Artificial tears: Promising treatment or silent threat to public health?

Background and Aims: Dry Eye Disease (DED) is a multifactorial chronic inflammatory condition of the corneal surface, attributed to insufficient or low-quality production of tears, accounting for 5-50% of the cases globally. Artificial tears are the first line of treatment as they reduce ocular surface tension, and improve film stability and optical quality. EzriCare Artificial Tears are preservative-free, multi-dose, readily accessible eye drops containing carboxymethylcellulose sodium solution (10 mg in 1 ml) aiming for relief against DED. This article discusses the public health challenges faced by the use of EzriCare Artificial Tears and emphasizes the need for alternative therapies for the effective management of DED. Methods: We searched for articles documenting the incidence of the current multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa strain outbreak caused by the use of preservative-free artificial tears and the challenges faced through the use of artificial tears on PubMed, and Google Scholar. Results: EzriCare and other preservative-free artificial tears have been reported to pose a serious public health risk as they have been found to be the commonly used product among the people infected with the current multi-state outbreak of the multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa strain. Conclusion: The current multi-state outbreak of the multi-drug resistant P. aeruginosa strain has raised concerns about the safe use of other artificial products. It is high time that further trials should be conducted on other alternative strategies and evaluate the safety and efficacy of nanotechnology in the treatment of dry eye disease.

Monkeypox resurgence and its implications for Dentistry - A scoping review.

INTRODUCTION: Monkeypox caused by the Monkeypox virus, a member of the Orthopoxvirus genus, is currently considered a major concern among healthcare authorities due to its high transmissibility rate. Currently, no specific treatment is available for this disease, due to which healthcare professionals, specifically Dentists, are required to look out for symptoms at early stages to prevent its spread. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the role of dentists in identifying Monkeypox cases and limiting its spread. METHODS: We conducted a scoping review on monkeypox and its oral manifestation. PRISMA protocols were observed in data collection. The relevant literature search was conducted in relevant databases like PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, CINAHL, and Google Scholar. Relevant articles related to Monkeypox, and Dentistry were included in the final review. Articles published from March 2022- September 2022 were included in the review. Keywords and Mesh words related to monkeypox, and dentistry were used as part of the search strategy. RESULTS: A total of 1881 articles were reviewed, among which 7 articles were included. Dentists were strongly advised to be on high alert for Monkeypox symptoms due to their close contact with patients. Around 70% of Monkeypox cases reported oral lesions at early stages, which requires a differential diagnosis from other oral lesions. Considering this, dentists should be well-versed in this new and emerging threat. CONCLUSION: Although dentists have been shown to play an important role in the treatment of monkeypox, there is insufficient data available. More research on dentistry and monkeypox will be needed in the near future.

Systematic review on the current state of disaster preparation Simulation Exercises (SimEx).

INTRODUCTION: The simulation exercise (SimEx) simulates an emergency in which an elaboration or description of the response is applied. The purpose of these exercises is to validate and improve plans, procedures, and systems for responding to all hazards. The purpose of this study was to review disaster preparation exercises conducted by various national, non-government, and academic institutions. METHODOLOGY: Several databases, including PubMed (Medline), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), BioMed Central, and Google Scholar, were used to review the literature. Information was retrieved using Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) and documents were selected according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). To assess the quality of the selected articles, the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) technique was utilized. RESULTS: A total of 29 papers were selected for final review based on PRISMA guidelines and the NOS quality assessment. Studies have shown that many forms of SimEx commonly used in disaster management including tabletop exercises, functional exercises, and full-scale exercises have their benefits and limitations. There is no doubt that SimEx is an excellent tool for improving disaster planning and response. It is still necessary to give SimEx programs a more rigorous evaluation and to standardize the processes more thoroughly. CONCLUSIONS: Drills and training can be improved for disaster management, which will enable medical professionals to face the challenges of disaster management in the 21st century.