bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utopie ou “ science sociale ” Réceptions de l'œuvre de Charles Fourier au XIXe siècle
Authors: MERCKLÉ PIERRE
Published: December 2004

“ Qu'est-ce que le fouriéisme? Je ne sais pas ”Charles Fourier, Lettre à l'éditeur de La Gazette de France (décembre 1835)
Rondeau and virelai: the music of Andalus and the Cantigas de Santa Maria
Authors: FERREIRA MANUEL PEDRO
Published: December 2004

Between the eighth and the thirteenth centuries the southern part of the Iberian Peninsula was dominated by its Arab and Berber conquerors and their direct political heirs. In this large and rich territory, called Andalus, an original mixture of Eastern and Western cultural elements gradually emerged. The southward expansion of the northern Christian kingdoms, beginning in the eleventh century, eventually displaced, circumscribed and debilitated Andalusian culture, which finally found in northwestern Africa its only stable refuge. Although the literary and artistic achievements of Andalus have long attracted attention, the place of music in medieval Andalusian culture has not lately been subject to close scrutiny. The present study, based largely on the analysis of Andalusian survivals in contemporary North African musical traditions, will attempt to identify what could have been the most typical musical forms of Andalusian song and evaluate their possible influence on the thirteenth-century Cantigas de Santa Maria and French secular song.
Towards Doha-lite
Authors: GRYNBERG ROMAN
Published: December 2004

The works of Winters and Martins (W&M) and Mattoo and Subramanian (M&S) are two serious and innovative papers that begin to analyse not only what the WTO means for small states but now, just as significantly, what the numerical preponderance of small states might mean for the WTO. This latter issue is especially significant as members grapple with increasingly complex web of interests that need to be accommodated in order to arrive at a consensus in the Doha round. While neither papers represents the position of the World Bank and IMF, what they both have in common is that they approach the current round from the possibility that some WTO members, the smallest, poorest and most trade preference dependent – for example, Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana and Jamaica – may only benefit from Doha round trade liberalisation in geological time! The research, while not representing official Bretton Woods views, constitutes a dramatic shift in thinking inside the beltway from that which existed at the end of the Uruguay round when the dominant position was that ‘all members would benefit’.
Uniform treatment for Africa in the DDA
Authors: NJINKEU DOMINIQUE
Published: December 2004

Developing countries are becoming more active participants in trade negotiations as manifested by the role played by recent coalitions comprising primarily developing countries (G20, G90; WTO Africa Group). Four small African countries (Benin, Burkina Faso, Chad, and Mali), previously unfamiliar to most trade diplomats, assumed centre stage at the Cancun WTO Ministerial. Burkina Faso and Mali do not even have an embassy in Geneva.
Overview of the Issue
Authors: BROWN JEFFREY , ORSZAG MIKE , SCHIEBER SYLVESTER J.
Published: December 2004

The last decade has seen tremendous interest in hybrid pension plans in the United States. These plans combine risk sharing between employers and employees with increased incentives for employees to remain in the labour force. Hybrid plans avert many of the key issues with defined contribution plans, such as participant exposure to financial risk, the consequent need for extensive financial education and high administrative costs. Hybrids also help rectify some of the main drawbacks of traditional final salary plans: lack of portability, high incentives to retire early and redistribution towards those whose wage growth is above average.
Neuropsychologische Befunde bei Stimulation der Basalganglien - ein Review
Authors: Karner Elfriede , Wolf Elisabeth , Poewe Werner , Benke Thomas
Published: December 2004

Zusammenfassung: Die tiefe Gehirnstimulation (TGS) entwickelte sich in den letzten Jahren zu einer effektiven und wichtigen Behandlungsmethode bei Patienten mit chronischer Parkinson-Erkrankung. Die vorliegende Arbeit bietet einen Überblick über neuropsychologische Studien zur TGS, vor allem zu Auswirkungen der Behandlung auf Kognitionen, Stimmung, Verhalten, Lebensqualität und Sprache. Bisher vorliegende Ergebnisse belegen, dass die TGS eine sichere Behandlungsmethode ist, bei der nur vereinzelt kognitive Leistungseinbußen, vor allem bei verbal-assoziativen Leistungen zu erwarten sind. In anderen Leistungsbereichen (episodisches Gedächtnis, frontal-exekutive und visuell-räumliche Leistungen) bleiben die neuropsychologischen Befunde der meisten behandelten Patienten durch Eingriff und Stimulationsbehandlung mittelfristig unverändert. Negative Auswirkungen auf Stimmung, Verhalten und Persönlichkeit wurden bei einem kleinen Prozentsatz beobachtet. Die methodischen Schwächen der bisher durchgeführten Studien bestehen darin, dass meist nur kleine Stichproben erfasst, kaum Vergleiche zu klinischen Kontrollgruppen hergestellt und nur selten Langzeitstudien durchgeführt wurden.
Episodic physical forcing and the structure of phytoplankton communities in the coastal waters of New Jersey
Authors: Moline Mark A. , Blackwell Shelley M. , Chant Robert , Oliver Matthew J. , Bergmann Trisha , Glenn Scott , Schofield Oscar M. E.
Published: December 2004

