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Context Early childhood caries is the most frequent chronic illness in young children which affects their overall well-being. It is crucial to educate mothers regarding infant oral care since the young children are dependent on their mothers for their basic needs. Aim This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practices (KAPs) of mothers toward infant oral care living in rural areas. Settings and Design The study was an observational study. Materials and Methods A total of 630 mothers of infants aged 0–2 years living in rural areas of West Godavari District, Andhra Pradesh, were included in the study using multistage sampling. A validated 25-item questionnaire was used to assess the KAPs of mothers regarding infant oral care. After collecting the filed questionnaires, participants were educated on infant oral health. A scoring scale was given for the responses of each question to assess the total scores of each participant. Statistical Analysis Used This was descriptive statistical analysis. Results The mean age of the mothers was 25.06 ± 3.7 years. Among the studied population, about 51.4% of the participants had poor knowledge about infant oral hygiene, 74.1% of the participants had positive attitude toward infant oral care, and 58.5% of the participants had satisfactory levels of infant oral hygiene practices. Conclusion The majority of the infants’ mothers had poor knowledge about infant oral care and followed unsatisfactory infant oral hygiene practices. However, they exhibited a positive attitude toward infant oral care.

Introduction: The aerosols produced by an ultrasonic scaler contain bacteria that may enter the respiratory systems of both dental surgeons and patients. Lemongrass oil is one of the essential oils with enormous antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects. Aim: To evaluate and compare the efficacy of commercially available preprocedural mouth rinses, containing 0.2% lemongrass oil mouthwash and a 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate solution, in reducing the levels of viable bacteria in aerosols. Materials and Methods: This single-centre double-blinded randomised controlled parallel design split-mouth clinical trial was planned among patients in the Department of Periodontics attending Vishnu Dental College and Hospital in Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study was conducted for 40 days, from August 2022 to October 2022. Two distinct types of preprocedural mouth rinses (lemongrass oil and chlorhexidine) were used on 56 participants with Stage II or III and Grade B periodontitis. A total of 56 subjects were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (0.2% lemongrass oil) and Group B (0.2% chlorhexidine), using a simple coin toss method. Colony-forming units (CFUs) with and without rinsing in each group were assessed and studied. CFUs collected on blood agar plates were counted during ultrasonic scaling both with and without rinsing. International Business Machine (IBM) Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20.0 was used for data analysis. Paired t-tests and independent t-tests were used for intragroup and intergroup comparisons for both groups. Results: The mean CFU count in the chlorhexidine group without rinsing was 259.6±26.6, and with rinsing, it was 140.7±22.6, which was statistically significant (p-value < 0.001). In the lemongrass oil group, the CFU count without rinsing was 263.5±26.9, and with rinsing, it was 147.18±33.82, which was also statistically significant (p-value

School transportation may have important implications for academic success, but few studies examine how these variables are related. This systematic review is the first that synthesizes research linking school transportation with academic outcomes. Using the PRISMA framework, the authors conducted a literature search across multiple data sources and screened articles for the following eligibility criteria: 1) Design is quantitative or mixed methods; 2) Sample consists of primary or secondary school students; 3) Variables include school transportation and academic outcomes. Two reviewers independently screened each study for inclusion criteria. Two reviewers also independently rated each study on methodological quality in five dimensions using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Throughout the process, reviewers consulted to resolve any discrepancies between ratings. The search revealed 249 abstracts that were screened for inclusion criteria. This resulted in 61 relevant articles after duplicates were removed. After screening, reviewers determined that 26 studies met inclusion criteria. Most took place in the United States, although studies were also conducted in Canada, Croatia, England, Nepal, Pakistan, Portugal, South Africa, and Spain. Thirteen studies met all MMAT methodological quality standards. Longer travel times and transportation challenges were associated with adverse academic outcomes except when they provided access to higher-quality schools. School bus transportation had a mixed relationship with academic outcomes. The authors conclude that research points to the importance of transportation as it relates to academic success, especially for students of color and those from low-income households.

Background: Nonsurgical periodontal therapy results in the formation of a smear layer which inhibits tissue regeneration. Root biomodification (RB) using various agents has been tried for the enhancement of new attachment formation. However, no substantial therapeutic advantages of currently available root conditioning agents have been reported emphasizing the need for additional biologically acceptable agents. Glycolic acid (GA) due to its antimicrobial nature and ability of initiation and proliferation of fibroblasts may potentially modify root surface enabling regeneration. Materials and Methods: Eighty specimens from 40 single-rooted teeth were treated with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and 5% GA and scanning electron microscopy analysis was done. The micrographs were examined for the evaluation of smear layer removal, total number of dentinal tubules, total number of patent dentinal tubules, mean diameter and surface area of dentinal tubules, and dentin erosion. Statistical analysis was done using unpaired t-test for intergroup comparison. Results: The efficacy of smear layer removal (P = 0.01) and dentin erosion (P = 0.042) was significantly better in the GA group. Both the groups showed no difference in dentinal tubule-related parameters. Conclusion: GA showed improved RB with greater smear layer removal and lesser dentin erosion, indicating its use as a potent alternative to the conventional EDTA root conditioning.

