Spectrum of thyroid disorders in tertiary care hospital at Patancheru, Sangareddy, Telangana, India - A clinical study

Malnutrition, particularly iodine deficiency, is one of the major contributing factors to thyroid disorders in India. Poverty in India is contributing to the increase of thyroid disorders through malnutrition, poor sanitation, and lack of access to medical facilities. Another factor is the lack of awareness about the symptoms and risk factors of thyroid disorders. Intake recommendations for iodine are provided in the Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs) developed by the Food and Nutrition Board (FNB) at the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. WHO recommends universal iodinization of salt. High levels of iodine intake sometimes are associated with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, or autoimmune thyroiditis. We conducted a retrospective study at our hospital from December 2017 to January 2023. A total number of 57 cases were studied. Out of 57 patients, 46 patients presented with hypothyroidism and 11 with hyperthyroidism. Various clinical presentations, pathologies and socioeconomic problems are discussed.

Jigsaw Method of Interactive Teaching to Unpuzzle Neuroanatomy

Introduction: Student driven interactive methods of teaching are a major part of andragogy, which drives them to professional competency. Jigsaw method is one such interactive teaching modality which fosters self-directed learning and peer interaction. The aim of this study is to access the effectiveness of Jigsaw method of interactive teaching qualitatively and quantitatively among 1st year MBBS students. Materials and methods: this study was done in 1st year medical students. The students were exposed to jigsaw method of interactive teaching in small groups and the program was evaluated by assessing the short and long term memory of the students. Feedback also was obtained from the students. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the mean scores as compared to traditional teaching methods. The perception of students also showed promising results. Discussion: there have been many studies on student perception on such interactive teaching methods which revealed that the students were showing better academic performances. A few studies like the present one, on quantitative assessment of students score after Jigsaw method of interactive teaching has also shown good results. Conclusion: the jigsaw method of interactive teaching encourages student participation and enhances self directed learning and peer assisted learning.

Coexistence of Hyperparathyroidism and Multinodular Goiter with Hashimotos Thyroiditis and Hyperthyroidism � A Rare Case Report

Thyroid disease and hyperparathyroidism (HPT) are among the most common endocrine disorders. Thyroid hormones play an important role in bone and calcium metabolism. The rate of HPT is greater in patients with thyroid disease than in the general medical population. Simultaneous occurrence of hyperthyroidism and hyperparathyroidism in the same patient is a rare combination. The clinical manifestations of hyperthyroidism may overshadow the more subtle and varied symptoms and signs of primary hyperparathyroidism. It poses difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problems. Both diseases, however, may have a profound influence on calcium metabolism. The resulting disturbances in thyrotoxicosis may simulate hyperparathyroidism. Contrariwise, the diagnosis of an associated parathyroid adenoma may be missed, or unnecessarily delayed because hypercalcemia is known to occur in hyperthyroidism. The coexistence of thyroiditis and thyroid nodules with parathyroid disorders is also known. Graves� disease (GD) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) are two common endocrine disorders. However the co- occurrence of hyperthyroidism and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is rare. However, the link between the two disorders remains unclarified. Hypercalcemia in Graves' hyperthyroidism should warrant a thorough investigation for concomitant primary hyperparathyroidism. Concomitant thyroid nodular disease and hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) disease has been also documented. PHPT is also reported in patients with thyroid malignancy. We hereby report a rare case of a patient who presented with coexistence of Hyperparathyroidism and Multinodular Goiter with Hashimotos Thyroiditis and Hyperthyroidism.

A rare case of tuberculous polyserositis � A case report

Polyserositis is defined as chronic inflammation of several serous membranes with effusions in serous cavities like Pericardial, Pleural and Peritoneal membranes, resulting in fibrous thickening of the serous membranes and sometimes constrictive pericarditis. There are various causes of polyserositis which include autoimmune diseases, neoplasia, endocrine diseases, drug � related causes and infectious diseases such as tuberculosis. Polyserositis in disseminated TB is a very rare presentation. Diagnosis is often delayed due to the non-specific presentation like polyserositis and its unusual nature. We herewith report a rare case of TB polyserositis, involving pleura, pericardium and peritoneum.

