Comparative Assessment of Modified Self-Reported Periodontal Risk Assessment Model and Periodontal Risk Assessment Model among the Adult Population.

Introduction: A high burden of periodontal diseases is seen in the adult population. Hence, it is important to monitor the risk and progression of periodontal diseases. Instead of using complex clinical periodontal risk assessment models, self-reported measures would be favorable for obtaining data in order to conduct research and surveillance of population over time on the progression of periodontitis. Our aim was to compare two tools for periodontal risk assessment, the originally described periodontal risk assessment (PRA) model given by Lang and Tonetti and the modified self-reported periodontal risk assessment model, in patients, depending upon can be changed to after. Materials and Methods: All the participants completed a questionnaire used for modified self-reported periodontal risk assessment model. Periodontal status of the participants was recorded using the periodontal risk assessment (PRA) model given by Lang and Tonetti. Results: Among 50 patients examined 28, 14, and eight were in low-, moderate-, high-risk groups, respectively, identified by self-reported periodontal risk assessment, whereas 34, 10, and six were in low-, moderate-, high-risk groups, respectively, when identified by the PRA model given by Lang and Tonetti. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) showed an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.835, and it represents good predictability of self-reported periodontal risk assessment model. Conclusion: This is feasible method with self-reported measures; it is easier, of low cost, and requires less equipment for obtaining data for research and surveillance of the periodontal status of a population.

Comparative evaluation of nutmeg mouthwash and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control: A randomized clinical trial.

Background: Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg, has been shown to have many medicinal properties including reduction of plaque and oral halitosis. In the present study, a mouthwash was prepared from nutmeg oil to compare its effectiveness with 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate mouthwash on halitosis and plaque control. Materials and Methods: A total of 60 participants having plaque and plaque-induced oral halitosis were enrolled and randomly divided into two groups as Group A (30) and Group B (30). Nutmeg and 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash were administered in Group A and Group B, respectively, for 21 days twice daily. Plaque index and organoleptic score were recorded at baseline, 14th day, and 21st day. The data were collected, tabulated in Microsoft Excel Sheet, and subjected to statistical analysis using appropriate statistical tests. Results: The percentage of change in plaque score between baseline and 14th day was 12.3% and 9.44% (P = 0.741), between baseline and 21st day 39.2% and 39.4% (P = 0.889), and between 14th and 21st day 27.7% and 29.9% (P = 0.805) for Group A and Group B, respectively, while the percentage of change in halitosis score between baseline and 14th day was 24.7% and 16.3% (P = 0.201), between baseline and 21st day 54.5% and 56.3% (P = 0.487), and between 14th and 21st day 34.9% and 40.0% (P = 0.393) for Group A and Group B, respectively. Conclusion: Nutmeg mouthwash is organic, economical, and equally effective as compared to 0.2% CHX gluconate mouthwash (Clinical Trials Registry-India/2020/10/028540).

Oral Health Status of Mothers According to Different Personality Traits and Influence on their Child's Oral Health: A Cross-sectional Survey.

Objective: Oral hygiene practices vary as per different personalities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the oral health status of mothers of various personality traits and its influence on their child's oral health. Materials and methods: The present study was a cross-sectional survey conducted among 450 mothers of 20-40 years having child of 3-7 years. "Eysenck Personality Questionnaire" was given to all the mothers to classify them into four different personality traits, i.e., Extroversion, Neuroticism, Lie scale, and Psychoticism; followed by an assessment of oral health status of both mothers and their child. Collected data were compiled in MS-Excel sheet and subjected to statistical analysis. Results: Results were statistically analyzed with the analysis of variance (ANOVA). For pairwise intergroup multiple comparisons, post hoc Tukey test was applied. Association of child's oral health status with mother's oral health with respect to four different personality traits was done by linear regression analysis. From the present study it was seen that severity of dental caries status was more in psychoticism group as compared to other personality groups (p < 0.05) for mothers as well as children. Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (OHI-S) was seen to be statistically significant with highest mean in Lie scale group. Conclusion: From the present study, it was concluded that there is a positive correlation with mother's personality traits and oral health status of mothers and their children. How to cite this article: Khobragade VR, Vishwakarma P, Dodamani AS, et al. Oral Health Status of Mothers According to Different Personality Traits and Influence on their Child's Oral Health: A Cross-sectional Survey. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(3):316-321.

