bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of two preventive programs on oral health knowledge and habits among Brazilian schoolchildren
Authors: Buischi Yvonne A. P. , Axelsson Per , Oliveira Luciene B. , Mayer Marcia P. A. , Gjermo Per
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The effect upon dental health knowledge and dental health behavior of a comprehensive and a less comprehensive preventive program was compared in a 3‐yr follow up study. The comprehensive program included active participation of the students and parental involvement. The study group consisted of 186 Brazilian schoolchildren 13 yr of age at the start of the program. A reference group from another school of similar socioeconomic level was included in the analyses. The data were collected from questionnaires filled in by the children under surveillance after the completion of the program. Significant differences in knowledge as well as in reported behavior were observed. The children enrolled in the comprehensive program in general scored higher in dental health knowledge than did those in the less comprehensive program. However, the latter group of children seemed to have acquired more correct knowledge during the period than had the control and reference children. Similar results were obtained concerning reported dental health behavior.
Relationship between dentists’treatment attitudes and restorative decisions made on the basis of simulated bitewing radiographs
Authors: Kay Elizabeth Jane , Nuttall Nigel Michael
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The implicit valuations which dentists place on the outcomes of their treatment decisions may be a major contributory factor in dentists’decisions about when to restore teeth. This study sought to examine the relationship between dentists’treatment attitudes and restorative dental treatment decision making. A group of 20 dentists were asked to indicate teeth in need of filling from 15 simulated bitewing radiographs. The dentists graded their level of certainty about their treatment decision as “definite”, “probable” or “possible”. Afterwards, the teeth were sectioned and examined using a microscope in order to determine how far through the tooth the caries had penetrated. The gold standard treatment criterion was that caries extending into the dentine of the tooth would require restoration. Receiver Operator Characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to examine the apparent weighting the dentists were giving to decision errors when planning treatment on the basis ot bitewing radiographs. The dentists also completed a treatment attitudes questionnaire to determine their views about the relative importance of false negative and false positive treatment decisions. The results suggest that the most appropriate operating point for most of these dentists to achieve an outcome which matched their views about the relative importance of the two types of treatment error would be the point at which a filling would “definitely” be required.
Clinician's ability to identify caries risk subjects
Authors: Alanen Pentti , Hurskainen Kyösti , Isokangas Pauli , Pietilä Iipo , Levänen Jorma , Saarni Ulla‐Maija , Tiekso Jaakko
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The clinician's ability to identify caries risk children without saliva tests was studied in five health care centers. 77 examiners predicted, after the annual check‐up and treatment, whether, during the following 12 months, the child would develop new dentinal caries lesions to be filled. 7917 children aged 5–16 yr were included. Only information routinely available at clinical examinations was used. In general, the overall sensitivity was 44% and specificity 90%. Some clinicians were able to identify the caries risk children with high sensitivity and specificity figures.
Allocation of dental caries prevention in Swedish teenagers
Authors: Källestål Carina , Holm Anna‐Karin
Published: May 2006

