Unmet Needs and Barriers to Assistive Technology in the Coastal Districts of Karnataka, India.

BACKGROUND: Assistive Technologies (AT), such as hearing aids, walking aids, prostheses, spectacles, can improve the quality of life and enable many to lead dignified lives. The rapid Assistive Technology Assessment (rATA) tool developed by World Health Organization (WHO) can measure the needs of AT and the barriers to accessing them. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to measure the unmet needs and the usage of AT via the rATA tool in the coastal state of Karnataka in India. METHODOLOGY: A population-based survey was conducted among a total of 500 households - 250 from Mangalore and 250 from Udupi of Coastal Karnataka. The need for AT was assessed under six domains of activities, including mobility, seeing, hearing, communication, remembering, and self-care. RESULT: The mean age of study participants was 34.3 years with standard deviation of 21.2 years. 30.6% of the study participants reported the use of assistive products out of which 27.3% used one product and 2% used two products. 89.5% of assistive products were procured from private sector and only 4.1% was obtained from public sector. The level of difficulty in doing any activity increased with age. 301 participants reported out of pocket expenditure for assistive products with mean expenditure of Rs 2226.05 (S. D. 2204) per year. Spectacles, orthoses (spinal) and therapeutic footwear were most common assistive products with unmet need. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight the urgent need to mainstream geriatric care policies which address functional difficulties among older people, resolve out-of-pocket spending through public private partnership for assistive technologies.

Assessment of sealing efficacy, radiopacity, and surface topography of a bioinspired polymer for perforation repair.

Background: Root perforation repair presents a significant challenge in dentistry due to inherent limitations of existing materials. This study explored the potential of a novel polydopamine-based composite as a root repair material by evaluating its sealing efficacy, radiopacity, and surface topography. Methods: Confocal microscopy assessed sealing ability, comparing the polydopamine-based composite to the gold standard, mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Radiopacity was evaluated using the aluminium step wedge technique conforming to ISO standards. Surface roughness analysis utilized atomic force microscopy (AFM), while field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) visualized morphology. Results: The polydopamine-based composite exhibited significantly superior sealing efficacy compared to MTA (P < 0.001). Radiopacity reached 3 mm aluminium equivalent, exceeding minimum clinical requirements. AFM analysis revealed a smooth surface topography, and FESEM confirmed successful composite synthesis. Conclusion: This study demonstrates promising properties of the polydopamine-based composite for root perforation repair, including superior sealing efficacy, clinically relevant radiopacity, and smooth surface topography. Further investigation is warranted to assess its clinical viability and potential translation to endodontic practice.

Investigation of the hydration process and biological activity of a novel nanosilver incorporated dicalcium silicate based retrograde filling material.

Background: Although several materials have been used for retrograde filling following apical surgeries, there is no consensus on a single best material. Tricalcium silicate-based types of cement have been developed as root-end filling materials mainly due to tricalcium silicate's hydraulic properties. However, its unfavorable setting characteristics and minimal antimicrobial properties have necessitated the introduction of new additives into the existing commercially available materials. To design an affordable product based on a dicalcium silicate with a shorter set time, minimal cytotoxic complications, and enhanced antibacterial activity, we developed a new endodontic cement from pure raw materials, intending to satisfy the prerequisites of ideal retrograde material. Methods: The composition of the experimental calcium silicate-based cement included the addition of calcium chloride and silver nanoparticles in varying concentrations. Structural characterization was carried out using energy dispersive analysis by X-rays using scanning electron microscope (EDAX SEM) and hydration characteristics were performed using an X-ray diffractometer (XRD). The experimental material was further evaluated for biocompatibility using MTT ([3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide)assay and antibacterial activity was evaluated using an agar diffusion test against Enterococcus faecalis. Results: The structural characterization and hydration characteristics revealed that the experimental cement was dicalcium silicate based with favorable biocompatibility and enhanced antibacterial activity. Tricalcium silicate based mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) also had favourable biocompatibility, however, its antibacterial activity was significantly decreased when compared to the novel cement. Conclusion: All hydraulic cements that are available in the dental market are predominantly tricalcium silicate-based materials. There has been no evidence in the literature to date wherein it has been explored whether a dicalcium silicate-based hydraulic cement can solely be used in root-end cavities. The findings of the study revealed a dicalcium silicate based retrograde filling material with favourable biocompatibility exhibited immediately as well as in the set samples. Incorporation of silver nanoparticles boosted the antibacterial activity when compared to that of ProRoot MTA. This material could potentially reinstate the usual hype created with tricalcium silicate types of cement since dicalcium silicate cements also exhibit similar properties.

Mesenchymal tumours of the head and neck: a 10-year institutional archival study / Tumores mesenquimales de cabeza y cuello: estudio de archivo institucional de 10 años de duración

Introduction: Histopathological characterisation of benign and malignant lesions of the head and neck in a systematic and coherent way is an essential part of Oral Pathology and Oral Medicine. Objective: To describe the frequency and histopathological profile of connective tissue tumours in the head and neck region reported in an Indian institute. Methods: A retrospective analysis was made of the 10-year records of reports of biopsy samples of patients maintained by the department of oral pathology showing histopathological diagnosis of connective tissue neoplasms. The data obtained was compiled for age, gender, site and histopathology of the lesions. Results: Majority of the tumours were benign and patients were found to be in the 2nd or 4th decade of life with female preponderance. The most common benign tumour was fibroma where buccal mucosa was the commonest location and malignant tumour was osteosarcoma where mandible was the commonest site. While fibromas were seen among general adult population, osteosarcomas were more in the males (7.2 percent) and in the younger population (< 20 years). The uncommon tumours among benign variety were leiomyoma and teratoma while in malignant category 1 case of undifferentiated sarcoma was reported. Conclusion: The findings in this study may be of help to oral and maxillofacial surgeons and general dentists in formulating diagnosis and rendering patient care in the existing local population(AU)

