Hema D

Scopus Publications

A NOVEL PROTOCOL FOR ENHANCING THE ANTIMICROBIAL EFFICACY OF PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN: AN IN VITRO STUDY
Sowmya Ila, Hema Duddukuri, Surya Jammula, Mounika Gundapu, Gayathri Muralidaran, and Ramanarayana Boyapati
"Astra Science" LLC
Background: Since its inception, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) has undergone numerous modifications to obtain a biomaterial capable of promoting regeneration. Given its limited antimicrobial activity, research is now being carried out to enhance PRF’s antimicrobial efficacy. In this regard, this study aimed to enhance the antimicrobial efficacy of PRF by immersing it in antibiotic solutions. Materials and methods: PRF membranes procured from 10 blood samples were equally divided into 3 parts and allocated into Group I (PRF alone), Group II (PRF immersed in 5mg/ml Tetracycline hydrochloride solution), and Group III (PRF immersed in 12mg/ml Amoxicillin-Potassium clavulanate solution). All samples were tested for antimicrobial efficacy following 24, 48, and 96 hours incubation. Results: Group I showed no antimicrobial activity. The mean values and standard deviations of zones of inhibition of the groups II and III were 19.5(2.06)mm and 20.8(2.52)mm respectively, following 24 hours of the incubation period. This had slightly declined to 19.1(2.18)mm (Group II) and 20.3(1.94)mm (Group III), after 48 hours. Bacterial growth was detected in all the groups after 96 hours. The antimicrobial activity differed significantly between groups I & II (P = 0.000) and I & III (P = 0.000) following 24, and 48 hours of incubation periods. Conclusion: Antibiotic-immersed PRF exhibited improved antimicrobial efficacy sustained for 48 hours. This enhancement could potentially reduce the need for postoperative systemic antibiotics in regenerative procedures by creating a bacteria-free environment. As a result, this method may facilitate uneventful wound healing and desired regeneration while mitigating the adversities of systemic antibiotic therapy.

Perceptions and preparedness of dental professionals toward COVID-19-related oral manifestations in India
Ramanarayana Boyapati, Hema Duddukuri, Ravindranath Dhulipalla, Lakshmikanth Kolaparthy, Tejaswin Polepalle, and KishoreKumar Katuri
Medknow
Background: With the reports of oral manifestations observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients snowballing day-by-day, it calls for the attention of dental professionals to keep themselves updated regarding these manifestations and how to prevent and manage them in COVID-infected patients. Aims and Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the perceptions and preparedness of dental professionals in India toward the COVID-19-related oral manifestations. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted on dental professionals using a pretested and validated questionnaire. Six hundred and twenty-three responses obtained from January 23, 2021 to February 15, 2021 were included in the study. Results: Mean knowledge scores regarding COVID-19-related oral manifestations were noted to be significantly high among males (13.5 ± 4.9), having a PhD (18.3 ± 5.8), belonging to the specialty of oral medicine and radiology (15.6 ± 4.7), with more than 15 years of clinical experience (15.4 ± 4.7) and practicing in metropolitan areas (13.7 ± 5.03). Tele-consultation and advising palliative care (65.5%) were the most preferred ways of managing COVID-19-related oral manifestations. Ninety-one percentage of the participants felt that inclusion of dentists in the intensive care unit multiprofessional teams, would contribute toward early diagnosis and management of oral manifestations. Conclusion: Study noted lower knowledge scores pertaining to COVID-19-related oral manifestations among BDS graduates with <5 years of clinical experience calling for the implementation of continuing dental education on the oral manifestations occurring in COVID-19 patients.

Radiosurgery in periodontics: Have we forgotten it?
Duddukuri Hema and J. Prasanna

Radiosurgery (RS) has evolved from electrosurgery and uses ultra-high-frequency radio waves at a frequency ranging from 3 to 4 MHz. It is used to address numerous soft-tissue concerns in dentistry and as well as medicine with excellent and predictable results. A review of the indexed literature disclosed that RS has been employed for various periodontal procedures such as gingivectomy, gingivoplasty, crown lengthening, minimally invasive closed osteotomy, frenectomies, operculectomies, depigmentation, gingival curettage, periodontal flap procedures, mucogingival surgeries, harvesting soft-tissue grafts, and also in implantology. Reduced lateral heat production with minimal tissue damage, faster healing, availability of specialized electrodes, increased perception, and cost-effectiveness are some of the notable advantages of RS. The evidence available implies that RS when used appropriately might be a better and economical alternative to a scalpel, electrosurgery, and laser. Inadequate knowledge on the use of this treatment modality due to short of research conducted in this area could be the reason behind it becoming obsolete. This review is an attempt to reminiscence the uses of this versatile tool in periodontal therapy and reinstate its use in present-day clinical practice.

Hema D

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