Clinically: painful, diffuse, reddened swelling affecting the right side of the face, centred on the cheek, causing partial closure of the eye. This developed overnight. The previous 3 days there had been, according to the patient, ‘an abscess’ present on UR3. The patient feels unwell and there is lymphadenopathy present. UR3 is grossly carious. Radiologically: UR3 has a periapical rarefying osteitis.
Yo, peeps! So, check this out – there’s this crazy situation going on with someone’s face, right? Like, it’s all swollen, painful, and looking like a tomato, especially on the right side, focused on the cheek. And get this, it happened overnight! 😱
So, my friend here had this “abscess” thing going on with their tooth (UR3, to be specific) for the past three days. Fast forward to now, and it’s a whole mess – they’re feeling like garbage, there’s some swollen lymph node action, and the eye on the right is only doing half its job because of the swelling.
Oh, and if you peek inside their mouth, UR3 is a total disaster zone – super decayed. And to make things even more interesting, when you take a look at it on an X-ray, there’s this periapical rarefying osteitis party happening.
Now, why am I telling you all this drama? Well, here’s the kicker – that sudden face expansion? It’s not some random curse; it’s all thanks to a not-so-friendly cellulitis causing some serious swelling. And get this, the culprit? A seemingly innocent tooth problem. Who would’ve thought, right? Moral of the story: don’t underestimate the power of a tiny toothache, it can wreak havoc on your whole face. Mind blown! 💥
In recent years, there has been a growing interest in the development of in-office bleaching gels containing co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have been widely studied and utilized in various applications due to their unique properties, such as high refractive index and photocatalytic activity (Kury et al., 2022). The incorporation of TiO2 nanoparticles into bleaching gels has been shown to enhance the effectiveness and safety of the bleaching process.
One study investigated the use of in-office bleaching gels containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (HP) and co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles (Kury et al., 2022). The results showed that the incorporation of titanium dioxide nanoparticles into the bleaching gels improved their effectiveness in tooth bleaching. The photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles enhanced the bleaching process by accelerating the chemical reaction of the hydrogen peroxide. This study highlights the potential of co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles in improving the performance of in-office bleaching gels.
Another study evaluated the effect of light irradiation on the bleaching process using a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide as a photocatalyst (Suemori et al., 2008). The results showed that light irradiation significantly enhanced the bleaching effect of the hydrogen peroxide solution. The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles under light irradiation played a crucial role in accelerating the bleaching process. This study further supports the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles as a photocatalyst in in-office bleaching gels.
Furthermore, the safety of in-office bleaching gels containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles has been investigated. One study evaluated a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide experimental bleaching gel containing titanium dioxide and chitosan (Ozcetin & Surmelioglu, 2020). The results showed that the gel was safe and effective for tooth bleaching. The presence of titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the gel contributed to its safety and effectiveness. This study provides evidence for the safety of in-office bleaching gels containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
In addition to titanium dioxide, other dopants have been explored to enhance the properties of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. For example, iron-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles have been synthesized and studied for various applications (Abza et al., 2022). The doping of titanium dioxide with iron can modify its properties and enhance its photocatalytic activity. This suggests that co-doping titanium dioxide nanoparticles with other elements may further improve the performance of in-office bleaching gels.
Overall, the incorporation of co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles into in-office bleaching gels shows promise in improving the effectiveness and safety of the bleaching process. The photocatalytic activity of titanium dioxide nanoparticles enhances the bleaching process by accelerating the chemical reaction of hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, the safety of in-office bleaching gels containing titanium dioxide nanoparticles has been demonstrated. Further research on the co-doping of titanium dioxide nanoparticles with other elements may lead to even more effective bleaching gels.
Abza, T., Saka, A., Jule, L., Gudata, L., Nagaprasad, N., & Ramaswamy, K. (2022). Synthesis and characterization of iron doped titanium dioxide (fe: tio2) nanoprecipitate at different ph values for applications of self-cleaning materials. Advances in Materials Science and Engineering, 2022, 1-9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/2748908 Kury, M., Hiers, R., Zhao, Y., Picolo, M., Hsieh, J., Khajotia, S., … & Cavalli, V. (2022). Novel experimental in-office bleaching gels containing co-doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Nanomaterials, 12(17), 2995. https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12172995 Ozcetin, H. and Surmelioglu, D. (2020). three‐month evaluation of a low concentration (6% hydrogen peroxide) experimental bleaching gel containing tio 2 and chitosan: an in vitro study. Color Research & Application, 45(6), 1101-1108. https://doi.org/10.1002/col.22543 Suemori, T., Kato, J., Nakazawa, T., Akashi, G., Igarashi, A., Hirai, Y., … & Kurata, H. (2008). Effects of light irradiation on bleaching by a 3.5% hydrogen peroxide solution containing titanium dioxide. Laser Physics Letters, 5(5), 379-383. https://doi.org/10.1002/lapl.200710137
In the fascinating world of forensics, a young and promising researcher from Yenepoya Dental College in Mangalore, Sheikh Sadaf, is making waves with groundbreaking research. Her project delves into the realm of age estimation through dental analysis, using methods developed by Lamendin and Johanson.