The high variability in physical, biological, and chemical properties in coastal waters have limited our ability to sample the appropriate timescale and space scale to resolve physical forcing of the ecosystem. To improve our understanding, a multiplatform adaptive sampling program at the Long‐term Ecosystem Observatory (LEO‐15) off the coast of New Jersey examined the relationship between episodic summertime upwelling and downwelling events and the corresponding dynamics in bulk phytoplankton biomass and community structure. Inherent and apparent optical properties were concurrently measured to evaluate the use of optics to improve future sampling coverage in coastal regions. Results indicate peak chlorophyll biomass tracked the maximum density gradient and that increasing surface phytoplankton biomass was associated with decreasing stratification offshore over time. Diatoms dominated the study site; however, significant shifts in cyanobacteria and dinoflagellate communities were observed. Dinoflagellate and cyanobacteria communities responded inversely to episodic events, with cyanobacteria being favored during intense downwelling. Differences in phytoplankton absorption properties significantly changed the corresponding in water inherent optical properties, allowing for characterization of the community structure from measurements of above water hyperspectral reflectance.
Summer temperature and summer monsoon history on the Tibetan plateau during the last 400 years recorded by tree rings
Authors: Bräuning Achim , Mantwill Bernd
Published: December 2004

Global circulation models predict an increase of summer monsoon precipitation in High Asia as a consequence of global warming. The shortness of available meteorological records requires the reconstruction of past climate variability. However, high‐resolution climate proxy records from the Tibetan plateau are scarce and of limited spatial representativeness. Here we present first evidence of increased summer monsoon intensity from the Tibetan plateau based on reconstructions of late summer (August and September) temperature and rainfall from a network of 22 maximum latewood density (MLD) chronologies of high‐elevation conifer sites. After 1980, a decrease in MLD points to an increase of Indian summer monsoon activity in southern Tibet unprecedented during the past 350 years.
Local atomic structure of Fontainebleau sandstone: Evidence for an amorphous phase?
Authors: Page K. L. , Proffen Th. , McLain S. E. , Darling T. W. , TenCate J. A.
Published: December 2004

Rocks are traditionally viewed as crystallite aggregates; in general the treatment of the composition and mechanical properties never includes solid non‐crystalline components. Such glass‐like materials are difficult to detect in small quantities by standard techniques (e.g., thin‐section polarimetry, x‐ray diffraction) but if they exist at critical locations (i.e. grain contacts) they could affect the behavior of rocks considerably. Neutron scattering measurements on a solid sample of Fontainebleau sandstone have shown clear evidence for the presence of an unexpected glass‐like component. Atomic pair distribution function (PDF) analysis shows significant local structural deviations from pure quartz. These deviations appear as an excess of 5–10% of nearest neighbor (NN) Si‐O and O‐O bonds, which is consistent with a 5–10% volume fraction of vitreous silica. These measurements may provide significant information about the still‐unexplained causes for the peculiar mechanics and dynamics of sedimentary rocks.
Stardust dynamic science at comet 81P/Wild 2
Authors: Anderson John D. , Lau Eunice L. , Bird Michael K. , Asmar Sami W. , Clark Benton C. , Giampieri Giacomo , Gilliland Kevin V. , Pätzold Martin
Published: December 2004

Radio Doppler data at X band (∼8.4 GHz) and spacecraft attitude control data were obtained during the encounter with comet 81P/Wild 2. The Doppler data set an upper bound of 5 × 1015 kg on the mass of the nucleus, about 100 times larger than theoretical estimates. The attitude control data indicate that a large dust particle with a mass in the range of 20 to 40 mg impacted the spacecraft about 15.5 s before closest approach.
Rapid detection methods for five HGO gene mutations causing alkaptonuria
Authors: Zatkova A , Chmelikova A , Polakova H , Ferakova E , Kadasi L
Published: December 2004

Alkaptonuria (AKU) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by the deficiency of homogentisate 1,2 dioxygenase (HGO) activity. The disease is characterized by homogentisic aciduria, ochronosis and ochronotic arthritis. AKU shows a very low prevalence (1:250 000), in most ethnic groups. Altogether 43 HGO mutations have been identified in approximately 100 patients. In Slovakia, however, the incidence of this disorder rises up to 1:19 000, and 10 different AKU mutations have been identified in this relatively small country. Here, we report detection methods developed for rapid identification of five HGO mutations. PCR primers were designed enabling detection of mutations IVS5 + 1G→A, R58fs, and V300G by restriction digestion of amplification‐created restriction sites (ACRS). Mutation G152fs is readily identified by heteroduplex analysis, and G161R by amplification refractory mutation system (ARMS) PCR.
The natural history of sclerosteosis
Authors: Hamersma H , Gardner J , Beighton P
Published: December 2004

Sclerosteosis (SCL) is a severe, progressive, autosomal‐recessive craniotubular hyperostosis (MIM 269500). The determinant gene (SOST) has been isolated, and genotype–phenotype correlations, as well as the elucidation of pathogenetic mechanisms, are dependent upon the documentation of the natural history of the condition. For this reason, the course and complications in 63 affected individuals in South Africa, seen over a 38‐year period, have been analyzed. Thirty‐four of these persons died during the course of the survey, 24 from complications related to elevation of intracranial pressure as a result of calvarial overgrowth. The mean age of death in this group of individuals was 33 years, with an even gender distribution. Facial palsy and deafness, as a result of cranial nerve entrapment, developed in childhood in 52 (82%) affected persons. Mandibular overgrowth was present in 46 (73%) adults and syndactyly in 48 (76%). In South Africa in 2002, 29 affected persons were alive, 10 being ≤20 years of age. It is evident that sclerosteosis is a severe disorder which places a considerable burden upon affected individuals and their families.
Genetic counselling protocols for hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer: a survey of UK regional genetics centres
Authors: Brain K , Soldan J , Sampson J , Gray J
Published: December 2004

