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The COVID-19 pandemic is disrupting health systems globally. Maternity care disruptions have been surveyed, but not those related to vulnerable small newborns. We aimed to survey reported disruptions to small and sick newborn care worldwide and undertake thematic analysis of healthcare providers' experiences and proposed mitigation strategies. Using a widely disseminated online survey in three languages, we reached out to neonatal healthcare providers. We collected data on COVID-19 preparedness, effects on health personnel and on newborn care services, including kangaroo mother care (KMC), as well as disruptors and solutions. We analysed 1120 responses from 62 countries, mainly low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Preparedness for COVID-19 was suboptimal in terms of guidelines and availability of personal protective equipment. One-third reported routine testing of all pregnant women, but 13% had no testing capacity at all. More than 85% of health personnel feared for their own health and 89% had increased stress. Newborn care practices were disrupted both due to reduced care-seeking and a compromised workforce. More than half reported that evidence-based interventions such as KMC were discontinued or discouraged. Separation of the mother-baby dyad was reported for both COVID-positive mothers (50%) and those with unknown status (16%). Follow-up care was disrupted primarily due to families' fear of visiting hospitals (~73%). Newborn care providers are stressed and there is lack clarity and guidelines regarding care of small newborns during the pandemic. There is an urgent need to protect life-saving interventions, such as KMC, threatened by the pandemic, and to be ready to recover and build back better.

Byline: Shiv. Rajan, Naseem. Akhtar, Vijay. Kumar, Sugandha. Arya, Tanmay. Tiwari, Durga. Kannojiya Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumours of oesophageal smooth muscle origin. In this era of constantly [...]

Aim: To compare the sealing ability of three different materials when used as postendodontic restoration barriers to coronal microleakage in root-filled teeth. Materials and Methods: In the present study, 60 single-rooted mandibular premolars with single canals were selected. After endodontic treatment was done with protaper files, they were divided into three groups of 20 teeth each, which were restored with Zirconomer (Group I), Hi-Dense (Group II), and Surefil composite (Group III), respectively. After storing in artificial saliva for 10 days, all teeth were then immersed in Rhodamine 6G fluorescent dye. Teeth were then sectioned buccolingually in a longitudinal direction. The coronal microleakage was measured in both halves under a fluorescence microscope and images were taken with a digital camera. Data obtained from the study in the form of scoring as per specific criteria was subjected to statistical analysis. Result: Results of the study showed that the minimum amount of coronal microleakage was seen in Group II restored with Hi-Dense followed by Group III restored with Surefil Composite and the maximum amount of coronal microleakage was seen in Group I restored with Zirconomer. Conclusion: On the basis of the results of the present study, it may be concluded that Hi-Dense showed better coronal sealing ability in access cavities. Surefil composite exhibited coronal microleakage less than Zirconomer but more than Hi-Dense. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study is to compare the clinical efficacy of both the topical agents—aloe vera gel and Kenacort oral paste (0.1% triamcinolone acetonide) in patients with minor aphthous stomatitis. Materials and Methods: 60 patients were recruited for the study and were randomly divided into two groups—Group A (aloe vera gel group) and Group B (Kenacort oral paste group). The baseline parameters were taken and recorded on the day of the first visit which included ulcer size, pain, and burning sensation. Evaluation of reduction in ulcer size, pain, and burning sensation were made on day 3 and day 7. Results: The results of the present study revealed that both the study groups showed no significant difference in the size of ulcer at day 1, day 3, and day 7 when compared using independent t-test as P > 0.05 at all study intervals. Therefore, both the agents were found to be equally effective against reducing the size of ulcer, pain, and burning sensation. Conclusion: The present study findings demonstrate that topical application of the aloe vera gel was able to decrease the ulcer size, intensity of pain, and burning sensation, thereby accelerating the healing without any side effects. Thus, topical aloe vera could be safe and a better alternative to topical steroid for RAS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of quid‑induced oral mucosal lesion (QIOML) among the population in Jodhpur, western Rajasthan, and to ascertain if they are associated with chewing tobacco, arecanut, or both tobacco and arecanut. Materials and Methods: The study design was cross‑sectional. All the subjects reporting to the out patient department at Vyas Dental College were screened, and 1209 quid users (using processed, unprocessed, and both processed and unprocessed forms of tobacco and arecanut) were identified and included. Results: Among 1209 (18.8%) chewers, 949 (78.49%) chewers were reported to have QIOML and the majority of QIOML occurred in the subjects chewing both tobacco and arecanut in processed forms. Conclusion: Further studies should be done to find out the actual composition of the processed form of quid along with its concentration and its role in the occurrence of QIOML. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To ascertain whether a link exists between vitamin D insufficiency and early childhood caries or not. Method: From the out patient department (OPD) of the Pedodontics Department at Vyas Dental College, a random sample of 40 kids between the ages of 8 months and 5 years old was chosen. Each kid had blood drawn to check their serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels. All of the data was collated and given the necessary statistical analysis. Result: The case group's mean serum 25(OH) vitamin D level was 10.19 ng/mL (with a standard deviation of 3.46), while the control group's was 20.84 ng/mL (2.54 SD). Conclusion: A significant modifiable risk factor for childhood dental caries is a vitamin D deficiency. Therefore, cavities in teeth can be avoided by giving youngsters vitamin D supplements and avoiding vitamin D insufficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To predict fetal growth restriction using transcerebellar diameter and abdominal circumference ratio (TCD/AC) in women with clinically diagnosed FGR. Materials and Methods: A prospective observational cohort study was conducted on women >28 weeks of gestation with clinically diagnosed fetal growth restriction, at the Tertiary care centre. Total 120 women were enrolled,over a period of 18 months,from December 2020 to July 2022 .Biometry was performed using ultrasonography and transcerebellar diameter and abdominal circumference ratio (TCD/AC) and head circumference and abdominal circumference ratio (HC/AC) were calculated. All women were followed up till delivery and fetomaternal outcome was recorded. After birth height, weight and ponderal index of the newborn were also noted. TCD/AC ratio was correlated with birth weight and ponderal index, for predicting FGR. TCD/AC ratio was also compared with routinely used HC/AC ratio for predicting FGR. Statistical Analysis: The final analysis was done with the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software, IBM manufacturer, Chicago, USA, version 21.0®. Results: A cut off value of TCD/AC >0.14 was found to have a sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV of 87.36%, 75.76%, 90.5% and 69.4% respectively with a diagnostic accuracy of 84.17%, in diagnosing FGR. There was a significant negative correlation between TCD/AC ratio with birth weight and ponderal index, with a correlation coefficient of 0.463 and 0.501 respectively. (p value < 0.001) TCD/AC was better predictor of fetal growth restriction with a diagnostic accuracy of 84.17% versus 40.83% with HC/AC. Significant positive correlation was observed between period of gestation (weeks) with transcerebellar diameter (mm),with correlation coefficient of 0.497 (p<0.001). Conclusions: TCD/AC ratio is an effective gestational age independent parameter to predict FGR on ultrasonography, with better diagnostic accuracy than routinely used HC/AC. Hence it should be performed for all antenatal women clinically suspected to have FGR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]