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The anxiolytic effects of music have been studied during the past twenty years in different medical therapies. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of music therapy on patients' dental anxiety, salivary cortisol, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature during dental treatment.In this randomized control study, 46 patients were randomly selected from the Urgent Care dental clinic who needed urgent endodontic treatment (endodontic access and pulp extirpation). Participants were divided into two groups: intervention group (N=23) which was exposed to slow rhythm melody music and had no lyrics throughout the entire procedure and a control group (N=23) who undergoes the same dental procedure without being exposed to music. Participants' blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and salivary cortisol were measured before and after the treatment for both groups.Patients in the intervention group showed lower salivary cortisol, blood pressure, heart rate and body temperature compared to those in the control group, however, the differences did not reach to statistical significance.-Despite the change in the dental anxiety and stress during treatment with music, the findings of this study could not establish evidence of the effect of music in reducing dental anxiety and lowering physiological stressors. Therefore, further studies with larger sample size may be needed. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Background High-quality patient care is a complex phenomenon that requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Interprofessional Education (IPE) carries promise to improve collaborative work and patient care. So far, collaboration among various health professionals remains a challenge. Very few focus group discussions to determine the medical students’ readiness and positive attitudes towards IPE have been reported from the Arabian context. Methods A two-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted among medical, dental, pharmacy, and health sciences students of the University of Sharjah United Arab Emirates. The perspectives of students toward IPE and collaborative practice were first gathered by administering a validated instrument, Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). This was followed by focused group discussions. A quantitative as well as a qualitative data analysis was performed. Results This study cohort included 282 students. All respondents showed readiness to adopt IPE as all statements of the RIPLS inventory scored high median scores. All participants showed positive attitudes and readiness towards IPE. Three main domains of themes were generated from focus group discussions; prior knowledge, need for IPE framework and its implementation. Information workload, lack of clarity and less focused teaching pedagogies of IPE were considered as perceived barriers. Conclusion This study demonstrated a substantial agreement of medical and health sciences students towards readiness and perceived effectiveness of IPE. Educators are urged to embed new IPE programs into existing curricular frameworks, which can potentially enhance collaborative learning and improve quality of patient care.

BackgroundIn individuals with nasal septal deviation (NSD), compensatory hypertrophy of the nasal turbinates occurs as a protective mechanism of the nasal passage from dry and cold air. NSD associated nasal turbinate hypertrophy is usually recurrent, requiring repetitive imaging. Therefore, a multiplanar imaging modality with a low radiation dose is best suited for long-term follow-up of this condition. This study aimed to evaluate the association of width of inferior turbinates and presence of concha bullosa with the degree of NSD using Cone beam computed tomography (CT).MethodsThe CBCT scans of 100 patients with NSD were selected as per convenience sampling and were evaluated by two maxillofacial radiologists. The width of the non-hypertrophied inferior turbinate (NHT) on the convex side of the NSD, and hypertrophic inferior turbinates (HT) on the concave side of the NSD were measured at three locations. The septal deviation angle (SDA) and the presence of concha bullosa (CB) were determined.ResultsA significant difference was observed in the anterior, middle, posterior, and mean widths between HT and NHT (p p P = 0.71) and gender (P = 0.65) had no significant difference among different types of NSD. Regression analysis revealed that the presence of CB (p = 0.01) and middle width of the HT (p ConclusionThe results of the present study reveal that the middle width of the HT and the presence of CB influence the degree of NSD. The present study results recommend the use of CBCT as a substitutive low radiation dose imaging modality for evaluation of NSD, CB, and associated inferior turbinate hypertrophy.

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Student engagement is vital in achieving learning outcomes and improving students' motivation, involvement, and attitudes toward learning. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that affect student engagement in online learning in medical and health science colleges.A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical and health science students and faculty in May 2020. The Online Engagement Strategies Questionnaire was e-mailed to 370 students and 102 faculty members. The SPSS statistical software was used for the statistical analysis. Exploratory factor analysis was performed to identify the factors that affected the students' engagement in online learning. Composite scores were calculated for factors, separately for the student and faculty responses. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed for the student and faculty responses.The response rates of the students and faculty were 85.1% and 74.1%, respectively. The mean ages of the students and faculty were 20.6 and 44.6 years, respectively. Eighty-five percent of the faculty (n = 51) and 88.3% (n = 278) of the students found that the use of technology in proper communication was an important strategy to engage students in online learning. The factor analysis revealed agreement between the students and faculty regarding the factors that support student engagement in online learning. Techno-pedagogical skills were considered very important for faculty and important for students. For both faculty and students, self-directed learning skills were important, and peer-assisted learning (PAL) was fair symmetry. Nevertheless, collaborative learning (CL) was fairly symmetry to students and important to faculty.To enhance student engagement in online learning, faculty members should consider improving their techno-pedagogical skills. Moreover, by incorporating self-directed learning, CL and PAL will support student engagement. Finally, faculty development, updating of course design, and institutional policies are all required to support online learning.

