Novel pure α-, ß-, and mixed-phase α/ß-Bi2O3 photocatalysts for enhanced organic dye degradation under both visible light and solar irradiation.

Combining the pure α- and ß-phases of bismuth oxide enhances its photocatalytic activity under both visible and solar irradiation. α-Bi2O3, ß-Bi2O3, and α/ß-Bi2O3 were synthesized by a solvothermal calcination method. The structural, optical, and morphological properties of the as-synthesized catalysts were analyzed using XRD, UV-DRS, XPS, SEM, TEM, and PL. The bandgaps of α/ß-Bi2O3, α-Bi2O3, and ß-Bi2O3 were calculated to be 2.59, 2.73, and 2.34 eV, respectively. The photocatalytic activities of the catalysts under visible and solar irradiation were examined by the degradation of carcinogenic reactive blue 198 and reactive black 5 dyes. The kinetic plots of the degradation reactions followed pseudo-first-order kinetics. α/ß-Bi2O3 exhibited higher photocatalytic activity (∼99%) than α-Bi2O3 and ß-Bi2O3 under visible and solar irradiation. The TOC and COD results confirmed the maximum degradation ability of α/ß-Bi2O3, and the decolorization percentage remained above 90%, even after five cycles under visible irradiation. The photocatalytic dye degradation mechanism employed by α/ß-Bi2O3 was proposed based on active species trapping experiments.

Digital assessment of marginal accuracy in ceramic crowns fabricated with different marginal finish line configurations.

AIM: To digitally evaluate the marginal adaptation of different types of all-ceramic crowns on two different marginal configurations such as Shoulder and Chamfer of the prepared teeth. METHODS: The marginal fit of the crown specimens on the model of the prepared teeth were assessed using the dual scan replica technique. Two plastic teeth were prepared; one having a Shoulder finishing line (A), while the other with a Chamfer finish line (B). Three types of different all-ceramic crowns, layered zirconia, monolithic zirconia, and pressed lithium disilicate, were fabricated for each prepared tooth (A) and (B). Measurements for assessing the marginal discrepancy were done on four designated points on the mesial, distal, buccal, and palatal surface of the superimposed image. RESULTS: The average marginal gap was the largest in the layered zirconia group, followed by monolithic zirconia, while pressed lithium disilicate crowns showed the least marginal gaps. Crowns with Chamfer finish lines were better fitting (less marginal gap) than the shoulder finish lines across all the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Chamfer finish lines produced better fitting restorations, and heat-pressed lithium disilicate crowns showed better adaptation at the margins than both layered zirconia and monolithic zirconia.

Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles from Extracts of Wild Ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) with Antibacterial Activity against Selective Multidrug Resistant Oral Bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance rate is rising worldwide. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are potent for fighting antimicrobial resistance (AMR), independently or synergistically. The purpose of this study was to prepare AgNPs using wild ginger extracts and to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of these AgNPs against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus mutans, and Enterococcus faecalis. AgNPs were synthesized using wild ginger extracts at room temperature through different parameters for optimization, i.e., pH and variable molar concentration. Synthesis of AgNPs was confirmed by UV/visible spectroscopy and further characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analysis (EDXA), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Disc and agar well diffusion techniques were utilized to determine the in vitro antibacterial activity of plant extracts and AgNPs. The surface plasmon resonance peaks in absorption spectra for silver suspension showed the absorption maxima in the range of 400-420 nm. Functional biomolecules such as N-H, C-H, O-H, C-O, and C-O-C were present in Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) (aqueous and organic extracts) responsible for the AgNP formation characterized by FTIR. The crystalline structure of ZZAE-AgCl-NPs and ZZEE-AgCl-NPs was displayed in the XRD analysis. SEM analysis revealed the surface morphology. The EDXA analysis also confirmed the element of silver. It was revealed that AgNPs were seemingly spherical in morphology. The biosynthesized AgNPs exhibited complete antibacterial activity against the tested MDR bacterial strains. This study indicates that AgNPs of wild ginger extracts exhibit potent antibacterial activity against MDR bacterial strains.

