Digital Garage Exam Answers have been updated. Please don't forget to Comment, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. If you've been searching for google digital garage exam, here you go with that. You need to have a % passing score in digital garage to attain the certificate.

If you only want Updated Final Exam Answers (40 Questions) You can find that here - and down after these modules also

We hope you've done the registration if not find the link below and start right ahead

Here is the exam link- www.enthralaviation.com

No. Of Modules - 26
No. Of Questions - 
Score Required – %

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers

Module: 1/26 – The online opportunity

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 1 (Skippable)

A. Intro to the Digital Garage 

Doing business online brings lots of fantastic opportunities – it can really help your company in new and exciting ways. Once your business is online, what opportunities can you take advantage of?

Finding lots of new customers – everyone’s online these days

Selling your products or services straight from your website or app

Delivering targeted advertising to customers

Saving money on your heating bills

Learning more about what your customers love

Using analytics to power your online sales

B. Your digital opportunity 

Karl, a year-old mechanic, runs the local garage in a small town and is considering taking his business online. How could going digital benefit his business?

He’d be more visible to customers

He can target ads at local customers

It’s easier to communicate with customers

Less need for customer conversations

More insights into customers’ online behaviour

He can modernise his company logo

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 1 ( Unskippable)

1. The increased use of the Internet presents a lot of potential for which types of businesses?

All businesses

Small business owners

International businesses

Local businesses

2. Taking a business online can involve Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen different steps. When starting out, which activity could be a part of this process?

Sending flyers with your web address to customers

Creating a business listing in online local directories

Increasing print and billboard advertising

Building a team Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen digital advertising experts

3. Which of the following is the easiest way for visitors to learn about a business while visiting a website?

Getting a free ‘taster’ of one of your products when they sign up to receive emails

Listening to an audio file that auto plays whenever someone visits your site

Browsing your product pages and reviewing the Frequently Asked Questions page

Reading the terms and conditions for your products on your site

Click here for answers

4. What is a key benefit of having an online presence for a business?

The ability to sell products directly to customers through social media

Being visible when people search for a business like yours

Sending users emails to update them on new products

Being able to offer Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen customers promotional discounts

You may also like Google Digital Garage All Modules

Module: 2/26 - Your first steps in online success

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 2 (Skippable)

A. Your Online Goals 

Hamish is a successful hairdresser. He’s decided to grow his business by opening another salon. Hamish doesn’t have an online presence yet, but thinks this might help. Which of his business goals could being online help him achieve?

Attract new customers

Gather customer feedback

Source new hair colouring products

Advertise extended opening hours

B. Building Your Online Presence 

Hamish has created a website with an online booking system for his salon appointments. He wants to engage more with his customers and came up a list of goals. Help Hamish to match each task with the online tool you think he should use to achieve his goal.

Gather customer feedback – Email Survey

Tell customers about the extended opening hours – Social Media Page

Show customers Hamish’s latest hair looks – An online gallery

Help local customers find the new salon – A Map

C. Marketing Your Online Presence

Hamish’s website isn’t getting as many visitors as he’d like. He’s heard that search engine marketing (SEM) can help, but isn’t sure how it works. Can you explain what SEM enables you to do?

Buy ad space on a search results page

Bid for keywords to display your content in search engines

Tag keywords within your website content

Optimise your website’s design

D. Analyse and adapt 

Despite his digital presence, the number of hits on Hamish’s website is still low. He’d like to use analytics to find out more about how customers are interacting with his site. What can he learn from analytics? Select the ways you think analytics can help business owners.

Show which pages of a website are most popular – Yes

Log which items of the website are clicked on – Yes

List Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen parts of the website a user doesn’t like – No

Identify where in the world visitors are logging on from – Yes

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 2 ( Unskippable)

5. Which tool helps you measure the success of your website?

Keyword Planner

Ad Gallery

Ad Preview Tool

Analytics

6. Which of the following statements is true when it comes to taking a business online?

Stick to what you are doing and don’t make changes

The same content works across online and offline platforms

Use analytics to make informed decisions

Use analytics to track your customers across the Internet

7. Which term best describes the business activity that occurs when website visitors buy products or services from you online?

E-commerce

Display advertising

Search engine marketing

Pay per click

Click here for answers

8. Which of the following statements is true when marketing your business online?

You need a website to show up in search results

You’ll reach a similar client base to the one you have in the real world

You’ll be seen by the same volume of customers whether you use search advertising or not

Social media is a great way to engage your audience

Module: 3/26 - Build your web presence

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 3 (Skippable)

A. Choosing your online presence 

Addie runs a local bakery. After getting the business up and running over the last six months, she’s now ready to create a digital presence.
What do you think Addie should set up first: 

A social media profile

A mobile app?

B. How websites work? 

Addie is investigating how to create business websites for her local bakery business. She’s Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen to get her head around how websites work. How good is your tech knowledge? Can you check the facts for Addie?

An IP address is made up of a string of numbers that can be located by any device connected to the internet – True

A browser figures out where online content is hosted and displays it to the user – True

Every website is hosted on a server – True

When users navigate to a website it is known as ‘hosting’ – False

C. Key website ingredients 

Addie owns the Knead to Know Bakery and has decided to open a website.
But first she needs to choose a domain name.
Take a look at her ideas and select the best domain name by crossing off the rest.

www.enthralaviation.com

www.enthralaviation.com

www.enthralaviation.com

www.enthralaviation.com

www.enthralaviation.com

D. Websites and your business goals 

Addie is drafting a description for the About Us page of her bakery website.
Which do you think works best?

Love cake? So do we. Here at knead to know Bakery we have a passion and reputation for creating the most delicious cookies, cakes and bread.

E. Make your website easy to use 

Addie wants to make her website easy to navigate. Which of the following features should Addie include on every page of her website?

Side menu

About Us information

Bakery logo leading to homepage

Search field

F. Website design do’s and don’ts

To make the homepage of her local bakery website interesting, Addie wants to add some media elements to it.
Different elements will cause the page to take longer to load, so she needs to get the right mix for the site.
Can you put the following elements in order from the ones with the longest load time to the shortest?

2 minute HD advertising video for the bakery

Large high res, full screen background image

20 second explainer animation

Low res compressed thumbnail image

Twitter button that links out to twitter page

Text descriptions

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 3 ( Unskippable)

9. Which of the following statements is true when it comes to developing a web presence for a business?

Customers can learn about a business by downloading a mobile app, but they can’t place an order using an app

Building a new website requires a large budget

Mobile apps enable your customers to purchase your products without being on your website

All businesses must have a website to sell products

 What is a web server?

The customer service representative you can call when you have questions about your website

The answer you get when you search a term on the web

A computer connected to the Internet with software that allows Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen to host all the components of your website

The device that determines the speed of your mobile connection

 Fill in the blank: A __________ is a shortcut to other pages on your site or elsewhere on the web.

Hyperlink

Return link

Menu bar

Breadcrumb

Click here for answers

 Which of the following is something you’ll probably want to exclude Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen your website?

Prices

A lot Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen deep scientific information and detailed statistics

Special offers

Certifications to show you’re qualified to provide a service

 Which of the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen is an example of a ‘call to action’ on a website?

A list of phone numbers customers can use to get in contact with you

A Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen directions to our store’ button which when clicked, redirects to a map displaying directions to the store based on the customer’s current address

An icon button that takes the customer to your social media accounts

A hotline phone number that helps users complete their purchases

 What should you consider when developing your website content?

What your customers Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen looking for

Your latest promotions and discounts

Your brand values

Whether the content will go viral or not

Click here for Answers

Module: 4/26 - Plan your online business strategy

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 4 (Skippable)

A. The benefits of an online strategy

Sam has recently decided to launch an online fitness coaching service. He has registered a domain name and set up a website, but is unsure of how to launch his business online in a way that will help him grow sustainably. Help Sam create his own online business strategy, by selecting the correct steps he should take.

What should his first step be? – Define business goals

What should his second step be? – Write a mission statement

What should his third step be? – Identify his USP

B. Taking a business online

Omar owns a stall selling handmade cosmetics, and wants to launch an e-commerce site. He has lots of experience selling his products in person at markets, but is now hoping to reach more customers online.
Can you advise Omar on how to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen both his online and offline business successful?

He should focus on duplicating his successful offline marketing efforts to an online audience – False

He should sell at a cheaper price on the website to attract more customers – False

He should identify his various online and offline audiences, and how best to engage them – True

He should consider paid online advertising as the sole means of promoting his business online – False

C. Understanding customer behaviour

Holly owns a dance studio. To improve sales of dance classes, she is reviewing how her marketing team could update the company’s online presence.
As part of the rebrand, the team listened to customer feedback and mapped customer journeys. They identified two things online customers generally struggled with: navigating the website and finding the business’s contact information.
Which of the brand’s touchpoints should Holly modify to help address her customer’s feedback?

Website layout

Instagram account

Instructor’s Blog

Email marketing

D. How to stand out from the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen owns a protein shake company, which has been trading for 3 years. Her products are stocked in a number of gyms, but the company has not seen much growth in recent months. Bobbi would now like to break into the online market to boost product sales.
Which of the following actions should Bobbi take to identify opportunities for online business growth?

Hire a financial planner

Identify a USP

Ship to new countries

Build a SWOT analysis

Distribute feedback forms to suppliers

Review competitor websites

E. Using goals to improve business performance

Ryan has written some KPIs to help his fitness centres achieve the business goal of “improving overall client satisfaction”.
Review these four KPIs. Which do you think fit the criteria of being specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and time-bound?

Ensure 80% of clients use the gym’s online system to book personal training appointments

Increase how much money customers spend in the gym’s juice bar

A score of 85% or more in the annual survey for the question ‘Would you recommend this gym to a friend?’

Ensure 90% of new gym members book an induction session within the first two weeks of joining

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 4 ( Unskippable)

 What is the first step in creating an online business strategy?

Identifying business goals

Understanding what the competition is doing

Knowing the market

Aligning goals to the strategy

 What is the purpose of the ‘See, Think, Do, Care’ framework?

To help determine a marketing strategy

To help a business understand the customer journey online

To help a business reach a global audience

To give insight into specific customer groups

Click here for answers

 Why is optimising customer touchpoints online beneficial for businesses?

It allows brands to add pop-up ads at every point of the customer journey, ensuring high visibility

It gives businesses the opportunity to save money on online advertising

It Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen customers with value every time they come into contact with a brand, helping build trust

It gives businesses an opportunity Triple Dragon Fortune Slot Review collect more data from potential customers

You may also like: Google Ads Search Certification Answers

 Once you’ve worked out your Unique Selling Point (USP), how would you use it in a long-term online strategy?

Incorporate it within marketing materials across all channels to help raise customer awareness

Create an email campaign letting your customers know why you are unique

Film a video explaining your unique selling point and send it to employees

Create a press release and distribute it through your channels

 What type of information can KPIs provide?

Audience segmentation

Long-term projections

Financial viability

Board decisions

Module: 5/26 - Get started with search

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 5 (Skippable)

A, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Search engine basics

Seth is opening a coffee shop and is looking to attract new customers. Take a look at the list of benefits Seth sees in using search engines, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. One statement is not true. Can you cross it out?

Customers can locate Seth’s products and services when they search for them online

Search engines can help to get the word out locally about Seth’s new business

Search engines can help Seth to target customers who are already looking for his business

Customers will see advertisements for Seth’s business whenever they use a search engine

B. How search engines work

Seth’s coffee shop is unique – it has an outside roof terrace and a library area so customers can read while they sip. He also sells rare coffee beans imported from Peru. What are a few techniques he could use to make his website more relevant to its desired users?

Point out unique aspects of his business

Write a blog to sing the praises of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Peruvian beans

Make sure his shop appears on Google maps

Paste in a product description of his Peruvian beans that he found on another website

Try to get other coffee-enthusiasts to review his business/website

C. How search engines see the web

Seth would like to make sure as many interested customers as possible are seeing his business’s website displayed in their search results.
What are a few things he could pay attention to in order to achieve this?

Image file names

Page titles

Key words in the content

Keyword meta tags

D. Organic search explained

Organic search results appear when someone makes a search using a search engine. They aren’t paid for by businesses and they aren’t adverts.
Which of the images shows the organic search results from this particular search?

3rd Picture

E, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Paid search explained

Seth is considering advertising his business using paid search results. What do you think makes paid search advertising so effective as a marketing method? Look at the following statements and decide whether they are true or false.

Seth’s adverts are shown to people who are already interested in his type of business. – True

Seth will only be charged for advertising when his ad appears in the search Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. – False

The paid search results are given a more prominent position on the search results page, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. – True

Seth will be charged for advertising only when someone clicks on his ad. – True

F. Google search Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen website has been up and running for a while, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, but he isn’t sure how effective it’s been at drawing in new customers.
How can Google Search Console help Seth with this?

It can help show whether he’s using proper keywords in his content

It can recommend better page titles for Seth to use

It can recommend content that will drive more traffic to his site

Also checkout new updatedGoogle ads display certification exam answers

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 5 ( Unskippable)

 Why are search engines a great place for a business to be found?

People pay to use search engines, so there is a wealthy customer base there

People who search are actively looking for information, products or services

Search engines are a big trend these days

Search engines guarantee new customers

Click here for answers

 What technology do search engines use to ‘crawl’ websites?

Androids

Interns

Automatons

Bots

 Which of the following can help a search engine understand what your page is about?

The date it was published

The number of images used

The total number of words

The title tag

Click here for Answers

 Fill in the blank: Spending money on search advertising influences Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen your website appears in ___________.

Organic search results

The search results page

Business directories

Display advertising networks

 Which of these is an important factor in the paid search auction system?

How famous your brand name is

How cool your logo is

How long your business has been around

How relevant your ads are

Click here for answers

 Which of these can Google Search Console help you to do?

It helps you increase your social media following

It helps you optimise your Google My Business listing

It helps you understand which keywords people are searching for on Google

It helps you run A/B tests on your home page

Module: 6/26 - Get discovered with search

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 6 (Skippable)

A. Intro to search engine optimization (SEO) 

Eric is expanding his business by selling fruit and veg online. His website has been up and running for a while but he’s not getting many views or orders online.  Eric knows he can improve his search engine results with either paid search or SEO. Take a look at the following search results screens. Where will his website appear in the search results if he purely uses SEO to improve his results? 

3rd Picture

B. The Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of an SEO plan 

Eric is keen to improve his search engine results and he wants to use SEO to do it. He’s written the step-by-step process for his SEO plan, but it’s currently in the wrong order. Can you reorder it? 

Do keyword research 

See where I appear in search results for specific keywords 

Look for gaps in my SEO performance 

Review results and adjust plan 

C. The SEO process 

Eric sells fruit and veg online and is using SEO to improve where he ranks in search engine results, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. He’s researched what people search for to get to his website, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and he’s created content to match it.  Eric’s SEO work doesn’t stop there though. He’s been talking to some friends and they’ve all offered him advice about how he should keep up with SEO over time.  Which advice should he not take? 

Contract an agency offering top organic search positions

Don’t change your keywords Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen it confuses search engines

Stay up to date with search engine changes

Read about the trends in your industry and use them to create content for your page

Get opinions from your customers on what might be missing from your site

D. How to choose keywords 

Eric is optimising his fruit and veg website for SEO and would like to improve his ‘long tail’ keywords. Which of these sets of words contains an example of long tail keywords? 

Buy organic potatoes from a family farm

E. Setting realistic SEO goals 

Eric has been selling fruit and veg online for a while.  He’s chosen the keywords that he feels will drive the right people to his website; now he needs to track the progress of these keywords with analytics tools.  What information will analytics give him? 

Where website visitors are located

Which website visitors turn into paying customers

What content visitors interact with

Whether customers enjoy the fruit and veg they buy

Google Digital Garage Exam Fruit Bowl XXV Slot Machine Review Module 6 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following factors should you consider when optimising your website for search engines?

Colour scheme

Recycled content

Inspiring business name

Site popularity

 What should be the first step of a structured SEO Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen your ad budget

Buying an analytics software

Setting up your presence on social media sites

Keyword research

Click here for Answers

 When it comes to search ads, which of the following could dictate how an Quasimodos Bells Slots Machine will perform against a competitor?

Social media following

Bid value

Domain authority

Average number of visitors to the company’s website

 Fill in the blank: Short strings of specific keywords with low search volume are called ___________.

Long-hair keywords

Long-tail keywords

High-relevance keywords

Top-tail keywords

Click here for answers

 Which of the following would be an ideal goal for an SEO plan?

Increasing social media likes and follows

Increasing how many relevant people visit your website

Showing your website to as many people as possible

Being in first place in SERP for any keyword

Module: 7/26 - Make search work for you

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 7 (Skippable)

A. Making your web pages search friendly

Eric Blake sells the produce from his farm online.
He wants to optimise the page that sells fruit and vegetables, so he’s looking into titles and meta tags, headings, and improving his copy.
Can you help Eric choose a suitable title and meta description?

Click to select title – Blake’s Produce: Fresh Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and Vegetables

Click to select meta description –Fresh fruit and vegetables grown locally and delivered straight to your door

B. How other websites can work for you

Eric is working on his website, which sells produce from his farm.

He’s thinking of different ways to improve his website so that it appears on more search engine results and gets more traffic.
Which of these ideas will help improve his search visibility?

Write recipes that use vegetables that he sells

Get lots of likes or followers on social media

Encourage others to write about his website

Add lots of links to the website

C. Cross borders with SEO

Eric’s farm produce business started locally in the UK, but he’s started getting orders from overseas as well.

Not wanting to miss this opportunity, Eric decides to optimise his website to an international audience. What should he avoid doing?
Select the things Eric should avoid then select Submit to remove them.

Separating out each language into different pages

Having different languages on Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen same page

Adding language annotations to his webpage

Using automated services to translate content

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 7 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following page titles would be most suitable for a website page describing a store’s return policy?

How to Send Stuff Back

[Company Name’s] Return Policy

Return Policy

Company Policies

 Which of the following is a good way to get other websites to link to your site?

Keep linking to them until they link to you

Send them emails until they link to you

Building relationships with similar sites

Use as many relevant keywords on the page you’d like them to link to

Click here for Answers

You may also like:Google Shopping Ads Certification Exam Answers

 When expanding a business internationally, which of the following is most important to provide on your website?

Products and delivery details in the correct currency

Time and dates written in the local format

Exchange rate information

Free giveaways for local customers

Module: 8/26 - Make search Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen for you

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 8 (Unskippable)

 Search engine marketing can also be called what?

Pay-per-click advertising

Organic advertising

Search box marketing

One-click advertising

Click here for answers

 In an SEM auction, your Quality Score is based on which aspect of your ad?

Bid

Relevance

Wit

Length

 Fill in the blank: It’s possible to determine how well a/an ___________ will perform without bidding on it.

Auction

Website

Keyword

Advert

Click here for Answers

 What should your search ad have in order to promote more clicks?

A call to action

A catchy headline

A close-up photo

A social media link

Module: 9/26 - Improve your search campaigns

Higher ad positions on the search results page

Higher cost per clicks on your ads

Ads that will ensure more purchases

Click here for answers

 When it comes to search ads, which description best describes ‘negative keywords’?

Keywords with no association to your site

Keywords with a poor search volume

Keywords that are excluded from Star Slots Machine campaign

Keywords that are typed incorrectly

 Fill in the blank: If you use __________ keywords when building your search ads, minor variations, like plurals, can still trigger the ad.

Exact Match

Random Match

Direct match

Close match

 What can conversion tracking in search help you measure?

How many transactions are completed on your site overall

How many people click on your SEM ad and end up browsing your site

How many people visiting your site from a search ad end up completing a purchase

How many customers your ad has converted into brand ambassadors

Click here for answers

Module: 10/26 - Get noticed locally

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 10 (Skippable)

A. Marketing to the locals
Jim is running a bike shop in a popular tourist city and he’s started a bike hire service.
What would be the better way for Jim to attract more tourists – a map feature or a social media page?

1st Picture

B. The power of local directories
Jim owns a local bike shop and wants to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen noticed more by the people in his town.
He decides to use the internet to connect with customers online by creating a listing for his business in a local directory like Google My Business.
Help Jim create his listing by choosing the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen information he should add.

Jim’s Bikes

10 Bird Way, Cowseld, West Sussex, RH11 5XN

Phone number

Open 9–5 Mon–Sat

Image of a bike

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 10 ( Unskippable)

 How can you improve a business’s visibility to people located near you geographically?

Translate your website into at least two more languages

Offer free phone support during business hours

Ensure you have good analytics on your website

Make sure your phone number, address and business hours are easy to find

 Which of the following is an example of a local search?

“bike shop near me”

“bike shop in UK”

“local bicycle shop”

“bike shops”

 Which of the following is a benefit of registering your business in online local listings?

Discounted pricing on your search advertising campaigns

Increased likelihood of being discovered through search engines

More mentions on social media platforms

Guaranteed sales to local customers

Click here for answers

 Which three pieces of information are essential to include first in your local directory listing?

Business address, website, telephone numbers

Business name, business address, telephone numbers

Website, telephone numbers, email address

Business name, email address, website

Module: 11/26 - Help people nearby find you online

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 11 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following factors help search engines determine if your business is local?

Location details on the website, quality content and how mobile friendly the website is

Location details on the website, list of shops local to you and a contact form

Quality content, list of local suppliers and location details

Location GPS tags on photos, quality content and how mobile friendly the website is

 When looking to attract a local audience, why it is important to optimise your website and content for mobile users?

Because local users tend to use their mobile devices when they’re out of the house

Because mobiles will replace desktop computers

Because all online users browse on mobile devices these days

Because marketing for mobile is more cost effective

Click here for answers

 Which of the following can help you gain visibility in search engines?

Adding relevant content that highlights the location of your business

Including your address on your Twitter account

Optimising your site for desktop devices only

Adding a list Prize of the Valkyrie Slots Machine shops local to you on your website

Module: 12/26 - Help people nearby find you Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 12 (Skippable)

A. Social media basics

Lily runs a vintage clothing company. She’s set up an Instagram and a Facebook page, and has gained some followers by putting a sign up in her shop. What can Lily do to keep these followers and encourage others?

Start a conversation with your followers

Comment on all of your followers’ personal posts

Delete all negative comments

Post regularly

Name and shame competitors

B, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The right social media sites for you

Lily has drafted a number of different posts for her social media accounts. Can you match the post to the best social network for each of the following scenarios?

Vintage Lily is looking for a carpenter to create a bespoke counter top for our vintage clothing shop; contact me for details – Linkedin

Loving these recent photos of the new range by my fantastic photographer friend Rae – Instagram

So excited about our first ever after-hours vintage fashion show on Thursday at 7 p.m. – join us? – Facebook

C. Setting your goals for social media

Lily has had fun experimenting with the various social media networks but it’s time to get a little more serious. Which of Lily’s business goals can she achieve with social media?

Raise the profile of the business

Keep expenditure within the stated budgets

Attract new customers and grow the customer base

Control the flow of stock

Discuss new products with customers

D. Getting on social media

Lily is setting up a Twitter profile for her business. She’s put together a list of the key things she’ll need to get her profile up and running. Can you check her list and cross off any items she doesn’t need to include in her Twitter business profile?

