Utilization of Probiotics Among Dental Students: A KAP Study.

Aim: The aim of the study is to know about the awareness of probiotics among undergraduate dental students. Materials and Methods: We conducted cross-sectional research where we had distributed a questionnaire consisting of ten open-ended questions, among 150 dental students through emails. The questions were based on the utilization of probiotics in dentistry. The data obtained was statistically analyzed with the help of Chi-square test. Results: In our study, we noted that most of the participants were aware of the term probiotics and had general ideas but were not fully aware of its pathogenesis. Around 83.2% of the participants were aware of probiotics and general concepts. We also noted that only 42.5% of the students agreed that probiotics can be used in the management of halitosis as well as periodontitis. Conclusion: We concluded that most of the dental students had a lack of awareness as well as were not familiar with the usage of probiotics in dentistry.

Comparison of Different Antibiotic Medications on Microorganisms: An Original Research.

Introduction: The onset and maintenance of disease can be significantly influenced by the colonization of the mouth cavity by pathogenic microorganisms or by an imbalance of the physiological microbiome. Hence, in the current study, various commonly used antibiotics have been tested for their antibacterial and antifungal activity. Materials and Methods: The current research was performed as an in vitro study. The commonly used antibiotics Augmentin (CV), Ceftriaxone-Cephalosporin (CF), and Linezolid were tested for the microorganisms, lactobacillus, and Escherichia coli. The "Radius of Zone of Inhibition (mm)- RZI" after 24 and 48 h were tested by the agar-well diffusion method. Results: For E. coli, the antibiotics tested were CV (5 µl and 2.5 µl), CF (5 µl and 2.5 µl), and Linezolid (5 µl and 2.5 µl). The results showed that the radius of the zone of inhibition was consistent for each antibiotic concentration, with a range of 0.8-1.4 mm at both time points. For Lactobacillus, the antibiotics tested were CV (5 µl and 2.5 µl), CF (5 µl and 2.5 µl), and Linezolid (5 µl and 2.5 µl). The results showed that the radius of the zone of inhibition varied between antibiotics and concentrations, with a range of 0.5-1.8 mm at both time points. Conclusion: This study highlights antibiotics' antibacterial action against E. coli and Lactobacillus. The data imply that antibiotic efficacy varied by organism and drug concentration. These organisms' antibiotic resistance mechanisms and new antibiotic resistance methods need more study.

Effect of Sterilization and Irrigating Solutions on Nanostructure Alteration of Ni-Ti Rotary Instruments in Endodontics: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study.

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and sterilization on the nanostructural alteration of nickel titanium (Ni-Ti) rotary file systems in endodontics using the atomic force microscopy (AFM). Materials and Methods: The study was performed on four commercially available rotary Ni-Ti files: group I-Vortex Blue (Dentsply), group II-ProTaper Next (Dentsply), group III-Mtwo (VDW), and group IV-iRaCe (FKG). Each group was divided into four subgroups (n = 4), that is, subgroup A-control (new rotary file), subgroup B-subjected for five cycles of autoclave, subgroup C-immersed in 5.25% NaOCl for 5 minutes, and subgroup D-immersed in 17% EDTA solutions for 5 minutes. All the specimens were evaluated with AFM using roughness average (RA) and root-mean-square (RMS) values for surface roughness. Results: Among control groups, Vortex Blue showed the least RA and RMS values; the highest surface roughness was seen with Mtwo files. All the Ni-Ti rotary files showed a statistically significant (P <0.05) increase in surface hardness when subjected to autoclave and treatment with different irrigating solutions. In particular, 17% EDTA caused the highest surface deterioration in all the groups. Conclusion: AFM analysis revealed increased surface roughness values recorded for all the rotary files when treated with irrigating solutions and autoclave cycles.

A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing the Management of Incomplete Abortion with Oral 600 mg Misoprostol with Manual Vacuum Aspiration (MVA).

