Knowledge, Awareness, and Perception of COVID-19 and Artificial Intelligence: A Cross-Sectional Study Among the Population in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) has made significant contributions to the development of medicines and vaccines. In addition, AI can analyze large amounts of COVID-19 test data, including the number of positive cases, to forecast the trajectory of the pandemic. AIM: This study aimed to assess the knowledge, perception, and awareness of the general population in Saudi Arabia regarding AI and its application in combating COVID-19. METHODS: A cross-sectional research design was employed, and online surveys were distributed via email and social media platforms. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants who met the inclusion criteria. The reliability and validity of the survey instrument were also assessed. RESULTS: The majority of respondents (34.6%) fell within the age range of 30 to 39 years. The sample predominantly consisted of female participants. Approximately 59% of respondents reported using at least one AI tool or application on a daily basis. Furthermore, the majority of respondents agreed that digital medical services, mentioned in a previous question, could be beneficial in reducing unnecessary interactions between patients and healthcare providers. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated the transformative potential of AI in pandemic response. AI has played a crucial role in various aspects of combating COVID-19, including patient diagnosis, treatment development, and vaccine creation. However, challenges and limitations exist in terms of data accessibility, bias, and privacy when utilizing AI. These issues need to be addressed to ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI in the fight against COVID-19 and future pandemics.

Contemporary Evidence of CAD-CAM in Dentistry: A Systematic Review.

In this systematic review, we compare the quality and accuracy of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) techniques currently employed in dentistry with those of traditional materials. Published literature on the study topic was searched in the online MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PubMed, and Cochrane library databases and the database of Indian Council of Medical Research. For this systematic review, the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework was applied for the assessment of studies fit for investigation. Of the total 103 papers searched, 54 underwent in-depth evaluation. Using criteria for what to include and what to leave out, we chose research that was relevant to our review and narrowed it down to 14 papers that met the review's guidelines. According to our findings and the analysis of the chosen articles, the prospects and current advances of CAD/CAM technology are fascinating and are revolutionizing the field of dentistry. Even though researchers are excited, it is important to make sure that different materials have been tested and looked at well enough before making firm claims and choices to replace materials that have been made in the past. Based on previous research, it has been determined that the CAD/CAM methodology used in the dental field is the most popular method at the moment since it is quick, simple, and efficient. Since there are different kinds of CAD/CAM systems, it is very important to choose the right one and come up with a good plan for treating a patient.

A Comparative Study of Success Rates of Post and Core Treated Anterior and Posterior Teeth Using Cast Metal Posts.

BACKGROUND: Post and core restorations are performed (generally after treating the root canals of the tooth) when the majority of the tooth structure has been rendered ineffective to support itself/the crown of the tooth. In this clinical study, we aim to compare the difference between post and core treatment of anterior and posterior teeth and their success/failure rates. OBJECTIVE: Our investigation aimed to compare the clinical survival rates of custom-fabricated cast metal post-and-cores in cases of anterior and posterior teeth while controlling for the population's age and gender, type of post material, length of the post, amount of alveolar bone tissue supporting the roots, tooth location in the dental arch, and type of cement used, as well as the effect of opposing dentition and the type of definitive prosthetic treatment received. METHODS: 112 individuals who had received root canal therapy (RCT) and were chosen to receive post and core therapy following their RCT were chosen for the study, and a total of 164 teeth were scheduled to undergo the therapy. All the posts used were made of cast metal, and the patients were divided into two groups: 48 individuals had the posts placed in their posterior teeth (a total of 71 teeth in this case), and the second group was made up of the remaining 64 patients, all with 93 teeth in the anterior region. The follow-up was done twice at a six-month interval after cementation was complete. RESULTS: No significant changes were observed between the stability of the post structures in the anterior and posterior teeth that were examined, and the survival rates were found to be similar in both instances. CONCLUSION: The cast metal posts performed at a similar success rate for the one-year period when the teeth were under our observation, and there were no considerable changes seen statistically. But it must be mentioned that a short follow-up period was observed, so the results might probably see some variations when a longer period of time is taken into consideration.

The Status, Need, and Influence of Dental Prosthetics on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in the Geriatric Population: An Epidemiological Survey.

