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Introduction: Natural rubber latex (NRL) is processed from Hevea brasiliensis trees. Allergic reactions to certain proteins in the latex manifest as immediate hypersensitivity reactions and allergic reactions to chemicals added to latex during processing manifest as allergic contact dermatitis. Healthcare workers (HCWs) are at increased risk of developing latex allergies. As little data is available from India, this study was directed toward identifying the prevalence of latex glove-related dermatoses among nurses and the factors leading to it. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was undertaken among nurses in a private tertiary care hospital. Results: A total of 700 nurses were included in the study. Symptoms of latex allergy were present in 74 (10.6%) of study subjects, out of which 69 (9.9%) had features of contact dermatitis. Patch test was done in 50 subjects and was positive in 12 (24%); among them, patch test antigens were positive in 9 (18%) and a positive result to glove piece was seen in 3 subjects. Conclusions: Latex allergy in India is a significant problem; though lesser compared to western countries, its prevalence necessitates the development of pre-employment protocols to avoid workplace morbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

COVID-19 is a disease caused by the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). On January 30th, 2020 the outbreak of Novel Coronavirus 2019 was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the World Health Organization. COVID-19 was declared a pandemic on the 11th of March 2020. The virus spreads from person to person through close contact, touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the eyes, nose or mouth. Preventive measures are taken at all workplaces to stop the spread of COVID-19. Social distancing, regular hand washing with soap and water for 20 seconds, use of alcohol- based hand sanitizer and cough etiquette must be practiced at all times. Hospitals, schools, colleges, hospitality, apparel and manufacturing industries now practice hand hygiene, social distancing, regular disinfection of contaminated surfaces, staggered work shifts, correct use of face mask if mild symptoms develop and shutting down of establishments as per instructions of the local health authorities. COVID-19 is already affecting tens of millions of informal workers all around the world. India has a share of almost 90 percent of working people which amount to 400 million workers in the informal economy, who are at the risk of falling into poverty during this crisis. The current lock down measures in India have affected these workers, compelling them to return to rural areas. Poverty along with the spread of the COVID-19 would further worsen the situation. Without dwelling on the healthcare setting, this paper discusses various preventive measures to be implemented in three different sectors. These interventions can be adapted to others as well, to stop the transmission of COVID-19. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne communicable disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Infection is most likely to occur when an individual is exposed to someone with pulmonary TB on a day-to-day basis, such as by living or working in close quarters with someone who has an active disease. This study was undertaken using reliable screening and investigation tools for assessing the incident latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) among healthcare workers (HCWs). Methodology: This descriptive longitudinal study was conducted among 600 HCWs at a tertiary care hospital in Bengaluru city for a period of 1 year 4 months (March 2016–June 2017). All HCWs were stratified according to their work profile as doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians, nursing aides, pharmacists, laundry workers (only those who come in contact with patients), dietary workers (only those who come in contact with patients), and workers from housekeeping department. Study subjects were enrolled in proportion to their population size. The data were collected by administering TB screening questionnaire and performing tuberculin skin test (TST). All the subjects who had negative TST reaction were followed up after 1 year from March 2017 to June 2017. Results: The study subjects consisted of 600 HCWs with a mean age of 27.8 ± 7.1 years. Initially, 600 study subjects underwent TST, 2 of whom were not contactable between 48 and 72 h of test administration. Of the remaining 598 subjects, 120 (20.1%) had a positive TST reaction. After 1 year, of the 478 subjects who tested negative, 345 study subjects underwent the repeat TST and 67 (19.4%) of the study subjects had a positive TST reaction. Conclusion: The prevalence of LTBI was 20.1% and it was significantly associated with age, place of residence, education, work commute time, and mode of transport. The incidence of LTBI was 19.4% and it was significantly associated with gender, place of residence, education, work commute time, and marital status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to assess the incidence and profile of occupational injuries among rural workers of rural India. Methods: This study was conducted among all persons between the ages of 18 to 60 years and engaged in some occupation and residing in the villages under the three rural subcentres of Sarjapur Primary Health Centre during the time period of 2009-2012. The sample size was calculated to be 400 assuming a prevalence of 10% and absolute precision of 3% at 95% confidence limits and a systematic random sampling of the household was done to select the study population. Results: The incidence of occupational injuries in the study period of 2009-2012 was 22%. Out of the total 91 injuries, the proportion of injuries, which were agriculture-related, was 62%. The most common cause of injury was due to contact with plant thorns. Above half (54%) involved the upper limbs, and (30%) involved the lower limbs. By using the injury severity scale, 88% were of minor degree. 