Evaluation of temporomandibular disorders among dental students of Saudi Arabia using Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD): a cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are a broad category of conditions arising from the various components of the temporomandibular joint complex. Bio-psychosocial model is the most accepted theory describing the etiopathogenesis of TMD. Dental students are vulnerable to psychological disorders, including anxiety, depression, and stress. Hence, the aim of the current study was to evaluate the prevalence and possible risk factors of TMD among dental students of various academic levels and explore the association of TMDs with demographic, academic, and psychosocial parameters. METHODS: A total of 246 students of a Saudi Arabia dental school were chosen for the study. After getting consent, all students were examined according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders, including Axis I and II components. RESULTS: The overall cross-sectional prevalence of TMD was found to be 36.99%. Pain arising from the jaw, temple, and the peri-auricular area were the most commonly reported symptoms and elicited signs during examination. Among the pain-related TMD, myalgia was the commonest diagnosed condition, whereas disc displacement with reduction was found prevalent in the intra-articular disorder category. Female (OR = 1.94; P = 0.004), married (OR = 1.74; P = 0.04), and students in clinical academic levels (OR = 1.65; P = 0.03) were found to have significantly increased risk of TMD. Among the psychosocial parameters, anxiety (OR = 1.55; P = 0.04) and parafunctional behaviours (OR = 2.10; P < 0.001) were shown to increase the risk of developing TMD. Students with any TMD reported to have significantly higher pain intensity levels (OR = 1.68; P = 0.01) and jaw functional limitations (OR = 1.45; P = 0.008). CONCLUSION: Dental students, especially in clinical levels were shown to pose a higher risk of developing TMD, hence strategies such as academic counselling and objective evaluation via rubrics should be planned to modify the administration of the curriculum, training methods and evaluation process.

Prevalence of Recurrent Aphthous Stomatitis among Dental Students: A Cross Sectional Study.

AIM: This study aims to determine the prevalence of recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS) among dental students. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental students were asked to complete a questionnaire to investigate different aspects of RAS including prevalence, frequency of recurrence, and management modalities. RESULTS: Of the 382 study participants (230 women, 152 men; 21-28 years old), 83 had a history of RAS (45 women, 38 men). A positive family history of RAS was more common in participants with RAS (48.2%) than in those without RAS (9.0%). Stress was reported as the most common trigger for an attack (53%), and the most commonly affected sites were the labial and the buccal mucosa. Reported treatment modalities included topical anesthetic, honey, and/or warm salt water rinsing; however, most participants reported no benefit from treatment apart from a temporary relief. CONCLUSION: RAS is common among dental students in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Despite ongoing research, the etiology of RAS is still unknown, and only symptomatic treatment is available. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: RAS is a common painful oral ulcerative condition affecting young adults. RAS interferes with eating and speaking, affecting the quality of life.

Hypochlorous Acid Versus Povidone-Iodine Containing Irrigants: Which Antiseptic is More Effective for Breast Implant Pocket Irrigation?

BACKGROUND: Capsular contracture induced by chronic subclinical infection is a major cause of poor outcomes and reoperation in breast implant surgery. The use of pocket irrigation with antiseptic/antibiotic has been shown to reduce the incidence of contracture. A new formulation of hypochlorous acid solution PhaseOne has been proposed as potential agent for irrigation. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test the efficacy of hypochlorous acid solution PhaseOne for use in breast pocket irrigation as an alternative to povidone iodine solution Betadine. METHODS: The efficacy of PhaseOne, a hypochlorous acid formulated wound and skin cleanser, was tested in vitro against planktonic and biofilm Staphylococcus aureus with or without biological soil and in an implant attachment assay. Its activity was compared with Betadine containing 10% povidone iodine. RESULTS: Our findings showed that PhaseOne was unable to eradicate planktonic and/or biofilm S. aureus in the presence of either tryptone soy broth or bovine calf serum (protein soil) in a variety of in vitro assays. CONCLUSIONS: We advise that povidone iodine containing irrigants are superior to hypochlorous acid containing irrigants in the clinical setting and should remain the recommended solution for pocket irrigation to reduce bacterial contamination at breast implants surgery.