الملخص: أهداف البحث: إن تدريب التغذية العلاجية هو مقرر أساسي يجمع بين الدراسة النظرية والمهارات العملية في المجال السريري. الهدف من التدريب هو إعداد الخريجين ليكونوا أكفاء في مستقبلهم العملي. التعلم القائم على الحالات السريرية هو مناقشة تعليمية يشارك فيها الطالب لعلاج الحالات التي يتعاملون معها خلال فترة تدريبهم. والتعليم المدمج هو طريقة تدريس تتناول الجوانب المتعددة لحالة المريض وتأثيرها على حالته التغذوية بهدف تسهيل فهم الطالب لعلاقة العلوم ببعضها. يصف هذا البحث تجربة تدريس طلبة التغذية العلاجية بطريقة التعليم المدمج القائم على الحالة وتقييم تأثيرها على أداء طلاب التغذية خلال فترة تدربيهم السريري. طرق البحث: استهدف هذا المشروع التعليمي تدريب طلاب التغذية العلاجية في جامعة الشارقة. حيث تم عقد ١٠ جلسات تعليمية بطريقة التعليم المدمج القائم على الحالة لتسعة وعشرين طالبا في أماكن تدريبهم. واستخدم الباحثون نتائج تقريرعملية الرعاية التغذوية لتقييم الأداء التعليمي للمتدربين قبل الجلسة التعليمية وبعدها. علاوة على ذلك، أجريت مقابلة مع مجموعة من الطلاب لتوضيح تأثير هذه الطريقة في التدريس على تجربة الطلاب التعليمية. النتائج: شهد جميع الطلاب (١٠٠ ٪) تحسنا في أدائهم التعليمي خلال تدريب التغذية العلاجية. وارتفعت درجات تقارير الطلاب بنسبة ٥٥٪ وقد صرحوا بأنهم اكتسبوا مهارات تعليمية مفيدة لحياتهم العملية بعد هذه الجلسة التعليمية. الاستنتاجات: أظهر تدريس طلاب التغذية العلاجية بطريقة التعليم المدمج القائم على الحالة السريرية خلال فترة تدريبهم أثرا على نتائجهم العلمية وأسهم في تحسين مهاراتهم العملية، مما أدى إلى تطور قدرتهم على وصف العلاجات التغذوية. وأوصى الطلاب باعتماد هذه الطريقة التعليمية لمقرر تدريب التغذية العلاجية لما اختبروه من تطور في قدرتهم على ربط مواد التغذية العلاجية ببعضها. Abstract: Objectives: Clinical nutrition training is an essential course for clinical nutrition and dietetics (CN&D) students. The training combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The goal is to prepare competent graduates for future practice. Case-based learning is an active learning method based on cases from the clinical setting. This study aimed to introduce an integrated case-based learning (ICBL) method to the clinical training of a cohort of CN&D students and to evaluate its impact on the students’ knowledge of nutrition care process. Methods: This action research project employed an ICBL-method of teaching in the clinical training of senior students in the CN&D course at the University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. Ten integrated case-based learning sessions were conducted with 29 students. The record of the nutrition care process was used to evaluate the learners' performance through a pretest-posttest mechanism. Furthermore, a focus group interview was conducted to determine the impact of the ICBL-based training on the students' learning experience. Results: All of the students (100%) showed improvement in their learning. There was a 55% improvement in their grades. There was also self-perceived improvement of their life-long learning skills after the ICBL sessions. Conclusion: Integraed case-based learning positively influenced learning among CN&D students. Consequently, the students were able to describe appropriate and individualized nutritional care plans. The students were satisfied with the training and considered ICBL to be an effective method of clinical training.

