A Nonheme Iron(III) Superoxide Complex Leads to Sulfur Oxygenation.

A new alkylthiolate-ligated nonheme iron complex, FeII(BNPAMe2S)Br (1), is reported. Reaction of 1 with O2 at -40 °C, or reaction of the ferric form with O2•- at -80 °C, gives a rare iron(III)-superoxide intermediate, [FeIII(O2)(BNPAMe2S)]+ (2), characterized by UV-vis, 57Fe Mössbauer, ATR-FTIR, EPR, and CSIMS. Metastable 2 then converts to an S-oxygenated FeII(sulfinate) product via a sequential O atom transfer mechanism involving an iron-sulfenate intermediate. These results provide evidence for the feasibility of proposed intermediates in thiol dioxygenases.

Selective Radical Transfer in a Series of Nonheme Iron(III) Complexes.

A series of nonheme iron complexes, FeIII(BNPAPh2O)(Lax)(Leq) (Lax/eq = N3-, NCS-, NCO-, and Cl-) have been synthesized using the previously reported BNPAPh2O- ligand. The ferrous analogs FeII(BNPAPh2O)(Lax) (Lax = N3-, NCS-, and NCO-) were also prepared. The complexes were structurally characterized using single crystal X-ray diffraction, which shows that all the FeIII complexes are six-coordinate, with one anionic ligand (Lax) in the H-bonding axial site and the other anionic ligand (Leq) in the equatorial plane, cis to the Lax ligand. The reaction of FeIII(BNPAPh2O-)(Lax)(Leq) with Ph3C• shows that one ligand is selectively transferred in each case. A selectivity trend emerges that shows •N3 is the most favored for transfer in each case to the carbon radical, whereas Cl• is the least favored. The NCO and NCS ligands showed an intermediate propensity for radical transfer, with NCS > NCO. The overall order of selectivity is N3 > NCS > NCO > Cl. In addition, we also demonstrated that H-bonding has a small effect on governing product selectivity by using a non-H-bonded ligand (DPAPh2O-). This study demonstrates the inherent radical transfer selectivity of nonhydroxo-ligated nonheme iron(III) complexes, which could be useful for efforts in synthetic and (bio)catalytic C-H functionalization.

The influence of calcium silicate-based cement on osseous healing: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to analyze the effect of commercially available calcium silicate-based bioactive endodontic cement (BEC) on treatment outcome when used as root repair material in human permanent teeth and to compare it with traditional materials. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library were searched until June 2020. Randomized clinical studies and observational studies with a minimum 1-year follow-up and sample size of at least 20 were included. Risk of bias (ROB) was assessed using Cochrane's ROB tool and the National Institutes of Health Quality Assessment Tool. Results: Thirty-nine studies were included in the systematic review. Majority of the studies used mineral trioxide aggregate. The pooled success rate for BEC was estimated by a random-effects method as 90.49% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 88.4992.34, I2 = 54%). Eleven studies comparing BEC with traditional materials were included in the meta-analysis. The use of BEC significantly improved the treatment outcome when compared to traditional materials with odds ratio (OR) = 2.15 (95% CI: 1.57-2.96, I2 = 0.8%, P = 0.433). Conclusion: Very low-to-moderate-quality evidence suggests that the use of BEC as root repair material enhanced the treatment outcome. High-quality studies are required for the newer BEC to establish their clinical performance. Registration: PROSPERO CRD42020211502.

Oxygen versus Sulfur Coordination in Cobalt Superoxo Complexes: Spectroscopic Properties, O2 Binding, and H-Atom Abstraction Reactivity.

