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.

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.

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.

Comparative Assessment of Antimicrobial Efficacy of Different Antibiotic Coated Gutta-Percha Cones on Enterococcus faecalis An Invitro Study.

INTRODUCTION: The major goal of endodontic treatment is to eliminate bacteria from the root canals and prevent re-infection. Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) has been attributed to be the most common organism for the endodontic treatment failures. The choice of endodontic material that have high antimicrobial efficacy can help in decreasing/avoiding growth of micro-organisms and facilitate the success rate of treatment. AIM: The present study was designed with an aim to evaluate the antimicrobial efficacy of antibiotic coated gutta-percha cones on E. faecalis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present study was an invitro experimental study, conducted at Department of Public Health Densitry and Department of Microbiology. Gutta-percha cones were coated with different medicaments like Zinc Oxide-Eugenol cement (ZOE i.e. Group A), ZOE plus Amoxicillin-Clavulanic acid combination (Group B), ZOE plus Amoxicillin (Group C), ZOE plus Ofloxacin-Ornidazole combination (Group D). Agar plates were inoculated with E. faecalis and antibiotic coated gutta-percha cones along with conventional gutta-percha cones (coated only with ZOE) were placed in those agar plates. After 24hours incubation; diameter of zone of inhibition around gutta-percha stick was considered to assess the antimicrobial activity. Results were statistically analysed with analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Tukey post-hoc test for group-wise comparisons. RESULTS: Mean diameter of zone of inhibition (in mm) obtained for Group A, Group B, Group C and Group D were 5±0.03, 26.6±0.05, 21.5±0.04 and 15.8±0.03 respectively. The difference in values of different antibiotics was statistically significant. The p-value < 0.001 was considered statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Group B was most effective against E.faecalis compared to other combinations used which increase the success rate of endodontic treatment as compared to conventional gutta-percha cones.

Comparative Evaluation of Arimedadi Oil with 0.2% Chlorhexidine Gluconate in Prevention of Plaque and Gingivitis: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: Chemical plaque control measures are advocated to maintain proper oral hygiene. Ayurvedic medicines are alternatives considered with minimal side effects to treat systemic diseases and dental diseases. So the present study was conducted to assess the anti-plaque efficacy of Arimedadi (herbal) oil against 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. AIM: To assess the anti-plaque efficacy of Arimedadi (herbal) oil against 0.2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 patients aged 18 to 21 years, with mild to moderate gingivitis were recruited and were divided randomly into three groups with 15 subjects in each group. After baseline data, scaling and polishing was performed. Group A, as Control, Group B, Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash and Group C used experimental Arimedadi oil mouthwash. Instructions were given to use 10 ml mouthwash twice daily after 30 min of tooth brushing for 1 min till 21 days. Plaque Index (PI) and Gingival Index (GI) were taken to assess Plaque and Gingival health on 7(th) day, 14(th) day and at 21(st) day. The statistical analysis was done using Paired t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by Post Hoc test. RESULTS: There was similar improvement in gingival health among both groups compared to control group up to 21 days (p<0.001). However from 14(th) day to 21(st) day there was no difference in gingival health between Chlorhexidine and Arimedadi group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Arimedadi oil is equally effective to Chlorhexidine gluconate as an adjunct to mechanical plaque control in prevention of plaque accumulation and gingivitis. Arimedadi oil could be an effective and safe alternative to 2% Chlorhexidine gluconate mouthwash due to its prophylactic and therapeutic benefits.

Clinicopathological Overview of Granulomatous Prostatitis: An Appraisal.

