Emmanuel Hospital Association

Practical periodontics by Kenneth A. Eaton and Philip Ower is a comprehensive guide aimed at dental hygiene and therapy students, general dentists, and specialists in periodontics. The second edition of this book focuses on evidence-based concepts and practical applications in the field of periodontology. With a structure that takes the reader through the anatomy, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment planning of periodontal diseases, it offers an in-depth look into the complexities of managing periodontal health. The book is well-structured, with seven key sections. It begins with an introduction to the aetiology of periodontal diseases, emphasising the importance of understanding periodontal anatomy and the factors contributing to disease development. Subsequent sections guide the reader through diagnosis, prognosis, treatment planning, non-surgical and surgical management, and the interactions between periodontics and other dental disciplines. The inclusion of topics like mucogingival conditions, systemic diseases related to periodontitis, and dental implants broadens its appeal to professionals seeking to update their clinical knowledge. A particularly strong aspect of this book is its focus on practical skills. The authors include many figures, tables, and key points that make it a valuable resource for both students and practising clinicians. Additionally, the book provides access to online resources like videos, case studies, and revision questions, which add value for learners preparing for exams. Overall, Practical periodontics successfully balances theoretical knowledge and practical application, making it an excellent resource for its intended audience. The book's attention to current research and emphasis on evidence-based practice ensures that it remains relevant in today's clinical environment.

The wrong end of a recurring stick COMMENT Submit your Letters to the Editor via the online submission system: https://mts-bdj.nature.com/cgi-bin/main.plex. Priority will be given to letters less than 500 words long including any references. Authors must sign the letter, which may be edited for reasons of space or clarity.

PurposeCommunity-based workers promote mental health in communities. Recent literature has called for more attention to the ways they operate and the strategies used. For example, how do they translate biomedical concepts into frameworks that are acceptable and accessible to communities? How do micro-innovations lead to positive mental health outcomes, including social inclusion and recovery? The aim of this study was to examine the types of skills and strategies to address social dimensions of mental health used by community health workers (CHWs) working together with people with psychosocial disability (PPSD) in urban north India.MethodsWe interviewed CHWs (n = 46) about their registered PPSD who were randomly selected from 1000 people registered with a local non-profit community mental health provider. Notes taken during interviews were cross-checked with audio recordings and coded and analyzed thematically.ResultsCHWs displayed social, cultural, and psychological skills in forming trusting relationships and in-depth knowledge of the context of their client's lives and family dynamics. They used this information to analyze political, social, and economic factors influencing mental health for the client and their family members. The diverse range of analysis and intervention skills of community health workers built on contextual knowledge to implement micro-innovations in a be-spoke way, applying these to the local ecology of people with psychosocial disabilities (PPSD). These approaches contributed to addressing the social and structural determinants that shaped the mental health of PPSD.ConclusionCommunity health workers (CHWs) in this study addressed social aspects of mental health, individually, and by engaging with wider structural factors. The micro-innovations of CHWs are dependent on non-linear elements, including local knowledge, time, and relationships. Global mental health requires further attentive qualitative research to consider how these, and other factors shape the work of CHWs in different locales to inform locally appropriate mental health care.

Background:People who inject drugs are vastly over-represented, often accounting for 50% of prison inmates, so, the transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV) and tuberculosis (TB) is a serious problem in many prison systems. The prevalence of HCV infection is so disproportionately high in the correctional population that one in four detainees worldwide is living with HCV and the story is similar for HIV.Objective:The objective of the study is to find the prevalence of HIV, HCV and dual HIV-HCV infection in the prison inmates.Materials and Methods:A sample of 1569 jail inmates was assessed, after obtaining formal approval from the ethical committee for assessment of the medical record of subjects, to know sero-positivity for HIV and HCV. The data generated is then analysed.Results:The results show a very high point prevalence of HIV (10.0%) and HCV (31.6%) in the jail inmates, which is 40 and 30 times higher, respectively, as compared to the national average. A staggering 8.5% of the inmates were found to be positive for both viruses. The sero-prevalence for mono-infection for HCV (23.1%) is found to be significantly higher compared to HIV (1.5%). The infection rate of HCV was found to be three times higher compared to HIV.Conclusions:Substantially high prevalence of HIV, HCV and dual HIV-HCV infection exists in the prison inmates. Data suggests high virulence for HCV compared to HIV, as both viruses have common routes of transmission. There is an urgent need to keep a constant check on the intravenous drug usage (IDU) in the prisons that is linked to the common transmission of both these blood-borne viruses.

This paper analyses the role of the Parthian Empire in the Silk Road trade between China and the Roman Empire. It examines Parthian, Roman and Chinese sources to achieve a better understanding of its importance for trade contacts along the Silk Road. As the analysis will show, Roman and Chinese sources differ greatly in their interpretation of the role the Parthians played within these trade networks, and they shed light on different aspects of the relationships, be it trade or otherwise.

ABSTRACTIndia has 600 million young people, more than any other country in the world. Mental illness is the leading burden of disease for young people, and those affected experience restrictions in social participation that compromise recovery. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of a peer-led, community-based, participatory group intervention on social inclusion and mental health among 142 young people affected by psycho-social disability (PSD) in Dehradun district, Uttarakhand. Qualitative data were obtained via in-depth interviews and focus-group discussions. A realist evaluation identified contextual factors, mechanisms and outcomes to develop the programme theory. Group participants described intermediate outcomes including establishment of new peer friendship networks, increased community participation, greater self-efficacy (for young women particularly), and improved public image (for young men) that are likely to have contributed to the primary outcomes of greater (self-perceived) social inclusion and improved mental health (as assessed quantitatively). Mechanisms were identified that explain the link between intervention and outcomes. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of a brief intervention to improve mental health and social inclusion for young people with PSD and are potentially relevant to programme implementers and policy-makers working with young people and promoting social inclusion, in other low- and middle-income settings.