Influences of Different Torques on the Size of the Microgap and Bacterial Leakage in Different Implant Systems: An In-vitro Study.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the adherence of three types of bacteria [Staphylococcus (S) aureus, Escherichia (E) coli, Pseudomonas (Ps) aeruginosa] and the size of the microgap of three different implant systems (JD, ORA, and Ankylos) under four different screw torque values. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten samples for each tested implant system were used under different torques to determine the width of the gaps. The abutments were connected to the fixtures using a universal digital wrench. A torque value of 10 N/cm was applied for all samples. After the assessment of the microgap, the fixture was repositioned into the Bench Vice, and the torque was increased to 20, 30, and, finally, 40 N/cm. The microgap assessment was done using a Scanning Electron Microscope. Before the torque increased to 40, eleven samples for each tested implant system were used under 30 N/cm torque to determine the leakage in the tested implants for S. aureus, E. coli, and Ps. aeruginosa. Data were analyzed with multiple one-way ANOVA, Post Hoc, and chi-square tests. RESULTS: The Ankylos system showed the widest gap under all torques (p < 0.005), whereas the JD system demonstrated the lowest (p < 0.005). Regarding the bacteria leakage, JD showed the highest adherence to the bacteria, and the adherence was mainly to the Ps. Aeruginosa, while the Ankylos system showed the lowest (p < 0.005). CONCLUSION: Within limits, the higher torque provides a higher fit to the IAI, offering more stability. Ankylos implant showed the widest gap, while JD showed the narrowest. Regarding the bacteria leakage, JD showed the highest adherence to Ps. Aeruginosa, while the ORA system showed the highest adherence to E. coli.

Effects of Beta Lactams on Behavioral Outcomes of Substance Use Disorders: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies.

INTRODUCTION: Preclinical studies demonstrated that beta-lactams have neuroprotective effects in conditions involving glutamate neuroexcitotoxicity, including substance use disorders (SUDs). This meta-analysis aims to analyze the existing evidences on the effects of beta-lactams as glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) upregulators in animal models of SUDs, identification of gaps in the literature, and setting the stage for potential translation into clinical phases. METHODS: Meta-analysis was conducted on preclinical studies retrieved systematically from MEDLINE and ScienceDirect databases. Abused substances were identified by refereeing to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). The results were quantitatively described with a focus on the behavioral outcomes. Treatment effect sizes were described using standardized mean difference, and they were pooled using random effect model. I2-statistic was used to assess heterogeneity, and Funnel plot and Egger's test were used for assessment of publication bias. RESULTS: Literature search yielded a total of 71 studies that were eligible to be included in the analysis. Through these studies, the effects of beta-lactams were evaluated in animal models of nicotine, cannabis, amphetamines, synthetic cathinone, opioids, ethanol, and cocaine use disorders as well as steroids-related aggressive behaviors. Meta-analysis showed that treatments with beta-lactams consistently reduced the pooled undesired effects of the abused substances in several paradigms, including drug-self administration, conditioned place preference, drug seeking behaviors, hyperlocomotion, withdrawal syndromes, tolerance to analgesic effects, hyperalgesia, and hyperthermia. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis revealed that enhancing GLT-1 expression in the brain through beta-lactams seemed to be a promising treatment approach in the context of substance use disorders, as indicated by results in animal models.

The Evaluation of Clinical Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Tumors Involving the Maxillary Sinus: Recommendation of an Examination Sieve and Risk Alarm Score.

This observational study was conducted to evaluate the clinical signs and symptoms of maxillary sinus tumors and to propose a clinical examination sieve and a unique risk alarm score to be used for timely patient referral and vigilance. The study consisted of 70 patients between 20 to 82 years of age from both sexes. The clinical information gained was collected from the upper dentoalveolar segment, orbit, and nasal sites. Regarding the early clinical sign and symptoms of patients, nasal obstruction was found in 67 patients (95.7%), facial swelling in 69 patients (98.6%), paresthesia in 41 patients (58.6%), and epistaxis in 50 patients (71.4%). Furthermore, in terms of the late signs and symptoms, a palpable mass in buccal sulcus was observed in 65 (92.9%) of the patients, lymphadenopathy in 24 (34.3%), paresthesia in 38 (54.3%), and diplopia in 22 (31.4%). Furthermore, general sign and symptoms like exophthalmos was present in 35 patients (50%), anosmia was observed in 37 patients (52.9%), and oroantral fistula was noted in 37 patients (55.9%). Additionally, 67 (95.7%) of the patients complained of nasal obstruction. Similarly, facial asymmetry was observed in 69 (98.6%) of the patients and double vision was observed in 24 (34.4%). Tumors of the maxillary sinus have a very insidious course of spread and uncertain clinical signs and symptoms. What makes diagnosis worse is the fact that the symptoms of these tumors are so well hidden in the sponge-like nature of the midfacial region that they are easily misinterpreted by patients. Therefore, diagnoses must be made early, dentists must be vigilant, and patients must be fully investigated at the slightest suspicion of a tumor, albeit benign.

