Comparison of the Conventional and Laser Etching on the Bonding of the Orthodontic Brackets: An Original Research.

Background: Acid etching enamel improves resin-enamel adhesion and adhesive characteristics, but has pros and cons. The effects of laser etching on the bonding of orthodontic brackets vary depending on the wavelength, power output, exposure duration, and energy delivered. Materials and Methods: This study used a new 1064-nm diode laser to irradiate 30 freshly extracted human premolars. They were divided into three groups: group A, group B, and group C. Acid etching was used for 1 min to bond bracket to tooth surface, and Indian ink was used for 30 s. Group C uses acid etching for 1 min following 30 s of laser irradiation with Indian ink. Results: In comparison to the other groups, group C's acid etching after laser irradiation has considerably stronger bond strength (P = 0.05). Orthodontic brackets in group B exhibited considerably poorer shear bond strength than those in the other groups. Conclusion: Acid etching improves the adhesion of orthodontic composite resin to human enamel following laser irradiation, but can interfere with the adhesion of composite resin.

Effect of sertraline in patients with newly diagnosed depression and type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension: An observational study from south India.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Patients with either type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or hypertension (HTN) are more prone to develop depression when compared with the general population. Along with comorbid of either T2DM or HTN, treatment of depression may become an even bigger challenge. The present study aimed to observe the effect of sertraline in newly diagnosed depression patients with T2DM or HTN. METHODS: A prospective, observational study was conducted in the T2DM or HTN patients who were newly diagnosed as depression patients. Parameters such as, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) score for depression were measured before and after initiating sertraline therapy (50 mg, twice daily). Paired t-test was used to find out the statistical significance. RESULT: Of the 546 enrolled patients, 291 patients were in T2DM and 255 patients with HTN. No statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) was observed between baseline and 12th week of comparison with respect to HbA1c, SBP and DBP values. While at the end of treatment, the number of patients suffered from depression in severe state were improved to moderate to a mild state of depression. Statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed in both T2DM and HTN groups when comparing the total score of HAM-D before and after sertraline treatment. CONCLUSION: Sertraline is effective in the management of newly diagnosed depression among T2DM or HTN patients. However, the results should be confirmed by a double blinded placebo studies.

Mushroom composite button for orthodontic use.

Composite buttons are a valuable adjunct in orthodontic treatment mechanics and provide an esthetic alternative to metal buttons. In particular, their use warrants application in lingual orthodontic therapy or in any minor tooth movement situations. This paper describes the step by step technique for the fabrication of a mushroom shaped composite button for clinical use.

An adjustment in NiTi closed coil spring for an extended range of activation.

The Nickel Titanium (NiTi) closed coil springs serve as an efficient force delivery system in orthodontic space closure mechanics. The closed coil springs with the eyelets come in various lengths to broaden its force characteristics for an expedient space closure. However, at a certain point of time of progressive space closure, the coil spring can be expanded no further for an adequate force delivery. In such situations, the clinician prefers to replace the existing spring with another short length spring. The present article describes a simple conservative technique for progressively re-activating the same NiTi closed coil spring for complete space closure.