bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct restorative materials use in Australia in 2002
Authors: Burke FJT , McHugh S. , Randall RC , Meyers IA , Pitt J. , Hall AC
Published: March 2008

Background This study aimed to determine the reasons for dentists' choice of materials, in particular amalgam and resin composite, in Australia.

Method A questionnaire was developed to elicit this information. The names and addresses of 1000 dentists in Australia were selected at random. The questionnaire was mailed to these dentists with an explanatory letter and reply‐paid envelope.

Results A total of 560 replies were received. Regarding choice of material, 99 per cent of respondents cited clinical indication as an influencing factor, although patients' aesthetic demands (99 per cent of respondents), patients' wish (96 per cent), patients' financial situation (82 per cent), and lecturers' suggestions (72 per cent) were also reported to influence respondents' choice of materials. Twelve per cent of respondents used composite ‘always’, 29 per cent ‘often’, 32 per cent ‘sometimes’, 23 per cent ‘seldom’ and 4 per cent ‘never’ in extensive load‐ bearing cavities in molar teeth. For composite restorations in posterior teeth, 84 per cent ‘always’, ‘often’ or ‘sometimes’ used the total etch technique, 84 per cent used a thick glass‐ionomer layer and 36 per cent never used rubber dam. Fifty‐nine per cent of respondents reported a decreased use of amalgam over the previous five years. Sixty‐eight per cent of respondents agreed with the statement ‘discontinuation of amalgam restricts a dentist's ability to adequately treat patients’. Seventy‐five per cent considered that the growth in the use of composites increased the total cost of oral health care.

Conclusions Of the respondents from Australia 73 per cent place large composite restorations in molar teeth and their choice of material is influenced greatly by clinical indications, and patients' aesthetic demands.
Psychosocial stressors in oral lichen planus
Authors: Chaudhary S.
Published: March 2008

Background Psychosomatic factors and their association with dermatological disorders are well recognized, yet their importance in oral lichen planus (OLP) is still debated. This study was done to determine the importance of psychosocial stressors in patients with OLP.

Methods An analytical age‐sex matched double controlled study. Stratified serial random sampling was done for sample selection. The experimental group consisted of biopsy proven OLP subjects (n=41), negative control consisted of apparently healthy general Out Patient Department (OPD) patients (n=73) and positive controls were patients with burning mouth syndrome, atypical facial pain and myofacial pain dysfunction syndrome (n=36). The General Health Questionnaire‐version 28 (GHQ‐ 28) and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) were used to evaluate psychosocial stressors in terms of stress, anxiety and depression respectively.

Results The OLP patients had significantly higher stress (Z=4.331; p<0.05, significant), anxiety (Z=4.260; p<0.05, significant) and depression levels (Z=4.942; p<0.05, significant) than the negative controls when measured by GHQ and HADS respectively. Similar findings were noted between the two control groups, with higher stress (Z=5.784; p<0.05, significant), anxiety (Z=6.416; p<0.05, significant), and depression (Z=4.841; p<0.05, significant) levels in the positive control group. However, differences in stress (Z=2.0416; p>0.05, non‐significant), anxiety (Z=1.681; p>0.05, nonsignificant) and depression levels (Z=0.195; p>0.05, non‐significant) were found to be non‐significant between OLP and positive control.

Conclusion Significantly higher stress, anxiety and depression levels were found in the OLP and positive control than the general population. No significant difference was noted between the OLP and the positive controls (in which psychosocial stressors are the sole etiology). These suggest that psychological stressors play an important role in the causation of OLP. It may be further hypothesized that these stressors form a starting point for the initiation of various autoimmune reactions, which have been shown to be contributory to the pathogenesis of OLP. Further longitudinal studies need to be done globally before definitive conclusions can be drawn.
Ozone therapy for the treatment of dental caries
Authors: Rickard GD , Richardson R. , Johnson T. , McColl D. , Hooper L.
Published: March 2008

The Cochrane Collaboration is an international organization that aims to help people make well‐informed decisions about healthcare by preparing, maintaining and promoting the accessibility of systematic reviews on the effects of healthcare interventions. The Cochrane Oral Health Group aims to produce systematic reviews which primarily include all randomized control trials (RCTs) of oral health, including prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of oral, dental and craniofacial diseases and disorders. The abstracts of these reviews can be accessd electronically at http:www.cochrane‐oral.man.ac.uk. Full copies of the review papers can also be purchased via this website.

The Australian Dental Journal publishes selected abstracts in each issue for our readers' interest. A detailed description of the activities of the Cochrane Oral Health Group, written by the Review Group Co‐ordinator, Dr Emma Tavender, was published in the June 2004 issue of the Journal (Aust Dent J 2004;49:58–59). Also, for explanations of abbreviations and terminology please see Appendix 1 on page 59 of the aforementioned article.

EDITOR
Dentist‐patient communication in the multilingual dental setting
Authors: Goldsmith C. , Slack‐Smith L. , Davies G.
Published: March 2008

Background: Communication between dentists and patients can be exceptionally challenging when the patient and the dentist do not speak the same language, as is frequently the case in multicultural Australia. The aim of this study was to describe the issues involved in dealing with limited‐English speaking patients in order to formulate recommendations on how to improve dental communication.

