Mechanisms underlying sex bias in oral immune-mediated conditions, an insight.

The predilection for women in systemic autoimmune diseases is well established. However, this sex bias in oral autoimmune diseases has been classically reported from an epidemiological perspective without any elaborate attempts to unveil the underlying mechanisms. The unique nature of the oral environment is likely to impose a combination of systemic and local factors that ultimately result in the sex bias in autoimmune diseases of the oral cavity. Variations of immune responses, target organ vulnerability, endocrine and genetic factors, sex chromosomes and modes of parental inheritance are potential systemic factors, while the oral microbiome, oral tolerance, saliva, and oral epithelial stem cells may account for local contributing factors. This review will discuss the preponderance of women in oral immune-mediated diseases, the potential systemic and local mechanisms underlying this predominance and highlight the crucial need for further research in this area.

The effect of concha bullosa and nasal septal deviation on palatal dimensions: a cone beam computed tomography study.

INTRODUCTION: Nasal septal deviation (NSD) and concha bullosa (CB) are associated with airway obstruction in mouth breathers. Mouth breathing is associated with alterations in maxillary growth and palatal architecture. The aim of our study was to determine the effect of the presence of CB and NSD on the dimensions of the hard palate using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted using CBCT scans of 200 study subjects. The study subjects were divided into four groups based on the presence of CB and NSD. Septal deviation angle (SDA), palatal interalveolar length (PIL), palatal depth (PD) and maxillopalatal arch angle (MPAA) were measured in the study groups. RESULTS: The presence of NSD and CB was associated with significant (p < 0.001) differences in the palatal dimensions of the study subjects. The PIL and MPA (p < 0.001) were significantly reduced (p < 0.001), whereas the PD was significantly increased (p < 0.001) in study subjects with NSD and CB. There was no significant change in the palatal dimensions between the unilateral and bilateral types of CB. Among the palatal dimensions, the PIL had the most significant association (R2 = 0.53) with SDA and CB. There was a significant correlation between the palatal dimensions and SDA when CB was present along with NSD. CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the presence of NSD and CB have a significant effect on the palatal dimensions and, therefore, they may be associated with skeletal malocclusion.

Analysis of inferior nasal turbinate width and concha bullosa in subjects with nasal septum deviation: a cone beam tomography study.

BACKGROUND: In 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). METHODS: The 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. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in the anterior, middle, posterior, and mean widths between HT and NHT (p < 0.001). There was a significant difference in the widths of the HT and NHT among different types of NSD. A strong positive correlation (r = 0.71, p < 0.001) was found between SDA and the mean width of the HT. Age (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 < 0.001) are significant predictors of SDA and type of NSD. CONCLUSION: The 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.

Prevalence of Burnout among Dental Students during COVID-19 Lockdown in UAE.

AIM: To estimate the prevalence of burnout among dental students in two major universities in the United Arab Emirates during the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) lockdown. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this cross-sectional observational study, the burnout clinical subtype questionnaire (BCSQ-12-SS) (English version) was used. It consists of 12 questions covering domains of overload (4 questions), lack of development (4 questions), and neglect (4 questions). The questionnaire was sent to 500 dental students from the University of Sharjah (UOS) and Ajman University of Science and Technology (AUST). The association between burnout and sociodemographic variables was also investigated. RESULTS: The majority of responders were females (74%). Socio-demographic and study characteristics of dental students from both universities were not remarkably different. However, the responses to the BCSQ-12-SS questions were not very different. In this study, there was no significant association between burnout and demographic variables, such as age, gender, relationships, distance from family, residency, year of study, studying hours, and number of failed subjects. However, there was a significant association between burnout and receiving a scholarship and family support. CONCLUSION: Identifying individuals at risk for burnout may provide a potential intervention strategy and counseling to assist in dental student development, as it has good psychometric properties. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Burnout among dental students could develop into anxiety and depressive disorders. Early identification and prevention will protect the psychological well-being of dentists. How to cite this article: Al-Rawi NH, Yacoub A, Zaouali A, et al. Prevalence of Burnout among Dental Students during COVID-19 Lockdown in UAE. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):538-544.

