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Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) injections and panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) in fovea involving preretinal hemorrhage (PRH) secondary to proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR). Methods: Retrospective non-comparative cross-sectional series of patients diagnosed with fovea involving PRH secondary to PDR at our institute from March 2019 to October 2021 who were treated with combination treatments of intravitreal anti-VEGF and PRP and have completed a minimum 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome measure was serial changes in the visual acuity (VA) and PRH regression from the fovea. Secondary outcome measures were the quantitative assessment of the size of PRH, its association with VA improvement and time to regression, and the proportion of patients who underwent surgery for poor response. Results: In total, 22 eyes of 21 patients showed regression of PRH from the foveal center at 33.6 days, and complete regression was seen at 140.7 days. The average number of anti-VEGF injections required for clearance of PRH from the fovea was 1.6. Mean LogMAR visual acuity improved from 0.54 at baseline to 0.32 at 4 weeks and 0.18 at 6 months (P < 0.01). Three eyes (13.6%) required vitrectomy surgery during follow-up. The mean area of PRH as measured by Image J analysis was 14.78 mm2 at baseline, 8.97 mm2 at 4 weeks, and 1.25 mm2 at 3 months (P < 0.01). No statistically significant difference was seen between the size of PRH and PRH clearance time and VA improvement. No systemic side effects were observed following the intravitreal injections during follow-up. Conclusion: Intravitreal anti-VEGF injections and PRP were found to be effective and safe treatment methods for fovea involving PRH secondary to PDR. Long-term studies are warranted to assess the long-term efficacy.

In India and other affected countries, Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2 has shown faster transmission but less clinical severities when compared to Delta strain. Present study was aimed to investigate how molecular changes in the spike proteins of Omicron variant has increased its transmission but reduced the disease severity. We report molecular interactions of Spike proteins of Delta and Omicron variants with ACE-2 receptor to explain how change in chemical and physical nature of mutated amino acids of Omicron variant has affected the internalization competence of virus into host cell. The Research Collaboratory Structural Bioinformatics (RCSB) and Protein Data Bank (PDB) were used to construct ACE2-Spike Protein interaction. The binding affinity of both omicron and delta variant spike proteins with human ACE2 receptor was observed. Spike protein of Omicron variants has revealed total number of 93 dissimilarities of amino acids from Delta strain,15 of which are in its Receptor Binding Domain (RBD). Our study showed that RBD of Delta variant contained only one hydrophobic amino acid whereas there were 6 hydrophobic amino acids in the RBD of Omicron variant. We report that increased number of Hydrophobic Amino Acids in RBD of Omicron variant affects its binding with ACE2 receptor to enter into the cell. The failure of internalization of virus has increased concentration of extracellular virions at nasopharyngeal region leading to faster expulsion of infective droplets during coughing or sneezing to increase transmission but has reduced the severity of infection. The reported observations could prove to be of public health and therapeutic significance.

Objective: To assess the self-esteem and quality of life (QOL) in patients with complete unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) who were undergoing orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on a total sample of 300 individuals consisted of 150 patients with UCLP (Group I) and 150 normal controls (Group II) with an age range of 10–25 years, who were undergoing comprehensive orthodontic treatment from December 2016 to December 2018. The Self Esteem and QOL were assessed using the Rosenberg Self Esteem scale (RSE) and Modified Paediatric QOL Inventory Scale (M-PQOL), respectively, in Group I and II. Results: The comparison of overall mean scores of responses to RSE questionnaires showed nonsignificant differences for all the responses and was significant only for RSE 6 and RSE 8 in the age group of 10–15 years and 21–25 years, respectively, and nonsignificant for all other questions in all the age groups. The comparison of overall mean scores of M-PQOL for the total sample showed nonsignificant differences in Group I and II for physical functioning, emotional functioning, and school functioning domain, and were highly significant differences (P ≤ 0.001) in the social functioning domain and M-PQOL 12 and M-PQOL 21. Conclusions: This study demands a definite need of a psychologist/psychiatrist among the cleft care team to counsel the patients with cleft during orthodontic treatment for motivating them to gain self-respect and acceptance in the society as certain aspects, particularly social functioning domain made them feel different from normal children because of the functional and aesthetic problems.

Wide-field optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) results in a patient of idiopathic multifocal choroiditis successfully treated with intravitreal methotrexate injections.

