Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Expression Of Human Tissue Kallikreins (Klks) In Polymorphous Low Grade Adenocarcinoma (Plga), Jacqueline M. Cox

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

Polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA) is the second most common malignant salivary gland tumour of the minor salivary glands. Human tissue kallikreins (KLKs) are a family of highly conserved serine proteases expressed by various tissues throughout the body. KLKs have become powerful tumour markers for the diagnosis of the cancer patient (e.g. PSA (KLK3)). The literature demonstrates a link between KLKs and salivary gland neoplasms. The purpose of this study is to determine levels of KLK mRNA in tissue samples of formalin fixed paraffin embedded polymorphous low grade adenocarcinoma (PLGA). Secondly, we wish to determine if KLK expression is limited …

Inhibition Of Chemotherapeutic-Induced Apoptosis In Esophageal Squamous Cancer Cells By The Keystone Periodontal Pathogen, Porphyromonas Gingivalis., Atul Kumar Agrawal

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent evidence has shown that P. gingivalis, a Gram-negative, anaerobic oral bacterium, is negatively associated with the presence and outcome of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). While potential underlying mechanisms are yet to be established, P. gingivalis infection is known to inhibit apoptosis in gingival epithelial cells. Therefore, we hypothesized that P. gingivalis may also inhibit of the induction of apoptosis in human ESCC cells exposed to the commonly employed anti-ESCC chemotherapeutic agent, cisplatin. The capacity of P. gingivalis, at variant multiplicities of infection, to suppress cisplatin-induced necrosis and apoptosis in EC9706 ESCC cells was established by lactate …

Cannabinoid Receptor 2 (Cb2) Ligands Downregulate Pro-Inflammatory Markers In Stimulated Primary Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts (Hpdlfs), Ammaar Hasan Abidi

Theses and Dissertations (ETD)

There are approximately 743 million individuals suffering from chronic periodontitis (PD) making it the sixth most prevalent condition worldwide. The affected adult population in the U.S. are nearly 64.7 million and the healthcare costs exceeds $14 billion. Recently, host response to pathogenic infection has been seen critical to the progression of PD and exhibit increase in various inflammatory markers. Marijuana is well known for its recreational usage and is a risk factor for periodontal disease, which is seen as a concern in society for its negative health consequences. However, many medical conditions can benefit from the pharmacological effects of cannabinoids. …

An Investigation Of The Relationship Between Child, Family, And Community Factors And Early Childhood Oral Health And The Utilization Of Dental Health Services, Nicole Holt

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background / Objective: Children under the age of 5 years bear a disproportionate burden of oral disease. The aim of this study is to investigate how child, family, and community determinants impact dental care utilization, and parental report of child’s oral health. Methods: Data for this study came from the 2011/2012 National Survey of Children’s Health for children aged 1 to 5 years old. Dependent variables evaluated were if the child had an oral health problem, been to a dentist in the past year, and parents description of the child’s teeth. Independent variables were selected from child, family, and community …

Dental Disparities And The Safety Net In Blount County, Micaela J. Cornett

Undergraduate Honors Theses

This qualitative study focused on the dental disparities in Blount County, TN and sought to determine if there are enough dental clinics within the dental safety net. Interviews were conducted with 18 individuals who were either service providers or clients of organizations such as the Salvation Army, Alcoa Good Samaritan Clinic, the local health department, Trinity Dental Clinic, Volunteer Ministry Center, Remote Area Medical, and Blount Memorial Hospital. Inclusion criteria for clients included: homeless or living below the poverty level, uninsured, 18 to 65 years of age, has not seen a dentist in the past year and currently suffering a …

Exploring A Novel Nf-ĸb- Inhibiting Nanoparticle For Periodontitis Therapy., Kameswara Satya Srikanth Upadhyayula

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Periodontitis is an infection-driven inflammatory disease characterized by gingival inflammation and bone loss. The NF-ĸB signaling pathway is pivotal in osteoclastogenesis and infection-induced pro-inflammatory responses. The use of nanoparticles as a vehicle to deliver drug increases stability, loading capacity, and facilitates transmembrane transportation. The hypothesis was that a novel nanoparticle carrying therapeutic NBD inhibitory peptides (NBD-nanoparticles) will inhibit measures of periodontal disease. In this project, we tested the nanoparticles for their ability to directly inhibit osteoclastogenesis and inflammation as an original strategy for periodontitis therapy. We also tested the capability of the nanoparticles to inhibit gingival inflammation and alveolar bone …

