bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lectins as Probes to Pneumocystis carinii Surface Glycocomplexes
Authors: DE STEFAN'O J. A. , CUSHION M. T. , TRINKLE L. S. , WALZER P. D.
Published: August 2010

The binding characteristics of a panel of commercially available FITC‐conjugated lectins to Pneumocystis carinii (Pc) were assessed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Rat Pc obtained from infecteding homogenates were incubated with FTTC‐conjugated lectins in a series of concentrations, counlerstained with propidium iodide, and analyzed for percent fluorescence and fluorescence intensity. All organisms bound concanavalin A and Wisteria floribunda agglutinin, 2 representatives of the glucose/mannose‐binding group. From the lectin group specific for N‐acctylglucosamine, Pc reacted more strongly with wheat germ agglutinin than with Solanum tuberosum agglutinin or Griffonia simpiicifolia II lectin. Pneumocystis treated with lectins specific for N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine and galactose exhibited much variation; the cells reacted moderately well to soybean agglutinin and less to Bauhinia purpurea, Madura pomifera and Dolichos biflorus agglutinins and Giffonia simpiicifolia Hectin. Arachis hypogaea agglutinin, Viscum album agglutinin and Griffon'ui simpiicifolia I—β Section had not effect. The organisms reacted weakly with Ulex europeus I agglutinin which is specific for fucose and did not react with Limax ftavus lectin, which is specific for sialic acid. Competitive inhibition studies using relevant carbohydrates were performed to indicate that the positive reactions were specific. These studies should help to elucidate the mechanisms of attachment and pathogenesis of this organism.
Treatment of Experimental Pneumocystis carinii Pneumonia with Analogs of Pentamidine
Authors: TIDWELL R.R. , KILGORE S. G. , OKEMENG K.A. , GERATZ J.D. , HALL JAMES EDWIN
Published: August 2010

Seven analogs of pentamidine were tested for their activity against an immunosuppressed rat model of Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia. Structural alterations of the pentamidine molecule included variations of the alkyl chain linking the two p‐amidino phenoxy moieties and relocation of the amidine groups from the para to the meu position on the phenoxy rings. All analogs of pentamidine were active against P. carinii pneumonia when compared to a saline‐treated control group. One derivative, 1, 4‐di(4′‐amidinophenoxy)butanc, proved to be statistically more active than the parent drug.
Ultrastructure of In Vivo‐Produced Caryocysts Containing the Coccidian Caryospora bigenetica (Apicomplexa: Eimerüdae)
Authors: SUNDERMANN CHRISTINE A. , LINDSAY DAVID S.
Published: August 2010

A cotton rat was inoculated orally with oocysts of Caryospora bigenetica from the feces of a rattlesnake. Sixteen days later the rat was euthanized, and portions of the scrotum, foot pad and muzzle were processed for histological sections and transmission electron microscopy. Sporozoites within caryocysts had typical coccidian features such as an anterior and posterior refractile body, centrally located nucleus, micronemes, rhoptries, a conoid, a micropore near the anterior refractile body, a posterior pore, amylopectin granules, lipid bodies, a Golgi‐like body, a mitochondrion and subpellicular microtubules. The infected host cell was spherical and surrounded by a fibrous wall‐like covering, 0.35–1.00 μm thick. This outer covering, when viewed in stained histological sections, was periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS)‐positive.
Nucleotide Variation in the Cytidine Triphosphate Synthetase Gene of Giardia duodenalis
Authors: SWARBRICK ALEXANDER , LIM RENEE L. H. , UPCROFT JACQUELINE A. , STEWART THOMAS S.
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The cytidine triphosphate synthetase genes from three diverse strains of Giardia duodenalis have been sequenced and found to vary significantly from one another. The isolates were chosen as representatives of three demes as determined by several criteria including divergence in the rDNA repeat unit. Inserts in the genes and protein are conserved in length but are the most divergent regions among the three sequences examined. Variation in the rest of the gene occurs primarily in the third base position resulting in many silent mutations. One of the isolates (1709) was found to contain two genes with high sequence homology.
Ciliate Protozoa in the Rumen of Sassaby Antelope, Damaliscus lunatus lunatus, Including the Description of a New Species and Form
Authors: ITO AKIRA , ARAI NATSUKO , TSUTSUMI YOSHIATSU , IMAI SOICHI
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. Composition of rumen ciliate fauna in five Zambian, sassaby antelopes was determined. Six genera, 18 species, and four forms were identified. One new species and form, belonging to the subfamily Diplodiniinae, were found, then labeled Ostracodinium damaliscus n. sp. and Diplodinium bubalidis f. aspinosum n. f., respectively. Only ophryoscolecid species were present while isotrichids were absent. Twelve of 18 total species are commmonly found in African antelopes. Three of those 12 species, Entodinium fyferi, Enoploplastron garstangi and Opisthotrichum janus, are only found in African antelopes. Percentage composition was low in the genera ml of rumen fluid, and the average number of ciliate species per host was 17.2.
Accumulation of Trehalose as a Compatible Solute under Osmotic Stress in Euglena gracilis Z
Authors: TAKENAKA SHIGEO , KONDO TOMOHIRO , NAZERI SONBOL , TAMURA YOSHIYUKI , TOKUNAGA MASAO , TSUYAMA SHINGO , MIYATAKE KAZUTAKA , NAKANO YOHSIHISA
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The photosynthetic protozoon Euglena gracilis, accumulated a large amount of trehalose in the cells under salt or osmotic stresses. Radioactivity of [14C] paramylon, a β‐1,3‐polyglucan which was stored in the cells of E. gracilis. was degraded rapidly and this radioactivity was almost stoichiometrically incorporated into trehalose. The interconversion of trehalose from paramylon by salt or osmotic stresses was dependent on the concentrations or osmotic pressures, suggesting that E. gracilis accumulate trehalose as an osmoprotectant. After the removal of salt or osmotic stresses, trehalose was gradually degraded, however, it was not converted into paramylon.
A New Collection of Thermosensitive Endocytosis Mutants in the Cellular Slime Mold Dictyostelium discoideum
Authors: LABROUSSE ARNAUD , SATRE MICHEL
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. We used a photoactivatable fluid‐phase marker to isolate a new collection of thermosensitive endocytosis mutants in the cellular slime mold Dicfyostelium discoideum. All the strains were thermosensitive for growth on bacteria or axenic medium at 27° C. Initial rates of endocytosis rapidly decreased upon incubation at the restrictive temperature, but surprisingly most of the strains showed a transient recovery of activity with prolonged exposure to 27° C. Endocytosis and exocytosis activities were uncoupled for some of the cell lines at 27° C whereas the others had to be shifted to 29° C. Further molecular analysis of these mutants could lead to the discovery of new proteins involved in endocytosis and its regulation.
Quantitative Changes in Periplasmic Proteins of the Macronucleus‐Specific Bacterium Holospora obtusa in the Infection Process of the Ciliate Paramecium caudatum
Authors: FUJISHIMA MASAHIRO , DOHRA HIDEO , KAWAI MIKI
Published: August 2010