A business email account

Annual membership fee

A company logo or photo

Business description and contact details

Number of employees in the business

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 12 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following can businesses achieve by using social media?

Attract new audiences

Build a good reputation with customers

Meet sales goals

Increase traffic to their website

Click here for Answers

 Fill in the blank: Businesses should focus on social media platforms with _______.

The biggest reputation

The most expected engagement

A relevant audience

The most users

 Which of the following is an example of a social media goal?

Acquire genuine reviews on products

Drive more traffic to your store

Develop one-way communication with customers

Mimic your competition’s approach

Click here for answers

 Which details should you look to include on a business profile page on social media?

Details about the CEO

Link to a local listing site you’re on

Description of the business

Cost of products and services

Module: 13/26 - Deep dive into social media

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 13 ( Unskippable)

 A robust social media plan includes which of the following?

A list of content that mimics competitor content

All of your online business goals

A long-term schedule identifying when to post content

A list Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen friends who can post on the accounts

 What is the best way to put your social content in front of people who don’t already follow you?

Increase your email marketing campaigns

Ask people to share your content to their networks

Use paid promotion to reach new audiences

Put links to your social on your website

Click here for answers

 What can social media analytics tools help you measure when assessing campaign results?

Whether the campaign was more successful than your competitors

Whether the visitors liked the social campaigns or not

Whether a visitor called the store Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen seeing a social post

Whether the visitor clicked on a paid ad or organic listing

 Which of the following is a pitfall when using social media for business?

2-way conversation with customers

Not being present on every social media platform

Not having the resources to respond to comments and questions in a timely manner

Spending too much time reviewing social media analytics

Module: 14/26 - Discover the possibilities of mobile

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 14 ( Unskippable)

 When looking to ensure your website is easily accessible by mobile users, what should you focus on doing first?

Redesign your website colour scheme

Optimise your site

Create a mobile app

Shorten your website content

Click here for answers

 What does responsive design mean?

Your visitors can manually adjust the size of your website

Your website will adapt to suit whichever device it is being viewed on

Your customers can provide feedback on the design of your site

Your website will respond to clicks faster

 When it comes to optimising your website’s SEO for mobile users, which of the following is a crucial factor to keep in mind?

Short content and fewer images

Performance and usability

Usability and short content

Less video content

Click here for Answers

 What can a business use to send messages to users who have already downloaded their app?

Text messages

Pull notifications

Push notifications

Email notifications

Module: 15/26 - Make mobile work for you

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 15 (Skippable)

A. Introduction for advertising on mobile

Mo is a plumber in Glasgow.
He has a mobile-friendly website, and wants to make sure his site becomes more visible on the results page during a search.
Which keywords do you think would work well for his mobile SEO?

Leaky tap

Blocked sink

How to fix a burst pipe in your bathroom

Local plumber

Pressure has failed in boiler, how can I fix it myself?

Ubend fix

Why is my dishwasher making a gurgling sound?

B. Search campaigns for mobile

Mo’s a plumber with a responsive website. He wants to make sure he’s using the right keywords for his mobile SEO. Which online tool could help him identify which keywords would be most effective?

Google Keyword Planner

Google Analytics

Hootsuite

C. Display campaigns for mobile

Mo is keen to advertise his plumbing business. He needs to find the display advert design that will display optimally on a large smartphone device, as that’s what most of his customers use. Which of the designs would work best on smartphones?

2nd Picture

D. Social media campaigns for mobile

After a lull in sales, Mo wants to use a social media campaign to launch some of his new plumbing services. He wants to make sure he’s targeting the right audience. Which parameters should he use to decide who to target?

Age, interests, location

Internet speed, age, interests, hair colour, location, job title

Marital status, gender, interests, age

E. Video for mobile

Mo has a plumbing business. He’s noticed Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen other service companies publish short videos to show off their expertise, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, products, and how they do things. This engages their customers and drives interest in their services. To help customers with common plumbing problems, he wants to create a Do-It-Yourself video on his website. How long Bandit Saloon Slots Machine he make his video?

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers ()

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 15 ( Unskippable)

 When considering how mobile users will search for your business, which types of keywords should you focus on?

Long tail keywords

Shorter keywords and phrases

Longer keywords and phrases

Exact match keywords

Click here for answers

 Before running search ads, you should make sure your site is mobile-friendly. Which scenario best describes a mobile-friendly experience for a customer?

The business has a mobile app instead of a website

The site include business phone numbers

The site works on different mobile devices

The site does not include any videos so it loads quickly

 Which of the following can be used to target an audience when using some social media ads?

People’s names

People’s address

People’s pet names

People’s relationship status

 When making video content for your Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen ads, what is most important to ensure?

Videos are entertaining, Cash Farm Slots Machine and include a CTA

Videos are relevant, short and include a CTA

Videos are relevant, long and include a URL

Videos are short, informative and include a phone number

Click here for answers

Module: 16/26 - Get started with content marketing

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 16 (Skippable)

A. Intro to content marketing 

Angela opened her Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen beauty salon two years ago, and is now looking at how content marketing can help her boost the business’s profile online. How could content marketing help her?

Could it help her find cheaper suppliers? – False

Could it help her develop a stronger brand identity? – True

Could it help her understand Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen customers’ shopping preferences? – False

Could it help her connect with the right audience? – True

B. Get to know your online customers

Alex is a mechanic who owns a small garage. He’s also a keen blogger, and writes great posts about his passion: cars! He thought his blog would attract more car lovers to his garage, but so far his blog posts are not very popular and are rarely shared on social media. He has researched how to improve the blog and now has a number of actions he can take, but is unsure which should come first. Can you help him by arranging the following actions into the correct order?

Find out who his audience is

Segment Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen audience into groups

Create specific Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen targeted to these audience profiles

Publish the content and promote it to his audience

C. Choosing the right format for your content

List of the top 10 sports equipment outlets/shops

A competition inviting customers to submit photos of themselves wearing Fitstuff gear, with store gift vouchers up for grabs as prizes

10% discount vouchers for all new customers

A blog about the store’s recycling scheme for old trainers

D. Writing for online audiences

Josh, an interior designer, has decided to create blog posts and share them on social media to promote his new business. He’s made a list of all of the things he should remember when writing – however, not all points on his list are correct. Can you help him identify the points that are correct on this list?

Focus on your target audience

Only write about the products or services you offer

Be consistent in your Tiger Moon Slots Machine style and tone of voice

Add the hook to the end of your blog post

The longer the post, the better

E. Help your content be seen

Lydia is a business student working for a hotel’s marketing department for the summer. She’s responsible Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen creating and promoting content across the hotel’s online channels. What should she do, and in which order?

The Perfect Order is as under

Consider all the channels available

Decide what content to create, and when, based on the target audience

Create content

Publish content

Promote content

F. Measuring your success in content marketing

Maria has a pet shop in Bristol, and is writing fun blog posts about pets on her website, which are also being promoted on her social media accounts. Her goal is to try and increase product sales through content marketing efforts. Which metric is the most relevant in assessing which blog posts are contributing to increased product sales?

How long users spend on each blog post

Which websites are referring traffic to her blog

The number of new subscribers to her email marketing list

How many people click the “Buy Now” CTA at the end of each blog post

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 16 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following is an accurate definition of what a content marketing campaign involves?

Creating and posting content ad-hoc when you have the time

The creation of time-sensitive content that can be published through various channels

Regularly emailing customers with news about a business’s products or services

The creation and promotion of online materials with the goal of increasing interest in a product or service

 What does the following definition describe? ‘The division of an audience into groups of who they are and what they like, with a goal of identifying a group most interested in your product/service.’

Marketing channels

Demographics

Audience segmentation

Group dynamics

Click here for Answers

 Fill in the blank: When describing the purpose of content, what is missing? ‘To entertain, to inspire, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, to _______ and to convince’.

Humour

Please

Surprise

Educate

 Which of the following best describes why approaches to writing need to be adapted for online content?

Online readers have a reduced attention span, due to being flooded with information

Certain blogging platforms have a limit on the word count you can publish

Online readers only like to engage with long-form pieces of content

Online audiences are typically younger, so the language used needs to reflect this

Click here for answers

 What are ‘highlighting key dates’ and ‘considering multiple channels’ best practices of?

Creating a content calendar

Designing illustrations to support content

Segmenting your audience

Identifying social media influencers

 Which of the following metrics could help you understand which blog post is resonating the most with your audience?

Session duration

Page views

Referral traffic

Unique page views

Module: 17/26 - Connect through email

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 17 ( Unskippable)

 Which of the following will you need to start an email marketing programme?

A collection of email templates

A ‘Contact Us’ form

A way to collect people’s email addresses

A set budget

Click here for answers

 Which of the following is a common feature of email marketing platforms?

Personalised, custom templates

A free list of email addresses you can target

A feature allowing users to unsubscribe from your emails

Automation of your search ad campaigns

 Which of these is a good practice to keep in mind when sending emails to your contacts?

Run an A/B test on your subject line to determine which one works best

Send the same generic and simple message to your entire contact database

Include enough content in the email so there is no need for them to click away to read further elsewhere

Only include a call-to-action on the landing page you’re linking to in the email

Click here for Answers

 If the open rate of your emails seems low, which of the following could help you fix that?

Redesign your website

Change the colour of the buttons inside your email

Send your emails to more contacts

Adjust the subject line of your email

 Which of the following statements is true when it comes to running email campaigns for a business?

There’s no need to use sponsored ads within your email marketing

There’s no need for analytics when it comes to email marketing

You need to include personal contact details

You can use any imagery, despite copyright

Click here for answers

Module: 18/26 - Advertise on other websites

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 18 (Skippable)

A. What is display advertising?

Colin has been running a film review website for his podcasts for the past two years. He’d like to start advertising his site to increase the number casino clichy subscribers. To do that he wants to contact some media owners. Who do you think Colin should contact?

A forum for movie fans

Film production agency

An offline business directory

A network that matches businesses with ad space to sell

B. Search advertising vs. display advertising

To maximise the hits on his website, Colin wants to target two different audiences using both display ads and search advertising. His two target audiences include cinema-goers and home movie watchers. Which type of approach would work for each audience?

Home movie watchers – Create a search ad with keywords based on Colin’s film reviews

Cinema-goers – Place a display ad on a cinema listings site

C. The ins and outs of display Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen favourite director has launched a new film. Colin has written a review and wants to use it to bring in visitors with a digital campaign. Considering he has a limited budget, which of the website pages would not be ideal for his digital ads?

Filmography page of the director

His friend’s culinary blog

Cinema listings

Local news website

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 18 ( Unskippable)

 If you own a film blog, which type of customer can you expect to reach with display advertising?

People who use ad-blockers and are interested in your subject

People who haven’t read your blog before but are interested in your subject

Only people who have read your blog previously

Only people interested in films and movies

 Fill in the blank: The ads on search engines are usually made up of ________.

Audio

Video

Text

Images

Click here for Answers

 When using search engine marketing, where can your ads appear?

Only on search engines

Only on websites

On search engines and websites

On websites and social media

 When setting up display advertising campaigns, who can you target?

People with specific names

People who speak different languages

People who already own specific products

People with a specific address

Click here for answers

Module: 19/26 - Deep dive into display advertising

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 19 (Skippable)

A. Making display ads meet your goals

Colin distributes a popular movie review podcast called ‘Film Talk’ from his website.
He wants to use display advertising to attract new visitors to his site.
Take a look at the three adverts, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Pick the one you think will draw the most visitors.

Text-based ad

Video ad

Image and text ad

B, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Understanding ad networks

Colin has created his first video ad, and identified quite a few film-related websites where he’d like to display it. What one solution will allow Colin to easily place his ad on as many relevant websites as possible?

Tweet the video link to his friends

Email website owners to ask if they will feature his video

Use an ad network such as Google Display Network

Share the video on his Facebook page

C. How retargeting works

Colin is getting a lot of traffic to his podcast website, but not many subscribers. He has budget to design three display ads to encourage people back to his website to subscribe. Colin came up with a list of target groups that he’d like reach with his ads. Help him to cross off the two least useful target groups from his list.

People Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen visit his site

People who search for TV-related podcasts

People who have started (but not finished) the subscription process

People who download his e-catalogue

Commentators on film forums

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 19 ( Unskippable)

 In what way can display advertising be effective?

It guarantees more visitors to your site

It guarantees increased sales

It drives traffic to your website

It improves your ranking in search engines

 Which of the following is an example of the type of data that advertising networks automatically collect and share with businesses?

The number of sales you make from the ad

The cost of each ad you publish

The cost of creating the ad

A prediction of sales you can make from your ad

 Which of the following is true when purchasing ad placements on an advertising network?

You always need to contact the owner of the website to buy ads on their page

The network provides data on the click-through-rate

The network provides names of the people who click your ad

The network will continue to show your ad for 7 days once your budget has expired

Click here for answers

 If a person adds a product to a shopping basket but then leaves the website, which of the following tactics is most likely to encourage that person to return and purchase the product?

Retargeting with a display ad encouraging newsletter sign-up

Redesigning your website

Creating a Facebook page for your business

Retargeting with a display ad that has a discount coupon

 What is the first step of display retargeting?

Sourcing keywords

Defining your audience

Writing content

Setting a call to action

Module: 20/26 - Make the most of video

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Module 20 ( Unskippable)

 When incorporating videos into a digital strategy, which of the following tactics provides value to customers?

Setting up live streams of the business’s physical shop on their website

Publishing a how-to video on their website

Producing sale campaign videos

Sharing personal vlogs

Click here for answers

 What can using video as part of your online presence help you create?

Content that will go viral

A channel to engage with customers

A variety of different brand perceptions

An online following and fanbase

 Fill in the blank: As a small business, creating videos to showcase your business or product requires only ______.

An agency, professional crew and equipment

Creativity, lots of experience and a large budget

Creativity, planning and any budget

Creativity, planning and high-quality equipment

Click here for Answers

 Using videos in email marketing and social media is an effective way to do what?

Increase word of mouth referrals

Engage Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen grow your audience

Guarantee sales of your product or service

Lower the cost of developing content

 How can you take advantage of video for your product/services without actually making a video?

This isn’t possible

Advertise on other people’s videos

Use images with a call to action instead

Share other people’s videos

Click here for answers

 When looking at your video analytics, you discover people are only watching the first few seconds of your video. What should you do?

Consider removing the video from the platform

Consider re-shooting your video based on comments

Consider updating your preview images, video titles or descriptions

Consider asking people to watch the whole video in the description

Module: 21/26 - Get started with analytics

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 21 (Skippable)

A. What is web analytics?

Linda runs a guesthouse with a website where people can book their rooms online. She’s been using web analytics to monitor how customers interact with her website. Linda uses the information to improve the site and the visitor’s experience. Take a look at the following terms – do you know what they mean in the web Safari Soccer Slots Machine world?

Time spent on site –Metric

Visitor’s device type – Dimension

Visitor’s location – Dimension

Signing up to the newsletter – Conversion

B. Making web analytics work for you

Linda’s analytics data shows people unsubscribing from her newsletter after two weeks. These people also aren’t booking rooms at her guesthouse. Linda gets some advice from her friends. Whose advice should she take?

“Stop sending newsletters as people aren’t reading them”

“Review the content of the newsletters to check they’re suitable”

“Check you’re not sending too many newsletters”

“Send more newsletters reminding customers to book a room”

C. Tracking specific goals with web analytics

Linda runs a guesthouse and has been using analytics to gather information about how people interact with her website.
She’s recently revamped her newsletter, and has made the site responsive to appeal to users on mobile devices.
Which elements of All American Slots Machine analytics should Linda focus on to measure the effectiveness of her changes?

Number of visits to the site per month

Number of site pages users explore on average

Amount of time visitors spend on the site

Number of people clicking on the links in her newsletters

Percentage of orders made on smartphones and tablets

Google Digital Garage Exam Answers Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen 21 ( Unskippable)

 Fill in the blank: Website analytics can tell you_____________.

What time of day your website gets the most traffic

How Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen mentions or likes you get on social media

How well your competitor’s ad campaigns are doing

The email addresses of visitors to your landing pages

Click here for Answers

 Analytics can give you immediate valuable information about which type Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen customers?

Previous and current customers

Current and future customers

Previous and future customers

Offline and online customers

 If your key business goal is to get people to book rooms at your guesthouse, what data are you most likely to be interested in?

How long people spend on your ‘How To Find Us’ page

Which day Champion of the Track Slots Machine the week is most popular for bookings

Whether your funny Tweet goes viral

How many people visiting your site book a room with you

Click here for answers

Module: 22/26 - Find success with analytics

Google Digital Garage Answers - Check Your Knowledge - Module 22 (Skippable)

A. Web analytics and organic search

Linda runs a guesthouse. She wants to use analytics to measure traffic coming to her website from organic search results. What can she learn from analytics reports?

Which search engines visitors use

How Swindle All the Way Slot Machine Review is trending over time

How relevant the content is for keywords

How many visitors are using mobile devices

B. Tools to measure SEM

Linda owns a guesthouse and has a website where customers can book and pay for rooms in advance. Linda uses SEM to create targeted ads for her rooms. She’s now looking at the analytics data for the different ad campaigns she runs. Take a look Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the analytics data for the three campaigns. Which one campaign is performing least well?

Cosy guesthouse in Guildford town centre Get Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen from it all in a relaxed setting Book a room today! clicks 6% conversion rate

Family friendly guesthouse Lots to do nearby Come and see what we have to offer! clicks 2% conversion rate

Romantic guesthouse getaway in Guildford Plan a special trip with your loved one Book online now clicks 4% conversion rate

C. Breaking down your data for insights

THE EXPLORER Journal of usc student research

Previous Awards:

»» American Association for Dental Research (AADR), National Student Research Group Best Student Journal Award »» American Association of Dental Editors Lawrence H. Meskin Student Journalism Award

2

THE EXPLORER Volume 8

USC Student Research Group Research Day - March 9th, USC Student Research Group

3

FROM THE Dean Dear students and colleagues, Welcome to Research Day ! This annual event — one of USC’s only event dedicated to research — is always incredibly exciting for me to attend. I enjoy seeing the curiosity and excitement in the faces of faculty and students, including those from the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy as well as the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, as they talk so passionately about their research. More than that, I can always say I walk away from the event having learned something new. I hope you can say the same after today. As part of a research-focused university, we at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC take scientific inquiry and discovery incredibly seriously. For the past few years, Ostrow has been the top-funded private dental school by the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. Just last year, the USC Chan of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy added five new extramural grants, totaling more than $8 million, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen its research portfolio. Faculty members from the USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy are regularly publishing high-impact journal articles and being recognized for their scientific innovation that is pushing their profession in new, exciting directions. This focus on scientific inquiry, and on life-long learning in general, is critical for students to forge successful careers. Perhaps now more than ever before, we find ourselves living in an incredibly dynamic world, with new technologies and innovative ideas changing the professional landscape in ways unimaginable not too long ago. The ability to think critically, to scrutinize data and to stay apace with the constant changes will be imperative for future professionals in dentistry, occupational therapy and physical therapy. Through the academic rigors of doing research, our students will be better equipped to navigate these changes and rise to the challenge of a new century of practice. As we embark upon this day, I’d like Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen congratulate all our faculty and student presenters. I am incredibly proud of your hard work, dedication and scientific curiosity. Fight On! Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA Dean G. Donald and Marian James Montgomery Professor of Dentistry Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

USC Student Research Group

5

Introduction Dear colleagues, Welcome to Research Day ! This is an annual celebration of the innovative endeavors that are the hallmark of the students, staff, and faculty of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. As part of the University of Southern California, an elite research institution, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is committed to excellence in research. Our students work alongside our expert faculty, providing an opportunity that few universities are able to offer as part of dental education. Our students gain hands-on experience at the cutting edge of research, which will benefit them throughout their careers, and benefit society as they become leaders of the next generation to make an important impact in science and health care. At the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, we are committed to growing our research program through recruiting and developing the best and brightest new faculty members. Our junior faculty have attracted prestigious internal and external funding and are already achieving considerable success. Despite the challenging federal funding environment, we continue to rank #1 in funding from the National Institute for Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR) among all private dental schools in the nation. Our occupational science, occupational therapy, biokinesiology and physical therapy programs are national leaders in education and research. We take great pride as we celebrate our research accomplishments together and deeply value our interactions and the bonds linking the dentistry, occupational science and occupational therapy, and biokinesiology and physical therapy programs. Our mission is to shape the future of oral health care by advancing and integrating dental and craniofacial education, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, scholarship, and patient services. As we translate our scientific discoveries into practical health care therapies, we are fortunate to have great partners in the Keck School of Medicine of USC, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, USC Viterbi School of Engineering, and USC School of Pharmacy. Working together, we can make an important impact on society. Introducing our students to the joys and challenges of research is crucial to providing them with added value in their education at USC. Our students represent the future of our profession, and the outstanding discoveries being presented today make it clear that the future is bright. Please join me in congratulating all of our students and researchers on their successes as we gather to showcase their efforts on Research Day. Fight on!

