Inferior alveolar nerve block 2% mepivacaine versus 4% articaine – trial

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This well conducted randomised controlled trial assessed inferior alveolar nerve block (IANB) success of 2% mepivacaine and 4% articaine in patients with symptomatic irreversible pulpitis (SIP) in mandibular molars during access cavity preparation and instrumentation.

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Nicotine replacement therapy – oral side effects

For inpatients with psychiatric symptoms of moderate severity, the study suggests those using nicotine inhalers were most successful overall in their quit attempts. There were no severe adverse reactions to the NRTs.

This review of the evidence on possible association between locally delivered nicotine replacement therapy(NRT) and oral side effects included 28 RCTs. Most of the RCTs were at high risk of bias mainly because of allocation concealment concerns. Reported oral side effects including oral soreness, gastric reflux or vomiting, and mouth or throat irritation.

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Mindfulness in schools: MYRIAD trial findings offer limited support for school based mindfulness training

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Lucinda Powell reports on the findings of the huge MYRIAD (My Resilience in Adolescence) project, which looked at the effectiveness of school based mindfulness training across more than 100 UK schools.

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Navigating the long-term effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): a qualitative meta-synthesis

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Amelia Talbot reviews a qualitative meta-synthesis on the long-term effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) reported by people who have received it.

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Articaine: Safety and efficacy compared to lidocaine

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This review assessing the safety and efficacy of articaine for routine dental treatment compared to lidocaine included 12 RCTs involving a total of 919 patients. The findings indicate that articaine is is a safe and efficacious local anaesthetic for all routine dental procedures.

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Intraoral stents to reduce oral toxicity of radiotherapy

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This review assessing the effectiveness of intraoral stents in reducing toxicities in oral cavity induced by radiotherapy in head and neck region included 7 small studies. While the analysis suggests a beneficial effect from the use of intraoral stents the included studies only provide verylow certainty evidence so further high-quality RCTs are needed.

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Antidepressants and psychotherapy for adolescent depression: can they be compared? #ActiveIngredientsMH

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Catherine Harmer summarises a recent network meta-analysis relating to her own Wellcome Trust funded research into antidepressants for young people with anxiety or depression.

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Third molars: Which local anaesthetic is most suitable for inferior alveolar nerve blocks?

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This review comparing the efficacy and safety of currently available local anaesthetics for lower third molar extraction included 24 RCTs. The findings suggest that 4% articaine was the most effective and lidocaine the safest.

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Problematic smartphone use: what are the consequences for teens and their screens?

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Lucinda Powell explores a recent systematic review and meta-analysis which finds that problematic smartphone use in young people is associated with poorer mental health.

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Are antidepressants safe? A new umbrella review of observational studies suggests they are, but we need more accurate data

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Andrea Cipriani and Anneka Tomlinson scrutinise a brand new umbrella review of the associations between antidepressants and adverse health outcomes, which suggests that antidepressants are safe for most people who experience mental health difficulties.

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