The prevalence of mental ill-health in women during pregnancy and after childbirth during the Covid-19 pandemic: a systematic review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: This systematic review aims to explore the prevalence of the impact of the COVID-19, MERS, and SARS pandemics on the mental health of pregnant women. METHODS: All COVID-19, SARS and MERS studies that evaluated the mental health of pregnant women with/without gynaecological conditions that were reported in English between December 2000 - July 2021 were included. The search criteria were developed based upon the research question using PubMed, Science Direct, Ovid PsycINFO and EMBASE databases. A wide search criterion was used to ensure the inclusion of all pregnant women with existing gynaecological conditions. The Newcastle-Ottawa-Scale was used to assess the risk of bias for all included studies. Random effects model with restricted maximum-likelihood estimation method was applied for the meta-analysis and I-square statistic was used to evaluate heterogeneity across studies. The pooled prevalence rates of symptoms of anxiety, depression, PTSD, stress, and sleep disorders with 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. RESULTS: This systematic review identified 217 studies which included 638,889 pregnant women or women who had just given birth. There were no studies reporting the mental health impact due to MERS and SARS. Results showed that women who were pregnant or had just given birth displayed various symptoms of poor mental health including those relating to depression (24.9%), anxiety (32.8%), stress (29.44%), Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (27.93%), and sleep disorders (24.38%) during the COVID-19 pandemic. DISCUSSION: It is important to note that studies included in this review used a range of outcome measures which does not allow for direct comparisons between findings. Most studies reported self-reported measure of symptoms without clinical diagnoses so conclusions can be made for symptom prevalence rather than of mental illness. The importance of managing mental health during pregnancy and after-delivery improves the quality of life and wellbeing of mothers hence developing an evidence-based approached as part of pandemic preparedness would improve mental health during challenging times. OTHER: The work presented in this manuscript was not funded by any specific grants. A study protocol was developed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235356) to explore several key objectives.

The Effect of Peripheral Neuromodulation on Pain from the Sacroiliac Joint: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

We report here a retrospective review of the longer-term results of peripheral neuromodulation in 12 patients with significant chronic sacroiliac joint pain who had previously failed multiple conservative and interventional pain therapies. To allow for the assessment of meaningful longer-term outcome, implants for all 12 patients had been in place for a minimum of 18 months to a maximum of 36 months prior to the formal review. Compared to the preimplantation baseline, the longer-term follow-up revealed a significant and sustained reduction in visual analog scale pain scores from 8.7 ± 1.1 to 1.1 ± 1.0 (P < 0.001), with a 75% reduction in analgesia requirement, and improvement in pain impact on daily function from 94.1% ± 5.9% to 5.8% ± 6.0% (P < 0.001). These preliminary results merit a prospective randomized trial of peripheral neuromodulation.

A systematic review and bayesian meta-analysis of medical devices used in chronic pain management.

Whilst. pharmacological therapies remain the cornerstone of pain management in chronic pain, factors including the current opioid epidemic have led to non-pharmacological techniques becoming a more attractive proposition. We explored the prevalence of medical device use and their treatment efficacy in non-cancer pain management. A systematic methodology was developed, peer reviewed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235384). Key words of medical device, pain management devices, chronic pain, lower back pain, back pain, leg pain and chronic pelvic pain using Science direct, PubMed, Web of Science, PROSPERO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, PorQuest and ClinicalTrials.gov. All clinical trials, epidemiology and mixed methods studies that reported the use of medical devices for non-cancer chronic pain management published between the 1st of January 1990 and the 30th of April 2022 were included. 13 studies were included in systematic review, of these 6 were used in the meta-analysis. Our meta-analysis for pain reduction showed that transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation combined with instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization treatment and pulsed electromagnetic therapy produced significant treatment on chronic lower back pain patients. Pooled evidence revealed the use of medical device related interventions resulted in 0.7 degree of pain reduction under a 0-10 scale. Significant improvement in disability scores, with a 7.44 degree reduction in disability level compared to a placebo using a 50 score range was also seen. Our analysis has shown that the optimal use of medical devices in a sustainable manner requires further research, needing larger cohort studies, greater gender parity, in a more diverse range of geographical locations.

