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Background: The literature is replete with studies establishing Streptococcus mutans as a major player in the formation of pit and fissure caries in all dentitions. Salivary bacterial levels in turn are related to the number of colonized surfaces. Therefore, decreasing the salivary levels of S. mutans would have a great benefit in decreasing the incidence of dental diseases. Aims: Keeping in mind the potential antimicrobial effects of saturated saline and alum solutions, the present study was attempted to compare and evaluate the effects of saturated saline rinse and 0.02 M alum mouthrinse on salivary S. mutans levels in children. Materials and Methods: The investigation was a double-blind, stratified comparison of three parallel groups of children who used either saturated saline rinse, 0.02 M alum mouthrinse or distilled water (placebo) rinse twice daily under professional supervision for a 21-day period. A total of three saliva samples were taken from each individual - at baseline, on the 10 th day and on the 21 st day, and colony counts of S. mutans were determined. All data were subjected to statistical analysis using Wilcoxon′s Signed Ranks Sum and Mann-Whitney "U" test. Results and Conclusions: Children using saturated saline rinse and alum rinse showed statistically significant reductions in salivaryS. mutans counts after 10 days and also after 21 days. After 21 days, the saturated saline rinse and alum rinse groups showed statistically significant differences over the placebo rinse group. Again, the alum rinse group showed a statistically significant difference over the saturated saline rinse group.

Aims: We have compared sealing pressure, usability, and complications of two second-generation supraglottic airway devices-Baska® mask and I-gel. Settings and Designs: The study design involves prospective randomized controlled trial. Materials and Methods: The study was undertaken involving 44 patients of the American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I and II, aged 20–70 years, who underwent surgical procedures of short duration under general anesthesia. Patients were randomly categorized into two groups of 22 each: Group B (Baska® mask) and Group I (I-gel). The main objective was to compare oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP). Statistical Analysis: Continuous variables were compared between the two groups using an unpaired t -test. Categorical variables were compared using the Chi-square test and insertion attempts using Fisher's exact test. Results: Group B had significantly higher mean OLP (32.22 ± 2.52 cmH2O vs. 26.18 ± 2.42 cmH2O, P < 0.001). In Group I, 97.1% of patients had very easy insertion (Grade 1), 2.9% had easy insertion (Grade 2) and Group B had very easy insertion in 50% of patients, easy in 36.4%, and difficult in 13.6% of patients (P = 0.009). Group B took a longer time for successful insertion than Group I (39.89 ± 7.15 s vs. 28.19 ± 3.29 s, P < 0.001). Conclusion: For positive pressure ventilation, both I-gel and Baska® masks proved to be successful, with I-gel being easier and quicker to insert. It is possible to employ the Baska® mask with superior seal pressures as an alternative to endotracheal intubation in elective surgeries if there are no patient contraindications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Switching elements are crucial components in electrical and electronic systems that undergo severe degradation due to the electrical arc that is generated during breaking. Understanding the behavior of the electrical arc and modifying its characteristics via proper electrode design can significantly improve durability while also promoting optimal performance, reliability, and safety in circuit breakers. This work evaluates the feasibility of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced silver and copper metal matrix composites (MMCs) as switching electrodes and the influence of CNT concentration on the characteristics of the arcs generated. Accordingly, three different concentrations per MMC were manufactured via powder metallurgy. The MMCs and reference materials were subjected to a single break operation and the electrical arcs generated using 100 W and 200 W resistive loads were analyzed. The proposed MMCs displayed promising results for application in low-voltage switches. The addition of CNTs improved performance by maintaining the arc's energy in the silver MMCs and reducing the arc's energy in the copper MMCs. Moreover, a CNT concentration of at least 2 wt.% is required to prevent unstable arcs in both metallic matrices. Increased CNT content further promotes the splitting of the electrical arc due to a more complex phase distribution, thereby reducing the arc's spatial energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) imaging, this study compares the diagnostic efficacy of meniscal injury with clinical examination tests such the McMurray's test, Thessaly test, and joint line tenderness. Methodology: Two hundred and fifteen patients having a history of knee injuries with symptoms such as pain, instability, and locking were studied from June 2020 to June 2022 at our institution, for a 2-year period. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of McMurray's test for medial meniscus were 84% and 84.21%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for medial joint line tenderness were 88.15% and 55.55%, respectively. Thessaly's test for the medial meniscus was 92.10% sensitive and 88.8% specific. The sensitivity and specificity of MRI for medial meniscal injury were 94.87% and 93.75%, respectively. McMurray's test for lateral meniscus had a sensitivity of 84.44% and a specificity of 76.92%. Lateral joint line tenderness for lateral meniscus had a sensitivity of 86.95% and a specificity of 66.66%. The sensitivity and specificity of Thessaly's test for lateral meniscus were 93.33% and 84.61%, respectively. MRI revealed a sensitivity of 93.75% and a specificity of 90% for lateral meniscus injuries. Conclusion: Even though MRI is a precise and noninvasive method for detecting meniscal injuries, a thorough clinical examination by a skilled physician has the same diagnostic power as MRI to rule out meniscal injuries. In contrast to previous tests, the Thessaly test can be used as a useful tool to detect meniscal injuries, as we discovered in our study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, an attempt has been made to improve the combustion of diesel oil. Biodiesel derived from waste fish oil along with ethanol was used for this purpose. The esterification process was undertaken to synthesize the biodiesel. TiO2, Graphene (Gr), and Al2O3 were added to the diesel blends to improve the turbulence in the engine. The fuel mixture consisted of 20% waste fish oil, 5% ethanol, 50 ppm of particulate matter and the rest was commercially available diesel oil. The magnetic stirring method was adopted to prepare the mixture. The B20-Al2O3 biodiesel had a viscosity of 4.99 cSt and a density of 0.875 gram/cc. The flash point was found to be the least for the ethanol added biodiesel and it increased in the case of the nanoparticle added biodiesel. Heavy mining engines like generators, compressors, and locomotives can run on the produced biodiesel as an alternative fuel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

INTRODUCTION: The mandibular buccal shelf area is an extra‑alveolar anchorage site that has high quality and quantity of bone, provides biomechanical benefits and has low failure rates. It is essential to place the implant in the region of bone with optimal thickness. The aim of this study was to determine the suitable site of the mandibular buccal shelf for bone screw insertion at 90 degrees and 30 degrees angles of insertion and various heights, angulations, areas of the buccal shelf in prognathic and retrognathic mandibles, and vertical and horizontal growth patterns. METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated the cone‑beam computed tomography (CBCT) images of 48 patients in the age range of 18–30 years, divided into four groups. Seven sectional sites were examined at 3, 5, and 7 mm from the alveolar crest at 90 degrees and 30 degrees. The angulation and area of the buccal shelf were examined. RESULTS: Cortical bone thickness increased distally from the first to the second molar in all four groups. CONCLUSIONS: The preferred site for buccal shelf implant placement was distal to the mandibular second molar. The maximum amount of cortical bone was observed distal to the second molar, 7 mm vertically from the alveolar crest, when the buccal shelf implant was placed at 30 degrees angulation to the long axis of the tooth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orthodontic appliances includes bands, brackets and wires which are made up of stainless steel with the composition of roughly 8-12% nickel and 17-22% chromium and other trace metals. Corrosion of orthodontic appliances can have a toxic effect on surrounding oral tissues. The main aim of the study is to analyze the Glutathione s transferase activity in saliva and blood samples of patients undergoing Orthodontic treatment. The study group included 40 participants and Samples were taken in different time intervals: Group 1- Collection of samples before the appliances fixed, Group 2- Collection of sample after one week of fixed appliances, Group 3- Collection of sample after three months of fixed appliances each from the Orthodontic Department of A.B Shetty Memorial institute of dental sciences. Glutathione S transferase was estimated using 1-chloro, 2, 4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) method. In case of Saliva group 3 (211.17±1.84) significantly increased compare to group 1 (87.05±3.86) and group 2 (118.74±2.8). In case of RBC lysate group 2(532.33±3.2) and group 3(512.40±1.16) were increased when compare to group 1(107.12±2.54). The Glutathione s transferase levels of patients increased over a period of time after treatment with orthodontic appliances but other factors like age of the patient, diet rich in antioxidants, light and strenuous physical activity, medication, amalgam fillings and genetic constitution of an individual also influenced the results. [Med-Science 2014; 3(4.000): 1605-13]