Abstract – In this study, the hypothesis that teenagers with high caries activity on proximal surfaces receive more preventive care in the Swedish Public Denial Health Service than those with lower caries activity on these surfaces, was tested in an audit study. Dental records and bitewing radiographs from 1987 and 1991 were used to assess caries progression in 406 teenagers from the age of 13 to the age of 17. The time allocated to prevention during the period was also registered. Caries progression as a measure of disease activity was tested. The results showed that the hypothesis could not be verified. The Odds ratio was 1.35. indicating that the chance to gel more than 15 min preventive time during 4 yr was only 1.35 times higher if you were highly caries active than if you were less caries active. Although the reproducibility of the method to use caries progression as a measure of disease activity was not high, it was considered a better indicator of active disease than the number of DMF surfaces.
Periodontal status in an urban adult population in Sweden
Authors: Söder Per‐Östen , Jin Li Jian , Söder Birgitta , Wikner Sune
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The purpose was to describe the current periodontal status in a Swedish urban population aged 31–40 yr. 1681 individuals, 840 men and 841 women, participated in the study. 68.5% of the subjects had low amount of plaque, 82.8% low level of calculus and 28.9% healthy gingiva or mild gingivitis. 82.8% of the subjects had no pockets with probing depth (PD)>5 mm. 4.9% of the subjects had one tooth with PD≥5 mm. 6.7% 2–5 teeth, 2.4% 6–9 teeth and 3.2%≥ 10 teeth with pockets. 55.8% of the subjects had no missing teeth, third molars excluded. 16.5% had one tooth missing, 23.8% 2–5 teeth, 2.7% 6–9 teeth and 1.2% 2 10 teeth. 8.6% of the subjects had at least one front tooth missing, 28.7% one premolar and 24.1% one molar missing. Men had significantly higher scores than women for plaque (DI‐S), calculus (CI‐S), gingivitis (GI‐M), and number and percent of remaining teeth with PD≥5 mm. Smokers had significantly higher scores than non‐smokers for DI‐S, CI‐S, GI‐M, number and percent of remaining teeth with PD≥5 mm, and number of missing teeth. The individuals who visited the dentist every year had better oral hygiene and gingival status than those who attended for > 3 yr. The multiple regression analysis showed that calculus (P = 0.0001) smoking (P= 0.001), and dental visits (P= 0.0284) were significantly correlated to the number of teeth with PD≥5 mm.
Views of dental patients about the education and practice of dentists
Authors: Scully Crispian , Bed Christopher , Porter Karen , Porter Stephen
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The opinions of 253 adult U.K. dental patients were sought as to the scope of dental education. Most appreciated this was a university education and that it exceeded 3 yr. Nearly one half believed that apprenticeship was involved and one quarter believed that postgraduate experience in hospital was mandatory. Few acknowledged the wide breadth of training and a majority would consult a physician rather than a dentist regarding problems such as oral ulceration.
Early‐onset periodontitis in Hispanic‐American adolescents associated with A. actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Cappelli David P. , Ebersole Jeffrey L. , Kornman Kenneth S.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – This study examines the frequency of oral disease in an adolescent population, and assesses the relationship to Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans. A total of 470 eighth grade students from San Antonio, Texas, were examined clinically for number of teeth, frequency of gingival inflammation, frequency of sites with BOP. and frequency of sites with 3‐5 mm pockets, and pockets >5 mm. The population ranged in age from 12 to 17 yr and was 93% Hispanic. Heavy accumulations of plaque and calculus were frequently observed and were associated with gingival inflammation, as 95.6% of the students exhibited bleeding on probing, and 99.6%. of the students presented with at least on quadrant of inflammation upon visual examination. Significantly, 25.7% of the students exhibited early‐onset periodontitis (HOP) with 1.7% diagnosed as LJP. Many students exhibited substantial levels of plaque and calculus, but no clinical evidence of loss of attachment. Subjects with periodontitis (EOP or LJP) presented with elevated systemic IgG antibody to actinomycetemcomitans serotype b and subgingival plaque samples positive for the microorganism. These results describe the prevalence of EOP/LJP in an adolescent Hispanic population from South Texas. The findings support that actinomycetemcomitans may represent a pathogen in periodontitis and while oral health care may be poor, contact with the microorganism appears to be required to initiate disease in this population.
Assessment of states of dentures and interest in implant‐retained prosthetic treatment in 55‐year‐old edentulous Finns
Authors: Salonen Maarit A. M.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – One hundred and fifty 55‐year‐old edentulous subjects (104 women and 46 men) were interviewed. Materials, conditions, functional stabilities, and occlusions of complete dentures, and resorption of alveolar crests were recorded and assessed. The dentures were in good condition in 52% of subjects. Occlusion was correct in 45% of cases. Every fifth mandibular denture exhibited good functional stability. The mean age of dentures in good condition and functionally stable was statistically significantly lower than the mean age of dentures poor in these respects. Severe alveolar resorption contributed to poor functional stability of dentures (P= 0.0068 (maxilla), P= 0.0023 (mandible)) and to incorrect occlusion (P=0.0177). Good agreement was noted between objective and subjective opinions of denture function (p= 0.01 (maxillary denture), P= 0.01 (mandibular denture)). Although oral rehabilitation with endosseous implants is common and, objectively, needs for such treatment existed, only 22 subjects (15%) who had recently had their dentures renewed and were experiencing problems with functional stability were interested in implant‐retained overdentures.
Evaluating health gains from restorative dental treatment
Authors: Downer Martin C. , O'Brien Graham J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract A simulation of the caries process over time in posterior approximal tooth surfaces was modelled and tentative evaluations made of health gain from restorative treatment under two sets of assumed conditions. Using published data, the decision model allowed the influence of three variables to be reflected in sensitivity analysis. 1. caries progression, 2. diagnostic accuracy, 3. survival time of fillings. Progress of 50 hypothetical initially sound surfaces, 40 with enamel, and 10 with dentine lesions, was followed over two notional, successive 5‐yr time periods. A surface could terminate as sound, enamel lesion, dentine caries. filled, refilled, refilled twice or extracted. Utility values were applied to the end state frequencies to evaluate health gain (from 0 to 100). Under a set of conditions A. diagnostic accuracy reflected that of current general practice and 50% of fillings survived up to 5 yr. Under a set B. diagnostic accuracy was that of a trained epidemiologist and 50% of fillings survived up to 10 yr. Assumption A scored 75.3 while B scored 81.9. suggesting scope for added health gain through improvement of practice standards.
Trends in toothbrushing and utilization of dental services in Finland
Authors: Murtomaa Heikki , Metsäniitty Mari
Published: May 2006

Abstract Prevention and control of common dental diseases highly depends on individual behavior, and during the last decades, individuals have increasingly been required to take responsibility for their own oral health. In Finland the rate of toothbrushing and dental visits were first surveyed nationwide in 1971 by interviews with a sample of 1063 individuals, drawn to represent the total population aged 15 yr and over. At the time, 68% of the 829 dentulous interviewees claimed to brush at least once a day. Using another sample of 1006 interviewees, drawn in the same manner, in 1990 the brushing rate was found to have increased to 91% 853 dentulous subjects. Daily brushing was more frequent among women (98%) than men (83%). The most distinct positive change regarding brushing frequency was found among men and those with only elementary education. In 1971 the interval between the two most recent dental visits was 1 yr or less for 44% of all the interviewees and for 25% it was more than 5 yr. In 1990, 53% of the interviewees had visited a dentist within a year and the visiting interval was more than 5 yr for 16%. The youngest subjects were the most frequent visitors: 60% of them in 1971 and 74% in 1990. The results indicate a clear trend toward more frequent brushing in Finland. However, this trend regarding dental visits does not seem to be equally remarkable.
Group therapy compared with individual desensitization for dental anxiety
Authors: Moore Rod , Brødsgaard Inger
Published: May 2006