Introduction: The disruptions in the ectodermal layer during intrauterine growth in the process of the formation of epidermal ridges can be linked to the association between dermatoglyphics and abnormalities of the tooth and periodontium. Given the genetic linkage of periodontal disease this study was hypothesized at observing the association of chronic periodontitis, aggressive periodontitis, and individuals with healthy periodontium as per the 1999 AAP classification of periodontitis with their fingerprint patterns and ridge count. Materials and Methods: Patients belonging to an age cohort of 18–50 who visited the department of periodontics and implantology were included in the study. Patients’ periodontal status was determined and was enrolled in the study. A total of 114 subjects were compared, where 38 subjects belonged to the individual group of periodontal condition that are designated as Group A (healthy), Group B (chronic periodontitis), and Group C (aggressive periodontitis). A total of 1140 fingerprints were collected. They were analyzed and classified according to their patterns and also the ridges were counted. Results: The comparison between three groups showed a statistically significant difference between increased percentage frequency of radial loops (28%) in chronic periodontitis and plain whorls (26.3%) in aggressive periodontitis. There was a significant difference between ridge count among all the three groups, the highest being in healthy and the least between aggressive periodontal conditions. Conclusion: Observations of the study show that there was a difference in fingerprint pattern between patients of all the three periodontal conditions indicating a link between epidermal ridges and condition of periodontium.

Introduction: Crown lengthening is a reliable procedure that enables the restoration of teeth with a short clinical crown, extensive subgingival caries, and correction of excessive gingival display for aesthetic purposes. Blue laser, a recent technology in dentistry, has shown significant effectiveness at low power settings, promoting favourable wound healing effects. Aim: To compare the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores and wound healing outcomes between blue laser and denlase in performing crown lengthening procedures. Materials and Methods: A randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Periodontics and Implantology, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, involving 14 patients who were divided into two groups. Participants were recruited from September 2021 to April 2022.Ethical clearance was obtained from the Institutional Ethics and Review Board. Group-A underwent crown lengthening using blue laser (445 nm), while Group-B received treatment with denlase (980 nm). VAS scores and the wound healing index were recorded and compared between the two groups at baseline, 10 days, and one month after the surgery. Statistical tests such as the Mann-Whitney U test, unpaired t-test, and repeated measures ANOVA were used for analysis. Results: The study revealed a statistically significant difference (p-value=0.006) in VAS scores between the blue laser group (mean value of 0.5) and the denlase group (mean value of 1.3). However, statistically significant differences in Wachtel’s early wound healing index were not observed in either of the groups. Conclusion: Blue laser treatment was found to be more comfortable for patients, as indicated by the lower VAS scores. Both groups demonstrated good wound healing properties based on Wachtel’s early wound healing index, with no significant difference between them. It is important to note that literature on blue laser technology is still in its early stages and requires further comprehensive investigation.

As the number of motor vehicles on roads in the United States of America continues to grow, there is an increasing risk for all road users to be involved in a traffic incident. Although congestion and traveller delay are common traffic incidents, workplace-related injury or fatality among incident response personnel are a serious problem. The injuries may be alleviated with the help of effective laws about incident response personnel safety standards, including state move-over laws. This paper provides an overview, as of July 2024, of existing incident response personnel (“move-over”) laws for all fifty states. This study finds that there is a great variation in such laws among states, which may lead to challenges with comprehension and compliance. States that offer the least amount of protection to their incident response personnel were identified. Recommendations are provided on specific elements of the legislation to offer greater protection to the incident response personnel while working on the side of the roads. The nuances and the variation in move-over laws can make it difficult for drivers to understand what the law requires of them. The findings of this paper will be of interest to researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers working in the field of transportation and occupational safety.

The present work deals with the anaerobic treatment of molasses-bearing pharmaceutical wastewater using a specifically designed downflow anaerobic bioreactor (DFAB). The capacity of the designed DFAB was 1,000 L of adequate volume with necessary operational controls. Two types of anaerobic treatment, i.e. mesophilic and thermophilic treatments, were applied to the anaerobic biotransformation of wastewater under investigation. The efficiency of both treatments was compared in terms of reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) load, as well as methane production. The anaerobic digestion process was carried out with the help of bacterial strains. The bacterial strains used in the mesophilic operation were acclimatised and utilised for the thermophilic treatment, which is a cost-effective and sustainable approach. A significant reduction in BOD and COD content of the wastewater was noticed after 10 days of retention time. Nearly 72–83% and 80–90% reduction in BOD values were recorded under mesophilic and thermophilic operations, respectively. Approximately 73–86% and 82–93% of COD content were reduced by mesophilic and thermophilic treatment, correspondingly. Methane production of 67 and 74% was achieved under mesophilic and thermophilic treatment, respectively. The designed DFAB showed remarkable treatment efficiency for wastewater and methane production. HIGHLIGHTS Anaerobic treatment of molasses-containing pharmaceutical wastewater in downflow anaerobic bioreactor.; The bacterial consortium used for mesophilic treatment was acclimatised for thermophilic treatment.; Mesophilic treatment resulted in an average of 75 and 78% reduction in BOD and COD, respectively.; On average, 86% BOD and 88% COD were removed in thermophilic conditions.;

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare and investigate the tissue thickness at the maxillary and mandibular central incisors utilizing the probe visibility method and traditional way of measuring gingival thickness (GT) by endodontic files. Methodology: In 200 selected patients, the GT was measured at both the maxillary and mandibular anterior using an endodontic file after local infiltration at the mid-distance from the gingival margin to the mucogingival junction. The checkpoint of transition from thin to thick periodontal phenotype was determined by probe visibility method in the following age groups: Group A: 21–30 years; Group B: 31–40 years; Group C: 41–50 years; and Group D: 51–60 years. Results: GT varied from 0.3 to 1.9 mm. Gingival translucency was observed up to the thickness of 0.7 mm. At 0.8 mm of GT, there was no probe visibility. Conclusion: According to the present research, the gingiva appears transparent up to a thickness of around 0.7 mm. The checkpoint of transition between thin and thick periodontal phenotypes at both the maxillary and mandibular anterior was associated with a GT of 0.8 mm.