Predictive testing for hereditary non‐polyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) is typically offered within an extended genetic counselling protocol, originally developed in the context of Huntington's Disease. We conducted a questionnaire survey of 20 UK regional genetics centres to obtain evidence regarding current approaches to HNPCC pre‐test counselling. Centres were asked to describe the structure and content of pre‐test counselling and their views on shortening the protocol. Sixteen centres responded to the survey. Four centres were considering shortening the protocol or had already done so. The remaining centres followed an extended protocol of two sessions separated by a 1‐month period for reflection, although two centres conceded that the protocol had been reduced in certain cases. Different centres used different terminology to describe the content of pre‐test counselling. Although content areas relating to education or impact of test results were covered more frequently than those relating to reflection, there was a marked tendency to consider all three areas as essential and to use both educational and reflective counselling, even in those centres that favoured a shortened protocol. This apparent dilemma highlights both the practical difficulty of how to shorten HNPCC pre‐test counselling protocols and the need for controlled trials of different approaches.
Analysis of Sanfilippo A gene mutations in a large pedigree
Authors: Di Natale P , Villani GRD , Di Domenico C , Daniele A , Dionisi Vici C , Bartuli A
Published: December 2004

Mucopolysaccharidosis type IIIA, also known as Sanfilippo A disease, results from mutations in the sulfamidase gene. To date, a total of 62 mutations have been described underlying this lysosomal disorder. Expression studies on missense mutations have shown that each alteration was disease‐causing and helped to clarify the genotype–phenotype correlation. In this report we describe a large pedigree where the mutations have been identified in two second cousins: one with severe disease (E369K/R433Q) and the other with a mild form of the illness (E369K/P128L). This study places R433Q as a severe mutation underlying Sanfilippo A disease.
Molecular characterization of a unique de novo 15q deletion associated with Prader–Willi syndrome and central visual impairment
Authors: Windpassinger C , Petek E , Wagner K , Langmann A , Buiting K , Kroisel PM
Published: December 2004

We report a 2‐year‐old boy with Prader–Willi Syndrome (PWS) caused by a deletion of the PWS critical region as a result of an unbalanced translocation t(3;15). Additional features, including central visual impairment, relative macrocephaly, retrognathia, preauricular tags, and bilateral club‐feet, were noticed. The extension of the deletion was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis using 11 region‐specific YAC clones. Nine YACs were found to be deleted, allowing us to determine that the deletion is larger than in patients with typical PWS deletions. The karyotype of this patient can thus be designated: 45,XY,−15,der(3)t(3;15)(qter;q14).ish der(3)t(3;15)(qter;q14) (wcp3+,wcp15+,D15S10−,PML+,D15Z1−,D3S4560+,801_f_9×1, 815_e_6×2) de novo. Molecular analyses using seven polymorphic markers helped to narrow down the breakpoint between marker ACTC.PC3 and the distal end of the YAC 815_e_6. These results provide evidence that haploinsufficiency for genes in 15q13‐q14, not affected in common PWS deletions, is associated with the additional features found in the patient, including a central visual impairment.
Landmarks in genetics through philately: Down syndrome
Authors: Chudley AE , Chodirker BN
Published: December 2004

Down syndrome (DS) is one of the most common chromosomal disorders; however, the molecular pathogenesis and cause remains elusive. Many advances have been made in pre‐natal screening and detection, but there have been few real advances in the primary prevention or treatment of DS. DS individuals have been depicted on several philatelic materials; we present some of these stamps and philatelic covers, as well as other complementary stamps, as a means to illustrate issues relevant to this disorder.
Osseous healing characteristics of three different implant types
Authors: Zechner Werner , Tangl Stefan , Fürst Gabor , Tepper Gabor , Thams Ulf , Mailath Georg , Watzek Georg
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The macroscopic and especially microscopic properties of implant surfaces play a major role in the osseous healing of dental implants. The aim of this study was to perform a histologic and histomorphometric comparison of the healing characteristics of anodically modified, machined and hydroxyapatite (HA)‐coated implant types. A total of 24 machined surface implants (MSI), 24 HA‐coated implants (HCI) and 24 anodized titanium surface implants (ASI) were inserted into the mandibles of 12 adult mini‐pigs after extracting all mandibular premolars. Four animals each were killed after covered healing for 3, 6 and 12 weeks. Undecalcified ground sections were subjected to histologic and histomorphometric examinations. Primary effects and interactions were statistically evaluated and least square means (Tukey test) were compared. Histologic evaluations showed broad‐based bone apposition to HA‐coated and anodically roughened surfaces as well as narrow bone contacts to the machined surface. Localized resorption was only observed with the HA‐coated implants. Overall, histomorphometric evaluation of bone‐to‐implant contact percentages for all observation periods showed significant differences between MSI (19.39% ± 4.53) and HCI (39.05% ± 4.53; P = 0.0092) and between MSI and ASI (42.72% ± 4.20; P = 0.0011). In conclusion, the results of this study show that an anodically roughened implant may provide a similar rate of bone‐to‐implant contact as a HA‐coated implant. In the presence of bone quality II to IV, according to Lekholm & Zarb (1985, in: Tissue‐Integrated Prostheses: Osseointegration in Clinical Dentistry. Chicago: Quintessence Publishing), this may be of particular benefit, possibly because of higher stability, in maintaining pre‐implantation functional strength after implant healing.
Imaging of periimplant bone levels of implants with buccal bone defects
Authors: Schliephake Henning , Wichmann Manfred , Donnerstag Frank , Vogt Stefan
Published: December 2004