Introduction: In the first trimester, almost one in five identified pregnancies end in spontaneous miscarriage, and another 22% result in induced abortion. After a spontaneous and/or induced abortion, there may be retained products of conception (POC). Because of its relatively poor efficacy and the unpredictability of the time interval until spontaneous evacuation, expectant treatment is not often chosen by healthcare professionals. In view of these facts, the current study's objective was to weigh the effectiveness of MVA and oral misoprostol 600 mg in managing incomplete abortion. Materials and Procedures: The investigation was conducted at the tertiary care center in India. The survey was conducted for one year. Subjects were selected from those attending the department for either spontaneous or induced abortions. A total of 230 women were randomly assigned to receive the interventions of a single dose of oral misoprostol 600 mcg or MVA. They were equally distributed to two groups and observed for the various parameters of success, signs and symptoms, satisfaction, and complications. The obtained values were compared statistically for the significance at <0.05 of P values. Results: Of the 200 subjects (30 lost to follow-up), there was no significant variance in the demographics, clinical outcomes, and complications between the groups. However, the pain, fever, shivering, and satisfaction parameters were statistically variant between the groups. Fever, shivering, and pain were lower for the MISO subjects while satisfaction was reported higher from subjects in MISO group. Conclusion: MISO and MVA are acceptable, safe, and efficient therapies for first-trimester un-complicated incomplete abortion. Nonetheless, misoprostol appears to be a marginally superior option to MVA in terms of accessibility, low therapy costs, reduced pain, and reduced demand for specialized personnel or equipment.

Dental Services and their Awareness and Utilization among the Health Care Workers in a South Indian District - A Cross Sectional Study.

Aim: The present research was carried out to evaluate the amount of usage of dental care opportunities and also to assess the problems faced by health care workers (HCWs) of a south Indian district in using dental services. Methodology: This study had around 500 participants who belonged from various health care sectors who were selected with the help of multistage sampling. The data obtained from this cross-sectional research was analysed statistically using SPSS 22.0. Results: It was noticed that around 35% of participants went for a dentist's appointment in past 1 year where male members predominated (45%). One of the commonest reasons for utilizing dental care services was pain as an dental emergency factor (70%). Other reasons were dental caries (18%) restoration, breakage of tooth (10%) and a host of other factors (11%). Around 350 participants felt that going to the dentist was only necessary when there was an emergency (61%). Conclusion: The target population less frequently visited the dentist to maintain their teeth as they believed when you have pain, that is the time you go to a dental specialist.

Correlation of AMH with Cardiometabolic Markers in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether there is a connection between polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)-affected women's levels of the anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and certain cardiometabolic indicators. Materials and Methods: To find pertinent recent research published between 2017 and 2023, a thorough search was done in PubMed. Studies were included if they looked into the relationship between PCOS-related women's AMH levels and cardiometabolic markers. To determine pooled effect estimates, data from the included studies were examined using random-effects models. Results: Five papers were included in the meta-analysis since they satisfied the inclusion requirements. The meta-analysis found substantial positive relationships between AMH levels and markers of insulin resistance, fasting blood sugar levels, and dyslipidemia measures such as total cholesterol (SMD: 0.68, 95% confidence interval: 0.34-1.00, P < 0.001). Conclusion: This systematic review and meta-analysis show that AMH levels in PCOS-affected women significantly positively correlate with markers of insulin resistance, fasting glucose levels, and dyslipidemia parameters. These findings imply that the pathogenesis of the cardiometabolic abnormalities seen in PCOS may include AMH. AMH may be used as a biomarker to estimate the cardiometabolic risk in PCOS-affected women, but more studies are required to determine its clinical applicability.

Mental Health Status of Health Care Professionals Working in Public and Private Sectors in Visakhapatnam: A Cross-Section Study.

Introduction: The material that is currently available on the psychological issues that doctors deal with is restricted to a few national surveys and certain particular hospital surveys. The motive of the current study was to define the mental health status of medical as well as surgical professionals working in the public and private sectors of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India. Methodology: A self-reported questionnaire survey was used in an observational cross-sectional study to appraise the mental health state of both private and public medical practitioners. The Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10) by William C. Menninger was applied. Results: The majority of study participants experienced psychological anguish, showing a substantial difference in the total level of psychological distress. When the Wellinger's Distress and the Kesslers Distress tools were compared, it was found that there was a substantial difference for all the variables taken into account in the current study, including gender, experience, marital status, children, and occupation, designation, and sector of work. Conclusion: Stress and burnout were more prevalent among medical specialists with lower yearly income, young ages, and fewer years of practice. Clinicians and policymakers must be proactive in creating programes that help healthcare professionals cope with stress and burnout.