Evaluation of Attitude and Knowledge of Endodontic, Pedodontic and SBARD Residents in Saudi Arabia toward Regenerative Endodontics-A National Survey.

Background and Objectives: There are no guidelines on the regenerative endodontic procedures that should be followed in dental treatment. Thus, it is essential to learn the knowledge, attitudes, and opinions about regenerative endodontics among dental practitioners, particularly endodontists, as they are the first providers of this type of dental treatment. Aim: This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes among residents of the Saudi Board of Advanced Restorative Dentistry (SBARD) in Saudi Arabia. Methods & Materials: A questionnaire-based survey was conducted among 128 residents of endodontics, pedodontics, and the SBARD in Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was distributed to participants using the available electronic measures such as emails and social media. The questionnaire was made by Google Forms, and responses were received directly in the excel sheet in the email. The data were exported as an excel file, coded, and analyzed, and the p-value < 0.05 was set as significant. Results: More than 50% (74 dentists) of the participants reported receiving continuing education in regenerative treatment, with a significant difference found among specialty (p = 0.023). No significant association was found between knowledge, gender, and type of postgraduate study. The vast majority (89.1%) of the participants believed regenerative endodontics should be incorporated into dentistry curricula. About two-thirds (78.2%) of the participants declared their ability to attend future training courses in a regenerative endodontic, whereas 10.9% did not, and 10.9% were unsure. Conclusions: The dental practitioners were enthusiastic and interested in regenerative and stem cell treatment. The results also suggested incorporating regenerative treatment into the dental curriculum and signaled the need for more continued training courses.

Self-assembling peptide P11-4 in remineralization of enamel caries - a systematic review of in-vitro studies.

OBJECTIVE: The present systematic review was conducted to investigate the effect of the self-assembling peptide (SAP) - P11-4 in the remineralization of enamel caries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The systematic search for studies was conducted through CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE, Scopus, PsychINFO, and various key journals. This review was conducted in adherence to PRISMA standards and was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42019110156. The methodological quality of the studies was graded through Cochrane's tool of risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of interventions (ROBINS-I). RESULTS: In total, 91 studies were identified for screening, and 12 studies were eligible. Ten studies showed effective enamel remineralization with P11-4 compared to controls. One study showed a combination of P11-4 with fluoride varnish or Casein Phosphopeptide-Amorphous Calcium Phosphate Fluoride (CPP-ACPF) leads to significantly higher remineralization compared to P11-4 alone. Quality assessment of study showed 6 (50%) studies as medium risk of bias and 6 (50%) studies as low risk of bias. CONCLUSION: To conclude, the present study results showed SAP- P11-4 is effective in the remineralization of enamel caries.

Enamel matrix derivative (Emdogain) in treatment of replanted teeth - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the efficacy of enamel matrix derivative Emdogain in healing of replanted teeth in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This review conducted in adherence to PRISMA standards and was registered in PROSPERO with registration number CRD42017062736. We graded the methodological quality of the studies by means of Cochrane's tool of risk of bias in non-randomized studies - of interventions (ROBINS-I). RESULTS: In total, 65 studies were identified for screening, and five studies were eligible. The uneventful healing of replanted teeth was varied from 20% to 75%. Two controlled trials found Emdogain treatment significantly reduced resorption of replanted teeth and improved the healing of periodontal ligament compared with controls. Two studies showed high recurrent resorption in Emdogain treated teeth. CONCLUSIONS: To conclude, the number of publications that met all inclusion criteria were limited and did not allow for drawing evidence for Emdogain being effective in supporting healing of replanted teeth.

