Tongue Depressor Research Articles

Oral health status of patients in intensive care unit: a cross-sectional study

Introduction: Patients in intensive care unit (ICU) may present oral alterations as a result of patients’ systemic conditions, the use of medications, intubation or poor oral hygiene. Oral alterations should be detected and treated because they may aggravate patients’ condition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the types and frequencies of clinically detected oral alterations in inpatients of an ICU. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study in which an oral evaluation of patients hospitalized in an ICU of a public hospital was performed. Demographic, social and clinical characteristics were collected from medical records. Oral exams were performed by two trained dentists, with reliability checked by intra-class correlation coefficient, while patients were lying in the hospital bed, using a frontal headlamp, tongue depressor and sterile gauze. All data were recorded in study protocol forms and transferred to a data base for analysis. Results: Thirty-seven patients, with similar distribution between genders, with median age of 62 yearswere evaluated. The most frequent causes for hospitalization were postoperative care (51.35%) and respiratory problems (29.72%). About 90% of the inpatients presented some type of oral alterations during the hospitalization period. The most common clinical alterations were dry lips (86.5%); coated tongue (61.1%); paleness of the oral mucosa (54.1%); oral foci of infection (37.8%) and candidiasis (13.5%). Conclusion: The majority of inpatients of the ICU presented some type of oral alteration, and the most frequent were dry lips and coated tongue. Data observed in this study reinforce the need of the dental team support during the period of hospitalization.

Effects of menthol-flavored substances at the cellular level on oral mucosal sites

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of menthol-flavored substances at the cellular level in different mucosal sites of the oral cavity and to compare the cellular changes between individuals without the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances and individuals with the habit. This was an experimental cytology study including a total of 500 individuals belonging to the age group of 18-45 years based on the inclusion or exclusion criteria. The selected participants were divided into two groups of 250 participants each, based on participants not having the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances (Group I) and participants having the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances (Group II). Cytological smears were taken by gently scraping the mucosal surfaces in different sites of the oral mucosa using a wooden spatula and stained with Papanicolaou, analyzed under microscope for any cellular changes. The results were tabulated and statistically analyzed using Chi-square test and Fisher's exact test. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Micronuclei seen in all the participants belonging to group with the habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances with a P < 0.001 which was considered highly significant. Alteration in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was also seen P = 0.001, which showed significant at 1% significance level. Participants with habit of chewing menthol-flavored substances showed the presence of micronuclei and slight alteration in the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio, which could be directly related to genotoxicity and cell damage.

Quantification of micronuclei in exfoliated cells of human immunodeficiency virus/AIDS-infected female patients.

Background:Micronucleus (MN) is a biomarker for cytotoxicity, which is formed during cell division. Increased MN scoring has been successfully used to recognize population groups at risk for cancers of oral cavity, cervix, urinary bladder and esophagus. Incorporating MN score along with cytological smear testing gives a better and cost-effective screening for high-risk patients.Objective:This study evaluated the effectiveness of using MN score assessed from Papanicolaou (PAP) smears, as a biomarker for chromosomal damage in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients.Materials and Methods:Oral smears of 25 female HIV/AIDS patients, without habits such as chewing or smoking tobacco, and taking antiretroviral therapy (ART) at ART center, were recruited for the study. After careful oral examination and oral rinsing with normal saline, smears were prepared on slides by scraping the buccal mucosa with a wooden spatula. All the slides were fixed in 95% ethyl alcohol and stained with PAP stain, and 1000 cells were counted per patient. Based on Tolbert et al.'s criteria, MNs were identified, and quantitative scoring of MN was done on the basis of morphological assay.Results:Mean ± standard deviation values of frequency of MNs in HIV-infected females were 73.40 ± 19.70 and in normal females were 38.08 ± 8.56.Conclusion:MN scoring on the epithelial cells of buccal mucosa can be used as a biomarker in screening procedures for HIV patients.

