Effect of motivation on oral hygiene and caries status among young adults in Hyderabad City.

BACKGROUND: Motivation is a theoretical construct used to explain behavior, it gives the reasons for people's action, desires, and needs, and it drives an individual to a certain action and determines human behavior. AIM: To determine the effect of motivation on oral hygiene and caries status among young adults in Hyderabad city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 18-20-year-old engineering college students of Nagole Institute of Technology and Sciences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intrinsic motivation was evaluated using a self-reported 12-item dental intrinsic motivation scale (DIM-S). The oral examination included simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S) and decayed, missing, filled teeth index (DMFT index). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: : Mann-Whitney U-test and ANOVA test were used for comparison among the variables included in the study. Spearman's correlation was used to correlate DIM-S with oral parameters. RESULTS: A total of 393 students participated in the study with majority of them being male (61.8%). It was observed that 69% of the students were extrinsically motivated and only 31% of them were intrinsically motivated. However, intrinsically motivated females had a higher significant score for calculus index-simplified and OHI-S scores. All oral parameters showed a negative correlation, except decayed component and the overall DMFT. However, no statistical significance was noticed among the variables. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that to motivate people successfully, one not only has to give them information but also has to pay attention to the individual reasons which restrict their behavior.

Does academic performance influence personal growth initiative? An institutional-based study among undergraduate dental students.

INTRODUCTION: Personal growth initiative (PGI) is an "intentional involvement in changing and developing as a person." A student who has higher level of PGI is said to show higher academic performance because higher level of PGI might increase the student's contribution and achievement in life. AIM: This study aimed to explore the association between academic performance and PGI among undergraduate dental students. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 287 2nd, 3rd, 4th year dental students and interns of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences, Dilsukhnagar, Hyderabad. Personal growth was evaluated by Personal Growth Initiative Scale-II (PGIS-II) along with their university academic performance in the last year. SPSS package version 21.0, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney U-test were used for comparison among variables. RESULTS: A significant difference (P = 0.05) was observed for PGIS subscale "readiness for change," with a higher mean score among 4th-year students (3.59 ± 1.07). However, females showed higher mean score for all subscales of PGIS except "Using resources" and total PGIS, but there is no significant gender difference. While higher mean scores for all subscales and total PGIS were observed among students who attained > 75% in their last year university examination, significant difference was observed for subscale "Intentional behavior" (P = 0.02) only. CONCLUSION: PGI scale plays a crucial role among students to experience increased levels of well-being, develop them positively, and adapt to adverse situations.

Impact of Health Locus of Control on Oral Health Status among a Cohort of IT Professionals.

PURPOSE: To assess the relationship between health locus of control and oral health status among Information Technology (IT) professionals in Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was carried out among IT employees in Hyderabad city. The behaviour, attitude and perceptions of individuals towards health were assessed using the multidimensional health locus of control scale. Oral health status was evaluated clinically utilising the simplified oral hygiene index, community periodontal index, and loss of attachment index. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS software (v 21.0). RESULTS: A convenience sample of 989 employees (response rate of 82.4%, mean age 26.3 ± 5.0 years) completed the questionnaire. The overall highest mean domain score was recorded for 'chance locus of control' (CLOC; 9.0 ± 2.1) and lowest overall mean domain score for 'internal locus of control' (ILOC; 6.7 ± 0.9). The overall mean scores of DI-S, CI-S and OHI-S were 0.7 ± 0.4, 0.7 ± 0.5 and 1.4 ± 0.8, respectively; there was an inverse relation with age groups. The mean CPI and LOA scores observed among males, ranging from 0.4 ± 0.6 to 1.6 ± 1.1, were statistically significantly higher than those of females, ranging from 0.2 ± 0.5 to 1.3 ± 1.2 (p = 0.00). Powerful locus of control had a statistically significant negative correlation with oral hygiene indices. In contrast, a positive correlation was observed between ILOC and DI-S and OHI-S (r = 0.0672 and r = 0.0639, respectively). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that people with a positive attitude regulate their health behaviour and maintain good oral hygiene.

Anti-MAdCAM Antibody Increases ß7+ T Cells and CCR9 Gene Expression in the Peripheral Blood of Patients With Crohn's Disease.

