Background:Lichen planus (LP) is a mucocutaneous disease that is relatively common among adult population. LP can present as skin and oral lesions. This study highlights the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP.Aims:The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP from a population of patients attending the Department of Oral Medicine and Radiodiagnosis, Pushpagiri College of Dental Sciences, Tiruvalla, Kerala, India.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional study was designed to evaluate the prevalence of oral, skin, and oral and skin lesions of LP. This is a ongoing prospective study with results of 2 years being reported. LP was diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and histopathological analysis of mucosal and skin biopsy done for all patients suspected of having LP. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS (Statistical package for social sciences) software version 14. To test the statistical significance, chi-square test was used.Results:Out of 18,306 patients screened, 8,040 were males and 10,266 females. LP was seen in 118 cases (0.64%). Increased prevalence of LP was observed in middle age adults (40–60 years age group) with lowest age of 12 years and highest age of 65 years. No statistically significant differences were observed between the genders in skin LP group (P=0.12) and in oral and skin LP groups (P=0.06); however, a strong female predilection was seen in oral LP group (P=0.000036). The prevalence of cutaneous LP in oral LP patients was 0.06%.Conclusion:This study showed an increased prevalence of oral LP than skin LP, and oral and skin LP with a female predominance.

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.

Water purification filters based on polylactic acid functionalised with hydroxyapatite were prepared by solvent-assisted blending and thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), extruded into filaments and processed via three-dimensional (3D) printing.

Bio-based and patient-specific three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds can present next generation strategies for bone tissue engineering (BTE) to treat critical bone size defects. In the present study, a composite filament of poly lactic acid (PLA) and 45S5 bioglass (BG) were used to 3D print scaffolds intended for bone tissue regeneration. The thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) technique was used to produce composite spheres that were extruded into a continuous filament to 3D print a variety of composite scaffolds. These scaffolds were analyzed for their macro- and microstructures, mechanical properties, in vitro cytotoxicity and in vivo biocompatibility. The results show that the BG particles were homogeneously distributed within the PLA matrix and contributed to an 80% increase in the mechanical strength of the scaffolds. The in vitro cytotoxicity analysis of PLA-BG scaffolds using L929 mouse fibroblast cells confirmed their biocompatibility. During the in vivo studies, the population of the cells showed an elevated level of macrophages and active fibroblasts that are involved in collagen extracellular matrix synthesis. This study demonstrates successful processing of PLA-BG 3D-printed composite scaffolds and their potential as an implant material with a tunable pore structure and mechanical properties for regenerative bone tissue engineering.

Reconstruction and augmentation of the alveolar bone defects pose a challenge for the dental surgeons due to its complex structure. The primary objective of tissue engineering is to regenerate or replace damaged tissues or organs including damaged bone tissues with bone grafts, cells, and biological molecules. 45S5-bioglass (45S5-BG), with its superior osteoconductive and osteoinductive abilities, has been at the forefront of tissue engineering, alveolar bone regeneration, and periodontal regenerative surgical procedures for the past several years. With the aim of regenerating supporting alveolar bone, 45S5-BG was synthesized via sol-gel technique. 45S5-BG was characterized by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis. In vitro bioactivity study was validated in simulated body fluid (SBF) and analysed by Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). In vitro cell compatibility was assessed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthyazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay using L929 cells. Further, in vivo alveolar bone regenerative potential of 45S5-BG bone graft was evaluated. XRD spectrum confirmed the formation of combeite crystalline phase after sintering. TEM images imparted ultra-structural features of the sample and proved the presence of a major crystalline phase embedded in a glassy matrix. In vitro bioactivity study proved the formation of hydroxy carbonate apatite (HCA) as confirmed by FTIR analysis. The in vitro MTT assay results confirmed the cell compatibility of 45S5-BG and histological analysis proved new bone formation. Within the limitations of this study, the results demonstrated that in addition to the observed bioactive and cell compatible properties, sol-gel synthesized 45S5-BG bone graft exhibited notable alveolar bone regenerative potential.