The aim of this double blind study was to evaluate the effect of various mouthwashes: Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract, and Povidone iodine on gingival tissue interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) levels in patients with chronic gingivitis. A total of 80 patients (42 boys, 38 girls; mean age 16.0 ± 1.8 years) were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into four groups of 20 each: Group I- Azadirachta indica (Neem) extract, Group II - Essential oil, Group III - Povidone iodine, and Group IV - Chlorhexidine. They were instructed to use these mouthwashes for two weeks. Plaque and gingival indices scores, and IL-2 and IFN-γ levels in the gingival tissues were measured at baseline and after two weeks of mouthwash use. Results showed the reduction of plaque and gingival indices, and IL-2 and IFN-γ level with Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, and Povidone iodine, which were found to be statistically significant. Although Neem reduced the level of plaque and gingival indices, and IL-2 and IFN-γ to a certain level, it was not statistically significant. Therefore, Chlorhexidine, Essential oil, and Povidone iodine mouthwashes can be used as an adjunct to oral prophylaxis in reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-2 and IFN-γ in patients with chronic gingivitis.

The morphometric, productive and reproductive traits of indigenous cattle at Sylhet district were studied. A wide variety of coat colours among the cattle of the selected areas was observed. Most of them were of roan colour. The body is small, compact and less fleshy. Wither height and hearth girth were 89.03±11.11 and 112.09±16.68 cm, respectively. The average body length was 119.85±16.96 cm and the chest width was 32.48±6.48 cm. The approximate body weight and horn size of the cattle were 162.77±60.99 kg and 3.94±4.05 cm, respectively. The milk production per day was 1.33±0.4 litres, lactation length was 187.94±14.77 days and the dry period was 220.81±15.68 days. Gestation length and calving interval were found to be 299.19±3.82 days and 453.47± 13.181 days, respectively. The mean age at first calving was 44±1.6 months. The productive and reproductive performances of native cattle of Sylhet district. More detailed studies are needed to recommend the morphometric, productive and reproductive performance of cattle in Sylhet district.

Lichen planus (LP), although a dermatosis, is more common in the oral mucous membrane thanin the skin. Lesions of oral LP are classically found on the buccal mucosa and gingiva. Among thevarious types, the reticularlesions are asymptomatic and require no treatment, but pain and severediscomfort accompany the erosive or ulcerative lesions. Malignant transformation to squamouscell carcinoma developing in areas of erosive oral LP (EOLP) being a possibility, it is important forclinicians to maintain a high index of suspicion for all intraoral lichenoid lesions. Therefore, periodicfollow-up of all patients with EOLP is recommended.In view ofthe above,this paper highlights themanagement of four cases of EOLP with topical corticosteroid and CO2laser surgery.Key words: carbon dioxide laser, corticosteroid, lichen planus

This double blind study was undertaken to determine the safety and efficacy of orally administered newer sedatives and analgesics for conscious sedation in 120 child patients. Patients were randomly assigned into: Midazolam (I), Ketamine (II), Zolpidem (III), Midazolam plus Ketamine (IV), Midazolam plus Tramadol (V) and Zolpidem plus Tramadol (VI) groups of 20 each. Onset of action, level of sedation, ease of treatment completion, recovery time, and post-operative amnesia were assessed for all and compared. Midazolam plus ketamine was found the most effective combination providing a fast and adequate analgo-sedation in anxious and uncooperative child patients.

Lack of proper practices of sanitary habit leads to ill health of household members, community and the nation as a whole. Provision of sanitary latrines and safe drinking water are necessary to prevent fecal oral transmission of infections. To conduct a study on sanitary hygiene and practices among the residents of Chungwang VDC. 97.4% of the respondents wash their hands with soap or other detergents though 99.3% of them had soaps at their home on observation. Similarly, 81.2% of them had toilet at home but only 79.2% used on regular basis. Basic hand washing was practiced by everyone during/after defecation and before meal but the importance of it after cleaning the bottom and nose of children and before preparing the meal was known to few of the participants. A need of behavioral change regarding optimum hygiene practices is required among the participants.