Pendulum and modified pendulum appliances for maxillary molar distalization in Class II malocclusion - a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of the present systematic review was to evaluate the quantitative effects of the pendulum appliance and modified pendulum appliances for maxillary molar distalization in Class II malocclusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our systematic search included MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Scopus and key journals and review articles; the date of the last search was 30 January 2017. We graded the methodological quality of the studies by means of the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies, developed for the Effective Public Health Practice Project (EPHPP). RESULTS: In total, 203 studies were identified for screening, and 25 studies were eligible. The quality assessment rated four (16%) of the study as being of strong quality and 21 (84%) of these studies as being of moderate quality. The pendulum appliances showed mean molar distalization of 2-6.4 mm, distal tipping of molars from 6.67° to 14.50° and anchorage loss with mean premolar and incisor mesial movement of 1.63-3.6 mm and 0.9-6.5 mm, respectively. The bone anchored pendulum appliances (BAPAs) showed mean molar distalization of 4.8-6.4 mm, distal tipping of molars from 9° to 11.3° and mean premolar distalization of 2.7-5.4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Pendulum and modified pendulum appliances are effective in molar distalization. Pendulum appliance with K-loop modification, implant supported pendulum appliance and BAPA significantly reduced anchorage loss of the anterior teeth and distal tipping of the molar teeth.

Caries Incidence Among Obese Adolescents: A 3-year Prospective Study.

PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of caries in a 3-year follow-up of obese adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven-hundred eighty five 13-year-old school children were selected randomly. Caries was recorded according to WHO criteria and body mass index was assessed in a medical evaluation. With appropriate sample weighting, relationships between caries and other variables were assessed using the chi-squared test, Kruskal-Wallis H-test, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: At baseline, 185 (24.2%) adolescents presented with caries, having mean DMFT and DMFS scores of 0.9 ± 2.0 and 2.4 ± 3.6, respectively. The accumulated incidence of caries during the 3-year period of study was 16.5%, with mean DMFT and DMFS increments of 0.8 ± 0.2 and 1.1 ± 3.3, respectively. Obese and overweight adolescents had a 3.7 times (95% CI = 1.3-6.8) greater chance of developing caries after adjusting for socioeconomic status, gender, use of fluoridated dentifrice, and past caries experience. CONCLUSION: Obese and overweight adolescents were at a higher risk of developing new caries in a 3-year-follow-up.

Untreated Gross Dental Malocclusion in Adolescents: Psychological Impact and Effect on Academic Performance in School.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the psychological impact and effect on academic performance of untreated gross dental malocclusion in adolescents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 366 (181 girls and 185 boys) adolescents with gross dental malocclusion were selected for the study group. A modified oral aesthetic subjective impact scale questionnaire was applied in face-to-face interviews. Similar data were collected from parents, schoolteachers and one friend of each adolescent selected for the study. Academic performance was evaluated from school records and compared with a control group of 400 adolescents (200 girls and 200 boys) having normal occlusion and an aesthetically pleasing facial appearance. The Kruskal-Wallis H and chi-square tests were used to analyse the data. The correlation between the academic performance of adolescents and the psychological impact of malocclusion was assessed using the Spearman rank correlation. RESULTS: Significant numbers of adolescents (81.1%) were concerned about the appearance of their teeth, with significant gender variation (0.02). 88.5% of the adolescents received comments from others about their appearance. The results differed significantly by gender for 'avoiding smiling' (p = 0.02) and 'participation in social activities' (p = 0.02). The evaluation of academic performance showed that 42.1% of the adolescents with gross dental malocclusion performed below average; this also differed statistically significantly by gender (p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Untreated gross dental malocclusion significantly affects the psychosocial well-being of adolescents, who may avoid participating in social activities and tend to underperform in school.

Evaluation and comparison of antibacterial efficacy of different concentrations of Chhattisgarh herbal product-Terminalia chebula fruit extract in opposition to Enterococcus faecalis: An in vitro study.

