The aim of this study was to isolate stem cells from dental pulp of primary molars and incisors to be used as possible source for tissue engineering. Human primary molars and incisors were collected from subjects aged 4-7 year-old under standardized procedures. Within 24 hours, the tooth was cut at the cemento-enamel junction using hard tissue material cutter. The dental pulp tissue was extracted, digested and then cultured in Alpha Modified Eagles's Medium (α-MEM) supplemented with 20% FCS, 100 mM L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate, 200 mM L-glutamine and 5000 units/ml Penicillin/Streptomycin. The cells were observed daily under the microscope until confluence. Children's tooth pulp- derived progenitor cells were found positive for stem cell markers CD105 and CD166, which are consistent with the finding for mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from bone marrow.
Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (PC-ALCL) is relatively a rare tumour of head and
neck region. Without histopathological confirmation, it appears and behaved as like malignant epithelial tumor of
the head and neck region as will be illustrated in the present case. Cutaneous involvement of the tumor with
distant metastasis has made the prognosis unfavorable. This isolated case of head and neck PC-ALCL was
highlighted as it has a tendency to behave aggressively and early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid poor
survival outcome.
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is an important bacterium with significant pathological implications
in the field of medicine. Attempting to cure bacterial infections at an advanced stage results in considerable waste
of time, effort and expenditure. Thus, the prevention of such illnesses is paramount. Besides using chemical
drugs to treat infections, several non-organic extracts have been tested in trials and been shown to impede the
bacteria’s growth. This paper proposes that the modified hydrothermal nanotitania extract has great potential to
combat this lethal organism. The viability of S. aureus was shown to be markedly reduced following the addition
of nanotitania extract with 0.01%, 0.03% and 0.05% silver after 24, 48, and 72 hours. The ability of the
nanotitania extract to inhibit the growth of S. aureus indicates its antimicrobial characteristics.
This study was designed to obtain and compare the nasalance scores produced by normal Malay
children and those with repaired palatal cleft. Data from 103 noncleft children and 27 children with repaired clefts were included. All children were of Malay origin with the Malay language (Kelantan dialect) as their first language.Two short and simple test stimuli were constructed in the Malay language;one resembled the Nasal Sentences and the other resembled the Zoo Passage (oral passage) used in nasometer testing. Nasalance scores were obtained with the Nasometer II model 6400 by Kay Elemetrics. Calibration of the nasometer and collection of data followed the recommended protocol outlined in the manual. Nasalance scores for the Oral Passage was significantly higher (p< 0.001) for the children with repaired palatal clefts when compared to scores for children without clefts. However, no differences in nasalance scores were detected between both groups for the Nasal Passage. The normative nasalance scores for Malay children with Kelantan dialect was established, which can be used as an objective reference in the management of Malay patients with resonance disorders.
Dentistry has searched for an ideal material to place in osseous defects for many years. Endogenous bone replacement has been the golden standard but involves additional surgery and may be available in limited quantities. Also, the exogenous bone replacement poses a risk of viral or bacterial transmission and the human body may even reject them. Therefore, before new biomaterials are approved for medical use, mutagenesis systems to exclude cytotoxic, mutagenic or carcinogenic properties are applied worldwide. The present preliminary study was carried out in five male New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Porous form of synthetic hydroxyapatite granules (500 mg), manufactured by School of Materials and Mineral Resources Engineering, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, was implanted in the femur of the rabbits. Blood samples were collected prior to implantation and one week after implantation. The blood was cultured in vitro and the cell division was arrested at metaphase using colcemid. This was followed by the hypotonic treatment and fixation. Then, the chromosomes were prepared and stained for analysis. The modal chromosome number of rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) was found to be 2n=44. The mean mitotic index values prior to and after implantation were 3.30 ± 0.66 and 3.24 ± 0.27 per cent respectively. No gross chromosome aberrations, both numerical and structural were noticed either prior to or after implantation of the biomaterial. These findings indicate that the test substance, synthetic hydroxyapatite granules does not produce gross chromosome aberrations under the present test conditions in rabbits.
