Covid-19: a survey on knowledge, awareness and hygiene practices among dental health professionals in an Indian scenario.

Background: Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2 or COVID-19) continues to spread globally. It has become a major cause of concern for health care professionals all over the world. Objective: The aim of this study was to assess knowledge, awareness and hygiene practices regarding COVID-19 among private dental practitioners practicing in Tricity (Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali) in India during these critical times. Materials and Methods: A total of 245 private dentists participated in this cross-sectional survey and finally 215 constituted the final sample size. A self-administered, multiple choice type questionnaire (verified by a specialist) was administered to obtain information from the subjects. The questionnaire was divided into two parts and included 15 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding COVID-19. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Student's t-test. Results: Percentage of subjects who answered correctly regarding main symptoms of COVID-19 and primary mode of transmission was 87% and 82.5% respectively. One-third of the subjects were not aware regarding Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to be used while rendering dental treatment. 75% of subjects were of the opinion that supportive care is the current treatment regime for COVID-19. Less than one-third of subjects (30.2%) reported high scores. Education level (p=0.018) and health sector profile (p=0.024) of the subjects were significantly associated with mean knowledge scores. Conclusion: The findings of the present study showed that some notable deficiencies in knowledge existed among dental professionals regarding some vital aspects of COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent need for improving dentists'knowledge via health education and training programs. Further studies on the subject are also warranted once the situation normalizes.

Acute Hemodynamic Compromise following Superior Vena Cava Stent Placement: A Case Report.

Symptomatic relief of Superior Vena Cava (SVC) syndrome caused by tumor obstruction is achieved by the placement of a percutaneous superior vena cava stent. Complications are rare. Even more uncommon is acute hemodynamic compromise from acute hemopericardium during placement of an SVC stent. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in the Interventional Radiology Suite (IR) suite allows for rapid diagnosis and guidance of pericardial drainage and hemodynamic management.

Evaluation of bone formation using recombinant human bone morphogenetic proteins-7 in small maxillofacial bony defects.

CONTEXT: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP) are multifunctional molecules of transforming growth factor-ß superfamily that induces the differentiation of fibroblasts into osteoblasts to form bone. AIMS: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of recombinant human BMP-7 (rhBMP-7) in bone healing of small maxillofacial bone defects and assess the serum levels of osteopontin (OPN) and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) biomarkers for bone remodeling. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with small maxillofacial bony defects were enrolled in this study and randomly allocated to two groups; wherein after apicoectomy of the involved teeth, the control group had defect filled with collagen sponge only while the experimental group had rhBMP-7 impregnated collagen sponge placed in the defect. RESULTS: The clinical parameters showed no significant difference between the two groups (P > 0.05). The radiographic parameters showed a significantly slower rate of reduction in bone defect volume (P < 0.01) in control group than the experimental group when followed at 2, 4 and 24 postoperative weeks. RANKL and OPN serum levels showed no significant changes in pre- and post-operative stage. CONCLUSION: This study confirms that rhBMP-7 in collagen definitely accelerates bone healing in maxillofacial bone defects and minimizes postoperative complications. RANKL and OPN biomarkers in serum may not show bone remodeling, hence tissue samples may be used to assess their levels.

Bone Marrow Aspirate in Cystic Maxillofacial Bony Defects.

Autogenous or alloplastic bone grafts are routinely applied for reconstruction of cystic bone defects. Addition of mesenchymal bone marrow stem cell in osteoconductive alloplastic bone makes it osteoinductive and osteogenic. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the role of bone marrow aspirate in regenerating new bone with hydroxyapatite collagen scaffold in patients with large cystic maxillofacial defects. This prospective randomized study had random allocation of 15 patients with large cystic maxillofacial bony defects in each of the 2 groups. Group I patients received hydroxyapatite granules and bone marrow aspirate in collagen sponge and group II received hydroxyapatite granules only. Clinical and radiologic assessment showed the time taken in bone healing. In group I, the bone defect volume reduction was statistically significant at 3 and 6 months, the postoperative pain and swelling was less, and there was no tooth mobility at 3 months. The authors concluded that use of hydroxyapatite granules with bone marrow aspirate in collagen sponge in maxillofacial bone defects provided early bone regeneration, and faster wound healing. However, to arrive at a definitive conclusion a long-term study with a larger sample size is required.

Three dimensional reconstruction of late post traumatic orbital wall defects by customized implants using CAD-CAM, 3D stereolithographic models: A case report.

AIM: Purpose of this case report is to highlight the precision and accuracy obtained with patient specific implants for orbital reconstruction designed on the basis of volumetric analysis of orbital computed tomographic scan (CT) scans using virtual planning, computerised designing and manufacturing and stereolithographic models to correct late post-traumatic orbital deformities such as enophthalmos and diplopia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This case report describes a patient who visited our outpatient clinic for correction of enophthalmos and persistent diplopia in upward gaze, seven months post trauma. Three dimensional (3D) virtual treatment planning was carried out by using the 3D CT data. The unaffected orbit of the contralateral side was superimposed on the deformed orbit to highlight the defect and a customized implant was designed in the desired size and shape on the virtual model using computer aided designing and manufacturing (CAD-CAM) and milled in titanium mesh for precise anatomic orbital reconstruction. RESULTS: There was a marked improvement in both the diplopia in upward gaze and enophthalmos post surgery when the customized patient specific orbital implant was used. CONCLUSION: The concept of using customized implant with the help of 3D virtual treatment planning, 3D stereolithographic models and CAD-CAM greatly improves the correction of extremely difficult late post-traumatic orbital deformities.