Microscopy visualisation confirms multi-species biofilms are ubiquitous in diabetic foot ulcers.

Increasing evidence within the literature has identified the presence of biofilms in chronic wounds and proposed that they contribute to delayed wound healing. This research aimed to investigate the presence of biofilm in diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) using microscopy and molecular approaches and define if these are predominantly mono- or multi-species. Secondary objectives were to correlate wound observations against microscopy results in ascertaining if clinical cues are useful in detecting wound biofilm. DFU tissue specimens were obtained from 65 subjects. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and peptide nucleic acid fluorescent in situ hybridisation (PNA-FISH) techniques with confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) were used to visualise biofilm structures. Next-generation DNA sequencing was performed to explore the microbial diversity. Clinical cues that included the presence of slough, excessive exudate, a gel material on the wound bed that reforms quickly following debridement, poor granulation and pyocyanin were correlated to microscopy results. Of the 65 DFU specimens evaluated by microscopy, all were characterised as containing biofilm (100%, P < 0·001). The presence of both mono-species and multi-species biofilms within the same tissue sections were detected, even when DNA sequencing analysis of DFU specimens revealed diverse polymicrobial communities. No clinical correlations were identified to aid clinicians in identifying wound biofilm. Microscopy visualisation, when combined with molecular approaches, confirms biofilms are ubiquitous in DFUs and form either mono- or multi-species biofilms. Clinical cues to aid clinicians in detecting wound biofilm are not accurate for use in DFUs. A paradigm shift of managing DFUs needs to consider anti-biofilm strategies.

Molecular epidemiology of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolates in the Gulf Cooperation Council States: dominance of OXA-23-type producers.

The molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of resistance of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) were determined in hospitals in the states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]), namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Isolates were subjected to PCR-based detection of antibiotic resistance genes and repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) assessments of clonality. Selected isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We investigated 117 isolates resistant to carbapenem antibiotics (either imipenem or meropenem). All isolates were positive for OXA-51. The most common carbapenemases were the OXA-23-type, found in 107 isolates, followed by OXA-40-type (OXA-24-type), found in 5 isolates; 3 isolates carried the ISAba1 element upstream of blaOXA-51-type. No OXA-58-type, NDM-type, VIM-type, or IMP-type producers were detected. Multiple clones were detected with 16 clusters of clonally related CRAB. Some clusters involved hospitals in different states. MLST analysis of 15 representative isolates from different clusters identified seven different sequence types (ST195, ST208, ST229, ST436, ST450, ST452, and ST499), as well as three novel STs. The vast majority (84%) of the isolates in this study were associated with health care exposure. Awareness of multidrug-resistant organisms in GCC states has important implications for optimizing infection control practices; establishing antimicrobial stewardship programs within hospital, community, and agricultural settings; and emphasizing the need for establishing regional active surveillance systems. This will help to control the spread of CRAB in the Middle East and in hospitals accommodating transferred patients from this region.

Multiple Sclerosis-A Demyelinating Disorder and Its Dental Considerations-A Literature Review with Own Case Report.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, autoimmune condition that primarily affects the myelin sheath covering the neurons of the central nervous system, including those of the brain and spinal cord. Although the etiology is not completely understood, various factors, such as genetic infections and environmental background, play a role in the pathogenesis. Repeated active episodes of MS characterized with marked inflammation results in the scarring of particular nerve segments, and eventually results in functional impairment over a period of time. Based on the clinical course of the disease, four clinical types of MS have been identified, with the relapsing-remitting type being the commonest. MS is known to occur more commonly in females in the age group of 20-40 years. Dysarthria, fatigue, muscle spasm, and numbness are the common presenting symptoms of MS. Diagnosis is generally achieved with MRI brain scans, showing demyelination plaques and lumbar puncture. Treatment of MS's acute phase includes high doses of corticosteroids; whereas preventive treatment of MS includes the prescription of immunosuppressive therapy, including biologics. A large group of MS patients present with oral manifestations, including dysphagia, dysarthria, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disturbances, facial palsy, and chronic periodontal diseases. Other typical oral manifestations seen in MS patients include trigeminal neuralgia, paresthesia, or orofacial pain. Dental treatment and following drug prescription needs to be tailored to each patient, as there is a possibility of drug interactions. This paper presents a comprehensive, updated review of MS, with emphasis on oral manifestations and dental considerations. Additionally, it presents a case of a 40-year-old female diagnosed with MS that was presented to a dental hospital. The report discusses the oral manifestations and dental management.

