Empty Sockets Research Articles

A small venomous reptile from the Late Triassic (Norian) of the southwestern United States.

Reptile feeding strategies encompass a wide variety of diets and accompanying diversity in methods for subduing prey. One such strategy, the use of venom for prey capture, is found in living reptile clades like helodermatid (beaded) lizards and some groups of snakes, and venom secreting glands are also present in some monitor lizards and iguanians. The fossil record of some of these groups shows strong evidence for venom use, and this feeding strategy also has been hypothesized for a variety of extinct reptiles (e.g., archosauromorphs, anguimorphs, and a sphenodontian). However, evidence of systems for venom delivery in extinct groups and its evolutionary origins has been scarce, especially when based on more than isolated teeth. Here, we describe a potentially venomous new reptile, Microzemiotes sonselaensis gen. et sp. nov., from a partial left dentary recovered from the Sonsela Member of the Chinle Formation (middle Norian, Upper Triassic) of northeastern Arizona, U.S.A. The three dentary teeth have apices that are distally reclined relative to their bases and the tip of the posteriormost tooth curves mesially. The teeth show subthecodont implantation and are interspaced by empty sockets that terminate above the Meckelian canal, which is dorsoventrally expanded posteriorly. Replacement tooth sockets are positioned distolingually to the active teeth as in varanid-like replacement. We identify this new specimen as a diapsid reptile based on its monocuspid teeth that lack carinae and serrations. A more exclusive phylogenetic position within Diapsida is not well supported and remains uncertain. Several features of this new taxon, such as the presence of an intramandibular septum, are shared with some anguimorph squamates; however, these likely evolved independently. The teeth of the new taxon are distinctively marked by external grooves that occur on the entire length of the crown on the labial and lingual sides, as seen in the teeth of living beaded lizards. If these grooves are functionally similar to those of beaded lizards, which use the grooves to deliver venom, this new taxon represents the oldest known reptile where venom-conducting teeth are preserved within a jaw. The teeth of the new species are anatomically distinct from and ~10x smaller than those of the only other known Late Triassic hypothesized venomous reptile, Uatchitodon, supporting venom use across multiple groups of different body size classes. This new species represents the third Late Triassic reptile species to possibly have used envenomation as a feeding (and/or defensive) strategy, adding to the small number of venomous reptiles known from the Mesozoic Era.

Metal artifact reduction tool and mA levels impact on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone-beam CT.

To evaluate the influence of different levels of metal artifact reduction (MAR) tool and milliamperage (mA) on the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using cone beam CT (CBCT). Ten maxillary premolars were endodontically treated and positioned in the empty sockets of a human maxilla covered with wax. CBCT acquisitions were performed using the Eagle Edge device (Dabi Atlante, Brazil) adjusted to 120 kVp, FOV of 4 × 6cm, exposure time of 24s and voxel size of 0.2mm in 8 different conditions with different MAR (1, 2 and 3) and mA (3.2 and 6.3) levels. Crown-root fractures were simulated in the universal testing machine, and CBCT images were acquired again. Five radiologists evaluated the presence and extension of fractures with a 5-point scale. Statistical analysis was performed by analysis of variance, Tukey and Kappa test (α = 0.05). Although different mA levels did not significantly (p > 0.05) affect the diagnosis values for fracture presence and extension, when evaluated the different levels of MAR, AUC and sensitivity showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 using 6.3mA and kappa agreement showed significantly higher values (p < 0.05) for MAR 0 and 2 using 6.3mA. Although mA levels do not have a diagnostic effect when isolating the MAR level; in 6.3mA, MAR 0 and 2 can positively influence the diagnosis of fracture extension in endodontically treated teeth using CBCT. The isolate evaluation of dental fracture presence can overlook diagnostics error of its extension.

