COVID-19 and Personal Protective Equipment-Related Challenges Faced by Pediatric Dentists during patient care: A Qualitative Study

Abstract Objective: To describe the challenges pediatric dentists face while caring for their patients during the pandemic. Material and Methods: A descriptive qualitative study was conducted with purposefully sampled pediatric dentists. Data were collected through in-depth, semi-structured interviews until the content of the collected data reached theoretical saturation. Data were transcribed verbatim, coded, and analyzed using content analyses. Results: Seven participants (four females and three males) between 29 and 50 years participated in the study. Three themes emerged from the analyses: Anxiety and fear; PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and its impact on care delivery; and 3) Behavior management. Conclusion: Dental care delivery was challenging for pediatric dentists. They experienced high anxiety levels and modified their services according to the recommended guidelines while making accommodations to lessen patients' COVID-19-related anxiety. The additional mandated PPE use affected the communication between the dentists and their patients, affecting their dentist-patient bonding.

Efficacy of Embolization in Acquired Uterine Vascular Malformations: An Experience in Tertiary Care Centre in India / Eficácia da embolização em malformações vasculares uterinas adquiridas: uma experiência em centro de atendimento terciário na Índia

Abstract Objective: To determine the efficacy of Uterine Artery Embolization in patients with bleeding acquired uterine arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Methods: A prospective review of all patients who underwent Uterine Artery Embolization at our institution between July 2015 and April 2022 was performed. 225 patients were diagnosed with a uterine vascular malformation on doppler and corresponding MRI imaging. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization of the uterine arteries. Embolic agents in the 375 procedures included Histoacryl glue only (n = 326), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and Histoacryl glue (n = 29), PVA particles (n = 5), Gelfoam (n = 5), coils (n = 4), PVA particles and coils (n = 3), Histoacryl glue and Gelfoam (n = 2), and Histoacryl glue and coils (n = 1). Results: A total of 375 embolization procedures were performed in 225 patients. 90 patients required repeat embolization for recurrence of bleeding. The technical success rate of embolization was 100%. The clinical success rate was 92%: bleeding was controlled in 222 of 225 patients and three patients underwent a hysterectomy. 60 of the 225 patients had uneventful intrauterine pregnancies carried to term. The 210 patients who underwent successful embolization had no recurrence of bleeding at a median follow-up of 53 months (range, 5-122 months) after treatment. 15 patients were eventually lost to follow-up. One minor complication (0.4%) of non-flow-limiting dissection of the internal iliac artery occurred. Conclusion: Uterine Artery Embolization is a safe, effective, minimally invasive method to treat uterine AVMs with long-term efficacy, which can provide the preservation of fertility.

Fatal intracranial bleedings in a viper bite: A case report / 中华创伤杂志(英文版)

Viper bite envenomation represents a significant occupational hazard among agricultural workers in India. The viper bite envenomation is usually suspected when a patient presents with predominant local symptoms at the bitten site, including pain, swelling, and necrosis. Further, systemic findings such as diffuse intravascular coagulation, hypotension, and shock may alert physicians of viper bite envenomation rather than a neurotoxic snake bite. However, cerebral complications are rare in viper bites but may potentially fatal. Central nervous system involvement in a viper bite is either due to neurotoxins or hemorrhagins present in the venom, which may induce cerebral thrombosis, ischemia, infarction, and hemorrhage. Here we present a case of a previously healthy adult male who succumbed to extensive subarachnoid, intracerebral, and intraventricular hemorrhages involving bilateral cerebral hemispheres following viper snake bite envenomation. This report highlights the importance of anticipating cerebral complications in viper bite envenomation, a rare occurrence. It also emphasizes the need for early antisnake venom administration to prevent and control systemic envenomation and its complications.

