bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extracting Hidden Patterns of Iranian User Trust in Social Networks Regarding Coronavirus Disease 2019 Using Data Mining Techniques
Authors: Jangi Majid , Jahanbakhsh Maryam , Tavakoli Nahid , Bagherian Hossein , Ehteshami Asghar , Isfahani Sakineh Saghaeian Nejad , Sattari Mohammad
Published: July 2024

Aim:

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused the use of social networks in the field of information acquisition and transmission to increase, whereas the validity of the information available is questionable. Because people’s trust in these networks is important, this study aimed to utilize three data mining techniques to identify the hidden rules for detecting the user trust level of social networks in the context of COVID-19.

Materials and Methods:

An electronic questionnaire containing 27 questions was provided to users. Out of the 12 questions selected, the final question asked about the level of user trust in social networks and was considered the target class. Based on the range in value, question 12 was divided into five classes. The relevance of the remaining 11 questions was then assessed using three decision tree-based data mining techniques.

Results:

The results showed that the random forest technique performed better than the other techniques. Most social network users have a moderate level of trust in information regarding COVID-19; in fact, the medium class is the most widely used target class with 60% utilization rate, which affects sensitivity and specificity. The values of these measures were much higher for this class than for the other classes.

Conclusion:

The educational content, both its type and the amount, regarding COVID-19 that is provided on social networks, impact on user trust. As the existence of inconsistent information has had a negative impact on user trust, a small percentage of users have high trust in these networks.
Evaluation of Guilan University of Medical Sciences medical interns’ attitudes regarding breaking bad news to patients based on the SPIKES model, 2020 to 2022
Authors: Khoshrang Hossein , Pourvakhshoori Negar , Mohammadian Roshan Maede , Dadgaran Ideh
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Bad news may be defined as “any information which adversely and seriously affects an individual’s view of his or her future.” It seems necessary for physicians to use a specific method to break the bad news to patients properly. Due to the importance of this skill and its effects on patient’s hope and motivation to continue his treatment process, in this study, we evaluate the interns of Guilan University of Medical Sciences’ attitude to breaking bad news (BBN) to the patients based on strategy for BBN, perception of condition or seriousness, invitation from the patient to give information, knowledge: giving medical facts, explore emotions, and sympathize (SPIKES) model in 2020–2022.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

In this cross-sectional study in Iran, 153 Guilan University of Medical Sciences interns were selected as a census sample in 2020–2022. A self-administered questionnaire collected the information with standard tests confirming its reliability and validity. The collected data were described and analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16. The Chi-square test was used to measure the statistical relationship between the demographic variables and the entire questionnaire. Also, a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to measure the relationship between the average age and the scores obtained from the four main areas and the entire questionnaire. A statistical level of less than 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS:

43.1% of the interns were men, and 56.9% were women. The mean attendance age was 26.12 ± 1.32, the minimum age was 23, and the maximum was 33. Only 8.5% of the interns in this study had been taught about BBN, and most participants announced that they feel pressure and anxiety when BBN to patients. The attitude of interns in this study was not satisfying in all four parts of the study: individual preference (54.2% of participants showed poor attitude), preparing environmental conditions for BBN (60.8% of participants showed poor attitude), how to break bad news (52.3% of participants showed poor attitude), and the things that are done after BBN (52.9% of participants showed poor attitude).

CONCLUSION:

Based on the results, the attitude of the interns who had participated in this study was not satisfactory. Due to the importance of this communication skill to reduce physician anxiety and best control patients’ reactions, managing courses in the undergraduate curriculum seems necessary.
Making a serious game (gamification) for generation Z medical students to learn, teach, and assess medical Physiology
Authors: Sundareswaran L , Krishnan S , Sinha Abhishek , Naveen P , Mahanta Anindita , Bhattacharjee Manasi
Published: July 2024

The concept of serious games and gamification in medical education is gaining attention due to its nature of curiosity and to engage the student’s attention by simultaneous cultivation of their higher-level thinking without the experience of boredom. Significant differences were reported among the present medical students, generations Y and Z compared to earlier generations. The advancements in serious games for medical education fit well with millennial medical students’ learning styles. Till date, there are no scientific research studies available in literature majorly using solo playing gaming experience for medical Physiology teaching, learning, and assessment in medical schools. In this unsystematic (narrative) review, the development and process in gamification for medical Physiology teaching and assessment has been analyzed. Inclusion criteria: list of articles from PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane by means of manual search with the key words include; gamification on Physiology teaching, learning; serious games created/developed for medical Physiology. Exclusion criteria include the articles not involving medical Physiology teaching, gaming app application, card board games, and quiz games. This review explores the difficulties and practical challenges encountered by a medical educator/doctor professional toward the development of solo playing gamified platform. Also further necessitates the user-friendly interface or apps that involve drop and drag options for serious solo playing games development for medical education. Additionally, insists the addition of gamification elements and artificial intelligence tools application as one of the components of curriculum as electives in medical schools for undergraduate and post graduate level. These will pave the way for medical educators to familiarize the gamification designing tools for various serious solo playing games for medical subjects’ teaching, learning, and assessment.
Does irritable bowel syndrome plague our budding doctors? – A study from an Indian medical college
Authors: Banerjee Sreya , Miriam Abraham Lydia , Gopakumar Radhika , Harithasree L. , Chauhan Hima , Holla Ramesh , Sardesai Aashlesha , Achappa Basavaprabhu
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a lifestyle disease associated with significant morbidity and healthcare expenses. Although the pathophysiology of this disease remains obscure till date, there are many possible predisposing factors that have been described. Medical education is extremely demanding and taxing, with students facing multiple stressors throughout their course. Stress and mental illnesses being one of the main risk factors for IBS, these students are possibly at a much higher risk of suffering from this disease.

