Differential gene expression in irradiated potato tubers contributed to sprout inhibition and quality retention during a commercial scale storage.

Current study is the first ever storage cum market trial of radiation processed (28 tons) of potato conducted in India at a commercial scale. The objective was to affirm the efficacy of very low dose of gamma radiation processing of potato for extended storage with retained quality and to understand the plausible mechanism at the gene modulation level for suppression of potato sprouting. Genes pertaining to abscisic acid (ABA) biosynthesis were upregulated whereas its catabolism was downregulated in irradiated potatoes. Additionally, genes related to auxin buildup were downregulated in irradiated potatoes. The change in the endogenous phytohormone contents in irradiated potato with respect to the control were found to be correlated well with the differential expression level of certain related genes. Irradiated potatoes showed retention of processing attributes including cooking and chip-making qualities, which could be attributed to the elevated expression of invertase inhibitor in these tubers. Further, quality retention in radiation treated potatoes may also be related to inhibition in the physiological changes due to sprout inhibition. Ecological and economical analysis of national and global data showed that successful adoption of radiation processing may gradually replace sprout suppressants like isopropyl N-(3-chlorophenyl) carbamate (CIPC), known to leave residue in the commodity, stabilize the wholesale annual market price, and provide a boost to the industries involved in product manufacturing.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice towards COVID-19 Pandemic among Patients Attending Dental Outpatient Department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India.

Background: The 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an extremely contagious illness that spreads mostly via the dentistry practice. Patients in need of dental care are at a higher risk of becoming infected with and becoming carriers of the illness. Aim: To assess the COVID-19-related knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of patients visiting dental outpatient department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India. Materials and Methods: In this cross-sectional study, patients visiting dental outpatient department of M.G.M. Medical College and Hospital, Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, India were included. The questionnaire had four sections including demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, and practice in relation to COVID-19. Along with computation of descriptive statistics, data analysis was performed using unpaired t-test. Results: A total of 332 people took part in the research. The female respondents were higher in number (53.01%) and the highest percentage of the respondents belongs to the age group 18-40 years (55.72%). Nearly, 98% of respondents were vaccinated. The highest percentage of KAP level was recorded for knowledge (74.95%) followed by that of attitude (50.84%) and practices (37.05%). Conclusion: While respondents' overall knowledge was high but their enthusiasm for taking preventative measures was low, and their efforts to stem the pandemic were lagging at best. Future campaigns should focus more on reaching out to marginalized populations, such as those with less education or higher poverty rates.

Gamma radiation processing for extending shelf-life and ensuring quality of minimally processed ready-to-eat onions.

Onions are always in high demand owing to various culinary as well as health protective properties and these days there is increased consumer preference for ready-to-eat or ready-to-cook onions. In this context, the current study was aimed to extend the keeping quality of minimally processed onions for an extended period while ensuring microbial safety as well as sprouting inhibition through an integrated approach. The optimized combinatorial approach included gamma radiation treatment (Dmin60 Gy), minimal processing (de-skinning and scooping) and packaging in trays wrapped with polypropylene (PP; 10 µm thick) film followed by storage at low temperature (4-6 °C, relative humidity RH 65-70%). The parameters like shelf life, physico-chemical (colorimetry, moisture), organoleptic and nutritional properties were comprehensively assessed and found to be well retained up to 30 days with moisture loss of ≤ 5% and overall acceptability rating of 7 on 9-point hedonic scale. Microbiological analyses confirmed absence of Salmonella spp in these stored onions thus ensuring microbial safety. Nutritional profiling including carbohydrate, protein, fat, energy, and ash content revealed no significant change due to the processing as well as during storage. Thus, the radiation processing of freshly harvested bulbs followed by minimal processing, packing in formulated package and storage under low temperature conditions were found acceptable up to 30 days in the ready-to-eat form. Current findings provide credible evidences ascertaining extended shelf-life as well ensuring microbial safety of processed onions for commercial utilization by the food industries.

Simulation study to assess the effectiveness of gamma radiation for inactivation of viruses on food packaging material.

