 58 years, and 606 (70%) of patients were women. In the cohort, 264(31%) patients were diagnosed with oGVHD. Plug retention was significantly lower in oGVHD-DED patients compared to non-oGVHD-DED patients (p

Purpose To establish the prevalence, clinical characteristics, and risk factors for persistent corneal epithelial defects (PED) in patients with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD) and to determine visual outcomes after healing. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods A chart review was conducted of patients in whom chronic oGVHD was diagnosed between January 2011 and December 2018 and their demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. Data were analyzed to determine prevalence of PED, and multivariate logistic regression was performed to determine the risk factors associated with it. Results A total of 405 patients at a mean age of 60 ± 13 years in whom chronic oGVHD was diagnosed; 58% were men. The prevalence of PED was 8.1%. The median time for PED development after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was approximately 24 months. Median time to PED resolution was 4.5 weeks after starting therapy. The mean best-corrected visual acuity declined by 2 lines post-PED resolution. The prevalence rates of corneal ulcer and perforation were 6.2% and 4.0%, respectively, over 8 years. Logistic regression analysis, used to determine factors associated with PED, showed diabetes (P = .006), limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) (P = .02), filamentary keratitis (P = .02), subconjunctival fibrosis (P = .02), and a higher National Institutes of Health (NIH) oGVHD score (P = .01) were significant risk factors for PED development. Conclusions The study found the prevalence rate of PED, corneal ulceration, and corneal perforation in chronic oGVHD to be 8.1%, 6.2%, and 4%, respectively. Analysis showed that oGVHD patients with diabetes, LSCD, filamentary keratitis, subconjunctival fibrosis, and a high NIH score were at higher risk of developing severe corneal disease.

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with corneal perforation in patients with chronic ocular graft-versus-host disease (oGVHD). Methods: We reviewed the case records of 405 patients diagnosed with chronic oGVHD over 8 years at a single academic center and assessed the prevalence of corneal perforation in the cohort. We reviewed patient demographics, indication for and type of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), time elapsed between HSCT and perforation, and clinical characteristics including oGVHD severity scores, ocular comorbidities, and topical medications at the time of perforation. Data were analyzed to determine the characteristics of patients with corneal perforation and establish the risk factors. Results: Of the 405 patients with chronic oGVHD, 15 (3.7%) developed a corneal perforation. The mean age of patients at the time of perforation was 64 +/- 11 years and 10 (67%) were men. The median time to corneal perforation was 3.3 years post-HSCT. Although perforation occurred unilaterally in all cases, 44% had epithelial defects and 38% had stromal abnormalities in the contralateral eye. Of the patients with corneal perforation, 9 (60%) had a National Institute of Health oGVHD severity score of 2 and 6 (40%) had a score of 3. Patients with chronic oGVHD on antiglaucoma drops had a significantly higher risk of corneal perforation (P < 0.001). Conclusions Corneal perforation is a rare but vision-threatening complication of chronic oGVHD. Our study emphasizes the need for frequent and long-term follow-up of patients with oGVHD regardless of the severity of disease. In particular, patients with chronic oGVHD on topical antiglaucoma medications should be monitored closely due to a higher risk for corneal perforation.

Despite increasing insights in genome structure organization, the role of DNA repetitive elements, accounting for more than two thirds of the human genome, remains elusive. Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is associated with deletion of D4Z4 repeat array below 11 units at 4q35.2. It is known that the deletion alters chromatin structure in cis, leading to gene up-regulation. Here we show a genome-wide role of 4q-D4Z4 array in modulating gene expression via 3D nuclear contacts. We have developed an integrated strategy of 4q-D4Z4–specific 4C-seq and chromatin segmentation analyses, showing that 4q-D4Z4 3D interactome and chromatin states of interacting genes are impaired in FSHD1 condition; in particular, genes that have lost the 4q-D4Z4 interaction and with a more active chromatin state are enriched for muscle atrophy transcriptional signature. Expression level of these genes is restored by the interaction with an ectopic 4q-D4Z4 array, suggesting that the repeat directly modulates the transcription of contacted targets. Of note, the up-regulation of atrophic genes is a common feature of several FSHD1 and FSHD2 patients, indicating that we have identified a core set of deregulated genes involved in FSHD pathophysiology.

