Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a highly infectious respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus known as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which has been observed to vary in its degree of symptoms. One of the most important clinical manifestations is pneumonia and the subsequent worsening of the hyperinflammatory state and cytokine storm. Tocilizumab (TCB) is a recombinant humanized, anti-human monoclonal antibody of the immunoglobulin G1k (IgG1k) subclass that acts against soluble and membrane-bound interleukin six receptors (IL-6R). There is wide use of TCB in rheumatic diseases. However, recently this medication has been used in the treatment of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Tocilizumab application in COVID-19 patients with a high risk of a cytokine storm shows a positive response in reducing the mortality rate. Moreover, TCB minimizes the time needed to recover, improves oxygenation, shortens the duration of vasopressor support, and reduces the likelihood of invasive mechanical ventilation. Therefore we provide an overview of recent studies to understand the efficacy of this drug under various circumstances, including COVID-19 and rheumatic pathologies. This article also explores and integrates the different treatment possibilities in prominent anti-inflammatory and immunemodulatory-related symptoms. The preliminary data demonstrate promising results regarding the efficacy of TCB use in severe COVID-19 patients. Nevertheless, randomized controlled trials, with adequate sample sizes and sufficient follow-up periods, are needed to form conclusions and establish treatment recommendations.

Aim: To compare the rise in temperature inside pulp chambers with two different provisional crown prosthesis materials. Study Design: Comparative -in vitro. Place and Duration of Study: Department of Prosthodontics, Liaquat Medical University Hospital from AUGUST 2019 TO DECEMBER 2019. Methodology: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mean rise in temperature during provisional restoration utilising Polymethyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) versus bis- glycidyl methacrylate resin (Bis-GMA) at in-vitro laboratory of Prosthodontic department, Liaquat University of Medical and Health, Jamshoro. A total number of 60 extracted maxillary central incisor teeth were selected using non probability consecutive sampling technique. Teeth were divided into two groups on the basis of fabrication material used. In group I; Poly-methyl methacrylate resin (PMMA) was used for provisional restoration and in group II; bis-glycidyl methacrylate (Bis-GMA) was used for provisional restoration. Tooth preparations were performed following all the principles. Mean temperature rise was recorded and compared for both material over each tooth using radicular approach after placing the provisional restorations in impression mould. Results: A total number of 60 teeth were selected, out of which 31 (51.67%) were right maxillary central incisor and 29 (48.33%) were left maxillary central incisor. On comparison of mean rise in pulp temperature between the PMMA group and Bis-GMA group, mean rise in temperature was significantly high in PMMA group; 40.59±0.56°C versus 39.40±0.53°C in Bis-GMA group (p-value <0.0001). Conclusion: The mean rise in pulp temperature using Bis-GMA resin was significantly less as compared to the PMMA material. So Bis-GMA should be preferred over PMMA material for provisional restorations.

Objective: To evaluate the denture hygiene practices among elderly complete denture wearers. Subject and Methods: A total of 210 denture wearers in age range of 40 to 80 years were recruited in the study. All the study subjects were interviewed regarding their complete denture in terms of wearing duration, cleaning frequency, cleaning methods, continuous wearing and instruction regarding its hygiene. Results: Mean age of patients was 54.03+11.06 years, minimum 38 years and maximum 80 years. Males were found in majority 56.7% and females were 43.3%. Most of the cases i.e 38.1% wearing the denture form 1-3 years, followed by 29.0% wearing denture from less than 6 months. Around 53.3% were cleaning their denture once a day. Denture cleaning frequency and cleaning methods were statistically insignificant according to age and gender Conclusion: Brushing with dentifrice and without dentifrice was the method of choice for cleaning. Awareness programs should be carried out regarding proper cleaning methods and its cleaning frequency and others. Keywords: Denture Hygiene, Complete Denture Wearers, Habits.

Objective: To compare the frequency of instrument fracture of endodontic file using Rotary Pro Tapers and EDM Hy Flex series. Study Design & Setting: This experimental in vitro study was conducted at Institute of Dentistry Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences Jamshoro. Subjects and Methods: Data was prospectively collected from extracted human teeth. A total of 66 canals were included. Simple descriptive statistics were used to present demographic data, along with frequency and percentages to present qualitative variables. It was decided to perform a post-stratification chi square test taking a p-value of less than 0.05 as significant. Results: A total of 66 canals (33 each endodontic file using Rotary Pro Tapers and EDM Hy Flex series) were included. Mean endodontic file in group A and B was 1.28±0.14 mm and 0.58±0.08 mm. Comparison of instrument separation in endodontic file using Rotary Pro Tapers and Hy Flex series showed separation of 09 (27.3%) and 02 (6.1%) respectively. Conclusion: Based on the results of this study, Protaper files generated much more stress than EDM Hy Flex files, but comparisons of instrument separation between the two instruments showed that the latter performed better overall. Keywords: Root canal treatment, Endodontic file, Rotary Pro Tapers and Rotary EDM Hy Flex.

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical status defined as a final stage of many cardiac diseases featured by severely impaired systolic myocardial performance in a result of dramatic decline in a number of properly functioning cardiomyocytes. Currently, the available therapeutic options for HF patients are not applicable in all of them. Up to now, many strategies to increase a number of normal cardiomyocytes have been proposed. One of them, the most physiological one at glance, seems to be a stimulation of post-mitotic cardiomyocytes to proliferate/or cardiac stem cells to differentiate. In this review article, detailed background of such method of myocardial regeneration, including the physiological processes of cardiomyocyte transformation and maturation, is presented. Moreover, the latest directions of basic research devoted to develop sufficient and safe cardiomyocyte-based therapies of the end-stage HF individuals are discussed. Concluding, this direction of further research seems to be justified particularly in a view of human population aging, an increased prevalence of HF and higher expectations of improved efficiency of patients’ care.