Browse publications by year: 2019

  1. Vallance TM, Ravishankar D, Albadawi DAI, Layfield H, Sheard J, Vaiyapuri R, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 12 03;9(1):18258.
    PMID: 31796818 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54617-w
    Platelets are small circulating blood cells that play essential roles in the maintenance of haemostasis via blood clotting. However, they also play critical roles in the regulation of innate immune responses. Inflammatory receptors, specifically Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4, have been reported to modify platelet reactivity. A plethora of studies have reported controversial functions of TLR4 in the modulation of platelet function using various chemotypes and preparations of its ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The method of preparation of LPS may explain these discrepancies however this is not fully understood. Hence, to determine the impact of LPS on platelet activation, we used ultrapure preparations of LPS from Escherichia coli (LPSEC), Salmonella minnesota (LPSSM), and Rhodobacter sphaeroides (LPSRS) and examined their actions under diverse experimental conditions in human platelets. LPSEC did not affect platelet activation markers such as inside-out signalling to integrin αIIbβ3 or P-selectin exposure upon agonist-induced activation in platelet-rich plasma or whole blood whereas LPSSM and LPSRS inhibited platelet activation under specific conditions at supraphysiological concentrations. Overall, our data demonstrate that platelet activation is not largely influenced by any of the ultrapure LPS chemotypes used in this study on their own except under certain conditions.
    MeSH terms: Blood Platelets/drug effects; Blood Platelets/immunology; Blood Platelets/metabolism; Escherichia coli; Humans; Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology*; Platelet Aggregation/drug effects; Rhodobacter sphaeroides; Salmonella; Platelet Activation/drug effects*; Platelet Activation/immunology; NF-kappa B/metabolism; Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism
  2. Bankur PK, Mathew M, Almalki SA, Jalaluddin M, Jayanti I, Durgaraju M
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2019 Sep 01;20(9):1041-1044.
    PMID: 31797826
    AIM: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antibacterial efficacy of various concentrations of Eucalyptus globulus leaf extract on periodontal pathogens.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: Matured, healthy and disease-free leaves of Eucalyptus globulus were collected. The leaves were washed under tap water and finally dried in an oven at a temperature of 45°C for 48 hours. The dried plants were ground in an electric blender to make them into a powder. The powder was mixed with 100% ethanol and kept it inside a shaker overnight at 35°C. The mixture was centrifuged for 10 minutes at 2,500 rpm. Three different concentrations (10%, 50%, and 100% v/v) were used as antibacterial agents. Chlorhexidine (0.2%) was considered as positive control and dimethyl formamide was considered as negative control against P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. The disc diffusion method was used to determine the extract's antibacterial activity against the test organisms. A digital Vernier caliper was used to measure the diameter of antibacterial activity showing the zone of inhibition in millimeters.

    RESULTS: Eucalyptus globulus with 100% concentration showed a maximum zone of inhibition against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis (5.38 ± 0.32 mm, 4.82 ± 0.11 mm) followed by 50% and 10% accordingly. The negative control of dimethyl formamide showed a zone of inhibition of 0.48 ± 0.96 mm and 0.63 ± 0.20 mm against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. The positive control of 0.2% chlorhexidine showed a zone of inhibition of 8.46 ± 1.02 mm and 7.18 ± 0.54 mm against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. The ANOVA test showed a highly significant antibacterial efficacy in 0.2% chlorhexidine and 100% concentration Eucalyptus globulus.

    CONCLUSION: A significant maximum zone of inhibition against A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis was showed by 100% concentration of Eucalyptus globulus.

    CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Other than the systemic diseases treatment, Eucalyptus globulus also serves as an effective promising alternative to antibiotics in the prevention of oral infections because of the natural phytochemicals existing in them.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Chlorhexidine; Eucalyptus*; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves
  3. Thomas AR, Mani R, Reddy TV, Ravichandran A, Sivakumar M, Krishnakumar S
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2019 Sep 01;20(9):1090-1094.
    PMID: 31797835
    AIM: The aim of the study was to assess the antibacterial efficiency of a combination of 1% alexidine (ALX) and 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) against E. faecalis biofilm using a confocal scanning electron microscopy.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: An estimated 120 human root dentin disks were prepared, sterilized, and inoculated with E. faecalis strain (ATCC 29212) to develop a 3-weeks-old biofilm. The dentin discs were exposed to group I-control group: 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) (n = 20); group II-1% ALX + 5.25% NaOCl (n = 40); group III-1% alexidine (ALX) (n = 40) (Sigma-Aldrich, Mumbai, India); group IV-negative control: saline (n = 20). After exposure, the dentin disks were stained with the fluorescent live/dead dye and evaluated with a confocal scanning electron microscope to calculate the proportion of dead cells. Statistical analysis was done using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05).