Miliary Tuberculosis with Addisons Disease - in old case of pulmonary tuberculosis, and tuberculosis of seminal vesicles - A rare case report

Addison's disease is a rare endocrinal disorder that was first described by Thomas Addison in 1855. Addison抯 disease occurs as a result of a lack of production of adrenocortical hormones, which is a rare but fatal disease if left untreated. The two most common causes of Addison's disease are autoimmune adrenalitis and tuberculosis which refer to hypoadrenalism caused by total or near total destruction or dysfunction of both adrenal cortices. Usual manifestations involve chronic fatigue, muscle weakness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, hypotension, and hyper pigmentation of the skin. A substantial proportion of patients presenting with extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) have urogenital TB (UG-TB), which is easily under diagnosed because of non-specific symptoms, which are chronic and have cryptic protean clinical manifestations. Most of the clinician are not aware of the possibility of UG � TB. Calcification of seminal vesicle found in this case is a rare condition, which is commonly associated with diabetes, hyperparathyroidism, and genitourinary tuberculosis. We here in report a rare case of adrenal insufficiency due to miliary tuberculosis involving adrenal gland, old pulmonary tuberculosis and genitourinary tuberculosis (seminal vesicles calcification) in a 31 year old male person. He presented with multiple episodes of vomiting, and giddiness which wasalso accompanied with atypical hyperpigmentation. His symptoms resolved after starting anti tuberculous therapy.

Quality assurance of malaria rapid diagnostic tests: An aid in malaria elimination

Background & objectives: India targets malaria elimination by 2030 in a phased manner, so malaria’s assured diagnosis is crucial. Introduction of rapid diagnostic kits in India in 2010 has revolutionized malaria surveillance. The storage temperature of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), kit components and handling in transportations impact the results of RDTs. Therefore, quality assurance (QA) is required before it reaches end-users. The Indian Council of Medical Research-National Institute of Malaria Research (ICMR-NIMR) has a World Health Organization (WHO) recognized lot-testing laboratory facility to assure the quality of RDTs. Methods: The ICMR-NIMR receives RDTs from different manufacturing companies as well as various agencies such as National and State Programmes and Central Medical Services Society. The WHO standard protocol is followed to conduct all the tests, including long-term and post-dispatch testing. Results: A total of 323 lots tested during January 2014-March 2021 were received from different agencies. Amongst them, 299 lots passed the quality of test and 24 failed. In long-term testing, 179 lots were tested and only nine failed. A total of 7741 RDTs were received from end-users for post-dispatch testing of which 7540 qualified the QA test with a score of 97.4 per cent. Interpretation & conclusions: RDTs received for quality testing showed compliance with QA evaluation of malaria RDTs based on the protocol recommended by the WHO. However, continuous monitoring of the quality of RDTs is required under QA programme. Quality-assured RDTs have a major role, especially in areas where low parasitaemia of parasites persists.

Comparative evaluation of photobiomodulation therapy at 660 and 810 nm wavelengths on the soft tissue local anesthesia reversal in pediatric dentistry:an in-vivo study

Background@#Local anesthesia has been reliably used to control pain during dental procedures and is important in pediatric dentistry. However, children occasionally complain of prolonged numbness after dental treatment, leading to several problems. Studies conducted to reverse the effect of local anesthesia using phentolamine mesylate and photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) are encouraging but limited. PBM is a type of light therapy that utilizes visible and near-infrared non-ionizing electromagnetic spectral light sources. Hence, this study used this modality to compare the reversal of local anesthesia at two different wavelengths. This study compared the effect of PBM at 660 and 810 nm wavelengths on the reversal of soft tissue local anesthesia using a diode LASER in pediatric dentistry.Method: Informed consent and assent were obtained, and the participants were then divided randomly into three groups of 20 children each: control group-without LASER irradiation, LASER irradiation at 660 nm, and LASER irradiation at 810 nm. Sixty children aged 4–8 years with deciduous mandibular molars indicated for pulp therapy were administered an inferior alveolar nerve block. After 45 min of injection, a duration that was similar to the approximate duration of treatment, they were exposed to 660- and 810-nm LASER irradiation according to their groups until reversal of local anesthesia was achieved. The control group did not undergo LASER irradiation. The reversal of the soft tissue local anesthetic effect was evaluated using palpation and pin prick tests every 15 min, and the LASER irradiation cycle continued until reversal of the soft tissue local anesthesia was achieved. @*Results@#A significant reduction of 55.5 min (27.6%) in the mean soft tissue local anesthesia reversal time was observed after the application of 810 nm wavelength PBM and 69 min (34.7%) after 660 nm wavelength LASER irradiation. @*Conclusion@#PBM with a 660 nm wavelength was more effective in reducing the mean soft tissue local anesthesia reversal duration, and thus can be used as a reversal agent for soft tissue local anesthesia in pediatric dentistry.