Abstract Effects of group therapy (GT) on extreme dental anxiety were compared with individual treatment (IT). Results by scales of dental anxiety, beliefs or trust in dentists, and fear of the next dentist after specialist treatment showed reduced dental anxiety and improved dental beliefs compared with a static control group of 45 patients. The 30 GT patients showed no significant difference in dropouts during training compared with the 68 IT patients, but for patients who completed treatment. GT (n=24) had greater dental anxiety reduction than IT subjects (n=60). GT patients required fewer therapist hours therapist hours per patients than did either of the two IT methods, but time saved in GT did not reach significance over clinical rehearsal IT. Results at 1‐yr follow‐up after specialist treatment indicated that dropouts were significantly greater in group therapy. Rehearsal IT performed best for sustained dental care behavior. Group dynamics are discussed and suggestions made for effective and efficient group therapy as well as decision making about choice of treatment.
Obstacles to regular dental care related to extrinsic and intrinsic motivation
Authors: Syrjälä Anna‐Maija H. , Knuuttila Matti L. E. , Syrjälä Leena K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract The aim of this study was to test factors preventing regular dental care as put forward by persons who are extrinsically or intrinsically motivated in relation to dental care. The series consisted of 390 randomly selected young and middle‐aged patients, 207 women and 183 men, visiting two occupational health centers in Oulu, Finland. Logistic regression analysis showed that the probability of being extrinsically motivated was greater among those who mentioned the purposelessness of brushing their teeth, lack of time, lack of interest, expense, laziness and failure to appreciate the seriousness of dental care as factors hindering regular dental care very much or somewhat. Thus extrinsically motivated persons seemed to propose superficial reasons and reasons related to non‐appreciation of dental care more often than intrinsically motivated persons.
Trends in prevalence of dental fluorosis in North America
Authors: Clark D. Christopher
Published: May 2006