Methods: A cross sectional study was performed using a postal survey to Australian Dental Association member dental practitioners in Western Australia. Responses were collated and data analysis was performed using SPSS 11.5 for Windows.

Results: Most respondents encounter language‐related communication barriers weekly or monthly, and the most satisfactory method of communication is informal interpreters. Despite reporting satisfaction working with professional chairside interpreters or dental staff interpreters, most respondents did not use them. The most common alternative communication methods were diagrams and models. Endodontics and periodontics provided the greatest challenge in communication. Informed consent was reportedly compromised due to language barriers by 29 per cent of respondents. Recommendations to improve communication included access to interpretation services, dentist technique/attitude to communication and patient preparedness for English‐speaking encounters.

Conclusions: Many respondents do not utilize the preferential communication methods, creating a potential compromise to both informed consent and the patients' best interests. The use of professional interpreters is recommended, and discussion should be supplemented with means of non‐verbal communication. Dentists require access to lists of multilingual dentists and greater awareness of interpretation services to improve multilingual dentist‐patient communication.
Microhardness and Ca:P ratio of carious and Carisolv™ treated caries‐affected dentine using an ultra‐micro‐indentation system and energy dispersive analysis of x‐rays — A pilot study
Authors: Sakoolnamarka R. , Burrow MF , Swain M. , Tyas MJ
Published: March 2008

Background: This study aimed to evaluate microhardness and chemical analysis of carious and caries‐affected dentine. The hypothesis tested was that calcium:phosphorous (Ca:P) ratios correlate with microhardness values.

Methods: Four carious human third molars were sectioned through the caries lesion in the mesiodistal longitudinal plane. One half of each lesion underwent carious dentine removal using Carisolv™ gel. The cut surfaces were polished, microhardness tested using an Ultra‐Micro‐Indentation System (UMIS) and elemental analysis performed using energy dispersive analysis of x‐rays (EDAX).

Results: The microhardness of carious dentine decreased gradually towards the cavity floor, but that for caries‐affected dentine showed more variation with depth, having a mean hardness of (0.63±0.18) GPa. Ca:P ratios of carious dentine varied among the four specimens. The mean Ca:P ratio of caries‐affected dentine was 1:2.03±0.08. The hypothesis was accepted for active lesions.

Conclusions: The use of CarisolvTM to excavate carious tissue can be as effective as rotary instrumentation.
Extensive bleeding during surgical treatment for gingival overgrowth in a patient on haemodialysis — A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Nishide N. , Nishikawa T. , Kanamura N.
Published: March 2008

Before performing renal transplantation, a most important concern is to control any infection, including oral infections before transplantation. The bleeding diathesis of patients with uraemia is a significant clinical concern, especially when surgery is required. A 44‐year‐old female patient on haemodialysis was referred for evaluation of gingival overgrowth. The patient was planning a renal transplantation two months later. As the lesions were not considered successfully treatable before transplantation, a gingivectomy and teeth extraction was performed. In pre‐operative examinations, an abnormal bleeding time was not detected and other coagulation tests were normal. Under general anaesthesia, 19 teeth were extracted and overgrown gingiva was removed. During the operation, extensive blood loss of 1650ml occurred and four units of concentrated red blood cells were transfused. This study suggests that patients with renal failure undergoing dental surgery require careful pre‐surgical evaluation including assessment of their coagulation ability.
Patients with artificial joints: do they need antibiotic cover for dental treatment?
Authors: Scott JF , Morgan D. , Avent M. , Graves S. , Goss AN
Published: March 2008

This study reviews whether patients with artificial joints need antibiotic cover for dental treatment. Generally in Australia the practice has developed of giving most patients with artificial joints antibiotic prophylaxis for a wide range of dental procedures. This is partly on anecdotal grounds, partly historical and partly for legal concerns. It has been encouraged by some guidelines. Scientifically, the risk and the benefit of each step in the process needs to be analysed. This review shows that the risk of an artificial joint becoming infected from a bacteraemia of oral origin is exceedingly low whereas the risk of an adverse reaction to the antibiotic prophylaxis is higher than the risk of infection. If all patients with artificial joints receive antibiotic prophylaxis then more will die from anaphylaxis than develop infections. Factors which balance the risk benefit are if the patient is seriously immunocompromised, if the joint prosthesis is failing or chronically inflamed and if the dental procedures, such as from extractions and deep periodontal scaling, produce high level bacteraemias. Recommendations to rationalize antibiotic prophylaxis for patients with artificial joints are presented.
Antibiotic prophylaxis for dentoalveolar surgery: is it indicated?
Authors: Lawler B. , Sambrook PJ , Goss AN
Published: March 2008