ABSTRACT. The Gram‐negative bacterium Holospora obrusa is a macronucleus‐specific symbiont of the ciliate Paramecium caudatum. The infectious form of this bacterium infects the host macronucleus through digestive vacuoles and differentiates into the reproductive form two days after the infection in the nucleus. The monoclonal antibodies IF‐3–1 and IF‐3–2 reacted with 39 and 1S kDa periplasmic proteins, respectively, that were specific for the infectious form of H. obrusa. Because the antigens were not detected in the reproductive form of the bacterium, it appears that expression of the proteins decreases during or soon after the infection. Using these antibodies, quantitative changes in the antigens in the early infection process were examined by immunoblotting and immunogold electron microscopy. Immunoblotting showed that the amounts of both antigens were reduced within 1 h after the bacteria were engulfed into the digestive vacuoles of the paramecia, but that the amounts of IF‐3–2 antigens declined earlier than the IF‐3–1 antigen. Immunogold labeling showed that the level of IF‐3–2 antigens became very low in the bacteria in the host digestive vacuoles, whereas there was no similar decrease in amount of IF‐3–1 antigens. Possible functions of the antigens are discussed. The IF‐3–1 antigens decrease in concentration in parallel with the decrease in the periplasmic region.
Generic Statements Require Little Evidence for Acceptance but Have Powerful Implications
Authors: Cimpian Andrei , Brandone Amanda C. , Gelman Susan A.
Published: August 2010

Generic statements (e.g., “Birds lay eggs”) express generalizations about categories. In this paper, we hypothesized that there is a paradoxical asymmetry at the core of generic meaning, such that these sentences have extremely strong implications but require little evidence to be judged true. Four experiments confirmed the hypothesized asymmetry: Participants interpreted novel generics such as “Lorches have purple feathers” as referring to nearly all lorches, but they judged the same novel generics to be true given a wide range of prevalence levels (e.g., even when only 10% or 30% of lorches had purple feathers). A second hypothesis, also confirmed by the results, was that novel generic sentences about dangerous or distinctive properties would be more acceptable than generic sentences that were similar but did not have these connotations. In addition to clarifying important aspects of generics’ meaning, these findings are applicable to a range of real‐world processes such as stereotyping and political discourse.
Early identification of non‐remission in first‐episode psychosis in a two‐year outcome study
Authors: Simonsen E. , Friis S. , Opjordsmoen S. , Mortensen E. L. , Haahr U. , Melle I. , Joa I. , Johannessen J. O. , Larsen T. K. , Røssberg J. I. , Rund B. R. , Vaglum P. , McGlashan T. H.
Published: August 2010

Simonsen E, Friis S, Opjordsmoen S, Mortensen EL, Haahr U, Melle I, Joa I, Johannessen JO, Larsen TK, Røssberg JI, Rund BR, Vaglum P, McGlashan TH. Early identification of non‐remission in first‐episode psychosis in a two‐year outcome study.

Objective:  To identify predictors of non‐remission in first‐episode, non‐affective psychosis.

Method:  During 4 years, we recruited 301 patients consecutively. Information about first remission at 3 months was available for 299 and at 2 years for 293 cases. Symptomatic and social outcomes were assessed at 3 months, 1 and 2 years.

