Screening practices for breast and cervical cancer and associated factors, among rural women in Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Background: Population-based screening coverage for breast and cervical cancer screening in the community is inadequately reported in India. This study assessed screening rates, awareness, and other factors affecting screening, among rural women aged 25� years in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Methods: Women aged 25� years, from five randomly selected villages of a rural block were included in this cross-sectional study in Vellore, Tamil Nadu. Households were selected by systematic random sampling, followed by simple random sampling of eligible women in the house. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to assess screening practices, awareness, and other factors related to cervical and breast cancer. Results: Although 43.8% and 57.9% were aware of the availability of screening for cervical and breast cancer respectively, screening rates were only 23.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 18.4-28.4%) and 16.2% (95% CI: 11.9-20.5%), respectively. Adequate knowledge (score of ?50%) on breast cancer was only 5.9%, with 27.2% for cervical cancer. Only 16.6% of women had ever attended any health education program on cancer. Exposure to health education (breast screening odds ratio [OR]: 6.89, 95% CI: 3.34-14.21; cervical screening OR: 6.92, 95% CI: 3.42-14.00); and adequate knowledge (breast OR: 4.69, 95% CI: 1.55-14.22; cervix OR: 3.01, 95% CI: 1.59-5.68) were independently associated with cancer screening. Conclusion: Awareness and screening rates for breast and cervical cancer are low among rural women in Tamil Nadu, a south Indian state with comparatively good health indices, with health education being an important factor associated with screening practices.

Acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy in a young male after the first dose of Oxford/AstraZeneca AZD1222 (Covishield) vaccine

We case of acute bilateral central serous chorioretinopathy (CSCR) after receiving the first dose of Covishield vaccine in a young, otherwise healthy male with no associated risk factors.

Influence of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength durability ­ An in vitro study / Influência de dois reticuladores naturais na durabilidade da resistência de união à microtração ­ Um estudo in vitro

Objective: to investigate the effect of two natural cross-linkers on microtensile bond strength (µTBS) and evaluate their influence on the durability of the resin dentin bonds. Material and Methods: the Moringa oleifera and Centella asiatica plant extracts were qualitatively tested with high-performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) for the presence of phenols. The phenolic content ranged from 27 to 30 gallic acid equivalents (GAE), µg/mg of dry weight. After etching, two concentrations (5% and 1%) of these two extracts were prepared and used as pretreatment liners on dentin. They were applied for a min. After restoration with resin composite, dentin resin beams were prepared. The study groups were 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa 5% Centella 1% Centella, and control (without cross-linker application). For each group, half of the samples underwent µTBS testing after 24 hours, while the remaining half were immersed in artificial saliva to assess the bond's longevity after 6 months of ageing. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test. Results: both 5% and 1% Moringa showed a significant difference (p<0.05) compared to the other groups at both intervals. However, after ageing, the specimens in the control and 1% Centella groups resulted in a significant decrease in µTBS. Conclusion: overall, both concentrations of Moringa (5% and 1%) were effective in stabilising the bond during both intervals.(AU)

Objetivo: investigar o efeito de dois reticuladores naturais na resistência de união (µTBS) à microtração e avaliar sua influência na durabilidade da adesão da resina à dentina. Material e Métodos: extratos das plantas Moringa oleifera e Centella asiatica foram qualitativamente testados através de cromatografia em camada fina de alta performance (HPTLC) para a presença de fenóis. O conteúdo fenólico alcançou entre 27 a 30 equivalentes de ácido gálico (GAE), µg/mg de peso seco. Após o condicionamento, duas concentrações (5% e 1%) dos extratos foram preparadas e utilizadas como forros de pré-tratamento em dentina. Eles foram aplicados por um minuto. Após a restauração com resina composta, palitos de dentina e resina foram preparados. Os grupos foram 5% Moringa, 1% Moringa, 5% Centella, 1% Centella e controle (sem aplicação de reticulador). Para cada grupo, metade das amostras foram submetidas ao teste µTBS após 24 horas, enquanto a outra metade foi imersa em saliva artificial para avaliar a longevidade adesiva após 6 meses de envelhecimento. Foi realizada análise estatística através de ANOVA 1-fator, seguido do teste post hoc de Tukey. Resultados: ambas as concentrações de 5% e 1% de Moringa demonstraram diferença significativa (p<0.05) comparadas aos outros grupos em ambos os intervalos. No entanto, após o envelhecimento, os espécimes dos geupos controle e 1% de Centella resultaram em uma redução significativa de µTBS. Conclusão: no geral, ambas as concentrações de Moringa (5% e 1%) foram efetivas em estabelecer a adesão em ambos os intervalos (AU)

Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of Three Single File Retreatment Systems for Removal of Gutta Percha and Assessment of Root Canal Transportation - An In Vitro Study

Background: In comparison to multiple file systems, recent advancements in single file retreatment systems had reduced the working time and ease of operation for clinicians. Aim: To compare the efficacy of retreatment systems compared with hand instrumentation, by evaluating their removal efficacy, time required for retreatment and assessment of canal transportation. Methods and Material: Forty premolars were instrumented using ProTaper Gold gold files. Post instrumentation, scan was taken, obturated using warm vertical compaction technique, and stored in artificial saliva for three months and randomly divided into four groups for retreatment. Hand instrumentation (Hi), Neoniti (Nn), Mtwo R (Mt), WaveOne Gold (Wg). Post retreatment, scan was taken. Teeth were sectioned longitudinally and photographed under the stereomicroscope. Retreatment time was recorded, and canal transportation was calculated. Statistical Analysis: The results were analyzed using one?way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey’s post hoc test at 95% confidence level. Results: The retreatment time was significantly longer in the Hi group. Within the test groups, a significantly longer time has been taken by Wg (p < 0.05) compared to Mt and Nn. There was no difference in the canal transportation between the single file systems at 3 mm, 6 mm and 9 mm from the apex, there was statistically significant higher transportation for the Hi group at 9 mm from the apex (p < 0.05). Conclusions: All techniques were effective in removal of filling material with minimal canal transportation. Wg system was shown to increased time compared to Nn and Mt systems. Hi group was slowest with maximum canal transportation at 9 mm from the apex.

Knowledge about the contents of mother and child protection card among pregnant women and lactating women of a rural field practice area

Introduction: MCH services are not utilized due to unawareness, poverty and lack of scientific knowledge regarding care during the issue. Though all the details are given in the MCPC to follow positive practices, utilization of the card is being done only for recording of the information. Objective: To assess the knowledge about the contents of mother and child protection card (MCPC) among the pregnant and lactating women of a rural area Methodology: This was a cross sectional study conducted on pregnant women and lactating mothers with child less than a year. Knowledge about the contents of MCPC was collected by interview method. Results: In our study, majority of the mothers had good knowledge about tetanus injection (92.5%), consumption of IFA tablets (72.6%), breastfeeding within an hour (92.5%), exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months (95.6%), cereals to be included in the complementary food (90.6%) and good perception about complete immunization of the baby (100%). Knowledge was found to be poor with respect to ANC checkups and examination, tracking weight of the baby and growth chart; assessing danger signs in newborn and emergency preparation. Conclusion: The study showed good knowledge about TT, IFA, nutrition, danger signs and immunization. There was poor knowledge about ANC checkups, baby growth, danger sings in newborn and emergency preparation.

Determining attributed factors of hearing handicap in individuals with auditory sensory and neural pathology

