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Background Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) is a life-threatening global pandemic. The dental profession is considered a high-risk group in the transmission of the responsible virus. Objective To assess the knowledge and attitude among dental professionals in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional study of dental graduates, interns, postgraduates, and dental faculty from May to July 2020. A standardized questionnaire was developed to assess knowledge and attitude of 650 participants. The questionnaire comprised 14 questions to assess general knowledge about COVID-19, 11 questions regarding knowledge about prevention of COVID-19 in dental practice, and 10 questions regarding the attitude toward preventing COVID-19. Results Among the study population, only 376 (57.8%) knew the causative virus for COVID-19. Only 425 (65.3%) knew about rinsing the mouth with an antimicrobial solution or 1% hydrogen peroxide before the dental procedure. Regarding the hand hygiene guidelines, 357 (54.9%) had knowledge of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and 377 (58.0%) about World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. At the time of our survey, 72% of the participants showed sufficient knowledge, while 28% had low or insufficient knowledge about COVID-19. Conclusion While there was a lack of knowledge among dental professionals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia about COVID-19, there was an excellent positive attitude toward preventing disease. Greater awareness is needed to control the spread of this disease.

Species of the genus Populus (commonly known as poplar) are one of the most widely used groups of forest trees in North America and Europe, and play a significant ecological role as a pioneer species in boreal forests and as a dominant species in the riparian forests that serve as wildlife habitats and watersheds. Natural and artificial hybrids of poplar are being extensively used in commercial plantations. However, many hybrid poplar trees are susceptible to Sphaerulina musiva, the pathogenic fungus that causes leaf spots and stem cankers and limits the utility of hybrid poplar as a plantation tree. We isolated an endophytic bacterial strain, Bacillus velezensis EB14, from a Populus hybrid which showed a strong antifungal activity against S. musiva. Through mass spectrometric analyses of cocultured B. velezensis EB14 and S. musiva, we identified five cyclic lipopeptides produced by B. velezensis EB14: iturin A1, iturin A2, iturin A9, subtulene A, and fengycin. In addition, B. velezensis EB14 produced four major unidentified compounds in cocultivation with S. musiva. The cyclopeptide production by B. velezensis EB14 was more pronounced (20- to 1,000-fold) in the cocultured plates due to elicitation by S. musiva. We also discovered that the native endophytic B. velezensis EB14 strain exhibited different levels of interactions against the endophytic fungal microbiomes of Populus sp. Overall, our results indicate that B. velezensis EB14 strain as a promising biocontrol agent that could be used against stem canker and leaf spot diseases caused by S. musiva in poplar plantations. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .

Background: COVID-19 vaccines were made available to the public by the end of 2020. However, little is known about COVID-19 booster dose (CBD) vaccine perception among healthcare workers (HCW) worldwide. The present study aims to assess the perception of CBD vaccines among healthcare workers in India and Saudi Arabia (SA). Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among HCWs in two countries, India and SA. Data were gathered through the use of a self-administered questionnaire. A convenience sampling technique was utilized to collect the data. Results: A total of 833 HCW responses were collected from the two countries, with 530 participants from India and 303 participants from SA responding to the questionnaire. Among them, 16% from India and 33% from SA were unwilling to take a CBD (p < 0.005). The primary reasons for not being willing were concerns about whether the vaccine would be effective (32%) and concerns about probable long-term side effects (31%). Concerns about not knowing enough about the vaccination (30%) and the possibility of long-term side effects (28%) were the primary concerns in SA. Regression analysis showed that males, urban residents, and post-graduates were more willing to take the CBD. Conclusion: There is a good perception of CBD and some hesitancy in receiving the booster dose among HCWs in both countries. The introduction of personalized education, risk communication, and deliberate policy could help to reduce the number of people who are unwilling to take a booster shot.

Recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) is an oral condition characterized by painful oral ulcerations. While the clinical features of this disease are easily defined, the etiology remains unclear. Thus, existing treatments are still unsatisfactory in reducing the severity, healing, and recurrence rate; however, there is no permanent and definitive treatment. Effective treatment for aphthous stomatitis is not available, and those treatments available mainly focus on suppressing its symptoms. We are reporting a case of a 17-year-old boy who presented with a 3-year history of multiple recurrent major ulcers in the oral cavity. Levamisole with steroids has been used in many clinical trials to treat aphthous ulcers, showing an improvement in pain, discomfort, healing time, and reduction in the number of ulcers. The same method was used to treat our patient, who showed promising results, with no recurrence for one year. Levamisole is a safe, easily tolerable and promising drug for the treatment of RAS.

BACKGROUND The introduction of modern diagnostic tools has transformed the field of maxillofacial radiology. Odontogenic infection and fascial space involvement have been evaluated with many diagnostic tools, including ultrasonography (USG) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). AIM To explore USG as an alternative model to MRI in the detection of fascial space spread of odontogenic infections. METHODS Among 20 patients, 50 fascial spaces were clinically diagnosed with odontogenic infection and included in this prospective study. Fascial space infection involvement was examined by USG and MRI. Results were compared for both and confirmed by microbiological testing. RESULTS Ultrasonography identified 42 (84%) of 50 involved fascial spaces. Whereas MRI identified all 50 (100%). USG could stage the infections from edematous change to cellulitis to complete abscess formation. CONCLUSION MRI was superior in recognizing deep fascial space infections compared to USG. However, USG is a significant addition and has a definite role in prognosticating the stage of infection and exact anatomic location in superficial space infections.

Background/purpose In the recent years artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized in the field of dentistry. The aim of this systematic review was to document the scope and performance of the artificial intelligence based models that have been widely used in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and predicting the prognosis. Materials and methods The literature for this paper was identified and selected by performing a thorough search for articles in the electronic data bases like Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane, and Google scholar, Scopus and Web of science, Saudi digital library published over the past two decades (January 2000–February 2020). After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 articles were read in full and critically analyzed. QUADAS-2 were adapted for quality analysis of the studies included. Results AI technology has been widely applied for identifying cephalometric landmarks, determining need for orthodontic extractions, determining the degree of maturation of the cervical vertebra, predicting the facial attractiveness after orthognathic surgery, predicting the need for orthodontic treatment, and orthodontic treatment planning. Most of these artificial intelligence models are based on either artificial neural networks (ANNs) or convolutional neural networks (CNNs). Conclusion The results from these reported studies are suggesting that these automated systems have performed exceptionally well, with an accuracy and precision similar to the trained examiners. These systems can simplify the tasks and provide results in quick time which can save the dentist time and help the dentist to perform his duties more efficiently. These systems can be of great value in orthodontics.

Assess radiologists' contribution to variation in clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) detection in patients with elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and multiparametric MRI (mpMRI).This institutional review board-approved, retrospective cohort study was performed at a tertiary, academic, National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center with a multidisciplinary prostate cancer program. Men undergoing mpMRI examinations from January 1, 2015, to December 31, 2019, with elevated PSA (≥4 ng/mL) and biopsy within 6 months pre- or post-MRI or prostatectomy within 6 months post-mpMRI were included. Univariate and multivariable hierarchical logistic regression assessed impact of patient, provider, mpMRI examination, mpMRI report, and pathology factors on the diagnosis of Grade Group ≥ 2 csPCa.Study cohort included 960 MRIs in 928 men, mean age 64.0 years (SD ± 7.4), and 59.8% (555 of 928) had csPCa. Interpreting radiologist was not significant individually (P.999) or combined with mpMRI ordering physician and physician performing biopsy or prostatectomy (P = .41). Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) category 2 (odds ratio [OR] 0.18, P = .04), PI-RADS category 4 (OR 2.52, P.001), and PI-RADS category 5 (OR 4.99, P.001) assessment compared with no focal lesion; PSA density of 0.1 to 0.15 ng/mL/cc (OR 2.46, P.001), 0.15 to 0.2 ng/mL/cc (OR 2.77, P.001), or ≥0.2 ng/mL/cc (OR 4.52, P.001); private insurance (reference = Medicare, OR 0.52, P = .001), and unambiguous extraprostatic extension on mpMRI (OR 2.94, P = .01) were independently associated with csPCa. PI-RADS 3 assessment (OR 1.18, P = .56), age (OR 0.99, P = .39), and African American race (OR 0.90, P = .75) were not.Although there is known in-practice variation in radiologists' interpretation of mpMRI, in our multidisciplinary prostate cancer program we found no significant radiologist-attributable variation in csPCa detection.

