An economic model to assess the value of triclosan-coated sutures in reducing the risk of surgical site infection in a mastectomy in India

Background: The comparison of triclosan-coated sutures (TCS) was made with conventional nonantimicrobial-coated sutures (NCS) to reduce surgical site infection (SSI). This study demonstrates the efficacy and economic outcome of TCS versus NCS for SSIs in mastectomy in India. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, 100 patients were included for both conditions桾CS and NCS梖rom a private and public hospital in India. A systematic literature search of available evidence for both SSI incidences and TCS efficacy data in India were gathered. We collected cost data from a private and public hospital, respectively, for mastectomy in India. The cost-effectiveness of TCS in comparison with the conventional NCS was calculated using a decision-tree deterministic model. We performed a one-way sensitivity analysis to compare TCS with NCS. Results: Cost savings with the use of TCS increased with an increase in SSI incidence and an increase in efficacy for mastectomies in both public and private hospitals. We found a base cost saving of Indian rupees (INR) 27,299 at a private hospital and INR 2,958 at a public hospital for mastectomies. The incremental cost of TCS suture was 0.01% in a private hospital whereas 0.17% in a public hospital. Conclusion: The use of TCS resulted in reduced SSI incidence and cost savings for mastectomy in India.

Comparative evaluation of displacement and stress distribution pattern during mandibular arch distalization with extra and inter-radicular mini-implants: a three-dimensional finite element study

ABSTRACT Objective: To compare the initial stress distribution and displacement on mandibular dentition using extra and inter-radicular mini-implants for arch distalization, by means of finite element analysis. Methods: For this study, two finite element models of the mandible were designed. The models consisted of periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone of all teeth until second molars. In the Case 1, bilateral extra-radicular buccal-shelf stainless steel mini-implants (10.0-mm length; 2.0-mm diameter) were placed between first and second permanent molars. In the Case 2, bilateral inter-radicular stainless steel mini-implants (10.0-mm length; 1.5-mm diameter) were placed between second premolar and first permanent molar. Power hook was attached between canine and first premolar at a fixed height of 8mm. In the two cases, 200g of distalization force was applied. ANSYS v. 12.1 software was used to analyze and compare von Mises stress and displacement in the mandibular dentition, PDL and bone. Results: Higher stresses were observed in mandibular dentition with the inter-radicular implant system. The amount of von Mises stress was higher for cortical bone (85.66MPa) and cancellous bone (3.64MPa) in Case 2, in comparison to cortical bone (41.93MPa) and cancellous bone (3.43MPa) in Case 1. The amount of arch distalization was higher for mandible in Case 1 (0.028mm), in comparison to Case 2 (0.026mm). Conclusion: Both systems were clinically safe, but extra-radicular implants showed more effective and controlled distalization pattern, in comparison to inter-radicular implants, in Class III malocclusion treatment.

RESUMO Objetivo: Comparar a distribuição da tensão inicial e o deslocamento na dentição inferior usando mini-implantes extra e inter-radiculares para distalização da arcada, por meio da análise de elementos finitos. Métodos: Dois modelos de elementos finitos da mandíbula foram criados, os quais consistiram de ligamento periodontal (PDL) e osso alveolar de todos os dentes até os segundos molares. No Caso 1, mini-implantes extra-radiculares de aço inoxidável (10,0 mm de comprimento; 2,0 mm de diâmetro) foram colocados bilateralmente na buccal-shelf entre o primeiro e o segundo molares permanentes. No Caso 2, mini-implantes de aço inoxidável inter-radiculares (comprimento de 10,0 mm; diâmetro de 1,5 mm) foram colocados bilateralmente entre o segundo pré-molar e o primeiro molar permanentes. Um Power hook foi preso entre o canino e o primeiro pré-molar a uma altura fixa de 8mm. Nos dois casos, foi aplicada força de distalização de 200g. O software ANSYS v. 12.1 foi usado para analisar e comparar a tensão de von Mises e o deslocamento na dentição inferior, ligamento periodontal e osso. Resultados: Maiores tensões foram observadas na dentição inferior com o sistema de implantes inter-radiculares. A quantidade de tensões de von Mises foi maior para osso cortical (85,66MPa) e osso esponjoso (3,64MPa) no Caso 2, em comparação com osso cortical (41,93MPa) e osso esponjoso (3,43MPa) no Caso 1. A quantidade de distalização da arcada inferior foi maior no Caso 1 (0,028 mm), em comparação com o Caso 2 (0,026 mm). Conclusão: Ambos os sistemas foram clinicamente seguros, mas os implantes extra-radiculares mostraram um padrão de distalização mais eficaz e controlado, em comparação com os implantes inter-radiculares, para tratamento da má oclusão de Classe III.