Abstract Introduction: There is a modest relationship between speech perception skills and perceived hearing handicap in individuals with hearing loss. In this study, an attempt is made at linking psychoacoustic results and speech perception skills to understand the subjective handicap and quality of life. Objective: To investigate how speech perception in noise (signal to noise ratio-50), difference limen frequency, temporal modulation transfer function, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder differs from sensorineural hearing loss. Further we attempt to discern attributed factors of hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder and sensorineural hearing loss. Methods: A cross-sectional study with comparative and correlational research designs were utilized. Eighty-four participants were grouped into sensorineural hearing loss (n = 49), and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder (n = 35) was sub-grouped into mild, moderately severe, and severe. We evaluated signal to noise ratio-50, difference limen frequency, and temporal modulation transfer function. In addition, hearing handicap inventory for adults, and quality of life questionnaires were administered. Results: Mild auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder showed impairment in speech perception and discriminating frequency, which were similar to the severe sensory neural hearing loss. Temporal resolution impairment in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder mild was significantly higher than in each sub-groups of sensorineural hearing loss. The severity of the hearing handicap in was similar to severe sensorineural hearing loss, quality of life was equally affected in sensorineural hearing loss and auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder. In sensorineural hearing loss, signal to noise ratio-50 was positively related, and quality of life was negatively related to hearing handicap. In auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder, no contributory factors were related to hearing handicap. Conclusion: Mild auditory neural pathology demonstrates impairment in speech recognition and psychoacoustic skills similar to severe cochlear pathology. In sensorineural hearing loss, hearing handicap is predicted from quality of life and speech perception, but none of the contributory factors predicted hearing handicap in auditory neuropathy spectrum disorder.

Clinical Profile and Outcome of Newborns Discharged Against Medical Advice From a Tertiary Care Centre

Objective: To determine the clinical profile and outcome of neonates discharged against medical advice (DAMA) from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) of a tertiary care public hospital. Methods: We retrieved information from hospital records of infants who had been discharged against medical advice from the NICU between January, 2016 and December, 2020. This was followed by a telephonic interview to document the infant’s outcome. Results: Out of the 187 (7.7%) neonates that had left DAMA, 165 case records were available, and 65 (39%) families could be contacted telephonically. Congenital malformations accounted for 96 (58%) of the cases; cardiac malformations accounting for 42 (43.7%). 52 (80%) out of the 65 infants had died after median (IQR) 11 (5-35) days of DAMA, and 13 (20%) were alive at a median (IQR) age of 31 (18.5-31.5) months. Post-DAMA medical care was continued at another health facility in 12 (18%). Conclusions: One out of every five infants was alive for a median age of 31 months after having left DAMA. Mechanisms to ensure continuation of care after DAMA need to be explored.

Exposure to an enriched environment promotes dendritic remodelling in hippocampal neurons affected by endogenous depression

Neuronal plasticity is enhanced in an enriched environment (EE) with more sensory and social interaction. In an animal model of endogenous depression, we have previously shown that EE has positive effects on spatial memory and hippocampus synaptic plasticity. However, nothing is known about how EE influences dendritic remodelling in hippocampal neurons affected by endogenous depression. In depressed rats, the impact of EE on hippocampus neuronal morphology was examined. Neonatal clomipramine exposure from postnatal days (PND) 8-21 days induced endogenous depression. The depressed-like rats were exposed to an enriched environment for two weeks in adulthood. Brains were then collected, stained with a modified Golgi-cox technique and, the hippocampal CA1 dendritic arborisation was evaluated using the Neurolucida software. Depression resulted in the atrophy of CA1 hippocampal neurons. The number of branching points and the overall number of dendritic intersections were reduced in depressed rats,. Exposure to an enriched environment significantly increased dendritic branching and the total number of dendritic intersections in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. The hippocampal pyramidal neuronal morphology of depressed rats improved after exposure to environmental enrichment. Neuronal plasticity and the development of novel therapeutic strategy will be improved by a greater understanding of how the environment affects neuronal morphology in depressed states.

Aspergillus spp., a versatile cell factory for enzymes and metabolites: Interventions through genome editing

Aspergillus sp. is widely distributed in nature and plays significant roles in the degradation of lignocellulose biomass and extensively used in bioprocess and fermentation technology and many species are also a generally regarded safe. Many of the Aspergillus species are established cell factories due to their inherent capacity in secreting large number of hydrolytic enzymes. With the advent of next generation genomic technologies and metabolic engineering technologies, the production potential of Aspergillus cell factory has improved over the years. Various genome editing tools has been developed for Aspergillus like engineered nucleases, zinc finger nucleases, TALEN and CRISPR-Cas9 system. Currently, the CRISPR/Cas9-based technique is extensively used to enhance the effectiveness of gene manipulation in model system Aspergillus nidulans and other strains like Aspergillus oryzae, Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus. This review describes the recent developments of genome editing technologies in Aspergillus the synthesis of heterologous proteins and secondary metabolites in the Aspergillus species.

