An innovative technological infrastructure for managing SARS-CoV-2 data across different cohorts in compliance with General Data Protection Regulation.

Background: The ORCHESTRA project, funded by the European Commission, aims to create a pan-European cohort built on existing and new large-scale population cohorts to help rapidly advance the knowledge related to the prevention of the SARS-CoV-2 infection and the management of COVID-19 and its long-term sequelae. The integration and analysis of the very heterogeneous health data pose the challenge of building an innovative technological infrastructure as the foundation of a dedicated framework for data management that should address the regulatory requirements such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Methods: The three participating Supercomputing European Centres (CINECA - Italy, CINES - France and HLRS - Germany) designed and deployed a dedicated infrastructure to fulfil the functional requirements for data management to ensure sensitive biomedical data confidentiality/privacy, integrity, and security. Besides the technological issues, many methodological aspects have been considered: Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Charité provided its expertise both for data protection, information security, and data harmonisation/standardisation. Results: The resulting infrastructure is based on a multi-layer approach that integrates several security measures to ensure data protection. A centralised Data Collection Platform has been established in the Italian National Hub while, for the use cases in which data sharing is not possible due to privacy restrictions, a distributed approach for Federated Analysis has been considered. A Data Portal is available as a centralised point of access for non-sensitive data and results, according to findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability (FAIR) data principles. This technological infrastructure has been used to support significative data exchange between population cohorts and to publish important scientific results related to SARS-CoV-2. Conclusions: Considering the increasing demand for data usage in accordance with the requirements of the GDPR regulations, the experience gained in the project and the infrastructure released for the ORCHESTRA project can act as a model to manage future public health threats. Other projects could benefit from the results achieved by ORCHESTRA by building upon the available standardisation of variables, design of the architecture, and process used for GDPR compliance.

Patient acceptability of a wheel chair recliner developed to perform dental procedures at wheelchair itself: A cross-sectional study.

Aim: Transfer from a wheelchair and discomfort in dental chair are two important barriers for access to dental care among wheelchair-bound patients. The authors have devised an automated wheelchair recliner that helps to mimic the dental chair functioning at wheelchair itself. The aim of this study was to analyze the performance and acceptability of wheelchair recliner among wheelchair-bound patients. Settings and Design: Tertiary care settings, cross-sectional design. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 wheelchair-bound adult patients (aged >21 years) were evaluated for acceptability of the recliner. The patients were assessed using eight-item covering patient comfort/acceptability related to positioning, reclining, repositioning, fear of falls, joy, discomfort, perception regarding dentist's discomfort, and use in future on a scale of 0-4 with 0 indicating least satisfying and four indicating most satisfying experience. Overall, patient experience was graded as poor, fair, good, very good, and excellent. The Chi-square test was used to compare the results. Statistical Analysis Used: IBM Stats package 21.0 was used. Mean ± standard deviation, Numbers/percentages and Chi-square test were used to compare results. The confidence level of the study was 95%. Results: The age of patients ranged from 22 to 83 years (mean age 52.26 ± 18.58 years). Majority were males (58%) and had temporary (60%) disability. On a 4-point scale, the mean scores of patients ranged from 2.47 ± 1.23 (positioning) to 3.40 ± 0.74 (intent to use in future). Overall experience was rated as good to very good by 77% of patients. No significant association of age, sex, or type of disability was seen with overall patient experience. Conclusion: The acceptability rates were good to very good among wheelchair-bound patients and were unaffected by their age, sex, and type of disability.

The art of managing various ocular defects in different clinical scenarios: A case series.

The absence of eye and irradiation post-enucleation may result in problems like dryness of the eye sockets, itching and crusting. This may lead to poor prosthesis adaptation and a lack of patient acceptance of the prosthesis. To combat the most common problem of dryness, patients are advised artificial tears to use as teardrops or ocular prostheses along with a tear reservoir. This case series describes methods of fabricating ocular prosthesis indicated in different scenarios: the modified stock ocular and a custom-made ocular prosthesis when tearing secretion is enough in the eye socket and an ocular prosthesis with a tear reservoir in cases showing reduced tear secretion. A novel technique of fabricating hollow lightweight ocular prostheses having the sustained prolonged release of artificial tears has been described.

