Role of ehealth literacy, learning styles, and patterns of web-based e-content access for seeking health information among dental university students in Vadodara, India.

BACKGROUND: Individual's learning style, ehealth literacy, and preferred web-based e-content and channel to access information determines how one makes sense of health information on the Internet. Understanding these dynamics will help design suitable e-contents and choose appropriate channels for effective health communication. To assess the relationship between ehealth literacy, learning styles, and web-based e-content accessed for receiving health information among dental college students in Vadodara, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among all consenting Undergraduate Students (UGs), interns, and Postgraduate Students (PGs) of a dental college in Vadodara, India, from July to August 2022. The questionnaire used to collect data included questions on general information, eHealth literacy scale (eHEALS), Visual Auditory Reading/Writing Kinaesthetic (VARK) Questionnaire, and preferences of web-based e-content for receiving health information. Completely filled questionnaires were subject to statistical analysis: descriptive (means and percentages) and inferential (analysis of variance tests and odds ratio). RESULTS: 285 out of 380 students filled out the questionnaires completely (75% response rate). All reported using Internet for receiving health information. Majority preferred textual ehealth message (71%) and access websites (80%). Students were quadmodal (98.%) and trimodal (2%) learners who learned predominantly through kinaesthetic methods (46%). Mean eHEALS score of the group was 30.27 ± 3.41. There was a statistically significant association between preference for sharing channels and being a kinaesthetic learner (OR = 1.6; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Participants were multi-modal, predominantly kinaesthetic learners. The association between the preference for video-sharing channels and being kinaesthetic learner suggests the need and scope for demonstrative and interactive video-based health educational tools, with the endorsement of health authorities based on health policy.

Impact of COVID-19 on quality checks of solid tumor molecular diagnostic testing-A surveillance by EQAS provider in India.

BACKGROUND: Molecular tests in solid tumours for targeted therapies call for the need to ensure precision testing. To accomplish this participation in the External Quality Assessment Program (EQAS) is required. This evaluates the consistency of diagnostic testing procedures and offers guidance for improving quality. Outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic led to worldwide lockdown and disruption of healthcare services including participation in EQAS.The present study describes the extended scope of EQAS offered byMPQAP (Molecular Pathology Quality Assurance Program), the first proficiency test provider for solid tumor diagnostics in India. The study surveys the preparedness of molecular testing laboratories in routine diagnostics and participation for quality assessment scheme. METHODS: A documented guideline for measures and precautions to be carried by testing laboratories in performing routine diagnostic tests during the lockdown period were charted and distributed to all MPQAP participant centres. A survey was conducted for MPQAP participants to check whether laboratories were involved in COVID-19 testing and to evaluate the impact of lockdown on the operations of diagnostics procedures. From the acquired response of the survey, 2 cycles out of initially proposed 11 cycles were executed with transformed approach using digital tools and image interpretation modules. FINDINGS: Out of 25 solid tumour testing laboratories registered as participants, 15 consented to participate in survey. The summary of survey conveyed the impact of COVID-19onroutine operations of diagnostics tests such as shortcomings in inventory and human resource management. Thirteen participants showed active willingness and consented to participate in EQAS test scheme. INTERPRETATIONS: The survey findings and assessment of EQAS cycles endorsed the quality testing procedures carried by participating laboratories throughout the lockdown. It highlighted the utility of EQAS participation during pandemic along with emphasis on safety measures for continual improvement in quality of diagnostic services.

ID3 promotes homologous recombination via non-transcriptional and transcriptional mechanisms and its loss confers sensitivity to PARP inhibition.

The inhibitor of DNA-binding 3 (ID3) is a transcriptional regulator that limits interaction of basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors with their target DNA sequences. We previously reported that ID3 loss is associated with mutational signatures linked to DNA repair defects. Here we demonstrate that ID3 exhibits a dual role to promote DNA double-strand break (DSB) repair, particularly homologous recombination (HR). ID3 interacts with the MRN complex and RECQL helicase to activate DSB repair and it facilitates RAD51 loading and downstream steps of HR. In addition, ID3 promotes the expression of HR genes in response to ionizing radiation by regulating both chromatin accessibility and activity of the transcription factor E2F1. Consistently, analyses of TCGA cancer patient data demonstrate that low ID3 expression is associated with impaired HR. The loss of ID3 leads to sensitivity of tumor cells to PARP inhibition, offering new therapeutic opportunities in ID3-deficient tumors.

A qualitative research analysis of gender-based parities and disparities at work place experienced by female dentists of Vadodara, India.