Woven Coronary Artery Anomaly: An Incidental Finding and Literature Review.

Woven coronary artery anomaly is a rare description of an epicardial vessel segment that divides into multiple intertwining segments with eventual convergence of the distal vessel. We present our case, a 57-year-old male with an incidental woven coronary artery anomaly found during work-up investigations for a possible lung transplant, and we conduct a literature review on woven anomaly cases reported from 1988 to 2021 and provide a thorough analysis of its diversified clinical presentation. Imaging identification and various treatment modalities are also discussed.

Comparative Analysis of Electric Field Strength, Magnetic Field Strength and Power Density around the Cell Phone Towers of Varying Characteristics with a Proposed Classification Facilitating Research on Human Population.

The continuous exposure of electromagnetic field (EMF) radiation from cell phone towers may possibly have an influence on public health. Each cell phone tower is unique in terms of number of antennas and its associated attributes; thus, the radiation exposure varies from one tower to another. Hence, a standardized method for quantifying the exposure is beneficial while studying the effects of radiation on the human population residing around the cell phone towers. A mere collection of data or human samples without understanding the cell phone tower differences may show study results such as an increase or decrease in biological parameters. Those changes may not be due to the effects of EMF radiation from cell phone towers but could be due to any other cause. Therefore, a comparative study was designed with the aim of quantifying and comparing the electric field strength (EF), magnetic field strength (MF) and power density (PD) on four sides of cell phone towers with varying numbers of antennas at 50 m and 100 m. Further, an attempt was made to develop a PD-based classification for facilitating research involving human biological samples. Through convenience sampling, sixteen cell phone towers were selected. With the use of coordinates, the geographic mapping of selected towers was performed to measure the distance between the towers. Based on the number of antennas, the cell phone towers were categorized into four groups which are described as group I with 1-5 antennas, group II comprising of 6-10 antennas, group III consisting of 11-15 antennas and group IV comprised of towers clustered with more than 15 antennas. The study parameters, namely the EF, MF and PD, were recorded on all four sides of the cell phone towers at 50 m and 100 m. One-way ANOVA was performed to compare the study parameters among study groups and different sides using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The mean MF in Group IV was 2221.288 ± 884.885 µA/m and 1616.913 ± 745.039 µA/m at 50 m and 100 m respectively. The mean PD in Group IV at 50 m was 0.129 ± 0.094 µW/cm2 and 0.072 ± 0.061 µW/cm2 at 100 m. There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05) increase in the MF and PD at 50 m compared to 100 m among cell phone tower clusters with more than 15 antennas (Group IV). On the other hand, a non-significant increase in EF was observed at 50 m compared to 100 m in Group II and IV. The EF, MF and PD on all four sides around cell phone towers are not consistent with distance at 50 m and 100 m due to variation in the number of antennas. Accordingly, a PD-based classification was developed as low, medium and high for conducting research involving any biological sample based on quantile. The low PD corresponds to 0.001-0.029, medium to 0.03-0.099 and high to 0.1-0.355 (µW/cm2). The PD-based classification is a preferred method over the sole criteria of distance for conducting human research as it measures the true effects of EMF radiation from the cell phone towers.