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare the effect of miniscrew-supported maxillary incisor intrusion and conventional intrusion mechanics on maxillary incisors and molar inclination. Material and Methods: Search databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCOhost, and the Cochrane Library) were searched for randomized trials on intrusion of maxillary incisors via miniscrew-supported and conventional mechanics. The revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2.0) was used. Five outcomes ([i] inclination change of upper incisors, [ii] inclination change of upper molars, [iii] intrusion of incisors, [iv] vertical change in upper first molars, and [v] overbite correction achieved) were statistically pooled using Review Manager 5.3. Subgroup analysis was conducted to receive sturdiness in meta-analysis. The quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Results: Out of 1777 studies, 7 were finally subjected to quality assessment, and 6 were included in the meta-analysis. The incisor inclination following maxillary incisor intrusion increased in miniscrew-supported intrusion in comparison to Connecticut intrusion arch (CTA) subgroup with standard mean difference of 0.66 mm (95% confidence interval = 0.16, 1.03, I2 = 0%). All the included studies showed an increase in molar inclination (distal tipping) in the CTA subgroup compared to the micro-implant group. Of all the seven included studies, only one study was identified with some concerns for the risk of bias, and the other six were judged to have an overall high risk of bias. Conclusion: The incisal proclination during deep-bite correction by miniscrew-supported incisal intrusion is more than that in the CTA subgroup; however, the difference may not be clinically very relevant. There is a very low quality of evidence in favor of miniscrew-supported intrusion as compared to conventional intrusion, necessitating the need for good-quality trials.

PURPOSE: To study functional changes in vision and morphological changes on optical coherence tomography (OCT) scans in patients where intravitreal therapy (IVT) with injections has been delayed due to COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. METHODS: Retrospective cross-sectional study included 77 eyes with the diagnosis of exudative age-related macular degeneration (eAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO), regularly receiving IVT with anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (Anti-VEGF) injections or dexamethasone implant and were not able to receive the injections as intended due to lockdown. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central foveal thickness (CFT), and qualitative morphological features on OCT were analyzed pre- and post-therapy break off. RESULTS: The mean duration of IVT break-off was 57 days. Mean BCVA logarithm of minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) worsened from 0.33 (20/42) to 0.35 (40/44) (P = 0.02) and mean CFT increased from 297.90 μm to 402.16 μm (P < 0.01), from pretherapy break-off to return visit. Worsening of the visual acuity was seen across all the three disease cohorts, significantly more in the eyes with eAMD. CONCLUSION: Marginal decline in the visual acuity and worsening of the OCT features were observed as a result of delay in the IVT injections of DME, eAMD and RVO patients.

Abstract Our current understanding of the spectrum of TB and COVID‐19 lesions in the human lung is limited by a reliance on low‐resolution imaging platforms that cannot provide accurate 3D representations of lesion types within the context of the whole lung. To characterize TB and COVID‐19 lesions in 3D, we applied micro/nanocomputed tomography to surgically resected, postmortem, and paraffin‐embedded human lung tissue. We define a spectrum of TB pathologies, including cavitary lesions, calcium deposits outside and inside necrotic granulomas and mycetomas, and vascular rearrangement. We identified an unusual spatial arrangement of vasculature within an entire COVID‐19 lobe, and 3D segmentation of blood vessels revealed microangiopathy associated with hemorrhage. Notably, segmentation of pathological anomalies reveals hidden pathological structures that might otherwise be disregarded, demonstrating a powerful method to visualize pathologies in 3D in TB lung tissue and whole COVID‐19 lobes. These findings provide unexpected new insight into the spatial organization of the spectrum of TB and COVID‐19 lesions within the framework of the entire lung.