Clinical outcomes of flap versus flapless immediately loaded single dental implants in the mandibular posterior region: One-year follow-up results from a randomized controlled trial.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Flapless implant placement with immediate functional loading has been reported in anterior locations. However, data on posterior locations are lacking. PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to determine and compare clinical outcomes of flap versus flapless surgically placed single posterior mandibular dental implants subjected to immediate functional loading. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Participants with missing mandibular first molar teeth were recruited and randomized into 2 groups (n=51): flapped and flapless. Dental implants were surgically placed and loaded immediately with interim restorations following implant protective occlusion. Outcome measures were implant failure, crestal bone loss, and periodontal parameters: modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, and pocket depths. Outcome data were recorded at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month follow-up visits. Cone beam computed tomography scans were used to calculate crestal bone loss, and periodontal outcomes were recorded by using a resin covered periodontal probe (α=.05). RESULTS: After 12 months, similar implant failure rates (P>.05) were found between the groups. Crestal bone loss in the flapped group was statistically higher than in the flapless group at 6 months (0.83 ±0.21 mm versus 0.75 ±0.23 mm) and at 12 months (1.04 ±0.27 mm versus 0.90 ±0.24 mm) from the baseline. The modified plaque index, modified sulcus bleeding index, and peri-implant probing depths (PDs) in both groups increased from the baseline to 6-month follow-ups (Baseline modified plaque index: 0.82 ±0.54 versus 0.79 ±0.21; Baseline modified sulcus bleeding index: 0.74 ±0.21 versus 0.70 ±0.43; Baseline PD: 1.25 ±0.37 mm versus 1.20 ±0.22 mm; 6 months modified plaque index: 1.54 ±0.70 versus 1.21 ±0.45; 6 months modified sulcus bleeding index: 1.93 ±0.54 versus 1.51 ±0.61; 6 months PD: 3.20 ±0.73 mm versus 2.80 ±0.43 mm). At 12-month follow-ups after repeated oral hygiene reinforcements, periodontal parameters had improved (decreased) significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Flapless implant insertion with immediate functional loading could be considered as an appropriate treatment option for providing functional restorations on the day of implant placement with minimal surgical intervention, reducing crestal bone loss, and periodontal complications.

Speech intelligibility, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability of maxillectomy patients with customized obturator: A non randomized controlled study.

Aim: To compare speech intelligibility (SI), nasal resonance, and swallowing ability in maxillectomy patients with a customized obturator to the conventional obturator. Settings and Design: Non-randomized controlled study. Materials and Methods: Forty-eight maxillectomy patients were recruited and assessment of SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability was done at three situations: without obturator, with conventional obturator, and with customized obturator. Recordings of unrehearsed conversation, counting from number 1-20 and four sets of Chapel Hill Multilingual Intelligibility Test in the Hindi language were used to assess SI and nasal resonance. SI was evaluated by untrained listeners and graded according to a 6-point scale. Nasal resonance was evaluated by speech pathologists on a 7-point scale of severity. Swallowing ability was evaluated by water drinking test. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA, Post hoc Bonferroni and Chi square test. Results: SI and nasal resonance showed a statistically significant difference between any two groups (P < 0.001). Water drinking time was significantly different between without obturator and with customized obturator (P < 0.001), but the difference was not statistically significant between without obturator and with obturator (P < 0.004). Conclusion: SI, nasal resonance, and swallowing ability improved with customized obturator in comparison to the conventional obturator.

An evaluation of the effect of ozone therapy on tissues surrounding dental implants.