Results:  One hundred and twenty‐nine patients (43%) remained psychotic at 3 months and 48 patients (16.4%) remained psychotic over 2 years. When we compared premorbid and baseline data for the three groups, the non‐remitted (n = 48), remitted for <6 months (n = 38) and for more than 6 months (n = 207), duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) was the only variable that significantly differentiated the groups (median DUP: 25.5, 14.4 and 6.0 weeks, respectively). Three months univariate predictors of non‐remission were being single, longer DUP, core schizophrenia, and less excitative and more negative symptoms at baseline. Two‐year predictors were younger age, being single and male, deteriorating premorbid social functioning, longer DUP and core schizophrenia. In multivariate analyses DUP, negative and excitative symptoms predicted non‐remission at 3 months, but only DUP predicted at 2 years.

Conclusion:  Long DUP predicted both 3 month and 2‐year non‐remission rates in first‐episode psychosis.
Personal risk factors for generalized periodontitis
Authors: Clarke Nigel G. , Hirsch Robert S.
Published: August 2010

Abstract Periodontitis is generally considered to be a consequence of an unfavourable host‐parasite interaction in which bacteria are the determinants of disease. An intense search continues for the bacteria, specific or non‐specfic, that are responsible for periodontitis and various forms of the periodontal diseases have been associated with, and are widely believed to be caused by, specific bacterial groups. However, the distribution of periodontopathic bacteria is far wider than the distribution of periodontitis, indicating that the association between bacteria and periodontitis is weak. This paper proposes a paradigm for the etiology of generalized periodontitis in which ‘host’ factors are not only those triggered by bacteria (the agent) but are also those personal factors that influence the outcome of the host/parasite relationship. The personal factors that diminish the efficiency of host defence may include psycho‐social stress from the social environment, factors from the lifestyle such as diet, smoking and alcoholism and systemic factors such as intercurrent disease or deficiencies within the immune inflammatory system. A model is described in which the interaction of personal factors with the social environment provides the potential for the initiation of periodontitis. Biological variation is significant and the combination of factors that cause generalized periodontitis or any other chronic disease in one individual may not result in dental or any other chronic disease in another.
Observations of root surfaces from patients with early‐onset periodontitis and leukocyte adhesion deficiency
Authors: Waldrop Thomas C. , Hallmon William W. , Mealey Brian L.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The purpose of this investigation was to report observations of the root surfaces of teeth from 2 siblings with leukocyte adhesion deficiency (LAD). In previous publications, the clinical, radiographic and immunologic findings in the family were presented. 38 permanent teeth from the 2 siblings were prepared for microscopic examination, 11 for light microscopy (LM), and 27 for scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In addition, 8 healthy teeth obtained from 2 patients requiring extractions for orthodontic treatment served as controls. LM observations on healthy teeth revealed cementum with normal structural appearance which exhibited a mosaic or mogul‐like pattern with SEM. In LAD specimens, cementum apical to the dentogingival junction exhibited resorption lacunae and areas of poor structural definition characterized by aplasia and hypoplasia (hypomineralization). Areas of hypoplasia presented as distinct irregular surfaces with a pebbly or globular‐like appearance. Alteration in cementum formation and maturation may play a role in the etiology of early‐onset periodontitis.
Periodontal disease activity: a development strategy for its investigation by means of accurate 3‐dimensional clinical measurement
Authors: Watts Trevor L. P. , Beards Christopher F. , Ewing Paul D. , Leeman Sidney
Published: August 2010

Abstract The central problem in all previous approaches to clinical assessment of periodontal disease activity is the use of unidimensional measurement, which implies a number of unjustifiable assumptions. In addition, the use of unidimensional probing measurement has established that there are several distinct problems of validity and reliability in currently available techniques. The present paper begins with an analysis of these matters, leading to an approach to accurate clinical measurement of periodontitis in 3 dimensions, with the possibility of future development of a valid system for assessing the nature of disease activity.
Microscopic spirochete counts in untreated subjects with and without periodontal tissue destruction
Authors: Lembariti Bakari S. , Mikx Frans H.M. , van Palenstein Helderman Wim H.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The purpose of the study was to determine microscopically the %s of spirochetes at sites without periodontal destruction in subjects with destructive periodontal diseases (cases) and in subjects free of it (controls), who had not received professional prophylaxis. From a sample of 164 individuals aged between 30–44 years living in rural and urban areas of Tanzania, cases and controls were selected. Cases (n=25) were selected who exihibited at least 3 teeth with pocket depth of >5 mm. The controls (n= 28) had no pockets deeper than 3 mm. From each subject, 1 subgingival plaque sample was taken at the mid point of the lingual surface of 1 of the upper premolars which showed bleeding on probing but no calculus and no pockets. In addition, one subgingival sample was obtained from a pocket. Pockets contained the highest %s of spirochetes, which confirms earlier findings. A significant difference in % of spirochetes between cases and controls was found at non‐destructive sites, indicating a host effect on the subgingival microflora. However, the spirochete counts at non‐destructive sites did not provide a reliable measure to identify subjects with destructive periodontal disease.
Different types of inflammatory reactions in peri‐implant soft tissues
Authors: Ericsson I. , Persson L. G. , Berglundh T. , Marinello C. P. , Lindhe J. , Klinge B.
Published: August 2010