Abstract: The aim of the present study was to use four different methods to evaluate three radiographic techniques for their accuracy in assessing the marginal periimplant bone levels at implants with buccal bone defects in an experimental setting. Twenty‐four implants were placed in the mandibles of six adult beagle dogs with substantial buccal bone defects, which were augmented by bone particles with and without resorbable membranes. After healing for 5 months, (1) periapical radiographs, (2, 3) reformatted images in (2) sagittal and (3) coronal planes from axial computer tomography (CT) scans and (4) direct magnification images (DIMA) were made and compared with histometric analysis of bone levels. Two values were used for comparison: (i) the lingual bone level and (ii) the true bone level calculated as a mean value from the lingual and the buccal bone levels of all histologic sections of each implant. Metric evaluation of periapical radiographs, sagittal reformation of CT scans and DIMA showed that the results were close to the histometrically assessed lingual bone level, while the true bone level was significantly lower and not reflected by any of the imaging modalities. Coronal reformation showed that there was significant overestimation of the lingual and underestimation of the buccal bone level when compared with histometric values. It is concluded that assessment of bone level and bone regeneration in implants with buccal bone defects remains problematic, and data from periapical radiograms tend considerably to overestimate the bone anchorage of these implants.
Sinus floor augmentation with β‐tricalciumphosphate (β‐TCP): does platelet‐rich plasma promote its osseous integration and degradation?
Authors: Wiltfang Joerg , Schlegel Karl Andreas , Schultze‐Mosgau Stefan , Nkenke Emeka , Zimmermann Robert , Kessler Peter
Published: December 2004

Abstract: When dental implants are to be inserted, sinus floor augmentation is an effective treatment procedure to improve bone height in the posterior maxilla. In addition to autogenous bone material, allogenic materials, e.g. β‐tricalciumphosphate (β‐TCP), have been used successfully. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the combination of β‐TCP with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) enhances bony regeneration and resorption of the tricalciumphosphate material. In a randomized prospective trial, 45 sinus floor elevations were performed in 39 patients. In 22 sites, PRP was added to the β‐TCP granules, while in 23 sites β‐TCP without PRP was used. Six months later, bone specimens were harvested from the augmented region during the implant insertion procedure. The formation of new bone was about 8–10% higher when PRP was applied. A faster degradation of the ceramic bone substitute was not observed. In conclusion, when PRP was added to β‐TCP, bone regeneration was supported to a small extent. However, the resorption of β‐TCP was not accelerated and foreign‐body giant cells and soft tissue surrounding the β‐TCP granules were present.
Improvements in methods of periodontal probing: comparison of relative attachment level data selected by outlier reduction protocols from Florida disc probe measurements
Authors: Breen Harry J. , Rogers Pauline A. , Johnson Newell W.
Published: December 2004

Objectives:  To compare relative attachment level data (RAL) selected by the Option‐4 algorithm (O‐4), Modified Option‐4 algorithm (MO‐4), Option‐3 method (O‐3) and Double Pass method (DP) from a common dataset and to determine the most efficient method in eliminating outliers.

Material and methods:  A single clinician recorded full mouth RAL with the Florida Disc Probe on four occasions over 6 months in 16 subjects (mean age 48.1 years) with untreated moderate Chronic Adult Periodontitis (mean Probeable Crevice Depth 2.9 mm).

Results: 2312 sites were available for analysis. Within‐visit correlation coefficients for the two selected RAL measurements were 0.98 (P < 0.001) for O‐4, MO‐4 and O‐3 and ≥ 0.92 (P < 0.001) for DP. The maximum mean differences of within‐visit RAL were − 0.05 mm for O‐4, − 0.03 mm for MO‐4, − 0.03 mm for O‐3 and − 0.02 mm for DP. The standard deviations of these differences were ≤ 0.44 mm for O‐4, ≤ 0.47 mm for MO‐4, ≤ 0.45 for O‐3 and ≤ 0.96 mm for DP. Repeated Measures Analysis of Variance (RMAV) showed a significant difference in RAL between visits for all methods (P < 0.003). RMAV, investigating predetermined between‐method comparisons, showed a significant difference in RAL between visits (P = 0.0002) and a significant interaction between the order of the selected RAL and method (P = 0.0011). Within‐visit RAL agreement to within 1.0 mm was achieved at ≥ 99.9% sites for O‐4, ≥ 99.9% sites for MO‐4, ≥ 99.3% sites for O‐3 and ≥ 85.6% sites for DP. Remeasurement (in addition to two passes) was required over the study period at 16.6% sites for O‐4, 13.2% sites for MO‐4 and 13.0% sites for O‐3: DP, by definition, required no additional measurements. The mean site‐specific variances at all visits were ≤ 0.1 mm2 for O‐4, MO‐4 and O‐3 and ≤ 0.44 mm2 for DP.