The recent COVID-19 pandemic spread across the globe has raised the concern about the possible transmission of viruses through food packaging material during domestic and international trade. Therefore, mitigation strategies are needed to address these safety issues. Preliminary in-silico study showed that interactions between food packaging material and viral surface proteins were possibly hydrophobic in nature with most favourable interaction having a binding free energy of -5.24 kcal/mol. Since these interactions can cause viruses to adsorb on the food packets and get transmitted during supply chain, it is necessary to inactivate the viruses. In this context, efficacy of gamma irradiation in inactivating the viruses on the food packaging material was assessed. For this simulation study P1 (virulent) bacteriophage of E. coli was used as a model system. Gamma irradiation of food packets at an absorbed dose >8 kGy was found to completely inactivate the infectivity of P1(virulent) bacteriophage when co-cultured with E. coli host and assayed for viral plaque formation. Reduction in infectivity of P1(vir) phage was more prominent at ambient temperature (25 ± 2 °C) as compared to cold temperature (6 ± 2 °C) when assayed after storage (one week). Gamma irradiation (2 kGy) completely inactivated the virus particles on food packets when stored for 1 week at both the above temperatures. It is thus proposed that gamma irradiation (2 kGy) can possibly be integrated as a final treatment of the packaged food products to rule out the possibility of viral transmission. However, the efficacy of radiation processing against different pathogenic viruses needs to be determined prior to actual commercial deployment.

Effects of pH and Time on Nickel Ion Release from Pediatric Stainless-Steel Crowns: An In-Vitro Comparative Study.

Background: Frequent use of stainless-steel crowns in pediatric dentistry has led to concerns that heavy metals in the crowns could be released into the mouth and potentially trigger allergic reactions. Of these constituents, nickel is known to be a common cause of hypersensitivity reactions. Aim: To evaluate and compare nickel ion release from pediatric stainless-steel crowns of 3M ESPE and DNTO Kids Crown at pH levels of 4.3, 5.5, and 6.3 for days 1, 7, 15, and 30. Methods: In this in-vitro study, nickel ion release (in PPM) from stainless steel crowns of 3M ESPE (n = 60) and DNTO Kids Crown (n = 60) in artificial saliva of pH 4.3, 5.5, and 6.3 on days 1, 7, 15, and 30 was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry at Indian Institute of Technology-Bombay. Statistical analysis was performed using two-way and three-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by least significant difference post hoc test and Spearman's rank order correlation. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: In both groups (3M ESPE and DNTO Kids Crown), a significantly higher amount of nickel ion release was observed at pH 4.3. Among different time intervals, significantly maximum nickel ion release was observed on day 7. Nickel ion release from DNTO Kids Crowns was significantly higher than 3M ESPE at all the pH levels and time intervals. Conclusions: The pH of artificial saliva and nickel ion release is inversely related. The manufacturing process may affect the biodegradability of stainless-steel crowns. The maximum average nickel ion release from stainless steel crowns is below the recommended dietary intake but sufficient to cause allergic reactions.

Molecular events confirming antimutagenicity to abscisic acid derived from a floral honey establishing its functional relevance.

Natural dietary products of health promoting and disease preventive functional relevance are gaining significant prominence. Current investigation was aimed to decipher the underlying molecular mechanism responsible for the antimutagenic action contributing to functional relevance of floral honey ('Pongammia pinnata', Karanj honey) derived abscisic acid (ABA) against ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) induced mutagenesis. Differential expression of proteins under different treatment conditions was ascertained by 2D gel electrophoresis. Selectively up-regulated characterized using MALDI-TOF MS/MS were identified as polyribonucleotide nucleotidyl transferse (PNPase), LPS-assembly lipoprotein (LptE), Outer membrane Usher protein (HtrE), ATP-dependent DNA helicase (RecG), and Phosphomethyl pyrimidine synthase (ThiC). Antimutagenicity exerted by ABA against EMS was ∼78% in wild type E. coli MG1655 strain however, in E. coli MG1655 ΔthiC, ΔpnpA, ΔrecG, and ΔhtrE this activity was found to be ∼60, 10, 9 and 10%, respectively. Proteomic analysis and antimutagenicity studies using E. coli single gene knockout strains thus indicated about the possible role of thiC, htrE, lptE, recG and pnp in observed antimutagenicity. Cyclic voltametry as well as competition kinetics through pulse radiolysis confirmed lack of antioxidant capacity in abscisic acid apparently ruling out the possibility of scavenging of electrophilic intermediates generated by ethyl methanesulfonate. It is proposed that ABA is exerting antimutagenicity through its involvement at the cellular level leading to physiological adaptation, strengthening of cell wall proteins and up-regulation of the repair proteins. This study provides a novel dimension to the functional role of abscisic acid from its nutraceutical perspective.

