Philtrum length and intercommissural distance measurements at mixed dentition period

Anthropometric measurements of the lip and mouth are of great importance in clinical dysmorphology as well as reconstructive plastic surgery. In this study, the philtrum length (PhL) and intercommissural distance (ICmD) nomograms for Egyptian children in the mixed dentition period were established. A group of 1,338 Egyptian students in primary schools (735 boys and 603 girls) were included in the study. The students were at mixed dentition period and their ages ranged from 7 to 12 years. Anthropometric norms of PhL and ICmD were developed with significant sex difference in certain groups. A ratio between PhL and ICmD was developed. These data will help facilitate both objective and subjective evaluation of the lip and mouth for proper diagnosis of orofacial anomalies and variations as well as for ideal treatment plans.     

Mucoepidermoid Carcinoma Arising in a Background of Sialadenoma Papilliferum: A Case Report

Sialadenoma papilliferum is a rare tumor, primarily of minor salivary gland origin, first described by Abrams and Finck (Cancer 24:1057–63, 1969). It is both an exophytic and endophytic papillary lesion histologically resembling syringocystadenoma papilliferum of sweat gland. The tumor is considered benign although rare recurrent cases have been reported. Three cases of malignant transformation of sialadenoma papilliferum have been described in the literature. We report a high grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma arising in a background of sialadenoma papilliferum, at the base of the tongue, an unusual location for minor salivary gland neoplasms. Eleven months after excision and nodal dissection, there is no evidence of recurrence or metastasis.     

Cytotoxic diterpenoids from the hybrid soft coral Sinularia maxima x Sinularia polydactyla

Chemical investigation of the hybrid soft coral Sinularia maxima x Sinularia polydactyla yielded four new cembranolide diterpenes (1-4), the norcembranoid 5-episinuleptolide (5), and two known sesquiterpenes. The structures and configurations of the new compounds were determined by spectroscopic techniques and comparison of NMR data with those of related metabolites. Compound 3 shows strong cytotoxicity on the breast cancer SK-BR3 cell line and cervix cancer HeLa and HeLa-Apl cell lines with GI(50) values of 0.039, 0.48, and 0.56 microM, respectively.     

Secondary supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor following irradiation in a patient with low-grade astrocytoma

We report a case of a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) that occurred 12 years after cranial irradiation for a grade II astrocytoma. Neuroimaging was unable to distinguish between a recurrence of the original neoplasm and the development of a new, distinct entity. Pathologic review assisted by immunohistochemical staining, however, revealed a high-grade PNET. Although rare, PNET needs to be included in the differential diagnoses for previously irradiated patients, who develop recurrent brain tumors in the presence of uncharacteristic imaging features.     

Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide–Loaded Lipid Nanocarriers Incorporated in Thermosensitive In Situ Gel for Magnetic Brain Targeting of Clonazepam

The objective of the study was to target clonazepam to the brain through the intranasal olfactory mucosa using nanolipid carriers loaded with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) to allow nanocarrier guidance and retention with an external magnetic field. For improved delivery, the nanolipid carriers were incorporated in a thermosensitive mucoadhesive in situ gel. Different nanolipid carriers including solid lipid nanoparticles and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) were prepared and characterized with respect to particle size, zeta potential, entrapment efficiency, and in vitro release. The NLC composed of 3 solid lipids (Compritol^® 888, stearic acid, and glyceryl monostearate) and 2 liquid oils (oleic acid and glyceryl monooleate) showed the most satisfactory characteristics and was loaded with SPION (NLC/SPION). Both formulae (NLC and NLC/SPION) were incorporated in an optimized thermosensitive mucoadhesive in situ system composed of 15% pluronic 127 and 0.75% sodium alginate and evaluated for the anticonvulsant action in chemically induced convulsive Swiss Albino mice. The treatment of animals with NLC/SPION significantly prolonged the onset times for convulsion and considerably protected the animals from death. One can thus hope for the emergence of a new intranasal treatment of epilepsy with consequent decrease in peripheral side effects of clonazepam.