Evaluation of Endo Perio Lesions Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) - A Cross Sectional Study.

An accurate assessment of the disease extent and lesion size is needed for appropriate therapy decisions of endodontic-periodontic (endo-perio) lesions. CBCT imaging with less radiation and high spatial resolution can provide a comprehensive evaluation of endo-perio lesions. A total of 71 teeth with endo-perio lesions were assessed using CBCT. Periodontal bone defects were studied for bone loss pattern (horizontal/vertical) along with bone loss levels on mesial and distal sides in association with furcation involvement. The periapical lesions were studied for their prevalence and extent based on CBCT PAI Score. Horizontal and vertical bone loss were detected in 54 teeth (76.1%) and 17 teeth (23.95%), respectively. Mean crestal bone loss levels on mesial and distal aspects were 4.80 ± 3.21 mm and 5.74 ± 3.91 mm, respectively. The mean height, width, and depth of furcation defects were 3.19 ± 2.99 mm, 1.94 ± 0.98 mm, and 4.44 ± 1.92 mm, respectively. Periapical lesions were recorded in 55 teeth (77.5%). A CBCT PAI score of 5 was scored in 35 teeth with a mean lesion diameter of 11.3 ± 2.83 mm, while 16 teeth had healthy periapical tissues (scores of 0 and 1). CBCT is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help assess endo-perio lesions by providing morphometric measurements of periodontal bone defects and the extent of associated periapical lesions.

Whole plant response of Pongamia pinnata to drought stress tolerance revealed by morpho-physiological, biochemical and transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pongamia is considered an important biofuel species worldwide. Drought stress in the early growth stages of Pongamia influences negatively on the germination and seedling development. Due to lack of cultivar stability under drought stress conditions, establishment of successful plantation in drought hit areas becomes a major problem. To address this issue, drought stress response of four Pongamia genotypes was studied at morphological, physio-chemical and transcriptome levels. METHODS AND RESULTS: Drought stress was levied by limiting water for 15 days on three months old seedlings of four genotypes. A significant effect of water stress was observed on the traits considered. The genotype NRCP25 exhibited superior morpho-physiological, biochemical drought responses. Also, the genotype had higher root length, photosynthetic pigments, higher antioxidant enzymes and solute accumulation compared to other genotypes. In addition, transcript profiling of selected drought responsive candidate genes such as trehalose phosphate synthase 1 (TPS1), abscisic acid responsive elements-binding protein 2 (ABF2-2), heat shock protein 17 (HSP 17 kDa), tonoplast intrinsic protein 1 (TIP 1-2), zinc finger homeodomain protein 2 (ZFP 2), and xyloglucan endotransglucolase 13 (XET 13) showed only up-regulation in NRCP25. Further, the transcriptome responses are in line with key physio-chemical responses exhibited by NRCP25 for drought tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: As of now, there are no systematic studies on Pongamia drought stress tolerance; therefore this study offers a comprehensive understanding of whole plant drought stress responsiveness of Pongamia. Moreover, the results support important putative trait indices with potential candidate genes for drought tolerance improvement of Pongamia.

Serum uric acid levels in patients with oral cancer, leukoplakia and submucous fibrosis: a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: This cross-sectional cohort study aimed to assess the associations between the serum uric acid levels and oral leukoplakia (OL), submucous fibrosis (OSMF) and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and to correlate these with the clinical and histopathological features of these lesions. METHODS: Fifty-two patients with oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD) (25 OL and 27 OSMF cases) and 33 OSCC patients with complete clinical and histopathological characteristics were included. A healthy control group was also investigated. The serum uric acid concentration was assessed using the uricase method from a blood sample without hemolysis. RESULTS: The level means of serum uric acid in the OL, OSMF and OSCC patients were 3.86±1.31, 5.65±0.85 and 4.99±1.34 mg/dL, respectively, compared to 5.16±0.97 mg/dL in the healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS: The serum uric acid levels were reduced in the OL and OSCC patients but they were increased in the OSMF patients when compared to the healthy controls. No significant differences were seen in the clinical and histopathological features of the OL and OSMF patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes may improve the understanding of the contributory role of uric acid in the risk stratification of OPMDs. Although measuring the serum uric acid level involves a simple and economical assay, the data from this cross-sectional cohort does not support the clinical utility of evaluating the uric acid levels in OPMD and OSCC patients.