Yang Chai, DDS, PhD Professor George and MaryLou Boone Chair in Craniofacial Molecular Biology Associate Dean of Research Director, Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

USC Student Research Group

7

In this issue 5 from the dean Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA Dean Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

7Yang introduction Chai, DDS, PhD

Associate Dean of Research Herman Ostrow School of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of USC

Division Articles Oral Surgery

The Evolution of Outpatient Anesthetic Agents in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Ali Salehpour

Orthodontics

Innovating to Correct Clinical Problems in Craniofacial Orthodontics Janice Lee & Kaitlin Marsh

Public health

A Journey: From Statistics to Imaging Daniel Matatiaho & Emil Abner

Special Patients

Changing Demographics in Special Patients Mathias Fallis & James Tse

Restorative Sciences Clinical Advancements in Removable Prosthodontics Ankit Keshav & Anthony Pham

10 12 14 16 18

the explorer

20 22 24 30 32

periodontology

Engineering the Periodontium of Tomorrow Shant Aharonian & Sarah Rafo

community dentistry

Bridging the Gap with Dr. Santosh Sundaresan Danielle Goodman & Leora Sheily

Biomedical Sciences

Regeneration of Enamel: An Interview with Dr. Janet Oldak Pratik Gupta & Radhika Mistry

Physical therapy

Clinical Research Support: Moving Research into Practice Lori Michener & Rini Varghese

occupational therapy Picturing Prevention Breanne Grady

feature Articles

26

A new look at bisphosphonates

with Dr. Parish Sedghizadeh Cory Nasoff & Daniel Adelpour

28

navigating the realm of protein Methylation

34

student spotlights

with Dr. Jian Xu Lam Vuong

with Weston Grimes '18 & Shant Aharonian '17 Katherine Schwartz & Emil Simanian

research day Schedule of events

36

poster category awards

39

Research day abstracts

40

credits from the editors student research group

76 77

The Evolution of Outpatient Anesthetic Agents in Oral and Maxillofacial SurgerY

O

ral and maxillofacial surgery (OMFS) has transformed in scope, training, and application from its primitive origins in the early s to its current state treating the entire maxillofacial complex. The earliest oral surgeons were primarily exodontists who were limited to dentoalveolar surgery. Starting Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the early s, oral surgery as a specialty came into existence. The first oral surgeons had very minor training Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen comparison to contemporary Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. After completing dental school, these initial surgeons were only required to complete one-year residency programs in order to be licensed. These preceptor-based programs were not highly competitive and were typically hospital-based. As the demand for oral surgeons increased, residency programs started to increase the length of their programs â€ starting in the s, programs began requiring two or three years of training after dental school. One of the pioneer programs for OMFS was Los Angeles County Hospital, which was, and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen is, affiliated with the University of Southern California (LAC + USC). Dr. Marsh Robinson, a pioneer in the field of OMFS who has earned a plaque in the USC Hall of Fame, started the 3-year OMFS residency program at USC in One of the many influential oral surgeons who Dr. Robinson trained was Dr. Jack Lytle, DDS, MD. Dr. Lytle graduated from USC Dental School incompleted his OMFS residency inand earned his MD from USC Medical School in As one of the top clinicians in the Greater Los Angeles area, Dr. Lytle was at the forefront of the rapid changes in oral surgery, adapting to the drastically changing landscape. Dr. Lytle became universally respected both as an educator and as a clinician, and inwas named the chairman of the OMFS program at USC, a position he held until During this time, he began conducting studies on the efficacy, morbidity, and mortality rates of the sedative agents used in the outpatient setting. Anesthesia was one of his greatest passions. Dr. Lytle clearly understood the limitations of the early IV drugs used for sedation. He was never hesitant to adopt newly developed drugs after studying their properties and indications. The improvement of sedative agents for outpatient oral surgery allowed implants, pathology, biopsies, and third molar removal to become relatively uncomplicated and routine procedures. In the s, ultra short-acting sodium pentothal and Demerol (meperidine) were the primary barbiturates used, in conjunction with nitrous oxide (N 2O). Sodium pentothal was developed in the early s, and though it used to be the primary rapid-onset, short-acting barbiturate used in OMFS due to inducing rapid sedation and unconsciousness in under 15 seconds, its zero-order elimination kinetics require a large quantity to be administered to maintain its effect. This causes an unwanted period of unconsciousness after the procedure is completed. Similarly, Demerol was an opioid developed in

10

BY Ali salehpour ‘17

and used regularly by oral surgeons in the s and s. It was originally thought to be a less addictive, more efficacious, and safer alternative to morphine. Unfortunately, it still carries the same side effects as conventional opioids, primarily nausea, in addition to potentiating serotonin syndrome in individuals who take antidepressants. In the s, Brevital (methohexital) became the chief sedative agent used by oral surgeons in the outpatient setting. Brevital is a rapid-onset, ultra short-acting barbiturate similar in mechanism of action to sodium pentothal. Though it has less adverse effects than sodium pentothal, it can cause a decrease in seizure threshold and only provides sub-therapeutic analgesia in many patients, so the search for a superior agent continued. The s and s brought the widespread use of revolutionary drugs such as fentanyl and benzodiazepines in oral surgery. Fentanyl is an opioid that is one hundred times more powerful than morphine and provides profound analgesia, amnesia, and anxiolysis. It is still currently used by oral surgeons Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and remains one of the most efficacious analgesics on the market. Unfortunately, in addition to causing the typical opioid side effects, it can cause respiratory depression more frequently than other opioids; vitals Who is Daddy Slots Machine be cautiously monitored during use. Additionally, benzodiazepines are a class of sedative agents that provide desirable anxiolysis and amnesia. Since they do not provide profound casinos in virginia, they are regularly combined with fentanyl, creating a very popular drug cocktail. The first benzodiazepine used in oral surgery was Valium (diazepam). Though it was a favorite of oral surgeons for the many years, its effects last longer than is desirable and it causes thrombophlebitis when administered via IV. This is a serious complication that led to the development of shorter-acting benzodiazepines. In the s, Versed (midazolam) was developed. To date, Versed is considered the ideal benzodiazepine for oral surgery and is used alongside ketamine and Propofol. Cocktails of these three drugs are used on almost all patients in the outpatient clinic. Versed is an ultra short-acting benzodiazepine with a short half-life. It is Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen via IV in combination

with the opioid-like Fentanyl in order to provide induction of sedation with analgesia, anxiolysis, and amnesia. It wears off over twice as fast as Valium, making it an ideal agent for outpatient oral surgery. Currently, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, the vast majority of oral surgeons use high-dose Versed in their sedation cocktails due it its overwhelmingly positive attributes. The third common component of current cocktails, Propofol, is colloquially known as â€&#x;milk of amnesiaâ€? due to its milky white appearance. Propofol was developed Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the early s as a hypnotic agent and is still used by almost all surgeons in the outpatient setting. Propofol provides no analgesia but is very effective at inducing anesthesia. For this reason, it is used in conjunction with Versed and fentanyl for oral surgery. It can cause respiratory depression at high doses, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, so care must be given to vitals if higher amounts are administered. Propofol replaced sodium pentothal as the preferred agent to induce anesthesia. Ketamine was reintroduced in the early s. It induces a trance-like state while providing pain relief, sedation, and memory loss. Coronary function, breathing, and airway reflexes generally remain functional, making it a great option in individuals who do not have psychiatric problems. It is also used in conjunction with Versed as a very efficacious cocktail, especially for younger patients. The use of many of these sedatives could lead to emergencies in the clinic, especially if reversal agents were not readily available. The two most common reversal agents are Narcan (naloxone) and Romazicon (flumazenil). Narcan is an opioid reversal agent used typically to counteract fentanyl overdose, whereas Romazicon is a benzodiazepine reversal agent used to counteract lorazepam, diazepam, and midazolam. In order to monitor vital signs in patients under these sedatives, EKG machines, pulse oximiters, and CO 2 monitors have become widely used in outpatient oral surgery clinics. These devices provide real-time feedback on the physiologic effects of the sedative agents and allow practitioners to intervene immediately if a patient begins to display adverse effects. As the field of oral surgery continues to evolve and technology improves, newer sedatives with fewer side effects will undoubtedly be developed. These will certainly allow oral surgeons to continue performing complex procedures without having to intubate patients under general anesthesia in the operating room.

USC Student Research Group

11

Innovating to Correct Clinical Problems in CraniofacialOrthodontics By Janice Lee '17 and Kaitlin Marsh '17

D

r. Stephen Yen sees himself as a clinician and a researcher and lives by these words: “For me, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen is the clinical problems that drive research.” Dr. Yen attended Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and was interested in dentistry from an early age. Dr. Yen’s father was an orthodontist and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen bone biologist who was very passionate about his profession and exposed his son to the beauty of dentistry. “I had a great dad. He really loved orthodontics. He would come home happy and excited about his work,” Yen states. Despite his personal enthusiasm for orthodontics, Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Yen’s father always encouraged him to explore all aspects of dentistry. After receiving his D.M.D. from Harvard, Dr. Yen was recruited by his father to teach modern dental techniques at Sun Yat-Sen University in Guangzhou, China after the university bought their first casting machines and high speed handpieces. He also taught pediatric dentistry at Hong Kong University under the tutelage of Dr. Stephen Wei. During that time, Dr. Yen applied for the combined Orthodontics and PhD program at USC. Dr. Yen’s life as a Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen began when he entered the PhD program at USC in Craniofacial Biology, which was then led by Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Harold Slavkin and Dr. Michael Melnick, completing his PhD under the supervision of Dr. Mary MacDougall. Shortly after, he was accepted into the USC Orthodontics residency program.

12

Dr. Yen treats children with facial birth defects at Children’s Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Los Angeles as a member of a team of specialists, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. He also directs a CODA-approved fellowship in craniofacial orthodontics. Dr. Yen completed his PhD research at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) at USC and has always seen CCMB as his research home where clinical problems can be solved using basic and translational research. He mentions that he has enjoyed the camaraderie and mentoring that CCMB faculty have provided through the years, and especially admires Drs. Harold Slavkin, Mary MacDougall, Margarita Zeichner-David, Malcolm Snead, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Charles Shuler, Yang Chai, Anh Le, Matt Lee, and Songtao Shi for their research. Upon asking Dr. Yen to expand on some of his current endeavors, his eyes lit up as he explained his involvement in the clinical application of orthodontics in children with craniofacial defects, such as cleft lip and cleft palate. In Dr. Yen’s clinical experience, many patients present with unique craniofacial problems that cannot be corrected with existing conventional approaches. He has devoted his life to finding clinical solutions for his patients “who spend a good part of their lives in and out of the hospital.“ Dr. Yen discussed one of his studies on maxillary protraction that compared the use of traditional orthognathic surgery to non-surgical loosening of the intermaxil-

Above: Non-surgical correction of Cl III malocclusion. Maxillary protraction of a patient with cleft palate: pre-treatment and post-protraction

lary sutures before they fuse, inducing flexibility, to correct a skeletal underbite. The goal of maxillary protraction is to pull the maxilla forward in patients with cleft lip and palate to obtain proper bite and facial esthetics. Another area of Dr. Yen’s research is surgically assisted tooth movement, which can be used to perform difficult tooth movements and to shorten treatment time. Osteotomies allow bony segments to be moved with orthodontic mechanics. Corticotomies take advantage of a natural bone healing response, the regional acceleratory phenomenon, which can cause a temporary demineralization of alveolar bone, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, allowing dental roots to move rapidly through the area prior to remineralization. More recently, his team has achieved the same bone response by stimulating the bone with particular wavelengths of light, thereby eliminating the need for surgical stimulation. Legend of Dragon Koi Slots Machine. Yen has collaborated with researchers and surgeons on projects that range from treating facial overgrowth to pioneering bone grafting made of demineralized bone matrix impregnated with BMP2. The clinical work with his CHLA colleagues, Drs. John Reinisch, Mark Urata, Pedro Sanchez, John Gross, John Meara,

Amornpong Vachiramon, Lori Howell, Mark Jeff Hammoudeh, William Magee, Sally Ward, and Duke Yamashita, have led to a number of surgical orthodontic innovations for treating children with craniofacial problems.

When inquiring about his goals for the future, Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Yen said he would like to help younger faculty members develop Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen careers at USC. He asserts that USC is a wonderful place to become involved in research because the Trojan family provides a supportive and nurturing environment. In describing this, Dr. Yen reflects, “in research there is a lot of competition but the fun really comes in when you collaborate with researchers who are good people, good friends and wonderful scientists.” It is with this mindset that Dr. Yen continues to be excited about research and about solving the clinical problems he faces at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles. Dr. Yen exclaims that he is truly privileged to be working with wonderful patients and parents who inspire him to do his work a little bit better each day.

USC Student Research Group

13

A JOURNEY:

FROM STATISTICS TO IMAGING

By Daniel Matatiaho ’17 and Emil Abner ’17

S

ince high school, Dr. Reyes Enciso has had two great passions: statistics and imaging. This led her to pursue a bachelor’s degree in the subject of computer science from Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain. In addition to this, she earned Master’s and Doctor of Philosophy degrees from the University of Orsay in Paris Dr. Enciso Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the Herman Ostrow family as a research associate inconcurrently working at the USC Viterbi School of Engineering. Starting inDr. Enciso became an Assistant Professor of Clinical Dentistry. She works closely with the orthodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery departments using her knowledge of 3D imaging to reconstruct images from cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) and to detect the location of the mandibular nerve for implant placement.

Dr. Reyes Enciso

14

Since arriving at USC, Dr. Enciso earned a Master’s degree in clinical and biomedical investigations from the Keck School of Medicine and was promoted to the position of Associate Professor of Clinical Dentistry in Over her influential academic career, Dr. Enciso has to date over 90 publications, including 37 original articles in peer-reviewed journals such as the Journal of Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology, Oral Radiology, American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Journal of Endodontics, Sleep and Breathing, and Dentomaxillofacial Radiology. InDr. Enciso received the Williams H. Rollins Award from the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology in recognition of her research accomplishments in the field. This award acknowledged her research with CBCT, an x-ray technique that reconstructs craniofacial structures in 3-D. She has also conducted research correlating CBCT Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen with sleep questionnaire responses in the detection of undiagnosed obstructive sleep apnea. This dangerous condition is characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep as a result of collapsing soft tissue that blocks the upper respiratory pathway. Her research won the American Academy of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology’s Arthur Wuehrmann Prize for Best Oral Radiology Article in Dr. Enciso, together with Dr. Santosh Sundaresan and Dr. Roseann Mulligan, has also been deeply involved in the USC Mobile Dental Clinic, one of the most popular and successful programs at the Herman Ostrow School. They have been analyzing the tremendous amounts of data that have been collected at the clinics in the form of patient procedures and outcomes, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. All the data compiled at the various mobile clinic locations, such as local schools, shelters and community outlets, allow assessment of the efficacy of the mobile clinics. For instance,

Dr. Enciso has extrapolated the time elapsed from the initial visit at a mobile clinic to a subsequent visit for further dental care. Data from the two visits can be compared Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen study the amount of new decay at the second visit. This data can help program operators investigate demographic data to improve oral health care habits and allow for more investigation of what methods and protocols can be changed to increase the efficacy of the mobile clinic programs. Further data that Dr. Enciso’s team is set to explore include the longevity of the restorations placed during procedures performed at clinics versus data from private practices. One of the major concerns currently in all areas of healthcare is the availability of HIV testing. The Special Patients Clinic in collaboration with the Dental Hygiene Program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry has created an initiative to allow easier access to free HIV testing. The program started with a questionnaire given to prospective patients to gauge their willingness to be tested Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen with their dental care. The program’s goal is to explore Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen barriers to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen tested for possible HIV infection and, if necessary, to proactive treatment. Data has been collected on questions such as: “Are you willing to receive free HIV testing?” “How would you feel if your Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen offered free HIV testing?” and “Would you want a medical doctor, dentist or student dentist to reveal the test results?” The interest of patients has allowed for the program to expand to include simple and fast in-patient testing using rapid-result HIV testing. Dr. Enciso and the graduate students from the Master’s degree program in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry have been heavily involved in conducting systematic reviews in the fields of orofacial pain and Big Break Ride the Waves medicine. Such topics include the usage of botox in post-herpetic neuralgia patients, and premedication, specifically NSAIDs, for irreversible pulpitis and its efficacy in administering inferior alveolar nerve blocks. Dr. Enciso and her students analyzed the literature and conducted a meta-analysis, which summarized all the findings into one pooled result, allowing the authors to provide recommendations. With the help of Dr. Saravanan Ram, Dr. Parish Sedghizadeh, Dr. Glenn Clark, and Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Piedad Suarez, they are in the process of publishing these results. Dr. Enciso has been dissecting numbers and patterns since her early background in engineering and has brought with her to USC a unique way of organizing data to reveal hidden insights. The knowledge and skills in quantitative analysis Dr. Enciso shares with her peers are an invaluable asset for the dental community here at USC, and we should all continue to look for her future endeavors and collaborations with the research and clinical departments at USC to advance the dental field as a whole.

USC USC Student StudentResearch ResearchGroup Group

15

Changing Demographics in Special Patients By Mathias Fallis '17 and James Tse '19 As healthcare becomes more effective and societal conditions change, new populations emerge with unique Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen considerations. Dr. Piedad Suarez, who manages the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Patient Care and Geriatric Dentistry Department at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, is committed to providing the best possible care for these patients. In particular, USC dentists are treating more geriatric patients and more members of the LGBT community than ever before. Due to the efforts of Dr. Suarez, USC clinicians are increasingly aware of the special needs of the diverse patient population and trained to provide each patient with Deep Jungle Slot Machine Review, personalized care. Dr. Suarez was originally born 3, miles away from Los Angeles in Colombia. When she was a child, her family moved to Costa Rica, where she was raised and eventually earned her dental degree. Dr. Suarez attended the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, which at the time was the only dental school in Costa Rica. After graduating, Dr. Suarez worked in corporate and private practices, and founded a dental product distribution business with her colleagues. However, in her study groups a few of her colleagues began to pursue residency programs in the United States, specifically at the UCLA School of Dentistry in Orofacial Pain. Her thirst for knowledge and the influence of her colleagues lead her to apply to USC’s Orofacial Pain Program. After two years of immersing herself in the field with other like-minded individuals at USC, she decided to stay at USC to pursue a career in academia. Many of the patients she treated with orofacial pain also happened to be medically compromised patients, so ultimately over the years her interest gravitated from orofacial pain to special and geriatric patients. The Special Patient Care clinic at USC, now managed by Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Suarez, is the oldest in the country. The clinic is designed to offer the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen quality of care to medically compromised patients. Dr. Suarez continues to further her education as she is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in gerontology. She stresses the need for a long-term model Lady Hammer Casino 30 - 150 Free Spins geriatric care, similar to the one offered for pediatric patients in the state of California. Additional research in the field of geriatrics can help this idea to become a reality. Currently, much dental research stops with patients at the age of However, the number of patients above 65 is growing and therefore their dental care needs must Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen addressed. Dr. Suarez emphasizes that more screening needs to be done with the elderly and the data collected can be used to increase the insurance coverage. In addition, more geriatric research may lead to more government funding, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. As the nation becomes more progressive in the way it views gender, so should health care institutions. This belief held by Dr. Suarez has led her to work to make sure that the tolerance toward the LGBT community currently growing in the United States is also growing within dentistry. She has given lectures in California specifically on the transgender community and has begun modifying the curriculum of USC’s cultural sensitivity courses. Dr. Suarez hopes that by increasing care providers’ education and awareness of the LGBT community, patients will feel more comfortable when visiting their local dental clinic and thus receive equal care.

16

USC Student Research Group

17

Clinical Advancements in Removable Prosthodontics By Ankit Keshav ’17 and Anthony Pham ’17

D

r. Tae Hyung Kim is the Chair of Removable Prosthodontics in the Division of Restorative Sciences at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. He received his DDS degree from Seoul National University School of Dentistry and completed his postgraduate training in Prosthodontics at USC. Dr. Kim was hired by USC immediately after graduating and has been teaching since. Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Kim initially became interested in research because he found it more enjoyable than solely practicing dentistry. He remarks that “one research project can help millions of people, but practicing [dentistry] can only help so many. No matter how busy or how big your practice is, you have limitations. There are only twenty-four hours in a day and you are stuck in that time frame, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. However in research, you can Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen something that others can develop and learn from that affects a much larger population.” Dr. Kim’s current research was inspired by his mentor, Dr. Bernard Levin, the author of multiple books on removable prosthodontics and a former professor at USC who taught for 50 years. Dr. Kim states that Dr. Levin guided him through his residency in prosthodontics. He was also influenced by Dr. Pascal Magne’s research on bonding and immediate dentin sealing as well as by Dr. Winston Chee’s research on implants, specifically immediate loading. Dr. Kim recalls a significant instance that contributed to his interests transitioning to removable prosthodontics. Ina patient came into his private practice and complained about an ill-fitting denture that was completed by a doctor who had recently graduated from dental school. At that point, Dr. Kim realized that there were two major problems with removable prosthodontics. First, that recent graduates did not have thorough and comprehensive training in creating and properly fitting them, and second, that the technicians were not correctly executing orders from the dentists. Dr. Kim explained that there are many reasons why students are not able to replicate exactly what they learn in school. Moreover, the typical dental school curriculum has changed in a way that disadvantages students post-graduation. Dr. Kim states, “I believe that as educators, we can’t just look for efficiency only, but obviously we should deliver something that our graduates can benefit from.” In previous years, students were given ten to twenty cases in which

18

they were called upon to create removable prosthodontics, but it has dramatically declined to three to six cases. “And that’s the problem,” remarks Dr. Kim. “Ninety percent of dentures are made by general practitioners.” Dr. Kim also believes that due to the lack of financial opportunities in removable prosthodontics for dental technicians, technicians are being lured to more profitable areas of dentistry such as those dealing with implants and crowns. He remarks that “these young, talented technicians move away from removable prosthodontics. Once the good removable technicians retire, there is no one to replace them.” Dr. Kim further discusses the decline in removable prosthodontics as being due to the fact that there has been a lack of research in removable prosthodontics and therefore a lack of innovative techniques used in the removable lab. He states, “the removable lab is the only lab that has gotten worse over time instead of the other way around. It never had the chance to implement new techniques to enhance [removable prosthodontics].” He notes that over ten years, no money was allocated to research in removable dentistry; funds were instead directed towards other fields such as bonding and implants. This realization was a turning point for Dr. Kim and influenced him to fully invest his time in removable prosthodontics research. InDr. Kim became a part of a pioneering team that would take removable prosthodontics to the next level by implementing new technology and advances in the field. It took four to five years to fabricate the initial prototype, which is now known as DENTCA. DENTCA uses CAD/CAM technology and 3D software to produce more accurate, comfortable dentures for patients. 3D printing is now poised to further revolutionize the field. But even with the development of

3D printing, there will still be a lot to improve upon. “Technologically, 3D printing sounds great. It has been around for more than a decade and it will continue to improve a lot,” Dr. Kim opines, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Currently, he notes that there are both speed and material issues with 3D printing, but he is hopeful that these issues will be addressed in the coming years. Dr. Kim plans to continue his research in removable prosthodontics to make it easier and more efficient to produce quality prostheses. He eloquently remarks about the joys of research when he says, “there is no end in research. But there is an end in practicing. The further you go into research, the more you open it up. If you go down deeper, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, there are far bigger unknowns that you need to solve. It’s quite interesting.” At the end of the day, Dr. Kim is a talented prosthodontist who enjoys all aspects of the field. “If I do something, I need to like what I am doing. I enjoy all prosthodontics work including implants and crowns. I have great partners in periodontics, orthodontics, and endodontics, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, which allows me to do what I like to do while offering all specialties at my office.” Dr. Tae Kim is a distinguished educator and a biomaterials researcher who has been awarded multiple grants and awards for his research on removable prostheses and implants. He is also the author of numerous clinical and research articles on removable and implant dentistry. Dr. Kim’s current research on removable prosthodontics aims to make it easier, better and more efficient for practicing dentists to make removable prostheses.

