bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Orthodontic and prosthetic rehabilitation of unilateral free‐end edentulous space
Authors: Arslan SG , Tacir IH , Kama JD 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMost patients prefer fixed dentures, even in the presence of uni and bilateral free‐end saddle. The most suitable treatment for this is an implant or implant‐supported prosthetic restoration. A combined prosthetic and orthodontic treatment with distalization of a posterior tooth towards the edentulous region is an alternative approach. This study involved a 34.3 year old female patient who had a free‐end edentulous space on the left mandibula and missing 1st and 3rd molars on the right mandibula. The patient was offered both a removable partial denture and implant treatment options. A detailed explanation of her situation and suitable treatments were given but she refused both options. Therefore, an alternative combined treatment involving prosthodontic and orthodontic disciplines was performed. The second premolar tooth was distalized orthodontically and used as a distal bridge abutment. After 65 months, prosthetic restoration was functional and abutment teeth and periodontium were pathology free, and the patient was satisfied with the results.
Non‐working dental therapists: opportunities to ameliorate workforce shortages
Authors: Kruger E. , Smith K. , Tennant M. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: Workforce development is a critical factor allowing delivery on government health priorities. Against a backdrop of increasing demand for dental therapists being significantly higher than the levels of recruitment, it is widely acknowledged that rural and remote areas (having greater recruitment and retention issues) will face a significant shortfall in therapist numbers as the workforce shortages take hold in dentistry. This study analysed the reasons for dental therapists leaving the profession, and factors that would promote the recruitment and retention of dental therapists, especially in rural and remote areas. Methods: A postal survey was undertaken amongst all registered dental therapists in Western Australia between the years 1999–2003. Results: Of all respondents, 28 per cent indicated that they do not work as dental therapists anymore. A number of reasons for leaving the profession were highlighted, including family reasons, career change, poor salaries, relocation, illness and injury, and stress. To increase retention and recruitment of dental therapists to rural areas, a number of opportunities were highlighted by respondents, including increased salaries, living support, travel assistance, access to continuing education, recruitment of more rural students and more flexibility (including job sharing). Conclusion: This survey has highlighted various opportunities to recruit and retain dental therapists in their profession and to increase the numbers of rural dental therapists. A broad integrated rural retention strategy is necessary to address these issues among the dental therapy workforce.
Evaluation of a combined thiourea and hydrogen peroxide regimen to bleach bloodstained teeth
Authors: Maiolo K. , Marin PD , Bridges TE , Heithersay GS 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: Current techniques for intra‐coronal bleaching of stained root‐filled teeth employ oxidative bleaching with hydrogen peroxide. However, concern over the potential for invasive cervical resorption following the use of hydrogen peroxide has been expressed by many researchers, and recommendations have been made to limit the use of this agent. A reductive‐oxidative bleaching process using a thiourea and hydrogen peroxide regimen is proposed as an effective and safer bleaching combination. The efficacy of this novel bleaching regimen is evaluated in this study. Methods: The study involved a quantitative and qualitative spectrophotometric assessment of the ability of two amine (bleaching) agents, aqueous thiourea and acidified thiourea, to alter the absorption spectra of haemoglobin and methaemoglobin compared to hydrogen peroxide. In addition, extracted premolar teeth discoloured by blood were subjected to different bleaching regimens using amine reducing agents and hydrogen peroxide. The change in the colour of the bloodstained dentine samples was measured at each stage of the bleaching process with a Photometer and Reflectance Densitometer. Comparisons of different treatments were made using a method of least significant difference and/or analysis of variance. Results: Spectrophotometric studies showed that acidified thiourea solution greatly reduced the colour of the haemoglobin and methaemoglobin in the visible range (330–760nm). Aqueous thiourea had no effect on the presence of haemoglobin and methaemoglobin. Reflection Densitometer and Photometer scores indicate that the greatest bleaching effect was achieved by the combined acidified thiourea and hydrogen peroxide regimen. Conclusion: The recognition that bleaching discoloured teeth is a chemical process, which can be achieved by both reducing and oxidizing agents, offers the possibility of developing new and safer clinical bleaching protocols. It is concluded that the bleaching regimen which employs the sequential use of 0.1M acidified thiourea and 30% w/v hydrogen peroxide is as effective at bleaching bloodstained dentine as 30% w/v hydrogen peroxide alone. However, the addition of thiourea to the bleaching regimen has the potential benefit of reducing the level of damaging hydroxyl radicals and achieving a safer bleaching process.
