bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distribution of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans in human plaque
Authors: Wolff L. F. , Liljemark W. F. , Bloomquist C. G. , Pihlstrom B. L. , Schaffer E. M. , Bandt C. L.
Published: July 2006

The association between Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and periodontal disease in juveniles has been well documented. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the prevalence and proportions of A. actinomycetemcomitans in supragingival and subgingival plaque samples from the maxillary first molars of a large number of young adults. The study population included 284 adults, aged 20–40, ranging in periodontal disease status from healthy to moderate periodontitis but with the majority exhibiting early periodontal disease. The clinical characteristics of probing depth, attachment level, plaque index, and gingival index were measured. Supragingival and subgingival plaque samples were evaluated microscopically for microbial forms. They were also cultured on supplemented blood agar and various selective agar media including selective media for A. actinomycetemcomitans. The prevalence of A. actinomycetemcomitans in subgingival and supragingival plaque for individuals in the population was 13.0% (37/284) and 4.9% (14/284), respectively. Proportions of actinobacilli, based on total anaerobic counts, were found at or below 1% in 87% of 47 subgingival sites from 37 subjects. Supragingival and subgingival sites with actinobacilli were compared to sites without actinobacilli. Subgingival sites with A. actinomycetemcomitans had a significantly higher mean plaque index, with 79% of these sites having a plaque index greater than 1.0 compared to 30% of sites without actinobacilli. The mean gingival index, probing depth, and attachment level of sites with actinobacilli were also higher, but not significantly, than those without. Of the microbial forms enumerated, only spirochetes had a significantly higher mean proportion at subgingival sites when compared to sites without actinobacilli. Mean proportions of the cultivable microorganisms, Veillonella spp. and Streptococcus spp., were significantly lower at sites with A. actinomycetemcomitans. Differences in the mean proportions of certain microorganisms were compared between the 47 subgingival sites with actinobacilli divided into three groups by probing depth. Mean proportions of A. actinomycetemcomitans were significantly higher at intermediate probing depths between 3.0 and 5.0 mm compared to deeper sites with probing depths above 5.0 mm. On the other hand, dark‐pigmented Bacteroides spp. mean proportions were significantly higher at deeper probing depths than at either intermediate or shallow, less than or equal to 3.0 mm, probing depths. There were no significant differences in the mean proportions of spirochetes between shallow, intermediate, or deeper probing depths of the 47 subgingival sites with actinobacilli.
Simultaneous assessment of complement components C3, C4, and B and their cleavage products in human gingival fluid
Authors: Niekrash Christine E. , Patters Mark R.
Published: July 2006

The activation of the complement system is an important host‐mediated mechanism in the initiation and progression of inflammation. Complement cleavage products have been reported in gingival fluid obtained from periodontitis lesions suggesting a potential role for the activation of the alternative and/or classical complement pathways in the pathogenesis of periodontitis. Using the multi‐layer crossed immunoelectrophoresis technique, the effect of periodontal therapy on complement conversion of C3, C4, and B was assessed in 37 sites in 9 patients. Patients selected for study had moderate‐severe periodontitis as confirmed by clinical measurements of plaque, gingival inflammation, bleeding on probing, suppuration, pocket depth, and loss of attachment. Gingival fluid and clinical indices were obtained from representative sites prior to treatment and again 2–4 weeks following extensive periodontal scaling and root planing.

Periodontal therapy resulted in a statistically significant decrease in all clinical parameters of inflammation. The percentage of C3 conversion decreased significantly from 70.0% to 37.5% with therapy (p=0.0001) while the reference protein, transferrin, did not significantly change. C4 conversion to C4c was never observed and total C4 was not significantly altered by therapy. Changes in B conversion to Bb could not be evaluated because the Bb precipitate was too small to measure reproducibly. These results suggested that complement activation, as measured by C3 conversion to C3c, decreased in gingival fluid following periodontal therapy and suggested a role for complement activation in the pathogenesis of inflammatory periodontal disease.
Isolation, identification, and quantitation of glycosaminoglycans synthesized by human gingival fibroblasts in vitro
Authors: Bartold P. Mark , Page Roy C.
Published: July 2006

The glycosaminoglycans synthesized by diploid fibroblasts obtained from healthy human gingivae of three donors were isolated, identified, and quantified. Degradation with specific enzymes identified the glycosaminoglycans as hyaluronic acid, chondroitin sulfate, dermatan sulfate, and heparan sulfate; hyaluronic acid predominating. The distribution of the sulfated glycosaminoglycans in the cell layer and the medium was not the same. The cells contained mainly heparan sulfate (48.3%) and the medium mainly dermatan sulfate (47%).
Epithelial attachment at diseased human tooth‐apex
Authors: Nair P. N. Ramachandran , Schroeder Hubert E.
Published: July 2006

Periapical granulomas may contain proliferating epithelium which in some instances may grow into the entrance of the root canal. It was hypothesized that an “epithelial attachment” may possibly exist at the apices of such diseased teeth. Spontaneous periapical lesions obtained with tooth extraction were prepared for light‐ and electronmicroscopic observations. Out of 45 periapical lesions examined, six showed the presence of epithelium at the root canal entrance. The interface between this epithelium and the dentinal root surface consisted of a basal lamina, hemidesmosomes, and an electron dense cuticular structure resembling the dental cuticle. This apical cuticle was most probably serum‐derived. Coronal to the epithelium, the root canal contained numerous neutrophils and a mixed bacterial flora. The epithelium with its “attachment” to the dentinal root canal surface appeared to block the advancing bacterial front against the periapical tissues.
Studies on saliva in ODU plaque‐susceptible rats having experimental gingivitis
Authors: Takai N. , Shinohara M. , Yoshida Y. , Mori M. , Kakudo Y.
Published: July 2006

