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Background: The incidence of impacted or embedded third molars accounts for approximately 98%. Since 1948, there are studies reporting pathological changes in an asymptomatic dental follicle. Controversy still exists for removal of asmptomatic impacted teeth. Hence, this study was performed to histologically evaluate soft tissue pathosis in the pericoronal tissues of impacted third molars with pericoronal radiolucency measuring up to 2.5 mm on orthopantomographs. Materials and Methods: Forty-one asymptomatic impacted third molars with follicular space of up to 2.5 mm on radiographs were included. The disimpacted teeth and the follicular tissues were obtained for histological examination. Results: Age of the patients ranged from 14 to 25 years. Of 41 tissues evaluated, histopathological reports of 18 follicles were suggestive of dentigerous cyst, two follicles showed odontogenic keratocyst, one follicle each of calcifying epithelial odontogenic cyst, ameloblastoma-like proliferation, odontogenic myxoma and odontogenic fibroma. Conclusion: This study showed 58.5% of asymptomatic cases with definite pathological changes. Hence, thorough clinical and radiographic examination should be carried out for all impacted third molars and the dental follicular tissue should be submitted for histopathological evaluation.

Background: Areca nut, a major component in areca quid possesses genotoxic and carcinogenic properties. Studies suggest that areca nut chewing is associated with a higher prevalence of oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) which could be also due to the detrimental effects of areca nut extract on the host defense system. Objectives: To determine the effects of Areca nut extracts (ANE) of ripe (r-ANE) and tender (t-ANE) on the functions of neutrophils derived from peripheral blood and saliva samples in apparently healthy individuals with and without areca nut chewing habit. Materials and Methods: Sixty subjects with clinically normal-appearing oral mucosa without any systemic disorders were divided into two groups of 30 each consisting of subjects without any habits grouped under the control group while subjects with areca nut chewing habit were grouped under the study group. Blood and saliva samples were collected from both groups. Neutrophil functions in both blood and saliva were assessed by Nitroblue Tetrazolium assay (NBT) and Phagocytic assay (PHG) using various concentration of t-ANE and r-ANE extracts. Results: In both the groups, with increasing concentrations of t-ANE and r-ANE there was a drop in mean scores for both assays. A comparison between the groups revealed higher mean values in the control group than the study group which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Areca nut affects the neutrophil function significantly in ripe form than tender form. Saliva can prove to be an effective alternative material for analyzing the neutrophil function and hence the immune status in individuals. This may alter the defensive role of the oral cavity, and this may be one possible mechanism by which areca nut compromises the oral health of users of areca nut products increasing the susceptibility for various pathologies including oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Capnocytophaga species are recognized as part of human oral microbiota and implicated as periodontal pathogens associated with various periodontal diseases. The three original Capnocytophaga species - Capnocytophaga ochracea, Capnocytophaga sputigena and Capnocytophaga gingivalis were initially isolated from periodontitis in adults, but subsequent studies demonstrated their presence also at periodontally healthy sites in both children and adults. Their association with periodontal disease is a matter of controversy. Considering the differing virulence features of the respective isolate, it is crucial to identify these isolates to species level. Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of Capnocytophaga species by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) through restriction fragment length polymorphism in healthy individuals and patients with periodontal disease. Material and Methods: The study included a total of 300 individuals, 100 each with Gingivitis, Chronic periodontitis, and Healthy individuals. The plaque samples were collected using sterile curette in reduced transport fluid. DNA extraction was carried out for PCR analysis. Results: Of 300 individuals, Capnocytophaga species were identified from 237 (79%) participants in all groups. The prevalence was statistically analyzed using Chi-square test. The prevalence was more in males in gingivitis and healthy individuals (42% and 49% respectively), and females in periodontitis (40%). C. ochracea was observed in a higher proportion (36.33%), followed by C. granulosa (32.66%) and C. gingivalis (10%). They were identified more in the age group of 30-40 years in gingivitis and periodontitis, (30 and 21 individuals, respectively) and 39 individuals in 18-29 years in healthy individuals. They were present in 87% in healthy individuals, 77% in gingivitis and 73% in periodontitis. Conclusion: Capnocytophaga species are commonly present in healthy individuals and may be associated with periodontal disease. There is a need for further study to know the prevalence of other species of Capnocytophaga in health and disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First bite syndrome (FBS) is a condition that classically presents as severe pain in the preauricular region, initiated on the first bite of a meal. In most of the cases reported, it is associated with a history of upper neck surgery or tumor of the parotid salivary gland or parapharyngeal space (PPS). Some propose