A Comparative Investigation of the Activity of Superoxide Dismutase in Patients with Leukoplakia and Healthy Controls

Context and Aim: Oral leukoplakia has recently been re?defined as “a predominantly white lesion of the oral mucosa that cannot be characterised as any other definable lesion”. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is one of the enzymatic anti?oxidants which form the first line of defence in the cell. There are very limited data available on the analysis of SOD in leukoplakia patients. Therefore, the present study was planned to analyse anti?oxidant SOD levels in leukoplakia patients. Methods and Material: The study group consisted of 29 subjects of oral leukoplakia, and the control group consisted of 25 healthy individuals. All the subjects were evaluated for SOD enzyme in plasma. Statistical Analysis Used: The results for each determinant were calculated using one?way ANOVA test, Student ‘t’ test, Pearson Chi square test, and ‘t’ test for equality of means wherever applicable. Results: The study revealed that among the different clinical entities of oral leukoplakia, the enzymatic anti?oxidant SOD is shown to have decreased in all forms of oral leukoplakia, but without any statistical significance. A statistically highly significant decrease (at P < 0.0001) of SOD in oral leukoplakia patients compared to normal healthy patients was observed in the present study. Conclusions: The study revealed a difference in the free?radical activity and oxidative stress in blood of leukoplakia patients compared to healthy patients, which is reflected by the variation in the levels of blood SOD, thus

COVID-19-related bilateral acute de-pigmentation of iris with ocular hypertension

A 43-year-old male patient presented with acute blurring of vision in both eyes associated with photophobia, redness, and mild pain following coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) infection. Clinical examination revealed extensive pigment dusting in the corneal endothelium and the trabecular meshwork with de-pigmentation bands in the iris periphery. The patient was managed empirically with topical anti-glaucoma medications for high intra-ocular pressure. The patient was prescribed systemic antibiotics including cephalosporins and amoxicillin for respiratory symptoms. A rare condition called bilateral acute de-pigmentation of iris (BADI) was suspected after ruling out common entities, for example, viral kerato-uveitis, pigment dispersion syndrome, and Fuchs iridocyclitis. Covid-19 infection and systemic antibiotics including cephalosporins have shown to cause BADI in the literature. The patient responded well with good outcome.

An interprofessional interventional approach to improve the mental well-being of medical students for better academic performances

Background: Medical students are the future doctors who are the primary caregivers for the society. High level of stress can obstruct the learning of medical students by impairing their concentration, problem solving, and decision-making skills. Improving mental well-being of medical students will ensure community safety. The stakeholders need to realize positive role of mental well-being on academic performance of students. This will not only benefit the students as well as the society as a whole. Aim and Objective: The present study was innovatively planned to determine the impact of the motivational sessions on relieving perceived stress and anxiety of the students along-with impact of such sessions on motivation for learning. Materials and Methods: An interventional cross-sectional study was designed for 2nd year MBBS students. A module comprising of eight sessions for improving mental well-being of undergraduate students was designed by an interprofessional team comprising a medical teacher, clinical phycologist, psychiatrist, and medical students. The pre-validated scales used were Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) to assess anxiety level, Perceived Stress Scale to assess perceived stress, and Motivated Strategies for Learning Questionnaire to measure the types of learning strategies and academic motivation of college students. Results: About 64% (n = 46) of the participants were male and 36% (n = 26) were female students. The present study showed no significant association between the gender and stress. It was seen that number of students with high perceived stress before the session were reduced by as much as 72.41% and that of students with highest motivation for learning strategies doubled from 18 to 36 (100% improvement).The difference in means of HAM-A scores in post-test and pre-tests is highly significant (P = 0.01). The students were very much satisfied with the mode and content of the module. They expressed that these sessions made them feel thought of and cared for. Conclusion: It is strongly recommended to apply this interprofessional interventional approach to improve the mental well-being of medical students for better academic performances.