OBJECTIVE: To define pharmacodynamic biomarkers in the peripheral blood of patients with Crohn's disease [CD] after treatment with PF-00547659, an anti-human mucosal addressin cell adhesion molecule-1 [MAdCAM-1] monoclonal antibody. METHODS: In this Phase 2, randomised, double-blind, controlled study [OPERA], blood samples were analysed from patients with moderate to severe active CD who received placebo or 22.5 mg, 75 mg, or 225 mg of PF-00547659 subcutaneously at baseline and at Weeks 4 and 8, with follow-up at Week 12. Soluble MAdCAM [sMAdCAM] was measured by mass spectrometry, ß7-expressing T cells by flow cytometry, and gene transcriptome by RNA sequencing. RESULTS: A slight increase in sMAdCAM was measured in the placebo group from baseline to Week 12 [6%], compared with significant decreases in all PF-00547659 groups [-87% to -98%]. A slight increase from baseline to Week 12 was observed in frequency and molecules of equivalent soluble fluorochrome for ß7+ central memory T cells in the placebo group [4%], versus statistically significant increases in the active treatment groups [48% to 81%]. Similar trends were seen for ß7+ effector memory T cells [placebo, 8%; PF-00547659, 84-138%] and ß7+ naïve T cells [8%; 13-50%]. CCR9 gene expression had statistically significant up-regulation [p = 1.09e-06; false discovery rate < 0.1] with PF-00547659 treatment, and was associated with an increase in ß7+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the OPERA study demonstrate positive pharmacology and dose-dependent changes in pharmacodynamic biomarker measurements in blood, including changes in cellular composition of lymphocytes and corresponding CCR9 gene expression changes.

Assessment of work engagement among dentists in Hyderabad.

BACKGROUND: Work engagement has been conceptualized as a relatively stable phenomenon, partly explained by the presence of specific job and organizational characteristics. Work engagement is important to the dental workforce worldwide, and the lack of it has been known to cause burnout. Positivity among dentists is essential as it is directly proportional to the patient's satisfaction towards the dental care. OBJECTIVE: To assess work engagement among dentists in the city of Hyderabad, India. METHOD: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted to assess work engagement among dentists enrolled with the local branch of the Indian Dental Association in the city of Hyderabad, India. The shortened form of the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES-9) questionnaire was employed for the assessment. The mean scores of total work engagement and its domains based on gender and educational qualifications were estimated using Student t- test. RESULTS: A total of 371 subjects participated in the study. Females reported higher mean scores than males for total work (p = 0.40) and its dimensions (Vigor; p = 0.23, Dedication; p = 0.53, Absorption; p = 0.69). Dentists with Master's degree had higher mean scores not only in the total work, but also in its dimensions. (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The present study reported that females had higher mean scores of total work engagement and its individual domains. In comparison with a Bachelor's degree, having a Master's degree enhanced work engagement among dentists in Hyderabad, India.

Association Between Social Anxiety with Oral Hygiene Status and Tongue Coating among Patients with Subjective Halitosis.

Purpose: Halitosis is a universal affliction suffered by many individuals irrespective of age, sex and social status. Concern about oral malodor can significantly impede an individual's personal, professional and public life which can lead to the development of social anxiety. The present study was undertaken to assess the association between social anxiety with oral hygiene status and tongue coating among patients with subjective halitosis.Methods: A total of 321(n=321) subjects were self-recruited to participate in this IRB approved study. A 24- item Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale, Self-Report version (LSAS-SR) was distributed and completed by the participants; followed by oral examination using Simpified Oral Hygiene Index and Tongue Coating Record (TCR). ANOVA, t-test and Mann Whitney U test was used for comparison among variables. Correlation was performed using Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient method. The level of significance was set as p<0.05.Results: The total LSAS for the study population of 321 was 61.41±24.09; with females having significantly higher scores (64.64±24.95; p=0.01*). Comparison of clinical oral parameters between the genders revealed that poor oral hygiene (2.45±1.06) with a higher tongue coating score (71.38±18.24) was observed among male participants. However, these scores were statistically insignificant. A significant correlation between total LSAS, majority of its subscales and the oral parameters among females and subjects with high school education was also reported.Conclusion: This study revealed that social anxiety, poor oral hygiene and tongue coating were associated with subjective halitosis. Hence, maintenance of good oral health along with the use of appropriate tongue cleaning methods is of critical importance in reducing oral malodor. In some cases, comprehensive treatment of halitosis may require a multidisciplinary approach including dental, psychology and counselling professionals.

