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.
The practice of quack dentistry worldwide is a challenge to the profession of dentistry as it undermines the trust of the general public and places the patients at unnecessary risks through their illegal practices. Although the ratio of patients to dentists is rapidly decreasing in Malaysia due to the increased output of qualified dentists from both local and foreign institutions, quack dentistry is still practiced in many areas. This report intends to highlight a popular treatment prescribed by these quack dentists which is removable partial dentures that is fixed to the adjacent teeth by cold cure acrylic. We also aim to discuss the design of the denture and the means employed to remove this ’fixed partial denture’. It is hoped that this case report will highlight the prevalence of the practice of quack dentistry especially in geographical area of this case report and allow the authorities to devise means to stop this illegal practice.
Dermoid cysts are anatomic embryonic abnormalities that are rarely seen in the oral cavity. Histologically, they are further classified as epidermoid, dermoid or teratoid. We report a case in which an 18- year-old girl who developed an epidermoid cyst presenting as a large sublingual swelling occupying the entire floor of the mouth causing snoring and speech difficulty. We emphasized on the clinical steps in achieving an accurate diagnosis, possible differential diagnosis, necessary imaging techniques and management of epidermoid cyst.
Fungal ball is an extramucosal mycosis. The patient may present with facial pain, nasal blockage, purulent nasal discharge and cacosmia, the fungal ball being present unnoticed for years. Some patients do present as having other nasal problems and later on are found out to have a fungal ball incidentally. We present a case of 38 yearold man who was clinically diagnosed as having left antrochoanal polyp. Intraoperatively, a fungal ball was discovered in the left maxillary antrum.
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.
Polymorphism in PAX9 (rs8004560), a gene responsible for craniofacial and tooth development, is often associated with Class II/Div2 malocclusion. This study aimed to detect the presence of PAX9 SNP (rs8004560) and to determine its genotype and allele distribution in Class II skeletal base malocclusion, contributed by retrognathic mandible, in the local Malaysian population. The association of PAX9 SNP (rs8004560) with Class II skeletal base malocclusion was also determined. A case control study was performed on 30 samples; 15 from Class II skeletal base malocclusion, and 15 from Class I skeletal base subject as control. Cephalometric measurements were performed prior to saliva samples collection. Genomic DNA was extracted from unstimulated saliva of all subjects, and the DNA was amplified using specific primers for marker rs8004560, followed by genotyping by sequencing. SHEsis online software was used to analyse Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE) for cases and controls. Allelic and genotypic frequencies were compared between cases and controls. Significant difference in allele frequency was observed within the group whereby G allele was over-represented in the analysed population (p0.05). Although no genetic association between PAX9 SNP (rs8004560) with Class II skeletal base malocclusion was observed, significant difference in allele frequency observed might provide some indication in the involvement of PAX9 polymorphism in Class II skeletal base malocclusion contributed by retrognathic mandible. Further research utilising larger sample size will be required in order to determine the role of PAX9 gene in the aetiology of Class II skeletal base malocclusion observed in the local Malaysian population.
This study aimed to review the availability of sugar-free medicine available in the market using the online Monthly Index of Medical Specialties (MIMS) Malaysia 2016. Data collection was obtained from product information (PI) for prescription medications contained in the MIMS Malaysia 2016. Concise information for each product was collected based on therapeutic class groupings. The therapeutic class obtained from PI was assigned to one of the 11 major therapeutic classes. PI that stated its use in paediatrics was further reviewed for the availability of sugar free ingredient. Each product was then allocated into the poison groups: Group B, Group C and Non-Scheduled Poison. A total of 282 PI items from 336 companies in MIMS Malaysia 2016 that satisfied our eligibility criteria were reviewed. Of the 282 PI items reviewed, most of the products, 169 (59.9%) were sugarbased product, while 87 (30.9%) of them belong to sugar free products. Our study found that most of the medicines reviewed in the MIMS Malaysia 2016 were under Group C (134 of total 282). There is still a high number of sugar-containing medicines despite the promotion of sugar-free medication. Therefore, consumers need to be educated on the use of sugar-free medicines in children to increase the demand and availability in the market.
This study was to determine the sociodemographic and clinicopathological factors that were associated with mortality of OSCC patients managed at Hospital USM. The prevalence of high-risk human papillomavirus (HPV) in these patients and its association with epithelial proliferation rate were also determined. A retrospective study was conducted whereby medical records of patients diagnosed with OSCC and tissue specimens from 2005 to 2015 were studied. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue specimens were evaluated for histological grading of OSCC, p16 overexpression and Ki-67 immunostaining. Descriptive statistics, simple and multiple logistics regressions were used for data analysis. Prognostic factors for mortality includes male gender (AOR=10.89; 95% CI: 1.99, 59.65; p = 0.006), alcohol consumption (AOR = 16.45; 95% CI: 1.36, 59.65; p = 0.028), not receiving treatment (AOR = 5.88; 95% CI: 1.03, 33.61; p = 0.046) and late stage (T3, T4) at presentation (AOR = 4.85; 95% CI: 1.12, 21.02; p = 0.035). Significant association was found between high-risk HPV positivity and higher epithelial proliferation rate expression (p < 0.003) in the OSCC tissue specimens.