There was no statistical correlation between pocket probing depth of the mandible incisor and salivary IgA concentration in pilocarpine‐stimulated whole saliva in ODU plaque‐susceptible (Sus) rats which were susceptible to plaque formation on the lower incisor region and exhibited gingivitis. However, there was a highly significant negative correlation between the pocket probing depth and the amount of pilocarpine‐stimulated saliva (r=−0.728, p<0.01). These findings suggest that the amount of saliva may play a role in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease while salivary IgA is likely to be of less significance.
On the physicochemistry of plaque calcification and the phase composition of dental calculus
Authors: Driessens F. C. M. , Borggreven J. M. P. M. , Verbeeck R. M. H. , van Dijk J. W. E. , Feagin F. F.
Published: July 2006

The main constituents of human dental calculus are a carbonate containing apatite and a Mg and Zn containing Whitlockite. A third important component is octocalcium phosphate. If the salivary pH is low enough, human dental calculus can also contain dicalcium phosphate dehydrate. According to the physicochemical model of calculus formation, dental calculus must contain calcite as the main component in animals having a high salivary pH.

This hypothesis appeared to be valid for a salivary pH of 8 or higher (dogs, miniature pigs, domestic pigs). The physicochemical model implies that resting plaque has certain periods in which it has a higher pH than the saliva and the crevicular fluid in which it is bathed. Literature data provide evidence of such a higher pH, probably caused by proteolysis resulting in the formation of urea, ammonia, and amines by the plaque bacteria. The importance of this mechanism is supported by the fact that protease activity in saliva and dental calculus index are correlated positively (Watanabe et al. 1982). Finally, the importance of saliva as a source of urea and the application of urea rinses in dentistry are discussed.
IgG, IgA and IgM serum antibodies against lipopolysaccharide from Bacteroides gingivalis in periodontal health and disease
Authors: Schenck Karl
Published: July 2006

The amount of IgG, IgA, and IgM antibodies to LPS from B. gingivalis was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay in serum samples from subjects with clinically healthy gingiva and patients with chronic periodontitis. Patients with periodontitis had a significantly higher level of specific IgG and IgA antibodies than patients with healthy gingiva (p<0.01). No such difference was found in specific IgM level. In patients with periodontitis, the specific IgG level was negatively correlated with the number of pockets deeper than 4 mm (p<0.05).
Microbial changes associated with advancing periodontitis in STR/N mice
Authors: Wolff Larry F. , Krupp Mark J. , Liljemark William F.
Published: July 2006

Subgingival bacteria in STR/N periodontitis‐susceptible mice and Swiss‐Webster nonperiodontitis‐susceptible mice were evaluated. STR/N or Swiss‐Webster mice with an age of 3, 8, or 13 months were sacrificed. Cultivable microorganisms and alveolar bone loss were correlated with the age of the mice. The proportion of Veillonella spp. were significantly higher in STR/N mice when compared with Swiss‐Webster mice at 3, 8, and 13 months of age. In addition, Haemophilus spp. were found to be significantly higher at 8 and 13 months and Streptococcus spp. at 13 months in STR/N mice. With increasing age, STR/N mice exhibited a progressive increase in bone loss and this correlated with a significant increase in the proportion of Streptococcus spp., Neisseria spp., Actinomyces spp., and Haemophilus species. On the other hand, Swiss‐Webster mice did not exhibit significant bone loss over 13 months and only Actinomyces spp. significantly increased between 3 and 13 months. The following microorganisms were not observed in any of the plaque samples; spirochetes, Lactobacillus spp., Eikenella corrodens, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Actinomyces viscosus, Actinomyces naeslundii, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus mutans, dark‐pigmented Bacteroides spp., Fusobacterium spp., Capnocytophaga spp., and Branhamella species.
Characterization of hydrogen sulphide reaction with rat‐tail tendon Type I collagen in vitro
Authors: Johnson P. W. , Tonzetich J. , Pearce R. H.
Published: July 2006

Type I acid‐soluble rat‐tail tendon collagen was reacted up to four days with hydrogen sulphide (H2S) concentration equivalent to that produced by putrefying saliva in in vitro systems. After reaction, the head‐space was assayed for H2S by gas chromatography (GC), and the reaction mixture was separated into salt‐soluble supernatant fraction and sediment which was solubilized in 0.5 M acetic acid. Both fractions were analyzed by SDS‐polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and assayed for free aldehyde, free thiol, total available thiol, and hydroxyproline content. The GC analysis of head‐space samples showed that more than 85% of the added H2S was absorbed within the initial 24 h by the reaction medium and totally removed from the head‐space in four days. Although no discernible qualitative or quantitative changes were visually detected in H2S‐treated systems by SDS‐PAGE, increased levels of hydroxyproline in the supernatant fraction indicated production of a neutral salt‐soluble product. Chemical analysis showed that the reaction resulted in the incorporation of H2S in free thiol and disulphide forms in both fractions. [35S]‐H2S/paper chromatography methods confirmed that H2S was incorporated into collagen. An increase in free aldehyde groups of both fractions inferred exposure of aldehyde groups presumably through cleavage of intramolecular cross‐linkages.