AIM: To assess the gender-based parities and disparities at work place experienced by female dentists of Vadodara, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-depth face-to-face qualitative semi-structured interviews in English were conducted among 12 female dentists of Vadodara. Female dentists working with one/more male colleague or auxiliary were selected through purposive sampling. Interviews were conducted as per Kvale's principles and recorded using a digital voice recorder. Transcribed data was analyzed using Giorgi's phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: The recurring themes identified were: (a) Striking work-family balance (b) Dependence on male authority for instating work discipline (c) Male dentists' hostility to "woman in power" concept (d) Male dentists' superiority in technical skills (e) privileges for women dentists. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to improve the work environment of women dentists. Social support, sensitivity among male colleagues, and generous institutional policies will enable increased contribution from women to the profession.

The effect of oil pulling with rice bran oil, sesame oil, and chlorhexidine mouth rinsing on halitosis among pregnant women: A comparative interventional study.

CONTEXT: Rice bran oil, owing to its potential antioxidant benefits, could be an effective and novel alternative to sesame oil for oil pulling. As it is safe and a growingly popular edible oil, it may be acceptable during pregnancy, especially in the Indian context where women may be hesitant to use chemical plaque control methods for preventing halitosis. AIMS: The present study was conducted to compare the effects of oil pulling with rice bran oil, oil pulling with sesame oil, and oil pulling with chlorhexidine mouth rinsing on reducing halitosis among pregnant women. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Thirty pregnant women who attended the Gynecology Outpatient Department (OPD) of Muslim Medical Hospital, Haran Khana Road, Pani Gate, Vadodara, Gujarat, India, were recruited in the present randomized double-blind interventional study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eligible pregnant women individuals who gave consent for the study were randomly allocated to receive the interventions under investigation. Halitosis was measured at baseline and after 14 days of intervention using TANITA breath checker HC-212M-BL. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Data entry was done in Microsoft Excel 2007, and statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 17. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to interpret the differences in baseline and postintervention halitosis levels. One-way ANOVA was done to compare the mean reduction in halitosis scores of the three intervention groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the grades of halitosis at baseline and 14 days after intervention for all the three groups. There was no statistically significant difference between chlorhexidine mouth rinsing, oil pulling with sesame oil, and oil pulling with rice bran oil in halitosis reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Rice bran oil when used in oil pulling was effective in reducing halitosis. It performed comparably and marginally superior to other agents tested in the study when change in halitosis postintervention was considered.

Determination of folate/folic acid level in milk by microbiological assay, immuno assay and high performance liquid chromatography.

A concurrent determination of folate versus folic acid in milk by microbiological assay (MA) with Lactobacillus rhamnosus as the assay organism, Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay (ELISA) by competitive binding rapid ELISA kit (RIDASCREEN®) and high-pressure-liquid chromatography (HPLC) was done for detection of the folate form and its level. MA gave total folate content as Lb. rhamnosus showed similar response to most folate isomers formed by the tri-enzyme treatment in comparison with the other two methods which specifically estimated the folic acid. In case of ELISA, specificity was apparently limited to folic acid and dihydro folic acid and thereby showed a lower response for other folate derivatives. Estimation by HPLC with UV detector was highly specific and hence only folic acid could be detected without any cross reactivity. Among the different methods HPLC was observed to be the most sensitive method for determination of folic acid and hence can efficiently determine the folic acid fortification level while MA remained highly efficient, sensitive and reproducible method for estimation of total folate indicating its potential use for dietary folate estimation.

Comparisons of in vitro penetration and adaptation of moisture tolerant resin sealant and conventional resin sealant in different fissure types.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the penetration and adaptation of a moisture tolerant resin-based sealant with a conventional resin-based sealant in different occlusal fissure types in vitro by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) technique. METHODS: Fifty sound, intact extracted premolars and third molars were included. They were randomly and equally allocated to receive either Seal-Rite (conventional resin-based sealant) or Embrace WetBond (moisture-tolerant resin-based sealant). Etching and sealant applications were performed as per manufacturers' instructions. Specimens were sectioned at the deepest part of the fissure and viewed under SEM. Under SEM, fissure types were classified as U, V, I, IK or inverted Y. SEM images were analysed using Biowizard image analysis software to measure penetration and adaptation. The data were statistically tested. RESULTS: U fissures showed the highest mean percentage penetration. V forms exhibited the best adaptation. IK forms showed the poorest percentage penetration and adaptation. Fissure form significantly affected adaptation but not penetration. Embrace WetBond penetrated better than Seal-Rite into all the fissures but adapted excellently only in U fissures. CONCLUSION: Fissure morphology significantly affected sealant adaptation. Moisture-tolerant Embrace WetBond was better than conventional Seal-Rite in penetration and adaptation into fissures.

Prevalence of periodontal disease among inpatients in a psychiatric hospital in India.