A five-coordinate, disiloxide-ligated cobalt(II) (S = 3/2) complex (1) was prepared as an oxygen-ligated analogue to the previously reported silanedithiolate-ligated CoII(Me3TACN)(S2SiMe2) (J. Am. Chem. Soc., 2019, 141, 3641-3653). The structural and spectroscopic properties of 1 were analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and NMR spectroscopies. The reactivity of 1 with dioxygen was examined, and it was shown to bind O2 reversibly in a range of solvents at low temperatures. A cobalt(III)-superoxo complex, CoIII(O2·-)(Me3TACN)((OSi2Ph)2O) (2), was generated, and was analyzed by UV-vis, EPR, and resonance Raman spectroscopies. Unlike its sulfur-ligated analogue, complex 2 can thermally release O2 to regenerate 1. Vibrational assignments for selective 18O isotopic labeling of both O2 and disiloxide ligands in 2 are consistent with a 6-coordinate, Co(η1-O2·-)("end-on") complex. Complex 2 reacts with the O-H bond of 4-methoxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidin-1-ol (4-MeO-TEMPOH) via H-atom abstraction with a rate of 0.58(2) M-1 s-1 at -105 °C, but it is unable to oxidize phenol substrates. This bracketed reactivity suggests that the O-H bond being formed in the putative CoIII(OOH) product has a relatively weak O-H bond strength (BDFE ∼66-74 kcal mol-1). These thermodynamic and kinetic parameters are similar to those seen for the sulfur-ligated Co(O2)(Me3TACN)(S2SiMe2), indicating that the differences in the electronic structure for O versus S ligation do not have a large impact on H-atom abstraction reactivity.

Outcome of partial and full pulpotomy in cariously exposed mature molars with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess and compare the clinical and radiographic outcome of partial pulpotomy and full pulpotomy using Biodentine in cariously exposed mature molar teeth with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis. METHODOLOGY: This study is an unicentric, double-arm, randomized superiority clinical trial with parallel experimental groups, registered under CTRI (CTRI/2019/12/022559). Fifty mature permanent molar teeth with carious exposures with symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were randomly allocated equally into two groups. Partial pulpotomy (PP) and full pulpotomy (FP) were performed in the first and second group, respectively, following standardized protocols. Exposed pulp tissue was removed up to a depth of 2-3 mm for partial pulpotomy, whereas complete coronal pulp tissue was removed up to the level of root orifices for full pulpotomy. Haemostasis was achieved with placement of 2.5% sodium hypochlorite-moistened cotton pellets placed on amputated pulp tissue for a maximum of 10 min. Biodentine was used as the pulp capping material. Pain scores were evaluated using 11-point Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) preoperatively, at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day after the intervention(s). Clinical and radiographic evaluation was done at 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. The data were statistically analysed using chi-squared test, Mann-Whitney U-test, Friedman's test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The significance level was pre-determined at p < .05. Cumulative survival probabilities were assessed at 12 months using Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Intra-group analysis of pain scores revealed significant reduction in pain scores preoperatively and at 24 h, 48 h and 7th day in both the groups. However, the difference in the pain score(s) reduction between both the groups was not statistically significant at any time interval (p > .05). At 1-year follow-up, the success rate was 88% (22/25) and 91.6% (22/24) for PP and FP respectively (p > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Partial pulpotomy showed comparable results to full pulpotomy in terms of clinical/radiographic treatment outcome. If the long-term results remain the same, partial pulpotomy can be proposed as an alternative treatment modality for mature teeth with cariously exposed pulp tissue presenting with signs of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis.

Nonsurgical Management of a Large Periapical Lesion Following Instrument Retrieval From the Apical Third: A Case Report With a Three-Year Follow-Up.

Instrument separation in the apical third of the tooth, which is associated with a large periapical lesion, presents an arduous task for the clinician. This case report presents nonsurgical endodontic management of a maxillary central incisor associated with a large periapical lesion and a separated instrument in the apical third of the root canal. A 28-year-old male patient presented with pain and labial swelling in the left maxillary central incisor region. Pulp sensibility testing showed no response. The radiograph revealed the presence of a separated instrument in the apical third of the root canal and periapical radiolucency. A diagnosis of previously initiated therapy with acute apical abscess was made. In the first visit, instrument retrieval was done using ProUltra Endo tips (Dentsply Sirona, York, Pennsylvania) under a dental operating microscope. In the subsequent visit, obturation was done as the patient was asymptomatic. The patient was recalled for follow-up at six, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. Complete healing of the periapical tissues was evident on the radiograph, and the tooth remained functional for the entire follow-up period of three years. The successful outcome seen in this case shows that even large periapical lesions can be managed conservatively by nonsurgical endodontic treatment.