OBJECTIVE:

The objective of this article is to study the frequency of IBS among a sample of students in a medical college in India and try to determine the determinants associated with this disease.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among students studying in Kasturba Medical College, Mangalore. A self-administered World Gastroenterology Organization (WGO) questionnaire was filled by the participants. The responses were analyzed for identifying those likely to be suffering from IBS based on a scoring system and to assess the association between risk categories and IBS.

RESULTS:

Prevalence of IBS among 397 participants was found to be 16.9%. About 20.8% of females suffered from IBS as against 11.4% of males. It was also found that the proportion of medical undergraduates likely to be suffering from IBS was more in those belonging to the NRI category (28.6%), those who consumed a diet which was predominantly vegetarian (19.1%) and less in those staying at home (14.5%).

CONCLUSION:

The proportion of students suffering from IBS was observed to be 16.9% of the sample population with a significant female gender preponderance.
Bereavement due to COVID-19 pandemic among school-going adolescents - A cross-sectional study in district Dehradun
Authors: Chaudhary Deepshikha , Semwal Jayanti , Sharma Neha , Srivastava Malini , Avinash Priya Ranjan
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Millions of people lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic; this dire situation had an impact on almost every aspect of the daily life of every person. However, most of the individuals adapted to their losses nearly 2-10% of the population experienced dysfunctional grief in which adolescents were also affected. Aims and Objectives: Prime objective of the study was to assess dysfunctional grief due to loss from COVID-19 Pandemic among adolescents and to find out the coping strategies used by them to overcome this grief.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The study was conducted among school-going adolescents of District Dehradun. A pre-designed, pre-tested, self-administered, semi-structured questionnaire including socio-demographic details, COVID-19-related questions and Pandemic Grief Scale (Cronbach alpha-0.77) was used in the offline survey.

RESULTS:

Out of 690 study participants, a total of 151 (21.8%) adolescents lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of these, 9.93% were facing dysfunctional grief due to their loss. To overcome this grief, coping strategies used by study participants were mainly phone and internet usage (78%) followed by watching TV (73.8%) and sleeping (68.1%).

CONCLUSION:

Adolescents who experienced loss and were grieved are more at high risk of developing psychological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and physical illness, that might affect their education and overall development. Though to tackle the mental health crisis in the country Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) has been initiated, still there is a lack of clarity regarding the structure and range of services provided by Tele-MANAS centers set up under the National Tele-Mental Health Program (NTMHP). Timely intervention and research to take solid steps to diminish the potential adverse effects of bereavement on adolescents’ mental health is necessary.
Tutor assessment of medical students in problem-based learning sessions
Authors: Khawaji Bader , Masuadi Emad , Alraddadi Abdulrahman , Khan Muhammad Anwar , Aga Syed Sameer , Al-Jifree Hatim , Magzoub Mohi Eldin
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Problem-based learning (PBL) is a method of learning that has been adopted in different curricula of different disciplines for more than 30 years; the assessment of the students in PBL sessions in medical schools is fundamental to ensure students’ attainment of the expected outcomes of conducting PBL sessions and in providing the students with the feedback that help them to develop and encourage their learning. This study investigated the inter-rater reliability of the tutor assessment in assessing medical students’ performance in their PBL tutorial sessions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This study was conducted in the College of Medicine (COM), in the academic year 2021–2022. The study involved ten raters (tutors) of two genders who assessed 33 students in three separate PBL tutorial sessions. The PBL sessions were prerecorded and shown to the 10 raters for their assessment of PBL sessions.

RESULTS:

This study showed that male raters gave higher scores to students compared with female raters. In addition, this investigation showed low inter-rater reliability and poor agreement among the raters in assessing students’ performance in PBL tutorial sessions.