Evaluation of Fluoride Uptake of Two Fluoride Varnishes into and onto the Enamel Surface at Different Temperatures: An In Vitro Study.

Background: Fluoride (F) is an effective anticaries agent and can be delivered through various mediums at different concentrations. The ability to increase the enamel resistance to acid by decreasing solubility through the incorporation of F into the enamel apatite structure is the primary function of these agents. The efficacy of topical F can be determined by measuring the amount of F incorporated in and on human enamel. Aim: To compare the F uptake into and onto the enamel surface of two different F varnishes at different temperatures. Materials and methods: In this study, 96 teeth were divided equally and randomly (n = 48) into two experimental groups (group I and group II). Each group was further divided into four equal subgroups (n = 12); depending on the temperature (25°, 37°, 50°, and 60°C) they were subjected to Fluor-Protector® 0.7% and Embrace® 5% F varnishes were allocated to experimental groups I and II, respectively, and every sample was individually treated with the assigned F varnish. After the varnish application, two specimens from each subgroup, the group I and group II (n = 16), were mounted for hard tissue microtome sectioning for scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis. The remaining 80 teeth underwent potassium hydroxide (KOH) soluble and KOH-insoluble F estimation. Results: Group I and group II, both, showed maximum F uptake of 2817.07 ppm and 1626.8 ppm at 37°C temperature and the lowest of 1168.9 ppm and 1068.93 ppm at 50°C, respectively. The intergroup comparison was carried out using an unpaired t-test and the intragroup comparison was done using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) univariate analysis.Post hoc Tukey test was performed for pairwise comparison between different temperature groups. In group I (Fluor-Protector®), the difference in F uptake was statistically significant when the temperature was increased from 25° to 37° C (mean difference = -9.90, p = 0.016). In group II (Embrace®), a statistically significant difference in F uptake was observed when the temperature was increased from 25° to 50°C (mean difference = 10.00, p = 0.003) and 25° to 60°C (mean difference = 13.38, p = 0.001), respectively. Conclusion: Fluor-Protector® varnish proved to have better F uptake in comparison to Embrace® varnish on human enamel. Topical F varnishes were most effective at 37°C, which is close to the standard human body temperature. Thus, the application of warm F varnish ensures more uptake of F in and onto the enamel surface for greater protection against dental caries. How to cite this article: Vishwakarma AP, Bondarde P, Vishwakarma P, et al. Evaluation of Fluoride Uptake of Two Fluoride Varnishes Into and onto the Enamel Surface at Different Temperatures: An In Vitro Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2022;15(6):672-679.

Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry.

Pandemic situations always impose devastating aftereffects on communities and cause chronic damaging effects on the healthcare system. Novel coronavirus disese-2019 (COVID-19) which has originated in China (Wuhan) is nowadays an emerging threat to public health across the world. It is spreading worldwide so rapidly and has started infecting people in all possible ways. Several dental care facilities in affected countries are completely closed or have been only providing minimal treatment for emergency cases since the whole lockdown has been announced. However, in some affected countries, they are still providing regular dental treatment. This discrepancy could be because of the dearth of proper awareness, knowledge, protocol, or guidelines. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Kshirsagar MM, Dodamani AS, Deokar RN, et al. Impact of COVID-19 on Dentistry. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(5):711-714.

Teledentistry: A New Horizon in COVID-19 Pandemic for Oral Health.

Currently, all of us are experiencing emotions, thoughts, and situations we have never experienced before. It is not that there were no pandemics earlier. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, health issues are growing. It has shaken the entire world and created global panic. In a way, it is affecting oral health also. Taking care of oral health is as important as looking after physical health. There is a need for a range of treatments to anticipate oral health issues. Strategies to combat these oral health issues should use options like teledentistry to develop effective methods of support. How to cite this article: Kshirsagar MM, Dodamani AS, Dodamani GA, et al. Teledentistry: A New Horizon in COVID-19 Pandemic for Oral Health. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2021;14(3):441-442.

Impact of Covid-19 on Mental Health: An Overview.

BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 (2019-nCoV) pandemic is a major threat to public health worldwide; it has been identified as originating in Wuhan, Hubei province, China. It has spread across the globe, causing an outbreak of acute infectious pneumonia. Such a global outbreak is associated with adverse effects on mental health. Fear, stress and anxiety seem more definitely an outcome of mass quarantine. METHODS: Keeping this pandemic situation in mind, existing literature on the COVID-19 crisis relevant to mental health was redeemed via a literature search from the PubMed database. Collected published articles were summarized according to their overall themes. RESULTS: Preliminary evidence suggests that symptoms of self-reported stress, anxiety and depression have a common psychological impact due to the pandemic, and may be associated with disrupted sleep. Regional, state and National-international borders have almost been shut down, economies crashed, and billions of people quarantined or isolated at their own homes and quarantine centers. In this situational frame of covid-19, patients, frontline health-care professionals anf geriatric population with existing psychiatric conditions may be encountering further suffering. CONCLUSION: COVID-19 will continue to affect mental health, which plays an important role in battling the epidemic. With the scare of the COVID-19 pandemic on the rise, it is time that psychiatrists should try to integrate the health-care services keeping mental health at prime.

Comparative Assessment of Antibacterial Efficacy of Commercially Available Different Dental Gels: An In-vitro Study.

BACKGROUND: The topical routes of administering drugs have certain visible advantages, such as the direct application of a drug to the site of action and persistence of action for a prolonged duration. More stability and better application property of gel allow its use for topical application. OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare antibacterial efficacy of commercially available different dental gels. METHODS: For the evaluation of the antibacterial efficacy of commercially available different antiseptic gels on Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, well-diffusion method was used. To assess the antibacterial efficacy after incubation in an appropriate culture medium, diameter of zone of inhibition was measured. RESULTS: Maximum zone of inhibition was found with Cure next gel (40 mm,40mm) followed by Hexigel (30 mm, 21mm), Mucopain (17 mm, 17mm), and Dologel (7 mm, 16mm) against S. mutans and L. acidophilus, respectively. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc Test were used to analyze results statistically. The difference between commercially available different dental gels was statistically significant (P < 0.001) at a 5%. CONCLUSION: In the present study, it was observed that Curenext gel was more effective, followed by Hexigel, Mucopain gel, and Dologel on S. Mutans and L. Acidophilus.

Comparative evaluation of webinar, powerpoint presentation and lecture as oral health educational interventions among school children: a randomized controlled trial.

The study compared the effectiveness of three teaching methods on the oral health status of high school children. The study population of 791 school children selected from three different schools was randomly allocated to one of three intervention groups: (i) Webinar group (Online presentation)-260 subjects, (ii) Face to Face lecture using PowerPoint presentation (F2F PP group)-261 subjects and (iii) Control group (Only lecture)-270 subjects. Subjects from the Webinar group and F2F PP group received oral health education at an interval of 15 days starting from baseline. Subjects from the control group received oral health education only at baseline. Oral Hygiene Index (OHI) and Gingival Index (GI) were measured at baseline, at 1 month, 2 months' and 3 months' interval. OHI and GI showed a significant reduction (P = 0.001) in the Webinar group and F2F PP group; However, in the control group, OHI and GI reduced from baseline till second month and showed an increase at 3 months' interval. F2F PP group showed a maximum reduction in OHI and GI followed by the Webinar group. It can be concluded that F2F PowerPoint-based oral health education was most effective followed by the webinar method.

Dental professionals' knowledge and behavior towards utilization of gloves: a cross-sectional survey.

INTRODUCTION: Dental practitioners are at risk of developing infections due to nature of their occupation which can be prevented by following proper infection control protocols, including proper use of gloves. Hence, the purpose of this study was to assess the perception and beliefs of dental healthcare providers towards usage of different type of gloves. METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was distributed among a total of 241 participants out of which 198 participants (77 interns, 58 dental post-graduate students (PG) and 63 dental faculty members) returned completed questionnaire (response rate of 82.15%). The questionnaire comprised of questions on dental professionals' preferences for certain types of gloves and the reasons for these preferences, as well as determining their knowledge, beliefs and behavior concerning the use of dental gloves as a means of barrier protection. Data obtained was analyzed using chi-square test. RESULTS: Dental faculty members had a better knowledge regarding use of gloves as compared to dental PG students and interns. Most of the study participants preferred certain types of gloves for the purpose of better protection followed by comfort. Most of the participants believed that gloves provide full protection as long as there is no visible tear (interns 70.1%; PG students 50%; faculty members 60.3%). Most of the interns (42.9%) and PG students (41.4%) did not know about the fact that petroleum based products affect the integrity of the gloves. 2.6% interns, 29.3% PG students and 20.6% faculty members reported that they would not change gloves during an uninterrupted three-hour long procedure. CONCLUSION: Most of the interns and PG students had poor knowledge regarding usage of gloves which calls for an action on the part of educators to educate and train dental professionals regarding proper infection control practices.