Effect of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature maxillary central incisor teeth: a three-dimensional finite element analysis study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the effects of revascularisation and apexification procedures on biomechanical behaviour of immature teeth using 3-dimensional finite element analysis (3D FEA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five 3D FEA permanent maxillary incisor models were developed from CBCT scans and available literature data: Model MT: Mature tooth, Model IT: Immature tooth (Cvek's stage 3), Model AT: Apexified tooth-mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apexification, Model RTB: Revascularised tooth with blood, and Model RTS: Revascularised tooth with supplementary scaffold. Using FEA, a masticatory load of 240N at 120° was simulated, and the Von Mises and maximum principal stresses within the models were evaluated. Failure index (FI) and weakening% were also calculated for each model. RESULTS: On dentinal stress analysis, model MT (96.16MPa) and IT (158.38MPa) had lowest and highest stress values, respectively. Among the experimental groups, model RTS (131.12MPa) had lower stresses than AT (136.33MPa) and RTB (133.7MPa), with no significant difference among the three. Peak dentinal stresses in all the models were observed in the cervical third of the root and near the apical opening in model IT. The extent of high dentinal stress area in model RTB and RTS was lesser than that of AT. The FI and weakening% values were highest for model AT followed by RTB and RTS, among the experimental groups. However, all these treatments strengthened an immature tooth by more than 20%. CONCLUSIONS: AT, RTB, and RTS treatments lowered the stress values and risk of fracture in immature teeth with no significant difference among the three groups. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Stress distribution evaluation following revascularisation/apexification was essential, with potential to influence clinical decision-making. MTA apexification and revascularisation with blood clot/supplementary scaffold lowered the stresses in immature teeth, with no significant difference among the three.

Microscopic and elemental characterization of hydrated dental pulp capping agents.

Context: Characteristics of dental pulp capping agents may influence its interaction with the pulpal cells and can impact the treatment outcome. Aims: This study aims to microscopically characterize various pulp capping agents following hydration. Settings and Design: Original research. Materials and Methods: Disk-shaped specimens of five calcium silicate-based materials, i.e., mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) Angelus, Biodentine, TheraCal LC, ApaCal ART, and Endocem MTA were prepared. After final set, the materials were immersed in 10 mL of deionized water for 14 days at 37°C. The set materials were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray energy dispersive analysis (EDX), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis along with pH analysis of the storage solution using pH meter. Results: On SEM analysis, all the materials showed crystalline deposition on the cement surface with Biodentine exhibiting the most dense and homogenous microstructure. Calcium-silicate-hydrate and calcium hydroxide (CH) were observed as dark-grey and light-grey matrix material, respectively. EDX analysis revealed a high concentration of calcium. The other major elements were oxygen and carbon. The surface calcium concentration in the tested specimens was as follows: Biodentine (42.59 wt.%) > MTA Angelus (38.51wt.%) > Endocem MTA (30.24wt.%) > TheraCal LC (27.51wt.%) > ApaCal ART (22.02wt.%). On XRD analysis, all the materials exhibited peaks for tricalcium silicate and CH, after 14 days of hydration. Conclusions: The higher surface calcium level in Biodentine and MTA Angelus may enhance reparative dentin formation. The surface calcium concentration of Endocem MTA and ApaCal ART was found to be lesser than that of MTA Angelus, but with the added advantage of fast-setting property. Hence, they are potential alternative materials for vital pulp therapy.

