Sulforaphane inhibits histone deacetylase causing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in oral squamous carcinoma cells.

Background: Biologic compounds have recently generated interest in cancer chemoprevention. Sulforaphane (SFN), an isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables, has profound epigenetic actions. Since epigenetic aetiology is crucial for oral cancer, this study evaluated the role of SFN in oral cancer prevention.

Validation of the Malayalam Version of Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs Pain Scale in Cancer Patients in the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Objective: The Self-administered Leeds Assessment of Neuropathic Symptoms and Signs (S-LANSS) is a 7-item self-report scale developed to identify pain which is of predominantly neuropathic origin. The aim of this study was to develop a Malayalam version of the LANSS and to test its validity and reliability in chronic pain patients.

Methodology: We enrolled 101 Malayalam-speaking chronic pain patients who visited the Division of Palliative Medicine, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India.

Evaluation of fetal hypermethylated RASSF1A in pre-eclampsia and its relationship with placental protein-13, pregnancy associated plasma protein-A and urine protein.

Objectives: Cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) and its hypermethylated RASSF1A gene signify a recent advancement in non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of feto-placental anomalies like pre-eclampsia. The study uses hypermethylated RASSF1A gene to quantify cffDNA and to assess its relationship with placental and urine proteins in pre-eclampsia cases.

Design And Methods: DNA was isolated from plasma samples of clinically diagnosed cases of pre-eclampsia (n=103) and normal pregnancy (n=616) from 21weeks of gestation.

Fetal-specific hypermethylated RASSF1A quantification in pregnancy.

Objective: To quantify cell free fetal DNA (cffDNA) with fetal specific epigenetic marker, hypermethylated RASSF1A, in maternal plasma of normal pregnant women from 20 weeks of gestation and to assess its relationship with maternal age, height, pre-pregnancy weight and body mass index (BMI).

Methods: Hundred normal pregnant women within the gestational age of 21-40 weeks were randomly selected and grouped into five (n = 20). Group 1: 21-24, Group 2: 25-28, Group 3: 29-32, Group 4: 33-36 and Group 5: 37-40 weeks.

Effect of ion-implantation on surface characteristics of nickel titanium and titanium molybdenum alloy arch wires.

Aim: To evaluate the changes in surface roughness and frictional features of 'ion-implanted nickel titanium (NiTi) and titanium molybdenum alloy (TMA) arch wires' from its conventional types in an in-vitro laboratory set up.

Materials And Methods: 'Ion-implanted NiTi and low friction TMA arch wires' were assessed for surface roughness with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and 3 dimensional (3D) optical profilometry. Frictional forces were studied in a universal testing machine.

Comparative evaluation of frictional forces in active and passive self-ligating brackets with various archwire alloys.

Introduction: Self-ligating brackets are claimed to eliminate or minimize the force of ligation at the bracket-wire interface; therefore, it is imperative to evaluate the frictional features of contemporary self-ligating brackets with different archwire alloys.

Methods: This in-vitro study compared the effects of stainless steel, nickel-titanium, and beta-titanium archwires on frictional forces of passive and active self-ligating brackets with a conventional bracket. All brackets had 0.

Study on the gill of field crab, Paratelphusa hydrodromus (Herbst.) exposed to nickel.

Paratelphusa hydrodromus (Herbst.) was exposed to 50 ppm nickel chloride solution for a period of 10 days under laboratory conditions. The gills of the treated and non-treated animals were sectioned, stained and examined under a compound microscope and noticed significant changes such as enlargement of gill lamellae, lifting up and rupture of epithelial cells, enlargement of mid rachis, hyperplasia and hypertrophy, appearance of pyknotic nuclei and a general necrosis in the treated gills.