Posterior superior alveolar nerve block alone in the extraction of upper third molars: a prospective clinical study

Background@#Third molar extraction is the most commonly performed minor oral surgical procedure in outpatient settings and requires regional anesthesia for pain control. Extraction of the maxillary molars commonly requires both posterior superior alveolar nerve block (PSANB) and greater palatine nerve block (GPNB), depending on the nerve innervations of the subject teeth. We aimed to study the effectiveness of PSANB alone in maxillary third molar (MTM) extraction. @*Methods@#A sample size comprising 100 erupted and semi-erupted MTM was selected and subjected to study for extraction. Under strict aseptic conditions, the patients were subjected to the classical local anesthesia technique of PSANB alone with 2% lignocaine hydrochloride and adrenaline 1:80,000. After a latency period of 10 min, objective assessment of the buccal and palatal mucosa was performed. A numerical rating scale and visual analog scale were used. @*Results@#In the post-latency period of 10 min, the depth of anesthesia obtained in our sample on the buccal side extended from the maxillary tuberosity posteriorly to the mesial of the first premolar (15%), second premolar (41%), and first molar (44%). This inferred that anesthesia was effectively high until the first molars and was less effective further anteriorly due to nerve innervation. The depth of anesthesia on the palatal aspect was up to the first molar (33%), second molar (67%), and lateromedially; 6% of the patients received anesthesia only to the alveolar region, whereas 66% received up to 1.5 cm to the mid-palatal raphe. In 5% of the cases, regional anesthesia was re-administered. An additional 1.8 ml PSANB was required in four patients, and another patient was administered a GPNB in addition to the PSANB during the time of extraction and elevation. @*Conclusion@#The results of our study emphasize that PSANB alone is sufficient for the extraction of MTM in most cases, thereby obviating the need for poorly tolerated palatal injections.

Cold abscess of dental origin in a 7-year-old child

Abscess related to an infected tooth is mostly associated with pyogenic infection, but sometimes, it can be asymptomatic and indicate a chronic condition. This case report shows cold abscess with a draining sinus due to dental origin. A 7-year-old female patient complained of pain with respect to grossly decayed tooth and recurrent swelling with no response to medications. After investigations and management of the lesion, it was concluded as abscess due to chronic granulomatous infection. Cold abscess is a classical manifestation of tuberculosis with no signs of inflammation. More than 60% of cases of this pathology occur in patients below 15 years old. It needs various clinical, histopathological, and laboratory investigations. Although rare, it should be considered as a differential diagnosis when no improvement occurs postroutine therapy to prevent serious complications. Furthermore, various precautions should be taken by the clinicians to prevent cross-infection.

Distribution and Ecology of Euglenoids in Selected Lakes of Tumakuru District, Karnataka

Aim: This study deals with the distribution and ecology of euglenoids in relation to physicochemical characteristics of water in four lakes of Tumakuru district. Place and Duration of Study: Guluru, Bugudanahalli, Colony and Teeta are the four lakes of Tumakuru district selected for the present study during 2015-17. Methodology: Euglenoids function as indicators of aquatic superiority. Composite samples were taken at two feats depth from surface level on monthly basis for the enumeration of euglenoids. Results: A total of ten species under three genera were identified. Guluru lake harboured 46.66% followed by Colony and Teeta lakes 20% each and Bugudanahalli lake with 13.33%. Seasonally all the lakes recorded maximum density of euglenoids during summer except in Colony lake, where they reached their peak during rainy season. Euglenoids showed significant positive correlation with water temperature (r = 0.664: P < 0.05), Sulphate (r = 0.757: P < 0.05) and Silica (r = 0.775: P < 0.05) at 5% level. Conclusion: Euglenoids established negative correlation with dissolved oxygen and ammoniacal nitrogen. As the euglenoids serve as pollution indicator organisms, moderate density of euglenoids in the lakes investigated indicates that, lakes are tending towards biologically eutrophic condition.

