Future of 50 BDS (final-year) students in jeopardy
Transcription
Future of 50 BDS (final-year) students in jeopardy
Vol. 22 No. 06 August 2016 Published Monthly Reg. No. SS-1210 Inside ISSN 1728-1512 Rs 100 Lifestyle CPSP faces internal crisis: Prof Tipu Sultan 19 Compliance of UNEP Treaty on Mercury ... 06 24 Dental News wishes its readers a very happy Independence Day DE-RECOGNITION OF BADC CREATES UNCERTAINTY Future of 50 BDS (final-year) students in jeopardy By Our Special Correspondent KARACHI - As many as 50 BDS (finalyear) students - 37 girls and 13 boys of Bibi Aseefa Dental College (BADC), Larkana, have been running from pillar to post to get their examinations scheduled which had already been delayed by more than two months owing to an uncertain situation reportedly created by PMDC's recent circular whereby affiliation of the college has been suspended. According to the affected students, the college administration was not in a position to announce the date of their final-year exams unless and until they get a green signal from the PMDC vis-à-vis recognition of their college. However, principal of the college has assured us that he was trying his best to arrange the Editorial Board Editor in Chief Ayaz Mahmood Business Executives Ghulam Hussain Publisher & Managing Editor Syed Hashim A Hasan (Lahore: 0300-4601388) Haroon Rashid PMDC team's visit to the college as soon as possible so that he could conduct their exams in October, they added. Voicing their concern over inordinate delay in their exams, the perturbed students said that not only they but even their parents are also highly disturbed over the news of de-recognition of their college by the PMDC. They were of the opinion that the college administration should immediately meet the PMDC's requirement of appointing associate professors of different subjects in the college for final-year BDS students. "At present we have lecturers of certain subjects but not associate professors," they deplored. Ilyas Sheikh, when contacted by Dental News said that a team of PMDC which undertook its third visit to the college on Dec 15, 2014, through a letter (dated Aug 28, 2015) informed that the college had been recognized. But the recognition of the college Continued on Page 46 LOANS FOR HOSPITALS: Editorial on Page 16 IAMRA urges PMDC to improve quality of education or face the music (Islamabad: 0300-9710774) Executive Director M Hassan Mahmood Editor Azizullah Sharif Senior Sub Editor Khaleeq A Hameed Designing & Layouting Sh M Sadiq Ali Contributors Dr. Rafia Lahooti Assistant Editor M Irfan Ali Dr. Naveen Fatima Online Editor Haseeb Uddin Tel: 021-35833172 35872289 Web: dentalnewspk.com Advertising Manager SM Shakil (0300-2559344) Dr. Kiran Firdous DN Monitoring Desk ISLAMABAD - Thousands of Pakistani doctors face a threat of a comprehensive ban on practice and study in the United States and Europe in the wake of IAMRA's (International Association of Medical Regulatory Authorities) repeated warnings to the PMDC that it should help improve the quality of medical education and close down all illegal medical colleges in the country. According to media reports, the IAMRA had, a few months, back asked the PMDC to improve the quality of medical education and shut all illegal medical colleges. The IAMRA had reportedly warned that in case of non-compliance, it would ask the governments of the United States and all the European countries to impose a ban on the Pakistani doctors' work or study in their respective countries. Confirming that that the IAMRA had issued the warning, PMDC president Prof Shabbir Lehri said that the Council fought the case before the IAMRA and got one-year relaxation for improving the quality of medical education in the country. Continued on Page 46 National News NCP workshop highlights importance of protein sciences DN Report KARACHI - A one-day workshop on "Human Saliva Banking and Protein Analysis for Diseases Detection" held here under the aegis of Karachi University's National Centre for Proteomics (NCP) highlighted the importance of saliva as a possible diagnostic body fluid with respect to protein studies. Delivering her welcome speech, NCP's director Prof. Dr Shamshad Zarina highlighted the importance of protein sciences, saying it was now moving with high pace throughout the world, making a difference in medical sciences. "The National Centre for Proteomics is the only dedicated centre in the country which is equipped with state-of-the-art instruments for conducting protein research. NCP provides services to all the academia in the country and playing its role effectively in human resource development," she said while highlighting the centre's contribution in the form of international publications, number of students passing out from the centre and its other academic activities since its inception. Others who spoke on the occasion included a young dental researcher and author of many dental books, Dr. Zohaib Khurshid; Assistant professor at Karachi University's National Centre for Proteomics, Dr. Syed Faraz Moin and Dr Rabia Sannam Khan, who is currently working on salivary proteomics, cancer and MSD. Sharing their views in the concluding session, participants described the proceedings of the workshop quite informative. In her concluding remarks, Dr Zarina said that the centre was providing all possible opportunity to young researchers and students from biological and medical disciplines in excelling in proteomics field and the workshop was part of such ongoing activities. The workshop was attended, among others, by representatives of several colleges, including Baqai University, Ziauddin University, Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS), Hamdard University, LCMD, Karachi University as well as faculty members of Dow, the Aga Khan University and Baqai University, students of BDS, biomedical engineering, protein sciences and postgraduate students. Facilitators of the workshop included experts from faculty of Dentistry, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia and Baqai Dental College. The session concluded with a vote of thanks and distribution of certificates among participants. World Hepatitis Day observed countrywide DN Report KARACHI - The World Hepatitis Day was marked in Pakistan as elsewhere in the world with a pledge to spread awareness for prevention, control and treatment of this deadly disease. On World Hepatitis Day, 28 July 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) sets out this year's theme, "Know hepatitis - Act now", with an objective to sensitize policy-makers, health workers and the public know about the infection, know their status by getting tested, and finally seek treatment to reduce needless deaths from this preventable and treatable infection. Activities such as walks, seminars and free medical camps were held around the country to improve public knowledge relating the risk of hepatitis, and enhance access to tests of hepatitis and treatment services so as to help eradicate the dreadful disease hepatitis which is fully preventable and treatable disease. Viral hepatitis - known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E - affects millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease. Around the world 400 million people Continued on Page 46 Liver cancer assuming alarming proportion DN Report KARACHI - Vice President of Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases (PSSLD), Dr. Ziagham Abbas said here that liver cancer is the fifth most common cancer globally accounting for 600,000 new cancer cases annually and major burden of this disease lies in the developing countries. This, he said, while addressing an awareness seminar organized by Pakistan Society for the Study of Liver Diseases in connection of the World Hepatitis Day observed on July 28 every year across the globe. Dr Zaigham said about 10,000 new liver cancer cases reports every year in Pakistan and incidents of such cases are growing rapidly in developing countries. He said liver cancer cases are more common among males across the world. He said in Pakistan, it can affect six (06) per 100,000 males and four (04) per 100,000 females. He said liver cancer tends to occur in livers damaged most commonly by chronic infections such as