Objective The purpose of this study was to assess the knowledge of future dentists of the United Arab Emirates on risk and non-risk factors for oral cancers and correlate it with their own tobacco use, whether they assess their patients' tobacco use and their opinion about the relation of oral cancer and smokeless tobacco use. Methods A total of 270, first- to fifth-year undergraduate dental students who consented to participate in the study filled in a questionnaire enquiring about their knowledge of oral cancer risk factors. A score of oral cancer risk factor knowledge was calculated for each participant based on their correct answers. Results Eighty-three per cent of participants identified the use of tobacco as a risk factor for oral cancer, 52% identified old age, 45.6% knew about low consumption of fruits and vegetables and 74.4% of students could correctly identify use of alcohol as a risk factor for oral cancer. A significant association was found between being a current and previous tobacco user and having low knowledge of risk factors score (P = 0.015). No significant associations were found between the year of study in the dental college, gender, nationality and knowledge of oral cancer risk factor scores. Conclusion This study showed an apparent lack of knowledge of oral cancer risk factors among dental students that may later result in a deficiency in integrating optimal oral cancer diagnostic procedures in their practices. There is an urgent need to enhance the oral cancer curricula in oral cancer education and clinical training in oral cancer prevention and examination for dental students.

Resuming regular clinical activities at dental premises after the COVID-19 lockdown period or post COVID-19 is likely to be a challenge for all dental institutes. When returning to the dental practice or training, staff and students alike should abide by the new rules and regulations. In the process of controlling viral spread, clinical dental facilities face a higher risk of disease transmission among patients as well as clinical and non-clinical staff. Aerosols formation and diffusion into the surrounding air can be a real concern of viral transmission, if no protective measures are established. We aim in this review to present the currently implemented measures and propose changes in clinical dental facilities to minimize the risk of transmission. Dental professionals should be prepared to treat every patient as a suspected COVID-19 carrier and be ready to receive and manage an overwhelming number of patients. We suggest that dental practices establish a sensible workforce shift schedule, improve ventilation levels, reduce dental aerosol generating procedures, and develop a comprehensive guidance to Healthcare Workers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Background To investigate the effectiveness of technology-enhanced teaching and assessment methods of undergraduate preclinical skills in comparison to conventional methods. Methods A comprehensive search strategy was implemented using both manual and electronic search methods, including PubMed, Wiley, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. The search and selection of articles that met the inclusion criteria were carried out in duplicates. A Cochrane data extraction form for RCTs was used to extract the relevant information from all included articles. Risk of bias of all included articles was assessed independently by two authors using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. Results A total of 19 randomized controlled clinical trials met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. The majority of the studies included in this review have a high risk of bias mainly due to incomplete data, lack of blinding of the examiners, and due to other biases, such as small sample sizes, not accounting for additional hours of training, and the lack of calibration of examiners grading the preparations. Conflicting results were reported in the included studies with regards to whether there were differences between the intervention and control groups in the outcome measure of quality of students’ performance. A meta-analysis could not be done for this study due to the heterogeneity among the included studies. Conclusions Technology-enhanced teaching and assessment tools used in preclinical skills training of undergraduate dental students have the potential to improve students’ performance. However, due to the conflicting outcomes reported in the 19 studies included in this systematic review and their high risk of bias, better quality studies are required to find a definitive answer to the research question of this systematic review.

Background High‐quality patient care is a complex phenomenon that requires collaboration among healthcare professionals. Research has shown that Interprofessional Education (IPE) carries promise to improve collaborative work and patient care. So far, collaboration among various medical disciplines remains a challenge. Several survey-based studies have reported attitudes about IPE, but very few mixed methods studies, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries, have been conducted to determine medical students’ perspectives and readiness. Methods A two-staged sequential mixed methods study was conducted among medical and health sciences students of University of [---],[country]. The perspectives of students toward IPE and collaborative practice were first gathered by administering a validated instrument; namely Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS). This was followed by detailed focused group discussions. Quantitative and qualitative data analysis were performed using SPSS and NVivo, respectively.Results This study cohort included 282 students. All respondents showed readiness to adopt IPE as all statement of RIPLS survey scored high means. Highest mean of 5 was achieved for IPE elements of identifying and resolving patients’ problems and small group work. Three main themes were generated; prior knowledge, need for IPE framework and its implementation. Information workload, lack of clarity and less focused teaching pedagogies of IPE were considered as perceived barriers. Conclusion This study demonstrates substantial agreement of medical and health sciences students towards readiness and perceived effectiveness of IPE. Educators are urged to embed new IPE program into the existing curricular framework that can potentially enhance collaborative learning and improve quality of patient care.

