Silver Diamine Fluoride Protocol for Reducing Preventable Dental Hospitalisations in Victorian Children

IntroductionThis study was designed to assess whether a dental caries management protocol combining a single application of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) with comprehensive oral health education will successfully divert high-risk children from dental treatment under dental general anaesthesia (DGA), arrest active caries in primary teeth, and improve parent-reported child oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL).MethodsChildren aged 2 to 10 years, who attended two public dental agencies in Victoria, Australia, and were unable to tolerate restorative treatments in the clinic setting, elected to participate in either a 38% SDF intervention protocol or, alternatively, referral for DGA. Follow-up examinations were completed at 6 months to assess caries progression, decayed missing filled tooth index, PUFA index (pulpal involvement, ulceration, fistula, abscess), DGA referral rates, and OHRQoL (Early Childhood Oral Health Impact Scale [ECOHIS]).ResultsOf the total sample, 89.5% of children (n = 102) [mean (SD) age, 4.1 (1.0) years] with 401 active carious lesions elected to participate in the 38% SDF protocol; 10.5% (n = 12) of parents opted for referral for treatment under DGA. The proportion of active caries subsequently arrested at follow-up (number of arrested lesions/number of lesions treated) was 0.78 (95% CI, 0.69 to 0.87). There was an 88% reduction in referrals for DGA in eligible children over the 6-month period. The 38% SDF intervention group showed a significant improvement in ECOHIS scores at follow-up (P < .001).DiscussionAdoption of the 38% SDF intervention protocol resulted in a significant reduction in the rate of preventable dental hospitalisations. Most parents opted against referral for DGA. Parent-reported OHRQoL for children improved significantly.     

Overview of CF lung pathophysiology

Defects of the cystic fibrosis (CF) transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein affect the homeostasis of chloride, bicarbonate, sodium, and water in the airway surface liquid, influencing the mucus composition and viscosity, which induces a severe condition of infection and inflammation along the whole life of CF patients. The introduction of CFTR modulators, novel drugs directly intervening to rescue the function of CFTR protein, opens a new era of experimental research. The review summarizes the most recent advancements to understand the characteristics of the infective and inflammatory pathology of CF lungs.     

The effect of ethanol or long-time reaction on the diatom test in water samples using sodium hypochlorite

BackgroundThe diatom test method using sodium hypochlorite (NaClO) was equivalent to the conventional method in water samples. However, the method using NaClO was inferior to the conventional method in lung samples, in which ethanol was used and the reaction with NaClO was longer compared with the method in water samples. Using water samples, we aimed to clarify whether these differences affect the diatom test result.Materials and methodsThirteen water samples from natural water sources were each divided into four parts corresponding to four (2 × 2) digestion methods: 3 “digestion” vs. 1 “digestion” and with ethanol vs. without ethanol. After the base-2 logarithmic transformation, the diatom counts were analyzed using three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); factor 1 was “digestion times,” factor 2 was “ethanol,” and factor 3 was “sample number,” and the interaction between factors 1 and 2 was also analyzed.ResultsThe geometric means of the diatoms from the 3 “digestion” with ethanol method, the 3 “digestion” without ethanol method, the 1 “digestion” with ethanol method, and the 1 “digestion” without ethanol method were 373.5, 551.8, 436.6, and 522.0, respectively. ANOVA showed a significant difference in factor 2 (P = 1.7 × 10^-4). There was no significant difference in factor 1 (P = 0.46), and no significant interaction between factors 1 and 2 (P = 0.13).ConclusionEthanol may decrease the diatom count in the diatom test using NaClO. In contrast, the diatom frustules do not dissolve through three-times digestion using NaClO.     

关节镜清理术联合透明质酸钠治疗膝骨性关节炎的效果

目的探讨关节镜清理术联合透明质酸钠治疗膝骨性关节炎患者的效果。方法100例膝骨性关节炎患者随机分为两组各50例,对照组采用关节镜清理术治疗,实验组采用关节镜清理术联合透明质酸钠治疗,比较两组的关节液炎性因子水平、膝关节功能以及疼痛情况。结果治疗后,实验组的TNF-α、IL-6、IL-8水平均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。治疗1个月、3个月、6个月后,实验组的Lysholm评分均显著高于对照组,VAS评分均显著低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论关节镜清理术联合透明质酸钠治疗膝骨性关节炎可降低患者关节液炎性因子水平,改善膝关节功能,减轻疼痛。     

Indirect caries‐preventive effect of silver diamine fluoride on adjacent dental substrate: A single‐section demineralization study

This study assessed the indirect effect of 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on demineralization of adjacent untreated sound and pre‐demineralized enamel and dentine using a single‐section model for digital transverse microradiography (TMR‐D). Forty‐eight bovine dentine single sections were demineralized, stratified (n = 12) according to integrated mineral loss (ΔZ), and treated with SDF or deionized water (DIW). Each “treated dentine” section was attached between untreated sound and pre‐demineralized enamel or dentine and then subjected to demineralization. ΔZ and lesion depths (LD) of all specimens at baseline, 24 and 48 h demineralization, and after treatment of “treated dentine” were quantified using TMR‐D. Fluoride in the demineralization solution of SDF clusters was determined using an ion‐selective electrode. ΔZ and LD of sound and ΔZ of pre‐demineralized enamel adjacent to SDF‐treated dentine did not increase over time. All untreated dentine demineralized significantly; however, ΔZ of sound dentine adjacent to SDF‐treated specimen was still significantly lower than control. SDF‐treated dentine remineralized and released fluoride even after 48 h. Consistent with clinical findings, when applied only to demineralized teeth in this chemical model, 38% SDF completely inhibited demineralization in adjacent untreated sound enamel. Demineralization prevention was observed to a lesser extent in adjacent pre‐demineralized enamel but not in dentine.     