Usually dentists in Australia give patients oral antibiotics after dentoalveolar surgery as a prophylaxis against wound infection. When this practice is compared to the principle of antibiotic prophylaxis in major surgery it is found to be at variance in a number of ways. In major surgery, the risk of infection should be high, and the consequences of infection severe or catastrophic, before antibiotic prophylaxis is ordered. If it is provided then a high dose of an appropriate spectrum antibiotic must be present in the blood prior to the first incision. Other factors which need to be considered are the degree of tissue trauma, the extent of host compromise, other medical comorbidities and length of hospitalization. Standardized protocols of administration have been determined and evaluated for most major surgical procedures. Dentoalveolar surgery is undoubtedly a skilled and technically challenging procedure. However, in contrast to major surgical procedures, it has a less than five per cent infection rate and rarely has severe adverse consequences. Dentoalveolar surgery should be of short duration with minimal tissue damage and performed in the dental chair under local anaesthesia. Controlled studies for both mandibular third molar surgery and placement of dental implants show little or no evidence of benefit from antibiotic prophylaxis and there is an adverse risk from the antibiotic. This review concludes that there is no case for antibiotic prophylaxis for most dentoalveolar surgery in fit patients. In the few cases where it can be considered, a single high pre‐operative dose should be given.
The effects of file size, sodium hypochlorite and blood on the accuracy of Root ZX apex locator in enlarged root canals: an in vitro study
Authors: Ebrahim AK , Yoshioka T. , Kobayashi C. , Suda H.
Published: March 2008

Background
: The initial electronic apex locator (EAL) length measurement is generally established with a small‐sized file. It is not known whether file size would be interfering with the reading accuracy of the EAL. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of file size on the accuracy of Root ZX apex locator using an agar model when sodium hypochlorite solution or blood was present during electronic measurements in enlarged root canals.

Methods
: A total of 36 extracted lower premolars were used. In stage 1, the canals were instrumented using size 10–40 K‐files with a size 40 K‐file as the master apical file (MAF). The teeth were then divided randomly into two groups of 18 teeth each. In group A, the teeth were mounted in one per cent agar and irrigated with six per cent sodium hypochlorite solution (NaOCl), while in group B the teeth were mounted in agar and irrigated with human blood. In stage 2, the canals were enlarged using a size 60 K‐file as the MAF. In stages 1 and 2, the apical portions of the canals were instrumented using the step‐back sequence (up to a size 80 K‐file). In stage 3, the canals were enlarged using a size 80 K‐file as the MAF. In each stage, the length was measured with a Root ZX until the meter value reached ‘APEX’ using small and large size files.

Results
: Three‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni test showed that file size, stage of preparation and type of irrigant all had a significant influence on the measurement error (P < 0.0001), with all the interactions between these three factors being significant (P < 0.0001).

Conclusions
: As the diameter of the root canal increased, the measured length with the smaller size files became shorter. A file of a size close to the prepared canal diameter should be used for root length measurement in the presence of blood. In the presence of NaOCl, the Root ZX was highly accurate even when the file was much smaller than the diameter of the canal. The agar model was effective and suitable for testing EALs in vitro.
Hospitalization of Western Australian children for oral health related conditions: a 5–8 year follow‐up
Authors: Kruger E. , Dyson K. , Tennant M.
Published: March 2008

Background: This study investigated in‐patient oral health care provision for children under 18 years of age in Western Australia.

Methods: Hospitalizations of children for oral health conditions over a four‐year period were analysed using data obtained from the Western Australian Hospital Morbidity Data System (HMDS). This study followed a previously published study examining similar data for 1995.

Results: Between 1999–2000 and 2002–2003, a total of 26 497 episodes of care were attributed to oral health conditions among children aged 0–17 years. The cost of this care exceeded $40 million. Embedded and impacted teeth accounted for 33.2 per cent of oral health episodes, dental caries 28.3 per cent, pulp and periapical tissue conditions 7.1 per cent and dentofacial anomalies 6.1 per cent. With the exception of the infant age group (0–1 years), non‐Aboriginal children had higher admission rates than Aboriginal children. In the 13–17 year age group a non‐Aboriginal child was 31 times more likely to be admitted to hospital for an oral condition than an Aboriginal child.

Conclusions: This study confirms the impact of oral health related conditions among children in Western Australia. It is also clear that there are differences between age and population groups in terms of access to in‐patient dental services and exposure to risk factors for specific oral conditions.
Ex vivo evaluation of the ability of four different electronic apex locators to determine the working length in teeth with various foramen diameters
Authors: Ebrahim AK , Wadachi R. , Suda H.
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of this ex vivo study was to evaluate the accuracy of four electronic apex locators (EALs) to determine the working length in teeth with various foramen diameters. Our previous study revealed that electronically measured canal length was influenced by the root canal diameter. It is not known whether foramen size would interfere with the reading accuracy of an EAL.