Objective The tongue microbiome has emerged as a non-invasive diagnostic and tracking prognostic tool in the detection of diseases mainly cancer. This scoping review aimed to identify the association between tongue microbiome and pre-cancer or cancer lesions. Design A comprehensive electronic database search including PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus was undertaken up to March 2021, without language or date restrictions. This review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guideline. All observational studies that compared microbial community on the dorsal surface of the tongue between cancer or precancerous cases and healthy controls using NGS techniques were included. Results Of 274 records identified, nine studies were eligible to be included. Despite the inconsistent observations in terms of diversity and richness, most studies reported alteration in bacterial communities between pre-cancer or cancer cases and control groups. The bacterial profile among cases was so far correlated at the phylum level with a noticeable diverse degree at the genus level. The majority of included studies reported a higher abundance of certain kinds of microorganisms as compared to healthy participants including Firmicutes, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria at phyla level as well as Streptococcus, Actinomyces, Leptotrichia, Campylobacter, and Fusobacterium at the genus level. Conclusion The alteration of the tongue microbial community has been associated with several diseases mainly cancer. So, the tongue microbiome may serve as a promising diagnostic tool or as a long-term monitor in precancerous or cancer cases.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of immediate implant placement with alveolar bone augmentation on socket preservation following atraumatic tooth extraction and comparing it with a tooth alveolar socket that was allowed to heal in a conventional way.Twenty medically fit patients (8 males and 12 females aged between 18 and 40 years) who needed noncomplicated tooth extraction of mandibular premolar teeth were divided randomly and equally into 2 groups. In Group I, the empty extraction socket was left untreated and allowed to heal in a conventional way. In Group II, the immediate implant was placed and the gap between the implant and the inner buccal plate surface of the socket wall was filled with lyophilized bovine bone granules and the wound was covered with pericardium membrane. The patients were followed up clinically and radiologically for regular reviews at 1 week, 3 months, and 9 months postoperative. Cone beam computerized tomography images of the alveolar ridge and socket were analyzed to determine the structural changes of the alveolar ridge. Resonance frequency analysis was measured at 9 months for Group II to assess the degree of secondary stability of the implants by using Osstell machine.A significant difference of bone resorption of 1.49 mm (confidence interval, CI 95%, 0.63-2.35) was observed within the control group at 3 months, and 1.84 mm (P ≤ 0.05) at 9 months intervals. No significant changes of bone resorption were observed in Group II. Comparison between groups showed a highly significant difference at 3 months; 2.56 mm (CI 95% 4.22-0.90) and at 9 months intervals; 3.2 mm (CI 95%, 4.70-1.62) P ≤ 0.001 between Group I and II. High resonance frequency analysis values were observed at 9 months postoperative in Group II.In conclusion, the insertion of immediate implants in fresh extraction sockets together with grafting the circumferential gap between the bony socket wall and the implant surface with bovine bone granules was able to preserve a greater amount of alveolar ridge volume when compared with an extraction socket that was left to heal in a conventional way.

The aim of the present study was to compare cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) findings and joint space measurement in temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and non-TMD joints, and to correlate these findings with the clinical diagnosis.The study was conducted on patients diagnosed with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) osteoarthritis or closed lock according to the Research Diagnostic Criteria for TMDs (Group IIb, IIc, and III). CBCT and clinical records of non-TMD patients who sought treatment for purposes other than TMD were used retrospectively as a control. The following radiographic criteria were assessed: flattening, osteophyte, Ely's cyst, condylar surface irregularities, and joints' space measurements.Osteoarthritic joints had significantly more condylar irregularities (P50.0), osteophytes (P50.0), and condylar flattening (P50.003) than non-TMD joints. Osteoarthritic joints had significantlymore superior surface irregularities (P50.0) and osteophytes (P50.006) than closed lock joints.Non-TMDjoints had significantlymore joint space (5.64+1.88) compared with osteoarthritic joints (4.57+1.97), (P50.025). The correlation among TMD, osteophytes, and flattening of the condylar surface was statistically significant (r50.331, Pv0.000).Cone-beam computerized tomography findings are significantly associated with the clinical diagnosis of TMD. Osteophytes and flattening of the condylar surface are common features of TMD.

