Glucose 6 phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency quantitative test in dried blood spot- a potential marker for adult unknown G6PD deficiency.

Glucose 6 Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) enzyme activity estimation in a freshly collected blood sample is the most widely used diagnostic method for the diagnosis of G6PD deficiency. The objective is to evaluate the need for newborn screening for G6PD deficiency over post-malarial diagnosis and the feasibility and reliability of using dried blood spots (DBS) as samples for screening. A total of 562 samples were analyzed for G6PD and parallel measurement of G6PD activity by the colorimetric method in whole blood and DBS was carried out in the neonatal subset. Among 466 adults, 27 (5.7%) showed G6PD deficiency, out of whom 22 (81.48%) were diagnosed after the malarial encounter. In the pediatric group, 8 neonates showed G6PD deficiency. G6PD activity estimated from DBS samples agreed with whole blood, with a statistically significant strong positive correlation. Screening of G6PD deficiency at birth to prevent future unwarranted complications, using DBS is feasible.

Hybrid tracer - A modified novel extra oral tracer.

Introduction: Gothic arch Tracing has been a common modality in the recording of centric jaw relation. There has been two ways of recording the gothic tracing. They are extra oral and intra oral tracing. Among the extra oral tracers hight tracers are the most used tracers. Aim: Intra-oral and extra-oral tracers have a number of individual advantages and limitations. With the idea to overcome the short comings of both the tracers, hybrid tracers were made. Hybrid tracers could be a good alternative to the Hight-tracer in recording centric relation and can provide better clinical and teaching experience to the students. Methodology: The hybrid tracer is a two-component assembly, upper and lower component. The upper component has a central bearing plate and stylus in continuation with the central bearing plate. The lower component has central bearing device with three central bearing points one anteriorly and two posteriorly, and it has a tracing platform (15 × 35 mm) in continuation with the central bearing device. The length of these upper and lower components ismade to confine within the incisal rod of semi adjustable articulator. Result: hybrid tracers showed more accuracy while recording the centric jaw relation. There was more stability and equalization of pressure during the movement due to a tripod effect of three screws. Hence it provided more precise recording and being less technique sensitive. It was also more comfortable and acceptable by the patient. Conclusion: hybrid tracers hence will provide more accuracy and precision in recording of horizontal jaw relation. This will in turn help in fabricating a successful prosthesis and enhance the well-being of the patient. This tracer will also be significant in institutions for educational purpose. Clinical implication: Hybrid tracers are simple, non-technique sensitive, provide balance, equalization of pressure, stabilize the occlusal rims well, are close to the centre of rotation providing precise record and provide easy access and visibility to the operator which will help the operator in guiding the patient well for a correct jaw relation.

Need and Viability of Newborn Screening Programme in India: Report from a Pilot Study.

India, a country with the second largest population in the world, does not have a national newborn screening programme as part of its health policy. With funding support from the Grand Challenges Canada, a pilot newborn screening programme was implemented for the Udupi district of South India to study the need and viability of a national programme in India. Six disorders were selected for the study based on the availability of funding and recommendation from pediatricians in the district. Here, we report the observed incidence during the study. A cost-effectiveness analysis of implementing newborn screening in India was performed. It is evident from our analysis that the financial loss for the nation due to these preventable diseases is much higher than the overall expenditure for screening, diagnosis, and treatment. This cost-effectiveness analysis justifies the need for a national newborn screening programme in India.

Antifungal Effects of Herbal Extracts and Fluconazole on Heat-polymerized Acrylic Denture Base Resin as Denture Cleanser: An In Vitro Study.

AIM: The study aimed to investigate the antifungal effects of herbal extracts and fluconazole on heat-polymerized acrylic denture base resin as a denture cleanser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Several essential oils, such as origanum oil and grape seed oil and commercially available antifungal agent fluconazole were used as denture cleansers and their antifungal efficacy was evaluated using a spectrophotometer. Overall, 68 samples were obtained and were divided into four groups, each containing 17 samples. These samples were immersed in Sabouraud dextrose broth consisting of Candida albicans for 16 hours and later in these antifungal solutions for 8 hours and their antifungal efficacy was measured. Data were subjected to an ANOVA test. RESULTS: Among the study groups origanum oil showed the maximum antifungal activity with a mean optical density at 0.072 ± 0.014 followed by fluconazole (0.094 ± 0.155), and least by grape seed oil (0.190 ± 0.071). CONCLUSION: Results of this in vitro study showed that origanum oil was more effective than commercially available antifungal agents, and among the tested groups oregano oil was a potential agent in lowering the C. albicans colony. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Origanum oil, being a herbal product, can be considered as a denture cleanser and also be used as an effective alternative to commercially available antifungal agents without any side effects.