Student Self-Assessment Of Operative Dentistry Experiences : A Time Dependent Exercise In Best Practice Outcomes., Celine Joyce Cornelius Timothius

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: The purpose of this project was to evaluate student self-assessment of operative dentistry experiences. Methods: First, a retrospective analysis of student self-assessment and faculty assessment grade sheets were evaluated for mean differences and correlations across time. Both preclinical (D2: n=120) and clinical (D3: n=120; D4: n=120) grades sheets were evaluated. Secondly, twenty-five (n=25) students from each of the D1, D2, D3 and D4 classes were asked to evaluate dentoform work. Twenty-five (n=25) operative calibrated faculty graded the same two dentoforms. Results: D2 student’s self-assessment scores were significantly higher than the faculty assessment scores (t-test; p0.05) and there was a …

Treg Regulation In Periodontal Disease During Pregnancy., Aislinn Leah Hays

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Background: Although pregnancy is prone to induce more severe periodontal inflammation and tissue damage, its mechanism remains elusive. Periodontal diseases during pregnancy are associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes including preterm birth or low birth weight. Animal models are ideal for investigating immunological mechanisms in periodontal disease. With a newly modified ligature-induced disease model, we managed to develop periodontal disease in pregnant mice and investigate the immunological mechanism of more severe symptoms during pregnancy. Hypothesis: We hypothesis that P. gingivalis infection during pregnancy will lead to a down-regulation of Treg cells, therefore causing increased inflammation and disease severity. Methods: A ligature-induced …

Expression Of Zeb Factors In Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma., Saira Ahmed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Objectives: The ZEB family of transcription factors (ZEB1 and ZEB2) have been demonstrated to play a role in metastatic progression of several cancers, and may also influence the initial transformation and generation of cancer stem cells. However, the expression pattern of ZEB proteins in the development of oral squamous cell carcinoma has not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to define changes in expression and subcellular localization of the ZEB family in both precancerous lesions and different grades of OSCC. Materials and Methods: Seventy-nine tongue biopsies were subjected to immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence to determine the expression and subcellular …

Using An Audience Response System To Calibrate Dental Faculty Assessing Student Clinical Competence., Sean A. Aiken

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In order to best prepare students to become competent and confident practitioners in a clinical environment upon graduating dental school, it is imperative for them to receive consistent and productive feedback from the supervising faculty. Through academic engagement, and more specifically faculty calibration, it may be possible to eliminate the disconnect that sometimes exists between faculty expectations and terminology, and those of the students. In terms of definitions, academic engagement reflects faculty scholarly development activities that support integration of relevant, current theory of best practices consistent with the school's mission, expected learner outcomes, and supporting strategies.1-6, 32 The difficulty lies …

How Dental Hygiene Undergraduate Learning Is Influenced By Educational Videos, Alyssa L. Klenke

Dental Hygiene ETDs

How Dental Hygiene Undergraduate Learning is Influenced by Educational Videos

Abstract

This pilot experimental research study evaluated the efficacy of educational videos in comparison to traditional learning with print media and evaluated the student’s knowledge and retention of utilizing the periodontal screening and recording (PSR) method. The sample size consisted of 23 undergraduate students enrolled in their second year in a baccalaureate dental hygiene program. Participants were placed into two randomized groups, labeled Group A consisting of 12 students and Group B consisting of 11 students and evaluated with a 10 question pre test before exposure to the educational intervention, …

Effective And Ineffective Clinical Teaching And Instruction In Dental Hygiene School, Vicki Gianopoulos Pizanis

Teacher Education, Educational Leadership & Policy ETDs

Introduction

Educators who teach in a clinical setting, primarily in healthcare fields, while having knowledge of the subject, having skills in what is taught, and having experience in the field, often have little-to-no training in teaching. This results in instructional practices being based upon intuition and experience. Becoming aware of how qualities and characteristics of clinical instructors affect adult learners’ educational experience through evidence-based research, and using its implications, would help promote more effective instruction and ultimately improve student learning.

