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Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the flow, solubility, and pH of AH Plus sealer, Bio-C Sealer, and Cerafill RCS. Methods: The selected sealer materials were mixed according to instructions of the manufacturers under aseptic conditions. For flow and solubility, the recommendations of ISO 6876/2012 and ANSI/ADA 2000 standards were followed (n = 10). Additionally, pH changes during the setting of selected sealers (n = 10) were measured at regular intervals of time using a digital pH meter. Data were statistically analyzed using Kruskal–Wallis ANOVA test with post hoc Dunn's test. Results: The flow of Bio-C Sealer was significantly higher than Cerafill RCS (P < 0.05). Among the sealers, Bio-C Sealer exhibited the highest solubility, whereas AH Plus exhibited the least solubility. Calcium silicate-based sealers showed higher pH than resin-based sealer. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicate that resin-based sealer and calcium silicate-based sealers have acceptable flow, whereas calcium silicate sealers exhibited high solubility and an alkaline pH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Aquatic foods, particularly fish, are essential for addressing malnutrition, especially in vulnerable populations like children and women. In India, traditional aquaculture practices centered around carp species often overlooked the production of nutrient-rich small fish. To address this, nutrition-sensitive aquaculture approaches advocate for integrating species like mola carplet (Amblypharyngodon mola) rich in micronutrients, into existing systems. In Odisha, India, where poverty and food insecurity are prevalent, the government initiated a program to empower women through aquaculture, focusing on nutrition-sensitive carp-mola polyculture in community ponds through Women Self-Help Groups (WSHGs). Methods: This study evaluates the effectiveness of this government program in enhancing income, household nutrition, and women's empowerment. Data from field surveys conducted across all 30 districts of Odisha were analyzed to assess participation, capacity building, adoption of better management practices (BMPs), productivity of carp-mola polyculture, household fish consumption, and profitability. Results and discussion: The study found widespread participation and adoption of BMPs among WSHGs, leading to increased productivity and income. Carp- mola polyculture systems showed higher productivity and consumption rates, contributing to improved nutrition among WSHGs and their communities. Despite challenges such as input costs and limited mola availability, WSHGs reported profitability from fish farming, with carp-mola polyculture systems yielding higher net income. Factors influencing productivity and profitability included water retention period, stocking density, feed application, and training. The program's impact extended beyond economic benefits, encompassing environmental improvement, women's empowerment, and enhanced nutrition outcomes. The study highlights the success of the government program in promoting sustainable aquaculture practices and improving nutrition outcomes in Odisha. Continued support, capacity building, and collaboration among stakeholders are essential for scaling up nutrition-sensitive aquaculture interventions and ensuring long-term sustainability. Strengthening dissemination processes, addressing challenges, and further research on small indigenous fish production techniques are crucial for maximizing the program's impact on food security and rural development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the bond strength of three root canal sealers, i.e., AH Plus, GuttaFlow 2 and BioRoot RCS to the intra-radicular dentin, was evaluated by the push-out test design. Thirty extracted teeth with single roots without fractures or defects, presenting with closed apices, were randomly divided into three groups, with each group containing ten samples. The samples were decoronated, standardizing the length of the samples to 15 mm uniformly. Canal instrumentation was done using ProTaper Universal rotary files upto size #F3 and lateral compaction technique was used for obturation with 2% taper standardized gutta-percha along with each of the three different sealers. After obturation and final setting of the sealers, the specimens were sectioned and observed under the stereomicroscope to check the integrity of the obturation and were then subjected to push-out bond strength test. The results of the test revealed that the push-out bond strength of BioRoot RCS was greater compared to AH Plus and GuttaFlow2, which was statistically significant with p<0.05. Push-out bond strength in the decreasing order was as follows: BioRoot RCS > GuttaFlow2 > AH Plus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: C.albicans is the most commonly isolated fungal pathogen in the oral cavity, but isolation of non-albicans Candida is increasing in recent years. We wish to demonstrate the virulence factors of Candida spp. isolated from the dental caries lesion of the children as presence of virulence factors determines the pathogenic potential of any microorganism. Aim: To compare biofilm production, phospholipase and haemolytic activity of C.albicans with that of non-albicans species of Candida isolated from dental caries lesions of children to evaluate the role of non- albicans species of Candida in formation of dental caries. Materials and Methods: Oral swabs were collected from caries lesion of 100 school children of age 5-10 years with dental caries. Candida isolates were tested for biofilm production, phospholipase and haemolytic activity. Statistical analysis was done by Chi-Square test and Mann-Whitney U test wherever applicable using SPSS version 11.5. Results: Out of the 100 children with dental caries 37 were positive for Candida by smear or culture and 31 by culture. C.albicans was the most prevalent isolate followed by C.krusei, C.tropicalis and C.albicans. Out of 21 C.albicans isolates, 10 (47.6%) showed phospholipase activity and 18 (85.71%) produced biofilm. Of the 10 non-albicans strains, 5 (50%) showed phospholipase activity and 6 (60%) produced biofilm. All isolates of Candida produced haemolysin (100%). Conclusion: There was no statistically relevant difference between the virulence factor production by C.albicans and nonalbicans species of Candida. In other words, our study shows that both C.albicans and non-albicans species of Candida isolated from caries lesions of the children, produce these virulence factors. So we can say that non-albicans species of Candida also are involved in caries formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]