    RESULTS: The maximum proportion of dead cells were seen in the groups treated with the combination of 1% ALX + 5.25% NaOCl (94.89%) and in the control group 5.25% NaOCl (93.14%). The proportion of dead cells presented in the 1% ALX group (51.79%) and negative control group saline (15.10%) were comparatively less.

    CONCLUSION: The antibacterial efficiency of a combination of 1% ALX and 5.25% NaOCl was more effective when compared with 1% ALX alone.

    CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Alexidine at 1% could be used as an alternative endodontic irrigant to chlorhexidine, as alexidine does not form any toxic precipitates with sodium hypochlorite. The disinfection regimen comprising a combination of 1% ALX and 5.25% NaOCl is effective in eliminating E. faecalis biofilms.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Biguanides; Dentin; Humans; India; Root Canal Irrigants; Sodium Hypochlorite*; Enterococcus faecalis*; Biofilms; Microscopy, Confocal
  4. Gupta K, Singh S, Singh S
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2019 Aug 01;20(8):907-914.
    PMID: 31797846
    AIM: Assessing the accuracy of surgical guides generated with the help of a simple chair side ridge mapping technique by comparing the planned implant position with the achieved implant position on post-op computerized tomography scans.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 20 implant sites in patients were selected. Ridge mapping was done through a vacuum press template at three buccal (B1, B2, B3), three lingual (L1, L2, L3), and one crestal (C) points for each implant site. Readings were transferred onto the cast, and surgical guides were fabricated for implant placement. Postoperative cone beam computerized tomography (CBCT) was done to assess planned and achieved implant position. Comparison was done between soft tissue depths and implant distance from the crest of alveolar bone determined by the ridge mapping technique with measurements done on CBCT. The points used for ridge mapping were used as the reference for measurements. The data were analyzed using paired t test. p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant.

    RESULTS: On comparing the mean values of soft tissue depths from the ridge mapping and CBCT data, insignificant differences were found at B1, B2, L1, L2, L3, and C, but significant differences were found at B3. On comparing the implant distances from alveolar bone from both the data, insignificant differences were found at B, B2, B3, L1, L2, and L3 and significant difference was found at the crest in the mean values.

    CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of the above study, it can be concluded that a simple chairside procedure like ridge mapping can be used as an effective way for guided implant placement in sufficient available alveolar bone.

    MeSH terms: Costs and Cost Analysis; Dental Implantation, Endosseous; Humans; Tooth*; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography*
  5. Arunachalam R, Rajeev V, Kumaresan R, Kurra SB
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2019 Aug 01;20(8):952-956.
    PMID: 31797853
    INTRODUCTION: Assessment of host response to inflammation will throw light on the critical role of antioxidants (AOs) and free radicle damage in the etiology of periodontal disease. The purpose of the study was to assess the level of plasma oxidative stress in those having aggressive periodontal disease before and after full-mouth disinfection. Objectives were to find the influence of full-mouth disinfection analyzing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs), thereby quantifying the lipid peroxidation (LPO) and also the activities of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT), valuing the AO defense systems in health and disease.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The valuation composed of 30 subjects with aggressive periodontal disease and 30 healthy controls. Clinical assessment included following periodontal parameters: plaque index (PI), papillary bleeding index (PBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment level (CAL). Levels of bone loss were assessed by taking full-mouth periapical radiographs. Initial periodontal therapy comprises of full-mouth disinfection which includes subgingival scaling and root planing within 24 hours combined with adjunctive chlorhexidine chemotherapy for aggressive periodontitis subject's at sites indicated. The parameters (clinical) were evaluated at the baseline and 8 weeks after initial periodontal therapy at six sites of teeth indicated. Plasma samples were taken and evaluated by standard procedures as defined in the literature. All the values were weighed and related.