Conclusions: The Option‐4 algorithm was found to be the most effective outlier reduction protocol currently available, producing the most reproducible data.
Dentine hypersensitivity in Jordanian dental attenders
Authors: Al‐Wahadni Ahed , Linden Gerard J.
Published: December 2004

Background: Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a common painful condition which affects a significant proportion of the adult population.

Aims: To investigate the relationship between DH and factors such as gingival recession, oral hygiene practices and smoking in Jordanian adults.

Methods: A case control study was performed on dental attenders in the Irbid region of Jordan. A DH group was composed of 126 subjects with a history of sensitivity who also reported discomfort of least two non‐carious teeth after an air blast. Each case quantified their personal perception of the severity of pain associated with sensitivity by making a mark on a visual analogue scale The presence and extent of gingival recession was measured on plaster models. An age‐ and sex‐matched control group of 134 subjects who complained of no discomfort was recruited.

Results:  Independent predictors of DH in multivariate analysis were whether an individual had noticed their teeth getting longer (P = 0.01), infrequent (less than once per day) toothbrushing (P = 0.001), smoking (P = 0.0006) and the presence of recession ≥ 3 mm (P = 0.0005). Within the multivariate analysis, the odds ratio for recession of ≥ 3 mm to be associated with sensitivity was 2.80 (confidence interval 1.57–4.99). The number of teeth which responded to an airblast was significantly higher in males (P = 0.0004), smokers (P < 0.0001) and those with recession of ≥ 3 mm (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions:  It is concluded that DH is associated with gingival recession in Jordanian dental attenders. However, the relationship is complex. Infrequent toothbrushing and smoking, which was almost exclusively a male habit, were also factors associated with DH.
Guided tissue regeneration in intrabony defects using an experimental bioresorbable polydioxanon (PDS) membrane
Authors: Christgau M. , Bader N. , Felden A. , Gradl J. , Wenzel A. , Schmalz G.
Published: December 2004

Aim: The comparison of the clinical, radiographic, and microbiological healing results in deep intrabony defects following GTR therapy with two different bioresorbable membranes in a prospective split‐mouth design.

Material and methods: 31 pairs of contralateral intrabony defects were randomly treated with either an experimental Polydioxanon (PDS) membrane or a Polylactic acid (PLA) matrix barrier. After 6, 12 and 24 months, healing results were assessed using clinical examinations (REC, PPD, CAL, vertical relative attachment gain V‐rAG), quantitative digital subtraction radiography (amount and area of bone density changes), and microbiological analysis.

Results: Postoperative membrane exposures occurred in 14 PDS and 2 PLA treated sites. 6, 12 and 24 months p.o., both membranes provided a significant gain in CAL [median values: 6 months (PDS vs. PLA: 3.0 vs. 3.0 mm); 12 and 24 months (PDS vs. PLA: 4.0 vs. 4.0 mm)], which corresponded to a V‐rAG of 57.1% (PDS) vs. 62.5% (PLA) after 24 months. PDS and PLA treated sites revealed significant bone density gain 6, 12 and 24 months after surgery. 38.8% (PDS) vs. 41.8% (PLA) of the initial defect areas showed bone density gain. While the gain in bone density was significantly greater in PDS than in PLA sites, neither CAL gain nor the area of bone density changes revealed significant differences. Microbiological culture revealed similar bacterial loads in PDS and PLA sites during the first 12 months.

Conclusion:  This 24‐month study indicates that the PDS and PLA membranes can provide similar favorable regeneration results in deep intrabony periodontal defects, although considerably more postoperative membrane exposures have to be expected in PDS treated sites.
Local antibiotic therapy guided by microbiological diagnosis
Authors: Mombelli Andrea , Schmid Bruno , Rutar Alexandra , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: December 2004

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the distribution patterns of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in periodontitis patients after standard mechanical periodontal therapy, and to evaluate the effect of additional local antibiotic therapy, given to all teeth with cultural evidence of these bacteria.

Methods: 17 patients were included. 852 separate subgingival microbial samples were taken from the mesial and distal aspect of every tooth in 17 subjects at baseline. 46 of these samples, from 10 positive subjects, showed cultural evidence for P. gingivalis. 82 samples, from 5 subjects, were A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive. Three subjects showed no evidence for persistence of A. actinomycetemcomitans or P. gingivalis. In the other 14 subjects, all A. actinomycetemcomitans‐ or P. gingivalis‐positive teeth were treated with tetracycline fibers (ACTISITE®). Sub‐gingival microbial samples were again taken from two sites of every tooth, 1 month after fiber removal. 89% of the initially P. gingivalis‐positive sites were now negative, but 16 previously negative sites now tested positive. 77% of the initially A. actinomycetemcomitans‐positive sites were now negative, but 5 previously negative sites now tested positive. The teeth with persisting P. gingivalis or A. actinomycetemcomitans were again treated with fibers. Two sites of every tooth were once more sampled after 1 month. At this time, 5 subjects still showed cultural evidence of P. gingivalis at a total of 19 sites, and 4 subjects were positive for A. actinomycetemcomitans in a total of 27 sites. These 9 patients were finally submitted to systemic antibiotic therapy (3 × 250 mg metronidazole plus 3 × 375 mg amoxicillin/d for 7 days). Despite of all efforts, P. gingivalis was again detected 3 months later in isolated sites in 3 subjects, and A. actinomycetemcomitans could be cultivated from one single site.