We present an algorithm to reduce the number of slices from 2D contour cross sections. The main aim of the algorithm is to filter less significant slices while preserving an acceptable level of output quality and keeping the computational cost to reconstruct surface(s) at a minimal level. This research is motivated mainly by two factors; first 2D cross sections data is often huge in size and high in precisions – the computational cost to reconstruct surface(s) from them is closely related to the size and complexity of this data. Second, we can trades visual fidelity with speed of computations if we can remove visually insignificant data from the original dataset which may contains redundant information. In our algorithm we use the number of contour points on a pair of slices to calculate the distance between them. Selection to retain/reject a slice is based on the value of distance compared against a threshold value. Optimal threshold value is derived to produce set of slices that collectively represent the feature of the dataset. We tested our algorithm over six different set of data, varying in complexities and sizes. The results show slice reduction rate depends on the complexity of the dataset, where highest reduction percentage is achieved for objects with lots of constant local variations. Our derived optimal thresholds seem to be able to produce the right set of slices with the potential of creating surface(s) that traded off the accuracy and speed requirements.
The purpose of this study was to determine the dimensional accuracy of the skull models produced by Rapid prototyping technology using stereolithography apparatus. Computed tomography images were captured from four dry normal adult human skulls. The resultant 2-D images were stored in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format. The segmentation of the images was prepared in MIMICS software. The slice files were then exported to a stereolithography apparatus (SLA) to produce the replica of each skull. Eight linear measurements were repeatedly made between identified landmarks on each of the original skull and its replica model using an electronic digital calliper. Each of the linear measurements was repeated 5 times and the average was taken to determine the absolute difference and percent difference between the original skull and its replica model. The overall absolute difference between the four human adult skulls and its replica models was 0.23 mm with a standard deviation of 1.37 mm. The percent difference was 0.08% with a standard deviation of 1.25%. The degree of error established by this system seems affordable in clinical applications when these models are used in the field of dental surgery for surgical treatment planning.
Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is a hereditary material located in mitochondria and is normally maternally inherited. Mutational analysis performed on mtDNA proved that the mutations are closely related with a number of genetic illnesses, besides being exploitable for forensic identification. Those findings imply the importance of mtDNA in the scientific field. MtDNA can be found in abundance in tooth dentin where it is kept protected by the enamel, the hardest outer part of the tooth. In this study, two techniques of mtDNA extraction were compared to determine the efficacy between the two techniques. Teeth used for the study was collected from Dental Clinic, Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia. After the removal of tooth from the tooth socket of the patient, the tooth was kept at -20C until use. Later, pulp tissue and enamel was excised using dental bur and only the root dentin was utilized for the isolation of mtDNA by crushing it mechanically into powdered form. MtDNA was extracted using the two published methods, Pfeifer and Budowle and then subjected to spectrophotometry DNA quantification and purity, Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of hypervariable-two region of mtDNA, followed by DNA sequencing to analyze the reliability of the extraction techniques. In conclusion, both techniques proved to be efficient and capable for the extraction of mtDNA from tooth dentin.
The main objective of a root end filling material is to provide an apical seal that prevents the movement of bacteria and the diffusion of bacterial products from the root canal system into periapical tissues. The aim of this study was to compare the microleakage of three root end filling materials Mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Glass ionomer cement (GIC) and Silver GIC (Miracle Mix) using dye penetration technique under stereomicroscope. Forty-five extracted human maxillary central incisors were instrumented and obturated with gutta percha using lateral compaction technique. Following this, the teeth were stored in saline. After one week, teeth were apically resected at an angle of 90ï° to the long axis of the root and root end cavities were prepared. The teeth were divided into three groups of fifteen specimens each and were filled with Group I -MTA, Group II - GIC and Group III - Miracle Mix. The samples were coated with varnish and after drying, they were immersed in 1% methylene blue dye for 72 hours. The teeth were then rinsed, sectioned longitudinally and observed under stereomicroscope. The depth of dye penetration was measured in millimeters. Microleakage was found to be significantly less in MTA (0.83 mm) when compared to GIC (1.32 mm) (p < 0.001) and with Miracle Mix (1.39 mm) (p < 0.001) No significant difference was found when microleakage in Miracle Mix was compared to that of GIC (p = 0.752). Thus we concluded that MTA is a better material as root end filling material to prevent microleakage, in comparison to GIC and Miracle Mix.