Assessment of Oral Health Status and Treatment Needs among Individuals with Thyroid Dysfunction in Nashik City (Maharashtra): A Cross-Sectional Study.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of dental caries and periodontal health status among individuals suffering from thyroid dysfunction in Nashik. To compare the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction between males and females. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is cross-sectional in nature. The study group comprised of randomly selected 100 individuals diagnosed as suffering from thyroid dysfunction and fulfilling eligibility criteria, visiting endocrinology center in Nashik city. Type III clinical examination was used for the assessment of oral health status. Control group was selected from the neighborhood in general population who had matched with the eligibility criteria of the study group. Oral hygiene status was assessed by using the WHO pro forma, 2013. Collected data were compiled into MS-Excel and subjected to statistical analysis using appropriate statistical tests. RESULTS: Severity of dental caries status and periodontal destruction was found more in study group as (P < 0.05). The prevalence of thyroid dysfunction, severity of dental caries status and periodontal destruction was seen more in females as compared to males. CONCLUSION: Thyroid dysfunction has an impact on general and oral health as well. It is necessary to identify it early so as to prevent further progression of disease and destruction of oral tissues. It is also necessary to modify treatment plan if the patient is diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction to prevent further complications.

Antibacterial activity of garlic extract on cariogenic bacteria: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Garlic (Allium Sativum) is ubiquitous, small and commonly used spice for processing food. There are many types of garlic and differ in shape, size, color, taste, number of cloves per bulb and storability. OBJECTIVES: To determine and compare the antibacterial activity of soft neck and hard neck species of garlic against cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The well diffusion method was used to evaluate the antibacterial activity of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. After incubation in an appropriate culture medium, diameter of zone of inhibition was measured to assess the antibacterial efficacy of garlic extract. Chlorhexidine mouthwash (ICPA HEALTH PRODUCTS LTD.) was kept as control group. Results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal Wallis test and independent 't' test. Thus, zone of inhibition (in mm) was analyzed using mean of all the readings obtained and the level of significance at <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 5% of level of significance. RESULTS: Maximum zone of inhibition was found with hard neck garlic extract (24mm) followed by soft neck garlic extract (18mm) and Chlorhexidine (17mm) against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus. CONCLUSION: Action of garlic against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus raises the possibility that it can be used for dental caries and other oral infections possibly.

Estimating the carbohydrate content of various forms of tobacco by phenol-sulfuric acid method.

BACKGROUND: Due to consumption of various forms of tobacco in large amounts by Indian population, it has become a cause of concern for major oral diseases. In 2008, the WHO named tobacco as the world's single greatest cause of preventable death. It is also known that certain amount of carbohydrates are incorporated in processed tobacco to make it acceptable for consumption. Thus, its role in oral diseases becomes an important question at this point of time. Through this study, it is attempted to find out the carbohydrate content of various forms of tobacco by phenol-sulfuric acid method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tobacco products selected for the study were Nandi hookah tambakhu (A), photo brand budhaa Punjabi snuff (B), Miraj (C), Gai-chhap tambakhu (D), Hanuman-chhap Pandharpuri tambakhu (E), and Hathi-chhap Bidi (F). The samples were decoded and transported to laboratory and tested at various concentrations by phenol-sulfuric acid method followed by ultraviolet spectrophotometry to determine their absorbance. RESULTS: The present study showed Hathi-chhap bidi/sample F had a maximum absorbance (1.995) at 10 µg/ml which is a smoking form of tobacco followed by rest all smokeless forms of tobacco, i.e. sample C (0.452), sample B (0.253), sample D (0.077), sample E (-0.018), and sample A (-0.127), respectively. CONCLUSION: As the concentration of tobacco sample increases, their absorbance increases which in turn is suggestive of increase in its carbohydrate concentration. Carbohydrates in the form of sugars, either inherently present or added in it during manufacturing can serve as a risk factor for higher incidence of dental caries.

