The development of chrome free chestnut and Tetrakis Hydroxymethyl Phosphonium Sulfate based Eco-benign combination tanning system.

The replacement of the conventional chromium tanning system with an eco-benign tanning systems has received great attention owing to stringent environmental regulations. In this specific study, a chrome-free combination tanning system based on chestnut and tetrakis (hydroxymethyl) phosphonium sulfate (THPS) was developed and presented as an effective alternative cleaner tanning technology. Processing of the tanning trials were carried out varying the percentages of chestnut as a tannage, followed by THPS as a re-tannage for process optimization. The leathers obtained were characterized for their thermal stability, grain surface properties using a scanning electron microscope, physical strength characteristics, comfort, and organoleptic properties. Finally, the environmental impact of the tanning systems was assessed through the comparative analysis of their spent liquors. The chestnut-THPS combination system tanned leathers using 20 % chestnut followed by 2 % THPS resulted in maximum shrinkage temperature of 95OC. The hydrothermal stability of the leathers tanned using this combination tanning system were found to be better than those tanned using chestnut and THPS tanning systems alone, respectively. The strength and comfort properties of the leathers produced using the developed combination tanning system were found to be on par with or better than those of conventionally tanned leathers, and the scanning electron microscopic study depicted that the grain surface of the leathers produced were observed to be free of surface deposition. The environmental impact assessment showed that the combination tanning system used resulted in a significant reduction in TS, TDS, TSS, and BOD in the wastewater. This research article has attempted and established the use of chestnut-THPS-based combination tanning systems as an effective, eco-friendly alternative tanning process technology.

Prevalence of Occlusal Features and Their Relation to Sociodemographic Variables in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Malocclusion affects the chewing, dental aesthetics, jaw development, and overall attractiveness of individuals. The negative impact of malocclusion is high, particularly in adolescents who can be the target of teasing, intimidation, and name-calling. Even if, malocclusion is a common problem in developing countries, there was a paucity of data in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the prevalence and associated factors of malocclusion in northwest Ethiopia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was done at the University of Gondar comprehensive hospital from December 1, 2019, to October 30, 2020. Four hundred seventy-six study participants were selected using a systematic random sampling method. Data collection was done using a structured interviewer-administered questionnaire. Qualified dental professionals examined malocclusion traits according to the WHO oral health survey tool and evaluated for the presence of malocclusion in terms of angles classification, open bite, crossbite, spacing, and crowding. Data entry was done using Epi-Info 7, and analyzed by SPSS 26. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression was done to analyze the data. RESULTS: A total of 476 subjects were included in the study with a mean age of 29.83 (SD±14.013). The prevalence of malocclusion was 55.9% (95% CI: 51.39-60.28). The common occlusal traits were class-I malocclusion with minor discrepancy (34.9%), anterior crowding (22.9%), and anterior open bite (21.6%). The prevalence of anterior crossbite, posterior crossbite, class-II, and class-III malocclusion was 5.9%, 3.8%, 10.9%, and 8.0%, respectively. Males (AOR=1.6, 95% CI: 1.11, 2.30), urban residents (AOR=1.64, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.56), monthly income of ≤2500 Ethiopian Birr (AOR=1.27, 95% CI: 1.02, 1.59) and mouth breathers (AOR=2.50, 95% CI: 1.72, 2.63) were significantly associated with malocclusion. CONCLUSION: Significant amount of the study participants had malocclusion. Males, urban residents, low monthly income, and mouth breathing habits were independent factors for a malocclusion. Therefore, early attention to the development of the dentition and occlusion, and necessary functional correction during childhood are important to reduce its prevalence and lifelong adverse effect. Moreover, publicly financed orthodontic treatment should be scheduled, and supplied to individuals in desperate need of orthodontic care.

The Prevalence and Determinant Factors of Oral Halitosis in Northwest Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

BACKGROUND: Oral halitosis, unpleasant or offensive odor to others, has become a major health concern among the general population, ranking the third most common reason for seeking a dentist behind dental caries and periodontal disease. Even though there have been repeated cases of halitosis in Ethiopia, there is no documented evidence. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of halitosis in Northwest Ethiopia and to examine the relationship between halitosis and sociodemographic factors, oral habits, and health practices. METHODS: From December 2019 to March 30, 2020, a hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted. A systematic random sampling method was used to select study participants. Following informed consent, sociodemographic characteristics were collected using structured questionnaires, and two qualified dental surgeons performed the oral examination. The organoleptic test was used to assess the presence of halitosis. RESULTS: Six hundred sixty-one people took part in the study, with a mean age of 30.0 ±14.76 years. The prevalence of oral halitosis was 44.2% (95% CI: 40.39-47.96) among the study participants. Participants with no formal education were more prone to oral halitosis. Oral halitosis was common in students (18.5%), low-income individuals (22.2%), rural residents (12.3%), mouth breathers (19.1%), and participants with poor oral hygiene practices (15.3%). Independent factors of halitosis included rural residency (AOR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.18, 1.67), low economic status (AOR=1.81, 95% CI: 1.06,3.09), poor tooth brushing habit (AOR=1.85 (1.31, 2.61), smoking (AOR=2.69 (1.39, 5.21) and dental caries (AOR=8.74 (5.57, 13.71). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of oral halitosis was 44.2% among the study participants. Rural residency, low monthly income, poor tooth-brushing habit, smoking, and dental caries were independent factors of halitosis.