Efficacy of commercially available chlorhexidine mouthrinses against specific oral microflora.

CONTEXT: This study evaluates the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available chlorhexidine (CHX) mouthrinses of different concentrations. AIMS: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of commercially available CHX mouthrinses of different concentrations (0.2%, 0.12%, and 0.1%) against specific standard strains of oral microflora at full strength (FS) and 1:1 dilution at 24 h. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Ten commercially available 0.2% (Rexidine, Hexidine, Smilehex, Chlorhex, Hexidale, Hex, Everfresh, and Gargwell), 0.12% (Periogard), and 0.1% (Eludril) CHX mouthrinses were selected to evaluate the efficacy against specific oral microflora using agar well diffusion Method. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The standard strains of Streptococcus mutans American Type Culture Collection (ATCC 21293), Streptococcus sanguis Microbial Type Culture Collection (MTCC 442), Actinomyces viscosus (ATCC 3268), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 25923), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442), and Candida albicans (MTCC 183) were selected. The antimicrobial efficacy was calculated by measuring mean inhibitory zones formed on agar media. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and Tukey's Post hoc analysis were used. RESULTS: Among 0.2% of CHX mouthrinses at FS and 1:1 dilution, hexidine was effective against most of the microorganisms except with S. pyogenes and C. albicans, where Hex and Hexidale were effective, respectively. When the concentration of 0.1% and 0.12% CHX was considered, Eludril was more effective at FS against all except with S. aureus and S. pyogenes which were more sensitive to Periogard at both FS and 1:1 dilution. CONCLUSIONS: 0.12% and 0.1% of CHX mouthrinses showed comparable efficacy with 0.2% CHX mouthrinses irrespective of their formulations.

Oral health status and treatment need among institutionalized elderly in India.

AIM: To assess the oral health status and treatment needs among elderly people aged 60 years and above residing as inmates in the old age homes of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was performed to determine the oral health status and treatment needs among elderly people. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In order to assess the oral health status and treatment needs, the clinical assessment of oral mucosa, community periodontal index, loss of attachment, dentition status and treatment need, prosthetic status and prosthetic need was recorded based on a modified World Health Organization 1997 proforma. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Multi-group analysis was done using analysis of variance. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 812 inmates, 431 (64.0%) of the study participants had oral mucosal lesions. In terms of periodontal status, all sextants were excluded (Code "X") in 324 (39.9%) subjects. Out of dentate population, a majority of the inmates (219; 27.0%) presented with deep pockets (Code "4") followed by shallow pockets (Code "3"--183; 22.5%). The majority of the subjects had no prosthesis in the upper arch (85.0%) and lower arch (86.6%). CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated poor oral health among institutionalized elderly inmates. Oral mucosal lesions were found to be higher and periodontal status was also poor amongst the study population.

Antimicrobial Efficacy of Ten Commercially Available Herbal Dentifrices against Specific Oral Microflora - In Vitro Study.

AIM: To determine and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of ten commercially available herbal dentifrices against specific strains of oral microflora using a standard diffusion method at full strength and 1:1 dilution at 24 h. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The standard strains of Streptococcus. mutans (ATCC 21293), Streptococcus sangius (MTCC 442), Actinomyces viscosus (ATCC 3268), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 2592), Streptococcus pyogenes (MTCC 442) and Candida albicans (ATCC 183) were obtained. Antimicrobial efficacy of the dentifrices was tested in triplicate, at full strength and 1:1 dilution with the sterile water using a standard diffusion method for 24 h at 37°C. The antimicrobial efficacy was tested by observing the zones of inhibition in millimeters surrounding disk containing the dentifrice. Mean standard deviation and standard error of mean of the inhibitory zones was calculated for each herbal dentifrice. p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Danth Kanthi (DK) was the most effective against all the microorganisms producing larger zones of inhibition at 24 h (F.S - 40±1.5; 1:1 dilution - 40±2.71). Amar Premium (AP) also produced larger zones of inhibition against all microorganisms except S. aureus. Of all the dentifrices, least zones of inhibitions i.e., around 5 mm was observed against S. aureus by Amar Premium (AP) and Dabur Babool (DB) at 24 h. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of the present study, it can be concluded that all herbal dentifrices exhibited antimicrobial activity against the selected oral microorganisms, with DK being the most effective. Hence, it can be inferred that herbal dentifrices can also be recommended like the conventional formulations.

Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Regarding Tobacco Cessation Among Indian Dentists.

PURPOSE: To assess the knowledge, attitude and practice regarding tobacco cessation among dentists in Hyderabad city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted among 264 dentists registered in the local Indian Dental Association branch, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. The questionnaire comprised of 35 items and used a five-point Likert scale to assess tobacco use prevention and cessation counseling. RESULTS: The majority of the study participants were females (55.7%) with a mean age of 29.9 ± 7.5 years. No significant gender difference was observed for any of the mean domain scores. A statistically significant difference was noted between age groups in the 'Knowledge' domain, 'professional role and identity' item (P = 0.03) vs the 'Practice' domain, 'social influences' item (P = 0.05) with 40+ years having a higher mean score (6.5 ± 1.5). In terms of the education, those possessing Bachelor's of Dental Science had a significantly higher mean score (10.8 ± 2.2) for the 'Attitude' question 'belief about consequences' (P = 0.05) than did those with a Master's degree. The reported barriers were insufficient reimbursement (48.1%), lack of tobacco-related self-help material/pamphlets for patients (46.5%) and lack of patient motivation to receive tobacco cessation counseling (43.6%). CONCLUSION: In the present study, although dentists possessed knowledge about tobacco cessation, it was not adequate. Dental professionals play an important role in educating patients regarding the oral health risks of tobacco use and motivating them to quit.

Awareness of basic life support among staff and students in a dental school.

AIM: To assess and compare the knowledge of basic life support (BLS) among third, fourth and fifth (III, IV and V) year Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) clinical students, dental interns, postgraduate students and Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) faculty of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A BLS questionnaire consisting of 22 questions was used to assess the levels of III, IV and V years BDS clinical students, dental interns, postgraduate students and BDS and MDS faculty of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. Statistical Package for Social Sciences software (SPSS version 12.0) was used to analyze the statistical data. The p<0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: A total of 338 respondents took part in the study. When gender comparison was done with correct knowledge responses, statistically significant differences were noted for Q6, Q9, Q12, Q13, Q15 and Q17. For age groups and educational qualifications, significant difference was observed for all questions. It was noted that III, IV and V year undergraduate clinical students and half of interns had adequate knowledge when compared to postgraduate students (6.9%), BDS tutors (0.00%) and MDS staff (10.7%). CONCLUSION: The study concludes that there is a significant lack of knowledge among postgraduates students BDS and MDS faculty, regarding BLS when compared to III, IV and V year's clinical BDS students and dental interns. This study emphasizes the need for all health care professionals to regularly update the knowledge and skills regarding BLS.

Molecular classification of Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients using transcriptional profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD) are common inflammatory bowel diseases producing intestinal inflammation and tissue damage. Although emerging evidence suggests these diseases are distinct, approximately 10% of patients remain classified as indeterminate inflammatory bowel disease even after invasive colonoscopy intended for diagnosis. A molecular diagnostic assay using a clinically accessible tissue would greatly assist in the classification of these diseases. In the present study we assessed transcriptional profiles in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 42 healthy individuals, 59 CD patients, and 26 UC patients by hybridization to microarrays interrogating more than 22,000 sequences. Supervised analysis identified a set of 12 genes that distinguished UC and CD patient samples with high accuracy. The alterations in transcript levels observed by microarray were verified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The results suggest that a peripheral blood mononuclear cell-based gene expression signature can provide a molecular biomarker that can complement the standard diagnosis of UC and CD.

Exploiting genotypic differences to identify genes important for EAE development.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model of the human autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis (MS) and is primarily driven by T helper type 1 (Th1) cells. Interleukin (IL)-12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma are important cytokines involved in the differentiation and amplification of Th1 cells, however mice deficient in either IFN-gamma or IL-12 still develop EAE. We have used microarray analysis of EAE-affected CNS tissues in wild-type, IFN-gamma -/- and IL-12 -/- animals to identify genes critical for development of EAE. Over 500 genes were regulated in at least one genotype and over 94 genes were regulated in all three. Of those, 17 were also upregulated in spleen during the disease. We show that a majority of the genes regulated in EAE are also regulated in diseased regions of human MS tissues. The genes in the pool of 94 are more likely to be found regulated in MS patients than the genes regulated in only one or two of the mouse strains suggesting that analyzing gene expression under these multiple genetic conditions may lead to better identification of the genes critical for disease development.