Introduction: The important components that contribute to successful dental care are maximum accessibility, visibility, comfort, and control over clinical processes. Dental practitioners are more prone to developing musculoskeletal disorders due to awkward working postures. To minimise all these risk factors, a new concept called Proprioceptive Derivative (PD) has come into existence. Aim: The main aim of this study was to evaluate the comfort levels of the patient and ergonomics of the dental professional in the PD approach and conventional approach. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which manual scaling was performed by 20 dentists on 120 patients using the PD concept and conventional concept. A 13-item questionnaire was distributed among the patients and clinicians to record their perceptions of comfort levels, clinicians’ treatment satisfaction levels, and the time needed to complete the procedure after mastering the PD concept. In indepedent sample t-test was use to compare the responses among the two groups. p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The comfort levels of the clinician (q1) during treatment in the conventional approach, with a mean value of 2.96±0.69, were significantly lower than in the PD approach, with a mean value of 3.46±0.85 (p0.05). Conclusion: The clinicians had more ergonomic benefits and improved time factors under the PD concept. By following the work postures according to the PD concept, clinicians can avoid musculoskeletal discomfort, which is beneficial to all clinicians and can increase the longevity of their clinical practice.

Background Cardiac arrest is 1 of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality, with an estimated 340 000 out‐of‐hospital and 292 000 in‐hospital cardiac arrest events per year in the United States. Survival rates are lower in certain racial and socioeconomic groups. Methods and Results We performed a county‐level cross‐sectional longitudinal study using the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Wide‐Ranging Online Data for Epidemiologic Research multiple causes of death data set between 2016 and 2020 among individuals of all ages whose death was attributed to cardiac arrest. The Social Vulnerability Index is a composite measure that includes socioeconomic vulnerability, household composition, disability, individuals from racial and ethnic minority groups status and language, and housing and transportation domains. We examined the impact of social determinants on cardiac arrest mortality stratified by age, race, ethnicity, and sex in the United States. All age‐adjusted mortality rate (cardiac arrest AAMRs) are reported as per 100 000. Overall cardiac arrest AAMR during the study period was 95.6. The cardiac arrest AAMR was higher for men compared with women (119.6 versus 89.9) and for the Black population compared with the White population (150.4 versus 92.3). The cardiac arrest AAMR increased from 64.8 in counties in quintile 1 of Social Vulnerability Index to 141 in quintile 5, with an average increase of 13% (95% CI, 9.8%–16.9%) in AAMR per quintile increase. Conclusions Mortality from cardiac arrest varies widely, with a >2‐fold difference between the counties with the highest and lowest social vulnerability, highlighting the differential burden of cardiac arrest deaths throughout the United States based on social determinants of health.

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) poses life-threatening risks in pregnancy, leading to adverse perinatal and maternal outcomes. Aim: To estimate the incidence of Pregnancy-Related Acute Kidney Injury (PRAKI) and describe maternal and foetal outcomes in cases of Acute Renal Failure (ARF) at a tertiary care institute. Materials and Methods: A prospective descriptive study was conducted on 104 antenatal women with ARF attending King George Hospital, Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India, from January to December 2020. A total of 7,409 deliveries occurred during the study period, and antenatal women with evidence of pre-existing renal disease were excluded. A detailed history was obtained, and evaluation included renal function tests and a total abdominal scan. Mode of delivery, foetal deaths, stillbirths, maternal deaths, and APGAR scores were analysed. Laboratory findings were also reported. Data analysis was performed using coGuide statistical software, and results were expressed in terms of frequency and percentages. Results: The incidence of PRAKI was 14 per 1,000 deliveries (1.4%). The mean age of the participants was 24.05±4.11 years. The majority (78 out of 104, 75%) were in the third trimester. Out of the 104 cases of PRAKI, 77 (74%) were due to hypertension. There were 16 (15.4%) maternal deaths and 19 (21.8%) perinatal deaths. Conclusion: Pregnant women with ARF experienced increased morbidity and mortality. Urgent improvements in antenatal care, early detection of complications, effective management, and timely referrals to tertiary centres are crucial.

Introduction: Gingival hyperpigmentation is a common aesthetic concern that often requires treatment to achieve a pleasing smile. While various methods for depigmentation have been described in the literature, the scalpel method is widely advocated. Laser technology, particularly diode lasers, has emerged as a preferred treatment option due to their unique properties. Aim: To compare the efficacy of two different diode wavelengths, namely Denlase and Bluelase lasers, in terms of pain intensity, aesthetic appraisal, and the rate of repigmentation. Materials and Methods: This split-mouth randomised clinical trial was conducted in the Department of Periodontics at Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavarm, Andhra Pradesh, India. over a period of one year with follow-up. A total of 16 patients were included, and the right and left quadrants (both maxilla and mandible) were randomly assigned to either the Denlase or Bluelase group using the coin toss method. Depigmentation using diode lasers at 810 nm and 470 nm wavelengths was carried out in the respective groups. Pain perception, aesthetic appraisal, and recurrence of pigmentation were evaluated at 1, 3, 6, 9 months, and one year. The data were analysed using Friedman’s analysis and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: A total of 16 subjects, with a mean age of 27.64±7.64 years and of both genders, were included in the study. Statistically significant differences (p=0.001) were reported in pain perception, aesthetic appraisal, and the rate of repigmentation at 1, 3, 6, 9 months, and one year, respectively. Intergroup comparison revealed an increase in the mean amount of repigmentation at three months in the Denlase group, indicating a recurrence of pigmentation after three months. Conclusion: The Bluelase diode laser (470 nm) demonstrated superior results compared to the Denlase diode laser (810 nm) in terms of pain intensity, aesthetic appraisal, and repigmentation.