Impact of left ventricular ejection fraction on outcomes after left main revascularization: g-LM Registry.

AIMS: The impact of left ventricular dysfunction on clinical outcomes following revascularization is not well established in patients with unprotected left main coronary artery disease (ULMCA). In this study, we evaluated the impact of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) on clinical outcomes of patients with ULMCA requiring revascularization with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) compared with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG). METHODS: The details of the design, methods, end points, and relevant definitions are outlined in the Gulf Left Main Registry: a retrospective, observational study conducted between January 2015 and December 2019 across 14 centres in 3 Gulf countries. In this study, the data on patients with ULMCA who underwent revascularization through PCI or CABG were stratified by LVEF into three main subgroups; low (l-LVEF <40%), mid-range (m-LVEF 40-49%), and preserved (p-LVEF ≥50%). Primary outcomes were hospital major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and mortality and follow-up MACCE and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 2137 patients were included; 1221 underwent PCI and 916 had CABG. During hospitalization, MACCE was significantly higher in patients with l-LVEF [(10.10%), P = 0.005] and m-LVEF [(10.80%), P = 0.009], whereas total mortality was higher in patients with m-LVEF [(7.40%), P = 0.009] and p-LVEF [(7.10%), P = 0.045] who underwent CABG. There was no mortality difference between groups in patients with l-LVEF. At a median follow-up of 15 months, there was no difference in MACCE and total mortality between patients who underwent CABG or PCI with p-LVEF and m-LVEF. CONCLUSION: CABG was associated with higher in-hospital events. Hospital mortality in patients with l-LVEF was comparable between CABG and PCI. At 15 months' follow-up, PCI could have an advantage in decreasing MACCE in patients with l-LVEF.

Outcomes of Myocardial Revascularization in Diabetic Patients With Left Main Coronary Artery Disease: A Multicenter Observational Study From Three Gulf Countries.

BACKGROUND: Real-world data for managing patients with diabetes and left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease are scarce. We compared percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) outcomes versus coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in diabetes and LMCA disease patients. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patients with LMCA presented to 14 centers from 2015 to 2019. The study included 2138 patients with unprotected LMCA disease; 1468 (68.7 %) had diabetes. Patients were grouped into; diabetes with PCI (n = 804) or CABG (n = 664) and non-diabetes with PCI (n = 418) or CABG (n = 252). RESULTS: In diabetes, cardiac (34 (5.1 %) vs. 22 (2.7 %); P = 0.016), non-cardiac (13 (2 %) vs. 6 (0.7 %); P = 0.027) and total hospital mortality (47 (7.1 %) vs. 28 (3.5 %); P = 0.0019), myocardial infarction (45 (6.8 %) vs. 11 (1.4 %); P = 0.001), cerebrovascular events (25 (3.8 %) vs. 12 (1.5 %); P = 0.005) and minor bleeding (65 (9.8 %) vs. 50 (6.2 %); P = 0.006) were significantly higher in CABG patients compared to PCI; respectively. The median follow-up time was 20 (10-37) months. In diabetes, total mortality was higher in CABG (P = 0.001) while congestive heart failure was higher in PCI (P = 0.001). There were no differences in major adverse cerebrovascular events and target lesion revascularization between PCI and CABG. Predictors of mortality in diabetes were high anatomical SYNTAX, peripheral arterial disease, chronic kidney disease, and cardiogenic shock. CONCLUSIONS: In this multicenter retrospective study, we found no significant difference in clinical outcomes during the short-term follow-up between PCI with second-generation DES and CABG except for lower total mortality and a higher rate of congestive heart failure in PCI group of patients. Randomized trials to characterize patients who could benefit from each treatment option are needed.