Conclusions: Therapy with tetracycline fibers guided by microbiological diagnosis effectively reduced P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans locally, but was unable to completely eradicate the target organisms. Additional systemic antibiotic therapy further reduced P. gingivalis and A. actinomycetemcomitans. The observed persistence patterns suggest that reemergence of A. actinomycetemcomitans was due to recolonization, whereas the strikingly reproducible local reemergence of P. gingivalis in some sites indicated failed eradication.
Effect of cigarette smoking on human PDL fibroblasts attachment to periodontally involved root surfaces in vitro
Authors: Gamal Ahmed Y. , Bayomy Mohammed M.
Published: December 2004

Background/aim: Cigarette smoking is one of the most significant risk factors in the development and further advancement of inflammatory periodontal disease. However, no study has been performed to investigate the effect of smoking on the attachment of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts to either periodontally diseased or healthy roots. The present study was conducted to evaluate the attachment of fibroblasts derived from healthy human periodontal ligament (PDL) to periodontally diseased root surfaces of smokers.

Method: The subjects included 14 smokers and seven nonsmokers with at least a single periodontally involved anterior tooth planned for extraction. In addition, seven impacted third molars, which had been removed from nonsmoking adolescents, were used as a healthy control. The smoking status of each patient was determined by classifying the volunteers into four groups according to their level of cigarette consumption at the initial examination (seven patients each). Nonsmoking subjects who had never smoked cigarettes and had healthy periodontium were called healthy control (G1). In subjects with periodontal diseases, nonsmoking subjects who had never regularly smoked cigarettes (< 2 cigarettes/week) were called positive control (G2), smokers consuming ≤19 cigarettes/day were placed in group G3, and smokers consuming ≥20 cigarettes/day were located in group G4. To exclude the effects of all local irritants except for the adsorbed tobacco products, all teeth were subjected to thorough scaling and root planing 1 week before extraction. After 1 week of meticulous home care and continued smoking experience, teeth were extracted and the periodontally involved test areas were prepared for PDL culturing. PDL cells were cultured on root segments for 24 h. Samples were prepared for SEM viewing, photographing and counting at ×750 in a standard area.

Results: The results of this study indicated that smokers' data (G3, G4) revealed a significant reduction of attached PDL cells when compared to that of nonsmokers' healthy and positive controls (G1, G2). No significant difference in the mean number of attached cells was found between data derived from smokers' groups (G3 vs. G4). The attached cells in all groups varied in shape; they were flatter in the control groups, while they were round in smokers' groups, with no dose‐dependent effect.

Conclusion: The present results suggest that cigarette smoking compromises PDL cell adhesion to root planed surfaces, which might affect periodontal regeneration following therapy.
Endoperiodontal lesion
Authors: Sartori Stefano , Silvestri Maurizio , Cattaneo Vitaliano
Published: December 2004

The purpose of this case report is to present an unusual endoperiodontal lesion on tooth 46 in an 8‐year‐old child. The absence of any carious process and the presence of the typical radiographic aspect of an infrabony defect, led us to consider the periodontal aetiopathogenesis. In spite of all this, an accurate periodontal probing of all the teeth and the use of the pulp tester for teeth 46 and 36 led us to diagnose properly a truly endodontic lesion. The endodontic treatment of the involved tooth achieved the complete healing of the lesion.
Effect of low‐level GaAlAs laser irradiation on the proliferation rate of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts: an in vitro study
Authors: Kreisler Matthias , Christoffers Ann B. , Willershausen Britta , D'Hoedt Bernd
Published: December 2004

Aim:  The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate a potential stimulatory effect of low‐level laser irradiation on the proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF).

Materials and Methods:  PDLF obtained from third molar periodontal ligaments were cultured under standard conditions and spread on 96‐well tissue culture plates. Subconfluent monolayers were irradiated with an 809‐nm diode laser operated at a power output of 10 mW in the continuos wave (cw) mode at energy fluences of 1.96–7.84 Jcm–2. The variable irradiation parameters were the time of exposure (75–300 s per well) and the number of irradiations (1–3). After laser treatment, the cultures were incubated for 24 h. The proliferation rate of the lased and control cultures was determined by means of fluorescence activity of a reduction–oxidation (REDOX) indicator (Alamar Blue® Assay) added to the cell culture. Proliferation, expressed in relative fluorescence units (RFU), was determined 24, 48 and 72 h after irradiation.

Results:  The irradiated cells revealed a considerably higher proliferation activity than the controls. The differences were significant up to 72 h after irradiation (Mann–Whitney U‐test, p<0.05).

Conclusion:  A cellular effect of the soft laser application is clearly discernible. Clinical studies are needed to evaluate whether the application of low‐level laser therapy might be beneficial in regenerative periodontal therapy.
A placebo‐controlled multi‐centred evaluation of an anaesthetic gel (Oraqix®) for periodontal therapy
Authors: Donaldson D. , Gelskey S. C. , Landry R. G. , Matthews D. C. , Sandhu H. S.
Published: December 2004

Aims: Six Canadian dental schools investigated the ability of a thermosetting gel containing 25 mg/g prilocaine and 25 mg/g lidocaine as active agents to produce analgesia in periodontal pockets utilizing a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study.

Materials and Methods: The study consisted of 130 patients, each of whom received the active or placebo gel in periodontal pockets in one quadrant of the mouth for 30 s prior to periodontal debridement (scaling and root planing). Pain was measured using both a 100‐mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and a Verbal Rating Scale (VRS).