BACKGROUND: Dental implant surgery despite its growing popularity poses several challenges like include tissue inflammation, pain discomfort and tissue injury. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of ozone therapy on inflammation, pain and wound healing after implant surgery. METHODS: A clinical study was conducted on 60 systematically healthy patients- 30 patients treated with ozone (Experimental group) and 30 patients without ozone treatment (control group). In the control group osteotomy procedure was performed with saline irrigation and in the experimental group irrigation was done with ozonated water at 25 µg/mL concentration, along with ozone gas. Clinical assessment was done by evaluating C-reactive Protein (CRP) for inflammation, pain using Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score and tissue wound healing using wound healing index. Side effects, if any, were noted. RESULTS: Postoperative increment in CRP levels was 0.10 and 0.63 mg/dl in Experimental and control groups respectively (p < 0.001). At 24-hr, 48-hr and 7 day post-operative intervals mean VAS scores for pain were significantly higher in Control group as compared to that in Experimental Group (p < 0.001). At day 7, mean VAS scores for pain were 3.50 ± 0.63 and 37.70 ± 4.17 in Experimental and Control groups respectively (p < 0.001). Mean tissue healing indices were significantly higher on Day 7 and Day 14 in Experimental Group (4.23 ± 0.43 and 4.97 ± 0.18) as compared to that in control group (3.07 ± 0.45 and 4.03 ± 0.18) (p < 0.001). No potential side effects were noted in either of two groups. CONCLUSION: Ozone therapy accelerated the tissue wound healing, minimized tissue inflammation and decreased pain.

Does Bilateral Gap Arthroplasty Increase the Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Patients With Temporomandibular Joint Ankylosis?

PURPOSE: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is common in patients with bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis (TMJA). The purpose of this study was to compare the preoperative and postoperative apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) in patients with TMJA undergoing bilateral gap arthroplasty (BGA). METHODS: The investigators implemented a prospective cohort study on patients with bilateral TMJA treated with BGA. The primary predictor variable was time (before and after BGA). The primary outcome variable was AHI and secondary outcome variable included posterior airway space, skeletal changes, Epworth sleepiness scale, minimum oxygen, average oxygen saturation, and maximal incisal opening at preoperative time (T0), 1 month (T1), and at 6 months (T2). The statistical test used were Greenhouse-Geisser test, repeated measure ANOVA (1 way), followed by post hoc Bonferroni test. The P-value was taken significant when <0.05 at a confidence interval of 95%. RESULTS: The study sample included 12 (m:f = 1:2) patients of bilateral TMJA with a mean age of 14.9 ± 4.8 years and mean follow-up of 6 months. Mean duration of ankylosis was 10.5 ± 6.9 years (median = 12). Trauma was the main etiological factor in 11 (91.7%) patients followed by infection in 1 (8.3%) patient. The mean increase in AHI was 8.6 (T0 to T1) with P-value = .002 and 23.4 (T1 to T2) and was statistically significant (P = .001). The mean decrease in posterior airway space was 4.5 ± 1.0 to 3.5 ± 0.5 (T0 to T2) and was statistically significant (P = .02). Mean difference in minimum oxygen was 6.8 (P-value = .015). Skeletal changes are consistent with clockwise rotation of the mandible and statistically significant changes in horizontal and vertical dimension. The mean change in average oxygen was statistically insignificant (P = 1.0). CONCLUSIONS: The present study concludes that gap arthroplasty in patients with bilateral TMJA can lead to development or worsening of pre-existing mild to moderate OSA. Ramus-condyle reconstruction should be performed to prevent the retropositioning of mandible and worsening of OSA.

Ameloblastic Fibroodontoma of Mandible Causing Tumor Induced Osteomalacia: A Case Report with Review of 88 Phosphaturic Oral Neoplasms.