Irrational ophthalmic fixed-dose combinations for dry eye syndrome

Dry eye syndrome (DES) is a common disorder with rising incidence due to increased use of digital devices. While multiple treatment options are available, some are not efficacious or sometimes even safe for use in DES. This is particularly true for Fixed Dose Combinations (FDCs) that may contain ingredients having no rational for their use or may actually be harmful. Various committees appointed by the Government have reviewed several FDCs marketed in India and found some of them to be irrational and recommended for their removal. This paper discusses the contents of some of these FDCs marketed for DES with an aim to ensure that prescribers are mindful of their ingredients and whether there is adequate data about their efficacy and safety and prescribe them only if they consider them necessary for managing the patient.

EXPRESSION OF P53 IN COLORECTAL CARCINOMAS AND ITS CORRELATION WITH CLINICOPATHOLOGICAL PARAMETERS

Colorectal cancer is one of the most life-threatening gastrointestinal diseases encountered in clinical practice.1 The rectum is one of the most frequently involved sites and accounts for 25% of primary colorectal cancers.2 Accumulation of molecular alterations, including K-ras, P53, Bcl-2 and adenomatous polyposis coli, contribute to colorectal carcinogenesis.3 According to the literature, the deletion of p53 with the overexpression of p53 protein is correlated with a low rate of survival, thus being an independent prognosis factor.17 Summary: Overexpression of p53 protein is associated with high grade of colorectal carcinoma

Voluntary blood donations in Navi Mumbai, India: Experience in coronavirus disease pandemic

Introduction: In India, voluntary blood donation camps (VBDCs) are a key supply of blood and its products. Conducting blood donation drives was challenging in Navi Mumbai due to the widespread lockdown during the coronavirus disease (COVID) outbreak. Study Type: This was a retrospective study. Materials and Methods: To relieve the anxieties and apprehensions of the blood donor population, extensive confidence-building efforts were required. Various safety measures and standard operating procedures were also included, as well as training for VBDC organizers and medical personnel. We studied the blood donations done at our institute on a retrospective basis from blood bank records. Results: Our study showed a 7% increase in outdoor VBDC donations in 2021 over the previous year 2020. However, according to the advice of the local transfusion council, promoting in-house donations raised their number by a stunning 33% in 2021. Conclusion: Even during the COVID pandemic, confidence-building methods and precautions helped restore VBDC’s legitimacy and increase donation numbers by a marginal extent.

COVID-19 Infection Rate following COVID-19 Vaccination among Healthcare Professionals at a Tertiary Care Public Hospital in City of Mumbai

Background : India launched COVID-19 mass Vaccination campaign after regulatory approval of Covishield & Covaxin vaccines. However, inspite of Vaccination, cases of COVID-19 infection are being reported. Hence, this study is aimed to assess the COVID-19 infection and/or re-infection rate, including breakthrough infections, following vaccination among Health Care Workers at a Tertiary Care Dedicated COVID Hospital. This questionnaire-based survey was initiated following Institutional Ethics Committee approval. We also looked at reasons for Vaccine hesitancy and occurrence of adverse reactions following vaccination, their management and duration amongst the Healthcare Workers. Results : Of 564 Healthcare Workers (HCWs) who consented to participate, only 503 filled in the questionnaire completely. Majority of the HCWs received Covishield vaccine (78.56%). The infection rate postvaccination was 8.28% (with a median of 22 days and IQR of 8-43 days). This infection rate was significantly higher in those who were not vaccinated as compared to the Vaccinated HCWs (OR = 0.10, 95 CI% = 0.05�22, p <0.0001). Breakthrough infection rate was 2.42. Although 58.39% of the participants suffered adverse reactions after vaccination, like myalgia, Fever, Headache, these were mild in nature lasting for an average of 3-4 days. The vaccine hesitancy rate at our hospital HCWs was 6.36%, the main issue being the concerns regarding safety and effectiveness of the vaccines against the COVID-19 infection. Discussion/Conclusion : The infection and Breakthrough infection rates in our study were low and severity of COVID infection post vaccination was mild, not requiring hospitalisation

Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome among College Going Females in Gurgaon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Objectives:?Women not only take care of family members, they are also source of power and symbol of progress in a society. At the same time, physical and mental well-being of women relies on healthy lifestyle and adequate reproductive health knowledge. With growing incidence of polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), it is crucial to increase awareness about the disease among women at an early age in life. The present survey investigates awareness level of college going females about PCOS. Materials and Methods?428 females were recruited from 3 colleges in district Gurgaon, Haryana, India, based on convenience sampling. The respondents filled a self-completion questionnaire containing sociodemographic details, menstrual cycle details, and questions related to PCOS. Statistical Analysis?Descriptive statistics was used to calculate frequency and percentage of variables. Pearson's chi-square test of independence was used to identify factors associated with awareness of PCOS. A p-value of?<?0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results?The mean ±SD age of respondents was 19.9?±?1.7 years (range?=?18–24 years). Only 78 females (18.22%) had heard about PCOS. Being knowledgeable was significantly associated with mother's education (p?=?0.001), length of menstrual cycle (p?=?0.022), and family history of PCOS (p?<?0.001). Conclusion?The present study indicates awareness of PCOS among college going females was very poor. There is an urgent need of increasing awareness about PCOS among young adult college going females not only for prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment of the disease but also to prevent its long-term consequences.

Kasurdi Health and Demographic Surveillance System: A Profile and Way Forward

Kasurdi Health and Demographic Surveillance System (Kasurdi HDSS) was established at Rural Health Training Center Kasurdi on February 16, 2018. Kasurdi HDSS has been established to increase the research potential of medical colleges and develop real?time data for research purposes to study the changes in population demography, health, and health?care utilization. Kasurdi HDSS currently follows 2755 individuals living in 549 households. The system collects the data from the population through annual rounds conducted by postgraduate residents of the department of community medicine. The data are collected in the digital format with the help of android-based tablets. HDSS has collected demographic data, reproductive data, data on diseases such as tuberculosis and noncommunicable diseases, and socioeconomic data. The HDSS is in the process to upgrade its data management system to a more integrated platform, coordinated and guided by national/international standards, and data sharing policy.

EVALUACIÓN DEL CONOCIMIENTO, LA ACTITUD Y LA PRÁCTICA SOBRE LAS AYUDAS PARA LA HIGIENE BUCAL ENTRE HIGIENISTAS DENTALES EN EL OESTE DE MAHARASHTRA, INDIA / EVALUATION OF KNOWLEDGE, ATTITUDE AND PRACTICE ABOUT ORAL HYGIENE AIDS AMONG DENTAL HYGIENISTS IN WESTERN MAHARASHTRA, INDIA

Introducción: El uso diario de ayudas para la higiene oral y la profilaxis oral anual o semestral por parte de los profesionales de la odontología (dentistas, higienistas dentales, asistentes dentales) son dos maneras efectivas de mantener una buena higiene oral. El presente estudio se llevó a cabo para evaluar el conocimiento, la actitud y la práctica sobre higiene bucal entre higienistas dentales que trabajan en el oeste de Maharashtra, India. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio de cuestionario entre 52 higienistas dentales en activo de diferentes áreas del oeste de Maharashtra. Se diseñó un cuestionario estructurado, cerrado autoadministrado para recopilar los datos que constaba de dos partes y comprendía 31 preguntas. Se hizo un análisis estadístico utilizando estadísticas descriptivas. Resultados: En este estudio, más del 50% de los participantes conocían la importancia del mantenimiento de la higiene bucal y los diferentes tipos de ayudas para la higiene bucal y correctos métodos de uso de esas ayudas para la higiene oral. Alrededor del 96% de los participantes pensaba que la técnica de cepillado adecuada es necesaria para mantener una buena higiene bucal. Conclusión: El conocimiento general, la actitud y la práctica de los participantes del estudio con respecto a las ayudas para la higiene bucal se observaron en un nivel promedio.

Introduction: Everyday use of oral hygiene aids and annual or biannual oral prophylaxis by dental professionals (Dentists, Dental hygienists, Dental assistants) are two effective ways of maintaining good oral hygiene. The present study was conducted to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice about oral hygiene among working dental hygienists in Western Maharashtra, India. Materials and methods: A questionnaire study was conducted among 52 working dental hygienists from different areas of Western Maharashtra. The structured, self-administered, close-ended questionnaire was designed to collect the data which consist of two parts and comprised 31 questions. Statistical analysis was done using descriptive statistics. Results: In this study, more than 50% of participants were known the importance of oral hygiene maintenance and different types of oral hygiene aids and correct methods of using those oral hygiene aids. About 96% participants thought that proper brushing technique is necessary to maintain good oral hygiene. Conclusion: The study participant's overall knowledge, attitude and practise regarding oral hygiene aids were seen at average level.