1) Can you tell us a bit about yourself? Hey there, I’m Sheikh Sadaf, and I hail from Yenepoya Dental College in Mangalore.
2) Could you give us a sneak peek of your research project? My research dives into the intriguing world of forensics. I’m worked on correlating estimated age with chronological age using Lamendin and Johanson’s method of assessing dentin translucency.
3) What sparked your interest in this unique research topic? Well, I’ve always been fascinated by forensics – the whole world of bite marks and fingerprints. Plus, I received some fantastic encouragement from one of our department lecturers.
4) How did you come across the ICMR STS program, and what was the application process like? I got wind of the ICMR STS program through our Dean and some of my professors. They all encouraged us to give it a shot and dive into the research world. The application process was pretty straightforward – we submitted all our documents through their official website.
5) What was the central question or hypothesis you aimed to tackle in your project? My main goal was to compare the estimated age, using Johanson and Lamendin’s methods, to see which one correlates better with the actual age. Also, I aimed to create a population-specific age estimation formula for Karnataka.
6) Could you walk us through the methods and techniques you used to gather and analyze your data? We collected teeth with known chronological age and sex from the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery. Then, we used vernier calipers to take precise measurements.
7) Did you collaborate with any mentors or fellow researchers during your project? How did they support you? Yes, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Sudheendra Prabhu, my mentor from the Department of Forensic Dentistry. He was an incredible support and we made a great team.
8) Any golden advice for future STS applicants to up their chances of success? To all the aspiring researchers out there, I’d suggest keeping an eye on the latest articles about prevalent diseases or groundbreaking inventions in fields like dentistry and medicine. It’s a great way to stay ahead.
9) Is there anyone special you’d like to give a shout-out to for their support during your research journey? A big thank you goes to my mentor, my parents, and all the teaching and non-teaching staff who had my back. Not to forget my friends who were there for me every step of the way.
Sheikh Sadaf’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, dedication, and mentorship. Her research may well hold the key to advancing age estimation techniques, not only in Mangalore but throughout the region. As she continues to unravel the mysteries of forensics, we can only imagine the bright future that lies ahead for this young researcher.
Dynamic implant navigation is a technique that has been developed to improve the accuracy of dental implant placement. Several studies have investigated the influence of Kennedy class and the number of implants on the accuracy of dynamic implant navigation.
Block et al. (2017) conducted a study comparing the accuracy of implant placement using dynamic navigation to static guides and freehand placement. They found that dynamic navigation achieved similar accuracy to static guides and was an improvement over freehand placement. This suggests that the use of dynamic navigation can help improve the accuracy of implant placement regardless of the Kennedy class or the number of implants.
Wu et al. (2020) also investigated the accuracy of dynamic navigation compared to static surgical guides for dental implant placement. They found that the implant site had no significant influence on the accuracy of dynamic navigation. This indicates that the Kennedy class, which determines the complexity of the case, may not have a significant impact on the accuracy of dynamic navigation.
In a randomized controlled clinical trial, Aydemir & Arısan (2019) compared the accuracy of dental implant placement using dynamic navigation to the freehand method. They found that the accuracy between the planned and placed implants inserted by the static surgical stents was extensively studied, but such studies are limited for the dynamic navigation system. This suggests that more research is needed to determine the influence of Kennedy class and the number of implants on the accuracy of dynamic navigation.
Chen et al. (2023) conducted an in vitro pilot study comparing the accuracy of a novel implant robot surgery and dynamic navigation system in dental implant surgery. They found that the dynamic navigation system improved the accuracy of the implant position, depth, and angle. This indicates that dynamic navigation can help achieve accurate implant placement regardless of the Kennedy class or the number of implants.