Oral health awareness, attitude towards dental treatment, fear of infection and economic impact during COVID-19 pandemic in the Middle East.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the impact of COVID-19 on oral hygiene (OH) awareness, attitude towards dental treatment, fear of infection and economic impact in the Middle East. METHODS: This survey was performed by online distribution of questionnaires in three countries in the Middle East (Jordan, Iraq and Egypt). The questionnaire consisted of five sections: the first section was aimed at collecting demographic data and the rest sections used to assess OH awareness, attitude towards dental treatment, degree of fear and economic impact of COVID-19. The answers were either multiple choice, closed-end (Yes or No) or 5-point Likert scale for the last four sections. RESULTS: A total of 3782 respondents completed the questionnaire. Overall, OH awareness was low (mean ±SD; 1.84 ± 1.03), while attitude towards dental treatment (5.04 ± 1.68) and economic impact (11.29 ± 4.37) were moderately affected. In addition, fear of infection showed moderately high level (14.04 ± 4.11). All subgroups of the demographic variables showed significant differences among them in relation to OH awareness and attitude towards dental treatment. The regression model suggested country, gender, age, education level, income level and fear as predictors for OH awareness (R2 0.036) and attitude towards dental care (R2 0.141). CONCLUSIONS: The pandemic negatively impacted the level of OH awareness. However, the attitude towards dental treatment was moderately affected. Increasing public fear and compromised economy influenced OH awareness and the attitude towards dental treatment.

Post COVID-19 lockdown: measures and practices for dental institutes.

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.

Magnetism in drug delivery: The marvels of iron oxides and substituted ferrites nanoparticles.

In modern drug delivery, seeking a drug delivery system (DDS) with a modifiable skeleton for proper targeting of loaded actives to specific sites in the body is of extreme importance for a successful therapy. Magnetically guided nanosystems, where particles such as iron oxides are guided to specific regions using an external magnetic field, can provide magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) while delivering a therapeutic payload at the same time, which represents a breakthrough in disease therapy and make MNPs excellent candidates for several biomedical applications. In this review, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) along with their distinguishable properties, including pharmacokinetics and toxicity, especially in cancer therapy will be discussed. The potential perspective of using other elements within the MNP system to reduce toxicity, improve pharmacokinetics, increase the magnetization ability, improve physical targeting precision and/or widen the scope of its biomedical application will be also discussed.

Vertebral Malalignment among Male Dentists with Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain in the United Arab Emirates.

AIM: Musculoskeletal pain (MSP) is a highly prevalent and debilitating disorder among dentists, often leading to early retirement. Poor ergonomics in the dental practice not only causes MSP, but can also lead to postural deviations as a result of an imbalance in muscle function. The aim of this study was to observe the relationship between MSP and vertebral deviations among male dentists in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 60 male dentists participated in this cross-sectional study. Standardized Nordic questionnaire (SNQ) was used to record MSP and PostureScreen Mobile® (PSM) application was used to observe postural deviations in the vertebral regions, including the neck, shoulders, upper back, lower back, and hips. RESULTS: About 83% of participants were suffering from MSP, with the lower back as the most commonly reported region (29%). The pain characteristics reported were chronicity (63%) and dullness (72%). As for postural deviations, the most common site recorded was the neck region (72%). The correlation between the regions of deviation and the regions of pain showed that the shoulder region was more significant than other regions. CONCLUSION: Musculoskeletal pain and vertebral malalignment are common among practicing dentists, probably because of bad postural habits and lack of awareness. Preventive strategies to minimize the risk of developing these health problems are highly recommended. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Work-related MSP (WRMSP) is a significant health problem among dentists and may be linked to the later development of vertebral deviations. Posture screen analysis is a quick, yet objective postural and movement screening tool in which findings can quickly be rendered to prospective dentists, so that custom postural and functional exercises may be correctly practiced.

Work-related Musculoskeletal Pain among Different Dental Specialists in United Arab Emirates.

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 endodon-tists, 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 work-related 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.

Tunable theranostics: innovative strategies in combating oral cancer.

Objective: This study aims to assess and compare the potential of advanced nano/micro delivery systems, including quantum dots, carbon nanotubes, magnetic nanoparticles, dendrimers, and microneedles, as theranostic platforms for oral cancer. Furthermore, we seek to evaluate their respective advantages and disadvantages over the past decade. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive literature search was performed using Google Scholar and PubMed, with a focus on articles published between 2013 and 2023. Search queries included the specific advanced delivery system as the primary term, followed by oral cancer as the secondary term (e.g., "quantum dots AND oral cancer," etc.). Results: The advanced delivery platforms exhibited notable diagnostic and therapeutic advantages when compared to conventional techniques or control groups. These benefits encompassed improved tumor detection and visualization, enhanced precision in targeting tumors with reduced harm to neighboring tissues, and improved drug solubility and distribution, leading to enhanced drug absorption and tumor uptake. Conclusion: The findings suggest that advanced nano/micro delivery platforms hold promise for addressing numerous challenges associated with chemotherapy. By enabling precise targeting of cancerous cells, these platforms have the potential to mitigate adverse effects on surrounding healthy tissues, thus encouraging the development of innovative diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for oral cancer.