Aloevera has been in used by humans since times immemorial. Its health benefits are well known. AncientGreeks and Egyptians used it in their daily routine and in battle fields due to its many miraculous properties.Studies have proved the antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-fungal and wound healing propertiesof aloe vera plant. Recently it has garnered a lot of interest regarding its use in dentistry as it is completelynatural and there are no side effects reported with proper usage. This paper gives an overview of the uses ofthis wonder plant in various departments of dentistry

Introduction: In the working age population, Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) is the most common cause of visual loss. Purpose: The present study is aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravitreal injection of Ranibizumab (IVR) versus intravitreal Dexamethasone implant (IVD) in patients with DME in a tertiary care centre upto 4 months. Methods: This is a comparative, prospective, randomized study that was done on 140 patients with macular edema confirmed on optical coherence tomography (OCT). IVD group received Ozurdex® (Allergan, Inc, Ireland) while the IVR group received Lucentis® (Novartis, Basel, Switzerland); the groups were followed up at day-1 and weeks 4, 8, 12, 16. Patients were divided into Group A, in which patients were given 3 doses (monthly) of IVR 0.3 mg in 0.05 ml (n=70). Group B patients were given a single dose of IVD implant 0.7 mg (n=70). Results: The mean number of injections given was 1 Ozurdex® per patient vs. 3 Lucentis® per patient. The maximum reduction in central macular thickness (CMT) with IVD was 167.8 μm and 138.8μm in the 2nd and 3rd months, respectively, with IVR. The mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) in the 4th month was 0.34 logMAR and 0.33 logMAR, in IVD and IVR groups, respectively, with consistent improvement. Patients with 0-5 letters, 6-10 letters and 10-15 letters, and >15 letters visibility in IVD group were 9.5, 20.6, 4.8, 6.4%, and 20.4, 18.8, 20.3 20.3% in IVR groups, respectively. The maximum intraocular pressure (IOP) rise with IVD was found to be 16 mmHg in 2 patients (3.17%). IOP rise >10 mmHg was observed in 14/63 patients (22.22%); the majority of patients indicated a high rise at 2nd month with all returning to baseline by 4th month. No reports of infectious endophthalmitis or new cataracts were detected in either of the treated groups. Conclusion: Both intravitreal Ranibizumab injection and Dexamethasone implants were found to be safe and effective in lowering CMT and improving BCVA at the 4-month follow up in patients with DME. Since there was no recurrence of CMT in the Dexamethasone implant group, we suggest that early administration before the 4th month may indicate superior efficacy over the ranibizumab injection. Further randomized trials in a large sample size with a longer period follow- up would be performed to justify the obtained results in the present study.

To review the current regimens and novel therapeutic modalities in various stages of research and development for the management of non-infectious posterior uveitis (NIPU). We performed a thorough review of current literature using PubMed, Google Scholar and Clinicaltrials.gov to identify the published literature about the available therapeutics and novel drugs/therapies in different stages of clinical trials. The current management regimen for non-infectious posterior uveitis includes corticosteroids, immunomodulatory therapies and anti-metabolites. However, NIPU requires long-term management for efficacious remission of the disease and to prevent disease relapse. Long-term safety issues associated with steroids have led to efforts to develop novel therapeutic agents including biological response modulators and immunosuppressants. The current therapeutic agents in various stages of development include calcineurin inhibitors, biologic response modifiers and a more a comprehensive modalities like ocular gene therapy as well as novel drug delivery mechanisms for higher bioavailability to the target tissues, with minimal systemic effects. Novel efficacious therapeutic modalities under development will help overcome the challenges associated with the traditional therapeutic agents.

