The current study aimed to determine the level of fear of COVID-19 among Indian residents using the Fear of COVID-19 Scale (FCV-19S) and compare it with demographic variables. This cross-sectional online survey conducted among the Indian population employed a convenient snowball sampling technique. Age, gender, marital status, educational qualifications, health care worker status and state of residence were the demographic details (six items) collected. The seven-item FCV-19S was used to assess fear regarding COVID−19 on a five-point Likert scale. The mean score for the responses was calculated and compared based on demographic variables. A comparison of low and high levels of fear and a multiple logistic regression analysis of levels of fear with demographic variables were conducted. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study population comprised 45.6% (683) males and 54.4% (816) females, with approximately 68% belonging to the age group of 20-40 years. The overall mean score for the questionnaire was 18.00 + 5.68. A significantly higher number of the study population reported low fear (54.8%). Only gender (p = 0.08) and health care worker status (p = 0.02) revealed a significant difference based on the level of fear. Females, married status, lower educational status and being a health care worker displayed significantly higher odds for high level of fear compared to their respective counterparts in this study population. The findings of this study may help to identify the groups most at risk and formulate tailor-made intervention strategies to ensure their optimal health in this time of global crisis.

Aim:The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding breast self-examination (BSE) in a cohort of Indian female dental students.Materials and Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire study was conducted on dental students at Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. Data were analyzed using SPSS software (version 12). Chi-square test was used for analysis of categorical variables. Correlation was analyzed using Karl Pearson's correlation coefficient. The total scores for KAP were categorized into good and poor scores based on 70% cut-off point out of the total expected score for each. P-value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results:This study involved a cohort of 203 female dental students. Overall, the total mean knowledge score was 14.22 ± 8.04 with the fourth year students having the maximum mean score (19.98 ± 3.68). The mean attitude score was 26.45 ± 5.97. For the practice score, the overall mean score was 12.64 ± 5.92 with the highest mean score noted for third year 13.94 ± 5.31 students. KAP scores upon correlation revealed a significant correlation between knowledge and attitude scores only (P<0.05).Conclusion:The study highlights the need for educational programs to create awareness regarding regular breast cancer screening behavior.

Aim:The aim is to review and discuss the strategies available for use of platelet rich fibrin as healing aid in dentistry.Background:Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is a fibrin matrix in which platelet cytokines, growth factors, and cells are trapped and may be released after a certain time and that can serve as a resorbable membrane. Choukroun and his associates were amongst the pioneers for using PRF protocol in oral and maxillofacial surgery to improve bone healing in implant dentistry. Autologous PRF is considered to be a healing biomaterial, and presently, studies have shown its application in various disciplines of dentistry.Materials and Methods:By using specific keywords, electronic search of scientific papers was carried out on the entire PubMed database with custom range of 5 years. The electronic search yielded 302 papers; based on inclusion and exclusion criteria which were specifically predetermined, 72 papers were identified as suitable to the inclusion criteria and the remaining 230 papers were excluded. After adding three more selected papers through hand search, full text of all the articles retrieved and review was done. By pooling the extracted data from selected papers, the reviewed data was synthesized.Conclusion:Recently by showing good promising results with use of the PRF, it has proved to have a good prospect for its use as healing aid in various aspects of the dentistry.

Aim:The objective was to assess the knowledge and pattern of antibiotic and non narcotic analgesic prescription for pulpal and periapical pathologies among dentists, registered with IDA, in and around Hyderabad. Materials and Methods:Cross-sectional survey was conducted from January 2014 to February 2014 in and around Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India. A questionnaire for this cross-sectional survey was designed for evaluating the knowledge and patterns of antibiotic and non narcotic analgesic prescription for pulpal and periapical pathologies. It included some demographic information, questions regarding clinical and non clinical factors, type of antibiotics and non narcotics analgesics prescribed were recorded. Data was computed and analysed using SPSS software. Descriptive statistics was performed. Results:The response rate for the study was 85%, 51.4% being males and 53.9% were pursuing post graduation. Of the respondents, 44.3% would prescribe medication with elevated body temperatures and evidence of systemic involvement, while 42.8% would prescribe medication for non clinical factors such as unsure of diagnosis. Necrotic pulp with acute apical periodontitis with swelling present and mod/severe preoperative symptoms was the most common condition identified for antibiotic therapy (56.4%). The first antibiotic of choice in patients with no medical allergies is amoxicillin, followed by amoxicillin and metronidazole. The first antibiotic of choice in case of allergic to penicillin was erythromycin. 55.1% and 37.3% would not prescribe antibiotic and analgesic after Root canal treatment respectively. The most commonly prescribed NSAID is Diclofenac (51.1%). Factors influencing the choice of analgesics among respondents is severity of pain (61.4%). 31.7% remained informed of current prophylactic practices through pharmaceutical companies followed by university training sessions and scientific societies (30.7%). Conclusion:The results of the present survey have demonstrated a lack of uniformity among the dental practitioners. All the clinicians should make themselves aware of the current guidelines available, to ensure highest degree of patient care.

Background:Administration of systemic antibiotics may implement persuasive treatment effect for chronic periodontitis by intending tissue-invasive bacteria in addition to accustomed nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT).Aims:The aim of this study was to assess the ancillary effects of oral clarithromycin (CLM) along with NSPT for chronic periodontitis.Materials and Methods:Thirty periodontitis patients were randomly divided into two equal groups in this double-blind, randomized, parallel group, and active-controlled trial: test group – scaling and root planning (SRP) plus CLM (500 mg thrice daily for 7 days, orally) was given, and control group – only SRP was done. Clinical analysis, such as gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL), were taken at baseline, 3 months, and 6-month intervals for both groups. Subgingival plaque samples were cultured for periodontopathic organisms. Immunological parameter C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were estimated.Results:SPSS version 14 was used for statistical analysis. The intragroup comparison showed a significant reduction in the mean scores of all the parameters from baseline to 6 months. The intergroup comparison showed a statistically significant reduction of PD from baseline to 3 months (P < 0.001). GI, CAL, and CRP levels were also reduced but not statistically significant. The mean colony-forming units (CFU) of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg) showed a statistically significant reduction from baseline to 3 months only in the test group (P = 0.042) and (P = 0.046), respectively. There was no statistically significant reduction of Aa and Pg at 6 months.Conclusions:CLM conceivably accepted as an addendum to NSPT for a shorter period.