Digital Commons Network^™

Environmental Responses Of Two-Component Systems In Streptococcus Sanguinis, Jenishkumar Patel

Theses and Dissertations

The gram-positive bacterium Streptococcus sanguinis is a member of human indigenous oral microbialflora and has long been recognized as a key player in the bacterial colonization of the mouth. S. sanguinis is also the most common viridians streptococcal species implicated in infective endocarditis. Although many studies have focused on two-component systems in closely related Streptococcus species such as S. mutans, S. pneumoniae and S. gordonii; the mechanism of the response regulator in S. sanguinis is still unknown. The ability of S. sanguinis to adapt and thrive in hostile environments suggests this bacterium is capable of sensing and responding to various …

Factors Affecting Gingival Excess, Altered Passive Eruption And Recession In The Mandibular Anterior And Premolar Sites, William Bohlen

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract FACTORS AFFECTING GINGIVAL EXCESS, ALTERED PASSIVE ERUPTION AND RECESSION IN THE MANDIBULAR ANTERIOR AND PREMOLAR SITES By William F Bohlen, D.M.D. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Thomas Waldrop, DDS, MS Program director, Department of Periodontics, Virginia Commonwealth University AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the factors affecting gingival excess, altered passive eruption and recession. METHODS: 100 subjects were examined clinically and models of their mandible were fabricated. Demographic, periodontal and cast measurements were …

The Prevalence Of Maxillary Altered Passive Eruption In A Dental School Population., Francisco Carlos

Theses and Dissertations

AIM: The aim of this investigation is to determine the prevalence of maxillary altered passive eruption in a dental school population. METHODS: 100 subjects were examined clinically and had models fabricated of their maxilla. Demographic, periodontal, cast measurements were recorded for each subject. Demographic variables recorded included age, gender, and ethnicity, history of orthodontic treatment, presence of incisal /occlusal wear, appearance of gingival excess, and presence of gingival asymmetry. Measurements made on cast included clinical crown length, clinical crown width, papillary height, and distance from the lateral gingival zenith to the gingival aesthetic line. Clinical crown width-to-length ratio was calculated. …

Perception Of Soft Tissue Laser Use In Orthodontic Practice: A Survey Of Orthodontists, Periodontists, And General Dentists, Brandon Burke

Theses and Dissertations

Recently, soft tissue lasers have been introduced into orthodontic practice to perform procedures that were traditionally referred to other dental professionals. The purpose of this study was to compare the attitudes of orthodontists, periodontists, and general dentists regarding the use of soft tissue lasers by orthodontists. The ultimate goal was to facilitate communication among dental professionals and improve the care of orthodontic patients requiring management of soft tissues. A survey was developed to evaluate and compare the current opinions of orthodontists (n=330), periodontists (n=171), and general dentists (n=77) regarding orthodontists’ use of soft tissue lasers. When compared to orthodontists and …

The Effects Of Bfgf Treatment In The Aged Brain Following Traumatic Brain Injury, Michael Zeigler

Theses and Dissertations

The mature mammalian brain continually generates new neurons in the subventricular zone and hippocampus throughout life. Adult neurogenesis in the hippocampus is associated with hippocampal-dependent learning and memory function. During aging, this endogenous neurogenic potential is reduced which is accompanied by decreased cognitive function seen in the aging population. We have previously found that the injured adult brain shows heightened levels of endogenous neurogenesis and this response is associated with innate cognitive recovery. We have also found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), a potent neurotrophic polypeptide, can enhance injury-induced hippocampal neurogenesis and improve cognitive recovery following TBI. In this …

Efficacy Of Orthodontic Bonding Agents In Preventing Demineralization Around Brackets, Morris Poole

