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Introduction: Training young doctors is essential for carrying out need-based research. The field of Traditional Medicine (TM) has made significant contributions to modern medicine, and there is unlimited scope for exploring it further in search of improved treatment options. However, there is a lack of systematic research studies on traditional medicines. It was, therefore, considered necessary to assess the interest and awareness among modern medicine practitioners regarding Traditional Medicine Research (TMR). Aim: To assess the need for training in TMR among modern medicine practitioners. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was conducted in the Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics at Seth GS Medical College and KEM Hospital, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India, from March 2020 to September 2020 among modern medicine practitioners from the Western region of India. A validated questionnaire was used to collect data regarding the level of training in research methodology, research experience including TMR, areas for training, attitude towards training in TMR, challenges in TMR, and therapeutic areas to focus TMR efforts. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results: Out of 109 participants, 96 (88.1%) were trained in research methodology. At least one research project was undertaken by 91 (83.5%) participants. Ninety-seven percent of participants felt that TMR was necessary. TMR was conducted by 19 (17.4%) participants. Approximately 65 (59.6%) participants felt that conducting TMR poses challenges such as lack of funds, infrastructure, lack of belief in TM, unavailability of literature pertaining to TM, lack of expertise, and lack of corporate attention and marketing. Therapeutic areas identified to focus research efforts included lifestyle-related disorders, diabetes mellitus, cancer, ageing, allergic disorders, osteoarthritis, and obesity. Conclusion: All the participants expressed the need to undergo training in TMR. However, the experience of conducting TMR was limited. Lack of funds, infrastructure, and expertise were mentioned as the main hurdles in undertaking TMR. It is essential to conduct systematic and need-based training programs for modern medicine practitioners in basic research methodology and TMR.

Training healthcare professionals in research methodology is essential to promote research and innovation. This is particularly relevant in India, where there is a wealth of potential drug candidates from Indian Traditional Medicine (TM) systems that await exploration and scientific validation using modern medicine principles. Surprisingly, there is a lack of reported activities to train modern medicine practitioners in TM research in the literature. Recognising this need, a structured training program was planned and conducted under the auspices of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to train modern medicine practitioners in TM research. A survey was conducted among modern medicine practitioners to assess training gaps and identify key areas to be covered in the workshop modules. The workshop received a positive response, as evidenced by the numerous registration applications and positive feedback from participants. The present article shares the experiences of conducting the pilot workshop, which may serve as a valuable resource for planning similar workshops.

Introduction: Pulpectomy is one of the extensively done procedures in clinical practice, in which the pulp is extirpated, and the canal is filled with an obturating material. Modalities of pulp therapy in primary teeth are subtly different from that of permanent teeth, and so are the obturating materials. Calcium hydroxide has an optimum antimicrobial effect on the root canal of teeth. The success rate for Ca(OH)2-iodoform paste ranges from 84% to 100%. A mixture of calcium hydroxide with iodoform is conventionally used due to its strong antibacterial property, but, high resorptive activity leads to increased periapical radiolucency in the long term. Chitosan, a hydrogel, is antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. Aim: To prepare, optimise and characterise novel calcium hydroxide-hydrogel as an obturating material and compare it with conventional calcium hydroxide-iodoform. Materials and Methods: The present in-vitro study will be carried out at Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Chitosan-calcium hydroxide hydrogel will be formulated by soaking commercially available chitosan in 2% acetic acid solution. Calcium hydroxide will be added to this base in different concentrations for each sample and mixed in a magnetic stirrer. Twenty samples of calcium hydroxide-hydrogel will be formulated and divided into three groups with concentration of 0.1, 0.55 and 1% w/v respectively and a control group with calcium hydroxide-iodoform will also be evaluated. Calcium ion release shall be checked through infrared spectroscopy techniques and pH through pH meter at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. To evaluate, an Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) followed by post- a hog test will be used. Expected Results: Various composition of Calcium hydroxide- hydrogel might prove to be better obturating material when compared to conventional Calcium hydroxide-iodoform paste. Conclusion: Within the scope of this study, Calcium hydroxide-hydrogel can be a potential alternative to the available obturating materials for primary teeth.