Due to the low cost, natural origin, higher safety margins, and little to negligible adverse effects of herbal medications, the use of plants and plant derivatives in medicine is becoming increasingly widespread. Terminalia chebula is among the most significant medicinal plants in ayurvedic, siddha, unani, and homeopathic remedies. It is ranked first in Ayurvedic material medicine. T. chebula has been shown to have established effects against various bacterial and fungal infections, including dental caries pathogens. In recent years, there has been a rise in interest in dentistry and medicine related to Enterococcus faecalis. The research aimed to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of different concentrations of T. chebula ethanolic fruit extract (10%, 40%, and 100%) in opposition to E. faecalis and compare it with 2% chlorhexidine. For the study, T. chebula ethanolic fruit extracts were obtained and prepared with Group I: -10% concentration, Group II: -40% concentration, Group III: -100% concentration, and Group IV: -2% chlorhexidine. Colonies of E. faecalis were cultivated in brain heart infusion (BHI) broth at 37°C and were inoculated in 16 BHI agar plates. Then, on the petri dishes, four wells were created (8 mm diameter) using a metal borer. The Agar well diffusion method was used to examine the antibacterial activity, and the zones of inhibition around the wells were noted. The obtained data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc tests. The result shows that as the concentration increases, there is an increase in the efficacy of the antibacterial property of the extract before it reaches the saturation point. The decreasing order of antibacterial was chlorhexidine >100% T. chebula >40% T. chebula >10% T. chebula. The production of contemporary pharmaceuticals from T. chebula was addressed, as the global scenario is currently evolving toward using nontoxic plant products with traditional medicinal benefits.

Gingival Biotype and Its Relation with Malocclusion.

Objective: To systematically review the relationship between gingival biotype (GT) and malocclusion. Methods: The review followed PRISMA standards of quality for systematic reviews and meta-analyses reporting with PROSPERO registration number CRD42020126543. The systematic database search included MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and other key journals; the article search was performed until February 2020. Cochrane's risk of bias in non-randomized studies-of interventions (ROBINS-I) was used to grade the methodological quality of the included studies. Results: The systematic search identified 105 studies, six studies satisfied the inclusion criteria for eligibility. The study participants ranged from 26 to 200 (total n=812), with a mean of 135. Study participants were aged between 14 and 32 years. Five studies were graded as the moderate risk of bias and one study as low risk of bias. Two studies showed thin GT among individuals with severe crowding compared to mild crowding. Three studies showed a thin GT with a narrow zone of the keratinized gingival width compared to a thick GT. No relationship was found between GT and Angle's classification of malocclusion. Conclusion: No relationship was observed between Angle's classification of malocclusion and GT. Thin GT was prevalent among individuals with pro-inclination of incisors. Keratinized gingival width was narrow among individuals with thin GT.

The antioxidant activity, preliminary phytochemical screening of Zingiber zerumbet and antimicrobial efficacy against selective endodontic bacteria.

Antibiotic resistance is rising across the world. For a very long time, bitter ginger (Zingiber zerumbet) has been used as one of the most popular herbal remedies to treat a wide range of common diseases. Ginger has been shown to have antioxidant and antibacterial activity. It has various bioactive chemicals that might be utilized as an alternative treatment option for many infectious diseases. The present study aimed to examine the biochemical profile of ginger, antioxidant, and antibacterial activity against selective endodontic microbes. Antioxidant was measured using DPPH and antibacterial activity was performed using disk diffusion tests. Streptococcus mutants, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus spp., and Lactobacillus spp. were tested for antibacterial activity. Before evaluating the dried extracts, all solvents were eliminated using rotary evaporation. The obtained IC50 value revealed that ethanol extract had the greatest antioxidant activity. Concerning each bacterium, the plant extracts demonstrated considerable antibacterial activity (p = .001). Ethanol extracts showed the strongest antibacterial activity against the studied microorganisms. This study highlights that the Zingiber zerumbet (Z. zerumbet) is a strong antibacterial herb against multidrug-resistant (MDR) gram-positive bacteria. It may also be employed as a possible natural antioxidant source.

Effect of surface treatment on the mechanical stability of orthodontic miniscrews.