Corrigendum to "A study on the association between the inferior nasal turbinate volume and the maxillary sinus mucosal lining using cone beam tomography" [Heliyon Volume 8, Issue 3, MARCH 2022, Article e09190].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e09190.].

The Application of Mask Region-Based Convolutional Neural Networks in the Detection of Nasal Septal Deviation Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography Images: Proof-of-Concept Study.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence (AI) models are being increasingly studied for the detection of variations and pathologies in different imaging modalities. Nasal septal deviation (NSD) is an important anatomical structure with clinical implications. However, AI-based radiographic detection of NSD has not yet been studied. OBJECTIVE: This research aimed to develop and evaluate a real-time model that can detect probable NSD using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images. METHODS: Coronal section images were obtained from 204 full-volume CBCT scans. The scans were classified as normal and deviated by 2 maxillofacial radiologists. The images were then used to train and test the AI model. Mask region-based convolutional neural networks (Mask R-CNNs) comprising 3 different backbones-ResNet50, ResNet101, and MobileNet-were used to detect deviated nasal septum in 204 CBCT images. To further improve the detection, an image preprocessing technique (contrast enhancement [CEH]) was added. RESULTS: The best-performing model-CEH-ResNet101-achieved a mean average precision of 0.911, with an area under the curve of 0.921. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of the model shows that the model is capable of detecting nasal septal deviation. Future research in this field should focus on additional preprocessing of images and detection of NSD based on multiple planes using 3D images.

The prognostic value of Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3), TGFB1 and ECM-1 in prostate cancer.

Prostate cancer (PCa) is considered one of the most common cancers worldwide. Despite advances in patient diagnosis, management, and risk stratification, 10%-20% of patients progress to castration-resistant disease. Our previous report highlighted a protective role of Dickkopf-3 (DKK3) in PCa stroma. This role was proposed to be mediated through opposing extracellular matrix protein 1 (ECM-1) and TGF-ß signalling activity. However, a detailed analysis of the prognostic value of DKK3, ECM-1 and members of the TGF-ß signalling pathway in PCa was not thoroughly investigated. In this study, we explored the prognostic value of DKK3, ECM-1 and TGFB1 using a bioinformatical approach through analysis of large publicly available datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas Program (TGCA) and Pan-Cancer Atlas databases. Our results showed a significant gradual loss of DKK3 expression with PCa progression (p < 0.0001) associated with increased DNA methylation in its promoter region (p < 1.63E-12). In contrast, patients with metastatic lesions showed significantly higher levels of TGFB1 expression compared to primary tumours (p < 0.00001). Our results also showed a marginal association between more advanced tumour stage presented as positive lymph node involvement and low DKK3 mRNA expression (p = 0.082). However, while ECM1 showed no association with tumour stage (p = 0.773), high TGFB1 expression showed a significant association with more advanced stage presented as advanced T3 stage compared to patients with low TGFB1 mRNA expression (p < 0.001). Interestingly, while ECM1 showed no significant association with patient outcome, patients with high DKK3 mRNA expression showed a significant association with favourable outcomes presented as prolonged disease-specific (p = 0.0266), progression-free survival (p = 0.047) and disease-free (p = 0.05). In contrast, high TGFB1 mRNA expression showed a significant association with poor patient outcomes presented as shortened progression-free (p = 0.00032) and disease-free survival (p = 0.0433). Moreover, DKK3, TGFB1 and ECM1 have acted as immune-associated genes in the PCa tumour microenvironment. In conclusion, our findings showed a distinct prognostic value for this three-gene signature in PCa. While both DKK3 and TGFB1 showed a potential role as a clinical marker for PCa stratification, ECM1 showed no significant association with the majority of clinicopathological parameters, which reduce its clinical significance as a reliable prognostic marker.

Morphometric analysis of the skull base and palatal regions for gender identification using CBCT: a retrospective study.