Assessment of Quality of Root Canal Filling with C Point, Guttacore and Lateral Compaction Technique: A Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy Study.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to compare the quality of root canal filling of C Point, GuttaCore and lateral compaction using confocal laser scanning microscopy. METHODS: Ninety recently extracted human mandibular incisors with single canal were selected. Canals were prepared with ProTaper instruments to size F3 and obturated using C Point, GuttaCore or lateral compaction technique. Endosequence BC sealer was labeled with Rhodamine B dye to allow analysis under a confocal microscope. The percentages of gutta-percha filled area (PGFA), sealer filled area (PSFA), voids (POV) and interfacial adaptation (IA) was assessed at 2, 5 and 8 mm from the apex, using image analysis software. Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann Whitney U tests were used for data analysis, and the P value was set at 0.05 (P=0.05). RESULTS: No significant difference was seen among the three groups at 2 mm level for PGFA, PSFA and voids (P>0.05). At 5 and 8 mm levels, canals filled with GuttaCore had significantly higher PGFA and lower PSFA than lateral compaction and C Point. Highest POV was seen for lateral compaction group followed by C Point and GuttaCore. CONCLUSION: Out of the three techniques examined, best results in terms of quality of root canal filling were observed for GuttaCore. C Point system was found to be associated with internal defects such as tears and delamination which may adversely affect the long term performance of this system.

Endodontic Management of Maxillary Central Incisor with Rare Root Canal Anatomy.

A maxillary central incisor presenting with more than one root or root canal is an exceptionally rare scenario considering the fact that most of the anatomic studies describe maxillary central incisor as a single rooted tooth with single canal. However, several case reports have shown the presence of up to four canals in maxillary central incisors. The aim of this article is to present a case report of maxillary central incisor with a rare anatomic variation, i.e. Vertucci's type V root canal anatomy. Failure to locate and clean additional root canal system may lead to post treatment disease. Hence, an astute clinician should be aware of possible anatomic variations this tooth might present with.

Low-level laser therapy for management of large periapical lesions associated with open apex cases.

CONTEXT: Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is an established method to accelerate wound healing through the phenomenon of biostimulation. AIMS: This case study presents a novel approach for management of open apex cases associated with large peripapical lesions using 980-nm diode laser for biostimulation. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Case report. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two patients presenting with open apex associated with periapical lesion were selected. After access opening, canal disinfection was carried out with sodium hypochlorite and 980-nm diode laser. Calcium hydroxide was given as intracanal medicament for 1 week. When patient was asymptomatic, apical plug of 4-5 mm MTA was placed. In addition, seven sessions of LLLT were administered transcutaneously around the apices of involved teeth every alternate day for 15 days. RESULTS: One year follow-up radiograph revealed remarkable healing of the lesion. CONCLUSION: The combination of increased cellular proliferation with laser biostimulation and meticulous canal disinfection with lasers has the potential of accelerating healing of the periapical lesions.

Screening for common mental health problems and their determinants among school-going adolescent girls in Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: The school health program is a flagship program of Government of India with a focus on improving the physical and mental health of school children, but there is no specific strategy to screen for mental health disorders under the school health program. Also, the estimation of the prevalence of common mental disorders (CMDs) such as anxiety, depression, and psychosocial distress among school children is lacking. METHODS: The author conducted a cross-sectional study among 742 adolescent schoolgirls from one government, one government-aided, and one private school in an urban area in Gujarat. We used the pre-validated instrument, general health questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) to screen for CMDs. We estimated adjusted odds of association between screening positive for CMDs and various determinants. RESULTS: 48.78% adolescent girls screened positive for CMDs which is alarming. Among sociodemographic characteristics, the type of school (adjusted odds of private is 1.8 and government 1.6), mother's higher education (3.0), father's less education (3.1), and working mother (1.5) had shown significant association with positive cases of the girls. Among psychosocial factors, abnormal sleep patterns (1.9) and disturbance in studies (2.3) have been found statistically significant for the presence of mental health problems among adolescent girls as per the GHQ score. CONCLUSION: CMDs such as anxiety, depression, and psychosocial distress were indeed very common among adolescent school-going girls in an urban area of Gujarat, India. There is an urgent need to focus attention on the mental health of adolescent girls.