A systematic review and network meta-analysis of pharmaceutical interventions used to manage chronic pain.

It is estimated 1.5 billion of the global population suffer from chronic pain with prevalence increasing with demographics including age. It is suggested long-term exposure to chronic could cause further health challenges reducing people's quality of life. Therefore, it is imperative to use effective treatment options. We explored the current pharmaceutical treatments available for chronic pain management to better understand drug efficacy and pain reduction. A systematic methodology was developed and published in PROSPERO (CRD42021235384). Keywords of opioids, acute pain, pain management, chronic pain, opiods, NSAIDs, and analgesics were used across PubMed, Science direct, ProQuest, Web of science, Ovid Psych INFO, PROSPERO, EBSCOhost, MEDLINE, ClinicalTrials.gov and EMBASE. All randomised controlled clinical trials (RCTs), epidemiology and mixed-methods studies published in English between the 1st of January 1990 and 30th of April 2022 were included. A total of 119 studies were included. The data was synthesised using a tri-partied statistical methodology of a meta-analysis (24), pairwise meta-analysis (24) and network meta-analysis (34). Mean, median, standard deviation and confidence intervals for various pain assessments were used as the main outcomes for pre-treatment pain scores at baseline, post-treatment pain scores and pain score changes of each group. Our meta-analysis revealed the significant reduction in chronic pain scores of patients taking NSAID versus non-steroidal opioid drugs was comparative to patients given placebo under a random effects model. Pooled evidence also indicated significant drug efficiency with Botulinum Toxin Type-A (BTX-A) and Ketamine. Chronic pain is a public health problem that requires far more effective pharmaceutical interventions with minimal better side-effect profiles which will aid to develop better clinical guidelines. The importance of understanding ubiquity of pain by clinicians, policy makers, researchers and academic scholars is vital to prevent social determinant which aggravates issue.

Morphological assessment of the surface profile, mesiodistal diameter, and contact tightness of Class II composite restorations using three matrix systems: An in vitro study.

Context: Sectional matrices and contact rings are valuable aids to establish proximal contact tightness in Class II composite restorations. Aims: This study aims to evaluate the proximal contact area in Class II composite restorations using three matrix systems based on morphological analysis, mesiodistal (M-D) diameter and contact tightness. Subjects and Methods: A standardized DO cavity was prepared in 30 plastic molar teeth. They were randomly divided into three groups (n = 10) and restored using Tetric N-Ceram composite material and three matrix systems - Saddle matrix, Palodent system, and Palodent Plus system. The quality of proximal contacts was assessed by measuring the maximum M-D diameter of the restored teeth using a digital caliper; the tightness of the proximal contact area using Unifloss and a standardized metal blade (30 µm). Qualitative assessment of contact morphology was done by visual means while quantitative assessment of contour was done using Medit scanner superimposing method and ExoCAD software. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way ANOVA test was used to compare the mean M-D diameter (in mm) in the occlusal third, middle third, and the proximal contact area between the three groups. Chi-square test was used to compare the proximal contact area tightness using the passage of Unifloss. The buccolingual and occluso-gingival morphology was also compared among the three groups. The level of significance (P value) was set at P < 0.05. Results: For the occlusal and middle third, significantly larger diameters were achieved with the Palodent Plus system than with the Saddle matrix. More flat contours were seen in the case of the Saddle matrix than in the case of the Palodent system while the Palodent Plus system exhibited a minimal depth of concavity as determined by three-dimensional imaging of the contact morphology. Conclusions: Palodent Plus and Palodent matrix systems established superior contacts and contours than the Saddle matrix.

In vitro comparative study of antimicrobial efficacy of endodontic sealers against common pathogens in the dental pulp.