OBJECTIVES: To provide collective quantitative evidence about the effect of surface treatments on the mechanical stability of orthodontic miniscrews (MSs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was registered in PROSPERO (No. CRD42020209652). The research question was defined according to the PICO (population, intervention, control, and outcomes) format. Various research databases were searched for animal and human studies on effects of surface treatment on the mechanical stability of MSs. Both prospective and retrospective in vivo clinical studies published in English were included. The risk of bias was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies. The meta-analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4. RESULTS: A total of 109 articles were identified; 14 were included in the systematic review, and seven studies with sandblasting, acid etching (SLA) methods of surface treatment were included for meta-analysis. The number of study participants ranged from 6 to 24 (total n = 185), with a mean of 13.2. A total of 949 MSs were used with a mean of 67.8. The overall success rate for surface-treated MSs ranged from 47.9% to 100%. Forest plot of removal torque values showed significantly higher values for SLA surface-treated MSs compared with controls with a standard mean difference of 2.61 (95% confidence interval = 1.49-3.72, I2 = 85%). Forest plot of insertion torque showed a standard mean difference of -6.19 (95% confidence interval = -13.63-1.25, I2 = 98%, P = .10). CONCLUSIONS: Surface treatment of MSs improved primary and secondary stability with good osseointegration at the bone-implant surface. However, significant heterogeneity across the studies included in the meta-analysis made it difficult to draw conclusions.

Performance-based comparison of Yamada-Ota and Hamilton-Crosser hybrid nanofluid flow models with magnetic dipole impact past a stretched surface.

The nanofluid flows play a vital role in many engineering processes owing to their notable industrial usage and excessive heat transfer abilities. Lately, an advanced form of nanofluids namely "hybrid nanofluids" has swapped the usual nanofluid flows to further augment the heat transfer capabilities. The objective of this envisaged model is to compare the performance of two renowned hybrid nanofluid models namely Hamilton-Crosser and Yamada-Ota. The hybrid nanoliquid (TiO2-SiC/DO) flow model is comprised of Titanium oxide (TiO2) and Silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles submerged into Diathermic oil (DO). The subject flow is considered over a stretched surface and is influenced by the magnetic dipole. The uniqueness of the fluid model is augmented by considering the modified Fourier law instead of the traditional Fourier law and slip conditions at the boundary. By applying the suitable similarity transformations, the system of ordinary differential equations obtained from the leading partial differential equations is handled by the MATLAB solver bvp4c package to determine the numerical solution. It is divulged that the Yamada-Ota model performs considerably better than the Hamilton-Crosser flow model as far as heat transfer capabilities are concerned. Further, the velocity reduces on increasing hydrodynamic interaction and slip parameters. It is also noted that both temperature profiles increase for higher hydrodynamic interaction and viscous dissipation parameters. The envisioned model is authenticated when compared with an already published result in a limiting case.

Evaluation of In Vitro Antiprotease Activity of Selected Traditional Medicinal Herbs in Dentistry and Its In Silico PASS Prediction.

Background: Dental/oral diseases are one of the significant public health problems globally. Herbal medicines for managing oral diseases are considered an effective alternative to synthetic compounds due to their lower side effect. Azadirachta indica, Terminalia chebula, Camellia sinensis, and Piper nigrum are used to control and prevent oral inflammations in dentistry. In this study, we have evaluated the protease inhibition activity of these plant extracts, and further, the binding mode of the active ingredient of these plants with trypsin was studied using molecular docking. Methods: In this study, protease inhibition activity was carried out using aqueous extracts of the plant parts such as Azadirachta indica (neem) twig, Terminalia chebula (Haritaki) fruit, Camellia sinensis (green tea) powder, and Piper nigrum (kali miri) seed. Next, to explore the binding mode of active ingredients azadirachtin, chebuligenic acid, catechin, and piperine with trypsin, we employed a molecular docking study using AutoDock4.2. Results: The results revealed that the Azadirachta indica plant extract showed an IC50 value of 96.19 µg mL-1, Camellia sinensis IC50 value of 188.50 µg mL-1, Piper nigrum IC50 value of 371.20 µg mL-1, and Terminalia chebula IC50 value of 639.48 µg mL-1, when compared with standard drug diclofenac sodium, had IC50 value 93.00 µg mL-1. Further, the docking result reveals that all the main active ingredients of these plants have significant binding affinity and prefer the same binding pocket of trypsin. Conclusion: Hence, our results show the importance of traditional plants Azadirachta indica, Terminalia chebula, green tea, and Piper nigrum to control oral disease conditions. As they show significant protease inhibition activity, hence, the active ingredient could act as a potential anti-inflammatory agent and further help to prevent or control oral disease conditions such as gingivitis and periodontitis.