Abstract The aim of the present study was to analyze some features of the peri‐implant mucosa at sites in the dog model which had been exposed to plaque accumulation for periods up to 9 months. The experiment was carried out in 5 labrador dogs. The mandibular right and left 2nd, 3rd and 4th premolars (2P2, 3P3, 4P4) and the 1st molars (1M1) were extracted. Following a 3–month healing period, 3 titanium fixtures (Nobelpharma AB. Göteborg, Sweden) were installed in the edentulous premolar/molar regions. Abutment connection was performed 3 months later and a meticulous plaque control period of 3 months was initiated. A clinical examination was performed at the end of this preparatory period and a main study period of 9 months continued. During this period, the plaque control regimen was maintained in the mesial and central (left: L1, 2 and right: R1, 2) implant segments, whereas plaque was allowed to accumulate on the distal implants, i.e., L3 and R3. At the end of the main study period, i.e., 12 months after abutment connection, the clinical examination was repeated, the animals perfused and biopsies obtained. Semi‐thin sections were produced for histo‐metric and morphometric analyses. The peri‐implant mucosa at implant sites exposed to daily and comprehensive plaque control at biopsy was clinically non‐inflamed and the connective tissue lateral to a junctional epithelium was devoid of accumulations of inflammatory cells. On the other hand, termination of the plaque control program resulted in the accumulation of large amounts of plaque and calculus at the titanium abutments and the biopsies harvested from the implant sites after 9 months of plaque formation demonstrated an infiltrate which resided in the marginal portion of the peri‐implant mucosa. The histological analysis of the biopsy material also revealed that an inflammatory cell infiltrate was consistently present at the level of borderline between the abutment and the fixture part of the implant. This infiltrate, called abutment ICT, occurred both at sites which had been exposed to plaque control and at sites at which plaque had been allowed to form during a 9–month interval. The histometric determinations disclosed that (i) the bone crest consistently was located about 1–1.5 mm “apical” of the abutment/fixture level, (ii) there was a zone, about 1 mm wide, of a normal non‐infiltrated connective tissue that separated the apical portion of the abutment ICT and the bone crest. It is suggested that this infiltrate represents the efforts by the host to close off bacteria present within the implant system and that the establishment of an abutment ICT may explain the 1 mm bone loss observed during the course of the 1st year after bridge installation.
The effect of irrigation with chlorhexidine or saline on plaque vitality
Authors: Walsh T.F. , Ünsal E. , Davis L.G. , Yilmaz Ö.
Published: August 2010

Abstract 24 adult patients suffering from Adult periodontitis were assigned to 4 groups: the 1st rinsed for 1 min with 0.2% chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX); the 2nd group were irrigated for 15 s with 0.2% CHX in a pulsed oral irrigator; the 3rd group rinsed for 1 min with saline and the 4th group were irrigated for 15 s with saline. Plaque vitality was measured after the 4 experimental procedures, using the method described by Netuschil et al. and scored using the method described by Rundegren et al. The results showed that a single rinse or irrigation with 0.2% CHX solution decreased the % of viable micro‐organisms, but the vitality of the bacteria remained unchanged in saline groups. Statistical analysis indicated that irrigation with CHX was more effective at reducing plaque vitality than rinsing with CHX.
Success rates in periodontal treatment as related to choice of evaluation criteria
Authors: Lundgren Dan , Asklöw Barbro , Thorstensson Helene , Härefeldt Ann Marie
Published: August 2010

Background, aims: The aim of the present investigation was to determine the success rates of treatment of 36 patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease as related to different clinical and radiographic criteria.

Method: The treatment comprised oral hygiene education, subgingival scaling and root planing, and when judged indicated, periodontal surgery. An “evaluation criteria staircase” comprising 5 levels was introduced to be utilized for evaluation of the treatment results in 4 proximal sites (1 in each quadrant) which were followed for 3 years. The highest level of the staircase (level 1) is the most challenging and comprises the traditonal criteria for “perfect” periodontal health, while the lower levels are gradually less demanding.

Results: At the follow‐up examination 3 years after active treatment, 52.1% of the experimental sites fulfilled the criteria for successful treatment according to level 1. On the lowest level (level 5) which only required no further loss of alveolar bone for treatment to be considered “successful”, the number of such treated sites reached 95.1%. The present data showed that even if level 5 was accepted as the evaluation criterion for “success”, resulting in very few failed sites (4.9%), these sites may demand considerable extra clinical time and costs for retreatment because of their distribution among many individuals (13.2%). This clinical time increases substantially if higher levels of success are desired. From a cost‐benefit point of view, it is therefore of utmost importance that not only patient compliance but also disease resistance and the value of the affected tooth for the dentition are taken into consideration when the indications for retreatment are weighed. This is especially important since many sites were found to be non‐progressive for a long time, even though they did not exhibit perfect periodontal health.

Conclusions: It is suggested that the “evaluation criteria staircase” presented in this paper might be a helpful clinical instrument for decision‐making in individually designed and site‐related retreatments of patients with periodontal disease.
Low‐dose aspirin therapy and periodontal attachment loss in ex‐ and non‐smokers
Authors: Drouganis Arthur , Hirsch Robert
Published: August 2010

Background, aims: This study investigated the periodontal status of non‐smokers and ex‐smokers in relation to their intake of low‐dose aspirin.