    RESULTS: Strong positive associations were detected among periodontal parameters and TBARS, enzymatic/nonenzymatic AO levels (p < 0.05), and pre- and postperiodontal management. The plasma levels of patients with aggressive periodontitis had high levels of TBARS and displayed a substantial escalation in the activities of GSH and GPX levels in the plasma matched to the healthy individuals (p < 0.05).

    CONCLUSION: This paper evaluated ROS activity and AO defense before and after treatment to stimulate added periodontal investigation in this part which will give an insight into the therapeutic options with foreseeable results.

    MeSH terms: Anti-Infective Agents, Local*; Disinfection; Humans; Aggressive Periodontitis*; Dental Scaling; Root Planing; Periodontal Attachment Loss
  6. Kattimani VS, Prathigudupu RS, Jairaj A, Khader MA, Rajeev K, Khader AA
    J Contemp Dent Pract, 2019 Aug 01;20(8):987-993.
    PMID: 31797859
    Since a long time, the preservation of the socket is emphasized for various reasons. Many studies have suggested the ridge preservation through socket grafting using various bone graft substitute materials (GSMs). But none of the studies suggested the material of choice for the grafting. So, the systematic review was planned to analyze the outcomes of synthetic hydroxyapatite (SHA) graft material for socket preservation. The review was aimed to determine the existing evidence for the use of SHA GSM for grafting and its usefulness.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS: The literature search was performed for the studies published in the English language independently by all four authors (search team) in the Medline database through the PubMed search engine for the past 5 years. The study involved predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria for the search. The final lists of clinical trials were analyzed to determine the existing evidence and suggested the mechanism of action.

    REVIEW RESULTS: The search resulted in 117 titles. After application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of seven studies were found eligible for this systematic review. Out of seven, two studies were found eligible for meta-analysis whereas remaining included for the systematic review.

    CONCLUSION: The meta-analysis favors socket grafting compared to control in terms of preservation of existing bone height and width. The SHA grafting showed successful bone regeneration with less connective tissue component. The histomorphometric evaluation showed a good bone regeneration associated with SHA than xenograft. Within the limitations of this meta-analysis, the synthetic GSM can be used for socket grafting.

    CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the wake of increasing graft materials in the market and different origin raw material sources for the preparation of graft materials, clinicians are in dilemma for selection and its use. The success of grafting depends on the selection of appropriate material with a suitable calcium/phosphate (Ca/P) ratio. The review provided available evidence for the use of SHA.

    MeSH terms: Alveolar Ridge Augmentation*; Bone Regeneration; Tooth Extraction; Bone Transplantation; Durapatite*; Tooth Socket; Heterografts
  7. Jobson L, Mirabolfathi V, Moshirpanahi S, Parhoon H, Gillard J, Mukhtar F, et al.
    Sci Rep, 2019 12 04;9(1):18344.
    PMID: 31797979 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54775-x
    This study investigated the influence of culture and depression on (1) emotion priming reactions, (2) the recall of subjective experience of emotion, and (3) emotion meaning. Members of individualistic culture (Australia, n = 42) and collectivistic culture (Iran, n = 32, Malaysia, n = 74) with and without depression completed a biological motion task, subjective experience questionnaire and emotion meaning questionnaire. Those with depression, regardless of cultural group, provided significantly fewer correct responses on the biological motion task than the control group. Second, the collectivistic control groups reported greater social engaging emotion than the Australian control group. However, the three depressed groups did not differ culturally. The Australian depressed group reported significantly greater interpersonally engaging emotion than the Australian control group. Third, the collectivistic groups reported significantly greater social worth, belief changes and sharing of emotion than the individualistic group. Depression did not influence these cultural effects. Instead we found that those with depression, when compared to controls, considered emotions as subjective phenomena, that were qualifying for relationships with others, and associated with greater agency appraisals. The applicability of the biocultural framework of emotion in depression was considered.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Australia/epidemiology; Behavior/physiology; Culture; Depression/epidemiology; Depression/pathology; Depression/psychology*; Depressive Disorder/epidemiology; Depressive Disorder/pathology; Depressive Disorder/psychology*; Emotions/physiology*; Female; Humans; Individuality*; Iran/epidemiology; Malaysia; Male; Surveys and Questionnaires; Mental Recall/physiology
  8. Jamaris S, Akpolat-Basci L, Stephanou M, Wetzig S, Cubuk Y, Gerharz J, et al.
    Breast care (Basel, Switzerland), 2019 Oct;14(5):302-307.
    PMID: 31798390 DOI: 10.1159/000493017
    Background: Significant re-excision rates in breast-conserving surgery (BCS) after neoadjuvant systemic chemotherapy may result from difficulties in defining the surgical target particularly in cases with excellent treatment response. Devices allowing an exact topographic localisation of the lesion in the resected tissue could reduce re-excision rates by optimising the intraoperative detection of involved margins.