Update to Perinatal-Neonatal Management of COVID-19 Guidelines

The guidelines for diagnosing and managing perinatal SARS-CoV-2 infection for the Indian context were last updated in May 2020. Newer evidence, the evolution of the pandemic, and its significant impact on mother-infant dyads led us to review and revise the guideline. This article summarizes the salient changes inthe perinatal-neonatal management of COVID-19.

Comparative evaluation of inter appointment pain and analgesic intake with calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medicaments in patients with apical periodontitis ­ a randomized controlled single-blinded clinical trial / Avaliação comparativa da dor entre consultas e ingestão de analgésicos com hidróxido de cálcio e pasta de antibióticos triplos como medicamentos intracanais em pacientes com periodontite apical - um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado simples-cego

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medication on the interappointment pain at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis undergoing multiple visit root canal treatment. Material and Methods: Two hundred and seven systemically healthy patients under the age group of 18-45 years with mandibular molars presenting with symptomatic apical periodontitis which require root canal treatments were included in this study. After access cavity preparation, cleaning and shaping was done till ISO 25 size file, and the patients were randomized into three groups (each group of 69 samples). Group I: no medicament, group II: calcium hydroxide and group III: triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Postoperative pain was evaluated at 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The results showed that at 8 hours, 24hours and 48hours, there was a statistical difference between I and III (p < 0.05); and Group III and Group II (p < 0.05). Within the group, there was a statistical difference at all time points IN Group I and II (p < 0.05) except between 24 hours and 48 hours in the Group III (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, TAP was more effective than calcium hydroxide in relieving pain and reducing the analgesic intake at the first 24hours.(AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do hidróxido de cálcio e da pasta tripla de antibiótico como medicação intracanal na dor na interconsulta às 8, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório em pacientes com periodontite apical sintomática submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico por múltiplas visitas. Material e Métodos: Duzentos e sete pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis com idade inferior a 18-45 anos com molares inferiores apresentando periodontite apical sintomática que requerem tratamento de canal radicular foram incluídos neste estudo. Após o preparo da cavidade de acesso, a limpeza e modelagem foram feitas até arquivo ISO 25, e os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos (cada grupo de 69 amostras). Grupo I: sem medicamento, grupo II: hidróxido de cálcio e grupo III: pasta tripla de antibiótico (TAP). A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que às 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas, houve diferença estatística entre I e III (p <0,05); e Grupo III e Grupo II (p <0,05). Dentro do grupo, houve diferença estatística em todos os momentos do Grupo I e II (p <0,05), exceto entre 24 horas e 48 horas no Grupo III (p>0,05). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações deste estudo, o TAP foi mais eficaz do que o hidróxido de cálcio no alívio da dor e na redução da ingestão de analgésicos nas primeiras 24 horas. (AU)

Assessment of apical pressures at different automated irrigant flow rates: an ex vivo study based on computational fluid dynamic analysis / Avaliação de pressões apicais em diferentes taxas de fluxo irrigante automatizadas: um estudo ex vivo baseado em análise dinâmica de fluidos computacionais

Objective: The current study aimed at assessing the induced apical pressure at various simulated irrigant flow rates. Materials and Methods: Forty eight freshly extracted single-rooted premolars were decoronated and prepared to size 30 0.04 taper using HY-Flex CM rotary file system and were scanned using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). The scanned images were reconstructed to three-dimensional Computer-aided design models (CAD) and the 3D needle was also reconstructed. Finally, simulations were done by placing the 30 gauge open-ended needle 3 mm short of the working length. Results: There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.05) among the different groups compared. 1 ml/min flow rate induced the least apical pressures (p<0.05) as compared to the other types. Conclusion: 1 ml/min flow rates induced the least apical pressures when open-ended needles are used for irrigation.(AU)

