Dental teaching faculty involvement in research activities.

Purpose: This study aimed to examine personal and professional factors in determining the research activity and research culture among dental teaching faculty members in Hyderabad City, Telangana. Materials and Method: Two dental schools with ongoing dental undergraduate and postgraduate programmes were included in the study. The Research and Development (R&D) Culture Index Questionnaire comprising 16 items was employed for this study. Also, self-reported research activity undertaken in the past twelve months was recorded. The association of demographic variables and professionally related variables with the perception of R&D culture and participation in research activities was assessed using the Chi-square test. A P value was set at 0.05. Results: Of the one-hundred and fifteen faculty members who participated in the study, seventy-four (64.4%) worked in the government sector and forty-one (35.6%) in privately funded dental college. The mean age of the study population was 34.11 + 7.13 years. The majority of them presented a paper or poster at the conference (66.1%; 76) followed by publishing paper in peer-review journal (42.6%; 49) and grant application for research (6.1%; 7), and authoring of a textbook was undertaken by only 2.6% of the study population. Males (61.1%; P = 0.04) and those employed in private dental college (65.8%; P = 0.02) had significantly high levels of overall perception than their respective counterparts. Conclusion: Our study concludes that this study population has a positive perception (50.32 + 6.95) towards research with the majority of them having done a paper or poster publication (66.1%) in the last one year.

Assessing Coronavirus Fear in Indian Population Using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale.

The current study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among Indian residents using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and compare it with demographic variables. This cross-sectional online survey conducted among the Indian population employed a convenient snowball sampling technique. Age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, health care worker status and state of residence were the demographic details (six items) collected. The seven-item FCV-19S was used to assess fear regarding COVID-19 on a five-point Likert scale. The mean score for the responses was calculated and compared based on demographic variables. A comparison of low and high levels of fear and a multiple logistic regression analysis of levels of fear with demographic variables were conducted. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population comprised 45.6% (683) males and 54.4% (816) females, with approximately 68% belonging to the age group of 20-40 years. The overall mean score for the questionnaire was 18.00 + 5.68. A significantly higher number of the study population reported low fear (54.8%). Only gender (p = 0.08) and health care worker status (p = 0.02) revealed a significant difference based on the level of fear. Females, married status, lower educational status and being a health care worker displayed significantly higher odds for high level of fear compared to their respective counterparts in this study population. The findings of this study may help to identify the groups most at risk and formulate tailor-made intervention strategies to ensure their optimal health in this time of global crisis.

Dental Student Knowledge and Willingness to Donate Corneas.

OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to assess the knowledge and willingness to donate corneas among undergraduate dental students in Hyderabad city, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study among undergraduate dental students of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences (Hyderabad, India). A pretested questionnaire was used to obtain information on demographic details, knowledge of cornea donation (7 questions), and willingness to donate corneas (3 questions). For analyses, we used chi-square and multivariate modeling tests. P < .05 was considered significant. RESULTS: Our study included 56 male (16.5%) and 284 female (83.5%) dental students. The overall mean number of correct answers for knowledge questions for this study population was 2.98 ± 1.43. A significant difference existed only for year of study (P < .001). Similar findings were noted when the study population was categorized into poor and good knowledge. The willingness to donate, which was referred to as a positive attitude, was expressed by 41%, with significance observed only for religion. The most common reason cited for unwillingness to donate was lack of sufficient information (52%). Regarding associations between ambiguity to donate and demographic factors, only religion was shown to be a significant factor. CONCLUSIONS: Although approximately 66% of respondents had poor knowledge, 40% were willing to donate. When demographics were considered, year of study was significantly associated with knowledge and religion was significantly associated with willingness to donate.

Evaluation of periodontal response to nonsurgical therapy in pre- and post-menopausal women with periodontitis.

CONTEXT: : The influence of sex steroid hormones on periodontium can be lowered with good plaque control. AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate periodontal status in pre- and post-menopausal women with periodontitis following nonsurgical therapy. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Interventional pre-post clinical trial. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Periodontal status was measured by periodontal index (PRI), and oral hygiene status was measured by plaque index (PI). Both the parameters were measured at baseline, i.e. before scaling and root planing and after 3 months intervals posttreatment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: IBM SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The mean PRI scores in premenopausal group were 5.68 ± 0.64 and 2.53 ± 0.13 and PI scores were 1.84 ± 0.17 and 0.91 ± 0.13, respectively, at baseline and 3 months. The mean PRI scores in postmenopausal group were 6.08 ± 0.47 and 2.54 ± 0.12 and PI scores were 1.86 ± 0.25 and 1.00 ± 0.24, respectively, at baseline and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was more desirable response to nonsurgical periodontal therapy in both the groups but not much variation in between two groups.

Endodontic Management of Radix Entomolaris in Second Molar.