Implementation of a customised antimicrobial resistance laboratory scorecard in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Keny

Background: In low-resource settings, antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is detected by traditional culture-based methods and ensuring the quality of such services is a challenge. The AMR Scorecard provides laboratories with a technical assessment tool for strengthening the quality of bacterial culture, identification, and antimicrobial testing procedures. Objective: To evaluate the performance of the AMR Scorecard in 11 pilot laboratory evaluations in three countries also assessed with the Stepwise Laboratory Quality Improvement Process Towards Accreditation (SLIPTA) checklist.Methods: Pilot laboratory evaluations were conducted in Cameroon, Ethiopia and Kenya between February 2019 and March 2019. Assessors with previous SLIPTA and microbiology experience were trained. Assessors performed the laboratory assessments using the SLIPTA and AMR Scorecard tools.Results: Weaknesses in technical procedures and the quality management systems were identified in all areas and all laboratories. Safety had the highest mean performance score (SLIPTA: 68%; AMR Scorecard: 73%) while management review had the lowest (SLIPTA: 32%; AMR Scorecard: 8%) across all laboratories. The AMR Scorecard scores were generally consistent with SLIPTA scores. The AMR Scorecard identified technical weaknesses in AMR testing, and SLIPTA identified weaknesses in the quality management systems in the laboratories.Conclusion: Since the AMR Scorecard identified important gaps in AMR testing not detected by SLIPTA, it is recommended that microbiology laboratories use SLIPTA and the AMR Scorecard in parallel when preparing for accreditation. Expanding the use of the AMR Scorecard is a priority to address the need for quality clinical microbiology laboratory services in support of optimal patient care and AMR surveillance.

Our experience with Radio - Pathological diagnosis of liver lesions in a tertiary health care centre.

Introduction: The diagnosis of space occupying lesions of liver is always a challenge especially when the lesions are multifocal in location. Imaging modalities, serum markers and pathological investigations will definitely help in arriving at a specific diagnosis for appropriate patient management and prognosis. Aim: The aim of the current study is to know the importance of various imaging modalities in diagnosing the space occupying lesions of liver and to find an association of Radiological with Pathological diagnosis and serum markers. Materials and methods: This retrospective study was performed over period of one year. Clinically suspicious cases for malignancy were assessed by the imaging modalities such as Ultrasonography (USG), Computed Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging(MRI). Further Radiologically confirmed cases were subjected for Fine needle aspiration (FNA)/biopsy under the USG guidance, while serum markers were retrieved from laboratory investigation archives. Association of Radiological and Pathological diagnosis with serum markers was performed and analyzed. Results: The study was conducted on 70 cases of hepatic lesion. Male to female ratio was 1.5:1 with mean age of 54.47±1.5. Most of cases were diagnosed with MDCT scan. About 95.7% cases were malignancy of which 13.4% were HCC. Among malignant cases, metastatic lesions were more prevalent which were mostly adenocarcinoma. Radiological and pathological diagnosis found to have significant association, only few cases showed the discrepancies. Serum AFP was found to have high levels in 7 cases of HCC, while other 2 HCC cases and metastatic lesions were within normal range. Conclusion: The diagnostic accuracy of hepatic lesion enhances with utility of radiological patterns in conjunction with pathological diagnosis and serum markers. Association of radiological and pathological findings found to have statically significant value in the current study.

COVID-19 prediction models: a systematic literature review

As the world grapples with the problem of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and its devastating effects, scientific groups are working towards solutions to mitigate the effects of the virus. This paper aimed to collate information on COVID-19 prediction models. A systematic literature review is reported, based on a manual search of 1,196 papers published from January to December 2020. Various databases such as Google Scholar, Web of Science, and Scopus were searched. The search strategy was formulated and refined in terms of subject keywords, geographical purview, and time period according to a predefined protocol. Visualizations were created to present the data trends according to different parameters. The results of this systematic literature review show that the study findings are critically relevant for both healthcare managers and prediction model developers. Healthcare managers can choose the best prediction model output for their organization or process management. Meanwhile, prediction model developers and managers can identify the lacunae in their models and improve their data-driven approaches.

Imaging Spectrum of Augmented Breast and Post-Mastectomy Reconstructed Breast with Common Complications: A Pictorial Essay

Breast augmentation is becoming more common, be it for cosmetic reasons or post-mastectomy. Multiple articles in the literature describe the imaging findings of various types of cosmetic breast augmentation. Some articles describe imaging findings for different types of post-mastectomy reconstructions. This essay aims to serve as a comprehensive reference for the multimodality imaging of various types of breast augmentations in native breast and post-mastectomy reconstructions. Familiarity with these findings will facilitate the detection of complications and new or recurrent breast malignancies in patients. With the extensive illustrations provided in this essay on normal and abnormal imaging findings of augmented breasts, readers will receive exposure that will facilitate effective practice.