Areca nut is consumed extensively throughout the world with significant public health and oral implications. This habit is more prevalent amid communities belonging to India and the South-East Asia region (SEAR). In the past few decades, surveys have reported that consuming areca nut has increased among population and a high proportion of school children use areca-nut daily in some form. Low cost, easy availability, advertising, role modeling, social acceptance and perception of areca nut as harmless is what contributes to its use. Areca nut users are at high risk of oral submucous fibrosis, a debilitating and potentially malignant condition and also suffer adverse health outcomes. Though industrially made areca nut products have been banned in all states and union territories of India, but it is still widely available. WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provides evidence-based policies for reducing tobacco use, but no global policy exists for the control of areca nut use. Associative research is needed to sermon this nugatory global public health emergency and to mobilize efforts to control areca nut use. In addition, possible prevention and cessation programs for areca nut users, effective actions to increase awareness regarding health risks among general public and to minimize its use both at personal and government levels should be undertaken.

Snakebite being commonly encountered emergency in our country and most dreaded one too. It has been estimated that as many as 2.8 million people are bitten by snakes, and 45 900 people die from snakebite every year in India1. The most common coagulopathy associated with snake-bite envenoming is Venom Induced Consumptive Coagulopathy. Venom contain enzymes like proteases, phospholipase A2, hyaluronidase and arginine ester hydrolase. Phospholipase A2 is the factor responsible for hemolysis secondary to the esterlytic effect on the red cell membranes The hyaluronidase causes spread of the venom in the subcutaneous tissue by disrupting mucopolysaccharides. In majority of cases there is disruption in coagulation profile causing increase in PT, INR, aPTT, thrombocytopenia and increase in FDP, which suggests DIC as the probable cause for intracerebral hemorrhage . But always it is not true there are some cases in which there is hemorrhagic risk without alteration in coagulation profile. All my 3 cases present to us with normal coagulation profile , One 26 year old male present within one hour of snake bite and died within 3 days of the bite, while other two presented lately that is 2and 6 day of the snake bite ,of which both survived and had no residual focal deficit at time of discharge. This delayed clinical, laboratory manifestation of vasculotoxic snake due to the delayed seepage of venom from deeper reservoirs in the bite site or due to disassembly of the antigen-antibody complex with reinstitution of circulating unbound venom constituents. Intracranial hemorrhages are poorly understood in case of snake bite and can occur later complication also even after treatment with ASV. Still use of FFP is not advocated in much studies, there is immense need to investigate this area. Use of ASV and FFP without increased WBCT to avoid later complication is to be studied.

A 48-year-old woman presented with sudden-onset altered sensorium 2 days after a snake bite (unidentified species) and was found to have a large right frontal intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) with transtentorial herniation (TTH) causing brain stem compression. A day later, neurological examination revealed internuclear ophthalmoplegia (INO) fitting the clinical description of wall eyed bilateral INO syndrome. INO is a rare ocular motor sign, the most common causes being brain stem infarction, haemorrhage or demyelinating disease. It rarely acts as a false localising sign, such as in this case, and in an even rarer cause for ICH, that is, haemotoxic snake bite without initial evidence of coagulopathy. An emphasis needs to be laid on detailed physical examination, often considered a lost art nowadays, to help detect subtle clinical signs which could herald ominous complications of conditions like TTH and help in early diagnosis and treatment of the same.