'BhAVI-23'-A spice-herb based dietary infusion possessing in-vitro anti-viral potential.

BACKGROUND: Viruses cause many life threatening human diseases. Recently, COVID-19 pandemic has challenged the health care systems worldwide. As a disease preventive approach and to bring relief to the severity of the symptoms, a infusion termed as Bhabha Anti-Viral Infusion-23 ('BhAVI-23') was conceptualized and formulated which comprised of 23 selected spices and herbals. OBJECTIVE: The present study was conducted to assess the in vitro antiviral potential of the formulation, BhaAVI-23. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The in-vitro anti-viral potential of BhAVI-23 was assessed through inhibition of HIV1 reverse transcriptase (RT) as well as through a novel P1 (virulent) bacteriphage based screening assay system. Anti-diabetic potential was assessed by non-enzymatic glycosylation of haemoglobin and the bioactive volatile components were detected through headspace gas chromatography followed by molecular docking analysis. RESULTS: The infusion displayed prominent anti-viral activity as evident from significant (57%) inhibition of the HIV1-RT as well as through reduction in the infectivity of P1 (virulent) bacteriophage. The infusion also exerted profound protection (∼64%) to non-enzymatic glycosylation of haemoglobin. Headspace gas chromatography and mass spectrometric analysis confirmed the presence of at least 47 major compounds. Docking analysis indicated possible interaction of α-pinene and eugenol with SARS-CoV spike protein. CONCLUSION: This 'BhAVI-23' infusion displayed prominent in-vitro anti-viral and anti-diabetic potential in different model systems. These attributes have relevance as diabetic patients are more prone to COVID-19 morbidity. 'BhAVI-23' opens the avenue for its potential inclusion as a supportive health care system upon due regulatory approval during the current pandemic.

Detection of Red complex bacteria, P. gingivalis, T. denticola and T. forsythia in infected root canals and their association with clinical signs and symptoms.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the association between endodontic clinical signs and symptoms and the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Treponema denticola, and Tannerella forsythia employing polymerase chain reaction (PCR). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microbial samples were obtained from 60 cases with necrotic pulp with primary teeth infections. DNA extracted from samples were analyzed for endodontic pathogens by using species-specific primers. RESULTS: P. gingivalis/T. denticola were detected in 15 symptomatic teeth associated with periapical lesions. T. forsythia/T. denticola were found in 16 symptomatic teeth associated with pain and swelling. P. gingivalis was detected in 9 teeth which were associated with pain, 2 with tenderness on percussion, and 15 with periapical lesions. Statistically significant associations were found between T. forsythia as well as T. denticola in relation to clinical findings of pain and swelling. (P < 0.05). Red complex bacteria showed no statistical significant association with the presence of signs and symptoms. CONCLUSION: Prevalence of P. gingivalis, T. denticola, and T. forsythia suggested association of these bacteria with symptomatic infected pulp and periradicular diseases.

No induced mutagenesis in human lymphoblast cell line and bacterial systems upon their prolonged sub-culturing in irradiated food blended media.