    Methods: 80 patients with invasive breast cancer receiving BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included in this non-randomized case-control study. 40 patients with specimen radiography performed in a standard approach (control group) were compared to 40 patients with use of a radiopaque tissue transfer system (study group).

    Results: 19/80 (23.75%) patients required re-excision because of involved margins; among those, 14/40 (35%) were in the control group and 5/40 (12.5%) in the study group. The association between the use of the radiopaque tissue transfer system and the lower re-excision rate was statistically significant (p = 0.023).

    Conclusion: Our analysis provides a rationale for the routine use of a radiopaque tissue transfer system for specimen radiography in BCS after neoadjuvant chemotherapy for invasive breast cancer in order to reduce re-excision rates.

    MeSH terms: Breast Neoplasms; Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating; Humans; Radiography; Mastectomy, Segmental; Case-Control Studies; Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast; Neoadjuvant Therapy; Control Groups
  9. Lee YF, McLaws ML, Ong LM, Amir Husin S, Chua HH, Wong SY, et al.
    PMID: 31798841 DOI: 10.1186/s13756-019-0644-x
    Background: Hand hygiene compliance can be improved by strategies fostering collaborative efforts among healthcare workers (HCWs) through change agents. However, there is limited information about how change agents shape the social networks of work teams, and how this relates to organisational culture. The objectives of this study were to describe the influence of peer-identified change agents (PICAs) and management-selected change agents (MSCAs) on hand hygiene, perception of their leadership style by peers, and the role of the organisational culture in the process of hand hygiene promotion.

    Methods: This study, stratified in pre-, during, and post-intervention periods, was conducted between February 2017 and March 2018 in two wards at a tertiary care hospital in Malaysia. Hand hygiene promotion was facilitated either by PICAs (study arm 1) or MSCAs (study arm 2), and the two wards were randomly allocated to one of the two interventions. Outcomes were: 1) perceived leadership styles of PICAs and MSCAs by staff, vocalised during question and answer sessions; 2) the social network connectedness and communication patterns between HCWs and change agents by applying social network analysis; and 3) hand hygiene leadership attributes obtained from HCWs in the post-intervention period by questionnaires.

    Results: Hand hygiene compliance in study arm 1 and study arm 2 improved by from 48% (95% CI: 44-53%) to 66% (63-69%), and from 50% (44-55%) to 65% (60-69%), respectively. There was no significant difference between the two arms. Healthcare workers perceived that PICAs lead by example, while MSCAs applied an authoritarian top-down leadership style. The organisational culture of both wards was hierarchical, with little social interaction, but strong team cohesion. Position and networks of both PICAs and MSCAs were similar and generally weaker compared to the leaders who were nominated by HCWs in the post-intervention period. Healthcare workers on both wards perceived authoritative leadership to be the most desirable attribute for hand hygiene improvement.

    Conclusion: Despite experiencing successful hand hygiene improvement from PICAs, HCWs expressed a preference for the existing top-down leadership structure. This highlights the limits of applying leadership models that are not supported by the local organisational culture.