BackgroundEarly life adversity exposure impacts preterm infants’ neurodevelopment and early intervention protocols may modulate neurodevelopmental outcomes.Neuronal genomes are plastic in response to environment and mobile genetic elements, including LINE-1 (L1), are source of brain genomic mosaicism. Maternal care during early life regulates L1 methylation and copy number variations (CNVs) in mice. Here, we sought to identify the effects of maternal care and positive multisensory stimulation (Early Intervention) on L1 methylation and neurodevelopment in preterm infants.MethodsVery preterm infants were randomized to receive Standard Care or Early Intervention. L1 methylation was measured at birth and at hospital discharge. At 12 months infants’ neurodevelopment was evaluated with the Griffiths Scales. L1 methylation and CNVs were measured in mouse brain areas at embryonic and postnatal stages.ResultsWe demonstrated that L1 is hypomethylated in preterm versus term infants at birth. Early Intervention contributes to restore L1 methylation and positively modulates neurodevelopment. We showed that L1 methylation is developmentally-regulated in mice, decreasing in early postnatal life stages, which turns into an increased L1 CNVs specifically in hippocampus and cortex.ConclusionsHere we demonstrated that L1 dynamics can be modulated by Early Intervention, in parallel with ameliorated neurodevelopmental outcomes. We further identified a specific developmental window of the fetal mouse brain, sensitive to early life experience, in which L1 dynamics are fine-tuned contributing to shape the brain genomic landscape.Trail RegistrationclinicalTrial.gov (NCT02983513)FundingItalian Ministry of Health (RC 780/03 2017), University of Milan (DISCCO 2015) and INGM internal funding.

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well established to have promising therapeutic properties. TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a potent tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory factor, has been demonstrated to be responsible for a significant part of the tissue-protecting properties mediated by MSCs. Nevertheless, current knowledge about the biological function of TSG-6 in MSCs is limited. Here, we demonstrated that TSG-6 is a crucial factor that influences many functional properties of MSCs. The transcriptomic sequencing analysis of wild-type (WT) and TSG-6−/−-MSCs shows that the loss of TSG-6 expression leads to the perturbation of several transcription factors, cytokines, and other key biological pathways. TSG-6−/−-MSCs appeared morphologically different with dissimilar cytoskeleton organization, significantly reduced size of extracellular vesicles, decreased cell proliferative rate, and loss of differentiation abilities compared with the WT cells. These cellular effects may be due to TSG-6-mediated changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. The supplementation of ECM with exogenous TSG-6, in fact, rescued cell proliferation and changes in morphology. Importantly, TSG-6-deficient MSCs displayed an increased capacity to release interleukin-6 conferring pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic properties to the MSCs. Overall, our data provide strong evidence that TSG-6 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness and other biological properties of murine MSCs.

Background Oral cancer is most common cancer globally and is one of the most life-threatening conditions worldwide. Aim To assess the knowledge and awareness of oral cancer and the impact of pictorial warnings on the willingness to quit tobacco in young tobacco consumers in India. Methods This cross-sectional study included 250 young tobacco consumers from Ranchi, Jharkhand. A pretested validated questionnaire was used that collected information on knowledge and awareness of oral cancer from the respondents. The responses were estimated on a three-point scale (No/Don’t know/Yes). p-Value Results The majority of the respondents were aware of oral cancer (92.0%). Educational status was significantly associated with a good knowledge of awareness of oral cancer and its associated risk factors (p-Value Conclusion Alternative strategies need to be employed by the government to motivate people to quit tobacco consumption. Dental health education should be provided and educational pamphlets should be distributed to create awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco consumption.

CyberKnife stereotactic radiosurgery system is an innovative, effective, frameless, non-invasive substitute for conventional surgical treatment of cancer. It works on the principle of stereotaxy. It is used for the treatment of both cancerous and non-cancerous tumors, intracranial lesions, tumors of lung, spine, prostate, and kidney, recurrent cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma, arteriovenous malformation, and trigeminal neuralgia. It has an advantage over other systems like Gamma knife radiosurgery and linear accelerator (LINAC)-based systems, as it is frameless, has submillimeter accuracy, does not affect the normal cells adjacent to the lesion, and tracks the lesion in synchronization with the patient's respiratory rate. The future of CyberKnife encompasses possibilities such as incremental improvements in accuracy and better shaping of the field of radiation and would certainly allow extension of radiosurgery as an effective substitute for chemotherapy. This paper aims to review and highlight the immense potential that CyberKnife holds in the field of dentistry in treating disorders of the head and neck region, thereby ensuring enhanced longevity for the patients.