The reversion of acid‐soluble collagen to a more soluble product, which is considered more susceptible to enzymatic degradation, suggests one mechanism how the volatile thiol compounds may contribute to the etiology of periodontal disease.
Cathepsin D, L and B in inflamed human gingiva
Authors: Lah Tamara , Skalerič Uroš , Babnik Joža , Turk Vito
Published: July 2006

Cathepsin D, cathepsin L, and cathepsin B activities were detected in homogenates of human gingival tissue from 20 patients with different degrees of periodontal disease and in one patient with juvenile periodontitis. Clinical plaque index (PI), gingival index (GI), and pocket depth were determined. Patients were divided into three groups with regard to the severity of the disease. Averaged values for the activities of all three lysosomal proteinases increased from the group with less damaged tissue to the group with more advanced periodontal disease. When the correlations between the specific activities of the cathepsins and pocket depth in each of 20 patients were considered by the linear regression analysis, the correlation coefficient for cathepsin D was much higher than for the other two cysteine proteinases. Cathepsin D was also extracted from the homogenates by specific immuno‐adsorbtion on anticathepsin ‐ D antibody ‐ Sepharose and quantitatively determined; the average amount of enzyme ranged from 118.5 to 184.5 μg per mg of total protein extracted from the tissues and was positively correlated to pocket depths.
Bone resorbing activity of purified capsular material from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Wilson M. , Kamin S. , Harvey W.
Published: July 2006

Capsular material (CM) from Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans was extracted with saline and purified by gel filtration and ionexchange chromatography. Preliminary chemical analysis of the purified material indicated that it may be a glycoprotein. The CM was found to be a potent mediator of bone resorption, active at concentrations one thousand‐fold lower than lipopolysaccharide from the same organism, and its action was inhibited by indomethacin. CM must therefore be considered an additional potential mediator of bone resorption in periodontal disease.
Human serum antibodies against Bacteroides intermedius
Authors: Gmür Rudolf
Published: July 2006

Sera from 51 persons were analyzed with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay for antibody levels against four different isolates of Bacteroides intermedius. Interestingly, individual sera showed very different antibody titers against the four bacterial strains. The phenomenon was observed with both IgG and IgA. but was more pronounced in the case of the IgA response. The results reveal a previously underestimated antigenic heterogeneity of B. intermedius, which clearly further limits the interpretation of studies analyzing the B. intermedius specific antibody response in periodontal disease.
The effect of daily treatments with an octenidine dentifrice formulation on gingival health in Cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Slee A. M. , Cimijotti E. , Rothstein S.
Published: July 2006

Octenidine, a bispyridine antimicrobial compound, has evidenced significant antiplaque activity when used in solution in both animal and human model systems. The present study was designed to evaluate concurrently the antiplaque and antigingivitis potential of a dentifrice formulation containing octenidine. In addition to an antimicrobial agent, the product was formulated to exhibit abrasive and foaming chracteristics similar to those of current commercial dentifrices.

Adult female cynomolgus monkeys, five per group, received once daily oral treatments with either the octenidine dentifrice formulation or a placebo formulation. Both formulations were delivered as a suspension which was gently dispersed by manipulation of the cheeks. Direct delivery using a toothbrush was purposely avoided in order to permit the assessment of antimicrobial and antiplaque efficacy in the absence of direct mechanical action. The development of plaque and gingivitis was observed to be suppressed in the presence of the octenidine dentifrice formulation over the 21‐day experimental period. By contrast, animals receiving the placebo formulation evidenced a signficant increase in dental plaque levels and extensive gingival inflammation.
Phagocytosis of Actinomyces viscosus by murine macrophages
Authors: Walker J. A. , Hinrichs J. E. , Dyer J. K.
Published: July 2006

The phagocytosis of various strains of Actinomyces viscosus was studied using murine peritoneal macrophages and in vitro assay procedures. A. viscosus M100 was readily phagocytized when compared to controls using Staphylococcus epidermidis. The phagocytic uptake was enhanced by the addition of opsonic antibody and complement. The virulent (V) and avirulent (AV) strains of A. viscosus T14 were, however, refractory to phagocytosis. Indeed, the presence of specific antibody and complement had no enhancing effect on phagocytosis of these strains. Heat killed T14‐V and T14‐AV exhibited phagocytic indices similar to those of non‐opsonized S. epidermidis. The inhibitory effect of A. viscosus T14 is dependent upon bacterial viability and does not alter the viability of the cultured macrophages. Since both T14‐V and T14‐AV were capable of blocking phagocytosis, the response does not appear dependent on the ascribed virulence factors.
Analysis of lymphocyte populations extracted from chronically inflamed human periodontal tissues
Authors: Seymour G. J. , Cole K. L. , Powell R. N.
Published: July 2006

The current study was undertaken to analyze in vitro the functional activity of cells extracted from diseased periodontal tissues. Tissue was removed from 33 patients undergoing periodontal surgery. All patients had received repeated oral hygiene instruction and root planing prior to the surgery. The excised tissue was cut finely, digested in collagenase for 90 min, and then forced through a stainless steel grid to obtain a single cell suspension. The responses to various doses of PHA, Con A, and PWM were assessed in 2, 3, and 4‐day cultures using peripheral blood lymphocytes as controls. Blastogenesis was measured by the uptake of 3H‐thymidine.