The purpose of this study is to describe a technique of using an affordable suture anchor for various soft tissue repairs of both upper and lower limb surgeries in our series of patients. Eighteen patients with minimum 1-year follow-up after various upper limb surgeries using modified suture anchor were assessed both clinically and radiographically. In all 18 cases, the purpose of the suture anchor was served in terms of attachment of ligament or the tendon. There was no incidence of breakage of suture material or loosening of the implant seen during the insertion. There were no complications related to the implant noted. This novel technique turns a simple screw and suture material into an efficient suture anchor while saving time, being quick, easy, affordable and repeatable. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic) [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, usage of personal protective equipment (PPE) has increased. They are known to cause skin complications, as documented by observations in the healthcare workers. However, the data regarding the same remains unexplored in the general population. This study is aimed to fill this knowledge gap. Methods A questionnaire-based survey was conducted with 121 dermatologists, noting how often they have observed PPE related skin conditions. Results Majority of them (81.8%) reported a rise in cases like contact dermatitis, dry hands, contact urticaria, cuts on the nose and ears, which was attributable to PPE. A flare of pre-existing dermatoses like acne, seborrheic dermatitis, hair loss, rosacea, and skin infections were also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective  The mandible has been used for sex determination and forensic identification due to its unique anatomy and morphology. Every part of the mandible is unique, including the shape and size of the temperomandibular joint, the ramus, the body and the symphysis region, and the inferior alveolar canal. In addition, the position and placement of the teeth within their sockets are unique for every individual. Sample Population  A study was conducted on 20 males and females to estimate sexual dimorphism using anthropometric measurements obtained by cone beam computed tomography images of the mandible of Karnataka and Kerala populations. Materials and Methods  The mean, standard deviation, and standard error along with the confidence interval of different measurements were documented. Various measurements between the sexes were compared using Student's t -test. Association between categorical variables was analyzed using the Chi-square test. A p -value < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Data were analyzed using statistical SPSS software. Results  The p -value of mRBr L, GA L, and GA R among females was significantly higher in the Karnataka population when compared with that in the Kerala population. The Karnataka State population showed significantly higher values of RL R, BiGBr, and BiCBr among males, and the p -value of the Kerala population for GGL L and GGL R was significant and higher among the males. Conclusion  The data derived from the above study suggest that the mandibular anthropometric measurements used may be applied for forensic sex estimation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The aim of this review article is to discuss the current role of Clear Aligners in treating various malocclusions and the effectiveness of aligners when compared with braces using recent literature. Materials and Methods: Literatures pertaining to production of aligners, efficacy and treatment outcome of aligners, root resorption in aligners, periodontal health during aligner treatment, and comfort levels during aligner treatment were reviewed from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases and included selected systematic reviews. Results: The literature cited during the initial days of aligners showed contrasting results when compared with articles cited recently. It was mainly observed in improvement in the scope of treating various malocclusions. However, the results show that aligners still do not possess the ability to create an extensive range of movements when compared with braces. Conclusion: Despite the claims, evidence for the effectiveness of clear aligners is generally lacking. In mild-to-moderate instances, shorter treatment duration and chair time appear to be the only substantial benefits of transparent aligners over conventional systems supported by current evidence. Advantages of clear aligner therapy were reported for better aesthetics, comfort at an early stage, easier oral hygiene maintenance, and improved periodontal health. Based on the available evidence, clear aligner therapy is definitely effective in managing minor malocclusion and shows acceptable results with moderate malocclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. The objective of the study was to understand and analyze the prescription patterns of dentists across various demographic locations for managing oral infections and pain with antibiotics and explore the evidence-based practices by clinicians as well as the need for further education. Materials and methods. This cross-sectional study was carried out using an online questionnaire framed to explore the knowledge, attitude, and practices among dentists with varying levels of experience and qualifications, regarding antimicrobial prescription. The questions were validated from previous published studies that explored the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) with respect to antimicrobial prescription. In total, N = 300 of dentists from four different countries responded to the online questionnaire out of which 53% were specialists while 47% were general dentists. After data collection, descriptive analysis was carried out along with a one-sided hypothesis test to depict the power of the sample. Results. It was seen from the results of the study that the first-choice antibiotics for 67.8% of dentists were found to be the β-lactam group while sulfonamides and tetracyclines at 20% were the second most prescribed group. Another important finding was that 45.6% of dentists ignored hypersensitivity testing before prescription of antibiotics even though 83.3% of the total dentists interviewed were aware of the increase in antibiotic resistance. Conclusion. In