Efficacy of Biodegradable Natural fibers Infused Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Health: A Double blind Randomized Control Clinical Trial

Title: Efficacy of Biodegradable Natural fibers-Infused Toothbrushes in Plaque Control and Gingival Health: A Comparative Study Background: Plaque removal is crucial for preventing gingivitis and periodontitis. Biodegradable toothbrushes, infused with natural substances like charcoal and neem, provide an eco-friendly alternative to conventional nylon brushes. Charcoal offers antibacterial properties, while neem provides antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. Aim: To evaluate and compare the antiplaque and anti-inflammatory effects of charcoal-infused and neem-infused toothbrushes with conventional toothbrushes. Methods: This double-blind randomized controlled trial included 33 systemically healthy individuals diagnosed with gingivitis. Baseline plaque scores were set to zero through professional scaling. Subjects were randomly assigned into three groups of 11 each, receiving either a charcoal-infused, neem-infused, or conventional toothbrush. All participants were instructed to use the modified Bass brushing technique twice daily with a standardized toothpaste. Follow-up evaluations were conducted at 7 and 14 days using the Turesky modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index for plaque assessment and the Silness and Löe Gingival Index for gingival inflammation. One-way ANOVA with post hoc analysis was used to compare differences between groups, and repeated measures ANOVA assessed parameter changes over time. Results: The charcoal-infused toothbrush group demonstrated the lowest mean plaque scores, followed by the neem-infused group, while the non-infused group exhibited the highest plaque scores. One-way ANOVA revealed statistically significant differences in plaque scores among the groups at both 7 and 14 days (p\u3c0.05). For gingival index scores, the neem-infused toothbrush group showed the lowest values, followed by the charcoal-infused group, with the non-infused group showing the highest scores. However, these differences were statistically insignificant at both recall intervals. Conclusion: Charcoal-infused and neem-infused toothbrushes exhibited superior plaque removal compared to non-infused toothbrushes. Although improvements in gingival health were observed, the differences were not statistically significant. Extended trials are recommended to further validate these findings and to explore the potential long-term benefits of using biodegradable toothbrushes. Clinical Implications: Natural-infused toothbrushes, such as those containing neem and charcoal, may enhance plaque removal and improve oral and systemic health. Their biodegradability offers an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic brushes, contributing to sustainability while promoting oral health

Tracking the Effects of Time Zone Shift on an Individual’s Circadian Rhythm

This poster presentation aims to understand how a rapid time-zone change can affect an individual’s circadian rhythms. By quantifying changes in physiological rhythms, the study seeks to develop targeted therapeutic interventions to mitigate the negative effects of jetlag

Thermophilic Microbiota of Fifth Water Hot Springs: A Genomic Perspective

Geothermal hot springs provide unique microbial habitats characterized by extreme temperatures, variable pH, and diverse geochemical conditions. This study investigates the microbial diversity of three hot spring locations in Diamond Fork Canyon, Utah—Diamond Fork Warm Springs, Fifth Water Hot Springs, and Monk’s Hollow Trailhead—using Oxford Nanopore MinION sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. Samples were collected in triplicate and analyzed to identify the bacterial composition, with a focus on potential opportunistic pathogens. Our results revealed a diverse microbial community, including members of Pseudomonas, Comamonas, Helicobacter, and Flavobacterium, some of which are known for biofilm formation, antibiotic resistance, and pathogenic potential. The presence of Helicobacter bilis and Helicobacter felis, both associated with gastrointestinal diseases, highlights potential public health concerns for recreational visitors. Additionally, members of Pseudomonas and Comamonas exhibited traits linked to environmental resilience and opportunistic infections. These findings contribute to a better understanding of microbial ecology in geothermal environments and underscore the need for further research on the potential health risks posed by bacteria inhabiting hot spring ecosystems

Blunt and Penetrating Trauma in Resource-Limited Settings: Challenges, Innovations, and Opportunities for Improvement​

This literature review explores key challenges with innovative solutions to managing blunt and penetrating trauma in resource-limited settings. Healthcare gaps can be closed in resource-limited settings through technology advances and these innovative solutions

Fecal Virome Transplantation as treatment for Metabolic Syndrome: A review of current literature Poster for the 11th Annual Roseman Research Symposium

Fecal Virome Transplantation as treatment for Metabolic Syndrome: A review of current literature Poster for the 11th Annual Roseman Research Symposiu