Determination of epigenetic age through DNA methylation of NPTX2 gene using buccal scrapes: A pilot study.

Context:DNA methylation (DNAm) age can be used to evaluate the chronological age of individuals often called “epigenetic age.” In this study, buccal scrape samples were used for the determination of epigenetic age.Aims:To examine if epigenetic age could be determined using neuronal pentraxin 2 (NPTX2) gene in buccal cells.Setting and Design:This cohort study was designed to validate the use of buccal cells for epigenetic age estimation. Sanger sequencing was used to determine the genetic sequence of the gene of interest postamplification. Nucleotide base sequence for NPTX2 gene was obtained for each case using this protocol.Subjects and Methods:The study was conducted on buccal scrapes obtained from 26 subjects of both genders, whose age varied from 1 to 65 years. The samples, collected by wooden spatulas, were placed in cell suspension buffer and stored at 4°C until transported to the laboratory.Results:Methylation levels of 5'-C-phosphate-G-3' located in the gene NPTX2 of 26 subjects were studied and analyzed by bisulfate sequencing. The percentage of methylation in this study falls in the range between 15% and 51%.Conclusion:In this study, a sufficient amount of gDNA was retrieved from the buccal cells, thus confirming that buccal scrape was a feasible technique to obtain ample DNA. This study also showed that DNAm-polymerase chain reaction method was a feasible method for the evaluation of methylation pattern of NPTX2 gene.

Micronuclei in Exfoliated Cells: A Biomarker of Genotoxicity in Tobacco Users.

Aims:The aim of this study was to analyze the tobacco-related genotoxic effects in individual with habit of smoking and chewing tobacco.Materials and Methods:The present study sample consisted of 120 individuals attending the outpatient department of D. J. College of Dental Sciences and Research, Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh (UP). The sample was divided into four groups as follows: Group I (individuals with habit of smoking tobacco), Group II (individuals with habit of chewing tobacco), Group III (individuals with habit of smoking and chewing tobacco), and Group IV control group (nontobacco-exposed individuals). Patients were asked to rinse their mouth gently with water. The exfoliated cells were obtained by scraping the buccal mucosa of individuals with a wooden spatula. The scraped cells were placed on the precleaned slides. The smears were then stained with RAPID-PAP™ and analyzed under the microscope. Data were analyzed using SPSS statistical software.Results:In the present study, an arbitrary unit was obtained using frequency/day multiplied by the duration of years (risk multiplication factor [RMF], a positive and significant correlation were observed between the RMF and the mean percentage of micronucleated cell count in smokers, chewers, and in individuals with both smoking and chewing habit, respectively. A weak positive and nonsignificant correlation were observed between age and mean percentage of micronucleated cells in smokers and smokers + chewers, respectively, while it was weak negative and nonsignificant in chewers. In control group, correlation between age and percentage of micronucleated cells was weak positive and nonsignificant at 5% level of significance.Conclusion:The micronuclei in exfoliated mucosal cells from buccal mucosa can be used as a biomarker of genotoxicity in predicting the effects of carcinogens.

Ensuring precise beard and eyebrow shaping with laser: Innovative use of tongue depressor.

Ensuring precise beard and eyebrow shaping with laser: Innovative use of tongue depressor.

A pilot study of the maximum interincisal distance among adult Northern and Southern Nigerians

