Michael McCullough | University of Melbourne (original) (raw)

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Papers by Michael McCullough

Australian dental journal, Jan 23, 2015

Methoxyflurane was developed as an anaesthetic agent and introduced into clinical practice in 196... more Methoxyflurane was developed as an anaesthetic agent and introduced into clinical practice in 1960. It soon became evident that it possessed analgesic properties that other drugs did not. Due to toxicity concerns, it lost favour in general anaesthesia and had been largely abandoned by the late 1970's. The manufacturer withdrew it in 1999, and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States did not renew its license in 2005. It has also been withdrawn by the European Union. However, it continues to be used in Australasia, primarily as an inhaled self-administered analgesic by emergency services immediately following trauma. It has become attractive for use in dental practice, likely due to its effectiveness as an analgesic and its additional sedative qualities. Its acceptance is controversial as its use in dentistry is largely elective. Despite its good safety record in analgesic doses, adverse reactions have been recorded. Practitioners should be well aware of risks associ...

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 2015

Objectives. To assess the current scope and status of Oral Medicineespecific software (OMSS) util... more Objectives. To assess the current scope and status of Oral Medicineespecific software (OMSS) utilized to support clinical care, research, and education in Oral Medicine and to propose a strategy for broader implementation of OMSS within the global Oral Medicine community. Study Design. An invitation letter explaining the objectives was sent to the global Oral Medicine community. Respondents were interviewed to obtain information about different aspects of OMSS functionality. Results. Ten OMSS tools were identified. Four were being used for clinical care, one was being used for research, two were being used for education, and three were multipurpose. Clinical software was being utilized as databases developed to integrate of different type of clinical information. Research software was designed to facilitate multicenter research. Educational software represented interactive, case-orientated technology designed for clinical training in Oral Medicine. Easy access to patient data was the most commonly reported advantage. Difficulty of use and poor integration with other software was the most commonly reported disadvantage.

Oral Oncology, 2015

Objectives: Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, has been implicated in oral and oesophagea... more Objectives: Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, has been implicated in oral and oesophageal cancers. This study aimed to examine oral Candida carriage in 52 oral cancer patients and 104 age-, gender-and denture status-matched oral cancer-free subjects. Material and methods: We assessed general health, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, use of alcoholcontaining mouthwash and periodontal status (community periodontal index of treatment needs). Yeasts were isolated using oral rinse technique and genetically identified via Real-Time PCR-High resolution melting curve analysis of conserved ribosomal DNA. Conditional and binary logistic regressions were used to identify explanatory variables that are risk factors for oral cancer. Results and conclusion: The frequencies of oral yeasts' presence and high oral colonization were significantly higher in oral cancer than non-oral cancer patients (p = 001; p = 0.033, respectively). No significant difference in the isolation profile of Candida species was found between the two groups, except C. parapsilosis was more frequent in non-oral cancer group. Differences were noticed in the incidence of C. albicans strains where significantly more C. albicans genotype-A was isolated from cancer patients and significantly more C. albicans genotype-B isolated from non-cancer patients. Multiple regression analyses showed significant association with cancer observed for alcohol drinking (OR = 4.253; 95% CI = 1.351, 13.386), Candida presence (OR = 3.242; 95% CI = 1.505, 6.984) and high oral colonization (OR = 3.587; 95% CI = 1.153, 11.162). These results indicate that there is a significant association between oral cancer occurrence and Candida oral colonization and that the observed genotypic diversity of C. albicans strains may play a role in oral carcinogenesis.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2014

Oral Oncology, 2009

The assessment of the DNA content of oral cytology via virtual microscopy for the early detection... more The assessment of the DNA content of oral cytology via virtual microscopy for the early detection of epithelial dysplasia and neoplasia in oral mucosal lesions 1368-8375/$ -see front matter Ó

