Assessment of burnout, resilience, and thriving among academic health professionals: findings from an international study.

Introduction: Burnout, resilience, and thriving significantly impact academics, particularly in health professions, where responsibilities are extensive. This study aimed to explore these constructs among academic health professionals, examining sociodemographic and work-related factors influencing these outcomes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among academic health professionals via web-based professional networks from August 2022 to February 2023. Validated tools were used, and descriptive and inferential statistics were applied. Results: 505 participants were included, predominantly female (63%), with a mean age of 38.15 ± 9.6 years. High burnout was reported by 10.9%, 13.7% experienced exhaustion, and 6.3% were disengaged. Resilience and thriving were moderate at 59.2 and 51.9%, respectively. Age correlated negatively with burnout (r = -0.131, p = 0.003) but positively with resilience (r = 0.178, p < 0.001). Females reported higher exhaustion (p = 0.014), while males showed greater resilience (p = 0.016). Instructors exhibited lower resilience compared to assistant professors (p < 0.001) and associate professors (p < 0.001). Those at public universities reported higher exhaustion than those at private universities (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Variable levels of burnout, resilience, and thriving were observed among academic health professionals, influenced by sociodemographic and work-related factors. Interventions targeting resilience and thriving may mitigate burnout risk and enhance engagement among academics in health professions.

Evaluation of grit and its associated factors among undergraduate pharmacy students from 14 Asian and Middle Eastern countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

Introduction: Grit is proposed as an essential trait for academic achievement. Thus, evaluating its current status and the associated factors could aid academic support planning. Objective: The present study aimed to assess grit level and its related factors among undergraduate pharmacy students from 14 countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted among pharmacy students from 14 countries in Asia and the Middle East. A 31-item questionnaire was developed, validated, and pilot-tested, including the validated short scale for grit assessment. The data was collected between 1 February and 15 April 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were employed as appropriate. Results: A total of 2665 responses were received, mainly from females (68.7 %), living in urban areas (69.2 %) and studying at private universities (59.1 %). The average grit score on a scale of 5 was 3.15 ± 0.54. The responses revealed higher favourable responses to items on the perseverance of efforts (34.9 % to 54 %) compared to items on the consistency of interests (26.5 % to 31.1 %). Students who did not exercise (AOR: 0.47, 95 %CI: 0.33-0.67) or exercised irregularly (AOR: 0.64, 95 %CI: 0.45-0.90) were less likely to have higher grit scores than those who exercised regularly. Additionally, students who did not receive COVID-19 vaccination (AOR: 0.50, 95 %CI: 0.36-0.71) or received only one dose (AOR: 0.67, 95 %CI: 0.46-0.99) were less likely to have higher grit scores than those who received their booster vaccination. Interestingly, students who chose the pharmacy program as their only available or reasonable choice (AOR: 0.33, 95 %CI: 0.17-0.62) and students from public universities (AOR: 0.82, 95 %CI: 0.68-0.98) were less likely to have higher grit scores. On the other hand, students who did not face educational challenges with online learning (AOR: 1.19, 95 %CI: 1.003-1.416) and students with excellent (AOR: 2.28, 95 %CI: 1.57-3.31) and very good (AOR: 2.16, 95 %CI: 1.53-3.04) academic performance were more likely to have higher grit scores. Conclusion: The findings revealed moderate grit levels. Higher grit levels were thought to be associated with several personal, lifestyle and academic factors. Further interventions to support students' grit attributes are required, particularly concerning the consistency of interests.

Assessment of mental wellbeing of undergraduate pharmacy students from 14 countries: The role of gender, lifestyle, health-related, and academic-related factors.

Background: Pharmacy students will assume future roles as frontline healthcare providers. Therefore, evaluating their current state of mental wellbeing and its associated factors is essential for better planning students' support initiatives. This study aimed to assess mental wellbeing and its associated factors among undergraduate pharmacy students from 14 countries during the pandemic. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among undergraduate pharmacy students in 14 countries in Asia and the Middle East. The validated Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (the 14-item WEMWBS) was adopted to assess mental wellbeing. Data collection was performed online between February and April 2022. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used as appropriate. Results: A total of 2,665 responses were received, mainly from females (68.7%) with a higher presence of private universities (59.1%). About 34.9% had low mental wellbeing levels, while 57 and 8.1% had medium, and high levels, respectively. Binary logistic regression showed that males (AOR: 1.34; CI 95%: 1.11-1.61; p < 0.01) and students with no chronic illnesses (AOR: 2.01; CI 95%: 1.45-2.80; p < 0.001) were more likely to have higher mental wellbeing. Also, participants who did not engage in any exercise (AOR: 0.71; CI 95%: 0.52-0.98; p = 0.04) and those in public universities (AOR: 0.82; CI 95%: 0.69-0.97; p = 0.02) were less likely to have higher mental wellbeing. Additionally, students who had interest/passion for pharmacy (AOR: 1.69; CI 95%: 1.07-2.68; p = 0.02), and those who known pharmacists inspired (AOR: 1.81; CI 95%: 1.06-3.12; p = 0.03), were more likely to have higher mental wellbeing compared with those who had no specific reason for their choice to study pharmacy. The participants with excellent (AOR: 1.87; CI 95%: 1.29-2.70; p = 0.001) or very good self-reported academic performance (AOR: 1.57; CI 95%: 1.12-2.22; p = 0.01) were more likely to have higher mental wellbeing compared to those with fair academic performance. Conclusion: More than a third of the participants had low mental wellbeing. Various demographic, lifestyle, medical and academic factors appeared to affect students' mental wellbeing. Careful consideration of these factors and their integration into the pharmacy schools' plans for student support services and academic advising would be essential to improve students' mental wellbeing.