Methods: A self‐selected sample of 392 males aged 50 years and over was recruited from the general population. Subjects were included in the study if they had a minimum of 6 or more natural teeth, took aspirin (300 mg or less per day) for at least 2 years and were either ex‐ or non‐smokers. Controls were subjects who did not take aspirin regularly. A questionnaire was used to record demographic data, medical and dental histories. Individuals who had diabetes or other systemic diseases were excluded from the study. Periodontal attachment loss (PAL) was calculated by adding measurements of gingival recession and periodontal pocket depth made by a single examiner at 6 sites around each tooth using non‐pressure sensitive periodontal probes. Plaque and gingival bleeding indices were also scored. Subjects were divided into 4 groups: aspirin non‐smokers, aspirin ex‐smokers, no aspirin non‐smokers and no aspirin ex‐smokers. Data were analysed using two‐way ANOVA with age as the covariate. Severity and extent of mean PAL and the cumulative distribution of the mean of the most severe sites (MSS) of PAL were analysed.

Results: Controlling for age, mean PAL in aspirin takers was significantly less 2.6±0.08 (se) mm than non‐aspirin takers 2.9±0.06 (se) mm; this association was independent of smoking history. Ex‐smokers had significantly more mean PAL 3.9±0.07 (se) mm than non‐smokers 2.6±0.08 (se) mm, irrespective of aspirin status. When MSS‐PAL was analysed, these differences became more pronounced; MSS‐PAL in aspirin takers was significantly less 3.9±0.1 (se) mm than non‐aspirin takers 4.2±0.08 (se) mm. Ex‐smokers had significantly more MSS‐PAL 4.3±0.08 (se) mm than non‐smokers 3.8±0.08 (se) mm. Aspirin apparently had a protective association on PAL and it is hypothesised that low‐dose aspirin may have reduced the rate of attachment loss.

Conclusions: This hypothesis needs to be confirmed by a prospective study. The results of this study suggest that individuals aged over 50 years, particularly ex‐smokers, may benefit by taking low‐doses of aspirin daily to reduce their risk of periodontal attachment loss.
A rapid spectrophotometric assay for tetracycline in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Needleman Ian G. , Grahn Michael F. , Pandya Nikunj V.
Published: August 2010

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate a rapid spectrophotometric assay for its potential to measure tetracycline levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF).

Materials and methods: The technique involves complexation of tetracycline with molybdenum in order to shift the absorbance spectrum away from that region where interference with plasma proteins is a problem. The sensitivity of the assay and reproducibility of elution were examined together with an assessment of the effect of plasma proteins. The assay was also tested in a small pilot clinical project, measuring tetracycline levels in GCF following placement of a test gel formulation in 25 periodontal pockets in 5 patients.

Results: The in vitro results showed good sensitivity of the assay over the concentration range tested (0.5–200 μg tetracycline) and with little effect of plasma proteins. Elution from the paper strips was reproducible with a good linear correlation between direct and filter absorbed assays (r=0.9989, p<0.01). The pilot clinical study indicated a mean half‐time of tetracycline in GCF of 28 min with confidence intervals of 21 to 34 min, although wide variation between the drug levels of individual periodontal pockets was seen.

Conclusions: The results indicate good sensitivity for this assay to measure tetracycline hydrochloride in vivo. The potential for rapidly processing large numbers of samples contrasts with the assay time and limited sample throughput of other methods such as high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) and suggests that the technique may be a useful addition to current techniques for measuring tetracycline hydrochloride in vivo.
Comparison of the clinical effects and gingival abrasion aspects of manual and electric toothbrushes
Authors: Mantokoudis Dimosthenis , Joss Andreas , Christensen Morten M. , Meng Huan Xin , Suvan Jean E. , Lang Niklaus P.
Published: August 2010

Aims: The clinical effects and gingival abrasion aspects of 2 electrical toothbrushes (Braun Oral‐B Plak Control Ultra and the novel development Braun Oral‐B Plak Control 3D) were to be compared with conventional manual toothbrushing.

Material and Methods: In a cross‐over study, 26 dental student volunteers participated and were assigned to 1 of 3 groups. Following instruction in the use of the electric as well as manual toothbrushes, the volunteers were timed for 2 min each day to apply one electric or the manual toothbrush, respectively, during 3 experimental phases of 2 weeks. No other methods of tooth cleaning were to be performed except the one specified for the respective test period. When brushing manually, the Bass toothbrushing technique was applied. Between each test period, a recovery period of 1 week was allowed during which no oral hygiene was performed at all. At the start and the end of each of the experimental periods, the extension of plaque deposits from the gingival margin in coronal direction was assessed using the Turesky et al. modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index. Presence or absence of gingival inflammation was evaluated by bleeding and probing (BOP). The extent and severity of gingival abrasions were assessed by use of a modified method of Breitenmoser et al. and adapted by Danser et al.