An overview of the taxonomic instability of endangered Golden and Zhobi mahseer in Pakistan / Uma visão geral da instabilidade taxonômica do golden em perigo e do Zhobi mahseer no Paquistão

Abstract In South and South East Asia three genera of fish species i.e. Tor, Neolissochilus and Naziritor are commonly known as Mahseer with at least 47 species. Among these 23 belongs to genus Tor, 22 to Neolissochilus and one to Naziritor i.e. Naziritor zhobensis. Recently another species added to genus Naziritor is Naziritor chelynoides in India. Among Tor species Tor putitora (Hamilton) is the most widely distributed Mahseer in Pakistan and other countries of the Indian subcontinent. However, based alone on morphological characters some authors identify the Pakistani counterparts as Tor macrolepis (Heckel), (a species presumed to be found exclusively in the Indus River system) distinct from Tor putitora (a species found in Ganga Brahmaputra River system). In order to resolve this taxonomic ambiguity, present study carried out meristic and morphometric measurements of Mahseer collected from a total of 11 water bodies of Pakistan. Ratios between the morphometric characters were calculated and statistically analyzed using t-test and correlation coefficient. Two species identified as Tor putitora and Naziritor zhobensis were the sole Mahseer inhabitants of Indus system in Pakistan. Tor putitora occurred at all surveyed sites while Nazirtor zhobensis had a distribution range from river Zhob to tributaries of river Gomal the right bank tributaries of River Indus. The study corroborates that there are no unequivocal morphological synapomorphies in any existing populations of both species. The study further demonstrates that head length, a character frequently used in Mahseer taxonomy, is not a good measure for species identification. Finally the present study establishes that Naziritor zhobensis still exists in the water bodies of Pakistan and that golden Mahseer occurring in Indus riverine system of Pakistan is Tor putitora.

Resumo No sul e sudeste da Ásia, três gêneros de espécies de peixes, ou seja, Tor, Neolissochilus e Naziritor, são comumente conhecidos como Mahseer com pelo menos 47 espécies. Entre estas, 23 pertencem ao gênero Tor, 22 a Neolissochilus e um a Naziritor, ou seja, Naziritor zhobensis. Recentemente, outra espécie adicionada ao gênero Naziritor é Naziritor chelynoides na Índia. Entre as espécies de Tor, Tor putitora (Hamilton) é o Mahseer mais amplamente distribuído no Paquistão e em outros países do subcontinente indiano. No entanto, com base apenas em caracteres morfológicos, alguns autores identificam as contrapartes paquistanesas como Tor macrolepis (Heckel) (uma espécie que se presume ser encontrada exclusivamente no sistema do rio Indo), distinta de Tor putitora (uma espécie encontrada no sistema do rio Ganga Brahmaputra). A fim de resolver essas ambiguidades taxonômicas, o presente estudo realizou medidas merísticas e morfométricas de Mahseer coletadas em um total de 11 corpos d'água do Paquistão. As razões entre os caracteres morfométricos foram calculadas e analisadas estatisticamente usando o teste t e o coeficiente de correlação. Duas espécies identificadas como Tor putitora e Naziritor zhobensis foram os únicos habitantes Mahseer do sistema fluvial Indo no Paquistão. Tor putitora ocorreu em todos os locais pesquisados, enquanto Nazirtor zhobensis tinha uma faixa de distribuição do rio Zhob aos afluentes do rio Gomal, afluentes da margem direita do rio Indo. O estudo corrobora que não há sinapomorfias morfológicas inequívocas em nenhuma das populações existentes de ambas as espécies. O estudo demonstra ainda que o comprimento da cabeça, um caractere frequentemente usado na taxonomia de Mahseer, não é boa medida para identificação das espécies. Finalmente, o presente estudo estabelece que Naziritor zhobensis ainda existe nos corpos d'água do Paquistão e que o Mahseer dourado ocorrendo no sistema fluvial Indo do Paquistão é Tor putitora.

