Smokeless Tobacco Use and Quit Behaviour Assessment in a Middle Aged to Elderly Population in a Rural Setting - An Evaluative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Expanding knowledge on tobacco use and quitting outcomes in Chhattisgarh, India, is crucial. Limited data hinder the assessment of tobacco use prevalence and quitting outcomes in the region. This household-based cross-sectional study aimed to assess smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and quit behaviour among village dwellers aged 35-44 and 65-74 years in Jamul, Chhattisgarh. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A survey was conducted among 450 participants, utilising a pretested questionnaire and data analysis using IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) v23. RESULTS: The study revealed that among the survey participants, 61.1% were males and 38.9% were females. The prevalence of SLT use was found to be 67.8%, with 59.1% of current SLT users reporting daily use. Middle-aged individuals predominantly chose gutkha, while khaini was more common among the elderly. Tobacco and paan with tobacco were also commonly used forms. Gudakhu, a popular SLT product for oral hygiene and easy defecation, was reported by 71.34% of participants. Television warnings and SLT packages proved to be successful methods for disseminating information about the dangers of SLT use. However, SLT users who attempted to quit independently reported encountering one or more withdrawal symptoms, which posed significant obstacles to quitting SLT. CONCLUSION: Community-based awareness programmes are implemented via regional television (TV) channels, coupled with cessation initiatives, including professional counselling, pharmaceutical interventions and support of peer. Changing attitudes against SLT use and promoting tobacco-free environments are prioritized. These strategies will effectively address SLT use and improve quitting outcomes in Jamul, Chhattisgarh, fostering a healthier community.

Evaluation of Spirometric Measures and Quality of Sleep in Tuberculosis Patients and Their Non-Tuberculosis Family Caregivers.

Background and Aim Tuberculosis (TB) patients may present with depression and poor sleep as co-morbidities. This presents great challenges including the stigma of increased risk of developing TB while taking care of such patients. This study aims to determine the lung functions, quality of sleep in tuberculosis patients in comparison with non-tuberculosis (non-TB) family caregivers. Methods TB patients and their family caregivers (60 each) visiting the Directly Observed Therapy Short-course (DOTS) clinic at a tertiary care hospital were assessed for spirometric parameters and quality of sleep. Spirometry measurements were performed using a portable, computerized, pre-calibrated, electronic, dry type of machine. Pulmonary function impairment pattern and severity were assessed from spirometry results using a percentage of the predicted values of Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) and Forced Expiratory Volume in one second (FEV1). Descriptive statistics and t-tests were applied using SPSS version 19.0. p≤0.05 was considered significant. Results TB patients had a significantly more (p=0.000) sleep disturbance, daytime dysfunction, and higher mean global Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (9.56±3.97) compared to their non-TB family caregivers (4.36±2.07). The spirometric measures were reduced in TB patients and showed significant differences in actual measures of all parameters except FVC (actual). The % predicted measures of FEV1, FEF 25%-75%, PEFR, and MVV showed significant differences in comparison to their non-TB family caregivers. Conclusions The present study shows that TB patients have a poor quality of sleep and pulmonary functions compared to their non-TB family caregivers. Health care workers need to develop systematic strategies to screen the symptoms of mental disorders in tuberculosis patients and their family caregivers to enable better management of this population.

A comparative survival analysis of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative treatment technique in primary molars: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: This randomized clinical trial (RCT) aimed to compare the 3-year survival rates of high viscosity glass ionomer restorations (HVGIC) using conventional cavity preparation and atraumatic restorative technique (ART) in primary molars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this RCT, 139 schoolchildren aged 6-9 years with dentinal caries in primary molars were randomly allocated to groups, i.e. the ART group and the conventional group, utilizing a random number generator. Adequate allocation concealment was done. Intervention was delivered using standard procedure and GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC was used as restorations in both the groups. Analysis was carried in 92 participants, and survival rates in both the groups were compared at 12, 24, and 36-month intervals. IBM SPSS software was utilized to analyze the time taken for the procedure and the Kaplan-Meier estimate was used to assess the survival rates. P value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The ART took longer to complete (16.48 ± 2.02 min) versus conventional rotary instrumentation (13.15 ± 1.32 min). The conventional method was slightly superior as compared to ART; excellent survival rates (i.e. >90%) were achieved in both groups at the end of 12-month follow-up with no significant differences at the end of 24 and 36 months as evident from Kaplan-Meier estimate (P = 0.255). CONCLUSION: Three-year follow-up showed that GIC restorations with ART and conventional method carried out using GC Fuji IX ART HVGIC were acceptably successful, substantiating the use of ART for the primary dentition in areas with high caries prevalence and limited access to dental care.

Effect of obesity on cardiovascular responses to submaximal treadmill exercise in adult males.

CONTEXT: Obesity is a major risk factor for chronic diseases. Abnormal changes in cardiovascular responses to exercise indicate the alteration in autonomic activity in obese. AIMS: To assess and compare the cardiovascular parameters before and after exercise among obese and nonobese adult males. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Thirty each obese and normal-weight males between the age group 18-45 years were selected as cases and controls, respectively. Heart rate (HR), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), corrected QT intervals were measured before and after submaximal treadmill exercise (QT and QTc) were done according to Bruce protocol. HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, QT, and QTc were also measured during passive recovery at 1 min and 5 min after exercise. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: One-way analysis of variance and t-test were used to assess changes before and after exercise. RESULTS: Resting HR was significantly higher in obese when compared to nonobese (P < 0.05). SBP, DBP, MAP, QT, and QTc were significantly higher in obese when compared to nonobese (P < 0.001). Immediately after exercise HR, SBP, DBP, MAP, QT, and QTc were significantly higher in obese when compared to nonobese (P < 0.001) 1 min after exercise. CONCLUSIONS: Obese individuals had elevated resting cardiovascular parameters and showed increased responses to steady exercise which could be due to alteration in autonomic functions with sympathetic hyperactivity. Delayed rate of decrease in HR and BP after exercise was also observed in obese, which indicates that they are at risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.