Results:

The plaque‐reducing effect was similar in all groups with the same cleaning regime. For that reason, the result of the different experimental phases with the respective cleaning modalities were collapsed. Cleaning with the Braun Oral‐B Plak Control Ultra electric toothbrush resulted consistently in the lowest plaque scores when compared to both the Braun Oral‐B Plak Control 3D and the manual toothbrush. Although the differences in plaque reduction were statistically significant between cleaning with Braun Oral‐B Plak Control Ultra and 3D, they were small and of questionable clinical relevance. No significant differences in plaque reductions were found between manual brushing and any of the 2 electric brushes. Gingival abrasions were least pronounced following brushing with the Braun Oral‐B Plak Control 3D electric toothbrush. However, no significant differences in gingival abrasion were encountered following brushing with the Braun Oral‐B Plak Control Ultra electric in comparison with the manual toothbrush.

Conclusions: The results of the present study have shown that in a group of dental students trained in manual brushing technique, where efficacy was similar with the 3 toothbrushes tested, there is no evidence of greater gingival abrasion with either Braun Oral‐B Plak Control Ultra or 3D when compared with a manual brush.
The effectiveness of enamel matrix proteins used in combination with bovine porous bone mineral in the treatment of intrabony defects in humans
Authors: Camargo Paulo M. , Lekovic Vojislav , Weinlaender Michael , Vasilic Nikola , Kenney E. Barrie , Madzarevic Milovan
Published: August 2010

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of enamel matrix proteins (EMPs) used in combination with bovine porous bone mineral (BPBM), compared to open flap debridment (OFD) in the treatment of intrabony defects in humans.

Material and Methods: Using a split‐mouth design, 24 paired intrabony defects were surgically treated and re‐entered 6 months later. Experimental sites were treated with EMPs and grafted with BPBM. Control sites were treated with an OFD. The primary outcomes evaluated in the study were changes in pocket depth, clinical attachment level and defect bone fill.

Results: Preoperative pocket depths, attachment levels and intra‐operative bone measurements were similar for control and experimental sites. 6‐month post surgical measurements revealed a significantly greater reduction in pocket depth (differences of 2.35±0.86 mm on buccal and 2.28±0.90 mm on lingual measurements) and more gain in clinical attachment (differences of 2.04±0.28 mm on buccal and 1.99±0.26 mm on lingual measurements) in the experimental sites. Surgical reentry of the defects revealed a significantly greater amount of defect fill in favor of the experimental sites (differences of 2.85±0.28 mm on buccal and 2.67±0.33 mm on lingual measurements).

Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that combining EMPs and BPBM as a regenerative technique for intraosseous defects results in statistically and clinically significant more favorable results than OFD. The nature of the attachment between the newly regenerated tissue and the root surfaces needs to be evaluated histologically to confirm the presence of new attachment.
Plaque removal characteristics of electric toothbrushes using an in vitro plaque model
Authors: Carter Kevin , Landini Gabriel , Walmsley A. Damien
Published: August 2010

Background/aim: The purpose of the study was to investigate and quantify the efficacy of plaque removal by commercially available electric toothbrushes using an in vitro system based on artificial plaque grown on glass slides.

Material and Methods: Artificial plaque based on Streptococcus sanguis and Streptococcus mutans was cultured in a series of phosphate buffer solution, sucrose solution and brain heart infusion on sterile glass slides, for a period of 5 weeks. 7 different electric toothbrushes of current designs were operated in contact with the glass slides under loads of 1 or 2N for 10 s after which image analysis of the brushed slides was undertaken to calculate the absolute and relative areas of removal.

Results: The electric toothbrushes showed a larger area of plaque removal as loading force increased from 1 to 2N. The area of biofilm removed also depended on the head design and ranged from 258 mm2 (1N, Interplak) and 314 mm2 (2N, Interplak), to 30 mm2 (1N, Braun 3D), and 148 mm2 (2N, Blend‐a‐Dent). The area of biofilm removal was significantly different among all electric toothbrushes at p<0.01 (ANOVA). All electric toothbrushes removed more biofilm than the actual contacting tufted area of the head.

Conclusion: The artificial plaque model system under different loading conditions showed differences in the absolute area of removal per electric toothbrush and also differences in the relative removal per unit contact bristle area. These differences on operating variables should be considered when evaluating new electric toothbrushes.
Association of early onset periodontitis microbiota with aspartate aminotransferase activity in gingival crevicular fluid
Authors: Kamma Joanna J. , Nakou Mela , Persson Rutger G.
Published: August 2010

Objectives: The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between the activity of the enzyme aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) using the colorimetric PerioGardTM (PTM) test and the subgingival microflora in early onset periodontitis lesions.

Material and methods: The study population consisted of 25 otherwise healthy individuals exhibiting early onset periodontitis (EOP). In each patient four experimental sites were identified comprising one deep periodontal pocket (PD >5 mm) randomly chosen in each quadrant. Bacterial samples were obtained from the experimental sites, consecutively cultured anaerobically and in 10% CO2 using selective and nonselective media. Isolates were characterized to species level by conventional biochemical tests and various identification kits. Clinical measurements as well as AST activity, assessed either as positive or negative using the PTM, were recorded at the same sites.