A Hospital-based Observational Study of Newly diagnosed Sthula Prameha Subjects with special reference to type 2 Diabetes Mellitus from Maharashtra, India

Abstract The aim of this study is to provide a real picture of the disease burden of Prameha in society. The study was performed in Government Ayurved College and Hospital, Nagpur, Maharashtra during Oct 2015-Mar 2016. Total 60 patients of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus attending the Kayachikitsa Opd of GAC Nagpur were included for the study. The subjects details were recorded in case report form. The CRF included many variables such as sociodemographic factors, presenting symptoms, risk factors such as hypertension, obesity and glycaemic status, family history of diabetes and physical activity. Other parameters like BMI, glycosylated haemoglobin, fasting and post prandial blood sugar and fasting lipid profile were documented. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were carried out using the XLSTAT software (2020). Amongst 60 subjects, 65% were male and 93.3% were adults. 78% of subjects were following sedentary lifestyle and 40% had family history of diabetes. The results revealed that, obesity, family history of diabetes, uncontrolled glycemic status, sedentary lifestyles, and hypertension were prevalent among the Prameha subjects. The characterization of this risk profile and early detection of prameha by observing poorvarupa will contribute to designing more effective and specific strategies for screening and controlling Prameha in Maharashtra, India.

COVID-19 Related Knowledge, Attitude, Practice Evaluation among Indian Dental Patients: A Cross-Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the awareness about COVID-19 among dental patients and determine the association between COVID-19 awareness and perceived stress among dental patients. Material and Methods: A selfadministered knowledge, attitude and practices (KAP) questionnaire and perceived stress scale (PSS) were employed to assess the knowledge and attitude among dental patients visiting the outpatient department. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. An independent t-test was used to compare the KAP and PSS scores based on age, gender, occupation and the responses to unscorable questions. Spearman's correlation was employed to assess the association between KAP and PSS scores. Results: The older participants (mean KAP score = 16±2.2), the participants who answered that the Coronavirus outbreak changed their daily routine (mean KAP score = 15.8±2.2) and the participants who answered that they changed their plans due to the Coronavirus outbreak (mean KAP score = 16±2.14) had significantly higher KAP scores when compared to their respective counterparts. The Spearman's correlation value of -0.45 suggested a moderate negative association between the KAP and PSS scores, but this correlation was not statistically significant. Conclusion: The participants had a moderate to good level of knowledge related to COVID-19 and were positive in their approach and outlook on overcoming the pandemic.

Impact of Internet Addiction on Academic Performance of Undergraduate Dental Students of Bhubaneswar, India

ABSTRACT Objective: To assess the level of internet addiction and its impact on the academic performance of undergraduate dental students of Bhubaneswar. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive survey was steered among 814 undergraduate dental students (representing first year through internship) in Bhubaneswar, India. Internet addiction was assessed with the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) developed by Young, which consisted of 20 items rated on a 5-point Likert scale. Google Forms were used to collect the data. Statistical tests like Chi-square, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation coefficient were used to analyze the qualitative and quantitative variables, respectively, with the significance level set at p ≤ 0.05. Results: The prevalence of Internet Addiction was found to be 27.5%. Interns showed the highest mean Internet Addiction (57.91±10.71) score. The proportion of addicted students was higher in males, 74 (31.4%), than in females, 150 (26%). The mean scores for individual domains were overuse (16.31±3.64), non-restraints (7.77±2.66), inhibiting the flow of life (9.52±3.05), emotional state (11.25±2.86), and dependence (10.47±2.53). A correlation coefficient (Spearman's rho value of -.167) indicates a negative correlation between internet addiction and academic scores, which was statistically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: This study revealed that internet use for varying purposes eventually leads to addiction and affects students' academic performance. The affected students need early intervention and control over internet usage.

Identifying the Potential Determinants of Tobacco Counseling Implementation among Oral Health Professionals of India: A Cross-Sectional Survey

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the potential determinants of tobacco counseling implementation among oral health professionals in India. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was carried out among the 298 dentists of Aligarh and Gwalior. The questionnaire used in the study had sections on dentists' sociodemographic data and a 35-item questionnaire to assess the potential determinants of tobacco cessation counseling. Descriptive statistics were carried out, and a Chi-square test was utilized to determine the association. P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Domains "knowledge", "Professional Responsibility and Identity", and "Remembrance, awareness, and judgment" showed a statistically significant correlation with most tobacco cessation counseling behaviors. In addition, undergraduate education received in Tobacco Cessation counseling, and Continuing education received in Tobacco Cessation counseling had significantly impacted the practice of tobacco cessation counseling (p=0.02 and 0.04, respectively). Conclusion: This study suggests that "Knowledge", "Professional Responsibility and Identity" and "Remembrance, awareness, and judgment" are the potential determinants that could be used to design effective strategies to enhance tobacco counseling among dentists in India.