    MeSH terms: Peer Influence*; Cross Infection/prevention & control*; Health Personnel/education; Health Personnel/psychology*; Health Personnel/statistics & numerical data; Humans; Leadership; Malaysia; Surveys and Questionnaires; Organizational Culture; Infection Control/statistics & numerical data*; Practice Guidelines as Topic; Guideline Adherence/statistics & numerical data*; Social Networking*; Tertiary Care Centers; Hand Hygiene/statistics & numerical data*
  10. Aziz ZAA, Mohd-Nasir H, Ahmad A, Mohd Setapar SH, Peng WL, Chuo SC, et al.
    Front Chem, 2019;7:739.
    PMID: 31799232 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00739
    Nanotechnology is an innovative area of science that includes the design, characterization, production, and application of materials, devices and systems by controlling shape and size at the nanometer scale (1-100 nm). Nanotechnology incorporation in cosmetic formulation is considered as the hottest and emerging technology available. Cosmetic manufacturers use nanoscale size ingredients to provide better UV protection, deeper skin penetration, long-lasting effects, increased color, finish quality, and many more. Micellar nanoparticles is one of the latest field applied in cosmetic products that becoming trending and widely commercialized in local and international markets. The ability of nanoemulsion system to form small micellar nanoparticles size with high surface area allowing to effectiveness of bioactive component transport onto the skin. Oil in water nanoemulsion is playing a major role as effective formulation in cosmetics such as make-up remover, facial cleanser, anti-aging lotion, sun-screens, and other water-based cosmetic formulations. The objective of this review is to critically discuss the properties, advantageous, and mechanism of micellar nanoparticles formation in nanoemulsion system. Therefore, present article introduce and discuss the specific benefits of nanoemulsion system in forming micellar nanoparticles for cosmetic formulation which become major factors for further development of micellar-based cosmetic segments.
  11. Abdul Raman AA, Tan HW, Buthiyappan A
    Front Chem, 2019;7:774.
    PMID: 31799239 DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2019.00774
    For every ton of biodiesel produced, about 100 kg of glycerol is also generated as a by-product. The traditional method of removing glycerol is mainly by gravity separation or centrifugation. This method generates crude glycerol, which may still contain impurities such as methanol, oil, soap, salt, and other organic materials at ppm levels. The effective usage of crude glycerol is important to improve the economic sustainability of the biodiesel industry while reducing the environmental impacts caused by the generated waste. The application and value of crude glycerol can be enhanced if these impurities are removed or minimized. Thus, it is important to develop a method which can increase the economic and applicable value of crude glycerol. Therefore, in the present study, the dual step purification method comprised of acidification and ion exchange techniques has been used to purify the crude glycerol and convert it into higher-value products. The acidification process started with the pH adjustment of the crude glycerol, using phosphoric acid to convert soap into fatty acid and salts. Then, the pretreated glycerol was further purified by ion exchange with a strong cation H+ resin. Gas chromatography (GC) was used to analyze both crude and purified glycerol and expressed as the weight percentage of glycerol content. A maximum glycerol purity of 98.2% was obtained after the dual step purification method at the optimized conditions of 60% of solvent, the flow rate of 15 mL/min and 40 g of resin. Further, the glycerol content measured being within the accepted amount of BS 2621:1979. Therefore, this study has proven that the proposed crude glycerol purification process is effective in improving the glycerol purity and could enhance the applicability of glycerol in producing value-added products which bring new revenue to the biodiesel industry.
    MeSH terms: Methanol; Cations; Centrifugation; Chromatography, Gas; Glycerol; Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; Ion Exchange; Phosphoric Acids; Soaps; Solvents; Sodium Chloride, Dietary; Biofuels
  12. Fujita M, Mori K, Hara H, Hishiyama S, Kamimura N, Masai E
    Commun Biol, 2019;2:432.
    PMID: 31799434 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-019-0676-z
    TonB-dependent receptors (TBDRs) mediate substrate-specific transport across the outer membrane, utilizing energy derived from the proton motive force transmitted from the TonB-ExbB-ExbD complex located in the inner membrane (TonB system). Although a number of TonB systems involved in the uptake of siderophores, vitamin B12 and saccharides have been identified, their involvement in the uptake and catabolism of aromatic compounds was previously unknown. Here, we show that the outer membrane transport of a biphenyl compound derived from lignin is mediated by the TonB system in a Gram-negative bacterium capable of degrading lignin-derived aromatic compounds, Sphingobium sp. strain SYK-6. Furthermore, we found that overexpression of the corresponding TBDR gene enhanced the uptake of this biphenyl compound, contributing to the improved rate of platform chemical production. Our results will provide an important basis for establishing engineered strains optimized for use in lignin valorisation.
  13. Lim HX, Poh CL
    Ther Adv Vaccines Immunother, 2019;7:2515135519888998.
    PMID: 31799495 DOI: 10.1177/2515135519888998
    Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is one of the major causative agents of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in the world, infecting mostly infants and young children (<5 years of age) in Asia. Approximately 2 million cases of HFMD were reported in China each year, of which approximately 45-50% were due to EV-A71. Most of the HFMD infections caused by EV-A71 usually result in mild symptoms with rashes and ulcers in the mouth. However, virulent strains of EV-A71 can infect the central nervous system and cause severe neurologic diseases, leading to reduced cognitive ability, acute flaccid paralysis and death. The lack of understanding of cellular immunity for long-term protection from the HFMD disease represents a major obstacle for vaccine development. In particular, the role of innate and T cell immunity during HFMD infection remains unclear and there is evidence suggesting the importance of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells for protective immunity. Currently, no US FDA-approved vaccine is available for EV-A71. Although the inactivated vaccines produced in China are highly effective (vaccine efficacy >95%), they lack the cellular immunity required for long-term protection. In this review, we discuss the findings that support the protective roles of innate and T cell immunity against EV-A71 infection, which will provide the knowledge needed for the urgent development of efficacious vaccines that will confer long-term protection.
  14. Rossi-Fedele G, Kahler B, Venkateshbabu N
    Braz Dent J, 2019 12 5;30(6):527-535.
    PMID: 31800745 DOI: 10.1590/0103-6440201902670
    Revascularization endodontic procedures commonly require multiple treatment sessions. However, single visit procedures may be advantageous from the clinical and patient management standpoints. The purpose of this review was to evaluate the outcomes of single-visit revascularization endodontic procedures for the management of immature permanent teeth with non-vital pulp. Two electronic databases (Scopus and PubMed) were searched, from their inception to July 2018, for studies that assessed clinical and/or radiographic and/or histologic outcomes of single-visit revascularization endodontic procedures performed in immature permanent teeth with non-vital pulp. Case reports, animal studies and clinical trials were included. The quality of case reports was appraised by Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports. The quality of randomized clinical trials was assessed by the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomized trials. The risk of bias for animal studies was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. Tabulation followed by narrative synthesis was used to draw conclusions. Seven studies satisfied the selection criteria. Five were classified as case reports, one as a randomized clinical trial and one as animal study. The latter presented with a high risk of bias, whilst the remaining showed a low risk. The evidence supporting the potential use of single-visit revascularization endodontic procedures is scarce. Successful single-visit revascularization endodontic procedures commonly include the use of high concentrations of sodium hypochlorite and EDTA combined with the use of agitation systems. Further clinical trials with long term follow up are needed to confirm the results of the current review.
    MeSH terms: Dental Pulp*; Humans; Sodium Hypochlorite; Tooth/blood supply*; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Dentition, Permanent*; Tooth, Nonvital
  15. Lee KW, Ching SM, Ramachandran V, Tusimin M, Mohd Nordin N, Chong SC, et al.
    Genes (Basel), 2019 11 30;10(12).
    PMID: 31801286 DOI: 10.3390/genes10120988
    The association of candidate genes and psychological symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress among women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in Malaysia was determined in this study, followed by the determination of their odds of getting psychological symptoms, adjusted for socio-demographical background, maternal, and clinical characteristics. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) recorded a significant association between SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684) and depression symptoms (AOR = 7.854, 95% CI = 1.330-46.360) and stress symptoms (AOR = 7.664, 95% CI = 1.579-37.197). Associations were also observed between stress symptoms and SNP of OXTR (rs53576) and (AOR = 2.981, 95% CI = 1.058-8.402) and SNP of NRG1 (rs2919375) (AOR = 9.894, 95% CI = 1.159-84.427). The SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684) gene polymorphism is associated with depression symptoms among Malaysian women with GDM. SNP of EPHX2 (rs17466684), OXTR (rs53576) and NRG1 (rs2919375) are also associated with stress symptoms.
    MeSH terms: Adult; Anxiety/genetics; Anxiety/physiopathology; Anxiety/psychology; Cross-Sectional Studies; Depressive Disorder/genetics*; Depressive Disorder/physiopathology; Depressive Disorder/psychology; Female; Humans; Malaysia; Pregnancy; Diabetes, Gestational/genetics*; Diabetes, Gestational/physiopathology; Diabetes, Gestational/psychology; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  16. Lim KH, Heng PP, Nik Mohamed MH, Teh CH, Mohd Yusoff MF, Ling JMY, et al.
    Asia Pac J Public Health, 2019 10;31(7_suppl):22S-31S.
    PMID: 31802718 DOI: 10.1177/1010539519874944
    Smoking cessation significantly reduces risk of smoking-related diseases and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with attempts to quit and smoking cessation among adult current smokers in Malaysia. Data from the National E-Cigarette Survey 2016 were analyzed. Forty nine percent of current smokers had attempted to quit at least once in the past 12 months and 31.4% of the respondents were former smokers. Multivariable analysis revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Only half of the current smokers ever attempted to quit smoking and only a third of smokers quit. Stronger tobacco control policies are needed in Malaysia to encourage more smokers to quit smoking. Improved access to cessation support for underprivileged smokers is also needed.
    MeSH terms: Adolescent; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; Health Surveys; Humans; Malaysia/epidemiology; Male; Middle Aged; Smoking/epidemiology; Smoking/psychology*; Socioeconomic Factors; Prevalence; Smoking Cessation/psychology*; Smoking Cessation/statistics & numerical data*; Young Adult
  17. Gudugunta L, Mynampati P, Jeevan MB, Kumar SM, Akkaloori A, Tejavath SK
    J Conserv Dent, 2019 12 6;22(4):336-339.
    PMID: 31802815 DOI: 10.4103/JCD.JCD_31_19
    Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the vertical marginal discrepancy of computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) and pressable lithium disilicate onlays.