67% required treatment and 32% of the injured persons took treatment in a private hospital. Those who sustained an injury, 9% required admission to a hospital. Three participants have sustained a permanent disability during this study. Conclusion: The Incidence of occupational injuries was found to be 22% and agriculture showed to have the highest proportion of injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Delayed (dry storage > 60 minutes) replantation results in ankylosis and replacement resorption. It has been suggested to remove the non-viable periodontal ligament before replantation to possibly reduce the rate of replacement resorption. However there has been no study on the rate of replacement resorption after such measures. The aim of this study was to investigate if there was any difference in the rate of replacement resorption by either removing the periodontal ligament (PDL) with gauze or not removing PDL in teeth subjected to delayed replantation followed by healing for 2 or 6 weeks.Materials and Methods: Maxillary central incisors were extracted in 8 rabbits. In the right central incisors, the necrotic PDL was removed by dry gauze over the root surface. In the left eight extracted teeth PDL was left on the root surface. All extracted teeth were left to dry for 60 minutes. Extra-oral root canal treatment was performed before replantation. The rabbits were sacrificed after 2 weeks and 6 weeks respectively. Histologic processing and evaluation was done.Results: In the 2 weeks group, all teeth showed ankylosis. The cementum was intact, and fusion of the bone and root was generally seen without resorption of the root, whereas in the 6 weeks group regardless of whether PDL had been kept or not, ankylosis and osseous replacement of the dentin was seen. There was no evidence of inflammatory infiltrate in the sections examined.Conclusion: Removal of PDL prior to delayed replantation may result in some initial protection of the cementum during the first few weeks. However, over longer times there seems to be neither protection of the dentin from ankylosis and osseous replacement, nor any influence on the rate of replacement resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/aim: Prevalence and incidence of diabetes are increasing and many dental trauma patients today have diabetes. The implications of delayed wound healing, associated with diabetes mellitus, on oral mucosal wound healing have not been investigated extensively. The aim of this study was to investigate the implications of diabetes mellitus on the cellular, vascular, and fibroblastic changes induced by laceration on the oral mucosa of Wistar rats.Materials and Methods: Sixteen female Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups: 1. Experimental Streptozotocin-induced diabetic group (8 rats). 2. Control group (8 rats). A standardized laceration injury was induced from the corner of the mouth to the mid-check penetrating through dermal and oral mucosal contaminated by saliva. Samples were taken from the rats after sacrificing them on days 1,3,7, and 10. Inflammation was evaluated both qualitatively and quantitatively. Two investigators evaluated samples in a blinded manner.Results: Histology reports indicated delayed wound healing patterns in diabetic rats through days 1, 3, 7, and 10 when compared to controls. Inflammation was also noted to be consistently present more often in diabetic rats. Furthermore, polymorphonuclear cell count was consistently higher in diabetic rats.Conclusion: The results suggest that oral mucosa wound healing is delayed in diabetic Wistar rats compared to non-diabetic rats in terms of wound closure, angiogenesis, and polymorphonuclear cells number. Furthermore, it is also suggested that wound healing is impaired both in the early and late stages of soft tissue wound healing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The study aimed at determining the association between oral disease and systemic health based on panoramic radiographs and general health of patients treated at Kuwait University Dental Center. The objective was to determine whether individuals exhibiting good oral health have lower propensity to systemic diseases. Materials and methods: A total of 1000 adult patients treated at Kuwait University Dental Center were randomly selected from the patient's records. The general health of patients was assessed from the medical history of each patient recorded during their visit to the clinic. The number of reported diseases and serious symptoms were used to develop a medical index. The oral health of these patients was assessed from panoramic radiographs to create an oral index by evaluating such parameters as caries, periodontitis, periapical lesions, pericoronitis, and tooth loss. Results: In a total of 887 patients, 43.8 % had an oral index between 3 and 8, of which significantly higher (62.1 %) patients were with medical conditions compared to those without (33.2 %; p < 0.001). The Spearmans's correlation (rho') revealed a positive correlation (rho' = 0.360, p 0.001) between oral and medical index. Partial correlation, while controlling demographics, gender, nationality, and age, also showed a significant positive correlation ( p < 0.001) between medical and oral index. Conclusions: The findings of this study showed a significant association between oral health and general health and confirmed the findings of previous reports as regards the existing correlation between dental infections and medical disorders. These results are not indicative of a causal relationship when the diagnosis of oral disease was based primarily on radiographic findings. Future research needs to include prospective clinical and interventional studies. Clinical relevance: The significance of the oral-systemic disease connection highlights the importance of preventing and treating oral disease which have profound medical implications on general health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the effect of brief exposure to sub-cidal concentrations of nystatin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and chlorhexidine gluconate on the adhesion of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates to the surface of acrylic dentures. Methods: After determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of each drug, 20 oral isolates of C. dubliniensis were exposed to sub-cidal concentrations of the drugs for 1 h. The drugs were then removed by dilution, and the adhesion of the isolates to denture acrylic strips was assessed by an in vitro adhesion assay. Results: Compared to the controls, exposure to nystatin, amphotericin B, ketoconazole, fluconazole and chlorhexidine gluconate suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis isolates to adhere to acrylic denture surfaces with a reduction of 74.68, 74.27, 57.31, 44.57 and 56.53% (p < 0.001 for all drugs), respectively. Conclusions: Brief exposure to sub-cidal concentrations of anti-mycotics suppressed the adhesion of C. dubliniensis oral isolates to acrylic denture surfaces. © 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candida albicans is the major aetiological agent of oral candidosis and one of its important virulent factors is the production of extracellular phospholipases, which can be modulated by subtherapeutic concentrations of antifungal agents thus decreasing their pathogenicity. Hence, considering that chlorhexidine gluconate ( CG) is a common antimicrobial mouthwash used in