Success rate of infrazygomatic crest mini-implants used for en-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth in first premolar extraction cases: A three-dimensional comparative prospective clinical trial between adolescents and young adults.

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the success rate of infrazygomatic mini-implants between adolescents and young adults. METHODS: A total of 60 subjects of different age groups ie, (group I [adolescents]: 12-18 years, mean age: 14.9 ± 2.9 years; group II [young adults]: 19-25 years, mean age = 21.9 ± 3.1 years) were assessed in the study. En-masse retraction of maxillary anterior teeth was carried out with extraction of upper first premolars with infrazygomatic crest (IZC) mini-implants as anchorage units. Clinical parameters such as success rate, soft tissue thickness, maximum insertion torque, maximum removal torque, pain response, soft tissue response, and cone-beam computed tomography parameters such as embedded angulation, penetration depth, thickness of bone on buccal and palatal aspect of mini-implant, and peri-implant bone density were evaluated. RESULTS: The success rate of IZC mini-implants in adolescents was found to be 96.6% and 98.3% in young adults respectively. There was no significant difference in success rate between the two groups. Intergroup comparison showed a significant difference (P < 0.05) in terms of maximum insertion torque, maximum removal torque, soft tissue thickness, cortical bone thickness, and peri-implant bone density values. Comparison between right and left side revealed a significant difference (P < 0.05) with regards to soft tissue response, soft tissue thickness, total bone thickness, cortical bone thickness, and peri-implant bone density. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in the success rate of IZC mini-implants between adolescents and young adults. Thus, the use of IZC mini-implants can be recommended in adolescents for successful orthodontic treatment.

Thalidomide and steroid in the management of erythema nodosum leprosum.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety profiles of combined treatment of prednisolone with thalidomide (Gr-A) and prednisolone with clofazimine (Gr. B) in patients with erythema nodosum leprosum (ENL) or type 2 lepra reactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Efficacy of both regimens was assessed on the basis of clinical recovery of recurrent ENL measured by reaction severity score (RSS), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), and recurrence of type 2 lepra reaction. The causality assessment of adverse drug reactions was done using the WHO UMC causality assessment scale. RESULTS: The average age of patients with recurrent ENL was 42.8 years (male) and 51.8yrs (female) and had mean duration of leprosy and recurrent ENL 2.4 years and 2.09 years, respectively. 80% of nonrecurrence was observed in Gr-A versus 66% in Gr-B. Significant (P < 0.05) lower RSS and VAS was found in both the treatment groups as compared to pretreatment value. The reduction in RSS and VAS was statistically significant (P < 0.05) in Gr-A compared to Gr-B treatment. CONCLUSION: Thalidomide combination with steroid was found to be more efficacious than clofazimine combination with steroid in the treatment of ENL both the treatment regimens showed few tolerable side effects. Improved strategies for the treatment and management of these reactions need to be developed.

Awareness, Attitude and Practice Regarding Disinfection and Handling of Extracted Teeth among the Students in a Dental College in India.

OBJECTIVE: The main objective of this study is to assess about the awareness, attitude, and practice regarding disinfection and handling of extracted teeth among the students of a dental college in Odisha, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey was done with a self-designed questionnaire distributed among the students of a dental college in Odisha, India. Data analysis was done using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences Software (SPSS for Windows, Version 16.0., Released 2007, Chicago, SPSS Inc.) and the results obtained. RESULTS: Of the many methods available, the safest and practical methods to sterilize and disinfect the extracted human teeth could be autoclaving, submersion in 10% formalin and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite solutions. In addition, it was found that there is a significant need to educate the potential handlers of such extracted teeth about the latest statuary protocol and guidelines. CONCLUSION: Most of the participants in the study were aware of the established safety protocols regarding how to handle the pathogenic specimens and were putting in practice those standardized guidelines. But still another good number of handlers need to change their casual attitude while following the safety guidelines so as to protect themselves, others and the environment from the pathogenic clinical specimens.

Pricing and availability of some essential child specific medicines in Odisha.

OBJECTIVES: Continuous availability of affordable medicines in appropriate formulations is essential to reduce morbidity and mortality in children. Odisha an eastern Indian state records very high mortality of children. The study aims at documenting the availability and prices paid for purchasing essential child-specific medicines. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The survey of 34 essential medicines was conducted in six randomly selected districts of Odisha. Data were collected from medicine outlets of the public, private, and other sector (Nongovernmental Organization [NGO]/mission sectors) of six randomly selected districts, using WHO/Health Action International medicine price collection methodology. For each medicine surveyed, data were collected on the highest and lowest-priced formulations available in each facility. RESULTS: Both public sector and other sector health facilities procure only one brand of medicines, mean percentage availability of medicines being 17% and 21.8%, respectively. In the private sector, the mean percentage availability of the high and lowest-priced medicines for a particular drug product was 10.8% and 38.5%, respectively. The public sector procurement price is 48% lower than international reference prices. In the private sector, high-priced, and low-priced products are sold at 1.83 and 1.46 times the international reference price, respectively. Substantial price variation was observed for some medicines across individual outlets. Medicines were found to cost 2.08 times their international reference price in NGO/mission sector facilities. CONCLUSIONS: The availability of children's medicines in public sector facilities of Odisha state is poor. Medicines for children cost relatively high in both private and NGO sectors compared to the international reference price. The availability medicines should be improved on an urgent basis to improve access of medicines for children of Odisha.