Background Cancer mortality is high in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), partly due to inadequate treatment access. We explored access to and affordability of cancer treatment regimens for the top 10 cancers utilizing examples from Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. Materials and Methods Population, healthcare financing, minimum wage, and cancer incidence and mortality data were obtained from the WHO, World Bank, public sources, and GLOBOCAN. National Essential Medicines List (NEML) alignment with 2019 WHO EML was assessed as a proportion. Cancer regimen pricing was calculated using public and proprietary sources and methods from prior studies. Affordability through universal healthcare coverage (UHC) was assessed as 1-year cost Results A total of 93.4% of the WHO EML cancer medicines were listed on the 2019 Kenya NEML, and 70.5% and 41.1% on Uganda (2016) and Rwanda (2015) NEMLs, respectively. Generic chemotherapies were available and affordable to governments through UHC to treat non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cervical, breast, prostate, colorectal, ovarian cancers, and select leukemias. Newer targeted agents were not affordable through government UHC purchasing, while some capecitabine-based regimens were not affordable in Uganda and Rwanda. All therapies were not affordable OOP. Conclusion All cancer treatment regimens were not affordable OOP and some were not covered by governments. Newer targeted drugs were not affordable to all 3 governments. UHC of cancer drugs and improving targeted therapy affordability to LMIC governments in SSA are key to improving treatment access and health outcomes.

BACKGROUND Atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) may be appropriate for populations without accessibility and affordability. More data are required regarding the success rate of ART in anterior teeth. AIM To evaluate the clinical performance of restoring class III cavities in anterior teeth of permanent dentition using the ART approach. METHODS A longitudinal interventional field study was carried out at two rural primary health centers, Tumkur district, India. A total of 54 teeth in 39 patients were evaluated for the survival rate of class III restorations in permanent anterior teeth using the ART approach in children and adult populations. Evaluation of ART restoration was carried out using Frencken J criteria, the mean procedure time, patient acceptance and reported pain severity during the ART approach were evaluated using a visual analog scale. Calculation of the cost of ART was also performed. RESULTS The mean time taken to perform the ART procedure was 14.79 ± 5.8 min with the majority of patients reporting only mild pain. At 6 mo follow-up, 72.2% remained in a good state, but this reduced to 27% at 12 mo. The cumulative survival rate of the restorations was 94.4% at 6 mo and 80.9% at 12 mo follow-up. Estimation of the direct cost for a single class III restoration was 186.50 INR (2.64 USD). CONCLUSION ART may be a good comprehensive option for basic oral health care for underserved or inaccessible populations, and preventive care for patients.

Background In the present-day world, the aging elderly across the world are living longer. Most people are expected to live well into their sixties and even beyond. The increasing life expectancy of the aging population could be due to increased availability of healthcare facilities and improved quality care provided by them. Alongside increasing life expectancy, the individual's quality of life and also his/her oral health-related quality of life (OHR-QoL) are expected to improve so that they can enjoy their aging life. Aim and objective The aim of this review article is to highlight aging-related oral health changes and their impact on the individual's quality of life. Review results Age-related oral changes are seen in the tooth structure making the enamel more brittle resulting in severe attrition. Autoimmune diseases like Sjogren's syndrome are followed by decrease in the salivary gland function and the reason is unknown, and medications like antihypertensive and analgesics are associated with the decrease in salivary flow, which increases the patient's risk of developing dental caries, and also make the oral tissues more prone to mucosal infections. Edentulism has also been directly related to masticatory problems and nutritional problems. The studies reported on OHR-QoL of these frail elderly populations have shown lower scores. Conclusion It is important for health professionals, especially those dealing with these frail elderly populations, to have a better understanding of their dental needs and also understand the physiologic changes undergone by them. The health professionals should understand and comprehend the oral health challenges these vulnerable people face. Clinical significance Healthcare providers should conduct periodic oral examinations along with general examination and should avoid prescribing medications that have xerostomia as a side effect. The elderly individuals should be encouraged to keep their mouth moist using water or artificial saliva and maintain good oral and denture hygiene.

