Nor Adinar Baharuddin

Effect of nonsurgical periodontal treatment on clinical periodontal variables and salivary resistin levels in obese Asians

This study investigated changes in periodontal outcomes after nonsurgical periodontal treatment (NSPT) and evaluated associations of change in salivary resistin level with periodontal outcomes in obese Malaysians with chronic periodontitis. Sixty-two obese adults with chronic periodontitis were randomly divided into a test group (n = 31), which received NSPT, and a control group (n = 31), which received no treatment. Plaque score (PS), gingival bleeding index (GBI), probing pocket depth (PPD), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were measured at baseline and at 6 and 12 weeks after NSPT. Salivary resistin levels were evaluated by using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. PS was significantly lower in patients who received NSPT than in the control group at 6 and 12 weeks (P < 0.05). In the NSPT group the percentages of sites with shallow and moderate pockets decreased significantly, but there was no significant change in deep pockets. Resistin levels significantly decreased after NSPT (P < 0.05). Change in salivary resistin level was not significantly associated with periodontal outcomes. In obese Malaysians, NSPT significantly improved PS and GBI, and improved PPD and CAL for shallow and moderately deep pockets but not for deep pockets. Salivary resistin level was not associated with improvement in either periodontal variable.

Formulation and in vitro and in vivo evaluation of a new osteoprotegerin-chitosan gel for bone tissue regeneration

The osteoprotegerin (OPG) system plays a critical role in bone remodelling by regulating osteoclast formation and activity. The study aimed to determine the physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of a newly formulated OPG-chitosan gel. The OPG-chitosan gel was formulated using human OPG protein and water-soluble chitosan. The physicochemical properties were determined using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Gel morphology was determined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and then it was subjected to a protein release assay and biodegradability test. An in vitro cytotoxicity test on normal human periodontal ligament (NHPL) fibroblasts and normal human (NH) osteoblasts was carried out using the AlamarBlue assay. In vivo evaluation in a rabbit model involved creating critical-sized defects in calvarial bone, filling with the OPG-chitosan gel and sacrificing at 12 weeks. In vitro results demonstrated that the 25 kDa OPG-chitosan gel had the highest rate of protein release and achieved 90% degradation in 28 days. At 12 weeks, the defects filled with 25 kDa OPG-chitosan gel showed significant (p < 0.05) new bone formation and the highest expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin compared to controls. Thus, the 25 kDa OPG-chitosan gel could be a promising new biomaterial for tissue engineering.

Establishing and managing a periodontal biobank for research: the sharing of experience.

Periodontal bio-repositories, which allow banking of clinically validated human data and biological samples, provide an opportunity to derive biomarkers for periodontal diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic activities which are expected to improve patient management. This article presents the establishing of the Malaysian Periodontal Database and Biobank System (MPDBS) which was initiated in 2011 with the aim to facilitate periodontal research. Partnerships were established with collaborating centres. Policies on specimen access, authorship and acknowledgement policies were agreed upon by all participating centres before the initiation of the periodontal biobank. Ethical approval for the collection of samples and data were obtained from institutional ethics review boards. A broad-based approach for informed consent was used, which covered areas related to quality of life impacts, genetics and molecular aspects of periodontal disease. Sample collection and processing was performed using a standardized protocol. Biobanking resources such as equipment and freezers were shared with the Malaysian Oral Cancer Database and Tissue Bank System (MOCDTBS). In the development of the MPDBS, challenges that were previously faced by the MOCDTBS were considered. Future challenges in terms of ethical and legal issues will be faced when international collaborations necessitate the transportation of specimens across borders.