CONCLUSION:

This study suggests that PBL tutor assessment should be reviewed and evaluated; this should be performed with consideration of using assessment domains and criteria of performance. Thus, we recommend that 360-degree assessment including tutor, self, and peer assessment should be used to provide effective feedback to students in PBL tutorial sessions.
The effects of web-based education on health-promoting behaviors of first-year medical sciences students: A quasi-experimental study
Authors: Khajavi Nazanin , Mohsenzadeh-Ledari Farideh , Sepidarkish Mahdi , Pasha Hajar , Adib-Rad Hajar , Ezoji Khadijeh , Omidvar Shabnam
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Students, as a representative of young adults, are at risk for engagement in unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as unhealthy eating, unhealthy relationships, and drug abuse. Health-promoting lifestyle (HPL) largely depends on adequate knowledge of healthy behaviors and hence, education is a strategy with potential positive effects on lifestyle. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of web-based education (WBE) on HPL among first-year medical sciences students.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This quasi-experimental study was conducted in 2020 with a single-group pretest-posttest design. Participants were 185 first-year bachelor’s and doctoral medical sciences students selected from Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran, through multistage sampling. Study intervention was a three-week web-based educational program on HPL. Educational videos about the different components of HPL were sent to participants through WhatsApp. Data were collected before, one month after, and three months after the study intervention through the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). The STATA software (v. 16.0) was used for data analysis.

RESULTS:

Among 185 participants, 154 (83.69%) participants completed the study. The mean scores of HPL and its health responsibility and stress management subscales significantly increased by 4.58 (95% CI: 0.12, 9.04), 1.77 (95% CI: 0.39, 3.15), and 0.71 (95% CI: 0.13, 1.26), respectively. However, the mean scores of the nutrition, interpersonal relations, physical activity, and self-actualization subscales of HPL and the mean score of general health did not significantly change (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

WBE has significant positive effects on HPL and its health responsibility and stress management subscales. Therefore, WBE through social media can be used to improve HPL among young adults, particularly students.
Predictors of self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension: The integrated model of theories of “planned behavior” and “protection motivation”
Authors: Eslamimehr Farnaz , Hosseini Zahra , Aghamolaei Teamur , Nikparvar Marzieh , Ghanbarnejad Amin
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

Assessment of self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension may provide clinicians and practitioners with important information about how to better control hypertension. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the predictors of self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension based on an integrated model of theories of planned behavior and protection motivation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The present cross-sectional study was part of a larger study, conducted in 2022 on 344 hypertensive patients from Khamir County in Hormozgan Province in Iran. The sample was selected through a systematic random sampling. The patients completed a researcher-made questionnaire based on constructs of the theory of planned behavior and protection motivation theory. They also completed, Hypertension Self-Care Activity Level Effects (H-SCALE), Hypertension Knowledge-Level Scale (HK-LS), and a demographic questionnaire. The data were analyzed in SPSS 21 using the Pearson correlation coefficient, independent-samples T test, one-way ANOVA, and linear regression analysis.

RESULTS:

The participants’ mean age was 47.34 ± 13.68 years. Adherence to medication, physical activity, weight management, diet, and nonsmoking scores were 42.7, 27.3, 66.3, 14.2, and 81.1, respectively. The linear regression model showed that behavioral beliefs (β = 0.366, P < 0.001), perceived rewards (β = −0.248, P < 0.001), control beliefs (β = 0.133, P = 0.013), and normative beliefs (β = 0.143, P = 0.025) were the major predictors of self-care behaviors in patients with hypertension.

CONCLUSION:

In light of the present findings, it can be concluded that it is crucial to change patients’ attitudes toward self-care behaviors and improve the social acceptance of behavior and its development in society, and improve patients’ control beliefs through goal-oriented education that develops resistance against the perceived rewards of the unfavorable behavior. Considering these constructs can act as strategies to promote self-care behaviors among patients.
Revision of task description of educational development centers and educational development offices: Toward performance improvement
Authors: Shaterjalali Maria , Yamani Nikoo , Mohammadi Aeen
Published: July 2024

BACKGROUND:

In recent years, educational development centers (EDCs) have evolved among universities from a marginal to a strategic aspect. The present study aimed to achieve an applicable task description at two levels of basic and quality improvement for EDCs and educational development offices (EDOs).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This research used the triangulation method. Initially, the current condition of EDCs across the country was evaluated with an electronic questionnaire in 2019. In the second phase, the modified Delphi method was used in two rounds with purposive sampling and a researcher-made questionnaire. The research participants were from all of the country. In the RAND technique, an electronic questionnaire was sent to 14 experts in medical education. After the analysis, the results were discussed, and the questions were answered again. We determined frequency and used content analysis.

RESULTS:

The task descriptions containing basic and quality improvement have been developed in three main sections: Organizational communication of EDCs and EDOs for policymaking; organizational structures, organizational charts, and the budget of EDCs and EDOs; and developmental roles of EDCs and EDOs (curriculum policies, curriculum development, blended learning, community-oriented), faculty development, evaluation (student assessment, faculty evaluation, program evaluation, accreditation), research (educational research, educational scholarship, innovative educational designs, events), and students (student committee, talented students).