Amino Acid Profile and Lactate Pyruvate Ratio: Potential Adjunct Markers for Differentiating Inborn Errors of Metabolism.

Inborn errors of metabolism (IEM) lead to the physical and mental disability and death of infants, which can be prevented if treated early. Hence it is imperative in diagnosing these disorders at the earliest. The study is planned to differentiate suspected IEM by quantifying the lactate-pyruvate ratio (L/P ratio), Amino acid profiling by HPLC in addition to blood ammonia using the basic methodology in comparison to globally accepted mass spectroscopy technique and specific enzyme activity assays. The objective of this study is not to compete with the existing gold standard methodology rather makes the best of basic diagnostic modalities available. Five cases out of 100 referred cases of IEM suspicion showed the altered pattern of Aminogram correlating with high L/P ratio and Hyperammonemia, which were positive cases, as confirmed by the clinician who referred. Hence study parameters could be used as preliminary protocol to investigate and screen the IEM.

A maxillofacial prosthetic obturator using precision attachments.

The majority of maxillary defects can be rehabilitated with pedicled flaps. However, when there are very large resections of the maxilla and flap success is questionable, then the defect may be obturated with a conventional hollow bulb clasp retained obturator or implant retained obturator prosthesis. However, inadequate retention, stability and support may be associated with the use of a conventional obturator and in case of recurrence the success of implant is questionable. A precision attachment becomes the silver lining. They have been used to retain obturator for some time. The use of precision attachments in a dentate maxillectomy patient can yield significant functional improvement while maintaining the obturator's aesthetic advantages. This clinical report describes the successful prosthetic rehabilitation of maxillary defects with an obturator retained using two different extracoronal resilient precision attachments. Attachment retained prosthesis provides a successful closure for the defect but also better esthetics, retention, better tolerability and better mastication and speech.

An iris positioning device and centering approach: A technique.

For patients who have lost an eye as result of trauma or a carcinoma, accurate replacement with an ocular prosthesis that is symmetrical to the natural eye is essential. This report describes a technique for recording the measurement and position of the iris of the natural eye and accurately transferring it to the prosthetic eye of the patient. The technique is both straightforward and accurate.

Hidden Overdenture Bar in Fixed Implant-retained Hybrid Prosthesis: Report of a Novel Technique.

INTRODUCTION: Every patient needs a comprehensive treatment planning. Dentists must consider the advantages and disadvantages of the available implant prosthetic options and match them to patient's expectations. Hybrid denture prosthesis is one, i.e., fabricated and retained by screw threaded into implant abutments, most of the time on four implants. Sometimes due to failure of an implant, the prosthesis needs to be replaced with a newer casting to accommodate the existing implants. Clinical consideration: This article presents a novel technique, wherein the existing framework of the fixed prosthesis can be used to convert the fixed prosthesis to removable prosthesis on the existing implants, without recasting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The implant is economical and easily convertible from a fixed-fixed to a fixed-removable prosthesis. Hence, there is reduced morbidity, reduced cost, and an increased psychological comfort for the patient.

A finite element analysis for a comparative evaluation of stress with two commonly used esthetic posts.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to evaluate stress distribution in the dentin and alveolar bone created by load application on simulated endodontically treated teeth with two different esthetic posts. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A finite element model was made and elastic moduli and poissons ratio of all the materials fed to the software. For both the models, a 100N force was applied on the lingual surface of the tooth at an angle of 45°. Stress concentration and distribution were evaluated and noted down for both the posts. RESULTS: Finite element method revealed that Glass fibre post had homogenous distribution of stress whereas in zirconia post the stress was concentrated in the post. CONCLUSION: The present findings suggest that glass fibre post should be used in well-conserved radicular tooth structure and Zirconia post is indicated in weakened and grossly destructed tooth structure.