The association between medical diseases and orofacial abscess: A retrospective, hospital-based study.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to identify the most commonly reported medical diseases among dental patients and to assess its association with the development of the orofacial abscess. METHODS: The medical records (n = 3164) of dental patients who visited the dental hospital at Umm-Al-Qura University (Makkah, Saudi Arabia) were reviewed. Demographic characteristics of eligible patients were collected. Medical diseases were collected as reported by the patients in the medical records. The International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) was used to classify the reported medical diseases. Simple descriptive statistics were used to define the characteristics of the study variables through a form of counts and percentages. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was carried out to find out the significant predictors of orofacial abscess. RESULTS: Upon reviewing 3164 medical records, almost half of the patients had medical diseases (n = 1543, 49%). The mean age of the cohort was 30.3 (SD = 16.43). Diabetes mellitus (n = 316, 20%) and hypertension (n = 210, 14%) were the most common reported medical diseases. Male patients reported having more medical diseases compared to the female. Hypertension was found to be significantly high among female patients (X 2 = 3.167, P-value < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that the female gender is significantly associated with the development of orofacial abscess after adjustment for age and vascular risk factors (i.e., hypertension) (B = 1.26, S.E. = 0.57, OR = 3.54, 95%CI = 1.13 to 11.40, P-value = 0.028). CONCLUSION: Dentists should be aware that diabetes mellitus and hypertension are prevalent among patients visiting dental services. The female gender has a higher association of developing orofacial abscess than male. Within the limitation of this study in a single study center with few patients having orofacial abscess, this study found no association between medical diseases and the development of orofacial abscess.

Assessment of knowledge and attitude of allied healthcare professionals about COVID-19 across Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND: The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has shown a catastrophic effect on mankind. The allied healthcare professionals (AHPs) play a pivotal role against COVID-19. OBJECTIVES: To appraise the knowledge and attitude about COVID-19 of AHPs working across Saudi Arabia. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted using Qualtrics software to gather data from all five regions of Saudi Arabia during the nationwide lockdown in April 2020. Complete responses of 195 AHPs were considered for analysis. The questionnaire consisted of 15 and 14 questions on knowledge and attitude, respectively. The overall scores of each domain were calculated and modified Bloom's criterion was applied to categorize them into a three-point ordinal scale. Statistical analysis was performed using Chi-square test along with multivariate logistic regression for significant parameters. RESULTS: The AHPs displayed a moderate level of knowledge (58.2%) and a good level of attitude (80%). The AHPs were found to have a non-significant (P > 0.05) difference in the level of knowledge within age, gender, region, occupation, educational level, organizational setup and years of experience. The attitude of AHPs working in a private setup has shown a 2.8 times (P = 0.020) higher risk for having moderate/poor attitude compared to the AHPs working in a government organization. CONCLUSIONS: AHPs displayed a moderate level of knowledge and good attitude towards COVID-19. Emphasis should be given to continuous professional development in order to enhance their knowledge. Furthermore, strategies should be developed in the private sector to positively reinforce the attitude of AHPs.

Novel Approach to Dental Biofilm Management through Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): A Review.

Dental biofilm plays a very crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of periodontal andperi-implant diseases. Over the past decade, tremendous research has been carried outto know the structure of biofilm and the mechanism by which it causes the destruction of supporting tissues of tooth or implant. Periodontal or peri-implant therapy usually begins with primarily removing thebiofilm and is considered as non-surgical mechanical debridement. Although scaling and root planing (SRP) is regarded as a gold standard for mechanical plaque debridement, various other means of biofilm removal have constantly been evolving. These may vary from different scaling systems such as vector systems to decontamination of pockets with LASER therapy. Nowadays, a new concept has emerged known as "guided biofilm therapy" (GBT). It is beneficial in removing the biofilm around the tooth and implant structures, resulting in better or comparable clinical outcomes than SRP. These results were substantiated with the reduction in the microbial load as well as the reduction in the inflammatory cytokines. This review will highlight the various aspects of GBT used in periodontal and peri-implant disease.

