ABSTRACT
Objective: The objective of the study is to determine the association between nonsyndromic oral clefts (OC) in children and ABO, Rh blood groups, lip, and dermatoglyphic patterns of their unaffected parents. Methods: This case–control study was conducted at a tertiary cleft center in Chennai, India, among 240 individuals comprising 80 units (40 cases and controls, respectively). Each unit (triad) was constituted by a child (0–12 years of age) either born with nonsyndromic OC (cases) or with no diagnosed congenital anomaly (control) and their unaffected parents (mother and father). ABO and Rh blood groups, specific lip print, fingerprint pattern, and palmar asymmetry were recorded for each individual. Strength of association of related factors was assessed by multivariable logistic regression reported as adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence interval. Results: A1-positive blood group was found to be considerably higher among case mothers (14.39 [1.57–32.27]). A higher odds of OCs were observed among case mothers with whorl lip pattern (1.51 [1.16–3.17]) and radial loop pattern in fingers (1.44 [1.09–2.31]) relative to controls. In addition, palmar asymmetry was distinctively higher among case parents compared to controls (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Findings indicate that A1-positive blood group, higher frequency of whorl lip, and radial loop finger patterns in mothers and higher ulnar loop pattern in fathers and palmar asymmetry in both parents increases odds of occurrence of OC among their offspring. These identifiable traits offer potential scope for better service planning among resource-constrained disadvantaged communities in India.
ABSTRACT
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy of mouthwash containing essential oils and curcumin (MEC) as an adjunct to nonsurgical periodontal therapy on the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among RA patients with chronic periodontitis (CP). Materials and Methods: A triple-blinded controlled trial was conducted among 45 female RA patients with CP randomized into three treatment groups as follows: Group A: scaling and root planing (SRP) with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouthwash as an adjunct (n = 15), Group B: SRP with MEC as an adjunct (n = 15), and Group C: SRP alone (n = 15). RA disease activity was assessed using erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum C-reactive protein, serum anti-citrullinated protein antibody, and serum rheumatoid factor. Periodontal disease activity was assessed using plaque index, clinical attachment level (CAL), and pocket depth (PD). All parameters were recorded at baseline and 6 weeks thereafter. Data were assessed using one-way ANOVA and paired t-test. Results: A significant reduction in periodontal and RA disease activity parameters was observed from baseline to 6 weeks following intervention (P < 0.05). The highest percentage of mean reduction in plaque index and RA parameters from baseline to 6 weeks was observed in Group B followed by Groups A and C. The highest percentage of mean reduction in PD and CAL was observed in Group A followed by Groups B and C (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study reveals that MEC as an adjunct to SRP is effective in reducing the disease activity of RA and CP, thereby warranting the use of the same.
ABSTRACT
Background: Occupational st res s has become a major and costlierprobl em in modern life. Software profession and teaching profession are two most discus sing professions of the time. Object ives: The study was conducted to evaluate the professional l ife stres s level among software professionals and school teachers in Trivandrum dis trict of Kerala, India and to compare their stress level s. Material and Methods: A cross sectional survey was carrie d out among 504 software professionals and 504 s chool teacher s using a closed ended Professional Life Stress questionnaire which consists of 24 questions. Mann- Whitney test and Chi-square test were used for the comparison. Resul t s: Out of 504 software professional s and 504 school teacher s, for 23% of software professionals and 85% of school teacher s, stress was Not a Problem in their life. 71% of software professional s and 15% of school teachers were in Moderate Stress level. For 6% of software professionals Stress was a Problem in their life. Conclusion: Both software professional s and school teachers were experiencing stress due to their occupation. The software professionals were suffering higher stress than school teachers.