Unprotected Left Main Revascularization in the Setting of Non-coronary Atherosclerosis: Gulf Left Main Registry.

Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in revascularization of left main coronary artery (LMCA) disease has been evaluated in previous studies. However, there has been minimal study of the relationship between co-existing non-coronary atherosclerosis (NCA) and LMCA disease revascularization. We aim to examine this relationship. The Gulf-LM study is a retrospective analysis of unprotected LMCA revascularization cases undergoing PCI with second generation drug-eluting stent vs CABG across 14 centers within 3 Gulf countries between January 2015 and December 2019. A total of 2138 patients were included, 381 with coexisting NCA and 1757 without. Outcomes examined included major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), cardiac and non-cardiac death, and all bleeding. In patients with NCA, preexisting myocardial infarction and congestive heart failure were more common, with PCI being the most common revascularization strategy. A statistically significant reduction in in-hospital MACCE and all bleeding was noted in patients with NCA undergoing PCI as compared to CABG. At a median follow-up of 15 months, MACCE and major bleeding outcomes continued to favor the PCI group, though no such difference was identified between revascularization strategies in patients without NCA.In this multicenter retrospective study of patients with and without NCA who require revascularization (PCI and CABG) for unprotected LMCA disease, PCI demonstrated a better clinical outcome in MACCE both in-hospital and during the short-term follow-up in patients with NCA. However, no such difference was observed in patients without NCA.

Resistant Hypertension in Patients With Type-2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Single-Center, Cross-Sectional Study.

Background The prevalence of resistant hypertension in Saudi patients with type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has not been previously estimated. Therefore, our objective was to assess the prevalence and characteristics of resistant hypertensive patients with T2DM at King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods This cross-sectional study included patients with hypertension and T2DM who presented to our center in 2018. We examined 1960 patients with T2DM during the study period; 809 were hypertensives. We compared T2DM patients with controlled hypertension versus resistant hypertension. Results The prevalence of resistant hypertension in patients with T2DM was 137/809 (16.93%). The mean age was 66.38±10.80 years, and females presented 56% of the study population (n= 451). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; OR: 2.60 [1.15- 5.87]; P=0.02) and ischemic heart disease (IHD; OR: 3.01 [2.04- 4.45]; P˂0.001) were significantly associated with resistant hypertension. The most common medications used with resistant hypertension were calcium channel blockers (CCBs; 89.05%), ß-blockers (76.64%), and angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs; 62.77%). Conclusions Resistant hypertension in patients with T2DM is common in Saudi Arabia. Resistant hypertension could be associated with OSA and IHD. Further studies are required to evaluate the temporal relationship between resistant hypertension and risk factors.

Participant Outcomes of a Student-Run, Intensive, Short-Term, Task-Specific Rehabilitation Program for Individuals Post-Stroke.

Stroke survivors continue to face chronic disability and limited access to early, continuous, and long-term rehabilitation. This pilot study examined the impact of a 6-day, intensive, short-term, task-specific rehabilitation program (ISTRP) on outcomes post-stroke as part of a service-learning experience (SLE) for Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) students. Participants (n=19) post-stroke completed a 6-day, student-led ISTRP. Outcome measures were used to assess balance, functional gait, upper extremity motor impairment, and self-reported recovery. Significant differences from pre- to post-intervention were found for all outcome measures (p<0.05) except for the Stroke-Impact Scale-16. This pilot study addresses a gap in literature and suggests an ISTRP should be further explored while integrating other allied health disciplines.

Knowledge and management of first-aid skills between medical and non-medical students at King Saud University.

Objectives: The study aims to determine the knowledge of first-aid management in medical and non-medical students and how they will act in certain situations. Methods: A cross-sectional study has been conducted on a convenience sampling of 375 (medical and non-medical) students. The research proposal was approved by the IRB Committee of King Saud University. The data has been obtained randomly by a validated questionnaire in a sample of 381 participants. The questionnaire had items related to knowledge and management of first-aid skills. The study was conducted from August 2020 to May 2021 in King Saud University. Results: The participants in the current study were medical (53.02%) and non-medical students (46.98%). Overall results showed that all students possessed a good knowledge of first-aid management, but medical students possessed more knowledge in comparison to non-medical students. The awareness of students related to first-aid management was found to be 32.02% 'high', 56.43% 'middle' and 11.54% 'low'. Moreover, results illustrated that medical students are more interested to attend first-aid courses than non-medical students by 60.4% and 43.6% respectively. Conclusion: The study revealed the participants' knowledge and management were not adequate. A statistically significant association was found between being a medical student and having a high level of knowledge about first aid. Awareness campaigns must be conducted to increase awareness among the non-medical community about first-aid knowledge, and how it is essential for every individual.

Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Vs Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery for Unprotected Left Main Coronary Disease: G-LM Registry.

Coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG) has been the standard of care for revascularization for patients with obstructive unprotected left main coronary disease (ULMCA). There have been multiple randomized and registry data demonstrating the technical and clinical efficacy of PCI in certain patients with ULMCA. The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of ULMCA PCI as compared to CABG in patients requiring revascularization in three Gulf countries. All ULMCA cases treated by PCI with DES versus CABG were retrospectively identified from 14 centers in 3 Arab Gulf countries (KSA, UAE, and Bahrain) from January 2015 to December 2019. In total, 2138 patients were included: 1222 were treated with PCI versus 916 with CABG. Patients undergoing PCI were older, and had higher comorbidities and mean European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE). Aborted cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock were reported more in the PCI group at hospital presentation. In addition, lower ejection fractions were reported in the PCI group. In hospital mortality and major adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) occurred more in patients undergoing CABG than PCI. At median follow-up of 15 months (interquartile range, 30), no difference was observed in freedom from revascularization, MACCE, or total mortality between those treated with PCI and CABG. While findings are similar to Western data registries, continued follow-up will be needed to ascertain whether this pattern continues into latter years.

Ketamine administration for acute painful sickle cell crisis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-dose ketamine infusion in adults with sickle cell disease (SCD) who presented with acute sickle vasoocclusive crisis (VOC). METHODS: This study was a parallel-group, prospective, randomized, double-blind, pragmatic trial. Participants were randomized to receive a single dose of either ketamine or morphine, infused over 30 min. Primary outcome was mean difference in the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) score over 2 h. NPRS was recorded every 30 min for a maximum of 180 min and secondary outcomes were cumulative dose of opioids, emergency department (ED) length of stay, hospital admission, change in vital signs, and drug-related side effects. Authors performed the analysis using intention-to-treat principle. RESULT: A total of 278 adults with SCD and who presented with acute sickle VOC participated in this trial. A total of 138 were allocated to the ketamine group. Mean (±standard deviation [SD]) NPRS scores over 2 h were 5.7 (±2.13) and 5.6 (±1.90) in the ketamine and morphine groups. The ketamine group received significantly lower cumulative doses of morphine during their ED stay (mean ± SD = 4.5 ± 4.6 mg) than of the morphine group (mean ± SD = 8.5 ± 7.55 mg). Both groups had similar rates of hospital admission: 6.3% in the ketamine group had drug-related side effects compared to 2.2% in the morphine group. CONCLUSION: Early use of ketamine in adults with VOC resulted in a meaningful reduction in pain scores over a 2-h period and reduced the cumulative morphine dose in the ED with no significant drug-related side effects in the ketamine-treated group.

Effectiveness of educational intervention of oral health for special needs on knowledge of dental students in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: It is critical to educate dental students on the essential aspects of oral care for persons with special health care needs (shcn) as they acquire more dental diseases and 80% not receiving routine dental care. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To evaluate awareness and knowledge of dental students concerning oral-health care for persons with shcn, and to assess the effectiveness of an educational intervention in improving their knowledge. METHODS: Students completed an evaluation in the form of pre-post questionnaires that were answered before and immediately after the 30- minute dvd educational intervention regarding the oral health care of persons with shcn. ancova test where used to adjust for the pre knowledge and dependent t-tests were used. RESULTS: The mean ±â€¯sd of pre-test scores of all students was 15.46 ±â€¯2.97, which increased to 18.09 ±â€¯3.37 on the post-test. the post knowledge scores by dental class (adjusted for the pre knowledge) showed weak-significate anacova f test p value was (p < 0.050) however there was weak significant difference between the combined five years when compared (p < 0.050). however multiple comparison test (scheffe test) showed weak significance between d2 and d3 (p < 0.067). in addition, there was weak significant difference between post scores for each year when compared (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention was effective in providing all five levels of dental students with the basic instructive information needed to care for persons with shcn. about 62% of students from all five years rated their knowledge as being minimal and about 98% reported they would use the information provided in the educational intervention.