that FBS arises due to damage to the cervical sympathetic trunk leading to the loss of sympathetic innervations to the parotid salivary gland. Literature also showed occurrence of this syndrome in individuals who had no history of parotid tumor, PPS tumor or surgery of the upper neck, and such cases are referred to as idiopathic FBS (IFBS). There are very few case reports reported on IFBS. We report the one such rare case of IFBS in a 35-year-old male, referred to the outpatient department, with a 5-month history of severe, sharp pain and bilateral swelling in the parotid region occurring only on the first bite of eating and would diminish over few minutes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Periodontitis is a chronic destructive inflammatory disease of the oral cavity. The main causative agent is presence of biofilm formed due to different micro-organisms. Among different micro-organisms "red complex" bacteria is known to be the main causative agent in progression of periodontitis. Porphyromonas gingivalis out of the red the complex organism plays a major role in progression of periodontitis. P. gingivalisis present in both in healthy and diseased individuals. The difference in the strains will determine the virulence factor of the organism and also progression of disease. Only few studies have been done showing variation in strains present between healthy and diseased. Aims: To check the difference in heterogeneity of P. gingivalis in chronic periodontitis and healthy individuals through Arbitrarily Primed-PCR (AP-PCR). Materials and Methods: A total of 400 subjects (200 each of chronic periodontitisandhealthy individuals) were included. Sub-gingival plaque was collected in the Reduced transport fluid (RTF) medium and processed at the institutional central research laboratory. Presence of P. gingivalis was, confirmed by culture andphenotypical analysis. Further confirmed cases were processed for PCR after DNA extraction using 16S rRNA. Positive cases of P. gingivalis were subjected for AP-PCR for clonal analysis using the specific 272 primer. Results: In 152(76%) and 98(49%) were confirmed for P. gingivalis in chronic periodontitis and healthy individual respectively by PCR. AP-PCR analysis showed 6 clusters with similarity index in CP and 3 clusters with similarity index in Healthy individuals. Conclusion: The present study showed difference in clusters between chronic periodontitis and healthy individual'sthussuggestive variantin genetic heterogeneity of P. gingivalis strain between healthy and chronic periodontitis. AP-PCR appears to be a promising tool for clonal analysis of P. gingivalis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Culture of cells and tissues is a standard research method practiced in many laboratories. In most of the cases, these cultures are being used as substrates for cell products or as investigative tools for delving the mechanism of gene expression, cell proliferation and transformation. Primary monolayer cell culture has been beneficial to study the general biology of both oral and skin keratinocytes. There are two different techniques of primary cell cultures followed, which include direct explant and enzymatic techniques. Aims: The aim of the study was to optimize the culture of keratinocytes obtained from patients with normal oral mucosa by direct explant technique. Materials and Methods: Keratinocytes were isolated from 15 patients and were cultured in vitro and observed under an inverted microscope. The cultured cells were characterized by immunocytochemistry method using pan-cytokeratin. Results: The total success rate of primary culture of the oral epithelial cells by direct explant technique was 88.6%. No contamination of microorganisms in the primary cell cultures was obtained. Conclusion: Within the limited numbers of samples used in the current pilot study, we conclude that the direct explant technique appears to be a simple and successful technique for the isolation of oral mucosal keratinocytes if we follow the appropriate protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Studies have been done in diversified population, demonstrating the uniqueness of frontal sinus; data related to the Indian population are less. Thus, the present study was aimed to determine the frontal sinus measurement and to assess its forensic application in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 individuals with Indian origin (21–30 years) were included in the study. The digitized posteroanterior skull radiographs were obtained and was transferred to Adobe® CS4 extended to measure the dimensions of frontal sinus and orbit for 12 parameters. Statistical Analysis: A descriptive statistical analysis was performed. Results: The descriptive statistics showed the presence of bilateral frontal sinus in 87.7% and bilateral absence in 8.0% of the individuals and the absence of left and right frontal sinus in 3.3% and 1%, respectively. Maximum population showed high asymmetry index (64.7%); the right side frontal sinus (height, 59.3% and width, 40.8%) was superior to the left side in both males and females. The partial septa among the Indian population were absent for maximum population (55.2%), and supraorbital cells of the frontal sinuses were present on both sides among the Indian population. Conclusion: The observation of the present study suggests that the frontal sinus is highly asymmetrical and unique to the individual and hence can be effectively used in personal identification method in forensic anthropology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The prevalence of obesity has increased internationally over the last decades, and it was in the 1990s the World Health Organization considered it as a global epidemic. The link between obesity and