Influence of freeze-dried bone allograft on free gingival graft survival and alveolar ridge maintenance in socket seal procedures: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

This study aimed to investigate the viability of free gingival grafts (FGG) and assess clinical and radiographic changes in the alveolar ridge following socket seal surgery with or without freeze-dried bone allograft (FDBA). Twenty-eight anterior and premolar tooth extractions were randomly allocated to 2 groups: socket graft of FDBA sealed with FGG (n = 15) and control with empty sockets sealed solely with FGG (n = 13). Photographs taken at 3, 7, 14, and 30 days post-surgery assessed FGG viability. Alveolar ridge volume was clinically evaluated via intraoral scanners before surgery and at 1 and 3 months post-surgery. CBCT scans taken immediately post-surgery and 3 months later assessed alveolar ridge dimensions. FGG viability in both groups increased from day 3 and reached the maximum score on day 14. Alveolar ridge volume reduction at 3 months in the FDBA group was comparable to the control group. Buccal alveolar bone height reduction was significantly higher in the FDBA group than the control group, while palatal alveolar bone height was comparable. Alveolar bone width reduction was evident but not statistically significant between the groups. The FDBA group exhibited a significant alteration in bone volume compared to the control group. Viability of FGG was not affected by graft filling materials. Sealing the socket with FGG effectively preserved socket integrity and ridge volume in minor socket defects using either graft filling material or not. This study was registered on 4 January 2021 on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20210104001).

Investigation of the effect of field of view on the amount of dental implant artifacts in cone beam computed tomography images

BackgroundCBCT is widely used in dentistry and is used for a variety of purposes. The presence of different artifacts can reduce the quality of images. Since the implants mainly contain metals, they can cause many artifacts in CBCT images. Due to the importance of CBCT and the effects of artifacts on the final image quality, this study was conducted to investigate the effect of FOV size on the artifacts.MethodsThree human skulls with unbroken mandible and maxilla were selected. CBCT images were prepared under normal exposure conditions and with three ranges of FOV (4 × 5 cm2, 5 × 8 cm2, 8 × 8 cm2). Then an implant was placed in the empty dental sockets in the incisor, canine, and premolar areas, and CBCT images were taken with similar conditions. The Hounsfield Unit obtained before and after implant placement was compared, and their difference was considered as metal artifact. Data were analyzed using two-factor variance analysis.ResultsIn this study, the mean difference of artifacts with a large FOV in both jaws and in the mandible for medium and small radiation ranges from the central to the premolar side was always decreasing. However, in the maxilla for the medium and small radiation ranges, the mean difference increased from the central side to the canine, but again decreased relatively significantly from the canine to the premolar. The mean interaction between the dental areas and the FOV sizes was not significant (p = 0.997), and it was found that the amount of artifacts in the studied areas does not change with changing the size of the FOV. Also there was no significant difference of artifacts between the three types of FOV size (p = 0.730), but there was a significant difference between the dental areas (p = 0.020).ConclusionsAccording to the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the amount of metal artifacts is not related to the size of FOV. However, it is related to the position of the implant in the jaws and the density of the surrounding tissues.

Could Low-dose Cone-beam CT be Used for Endodontic Intraoperative Diagnosis?

IntroductionCone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) allows three-dimensional evaluation and has high diagnostic accuracy of endodontic conditions. Considering that the most indicated protocol for endodontics should have smaller field-of-view and higher spatial resolution, a higher radiation dose may be associated. Thus, this study evaluated the accuracy of an optimized CBCT protocol for the detection of intraoperative endodontic complications. MethodsAn image phantom was custom-made with a human mandible covered with Mix-D and forty mandibular first molars. The teeth were subdivided into 4 groups of endodontic complications which were simulated. All teeth were individually inserted into the left second molar socket of the phantom and CBCT images were acquired with OP 300 unit adjusted to a field-of-view of 6 × 4 cm, 90kVp, and 2 dose protocols: low and high. Furthermore, a titanium implant, a tooth with endodontic treatment, and a cobalt-chromium post were inserted into the empty sockets adjacent to the teeth of interest and additional images were acquired. Four endodontists evaluated the images and indicated the presence of endodontic complications on a 5-point scale. Sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve were obtained. The different groups were compared by ANOVA and Tukey tests (α = 0.05). ResultsIn most conditions, irrespective of the presence of metallic materials, the values of accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve did not differ significantly (P > .05) between the dose protocols. ConclusionsOptimized CBCT protocols should be considered for the detection of intraoperative endodontic Diagnostic complications.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENT GRAFTING MATERIALS ON ALVEOLAR RIDGE PRESERVATION

