Résumé
Implant-supported prosthesis improves the self-confidence and quality of life of the patient by giving them masticatory comfort and a high level of satisfaction. For any professional community, it is essential to know whether patients feel well informed and whether what they know reflects on the current advances in dental health care. The aim of this study was to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental implants as a treatment choice in patients visiting a dental college situated in Mangalore, Karnataka, India. Materials and Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 13 close-ended questions was used to assess the level of knowledge and awareness among patients visiting prosthodontics outpatient department regarding dental implants as a treatment option for replacing missing teeth. A total of 242 participants were interviewed to collect the required data. Chi-square test was used to study the association between demographic variables and awareness about implantation. Results: Only 17.8% of the population with missing teeth knew about dental implants as a treatment choice. For 69.8% of the population, the source of information regarding prosthetic options was through friends and relatives, and for 28.1%, it was from dentists. Awareness percentage was significantly higher among males (P = 0.024) and among those whose education level was graduation and above (P < 0.001). Conclusion: This study showed that knowledge and awareness regarding dental implants was disturbingly low. The patients had a very minimal and superficial knowledge regarding prosthetic options. Emphasis is placed on the need for conducting and implementing various public awareness campaigns and for establishing counseling centers.
Résumé
The effect of Pranayama on the levels of protein thiols and glutathione was studied among breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. 160 patients were randomised into experimental and control group using block randomisation. The experimental group received fractionated radiation for five days a week and performed Pranayama (Nadishodhana, Brahmari and Sheethali) for 30 minutes twice daily for five days a week. The control group received only radiation. Blood samples were collected from both the groups at the end of six weeks of radiation therapy and analysed for the levels of serum protein thiols and glutathione. An independent sample ‘t’ test showed a significant difference in the level of serum protein thiols between the two groups (t = 4.43 p 0.001). A Mann- Whitney U test showed a significant difference (z = –3.07 p 0.002) in the level of glutathione as well. These Pranayama techniques improve the antioxidant status of breast cancer patients receiving radiation therapy.