The extraction procedure resulted in a mean of 3.29 ± 0.29 × 105 lymphocytes per 100 mg of tissue. These cells had a mean viability of 76.8 ± 2.2%. Peripheral blood lymphocytes gave typical dose response curves for each of the three mitogens with a peak response occurring at 3 days. However, the lymphocytes extracted from the periodontal tissues failed to respond to any mitogen at any time. The failure to respond was not due to the effect of local anesthetic nor to the effect of collagenase pretreatment. These results may therefore indicate that the cells are maximally stimulated in vivo prior to extraction and/or there is production of suppressor factors in vitro.
Detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Bacteroides gingivalis in subgingival smears by the indirect fluorescent‐antibody technique
Authors: Slots Jörgen , Hafström Caroline , Rosling Bengt , Dahlén Gunnar
Published: July 2006

An indirect immunofluorescence technique for the detection of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A. actinomycetemcomitans) and Bacteroides gingivalis (B. gingivalis) in smears of subgingival plaque was evaluated. The assay used species‐specific rabbit antibodies against A. actinomycetemcomitans (3 serotypes) and B. gingivalis (1 serotype) and a goat anti‐rabbit IgG fluorescein conjugate. Of 88 periodontal specimens studied, about 80% were either positive or negative for the two species by both culture and immunofluorescence, about 5% revealed the organisms by culture but not by immunofluorescence, and about 13% were culture‐negative and immunofluorescence‐positive. In positive lesions, immunofluorescence tended to yield higher A. actinomycetemcomitans counts than culture and culture tended to yield higher B. gingivalis counts than immunofluorescence. In a periodontal treatment study including 21 adult patients and 73 deep periodontal pockets, A. actinomycetemcomitans or B. gingivalis were detected by immunofluorescence in 5 of 8 periodontal lesions which showed loss of probing periodontal attachment after therapy but not in any of 37 treated periodontal sites exhibiting probing attachment gain. It was concluded that indirect immunofluorescence can detect A. actinomycetemcomitans and B. gingivalis in subgingival plaque and that monitoring these organisms may aid in differentiating progressing and nonprogressing periodontitis lesions.
Inhibition of bone collagen synthesis by dental plaque extract
Authors: Multanen V.‐M. , Paunio K. , Larjava H.
Published: July 2006

Dental plaque extract in low doses inhibited the synthesis of collagen in cultured fetal rat calvaria. Using higher doses of the extract or longer treatment periods the synthesis of noncollagen proteins was also decreased. The denatured extract was as effective as the native one. Although the production of type I collagen in the treated bones was markedly decreased the hydroxylation stage of collagen was not altered. The results suggest that dental plaque extract inhibits the synthesis of collagen by bone cells, which may be one reason for the net loss of collagen of alveolar bone in periodontitis.
Induction of periodontal bone loss in athymic (nude) rats monoinfected with streptococcus mutans
Authors: Klalisen Biarne , Hougen Hans Petter , Erikstn Willy Hjort , Fiehn Nes‐Erik
Published: July 2006

In order to investigate the rule of the thymus‐dependent immune system in the development of marginal periodontitis, an experiment was performed on athymic (nude) and normal rats. Seven homozygous nude (mutual) Lewis rats and six heterozygous (rnu+) littermates with normal thymus function were monoinfected with Streptococcus mutans 6715. Six germfree nudes and six germfree heterozygoles at same age served as controls. The animals were killed after 90 days.

Periodontal bone support on lower molars was registered blindly from magnified radiographs of rat heads. Serum antibody against S. mutans was detected indirect Immunofluorescence. Splentc T‐lymphocyte subpopulations were quantified in a fluorescence activated cell‐setter. Periodontal bone support was significantly diminished in both types of monoinfected rats irrespective of thymus function. Scrum antibody titer to S. mutans was increased equally in both monoinfected groups. Nude rats had significantly less mature T‐lymphocytes than rats with normal thymus and this parameter was not changed by monoinfection.

The induction of periodontal destruction m an immune system is not necessary for development of periodontal discase in this model. The high titers of specific annbody to S. mutans seen in affected animals suggest that T‐independent immune reactions could be involved.
Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in phenytion‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Dahlöf G. , Modeer T. , Reinholt F.P. , Wikstrom B. , Hjerpe A.
Published: July 2006

Proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in normal gingival and phenytoin‐induced gingival overgrowth were studied by gel electrophoresis and HPLC methods after extration with guanidinium hydrochloride and subsequent cesium chloride gradient centrifugation. The results showed that normal gingival. The relative collagen content was decreased in the phenytoin lesion. These results are in agreement with our revious stereological study, which reported an accumulation of the non‐collagenous matrix chondroitin sulfates Containing non‐sulfated, 4‐sulfated and 6‐sulfated disaccharide units, dermatan sulfate, hyaluronic acid and presumably also heparan sulfate in both normal gingival. and phenyton‐induced gingival overgrowth. The increased amounts of PGs seen in the PHT lesion were associated with an increase mainly in chondroitinase sensitive glycosaminoglycans of high molecular weight and with a relative increase in iduroinc acid content. This study is consistent with the view that the PHT‐lesion represents a tissue with an altered composition of the connective tissue.
The response of the fibroblast population in the periodontal ligament of rat incisors to altered eruption rates
Authors: Michaeli Y. , Steigman S. , Yuschky M. , Weinreb M.
Published: July 2006