BACKGROUND: Profound apprehension towards safety of irradiated food has remained a major cause behind tardy acceptance of this technology although it has immense socio-economic potential. Generation of in-depth scientific evidence will help to refute these apprehensions. With this prospective, the present study was undertaken where safety of various irradiated (Dmin up to 25 kGy) foods was evaluated through long-term exposure studies in models including human lymphoblast TK6 cell line (100 generations) and Escherichia coli MG1655 cells (exclusive sub-culturing in irradiated food medium for 3000 generations). Additionally, the Ames test, micronucleus test, comet assay, DNA sequencing and restriction profiling of phagemid DNA from E. coli cells sub-cultured in irradiated food medium were also performed. RESULTS: No induced mutagenesis was observed in these cells during long-term sub-culturing in various irradiated food medium. Also no change was observed in profiles of comet, micronucleus, restriction digestion, random amplification of polymorphic DNA as well as DNA sequences. The latter also ruled out the possibility of any silent mutation. CONCLUSION: Findings of the current study thus provided credible molecular evidence supporting the safety of irradiated foods. This would be helpful in confidence building among consumers, entrepreneurs, and strengthening the overall food irradiation program to achieve 'food safety' and 'security'. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Antibacterial Efficacy of Mouthwash Prepared from Pomegranate, Grape Seed and Guava Extracts against Oral Streptococci: An in Vivo Study.

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate, Grape seed and Guava extracts have much been reviewed in Ayurveda and has been proven to have antibacterial action Aim: The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the mouthwash prepared from pomegranate, grape seed and guava extracts on salivary streptococci levels at the end of 48 hr and 7 days, of twice a day usage. STUDY DESIGN: 40 school going children aged 8-10 yrs, randomly allocated into 4 groups (n=10 for experimental group) were asked to rinse with a) Mouthwash prepared from Pomegranate extract, 15 ml twice a day b) Mouthwash prepared from Grape seed extract, 15 ml twice a day, c) Mouthwash prepared from guava extract, 15 ml twice a day, d) Control- Distil water, twice a day. The oral streptococci colony forming units/ml (CFU/ml) was assessed by inoculating the salivary samples on blood agar media at the end of 48 hrs, and 7 days. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: the aqueous extracts of the chosen herbal plants showed an acceptable antibacterial efficacy against oral streptococci.

Denture Hygiene Knowledge and Practices among Complete Denture Wearers attending a Postgraduate Dental Institute.

AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the denture hygiene knowledge and practices among patients using complete dentures attending a postgraduate dental hospital in Jabalpur city. The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between hygiene knowledge and practices to the denture wearer's gender, education, and income. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A descriptive, cross-sectional survey was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire involving the complete denture patients attending the Department of Prosthodontics. The study subjects were randomly selected by recruiting old dentures wearers visiting the Department of Prosthodontics for a recall visit or for new dentures on the odd dates of the month. All subjects signed an informed consent before filling the questionnaire. The institutional review committee approved the study. Descriptive statistics included computation of frequencies and percentages. Nonparametric test, namely, chi-square test, was used for further data analysis; p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 530 individuals were approached for participation in our survey, 30 (5.66%) subjects declined to participate. The results showed that 195 (39%) subjects were wearing the same dentures for more than 5 years. In this study, 51 (10.2%) subjects reported never having been advised by their dentists as to how to clean their dentures. Among all the subjects interviewed, 264 (52.8%) reported to clean the oral tissues daily. This study disclosed that 66 (13.2%) of the subjects usually slept with their dentures. Maximum subjects in illiterate group had experienced bad breath sometimes when compared with subjects in postgraduate group (χ2 = 47.452, p < 0.001). There was a significant difference for method of denture cleaning according to gender (χ2 = 101.076, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The majority of the denture wearers have limited knowledge of denture cleansing and oral hygiene practices. Hygiene habits and practices may not always present a positive correlation with the gender, educational level, and income of the subjects. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Periodic recall for evaluation of denture and mucosal surfaces along with reinforcement of denture hygiene instructions will go a long way in helping the patients reap maximum benefits out of their prostheses.

Natural Predominance of Abscisic Acid in Pongammia pinnata ("Karanj") Honey Contributed to its Strong Antimutagenicity.