Comparison of Quality of Life in Patients Operated for Knee Surgery via Conventional Method and Arthroscopy: An Original Research.

Introduction: To assess physical activity and knee function, the two methods of conventional supervised exercise and the arthroscopic partial meniscectomy trailed by exercise were evaluated after a nontraumatic meniscal (medial) tear that was confirmed on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Materials and Methods: One hundred adult subjects were assessed for the current prospective research. The pain in the knee was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Lysholm Knee Scoring Scale (LKSS), Tegner Activity Scale (TAS), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). All the parameters were compared at the start of the study and 2 and 6 months after the intervention. All the data were compared using the analysis of variance (ANOVA) with P < 0.05 considered as significant. Results: According to the outcome scores, exercising by itself did not result in a larger improvement than an arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy. There was a significant reduction in discomfort, improved function, and satisfaction for subjects in the two groups (P < 0.0001). After six months, 40% of the subjects reported that the activity levels were similar to the incidence of the injury. Conclusion: The quality of life was reported to be comparable in the arthroscopy subjects and the conventional group subjects. Hence, arthroscopy can be delayed for the meniscal tear in the adult subjects who are best managed by the conservatively managed.

Knowledge of Rural Population about Orthodontics: An Original Research.

Introduction: Dental specialties are seldom recognized in India. Hence, in the present study, we aim to assess awareness among the rural population about the dental specialty of orthodontics. Materials and Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based cross-sectional observational study at the rural center attached to the institute. We divided the participants into two groups as adults and teenagers. A questionnaire with 15 questions to assess the knowledge of the orthodontics was given and the response was noted. Data were analyzed for the statistical significance. Results: We observed no significant difference in general information and awareness about the knowledge for the orthodontics. Conclusion: There is still a deficit of the awareness among rural India about the dental specialty of the orthodontics irrespective of the age and gender. Awareness camps have to be arranged at the school levels.

COVID Infections Breakthrough Post-Vaccination: Systematic Review.

Introduction: Many new variants of the coronavirus are infecting the already vaccinated people. There have been reports of deaths also among the already vaccinated subjects. Hence, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the infection breakthrough after COVID vaccination. Materials and Methods: We piloted a review of the healthcare workers who completed the vaccination for COVID. The data were collected from the online resources for the breakthrough infections after vaccination. We then enumerated those subjects who had a breakthrough infection post-vaccination. The data collected were meta-analyzed for the incidence of the infection among the vaccinated individuals. Results: We observed that among nearly 2.3 lakh subjects, less than 3% were infected with the various new strains of the virus. The ratio of the breakthrough infection was different for the vaccinated (1.2%) and the partially vaccinated (3.2%) individuals with greater infection among the partially infected individuals. Discussion: The breakthrough infections are very low among vaccinated individuals and even lower among fully vaccinated individuals. Hence, vaccination is highly recommended to prevent the loss of life.

AAn Evaluation of the Choice of the Treatment for the Acute Appendicitis An Original Research.

Introduction: The findings of previous studies in the management of acute appendicitis with peritonitis complications are debatable. Thus, in this study, we aim to evaluate two surgical procedures in the management of acute appendicitis. Material and Methods: We piloted an observational prospective study on 50 subjects of both genders with acute appendicitis and peritonitis complication. They were divided equally into two groups who received laparoscopic and conventional open surgery. The data were collected for the various clinical parameters, the complications that followed, and the success rates. The data were analyzed using the t test deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: We observed a similar distribution of genders, and the mean was 41 ± 0.5 years. We observed that among the laparoscopic group, the longer the surgical time, the shorter the stay at the hospital. Lower complications though not significant were noted than the open method. Conclusion: The laparoscopic approach may be suggested for the management of patients with acute appendicitis and with peritonitis. This method showed early patient discharge and fewer post-surgical complications.

Quality of Life Postchronic Tonsillitis Treatments: An Original Research.

Introduction: The tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure performed for the treatment of chronic tonsillitis (CT). In the present study, we aim to evaluate the quality of life (QOL) after CT. Materials and Methods: We conducted a retrospective study among 100 tonsillectomy patients whose data were collected from the department records. The QOL was evaluated using the "Glasgow Benefit Inventory." We assessed various parameters pre-and post-surgery. We deliberated P < 0.05 as significant when comparing the pre-and post-surgical QOL. Results: We observed that of the 100 subjected selected for the study, there was a significant improvement in the QOL and the disease severity variables. Conclusions: The tonsillectomy for the treatment of CT among adults has improved the QOL of the patients. Overall patients' health conditions and professional life improved after the procedure.