Overview: Different types of bacterial species, Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis), Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum), and Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis), cause pulpal and periradicular diseases. Hence, the antibacterial efficacy of endodontic sealers is of utmost importance from a clinical point of view. Aim: The main objective of the study is to test the antibacterial efficacy of endodontic sealers against endo microflora belonging to E. faecalis, F. nucleatum, and P. gingivalis species. Materials and Methods: The antibacterial effectiveness of five endodontic sealers (AH plus, Apexit, EndoRez, Endomethasone, and Tubliseal) was tested by means of the agar-diffusion test (ADT) and direct contact test (DCT). The bacterial suspension of individual microorganisms was applied separately onto the agar plates for ADT. Subsequently, freshly mixed and set sealer was applied on to the sterile discs. After 48 h of incubation, the inhibition zones were measured. For DCT, the sealers were put in 96-well cell culture plates and overlaid with bacterial suspension and brain heart infusion broth. The bacterial growth density of the liquid was tested by spectrophotometry at 0, 2, 4, 6, and 24 h. Results: The data were analyzed using ANOVA and post hoc Turkey's test. The present study showed that Endomethasone and AH Plus had a good antibacterial effect. Conclusion: In the ADT and DCT, Endomethasone showed the greatest antimicrobial effect against E. faecalis when compared to other endodontic sealers. In the ADT, Apexit had no antimicrobial effect on E. faecalis, whereas AH Plus had the greatest antibacterial effect on F. nucleatum and P gingivalis. Whereas in DCT, EndoRez and Endomethasone showed the greatest effect against F. nucleatum and P. gingivalis.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of long COVID symptoms.

BACKGROUND: Ongoing symptoms or the development of new symptoms following a SARS-CoV-2 diagnosis has caused a complex clinical problem known as "long COVID" (LC). This has introduced further pressure on global healthcare systems as there appears to be a need for ongoing clinical management of these patients. LC personifies heterogeneous symptoms at varying frequencies. The most complex symptoms appear to be driven by the neurology and neuropsychiatry spheres. METHODS: A systematic protocol was developed, peer reviewed, and published in PROSPERO. The systematic review included publications from the 1st of December 2019-30th June 2021 published in English. Multiple electronic databases were used. The dataset has been analyzed using a random-effects model and a subgroup analysis based on geographical location. Prevalence and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were established based on the data identified. RESULTS: Of the 302 studies, 49 met the inclusion criteria, although 36 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The 36 studies had a collective sample size of 11,598 LC patients. 18 of the 36 studies were designed as cohorts and the remainder were cross-sectional. Symptoms of mental health, gastrointestinal, cardiopulmonary, neurological, and pain were reported. CONCLUSIONS: The quality that differentiates this meta-analysis is that they are cohort and cross-sectional studies with follow-up. It is evident that there is limited knowledge available of LC and current clinical management strategies may be suboptimal as a result. Clinical practice improvements will require more comprehensive clinical research, enabling effective evidence-based approaches to better support patients.

Synthetic data & the future of Women's Health: A synergistic relationship.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this perspective is to report the use of synthetic data as a viable method in women's health given the current challenges linked to obtaining life-course data within a short period of time and accessing electronic healthcare data. METHODS: We used a 3-point perspective method to report an overview of data science, common applications, and ethical implications. RESULTS: There are several ethical challenges linked to using real-world data, consequently, generating synthetic data provides an alternative method to conduct comprehensive research when used effectively. The use of clinical characteristics to develop synthetic data is a useful method to consider. Aligning this data as closely as possible to the clinical phenotype would enable researchers to provide data that is very similar to that of the real-world. DISCUSSION: Population diversity and disease characterisation is important to optimally use data science. There are several artificial intelligence techniques that can be used to develop synthetic data. CONCLUSION: Synthetic data demonstrates promise and versatility when used efficiently aligned to clinical problems. Therefore, exploring this option as a viable method in women's health, in particular for epidemiology may be useful.