A randomised prospective comparative study of evaluation of dexmedetomidine an adjuvant to ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular block

Background:There are clinical evidences for efficacy of dexmedetomidine as an adjuvant to local anaesthetic for peripheral nerve block, but very few published study are available on continuation of dexmedetomidine, with ropivacaine for ultrasound guided supraclavicular block. The present study has been designed to elucidate the effect of dexmedetomidine, in combination ropivacaine on various parameters.Methods:During period of 2 year and 3 months 84 patients were enrolled for thisstudy. Patient in Group A were received 15 ml of 0.5% ropivacaine with 100 microgram one ml dexmedetomidine and Group B were received 15ml of 0.5% of ropivacaine with 1 ml of normal saline. Drug solution was prepared by same individual and was not part ofstudy.Results:Both the group were comparable to each other regarding demography profile. The duration of sensory block 644.96±72.4 min in group A and the duration of sensory block in Group B was 731.53±131.54 min with p value0.00354.The duration of motor block was 661.5±29.25 in group A and 559.77±29.25 in Group B with P value 0.0001. Duration of analgesia in Group A was 457.06±34.47 min and it was 345.70±38.032min in Group B.The supplementation of intravenous opioid was required in 3 patients in Group A and 10 patients in group B with P value 0.037. Conclusions: When 100 microgram of dexmedetomidine was added as an adjuvant to ropivacaineis associated with early onset of sensory and motor block, prolongation of sensory and motor block and duration of analgesia in comparison with ropivacaine alone

Twice‑weekly palliative radiotherapy for locally very advanced head and neck cancers.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the following study is to evaluate the efficacy of a twice‑weekly hypofractionated palliative radiotherapy schedule in locally very advanced head and neck cancers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients with locally very advanced, head and neck cancers were prospectively evaluated after twice‑weekly palliative radiotherapy regimen of 32 Gy in 8 fractions. Median age was 55.5 years and the predominant primary site was oral cavity (46%). Majority (70.6%) had Stage IV B disease. Disease related distressing symptoms such as pain, bleeding, skin fungation, respiratory symptoms due to tumor burden, were prospectively assessed before the start of treatment, at conclusion and at 6‑12 weeks of completion of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 126 patients were enrolled in the study. Ninety three (73.8%) patients who completed the planned treatment of 32 Gy in 8 fractions were included in the symptom analysis. Overall response rates were 42% at primary disease and 55% at nodal disease. At conclusion of radiotherapy 76.3% of the patients reported improvement in pain scores (P = 0.001) and 42.8% patients reported improvement in anxiety and depression levels (P = 0.001). At first follow‑up after 6‑12 weeks significant improvement in pain scores (P = 0.001) and anxiety/depression levels (P = 0.001) persisted. The median survival of the patients was 5.5 months. Acute grade III mucositis was seen in one patient (1.2%) while none had grade III skin reactions. CONCLUSION: The proposed radiotherapy regimen is effective for sustained symptom palliation with low acute toxicity in locally very advanced head and neck cancers. It delivers a moderately high dose while being logistically simpler for the patient.

Factors predicting 'time to distant metastasis' in radically treated head and neck cancer.

Context: Various studies have shown the important risk factors for distant metastasis in head and neck cancer (HNC) which are present in most of the patients in developing countries. Identification of factors on the basis of time to distant metastasis (TDM) can help in future trials targeting smaller subgroups. Aims and Objectives: To identify the factors that predict TDM in radically treated HNC patients. Settings and Design: Retrospective audit. Materials and Methods: Retrospective audit of the prospectively maintained electronic database of a single HNC radiotherapy clinic from 1990 to 2010 was done to identify radically treated patients of HNC who developed distant metastasis. Univariate and multivariate analysis were done to identify baseline (demographic, clinical, pathological, and treatment) factors which could predict TDM, early time to metastasis (ETM; <12 months), intermediate time to metastasis (ITM; 12-24 months), and late time to metastasis (LTM; >2 years) using Kaplan Meier and Cox regression analysis, respectively. Results: One hundred patients with distant metastasis were identified with a median TDM of 7.4 months; 66 had ETM, 17 had ITM, and 17 had LTM. On multivariate analysis, the nodal stage 2-3 (N2/3) was the only baseline factor independently predicting TDM, ETM, and ITM, whereas none of the baseline factors predicted LTM. Conclusions: Higher nodal burden (N2/3) is associated with both ETM and ITM, and calls for aggressive screening, systemic therapy options, and surveillance. It is difficult to predict patients who are at a risk of developing LTM with baseline factors alone and evaluation of biological data is needed.