Evaluation of per Vaginal Bleeding With Different Drugs in Successful Pregnancy in Patients With Recurrent Pregnancy Loss: An Original Research.

Introduction: One of the hormones that are crucial in safe pregnancy is the Progesterone. Its defect may cause bleeding and abortion. Hence, in this study, we evaluated two different drug modalities of progesterone for their efficacy. Material and Methods: We piloted a prospective observational study among 100 pregnant women in their first trimester. They were divided to two equal groups to receive oral dydrogesterone and vaginal progesterone. The clinical and the demographic data with detailed history were taken and noted. The patients were followed up till the pervaginal bleeding stopped and till second trimester end. The comparisons were made between the groups using Chi square test deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: The age, BMI, and the progesterone levels were comparable between the groups. No significant difference between the groups was seen for the adverse reactions and for the continuation of pregnancy till 24 weeks. However, there was a significant variation in the cessation of the pervaginal bleeding, with lower time for the oral dydrogesterone. Conclusion: Compared to the vaginal progesterone, oral dydrogesterone performed better in preventing the pervaginal bleeding and prolonging the viability of the pregnancy till the second trimester end.

Analysis of Advances in Research Trends in Robotic and Digital Dentistry: An Original Research.

Introduction: The world has been transformed after invention of robotics, digitalization, and artificial intelligence. Their application in the medical field is well recorded; however, their application in dentistry is still being recognized. Hence, in our study, we aimed to analyze the advances in research trends in the digital and the robotics specifically to the dental fields. Material and Methods: We conducted a search for articles that recorded the use of robots, digitalization, and artificial intelligence in dentistry, specifically in endodontics. We piloted a questionnaire study to evaluate the awareness and application of these technologies by the clinicians. The results are presented as various applications of these technologies and the number of the articles for various terminologies. The application of these technologies was compared between the clinicians using ANOVA, with P < 0.05 being significant. Results: We observed a significant difference between the clinicians regarding the application of these technologies and lower awareness was noted. None of the participants used these technologies in practice. Of the total 20 articles that we had finalized, we observed that these technologies helped in studying the various pathologies and structures that were unviewed previously, as well as treatments, prognosis, and outcomes. Conclusions: There is a low awareness of these advanced technologies and application in routine practice. These technologies show greater precision and accuracy. However, the application of these in daily clinical practice and the economy are to be evaluated.

A Clinical Evaluation of Onlay and Inlay in the Posterior Ceramic Restorations: An Original Study.

Introduction: The extensively damaged teeth can be treated with the inlay and onlay. The ceramic inlays and onlays can be prescribed for the esthetic needs of the patient. Hence in our study, we aim to evaluate clinically the outcomes of the ceramic inlays and onlays for the posterior teeth. Materials and Methods: We piloted a retrospective analytical study from the departmental records. We included 70 patients who had a total of 160 ceramic inlays and onlays prepared between the years 2010-2020. The survival and the failure rates were noted and compared using the "Kruskal-Wallis H statistics and the Chi-square tests" deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: The mean survival was 6.1 ± 1.8 years. The success rate was 92.21% and the failure was 7.6%. Significant variation was seen with the survival rate between the vital and nonvital teeth and between the molars and premolars. Conclusions: The ceramic inlays and onlays were performed successfully in the posterior teeth with a high survival rate and very low failure.

The Prosthetic Complications and the Survival of the Implant-Fixed Complete Dental Prostheses: An Original Study.

Introduction: The implants have brought a paradigm shift in the replacement of lost teeth. The complete dentures that are implant fixed have increased acceptance among patients. Since these are recently introduced, we aim to evaluate the prosthetic complications and the survival of the implant-fixed complete dental prostheses. Materials and Methods: We piloted a retrospective study among subjects who received "implant-fixed complete dental prostheses (IPs)." We included 100 subjects with different IPs from the department records who complied with the follow-up. Prosthodontic complications and the survival of the IP were noted and presented as percentages. Results: Of the 100 subjects finalized in our study, 78 had metal acrylic (MA) and 22 metal ceramic (MC). The mean survival of the MC and MA was 5.2 and 5.1 years, respectively. The most common minor and major complications were "loss of screw access hole material, chipping of the veneering material, and chipping events." Parafunctional habits affected the survival of the IP along with the reluctance to wear the night guard. Conclusions: Good survival and only a few prosthetic complications are associated with the IP and showed good patient satisfaction.