Organic Acids Derived from Saliva-amalgamated Betel Quid Filtrate Are Predicted as a Ten-eleven Translocation-2 Inhibitor

There is a lack of evidence regarding the use of betel quid (BQ) and its potential contribution to oral cancer. Limited attention has been directed towards investigating the involvement of BQ-derived organic acids in the modulation of metabolic-epigenomic pathways associated with oral cancer initiation and progression. We employed novel protocol for preparing saliva-amalgamated BQ filtrate (SABFI) that mimics the oral cavity environment. SABFI and saliva control were further purified by an in-house developed vertical tube gel electrophoresis tool. The purified SABFI was then subjected to liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analysis to identify the presence of organic acids. Profiling of SABFI showed a pool of prominent organic acids such as citric acid. malic acid, fumaric acid, 2-methylcitric acid, 2-hydroxyglutarate, cis-aconitic acid, succinic acid, 2-hydroxyglutaric acid lactone, tartaric acid and β-ketoglutaric acid. SABFI showed anti-proliferative and early apoptosis effects in oral cancer cells. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations predicted that SABFI-derived organic acids as potential inhibitors of the epigenetic demethylase enzyme, Ten-Eleven Translocation-2 (TET2). By binding to the active site of α-ketoglutarate, a known substrate of TET2, these organic acids are likely to act as competitive inhibitors. This study reports a novel approach to study SABFI-derived organic acids that could mimic the chemical composition of BQ in the oral cavity. These SABFI-derived organic acids projected as inhibitors of TET2 and could be explored for their role oral cancer.

Clinical outcome and course of Tenon’s patch graft in corneal perforation and descemetocele

Purpose: To assess the efficacy and clinical outcome of Tenon’s patch graft (TPG) in corneal perforation and descemetocele. Methods: In this retrospective study, medical records of 83 patients (85 eyes) who underwent TPG for corneal perforation (58, 68%) or descemetocele (27, 32%) between July 2018 and October 2021 were reviewed. Clinical examination and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS?OCT) were performed on every follow?up visit. Anatomical success was considered as the restoration of the structural integrity with the formation of scar and anterior chamber (AC). Results: The mean size of the corneal lesions (corneal perforation or descemetocele) was 4.20 ± 1.01 mm. The mean follow?up period was 9.2 ± 5.48 months. The common underlying etiologies were infectious keratitis in 48% and autoimmune disorders in 35% of cases. TPG successfully restored the globe integrity in 74 (87%) eyes (83% in perforation and 96% in descemetocele). Anatomical failure occurred in 11 eyes (13%). The failures were due to graft dehiscence (8 eyes), graft ectasia (1 eye), and scarring with flat AC (2 eyes). The median time to epithelialization and scar formation were 3 and 15 weeks, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed few predictors for a successful outcome: descemetoceles, noninfective causes, viral keratitis in infectious etiology, and paracentral or peripheral lesions. Conclusion: TPG can be considered an effective and inexpensive treatment for restoring the structural integrity in the eyes with perforations and descemetoceles, particularly when the donor tissue is unavailable. AS?OCT is a valuable noninvasive tool for monitoring the graft status

Purtscher-like retinopathy in a patient with COVID-19-associated coagulopathy / Retinopatia tipo Purtscher em paciente com coagulopatia associada ao COVID-19

ABSTRACT The most frequently reported ophthalmic manifestation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is conjunctivitis. We have described a case of Purtscher-like retinopathy in a patient with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-associated coagulopathy. A young woman with multiple comorbidities was admitted for COVID-19-related acute respiratory distress syndrome. Her course was complicated by fungemia. Ophthalmic examination revealed bilateral posterior pole, intraretinal lesions and fluconazole was added for presumed fungal retinitis. At 1-week follow-up, widespread peripapillary cotton-wool spots and hemorrhages suggestive of Purtscher-like retinopathy were observed. The levels of D-dimers, fibrinogen, and C-reactive protein were markedly elevated prior to our consultation, indicating preceding prothrombotic and pro-inflammatory states. Subsequent venous duplex revealed deep venous thrombosis in the right subclavian and internal jugular veins. Von Willebrand factor indices were markedly elevated, suggesting severe COVID-19-associated coagulopathy. Purtscher-like retinopathy, a rare occlusive microangiopathy has been described in various pro-inflammatory and prothrombotic conditions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of Purtscher-like retinopathy in COVID-19-associated coagulopathy.

