Commercial potential of biotechnology is immense since the scope of its activity covers the entire spectrum of human life. The most potent biotechnological approach is the transfer of specifically constructed gene assemblies through various techniques. However, this deliberate modification and the resulting entities thereof have become the bone of contention all over the world. Benefits aside, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) have always been considered a threat to environment and human health. In view of this, it has been considered necessary by biosafety regulations of individual countries to test the feasibility of GMOs in contained and controlled environments for any potential risks they may pose. This paper describes the various aspects of risk, its assessment, and management which are imperative in decision making regarding the safe use of GMOs. Efficient efforts are necessary for implementation of regulations. Importance of the risk assessment, management, and precautionary approach in environmental agreements and activism is also discussed.

Rhabdomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor composed of neoplastic mesenchymal cells, with varying degrees of striated muscle cell differentiation. With most cases occurring in children younger than 10 years, it is remarkably rare in adults. Further in adults, the typical pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma variants (embryonal and alveolar sub-types) occur less frequently and exhibit predilection for viscera followed by the head and neck region. A rare case of embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma arising from the buccal mucosa in a 36-year old male patient is herewith reported. Recognition of the correct diagnosis and histological sub-type is of critical importance in the therapy of this disease, since the treatment is not uniform in the literature because of the rarity of this neoplasm in the adult population.

Myxomas of the head and neck are rare tumors of uncertain histogenesis. Odontogenic myxomas in maxilla are less common but behave more aggressively, as it spreads through maxillary antrum. It therefore reaches considerable size before being detected. The current case arouses particular interest due to the rapid growth and infiltrating nature of the lesion in a 25-year-old female patient, who denied any leading symptoms, even with the lesion involving extensively. Radiographic and microscopic similarities to a number of entities make diagnostic interpretation of odontogenic myxoma challenging. Therefore sound knowledge of clinical, radiographic and histopathologic features is important to establish an appropriate treatment aimed at a good clinical course and patient cure.

No abstract

Background:Oral manifestations are frequently the initial signs of acute leukemia, prompting the patient to consult the dentist first. The gingival tissue is one site commonly involved either by leukemic infiltration or by inflammatory reactive hyperplasia, causing gingival enlargement. The gingival infiltration may also be present without gingival enlargement. Early recognition of clinical findings in the oral cavity leads to its timely diagnosis and management. Since biopsy is highly contraindicated, gingival fine needle aspiration cytology was performed to assess its diagnostic value in detecting gingival infiltration in acute leukemia patients.Materials and Methods:Fifty patients of acute leukemia received clinical and gingival cytological examination. The cases were diagnosed based on bone marrow aspiration findings and classified according to the French–American–British criteria. The absence or presence of intraoral findings was recorded. Site for gingival fine needle aspiration cytology was selected.Results:Leukemic gingival infiltration was found to be more common in acute lymphoblastic leukemia, while the characteristic oral findings were seen more commonly in acute myeloblastic leukemia. All the eight cases of acute lymphoblastic leukemia that were positive for leukemic gingival infiltration showed no clinical evidence of gingival enlargement. In terms of leukemic gingival infiltration, L2 subtype was the only subtype involved, while M5 was more commonly involved than M4 subtype. Two cases of L2 subtype showed gingival enlargement due to local factors like plaque/calculus rather than due to leukemic infiltration.Conclusion:The technique was found to be safe and of definitive diagnostic value in detecting gingival infiltration in acute leukemia patients.