Journal of Advanced Sciences

UNILATERAL EXTRACTION

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Crowded teeth have a major negative influence on the dentomaxillary system. This article reports the treatment of crowding with unilateral premolar extraction. A 22-year-old male presented with crowding of the upper and lower anterior teeth and bucally placed 13. The patient had chief complaint of irregular upper and lower front teeth. Clinical examination showed a Class I relationship for the teeth and cephalometric measurements showed a Class I skeletal tendency. The right upper and lower first premolar were extracted for anterior crowding correction and segmented T loop was used for canine retraction in right upper arch . It is concluded that upper first premolar extraction is one of the options in the treatment of crowding. Unilateral premolar extraction treatment can be performed to achieve a functionally stable occlusion and aesthetically pleasing appearance of the patient.

The Effects of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on Asthmatic Adult Males

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background – This study explored the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on pulmonary function, exercise tolerance, and fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) in asthmatic and healthy adults. FeNO levels, associated with lung inflammation, are a diagnostic tool for asthma treatment, making this study significant for understanding HIIT's impact on asthma management.

Materials and Methods:

Fourteen male subjects (7 asthmatic, 7 healthy) participated in a two-week HIIT protocol. Pulmonary function was assessed using peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the FEV1/FVC ratio. FeNO was measured with a NIOX portable device. Subjects underwent a progressive exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine peak oxygen uptake (VO2 peak), CO2 output (VCO2 peak), ventilation (VE), and time to exhaustion (TTE). HIIT sessions included warm-ups, 10 x 60-second high-intensity bouts with 60-second recovery intervals, and cool-downs. Intensity targeted 75% peak work rate (WR) for asthmatics and 80% for controls.

Results:

Significant differences were observed between groups in FeNO, VO2 peak, TTE, and peak WR, with no significant changes in pulmonary function measures. Pre-HIIT, asthmatics showed a mean FeNO of 28 ± 2 ppb compared to controls at 18 ± 1 ppb, with post-HIIT levels remaining stable. TTE and peak WR improved in both groups post-HIIT, indicating enhanced exercise tolerance and performance capacity. Specifically, asthmatics showed an increase in TTE from 691 ± 40 s to 781 ± 41 s and in peak WR from 175 ± 13 W to 203 ± 14 W.

Conclusion:

HIIT was well-tolerated by asthmatic subjects, leading to improved exercise tolerance, higher ventilation, CO2 output, and work rate performance, without significant changes in pulmonary function or FeNO levels. These findings suggest that HIIT can be a safe and effective exercise intervention for asthmatic individuals to enhance exercise performance.

HIIT as a Safe and Effective Exercise Modality for Improving Pulmonary Function and Exercise Tolerance in Individuals with Asthma

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background – Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disorder affecting millions
globally, with symptoms including wheezing, chest tightness, and shortness
of breath. Regular physical activity can mitigate these symptoms; however,
the effectiveness and safety of HIIT for asthmatics remain underexplored.
This study addresses this gap by examining HIIT's impact on asthmatic
individuals, focusing on pulmonary function, FeNO levels (an inflammation
marker), and exercise tolerance.
Materials and Methods
Fourteen adult males, divided into asthmatic (n=7) and healthy control (n=7)
groups, underwent a two-week HIIT protocol. Pulmonary function was
assessed using peak expiratory flow (PEF), forced vital capacity (FVC), and
forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1/FVC ratio). FeNO was
measured with a portable device, and exercise tolerance was evaluated
through a progressive exercise test on a cycle ergometer to determine peak
oxygen uptake (VO2peak), carbon dioxide output (VCO2peak), ventilation
(VE), and time to exhaustion (TTE). Statistical analysis was performed using
ANOVA with repeated measures.
Results
The results indicated significant differences between groups in FeNO, VO2
peak, TTE, and peak work rate (WR), with no significant changes in
pulmonary function measures. Asthmatics showed a marked improvement in
TTE and peak WR post-HIIT, with mean FeNO levels and pulmonary
function measures remaining unchanged from baseline. Specifically, postHIIT, asthmatics achieved higher VE, VCO2, TTE, and peak WR,
demonstrating improved exercise tolerance and ventilation without
exacerbating lung inflammation.
Conclusion
HIIT was well-tolerated by individuals with asthma, leading to significant
improvements in exercise tolerance and ventilation without negatively
impacting pulmonary function or increasing lung inflammation. These
findings suggest HIIT as a safe and effective exercise modality for asthmatics,
potentially aiding in better asthma management through enhanced physical
fitness and exercise capacity.