Objective: To study the average maximum interincisal distance (MID) and its association with individual physical parameters and dietary pattern in a representative convenient sample of healthy adult Nigerians from two ethnic groups. Materials and Methods: This was a pilot cross-sectional study of healthy adults, free of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders, aged 18–58 years in Ile-Ife (Southwest Nigeria) and Kano (Northwest Nigeria). MID, body weight, and height were determined using a clean wooden spatula on a transparent plastic linear gauge, calibrated body weight electronic scale, and wall-mounted height scale, respectively. Dietary habits and history were assessed using a validated structured questionnaire. MID was compared in each group and related to subjects' age, sex, height, and weight. Results: Of 853 subjects screened, 794 (93.1%), aged 18–58 years, met the inclusion criteria. About 393 (49.5%) and 401 (50.5%) subjects were from the Northwest (Kano City) and Southwest (Ile-Ife), respectively. The mean age of the subjects from the Northwest and Southwest Nigeria was 35.4 years and 26.7 years, respectively, and M:F ratio was 1:1.02. Female subjects recorded higher body mass index (BMI) and were slightly older than the males. Mean MID (SD) values in millimeters were 45.68 (6.7), 47.60 (7.73), and 46.69 (7.29) in the Southwest, Northwest, and combined groups, respectively. MID was significantly higher in males than females, peaked at age 33 years in both the sexes and, thereafter, decreased with increasing age. Conclusion: The MID vary with ethnic origin, weight, height, age, and BMI. A peak MID in adult appears to exist at about 33 years.

Enamel microabrasion: achieving aesthetic success to dental fluorosis in a single session – one-year follow-up

OBJECTIVE: To describe the enamel microabrasion technique used to treat the patient with white stains due dental fluorosis, highlighting the importance of complete anamnesis and clinical examination to achieve the clinical success.CASE DESCRIPTION: patient’s complains, aesthetic self-perception, age, general health, history of excessive intake of fluoride and time of teeth development were considered to the diagnosis and treatment plan. Also, dental trans illumination was used to evaluate the white spots diffusion and estimate the lesion’s length. An abrasive paste mixture of equal parts 37% phosphoric acid and pumice was applied with a wooden spatula in order to perform enamel microabrasion. After the last application, the teeth were polished with finishing discs and a neutral sodium fluoride gel was applied to enamel remineralization. Satisfactory results in the aesthetic improvement were possible with a minimally invasive and cost-effective technique. The dental trans illumination after treatment showed the disappearance of the enamel opacities, preserved on the one-year follow-up.CONCLUSION: Cosmetic dentistry has been increasingly practiced today. However, a correct aesthetic planning should be based on current restorative dentistry concept. For any type of procedure, the dentist should opt for sound tooth structure preservation. This technique might be an efficient alternative to restorative treatments and can be considered a successful procedure. In cases of esthetic alterations due fluorosis, non-invasive methods such enamel microabrasion should be considered before invasive restorative treatments.

Development, Evaluation, and Implementation of a New 3D Printed Tongue Depressor Dispenser.

The purpose of this technical report was two-fold. First was to describe the concept, development and initial implementation of a three-dimensional (3D) printing network focussed on manufacturing simulators and simple devices necessary to the functioning of rural hospital and clinics. Second was to describe the design, fabrication and user-based evaluation of a cost-effective tongue depressor dispenser.The initial successful setup and implementation of the 3D printing network were modelled using four of the five implementation constructs derived from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR).The 3D printing of the tongue depressor dispenser was found to be an effective and economic initiative. Without considering the initial design costs, the materials costs were estimated at $6 Canadian per dispenser. After installation of the dispenser in a busy emergency department, hospital leadership and staff viewed it as a safer option to the current dispense, and more affordable.

Technique to Confirm Occlusal Contact Using an Articulating Paper Holder Equipped with Tongue Depressor.

This technical report describes a simple procedure for verifying occlusal contact with the use of a new device that combines the functions of a tongue depressor and an articulating paper holder. Verifying occlusal contact and/or the maxillomandibular relationship record can be expected to be simpler and easier with this device compared to the conventional holder, especially for patients with tongue hypertrophy or obesity and those treated under general anesthesia, among others.