Results: The median VAS pain score for the patients treated with the anaesthetic gel was 5 mm (range 0–85 mm) as opposed to 13 mm (range 0–79 mm) in the placebo‐treated patients (P=0.015). There was no significant difference in the percentage of patients reporting no or mild pain (78% and 76% for the anaesthetic gel and placebo, respectively). No significant differences were seen in patient demographics, or mandible versus maxilla.

Conclusions: The VAS pain scores showed that the anaesthetic gel 5% was statistically more effective than the placebo in reducing pain during periodontal debridement.
Effect of smoking and periodontal treatment on the subgingival microflora
Authors: Van der Velden U. , Varoufaki A. , Hutter J. W. , Xu L. , Timmerman M. F. , Van Winkelhoff A. J. , Loos B. G.
Published: December 2004

Background: The effect of smoking on the prevalence of periodontal pathogens after periodontal treatment is still not clear. Some studies found no effect of the smoking status on the prevalence of periodontal pathogens after therapy, whereas others did. The aim of this retrospective study was to investigate the influence of smoking on the treatment of periodontitis and the composition of the subgingival microflora.

Method: The study included 59 periodontitis patients (mean age 41.5 years): 30 smokers and 29 nonsmokers. The treatment consisted of initial periodontal therapy and, if necessary, surgery and/or antibiotics. Clinical and microbiological data were obtained before and after treatment at the deepest site in each quadrant. A pooled sample was analysed for the presence of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (Aa), Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Prevotalla intermedia (Pi), Bacteroides forsythus (Bf), Fusobacterium nucleatum (Fn) and Peptostreptococcus micros (Pm).

Results: For smokers and nonsmokers a significant improvement of the clinical condition was found after treatment. A decrease could be assessed for bleeding on probing (smokers: 0.46; nonsmokers: 0.52) and probing pocket depth (PPD) (smokers: 1.64 mm; nonsmokers: 2.09 mm). Furthermore, both groups showed gain of attachment (smokers: 0.68 mm; nonsmokers: 1.46 mm). No significant difference in bleeding on probing and PPD reduction was found between smokers and nonsmokers. In contrast, nonsmokers showed significantly more gain of attachment than smokers. The microbiological results revealed no differences in the prevalence of the various bacteria between smokers and nonsmokers before treatment. After treatment in nonsmokers, a significant decrease was found in the prevalence of Aa (11–3), Pg (17–7), Pi (27–11), Bf (27–11), Fn (28–20) and Pm (27–17). In smokers, a significant decrease could be shown only for the prevalence of Pg (15–5).

Conclusions: Nonsmokers showed more gain of attachment and a greater decrease in the prevalence of periodontal bacteria as compared to smokers. The phenomenon that among smokers, more patients remain culture positive for periodontal pathogens after therapy, may contribute to the often observed unfavourable treatment results in smoker periodontitis patients.
Interexaminer reproducibility of ordinal and interval‐scaled plaque indices
Authors: Dombret B. , Matthijs S. , Sabzevar M. Moradi
Published: December 2004

Background: Although many plaque scoring indices have been proposed for clinical or research purposes, only few of them are commonly used in the dental literature. Owing to the ordinal nature of these established indices, only nonparametric tests can be performed, while statistical analysts usually prefer parametric methodologies. Furthermore, these indices do not discriminate between the proximal and the broad surfaces of the teeth.

Aims: The aim of this study was to assess the interexaminer reproducibility for one established ordinal plaque index and two recently proposed interval‐scaled indices.

Method: Six subjects received a professional tooth cleaning and stopped all oral hygiene measures during 48–62 h. Accumulated plaque was disclosed and separately scored on all teeth except third molars by two examiners using the visual plaque index (VPI), the axial plaque extension index (APEI) and the proximal plaque extension index (PPEI). In total, 168 teeth (48 molars, 48 premolars, 24 canines and 48 incisors) were scored.

Results: Statistically significant differences were found between the means of buccal VPI (p<0.05, Wilcoxon test), mesiobuccal, mesiolingual and distolingual APEI, and distobuccal, mesiolingual and distolingual PPEI (p<0.05, t‐test). Spearman correlation values between the duplicate VPI measurements were 0.84 for buccal and 0.64 for lingual VPI, while Pearson correlation values varied between 0.51 and 0.83 for APEI and between 0.48 and 0.74 for PPEI. For VPI, 71% of the buccal (κ=0.60) and 74% of the lingual (κ=0.53) scores were identical. For APEI and PPEI scores, a linear regression was found with slopes ranging between 0.50 and 0.80. Mean measurement errors were 7.7% for buccal and 0.4% for lingual VPI, and ranged between 0.9% and 46.1% for APEI and PPEI.

Conclusion: The interexaminer reproducibility of all three indices showed fair to good agreement. Buccal VPI and buccal APEI in particular showed good agreement.
Cardiovascular diseases and periodontology
Authors: Seymour R. A. , Preshaw P. M. , Thomason J. M. , Ellis J. S. , Steele J. G.
Published: December 2004

Background:  Cardiovascular diseases represent a widespread heterogeneous group of conditions that have significant morbidity and mortality. The various diseases and their treatments can have an impact upon the periodontium and the delivery of periodontal care.

Aim:  In this paper we consider three main topics and explore their relationship to the periodontist and the provision of periodontal treatment.

Method:  The areas reviewed include the effect of cardiovascular drugs on the periodontium and management of patients with periodontal diseases; the risk of infective endocarditis arising from periodontal procedures; the inter‐relationship between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease.