This abstract depicts a novel kind of solar-powered grass mower that is capable of being controlled remotely and can avoid obstacles thanks to the Internet of Things technology. This design offers an eco-friendly and effective solution that aims at redefining lawn care. By lowering reliance on fossil fuels, green energy usage promotes sustainability. During operation, an integrated collector accumulates grass clippings, streamlining trash management. This discovery unlocks the door for intelligent, user-friendly robotic grass cutters that can navigate obstacles by utilizing cutting-edge technologies, ushering in a new era of automated and sustainable lawn care.

Connected and Automated Vehicles (CAVs) offer the potential to improve roadway capacity and safety. Thus, improving road infrastructure condition could be prioritized to eliminate further degradation of the transportation infrastructure. In order to foster the adoption of CAVs, incentives can be used; but there is a need to identify what type of incentive would be most effective. To identify effective incentive types, this study uses electric vehicles (EV) and hybrid vehicles as a surrogate to CAVs because of the similarities in obstacles faced for wider adoption. This study then provides some recommendations by examining incentives offered in 15 different countries and by reviewing the literature on the effectiveness of incentive types.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive nonsurgical management of recurrent periodontal pockets remains the most viable option during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT), but with inconclusive results. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the adjunctive use of Indocyanine green (ICG) and 810nm Diode laser assisted photodynamic therapy (IG-PDT) with 810nm Diode laser assisted new attachment procedure (LANAP) in the management of persistent pockets in SPT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single blinded randomized controlled split mouth clinical trial included 20 participants with at least two adjacent teeth with PPD ≥5mm and Clinical attachment level (CAL) ≥3mm in the contralateral quadrants. IG-PDT group received application of 5mg/ml solution of ICG for one minute followed by 810±10nm diode laser with 1W power density. LANAP group received 810±10nm diode laser application at 3W power density with 100ms and 650ms pulse duration at two consecutive passes. Clinical parameters i.e., Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), PPD, CAL gain were recorded at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Landry’s Healing index was assessed on the 7th day and 1 month postoperatively. Patient comfort was assessed using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) immediate post-operatively. RESULTS: Student t test and repeated measures of ANOVA were used for statistical analysis. Both site level and patient level assessments of clinical parameters showed improvement in clinical parameters in both groups. However, IG-PDT group showed significantly greater improvements in PPD (

Aim and background: This current study aimed to load 5-flucytosine (5-FCY) into spanlastic nanovesicles (SPLNs) to make the drug more efficient as an antifungal and also to load the 5-FCY into a hydrogel that would allow for enhanced transdermal permeation and improved patient compliance.Methods: The preparation of 5-FCY-SPLNs was optimized by using a central composite design that considered Span 60 (X1) and the edge activator Tween 80 (X2) as process variables in achieving the desired particle size and entrapment efficiency. A formulation containing 295.79 mg of Span 60 and 120.00 mg of Tween 80 was found to meet the prerequisites of the desirability method. The optimized 5-FCY-SPLN formulation was further formulated into a spanlastics gel (SPG) so that the 5-FCY-SPLNs could be delivered topically and characterized in terms of various parameters.Results: As required, the SPG had the desired elasticity, which can be credited to the physical characteristics of SPLNs. An ex-vivo permeation study showed that the greatest amount of 5-FCY penetrated per unit area (Q) (mg/cm2) over time and the average flux (J) (mg/cm2/h) was at the end of 24 h. Drug release studies showed that the drug continued to be released until the end of 24 h and that the pattern was correlated with an ex-vivo permeation and distribution study. The biodistribution study showed that the 99mTc-labeled SFG that permeated the skin had a steadier release pattern, a longer duration of circulation with pulsatile behavior in the blood, and higher levels in the bloodstream than the oral 99mTc-SPNLs. Therefore, a 5-FCY transdermal hydrogel could possibly be a long-acting formula for maintenance treatment that could be given in smaller doses and less often than the oral formula.

