Photocatalytic activity of SnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites and the toxicity assessment of Vigna radiata, Artemia salina and Danio rerio in the photodegraded solution.

The study was undertaken to design SnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite by sonochemical method and to assess the photodegradation of organic dye. Textural, composition and structural features of the bare SnO2 and SnO2/Fe3O4 samples were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The X-ray diffraction of as-synthesized SnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites confirms the presence of tetragonal and cubic structure. The results disclose that the incorporation of Fe3O4 in SnO2 decrease the crystallite size and increase the surface area compared with bare SnO2 nanoparticle. The as-prepared photocatalyst shows higher efficiency than the bare SnO2 under sunlight irradiation. Vigna radiata seeds (VR), Artemia salina (AS) and Zebra fish (Danio rerio (DR) were used to check the toxicity level of the treated and untreated Rhodamine B (RhB) dye solution. These models displayed good consistency for examining the harmfulness of the solutions. The results suggests SnO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite exhibited a good efficacy in the dye wastewater treatment. Further, the degradation efficiency was confirmed by the toxicity examination.

Assessment of caries status among schoolchildren according to decayed-missing-filled teeth/decayed-extract-filled teeth index, International Caries Detection and Assessment System, and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment criteria.

BACKGROUND: Detection and evaluation of dental caries is of epidemiological importance. Its early detection is important to commence appropriate treatment planning. Cavitated, noncavitated, and initial lesions of dental caries can be detected by various indices. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the study was to assess the caries experience in schoolchildren using decayed-missing-filled teeth (DMFT)/decayed-extracted-filled teeth (deft), International Caries Detection and Assessment System-II (ICDAS-II), and Caries Assessment Spectrum and Treatment (CAST) systems. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An epidemiological survey was carried out among 1550 schoolchildren (37,644 teeth) between the age ranges of 4 and 14 years. American Dental Association type III examination was performed using plane mouth mirrors and community periodontal index probes using DMFT/deft, ICDAS II, and CAST indices. RESULTS: Out of 37,644 teeth examined, 2,718 teeth had shown caries. Caries experience with DMFT/deft index was 5.54%. Highest score of DMFT was observed in deciduous dentition period (59.02%). Overall prevalence of dental caries with ICDAS and CAST system was 6.7% and 6.95%, respectively. The highest percentage of noncavitated lesions (ICDAS - 2.26% and CAST - 3.9%) and greater prevalence of caries among deciduous teeth (ICDAS - 53.2% and CAST - 58.7%) was observed with both ICDAS and CAST systems. CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of noncavitated lesions and less number of sealants and restorations indicates the lack of awareness for prevention and treatment of oral diseases, which suggests a strong need for preventive and operative treatments.

Comparison of efficacy of caries removal using polymer bur and chemomechanical caries removal agent: A clinical and microbiological assessment - An in vivo study.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Conservative caries removal has become an integral part of minimally invasive dentistry (MID). Polymer burs and chemomechanical caries removal are two feasible methods of MID. The objective of this study was to assess and compare the efficacy of polymer bur and chemomechanical caries removal agent clinically and microbiologically for selective removal of infected dentin. METHODS: A total of fifty primary second molars with occlusal decay involving dentin were selected from 25 patients aged between 5 and 9 years. They were randomly allocated to Group A (polymer bur group) and Group B (Carie-Care group) for caries removal. Completeness of caries excavation was assessed clinically with the application of caries detector dye. Dentinal samples were collected before and after caries removal and cultured in Luria-Bertani Agar, and total viable count was assessed. All the teeth after caries excavation were restored with Type 2 glass ionomer cement. The data obtained was tabulated and statistically analyzed using paired t-test and Chi-square test. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant reduction in the mean microbial count before and after treatment in polymer bur group and Carie-Care group. The reduction in mean microbial count was found significantly higher in polymer bur group compared to Carie-Care group. There was no significant association was observed between the two groups when efficacy was assessed clinically. CONCLUSIONS: Both polymer bur and Carie-Care were efficient caries removal agents when assessed clinically and microbiologically. Polymer bur was found to be more effective than Carie-Care when assessed microbiologically.

Pediatric Residents' Knowledge and Comfort With Oral Health Bright Futures Concepts: A CORNET Study.

OBJECTIVE: Training residents in oral health helps eliminate disparities and improves access. The American Academy of Pediatrics Bright Futures Guidelines curriculum is used as a training guide. We assessed knowledge, confidence, and perceived barriers to incorporating Bright Futures oral health concepts into well-child care for children below 3 years in a national sample of pediatric residents. METHODS: A sample of postgraduate year 1 and 2 residents from CORNET sites completed demographic, Bright Futures oral health concepts confidence and knowledge cross-sectional surveys before any intervention. Measures were tested for reliability using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-three residents from 28 CORNET sites completed the surveys. One third reported no prior training in oral health. Time (42%) and knowledge (33%) led the perceived barriers to addressing these concepts in well visits. Although 63% rated their confidence as excellent in identifying tooth decay risk factors, a significant percentage rated their oral health risk assessment skills as poor or neutral (64%) and identifying caries at examination (53%). Only 49% conveyed oral health messages during encounters and 80% correctly scored 75% or higher on knowledge questions. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study shows that residents from a wide geographic range have high self-reported oral health knowledge but low perceived skills and competency in clinical implementation. Lack of time and knowledge in identifying caries led the perceived barriers. Barriers are addressed by implementing oral health curricula that promote competence and skill-development. This study helps programs effectively implement Bright Futures concepts to train graduates to incorporate oral health in well visits.