Epidemiology of confirmed coronary heart disease among population older than 60 years in rural central India-A community-based cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Three-fifths of total deaths in India are attributed to noncommunicable diseases, and coronary heart disease (CHD) is one of the dominant causes. There are only few studies available in India to find confirmed CHD by pragmatic approach. This study aims to find prevalence of confirmed CHD and its risk factors in rural community of central India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a community-based cross-sectional study during 2013-2014 involving adults ≥60 years from 13 villages in rural central India. We screened CHD on the basis of history and standard 12-lead ECG. Apart from the past documentation of CHD, we diagnosed confirmed CHD in symptomatic patients or with resting ECG changes by means of echocardiography, exercise ECG test or coronary angiography whenever needed. RESULTS: We screened 1190 of 1415 individuals ≥60 years for CHD. Five hundred eighty were men and 610 were women. Diagnosis of CHD was confirmed in 61 individuals (29 men and 32 women). The prevalence of CHD in individuals older than 60 years was 51.3 per 1000 population. Hypertension was the only independent risk factor associated with CHD, whereas association of diabetes mellitus, obesity, socioeconomic status and smoking with CHD was not significant. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of confirmed CHD has increased in agrarian rural community in central India, which requires further studies to find out causative factors.

Combined General and Epidural Anesthesia for Emergency Cesarean Delivery of Twins in a Parturient With Coarctation of Aorta.

Pregnancy is associated with increased coarctation-associated complications. We report the successful management of emergency lower-segment cesarean delivery in a patient with coarctation of aorta. A parturient at 34 weeks of gestation of a twin pregnancy with uncorrected coarctation of aorta was taken for emergency lower-segment cesarean delivery to be performed using epidural anesthesia. A mixture of lignocaine (lidocaine), bupivacaine, and fentanyl was administered epidurally. In view of unsatisfactory motor action, general anesthesia had to be administered. However, because of sufficient analgesia due to the epidural drugs, optimal hemodynamic control was achieved. A combination of general and epidural anesthesia minimizes adverse effects of coarctation of aorta, with improved maternal and fetal outcomes.

Comparison of continuous epidural infusion of 0.125% ropivacaine with 1 µg/ml fentanyl versus 0.125% bupivacaine with 1 µg/ml fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in major abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: The present study was carried out to compare the efficacy of continuous epidural infusion of two amide local anesthetics, ropivacaine and bupivacaine with fentanyl for postoperative analgesia in major abdominal surgeries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 60 patients scheduled for major abdominal surgery were randomized into two study Groups B and R with thirty patients in each group. All patients were administered general anesthesia after placing epidural catheter. Patients received continuous epidural infusion of either 0.25% bupivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group B) or of 0.25% ropivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group R) at the rate 6 ml/h intraoperatively. Postoperatively, they received 0.125% bupivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group B) or 0.125% ropivacaine with 1 ug/ml fentanyl (Group R) at the rate 6 ml/h. Hemodynamic parameters, visual analog scale (VAS), level of sensory block, and degree of motor block (based on Bromage scale) were monitored for 24 h postoperatively. RESULTS: Hemodynamic parameters and VAS scores were comparable in the two groups. The level of sensory block was higher in bupivacaine group. There were more patients with higher Bromage score in the (23.3%) bupivacaine group than in (6.7%) ropivacaine group though the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Both ropivacaine and bupivacaine in the concentration of 0.125% with fentanyl 1 ug/ml are equally safe, with minimal motor block and are effective in providing postoperative analgesia.

A prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine during cleft palate surgery.