Background An epidemiological survey was conducted among the geriatric population to determine the status and need for dental prosthetics and their influence on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). Methodology The study population consisted of 270 patients aged 60 or older. All pertinent demographic information, clinical data on prosthesis status and need, and the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questions to assess OHRQoL were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire written in the patient's native tongue. In addition, a type 3 oral examination was performed on a sample of the geriatric population. Results The OHRQoL was found to be unaffected by the prosthetic status. However, there was a strong correlation between the elderly study population's OHRQoL and the need for a prosthetic. Of each variable in OHRQoL, physical pain, discomfort when eating, and loss of taste were the most affected in this population. Conclusions The prosthetic needs of the study population must be given high priority as there are many unmet needs. The concerned health departments need to seriously consider increasing facilities with an affordable system. There is a lack of appreciation for OHRQoL. However, given that a satisfactory clinical assessment of the mouth does not always indicate good oral health status, the justification for evaluating dental care with respect to oral well-being is compelling.

Assessment of Implant Stability in Immediate Implant Placement using Different Bone Grafting materials: A Clinical Study.

AIM: The aim of the present study was to assess the implant stability in immediate implant placement using different bone grafting materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (5 males, 7 females, range of 40-58 years) were included in the study. All patients were divided into two groups based on the graft material used. For Group 1, Xenograft bone grafting material was used, and for Group 2, Freeze-dried bone allograft was used. The patients were suggested to rinse with 0.2% chlorhexidine mouth wash for 1 min. Periotome was used for atraumatic tooth extraction, and necessary care was taken to avoid fracture of socket wall. The implant was placed with respective bone grafting materials. An Orthopantomogram (OPG) radiograph is taken at the day of the operation to serve as baseline data for the marginal bone level. Clinical and radiological parameters were evaluated at baseline, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months to assess the mean marginal bone level changes. Periotest was used for the measurement of implant stability. RESULTS: The mean marginal bone level in Group 1 at baseline (13.58 ± 1.09), 3 months (12.64 ± 0.88), 6 months (12.02 ± 1.42), and 12 months (11.20 ± 1.26), respectively. In Group 2, the marginal bone level was at baseline (14.22 ± 0.26), 3 months (13.52 ± 1.28), 6 months (13.10 ± 0.32), and 12 months (12.12 ± 1.26), respectively. There was a statistically significant difference found in both the groups. Moreover, there was no statistically significant differences found between the groups at all the duration on intergroup comparison of the mean marginal bone level. The mean difference of implant stability in Group 1 the implant stability was 188.6 ± 22.5 and in Group 2 was 191.5 ± 18.2, and there was no statistically significant difference found between the groups. CONCLUSION: Both bone grafting materials used in the study showed improvement in implant stability and marginal bone levels after immediate placement of implant.

Cementum Malformations-Diagnostic Dilemma: Study in Western Maharashtra Population.

AIM: The present study was study to observe incidence of cemental malformations related to mandibular molar roots. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All cases requiring radiographs of mandibular molars reporting to author during 2011-2019 were included in this study. Mandibular molars had been observed for any radiographic malformations. Any such alterations were noted. RESULTS: Author has screened about 522 intraoral periapical radiographs in this study. A total of 63 cases of root malformations reported with two cases of cementoma were observed in this study. Both these cases were diagnosed as benign cementoblastoma (BC) on excisional biopsy. CONCLUSION: In this study, we have observed that incidence of cemental malformations is 1.2% and of BC is 0.38% as compared to overall incidence of 1%-6% in Western Maharashtra.

An immunohistochemical study of p53 expressions in oral submucous fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this histopathological study was to identify the expression of tumor suppressor gene p53 and to detect the correlation between p53 expression and the degree of dysplasia in oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF). METHODS: A sample size of 30 OSMF patients irrespective of sex was taken up for the study. The tissue samples obtained were subjected to immunohistochemical method to detect p53 protein. The technique used was indirect super sensitive Polymer-HRP IHC detection system. The p53 positive samples were evaluated on a 4-point scale, which ranged from 3+ to negative. RESULTS: Out of 30 cases 3(10%) cases were negative for p53 expression and 13(43.3%) showed + expression, and 14(46.6%) showed ++ expression. On application of Mantel-Haenszel Chi-Square test a statistically significant P <=0.05 i.e. (P=0.012) was obtained and there was Linear-by-Linear association between p53 expressions and dysplasia that showed the point probability of 0.006. CONCLUSION: Immunohistochemistry is a powerful tool to identify distinct patterns of gene expression in premalignant disorders and also Oral Squamous Cell Carcinomas (OSCC) from different populations. In the present study, a significant number of samples of OSMF were positive for p53 protein.

