Awan KH. Cancer Virus: The Story of Human Papillomavirus. World J Dent 2017;8(2):71-72.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common malignant tumor of the oral cavity. It is preceded by various potentially malignant conditions like oral leukoplakia and oral lichen planus. Survivin is an inhibitor of apoptosis whose levels have been found increased in oral cancer as well as various potentially malignant conditions. Thus survivin can act as a biomarker and help in early detection of potentially malignant conditions which can prevent its transformation into malignancy.

To assess and compare the level of total human salivary survivin in oral leukoplakia, oral lichen planus, oral cancer, and control group.

A total of 96 subjects were included in the study, which were further grouped into 24 in each group. The saliva was analyzed for survivin level among all the four groups. Survivin concentration (pg/mL) was studied in relation to clinical data.

The results were analyzed using Mann—Whitney U test to derive the statistical difference.

The average of levels of survivin in control group was 0.199 pg/mL, in oral leukoplakia group 0.312 pg/mL, in oral lichen planus group 0.380 pg/mL, and in oral cancer group 0.430 pg/mL. A comparison of all these groups revealed statistically significant difference among the groups.

Survivin may not be considered as an independent predictor of the malignant transformation for premalignant lesions but it can be an indicator for an increased risk of malignant transformation.

Garg R, Shetti AV, Bagewadi AS. Assessment and Comparison of Salivary Survivin Biomarker in Oral Leukoplakia, Oral Lichen Planus, and Oral Cancer: A Comparative Study. World J Dent 2017;8(2):73-76.

One of the main factors in the successful treatment of fixed prosthodontics is preparation of the teeth such that proper retention of the crown is provided. The aim of the study was to compare the convergence angle in full-crown abutment teeth prepared by the preclinic and senior students in the Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran.

A cross-sectional/analytical study was conducted on dental students in the Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Islamic Republic of Iran in 2016. The sample size was determined randomly at n = 30 for each group. Preparation angle for each specimen was measured and recorded by digital photographs and Autocad software. The results were analyzed with appropriate statistical tests.

The results showed that preclinic and senior students prepared the anterior teeth with average values of 22.13 ± 9.59 to 18.53 ± 8.87° and 18.46 ± 11.08 to 14.6 ± 6.32° respectively, from the buccolingual and mesiodistal aspects. Concerning posterior teeth, preclinic and senior students prepared them with average values of 21.4 ± 10.24 to 22.46 ± 8.99° and 19.46 ± 8.09 to 21.13 ± 8.83° respectively. Although the average value of convergence angle in both aspects was higher for preclinic students than for the senior students, t-test for independent groups revealed no significant differences (p > 0.05).

Either preclinic or senior students prepared the teeth with a convergence angle, i.e., higher than ideal. However, all the recorded angles were within the range of previous studies.

Ghasemi S, Mireskandari P, Ghanizadeh M, Ghaffari T, Babaloo AR. Comparison of the Convergence Angle in Full-crown Abutment Teeth prepared by the Preclinical and Senior Students in Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Islamic Republic of Iran. World J Dent 2017;8(2):77-80.

To assess the impact of removable partial denture (RPD) on the quality of life in patients wearing RPD after 1 year of use.

Observational study was conducted on a convenience sample of 50 patients who were delivered RPD in the Department of Prosthodontics. Oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) (translated to Tamil, but not validated) was used to measure the impact. Data were collected using telephonic interview at 6 months after the insertion of RPD (T1) and (T2) at the end of 1 year (time interval of 6 months) prospectively. Significant differences for prevalence, mean OHIP-14 scores, and extent were determined using t test.

Increase in mean OHIP-14 scores and extent was observed at T1 and T2. Almost all the dimensions of OHIP-14 had higher scores at T2 except psychological discomfort. Physical pain, physical disability, and psychological disability were dimensions with significant differences (p < 0.05). A fivefold increase in proportion was observed for physical disability and psychological disability among those reporting impacts as “very often/fairly often.”