INTRODUCTION: Granulomatous prostatitis is a rare inflammatory condition of the prostate. Granulomatous prostatitis is important because, it mimics prostatic carcinoma clinically and hence the diagnosis can be made only by histopathological examination. AIM: To study the histomorphological features and to know the prevalence of granulomatous prostatitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Histopathological records of 1,203 prostatic specimens received in the Department of the Pathology over a period of five years (June 2009 - June 2014). Seventeen cases of histopathologically, diagnosed granulomatous prostatitis were retrieved and reterospective data was collected from the patient's records. RESULTS: Out of 17 cases of granulomatous prostatitis, we encountered 9 cases of non-specific granulomatous prostatitis, 5 cases of xanthogranulomatous prostatitis and 3 cases of specific tubercular prostatitis. The common age ranged from 51-75 years (mean 63 years) with mean PSA level of 15.8ng/ml. Six patients showed focal hypoechoic areas on TRUS and 11 cases revealed hard and fixed nodule on DRE. CONCLUSION: Non-specific granulomatous prostatitis is the most common type of granulomatous prostatitis. There is no specific pattern of clinical, biochemical and ultrasound findings that allows the diagnosis of granulomatous prostatitis or differentiates it from prostatic carcinoma. Hence, histomorphological diagnosis is the gold standard in differentiating various prostatic lesions.

Infectious Granulomatous Dermatitis at a Tertiary Care Centre in North Maharashtra: A Histopathological Study.

INTRODUCTION: Infectious granulomatous dermatitis is a distinctive entity of chronic inflammation. Recognizing the aetiology of granulomatous lesion is challenging to the dermatopathologist. The definitive diagnosis of the granulomatous lesions of skin with identification of aetiological agent is very essential for specific treatment and an appropriate desirable outcome. AIM: To study the histomorphology of various granulomatous lesions of skin and classify them, accordingly into different categories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study of skin biopsies received in the Department of Pathology over a period of five years (June 2009-June 2014) was objectively reviewed. The skin biopsies diagnosed histopathologically as granulomatous dermatitis on H&E stained sections were selected. Complete clinical and relevant history were recorded. Special stains were employed whenever required. RESULTS: A total of 137 cases exhibited granulomatous reaction pattern. Among the granulomatous lesions of skin, tuberculoid granulomas were seen in 109 cases (79.56%), foreign body type in 12 cases (8.75%), suppurative and necrobiotic granulomas each in 7 cases (5.1%) and histiocytic and mixed inflammatory type each in one case (0.7%). Leprosy was the most common granulomatous lesion in 66.4% of the cases (91/137). CONCLUSION: Leprosy was the most common granulomatous lesion with Borderline Tuberculoid Leprosy (BTL) as common sub type followed by tuberculoid leprosy. Hence the combination of clinical data and histomorphological findings are essential for establishing an accurate diagnosis of granulomatous lesion of skin.

Effect of conventional and sugar free pediatric syrup formulations on primary tooth enamel hardness: An in vitro study.

OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the effect of conventional and sugar free pediatric syrup formulations on primary tooth enamel hardness over a period of 14 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in vitro study was done on 40 noncarious deciduous teeth. 10 teeth in each group were dipped in 4 pediatric medicinal syrups (1 sugarfree and 3 conventional) for 1 min thrice daily for 14 days and the enamel surface micro hardness was checked at baseline, 7 th day and 14 th day by Vickers hardness testing machine. The pH, titratable acidity and buffering capacity of the syrups were assessed. RESULTS: The pH of syrups were above critical pH for demineralization of the tooth but tiratable acidity and buffering capacity differed. ANOVA test indicated that the reduction in mean micro hardness was maximum in Group D (Conventional Analgesic syrup) and least in Group A (Sugarfree cough syrup) on 7 th and 14 th day. On intergroup comparison there was no difference (P > 0.05) in micro hardness between Group B (Conventional Cough syrup) and Group C (Conventional Antibiotic). However, highly significant (P < 0.01) difference between the either pair of Group B with Group D, and Group C with Group D on 14 th day. The percentage reduction in micro hardness on 14 th day was maximum for Group D (24.4 ± 2.2) and minimum for Group A (14.0 ± 1.3) which was statistically significant (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Sugar free pediatric medicines can be effective in reducing dental erosion and efforts should be made to incorporate sugar substitutes in formulation of pediatric medicines.