Introduction Dentists are at a very high risk of developing work-related musculoskeletal pain. The present study aimed at studying the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain among different dental specialists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and correlating the region of pain with the type of clinical work done by the specialists. Materials and methods A sample of more than 100 dentists was chosen randomly from different emirates in UAE. An interview questionnaire was administered regarding the number of years of experience and the presence, region, duration, and type of musculoskeletal pain they experienced. Results Musculoskeletal pain is experienced by 83.3% of periodontists, 80% of conservative dentists, 77.8% of endodontists, 72.7% of orthodontists, 70% of oral surgeons, 63.6% of prosthodontists, 63% of general dental practitioners, and 50% of pedodontists. The results have also indicated that the region of experienced musculoskeletal pain does vary according to the specialty. From those dentists who experience work-related musculoskeletal pain, 80% of conservative dentists experience pain in neck and shoulders, 66.7% of periodontists, and 54.5% of orthodontists experience pain in the lower back region. More than 50% of endodontists experience pain in the neck and shoulders regions, and 39% of general dental practitioners who experience pain in the neck region. Conclusion Preventive measures need to be taken to decrease the risk of dentists and dental specialists developing workrelated musculoskeletal pain. Clinical significance The prevalence and distribution of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) among registered general dental practitioners and dental specialists in UAE was not clearly documented. The study results indicated that the region that experienced musculoskeletal pain does vary according to the specialty. How to cite this article Al-Rawi NH, El Khatib H, Rajoub L, El-Sayed M, Naji R, Youssef R, Al Kawas S. Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain among Different Dental Specialists in United Arab Emirates. J Contemp Dent Pract 2016;17(8): 639-644.

Objectives: We aim to assess the antibacterial effectiveness of probiotic cleaning in a dental clinic at the University Dental Hospital Sharjah (UDHS), UAE. Materials and Methods: The current cleaning protocol of UDHS was evaluated by the surface swabbing of three dental clinics routinely cleaned using regular chemical disinfectants. Then, a new probiotic cleaning solution containing Bacillus subtilis was applied for 3 weeks in a selected clinic. Bacteria were grown onto selective culture media for colony counting from surfaces cleaned with probiotic solution compared to those obtained from the same surfaces cleaned with the regular chemical solutions. Isolates identity was confirmed by biochemical tests or polymerase chain reaction. Results: There was a significant reduction of the bacterial counts of various bacterial species (Staphylococci, Streptococci, and Gram-negative rods) from almost all the surfaces in the dental clinic after the application of the probiotic solution compared to the same surfaces cleaned with the regular chemical solutions. However, the antibiotic resistance rates were not significantly reduced within the short period of 3 weeks of using the new probiotic cleaning product. Conclusions: This study demonstrated that the use of probiotic cleaning is effective in reducing microbial growth in dental settings. This approach may be tested further to examine the long-term effect and to evaluate the opportunity of applying this novel biotechnology as part of the infection control routine in dental settings instead of the chemical disinfectants which are known to cause serious health problems. This is the first study testing the application of probiotic-based solution in dental settings.

Introduction Alveolar bone is critical in supporting natural teeth, dental implants as well as a removable and fixed prosthesis. Alveolar bone volume diminishes when its associated natural tooth is lost. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of bovine bone granules on alveolar bone socket augmentation for ridge preservation following atraumatic tooth extraction. Materials and methods Twenty medically fit patients (12 males and 8 females aged between 18 and 40 years) who needed noncomplicated tooth extraction of 1 mandibular premolar tooth were divided randomly and equally into 2 groups. In control group I, the empty extraction socket was left untreated and allowed to heal in a conventional way. In group II, the empty extraction socket wound was filled with lyophilized bovine bone xenograft granules 0.25 to 1 mm of size, 1 mL/vial. A resorbable pericardium membrane was placed to cover the defect. Clinical and 3-dimensional radiological assessments were performed at day 0, 3 months, and 9 months postoperative. Results There were no clinical differences in general wound healing between the groups. Comparisons within the groups showed a significant difference of bone resorption of 1.49 mm (95% confidence interval, 0.63-2.35) at 3 months, and further resorption of 1.84 mm (P ≤ 0.05) at 9 months in the control group. No significant changes of bone resorption were observed in group II during the same time interval. Comparison between groups showed a significant difference of bone resorption at 3 and 9 months (2.40 and 2.88 mm, respectively). Conclusion The use of lyophilized demineralized bovine bone granules in socket preservation to fill in the extraction socket seems essential in preserving the alveolar bone dimension as it showed excellent soft and hard tissue healing. This study concludes that the alveolar bone socket exhibited a dynamic process of resorption from the first day of tooth extraction. Evidence shows the possibility of using bovine bone granules routinely in socket volume preservation techniques following tooth extraction.