Mental health impact of the Middle East respiratory syndrome, SARS, and COVID-19: A comparative systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Over the last few decades, 3 pathogenic pandemics have impacted the global population; severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) and SARS-CoV-2. The global disease burden has attributed to millions of deaths and morbidities, with the majority being attributed to SARS-CoV-2. As such, the evaluation of the mental health (MH) impact across healthcare professionals (HCPs), patients and the general public would be an important facet to evaluate to better understand short, medium and long-term exposures. AIM: To identify and report: (1) MH conditions commonly observed across all 3 pandemics; (2) Impact of MH outcomes across HCPs, patients and the general public associated with all 3 pandemics; and (3) The prevalence of the MH impact and clinical epidemiological significance. METHODS: A systematic methodology was developed and published on PROSPERO (CRD42021228697). The databases PubMed, EMBASE, ScienceDirect and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were used as part of the data extraction process, and publications from January 1, 1990 to August 1, 2021 were searched. MeSH terms and keywords used included Mood disorders, PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, Psychological stress, Psychosis, Bipolar, Mental Health, Unipolar, Self-harm, BAME, Psychiatry disorders and Psychological distress. The terms were expanded with a 'snowballing' method. Cox-regression and the Monte-Carlo simulation method was used in addition to I 2 and Egger's tests to determine heterogeneity and publication bias. RESULTS: In comparison to MERS and SARS-CoV, it is evident SAR-CoV-2 has an ongoing MH impact, with emphasis on depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder. CONCLUSION: It was evident MH studies during MERS and SARS-CoV was limited in comparison to SARS-CoV-2, with much emphasis on reporting symptoms of depression, anxiety, stress and sleep disturbances. The lack of comprehensive studies conducted during previous pandemics have introduced limitations to the "know-how" for clinicians and researchers to better support patients and deliver care with limited healthcare resources.

Mental health impact on Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations with preterm birth: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Preterm birth (PTB) is one of the main causes of neonatal deaths globally, with approximately 15 million infants are born preterm. Women from the Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) populations maybe at higher risk of PTB, therefore, the mental health impact on mothers experiencing a PTB is particularly important, within the BAME populations. AIM: To determine the prevalence of mental health conditions among BAME women with PTB as well as the methods of mental health assessments used to characterise the mental health outcomes. METHODS: A systematic methodology was developed and published as a protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020210863). Multiple databases were used to extract relevant data. I 2 and Egger's tests were used to detect the heterogeneity and publication bias. A trim and fill method was used to demonstrate the influence of publication bias and the credibility of conclusions. RESULTS: Thirty-nine studies met the eligibility criteria from a possible 3526. The prevalence rates of depression among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than full-term mothers with a standardized mean difference of 1.5 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) 29%-74%. The subgroup analysis indicated depressive symptoms to be time sensitive. Women within the very PTB category demonstrated a significantly higher prevalence of depression than those categorised as non-very PTB. The prevalence rates of anxiety and stress among PTB-BAME mothers were significantly higher than in full-term mothers (odds ratio of 88% and 60% with a CI of 42%-149% and 24%-106%, respectively). CONCLUSION: BAME women with PTB suffer with mental health conditions. Many studies did not report on specific mental health outcomes for BAME populations. Therefore, the impact of PTB is not accurately represented in this population, and thus could negatively influence the quality of maternity services they receive.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of digital application use in clinical research in pain medicine.