In vitro evaluation of osteoprotegerin in chitosan for potential bone defect applications

Background The receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK)/RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin (OPG) system plays a critical role in bone remodelling by regulating osteoclast formation and activity. OPG has been used systemically in the treatment of bone diseases. In searching for more effective and safer treatment for bone diseases, we investigated newly formulated OPG-chitosan complexes, which is prepared as a local application for its osteogenic potential to remediate bone defects. Methods We examined high, medium and low molecular weights of chitosan combined with OPG. The cytotoxicity of OPG in chitosan and its proliferation in vitro was evaluated using normal, human periodontal ligament (NHPL) fibroblasts in 2D and 3D cell culture. The cytotoxicity of these combinations was compared by measuring cell survival with a tetrazolium salt reduction (MTT) assay and AlamarBlue assay. The cellular morphological changes were observed under an inverted microscope. A propidium iodide and acridine orange double-staining assay was used to evaluate the morphology and quantify the viable and nonviable cells. The expression level of osteopontin and osteocalcin protein in treated normal human osteoblast cells was evaluated by using Western blot. Results The results demonstrated that OPG in combination with chitosan was non-toxic, and OPG combined with low molecular weight chitosan has the most significant effect on NHPL fibroblasts and stimulates proliferation of cells over the period of treatment.

Identification of biomarkers for periodontal disease using the immunoproteomics approach

Background Periodontitis is one of the most common oral diseases associated with the host’s immune response against periodontopathogenic infection. Failure to accurately diagnose the stage of periodontitis has limited the ability to predict disease status. Therefore, we aimed to look for reliable diagnostic markers for detection or differentiation of early stage periodontitis using the immunoprotemic approach. Method In the present study, patient serum samples from four distinct stages of periodontitis (i.e., mild chronic, moderate chronic, severe chronic, and aggressive) and healthy controls were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE), followed by silver staining. Notably, we consistently identified 14 protein clusters in the sera of patients and normal controls. Results Overall, we found that protein levels were comparable between patients and controls, with the exception of the clusters corresponding to A1AT, HP, IGKC and KNG1 (p < 0.05). In addition, the immunogenicity of these proteins was analysed via immunoblotting, which revealed differential profiles for periodontal disease and controls. For this reason, IgM obtained from severe chronic periodontitis (CP) sera could be employed as a suitable autoantibody for the detection of periodontitis. Discussion Taken together, the present study suggests that differentially expressed host immune response proteins could be used as potential biomarkers for screening periodontitis. Future studies exploring the diagnostic potential of such factors are warranted.

Anti-plaque effect of a synergistic combination of green tea and Salvadora persica L. against primary colonizers of dental plaque

OBJECTIVE Green tea (Gt), leafs of Camellia sinensis var. assamica, is widely consumed as healthy beverage since thousands of years in Asian countries. Chewing sticks (miswak) of Salvadora persica L. (Sp) are traditionally used as natural brush to ensure oral health in developing countries. Both Gt and Sp extracts were reported to have anti-bacterial activity against many dental plaque bacteria. However, their combination has never been tested to have anti-bacterial and anti-adherence effect against primary dental plaque colonizers, playing an initial role in the dental plaque development, which was investigated in this study. METHODS Two-fold serial micro-dilution method was used to measure minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of aqueous extracts of Gt, Sp and their combinations. Adsorption to hexadecane was used to determine the cell surface hydrophobicity (CSH) of bacterial cells. Glass beads were used to mimic the hard tissue surfaces, and were coated with saliva to develop experimental pellicles for the adhesion of the primary colonizing bacteria. RESULTS Gt aqueous extracts exhibited better anti-plaque effect than Sp aqueous extracts. Their combination, equivalent to 1/4 and 1/2 of MIC values of Gt and Sp extracts respectively, showed synergistic anti-plaque properties with fractional inhibitory concentration (FIC) equal to 0.75. This combination was found to significantly reduce CSH (p<0.05) and lower the adherence ability (p<0.003) towards experimental pellicles. CONCLUSION Combination between Gt and Sp aqueous extracts exhibited synergistic anti-plaque activity, and could be used as a useful active agent to produce oral health care products.