3D CBCT human adult odontometrics: Comparative assessment in Saudi, Jordan and Egypt population.

OBJECTIVES: To inspect the human adult odontometrics by the assistance of 3D cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) imaging in Saudi, Jordan and Egypt population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of this cross sectional study from 252 subject were analysed by 3D CBCT volumetric data in college of dentistry, Aljouf University, from December 2016 to May 2017. All measurements were done by 3D on demand software. The tooth size from 2nd molar to 2nd molar of maxillary and mandibular arch was measured. Independent t test and ANOVA were used to examine the differences between gender and among Arabic population (Saudi, Jordan and Egypt) on the all tooth size. RESULTS: Comparison between the right and left side odontometrics were significantly dissimilar in 9 out of 14 pairs (p < 0.05). The odontometrics of the 2nd molar to 2nd molar tooth of maxillary and mandibular arch between gender and among Saudi, Jordan and Egypt population were insignificant (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: 3D CBCT imaging permits us to measure the tooth size effectively and accurately. Based on results, significant asymmetry was revealed in 9 out of 14 pairs in relation to side disparities. No significant differences in tooth size between gender and among races were found. CBCT can elevate the record keeping problem, human adult odontometrics for the analysis can be obtained directly from the digital image.

Study protocol for a randomized, blinded, controlled trial of ketamine for acute painful crisis of sickle cell disease.

BACKGROUND: Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited hematological disorder where the shape of red blood cells is altered, resulting in the destruction of red blood cells, anemia, and other complications. SCD is prevalent in the southern and eastern provinces of the Arabian peninsula. The most common complications for individuals with SCD are acute painful episodes that require several doses of intravenous opioids, making pain control for these individuals challenging. Instead of opioids, some studies have suggested that ketamine might be used for pain control in acute pain episodes of individuals with SCD. This study aims to evaluate whether the addition of ketamine to morphine can achieve better pain control, decreasing the number of repeated doses of opiates. We hypothesize that early administration of ketamine would lead to a more rapid improvement in pain score and lower opioid requirements. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This study will be a prospective, randomized, concealed, blinded, pragmatic parallel group, controlled trial enrolling adult patients with SCD and acute vaso-occlusive crisis pain. All patients will receive standard analgesic therapy during evaluation. Patients randomized to the treatment arm will receive low-dose ketamine (0.3 mg/kg in 0.9% sodium chloride, 100 ml bag) in addition to standard intravenous hydration, while those in the control group will receive a standard dose of morphine (0.1 mg/kg in 0.9% sodium chloride, 100 ml bag) in addition to the standard intravenous hydration. All healthcare providers will be blinded to the treatment arm. Data will be analyzed according to the intention-to-treat principle. The primary outcome is improvement in pain severity using the Numerical Pain Rating Score. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03431285 . Registered on 13 February 2018.

Randomized controlled clinical investigation on the association between personality profiles and the impacts of two types of maxillary anterior implant-supported crown restorations on daily living and dental satisfaction.

BACKGROUND: Personality factors might influence participants' satisfaction and the effects of dental management on daily living. PURPOSE: This randomized controlled clinical trial aimed to assess the impacts of two types of implant-supported maxillary anterior crown restorations on daily living and participants' satisfaction, and its correlations with personality profiles. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy participants (84 males and 86 females; mean age = 35 ± 9 years) obtained maxillary anterior implant-supported crowns. They were allocated into two treatment groups (85 participants each: 43 females and 42 males). Group 1 was treated with titanium abutment-supported porcelain fused to metal (PFM) restorations. Group 2 was treated with zirconium abutment-supported ceramic restorations. A control group (85 participants each: 43 females and 42 males) that matched the treatment groups in gender and age was recruited. Precise clinical standards were followed to judge the clinical success of treatment. The NEO Five-Factor Inventory was used to evaluate participants' personality profiles. The dental impact on daily living questionnaire (DIDL) was used to evaluate restoration impacts on daily living and participants' satisfaction. Statistical analysis was carried out with probability of α = .05. RESULTS: Higher DIDL scores were reported after crown treatments (P < .001). Group 2 participants reported highest levels of satisfaction with appearance (P = .007). DIDL scores were significantly associated with neuroticism, extraversion, and openness scores (P < .05) before restoration, and, with neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness scores (P < .05) after restoration. CONCLUSION: Implant-supported crown restorations in anterior maxillary region were associated with positive impacts on daily living and participants' satisfaction. Implant-supported ceramic crowns and abutments were accompanied with higher levels of satisfaction with appearance than implant-supported PFM crowns and titanium abutments. Certain personality and psychological features (neuroticism, extraversion, agreeableness, openness, and conscientiousness) might affect and predict dental satisfaction and impacts on daily living.