hepatitis B and C. "Contaminated and improperly stored grains and spices may be a contributing factor in causing liver cancer," he added. He said many liver cancers could be prevented by reducing exposures to known risk factors. He said vaccine to prevent hepatitis B is available but there is no vaccine for hepatitis C. He said these viruses can spread through sharing contaminated needles and syringes, reusing unsterilized equipment for surgical and dental procedures, improperly screened blood transfusion, and through childbirth. He suggested people at high risk for hepatitis B or C should be tested for these infections so they can be treated, if required. PSSLD's founding president Prof Dr Wasim Jafri said there are 400 million people in the world who live with chronic hepatitis B. He said hepatitis B transmitted throughout blood, unnecessary use of needles and from an infected mother to her newborn baby during delivery. He said hepatitis B which reportedly affects 3pc of the population in Pakistan is dangerous because it is a "silent infection". He said most people infected with hepatitis B are unaware of their infection and can unknowingly pass the virus to others through their blood and infected bodily fluids. Quoting a recent survey, speakers said hepatitis B and C are major public health problems for Pakistan with an estimated 20 million people affected. Both infections can eventually result in severe liver disease, and in many cases liver cancer, if they are allowed to continue 04 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 unchecked. "In the later stages, these infections are life threatening and become largely untreatable," they said and added: "Unfortunately, most patients with end stage liver disease and liver cancer are in the prime of their lives and often the main bread earners for the family." They further said there have been major advances in the treatment of hepatitis B and C virus infections in recent times. In most patients hepatitis B can be effectively controlled and hepatitis C can be completely cured with the currently available treatments. They said prevention course is the key to reduce the overall disease burden. Main steps include the wide use of hepatitis B vaccine, provision of safe blood and use of sterile needles, surgical instruments, razors, and raising public awareness across the country. Prof Saeed Hamid, Prof Masood Siddiq, Prof S.M. Munir, Prof Masroor Ahmed, Prof Jameel Ahmed and others also spoke on this occasion. Now, most dentist's chairs go up and down, don't they? The one I was in went back and forwards. I thought 'This is unusual'. And the dentist said to me 'Mr Vine, get out of the filing cabinet. Tim Vine Life Style Sugar: Should we keep it or eliminate it from our diet? S ugar seems to have developed a reputation as the big bad wolf in relation to health. Numerous studies associating sugar intake with increased aging, cardiovascular disease, obesity and even cancer had been reported in past years. Such research has led to many health experts around the globe calling for reductions in recommended sugar intake, with some saying we should cut out sugar completely. But is it really that bad for our health? to halve their recommended daily free sugar intake from 10% to 5%. "The objective of this guideline is to provide recommendations on the consumption of free sugars to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases in adults and children," WHO explained, "with a particular focus on the prevention and control of weight gain and dental caries." Biochemist Leah Fitzsimmons, of the University of Birmingham in the UK, told; "Cutting all sugar from your diet would be very difficult to achieve. Fruits, vegetables, dairy products and dairy replacements, Let's investigate; put simply, sugar is a eggs, alcohol and nuts all contain sugar, crystalline carbohydrate that makes foods which would leave you with little other taste sweet. There are many different types than meat and fats to eat - definitely not very healthy." of sugar, including glucose, fructose, lactose, maltose and sucrose - also known The study, published in the journal Nature, as table sugar. suggests artificial sweeteners - including Some of these sugars, such as glucose, fructose and lactose, occur naturally in fruits, vegetables and other foods. But many of the foods we consume contain "added" sugars - sugar that we add to a product ourselves to enhance the flavor or sugar that has been added to a product by a manufacturer. The most common sources of added sugars include soft drinks, cakes, pies, chocolate, fruit drinks and desserts. Just a single can of cola can contain up to 7 tsps of added sugar, while an averagesized chocolate bar can contain up to 6 tsps. It is added sugars that have been cited as a contributor to many health problems. saccharin, sucralose and aspartame - interfere with gut bacteria, increasing the activity of pathways associated with obesity and diabetes. What is more, they found long-term consumption of artificial sweeteners was associated with increased weight, abdominal obesity, higher fasting blood glucose levels and increased glycosylated hemoglobin levels. "Together with other major shifts that occurred in human nutrition, this increase in artificial sweetener consumption coincides with the dramatic increase in the obesity and diabetes epidemics," the authors note. "Our findings suggest that artificial sweeteners may have directly contributed to enhancing the exact epidemic that they themselves were intended to fight." Is eliminating sugar from our diet Sugar can be part of a healthy, balanced diet healthy? A 2013 study published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggested that consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages increases weight gain in both children and adults, while a review paper from the World Health Organization (WHO) notes an increase in the consumption of such beverages correlates with the increase in obesity. Instead of steering away from sugar completely, many health experts believe it can be consumed as part of a healthy diet, with some noting that sugar also has benefits. Sugars can often help to make certain nutritious foods more palatable, which can promote variety in a healthy, balanced diet." The American Heart Association (AHA) - who recommend women should consume no more than 100 calories a day (6 tsps) and men should consume no more than 150 calories a day (9 tsps) from added sugars disagrees, stating that our bodies do not need sugar to function properly. "Added sugars contribute additional calories and zero nutrients to food," they add. But even the AHA do not recommend cutting out sugar completely. Tips to reduce sugar intake Health experts recommend reducing sugar intake to within recommended guidelines. The AHA provide some tips to help do just that: . Cut back on the amount of sugar you may regularly add to foods and drinks, such as tea, coffee, cereal and pancakes . Replace sugar-sweetened beverages with sugar-free or low-calorie drinks . Compare food labels and select the products with the lowest amounts of added sugars . When baking cakes, reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe by a third . Try replacing sugar in recipes with extracts or spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, almond or vanilla . Replace sugar on cereal or oatmeal with fruit. "The key thing to remember is that sugars occur naturally in a wide range of foods - including fruit, vegetables and dairy products - and can be consumed within a healthy, The array of studies reporting the negative balanced diet and active lifestyle. implications of added sugar led to WHO making sources of calories, sugars can be As always, balance and variety in a a proposal to revise their added sugar consumed within a healthy, balanced diet is the most important thing for recommendations in 2014. The organization issued a draft guideline stating they would like diet and active lifestyle" people to remember." 