Tumor induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome associated with tumors secreting fibroblast growth factor 23, which induces osteomalacia. Microscopically, these tumors most commonly show benign phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors. We report the first case of phosphaturic ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) manifesting as osteomalacia. Our index patient was a 33-year-old male who was diagnosed with TIO and AFO in the mandible was identified as the cause. Our case is unique as AFO is considered as a hamartoma. To the best of our knowledge, there is no hamartoma reported till date causing phosphaturic osteomalacia. As AFO demonstrates mixed epithelial and mesenchymal origin, we propose a new histopathological subtype of TIO-"phosphaturic tumor of mixed epithelial and mesenchymal origin". A review of literature focused on TIO caused by oral lesions revealed 88 oral neoplasms which matched our search criteria. Due to the rarity and unpredictable behavior of TIOs, a high index of suspicion, a broad diagnostic approach, detailed history and multidisciplinary investigations are crucial for establishing the definitive diagnosis and proper treatment recommendations.

A novel economically viable solution for 3D printing-assisted cranioplast fabrication.

Cranioplasty is a common neurosurgical procedure which makes use of autologous bone or alloplastic material for cranial defect reconstruction. Alloplastic reconstruction is routinely done in cases where viable autologous bone is not available due to various reasons. Hydroxyapatite implants, patient-specific titanium and PEEK are widely employed materials due to their biocompatibility, durability, and high adaptation accuracy. However, their high cost and limited availability make them a less viable option for the common man. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is one of the commonly used alloplastic material for cranioplasty. This note presents a novel, economic, patient-specific, 3D printing-assisted and heat polymerized PMMA cranioplast fabrication technique with an accuracy comparable to that of patient-specific titanium and PEEK cranioplast.

Radiographical and histological evaluation of bioactive synthetic bone graft putty in sinus floor augmentation: A pre- and post-intervention study.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective is to evaluate the quantity and quality of bone formed after use of bioactive synthetic bone graft putty in sinus augmentation and to radiographically and histologically evaluate increase in alveolar bone height in augmented sinus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It is a pre- and post-intervention study of 15 patients (present at both baseline and at 6 months) with 80% power and 95% confidence level. RESULTS: The mean increase in alveolar bone height is 7.08 ± 1.42 mm ranging from 5.6 mm to 10.7 mm. It is evident from the data that there has been increase in alveolar bone height postbone graft augmentation. P < 0.001 shows that increase in alveolar bone height is highly significant as compared to preoperative bone height. The mean postoperative density is 525.43 ± 104.18 hounsfield unit ranging from 649 HU to 350 HU. This is also a D3 quality bone as per Misch classification. The mean difference in alveolar bone density is 104 ± 125.16 HU. P = 0.0053 shows that increase in alveolar bone density is significant as compared to preoperative bone density. CONCLUSION: Bioactive synthetic bone graft putty yields sufficient quantity of mineralized tissue for implant placement in patients with 2-6 mm of alveolar bone height before grafting. Histologically, it has shown that it has good osteoconductive properties and good quality of bone is formed within 6 months of its augmentation.

Invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion in an elderly edentulous patient with uncontrolled diabetes: report of a rare case.

OBJECTIVES: To report a rare case of chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis with palatal erosion. BACKGROUND: Restoring and maintaining oral health of diabetic elderly patients with increased risk of infections is a challenge to the dentist. Patients suffering from uncontrolled diabetes are susceptible to fungal infections. Palatal erosion due to fungal rhinosinusitis is rare. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Case report of a 65 years old illiterate female patient from low socio-economic strata, suffering from uncontrolled diabetes and poor systemic health presenting with chronic invasive fungal rhinosinusitis leading to palatal erosion. CONCLUSION: Such a case is a diagnostic challenge to a dentist. Therefore understanding the disease process and its possible outcomes is desirable. The treatment warrants a multidisciplinary approach.

Misconceptions Regarding Autogenous Tooth Transplantations: A Survey.