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine would attenuate the profound sympathoadrenal response associated with cleft palate (CP) surgery. METHODS: Sixty children aged 6 months to 12 years undergoing CP surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the control (C) or dexmedetomidine (D) groups. Group C received benzodiazepine (0.05 mg/kg midazolam followed by infusion of normal saline) fentanyl isoflurane anesthesia, and Group D received dexmedetomidine (loading 1 µg/kg followed by infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/h) fentanyl isoflurane anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), intraoperative fentanyl and isoflurane requirements, recovery scores, emergence agitation, pain scores, time and requirement of rescue analgesic, and surgeon satisfaction were noted. RESULTS: Intraoperative HR and MBP in Group D were significantly lower than the corresponding values in Group C (P < 0.001). HR decreased up to 16% in Group D. By contrast, HR increased up to 20% in Group C. Group D had comparable MBP to its baseline, whereas Group C had higher MBP until extubation (P = 0.015). Two children in Group D developed bradycardia and hypotension, which was successfully treated. The fentanyl and isoflurane requirements decreased by 43% and 30%, respectively, in Group D patients compared to those in Group C (P < 0.001). Group D had lower pain scores and less emergence agitation (P < 0.001). Time until requirement of first rescue analgesic was longer in Group D than that in Group C (P < 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction was higher in Group D than that in Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous dexmedetomidine during CP surgery attenuated hemodynamic responses with excellent surgeon satisfaction. Close monitoring of hemodynamics is recommended.

A cohort evaluation of clinical use and performance characteristics of Ambu® AuraGain™: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ambu® AuraGain™ (AG) (Ambu, Ballerup, Denmark) is a supraglottic device which has a design facilitating its use as a conduit for intubation. We designed this prospective observational study to assess the ease of AG placement in paralysed patients, determine its position and alignment to the glottis and assess its utility as a conduit for intubation. METHODS: One hundred patients, aged 18-60 years, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II, undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia were included in the study. The ease and number of attempts for successful insertion, ease of gastric tube insertion, leak pressures, fibre-optic grade of view, number of attempts and time for tracheal intubation, time for AG removal and complications were recorded. The mean, standard deviation (SD), interquartile range (IQR) and range were calculated. The upper limit of confidence interval for overall failure rate was calculated using Wilson's score method. RESULTS: AG was successfully inserted in all patients. The mean (SD) time taken for insertion was 17.32 (8.48) s. The median [IQR] leak pressures were 24 [20-28] cm of H2O. Optimal laryngeal view for intubation was obtained in 68 patients. Eighty-eight patients could be intubated in the first attempt. Five patients could not be intubated. The overall failure rate of device was 9%. CONCLUSION: AMBU® AuraGain™ serves as an effective ventilating aid, but caution is suggested before using it as a conduit for endotracheal intubation.

Is segmental epidural anaesthesia an optimal technique for patients undergoing percutaneous nephrolithotomy?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Neuraxial anaesthesia has recently become popular for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). We conducted a study comparing general anaesthesia (GA) with segmental (T6-T12) epidural anaesthesia (SEA) for PCNL with respect to anaesthesia and surgical characteristics. METHODS: Ninety American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status-I and II patients undergoing PCNL randomly received either GA or SEA. Overall patient satisfaction was the primary end point. Intraoperative haemodynamics, epidural block characteristics, post-operative pain, time to rescue analgesic, total analgesic consumption, discharge times from post-anaesthesia care unit, surgeon satisfaction scores and stone clearance were secondary end points. Parametric data were analysed by Student's t-test while non-parametric data were compared with Mann-Whitney U-test. RESULTS: Group SEA reported better patient satisfaction (P = 0.005). Patients in group GA had significantly higher heart rates (P = 0.0001) and comparable mean arterial pressures (P = 0.24). Postoperatively, time to first rescue analgesic and total tramadol consumption was higher in Group GA (P = 0.001). Group SEA had lower pain scores (P = 0.001). Time to reach Aldrete's score of 9 was shorter in group SEA (P = 0.0001). The incidence of nausea was higher in group GA (P = 0.001); vomiting rates were comparable (P = 0.15). One patient in group SEA developed bradycardia which was successfully treated. Eight patients (18%) had hypertensive episodes in group GA versus none in group SEA (P = 0.0001). One patient in GA group had pleural injury and was managed with intercostal drain. Stone clearance and post-operative haemoglobin levels were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSION: PCNL under SEA has a role in selected patients, for short duration surgery and in expert hands.