The presence of radix entomolaris (RE) in a mandibular first molar is a common occurrence, which accounts for 0.2%-32% of the population, but the presence of RE in a mandibular second molar is a rare occurrence in our ethnic group. This presence of additional root can lead to difficulties during endodontic treatment. A thorough knowledge of anatomy is necessary for the success of endodontic treatment. This article presents a review on clinical approach and a case series on the detection and management of RE on mandibular second molar. RE was identified using Same lingual opposite buccal (SLOB) technique with preoperative radiograph, modifying the access cavity preparation, locating the canals followed by cleaning, and shaping of canals with nickel-titanium instruments. Obturation was done with respective master cones and AH + resin sealer.

Evaluation of collagenase-3 matrix metalloproteinase-13 gene-associated polymorphisms 11A/12A and -77A/G and its associated alleles with and without periodontitis.

CONTEXT: Connective tissue devastation in periodontitis and other chronic inflammatory diseases is a major concern. There are several inflammatory mediators associated with this process among which matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a predominant role. Collagen degradation is primarily mediated by the collagenases. MMP-13 is familiar as collagenase-3, which has the aptitude to humiliate fibrillar collagen. AIMS: This study aims to evaluate MMP-13 promoter polymorphism, 11A/12A, and -77A/G and associated alleles in patients with and without chronic periodontitis (CP). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was an observational case-control study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of the total 100 patients, 50 with CP (test group) and 50 without CP (Control group), blood was collected for deoxyribonucleic acid isolation. The 11A/12A and -77A/G polymorphisms of the MMP-13 gene were picked out by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)- single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis method and PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism by BseNI restriction enzyme, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Association between MMP-13 genotype (GTs) (11A/12A, 11A/11A, 12A/12A) and (AA, AG, GG) was assessed by Chi-square and Student's t-test for intergroup comparison. RESULTS: 11A/12A GT was seen in 24% and 20%, 11A/11A 64% and 72%, 12A/12A 12% and 8% in test and control groups, respectively. However, the association was not statistically significant. -77A/G polymorphism associated GT s AA was 56% and 62%, AG 24% and 28%, GG 20% and 10% in test and controls, respectively. An association of GG was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The present study results indicated that MMP-13 -77A/G gene polymorphisms, GG GT may be predicted intensive ability for CP. On the other hand, there was no significant association between MMP-13 11A/12A gene polymorphisms with CP.

Evaluating the effectiveness of clarithromycin as an adjunct to scaling and root planing: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Administration of systemic antibiotics may implement persuasive treatment effect for chronic periodontitis by intending tissue-invasive bacteria in addition to accustomed nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the ancillary effects of oral clarithromycin (CLM) along with NSPT for chronic periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty periodontitis patients were randomly divided into two equal groups in this double-blind, randomized, parallel group, and active-controlled trial: test group - scaling and root planning (SRP) plus CLM (500 mg thrice daily for 7 days, orally) was given, and control group - only SRP was done. Clinical analysis, such as gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6-month intervals for both groups. Subgingival plaque samples were cultured for periodontopathic organisms. Immunological parameter C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were estimated. RESULTS: SPSS version 14 was used for statistical analysis. The intragroup comparison showed a significant reduction in the mean scores of all the parameters from baseline to 6 months. The intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant reduction of PD from baseline to 3 months (P < 0.001). GI, CAL, and CRP levels were also reduced but not statistically significant. The mean colony-forming units (CFU) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) showed a statistically significant reduction from baseline to 3 months only in the test group (P = 0.042) and (P = 0.046), respectively. There was no statistically significant reduction of Aa and Pg at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: CLM conceivably accepted as an addendum to NSPT for a shorter period.

Comparative Evaluation of Salivary Neopterin Levels and Its Effects to Periodontal Therapy in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women.

OBJECTIVES: Neopterin is a valuable diagnostic biomarker, which is elevated in inflammatory conditions like periodontitis, that is characterized by destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth. Among the biomarkers, neopterin occurs in body fluids, and acts as a diagnostic marker for present and future disease activity. METHODS: Thirty female subjects with chronic periodontitis, mean age 50 years (40-60 years) were included in this study. Depending upon their menstrual history, subjects were categorized into two groups of fifteen each. Group I 15 pre-menopausal women, and Group II 15 post-menopausal women. Saliva was collected, and neopterin levels were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in both the groups, at base line and after three months of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Periodontal parameters like pocket probing depth (PD) and Russell's periodontal disease index (PDI) were assessed before treatment as well as after three months of scaling and root planning. RESULTS: Intra group analysis showed significant markdown in the mean values of all the parameters from baseline to three months (P < 0.001), for all patients. The intergroup comparison, from baseline to 3 months also showed no significant change in PD and PDI values, but there was a statistically significant difference in the salivary neopterin levels (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Neopterin levels were found to be reduced in three months after NSPT in both the groups, suggesting that the NSPT is the gold standard therapy, and also that neopterin levels in saliva can be used as an indicator to identify periodontal inflammation and destruction.