    Materials and Methods: A maxillary first premolar typodont tooth was prepared to receive lithium disilicate onlay. Mesio-occluso-distal cavity was prepared with palatal cusp reduction and collar preparation. In the proximal box, gingival seat was placed 1 mm coronal to the cementoenamel junction and mesiodistal width of the seat was kept to 1 mm. Thirty stone models were prepared from thirty rubber base impressions and divided into two groups, based on the technique of fabrication of onlays: (1) Group CL (CAD/CAM lithium disilicate) and (2) Group PL (Pressable lithium disilicate). Fifteen onlays per each group were fabricated by following the manufacturer instructions. Marginal fit of all the samples were analyzed by using stereomicroscope with Image Analysis software. Statistical analysis was done by t-test.

    Results: Statistical significant difference was found between both the groups. The lowest marginal discrepancy (41.46 μm) was measured for Group CL (CAD/CAM lithium disilicate) specimens, and the highest (55.95 μm) discrepancy was observed on the Group PL (Pressable lithium disilicate) specimens.

    Conclusion: Although there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups, marginal gap of both the groups were in clinically acceptable levels.

  18. Baharudin A, Abdul Latiff AH, Woo K, Yap FB, Tang IP, Leong KF, et al.
    Ther Clin Risk Manag, 2019;15:1267-1275.
    PMID: 31802877 DOI: 10.2147/TCRM.S221059
    H1-antihistamines are recognized to be effective for conditions such as allergic rhinitis and chronic spontaneous urticaria. However, management of such conditions in the real-world primary care setting may be challenging due to diverse patient-specific considerations, the wide range of antihistamines available, choice of other treatment modalities, and the complexity of interpreting specialist treatment algorithms. Despite regular updates to international guidelines, regional/national surveys of healthcare professionals show a clear gap between guidelines and real-world practice, particularly at the primary care level. This article thus presents the consensus opinion of experts from relevant specialties in Malaysia - allergology, pediatrics, otorhinolaryngology, and dermtology - on harmonizing the use and choice of antihistamines in primary care. Patient profiling is recommended as a tool to guide primary care practitioners in prescribing the appropriate antihistamine for each patient. Patient profiling is a three-step approach that involves 1) identifying the individual's needs; 2) reviewing patient-specific considerations; and 3) monitoring treatment response and referral to specialists in more severe or difficult-to-treat cases. Concurrently, guidelct 3ines should be reviewed and updated periodically to include recommendations that are easily actionable for primary care practitioners.
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