Dental Journal

A dilution method to increase the yield of engineered basic fibroblast growth factor

Indira Widyantoro, Isao Hirata, Koichi Kato — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Genetically engineered chimeric proteins have potential applications as components of dental materials and can be synthesized recombinantly in various cells, including bacteria, yeast, insects and mammals. However, increasing the yields of functionally active products remains a challenge. Purpose: This study focused on basic fibroblast growth factor fused with pentadeca (GGGGS)3 peptide as a linker and hexahistidine as an affinity tag (bFGF-PH). The objective was to enhance the yield of bFGF-PH expressed in bacteria by employing a dilution method. Methods: Escherichia coli was used to express bFGF-PH in a soluble form, which was then purified using metal chelate affinity chromatography. The protein solution was diluted 100-fold with a buffer solution to promote spontaneous refolding. Subsequently, the protein solution was concentrated using metal chelate affinity chromatography. Circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy was used to analyze the protein’s structure, assessing its correct folding by comparing it to a reference spectrum obtained through computer-based simulation. Results: The dilution method prevented bFGF-PH aggregation, and CD spectroscopy suggested that the protein was correctly folded. As a result, a total of 3.0 mg of bFGF-PH was obtained per liter of lysogeny broth medium, which was higher than the yield achieved using the conventional method. Conclusion: The dilution method examined in this study increased the yield of correctly folded bFGF-PH.

Oral health promotion on social media: Perceptions of Malaysian young adults

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Over the years, social media (SM) has become a powerful tool for communication and health promotion, enabling health professionals to connect with wider audiences in real time. However, there is a lack of qualitative data to understand end users’ perspectives on what is effective and what may require improvement. Purpose: This study aimed to explore preferences, reactions, and perceived impacts of oral health (OH) promotion on SM among Malaysian young adults. Methods: This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with young adults aged 20–35 years. Purposive sampling was used to ensure diverse representation across several states in Malaysia. Twenty interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data were coded and analyzed thematically using Atlas.ti software. Three main themes—preferences, reactions, and perceived impacts—and seven sub-themes emerged from the analysis. Results: The young adults expressed positive views regarding OH promotion activities on SM. Most participants preferred visually appealing OH content, such as short videos and infographics, delivered in simple terms in the national language, and presented by health professionals. Although some participants identified as silent readers who did not actively engage with OH-related content, most believed that SM interventions had positively influenced their OH knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors. Conclusion: Most participants had positive perceptions of OH promotion through SM interventions, with some expressing clear content preferences. These findings may support the development of more effective OH promotion strategies in Malaysia that better align with user expectations.

Evaluation of maxillary sinus septa using cone-beam computed tomography in a Turkish population

Ridvan Guler, Belgin Gulsun — Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: A comprehensive understanding of maxillary sinus anatomy is essential for successful maxillofacial surgical interventions. The presence of bony septa along the inner surface of the sinus significantly increases the risk of Schneiderian membrane perforation during sinus floor elevation procedures for dental implant placement. Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the frequency, localization, and lateralization of maxillary sinus septa using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) prior to sinus surgery. Methods: Cone-beam computed tomography images of 750 patients (353 men, 397 women) were included in this study. Cases with sinus septa were analyzed based on gender, anatomical location (anterior, middle, posterior), and lateralization (unilateral or bilateral). All data were recorded and statistically analyzed to determine prevalence rates. Results: The average age of the patients was 35 years. A total of 1,500 maxillary sinuses (right and left) were examined, and 275 sinus septa (32%) were identified in 240 patients. Of these, 60 septa (22%) were located in the anterior region, 140 (51%) in the middle, and 75 (27%) in the posterior region. Conclusion: In this study, sinus septa were present in 32% of patients in the Turkish population. Recognizing and detecting maxillary sinus septa with CBCT is important for preventing complications during surgical procedures.

Effect of corncob powder concentration on properties of inlay waxes

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Corncob powder is a promising filler that needs to be assessed when it is incorporated into inlay waxes to modified its properties. Purpose: This study aims to investigate the effect of different concentrations of corncob powder filler on physical and mechanical properties of inlay waxes. Methods: Five groups of inlay waxes were prepared from paraffin, corncob powder, carnauba wax, and beeswax in varying proportions (w/w%), namely, group I (70:0:25:5), II (65:5:25:5), III (60:10:25: 5), IV (55:15:25:5), and V (50:20:25:5). The wax mixture was heated at 80°C, filtered, added with corncob powder, and stirred until homogeneous then poured into mold for melting point, residue on ignition, flow, hardness, and trimming samples. They were based on ANSI/ADA specification no.122 and ASTM D 1321. The data were analyzed through one-way ANOVA, post-hoc LSD, and Tamhane tests (p = 0.05), except trimming test data. Results: One-way ANOVA revealed that the concentration of corncob filler influenced all inlay waxes properties (p<0.05). LSD and Tamhane post-hoc test, showed significant different among mostly between groups of tests. Addition corncob powder increased the melting point, hardness, and residue of inlay waxes but decreased the flow of inlay waxes. Addition corncob did not influence the trimming property of inlay waxes. Conclusion: The concentration of corncob filler added in inlay wax compositions influenced the melting point, flow, hardness and residue properties but did not influence trimming properties. Inlay wax containing 10% corncob filler potential as a local inlay wax, but further research should be done to overcome the residue on ignition property that higher than standards.