The RPD had detrimental effect on wearer's quality of life with significant impact for painful aching in the mouth, feeling a bit embarrassed, and difficulty in chewing. Wearing RPD significantly increases the extent of impacts within a short time span of 6 months.

The RPD can have a considerable impact on quality of life, which can either ameliorate or deteriorate. Patients have to be counseled periodically at subsequent recall visits and their quality of life measured, which will enable clinicians to rectify, assess, and provide adequate care to improve the overall quality of life.

Shekhawat KS, Chauhan A, Ramalingam N. Impact of Removable Partial Denture on Quality of Life measured after 6 Months and 1 Year of Use. World J Dent 2017;8(2):81-85.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the key public health issues worldwide. Diabetes mellitus and its related oral manifestations, particularly in the form of poor periodontal health, has impact on physical health along with emotional and psychosocial consequences. The current study was done to assess periodontal health and its impact of on the quality of life among type II diabetics.

A total of 138 diabetic subjects (test group) and 128 nondiabetic subjects (control group) were included in the study. Periodontal parameters, such as plaque index, gingival index, and community periodontal index of treatment needs (CPITN) index were recorded. Oral health impact profile (OHIP-14) questionnaire was used to evaluate effect of periodontal health on quality of life.

Plaque index and gingival index scores were greater among test group, but were not statistically significant. The CPITN score was statistically significant when compared with control and test groups. When the mean of OHIP-14 scores was compared among two groups, five of the seven subdimensions were statistically significant. A statistically significant difference was found when overall total OHIP score was compared among control and test groups.

Overall oral health and observed oral healthrelated quality of life were lower among diabetic subjects in comparison with nondiabetics. Periodontal health was poorer and needs more attention among diabetic patients.

Nayak SU, Kamath DG, Pai KK. Periodontal Health and Its Impact on Quality of Life among Type II Diabetes Mellitus Patients. World J Dent 2017;8(2):86-89.

This study assessed the prevalence and severity of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMDs) in the absence or presence of teeth of participants in Najran region in comparison with other adult participants in other regions with respect to gender differences and age. Furthermore, it investigates the frequency of symptoms of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) by clinical examination.

The total number of participants was 318 of both genders randomly selected for this study. The participants were divided into three age groups: 14 to 20, 21 to 40, and ≥41 years. The study was based on Fonseca's Anamnestic Index and its questionnaire, which is composed of 10 questions and classifies the severity of TMD. Clinical examination was performed for the patients to investigate the sign of TMJ dysfunctions. The obtained data were coded and entered into Statistical Package for the Social Sciences program for analysis using Chi-square test at significance level of 5%.

The participants with mild TMD dysfunction were 35.5%, whereas 18.6 and 3.5% were classified as moderate and severe TMD dysfunction respectively. The most reported TMD problems were related to poor articulation of teeth (23.9 and 25.5%), followed by frequent headache (15.1 and 33.6%), then grinding of teeth (15.4 and 34.9%) in “Yes” and “sometimes” answers respectively. The highest TMJ disorder was a frequent headache at 55.3%, followed by TMJ clicking at 21.1%. The remaining TMJ dysfunctions ranged between 11 and 13%. There was no significant difference between TMDs and gender (p ≤0.306). However, the severity of TMDs increased with increasing age (p ≤0.001) and was associated with tooth loss (p ≤ 0.000).

The majority of the participants had mild-tomoderate TMDs and they were found among the middle-age group. The severity of TMDs increased with age and was associated with tooth loss. No significant difference between males and females was found. The most reported TMD problems were related to the poor articulation of teeth, frequent headache, and grinding of teeth, while a headache followed by clicking of TMJ was the highest clinical TMJ disorder.

Aldhalai MA, Alyami YAS, Al Haider YMB, Aldhili MK, Alyami DAS, Alyami SAS, Al-Moaleem MM, Alghazali N. Prevalence and Severity of Temporomandibular Joint Disorders among Populations in Najran Province, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. World World J Dent 2017;8(2):90-95.