Introduction: Pulpotomy is the complete removal of the coronal part of the dental pulp, followed by the application of an appropriate dressing or medicament to promote healing and maintain the viability of the teeth in the dental arch. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial properties which can be used as a pulpotomy medicament. Simvastatin, a lipid-lowering medication has recently emerged as a potential medicament in regenerative dentistry. It has an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. Hence, it can be used as a pulpotomy medicament. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antimicrobial efficacy of Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste as pulpotomy medicament against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. faecalis Materials and Methods: An in-vitro study will be conducted in Department of Paediatric and Preventive Dentistry at Sharad Pawar Dental College, Wardha, Maharashtra, India, in which Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste will be prepared in an aseptic environment. The antimicrobial activity of simvastatin paste and Aloe Vera paste against E.faecalis and pseudomonas will be assessed using the agar diffusion method. It will be cultured overnight in brain heart infusion broth. On blood agar media, pseudomonas aeruginosa will be inoculated. 4 mm wells will be punched out on plates with a puncher and will be instantly loaded with freshly customised test materials. The agar plates shall then be incubated in an incubator at 37°C for 24 hours and 72 hours before being analysed. Statistical analysis will be done using Chi-square test, ANOVA test and multiple comparision 2k test. Expected Results: Aloe Vera and Simvastatin in the paste form shall be able to show its antimicrobial efficacy as a pulpotomy medicament. Conclusion: Aloe Vera paste and Simvastatin paste shall provide antimicrobial efficacy against E. faecalis and pseudomonas and prove to be a better pulpotomy medicament for primary teeth.

Introduction: Prediction of the mesiodistal crown width of unerupted canines and premolars in mixed dentition analysis is crucial. When Tanaka-Johnston’s equations, the most popular approach, are applied to diverse ethnic groups, their accuracy is questioned. Aim: To derive a new regression equation of mixed dentition space analysis for predicting the size of unerupted canines and premolars teeth among paediatric population of Wardha, Maharashtra, India. Materials and Methods: The study will be conducted in two phases. The study design for First phase is observational and second phase is interventional. Dental study casts of 400 patients aged 11-18 years will be selected in the first phase. A Digital Vernier Caliper (DVC) will be used to measure the mesiodistal crown dimension of all erupted permanent teeth up to first molar. Between four mandibular incisors and the canine-premolar segments of both arches, correlation and linear regression equations will be created. In the second phase, 30 children aged 6-11 years will be randomly selected. Analysis of Tanaka-Johnston’s equations, Huckaba GW equation and the proposed equation will be compared and further statistical analysis will be carried out. Results: New derived regression equation will allow the closer prediction of the size of unerupted canines and premolars in the paediatric population of Wardha. Conclusion: This new equation will allow an accurate prediction of the width of unerupted canines and premolars at an earlier age in the said population.

Introduction: There are evidence regarding enhanced oxidative stress in the form of serum Malondialdehyde (MDA) and depleted activities of serum zinc and iron in malnourished children. The deficiency of trace elements predisposes the susceptibility to various infections. Changes in oxidant and antioxidant levels may be responsible for grading in Protein Energy Malnutrition (PEM). Aim: To correlate the levels of serum biochemical parameters such as proteins, zinc, iron with oxidative stress in the form of Malondialdehyde (MDA), in malnourished children of 1-5 years of age and also to compare the findings with age and gender matched well-nourished children. Materials and Methods: This case-control study was conducted in the Biochemistry Department at Rohilkhand Medical College and Hospital, Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, India, from January to December 2014. A total of 202 children (aged 1-5 years) were included in the study. Out of these, 103 children were undernourished and 99 children were healthy control. Out of 103 undernourished children 46 were severe malnourished and 57 were moderate malnourished. Blood samples were analysed for the estimation of serum zinc, iron, MDA, albumin and total protein. T-test, one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Pearson correlation were used for statistical analysis and p-value