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.
Primary thyroid lymphoma is a relatively uncommon pathology of the thyroid gland that mainly occurs in elderly females. We describe a rare case of B-cell thyroid lymphoma in a young healthy male. It is an important diagnosis to be considered in patients presenting with a rapidly enlarging neck mass as its management is different from other differentiated thyroid carcinoma which require total thyroidectomy plus adjuvant radioactive iodine ablation. Our report emphasizes the need for clinical awareness leading to early detection, followed by early multidisciplinary management.
The present study compared and evaluated the shear bond strength (SBS) of two types of glass
ionomer cement (GIC), Riva Self Cure HVTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia) and GC Fuji IX GP EXTRATM (GC
America Inc., Alsip, USA) with and without the use of Riva Bond LCTM (SDI Ltd., Victoria, Australia), a lighted
cured resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC) universal adhesive. Sixty extracted sound premolars with
prepared exposure of the dentine on the occlusal surface were randomly assigned into four groups according to
the tested restorative materials. Shear bond strength (SBS) tests were performed by using the Shimadzu
Universal Testing Machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/minute, and the values obtained were statistically
analysed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests. The inter-group comparison showed statistically significant
differences in the SBS values between all the test groups (p < 0.001). A stereomicroscope was used to assess
the modes of failure. Adhesive failures were predominant in adhesive groups (>80%) compared to higher
cohesive failures found in the non-adhesive groups (>86%). A Spearman's rho correlation test performed to
determine the association between SBS values and mode of failures had indicated positive correlations between
the adhesive failure and SBS values in the adhesive groups (rs=0.86, p
Tobacco usage among dental students and the amount of training they received may have an impact on tobacco cessation activities undertaken for their patients. This study aims to assess Malaysian dental students’ tobacco use, exposure to second-hand smoke and their attitude towards tobacco control activities and curriculum. This was a cross-sectional study using a self-administered questionnaire adapted from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS). The questionnaire was distributed to all Malaysian fourth and fifth year
dental students in four public dental schools (n=372), namely University of Malaya (UM), Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) and Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM). The data were analysed using descriptive and chi square tests. In total, (n=349) respondents completed the questionnaire, yielding a 93.8% response rate. Although the prevalence of Malaysian dental students who ‘ever smoked’ was 21.2%, the prevalence of current smokers was low (2.3%). About 62% and 39% of students reported having been exposed to second-hand smoke in public and at home, respectively. USIM students were significantly less likely to recall having received training about approaches to smoking cessation (52.9%, p<0.001). Significantly fewer smokers than nonsmokers agreed on tobacco banning policy. Regardless of their smoking status, the majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in tobacco cessation. Tobacco user among Malaysian dental students was low. There were statistically significant differences between ever smokers and non-smokers’ attitudes towards tobacco banning policy. The majority of dental students showed positive attitudes towards dentists’ role in
tobacco cessation.
Keywords: Attitudes; GHPSS; public health; smoking; tobacco
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.
The aim of the study was to evaluate post-polymerization of resin composite by measuring NanoHardness (H), Young’s Modulus (E) and Degree of Conversion (DC) using nanoindentation and Micro-Raman spectroscopy. For this purpose a computer-controlled NanoIndenter™ and a Renishaw 1000 Raman Spectrometer fitted with an Olympus microscope attachment, operated at 638 nm, were used. A light-activated resin composite was used in this study, (Z250, 3MESPE). Sub-groups (n=3) of specimens were irradiated for 20, 30, 40 s. All samples for nanoindentation were polished metallographically and typically 50 nanoindentations were performed per specimen. After curing and polishing, half of the samples were tested immediately (Group 1); the others after being stored dry at 37 °C for 7 days (Group 2) to allow scope for postpolymerization. H values ranged from 1.08 to 1.40 GPa for Group 1, and from 1.64 to1.71 GPa for Group 2. E values in Group 1 ranged from 19.60 to 19.94 GPa and for Group 2, from 21.42 to 22.05 GPa. DC values ranged from 55 to 66.39%, and 60.90 to 66.47% for Group 1 and Group 2 respectively. All values obtained shown significant different between Groups 1 and 2 (p
Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) measures the extent of agreement and consistency among
raters for two or more numerical or quantitative variables. This review paper aimed to present several tables that
could illustrate the minimum sample sizes required for estimating the desired effect size of ICC, which is a
measurement of the magnitude of an agreement. Determination of the minimum sample size under such
circumstances is based on the two fundamentally important parameters, namely the actual value of the ICC and
the number of observations made by each subject. The sample size calculations are derived from Power Analysis
and Sample Size (PASS) software where the alpha and minimum required power is fixed at 0.05 and higher than
0.80 respectively. A discussion on how to use these tables for determining sample sizes required for each of the
various scenarios and the limitations associated with their use in each of these scenarios is provided.