Theses and Dissertations

Enamel demineralization is a concern in orthodontic patients with poor oral hygiene. To curtail this problem, amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) containing adhesives have been developed. The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the cariostatic potential of an ACP containing orthodontic bonding agent adjacent to brackets. Sixty human molars were randomly distributed into: ACP adhesive, resin modified glass ionomer cement (RMGIC), and conventional composite resin groups (N=20 each). Brackets were bonded following the manufacturer’s instructions. Tooth enamel through a 2mm window around the brackets was cycled in demineralization (6 hrs) and remineralization (18 hrs) solutions. After 14 days, …

Self-Ligating Vs. Conventional Brackets As Perceived By Orthodontists, Chase Prettyman

Theses and Dissertations

Introduction: Within the past decade, significant developments, new designs, and numerous proposed advantages of self-ligating (SL) brackets have caused them to gain great popularity among practicing orthodontists. The purpose of this study was to determine if there are significant clinical differences between SL and conventional brackets on orthodontic treatment as perceived by practicing orthodontists, and more specifically, if the proposed advantages of SL brackets are evident in clinical practice. Methods: A survey was developed to evaluate how SL brackets compare to conventional brackets when perceived by practicing orthodontists (n=430). The initial series of questions focused on individual practitioner characteristics and …

Lip Profile Preferences Of Asian Americans, Hung Quoc Lu

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study was to evaluate how Asians, non-Asians, and orthodontists in America view esthetic soft tissue Asian lip profiles. The null hypothesis was that there was no difference in the perception of lip profile esthetics of Asian patients between Asian laypersons, non-Asians laypersons, and orthodontists. A survey was constructed using the profile photographs of one adult male and one adult female Asian American patient taken from the VCU Orthodontics Clinic records. Using Dolphin Imaging 3D, the original photographs were digitally altered. The lips in each photograph were moved in increments forward and backwards to produce 5 images …

Use Of Cone Beam Computed Tomography In The Determination Of Mental Foramen Location In Relation To Mandibular 1st And 2nd Premolars, Sanjay Bhagchandani

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to use existing Cone Beam Computer Tomography images to determine the vertical and horizontal location of the mental foramen in relation to the mandibular first and second premolars, as well as the distance in millimeters from the apex of each. The distance from the inferior border of the foramen to the inferior border of the mandible was also recorded. The average distance from the apices of the mandibular first and second premolars to the mental foramen was 7.43mm (SD= 1.97) and 5.30mm (SD=1.65) respectively. The foramen was located 11.44mm (SD=1.49) from the inferior border …

Endodontic Residents’ Understanding Of Biostatistics: A 2010 Survey Of Endodontic Residents In The United States, Paul Letellier Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

Endodontic residents must keep current with clinical information to practice evidence- based dentistry. To do so, endodontic residents must access research papers and interpret results. This requires a knowledge of biostatistics. However, the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents is relatively unknown. The purpose of the study was to assess the biostatistical knowledge of endodontic residents using a survey instrument to prove or reject the hypothesis that there exists a lack of understanding of biostatistic principles among endodontic residents. A survey consisting of 29 questions querying attitudes and biostatistical knowledge was distributed to 230 endodontic residents and returned with a 32% …

The Effect Of Medicaid Policy Reform On Dental Utilization Rates For Children, Matthew Winheim

Theses and Dissertations

Background: Regular access to dental services is a well-known factor in the oral health and development of children.1 As such, the United States federal government mandates each state to include dental services for children enrolled in Medicaid through the age of 21. Despite this mandate, the utilization rate of dental services among Medicaid enrolled children has remained remarkably low.2 In July 2005, Virginia implemented a sweeping Medicaid policy reform titled “Smiles for Children,” specifically aiming to increase Medicaid pediatric dental utilization rates. The purpose of this study aims to assess the effect of this 2005 policy reform on the utilization …

Endodontic Education And Educators: Who Is Teaching Our Predoctoral Students And What Methods Are Being Taught?, Ellison Turner