Dental arch characteristics among South Indian twins - A morphometric study

Genetic and environmental factors are essential in occlusal variations and malocclusion and have been of considerable interest to orthodontists. Studies on twin pairs are one of the most effective methods for investigating genetically determined occlusal variables. Many studies have focused on distances between first molars or between canines but malocclusions can also occur in other regions of the dental arch. Aim: To evaluate the characteristics of the dental arch between pairs of Monozygotic (MZ) and Dizygotic (DZ) twins from Southern India. Methods: A random sample of 51 twin pairs (12­18years old) participated in this study. The zygosity of twin pairs was recorded by facial appearance. The occlusion of the first permanent molars was recorded according to Angle's classification. Study models were prepared to assess dental arch characteristics (i.e., arch form, arch perimeter, arch length; intercanine, intermolar width, and teeth size discrepancy). The obtained data was statistically analyzed using SPSS software 19.0. The student's t-test (two-tailed, independent) and Chi-square test was used to determine the significance of studied parameters. Results: Angle's Class I molar relation was more commonly observed followed by the Class II molar relationship among twins. The measured dental arch dimensions did not show a statistically significant difference among twin pairs. The ovoid arch form was commonly observed among Monozygotic and Dizygotic Twins. There was a similarity among MZ and DZ twins in the anterior and overall Bolton's ratio. Conclusion: There were similar occurrences of measured parameters among twins, which showed genetic predominance in the expression of measured dental arch traits

Comparison of gingival inflammatory parameters and pain perception on periodontal probing - a cross sectional study, part II / Comparación de parámetros inflamatorios gingivales y percepción del dolor en el sondaje periodontal - un estudio transversal, parte II

Background: Probing of the periodontal pocket is an essential part of the diagnosis of periodontal disease and 15-77% of untreated periodontal patients experience pain during probing. Therefore, the objective of this study is to evaluate the pain perceived by patients with dental plaque-induced gingivitis and chronic periodontitis during periodontal probing and the main objective includes the evaluation of the relationship between pain perceived during periodontal probing and gingival inflammatory parameters. Material and Methods: A total of 475 participants were recruited into the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group-A (Gingivitis Group - 275 patients) and Group-B (Chronic Periodontitis Group - 200 patients). Clinical parameters included analysis of bleeding on probing, simplified gingival index, pocket depth on probing, and clinical attachment level. Pain score was recorded using the HP VAS scale and all patients participated in the study after a detailed explanation of the study protocol. Results: A significant difference in pain perception was noted between groups, highlighting the role of the degree of inflammation in the examination of periodontal parameters. Conclusion: Within the limitations of the present study, we can conclude that pain perception is directly correlated with the degree of inflammation in periodontitis rather than plaque-induced gingivitis during periodontal probing. Therefore, some form of adjuvant topical anesthesia may be considered in order to reduce pain levels in severely inflamed patients, to encourage continued acceptance of supportive periodontal therapy.