Abstract – This review of the literature was undertaken to demonstrate the changing trends in the prevalence of dental fluorosis in North America. Using Dean's early work to establish a baseline for the prevalence of dental fluorosis, results of more recent prevalence surveys were used to establish a range for the occurrence of dental florosis today. These results suggest that the prevalence of dental fluorosis now ranges somewhere between 35% and 60% in fluoridated communities and between 20% and 45% in nonfluoridated areas, depending on the influence of different local conditions. While the increase has occurred primarily in the very mild and mild categories of dental fluorosis, there is also some evidence that the prevalence is increasing in the moderate and severe classifications as well.
Water fluoridation: current effectiveness and dental fluorosis
Authors: Lewis D. W. , Banting D. W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – This paper reviewed the literature on the evidence for water fluoridation's effectiveness under current conditions of multiple fluoride use at recommended and at reduced concentrations, the extent of dental fluorosis at different fluoride concentrations, and the “halo” effect of water fluoridation. Using the relative difference in dental caries between communities with low and optimal water fluoride as an indicator, the effectiveness of water fluoridation has decreased over time as the use of other fluorides has increased. Thus the effectiveness of water fluoridation alone cannot now be determined. Compared to the early fluoridation studies, the differences in dental caries and fluorosis prevalence between fluoridated and non‐fluoridated areas have markedly narrowed. Both the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis have increased since 1945; however, the portion of fluorosis due to water fluoridation is now less (40%) than that attributed to other fluoride sources (60%). Research also suggests that the “halo” effect of community water fluoridation may result in a significantly greater intake of fluoride for people in non‐fluoridated communities. This review recognized that since water fluoridation has unique advantages from the perspectives of distribution, equity, compliance and cost‐effectiveness over other fluoride technologies, it remains as the fundamental base for caries prevention. The increasingly greater contribution that other sources of fluoride make to dental fluorosis suggests that these sources of fluoride, many of which arc used on an elective basis, should be more closely examined for needed changes.
Current status of professionally applied topical fluorides
Authors: Johnston David W.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The literature was reviewed to establish the current effectiveness of professionally applied topical fluorides in the prevention of dental caries and to determine the risk of chronic and acute fluoride ingestion from their use. Use of professionally applied topical fluorides by moderate to high risk children and adults is supported by existing research. Although many of the studies are dated, there is sufficient evidence to support their continued use. Professionally applied topical fluorides are not a risk factor for dental fluorosis. though they have been implicated in acute reactions. The precautions needed to minimize fluoride intake are discussed.
Review of fluorosis risk of self‐applied topical fluorides: dentifrices, mouthrinses and gels
Authors: Stookey George K.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The literature on the risks of dental fluorosis and the benefits from the use of fluoride dentifrices, mouthrinses and self‐applied gels has been briefly reviewed. While there are several studies that have investigated the impact of dentifrices on the development of dental fluorosis, results are mixed. Although there is far less research investigating the relationship between the use of mouthrinses and dental fluorosis, the available evidence generally fails to identify this technology as one of the major causes of dental fluorosis. Although there is little direct evidence to suggest that the use of self‐applied fluoride gels contributes to the development of denial fluorosis, ingestion of fluoride from these systems is of genuine concern and their use by preschool age children is not recommended.
Performance of diagnostic systems in occlusal caries detection compared
Authors: Le Y. L. , Verdonschot E. H.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – Many investigations have been conducted to evaluate existing and new diagnostic systems in the detection of occlusal carious lesions. The performances of these systems are difficult to compare with each other, because of the disadvantages associated with the widely used validity parameters sensitivity and specificity. In this study a meta‐analysis was performed to facilitate a comparison between the performances of diagnostic systems which are currently in use in occlusal caries diagnosis. Nine in vitro studies and one in vivo study complied with the selected criteria for inclusion in the analysis. The sensitivity and specificity values obtained from these studies were converted into normal deviate values, and plotted on linearly scaled normal‐deviate axes. Dz values, which quantify the performance above chance of a diagnostic test in one single value, were calculated. Averaged Dz values of the diagnostic systems were subsequently compared to each other. The results indicate that electrical resistance measurements and fiber‐optic transillumination had a comparatively good, and visual inspection and xeroradiography a poor, performance in occlusal caries diagnosis. All the other radiographic image modalities had intermediate performances.
Outcome measures in split mouth caries trials and their statistical evaluation
Authors: Riordan Paul J. , FitzGerald Patrick E. B.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – The split mouth study design in trials of fissure sealants and restorative materials neatly controls for confounding by many of the variables associated with poor retention of sealants and occurrence of dental caries. Traditionally, the outcome measures used in split mouth trials have been material retention, (per cent) effectiveness and net gain. A survey of the literature revealed that a large proportion of split mouth studies report no statistical evaluation of outcome measures. In those studies in which statistical evaluation had been conducted, McNemar's x2 was the test most frequently used. This statistic is appropriate for comparing differences between “success” and “failure” tooth pairs (or “positives” and “negatives” in split mouth terminology) but it cannot evaluate directly effectiveness and net gain. The distributions of effectiveness and net gain are different and it would be desirable to estimate confidence intervals for them. In this paper, we consider these statistics, suggest methods by which confidence intervals may be calculated, and provide examples of the calculations. We demonstrate the close relationship between effectiveness (as used in split mouth trials) and relative effect and relative risk (as used in general epidemiological analysis) and recommend that relative risk should be the preferred outcome measure for split mouth trials. Whatever outcome measure is chosen in split mouth trials should always be subjected to statistical evaluation, preferably by the calculation of confidence intervals.
Dental hygienists‐independent practice and pain control services
Authors: Gruythuysen R.J.M. , Vertin A.A.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – In 1990, 78 dental hygienists who were members of the Dutch Dental Hygiene Association and working in an independent practice received a questionnaire (response rate: 79%) about the administration of local anesthesia. The main aim of this study was to dertermine the need for this service prior to deep scaling. The results of the survey showed that the need to administer local anesthesia for this purpose is limited in spite of the large number of patients with periodontal problems treated in independent dental hygiene practices. In most circumstances the cooperation with the dentist is satisfactory. However, 83% of the respondents indicate a limitation in the pain control services.
Dental behavior management problems in Swedish children
Authors: Klingberg Gunilla , Löfqvist Lena Vannas , Bjarnason Sibilla , Norén Jörgen G.
Published: May 2006

Abstract – 4505 Swedish children aged 4‐11 yr were surveyed regarding dental behavior management problems (BMP) and dental health. Dental charts were retrieved from clinics in the Public Dental Service in Göteborg. and data were then compiled regarding BMP, action against BMP, caries, fillings, use of local anesthetics, and number of missed appointments. Behavior management problems were found in 10.5% of the children, and were more common in the younger children, among children who missed appointments, and in children who received restorative treatment without local anesthetics. The BMP children had more carious and fewer filled surfaces. In 43.4% of the cases with BMP the strategy chosen was postponement of dental treatment or no measure taken.
Effects of lifelong consumption of fluoridated water or use of fluoride supplements on dental caries prevalence
Authors: Clark D. Christopher , Hann H. Jack , Williamson Malcolm F. , Berkowitz Jonathan
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of dental caries in children ages 6–14, from fluoridated and non‐fluoridated areas in British Columbia, Canada, and the effects of receiving certain fluoride preventive procedures during childhood. Children from two communities were surveyed using a modified Decayed, Missing and Filled Tooth Surface Index (D1 D2 MFS). Questionnaires on the use of various fluoride preventive practices and residence histories during childhood were collected. Completed questionnaires were returned and exams were performed on 1131 children. Crude caries prevalence scores for the different fluoride exposure groups were tested for differences in dental age and the level of educational attainment of parents and/or guardians. No significant group differences were found. The 110 children with lifelong exposure only to fluoridated water had 35%, or 0.88 (S.D. = 2.91), fewer decayed or filled tooth surfaces per child (P(0.07) than children with no reported exposure to systemic fluorides. For the 122 children who had taken fluoride supplements for 4 yr or more, 0.67 fewer decayed and filled tooth surfaces (26% reduction) were observed per child when compared to children with no exposure to fluoridated water or supplements. For children who used fluoride supplements for less than 4 yr, no significant benefits were observed. Approximately 75% of the caries prevalence for control and fluoride‐exposed groups was on pit and fissured surfaces. Reductions by surface type showed savings on both smooth and pit and fissured surfaces.
Evaluation after 4 years of the combined use of fluoride and dental sealants
Authors: Selwitz Robert H. , Nowjack‐Raymer Ruth , Driscoll William S. , Li Shou‐Hua
Published: May 2006