Orofacial granulomatosis: clinical features and long-term outcome of therapy.

BACKGROUND: Orofacial granulomatosis (OFG) is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by persistent or recurrent soft tissue enlargement, oral ulceration, and a variety of other orofacial features. There remain few detailed reports of the clinical features and long-term response to therapy of substantial groups of patients with OFG. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine retrospectively the clinical, hematologic, and histopathological features of a large case series of patients with OFG. In addition the long-term response to therapy was examined. METHODS: Clinically relevant data of 49 patients with OFG who attended a single oral medicine unit in the United Kingdom were retrospectively examined. The analyzed parameters included diagnostic features, clinical manifestations, and outcomes and adverse side effects of therapy. RESULTS: Labial swelling was the most common presenting clinical feature at diagnosis (75.5%), followed by intraoral mucosal features other than ulceration such as cobblestoning and gingival enlargement (73.5%). Mucosal ulceration was observed in 36.7% of patients whereas extraoral facial manifestations such as cutaneous erythema and swelling were present in 40.8% of patients. Of the 45 patients who required treatment, 24 (53.3%) were treated with topical corticosteroids/immunosuppressants only, whereas 21 (46.7%) received a combined therapy (topical plus systemic corticosteroids/immunosuppressants and/or intralesional corticosteroids). The long-term outcome analysis showed complete/partial resolution of tissue swelling and oral ulceration in 78.8% and 70% of patients, respectively. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation of the current study was its retrospective design and methodology including differences in reporting clinical features and outcome. CONCLUSIONS: OFG can show multiple facial and mucosal clinical features. Long-term treatment with topical and/or combined therapy is needed in the majority of patients. Response to therapy is highly variable even though in the long-term complete/partial disease resolution can be obtained in the majority of patients. Mucosal ulceration tends to be more recalcitrant than orofacial swelling. Adverse side effects of therapy are rare.

A Countrywide Survey in Saudi Arabia Regarding the Knowledge and Attitude of Health Care Professionals about Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19).

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a pandemic. The updated knowledge and a positive attitude of health care professionals (HCPs) towards fighting any pandemic is the key to success. Thus, the present study aims to assess the knowledge and attitude of HCPs towards COVID-19 in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). A cross-sectional study was conducted across the KSA, covering its five geographical regions with a non-probability quota sample. Twenty-nine, close-ended questions evaluating the knowledge and attitude domain were included in the questionnaire. It was developed with the help of Qualtrics software and circulated among the HCPs through the electronic mode. We analyzed data from about 1040 HCPs using the statistical package of social sciences (SPSS) v.21. All variables were presented in number and percentages. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was performed to explore the odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of independent variables for inadequate knowledge and attitude. Considering the "good" level of the respective domain, the HCPs have displayed better knowledge (48.2%) over attitude (33.8%). Female (aOR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.15-2.09; p = 0.004), Diploma degree (aOR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.64-3.83; p < 0.001), 7-10 years' experience (aOR: 1.47; 95% CI: 1.01-2.15; p = 0.045) were at higher risk of having inadequate knowledge compared to their contemporaries. Among the sources, the Ministry of Health (MOH) website was the most popular source of information (76%). The knowledge and attitude of HCPs regarding COVID-19 was similar across all the regions of KSA. However, the continuing education program is warranted to fill the potential gap in knowledge for HCPs in higher-risk groups.

Recommendations, Practices and Infrastructural Model for the Dental Radiology Set-up in Clinical and Academic Institutions in the COVID-19 Era.