Enhanced antimicrobial activity of naturally derived bioactive molecule chitosan conjugated silver nanoparticle against dental implant pathogens.

Various metal coated implants have been tested against dental pathogens which causes increased biofilm formation and lead to failure of dental implants. The possibility of using nanoparticle together with native biomolecules to enhance the activity of such bioactive compound is also in progress. In this study we tested the efficacy of Ag conjugated chitosan nanoparticles as a prospective coating material of titanium dental implants. Known bioactive molecule chitosan was extracted from A. flavus Af09 and conjugated with Ag nanoparticle. Fully characterized Ag-chitosan nanoparticle had a sound inhibitory effect on the growth of two major dental pathogens S. mutans and P. gingivalis. It not only inhibits the adhesion of these two tested bacteria but also able to reduce the biofilm formation. Apart from this, nanoparticle was also able to inhibit the QS production in bacteria tested in this study. Naturally extracted chitosan has been known for its antibacterial activity for a different group of bacteria. Nanoparticles are the good option to enhance the biocompatibility. No cell cytotoxicity of nanoparticle indicates its biocompatibility and coating of titanium dental implants with Ag-chitosan may have an added advantage on the corrosion resistance of dental implants and also augments the passivating effect of these implants.

Antimicrobial effects of Citrus sinensis peel extracts against dental caries bacteria: An in vitro study.

BACKGROUND: Ethnomedicine is gaining admiration since years but still there is abundant medicinal flora which is unrevealed through research. The study was conducted to assess the in vitro antimicrobial potential and also determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Citrus sinensis peel extracts with a view of searching a novel extract as a remedy for dental caries pathogens. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Aqueous and ethanol (cold and hot) extracts prepared from peel of Citrus sinensis were screened for in vitro antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus, using agar well diffusion method. The lowest concentration of every extract considered as the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were determined for both test organisms. One way ANOVA with Post Hoc Bonferroni test was applied for statistical analysis. Confidence level and level of significance were set at 95% and 5% respectively. RESULTS: Dental caries pathogens were inhibited most by hot ethanolic extract of Citrus sinensispeel followed by cold ethanolic extract. Aqueous extracts were effective at very high concentrations. Minimum inhibitory concentration of hot and cold ethanolic extracts of Citrus sinensis peel ranged between 12-15 mg/ml against both the dental caries pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Citrus sinensispeels extract was found to be effective against dental caries pathogens and contain compounds with therapeutic potential. Nevertheless, clinical trials on the effect of these plants are essential before advocating large-scale therapy. KEY WORDS: Agar well diffusion, antimicrobial activity, dental caries, Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus acidophilus.

Prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fisherman from Kutch coast, Gujarat, India.

BACKGROUND: In health terms, consuming fluoride is well recognised to be a double-edged sword. Consumption of optimal amounts is beneficial to health, however an excess constitutes a health hazard. OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of skeletal fluorosis in fishermen from the Kutch coast, Gujarat, India. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted on 653 fishermen from the Kutch District, Gujarat, India, from October 2014 to December 2014. Clinical skeletal fluorosis was assessed using three diagnostic tests. Drinking water fluoride concentrations in different regions of the study area were determined. General information regarding age, gender and adverse habits were also collected. The Chi square test was used for comparisons and the confidence level and critical p-value were set at 95% and 5% respectively. RESULTS: Fluoride concentrations in water from the study area ranged between 3.4-6.9 ppm. The prevalence of skeletal fluorosis was 30.3%, out of which, the majority of the subjects had mild skeletal fluorosis (18.4%). This condition was found to be significantly associated with age and gender along with tobacco and alcohol consumption; depending on the habit's duration. CONCLUSION: Being a public health problem in the fishermen community, skeletal fluorosis requires a-priori attention. Measures for preventing this disease should be undertaken on a communitywide basis.