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the radicular dentin defect during retreatment employed diverse NiTi hand and rotary retreatment file systems.Eighty mandibular premolars with a single root and root canal that were recently extracted were gathered and stored. The premolars were subject to decoronation at cementoenamel junction (CEJ) beneath irrigation with water to attain a uniform radicular length of 16 mm. Gutta-percha cones were covered with sealer and introduced into the root canal up to the working length. Eighty teeth were allocated at random into four groups with each group consisting of 20 samples. Group I: Control, Group II: EdgeFile XR retreatment rotary files, Group III: ProTaper Universal retreatment files, and Group IV: MTwo retreatment files. Under constant water cooling, the roots were cut flat with a diamond disc at apical third (3 mm), middle third (6 mm), and cervical third (9 mm) points. Stereomicroscope was employed to visualize the sections below × 20 magnification.A statistically significant difference was noted among the groups with respect to the formation of radicular dentinal defects at 3 mm (Despite the limitations in this study, it was concluded that all the evaluated file systems efficiently eliminated root canal filling during the retreatment. In addition, it was noted that the EdgeFile XR group exhibited fewer root dentin defects in comparison with the MTwo and ProTaper Universal group of files.

Background: Posts that have been properly fitted can withstand torsion forces and so provide better retention. The push-out bonding strength of glass fiber posts to the root canal was evaluated using resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) and flowable composite (FC). Method: Forty single-rooted maxillary central incisors were used in the study. The samples were randomly divided into two groups of 20 teeth each. The crown-down procedure was used to clean and shape the pulp area. A Tenax fiber trans Coltene whaletene post was used by both groups. The first group utilized FC (Filtek Z 350 3M ESPE) to coat the post, whereas the second group used RMGIC (Rely X 3M ESPE). The specimens were cross-sectioned after 24 h. Specimens were cross-sectioned four millimeters thick into coronal and middle parts using a sectioning machine, yielding 40 specimens per group. The strength of the bond between the luting cement and the posts was measured using push-out bond strength testing. We loaded the components at a cross speed of 0.5 mm/min on a universal testing machine until the bond failed. Results: The FC group had a 4.80 N push-out bond strength, whereas the RMGIC group had a 7.11 N push-out bond strength. Conclusion: FC’s mean push-out bond strength score is lower than RMGIC’s.

Despite numerous studies reporting endophytic fungal production of metabolites chemically similar to the secondary metabolites produced by their host plants, how and why the fungi produce these metabolites remain largely unknown. Here, we review the literature on endophytic fungal production of taxol and camptothecin, two extensively studied plant secondary metabolites, and highlight critical gaps in our knowledge that need to be addressed to adequately answer the above questions. We show that detailed studies are required for conclusive demonstration of i) the production of these metabolites by the fungi, ii) the tolerance of the fungi to the produced cytotoxic metabolites, and iii) the adaptive significance of the metabolite production to the fungi. Although our focus is on two widely studied plant secondary metabolites produced by fungi, the questions addressed here are equally applicable to the production of a large number of other fungal metabolites that are similar to those produced by their host plants.

Oral cancer (OC) is a deadly disease with a high mortality and complex etiology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is one of the outstanding innovations in technology used in dental science. This paper intends to report on the application and performance of AI in diagnosis and predicting the occurrence of OC. In this study, we carried out data search through an electronic search in several renowned databases, which mainly included PubMed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Embase, Cochrane, Web of Science, and the Saudi Digital Library for articles that were published between January 2000 to March 2021. We included 16 articles that met the eligibility criteria and were critically analyzed using QUADAS-2. AI can precisely analyze an enormous dataset of images (fluorescent, hyperspectral, cytology, CT images, etc.) to diagnose OC. AI can accurately predict the occurrence of OC, as compared to conventional methods, by analyzing predisposing factors like age, gender, tobacco habits, and bio-markers. The precision and accuracy of AI in diagnosis as well as predicting the occurrence are higher than the current, existing clinical strategies, as well as conventional statistics like cox regression analysis and logistic regression.