06 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 FDI BRIEFS Women leading change at the FDI annual congress IN a timely nod to political and socio-economic reality, the morning session of the 2016 Women Dentists Worldwide (WDW) Forum, on Sept 8, will be held under the theme 'Women's leadership in global health'. **** Victory for health in Uruguay tobacco ruling HEALTH has just scored a major victory in its fight against 'big tobacco' following the dismissal by the World Bank's International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) of a case brought by Philip Morris against the government of Uruguay. **** Session on Oral Health FAITHFUL to its tradition of addressing the most pressing oral health issues of the day, FDI will be holding a special session on oral health and an ageing population on 10 September - the final day of the Annual World Dental Congress 2016 - in Poznan, Poland. **** Oral Health Literacy THE Academy of Dentistry International, an FDI affiliate member, was recently invited to hold a workshop in the context of the 66th United Nations DPI/NGO Conference 'Education for Global Citizenship, Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals Together' (Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, 30 May-1 June). 08 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 Oral Health Observatory THE aim of the Oral Health Observatory is to understand current needs in dental care related to patients and dental professionals at different levels: local (country-wise), regional and global. It focuses on three main areas of interest: behaviour, clinical and dental practice. Within this context, FDI acts as global convener in oral health and invites all its members to participate. The information collected will allow analysis of current needs in dental care, according to demand, guidance, policy and funding. This will help shape the medium-term planning of professional resources and oral health systems. Behavioural and clinical data in addition to information from the dental practices are collected directly from a network of local dentists. National Dental Associations are responsible for the recruitment of participating dentists. This network of general dental practitioners is responsible for interviewing and "observing" adults and children in their country. Data is collected in a systematic manner using the same core indicators guaranteeing its comparability across different levels. A pilot project was carried out by three National Dental Associations in three countries: Germany, Mexico and The Netherlands from April to July 2015. During the pilot, the project "know how" was evaluate and fine-tuned for its future implementation. Implant dentistry requires Lecture and Hands-On workshop at ICDE expertise: DrJaffer DN Report KARACHI - The Academy of Aesthetic, as a part of continuous dental initiative, organized a workshop on implant at its office here recently. Delivering his lecture on the subject, Dr. M. Amin Jaffer, who did his doctorate in dental surgery (DDS) from the sharing his clinical experience in depth with the participants of the workshop. He alsogave detailed presentation on Atraumatic Extraction with immediate placement. "Today, most of the treatment procedures in dentistry are as much about art and experience KARACHI- Dental Specialists Institute of Continuing Dental Education as a part of CME organized a lecture and hands-on workshop on post, core and impression techniques by using fiber post, bulkfill core and Pentamix Impregum (3M). Students and faculty members belonging to different dental colleges attended the workshop. Dr Zahid Iqbal, HOD & Associate Professor at Isra Dental College, who was programme facilitator, delivered a lecture on post, core and impression techniques. He also explained diagnosis-treatment planning for post and core cases, post system and core materials. He emphasized on different impression materials and Pentamix impression unit (3M) with its application. Dr Zahid also showed different cases which were treated and restored with fiber post, core and crowns. All the participants were provided an opportunity for the fiber post placement, resin cements (Rely x U 200 3M) cementation, bulkfill core restoration and impression by using Pentamix. Later, certificates were given to the participants of the programme. PDA (K) forms women wing University of Michigan, said that the practice of implant dentistry requires expertise in planning, surgery and tooth restoration. Dr Amin, who is doing his private practice in Ann Arbor, Michigan and is associated with Mish Implant Institute since 2012, also presented interesting clinical implant cases, besides as it is about science," he remarked. The workshop was followed by a lively question-answer session in which participants posed a variety of questions to the speaker who answered all such queries in detail. Participantsof the workshop Continued on Page 46 10 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 KARACHI - Pakistan Dental Association's (PDA) Karachi chapter with a view to promoting the art and science of dentistry has formed its women wing. According to a press release of the association, the first four members of the women wing are: Dr Maimoona Mushtaq Khan, Dr Sidra Khan, Dr Tahira Haider and Dr Shahper Shahryar. The aim behind the move is to encourage, guide and help members of the profession in the establishment of their career. Meanwhile, PDA-Karachi has planned an endodontic symposium in mid-August, the release added. Int'l seminar on Dental Research & Periodontology ends DN Report LAHORE - University of Health Sciences Lahore recently celebrated its first dental week, titled as "International Seminars in Dental Research & Periodontology". Dr Sarah Ghafoor from the Department of Oral Biology University of Health Sciences organised the event in collaboration with Pak Association for Dental Research (IADR Pakistan Section), IADSR and Dental News. The week included lecture and workshop seminar. The seminar which was attended by more than 500 participants was aimed at apprising about the recent research and clinical updates, besides giving expert advice on the subject Periodontology to researchers, scientists, general dentists, clinicians, students and community, at large. Guest speakers of the seminar included Prof Dr Khalid Almas, Dr Maher Almasri and Dr Kashif Hafeez from the United Kingdom. The guests' visit was funded by the President's Programme for Care of Highly Qualified Overseas Pakistanis (National Talent Pool) under the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Islamabad. The lectures and workshop were kept free of registration not only in the UHS, but also in two other institutes - Fatima Memorial Hospital College of Medicine & Dentistry and Interdisciplinary Research Center for Biomedical Materials (IRCBM) COMSATS, Lahore. CME/CDE activities were 12 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 also arranged during the dental week. The opening session of the event was chaired by vice chancellor University of Health Sciences, Major-General (Retd) Prof Muhammad Aslam. Later, Dr Maher Almasri and Prof Khalid Almas delivered lectures on the topics of "Hard Tissue Management in Implant Dentistry - Respecting the Biology of Bone" and "Think Outside the Mouth-The Oral Systemic Link: An Update" FMH College of Dentistry Prof Dr NaziaYazdani, Prof Khalid Almas lecture on, "Oral Malodor (a social stigma): Etiology, Diagnosis and Management" and research interactive session on Periodontology & Implantitis by FCPS post graduate residents, faculty of Periodontology, Maxillofacial Surgery and Prosthodontics. Third day of the week included session on, "Guided Tissue Regeneration in Periodontal Practice" at IRCBM COMSATS and interactive session on career guidance, respectively. Those who spoke on the second day of the week included Dean Dental Sciences and Principal Lahore which was conducted by Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry who emphasized on the significance of Dental Materials research and clinical integration, which was continued with dental biomaterials and Guided Tissue Regeneration session with Researcher and Scientists at IRCBM who are working on indigenous-sourced dental materials and biomaterials. Continued on Page 46 National News PMDC sans permanent registrar DN Report ISLAMABAD - Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) is without a permanent registrar although around eight months had already elapsed since the election