An Alternative Technique for Topical Application of Acidulated Phosphate Fluoride (APF) Gel: A Two-Years Double-Blind Randomization Clinical Trial (RCT).

Background and Objectives: Dental caries is still a dramatic public health problem. The effectiveness of an alternative technique using acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF) gel pH 3.5 was evaluated and compared with conventional treatments in reducing dental caries incidence. Materials and Methods: A double-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted, involving 180 children aged 4-11 years. Three groups were formed: NaF varnish (NaFV), APF in tray (APFt), and APF in toothbrush (APFtbru). Clinical examinations were performed using standardized criteria and the ICDAS Index was assessed. The Caries Treatment Needs Index (CTNI) was calculated. Dental examinations were conducted at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. Results: At baseline, 16,719 dental surfaces were included, with 15,434 surfaces being sound. After 24 months, the Kaplan-Meier analysis showed significant differences between the APFtbru group and the other two groups (p = 0.03). Cox regression analysis revealed that the surfaces treated with NaF varnish had the lowest survival rates (HR = 0.51 95%CI = 0.33/0.81). Occlusal surfaces had the lowest cumulative survival, while other tooth surfaces showed similar performance. Conclusions: The alternative technique of APF gel application with a toothbrush resulted in maintaining dental health over 24 months. This technique can be cost-effective and may offer advantages over traditional fluoride varnish application.

Using ANI 35/L approach to evaluate the welfare status of locally adapted Anatolian Black cattle.

In this study, it was aimed to determine of the shelter conditions and welfare levels of Anatolian Black cattle grown in two different regions of Turkey. Accordingly, welfare assessment was made at the farm level according to the Animal Needs Index (ANI 35L/2000) method, a total of 76 in Ankara and Antalya provinces. The material of the research was composed of Anatolian Black cattle farms within the scope of the Project on Conservation of Domestic Genetic Resources. According to the ANI welfare assessment method, scoring was composed of a total of 30 criteria in 5 different categories, namely, locomotion, social interaction, flooring, light air and stockmanship. In the study, the average of all farms was determined as 22.73 points in winter and 41.36 points in summer. These values were found to be 22.00 and 23.98 in winter and 40.87 and 42.20 in summer, respectively, in Ankara and Antalya provinces. As a result of the study, it was found that the opportunity for animals to go to the courtyard and pasture has positive contributions to animal welfare. Moreover, it determined that factors such as stall size, available floor area, flooring and lighting adversely affected animal welfare in winter. The ANI 35L method can be recommended to determine the welfare levels of farms that have production by traditional methods and not possible to examine many animal-based parameters.

Investigating current welfare status of the buffalo farms by ANI evaluation method.

The Animal Needs Index (ANI) method is used in the study to determine the welfare levels of 58 buffalo farms in the Marmara region of Turkey. The enterprises were divided into 3 subgroups according to their size; (i) small-scale enterprises (n: 19), which have 5 to 19 buffalo cows, (ii) medium-scale enterprises (n: 20), which have 20 to 39 buffalo cows, and (iii) large-scale enterprises (n: 19), which have more than 40 buffalo cows. The farms were visited and evaluated in two seasons according to ANI system. Thirty criteria for locomotion, social interaction, flooring, light and air, and stockmanship categories were evaluated. Most of the farms were determined to be highly suitable for animal welfare according to the ANI method. Although many differences were observed among the enterprises during the visits, it was thought that the buffalo enterprises could not be evaluated with sufficient sensitivity with the help of the ANI method, since these differences cannot be revealed when the total ANI scores were compared. The enterprise scale had no direct effect on the investigated parameters in the study. Considering the deficiencies of the criteria in the study to evaluate the physical characteristics and needs of the buffaloes, it has been concluded that the evaluation methods to be developed to determine the welfare level of buffaloes should consider the species-specific characteristics of the buffaloes.

Assessment of Periodontal Status and Treatment Needs among Beedi Factory Workers.

INTRODUCTION: Periodontal disease is considered to be one of the most common oral conditions in human population sharing an equal prevalence rate in both developed and developing countries. It is observed that in India, more than 800 million beedis are sold every year; hence, beedi making is a big industry involving approximately 4.4 million workers, and 76% of these workers are women. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to assess the frequency of gingival and periodontal disease and to evaluate the treatment needs in labors working in a beedi factory. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 1000 daily wage labors working in a beedi factory resided at Patna, Bihar. Subjects aged between 19 and 60 years were randomly selected for the study. The community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index with CPTIN probe along with the demographic data was recorded in daylight. RESULTS: None of the study subjects was found to fall in category community periodontal index-1 (CPI-1), 67.2% of the study population was found to be in CPI-2, 12.3% were found to be in CPI-3, and 9.7% of the study subjects scored CPI-4. For the treatment needs, majority of the subjects were in TN2 category; however, with advancing age, there was increase in the percentage of population requiring TN3 treatment needs. CONCLUSION: CPITN index along with the demographic data was recorded in daylight. The high prevalence rate of periodontal disease in these beedi factory workers was found, which increased with advancing age. The treatment need index also showed rise in the requirement of complex procedures with advancing age, suggesting the role of dental education and regular checkups in these population groups.