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to assess the effect of several grafting materials on alveolar bone resorption after teeth extraction. Materials &amp; methods: Electronic literature searches in MEDLINE (PubMed) and Cochrane (CENTRAL) were performed, in addition to a manual search through all periodontics and implantology-related journals, for publications in the period from January 1st, 2009, to February 1st, 2021. The primary focus was related to studies comparing alveolar ridge preservation reporting quantitative outcomes of hard tissue changes. Results: In total,18 randomized controlled studies were included. Mean difference values were calculated with the use of quantitative statistical analysis (RevMan) for split-mouth and parallel study designs. The pooled magnitude of bone resorption was calculated for different dimensions of the alveolar bone process after teeth extraction: for horizontal dimension. Meta-analyses were performed for the use of any graft without membranes compared to empty sockets or specifically for different kinds of grafts (with or without membranes) again compared to empty sockets. Further, a direct comparison was available from studies comparing xenografts either with allografts or alloplasts. Conclusion: Within the limitation of this systematic review, there is a decrease in alveolar bone resorption after teeth extraction as an impact of bone substitute use, with minimal variations between bone graft materials. Overall, in several outcome parameters, it was noticed that the xenograft materials had the highest amount of bone preservation, and the least magnitude for the alveolar bone reservation was accompanied with the use of alloplastic bone substitutes with a recommendation to make searches about combinations of alloplastic bone substitutes, but confidence intervals were strongly overlapping. Hence, final judgment on any superior graft material cannot be reached from actual available clinical evidence.

A Kist o’ Whistles

A Kist o’ Whistles

An intriguing new diapsid reptile with evidence of mandibulo-dental pathology from the early Permian of Oklahoma revealed by neutron tomography.

The initial stages of diapsid evolution, the clade that includes extant reptiles and the majority of extinct reptilian taxa, is surprisingly poorly known. Notwithstanding the hypothesis that varanopids are diapsids rather than synapsids, there are only four araeoscelidians and one neodiapsid present in the late Carboniferous and early Permian. Here we describe the fragmentary remains of a very unusual new amniote from the famous cave deposits near Richards Spur, Oklahoma, that we recognize as a diapsid reptile, readily distinguishable from all other early amniotes by the unique dentition and lower jaw anatomy. The teeth have an unusual reeding pattern on the crown (long parallel ridges with rounded surfaces), with some teeth posteriorly tilted and strongly recurved, while a ventral protuberance forms the anterior terminus of the dentary. Overall, the lower jaw is unusually slender with a flattened ventral surface formed by the dentary and splenial anteriorly and the angular in the mid-region. The presence of a very slender triradiate jugal revealed through computed tomography confirms the existence of a large lower temporal fenestra, while the medial edge of the maxilla and the anatomy of the palatine confirm the presence of a large suborbital fenestra. Computed tomography of this new taxon reveals maxillary innervation that is characteristically reptile, not synapsid. Although no other definitively identifiable skull roof elements exist, the suborbital fenestra borders preserved on the palatine and maxilla supports the hypothesis that this is a diapsid reptile. Interestingly, the right dentary shows evidence of pathology, a rarely reported occurrence in Paleozoic amniotes, with several empty tooth sockets filled by bone. This small predator with delicate subthecodont implanted dentition provides strong evidence that diapsid reptiles were already diversifying rapidly in the early Permian, but likely were relatively rare members of terrestrial vertebrate assemblages.

Tuning the optimal diffusion-weighted MRI parameters on a 0.35-T MR-Linac for clinical implementation: A phantom study.