RESUMO A manifestação oftálmica mais frequentemente re­latada da infecção por SARS-CoV-2 é a conjuntivite. Trata-se de estudo de caso de retinopatia tipo Purtscher em uma paciente com coagulopatia grave associada ao COVID-19. Uma jovem com múltiplas comorbidades foi admitida por síndrome do desconforto respiratório agudo relacionado ao COVID-19. Seu quadro foi complicado pela fungemia. O exame oftálmico revelou pólo posterior bilateral, lesões intraretinianas e o fluconazol foi adicionado para tratar a retinite fúngica presumida. No decorrer de uma semana, manchas largas peripapilares de algodão e hemorragias sugestivas de retinopatia tipo Purtscher foram observadas. Os dímeros D, o fibrinogênio e a proteína c-reativa estavam acentuadamente elevados antes da nossa consulta, indicando um estado pró-trombótico e pró-inflamatório precedente. O duplex venoso subsequente revelou trombose venosa profunda nas veias subclávia direita e jugular interna. Os índices de fatores von Willebrand estavam marcadamente elevados, sugerindo coagulopatia grave associada ao COVID-19. A retinopatia tipo Purtscher, uma microangiopatia oclusiva rara foi descrita em várias condições pró-inflamatórias e pró-trombóticas. Para nosso conhecimento, este é o primeiro relatório de retinopatia tipo Purtscher com coagulopatia associada ao COVID-19.

Transthoracic echocardiographic analysis of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU at tertiary hospital in India

Background:To describe the transthoracic echocardiographic findings of moderate to severe COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU.Methods: We studied thetransthoracic echocardiographic findings performed within 48 hours on admission toICU of 426 moderate to severe COVID-19 patients from July 2020 to September 2020 during their course of treatment. Echocardiographic study included left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic function, left ventricle wall motion abnormalities and right ventricular (RV) assessment.Results: The median age of patients was 58.2 (range 19 to 92 years) and majority of patients were male (71%). Pre-existing comorbidities were reported in 95.5% of patient’s, majority being hypertension (42.7%) and diabetes mellitus (39.2%).Abnormal echo findings were noted in 40.8% (n=174) with majority of abnormal findingsnoted in age group of 60-69 (n=54), men (n=114) and in patients with pre-existing coronary artery disease (CAD)(n=28). The common pattern of cardiac abnormalities was LV systolic dysfunction (n=73, 17.1%), RV dysfunction (n=30, 7%) and abnormal PA pressures (n=144, 85.2%). Abnormal echo findings were noted in 46% of patients who died and 33.9% of patients who required hospital stay of more than 10 days.Conclusions:Forty percent of admitted patients to ICU had abnormal echocardiography findings with around eighty five percent of them having raised pulmonary artery pressure

Supplemental nutrition for retinal health: Evidence based analysis of commercial preparations in India

Purpose: Antioxidants have been lately postulated as supportive and prophylactic supplements for various retinal disorders, especially age?related macular degeneration (AMD). Forty?eight brands of such supplements containing lutein and zeaxanthin are available in India. The aim of the study was to assess the market leaders in supplements for ophthalmology in view of AREDS recommendations. Methods: Descriptive review of top?selling supplements for eye health were compared to the contents of the AREDS?recommended levels. Results: None of the top 10 selling brands had exact or near similar composition as recommended in the AREDS?2 study, which is the most widely accepted level?1 evidence in AMD prevention. Conclusion: Physicians prescribing these antioxidants, especially for the prevention of advanced AMD, should be vigilant and aware of the contents of the prescribed brands.