This paper assessed the periodontal status of inpatients at Government Mental Hospital, Vadodara, India, and studied the possible relationship between periodontal status and age, length of hospitalization, type of mental illness, and medication and tobacco use. Information about psychiatric diagnosis, length of hospitalization, and prescribed medication was obtained from hospital records. We interviewed 165 inpatients and recorded their chief dental complaints (if any) and relevant histories. Periodontal status was assessed using the Community Periodontal Index (CPI). Descriptive statistics, nonparametric tests, and multiple logistic regression analyses were used. The most prevalent periodontal condition was shallow pockets (47.27%). Some subjects (10.3%) had loss of attachment (LOA) of 9-11 mm. Age and length of hospitalization were significantly associated with periodontal status. Multiple logistic regression revealed that only age was significantly associated with periodontal pockets. Male gender, age, and tobacco-related habits were significantly associated with LOA of more than 0-3 mm.

Dietary effect of folate-rich fermented milk produced by Streptococcus thermophilus strains on hemoglobin level.

OBJECTIVE: Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, functions as a carbon carrier in the formation of heme, the iron-containing non-protein portion of hemoglobin. Therefore, its deficiency leads to anemia. The objective of this study was to determine the dietary effects of folate-rich fermented milk produced by high-folate-producing Streptococcus thermophilus strains (RD 102 and RD 104) on hemoglobin level using a murine model. METHODS: Thirty-two albino mice 30 ± 10 d old were assigned to ingest a basal diet (i.e., a synthetic anemic diet, n = 8, group I, control 1), a basal diet with skim milk (n = 8, group II, control 2), a basal diet with fermented skim milk produced by folate plus RD 102 (n = 8, group III, test 1), and a basal diet with fermented skim milk produced by folate plus RD 104 (n = 8, group IV, test 2) in a 6-wk, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Hemoglobin concentrations were estimated by the Drabkin-Austin cyanmethemoglobin method during the prefeeding (10 d), feeding (20 d), and postfeeding (10 d) trials, respectively. RESULTS: The results showed that the test groups (III and IV) receiving folate-rich fermented milks prepared using high-folate producing S. thermophilus strains showed a significant increase in hemoglobin level compared with the control groups (I and II). CONCLUSION: Folate-rich fermented milks have the potential to significantly increase the hemoglobin level of blood. Hence, high-folate-producing S. thermophilus strains offer a novel natural approach to fortify dairy products with folate.

Response surface optimization of the cultivation conditions and medium components for the production of folate by Streptococcus thermophilus.

Optimization of the cultivation conditions and medium components for folate production by the highest folate producing Streptococcus thermophilus strain RD102 was carried out using a 23 central composite design and surface modelling method of response surface methodology. As folate production was observed to be growth-associated, hence the desired responses selected for the optimization were both folate production and growth. The selected factors based on preliminary investigations were incubation period, concentrations of p-amino benzoic acid (PABA) the growth precursor, and lactose as carbon source. The optimum concentrations of PABA and lactose were found to be 300 micropm and 3% respectively at 72 h incubation. The optimized conditions resulted in an increase in folate production by 26% compared with control conditions (0% PABA and lactose at 37 degrees C). Using the method of experimental factorial design and response surface analysis, it was possible to determine optimal operating conditions to obtain a higher folate production by Strep. thermophilus. Therefore, this study constitutes a step in developing strategies to modulate the folate level to a higher level.

Folate: a functional food constituent.

Folate, a water-soluble vitamin, includes naturally occurring food folate and synthetic folic acid in supplements and fortified foods. Mammalian cells cannot synthesize folate and its deficiency has been implicated in a wide variety of disorders. A number of reviews have dwelt up on the health benefits associated with increased folate intakes and many countries possess mandatory folate enrichment programs. Lately, a number of studies have shown that high intakes of folic acid, the chemically synthesized form, but not natural folates, can cause adverse effects in some individuals such as the masking of the hematological manifestations of vitamin B(12) deficiency, leukemia, arthritis, bowel cancer, and ectopic pregnancies. As fermented milk products are reported to contain even higher amounts of folate produced by the food-grade bacteria, primarily lactic acid bacteria (LAB), the focus has primarily shifted toward the natural folate, that is, folate produced by LAB and levels of folate present in foods fermented by/or containing these valuable microorganisms. The proper selection and use of folate-producing microorganisms is an interesting strategy to increase "natural" folate levels in foods. An attempt has been made through this review to share information available in the literature on wide ranging aspects of folate, namely, bioavailability, analysis, deficiency, dietary requirements, and health effects of synthetic and natural folate, dairy and nondairy products as a potential source of folate, microorganisms with special reference to Streptococcus thermophilus as prolific folate producer, and recent insight on modulation of folate production levels in LAB by metabolic engineering.