Recent studies suggest that advances in rear seat occupant protection are trailing while frontal crash prevention technologies have disproportionately improved front seat occupant safety. Therefore, the first objective of this study is to identify the safest seat for children by estimating injury severity by seat position using current crash data. The second objective of this study is to demonstrate that Level-2 and above (i.e., L2+) AVs will be significantly different from current vehicles regarding child injury severity, and therefore it is essential to find the safest seat for children in L2+ AVs. This study utilized data from the National Automotive Sampling System (NASS) to estimate crash injury severity by seat position in children. This study used the Injury Severity Score (ISS) as its measure of crash severity. The mean ISS for restrained children sitting in the front passenger seat was 0.494 (for model year > 2000 vehicles). The mean ISSs for second-row left and second-row right seats were 0.374 and 0.322, respectively. The second-row middle seat had 162, 98, and 71% lower mean ISSs than the front passenger, second-row left, and second-row right seats, respectively. Overall, in both restrained and unrestrained scenarios, the safest seat for a child was the second-row middle seat.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: بعد علاج اللثة، يتم استعادة الهياكل الداعمة للأسنان لتعمل وبالتالي يتحسن نشاط العضلات. تهدف الدراسة إلى تقييم تأثير أمراض اللثة على نشاط العضلات من خلال تخطيط كهربية العضل والإدراك الذاتي لعلاج دواعم السن من خلال استبانة تأثير الفم على الأداء اليومي. طرق البحث: تم تضمين ستين شخصا يعانون من التهاب دواعم السن المتوسط إلى الشديد. بعد علاج اللثة غير الجراحي، بعد 4-6 أسابيع، تمت إعادة تقييم حالة اللثة. تم التخطيط لجراحة السديلة بأعماق جيب ذات سبر ثابت ≥ 5 مم. تم تسجيل جميع المعلمات السريرية في الأساس، 3 و 6 أشهر. تم قياس نشاط العضلات من العضلة الماضغة و العضلة الصدغية باستخدام تخطيط كهربية العضل وتم تسجيل درجات تأثير الفم على الأداء اليومي في الأساس و بعد 3 أشهر. النتائج: تم تخفيض متوسط درجات مؤشر اللويحة، وسبر عمق الجيب ، ومستوى التعلق السريري من خط الأساس إلى 3 أشهر. تمت مقارنة متوسط درجات مخطط كهربية العضل في الأساس و 3 أشهر بعد الجراحة. كان متوسط مجموع نقاط تأثير الفم على الأداء اليومي قبل وبعد العلاج اللثوي مختلفا بشكل كبير. الاستنتاجات: توجد علاقة ذات دلالة إحصائية بين المعلمات السريرية ونشاط العضلات والإدراك الذاتي للمريض. لذلك، يمكن الاستنتاج أن جراحة السديلة اللثوية الناجحة أظهرت تحسنا في كفاءة المضغ والإدراك الذاتي من خلال استبانة تأثير الفم على الأداء اليومي. Abstract: Objectives: Following periodontal treatment, tooth supporting structures are restored to functionality and hence improve muscle activity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the influence of periodontal disease on muscle activity by electromyography and the subjective perception of periodontal therapy through the Oral Impact on Daily Performance (OIDP) questionnaire. Methods: Sixty subjects with moderate to severe periodontitis were included. Periodontal condition was re-evaluated 4–6 weeks after non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT). Subjects with persistent probing pocket depths ≥5 mm were designated for flap surgery. All clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The activities of the masseter and temporalis muscles were measured by electromyography and OIDP scores were recorded at baseline and 3 months. Results: The mean plaque index scores, probing pocket depths, and clinical attachment levels were reduced from baseline to 3 months. Mean EMG scores were compared at baseline and 3 months post-surgery. The mean OIDP total score prior to and after periodontal therapy was significantly different. Conclusion: There was a statistically significant correlation between clinical parameters, muscle activity and a patient's subjective perception. Therefore, it can be concluded that successful periodontal flap surgery led to improvements in masticatory efficiency and subjective perception, as determined by the OIDP questionnaire.

Despite the importance of crop responses to low fertility conditions, few studies have examined the extent to which domestication may have limited crop responses to low-fertility environments in aboveground and belowground traits. Moreover, studies that have addressed this topic have used a limited number of wild accessions, therefore overlooking the genotypic and phenotypic diversity of wild relatives. To examine how domestication has affected the response of aboveground and belowground agronomic traits, we measured root and leaf functional traits in an extensive set of wild and domesticated chickpea accessions grown in low and high nitrogen soil environments. Unlike previous studies, the wild accessions used in this study broadly capture the genetic and phenotypic diversity of domesticated chickpeas (Cicer arietinum) closest compatible wild relative (C. reticulatum). Our results suggest that the domestication of chickpea led to greater capacities for plasticity in morphological and biomass related traits but may have lowered the capacity to modify physiological traits related to gas exchange. Wild chickpea displayed greater phenotypic plasticity for physiological traits including stomatal conductance, canopy level photosynthesis, leaf level photosynthesis, and leaf C/N ratio. In contrast to domesticated chickpea, wild chickpea displayed phenotypes consistent with water loss prevention, by exhibiting lower specific leaf area, stomatal conductance and maintaining efficient water-use. In addition to these general patterns, our results indicate that the domestication dampened the variation in response type to higher nitrogen environments for belowground and aboveground traits, which suggests reduced genetic diversity in current crop germplasm collections.

Background: Root coverage using subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) is gold standard with few drawbacks such as requirement of second surgical site, reduced donor tissue availability, and increased surgical complications and pain. Periosteal pedicle graft (PPG) due to its rich source of pluripotent stem cells and nonrequirement of second surgical site could be a successful alternative for invasive SCTG. Therefore, current research aims to compare the amount of root coverage obtained with PPG to SCTG. Materials and Methods: Fifty-two single gingival recessions were included in the sample, with 26 patients allocated to the SCTG (control) and PPG (test) groups at random. At baseline, 3, and 6 months after surgery, clinical measurements of probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), recession depth (RD), recession width (RW), and width of keratinized tissue were taken. Results: Both procedures, i.e., SCTG and PPG, resulted in root coverage to a variable extent and a significant decrease in RD (1.69, 1.38 mm in SCTG and PPG groups, respectively) and RW, CAL gain is found in both the groups without any intergroup statistical variance. Complete root coverage (CRC) was obtained in 14 out of 26, i.e., 53.8% defects in both SCTG and PPG groups. A better comfort level is found in the group treated with PPG. Conclusion: Gingival recessions can be successfully treated with PPG, which has predictability comparable to SCTG and does not require a second surgical site.