Dental Caries and Associated Factors Among Patients Attending the University of Gondar Comprehensive Hospital Dental Clinic, North West Ethiopia: A Hospital-Based Cross-Sectional Study.

PURPOSE: Dental caries are an emerging public health problem in developing countries in the last two decades. However, there is a paucity of data on dental caries in northwest Ethiopia. This study investigated the prevalence of dental caries and associated factors in northwest Ethiopia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 368 patients who visited the University of Gondar Comprehensive Hospital Dental Clinic. A systematic random sampling technique was used to select the samples. Data were collected by three qualified dental surgeons using a pre-designed questionnaire modified from a WHO oral health survey and the clinical examination was done using the WHO dental caries diagnosis guideline. Data analysis was done using SPSS 20. Descriptive data were presented in tables and logistic regression analysis was done to identify the possible predisposing factors using odds ratios with 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental caries in this study was 23.64% (95% CI: 19.30, 28.00) with a significant difference between females (30.56%) and males (17.02%). Being female (AOR=2.15 (95% CI: 1.31, 3.52), poor oral hygiene practice (AOR=2.44 (95% CI: 1.46, 4.07), being diabetic (AOR=8.15 (95% CI: 3.2, 20.75), low educational level (AOR=1.81 (95% CI: 1.05, 3.1), low monthly income (AOR=3.05 (95% CI: 1.54, 6.02) and halitosis (AOR=10.98 (95% CI: 5.68, 2.24) were significantly associated with dental caries. The mean DMFT score was 1.095±0.24 (SD). The majority of the DMFT (70.59%) was due to decay, while filled tooth accounted for only 2.17% of the DMFT. The DMFT score was higher in females (0.625), urban residents (0.85), and those with montly income of ≤2500 Ethiopian birr (0.86). The mean DMFT was 0.13. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of dental caries in the study participants was 23.64% andwas higher in males than females and in diabetic patients. Female gender, poor tooth brushing habits, diabetes mellitus, and halitosis were significant predictors associated with dental caries.

Two years retrospective study of maxillofacial trauma at a tertiary center in North West Ethiopia.

BACKGROUND: Maxillofacial injury poses a challenge to oral and maxillofacial surgeons working in developing countries with limited resource and human power. The present study aimed to determine the etiology, pattern, and management of maxillofacial trauma in Gondar university of Gondar hospital. METHODS: A retrospective descriptive study design was used. Medical registration retrieving of patients with maxillofacial trauma visited dental center of University of Gondar Hospital from September 2013 to August 2015 was done. During data collection, etiology of trauma, pattern of fracture, treatment modality and complications were recorded using predesigned data collection template and analyzed using SPSS computer software version 20. Statistical analysis was done to show the sex distribution of maxillofacial trauma and the effect of alcohol intake on the incidence of trauma. RESULTS: During 2-year period, September 2013-August 2015, 326 patients of maxillofacial trauma were treated in the dental center of university of Gondar hospital. The mean age was 29.12 (± 8.62) with age range of 11-75 years. Majority of the study participants (47.2%) were within the age group of 21-30 years. Eighty percent of the participants were male with a male to female ratio of 4.02:1. Interpersonal violence (75.8%) and Road traffic accident (21.5%) were the leading causes. Males are at high risk of maxillofacial trauma relative to females (P < 0.0001). There was high incidence of trauma in the weekend, rural residents, December to February, mandibular fractures and soft tissue injuries were the most common injuries. There was an associated injury in 79 (24.2%) patients in head and neck area, thoracic, abdominal and extremities. Half of the patients were managed conservatively (49.7%) with debridement and suture, while 45.7% of the patients were closed reduction and 4.6% were surgical open reduction. There were 25 post procedure complications especially in mandibular fractures. CONCLUSION: Interpersonal violence was the major cause of maxillofacial trauma, while mandible and soft tissue were the most affected maxillofacial areas. The federal ministry of health, Ethiopia should have well-organized maxillofacial center in tertiary hospitals for emergency management to avoid morbidity and mortality.