PREVALENCE AND CAUSES OF MATERNAL MORTALITY AT A TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL IN WESTERN INDIA

Introduction: Maternal mortality is defined as the death of a woman while pregnant orwithin 42 days of termination of pregnancy irrespective of the duration and site of thepregnancy from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, butnot from accidental or incidental causes. The death of a mother has profound consequenceson social and economic health and also on the development of a family and a nation. Theobjective of the current study is to determine the proportion of maternal mortality at ourtertiary care teaching hospital, to analyse the epidemiological parameters and causes ofmaternal mortality, to determine the importance of antenatal, intranatal and postnatal care inrelation to maternal mortality and to suggest preventive measures to reduce maternalmortality.Material and Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out from 16thMay 2018 to 15th December 2020 at a tertiary care teaching hospital.Results: Out of 15,164 deliveries, there were 15,006 live births. During the study period, 29maternal deaths were recorded. Hence, Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) was 193.2.Majority, 12(41.4%) patients were in the age group of 21-25 years. Inadequate antenatal carewas taken by 14 (48.3%) patients and 11 (37.9%) patients had not taken any antenatal care.Maternal mortality occurred in 12(41.3%) and 17(58.7%) patients during antenatal andpostnatal period respectively. In 19(65.5%) patients, maternal mortality occurred due todirect obstetric causes and in 10 (34.5%) maternal mortality occurred due to indirect causes.Majority of mortality occurred due to delay in women seeking help.Conclusion: Majority of maternal mortality occurred due to delays at a community level inrecognizing an emergency situation and/or delays in decision to seek care at a health facility.Community awareness regarding the importance of antenatal care, danger signs, high riskpregnancy, institutional deliveries, postnatal care and family planning can help in reducingmaternal mortality by preventing delay at community level.

A Clinical Profile of Patients with Hyperuricemia and the Relationship between Hyperuricemia and Metabolic Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study at a Tertiary Hospital in the Indian Population

India shoulders a heavy burden of diabetes mellitus (DM), the management of which is suboptimal globally. Objectives: Insulin Management: Practical Aspects in Choice of Therapy (IMPACT) survey was designed to gain insight into the ground (in-clinic) reality of DM management by physicians in India. Methods: A survey consisting of 12 multiple-choice questions was conducted by SurveyMonkey ® , focusing on practice profile, patient profile, and other aspects of DM management. Results: The survey included 2424 physicians. Majority of them were general physicians (58.5%) followed by diabetologists (31.1%). Most (49.2%) of the respondents specified that the ideal time for a DM consultation is 15 min. However, 73.4% of them provided consultation of <10 min because of heavy patient load. Nearly half of the respondents reported that their patients consumed a diet with carbohydrate content of 60% to 80%, and 79.4% of them admitted that <50% of their patients adhered to dietary advice. About 73.5% of the respondents believed controlling fasting plasma glucose (FPG) level alone would not adequately control postprandial plasma glucose (PPG) level, and 93.0% of them preferred an insulin therapy at the initiation that controls both FPG and PPG levels. Conclusion: Limited consultation time, high-carbohydrate diet, and a need for choosing insulin regimens that provide control for both PPG and FPG levels are some ground realities of DM management in India. These realities need to be factored in while choosing treatment options to achieve the desired glycemic control and improve the status of diabetes care.h

Visual impairment and blindness among children from schools for the blind in Maharashtra state, India: Changing trends over the last decade

Purpose: To determine the causes of severe visual impairment and blindness in children in schools for the blind in Maharashtra, India. Methods: Children aged <16 years, enrolled in the schools for the blind in Maharashtra state, India were examined between October 2018 and December 2019. The anatomical sites and etiology for blindness were recorded using the World Health Organization’s standard reporting form. Causes of blindness were compared among different regions of the state and also by different age groups. Results: Of the 1,969 students examined from 39 schools for the blind, 188 children (9.5%) had severe visual impairment and 1,666 children (84.6%) were blind. Whole globe anomalies (794, 42.8%) were the most common anatomical site of vision loss in children, followed by corneal (289, 15.6%) and retinal abnormalities (280, 15.2%). Corneal causes were second most common in the poorer districts of Vidarbha (15.3%) and Marathwada (14.6%), whereas retinal causes were second most common in the wealthier regions of western Maharashtra (18.3%) and Khandesh (24.1%). Nearly one?third (593, 32%) of children were blind from potentially avoidable causes. Preventable blindness consisting of corneal causes and retinopathy of prematurity was seen in 281 (15.2%) cases, whereas treatable causes comprising of lens?related causes, glaucomas, refractive errors, amblyopia, and uveitis accounted for another 311 (16.8%). Among the younger children (?10 years), the proportion of corneal blindness was lower (83/623, 13.3% vs. 206/1232, 16.7%) and that of retinal blindness was higher (119/623, 19% vs. 163/1232, 13.2%) than the older children. Conclusion: Whole globe anomalies constitute a major cause of SVI and blindness in Maharashtra. There seems to be an increase in the proportion of retinal blindness, especially retinopathy of prematurity, suggesting a need for increased screening coverage