a series of diseases has been confirmed, particularly cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The main cause of obesity is unhealthy or unbalanced diet combined with the lack of exercise. Obesity is also associated with periodontal disease, tooth loss, overall poor oral and general health. Obesity can be measured by measuring the body mass index (BMI). Prpi? et al. stated that persons with an increased BMI had slightly worse dental health, as represented by higher dental index (caries, periodontitis, periapical lesions, and missing teeth) regardless of their tooth brushing routines. Aim: To correlate the association between obesity and oral health in Indian population. Study Design: A total of 100 subjects were equally divided into two groups (50 study and 50 control group). The study group comprised of individuals with BMI 25-29.99 (overweight), BMI >30 (obese) and the control group comprises of individuals with BMI 18.5-24.99 (normal). Individuals with any systemic disease and any kind of deleterious habits were excluded from the study. Oral examination was performed on the subjects, which included plaque index (PI), gingival index, periodontal index, decayed missing filled teeth index and the overall oral health. A food frequency questionnaire validated with a monthly dietary record was conducted for each patient. Tooth brushing habits were also recorded. Statistical Analysis Used: Statistical analysis was performed by Chi-square test and student (unpaired) t-test. Results and Conclusion: There was a significant correlation between the BMI and oral health of obese individuals. The oral hygiene of obese patients was poor when compared to normal individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Capnocytophaga are facultative anaerobic Gram-negative bacilli and recognized as opportunistic pathogens of various extraoral infections. Only a few studies attempted to identify all the seven species of Capnocytophaga phenotypically and genotypically in healthy individuals and patients with chronic periodontitis. Studies to determine the prevalence of Capnocytophaga in subgingival plaque samples from healthy individuals, chronic gingivitis and periodontitis among Indian population are lacking. Aim: The aim of this study was to identify and compare the presence of Capnocytophaga species phenotypically through microbial culture and biochemical tests and genotypically through polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in subgingival plaque of healthy individuals and patients with chronic gingivitis and chronic periodontitis. Materials and Methods: A total of 300 subjects, 100 each with gingivitis, periodontitis and periodontally healthy gingiva subjected, were included. Subgingival plaque was collected and was cultured for phenotypic identification (microbial culture and biochemical test), and for genotypic identification, DNA extraction was done and PCR-RFLP analysis was performed to identify the genus Capnocytophaga and also to identify different species of Capnocytophaga. Results: Of 300 individuals, Capnocytophaga species were identified from 237 (79%) individuals by PCR and 82 (27.33%) by culture. The prevalence of Capnocytophaga ochracea was found to be higher with both the methods followed by Capnocytophaga gingivalis and Capnocytophaga granulosa. Capnocytophaga genospecies, Capnocytophaga leadbetteri and Capnocytophaga Sputigena were isolated only by culture with very low prevalence that is 1.33%, 1.33% and 0.66%, respectively. We could not get any isolate of Capnocytophaga haemolytica by any of the two methods. Conclusion: Capnocytophaga species could be found in gingival sulci as well as periodontal pockets and can be detected by culture and PCR-RFLP. However, higher prevalence of these species in healthy compared to disease requires further analysis to determine their role in healthy and diseased periodontium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The micro-flora of oral cavity is a myriad of micro-organism. Any infection of oral cavity leads to diseased condition which is a transitional transformation of the micro-organism in a specific paradigm depending upon the diseased condition. Periodontitis is one of the predominant chronic diseases which is a multifactorial infection. Porphyromonas gingivalis is a key etiological agent in causing periodontitis. To study the predominance of these bacteria in the diseased condition is important to detect, quantify and to find its efficacy by comparing different methods for identification. Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to determine the prevalence of P. gingivalis by anerobic culture and by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) from subgingival plaque samples of chronic periodontitis and healthy individual and to compare efficacy of two methods. Materials and Methods: A total of 400 subjects were considered, and subgingival plaque was collected using paper points. Individual were equally divided into two groups: chronic periodontitis (200) and healthy individuals (200). Each plaque sample collected was divided into two aliquots of which the first aliquot was subjected for anerobic culture to isolate P. gingivalis. Phenotypical identification was done morphologically and biochemically further quantification of P. gingivalis was done by colony-forming unit. The second aliquot was subjected for DNA extraction and real-time PCR was conducted to detect and quantify P. gingivalis using specific primer. Results: Out of 400 samples, 73% showed detection of P. gingivalis by culture method and through reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR), the detection was 75%. Individual detection of P. gingivalis by culture in chronic periodontitis was 89.5% and 54.4% in healthy individuals, while