Alginate has garnered significant attention in regenerative dentistry for its biocompatibility, mechanical strength, and controlled biodegradability. The incorporation of hydroxyapatite enhances its ability to mimic the dentin extracellular matrix, promoting cellular adhesion, proliferation, and mineralization. This study aims to comprehensively assess the structural, chemical, and biological properties of Alg-HA scaffolds to evaluate their potential for dentin regeneration. Alginate-hydroxyapatite (Alg-HA) scaffolds were synthesized by dissolving sodium alginate (2 % w/v) in distilled water, followed by the incorporation of hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized via chemical precipitation using calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and ammonium phosphate. The composite solution was homogenized through stirring and ultrasonication before being freeze-dried to fabricate porous scaffolds. Characterization was performed using X-ray Diffraction (XRD) to confirm crystallinity, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) to verify functional group interactions, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) with Energy Dispersive X-ray Analysis (EDAX) to analyze morphology and elemental composition. In vitro degradation studies were conducted in simulated body fluid (SBF) to assess scaffold stability by measuring mass loss over time, with additional pH monitoring and SEM analysis for morphological changes. Hemocompatibility was evaluated through hemolysis assays, comparing scaffold-incubated blood samples to positive and negative controls. XRD analysis confirmed the successful incorporation of HA within the alginate matrix, highlighting characteristic HA peaks and alginate's amorphous nature. FTIR analysis validated the composite formation through phosphate-carboxylate interactions. SEM imaging revealed a porous, interconnected structure with embedded HA particles, facilitating cell attachment and proliferation. EDAX confirmed the presence of calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen as primary constituents. In vitro degradation studies showed controlled degradation, with 80 % mass loss by day 3, indicating the composite's suitability for gradual tissue replacement. Hemocompatibility tests revealed minimal hemolysis (<2 %), confirming the composite's excellent blood compatibility. The findings emphasize the potential of Alg-HA scaffolds for dentin regeneration. Their porous architecture, combined with embedded HA, enhances mechanical stability while providing essential biochemical cues for cell proliferation and mineralization. The demonstrated hemocompatibility ensures safe application in direct blood contact, reducing immune responses and promoting tissue integration. Compared to previous studies, this research offers a more in-depth understanding of the relationship between porosity, mineralization, and cellular behavior. Alginate-hydroxyapatite scaffolds exhibit excellent structural, chemical, and biological properties, making them promising candidates for regenerative dentistry. With excellent degradation, hemocompatibility, and ability to support cellular functions, these scaffolds hold significant potential for clinical applications, with further optimization paving the way for broader medical adoption.

Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) has become a pandemic and a real threat for those working in healthcare. It has affected dental professionals in education, research, and practice. This article intended to review the impact and brunt of COVID-19 outbreaks on dental education and research country wise and how it affected the three learning domains - cognitive domain, psychomotor domain and affective domain. A review was designed to identify the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic on dental education. A literature search was conducted using PubMed, Scopus and Google scholar databases. Studies in which teaching methods by virtual means were described and how it affected dental education during the pandemic all over the world were included. The search terms selected to search for literature were dental education, COVID-19, dental schools and dentistry. COVID-19 has caused a significant change in overall dental education in all the countries. It has affected dental education both negatively and positively. The pandemic caused disruption in learning leading to psychological distress. Even though many students preferred web-based learning, majority of them considered learning through online mode as a challenge. COVID-19 pandemic has enforced all the dental schools to modify their traditional way of teaching to an alternate mode of teaching to adapt to this current situation of the pandemic all over the world. It caused an everlasting impact on dental education, research along with practice. The dental institutes must be well prepared to face this pandemic by investing in educational software so that it leads to the evolution and advancement in the fields of virtual mode of teaching, in research and in preclinical training.