USC Student Research Group

19

Engineering the periodontium of tomorrow By Shant Aharonian ’17 and Sarah Rafo ’17

T

he Postdoctoral Advanced Periodontology pro gram at the Herman Ostrow School of Den tistry of USC is a world-renowned research institution due to its many advances in the field of periodontology. Dr. Neema Bakhshalian is one of the program’s current leaders who is shaping the future of periodontology. Dr. Bakhshalian completed his periodontology training and Master’s degree in Craniofacial Biology at the Ostrow School and previously earned a PhD with a focus on bone biology from the Florida State University. Currently, Dr. Bakhshalian is an instructor and a leading researcher at the Laboratory for Immunoregulation and Tissue Engineering (LITE) at USC, and is a clinician focusing on periodontics in private practice. While earning his PhD, Dr. Bakhshalian focused his research on bone graft materials. He and his group led a research study on rabbits where they developed a protocol that allowed them to utilize dentin as a bone grafting material. “We basically extracted their teeth, removed the enamel and pulp and kept the dentin. We then demineralized the dentin. At this point we developed a protocol to freeze dry it so that resembles actual bone graft material that can be kept at room temperature.” Demineralizing the dentin has several benefits for bone regeneration. According to Dr. Bakhshalian, “demineralized dentin releases all the growth factors in the graft” and during hemostasis “the body is able to resorb it and create new bone.” Furthermore, “the demineralization process reduces the risk of disease transmission and antigenicity.” Their research included Micro-CT scanning which allowed them to compare the control group to the experimental group. In the experimental group, calvarial bone defects were filled with demineralized dentin grafting material, as compared to the control group which did not receive any graft material. The results showed significantly more bone regeneration in the experimental group and were published in The International Journal of Backstage Pass Slots Machine & Maxillofacial Implants (Fig. 1). To date, several companies in Asia have developed dentin bone grafting materials similar to those pioneered by Dr. Bakhshalian.

20

In recent years Dr. Bakhshalian has worked alongside Dr. Homa Zadeh, Director of the Postdoctoral Advanced Periodontology program at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, researching and developing methods for ridge preservation. Tooth extraction is usually accompanied by alveolar bone resorption which may jeopardize implant therapy. A ridge augmentation procedure can be performed to mitigate bone loss, but ridge augmentation procedures are extremely challenging. An alternate option is a ridge preservation procedure, which is not as challenging as a ridge augmentation. Under the leadership of Dr. Zadeh, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Dr. Bakhshalian and his team of researchers developed two innovative devices to enhance the predictability and prognosis of ridge preservation procedures. These appliances are known as Socket-KAP and Socket-KAGE (Fig. 2). The Socket-KAP is a non-resorbable dome shaped device that makes covering the site of the extraction a much simpler task than manipulating the collagen membranes typically used in such cases. Furthermore, the KAP allows for controlled soft tissue healing at the site of extraction. The KAP comes in four sizes, each with channels on the dome so that it can be easily sutured to the gingival margins. The Socket-KAGE is a device that is advantageous for extraction sites with a dehiscence in which the buccal plate has been lost. Grafting a site without a buccal plate will lead to soft tissue collapse. The KAGE is a rigid, ribbed cage that mimics the shape of the root. As a result, in cases of extraction at sites with no remaining buccal plate, the KAGE can be placed in the socket to hold the volume of graft material and prevent the collapse of the soft tissue. Since the Socket-KAGE is resorbable, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, it can be placed immediately after an extraction, eliminating the need for further surgical procedures for ridge preservation. The benefits of these devices are evident in their trailblazing results. Generally, crestal bone is critical for implant placement, and yet suffers the most atrophy following extractions. The Socket-KAP alone, without a graft, preserved over 30% of the crestal 3 mm of the ridge contour. In comparison, the KAP along with a graft preserved over 40% of the crestal 3 mm Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen ridge.

It is absolutely remarkable to see the ways these two innovative devices can significantly improve the prognosis of complicated ridge preservation procedures. Currently, Dr. Bakhshalian also focuses on peri-implantitis. There are currently two schools of thought Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the definition of the term peri-implantitis. Some authors believe that implant failure occurs due to technical issues such as occlusion and poor placement, and that there in fact is no pathology present. Others believe that peri-implantitis is the result of an infectious process. In contemporary peri-implantitis studies in animal models, a ligature is placed around an implant, which accumulates plaque, thereby causing peri-implantitis. This research Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen has limitations, such as uncertainty regarding the specific bacteria at the site of the implant, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Additionally, the ligature model results in a more acute disease process, rather than the chronic pathology which is seen in patients. While the ligatures are injected with bacteria to ensure a lesion develops, these bacteria are in the planktonic phase which is quite different than the biofilm typically seen in peri-implantitis. The structure of a biofilm makes it impermeable by the host immune system or antibiotic therapy. Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Bakhshalian’s team at LITE has developed an animal model which utilizes biofilm on implants to better resemble peri-implantitis. His team has developed a two-piece implant model (Fig. 3) that allows the benefit of having a sterile implant screw, while inoculating the healing cap with specific bacterial biofilms such as Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (AA). Dr. Bakhshalian now faces the challenge of successfully osseointegrating the two-piece implants, a challenge that is amplified by the fragile nature of alveolar bone in animal models such as rats. Nonetheless, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Dr. Bakhshalian is optimistic and notes, “Once we successfully establish stable two-piece implants in rats and mimic peri-implantitis, then we can really understand disease progression, the etiology, and various treatment options.” Dr. Bakhshalian’s passion to question and seek solutions has led to new innovative thinking in the field of periodontology. His research has focused on tissue regeneration in periodontal therapy, and he believes that “although there are various methods of regeneration, true regeneration involves bone, cementum, and PDL formation. While most procedures involve bone regeneration, few are successful in regeneration of attachment between bone and tooth. While this concept may seem remote, we can develop a predictable technique to generate true periodontal regeneration.” Dr. Neema Bakhshalian represents the drive and passion that has allowed the Postdoctoral Advanced Periodontology program to continuously expand its horizons and make groundbreaking advancements in the field of periodontology.

Dr. Neema Bakhshalian

A

B

Figure 1: A) Representative Micro-CT and histological views of a defect filled with the demineralized dentin matrix; B) Representative Micro-CT and histological views of a defect without bone graft material.

Figure 2: A) Socket-KAP used for closure of the orifice of the socket, B) and C) Socket-KAGE used to support the facial/buccal soft tissue in the extraction sockets with dehiscence.

Figure 3: A) 3D drawing of the healing abutment for the latest prototype of the 2-piece implant system; B) 3D drawing of the implant for the latest prototype of the 2-piece implant system.

USC Student Research Group

21

Dr. Santosh Sundaresan

Community dentistry: bridging the gap By Danielle Goodman '17 and Leora Sheily '18

22

T

he USC Mobile Dental Clinic has been serving migrant communities in central and southern California since Over the years, the Mobile Clinic has served more than 80, children with limited access to care by opening about ten clinics each year that provide free dental care in both urban and rural areas, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Dr. Santosh Sundaresan, who now serves as the chair of the section of Community Health Programs at USC and the director of the USC Mobile Dental Clinic, has always been involved in community dentistry. When he was a dental student in India, he jumped head first into community-based activities. As president of the Rotaract Club, he facilitated screenings and treatment of orphaned children and worked to educate the population on oral health care. When he graduated dental school, he worked in two very different types of practices: One was a high-end practice while the other catered toward the underserved community. The genuine nature of the underserved population impressed him very much. Dr. Sundaresan felt great satisfaction from the work that he did for the underserved populations in India. When applying for dental programs in the United States, USC was his first choic1e because of programs such as the USC Mobile Dental Clinic, which conducted such important work in the community. InDr. Sundaresan ventured to the United States for the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) at USC, where his long-term relationship with the Mobile Dental Clinic started. As a previous Mobile Dental Clinic student and current faculty member, Dr. Sundaresan has a very unique perspective on the work that is done there. There is no question that Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen is a deficiency in dental care to the underserved. The USC Mobile Clinic aims to bridge that gap. Little research has been conducted on the care provided in these communities. The big question is: what kind of care can inexperienced operators provide under challenging circumstances (i.e., a mobile clinic setting and potential language barrier)? First and foremost, what is the quality of the dental care? Second, how effective is the oral hygiene instruction and education that the students are delivering to patients? InDr. Sundaresan aimed to answer these crucial questions by harvesting as much data as possible from the USC Mobile Dental Clinic dating back tofocusing mainly on returning patients and their DMFT scores. Recently published findings Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen this study revealed that the dental care being given is of good quality, and the rate of decay in returning patients decreased. So it seems, not only are the restorations done by minimally experienced operators under difficult circumstances lasting without any recurrent decay, but the oral hygiene instruction that the students teach the patients is effective since they are returning with less new decay on the remaining tooth structure. Dr. Sundaresan is now in the second phase of his research on the quality Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the dental care provided. This new research, which he hopes to publish in the next year, shows that the success rates of the restorations done by USC students at the Mobile Dental Clinic are comparable to those of restorations done by experienced operators in a fixed clinic, averaging about 85%, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen validates that the Mobile Dental Clinic model is successful. The USC Mobile Dental Clinic provides quality dentistry to communities with limited access to dental and health care. The next phase of Dr. Sundaresanâ€&#x;s research will focus on oral hygiene instruction. The majority of the patients seen by USC Mobile Dental Clinic are Hispanic, so most of the data is reflective of that community. This leads to an important question: Is oral hygiene instruction universal? If not, how can we formulate a protocol that is specific to the populations that we are treating and, therefore, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, more effective within those populations? Dr. Sundaresan has dedicated much of his dental career to the field of community dentistry. He is firmly committed to the belief that all people should receive quality dental care regardless of their ability to pay for it. The main goal of community dentistry is to provide quality care to all patients, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Dr. Sundaresan hopes that the future will bring equality to community dentistry. The first challenge is changing misperceptions regarding the quality of care, as addressed in Dr. Sundaresanâ€&#x;s research. Communities must also be educated and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen aware of the importance of preventive care. In an ideal world, there should be no disparity between dentistry done in private practice and in mobile clinics or other venues treating underserved populations. All patients should be treated with the same, high standards of care. The USC Mobile Dental Clinic is Dr. Sundaresan stands with members of the USC Dental Mobile Clinic Core Student Group. leading the way towards achieving this worthy goal.

USC Student Research Group

23

REGENERATION

aN INTERVIEW WITH T

he world of dentistry will change dramatically if enamel-like dental material can one day be used to restore teeth. For the last two decades, Prof. Janet Moradian-Oldak’s research has focused on working with enamel proteins in order to understand how they behave in-vitro and to design a material with similar properties to enamel. Prof. Oldak spent her time in graduate school exploring her interest in structural chemistry while trying to make the connection between structural biology and chemistry. Prof. Oldak completed a Master’s degree in structural chemistry from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel. She then earned her Ph.D. in structural biology from the Weizmann Institute of Science. With her continued interest in research, Dr. Oldak began her post doctorate career at the University of Southern California in enamel protein biochemistry. With her keen interest in biomineralization, Prof. Oldak decided to focus her research on the roles of proteins in biomineralization, mineralization of teeth, matrix-based strategies for enamel biomimetic and the function of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) during enamel formation. In addition, she has published more than one hundred peer reviewed articles on enamel protein structure and function. Dr. Oldak and her team focus their research on enamel-proteins such as enamelin, amelogenin, ameloblastin, amelotin, proteases and MMP Prof. Oldak’s current research is focused on amelogenin protein and its molecular mechanism of self-assembly, configuration and interaction with other proteins and minerals. This research has been successful with increasing media attention for a proteotype in a form of gel is being developed in her lab called AuxoMel. ‘Auxo’ means regrowing in latin and ‘Mel’- rep-

24

resents enamel. This patent pending hydrogel product has proven to be different from fluoride aided materials for it does not merely alter the surface by remineralization but rather creates an interface with natural teeth while forming a layer that resembles enamel. Amelogenin helps to regrow well-organized crystals and creates a robust interface with the tooth structure.

OF ENAMEL:

DR. JANET OLDAK By Pratik Gupta '17 and Radhika Mistry '17 The clinical applications of this research are invaluable to dentistry today. It is suggested that the gel can be applied using an occlusal guard to superficial white spot lesions on enamel. Successful results can be obtained if multiple layers are applied overnight to allow for the regeneration of crystals. Larger lesions involving dentin pose a challenge due to the high enzymatic activity that breaks down collagen, which can lead to poor prognosis of the restoration. The next step includes in-vivo experiments to further prove the clinical success of AuxoMel gel. Like all research investigations, Prof. Oldak and her team face a number of challenges. One of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen challenges Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the technical difficulty associated with isolating proteins in their natural forms. These proteins then need to be experimented under in-vivo conditions to determine the outcome in a more complex environment. Another challenge faced with the material is time since the material grows in layers and takes longer to fill larger lesions. Dr. Oldak considers these challenges not as limitations but rather as tasks that she is ready to investigate. Her future goals are to further experiment with the gel and eventually to launch the gel globally to be used conveniently for dental restorations. The process of growing mature enamel is complex, but Prof. Oldakâ€&#x;s multidisciplinary approach has allowed her to successfully research this topic. The FDA has not yet approved the enamel re-growing gel since it is still in pre-clinical trials. In addition to yoga and hiking, her interest extends to learning Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen mineralized systems like seashells, chitin and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen formation. Prof. Oldakâ€&#x;s research will make a significant change in dentistry and a great achievement for future.

Fluorescence images of a cross section of the newly-grown layer. Rectangle in A represents the selected area corresponding to B. The arrows in B indicate the newly grown layer in the enamel surface. Ref: Ruan et al. J Vis Exp. Jul 10;(89).

USC Student Research Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen article

P

A new LOOK AT BISPHOSPHONATES By Cory Nasoff '19 and Daniel Adelpour '19

arish P. Sedghizadeh, an Assistant Professor at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, is a first generation Iranian-American dentist. Dr. Sedghizadeh started his dental career by receiving his DDS degree from USC, in the first problem-based learning dental program in the United States. As a dental student, he became interested in oral and maxillofacial pathology when he first diagnosed patients with malignant lesions. After he informed one of his patients that they had squamous cell carcinoma, he decided to apply for a residency program in oral and maxillofacial pathology. In he was accepted into the Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pathology and Anesthesiology at the Ohio State University, where he pursued specialty training in oral and maxillofacial pathology as well as a Master’s degree in oral biology. After completing his residency and participating in research on head and neck cancer, Dr. Sedghizadeh was recruited back to USC to work with Dr. Bill Costerton, a world-renowned scientist in the field of bacterial resistance who coined the term ‘biofilm.’ Through his experiences with Dr. Costerton, Dr. Sedghizadeh was able to explore new research techniques and skills relevant to biofilm microbiology. Subsequently, he became interested in patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), which was then a new dental pathology Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen as an infected and necrotic jawbone in patients Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen bisphosphonate (BP) medications for the treatment of osteoporosis or bone cancer. ONJ currently has few treatment options besides antimicrobial therapy to fight the infection and, in advanced cases, complete surgical removal of the affected jawbone. Remarkably, Dr. Sedghizadeh has been able to successfully use his pathology research background, along with his clinical expertise and the robust patient population at USC, to perform translational research, exploring the scientific aspects of diseases like ONJ from bedside to benchtop and back.

26

Currently, Dr. Sedghizadeh’s research focuses on new treatment modalities for ONJ, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Dr. Sedghizadeh collaborates with USC Professor of Chemistry Dr. Charles E. McKenna and his team on this research project, for which he was recently awarded a research grant from the National Institutes of Health. The aim of this collaborative research effort is to explore specific treatment options for bone infections like ONJ. These treatments are innovative in that they are non-invasive, and also allow physiologic targeting of an antibiotic to the affected site. Targeting antibiotics to bone is challenging because bone is not a natural pharmacokinetic reservoir for antibiotics. Therefore, patients with bone infections may require months of intravenous, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, high-dose antibiotics to control the infection, which is why many cases can be life-threatening. BP drugs, on the other hand, are very different from antibiotics and preferentially accumulate in bone, where they are retained for periods up to several years. Dr. Sedghizadeh’s team has synthesized a novel BP-antibiotic conjugate by using a pharmacologically inert BP with a carbamate chemical linkage to the antibiotic ciprofloxacin to allow it to be carried specifically to bone. This novel antibiotic compound has been named BP-Cipro for now, and its specific target sites include those traditionally targeted by BP drugs, primarily the bony areas that bear heavy loads, like the jaw and femur. Once in bone, the drug requires an acidic environment, such as the one created by an infection, to allow the antibiotic to be released. The biochemical approach is basically a ‘target and release strategy’ whereby the BP moiety physiologically targets the infected bone and the antibiotic is released and kills biofilm bacteria, which also reside on the targeted bony surfaces. This research and BP-Cipro are in the intermediate stages of development, with Dr. Sedghizadeh’s team having completed two of three phases of the project. Phase one involved successful synthesis of the novel compound, and phase two tested the compound to establish proof of principle and efficacy in an in vitro hydroxyapatite model. Dr. Sedghizadeh and his team are currently in stage three, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, which will center around testing the compound in vivo using animal models. The aim is to prove the efficacy of the BP-Cipro compound in animals, which will enable the investigators to ultimately move to human clinical trials. Dr. Sedghizadeh has said that his success as a clinician-scientist could not have Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen possible without the help of some of his most admired mentors, many of whom are still teaching at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. They have provided him with the knowledge and resources necessary to be a successful scholar. Dr. Sedghizadeh’s passion for dentistry and oral pathology and his research acumen are what make him an excellent educator and clinician-scientist. His enthusiasm for education and teaching inspire dental students and residents to become the best possible clinicians and scientists in the field.

USC Student Research Group

27

hkjh

NAVIGATING

THE REALM OF PROTEIN METHYLATION

BY LAM VUONG ‘18

With Dr. Jian Xu

D

r. Jian Xu initially majored in pharmacology when she attended Peking University. However, after a brieff exposure to research through her bachelor’s thesis project, she quickly realized that the generation and exploration of novel ideas were the aspects of science that were most intriguing and intellectually stimulating to her. To further pursue her interests in research, Dr. Xu applied to the PhD program at the University of Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, where she met her mentor, Dr. Jeffery Molkentin, an expert in the field of cardiac research. While in Cincinnati, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Dr. Xu co-authored several articles on heart failure and cardiac hypertrophy. When she accepted a postdoctoral position at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), Dr. Xu decided to approach cardiac research from a purely biochemical point of view in order to decipher mechanistically the signaling pathways that govern the pathogenesis of heart disorders. Since basic mechanistic explanations are usually indicative of how higher-level phenotypes Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, complete knowledge of the relevant signaling pathways and the ability to manipulate the individual components offer a promising avenue for future translational research and clinical applications.

In her lab at UCSF, Dr. Xu worked primarily with cardiac mesenchymal stem cells since they have the ability to regulate cardiac functions. During development, these cells differentiate into other cell types and penetrate the cardiac parenchyma to form fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, and myocytes. Following cardiac injuries, the mesenchymal stem cells can proliferate and differentiate into the appropriate cells to reorganize the structural and connective tissues of the heart. The processes that govern this type of differentiation are called mesenchymal–epithelial transition (MET) and epithelial– mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT is a process whereby epithelial cells can downregulate epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal characteristics; MET is the reversal of this process. The reprogramming of gene expression during MET and EMT is initiated and controlled by signaling pathways that respond to extracellular cues.

28

Dr. Xu’s in vivo experiments showed that the key regulators of these pathways are transforming growth factor-β (TGFβ) and bone morphologic proteins (BMPs). TGFβ generally drives EMT while BMPs favor the MET process. Cardiac pathologies such as fibrosis and scarring of the heart are consequences of EMT. On the other hand, the MET process governs the formation of new blood vessels through the differentiation of fibroblasts into endothelial cells. Dr. Xu believes that her group’s groundbreaking Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen involving the manipulation of the pathways involved in these processes will provide valuable insights for the treatment of cardiac pathologies. InDr. Xu joined the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC as an Assistant Professor. In addition to Great Queen Bee Slots Machine research, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen lab currently focuses on protein methylation and its effects on the pathogenesis and treatment of periodontal diseases. Protein methylation refers to a post-translational modification where methyl groups are attached to amino acid residues to alter protein function and, in some cases, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen in a change in the pattern of gene expression. The effects of methylation on BMPs and Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are currently being investigated in Dr. Xu’s lab. BMP signaling involves the activation of downstream effector proteins called Smads, which act as transcription factors to regulate the expression of multiple subsets of genes. The methylation of BMPs allows the Smad effector proteins to “crosstalk” with other signaling pathways

to regulate the genes responsible for bone cell differentiation and bone formation. TLR signaling is a pathway crucial to the initiation and maintenance of the inflammatory response, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The methylation of Smads can lead to significant attenuation of this signaling pathway and its inflammatory effects. Dr. Xu’s methylation experiments may lead to novel treatments for periodontitis, a condition characterized by chronic gingival inflammation and subsequent loss of the supporting periodontal structures, since the manipulation of TLR and BMP signaling through protein methylation can result in a decrease in inflammation and an increase in bone Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Currently her lab has developed an oral topical medicament using purified methyl peptides of truncated Smad proteins for use in animal models to assess its effectiveness. Dr. Xu is a pioneer in the relatively new field of protein methylation. The exploration of protein methylation may lead to explosive findings in protein signaling research since this process of post-translational modification may control many signaling pathways. Dr. Xu’s vision for her research is to bridge the gap between the molecular mechanisms of cellular signaling pathways and their associated pathological processes. This vision may be realized with the successful development of the methyl peptide therapy. The application of Dr. Xu’s protein methylation research may provide hope for 1/3 of the adult U.S. population, who are currently suffering from some form of periodontal disease.

USC Student Research Group

29

Physical Therapy

Clinical Research Support: Moving Research into Practice BY LORI Michener and Rini Varghese

Dr. Lori Michener and her Clinical Research Support (CRS) team in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Myrtel the Witch Slots Machine the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC are committed to developing and supporting clinical research studies Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the USC Physical Therapy Associates Clinics. The CRS initiative aids clinicians and research faculty in their scholarly pursuits by assisting with the development, collection, and analysis of clinically based studies. Additionally, the CRS assists in the collection of patient-centered outcomes during the process of care to assess the delivery and value of physical therapy services. Dr. Michener, the Director of Clinical Outcomes and Research, spearheads this unique initiative that integrates the Divisionâ€&#x;s core values of research, education and service in the context of clinically based research. The CRS initiative functions as a support panel for those interested in conducting clinically based investigations. Such investigations include a whole spectrum of research inquiries ranging from Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen or clinician-rated surveys and physical measures to pilot studies aimed at establishing proof-of-concept for the effectiveness of intervention protocols as well as small- and large-scale clinical trials. In an effort to build effective collaborative networks between clinicians and researchers, the CRS program also aids subject recruitment for studies of patients in the research labs. Finally, the CRS initiative also serves as a resource for clinicians interested in quality improvement projects. The end goal of any supported research is a publication and/or state- or nationalâ€level presentation, and quality improvement projects consisting of written summaries of outcomes are also supported.