Antecedentes: El sondaje de la bolsa periodontal es una parte esencial en el diagnóstico de la enfermedad periodontal. 15-77% de los pacientes periodontales no tratados experimentan dolor durante el sondaje. Por lo tanto, el objetivo de este estudio es evaluar el dolor percibido por pacientes con gingivitis inducida por placa dental y periodontitis crónica durante el sondaje periodontal y el objetivo principal incluye la evaluación de la relación entre el dolor percibido durante el sondaje periodontal con parámetros inflamatorios gingivales. Material y Métodos: Un total de 475 sujetos fueron reclutados en el estudio. Los sujetos se dividieron en 2 grupos: Grupo - A (Grupo de gingivitis - 275 pacientes) y Grupo - B (Grupo de periodontitis crónica - 200 pacientes). Los parámetros clínicos incluyeron el análisis del sangrado al sondaje, el índice gingival simplificado, la profundidad de la bolsa al sondaje y el nivel de inserción clínica. La puntuación del dolor se registró utilizando la escala HP VAS y todos los pacientes participaron en el estudio después de una explicación detallada del protocolo del estudio. Resultados: Se notó una diferencia significativa en la percepción del dolor en el grupo B que en el grupo A, lo que significa el papel del grado de inflamación en el examen de los parámetros periodontales. Conclusión: Dentro de las limitaciones del presente estudio, podemos concluir que la percepción del dolor se correlaciona directamente con el grado de inflamación que se observa en la periodontitis más que con la gingivitis inducida por la placa dental durante el sondaje periodontal. Por lo tanto, se puede considerar alguna forma de anestesia tópica adyuvante para reducir los niveles de dolor en pacientes gravemente inflamados para fomentar la aceptación continua de la terapia periodontal de apoyo.

Evaluation of molar bite force in carious and non-carious primary dentition among 4 to 6 year old children / Evaluación de la fuerza de mordida molar en dentición temporal cariada y no cariada en niños de 4 a 6 años

Objetive: The aim of the study was to evaluate the maximum molar bite force in children aged 4 to 6 years with and without dental caries. Material and Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out from May 2018 to December 2018. A total of 288 children aged between 4 to 6 years were randomly selected from six different primary schools in Chennai city, India and divided into two groups of 144 children each, based on the presence and absence of caries: Group A children with non-carious dentition and Group B children with carious dentition. Bite force measurement was performed using standardized custom made occlusal force gauge. Statistical analysis used: Data were expressed as the mean ± SD. Student's t­test (two tailed, independent) and ANOVA were used to find the significance of study parameters between the groups. Results: Occlusal bite force of non-carious dentition (367.94 ±33.71N) was higher than the carious dentition (326.73±27.83N) and it was statistically significant (p≤0.01). Overall occlusal bite force of boys (350.44±35.84N) was significantly higher than that of girls (344.22±38.25N). Flush terminal plane molar relationship showed higher occlusal bite force (380.54±27.36N) followed by mesial step (350.82±22.25N) and distal step (310.63±20.82N) molar relationship. Conclusion: Non-carious dentition showed significantly higher bite force than carious dentition in children 4 to 6 years of age. Boys had higher bite force than the girls and flush terminal plane molar relationship showed higher bite force than mesial and distal step molar relationship.

Objetivo: El objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la fuerza de mordida molar máxima en niños y niñas de 4 a 6 años con y sin caries dental. Material y Métodos: Este estudio transversal se llevó a cabo entre mayo de 2018 y diciembre de 2018. Se seleccionó aleatoriamente un total de 288 niños y niñas de entre 4 y 6 años de seis escuelas primarias diferentes en la ciudad de Chennai, India, y se dividieron en dos grupos de 144 niños cada uno según la presencia y ausencia de caries: El grupo A incluye niños con dentición no-cariada y el grupo B incluye niños con dentición cariada. La medición de la fuerza de mordida se realizó utilizando un medidor de fuerza oclusal estandarizado hecho a medida.Análisis estadístico utilizado: Los datos se expresaron como la media ± SD. Se utilizó la prueba t de Student (dos colas, independiente) y ANOVA para encontrar la importancia de los parámetros de estudio entre los grupos. Resultados: La fuerza de mordida oclusal de la dentición no cariada (367,94 ±33,71N) fue mayor que la de la dentición cariada (326,73±27,83N) y fue estadísticamente significativa (p≤0,01). La fuerza de mordida oclusal global de los niños (350,44±35,84N) fue significativamente mayor que la de las niñas (344,22±38,25N). La relación molar en el plano terminal al ras mostró una mayor fuerza de mordida oclusal (380,54 ± 27,36 N), seguida de una relación molar de escalón mesial (350,82 ± 22,25 N) y escalón distal (310,63 ± 20,82N).Conclusión: La dentición no cariada mostró una fuerza de mordida significativamente mayor que la dentición cariada en niños de 4 a 6 años de edad. Los niños tenían una mayor fuerza de mordida que las niñas y la relación molar en el plano terminal mostró una mayor fuerza de mordida que la relación molar escalonada mesial y distal.