Hydroxyapatite (HAP) is a biocompatible material widely used in biomedical applications. Recent studies have explored various marine sources for HAP synthesis, demonstrating its potential for diverse applications. This study aims to compare the characteristics of hydroxyapatite synthesized from sea shells and fish bones, specifically from the shells of Scylla olivacea (orange mud crab) and bones of Eleutheronema tetradactylum (fourfinger threadfin). HAP was synthesized from Scylla olivacea shells and Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. The synthesized HAP underwent comprehensive characterization, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for structural analysis, hemocompatibility testing, antibacterial assays, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis. SEM revealed a complex structure of HAP with a clustered arrangement and biofilm-like features. HAP derived from crab shells exhibited superior structural properties compared to that from fish bones. Both sources demonstrated good hemocompatibility, essential for biomedical applications. The antibacterial assays indicated effective antibacterial properties for both HAP sources, with crab shell-derived HAP showing slightly better performance. EDS analysis confirmed the presence of key elements necessary for HAP, with a consistent composition in both sources. Our study concludes that hydroxyapatite derived from Scylla olivacea shells exhibits superior properties compared to that from Eleutheronema tetradactylum bones. This research establishes a precedent for future investigations into other marine species, thereby broadening the scope and potential of hydroxyapatite synthesis from natural sources.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 is the seventh member of the Coronaviridiae family of viruses, which are thought to be transmitted by Chinese horseshoe bats. The virus undergoes mutations leading to variants such as B.1.1.7 (alpha), B.1.351 (beta), P.1 (gamma), and B.1.617 (delta), as well as the recent variant B.1.1.529 (omicron), which has around 30 deletions, making it a severely mutated form that lowers vaccination-induced protection. Vaccine efficacy is usually expressed as relative risk reduction, which is based on the ratio of attack rates with and without a vaccine, whereas absolute risk reduction is based on the entire population. Rather than two doses, recent research suggests that a third dose/booster dose may aid in protection against future variants. The constant influx of mutant variations is putting a strain on vaccine production. Despite the challenges, we are optimistic that the epidemic will be eradicated by achieving mass immunity and by ensuring that everyone receives vaccines at a faster rate.

Background:- Camellia sinensis, or oolong tea, is a partially fermented version of tea used in Asian countries. The remarkable reduction activity of the tea extract can potentially be used for synthesizing nanoparticles. Recently, Camellia sinensis has gained popularity for the formulation of some metal nanoparticles. Aim To formulate green synthesis of copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) mediated by Camellia sinensis (oolong tea) and assess its cytotoxicity and antioxidant properties. Materials & Methods Oolong tea extract is prepared and added to CuSO4 solution to synthesize CuO nanoparticles (CuONPs). The centrifugation pellet of CuONPs is collected and subjected to DPPH (2,2 - diphenyl -1- picrylhydrazyl hydrate) and H2O2 assays. The cytotoxicity screening is performed using zebrafish embryos. Results The reducing activity of oolong tea successfully synthesizes the copper nanoparticles. High values are obtained in DPPH (63% inhibition at 10µL concentration, 73% inhibition at 20µL, 80% at 30µL, 85% at 40µL and 90% at 50µL concentrations) and H2O2 (50% inhibition at 10µL concentration, 65% at 20µL, 68% at 30µL, 75% at 40µL and 80% at 50µL concentrations) assays. There are no morphological deformities in the zebrafish and no loss of cell viability or delayed hatching at low concentrations (below 4-8 µL), as shown by the viable embryos with no morphological deformities. Conclusion The study has evidenced high antioxidant activity and minimal cytotoxicity of CuO nanoparticles produced using Camellia sinensis, thus proving it to be a good biomaterial for a wide range of biological applications.

Background: Facial muscles, particularly those involved in mastication, play a pivotal role in the chewing process. Despite their influence on chewing, these muscles undergo alterations during mastication. Examining the relationship between chewed substances and muscle activity can provide insights into various pathological processes and aid in the development of therapeutic chewing techniques. Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of different commercially available chewing gums on the activity of key masticatory muscles. Method: Twenty-two participants were recruited for the study. They were instructed to chew four commercially available gums: group 1 comprised sugar gum with a strong flavor; group 2 included gum containing sorbitol; group 3 consisted of gum containing xylitol; and group 4 provided sugar gum with a mild flavor. Electromyogram (EMG) recordings were utilized to assess muscle activity. Various aspects of muscle activity, including chewing time, maximum muscle potential, and coordination between different muscles, were evaluated. Data tabulation and analysis were performed using IBM SPSS software version 23.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). Result: Analysis revealed that in terms of temporalis symmetry, group 2 exhibited the highest mean deviation, while for masseter symmetry, group 3 demonstrated the highest mean deviation. The total deviation for the temporalis and masseter muscles was 72.16% and 65.55%, respectively, indicating greater symmetry in the temporalis muscle. Additionally, group 3 displayed the highest mean deviation in both left and right-sided synergic activity of the muscles. The total deviation for the right and left sides was 64.34% and 65.67%, respectively. Conclusion: The findings suggest that sugar-free chewing gums elicit increased muscle activity compared to sugar-containing chewing gums. Furthermore, the utilization of calorie-free chewing gums with a firm texture was associated with better-coordinated muscle activity. These results provide valuable insights into the effects of different chewing gums on masticatory muscle function and coordination, which may have implications for therapeutic interventions and oral health management.