Preparation and Properties of Anti-Nail-Biting Lacquers Containing Shellac and Bitter Herbal Extract

The purpose of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate anti-nail-biting lacquers consisting of bitter herbal extracts. The hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from Andrographis paniculata and Tinospora crispa were determined for phytochemical constituents, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory activities, and cytotoxicities. Anti-nail-biting lacquers were prepared by using herbal extracts (bittering agent), shellac (film forming polymer), ethanol (volatile solvent), and other indispensable additives with continuous stirring. Thus, attempts to enhance the film property and bitterness are accomplished by using polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP K30) as a copolymer and varying concentrations of herbal extracts. Good accepted formulations were established for drying time, pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva and evaluated their bitterness in human volunteers. The results revealed that phytochemical constituents including tannins, glycosides, reducing sugars, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids were found present in both extracts while saponins were only detected in A. paniculata extract. Although T. crispa extract exhibited a significantly higher ( p < 0.05 ) total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than A. paniculata extract, it showed lower protein denaturation inhibition property than A. paniculata extract. Because of the potentials of both extracts without cytotoxicity, anti-nail-biting lacquers containing either A. paniculata extract or T. crispa extract were developed and evaluated. Drying time of formulations was 6-11 min with visually seen glossiness of formulation. Formulations of the nail lacquer showed good pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva. The formulations displaying no significant cytotoxicity effect on CRL-2076 cells were assessed on healthy human volunteers to compare bitterness and film characteristics. The results revealed that the optimized formulation containing A. paniculata extract could successfully achieve good film forming property and bitterness release which is considered promising for stopping nail biting.

Onychophagia as a clinical symptom: A pilot study of physicians and literature review

Although onychophagia is a medical condition and is associated with poorer health, there are no guidelines for assessment or treatment. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical aspects of nail biting from doctors’ points of view, to estimate the prevalence of onychophagia among physicians, and to review the literature on and treatment methods for onychophagia. Twenty-four percent of doctors reported nail-biting periods during their lifetimes, and 2% of them remained active nail biters. A total of 64.4% of doctors see nail biting in their practices, and 60.6% never or only on request ask patients about nail biting and examine their nails. Family doctors and pediatricians ask their patients about nail biting most often. Attitudes and opinions on the treatment of nail biting are undefined and vary. Doctors reported usually treating nail-biting patients by referring them to another specialist or offering special nail polish. There is a need to improve physicians’ knowledge of nail-biting treatment methods, but a lack of studies evaluating the clinical aspects of onychophagia and its relation to mental health and emotion dysregulation. Further research is needed. Clinical attitudes toward nail biting could be more precise in training and medical practice.

HABIT REVERSAL USED TO TREAT ONYCHOPHAGIA: A CASE REPORT

Chronic nail biting (onychophagia) is a common habit which negatively impacts on the quality of life of those affected, has a negative social impact, and is accompanied with disabling inflammatory processes like gingivitis and paronychia. Habit reversal is a behaviour treatment procedure used to help patients get rid of the habit. The presented case report describes how a six-month period of habit reversal prescribed by the dermatologist was used to treat a 42-year male suffering from life-long onychophagia. During the treatment period, the patient experienced both an improved growth of nails and an improvement in quality of life, but never got fully cured from the habit. Finally, suggestions for an improved treatment success by prescribing habit reversal in specialized onychophagia clinics run by a multidisciplinary team (consisting of e.g., dermatologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists) who ensure regular follow-ups and patient compliance is provided.

Relationship between Oral Parafunctions and Signs and Symptoms of Craniomandibular Dysfunction in Children with Cleft Lip and Palate