Introduction: The novel coronavirus disease has brought to the forefront the importance of oral hygiene aids and its role in the prevention of COVID-19 transmission. Objectives: The objective is to assess knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene aids and its role in COVID-19 transmission. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 385 patients visiting Vishnu dental college. The questionnaire included demographic data, history of COVID, and vaccination status. The second part included questions regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice of oral hygiene aids and its role in COVID-19 transmission. Results: Mean age of the population was 40.11 years, and had almost equal proportions of males and females. About 22.6% of the population had suffered from COVID-19 and 92.7% of men got fully vaccinated. Knowledge of COVID-19 transmission through oral hygiene aids was found in 57.4% of the population. No difference in knowledge of occupational health advisor (OHA) and its role in COVID transmission was found between gender, COVID, and vaccination status (P > 0.05). About 22.9% of graduates had higher knowledge than others (P = 0.00). Conclusions: The use of appropriate oral hygiene aids and practices could prevent the transmission of COVID-19.

Background: Teledentistry which is similar to telemedicine has emerged as a new tool for various dental disciplines. Teleperiodontics is a branch of telehealth which focuses on the application of digital communication technology into the field of periodontics without demanding a specialist presence. An early detection and diagnosis of periodontal conditions can not only treat the disease in its early stage but also prolong the health of the periodontium, thereby improving the overall quality of life of an individual. However, teledentistry has not penetrated into the field of periodontics to a level it has to in providing periodontal care. Hence, the aim of this questionnaire study was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and application of teleperiodontics into everyday practice among the dental surgeons at various levels. Materials and Methods: An electronic questionnaire consisting of 29 close-ended questions including sections assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of teledentistry and teleperiodontics was sent to dental colleges present in East and West Godavari districts of Andhra Pradesh. Results: A total of 350 responses were received and 80.57% dental surgeons were aware about teledentistry, and a total of 74% dental surgeons were likely to prescribe oral hygiene aids and medication for temporary management of periodontal conditions. Conclusion: Teleperiodontics is an emerging science whose knowledge, attitude, and application are yet to be explored.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most concerning conditions, and its chronic consequences are almost always accompanied by infection, oxidative stress, and inflammation. Reducing excessive reactive oxygen species and the wound’s inflammatory response is a necessary treatment during the acute inflammatory phase of diabetic wound healing. Malva sylvestris extract (MS) containing nanofibers containing neomycin sulfate (NS) were synthesized for this investigation, and their impact on the healing process of diabetic wounds was assessed. Using Design Expert, the electrospinning process for the fabrication of NS nanofibers (NS-NF) was adjusted for applied voltage (X1), the distance between the needle’s tip and the collector (X2), and the feed rate (X3) for attaining desired entrapment efficacy [EE] and average nanofiber diameter (ND). The optimal formulation can be prepared with 19.11 kV of voltage, 20 cm of distance, and a flow rate of 0.502 mL/h utilizing the desirability approach. All the selected parameters and responses have their impact on drug delivery from nanofibers. In addition, M. sylvestris extracts have been added into the optimal formulation [MS-NS-NF] and assessed for their surface morphology, tensile strength, water absorption potential, and in vitro drug release studies. The NS and MS delivery from MS-NS-NF has been extended for more than 60 h. M. sylvestris-loaded nanofibers demonstrated superior antibacterial activity compared to plain NS nanofibers. The scaffolds featured a broad aspect and a highly linked porous fibrous network structure. Histomorphometry study and the in vitro scratch assay demonstrate the formulation’s efficacy in treating diabetic wound healing. The cells treated with MS-NS-NF in vivo demonstrated that wound dressings successfully reduced both acute and chronic inflammations. To improve the healing of diabetic wounds, MS-NS-NF may be regarded as an appropriate candidate for wound dressing.

Introduction: Gingival Recession (GR) can be associated to periodontal disease-causing dentinal hypersensitivity, root caries and even aesthetic problems. A combination of the Modified Coronally Advanced Tunnel Technique (MCAT) with Subepithelial Connective Tissue Graft (SCTG) can be considered an option for treating multiple GR. Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of root coverage using MCAT along with SCTG in multiple GR with and without Non Carious Cervical Lesions (NCCL). Materials and Methods: The present prospective clinical study was conducted in Department of Periodontology at Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India, from June 2018 to December 2019. A total of 24 patients seeking treatment for multiple GR in which 12 patients with recessions alone and 12 patients associated with NCCL were included in the study. Clinical measurements of Pocket Probing Depth (PPD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL), Recession Depth (RD) and Recession Width (RW), Width of Keratinised Tissue (KTW), Gingival Thickness (GT), Pink Aesthetic Score and hypersensitivity scores were determined at baseline and six months. Descriptive statistics, Independent samples t-test, repeated measures Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and paired t-tests were used in data analysis. The p-value

Introduction: Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) is a widely used restorative material, but its anti-bacterial property is not sustained overtime. The addition of nanosized silver vanadate (AgVO3) is an attempt to enhance the anti-bacterial property of GIC without affecting its mechanical properties. Aim: To evaluate the anti-microbial property, Flexural Strength (FS) and Surface Micro Hardness (SMH) of GIC added with silver vanadate (AgVO3) nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: This in-vitro study was conducted in the Department of Pedodontics, Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, India from June 2020 to July 2021. The AgVO3 nanoparticles were proportionally added to Type II GIC (Group-1) powder at the concentrations of 0.5% (Group-2), 1.0% (Group-3) and 2.0% w/w (Group-4). A total of 56 specimens were prepared to evaluate the test parameters. Anti-microbial property was evaluated using disk diffusion method. FS was determined using a universal testing machine and SMH using Vicker's Microhardness (VHN) tester. The obtained data was analysed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s test and unpaired t-test. Results: The GIC with AgVO3 nanoparticles exhibited higher anti-microbial property compared to un-modified GIC (Group-1). Group-4 exhibited highest anti-microbial property, followed by Group-3 and Group-2. Group-4 exhibited highest FS with a mean value of 26.90 MPa (p=0.002) and SMH with a mean value of 61.29 VHN (p=0.001) than Group-1. Conclusion: Addition of 2.0% w/w AgVo3 nanoparticles to Type II GIC shown to have higher anti-bacterial property, and also displayed higher FS and SMH.

