Sero-survey of rubella IgM antibodies among children in Jos, Nigeria

Sero-survey of rubella IgM antibodies was carried out among children aged 0-10 years in Jos, Nigeria. Blood samples were collected from the subjects and sera extracted. Of the 93(100%) assayed for the rubella IgM antibody, 42(45.2%) were seropositive for rubella IgM antibody while 51(54.8%) were seronegative. A breakdown of the seropositive subjects reveals that 14(15.1%) of the infected children were males while 28(30.1%) were females. Those subjects within the age groups of 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 years had the highest prevalence of 8(8.6%) followed by those within the age groups of 7-8, 9-10 years with 7(7.5%). Blood transfusion as a risk factor did not show any significant influence on the status of the subjects. The demographic data of the mothers of the subjects were also linked with the seropositivity of the children

Bullous lesions as a manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus in two Mexican teenagers

Rarely, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents with bullous lesions due to severe edema and hydropic degeneration of the basal layer, or as a subepidermal blistering disease. Here, we describe two Mexican teenagers, one with SLE with blisters and another with bullous SLE. We also discuss the mechanisms and clinical implications of lesion formation in patients with SLE and bullae

Assessment of oxidative stress and chromosomal aberration inducing potential of three medical grade silicone polymer materials

Medical expenditures for devices are increasing along with the ageing of human population and the synthesis of materials such as silicone polymers is on upsurge for manufacturing these devices. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) emphasizes a battery of tests for preclinical assessment of biocompatibility of medical devices. Genotoxicity assays have become an integral component of these test procedures and it employs a set of in vitro and in vivo experiments to detect mutagens. Hence, this study was performed with an intention to investigate the genotoxic potential of the physiological saline extracts of three medical grade silicone polymer materials by the in vitro chromosomal aberration assay using human peripheral blood lymphocytes. Further, the oxidative stress inducing potential of the material extracts was investigated in vivo in mice liver homogenates using cyclophosphamide as positive control. The investigation revealed that none of the three materials were able to produce marked human lymphocyte chromosomal aberration, suggesting the absence of mutagens. The materials also showed negative results in their oxidative stress inducing potential, which was revealed by the normal levels of lipid peroxidation and unaltered levels of glutathione and its metabolizing enzymes in the mice liver tissue homogenates. It was interesting to observe a significant correlation between the genotoxic and antioxidant parameters investigated. Hence, it is suggested that the estimation of antioxidant status would serve as a better preliminary testing procedure prior to evaluating the genetic and molecular toxicity mechanisms of medical devices and/or materials intended for manufacture of such devices

Use of platelet rich fibrin in a fenestration defect around an implant

Guided bone regeneration (GBR) in implant therapy is especially useful for implant placement with dehiscence defects or fenestration defects. In alveolar ridges with marked facial/buccal depressions or in knifeedge alveolar crests, the position and direction of fixture placement is restricted. Improvement of alveolar ridge morphology becomes possible with GBR. This article describes a case in which the fenestration defect around an implant was treated by the application of platelet rich fibrin, a second generation platelet concentrate along with bone graft, and guided tissue regeneration membrane

Association of IRF6 (G820A) Gene Variant with Nonsyndromic Cleft Lip and Palate in South Indian Population

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) is a major congenital structural anomaly. Cleft lip and palate has significant complex etiology involving both genetic and environmental factors and lifelong morbidity. Mutations in various genes like TGFB3, RARA, IRF6 have been responsible for causing CLP in various populations.IRF6 gene provides instructions for making a protein interferon regulatory factor, which is active in cells that give rise to tissues in the craniofacial region. The mutations in IRF6 gene can lead to NSCLP, tooth agenesis, etc. Aims and objectives: This study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship and determine the degree of association of Interferon Regulatory Factor 6 (IRF6) (G820A) gene variant with nonsyndromic CLP (NSCLP) in South Indian population. IRF6 gene provides instructions for making a protein interferon regulatory factor, which is active in cells that give rise to tissues in the craniofacial region. The mutations in IRF6 gene can lead to NSCLP, tooth agenesis, etc. Materials and methods: The study group consisted of 50 samples who were patients at the department of orthodontics. The samples were divided into Group A with 25 cases having NSCLP and Group B with 25 controls. Two milliliter blood sample was collected from cases and controls each, for DNA isolation. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was carried for amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) to assess the genotype of all individuals. z-test was applied for statistical analysis. Results: The study revealed significant differences in the frequency distributions of genotypes of IRF6 (G820A) variant when cases were compared with controls, with high GG genotype frequency in cases whereas GA and AA genotype of IRF6 (G820A) gene variant was found more in control samples. Conclusion: The results of this study further support the role of IRF6 (G820A) gene variants in NSCLP in South Indian population