Management of denture-related traumatic ulcers using ozone.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: Management of denture-related traumatic ulcers using ozone may improve tissue healing and reduce patient pain and discomfort. PURPOSE: The purpose of this clinical investigation was to assess the efficacy of ozone in the treatment of denture-related traumatic ulcers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy-five participants (study group) with denture-related traumatic ulcers were evaluated in this blinded, controlled cohort observational investigation. A control group (n=75) of participants with denture-related traumatic ulcers who matched the study group in sex and age were also recruited. Ulcers were treated with ozone gas for 60 seconds in the study group and with air for 60 seconds in the control group. Pain levels were evaluated by means of a visual analog scale (VAS), and ulcer sizes were measured in each participant at experiment baseline and each day for 15 days. Ulcer duration was established by calculating the period it took to completely heal and disappear. Major outcome measurements were ulcer duration, ulcer size, and levels of pain. RESULTS: Ulcer size decreased from day 2 in the study group (after ozone application) (P≤.01) and from day 4 in the controls (P≤.001). Recorded pain levels decreased from the first day soon after ozone application in the study group (P≤.001) and from day 3 in the controls (P<.001). Ulcer duration, ulcer size from day 3 to day 10, and reported pain levels from day 1 to day 10 decreased more in the study group (P≤.004). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure of denture-related traumatic ulcers to 60 seconds of ozone gas was associated with better ulcer healing and decreased pain levels, ulcer size, and ulcer duration.

[Development of ground-based physician-staffed emergency missions in the city of Leipzig from 2003 to 2013]. / Entwicklung bodengebundener Notarzteinsätze im Stadtgebiet Leipzig von 2003 bis 2013.

BACKGROUND: The annual number of physician-based emergency missions reported is continuously increasing. Data from large cities concerning this development over long periods is sparse. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this retrospective study the charts of all ground-based physician-staffed emergency missions in the city of Leipzig for the first quarters of 2003 and 2013 were analyzed. Patient characteristics, injury and illness severities, mission location, hospital admission rate, as well as emergency interventions were collated. The emergency mission rate was calculated as rescue missions per 1000 inhabitants per year. RESULTS: The number of physician-staffed emergency missions increased by approximately 24% between 2003 and 2013 (6030 vs. 7470, respectively). The emergency mission rate was 48 vs. 58 in the 2 study periods. The median patient age increased from 66 to 70 years. The number of geriatric patients (age ≥ 85 years: n = 650 (11%) vs. n = 1161 (16%), p < 0.01) also increased. The corresponding number of emergency missions in nursing homes showed a fourfold (n = 175, 3% vs. n = 750, 10%, p < 0.01). The percentage of hospital admissions also increased (n = 3049, 51% vs. n = 4738, 66%, p < 0.01). A change in patient distribution to level I hospitals was noticed (n = 1742, 29% vs. n = 3436, 46%, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that the necessity for the high number of physician-staffed emergency missions should be verified, especially in the context of strained emergency healthcare resources. The basis of an optimized use of resources could be a better inclusion of alternative, especially ambulant, healthcare structures and the implementation of a structured emergency call questionnaire accompanied by a more efficient disposition of the operating resources, not least in view of the economic aspects. Taking the concentrated patient allocation to level 1 hospitals into consideration, there is a need for optimized patient distribution strategies to minimize the overload of individual institutions and thereby improve the general quality of care at the interface between preclinical and clinical emergency medicine.

3D CBCT morphometric assessment of mental foramen in Arabic population and global comparison: imperative for invasive and non-invasive procedures in mandible.