Introduction: Saliva is a complex and significant body fluid which is exceptionally fundamental for oral health and is the most effectively available fluid in the human body. Structural and function changes in saliva occur when it is exposed to cigarette smoke that contains several toxic components and is known to be one of the main risk factors for developing numerous oral conditions. There are conflicting reports about the correlation between cigarette smoking and mouth dryness. Additionally, there is paucity of studies to investigate the Salivary Flow Rate (SFR) in smokers in India. Aim: To assess the salivary flow rate in smokers and non smokers and also to study the effect of duration and frequency of smoking habit on SFR. Materials and Methods: This analytical cross-sectional study was conducted in which unstimulated whole saliva of 50 smokers and 50 non smokers visiting Outpatient Department (OPD) at Mahatma Gandhi Vidyamandir’s, Karmaveer Bhausaheb Hiray Dental College and Hospital Nashik, Maharashtra, India, was from January 2019 to January 2020. Unstimulated SFR was measured and expressed in mL/minute using a graduated glass tube. Comparison of SFR was done among the smokers and non smokers using Unpaired t-test. One-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the frequency and duration of smoking habit and SFR among smokers. Results: There was a statistically significant reduction (p-value

This paper introduces the statistical methods for testing differences between paired categorical responses. Application of the independent sample tests while analysing paired data is observed among health science researchers. Four common tests are described in detail for identifying specific differences between pairs of groups. Situation to use each test is discussed in general and in comparison with others. Almost all statistical analysis techniques involve assumptions about the data to be analysed. The paired situation tests including paired t-test and repeated measures analysis of variance requires the distribution of the differences be approximately normal, on the other hand, the unpaired t-test requires an assumption of normality to hold separately for both groups of observations. The data analysis technique also requires an assumption regarding the data generation process. Categorical data analysis approaches provide a series of statistical methods that require limited assumptions on the data. The tests more commonly used are McNemar’s, and Cochran’s Q, while some are not so widely reported, like Stuart Maxwell McNemar’s, and Cochran Mantel Haenszel correlation method.

Introduction: Acrylamide, an industrial toxic chemical, formed naturally in starchy foods, cooked at high temperature. Acrylamide is known to cause reproductive toxicity in male rats and extent of its effect with respect to sperm and histopathological parameters is not well studied. Aim: To evaluate the influence of acrylamide on male reproductive structural and functional alterations. Materials and Methods: We examined the toxic potential of acrylamide doses, including 0 (distilled water), 6.25, 25 mg/kg body weight/day, in 18 adult male Wistar rats administered by oral gavage for 21 days. Body weight was recorded daily, and the animals were sacrificed at the end of treatment. The relative testis and epididymis wet weights were measured. Sperm count, motility, and morphology were assessed from the epididymis sperm reserve. The testis and epididymis were examined for histological abnormalities. One-way ANOVA was used to test the significant difference in the quantitative responses, followed by Tukey HSD pairwise comparison test. Results: The acrylamide decreased the body weight (p

Introduction: Assessment of renal function in individuals with Type-2 diabetes is very important as diabetic nephropathy is the major cause of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) which leads to the most frequent cause of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in diabetic patients. Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) can be considered as best index for assessment of renal function. Aim: To assess the eGFR using Serum Cystatin-C and compare with Serum creatinine based equations for the early detection of renal injury in Diabetic and Non Diabetic patients. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was carried out after getting approval by institutional human ethical committee. A total of 150 participants were part of the study after obtaining the informed consent. Group-I included 50 Normal healthy controls, Group-II included 50 Chronic Kidney Disease Patients without Diabetes Mellitus (CKD-ND) and Group-III included 50 patients of Chronic Kidney Disease with Diabetes Mellitus (CKD-DM). Serum Cystatin-C, Creatinine, Urea and Glucose were estimated in the serum sample. eGFR was calculated by using Creatinine and Cystatin C based CKDEPI equation. Data was analysed by SPSS 20.0. Correlation analysis was done using Karl Pearson’s correlation coefficient. A p-value less than 0.05 were considered as significant. Results: Serum Cystatin-C and serum creatinine were significantly increased in Non diabetic patients with CKD, a considerable decrease in eGFR was observed in Group-II compared to Group-III. Serum Cystatin-C showed a significant negative correlation with eGFR among the groups. There was a strong correlation of serum Cystatin-C with eGFR in Group-II and Group-III compared to Controls. Conclusion: Serum Cystatin-C can be used as an alternative marker to creatinine in CKD patients without diabetes.