Factors associated with calf mortality and poor growth of dairy heifer calves in northeast Germany.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on fifty German dairy farms to identify risk factors for high mortality and poor growth in calves. Between 2012 and 2014, farm visits took place and a questionnaire on farm management practices was completed by in-person interview. In addition, heart girth measurements of calves around weaning were performed to estimate average daily weight gain. Furthermore, blood and faecel samples of calves were collected and a score addressing calf welfare was determined. The epidemiological associations between risk factors and high mortality and poor growth were estimated using two regression models. The factors significantly associated with high calf mortality (> 5%) were a high rate of calves with failure of passive transfer (> 25%) and the metaphylactic use of halofuginone lactate. A small amount of concentrates consumed around weaning, relocating calves more than twice until weaning and a low incidence risk of milk fever (< 5%) were found to be significantly associated with poor growth (median: 675 grams). Although the fifty farms cannot be considered as a representative sample for North-East Germany, the results indicate that the farm management has a big impact on growth and survival of dairy calves and needs to be addressed more thoroughly when raising the future dairy cow.

Small Flocks Show Higher Levels of Welfare in Mexican Semi-Intensive Sheep Farming Systems.

In order to assess the level of sheep welfare in small traditional farms as compared with farms of increased size we evaluated several animal-based parameters and applied a modified Animal Needs Index (ANI) protocol in farms located in the North-East of the country. We selected ten sheep farms: 5 farms had less than 20 ewes per flock (Group L20), whereas 5 farms had more than 20 ewes per flock (Group M20). Based on the recordings performed using the ANI scheme Group L20 constantly showed higher scores as compared with Group M20. In Group M20 a higher proportion of animals was affected by skin and wool damages, low body condition, tail mutilation, ocular discharge, nasal discharge, diarrhoea (P < 0.05) and lameness (P < 0.01). We observed a higher percentage of non-anaemic animals in group L20 and a higher percentage of anaemic animals in Group M20 (P < 0.01). Although based on a small sample, our results showed that several animal-based measures were able to discriminate the two groups of farms with higher levels of animal welfare detected in small flocks.

The disparity in caries and sealants between migrant and native children in Shanghai: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the disparity in dental caries between native and migrant children in Shanghai, China. METHODS: Between 2013 and 2015, a random cluster sample of native and migrant children aged 5, 9, 12 and 15 years was collected from each district in Shanghai. Oral examination was performed following the World Health Organization (WHO) method, and findings were reported as decayed-missing-filled teeth of primary dentition (dmft) and permanent dentition (DMFT). RESULTS: A total of 10 150 children were examined, and 33.6% of them were migrants. Migrant children had a higher prevalence of deciduous caries than native children (the 5-year-old age group, 67.8% vs 63.0%, P = 0.024; the 9-year-old age group, 75.9% vs 66.1%, P < 0.001), and higher dmft values were found in migrant children. But with respect to permanent teeth, no statistical differences were found between the two groups in caries prevalence or DMFT. After controlling for potential confounders by logistic regression, migrant children showed a higher risk of deciduous caries (odds ratio 1.42, 95% confidence interval 1.25-1.61, P < 0.001) but not of permanent caries. Migrant children exhibited relatively lower deciduous Restorative Care Index (RCI). However, 9- and 15-year-old migrant children had a higher permanent RCI than their native counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: Dental caries prevalence in migrant children was higher in the deciduous teeth but not in the permanent teeth compared to that in their native counterparts. School-based dental public health services may contribute to reducing the disparity in dental health status between migrant and native children.

Oral Health Behavior and Treatment Needs among Drug Addicts and Controls in Amritsar District: A Case-controlled Study.