The Influence of Cigarette Smoking on Gingival Bleeding and Serum Concentrations of Haptoglobin and Alpha 1-Antitrypsin

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the influence of cigarette smoking on gingival bleeding and serum concentrations of cotinine, haptoglobin, and alpha 1-antitrypsin in Malaysian smokers. A total of 197 male smokers and nonsmokers were recruited for this study. Plaque index, bleeding on probing (BOP), and levels of serum cotinine, haptoglobin, and alpha 1-antitrypsin were evaluated. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0, with the significance level set at α ≤ 0.05. Linear regression analyses were performed. The mean cigarette consumption per day was 13.39 ± 5.75 cigarettes; the mean duration was 16.03 ± 8.78 years. Relatively low BOP values (26.05 ± 1.48) and moderate plaque indexes (51.35 ± 11.27) were found. The levels of serum cotinine (106.9 ± 30.71 ng/dL), haptoglobin (76.04 ± 52.48 mg/dL), and alpha 1-antitrypsin (141.90 ± 18.40 mg/dL) were significantly higher in smokers compared to non-smokers. Multiple logistic regression models for all variables and smokers demonstrated observed differences between BOP, the number of cigarettes per day, and duration of smoking, while serum cotinine, haptoglobin and alpha-1 antitrypsin levels showed no significant differences. Duration of smoking (years) and the cotinine level in serum showed a significant correlation with plaque index. The present analysis demonstrated that the duration of smoking in years, but not the number of cigarettes smoked per day, was associated with reduced gingival bleeding in smokers.

Local application of osteoprotegerin-chitosan gel in critical-sized defects in a rabbit model

Background Osteoprotegerin (OPG) is used for the systemic treatment of bone diseases, although it has many side effects. The aim of this study was to investigate a newly formulated OPG-chitosan gel for local application to repair bone defects. Recent studies have reported that immunodetection of osteopontin (OPN) and osteocalcin (OC) can be used to characterise osteogenesis and new bone formation. Methods The osteogenic potential of the OPG-chitosan gel was evaluated in rabbits. Critical-sized defects were created in the calvarial bone, which were either left unfilled (control; group I), or filled with chitosan gel (group II) or OPG-chitosan gel (group III), with rabbits sacrificed at 6 and 12 weeks. Bone samples from the surgical area were decalcified and treated with routine histological and immunohistochemical protocols using OC, OPN, and cathepsin K (osteoclast marker) antibodies. The toxicity of the OPG-chitosan gel was evaluated by biochemical assays (liver and kidney function tests). Results The mean bone growth in defects filled with the OPG-chitosan gel was significantly higher than those filled with the chitosan gel or the unfilled group (p < 0.05). At 6 and 12 weeks, the highest levels of OC and OPN markers were found in the OPG-chitosan gel group, followed by the chitosan gel group. The number of osteoclasts in the OPG-chitosan gel group was lower than the other groups. The results of the liver and kidney functional tests indicated no signs of harmful systemic effects of treatment. In conclusion, the OPG-chitosan gel has many characteristics that make it suitable for bone repair and regeneration, highlighting its potential benefits for tissue engineering applications.

Evaluating newly formulated osteoprotegerin-chitosan gel: An in vitro and in vivo study