Abstract This study evaluates the caries‐preventive potential in permanent teeth of dental sealants when combined with an ongoing, school‐based fluoride program. The investigation was designed as a sequential, cross‐sectional comparison. Denial caries findings in 1987 for 416 children ages 7–11 and 14–17 who received dental sealants and fluorides were compared with corresponding data derived from 1983 baseline examinations of children who received fluoride therapy only. In addition, sealant retention status was determined. Overall mean DMFS scores in 1987 for children in two age groups combined were 51% lower than in 1983. Also, a surface‐specific treatment effect was demonstrated in pit and fissures for both older and younger age groups. The overall proportion of sealants retained on occlusal surfaces of first molars after an average of 2 yr (92%) compared favorably with similar figures cited in the scientific literature. The results of this study suggest that pit and fissure sealants confer additional caries‐preventive benefits beyond those of fluoride therapy alone.
Pilot study comparing parents' and third‐grade schoolchildren's attitudes toward braces and perceived need for braces
Authors: Sheats Rose D. , Gilbert Gregg H. , Wheeler Timothy T. , King Gregory J.
Published: May 2006

Abstract An instrument developed for third‐grade schoolchildren and their parents was pilot‐tested for its ability to measure orthodontic attitudes and perception of the child's need for braces. Seventy‐eight children and 54 parents were surveyed. Forty‐six percent of the children wanted braces while 61% believed that they needed braces. Correlation between desire for braces and perceived need was 0.47, suggesting that desire and perceived need were only moderately correlated in children. Sixty‐three percent of the parents believed that their child needed braces. Despite such proportions of children and parents perceiving a need for treatment, three‐fourths of the children and two‐thirds of the parents were satisfied with the appearance of the child's teeth. Attitude subscales, derived from the attitude survey, and clinical orthodontic parameters were used to model children's and parents' perceived need for braces in the child. No clinical parameter was a significant correlate in either children's or parents' model of perceived need. Neither race nor gender contributed significantly to either model. The subscales Concern for Appearance and Social Aspects of Braces were the strongest covariates of children's perceived need for braces. Concern for Appearance was the most important correlate in the parents' model. These data suggest that parents' perceived need for orthodontic treatment for their third‐grade children is determined primarily by a concern for appearance rather than clinical status. In third‐graders, perceived aesthetics and social aspects apparently have more influence than clinical status in creating a perception of need for braces.
Oral health in Danish hospitalized psychiatric patients
Authors: Hede Børge
Published: May 2006

Abstract The purpose of the present study was to describe oral health status in a group of hospitalized mental patients, and to study the association between dental caries and mental illness. A total of 278 psychiatric patients admitted to a regional Danish hospital were described with respect to the number of teeth present, DMFS, gingival and periodontal status and presence of removable dentures. The oral health status of the hospitalized mental patients was relatively poor compared with the general population of the area. For instance, actual decayed surfaces were found among 55% of the participants compared to the reference figure of 23% in the general population. A multiple regression analysis demonstrated that DMFS was related to duration of mental illness and to psychiatric diagnosis. Furthermore, a multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of actual decayed surfaces was associated with neglect of tooth brushing, subjective symptoms of xerostomia and participation in the hospital dental program. To conclude, variables of mental illness and psychiatric treatment and care were demonstrated to influence oral health. This underlines the need of special preventive programs aimed at hospitalized psychiatric patients.
Preventive Care Advised (PCA)/Operative Care Advised (OCA) –categorising caries by the management option
Authors: Pitts Nigel B. , Longbottom Christopher
Published: May 2006

Abstract Currently a range of systems and classifications are used by clinicians, epidemiologists and clinical research workers to sub‐divide carious lesions into different grades. These systems are based on the depth of the lesion and/or the presence/absence of macroscopic cavitation. In order to improve upon the meaningfulness and comparability of such systems in the light of increasing knowledge about the disease process, lesion behaviour and caries management options, the authors propose a new system of categorisation that differentiates between lesions which normally require operative intervention and those which do not. In future, it is proposed that in addition to existing conventional criteria, diagnostic systems should also allow results to be expressed in terms of 1) lesions for which appropriate non‐invasive Preventive Care Is Advised (PCA lesions) and 2) lesions for which Operative Care Is Advised (OCA lesions). Locally acceptable sub‐divisions may have to be developed and agreed for certain specific applications. The adoption of this additional nomenclature and approach in the future should aid communications between the different groups involved in caries diagnosis and research. It may facilitate the dissemination of research findings, as well as helping to “drive” researchers working on caries diagnostic methods to focus on techniques which will aid in the accurate assessment of lesion activity and behaviour. Such a focus should also increase our understanding of treatment decision making and promote the development of clinical guidelines. The facility to retain existing criteria in parallel, for local and other purposes, would preserve comparability with data collected previously.
Kinetics and Mechanisms for the Isomerization of Internucleosidic 3'-O-P-CH2-5' and 3'-O-P-CH(OH)-5' Linkages to Their 2',5'-Counterparts
Authors: Lönnberg Tuomas , Králíková Šárka , Rosenberg Ivan , Lönnberg Harri
Published: May 2006