Introduction: Pulmonary Tuberculosis (PTB) is one of the major causes for morbidity and mortality to the mankind and India accounts for over one fourth of global Tuberculosis (TB) burden. In PTB, the expression of inflammatory cytokine Tumour Necrosis Factor-Alpha (TNF-α) increases with increase in bacterial burden, which in turn interfere with Erythropoietin (EPO) action and play a vital role in pathophysiology of anaemia. Aim: To study the role of TNF-α on EPO function and its correlation with haematological profile in different grades of PTB. Materials and Methods: The present cross-sectional study was conducted at Navodaya Medical College Hospital and Research Centre, Raichur, Karnataka, India from January 2016 to January 2017. The study included 180 newly diagnosed sputum positive PTB cases and 100 healthy controls. The PTB was confirmed by microscopic examination of sputum specimen of the cases for the detection of Acid Fast Bacilli (AFB). Both cases and controls were subjected to haematological analysis by automated cell counter and serum TNF-α and EPO by ELISA method. The statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16.0 software. The results were analysed with descriptive statistics, wherever appropriate. Results: The mean haematological parameters between PTB cases and controls showed statistically significant differences (p0.05) in PTB cases. Conclusion: Increased bacterial burden was associated with increased TNF-α and relative deficiency of EPO. Increased TNF-α and proportionately decreased EPO values were accordant with Hb level and further anaemia in PTB. Hence, during the treatment, therapeutic administration of recombinant human EPO could be useful to combat anaemia and also for better prognostic impact in PTB.

Introduction: Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a major cause of mortality in India. Conventional risk factors fail to explain the increasing burden of CAD, thus necessitating to search for newer risk factors like Lipoprotein (a) {Lp(a)}. Lp(a) is considered as one of the risk marker of CAD. Lp(a) levels have shown wide ethnic variation among human population. Aim: The study was aimed to estimate Lp(a) levels in CAD patients and to compare it with healthy controls. To see the correlation between Lp (a) with other lipid parameters and also to find the best cut-off value for Lp(a) in CAD patients in North Karnataka population. Materials and Methods: This was hospital based, observational, case-control study done on 120 participants, with 60 CAD patients and 60 healthy controls. Lipid profile, Lp(a) and FBS (Fasting Blood Sugar) was analysed along with anthropometric measurements. Quantitative data expressed as mean±SD. Student's t-test for comparison, Pearson correlation for correlation and Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) to get the best cut-off value for Lp(a) was used. Results: Lp(a) levels were significantly increased (p0.8 with 78% sensitivity and 86% specificity. The best cut-off value is 23.7 mg/dL. Lp(a) positively correlated with Total Cholesterol (TC), Low Density Lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) and negatively correlated with HDL. Conclusion: Raised Lp(a) levels is associated with an increased risk and may serve as marker of CAD. When Lp(a) is above 23.7 mg/dL. it acts as a predictor for CAD even when lipid levels are in normal range. It is better to assess the Lp(a) along with routine lipid profile in all patients with CAD in north Karnataka.

Introduction: Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) and bioactive glass putty have been shown to be effective in promoting reduction in probing depth, gain in clinical attachment, and defect fill in intrabony periodontal defects. The individual role played by bioactive glass putty in combination with PRF is yet to be elucidated. Aim: To compare the clinical effectiveness of the combination of PRF and bioactive glass putty and bioactive glass putty alone as regenerative techniques for intrabony defects in humans. Materials and Methods: Ten pairs of intrabony defects were surgically treated with PRF and bioactive glass putty (Test group) on one side or bioactive glass putty alone (Control group) on other side. The primary outcomes of the study included changes in probing depth; attachment level and bone fill of osseous defect. The clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3, 6, and 9 months. Radiographic assessment was done using standardized intraoral periapical radiographs. Differences between baseline and postoperative measurements between the control and test groups were calculated using independent t-test. Comparisons were made within each group between baseline, 3 months, 6 months and 9 months using the ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni test. Results: The mean probing depth reduction was greater in the test group (bioactive glass putty and PRF) i.e., (3.2±2.3 mm) than in the control group (bioactive glass putty alone) i.e., (3.15±1.06 mm). The mean CAL gain was also greater in the test group (4.1±1.73 mm) as compared to the control group (3.15±1.06 mm), (p-value

