Comparative evaluation of retention and cariostatic effect of glass ionomer, hydrophobic & hydrophilic resin-based sealants: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of hydrophilic resin-based versus hydrophobic resin-based and glass-ionomer pit and fissure sealants. METHODS: The review was registered with Joanna Briggs Institute and followed PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. PubMed, Google Scholar, Virtual Health Library, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 2009-2019 using appropriate keywords. We included randomized controlled trials and randomized split-mouth trials conducted among 6-13-year-old children. The quality of included trials was assessed using modified Jadad criteria and risk of bias using guidelines specified by Cochrane. GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation) guidelines were used to assess the overall quality of studies. We used the random-effects model for meta-analysis. Relative risk (RR) and confidence intervals (CI) were calculated & heterogeneity was tested using I² statistic. RESULTS: Six randomized clinical trials and five split-mouth trials met the inclusion criteria. The outlier augmenting the heterogeneity was omitted. Based on very-low to low-quality evidence, loss of hydrophilic resin-based sealants was less likely as compared to glass-ionomer fissure sealants (4 trials at 6 months; RR = 0.59; CI = 0.40-0.86), while it was similar or slightly lower than hydrophobic resin-based sealants (6 trials at 6 months; RR = 0.96; CI = 0.89-1.03); (6 trials at 12 months; RR = 0.79; CI = 0.70-0.89); (2 trials at 18 months; RR = 0.77; CI = 0.48-0.25). CONCLUSION: This study revealed that retention of hydrophilic resin-based sealants is better than glass ionomer sealants but similar to hydrophobic resin-based sealants. However, higher-quality evidence is necessary to underpin the outcomes.

Determinants for tabacco cessation amongst smokers visiting tertiary health care centre in India.

BACKGROUND: In India, 92.4% of adults believe that smoking causes serious illness. However, only 55.4% of them are either willing or getting ready to quit. This indicates an explicit gap between perception and practice. AIM: This study aims to identify individual knowledge, attitude, practices, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation amongst smokers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was carried out amongst the smokers visiting dental outpatient department at tertiary health care centre at Rohtak district of Haryana, India. A structured and validated questionnaire was developed to ascertain knowledge, attitude, practice and nicotine dependence amongst the tobacco smokers. Additionally information about their willingness to quit tobacco, barriers and motivators for tobacco cessation were obtained. The study population was broadly divided into two groups on the basis of any previous attempts made for quitting tobacco use. RESULTS: Among the sample of 371 smokers, 52.4% were found to make quit attempts while 47.6% never attempted to quit. Participants believed that smoking not only helps in socializing but also it is a good way to cope from the stress. Peer pressure was the major reason for initiation of habit of smoking. Those who have attempted to quit but could not do so for more than 6 months were more willing to quit. Concern for health and tobacco addiction was the major facilitator and barriers of tobacco cessation respectively. CONCLUSION: Comprehending the population before chalking down the tobacco cessation strategies is important. Lower education, higher alcohol consumption, longer duration of tobacco intake, cultural and social acceptability of tobacco use and nicotine dependence was the major roadblocks for tobacco cessation amongst the tobacco smokers. Cold turkey method was the most common choice of tobacco cessation who attempted to quit.

2-(3,4-Di-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzo-thia-zepine.

In the title compound, C21H19NO2S2, the seven-membered thia-zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 67.4 (2)°. The mean plane of the thio-phene ring is twisted by 59.3 (2) and 87.7 (2)° from the mean planes of the benezene rings. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds generate R 2 (2)(20) loops.

4-(Thio-phen-2-yl)-2-[4-(tri-fluoro-meth-yl)phen-yl]-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzo-thia-zepine.

In the title compound, C20H14F3NS2, the seven-membered thia-zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist-boat conformation. The mean plane of the five-membered thio-phene ring fused to the thia-zepine ring is twisted by 32.3 (3) and 55.6 (4)° from the benzene and phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of weak C-H⋯N inter-actions are observed.

Patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare provided at primary health centers (PHCs) and its association with oral health status among rural population in Rohtak district, Haryana: A household cross-sectional study.