The fibroblast population of the periodontal ligament (PDL) in impeded and unimpeded rat incisors was investigated. The material examined was limited to the functional compartment of the cementum‐bordering tooth‐related PDL (t‐PDL) located between 7 mm and 15 mm from the tooth origin. In five albino rats, weight 200g, the lower left incisor was left to erupt unrestrainedly for three weeks (900μ/day) and in five other rats, eruption of the incisors was imeded (450μm/day). The left mandibles were dissected and fixed: the incisors were demineralized, embedded in glycolmethacrylate, and cut into 2‐μ transverse sections. The sections were used to produce a three‐dimensional reconstruction of the PDL by means of computerized histomorphomety and to count the fibroblast population. The obtained data was combined, thus providing information on cell kinetics. The size of the tooth‐related PDL remained uniform along the impeded teeth, while in the unimpeded incisors it increased gradually in incisal direction, the total volumes estimated as 2.65 mm3 and 2.07 mm3, respectively. The calculated mean cell living space was 1,327 μm1 in the impeded teeth, rising in the unimpeded ones from 503μm3 to 858μm3 in the ineisal direction. The estimated total number of fibroblasts in the PDL of the impeded teeth was 2,000X103, the mean daily production rate amounting to 115x103 cells, while in the unimpeded incisors these numbers totaled 2,957x103 and 336x103 cells, respectively.
Effects of octenidine mouthrinse on plaque formation and gingivitis in humans
Authors: Patters M. R. , Nalbandian J. , Nichols F. C. , Niekrash C. E. , Kennedy J. E. , Kiel R. A. , Trummel C. L.
Published: July 2006

Octenidine, a new bispyridine mouthrinse, has been shown to prevent plaque formation in humans over a seven‐day period. The purpose of the present study was to determine the effects of octenidine on plaque and gingivitis development in humans using a 21‐day experimental gingivitis model. Eighty‐eight subjects with a Plaque Index (PII) and Gingival Index (GI) ≤ 0.4 were randomly assigned to 4 coded formulations: 1) 0.1% octenidine in mouthwash vehicle used 3 times a day (TID), 2) 0.1% octenidine in mouthwash vehicle used twice a day (BID), placebo rinse once a day, 3) 0.1% octenidine in water used 3 times a day, and 4) mouthwash vehicle alone used 3 times a day (VEH). Each subject refrained from all mechanical plaque control and rinsed morning, noon, and evening under supervision with 15 ml of assigned formulation for 60 s. At 0, 7, 14, and 21 days, Pit, GI, and mucosal tolerance were assessed. Tooth stain was measured at day 0 and twice at day 21 (prior to and immediately following a single toothbrushing).

By day seven of the rinse phase, significant mucosal irritation had occurred in several subjects in the octenidine in water group. Therefore, that group was discontinued from the study and the remaining 66 subjects continued. The mean PII increased in the VEH group from a mean of 0.13 at day 0 to 1.08, 1.39, and 1.69 at days 7, 14, and 21, respectively. In contrast, the mean PII of the TID and BID groups did not increase over the 21 day period (0.14 and 0.10, 0.18 and 0.22, 0.15 and 0.16, 0.12 and 0.16 at day 0, 7, 14, and 21 for TID and BID, respectively). Although the TID and BID groups did not statistically differ at any point, both groups demonstrated significantly less plaque accumulation than the VEH group at days 7, 14, and 21 (p < 0.000001). Gingivitis, as measured by GI, increased significantly in the VEH group from a mean of 0.14 at day 0, to 0.58, 0.84 and 0.98 at day 7, 14, and 21. Both the TID and BID groups demonstrated a small increase in mean GI, rising from 0.12 and 0.16 at day 0 to 0.21 and 0.24, 0.29 and 0.27, and 0.32 and 0.31 at days 7, 14, and 21 for TID and BID, respectively. Again, the TID and BID groups were not different while both had significantly less gingivitis than the VEH group at days 7, 14, and 21 (p 0.000002). Stain, observed in 26 subjects in the TID and BID groups at day 21, was removed by a single toothbrushing in all but 5 subjects. No significant adverse reactions were observed in the remaining subjects. These results demonstrate that octenidine, when used as the only means of oral hygiene for 21 days, will significantly inhibit the development of plaque and gingivitis.
Oligosaccharides obtained by partial hydrolysis of lipopolysaccharide from Fusobacterium nucleatum F1
Authors: Hofstad T. , Aadnegard B.
Published: July 2006

Lipopolysaccharides isolated from Fusobacterium nucleatum (F. nucleatum) strain Fl was split by hydrolysis with 1% acetic acid into water‐soluble polysaccharide and insoluble material. Gel filtration of the water‐soluble polysaccharide on Bio‐Gel P‐60 gave a serologically active fraction eluted at the void volume (Vo) of the column with a sugar composition similar to that of the parent LPS and a fraction eluted at 2.5 × Vo. The latter, supposed to represent the core polysaccharide, contained phosphorus, glucosamine, L‐ and D‐glycero‐D‐manno‐heptose, galactose, glucose, and 2‐keto‐3‐deoxyoctonate.
The vasculature of the rat molar periodontal ligament
Authors: Weekes W. T. , Sims M. R.
Published: July 2006