The objective of this paper was to evaluate the studies that have reported on psychological issues among dental students in Saudi Arabia and to develop coping strategies to overcome these mental health-related issues. The present systematic review is in accordance with the guidelines for Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). The search for the articles was carried out in the electronic databases by four independent researchers. The data search was performed in the electronic search engines like PubMed, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, Medline, Embase, Cochrane and Saudi Digital Library for scientific research articles published from January 2000 until December 2020. STROBE guidelines were adopted for qualitative analysis of six articles which met the eligibility criteria. The analysis of the literature revealed that most of the studies included were conducted in the past 8 years in different regions of Saudi Arabia. Findings of this systematic review clearly state that dental students in Saudi Arabia experience higher levels of depression, stress and anxiety and stress during their education period, with a higher stress for female students compared to male students. There is an urgent need to introduce interventional programs and preventive strategies to overcome the long-term effects.

A Phase-Locked Loop (PLL) Frequency multiplier application is been presented in this paper. The designed PLL is a type-2, order-3 CPPLL with a tuning range of 143-176M Hz with the center frequency of 160M Hz and a loop bandwidth of 2M Hz. The functional blocks of the PLL Frequency multiplier include PFD, Charge Pump with a loop filter, a voltage-controlled oscillator with constant gain(Kvco) over entire operating range and a frequency divider. All the blocks are optimized across PVT variations. The voltage-controlled oscillator (VCO) is designed using various optimization techniques for its better performance, the Charge Pump design is a "Gate driven" and the frequency divider works on Clocked CMOS logic whose advantages and implementations will be discussed further in the paper.

Vildagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus, is available as immediate release (IR) tablets administered at 50 mg twice daily (BID). A 100 mg modified release (MR) formulation was developed for once daily (QD) dosing. This study aimed to compare the therapeutic equivalence of vildagliptin 100 mg MR QD (test) and 50 mg IR BID (reference) formulations at steady state under fasting conditions.This was an open-label, randomized, two-period, single- and multiple-dose, two-way crossover, steady state study conducted in healthy adult subjects. Both vildagliptin formulations were administered for six days. Endpoints included pharmacodynamic equivalence, pharmacokinetic parameters, and tolerability of both formulations.Thirty subjects were enrolled and 26 completed both treatments. Maximum plasma concentration and exposure achieved with test was lower than reference formulation on day 1 and 6. The DPP-4 enzyme inhibition over time (DPP-4-AUECThis study confirms the therapeutic equivalence of vildagliptin IR and MR formulations for DPP-4 enzyme inhibition over time. The study supports vildagliptin 100 mg MR QD as a useful therapeutic alternative to 50 mg IR BID formulation to possibly improve treatment adherence and patient compliance. Long-term safety of the vildagliptin 100 mg MR QD formulation is not evaluated in this study.

Forensic odontology (FO) mainly deals with the identification of the individual through the remains, which mainly includes teeth and jawbones. Artificial intelligence (AI) technology has proven to be a breakthrough in providing reliable information in decision making in forensic sciences. This systematic review aimed to report on the application and performance of AI technology in FO. The data was gathered through searching for the articles in the renowned search engines, which have been published between January 2000 - June 2020. QUADAS-2 was adopted for the risk of bias analysis of the included studies. AI technology has been widely applied in FO for identifying bite-marks, predicting mandibular morphology, gender determination, and age estimation. Most of these AI models are based on either artificial neural networks (ANNs) or convolutional neural networks (CNNs). The results of the studies are promising. Studies have reported that these models display accuracy and precision equivalent to that of the trained examiners. These models can be promising tools when identifying victims of mass disasters and as an additive aid in medico-legal situations.

The outbreak of this corona virus disease 19 (COVID-19) was first reported in Wuhan city in China and now it has become a global issue. The total number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 recorded globally has surpassed 100,000. The mode of transmission of COVID-19 is usually from person to person and it could also be through direct transmission such as cough, sneeze, and inhalation of droplets. Dental care providers are at higher risk since they are more prone to cross contamination with the patient's saliva and aerosols that are released during the dental procedures. They can also be transmitted through other routes such as direct contact with blood, oral fluids, and from contaminated instruments. This paper intends to provide primordial-level preventive measures for dental care providers against this life-threatening COVID-19. How to cite this article Khanagar SB, Al-Ehaideb A, Naik S, et al. Primordial-level Preventive Measures for Dental Care Providers against Life-threatening Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2020;13(2):176–179.