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of oral parafunctions with the presence of signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorder in children with cleft lip and palate (CLP). A cross-sectional study was performed in which one hundred and eighty-eight children with CLP and absence of associated syndromes or malformations were investigated. During clinical examination, the presence of wear facets and dental occlusion were observed and palpation was performed in the temporomandibular joint region (TMJ) and orofacial musculature . The children and their guardians were interviewed regarding the presence of oral parafunctional habits (bruxism, the act of biting the lips and/or cheeks, nail biting, sucking of fingers and pacifiers) and signs and symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction (headache, ear and/or neckache, tiredness or crack in the TMJ during mouth opening and chewing movements). The data were analyzed by means of absolute and relative frequency measurements, and bivariate analysis using Pearson’s chi-square test and likelihood ratio test were performed, considering the significance level of 5%. A higher prevalence of cleft lip and palate type (76.0%) and the presence of malocclusion (61.7%) was observed, highlighting the anterior crossbite (58.7%) and midline deviation (48.9%). There was a higher occurrence of teeth grinding (40.4%), onychophagy (28.7%) and biting lips and/or cheeks (28.7%). Onychophagia was associated with headache (p <0.05) and with pain or cracking during mouth opening (p <0.05). It was concluded that parafunctional oral habits may be associated with signs and symptoms of craniomandibular disorder in children with cleft lip and palate.Keywords: Craniomandibular Disorders. Nail Biting. Bruxism. Maxillofacial Abnormalities. Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a associação de parafunções orais com sinais e sintomas da disfunção craniomandibular em crianças com fissuras labiopalatinas (FLP). Um estudo transversal foi realizado, no qual cento e oitenta e oito crianças com FLP e ausência de síndromes ou malformações associadas, foram investigadas. Durante exame clínico, a presença de facetas de desgaste e a oclusão dentária foram observadas e foi realizada a palpação na região da articulação temporomandibular (ATM) e musculatura orofacial. As crianças e seus responsáveis foram entrevistados com relação à presença de hábitos orais parafuncionais (bruxismo, ato de morder os lábios e/ou bochechas, onicofagia, sucção de dedos e de chupeta) e sinais e sintomas de disfunção craniomandibular (cefaléia, ouvido, dor, cansaço ou estalo na ATM durante movimentos de abertura bucal e de mastigação). Os dados foram analisados por meio de medidas de frequência absoluta e relativa e a análise bivariada foi realizada por meio dos testes do Qui-quadrado de Pearson (χ2) e a Razão de verossimilhança, considerando o nível de significância de 5%. Uma maior prevalência das fissuras envolvendo lábio e palato (76,0%) e presença de maloclusão (61,7%) foi observada, com destaque para mordida cruzada anterior (58,7%) e desvio de linha média (48,9%). Houve uma maior ocorrência do ato de ranger os dentes (40,4%), da onicofagia (28,7%) e do hábito de morder lábios e/ou bochechas (28,7%). A onicofagia foi associada à cefaléia (p<0,05) e à dor ou estalo durante abertura bucal (p<0,05). Conclui-se que hábitos orais parafuncionais podem estar associados a presença de sinais e sintomas da disfunção craniomandibular em crianças com FLP.Palavras-chave: Transtornos Craniomandibulares. Hábito de Roer Unhas. Bruxismo. Anormalidades Maxilofaciais.

Prevalence of Parafunctional Habits among Preschool Children and its Correlation to Parental Education Status

Background: Parafunctional habit has been associated in the literature with alterations of dental occlusion; it could be a predisposing factor for malocclusion. This cross-sectional study is aimed to assess the prevalence of parafunctional habits and its relation to parent’s education. Subjects and Methods: Convenience sample of 500 children aged between 4 and 6 years of both gender 262 boys and 238 girls receiving their medical care in primary health-care centers and in Raparin Pediatric Hospital of Erbil city to study parafunctional habits and its relation to parents education. Results: Mouth breathing and nail biting were more prevalent habits in the included children than lip sucking and bruxism. The former habits prevalence showed no significant differences in children whose their parents education background are different (high, middle, or low education). Conclusion: Mouth breathing and nail biting were highly prevalent habits among preschool children in Erbil city. No significant association was found between the prevalence of bad oral habits and parents education.

Extraction, Biological Activity, Formulation, and Evaluation of Bitter Herbs as Anti-Nail-Biting Lacquers

Background: Nail biting can increase the risk of infection and abnormal-looking nails. The purpose of the present investigation was to formulate and evaluate anti-nail-biting lacquers consisting of bitter herbal extracts. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extracts obtained from Andrographis paniculata and Tinospora crispa were determined for phytochemical constituents, total phenolic contents, antioxidant activities, anti-inflammatory activities, and cytotoxicities. Anti-nail-biting lacquers were prepared by using herbal extracts (bittering agent), shellac (film forming polymer), ethanol (volatile solvent), and other indispensable additives with continuous stirring. Thus, attempts to enhance the film property and bitterness is accomplished by using polyvinylpyrrolidone K30 as a copolymer and varying concentrations of herbal extracts. Good accepted formulations were established for drying time, pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva and then evaluated their bitterness in human volunteers.Results: Phytochemical constituents including tannins, glycosides, reducing sugars, alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids were found present in both extracts while saponins was only detected in A. paniculata extract. Although T. crispa extract exhibited a significantly higher (p < 0.05) total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than A. paniculata extract, it showed lower protein denaturation inhibition property than A. paniculata extract. Because of the potentials of both extracts without cytotoxicity, anti-nail-biting lacquers containing either A. paniculata extract or T. crispa extract were developed and evaluated. Drying time of formulations were 6-11 min with visually seen glossiness of formulation. Formulations of the nail lacquer showed good pH, viscosity, smoothness of film, film strength, water resistant, and solubility in simulated saliva. The formulations displaying no significant cytotoxicity effect on CRL-2076 cells were assessed on healthy human volunteers to compare bitterness and film characteristics. Conclusion: The optimized formulation containing A. paniculata extract could successfully achieve good film forming property and bitterness release which is considered promising for stopping nail biting.