Various samples of raw (unprocessed) floral honey collected from different geographical locations of India were assayed for its antimutagenicity against ethyl methanesulfonate in E. coli MG1655 cells through rifampicin resistance assay. A monofloral honey ("Pongammia pinnata", local name "Karanj") displayed maximum antimutagenicity (78.0 ± 1.7; P ≤ 0.05). Solid phase extraction (using Amberlite XAD-2 resin) followed by HPLC resulted into different peaks displaying varying antimutagenicity. Peak at retention time (Rt) 27.9 min (henceforth called P28) displayed maximum antimutagenicity and was further characterized to be abscisic acid (ABA) using ESI-MS and NMR. Its antimutagenicity was reconfirmed through human lymphoblast cell line (TK6) mutation assay using thymidine kinase (tk+/-) cell line. Although ABA from this honey displayed strong antimutagenicity, it lacked any in vitro antioxidant capacity indicating noninvolvement of any radical scavenging in the observed antimutagenicity.

Adverse health effects and unhealthy behaviors among dental undergraduates surfing social networking sites.

INTRODUCTION: Little is known about the relationships between adverse health effects and unhealthy behaviors among dental undergraduate students surfing social networking sites (SNSs). OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the associations between adverse health effects and unhealthy behaviors with social networking usage among dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted in a private university in Madhya Pradesh (India) among 300 dental undergraduate students. A self-administered questionnaire was used. It included questions on sociodemographical data, pattern of social networking use, social relationship, unhealthy behaviors, and health effects. RESULTS: The mean age was 21.5 (±2.3) years. The average daily SNSs surfing hours were 3.5 (±1.8). Significant associations were found between average hours of social networking and the following factors: isolation from family members and society, refusing to answer calls, musculoskeletal pain, headache, and eye irritation (P < 0.001). The average hours spent on social networking were significantly associated with holding urination and defecation while online, surfing SNSs until midnight, and postponing, forgetting, or skipping meals (P < 0.001). Cohen's effect size value between adverse health effect and social networking hours were 0.78, 0.86, 0.82, 0.86, and 0.81 for back pain, shoulder pain, wrist pain, headache, and eye irritation, respectively. The effect size value between health-related behaviors and social networking hours were 0.72, 0.62, 0.72, 0.71, and 0.84 for holding urine, holding defecation, postponing meal, skipping meal, and social networking until midnight, respectively. Gender-wise comparison for social networking hours showed a low practical significance (d = 0.09). CONCLUSIONS: The average hours spent on social networking were associated with adverse health effects and unhealthy behaviors among dental undergraduate students, as well as social isolation from the family and society.

Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis, fluoride release, and antimicrobial properties of glass ionomer cements indicated for atraumatic restorative treatment.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare constituents of glass powder, fluoride release, and antimicrobial properties of new atraumatic restorative treatment material with zirconia fillers and conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) type IX. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thisin vitro study comparing Zirconomer and Fuji IX was executed in three parts: (1) energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of glass powders (2) analysis of fluoride release at 1(st), 3(rd), 7(th), 15(th), and 30(th) day, and (3) antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus casei, and Candida albicans at 48 hours. Data was analyzed using unpaired t-test and two way analysis of variance followed by least significant difference post hoc test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis revealed that, in both Zirconomer and Fuji IX glass powders, mean atomic percentage of oxygen was more than 50%. According to the weight percentage, zirconium in Zirconomer and silica in Fuji IX were the second main elements. Calcium, zinc, and zirconium were observed only in Zirconomer. At all the time intervals, statistically significant higher amount of fluoride release was observed with Zirconomer than Fuji IX. At 48 hours, mean ± standard deviation (SD) of zone of inhibition against Streptococcus mutans was 11.14 ± 0.77 mm and 8.51 ± 0.43 mm for Zirconomer and Fuji IX, respectively. Against Lactobacillus casei, it was 14.06 ± 0.71 mm for Zirconomer and 11.70 ± 0.39 mm for Fuji IX. No antifungal activity was observed against Candida albicans by Zirconomer and Fuji IX. CONCLUSION: Zirconomer had higher antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei, which may be attributed to its composition and higher fluoride release. However, it failed to show antifungal effect againstCandida albicans.

