Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Medicine

99-101

Authors: Eunice A Owino

None.

110-118

Authors: Abdulsamet Sandal, Aylin Güngör Cifci, Peri M Arbak

Objective: To evaluate the COVID-19 vaccination status and related characteristics of Turkish healthcare workers practicing chest medicine. Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among the Turkish Thoracic Society members. The survey was started on May 17, 2021, and kept open for seven weeks. The 39-item survey included the COVID-19 vaccination status and demographic, clinical, and occupational characteristics. Results: Of 378 healthcare workers participated in the survey, 354 (93.7%) reported receiving at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. A total of 323 (91.2%) healthcare workers received CoronaVac vs. BioNTech/Pfizer in 31 (8.8%). In the CoronaVac group, 77 (23.8%) contracted COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, and 13 (4.0%) when fully vaccinated; however, 16 (51.6%) healthcare workers in the BioNTech/Pfizer group got COVID-19 when not fully vaccinated, but any fully vaccinated participants did not contract COVID-19 (P=0.003). Regarding vaccine dosing, 328 (86.8%) were fully vaccinated, while 50 (13.2%) were not. Multiple regression analysis for being a non-fully vaccinated healthcare worker demonstrated a significant relationship with having any SARS-CoV-2 infection history (adjusted OR 9.57, 95% CI 3.93- 23.26, P<0.001) and being a non-physician healthcare worker (adjusted OR 5.86, 95% CI 2.11-16.26, P=0.001), but a significant negative relationship with full-time working at the time of survey (adjusted OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.03-0.56, P=0.006). Conclusions: Although a majority of healthcare workers were fully vaccinated, occupational and non-occupational characteristics were related to being non-fully vaccinated. Active surveillance regarding the COVID-19 vaccination in healthcare workers is necessary to address specific parameters as barriers to vaccination.

129-138

Authors: Ishrat Rahman, Afrah Mohammed, Manal A. AlSheddi, Alanoud Algazlan, Alanoud Alwably, Mamata Hebbal, Maha Galal Omar

Objective: To assess the clinical anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial efficacy of Nigella sativa oil compared with chlorhexidine in patients with gingivitis. Methods: A double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted in patients having chronic generalized gingivitis. Patients were randomly assigned to receive Nigella sativa oil (n=18) or chlorhexidine (n=19). The following assessments were made on day 0 and day 15: plaque index, gingival index, gingival IL-6 and IL-18 levels were measured using ELISA, plaque colony-forming units, and alpha-hemolytic Streptococcus strains. Data were analyzed using parametric and non-parametric tests and Fisher's exact test. Results: Both interventions reduced plaque index and gingival index scores (P<0.000 1). The Nigella sativa oil group was better at lowering IL-6 (P=0.007 6) than the chlorhexidine group (P=0.145), although there was no change in IL-18 levels (P>0.05). The post-intervention plaque index and gingival index scores and inflammatory cytokine levels between the two groups were not significantly different. Both interventions caused a significant reduction in the plaque colony-forming units (P<0.000 1), reducing pathogenic bacteria: Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguinis, and Streptococcus parasanguinis in the chlorhexidine group (50%) (P=0.103 1), and the Nigella sativa oil group (20%) (P=0.739 5). Conclusions: Nigella sativa oil had anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities, reducing biofilm formation and disrupting the colonization of pathogenic bacteria essential for the progression of periodontal disease. Nigella sativa oil could offer an alternative therapy for treating gingivitis and may prevent associated systemic diseases and improve overall health outcomes.

143-144

Authors: Abdullah, Riaz Muhammad, Muhammad Salman, Abid Hussain, Amin Ullah, Muddasir Khan

None.