Results: Sixty‐two sites exhibited AST positive and 38 AST negative activity. Analysis of bacterial counts using the ANOVA (Mann Whitney U‐test) showed that Streptococcus intermedius, Peptostreptococcus micros, Campylobacter concisus, Bacteroides forsythus, Camplobacter gracilis, Campylobacter rectus and Selenomonas sputigena were significantly higher in sites with AST‐positive acitivity. The odds ratio of having high prevalence of S. intermedius, P. micros, C. concisus, B. forsythus, C. gracilis, C. rectus and S. sputigena in the presence of a positive AST site was very high (range: 3.5–17.0). Streptococcus sanguis, Actinomyces naeslundii, Gemella morbillorum, Capnocytophaga gingivalis, Veillonella parvula, Fusobacterium varium, Eubacterium lentum and Prevotella oralis were detected in significantly higher proportions in sites with AST negative activity and manifested a negative odds ratio in the presence of AST positive sites. The logistic regression analysis revealed that smoking and bleeding upon probing showed a significant association with AST activity, while plaque and suppuration were not found to be significant predictors of AST activity. The co‐infection of Porphyromonas gingivalis, B. forsythus and P. micros, or P. gingivalis, B. forsythus and C. rectus were found to be significantly associated with the AST activity (p<0.001). AST positive sites revealed significantly higher occurence of co‐infections by P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, S. sputigena or by P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, S. intermedius than AST negative sites (p<0.001). P. gingivalis, B. forsythus, A. naeslundii co‐infection was found significantly higher in the AST negative sites (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The present study found a high level of agreement between the presence of putative periodontal pathogens and positive AST scores at periodontal sites that clinically were considered to be potentially disease active. Prospective studies should be performed to confirm the findings.
Bacterial survival rate on tooth‐ and interdental brushes in relation to the use of toothpaste
Authors: Quirynen Marc , De Soete Marc , Pauwels Martine , Goossens Kitty , Teughels Wim , Van Eldere Johan , Van Steenberghe Daniel
Published: August 2010

Background, aims: Previous studies indicated that oral hygiene aids can play a rôle in the intra‐oral translocation of pathogens. The survival rate of cariogenic and periodontopathogenic species on toothbrushes, with and without toothpaste, and interdental brushes was presently investigated.

Material and methods: 12 periodontitis patients had their interdental spaces professionally cleaned with interdental brushes and their teeth with new toothbrushes with or without different dentifrices. Each time brushes were rinsed with tap water and stored dry at room temperature. At different time intervals an interdental brush or 4 tufts from a toothbrush were processed for vitality staining and selective and non‐selective culturing procedures.

Results: Immediately after rinsing, a toothbrush without toothpaste harboured 107, 108 and 107 colony forming units (CFU) of respectively aerobic, anaerobic and black pigmented species. An insignificant decrease occurred the first 24 hours and after 48 hours still 104 CFU of aerobic and anaerobic species could be cultured. No periodontopathogen remained detectable at 8 hours, except for Fusobacterium nucleatum. The proportion of vital bacteria decreased in 48 hours from 50% to 30%. Comparable results were obtained for interdental brushes. The bacterial survival rate on toothbrushes was significantly reduced by the use of a detergent containing toothpaste by 2 log at baseline, another 2 log at 4 hours and an extra log more at 8 hours for aerobic and anaerobic species. A toothpaste without detergent only had an insignificant bactericidal effect.

Conclusion: Toothpaste detergents decrease the survival rate of pathogenic species on a toothbrush and can thus limit the risk for bacterial translocation.
Effect of a polyhexamethylene biguanide mouthrinse on bacterial counts and plaque
Authors: Rosin M. , Welk A. , Bernhardt O. , Ruhnau M. , Pitten F.‐A. , Kocher T. , Kramer A.
Published: August 2010

Objectives: For various clinical applications, polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) has been used for many years as an antiseptic in medicine. Little is known, however, of its antibacterial activity in the oral cavity and its ability to inhibit plaque formation. In this study, a 0.04% PHMB mouthrinse (A) was compared with a negative control placebo rinse (10% ethanol, flavour) (B) and 2 positive control chlorhexidine rinses, one of which was a 0.12% aqueous solution (C) and the other a commercially available mouthrinse (Skinsept® mucosa) diluted to a chlorhexidine concentration of 0.12% (D).

Material and Methods: The study was a double‐blind, randomised 4‐replicate 4×4 Latin square cross‐over design. Plaque regrowth was assessed with the Turesky et al. modification of the Quigley and Hein plaque index. The in vivo antibacterial effect was assessed by taking bacterial counts from the tooth surface (smears from the lingual surface of 16) and mucosa (smears from the buccal mucosa) 4 h after the 1st rinse with the preparations on day 1 and prior to the clinical examination on day 5. 16 volunteers participated, and on day 1 of each study period were rendered plaque‐free, ceased toothcleaning, and rinsed 2× daily with the allocated mouthrinse. On day 5, plaque was scored and smears were collected according to the protocol. Washout periods were 9 days. Data were analysed using ANOVA with Tukey HSD adjustment for multiple comparisons (significance level α=0.05).

Results: Mouthrinses A, C, and D were significantly more effective in inhibiting plaque than the placebo (B). Mouthrinse C was significantly better than mouthrinses A and D, while mouthrinses D and A were equally effective in inhibiting plaque. Bacterial count reductions on the tooth surface with mouthrinse C were significantly greater compared to mouthrinse A and the placebo (B). The reduction of bacterial counts on the mucosa with C was significantly greater than with A and B after 4 h and significantly greater than with A, B and D after 5 days. Mouthrinse A reduced bacteria on the mucosa significantly more effectively than the placebo (B) after 4 h and 5 days, while mouthrinse D was more effective than the placebo (B) after 4 h.