Prevalence and Related Risk Factors of Intestinal Parasitosis among Private School-Going Pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City, Nepal

Introduction. Intestinal parasitic infections are most common and prevalent among children and accounts for great morbidity and mortality. Objective. This research is aimed at studying the prevalence and related risk factors of parasitic infections among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. Methods and Materials. This was a cross-sectional laboratory-based study conducted from 13 November 2018 to 26 February 2019 among 400 private school pupils. The stool samples were collected and microscopically examined for parasites using the formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation technique. Data Analysis. Statistical analysis was performed by using SPSS version 16.0. Pearson’s Chi-square test was used to establish association between dependent and independent variables. The association was also determined using crude and adjusted odds ratio, and the test considered a P value < 0.05 as statistically significant with 95% confidence interval. Result. In this study, 46 (11.5%) children were positive for intestinal parasites. In this study, 3 protozoans (Entamoeba histolytica = 3 (0.75%)) and 43 helminths (Ascaris lumbricoides = 22 (5.5%); Enterobiusvermicularis = 6 (1.5%); Ancylostoma duodenale = 2 (0.5%); and Trichuris trichiura = 13 (3.25%)) were isolated and identified. Statistically, significant difference in the parasitic prevalence with respect to age and gender was not seen ( P > 0.05 ). However, the prevalence of parasitic infection was strongly associated with the ethnicity of the pupils ( P = 0.001 ). The strong associated risk factors of intestinal parasitic infections were nail-biting habit, source of drinking water, biannual deworming, thumb-sucking, hand sanitation before having food and after toilet, knowledge of parents on parasitosis, health and sanitation, keeping cat/dog as pet, and wearing protective shoes during play ( P = 0.001 ). Bowel syndromes like abdominal cramp and constipation also had a strong statistical association ( P = 0.001 ) with the prevalence of parasitic infection. According to binary and multivariate logistic regression analyses, the parents without awareness, pupils with a nail-biting habit, pupils not wearing shoes during play, lack of deworming, drinking direct tap water, and pupils with poor hand sanitation were more likely to be infested with intestinal parasitic infections. Conclusion. This study concludes that intestinal parasites are still prevalent among private school-going pupils of Dharan Submetropolitan City. The poor sanitation and sanitary habits like biting nails, consumption of untreated drinking water, and failure to practice proper hand washing were studied as contributors to the acquisition of intestinal parasitic infections. Therefore, integration of control measures such as provision of clean and safe drinking water, improved sanitation and hygiene, with biannual administration of drugs are necessary for effective eradication of parasitic infections.

PENGGUNAAN HANDUK, KEBIASAAN MENGGIGIT KUKU JARI TANGAN TERHADAP KEJADIAN INFEKSI SOIL TRANSMITTED HELMINTH (STH) PADA ANAK PANTI ASUHAN DI JAYAPURA

Problem: Helminthiasis is generally caused by the group of Soil Transmitted Helminth (STH) worms, namely Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm. Worms have an impact on health problems such as diarrhea, malnutrition and anemia. Risk factors for helminthic infection including poor personal hygiene care, nail biting habits, the habit of not wearing footwear, contact with soil media, will increase the transmission of eggs that inhabit the intestines. The Aim Of The Research: To determine the prevalence of helminthiasis and risk factors for STH intestinal worms in children living in an orphanage in Jayapura. Research Method: Fecal samples were collected from orphanage children (n= 63) using saturated salt solution to detect the presence of STH worm eggs between months August-October 2020. The Results: The prevalence of STH worm infection in orphanages in Jayapura was 12.69% in the highest age group, 6-11 years old with Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm infections. The dominant risk factors represented among the most infected children include sharing of towels, the habit of biting fingernails and the habit of not wearing footwear while playing were very significant factors for the incidence of STH worm infection (p<0.05). Conclusion: The prevalence of STH worm infection in orphanage children in Jayapura was 12.69% in the highest age group 6-11 years with the most dominant risk factors are the habit of not wearint footwear while playing, the habit of biting fingernails and sharing towel together.

The prevalence of alexithymia among medical students. The relationship between alexithymia and somatic morbidity, the presence of bad habits and the level of academic performance

Aim. To determine the prevalence and severity of alexithymia among medical university students. To assess the relationship between somatic pathology in students and academic performance. Material and methods. An anonymous standardized questionnaire survey of 130 students of the Tyumen State Medical University was conducted. The questionnaire is based on a Russian-language validated version of the 20-point Toronto Alexithymia Scale for quantifying alexithymia, including information about age, gender, concomitant psychosomatic diseases, unwanted habits, and self-assessment of academic performance. Results. Among the examined students, the frequency of alexithymia was 6,2%. The risk group for alexithymia included 12.3% of the surveyed students. Diseases of a psychosomatic nature (arterial hypertension, VSD, cephalgia, bronchial asthma, chronic skin diseases) were registered twice as often. Alexithymia is often combined with a number of undesirable habits, among which alcohol abuse, smoking, nail biting, and sweet drinking predominate. The relationship between the presence of alexithymia and reduced academic performance is determined. Conclusion. To reduce the negative impact of alexithymia on somatic and mental health, the effectiveness of training and personal development of students, it is necessary to conduct a systematic assessment of the level of alexithymia. When identifying alexithymia or its risk, use methods of psychotherapeutic correction.