Bio-ceramics application in Dentistry

Bioceramics have gained significant attention in dentistry due to their unique properties, including biocompatibility, osseointegration, and tissue regeneration. Therefore, it is of interest to report the various applications of bioceramics in dentistry, their advantages, limitations, and future considerations. Bio-ceramics such as zirconia and hydroxyapatite offer high biocompatibility and durability for dental application. They support bone integration for implants, resist wear, and mimic natural tooth aesthetics. Used in crowns, bridges, and fillings, bio-ceramics enhance healing and are pivotal in restorative and reconstructive dental procedures.

Evaluation of a Rapid Urine Antigen Detection Assay as a Point-of-Care Test in the Diagnosis of Community-Acquired Pneumonia

Introduction Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is among the most common public health problems encountered throughout the world. CAP is a frequent cause of lower respiratory tract infections among children and geriatric-age persons. The etiology of CAP is complex but generally involves infection with bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae (S. pneumoniae), which is the most common cause of CAP. The underdiagnosis of CAP due to the limitations of conventional culture methods could be responsible for severe morbidity and mortality, especially among susceptible populations. We evaluated the usefulness of a rapid immunochromatographic test (BinaxNOW™, Abbott, Chicago, IL) that detects S. pneumoniae through a rapid urine antigen test (RUAT) as a point-of-care (POC) diagnostic method in the early detection of CAP. Methods A prospective study was conducted in a university-affiliated teaching hospital between January 2019 and September 2019 (nine months). The study recruited 300 inpatients who revealed signs and symptoms associated with pneumonia. The study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and all participants provided their voluntary informed consent. Laboratory evaluation included the collection of sputum samples, which were processed for Gram stain and routine culture. Five milliliters of blood were collected from all the subjects for carrying out a blood culture. A urine sample was collected from each participant for the detection of S. pneumoniae through the point-of-care urinary antigen test. Results Of the 300 patients diagnosed with CAP, the S. pneumoniae RUAT was positive in 110 out of 140 cases of pneumococcal pneumoniae (78.57%). The RUAT results were positive for 20 (66.6%) out of 30 bacteremic patients and for 90 (81.8%) out of 110 patients positive for sputum culture. The RUAT was positive in 10 out of 20 cases of pneumonia with an unknown microbial etiology. The overall sensitivity (78.57%), specificity (100%), positive predictive value (100%), negative predictive value (98.88%), and accuracy (90%) of the RUAT were similar to sputum culture results.  Conclusion The RUAT has shown comparable efficacy with sputum culture and therefore can be used as a complementary approach to conventional methods in the early diagnosis of CAP caused by S. pneumoniae. Due to its ease of use and rapid results, it could be incorporated as a POC diagnostic test.

Is Abdominal Cocoon a Sequela in Recovered Cases of Severe COVID-19?

Abdominal cocoon is one of the rare causes of intestinal obstruction mostly diagnosed at the operating table. Its etiology is primarily unknown but can be secondary to known causes. The involvement of the gastrointestinal (GI) system was a common feature during the second wave of COVID-19, and at present, there are reports of GI symptoms in patients who have completely recovered from COVID-19. Abdominal cocoon formation has been reported during the active stage of COVID-19 but not as its sequela. We report two cases with a high degree of suspicion of abdominal cocoon formation in middle-aged individuals with no comorbidities, who recovered from a severe form of COVID-19.