AIM: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess knowledge regarding autogenous tooth transplantation among oral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) residents in India. STUDY DESIGN: The sample of the survey consisted of Indian OMFS post-graduate residents attending the "1st Asian Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery PG Convention" held from 29th to 31st August, 2013 at Mangalore, India. Questions were asked regarding the participant's preferred tooth replacement modality, the transplantation procedure (socket preparation and stabilization of transplanted tooth); fate of the transplanted tooth (pulpal and periodontal fate) and the possibility of replacing second molars with such procedure, cross-arch transplantation and transplantation after new-socket preparation. The responses of 1st, 2nd and 3rd year residents were assessed for statistical significant difference using Fishers exact test. RESULTS: Out of 434 residents surveyed using a pre-tested self-administered questionnaire, 287 residents responded (response rate 66 %). 74 % were aware of the possibility of autogenous third molar transplantation. Only 24 % believed a new periodontal ligament would form around the transplanted tooth. Misconceptions regarding pulp healing, socket preparation and tooth stabilization and new alveolus transplantation were also seen. 44 % had never seen the procedure and 74 % had never performed it themselves. No statistical significant difference was seen among the responses classified according to the year of training. CONCLUSION: OMFS residents were found to have inadequate knowledge regarding autogenous tooth transplantation. Tooth transplantation needs to be included in the dental curriculum and standard OMFS textbooks with practical training in post-graduation period.

Management of maxillofacial trauma in emergency: An update of challenges and controversies.

Trauma management has evolved significantly in the past few decades thereby reducing mortality in the golden hour. However, challenges remain, and one such area is maxillofacial injuries in a polytrauma patient. Severe injuries to the maxillofacial region can complicate the early management of a trauma patient owing to the regions proximity to the brain, cervical spine, and airway. The usual techniques of airway breathing and circulation (ABC) management are often modified or supplemented with other methods in case of maxillofacial injuries. Such modifications have their own challenges and pitfalls in an already difficult situation.

Stylomandibular fusion complicating recurrent bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis.

Ankylosis of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is debilitating, and difficult to manage because it recurs. Recurrent bilateral ankylosis is further complicated by the fusion of the styloid process and the mandible. We report such a case, and to our knowledge no similar case has been reported previously.

Traumatic bone cyst of the mandible in Langer-Giedion syndrome: a case report.

INTRODUCTION: Langer-Giedion syndrome (trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type II) is an extremely rare disorder characterized by dysmorphic facial features, multiple exostoses, mental retardation and digit deformities. We report the first case of any maxillofacial pathology in such a syndromic patient. CASE PRESENTATION: A 22-year-old Indian woman with mild intellectual disability presented with malaligned teeth. Routine radiographic screening demonstrated a large multilocular lesion in her right mandible. She had peculiar features such as short stature, short limbs, brachydactyly, and dysmorphic facial characters, which prompted us to evaluate her further. After findings of multiple bony exostoses she was diagnosed with Langer-Giedion syndrome. On surgical exploration of her right mandibular lesion an empty cavity was found suggestive of traumatic bone cyst. The lesion healed completely after 1 year without loss of vitality of any teeth. CONCLUSIONS: Although diagnosis and management of any maxillofacial pathology can be challenging in syndromic patients, our report suggests a possible correlation between traumatic bone cyst and Langer-Giedion syndrome. Clinicians should routinely screen these patients for any undetected maxillofacial pathology. In future cases of this syndrome, one should consider the possibility of traumatic bone cyst which may not require aggressive surgical management.

Impact of short term yoga intervention on mental well being of medical students posted in community medicine: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND: High level of stress, anxiety and depression is seen among medical students. AIMS: To assess the impact of brief structured yoga intervention on mental well being of MBBS students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The participants consisted of 82 MBBS students of 3(rd) semester in the age group of 18-23 years. The students were assessed at baseline and at the end of one month of specific yoga intervention by using General Health Questionnaire-28 (GHQ-28). RESULTS: The students reported improvement in general and mental well being following the intervention and difference was found to be highly significant. CONCLUSION: A short term specific yoga intervention may be effective in improving general and mental well being in MBBS students. It is feasible and practical to include yoga practice in block postings of community medicine.