Objectives: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the accuracy of morphometry of skull base and palate in gender discrimination using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scanning and to assess the accuracy of the results among a sample of the Arab population. Materials & Methods: Using CBCT scans, a cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 142 consented patients who underwent various dental procedures at the University Dental Hospital, Sharjah (UDHS). Of these patients, 70 were females and 72 were males, with respective means of 38.5 and 36.2 years. Eleven parameters related to skull base and palatal region were measured on the CBCT scans by two expert radiologists followed by statistical analysis. Results: There was significant gender-based difference in the mean palatal width (PW) (p = 0.001), mean palatal height (PH) (p = 0.005). Among other skull base region parameters that were significant in term of gender-based difference like; the clivus length (CL) (p < 0.001), occipital condyle height (OCH) (p < 0.001), basal angle (BA) (p = 0.006) and transverse diameter of foramen magnum (p = 0.003). Only palate variables showed a significant age difference. Discriminant analysis related to gender showed that occipital condyle height was the most accurate and best discriminator among the skull base region parameters. Conclusion: The use of discriminant analysis in CBCT based on skull base and palatal region variables provides an efficient method for determining gender, which is particularly valuable in forensic science and anthropological research. Significance of study: Accurate gender identification is crucial in forensic investigations, and the skull base region, being a stable and sexually dimorphic anatomical feature, can serve as a reliable marker for this purpose.

Efficiency of Near-Infrared Technology in the Clinical Detection of Carious Lesions: A Systematic Review.

The field of dentistry has seen various technological advances regarding caries detection, some lesions still prove to be difficult to detect. A reasonably new detection method, near-infrared (NIR), has shown good results in caries detection. This systematic review aims to compare NIR with conventional methods in terms of caries detection. Online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, EBSCO, and ProQuest) were used for the literature search. The search was performed from January 2015 till December-2020. A total of 770 articles were selected, of that 17 articles qualified for the final analysis as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The articles were assessed according to a modified Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist, and then synthesis of the review started. The inclusion criteria were clinical trials done in vivo on teeth with active caries of vital or nonvital teeth. This review excluded nonpeer reviewed articles, case reports, case series, opinions, abstracts, non-English written articles, studies of subjects with arrested caries, or teeth with developmental defects of tooth structure and teeth having environmental defects of tooth structure, as well as in-vitro studies. The review compared near-infrared technology with radiography, visual inspection, and laser fluorescence in terms of caries detection, sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. The sensitivity of NIR ranged from 99.1 to 29.1%. Studies showed that NIR exhibited higher sensitivity for occlusal enamel and dentin caries. The specificity of NIR ranged from 94.1 to 20.0%. In enamel and dentinal occlusal caries, NIR demonstrated lower specificity than that of radiograph. The specificity of NIR in early proximal caries was low. Accuracy was determined in 5 out of 17 studies where the values ranged from 97.1 to 29.1%. The accuracy of NIR was the highest for dentinal occlusal caries. NIR shows promising evidence as an adjunct in caries examination due to its high sensitivity and specificity; however, more studies are required to determine its full potential in different situations.

Comparative proteomic analysis of saliva from chewing tobacco users and oral cancer patients reveals shared biomarkers: A case control observational study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the salivary proteomic profile of smokeless tobacco users with that of non-users and oral cancer patients using Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/ Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). METHODS: Saliva samples from 65 participants were collected in three groups: control (25 participants), smokeless tobacco users (25 participants), and oral cancer (15 participants). RESULTS: The analysis revealed 343 protein groups with significantly altered abundance in the saliva samples (P < 0.05). Among these, 43 out of 51 dysregulated proteins in the smokeless tobacco group were also dysregulated in the oral cancer group. Notably, Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Pon1 were found to be significantly increased in both smokeless tobacco users and oral cancer patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, six out of the 20 most significantly altered proteins were mitochondrial proteins, and all of these were decreased relative to controls in both smokeless tobacco users and cancer samples. CONCLUSION: The proteomic profile of users of chewing (smokeless) tobacco (SLT) shows substantial overlap in the altered pathways and dysregulated proteins with those altered in oral cancer samples, suggesting that SLT use induces a shift toward an oncogenic state. Specifically indicated pathways included blood microparticles, platelet α-granules and protease inhibitors as well as indicators of oxidative stress and exogenous compound processing. What differentiates oral cancer samples from SLT users is enrichment of alterations related to cytoskeletal organisation and tissue remodelling. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The findings emphasize the importance of salivary proteomic profiles because changes in certain proteins may be indicators for early oral cancer identification and risk assessment in smokeless tobacco users.

