Psychological and Physiological Relaxation Using Yoga in Patients Undergoing Dental Implant Surgery: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial with Biomarker Assessment.

Scientific evidence on the benefits of yoga among patients undergoing dental implant surgery is sparse. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of performing yoga on the vital signs and salivary cortisol in patients undergoing dental implant surgery. This study was conducted in an outpatient prosthodontics clinic during June-July 2019 as a pilot outcome assessor-blinded randomized trial with parallel design. A total of 20 patients requiring dental implant surgery were divided into two groups, with 10 patients in each group. Control group patients underwent implant surgery without yoga. In the intervention group, patients were trained to perform yoga, which included breathing exercises and meditation practiced for 10 minutes, and then underwent implant surgery. Vital signs (systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature) and salivary cortisol were recorded before (baseline) and after (post-surgery) implant surgery in both groups. There was no significant difference in the baseline values between the control and intervention groups. Mean vital sign and salivary cortisol values significantly increased from baseline to post-surgery in the control group. All vital signs except salivary cortisol significantly decreased from baseline to postsurgery in the yoga intervention group. Heart rate and temperature showed significant decreases in postsurgery values between the control and intervention groups. There was no significant correlation between vital signs and salivary cortisol at baseline and postsurgery between the control and intervention groups. This study provides preliminary evidence for the beneficial effects of yoga in reducing anxiety and stress in those undergoing dental implant surgery.

An Analysis of Leptospirosis Control in a Flood-Affected Region of Kerala and the Role of Accredited Social Health Activists - A Questionnaire Study.

BACKGROUND: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. RESULTS: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). CONCLUSION: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.

Antifungal Efficacy of Spice Extracts against Candida albicans: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Candida species are normal commensals and are isolated intra-orally in 17%-75% of healthy individuals and all debilitated people. Eradication of candidiasis is complicated by the emergence of Candida strains that are resistant to the currently used antifungal agents. Plants as remedies are gaining popularity in developed countries. Although many plants have already been investigated against Candida albicans, the search is still to find a long-term prevention or cure for oral candidiasis. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate the antifungal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cumin against C. albicans and (2) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of spice extracts against C. albicans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spices obtained from the local market were dried and powdered. Solvent extracts were obtained by maceration with methanol followed by filtration and evaporation. The antifungal efficacy was assessed using cup-plate diffusion method followed by the determination of MIC by serial tube dilution technique. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: All the extracts evaluated showed variable degree of inhibition zones against C. albicans with cinnamon showing the highest inhibition (49.3 ± 0.52) mm and also with least MIC against C. albicans (<0.05 mg/ml). CONCLUSION: These results exhibit the antifungal activity of the spice extracts against C. albicans, which may be useful in the treatment of oral candidiasis.

Effect of Rubber Dam on Arterial Oxygen Saturation in Children.

BACKGROUND: The placement of rubber dam has the potential to alter the airflow through nasal and oral cavities. Pediatric dentist should be aware whether the use of a rubber dam affects the oxygen saturation (SpO2) in children. To assess the effect of rubber dam on arterial blood SpO2 in children of 6-12 years age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Totally, 60 ASA Class I patients of 6-12 years age, randomly allocated in two groups: Group A: Rubber dam isolation of maxilla and Group B: Isolation of the mandible. A pulse oximeter was used to detect SpO2. To establish a baseline, each patient's SpO2 was recorded every 30 s for 2 min. A rubber dam was then placed which extended over the nose. Class I cavity and glass ionomer cements restoration were performed. The rubber dam was cut to expose the nasal cavities SpO2 were recorded every 30 s for 5 min throughout the procedure. A two-way ANOVA test was applied. RESULTS: In both groups there was no significant difference in SpO2 after rubber dam placement with nose covered or uncovered (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was no significant change in SpO2 after rubber dam isolation with nose covered or uncovered in children of 6-12 years age.