Purpose: A pilot randomized control trial to compare the efficacy and side effects of intralesional and oral propranolol in periorbital and eyelid capillary hemangiomas. Methods: Twenty patients were prospectively randomized to two groups of ten each. Group 1 was initiated on oral propranolol 1 mg/kg/day titrated to final dose of 3 mg/kg/day over 1 week which was continued for 6 months and then tapered over 1 week; Group 2 received 3 doses of direct intralesional propranolol hydrochloride 1 mg/ml; 0.2 ml/cm 4–6 weeks apart. Hemangioma area and corneal astigmatism were measured. Results: Within each group at 6 months there was a significant reduction in area (group 1: 83.48 ± 11.67%,P= 0.0019; group 2: 67.78 ± 21.71%,P= 0.0019) and improvement in astigmatism (pre, post: group 1: 2.98D @ 179.8°, 1.13D @ 179.8°,P= 0.0045; group 2: 1.62D @ 90.16°, 0.75D @ 179.9°,P= 0.0001). There was no difference in area reduction (P = 0.056), change in appearance (P = 0.085), ptosis (P = 0.23) and side effects (lethargy, poor feeding;P= 0.171) between the two groups. Conclusion: Efficacy and side effects with intralesional propranolol are comparable to oral propranolol for periorbital and eyelid lesions.

In this work, a comparative study has been carried out to compare the relative performance of ZnO (Zinc Oxide) and AlN (Aluminum Nitride) thin films for their application in piezoelectric sensors. The thin films material properties are being characterized using various material characterization techniques such as SEM, XRD, and Nanoindentation. Further the MIM (Metal-Insulator-Metal) based devices have been fabricated with piezoelectric films sandwiched between Al electrodes. The devices have been evaluated for mechanical and electrical performances. The natural frequency of the devices recorded as 46.8 kHz (ZnO) and 40.8 kHz (AlN). The average nominal capacitance of the MIM structure is measured as ∼98 pF and ∼120 pF where as corresponding dissipation factor obtained as ∼0.03 and ∼0.0005 respectively for ZnO and AlN devices. The repeatability investigation carried out on the sample devices for up to 90 days and the output has been monitored. The result showed that the AlN devices exhibit better output stability compared to ZnO devices.

Objective: This investigation was undertaken with the primary aim of evaluating the effects of reverse headgear therapy in patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP) using lateral cephalograms and to compare the results of the reverse headgear treatment in these patients with other patients with UCLP who did not receive any orthopedic/orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: The treated group comprised 17 patients (13 male, 4 female; mean age 9.28 ± 2.78 years) with repaired complete UCLP and untreated group consisted of 5 subjects (4 male, 1 female; mean age 8.25 ± 2.25 years) with repaired complete UCLP. All patients in treated group received maxillary protraction with a Delaire type reverse headgear along with a customized intraoral splint worn for 16–18 h daily with force in the range of 420–480 g. Subjects in the untreated group did not receive any orthopedic/orthodontic treatment. Average treatment/observation period was 11.62 months for the treated and 12.40 months for the untreated group. Changes were evaluated at the end of the treatment and observation period by comparing pre- and post-lateral cephalograms. Results: Treatment effects of reverse headgear therapy were significant for anterior positioning of maxilla, clockwise rotation of mandible, proclination of upper incisors, and forward movement of upper molars as shown by cephalometric analysis. The untreated group did not show any significant changes, for the same measurements. Conclusions: Reverse headgear treatment is an effective method of improving the maxillomandibular relationship in patients with UCLP.

Space gaining is frequently required in orthodontics. Multiple loops were initially used for space gaining and alignment. The most common used mechanics for space gaining is the use of nickel–titanium open coil springs. The disadvantage of nickel–titanium coil spring is that they cannot be used until the arches are well aligned to receive the stiffer stainless steel wires. Therefore, a new method of gaining space during initial alignment and leveling has been developed and named as sleeve push technique (SPT). The nickel–titanium wires, i.e. 0.012 inches and 0.014 inches along with archwire sleeve (protective tubing) can be used in a modified way to gain space along with alignment. This method helps in gaining space right from day 1 of treatment. The archwire sleeve and nickel–titanium wire in this new SPT act as a mutually synergistic combination and provide the orthodontist with a completely new technique for space opening.

Treatment of skeletal Class III patients at younger age is highly unpredictable. The patient may respond well to the treatment or may show excessive mandibular growth during growth spurt which may require orthognathic surgery later on. If not treated at earlier stages of life, the condition may worsen with time. This case report will present the comprehensive orthodontic management of a 9-year-old prepubertal girl in late mixed dentition with prognathic mandible. Chin cup therapy was started and continued for 3 years. After chin cup therapy, maxillary and mandibular dentition were bonded with standard edgewise appliance. After leveling and alignment, Class III elastics were started. Fixed orthodontic treatment was completed in 3 years. At the end, good Class I molar and canine relationship with normal overjet and overbite were achieved. The total treatment time of orthopedic and orthodontic correction was 6 years, 2 months. The patient revealed the same Class I molar and canine relationship after 6 years of treatment. Redirection of mandibular growth pattern from hyperdivergent to normodivergent advocates the use of chin cup as a viable treatment regimen for the management of prognathic mandible in prepubertal patients.