Parental awareness of oral health in children with epidermolysis bullosa in Indonesia

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Children affected by epidermolysis bullosa (EB) have serious oral conditions that may affect their quality of life. It is the parents’ crucial role to maintain the oral health of children with EB. Purpose: This study aims to determine the crucial role of parents in maintaining the oral health of children with EB. It also aims to assess parents’ oral health knowledge and perceptions of their children’s oral health-related quality of life. Methods: Conducted at Yayasan Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Association, Indonesia, this descriptive study employed a questionnaire translated through cross-cultural adaptation and the Caregiver Perception Questionnaire using a Likert scale. Results: Among the 18 respondents, parental knowledge appeared favorable. Regarding the oral symptoms dimension, 56% of children were in the excellent category, 28% in the moderate category, and 17% in the poor category. In terms of functional limitations, 50% were in the suitable category, 39% were moderate, and 11% were poor. In the emotional state dimension, 78% of participants were in the excellent category, whereas 22% were in the moderate category. In the social conditions dimension, 89% were in the excellent category and 11% in the moderate category. Conclusion: Although parents demonstrated an understanding of oral health care for EB, challenges in implementation emerged.

Antibacterial and anti-adherence effect of Laportea interupta ethanolic extract on Streptococcus mutans biofilm

Sat, 10 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Due to its capacity to generate extracellular polymeric substances that aid in biofilm creation, Streptococcus mutans is a leading cause of dental caries. Natural remedies, including traditional plant extracts, are being explored for their antimicrobial potential. Laportea interupta (L. interupta), known as jelatang in Indonesia, is alleged to possess a bacteria-inhibiting effect. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential use of L. interupta leaf ethanolic extract to inhibit S. mutans proliferation and adherence to hydroxyapatite (HA) discs, simulating the tooth surface. Methods: The broth microdilution approach was utilized to evaluate the minimum concentration of the extract that inhibits bacterial growth. For anti-adherence assessment, HA discs pre-coated with saliva were exposed to different extract concentrations and incubated with S. mutans. Bacterial adhesion was visualized using 0.1% crystal violet staining, quantified spectrophotometrically at 595 nm, and further verified using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results: The extract showed inhibitory effects on S. mutans growth at 7,500 μg/ml (MIC). Anti-adherence activity was optimal at 1,500 μg/ml, and SEM analysis confirmed a reduced biofilm formation on extract-treated samples. Conclusion: Laportea interupta ethanolic leaf extract demonstrated both antibacterial and anti-adherence effects against S. mutans, suggesting its potential as a natural anti-biofilm agent for oral health applications.

The correlation of head posture (NSL/OPT angle) with maxilla and mandible relation (ANB angle) by cephalometric analysis (Review of Deutro Malay children aged 10–12 years in Jakarta)

Thu, 15 May 2025 00:00:00 +0700

Background: Proper head posture involves an upright head with minimal muscle work and maximum mechanical efficiency in the central nervous system. Muscular imbalance in the cervical spine and stomatognathic system affects head posture and maxillary–mandibular malrelation. Age 10–12 years is the golden period for orthodontic treatment, for which an assessment of head posture needs to be considered. The nasion-sella line/odontoid process tangent (NSL/OPT) angle represents flexion–extension of the head posture; the A point, Nasion, B point (ANB) angle is used to determine the maxillary–mandibular relationship. No research has ever been conducted on the relationship between the NSL/OPT and ANB angles in children of the Deutro Malay race aged between 10 and 12 years. Purpose: This study aims to analyze the relationship between the NSL/OPT and ANB angles in children of the Deutro Malay race aged between 10 and 12 years. Methods: This research was conducted at the Pediatric Dental and Radiology Clinic of Universitas Indonesia Dental Hospital with 33 respondents aged between 10 and 12 years, taking the inclusion and exclusion criteria into account. Lateral cephalometric radiographs were taken, and the NSL/OPT and ANB angles were determined using ImageJ software. Data analysis was conducted using the Pearson correlation test. Results: The mean values for the NSL/OPT and ANB angles are 97.9 and 3.15, respectively. The correlation test result (r = 0.067; p-value = 0.713) indicates an immensely weak relationship between the NSL/OPT and ANB angles and is not significant. Conclusion: The results demonstrated that there was an exceedingly weak linear relationship; it can be concluded that the angle of head posture cannot be correlated to the ANB angle.