Toe thumb: A musculoskeletal disorder related to transesophageal echocardiography.

The musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are common in healthcare providers and those who are doing sonography are also affected. There are reports of MSD in healthcare providers who do transthoracic echocardiography. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is being regularly used in peri‑operative setting. We describe MSD of hand in a cardiovascular and thoracic anesthesiologist who has been performing TEE scanning for 10% of his work‑time in operating room and critical care area for the last 8 years. As the role of TEE is increasing and many doctors are doing it on a routine basis, the knowledge of association of MSD with TEE and measures to prevent it is important.

An Epidemlological Study of Missing Teeth Among The North Indian Population.

There are numerous epidemiologic studies of missing teeth focusing white population which may not represent the status of other people. Aim: The aim of this study was to estimate the distribution of missing teeth in sample taken from North Indian adolescent. Material and Methods: Panoramic radiographs of unrelated adolescent of age ranging from 12 to 18 years were examined for missing teeth. Results: The study shows significant sex differences only for third molar which was absent in most of females. Conclusion: The present study concluded that third molars, maxillary lateral incisors, mandibular incisor and mandibular second premolar were most commonly congenitally missing permanent teeth among North Indian population.

Prognosis V/S Etiology : Midline Papilla Reconstruction After Closure of Median Diastema.

Reconstruction of lost interdental papilla once the contact point is restored in midline diastema cases are as well important in restoring the esthetics as closure of diastema. Aim: The purpose of this study was to predict the midline papilla reconstruction in treated median diastema of variable etiology. Method : The treated sample consisted of 40 patients with variable etiology of midline diastema (6 of abnormal labial frenum, 6 of mesiodens ,8 of anodontia or microdontia, 8 of para functional habits, 6 of flared or rotated incisors and 6 of dentoalveolar disproportion) with otherwise healthy periodontium. The method used was PPI (papilla presence index) by D.Cardaropoli. Results: The study suggests that prognosis for papillary reconstruction is not good in cases of mesiodens. Conclusion: In spite of getting a good contact point, various other factors are playing a role in achieving good esthetics in cases of median diastema.

Comparison of effects of yoga & physical exercise in athletes.

The effect of pranayama a controlled breathing practice, on exercise tests was studied in athletes in two phases; sub-maximal and maximal exercise tests. At the end of phase I (one year) both the groups (control and experimental) achieved significantly higher work rate and reduction in oxygen consumption per unit work. There was a significant reduction in blood lactate and an increase in P/L ratio in the experimental group, at rest. At the end of phase II (two years), the oxygen consumption per unit work was found to be significantly reduced and the work rate significantly increased in the experimental group. Blood lactate decreased significantly at rest in the experimental group only. Pyruvate and pyruvate-lactate ratio increased significantly in both the groups after exercise and at rest in the experimental group. The results in both phases showed that the subjects who practised pranayama could achieve higher work rates with reduced oxygen consumption per unit work and without increase in blood lactate levels. The blood lactate levels were significantly low at rest.

Effect of yoga on exercise tolerance in normal healthy volunteers.

Twelve normal healthy volunteers (6 males and 6 females) undergoing yoga training for 90 days were studied for the effect of yoga on exercise tolerance. Their ages ranged from 18 to 28 years. The volunteers were taught only Pranayama for the first 20 days and later on yogic asanas were added. Sub-maximal exercise tolerance test was done on a motorized treadmill by using Balke's modified protocol, initially, after 20 days (Phase-I) and after 90 days of yoga training (Phase-II). Pyruvate and lactate in venous blood and blood gases in capillary blood were estimated immediately before and after the exercise. Minute ventilation and oxygen consumption were estimated before and during the test. Post exercise blood lactate was elevated significantly during initial and Phase-I, but not in Phase-II. There was significant reduction of minute ventilation and oxygen consumption only in males in Phase-I and II at the time when the volunteers reached their 80% of the predicted heart rate. Female volunteers were able to go to higher loads of exercise in Phase-I and II.