Introduction: Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) is one of the most prevalent dental issues that is treated by both periodontists and endodontists. Hypersensitive dentin is a sensitive or painful response that is one of the most prevalent and poorly treated chronic dental disorders. Due to the difficulty in treating cervical DH, a great range of approaches and therapeutic procedures for pain relief in have developed. Treatments with desensitising drugs have been combined with laser treatment in recent decades. The most often utilised lasers in the treatment of DH are Diode Lasers (DL). DL act on DH provoking a melting effect with crystallisation of dentine inorganic component and the coagulation of fluids contained into the dentinal tubules. Aim: To compare the effectiveness of DL of two different wavelengths in managing DH. Materials and Methods: This split-mouth randomised clinical trial conducted in the Department of Periodontology at Vishnu Dental College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh, India. The duration of the study was, from October 2021 to December 2021. A total of 12 patients with DH were selected and assigned to two groups. All the patients were subjected to desensitisation using DL of two different wavelengths 475 nm Bluelase system and 810 nm. Denlase system and parameters were evaluated 15 minutes after treatment, 7 days, 15 days and 30 days after treatment. Data were entered in Microsoft Excel and analysed using Statitical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 10.5 software. Results: The mean age of the study participants was 45±3 years. There was a significant difference (p-value

Introduction: To retrospectively assess the mesio-distal angular deviation/inclination of single implants restored in the posterior edentulous arches and evaluate the effect of angular deviations on the early bone loss after 12 months of functional implant loading. Materials and methods: This retrospective Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) analysis assessed 60 single implants including 36 axially placed (AX Group) and 24 non-axially (NAX Group) placed implants of dimension 4.2 × 10 mm. Marginal bone loss (Mesial, Distal) was assessed at 1 year post implant loading in both maxillary and mandibular implants. Independent sample t-test was done for intergroup comparison and paired t-test for intragroup comparisons. Results: Mean MBL was significantly greater (P-0.02) in NAX group compared to AX group on both mesial and distal sides. Maxillary implants showed greater MBL (3.17 ± 1.33, 2.99 ± 1.63 on mesial and distal sides respectively) compared to mandibular implants (1.86 ± 0.53, 2.29 ± 0.90 on mesial and distal sides respectively). Conclusion: Greater mean MBL during first year of functional loading in NAX group and maxillary implants was observed with minimal post-operative complications and good survival rate in both groups.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) completed its 5 month Survey Validation in 2021 May. Spectra of stellar and extragalactic targets from Survey Validation constitute the first major data sample from the DESI survey. This paper describes the public release of those spectra, the catalogs of derived properties, and the intermediate data products. In total, the public release includes good-quality spectral information from 466,447 objects targeted as part of the Milky Way Survey, 428,758 as part of the Bright Galaxy Survey, 227,318 as part of the Luminous Red Galaxy sample, 437,664 as part of the Emission Line Galaxy sample, and 76,079 as part of the Quasar sample. In addition, the release includes spectral information from 137,148 objects that expand the scope beyond the primary samples as part of a series of secondary programs. Here, we describe the spectral data, data quality, data products, Large-Scale Structure science catalogs, access to the data, and references that provide relevant background to using these spectra.

The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) was designed to conduct a survey covering 14,000 deg ^2 over 5 yr to constrain the cosmic expansion history through precise measurements of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO). The scientific program for DESI was evaluated during a 5 month survey validation (SV) campaign before beginning full operations. This program produced deep spectra of tens of thousands of objects from each of the stellar Milky Way Survey (MWS), Bright Galaxy Survey (BGS), luminous red galaxy (LRG), emission line galaxy (ELG), and quasar target classes. These SV spectra were used to optimize redshift distributions, characterize exposure times, determine calibration procedures, and assess observational overheads for the 5 yr program. In this paper, we present the final target selection algorithms, redshift distributions, and projected cosmology constraints resulting from those studies. We also present a One-Percent Survey conducted at the conclusion of SV covering 140 deg ^2 using the final target selection algorithms with exposures of a depth typical of the main survey. The SV indicates that DESI will be able to complete the full 14,000 deg ^2 program with spectroscopically confirmed targets from the MWS, BGS, LRG, ELG, and quasar programs with total sample sizes of 7.2, 13.8, 7.46, 15.7, and 2.87 million, respectively. These samples will allow exploration of the Milky Way halo, clustering on all scales, and BAO measurements with a statistical precision of 0.28% over the redshift interval z < 1.1, 0.39% over the redshift interval 1.1 < z < 1.9, and 0.46% over the redshift interval 1.9 < z < 3.5.