Frequency of Addictive Habits and its Association with Oral Diseases Among a Cross Section of Indian Police Personnel Connotation.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of adverse addictive habits, specially alcohol and tobacco usage, among police personnel of Bhopal City, Central India and its association with the frequency of oral mucosal lesions and periodontal diseases. STUDY DESIGN: Across-sectional analytical study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Bhopal City, Capital of Madhya Pradesh State, Central India, from February to April 2013. METHODOLOGY: All the police personnel posted at various police stations were interviewed and clinically examined. Police personnel who did not cooperate or were not willing, were excluded from the study. Chi-square test was used to analyze categorical variables. RESULTS: Atotal of 781 subjects were interviewed for the various forms of adverse habits, followed by clinical assessment of oral mucosal lesions and periodontal status using WHO 1997 criteria. The mean age of study subjects was 40.58 ±9.84 years. Usage of tobacco was found among 55% and only 1.3% of subjects consumed alcohol. The prevalence of oral mucosal lesions and periodontal diseases was significantly higher among tobacco users. CONCLUSION: There was high usage of tobacco among police personnel in Bhopal City, India with a detrimental effect on oral health.

Antibacterial Activity and Fluoride Release of Glass-Ionomer Cement, Compomer and Zirconia Reinforced Glass-Ionomer Cement.

INTRODUCTION: The cariostatic property of glass ionomer cement (GIC) stems from its ability to release fluoride into the oral environment. Recently, zirconia reinforced GIC has been launched which promises the protective benefits of glass ionomer while completely eliminating the hazard of mercury. AIM: To evaluate invitro antibacterial activity and fluoride release from two conventional glass ionomer cements (GC II and GC IX), compomer (Compoglass) and a zirconia reinforced glass ionomer cement (Zirconomer). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antibacterial activity of the cement specimens was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans using the agar inhibition test. Zone of inhibition on Mueller-Hinton agar plates was measured after 48 hours. The fluoride release from the cement specimens in ppm were measured at day 1, 7, 14 and 21 using a fluoride ion selective electrode. Data was analysed using one-way and two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by LSD post-hoc test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Statistically significant largest zone of inhibition was observed with Zirconomer. Also, significant differences were seen in fluoride release of different materials. At all the time intervals maximum fluoride release was observed with Zirconomer and minimum with Compoglass. CONCLUSION: This invitro investigation has revealed that zirconia reinforced GIC (Zirconomer) had maximum antibacterial activity against S.mutans and fluoride release.

Potential Prophylactic Properties of Apple and Characterization of Potent Bioactive from cv. "Granny Smith" Displaying Strong Antimutagenicity in Models Including Human Lymphoblast TK6(+/-) Cell Line.

Potential prophylactic attributes in terms of antimutagenicity, antioxidant, and radioprotective properties were evaluated for 8 common apple cultivars namely "Fuji," "Golden Delicious," "Granny Smith," "Ambri Kashmiri," "Kinnaur," "Red Delicious," "Royal Gala," and "Shimla," where cultivar based significant variation was observed. Cv. "Granny Smith" displayed significantly higher and broad spectrum antimutagenicity in Escherichia coli rpoB based rifampicin resistance (Rif(R) ) assay, whereas, "Ambri Kashmiri," "Royal Gala," and "Shimla" showed lower antimutagenicity. Cultivars "Ambri Kashmiri," "Kinnaur," and "Red Delicious" exhibited strong antioxidant activity than cv. "Granny Smith" as assayed by radical scavenging, reducing potential and radioprotective property assays. The antioxidant and radioprotective properties were found to be better correlated than antimutagenicity. Suppression of error-prone DNA repair pathway (such as E. coli SOS response) was found to be one of the possible mechanisms contributing to its antimutagenicity. Phenolic extract of "Granny Smithˮ showing higher antimutagenicity was HPLC purified and the bioactive fraction (tR 35.4 min) contributing maximally (∼80%) to the observed antimutagenicity was identified as procyanidin dimer (PD) by ESI-MS/MS. The above observed antimutagenicity in bacterial assay system was well reproduced in Thymidine Kinase Mutation (TKM) assay performed using human lymphoblast cell line (TK6(+/-) ) cell line making the findings more prophylactically relevant.

