23 publications
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Parameters of “Safety” in the Food Additive Industry: A Review of Risks and BenefitsBy Paul J. Flaer, Sepideh Badri
Abstract: “Safety is in the eye of the beholder.” What is deemed “safe” by one observer may seem dangerous or risky to others. To approach this apparent quandary and assure ongoing scientific input, most food additives should be tested on laboratory animals and subsequently monitored if approved for human or animal consumption (i.e., parallel to the pathway for the approval of drugs). The term “safety” in the study of the toxicology …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Toxicology · Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2015 · pp. 7–13 Read article →
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The Interactive Morbidity of Bipolar II Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderBy Paul J. Flaer, S. Badri
Abstract: Bipolar II disorder (bipolar disorder) interacts with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a synergistic pattern during its symptomatic course. The relationship of the disorders is overall negative in terms of treatment outcomes and more risky and severe in its comorbid form (i.e., in terms of higher probability of hospitalization or incarceration). Somatic disease should be considered in cases presenting with the symptomology of any form of bipolar disorder as certain illnesses …
Published in Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology · Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2016 · pp. 10–13 Read article →
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The Confluence of Bipolar Disorder and Obsessive-Compulsive DisorderBy Paul J. Flaer
Abstract: The psychopathologies termed bipolar disorders (“manic depression”) affect approximately one percent of the global population. Patients with bipolar disorders have “mood swings” characterized as vacillation between depressive, hypomanic, and manic episodes. However, medical conditions or comorbid disorders can have similar behavioral manifestations. Bipolar disorders appear to be connected by familial genetics to behavioral traits associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. A possible genetic link of bipolar disorders to obsessive-compulsive disorder may be …
Published in Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology · Vol. 4, Issue 1, 2015 · pp. 8–12 Read article →
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Co-Morbidity of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Chronic DepressionBy Paul J. Flaer
Abstract: Obsessions (e.g. usually associated with blasphemous thoughts) dominate the psyche of those afflicted with OCD until relief comes with a connected compulsive activity (i.e., another thought process, or action). OCD is disabling as to the time and mental energy it consumes. The disorder is characterized by repeated hand washing (the “Pontius Pilot Syndrome”), checking, and ordering. In some instances, these symptoms of OCD can have positive overtones and make a …
Published in Research and Reviews : A Journal of Medical Science and Technology · Vol. 4, Issue 2, 2015 · pp. 1–5 Read article →
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A Future Revolution in Medical/Dental Therapeutics: Medical MarijuanaBy Paul J. Flaer, J. Gallegos
Abstract: Dispensing and use of marijuana (Cannabis) and derivatives are restricted under federal statutory control in the United States as “SCHEDULE 1” substances (illegal drugs). However, at the state level (September 2016), “medical marijuana” is legal in 20 states plus “recreational marijuana” in four states and the districts of Columbia. Several other states have litigation for marijuana decriminalization on the November 2016 ballot. Pharmacotherapeutic use of marijuana and its derivatives may …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 7, Issue 3, 2016 · pp. 1–6 Read article →
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Endodontic Considerations: Physiology of the Accessory Canals of the Dental PulpBy Paul J. Flaer, S. Badri, E. Kirsh
Abstract: Access to endodontic therapy by the general population is often limited by the high expense of these procedures (i.e., sometimes requiring the expertise of a dental specialist in Endodontics). The segments of the endodontic apparatus (i.e., periapical complex, accessory canals, and root canal space) with their unique qualities as to spacial relationships, composition of microbial flora, immunological considerations, and host factors, function together leading to the success of initial endodontic …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 7, Issue 2, 2016 · pp. 45–49 Read article →
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Dental Pulpotomy and the Public HealthBy Paul J. Flaer, Badri S., Kirsh E., Macajoux J., Daneshgar M., Ghadakzedeh S.