Methods: A total of 36 extracted human lower single rooted premolar teeth were divided into four groups of nine teeth each. In groups A, B and C, the root canals were instrumented using #10–80, #10–100 and #10–120 K‐files, and the tip of size #80, #100 and #120 K‐files were permitted to pass through the apical foramen to a length of 1mm, respectively. In group D, the teeth were instrumented using #10–140 K‐files and the tip of #140 K‐file was permitted to pass through the apical foramen to a length of 5mm. Thus, the average apical foramen diameters in groups A, B, C and D were approximately 0.82mm, 1.02mm, 1.22mm and 1.5mm, respectively. The teeth were then mounted in 1% agar and four EALs were used: Root ZX, Foramatron D10, Apex NRG and Apit 7. For electronic measurement, sizes #10 and #80, #10 and #100, #10 and #120, and #10 and #140 K‐files were used for groups A, B, C and D, respectively. During electronic measurement the canals were flushed with 6% sodium hypochlorite solution.

Results: Three‐way ANOVA and Bonferroni test showed that EAL, file size and foramen size all had a significant influence on the measurement error (P<0.0001), with all the interactions between these three factors being significant (P<0.0001).

Conclusions: The four EALs were unreliable to determine the working length of teeth with a wide apical foramen, when using a small size file. The Root ZX and Foramatron D10 showed significantly better scores than the other two EALs and may be more reliable to determine the working length of teeth with a wide apical foramen, if a tight‐fit file is used.
Musculoskeletal disorders self‐reported by dentists in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Leggat PA , Smith DR
Published: March 2008

Background: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) represent an important occupational health issue in dentistry. Given the significance of this topic, we considered it necessary to investigate the prevalence and impact of MSD among Australian dentists.

Methods: In 2004, a self‐reporting questionnaire was mailed to a random sample of 400 dentists registered with the Queensland Branch of the Australian Dental Association.

Results: A total of 285 questionnaires (73.1 per cent) were completed and returned. Of the respondents, 73.3 per cent were male and 26.7 per cent female, with a mean age of 45.2 years (SD = 11.9 years). Most were general dentists (89.1 per cent), with the remainder being specialists (10.9 per cent). Most dentists (87.2 per cent) reported having experienced at least one MSD symptom in the past 12 months. The most prevalent MSD during the previous 12 months were reported at the neck (57.5 per cent), lower back (53.7 per cent) and shoulder (53.3 per cent). MSD which interfered with daily activities during the previous 12 months were reported at the neck (24.6 per cent), the lower back (22.1 per cent) and the shoulders (21.8 per cent). Over one‐third (37.5 per cent) of dentists had sought medical advice or treatment for an MSD during the previous 12‐month period. Almost 1 in 10 dentists (9.1 per cent) reported taking leave in the previous 12 months because of an MSD. Among those who took sick leave for an MSD, the mean time taken was 11.5 days (SD=16.0 days).

Conclusions: Overall, this study suggests that MSD represents a major occupational health issue for Queensland dentists, the occurrence of which is similar to reports from other countries. MSD was shown to interfere with daily activities in some cases, while a considerable proportion of dentists had also sought medical attention for their symptoms. Further research is now needed to more carefully elucidate the impact of MSD in this particular occupational group, especially in relation to cessation or reduction of clinical practice, and also to help identify specific risk factors and effective measures for reducing MSD among dentists in Queensland and elsewhere.
Efficacy of pilocarpine lozenge for post‐radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer
Authors: Taweechaisupapong S. , Pesee M. , Aromdee C. , Laopaiboon M. , Khunkitti W.
Published: March 2008

Background: Patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia produce little or no saliva. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of systemic administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride in individuals with post‐radiation xerostomia. However, analysis of pilocarpine lozenges for treatment of post‐radiation xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer has not been reported.

Methods: The aim of this study was to quantify improvement in clinical symptoms and salivary function after treatment of post‐radiation xerostomia with pilocarpine lozenges. In a double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial, 33 head and neck cancer patients were assigned randomly to receive Salagen tablet, pilocarpine hydrochloride lozenge (3 or 5mg) or placebo lozenge every 10 days. At each visit, a subjective evaluation was undertaken through the use of visual analog scales before and at 180 minutes after treatment. Whole resting saliva was collected before and at 0, 30, 60, 90, 120, 150 and 180 minutes after treatment.

Results: The percentage of patients with decreased feeling of oral dryness, sore mouth or speaking difficulties after taking 5‐mg pilocarpine lozenge was greater than Salagen or placebo. There were statistically significant increases in salivary production in pilocarpine treatment groups vs. placebo (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: The 5‐mg pilocarpine lozenge produced the best clinical results, but further investigation with a larger group of patients is required.
Differences between normal and demineralized dentine pretreated with silver fluoride and potassium iodide after an in vitro challenge by Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Knight GM , McIntyre JM , Craig GG , Mulyani  , Zilm PS , Gully NJ
Published: March 2008

Background: The application of diamine silver fluoride (Ag(NH3)2F) and potassium iodide (KI) to demineralized dentine has been shown to inhibit the growth of Streptococcus mutans. The purpose of this study was to observe the differences between demineralized and non‐demineralized dentine treated with AgF/KI.