A Study of Hypomagnesemia in Patients Admitted in Medical ICU and Its Correlation with Final Outcome

Introduction: Magnesium is the second most common intracellular cation found in the body that is required as cofactor in numerous enzymatic reactions, smooth functioning of cardiac and neurological systems. Magnesium deficiency is often overlooked in critically ill patients and is linked with risk of electrolyte imbalance, difficulty weaning off ventilator, sudden cardiac deaths and poorer outcome. Objective- To assess prevalence of magnesium deficiency in critically ill patients admitted to Medical ICU and its association with requirement & duration of mechanical ventilation, ICU stay, APACHE-II & mortality. Methods- Prospective descriptive study was conducted on 69 critically ill patients admitted in medical ICU. After taking informed consent serum magnesium level of patients were collected and entered in spreadsheet and final analysis was done with help of Open EPI and SPSS software. Results-It was concluded that patients having hypomagnesemia were at increased risk of electrolyte abnormalities, longer ventilatory support, longer hospital and ultimately poorer outcome stay as compared to patients with normal magnesium levels. Conclusion- Magnesium remains an important but often side-lined cation in critically ill patients. However, Hypomagnesemia is a repeated finding seen in critically ill patients and is significantly associated with a higher mortality rate and frequent need for mechanical ventilation.

The outcomes of posterior cruciate ligament tibial avulsion fixation with a screw using a dual posteromedial portal technique / Desfechos da técnica de portal póstero-medial duplo para fixações de fratura em avulsão tibial do ligamento cruzado posterior

ABSTRACT Objectives Our purpose was to evaluate the clinical results of PCL tibial avulsion fracture fixation performed with 4 mm cancellous screws using a dual posteromedial (PM) portal technique. Methods In a prospective study, we followed 12 patients submitted to PCL tibial insertion avulsion arthroscopic fixation using dual PM portals with cancellous screws from March 2014 to Jan 2020. The proximal higher PM portal served as an instrument portal and provided an optimal trajectory for arthroscopic screw fixation of larger PCL avulsion fractures. The lower PM portal was used as a viewing portal. Results Significant improvements were found between the preoperative and postoperative mean Lysholm scores at six months. The preoperative IKDC score mean of 10.13 increased to 89.3 at the end of six months. Minor adverse results with this technique were: grade I on posterior sag in five knees (41.6%), temporary stiffness in two cases (16.7 %), delayed union in one patient (8.3 %), and difficulty squatting at the end of six months in one patient (8.3%). Temporary extension lag was present in two individuals (16.7%), and fixed subtle flexion deficit of 3-5 degrees occurred in one individual (8.3 %). Conclusion The outcomes obtained with the proposed technique were similar to those obtained with open techniques, although mild flexion deficits and discreet posterior sag may be present in a significant number of cases. Level of Evidence II; Prospective Cohort Study.

RESUMO Objetivos O objetivo foi avaliar os resultados clínicos da fixação da fratura da avulsão tibial PCL realizada com parafusos esponjosos de 4 mm, utilizando uma técnica de portal postero-medial (PM) duplo. Métodos Em um estudo prospectivo, acompanhamos 12 pacientes submetidos à fixação da avulsão tibial de inserção PCL por via artroscópica utilizando portais duplos PM com parafusos esponjosos de março de 2014 a janeiro de 2020. O portal PM proximal superior serviu como um portal de instrumentos e forneceu uma trajetória ideal para a fixação artroscópica com parafusos de fixação de fraturas avulsas PCL maiores. O portal PM inferior foi usado como um portal de visualização. Resultados Foram encontradas melhorias significativas entre o pré-operatório e o pós-operatório, com pontuação média de Lysholm aos seis meses. A pontuação média do IKDC pré-operatório de 10,13 aumentou para 89,3 no final dos seis meses. Os resultados adversos menores com esta técnica foram: grau I na flacidez posterior de cinco joelhos (41,6%), rigidez temporária em dois casos (16,7%), união tardia em um paciente (8,3%) e dificuldade de agachamento ao final de seis meses em um paciente (8,3%). O atraso temporário da extensão estava presente em dois indivíduos (16,7%) e o déficit de flexão sutil fixo de 3-5 graus ocorreu em um indivíduo (8,3%). Conclusão Os resultados obtidos com a técnica proposta foram similares aos obtidos com técnicas abertas, embora déficits leves de flexão e discreta flacidez posterior possam estar presentes em um número significativo de casos. Nível de Evidência II; Estudo de Coorte Prospectivo.