CONCLUSION:

The task description guidelines have been prepared with 68 articles in basic and quality improvement and three main sections, including organizational communication of the EDCs and EDOs, organizational structures, the budget of the EDCs and EDOs, and their development roles.
Storytelling as an educational strategy for midwifery students: A qualitative study
Authors: Ghasab Shirazi Morvarid , Pourghane Parand , Mehrabian Fardin
Published: July 2024

Background:

Narratives can provide a framework to teach the concepts of patient-centered care to the students. This article describes the experiences of midwifery students from employing of purposive storytelling as a teaching strategy in the education program.

Material and Methods:

This qualitative study used an in-depth interview method to collect the experiences of midwifery students engaged in a narrative medicine training program. The narrative-based teaching activities focused on three patients to teach four themes (clinical manifestations, treatment options, prevention strategies, and ethics), and related to MMR (maternal mortality rate) concept offered to students from Guilan University of Medical Sciences in 2022–2023. At the end of the course, all students were invited to provide experiences regarding the teaching method. Conventional content analysis was performed simultaneously with data collection. Four-dimension criteria (Lincoln and Guba) were used to evaluate the rigor of the findings.

Results:

Data analysis led to the extraction of three main categories and eight sub-categories: effective learning (extended learning, a safe learning environment, and boosted motivation for midwifery role), challenges on the way of learning (contagious sadness, shattered cohesion, and executive monopoly), and challenges on the way of performance improvement (the necessity of interdisciplinary education and the inevitability of a strong foundation).

Conclusions:

Narrative-based teaching may improve the learning experience of students, but it is not possible to train all the course content by this method, and it should ideally be a supplement to other educational methods, such as lecturing.
A Case of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease with psychiatric presentation
Authors: Dutta Anirban , Das Sameeksha , Harbishettar Vijaykumar
Published: July 2024

Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) belongs to the group of fatal neurodegenerative disorders known as prion diseases. We are going to describe the case of a 54-year-old married man who initially presented with rapidly progressive cognitive decline along with behavioral symptoms and was subsequently diagnosed with probable CJD. He presented with 1½ months history of disinhibited behavior, decreased social interaction, persecutory ideas, food refusal, and decreased sleep along with cognitive decline. On examination, the patient had myoclonus and ataxia. Routine blood investigations, serological tests, and autoimmune and paraneoplastic profiles were normal. Injection haloperidol 2.5 mg intramuscular for behavioral symptoms was given with no improvement. The cerebrospinal fluid study revealed positive results for 14-3-3 protein. The patient was diagnosed with probable CJD and subsequently passed away within 1 month of presentation. Thus, CJD should be kept in the differential diagnosis of patients with cognitive decline and persistent behavioral symptoms despite standard psychiatric treatment.
Association between severity of dementia, wandering behavior, and caregiver burden among caregivers of persons living with dementia
Authors: Anu K. N. , Vasanthra Cicil Radhakrishna , Antony Sojan , Philip Mariamma , Ammapattian Thirumoorthy , Sivakumar Palanimuthu Thangaraju
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

In dementia, wandering is a challenging and distressing behavioral problem. The caregiver burden will differ between the group of persons with dementia with or without wandering behavior. Understanding the difference in caregiver burden between these two groups will help mental health professionals to have a specific care plan for those who have wandering behavior.

Methodology:

This is descriptive research which attempts to understand the wandering behavior and its association with the caregiver burden. The total sample size was 151. Samples were selected from a tertiary care center. The Revised Algase Wandering Scale Community Version and the Zarit Burden Interview were used to measure wandering and caregiver burden.

Results:

There was a significant correlation between wandering behavior and caregiver burden (r = 0.582, P = 0.001). Similarly, there was a significant correlation between wandering behavior and the severity of dementia (r = 0.390, P = 0.005). The unique finding of the study was that wandering behavior predicted 30% of caregiver burden.

Conclusion:

Findings indicate the need to address the wandering behavior to control the caregiver burden.
Catatonia among elderly: A retrospective study from an inpatient setting of a tertiary care center
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Laxmi Raj , Chakrabarti Subho
Published: July 2024

Background:

There is limited data on the prevalence, symptom profile, and etiology of catatonia among the elderly.

Aim:

This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence, symptom profile, and primary etiology of catatonia among elderly patients (≥60 years) admitted to an indoor acute care psychiatric unit of a general hospital setting.

Methodology:

For this retrospective study, the inpatient psychiatry registry of the department for the period of January 2016 and June 2023 was screened to identify elderly patients (aged ≥60 years). The treatment records of these patients were screened for the presence of catatonia. The symptom profile of those with catatonia as per the rating on the Bush Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) and the psychiatric diagnosis made as per the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision was extracted and compared with those without catatonia.