Abstract: From a public health and disease prevention standpoint, tooth retention and oral health (on an individual basis) are the keys to decreasing morbidity and delaying mortality in the human lifetime. Root canal therapy is expensive and time consuming. When faced with the necessity of endodontic treatment for cosmetics, people will usually “find the money” to prevent extraction of an anterior tooth. However, molar root canals are even more expensive and …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 7, Issue 2, 2016 · pp. 1–6 Read article →
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Use of Gold in Crown and Bridge Procedures: The Most Versatile Restorative Material in Dentistry: A Review and CommentaryBy Paul J. Flaer, S. Badri, I. Dominguez, M. Daneshagar, J. Macajoux
Abstract: Use of gold restorations has been almost forgotten in dentistry. They are no longer a part of most dental training curricula or often employed in private practice. Gold restorations are usually overlooked on most patient treatment plans in modern dentistry largely due to the following misconceptions: Gold is too expensive for use as a dental material. Nonetheless, the price of an ounce of gold in recent months has been at …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 7, Issue 1, 2016 · pp. 36–40 Read article →
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Brain Abscess Originating From Odontogenic Infection: Rare But Life Threatening Sequelae of Dental OriginBy Paul J. Flaer, S. Badri, J. Macajoux, S. Ghadakzedeh
Abstract: Archeological excavations have revealed that the cause of the several deaths of the pharaohs of Egypt was brain abscess originating from foci of dental infection. Effective drug treatment and medical regimens for the treatment of brain abscess were unavailable, until the age of modern antibiotics and advanced surgical techniques. Infective process of any origination in the brain may lead to a suppurative abscess that walls itself off (i.e., encapsulates preventing …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 7, Issue 1, 2016 · pp. 12–16 Read article →
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Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs) and Cellular Phones: Controversy over Oral CarcinomaBy Paul J. Flaer, Jean Macajoux, Sepideh Badri, Jonathan D. Gallegos, Silvina Rajschmir, Mustafa Naif, Mehrdad Daneshagar, Yas Saleem, Astrid Sand
Abstract: All electrical and electronic devices, anywhere where electricity (electrons) flows through wire, set up magnetic fields (EMFs=low frequency electromagnetic fields). Generation of EMFs occurs when there is any significant flow of electricity. EMFs are alternating fields that center on frequencies up to 300 Hz (radiation in the microwave range). The risk from EMFs occurs from significant exposure from high-voltage power lines or in substation transformers, microwave ovens, cellular phones, appliances …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 6, Issue 3, 2015 · pp. 13–17 Read article →
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Dentistry and Depression: Descriptions and InsightsBy Paul J. Flaer, Sepideh Badri
Abstract: The practice of dentistry is a highly stressful profession. Dentistry’s stressors usually center on poor management of time and an overloaded work schedule. Further difficulties in dentistry include job dissatisfaction, uncooperative or anxious patients, and governmental regulations. Moreover, there is a seemingly constant striving for technical perfection in clinical dentistry. Questions about the etiology and possible sequelae of psychological factors of dental practice are discussed: are elevated stress levels inherent …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 6, Issue 3, 2015 · pp. 8–12 Read article →
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Preventive Approaches in Endodontic TreatmentBy Paul J. Flaer
Abstract: This manuscript is a review of conservative and preventive approaches to restoration of teeth during and after endodontic procedures (serving to protect them from fracture or recurrent caries). These approaches overcome major barriers in restoring cosmetics and function to the dentition. Forces during condensation of gutta percha, post placement, traumatic occlusion, and recurrent caries are major causes of failure associated with endodontic therapy. A large number of endodontically treated teeth …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 6, Issue 2, 2015 · pp. 26–31 Read article →
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Internal Resorption in the Dentin-Pulpal Complex: An Etiological Link to the Metabolic Acidosis of DiabetesBy Paul J. Flaer, Roberta L. Diehl, Edward R. Kirsh
Abstract: The etiology of internal resorption is not by bacteria or caries but most likely initiated from chronic pulpal inflammation (i.e., chronic pulpitis) following intrusive injury to the dental pulp by one or more of the following means: (1) Traumatic injury (i.e., the most likely etiology) which often involves the oral cavity and teeth. (2) Chemical injury may be by elevated dose fluoride use or from caustic products used in bleaching. …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 6, Issue 2, 2015 · pp. 1–6 Read article →
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The Dental Pulp Cap and Pulpotomy: Healing Procedures or Just Plain Magic?By Paul J. Flaer, Ana Maria Mejia, Seng Kyu Choi, Claudia Montoya, Reema Kanbaragh, Carlos Gonzalez, Astrid Cardenas, Jude St Charles
Abstract: Mesenchymal stem cells in the dental pulp are multi-potent progenitors with the ability to differentiate into many different cell types including odontoblasts that function in the formation of reparative (secondary) dentin. However, reparative dentin is a two-edged sword to the pulp; it is necessary to ‘wall-off’ a pulp exposure or pulpotomy, but at the same time, it compresses the pulp in its finite living space causing inflammatory and necrotic changes. …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 6, Issue 1, 2015 · pp. 8–13 Read article →
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Teratology of Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) in Healthcare WorkersBy Paul J. Flaer, Mohammed Al Rubai, Saif Algarugly, Seng Kyu Choi, Yelena Prato, Reema Agha, Ana Maria Mejia, Carlos Gonzalez, Jude St Charles
Abstract: Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) is a highly useful and generally “safe” biopolymer that is employed widely in the healthcare industry as a malleable and plastic acrylic material. MMA is used in healthcare treatment, especially in dentistry and orthopedic surgery. MMA may be self-cured, heated, microwaved, or light-cured into hardened acrylic plastic material. Self-curing of the combination of monomer liquid and polymer powder is the most common methodology of using MMA; the …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 5, Issue 3, 2014 · pp. 21–25 Read article →
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Dentistry in the Hospital Emergency Room (ER)By Paul J. Flaer, Parkash J., Younis M. Z., AlRubai M., Mejia A. M., Prato Y., Cardenas A., Migliaccio C.
