UWCScholar
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Recent Submissions
Community interventions for pandemic preparedness: A scoping review of pandemic preparedness lessons from HIV, COVID-19, and other public health emergencies of international concern
(Public Library of Science, 2024) Hafez, Sali; Elsayed, Reem; Ismail, Sharif
Community action is broadly recognised as central to comprehensive and effective system responses to pandemics. However, there is uncertainty about how and where communities can be best supported to bolster long-term resilience and preparedness. We applied a typology of community interventions (Community Informing, Consulting, Involving, Collaborating or Empowering–or CICICE) to cover the diverse range of interventions identified across the literature and used this to structure a scoping review addressing three linked topics: (i) how CICICE interventions have been understood and applied in the literature on epidemic and pandemic preparedness; (ii) the spectrum of interventions that have been implemented to strengthen CICICE and (iii) what evidence is available on their effectiveness in influencing preparedness for current and future emergencies. We drew on peer-reviewed and grey literature from the HIV (from 2000) and COVID-19 pandemics and recent public health emergencies of international concern (from 2008), identified through systematic searches in MEDLINE, Scopus, the Cochrane Collaboration database, supplemented by keyword-structured searches in GoogleScholar and websites of relevant global health organisations.
An in-vitro comparison of the setting time, pH and radio-density of pre-mixed calcium silicate pulpotomy cements
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Bargo, Asmaa Yousif; Peck, Craig
Background: A pulpotomy is a procedure in Paediatric Dentistry aimed at preserving pulp vitality and maintaining tooth integrity. The choice of pulp medicament is crucial for successful outcomes. While Mineral Trioxide Aggregate (MTA) is considered to be the gold standard in a pulpotomy procedure, it has drawbacks such as high cost, variability in mixing, poor handling and long setting time. Several new calcium silicate-based materials have been developed over time, with updated formulations of MTA aimed at addressing these disadvantages. Biodentine, as the first calcium silicate cement indicated for pulpotomy, has been shown to have comparable properties and outcomes to MTA. Biodentine offers a more consistent mix and easier application, making it more comparable to the updated premixed MTA formulations. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare two relatively new pre-mixed calcium silicate medicaments (NeoPUTTY and TheraCal PT) to Biodentine (control) with regards to their setting time, pH and radio-density. The rationale for this study is focused on evaluating whether these newer products meet the criteria for an ideal pulp medicament, particularly in Paediatric Dentistry where efficiency and efficacy are paramount. Existing literature lacks research comparing these properties among newer pre-mixed medicaments. Methods: The study employed a comparative laboratory experimental design, following the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.
The effect of impression tray relief holes on tissue displacement: an in vitro simulation
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Brown-Steenkamp, Lauren; Asia-Michaels, Winifred
Background: Mobile fibrous tissue can cause excessive movement of a complete denture during function, causing discomfort for the patient. Extensive tissue displacement during definitive impression making can have a direct impact on the anatomical form on which the complete denture will be fabricated. When displaced mobile fibrous tissues return to their relaxed state, dislodgment forces might work against the denture base. As a result, the manner in which the tissues are recorded is critical to the retention and durability of the complete denture. The addition of relief holes to the custom tray allows impression material to escape and decreases the pressure exerted to the underlying alveolar tissue, hence minimizing tissue displacement. Aim of the study: To assess the degree of simulated fibrous tissue displacement on edentulous maxillary analogues when three dimensional (3D) printed custom impression trays with various relief hole sizes and quantities are utilised during a one-step secondary impression technique. To achieve this aim, impressions were digitally analyzed by superimposing the 3D digital control and test models for quantitative analysis utilising metrology software.
A comparative analysis of traditional dental screening versus smart phone screening
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Singh, Nuerisha; Naidoo, Sudeshni
BACKGROUND: Oral diseases are widely recognised for their substantial and adverse effects on the overall quality of life and well-being across the lifespan of individuals affected by them. The management of oral diseases imposes a significant financial burden on both a society and its constituents. The utilisation of technology in a suitable and effective manner can enhance the quality of life, serving as an indicator of good health. Teledentistry is a promising avenue for addressing the disparity in the provision and accessibility of dental healthcare services. This would facilitate the delivery of dental consultations to populations who face challenges in accessing or have limited availability of healthcare services, sometimes referred to as remote screening. Teledentistry presents supplementary opportunities that have significant value for contemporary dentistry. These include the provision of online consultations and the facilitation of secure and lawful transmission of patient data, referral letters, photos, and x-rays via mobile applications. AIM: This study aims to prove concordance in accuracy and reliability between mobile smartphone photography for remote screening of teeth compared to traditional chairside dental screening.
Comparison between pre-menopause and post-menopause women regarding periodontal health status in Sudan
(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Elmubarak, Duoaa; Myburgh, Neil
Introduction: Little attention is given to oral health; national oral health guiding principles and strategies in several developing countries must be more evident. Hormonal variations that occur before, during, and after menopause can influence the teeth and periodontium. These changes also affect the body's response to even minor injuries or sustain an equilibrium between beneficial and injurious bacteria in the mouth. Various changes can occur in the oral cavity during the different hormonal phases of a woman's life. However, the most common postmenopausal oral features have been documented, and it is speculated that the decreasing oestrogen levels accompanying menopause may be a risk factor for developing periodontal disease. Aim: The research aimed to determine whether oral health or oral health behaviour affects the periodontal disease status of women before menopause (pre-menopause) and after menopause (postmenopausal).