Results:

Out of the 298 elderly patients admitted to the inpatient unit during the study period, 33 (11.1%) had catatonia at the time of admission. As per BFCRS, the most common catatonic symptoms were mutism (100%), followed by staring (93.9%), immobility (84.8%) and rigidity (84.8%), posturing/catalepsy (69.7%), negativism (66.7%), withdrawal (60.6%), and autonomic abnormality (42.2%). No significant difference was noted among those with and without catatonia in terms of sociodemographic variables. In terms of the etiology of catatonia, in the majority of the patients, catatonia is associated with affective disorder (unipolar > bipolar disorder) (28 out of the 33 patients), followed by dementia (n = 3) and psychotic disorder (n = 2). In terms of management, compared to those without catatonia, those with catatonia more often received benzodiazepines and electroconvulsive therapy.

Conclusion:

About one-tenth of the elderly admitted to the acute psychiatry inpatient units have catatonia, most of them have retarded catatonia, and the majority of the catatonia among the elderly is associated with affective disorders.
A comparative study of electroconvulsive therapy among the elderly and adult patients with depressive disorder
Authors: Grover Sandeep , Naskar Chandrima , Chakrabarti Subho , Mehra Aseem
Published: July 2024

Aim:

The present study aimed to compare the clinical profile, indications for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), effectiveness of ECT, and complications associated with the use of ECT among elderly and adult patients.

Methodology:

Using a retrospective study design, data from patients with a diagnosis of unipolar depression, who received ECT between January 2013 and March 2023 was extracted. Based on the age at the time of receiving ECT, the study sample was divided into adult (age <60 years) and elderly (≥60 years) groups and compared.

Results:

The study included data from 1144 patients with depression. Of them, 371 (32.4%) patients were aged 60 years or above. Compared to the adult group, a significantly higher number of patients in the elderly group were diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (P < 0.001), had psychotic symptoms (P < 0.001), and had at least one medical comorbidity. Compared to adult patients, elderly depressed patients had longer total lifetime duration of illness (P < 0.001) and longer duration of current symptoms (P = 0.012). In terms of indications for ECT, the elderly patients had a higher frequency of poor response to the pharmacological treatment (P = 0.003) and a lower frequency of suicidality and attempts at self-harm (P < 0.001). Compared to adults, elderly patients received a higher number of effective ECTs (P = 0.04). There were no differences between the two groups in terms of the reason for stopping ECT and the extent of improvement. However, a higher proportion of the elderly experienced complications related to ECT and received repeat ECT courses (P = 0.003) and continuation ECT (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:

The present study shows that there are some differences between the elderly and adult patients with depression in terms of indications for ECT, side effects related to ECT, need for multiple courses of ECT, and continuation ECT. However, the efficacy of ECT does not differ between the two groups.
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Three Interventions on Mineralization of Young Permanent Teeth Using DIAGNOdent™ Pen: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Agnihotri Akshata , Prasad K.V.V. , Sharda Shweta , Afnan Lamea
Published: July 2024

Background:

The occurrence of dental caries is influenced by the interplay of host factors, microbial factors, and environment factors collectively forming the epidemiological triad of dental caries. Modification of the caries epidemiological triad limits the caries progression by shifting the equilibrium toward re-mineralization.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of dietary sugar intake modification, plaque control measures, and fluoride toothpaste on the mineralization of enamel using DIAGNOdent™ pen scores.

Methodology:

108 children aged 13–15 years, qualified the preset inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly allocated into one among the three interventional groups such as Group 1: Diet counseling; Group 2: Educational intervention of toothbrushing and oral rinsing; and Group 3: Fluoride toothpaste. The sugar scores from 1 week’s diet history, plaque index scores, the weight of the fluoride toothpaste, and DIAGNOdent™ pen scores were recorded at the baseline visit and subsequently at 6- and 12-week intervals. Statistical analysis was done using Chi-square, repeated measure analysis of variance, and Tukey’s post hoc tests to determine the relationship between the variables.

Results:

The percentage reduction in DIAGNOdent pen score at 12-week time interval in Group 1 was 25.37%, Group 2 was 6.77%, and Group 3 was 13.37%. Intergroup comparison revealed that Group 1 showed a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) as compared to Group 2 and Group 3, but Group 2 was as effective as Group 3 in teeth remineralization.

Conclusion:

the results suggest that among the abovementioned interventions, the dietary sugar restriction group is related to improved mineralization when compared to the instructed toothbrushing, oral rinsing, and fluoride toothpaste groups.
Determination of Fluoride Levels and pH in Community Drinking Water Supply across Pune City, Maharashtra
Authors: Joshi Gandhali Malgaonkar , Patel Alok Ramesh , Jajoo Shweta S. , Shah Rohan V. , Chaudhary Shweta M. , Lakade Laxmi S.
Published: July 2024

Context:

The knowledge of fluoride levels and pH in potable water is important for health-care personnel and policymakers in general and dentists in particular, but the data regarding fluoride levels and pH of community drinking water in Pune City are deficient.