Objetivo: O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a indução de pressão apical em várias taxas de fluxo irrigante simuladas. Material e Métodos: Quarenta e oito raízes de pré-molares unirradiculares recém extraídos tiveram suas coroas removidas, foram preparados para uma conicidade de tamanho 30 0.04 através de um sistema rotatório de limas HYFlex CM e foram escaneados via tomografia computadorizada cone-beam (CBCT). As imagens escaneadas e as agulhas para irrigação foram reconstruídas em modelos tridimensionais de design assistido por computador (CAD). Ao final, foram feitas simulações através de agulhas de calibre 30 e 3 mm a menos que o comprimento de trabalho. Resultados: Houve diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0.05) entre os diferentes grupos. A taxa de fluxo de 1 ml/min induziu as menores pressões apicais (p<0.05) quando comparada às demais taxas. Conclusão: Taxas de fluxo de 1 ml/min induziram as menores pressões apicais quando agulhas de ponta aberta foram utilizadas para irrigação (AU)

Comparative Evaluation of Inter Appointment Pain and Analgesic Intake with Calcium Hydroxide and Triple Antibiotic Paste As Intracanal Medicaments In Patients With Apical Periodontitis ­ A Randomized Controlled Single-Blinded Clinical Trial / Avaliação comparativa da dor entre consultas e ingestão de analgésicos com hidróxido de cálcio e pasta de antibióticos triplos como medicamentos intracanais em pacientes com periodontite apical - um ensaio clínico randomizado controlado simples-cego

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of calcium hydroxide and triple antibiotic paste as intracanal medication on the interappointment pain at 8, 24, and 48 hours postoperatively in patients with symptomatic apical periodontitis undergoing multiple visit root canal treatment. Material and Methods: Two hundred and seven systemically healthy patients under the age group of 18-45 years with mandibular molars presenting with symptomatic apical periodontitis which require root canal treatments were included in this study. After access cavity preparation, cleaning and shaping was done till ISO 25 size file, and the patients were randomized into three groups (each group of 69 samples). Group I: no medicament, group II: calcium hydroxide and group III: triple antibiotic paste (TAP). Postoperative pain was evaluated at 8 hours, 24 hours and 48 hours. Results: The results showed that at 8 hours, 24hours and 48hours, there was a statistical difference between I and III (p < 0.05); and Group III and Group II (p < 0.05). Within the group, there was a statistical difference at all time points IN Group I and II (p < 0.05) except between 24 hours and 48 hours in the Group III (p > 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this study, TAP was more effective than calcium hydroxide in relieving pain and reducing the analgesic intake at the first 24 hours (AU)

Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito do hidróxido de cálcio e da pasta tripla de antibiótico como medicação intracanal na dor na interconsulta às 8, 24 e 48 horas de pós-operatório em pacientes com periodontite apical sintomática submetidos ao tratamento endodôntico por múltiplas visitas. Material e Métodos: Duzentos e sete pacientes sistemicamente saudáveis com idade inferior a 18-45 anos com molares inferiores apresentando periodontite apical sintomática que requerem tratamento de canal radicular foram incluídos neste estudo. Após o preparo da cavidade de acesso, a limpeza e modelagem foram feitas até arquivo ISO 25, e os pacientes foram randomizados em três grupos (cada grupo de 69 amostras). Grupo I: sem medicamento, grupo II: hidróxido de cálcio e grupo III: pasta tripla de antibiótico (TAP). A dor pós-operatória foi avaliada em 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas. Resultados: Os resultados mostraram que às 8 horas, 24 horas e 48 horas, houve diferença estatística entre I e III (p <0,05); e Grupo III e Grupo II (p <0,05). Dentro do grupo, houve diferença estatística em todos os momentos do Grupo I e II (p <0,05), exceto entre 24 horas e 48 horas no Grupo III (p> 0,05). Conclusão: Dentro das limitações deste estudo, o TAP foi mais eficaz do que o hidróxido de cálcio no alívio da dor e na redução da ingestão de analgésicos nas primeiras 24 horas. (AU)

Comparison of Objectively Structured Viva Voce and Modified Objectively Structured Viva Voce as Assessment Tool during Formative and Summative Examination in Dentistry