Awareness, Attitude and Barriers Towards Evidence Based Dental Practice Amongst Practicing Dentists of Bhopal City.

INTRODUCTION: Evidence based dental practice is said to be the recent best approach to provide treatments or interventions, methodically proven to be safe and sound, efficient and cost effective. So, for providing quality dental care, clinical expertise, research evidence and patient's preferences all should be given equal importance. AIM: To assess the awareness, attitude & barriers of evidence-based dental practice (EBDP) amongst dentists of Bhopal city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The target population of this cross-sectional study involves dentists of Bhopal city. Two hundred fifty private dentists of Bhopal were selected using convenience sampling technique. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire containing 15 questions for assessing Knowledge, attitude, practice & barriers in Evidence based practice. Chi-square, t-test & one-way ANOVA were applied for data analysis and p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The study revealed that dental practitioners had low knowledge about evidence based dental practices but they showed positive attitude towards adopting it in their future practice. There exist certain barriers in practice of evidence based dentistry. CONCLUSION: Including evidence based dental practice teaching in dental curriculum may prove to be a significant step in effective and efficient dental care delivery to the patients. Barriers in evidence based practice needs to be identified & eliminated.

Knowledge of evidence-based dentistry among academic dental practitioners of Bhopal, India: a preliminary survey.

This study aimed to characterize the knowledge of evidence-based dentistry (EBD) among dental faculty members in the city of Bhopal in central India. A cross-sectional questionnaire was administered at two dental colleges in Bhopal City. All dental faculty members who were present on the day of the study and who agreed to participate were included in the study. A total of 50 dental faculty members returned the questionnaire. Six Likert-type questions were asked, and the percentages of various responses were used for analysis. Sixteen faculty members (32.0%) strongly agreed that EBD is a process of making decisions based on scientifically proven evidence. Fifteen faculty members (30.0%) strongly disagreed or disagreed with the item stating that the best and quickest way to find evidence is by reading textbooks or asking experienced colleagues. Thirteen faculty members (26.0%) strongly agreed that EBD allows dentists to improve their scientific knowledge and clinical skills. It is recommended that EBD be included in undergraduate and postgraduate curricula and in intensive continuing dental education programs that are conducted for dental faculty members.

Self-medication Practice Amongst Patients Visiting a Tertiary-care Dental Hospital in Central India.

PURPOSE: To assess self-medication practice-related awareness for correct usage and its association with demographic factors among patients reporting to a dental college. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted among 300 patients reporting to the People's College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Bhopal, India. Only patients ≥ 18 years of age were included and consenting participants anonymously completed the questionnaire, with incomplete questionnaires being excluded from the study. The semi-structured questionnaire containing both open- and closedended questions was prepared in the local language and included demographic data, name of self-medication, frequency of self-medication, periods of illness, duration, dose, frequency of drug administration, symptoms for which drugs were used, satisfaction with healthcare facilities, source of information for self-medication, presence of chronic illness, adverse effects to self-medication seen in patients and drug interactions. The unpaired t-test and chi-square test were used for statistical analysis. p-values < 0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A significant association was seen between education and self-medication. It was observed that the subjects who fell ill more frequently consumed medications on their own more often. Medications were most commonly taken for cough, cold and fever. The most preferred medicine was paracetamol. Most of the subjects found the medicines effective in helping them relieve their symptoms. However, not even half of the subjects were aware of the dose, duration, side-effects or interactions of medicines. There was a significant association between knowledge about side-effects and side-effects experienced from medication. A significant association was also seen between knowledge about side-effects and frequency of self-medication. CONCLUSION: Self-medication and non-doctor prescribing are relatively common in Bhopal. Knowledge regarding the appropriate usage of medication is inadequate. Education to help patients decide on the appropriateness of selfmedication is required.