Sexual Dimorphism of Maxillary Sinus: A Morphometric Analysis using Cone Beam Computed Tomography.

INTRODUCTION: Age and sex determination in forensic sciences are primary components of any skeletal analysis. As most bones used for sex determination are recovered in incomplete state, it is often necessary to use bones that are recovered intact e.g., the maxillary sinus. Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) can provide precise information about complex anatomical structures, as it is characterized by rapid volumetric image acquisition with high resolution. AIM: The present study was designed to evaluate the size and volume of Maxillary Sinus (MS) in determining gender by CBCT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bilateral maxillary sinus images (left and right) were acquired for 100 patients (50 females and 50 males) and different parameters (width, length, height, area, perimeter and volume) were measured and evaluated. Mean and standard deviation of both maxillary sinuses measurements were calculated and compared. The data was subjected to discriminative statistical analysis and analysed using unpaired t-test. RESULTS: Comparison between male and female groups showed statistically insignificant differences on both the right and left sides with respect to the maxillary sinus length, height, area, volume and perimeter. However, the female group showed statistically significant higher values for left side MS width (p=0.041) and left side MS width can be used to determine gender with an overall accuracy of 60%. The final result of discriminative analysis shows that the ability of the maxillary sinus to identify gender was 68% in males and 74% in females with an overall accuracy of 71%. CONCLUSION: Maxillary sinus width can be used as an aid in forensic anthropology for gender determination.

Effect of Pneumoperitoneum and Lateral Position on Oropharyngeal Seal Pressures of Proseal LMA in Laparoscopic Urological Procedures.

INTRODUCTION: A sustained and effective oropharyngeal sealing with supraglottic airway is required to maintain the ventilation during laparoscopic surgery. Previous studies have observed the Oropharyngeal Seal Pressure (OSP) for Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway (PLMA) after pneumoperitoneum in supine and trendelenburg position, where PLMA was found to be an effective airway device. This study was conducted with ProSeal LMA, for laparoscopic Urologic procedures done in lateral position. AIM: To measure OSP in supine and lateral position and to observe the effect of pneumoperitoneum in lateral position on OSP. Secondary objectives were to assess adequacy of ventilation and incidence of adverse events. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total number of 25 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) physical status II and I were enrolled. After induction of anaesthesia using a standardized protocol, PLMA was inserted. Ryle's tube was inserted through drain tube. The position of PLMA was confirmed with ease of insertion of Ryle's tube and fibreoptic grading of vocal cords. Patients were then put in lateral position. The OSP was measured in supine position. This value was baseline comparison for OSP in lateral position and that after pneumoperitoneum. We assessed the efficacy of PLMA for ventilation, after carboperitoneum in lateral position (peak airway pressure, End Tidal Carbon dioxide (EtCO2), SPO2). Incidence of adverse effects (displacement of device, gastric insufflation, regurgitation, coughing, sore throat, blood on device, trauma) was also noted. RESULTS: The OSP was above Peak Airway Pressure (PAP) in supine (22.1±5.4 and 15.4±4.49cm of H2O) and lateral position (22.6±5.3 and 16.1±4.6). After pneumoperitoneum, which was in lateral position, there was statistically significant (p-value <0.05) increase in both PAP (19.96±4.015) and OSP (24.32±4.98, p-value 0.03). There was no intraoperative displacement of PLMA. There was no event of suboptimal oxygenation. EtCO2 was always within normal limits. Gastric insufflation was present in one patient. One patient had coughing and blood was detected on device. Three patients had throat discomfort post-operatively. CONCLUSION: In this study, Oropharyngeal seal pressures with PLMA were found to increase after pneumoperitoneum in lateral position. PLMA forms an effective seal around airway and is an efficient and safe alternative for airway management in urological laparoscopic surgeries done in lateral position.

Successful management of a broken epidural catheter!!!

Breakage of epidural catheter though rare is a well-known but worrisome complication. Visualization of retained catheter is difficult even with modern radiological imaging techniques, and active surgical intervention might be necessary for removal of catheter fragment. We report such a case of breakage of an epidural catheter during its removal which led to surgical intervention.

Synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles using a hydrothermal method and a study its optical activity.

ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) with a granular morphology were synthesized using a hydrothermal method. Structural analysis revealed that ZnO NPs had a single crystal wurtzite hexagonal structure. Solvent polarity was responsible for varying and controlling their size and morphology. The process was very trouble free and scalable. In addition, it could be used for fundamental studies on tunable morphology formation. This hydrothermal method showed different morphology with different co-surfactants such as a floral-like or wire-like belt sheet structures etc. Based on their surface morphology, the same material had different applications as a catalyst in various organic reactions and also could be used as a photocatalyst and fuel cell, solar cell or in semiconductors etc. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and photoluminescence of the resulting product was performed to study its purity, morphology and size, plus its optical properties via measurement of band gap energy and light absorbance.

A prospective randomized controlled double-blind trial to assess the effects of dexmedetomidine during cleft palate surgery / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: We investigated whether the intraoperative administration of dexmedetomidine would attenuate the profound sympathoadrenal response associated with cleft palate (CP) surgery. METHODS: Sixty children aged 6 months to 12 years undergoing CP surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned to the control (C) or dexmedetomidine (D) groups. Group C received benzodiazepine (0.05 mg/kg midazolam followed by infusion of normal saline) fentanyl isoflurane anesthesia, and Group D received dexmedetomidine (loading 1 µg/kg followed by infusion of 0.5 µg/kg/h) fentanyl isoflurane anesthesia. Heart rate (HR), mean blood pressure (MBP), intraoperative fentanyl and isoflurane requirements, recovery scores, emergence agitation, pain scores, time and requirement of rescue analgesic, and surgeon satisfaction were noted. RESULTS: Intraoperative HR and MBP in Group D were significantly lower than the corresponding values in Group C (P < 0.001). HR decreased up to 16% in Group D. By contrast, HR increased up to 20% in Group C. Group D had comparable MBP to its baseline, whereas Group C had higher MBP until extubation (P = 0.015). Two children in Group D developed bradycardia and hypotension, which was successfully treated. The fentanyl and isoflurane requirements decreased by 43% and 30%, respectively, in Group D patients compared to those in Group C (P < 0.001). Group D had lower pain scores and less emergence agitation (P < 0.001). Time until requirement of first rescue analgesic was longer in Group D than that in Group C (P < 0.001). Surgeon satisfaction was higher in Group D than that in Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous dexmedetomidine during CP surgery attenuated hemodynamic responses with excellent surgeon satisfaction. Close monitoring of hemodynamics is recommended.

Double blind comparison of combination of 0.1% ropivacaine and fentanyl to combination of 0.1% bupivacaine and fentanyl for extradural analgesia in labour.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ropivacaine is considered as a safe alternative to bupivacaine for labor analgesia. The aim was to compare epidural ropivacaine and bupivacaine in intermittent doses for obstetric analgesia. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective, randomized, double-blind study, 60 women in labor were randomly allocated to receive either bupivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 µg/mL (BF), or ropivacaine 0.1% with fentanyl 2 µg/mL (RF). Bromage scale, loss of cold sensation to ether swab in midclavicular line, visual analog scale were used to test for motor block, sensory block and pain, respectively. Hemodynamic parameters, onset of analgesia, dose requirement of drug to produce analgesia, duration of labor, and incidence of side effects were also recorded. Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation and analyzed using students unpaired t-test, Chi-square and Mann-Whitney U-tests at P < 0.05. RESULTS: Both drugs were similar with respect to hemodynamic stability, onset of analgesia, quality of analgesia, sensory blockade, neonatal outcome, requirement of drugs, duration of labor, and incidence of side effects. Three parturient in bupivacaine (B-F) group had a motor block of Bromage 1 and were delivered using forceps. None of the parturient in ropivacaine (R-F) group had any motor block, and all had spontaneous vaginal delivery, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.081). CONCLUSIONS: Bupivacaine and ropivacaine provide equivalent analgesia in low (0.1%) concentration.

