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ObjectivesEven though several effective vaccines are available to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, wide disparities in vaccine distribution, and vaccine acceptance rates between high- and low-income countries appear to be major threats toward achieving population immunity. Our global descriptive study aims to inform policymakers on factors affecting COVID-19 vaccine acceptance among healthcare workers (HCWs) in 12 countries, based on income index. We also looked for possible predictors of vaccine acceptance among the study sample.MethodsA structured questionnaire prepared after consultation with experts in the field and guided by the “Report of the SAGE working group on vaccine hesitancy” was administered among 2,953 HCWs. Upon obtaining informed consent, apart from demographic information, we collected information on trust in vaccines and health authorities, and agreement to accept a COVID-19 vaccine.ResultsAlthough 69% of the participants agreed to accept a vaccine, there was high heterogeneity in agreement between HCWs in low and lower-middle income countries (L-LMICs) and upper-middle- and high-income countries (UM-HICs), with acceptance rates of 62 and 75%, respectively. Potential predictors of vaccine acceptance included being male, 50 years of age or older, resident of an UM-HIC, updating self about COVID-19 vaccines, greater disease severity perception, greater anxiety of contracting COVID-19 and concern about side effects of vaccines.ConclusionsCOVID-19 vaccine acceptance among HCWs in L-LMICs was considerably low as compared to those from UM-HICs. The lowest vaccine acceptance rates were among HCWs from the African continent. This underlines the need for the implementation of country-specific vaccine promotion strategies, with special focus on increasing vaccine supply in L-LMICs.

Background: Frenectomy is the complete excision of the frenum along with its attachment to the underlying bone. It can be done by conventional technique, electrosurgery or soft tissue lasers. Aim: To evaluate the effects of diode laser and scalpel technique on degree of post-operative pain and discomfort experienced by patients on the 1 st , 3 rd and the 7 th post-operative days after frenectomy. Materials and Methods: Ten patients who required frenectomy were randomly assigned to undergo treatment with diode laser or scalpel. The data were analyzed with paired t-test and intragroup comparison was determined by ANOVA. Results: Intergroup comparison of the mean VAS scores for discomfort and pain for both the groups showed significant difference. The VAS scores of pain and discomfort within scalpel group between 1 st and 3 rd day did not show any significant difference, however between 7 th day versus 3 rd and 1 st day difference was highly significant. The VAS scores of pain and discomfort within laser group between all the days showed significant difference. Conclusion: Taking into consideration the clinical outcome, the diode laser is a dependable alternative as it is an efficient and satisfactory option for procedures like frenectomy.

The objective of our study is to assess the subjective and objective oral manifestations and salivary pH in diabetic and nondiabetic uremic patients at a nephrology clinic. A total of 194 diabetic and nondiabetic patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who were divided into four groups, Group A, B, C, D, and who were attending a nephrology clinic were included in the study. Predialytic unstimulated whole salivary pH was recorded using pH- measuring strips. Subjective and objective findings were evaluated and recorded in the specially designed pro forma. Dental health assessment consisted of decayed, missing, and filled teeth index and community periodontal index (CPI). Dysgeusia was found to be significantly more prevalent in nondiabetic patients on dialysis. Uremic odor showed high significance (P <0.05) with 75% patients being positive in diabetic dialysis. There was no significant difference in the incidence of tongue coating between the four groups. A statistically high significance was observed with the objective oral manifestation of mucosal petechiae, with P = 0.01. There was an increased periodontal pocket depth among diabetic CKD patients as compared to that in nondiabetic patients. A moderate significance was found, with a CPI score showing P <0.05. Increased prevalence of caries was noticed among the diabetic CKD patients (Groups A, B). Recorded salivary pH showed no significant difference among diabetic and nondiabetic CKD patients. Findings suggest that these patients are at risk of developing complications, related to systemic health causing morbidity and mortality. Hence, these patients are to be motivated for comprehensive professional oral care and self oral hygiene instructions. Additional research is necessary to elucidate and correlate the combined influence of diabetes, CKD, and dialysis on oral health.

HighlightsOur article was an attempt to focus on combined benefits of Bio-Gen mix®, PRF and amnion membrane to provide a viable regenerative option in periapical surgery.To the best of our knowledge, there has been no evidence related to the application of a human placental membrane in periapical surgery. Our presented case reports provide an insight into this novel therapeutic option.The presented case reports confirm that the amnion membrane combined with bone graft and PRF have enhanced the healing outcomes and provided endodontists a sustainable tool while performing surgeries in the esthetic zone.