Theses and Dissertations

A survey was conducted to assess the current state of predoctoral endodontic education in the United States. Fifty-one schools received surveys and 73% responded. Seventy-six percent were from public schools with most having a graduate endodontic program (84%). Preclinical training most often began in the spring of second year and clinical training started in the fall of third year (each 54%). All programs that responded stated that endodontists routinely instruct students in the clinic. Sodium hypochlorite 2.5% was the irrigation of choice. Calcium hydroxide was the most common intracanal medicament. Cold lateral condensation with gutta-percha was the most frequently indicated …

Oral Health Status Of Children In The Child Health Investment Partnership (Chip) Program, Latrice Foster

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to describe children’s dental disease status and functional health literacy of families enrolled in the Child Health Investment Partnership program in Roanoke Valley. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of children (n=166) enrolled in the Child Health Investment Partnership of Roanoke Valley, Virginia (CHIP). The parents of the 166 children completed the Life Skills Progression (LSP) survey at enrollment between September 2004 and September 2008 to assess their functional health literacy levels. Their LSP scores were used to determine their subsequent health care literacy (HCL), personal health literacy (PHL), and dental-child utilization …

A Survey Of The Usage Of Topical Anesthesia Among Dentist, Lawrence Shults

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purposes of this study were four-fold: 1) to determine the types and effectiveness of various topical anesthetics being used among dentists currently treating children, 2) to determine the types of procedures for which topical anesthetics are being used among children, 3) to understand the awareness and use of a relatively newer compounded topical gel Oraqix (Dentsply Caulk) among children, 4) to understand the adverse reactions to topical anesthesia that are seen among children. Methods: A cross sectional survey was designed, regarding the type, procedural use, effectiveness, and adverse reactions noted among children to various topical anesthetics. The survey …

Identification Of Loci Contributing To The Smith-Magenis Syndrome-Like Phenotype And Molecular Evaluation Of The Retinoic Acid Induced 1 Gene, Stephen Williams

Theses and Dissertations

Smith-Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a multiple congenital abnormalities intellectual disability syndrome that results from a deletion of chromosome 17p11.2 or mutation of the retinoic acid inducted one gene (RAI1). SMS is characterized by a multitude of phenotypic features including craniofacial defects, short stature, obesity, intellectual disability, self-abusive behavior, sleep disturbance and behavioral abnormalities. Interestingly, although SMS is a clearly defined syndrome with a known molecular change at its foundation, ~40% of all candidate cases sent to the Elsea lab for evaluation do not have a mutation or deletion of RAI1. We hypothesize that at least one other locus must be …

Characterization Of Adherence, Cytotoxicity And Biofilm Formation By Gardnerella Vaginalis, Jennifer Patterson

Theses and Dissertations

Worldwide, bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common vaginal disorder in women of childbearing age. BV is of major clinical importance due to its ability to significantly affect pregnancy outcome and enhance the transmission and acquisition of HIV. BV is characterized by a dramatic shift in the vaginal microflora; in most BV cases, the predominant bacterial species is Gardnerella vaginalis. It has been demonstrated that G. vaginalis forms an adherent biofilm on the vaginal epithelium of women with BV. Furthemore, evidence suggests that the high rate of recurrence associated with BV is related to incomplete eradication of the biofilm. The …

Genetic Variations Of Cyp2b6 Enzyme And The Response To Meperidine In Oral Sedation, Heath Whitfield

Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship of the CYP2B6 genotype to the clinical response to meperidine in pediatric dental patients. Methods: Forty-nine patients, ASA I/ II, 41–101 months old, received an oral sedative regimen containing meperidine for dental treatment. The North Carolina Behavior Rating Scale (NCBRS) and Overall Effectiveness of Sedation Scale (OESS) were used to assess their behavior and sedation outcome. Saliva DNA samples were genotyped by PCR-RFLP. Results: We found the following genotype distributions: homozygous wild-type 1*1 (n = 19, 39%), heterozygous 1*6 (n = 25, 51%), and homozygous variant 6*6 (n = …