Esophageal leiomyosarcoma is the commonest of all esophageal sarcomas but yet has a very low incidence. These tumors have been resected by the open approach so far. We describe the steps and challenges involved in the thoracoscopic excision of a huge leiomyosarcoma of the esophagus.

Introduction: Feedback provided during formative assessment guides students to close the gap between their current and desired performance and enhances their learning and satisfaction. To get positive impact of feedback, it should be effective and timely. Perceptions and preferences of students for feedback may vary based on their attitude, cognitive style, gender and many other factors. Teachers may have different perceptions than the students about feedback. So present study tries to introduce feedback in the formative assessment of pharmacology and understand perceptions of students and teachers towards it. Aim: To provide effective, timely feedback to students for giving desired direction to learning and also, to assess students' and teachers' perceptions of feedback. Materials and Methods: A session on importance and techniques of feedback was conducted for sensitisation of faculty. EvidenceEffect-Change (EEC) technique was selected to provide feedback to students during formative assessment in tutorials and tests. A total of 150 students of third semester were divided into two batches for practical classes on alternate days. Each batch was subdivided into six subgroups. They were given one to one and face to face feedback, eight times in a period of four months, during tutorials and after tests of General pharmacology and Autonomic nervous system conducted in practical classes. The perceptions and preferences of students and teachers were recorded on self structured, prevalidated questionnaires using five-point Likert’s scale. Data were analysed using frequency distributions and median as measure of central tendency. Open ended questions were analysed descriptively. Results: There was consensus among students that feedback provided was effective, timely and had positive emotional effects. The students agreed having received feedback on all mistakes with corrections, content, organisation of content and handwriting. 88% students wanted the feedback process to be continued. Students (n=7) also suggested that more time should be spent by teachers in providing individual feedback to each student. All teachers agreed that during feedback they gave more emphasis on correcting mistakes, clarifying doubts and motivating students to work hard. 83% of teachers said that because of time constraint, all students didn’t get equal feedback and they spent more time giving feedback to academically weaker students who were consistently scoring less than passing marks. Teachers suggested that students should be divided into groups based on their performance and group feedback can be easily provided. Conclusion: Feedback has positive constructive effect on students’ emotions and learning. A large majority of students as well as teachers want feedback process to be continued throughout the session, but there is a difference in opinion of teachers and students about one to one or group feedback.

BackgroundTaenia solium (T. solium) cysticercosis remains a neglected zoonotic disease in India. The current study was planned to estimate the prevalence of T. solium porcine cysticercosis in the Punjab state of India, to compare this prevalence with the disease prevalence in pigs reared outside Punjab and to assess the distribution of the parasite in pig carcasses.MethodsTwo slaughter shops were selected in each of the 22 districts of Punjab. Pigs slaughtered on the day/s of inspection were post-mortem inspected to identify the presence of T. solium cysts. Estimated true prevalence was estimated by taking into account the diagnostic sensitivity (38%) and specificity (100%) of post-mortem inspection using the Rogan-Gladen estimator. Positive carcasses were purchased and brought to the laboratory to assess the tissue distribution of T. solium cysts and to conduct PCR targeting large subunit rRNA gene, internal transcribed spacer 1 gene, ITS1 gene and Cytochrome oxidase I gene. The selected PCR products were submitted for sequencing and phylogenetic analyses were performed.FindingsWe contacted 71 shop owners to achieve a sample of 44 shops for the study. We inspected 642 pigs reared in Punjab and 450 imported from other states at these slaughter shops. In addition, we sampled 40 pigs from an abattoir located in the state capital. Of the 642 pigs reared in Punjab, 9 had T. solium cysts with an apparent prevalence of 1·40% (95% CI: 0·74%, 2·64%) and the estimated true prevalence of 3.69% (95% CI: 1·95%, 6·95%). Pigs imported from outside the state had a significantly higher prevalence (odds ratio: 2·58; 95% CI: 1·12, 5·98; p-value: 0·026) as 15 of the 450 imported pigs were positive (apparent prevalence: 3.33%; 95% CI: 2.03%, 5.43%; estimated true prevalence: 8.77%; 95% CI: 5.34%, 14.28%). None of samples was positive from the pigs sampled at the abattoir in the state capital. The PCR confirmed T. solium cysts from all the 24 positive samples. We counted a median of 897 (range 526-1964) cysts per infected pig from the 19 infected pig carcasses inspected. The phylogenetic tree based on the alignment of partial cytochrome oxidase 1 sequences indicated all positive samples to be clustered with the T. solium Asian genotype. The analysis did not indicate the presence of T. asiatica in the slaughter pigs.ConclusionsDespite the underestimation of the prevalence due to missing mildly-infected carcasses, low participation and lack of representative sampling, the presence of heavily infected carcasses containing viable cysts, particularly those imported from outside the state, indicates that T. solium cysticercosis is an important food safety concern for pork consumers in Punjab, India. Measures should be taken to reduce the disease prevalence in pigs to reduce the disease burden in the public.