dentistry and that its concentration in the mouth reaches subtherapeutic levels during dosage intervals due to the diluent effect of saliva and cleansing effect of the oral musculature, the postantifungal effect ( PAFE) and the phospholipase production of oral C. albicans following brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of CG was studied. Fifty C. albicans planktonic oral isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, partial denture wearers and healthy individuals were exposed to three subtherapeutic concentrations of CG (0.005%, 0.0025% and 0.00125%) for 1 h. Isolates unexposed to CG was the control group. Thereafter the antiseptic was removed and the PAFE and phospholipase production was determined by a turbidometric method and a plate assay using an egg yolk agar medium respectively. Mean PAFE (hours) of 50 oral isolates of C. albicans following 1-h exposure to 0.005%, 0.0025% and 0.00125% CG was 6.97, 1.85 and 0.62 respectively. The phospholipase production of these isolates was significantly suppressed with a percentage reduction of 21.68, 18.20 and 14.04% following exposure to 0.005%, 0.0025% and 0.00125% CG respectively. Brief exposure of C. albicans isolates to subtherapeutic concentrations of CG would wield an antifungal effect by suppressing growth and phospholipase production, thereby quelling its pathogenicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Sickness presenteeism is a phenomenon where "workers go to work when ill." The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of and work-related factors associated with presenteeism among nursing care providers in selected tertiary hospitals in Bangalore city. Methodology: Participants were selected using stratified sampling followed by simple random sampling. A questionnaire was designed to capture socio-demographic information, sickness-related behavior, performance-based self-esteem (PBSE), and selected work-related characteristics. Results: A total of 357 participants were enrolled in the study, 274 were staff nurses (S/N) and 83 were nursing assistants (N/A). About 75% of the participants reported presenteeism at least once in the last year, two-fifths did so in the last 4 weeks and nearly 15% were sick on the day of the interview. The mean Stanford Sickness Presenteeism Scale-6 score was 18.49 ± 3.84. The most frequent reason for presenteeism was "perceived mildness of the disease." In bivariate analysis, those who were younger, male, had children, higher qualifications, chronic ailment/s, financial commitments, lesser work experience, and higher PBSE had higher presenteeism scores. When introduced into a linear regression model, those S/N who had children [Standardized coefficient = 0.23 (0.40--1.97)], higher PBSE scores [Standardized coefficient = 0.385 (0.15--2.55)], and reported sickness absenteeism in the preceding 4 weeks [Standardized coefficient = 0.136 (0.12--1.01)] were significantly associated with higher presenteeism scores. Those N/A who had lesser work experience had higher presenteeism scores [Standardized coefficient = -0.33 (-0.02---0.004)]. Conclusion: Presenteeism is a common phenomenon among nursing care providers. It is imperative that both employers and employees be educated about its ill effects on the individual, fellow staff, and patients, followed by the adoption of preventive measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The postantifungal effect ( PAFE) has an impact on candidal pathogenicity. However, there is no information on either the PAFE or its impact on adhesion traits of oral Candida dubliniensis isolates. Oral candidosis can be treated topically with nystatin. Adhesion to buccal epithelial cells ( BEC), germ tube ( GT) formation and relative cell surface hydrophobicity ( CSH) are all colonisation attributes of candidal pathogenicity. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro PAFE on 20 C. dubliniensis isolates following exposure to nystatin. In addition, the impact of nystatin-induced PAFE on adhesion to BEC, GT formation and relative CSH of C. dubliniensis isolates were also evaluated. After determining the minimum inhibitory concentration ( MIC) of nystatin, C. dubliniensis isolates were exposed to sublethal concentrations of nystatin for 1 h. Following this exposure, the drug was removed and PAFE, adhesion to BEC, GT formation and relative CSH were determined by a previously described turbidometric method, adhesion assay, germ tube induction assay and biphasic aqueous-hydrocarbon assay respectively. MIC (μg/ml) of C. dubliniensis isolates to nystatin ranged from 0.09 to 0.78. The nystatin-induced mean PAFE (hours) on C. dubliniensis isolates was 2.17. Compared with the controls, exposure to nystatin suppressed the ability of C. dubliniensis isolates to adhere BEC, GT formation and relative CSH by a mean percentage reduction of 74.45% ( P < 0.0001), 95.92% ( P < 0.0001) and 34.81 ( P < 0.05) respectively. Hence, brief exposure of C. dubliniensis isolates to nystatin would continue to wield an antifungal effect by suppressing growth as well as its adhesion attributes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adherence of Candida has been implicated as the initial process in the pathogenesis of oral candidosis. Candidal germ tubes and its relative cell-surface hydrophobicity ( CSH) are contributory attributes. Candida dubliniensis is currently documented as an opportunistic pathogen allied with recurrent oral candidosis. Oral candidosis can be treated with polyene and azole antifungals such as amphotericin B, ketoconazole and fluconazole. However, the intraoral concentration of these drugs fluctuates and becomes sub-therapeutic because of the diluent effect of saliva and cleansing effect of the oral musculature. Hence, intraorally, the pathogenic yeast may undergo a brief exposure to antifungal drugs. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of brief exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of these antifungals on the germ tube formation and CSH of C. dubliniensis. After determining the minimum inhibitory concentration of the drugs, 20 oral isolates of C. dubliniensis were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of these antifungals for 1 h. Following this brief exposure, the drugs were removed, and following subsequent incubation in a germ tube inducing medium and exposure to bi-phasic hydrocarbon assay, the germ tube formation and CSH of these isolates was quantified respectively. Compared with controls, exposure to amphotericin B almost completely suppressed the ability to form germ tubes with a mean percentage reduction of 95.91% ( P < 0.0001), whereas ketoconazole and fluconazole also significantly inhibited germ tube formation but to a lesser degree with a mean percentage reduction of 18.73% and 12.01% respectively ( P < 0.05). Compared with controls, exposure to amphotericin B and ketoconazole elicited a significant suppression on CSH with a mean percentage reduction of 33.09% and 21.42%, respectively ( P < 0.001), whereas exposure to fluconazole did not elicit a significant suppression on CSH (9.21%; P > 0.05). In clinical terms it appears that, even a short exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of these drugs, a situation all too familiar in the oral environment, would continue to exert an antifungal effect by suppressing the pathogenic potency of C. dubliniensis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the cell surface hydrophobicity of 40 oral Candida albicans isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, and healthy individuals, following brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate. Materials and Methods: Forty C. albicans oral isolates (10 isolates each from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers, and healthy individuals) were exposed to 3 subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate (0.00125, 0.0025, and 0.005%) for 30 min. Thereafter, the antiseptic was removed and the cell surface hydrophobicity was measured by a biphasic aqueous-hydrocarbon assay. Results: Compared to the unexposed controls, the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans isolates was suppressed by 5.40% (p > 0.05), 21.17% (p < 0.05), and 44.67% (p < 0.05) following exposure to 0.00125, 0.0025, and 0.005% chlorhexidine gluconate, respectively. Conclusions: A brief period of transient exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate may modulate the cell surface hydrophobicity of C. albicans isolates and thereby may reduce candidal pathogenicity. Copyright © 2012 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Candidal adhesion has been implicated as the initial step in the pathogenesis of oral candidiasis and cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) has been implicated in adhesion to mucosal surfaces. Candida dubliniensis is an opportunistic pathogen associated with recurrent oral candidiasis. Chlorhexidine gluconate is by far the commonest antiseptic mouth wash prescribed in dentistry. At dosage intervals the intraoral concentration of this antiseptic fluctuates considerably and reaches sub-therapeutic levels due to the dynamics of the oral cavity. Hence, the organisms undergo only a limited exposure to the antiseptic during treatment. The impact of this antiseptic following such exposure on CSH of C. dubliniensis isolates has not been investigated. Hence, the main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of brief exposure to sub-therapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate on the CSH of C. dubliniensis isolates. Twelve oral isolates of C. dubliniensis were briefly exposed to three sub-therapeutic concentrations of 0.005%, 0.0025% and 0.00125% chlorhexidine gluconate for 30 min. Following subsequent removal of the drug, the CSH of the isolates was determined by a biphasic aqueous-hydrocarbon assay. Compared with the controls, exposure to 0.005% and 0.0025% chlorhexidine gluconate suppressed the relative CSH of the total sample tested by 44.49% ( P < 0.001) and 21.82% ( P < 0.018), respectively, with all isolates being significantly affected. Although exposure to 0.00125% of chlorhexidine gluconate did not elicit a significant suppression on the total sample tested (7.01%; P > 0.05), four isolates of the group were significantly affected. These findings imply that exposure to sub-therapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate may suppress CSH of C. dublinienis isolates, thereby reducing its pathogenicity and highlights further the pharmacodynamics of chlorhexidine gluconate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To assess if a weekly dose of iron and folic acid along with vitamin C, in the workplace would reduce the prevalence of anaemia. Methodology: A multi-pronged intervention was carried out to reduce the prevalence of anaemia among workers of 7 apparel manufacturing factories using a regime consisting of a supervised single dose of albendazole (400mg) followed by a weekly dose of dried ferrous sulphate (150mg), folic acid (0.5mg) and vitamin C (100mg). Workers were provided information on the causes of anaemia and its prevention. The total duration of the intervention was 16 weeks. Haemoglobin levels of a randomly selected sample of workers were tested before and after the intervention using a computerized non-cyan-meth-haemoglobin method. Results: Of the 10810 workers who were enrolled a sample of 515 workers was randomly selected for the blood investigations. At the end of the intervention (18 weeks after the first blood sample was collected) only 361 out of the 515 who had been enrolled a little more than 16 weeks earlier still remained in the factories and among women 279 out of 385 enrolled were still working in the factories. In the 385 unmatched samples the number of anaemic women had reduced from 141 before the intervention to 79 after - mean haemoglobin increasing from 12.2 to 13.0 (p < 0.001) and in the 279 paired samples prevalence of anaemia had reduced from 105 to 58 - mean haemoglobin increasing from 12.1 to 13.0 (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that in resource poor regions, where prevalence of anaemia is high, the workplace may be considered an ideal location to give a weekly supervised dose of iron, folic acid and vitamin C to effectively tackle the problem and probably improve worker efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate on germ tube formation of Candida albicans isolates obtained from smokers, diabetics, asthmatics using steroid inhalers and healthy individuals. Materials and Methods: Forty isolates of C. albicans were used in this study. All these isolates were quantified for germ tube formation without exposure to the drug and were used as the control group for data analysis. Isolates were also exposed to three subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate (0.00125, 0.0025 and 0.005%) for 30 min (limited exposure); the antiseptic was then removed and germ tube formation of these isolates was quantified microscopically following incubation in a germ tube-inducing medium. Results: Compared with the unexposed controls, brief exposure to all concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate suppressed the ability of the C. albicans isolates to form germ tubes in increasing order by 13.72% (p < 0.001 to p = 0.02), 46.16% (p < 0.001) and 72.46% (p <0.001). Conclusions: These findings show that brief exposure to subtherapeutic concentrations of chlorhexidine gluconate may modulate germ tube formation of C. albicans isolates, thereby suppressing their pathogenicity, and further elucidate the pharmacodynamic mechanisms by which chlorhexidine gluconate may operate in vivo. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess oral cancer awareness among dentists in Kuwait. Subjects andMethods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 200 dentists working at the Ministry of Health Dental Centers and Kuwait University Dental Center using a structured questionnaire. Dentists' knowledge about risk factors of oral cancer and about diagnostic concepts, current practices and opinions, preferred point of referral as well as interest in continuing education were assessed and the responses were analyzed. Results: Of the 200 dentists surveyed, 153 responded (76.5% response rate). The mean knowledge score of the respondents was 20.6 ± 4.0 out of a total score of 30. Thirty-five (22.9%) dentists had consistently high knowledge scores for both risk factors and diagnostic concepts. Of the 153 dentists, 132 (86.3%) were interested in obtaining further information about oral cancer. Conclusion: This study highlighted the need for improved knowledge and education of dental practitioners on oral cancer. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Traumatic granuloma is an uncommon condition considered to be a benign, reactive lesion that usually affects the tongue. The exact pathogenesis implicated in the development of this lesion is not clear. However, trauma has been found to be a contributing factor in a majority of the cases. Clinically, it often presents as an ulceration or an indurated submucosal mass. Microscopically, it is characterized by a diffuse polymorphic cell infiltrate composed predominantly of eosinophils extending deep into the submucosa causing degeneration of the underlying muscle. Recognition of the lesion is important because it often mimics oral squamous cell carcinoma. But traumatic granuloma is self-limiting and tends to resolve spontaneously. This paper describes a case of traumatic granuloma on the dorsal surface of tongue in a 62-year-old woman. The clinical aspects, pathogenesis and histopathology of this uncommon lesion are discussed with an emphasis on its benign, self-limiting nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Salako N, Joseph B, Ritwik P, Salonen J, John P, Junaid TA. Comparison of bioactive glass, mineral trioxide aggregate, ferric sulfate and formocresol as pulpotomy agents in rat molar. Dent Traumatol 2003; 19: 314–320. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2003. Bioactive glass (BAG) is often used as a filler material for repair of dental bone defects. Although there is evidence of osteogenic potential of this material, it is not clear yet whether the material exhibits potential for dentinogenesis. Hence, the aim of the present study was to evaluate BAG as a pulpotomy agent and to compare it with three commercially available pulpotomy agents such as formocresol (FC), ferric sulfate (FS), and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA). Pulpotomies were performed in 80 maxillary first molars of Sprague Dawley rats, and pulp stumps were covered with BAG, FC, FS, and MTA. Histologic analysis was performed at 2 weeks and then at 4 weeks after treatment. Experimental samples were compared with contra-lateral normal maxillary first molars. At 2 weeks, BAG showed inflammatory changes in the pulp. After 4 weeks, some samples showed normal pulp histology, with evidence of vasodilation. At 2 weeks, MTA samples showed some acute inflammatory cells around the material with evidence of macrophages in the radicular pulp. Dentine bridge formation with normal pulp histology was a consistent finding at 2 and 4 weeks with MTA. Ferric sulfate showed moderate inflammation of pulp with widespread necrosis in coronal pulp at 2 and 4 weeks. Formocresol showed zones of atrophy, inflammation, and fibrosis. Fibrosis was more extensive at 4 weeks with evidence of calcification in certain samples. Among the materials tested, MTA performed ideally as a pulpotomy agent causing dentine bridge formation while simultaneously maintaining normal pulpal histology. It appeared that BAG induced an inflammatory response at 2 weeks with resolution of inflammation at 4 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents Chapter 20 of the `Primer on Allergic and Immunologic Diseases,' published by the `Journal of the American Medical Association.' The two events that revolutionized the fied of immunohematology; Autoimmune hemolytic anemias; Paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria; Drug-induced hemolytic anemias; Hemolytic diseases of the newborn; Eosinophilic diseases.

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is a collective and descriptive term used for the symptoms caused or aggravated by work. Significant WMSDs can affect the productivity and Quality of Life (QOL) of nurses. This study was undertaken to estimate the prevalence of WMSDs, identify their risk factors, and find the association, if any. This study also assessed the quality of life of nurses and its association with WMSDs. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 207 staff nurses at a tertiary care hospital in Bangalore for a period of 7 months (June-2018 to Dec-2018). The nurses were stratified based on their parent department into three broad categories -- Medical, Surgical, and Operation Theatre. Stratified random sampling was followed to obtain the required number of nurses from each stratum. Data was collected using a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire, Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), clinical examination tests, and WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The annual prevalence of WMSDs among the study subjects using NMQ was 168 (81.2%). The prevalence of WMSDs based on clinical examination tests was 67 (32.4%). Repetitive movements at work (OR 9.3, 95% CI 3.4-25.7), working in abnormal postures for prolonged periods (OR 4.7, 95% CI 1.7-12.9), and working even when sick (OR 5.3, 95% CI 2.0-14.1) were the risk factors for WMSDs (P < 0.05). No significant association was found between reported WMSDs (according to NMQ) and QOL. Conclusion: Our study found that the prevalence of WMSDs was high among the staff nurses and it did not affect their QOL significantly. Workshops and training sessions on ergonomics should be regularly conducted at the workplace to prevent WMSDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report a case of pigmented fungiform papillae on the tongue. Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 29-year-old female presented with patchy pigmented areas on her tongue of 2 years' duration. Examination of the tongue showed pigmentation confined to the fungiform papillae on the dorsum of the tongue. She was healthy and was not taking any medications and hence a diagnosis of pigmented fungiform papillae was considered. The patient was reassured of the benign nature of this condition and no treatment was given. However, a 6-month follow-up was suggested. Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this benign variant of lingual pigmentation to avoid confusion with pathological conditions and also to avoid unnecessary investigative procedures. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report a case of pigmented fungiform papillae on the tongue.Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 29-year-old female presented with patchy pigmented areas on her tongue of 2 years' duration. Examination of the tongue showed pigmentation confined to the fungiform papillae on the dorsum of the tongue. She was healthy and was not taking any medications and hence a diagnosis of pigmented fungiform papillae was considered. The patient was reassured of the benign nature of this condition and no treatment was given. However, a 6-month follow-up was suggested.Conclusion: Clinicians should be aware of this benign variant of lingual pigmentation to avoid confusion with pathological conditions and also to avoid unnecessary investigative procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Given the health risks associated with the garment manufacturing industry, it is important to periodically evaluate the health status of these workers. Our objectives in this study were to firstly assess the change in morbidity profile by comparing the recorded ailments of workers in a garment factory in a three year period and secondly to assess the change in their nutritional status (Body Mass Index) over a period of three years. Methodology: Retrospective cohort study design was used. Data from the periodic health check up for these employees in 2005 and 2002 was compared. Data was analyzed for 187 employees (males 19; female 168) who were present for the health check up of both 2005 and 2002. The chi-square test and comparison of change in percentages were used to determine significance of change in BMI. Results: Musculoskeletal ailments were the most common health problems in the garment factory. There was an increase in the number of workers with complaints of dental caries, refractive errors and respiratory ailments. There was an increase in the proportions of pre-obese, obese (class 1) and obese (class 2) workers and a decrease in the proportion of those underweight and normal. Analysis showed a significant increase in the Body Mass Index (BMI) of workers who were previously underweight (p=0.00), normal (p<0.001) or pre-obese (p=0.03). Conclusions: These findings, which are probably related to sedentary occupation, call for regular monitoring of BMI as well as dietary and lifestyle interventions for these workers. The findings also answer the call for factory-based interventions to improve workers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Workers in the tea planting industry are exposed to a variety of occupational health and safety hazards. Whether the workers perceive the risks involved and to what degree is an interesting point in question. Aims: To identify occupational health and safety risks involved in the tea planting sector and to rate these risks from the workers' perspective. Settings and Design: Permanent workers from four estates belonging to one tea planting company in southern India were enlisted in this descriptive study. Materials and Methods: The sample was randomly and then proportionately selected to give a total number equal to the calculated sample size of 341. Data were collected by reviewing medical records, conducting focus group discussions with field officers and supervisors, worker interviews and key informant interviews with the management in these four estates. Proportions were used to describe occurrence and distribution of work-related injuries. The risks as perceived by the workers were rated on their severity and frequency, using a Risk Rating Matrix. Results and Conclusion: The incidence of injuries was greater among male workers, those working both in the field and factory and those handling multiple tasks. The most common morbidities suffered were "small cuts and abrasions" in about 53%of the workers. Backache and insect bites were assigned the highest risk rating scores. Continued monitoring of the risk assessment by the workers could help in a planned reduction of commonly occurring injuries by agreeing on a specified risk limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the health of the healthcare workers delivering care and services directly as doctors or indirectly as laboratory technicians and medical waste handlers to the ailing and sick. Topics include declaration for the years 2006 to 2015 as the decade of the human resources for health by the World Health Organization (WHO), hazards in the healthcare industry such as exposure to diseases and chemicals; and need of special attentions to preventive programs such as vaccinations.

Coronaviruses are zoonotic viruses and six species of Coronaviruses are known to cause human disease such as cause common cold, severe acute respiratory syndrome and the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome. In January 2020, scientists in Wuhan, China isolated a novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), responsible for an outbreak of unknown pneumonia that had not been previously reported among humans. This virus spreads from person to person, through respiratory droplets, close contact, and by touching surfaces or objects contaminated by the virus. The incubation period varies between 2 days and 14 days. Symptoms usually include fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome. Older age and co-morbid conditions increase the fatality. Any person with a history of travel to and from COVID-19 affected countries in the past 14 days or any person who has had close contact with a laboratory confirmed COVID-19 are suspect cases and needs evaluation. Currently no vaccine is available and treatment is mainly supportive. Measures at workplace should include- avoiding non-essential travel, identifying and isolating sick employees at the earliest, hand hygiene, respiratory hygiene, environmental hygiene and social distancing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: To develop an experimental in vivo model to study dentoalveolar ankylosis and osseous replacement resorption after delayed replantation.Materials and Methods: The maxillary right incisors of eight rabbits were extracted and replanted, while the maxillary left incisors served as controls. A special technique for extraction was used, luxating the incisor laterally prior to extraction. Extra-oral root canal treatment was performed. In four