Comparative Evaluation of Hydroxyapatite Bone Alloplast with Combination Bone Alloplast (Hydroxyapatitie and ?-Tricalcium Phosphate) in Grade II Mandibular Furcation Involvements.

BACKGROUND: The management of furcation involvements by regenerative surgery with bone alloplast have been used with varying degrees of success in periodontal therapy. The aim of the study was to clinically and radiographically compare the effectiveness of Hydroxyapatite bone alloplast with combination bone alloplast (Hydroxyapatite and ?-Tricalcium phosphate) for the treatment of Grade II mandibular furcation involvements. METHODS: Thirty patients with bilateral Grade II mandibular furcation involvements were distributed in Group A (Hydroxyapatite) and Group B (Hydroxyapatite and ?-Tricalcium phosphate). Clinical parameters such as Plaque Index, Gingival Index, Probing Pocket Depth, Clinical Attachment Level and Horizontal Probing Depth were recorded at baseline and at one, three and six mths postoperatively. Radiographic bone fill measurements were recorded at baseline and six months post-operatively. RESULTS: Both the groups showed statistically significant (p <0.01) improvement in clinical and radiographic parameters at each recall visits. Inter-group comparison of clinical parameters showed no significant difference in both the groups whereas radiographic measurements following six months post-surgery showed significantly (p <0.05) greater amount of bone fill in Group B compared to Group A. CONCLUSIONS: It can be concluded that at six months post-operative, both the alloplastic materials resulted in significant improvement in clinical parameters and no significant difference was found between both groups. There was a statistically significant radiographic bone fill when a combination of Hydroxyapatite and ?-Tricalcium phosphate was used demontrating its effectiveness in the treatment of Grade II Furcation involvement.

Perceived Stress and Stressors among Medical and Dental Students of Bhairhawa, Nepal: A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION: Medical school is recognized as a stressful environment that may have a negative effect on a student's academic performance, health, and psychosocial well-being. This could further impact future health professionals' attitudes and compromise patients' care. This study aims to find out various sources of stress for medical and dental students to help prevent many future health problems in a student's life. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study done in Universal College of Medical Sciences, Bhairhawa, Nepal, among undergraduate final year bachelor of medicine and bachelor of surgery and third and fourth year (phase I and phase II) dental students, using a questionnaire with Likert's scale. Data obtained was tabulated and analyzed using analysis of variance. RESULTS: Results showed that stress during exam 210 (92.9%) and preparation phase 200 (88.5%) stood out as the maximum stressors for our study group. The least stress-causing element was recorded as terms with seniors 45 (19.9%), adjustment with roommates 52 (23.01%), and competing with peers 69 (30.53%). Length of course 187 (82.74%), understanding the course 173 (76.55%), reading several textbooks 171 (75.66%), and work overload 165 (73.01%) amounted to significant stressors. CONCLUSIONS: Stress has a detrimental effect both on health as well as academic performance. The stressors at the campus should be identified and proper coping assistance should be provided to individual students. Systemic efforts are needed to address their concerns and make mental health care easily accessible to them. Counseling and awareness are recommended.

Estimation of Transmission of Porphyromonas Gingivalis from Mother to Child through Saliva.

INTRODUCTION: Chronic periodontitis is an infectious disease. Porphyromonas gingivalis is the major pathogen associated with it and can be found in all ecosystems in the oral cavity. The presence of this organism is highly correlated with preterm and low birth weight babies. So, this study aimed to assess vertical transmission of P.gingivalis from pregnant women to their new born. METHODS: Forty six pregnant women with chronic periodontitis were recruited for this cross-sectional study. Whole unstimulated saliva was collected from them before delivery and from their new-borns within forty eight hours of birth. Quantification of P.gingivalis in the saliva samples was carried out by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. The obtained data were analysed by SPSS 16 program. RESULTS: The results showed a significant correlation (P=0.002) between the number of P.gingivalis present in the mother's saliva with that of the new-borns' saliva. DNA copies of more than 5000/µl of P.gingivalis was found in 20 (43.5%) maternal saliva and 21 (45.7%) in new-borns' saliva. Both Plaque index and Extent and Severity index showed no correlation (P>0.05) with DNA copies of P.gingivalis in new-borns' saliva. CONCLUSIONS: The DNA copies of P.gingivalis found in new-borns' saliva are in par with mother saliva, as the saliva sample obtained from new-borns' were within forty eight hours of birth, no other environmental factor can have a direct role in its transmission. Thus, it can be concluded that P.gingivalis is vertically transmitted from mother to child.