Air management techniques in dental office in post COVID era: A Literature Review / Técnicas de gerenciamento de ar em consultório odontológico na era pós COVID

The neoteric coronavirus outburst has jeopardised the health care system globally. As a result, practising dentistry has severe constraints due to production of aerosols and splatter in a large quantity. Air management gains foremost importance in reducing the transmission of SARS-COV-2 in a dental operatory. A variety of air filtration techniques have been put forth to optimize the air quality by removing the pollutants and pathogens. Amidst the blowing wave of information accessible online and on social media, it is puzzling to identify dependable research data and guidance to equip the operatory to minimize the risk of disease by aerosol, droplet and contact transmission. This paper presents comprehensive review on the different air purification technologies, their mechanism and utility in reducing viral load with the aim of providing information in regards to setting up a dental operatory with reduced risk of disease transmission in the post COVID-19 era (AU).

A explosão neotérica de coronavírus colocou em risco o sistema de saúde global. Como um dos resultados, a prática odontológica passou a ter restrições severas devido à sua grande produção de aerossóis e respingos. O gerenciamento de ar ganhou uma importância ainda maior na redução da transmissão do SARS-COV-2 em um procedimento odontológico. Uma variedade de técnicas de filtração de ar tem sido colocada para otimizar a qualidade do ar através da remoção de poluentes e patógenos. Em meio à onda de informações disponíveis online e na mídia social, é difícil identificar dados de pesquisas confiáveis e orientações para equipar os operadores a minimizarem os riscos de doenças transmissíveis por aerossóis, gotículas e contato. Este artigo apresenta uma compreensível revisão das diferentes tecnologias de purificação de ar, seus mecanismos e utilidades na redução da carga viral com o objetivo de prover informação quanto à prática odontológica com redução de riscos de transmissão de doenças na era pós COVID-19 (AU)

Heparin Immobilization of Tissue Engineered Xenogeneic Small Diameter Arterial Scaffold Improve Endothelialization

BACKGROUND@#Autologous vessels graft (Inner diameter 6 mm) harvesting always challenged during bypass grafting surgery and its complication shows poor outcome. Tissue engineered vascular graft allow to generate biological graft without any immunogenic complication. The approach presented in this study is to induce graft remodeling through heparin coating in luminal surface of small diameter (Inner diameter 1 mm) decellularized arterial graft. @*METHODS@#Decellularization of graft was done using SDS, combination of 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.5% sodium deoxycholate and only sodium deoxycholate. Decellularization was confirmed on basis of histology, and DAPI.Characterization of extracellular matrix was analyzed using histology and scanning electron microscopy. Surface modification of decellularized vascular graft was done with heparin coating. Heparin immobilization was evaluated by toluidine blue stain. Heparin-coated graft was transplanted end to end anastomosis in femoral artery in rat. @*RESULTS@#Combination of 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate and 0.5% Sodium deoxycholate showed complete removal of xenogeneic cells. The heparin coating on luminal surface showed anti-thrombogenicity and endothelialization. Mechanical testing revealed no significant differences in strain characteristics and modulus between native tissues, decellularized scaffolds and transplanted scaffold. Collectively, this study proposed a heparin-immobilized ECM coating to surface modification offering functionalize biomaterials for developing small-diameter vascular grafts. @*CONCLUSION@#We conclude that xenogeneic decellularized arterial scaffold with heparin surface modification can be fabricated and successfully transplanted small diameter (inner diameter 1 mm) decellularized arterial graft.