Abstract: Diagnosis and treatment of dental-related symptomology should be conducted with the understanding that dental conditions may influence the course and conduct of medical therapy. Many people with severe orofacial pain and/or swelling come to the local hospital ER for treatment of dental problems. The economics of health care in the United States is burdened by high-cost hospital ER dental visits largely by poverty level patients having few treatment options and …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2014 · pp. 24–30 Read article →
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Clinical Practice: The Differential Diagnosis of Dental PainBy Paul J. Flaer, Edward R. Kirsh
Abstract: In clinical dental practice, patients often present with pain in the oral cavity. While some oral pain may be generalized in nature, the clinician has to consider other factors that involve pain and discomfort. Many symptomatic teeth do not need endodontic treatment – on the contrary, they have undiagnosed occlusal problems, caries, fractures or referred pain. For the teeth needing endodontic treatment, this paper provides several modes of diagnostic methodology. …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Dentistry · Vol. 5, Issue 2, 2014 · pp. 18–23 Read article →
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and MarijuanaBy Paul J. Flaer, M. AlRubaie
Abstract: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) has both negative and positive attributes. Those with OCD find themselves genetically endowed with traits that will help them succeed in life--creativity, a sense of detail/symmetry, tenacious motivation, and a propensity for achievement in the arts, writing, and education. Without one major caveat though, OCD would be a strong quality for general success--the life of one with OCD may be overly complex and mentally tortuous. In this …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience · Vol. 6, Issue 3, 2016 · pp. 30–34 Read article →
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A Review of Psychoendocrine Morbidity: Co-occurring Diabetes Type-II (DIAII), Bipolar II Disorder (BPII), and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)By Paul J. Flaer, S. Badri
Abstract: The acute phase of (Bipolar II Disorder) BPII encompasses a psychosis of dramatic mood changes and elevated energy levels often accompanied by co-occurring psychiatric and systemic disorders. The co-occurring disorders (i.e., BPII, DIAII, and OCD) are accentuated, most often by the metabolic imbalances of (Diabetes Type-II) DIAII and sometimes by the psychiatric condition of (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) OCD. Increased morbidity and mortality of the co-occurring disorders dominates the chronic course of …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience · Vol. 6, Issue 2, 2016 · pp. 19–23 Read article →
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Diagnostic and Treatment Factors in the Relationship of Co-occurring Bipolar Disorder and DiabetesBy Paul J. Flaer, Badri S.
Abstract: From an epidemiological standpoint, bipolar disorder and diabetes (Type II diabetes mellitus) exhibits high prevalence and universal distribution, found in men and women of all ages, races, ethnicities, cultures, and socioeconomic groups. Bipolar disorder and diabetes often present as co-occurring medical conditions along with characteristic metabolic, neurochemical, and neuroanatomical changes. The co-occurring conditions are associated with the increased morbidity, chronicity, lower treatment response, and premature mortality. Risk factors for these …
Published in Research and Reviews: A Journal of Neuroscience · Vol. 6, Issue 1, 2016 · pp. 24–30 Read article →