The present study aimed to determine the best polymerase chain reaction (PCR) conditions for
amplification of odontoblast markers; alkaline phosphatase (ALP), dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP1), dentin
sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and osteopontin (OPN). Informed consent was obtained from the individuals
prior to tooth extraction. RNA was extracted from odontoblasts obtained from extracted teeth using
innuPREP RNA Mini kit (Analytik Jena, Germany). Five selected target factors in enhancing PCR: primer
concentration, extension time, number of cycles, annealing time, and annealing temperature were
manipulated to yield the correct size of amplicons. One step reverse transcriptase PCR reactions were
performed using MyTaq One-Step RT-PCR kit (Bioline, USA) with a C1000 Thermal Cycler (Bio-Rad, USA)
in a 25 µL reaction, keeping the amount of 2 ng/µL RNA, 0.25 µL reverse transcriptase, 0.5 µL RiboSafe
Rnase inhibitor and 1X MyTaq One-Step Mix, constant. The optimal conditions were determined to be
400nM of primers for DMP1 and DSPP, 200 nM for ALP and OPN; 30 seconds of extension time and 35
PCR cycles for all genes; 10 seconds of annealing time for ALP, DMP1 and DSPP, 7 seconds for OPN. The
annealing temperature were 56.4°C for ALP, 58.6°C for DMP1, 52.7°C for DSPP, and 56.3°C for OPN,
respectively. The optimized PCR protocols produced the correct size of odontoblast markers.
Oligodontia, although rare, may have significant impact on the quality of life of those affected with it. Provision of restorative treatment for these patients can be very challenging and demanding for clinicians, especially during the active growth phase. Nevertheless, the dental needs of these patients are real and should be addressed appropriately. The present case report described a restorative rehabilitative plan and execution of different restorative treatment modalities in a 14-year-old patient with oligodontia. The challenges faced in the provision of dental care were highlighted. The treatment outcome showed a positive psychological impact on the well-being of the patient based on parental observations.
This in-vitro study aimed to evaluate and compare the marginal leakage and penetration ability of
a moisture-tolerant (Embrace WetBondTM) and a conventional (ClinproTM) resin-based sealants under three
different enamel surface preparations (acid etched, acid etched and saliva contaminated and bur
preparation and acid etched). One hundred and twenty extracted caries free human premolars teeth were
cleaned and randomly divided into six groups of equal numbers, according to the type of sealants used and
surface preparations. All the sealed teeth were subjected to thermocycling and immersed in a methylene
blue dye. Each tooth was then embedded into acrylic resin before it was sectioned into four sections per
tooth. Marginal leakage and unfilled surface area (indicating penetration depth of resin) were then
measured using an optical 3D measurement device (Alicona Infinite Focus®). Both sealants exhibited
comparable proportion of marginal leakage on acid etched only surfaces. Moisture-tolerant sealant showed
the least proportion of marginal leakage on bur prepared and etched surfaces. Presence of saliva has
detrimental effect on adhesion of both sealants. Nevertheless, depth of penetration of sealant into the
fissures is comparable with both sealant types irrespective of the surface preparations.
The sample size calculation for a prevalence only needs a simple formula. However, there are a number of practical issues in selecting values for the parameters required in the formula. Several practical issues are addressed and appropriate recommendations are given. The paper also suggests the application of a software calculator that checks the normal approximation assumption and incorporates finite population correction in the sample size calculation.
A 69-year-old lady was diagnosed to have mucoepidermoid carcinoma of hard palate 3 years ago. She completed 20 cycles of external beam radiotherapy and 5 cycles of mould brachytherapy and remained asymptomatic until she again presented to us with the recurrence of a painless mass at the hard palate. The hard mass appeared as an ulcerated dimple measuring 2 x 1 cm located at the junction of the hard and soft palate, more towards the right. Excision biopsy of the mass was done with a 1cm circumferential margin deep to the periosteum, with the resulting exposed bony defect covered with a rotational flap from the soft palate. During follow-up, the patient complained that the saliva came up into the nose whenever she swallowed. Oral examination (Figure 1) and flexible nasopharyngolaryngoscopy (FNPLS) (Figure 2) were performed. What is your diagnosis?
