Ruba Odeh

Bio: Ruba Odeh is an academic researcher from Ajman University of Science and Technology. The author has contributed to research in topics: Tap water & Colonization. The author has an hindex of 3, co-authored 11 publications receiving 29 citations. Previous affiliations of Ruba Odeh include University of Adelaide.

Timing of Colonization of Caries-Producing Bacteria: An Approach Based on Studying Monozygotic Twin Pairs

Abstract: Findings are presented from a prospective cohort study of timing of primary tooth emergence and timing of oral colonization of Streptococcus mutans (S. mutans) in Australian twins. The paper focuses on differences in colonization timing in genetically identical monozygotic (MZ) twins. Timing of tooth emergence was based on parental report. Colonization timing of S. mutans were established by plating samples of plaque and saliva on selective media at 3 monthly intervals and assessing colony morphology. In 25% of individuals colonization occurred prior to emergence of the first tooth. A significant proportion of MZ pairs (21%) was discordant for colonization occurring before or after first tooth emergence, suggesting a role of environmental or epigenetic factors in timing of tooth emergence, colonization by S. mutans, or both. These findings and further application of the MZ co-twin model should assist in development of strategies to prevent or delay infection with S. mutans in children.

Prevalence of infraocclusion of primary molars determined using a new 2D image analysis methodology.

Abstract: Ruba Odeh, Suzanna Mihailidis, Grant Townsend, Raija Lahdesmaki, Toby Hughes, and Alan Brook

Interproximal contact areas of primary molars based on OXIS classification - a two centre cross sectional study

Abstract: Background: Contact areas in primary teeth are known to be broader, flatter and situated farther gingivally than permanent teeth The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of OXIS contact areas between primary molars using die models of children from two different ethnic populations The research question of the present study is “What is the prevalence OXIS contact areas of primary molars in the populations studied?” Methods: A cross-sectional study was planned in a representative sample of 200 caries-free contact areas among children aged 3-6 years in two centers, Ajman and Puducherry Data collection was performed from sectional or full-arch die stone models The contacts were assessed according to OXIS classification by a single calibrated examiner at Center 2 Prevalence was expressed as numbers and percentages The Chi-square test was applied to determine the association of OXIS contacts across genders and arches Results: The prevalence of O, X, I, and S contacts were 19%, 225%, 53%, and 55% in Center 1 and 6%, 15%, 755%, and 17% in Center 2, respectively Significant results (p=0005) were obtained in Center 1 when inter-arch comparison was performed and between the centers with respect to type of contact No significant difference was obtained with respect to gender and OXIS contact areas Conclusions: The present study confirmed OXIS contacts in both the centers The ‘O’ and ‘X’ types of contacts were observed more in Center 1, whereas ‘I’ and ‘S’ contacts were observed more in Center 2

Longitudinal Study of Oral Microbiome Variation in Twins

Abstract: Humans are host to a multitude of microorganisms that rapidly populate the body at birth, subject to a complex interplay that is dependent on host genetics, lifestyle, and environment. The host-associated microbiome, including the oral microbiome, presents itself in a complex ecosystem important to health and disease. As the most common chronic disease globally, dental caries is induced by host-microbial dysbiosis in children and adults. Multiple biological and environmental factors are likely to impact disease predisposition, onset, progression, and severity, yet longitudinal studies able to capture these influences are missing. To investigate how host genetics and environment influenced the oral microbial communities over time, we profiled supragingival plaque microbiomes of dizygotic and monozygotic twins during 3 visits over 12-months. Dental plaque DNA samples were amplified by targeting the 16S rRNA gene V4 region, and microbial findings were correlated with clinical, diet and genetic metadata. We observed that the oral microbiome variances were shaped primarily by the environment when compared to host genetics. Among the environmental factors shaping microbial changes of our subjects, significant metadata included age of the subject, and the age by which subjects initiated brushing habits, and the types of actions post-brushing. Relevant heritability of the microbiome included Actinomyces and Capnocytophaga in monozygotic twins and Kingella in dizygotic twins. Corynebacterium and Veillonella abundances were associated with age, whereas Aggregatibacter was associated with younger subjects. Streptococcus abundance showed an inverse association over time, and Selenomonas abundances increased with brushing frequency per day. Unraveling the exact biological mechanisms in caries has the potential to reveal novel host-microbial biomarkers, pathways, and targets important to effective preventive measures, and early disease control in children.

The teeth and faces of twins: providing insights into dentofacial development and oral health for practising oral health professionals.

Abstract: The continuing studies of the teeth and faces of Australian twins and their families in the Craniofacial Biology Research Group in the School of Dentistry at the University of Adelaide began 30 years ago. Three main cohorts of twins have been recruited, enabling various objectives and specific hypotheses to be addressed about the roles of genetic, epigenetic and environmental influences on human dentofacial growth and development, as well as oral health. This paper highlights some key findings arising from these studies, emphasizing those of direct relevance to practising oral health professionals. We also draw on published literature to review the significant developments in relation to the use of precision 2D and 3D imaging equipment, the application of modern molecular techniques, and the development of sophisticated computer software for analysing genetic relationships and comparing complex shapes. Such developments are valuable for current and future work. Apart from the classical or traditional twin model, there are several other twin models that can be used in research to clarify the relative contributions of genetic, epigenetic and environmental contributions to phenotypic variation. The monozygotic (MZ) co-twin model is one particularly valuable method, given that examination of only one pair of MZ twins can provide considerable insights into underlying causes of observed variation. This model can be used in a dental practice environment, with oral health professionals having the opportunity to explore differences in orofacial structures between MZ co-twins who are attending as patients. As researchers have become more aware of the complexities of the interactions between the genome, the epigenome and the environment during development, there is the need to collect more phenotypic data and define new phenotypes that will better characterize variations in growth processes and health status. When coupled with powerful new genetic approaches, including genome-wide association studies and linkage analyses, exciting opportunities are opening up to unravel the causes of problems in craniofacial growth and common oral diseases in human populations.

