Role of Hematological and Immunological Parameters in COVID-19 Patients.

BACKGROUND: The ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) which was caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has led to efforts from the medical and scientific community in understanding the biological basis of COVID-19 pathophysiological mechanisms. Thus, analysis of various hematological and immunological parameters may be helpful for COVID-19 infection evaluation for risks involved and effectiveness in management. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of various hematological and immunological parameters in patients infected with SARS-CoV-2. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective analysis was performed on 300 patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. All participants of the study were divided into - (a) Group I: patients with mild symptoms and normal chest radiographic findings; (b) patients with moderate disease presenting with fever and cough along with other respiratory symptoms, and (c) patients suffering from severe disease. Data collection was done from all patients at the time of hospital admission for hematological and immunological parameters - (a) total leukocyte count, (b) lymphocyte count, (c) lymphocytic subset count, (d) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, (e) D-dimer, (f) C-reactive protein (CRP), and (g) ferritin levels. SPSS 22.0 software was used for determining P values by independent t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: The median age was 65 years (interquartile range -57-71 years). While comparing white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, extremely significant P values were obtained. D-dimers and ferritin levels demonstrated extremely significant P values while both LDH and CRPs showed statistical significance. Correlation of lymphocytic subsets showed extreme significance in total lymphocyte counts in mild-to-moderate as compared to severely infected patients while both CD4+ and CD8+ counts demonstrated statistical significance in mild-moderate infected cases. Statistical significance was noted in D-dimer, CRP, and LDH levels also. CONCLUSION: Assessment of hematological and immunological parameters can be used to plan the management of COVID-19 patients.

Systemic Assessment of Patients Undergoing Dental Implant Surgeries: A Trans- and Post-operative Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Procedure-related and patient-related factors influence the prognosis of dental implants to a major extent. Hence, we aimed to evaluate and analyze various systemic factors in patients receiving dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients were included in the study, in which a total of 110 dental implants were placed. Complete examination of the subjects was done before and after placement of dental implants. Implant surgery was planned, and osseointegrated dental implants were placed in the subjects. Postoperative evaluation of the dental implant patients was done after 3 weeks. Anxiety levels were determined using State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire on the surgery day and after 1 week of surgery. The participant describes how they feel at the moment by responding to twenty items as follows: (1) absolutely not, (2) slightly, (3) somewhat, or (4) very much. All the results were recorded and statistical analyzed by SPSS software. RESULTS: Out of 51, 29 patients were males while 22 were females, with ratio of 1.32:1. Female patients' mean age was 50.18 years while male patients' mean age was 52.71 years, with statistically nonsignificant difference between them. Functional rehabilitation was the main purpose of choosing dental implants in more than 90% of the subjects. Diameter of 3.75 mm was the shortest implants to be placed in the present study, whereas in terms of length, 8.5 mm was the shortest length of dental implant used in the present study. Tooth area in which maximum implants were placed in our study was 36 tooth region. Maximum implants were placed in Type II bone quality (n = 38). Implants installed in the mandible were clamped more efficiently than implants placed in the maxilla (P < 0.001). The difference of average STAI-State subscore before and after the surgery was statistically significant (P < 0.05; significant). CONCLUSION: Mandibular dental implants show more clamping (torque) than maxillary dental implants.

Retrospective Analysis of Different Bracket Systems used in the Treatment of Patients with Anterior Crowding: A Longitudinal Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: New design of brackets have been introduced in the field of orthodontics in the recent past, and one of such advancement is the self-ligating brackets. These brackets are said to have less friction, with a shorter period of treatment. Better patient acceptance and good treatment results are some of the other advantages offered by self-ligating brackets. Hence, we comparatively evaluated root resorption of anterior teeth by self-ligating and conventional preadjusted brackets in cases of severe anterior crowding in class I patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was carried out at the department of orthodontics in a dental institution and included 140 patients that presented with the chief complaint of Angle class I malocclusion with crowding of more than 6 mm in the anterior tooth region. Two groups were formed with 70 patients in each group. In one group self-ligating brackets were used, while in other group conventional brackets were used. Malmgren's method was sued for evaluating the root resorption score ranging from 0 to 4. All the results were analyzed by the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software. Chi-square test, nonpaired t-test, and paired t-test were used to evaluate the level of significance. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients in groups I and II was 13.92 and 13.81 years respectively. While comparing age of the patients and time duration of the treatment, no significant results were obtained. While comparing the root resorptions at various time intervals in groups I and II patients, significant results were obtained. While comparing the root resorptions in between groups I and II patients, no statistically significant results were obtained (p-value > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Statistically similar amount of resorption is seen in patients in both the groups either on self-ligating brackets or on conventional preadjusted brackets during treatment of Angle class I patients with severe anterior crowding. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In treating anterior crowding patients with Angle class I patients, choice of brackets has no effect on the amount of root resorption.