conclusion, the dentists are partially aware of the guidelines but need further training and education on antimicrobial prescription that enables evidence-based decision-making for better practices and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The study aimed to evaluate the shear bond strength (SBS) of metal brackets and adhesive properties of bonded irradiated and non-irradiated teeth. Methods: Sixty-six extracted premolar samples were randomly divided into three groups—(a) Control group consisting of 22 non-irradiated, non-aged teeth (Group 1), (b) 22 non-irradiated, aged samples (Group 2) and (c) 22 irradiated, aged samples (Group 3). Irradiation was done using gamma irradiation with a fractionated dose of 60 Gy for 5 consecutive days per week over 6 weeks. Metal brackets were bonded on all samples with light cure adhesive and subjected to SBS test using universal testing machine. The samples were assessed under the scanning electron microscope to check for the adhesive remnant index (ARI) and tag depth. Results: There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean SBS of the irradiated samples compared to the non-irradiated teeth. The non-irradiated, aged samples showed a majority of ARI scoring 1 and 2. Whereas, the irradiated samples showed ARI scoring 2 and 3. Approximately, 77·3% of the non-irradiated samples showed no adhesive present on the tooth surface, and 27·2% of the irradiated samples had more than 50% adhesive present on the enamel surface. Conclusion: There is a statistically significant decrease in SBS of irradiated enamel compared to that of non-irradiated teeth. However, the SBS observed in the three groups was well above the ideal SBS for orthodontic bonding, that is, 5·6–6·8 MPa. The adhesive remnant was found on all samples of the irradiated group. Deeper adhesive resin tags were found in the irradiated group in the resin–enamel interface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims and Objectives: The advent of the novel coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has sparked a global crisis. Cumulatively, the modifications in patient care and financial restraints are leading to heightened levels of anxiety amongst dentists, making it imperative to comprehend the psychological health implications of the dental professionals. This study aimed to evaluate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic among Indian Dentists through an online web-based survey. Materials and Methods: The present randomized survey was designed to evaluate the anxiety levels. A total sample size of 405 was calculated. The questionnaire included demographic information and all the variables linked to probable cause of stress during clinical practices and the future prospects of the profession. The questions had to be responded on a scale of 1-10. The responses were statistically analyzed by subjecting the responses to descriptive analysis, Student's t test, and Pearson's chi-square tests. Results: A total of 405 responses were received. The levels of anxiety reported were high. Majority of the dentists were troubled by the thought of being in a highrisk profession and of transmitting the disease to others. Almost all questions were responded with a score of >5 on a scale of 1-10 depicting heightened anxiety levels. The fear levels were noted to be elevated in patients aged more than 35 years. Conclusion: Longterm unrecognized anxiety can predispose to significant psychiatric morbidity and fatigue. Identifying and acknowledging adverse factors in a crisis situation will facilitate early intervention to reduce and mitigate the impact of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Orthodontic treatment is aimed at achieving good facial aesthetic and occlusion. Proportioned soft tissue contours form an integral part of orthodontic treatment. It is important to establish standard cephalometric norms for various population groups. The present study was aimed to establish soft tissue norms (for Orthognathic surgery) for South Indian population and to compare the values with that of Caucasian standards. Materials and methods: 50 South Indian subjects comprising of 25 males and 25 females in the age group of 18-30 years were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria who were subjected to lateral cephalometric radiographic analysis. Soft tissue parameters were analysed in the study group and compared with the Caucasian group based on Burstone and Legan analysis. Results: South Indian population showed increased lower face protrusion, lower lip protrusion, upper lip protrusion and deep mentolabial sulcus in both males and females when compared to Caucasian population. An increased lower face-throat angle was seen in South Indian males. Diverse results were also seen in some other soft tissue parameters. Conclusion and clinical significance: The current study shows that certain soft tissue cephalometric parameters in South Indian population are significantly different from the Caucasian population in both males and females. The differences in both racial groups are clearly evident in the study and can thus be of utmost clinical importance while planning out orthognathic surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Study was undertaken in the selected villages of Keonjhar district of Odisha to assess the impact of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) intervention on the perception and adoption level of off-season tomato cultivation practices among the farm women. Profitability of small holder