Association between gastric reflux, obesity and erosive tooth wear among psychiatric patients.

ABSTRACT: The prevalence of erosive tooth wear and obesity are high in psychiatric patients and soft drink consumption is a common risk factor associated with both diseases. This study aimed to assess the association between soft drink consumption, gastric reflux, erosive tooth wear, and obesity among resident patients at the Psychiatric Hospital, Taif, Saudi Arabia.This descriptive, cross-sectional study included 223 adult psychiatric inpatients (126 male, 97 female) with a mean age of 42.3 years (± 2.2). Dental erosion detection was performed according to World Health Organization criteria. The medical evaluation included assessment of the body mass index (BMI). With appropriate sample weighting, relationships between erosive tooth wear, gastric reflux, and obesity were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.Ninety eight patients (43.9%) presented with erosive tooth wear. The mean BMI for the entire study population was 27.7 ±â€Š6.3 kg/m2. Regression analysis showed a strong association between erosive tooth wear and chronic vomiting or bulimia (adjusted odds ratio = 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.98-5.07, P < .001), gastric reflux (adjusted odds ratio = 2.13; 95% CI = 1.34-6.23, P < .001), consumption of soft drinks (adjusted odds ratio = 2.14; 95% CI = 1.03-6.08, P < .001), and schizophrenia and delusional disorders (adjusted odds ratio = 2.07; 95% CI = 1.98-5.08, P < .001).This study demonstrates a significant association between erosive tooth wear prevalence and chronic vomiting or bulimia, consumption of soft drinks, and gastric reflux among resident patients at psychiatric hospital.

Association Between Early Childhood Caries and Obesity among Preschool Children.

PURPOSE: Early childhood caries (ECC) and childhood obesity are among the most prevalent health conditions affecting children. ECC is associated with obesity through the common risk factor of sugar consumption. The present study aimed to assess the association between ECC and obesity in preschool children. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 1250 preschool children (698 girls, 552 boys; mean age: 4.3 [1.1] years). The children's body mass index was determined (BMI: weight/height in kg/m2). The World Health Organization criteria were used for the diagnosis of caries. Multivariable logistic regression was used to analyse the relationship between ECC prevalence and childhood obesity. RESULTS: ECC was detected in 929 (74.3%) children. The mean dmft and dmfs was 5.91 (1.13) and 8.92 (2.07), respectively. The multiple regression model showed a statistically significant association between ECC prevalence and obesity with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 2.59 (95% CI: 1.88 - 3.57; P = 0.001). The logistic regression model showed that in children with a monthly family income > $2666, sugar consumption, preterm low birth-weight/full-term low birth-weight (PTLBW/FTLBW), and toothbrushing frequency ≤ 1 time/day were statistically significantly associated with ECC prevalence. CONCLUSION: ECC was positively associated with obesity.

The Impact of COVID-19 on Physical Activity Patterns of Dental Students: A Multinational Survey.

