An overview of Neem (Azadirachta indica) and its potential impact on health

Global health and medical practice seek to merge alternative medicine with evidence-based medicine for a better understanding of the metabolic process and its effects in the human body. An example is the use of complementary medicine like phytotherapy. Azadirachta indica (Neem), a tree originally from India and Myanmar, called by many “The village pharmacy” or “Divine tree” because of its many health properties. In recent times, Neem-derived extracts have been shown to work from anywhere from insect repellent, to supplements to lower inflammation, diabetic control, and even to combat cancer. Herein, we state the health benefits found in diverse compounds and extracts derived from Neem, highlighting the mechanisms and pathways in which Neem compounds produce their effects, while warning that the improper and unstandardized conditions to produce extracts can lead to health issues, particularly certain compounds might have damaging effects on the liver and kidneys

COMPARATIVE BIOLOGY OF MALLADA BONINENSIS (OKOMOTO) ON NATURAL HOST MANGO HOPPERS IDIOSCOPUS NIVEOSPARSUS (LETH) AND LABORATORY HOST RICE MOTH CORCYRA CEPHALONICA (STAINTON)

Comparative biology of Mallada boninensis (Okomoto) on mango hoppers Idioscopus niveosparsus (Leth) and rice moth Corcyra cephalonica (Stainton) were studied under controlled temperature at 250C ± 20C  and 60 percent relative humidity in the Department of Agricultural Entomology, Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidhyapeeth, Dapoli during the year 2008-09 and 2009-10. The eggs of M. boninensis took slightly less incubation period when reared on C. cephalonica eggs than the natural host nymphs of I. niveosparsus.  The larva of M.boninensis completes its development in a short period when fed with   C. cephalonica eggs. The length and breadth of various instars of M. boninensis did not show any significant differences when reared on both the hosts. The longest pupal period of M. boninensis was recorded on I.  niveosparsus while maximum weight of pupa was recorded on C. cephalonica eggs and the female survived longer than the male irrespective of food supplied during the larval stage and maximum fecundity of 294.00 eggs per female was noticed when the larvae were fed with the eggs of    C. cephalonica

Mask mouth: An evaluation of emerging problem amongst orthodontic patients

To evaluate the oral health problems faced by the orthodontic patients arising due to prolong use of mask. A cross-sectional survey was administered via a web platform. The patients undergoing orthodontic treatment were invited to participate in the study. Minimum sample size of 325 estimated. Structured questionnaire was developed. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha and intra-class correlation coefficient. Cronbach’s alpha of questionnaire was 0.909. Test-retest reliability to measure external consistency was assessed on 30 study subjects with two-weeks interval between two observations. The correlation coefficient was 0.9 indicating good reproducibility and reliability of questionnaire. The analysis was performed using Social Sciences statistical software.  (SPSS, version 20.0). The estimated prevalence rates presented with 95% confidence interval. Descriptive statistics was used to find the frequencies, mean and standard deviation. The chi-square test was used to compare the categorical variables. Out of 341 responders, 158 were males and 183 were Females and were between the age group of 10 to 40 years. Majority of the patients were wearing fixed type of appliance and can wear cloth mask comfortably for 1-5 hours and prefer re-usable mask

The relationship between orofacial clefts and consanguineous marriages : A hospital register-based study in Dharwad, South India

Orofacial cleft (OFC) is one of the common craniofacial malformations. The etiology of these OFCs is multifactorial. One of the etiological factors is consanguinity (marriage between blood relatives). There is a lack of literature reporting the number of people affected with OFCs due to consanguinity. Aims: The aim of this study is to report the occurrence of OFC and associated factors in relation to consanguinity from a craniofacial hospital specializing in OFCs, head and neck cancer, and trauma management in South India. Setting and Design: This was a hospital-based study, retrospective case record analysis. Methodology: One thousand two hundred and forty-seven consecutive patients' secondary data records with cleft lip (CL), cleft palate (CP) and cleft lip and palate (CL/P) were collected from January 2007 to July 2009. Statistics: Frequency of consanguinity in relation to OFC was analyzed using Chi-square test according to the nature of clefts and selected demographic features such as sex, region, and religion. Results: A total of 47.2% patients' parents had consanguineous marriage. Consanguinity was seen in 60.2% of male and 39.7% of female patients. CL/P was noticed in 40.9%, followed by CL (36.7%) and CP (22.2%). Males predominated in all types of clefts proportionally with the study population as compared to females. Statistically, significant association (P = 0.04) was seen with consanguinity and CP. Conclusion: Nearly half of the study population had a positive history of consanguinity. Statistically, a significant association was seen between CP and consanguinity. CL/P cases were the most common type identified, followed by CL and CP. Males predominated in all types of clefts. The prevalence of OFC is high, and there is a potential of congenital disabilities from consanguinity. These findings indicate a clear and urgent need for setting up a National Registry of Congenital Anomalies along with craniofacial defects, to monitor these trends and the corresponding need for supportive services