BACKGROUND: Recent advancements in clinical dentistry have increased the possibilities of surgical procedures in the mental region. A detailed knowledge of mental foramen (MF) morphometry is significant to preserve integrity of the mental nerve trunk in surgical interventions such as orthognathic surgery, implant placement and anaesthetic block. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the most accurate position of the mental foramen by using new assessment approach in a sample of dental patients presenting to the specialist dental clinic, College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Saudi Arabia. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was performed using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) of 600 patients (40.1 ± 11.78 years old). Following inclusion and exclusion criteria, 395 CBCT were finally obtained and analyzed for the most accurate position of the mental foramen (MF) by OnDemand 3D software (Seoul, Korea). Prevalence of shape of MF and accessory MF were also assessed. Pearson chi-square test was employed to test significant differences between genders and races. RESULTS: The most common horizontal and vertical position of the mental foramen was in line with the long axis of 2nd premolar (41.3%) and below the root apex level (93.2%), respectively. The most common shape of MF was round type (72.66%). The prevalence of accessory 2MF and 3MF was 2.28% and 0.25%, respectively. CONCLUSION: New information about MF presented in this article can help anatomists, prosthodontists, orthodontists, surgeons, forensic odontologists and paleoanthropologists to predict the position of the MF and perform safer surgeries.

Dental prosthetic status and prosthetic needs of geriatric patients attending the College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dental prosthetic status and prosthetic needs of geriatric patients attending the College of Dentistry, Al Jouf University, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients aged 60 years and above were included in this study. The World Health Organization oral health assessment pro forma was employed to record the data pertaining to the prosthetic status and prosthetic treatment needs of participants. Data obtained were analyzed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Chicago, IL, USA) Version 20.0. Differences in proportions were compared using the Chi-square test. RESULTS: Out of 286 edentulous patients, 69.06% needed some form of prosthetic treatment, 73.77% did not have any prosthesis in upper arch, and 80.06% did not have any prosthesis in lower arch. Out of 162 males, 32.09% and 26.54% had prosthesis in upper and lower arch, respectively. Among 124 females, 18.54% and 19.35% had prosthesis in upper and lower arch, respectively. In males, the need for any type of prosthesis in upper and lower arch was 68.51% and 75.92%, respectively. In females, the need for prosthesis in upper and lower arch was 57.25% and 72.58%, respectively. The need for multiunit prosthesis was more in both arches in both genders. The need for complete denture and combination of single- or multiunit prosthesis was more among the males as compared to females in maxilla and vice versa for mandible. CONCLUSION: The observations of this study propose that the greater part of the prosthetic needs were insufficient among the geriatric people.

Oral health related quality-of-life outcomes of partially edentulous patients treated with implant-supported single crowns or fixed partial dentures.

BACKGROUND: Oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) is afflicted by different variables. Limited information is available regarding the impact of different phases of implant therapy on OHRQoL of edentulous patients. This study was carried out to assess the OHRQoL of patients treated with implant-supported single crowns or fixed partial dentures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 79 healthy partially edentulous subjects needing implant therapy were incorporated in this study. Before placement of the implants, the subjects were instructed to fill the original version of OHIP questionnaire. Subsequently patients received titanium oral implants of the ITI® Dental Implant System. After 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of implant placement, patients filled the same OHIP-49 questionnaire. In this manner the impact of implant therapy on OHRQoL by putting in comparison pre- and post-treatment OHIP-49 scores was assessed. Statistical analyses were performed using Statistical Package for the Social Science software (SPSS, version 22, Chicago, IL, USA). Paired t test and Unpaired t test were performed and a statistical significance was set at 5% level of significance (p<0.05). RESULTS: Functional limitation, physical pain, psychological discomfort, physical disability, psychological disability, social disability were significantly decreased from baseline to 1st year (p<0.05) except handicap (p>0.05). All variables were also significantly decreased from baseline to 2nd year and 3rd year (p<0.05). There were no significant differences dependent on gender with respect to OHIP (p>0.05). Patients aged less than 60 years and more than 60 years of age groups differed significantly with respect to OHIP scores measured at 1st year, 2nd year and at 3rd year of implant placement (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decrease in pre- and post-treatment OHIP scores OHIP demonstrated the significant increase in the OHRQoL after the therapy, which suggested increased levels of patient satisfaction. Key words:Edentulism, dental implants, Oral health-related quality-of-life.