Characterization in children 6 years of age with tooth interference of primary schools

Characterize children from 6 years of age in primary schools belonging to the health area of the Policlinico Docente 30 November. Methods: He was an observational study descriptive and cross-sectional aiming to. The universe was composed of 83 children whose dental care is carried out in the Department of Stomatology of the Policlinico teacher 30 de Noviembre, in the period between June of 2017 and 2018 April. The data was an interview structured to parents or guardians, in order to obtain data accurate and verified, using as a summary measure the percentage and reflecting the data in contingency tables. He was the oral test to children using the tongue depressor and natural or artificial light. Results: The study dominated the female sex. The most practiced disfiguring habits were postural habits and digital suction. Conclusions: Most found anomaly was one-sided after reversed occlusion. Taking into account this recommended expanding research in other schools, since these results alert us to the need to intercept the tooth interference from an early age.

Effect of Nerve-Cutting Technique on Nerve Microstructure and Neuroma Formation

Background Peripheral neuroma formation results from partial or complete nerve division. Elucidating measures to prevent the development of peripheral neuromas is of clinical importance. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various surgical nerve-cutting techniques on nerve microstructure and resultant neuroma formation.Methods Twenty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of the following nerve-cutting techniques: No. 15 scalpel blade with tongue depressor, micro-serrated scissors, nerve-cutting guide forceps with straight razor, and bipolar cauterization. The right sciatic nerve was transected using the assigned nerve-cutting technique. Neuromas were harvested 6 weeks postoperatively, and samples were obtained for histologic analysis. The contralateral sciatic nerve was transected at euthanasia and analyzed with histology and with scanning electron microscopy in a subset of the rats.Results Fifteen of the 20 rats survived the 6-week experiment. Scanning electron microscopy of the No. 15 scalpel blade group showed the most visual damage and disorganization whereas the nerve-cutting guide forceps and micro-serrated scissors groups resulted in a smooth transected surface. Bipolar cauterization appeared to enclose the fascicular architecture within a sealed epineurium. Each neuroma was significantly larger than contralateral controls. There were no significant differences in neuroma caliber between nerve transection groups. No substantial differences in microstructure were evident between transection groups.Conclusion Despite disparate microscopic appearances of the cut surfaces of nerves using various nerve-cutting techniques, we found no significant differences in the caliber or incidence of neuroma formation based on nerve-cutting technique. Nerve-cutting technique used when transecting peripheral nerves may have little bearing on the formation or size of resultant neuroma formation.

Effects of homogenizing methods on accuracy and precision of equine strongylid egg counts

Recommendations for control of equine strongylid parasites are based on regular determination of fecal egg counts to identify high strongylid shedders and to evaluate treatment efficacy. The McMaster technique has long been used as the standard egg counting technique in equine veterinary practice in most parts of the world, but recent work has found the Mini-FLOTAC technique to perform with significantly better accuracy and precision. The Mini-FLOTAC system comes with a homogenizing device, termed the Fill-FLOTAC, and it has been hypothesized that this device might have a significant impact on accuracy and precision. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of the Fill-FLOTAC homogenizer in comparison with the classical McMaster approach, where samples are suspended in flotation medium by stirring with tongue depressor in a plastic cup. The study compared the McMaster and Mini-FLOTAC techniques, but also included cross-over versions where the Fill-FLOTAC was used with the McMaster chamber, and the tongue depressor and plastic cup homogenizing method was used with the Mini-FLOTAC counting disc. Fecal samples were collected from horses naturally infected with mixed strongylid species. Five samples were included from each of the following egg count levels: 0–500, 501–1000, and >1000 eggs per gram (EPG). Each sample was then analyzed with all four set-ups with three subsamples collected from the same suspension, and three repeated counts determined on each subsample. Both the Fill-FLOTAC homogenizer (p = 0.0098) and the McMaster counting chamber (p = 0.0298) were significantly associated with higher strongylid egg counts, whereas the Mini-FLOTAC chamber was associated with a lower coefficient of variation (p < 0.0001). Precision, however, was not associated with homogenization method (p = 0.9341). Taken together, this study suggests that while the homogenizing method has a positive effect on egg count accuracy, the counting chamber appears to primarily affect precision.