Methods: Thirty‐five dentine discs were bonded to the bases of 5mL polycarbonate screw top vials which were filled with nutrient medium, sterilized and placed into the overflow from a continuous culture of S. mutans. Samples were divided as follows: 10 samples of demineralized dentine; 10 samples of demineralized dentine treated with AgF/KI; 5 samples of non‐demineralized dentine; and 10 samples of non‐demineralized dentine treated with AgF/KI. Following two weeks connected to the Chemostat, an electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) of percentage weights and penetration depths of calcium, phosphorous silver and fluoride was conducted. Bacterial growth was monitored by taking optical density readings of the growth medium in each vial and outer surfaces of the specimens were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: AgF/KI treatment of demineralized and non‐demineralized dentine prevented biofilm formation and reduced further demineralization by S. mutans. AgF/KI treatment of demineralized dentine was more effective in reducing dentine breakdown and the growth of S. mutans. Significantly higher levels of silver and fluoride were deposited within demineralized dentine.

Conclusions: A topical treatment with AgF/KI on dentine reduced in vitro caries development and inhibited surface biofilm formation. Reduction of in vitro caries development and viability of S. mutans was more pronounced on the dentine samples that had been demineralized prior to the application of AgF/KI.
Electron probe microanalysis of ion exchange of selected elements between dentine and adhesive restorative materials
Authors: Knight GM , McIntyre JM , Craig GG , Mulyani
Published: March 2008

Background: There have been numerous attempts to demonstrate the phenomenon of ion exchange between auto cure glass ionomer cements (GICs) and dentine. The purpose of this study was to employ an electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) technique to examine the interchange of elements between non‐demineralized dentine and two types of restorative material, auto cure GICs and a resin composite.

Methods: Restorations of auto cure GICs (Riva Fast, Fuji IX Fast, Ketac Molar Quick and Fuji VII) and a bonded composite resin were placed in each of 10 recently extracted human third molar teeth. After two weeks the restorations were sectioned and prepared for EPMA. Percentage weights of calcium, phosphorus aluminum, strontium and fluoride were calculated in the restorations 200μm from the restorative interface and 200μm into the dentine at 5μm intervals.

Results: There was evidence of calcium and phosphorus in all five auto cure GICs to a depth of 50μm. Aluminum and strontium ions were also present in dentine except subjacent to Ketac Molar restorations. There was evidence of element transfer into composite resin and resin‐bonded dentine.

Conclusions: The findings of this paper support the concept of ion exchange as a bonding mechanism between auto cure GIC and dentine. Element penetration into tooth structure and GIC exceeded beyond the “ion exchange layer” observed in scanning electron microscopy studies. Penetration of calcium and phosphorus into composite resin from dentine likely occurred as a result of the self‐etching process dissolving calcium and phosphorus and incorporating these elements into the hybrid layer. The presence of Al and Sr ions in dentine were likely to be associated with resin tags extending into the dentine.
Resin bonding using an all‐etch or self‐etch adhesive to enamel after carbamide peroxide and/or CPP‐ACP treatment
Authors: Moule CA , Angelis F. , Kim G‐H , Le S. , Malipatil S. , Foo MS , Burrow MF , Thomas D.
Published: March 2008

Background: Limited evidence exists regarding the effect of carbamide peroxide and casein phospho‐peptide amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) on composite‐enamel bonding. Microshear bond strengths, using either a total‐etch or self‐etching adhesive, to enamel treated with carbamide peroxide and/or CPP‐ACP were investigated.

Materials and methods: Twenty‐six extracted human third molars were sectioned into four parts, each being allocated into one of the four groups (n=26): bleach (Polanight, 16% carbamide peroxide), CPP‐ACP (GC Tooth Mousse), bleach and then CPP‐ACP, or untreated (control). The surfaces were bonded with a total‐etch bonding system (Single Bond) or a self‐etching primer system (Clearfil SE Bond) and tested using a microshear test.

Results: A significant difference in bond strength was found between bonding systems. SE Bond showed the highest bond strength to untreated enamel (p < 0.05). The microshear bond strength of SE Bond decreased when the enamel was treated with carbamide peroxide, CPP‐ACP or both (p < 0.05). Only combined use of carbamide peroxide and CPP‐ACP significantly affected microshear bond strength with Single Bond.

Conclusion
: These findings suggest the shear bond strength of resin to enamel using a self‐etching priming adhesive may be affected if the enamel is treated with a bleaching agent or CPP‐ACP.
Dentition of addiction in Queensland: poor dental status and major contributing drugs
Authors: Reece AS
Published: March 2008

Background
: Although it is said that drug addiction is associated with poor dental health, there is little research in this area. In particular, there is little work comparing the effects of the different drugs of addiction.

Methods
: A cross‐sectional patient survey of dental health was undertaken in a family practice comparing opiate and other drug addicts (DA) with non‐addicts (NA). The age range was restricted to 19–45 years. Damaged teeth were counted and a semi‐quantitative score applied to severity to allow the calculation of an overall dental index. A medical review only was undertaken; recognized dental diagnostic criteria were not applied.