30

An example of a quality improvement project is development of the project “Tracking patient outcomes and satisfaction of care” by the neurological clinical service team of physical therapists working at USC Physical Therapy Associates in the acute care and outpatient teams. This goal of this project is to assess the patient-rated and performance outcomes, treatment parameters and patient satisfaction throughout the continuum of care of patients undergoing inpatient physical therapy at Keck Hospital of USC as well as outpatient care at USC Physical Therapy. Conducting such research and quality improvement projects can prove to be very useful in augmenting clinical decision-making and boosting patient management practices. However, these efforts are inevitably time and resource intensive, and thus pose an additional burden for the clinician, who is already pressed for time while juggling multiple patient care and administrative tasks. The CRS team makes Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen research process more manageable for the clinician to undertake by providing expert advice on study design and methodology and assistance with related activities like IRB application procedures, data collection, data entry, analyses and final production of reports and peer-reviewed publications. The CRS initiative also acts as a bridge between USC’s clinical practice and the research program in Biokinesiology (BKN). Under the supervision of Dr. Michener, the CRS team also includes a doctoral student in Biokinesiology, who completes term rotations Dark Spin Slots Machine a Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Research Assistant. BKN student Rini Varghese completed her first official term as clinical research assistant in Fall Varghese, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, who is pursuing her PhD in Biokinesiology in the Division, has found this rotation to be especially helpful in honing her research management skills and gaining valuable out-of-the-laboratory experiences that she believes can help her form clinically meaningful research questions. The CRS program continues to assist clinical research in the USC Physical Therapy practices in its second term with Dr. Michener and Akira Nagamori, the BKN student assigned for this Spring For more information regarding the Clinical Research Support program, please contact Lori Michener at lmichene@www.enthralaviation.com

USC Student Research Group

31

Occupational Therapy

n o i t n g e n i v r e u r P Pict BY BR

Dr. Shawn Roll has expertise in a specific type of “handiwork.” This past September, he was awarded a $million research grant that will allow him to study the early stages of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) in dental hygiene students. A USC faculty member in his fifth year, Dr. Roll’s research focuses primarily on the prevention, rehabilitation, and assessment of musculoskeletal disorders like CTS. Originally interested in athletic training, Dr. Roll changed his focus to occupational therapy, earning a Bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy, a Master’s degree in allied health professions, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and ina PhD in health and rehabilitation sciences, all from the Ohio State University, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Dr. Roll refers to adults in the workplace as “industrial athletes” — a nod to his sports background — and treats them as such, focusing on preventing work-related injuries and helping adults be functional when they do have some sort of injury. “The nice thing about occupational therapy that drew me in was its theoretical foundation,” he states, explaining

32

RADY M EANNE G

CM '10

his shift in interest. “It allows you to understand how to holistically view an individual and understand the way that you would intervene with that individual to improve their independence and their functional performance.” According Royal Panda Casino €25000 Tournament Dr. Roll, what is known about CTS is largely from the clinical perspective, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, when someone already has identifiable symptoms such as numbness, tingling or weakness in the hand. “We’ve been studying carpal tunnel syndrome for more than 20 years, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, longer than that even, and we don’t understand what causes it,” he explains. “We have a collection of different ideas and know that repetitive motion, forceful gripping, vibration and those types of things can lead to it, but not always and in every individual. You can put five individuals in the same job with the same physical exposures and three of the five will develop it while two will not.” The four-year grant Dr. Roll was recently awarded, which is funded by the Centers for Disease Control, National Institute

Moreover, Dr. Roll describes how CTS in long-term dental hygienists is a known problem, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. In fact, more than half of dental hygienists report having CTS at some point during their career. In his preliminary work using sonographic imaging on chronic CTS patients, he determined that the median nerve — a major peripheral nerve in the upper limb of humans and other animals — is enlarged when compared to asymptomatic individuals, where the nerve is much smaller. “Somehow, there has to be a transitional point to get from the small to the large,” he explains. “Using the imaging, we’ve actually done other preliminary work in an animal model where we’ve been able to replicate that progression in the size of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen nerve, due to repetitive functional activities.” Determining this tipping point could help target interventions and prevent CTS specifically in early-stage individuals.

tant py Assis ct a r e h T al te cupation team seek to de ing, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Oc g h a c r a im e hic his res onograp Roll and l syndrome. n Using s w a h S. unne r Dr carpal t f Professo o s n ig est s the earli

The students in the study will be measured via imaging every four to five months to see if the median nerve tissues are actually changing in size or structure. The team will also use nerve conduction testing to see if the physiology of the nerve is working properly, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. In addition, the team will collect symptom reports and functional reports from the student populations, comparing the imaging and changes in tissues of individuals complaining of symptoms or problems against those without symptoms. In parallel, the study will collect the same data from a cohort population. “We will collect data from a population of [occupational therapy] students, who also have a two-year professional program and very similar demographics, but do not engage in repetitive upper extremity tasks,” Dr. Roll says, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Using the sonographic images collected from both populations, his team will look for changes in median nerve morphology — the first signs of which could indicate the beginning of CTS.

for Occupational Safety and Health, is titled “Sonographic Tissue Morphology in Early-Stage Work-Related Median Nerve Pathology.” It will run from through September Dr. Roll serves as the Principal Investigator on the project. He and his team will be using sonography to examine populations of dental hygiene students at both USC and Loma Linda University, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Among Dr. Roll’s collaborators are Co-Investigator Dr. Jane Forrest, Professor of Clinical Dentistry “Our goal is to develop some sort of predicat the Herman Ostrow School of tive model to show how imaging will show Dentistry of USC, and Dr. Wendy the progression of CTS, so we can develop Mack, Associate Professor of Preventative Medicine at the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen this model and then implement it in the workSchool of Medicine of USC, who place where high-risk workers are screened contributes expertise in statistics. every six months or year using the imaging.” Dr. Roll and his collaborators determined that dental hygiene students were an ideal target population for the study. “When students come into the program, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, they’re young and typically don’t have any problems, and less than 20 percent of them complain of any pain or discomfort in their hands,” he explains. “By the end of their two-year program, Dr. Forrest has documented up to 66 percent, or two-thirds of them, having some sort of pain in hands due to repetitive activities they’re doing in holding the scaling instruments. So, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen is something going on there.”

At the end of the study, Dr. Roll hopes that the research will lead to earlier identification for individuals who might be progressing towards CTS. He stresses that research on the early stages is crucial to prevention. “If we start to see the changes, we can then intervene.” At the same time, the team will video-record the dental hygienists at work and look at the actual positions and postures they are using to be able to understand if there are certain positions and postures that are potentially leading to the symptoms. “Hopefully, we can develop some sort of education program and preventive techniques,” he explains. “We won’t necessarily see CTS in our students across two years, but hopefully we’ll be able to continue following and measuring some of these individuals as they move into their professional careers long-term.”

USC Student Research Group

33

STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS

Weston Grimes

By Katherine Schwartz '17

W

eston Grimes is a member of the class of at the Her man Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. Grimes complet ed his undergraduate studies at Northwestern University, where he studied American History while fulfilling the basic science requirements. When he expressed interest in becoming involved with research during his summers back home in Los Angeles, Grimes was given the recommendation by former faculty members of USC to contact Dr. Yang Chai at the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Development (CCMB). Grimes started doing research at CCMB in as a research lab technician in Dr. Chai’s lab. At Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen time Grimes began his research, the lab had recently starting using a new software program called Avizo. Grimes was assigned to become the expert in the program, which, he remarks, actually helped him get his foot in the door and become an invaluable member of the lab. With this software Grimes was able to analyze micro-CT scans and visualize phenotypes of mice that were generated for research purposes, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The software allowed him to visualize various organs and tissues over the course of embryonic and postnatal development. Using these techniques, Grimes contributed to former CCMB researcher Dr. Hu Zhao’s impressive Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen involving the stem cells present in mouse skull sutures. Grimes performed some of the computer analysis and phenotypical visualization for this research, which was published in Nature Cell Biology in

Grimes’ current research investigates the epigenetic control Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen stem cell differentiation during tooth development. Work by Dr. Zhao and colleagues has demonstrated that mesenchymal stem cells present in the tooth bud receive signals from the incisor nerve to differentiate into mesenchyme and the subsequent tooth structures. Grimes remarks that after discussing his interests with Dr. Chai, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, he decided to investigate the signals and pathways that direct this differentiation process. In the last five years it was discovered that epigenetic controls in the form of histone modifications decide which genes are available to be transcribed by stem cells. When a histone is acetylated, ubiquinated, or methylated, the histones are either unlocked, allowing for the transcription of genes, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen locked, preventing transcription. These epigenetic control processes involve different enzymes, specifically methylases or demethylases. When activated, these enzymes can affect histones, allowing for the transcription of genes and the differentiation of stem cells. Grimes states that the nerves are likely responsible for some of the signals causing differentiation. Grimes is currently determining which epigenetic markers are involved and focusing his research on Histone-3 Endemol Games Slots (H3K27), which can be methylated or demethylated and has been shown to be active in other areas of stem cell differentiation. Grimes states, “With epigenetic control, it is a balancing act between enzymes and histones. When one thing changes in the environment there is an imbalance causing one type of cell to grow while the amount of stem cells gradually decrease.” Grimes and his team believe that the nerve is what is affecting that environment and sending signals for mesenchymal stem cell differentiation. Grimes admits that at times it is difficult to juggle both research and dental school. He attends lab meetings when able, in order to learn about the other research going on in the lab, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Grimes appreciates having the feedback and guidance from the rest of the team. He states that lab meetings inspire a lot of his ideas. “Research is not one genius sitting alone in a room but in fact research is collaborative and it is only getting more collaborative as you have more professions joining together,” Grimes states. “Here we have a mouse model that can be used to study mesenchymal stem cells, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Stem cells are very important to science, however getting access to them is difficult.” Stem cells in the oral cavity therefore present an exciting research opportunity due to their accessibility. Grimes has presented his research at the Herman Ostrow School Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Dentistry of USC Research Day, where he won first place in the basic science category in In addition, Grimes has presented at an American Dental Association conference. Grimes remarks that in the future he would like to continue to be involved with research because he thinks it is important to understand how basic sciences can lead to clinical changes. “It is important to be a part of the changes in your profession so you can be the best clinician, be up to date and know what the best science is in the field,” Grimes states. For now, he hopes to continue his work with the epigenetic control of stem cells because “the clinical opportunities that come along with research in stem cells is limitless. Research takes patience. However we’re discovering new exciting things in research every day.”

34

S

By Emil Simanian Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen AHARONIAN

hant Aharonian, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, a third year DDS student at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, is no stranger to the field of research. After earning his bachelor’s degree in Psychobiology across town at the University of California, Los Angeles inShant immediately set his sights on the becoming an active member of Ostrow’s Student Research Group (SRG). His contributions as a member of the SRG included publishing an article in the edition of The Explorer, which opened his eyes to a world of research at the dental school that was unbeknownst to him. “By writing an article and participating in research day as a first-year dental student, I was able to see all of the potential and game-changing research being done Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen here at USC,” Aharonian states.

Aharonian always knew that he was interested in the field of periodontology, as he had a keen interest to the biology behind it, and he was fortunate enough to become a student researcher in the lab of Dr. Homayoun Zadeh, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, the director of the Postdoctoral Advanced Periodontology program and co-director of the Laboratory for Immunoregulation and Tissue Engineering (LITE). Aharonian explains, “through showing commitment, reading publications and keeping up with the posters being presented at research day, the opportunity came up for me to become part of Dr. Zadeh’s lab.” The LITE lab is currently focusing on tissue regeneration and the immune response in the context of advanced periodontitis, and Aharonian’s main research project centers around peri-implantits, which he notes “is heavily researched because of the controversy right now. One side believes its not inflammatory, but rather due to a poorly placed implant, while another side believes that there is more of a biological andpathological approach to the disease.”

The goal of the LITE researchers is to study peri-implantitis in animal models with the goal of translating this research into better clinical practice. They place miniature dental implants that have been inoculated with pathogenic oral bacteria in the jaws of rats. By doing this, aggressive bone loss around the area, similar to peri-implantitis, is created. Unlike previous research studies in rats, the LITE researchers were able to bypass the use of a ligature and generate biofilm directly on the mini-implants, recreating the environment seen in real cases of peri-implantitis. This study, along with an additional one that uses two-piece implants, has piqued Aharonian’s interest not only in the field of periodontology, but oral biology as well. He explains, “I’m really intrigued with this project, and I’m really drawn to future of tissue regeneration and grafting materials, and through more research and development I think that eventually graft materials will be very simple so that the general practitioner can use them.” Throughout his two-year odyssey working in the LITE lab, Aharonian has seen his skills and knowledge in the field of periodontology grow substantially, and he credits his colleagues and mentors within the lab. “Along with Dr. Zadeh, Dr. Neema Bakhshalian has been a real mentor and someone I look up to. I see his drive and passion for his field, and although he is very knowledgeable, his humility is something that I really admire,” says Aharonian. By contributing to research projects and being associated with such a highly esteemed intellectual environment, Aharonian hopes that more dental students at Ostrow will find their niche and contribute to their profession by doing research in a field that interests them. Aharonian’s long term goal is to pursue a residency in periodontology, and he eventually hopes to be an expert in the challenging situation of failed implants, peri-implantitis, and complicated cases to help other clinicians with tough scenarios, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. He also does not rule out a career as a researcher, and describes his hope for the future as follows: “I want to continue to be involved in research as a professional, because it is a great way to advance the field and collaborate with the brilliant minds within our community.”

USC Student Research Group

35

Research Day Schedule of events

March 9,

36

AM Registration (Presenters and Judges) AM PM Poster Presentation Judging AM - PM General Registration PM - PM Lunch PM - PM Opening Remarks Randolph Hall, PhD Vice President of Research University of Southern California Avishai Sadan, DMD, MBA Dean Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC PM - PM

Yang Chai, DDS, PhD Associate Dean of Research Herman Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen School of Dentistry of USC

Keynote Speaker: Lawrence Tabak, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, DDS, PhD Principal Deputy Director, NIH Dr. Tabak is the Principal Deputy Director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). He previously served as the acting principal deputy director of NIH (), and prior to that as director of the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research from Dr. Tabak has provided leadership for several trans-NIH activities, including the Enhancement of Rigor and Reproducibility of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Findings, strategic planning for health research related to sexual and gender minorities (SGM), and the NIHâ€&#x;s implementation of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Currently, he is leading efforts to develop the NIH-wide Strategic Plan, as well as a strategic pediatric environmental research program. Prior to joining NIH, Dr. Tabak was the senior associate dean for research and professor Dragons Gems Slots Machine dentistry and biochemistry & biophysics in the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Rochester in New York. A former NIH MERIT recipient, Dr. Tabakâ€&#x;s major research focus has been on (Continued on next page)

the structure, biosynthesis and function of glycoproteins. He continues work in this area, maintaining an active research laboratory within the NIH intramural program in addition to his administrative duties. Dr, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Tabak is an elected member the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies. He received his undergraduate degree from City College of New York, his DDS. from Columbia University, and a PhD. from the University of Buffalo.

PM - PM

Keynote Speaker: Roseann Mulligan, DDS., MS Charles M. Goldstein Professor of Community Dentistry Associate Dean for Community Health Programs and Hospital Affairs Chair of the Division of Dental Public Health and Pediatric Dentistry Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Professor, USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology Dr. Mulligan received her BA degree from Arizona Sate University, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, her DDS degree from the UCLA School of Dentistry and her MS degree from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology. She completed her general practice residency certification at Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center. She was recruited to USC to create a geriatric dentistry program and subsequent to her arrival established the Special Patient Clinic. Dr. Mulligan is the Director of the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen On-line Geriatric Dentistry Masters Degree and Certificate Programs at the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and is an expert in dental care for special needs patients, including the elderly and persons with disabilities. Her administrative duties include oversight of the Schoolâ€&#x;s Community Health programs. She holds Fellowships in the Gerontological Society of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disabilities, is a Diplomate of the American Board of Special Care Dentistry and is past President, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disability, the American Society for Geriatric Dentistry, the Special Care Dentistry Association and the IADR Geriatric Oral Research Group. She previously served as the Editor of the Journal of Special Care Dentistry. Dr. Mulligan has been awarded the Harold Berk Award from the Academy of Dentistry for Persons with Disability, the Saul Kamen Award from the Special Patient Care Association and the Jack Hein Public Service Award from the American Association for Dental Research.

USC Student Research Group

37

Schedule of events 38

PM - PM

Keynote Speaker: Jason Kutch, PhD USC Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy

Jason J. Kutch, PhD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. He received a BSE degree in Mechanical Engineering from Princeton University in and his PhD. in Applied Mathematics in from the University of Michigan. Dr. Kutch is the director of the Applied Mathematical Physiology Laboratory (AMPL) at USC, and his work focuses on revealing brain mechanisms of muscle control, engineering non-invasive systems to study human motor function, and understanding chronic pain disorders. He is a co-investigator in the NIH-funded Multidisciplinary Approach to the Study of Chronic Pelvic Pain (MAPP) Research Network, with a particular Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen on understanding brain network mechanisms of altered pelvic floor muscle control in individuals with chronic pelvic pain. He teaches neuroscience in the USC Doctor of Physical Therapy program. He is also a board member of the International Pelvic Pain Society.

PM - PM

Poster Viewing

PM - PM

Awards Presentation

PM - PM

Reception

POSTER CATEGORY AWARDS »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»

Advanced Specialty Program Resident Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Candidate Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy Student Dental Hygiene Student Graduate Post-doctoral Trainee Graduate Pre-doctoral Candidate Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy Student DDS Student - Basic Sciences DDS Student - Clinical Sciences Dean’s Research Award - Awarded to the overall most Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen project poster

J.A. Wilson Dental Library Bioinformatics Award

Awarded to the best poster incorporating bioinformatics resources into the project. Judges will consist of the information specialist from the Wilson Dental Library, a representative of the Bioinformatics Services Program of the Health Services Libraries and a faculty representative of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. The competition is open to any graduate student or young researcher who has carried out a research project centered on analysis of biological sequences, structures and processes, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The candidate must be enrolled at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the time of submission. The awardee will be presented with a certificate and gift card.

USC Stevens center for innovation most innovative award Awarded to the poster with the highest likelihood of transferring into practical use. The USC Stevens Center for Innovation is a university-wide resource in the office of the Provost at the University of Southern California that helps identify, nurture, protect and transfer to the market the most exciting innovations from USC. It also provides a central connection for industry seeking cutting-edge innovations in which to invest. As part of this role, the USC Stevens Center manages the university’s intellectual property portfolio stemming from its $ million annual research program. Furthermore, the USC Stevens Center develops the innovator as well as innovations, through educational programs, community- Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen events and showcase opportunities.

INNOVATIVE scientific achievement award The award was creeated to honor Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry students, researchers and post-doctoral fellows who have authored articles published in prestigious scientific publications. The purpose of the award is to recognize extremely talented and promising reseachers early in their academic careers who help our school and USC move towards an undisputed elite status in research and academics.

USC Mystery Arena Dice Games Slots Machine Research Group

39

Research Day Poster Abstracts FACULTY

Poster #: 1 Title: Microbiomes associated with pre- and post-treatment periodontitis and periodontal health Name: Joan Beleno Sanchez Background: The composition of the oral microbiota could be an indicator of periodontal health. Purpose: To identify features of subgingival and salivary microbiomes in periodontally healthy subjects, and in subjects with chronic periodontitis before and after nonsurgical periodontal therapy. Methods: microbial samples from 6 groups (A-F) were analyzed, including (A) subgingival plaque and (B) saliva from healthy subjects/ sites, (C) subgingival plaque and (D) saliva from diseased subjects/ sites pre-treatment, and (E) subgingival plaque and (F) saliva from diseased subjects/sites post-treatment. The v4 region of the 16S rDNA gene was PCR-amplified and sequenced on an Illumina platform. Subsets of Group A, Group C and Group E were subjected to functional genomic analysis via HuMiChip functional gene microarray. Results: operational taxonomic units (OTUs) were defined across samples based on 16S rDNA analysis. Twelve OTUs were overabundant in Group A, with 9 of the 12 taxa increased an average of 39% after treatment. Twenty-eight taxa were overabundant in Group C; the levels of these taxa were reduced by an average of 42% after treatment. Six taxa were overabundant in Group D. Four distinct clusters of subgingival samples were identified based on HuMiChip functional gene profiles. Clusters 1 & 2 composed primarily of diseased samples, and Clusters 3 & 4 composed primarily of healthy samples. Conclusion: Microbiota were distinct in subgingival sites in subjects with and without periodontitis before

40

and after initial periodontal therapy, which suggests that analysis of oral microbiota may be used for assessment of periodontitis. Poster #: 2 Title: Facilitating rehabilitation community engagement in patient-centered outcomes research Name: Natalie Leland Background: Existing suboptimal post-acute care (PAC) patient outcomes have led to growing national concerns over the quality of rehabilitation. To improve PAC, there is an urgent need to obtain patient, caregiver, and stakeholder perspectives on care priorities to inform patient-centered PAC. Purpose: Highlight the strategies used and lessons learned from our efforts to build a PAC community to guide PAC rehabilitation patient-centered outcomes research. Methods: This qualitative study leveraged existing relationships Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the PAC community and developed additional relationships de novo to recruit stakeholders for focus groups and one-on-one interviews. Stakeholders included patients, caregivers, occupational and physical therapy practitioners, nurses, geriatricians, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, physiatrists, and orthopedic surgeons. Engagement strategies were informed by current evidence and consultations with our stakeholders. Utilizing a socio-ecological model, we systematically Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen barriers and facilitators to recruiting, consenting, and engaging the PAC community. Results: Multiple methods were employed to capture diverse perspectives with respect to profession, geographic region, practice culture, and schedule demands. Participants were recruited via collaborations with healthcare systems, agencies, and national provider organizations. Perspectives were captured at national conferences, web-based conference platforms, and in-person sessions in the clinic. PAC facilities supported the recruitment of

hip fracture patients and their caregivers. Challenges and facilitators to engagement emerged from these efforts at multiple levels of the socio-ecological framework, including the individual, organizational, and community levels. Conclusion: Establishing a sustainable, active community of engagement in PAC is challenging, but worth the considerable investment. Flexibility, transparency, shared decision-making, power sharing, and adaptations are Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen components of a successful relationship. Poster #: 3 Title: ENIGMA stroke recovery: Big data neuroimaging to predict motor impairment Name: Sook-Lei Liew