Keratin 8/18, the predominant keratin pair of simple epithelia, is often aberrantly expressed in various squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) including skin SCC. Its aberrant expression is correlated with increased invasiveness and poor prognosis of the same, although the underlying mechanism is still unclear. A previous report from our laboratory has shown K8-mediated regulation of α6β4 integrin signaling and thereby tumorigenic potential of oral SCC-derived cells. Another study on transgenic mouse model has shown that during skin carcinogenesis, K8 favors conversion of papillomas toward malignancy. In order to understand the role of K8 and allied mechanism in skin SCC, K8 was stably knocked down in a skin epidermoid carcinoma-derived A431 cells. K8 downregulation significantly reduced the tumorigenic potential of these cells. In agreement with our phenotypic data, differential quantitative proteomics followed by IPA analysis showed altered expression of many proteins associated with biological functions including 'Cancer', 'Cellular movement', 'Cell death and survival', and 'Cellular morphology'. Some of these proteins were TMS1, MARCKSL1, RanBP1, 14-3-3γ, Rho-GDI2, etc. Furthermore, to our surprise, there was a significant reduction in K17 protein stability upon loss of K8, probably due to its caspase-mediated degradation. This was supported by altered TMS1-NF-κB signaling, leading to increased apoptotic sensitivity of A431 cells which in turn affected 'Cell death and survival'. Moreover, MARCKSL1-Paxillin1-Rac axis was found to be deregulated bestowing a possible mechanism behind altered 'Cellular movement' pathway. Altogether our study unravels a much broader regulatory role of K8, governing multiple signaling pathways and consequently regulating oncogenic potential of skin SCC-derived cells. Database Proteome Xchange Consortium via PRIDE database (dataset identifier PXD007206).

The peripheral cemento-ossifying fibroma (PCOF) is an osteogenic neoplasm and is believed to arise from the periodontal ligament. It accounts for 3.1% of all oral tumors and 9.6% of all gingival lesions. It frequently occurs in the maxillary anterior region in teenagers and young adults, and has a female predilection. Trauma, local irritation due to calculus, ill-fitting dentures and faulty restorations, and hormonal disturbances are the known predisposing factors. An early diagnosis and surgical excision is required to prevent its recurrence. Here we present a case of PCOF with a history of just two months, occurring in an elderly female involving the edentulous mandibular posterior region.

LINE-1 (L1) retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements comprising similar to 17% of the human genome. New L1 insertions can profoundly alter gene function and cause disease, though their significance in cancer remains unclear. Here, we applied enhanced retrotransposon capture sequencing (RC-seq) to 19 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) genomes and elucidated two archetypal L1-mediated mechanisms enabling tumorigenesis. In the first example, 4/19 (21.1%) donors presented germline retrotransposition events in the tumor suppressor mutated in colorectal cancers (MCC). MCC expression was ablated in each case, enabling oncogenic beta-catenin/Wnt signaling. In the second example, suppression of tumorigenicity 18 (ST18) was activated by a tumor-specific L1 insertion. Experimental assays confirmed that the L1 interrupted a negative feedback loop by blocking ST18 repression of its enhancer. ST18 was also frequently amplified in HCC nodules from Mdr2(-/-) mice, supporting its assignment as a candidate liver oncogene. These proof-of-principle results substantiate L1-mediated retrotransposition as an important etiological factor in HCC.