Factors influencing oral colonization of mutans streptococci in young children
Authors: Law V. , Seow WK , Townsend G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper aims to critically review current knowledge about the key factors involved in oral colonization of the cariogenic group of bacteria, mutans streptococci (MS) in young children. MS, consisting mainly of the species Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus sobrinus, are commonly cultured from the mouths of infants, with prevalence of infection ranging from around 30 per cent in 3 month old predentate children to over 80 per cent in 24 month old children with primary teeth. MS is usually transmitted to children through their mothers, and the risk of transmission increases with high maternal salivary levels of MS and frequent inoculation. Factors that affect the colonization of MS may be divided into bacterial virulence, host‐related and environmental factors. Complex interaction among these factors determine the success and timing of MS colonization in the child. As clinical studies have shown that caries risk is correlated with age at which initial MS colonization occurred, strategies for the prevention of dental caries should include timely control of colonization of the cariogenic bacteria in the mouths of young children.
Baby boomer retirement and the future of dentistry
Authors: Schofield DJ , Fletcher SL 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: The dental workforce, like the Australian population, is ageing. As the large baby boomer cohort retires dental shortages will likely increase. Methods: Australian Bureau of Statistics census data from 1986 to 2001 were used to examine ageing of the dental workforce and attrition of dentists aged 50 years and over. The number of dentists to retire was projected over the next 20 years. Results: Since 1986, the dental workforce has aged significantly (p < 0.01). About half of the current dental workforce is projected to retire by 2026. Generation X dentists are significantly less likely to work long hours than the baby boomer cohort of dentists (p < 0.01). This is partly due to an increase in the proportion of women in the dental workforce and male Generation X dentists being less likely to work long hours (>41 per week) than male baby boomer dentists (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Ageing of the workforce will have an impact on dentistry later than on some other professions due to the 35 per cent of dentists who work beyond 65 years of age. Nonetheless, existing dental shortages are likely to be exacerbated over the short term by the 22 per cent of dentists projected to retire over the next 10 years.
A new paradigm for operative dentistry
Authors: Mount GJ 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIt is over 100 years since GV Black gathered together most of the knowledge then current on the caries process and set clear parameters for the discipline of operative dentistry. His four‐volume treatise set standards that were relevant for the times and, in fact, were so well described that they remained dominant in this discipline until quite recently. However, over the last 50 years there has been great progress in scientific method and in knowledge of the common diseases of the oral environment, including the caries process, so maybe it is time for change.The term “paradigm” describes a philosophy of science, a generally accepted model of how ideas relate to one another, forming a conceptual framework within which scientific research is carried out. Black defined the paradigm within which further research was to be conducted during the following years and the profession accepted his lead. However, it is not expected that the parameters of a profession should remain unchanged over a substantial period so it is suggested that the dental profession should, at this time, recognize a new paradigm.Improvements in scientific method have led to a better understanding of the oral environment, resulting in extensive changes for this profession. It is suggested that the standards set by Black should be now consigned to history and an entirely new paradigm adopted. First, the profession must recognize that dental caries is a bacterial disease and its primary efforts should be directed towards identification and elimination of the disease prior to initiating repair of the damage that it has caused. Preservation of natural tooth structure is then the next responsibility. There should be maximum use made of preventive strategies, including remineralization, followed by minimal intervention cavity designs and the use of bioactive restorative materials to restore the lesions. The profession should be prepared to move on.
Profile of lingual orthodontic users in Australia
Authors: Chan EKM , McCrostie S. , Petocz P. , Darendeliler M Ali 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: The use of lingual orthodontic appliances and the training background of orthodontists in Australia using the lingual orthodontic technique are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the profile of lingual orthodontic users in Australia. Methods: Four hundred and fifty questionnaires consisting of 15 questions were sent out to orthodontists in Australia. We obtained a 62 per cent return rate (278) with a 58 per cent rate of completed questionnaires. Statistical analysis using SPSS was performed and various outputs were obtained. Results: Of the completed returns, 23 per cent were current lingual users; 69 per cent were not and 8 per cent were previous users but have stopped using the appliance. The majority (90 per cent) of the current lingual users were males. The highest percentage of users (35 per cent) was in New South Wales while the smallest percentage was in Tasmania (2 per cent). Around 40 per cent of respondents attended lingual courses as part of their specialist training programme, while 73 per cent had attended lingual courses since graduation and 82 per cent would consider attending a lingual course in the future. Of the 60 per cent current users who did not have a lingual component in their specialist training programme, almost nine‐tenths had attended lingual courses since graduation. Of the non‐lingual users, 14 per cent attended lingual courses as part of their specialist training programme, 28 per cent attended lingual courses since graduation and 38 per cent would consider attending a lingual course in the future. The main reason cited for being a non‐lingual user was that lingual orthodontics could not be an integral part of the practice. Conclusions: Most of the orthodontists who graduated more than 16 years ago from their postgraduate training were non‐users of the lingual appliance. It seems that around one in four orthodontists currently use the lingual technique, of which NSW orthodontists make up the largest group. Only one‐fifth of users had some lingual component in their formal orthodontic training and about half of them have attended lingual courses after graduation. Almost half of orthodontists in Australia would consider attending a lingual course in the future. This survey provides a sound basis for course co‐ordinators to plan for continuing lingual orthodontics in the future.