Isomerization of internucleosidic 3'-O-P-CH2-5' and 3'-O-P-CH(OH)-5' phosphonate linkages to their 2',5'-counterparts has been studied over a wide pH-range. The model compounds employed are phosphonate analogs of adenylyl-(3',5')-adenosine and adenylyl-(2',5')-adenosine having either adenosine ((R,S)-1, (R,S)-2) or 5'-deoxyadenosine (3, 4) bonded to the phosphorus atom through the C5'-atom. For comparative purposes, the hydrolytic stability of C5'-hydroxyphosphonate analogs derived from 2'-deoxyadenosine ((R,S)-5) has also been studied. In addition to the expected acid-catalyzed (pH < 3) and pH-independent reactions (pH 3-9), the diastereomeric C5'-hydroxyphosphonate analogs ((R,S)-1, (R,S)-2), but not their deoxy counterparts (3, 4), have been observed to undergo a hydroxide-ion-catalyzed isomerization around pH 11 (90 °C). Evidently a hydrogen bond between the dianionic phosphorane and the C5'-hydroxy group stabilize the phosphorane to such an extent that isomerization via kinetically invisible protonation to monoanion becomes possible. The mechanisms of the isomerization reactions taking place under various conditions are discussed.
EFFECTIVE ACTION OF DRESSED MEAN FIELDS FOR $\mathcal{N}=4$ SUPER-YANG–MILLS THEORY
Authors: CVETIČ GORAZD , KONDRASHUK IGOR , SCHMIDT IVAN
Published: May 2006

Based on general considerations such as R-operation and Slavnov–Taylor identity we show that the effective action, being understood as Legendre transform of the logarithm of the path integral, possesses particular structure in [Formula: see text] supersymmetric Yang–Mills theory for kernels of the effective action expressed in terms of the dressed effective fields. These dressed effective fields have been introduced in our previous papers as actual variables of the effective action. The concept of dressed effective fields naturally appears in the framework of solution to Slavnov–Taylor identity. The particularity of the structure is the independence of these kernels on the ultraviolet regularization scale Λ. These kernels are functions of mutual spacetime distances and of the gauge coupling. The fact that β function in this theory is zero is used significantly.
FLIPPED SU(5), SEESAW SCALE PHYSICS AND DEGENERATE VACUA
Authors: DAS C. R. , FROGGATT C. D. , LAPERASHVILI L. V. , NIELSEN H. B.
Published: May 2006

We investigate the requirement of the existence of two degenerate vacua of the effective potential as a function of the Weinberg–Salam Higgs scalar field norm, as suggested by the multiple point principle, in an extension of the Standard Model including seesaw scale physics. Results are presented from an investigation of an extension of the Standard Model to the gauge symmetry group SU (3)C× SU (2)L× U (1)′×Ũ(1), where U (1)′ and Ũ(1) originate at the seesaw scale M SS , when heavy (right-handed) neutrinos appear. The consequent unification of the group SU (3)C× SU (2)L× U (1)′ into the flipped SU (5) at the GUT scale leads to the group SU (5)×Ũ(1). We assume the position of the second minimum of the effective potential coincides with the fundamental scale, here taken to be the GUT scale. We solve the renormalization group equations in the one-loop approximation and obtain a top-quark mass of 171±3 GeV and a Higgs mass of 129±4 GeV , in the case when the Yukawa couplings of the neutrinos are less than half that of the top quark at the GUT scale.
ACCELERATING EXPANSION OF THE UNIVERSE MAY BE CAUSED BY INHOMOGENEITIES
Authors: BENE GYULA , CZINNER VIKTOR , VASÚTH MÁTYÁS
Published: May 2006

We point out that, due to the nonlinearity of the Einstein equations, a homogeneous approximation in cosmology leads to the appearance of an additional term in the Friedmann equation. This new term is associated with the spatial inhomogeneities of the metric and can be expressed in terms of density fluctuations. Although it is not constant, it decays much slower (as t-2/3) than the other terms (like density) which decrease as t-2. The presence of the new term leads to a correction in the scale factor that is proportional to t2and may give account of the recently observed accelerating expansion of the universe without introducing a cosmological constant.
A NEW LOOK AT THE PLEBAŃSKI–DEMIAŃSKI FAMILY OF SOLUTIONS
Authors: GRIFFITHS J. B. , PODOLSKÝ J.
Published: May 2006