of the council's incumbent executive committee. There is no full-time registrar in the PMDC since the incumbent, Dr. Ahmad Nadeem Akbar, was forced out in January 2013 on the alleged charges of corruption and mismanagement. After Dr. Ahmad's unceremonious exit, which ran the organisation into a longdrawn-out litigation, either junior registrars or deputationists landed the job on interim basis. Among them were Pakistan Institute Medical Sciences Islamabad's Children Hospital joint executive director Dr Raja Amjad Mehmood, PMDC deputy registrar Dr Shaista Faisal and former Rai Medical College Sargodha chief operating officer Brig (retd.) Hafizuddin Ahmad Siddiqui. Currently, PMDC assistant registrar Syed Azhar Ali Shah stands in for the permanent registrar. Though no one from within the organisation is understood to be currently eligible to run for the prestigious position, Dr Ahmad insists even now, he 'lawfully' holds the registrar's office. He even tried to occupy the registrar's office in line with the health services and regulation ministry's 'favourable notification' issued shortly after the interim management was created. However, the then acting registrar, Dr Shaista Faisal, got in the way and foiled the bid by calling in the police. Dr Shaista Faisal also lays a claim to the office but insiders disagree saying she is shorter in length of tenure and also in the bad books of the incumbent health ministry's bosses for being part of the previous Dr Asim Hussain-led 'corrupt' setup at the PMDC. Though there is a high likelihood of an outsider clinching the position, Dr Ahmad and Dr Shaista are pulling out all the stops for becoming the registrar, especially by drumming up support for their candidacy from within the organisation, the health services and regulation ministry overseeing it. Insiders are not optimistic of the PMDC getting a permanent 14 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 registrar in the near future in the wake of a controversy over the council's rightful management following lapse of presidential ordinance, last year. The incumbent executive committee of the PMDC was elected following promulgation of the ordinance in April, 2015. PMDC President Professor Shabir Lehri insists the incumbent executive committee is the organisation's rightful and lawful management, so it will stay put. However, his predecessor, Prof Masood Hameed, claims that with the lapse of the August 2015 presidential ordinance, previous management of the PMDC had automatically comes into existence. Meanwhile, National Assembly Secretariat's Legislative Branch has reportedly decided to table the bill in a joint session of parliament for approval of the PMDC (Amendment) Bill 2015 that had been pending before the Senate for approval for the last three months or so. It may be recalled here that the bill had been approved by the National Assembly in March this year. Don’t seek admission to unregistered medical & dental colleges: PMDC DN Report ISLAMABAD - The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) has advised students to get admission in only recognised and registered medical and dental colleges. According to an official of the PMDC, all such students could check the list of registered and authorised medical and dental colleges from the PMDC website. He said that no medical or dental institution was allowed to train students which was not registered with the PMDC. He said that all the institutions which were advertising admissions of medical and dental colleges must follow the seat allocation prescribed by the council in order to avoid any inconvenience in future. He added that passed out medical dental graduates without having students registration with the PMDC would not be registered as medical and dental practitioners. National News E d itor ia l Loans for hospitals T HE State Bank of Pakistan's recent decision of launching soft loans scheme for private hospitals empanelled under Prime Ministers National Health Programme (PMNHP) to upgrade their facilities is, of course, a commendable move as the ultimate beneficiaries of the scheme would be the have-nots. The SBP's soft loan scheme will, on the one hand, help improve the facilities existing at the healthcare institutions empanelled under PMNHP and, on the other, provide better treatment facilities and health insurance to the poorest segments of the society at affordable rates. However, it was only possible when the SBP makes it mandatory for the borrowers to pass on the benefit of the subsidy to patients. The PMNHP is not the incumbent government's first initiative to provide health facilities to the poorest segments of the population as it had earlier launched a similar scheme, called Prime Minister's National Insurance Programme (PMNIP). The former scheme was aimed at providing inpatient hospitalisation insurance coverage to 3,100 million enrolled beneficiaries and as per its parameters, the coverage limit was Rs50,000 for secondary care service and Rs250,000 for tertiary care for specified diseases. Highlighting the salient features of the scheme, the SBP announced that mark-up will be charged at KIBOR+500 basis points (bps), however, borrower will actually pay six (06) per cent and the difference of the cost of KIBOR+500 bps will be paid by the federal government. Under risk mitigation, the government will bear up to five (05) per cent losses on the portfolio of banks under the scheme. NBP and FWBL will be the executing agency while other banks will also be encouraged to participate in the scheme. The facility for soft loans will be initially launched in 23 selected districts but would subsequently be expanded to cover the entire country. The loans under PMNHP will be offered to private empanelled hospitals for upgrading their facilities which include purchase of equipment, operation theatre's upgradation and improvement in emergency services. All hospitals, clinics, healthcare units empanelled/shortlisted under PMNHP will be eligible for loans. Besides, qualified MBBS/BDS doctors from an institution recognised by PMDC, clinics/hospitals/labs registered with PMDC and PMA, sole proprietors, partnership firms, private and public limited companies, other bodies/trusts running hospitals and empanelled under PMNHP will also be provided soft loans. Debt-equity ratio will be 80:20 and the borrowers' contribution of equity could be in the form of existing assets and property offered as collateral subject to valuation by banks. Soft loans under PMNHP will be term loans up to Rs10 million and with maximum tenor of eight years. Loans will be disbursed in single tranche but the mode of repayment will be in equal monthly instalments. However, the government and the SBP will have to take certain measures aimed at ensuring that the beneficiaries of the soft loan must spend the amount for the purpose it is being offered, borrowers might not face any hassle in obtaining the loan and, on top of that, the element of transparency must be ensured. No doubt, the need of the hour is to help upgrade the facilities available at private healthcare facilities, most of which, despite being owned by doctors, have compromised the quality in their institutions, but at the same time, one hopes that all the four provincial governments will also make sincere efforts in improving facilities at public sector hospitals so that poor and lowincome group people, who cannot afford expansive treatment charges of private hospitals, may not be deprived of getting quality treatment and that too in a congenial atmosphere. 