The fatalities from Road Traffic Accidents (RTA) constitute a major cause of unnatural deaths among children in Chandigarh zone of North West India. The epidemiology of RTA related deaths in this age group is lacking in our country. This retrospective study (1974–2013) included children (⩽18 years) who became victims of RTA and subsequently died during the course of treatment. The postmortem and hospital records of the victims were used to collect the epidemiological data regarding age, sex, area of residence, etc. These deaths constituted 9.4% of total road accident deaths reported at this hospital. Out of a total of 709 RTA deaths in children, about 16% were reported in the block year of 1974–78 and this proportion decreased to 9.4% during the block year of 1984–88 and has remained almost constant since then. The maximum number of victims belonged to the states of Haryana (36%) and Punjab (34%). A higher number of deaths were observed in rural population (60%). Most of the fatalities occurred between 12–4 pm (29.9%) and pedestrians (47.8%) were found to be the most commonly affected. The most common affected was the 16–18 year age group (35.3%). Injury to head and neck region (81.4%) was responsible for a majority of deaths. The study concluded that the RTA remains an important cause of unnatural deaths in children. The static proportion of these deaths over the past three decades signifies that the road safety policies have been ineffective in preventing causalities and need further improvements.

Abstract Background One of the most undesirable side effects of comprehensive orthodontic treatment is white spot lesions (WSLs). Despite many attempts at prevention of WSLs, its prevalence remains very high on debonding. There are many agents like fluoride toothpastes, fluoride varnishes, and fluoride mouth rinses, and casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) is frequently used for the remineralization of WSLs. However, there is no consensus in the literature with respect to the success rates of these agents. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of fluoride toothpaste alone and in combination with fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP plus crème in the remineralization of post-orthodontic WSLs. Methods Forty-five subjects in the age range of 16–25 years having at least one post-orthodontic WSL were included in the study. All the subjects were randomly divided into three groups (toothpaste group, varnish group, and CPP-ACP group). The efficacy of various remineralizing agents on the remineralization of WSLs was evaluated clinically and by DIAGNOdent immediately after debonding and subsequently after 1, 3, and 6 months of their use. Results Twice daily use of fluoride toothpaste alone had no significant effect on remineralization of WSLs at various intervals of observations (P = 0.078). Application of fluoride varnish along with twice daily use of fluoride toothpaste for 6 months significantly decreased the severity of WSLs (P 0.05). Conclusions The use of fluoride varnish and CPP-ACP plus crème in addition to twice daily use of fluoride toothpaste had no additional benefit in the remineralization of post-orthodontic WSLs.