Is there a role of induction chemotherapy followed by resection in T4b oral cavity cancers.

Objective: The objective of the following study is to investigate the efficacy and impact of induction chemotherapy in T4b oral cavity cancers. Materials and Methods: It's a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of T4b oral cavity cancer patients who were offered induction chemotherapy and then assessed for resectability at the end of 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Post-induction these patients either underwent surgical or non-surgical local intervention depending upon their response. These patients were then followed-up until either recurrence progression or death whichever was later. Statistical analysis was performed by SPSS version 16. Descriptive analysis was performed. Factors affecting achievement of resectability were sought by univariate and multivariate analysis. The impact of surgery on overall survival (OS) was studied using Kaplan Meier survival analysis with the use of log rank test. Results: A total of 110 patients received chemotherapy. Median age been 41.5 years (range 25-66 years). 21 (20%) of our patient received 3 drug regimen while the rest of our patients received 2 drug regimen. Partial response was achieved in 28 patients, stable disease in 49 patients and progression was noted in 23 patients. Resectability was achieved in 34 (30.9%) of 110 patients. The estimated median OS in patients who underwent surgery was 18.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI]: 13.6-22.46 months) and for those treated with non-surgical treatment was 6.5 months (95% CI: 5.6-7.4 months) (P = 0.0001). Conclusion: Use of induction chemotherapy is safe and can achieve resectability in 30.9% of our T4b patients. In those patients undergoing resection have much better OS then those who underwent non-surgical local treatment.

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of novel (3,5-dichloro-4-((5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy) phenyl) aryl methanones.

A series of novel (3,5-dichloro-4-((5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)methoxy)phenyl) aryl methanones (10a-f), were synthesized by condensing 2-chloromethyl-5-aryl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (9a-c) with aryl(3,5-dichloro-4-hydroxyphenyl) methanones (4a-b) using TBAB and K2CO3. The chemical structure of the newly synthesised compounds was characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, 1H NMR, and LC-MS) methods. The title compounds were screened for qualitative (zone of inhibition) and quantitative antimicrobial activity (MIC) by agar well and microbroth dilution technique, respectively. Among the synthesized compounds in the series, the compound 10f was found to exhibit significant antibacterial activity at lower concentration, against Gram positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Bacillus cereus and Gram negative bacteria such as E.coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The rest of the analogues in the series displayed moderate antimicrobial activity when compared to the standard positive controls gentamicin and nystatin.

Cetuximab with radiotherapy in patients with loco-regionally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck unsuitable or ineligible for concurrent platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy: Ready for routine clinical practice.

Purpose : To report outcomes of cetuximab concurrent with radiotherapy in advanced head-neck cancer unsuitable for platinum-based chemo-radiotherapy. Materials and Methods : Retrospective chart review of 37 patients treated with cetuximab and radiotherapy at a comprehensive cancer centre. Results : Median age of study cohort was 59 years. Thirty four (92%) patients had advanced stage disease (stage III-IV). Reasons for ineligibility for platinum included impaired creatinine-clearance, old age, and/or co-morbidities. Thirty-two (86%) patients completed planned radiotherapy without interruption; 29 (80%) patients received ≥6 cycles of cetuximab. Fifteen patients (40.5%) developed ≥grade 3 dermatitis; 9 patients (25%) experienced ≥grade 3 mucositis. At a median follow-up of 16 months, the 2-year loco-regional control, disease-free survival, and overall survival was 35.5%, 29.5%, and 44.4% respectively. Stage grouping and severe dermatitis were significant predictors of outcome. Conclusions : Cetuximab concurrent with radiotherapy is a reasonable alternative in advanced head-neck cancer patients with acceptable compliance and outcomes, but higher skin toxicity.

From two-dimensional to three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy in prostate cancer: An Indian experience.