Overall, the available literature suggests that dynamic implant navigation can achieve accurate implant placement regardless of the Kennedy class or the number of implants. However, more research is needed to further investigate the influence of these factors on the accuracy of dynamic navigation.
Aydemir, C. and Arısan, V. (2019). Accuracy of dental implant placement via dynamic navigation or the freehand method: a split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial. Clinical Oral Implants Research, 31(3), 255-263. https://doi.org/10.1111/clr.13563 Block, M., Emery, R., Lank, K., & Ryan, J. (2017). Implant placement accuracy using dynamic navigation. The International Journal of Oral & Maxillofacial Implants, 32(1), 92-99. https://doi.org/10.11607/jomi.5004 Chen, J., Bai, X., Ding, Y., Shen, L., Sun, X., Cao, R., … & Wang, L. (2023). Comparison the accuracy of a novel implant robot surgery and dynamic navigation system in dental implant surgery: an in vitro pilot study. BMC Oral Health, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-023-02873-8 Wu, D., Zhou, L., Yang, J., Bao, Z., Lin, Y., Chen, J., … & Chen, Y. (2020). Accuracy of dynamic navigation compared to static surgical guide for dental implant placement. International Journal of Implant Dentistry, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40729-020-00272-0
Silane coupling treatment is a surface treatment technique used in dental restorations to improve the bond strength between resin-based composite (RBC) restorations and the repaired surface. Silane coupling agents are organic silanes that form covalent bonds with both the ceramic and the resin cement, enhancing the wettability and adhesion (Fabianelli et al., 2010). The application of silane coupling treatment, either with or without prior surface sandblasting, has been shown to improve the bond strength of repaired indirect resin composites to a conventional direct resin composite (Visuttiwattanakorn et al., 2017). Additionally, silane coupling treatment has been found to increase the bond strength between photo-cured bulk-fill flowable composite resin and silver-palladium-copper-gold alloy using self-adhesive resin cement (Kawashima et al., 2019).
Surface roughness of resin composites is an important parameter for clinical performance, affecting wear resistance, plaque accumulation, gingival inflammation, material discoloration, and surface gloss (Senawongse & Pongprueksa, 2007). Therefore, it is crucial to consider the effects of surface treatments, such as silane coupling, on the surface roughness of RBC restorations.
In terms of clinical significance, the repair of fractured polymer-infiltrated ceramic-network (PICN) restorations with composite resin has been successful when the surface is treated with hydrofluoric acid or sandblasting followed by the individual use of silane (Bello et al., 2018). This suggests that silane coupling treatment plays a crucial role in the successful repair of PICN restorations.
Furthermore, the use of silane coupling agents has been shown to increase the bond strength of aged composite restorations treated with air abrasion, which is important for the efficient repair of composite restorations (Mishra et al., 2023). Computational analysis has also indicated the potential benefits of silane coupling treatments on the adhesion of CAD/CAM composite resin in the presence or absence of acid (Tsukagoshi et al., 2020).
It is worth noting that there are alternative approaches to repairing resin composite restorations without silane coupling pretreatment, although the use of silane coupling treatments has been shown to increase bond strength in various scenarios (Uno et al., 2022). Silane coupling treatments have also been effective in increasing bond strength when repairing resin composite chip fractures or ceramic restorations with resin composite (Akimoto et al., 2011).
In conclusion, silane coupling treatment has been shown to improve the clinical performance of direct repaired RBC restorations by enhancing bond strength and adhesion. It is an effective surface treatment technique that can be used in conjunction with other methods, such as sandblasting or acid etching, to optimize the repair process. The use of silane coupling agents should be considered in dental restorations to ensure long-lasting and durable outcomes.