Methodology

A mixed methods study using Grounded Theory and Critical Incidence technique was conducted to study junior student, senior student …

Hyperemesis Gravidarum And The Oral Cavity, Jamie A. Pena

Dental Hygiene ETDs

Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition of extreme nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, can significantly impact the oral cavity in numerous ways both during and after HG pregnancy. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of oral and dental related issues pertaining to Hyperemesis gravidarum as well as to uncover common oral and dental complications associated with the condition. This effort was made to provide dental hygienists and professionals with a thorough understanding of HG and its various effects on the oral cavity in order that patients of this population may be sufficiently recognized and served. Matters were …

Analysis Of Flexural Strength And Monotonic Load To Failure Following Simulated Chairside Adjustments And Repair In A Lithium Disilicate Glass-Ceramic, Ali Ramadhan

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: There are no studies regarding e.max Press that evaluate post-adjustment healing protocols and their effect on the load to failure in a clinically relevant test. It is essential to find the ultimate treatment protocol which will help clinicians preserve the physical properties of the ceramic restoration after adjustment. Material and Methods: The total number of samples used in this study was 440 IPS e.max press discs. The discs were 15 mm in diameter and 1 mm of thickness. The material was tested for flexural strength and monotonic load to failure. The test was done in two parts and with …

Exploring The Knowledge And Perceptions Of Elementary And Middle School Staff With Regard To The Utilization Of A Dental Hygienist In A School Setting, Hannah Elizabeth Fender

Undergraduate Honors Theses

Abstract:

Background: Dental hygienists can be utilized to provide care to adolescents and young adults in a school-based setting. These dental health care professionals work to improve upon public oral health through educational practices, preventative methods, and referrals. The purpose of this study was to explore the knowledge and perceptions of elementary and middle school staff with regard to the utilization of a dental hygienist in a school setting. Methods: The international review board at approved the following study. A total of eight faculty and staff members from Unicoi County Elementary School and Unicoi County Middle School completed a 14-question …

Viability Of Human Periodontal Ligament Fibroblasts After Time In Tooth Storage Media, Scott Macdonald

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Periodontal ligament cell viability at the time of tooth replantation is of utmost importance for proper repair of the damaged tissues (1). Multiple different options are currently available for storage of an avulsed tooth. The goal of this study was to investigate new storage media and evaluate their ability to maintain cell viability over time. Materials and Methods: Cultured human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (hPDLF) were seeded on 96-well plates. These cells were exposed to different storage media including: Hank’s Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS), EMT Toothsaver (EMT), Save-A-Tooth (SAT), trehalose (T300), cell culture media, water, and different formulations of HBSS combined …

Comparison Of Anterior Denture Teeth Arrangements Made With The Tooth Mold Template And Definitive Computer-Aided Design & Computer-Aided Manufacturing Complete Removable Dental Prostheses, Jose Antonio Sierra

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: There is a dearth of information in the refereed literature regarding esthetics of CAD/CAM complete removable dental prostheses (CRDPs). The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the anterior denture teeth arrangement made with the medium-size anterior tooth mold template to CAD/CAM complete removable dental prostheses fabricated with bonded denture teeth and milled teeth. Material and methods: Poly-vinyl siloxane impression were made of an edentulous maxillary model and selected for use as the patient template. The edentulous model was mounted on a semi-adjustable articulator. Definitive impressions and jaw relation records were made according to the manufacturer’s protocol. …

Survival Rates Of Primary Endodontic Therapy Following Core/Post And Crown Placement, Kandace Yee

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: The objective of this study was to determine if a correlation exists between the time to core or post and core (core/post) placement following non-surgical root canal therapy (NS RCT), the time to crown placement following core/post placement, and the incidence of an untoward event. Materials and Methods: Utilizing the Delta Dental of Wisconsin Insurance Database, information was analyzed from 476,479 initial NS RCT procedures. Of these teeth, 160,040 had a core/post and a crown placed before the end of the continuous coverage period or occurrence of an untoward event. Untoward events were defined as having a retreatment, apicoectomy, …