Cognitive decline is one of the major causes of disability among the aging population. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between oral health parameters (number of teeth, chewing ability, and presence of a denture) and cognitive function in the elderly across the UAE. Fifty persons (age ≥ 60; 71.26 ± 10.23) were enrolled in the study. Cognitive status was assessed using the standardized mini-mental state examination (SMMSE) and accordingly, cognitively normal subjects scoring ≥24 were considered as the control group and cognitively impaired individuals scoring ≤23 were considered as the low scoring group. Chewing ability was examined, number of teeth was noted, and demographical data was collected. The results of this pilot study showed that individuals with low SMMSE scores were significantly less educated (P<0.01) and had fewer number of remaining teeth (P<0.05) and impaired chewing ability (P<0.05). These results demonstrate a significant link between the number of teeth, chewing ability, and cognitive function. However, this pilot study had its limitations and was the first of its kind in the UAE and Gulf region; therefore, future research addressing the limitations is needed to further explore this association.

Background: Dental injuries in children and adolescents living across the globe are a serious public health problem. There are no data on dental injuries in United Arab Emirates (UAE). For the development of effective preventive measures, the present study was conducted to investigate the etiology and environment where dental injuries occurred, and to assess the relationship between traumatic dental injuries and socioeconomic status. Material and Methods: This study was undertaken in different colleges of University of Sharjah, UAE. 412 participants aged 18-22 years were screened using Dental Trauma Index (DTI), following the questionnaire phase of the study. Results: Prevalence of dental injury was 25.9%, mostly (46.9%) with restored teeth; followed by 42.3% of minor injury (untreated enamel fracture), affecting one upper central incisor (53%). The mean age at the time of dental injury was 10.5 years (SD = 1.52; range 8-13 years) in females vs 14 years (SD = 1.71; range 12-16 years) in males. Dental injuries among males mostly occurred at public places such as on streets (27%) with (19%) of injuries were related to motor bike/micro scooters followed by bicycles (17%) and traffic accidents (9%). Socioeconomic indicators chosen were not statistically significant with the exception of family income (P = 0.01). Conclusion: The findings of this study show that dental traumas are prevalent among middle and high socioeconomic groups. There is a need for potential interventions like educating parents, caretakers, and older siblings on how to reduce the risk factors related to dental injuries. Language: en

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the stability of immediate implant placement for alveolar bone augmentation and preservation with bovine bone graft following atraumatic tooth extraction. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective interventional study with convenient sampling (n = 10). Thirty patients aged between 18 and 40 years, who needed noncomplicated tooth extraction of mandibular premolar tooth, were sequentially divided equally into three groups. In Group I, simple extraction was done and the empty extraction socket left to heal conventionally. In Group II, extraction sockets were filled with lyophilized bovine granules only. In Group III, immediate implants were placed into extraction sockets, and the buccal gap was also filled with bovine granules. All groups were subjected to cone beam computed tomography scan for radiological evaluation. Assessment of biomechanical stability (radiofrequency analysis [RFA] was performed at 9 months postoperative for Group III to assess the degree of secondary stability of the implants using Osstell. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was applied when comparing within each group at three different time intervals, whereas one‑way ANOVA was applied followed by post hoc‑tukey test when comparing between groups. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Radiological assessment reveals a significant difference of bone resorption in alveolar dimension within Group I; 1.49 mm (P = 0.002), and 0.82 mm (P = 0.005), respectively, between day 0 and 3 months. Comparison between Group I and III showed a highly significant difference of bone resorption in ridge width at 3 months 2.56 mm (P = 0.001) and at 9 months interval 3.2 mm (P < 0.001). High RFA values demonstrating an excellent biomechanical stability were observed in Group III at 9 months postoperatively. Conclusion: The insertion of immediate implants in extraction sockets with bovine bone augmentation of the buccal gap was able to preserve a greater amount of alveolar ridge volume. Key Words: Cone beam computed tomography, Immediate Dental Implant Loading, ridge, preservation

J Oral Pathol Med (2010) 39: 48–55 Background: Salivary glands tumors are relatively uncommon neoplasm with widely variable histopathologic and biologic characteristics. Alteration in some proto-oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes may lead to the development and progression of these tumors. Aims: The purpose of this study was to analyze the immunohistochemical expression of P53 and bcl-2 in some salivary gland tumors in relation to tumor size, histologic grade, and extent of invasion. Setting and design: The sample consisted of 22 formalin-fixed paraffin embedded blocks of benign and malignant salivary glands tumors. Material and method: P53 and bcl-2 immunoreactivity was semi-quantitatively evaluated in at least 1000 cells examined under the microscope at 40× magnification and recorded as percentage of P53 or bcl-2 positive tumor cells over the total number of cells examined in the same area. Percentage scores were subsequently categorized using the 5% cut-off point for positive staining. Results and conclusion: Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) showed negative expression of P53 and bcl-2 in 70% of cases, whereas all malignant salivary glands tumors were positive for P53 and bcl-2. P53 positive/bcl-2 positive immunostaining reaction was week in small size PA and was totally absent in larger lesions. However, all malignant tumors expressed P53, with the highest record in low-grade adenocarcinoma (76%) and the lowest score was observed in both low-grade carcinoma in PA and adenocystic carcinoma. bcl-2 immunostaining was also assessed, the highest recorded score was in high-grade adeno cystic carcinoma (90%) and the lowest in both low-grade carcinoma ex-PA and low-grade cystic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (3%). P53/bcl-2 immunostaining reactivity could be helpful in demonstrating salivary glands tumor behavior in terms of progression and extent of invasion.