Method & Materials: Total 8 rabbits (male, older than 16 weeks) were divided into two groups of early cranioplasty group (EG, 4 rabbits) and delayed cranioplasty group (DG, 4 rabbits). The rabbits of each group were performed cranioplasty via frozen autologous bone flaps 4 weeks (EG) and 8 weeks (DG) after craniectomy. In order to obtain control data, the cranioplasty immediate after craniectomy were made on the contralateral cranial bone of the rabbits (control group, CG). The bone fusion and new bone formation were evaluated by micro-CT scan and histological examination 8 weeks after cranioplasty on both groups was done.S processed thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solar technologies, such as polymer and perovskite solar cells (PSCs), may provide low-cost electricity generation. These technologies suffer from insufficient light absorption due to thin absorbers. Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) exhibit a localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and act as scattering centers and subwavelength antennas, so metallic NPs can be incorporated into thin-film solar cells to effectively improve the light absorption of light harvesting devices. We have embedded various metallic nanocomposites into the electron transport layer (ETL) or the hole transport layer (HTL) of polymer and perovskite solar cells to investigate the photovoltaic effects of the PV cells with metallic nanostructures. The PSC device achieved a significant enhancement of the UV stability and 34.2% improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) by combinational use of Au NPs and insulating MgO in mesoporous TiO2. The polymer PV device demonstrated improved stability and 14.5% improvement of PCE by embedding AgAl nanostructures into the HTL. Solar cell performance observations and results indicate that the LSPR and electrical effects of metallic nanostructures enhance the photovoltaic response of both kinds of PV cells, by causing an incredible improvement in the photocurrent density as a dominant factor. The fundamental optics and physics behind the plasmonic polymer and perovskite solar cell was studiedI this study LTA, zeolite was prepared from Saudi white silica as a main source of silica. The effect of ultrasonic irradiation on the crystal structure and ability to ion exchange of some heavy metals were studied. Many techniques were used to characterize the prepared zeolite includes XRD with crystal lattice analysis, EPR and finally ion exchange isotherm of some heavy metal ions. The results showed that the ultra-sonicated zeolite exhibits different behavior towards ion exchange with increasing its capacity. The ultra-sonicated zeolite showed little increase in the lattice parameters with increasing in the crystal size. Fitting adsorption isotherms on the metal adsorbed showed an observable change in the behavior of ultra-sonicated zeolite towards the metals exchanged.T binding of the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) to the receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B (RANK) on pre-osteoclast is essential for osteoclast maturation and activity. Osteoproteogerin (OPG) is a soluble decoy receptor for RANKL. Its binding to RANK prevents binding of RANKL to RANK and subsequent hinders activation of osteoclast. Various in vivo studies and clinical trials have investigated the systemic use of OPG in treatment of bone diseases. Chitosan is a cationic polymer derived from chitin. This material has antimicrobial activity, biodegradability, and mucoadhesive properties, making it an ideal material for biomedical applications. It also promotes cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation. It is suggested that the local application of new formulated OPG-chitosan preparation may have similar osteogenic potential in the bone defect. The objectives of this study are: (i) to formulate of different forms of OPG-chitosan gels from different molecular weights of water-soluble chitosan (10, 25, 50 kDa), (ii) to evaluate the gels biodegradation, (iii) to determine amount of OPG protein release from gels and (iv) to evaluate the cytotoxicity of gels by Alamar Blue assay and scanning electron microscope. (iv) Efficacy of gel on bone regeneration in rabbit. From our studies we conclude that our gels are (i) non-toxic (ii) biodegradable and (iii) exhibits sustained release property. (iv) OPG-chitosan has a positive effect on bone formation. Therefore, we have proven that OPG-chitosan gel is evidently viable to be used locally for potential bone defect application.This Article is Available in: https://www.imedpub.com/archives-in-chemistry/ Polymer nano-composites have received immense attention in the recent years, as many of these materials present promising properties like high flexural strength, improved pressure barrier properties and depleting flammability. Polycarbonate is one of the most interesting ones, due to characteristic properties like high toughness and strength, excellent ballistic strength and good visual clarity. It could be expected that the addition of relatively low percentages of nano-reinforcements will result into remarkable improvements in mechanical and thermal properties. In this work, (Cloisite 25A) nano clay, Araldite LY 556 epoxy, HY 951 hardener were used to prepare the matrix at various blends 0%, 4%, 8%, and 10% by using hand layup method. And further detailed analysis was performed to study the tribological property of various percentage nano-clay (Cloisite 25A) loaded epoxies, with inclusion of jute fiber using Taguchi’s technique. For this purpose, the test samples were prepared according to the ASTM: G99 standard, and the test was carried out with the assistance of Pin-onDisc machine. For this experimentation L16 orthogonal array was used to evaluate the tribological property with four control variables such as % of nano-clay content, normal load, sliding velocity and sliding distance at each level on friction co-efficient along with wear rate. From the obtained results the combination of factors greatly influenced the process to achieve the minimum wear and coefficient of friction for jute fiber reinforced laminates were analyzed. The microstructure behavior of the fabricated samples were investigated with assistance of Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), particle distribution was analyzed throughout the matrix by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) analysis before and after the wear test. ANOVA analysis revealed the nano clay contribution on coefficient of friction and wear of the jute fiber laminate composites.I the present study, isotactic polypropylene (PP)/local organoclay (OC) nanocomposites were prepared by two different methods, namely extrusion and casting method. Cationic surfactant, Hexadecylpyridiniumchloride(CPC) is used to modify the Khulays clay from Saudi Arabia after saturating its surface with Na+ ions. The