The Scope of Virtual Reality Simulators in Radiology Education: Systematic Literature Review.

Background: In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has gained significant importance in medical education. Radiology education also has seen the induction of VR technology. However, there is no comprehensive review in this specific area. This review aims to fill this knowledge gap. Objective: This systematic literature review aims to explore the scope of VR use in radiology education. Methods: A literature search was carried out using PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar for articles relating to the use of VR in radiology education, published from database inception to September 1, 2023. The identified articles were then subjected to a PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses)-defined study selection process. Results: The database search identified 2503 nonduplicate articles. After PRISMA screening, 17 were included in the review for analysis, of which 3 (18%) were randomized controlled trials, 7 (41%) were randomized experimental trials, and 7 (41%) were cross-sectional studies. Of the 10 randomized trials, 3 (30%) had a low risk of bias, 5 (50%) showed some concerns, and 2 (20%) had a high risk of bias. Among the 7 cross-sectional studies, 2 (29%) scored "good" in the overall quality and the remaining 5 (71%) scored "fair." VR was found to be significantly more effective than traditional methods of teaching in improving the radiographic and radiologic skills of students. The use of VR systems was found to improve the students' skills in overall proficiency, patient positioning, equipment knowledge, equipment handling, and radiographic techniques. Student feedback was also reported in the included studies. The students generally provided positive feedback about the utility, ease of use, and satisfaction of VR systems, as well as their perceived positive impact on skill and knowledge acquisition. Conclusions: The evidence from this review shows that the use of VR had significant benefit for students in various aspects of radiology education. However, the variable nature of the studies included in the review reduces the scope for a comprehensive recommendation of VR use in radiology education.

Histological evaluation of bone healing using organic bovine bone in combination with platelet-rich plasma (an experimental study on rabbits).

OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to histologically assess the effect of bone grafting materials extracted from bovine origin on the bone healing process either alone or when mixed with autologous platelet-rich plasma which could be used in many procedures of oral and maxillofacial bone and implant reconstructive surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen rabbits were used; three intrabony defects in the femur bone of each rabbit were created, one left unfilled for normal healing process and served as control, the second filled with xenogenic graft (Gen-Ox-lyophilized bovine bone organic matrix), and the third filled with (Gen-Ox-lyophilized bovine bone organic matrix) mixed with autologous platelet-rich plasma. Histological examination of the sections was performed after staining with H&E and Van Geison stains. The histomorphometric analysis including counting of bone cells (osteoblasts, osteocytes, and osteoclasts) with performance of osteon diameter and lamellar thickness at the end of the fourth week postoperatively was obtained. RESULTS: It has been shown that with the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma in combination with the xenogenic bone graft prepared from bovine origin, new bone formation and neovascularization were enhanced significantly when compared with xenogenic graft alone. CONCLUSION: The addition of PRP to xenogenic bone substitute in small bone defects of the rabbit femur showed a histomorphometric increase in bone formation (at the fourth week of healing). CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Platelet concentrate might be used to accelerate the osseointegration of enosseous dental implants.

Morphometric analysis of odontoid process among Arab population: a retrospective cone beam CT study.

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans to assess the odontoid process diameter in the Arab population and to determine whether one or two cortical screws can be used for treating odontoid fractures. Methods: The odontoid process of 142 individuals aged 12-75 years, including 72 males (mean age: 35.5) and 70 females (mean age: 36.2), were analyzed using CBCT scans. The sagittal and coronal CBCT views were used to evaluate the antero-posterior (AP) and transverse diameters of the odontoid process. Results: Males had substantially bigger transverse and AP diameters of the odontoid process than females (p < 0.05 & P < 0.01 respectively). Among the sample, 97 individuals (67.4%) had external transverse diameter (METD) of less than 9 mm which is slightly bigger than that of Indians and 48 individuals (31.83%) had enough room for two 3.5 mm or two 2.7 mm screws as their METD was more than 9 mm like that of Greek and Turkish. Age had no significant impact on the morphometric measurements of the odontoid process. Conclusion: More than sixty percent of the sample had METDs of less than 9 millimeters, indicating that a single 4.5-mm Herbert screw may be suggested for fixing fractured odontoid processes in the Arab population.