Violence and crime in human lives from bomb explosions, fire accidents, wars, plane crashes, and natural disasters make identification of victims difficult. The carbonized bodies, advanced stage of decomposition among other circumstances, highlight the need to employ faster, more accurate methods during identification of victims. This study was planned to evaluate the changes in teeth after exposure to varying levels of temperature simulating real-life fire disasters for forensic identification.

A total of 128 freshly extracted molars and premolars were collected from patients of age group between 12 and 70 years. Samples of 128 teeth were divided into three groups and were subjected to varying degrees of temperatures of 100°C, 200°C, 500°C, 600°C, 700°C, and 800°C in an electric furnace. After subjecting the teeth for each range of temperature, they were analyzed for morphological changes under stereomicroscope. Pulp available was processed for normal histological procedures for observation of the tissue under light microscope, and blood grouping of the pulp was done by adsorption and elution technique. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) quantification of the heat-treated teeth was done by ultraviolet spectrophotometry. The analysis of variance test and Tukey's test were used for multiple variables.

There were statistically significant results in DNA obtained from each temperature. The blood grouping from pulp was not available above 500°C. Furthermore, there was a progressive increase in the weight loss of teeth analyzed by the thermogravimetric method.

Heat-treated teeth with detectable amounts of DNA suggested it is useful to pursue further analysis, such as restriction enzyme digestion, polymerase chain reaction, and Southern blotting.

Amin R, Shetty P, Shetty V. Reliability of Teeth for Identification after Exposure to varying Degrees of Temperature. World J Dent 2017;8(2):96-103.

Quality of diagnostic and treatment care provided to patients largely depends on the availability of sophisticated medical equipment. Regular equipment maintenance helps in providing quality care and maintaining utilization coefficient (UC) of the medical equipment. Equipment utilization is the evaluation of medical equipment necessity, appropriateness, and efficiency of the use in diagnosing and treating a patient. If equipment shows UC of more than 50%, it is said to be a good investment.

To assess UC of dental institution equipment along with their maintenance schedule to increase operational efficiency.

An observational study was conducted at a 250 chaired dental institution in Bengaluru in 2015 to calculate the use coefficient of medical equipment. Maintenance schedule was also recorded for all the equipment. Necessary permissions were obtained before starting the study.

Around 50% of these medical equipments were underutilized. Only four equipments had preventive maintenance schedule under which services usually provided every 4 months. Most of the equipment did not have any maintenance contract.

It should be an earnest endeavor of the management and users to optimize the equipment utilization to obtain maximum return on capital invested. In an era of cost-intensive medical care, every equipment being installed in health care institutions need to be fully and properly utilized.

Findings of this study will enable the administrators to ensure that the equipment is in proper working condition to provide optimal patient care.

Gupta V, Gupta N, Sarode GS, Sarode SC, Patil S. Assessment of Equipment Utilization and Maintenance Schedule at a Dental Institution in Bengaluru, India. World J Dent 2017;8(2):104-108.

The ultimate success of fixed prosthesis is to pay meticulous attention to the detailed production of the missing tooth structure. Such an accurate replication is technically demanding. Hence, the aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of marginal fit of castings with varying sprue diameter and using ring and ringless techniques.

Forty standardized wax copings were fabricated on a stainless steel die and divided into two groups. The first group was cast using the metal ring investment technique; the second group was cast using the ringless investment technique. Both the groups were further divided into two groups, each based on the diameter of the sprue (groups I and III: 4.5 mm and groups II and IV: 2.5 mm). The vertical marginal gap was measured at three sites per specimen, using a digital optical microscope at ×100 magnification. The results were analyzed using two-way analysis of variance and independent t-test to determine statistical significance.

The vertical marginal gaps of castings fabricated using the ringless technique (0.145 ± 0.072 mm) were significantly less (p < 0.001) than those castings fabricated using the conventional metal ring technique (0.264 ± 0.100 mm); however, the vertical marginal gaps of the 2.5 mm sprue diameter (0.199 ± 0.092 mm) and 4.5 mm sprue diameter (0.211 ± 0.118 mm) castings were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). There was also statistically significant interaction (p < 0.001) between group IIA (0.120 ± 0.038 mm) and group IA (0.302 ± 0.098 mm), which was analyzed using the independent t-test.

