To conclude, within limitations of this study, it became clear that normal level of hydration and higher values for flow rate, pH, buffering capacity of saliva lead to good oral health and a reduced caries occurrence. Increased salivary viscosity plays a role in increasing caries incidence. Salivary biochemical indicators like calcium, phosphorus and alkaline phosphatase also play their respective role in determining caries susceptibility of an individual. These salivary parameters can be used as diagnostic tool for caries risk assessment.

Aim National survey to evaluate the uptake of Less Invasive Surfactant Administration (LISA) in neonatal units across England. Methods A web‐based survey was sent out by email to all 150 neonatal units in England. It consisted of questions regarding indications for LISA, the practicalities of the procedure and reasons for not using this technique. Results The response rate was 96% (144/150 units). Only 11% of units are using LISA, but majority (78%) would consider implementing LISA on their unit. 56% would also consider LISA on delivery suite. Challenges identified are having a guideline and staff training. 61% of units have set the target population ≥27 weeks. On sub‐analysis, for tertiary units, the trend for LISA is ≥26 weeks. The median FiO2 threshold for LISA is 0.3 (IQR 0.3‐0.4) in less than 28 weeks gestational age (GA), and 0.4 in higher gestations. The most common suggestion for premedication is fentanyl (32%). Conclusion The uptake of LISA in England is low comparing to the rest of Europe. Even though many units are considering implementing LISA, there is lack of training and national guidelines. There is urgent need for standardisation of practice and clear indications for LISA.

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Aim:To evaluate the efficacy of irrigation of periodontal pockets by using ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine (CHX) gluconate as adjuncts to scaling and root planing in the management of chronic periodontitis. Materials and methods:For the present study, 20 patients in the age group of 30-60 years, suffering from chronic periodontitis presenting with at least one site with an almost similar pocket depth of 4-6 mm in both the quadrants of maxillary arch was taken. Irrigation was done after 2 weeks of scaling and root planning on the same day with ozonated water and 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate for two and half minutes. The clinical parameters like gingival index, probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded for both the groups at the baseline visit.They were subsequently recalled after 4 weeks and 3 months interval from the baseline visit. Data thus collected was compiled and put to statistical analysis.

Background: Researchers have proved Glycine to be safe, less abrasive, sweet and comfortable for patients. It is beneficial in removing plaque as well as stains. The present study aims to compare the plaque and extrinsic stain removal efficacy of the air-polishing device and rubber cup prophylaxis technique along with a comparative evaluation of the gingival trauma caused by both the techniques. Method: This split-mouth randomized clinical trial was conducted on a total of 60 subjects in half of whom, left side was assigned to Glycine powder air polishing and the right side to rubber cup prophylaxis with (Glycine powder) and vice versa in the other half. All the subjects had their calculus removed one month prior to the intervention. Plaque index, Stain index and Trauma index were recorded and statistical analysis was done. Results: Both the techniques (RCP and AP) demonstrated a significant reduction in plaque and stains within their respective groups, but revealed non-significant differences between the study groups. Gingival trauma was found to be significantly higher in case of AP group. Rubber cup technique was preferred over air polishing by the subjects. Conclusion The data indicates that both the techniques were equally beneficial for plaque and stain removal, but rubber cup polishing technique has an advantage over the air polishing technique.

Background. The second wave of Novel Coronavirus disease (COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2) is proving more disastrous than the first because of the new mutant stains. Under these circumstances, vaccination is the only effective solution that can save millions of lives across the globe. Objectives. The present study was conducted to assess the attitude and acceptance/willingness of health care professionals (medical and dental) towards COVID-19 vaccine. Materials and Methods. An online questionnaire survey was conducted among medical and dental professionals working in different hospitals of two states of India. A total of 520 subjects constituted the final sample size. A self-constructed questionnaire (divided into 2 parts) containing 12 questions was administered to obtain information from the subjects regarding their attitude and willingness towards COVID 19 vaccine. Statistical analysis was done using chi-square test and multiple liner regression analysis. Odds ratio with 95% CI were also generated. Statistical significance was set at p≤0.05. Results. Majority of the subjects (67% of dental and 73% of medical) had full confidence on the effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccine. Willingness to get vaccinated was shown by 63% of subjects and 65% had positive attitude towards vaccine. Some subjects (45.5% dental and 48.4% medical) showed concern regarding unforeseen effects of the vaccine. Willingness to get vaccinated was 3.45 higher in subjects who were involved in COVID duties. Subjects giving less preference to natural immunity over vaccine showed more willingness (OR: 2.98) towards getting the vaccine. Conclusion. The findings of the study showed that acceptance and attitude of subjects regarding COVID 19 vaccine was suboptimal as there were various factors which contributed towards subjects’ hesitancy to get vaccinated. There is an utmost need to address various issues regarding vaccine safety to promote high uptake.

The second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has affected India significantly with country reporting more than 400,000 cases in the month of May 2021 and health system almost collapsing. This was attributed to the new mutant strain also called as the ‘Delta Strain’ which led to high surge of cases across the country. As the country was stabilising over this situation, another imminent threat in the form of Covid Associated Mucormycosis (CAM) challenged the already burdened health system of India. Also called as ‘Black Fungus,’ cases of CAM began to rise rapidly in the last week of May 2021 with multiple states reporting steady rise in the number of cases. Based on the published literature, India contributed to approximately 71% of global cases of CAM from December 2019 to start of April 2021, with majority of the cases occurring during the second wave. The present paper focuses on the epidemic of CAM during the second wave in India highlighting the causes, symptoms and various treatment modalities that have been adopted to cure the disease. Also, spotlight has also been thrown on some other nations where cases of CAM have begun to emerge. Some key recommendations are also mentioned which can prove vital towards disease prevention.

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