Sociodemography, Oral Health Status and Behaviours Related to Oral Health Literacy

Abstract Objective: To assess the relationships of socio-demography, self-reported oral health status, and behaviour with oral health literacy (OHL) among adults. Material and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted during a mega carnival in Kuala Lumpur. Socio-demographic, oral health status, and oral health behaviour data were obtained using a questionnaire, and OHL was determined by a validated Malay version of the 14 items Health Literacy in Dentistry Scale (HeLD-14). A total of 165 data of participating adults were tested using Pearson's correlation, Independent t-test and One-way ANOVA with a significance level set at p<0.05 Results: The mean age of participants was 30.4 years (S.D. 9.7 years). Malay HeLD-14 scores were higher among those who were from better socio-economic class (household income within the top 20% of the population) (p<0.005) those with good self-reported oral health status (good oral health status, no active caries) (p<0.005) and those with good oral health behaviours (brushed daily, flossed daily, does not vape) (p<0.05) Conclusion: Household income, self-reported oral health status, and behaviours were significantly associated with oral health literacy. Therefore, oral health literacy assessment is vital to help tailor appropriate oral health education and care.

Comparative evaluation of the effect of a resin modified glass ionomer cement universal adhesive on the shear bond strength of glass ionomer cements

The present study compared and evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) of two types of glass ionomer cement (GIC), Riva Self Cure HVTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia) and GC Fuji IX GP EXTRATM (GC America Inc., Alsip, USA) with and without the use of Riva Bond LCTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia), a lighted cured resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) universal adhesive. Sixty extracted sound premolars with prepared exposure of the dentine on the occlusal surface were randomly assigned into four groups according to the tested restorative materials. Shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed by using the Shimadzu Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute, and the values obtained were statistically analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The inter-group comparison showed statistically significant differences in the SBS values between all the test groups (p 80%) compared to higher cohesive failures found in the non-adhesive groups (>86%). A Spearman's rho correlation test performed to determine the association between SBS values and mode of failures had indicated positive correlations between the adhesive failure and SBS values in the adhesive groups (rs=0.86, p<0.001; rs=0.85, p<0.001) and the cohesive failure and SBS values in the non-adhesive groups (rs=0.87, p<0.001). These findings support the improvement in adhesion of GICs to tooth structure with the use of RMGIC adhesive.

In-vitro comparative study of marginal leakage and penetration ability of moisture-tolerant and conventional resin-based pit and fissure sealants with different surface preparations

This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the marginal leakage and penetration ability of a moisture-tolerant (Embrace WetBondTM) and a conventional (ClinproTM) resin-based sealants under three different enamel surface preparations (acid etched, acid etched and saliva contaminated and bur preparation and acid etched). One hundred and twenty extracted caries free human premolars teeth were cleaned and randomly divided into six groups of equal numbers, according to the type of sealants used and surface preparations. All the sealed teeth were subjected to thermocycling and immersed in a methylene blue dye. Each tooth was then embedded into acrylic resin before it was sectioned into four sections per tooth. Marginal leakage and unfilled surface area (indicating penetration depth of resin) were then measured using an optical 3D measurement device (Alicona Infinite Focus®). Both sealants exhibited comparable proportion of marginal leakage on acid etched only surfaces. Moisture-tolerant sealant showed the least proportion of marginal leakage on bur prepared and etched surfaces. Presence of saliva has detrimental effect on adhesion of both sealants. Nevertheless, depth of penetration of sealant into the fissures is comparable with both sealant types irrespective of the surface preparations.

Pharmacology of Ativisha, Musta and their substitutes.

The Ayurvedic literature during the medieval period suggests the use of Musta (Cyperus rotundus), a common weed, as a pratinidhi dravya (substitute) for Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), an endangered species. Contemporary Ayurvedic practice also uses Cryptocoryne spiralis, (known as Naattu Atividayam in South India) and Nagaramusta (Cyperus scariosus) as substitutes for Ativisha and Musta, respectively. This article reviews published literature on the pharmacology of the above four species. Both A. heterophyllum and C. rotundus are reported to possess antiinflammatory, antipyretic, antibacterial and antidiarrhoeal properties, while antiinflammatory and antibacterial activities are attributed to C. scariosus. No reports exist on the bioactivity of Cryptocoryne spiralis. It is interesting to note that other than the veerya which is different, the biological properties of Ativisha and Musta are similar according to Ayurvedic classification of dravyaguna. This is also supported by modern pharmacological studies, which show that, both A. heterophyllum and C. rotundus have antidiarrheal, antipyretic, antiinflammatory, antihyperlipidemic and hypoglycemic activities. However, the similarities between the discussed species cannot be attributed to their phytochemical composition or taxonomical classification as these are quite distinct. The dravyaguna method of classifying materials, which we are calling as “pharmaco‑taxonomy”, offers a unique way of classifying those plant materials which lack similarity at the botanical or chemical level, but are similar at the level of biological functions.

Abhava pratinidhi dravya: A comparative phytochemistry of Ativisha, Musta and related species.

Authentic Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum) is a rare, endangered Himalayan species. Ayurveda classical texts of c. 15th–16th century, introduced “abhava‑pratinidhi dravya” concept, wherein Ativisha was categorized as an abhava dravya (unavailable drug) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus) was suggested as a pratinidhi dravya (substitute) for it. C. rotundus is a weed, abundantly available pan‑India. Cryptocoryne spiralis (Naattu Athividayam) and Cyperus scariosus (Nagarmotha) are also traded as Ativisha and Musta, respectively. Yet, there are no scientific studies to validate the use of substitutes. A. heterophyllum bears no similarity in terms of botanical classification with the other candidates. This article reviews published literature with an emphasis to look for similar phytochemicals or groups of phytochemicals in the species that could contribute to similar pharmacological activities, thereby supporting the drug substitution from a bio‑medical perspective. Alkaloids like atisine were found to be the main focus of studies on A. heterophyllum, whereas for the Cyperus spp., it was terpenoids like cyperene. Although alkaloids and terpenoids were reported from both species, alkaloids in C. rotundus and terpenoids in A. heterophyllum were minor constituents. Reports on phytochemicals on Cryptocoryne spiralis and C. scariosus were very limited. Despite no significant similarities in chemical profiles reported, the dravyaguna (Ayurvedic drug classification) of Ativisha and Musta was quite similar warranting further exploration into the bio‑functional aspects of the drug materials.