This study aims to assess the quality of a new diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) sequence implemented on an MR-Linac MRIdian system, evaluating and optimizing the acquisition parameters to explore the possibility of clinically implementing a DWI acquisition protocol in a 0.35-T MR-Linac. All the performed analyses have been carried out on two types of phantoms: a homogeneous 24-cm diameter polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) sphere (SP) and a homemade phantom (HMP) constating in a PMMA cylinder filled with distilled water with empty sockets into which five cylindrical vials filled with five different concentrations of methylcellulose water solutions have been inserted. SP was used to evaluate the dependence of diffusion gradient inhomogeneity artifacts on gantry position. Four diffusion sequences with b-values of 500 s/mm2 and 3 averages have been acquired: three with diffusion gradients in the three main directions (phase direction, read direction, slice direction) and one with the diffusion gradients switched off. The dependence of diffusion image uniformity and SNR on the number of averages in the MR sequences was also investigated to determine the optimal number of averages. Finally, the ADC values of HMP have been computed and then compared between images acquired in the scanners at 0.35 and 1.5 T. In order to acquire high-quality artifact-free DWI images, the "slice" gradient direction has been identified to be the optimal one and 0° to be the best gradient angle. Both the SNR ratio and the uniformity increase with the number of averages. A threshold value of 80 for SNR and 85% for uniformity was adopted to choose the best number of averages. By making a compromise between time and quality and limiting the number of b-values, it is possible to reduce the acquisition time to 78 s. The Passing-Bablok test showed that the two methods, with 0.35 and 1.5 T scanners, led to similar results. The quality of the DWI has been accurately evaluated in relation to different sequence parameters, and optimal parameters have been identified to select a clinical protocol for the acquisition of ADC maps sustainable in the workflow of a hybrid radiotherapy system with a 0.35-T MRI scanner.

In vitro assessment of a novel dual-energy cone beam computed tomography device

<h3>Objective</h3> CT attenuation depends on atomic number and physical density of the object. Dual energy systems use two energy spectra and attenuation data from two different exposure conditions to estimate the effect of photoelectric absorption and Compton scatter in generating CT numbers. Based on this principle, a dual energy cone beam CT device (DE-CBCT, RCT-270, Ray Co. Ltd., Korea) was developed to assess jaw bone density and overcome limitations of gray level inhomogeneity in CBCT. <h3>Study Design</h3> We used a human skull phantom and varying concentrations of dipotassium phosphate (K₂HPO₄) to simulate trabecular and cortical bone. 0.2 ml polypropylene tubes with K₂HPO₄ (600mg/ml and 800mg/ml) were placed in empty sockets of the phantom at 3 discrete mandibular sites and scans were acquired. Next, to simulate temporal changes, we used varying concentrations of K₂HPO₄ (400 mg/ml-1200 mg/ml) in the extraction socket of a mandibular second premolar. All scans were made using the Rayscan DE-CBCT unit and repeated thrice. After each scan, the QRM-DE-CBCT phantom was also scanned with the same exposure factors for calibration. Scan calibration and bone density assessments were performed using the vendor's software. <h3>Results</h3> Calculated density of the same K₂HPO₄ placed at different locations (891± 144, 768 ± 29, 541 ± 126) was not statistically different. A similar result was obtained with K₂HPO₄ of higher density (1299 ± 58, 1203 ± 74, 998 ± 125). While simulating changing bone density, increasing concentrations of K₂HPO₄ yielded higher calculated densities, with a linear relationship between K₂HPO₄ concentrations and DE-CBCT calculated density (r² = 0.88). <h3>Conclusion</h3> This study provides an initial assessment of DE-CBCT as a method to better estimate object density which can impact monitoring osseous healing, evaluation of potential implant sites, and augmentation threshold for image segmentation. In ongoing studies, we are characterizing image quality parameters and further assessing the impact of anatomic location. <b>Statement of Ethical Review</b> Ethical Review or exemption was not warranted for this study

Oil Palm Fruits Ripeness Classification Based on the Characteristics of Protein, Lipid, Carotene, and Guanine/Cytosine from the Raman Spectra.