The combined effect of extraoral vibratory stimulus and external cooling on pain perception during intra-oral local anesthesia administration in children: a systematic review and meta-analysis

This study aimed to assess the combined use of extraoral vibratory stimulation and extraoral cooling in reducing the pain (subjective and objective) of dental local anesthesia administration in children.PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and Ovid SP databases were searched up to July 2021. Article titles were screened and full-text evaluations of the selected articles were performed. Finally, seven studies (391 children, aged 4 – 12 years) were included in this qualitative and quantitative analysis. The pooled data determined the combined effect of extraoral vibration and extraoral cooling as a single measure. Extraoral vibration or cooling alone were not compared. The measured primary and secondary outcomes were pain perception and subjective and objective pain, respectively. When compared with the control, extraoral vibration and cooling resulted in significant differences in the mean combined data for the variables, pain perception, and pain reaction.Children’s subjective pain as measured by pain scores were reduced when extraoral vibration and cooling was used during local anesthesia administration (mean difference -3.52; 95% confidence interval [-5.06 - 1.98]) and objective pain (mean difference -1.46; 95% confidence interval [-2.95 - 0.02] ; mean difference -1.93; 95% confidence interval [-3.72 - 0.14]).Within the confines of this systematic review, there is low-quality evidence to support the use of combined extraoral vibration and cooling for reducing pain (subjective and objective) during intraoral local anesthesia administration in children.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Children:Feasibility, Success, and Safety with Standard Adult Endoscopes and Accessories / 대한소아소화기영양학회지

Purpose@#The role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases in the pediatric population was not well defined until recently. Our aim was to determine the feasibility, outcomes, and safety of ERCP in a local pediatric population, particularly using standard adult endoscopes and accessories. @*Methods@#This retrospective study was conducted at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka.Pediatric patients (aged <16 years) who underwent ERCP from January 2015 to December 2020 were included in the study. Data, including patient demographics, indications for the procedure, technical details, and associated complications, were collected from the internal database and patient records maintained at the hospital. @*Results@#The study included 62 patients who underwent a total of 98 ERCP procedures. All the procedures were performed by adult gastroenterologists using standard adult endoscopes and accessories. The mean age was 11.01±3.47 years. Pancreatic diseases were the major indications for most of the procedures (n=81, 82.7%), with chronic pancreatitis being the most common. Seventeen procedures (17.3%) were carried out for biliary diseases. Overall cannulation and technical success rates were 87.8% and 85.7%, respectively. Stent placement was the most common therapeutic intervention (n=66; 67.4%). Post-ERCP pancreatitis was the most common complication, occurring in eight patients (8.2%). @*Conclusion@#ERCP can be successfully and safely performed in pediatric populations using standard adult endoscopes and accessories with complications similar to those of adults.Adult ERCP services can be offered to most pediatric patients without additional costs of pediatric endoscopes and accessories.

COVID-19 and orthodontic treatment: current perspectives

ABSTRACT Introduction: A pandemic was declared by the World Health Organization on 30th January 2020, the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) emerged, and led to standstill of Dentistry and Orthodontics. Description: The COVID-19 is a very multivariant disease. It affects in many different ways; the most reported symptoms resemble very much to that of a seasonal flu. Patients feel rising fever, dry cough and shortness of breath. There are two ways to handle them, the first being remotely guiding and helping them with aid of telecommunication, and second you can prepare the clinic by following all sanitization protocols and keep the clinic open only for such patients. Usage of Environment Protection agents, N95 masks, PPE kits and HEPA filters are some of the basic things to go about. Conclusion: With the non-stop change of scenario of the COVID-19, meticulous monitoring of the local situation and one eye on the latest instructions given by the WHO and Health ministry should be followed.

RESUMO Introdução: Uma pandemia foi declarada pela Organização Mundial de Saúde em 30 de janeiro de 2020. A doença do Coronavírus (COVID-19) surgiu, e levou à paralisação da Odontologia e da Ortodontia. Descrição: A COVID-19 é uma doença muito multivariante. Afeta de muitas formas diferentes; e seus sintomas mais relatados assemelham-se muito aos de uma gripe sazonal. Os doentes sentem febre crescente, tosse seca e falta de ar. Há duas maneiras de lidar com eles, sendo o primeiro guiar e ajudar os pacientes remotamente com a ajuda das telecomunicações; e segundo, preparar a clínica, seguindo todos os protocolos de sanitização e manter a clínica aberta apenas para esses pacientes. A utilização de agentes de proteção ambiental, máscaras N95, kits EPI e filtros HEPA são algumas das coisas básicas a serem feitas. Conclusão: Com a mudança contínua do cenário da COVID-19, deve-se seguir um acompanhamento meticuloso da situação local, observando as últimas instruções dadas pela OMS e pelo Ministério da Saúde.