The vascular architecture of the rat molar periodontal ligament was investigated using the SEM vascular casting technique. Vascular patterns varied within the different regions of the tooth socket. A different microvascular arrangement was found to be associated with (i) the buccal and lingual walls (ii) the interdental septum and (iii) the interradicular septum. Tracts of four to six vessels coursed occluso‐apically down the buccal and lingual walls. A similar pattern existed at the interdental septum except that the vessels were more closely packed. At the interradicular septum, the postcapillary venules coursed within the ligament for only 100 to 400 μm before re‐entering the bone. Overall, vessels were predominantly postcapillary venules with a lesser number of capillaries. Anastomoses between adjacent vessels coursing in the ligament occurred infrequently, although many communications with the alveolar plexus were noted. Except at the interradicular septum, ligament vasculature arose mainly from the deeper gingival vessels. A few vessels originated from branches of the alveolar plexus, forming a hairpin loop as they entered the plexus. These findings differed markedly from Kindlova & Matěna's (1962) description of morphologically paired arterial and venous systems. On a morphological basis vascular flow was considered to be directed from the coronal down to the apical region of the socket. However, Ligament vessels adjacent to the vertical walls of the interradicular septum received a greater arterial supply than the crestal region, where venous drainage was more prolific. Therefore, the vascular arrangement over the septum suggested a direction of vascular flow opposite to that occurring at the outer walls of the socket, although tidal flow could occur in either direction in the interradicular area.
Studies on the interaction of human neutrophils with plaque spirochetes
Authors: Boehringer Hansruedi , Berthold PETER H. , Taichman Norton S.
Published: July 2006

Polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) encounter spirochetes in the diseased gingival crevice. The purpose of this investigation was to learn more about the nature and potential consequences of in vitro PMN‐spirochete interactions. Isolated spirochetes (various strains ofTreponema denticolaandT. vincentii) were incubated with human peripheral blood PMNs. PMNs were able to interact with these organisms demonstrating increased oxygen consumption, chemoluminescence, and phagocytosis. Serum was not an absolute prerequisite for phagocytosis, but oxygen consumption and chemoluminescence were generally not observed unless organisms were preopsonized with fresh serum. In spite of the fact that large numbers of spirochetes could be identified within PMN phagosomes, biochemical and ultrastructural evidence indicated limited degranulation on the part of the phagocytic cells. This can be contrasted to other plaque organisms which stimulated dose‐dependent degranulation in association with the phagocytic process. In fact, PMNs pretreated with soluble extracts of spirochetes, but not with non‐spirochetal organisms, were generally less responsive to zymosan‐induced degranulation. The data suggest that spirochetes may limit fusion of lysosomes to phagosomes and thereby influence the course of the inflammatory process in response to these as well as other organisms. These findings may be relevant in explaining the mechanisms of infection associated with the colonization of the gingival crevice by spirochetes.
Oral hygiene, gingivitis and periodontal breakdown in adult Tanzanians
Authors: Bælum V. , Fejerskov O. , Karring T.
Published: July 2006

This study describes the cross‐sectional findings on dental plaque, calculus, gingivitis, loss of attachment, periodontal pockets and tooth loss in a population of adult Tanzanians aged 30–30 years. In all age groups more than 90% of all tooth surfaces exhibited plaque and 50–50% exhibited calculus deposits. Both plaque and calculus deposits were more extensive in the older age groups whereas gingival bleeding affected 30–30% of the surfaces in all age groups. Less than 35% of all surfaces exhibited a loss of attachment ≥4 mm and less than 10% had a loss of attachment exceeding 6 mm. Loss of attachment was accompanied by recession of the marginal gingiva and pockets deeper than 3 mm were present on less than 10% of all surfaces. The mean number of teeth present ranged from 23.9 in the oldest to 29.5 in the youngest age group. An interesting finding was that relatively few individuals accounted for most of the loss of attachment and periodontal pockets found in the study. Therefore, in future epidemiologic studies more emphasis should be put on the identification of these particularly susceptible subpopulations.
Assessment of complement cleavage in gingival fluid in humans with and without periodontal disease
Authors: Ntekrash ChristineE. , Patters Mark R.
Published: July 2006

