Anti-fungal activity of Morinda citrifolia (noni) extracts against Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-fungal activity of Morinda citrifolia fruit extract on Candida albicans. Materials and Methods: Juice extract from M. citrifolia fruit was lyophilized and used in anti-fungal testing. Anti-fungal activity of M. citrifolia fruit extract against C. albicans was tested in vitro at various concentrations. The inhibitory effect of M. citrifolia extract on C. albicans was determined by agar culture and applied broth dilution test. Results: M. citrifolia extract at 1000 μg/ml concentration effectively inhibited the growth of C. albicans (16.6 ± 0.3) compared with the positive control - amphotericin B (20.6 ± 0.6). It was found to be a dose-dependent reaction. Conclusion: M. citrifolia fruit extract had an anti-fungal effect on C. albicans and the inhibitory effect varied with concentration.

Efficacy of painless injection technique - Vibraject – Clinical trial in Chennai, India.

Background: Pain is the most common cause of needle Phobia. In order to overcome this many advanced injection techniques has been implemented. The most recent and advanced technique was using a small vibrating device to the conventional injection technique. Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy of vibraject versus conventional injection technique. Material and methods: Prospective, randomized, cross- over, single blinded design was carried out among adults above 18 years of age in private hospital in Chennai city, Tamil Nadu, India. Out of 52 subjects, 37 were willing to participate in the study. Split mouth technique was carried out. A calibrated single examiner used an appropriate amount of anaesthetic solution, 2% lidocaine with 1:100,00 dilution of epinephrine was injected slowly and then patient was asked to report their discomfort and pain was noted using verbal descriptor scale. Sign test was calculated to check the efficacy of vibraject to that of conventional injection technique. Results: The total sample size consists of 37 study subjects. Out of total study subject, 35 subjects reported increased pain score while using conventional injection technique than using vibraject with a significant difference (Z=-5.5, p=0.00). Out of total study subject, 14 subjects reported increased pain score while using conventional injection technique than using vibraject. The p value for 2-tailed sign test shows (p=0.04) there was significant difference between two techniques. Conclusion: Vibraject has significantly reduced pain both during insertion of needle and during deposition of solution when compared to the conventional injection technique.

Genotyping of erythromycin resistant group C & G streptococci isolated in Chennai, south India.

Background & objectives: Increasing resistance to erythromycin has been observed worldwide in group C and group G streptococci (GCS/GGS). The information available from India is scanty. The aim of the study was to identify erythromycin resistant GCS/GGS isolates in Chennai, south India, and to compare erythromycin resistant genotypes with emm types. Methods: One hundred and thirty one GCS/GGS isolates were tested for erythromycin resistance by disc diffusion and agar dilution methods. Erythromycin resistance genotypes [erm(A), erm(B) and mef(A)] were determined by a multiplex PCR. emm types of erythromycin resistant GCS/GGS isolates was also assessed using emm gene sequencing method. Results: Sixteen of the 131 isolates (12.21%) were resistant to erythromycin. Majority of the isolates were GGS (15/16). Eight of the 16 (50%) were S. dysgalactiae subsps. equisimilis. Twelve isolates (75%) were MLSB phenotype and four (25%) were M phenotype. Of the 12 isolates which exhibited MLSB resistance, seven showed cMLSB phenotype and were positive for erm(B) gene. The remaining five were iMLSB phenotype of which three were positive for erm(A) gene and two for erm(B) gene. erm(A) was common among carriers whereas erm(B) was common among clinical isolates. Interpretation & conclusions: MLSB was the predominant phenotype and erm(B) was the common genotype in the present study. The emm type stC1400.0 was frequently associated with erythromycin resistant GCS/GGS in our study.

Knowledge, attitude, of Mothers On Oral Hygine Practices Among 1-5 Year Old Children And Association With Their Oral Hygiene Practices- A Comparitive Study.

Aim: This study aims to investigate oral hygiene and frequency of oral cleaning in children up to 5 years in relation to mother related factors. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study of 250 children aged 1-5 years in Chennai, Tamil Nadu was implemented. Mothers answered questions about their own oral self-care and their children’s oral hygiene. Chi-square test and logistic regression analysis was done. Results: Twice daily oral cleaning was reported for 95% of all children . 92% of the mothers believed it necessary to rinse the mouth between meals and to clean the gum pads even if teeth have not erupted. Oral hygiene was seen to be better in children whose mother’s own brushing frequency was high. It was also seen that mothers with a higher educational level had a better attitude towards their child’s oral hygiene care. Conclusion: To improve oral hygiene in early childhood, more emphasis should be placed on mother’s own tooth brushing practice and their skills in their children’s oral hygiene.