16 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 RCPS appoints Prof Ghani as Dental Adviser DN Report PESHAWAR - The Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons, Glasgow (UK) has appointed Prof. Dr. Fazal Ghani as its Dental Adviser from Pakistan for a three-year term in recognition of his services in dental education, dental research and dental health. As such Prof. Ghani has become Dental representative from Pakistan as a member of the International Advisers Network of the prestigious Royal Surgical College in the United Kingdom. A short biography of Prof. Ghani has been posted on the Website of the Royal Surgical College Glasgow. As an international adviser to the Royal College, Prof Ghani will frequently hold online meetings, besides undertaking visits to the Royal Surgical College, Glasgow. Prof Ghani did his BSc and BDS from Peshawar, M. Sc, PhD (from London) and FDS & RCPS (from Glasgow). He is currently working as Professor and Head of Department of Prosthodontics, Dean Postgraduate Dental Studies and as Coordinator International Relations at Peshawar Dental College, Peshawar. Earlier, he has worked as Professor and Head of the Department of Prosthodontics, Khyber College of Dentistry Peshawar. Hailing from village Shewa, District Swabi, Prof Ghani did his BDS from the Department of Dentistry, Khyber Medical College, Peshawar in 1981, received postgraduate dental training and education and work experience from the world-famous dental institutions, including Eastman Dental Institute London, University College & Middlesex School of Dentistry London, The Dental Institute, London Hospital Medical College London, Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Glasgow (UK), University of Tohoku, Sendai, Japan and Wonk Wong University, South Korea. Prof. Ghani is the pioneer training supervisor and examiner for the fellowship in prosthodontics of the College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan. He has supervised and examined many candidates and scholars sitting for Fellowship, Master of Science, M. Phil and PhD in the basic and clinical dental disciplines. He has delivered lectures and presented research papers at both national and international conferences and meetings. He has also published over 100 articles and reviewed over 200 articles for publications in various national and Continued on Page 46 Honour for Pakistani doctor LAHORE - Head and Assistant Professor at CMH Medical College, Lahore, Dr Salman Aziz, recently ranked among top six best research presenters of Unilever Competition and Awards ceremony2016 at the 94th General Session HYDERABAD - Dr Zahid Iqbal, who and Exhibition of is currently International associated with Association for the Operative Dental Research Dentistry (IADR) held in department of Isra Seoul, South Korea. Dental press release, there were 59 candidates College/Isra in the competition. University The topic of his research was Hyderabad, has recently been "Discrimination between normal, promoted as Associate Professor. dysplastic and cancerous oral mucosa Dr Zahid, who did his graduation using Raman Spectroscopy: A Tissue from Karachi Medical & Dental Engineering Approach", an emerging College (KMDC) and FCPS field in biomedical research and holds residency, had earlier served a promising future for tissue/organ Ziauddin Dental College as senior transplants. - PR lecturer, assistant professor and consultant Restorative Dentist and the College of Dentistry,Qassim University, Saudi Arabia, as assistant professor. Dr.Zahid joined Isra Dental College in 2014 as chairperson/assistant professor & postgraduate supervisors (FCPS, MDS, and MSc PROMOTION International ADVICE FOR DENTISTS Compliance of UNEP Treaty on Mercury may become effect by 2017 THE recently adopted United Nations Environmental Programme Treaty on Mercury, known as the Minamata Convention, is aimed at protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of mercury. The Treaty was designed to allow significant flexibility to account for local circumstances. This means that each country can comply with the Treaty in a unique way and compliance is likely to come into effect by 2017. Dentists should communicate with their local health ministry for the exact details of their country's compliance agreements. This is the first international treaty to name and include dentistry, prevention and dental research. The Minamata Treaty contains the following provisions to support a phase-down in the use of amalgam: (i) Set objectives to prevent caries thus minimizing the need for restorations; (ii) Setting objectives aiming at minimizing use of amalgam; (iii) Promoting the use of alternatives; (iv) Promoting research into alternative restorative materials; (v) Promoting training in the use of mercury-free alternatives; (vi) Discouraging insurance policies that favour the use of amalgam; (vii) Encouraging insurance policies to favour the use of alternatives to amalgam; (viii) Restricting the use of dental amalgam to its encapsulated form; (ix) Promoting the best environmental practices to reduce the release of mercury. Compliance programmes will need to be taken up by National Dental Associations, and we encourage all practicing dentists to become involved with their dental associations to assist in advocacy for oral health for all. In many cases countries may already comply with a number of these provisions but the Treaty provides an opportunity to develop and refine the relevant activities. The improvement and extension of initiatives to prevent caries is a clear example of how the provisions provide a framework for improvement rather than a single clear defined end point. This toolkit is aimed at the clinical dentist and emphasizes the implementation of programmes in health promotion and disease prevention, how dental amalgam compares to other direct restorative materials and best management practices for amalgam waste. The toolkit focuses on the best available practices but recognizes that not all resources are available in all regions of the world. Where appropriate the toolkit indicates possible alternative approaches. The FDI World Dental Federation, collaborating with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), played a crucial role during the negotiations to balance the need to protect the environment with the provision of optimal oral healthcare. The Treaty goes beyond a simple recommendation to phase down the use of dental amalgam and includes a range of forwardthinking provisions for oral health. These provisions include improved oral health promotion and disease prevention, supporting dental materials research, and offering guidelines for best management practices for amalgam waste. The FDI, in leading the world to optimal oral health, presents this practical informational toolkit to support clinical dentists worldwide so they can understand and comply with the provisions of the Minamata Convention. The toolkit includes a range of ways that individual dentists can adopt immediately that will allow the best care of patients and at the same time to recognize that dentists have a responsibility to the environment for a healthy future for all humans around the globe. The Minamata Convention was agreed upon by 147 nations in January, 2013, opened for signatures in October 10, 2013 and has 102 nation signatures as 24 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 of September 2014. Dental caries, despite being largely preventable, is the most common global chronic disease, and is still the most common chronic disease of childhood (Peterson, 2009). Dental amalgam has long been a safe, effective, durable, and affordable material to restore carious teeth. The presence of mercury in dental amalgam led to dentistry and the FDI becoming directly involved with the United Nations Environmental Programme negotiations on mercury. The FDI negotiating team, collaborating with WHO and IADR, worked hard to ensure that health and oral health care would be supported in the treaty whilst still recognizing the need to protect the environment. Specifically, the Minamata Convention "upholds the use of dental amalgam as a durable, safe, effective cavity filling material" and calls for phasing down amalgam by supporting prevention and health promotion (thereby requiring fewer restorations), encouraging best management practices for amalgam waste disposal and supporting research into alternative materials. Mercury levels in the environment have increased over the last century largely due to human activity. Mercury can be concentrated in the food chain, particularly in fish and marine mammals. The town of Minamata, Japan, after which the Treaty is named, experienced severe mercury poisoning disease from industrial release of methyl mercury in 1950s. Products, processes and industries where mercury is used, released or emitted are addressed in the Treaty, and dental amalgam represents a relatively small but quantifiable part of the overall