Clinical and pharmacological variables as a risk factor for nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth
Authors: Guncu GN , Caglayan F. , Dinçel A. , Bozkurt A. , Ozmen F. , Karabulut E. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract Background: Gingival enlargement is usually noted within one to two months after the initiation of nifedipine therapy. The aetiology of nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between plasma and gingival crevice fluid (GCF) nifedipine concentrations and the degree of gingival overgrowth in patients treated with nifedipine, and also to assess the correlations between clinical and pharmacological variables. Methods: Eighteen patients taking nifedipine in regular doses for at least six months participated in the study. Gingival enlargement was evaluated with two indices to score vertical and horizontal overgrowth. Gingival index (GI), plaque index (PI), gingival bleeding time index (GBTI), probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment level (CAL) were also evaluated. GCF and plasma nifedipine concentrations were determined by using high performance liquid chromatography. Results: There was no significant difference between responders and non‐responders for PI, GI and GBTI. The mean concentration of nifedipine in GCF was significantly greater than concentration in plasma. No significant difference was observed for GCF and plasma nifedipine concentration between responders and non‐responders. Conclusions: The present study showed that neither GCF nor plasma nifedipine levels appeared to be a risk factor for nifedipine‐induced gingival overgrowth. Improving the oral hygiene in patients using nifedipine may help control the degree of drug‐induced gingival enlargement.
The differential diagnosis of toothache from other orofacial pains in clinical practice
Authors: Linn J. , Trantor I. , Teo N. , Thanigaivel R. , Goss AN 
Published: March 2008

Background: Teeth are a common and obvious source of orofacial pain. There is a risk that endodontic treatment may be initiated in patients that do not have pulp or periapical pathosis. Methods: A retrospective survey of a sample of patients referred for endodontic treatment was analysed to determine the accuracy of the diagnosis and to identify non‐dental cases. A separate prospective study of complex non‐dental orofacial pain cases was performed to determine which cases had previously received dental treatment. Results: Seventy‐seven (88 per cent) of 88 patients referred for endodontic treatment had been correctly diagnosed with solely endodontic problems. Eight (9 per cent) had endodontic plus other orofacial pain problems and three (3 per cent) had no endodontic problems but other orofacial pain problems. Forty‐four (44 per cent) of 100 non‐dental orofacial pain patients had previously received either extractions or endodontics. Conclusion: Dentists need to carefully evaluate all toothache patients to ensure that the diagnosis is correct prior to the initiation of irreversible treatment.
A clinical classification of the status of the pulp and the root canal system
Authors: Abbott PV , Yu C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMany different classification systems have been advocated for pulp diseases. However, most of them are based on histopathological findings rather than clinical findings which leads to confusion since there is little correlation between them. Most classifications mix clinical and histological terms resulting in misleading terminology and diagnoses. This in turn leads to further confusion and uncertainty in clinical practice when a rational treatment plan needs to be established in order to manage a specific pathological entity. A simple, yet practical classification of pulp diseases which uses terminology related to clinical findings is proposed. This classification will help clinicians understand the progressive nature of the pulp disease processes and direct them to the most appropriate and conservative treatment strategy for each condition. With a comprehensive knowledge of the pathophysiology of pain and inflammation in the pulp tissues, clinicians may accomplish this task with confidence.
The use of calcium hydroxide, antibiotics and biocides as antimicrobial medicaments in endodontics
Authors: Athanassiadis B. , Abbott PV , Walsh LJ 
Published: March 2008

AbstractBacteria have been implicated in the pathogenesis and progression of pulp and periapical diseases. The primary aim of endodontic treatment is to remove as many bacteria as possible from the root canal system and then to create an environment in which any remaining organisms cannot survive. This can only be achieved through the use of a combination of aseptic treatment techniques, chemomechanical preparation of the root canal, antimicrobial irrigating solutions and intracanal medicaments. The choice of which intracanal medicament to use is dependent on having an accurate diagnosis of the condition being treated, as well as a thorough knowledge of the type of organisms likely to be involved and their mechanisms of growth and survival. Since the disease is likely to have been caused by the presence of bacteria within the root canal, the use of an antimicrobial agent is essential. Many medicaments have been used in an attempt to achieve the above aims but no single preparation has been found to be completely predictable or effective. Commonly used medicaments include calcium hydroxide, antibiotics, non‐phenolic biocides, phenolic biocides and iodine compounds. Each has advantages and disadvantages, and further research is required to determine which is best suited for root canal infections.