The aim of this study was to assess the undergraduate dental education in sleep medicine in Middle East universities as well as the students' knowledge in this field.A cross-sectional observational study was carried out during the period from September 2013 to April 2014.Two different questionnaires were used. A self-administered questionnaire and a cover letter were emailed and distributed to 51 randomly selected Middle East dental schools to gather information about their undergraduate sleep medicine education offered in the academic year 2012-2013.The second questionnaire was distributed to the fifth-year dental students in the 2nd Sharjah International Dental Student Conference in April 2014, to assess their knowledge on sleep medicine. A survey to assess knowledge of sleep medicine in medical education (Modified ASKME Survey) was used.Thirty-nine out of 51 (76%) responded to the first questionnaire. Out of the responding schools, only nine schools (23%) reported the inclusion of sleep medicine in their undergraduate curriculum. The total average hours dedicated to teaching sleep medicine in the responding dental schools was 1.2 hours. In the second questionnaire, 29.2% of the respondents were in the high score group, whereas 70.8% scored low in knowledge of sleep-related breathing disorders.Dental students in Middle East universities receive a weak level of sleep medicine education resulting in poor knowledge in this field.

The murine homologue of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] 1alpha-hydroxylase gene [1alpha(OH)ase; Cyp27bl], which is mutated in humans with vitamin D-dependent rickets type I (VDDR-I; also known as pseudovitamin D-deficiency rickets [PDDR]) was cloned and characterized. Like the human, the mouse gene has nine exons, and the exon-intron organization is well conserved. By interspecific backcross analysis, the Cyp27bl gene was mapped to 70.5 cM on mouse Chr 10. This is in a region syntenic with human Chr 12q13.1-q13.3 to which the human 1alpha(OH)ase gene was previously mapped. Kidney expression of the 1alpha(OH)ase was localized to cortical tubules and was higher in the adult mouse than in the fetus, consistent with the increased role of its product as a circulating hormone postnatally. Prenatally, the 1alpha(OH)ase gene, together with the vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene, was expressed in embryonic stem cells, and expression of 1alpha(OH)ase in bone and intestine was higher in the fetus than in the adult. These observations suggest that 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2D] plays a role in fetal development. In view of the fact that humans lacking 1alpha(OH)ase have apparently normal prenatal development, this may point to functional redundancy in the fetal vitamin D system, which now can be explored further in mouse models in which the 1alpha(OH)ase gene has been deleted.

Objective: The purpose of this study is to assess the impact of knowledge acquired in preventive aspects of dental education on dental students’ own health attitudes, oral hygiene and gingival status in the United Arab Emirates.Methods: To compare the self-reported oral health behavior of first year dental students in the University of Sharjah with their actual oral hygiene and gingival conditions, 93 volunteers who participated in the study completed the Hiroshima University-Dental Behavioral Inventory (HU-DBI) questionnaire. Subsequently a clinical examination for their Plaque Scores (Modified Quigley Hein Plaque Index) and Gingival Bleeding Index was performed by a calibrated dentist.Results: 29% of the participants reported bleeding gums; 83% were concerned by the color of their gums while 63% reported that it was impossible to prevent gum disease with brushing alone; and only 10% noticed some sticky white deposits on their teeth. However, approximately 92% were not in agreement that they would have false teeth when they grew older. 56% mentioned that they used dental floss regularly and 86% brushed twice daily or more. Male students had higher bleeding and plaque scores than female students. There appeared to be a significant relationship between plaque scores and HU-DBI responses; in addition to the significant relationship noted between recorded bleeding percentages and HU-DBI responses.Conclusion: Female students have shown better dental care behavior than male students. The dental students with better self-reported oral health attitudes were expected to have lower plaque scores but instead had moderate plaque and gingival bleeding scores. This indicates the need for more emphasis on preventive measures in oral health education. (Eur J Dent 2013;7:22-27)