of the eight replanted teeth, periodontal ligament was removed using gauze. All teeth were replanted after one-hour dry storage. A horizontal line was drilled on the labial enamel surface of the incisors to enable registration of possible subsequent infraposition. The rabbits were sacrificed after 1 week or 4 weeks, respectively. Percussion test of the teeth was carried out and infraposition was registered. Histological processing and evaluation were performed.Results: Percussion sound was normal after 1 week and high in the 4 week group; infraposition was noted in all replanted teeth in the 4-week group. Fusion between the bone and dentin was seen in some areas on the root already after 1 week, but there was little or no osseous replacement. Larger areas of ankylosis were seen in the 4-week group although not significant, but deeper progressive osseous replacement was noted in this group. There was no significant difference in ankylosis with regard to periodontal ligament removal or not. Pulp and periodontal tissues were normal in all control teeth.Conclusion: The rabbit tooth model may be useful for experimental in-vivo studies on delayed replantation, subsequent ankylosis, osseous replacement and infraposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gorlin-Goltz Syndrome (GGS) is known as nevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (NBCCS); it is a rare condition with multi-organ involvement. It has an autosomal dominant trait with complete penetrance and variable expressivity. The condition presents with a wide range of pathological features including malignancy of the skin (basal cell carcinoma); its early diagnosis is vital. Odontogenic Keratocyst (OKC) being one of the prominent features and mostly an early one, the dental specialty most often is in a position to identify this condition first. We present a case of GGS in a fourteen-year-old male. Enucleation was performed and the postoperative period was uneventful. Histopathologically, the diagnosis was confirmed as multiple Odontogenic Keratocyst. The patient had spina bifida at D2 vertebra, fused anterior end of right 5th and 6th ribs, fused right anterior 2nd and 3rd ribs, Falx and tentorial calcification and Sprengel shoulder. It is essential to emphasize the role of the dental specialty in diagnosing and instituting early treatment of such condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The Laundry Department plays an important role in preventing the spread of infection and continuously supplying clean linen to various departments in any hospital. Objectives of the Study: To identify existing practices and occupational safety and health (OSH) measures in the Laundry Department and to assess the use of personal protective equipments (PPEs) among health care workers. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in a private tertiary care teaching hospital. An observation checklist was developed, which was partially based on occupational hazard checklist of OSHA for Laundry Department. This was field tested and validated for applicability for this study. Results: The potential biological hazards are infections through exposure to aerosols, spills and splashes during various activities, fungal infection due to wet clothes and environment and infections through fomites. The potential physical hazards are injuries due to slips and falls, exposure to heat, humidity, dust, noise, and vibration. The potential chemical hazards are contact dermatitis and allergic asthma due to exposure to detergents, phenyl solution, bleaching powder, and soap oil solution. The potential ergonomic hazards are musculoskeletal diseases and repetitive stress injuries at the shoulder, elbow, and small joints of the hands. PPEs were not used consistently in most areas of the department. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We measured outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations in a low- and a nearby middle-income neighborhood in Bangalore, India. Each neighborhood included sampling locations near and not near a major road. One-minute average concentrations were recorded for 168 days during September 2008 to May 2009 using a gravimetric-corrected nephelometer. We also measured wind speed and direction, and PM2.5 concentration as a function of distance from road. Average concentrations are 21-46% higher in the low- than in the middle-income neighborhood, and exhibit differing spatiotemporal patterns. For example, in the middle-income neighborhood, median concentrations are higher near-road than not near-road (56 versus 50 μg m-3); in the low-income neighborhood, the reverse holds (68 μg m-3 near-road, 74 μg m-3 not near-road), likely because of within-neighborhood residential emissions (e.g., cooking; trash combustion). A moving-average subtraction method used to infer local- versus urban-scale emissions confirms that local emissions are greater in the low-income neighborhood than in the middle-income neighborhood; however, relative contributions from local sources vary by time-of-day. Real-time relative humidity correction factors are important for accurately interpreting real-time nephelometer data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the oral candidal carriage of patients seeking dental treatment at the Kuwait University Dental Clinic and to ascertain the Candida species composition among them. Methods: 370 oral rinse samples were collected from patients. The germ tube test, CHROMagar Candida medium and VITEK 2 yeast identification system were used for species identification. C. dubliniensis isolates were confirmed by the production of rough colonies with hyphal fringes and chlamydospores on simplified sunflower seed agar. Results: Of the 370 samples investigated, 160 (43.24%) showed Candida in culture. The isolation of Candida was significantly higher in individuals who were smokers or were under medication for either diabetics or asthma [99 (62%)] compared to healthy individuals [61 (38%)]. Of the 210 samples which did not yield Candida, 131 (62.38%) were healthy and 79 (37.62%) were associated with smoking or with usage of drugs for aforementioned conditions. Species isolated were C. albicans [102 (63.7%)], C. dubliniensis [23(14.3%)], C. krusei [13 (8.1%)], C. tropicalis [12 (7.5%)] and C. glabrata [10 (6.2%)]. Conclusions:Candida species were more prevalent in patients having predisposing factors implicated in oral candidosis, such as in smokers, diabetic patients and asthmatic patients using inhalation steroids. C. albicans was the most prevalent species isolated, followed by C. dubliniensis. Copyright © 2011 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Dentin contains bone morphogenic protein which is important in bone induction and dentin can act as a slow releasing carrier. This