Background: Sparse data from India are available regarding the outcome of prostate cancer treatment. We report our experience in treating prostate cancer with radiotherapy (RT). Materials and Methods: This study included 159 men with locally advanced cancer treated with RT with or without hormone therapy between 1984 and 2004. The median RT dose was 70 Gy over 35 fractions. Eighty-five patients received whole pelvic RT and prostate boost, and 74 patients were treated with 3-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) to prostate and seminal vesicles alone. Results: The median follow-up was 25 months and the freedom from biochemical failure for all the patients at 5 years was 76%, disease-free survival (DFS) 59.1%, and overall survival (OAS) was 70.1%. The risk stratification (91% vs 52%, P < 0.03) and RT dose (72.8% for dose > 66 Gy vs 43.5% for dose < 66 Gy; P = 0.01) affected the DFS. DFS at 5 years was better in the group receiving 3DCRT to prostate and seminal vesicles (78% vs 51.5%; P = 0.001) and was reflected in OAS as well (P = 0.01). Conclusion: CRT technique with dose escalation results in significant benefit in DFS and OAS in locally advanced prostate cancer.

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the nose and paranasal sinuses: a case report.

Non Hodgkin's Lymphomas of the sinonasal tract are uncommon neoplasms that can be morphologically difficult to distinguish from destructive non-neoplastic process or other malignant neoplasm in this site. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas of the sinonasal tract are heterogeneous diseases that can be clinically aggressive. Immunophenotypic pattern of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas shows marked variations. We are reporting a case of B-Cell type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinus with complete clinicopathological and immunohistochemical study as it is rare in Indian literature and review of the literature is done.

Red cell distribution width in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia.

OBJECTIVE: 1. To compare peripheral smear (PS) and Red cell distribution width (RDW) in diagnosis of Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) in various grades. 2. To study the changes in RDW and PS after therapy. METHODS: Children in the age group of six months to five years with microcytic (MCV<80fl) anemia (Hemoglobin <11 g%) were evaluated. Those who had received blood transfusion and /or were already on iron therapy were excluded. Evaluation included clinical examination, complete blood count (CBC), RDW estimation microscopic examination of peripheral smear, measurement of serum iron and transferrin saturation. Children with IDA were treated with oral iron for 8 weeks and PS, CBC including RDW were repeated. RESULT: Of the 100 children evaluated, 89 had IDA. 48% had mild, 42% had moderate and 10% had severe anemia. Transferrin saturation correlated with severity of anemia. Peripheral smear showed microcytosis and hypochromia in all cases with severe anemia, 61.5% and 22.5% of those with moderate and mild anemia respectively. RDW was suggestive of iron deficiency in 100%, 82.05% and 100% of patient with mild, moderate and severe anemia respectively. CONCLUSION: In the diagnosis of mild and moderate iron deficiency anemia, RDW had a higher sensitivity than PS. Red cell morphology, Hb, PCV and RDW showed significant improvement after iron-therapy.

Menetrier's disease.

An 8-year-old girl presented with persistent vomiting, pain abdomen and generalized edema. Barium studies and gastroscopy suggested hypertrophic gastropathy. Histopathological examination pointed the diagnosis towards Menetrier's Disease. There was spontaneous remission and the child required only supportive therapy.

Auditory functions in anaesthesia residents during exposure to operating room noise.

Twenty anaesthesia residents were exposed to a pre-recorded audio cassette of operating room noise. The noise level during exposure was maintained at 77.32 +/- 1 dB (A), which was the calculated average operating room noise in our institute. Two auditory functions i.e., speech reception threshold and speech discrimination were studied before and during exposure to noise in a pre-fixed order. The right and left ears were tested separately. Speech reception threshold showed a mean increase of 23.75 +/- 6.86 dB (A) for the right ear and 26.25 +/- 6.90 dB(A) for the left ear during exposure to noise, suggesting that speech communication may be possible only by raising the voice. Speech discrimination showed a mean percentage decrease of 23.3 +/- 4.82 per cent for the right ear and 23.5 +/- 3.89 per cent for the left ear implying that there can be a steep decrease in the ability to discriminate spoken words.

Characterization of mitochondrial DNA primase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

DNA primase from yeast mitochondria was shown to have a molecular weight of 67 kDa by SDS-PAGE and an S value of 5·5. It was shown to have preference for SS mitochondrial DNA especially fragments containing origins of replication, as a template to initiate DNA replication. Further examination of the enzyme showed its possible association with a ribonucleotide moiety essential for enzyme activity.