Keratin 8/18, a simple epithelia specific keratin pair, is often aberrantly expressed in squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) where its expression is correlated with increased invasion and poor prognosis. Majority of Keratin 8 (K8) functions are governed by its phosphorylation at Serine73 (head-domain) and Serine431 (tail-domain) residues. Although, deregulation of K8 phosphorylation is associated with progression of different carcinomas, its role in skin-SCC and the underlying mechanism is obscure. In this direction, we performed tandem mass tag-based quantitative phosphoproteomics by expressing K8 wild type, phosphodead, and phosphomimetic mutants in K8-deficient A431 cells. Further analysis of our phosphoproteomics data showed a significant proportion of total phosphoproteome associated with migratory, proliferative, and invasive potential of these cells to be differentially phosphorylated. Differential phosphorylation of CDK1T14,Y15 , EIF4EBP1T46,T50 , EIF4BS422 , AKT1S1T246,S247 , CTTN1T401,S405,Y421 , and CAP1S307/309 in K8-S73A/D mutant and CTTN1T401,S405,Y421 , BUB1BS1043 , and CARHSP1S30,S32 in K8-S431A/D mutants as well as some anonymous phosphosites including MYCS176 , ZYXS344 , and PNNS692 could be potential candidates associated with K8 phosphorylation mediated tumorigenicity. Biochemical validation followed by phenotypic analysis further confirmed our quantitative phosphoproteomics data. In conclusion, our study provides the first global picture of K8 site-specific phosphorylation function in neoplastic progression of A431 cells and suggests various potential starting points for further mechanistic studies.

The identification of a constantly increasing number of genes whose mutations are causally implicated in tumor initiation and progression (cancer genes) requires the development of tools to store and analyze them. The Network of Cancer Genes (NCG 3.0) collects information on 1494 cancer genes that have been found mutated in 16 different cancer types. These genes were collected from the Cancer Gene Census as well as from 18 whole exome and 11 whole-genome screenings of cancer samples. For each cancer gene, NCG 3.0 provides a summary of the gene features and the cross-reference to other databases. In addition, it describes duplicability, evolutionary origin, orthology, network properties, interaction partners, microRNA regulation and functional roles of cancer genes and of all genes that are related to them. This integrated network of information can be used to better characterize cancer genes in the context of the system in which they act. The data can also be used to identify novel candidates that share the same properties of known cancer genes and may therefore play a similar role in cancer. NCG 3.0 is freely available at http://bio.ifom-ieo-campus.it/ncg.

Introduction: Dental identification can be done on the basis of “sexual dimorphism,” which refers to the differences in size, stature and appearance of males and females. The most reliable bony structures for sex determinations are pelvis and skull. Zygomatic arch and vault area as being part of skull can be considered most reliable and accurate for their objectivity and reproducibility. Among the various skull radiographs, jug handle radiograph provides the best view of zygomatic arches and vault area. Hence the present study has been undertaken to measure bizygomatic and intervault distance on the jug handle radiograph for gender determination. Aim and Objectives:(i) To assess the efficacy and reliability of craniometric measurement using bizygomatic distance for gender determination. (ii) To assess the efficacy and reliability of craniometric measurement using intervault distance for gender determination. (iii) To determine the most appropriate and reliable craniometric method for gender determination among bizygomatic and intervault distance. Methodology: Sixty individuals (30 males and 30 females) between age group of 18 to 25 years were included in the study. Jug handle radiographs were taken under standardized manner. Bizygomatic and inter vault distances were measured, and the results obtained were later subjected to statistical evaluation (independent Student's t-test). Result: The average bizygomatic distance of male was found to be 72.594 and for female was 65.3583, and intervault distance for male was 63.8693 and for female were 59.664, which was found to be statistically significant. Conclusion: It was observed that males have more bizygomatic distance and intervault distance when compared to females. Also, bizygomatic distance gave better result as compare to intervault distance. Thus, based on the observations from the present study we can conclude that craniometric measurement can be considered as a reliable tool for gender determination.