Clinical Performance of FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Panel in Central Nervous System Infections.

INTRODUCTION: Early identification of etiology is very important for initiating appropriate therapy promptly in patients with meningoencephalitis (ME). BioFire FilmArray® meningitis/encephalitis (FA-ME) panel is a fully automated multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) that detects 14 pathogens simultaneously in an hour. There is a dearth of studies highlighting its usefulness in ME syndrome in Indian patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients, admitted to the Kerala Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, South India, with meningitis/encephalitis syndrome who underwent the multiplex PCR test on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) over a period of 2 years from 2016 to 2018. Patients presenting with clinical diagnosis of acute meningitis, encephalitis, or ME who underwent CSF FA-ME panel were studied. The performance of the FA-ME panel was compared to CSF bacterial culture. RESULTS: Two-hundred and fifty-nine patients between December 2016 and December 2018 underwent the FA-ME test in CSF. FA-ME test detected pathogens in 61 (23.6%) out of 259 patients with ME syndrome. Among the pathogens detected by FA-ME panel, enterovirus was the commonest accounting for 29 cases (47.5%), followed by varicella in 11 patients (18%) and pneumococci in 9 (14.8%). CSF bacterial culture yield was low, positive only in 8 (3%) out of 259 cases, and matched with FA-ME panel in only one sample that grew Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial culture yielded seven pathogens in those whose FA-ME panels were negative. CONCLUSION: FA-ME panel improves diagnostic yield as compared to bacterial culture (26.3 vs 3%). FA-ME test helps in the early initiation of targeted antibiotic therapy and greater antibiotic de-escalation. HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE: Chandran S, Arjun R, Sasidharan A, Niyas VKM, Chandran S. Clinical Performance of FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction Panel in Central Nervous System Infections. Indian J Crit Care Med 2022;26(1):67-70.

Comparison of Regenerative Potential of Platelet-rich Fibrin Alone and in Combination with Bovine Bone Graft in Intraosseous Defect by Single Flap Approach: A Clinical and Radiographic Study.

AIM: To compare the regenerative potential of platelet-rich fibrin alone and in combination with bovine bone graft in intraosseous defect by the single flap approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 32 sites of intrabony defects were selected and were treated with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) alone or in combination with bovine bone graft. Clinical parameters [Gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), Gingival recession, and radiographic parameters (defect fill, alveolar crest level, and defect depth)] were recorded at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: Statistical analysis was done by independent and paired t-test. There were statistically significant changes in GI, PD reduction, CAL gain, defect fill, alveolar crest level changes, and defect depth resolution from baseline, 3 months, and 6 months in both the groups (P < 0.001). On intergroup comparison, Group II showed statistically significant changes in a reduction in pocket depth and defect depth resolution at P < 0.001. CONCLUSION: PRF in combination with bovine bone graft was more effective in the treatment of intrabony defects.

Comparative Evaluation of the Efficacy of Platelet-rich Fibrin and Calcium Phosphosilicate Putty alone and in Combination in the Treatment of Intrabony Defects: A Randomized Clinical and Radiographic Study.

BACKGROUND: Combination of platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and bone substitutes for the treatment of intrabony pockets is based on sound biologic rationale. The present study aimed to explore the clinical and radiographic effectiveness of autologous PRF and calcium phosphosilicate (CPS) putty alone and in combination in treatment of intrabony defects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 45 intrabony defects were selected and randomly divided into three groups. In Group I, mucoperiosteal flap elevation followed by placement of PRF was done. In Group II, mucoperiosteal flap elevation followed by placement of CPS putty was done. In Group III, mucoperiosteal flap elevation followed by placement of PRF and CPS putty was done. Clinical parameters such as gingival index (GI), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), gingival marginal position and radiographic parameters such as bone fill, changes in crestal bone level, and defect depth resolution were recorded at baseline and after 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Statistically significant changes in GI, PD reduction, CAL gain, defect fill, and defect depth resolution from baseline to 6 months were seen in all the three groups (P < 0.05). On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant changes were seen in all clinical parameters. However, the difference in defect fill and defect depth resolution between the Groups I and III and Group II and III was significant. CONCLUSION: Within limitations of study, combination of PRF and CPS putty showed a significant improvement in PD reduction, CAL gain, and bone fill.

To Evaluate and Compare Periodontal Disease and Smoking as a Parallel Risk Factor for Systemic Health by Gauging the Serum C-Reactive Protein Levels.