Abstract Background The objective of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of malocclusion and treatment needs in transfusion dependent β-thalassemia major children. Methods One hundred transfusion dependent β-thalassemia major children visiting the Department of Pediatrics were selected randomly and evaluated for malocclusion with Angle’s classification and Dewey’s modification. The orthodontic treatment needs were also assessed using Grainger’s treatment priority index (TPI). The orthodontic treatment needs were compared to normal children. Results The assessment of treatment needs revealed a higher prevalence of handicapping and severely handicapping malocclusion in thalassemic children compared to normal children. The thalassemic patients were found to show significantly more Angle’s Class II malocclusion (55 % vs. 15.7 %) when compared to normal children. Conclusions The higher prevalence of Angle’s Class II malocclusion and definitive malocclusion in thalassemic children indicates the importance of preventive orthodontic procedures and efforts towards providing orthodontic treatment to these children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the orthodontic treatment outcome among patients with non-syndromic unilateral cleft lip and palate using the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The retrospective study comprised a sample of 80 patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate (39 males and 41 females) with complete pretreatment and posttreatment orthodontic records. The patients were divided into two groups according to the treatment modalities. Group 1 (n = 55), nonsurgical (consisted of patients treated with comprehensive orthodontics) and Group 2 (n = 25), surgical (with presurgical orthodontics followed by maxillary advancement orthognathic surgery). PAR score was evaluated on pretreatment and posttreatment study models for both groups. RESULTS: The mean percentage change for the weighted PAR score of Group 1 and Group 2 was 76.79 ± 20.27% and 82.37 ± 11.38%, respectively. Out of the total sample of 80 cases; 62 (77.5%) cases were “greatly improved,” 16 (20%) cases were “improved,” and 2 (2.5%) showed “worse/no improvement.” Nearly 72.5% of cases in Group 1 and 88% in Group 2 were greatly improved. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in PAR score in both groups was satisfactory as more than 70% of the patients were in the greatly improved category. The results of the PAR index revealed a high occlusal outcome of orthodontic treatment rendered by the department for patients with unilateral cleft lip and palate.

Advancement of mandible rather than tooth movement is an ideal treatment for the correction of Class II malocclusion resulting from mandibular retrusion. In growing patients, forward repositioning of mandible by mandibular repositioning appliances is considered as a treatment of choice. Correction of mandibular retrusion by the conventional mandibular protraction appliances (MPAs) is mainly due to dento-alveolar changes and by altering the design of original MPAs, these limitations were minimized. The modified design enhanced the mandibular growth and contributed for the better skeletal correction of Class II malocclusion as compared to the conventional MPAs. This article highlights the design and fabrication of a splinted MPA for the correction of Class II malocclusion due to mandibular retrusion and also describes a patient managed by this appliance.

The accurate bracket positioning is essential for the expression of the bracket system that affects the treatment outcome considerably and is also essential for good functional occlusion as well as facial esthetics. The proper alignment cannot be achieved without proper bracket positioning. Thus, the brackets positioning devices are an integral part of orthodontic armamentarium. Here, we present a new innovation that provides a unique combination of reverse bracket tweezer and positioner and hence is very helpful in precise vertical positioning of brackets with increased efficiency.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the accuracy of the linear measurements made on pre- and posttreatment three-dimensional (3D) scanned digital models with conventional plaster study models. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted on pre- and posttreatment study models of 132 patients. A 3D model scanner was used to scan the plaster models to form 3D digital models. The measurements were made on the plaster models using digital Vernier calipers, and the 3D digital models were assessed for similar measurement using a software of the model scanner. The intraclass correlation for intraoperator error showed good correlations between the measurements made on conventional plaster models and digital models. RESULTS: Although the comparison of the linear measurements made by conventional and digital methods on both pre- and posttreatment study models using intraclass coefficient showed a good correlation, analysis of variance showed significant mean differences in the measurements of multiple variables in both the groups. The number of variables showing significant differences was more in the pretreatment group. The measurements obtained by Vernier calipers were generally higher than those of scanned pre- and posttreatment study models. CONCLUSION: The linear measurements made by conventional and digital methods showed statistically significant mean differences. The accuracy of recording can be affected by the severity of pretreatment malocclusion, but the deviations were not large enough to contradict the use of the digital models for orthodontic records.

Objective: The objective of this study is to establish the cephalometric hard tissue norm for orthognathic surgery for North Indian subjects. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 young adults which consists of 46 males and 54 females with the age range of 14-24 years with balanced facial profile and minimum arch length discrepancies were chosen for the study. Lateral cephalograms with teeth in occlusion were recorded and analyzed manually to establish the norm. The mean values of various cephalometric hard tissue variables for North Indian males and females were compared with those Caucasians. P < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: All the cephalometric parameters for orthognathic surgery except mandibular length and lower incisor inclination were comparable among North Indian males and females. The mandibular length was significantly more among North Indian males than females (P < 0.05) and the inclination of lower incisors was significantly more among North Indian females than males (P < 0.05). However, many of the cephalometric parameters for orthognathic surgery were significantly different among North Indian and Caucasian males and females. Conclusion: The cephalometric norms for orthognathic surgery were established for North Indians and many measurements were different from those for Caucasians.