Oral Oncology, 2009

Oral examination alone cannot always distinguish benign from premalignant and malignant lesions, ... more Oral examination alone cannot always distinguish benign from premalignant and malignant lesions, thereby resulting in delayed patient referral and poorer prognosis. Thus, any non-invasive technology which highlights oral premalignant and malignant lesions in a highly sensitive and specific manner will undoubtedly aid clinicians in early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of acetic acid mouthwash and diffused light illumination (Microlux/DL TM ) as a diagnostic aid in the visualisation of oral mucosal lesions and its ability to highlight malignant and potentially malignant lesions. Fifty patients referred for assessment of an oral white lesion were initially examined under routine incandescent operatory light. The location, size, ease of visibility, border distinctness and presence of satellite lesions were recorded. Clinical examination was repeated using the Microlux/DL diffused light illumination kit. An incisional biopsy was performed to provide a definitive histopathological diagnosis. Microlux/DL examination enhanced the visibility of 34 lesions, however, it did not help uncover any clinically undetected lesions, change the provisional diagnosis, or alter the biopsy site. Microlux/DL showed a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 70.7%, with a positive predictive value of 36.8%. Although Microlux/DL appears useful at enhancing lesion visibility, it is a poor discriminator for inflammatory, traumatic and malignant lesions.

Oral Oncology, 2007

Conventional screening practice for oral lesions involves visual scrutiny of the oral tissues wit... more Conventional screening practice for oral lesions involves visual scrutiny of the oral tissues with the naked eye under projected incandescent or halogen illumination. Visualisation is the principal strategy used to assess patients' lesions at risk for malignant transformation; hence, any procedure which highlights such lesions should aid the clinician. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy of acetic acid wash and chemiluminescent light (ViziLiteä) in enhancing visualisation of oral mucosal white lesions, and its ability to highlight malignant and potentially malignant lesions. Fifty five patients referred for assessment of an oral white lesion, were prospectively screened with ViziLite, and an incisional scalpel biopsy performed for a definitive diagnosis. The size, location, ease of visibility, border distinctness, and presence of satellite lesions were recorded. The ViziLite tool enhanced intra-oral visualisation of 26 white lesions. Indeed, all lesions appeared ''aceto-white'', regardless of the definitive diagnosis. Examination of the oral tissues with ViziLite illumination did not change the provisional diagnosis, nor alter the biopsy site. ViziLite illumination does not discriminate between keratotic, inflammatory, malignant or potentially malignant oral mucosal white lesions and thus, a high index of suspicion, expert clinical judgment, and scalpel biopsy are still essential for proper patient care.

Oral Diseases, 2004

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of complex multisystem metabolic disorders characterized by a r... more Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of complex multisystem metabolic disorders characterized by a relative or absolute insufficiency of insulin secretion and/or concomitant resistance to the metabolic action of insulin on target tissues. The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term systemic dysfunction. The present article summarizes current knowledge of DM and details the oral and dental implications of this common endocrine disorder.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2011

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2008

Worldwide, oral cancer represents approximately 5 per cent of all malignant lesions, with over 80... more Worldwide, oral cancer represents approximately 5 per cent of all malignant lesions, with over 800 new intra-oral squamous cell carcinomas registered in Australia each year. Despite recent advances in therapy, the five-year survival rate remains around 50 per cent and the sequelae of treatment can be seriously debilitating. It has been long established that smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors linked to the development of oral cancer. This review assesses the epidemiological evidence, supportive in vitro studies and mechanism by which alcohol is involved in the development of oral cancer. Further, we review the literature that associates alcohol-containing mouthwashes and oral cancer. On the basis of this review, we believe that there is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer and further feel that it is inadvisable for oral healthcare professionals to recommend the long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.

Australian Dental Journal, 2008

In Australia, oral cancer accounts for approximately 2-3 per cent of all cancers, and approximate... more In Australia, oral cancer accounts for approximately 2-3 per cent of all cancers, and approximately 1 per cent of deaths from cancer. The incidence of intra-oral cancer is gradually increasing. It is now well established that early detection of potentially malignant disease can improve the clinical outcome for patients, and as such it is the responsibility of dentists to identify such lesions early. To facilitate early detection of suspicious oral lesions several clinical methods of detection can be used. In addition to conventional visual screening of oral tissues with the naked eye under projected incandescent or halogen illumination, there are many clinical diagnostic aids that can be undertaken to help detect oral cancer. In this article we explore clinically available modalities that may be used by the general dental practitioner, and highlight their inherent strengths and weaknesses.

