A salivary sensor for the management of xerostomia in edentulous patients

This article describes a method for managing xerostomia in edentulous patients with a newly developed salivary sensor. A micropressure sensor unit with a capsule to hold artificial salivary substitute was built into the dental prosthesis. This sensor prosthesis can help patients overcome mouth dryness, improves patient comfort, and aids in retention of the prosthesis.     

Prosthetic Status and Treatment Needs of Prisoners in Central Prison, Chennai

Prisoners who are entangled in legal matters and imprisonment are isolated from family members and other social activities and rarely give attention to their general health and oral health. The present study aims to assess the prosthetic status and treatment needs of prisoners in Central Prison, Chennai. A cross-sectional epidemiological survey was conducted in Central Prison, Chennai. The study population consisted of 1,060 prisoners from three divisions of the Central Prison. A single examiner assessed the prosthetic status of the prisoners according to WHO specifications. The present study shows that among males, 2.3 % of the subjects had bridge, 1.2 % had partial denture in the upper jaw, 0.8 % had bridge and 0.4 % had partial denture in the lower jaw. Among females, 8.6 % had partial denture in the upper jaw and 5.7 % had partial denture in the lower jaw. This study shows that edentulousness was a common problem among the prisoners. The prosthetic needs of this group of people should be delivered with the services of a prosthodontist in the prison settings. Oral health care facilities should be incorporated in prison settings which would intercept the progress of dental diseases and thus minimize tooth loss.     

Dynamics of the Occurrence of Influenza in Relation to Seasonal Variation in Chennai,Tamil Nadu: A 7 -Year Cumulative Study

Background: Influenza viruses have emerged as virulent pathogens causing considerable burden across the world. A thorough understanding of the pattern in occurrence of influenza globally is the need of hour. The present study deals with analysis of the dynamics of Influenza virus, especially the influence of seasonal change on viral circulation and causation of epidemics/pandemics in the context of subtropical region. Methods: During the 7 year (2009–2015) study, 36670 specimens were subjected to influenza analysis. Nasopharyngeal swabs collected from suspected patients from Chennai, Tamil Nadu, were tested and typed by real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: During 2009 pandemic, among influenza A positives 95.16% were Apdm09, indicating that there was a predominant circulation of Apdm09. During postpandemic period, there were waves in the occurrence of Apdm09 which indicates fall in immunity with buildup in the susceptible population. Conclusion: In Chennai, Tamil Nadu, influenza positivity started with the onset of monsoon and peaks during the postmonsoon months throughout the study period. The assessment of meteorological factors compounding influenza activity can help in raising alerts to the public health officials of impending disaster which suggests that Influenza vaccination can be initiated before monsoon months in South India.