Merkel cell: Friend or felon.

Merkel cells are perceived as tactile receptors within skin and oral mucosa containing abundant intermediate filaments but lacking characteristic condensation of tonofilaments, hence are also referred to as non-keratinocytes. Merkel cell carcinomas (MCCs) are primary aggressive neuroendocrine neoplasms occurring in elderly individuals. Toker in 1972 reported MCC of skin pointing towards sweat glands as the source of origin which was later rectified by Tang with the aid of ultrastructural studies as Merkel cells to be a lineage of such tumours.

Beyond Decay: Exploring the Age-associated Variations in and in Dental Caries.

Background: and play an important role in the etiopathogenesis and progression of dental caries (DC). Their quantification and identification may be helpful for epidemiological and early intervention measures.

Objectives: We conducted the study to evaluate the colony counts of and with the location of DC and correlate their prevalence with the age of the patient.

Evaluation of the Impact of Smoking on Orthodontic Treatment.

Smoking is a prevalent habit known for its detrimental effects on oral health and it affects not only oral health but also various organ systems. The influence of smoking on periodontal health, including gingival inflammation, bone loss and delayed wound healing, poses significant challenges during orthodontic therapy. Orthodontic treatment depends on healthy bone and periodontal remodelling.

Management of complex vertebral artery anatomy in craniocervical surgery: A case report.

Background: The surgery on the craniocervical junction is associated with complex techniques that endanger the vertebral artery (VA), especially if there are some anatomical variations present, thereby increasing the risk of vascular injury, particularly during cervical decompression or instrumentation.

Case Description: A case of a 60-year-old female with progressive myelopathy and craniocervical junction malformation is presented. Key preoperative imaging findings included basilar invagination, C1 assimilation, and os odontoideum, along with VA anomalies such as a tortuous, hypoplastic left VA arising anomalously from the aortic arch and a right VA with a V2 segment forming a high-riding medial loop into the C2 vertebral body.

Anchorage and Stability of Orthodontic Mini Implants in Relation to Length and Types of Implants.

Anchorage control is crucial for achieving optimal results in orthodontic treatment. Scientific literature has documented the exploration of various methods to prevent anchorage loss, including the use of extraoral and intraoral devices. The advent of mini implants and micro implants has introduced new possibilities by allowing placement in previously inaccessible areas.

Implications of Lingual Orthodontics Compared to Conventional Orthodontics.

In orthodontics, the treatment plan and the impact of orthodontic appliances on patients' aesthetic appearance have significantly influenced patients' aesthetic demands over time. Patients considering orthodontic treatment are very concerned about the potential compromise in facial appearance that conventional orthodontic treatment could cause. Lingual orthodontics offers an aesthetically pleasing appearance compared to conventional orthodontic systems, addressing the growing demand for inconspicuous treatment options.

Caffey disease in an infant.

A previously healthy female infant was brought to the paediatrics outpatient department by her mother reporting increased irritability and swelling behind her left shoulder, accompanied by restricted movement in her left arm. The irritability had been present for the past 5 months, with swelling also noticed at that time, gradually increasing in size. On examination, a large, firm, immobile mass was detected on the left scapular region.

Decoding lymphangiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma: Emphasis on clinical and histopathological determinants of regional metastasis.

Purpose: The growth and metastasis of solid epithelial tumors is lymphangiogenesis dependent. The most important lymphangiogenic inducers facilitating this progression is Vascular endothelial Growth Factor C (VEGF-C). The recent D2-40 (Podoplanin) antibody is specific for lymphatic epithelium and allows its objective assessment.

Unravelling switch/sucrose non-fermentable (SWI-SNF) complex-deficient thoracic tumours: a clinicopathological comparative on undifferentiated tumours and non-small cell lung carcinomas with BRG1 and BRM deficiency.

Aims: This study was undertaken to compare and expand the clinicopathological characteristics of SMARCA4-deficient thoracic undifferentiated tumour (SMARCA4-dUT) and switch/sucrose non-fermentable-deficient non-small cell lung carcinomas (SWI/SNF-dNSCLC) and to address cases with intermediate features.

Methods: The pathology department archive was searched for all primary mediastinal, pleural and lung-based malignancies that showed aberrant expression of two SWI/SNF proteins the Brahma (BRM) aka and/or (Brahma-related gene 1 (BRG1) aka . Patient demographics, treatment and clinical outcomes were collected from records and telephonic interviews.

Coexisting parathyroid adenoma, thyroid carcinoma, and tuberculosis of thyroid: a case report.

Background: Coexisting parathyroid adenoma, thyroid carcinoma, and tuberculosis of thyroid is a very rare phenomenon. Primary thyroid tuberculosis is itself very rare despite high global prevalence of tuberculosis in developing countries. Majority of thyroid tuberculosis identified in postoperative histopathology or cytopathology.

Plasma fibrinogen degradation products with salivary coagulopathy in OSMF among Indians.