BACKGROUND: Substance and drug abuse is associated with severe psychosocial problems, violence and health complications. AIMS: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the oral hygiene status and sugar eating patterns among drug addicts with their age, gender and socio-economic status matched controls. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The present study comprised of two groups-Group A comprised of 100 drug addicts and Group B included 100 controls. The study sample were interviewed and subjected to a comprehensive intra-oral examination. METHODS AND MATERIAL: Standardized methods of evaluation were performed using mouth mirror, dental probe, explorer and WHO probe. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: The data was subjected to statistical analysis using Chi Square test and student t-test. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: CPITN index revealed bleeding in 56% addicts and calculus in 20% addicts. The mean DMFT of group A was 5.71 as compared to 2.45 in group B. The frequency of sugar consumption was found to be high in addicts as compared to the controls. Significant P values (< 0.001) of DMFT index, periodontal status and frequency of sugar consumption were obtained on statistical analysis. The caries status was found to be poor in addicts, but the periodontal treatment needs were similar for both group A and B. Oral health promotion should be undertaken in drug rehabilitation centers for overall success of withdrawl treatment.

Necesidades de tratamiento periodontal en pacientes de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua / Periodontal treatment needs in patients of the Faculty of Dentistry, Autonomous University of Chihuahua

Con el propósito de determinar el estado de salud periodontal en pacientes mayores de edad que acudieron a recibir atención en las clínicas de la Facultad de Odontología de la Facultad de Odontología de la Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, 408 pacientes fueron revisados y clasifi cados por grupos de sexo, edad, grado de escolaridad y lugar de residencia, evaluando los grados de profundidad de los surcos gingivales en diferentes áreas, y clasifi cándolos de acuerdo a los códigos descritos por el índice de necesidad de tratamiento periodontal comunitario (CPITN), el cual determina la complejidad de las alteraciones manifi estas en periodonto de acuerdo a cinco niveles o códigos. Los resultados mostraron una alta necesidad de tratamiento periodontal distintos grados en la población revisada, de hasta el 96%, mientras que el 4% requirió solamente tratamiento preventivo y de instrucción, coincidiendo con estudios similares realizados por otros autores. Se observó también que el sexo y el lugar de residencia no infl uyeron en la prevalencia de las alteraciones periodontales detectadas, por otro lado la necesidad de tratamiento periodontal en los distintos grupos de edad, se manifestaron solamente en el grado más alto expresado como código 4 (C4), con una tendencia ascendente de necesidad de tratamiento periodontal relacionado a la tendencia ascendente de las distintas edades. Se evidenció una mayor frecuencia de alteraciones periodontales en personas con grado de educación media con un 34%. Se concluye que resulta necesario fomentar en el paciente la cultura del autocuidado como un elemento de contrapeso, pues es ahí donde se puede incidir en la prevención más efectiva (AU)

With the purpose of determining the periodontal health status in adults patients of who receive dental attention in to the Dental School clinics of the Autonomous University of Chihuahua, 408 patients were reviewed and categorized by groups of sex, age, level of education and place of residence, evaluating the depth of the gingival grooves in diff erent gingival areas, classifying them according to the codes described by the community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN), which determines the complexity of the gross alterations in periodontal tissues according to 5 levels or codes. The results showed high needs of periodontal treatment by diff erent degrees in the population, up to 96%, while 4% required only preventive treatment and instruction, coinciding with similar studies carried out by other authors. It was also noted that the sex and place of residence did not infl uence the prevalence of periodontal alterations, on the other hand the need of periodontal treatment in the various age groups, is expressed only in the highest degree expressed as code 4 (C4), with an upward trend of need of periodontal treatment related to the upward trend of the diff erent ages. Higher frequency of periodontal alterations evidenced in people with middle education degree with a 34%. Concluding that it is necessary to encourage the culture of the self-care to the patient as a counterweight element, because is there the most eff ective prevention impact achieves (AU)

Relación de anemia y talla baja con el diagnóstico de infección por Helicobacter pylori en niños de 6 a 14 años, de enero del 2014 a diciembre del 2016 en el Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel / Relationship of anemia and short stature with the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection in children from 6 to 14 years old, from January 2014 to December 2016 at the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel

Introducción: La infección por Helicobacter pylori es la enfermedad bacteriana crónica más extendida del mundo y afecta a más de la mitad de la población mundial, con una distribución vinculada con el grado de desarrollo económico de cada país. En la edad pediátrica no existe un cuadro clínico específico de esta infección, puede tener resultados clínicos diversos que incluye no sólo síntomas digestivos sino manifestaciones extradigestivas como anemia por deficiencia de hierro y retraso del crecimiento. La relación entre la infección por Helicobacter pylori, la anemia por déficit de hierro y talla baja ha sido confirmada en múltiples estudios, pero el tema sigue siendo controvertido. Debido a la escasez de estudios sobre esta asociación, particularmente en niños panameños, y el impacto de sus complicaciones a corto y largo plazo en una población tan vulnerable, es de extraordinaria importancia llevar a cabo estudios para mejorar nuestra comprensión de este tema. Material y Métodos: Se realizó un estudio analítico de casos y controles no pareados, retrospectivo. Se incluyeron 158 pacientes (79 casos y 79 controles) del Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel de Panamá, entre enero de 2014 a diciembre de 2016. Se hizo revisión de los expedientes clínicos con autorización del Comité de Bioética del hospital. Los datos demográficos generales y las variables de estudio seleccionadas se obtuvieron de los pacientes sometidos a endoscopia digestiva alta con biopsia gástrica que cumplían los criterios de inclusión. La existencia de una asociación estadística se evaluó con la prueba exacta de Fisher y el odds ratio.Resultados: La edad promedio de ambos grupos fue de 9.75 + 2.75 sin diferencia estadística entre las edades en los grupos. La infección fue más frecuente en el sexo femenino (63%). El dolor abdominal fue la principal indicación para realizar endoscopia. La frecuencia de anemia en los pacientes infectados fue de 31%, mayor a la reportada en países latinoamericanos, pero no se encontró asociación entre anemia e infección por Helicobacter pylori (p= 0.36) al igual que no se encontró asociación con talla baja (p= 0.74). El nivel socioeconómico fue más bajo en los pacientes enfermos (p= 0.01). El test de ureasa presentó especificidad de 100% en nuestro estudio. Conclusiones: No encontramos asociación entre anemia y talla baja con la infección por Helicobacter pylori, pero la frecuencia de anemia es elevada respecto a otros países de Latinoamérica; y el nivel socioeconómico es un factor influyente en el desarrollo de esta infección. Son necesarios estudios longitudinales que puedan evaluar a los pacientes en la evolución de la enfermedad y determinar las alteraciones en los parámetros hematológicos y velocidad de crecimiento.

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is the most widespread chronic bacterial disease in the world and affects more than half of the world population, with a distribution linked to the degree of economic development of each country. In the pediatric age there is no specific clinical picture of this infection. In children, it can have diverse clinical outcomes that include not only digestive symptoms but extra-digestive manifestations such as iron deficiency anemia and growth retardation. The relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection, iron deficiency anemia and short stature has been confirmed in multiple studies, but the issue remains controversial. Due to the scarcity of studies on this association, particularly in Panamanian children, and the impact of its short and long term complications on such a vulnerable population, it is of extraordinary importance to carry out studies to improve our understanding of this topic. Material and Methods: It is a retrospective, analytical, unmatched case and control study involving a total of 158 patients (79 cases and 79 controls) from the Hospital del Niño Dr. José Renán Esquivel, Panamá, between January 2014 to December 2016. Patient records were examined with autorization from the hospital's bioethics committee. General demographic data and the selected study variables were obtained from patients who underwent upper digestive tract endoscopy with gastric biopsy that met the inclusion criteria. The existence of a statistical association was evaluated with Fisher's exact test and odds ratio. Results: The average age of both groups was 9.75 + 2.75 with no statistical difference between the ages in the groups. Infection was more frequent in females (63%). Abdominal pain was the main indication for endoscopy. The frequency of anemia in the infected patients was 31%, higher than that reported in Latin American countries, but no association was found between anemia and Helicobacter pylori infection (p= 0.36), as there was no association with growth retardatin (p= 0.74). The socioeconomic level was lower in the sick patients (p= 0.01). The urease test showed 100% specificity. Conclusions: We did not find an association between anemia and short stature with Helicobacter pylori infection, but the frequency of anemia is high compared to other Latin American countries, and the socioeconomic level is an influential factor in the development of this infection. Longitudinal studies are needed that can evaluate patients in the evolution of the disease and determine the alterations in the hematological parameters and growth rate.

Periodontal health status and treatment needs of the rural population of India: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is of public health concern and hence data on its prevalence rate are necessary. We have documented the prevalence pattern of periodontal disease in a rural population of Belgaum district, India, and identify the optimal treatment needs (TNs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried on 1680 dentate adult subjects, examined from 12 villages in Belgaum district, Karnataka, India for prevalence of periodontal status and their TNs (using Community Periodontal Index for Treatment Needs [CPITN]). RESULTS: Increase in CPITN score positively correlated with age. Only 4.3% (13) of subjects in the age-group of 20-29 had a CPITN score of 4 indicative of pockets of 6 mm or more when compared to 26% (91) of subjects in the age-group of 45-60 years. 92% (569) of the subjects in the age-group of 30-44 were having a TN score 2 whereas only 5.3% (33) of subjects were having a TN score 0 in the same age-group. Significantly higher need for treatment was observed in males, smokers and subjects using finger and tooth powder. Surprisingly diet of the subjects did not influence TNs. CONCLUSION: Increased prevalence of periodontal diseases and TNs was observed. There is a need for initiating adequate awareness regarding oral hygiene, specifically primary prevention could help in reducing the prevalence of periodontal disease.