Australian dental journal, Jan 23, 2015

Methoxyflurane was developed as an anaesthetic agent and introduced into clinical practice in 196... more Methoxyflurane was developed as an anaesthetic agent and introduced into clinical practice in 1960. It soon became evident that it possessed analgesic properties that other drugs did not. Due to toxicity concerns, it lost favour in general anaesthesia and had been largely abandoned by the late 1970's. The manufacturer withdrew it in 1999, and the Food and Drug Administration in the United States did not renew its license in 2005. It has also been withdrawn by the European Union. However, it continues to be used in Australasia, primarily as an inhaled self-administered analgesic by emergency services immediately following trauma. It has become attractive for use in dental practice, likely due to its effectiveness as an analgesic and its additional sedative qualities. Its acceptance is controversial as its use in dentistry is largely elective. Despite its good safety record in analgesic doses, adverse reactions have been recorded. Practitioners should be well aware of risks associ...

Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology, 2015

Objectives. To assess the current scope and status of Oral Medicineespecific software (OMSS) util... more Objectives. To assess the current scope and status of Oral Medicineespecific software (OMSS) utilized to support clinical care, research, and education in Oral Medicine and to propose a strategy for broader implementation of OMSS within the global Oral Medicine community. Study Design. An invitation letter explaining the objectives was sent to the global Oral Medicine community. Respondents were interviewed to obtain information about different aspects of OMSS functionality. Results. Ten OMSS tools were identified. Four were being used for clinical care, one was being used for research, two were being used for education, and three were multipurpose. Clinical software was being utilized as databases developed to integrate of different type of clinical information. Research software was designed to facilitate multicenter research. Educational software represented interactive, case-orientated technology designed for clinical training in Oral Medicine. Easy access to patient data was the most commonly reported advantage. Difficulty of use and poor integration with other software was the most commonly reported disadvantage.

Oral Oncology, 2015

Objectives: Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, has been implicated in oral and oesophagea... more Objectives: Candida, an opportunistic fungal pathogen, has been implicated in oral and oesophageal cancers. This study aimed to examine oral Candida carriage in 52 oral cancer patients and 104 age-, gender-and denture status-matched oral cancer-free subjects. Material and methods: We assessed general health, smoking and alcohol drinking habits, use of alcoholcontaining mouthwash and periodontal status (community periodontal index of treatment needs). Yeasts were isolated using oral rinse technique and genetically identified via Real-Time PCR-High resolution melting curve analysis of conserved ribosomal DNA. Conditional and binary logistic regressions were used to identify explanatory variables that are risk factors for oral cancer. Results and conclusion: The frequencies of oral yeasts' presence and high oral colonization were significantly higher in oral cancer than non-oral cancer patients (p = 001; p = 0.033, respectively). No significant difference in the isolation profile of Candida species was found between the two groups, except C. parapsilosis was more frequent in non-oral cancer group. Differences were noticed in the incidence of C. albicans strains where significantly more C. albicans genotype-A was isolated from cancer patients and significantly more C. albicans genotype-B isolated from non-cancer patients. Multiple regression analyses showed significant association with cancer observed for alcohol drinking (OR = 4.253; 95% CI = 1.351, 13.386), Candida presence (OR = 3.242; 95% CI = 1.505, 6.984) and high oral colonization (OR = 3.587; 95% CI = 1.153, 11.162). These results indicate that there is a significant association between oral cancer occurrence and Candida oral colonization and that the observed genotypic diversity of C. albicans strains may play a role in oral carcinogenesis.

International Journal of Dentistry, 2014

Oral Oncology, 2009

The assessment of the DNA content of oral cytology via virtual microscopy for the early detection... more The assessment of the DNA content of oral cytology via virtual microscopy for the early detection of epithelial dysplasia and neoplasia in oral mucosal lesions 1368-8375/$ -see front matter Ó