Introduction: There are estimated 400,000 wandering mentally ill persons in India, found in poor physical state wandering on streets and railway stations; mainly treated either by government run Hospitals for Mental Health (HMH) or Psychiatry units of a Government Medical College (GMC). They require psychosocial rehabilitation along with treatment. Aim: To study the presentation, clinical profile and rehabilitative outcome of wandering mentally ill admitted in government psychiatric care facilities. The objective was to establish them as a distinct psychiatric inpatient population requiring special attention. Materials and Methods: The study was a chart review of all wandering mentally ill patients institutionalized during a period of two years in two distinct government facilities. Additionally, clinical staff was interviewed for cross checking the data and for eliciting problems faced in management. The discharged patients were contacted to assess the present status. Results: Forty seven patients in HMH and 35 patients in GMC were studied. Wandering mentally ill patients were brought to mental health facility by helping person (30) and police (23). Majority of them (61) were picked up from streets and railway station. Most of them (56) belonged to

Introduction: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is an entrapment neuropathy that occurs due to compression of median nerve in the carpal tunnel and hypothyroidism is one of the important causes of CTS. Aim: To study clinical profile of carpal tunnel syndrome in patients with primary hypothyroidism. Materials and Methods: This was cross-sectional study done in Smt. Kashibai Navale Medical College, Pune, Maharashtra. Adult patients with diagnosis of primary hypothyroidism were included in this study. Patients with other possible causes of CTS were excluded. Detailed medical history was obtained and all patients underwent clinical examination and nerve conduction study by electrophysiological method. Results: Total 36 adult patients were included in this study, 86.1% females and 13.9% males. CTS were found in 6 (16.7%) patients. Increased Body Mass Index (BMI) and presence of clinical symptoms and/or signs of CTS correlated independently with presence of CTS in hypothyroidism. (p-value- 0.03 and < 0.0001 respectively). No correlation was found between gender, age of the patient, duration of disease, serum TSH level, aetiology of the disease, thyroid hormone replacement therapy and occurrence of CTS in hypothyroidism. Conclusion: Increase in BMI is an important risk factor for CTS in hypothyroidism and clinical evidence of CTS is a very sensitive parameter for the same.

Background: Sub-lingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has been introduced as a disease modifying agent for allergic bronchial asthma in many countries and currently practicing in India. Aims: To assess the outcome of adding multiple-allergen sublingual immunotherapy with rescue medicines in patients having allergic bronchial asthma and to document adverse events, if any. Settings and Design: This was a clinic-based prospective quasiexperimental study. Methods and Material: Patients giving consent to receive multiple-allergen SLIT and rescue medicines formed the experimental group (Group A) while patients who did not give consent to SLIT but wished to have only rescue medicines formed the comparison group (Group B). Follow-up was done up to three years. Initially 703 patients were in Group A and 313 in Group B. However, around 647 patients in Group A and 282 in Group B completed the study for three years. Statistical Analysis: Unpaired t- test was used to compare the difference between the mean symptom and medication scores in Group A and Group B, before intervention and at the end of the study. Paired t- test was applied to compare the mean scores before and after intervention for each group separately. Results: Mean symptom scores of the two groups did not vary significantly before intervention but found to be significant at the end third year [8.60 (SD 3.92) v 14.73 (SD 4.42), P

Background: Recent clinical research has suggested that ovarian hormones may influence pain perception among women. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) supplements exogenous ovarian hormones to postmenopausal women. Aims: This study was designed to see whether the pain perception, which was induced by the cold pressor test, varied with the gonadal hormone fluctuations of the menstrual cycle, postmenopausal hormone depletion or HRT in postmenopausal women. Design: This study included 90 adult female subjects from similar socio-economic backgrounds in 3 study groups, Group 1 (n=30): Pre-menopausal women in the age group of 30 to 45 years, Group 2 (n=30): Post-menopausal women in the age group of 45 to 55 years and Group 3 (n=30): Post-menopausal women in the age group of 45 to 55 years on HRT, who were on oral HRT. Methods: The pain perception was assessed by the cold pressor test. Statistical Analysis: It was done by using SPSS13 for Windows and one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s test at a 5% level of significance. Results: The pain threshold and pain tolerance was significantly higher in post-menopausal women as compared to the pre-menopausal women in the proliferative phase. In pre-menopausal women, the pain threshold and pain tolerance was significantly higher in the secretory phase as compared to the proliferative phase. The pain threshold and pain tolerance were significantly lower in post-menopausal women who were on HRT as compared to the other post-menopausal women. Conclusion: The present study provides evidence that the pain responses vary across the reproductive cycle and with the use of HRT in post-menopausal women.