A Comparative Analysis of Pre- and Postmenopausal Females with Periodontitis and Its Response to a Non Invasive Clinical Approach.

OBJECTIVES: The influence of sex steroid hormones on periodontium can be knockdown with good plaque control. The aim of the present study was to evaluate periodontal status in pre- and postmenopausal women with periodontitis following non-surgical therapy. METHODS: Total 60 female patients' periodontal status was measured by periodontal index (PRI), and oral hygiene status was measured by plaque index (PI). Both the parameters were measured at baseline i.e. before scaling and root planing and after 3 months intervals post treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21. RESULTS: The mean PRI scores in premenopausal group were 5.68 ± 0.64 and 2.53 ± 0.13, and PI scores were 1.84 ± 0.17 and 0.91 ± 0.13 respectively at baseline and 3 months. The mean PRI scores in postmenopausal group were 6.08 ± 0.46 and 2.55 ± 0.12, and PI scores were 1.86 ± 0.24 and 1.00 ± 0.24 respectively at baseline and 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: There was more desirable response to non-surgical periodontal therapy in both the groups but not significant variation in between two groups.

Correlative analysis of plasma and urine neopterin levels in the pre- and post-menopausal women with periodontitis, following nonsurgical periodontal therapy.

CONTEXT: Periodontitis is an inflammatory condition which is distinguished by the devastation of the supported tooth structures. In such inflammatory conditions, some biomarkers such as neopterin will be secreted and elevated in the body fluids, which can be used as a diagnostic marker for the present and future disease activity. AIMS: Assessment of the neopterin as a biomarker in inflammatory conditions such as menopause and periodontitis. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional interventional study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty female individuals with a mean age of 40-60 years with chronic periodontitis were included in this study. All were categorized into two groups of thirty each, depending on their menstrual history: Group I - thirty premenopausal women and Group II - thirty postmenopausal women. Urine and plasma were collected from both groups to estimate neopterin levels. ELISA kit was used to assess the neopterin levels at baseline and after 3 months of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: IBM SPSS version 21 software. RESULTS: A significant depreciation in the mean values of all the parameters from baseline to 3 months (P < 0.001), in the intragroup analysis, was observed. Plasma (0.006) and urine (0.004) reduction was seen. CONCLUSIONS: In both the groups, in 3 months after NSPT, decreased neopterin levels were found, suggesting that the NSPT is the definitive therapy. Further, suggesting that, neopterin levels in the plasma and urine can be used as an index to identify the periodontal inflammation and destruction.

Coronal Pulpotomy Technique Analysis as an Alternative to Pulpectomy for Preserving the Tooth Vitality, in the Context of Tissue Regeneration: A Correlated Clinical Study across 4 Adult Permanent Molars.

Aim. (1) The aim of the clinical study revolves around the accurate diagnosis, proper case selection, and the management of acute irreversible pulpitis in permanent molars with closed apices using conservative and economical treatment modalities like vital pulpotomies with regenerative approaches over conventional root canal procedures. (2) To evaluate the use of autologous substances such as platelet concentrates and calcium silicate based materials in promoting the healing and regeneration of the inflamed pulp. Summary. Vital pulpotomy was performed on 5 carious involved, permanent molars diagnosed with acute irreversible pulpitis in 17- to 22-year-old patients. Taking into consideration the patient's age and the condition of the underlying pulp tissue, PRF pulpotomy was planned in view of preserving the vitality of the intact radicular pulps. Regenerative procedures with second generation blood matrices were chosen to encourage the recovery of the inflamed pulps. The systematic follow-up examinations performed at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, 22, and 24 months revealed a successful clinical and radiological outcome. Within the limits of the present clinical study and correlating the success across the treated clinical cases, we safely conclude the potential scope of regenerative pulpotomy approaches in acute irreversible pulpitis in adult permanent teeth.

Platelet-rich fibrin, "a faster healing aid" in the treatment of combined lesions: A report of two cases.

Anatomically the pulp and periodontium are connected through apical foramen, and the lateral, accessory, and furcal canals. Diseases of one tissue may affect the other. In the present case report with two cases, a primary periodontal lesion with secondary endodontic involvement is described. In both cases, root canal treatment was done followed by periodontal therapy with the use of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) as the regenerative material of choice. PRF has been a breakthrough in the stimulation and acceleration of tissue healing. It is used to achieve faster healing of the intrabony defects. Absence of an intraradicular lesion, pain, and swelling, along with tooth stability and adequate radiographic bone fill at 9 months of follow-up indicated a successful outcome.