Oral cancer remains as a worldwide health issue. In Malaysia, oral neoplasm contributed about 10.6% death at the government hospitals. The significant consequences of delaying referral and poor prognosis of oral cancer was mainly due to the lack of knowledge among public. This study aims to determine the level of awareness and knowledge on oral cancer among students with non-medical background in Kepala Batas, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. A cross sectional study using questionnaires were conducted among systematically randomly selected 275 non-medical background students aged 18 years old and above. The association of smoking habit with oral cancer awareness and knowledge was evaluated using chi-square test. Factors associated with the knowledge were determined at both univariable and multivariable levels using simple logistic and multiple logistic regression analyses respectively. Oral cancer awareness level was high among the students (85%) even though knowledge on early signs of oral cancer was low (19 years old has 1.96 time the odds compared to students aged ≤19 to have poor knowledge while Malay has 4.28 time the odds compared to Indian to have poor knowledge. Although smoking was observed as the most recognisable risk factor of oral cancer (82%), the smoking prevalence was relatively high (46.9%). The smokers in this study had low awareness and knowledge on oral cancer compared to the non-smoker. Hence, preventive measures adopting knowledge transfer should be proposed to enhance individual awareness and knowledge on oral cancer with Smoking cessation programme to help the smoker to quit smoking
Managing a patient with a huge intraoral mass is always challenging. Manipulation or even a simple biopsy of the mass may lead to hemorrhage and further compromise the airway. An examination under anesthesia is not without risk. The method of securing the airway itself may become an issue if the mass is fully occupying the airway before intubation. Usually a tracheostomy is indicated. We share a gentleman presented with a huge intraoral mass occupying the oropharynx, which initially necessitates tracheostomy. We utilized the ultrasonic scalpel-assisted instrument to biopsy by debulking the tumour, thus avoiding the tracheostomy while waiting for the definitive treatment.
To assess their awareness and usage of mouthguard and occurrence of sports-related oral injuries in athletes who involve in various sports activities in Kota Bharu. A cross-sectional study was carried out among 180 athletes aged 12 to 27 years. A structured interviewer-guided questionnaire was used to determine the prevalence of oral injuries sustained during sport activities, the use of mouthguard as well as the athletes' awareness of mouthguard use. The respondents consisted of 107 males (59.5%) and 73 females (40.5%) with a mean age of 16.7 years (SD 5.53). There were 60 (22.2%) athletes who had one or more types of sports-related oral injuries sustained. Laceration of lips, tongue and gums were the most frequent injuries (57.5%) while loosening of teeth and fracture of teeth sustained in 12.5% and 10.0% of athletes respectively. Malay traditional martial arts silat athletes, 17(68.0%) experienced the highest oral injuries among athletes. The prevalence of oral injuries was significantly different between ball sports, martial arts and other non-contact sports (p=0.002). Sixty-one athletes (33.9%) reported that they were aware of mouthguard; however none of the athletes used the mouthguards during their sports activities. Malay traditional martial arts silat was the most common susceptible to sustain oral injuries. None of the athletes were wearing mouthguard. Education on prevention of orofacial trauma should be given to the coaches and athletes. Wearing of mouthguard during sport activities should be compulsory during practice and competition events.
Glass ionomer cement (GIC) has theunique fluoride release property and able to formionic bond with tooth structure. However, the brittleness of the material results in low hardness. In the present study, a new approach in utilization of local waste materials as fillers for improvement of hardness of GIC is reported.The synthesized wollastonite and mine-silica by-product were individually incorporated into commercial GIC and the Vickers hardness were evaluated. The results shown that the incorporation of 1 % wollastonite into GIC gave ~ 6% increment in hardness compared to the control GIC (66.53H ±7.37 versus 62.66HV±2.98)but not for themine-silica. Thus, wollastonite could be a potential material to be utilized as fillersin dental restorative composite
Upon reviewing the literature, the prevalence of many systemic conditions such as diabetes,
hypertension, asthma and rheumatoid arthritis were reported to be high in Saudi Arabia. The relationship of these
conditions with tooth loss among Saudi population was not investigated. Therefore, the aim of the present study
is to explore the relationship between tooth loss and most common medical conditions among Saudi dental
patient. The study participants were 250 patients who were randomly selected from the College of Dentistry
database of King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Participants were requested to answer self-administered questionnaires related to their demographic as well as
general health questions concerned to the presence of systemic medical conditions. Missing teeth were
determined after examining the orthopantogram radiographs and reviewing the Romexis and SALUD databases.
Descriptive statistics, independent t-test and linear multiple regression model were performed using SPSS
software. The mean number of missing teeth among the study population was 5.8 teeth per person. The mean
number of missing teeth was higher among subjects with diabetes, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis,
cardiovascular diseases, or osteoporosis compared to healthy individuals. A multiple linear regression analysis
model revealed that diabetes, hypertension and rheumatoid were significant predictors of missing teeth among
Saudi population. These results highlight the importance of the effect of medical conditions on oral health.
Imaging is a keystone for the understanding and delivery of craniofacial health care and recent developments have led to many diverse technologies and approaches. This paper reviews new developments in three-dimensional imaging, as well as three-dimensional facial image acquisition. Visualization and convergence of the data from these technologies are also described for construction of patient-specific models.