Effect of Sugar-Free and Regular Toothpaste on Salivary Glucose and pH among Type 2 Diabetes- A Randomized Crossover Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is one of the most prevalent diseases of mankind having general as well as oral health manifestations. Also, there is an increase of salivary glucose level in diabetic, inducing saccharolytic bacteria in saliva which can have adverse effects on oral tissue. AIM: To assess and compare the effect of sugar-free toothpaste on salivary glucose and pH among Type 2 diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A randomized controlled-crossover study was carried out on 30 Type 2 diabetic (Group A) and 45 non-diabetic (Group B) subjects. In first half of study, subjects in Group A and Group B were intervened with sugar-free and regular toothpaste respectively. Salivary glucose and pH was assessed before and after brushing at interval of one week for a period of four weeks. In second half, toothpastes were switched over between the groups, after sufficient washout period. Salivary glucose and pH were assessed again in the same manner for both the groups. The data was subjected to paired t-test and unpaired t-test for intragroup and intergroup comparison respectively. RESULTS: Salivary glucose level was significantly reduced and salivary pH was increased significantly (p<0.001) in both groups with sugar free toothpaste when compared to regular toothpaste. CONCLUSION: Sugar free toothpaste showed beneficial effect on salivary glucose level and salivary pH level on diabetes and non-diabetes population.

Effectiveness of two different behavioral modification techniques among 5-7-year-old children: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Dental fear is a common, essential, and inevitable emotion that appears as a response to the stressful situation, which raises children's anxiety level, resulting in reduced demand for pediatric dental care. AIMS: (1) To compare and evaluate the effectiveness of customized tell-play-do (TPD) technique with live modeling for behavior management of children. (2) To compare the behavioral modification techniques in managing the children during their dental visits. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-eight children aged 5-7 years were enrolled in the study and randomly allocated into two groups. Phase I: first visit. Group I - children were conditioned to receive various dental procedures using live modeling followed by oral prophylaxis. Group II - TPD technique was introduced with customized playing dental objects followed by oral prophylaxis. Phase II: second visit. After 7 days interval, all the study subjects were subjected to rotary restorative treatment. EVALUATION: Heart rate, Facial Image Scale (FIS), and Venham-6-point index were used before intervention, after intervention, and during dental procedure to quantify the anxious behavior. RESULTS: All 98 children after intervention underwent oral prophylaxis on first visit and rotary restorative treatment on second visit. The average pulse rate, FIS, and Venham scale scores were significantly lower among children who received TPD intervention when compared to those who received live modeling intervention. Unpaired t-test at 5% level of significance was considered as statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: TPD is effective in reducing children's fear and anxiety about dental treatment, children enjoy playing with customized dental object. Thus, to promote adaptive behavior, TPD could be an alternate behavioral modification technique during pediatric dentistry.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Probiotic, Herbal and Chlorhexidine Mouthwash on Gingival Health: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Due to inherent limitations of Chlorhexidine (CHX), search for an effective and potentially safe anti-plaque agent has led to emergence of alternative products. AIM: The present study evaluated the comparative efficacy of probiotic, herbal and CHX mouthwashes on gingival health of healthy individuals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was randomized parallel group controlled trial. A group of 45 healthy subjects in the age group of 18-21 years received complete supragingival scaling at baseline and study variables viz., Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S), Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were recorded. Subjects were then randomly divided into three groups (15 in each group) and were randomly intervened with three different mouthwashes i.e., HiOra mouthwash, CHX mouthwash and Probiotic mouthwash. Variables were again recorded on the seventh and 14th day after use of mouthwashes and data obtained was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the efficacy of CHX, HiOra regular and probiotic mouthwashes on plaque accumulation, gingival health and oral hygiene status. CONCLUSION: Herbal and probiotic mouthwashes can prove to be effective alternatives to CHX with minimal side effects.

Level of Fluoride in Soil, Grain and Water in Jalgaon District, Maharashtra, India.