The activation of the complement system may be an important immunopathologic mechanism in the initiation and progression of periodontal disease. The purpose of this study was to assess cleavage of complement components C3 (terminal pathway), C4 (classical pathway) and B (alternative pathway) in gingival fluid obtained from patients with varying types and severities of periodontal disease. Gingival fluid samples were obtained on filter paper strips from 18 healthy sites, 16 gingivitis, 59 chronic adult periodontitis, 45 rapidly progressive periodontitis, and 11 juvenile periodontitis lesions. Each patient was categorized on the basis of age and clinical indices, including Gingival Index, Plaque Index, measurement of pocket depth and loss of periodontal attachment in millimeters, presence of suppuration and bleeding on probing. Cleavage of C3, C4, and B from each site was assessed simultaneously by multilayer crossedimmunoelectrophoresis using solid phase absorbed specific antisera. The mean percentage C3 conversion ranged from a low of 12.6% in the healthy to 90.2% in the juvenile periodontitis group. Statistically significant differences, as determined by the Mann‐Whitney U‐Test, were observed between healthy sites and all other groups, gingivitis and all periodontitis groups, and juvenile vs. chronic periodontitis. C4 was present in all sites examined, but its cleavage product C4c was only observed in sites with juvenile periodontitis. B and its cleavage product Bb were consistently present in gingival fluid from inflamed lesions. The percentage of C3 cleaved to C3c correlated significantly (p < 0.001) with pocket depth (rho=0.58), gingivitis (rho=0.68) and bleeding on probing (rho=0.63). These results suggest that 1) increased complement cleavage is associated with increased severity of inflammation and periodontal destruction, and 2) classical pathway activation does not appear to occur in gingivitis and adult periodontitis, but may occur in juvenile periodontitis.
Lipoprotein: a Gram‐negative cell wall component that stimulates bone resorption
Authors: Millar S. J. , Goldstein E. G. , Levine M. J. , Hausmann E.
Published: July 2006

Lipoprotein (free‐form) from Escherichia coli was shown to stimulate in vitro bone resorption in a fetal rat model system. The potency of lipoprotein in stimulating bone resorption was comparable to that of lipopolysaccharides from various bacterial species.
Intraclass correlations of periodontal measurements in beagle dogs*
Authors: Ralls Stephen A. , Cohen Mark E. , Hey Ernest G. A.
Published: July 2006

The intraclass correlations of Gingival Index, probing depth, and attachment level scores were estimated in a sample of beagle dogs. These estimates were made over a ten‐week period at the time of ligature placement, eight weeks later at ligature removal, and two weeks postremoval. Estimates of the intraclass correlation were computed for the actual scores and for differences in scores between the first and second, and second and third observation points.

All intraclass correlations were of sufficient magnitude to preclude statistical analyses which do not consider the subject as the sampling unit. For all conditions. intraclass correlations decreased upon experimental intervention and were generally larger than those reported in human studies. Intraclass correlations of Gingival Index scores were larger than those of probing depth and attachment level measurements. The results were discussed in terms of sources of variation within and between subjects.
Saliva and salivary sulphated glycoprotein inhibit adhesion and locomotion of human gingival fibroblast‐like cells in vitro
Authors: Heaney T. G. , Embery G. , Green D.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of clarified human whole saliva on the attachment and locomotion of human gingival fibroblast‐like cells to plastic substrata in vitro. Saliva was subjected to gel filtration on Sepharose CLAB to isolate a high molecular weight sulphated glycoprotein fraction (SGP, Hogg & Embery 1979, 1982) from the residual fractions (RSF) which were pooled. 25 cm2 plastic culture dishes were coated with either sterile whole saliva, SGP (0.3 mg/ml) or RSF (0.6 mg/ml) in Ringer‐Locke saline. They were then seeded with 2.50 × 103 fibroblasts suspended in Ringer‐Locke saline and numbers of adhering cells determined at times up to 60 min.Cell adherence in both saliva and glycoprotein‐treated dishes was significantly less than that in untreated control dishes (p < 0.01, p < 0.05, respectively), but RSF treatment had no effect on attachment. Incubating the cells with saliva or SGP prior to plating did not significantly suppress their subsequent attachment behavior when cell death caused by the incubation procedure was taken into account. Migration of fibroblasts from confluent monolayers on glass coverslips onto the surface of SGP‐ or saliva‐treated dishes was significantly delayed compared with controls, for periods up to 5 d (p < 0.01, p < 0.0 respectively). It was concluded that whole saliva inhibits the attachment or locomotion of gingival fibroblast‐like cells on plastic substrata in vitro, and that this property is primarily mediated by its glycoprotein component.
Peripheral blood phagocyte function in acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis
Authors: Claffey Noel , Russell Ronald , Shanley Diarmuid
Published: July 2006

Eleven patients suffering from acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) and 11 healthy controls, were analyzed for: 1) peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) chemotaxis; 2) monocyte chemotaxis; 3) PMN phagocytosis; and 4) PMN intracellular killing A modification of the Boyden chamber technique was developed to determine in vitro cellular migration in test and control groups. Nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction and a candidacidal assay were used to investigate PMN phagocytosis and intracellular killing. Ten of the patients with ANUG were found to have depressed PMN chemotaxis. The difference, compared to control subjects, was significant at the 95% confidence level. The impaired chemotaxis of PMN was due to an intrinsic defect in the cells themselves, as abnormal levels of cell‐directed chemotactic inhibitors, inactivators of chemoattractants, or complement‐derived chemoattractants were not demonstrated in the serum of the patients with ANUG. Monocyte chemotaxis was enhanced in one of the ANUG patients. No differences were found between ANUG patients and controls in PMN reduction of NBT and intracellular killing. Four of the 11 ANUG patients were re‐examined 18 months later, when they were free of the symptoms of ANUG. None of the subjects demonstrated impaired neutrophil chemotaxis at this point, indicating that the defect may be a transient one associated in time with the ANUG episode.
Quality assessment of randomized control trials in dental research II. Results: Periodontal research
Authors: Antczaic Alexia A. , Tang Julie. , Chalmeks Thomas C.
Published: July 2006