The Effects Of Motivational Interviewing In Pregnancy On Knowledge And Retention Of Infant Oral Health Information, Andrew Zima

Theses and Dissertations

THE EFFECTS OF MOTIVATIONAL INTERVIEWING IN PREGNANCY ON KNOWLEDGE AND RETENTION OF INFANT ORAL HEALTH INFORMATION By Andrew D. Zima, Jr., B.S., M.S., D.D.S. A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University. Virginia Commonwealth University, 2010 Major Director: Tegwyn H. Brickhouse, D.D.S., Ph.D Associate Professor, Department of Pediatric Dentistry Purpose: The purpose was to examine the effect of motivational counseling in pregnancy with readiness and acceptance of infant oral health information. Methods: The study used a prospective cohort design to examine the effect of prenatal education …

Regulation Of Telomerase Expression In Stem Cell Reprogramming, Patrick Sachs

Theses and Dissertations

A great need exists for an abundant, easily accessible source of patient-specific cells that will function for use in regenerative medicine. One promising source is the adult stem cell derived from adipose tissue (ASCs). Isolated from waste lipoaspiration, these cells could serve as a readily available source for the regeneration of damaged tissues. To further define the biology of ASCs, we have isolated multiple cell strains from different adipose tissue sources, indicating wide-spread distribution in the body. We find that a widely used set of cell surface markers fail to distinguish ASCs from normal fibroblasts. However, our ASC isolations are …

Pooled Protein Immunization For Identification Of Cell Surface Antigens In Streptococcus Sanguinis, Xiuchun Ge, Todd Kitten, Cindy L. Munro, Daniel H. Conrad, Ping Xu

Philips Institute for Oral Health Research Publications

Background

Available bacterial genomes provide opportunities for screening vaccines by reverse vaccinology. Efficient identification of surface antigens is required to reduce time and animal cost in this technology. We developed an approach to identify surface antigens rapidly inStreptococcus sanguinis, a common infective endocarditis causative species.

Methods and Findings

We applied bioinformatics for antigen prediction and pooled antigens for immunization. Forty-seven surface-exposed proteins including 28 lipoproteins and 19 cell wall-anchored proteins were chosen based on computer algorithms and comparative genomic analyses. Eight proteins among these candidates and 2 other proteins were pooled together to immunize rabbits. The antiserum reacted …

Leaders Or Managers: Who Will Define A New Vision For Dental Education?, Fred Certosimo

General Practice Publications

Leaders and managers are vital to any organization; however, each possesses intrinsic characteristics ideally suited to produce entirely different outcomes. Modern dental education finds itself in a predicament as it assesses new ways to meet the ever-changing demands of its profession and the superimposed mega-issues and global concerns of the new millennium—all competing in an organization and curriculum imprisoned in the first two-thirds of the twentieth century. The purpose of this article is to highlight the role of leadership in dentistry and more specifically dental education. It compares and contrasts characteristics commonly found in leaders who seek long-term, outward-looking organizational …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 87, No. 3, 2010)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

The Impact Of A Coordinated Care Program On Uninsured, Chronically Ill Patients, Jennifer Neimeyer

Theses and Dissertations

This study explored how being enrolled in a program that both coordinates patient care and provides a medical home changes health care utilization for uninsured patients, more specifically those persons with chronic conditions, through the use of the Chronic Care Model and Andersen and Aday’s Behavioral Model for Access to Health Care. Uninsured patients typically seek out care in a fragmented manner, which may lead to ineffective and inefficient care, especially for conditions that may require ongoing treatment and monitoring such as chronic conditions. The methodology used to examine the relationship between the interaction of enrollment and chronic condition status …

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 87, No. 2, 2010)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 87, No. 4, 2010)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.

Virginia Dental Journal (Vol. 87, No. 1, 2010)

Virginia Dental Journal

No abstract provided.