The capacity of palm oil production is directly affected by the ripeness of the fresh fruit bunches (FFB) upon harvesting. Conventional harvesting standards rely on rigid harvesting scheduling as well as the number of fruitlets that have loosened from the bunch. Harvesting is usually done every 10 to 14 days, and an FFB is deemed ready to be harvested if there are around 5 to 10 empty sockets on the fruit bunch. Technology aided by imaging techniques relies heavily on the color of the fruit bunch, which is highly dependent on the surrounding light intensities. In this study, Raman spectroscopy is used for ripeness classification of oil palm fruits, based on the molecular assignments extracted from the Raman bands between 1240 cm−1 and 1360 cm−1. The Raman spectra of 52 oil palm fruit samples which contain the fingerprints of different organic compounds were collected. Signal processing was applied to perform baseline correction and to reduce background noises. Characteristic data of the organic compounds were extracted through deconvolution and curve fitting processes. Subsequently, a correlation study between organic compounds was developed and eight hidden Raman peaks including protein, beta carotene, carotene, lipid, guanine/cytosine, chlorophyll-a, and tryptophan were successfully located. Through ANOVA statistical analysis, a total of six peak intensities from proteins through Amide III (β-sheet), beta-carotene, carotene, lipid, guanine/cytosine, and carotene and one peak location from lipid were found to be significant. An automated oil palm fruit ripeness classification system deployed with artificial neural network (ANN) using the seven signification features showed an overall performance of 97.9% accuracy. An efficient and accurate ripeness classification model which uses seven significant Raman peak features from the correlation analysis between organic compounds was successfully developed.

Root of the Problem

Previous bioarchaeological analysis of postmortem tooth loss (PMTL) has failed to recognize the potential influence of diseased dental tissue on tooth retention after death. Because tooth loss from a traditional taphonomy prospective is treated simply as missing data, demographic studies are potentially influenced by underestimations of disease prevalence. To investigate the association of tooth loss and dental disease, tissue health data was collected on a sample of teeth from 771 individuals. By analyzing the health of the bone and dental tissues immediately surrounding empty alveolar sockets suggestive of PMTL, trends in the presence of diseased tissue and retention of a tooth emerged. When compared to teeth retained after death, PMTL sockets were 15.3% less likely to retain neighboring teeth and 21.5% less likely to have neighboring teeth that showed no signs of carious lesions or abscesses. The results suggest that the traditional explanation of susceptibility to damage because of the exposure and morphology of single-rooted, anterior teeth does not sufficiently explain the causes of PMTL. Rather, it would be more accurate to consider PMTL as an advanced symptom of dental disease when interpreting missing teeth in the bioarchaeological record.

Autologous Tooth Dentin Graft: A Retrospective Study in Humans.

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of an autologous dentin graft, via extracted teeth that are processed into bacteria-free particulate dentin in a Smart dentin grinder and then grafted immediately into alveolus post extraction or into bone deficiencies. Materials and Methods: Ten healthy, partially edentulous patients with some teeth in the mandible were recruited in the study. After their own teeth were grinded, particulate teeth were placed in empty sockets and bone defects after teeth extractions. Furthermore, after three, six, 12 and 24 months, core samples using a 3 mm trephine were obtained. Results: At three months, the particles of grinded tooth were immersed inside a new connective tissue with a small new bone formation (16.3 ± 1.98). At six months, we observed small particles of dentin integrated in new immature bone, without inflammation in the soft tissue (41.1 ± 0.76). At twelve months, we observed a high amount of bone formation surrounding tooth particles (54.5 ± 0.24), and at twenty-four months, new bone, a big structure of bone, was observed with dentin particles (59.4 ± 1.23), statistically different when compared it with at three months. Conclusions: A particulate dentin graft should be considered as an alternative material for sockets’ preservation, split technique, and also for sinus lifting. One of the special characteristics after 24 months of evaluation was the high resorption rate and bone replacement without inflammation. This material could be considered as an acceptable biomaterial for different bone defects due to its osteoinductive and osteoconductive properties

A Symbol of the Universal Church. The Twelfth-Century Reliquary Shrine from Warffum (Groningen)