Results
: There were 233 and 47 respondents in the DA and NA groups, respectively. The mean ages and gender ratios were similar in both groups. DA used more addictive drugs than NA (all p < 0.001). DA had more absent, traumatized, major cavitated and extracted teeth (all p < 0.05). Addicts had a worse severity index (p < 0.02) and dental index (13.13 ± 24.00 vs. 4.74 ± 16.03; p < 0.005). Furthermore, dental pathology developed in DA at younger ages than in NA with 56.8% vs. 5.4% of patients younger than 38 years having dental indices more than 10 respectively (OR = 22.98, 95% CI = 5.57–200.65, p < 0.0000001). At multivariate analysis age, gender, and dose and/or duration of tobacco, methadone, morphine, and alcohol were significantly associated with these pathologies.

Conclusion
: These data are consistent with published dental reports and basic science information that drug addiction has a deleterious effect on dental health, that in addiction this effect is rapid and severe, and that tobacco, methadone, morphine and alcohol contribute importantly to these changes.
Supernumerary tooth with associated dentigerous cyst in an infant. A case report and review of differential diagnosis
Authors: Boras V Vucicevic , Zaini Z Mohamad , Savage NW
Published: March 2008

This paper reviews the topic of dental structures present at birth or erupting prior to the deciduous incisor teeth. A literature review shows a prevalence of one in every 2000 live births. At this rate of occurrence it is likely that the general dental practitioner may be called upon to offer advice. This review is supported by the presentation of an unusual case of a supernumerary maxillary incisor tooth with the hallmarks of a neonatal tooth and the development of a soft tissue dentigerous cyst. The differential diagnosis of soft and hard tissue swellings in infants is also presented together with rare syndromal associations of natal and neonatal teeth.
Demographic, health and lifestyle factors associated with dental service attendance by young adults
Authors: Slack‐Smith LM , Mills CR , Bulsara MK , O'Grady MJ
Published: March 2008

Background: The aim of this study was to describe the demographic and health and lifestyle factors associated with dental service attendance in the previous 12 months by young Australian adults (18–24 years).

Methods: Population‐based data from the 2001 Australian National Health Survey were analysed. Proportions and single associations between variables of interest and dental service attendance were calculated. A logistic regression analysis using significant single association variables was then conducted.

Results: Overall, 41 per cent of young adults in this study had visited a dental professional in the previous 12 months. Females, those in cities, those with private insurance, those who spoke languages other than English, those in the highest socioeconomic group and those with healthy behaviours were subgroups most likely to have visited a dental professional. With logistic regression, factors found to be associated with dental services attendance were being female, having private health insurance and low alcohol consumption.

Conclusions: In this study, the proportion of young adults who had visited a dental professional in the previous 12 months was only 41 per cent. It is therefore suggested that oral health policy and promotion activities be encouraged for this group, paying attention to young adults in groups with low attendance.
An investigation into dentists' perceptions of barriers to providing care of dental trauma to permanent maxillary incisors in children in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Yeng T. , Parashos P.
Published: March 2008

Background: Perceived barriers in the treatment of dental trauma may influence the optimum management of dental trauma. Any hesitation that dentists might have in managing dental trauma is important to investigate. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' perceptions of barriers to providing care of dental trauma to permanent maxillary incisors in children.

Methods: A self‐completion questionnaire survey containing six questions on demographic data and 15 questions relating to barriers to treating dental trauma was mailed to 693 dentists in Victoria, Australia.

Results: The response rate achieved was 61 per cent. Of the respondents, 90 per cent had no hesitation in treating dental injuries and 80 per cent of these frequently agreed that dentists should treat all dental trauma. Approximately half the dentists (51.5 per cent) frequently found uncooperative children to be the main barrier to providing care.

Conclusion: The overall consensus from the present study was that treating dental trauma is not unappealing for dentists in general practice.
Provisional restoration options in implant dentistr
Authors: Santosa RE
Published: March 2008

Unlike their use in conventional crown and bridge, provisional restorations during implant therapy have been underutilized. Provisional restorations should be used to evaluate aesthetic, phonetic and occlusal function prior to delivery of the final implant restorations, while preserving and/or enhancing the condition of the peri‐implant and gingival tissues. Provisional restorations are useful as a communication tool between members of the treatment team which, in most cases, consists of the restorative clinician, implant surgeons, laboratory technicians, and the patient. This article describes and discusses the various options for provisionalization in implant dentistry. Clinicians should be aware of the different types of provisional restorations and the indications for their use when planning implant retained restorations.
Oral health of Indigenous adult public dental patients in Australia
Authors: Brennan DS , Roberts‐Thomson KF , Spencer AJ
Published: March 2008

Background: Indigenous Australians have been reported in a range of studies to have worse health than non‐Indigenous Australians. Among health care card holders, a financially disadvantaged group eligible for public‐funded dental care, oral health may also be worse among Indigenous persons. The aims of this study were to examine the oral health of Indigenous compared to non‐Indigenous adult public dental patients in terms of caries experience and periodontal status, controlling for age and gender of patient, type of care and geographic location.

Methods: Patients were sampled randomly by state/territory dental services in 2001–2002. Dentists recorded oral health status at the initial visit of a course of care using written instructions. The samples were weighted in proportion to the numbers of public‐funded dental patients for each state/territory.