It can be concluded that the ringless casting technique in comparison to metal ring technique produces metal castings of better marginal adaptation. Furthermore, the sprue diameter had significant difference wherein the 4.5 mm diameter produced the least vertical discrepancies in the ringless casting technique and 2.5 mm produced lesser vertical discrepancies in the metal ring.

One of the key factors that decides the success of a metal-ceramic restoration is the marginal fit. The accurate fit of the restoration greatly minimizes the plaque accumulation, offers good mechanical properties, and reduces micro-leakage and development of secondary caries. The techniques of casting procedure and sprue diameter can have an influence on the outcome. Hence, the current research was undertaken to study the influence of these factors on marginal fit.

Dutta T, George VT, Balakrishnan D, Narayan AI. An in vitro Comparative Study to evaluate the Marginal Fit of Castings using Ring and Ringless Casting Techniques with Varying Sprue Diameter. World J Dent 2017;8(2):109-113.

Students in the medical field are the future authorities of the health systems in every community. In this context, the quality and efficacy of each health system is directly related to the quality of education the students in the medical field receive. In this study, we evaluated the quality of educational services by determining the gaps between students’ expectations and perceptions in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in relation to the quality of educational services.

In this descriptive/analytical and cross-sectional study, the students studying in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences in 2016, who had studied for at least four semesters, were evaluated. Data were collected with the use of a two-part questionnaire. The first part consisted of questions on the demographic data of the subjects and the second part consisted of 26 questions on students’ perceptions and 26 questions on their expectations in relation to the quality of educational services. Data were analyzed with descriptive and chi-squared test using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 21.

The results showed that the mean scores of the students’ expectations and perceptions of the educational quality were 4.5 ± 0.33 and 2.9 ± 0.7 respectively, with a mean gap of -1.5 ± 0.7.

The results of this study showed negative gaps in all the aspects of educational quality.

This study has no clinical significance because it is a descriptive study about quality of educational service.

Ghavimi MA, Rahbar M, Kalvanag AF, Ghoreishizadeh A, Ghanizadeh M. Evaluation of the Quality of Educational Services of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences based on SERVQUAL Model. World J Dent 2017;8(2):114-118.

The purpose of the study was to verify the relationship between mandibular canine calcification and skeletal maturity, and mandibular canine calcification could be used as a first-level diagnostic tool to estimate the timing of the pubertal growth spurt.

Data were obtained from hand—wrist radiographs and intraoral periapical radiographs of left mandibular canine. Totally, 221 boys and 191 girls, the age ranging from 7 to 15 years, were selected to depict varying stages of growth. Kappa and t test statistics were applied. Skeletal age was determined as described by Greulich and Pyle, and the maturational patterns of the indicators were evaluated using the 11-grade system of Fishman. The stages from E to H as described by Demirjian's stages of dental calcification were taken in this study instead of A to H.

The epiphyseal widening for boys at 8.1 years and girls at 7.7 years, the ossification of the adductor sesamoid for boys at 12.2 years and for girls at 11.6 years, capping of epiphysis for boys at 11 years and for girls at 10 years, fusion of epiphysis in distal and middle phalanx in the third finger for boys at 13.8 years and for girls at 12.7 years, and fusion of epiphysis in the radius for boys at 14.4 years and for girls at 13 years were seen.

The relationship between the various stages of calcification of mandibular canine with skeletal age are as follows:

The results showed stages E and F were coincident with the epiphyseal widening in the third finger proximal and middle phalanx and middle phalanx of the fifth finger. Stage G was coincident with the ossification of adductor sesamoid, capping of third finger middle phalanx, distal phalanx, and fifth finger middle phalanx, indicating its association with the accelerative phase of growth. Stage H was coincident with a fusion of proximal, middle, distal phalanx of the third finger, and fusion of radius, indicating its association with the decelerative phase of growth. Stage G was an ideal time for any orthodontic treatment, particularly functional appliances.