Educator Competencies in Implant Dentistry among Postgraduate Prosthodontic Dental Faculty in Academic Dental Institutions of India - A Need Analysis

Kumari Kavita — Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background

Competence-based education is increasingly recognized as essential in dental education, particularly in implant dentistry. This shift focuses on ensuring students achieve and demonstrate essential knowledge, attitudes, and skills required for independent practice. However, the competencies required for dental educators, especially in the context of implant dentistry, are not well-documented. This study aims to assess the current competencies of dental educators in implant dentistry in India and identify the need for further development.

Materials and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a convenience sampling strategy. Data were collected from 125 faculty members across twenty dental institutions in India between June 2022 and June 2023. A self-administered competency-based survey instrument was distributed via Google Forms. The survey included sociodemographic information and assessed perceptions and self-assessment of competencies using Likert scales. Data were analyzed statistically to determine relevance, existing competency levels, and interest in competency development.

Results

The study found that 90-95% of participants reported a need for an educational competency program. Participants demonstrated basic knowledge and moderate experience in competencies. Relevance of competencies was rated between 69-78%, willingness to develop skills was 80-95%, and existing competency levels were 25-35%. Variations in educational preferences were noted based on age, gender, and qualifications of respondents.

Conclusion

The results indicate a significant need for competency development programs in implant dentistry among dental educators in India. Such programs are essential to address current gaps in knowledge and practice, ensuring that dental educators are well-equipped to train the next generation of dental practitioners effectively.

Oral Vitamin C Supplementation and its Impact on Endothelial Function in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Patients

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background – Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a prevalent condition associated with endothelial dysfunction, a precursor to cardiovascular disease. Passive Leg Movement (PLM) has emerged as a simple method to assess endothelial function. The role of oral vitamin C in improving endothelial function in OSA patients, however, has been underexplored.

Materials and Methods

This study recruited 26 male subjects, 13 with OSA and 13 healthy controls, aged 18-55 years. PLM was utilized to assess endothelial function by measuring femoral artery blood flow (FBF) and velocity (FBV) using Doppler ultrasound, pre- and post-administration of 1000mg of oral vitamin C. The intervention aimed to compare endothelial function responses between OSA patients and healthy controls, and to evaluate the impact of oral vitamin C on these responses.

Results

Baseline comparisons revealed a significant difference in FBF between OSA patients (76.6 ml/min) and healthy controls (162.1 ml/min, p < 0.05), indicating endothelial dysfunction in OSA. Post-vitamin C intervention, the peak FBF responses in OSA patients showed no significant difference (Pre-vitamin C: 76.6 ml/min, Post-vitamin C: 79.9 ml/min, p > 0.05), suggesting that oral vitamin C did not significantly improve endothelial function in OSA patients.

Conclusion

PLM effectively distinguished between healthy subjects and those with OSA through differences in FBF, confirming its utility as a diagnostic tool for endothelial dysfunction. However, oral vitamin C supplementation did not significantly enhance endothelial function in OSA patients, indicating the need for further research into alternative or adjunctive therapies.

Passive Leg Movement as a Diagnostic Tool for Distinguishing Healthy Individuals from Those with Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Sun, 10 Mar 2024 00:00:00 +0000

Background – Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is linked with endothelial dysfunction, posing a significant risk for cardiovascular diseases. The non-invasive assessment of endothelial function through passive leg movement (PLM) offers a novel diagnostic avenue. This study explores PLM's efficacy in differentiating between healthy individuals and those with OSA, alongside evaluating the impact of oral vitamin C on endothelial function within these groups.

Materials and Methods:

The study enrolled 26 male subjects, divided equally into healthy and OSA groups. PLM was performed using an isokinetic machine to assess femoral artery blood flow (FBF) and blood velocities (FBVs) via Doppler ultrasound. Subjects consumed 1000mg of oral vitamin C, with measurements repeated post-consumption. Data analysis involved repeated measures ANOVA to evaluate the diagnostic capability of PLM and the effect of vitamin C on FBF responses.

Results:

A significant difference in FBF was observed between OSA and healthy groups (healthy: 162.1 ml/min, OSA: 76.6 ml/min; p < 0.05), confirming PLM's diagnostic potential. However, vitamin C administration did not significantly alter FBF responses in OSA patients (pre-vitamin C: 76.6 ml/min, post-vitamin C: 79.9 ml/min; p > 0.05), challenging the anticipated benefits of oral vitamin C on endothelial function.

Conclusion:

PLM effectively distinguishes between healthy individuals and those with OSA, highlighting its diagnostic utility. Nonetheless, oral vitamin C did not improve endothelial dysfunction in OSA patients, suggesting the need for further research on alternative administration methods or dosages.