Antifungal efficacy of three medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major against oral Candida albicans: A comparative analysis.

INTRODUCTION: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in the treatment of various infectious diseases. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The present in vitro study was designed to assess the antifungal activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting oral Candida albicans in comparison to standard antifungal agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bark of G. glabra, stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were subjected to antifungal efficacy test against oral C. albicans (ATCC 66027) using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One-way ANOVA using Tukey's post hoc and t-test were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: G. glabra was found to be most effective among the three with highest mean ZOI measuring 19.8 ± 0.83, 19.4 ± 0.54, and 18.2 ± 1.09 at 24, 48, and 72 h, respectively. Tukey's post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between antifungal activity of F. religiosa and P. major with itraconazole 10 mcg. CONCLUSION: G. glabra, F. religiosa, and P. major showed acceptable potency against C. albicans (ATCC 66027) comparable to that of synthetic antifungal agents. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentrations and clinical utility.

Antimicrobial efficacy of three medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens: An in vitro study.

INTRODUCTION: From ancient times, plants with medicinal values are being tested and used in treatment of various infectious disease. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The presentin vitro study was designed to assess the antimicrobial activity of three commonly available medicinal plants Glycyrrhiza glabra, Ficus religiosa, and Plantago major on inhibiting Primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bark of G. glabra, Stem of F. religiosa, and husk of P. major were collected, crushed into fine powder, and dissolved in 67% ethanol. Extracts were then subjected to test antimicrobial efficacy against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens using Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method. Mean zone of inhibition (ZOI) was measured by HI antibiotic zone scale. One-way ANOVA using Tukey's post hoc and t-test were applied for statistical analysis. RESULTS: G. glabra was found to have potential antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens with highest mean ZOI measuring 9.2 ± 1.09 mm and 10.6 ± 0.54 mm at 24 h, respectively. F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers only at 48 h with mean ZOI of 2.6 ± 0.54 mm. P. major showed no antibacterial activity against any of the microorganism in this study. Tukey's post hoc test showed statistically nonsignificant difference between G. glabra and standard antibiotic (vancomycin 10 mcg) for periodontal pathogens. CONCLUSION: G. glabra and F. religiosa showed antibacterial activity against primary plaque colonizers and periodontal pathogens. However, further studies should be undertaken to affirm the same and test their efficacy in different concentration and clinical utility.

Short-term acute effects of gutkha chewing on heart rate variability among young adults: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: An increase in the consumption of smokeless tobacco has been noticed among high school, college students, and adults. Despite the antiquity and popularity of chewing tobacco in India, its effects have not been investigated systematically in humans. The aim of this study was to investigate acute effects of gutkha chewing on heart rate variability (HRV) among healthy young adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 young adult males were included in the study. Each individual was asked to chew tobacco and subjected to HRV analysis. HRV analysis using short-term electrocardiogram recording was used to measure HRV parameters before gutkha chewing and at 5, 15, and 30 min after chewing tobacco. One-way analysis of variance and paired t-test was used to assess changes over time. RESULTS: There was a significant increase in heart rate (HR) during tobacco chewing. Mean HR at baseline measured 73.0 ± 6.2 bpm. There was a rise in mean HR to 83.7 ± 9.1 bpm at 5 min during tobacco chewing and gradual reduction to baseline observed after 15 min followed by no significant change till 30 min. The normalized low-frequency power and LF/high-frequency (HF) power ratio were elevated after 5 min; however, normalized HF power was reduced after 5 min tobacco chewing. CONCLUSION: Gutkha is closely associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors as detected by a transient enhancing sympathetic activity during tobacco chewing in the form of increased HRV parameters or an imbalance between sympathetic and parasympathetic neural activity among healthy young adults.

Assessment of antimicrobial potential of 10% ginger extract against Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis: an in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Streptococcus mutans, Candida albicans, and Enterococcus faecalis are the three oral microorganisms most commonly implicated in the causation of oral infections. All these oral microorganisms have shown resistant to routinely used antimicrobials. There is a need for an antimicrobial agent which is effective, safe, and economical. Zingiber officinale, commonly known as ginger is one such plant product which has been used from ancient time. It has been shown to possess promising inhibitory effect on many of the oral microorganisms. On review of dental literature, there was scarcity of studies which had tried to assess antimicrobial potential of ginger extract against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans; hence, the present study was designed. AIM: To evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial potential of 10% ginger extract against S. mutans, E. faecalis, and C. albicans. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Laboratory setting and experimental design. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the first part of the study, 10% ethanolic ginger extract was prepared in the laboratory of Pharmacy College. It was then subjected to microbiological assay to determine its zone of inhibition using Agar disk diffusion test and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) using serial broth dilution method against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis. RESULTS: 10% ethanolic ginger extract showed: (a) Maximum zone of inhibition of 8 mm, 14 mm, and 11 mm against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis respectively. (b) MIC of 1.25%, 2.5%, and 2.5% against S. mutans, C. albicans, and E. faecalis respectively. CONCLUSION: 10% ethanolic ginger extract was found to possess antimicrobial potential against all the three pathogens used in the study.