Aims:

The aim of this study was to determine the fluoride levels and pH in community drinking water supply across Pune City, Maharashtra.

Subjects and Methods:

In an in
vitro, experimental study, a total of 30 water samples were collected from one water treatment plant, one water storage reservoir, and three adjoining residential areas of the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC) region. They were analyzed for fluoride content using (2-(parasulfophenylazo)-1,8-dihydroxy-3,6-naphthalene disulfonate) based-spectrophotometric method, and for pH using a digital pH meter.

Statistical Analysis Used:

Fluoride and pH values were subjected to Mann–Whitney U-test and intragroup comparison of fluoride and pH levels at various levels of water distribution was performed using Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results:

The mean concentration of fluoride and the pH in water samples from different locations across Pune City were 0.262 and 7.02 mg/L, respectively. Although levels across various sources were different, there was no statistical difference between the fluoride content or the pH of the water from sources across PMC and PCMC regions.

Conclusions:

The fluoride content of the community water supply of Pune City was below the recommended standards yet within the permissible limits in considering the temperature range in Pune City across different seasons. The pH of the drinking water of Pune City was optimal.
Association of Dental Caries with Odontogenic Infections and Nutritional Status in an Orphanage of Raichur District: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Gupta Ritu , Acharya Arun Kumar , Puri Nidhi , Menon Ipseeta , Rathore Akshay , Sharma Dipanshi
Published: July 2024

Aim:

The aim of the study was to assess the association of nutritional status and dental caries in children at an orphanage in Raichur city, Karnataka.

Materials and Methods:

A specially designed structured questionnaire was administered to a total of 101 children of the orphanage to gather demographic details, dietary habits, sugar exposure, and oral hygiene practices. The sweet score was recorded as given by Nizel and Papas, body mass index (BMI) was assessed using the Centers for Disease Control 2000, growth charts, dental caries, and odontogenic infections were recorded using decayed missing filled teeth in deciduous dentition (dmft)/Decayed Missing Filled Teeth in permanent dentition (DMFT) and pufa/PUFA (Pulpal involvement, Ulceration, Fistula, and Abscess) index (Monse et
al., 2010), respectively.

Results:

A total of 101 participants were enrolled in the study including children aged 6–15 years old with a mean age of 10.67 ± 2.74 years. A statistically significant relation was found between the duration of stay in an orphanage and the prevalence of dental caries (P < 0.05). A statistically significant positive correlation was found between the duration of stay in the orphanage and BMI (0.382) dmft/DMFT (0.203). In addition, a statistically significant positive correlation was also observed between dmft/DMFT and pufa/PUFA.

Conclusion:

The study showed caries to be primarily associated with the sugar exposure and dietary habits, whereas untreated dental decay was the main cause of odontogenic infections. The untreated caries PUFA ratio was 13.98% with only one filled component, indicating the unmet needs for decayed teeth and lack of awareness and access to preventive and curative dental care facilities by the children of the orphanage.
COVID-19 Susceptibility among ABO/RH Blood Groups in Tamil Nadu Population: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Ilango Paavai , Cherian Sanjay M. , Mahalingam Arulpari , Reddy Vineela Katam , Vummidi Ayswarya V. , Gomathi G.D
Published: July 2024

Background:

COVID-19 is a world pandemic with clinical manifestation from mild subclinical infection to severe illness. Literature suggests an evident correlation between the ABO blood group, Rhesus blood group, and COVID-19 in the recent past. The role of blood group in disease susceptibility and severity of COVID-19 varies in different geographical locations, as ABO blood group distribution varies among the human population with the impact of migration. Although various research have been done globally, scientific evidence with respect to the south Indian population remains limited, emphasizing the need for the present study to analyze the association of COVID-19 and blood groups in Tamil Nadu.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to analyze the potential susceptibility of COVID-19 among the blood groups (ABO and Rh type) in Tamil Nadu population.

Materials and Methods:

This was a noninterventional retrospective case–control study, with 500 patients who tested positive for COVID-19 being taken as the “cases,” while another 500 who tested negative were taken as the “controls.” The medical records, including the blood group and Rh factor, were collected from the government-recognized testing centers (Government Medical Hospital and Primary Health Centers, Tiruvallur, and Frontier Lifeline Hospital, Chennai) in Tamil Nadu, who came for COVID-19 screening by reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction. The data were analyzed to associate its correlation with different blood groups.