Effect of fluoride on mechanical properties of NiTi and CuNiTi orthodontic archwires: an in vitro study

ABSTRACT Introduction: After debonding, white spot may appear on the area below the bracket, which is the early clinical sign of carious lesion. There is increased caries risk underneath and adjacent to orthodontic bands and brackets, which call for maximum use of caries preventive procedures using various fluoride application methods. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate alterations in the mechanical properties (modulus of elasticity and yield strength) in loading and unloading phases for different orthodontic archwires (nickel-titanium [NiTi] and copper-nickel-titanium [CuNiTi]) when exposed routinely to fluoride prophylactic agents for a predetermined period of time. Methods: Preformed rectangular NiTi and CuNiTi wires were immersed in fluoride solution and artificial saliva (control) for 90 minutes at 37ºC. After immersion, specimens were tested using a 3-point bend test on a universal testing machine. Results: There is a significant reduction in the unloading yield strength when the NiTi and CuNiTi wires were exposed to APF gel. Conclusion: The result suggests that use of topical fluoride agents affect the mechanical properties of the wires, leading to increase in treatment duration. Fluoride prophylactic agents must be used with caution in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment. Injudicious use of these agents may cause corrosive effects on the orthodontic wire surfaces, with alteration in their mechanical properties.

RESUMO Introdução: Após a remoção dos braquetes, manchas brancas podem aparecer na área embaixo deles, as quais são o sinal clínico inicial da lesão cariosa. Existe um maior risco de cáries embaixo e ao redor das bandas e braquetes ortodônticos, o que exige a máxima utilização de procedimentos preventivos de cárie, usando diferentes métodos com aplicação de flúor. Objetivo: O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar alterações nas propriedades mecânicas (módulo de elasticidade e resistência ao escoamento), nas fases de carregamento e descarregamento de diferentes fios ortodônticos (níquel-titânio [NiTi] e níquel-titânio com adição de cobre [CuNiTi]), quando expostos rotineiramente a agentes profiláticos fluoretados, utilizados durante um período de tempo predeterminado. Métodos: Os fios pré-contornados retangulares de NiTi e CuNiTi foram imersos em solução fluoretada e saliva artificial (controle) durante 90 minutos a 37°C. Após a imersão, as amostras foram testadas utilizando-se um teste de flexão em três pontos, em uma máquina universal de testes. Resultados: Houve uma redução significativa na resistência ao escoamento na fase de descarregamento quando os fios de NiTi e CuNiTi foram expostos ao gel fluoretado. Conclusão: O resultado sugere que o uso tópico de agentes fluoretados afeta as propriedades mecânicas dos fios, levando a um aumento na duração do tratamento. Os agentes profiláticos fluoretados devem ser utilizados com cautela em pacientes submetidos a tratamento ortodôntico. O uso indiscriminado desses agentes pode causar efeitos corrosivos na superfície dos fios ortodônticos e consequente alteração das suas propriedades mecânicas.

Intervention on depression and insomnia symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic

Objectives: The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant psychological challenges globally. Evidence has been mounting of greater emotional distress and possible worsening of underlying psychiatric disorders, due to repercussions of COVID-19. In addition, the pandemic has created barriers to access for help, due to social distancing and travel restrictions. Thus, creating a major need for effective interventions that can be accessed safely from home and provide coping tools which can be learned and practiced while in isolation. An App based Yoga of Immortals (YOI) program is one such strategy to help cope with stressful situations. The objective of this study was to investigate if the YOI program can provide significant benefit for depressive and insomnia symptoms. Material and Methods: Participants in this study were asked to complete two brief online but well validated mental health screening tools before intervention. This was followed by a 7-week long YOI intervention. Following the intervention, participants were once again asked to complete the online validated questionnaires. The survey questionnaires included baseline demographic data and validated scales for measuring insomnia severity Insomnia severity Index (ISI) and levels of depression symptoms patient health questionnaire-8, (PHQ-8). All statistical analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Science. Results: SY YOI intervention of 7 weeks significantly improved the ISI scores as well as PHQ-8 scores in the study population (P < 0.0001 in all comparisons). Conclusion: YOI intervention is an effective intervention strategy for decreasing insomnia and depression symptoms, even during the pandemic