mercury burden. Natural emissions of mercury into the environment, such as volcanoes, have always been present, but human activity has exceeded natural emissions over the last 200 years (Bayne, et al., 2013). Once released, mercury persists in the environment, and can be repeatedly mobilized, deposited and remobilized between air, water, and soil. Although the total use and release of mercury has declined significantly in many countries in recent years, the fact that mercury can be transported by wind and ocean currents means that it can only be controlled effectively at a global level. Environmental mercury exists in several forms, and those forms have differing impacts on humans and the environment. Methyl-mercury, which affected the residents of Minamata, is the most toxic form of mercury. Dental amalgam contains mercury that is metallically bound to silver and other trace metals. The extremely minimal release of mercury in various oxidation states from amalgam fillings is considered to be far below the limits set by WHO or other competent authorities (Bayne, et al., 2013). Additionally, dental amalgam waste is a very small contribution to the mercury in the environment, while significant environmental emissions of mercury occur primarily from burning coal chloralkali production, artisanal gold mining and fluorescent light bulbs. By properly handling amalgam and amalgam waste, the dental profession can protect the health of the environment and still provide optimal patient care. Perhaps most importantly, efforts and success in disease prevention will diminish the need for restoration and, therefore, diminish the waste products of any restorative material, while increasing human health through improved oral health. Indeed, our leading role in compliance by the dental community with the Minamata Convention will help lead to positive changes to global oral health. The commitment to a phase-down in the use of dental amalgam in the Minamata convention is supported by nine provisions. To be compliant with the Treaty, governments must adopt at least two of these provisions. A clinical demonstration of Duo: porcelain composite hybrid By Dr Muhammad Ali BDS, MCPS, MDS front of teeth to create a smile makeover. They create a beautiful result. Porcelain mimics tooth structure is better than any other restorative material and it is a very durable and extraordinarily strong material that has similar texture, REESTABLISHING a patient's lost natural dental aesthetics is among the important topics of today's dentistry, in addition to function. Color, shape and structural and position abnormalities of anterior teeth might lead to important Before aesthetic problems for translucence and colour to the patients. In order to solve such problems, the technique preferred frequently is to cover the teeth with dental crowns. However, excessive preparation of teeth and damages to the surrounding tissues such as gingiva, are some of disadvantages of crowns. enamel of your natural teeth. Dental artists can manipulate the colour and translucency to recreate the look of any tooth. And it resists stain better than tooth enamel. Very rarely will it discolour, Therefore, in recent years, laminate veneer restorations as a more aesthetic and more conservative treatment option, have been used in dentistry. Veneers are thin, semi-translucent facings usually made out of porcelain that are bonded onto the 28 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 unless the surface has been damaged. These thin shells of porcelain are bonded to your frontal surface of teeth to conceal any discoloration, damage or altered alignment. Not every patient can afford After veneers, especially in today's economy. Until now, there hasn't been a more affordable solution that you can stand behind clinically but Duo: PCH changes that. Duo: PCH is a Porcelain Composite Hybrid is an entirely new aesthetics category, combining the convenience of a composite build-up with the finishing beauty of cerinate porcelain. They are much more simple and affordable as compared with the conventional porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers in Duo: PCH comes with different shape and size that allows the dentist to mix and match veneer to patient's tooth. And finally, the veneers are bonded to the teeth using strong resin composite material. CASE REPORT A 26 -year-old female patient with chief complain of discoloration of anterior maxillary teeth was referred to the Dental OPD. After number of options this young lady decided to have all her anterior upper front teeth to be veneered to get rid of discoloration. CLINICAL EXAMINATION: Discoloration observed on all teeth due to fluorosis MATERIAL: Duo: PCH (prep less pre-fabricated veneers) METHOD: The procedure included; size, recontour, adjust, seat, cure and finish. CONCLUSION: Patient was extremely happy with the result as it was less costly than labfabricated veneers. Smile makeover was done in two visits. There was minimal removal of tooth structure for malalignment of central incisors. Patient achieved beautiful, long-lasting aesthetics that won't stain or wear over time. The researcher is resident (Operative Dentistry) at FJDCH Internship programme KARACHI - Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences recently organized a six-day-long internship programme. The aim of this programme was to guide students and help them in career building with a hope of success. Internship programme included career awareness session, pre-dental hand skills activities, study skill programme and also preparation session for admission in the college.-PR Seminar on oral health held at SIOHS KARACHI - The community department of Sindh Institute of Oral Health Sciences, Jinnah Sindh Medical University recently organized a seminar on "Oral hygiene and Dental health". The motive behind organizing the seminar was to apprise participants about basic dental care as well as to highlight the importance of professional intervention. Seminar was arranged for the parents of Deaf students who were evaluated earlier by dentists. This seminar helped parents to understand how to take care of dental health. Expertise plans to provide dental service to 200 students free of cost.-PR Free Dental Camp KARACHI - Dr Iqbal Khalidi of Dr Iqbal Khalidi & Associates recently organized a free dental camp at Hamdard University Hospital. The aim behind organizing the dental camp was to raise awareness in the community about dental health and to highlight the significance of maintaining oral hygiene. Around 300 patients who visited the camp were examined free of charge and provided 25 per cent discount in overall dental treatment. The doctors who manned camp included Dr Uzma, Dr Humera, Dr Assra, Dr Arsalan and Dr Sidra. The dental camp concluded with distribution of dental kits among patients.-PR 30 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 Dental camp held at Sindh Rangers Hospital SUKKUR - Dr Sikandar Ali Mahar who's working as senior dental surgeon at Taluka hospital, Rohri, recently organized free dental checkup at Sindh Rangers' Hospital, Sukkur. The purpose of organising the dental camp was to create awareness among people about significance of maintaining oral hygiene. All those who visited the dental camp were thoroughly examined. The event concluded with distribution of gifts and goody bags among patients of Sindh Rangers hospital. - PR Eid Milan at HUDH KARACHI - Hamdard University Dental Hospital's (HUDH) faculty members participated in different games at an Eid Milan party held at the lawns of the hospital. The event which began with the recitation from the Holy Quran was followed by speeches. Speaking on the occasion, HCM&D's vice principal and head of Dental Section, Prof Dr Nadeem Hafeez Khokhar, lauded the efforts of organisers of the Eid Milan party. Welcome address was presented by Dr Ayesha Basit. The event was followed by a prize distribution ceremony where awards were given to the `Lady of the day' and HUDH lecturer bags award KARACHI - Hamdard University Dental Hospital's (HUDH) senior lecturer, Dr Wardah Ahmed, won the award for presenting "Best paper for publication" during her participation in the 3rd Public Health Conference held recently in Kuching, Malaysia. The title of her paper was "Assessment of Health Literacy in adult population of Karachi: a preliminary investigation for conceptbased evidence". In her presentation, she highlighted the health care system in cross-cultural perspective, low health literacy level. Stressing the need for resolving such problems at grassroots level through Health Education, she also proposed some policy recommendations. HU faculty members have felicitated her on winning the award at the moot. - PR 32 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 Gum disease bacteria linked to esophageal cancer I n a new study, researchers proposed for the first time that Porphyromonas gingivalis - the bacterium behind gum disease - could be a risk factor for esophageal cancer. Based on studies it was suggested that P. gingivalis are present in cancerous tissue. Findings of different studies provided the first direct evidence that infection could be a novel risk factor for ESCC, and may also serve as a prognostic biomarker for this type of cancer. Researchers found out that levels of both the enzyme and the bacterial DNA were significantly higher in the cancerous tissue of ESCC patients than in surrounding tissue or tissue of normal controls. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), every year, around 15,000 people are diagnosed with esophageal cancer - a cancer that starts in the esophagus or gullet, the muscular tube that moves food from the throat into the stomach. The researchers found levels of P. gingivalis were significantly higher in the cancerous tissue of ESCC patients than in surrounding tissue or tissue of normal controls The lining of the esophagus is made of two kinds of cell, which is why there are two main types of esophageal cancer: esophageal adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). ESCC is more common in developing countries. Speculating on possible explanations; ESCC cells are a "preferred niche" for the bacterium to thrive in, or infection with the bacterium somehow spurs the development of the cancer. If the reason is that the cancer cells offer the bacterium a niche, then simple antibiotics could be a way forward for treatment. Another approach could be to use genetic technology to target the bacterium and ultimately eliminate the cancer cells. The cancer is hard to diagnose in the early stages. At times cancer develops rapidly after diagnosis and prognosis is not good. The known risk factors for esophageal cancer include chemical exposure, diet, heredity and age - all factors already common to many other cancers. 36 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 "It would suggest that improving oral hygiene may reduce ESCC risk; screening for P. gingivalis in dental plaque may identify susceptible subjects; and using antibiotics or other antibacterial strategies may prevent ESCC progression." International Neutrophil and cancer cell ‘crosstalk’ underlies oral cancer metastasis A immunotherapies for patients with n abnormal immune oral cancer that could effectively response or shut down the abnormal immune “feedback loop” could response, the team is currently very well be the underlying expanding upon their study of cause of metastases in oral inflammation and oral cancer. Approximately 3,600 cases of oral cancers, according to cancer are diagnosed in Canada Dr. Marco Magalhaes, every year, yet the survival rates assistant professor at the — 50 to 60 percent over five years University of Toronto’s Faculty — have remained stagnant for of Dentistry and lead decades while other cancer survival rates have dramatically improved. researcher in a study Oral squamous cell is shown invading the extracellular matrix of a healthy cell. About the Faculty of Dentistry, published in the journal University of Toronto neutrophils secrete a group of molecules, Cancer Immunology Research. Combining the rigours of biological and clinical including TNFa, that regulates how the body Magalhaes has unearthed a significant responds to inflammation. research with a comprehensive educational connection between the inflammatory The study noted that oral cancer cells secreted experience across a full range of undergraduate and graduate programs — with and without IL8, another inflammatory mediator, which response of a very specific form of advanced specialty training — the Faculty of activates neutrophils, effectively establishing immune cells, neutrophils, and the Dentistry at the University of Toronto has earned a massive immune-response buildup or spread of this deadly disease. international respect for its dental research and “feedback loop.” “There’s a unique inflammatory response with oral cancers,” explains Magalhaes, citing the growing body of evidence between cellular inflammation and cancer, “because the oral cavity is quite unique in the body. A great many things are happening at the same time.” Magalhaes focused attention on neutrophils, immune cells commonly found in saliva and the oral cavity but not widely researched in relation to oral cancer. Like other immune cells, Ultimately, the researchers found, the immuneresponse loop resulted in increased invasive structures known as “invadapodia,” used by the cancer cells to invade and metastasize. “If we understand how the immune system interacts with the cancer, we can modulate the immune response to acquire an anti-cancer response instead of a pro-tumor response,” Magalhaes argues. While the study points to the possibility of one day creating targeted, personalized 38 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 training. Whether focused on biomaterials and microbiology, next-generation nanoparticles, stem-cell therapies or ground-breaking population and access-to-care studies, the mission is to shape the future of dentistry and promote optimal health by striving for integrity and excellence in all aspects of research, education and clinical practice. You can learn more at www.dentistry.utoronto.ca. -Courtesy DTI, Canada Clinical Cosmetic Dentistry Central details: Smile renewed Esthetic replacement of anterior with esthetic Obsidian crown class IV restorations By Anamaria Muresan, DMD, ME, CDT In the anterior region where esthetics are paramount, certain complications can preclude the use of all-ceramic material. The task then becomes finding a material worthy of the anterior with the durability to meet precise standards. Obsidian Lithium Silicate Ceramic Pressed to Metal (Prismatik Dentalcraft Inc.; Irvine, Calif.) puts an innovative spin on PFMs, with traditional porcelain passed over for lithium silicate ceramic. The result is five times the strength and more than two times the chip resistance of traditional PFMs. A 27-year-old male patient presented with an old PFM crown on tooth #9, which had undergone endodontic treatment about 10 years prior to address decay. A darkened margin, visible due to gum recession on the facial, posed a distinct problem for this anterior case. In addition, the esthetics of the PFM crown were noticeably inadequate. To achieve an optimal outcome in the face of these difficulties, the first task in the treatment plan was to match the gingival height Before Fig. 1: A 27-year-old male patient presents with an old PFM crown on tooth #9, which had undergone endodontic treatment about 10 years prior to address decay. Esthetics Clinical Case Clinical dentistry and photography by: Dr. Paulo Monteiro, Caparica, Portugal. Initial Situation Female patient 30 years old. Patient was not satisfied with current anterior restorations (maxillary central incisors). Patient also expressed dissatisfaction with shade and surface texture. Challenge Creating smooth and natural-looking restorations for patients who demand the highest level of esthetics can be challenging. Using materials that mimic shade and opacity of dentin and enamel is critical. -Courtesy DTI, Portugal After Fig. 2: Obsidian Pressed to Metal crown masks the darkened stump shade at the gingival third while also blending in with the overall smile. of tooth #9 to #8. Choosing Obsidian for the new crown was important in providing esthetics, as all-ceramic materials were eliminated from consideration due to the dark gingiva of the tooth in question. In relation to the rest of the patient’s smile, the