property may possibly be used as an alternative or supplement to bone grafting to defective areas after trauma prior to treatment with osseointegrated implants. Hence, the objective of this study was to investigate if dentin can be used as a graft in bone defects in an experimental rabbit model. Materials and Methods: Eight New Zealand White Rabbits were used to prepare bone cavities either in the angle of the mandible or tibia. Six of the eight tibial and six of the eight mandibular bone defects were filled with dentin blocks from human premolars which were extracted for orthodontic treatment. Two mandibular and two tibial bone cavities were used as controls and all the rabbits were sacrificed after 3 months. Radiographic and histological examinations were performed. Results: There was a difference in healing pattern between the mandibular and tibial defects. In the mandible, the dentin blocks were resorbed to a larger extent and more often surrounded by fibrous tissue, probably due to the fact that the dentin blocks were mobile because of the thin mandibles and muscular activity in that area. Only some dentin blocks were ankylosed with the mandibular bone. In the tibia however, all dentin blocks were fused to bone over a large area. Osseous replacement resorption was seen. In control cavities, bone formation was seen but was never complete. No signs of inflammatory changes were seen in any fused grafts. Conclusions: Dentin grafts have a potential to be incorporated in bone without inflammation and can be used as bone inducer and later replaced by bone. Thus, rabbit tibia served as a better model for further studies of this phenomenon when compared to the mandible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: As part of undergraduate training in community medicine, students of 1st-year MBBS at our medical college in South India undergo rural residential community-based training called Rural Orientation Program (ROP). Objective: The objective was to study the impact of ROP at a medical college in South India. Methodology: Short-term impact was studied immediately before and after ROP using a 30-item questionnaire administered to 142 students. Medium-term impact was studied among 23 students in 2nd-year MBBS. Quantitative component consisted of objective structured practical examination scores and qualitative component documented reflections on learnings. Long-term impact was studied by surveying 287 alumni (batches of 1979 onward) to explore the impact of ROP on their career. Results: We found a significant (P < 0.001) improvement in the median posttest score (21, interquartile range [IQR]: 20--23) when compared to pretest (12, IQR: 10--16). The mean OSPE score was 19.34 ± 3.19 (maximum score = 25) with 54.55% obtaining a score ≥20. Thematic analysis of reflections depicted that students gained insights on factors influencing health and social organizations in rural areas. ROP helped develop empathy toward patients and a holistic approach toward health, in understanding rural dynamics and improved communication skills. Conclusion: ROP increases subject knowledge and plays a role in molding attitudes of students toward the care of people in rural areas and improves communication skills. This time-tested model can be replicated in other medical colleges across the country. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Our study sought to explore the prognostic value of radiomic TA (texture analysis) on quantitative ECV (extracellular volume) fraction mapping to differentiate between reversible and irreversible myocardial damage and to predict left ventricular adverse remodeling in patients with reperfused STEMI (ST-elevation myocardial infarction).Methods: This observational prospective cohort study identified 70 patients (62 ± 9 years, 62 men [85.70%]) with STEMI for TA who consecutively performed native and contrast T1 mapping. Texture features were extracted from each stack of ECV mapping based on ROI (region of interest) analysis.Results: After texture feature selection and dimension reduction, five selected texture features were found to be statistically significant for differentiating the extent of myocardial injury. ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis for the differentiation of unsalvageable infarction and salvageable myocardium demonstrated a significantly higher AUC (area under the curve) (0.91 [95% CI, 0.86-0.96], p < 0.0001) for horizontal fraction than other texture features (p < 0.05). LVAR (left ventricular adverse remodeling) was predicted by those selected features. The differences in qualitative and quantitative baseline parameters and horizontal fractions were significant between the patients with and without LVAR. LGE (late gadolinium enhancement) and horizontal fraction features of infarcted myocardium in acute STEMI were the only two parameters selected in forming the optimal overall multivariable model for LVAR at 6 months.Conclusions: Radiomic analysis of ECV could discriminate reversible from irreversible myocardial injury after STEMI. LGE as well as radiomics TA (texture analysis) of ECV may provide an alternative to predict LVAR and functional recovery.Key Points: • ECV quantification was able to differentiate between infarcted myocardium and non-infarcted myocardium. • Radiomics analysis of ECV could discriminate reversible from irreversible myocardial injury. • Radiomics TA analysis shows a promising similarity with LGE findings which could aid the prognosis of myocardial infarction patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Petrol pump workers are exposed to fumes emanated during petrol filling and vehicular exhaust thus falling prey to several respiratory diseases. Objectives: To assess the awareness and prevalence of respiratory morbidities among petrol pump workers of selected petrol pumps in Bangalore. Methodology: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 158 petrol pump workers from 11 selected pumps in Bengaluru. Following IEC approval, the baseline socio-demographic data, knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities and current morbidity pattern were ascertained. Medical examination and Peak Expiratory Flow rate (PEFR) was estimated. Results: The 158 workers were all male, mostly between 18-27 years (65.19%) and high school educated (49.37%). Knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities was 56%, while prevalence of respiratory morbidity was 61%. Those workers who had completed their higher education (>10th standard), earning monthly income (>Rs. 5000) had better knowledge regarding respiratory morbidities. Recommendation: Pre-employment and regular medical examination including lung function tests and promotion of use of PPEs to be implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]