crystalline structure and properties of OC and PP /OC were investigated by FTIR, XRD, DSC, TEM, SEM to establish the correlation between the preparation method and the degree of clay intercalation/exfoliation in PP matrix. Using simple combustion apparatus, the effect of organoclay content on the flammability behavior of the PP/organoclay was investigated by horizontal burning tests for HB classification, Underwriters Laboratories (UL94). The above investigations reveal that PP/OC nanocomposites prepared by extrusion have the most extensive dispersion of OC particles and high levels of exfoliation compared to that prepared by casting method. The vertical burning tests results showed increase in the ignition time and significant reduction of flame propagation rate of PP/ organoclay nanocomposites compared to neat PPD the emergency of competing materials carbon nanotubes remain at the fore-front of the promising materials for organic electronics like field-effect transistors. Due to their properties, are among the most suitable structure to support the current advancements goals in flexible electronics. However, very few are the ways to make stable single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) dispersions for simple processing. To further push the adoption of this kind of devices in everyday life applications, high-throughput dispersion and fabrication methods must be adopted. In this work, we highlight how a simple process for chirality selection and dispersion of semiconducting SWNT may be used for the realization of all-printed Field Effect Transistors. Chirality selection is operated by polymer-wrapping of the s-SWNTs with poly [(9, 9-dioctylfluorenyl-2,7diyl)-alt-co-(6,6’-{2,2’-bipyridine})] in common organic solvents, with a process optimized for the [6,5] chirality selection. After solution purification, wrapped nanotubes can be dispersed in those solvents suitable for printing. The printing process was performed in ambient air and at room temperature, and the SWNT ink was dispense using a nozzle with an orifice diameter of 60μm over pre-patterned source and drain electrodes. The devices exhibit ambipolarity, with a slight prevalence of the n-type behavior. For both electron and hole accumulations, at VDS = ± 5V (linear regime) 10 6 on-off ratios can be observed, with mobilities (μlin) around 0,3 cm2V -1s-1 for both carrier types. In saturation regime (VDS = ± 60 V) mobility values (μsat) up to 0.8 cm2V-1s-1 for electrons and 0.65 cm2V-1s-1 for holes are reached. The study also highlights the effects of different solvents on the carbon nanotube network formation and transistor performances with best results with those solvents that tend to form polymer pre-aggregates in the printed solution.A groundwater, used as drinking water, has been creating several problems in different countries around the World. The present existing reports of diverse countries showed arsenic concentrations in drinking water is much higher than those proposed by the World Health Organization (10 μg/L). Nanomaterials and nanotechnologies inspire new possible solutions to major environmental issues nowadays. It has been reported that adsorption strategies using nanoparticles turned beneficial as hematite proved to be very efficient for the removal of arsenic in drinking water. However, the adsorption mechanism is not yet clear. In order to shed light on this subject, we attempt to study the interactions between arsenic species and α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles in aqueous medium. The iron oxide nanoparticles were prepared using a solvothermal method. Synthesized hematite nanoparticles were put in contact with As2O3 solutions at room temperature and at pH 4 and 7. The nanoparticles were characterized by FTIR, XRD, UV-vis, XRF and XPS. The results showed that synthesized nanoparticles had an average diameter of crystallite of 30 nm and from XRD pattern also was confirmed a rhombohedra hexagonal closepacked phase for the powders obtained (α-Fe2O3). From optical studies was evidenced that hematite nanoparticle obtained, have semiconductor properties due to band gap value, in this case 2.2 eV. The presence of arsenic on particles surface was confirmed, which is more remarkable when pH=7 condition is employed. On the other hand, after adsorption experiment, it was evident from FTIR and XPS that once arsenic species interact with the nanoparticles, they form mono and bi-dentate surface complexes. The developed methodology could be implemented in the water treatment industries, reducing the costs of the processes and making them more environmental friendly.N natural fibers form an interesting alternative for the most widely applied fiber in the composite technology. Natural biodegradable polymers are called biopolymers. There are two main renewable sources of biopolymers, i.e. (i) starch, polysaccharides and cellulose and (ii) proteins. To improve the mechanical properties of such polymers or to enrich their degradation rate, natural polymers are modified using chemicals. The use of hemp fibers as reinforcement in composite materials has increased in recent years as a response to the increasing demand for developing biodegradable, sustainable, and recyclable materials. Hemp fibers are found in the stem of the plant which makes them strong and stiff, a primary requirement for the reinforcement of composite materials. In the present work, Hemp composites are developed under chemical treatment (Alkaline, Acrylonitrile and Benzoylation treatments) and their mechanical properties are evaluated. Mechanical properties of Hemp/polymer are compared with glass fiber/epoxy. These results indicate that Hemp can be used as a possible reinforcing material for creating low load bearing thermoplastic composites.A series of semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogel based on poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) were prepared by emulsion polymerization. There were 5 samples composed of different amount of initiators and catalysts for emulsion polymerization. The changes of particle sizes of each hydrogel were monitored at temperatures 30oC, 35oC 40oC and 45oC respectively. The optimal hydrogel was coated onto cotton fabrics and then the coated fabrics were investigated by swelling experiment, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermo-behavior of the semi-IPN hydrogel is observed. Experimental data indicates the amount of initiators and catalysts added is an influential factor for the formation of optimal hydrogels while the concentration of hydrogel is not. The coated fabric is able to change the swelling ratio by 10.1% at the Lower Critical Solution Temperature (~35oC), which means the fabric is sensitive to the change of temperature. SEM results indicate that the semi-IPN hydrogel affects the surface appearance of the cotton fabric. Further confirmation of chemical structure is completed by FTIR spectroscopy.