The pandemic of Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has emerged as a global catastrophe that is plaguing mankind. In the past eight months since the world discovered about COVID-19, we learned a lot about server acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) and perhaps there is much more to discover and understand about the virus. With the current understanding of the disease, we assume it will remain in an active state of transmission and progression among the community for a long time. Thus, it is advisable to adopt the disease's prevention protocol in our daily and work routine. During this pandemic patient requiring dental treatment cannot be neglected and the role of dental imaging is crucial in delivering treatment. Hence, this article attempts to provide an evidence-based compilation about the mode of transmission and clinical features of COVID-19. It also throws light on the potential source of disease transmission in the dental radiology setting. In addition, it suggests preventive measures to curb the infection and infrastructural model of the clinical setting that will assist in achieving control over the disease transmission. This article intends to project a strategy about protocols, infrastructure, and daily activities in a dental radiology office that institutions can adopt with modifications according to their local scenario.

Assessing the Prevalence and Association of Pulp Stones with Cardiovascular Diseases and Diabetes Mellitus in the Saudi Arabian Population-A CBCT Based Study.

The detection of pulp stone in a patient suffering from undiagnosed systemic diseases can be an early diagnostic indicator. Thus, the aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of pulp stones in the Saudi Arabian population with cardiovascular diseases and diabetes mellitus. In a retrospective study, we included cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans of 73 patients with cardiovascular disease and 76 patients with diabetes mellitus as group I and II, respectively. Group III comprised of CBCT scan of 80 healthy controls. From a total of 229 scans, 4807 teeth were screened for pulp stones throughout the arches. A chi-square test was used for comparing the prevalence of pulp stones among the groups. Univariable and multivariable analysis was done to evaluate the independent risk indicators for pulp stones. The tooth-wise prevalence of pulp stones in group I, II, and III was found to be 16.65%, 9.01%, and 3.86%, respectively. Patient-wise (p < 0.01) and tooth-wise (p < 0.01) prevalence was recorded significantly highest in the cardiovascular group followed by the diabetic group. The control group had the least prevalence. Significantly (p < 0.01) higher number of pulp stones were found in cardiovascular patients with age > 50 years compared to other groups. Similarly, a significantly increased number of pulp stones were seen in the 1st molar (p < 0.05) and the maxillary jaw (p < 0.05) of patients with cardiovascular diseases. Subjects with cardiovascular disease and diabetes were found to have 2.94 times (p < 0.001; CI 1.54-3.10) and 1.81 times (p < 0.01; CI 0.48-2.06) higher risk of having pulp stones in comparison to healthy subjects. The first molar has 2.20 times (p < 0.001; CI 0.84-2.45) increased the risk of having pulp stones compared to other tooth types. Systemic disease such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus poses a higher risk for the development of pulp stones. Among the systemic disease group, patients in the cardiovascular group showed a higher risk for pulp stones and also reported the maximum number of pulp stones compared to the diabetic and healthy subjects.

Knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding COVID-19 among dental health care professionals: a cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

OBJECTIVES: With the increasing severity of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, it is essential that dental health care professionals (DHCPs) are prepared. The study aim was to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) regarding COVID-19 among DHCPs in Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross-sectional study using a web-based survey was conducted. A validated and reliable questionnaire was developed that comprised 44 questions. Using Qualtrics survey software, DHCPs working in different settings were approached across five geographical regions of Saudi Arabia. RESULTS: A total of 318 respondents voluntarily participated in the survey. Most DHCPs showed a moderate level of knowledge (51.6%), a positive attitude (92.1%) and adequate practice standards (86.5%). We found that 94.7% of DHCPs had an adequate overall level of KAP. DHCPs with a doctorate significantly outscored DHCPs with other educational levels with respect to knowledge and practice. Older (51-60 years) DHCPs reported significantly more knowledge than younger DHCPs. CONCLUSION: DHCPs displayed an average level of knowledge that needs to be enhanced through continuing education programmes. However, they showed a positive attitude and an acceptable level of practice, as they were abiding by guidelines issued from various international and national health agencies.

Calcineurin inhibitors in oral medicine.