Saliva is an important body fluid containing a complex mixture of proteins, peptides and other substances. These are not only important in maintaining the health of the oral cavity but also may yield information about oral and systemic disease. Comprehensive analysis and identification of the proteomic content of human saliva may contribute to the understanding of oral pathophysiology and provide a foundation for the recognition of potential biomarkers of human disease. The collection of saliva samples is non-invasive, safe, and inexpensive. It seems likely that testing methods can be developed which can be used in general medical or dental practice. However, it is important to realize that the collection of saliva must be carefully controlled. In this paper we review the progress in the analysis of the human salivary proteome and summarise the diagnostic possibilities that have been explored. The precautions in collecting saliva, and some of the factors which would have to be considered if a diagnostic test were to be generally adopted are discussed.

At a late stage of amelogenesis, a basement-membrane-like (BML) structure appears between mature ameloblasts and the enamel surface. Although this BML structure is known to contain certain basement membrane components, its detailed nature and role were not well defined. As such, this study examined the BML structure using high-resolution electron microscopy combined with immunohistochemical staining. Mandibular rat incisors were processed for the preparation of Epon sections for ultrastructural observations, and frozen sections were used for immunostaining laminin, heparan sulphate proteoglycan (HSPG) and type IV collagen. The BML structure was characterized by the presence of abundant ribbon-like ‘double tracks’, 4.5–5.0 nm wide; the form known to be taken by HSPG in basal laminae. The main ultrastructural component of basal laminae, known as ‘cords’, was replaced by fine filaments of type IV collagen. Immunohistochemical staining of the BML structure showed an intense reaction for HSPG, moderate staining for type IV collagen and negligible staining for laminin. These observations indicate that this structure is an atypical basement membrane in which the cord network is replaced by type IV collagen filaments. However, the BML structure was found to be unusually rich in HSPG, similar to kidney glomerular basement membrane. It is likely that this specialized basement membrane mediates firm attachment of mature ameloblasts to the enamel surface, and filters the influx and efflux of materials to and from enamel during maturation.

We report here that the rat heart is a site of oxytocin (OT) synthesis and release. Oxytocin was detected in all four chambers of the heart. The highest OT concentration was in the right atrium (2128 ± 114 pg/mg protein), which was 19-fold higher than in rat uterus but 3.3-fold lower than in the hypothalamus. OT concentrations were significantly greater in the right and left atria than in the corresponding ventricles. Furthermore, OT was released into the effluent of isolated, perfused rat heart (34.5 ± 4.7 pg/min) and into the medium of cultured atrial myocytes. Reverse-phase HPLC purification of the heart extracts and heart perfusates revealed a main peak identical with the retention time of synthetic OT. Southern blots of reverse transcription–PCR products from rat heart revealed gene expression of specific OT mRNA. OT immunostaining likewise was found in atrial myocytes and fibroblasts, and the intensity of positive stains from OT receptors paralleled the atrial natriuretic peptide stores. Our findings suggest that heart OT is structurally identical, and therefore derived from, the same gene as the OT that is primarily found in the hypothalamus. Thus, the heart synthesizes and processes a biologically active form of OT. The presence of OT and OT receptor in all of the heart’s chambers suggests an autocrine and/or paracrine role for the peptide. Our finding of abundant OT receptor in atrial myocytes supports our hypothesis that OT, directly and/or via atrial natriuretic peptide release, can regulate the force of cardiac contraction.

Amalgam waste from dental clinics is a significant source of mercury released into the environment when it is washed down a drain or disposed of improperly. Mercury is of particular concern because of its potential adverse effects on humans and the environment. As a consequence, several measures have been adopted by dental clinics worldwide to reduce mercury discharge into the environment. The aim of this study was to quantitatively asses the mercury burden in the wastewater discharged from some dental clinics in the United Arab Emirates using a cold-vapour atomic absorption spectrometry technique. Wastewater samples were collected from 28 public clinics at Sharjah and Abu Dhabi over a period of 10–14 days. The average concentration of mercury in all samples was 317.7 μg/l, with a standard deviation of 379.7 μg/l and a range from below the method detection limit (MDL) to 1535.2 μg/l. The results show some variation in mercury concentrations between samples, depending on the type and nature of dental operations undertaken at the specific clinic from which each sample originated. Most of the wastewater released from dental clinics in the study area contains concentrations of mercury which, although lower than levels reported elsewhere in the literature, are unacceptable according to local and international environmental standards. This implies that such wastewater should not be discharged without adequate pretreatment in order to reduce mercury pollution in the environment.