Background: Accurate predictions of motor recovery after stroke could improve rehabilitation by personalizing treatment for each individual. “Big data” neuroimaging approaches may provide a way to identify robust predictors (Liebeskind et al., ). We developed the ENIGMA Stroke Recovery Working Group to collectively identify robust predictors of stroke recovery across worldwide studies of stroke survivors (http:// www.enthralaviation.com). Purpose: Here, we present preliminary findings relating post-stroke subcortical neuroanatomy and upper limb motor impairment using harmonized approaches across multiple study sites. Methods: Structural T1-weighted MRIs from stroke patients across 6 research samples were included in this analysis. ENIGMA protocols were used to extract subcortical volumes and quality control for accuracy. Regression analyses examined subcortical volumes as predictors of motor impairment score with covariates (e.g, age, sex, hemisphere affected). Non-parametric permutation tests with 10, permutations were used to assess sig-

nificance. Results: The mega-analysis found positive associations of motor score with volumes of the left nucleus accumbens (p=, β=), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen pallidum (p=, β=), right nucleus accumbens (p=, β=), right pallidum (p=, β=) and right thalamus (p=, β=). However, individually analyzing the three largest samples (N=27, N=34, N=37) yielded weak and variable results across samples. Conclusion: These preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility and utility of integrating post-stroke neuroimaging data across multiple study sites to investigate the relationship between neuroanatomy and motor impairment. We demonstrate the variability of findings across individual samples and the improved ability of a combined approach Desert Treasure Slots identify preliminary target regions with greater robustness, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Poster #: 4 Title: Language discordance in rehabilitation care: Implications for practice and policy Name: Jenny Martinez Background: Decreased health literacy results in disparate outcomes and increased healthcare costs, particularly among racial and ethnic minorities. To this end, patient-provider language discordance occurs when the patient may not fully understand oral and written health information. Thus, as the US population becomes more diverse it is essential to address language Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen within medical and rehabilitation care. Purpose: Investigate language discordance within rehabilitation from the perspective of the patient-caregiver-provider triad during an episode of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen therapy. Methods: This qualitative case study used purposive sampling through practitioner referrals and identified Hispanic/ Latino, Spanish-monolingual patients who were regularly accompanied by a caregiver to rehabil-

itation appointments. A patient, his wife, and his rehabilitation providers consented to participate (N=4). Data collection included semi-structured interviews, clinical observations, and field notes. Initial codes were developed, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, examined within the entirety of coded data, and compared with observation and field notes for verification. Preliminary interpretations were presented to the patient and caregiver in a member-checking session. Results: Stakeholders identified many barriers to high-quality, patient-centered care related to language discordance. Specifically, four themes emerged: (1) expectations for care, describing perceptions of occupational therapy services and goal-setting; (2) the therapy relationship, describing the therapeutic alliance; (3) professional identity, discussing challenges to professional identity; (4) pragmatic constraints, addressing personal- and organizational-level contexts. Conclusion: Difficulties caused by language discordance emerged as the primary barrier to patient-centered care within the patient-caregiver-provider triad. These findings can inform future quality initiatives. Future research is needed to develop interventions and improve rehabilitative care for patients with low health literacy. Poster #: 5 Title: Identifying early-stage median nerve pathology: A longitudinal cohort study protocol Name: Shawn Roll Background: There is currently no method to detect carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) prior to the onset of symptoms and nerve damage. Sonographic imaging can be used to observe early progressive changes in median nerve size, a precursor to an enlarged state seen in patients with CTS. Purpose: This study aims to establish the predictive validity of sonography as an early detection measure for CTS in high-risk workers. Methods: Data will be obtained from dental hygiene students who are exposed to novel, high-intensity, repetitive hand tasks (i.e., dental scaling), and 60 occupational therapy students (control). Repeated measures will be obtained every months for 2 years, including: nerve morphology (sonography), neurophysiology (nerve conduction testing), symptoms, and repetitive task exposure. Generalized estimating equations will test group differences,

mixed-effects regression models will test predictive associations of morphologic/physiologic changes to symptoms, and multinomial logistic regression will identify task components associated with changes in symptoms, morphology, and physiology. Results: Central hypotheses are that: (1) sonographic measures Ariana Spielautomat Bewertung increase in the dental hygiene cohort, with no change in the control cohort; (2) morphologic measures will be predictive of an increase in symptom severity; and (3) a set of task components will be associated with changes in each outcome measure. A model will be constructed for predicting the development of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Conclusion: Identifying the progression of median nerve pathology and tasks linked to these changes are initial steps toward developing early detection methods, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. These methods can shorten time to diagnosis and trigger implementation of preventive interventions for CTS.

ads. Conclusion: This study described the prevalence of mobile device ownership in senior communities that receive specialized support for health-related technology. Compared to the national average of device Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen in elders 65+ years, mobile device penetration in our sample was high for all but the 91+ age group. Our findings suggest that communities that assist older adults in using technology to meet their health needs may foster mobile technology adoption and support the feasibility of deploying mHealth interventions in such communities.

Poster #: 6 Title: Mobile device ownership in front porch retirement communities in Los Angeles Name: Stacey Schepens Niemiec

Poster #: 7 Title: Conditioned place preference successfully established in typically-developing children Name: Barbara Thompson

Background: Mobile health (mHealth) technology represents a promising yet under-researched avenue for engaging older adults in health promotion behaviors. One barrier for disseminating mHealth interventions to elders is the concern that they lack access to the necessary mobile devices. Purpose: This study’s purpose is to describe smartphone and tablet ownership in older adults stratified by age who reside in Front Porch retirement communities within Los Angeles that offer specialized technology support services to seniors. Methods: A study-specific questionnaire regarding mobile device ownership was distributed to residents of seven Los Angeles Front Porch communities. Participants were asked if they Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen a smartphone or tablet, and if so the brand of and length of time owning each device. Descriptive analyses were conducted. Results: Respondents (N=) stratified by Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen (; ; ; ≥91 years) were primarily female (62%) and years old (60%). Device ownership (M=33±36 months) was highest in the group (75%) and lowest in the 91+ group (13%). iPhones and the Samsung Galaxy were the most popular smartphone brands. Tablet owners primarily used iP-

Background: Affective processing, known to influence attention, motivation and emotional regulation, is poorly understood in young children, especially for those with neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by language impairments. New strategies and tools that probe more complex internal responses, such as feelings, drives, and motivations independent from language, become necessary for populations of children with language delays and other language impairments, and even for typically developing children. Purpose: In this study we faithfully adapted a well-established animal paradigm used for affective processing, conditioned place preference, for use in typically developing children between the ages of months. To our knowledge, this was the first attempt at establishing the use of CPP in children. Methods: The paradigm utilized Pavlovian conditioning methods in a custom-build child-friendly arena to assess whether a preference had been conditioned, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Results: Children displayed a robust conditioned place preference, with an average fold increase in time spent in the preferred room. Importantly, associative learning, as assessed with conditioned place

preference, was not correlated with scores on the Mullen Scales of Early Learning, indicating that conditioned place preference can be used with children with a wide range of cognitive skills. Conclusion: The utility of this task Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen seen to reach far beyond the typical pediatric population, and can be a useful probe for understanding motivation and associative learning in children with neurodevelopmental disorders. We note that there are numerous studies employing Quasimodos Bells Slots Machine models to study human disorders, but the reverse—adaptation of well-regarded rodent models in studies to further understand human behavior—is the exception. Translational studies like this are necessary for understanding the biological underpinnings of human behavior and disorders. Poster #: 8 Title: Pressure ulcer data reconciliation in a randomized controlled trial Name: Cheryl Vigen Background: In order to assess incidence rates of pressure ulcers (PrUs) in community-dwelling individuals with spinal cord injury, one needs to identify all PrUs that developed only during the incidence period, counting each incident ulcer exactly once, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Purpose: To determine which data sources are necessary to identify and assess the seriousness of PrUs occurring over a 2-year period. Methods: Each individual report of a PrU was carefully examined by a team of researchers to determine Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen incident ulcers, their anatomical locations, and their worst stage attained. The unanimously determined incident PrU list was used Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the gold standard to assess the reliability of each of the component data sources, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Data sources included participant quarterly phone interviews, scheduled skin checks, incident skin checks, paper and electronic medical records from the participants’ usual healthcare providers, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, outside provider medical records, wound surgery procedure notes, and medical billing records. Results: A total of incident PrUs were identified. Most (56%) of these PrUs were located on the pelvic area (i.e., Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, ischia, trochanters, buttocks, sacrum, perineum, or scrotum). The three most common data sources were usual provider medical records, quarterly phone interviews, and incident skin checks. Together these 3 sources

USC Student Research Group

41

identified 83% of all Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen ulcers. Although most serious PrUs were found in the medical records, the quarterly phone interviews and incident skin checks were necessary to identify some PrUs. Conclusion: No one data source can identify all incident PrUs. Extreme care needs to be taken so that bias in study results is avoided. Poster #: 9 Title: Low Back Activity Confidence Scale: Factor analysis and psychometric properties Name: Kimoko Yamada Background: The Low Back Activity Confidence Scale (LoBACS) is a item scale created to measure self-efficacy Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen in patients with low back pain (LBP) related to function and symptom self-regulation. It has been validated on a population after microdiscectomy and with post-acute LBP receiving non-surgical intervention. Purpose: This study was a retrospective analysis to confirm the factor structure and to determine the psychometric properties of the LoBACS in subjects receiving outpatient rehabilitation for all types of LBP. Methods: The responsiveness was analyzed on patients and all other analyses were done on a assessment sample. The LoBACS, along with trunk active range, numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), Modified Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Fear Avoidance Behavior Questionnaire data were collected. SPSS Version was used for all statistical analysis to confirm the factor structure and to determine the construct validity, responsiveness, and minimum detectable change (MDC95) of the LoBACS. Results: Principal axis factoring with varimax rotation revealed a 2 subscale structure. Weak to moderate correlations were found for the 2 subscales with all other measures and all were statistically significant. The LoBACS showed responsiveness for the total score and behavioral subscale. The repeated measures ANOVA indicated similar sensitivity to change with the ODI and NPRS. A multiple regression analysis revealed the LOBACS prediction of function (ODI) is shown by: Y=+(*X), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The MDC95 was calculated as Conclusion: For the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen patient population receiving LBP rehabilitation, the LoBACS total and 2 subscale scores are valid measures of distinct self-efficacy constructs conceptu-

42

ally important in clinical outcomes. Poster #: 10 Title: Periodontal tissue regeneration mediated by leucine-rich amelogenin peptide Name: Yan Zhou Background: Periodontal disease is a chronic infection that results in the destruction of the periodontal ligament, cementum, alveolar bone and gingiva that anchor the tooth in the jaw. Periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) can be differentiated to osteoblasts, fibroblasts and cementoblast-like cells in vitro and in vivo. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway has been demonstrated to stimulate cell proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLSc. Wnt signaling is required for periodontal homeostasis. Purpose: A commercial product Emdogain, consisting largely of alternatively spliced and processed porcine amelogenins, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, was shown to induce bone, cementum and periodontal ligament regeneration in the jaws. We sought to identify the biologically active peptide(s) in Emdogain responsible for activating these differentiation pathways, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, anticipating that such bioactive molecules would make possible a much more targeted approach to periodontal tissue regeneration. Methods: PDLCs were treated with one of the amelogenin splicing isoforms, leucine-rich amelogenin peptide (LRAP). The effects of LRAP on cell proliferation, migration and differentiation were characterized. Results: LRAP treatment significantly reduces the expression of RANKL, a key regulator of osteoclastogenesis, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, in cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells. LRAP also stimulates the proliferation and migration of cementoblast/periodontal ligament cells. Furthermore, LRAP stimulates osteogenesis at the expense of adipogenesis through activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Conclusion: The effect of LRAP on periodontal tissue regeneration is mediated by activating the canonical Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Understanding the mechanism of LRAP’s effects on periodontal ligament cells may afford more effective interventional strategies to clinicians for regeneration of tooth-supporting tissues lost to periodontal disease. Poster #: 11 Title: Sensorimotor integration in typically develop-

ing children and those with autism Name: Stefanie Bodison Background: Research has shown that % of children with autism (autism spectrum disorder; ASD) have some kind of sensory abnormality and/or suffer from motor delays. As most of the research related to sensory and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen delays in children with ASD has been conducted in isolation, little is known about the link between the two, or sensorimotor integration. We define sensorimotor integration as the brain’s ability to successfully transform sensory data into a motor response. Purpose: The current fMRI study examined Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen neural substrates of sensorimotor integration in typically developing children (TD; N=2) and those with ASD (N=6) between years of age using a novel fMRI paradigm. Methods: The sensorimotor integration fMRI paradigm consisted of two conditions: children were asked to 1) imitate individual pictures of a left hand performing “meaningless” gestures (the imitation condition) or 2) to perform a simple motor movement (thumb or finger response) as the control condition. Results: After correcting for multiple comparisons, the results showed that TD children primarily recruited areas in the motor cortex during the control condition and the visual cortices, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, cingulate gyrus, pre-motor and pre-frontal areas during the imitation task. In contrast, the children with ASD recruited nearly the same brain regions for both tasks, including the visual cortices, right parietal cortex, bilateral pre-motor areas, and right pre-frontal cortex. Conclusion: These findings suggest that both a simple motor task and an imitation of a hand gesture requires extensive thinking and planning in children with ASD, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, when the simpler motor task comes more automatically in TD children.

Dental Hygiene Students Poster #: 12 bob casino Title: Smiles for All Name:Sydney Dawson Faculty Advisor: Joan Belno-Sanchez Background: According to the American Psychiatric Association, 1 in 68 children is diagnosed with

autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed with ASD suffer from a neurological disorder that inhibits their ability to effectively communicate, express what they’re thinking and feeling, and to relate to others. Unfortunately, dental care is often overlooked due to the many challenges faced by dental professionals. The consequences of the lack of care results in poor oral health and an increase in dental caries. Purpose: With an increase of attention to effectively treating Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen on the autism spectrum disorder, we intend on highlighting effective ways dental professionals can provide care to these children and how their families can be a vital component in their successful treatment. Methods: Information from ongoing experimental research and professional journals were extensively reviewed. Results: Due to the complexities of treating patients with ASD, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recognizes the use of behavior guidance Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen (BGTs) such as tell-showdo (TSD), voice control, non-verbal communication, positive verbal reinforcement (PVR), distraction, parental presence/absence and nitrous oxide. Studies have found a positive correlation between the use of BGT’s and parental prediction of what procedures their child would be most cooperative with while undergoing dental treatment. The most helpful parameters while treating children with ASD include the same dentist, dental staff and a parent staying with the child. In addition, because children with ASD have a strong preference for visual stimuli, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen use of electronic screen media has been implemented to reduce fear and anxiety as well as any uncooperative behaviors while in the dental chair. Conclusion: With the increase in children being diagnosed with autism, understanding how to provide comprehensive dental care to these patients is of increasing importance. Developing various tools such as sensory equipment, procedural modifications and parental involvement in their dental care can make a complete difference in the effectiveness and completion of oral health care for these children. Poster #: 13 Title: Pour Some Stevia On Me; Stevia effects on oral health Name: Gabrielle de los Reyes Faculty Advisor: Joan Beleno-Sanchez

Background: There is an ever-growing concern with health and body image and many people have chosen a sugar-free diet. Stevia rebaudiana is one of the most natural and fastest-growing sugar substitutes. Researchers have looked into potential methods of incorporating stevia extracts into various aspects of medicine, some of which include antibacterial and antiviral uses as well as diabetic therapy most popularly. Purpose: Considering that most people use stevia extracts as a sugar substitute, the effects it has in the oral cavity can be called into question. Various aspects in which stevia is involved in oral health were studied including pH activity, demineralization, and effects on Streptococcus mutans. Methods: We researched and examined various articles to determine the effects of stevia extract in the oral cavity, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Results: Stevia-derived sugar substitutes do not drastically lower the pH of the oral cavity. They cause the least enamel hardness loss and are comparable to chlorhexidine as an anti-plaque rinse. Conclusion: As dental professionals, we should promote stevia-derived sugar substitutes as the ideal choice. We can encourage the use of it in products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes as a new alternative to improve oral health. Poster #: 14 Title: Catching your breath while catching your Zzzzzzz’s Name: Amanda Maitino Faculty Advisor: Joan Beleno-Sanchez Background: According to the American Academy of Dental Sleep Medicine, 18 million Americans have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and many are not receiving treatment. Purpose: The clinical significance of OSA results from lack of oxygen during sleep caused by airway collapse. When left untreated, OSA can be linked to cardiovascular disease, stroke, and chronic heart failure, and is also associated with type II diabetes and depression. Because of the severity of OSA, it is important that there are alternatives to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure), which is merely an aid/coping mechanism rather than a treatment. Methods: To decrease respiratory stress, two surgical interventions have proven to be Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen when attempting to alleviate upper airway obstruction. Depending on patients’ individual case, specific measures can be taken to relieve

them of OSA. For the patient with an oversized tongue, a tongue base reduction is advised. A tongue reduction is performed in order to make more space in the pharyngeal zone and to prevent collapsibility of the tongue during sleep. For the patient with an enlarged soft palate and/or uvula, an uvulopalatopharyngoplasty is advised because it directly addresses the oropharynx, whereby the uvula and soft palate is removed. Conclusion: These two surgical therapies have the ability to expand the upper respiratory airway and thus increase oxygen intake to reduce the severity of or completely eliminate obstructive sleep apnea.

Poster #: 15 Title: The pressure is on Name: Kaynaz Razipour Faculty Advisor: Joan Beleno-Sanchez Background: The significance of restorations while deep-sea diving is due to the different Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen being used and how they can withstand Boyle’s law involving pressure. Purpose: The test was to see the pertinence of microleakage alongside various materials to witness which works the best for people who deep-sea dive for recreational or occupational purposes. Methods: Various in vitro studies were used and one specifically used extracted premolars that were endodontically treated with fiber posts and 6 different cementing agents: 1) resin-modified Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen ionomer, 2) resin cement with Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen adhesive, 3) resin cement with self-etching adhesive, 4) self-adhesive resin cement, 5) zinc phosphate, and 6) conventional glass ionomer. These teeth were then placed into a pressure pot, and supplied with compressed air for 3 minutes, roughly 15 cycles, which equals about 30m of diving depth at the rate of speed of 1mm/min. Results: Results showed that posts cemented with glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cements had a significantly lower pull out strength compared to their respective control groups.

This means that under pressure, these materials lost their strength in holding the restoration tightly. Conclusion: Based on this study, using resin cement provides more strength for restorations in divers. Poster #: 16 Title: Inclusion of drug-induced oral side effects in U.S. pharmacy curricula Name: Elizabeth Trujillo Faculty Advisor: Jane Forrest Background: Over million Americans visit a pharmacy each week and the majority take at least one drug with an oral side effect. Although the general public seeks oral health-related advice from pharmacists, little information is available on the inclusion of drug-induced oral side effects in the pharmacy curriculum. Purpose: To determine whether pharmacy students are prepared to counsel patients on drug-induced oral side effects, and if they participate in Interprofessional Education (IPE) with dental or dental hygiene students. Methods: A 26item online survey was developed, validated and approved by the USC IRB. An invitation to participate included a link to the survey and was emailed to curriculum contacts at U.S, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. pharmacy programs. An email reminder was sent two weeks later. Results: 32% of the contacts participated (N=23). Of these, 82% reported including education on drug-induced oral side effects with the majority indicating that the content was taught across the curriculum. However, over half indicated the relationship between oral adverse effects and increased risk of dental problems was not included or only sometimes included. Although 46% have a dental and/or dental hygiene program at their institution, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, only 17% stated this content is taught as part of IPE. Conclusion: Education on drug-induced oral side effects is included in curricula, however it may not be identified as “oral health” but rather an adverse event. This content is rarely included in IPE. Opportunity exists to collaborate with the dental professions, which will enable pharmacy programs to meet their new accreditation standards and learn the value of discussing drug-induced oral side effects. Poster #: 17 Title: Information-seeking preferences for clinical decision-making among California dental hygienists

Name: Ginger Tsai Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Advisor: Jane Forrest Background: Many journals and scientific updates are only published online, however the impact of the Internet on dental hygiene patient care is not well documented. Previous studies have grouped online resources into one category and not investigated the variety of resources or their frequency of use to answer clinical questions. Purpose: This study examined information-seeking behaviors of California dental hygienists (RDHs) for clinical decision-making. Methods: An online survey was developed, validated, and approved by the USC IRB prior to initiating the study. RDHs were invited to participate via the California Dental Hygienists’ Association email list of RDH members and non-members. A link to the survey was included in the invitation. Survey questions addressed information-seeking behavior, frequency of accessing Internet and non-electronic resources, evidence-based decision making (EBDM) preparation and confidence in using these skills, and demographics. Results: Of the emails, only opened the invitation and 7% responded (N=). The most frequently accessed Internet resource was Google, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, whereas the most frequently used non-electronic resource was consultation with a dentist at work. Use of the Internet was related to the decade in which an RDH graduated and the type of dental hygiene program attended (p<). Respondents who believed they received adequate EBDM education were likely to spend more time searching the Internet, and indicated that the Internet is the most current and relevant information source (p<). Conclusion: RDHs use both Internet and non-electronic resources to answer practice-related questions. However, Google may not be the best “go-to” resource for answering clinical questions.

ADVANCED SPECIALTY PROGRAM RESIDENTS Poster #: 18 Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Title: Influence of a novel self-priming etchant on bond strength to glass-ceramics Name: Abdulrahman Alshabb Faculty Advisor: Jin-Ho Phark

USC Student Research Group

43

Background: Combining etching and silane applications reduces the time of conditioning of glass-ceramic restorations, which makes it less technique-sensitive, and user-friendly. Purpose: Evaluating the influence of a self-priming ceramic etchant (Monobond Etch″ MBEP) on micro-tensile bond strength (MTBS) to leucite-reinforced (IPS Empress CAD) and lithium-disilicate reinforced glass-ceramics (IPS www.enthralaviation.com CAD). Methods: Blocks were cut to 6 mm thick samples. Treatments for Empress groups were: 1) no HF (hydrofluoric) acid, no silane; 2) 60 s HF acid, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, no silane; 3) 60 s HF acid, silane; 4) MBEP for 20 s and left for 40 s; 5) MBEP for 20 s and left for Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The www.enthralaviation.com treatments were: 6) 20 s HF, silane; 7) MBEP for 20 s and left for 40 s. Sandblasted composite blocks (Lava Ultimate) were cemented to the samples using a dual-cure resin cement (RelyX Ultimate). All specimens were sectioned to obtain mm2 sticks, and tested after 72 hours of water storage for MTBS, using a universal testing machine (Instron) at a crosshead speed of mm/ min. For statistical analysis a oneway ANOVA with Games-Howell post-hoc test was performed at α= Results: Group MTBS (MPa± SD)

Pre-testing failure

1. ± a 0/62 2. ± b 0/56 3. ± c 0/75 4. ± c 0/66 5. ± c 0/74 6. ± c 0/60 7. ± d 41/62 Groups with the same letter are not significantly different from each other (p>). Conclusion: Bond strength to leucite-reinforced ceramic using a self-etching primer is comparable to using HF acid and silane. However, using the self-etching primer on lithium-disilicate reinforced ceramic might be a challenge with the given protocol. Poster #: 19 Title: Influence of implant insertion speed on primary stability Name: Gonçalo Caramês Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh

was to evaluate the influence of implant insertion speed on primary stability in cancellous bone, using Resonance Frequency Analysis (RFA) and Removal Torque (RT). Methods: In this in vitro study four groups were created, where the speed of implant insertion was varied (N=50 implants/group): Group A (control, 20 rpm), Group B ( rpm), Group C ( rpm) and Group D ( rpm). Twenty OSSEOTITE Implants (Biomet 3i, Florida, USA) were used and re-inserted following removal. Two Solid Rigid Polyurethane Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen (SawbonesTM, Washington, DC, USA) were selected with a density similar to the posterior maxilla (g/cm3). RFA was measured with Ostell (Gothenburg, Sweden). Removal torque was measured by adjusting the implant motor setting at 5, 10 and 15 N/cm and registering the torque setting that was required to remove the implant. Results: There were statistically significant differences (p <) in the mean values of Implant Stability Quotient (ISQ) and RT between the groups. Increasing the speed of insertion was associated with increased primary stability: Group A, 20 rpm (ISQ: ± ; RT: 10 Ncm: %; 15 Ncm: %) Group B, rpm (ISQ: ± ; RT: 10 Ncm: %; 15 Ncm: %) Group C, rpm (ISQ: ± ; RT: 10 Ncm: %; 15 Ncm: %) Group D, rpm (ISQ: ± ; RT: 10 Ncm: %; 15 Ncm: %). There was a positive correlation (r = ) between RT and ISQ values. Implants with a RT of 15 Ncm ( ± ISQ) had mean ISQ values significantly higher than those with a RT of 10 Ncm ( ± ISQ). Conclusion: Within the limitations of this in vitro Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, the results suggest that in cancellous Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, an increase in implant insertion speed increased the primary stability, measured by RFA and RT. It will be important to measure the heat generated during insertion at different speeds to determine potential adverse effects of varying insertion speed.