Qmix 2in1 And Naoci Precipitate: Documentation, Identification, And Exothermic Reaction, Gordon L. Barkley Iii

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Introduction: The aim of this study was to document and identify precipitate formation and exothermic reaction caused when mixing NaOCl and QMiX. Methods: Photography captured time-dependent changes when mixing NaOCl and QMiX at; 0 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 30 minutes, 1 hour, and 24 hours. A differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) was utilized in determination of heat flow while analyzing temperature change (°C), enthalpy (mJ), and time (seconds) for NaOCl with QMiX and NaOCl with 2% chlorhexidine (CHX). 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and 2D NMR (DOSY) spectroscopy analyzed precipitation formed from NaOCl and QMiX. Results: Digital photography documented immediate, …

Tooth Size Comparison Between Citizens Of The Chickasaw Nation And Caucasians, Tyler Chance Devaughan

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective The goal of this study is to establish normative tooth crown size (mesio-distal width) data for the Chickasaw Nation and demonstrate how it relates to Caucasian standards. Background: Tooth size ratios represent a diagnostic tool that allow for a prediction of treatment outcomes. A proper relationship of the total mesio-distal width of the maxillary dentition to the mesio- distal width of the mandibular dentition will favor an ideal post treatment occlusion. If a patient has a significant tooth size discrepancy between the dental arches, alignment of the teeth into this ideal occlusion may not be possible. Patients commonly receive …

Characteristics Associated With Successful Dental Treatment In Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Noah Turk

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background. ASD is a neurodevelopmental disability, responsible for social, communicative and behavioral deficits. The prevalence of children diagnosed with ASD in the United States has more than doubled in the past two decades, from 1 in 150 to 1 in 68. Children diagnosed with ASD have a very high occurrence of certain comorbidities, such as developmental delay, intellectual disability and speech delay. Unmet dental needs remain high among children with special health care needs (SHCN), with 78% reporting the need for dental care within the last 12 months. Recent studies have focused on barriers to care for these patients; the …

Bmp2 Enhances Osteogenesis Of Gingival Stem Cells In Peptide Hydrogel, Annapurna Bondalapati

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Purpose: The aim of the study was to investigate effect of the growth factor, Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2 (BMP2), on the differentiation of Human gingiva derived stem cells (HGMSCs) in a self-assembled three-dimensional (3D) peptide hydrogel. The study has two parts; part 1 comprised of optimizing the dose of BMP2 and Part II was investigating the effective delivery method of BMP2 in enhancing the osteogenic differentiation of HGMSCs Methods: Human gingiva derived mesenchymal stem cells (HGMSCs) cultured in the peptide hydrogel (3-D cultures) were treated with 50, 100 and 200 ng/ml BMP2. The cells in the osteogenic differentiation of HGMSCs …

Investigating Lip Protrusion Aesthetics By Comparing The Facial Profile View With An Oblique View, Barak Jones

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Introduction: Orthodontists strive to enhance facial esthetics. Notable orthodontists including Holdaway, Ricketts, Merrifield and more each made contributions to help diagnose facial disharmonies and improve treatment outcomes. Numerous studies have evaluated the face from two perspectives, frontal and profile. Orthodontic treatment can significantly transform a facial profile. Orthodontic literature has time and again compared photos, line drawings and silhouettes in order to define a harmonious profile. Some have concluded that a more protrusive lip profile than what had been outlined traditionally is now preferred. However, while this debate continues, in this dynamic world the profile perspective is not the most …

Evaluation Of Microshear Bond Strength Of Light-Cured Composite For Cementation Of Ceramic Veneer, Khalid Motlaq

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Brief background and goal/ research question: Ceramic restorations were introduced as indirect restorative materials that combine high esthetics with superior mechanical properties. However, an important requirement for successful function of these restorations is adequate adhesion between the restoration material and tooth structure. The use of CAD/CAM restorations is steadily increasing, proper function and longevity of these restorations depends on good adhesion to the underlying substrate as well as operator technique. Preheated composite has been recommended by some clinicians and investigators for the adhesive luting of porcelain laminate veneers based on its good marginal adaptation and perceived superior mechanical durability when …