I-gel versus laryngeal mask airway-Proseal: Comparison of two supraglottic airway devices in short surgical procedures.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Supraglottic airway devices have been established in clinical anesthesia practice and have been previously shown to be safe and efficient. The objective of this prospective, randomized trial was to compare I-Gel with LMA-Proseal in anesthetized spontaneously breathing patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty patients undergoing short surgical procedures were randomly assigned to I-gel (Group I) or LMA- Proseal (Group P). Anesthesia was induced with standard doses of propofol and the supraglottic airway device was inserted. We compared the ease and time required for insertion, airway sealing pressure and adverse events. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in demographic and hemodynamic data. I-gel was significantly easier to insert than LMA-Proseal (P < 0.05) (Chi-square test). The mean time for insertion was more with Group P (41 + 09.41 secs) than with Group I (29.53 + 08.23 secs) (P < 0.05). Although the airway sealing pressure was significantly higher with Group P (25.73 + 02.21 cm of H2O), the airway sealing pressure of Group I (20.07 + 02.94 cm of H2O) was very well within normal limit (Student's t test). The success rate of first attempt insertion was more with Group I (P < 0.05). There was no evidence of airway trauma, regurgitation and aspiration. Sore throat was significantly more evident in Group P. CONCLUSION: I-Gel is a innovative supraglottic device with acceptable airway sealing pressure, easier to insert, less traumatic with lower incidence of sore throat. Hence I-Gel can be a good alternative to LMA-Proseal.

Validity of the vertical tube-shift method in determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve canal.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the vertical tube-shift method using intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) for determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty impacted mandibular third molars were analyzed using the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and CBCT. The relationship of the IAN canal to the impacted mandibular third molar was recorded as buccal, lingual or in line with the apex and was compared with CBCT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the vertical tube-shift method in depicting the relationship (buccal/lingual/in line with the apex) of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex was calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity PPV and NPV of the IOPAR vertical tube-shift technique was found to be highest for a lingual relationship (100%) followed by buccal (94.4%, 92.3%, 97.1%, and 85.7%) and in line with the apex relationship (88.9%, 95.0%, 80.0%, and 97.4%) of the IAN canal with the third molar root apex, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and the CBCT with a P-value <0.01. CONCLUSION: The vertical tube-shift method can be used as an effective diagnostic tool in assessing the relationship of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.

Validity of the vertical tube-shift method in determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve canal

OBJECTIVES: To assess the validity of the vertical tube-shift method using intraoral periapical radiography (IOPAR) for determining the relationship between the mandibular third molar roots and the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN) canal in comparison with cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty impacted mandibular third molars were analyzed using the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and CBCT. The relationship of the IAN canal to the impacted mandibular third molar was recorded as buccal, lingual or in line with the apex and was compared with CBCT findings. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the vertical tube-shift method in depicting the relationship (buccal/lingual/in line with the apex) of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex was calculated. RESULTS: The sensitivity and specificity PPV and NPV of the IOPAR vertical tube-shift technique was found to be highest for a lingual relationship (100%) followed by buccal (94.4%, 92.3%, 97.1%, and 85.7%) and in line with the apex relationship (88.9%, 95.0%, 80.0%, and 97.4%) of the IAN canal with the third molar root apex, respectively. A statistically significant association was observed between the IOPAR vertical tube-shift method and the CBCT with a P-value <0.01. CONCLUSION: The vertical tube-shift method can be used as an effective diagnostic tool in assessing the relationship of the IAN canal to the third molar root apex with high sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV.

An unusual presentation of pyogenic granuloma of the lower lip.

Exophytic growth of the oral cavity often presents a diagnostic challenge because a diverse group of the pathologic process can produce such lesions. Inflammatory hyperplasia is one of the important etiology behind the exophytic growths of the oral cavity. The pyogenic granuloma (PG) is the most common type of inflammatory hyperplasia found in the oral cavity especially in the gingiva. Extragingival occurrence of PG is very rare. This case report has described an extragingival PG which occurred on the lower labial mucosa in a 54-year-old male patient.