Oral Oncology, 2009

Oral examination alone cannot always distinguish benign from premalignant and malignant lesions, ... more Oral examination alone cannot always distinguish benign from premalignant and malignant lesions, thereby resulting in delayed patient referral and poorer prognosis. Thus, any non-invasive technology which highlights oral premalignant and malignant lesions in a highly sensitive and specific manner will undoubtedly aid clinicians in early diagnosis and treatment of these conditions. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of acetic acid mouthwash and diffused light illumination (Microlux/DL TM ) as a diagnostic aid in the visualisation of oral mucosal lesions and its ability to highlight malignant and potentially malignant lesions. Fifty patients referred for assessment of an oral white lesion were initially examined under routine incandescent operatory light. The location, size, ease of visibility, border distinctness and presence of satellite lesions were recorded. Clinical examination was repeated using the Microlux/DL diffused light illumination kit. An incisional biopsy was performed to provide a definitive histopathological diagnosis. Microlux/DL examination enhanced the visibility of 34 lesions, however, it did not help uncover any clinically undetected lesions, change the provisional diagnosis, or alter the biopsy site. Microlux/DL showed a sensitivity of 77.8% and a specificity of 70.7%, with a positive predictive value of 36.8%. Although Microlux/DL appears useful at enhancing lesion visibility, it is a poor discriminator for inflammatory, traumatic and malignant lesions.

Oral Oncology, 2007

Conventional screening practice for oral lesions involves visual scrutiny of the oral tissues wit... more Conventional screening practice for oral lesions involves visual scrutiny of the oral tissues with the naked eye under projected incandescent or halogen illumination. Visualisation is the principal strategy used to assess patients' lesions at risk for malignant transformation; hence, any procedure which highlights such lesions should aid the clinician. The aim of this pilot study was to examine the efficacy of acetic acid wash and chemiluminescent light (ViziLiteä) in enhancing visualisation of oral mucosal white lesions, and its ability to highlight malignant and potentially malignant lesions. Fifty five patients referred for assessment of an oral white lesion, were prospectively screened with ViziLite, and an incisional scalpel biopsy performed for a definitive diagnosis. The size, location, ease of visibility, border distinctness, and presence of satellite lesions were recorded. The ViziLite tool enhanced intra-oral visualisation of 26 white lesions. Indeed, all lesions appeared ''aceto-white'', regardless of the definitive diagnosis. Examination of the oral tissues with ViziLite illumination did not change the provisional diagnosis, nor alter the biopsy site. ViziLite illumination does not discriminate between keratotic, inflammatory, malignant or potentially malignant oral mucosal white lesions and thus, a high index of suspicion, expert clinical judgment, and scalpel biopsy are still essential for proper patient care.

Oral Diseases, 2004

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of complex multisystem metabolic disorders characterized by a r... more Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a group of complex multisystem metabolic disorders characterized by a relative or absolute insufficiency of insulin secretion and/or concomitant resistance to the metabolic action of insulin on target tissues. The chronic hyperglycaemia of diabetes is associated with long-term systemic dysfunction. The present article summarizes current knowledge of DM and details the oral and dental implications of this common endocrine disorder.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders, 2011

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2009

Australian Dental Journal, 2008

Worldwide, oral cancer represents approximately 5 per cent of all malignant lesions, with over 80... more Worldwide, oral cancer represents approximately 5 per cent of all malignant lesions, with over 800 new intra-oral squamous cell carcinomas registered in Australia each year. Despite recent advances in therapy, the five-year survival rate remains around 50 per cent and the sequelae of treatment can be seriously debilitating. It has been long established that smoking and alcohol consumption are risk factors linked to the development of oral cancer. This review assesses the epidemiological evidence, supportive in vitro studies and mechanism by which alcohol is involved in the development of oral cancer. Further, we review the literature that associates alcohol-containing mouthwashes and oral cancer. On the basis of this review, we believe that there is now sufficient evidence to accept the proposition that alcohol-containing mouthwashes contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer and further feel that it is inadvisable for oral healthcare professionals to recommend the long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes.

Australian Dental Journal, 2008

In Australia, oral cancer accounts for approximately 2-3 per cent of all cancers, and approximate... more In Australia, oral cancer accounts for approximately 2-3 per cent of all cancers, and approximately 1 per cent of deaths from cancer. The incidence of intra-oral cancer is gradually increasing. It is now well established that early detection of potentially malignant disease can improve the clinical outcome for patients, and as such it is the responsibility of dentists to identify such lesions early. To facilitate early detection of suspicious oral lesions several clinical methods of detection can be used. In addition to conventional visual screening of oral tissues with the naked eye under projected incandescent or halogen illumination, there are many clinical diagnostic aids that can be undertaken to help detect oral cancer. In this article we explore clinically available modalities that may be used by the general dental practitioner, and highlight their inherent strengths and weaknesses.