"Stay-green" crop phenotypes have been shown to impact drought tolerance and nutritional content of several crops. We aimed to genetically describe and functionally dissect the particular stay-green phenomenon found in chickpeas with a green cotyledon color of mature dry seed and investigate its potential use for improvement of chickpea environmental adaptations and nutritional value. We examined 40 stay-green accessions and a set of 29 BC2F4-5 stay-green introgression lines using a stay-green donor parent ICC 16340 and two Indian elite cultivars (KAK2, JGK1) as recurrent parents. Genetic studies of segregating populations indicated that the green cotyledon trait is controlled by a single recessive gene that is invariantly associated with the delayed degreening (extended chlorophyll retention). We found that the chickpea ortholog of Mendel's I locus of garden pea, encoding a SGR protein as very likely to underlie the persistently green cotyledon color phenotype of chickpea. Further sequence characterization of this chickpea ortholog CaStGR1 (CaStGR1, for carietinum stay-green gene 1) revealed the presence of five different molecular variants (alleles), each of which is likely a loss-of-function of the chickpea protein (CaStGR1) involved in chlorophyll catabolism. We tested the wild type and green cotyledon lines for components of adaptations to dry environments and traits linked to agronomic performance in different experimental systems and different levels of water availability. We found that the plant processes linked to disrupted CaStGR1 gene did not functionality affect transpiration efficiency or water usage. Photosynthetic pigments in grains, including provitaminogenic carotenoids important for human nutrition, were 2-3-fold higher in the stay-green type. Agronomic performance did not appear to be correlated with the presence/absence of the stay-green allele. We conclude that allelic variation in chickpea CaStGR1 does not compromise traits linked to environmental adaptation and agronomic performance, and is a promising genetic technology for biofortification of provitaminogenic carotenoids in chickpea.

Flowering time is a key trait in breeding and crop evolution, due to its importance for adaptation to different environments and for yield. In the particular case of chickpea, selection for early phenology was essential for the successful transition of this species from a winter to a summer crop. Here, we used genetic and expression analyses in two different inbred populations to examine the genetic control of domestication-related differences in flowering time and growth habit between domesticated chickpea and its wild progenitor Cicer reticulatum. A single major quantitative trait locus for flowering time under short-day conditions [Days To Flower (DTF)3A] was mapped to a 59-gene interval on chromosome three containing a cluster of three FT genes, which collectively showed upregulated expression in domesticated relative to wild parent lines. An equally strong association with growth habit suggests a pleiotropic effect of the region on both traits. These results indicate the likely molecular explanation for the characteristic early flowering of domesticated chickpea, and the previously described growth habit locus Hg. More generally, they point to de-repression of this specific gene cluster as a conserved mechanism for achieving adaptive early phenology in temperate legumes.

Therapeutic Area: Preventive Cardiology Best Practices Background: Cardiovascular disease disproportionately affects the Southeastern US. Cardiovascular preventive care is offered by various specialties with differences in training and perspectives. Therefore, there is potential heterogeneity in self-efficacy when delivering cardiovascular preventive care. We assessed clinicians’ self-reported efficacy regarding cardiovascular prevention practice in the Southeast US. Methods: We emailed a 21-item questionnaire four times between November 10, 2021, and January 3, 2022, to 956 clinicians (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, and pharmacists) from internal medicine, family medicine, endocrinology, and cardiology specialties in the Southeast US. We assessed clinicians’ self-efficacy using Likert scales. Participants rated self-efficacy as completely confident, fairly confident, somewhat confident, slightly confident, and not confident. We combined completely confident and fairly confident responses together and compared categorical responses from primary care providers (PCPs) (internal and family medicine) with specialists (endocrinology and cardiology) using Chi-Square test. Results: 264 clinicians from 19 institutions completed the survey (median age 39 years, 55% women). Specialists comprised 46% (9% endocrinology, 91% cardiology) and PCPs 54% (62% internal medicine, 38% family medicine). PCPs expressed lower self-efficacy compared to specialists in interpreting and managing results of coronary artery calcium testing (24% vs. 69%), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (20% vs. 46%), lipoprotein(a) (17% vs. 40%), familial hypercholesterolemia (45% vs 72%), and in prescribing ezetimibe (64% vs. 88%), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors (18% vs. 70%), and icosapent ethyl (18% vs. 46%) (Figure). Conversely, PCPs expressed greater self-efficacy compared with specialists in prescribing metformin (96% vs. 64%), sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (82% vs. 59%), and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (86% vs. 40%) (P-value for all comparisons ≤0.0001). Both PCPs and specialists expressed lower self-efficacy in prescribing bempedoic acid (10%, 18%, P = 0.11) and higher self-efficacy in prescribing aspirin for primary prevention (75% vs 86%, P = 0.07). Conclusion: Our results highlight the heterogeneity in clinicians’ self-reported efficacy in CVD prevention practice in the Southeast United States. Further research should explore effective strategies to enhance clinicians’ self-efficacy.

Background: After tooth extraction, it is critical to maintain alveolar bone proportions as well as soft tissue integrity for rehabilitation. The common procedure for closing the socket is a coronally advanced flap, however, it compromises the keratinized tissue dimensions. As a result, the current study's goal is to assess and compare the soft tissue dimensional alterations caused by the new palatal rotational pedicle flap versus the conventional coronally advanced flap as an adjunct to alveolar ridge preservation. Materials and Methods: Fifty-four participants requiring extraction of single maxillary posterior teeth were randomized into two groups. While both groups used a 1:1 mixture of demineralized freeze dried bone allograft and platelet rich fibrin to preserve the ridge after atraumatic extraction, the control group used a coronally advanced flap to seal the socket, whereas the test group used a rotational palatal pedicle flap to close the socket. At baseline, 3 and 6 months after surgery, the clinical parameters, i.e., vertical ridge height (VRH), horizontal ridge width (HRW), width of keratinized gingiva (WKG), thickness of keratinized gingiva (TKG), and papillary height (PH) were measured. Results: Intergroup comparison demonstrated a significantly greater gain in WKG (P = 0.001), TKG (P = 0.029) and PH (P = 0.021) in the test group. The VRH and HRW, on the other hand, were preserved in both groups. The data were analyzed using unpaired t-test for intergroup and analysis of variance for intragroup comparison. Conclusion: Both groups effectively preserved hard tissue dimensional changes, with the test group showing superior soft tissue enhancement.