Long-term follow-up of traumatized immature necrotic permanent teeth treated with regenerative endodontic protocol using platelet-rich fibrin: A prospective case series.

The purpose of this prospective case series was to report the long-term clinical and radiographic outcomes of regenerative endodontic procedures (REP) using platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), in traumatized immature permanent teeth with necrotic pulps. Six immature necrotic permanent maxillary central incisors from six patients were treated with REP supplemented with PRF. Patients were recalled at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, and 60 months. Radiographic changes in the radiographic root area (RRA), apical diameter, root thickness, and root length were quantified. Clinically, tooth survival in terms of tooth retention in the arch and absence of any sign and symptoms of endodontic pathology were noted. All the teeth survived and met the clinical criteria for success throughout the follow-up period. Follow-up radiographs at 5 years revealed complete resolution of the periapical lesions in all patients and the average apical diameter decrease was 30.96%. An average increase of 13.18% for root length, 40.20% for root thickness, and 26.35% for RRA were noted.

A Study on the Pattern of Self-reported Tobacco Addiction in Hypertensive Patients in Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: Both hypertension (HTN) and tobacco addiction pose a threat to the health, environment, and socioeconomic status (SES) of the people. When tobacco use disorder exists in people with HTN, it hastens the disease progress and causes early complications. The present study aimed to study the knowledge and practice of tobacco addiction in patients with HTN and find out the correlates of knowledge and practice of tobacco addiction. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of one year in the Jamnagar District of Western Gujarat, India. Out of total 400 samples, 50% were collected from the five selected Community Health Centers (CHCs) by random sampling and the rest from non-communicable disease (NCD) clinics at the tertiary care hospital of the district. FINDINGS: Most of the patients were in their fifties or above (67.0%), women (57.0%), and married (86.5%). Only 12.0% had awareness about the hazards of tobacco addiction and the prevalence of tobacco addiction was 11%. It was found that use of smokeless tobacco (SLT) among samples was the highest (72.7%) followed by dual consumption, i.e., SLT and smoking (20.5%). The frequency of consumption was ≥ 5 times/day in 54.5%, 70.4% were addicted for > 10 years, and only 15.9% had ever tried to quit tobacco while only 11.4% had successfully quit it. It was seen that those who were aged < 50 years, men, literates, employed, and those belonging to higher SES and urban residence had better knowledge of the health hazards. This was found to have significant statistical association. CONCLUSION: The results provide valuable insight into the tobacco addiction in patients with HTN on which non-pharmacological treatment of HTN can be based.

Concurrent Acute Glomerulonephritis and Retropharyngeal Abscess in 10 Year Boy: A Case Report.

Postinfectious Glomerulonephritis (PIGN) usually follows 1-2 weeks after respiratory tract infection and 4-6 weeks after skin infection. Acute Glomerulonephritis (AGN) is uncommon with simultaneous severe throat infections. We describe a 10-year-old boy who was presented with high grade fever, dysphagia and tender swelling over left side of neck. Examination also revealed enlarged multiple cervical lymph nodes on the same side of neck. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of soft tissue of neck revealed evidence of retropharyngeal abscess. The next day, he subsequently developed haematuria and oliguria with borderline raised blood pressure. His corresponding blood urea and serum antistreptolysin O (ASO) levels were raised with low C3 levels. He had a remarkable improvement on injectable broad spectrum antibiotics with complete resolution of fever and neck symptoms. At eight weeks follow up, complete resolution of microscopic haematuria with normal C3 levels was observed. The present case highlights a 10-year-old young boy with retropharyngeal abscess presenting with clinical and laboratory evidence of Poststreptococcal Glomerulonephritis (PSGN).

Evaluation of Antimicrobial and Antifungal efficacy of Chitosan as endodontic irrigant against Enterococcus Faecalis and Candida Albicans Biofilm formed on tooth substrate.