In recent times, numerous scientific articles have been published on the risks of exposure to infectious microorganisms in dental care settings. The main mode of transmission of such infectious organisms is primarily through bioaerosols generated during routine dental procedures which put both dental care providers and their patients at an increased risk of exposure. Other frequent modes of infection transmission often reported include cross contamination and inadequate adoption of infection control protocols. The main objective of this article is to highlight the findings of those studies that have reported on the routes and modes of transmission of infectious organisms in dental settings, to report possibilities of cross contamination in dental care settings, and also to report any breach in adherence to infection control protocols in dental care settings. We also intend to emphasize on standard infection control protocols and strategies that need to be considered in dental care settings during disease outbreaks like coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Objective Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is a chronic precancerous condition affecting the oral cavity, which is progressive and characterised by burning sensation and fibrotic change leading to restriction of mouth opening. This study evaluated the morphology of soft palate in different stages of OSMF patients using digital lateral cephalogram and compare it with healthy individuals. Methods The study included 60 subjects, who were grouped as 30 OSMF and 30 healthy subjects from the same geographic population. Digital lateral cephalograms were taken with Planmeca Proline XC (Oy, Helsinki, Finland). Soft palate morphology was evaluated using Lateral Cephalogram, and the results were analysed statistically. Results Leaf-shaped (Type 1) soft palate was commonly seen in the control group and stage I and II OSMF. Stage III OSMF patients presented with a butt-shaped (Type 3) soft palate. As the disease progressed, there was a conversion of Type 1 variety of soft palate to Type 3 variety. There was a gradual reduction in the length of the soft palate in the anteroposterior direction in OSMF patients compared to the control group. Conclusion Early cephalometric diagnosis of soft palate changes may play a pivotal role in the overall management of OSMF. .

Aim: This study was undertaken to assess the association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome. Materials and Methods: A case-control study was designed among 100 cases as patients with metabolic syndrome aged 35–74 years, and age- and sex-matched 100 controls as apparently healthy relatives or friends accompanying the cases visiting the diabetic outpatient department at Victoria Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India, using convenience sampling method. Information related to diabetes, hypertension, and oral hygiene practices was collected. Periodontal health status was measured using community periodontal index. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed based on the criteria of National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III. Chi-square test and logistic regression were used for analysis. Results: Significantly more number of cases had shallow pockets 4–5 mm, deep pockets ≥ 6 mm, and also more number of loss of attachment code 1, code 2, code 3, and code 4 compared to controls. Bivariate analysis showed significant association between metabolic syndrome and body mass index, smoking, and tobacco chewing. The association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome was significant with increased risk of developing metabolic syndrome among the subjects with community periodontal index code 3 and code 4 (odds ratio [OR] = 17) and among the subjects having loss of attachment code 1, code 2, code 3, and code 4 (OR = 12). Association remained significant even after adjustment with other variables (adjusted OR = 6). Conclusion: This study showed significant association between periodontitis and metabolic syndrome. Further prospective and randomized control trials are recommended to assess causal association between these two diseases.

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.

Aim and Objectives: The study aimed at assessment of microwave assisted tissue fixation, processing and staining and to determine if it can replace standard formalin fixed paraffin embedded processing in tissues of different thickness. Materials and Methods: Specimens from buccal mucosa and gingiva was used in the study and were divided into three different thickness and was fixed, processed and stained according to conventional method and with a use of kitchen microwave oven respectively. The present study is the first of its kind where oral tissues was fixed, processed and stained with a kitchen microwave in three different thickness. The results obtained was statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics version 21.0 software. Results: The new technique of fixation, tissue processing and staining using a microwave employed in the present study represented a major change from conventional method and achieved significant reduction in time taken. Conclusion: The ease of application and speed of this technique significantly reduced turnaround time in diagnostic labs.