The objective of this survey was to evaluate the knowledge of final year dental and medical students of Universiti Sains Malaysia concerning epidemiology, aetiology, clinical aspects, prevention, early detection and treatment of oral cancer and oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMD). A pre-tested, self-administered questionnaire with 36 questions was used. Forty five dental students and 147 medical students participated in the study. Dental students were relatively better informed than their medical colleagues concerning most issues addressed in the questionnaire. Yet, in some areas of knowledge, the dental students did not differ significantly from their medical colleagues. Only a small proportion of both groups of students expressed confidence in their knowledge and skills in oral cancer prevention and detection. This study revealed areas of deficiency in the awareness of these students concerning oral cancer and OPMD. It points to a necessity to strengthen these aspects of medical and dental undergraduate curricula.
Composite resins Amaris is claimed to have hydrophobic effect which minimizes the staining intake. This study is to investigate the colour stability of Amaris compared to Filtek Z250 in coffee solution. Sixty discs of composite resins Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE) and Amaris (Voco) with diameter of 5mm and depth of 2mm were fabricated by packing in a drinking straw and sectioned with hard tissue cutter (Exakt, Japan). The surfaces of the specimens were polished with Sof-Lex disc before each group of the samples is immersed in coffee solution. They were kept in the solution for 4 days at 370C and assessed at the period of 2 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, and 4 days. The staining was assessed visually and recorded using Lobene (1968) Stain Index and score was given accordingly. The colour changes of both groups were not statistically significant (p
Endodontically treated teeth are generally weaker than sound teeth. The study objective was to compare the fracture resistance of endodontically treated teeth restored with different restorative techniques. Fifty extracted human maxillary central incisors of similar size were divided into five groups of 10 teeth. Group 1 was left intact as the control group. Other groups (Groups 2, 3, 4 and 5) were all endodontically treated followed by restorations using different restorative techniques; light cured composite resin (CR), CR and crown, post and CR, and post-CR core and crown respectively. The specimens were loaded in a universal testing machine with a static force at a crosshead speed of 0.5mm/min at 135 ° to the long axis of the root until failure. The means and the standard deviations of the maximum load at failure for groups 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 were 1259.11N (379.12N), 578.63N (196.70N), 667.13N (298.72N), 1247.65N (294.48N) and 623.60N (193.75N) respectively. The results of one-way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences existed among the groups tested (p
The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare the effect of times elapsed on the application of a single-step adhesive system and activation of light cured subsequently placed composite to the bond strength between composites and adhesives. This was an experimental study using fifteen teeth extracted human premolars, which were caries and pathology free. Sample of teeth were embedded up to cemento-enamel junction on box of acrylic resin. All teeth were cut to obtain flat occlusal dentin surfaces. The specimens were randomly selected and divided into three groups with five teeth each. All the teeth were assigned to single-step bonding system AQ Bond (Sun Medical Co. Ltd., Shiga, Japan) according to manufacturer’s direction. Group 1 was left for 45 seconds, group 2 for 2 minutes, while group 3 was 5 minutes before putting subsequently restorative material. Composite resin was applied in 3 mm diameter and 6 mm height of cylinder mold and cured according to manufacturer’s direction on the dentin surface. Shear bond strength were measured using a testing system (Instron 8874, Instron Corp., Canton, MA, USA) at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min with cell load capacity of 25 KN. The bond-strengths between single step adhesive system (AQ Bond) and light cured composites were tested. Mann-Whitney test showed no significant differences in bond-strength between Group 1 and Group 2. However, there were significantly differences (p
Dentin morphology and the lesion found in dental caries have been studied for many years. It was first observed under optical microscopy, and later using electron microscopy. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) applied with several fluorescent dyes such as alizarin red to see normal dentinal tubules. However, as far as authors aware, the CLSM studies of dentinal tubules in human caries using alizarin red is rare. The aim of this study is to examine histopathological and morphological changes in dentinal tubules of dentin caries stained with alizarin red using CLSM. Fifteen extracted carious teeth (premolar or molar) was collected and fixed in neutral formalin solution buffered with phosphate buffer, rinsed and stored in calcium free phosphate buffer saline (PBS) at 4°C. The specimens were dehydrated and embedded in resin. Longitudinal or cross sections were cut and polished and then stained with alizarin red S (100 μg/ml) in 0.5 M HCl solution for 24-48 hour at 37°C. After dehydration specimens were mounted on glass slide and examined under CLSM using epi-flourescent mode or transmission light mode with wave length of 512 nm. The images of dentinal tubules were taken serially and optimum images of three-dimensional structures were reconstructed using software of CLSM. Histopathological changes of dentinal tubules in human caries showed area of demineralized dentin, translucent zone, and normal area. The dentinal tubules were thin and had numerous branches. In conclusion, confocal microscopy revealed Study shows that confocal microscopy revealed histopathological changes in dentinal tubules affected by carious lesions.