INTRODUCTION: Physiologic and metabolic changes that occur immediately after a damage or disease are known as Acute Phase Reaction (APR). Acute Phase Proteins (APP) are blood proteins secreted by hepatocytes during APR C-Reactive Protein (CRP) being the important one. AIM: Present study was designed to estimate and compare the levels of the serum CRP in current smokers, former smokers and non-smokers, with and without periodontitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An experimental study was planned on 165 subjects who were divided into four groups. Group 1- nonsmokers with periodontitis. Group 2- smokers without periodontitis. Group 3- smokers with periodontitis. Group 4- former smokers without periodontitis. Healthy controls were not included in the study as the normal range of CRP in health is already established. Periodontal examination was done and serum CRP was measured. After getting the acceptance to be a part of the study, written informed consent was taken from each participant. Data analysis was done by ANOVA and post-hoc tests. RESULTS: Highest level of CRP was found in smokers with periodontitis followed by non-smokers with periodontitis and smokers without periodontitis. Former smokers had minimum CRP compared to the other groups (p-value=0.03). CONCLUSION: Periodontitis alone and in combination with smoking increases the systemic inflammatory burden and associated cardiovascular risk. This fact should be communicated thoroughly to the general population, general dentist, physicians and cardiovascular specialist to enhance early screening and multidisciplinary treatment.

Clay/Polyaniline Hybrid through Diazonium Chemistry: Conductive Nanofiller with Unusual Effects on Interfacial Properties of Epoxy Nanocomposites.

The concept of conductive network structure in thermoset matrix without sacrificing the inherent mechanical properties of thermoset polymer (e.g., epoxy) is investigated here using "hairy" bentonite fillers. The latter were prepared through the in situ polymerization of aniline in the presence of 4-diphenylamine diazonium (DPA)-modified bentonite (B-DPA) resulting in a highly exfoliated bentonite-DPA/polyaniline (B-DPA/PANI). The nanocomposite filler was mixed with diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), and the curing agent (4,4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone) (DDS) at high temperature in order to obtain nanocomposites through the conventional melt mixing technique. The role of B-DPA in the modification of the interface between epoxy and B-DPA/polyaniline (B-DPA/PANI) is investigated and compared with the filler B/PANI prepared without any diazonium modification of the bentonite. Synergistic improvement in dielectric properties and mechanical properties points to the fact that the DPA aryl groups from the diazonium precursor significantly modify the interface by acting as an efficient stress transfer medium. In DPA-containing nanocomposites, unique fibril formation was observed on the fracture surface. Moreover, dramatic improvement (210-220%) in fracture toughness of epoxy composite was obtained with B-DPA/PANI filler as compared to the weak improvement of 20-30% noted in the case of the B/PANI filler. This work shows that the DPA diazonium salt has an important effect on the improvement of the interfacial properties and adhesion of DGEBA and clay/PANI nanofillers.

Surgical Management of a Non-healing Intra-alveolar Root Fracture Associated with Pulpal Calcification and Root Resorption: A Case Report.

Radicular fractures are very challenging to address due to various complications like periodontal communication, increased mobility, and continued pulpal infection leading to necrosis and its long term sequelae like root resorption and pulp canal obliteration. This paper present a case of a long standing horizontal mid root fracture with root resorption and pulp canal obliteration, which was preserved functionally and aesthetically by surgical approach using MTA (mineral trioxide aggregate) and PRF (platelet rich fibrin).

Laser: The torch of freedom for ankyloglossia.

The tongue is an important oral structure that affects speech, position of teeth, periodontal tissues, nutrition, swallowing, nursing, and certain social activities. Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie, is a congenital anomaly characterized by an abnormally short lingual frenulum, which restricts mobility of the tongue. Though the ankyloglossia is not a serious condition, it may lead to a host of problems including infant feeding difficulties, speech disorders, and various mechanical and social issues related to the inability of the tongue to protrude. Hence, management of ankyloglossia should be considered at any age considering the risk-benefit evaluation. Tongue being highly vascular and mobile structure, laser-assisted lingual frenectomy is the simplest, safest and less traumatic of all the treatment modalities available, with most promising results in minimally invasive dentistry. Here, a case of ankyloglossia is reported with its management by diode laser.

Peripheral ossifying fibroma: A case report.

Localized gingival growths are one of the most frequently encountered lesions in the oral cavity, which are considered to be reactive rather than neoplastic. Different lesions with similar clinical presentation make it difficult to arrive at a correct diagnosis. These lesions include pyogenic granuloma, irritation fibroma, peripheral giant cell granuloma, peripheral ossifying fibroma (POF). Among these lesions, an infrequently occurring gingival lesion is the POF. Considerable confusion has prevailed in the nomenclature of POF due to its variable histopathologic features. This is a case presentation of a 30-year-old female with gingival overgrowth in the mandibular left canine-premolar region. Clinically, the lesion was asymptomatic, firm, pale pinkish and sessile. Surgical excision of the lesion was done followed by histopathologic confirmation with emphasis on the clinical aspect. Given the rate of recurrence for POF being 8-20%, close post-operative follow-up is required.