Antibacterial Activity of Phenolic Compounds in Olive Oil Extracts on Periodontopathogenic Oral Bacteria

ABSTRACT@#Phenolic compounds are secondary metabolites of plants metabolism and can be found in olive oil. They exhibit antimicrobial activity towards both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. However, little is known about the antibacterial activity of the compounds towards periodontopathogens. The study aimed to investigate the potential of these compounds as antibacterial agents towards pathogens, specifically Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum. Phenolic compounds were extracted from extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) through liquid-liquid separation using methanol:water (70:30), and hexane. It was then prepared in various concentrations to determine its minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against the periodontopathogens. The anti-adhesion activity was quantified using crystal violet staining while the effects on the morphology were examined through scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The MICs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans, P. gingivalis and F. nucleatum were 31.25 mg/mL, 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively. The MBCs of the phenolic compounds on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum were 62.5 mg/mL and 125 mg/mL, respectively suggesting this compound can eradicate these bacteria. There was no bactericidal effect on P. gingivalis. The adhesion of all the bacteria was interrupted by the compounds at the lowest concentration (1.95 mg/mL). SEM findings showed disruption of bacterial cell surfaces such as blebs and disintegration of cells after exposure to this extract. Phenolic compounds of olive oil exhibited antibacterial activity against the tested pathogens, with bactericidal effects on A. actinomycetemcomitans and F. nucleatum and bacteriostatic effects on P. gingivalis.

Electronic Cigarette Vapour and the Impacts on Oral Health: A Review

ABSTRACT@#Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been in demand among young generations as a modern way of smoking since last decade. E-cigarette devices generate the vapour through the heating process and the inhalation of vapour through the mouth which is known as vaping directly exposed the oral cavity to potentially toxic chemicals in the vapour. The e-cigarette vapour has been reported with potential systemic and oral health impacts though it is to a lesser extent than the conventional cigarette. The toxicity of the chemicals in e-cigarette vapour has been highlighted by various in-vitro studies and currently being explored by many researchers. Nicotine content in e-cigarette vapour not only causes addiction but has deleterious effects on the oral mucosa. E-cigarette vapour is commonly associated with oral health-related problems such as irritation to the oral mucosa, periodontal disease, and possibly the initiation of dental caries. As a marketing strategy, e-cigarette has been promoted as a safer way of smoking habit and use as a smoking cessation tools. Non-scientific assertions regarding e-cigarettes are causing public misunderstanding, leading people to assume that they are safe while the truth is yet unclear. This narrative review aims to emphasise the hazard of e-cigarette vapour and the outcome to oral health by summarising the evidence gathered from previous studies and the potential role of e-cigarette for smoking cessation aids considering the widespread usage of e-cigarettes and public concerns.

Practice and barriers of family planning: A comparison among muslim women in three main cities, viz. New York City, Tehran and Kuala Lumpur

Background: There is a lack of information on the practice of family planning among Muslim women in New York City in the United States of America (USA) [hereinafter known as “Muslim women residing in the United States” (MWRIU)], Tehran in the Islamic Republic of Iran (IRI) and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The limited figures on this issue are either outdated or mere estimates. The importance of sexual and reproductive health of Muslim women is expected to have massive effects on the social and economic progress of developing countries like the IRI and Malaysia. It is also expected to have imperative impacts on the attempts to empower the MWRIU community and enhance their health status to meet the national standards. Objective: The study objective is to explore and compare the practice of family planning, namely on contraceptive use and abortion among Muslim women in 3 major cities of different countries. Methodology: A survey of 379, 377 and 380 respondents from New York City, Tehran and Kuala Lumpur respectively was conducted in 2013 using self-administered questionnaires. Results: There were significant differences in contraceptive and abortion practices across these countries (P<0.01). While a significant 86.6% of Iranian and 66.2% of the MWRIU used contraception, only 22.9% of the Malaysian women did so. For abortion, 13.6% of the MWRIU and 6.3% of the Malaysian respondents had abortion at least once; while only 22% of Iranians revealed their abortion history, totaling 32.1% of them who had abortion. Financial problems and having an unsupportive husband were among the major factors hindering their practice of healthy family planning. Conclusion: Educational campaigns should be promoted to increase the awareness on the permissibility of family planning in Islam, as well as on sexual and reproductive rights.

Muslims’ views on the permissibility of organ donation: The case of Malaysia

Background: Some argue that Malaysia’s extremely low organ donation rate is attributed to religion, specifically Islam. Testing this argument, this study asked Malaysian Muslims their views regarding various issues on organ donation and examined whether their decisions to donate organs are framed by religious beliefs. Materials and Methods: This study investigated the perspectives of Malaysian Muslims between October and December 2013 in Kuala Lumpur. Self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 900 people, with 829 responses collected (92% response rate). Respondents’ verbal consent was taken before proceeding with the survey. Results: The survey found that more than half of respondents felt that organ donation is permitted in Islam and that it is a communal responsibility. However, the same proportions were unsure on the issues of rewards for organs or on whether Islam permits the procuring of organs from brain dead patients. Conclusions: Malaysian Muslims are not against organ donation; however, encouraging organ donation requires the state to address public concerns on Islam’s views on this sensitive issue through effective policy tools to help address these gaps in Malaysian Muslims’ understanding of organ donation. The organ donation rate could improve by using Islamic scholars as ambassadors for an organ donation drive to convey the message of Malaysia’s urgent need for organ donation.

Family response to presume consent system on organ donation from a review of literature

Background: Most countries around the world have experienced a shortage in organs needed for transplantation. Organ donation performance is widely attributed to two important factors: the legislation and the role of the family. Thus, this literature review aims to examine the willingness of people for organ donation while highlighting the importance of having a presumed consent system. Methodology: In this study, we explored many papers of which 10 articles were studied to gain conclusive understanding of the two factors and their interactions. Results: Our analysis of literature regarding the legislation and family response showed that the presumed consent system for organ donation accounted for 21 – 30% higher organ donation rates than the informed consent system. We also found a gap between the willingness of people to donate their own and their relatives’ organs. The ratio of people willing to donate their organs after death was estimated to be 10 – 12% higher than the ratio of those willing to donate their relatives’ organs. Furthermore, the study revealed the importance of a presumed consent system in raising the willingness of the people and their relatives for donation, but that did not eliminate the gap. Conclusion: Countries seeking to overcome organ shortage and increase organ donation rates by moving towards the presumed consent system should consider the importance of providing families with proper information about this system. The fact that a gap between the willingness of the people to donate their own as well as their deceased relatives’ organs exists, has to be conveyed to the governments, which will be helpful in optimising organ donation rates.