PFM crown on tooth #9 does not offer harmonious shade and contours and fails to mirror the natural translucency and character of tooth #8. I used a gingivectomy Continued on Page 46 42 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 Fig. 1: Initial situation: patient was not satisfied with current restorations. Fig. 2: Teeth were etched after preparation using Single Bond Universal Etchant. Fig. 3: Single Bond Universal Adhesive is scrubbed into the surface, air dried and light cured with Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light. Fig. 4: A silicone matrix was used to create the palatal wall with Filtek™ Z350XT Universal Restorative, shade CT. Fig. 5: The interproximal enamel layer was built with Filtek™ 350XT Universal Restorative, shade A3E and light cured with Elipar™ DeepCure-S LED Curing Light. For the incisal halo, Filtek™ Z350XT Flowable Restorative Fig. 6: Application of the dentin layer using Filtek™ Z350XT Universal Restorative, shade A1D. For volume control the Misura instrument (LM Arte by Style Italiano) was used to leave a 0.5mm space for the facial enamel. Fig. 7: Creation of mamelons and application of a small portion of Filtek™ Z350XT Universal Restorative, shade CT between the dentin layer and incisal halo to enhance translucency at the incisal edge. Fig. 8: The final enamel layer of Filtek™ Z350XT Universal Restorative, shade A3E was applied and light cured. Fig. 9: Sof-Lex™ Discs are used to define the outline of the restoration and create secondary anatomy. Fig. 10: Pre-polishing of restoration with Sof-Lex™ Pre-Polishing Spiral. Fig. 11: Polishing with Sof-Lex™ Diamond Polishing Spiral to create a final smooth and high-gloss polish. Fig. 12: Final restoration is very natural-looking. International Dental plaque bacteria hitch a ride in blood to fortify colon cancer Mouth microbes travel through the circulatory system to give tumours at the other end of the gastrointestinal tract a helping hand. Belinda Smith reports. Bacteria that cause dental disease hijack thebloodstream to travel to the colon where they latch on to tumours and help them grow, new research shows. Biologists from the US and Israel discovered that the common Fusobacterium nucleatum bacteria uses a protein called Fap2 to stick to colorectal cancer cells and shields the tumour from the body's immune system. The work, published in Cell Host & Microbe, may not only give oncologists a means to block colorectal tumour growth, but also a means to deliver cancer-killing drugs. Only in the past few years has the influence of microbes that dwell in and on our body on the growth and progression of colorectal cancer been unveiled. One particular strain, F. nucleatum, emerged as an interesting example. Colon tumours tend to have lots of the rod-shaped bacteria stuck to them while the surrounding tissue is pretty much bare. But the bacteria's preferred habitat isn't the gut - it's the mouth, where it binds to other microbes to form blobs called biofilms. These masses of bacteria are the plaque that accrues on tooth enamel and along the gum line and can cause diseases. So how does F. nucleatum make the journey from mouth to colon? The obvious answer is it's swallowed and travels through the gastrointestinal tract, but studies searching for it in the stomach and small intestine have largely drawn a blank. Jawad Abed and Johanna Emgard from the Hebrew University in Israel and colleagues thought the bacterium may hitch a ride in the bloodstream. To test this, they injected fusobacteria into the vein of mice with colorectal tumours. They found it didn't matter if the tumours were precancerous or malignant - fusobacteria in the blood sought them out and stuck on tight, but largely ignored the surrounding healthy tissue. The colon of mice without tumours had no fusobacteria, suggesting that a tumour is required for the bacteria to make the jump from the bloodstream. Using human and mouse cells, the team uncovered the sticking mechanism favoured by fusobacteria. A protein hanging off the outside of the bacterial cell, Fap2, recognised and grabbed onto a sugar found on colorectal tumour cells called D-galactose-?(1-3)-Nacetyl-D-galactosamine (thankfully shortened to Gal-GalNac). Previous studies showed that Fap2 is instrumental in helping colorectal tumour cells fly under the immune system's radar, too - so allowing the tumour to grow and the bacteria flourish. Poo transplants transfer much more than bacteria Gilad Bachrach, also from the Hebrew University and a senior author of the study, acknowledges that the work does have limitations. For instance, in some mouse models, colorectal tumours grow quickly - often within a few months. In humans, though, tumours tend to grow over years. And will brushing teeth more often help keep the risk of colorectal cancer risk down? Bachrach's not sure yet: "Based on our findings, it's too early to say whether we can prevent mouth bacteria from travelling through blood to the colon and promoting tumour formation or if some people are more at risk than others." - Courtesy Cosmosmagazine. New study: North American dental lasers market 2016: global industry research report By Carl Jackson Laser therapy in dentistry ensures less bleeding, less trauma, reduces contamination through instruments, and increase in comfort of the patient. The procedural time is reduced as most of the tedious processes are eliminated. Latest industry research report on: Dental lasers are used for diagnosing dental disorders using laser therapy. It eliminates the need of surgical instruments such as dental drills, hand pieces, and dental anesthetics. The reduction in risks associated with dental surgical instruments and time for therapy creates new pathways for the use of dental lasers. The global increase in the awareness level of oral hygiene, increasing aging population, increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry, prevalence of gingivitis, caries & periodontics, and rising disposable income in the developed nations such as the U.S. and Canada are factors responsible for the growth of the North American dental lasers market. However, high cost of surgery is a factor restraining the growth of the market. The North American dental lasers market is segmented on the basis of product, end users, and countries. The product segment is classified based on soft-tissue lasers and alltissue (hard/soft) lasers. The market is further classified based on end user into dental clinics, hospitals, and other end users. Geographically, the market is divided into U.S.A., Canada, and Mexico. The prominent market players operating in the world are AMD Lasers, CAO Group Inc., Biolase Inc., Fotona D.D., Danaher Corporation- Kavo Dental GMBH, Convergent Dental, Ivoclar Vivadent AG, Sirona Dental Systems Inc., Syneron Dental Lasers -Syneron Medical Ltd., and Zolar Technology & Mfg Co. Inc. Various strategies, such as mergers & acquisitions, expansions, joint ventures, and others have been implemented by key manufacturers to gain stronghold of the market. . The report offers an in-depth analysis of key 48 DENTAL NEWS / August 2016 driving and hindering factors of the North American dental lasers market. . The report provides an extensive analysis of current and future market status of the North American dental lasers market. . This report offers an in-depth quantitative analysis of the current market and estimations through 2015 and 2020, which assists in identifying the prevailing Market Opportunities. . Geographically, the North American dental lasers market is segmented into U.S., Canada, and Mexico. . An extensive analysis of dominant market shares for each segment helps in understanding the current market status. . The report provides an exhaustive information about new product launches, research and recent developments of the North American dental lasers market. . This study evaluating competitive landscape has been taken into account to help in understanding the competitive environment across geographies. Key Market Player are: AMD Lasers, CAO Group Inc., Biolase Inc., Fotona D.D. Danaher Corporation- Kavo Dental GMBH Ivoclar Vivadent AG Convergent Dental, Sirona Dental Systems Inc., Syneron Dental Lasers - Syneron Medical Ltd. And Zolar Technology & Mfg Co. Inc.