Twenty‐one reports of 14 randomized control trials (RCTs) published between 1968 and 1984 comparing methods of periodontal treatment were evaluated using a system to assess the quality of RCTs based on published reports. The quality assessment system evaluates the design, implementation, and analytic methods used. An index of quality is calculated with a maximum score attainable of 1.00. The mean quality score for these 14 RCTs was 0.35±0.07 (ISD). There was no evidence of improvement in scores over time. Ninety‐five percent of the trials used the 'split‐mouth’protocol. Although the results of 17 reports claimed no statistically significant differences between treatments, in no case was a type II error calculated to ensure that a sample size sufficient to detect a difference of clinical interest had been used. It is recommended that future RCTs of periodontal treatment utilize and report a standard design protocol so that results may be better compared and combined.
Serological investigation of various forms of inflammatory periodontitis
Authors: Farida R. , Marsh P. D. , Newman H. N. , Rule D. C. , Ivanyi L.
Published: July 2006

Antibody levels towards sonicated whole cell extracts of selected oral Gram negative bacteria and Actinomyces viscosus were determined in sera from patients with various inflammatory forms of periodontal disease and from healthy control individuals. Antibody titres to two (non‐leukotoxin producing) strains of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans were significantly elevated in patients with juvenile periodontitis. Adult patients with severe periodontitis had significantly lower IgG antibody titres to Veillonella parvula (p < 0.001) or A. actinomycetemco‐mitans strain NCTC 9710 (p < 0.01) and patients with mild periodontitis had decreased IgM antibody titres to A. actinomycetemcomitans strain NCTC 10979 (p < 0.05) when compared with the control subjects. Young adults with severe periodontitis showed marked individual differences in their humoral responses. Analysis of data revealed that only patients with a history of juvenile periodontitis had elevated IgG antibody titres to Bacteroides gingivalis (p < 0.001) and to V. parvula (p < 0.01). Hence the profiles of antibody levels to oral microorganisms identified patients who had previously manifested classical “localised” juvenile periodontitis.
A reassessment of collagen half‐life in rat periodontal tissues: Application of the pool‐expansion approach
Authors: Imberman M. , Ramamurthy N. , Golub L. , Scineir M.
Published: July 2006

Pool expansion ‐ a method for measuring in vivo collagen production that involves injection of excess unlabeled proline along with [3H]proline ‐ was used to calculate the values for collagen half‐life in rat: incisor and molar periodontal ligament, molar gingiva and palatal mucosa. Collagen in most periodontal tissues (except for incisor gingiva) turns over more rapidly than skin collagen. The results reaffirm the concept that collagen in most periodontal tissues turns over with unusual rapidity.
Black‐pigmented Bacteroides and motile organisms on oral mucosal surfaces in individuals with and without periodontal breakdown
Authors: van Winkelhoff A. J. , van der Velden U. , Winkel E. G. , DE Graaff J.
Published: July 2006

The purpose of this study was to compare the microbiological flora on mucosal surfaces of the tongue and the tonsils of individuals with and without periodontal breakdown. Twenty‐four adults were selected on the basis of clinical parameters. The study included evaluation for the presence of spirochetes and motile organisms by phase‐contrast microscopy and blackpigmented Bacteroides by cultivation. Results showed statistically significant differences in the prevalence of various types of microorganism on the tongue and the tonsils between both groups. A positive correlation could be demonstrated between the presence of motile organisms and Bacteroides intermedius on the tongue and periodontal breakdown. Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the presence of motile organisms on the tonsils and periodontal breakdown. From the results of this study, it was concluded that the microbial composition of the tongue and the tonsils is associated with periodontal breakdown.
Long‐term effect of surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment. A 5‐year clinical study
Authors: Isidor Flemming , Karring Thorkild
Published: July 2006

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the long‐term (5 yr.) effect of surgical and non‐surgical periodontal treatment. 16 patients with advanced periodontal disease participated in the study‐ All patients were subjected to initial treatment comprising supra‐ and subgingival scaling and instruction in performing proper oral hygiene. Modified Widman flap surgery was always employed in a quadrant in both the maxilla and mandible. Reverse bevel flap surgery or root planing under local anesthesia were used in the contralteral quadrants. During the 1st 2 wk after surgery or root planing the patients rinsed twice daily with 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate They were then recalled for professional tooth cleaning once every 2nd wk for the 1st yr. every 3rd month during the 2nd yr, and every 6th month during the last 3 yr. Subgingival scaling was performed at each recall appointment during the last 4 yr.

Surgical as well as non‐surgical treatment resulted in a considerable reduction in probing pocket depth which was maintained during the 5‐yr observation period. A small gain of probing attachment (0.0‐0.4 mm) was assessed 3 months after treatment for all procedures, but after 5 yr a small loss of attachment (0.0‐0.2 mm) bad occurred in surgically treated areas, whereas a gain of 0.3 mm was maintained in the areas treated with root planing.

The changes in bone level were minute following both surgical and non‐surgical treatment. Less than 5% of the tooth surfaces exhibited a loss of probing attachment of more than 2 mm or a loss of alveolar bone of 15% or more of the “normal” bone height alter 5 yr. The number of deteriorating sites in each individual did not correlate with the level of self‐performed oral hygiene.