Based on the findings of this study, a close association existed between mandibular canine calcification stages and skeletal maturity indicators.

Vijayalakshmi K, Sathiasekar GS. Mandibular Canine Calcification as Skeletal Maturity Indicator. World J Dent 2017;8(2):119-128.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antifungal activity of heat-activated denture base resins modified with different concentrations of methacrylic acid (MAA).

Methyl methacrylate (MMA) monomer of heat-activated resins was modified with different concentrations of MAA (0, 15, 20, and 25%) for the preparation of specimens to evaluate antifungal activity of heat-activated resins. Prepared specimens were stored in distilled water at 37°C for 1 day and 1 week before the evaluation of microbial adhesion. Microbial adhesion of Candida albicans cells to acrylic samples was examined under light microscopy after Gram staining of all the acrylic samples. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance followed by post-hoc Tukey's honest significant difference test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant

Addition of MAA to the MMA monomer was found to significantly reduce the adhesion of C. albicans for all the groups. Reduction of C. albicans cell adherence was found significant for all three groups (I, II, and III) as compared to control, both at 1 day (p < 0.001) and 1 week (p < 0.001) after storage in distilled water

Addition of MAA to conventional denture base formulations reduced the adhesion of C. albicans. This method of incorporating antifungal property to denture base resins can effectively be used to reduce denture stomatitis in elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Gupta L, Aparna IN, Dhanasekar B, Bhat S, Ginjupalli K, Agarwal P. Evaluation of Antifungal Activity of Methacrylic Acid incorporated in Conventional Heat-activated Resins. World J Dent 2017;8(2):129-133.

The aim of this study was to investigate the root and canal morphology of maxillary first and second molars in Southern West Coastal Indian population using cone beam computed tomography (CBCT).

Cone beam computed tomography images of (n = 143) maxillary first molar and (n = 139) maxillary second molar were obtained from Southern West Coastal Indian population. The number of roots, root canals, and presence of second mesiobuccal (MB2) canal were determined.

Two roots were seen only in 1.4% of first molars and 8.6% of second molars. Three- rooted were the most common and seen in 98.6% of first molars and 89.9% of second molars. Single root was seen in 1.4% of second molars. The incidence of MB2 canal in the first molar is 64.1% and in second molar 23%. C-shaped canals were found in 1.4% of the second molars

Southern West Coastal Indian population showed features that were similar to other regions of Indian Population. The CBCT is a wonder tool for the study of root canal morphology and a reliable source of information for retrospective studies.

Mohan RP, Thomas MS, Shetty N, Ahmed J, Pallippurath G, Tallada A. Evaluation of the Root and Canal Morphology of Maxillary First and Second Molar using Cone Beam Computed Tomography: A Retrospective Study. World J Dent 2017;8(2):134-138.

Ganjre AP. Interrelationship of Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in Malignant Transformation of Oral Submucous Fibrosis. World J Dent 2017;8(2):139-144.

Vijan KV. An Overview of the Current Survival Status and Clinical Recommendation for Porcelain Fused to Metal vs All-ceramic Zirconia Posterior Fixed Partial Dentures. World J Dent 2017;8(2):145-150.

Neurovascular hamartomas (NVH) are relatively uncommon and have been very rarely reported in head and neck region. The rarity could be attributed to it being unrecognized and/or unreported. They constitute unique group of lesions with specific histopathological features.

Authors report a case of 23-year-old male patient with NVH of face with an unusual clinical presentation.

Neurovascular hamartoma is a histopathological diagnosis made for small to medium-sized vessels and closely packed groups of well-formed nerve bundles within a loose connective tissue matrix and the inflammatory component is minimal or absent.

Neurovascular hamartomas have specific features, and, therefore, they should not be considered as any reactive lesion or any hamartomatous lesions. Neurovascular hamartomas in fact represents a separate and unique entity.

Fande PZ, Patil SK, Gadbail AR, Ghatage DD, Hande AH, Gawande MN, Chaudhary MS. Neurovascular Hamartoma of Face: An Unusual Clinical Presentation. World J Dent 2017;8(2):151-154.