Drug utilization study in neonatal intensive care unit at tertiary care hospital

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Neonates are more susceptible to drug interactions and adverse effects, and special care should be taken when prescribing medication to them. This study aimed to investigate drug usage in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: This prospective observational study was conducted on 98 patients at the Apollo tertiary care hospital (Bannerghatta, Bangalore, India) in a period of 6 months. The most common indications for neonatal intensive care unit admission, average number of drugs per patient, the most frequently used medication, distribution of patients based on the birth procedure, and possible drug interactions were collected from patient profiles. RESULTS: Among the patients, 52% were males and 48% were females. Notably, 38% of patients were preterm, 60% were term, and only 2% were post-term. Also, 80.6% were born by cesarean section and 19.4% were born by normal vaginal delivery. The highest mean of drug use was in the patient of 1,000-1,500 g (8.06 per patient). Preterm was the most frequent indication for admission in neonatal intensive care unit, followed by hyperbilirubinemia and then respiratory distress syndrome. The most frequently used medication was vitamin K (99%) and antibiotics followed by dextrose. In different types of antibiotics, amikacin (41%), cefoperazone+sulbactam (35%), cephalosporin (1%), ceftriaxone (0.7%), and amoxicillin (0.3%) were commonly administered. There were some possible interactions, such as aminoglycoside with furosemide and calcium gluconate. CONCLUSION: Premature birth and resulting low birth weight were the main reasons for drug prescription. High administration of antibiotics is probably an area of concern and should be seriously considered.

Clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes of retinoblastoma in India: A literature review

Background@#India has the highest incidence of retinoblastoma globally and is one of the six Asian countries identified to contribute 43% to the global retinoblastoma cases. Data on clinical presentation, treatment, and outcomes were reviewed which can serve as basis in the creation of clinical guidelines, policies and programs, and resource allocation in the diagnosis and management of retinoblastoma in India. @*Methodology@#Articles on retinoblastoma in India gathered from different databases were reviewed for clinical features, treatment, and outcomes. @*Result@#Fourteen articles with 3,666 patients involving around 4,945 eyes seen from 1983-2017 were reviewed. The median age at consult ranged from 14-48 months. The median delay of consult ranged from 2-9 months. Majority of the patients were males (59%) and unilateral disease was present in 63%. Family history was reported in 4%. Retinoblastoma was intraocular in at least 75% of eyes. Systemic chemotherapy was the most used treatment option given to >2,042 eyes. Enucleation was done in >1,695 eyes. The mean follow-up period ranged from 4-50 months. Three hundred fifty six (356) patients were lost to follow-up. The functional vision was retained in 134 eyes. The globe salvage rate for Group A was 100%, 94-100% for Group B, and 50-100% in Group C. The highest globe salvage rate for Group D eyes was 85% and 58% for group E. The overall survival rate was 75% (2,233 patients).@*Conclusion@#Common among the articles was the relatively high proportion of extraocular disease attributed to delay in consult attributed to financial factors and lack of knowledge on the disease.

Oral Health Literacy - Adult Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties and its Influence on Oral Health Status of School Teachers in Bhubaneswar, India

Abstract Objective: To translate Oral Health Literacy - Adult Questionnaire from English to Odia language and test its psychometric properties and assess its influence on oral health status of school teachers. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was performed among 400; 116 (29%) males and 284 (71%) female school teachers of Bhubaneswar. OHL-AQ questionnaire subsequent to being translated to Odia language utilizing World Health Organization recommended translation back translation protocol was then tested for the establishment of its psychometric properties with assistance from the selected expert panel of academicians. The oral health status of participants was assessed using the WHO oral health assessment form-2013. Chi-square, t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression were used for statistical analysis. Results: Internal consistency of OHL-AQ-O was acceptable with an alpha value of 0.70. Test-retest reliability showed almost perfect agreement (ICC=0.90, CI=0.85-0.93) indicating highly reliable translated scale (p=0.001). Overall mean oral health literacy scores were 13.02±1.86, with about 80% belonging to the high oral health literacy level group. Caries prevalence was 78%, with a mean DMFT of 3.04±2.55. Shallow pockets were absent majorly in teachers belonging to the high oral health literacy group (p=0.01). The multiple linear regression model depicted that only the teaching experience variable added significantly to the prediction (p=0.008). Conclusion: OHL-AQ-O questionnaire was found valid and reliable to measure OHL. Further application of the instrument in other communities and populations will support establishing the external validity of the OHL-AQ-O.