Poster #: 20 Title: 3-D digital measuring of healBackground: Traditionally, dental ing dynamics and gingival dimensions implants are placed at low speed Name: Gonçalo Caramês ( rpm). The influence of im- Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh plant insertion speed on primary stability has not been investigated. Background: In recent years, a vaPurpose: The aim of this study riety of root coverage techniques

44

have been available for the treatment of gingival recessions, however attempts were still met with frustration. The Vestibular Incision Subperiosteal Tunnel Access (VISTA) technique has been developed in an Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen to address the aforementioned limitations of current techniques. Purpose: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential for root coverage Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen gingival biotype modification with VISTA using 3D digital measuring methods. Methods: Seven patients and a total of 41 teeth, with a mean initial recession of ± mm, were included in the present study. The patients were recalled every six months following root coverage with Connective Tissue Graft (CTG) using the VISTA technique. To that end, study casts were made from alginate impressions and poured by dental stone at pre-op baseline and at 6, 12, and 18 months after surgery. The study casts were digitized by scanning with the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen intraoral scanner iTero®. The STL files of pre- and post-op casts were imported into the reverse engineering software Geomagic® control 3D. Then, the pre- and post-treatment 3D images were superimposed to allow for the measurement of the location of the gingival zenith, outline of gingival counter and mucosa form at pre- and post-treatment intervals. The changes in gingival volume, soft tissue thickness, as well as % of root coverage were calculated. Results: The mean gingival volume gain after 6, 12, and 18 months was ± mm³; ± mm³ and ± mm³, respectively, comparing to baseline. The mean gingival thickness gain after 6, 12, and 18 months was ± mm, ± mm, and ± mm, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, comparing to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The mean % of root coverage after 6, 12, and 18 months was ± %; ± % and ± %, comparing to baseline. According to the initial recession (,mm), the mean gingival volume gain after 18 months were ± mm³ at mm; ± mm³ at mm; ± mm³ at mm; ± mm³ at mm and ± mm³ at mm, comparing to baseline. The mean gingival thickness gain after 18 months were ± mm at mm; ± mm at mm; ± mm at mm; ± mm at mm and ± mm at mm comparing to baseline. The mean % of root coverage after 18 months

was ± % at mm; ± % at mm; ± % at mm; ± % at mm and ± % at mm, comparing to baseline. Conclusion: CTG + VISTA showed favorable outcomes in root coverage as well as gingival biotype modification after 18 months. The changes in soft tissue volume, gingival thickness, and root coverage were stable after 6 months. Thus, CTG + VISTA is a predictable treatment modality for gingival recession.

Poster #: 21 Title: Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of Furlow palatoplasty with islandization for cleft palate repair Name: Christopher Chan Faculty Advisor: Mark Urata Background: Cleft lip and palate is one of the most common congenital deformities and affects about 1 in live births in the United States. Special craniofacial Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen exist at major academic medical centers that focus specifically on diagnosing and treating these patients. Surgical treatment, however, is not without its complications as negative outcomes such as velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI) and oronasal fistulas (ORF) do occur. Previous data from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) has demonstrated that Furlow palatoplasty with islandization of a hemipalatal flap decreases the rate of oronasal fistulas. Purpose: This study aims to determine the impact of Furlow palatoplasty with islandization of a hemipalatal flap on rates of VPI in cleft palate patients postoperatively. Methods: A ten year () retrospective study of medical records of all cleft palate patients undergoing Furlow palatoplasty with islandization of a Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen flap at CHLA was performed (N=).

Post-operative VPI was assessed according to whether patients had a clinical diagnosis (either by surgeon or speech therapist) or by nasopharyngoscopic exam. Further analysis was then performed to determine whether post-surgical procedures such as sphincter pharyngoplasty, palate repair revision, pharyngeal flap repair, or fat injection to the posterior pharynx were warranted after initial surgery to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen the insufficiency. The data was then statistically analyzed and compared with current reported literature rates. Results: Preliminary data analysis form 3 years (, and ) suggests that the rate of VPI from Furlow palatoplasty repair that required a secondary surgical procedure for correction was 15%. The rate of ORF was 24%. The average age of repair was 26 months with equal male (N=) and female (N=) distribution. 68% of patients (N=) had isolated clefts and 32% (N=96) had syndromic clefts with Pierre Robin Syndrome being the most common. The racial demographic of the patients was 54% Hispanic, 19% Caucasian, 14% Asian/Pacific Islander, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, 3% Black, and 10% other. Conclusion: The data demonstrates that VPI complications necessitating a secondary surgical correction procedure from Furlow palatoplasty occurred in 15% of patients treated at CHLA. This is a higher rate of insufficiency compared to previous studies citing rates Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of % and %. Further data analysis will need to be performed to determine whether these results are consistent over the 10 year period, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and to evaluate the clinical significance of these findings. Poster #: 22 Title: Effects of metallurgy and file rotation in cyclic fatigue resistance Name: Kyung-soo Choi Faculty Advisor: Rafael Roges Background: Rotary nickel-titanium (NiTi) files are widely used for mechanical enlargement of the canals. However, separation of the rotary NiTi files appear to be a high concern in clinical use. Cyclic fatigue of rotary instrument occurs when the metal is subjected to repeated cycles of tension and compression in a canal with curvature, ultimately leading to the fracture and separation. Movement kinetics of rotary file is shown to influence the cyclic fatigue resistance. Dentsply recently introduced pro-

prietary metallurgy that reportedly increases flexibility and resistance to cyclic fatigue fracture. Purpose: To compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of rotary instruments that have different metallurgies to different file rotational movements. Methods: A simulated canal model with 90° angle and 5mm radius of curvature in a stainless steel block is used to test NiTi rotary instruments. All of the selected NiTi files have mm tip diameter with progressive variable tapers from the same manufacturer. NiTi files are rotated at constant speed of rpm in the canal filled with water until the fracture occurs. Time is recorded from the start of rotation to file breakage in continuous motion and reciprocation motion. Results: Rotary NiTi files with heat treatment showed greater cyclic fatigue resistance. Reciprocating rotation increased cyclic fatigue resistance in both heat treated and nonheat treated NiTi files. Conclusion: Reciprocating rotation movement increases the cyclic fatigue resistance in both heat treated and non-heat treated NiTi files in comparison to continuous rotation movement, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Poster #: 23 Title: Substantivity of % sodium hypochlorite on enamel Name: Maria Dakessian Faculty Advisor: Jorgen Slots Purpose: The aim of this study is to compare the substantivity of % sodium hypochlorite and % chlorhexidine gluconate on enamel when used as a mouth rinse. Methods: This study includes 50 freshly extracted human teeth that will be decoronated for the crown to be used. The crowns will be sectioned mesiodistally resulting in samples, which will be stored in saline. Prior to starting the experiment, all the samples will be autoclaved and then randomly assigned to 2 groups. In Group 1, all 50 of the samples will be immersed in 30mL of % chlorhexidine gluconate for 1 minute. In Group 2, all 50 samples will be immersed in 30mL of % sodium hypochlorite for 1 minute. To simulate the salivary flow in the oral environment following the 1-minute immersion in the material being tested, all of the samples in 40 Roosters Slots Machine groups will be rinsed with a continuous flow of saline whose rate of 1mL/min will be achieved using an IV drip. Samples will be plated on blood agar plates containing either Streptococcus sanguinis or Actinomyces naeslundii to measure inhibition zones. The samples from each group will be plated

at different time intervals with 10 samples in each of 5 time groups: immediately after the rinse with the solution being tested, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, after 12 hours, after 24 hours, after 48 hours and after 1 week, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Following 48 hours of incubation, the plates will be evaluated and measurements of inhibition zones will be recorded.

Poster #: 24 Title: Premolar extraction influence on third molar angulation and retromolar length Name: Sean Gardner Faculty Advisor: Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Sameshima Background: Third molar angulation and retromolar length have been found to be contributing factors of impaction versus eruption of third molars. Purpose: This study will examine retromolar length and angulation changes pre- and post-orthodontic treatment in extraction and non-extraction cases. Methods: In this retrospective study, 90 patients were divided into 3 groups of 30 patients each. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVA by extraction pattern (nonextraction, first premolar extraction, second premolar extraction). The horizontal axes of the second and third molars were traced on initial and final panoramic radiographs; angulation changes between Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and final were measured. The retromolar length was determined by comparing the width of the 3rd molar to the space available from the distal of the 2nd molar to the ramus. The initial and final proportions were compared using chi-square analysis. Results: The mean third molar angulation change in the non-extraction group was ± °, first premolar extraction group was ± °, and second premolar extraction group was ± °. The final retromolar length to third molar width proportion among the three groups was: non-extraction ±first premolar extraction group ±and second premolar extraction group ± Conclusion: There was not a significant difference in 3rd molar angulation changes among the Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen groups. There was a highly significant difference (p=) between

the extraction groups and non-extraction group in the proportion of third molar width to retromolar length. Extraction orthodontic treatment results in mesial movement of the mandibular dentition and more Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen for eruption of third molars. Poster #: 25 Title: Digital analysis of soft tissue augmentation using the VISTA technique Name: Alfonso Gil Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh Background: VISTA consists of a subperiosteal tunnel extended towards the vestibular depth and the ridge crest, producing a tension-free method of mobilizing the mucoperiosteal complex for root coverage. Purpose: The aim of this study is to analyze, through digital software, the soft tissue augmentation Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen teeth with recession treated with the VISTA technique. Methods: 58 teeth with a mean initial recession of mm were included in the present study, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Study casts were made at pre-operative baseline and at 18 months after surgery. These were digitized by scanning with an intraoral scanner (i-TeroTM), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The STL files of pre- and post-op casts were imported into the reverse engineering software (Geomagic-controlR) and superimposed to allow for the measurement of the changes in gingival volume, gingival thickness, and % of root coverage, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Results: The mean % of root coverage after 18 months was % for Class I and 83% for Class III recession defects. The mean gingival volume gain after 18 months was mm3 and mm3 for Class I and III respectively. The mean gingival thickness gain after 18 months in both groups was around mm between mm from the final gingival margin. The teeth that showed less % of root coverage and thickness gain were molars, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. There was a strong negative correlation between root prominence and % of root coverage. Conclusion: This is the first study to examine the efficacy of VISTA on teeth with gingival recession by 3D digital measurement. VISTA showed favorable outcomes in root coverage as well as gingival biotype modification. Poster #: 26 Title: Assessing outcomes of orthognathic surgical cases including 3D-printed splints Name: Robert Hann Faculty Advisor: Glenn Sameshima

USC Student Research Group

45

Background: Precise positions of teeth and maxillofacial structures following orthognathic surgery are difficult to predict. Although there have been recent advances in 3D printing, 3D scanning, and 3D virtual planning, utilizing these rapidly developing technologies together in a surgically predictive context has not been attempted. The recent creation of a full-coverage traytype surgical splint generated via 3D printing, combined with virtual surgical planning, has potential as a means to generate reliably precise post-surgical predictions. By color mapping and comparing virtually planned surgical positions with post-surgical computerized tomography (CT) scans of orthognathic surgical cases, the precision and reliability of virtually planned results may be assessed. Purpose: To assess the precision of post-surgical positions of teeth and maxillofacial structures when compared to vritually predicted outcomes of cases including 3D-printed splints. Methods: Prior to orthognathic surgery, all fixed appliances or clear aligner attachments were removed to provide smooth, scannable surfaces. The pre-surgical dentition and maxillofacial complex were recorded in 3D by intraoral scanning and CT. Virtual surgery was performed, and the resultant dental and maxillofacial positions were also recorded in 3D. These positions were used to generate a full-coverage tray-type splint via 3D printing. Orthognathic surgery was performed using this splint. Post-surgical CT scans were taken. Computerized overlays of the virtual surgery and post-surgical positions were generated, and the resultant color map data was analyzed. Post-surgical intraoral scans were also taken, and orthodontic treatment was completed with a series of clear aligners.

cluded for comparison. Methods: Ninety decoronated bovine ETI were divided in 6 groups: Gr1 as control with 2-mm ferrule, a fiber post (ParaPost FiberLux) and Miris2 nanohybrid composite resin buildup; Gr2 similar to Gr1 but without ferrule. Gr3 and Gr4 similar to group 2 but with Tetric EvoCeram BulkFill resin buildup and ParaCore dual-cure resin buildup, respectively. Gr5 and Gr6 with a titanium post (ParaPost XH) and Miris2 (group 5) or EvoCeram BulkFill buildup (group 6). All teeth were prepared to receive bonded IPS www.enthralaviation.com ceramic crowns and were subjected to accelerated fatigue testing (cyclic loading applied to the incisal edge starting at loads of N ramping to a maximum of 1, N andcycles). Groups were compared using the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis (Logrank test at p= and pairwise post hoc comparisons). Results: Failure started as a gap/crack at the lingual margin between the buildup/ crown assembly and the root. Gr1 showed highest survival, followed by the fiber post with BulkFill (Gr3) and then Miris2 (Gr2). The titanium post groups (Gr5, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, Gr6) and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen post with ParaCore (Gr4) had the lowest survival. Conclusion: The survival of nonvital incisors was mainly improved by the presence of the ferrule. Fiber post showed better results than titanium when Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen with EvoCeram BulkFill.

Poster #: 28 Title: Platelet-rich plasma and human Poster #: 27 amniotic fluid for socket preservation Title: Post and core restoration of Name: Shantia Kazemi Esfeh nonvital incisors without ferrule Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh Name: Jide Johnson Faculty Advisor: Pascal Magne Background: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and human amniotic fluid Background: Restoring endodon- (HAF) are used as adjunct treattically-treated incisors (ETI) with- ments during periodontal grafting out ferrule is commonly under- surgery because of their capability taken using various types of posts of enhancing the healing process. and composite resin buildups. Purpose: We aimed to clinically Purpose: The aim of this study and histologically evaluate the osis to investigate the restoration of teogenic effects of PRP, HAF, and ETI without ferrule using ceramic their combination (PRHA) in Galisch Gluck Slot-Maschine Uberprufen bonded to 3 types of core bit socket preservation. Methods: Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and two different posts, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. 24 healthy male rabbits were ranA ferrule group with post was in- domly allocated into four groups:

46

1) PRHA, 2) HAF, 3) PRP and 4) control with no biomaterial used. Half of the rabbits were sacrificed at 4 weeks and the rest 8 weeks after surgery. In each rabbit one lower incisor tooth was extracted, sectioned and stained. images were evaluated to calculate the percentage of trabecular bone area and to quantify osteocyte formation and vessel formation. Data was analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey’s test. Results: Percentage of bone trabeculae, Non-stop party Scratch Slots Machine formation and vessel formation in all groups were significantly higher at 8th week compared to 4th week (p<), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. PRHA and HAF groups had significantly higher mean percentage of trabecular bone area and numbers of osteocyte formation compared to other groups (p<) with no significant difference from each other (p=). Vessel formation was significantly enhanced in HAF group (p<) compared to other groups. PRHA group showed significantly enhanced vessel formation compared to PRP and control groups (p< ). Conclusion: All three experimental groups showed positive effect on area of trabecular bone, number of osteocytes and vessel formation. Since there was no statistical difference between HAF and PRHA, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, it seems more beneficial to use HAF due to its simplicity of application. Poster #: 29 Title: Crown-to-implant ratio and marginal bone loss: A meta-analysis Name: Vahid Khoshkam Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh Background: Multiple systematic reviews have documented the efwith moderate height at ficacy of shortvertical implants in alveolar sites with moderate vertical height ratio. It isShort important to determine atrophy. implants in sites with whether increased hasrealveolar the ridge atrophyC/I areratio often any detr stored with elongated restoration, leading to relatively high crown-toimplant (C/I) ratio. It is important to determine whether the increased C/I imental effects on ratio hasbiological any detrimental biological peri-implant bone. Purpose: ToPureffects on peri-implant bone. that pose:end, Tothis thatsystematic end, thisreview systematic sought examine the long-term review to sought to examine the longeffectseffects of C/Iofratio peri-implant term C/I on ratio on peri-immarginal bone loss, reported by plant marginal boneasloss, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, as reportprospective clinical trials. Methed by prospective clinical trials. ods: An electronic search of 5 Methods: An electronic search of databases and hand searches were 5 databases and hand searches Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen performed totoidentify prospective performed identify prospective human human trials trials that thathad hadreported reported both both crown/implant crown/implant ratioratio and and associated associated peri-implant marginal peri-implant marginal bone loss with bone loss withofa at follow-up at a follow-up least 36ofmonths. least 36 months. Ameta-analysis random-effectwas A random-effect meta-analysis was performed performed to analyze weightedtomean

difference analyze weighted (WMD)mean and difference confidence (WMD) (CI) interval and confidence for recorded intervariables val (CI) fortorecorded according PRISMA variables guidelines. according A weighted to linear PRISMA regression guidelines. modA weighted el was usedlinear to evaluate regression R2 model value. was used toThe Results: evaluate publication R2 value. search Results: The yielded publication records andsearch after evaluyielded titles, ating records abstracts and after andevaluating full-texts, 7titles, prospective abstracts and trialsfull-texts, were includ7 prospective ed for quantitative trials were data included synthesis. for quantitativefor Meta-analysis datathe synthesis. comparison Meta-analysis of MBL among for the selected comparison studies of MBL aamong showed WMDselected of mm, studies with a showed 95% CI aofWMD of mm mm, (p=). with a 95% Results failed CI ofto detail any mmsig(p=). Results nificant correlation failedbetween to detail any C/I significant ratio and marginal correlation bone between loss. C/I The ratio and marginal weighted linear regression bone loss. The model weightedthat showed linear when regression C/I ratiomodel ranged showed that between when and C/I, ratio ranged limited between MBL (< mm) andcouldEsmeralda Slot Machine Examen, be limited expected. MBLlow The (< () mm) Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen R2 value be expectsuggests www.enthralaviation.com Theoflow correlation () between R2 valueMBL suggestsC/I and a lack ratio. of correlation Conclusion: between Based MBL on theand available C/I ratio. evidence, Conclusion: there is Based no relationship on the available between evidence, C/I ratio there isthe within no examined relationship range between and marC/I ratio ginal bone within loss. the examined range and marginal Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen loss. Poster #: 30 Title: Influence of abutment angulation on screw fracture Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and removal torque Name: Tiffany Lee Faculty Advisor: Winston Chee Background: The position of an implant is not always ideal to allow proper restorative contours and screw access. In such situations the implant screw channel needs to be corrected using custom or pre-angled abutments as prosthetic options. Purpose: Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Compare the removal torque of Dynamic Abutments screws (DAS; Talladium International Implantology) in abutments with 3 different angulations before and after cyclic loading. 2) Compare the fracture strength (FS) of the DAS at different Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Methods: 28 external hex implants (3i Biomet), embedded into acrylic resin, were divided in 4 groups. Dynamic Abutments with different angulation were waxed-up, cast and torqued. In Group 1 (control group), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, 3i Biomet gold square screws were used and torqued Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen 35 Ncm; the angulation was 0°. In groupsDAS were used and torqued at 25 Ncm; the angulation was 0° for Group 2, 20° for Group 3, and 28° for Group 4. Baseline and final (after cyclic fatiguing in a dual-axis chewing-simulator for 1, cycles) screw removal torque values were recorded with a digital implant torque driver. The fracture

strength (FS) of the implant restorations was tested under compression until failure with a universal testing machine (Instron). The Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen between baseline and removal torque (ΔRT) was calculated. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA for ΔRT and FS separately with Bonferroni post-hoc Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen at α= Results: ΔRT values and FS values were not significantly different between the groups (p>). The screw broke in 5 out of 28 (%) samples. Remaining samples failed by damaging the implant platform while the screw bent or loosened. Conclusion: The removal torque and fracture strength of the Dynamic Abutment screw is comparable to the 3i Biomet gold screw. Angulation of the abutment did not have any significant influence on the screw removal torque values. Poster #: 31 Title: Evaluation of varying thickness of zirconia around abutment cylinders Name: Cheryl Park Faculty Advisor: Winston Chee Background: Zirconia is becoming increasingly used as a restorative material for implant supported restorations. However, there is a lack of information regarding the optimal wall thickness of zirconia surrounding the implant components. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the resistance to fracture of different thicknesses of zirconia luted to implant components. Methods: Thirty cylinders of monolithic zirconia (Prettau Zirconia, Zirkonzahn) with 13 mm height, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, indented occlusal surface for loading, and varying wall thicknesses ( mm, 1 mm, mm; N=10/group) were designed and milled using a CAD/ CAM system (Modellier software and M5, Zirkonzahn), and finally sintered. Titanium temporary cylinders (ITCS41, Biomet3i) were attached to 30 external hex implant analogs (ILA20, Biomet3i) that had been embedded into PMMA blocks Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen Vario Heraeus Kulzer) with dimensions of x x cm). The zirconia specimens were cemented to the titanium cylinders using a self-adhesive, dual-cure resin cement (Panavia SA, Kuraray), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. A load-to-failure test was performed under compression until fracture using a universal testing machine (ModelInstron) at a cross-head speed of

mm/min. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen and Tukey’s B test at α= (SPSS 19, IBM). Results: Mean load of failure was 1, N, 2, N, and 4, N for groups mm, 1 mm, mm, respectively, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Thes values were significantly different between the groups (p<). Conclusion: Considering the average human bite force, this study suggests keeping a thickness of mm to 1 mm of this particular type of zirconia around the implant cylinder to avoid fracture around this area of stress. Poster #: 32 Title: Adhesion of soft liners to printed and heat-cured resins Name: Cheryl Park Faculty Advisor: Winston Chee Background: Soft liner adhesion to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen heat-polymerized denture materials has been well researched in the past. However, the adhesion of soft liners to new 3D-printed denture materials is still unknown. Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adhesion strength of soft liner materials to a 3D-printed denture base material. Methods: (N=36/ group) heat-polymerized acrylic plates were prepared (Lucitone, Dentsply) following dimensions (25 Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen x 25 mm x 3 mm) recommended by ISO (Control), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. (N=36/group) 3D-printed plates were prepared using light-curing material (DentcaBase, Dentca) and 3D printer (Dentca Solution, Dentca). Control and experimental groups were further divided into 4 groups of soft liners (N=72/group): Group 1) Sofreliner (Tokuyama Dental America), Group 2) Mucopren (Kettenbach), Group 3) Permasoft (Dentsply), Group4) Prosoft (Perma). Printed plates were washed with isopropanol, sanded with grit p sandpaper and post-cured (Honle UV America). All plates were aged in water (28 days, 37C) before applying soft liner materials between 2 plates of the same material using ring-shaped collars (10 mm diameter, 3 mm thickness). Handles were bonded to each ends of the plates with cyanoacrylate to facilitate loading onto tensile machine. Tensile testing was carried out at a displacement rate of 10 mm/min ( Universal Testing Machine, Test Resources), Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Maximum load (F) was recorded Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen debonding. Bond strength was calculated: B (bond strength, MPa) = Force(N)/ Area(mm2). Mode of failure was visually determined (adhesive or co-

hesive). Results: Tukey’s HSD test showed that the differences between the soft liner groups were significant with silicone liners (Groups 1, 2) having significantly higher bonding strength to both PMMA and printed material as compared to the acrylic liners (Groups 3, 4). No statistically-significant difference was found in bond strengths between the printed groups and PMMA. Modes of failure were dominated by cohesive failure. Conclusion: Adhesion strength of silicone and acrylate soft liner materials seems to be comparable between the conventional PMMA and 3D-printed material.