detection by RT-PCR was found to be 91.5% in chronic periodontitis and 58% in healthy individuals. However, comparison between two techniques in detection of P. gingivalis was statistically insignificant. Conclusion: When we compared RT-PCR with culture RT-PCR showed higher positivity. RT-PCR is more sensitive and requires less time to detect. However, in the present study, culture also showed good positivity, suggesting proper dilution and with extended incubation, the specificity of culture can be improved to a great extent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Amongst the various calcified structures in the human body, teeth have gained lot of popularity in estimating the sex of an individual as they are highly resistant to destruction and decomposition. Using permanent mandibular canines many researchers have predicted a high level of accuracy in identifying the sex correctly. The purpose of our study was to gauge the effectiveness of mandibular canines in discerning sex. Materials & Methods: Fifty dental casts each of males and females were utilized for the study. Mesio-distal dimension and inter-canine distance of mandibular right and left canine was recorded using digital vernier caliper and mandibular canine index was calculated. Results: The mean value of mesio-distal dimensions of right and left mandibular canine was slightly greater in males compared to females. The mandibular canine index was equal in both sexes. Inter-canine distance was marginally higher in males compared to females. Despite of higher values in males none of the parameters were statistically significant. Conclusion: The results herein bolster contemporary studies that mesio-distal dimensions of mandibular canines and mandibular canine index do not reflect sexual dimorphism and that its application should be discontinued in sex prediction among Indian populations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Lichen planus is a chronic inflammatory mucocutaneous disease that clinically and histologically resembles lichenoid lesions, although the latter has a different etiology. Though criteria have been suggested for differentiating oral lichen planus from lichenoid lesions, confusion still prevails. Aims: To study the cellular and nuclear volumetric features in the epithelium of normal mucosa, lichen planus, and lichenoid lesions to determine variations if any. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was done on 25 histologically diagnosed cases each of oral lichen planus, oral lichenoid lesions, and normal oral mucosa. Cellular and nuclear morphometric measurements were assessed on hematoxylin and eosin sections using image analysis software. Statistical Analysis: Analysis of variance test (ANOVA) and Tukey's post-hoc test. Results: The basal cells of oral lichen planus showed a significant increase in the mean nuclear and cellular areas, and in nuclear volume; there was a significant decrease in the nuclear- cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa. The suprabasal cells showed a significant increase in nuclear and cellular areas, nuclear diameter, and nuclear and cellular volumes as compared to normal mucosa. The basal cells of oral lichenoid lesions showed significant difference in the mean cellular area and the mean nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio as compared to normal mucosa, whereas the suprabasal cells differed significantly from normal mucosa in the mean nuclear area and the nuclear and cellular volumes. Conclusions: Morphometry can differentiate lesions of oral lichen planus and oral lichenoid lesions from normal oral mucosa. Thus, morphometry may serve to discriminate between normal and premalignant lichen planus and lichenoid lesions. These lesions might have a high risk for malignant transformation and may behave in a similar manner with respect to malignant transformation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hereditary ectodermal dysplasia is a genetic recessive trait characterized by hypohydrosis, hypotrichosis, and hypodontia. The affected individual show characteristic physiognomy like protruded forehead, depressed nasal bridge, periorbital wrinkling, protruded lips, etc. There is marked decrease in sweat and salivary secretion. Due to skin involvement palm and sole ridge patterns are disrupted. Aim: In this study an attempt has been made to classify the affected members according to the degree of penetrance by pedigree analysis and also study karyotyping for cytogenetics, dermatoglyphic analysis for the various ridge patterns and variations in the number of sweat glands by sweat pore analysis in affected individuals. Materials and Methods: A total of five families who were affected with ectodermal dysplasia were considered. Pedigree analysis was drawn up to three generation by obtaining history. Dermatoglyphics and sweat pore analysis was done by obtaining palm and finger print impression using stamp pad ink. Karyotyping was done by collecting 3-5 ml peripheral blood. Karyotyping was prepared using lymphocyte culture. Chromosomes were examined at 20 spreads selected randomly under x 100 magnification. Results were analyzed by calculating mean values and percentage was obtained. Results: Karyotyping did not show any abnormalities, dermatoglyphic analysis and sweat pore counts showed marked variations when compared with normal. Moreover, pedigree analysis confirmed the status of the disease as that of the recessive trait. Conclusion: Large number of affected patients needs to be evaluated for dermatoglypic analysis. Genetic aspect of the disease needs to be looked into the molecular level in an attempt to locate the gene locus responsible for ectodermal dysplasia and its manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]