Assessment is an essential part of any curriculum, including that of dentistry. Assessment of knowledge is currently done through examination and thus examination is an inherent part. Examination and assessment of knowledge is done so as to promote the students to the next level. Currently, two types of methods are used for the assessment and performance of students, subjective and objective. Recently objective methods are preferred over 24 subjective methods. Student’s performance can be accessed via relevant feedback. During summative examinations at the end of course, the assessment now has been supplemented by the formative ones. The skill assessment is subjective in nature as well as lacks possibility for direct assessment of the presentation of skills by the evaluator. METHODS50 students from I BDS class, were selected randomly. These students were subjected to conventional OSVV in the subject of dental anatomy and dental histology. The viva voce was taken using predesigned templates having 10 questions with various difficulty levels - easy, difficult and very difficult. The questions were from must know, desirable to know as well as nice to know areas. Same students were subjected to modified OSVV with prior consent and after IEC clearance was obtained. The scores were obtained from the students after viva voce with modified templates and modified difficulty levels. The study was done during second PCT as well as preliminary examinations. The scores were compared. RESULTSThere were 5 students who scored high in modified OSVV pattern during formative (II PCT) and 6 students who scored high during summative (preliminary) examinations. There was no significant difference in the mean scores between the two methods. CONCLUSIONSStudents who scored high marks when subjected to the modified OSVV were rapid learners and modified pattern of OSVV can be useful to improve the score of students.

Clinical Wear Assessment of Composite Restorations Using a Digital Optical Surface Profilometry - A Retrospective Study

Dental composites form the main stay in majority of the restorative procedures due to their aesthetic properties and adhesive technology. The major disadvantage with these materials is that they have less abrasion resistance and they wear on clinical service. The aim of this study was to evaluate the wear resistance of mandibular molar class-1 composite restored teeth at different intervals of time. METHODSIn this retrospective pilot study, thirty patients were randomly selected with mandibular first and second molars restored with class-1 composite restorations and were grouped according to the retrospective clinical duration of the teeth restored as 1-3 years, 3-5 years and 5-7 years. High resolution images of these restorations were captured using DSLR with macro lens attached and assessed for surface irregularities and the clinical duration of the restoration was recorded. The images were magnified using NIH-IMAGE J and processed in Adobe Photoshop and digital optical surface profilometry was used to measure the irregularities formed on the surface of the restoration. RESULTSThere was a significant increase in the mean, maximum and minimum diameter of craters and notches formed between the three groups (p < 0.05). But there was no statistically significant difference that was seen with the area of tooth assessed, length and angle of craters formed (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONSWear of the restorations increased on increased clinical duration and varied according to the dietary habits of the patients.

A Study on Left Ventricular Mass of Patients Having Hypertension in Women with Menopause

Increase in left-ventricular mass has become an important risk factor for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Although, there is an obvious change in the cardiac size with respect to age and the hypertrophic stimuli, it is very different in men and women. In men the left ventricular mass may remain constant with age, while in women it increases with age. These findings are even more pronounced in women more than 50 years of age who have attained menopause. This study is to show that even though left ventricular mass increases in menopausal women compared to younger women in the reproductive age group, it is more severe in women who have hypertension

Salivary L-fucose as a biomarker for oral potentially malignant disorders and oral cancer

Background: The objective of this study was to evaluate the serum and salivary L-fucose in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs) and oral cancer (OC) in order to investigate the possibility of using this as biomarker for early diagnosis. Materials and Methods: The study included 85 participants, who were grouped as control (30), OPMDs patients (25), and OC patients (30). Serum and unstimulated whole saliva were collected from participants of all groups and fucose estimation was done using spectrophotometry. The results were tabulated and analyzed statistically. Results: The mean serum L-fucose levels in normal, OPMDs, and OC group were 3.49, 19.18, and 35.75 mg/dl, respectively, while the levels of salivary L-fucose were 3.18, 7.02, and 11.66 mg/dl, respectively. A highly significant rise (P < 0.001) in serum and salivary L-fucose was observed in the study participants compared to control. Conclusions: The present study showed a significant and gradual increase in serum and salivary L-fucose from control to OPMDs to OC. From this study, we suggest that L-fucose can be used as a reliable biomarker and saliva can be used as a diagnostic fluid for screening and early detection of OC