Silver Diamine Fluoride: Extending the spectrum of Preventive Dentistry,a literature review

Dental caries continues to be a severe oral health problem despite a decrease in its prevalence over the past few decades. The contemporary philosophy of caries management has shifted from the traditional approach to a newer medical one, that frequently includes utilization of fluoridated and antimicrobial agents. Among these different agents, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)¹ has gained significant recognition. Dr Nishino and Dr Yamaga in Japan, pioneered its application to arrest caries. It is an alkaline, colourless solution composed of diamine-silver and fluoride ions having silver's antibacterial and fluoride's remineralising property. It has been used successfully to arrest and prevent caries in deciduous and permanent teeth, prevent recurrence of secondary caries and treat dentinal hypersensitivity. No adverse systemic effects due to SDF have been noted although black discolouration following its application has raised concerns. When used wisely it is an effective, sustainable and inexpensive option for children with high caries risk, for individuals who cannot endure conventional modalities of restorative treatment and those with special health-care needs. The current review is an insight into the clinical significance and application of SDF based on published literature.     

Four cases of sodium nitrite suicidal ingestion: A new trend and a relevant Forensic Pathology and Toxicology challenge

Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂) is an inorganic compound commonly used as a food additive, antifreeze admixture, and fertilizer. Its toxicity mechanism is mainly represented by the oxidation of ferrous iron to ferric iron of one of the four heme structures in haemoglobin with the onset of methaemoglobin. The mechanism of death by sodium nitrite toxicity is severe hypoxia. We present four cases of suicidal sodium nitrite ingestion that closely occurred within a two months-period. Self-poisoning with sodium nitrite actually represents an increasing trend in nitrates’ related deaths. In order to reach a precise diagnosis of NaNO₂ intoxication, a complete toxicological analysis should be carried out including not only MetHb blood levels but also nitrites and nitrites in standard or alternative matrices as a routine procedure. Autopsy should be carefully performed to detect common indicators of hypoxia or more rarely evident typical by themselves-non specific signs of sodium nitrite toxicity. Suicidal manner of death should be carefully considered when circumstantial data support that ingestion of large amounts of NaNO₂ occurred as a consequence of a self-injurious behaviour. Relevant informations include victim’s previous Internet or book researches about paths to follow to commit suicide with sodium nitrate, employment and past medical history, with strong regard to psychiatric diseases as well as eventual taking psycotropic drugs.Finally, an accurate integration of autoptic and toxicological results with circumstantial data is necessary to make correct diagnosis of death due to acute respiratory failure secondary to suicidal sodium nitrite ingestion.     

发作性睡病的药物治疗进展

发作性睡病是致残性白天睡眠增多的最常见原因之一，其治疗旨在减少白天睡眠增多和猝倒，改善夜间睡眠紊乱、睡眠瘫痪及与睡眠有关的幻觉。2019年，组胺H3受体拮抗剂替洛利生（Pitolisant）和多巴胺及去甲肾上腺素再摄取抑制剂索利氨酯（Solriamfetol）分别在欧盟和美国上市，前者具有促醒和抗猝倒作用，后者也有促醒作用，且戒断症状和滥用的发生率更低。目前，控释型羟丁酸钠（FT218）、低钠型羟丁酸盐（JZP-258）、选择性去甲肾上腺素再摄取抑制剂（瑞波西汀，又称AXS-12）以及莫达非尼联合氟卡尼制剂（THN102）等药物仍在开发和测试中，均可作为治疗发作性睡病相关白天睡眠增多和猝倒的潜在药物。本文重点介绍这些最近研发的发作性睡病治疗药物。     

Pediatric bowel preparation: Sodium picosulfate,magnesium oxide,citric acid vs polyethylene glycol,a randomized trial

BACKGROUND Bowel preparation in children can be challenging.AIM To describe the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of sodium picosulfate, magnesium oxide, and citric acid(SPMC) bowel preparation in children.METHODS Phase 3, randomized, assessor-blinded, multicenter study of low-volume, divided dose SPMC enrolled children 9-16 years undergoing elective colonoscopy. Participants 9-12 years were randomized 1:1:1 to SPMC ? dose × 2, SPMC 1 dose × 2, or polyethylene glycol(PEG). Participants 13-16 years were randomized 1:1 to SPMC 1 dose × 2 or PEG. PEG-based bowel preparations were administered per local protocol. Primary efficacy endpoint for quality of bowel preparation was responders(rating of ‘excellent' or ‘good') by modified Aronchick Scale. Secondary efficacy endpoint was participant's tolerability and satisfaction from a 7-item questionnaire. Safety assessments included adverse events(AEs) and laboratory evaluations.RESULTS 78 participants were randomized, 48 were 9-12 years, 30 were 13-16 years. For the primary efficacy endpoint in 9-12 years, 50.0%, 87.5%, and 81.3% were responders for SPMC ? dose × 2, SPMC 1 dose × 2, and PEG groups, respectively. Responder rates for 13-16 years were 81.3% for SPMC 1 dose × 2 and 85.7% for PEG. Overall, 43.8% of participants receiving SPMC 1 dose × 2 reported it was ‘very easy' or ‘easy' to drink, compared with 20.0% receiving PEG. Treatment-emergent AEs were reported by 45.5% of participants receiving SPMC 1 dose × 2 and 63.0% receiving PEG.CONCLUSION SPMC was an efficacious and safe for bowel preparation in children 9-16 years, with comparable efficacy to PEG. Tolerability for SPMC was higher compared to PEG.