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) produces changes localized to oral cavity. Hence, it is reasonable to assume that saliva may have an important role in its etiology. This prospective case control study included 37 patients with OSMF which were compared with age and gender matched healthy controls.

The role of in augmenting the severity of SARS-CoV-2 related gastrointestinal symptoms: An insight from molecular mechanism of co-infection.

Coinfection of pathogenic bacteria and viruses is associated with multiple diseases. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the co-infection of other pathogens with SARS-CoV-2 was one of the important determinants of the severity. Although primarily a respiratory virus gastric manifestation of the SARS-CoV-2 infection was widely reported.

A national survey on the use of ultrasound as an educational tool to complement anatomy teaching at UK medical schools.

Our aim was to investigate the current use of ultrasound (US) in anatomy teaching across the UK, and to discover potential obstacles in its implementation in the undergraduate medical curriculum. An electronic survey consisting of 31 questions was distributed to anatomy course organizers at all 42 UK medical schools from June to October 2022. Both quantitative and qualitative data were obtained.

Primary tumor lymphangiogenesis in oral squamous cell carcinoma with N0 neck is the key determinant of its therapeutics.

Background: Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-C (VEGF-C) plays a critical role in tumor growth and invasion through lymphangiogenesis and helps to identify the variability of lymphatic potential of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cases with or without lymph node metastasis.

Materials And Methods: A total of 65 cases of OSCC were included. The clinical details were obtained from patient records.

Hybrid de novo whole genome assembly of lipopeptide producing novel Bacillus thuringiensis strain NBAIR BtAr exhibiting antagonistic activity against Sclerotium rolfsii.

Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner is recognized as a predominant bioinsecticide but its antifungal potential has been relatively underexplored. A novel B. thuringiensis strain NBAIR BtAr was isolated and morphologically characterized using light and scanning electron microscopy, revealing presence of bipyramidal, cuboidal, and spherical parasporal crystals.

Deciphering the role of TLR3 polymorphisms in oral squamous cell carcinoma pathogenesis: A case-control study.

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) poses a significant global health burden, particularly prevalent in regions like India. Despite advancements in diagnostics, early detection of OSCC remains challenging, necessitating novel diagnostic modalities. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and their polymorphisms have emerged as potential contributors to OSCC pathogenesis.

Identification of lysosomotropism using explainable machine learning and morphological profiling cell painting data.

Lysosomotropism is a phenomenon of diverse pharmaceutical interests because it is a property of compounds with diverse chemical structures and primary targets. While it is primarily reported to be caused by compounds having suitable lipophilicity and basicity values, not all compounds that fulfill such criteria are in fact lysosomotropic. Here, we use morphological profiling by means of the cell painting assay (CPA) as a reliable surrogate to identify lysosomotropism.

Menstrual Irregularity: A Physiological Adaptation to Cope Perceived Stress.

Introduction: Menstrual cycle characteristics are regulated hormonally and are integrated at the level of the hypothalamus. Stress can affect the hypothalamic-pituitary gonadal axis. The objective of the study was to analyse the stress levels of women and compare their autonomic tone and menstrual characteristics.

Efficacy of occlusal splint versus sleep hygiene and progressive muscle relaxation on perceived stress and sleep bruxism: A randomized clinical trial.

Purpose: The objective was the comparison of an occlusal device (OD), and sleep hygiene and progressive muscle relaxation (SH & PMR) on perceived stress and sleep bruxism activity (burst/episode and episode/hour) in participants with sleep bruxism.

Material And Methods: Sixty-six participants with self-reported sleep bruxism were selected and randomly allocated into two groups: OD group or SH & PMR group. Assessment of perceived stress and sleep bruxism activity were the primary outcomes.

Revisional bariatric surgery following sleeve gastrectomy: a meta-analysis comparing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and one anastomosis gastric bypass.

Introduction: The number of bariatric operations is increasing each year. Sleeve gastrectomy is the most popular procedure; however, it often requires revision surgery because of insufficient weight loss, weight regain or gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). The most popular revisional procedures are Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB).

Thyroid abscess associated with transient hyperthyroidism in an adolescent girl: a rare case report and review of the literature.

Objectives: To report an unusual case of thyroid abscess associated with thyroid dysfunction in an adolescent girl who has a normal anatomic structure of the thyroid gland.

Case Presentation: A 15-year-old adolescent girl presented with a history of fever, sore throat, and neck swelling for 10 days duration. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography neck showed findings suggestive of an abscess involving the left lobe of the thyroid gland.

Biomarker Identification for Preterm Birth Susceptibility: Vaginal Microbiome Meta-Analysis Using Systems Biology and Machine Learning Approaches.

Problem: The vaginal microbiome has a substantial role in the occurrence of preterm birth (PTB), which contributes substantially to neonatal mortality worldwide. However, current bioinformatics approaches mostly concentrate on the taxonomic classification and functional profiling of the microbiome, limiting their abilities to elucidate the complex factors that contribute to PTB.

Method Of Study: A total of 3757 vaginal microbiome 16S rRNA samples were obtained from five publicly available datasets.