Importance: Pain is a silent global epidemic impacting approximately a third of the population. Pharmacological and surgical interventions are primary modes of treatment. Cognitive/behavioural management approaches and interventional pain management strategies are approaches that have been used to assist with the management of chronic pain. Accurate data collection and reporting treatment outcomes are vital to addressing the challenges faced. In light of this, we conducted a systematic evaluation of the current digital application landscape within chronic pain medicine. Objective: The primary objective was to consider the prevalence of digital application usage for chronic pain management. These digital applications included mobile apps, web apps, and chatbots. Data sources: We conducted searches on PubMed and ScienceDirect for studies that were published between 1st January 1990 and 1st January 2021. Study selection: Our review included studies that involved the use of digital applications for chronic pain conditions. There were no restrictions on the country in which the study was conducted. Only studies that were peer-reviewed and published in English were included. Four reviewers had assessed the eligibility of each study against the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Out of the 84 studies that were initially identified, 38 were included in the systematic review. Data extraction and synthesis: The AMSTAR guidelines were used to assess data quality. This assessment was carried out by 3 reviewers. The data were pooled using a random-effects model. Main outcomes and measures: Before data collection began, the primary outcome was to report on the standard mean difference of digital application usage for chronic pain conditions. We also recorded the type of digital application studied (e.g., mobile application, web application) and, where the data was available, the standard mean difference of pain intensity, pain inferences, depression, anxiety, and fatigue. Results: 38 studies were included in the systematic review and 22 studies were included in the meta-analysis. The digital interventions were categorised to web and mobile applications and chatbots, with pooled standard mean difference of 0.22 (95% CI: -0.16, 0.60), 0.30 (95% CI: 0.00, 0.60) and -0.02 (95% CI: -0.47, 0.42) respectively. Pooled standard mean differences for symptomatologies of pain intensity, depression, and anxiety symptoms were 0.25 (95% CI: 0.03, 0.46), 0.30 (95% CI: 0.17, 0.43) and 0.37 (95% CI: 0.05, 0.69), respectively. A sub-group analysis was conducted on pain intensity due to the heterogeneity of the results (I 2 = 82.86%; p = 0.02). After stratifying by country, we found that digital applications were more likely to be effective in some countries (e.g., United States, China) than others (e.g., Ireland, Norway). Conclusions and relevance: The use of digital applications in improving pain-related symptoms shows promise, but further clinical studies would be needed to develop more robust applications. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier: CRD42021228343.

Postspace pretreatment with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 7% maleic acid, and 1% phytic acid on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Context: Pretreatment of radicular dentin with chelating agents improves the bond strength of fiber-posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement. Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of the three chelating agents as final rinse of the postspace on bond strength of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement. Settings and Design: This is an in vitro laboratory study. Materials and Methods: Forty-five mandibular premolars were prepared using MTwo rotary system and irrigation was done with 2.5% sodium hypochlorite. Three groups of teeth samples were considered for postspace preparation and irrigated with different solutions: Group 1: 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); Group 2: 7% Maleic acid; Group 3: 1% Phytic acid. This was followed by the luting the posts with RelyX U200. After a week, from each sample, 2 mm thick slices were obtained from each third of the root and subjected to push-out bond strength testing. Statistical Analysis Used: One-way analysis of variance and Bonferroni's Post hoc analysis was used for assessing the results. The statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05. Results: Bond strength values were improved with maleic acid and phytic acid pretreatment with slight or no significant difference between these groups. A final rinse of postspace with EDTA significantly reduced the bond strength. Conclusions: Maleic acid (7%) pretreatment of postspace improved the adhesion of fiber posts luted with a self-adhesive resin cement.

Artificial intelligence: A rapid case for advancement in the personalization of Gynaecology/Obstetric and Mental Health care.