Results:

Blood Group A showed significantly higher distribution among the cases (P = 0.030), and blood Groups O and B were significant among the controls (P = 0.026 and P = 0.000, respectively). Blood Group AB did not show any significant differences between the groups (P = 0.374). The odds ratio for AB, A, O, and B Groups for Rh (positive and negative) were shown to be 0.659, 0.591, 0.472, and 0.262, respectively, suggesting increased susceptibility toward Rh positive factor.

Conclusion:

In our study, blood Group A was found to be the most susceptible and blood Group O to be the least susceptible to COVID-19 in the Tamil Nadu population. In addition, the Rh positive factor showed more inclination toward COVID susceptibility than the Rh negative factor. ABO blood group may be considered a potential nonmodifiable and secondary risk factor for COVID-19 contributing to the disease pathobiology at immunological, biochemical, and physiological levels. Still, the intensity of their role and their exact mechanism in its association requires further exploration to validate the current findings.
Evaluation of Anti-Plaque Efficacy of a Herbal and Non-Herbal Dentifrice: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rawat Aditi , Kaur Navpreet , Priya Ratna , Sharma Vivek , Bhalla Manish , Gupta Roopali
Published: July 2024

Context:

The primary objective of using dentifrice is to remove plaque biofilm from tooth surfaces and additionally protect teeth from sequelae of events – halitosis, gingivitis, periodontal inflammation, and dental caries.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and consumer satisfaction profile of using herbal and nonherbal dentifrice in controlling dental plaque.

Settings and Design:

The randomized clinical trial was conducted on dental students at K. D. Dental College and Hospital, Mathura.

Subjects and Methods:

The triple-blinded trial was conducted during July 2022 over 15 days among 50 dental students of the institute, aged 18–21 years selected using simple random sampling and allocated into two groups: Group A – herbal dentifrice (Patanjali Dant Kanti dentifrice) and Group B – nonherbal dentifrice (Colgate dentifrice). At baseline, open ended self administered questionnaire regarding general information was recorded followed by full mouth prophylaxis and instructions to brush twice daily with allocated dentifrice following modified bass technique. Plaque assessment was done for index teeth on the 7th and 15th days using the plaque index.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The data were analyzed using SPSS. Intergroup comparisons were done using paired t-test and descriptive statistics for consumer satisfaction profile assessment.

Results:

The mean plaque index scores for Groups A and B was reduced at 15th day in comparison to scores on 7th day. Consumer satisfaction feedback was found statistically significant for Group A with insignificant for Group B on few parameters.

Conclusions:

Herbal dentifrice had similar antiplaque efficacy to nonherbal dentifrice with satisfactory consumer feedback without side effects on using them.
Evaluation of Antibacterial Efficacy of Wax Apple (Syzygium samarangense) Fruit Extracts Against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans – An In vitro Study
Authors: Sulthana D. S. Gazala , Sapna B. , Smitha Gowdara Prakash
Published: July 2024

Objective:

The objective of this study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of wax apple (Syzygium samarangense) fruit extracts (aqueous and ethanol) against Porphyromonas gingivalis, Fusobacterium nucleatum, and Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans.

Methodology:

The stock solution was prepared for microbial analysis (100 mg/ml). A disc diffusion test to determine the zone of inhibition and the serial broth dilution test to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration were done to assess the antimicrobial activity. Data obtained were appraised observationally and interpreted.

Results:

When assessed for antibacterial activity of extracts by disc diffusion method, both aqueous and ethanolic extracts did not show a zone of inhibition on P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. However, the aqueous extract showed an inhibition zone of 8 mm at the concentration of 50 and 75 µl/ml against F. nucleatum. Similarly, the ethanolic extract showed an inhibition zone of 8 mm at 50 µl/ml and 9 mm at 75 µl/ml volume against F. nucleatum. When assessed for antibacterial activity of extracts by serial broth dilution method, only P. gingivalis (both aqueous and ethanolic extracts at 50 µg/ml) and F. nucleatum (aqueous extracts at 1. 6 µg/ml and ethanolic extract at 0.4 µg/ml) exhibited antibacterial effect, whereas A. actinomycetemcomitans was completely resistant to both extracts at all the concentrations.

Conclusion:

In the present in vitro study, S. samarangense (wax apple) showed its antibacterial activity against F. nucleatum only by exhibiting MIC at 1.6 µg/ml for aqueous and 0.4 µg/ml for ethanolic extract, but no antibacterial activity was shown against P. gingivalis and A.
actinomycetemcomitans.
Retention and Effectiveness of School-based Dental Sealant Programs in Lucknow – A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Poddar Piyali , Reddy Vamsi Krishna , Saha Sabyasachi
Published: July 2024

Background:

Pit-and-fissure sealants, particularly the resin-based type, are widely used as the most efficient technique for preventing caries on the occlusal surfaces of permanent molars. School-based dental sealant (SBDS) program is a system where sealants are applied to the children in their schools with the primary aim to certify and safeguard the permanent molars that are sealed at the earliest after eruption.