BACKGROUND: Bacterial biofilms formed on the root canal wall are often difficult to remove. This study aimed to evaluate the cytotoxic effect and antibacterial efficacy of chitosan when used as root canal irrigant against E. Faecalis and Candida albicans biofilm formed on tooth substrate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The present study evaluated antibacterial effect of 0.25% Chitosan, 0.5% Chitosan, 2% chlorhexidine and 3% sodium hypochlorite against Enterococcus faecalis and Candida Albicans. Agar-well diffusion methods, minimal inhibitory concentration tests and biofilm susceptibility assays were used to determine antibacterial activity. Teeth specimens were sectioned to obtain a standardized tooth length of 12mm. Specimens were inoculated with 10 mL of the freshly prepared E. Faecalis suspension and Candida albicans for 4 weeks. The specimens were then instrumented with ProTaper rotary files F3 size. After irrigation with test solution, three sterile paper points were placed into one canal, left for 60 s and transferred to a test tube containing 1 mL of reduced transport fluid. The number of CFU in 1 mL was determined. RESULTS: 3-week biofilm qualitative assay showed complete inhibition of bacterial growth with 3% Sodium hypochlorite, 2% Chlorhexidine and Chitosan except saline, which showed presence of bacterial growth. Significant reduction of colony forming units (CFU)/mL was observed for the chitosan groups and the antibacterial activity of the chitosan groups was at par with 3% NaOCl and 2% Chlorhexidine. It was observed that the chitosan showed no cytotoxicity at 3mg/ml and 10% cytotoxicity at 6mg/ml. CONCLUSIONS: The use of chitosan as a root canal irrigant might be an alternative considering the various undesirable properties of NaOCl and chlorhexidine. Key words:Biofilm, Candida albicans, Chitosan, Cytotoxicity, Enterococcus faecalis.

Effect of EndoActivator and Er,Cr:YSGG laser activation of Qmix, as final endodontic irrigant, on sealer penetration: A Confocal microscopic study.

BACKGROUND: Through chemomechanical debridement of the root canal is a primary requisite for successful endodontic therapy. Thus the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of using QmiX alone, QmiX with EndoActivator and QmiX with Er,Cr:YSGG laser for final irrigation on sealer penetration into the dentinal tubules. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 75 extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were treated with sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) irrigation. The samples were divided into 5 groups according to the final irrigation solution used: (1) 17% EDTA and 2.5% NaOCl, (2) QmiX (3) QmiX with Er,Cr:YSGG laser and (4) QmiX with EndoActivator (5) 2.5%NaOCl. All teeth were obturated using cold lateral condensation technique with gutta percha and AH 26 sealer (Dentsply; DeTrey,Konstanz, Germany) labeled with Rhodamine B dye. The teeth were sectioned at distances of 2 and 5 from root apex. Total percentage and maximum depth of sealer penetration were measured using confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: Results of one way Anova analysis showed that there was a significant difference in the percentage and depth of sealer penetration among all groups at 3 and 5 mm level sections (P < .05). Within the groups maximum sealer penetration was recorded for Er,Cr:YSGG laser activated group. Greater depth of sealer penetration was recorded at 5mm as compared to 3mm in all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Activation of QMix using EndoActivator and Er,Cr:YSGG laser enhanced the sealer penetration at apical and middle third. Thus Er,Cr:YSGG laser and EndoActivator may act as an appropriate adjunct during chemomechanical preparation of the root canal. Key words:EndoActivator, Er,Cr:YSGG laser, Qmix, confocal microscopy, sealer penetration.