To evaluate and holistically treat the mental health sequelae and potential psychiatric comorbidities associated with obstetric and gynaecological conditions, it is important to optimize patient care, ensure efficient use of limited resources and improve health-economic models. Artificial intelligence applications could assist in achieving the above. The World Health Organization and global healthcare systems have already recognized the use of artificial intelligence technologies to address 'system gaps' and automate some of the more cumbersome tasks to optimize clinical services and reduce health inequalities. Currently, both mental health and obstetric and gynaecological services independently use artificial intelligence applications. Thus, suitable solutions are shared between mental health and obstetric and gynaecological clinical practices, independent of one another. Although, to address complexities with some patients who may have often interchanging sequelae with mental health and obstetric and gynaecological illnesses, 'holistically' developed artificial intelligence applications could be useful. Therefore, we present a rapid review to understand the currently available artificial intelligence applications and research into multi-morbid conditions, including clinical trial-based validations. Most artificial intelligence applications are intrinsically data-driven tools, and their validation in healthcare can be challenging as they require large-scale clinical trials. Furthermore, most artificial intelligence applications use rate-limiting mock data sets, which restrict their applicability to a clinical population. Some researchers may fail to recognize the randomness in the data generating processes in clinical care from a statistical perspective with a potentially minimal representation of a population, limiting their applicability within a real-world setting. However, novel, innovative trial designs could pave the way to generate better data sets that are generalizable to the entire global population. A collaboration between artificial intelligence and statistical models could be developed and deployed with algorithmic and domain interpretability to achieve this. In addition, acquiring big data sets is vital to ensure these artificial intelligence applications provide the highest accuracy within a real-world setting, especially when used as part of a clinical diagnosis or treatment.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of gestational diabetes mellitus and mental health among BAME populations.

BACKGROUND: Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a common complication of pregnancy and is associated with an increased risk of mental health (MH) disorders including antenatal and postnatal depression (PND), anxiety and post-traumatic-stress-disorder (PTSD). We hypothesized GDM and MH disorders will disproportionately affect individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. METHODS: A systematic methodology was developed, and a protocol was published in PROSPERO (CRD42020210863) and a systematic review of publications between 1st January 1990 and 30th January 2021 was conducted. Multiple electronic databases were explored using keywords and MeSH terms. The finalised dataset was analysed using statistical methods such as random-effect models, subgroup analysis and sensitivity analysis. These were used to determine odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to establish prevalence using variables of PND, anxiety, PTSD and stress to name a few. FINDINGS: Sixty studies were finalised from the 20,040 data pool. Forty-six studies were included systematically with 14 used to meta-analyze GDM and MH outcomes. A second meta-analysis was conducted using 7 studies to determine GDM risk among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic women with pre-existing MH disorders. The results indicate an increased risk with pooled adjusted OR for both reflected at 1.23, 95% CI of 1.00-1.50 and 1.29, 95% CI of 1.11-1.50 respectively. INTERPRETATION: The available studies suggest a MH sequalae with GDM as well as a sequalae of GDM with MH among Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic populations. Our findings warrant further future exploration to better manage these patients. FUNDING: Not applicable.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the Endometriosis and Mental-Health Sequelae; The ELEMI Project.

BACKGROUND: It is important to evaluate sequalae for complex chronic health conditions such as endometriosis and mental health disorders. Endometriosis impacts 1 in 10 women. Mental health outcomes can be a primary determinant in many physical health conditions although this is an area not well researched particularly in women's health. This has been problematic for endometriosis patients in particular, who report mental health issues as well as other key comorbidities such as chronic pelvic pain and infertility. This could be partly due to the complexities associated with comprehensively exploring overlaps between physical and mental health disorders in the presence of multiple comorbidities and their potential mechanistic relationship. METHODS: In this evidence synthesis, a systematic methodology and mixed-methods approaches were used to synthesize both qualitative and quantitative data to examine the prevalence of the overlapping sequalae between endometriosis and psychiatric symptoms and disorders. As part of this, an evidence synthesis protocol was developed which included a systematic review protocol that was published on PROSPERO (CRD42020181495). The aim was to identify and evaluate mental health reported outcomes and prevalence of symptoms and psychiatric disorders associated with endometriosis. FINDINGS: A total of 34 papers were included in the systematic review and 15 were included in the meta-analysis. Anxiety and depression symptoms were the most commonly reported mental health outcomes while a pooled analysis also revealed high prevalence of chronic pelvic pain and dyspareunia. INTERPRETATION: It is evident that small-scale cross-sectional studies have been conducted in a variety of settings to determine mental health outcomes among endometriosis patients. Further research is required to comprehensively evaluate the mental health sequalae with endometriosis.

