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Introduction: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer globally and the seventh most common cause of cancer-related mortality. Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infection are prominent risk factors for HNSCC. HPV-positive Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) differs from HPV-negative OSCC in terms of risk factors, preferential site of origin, age, histomorphological features, molecular genetic alterations, and prognosis. The prominent basaloid morphology and lobular growth of OSCCs are associated with p16 positivity and p53 negativity, respectively. Aim: To establish the immunohistochemical expression of p16 (p16INK4a) and p53 in OSCC and to assess their relationship with specific histomorphological features, in the form of solid growth of cells in a lobular configuration, small crowded cells with scant cytoplasm, dark hyperchromatic nuclei without nucleoli. Materials and Methods: The cross-sectional study involved fifty cases of OSCC over a two-year period from January 2017 to January 2019 at Army Hospital (R and R) Delhi Cantt. The intensity of p16 and p53 protein expression was graded as follows: no staining (0), weak staining (1), moderate staining (2), and strong staining (3). The proportion/percentage of staining for p16 and p53 protein expression was calculated as follows: 1-4% (1), 5-19% (2), 20-39% (3), 40-59% (4), 60-79% (5), and 80-100% (6) cells stained. A quick score of 0-1 (negative), 2-3 (weak positive), 4-5 (moderate positive), and >6 (strong positive) was assessed. Cross tables were generated and the Chi-square test was used for testing associations. The Statistical Software for Data Science (STATA)-14 was used for statistical analysis. Results: A total of 50 cases of OSCC were analysed for histomorphological features and immunohistochemical patterns of p16 and p53. The age distribution showed that 8 (16%), 9 (18%), 18 (36%), 13 (26%), and 2 (4%) of the patients were in the age groups of 31-40 years, 41-50 years, 51-60 years, 61-70 years, and above 70 years, respectively. The gender distribution noted 42 (84%) males and 8 (16%) females. Genital and non-genital mucosa are usually involved by HPV subtypes 6, 11, 16, 18, and 16, 18, 11, 13, 2, respectively. HPV-16 has been demonstrated in 90-95% of all HPV-positive HNSCC cases, followed by HPV-18, HPV-31, and HPV-33. p53 is considered the guardian of the genome and controls the expression and activity of proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, DNA repair, cellular senescence, and apoptosis. More than 50% of all primary HNSCC exhibit p53 mutation. Conclusion: A significant correlation was observed between age, dysplasia, keratinisation, basaloid morphology versus p16 expression, and lobular growth, histological grade versus p53. An inverse relationship between p16 and p53 expressions was observed. The immunohistochemical expression of p16 as an immunohistochemical marker of HPV, along with p53, is recommended. Due to the constraint of the study period, the survival of the patients could not be assessed in correlation with p16 and p53 expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dental traumatic injuries in paediatric patients result in a painful experience for both the parents and the child. Although children may exhibit similar fracture patterns as seen in adult traumatic injuries, there are various factors to consider when treating fractures in paediatric patients, which pose challenges for paediatric dentists. There are numerous treatment options available for managing maxillofacial fractures, such as open reduction, closed reduction, immobilisation with open or closed cap splint, with or without circummandibular wiring, and the use of mini plates, among others. In this present case report, a five-year-old child presented with multiple step deformities in the mandible. Since the patient had deciduous dentition, the main concerns were the high possibility of disruption to the periosteal envelope, which could affect the growth of the mandibular processes, and damage to developing permanent tooth buds. These were key considerations when planning the appropriate treatment. Taking into account these potential complications associated with other invasive procedures, a minimally invasive conservative management approach was chosen for the child, which proved to be highly successful and cost-effective. Undisplaced fractures in paediatric patients should always be treated or stabilised using the closed reduction method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Regenerative Endodontic Procedure (REP) is one of the latest biological procedures for successfully treating immature non vital teeth. Treating non vital immature teeth in children with associated bone resorption poses a challenge. In the present case, a 10-year-old male patient presented with an immature pulpally involved right permanent first molar, exhibiting a periapical radiolucency measuring 2×3.2×10.5 mm (distal root) and 4.4×5.2×10.5 mm (mesial root). The molar was non-surgically treated using a minimally invasive REP approach, aiming for anatomical healing and root completion. Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) was applied over a blood clot used as a scaffold. The radiolucency decreased significantly to a size of 0.9×1.3×0.2 mm (distal root) and 1×0.4×0.2 mm (mesial root). Continuous root formation was also observed, resulting in complete resolution of the Apical Bone Defect (ABD). The mesial and distal roots progressed from Nolla stage 8 (2/3rd of root formation) to Nolla stage 9 (root formation complete) over a twelve-month period. Three-dimensional (3D) analysis was employed to explain pathosis and the healing of lesions from every aspect. The present case demonstrates that REP may be the treatment of choice for managing non vital immature permanent posterior teeth with severe ABD in a paediatric patients, particularly when the surgical approach is contraindicated due to the presence of other developing structures. Furthermore, long-term follow-up is required, and the type of healing and root completion may vary depending on the stage of root formation, disinfection, and coronal seal achieved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Real time Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) test, the gold standard test for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) detection, is a tedious process and requires proficient workforce. Accurate and fast test results may permit more efficient use of protective and isolation resources and allow rapid therapeutic interventions. Aim: To evaluate the analytical performance characteristics of the Cepheid Xpert Xpress SARS-CoV-2 test, a rapid, automated molecular test for SARS-CoV-2 with gold standard RT-PCR test. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted in Virus Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL) in Department of Microbiology at GGS Medical College, Faridkot from January 2021-June 2021. A total of 100 nasopharyngeal samples, collected from clinically suspected Coronavirus Diseae-2019 (COVID-19) cases admitted at GGSMC during 1st January-30th June 2021 were tested both by Xpert assay and RT-PCR test simultaneously, taking RT-PCR as the gold standard test. The data was analysed by MedCalc® statistical software version 19.6.4., and sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and the agreement between the two tests were calculated. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 46 years. Of these, 55 were males and 45 were females. The overall sample sensitivity and specificity of the Xpert assay were both 100% and there was perfect agreement across specimens, if authors, set a cut-off Cycle threshold-value (Ct-value) at 40 cycles for Xpert. Of 100 samples, 32 were positive for SARSCoV-2 by either of the tests and 68 were negative. Xpert assay could detect 100% positive cases and RT-PCR test could detect 84.37% positive cases. Out of the 32 samples which were positive by Xpert assay, 5 (15.62%) samples had a Ctvalue greater than 40. Conclusion: The Xpert assay found to be useful as a point-ofcare test in acute scenario, where rapid and authentic diagnosis is essential, but do not have expertise and infrastructure to perform RT-PCR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects the facial skin with eye involvement being underdiagnosed. Aim: To study the prevalence of ocular rosacea in patients of rosacea in a tertiary care centre. Materials and Methods: The present study was a cross-sectional study conducted at two tertiary level hospitals from January 2020 to December 2021. Cases of rosacea diagnosed were referred from the Departments of dermatology to the Departments of ophthalmology for ocular evaluation. A total of 400 patients were included in study in a multicentric setting. For ophthalmic evaluation, Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire was used. Results: Total 29 cases (7.25%) had ocular rosacea, out of 400 dermatological confirmed cases of rosacea. Amongst confirmed ocular rosacea, 12 (41.4%) were males and 17 (58.6%) were females. Most manifestations were noted in 41 to 60 years age with an average age of 52.2 years. Most of the cases presented with multiple symptoms and signs- 19 presented with features of dry eyes, 16 had features of conjunctivitis, 6 had blepharitis, and 7 had recurrent chalazions. Conclusion: Ocular rosacea is a diagnostic enigma to clinicians as it is underdiagnosed because of overlapping sign and symptoms. This study emphasises ocular examination in all cases of rosacea. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Folates perform an integral task in DNA synthesis, methylationand repair. Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) potrays a key part in the metabolism of folate and regulates the equilibrium between the various forms of folate for DNA synthesis and DNA methylation. MTHFR irrevocably transforms 5,10 methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the principal circulating folate and the carbon donor for remethylation processes. MTHFR is vastly polymorphic in the general population. Materials and Methods: It was a case-control study conducted during March 2010 to September 2011 in the Department of Pulmonary Medicine in collaboration with the Department of Biochemistry at Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, to see whether any association exists between the variants of one carbon metabolism, MTHFR polymorphisms (C677T and A1298C), and lung cancer. Twenty biopsy proven lung cancer patients and 20 age and sex matched cancer-free controls were selected. Results: The mean serum folate in cases was higher (12.84 ng/mL±7.527 ng/mL) as compared to controls (4.46 ng/ mL±1.346 ng/mL), suggesting that high levels of serum folate are associated with lung cancer. There was no significant variance in the levels of vitamin B12 and plasma homocysteine between cases and controls. No MTHFR polymorphism C677T was seen in the blood and the bronchial biopsy samples of all cases as well as blood samples of all the controls. The MTHFR polymorphism A1298C was present in the blood as well as bronchial biopsy samples of cases as well as blood of controls. Thus, in the present study, there was no relation of this polymorphism with lung cancer. Conclusion: Polymorphisms in MTHFR may contribute to lung cancer. More research on the basis of cellular and molecular mechanisms of lung cancer is urgently needed to aid in understanding of pathogenesis of the disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Caries pattern is multifactorial in context to the type of diet, tooth structure, time of insult, microflora and salivary contents (salivary pH, buffering action, salivary flow, etc.). Craniofacial relationship may be a contributing factor in the site of occurrence of caries i.e., mesial, distal, occlusal, palatal/lingual and buccal surfaces of primary and permanent molars. Aim: The aim of the study was to find out the effect of the type of malocclusion in primary dentition and mixed dentition period on the surface distribution of caries with respect to their molars along with overall DMFT (decayed, missing and filled teeth index) of the patient. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in Government and Private schools of district Gurugram, Haryana. Hundred children between 3-5 years of age with primary dentition and 8-10 years of age in mixed dentition period as per inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. Type of terminal plane relationship, according to Baume's classification, i.e., Flush terminal/mesial step/distal step and affected carious site in all primary molars were examined in 3-5-year-old children. Similarly in 8-10-year-old, type of malocclusion according to Angle's Classification and its association with carious sites in permanent first molar were examined. Decayed, missing and filled teeth index, DMFT/dmft (i.e., dmft=0-1, 1-2, =3 and DMFT+dmft (DMFT+dmft=0-1, 1-2, =3) was analysed in both groups, respectively. Results: The mesial step molar relationship was the most common malocclusion (93%) in primary dentition whereas in mixed dentition Angle's Class I was the most common (84%) malocclusion. Caries occurrence was more in maxillary molars as compared to mandibular molars. The order of caries occurrence in primary and permanent dentition was occlusal surfaces>mesial surfaces>distal surfaces>buccal surfaces>palatal/lingual surfaces. The caries occurrence according to dmft index in primary dentition was not associated with any type of malocclusion, though it was more in mesial step molar relationship. Angle's Class II malocclusion contributed significantly high DMFT+dmft index with p-value of 0.020. Conclusion: Type of malocclusion does not affect with surface pattern of caries on molars in primary and mixed dentition period. Decayed, missing and filled caries index may be significantly associated with Angle's Class II malocclusion according to the present study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antinuclear Antibody (ANA) is commonly found in various Autoimmune Diseases (AD) and their pattern help in narrowing down the differential diagnosis. International Consensus on ANA Pattern (ICAP) has recently introduced Rods and Rings (RR) pattern in their reporting guideline. Since its first identification, it has been considered to be exclusively associated with hepatitis C and its associated treatment (ribavirin/interferon). However, later on, a few reports have described its association with other diseases and even in healthy population. In the present series, out of 25,242 clinical samples, 5 cases of RR-ANA pattern in non hepatitis patients were found and they were further investigated for their disease associations. We are documenting association of RR-ANA pattern with amoebiasis, hepatitis B, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and undifferentiated connective tissue disease. Documentation of such reports may help in better understanding of pathobiology and clinical relevance of this pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Thyroiditis is a disorder that involves inflammation of the thyroid gland. Subacute thyroiditis is the most common cause of acute painful thyroiditis. It is thought to be a viral inflammatory disorder. Subacute thyroiditis has been treated with either nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or high dose corticosteroids. The response to steroids is more dramatic and quicker than the NSAIDs. Prednisolone is the most commonly used corticosteroid to treat subacute thyroiditis. The usual dose is one mg/kg/day tapered over six weeks although the basis for this dose has not been established yet by prospective studies. Aim: The current research was carried out to study if prednisolone in lower initial dose (20 mg/day tapered over four weeks) is effective in patients with acute painful thyroiditis. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective, cross sectional, observational study carried out at Pokhara, Nepal. All the patients presenting with anterior neck pain of less than 1 week with tender thyroid on palpation and ESR more than 30mm/h were included in the study. The patients were administered prednisolone in a starting dose of 20 mg/day tapered over four weeks. Data were collected, analysed and the results were interpreted. Results: One hundred and twenty two patients of acute painful thyroiditis were included in our study. Age of the patients ranged from 19 years to 69 years with the mean age of 36.58 years. Female to Male ratio was 10:1. Mean ESR was 57.03 at the time of presentation. ESR decreased to 29.63 at two weeks and 17.03 mm per hour (normal) at 4 weeks after continuation of the drug. All the patients reported with severe pain in the anterior neck at the time of presentation. Pain was completely relieved in 115 patients (94%) at 2 weeks after starting the treatment and it was better than previous in seven patients. Conclusion: Twenty mg of prednisolone daily tapered over 4 weeks is an adequate treatment of subacute thyroiditis. However, dose can be drastically tapered after 2 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]