Impact of non-surgical periodontal therapy on OHRQoL in an obese population, a randomised control trial

BackgroundOral Health Related Quality of Life (OHRQoL) is an important measure of disease and intervention outcomes. Chronic periodontitis (CP) is an inflammatory condition that is associated with obesity and adversely affects OHRQoL. Obese patients with CP incur a double burden of disease. In this article we aimed to explore the effect of Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy (NSPT) on OHRQoL among obese participants with chronic periodontitis.Materials and MethodsThis was a randomised control clinical trial at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya. A total of 66 obese patients with chronic periodontitis were randomly allocated into the treatment group (n=33) who received NSPT, while the control group (n=33) received no treatment. Four participants (2 from each group) were non-contactable 12 weeks post intervention. Therefore, their data were removed from the final analysis. The protocol involved questionnaires (characteristics and OHRQoL (Oral Health Impact Profile-14; OHIP-14)) and a clinical examination.ResultsThe OHIP prevalence of impact (PI), overall mean OHIP severity score (SS) and mean OHIP Extent of Impact (EI) at baseline and at the 12-week follow up were almost similar between the two groups and statistically not significant at (p=0.618), (p=0.573), and (p=0.915), respectively. However, in a within-group comparison, OHIP PI, OHIP SS, and OHIP EI showed a significant improvement for both treatment and control groups and the p values were ((0.002), (0.008) for PI), ((0.006) and (0.004) for SS) and ((0.006) and (0.002) for EI) in-treatment and control groups, respectively.ConclusionNSPT did not significantly affect the OHRQoL among those obese with CP. Regardless, NSPT, functional limitation and psychological discomfort domains had significantly improved.Trial registration(NCT02508415). Retrospectively registered on 2nd of April 2015.