Results: Multivariate logistic regression showed that the presence of periodontal pockets of 6+ mm was higher (P < 0.05) among Indigenous compared to non‐Indigenous patients (OR=2.24, 1.34–3.76), after controlling for age and gender of patients, type of care and geographic location. Multivariate negative binomial regression analysis (RR: rate ratio) controlling for age and gender of patients, type of care and geographic location indicated that Indigenous patients had higher numbers of decayed teeth (RR=1.42) and missing teeth (RR=1.44) but lower numbers of filled teeth (RR=0.51) compared to non‐Indigenous patients (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the DMFT index, indicating similar cumulative past and present experience of dental caries for Indigenous and non‐Indigenous patients.

Conclusions: Indigenous adult public dental patients had worse oral health status than non‐Indigenous patients, with a higher percentage of Indigenous patients having periodontal pockets 6+ mm, and Indigenous patients having more decayed and missing teeth. Indigenous patients lack both timely and appropriate preventive and treatment services.
A big role for the very small—understanding the endodontic microbial flora
Authors: Figdor D. , Sundqvist G.
Published: March 2008

Apical periodontitis, an inflammatory process around the apex of a tooth root, is primarily a sequel to microbial infection of the pulp space. The microbial flora is composed of a restricted group of the total oral flora, selected by environmental pressures of anaerobiosis, nutrition and competition with other species and inhabits the root canal as a biofilm of coaggregated communities in an extracellular matrix. The untreated infected canal is generally composed of a polymicrobial mix with approximately equal proportions of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative species, dominated by obligate anaerobes.

The type of microbial flora in the root‐filled tooth with persistent apical periodontitis has very different characteristics. These infections are characterized by one or just a few species, predominantly Gram‐positive micro‐organisms with an equal distribution of facultative and obligate anaerobes. Enterococcus faecalis has been a conspicuous finding in most studies.

Because the primary aetiological problem is infection, endodontic treatment is directed at control and elimination of the root canal flora by working in a sterile way. Based on current knowledge, the best available method for obtaining clean, microbe‐free root canals is by instrumentation with antimicrobial irrigation reinforced by an intracanal dressing with calcium hydroxide.
Predicting the permeability function for unsaturated soils using the soil-water characteristic curve
Authors: Fredlund D.G. , Xing Anqing , Huang Shangyan
Published: March 2008

The coefficient of permeability for an unsaturated soil is primarily determined by the pore-size distribution of the soil and can be predicted from the soil-water characteristic curve. A general equation, which describes the soil-water characteristic curve over the entire suction range (i.e., from 0 to 106 kPa), was proposed by the first two authors in another paper. This equation is used to predict the coefficient of permeability for unsaturated soils. By using this equation, an evaluation of the residual water content is no longer required in the prediction of the coefficient of permeability. The proposed permeability function is an integration form of the suction versus water content relationship. The proposed equation has been best fit with example data from the literature where both the soil-water characteristic curve and the coefficient of permeability were measured. The fit between the data and the theory was excellent. It was found that the integration can be done from zero water content to the saturated water content. Therefore, it is possible to use the normalized water content (volumetric or gravimetric) or the degree of saturation data versus suction in the prediction of the permeability function. Key words : coefficient of permeability, soil-water characteristic curve, unsaturated soil, water content, soil suction.
Subaqueous capping of very soft contaminated sediments
Authors: Zeman Alex J.
Published: March 2008

A proposed 100 m × 100 m site for a subaqueous capping pilot-scale project in Hamilton Harbour is located in a water depth of about 15 m where the capping material will be in a relatively low-energy environment with little potential for erosion of the cap. The cap will consist of a 0.5 mm diameter clean sand that will be placed on the bottom with a tremie pipe discharge system mounted on a spudded barge. The design thickness of 0.5 m will provide an effective isolation of contaminants from the overlying water and biota. Consolidation following the placement of the cap is estimated to occur within the period of about 10–50 days. The settlement of the cap surface will range from about 14 to 21 cm. The results of a laboratory capping test, as well as theoretical results, suggest that the selected-placement technique will not disturb very soft contaminated sediments. The effectiveness of the cap will be tested by physical, chemical, and biological monitoring to ensure that the cap is placed as intended and that it prevents contaminant migration to the aquatic environment. Key words : subaqueous capping, cohesive sediments, contaminant isolation, in situ, consolidation, placement technique.
Migration of fines in 020 mm crushed base during placement, compaction, and seepage under laboratory conditions
Authors: Chapuis Robert P , Contant André , Baass Karsten A
Published: March 2008

The rate of deterioration of gravel base course materials may influence the durability of flexible pavements. In particular, selected gradation curves usually satisfy filter criteria thus avoiding migration of fines from one layer (subgrade, base, and subbase) into adjacent one. This paper shows that even if filter criteria are met between successive layers, some 020 mm materals do not satisfy the fines mobility criteria that presently are not considered in gradation criteria. This means that fines (<80 μm) can move within the pores of the layer. Three gradations of two 020 mm crushed stones were tested in the laboratory. Experiemrnts were designed to avoid degradation (breakage of particles), in order to study segregation only. One of the tested materials (No. 2) satisfies the gradation criteria but does not satisfy the fines mobility criteria. The experimental results confirmed that material No. 2 is subject to marked segregation during dry placement and compaction. When palced moist, it has a negligible initial segregation, but cyclic loading produces segregation. This internal instability was predictable from fines mobility (suffossion) criteria. It produces layers with different fines contents, which would reduce vertical drainage, increase pore pressures produced by traffic loading, and increase both capillary retention and frost damage.