Introduction: Access to oral healthcare is limited in rural areas, resulting in disparities in oral health services. Primary health centers (PHCs) are essential for providing integrated oral healthcare to rural populations. This study examines the patterns, barriers, and utilization of oral healthcare at PHCs in Rohtak district, Haryana. Materials and Methods: In this 6-month household cross-sectional study, data were collected from a sample of 600 participants residing in rural areas under the jurisdiction of three randomly selected PHCs in Rohtak district. The study employed multistage cluster systematic random sampling procedures. Data collection included structured questionnaires and clinical oral examinations following the type-III ADA classification. Participants' oral health status was evaluated using the WHO oral health assessment form for adults (2013). Descriptive and analytical statistics were used for data analysis. Results and Discussion: Dental caries and periodontal diseases were more common in older age groups. Barriers to oral healthcare among the elderly include fear of dental procedures and low dental literacy. Proximity to PHCs influenced dental service utilization, with higher rates among participants living near a PHC, that is, within 5 km of a PHC. Conclusion: Age, gender, proximity to PHCs, household size, and socioeconomic status play crucial roles in the utilization of oral health services among the rural population. Addressing these factors is essential for improving oral healthcare and overcoming barriers. It is crucial to enhance the accessibility, affordability, and availability of oral health services at PHCs to promote better oral health and overall well-being in rural areas.

2-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-2,3-di-hydro-1,5-benzothia-zepine.

In the title compound, C19H14FNS2, the seven-membered thia-zepine ring adopts a slightly distorted twist boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 53.6 (1)°. The mean plane of the thia-zepine ring is twisted by 34.3 (7)° and 36.6 (7)° from the benezene rings. A C-H⋯F interaction generates stacking of molecules along the ab plane.

5-[(1-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)meth-yl]-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine.

In the title compound, C24H20N4, the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings fused to the azepine ring is 49.40 (9)°. The triazole ring makes a dihedral angle of 77.88 (9)° with the terminal phenyl ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via C-H⋯π inter-actions and a parallel slipped π-π inter-action [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7324 (9), normal distance = 3.4060 (6) and slippage = 1.526 Å], forming a three-dimensional network.

5-[(4-Benzyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine.

In the title compound, C24H20N4, the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation and the dihedral angle between the benzene rings fused to it is 57.95 (8)°. The bond-angle sum at the azepine N atom is 346.6°, indicating a significant deviation from planarity. The triazole ring subtends a dihedral angle of 71.45 (10)° with the terminal phenyl group. A weak intra-molecular C-H⋯Na (a = azepine) inter-action occurs, which closes an S(6) ring.

4-Chloro-2-(2-chloro-benzoyl)phenol.

In the title mol-ecule, C13H8Cl2O2, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 74.53 (9)°. An intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bond leading to a S(6) ring is observed. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are connected into a three-dimensional network by C-H⋯O and π-π [inter-centroid distance = 3.6254 (10) Å] inter-actions.

3-Methyl-1,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole.

In the title compound, C16H16N2, the dihydro-pyrazole ring adopts a shallow envelope conformation, with the C atom bearing the phenyl group displaced by 0.298 (2) Šfrom the other atoms (r.m.s. deviation = 0.015 Å). The dihedral angles between the four near coplanar atoms of the central ring and the N- and C-bonded phenyl groups are 13.49 (13) and 82.22 (16)°, respectively.

A triclinic polymorph of (E)-2-(4-iso-butyl-phen-yl)-N'-[1-(4-nitro-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]propano-hydrazide.

The asymmetric unit of the triclinic polymorph of the title compound, C21H25N3O3, consists of two mol-ecules, whereas for the monoclinic polymorph Z' = 1 [Fun et al. (2009 ▶). Acta Cryst. E65, o445]. The two mol-ecules exhibit an E configuration with respect to the C=N bond. The mol-ecules are linked into dimers by N-H⋯O and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds forming R 2 (2)(8) ring motifs. In addition, π-π inter-actions occur between nitro-phenyl groups [minimum centroid-centroid distance 3.940 (2) Å], stacking the molecules along the ac plane.

5-(Prop-2-yn-1-yl)-5H-dibenzo[b,f]azepine: ortho-rhom-bic polymorph.

In the title ortho-rhom-bic polymorph (space group Iba2), C17H13N, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 55.99 (10)° and the azepine ring adopts a boat conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H⋯π contacts. The previously-reported polymorph [Yousuf et al. (2012 ▶). Acta Cryst. E68, o1101] crystallizes in the monoclinic system (space group P21/c) with two mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit.