Evaluation of Efficiency of Dyes in Detection of Cancer Cells: An Original Research.

Introduction: The early detection of the cancer will dramatically improve the prognosis. There are many diagnostic aids that can be employed for screening. Hence, in our study, we aim to evaluate the efficiency of dyes in detection of cancer cells. Materials and Methods: We piloted a prospective clinical study among 30 subjects to detect the efficiency of two dyes-Lugol's iodine and toluidine blue. They were grouped equally for potentially malignant and malignant lesions. The areas were analyzed for the diagnostic accuracy of the dyes using the histopathological examination and compared using chi square test deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: We observed that both the dyes showed a diagnostic accuracy of over 90% when used alone or in combination. Both the dyes had greater sensitivity while specificity was 20%. Conclusion: The combination of these two dyes can be used as an efficient screening aid for the identification of the cancer cells.

Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Related to OMICRON among Health-Care Personnel: An Original Research.

Introduction: At the time when the world was unprepared for the corona pandemic, the health-care workers faced the challenge with great effort. Recently, the OMICRON has been burdening the medical fraternity. Hence, in our study, we aimed to evaluate the "knowledge, attitude, and practices" related to OMICRON among the medical health-care staff. Materials and Methods: We piloted an online cross-sectional questionnaire study using Google Forms among 1000 medical staff working at various levels of public and private sections. The questions were formulated to test for the practices, attitude, and knowledge of the new variant OMICRON. The data collected were compared using the Chi-square test, deliberating P < 0.05 as significant. Results: We observed that majority were male participants, with significant number at the ages of 20-40 years. There was lower knowledge, although good practice and positive attitude were noted among the medical health staff. Conclusion: The medical health-care personnel possessed less knowledge regarding the new variant OMICRON, although positive practices and attitudes were noted. Hence, the governments should take necessary steps to implement the training about the new variant.

Dental Caries and Brushing Techniques Attitude in School Students: An Original Research.

Introduction: Oral health plays an important role in the overall wellness of an individual. Hence in our study, we aim to evaluate the awareness and knowledge about dental caries and pattern of brushing among secondary school students. Materials and Methods: We conducted a questionnaire-based survey among 200 secondary school students to estimate their awareness and knowledge about dental caries and brushing pattern. Only those students with at least one filled, missing, or decayed tooth were considered. The data was presented as percentages. Results: We observed that knowledge regarding dental caries among students was 72.5%. 75.5% students had good knowledge of brushing teeth; nonetheless 30% brushed their teeth twice. Only 21.5% students visited the dental clinic. Conclusion: Though good knowledge about dental caries and brushing was appreciated among the students, very few students practiced good oral hygiene habits. Promotion of oral hygiene habits should be motivated at the school level.

Preemptive Oral Ketorolac with Local Tramadol Versus Oral Ketorolac in Third Molar Surgery: A Comparative Clinical Trial.

Aims: To assess preemptive analgesic efficacy of oral ketorolac with submucous placebo versus oral ketorolac with submucous tramadol during impacted mandibular third molar surgery. Methodology: A double-blind, split-mouth clinical study was carried on 40 patients having bilateral impacted mandibular third molars. They were divided as group A comprising of 40 patients in whom oral ketorolac with submucous tramadol was administered and group B comprising of 40 patients in whom oral ketorolac with submucous placebo was administered. The study parameters included were pain intensity scores, duration to take 1st rescue analgesia, need of analgesic intake during the first 24 h postoperatively and patient's experience. Results: The patient's experience was found to be better in the group A as compared to group B while evaluating mean pain intensity scores (VRS, VAS); need of postoperative analgesics and drug-related complications. Conclusion: Preemptive oral ketorolac with tramadol in comparison to oral ketorolac results in better pain relief, longer pain free intervals with minimum rescue analgesics requirement & lesser postoperative analgesics consumption.