Results and conclusions:  Calcium‐channel blockers and β‐adrenoceptor blockers cause gingival overgrowth and tooth demineralisation, respectively. Evidence suggests that stopping anticoagulant therapy prior to periodontal procedures is putting patients at a greater risk of thromboembolic disorders compared to the risk of prolonged bleeding. The relationship between dentistry and infective endocarditis remains a controversial issue. It would appear that spontaneous bacteraemia arising from a patient's oral hygiene practices is more likely to be the cause of endocarditis than one‐off periodontal procedures. The efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis is uncertain (and unlikely to be proven), and the risk of death from penicillin appears to be greater than the risk of death arising from infective endocarditis. Finally, the association between periodontal disease and coronary artery disease has been explored and there seem to be many issues with respect to data handling interpretation. Many putative mechanisms have been suggested; however, these only further highlight the need for intervention studies.
Learning root debridement with curettes and power‐driven instruments
Authors: Rühling A. , König J. , Rolf H. , Kocher T. , Schwahn C. , Plagmann H. C.
Published: December 2004

Background, aims: In a manikin study we recently assessed how effectively student operators were able to learn scaling with curettes (GRA) and power‐driven instruments (PP). Calculating the debrided root area effectiveness was low in both groups without systematic training or without a motivational program. After 10 weeks (20 h) of training, operators reached a high effectiveness of 84.7% (GRA) and 81.6% (PP). The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of nonsurgical treatment as performed by these student operators.

Methods: In a clinical trial, 19 students trained in the use of Gracey curettes for 10 weeks (=20 h) (GRA10) and Periopolisher® system for 1 week (=2 h) (PP1), and 20 students trained in the use of Gracey curettes for 1 week (GRA1) and the Periopolisher for 10 weeks (PP10) treated one patient each in a split‐mouth design. At baseline and 6 months, we recorded probing depth (PD), probing attachment level (PAL) and bleeding on probing (BOP) by computer‐assisted probing. Statistical analysis was carried out for moderate (category B) and deep sites (category C). Groups were compared using Student's t‐tests (p<0.05).

Results: Category B sites showed a PD reduction of 1.2/1.0 mm (GRA10/GRA1) and 1.1 mm (PP10/PP1). PAL gain was 0.5/0.3 mm (GRA10/GRA1) and 0.4/0.2 mm (PP10/PP1). In category C sites, PD reduction was 2.1/2.3 mm (GRA10/GRA1) and 2.0 mm (PP10/PP1) with a PAL gain of 0.6/0.9 mm (GRA10/GRA1) and 0.4 mm (PP10/PP1). BOP was significantly lower in all groups.

Conclusion: The results show that student operators who had received a systematical training on manikins and had attained different effectiveness results were able to treat periodontally diseased patients successfully using both Gracey and Periopolisher instruments.
Effects of dynamic fluid activity from an electric toothbrush on in vitro oral biofilms
Authors: Hope C. K. , Wilson M.
Published: December 2004

Objectives: To determine the plaque‐removing ability of a Sonicare Plus® electric toothbrush in an in vitro model.

Material and Methods: Multispecies oral biofilms derived from human saliva were grown on hydroxyapatite discs in a constant‐depth film fermenter. The biofilms were placed in a typodont model so that they mimicked the interproximal plaque between teeth 46 and 47 and were then treated with an electric toothbrush, both activated and inactivated. The distance from the bristle tips to the edge of the disc was 2.65 mm. Brushing action was controlled by a specially constructed brushing machine. After brushing, the number of viable bacteria removed from, and remaining in, the biofilms were determined.

Results: In all, 73.70% of viable bacteria in the biofilms were dislodged from the discs using the activated toothbrush. An inactivated toothbrush removed only 3.66%. Scanning electron microscopy and confocal microscopy revealed differences between untreated and treated biofilms.

Conclusion: The fluid shear forces generated by the electric toothbrush penetrated at least 2.65 mm beyond the reach of the bristles and these forces contributed to the toothbrush's plaque‐removal ability (p<0.001).
Investigation of IL4 gene polymorphism in individuals with different levels of chronic periodontitis in a Brazilian population
Authors: Scarel‐Caminaga Raquel M. , Trevilatto Paula C. , Souza Ana P. , Brito Rui B. , Line Sergio R. P.
Published: December 2004

Background: Cytokines are key factors that mediate the inflammatory process during periodontal disease. Recent works have shown that the levels of cytokine expression are regulated by genetic polymorphisms, and that these variations can interfere with the progression of disease. The−590 (C→T) polymorphism of the IL4 gene is associated with high levels of IgE in asthmatic families, and the frequency of the T allele was increased in asthmatic children. The concentration of IgE in gingival tissue was found to be elevated in patients with periodontitis.

Objective: In this study the relationship between the−590 (C→T) polymorphism in the IL4 gene and different levels of chronic periodontal disease was investigated.

Material and Methods: DNA was extracted from buccal epithelial cells of 113 unrelated adult individuals with different levels of periodontitis. The PCR‐RFLP technique was used to investigate the polymorphism in the promoter of IL4 gene.

Results: No significant differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of the polymorphism were found between control and groups with periodontal disease.

Conclusion: We conclude that the−590 (C→T) polymorphism in the IL4 gene is not associated with the susceptibility to chronic periodontal disease.