Conclusion: The results indicate that a 0.04% PHMB mouthwash inhibits plaque regrowth and reduces oral bacterial counts, and may be used in preventive applications in the oral cavity.
Clinical comparison of the effectiveness of novel sonic instruments and curettes for periodontal debridement after 2 months
Authors: Beuchat M. , Busslinger A. , Schmidlin P. R. , Michel B. , Lehmann B. , Lutz F.
Published: August 2010

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate in vivo the effectiveness of scaling and root planing of new oscillating instruments (Periosonic®) using a sonic handpiece compared to hand curettes with a split mouth design after 2 months.

Methods: 11 patients with adult periodontitis participated in this study. Plaque index (PII) (O’Leary), bleeding on probing (BOP), probing pocket depth (PPD), recession (REC) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were recorded at baseline and 2 months after treatment. After oral hygiene instruction, 2 randomly assigned quadrants per patient were scaled and root planed with curettes (control side) and the remaining 2 quadrants with the Periosonic® instruments 1 and 2 (test side). The student t‐test for paired data was used to test the significance of difference between test and control sides.

Results: There was no statistical difference (p>0.05) between the 2 sides for the improvement of the clinical parameters excepted for the group with initial PPD of 4–6 mm (test: 1.3±0.4 mm PPD reduction, control: 1.6±0.4 mm). For PPD 7 mm, the test side had better clinical improvement in attachment levels (2.2±0.9 mm), less recession (−0.4±0.5 mm) with lower PPD reduction (2.4±0.6 mm) than the control side (AL: 1.6±1.8 mm; REC: −1.3±0.7 mm, PPD reduction: 3.0±1.4 mm).

Conclusion: This clinical study demonstrated that Periosonic® instruments are clinically at least as effective as curettes in PPD reduction when initial PPD is 6 mm and show better clinical attachment level improvement with less recession for initial PPD of 7 mm.
Periodontal healing following reconstructive surgery: effect of guided tissue regeneration using a bioresorbable barrier device when combined with autogenous bone grafting. A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Nygaard‐Østby Per , Bakke Vibeke , Nesdal Oddny , Nilssen Helene Klerck , Susin Cristiano , Wikesjö Ulf M. E.
Published: August 2010

Objective: The objective of this randomized‐controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the adjunctive effect of guided tissue regeneration (GTR) using a bioresorbable polylactic acid (PLA) barrier device when combined with autogenous bone grafting in the treatment of deep intra‐bony periodontal defects.

Material and Methods: Forty systemically healthy patients (20 females; mean age 53 years; non‐smokers) participated in the study. Using a parallel‐group study design, one intra‐bony defect in each of 20 subjects received GTR using the bioresorbable PLA barrier device (Atrisorb®), combined with autogenous bone grafting. One intra‐bony defect in each of the remaining 20 subjects received bone grafting solo (control). Treatments were evaluated at 9 months post‐surgery.

Results: One patient (GTR) was withdrawn from the study due to circumstances unrelated to the study. Eighty‐nine per cent of the PLA barriers became exposed within 3 weeks following surgery. Pre‐surgery probing depths for GTR and control intra‐bony defects averaged (±SE) 7.1±0.3 mm. Significant probing depth reduction (2.7±0.3 versus 2.4±0.4 mm), attachment‐level gain (1.7±0.3 versus 1.7±0.5 mm), and bone fill (1.2±0.4 versus 1.2±0.5 mm) were observed for the GTR and control sites, respectively (p0.02). However, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment protocols.

Conclusions: The results suggest that GTR using the bioresorbable PLA barrier device does not provide additional value to reconstructive surgery including autogenous bone grafting in intra‐bony periodontal defects.
Is there a temporal trend in the reported treatment efficacy of periodontal regeneration? A meta‐analysis of randomized‐controlled trials
Authors: Tu Yu‐Kang , Tugnait Aradhna , Clerehugh Valerie
Published: August 2010

Background/Aim: The aim of study was to conduct a meta‐analysis to investigate whether or not there was a temporal trend in the treatment efficacy reported in the randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) on guided tissue regeneration (GTR) or enamel matrix protein derivatives (EMD) in the treatment of infrabony defects.

Material and Methods: The treatment outcomes were changes in probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level (CAL). Weighted multilevel and ordinary regression analyses were performed to test the temporal relationship between treatment effect difference or treatment effectiveness and publication years.

Results: For PPD reduction, non‐significant positive relationships were found in the treatment effect difference or treatment effect of both GTR and flap operation. For CAL gain, a small positive relationship was found in the treatment effect difference, but a significant positive trend in the treatment effect of flap operation was found. No significant temporal trend was found in the treatment effect difference for EMD.

Conclusions: There was no evidence to support or refute a temporal trend in the treatment effect of regenerative procedures, but a positive trend was observed in the control group. These results suggest that only RCTs should be included in the meta‐analysis, as the treatment effect of the control group may not be constant.