The WHO estimates that more than 1/3rd of world population is anemic, of which iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is most common and serious problem of public health significance. Prevalence of anemia in India is among the highest in the world but within the country prevalence rates differ substantially between different regions. Indian Armed Forces personnel and families form a special class as it includes people from all regions. However, reliable data on the prevalence of anemia in families of naval personnel is scanty. The present study highlights the problem of anemia in non-pregnant wives of serving enrolled personnel of the Indian Navy in the reproductive age group.A community based, cross sectional study was carried out at a Naval Base. Physical examination and hemoglobin estimation was done for 257 (100% sample) non-pregnant/non-lactating wives of serving enrolled personnel of the Indian Navy of age between 18 and 45years. Statistical analysis was carried out to estimate the prevalence of anemia.The prevalence of anemia was found to be 31.90%. Literacy status and Mean BMI of women with anemia was found to be significantly less than subjects without anemia. In conclusion this was a small study conducted to simply access the prevalence of anemia in wives of naval personnel, which though found much lower than national average is still high at 31.90%. Hence a larger multicentric study is being planned to evaluate the prevalence and factors associated with anemia in families of Armed Forces personnel.

Various methods like Gustafson's method, Demirjian's method, Nolla's method, Kvaal's method and amino acid racemisation have been used to estimate age. Present study aims to determine regression formulae and to check its accuracy in calculating age using Kvaals's method on OPGs for a specific population and to check the applicability and reliability of the derived formulaes on our specified population. Sixty subjects aged between 20 to 60 years, were randomly selected and digital OPGs were taken using standard procedures. Measurements were recorded from which linear regression formulas were obtained and age was calculated. Statistically, the coefficient of determination (R²) was strongest when the ratios for all 6 teeth were included (0.244) and weakest when mandibular first premolar used alone (0.069). Among the mandibular and maxillary teeth, maxillary teeth showed better coefficient of determination (R² = 0.181) The derived formulas when applied to a 15 randomly selected subject's IOPARs gave difference between calculated and chronological age within the acceptable limits. Thus, it proved the feasibility of Kvaal's method of age estimation in adults using orthopantomograph in the selected population.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is almost invariably associated with an underlying inflammatory state, whose direct contribution to the acquisition of critical genomic changes is unclear. Here we map acquired genomic alterations in human and mouse HCCs induced by defects in hepatocyte biliary transporters, which expose hepatocytes to bile salts and cause chronic inflammation that develops into cancer. In both human and mouse cancer genomes, we find few somatic point mutations with no impairment of cancer genes, but massive gene amplification and rearrangements. This genomic landscape differs from that of virus- and alcohol-associated liver cancer. Copy-number gains preferentially occur at late stages of cancer development and frequently target the MAPK signalling pathway, and in particular direct regulators of JNK. The pharmacological inhibition of JNK retards cancer progression in the mouse. Our study demonstrates that intrahepatic cholestasis leading to hepatocyte exposure to bile acids and inflammation promotes cancer through genomic modifications that can be distinguished from those determined by other aetiological factors.

Introduction: Estimation of age is an important aspect of forensic science. The assessment of age is useful in forensic odontology and in treatments plans of orthodontic and pedodontic patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine dental age from orthopantomograph using Demirjian′s method and Nolla′s method. It was also to evaluate the interrelationship between chronological and dental age according to both these methods and to evaluate which technique was better. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiology of Babu Banarasi Das College of Dental Sciences (UP, Northern India). A total of 300 subjects (150 girls and 150 boys) of age group from 6 years to 15 years were enrolled. These subjects were grouped by a difference of 1 year into 10 groups (each group comprised of 30 subjects: 15 males and 15 females). For every individual included in the study a panoramic radiograph was taken, with standard parameters and adequate protective measures. Results: The results imply that Demirjian′s method is applicable to all age groups and for both genders with better accuracy than Nolla′s method, which had a limited utility in younger age group. Thus Demirjian′s method is a better method when compared to Nolla′s method in Northern Indian population.