The Plebański–Demiański metric, and those that can be obtained from it by taking coordinate transformations in certain limits, include the complete family of space–times of type D with an aligned electromagnetic field and a possibly non-zero cosmological constant. Starting with a new form of the line element which is better suited both for physical interpretation and for identifying different subfamilies, we review this entire family of solutions. Our metric for the expanding case explicitly includes two parameters which represent the acceleration of the sources and the twist of the repeated principal null congruences, the twist being directly related to both the angular velocity of the sources and their NUT-like properties. The non-expanding type D solutions are also identified. All special cases are derived in a simple and transparent way.
SPECTROSCOPY OF AN AdS REISSNER–NORDSTRØM BLACK HOLE
Authors: DAPPIAGGI CLAUDIO , RASCHI SIMONA
Published: May 2006

In the framework of black hole spectroscopy, we extend the results obtained for a charged black hole in an asymptotically flat space–time to the scenario with non-vanishing negative cosmological constant. In particular, exploiting Hamiltonian techniques, we construct the area spectrum for an AdS Reissner–Nordstrøm black hole.
CONCENTRATION PHENOMENON FOR THE L2 CRITICAL AND SUPER CRITICAL NONLINEAR SCHRÖDINGER EQUATIONS IN ENERGY SPACES
Authors: WANG BAOXIANG
Published: May 2006

We show that the blow up solution with data in energy spaces H1 of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation i ut + Δu + |u|αu = 0 has a concentration behavior in the critical Sobolev space Ḣsα (0 < sα = n/2 - 2/α ≤ 1) if the time variable tends to the blow up time. Moreover, the blow up points in ℝn are also quantified in the L2 critical case α = 4/n.
Relationship between Aortic Valve Sclerosis and the Extent of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients Undergoing Diagnostic Coronary Angiography
Authors: Soydinc Serdar , Davutoglu Vedat , Dundar Ayhan , Aksoy Mehmet
Published: May 2006

Background: Aortic valve sclerosis (AVS) is considered to be a manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis. Recent studies demonstrated an association between AVS and significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Aim: We sought to determine the association between AVS and the extent of coronary atherosclerosis by means of the Gensini score system, which was calculated to yield a measure of the extent and severity of coronary atherosclerosis in patients referred for coronary angiography. Methods: A total of 160 consecutive patients referred for coronary angiography were subjected to echocardiography for screening of AVS and coronary risk assessment. Absence (group 1, n = 110) and presence of AVS (Group 2, n = 50) was established. The cardiac risk factors considered in this study were age, gender, family history of CAD, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and history of smoking. The body mass index was also measured. Atherosclerotic plaque burden was determined using the Gensini score. Significant CAD was defined as >50% reduction in the internal diameter of at least one coronary artery. Multivessel coronary disease was based on the presence of 2- or 3-vessel disease. Results: The AVS patients had a higher rate of 3-vessel disease (AVS group vs. non AVS: 40 vs. 13.6%; p < 0.001). No significant correlations were found between AVS and 1- and 2-vessel disease. Individuals with AVS were found to have a higher Gensini score (40.7 ± 38.05 vs. 18 ± 16.4; p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified age (p < 0.001), male sex (p = 0.01), triglycerides (p = 0.02), LDL cholesterol (p = 0.001) and Gensini score (p = 0.003) as independent predictors of AVS. Conclusion: AVS is strongly interrelated with the coronary angiographic Gensini score. Echocardiographic detection of AVS in patients undergoing coronary angiography can provide a new surrogate marker of the extent of coronary atherosclerosis.
Characteristics of In-Hospital Onset Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Kimura Kazumi , Minematsu Kazuo , Yamaguchi Takenori
Published: May 2006

Background and Purpose: The aim of the present study was to clarify the clinical characteristics of in-hospital onset stroke. Material and Methods: We analyzed 15,815 patients with acute brain infarction registered in the Japan Multicenter Stroke Investigators’ Collaboration (J-MUSIC) registry. Results: The in-hospital onset group included 694 (4.4%) patients and the out-of-hospital group included 15,121 (95.6%) patients. Atrial fibrillation (AF) was more common in the in-hospital onset group (34.6%) than in the out-of-hospital group (20.4%, p < 0.001). The admission NIHSS score (median, in-hospital 13 vs. out-of-hospital 5, p < 0.0001) and the mortality rate at discharge were higher in the in-hospital group than in the out-of-hospital group (in-hospital 19.2% vs. out-of-hospital 6.8%, p < 0.0001). On multivariate logistic regression analyses, female gender (OR 1.1, 95% CI 1.1–1.3), older age (OR 1.0, 95% CI 1.02–1.03), AF (OR 4.4, 95% CI 4.0–4.8), history of stroke (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2–1.4) and in-hospital stroke onset (OR 3.3, 95 %CI 2.7–3.9) were independent factors associated with severe stroke (NIHSS score ≧11), and older age (OR 1.03, 95% CI 1.02–1.04), the presence of AF (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.0–1.5), in-hospital stroke onset (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02) and NIHSS score at initial evaluation (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.14–1.17) were independent factors associated with death at discharge. Conclusion: In-hospital stroke onset was not uncommon. The neurological deficits in patients with in-hospital onset stroke were severer and the outcome was worse than in those with out-of-hospital stroke. Therefore, a strategy to reduce in-hospital stroke onset should be implemented.
Expression of the Oxytocin and V1a Vasopressin Receptors in Human Myometrium in Differing Physiologic States and following Misoprostol Administration
Authors: Wing Deborah A. , Goharkhay Nima , Felix Juan C. , Rostamkhani Masood , Naidu Yathi M. , Kovacs Bruce W.
Published: May 2006