Introducción: La caracterización histopatológica de las lesiones benignas y malignas de cabeza y cuello de forma sistemática y coherente es una parte esencial de la Patología Oral y la Medicina Oral. Objetivo: Describir la frecuencia y el perfil histopatológico de los tumores del tejido conjuntivo de la región de cabeza y cuello notificados en un instituto indio. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis retrospectivo de los registros de 10 años de informes de muestras de biopsia de pacientes mantenidos por el departamento de patología oral que mostraban diagnóstico histopatológico de neoplasias del tejido conectivo. Se recopilaron los datos obtenidos en cuanto a edad, sexo, localización e histopatología de las lesiones. Resultados: La mayoría de los tumores eran benignos y los pacientes se encontraban en la 2ª o 4ª década de la vida, con preponderancia del sexo femenino. El tumor benigno más frecuente fue el fibroma, cuya localización más frecuente fue la mucosa bucal, y el tumor maligno fue el osteosarcoma, cuya localización más frecuente fue la mandíbula. Mientras que los fibromas se observaron entre la población adulta general, los osteosarcomas fueron más frecuentes en los varones (7,2 por ciento) y en la población más joven (< 20 años). Los tumores menos frecuentes en la variedad benigna fueron el leiomioma y el teratoma, mientras que en la categoría maligna se registró un caso de sarcoma indiferenciado. Conclusiones: Los hallazgos de este estudio pueden ser de ayuda para los cirujanos orales y maxilofaciales y los odontólogos generales en la formulación de diagnósticos y la prestación de atención al paciente en la población local existente (AU)

The Syringe Technique for Ultrasound-Guided Hydrostatic Intussusception Reduction.

Background: Ultrasound-guided hydrostatic reduction (UGHR) is a well accepted and widely used method of paediatric intussusception reduction, with the saline drip technique being the most commonly employed. Aims and Objectives: In this study we aimed to assess the outcomes of a novel technique of UGHR. Materials and Methods: Data was obtained from a 15 year retrospective chart review of paediatric intussusceptions. Following resuscitation, UGHR was performed for uncomplicated intussusceptions using a 50cc syringe to infuse saline into the colon. It was performed in the ultrasound suite without sedation and time taken was monitored. A maximum of 3 attempts were done to achieve reduction. Results: UGHR was attempted in 66 of 93 intussusceptions. The commonest type of intussusception was ileo-colic(91%) and the commonest symptom was vomiting(70%). Surgery was performed only when there was shock, peritonitis or repeated failed reductions. The median time taken for reduction was 4.9 minutes. The overall success rate was 83% with 89% of these requiring only a single attempt. There were no deaths or procedure related complications. Conclusions: The syringe technique for intussusception reduction is a safe, effective, and time-saving technique. Additionally, it offers the advantages of simplicity and rapidity of reduction and in experienced hands may not require pressure monitoring.

Evaluation of pH, Calcium Ion Release, and Dimensional Stability of an Experimental Silver Nanoparticle-Incorporated Calcium Silicate-Based Cement.

An experimental calcium silicate-based root-end filling material incorporated with silver nanoparticles intended for use in periapical surgeries was developed with the purpose to overcome the drawbacks of existing materials and to satisfy the ideal requirements of root-end filling materials. This study was designed to evaluate the physicochemical properties, pH, calcium ion release, and dimensional stability of the experimental cement, and compare the results with commercially available ProRoot MTA (Dentsply). An independent sample test was used to analyze the data. Mean initial pH (immediately after mixing) of the experimental cement was 10.42 ± 0.04 which was higher than that of MTA. However, there was a significant increase in pH of MTA at 1 day, 2 days, and 7 days. Presence of calcium chloride favored the release of calcium ions which was significantly increased in the experimental group at 24 hours. At the end of 30 days, MTA showed a significant expansion when compared to the experimental cement (p < 0.001). In conclusion, the experimental nanoparticle-incorporated calcium silicate-based cement showed clinically acceptable physicochemical properties.

Estimation of soluble CD14 levels in gingival crevicular fluid and serum in diseased and healthy periodontium.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the levels of sCD14 in gingival crevicular fluid and serum under periodontally-healthy and diseased conditions. METHODS: The subjects were divided into three groups of 15, each as follows: healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis. Periodontal parameters including Probing pocket depth, Clinical attachment level, Bleeding index, and Plaque index. Gingival crevicular fluid and serum samples were collected and analyzed for sCD14 levels using commercially-available ELISA kits. RESULTS: The mean concentration of sCD14 in GCF was significantly lower in the gingivitis (134.5 ± 26.85 ng/mL) and periodontitis (103.23 ± 20.36 ng/mL) groups than in the healthy group (172.77 ± 46.33 ng/mL); p < 0.001. The mean serum concentration of sCD14 in the healthy group was 1528.13 ± 387.37 ng/mL, which was significantly less than that of the periodontitis group (2051.50 ± 381.10 ng/mL); p = 0.011. CONCLUSIONS: The serum sCD14 levels in the periodontitis groups were significantly higher than those in the healthy controls. The levels of sCD14 in GCF were significantly lower in the gingivitis and periodontitis groups than in the healthy group.