Topically applied calcineurin inhibitors have been suggested to be of some benefit in the treatment of immunologically mediated oral mucosal disorders, particularly oral lichen planus. This article reviews the current evidence of the efficacy and safety of topical calcineurin inhibitor agents in the management of different oral conditions. Current evidence suggests that topical tacrolimus and pimecrolimus may be of benefit (at least in the short term) in the treatment of immunologically mediated oral mucosal disease, especially oral lichen planus that has not responded to topical corticosteroids. Both tacrolimus and pimecrolimus are minimally absorbed through the oral mucosa and give rise to few clinically significant local or systemic adverse side effects. There is little evidence to indicate that topical cyclosporine is more effective than topical corticosteroids for the treatment of immunologically mediated oral mucosal disease. Currently, there is no objective evidence suggesting that topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus increase the risk of oral malignancy associated with oral lichen planus. There is a need for well-designed randomized controlled trials to establish the precise efficacy of topical calcineurin inhibitors for the treatment of immunologically mediated oral mucosal disease.

Characterization of microbial community composition, antimicrobial resistance and biofilm on intensive care surfaces.

BACKGROUND: Organisms causing healthcare associated infections can be sourced from the inanimate environment around patients. Residing in a biofilm increases the chances of these organisms persisting in the environment. We aimed to characterise bacterial environmental contamination, genetically and physiologically, and relate this to general intensive care unit (ICU) cleanliness. METHODS: Cleanliness was determined by adenosine triphosphate (ATP) measurements of 95 high-touch objects. Bacteriological samples were obtained from the same sites (n=95) and from aseptically removed sections (destructive samples, n=20). Bacterial enrichment culture was conducted using tryptone soya broth prior to plating on horse blood agar, MacConkey agar, and screening chromogenic agar for identification of multidrug resistance organism (MDRO). Bacterial load and microbial diversity were determined using quantitative PCR (qPCR) and next generation DNA sequencing respectively. Confocal laser scanning microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to visually confirm the biofilm presence. RESULTS: Many intensive care surfaces (61%) were highly contaminated by biological soil as determined by ATP bioluminescence testing. The degree of biological soiling was not associated with bacterial contamination as detected by qPCR. Bacterial load ranged from 78.21 to 3.71×108 (median=900) bacteria/100cm2. Surface swabs from 71/95 sites (75%) were culture-positive; of these 16 (22.5%) contained MDRO. The most abundant genera were Staphylococcus, Propionibacterium, Pseudomonas, Bacillus, Enterococcus, Streptococcus and Acinetobacter. Biofilm was visually confirmed by microscopy on 70% (14/20) of items. CONCLUSION: Bacterial biofilms and MDROs were found on ICU surfaces despite regular cleaning in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that biofilm development is not controlled by current cleaning practices.

Evaluation of stainless steel surgical instruments subjected to multiple use/processing.

BACKGROUND: To determine the effect of multiple use and processing cycles on instrument quality over the life of stainless steel, complex designed clinical surgical instruments. METHODS: Steam sterilised surgical instruments due to be discarded from Australian hospitals, because of loss of functionality, were assessed for contaminating protein and bacteria using the bicinchoninic acid protein assay and microbial culture, respectively. Biofilm presence and instrument damage were visually confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Instruments were categorised into hinged/serrated, screw, cannulated, flexible, and irregular surfaced (but not hinged) according to their design. RESULTS: Protein contamination ranged from 24 µg on the new screw to 3,756,046 µg contaminating a discarded forceps. The more complex the instrument design the higher the protein contamination. All samples were culture negative, however, biofilm was visually confirmed on 4/8 instruments tested using SEM. SEM also detected soil, holes or black stains on all the instruments. CONCLUSION: "Ready to use" surgical instruments that underwent multiple uses and processing cycles were contaminated with high amounts of protein, and microscopy revealed the presence of soil, structural damage, black stains and biofilm. While less affected new but multiply processed screws also showed soil and biofilm contamination. These findings highlight the need for further research into determining what is the "life" of stainless steel instruments and development of standard criteria for evaluating when to "retire" an instrument.