4-[5-(4-Benzoyl-oxyphen-yl)-1,2,4-oxa-diazol-3-yl]phenyl benzoate.

In the title compound, C28H18N2O5, the dihedral angle between the terminal benzoate rings is 20.67 (12)°. The central oxadiazole ring is almost coplanar with its two benzene ring substituents, making dihedral angles of 4.80 (16) and 5.82 (16)°. In the crystal, pairs of C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds form inversion dimers with R 2 (2)(40) ring motifs. The structure also features C-H⋯O, C-H⋯π and π-π inter-actions [centroid-centroid separation = 3.695 (4) Å].

Sustainable approach of La doped CuFe2O4 nanomaterial for electrochemical lead and paracetamol sensing action with multiple applications.

This present research aimed to investigate the novel applications of synthesized La doped CuFe2O4 nanomaterial (LCF NMs) using renewable bio-fuel (Aegle Marmelos extract) by combustion process. The sensor applications were accomplished by modified electrode using LCF NMs with graphite powder and examined its excellent sensing action towards heavy metal (Lead content) and drug chemical (Paracetamol) substances. The thermodynamics of redox potential and super-capacitor behavior of LCF NMs were investigated through Cyclic Voltametric (CV) and Electrochemical Impedance Spectral (EIS) methods under specific conditions at scan rate of 1 to 5 mV/s. The heterogeneous photo-catalytic process of prepared NMs on Fast orange Red (FOR) dye-decolouration was investigated and noted its excellent degradation (91.7%) at 90 min using 20 ppm of dye solution and 40 mg of synthesized samples under Sun-light irradiation. Further, the antibacterial activity of synthesized NMs is investigated against various strains of gram positive (Bacillus subtillis) and gram negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa), which confirms that the LCF NMs have higher activity towards gram positive bacteria with an average inhibition zone of 19 mm. This synthesized LCF NMs is a multi-functional material with stable and eco-friendly materials.

4-[(3-Chloro-2-methyl-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol.

In the title compound, C(14)H(12)ClNO, the dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 39.84 (7)°. In th crystal, mol-ecules are connected by O-H⋯N hydrogen bonds into chains parallel to [001]. In addition, a C-H⋯π contact occurs.

2,6-Dichloro-phen-yl 4-chloro-benzoate.

In the title compound, C13H7Cl3O2, the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 82.1 (2)°. The dihedral angle between the CO2 group and its carbon-bonded ring is 14.50 (19)° In the crystal, aromatic π-π stacking inter-actions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.604 (2) Å] occur.

Knowledge, attitude and practices among sanitation workers regarding SARS-CoV-2 prevention - A cross-sectional study.

Aim: : To evaluate knowledge, attitude and practices among sanitation workers regarding SARS-CoV-2 prevention during hospital waste management. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 426 sanitation workers using an interviewer-administered questionnaire to assess the knowledge, attitude and practices of the study participants. The unpaired t-test and Spearman's correlation were used to find the mean difference and correlation among different study variables. Statistical significance was set at 5% (confidence interval 95%). Results: The mean knowledge score of the participants was found to be 7.15 ± 2.02. About 93.7% of the participants had good knowledge about COVID-19. About 64.3% of the participants strongly agreed that COVID-19 is a life-threatening disease. Regarding practices, a majority reported (69.7%) that they washed hands frequently using water and soap. A significant positive correlation was found between knowledge, attitude, practices and education, indicating a favourable work environment in hospital settings. Conclusion: More than half of the sanitation workers and housekeeping staff had adequate knowledge of COVID-19, and their attitudes were found to be favourable. They also had satisfactory practices, which may be a result of the prompt training and sensitization of sanitation workers by the authorities. Clinical Relevance: Sanitation workers come under the essential services category and their knowledge, attitude and practices needed to be assessed and updated in the concerned area for their protection and better management of biomedical waste, especially in the current pandemic situation.

Dietary Practices as a Potential Predictor for Dental Erosion among Patients Having Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: An Analytical Cross-sectional Study.