Polyaniline-clay composite-containing epoxy coating with enhanced corrosion protection and mechanical properties

The corrosion of steel is a worldwide industrial problem. In this study, we demonstrate that polyaniline (PANI), an extensively studied additive for organic coatings that affords corrosion protection, can be imbedded in epoxy, as a pigment in a clay composite, to protect steel against corrosion. The PANI-clay composite was synthesized in situ by oxidative polymerization and the coating was formulated by dispersing PANI-clay composite particles were dissolved in (N-methyl pyrrolidone) NMP by ultra-sonication and then mixed into an epoxy resin using a wooden spatula. The addition of low levels of clay improved the BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) surface area of PANI. Improved corrosion protection was observed through immersion testing and electrochemical studies; 33.4% of the surface of the neat epoxy coating was covered in rust, while only 19.3% of the epoxy composite surface was covered. Furthermore, electrochemical studies showed that the corrosion rate was reduced by the incorporation of the PANI-clay composite particles in epoxy resin, which exhibited a protection efficiency of 76.2%. The composite-containing epoxy film also exhibited superior mechanical properties. Therefore, the enhanced performance of the epoxy-based composite coating material makes it suitable for a wide range of applications.

A comparative study of reinforcement materials for waterlogged wood relics in laboratory

Abstract Most unearthed waterlogged wood relics need to be reinforced by dehydration and strengthening, otherwise the dry shrinkage and deformation would severely damage the value of these cultural relics. Till now, a variety of materials, such as trehalose, xylitol, lactitol, glyoxal, and polyethylene glycol, have been reported to be applied in the reinforcement of wood relics, however, the comparison of their effects on wood relics has not been reported yet. In this work, these materials were applied in the reinforcement of waterlogged wood. Firstly, chemically degraded medical tongue depressors and rice paper were prepared and used to simulate wood relics, while aged raw lacquer piece was used to simulate lacquerware relics. Then, samples were dehydrated and reinforced by different reinforcement materials including trehalose, xylitol, chito-oligosaccharide, lactitol, glyoxal, glycerol and polyethylene glycol. Finally, properties including deformation, strength and antimicrobial property were tested successively. From the results, we can conclude that xylitol was the best reinforcement material in the concentration range from 40% (w/v) to 60% (w/v). In some cases, lactitol and trehalose were also proved to be the good reinforcement materials. Besides, adding more than 0.5% (w/v) of chito-oligosaccharide could obviously improve resistance to Gloeophyllum terbium of reinforcement materials such as xylitol. This is the first report on the comparison of different reinforcement materials for the waterlogged wood relics. Our work will give insight into the selection of more effective reinforcement materials for waterlogged wood relics and screening better reinforcement formula with different concentrations.

Evaluation of the Cytomorphometric Changes Observed in the Oral Mucosal Cells Exposed to Computed Tomography

Background:Radiography forms an important as well as an integral part of diagnosis which is used in various fields of medical and dental services to give an appropriate diagnosis. But, diagnostic radiations also induce some amount of damage to the cell at cytogenetic levels, depending on the dosage of the radiation administered. Objective:The objective of the present study was to observe the cytomorphometric changes in the buccal mucosa of patients who were exposed to computed tomography.Materials and methods:Study sample consisted of 15 patients who were exposed to Computed Tomography prior to treatment planning for placement of dental implants. Buccal mucosal smears were obtained pre and 10 days post radiation exposure by using a wooden tongue depressor and the contents were smeared on to clean glass slides and fixed using Biofix spray. Post fixation, these smears were stained using rapid PAP stain and viewed under compound microscope. Cytomorphometric analysis was performed using image ‘J’ software for 50 cells. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS software.Results: Cytomorphometric analysis of the buccal mucosal cells, did show variations in the nuclear and cellular parameters, but statistical significant results were obtained in case of nuclear diameter and nuclear area only suggesting genotoxic alterations following exposure to computed tomography.Conclusion: Oral buccal mucosal cells showed significant cytomorphometric changes in the nuclear parameters after exposure to X-rays during Computed Tomography. A longitudinal study consisting of a bigger sample size is required to evaluate the long-term effects of radiation on these buccal mucosa cells.Keywords: buccal mucosa; computed tomography; cytomorphometry; radiation.

