Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae identified as the main aetiological agent of respiratory disease in goats from a case-control study in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR.

Clinical signs of respiratory disease are common in Lao goats. To identify the causative agents involved in this clinical syndrome, a matched case-control study was conducted across 70 smallholder goat holdings in Savannakhet province. Fifty paired nasal swab samples were collected from goats with respiratory signs (cases) and unaffected (control) goats from 27 goat holdings.

Prevalence and associated factors of dental anxiety among adults attending public outpatient dental clinic in the Eastern Province, Sri Lanka.

Background: Dental anxiety has become a major concern for both dental practitioners and patients and prevents a significant proportion of people from attending dental clinics. The present study aimed to determine dental anxiety and associated factors among adult patients attending a public outpatient dental clinic in a base hospital, in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka.

Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults aged 18 to 75 years awaiting dental treatment.

Case-control study to identify the causative agents of ophthalmia and conjunctivitis in goats in Savannakhet province of Lao PDR.

Pinkeye is a highly contagious disease of goats with different aetiologies. Surveys in Lao PDR have identified eye lesions typical of pinkeye as a common condition, however, this has not been confirmed diagnostically, and the responsible pathogens have not been identified. A matched case-control study was implemented in 70 goat holdings from Savannakhet province, Lao PDR, to detect agents causing pinkeye and conduct phylogenetic analysis of the identified pathogens.

Impact of oral care intervention on quality of life of patients with oral cancer undergoing radiotherapy in Sri Lanka: A quasi-experimental study.

Background: Radiotherapy is used to treat oral cancer, yet it negatively affects patients' health-related quality of life (HRQOL). The aim was to evaluate the impact of an oral healthcare intervention on HRQOL of patients with oral cancer who receive radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy.

Methods: An oral healthcare intervention was provided to 41 patients with oral cancer before radiotherapy (fluoride varnish application, scaling, permanent restorations, adjustment of sharp teeth, and extraction of teeth with questionable prognosis, oral hygiene instructions), during, and 3 months after radiotherapy (baking soda mouthwash, artificial saliva spray).

Professionally applied fluorides for preventing and arresting dental caries in low- and middle-income countries: Systematic review.

Objectives: This systematic review aimed to review the safety and effectiveness of professionally applied fluorides for preventing and arresting dental caries in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: Randomized controlled trials conducted in LMICs, in which professionally applied fluorides were compared with placebo/no treatment/health education only or usual care with a minimum one-year follow-up period, were included. Any topically applied fluoride agents such as sodium fluoride (NaF), acidulated phosphate fluoride, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), and nano silver fluoride (NSF) were included.