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess how dietary practices impact gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients in Haryana state, India, from the perspective of either preventing or promoting dental erosion. Objectives: The primary objective of this study was to find a correlation between the presence of dental erosion and dietary practices among patients with GERD.The secondary objective of this study was to assess the correlation between GERD patients' dietary practices and dental erosion severity. Materials and Methods: Three hundred and thirty study participants, who've been 18 years of age or older with the diagnosis of GERD for at least six months or more were included. Evaluation of dental erosion was performed with basic erosive wear examination (BEWE) index. On age, gender, medical history, medication history, and dietary habits, a pretested structured questionnaire was used. Statistical analysis software SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) variant 20.0 was used to conduct the statistical analysis. Analytic statistics and descriptive statistics were used in the data analysis. Results: Dental erosion was present in 84.8% of the study participants. The majority of study participants, 122 (37%), had no risk of dental erosion. The occurrence of dental erosion was shown to be substantially adversely associated to the intake of acidic meals and soft drinks in the present investigation (odds ratio [OR] = 0.5, P < 0.05). There has not been any proven link between the severity of dental erosion and the frequency of consuming acidic meals, fruit juice, and soft drinks. Milk consumption frequency and dental erosion severity were observed to be considerably inversely associated (r = -0.1, P = 0.001). Conclusion: Patients with GERD frequently experienced dental erosion. One probable risk factor for the development of erosive dental lesions can be considered GERD. Most of the patients had dental erosion with a low degree of severity. When dental erosion occurs, the mineral quantity that dissolves from enamel is influenced by several factors, including the buffering action of the acids, pH, and duration of exposure. Whereas if the food and drinks contain adequate amounts of fluoride, calcium, and phosphate, the dissolution can be prevented. The intake of fruit juice, acidic foods, as well as soft drinks was not consumed to be a risk factor in the current study for directly causing or for promoting the severity of dental erosion since they were consumed less frequently. A higher frequency of milk ingestion was found to reduce the severity of dental erosion. Regular milk consumption could be regarded as an alternative dietary practice to stop dental erosion. As dental erosion is a complex condition, it's essential to have an early diagnosis and implement the proper preventive measures. It is vital to inform people about dental erosion and how it is interrelated to GERD and dietary practices.

Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among dental students and faculty members regarding COVID-19 Vaccines in Dental Colleges of Haryana, India - A cross-sectional study.

Aim: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among dental students and faculty members regarding COVID-19 vaccines in dental colleges in Haryana, India. Objectives: To assess knowledge level, attitudes, and beliefs differences among BDS, MDS students and faculty members and find association between knowledge and COVID-19 vaccine inoculation among study participants. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out among students and faculty members of dental colleges in Haryana, India. Data collection was done via an online questionnaire based on questions to assess the knowledge, attitude and beliefs regarding COVID-19 vaccines. Results: The present study comprised of 270 study participants, where majority, i.e., 81.5% have reported COVID-19 vaccine inoculation. The mean knowledge score of the participants was reported to be 5.54 ± 2.19. A significant difference was found in the mean knowledge score of faculty members (7.81 ± 1.69), MDS (6.72 ± 1.49), and BDS (4.39 ± 1.68) students. COVID-19 vaccine inoculation was found to be significantly associated with average knowledge score of participants (OR = 6.1, P < 0.01). Conclusion: Dental professionals have an adequate degree of knowledge and attitude level regarding COVID-19 vaccines and are generally optimistic about resolving the pandemic situation with the immunization.

Periodontal infections: a risk factor for various systemic diseases.

A healthy periodontium is vital for the general well-being of an individual. However, periodontal diseases are common and periodontal infections are increasingly associated with systemic diseases. We aimed to critically evaluate the literature on the association between periodontal infections and systemic diseases. We searched the PubMed database over a 20-year period for literature on periodontal diseases and their links to various systemic diseases, and examined the strength of association between periodontal disease and each systemic disease, the dose-response relationship, and the biological plausibility. We found that individuals with periodontal disease may be at higher risk for adverse medical outcomes including cardiovascular diseases, respiratory infections, adverse pregnancy outcomes, rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes mellitus. Many cohort, in vitro and animal studies suggest that systemic inflammation due to pathogens associated with periodontal disease may play a role in the initiation and progression of some systemic diseases. Periodontal infections should therefore be considered as a risk factor for various systemic diseases.