Poster #: 33 Title: 3-D digital teeth arrangement for complete dentures Name: Cheryl Park Faculty Advisor: Tae Hyung Kim Background: In rapidly-developing digital dentistry, CAD/CAM systems have been implemented in removable prosthodontics. Recently, a novel CAD software allowing digital teeth set-up has been developed by Dentca (Dentca, Inc.). Purpose: The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of 3D teeth arrangement software as an educational tool. Methods: The subjects were 33 students enrolled in the international program at Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC. The software was available as an iPad application (Dentca) and consisted of virtual edentulous arches above which denture teeth can be set up by changing the angle and linear position. Students were given one week to practice the teeth arrangement in the practice mode. The practice mode offers guidelines such as the ideal teeth positions in transparent color, occlusal plane, arch size, midline, and additional instructions. After one week, students arranged the teeth without the tranparent guidelines and deviations from ideal positions were analyzed for teeth #6, 7, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, 8, 9, 10, The amount of linear deviation from the ideal was recorded in terms of x, y, z and the angular deviation in xr, yr, zr. Results: Linear and angular deviations were compared Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen maxillary

anterior teeth using ANOVA and Tukey HSD. The results show non-significant difference between deviations for maxillary anterior teeth. However, there was a Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of increasing deviations as students moved away from the central incisors, with canines (#6, 11) resulting in the largest amount of deviations, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Conclusion: CAD teeth arrangement software has the potential to Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen used as an educational tool by students to learn and successfully arrange the denture teeth in correct positions after use of the software. Poster #: 34 Title: 3-D analysis of maxillary retromolar bone before and after distalization Name: Tina Park Faculty Advisor: Glenn Sameshima Background: Current orthodontic literature shows that en-masse distalization of maxillary dentition is mechanically possible. However, the safety and efficacy of the technique must be investigated. Purpose: 1) To study the changes in the maxillary retromolar alveolar bone dimensions in response to Modified Palatal Anchorage Plate (MPAP) assisted maxillary en-masse dental distalization, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. 2) To evaluate the bone level at the distal surface of the distalized second molar. Methods: The pre- and post-treatment cone-beam computed tomographies (CBCTs) of 41 Class II subjects treated with the MPAP appliance were analyzed. Four landmarks for reference, five landmarks bordering the retromolar bone, and the cemento-enamel Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen (CEJ) at the distal surface of the second molar were digitized. The length, height and width of the retromolar bone, and the bone level at the distal surface of the second molar were calculated. Results: After undergoing treatment, the width, height and length significantly decreased to ± mm, ± mm and ± mm, respectively. Statistical comparison between the actual post-treatment length mm and the expected value of mm showed significant increase in the total bone length by mm. Bone coverage at the distal surface of the second molar did not show significant change. Conclusion: There is sufficient retromolar bone length to accommodate maxillary dental distalization. En-masse distalization with the MPAP appli-

USC Student Research Group

47

ance does not lead to periodontal defect at the distal surface of the second molar. Further studies must be done to evaluate Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen there is active bone remodeling in all three dimensions to maintain the bony housing around the distalized second molar.

ship exists between pitch, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, roll, or yaw and gender. Conclusion: The results of our study demonstrate that our method of orienting the head into natural head position is a successful technique to properly position the head into NHP for pitch and yaw. Poster #: 36 Title: Numb chin syndrome as first presentation of metastatic breast cancer Name: Jasjot Sahni Faculty Advisor: Parish Sedghizadeh

Poster #: 35 Title: Operator-determined and reoriented natural head position in three-dimensional imaging Name: Laura Rein Faculty Advisor: Dan Grauer Background: The advent of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging presents numerous advances in orthodontic diagnosis and treatment planning. To acquire an image, a patient is oriented in the CBCT unitâ€&#x;s built-in restraints according to a horizontal reference plane. While natural head position (NHP) is a more ideal postural position due to high standardization and reproducibility, it is not regularly used by CBCT units due to the difficulty in positioning each patient, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Purpose: The purpose of this study is to compare different patientsâ€&#x; head positions as determined and imaged by radiologic technicians, to a reoriented position modified by the use of intracranial landmarks. Methods: The sample consisted of orthodontic patients with current CBCT images from one practitionerâ€&#x;s office in Los Angeles, CA. The pitch, roll, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and yaw were adjusted in Dolphin 3D Imaging until intracranial landmarks were aligned and symmetrical, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. The pitch, roll, and yaw coordinates were recorded and statistical analysis was performed to test for significance and correlation to age and gender. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the roll of the operator-determined position and the reoriented images, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. There was a statistical difference in pitch and yaw, in which the patient tended to look upwards and to the left within the CBCT machine. Correlation testing demonstrated a positive linear relationship between pitch and age. However, no relation-

48

Background: This case is important as patient who had a history of breast cancer 20 years ago initially presented to her dentist with hypoesthesia unilaterally in left chin, jaw and lower lip. CT scan identified lytic metastatic disease involving right mandible and thoracic vertebrae along with multiple pulmonary nodules in lungs. Oncologic referral confirmed diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer. Purpose: Familiarity with numb chin syndrome (NCS) is important for oral health care providers in order to identify etiology and provide appropriate referral or management. Methods: Since this Golden Ghouls Slots Machine a case report, no specific methods were used. Results: NCS is a condition with a broad differential diagnosis which may require further investigation to identify etiology. NCS can be the first presentation of metastatic cancer to the jaws. Conclusion: Familiarity with neuropathic pain presentations and evaluation is important for oral health care providers in order to accurately identify etiology and provide appropriate referral or management. Poster #: 37 Title: Regenerative therapy for repair of peri-implantitis tissues Name: Navid Sharifzadeh Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh Background: Along with the increased number of implants being utilized in clinical practice, there has been a rise in the incidence of biological complications, including peri-implantitis. Purpose: Therefore, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, the availability of efficacious therapy for peri-implantitis is an important area of investigation. Though many therapies have been proposed for peri-implantitis, there is a paucity of data documenting their efficacy and effectiveness. Methods: The present case report provides a protocol, which will include implant surface decontami-

nation, as well as regeneration. The protocol will begin with removal of the prosthesis Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen mucoperiosteal flap elevation. Hard biofilms are removed by titanium brush in conjunction with air powder abrasion and hydrofluoric acid gel etching. Autogenous bone shavings are harvested within the same surgical area, combined with anorganic bovine bone minerals (ABBM) and covered with collagen membrane. Primary coverage is obtained to submerge the implants during the healing period. After 3 months, the implants are exposed and the prosthesis is reconnected. Results: 31 implants have been treated in 22 patients using this protocol. Clinical and radiographic outcomes have demonstrated significant regeneration of peri-implant bone and soft tissues. Radiographic outcome demonstrated gain of marginal bone of between to mm with a mean of mm. In one case, two implants were reconstructed in this manner and during the second stage surgery, it was discovered that the implants were fractured. The implants were removed and histologic evaluation was performed, demonstrating significant evidence of new bone regeneration around the treated implants. Conclusion: The protocol for the treatment of peri-implantitis includes: 1) Aggressive surface decontamination (titanium brush, air powder abrasion and acid etching); 2) Regenerative therapy: combination of autogenous bone shavings directly on the surface of implants, with a layer of anorganic bovine bone minerals and collagen membrane; 3) Removal of prosthesis to allow primary coverage of the regenerated site for minimum of 3 months. The protocol appears to be effective in pilot case series. Randomized controlled trials will be required to investigate the efficacy of the proposed protocol. Poster #: 38 Title: In-vitro evaluation of different implant surface decontamination protocols Name: Navid Sharifzadeh Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh

the primary objective of treatment is to gain access to the affected implant surface for debridement and decontamination. Various implant surface decontamination methods have been advised in the surgical Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen of peri-implantitis around titanium implants. However, a solid protocol has not been proposed yet. Purpose: This study evaluated different implant surface decontamination methods in vitro, and based on the results, utilized the most efficient one as a protocol for an in-vivo implant surface decontamination method. Methods: 5 Astra-tech dental implants (Dentsply, Germany) were chosen. The micro-thread part of the coronal portion of the dental implants was allocated to different types of surface decontamination protocols: 1) Sterile saline irrigation; 2) Air-abrasive device application; 3) Hydrofluoric acid (porcelain etchant) application; 4) Titanium brush utilization; 5) Combination of ). All the implant surfaces were evaluated under the scanning electron microscope (SEM). The objective of this was to evaluate the quality and quantity of alteration in the implant surfaces in each protocol. Results: As expected, saline irrigation showed the least surface alteration while other protocols presented different modalities. The air-abrasive device created pits in the implant surface whereas the acid etching provided more pits with increased surface area. The titanium brush removed the peak of the threads from the implant surface, showing the capability of biofilm removal. The combination protocol presented the most solid result with potential of biofilm removal and increased surface area in the presence of superficial pits. Conclusion: The application of the combination implant surface decontamination protocol has the ability to remove the biofilm attached to the implant surface and provide a surface that has a potential for re-osseointegration of the lost bone around the dental implants.

Poster #: 39 Title: Volumetric analysis of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) treatment Background: A clear relationship Name: Matt Somerville has been established between the Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh formation of microbial biofilms on an implant surface and an inflam- Background: Gingival recession matory response in the host tis- is a common manifestation in most sues. According to recent reviews, populations and is relevant for mulperi-implant disease has a preva- tiple reasons. To name a few, root lence of 20% in patients with im- surface exposure resulting from plants. For the surgical protocols, gingival recession may create root

caries, dental hypersensitivity, and esthetic problems. The significance of any gingival recession may vary considerably depending on the etiology, extent and associated symptoms in each case. The technologies that have made the use of three-dimensional (3D) digital scanners an integral part of many industries Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen decades have been improved and refined for application to dentistry. The advantage of using the intra-oral digital scanner is superior accuracy of gingival examination compared with traditional examination with a periodontal probe, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. This study aimed to report the efficacy of vestibular incision subperiosteal tunnel access (VISTA) treatment of multiple recession defects using the intra-oral digital scanner (iTero). Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential for measuring change in gingival thickness after VISTA surgery by superimposing optical scans over CBCT images. Methods: A variety of techniques are available for treatment of multiple contiguous recession defects. The available techniques have limitationsincluding the need for marginal incisions that compromise the blood supply. Outcome predictors have demonstrated the significance of coronal positioning at least 2 mm coronal to the CEJ in order to increase the likelihood of complete resolution of recession defects. Traditional suturing techniques are limited in their ability to fix the position of the gingival margin. The VISTA technique has been developed in an attempt to address the limitations of current techniques. VISTA involves a vestibular incision in an area remote to the defect and elevation of a subperiosteal tunnel. Once gingival margins are coronally positioned in a tension-free manner, the sutures holding gingival margins in coronal position are bonded with flowable composite. Alginate impressions were then taken at 6 months and 1 year following the surgery. All study casts were scanned by intra-oral digital scanner (iTero) to evaluate the effect on soft tissue contours. Results: Change in gingival thickness (# gingival recession, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, measured at each tooth) as a result of VISTA surgery was successfully measured by superimposing optical scan data over CBCT data. Preliminary findings show an average thickness increase of mm. Conclusion: The use of optical scanners in evaluating treatment of gingival recession

with VISTA is a promising tool that may allow for accuracy superior to measurement with a periodontal probe. Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen technique is important not only for the accuracy of evaluation, but also for the efficiency and easy of use. Further clinical trials are needed to determine the effectiveness of this technique. Poster #: 40 Title: Histological analysis of extraction sockets grafted with anorganic bovine bone Name: Azadeh Tavari Faculty Advisor: Homa Zade Background: Alveolar ridge resorption following Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen extraction has been considered an unfavorable yet expected outcome which poses negative effects on the subsequent treatment of extraction site. These effects include esthetic and functional concerns, such as inadequate dimensions of bone for implant placement. Though multiple ridge preservation procedures have been introduced to reduce this resorption, the biological and clinical outcomes of the healing process have not been adequately described. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the histologic response of tissue in extraction sockets in anticipation of implant placement, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Methods: The extraction socket of previously determined hopeless teeth were grafted with large particle size (mm) cancellous bovine anorganic bone: ABBM (Bio-Oss, Geistlich Pharma, Switzerland) and covered with a PTFE membrane (Cytoplast GBR, Osteogenics, USA). Bone cores of mm diameter were obtained at the time of implant placement, at a mean of days, and ranging from 91 to days following ridge preservation grafting, and Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen by histology Crazy Vegas Slots Machine. Quantitative histomorphometric analysis was performed (NIH Image J software) to identify osteoid bone, connective tissue, and residual xenograft. Results: A total of 39 samples were processed for histologic examination and stained with H&E and Tricrhome, followed by histomorphometric analysis. Histologic observations revealed strongly eosinophilic osseous tissue containing round to ovoid osteocytes within lacunae demonstrating its viability. Distinct reversal lines were evident in the woven bone, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, and in areas of active apposition osteoblastic cells with large nuclei, occasional nucleoli and granular cytoplasm were seen rimming the bone and occasional osteoclasts were observed within

Howshipâ€&#x;s lacunae or resorption pit adjacent to osteoblasts, all indicating active remodeling of the bone. Hematopoietic cells and erythrocytes were observed in the lumen of the blood vessels within the fibrovascular stroma that surrounds the bone. The mean percentage of vital bone, residual graft and connective tissue found within the core sample were 35%, 14%, and 51%, respectively. The density of bone in patients younger than 50 years old was significantly greater than those aged from 70 to 80 years old. This difference was statistically significant (p<). Although a statistical difference was not found, there was a trend that as the age of the patient increased, the percentage of vital bone decreased. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that age is a determining factor of bone density in a healed grafted extraction socket. Furthermore, the histologic response of extraction sites following this ridge preservation protocol demonstrated its efficacy in generating adequate vital bone to support implant osseointegration.

To observe the direction these teeth relapsed, models from appliance removal and retainer delivery were digitally scanned and superimposed to create a 3D color map showing changes that occurred between the two time points. Results: Overall, among the teeth that were moved orthodontically, most had no rotational relapse. The data suggests that teeth are nine times more likely to relapse in the opposite direction of orthodontic rotation than in the same direction. A large proportion of the teeth sampled were not moved orthodontically and did not relapse after appliance removal. Surprisingly, a small proportion of teeth relapsed even when not moved orthodontically from initial malocclusion. Conclusion: Using the described methods, it is possible to discern some trends in the direction of orthodontic rotational relapse. While most teeth will not relapse between appliance removal and retainer delivery, the orthodontic practitioner should be most aware of the potential for relapse in the opposite direction of orthodontic rotation. Poster #: 42 Title: Three-dimensional quantification of post-surgical condylar displacement Name: Paula Zabalegui Faculty Advisor: Dan Grauer

Poster #: 41 Title: Orthodontic rotational relapse: Incidence and prevention Name: Katherine Wong Faculty Advisor: Dan Grauer Background: Relapse is an inevitable consequence of orthodontic treatment without proper retention. A better knowledge of how teeth relapse after appliance removal may help the orthodontic practitioner in choosing the most appropriate retention and relapse prevention therapy. Purpose: The aim of this study is to accurately assess the incidence of rotational relapse that takes place between appliance removal and retainer delivery to determine any patterns in in relapse direction. Methods: Dental models from 13 consecutively de-bonded patients were compared at three time points: initial malocclusion, day of appliance removal, and days later at retainer delivery. Initial models and models from the day of appliance removal were visually assessed to determine how the teeth were rotated into their corrected positions.

Background: Condylar displacement following orthognathic surgery has been related to post-surgical relapse. Although postoperative changes in condylar position have been reported in previous studies, no study has precisely quantified these variations in three dimensions (3D). The development of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has enabled the accurate measurement of changes in condylar position in three planes of space. Purpose: To quantify, in 3D, the amount and direction of condylar displacement relative to the glenoid fossa after bi-maxillary surgery. Methods: The sample consisted of Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen patients undergoing orthognathic surgery treated consecutively by one surgeon. The pre-surgical and 2-week post-surgical CBCT DICOM files were collected for each patient. The regions of interest in the temporomandibular joint complex were segmented and the pre- and post-surgical condyles were superimposed using the glenoid fossa as the reference structure. Condylar translation and rotation were compared before and after surgery for each patient in three planes of space. Results: The average condylar displacement was

USC Student Research Group

49

mm on the x plane, mm on the y plane, and mm on the z plane. As for rotation, the average movement was ° on x, ° on y, and ° on z. Conclusion: Minimal changes in condyle position do occur immediately after bi-maxillary surgery and it is possible to accurately assess the amount and direction of this displacement in 3D. Poster #: 43 Title: Periodontal regeneration utilizing antibody-mediated osseous regeneration (AMOR) Name: Hamad Alqadhi Faculty Advisor: Homa Zadeh Background: Periodontal regeneration has been a challenging feat and requires the consideration of many factors, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. In order to attempt novel regenerative techniques, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, animal models are often used to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of these techniques. Purpose: Our goal is to introduce a novel treatment modality for periodontal regeneration based on endogenous osteoinductive agents. The outcome of this research is likely to have a wide impact for use as a periodontal regenerative material for treatment of severe periodontal degradation and ultimate tooth loss. Methods: Eight male beagle dogs (control N=4test N=4) had periodontal defects surgically created under general, local and inhalation anesthesia. Experimental sites (AMOR) received Anti-BMP-2 mAb (25µg/ml) immobilized on Bio-Oss Collagen and Bio-Gide, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen, while control sites (ISO) received isotype matched control mAb immobilized on BioOss Collagen and Bio-Gide. The surgeon was blinded to which site received the AMOR and Lights slot free demo game site received the ISO treatment. The sites were left to heal undisturbed and the dogs were fed a soft diet for 8 weeks under the care of a certified veterinarian. At 8 weeks the dogs were sacrificed and the defects analyzed under Dove Casino 20 - 100 Free Spins CT, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Results: Our preliminary results show that experimental sites healed with greater periodontal regeneration and higher bone density when compared to control using Micro CT software analysis. Conclusion: Surgically created defects in male beagle dogs showed greater periodontal regeneration when treated with AMOR than control sites. Antibody-mediated osseous regeneration has the potential for clinical efficacy in future studies.

50

Poster #: 44 Title: Frequency of MB2 detection in maxillary 1st molar Name: Yeaseul Youn Faculty Advisor: Rafael Roges

comitans (Aa) is a major etiological agent of periodontitis. Conventional gene expression reporter constructs are often made in extrachromosomal vectors, which may be dependent on selective agents to maintain their stability. This requirement often precludes the use of reporter gene constructs in experiments that involve co-culture of multiple microbial species. Purpose: As a proof of principle we Raggin Buffalo Slots Machine a stable genome-integrated green fluorescent protein (GFP) construct in Aa. Methods: A non-functional secA pseudogene in the genome of Aa strain D7S-1 was chosen as the insertion site for GFP. The construct consisted of the upstream region of secA, the ltx promoter (JP2 or non-JP2), the mut3 GFP coding sequence, the aad9 spectinomycin resistance gene, and the downstream region of secA. These fragments were cloned into pUC19 and then used as a template for PCR. This amplified donor DNA was then used for natural transformation of Aa. Transformants were screened by PCR and verified by sequencing and confocal microscopy, Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen. Results: Two GFP-expressing Aa strains were made, driven by either a nonJP2 type or a JP2 type leukotoxin promoter. Growth analysis by BioScreen showed no deleterious effects due to the insertion and replacement of secA by the construct. The construct was found to be stable after multiple passages in vitro. Under confocal microscopy, all cells were found to express GFP. As expected, the strain with the JP2-driven GFP reporter was found to be brighter than the strain with the non-JP2-driven reporter. Conclusion: Our results show that our genetic manipulation strategy results in a stably integrated construct and may prove useful for gene expression in Aa.

Background: One of the major causes of failure in endodontic treatment is the impossibility of locating and treating the entire root canal system. A high percentage of treatment failures in the maxillary molar teeth is due to the impossibility of locating, instrumenting and obturating the secondary mesiobuccal canal (MB2), located in the mesiobuccal root. With the aid of the operating microscope, selective dentin removal, and more specialty training allowed clinicians to examine the morphology of the tooth at a higher level. Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate whether the combination of operating microscope and selective dentin removal and more training increased the frequency of MB2 detection in permanent maxillary first molar teeth. Null hypothesis: no difference in the prevalence of locating MB2 in the maxillary first molar between undergraduate dental student and graduate endodontic resident. Methods: A total of maxillary first molar root canal treated teeth were randomly selected, root canal treatments completed by the undergraduate Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen students and root canal treatments completed by the graduate endodontic residents. Patient records were reviewed retrospectively and the prevalence of MB2 in the maxillary first molars Esmeralda Slot Machine Examen evaluated. Results: The prevalence of locating the second mesiobuccal canals found by the graduate endodontic residents was significantly higher than the undergraduate dental students. Conclusion: The combination of operating microscope, selective dentin removal, and more specialty training increase the prevalence of locating the second mesio buccal canals in the maxillary first Poster #: 46 Title: BMP activity regulates mesmolar. enchymal lineage commitment and tooth root initiation Name: Jifan Feng Faculty Advisor: Yang Chai

GRAduate Postdoctoral trainees

Poster #: 45 Title: Integration and expression of GFP in Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans Name: Eduardo Ayala Faculty Advisor: Casey Chen Background: Gram-negative Aggregatibacter actinomycetem-

Background: Postnatal tooth development occurs mainly in the apical region, which forms the tooth roots. This region was reported to contain a distinct mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) population, namely stem cells of the apical papilla (SCAPs), which is potentially associated with the specific growth of this tissue. Purpose: Despite