A Study on High-risk Premarital Sexual Behavior of College Going Male Students in Jamnagar City of Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: The pre-marital sex and live-in relationship among young people are increasing at an alarming rate. Remote consequences of such high risk behaviors are increase in the incidence of STDs (including HIV), unsafe and illegal abortion, adolescent pregnancy and motherhood, single mother child/abandoned child, juvenile delinquency and many more. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the high-risk sexual behaviors in depth, influenced by various factors including age at sexual debut, type of partners, consistent condom usage, hostel stay, socioeconomic class, etc. among college-going male youth. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was conducted in Jamnagar among undergraduate (18-24 years) male college students. A total of 450 students were randomly selected from three colleges of Jamnagar. RESULTS: Out of all 450 participants, 49.11% were in the age group of 18-20 years. Among study subjects, 13.78% had one or more pre-marital sexual exposures. In students with positive pre-marital sexual history, the various sex partners were girlfriends (95.16%), commercial sex workers (14.5%), homosexuals (6.45%), and multiple sex partners (33.88%). Among students, 62.9% were using condom consistently. Three-fifth of the ones indulged in premarital sex, were in the age group of 16-20 at the time of sexual debut. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the students were quite young (16-18 years) at the time of first pre-marital sexual exposure. Consistent condom usage was not uniform. The students staying at hostels, indulged in premarital sex, were found to have multiple sex partners.

Awareness of HIV/AIDS among rural youth in India: a community based cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: More than one third of reported cases of HIV/AIDS in India are among youth and 60 percent of these reside in rural areas. Assessment of the awareness of HIV/AIDS in the youth is important for determining the impact of previous and current awareness programs as well as the need for interventions. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of rural youth regarding HIV/AIDS and to explore the epidemiological determinants of awareness among them. METHODOLOGY: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among youths aged 15-24 years in rural areas of the Saurashtra region of Gujarat, India. A cluster sampling design was used, surveying 50 subjects from each of 30 clusters. Data was collected through house-to-house visits using a semi-structured questionnaire. Proportions and logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Out of a total of 1,237 subjects who participated in survey, 60% knew something about HIV. Of those who had heard of HIV, more than 90% subjects knew the modes of transmission and more than 80% were aware of modes of prevention of HIV/AIDS. One fifth of the subjects had misconceptions in relation to HIV/AIDS. On applying multiple logistic regression, age, education, occupation, and mass media exposure were found to be the major determinants of their knowledge with regard to HIV/AIDS. CONCLUSIONS: Basic knowledge of HIV/AIDS is still lacking in two fifths of the rural youth. Literacy and media exposure are factors that determine awareness of HIV among them and can be helpful to raise their knowledge regarding this scourge.

A study on prevalence of chewing form of tobacco and existing quitting patterns in urban population of jamnagar, gujarat.

BACKGROUND: Awareness towards tobacco hazards has increased with time but its role alone towards cessation is questionable. With widespread menace of tobacco in developing countries like India, not much tobacco chewing prevalence and their quitting patterns data are available in urban Saurashtra region. OBJECTIVES: 1. To find out prevalence of various forms of chewing tobacco and quitting attitudes in urban Jamnagar. 2. To study quitting patterns in relation with age of habit initiation, family background and habit duration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study involving 2513 individuals as study population by 30-cluster sampling method. The study was carried out between June 2007 and March 2008. Pre-set, pre-tested questionnaire was used for interview purpose and the statistical analysis was done on proportion basis. RESULTS: About 37.2% of study population was ever-tobacco-chewers; 32.9% of them were current-chewers and 4.3% were quitters. Approximately 28.4% of current-consumers were willing to quit. Mawa-masala (63.7%) and Gutka (57.6%) were preferred forms of chewing tobacco and 57.5% of the current-chewers chewed tobacco six to eight times a day. Tobacco initiation age between 20 and 30 years was commoner among quitters (84.2%), while a little younger in current-consumers (76.5%). About 58.3% quitters and 74.0% chewers showing willingness to quit had not consumed tobacco for more than five years, 63.8% of current-chewers had a family member consuming tobacco. With initiation of health problems, 72.2% subjects quit and 55.5% of them already knew about health hazards. CONCLUSIONS: Every 4 out of 10 residents was found to be exposed to chewing tobacco. With Mawa-masala and Gutka being the predominant forms, habit onset in late adolescence, years of consumption and family exposure seem to be hampering quitting. Awareness about tobacco hazards alone does not appear to be resulting in successful quitting.