Objective: To assess relative expression levels of mRNA for the oxytocin receptor (OTR) and the V1a vasopressin receptor (V1aR) in human myometrium in various physiologic states and to determine if misoprostol exposure affects the expression of mRNA for these receptors. Study Design: Using semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, we analyzed myometrial samples from 37 women (10 menopausal, 10 nongravid premenopausal, 10 gravidae, 7 premenopausal misoprostol-treated nongravid women) for the specific expression of mRNA messages for OTR and V1aR. The presence of the OTR and V1aR protein was confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Results: We found that the expression of OTR was significantly higher in gravid compared to premenopausal nongravid (p < 0.0001), misoprostol-treated (p < 0.001) and menopausal myometrium (p < 0.0001). Differences in V1aR expression were not statistically significant among the four study groups. Conclusion: The expression of OTR mRNA in myometrium is markedly increased during late gestation. V1aR expression is present in all physiologic states, and does not appear to be altered by the presence or absence of labor. Misoprostol administration does not appear to have an effect on OTR and V1aR mRNA receptor expression.
Prevalence of Two Tumor Necrosis Factor Gene Polymorphisms in Premature Infants with Early Onset Sepsis
Authors: Schueller A.C. , Heep A. , Kattner E. , Kroll M. , Wisbauer M. , Sander J. , Bartmann P. , Stuber F.
Published: May 2006

Background: Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a central mediator of sepsis. The NcoI polymorphism within the TNF locus has been described as a prognostic marker for mortality in adult patients with sepsis. Objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the genotype and allele distribution of 2 TNF gene polymorphisms in preterm infants <32 weeks of gestational age, who developed early-onset sepsis. Methods: A double-blinded retrospective cohort study was carried out on stored Guthrie blood spot cards with group A including 67 premature infants <32 weeks of gestational age with proven early-onset sepsis and group B including 102 healthy newborn infants (>32 + 0 weeks of gestation). The genotype andallele distribution of the study population were also compared to reference groups of healthy adult volunteers (n = 252 for TNF-β NcoI and n = 233 for –308 TNF-α promoter). Polymorphisms of the TNF-α promoter –308 region and the NcoI site of the TNF-β gene were assessed using PCR followed by melting curve analysis or NcoI digestion. The groups were compared by estimation of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Results: The overall allele frequency and genotype distribution of the –308 TNF-α and NcoI polymorphism of the TNF-β gene were comparable to the values found in the controls. Conclusion: The study results suggest that none of the analyzed TNF gene polymorphisms may serve as a prognostic marker for preterm infants at high risk of sepsis.
Differential Distribution of Mechanosensitive Nonselective Cation Channels in Systemic and Pulmonary Arterial Myocytes of Rabbits
Authors: Park Kyung Sun , Lee Hyang Ae , Earm Kee Hyun , Ko Jae Hong , Earm Yung E , Kim Sung Joon
Published: May 2006

The mechanosensitive nonselective cation channel (NSCMS) is a key player in vascular myogenic contraction. The functional channel density and pressure sensitivity of NSCMS in vascular myocytes were compared between pulmonary and systemic arteries (coronary, mesenteric and cerebral arteries) in the rabbit. In cell-attached condition, a negative pressure via patch pipettes commonly activated NSCMS with weak voltage dependence. The threshold pressure for activation was lower, and the density of NSCMS was higher in the pulmonary than the systemic arteries. When the pulmonary arteries were divided into small-diameter (outer diameter, OD < 0.5 mm) and large-diameter (OD > 1.5 mm) arteries, the low threshold and high density of NSCMS were observed only in small-diameter ones. No such difference was observed between the small- and large-diameter coronary arteries. The higher stretch sensitivity and denser functional expression of NSCMS in small pulmonary arteries might suggest an adaptive tuning for the relatively low pulmonary blood pressure in vivo.
Evolving Expressions and Art by Choice
Authors: Greenfield Gary R.
Published: May 2006

One common criticism of algorithmic art is its slavish devotion to technical virtuosity at the expense of artistic intent and content. To address this problem, the author uses an algorithmic method known as “evolving expressions,” which both challenges the technical ability of the artist and also paves the way to “art by choice”—an art that re-creates what lies in the imagination by visualizing the creatures that live there, the creatures of our dreams.
Picture This: The State of the Art in Visualization for Complex Adaptive Systems
Authors: Bullock Seth , Smith Tom , Bird Jon
Published: May 2006

Visualization has an increasingly important role to play in scientific research. Moreover, visualization has a special role to play within artificial life as a result of the informal status of its key explananda: life and complexity. Both are poorly defined but apparently identifiable via raw inspection. Here we concentrate on how visualization techniques might allow us to move beyond this situation by facilitating increased understanding of the relationships between an ALife system's (low-level) composition and organization and its (high-level) behavior. We briefly review the use of visualization within artificial life, and point to some future developments represented by the articles collected within this special issue.