REFERENCES
Akimoto, N., Sakamoto, T., Kubota, Y., Kondo, Y., & Momoi, Y. (2011). A novel composite-to-composite adhesive bond mechanism. Dental Materials Journal, 30(4), 523-527. https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2011-011 Bello, Y., Domênico, M., Magro, L., Lise, M., & Corazza, P. (2018). Bond strength between composite repair and polymer‐infiltrated ceramic‐network material: effect of different surface treatments. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 31(3), 275-279. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.12445 Fabianelli, A., Pollington, S., Papacchini, F., Goracci, C., Cantoro, A., Ferrari, M., … & Noort, R. (2010). The effect of different surface treatments on bond strength between leucite reinforced feldspathic ceramic and composite resin. Journal of Dentistry, 38(1), 39-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2009.08.010 Kawashima, S., Nagai, Y., & Shinkai, K. (2019). Effect of silane coupling treatment and airborne-particle abrasion on shear bond strength between photo-cured bulk-fill flowable composite resin and silverpalladium-copper-gold alloy using self-adhesive resin cement. Dental Materials Journal, 38(3), 418-423. https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2018-121 Mishra, P., Singh, S., Sharma, A., Jain, S., & Kishnani, S. (2023). Comparative evaluation of effect of different surface pretreatments on bond strengths of thermocycled composite and amalgam rerestored with composite resin: an in vitro study. International Journal of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry, 12(3), 125-132. https://doi.org/10.5005/jp-journals-10019-1380 Senawongse, P. and Pongprueksa, P. (2007). Surface roughness of nanofill and nanohybrid resin composites after polishing and brushing. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 19(5), 265-273. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1708-8240.2007.00116.x Tsukagoshi, K., Hirota, M., Nomoto, R., & Hayakawa, T. (2020). Bond strength and computational analysis for silane coupling treatments on the adhesion of resin block for cad/cam crowns. Dental Materials Journal, 39(5), 844-854. https://doi.org/10.4012/dmj.2019-139 Uno, M., Kusakabe, S., Ishigami, H., & Doi, Y. (2022). Effect of surface treatment on bond strength between zirconia and composite resin core material. Asian Pacific Journal of Dentistry, 22(1), 5-11. https://doi.org/10.47416/apjod.22-0288 Visuttiwattanakorn, P., Suputtamongkol, K., Angkoonsit, D., Kaewthong, S., & Charoonanan, P. (2017). Microtensile bond strength of repaired indirect resin composite. The Journal of Advanced Prosthodontics, 9(1), 38. https://doi.org/10.4047/jap.2017.9.1.38
In the bustling world of Navi Mumbai, where careers are cultivated and passions pursued, Kriti Keshav Sherigar shines as a dental intern at MGM Dental College and Hospital. Committed to transforming lives one smile at a time, Kriti is not only a dedicated dental professional but also a former national-level athlete with a penchant for dancing and sports.
1) Could you provide a brief overview of your research project? My research project had the intriguing title: “Parent’s responses to early presurgical nasoalveolar molding (PNAM) treatment in infants with cleft lip and palate: A qualitative analysis.” Our primary aim was to delve into the responses, coping mechanisms, and psychosocial adjustments of parents whose infants were undergoing PNAM therapy. We conducted face-to-face interviews with parents, discussing various aspects related to PNAM treatment. These interviews were comprehensive and open-ended, allowing us to understand the impact of PNAM on parents and their experiences. We then analyzed the data using inductive thematic analysis.
2) What motivated you to choose this particular research topic? I was very clear in my head that I wanted pedodontics to be my subject of choice and with the guidance of Dr. Shrirang Sevekar, the Head of the Department of Pedodontics at MGMDCH, we selected this research topic. By reading research papers and articles, we believed that our study could lead to advancements in the treatment and support provided to individuals affected by cleft lip and palate, as well as their families.
3) How did you become interested in the ICMR STS program, and what was your application process like? I first learned about the ICMR STS program through a lecture at my college that explained the program’s opportunities and benefits. This introduction motivated me to pursue research through the program.
4) What was the main research question or hypothesis you aimed to address in your project? Our research aimed to address several key questions:
How do parents respond to PNAM treatment?
What coping strategies do parents employ during PNAM therapy?
What patterns of psychosocial adjustments do parents exhibit during PNAM therapy?
What are the barriers faced by parents during PNAM therapy?
5) How did you design your research proposal and select your methodology? Our research proposal was carefully designed in accordance with the guidelines provided by ICMR. Given the nature of our study, which focused on qualitative analysis, we selected our methodology after extensive reading of related articles and papers to ensure its suitability.
6) Can you describe the specific methods and techniques you used to collect and analyze data? We collected data through face-to-face interviews, and the analysis was conducted using inductive thematic analysis. The process involved familiarizing ourselves with the collected data, generating initial codes, collating codes into themes, and then further categorizing themes into subthemes. Ultimately, we created a thematic map based on these themes and subthemes.
7) Were there any surprising or noteworthy discoveries during your research? Yes, our research yielded some interesting findings. We discovered that various coping strategies, such as social support from family, parents of infants with similar conditions, and the healthcare team, positively benefited parents. Successfully completing NAM therapy resulted in positive outcomes, including increased empowerment through successful feedings and effective management of daily challenges during therapy. Interestingly, our study also concluded that the financial burden may not be the critical factor influencing parents’ rejection of NAM treatment for infants with cleft lip and palate.
8) Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles that you encountered during your research process? How did you overcome them? I encountered a few unexpected challenges during the initial phases of my research journey. This was an entirely new experience for me, so understanding the entire research process posed an initial challenge. Additionally, as I was nearing the end of my third year and had university exams looming just a month or two away, juggling my studies, clinical postings, and meeting the ICMR deadlines proved to be quite a task. However, what made all the difference was the unwavering support and guidance of my mentor, Dr. Shrirang Sevekar. His expertise and encouragement were instrumental in helping me navigate these challenges. His guidance motivated me to work harder and approach the research with determination. Ultimately, our research project was selected by ICMR, and I also achieved a good score in my third-year university exams. The feeling of accomplishment and success was truly incredible and made all the effort worthwhile.
8) Are there any specific tips or insights you would offer to future STS applicants to increase their chances of success? I’d like to offer a piece of advice to future STS applicants: Give it your best effort. The hard work and effort you put into your project are truly worth it. The sense of satisfaction and joy upon completing your project is incomparable. At the start, it might seem confusing, but as you progress, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the process. The journey is both memorable and highly educational, so work diligently and never give up!
9) Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or express gratitude to for their support during your research project? I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my mentor, Dr. Shrirang Sevekar. He went above and beyond, dedicating extra hours after college to assist me with my doubts and ensure we completed our project on time. His knowledge, patience, and hard work were not only motivating but also truly inspiring. I’d also like to thank my parents and my brother for their unwavering encouragement, which continually pushes me to take on new challenges and supports me along the way.
Kriti Keshav Sherigar’s dedication to oral health and her commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with cleft lip and palate reflect the transformative power of research, compassion, and the pursuit of one’s passions. As she continues to dance through life, Kriti’s contributions to both the field of dentistry and her artistic endeavors are bound to leave an enduring mark.
In the vibrant city of Mangalore, where diverse talents and passions converge, Pavithra B Nair, a dental intern at A B Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences, stands out not only for her commitment to oral health but also for her passion for classical dance. Pavithra believes that dentistry is a canvas where she can explore the artistry of oral health, aligning her profession with her passion.
1) Could you provide a brief overview of your research project? Certainly, my research project focused on assessing the knowledge, attitude, and practice of night brushing and oral hygiene among the rural population of Dakshinna Karnataka.
2) What motivated you to choose this particular research topic? My motivation for choosing this research topic stemmed from my experiences at A B Shetty college, where we encounter many patients from rural areas of Karnataka. It became evident that improving the quality of life for these individuals necessitated addressing their knowledge and practices related to night brushing and oral hygiene. This realization led me to conduct a survey to assess their understanding and explore ways to enhance their oral health.
3) How did you become interested in the ICMR STS program, and what was your application process like? I learned about the ICMR-STS program through my college. Initially, I had reservations about taking on this project, as I was concerned about balancing my studies with research work, especially since it was a new experience for me. However, my college provided invaluable support and encouragement, urging me to give it a try. The application process was straightforward, involving submission through the official ICMR-STS website, where all the necessary details were provided.
4) What was the main research question or hypothesis you aimed to address in your project? As dentists, our primary objective is to promote awareness of oral health. While we emphasize the importance of brushing twice a day, the significance of night brushing is often overlooked. Night brushing plays a vital role in maintaining oral hygiene by preventing the accumulation of bacteria in the mouth during the night when saliva flow is reduced. Therefore, my goal was to assess the knowledge and attitude of rural populations regarding night brushing and raise awareness to improve oral hygiene.
5) Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles that you encountered during your research process? How did you overcome them? One of the significant challenges was visiting various rural areas in Dakshinna Karnataka and communicating with the local population, as language barriers were a hurdle. Fortunately, I had the support of individuals who helped me navigate this issue. Balancing my semester exams with research work was another challenge, but I received support from my professors and staff to manage the situation.
6) Did you collaborate with any mentors or fellow researchers during the project? How did they support you? My mentor, Dr. Pushparaj Shetty, a Professor from the Department of Oral Pathology and Oral Microbiology, was a constant source of support throughout the project. His guidance and encouragement were instrumental in helping me achieve my research goals.