BACKGROUND: The authorities of the world had to take extraordinary containment measures due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic spreading across the globe. The only way to stay active during the pandemic was at-home physical activity (PA). The current study evaluates how these preventative measures impacted the PA and well-being of students. METHODS: This study is multicentral and was conducted in Malaysia, India, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia; participants were recruited from four different regions to answer the online questionnaire provided via a link shared using their personal WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Twitter social media. RESULTS: The means of vigorous, moderate, and light PA (min/day) between the active and inactive groups were significantly different (p = 0.001, 0.007, and 0.001), respectively. In comparison with pre-COVID-19, the participants reported that it became more challenging to engage in regular exercise since the onset of social distance, associated with a lack of motivation followed by "less confidence", "less enjoyment", "less support, and fewer opportunities to engage in exercise"; moreover, it was "difficult to maintain close relationships" and "hard to voice their options on contentious matters" (p = 0.001). Public health measures affected the PA and well-being of active and inactive students; this demonstrates that health promotion strategies aimed at enhancing levels of PA in inactive students may be necessary to improve students' well-being.

Evaluation of Bi-Lateral Co-Infections and Antibiotic Resistance Rates among COVID-19 Patients.

In addition to the pathogenesis of SARS-CoV-2, bacterial co-infection plays an essential role in the incidence and progression of SARS-CoV-2 infections by increasing the severity of infection, as well as increasing disease symptoms, death rate and antimicrobial resistance (AMR). The current study was conducted in a tertiary-care hospital in Lahore, Pakistan, among hospitalized COVID-19 patients to see the prevalence of bacterial co-infections and the AMR rates among different isolated bacteria. Clinical samples for the laboratory diagnosis were collected from 1165 hospitalized COVID-19 patients, of which 423 were found to be positive for various bacterial infections. Most of the isolated bacteria were Gram-negative rods (n = 366), followed by Gram-positive cocci (n = 57). A significant association (p < 0.05) was noted between the hospitalized COVID-19 patients and bacterial co-infections. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) showed high resistance against tetracycline (61.7%), Streptococcus pyogenes against penicillin (100%), E. coli against Amp-clavulanic acid (88.72%), Klebsiella pneumoniae against ampicillin (100%), and Pseudomonas aeruginosa against ciprofloxacin (75.40%). Acinetobacter baumannii was 100% resistant to the majority of tested antibiotics. The prevalence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) was 14.7%. The topmost symptoms of >50% of COVID-19 patients were fever, fatigue, dyspnea and chest pain with a significant association (p < 0.05) in bacterial co-infected patients. The current study results showed a comparatively high prevalence of AMR, which may become a severe health-related issue in the future. Therefore, strict compliance of antibiotic usage and employment of antibiotic stewardship programs at every public or private institutional level are recommended.

A Vaccine Construction against COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis Contrived with Immunoinformatics-Based Scavenging of Potential Mucoralean Epitopes.

Mucormycosis is a group of infections, caused by multiple fungal species, which affect many human organs and is lethal in immunocompromised patients. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the current wave of mucormycosis is a challenge to medical professionals as its effects are multiplied because of the severity of COVID-19 infection. The variant of concern, Omicron, has been linked to fatal mucormycosis infections in the US and Asia. Consequently, current postdiagnostic treatments of mucormycosis have been rendered unsatisfactory. In this hour of need, a preinfection cure is needed that may prevent lethal infections in immunocompromised individuals. This study proposes a potential vaccine construct targeting mucor and rhizopus species responsible for mucormycosis infections, providing immunoprotection to immunocompromised patients. The vaccine construct, with an antigenicity score of 0.75 covering, on average, 92-98% of the world population, was designed using an immunoinformatics approach. Molecular interactions with major histocompatibility complex-1 (MHC-I), Toll-like receptors-2 (TLR2), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), with scores of -896.0, -948.4, and -925.0, respectively, demonstrated its potential to bind with the human immune receptors. It elicited a strong predicted innate and adaptive immune response in the form of helper T (Th) cells, cytotoxic T (TC) cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and macrophages. The vaccine cloned in the pBR322 vector showed positive amplification, further solidifying its stability and potential. The proposed construct holds a promising approach as the first step towards an antimucormycosis vaccine and may contribute to minimizing postdiagnostic burdens and failures.