Oligodontia: challenges in dental rehabilitation

Oligodontia, although rare, may have significant impact on the quality of life of those affected with it. Provision of restorative treatment for these patients can be very challenging and demanding for clinicians, especially during the active growth phase. Nevertheless, the dental needs of these patients are real and should be addressed appropriately. The present case report described a restorative rehabilitative plan and execution of different restorative treatment modalities in a 14-year-old patient with oligodontia. The challenges faced in the provision of dental care were highlighted. The treatment outcome showed a positive psychological impact on the well-being of the patient based on parental observations.

Multiple supernumerary teeth in a child with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome: a rare feature

Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome is a multiple anomalies congenital disorder characterised by broad thumb and halluces, facial dysmorphism with mental and growth retardation. Oral features include small mouth, retro and micronagthic jaws, highly arched and narrow palate. Dental anomalies such as teeth with talon cusps and screwdriver shaped permanent incisors together with crowded teeth are common features in these patients. Although hyperdontia is said to be one of the features of this condition, nevertheless, presence of multiple supernumerary teeth has never been documented. This report highlighted a case of an eleven-year-old boy with Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome referred for unerupted permanent incisors who exhibited multiple supernumerary teeth radiographically.

Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies on Ayurvedic drugs Ativisha and Musta

The study include the establishment of pharmacognostic and phytochemical characters of Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. ex Royle, Ranunculaceae) and to compare them with its substitutes, Cyperus rotundus L. (Musta), C. scariosus R. Br., Cyperaceae, and Cryptocoryne spiralis (Retz.) Fisch. ex Wydler, Araceae (Country Ativisha). Morphology of the four species was compared in authentic samples collected from the field. We performed histological, histochemical, phytochemical tests, using standard protocols. HPLC studies were done on aqueous extracts of samples in a Shimadzu HPLC system and the peaks were observed at 254 nm. Pharmacognostic characterization of Ativisha and others was done as completely as possible. On basis of histochemical analyses revealed the presence of alkaloid, terpenoid-alkaloid complex, lipids and calcium oxalate majorly. There was less than 50% similarity between Ativisha and the other three species in microscopic characters. There was greater similarity (87%) between the two Cyperus species. The phytochemical studies, on the other hand, showed less similarity (79.2%) between the two Cyperus species. There was greater phytochemical similarity (84.6%) between Aconitum and Cryptocoryne, which justifies the name "Country Ativisha" for the latter. Based on anatomical and histochemical analysis, structural as well as chemical parameters helpful in distinguishing Ativisha from the other three species were established. The phytochemical profiles showed that A. heterophyllum and Cyperus species have five common HPLC peaks which may explain some of their common therapeutic activities. Ativisha and Cryptocoryne show greater phytochemical similarities to one another and this explains why the latter is used in Siddha system of medicine as country Ativisha.

Complicated crown root fracture treatment option: a case report

Complicated crown-root fractures are rare and often need complex treatment planning. This paper describes a simplified treatment option for a complicated crown root fracture that minimally encroached into the biologic region in a growing child without the need for surgery or orthodontic treatment.

Bilateral accessory central cusp of 2nd deciduous molar: an unusual occurrence

Presence of accessory cusp on the occlusal surface of a tooth may occasionally pose problems to dentists’. Although its presents may not be a cause for alarm in most instances, nevertheless it can lead to serious consequences if it is damaged. This report describes a rare finding of bilateral central accessory cusp seen on the occlusal surface of both the 2nd maxillary deciduous molars and the need for continuous dental surveillance and preventive measures have been highlighted.

Carcinoma prostate with penile metastases. A case report.

Prostatic carcinoma metastasizing to the penis is rare. The prognosis is also poor. A case of carcinoma prostate with penile metastases where successful palliation was achieved with external radiation therapy is reported.

Status of long absentees among multibacillary leprosy patients admitted to a controlled clinical study.

Of 210 multibacillary leprosy patients who were admitted to a trial of two drug regimens, fifty-seven were excluded from efficacy analysis at 120 months for various reasons. Thirty-three of these patients were identified as long absentees. Efforts were made to contact these patients through letters and home visits to assess their clinical and bacteriological status and to find out the reasons for default. Twenty-one patients were thus retrieved. Only one patient was found to be having active disease requiring treatment; the rest were clinically inactive and bacteriologically negative.

A double-blind controlled clinical trial to assess the role of anti-histamines in the treatment of multi-bacillary leprosy.

A double blind controlled clinical trial to assess the role of anti-histamines as a supplement in the treatment of leprosy was conducted in multi-bacillary cases of leprosy. In all, 120 patients with lepromatous or borderline leprosy were randomly allocated to a regimen of clofazimine and dapsone for 12 months with or without a supplement of pheniramine maleate for the first 3 months. During the 12-month period, 92% of the patients who received the supplement and 86% of the patients who had not received it had moderate or marked clinical improvement. The BI values decreased from 4.1 to 3.4 and 4.2 to 3.3, respectively. The results over the 12-month period showed that the addition of the antihistamine had not enhanced the efficacy of the regimen as evidenced by clinical and bacteriological findings.