farm women can be improved by diversification through high value crops like vegetables during the off-season. The study area comes under North Central Plateau agro-climatic zone of the state which offered ample opportunities for the production of vegetables like tomato, cole crops, radish, coriander during the wet season, when the market demand for these vegetables are very high in comparison to the normal season. Realizing the potential of off-season vegetable production in improving the livelihoods of farming community, KVK, Keonjhar popularized this profitable venture through training and demonstration and after five years of intervention, the study for assessing the impacts revealed that the farmwomen of the KVK adopted villages had higher perception and adoption level on the important technologies of off-season tomato cultivation in comparison to the KVK non-adopted villages. However, their perception and adoption need to be improved in the areas like integrated nutrient and pest management practices in general and bio-fertiliser and bio-pesticide application, use of pheromone traps, selection of suitable safer insecticides and micronutrient application in particular. The personal and psycho-sociological attributes like participation level in training & demonstration, extension contact, exposure to best practices, farming experience, mass media exposure, progressiveness, scientific orientation, institutional orientation, education, social participation, communication behaviour and risk orientation had positive and significant association with the extent of adoption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study on the population dynamics and infestation pattern of brinjal shoot and fruit borer, Leucinodes orbonalis Guene was carried out during 2009 and 2010. The adult moth first appeared in the pheromone trap during 24th standard meteorological week (SMW) in both the years and thereafter the pest attained its first peak during 31st and 32nd SMW and second peak during 37th and 39th SMW in 2009 and 2010, respectively. However, the highest larval population was observed one week after the maximum adult activity in each case. The pest infestation on shoots commenced from 26th SMW in both the years of study with maximum infestation on 32nd and 33rd SMW in 2009 and 2010, respectively. However, the peak fruitinfestation occurred during 38th and 40th SMW during 2009 and 2010, respectively. Among the ecological parameters only temperature exerted a positive influence on the population build up and infestation of the pest and had maximum contribution towards the seasonal fluctuation. This study could be helpful not only in forecasting the outbreak of L. orbonalisbut also in initiating timely pest management decisions based on information on the seasonal activity of the pest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiments carried out to evaluate the efficacy of some IPM modules against foliage feeders infesting brinjal during the year 2009-10 and 2010-11. IPM module comprising of application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha at transplanting and seedling root dip with solution of Azotobactor (25 ml/l of water), Phosphorous solublising bacteria (PSB) (25 ml/l of water) and Pseudomonas fluorescence (3 g/l of water) for 1 hour, raising of barrier crop (2 rows of maize around the field), alternate application of deltamethrin 2.8 EC @ 1 ml/l of water and spinosad 45 SC @ 0.35 ml/l of water at 10 days interval twice at vegetative stage and six times commencing with fruiting stage, foliar application of boron @ 0.25% Borax (one at vegetative stage and other after flower initiation stage) and regular destruction of infested plant parts offered maximum control of foliage feeders like epilachna beetle and leaf roller in brinjal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fixed orthodontic appliances can release metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc into saliva and blood, which can cause contact dermatitis, hypersensitivity, and cytotoxicity. This study was undertaken to assess the release of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum of patients undergoing fixed orthodontic treatment. Materials and Methods: This in vivo study was conducted on 80 participants with an age range of 15–40 years. Thirty were included as controls and 50 participants were treated with fixed orthodontic appliances. Saliva and blood samples were collected at five different periods, before insertion of fixed orthodontic appliance and at 1 week, 3 months, 1 year, and 1.5 years after insertion of appliance, respectively. The metal ion content in the samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum were compared between groups using independent sample t-test and before and after results using paired t-test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Results: At the end of 1.5 years, the mean salivary levels of nickel, chromium, and zinc in controls were 5.02 ppb, 1.27 ppb, and 10.24 ppb, respectively, as compared to 67 ppb, 30.8 ppb, and 164.7 ppb at the end of 1.5 years. This was statistically significant with P < 0.001. A significant increase in the metal ion levels were seen in participants with before and after insertion of appliance (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Orthodontic appliances do release considerable amounts of metal ions such as nickel, chromium, and zinc in saliva and serum. However, it was within permissible levels and did not reach toxic levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]