Effects of Chemical and Herbal Disinfection Methods on the Color Stability of Maxillofacial Silicone: An Study.

Introduction: Maxillofacial prostheses used in rehabilitation of patients are fabricated with medical grade silicone and are tinted corresponding to the patients natural skin color. However, exposure to environment and disinfectants can affect the color stability. Due to rising microorganism resistance and fewer adverse effects of chemical agents, phytoextracts appear to be a viable option.

Rickets - A case report.

Rickets is a disorder caused by a lack of vitamin D, calcium or phosphate. It leads to softening and weakening of the bones. Dental manifestation of rickets includes enamel hypoplasia and delayed tooth eruption.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia: A rare entity.

Hypohidrotic ectodermal dysplasia (HED) is a genetic disorder which involves a complex group of inherited conditions. This condition is characterised by the failed development of two or more ectodermal derived anatomic structure; for example, the skin, hair, nails, teeth, and sweat glands. It is a phenotypically heterogenous group of illnesses including anodontia with conical teeth, generalised spacing, reduced ability to sweat, very less hair growth, etc.

Genotype-phenotype correlation in long QT syndrome families.

Heterogeneity in clinical manifestations is a well-known feature in Long QT Syndrome (LQTS). The extent of this phenomenon became evident in families wherein both symptomatic and asymptomatic family members are reported. The study hence warrants genetic testing and/or screening of family members of LQTS probands for risk stratification and prediction.

Heat shock protein 70 gene polymorphisms' influence on the electrophysiology of long QT syndrome.

Purpose: Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare cardiac disorder caused due to mutations in genes encoding ion channels responsible for generation of electrical impulses. The heat shock protein (HSP)-70 gene, expressed under conditions of stress, plays a cardioprotective role when overexpressed and helps in the proper folding of the nascent proteins synthesized by the cellular machinery. We aimed to identify the role played by HSP-70 gene polymorphisms in the pathogenesis of LQTS.

Mutational analysis of SCN5A gene in long QT syndrome.

The SCN5A gene encodes for the INa channel implicated in long QT syndrome type-3 (LQTS-type-3). Clinical symptoms of this type are lethal as most patients had a sudden death during sleep. Screening of SCN5A in South Indian cohort by PCR-SSCP analyses revealed five polymorphisms - A29A (exon-2), H558R (exon-12), E1061E and S1074R (exon-17) and IVS25 + 65G > A (exon-25) respectively.

FOXC2 and FLT4 Gene Variants in Lymphatic Filariasis.

Lymphatic filariasis is the leading cause of secondary lymphedema wherein lymph transport is impaired due to lymphatic damage. FLT4 signaling and transcription factors such as FOXC2 play an important role in this type of lymphangiogenesis process induced by filarial parasites. The present study aims to assess the association of FLT4 and FOXC2 genes in lymphatic development/remodeling in lymphatic filariasis.

Atrial natriuretic peptide gene - a potential biomarker for long QT syndrome.

This study highlights the possible implication of NPPA (natriuretic peptide precursor A) gene in the etiology of Long QT syndrome (LQTS) by population-based as well as familial study. Three SNPs of NPPA - C-664G, C1363A and T1766C were examined by molecular analyses in LQTS, controls and first degree relatives (FDRs). This study revealed a possible association of 1364 C>A SNP 'C' allele with LQTS (p = 0.

Novel mutations of KCNQ1 in Long QT syndrome.

Background: Autosomal recessive Long QT syndrome is characterized by prolonged QTc along with congenital bilateral deafness depends on mutations in K(+) channel genes. A family of a Long QT syndrome proband from India has been identified with novel indel variations.

Methods: The molecular study of the proband revealed 4 novel indel variations in KCNQ1.

Hidden magicians of genome evolution.

Transposable elements (TEs) represent genome's dynamic component, causing mutations and genetic variations. Transposable elements can invade eukaryotic genomes in a short span; these are silenced by homology-dependent gene silencing and some functional parts of silenced elements are utilized to perform novel cellular functions. However, during the past two decades, major interest has been focused on the positive contribution of these elements in the evolution of genomes.