An in vitro comparative evaluation of the effect of three endodontic chelating agents (17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, 1% peracetic acid, 0.2% chitosan) on the push out bond strength of gutta percha with a new bioceramic sealer (BioRoot RCS).

AIM: This study aims to evaluate the effect of three endodontic chelating agents (17% ethylenediamine tetra-acetic acid [EDTA], 1% peracetic acid [PAA], 0.2% Chitosan) on the push out bond strength of gutta percha with a new bioceramic sealer (BioRoot RCS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-eight single-rooted mandibular premolars were selected and decoronated to obtain standardized root length of 15 mm. The root canals were prepared up to #30 files (Hyflex CM) and copious irrigation was done with 3 ml of 5.25% of NaOCl. According to the final irrigation, specimens were divided into three groups: Group 1 (n = 16) 0.2% chitosan, Group 2 (n = 16) 17% EDTA, and Group 3 (n = 16) 1% PAA for 1 min. Samples from each group were obturated with bioceramic sealer and gutta percha and sealed with temporary filling material. Two horizontal slices of 2 mm was obtained from the middle third of each sample (n = 32). Push out bond strength and failure modes were assessed. Kruskal-Wallis test followed by Mann-Whitney post hoc analysis was used for push out analysis. Chi square test was used to compare the modes of failure. The statistical significance level was set at P = 0.05. RESULTS: The highest push out bond strength was obtained with Group 1 (0.2% chitosan) followed by Group 3 (1% PAA). Group 2 (17% EDTA) showed least push out bond strength when compared to Group 1 (0.2% chitosan) and Group 3 (1% PAA). The mode of failure was mainly cohesive for all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The highest push-out bond strength of BioRoot RCS was seen after treatment with 0.2% chitosan while the least was after EDTA treatment. 1% PAA treatment also favorably affected push-out bond strength of BioRoot RCS.

Retrievability of calcium hydroxide intracanal medicament with three calcium chelators, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, citric acid, and chitosan from root canals: An in vitro cone beam computed tomography volumetric analysis.

AIM: This study compared the amount of aqueous-based and oil-based calcium hydroxide remaining in the canal, after removal with two different chelators 17% EDTA, 20% Citric acid and 0.2% Chitosan in combination with ultrasonic agitation. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Cleaning and shaping of root canals of 28 mandibular premolar was done and canals were filled either with Metapex or Ca(OH)2 mixed with distilled water. Volumetric analysis was performed utilizing cone beam-computed tomography (CBCT) after seven days of incubation. Ca(OH)2 was removed using either 17% EDTA, 20% Citric acid or 0.2% Chitosan in combination with ultrasonic agitation. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Volumetric analysis was repeated and percentage difference was calculated and statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: All the three chelators failed to remove aqueous-based as well as oil-based Ca(OH)2 completely from the root canal. Aqueous-based Ca(OH)2 was easier to be removed than oil-based Ca(OH)2. 0.2% Chitosan in combination with ultrasonics performed better than 17% EDTA and 20% citric acid in removal of Ca(OH)2. CONCLUSION: Combination of 0.2% Chitosan and ultrasonic agitation results in lower amount of Ca(OH)2 remnants than 17% EDTA, 20% Citric acid irrespective of type of vehicle present in the mix.

Smile rejuvenation: A case report.

Mesiodens is the commonly occurring supernumerary tooth seen between the maxillary central incisors which causes compromised aesthetics and malocclusion. Till date orthodontic therapy provides an excellent solution for the management of mesiodens. Recently, Restorative Space Management (RSM) has been used successfully to correct tooth shape, proportions and colour with minimal tooth preparations. This case report describes the successful management of an unaesthetic smile due to presence of a mesiodens in the midline primarily using aesthetic treatment only.