Neutral zone approach for the rehabilitation of a severely atrophic mandibular ridge: Case report

Providing a complete denture for a patient with an atrophic mandibular ridge presents a unique challenge for dentists. Retention, stability, and support must be considered when fabricating and fitting a complete denture. This article highlights the use of the neutral zone technique for successful complete denture therapy in a patient with an atrophic mandibular ridge, with special emphasis on the role of coverage of genial tubercles for maximum prosthesis support and stability.     

Development of starch based intelligent films by incorporating anthocyanins of butterfly pea flower and TiO2 and their applicability as freshness sensors for prawns during storage

Intelligent pH sensitive starch films were developed by incorporation of anthocyanin pigment extracted from butterfly pea flower (BPE) and nanosized TiO₂ using the method of solution casting. This research work evaluated the influence of BPE and TiO₂ on the physical and structural properties of starch films. The physical properties of the starch films could be significantly altered by the addition of BPE and or TiO₂. The starch films S/BPE and S/BPE/TiO₂ exhibited higher barrier properties against water vapour as compared to the control films. Incorporation of BPE and TiO₂ could decrease the thickness and moisture content of films. S, S/BPE starch films were transparent and, S/TiO₂ and S/BPE/TiO₂ films were opaque. Control starch films were colourless, whereas S/BPE films have purple colour. Owing to the inclusion of BPE and TiO₂ particles, structural characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) did not show any major changes in polymer structure. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that the addition of TiO₂ enhanced the thermal stability of starch films to a significant extent. The color of different starch-based films was determined using the CIE Lab scale under different pH conditions and compared with the control. The fabricated (S/BPE and S/BPE/TiO₂) films exhibited visually perceptible colour changes in the pH range between 1 and 12. Consequently these films could be used as intelligent pH indicators for monitoring the freshness of prawn seafood samples. During the storage of prawn food samples for 6 days, the color of the film changed from light pink to green which is a clear indication of spoilage of food material.

Anthocyanin extracted from butterfly pea flower incorporated starch/TiO₂ films are excellent pH indicator for monitoring the freshness of food sample.     

Significance of p53 expression in ovarian tumors and its correlation to the morphological differentiation

Cancer of breast and cervix reign supreme among the fatal diseases in women globally. Interestingly the ovarian cancer has the highest mortality rate. This is attributed to its late clinical presentation and delayed diagnosis. The expression of p53 throws light on the prognosis of ovarian tumors. The surface epithelial tumors, especially the serous cystadenocarcinoma and non Hodgkin lymphoma of ovary where in the expression p53 was high compared to the benign and borderline tumors. Further the expression of p53 in tumors arising from germinal cells, sex-cord stromal cells are observed to be very low. The expression of p53 and its correlation to the morphology enhances the prognostic significance.     

Cytomorphologic findings of hemangiopericytoma of the meninges: a case report

Hemangiopericytomas (HPCs) are tumors, constituting 2.5%, of soft tissue neoplasms. Meningeal hemangiopericytomas are rare non meningothelial mesenchymal tumors of the dura. They were classified as angioblastic meningiomas because of their similarity to meningiomas. However, these tumors are now regarded as distinct entities, akin to hemangiopericytoma elsewhere in the body. Few reports have addressed the fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of HPC. We present the cytological findings of one such rare case ofprimary meningeal hemangiopericytoma which metastasized to the lymph node. A 47 years male presented with cervical lymphadenopathy of 2 months duration. He was operated twice in the last 4 years and diagnosed atypical meningioma both times. The patient now also had spinal metastasis producing nerve root compression. Aspiration cytology of the node revealed cellular aspirate demonstrating round to oval cells with ample cytoplasm, round nuclei and inconspicuous nuclei. They showed a characteristic ferning out of blood vessels. Occasional mitosis was present. A diagnosis of malignant tumor of vascular origin was offered. Lymph node biopsy showed a characteristic histological picture of hemangiopericytoma described in other soft tissues. The cytology of this tumor is characteristic, but the rarity of the lesion, especially in metastatic sites makes diagnosis difficult unless a high index of suspicion is present. The recognition of the distinct cytological findings makes this possible. The case documents the role of FNA cytology in confirming HPC.     

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in healthy Indian school‐going adolescents from rural and urban localities and its relationship with various anthropometric indices: a cross‐sectional study

Background

Micronutrient deficiency is a global health burden, especially among developing countries. The present cross‐sectional study aimed to determine the prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in healthy Indian school‐going adolescents, based on area of residence, sex and body mass index (BMI) . Furthermore, the relationship of serum B₁₂ concentration with dietary vitamin B₁₂ intake and anthropometric indices was assessed among adolescents from rural and urban India.

Methods

A total of 2403 school‐going adolescents (11–17 years) from National Capital Region and rural areas of Haryana, India were selected. Serum B₁₂ concentrations were estimated using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Dietary assessments were conducted on 65% of total participants (n  = 1556) by two 24‐h diet recalls.

Results

The prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in the total study population was 32.4% (rural: 43.9% versus urban: 30.1%, P  < 0.001; male: 34.4% versus female: 31.0%, P  < 0.05; normal weight: 28.1%, versus overweight: 39.8%, versus obese: 51.2%, P  < 0.001). More than half (51.2%) of obese adolescents were vitamin B₁₂ deficient. On multiple linear regression analysis, serum B₁₂ in rural adolescents was associated with age (β = ?0.12, P  < 0.05). Among urban adolescents, serum B₁₂ was associated with BMI (β = ?0.08, P  < 0.05) and adjusted dietary vitamin B₁₂ intake (β = 0.14, P  < 0.001). Serum vitamin B₁₂ levels were found to be lower in rural females (β = ?0.12, P  = 0.030) and urban males (β: 0.11, P  < 0.001) compared to their respective contemporaries.

Conclusions

Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was higher among rural school‐going adolescents. Boys had a higher B₁₂ deficiency than girls. Inverse associations of serum B₁₂ with adiposity indices were observed. Serum B₁₂ levels were positively associated with dietary vitamin B₁₂ intake.

     

Surgical stress and cytoskeletal changes in lens epithelial cells following manual and femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy

AIM: To study the effect of mechanical stress on the cytoskeleton in lens epithelial cells following conventional phacoemulsification surgery (CPS) and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS). METHODS: The cytoskeleton of the epithelial cells of the anterior lens capsules (ALC) removed by CPS and FLACS was examined by immunohistochemistry. Expression of the intermediate filament, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and glutamine synthetase (GS) immunoreactivity were detected. In order to map the actin network of cells, fluorescently labeled phalloidin was used. The samples were examined using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: GFAP expression was visible in a larger number of the epithelial cells after CPS compared to FLACS. In CPS sample’s epithelial cells, GFAP immunoreactivity indicated robust morphological change. Regarding the actin filaments, the presence of tubular elements connecting epithelial cells, regular actin pattern and marked cortical network after CPS were found. Following FLACS, the actin cytoskeleton of the epithelial cells remained densely structured, and the tubular elements were undetectable, however, the above-mentioned regular actin pattern and the marked cortical network were visible. CONCLUSION: The conventional removal of the ALC induces more robust changes of the cytoskeleton of the lens epithelial cells.