Key words: road, gravel base course, segregation, suffossion, seepage, gradation.
BLACK STRING AND VELOCITY FRAME DRAGGING
Authors: LEE JUNGJAI , KIM HYEONG-CHAN
Published: March 2008

We investigate velocity frame dragging with the boosted Schwarzschild black string solution and the boosted Kaluza–Klein bubble solution, in which a translational symmetry along the boosted z-coordinate is implemented. The velocity frame dragging effect can be nullified by the motion of an observer using the boost symmetry along the z-coordinate if it is not compact. However, in spacetime with the compact z-coordinate, we show that the effect cannot be removed since the compactification breaks the global Lorentz boost symmetry. As a result, the comoving velocity depends on r and the momentum parameter along the z-coordinate becomes an observer independent characteristic quantity of the black string and bubble solutions. The dragging induces a spherical ergo-region around the black string.
HOLOGRAPHY AND EMERGENT 4D GRAVITY
Authors: NITTI FRANCESCO
Published: March 2008

We review recent work toward constructing, via five-dimensional holographic duals, four-dimensional theories in which spin-2 states (gravitons) are emergent. The basic idea is to extend to gravity model-building the applications of holographic duality to phenomenology construction.
SINGLE-BRANE WORLD WITH STABILIZED EXTRA DIMENSION
Authors: SMOLYAKOV MIKHAIL N. , VOLOBUEV IGOR P.
Published: March 2008

We present a model describing a single brane with tension embedded into a five-dimensional space–time with compact extra dimension, which can be easily stabilized. We examine the linearized gravity in the model and obtain an expression for the four-dimensional Planck mass on the brane in terms of the model parameters. It is also shown that the scalar sector of the effective four-dimensional theory contains a tachyonic mode, and we discuss the problem of stability of the model.
WARM STELLAR MATTER: APPLICATION TO SLOWLY ROTATING COMPACT OBJECTS
Authors: ALLOY M. D. , MENEZES D. P.
Published: March 2008

In the present paper we investigate one possible variation on the usual static pulsars: the inclusion of rotation. We use a formalism proposed by Hartle and Thorne to calculate the properties of rotating pulsars with all possible compositions. The calculations were performed for both zero temperature and for fixed entropy equations of state.
A UNIFYING APPROACH TO RELATIVISTIC DIFFUSIONS AND H-THEOREMS
Authors: CHEVALIER C. , DEBBASCH F.
Published: March 2008

A new, wide class of relativistic stochastic processes is introduced. All relativistic processes considered so far in the literature (the Relativistic Ornstein–Uhlenbeck Process as well as the Franchi–Le Jan and the Dunkel–Hänggi processes) are members of this class. The stochastic equations of motion and the associated forward Kolmogorov equations are obtained for each process in the class. The corresponding manifestly covariant transport equation is also obtained. In particular, the manifestly covariant equations for the Franchi–Le Jan and the Dunkel–Hänggi processes are derived here for the first time. Finally, the manifestly covariant approach is used to prove a new H-theorem for all processes in the class.
SPIN-J GEOMETRIC PHASE DRIVEN BY A CLASSICAL FLUCTUATING FIELD
Authors: LIU JIBING , LÜ XINYOU , LIU NA , ZHENG ANSHOU , ZHAN ZHIMING
Published: March 2008

The authors investigate the geometric phase of a spin-J system interacting with a classical magnetic field which contains a fluctuating component. Assuming an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process for the fluctuations, we find that the distribution due to the fluctuating component for the geometric phase is a Gaussian. We calculate in detail the variance of geometric and dynamic phases. The results clearly show that the geometric phase can reduce the fluctuations, but the dynamic phase can not.
TWO-COLOR COHERENT CONTROL OF OPTICAL BISTABILITY IN ASYMMETRIC SEMICONDUCTOR QUANTUM WELLS
Authors: LI JIA-HUA , HAO XIANG-YING
Published: March 2008

We investigate optical bistability in intersubband transitions of an asymmetric semiconductor quantum well structure that has equidistant transitions between three subbands of the system and is placed in a unidirectional cavity. The system is simultaneously coupled by a fundamental field and its second harmonic. The second harmonic field acts as a control field and significantly influences the optical bistability. In addition, the two-color coherent control of optical bistability by the relative phase of the fundamental and the second harmonic fields is shown. The influence of the electronic cooperation parameter on the OB behavior is also discussed. This investigation may be used for optimizing and controlling the optical switching process in the SQW solid-state system, which is much more practical than that in the atomic system because of its flexible design and the controllable interference strength.