The focus of this article is a small reliquary shrine from the parish church of Warffum (prov. Groningen, Netherlands) that has lost most of its decoration. Only the wooden casket, some ornamental plaques, strips with inscriptions and empty sockets have survived. The shrine has previously been dated either to around 1300 or to the fifteenth century. I argue that the shrine, in its oldest form, belonged to the late twelfth century or the early years of the thirteenth century at the latest, and that it was a so-called collective shrine, the purpose of which was to give expression to the universal character of the church and its message of salvation. The shrine was obviously a cherished object as it was repaired at least once before its final desecration that probably took place in the late sixteenth-century during the period of reform. The additional material on the shrine includes some very interesting Merovingian plaques.

Investigation of Sustained BMP Delivery in the Prevention of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in a Rat Model.

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) poses an ongoing challenge for clinicians and researchers. Currently, there is a lack of preventative measures available for at-risk patients undergoing tooth extractions, especially those with prior bisphosphonate treatment due to osteoporosis or bone metastasis diagnoses. Here, these issues are addressed using a preventative tissue engineering strategy against MRONJ development. This study evaluates the efficacy of a poly(ethylene glycol)-heparin hydrogel as a tool for the delivery of arginylglycylaspartic acid (RGD) and recombinant human bone morphogenic protein-2 (rhBMP-2). Three groups of skeletally mature rats each receive two doses of intravenous zoledronic acid prior to surgery and undergo extraction of the right first mandibular molar with gingival closure. Experimental groups either have the sockets left empty, filled with hydrogel minus rhBMP-2, or filled with hydrogel plus rhBMP-2. Eight weeks postoperatively specimens are analyzed using radiological, histological, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. µCT analysis shows increased bone formation with hydrogel/rhBMP-2 delivery compared to the empty socket. Hydrogel-treated groups display increased presence of osteocytes and increased osteoclastic action compared to the empty sockets. These results represent the first step toward improved delivery of rhBMP-2 and a potential MRONJ preventative for patients undergoing bisphosphonate treatment.

The influence of intra-alveolar application of honey versus Chlorhexidine rinse on the incidence of Alveolar Osteitis following molar teeth extraction. A randomized clinical parallel trial.

BackgroundAlveolar Osteitis (AO) is a complication occurs on the post-extraction days that includes pain and disintegrated blood clot. Chlorhexidine (CHX) rinse after extraction is an effective method for decreasing the incidence of AO. Honey has natural antibacterial properties and effectiveness when it is used as a dressing on burns and wounds. However, the effect of intraoral honey dressings on healing is still not adequately studied. This study aimed to compare pain and AO after extraction of a molar tooth in a group of patients who received the intra-alveolar application of Manuka Honey post-operatively with another group who used 0.2% CHX rinse.Material and MethodsA randomized clinical trial of parallel groups was carried out on 100 patients who had a single molar tooth extraction. They were randomly divided into two groups. Group1 (G1) used 0.2 % CHX twice daily for 7 days. In Group2 (G2), Manuka Honey applied topically by a cotton swab into the socket directly after extraction and on Day3. Re-evaluation, including pain assessment, empty socket, and halitosis was done on day 3 and day 7.ResultsG1 included 43 patients and G2 included 57 patients. Higher grades of pain, more empty sockets, and halitosis were found in G2 than in G1 on day3 and day7 without significant differences. Four cases of AO were found in G1 (9.3%) and 7 cases in G2 (12.3%), without significant difference between the two groups according to Chi-squared tests (p=0.753).ConclusionsThe application of Manuka honey in the extraction socket directly after extraction and on day 3 has been found to be insignificantly less efficient in the prevention of AO than CHX rinse twice daily for seven days. However, honey is promising as natural dressing material and further studies are recommended. Key words:Manuka honey, Chlorhexidine, Alveolar Osteitis, extraction, dry socket.

Tooth reconstruction in forensic situations through dental materials: An anatomical art.