Acquisition and establishment of the oral microbiota.

Abstract: Acquisition and establishment of the oral microbiota occur in a dynamic process over various stages and involve close and continuous interactions with the host and its environment. In the present review, we discuss the stages of this process in chronological order. We start with the prenatal period and address the following questions: 'Is the fetus exposed to maternal microbiota during pregnancy?' and 'If so, what is the potential role of this exposure?' We comment on recent reports of finding bacterial DNA in placenta during pregnancies, and provide current views on the potential functions of prenatal microbial encounters. Next, we discuss the physiological adaptations that take place in the newborn during the birth process and the effect of this phase of life on the acquisition of the oral microbiota. Is it really just exposure to maternal vaginal microbes that results in the difference between vaginally and Cesarian section-born infants? Then, we review the postnatal phase, in which we focus on transmission of microbes, the intraoral niche specificity, the effects of the host behavior and environment, as well as the role of genetic background of the host on shaping the oral microbial ecosystem. We discuss the changes in oral microbiota during the transition from deciduous to permanent dentition and during puberty. We also address the finite knowledge on colonization of the oral cavity by microbes other than the bacterial component. Finally, we identify the main outstanding questions that limit our understanding of the acquisition and establishment of a healthy microbiome at an individual level.

Australian Twin Registry: 30 years of progress.

Abstract: The Australian Twin Registry (ATR) is a national volunteer resource of twin pairs and higher-order multiples willing to consider participating in health, medical, and scientific research. The vision of the ATR is 'to realize the full potential of research involving twins to improve the health and well-being of all Australians'. The ATR has been funded continuously by the National Health and Medical Council for more than 30 years. Its core functions entail the recruitment and retention of twin members, the maintenance of an up-to-date database containing members' contact details and baseline information, and the promotion and provision of open access to researchers from all institutes in Australia, and their collaborators, in a fair and equitable manner. The ATR is administered by The University of Melbourne, which acts as custodian. Since the late 1970s the ATR has enrolled more than 40,000 twin pairs of all zygosities and facilitated more than 500 studies that have produced at least 700 peer-reviewed publications from classical twin studies, co-twin control studies, within-pair comparisons, twin family studies, longitudinal twin studies, randomized controlled trials, and epigenetics studies, as well as studies of issues specific to twins. New initiatives include: a Health and Life Style Questionnaire; data collection, management, and archiving using a secure online software program (The Ark); and the International Network of Twin Registries. The ATR's expertise and 30 years of experience in providing services to national and international twin studies has made it an important resource for research across a broad range of disciplines.

The use of panoramic radiographs to decide when interceptive extraction is beneficial in children with palatally displaced canines based on a randomized clinical trial.

Abstract: Objective To evaluate which palatally displaced canines (PDCs) benefit from interceptive extraction of the deciduous canine, to assess possible side effects from the extraction, and to analyse other dental deviations in patients with PDCs. Design, settings, participants, and intervention A sample of 67 patients (40 girls, mean age: 11.3 ± 1.1; 27 boys, mean age ± SD: 11.4 ± 0.9) with unilateral (45) or bilateral (22) PDCs were consecutively recruited and randomly allocated to extraction or non-extraction using block randomization. No patients dropped out after randomization or during the study. The patients were given a clinical examination and panoramic radiographs were taken at baseline and after 6 (T1) and 12 months (T2). An individual therapy plan was made for the PDCs that had not erupted at T2. Measurements were performed blindly and the outcome measures were: canine position and angulation, root development, midline shift, rotation, or movement of adjacent teeth into the extraction site, and frequency of other dental deviations. Results Interceptive deciduous canine extraction is beneficial if the alpha angle is between 20 and 30 degrees. A PDC located in sector 4 with an alpha angle >30 degrees should have immediate surgical exposure, while canines angulated less than 20 degrees and located in sector 2 can be observed without prior interceptive extraction. Deciduous canine extraction was more beneficial in younger patients with less advanced root development. Minor side effects, such as rotation or migration of teeth into the extraction space, were observed in 15 out of 35 patients. A majority of the patients had other dental deviations than PDC in the dentition. Limitations The results are only valid for patients with no space deficiency in the maxilla and with PDCs located in sector 2-4. Harms No harms were detected. Conclusions The alpha angle and sector position are good diagnostic predictors of when interceptive extraction is beneficial. Minor side effects are seen after the extraction and the majority of the patients had other dental deviations too. Registration This trial was registered at http://www.fou.nu/is/sverige, registration number: 211141.