An appraisal of service users' structured activity requirements in an Irish forensic setting.

Participating in purposeful and structured daily activities is an important factor contributing to the health and well-being of forensic service users. A survey was carried out in an Irish forensic mental health setting to identify whether service users meet the standard of 25-h weekly activities, a standard set by the Quality Network for Forensic Mental Health Services, London. The findings indicate that 57 (61%) out of 93 service users fully meet the criteria. Furthermore, service users within the medium- and low-security environments appear to be engaging to an increased number of structured activities in comparison to those in acute units.

A multi-method evaluation of a training course on dual diagnosis.

A training course on dual diagnosis was developed within the Irish forensic mental health service, to bridge the gap in the lack of training on dual diagnosis in Ireland. The course was designed for service providers within mental health and addiction services. Twenty participants involving nursing, social work, police and social welfare disciplines attended the first training course. A mixed methodology research design was adapted to describe participants' evaluation of the training course. Data were collected using multiple methods: pre- and post-test, daily evaluation and focus group interviews. Quantitative data were analysed using the spss Version 16.0 and qualitative data were analysed thematically. Findings from the pre- and post-test suggest an increase in participants' knowledge of dual diagnosis and an increase in confidence in conducting groups. Daily evaluation indicates that the course content largely met participants' needs. Finally, three themes emerged from the focus group interview: increased confidence, the training course/teaching methods and personal/organizational challenges. This study implies that service providers within mental health and addiction services benefit from inter-professional, needs and skills based courses incorporating a variety of teaching methods. The way forward for future dual diagnosis training course developments would be working in partnership with service users and carers.

Hepatitis A vaccination in chronic liver disease: is it really required in a tropical country like India?

Vaccination against hepatitis A virus (HAV) has been recommended in patients with chronic liver disease to prevent any decompensation due to superinfection. This may not hold good in high endemic areas for hepatitis A like India. The aim of this study was to find out the seroprevalence of anti-HAV antibodies in patients with chronic liver disease and to justify the need for vaccination against hepatitis A virus in these patients. One hundred and thirty three consecutive patients with cirrhosis of liver attending Gastroenterology department of our Institute between June 2004 and June 2005 were enrolled. Seventy-five healthy persons were taken as controls. The diagnosis of cirrhosis was based on clinical profile, biochemical, radiological (ultrasound abdomen) and endoscopic findings. The etiology of cirrhosis was based on presence of viral markers, history of significant alcohol consumption, autoimmune and metabolic workup. All patients and controls were tested for antiHAV (total) antibodies using commercially available enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Data from patients and control group were compared by unpaired 't' test and Chi square test. All subjects were in the age group 11 to 75 years. Etiology of chronic liver disease was as follows: HBV- 29.3%, HCV - 14.28%, HBV+HCV dual -1.5%, alcohol- 21.8%, Cryptogenic -23.3%, Wilson"s Disease -1.5% and Budd chiari -1.5%. The prevalence of HAV was 93.2% in patients with cirrhosis of liver and 94.6% in controls. The prevalence was almost similar irrespective of the etiology. In view of high seroprevalence of HAV antibodies among cirrhotic patients in our study and the high cost of the vaccine, the hepatitis A vaccination may not be routinely required in this part of the world.

Recent fertility declines in China and India: a comparative view.

PIP: This paper compares fertility transitions in China and parts of India. It is argued that China experienced a more rapid and more "impressive" decline than that of India. Socioeconomic conditions in China were more conducive to fertility decline. Kerala State in India experienced a similar decline as China but at a slower pace. The birth control campaign in China is credited with an important role in speeding the transition. It is posited that the political and administrative system and economic conditions in India are not compatible with the Chinese style program strategies. Both countries had similar fertility levels in the immediate post-revolutionary period. The most rapid decline occurred during the 1970s in China. The fertility transition was almost completed by 1981. In India, the total fertility rate (TFR) declined by only 1 point between the 1950s and 1981. In China TFR declined over 3 points during 1970-81. 76.7% of the decline in China during 1970-81 is attributed to a marked decline in marital fertility in all age groups, with the exception of ages 15-19 years. The decline in India is attributed to the decline in marital fertility. Female age at marriage rose in India, but less "impressively." In 1981 the mean age at marriage in India was 18.4 years, but it was 22.8 years in China. Marital fertility among women aged older than 30 years was considerably lower in China. Both countries experienced an increase in literacy, but in China the level of literacy was much greater. Both countries faced food shortages, but China improved food availability and calorie consumption per capita. Health services also improved in both countries, but the Chinese system of "barefoot" doctors brought services with easier reach of rural populations. Political structures differed in their dominance and organization. Family planning programs were introduced earlier in India, but prevalence was 64.4% in China in 1981 and about 22% in India.^ieng