Knowledge, Attitudes and Practice about Research Ethics among Dental Faculty in the North India.

BACKGROUND: Research activities in dentistry are increased greatly in India during the recent decade, but there is limited of information about the knowledge and attitude of dental faculty for research ethics. To assess the knowledge and attitudes of dental faculty of North India regarding research ethics. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Through convenience sampling, a questionnaire was sent either via printed copies or E-mails to 1240 dental faculty, while protecting confidentiality and anonymity of all the participants. RESULTS: Our response rate was 76% (942). Majority (>90%) are aware of ethical committee but have poor knowledge (8-35%) about various ethical guidelines laid down at international level; however almost 20% believe that research ethics committees would delay research. A large number of researchers (78%) want some training in research ethics. There is fair knowledge about informed consent among researchers. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that ethical norms should be strictly followed by giving due respect to confidentiality or privacy of research participants to achieve the goal of minimal risks and maximum benefits to patients and there is need of training to researchers and students to make them aware about various research principles.

Visibility of gingiva - An important determinant for an esthetic smile.

BACKGROUND: Need for having better esthetics is the new emerging trend seen in patients' demands and expectations. Various periodontal procedures including the mucogingival procedures have been designed to enhance the esthetics. The amount of gingival display of the patient is also an important parameter while considering the esthetics of the patient. Till date, very few studies have been done in which the amount of gingival visibility have been determined. So, the aim of this study was to evaluate the amount of visibility of gingiva during natural smile and forced smile in the patients visiting Himachal Dental College and Hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 400 patients (242 females and 158 males), aged between 18 to 49 years, attending the outpatient department of Himachal Dental College, were included in this study. Patients were divided into two groups according to age and gender. Clinical photographs of the patients were taken and analyzed according to the following classification: (1) Very high smile line that is more than 2 mm of marginal gingiva visible or more than 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction visible for the reduced but healthy periodontium, (2) high smile line that is between 0 and 2 mm of marginal gingiva visible or between 0 and 2 mm apical to the cementoenamel junction visible for the reduced but healthy periodontium, (3) average smile line in which only gingival embrasures are visible, (4) low smile line in which gingival embrasures and cementoenamel junction not visible. Examination of the gingiva was done for both natural smile and forced smile. RESULTS: During smile analysis, the following results were revealed for Natural smile and forced smile. Natural smile analysis revealed following: C1: 1%, C2: 6%, C3: 43.50% and C4 was 49.50%. Forced smile analysis revealed the following: C1: 1%, C2: 15.50%, C3: 59% and C4: 24.50%. CONCLUSIONS: Excessive gingival display is an esthetic concern both to the patient and clinician. Therefore, understanding the etiology and treatment options is crucial for the treatment of such patients. So, it becomes utmost duty of the dentist to see that visual attractiveness of the smile is associated strongly with the health of the periodontium.

An Insight in to Paget's Disease of Bone.

Paget's disease of bone (PDB) is a common disorder which may affect one or many bones. Although many patients are asymptomatic, a variety of symptoms and complications may occur. PDB is a focal disorder of bone turnover characterized by excessive bone resorption coupled with bone formation. PDB begins with a period of increased osteoclastic activity and bone resorption, followed by increased osteoblast production of woven bone that is poorly mineralized. In the final phase of the disease process, dense cortical and trabecular bone deposition predominates, but the bone is sclerotic and poorly organized and lacks the structural integrity and strength of normal bone. This article briefly reviews the etiopathogenesis, clinical radiographic and histological features of Paget's disease.