Comparison of Oncostatin M in Patients with Chronic Periodontitis with and without Diabetes

Abstract Objective: To compare the Oncostatin M (OSM) concentrations in tissues of patients with chronic periodontitis with and without diabetes. Material and Methods: Sixty-four subjects visiting the dental outpatient department were categorized as "healthy" (Group 1), "periodontitis" (Group 2), and "diabetes with periodontitis" (Group 3) groups. The clinical oral examination included assessment of plaque, gingivitis, probing depth, clinical attachment level. Blood glucose was assessed for group 3 patients. OSM concentration in the tissues was assessed using ELISA in all groups. Results: The mean OSM was 0.02 ± 0.04 pg/mg in the healthy group, 0.12 ± 0.09 pg/mg in the chronic periodontitis group and 0.13 ± 0.10 pg/mg in the diabetes-periodontitis group. A significantly higher mean OSM was seen in Group 2 and Group 3 than Group 1. The amount of OSM positively correlated with probing depth and clinical attachment level. Conclusion: Periodontal disease causes a rise in Oncostatin M, independent of the diabetic status. Expression of OSM in the gingival tissues can serve as an inflammatory marker.

Effect of Chelating Agents on Push-Out Bond Strength of NeoMTA Plus to Root Canal Dentin

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate and compare the effect of 17% Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid (EDTA), 9% Etidronic acid (HEDP), and 7% Maleic acid (MA) on the push-out bond strength of NeoMTA Plus sealer to the coronal, middle, and apical thirds of root canal dentin. Material and Methods Forty single-rooted human maxillary central incisors were selected and decoronated to 12 mm long root fragments. Working length was established and root canals were then enlarged up to rotary Protaper F3. After each instrumentation, the root canal was irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl. For the final irrigation regimen, the specimens were divided into 4 groups (n=10) and treated with EDTA, HEDP, MA or Saline. Root canals were coated with NeoMTA Plus sealer, and obturation was done with single cone obturation technique. Subsequently, three horizontal sections were taken from the coronal, middle and apical thirds of each specimen, and POBS was measured using a universal testing machine. The type of bond failures was assessed under a stereomicroscope. Statistical analysis was done with One-way ANOVA with Tukey's Post hoc analysis. Results MA and EDTA showed the highest POBS. There was no significant difference in bond strength between MA and EDTA (p>0.05). HEDP and Saline showed lower POBS. Among all the four groups, the coronal third showed the highest values, followed by middle and apical thirds. Conclusion The type of chelating agent used during the root canal treatment significantly affects the bond strength of NeoMTA Plus to the root canal dentin.

Computer Vision Syndrome: Will the Pandemic Lead to Eye Problems for Dentists?

ABSTRACT Over the past year and a half dental education has been conducted primarily online due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. During the pandemic, we have spent many hours a day on our computers, mobile phones, and tablets to gather information and participate in online seminars and classrooms. Health consequences resulting from the overuse of these devices include carpal tunnel syndrome as well as computer vision syndrome (CVS). Computer vision syndrome, also known as digital eye strain, has several associated features such as eye burning, strained vision, dry eye, blurred vision, and associated neck and shoulder pain. Several predisposing factors have been linked with CVS, but often this problem gets ignored. The management of this syndrome is aimed at educating dentists on computer use, position, and the surrounding environment. Considering all this, we must ensure that we spend some time away from these devices every day to avoid any significant vision problems. The objective of preparing this manuscript was to provide a brief overview of the increased prevalence of computer vision syndrome and its associated features.