INTRODUCTION: the association of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus is a cause of concern for the health sector. The coexistence of these two highly prevalent diseases has made the already existing treatments very complex. This issue is of particular significance to developing countries like India that bear a significant burden of these two diseases. METHODS: retrospective analysis of 1000 consecutively admitted patients in a tertiary care hospital were analyzed for the coexistence of Tuberculosis and Diabetes Mellitus. RESULTS: the study found that a significant proportion of diabetic patients had coexistent tuberculosis (65.5%). Rural population was predominantly affected in both the genders. The study observed that the coexistence of these two conditions increased with advanced age. CONCLUSION: the coexistence of Diabetes Mellitus with Tuberculosis needs to identified early and adequately addressed. The rural population needs to be educated about these two conditions and seek timely medical care.

Aims: To analyse the factors affecting clinical and functional outcome of Veau-Wardill-Kilner palatoplasty in various types of cleft palate. Materials and Methods: Demographic data were retrieved from case records and a detailed speech, language and hearing and an orthodontic analysis were carried out prospectively. Results: Mean age at operation was 2.7 years; whereas mean age at the time of evaluation was 6 years. Most of the patients (43.3%, 13/30) had a bilateral cleft lip and palate. The postoperative fistula had developed in 31% (4/13) of the patients with bilateral clefts and in 17% (1/6) and 9% (1/11) of the patients with left unilateral and isolated cleft palate respectively (P0.05). Tympanic membrane (TM) abnormalities were also more common in bilateral cleft patients (P

Aim : To evaluate the treatment outcome and long-term stability of skeletal changes following maxillary advancement with distraction osteogenesis in adult subjects of cleft lip and palate. Materials and Methods: Total 12 North Indian adult patients in the age range of 17-34 years with cleft lip and palate underwent advancement of maxilla by distraction osteogenesis. Lateral cephalograms recorded prior to distraction, at the end of distraction, 6 months after distraction, and at least 24 months (mean 25.5 ± 1.94 months) after distraction osteogenesis were used for the evaluation of treatment outcome and long-term stability of the skeletal changes. Descriptive analysis, ANOVA, and post-hoc test were used, and P-value 0.05 was considered as a statistically significant level. Results: Maxillary distraction resulted in significant advancement of maxilla (P

The use of knock out drugs for perpetuation of crime has significantly increased in recent years. These drug facilitated crimes mainly involve robbery and sexual offences. Most of the drugs employed for these purposes affect the nervous system and bring a state of incapacitation and amnesia. The miscreants exploit these properties of drugs to commit such crimes. The unsuspecting travellers on public transport vehicles and women in disco parties are most vulnerable to such crimes. The unrestricted and unregulated sale of prescription drugs and general ignorance of such incidents is a challenge that needs to be addressed promptly.

Human infighting has been a part of our civilization since times immemorial. These incidences may go unnoticed or may attract attention of law enforcing agencies depending upon the severity of the offence. Though weapons are generally employed to inflict injuries, rare cases have been reported in literature where human teeth have been used to serve this purpose. Human bites may be self inflicted or self suffered in connivance with others to level an allegation against an adversary. We are presenting here such a case where such injuries were produced to bring a false charge against a neighbor.

Attachment of force elements from the gingival hook of maxillary molar tubes during the retraction of the anterior teeth is very common in orthodontic practice. As the line of force passes below the center of resistance (CR) of molar, it results its mesial tipping and also anchorage loss. To overcome this problem, the line of force should pass along the CR of molar. This article highlights a method to overcome this problem by attaching a removable power arm to the headgear tube of molar tube during the retraction of the anterior teeth.

Necrotizing fasciitis of the perineum and external genitalia is a life-threatening infective gangrene, primarily seen in adults. It may be seen at any age but it is relatively uncommon in children. Here, we report a case of Fournier’s gangrene in a two year old male child who was treated aggressively with broad spectrum antibiotics and early surgical debridement with hemodynamic stabilization. Even though no obvious precipitating cause was identified, hygiene was thought to be the inciting factor. Early surgical debridement with appropriate antibiotics and aggressive supportive care gave good results.