Dynamic response of single piles and soilpile interaction
Authors: Dou Huaren , Byrne Peter M 
Published: March 2008

Pile reponse to earthquake loading and soilpile interaction behaviour were investigated experimentally using the hydraulic gradient similitude technique. The unique feature of this method is the application of a very high hydraulic gradient to increase the effective stresses in the model, simulating full-scale stress conditions in the field. The dynamic loading was applied to model piles using a conventional shake table. Tests on model piles embedded in dense sands are described herein. Both free vibration and forced vibration simulating earthquake loading were carried out. Pile bending moment, deflection, and acceleration were measured during testing. Dynamic py curves were derived from the measurements and were found to be highly nonlinear and hysteretic at shallow depths under strong shaking. The py curves for low-level shaking showed essentially linear elastic behaviour. The experimental py curves were compared with the backbone py curves for sand recommended by the American Petroleum Institute, and the agreement was reasonable except at shallow depths. Key words: pile, hydraulic gradient, modelling, vibration, shaking, py curve.
In situ tests in Brasília porous clay
Authors: Ortigao J A.R , Cunha R P , Alves L S 
Published: March 2008

An in situ testing programme was carried out in 1992 aimed at obtaining design parameters for the construction of the Brasília Underground line, Brazil. The top layer of soil consisted of an unsaturated and collapsible soft porous clay layer 530 m thick followed by residual soils from slate and interlayered metasiltsones and quartzites. A series of Marchetti dilatometer (DMT) logging tests results were comapred with Ménard pressuremeter (PMT) and horizontal plate loading (PLH) tests, as well as laboratory tests on block samples. In situ stresses, strength, and deformation parameters were obtained for the porous clay. The DMT yielded very good results: excellent repeatability, low cost, and results that agree with other in situ tests and laboratory data. Key words: porous clay, in situ testing, dilatometer, pressuremeter.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase 4/c-Jun NH2-Terminal Kinase Kinase 1 Protein Expression Is Subject to Translational Regulation in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Robinson Victoria L. , Shalhav Ore , Otto Kristen , Kawai Tomoko , Gorospe Myriam , Rinker-Schaeffer Carrie W. 
Published: March 2008

Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 4/c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase kinase 1 (MKK4/JNKK1; hereafter referred to as MKK4) is a dual-specificity kinase with a critical role in regulating the activity of c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase and p38 kinases. We identified a novel biological function for MKK4 in the regulation of growth of ovarian and prostate cancer metastases. Clinical correlative studies showed that MKK4 protein levels were reduced in high-grade prostate cancer and prostate and ovarian cancer metastases compared with normal tissue, which prompted investigation into the mechanism(s) responsible for down-regulation of MKK4 in a panel of cancer cell lines. Initial studies found that low levels of MKK4 protein did not correlate with either exon deletion or decreased levels of MKK4 mRNA, suggesting that MKK4 protein levels were regulated posttranscriptionally by either reduced translation or reduced protein stability. Endogenous MKK4 was highly stable and not subject to altered proteolysis. Instead, MKK4 biosynthesis seemed to be regulated by altered translation. In support of this assertion, we found that cytosolic MKK4 mRNA was shifted toward active polysomes in cells with higher levels of MKK4 protein, suggesting that MKK4 mRNA was translated more efficiently in these cells. This study supports a novel mechanism for the regulation of MKK4 protein levels. Further, these findings have potential therapeutic implications for modulating the expression of a signaling kinase involved in the regulation of metastatic growth. (Mol Cancer Res 2008;6(3):501–8)
Syncretism Revisited: Hindus and Muslims over a Saintly Cult in Bengal
Authors: Togawa Masahiko 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThis paper reconsiders the concept of “syncretism,” and identifies its range and implications when applied to the analysis of the saintly cult of the Hindus and Muslims in Bengal. The mausoleum of Manamohan Datta (1877–1909) is situated in what is currently eastern Bangladesh. Both Hindus and Muslims in the area join together in the various rituals held at the mausoleum. The article discusses the social and cultural factors that explain the sharing of rituals and beliefs by these people. In particular, word correspondences in the religious vocabulary facilitates the mutual acceptance of different cultural forms and norms. The article also examines the critical discourses on syncretistic situations related to the mausoleum in the context of contemporary Bangladesh. Finally, the article discusses the usefulness of the concept of syncretism in elucidating the social and cultural conditions which make possible religious pluralism and multiple discourses. The article opens with a literature review and a statement of the problems. This is followed by a brief history of Saint Manomohan and a description of the ritual practices at the mausoleum. The pluralistic structure of these practices is then examined, and the conditions for acceptance of pluralistic practices are discussed with reference to the critical discourses conducted by the local population. The findings are summed up in a conclusion.