7) Are there any specific tips or insights you would offer to future STS applicants to increase their chances of success? To future STS applicants, I would advise approaching the program with a mindset focused on learning from the project rather than being overly concerned about the results. Despite my initial insecurities, the journey was intriguing and filled with new experiences that have motivated me to continue my research journey.
8) Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or express gratitude to for their support during your research project? I’d like to express my gratitude to the almighty for providing me with the strength to see this research project through. My heartfelt thanks go to my mentor, Prof. Dr. Pushparaj, without whom I may not have embarked on this research journey. I’m immensely grateful to my parents, who have always believed in me, even when I doubted myself, and to all my colleagues who lent their assistance in completing this project.
Pavithra B Nair’s dedication to improving oral hygiene and raising awareness among rural populations exemplifies the transformative power of research and the enduring impact that passionate individuals can have on their communities. As she continues her journey, Pavithra is poised to make significant contributions to both the world of dentistry and the realm of classical dance.
Yenepoya Dental College Intern’s Work on Salivary Antibodies Sheds Light on Pandemic’s Impact
In a commendable display of scientific inquiry, Abhinandan Kumar, a dedicated intern at Yenepoya Dental College, has undertaken pioneering research on the detection of salivary antibodies in both COVID-19 vaccinated and non-vaccinated individuals. His research holds promise in understanding the immune responses to the virus and vaccines, potentially influencing public health measures during the ongoing pandemic.
1) What motivated you to choose this particular research topic? I was drawn to this research topic due to the unique circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has posed significant challenges to public health, making it crucial to understand the immune response to the virus and vaccines. This research allows me to contribute to our understanding of COVID-19 and potentially influence public health measures during these unprecedented times.
2) How did you become interested in the ICMR STS program, and what was your application process like? My interest in the ICMR STS (Indian Council of Medical Research Short-Term Studentship) program stemmed from its esteemed reputation and the opportunity it provides for students like myself to engage in meaningful medical research. The program’s focus on nurturing research skills and promoting scientific inquiry aligns perfectly with my career aspirations.
3) What was the main research question or hypothesis you aimed to address in your project? The primary research question and hypothesis in my project revolved around comparing IgG (Immunoglobulin G) antibody levels in two distinct groups: COVID-19 vaccinated individuals and non-vaccinated individuals who had contracted COVID-19. Specifically, we aimed to investigate whether there were significant differences in IgG antibody levels between these two groups, which would provide insights into the effectiveness of vaccination and the durability of immune responses in previously infected individuals.
4) How did you design your research proposal and select your methodology? In our study, we included 15 vaccinated and 15 non-vaccinated individuals, excluding those with recent fevers. Participants rinsed their mouths with water before providing saliva samples, which were stored at 4°C for up to 6 hours and then at -20°C. IgG levels targeting SARS-CoV-2 RBD were measured using an established ELISA method, with absorbance readings at 450 nm taken within 30 minutes of stopping the reaction.
5) Can you describe the specific methods and techniques you used to collect and analyze data? We utilized the ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) method for both data collection and analysis in our study.
6) Were there any unexpected challenges or obstacles that you encountered during your research process? Yes, we did encounter unexpected challenges during the research process, particularly when collecting samples from non-vaccinated individuals.
7) Did you collaborate with any mentors or fellow researchers during the project? How did they support you? During the project, I had the privilege of collaborating with two esteemed mentors, Dr. Vishnu Das Prabhu and Prof. Bhandari. Their guidance and support were instrumental in the successful execution of the research.
8) Were there any surprising or noteworthy discoveries during your research? Yes, during our research, we made a noteworthy discovery. We observed both slight changes and no change in IgG levels among the vaccinated individuals. This finding indicated that the immune response to COVID-19 vaccination can vary among individuals, with some showing slight alterations in IgG levels, while others exhibited no change.
9) Is there anyone you would like to acknowledge or express gratitude to for their support during your research project? I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to several individuals who played instrumental roles in supporting and guiding me throughout my research project. Firstly, I express my sincere appreciation to our principal, Dr. Laxmikanth Chatra, for providing valuable encouragement and resources for this endeavor. I’m also deeply thankful to our dean, Dr. Sham Bhat, for his unwavering support and mentorship. Additionally, I want to acknowledge and thank Prof. Vishnu Prabhu and Prof. Bhandari for their expertise, which significantly enhanced the quality of the research. Last but not least, I express my gratitude to Maji Jos for their invaluable assistance during the project. Their collective support was indispensable in making this research a reality.
Dentowesome 