Indirect Bonding Of Orthodontic Brackets: A Comparison Of Positional Accuracy Between Software Vs. Stone Model Driven Techniques, Francesca Scilla Smith

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Background: Many orthodontic clinicians consider indirect bonding of orthodontic brackets as a method of achieving greater accuracy and effectiveness in orthodontic treatment. Currently, few features of our world have escaped the influence of technology. The indirect system of orthodontic bonding offers an example of technology’s power through a computer-driven system that enables customized bracket placement that optimizes esthetics, accuracy, precision and efficiency. The purpose of this study was to compare the positional accuracy and reliability between traditional and computer-generated indirect bonding techniques. Methods: A total of 210 brackets (STEP metal brackets with slot size .022x.028) were placed using a four …

Effect Of Water Immersion On The Resistance To Sliding Of Coated Orthodontic Archwires, Jun Sik Kim

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objectives: The objective of this in vitro study is to compare the resistance to sliding (RS) of coated and uncoated orthodontic archwires in ceramic brackets at various water-immersion times and bracket angulations. Background: Tooth-colored orthodontic systems have been developed to meet the patient’s esthetic needs. Ceramic brackets and polymer-coated archwires have been shown to demonstrate higher RS than metal brackets and archwires in dry conditions. However, there is no study to address the RS of coated archwires depending on water-immersion times as in the oral cavity. Therefore, it is necessary to examine RS of coated archwires sliding in ceramic brackets …

An Exploratory Statistical Method For Finding Interactions In A Large Dataset With An Application Toward Periodontal Diseases, Joshua Lambert

Theses and Dissertations--Epidemiology and Biostatistics

It is estimated that Periodontal Diseases effects up to 90% of the adult population. Given the complexity of the host environment, many factors contribute to expression of the disease. Age, Gender, Socioeconomic Status, Smoking Status, and Race/Ethnicity are all known risk factors, as well as a handful of known comorbidities. Certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to be protective for the disease, while some toxins and chemicals have been associated with an increased prevalence. The role of toxins, chemicals, vitamins, and minerals in relation to disease is believed to be complex and potentially modified by known risk factors. A …

Validation Of Mixed Dentition Analysis Method For Northern Thai Population, Wannapa Chinadet

All ETDs from UAB

The purpose of this study is to determine the accuracy of the Tanaka-Johnston mixed dentition analysis method and develop a new predictive model for Northern Thai population. A total of 400 sets of dental study casts (145 males and 255 females) were obtained from the Department of Pediatrics and Orthodontics at the Chiang Mai University School of Dentistry, Thailand. The models were obtained from patients that were age 11 to 23 years that consisted of a full permanent dentition. A digital caliper was used to measure the mesiodistal widths of all teeth on dental study models. The sum of the …

The Effect Of Grinding And Polishing Of Zirconia Surfaces On Surface Roughness, Gloss And Antagonist Wear, Manar Mohammed Alzahrani

Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Objective. This study was conducted to evaluate the surface roughness and gloss of yttrium-stabilized tetragonal zirconia after grinding and/or polishing of the surfaces and to investigate the effects of grinding and/or polishing on wear rate of zirconia and its composite antagonist. Background. Many clinicians are extremely concern about delivering zirconia restorations after proper glazing procedure, but in some cases, chair-side modification of the occlusal surfaces is required after cementation in order to obtain proper occlusion, which produces rough surfaces. Loss of the original zirconia gloss and wear of opposing dentition or restorations are some of the drawbacks of rough surfaces. …

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders Among Dentists And Orthodontists, Natalie R. La Rochelle

Theses and Dissertations

WORK-RELATED MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS AMONG DENTISTS AND ORTHODONTISTS

A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of

Master of Science in Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University.

by

Natalie R. La Rochelle

Thesis Director: Dr. Eser Tüfekçi, D.D.S., M.S., Ph.D., M.S.H.A.

Professor, Department of Orthodontics

Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, Virginia

May 2017

The practice of dentistry is physically demanding due to static and dynamic postures sustained daily throughout careers. Previous literature suggests that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are not solely the result of work habits, but also due to the individual, his or her physical makeup, genetics, and …