Background:Candida species are normal commensals and are isolated intra-orally in 17%–75% of healthy individuals and all debilitated people. Eradication of candidiasis is complicated by the emergence of Candida strains that are resistant to the currently used antifungal agents. Plants as remedies are gaining popularity in developed countries. Although many plants have already been investigated against Candida albicans, the search is still to find a long-term prevention or cure for oral candidiasis.Objectives:The objective of this study was (1) to evaluate the antifungal activity of black pepper, bay leaf, cinnamon, and cumin against C. albicans and (2) to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of spice extracts against C. albicans.Materials and Methods:Spices obtained from the local market were dried and powdered. Solvent extracts were obtained by maceration with methanol followed by filtration and evaporation. The antifungal efficacy was assessed using cup-plate diffusion method followed by the determination of MIC by serial tube dilution technique. Statistical analysis was done using one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey's post hoc test. P < 0.05 was considered as statistically significant.Results:All the extracts evaluated showed variable degree of inhibition zones against C. albicans with cinnamon showing the highest inhibition (49.3 ± 0.52) mm and also with least MIC against C. albicans (<0.05 mg/ml).Conclusion:These results exhibit the antifungal activity of the spice extracts against C. albicans, which may be useful in the treatment of oral candidiasis.

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Background: Chengannur, a town in the south Indian state of Kerala, was 1 of the worst affected towns during the floods of 2018. Post-flood, Kerala state was under the threat of many infectious diseases including leptospirosis, but did not report any leptospirosis infections. Objectives: This study was conducted with the following objectives: (1) Assess the knowledge, attitude and practices regarding the prevention of leptospirosis among the flood affected population and Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) of Chengannur; and (2) Analyze the factors responsible for and contributing to leptospirosis control in the area post flood. Methodology: A cross-sectional questionnaire based observational study was conducted among 2 groups: the flood affected population, and ASHA. The questionnaire was divided into 3 parts. Part A contained the socio-demographic information. Part B contained questions on assessment of knowledge, attitude, and practices regarding the prevention, and control of leptospirosis. Part C was only for the ASHA involved. Results: The final sample size was 331 (244 from the general population and 87 ASHAs). With respect to knowledge, attitude, and practice, the responses were dichotomized into correct and wrong responses. The mean knowledge score was 9.01 ± 1.08 (maximum score of 10), mean attitude score was of 3.61 ± 0.55 (maximum score of 4) and the mean practice score was 4.12 ± 1.05 (maximum score of 5). Conclusion: Knowledge and attitude scores did not significantly differ between the general population and ASHA, but the practice score showed a higher score among the ASHA, all of which could have probably contributed to the prevention of a leptospirosis outbreak in the region.

Background: Drinking fluoride-contaminated water is a severe health hazard problem. Fluorosis -both skeletal and dental- is an important clinical and public health problem in about 24 countries including India. The best method to overcome the problem of excess fluoride in drinking water is defluoridation. Adsorption methods are simple, economical, and globally pursued techniques. Thirst-quenching herbal products locally called ‘Dahashamini’ are plant parts that are used during boiling drinking water. Possessing a defluoridation potential is an added benefit. Methods: Two grams of each of dried and ground Zingiber officinale, Elettaria cardamomum, Eugenia caryophyllus, Coriandrum sativum, Acacia catechu, Caesalpinia sapans, Vetiveria zizanioides, Cuminum cyminum, and Hemidesmus indicus, were added to 100 millilitres of fluoridated water of baseline concentrations of 5 and 10 ppm, boiled till its boiling point, and cooled. The samples were then filtered and analyzed for fluoride content using fluoride ion specific electrode method. Statistical analysis was done using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey’s post hoc test for pair-wise comparison. Results: Caesalpinia sapans, Vetiveria zizanioides, Acacia catechu, Eugenia caryophyllus, and Coriandrum sativum, had a significant ability to adsorb fluoride from fluoridated water, with an efficiency ranging from 12% to 56% (at a baseline concentration of 10 ppm) and 19% to 82% (at a baseline concentration of 5 ppm). Conclusion: The study indicates the possibility of the use of five ingredients in developing a cost-effective and acceptable method of defluoridation based on the adsorption method.

Objectives: As per the World Health Organization, the usage of mouth masks, hand washing, and social distancing as a part of a comprehensive package were the primary non-pharmacological methods that were effectively used as early prevention and control strategies against COVID-19. The habitual use of medical masks/mouth masks by dentists plays a significant role in reducing the occupational inhalation of aerosols, saliva, microorganisms, blood, tooth particles, restorative materials, etc., from the patient’s mouth/airway. The study was conducted to assess the influence of the pandemic on perceptions and usage of masks among dentists. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey conducted online. The target population was dental practitioners, dental house surgeons, postgraduate students, and teaching faculty in Ernakulam district of Kerala, India. The questionnaire was divided into two parts. The first part consisted of questions on professional data – designation, type of practice, and experience. The second part consisted of 18 questions to assess the perception and usage of masks. Results: The final sample size was 207. About 40% of the respondents (n = 81) were faculty/practitioners. The rest were house surgeons/postgraduate students. Over 60% of the respondents had treated patients during the pandemic. About 57% reported having done aerosol-generating procedures (AGPs). Over 93% of them reported that the pandemic has changed the preference for masks for non-AGP. Over 91% followed the recommended guideline for mask disposal. Over 96% of the study participants agreed that the pandemic has increased their awareness regarding the use of masks. About 76% felt that dentists were better protected against COVID infection due to the habitual wearing of masks as a part of their profession. About 86% felt that the change in mask practices will continue after the pandemic. Conclusion: The perceptions and knowledge regarding the usage, selection, and disposal of masks among the population studied have improved following the COVID-19 pandemic. Considering dental professionals as a cohort involved in regular usage of masks for decades, better knowledge and practice related to the use of masks is warranted.