Introduction:Dental identification is a frequently applied method of forensic investigation, in mass disasters, accidents, and criminal investigations, where the human remains are decomposed, charred, or skeletonized. However, in such events, teeth may dislodge due to postmortem loss or mishandling during transporting and packaging which may further hamper with the identification of an individual.Aim:To investigate the potential for reconstruction of missing teeth utilizing dental materials.Subjects and Methods:Impressions of the intra-alveolar morphology of the empty sockets of a mandible were taken utilizing different impression materials. Positive replicas were prepared, and the profile of the missing/absent dental roots and crowns was constructed. Standardized radiographs were taken to assess the reliability of the method.Results:Based on the subjective observation, the combination of light body and heavy body (Putty)-addition silicone (for negative replica), self-cure (pink-colored) resin (for positive replica), and flowable composite resin (for reconstruction) gave the best outcome among the materials used.Conclusion:Tooth reconstruction utilizing dental materials that may help in comparative identification.

Technical note: Intra-alveolar morphology assessed in empty dental sockets of teeth missing post-mortem

Dental human identification relies on distinctive traits detected and compared between ante-mortem (AM) and post-mortem (PM) data. Several distinctive traits may be found in dental roots, such as dilacerations and bifurcations. However, teeth are often dislodged during the manipulation of skeletal remains, charred bodies and bodies retrieved from water. In these situations the identification process is hampered. The present study aims to retrieve information of teeth missing PM through the investigation of intra-alveolar morphology in empty dental sockets using different dental impression materials. This study was conducted using a dry human skull and 6 techniques for intra-alveolar impression, namely: (1) alginate using a dental tray; (2) heavy-body condensation silicone (HBCS) using manual compression; (3) HBSC using a blunt tip probe; (4) HBCS using a dental tray; (5) light- and HBCS using a syringe and a dental tray; and (6) polyether using a syringe and a dental tray. These techniques were evaluated based on 5 criteria: (I) intra-alveolar flow; (II) registration of apical morphology; (III) tensile strength; (IV) complexity; and (V) cost. The best outcomes considering the cost and benefit relation of each technique were observed in the following order: techniques #3>#2>#5>#6. Techniques #1 and #4 did not reach satisfactory outcomes for application in the forensic routine. Forensic dentists must be aware of the possibility of retrieving PM dental information even in the absence of teeth. The impression of intra-alveolar morphology may contribute significantly as source of PM dental information for human identifications.

Determination of sugars composition in abscission zone of oil palm fruit

Fresh oil palm fruit bunches (FFB) arriving at a palm oil mill are graded manually and randomly for ripeness classification by counting the number of empty fruit sockets (EFS) found in each bunch before processing. FFBs with at least ten EFS are classified as ripe bunch, FFBs with less than ten EFS are classified as under-ripe, while bunches without any EFS are classified as unripe. The aim of the present study is to determine the composition of sugars in the abscission of these three groups of FFBs by monitoring their sugars composition. The bunches were grouped according to the number of empty fruit sockets: (i) nil; (ii) 1-9; (iii) ≥10 as unripe, under-ripe and ripe bunches, respectively. Non-structural, structural and water-soluble sugars extracted from the abscission zone were analyzed. The principal component analysis (PCA) based on various sugars compositions revealed some natural clustering among the samples. Bunches with more than one empty fruit sockets were distinguished from the others using glucose, sucrose and oligomers. In conclusion, analysis of sugars composition of the abscission zone could potentially be used as a chemical marker to differentiate those bunches at different stages of ripeness.

Treatment of Intractable Orbital Implant Exposure with Scleral Melting By Secondary Implant of Dermis Fat Graft-A Case Report

A 30 year old female with absolute glaucoma status post-evisceration developed recurrent orbital implant exposure and scleral melting. We successfully treated the large conjunctiva defect by utilizing secondary implant of dermis fat graft for tissue growth and tension-free conjunctiva closure. The patient was satisfied with the postoperative outcome, and no major complications were observed in the following six months. Age and underlying disease may both be associated with dermis fat graft properties. Our case demonstrates that secondary dermis fat implantation is an effective method for treatment of exposed orbital implants and empty sockets after extrusion of an orbital implant.