Aim:

The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention and effectiveness of SBDS Programs in Lucknow, UP.

Materials and Methods:

A split-mouth randomized controlled trial was conducted among 6-year-old school-going children of Lucknow, UP. The study was carried out by a single trained and calibrated investigator who recorded the dentition status. The investigator interviewed the participants using a pro forma and examined the subjects included in the study. The sealant was applied to one tooth in the pair of fully erupted permanent first molars, and no treatment was done on the other side.

Results:

The proportion of total retention after 1½ years was significantly higher in mandibular as compared with maxillary molars (Z= 2.04;P= 0.04). The risk of having caries was 3.52 times more among children with no treatment as compared to children with treatment (odds ratio [OR] – 3.52 [1.01, 13.11];P= 0.04; statistically significant). The association between survival rate of sealant and International Caries Detection and Assessment System codes (0 and 1–2) as well as that between retention of sealant and caries status was statistically significant (P< 0.01 and 0.00001, respectively). The risk of having caries was 1.28 times more among males as compared to females (OR – 1.28 [0.38, 4.24];P= 0.06), 1.61 times for sugar exposure (OR – 1.61 [0.53, 6.19];P= 0.53; nonsignificant).

Conclusion:

Sealant application proved to be an efficient method in preventing dental caries development; hence, SBDS programs, wherein the sealants were placed at school, were highly efficacious and acceptable in the vulnerable populace.
Effect of Online Teaching Methods on Dental Education among Undergraduate Dental Students during Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic in Nellore City: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Kamireddy Mounika , Kumar R. V. S. Krishna , Athuluru Deepthi , Gomasani Srinivasulu , Reddy V. Prathyusha , Prasanth Punamalli Symon
Published: July 2024

Introduction:

During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, education through online teaching became a new normal for India though it is fairly a very new concept for majority of students and teachers. As per the UNESCO estimates, COVID-19-related closure of educational institutions impacted the study of 1540 million students across 191 nations.

Aim:

The present study aimed to assess the effect of online teaching methods on dental education and perspectives among dental undergraduates.

Materials and Methods:

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1st-, 2nd-, 3rd-, and 4th-year undergraduate dental students in Nellore city. A structured questionnaire was given through Google Forms regarding their opinion on comfort, flexibility, interaction, and stress during online teaching. It also included the impact of online teaching on academic performance and their preference for future curriculum. To assess the qualitative data, the Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests were applied. Statistical significance was set at P < 0.05.

Results:

Out of 266 who filled the questionnaire, 215 students never used online platform to attend classes before the pandemic. Eighty-nine percent were using smartphones to attend the classes. 38.3% are comfortable and 61.6% are not comfortable with online teaching. 74.4% of students responded that their preclinical and clinical learning was reduced since the transition to online teaching. There is no significant difference in content presentation, interaction, and response of lecturers. However, there is a lack of online quizzes or polls in between lectures.

Conclusion:

Overall, online teaching can be used as an adjunct rather than replacement for traditional classroom teaching in their future curriculum.
To Correlate the Oral Health-related Quality of Life Between Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users Among 35–44 Years Age Group Attending Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Pandey Harshita , Tangade Pradeep , Singh Vikas , Jain Ankita , Srivastava Rangoli , Sharma Mukund
Published: July 2024

Background:

Tobacco use poses severe health risks globally, affecting both young people and adults. It is highly addictive and a major contributor to various diseases, including cancer. This research at Teerthanker Mahaveer Dental College and Research Centre (TMDC and RC), Moradabad, focused on participants aged 35–44, highlighting the urgent need to address tobacco-related issues for public health and economic well-being.

Aim:

This study assesses the occurrence of smokers and smokeless tobacco and analyzes its correlation with the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among participants.

Materials and Methods:

A prevalence study was substantiated at TMDC and RC, Moradabad, involving 640 participants aged between 35 and 44 years. Informed assent was obtained from all participants. Sociodemographic information was collected, and their oral mucous lesions were assessed using the World Health Organization form. In addition, participants completed a validated Hindi version of the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 questionnaire to evaluate their OHRQoL.

Results:

The study revealed a higher prevalence of tobacco usage among males compared to females. Furthermore, the prevalence of smoking was established to be greater than that of smokeless tobacco. Consequently, a statistically apparent association was recognized between smokers and their OHRQoL, as well as between users of smokeless tobacco and their OHRQoL. However, no association was established between smokers, smokeless tobacco users, and OHRQoL when considering the significance value.

Conclusion:

The study indicates that individuals aged 35–44 years who use either smoked or smokeless tobacco experience similar impacts on their OHRQoL. Encouraging regular dental examinations, facilitating access to tobacco cessation programs, and extending support for individuals to sustain tobacco-free lifestyles are indispensable strategies for amplifying oral health outcomes besides the overall quality of life among individuals aged 35–44.