The effect of dental facilities on the processes of tooth loss between urban and rural populations in Edo State, Nigeria

Objectives: The objective of this study was to ascertain the effect of the presence of dental facilities on the various processes of tooth loss in the study population and if there were differences between urban and rural subjects.Methods: A total of 2,161 subjects were examined, comprising 769 from one urban area and 1392 from three rural areas of the State. Examinations were conducted with the use of a wooden spatula and the Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need probe.Results: The predominant process of permanent tooth loss in the entire study population was by extraction, followed by trauma and exfoliation. However, there was a statistical significant difference between the urban and rural subjects of the state. While the predominant process of tooth loss in urban subjects was by extraction but it varied from extraction through trauma to exfoliation amongst rural subjects.Discussion: The predominant tooth loss in the urban subjects could be attributed to the presence and access to dental facilities located in the urban area of this study. Here extraction was the most common procedure carried out due to its low cost, relative to restoration or endodontics. This was the result of the poor state of the economy and the high prevalence of caries. The process of tooth loss by exfoliation, which was predominant in the rural subjects, is the result of periodontal ligament destruction and alveolar bone resorption. This could be attributed to a higher prevalence of periodontal disease and the non-existence of dental facilities and personnel where extraction could have been done without the long await for self-exofoliation.Conclusion: This study has shown that the presence or absence of dental facilities and personnel are contributory factors to the different patterns of tooth loss in urban and rural populace.Keywords: dental facilities, tooth loss, urban and rural population

Rapid screening test for flame retardation of wood, and its applicability to thermoplastic polymer systems

ABSTRACTA rapid screening process was developed to investigate the flame‐retardant properties of new materials and compositions. Wooden tongue depressors (“sticks”) were coated in solutions/suspensions of compositions of interest and tested in a method similar to that of the UL‐94 vertical burn test. The concentration of additives applied to the wooden sticks, as well as the additive application and drying times influenced the burning performance of the sticks, a useful screening method for testing flame retardants applied to wood products. The most promising combination of flame retardants from the wooden stick tests were then compounded into polyolefins, which were tested according to the UL(94) vertical burn protocol. A strong correlation was found between UL(94) results for low density polyethylene, high density polyethylene and polypropylene, and the wooden stick flammability data. This test, therefore, shows promise as a simple, inexpensive, and rapid way to screen new materials and compositions for flammability. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46602.

Locate, Combine, Contradict, Iterate: Serial Strategies for PostInternet Art

Locate, Combine, Contradict, Iterate: Serial Strategies for PostInternet Art

Randomised feasibility study to compare the use of Therabite® with wooden spatulas to relieve and prevent trismus in patients with cancer of the head and neck

Our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Therabite® jaw motion rehabilitation system (Atos Medical) with that of wooden spatulas to relieve and prevent trismus in patients who have had radiotherapy for stage three and four oral and oropharyngeal cancer. Secondary aims were to assess the feasibility and the impact of exercise on health-related quality of life (QoL), and the use of health services after treatment. We designed a randomised, open-label, controlled, three-centre feasibility study to compare the effectiveness and cost of the Therabite® and wooden spatulas. We studied compliance with exercises and health-related QoL, assessed cost using three health economics measures, and conducted semistructured interviews with patients. Patients were randomised into two groups: the Therabite® group (n=37) and the wooden spatula group (n=34). All patients had some sense of jaw tightening before the study started. Mean mouth opening after six months increased in both groups, but the difference between the groups was not significant (p=0.39). Completion rates for the three economic measures were good. There was no significant difference between the two groups in frequency of contact with care services or in QoL. Exercises during and after radiotherapy can ameliorate trismus in patients with stage three and four oral and oropharygeal cancers, but differences between groups in efficacy, compliance, QoL, or use of hospital or community health services, were not significant.