INTRODUCTION: Fluoride has an influence on both oral as well as systemic health. The major source of fluoride to body is through drinking water as well as through diet. Staple diet mainly depends on local environmental factors, food grains grown locally, its availability etc. Determination of fluoride level in these food grains is important. So, estimation of the amount of fluoride in grains and its relation to the sources of fluoride used for their cultivation viz., soil and water is important. AIM: To estimate the relation of fluoride concentration in grains (Jowar) with respect to that of soil and water used for their cultivation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen samples each of soil, water and grains were collected using standardized method from the same farm fields of randomly selected villages of Jalgaon district. Fluoride ion concentration was determined in laboratory using SPADNS technique. Mean difference in fluoride levels in between the groups were analyzed using ANOVA and Post-Hoc Tukey test. Linear regression method was applied to analyse the association of the fluoride content of grain with water and soil. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in between mean fluoride levels of soil and water (p<0.001) and in between soil and grain (p<0.001); however, difference in between mean fluoride levels of water and grain was found to be non significant (p=0.591). Also fluoride levels in all the three groups showed significant association with each other. CONCLUSION: Fluoride level of soil, grains and water should be adjusted to an optimum level. Soil has positive correlation with respect to uptake of fluoride by Jowar grains. So, Jowar grains with optimum fluoride content should be made available in the commercial markets so that oral and general health can be benefitted.

Efficacy of herbal toothpastes on salivary pH and salivary glucose - A preliminary study.

Due to dearth of literature on the effect of herbal toothpaste on saliva and salivary constituents, the present study was undertaken to evaluate and compare the effect of three different herbal toothpastes with the focus on on salivary pH and salivary glucose. Forty five subjects in the age group of 19-21 years were randomly divided into 3 groups (15 in each group) and were randomly intervened with three different herbal toothpastes (Dant Kanti, Himalaya Complete Care and Vicco Vajradanti). Unstimulated saliva samples were collected before and after brushing and salivary glucose and pH levels were assessed at an interval of one week each for a period of 4 weeks starting from day 1. All the three toothpastes were effective in reducing the overall (p < 0.05) levels as well as levels of salivary glucose from pre-brushing to post-brushing at each interval (p < 0.05) and in increasing the overall levels as well as levels of salivary pH (p < 0.05) from pre-brushing to post-brushing at each interval. Herbal toothpastes were effective in reducing salivary levels of glucose and improving pH of the saliva.

Research misconduct: A neglected plague.

Truthfulness and honesty are absolute essentials of research. But to sustain in the not-so-pleasant "publish-or-perish" environment and "cut-throat" competition to increase the credibility associated with one's name, many individual researchers as well as research groups are turning towards research misconduct and this plague is gradually reaching epidemic and pandemic proportions. This overview highlights the various types and means of research misconduct and gives suggestions aiming to curb this academic menace so that research sanctity and integrity can be preserved and scientific research does not get polluted by the dirt of misreported or fabricated data.

Comparative assessment of antimicrobial efficacy of different hand sanitizers: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of four different hand sanitizers against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis as well as to assess and compare the antimicrobial effectiveness among four different hand sanitizers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study is an in vitro study to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Dettol, Lifebuoy, PureHands, and Sterillium hand sanitizers against clinical isolates of the aforementioned test organisms. The well variant of agar disk diffusion test using Mueller-Hinton agar was used for evaluating the antimicrobial efficacy of hand sanitizers. McFarland 0.5 turbidity standard was taken as reference to adjust the turbidity of bacterial suspensions. Fifty microliters of the hand sanitizer was introduced into each of the 4 wells while the 5th well incorporated with sterile water served as a control. This was done for all the test organisms and plates were incubated in an incubator for 24 h at 37΀C. After incubation, antimicrobial effectiveness was determined using digital caliper (mm) by measuring the zone of inhibition. RESULTS: The mean diameters of zones of inhibition (in mm) observed in Group A (Sterillium), Group B (PureHands), Group C (Lifebuoy), and Group D (Dettol) were 22 ± 6, 7.5 ± 0.5, 9.5 ± 1.5, and 8 ± 1, respectively. Maximum inhibition was found with Group A against all the tested organisms. Data were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance, followed by post hoc test for group-wise comparisons. The difference in the values of different sanitizers was statistically significant at P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Sterillium was the most effective hand sanitizer to maintain the hand hygiene.