bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy
Authors: Alyahya Ghassan Ayish , Heegaard Steffen , Prause Jan Ulrik 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose: Melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy (MASS) describes areas within the sclera where collagen bundles appear to have disintegrated into loose fibres. It is found adjacent to choroidal and ciliary body melanoma. This study aimed to characterize these changes histopathologically.Methods: Sections of 218 eyes that had been enucleated for malignant melanoma between January 1994 and June 2000 were examined for MASS, using data collected from the files of the Eye Pathology Institute, University of Copenhagen. Findings were correlated to patient characteristics (age, gender and pre‐enucleation radiation) and tumour characteristics (location, morphology and invasion). Staining was applied using haematoxylin‐eosin (HE), periodic acid‐Schiff (PAS), haematoxylin‐phloxine‐saffron (HPS), alcian blue, colloidal iron and Masson's trichrome. Sixteen normal eyes and 29 eyes with diseases other than choroidal and ciliary body melanoma served as controls.Results: Melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy was observed in 73 of the 218 eyes (33%) with melanoma. No changes were found in normal eyes or in eyes with other intraocular diseases. A significantly higher incidence of MASS was found in older age groups. Thirty‐six (49%) of the 73 cases of MASS were observed within a patient age range of 71–90 years, whereas only 14 cases (19%) were observed within an age range of 41–60 years. Pre‐enucleation radiation significantly reduced the incidence of MASS. Twenty‐two (10%) of the total 218 eyes had received pre‐enucleation radiation and in only two (1%) of these was MASS observed. Melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy was found only in areas of contact between the tumour and the sclera, and the degree of MASS correlated directly with the extent of this contact. No significant correlation with tumour cell type was found.Conclusions: In eyes with MASS, the severity of the changes correlated to the extent of direct contact between the tumour and sclera. Melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy showed a significant predilection towards older age groups. Pre‐enucleation radiation significantly reduced the incidence of MASS. Melanoma associated spongiform scleropathy is probably caused by a deposition of amorphous material splitting the scleral collagen fibrils. This material may be secreted either directly from the adjacent tumour or from scleral fibroblasts stimulated by the tumour cells.
Neovascular age‐related macular degeneration and its relationship to antioxidant intake
Authors: Snellen E.L.M. , Verbeek A.L.M. , Van Den Hoogen G.W.P. , Cruysberg J.R.M. , Hoyng C.B. 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Purpose:  Experimental and epidemiological studies suggest that low antioxidant intake may be associated with the occurrence of neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).Methods: We investigated this hypothesis further with a case‐control study involving 72 case and 66 control patients attending the Ophthalmology Department of the University Hospital in Nijmegen. Data were collected by interview on antioxidant intake (i.e. in fruit and vegetables), cigarette smoking, sunlight exposure and familial predisposition. Antioxidant intake was calculated according to the method described in the Framingham Eye Study. Logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).Results:  The prevalence rate of AMD in patients with low antioxidant intake and low lutein intake (dichotomized at the median value) was about twice as high as that in patients with high intake: OR = 1.7, 95% CI (0.8–3.7), and OR = 2.4, 95% CI (1.1–5.1). Further specification of intake data into quartiles of antioxidant intake and lutein/zeaxanthine intake showed a clear dose–response relationship.Conclusion:  The effect of dietary antioxidants upon macular health warrants preventive studies.
The relationship between age and colour content in fundus images
Authors: Ege Bernhard M. , Hejlesen Ole K. , Larsen Ole V. , Bek Toke 
Published: March 2003

ABSTRACT.Introduction:  The morphological appearance of the ocular fundus is one of the key parameters used in the diagnosis and management of retinal disease. However, optical imperfections in the refractive media result in blurring, low luminance and contrast, and changes in the colour composition of the image which can be seen as an increasing yellowish appearance with age. The introduction of a method for quantifying this age‐related change in colour content may help in diagnosing and grading pathological changes in the eye lens which are secondary to ocular and systemic diseases.Methods: A total of 102 digitized fundus images from 102 healthy subjects (mean age = 50.4 years, range 7.0–94.3 years) were used to build a model for estimating the age of the subject from the colour content of the images. Results: Estimation of age from the fundus images could be done within approximately 16 years. This variation could be reduced considerably by analysis of repeated photographs from the same examination. Conclusion : The colour content of fundus images can be used to estimate the ages of healthy subjects. Furthermore, when the colour content of fundus images deviates from that expected according to subject age, this may indicate causes other than age of increased light absorption in the lens, such as cumulative exposure to hyperglycaemia in diabetic patients. This could potentially be used to identify patients with undiagnosed type 2 diabetes in the general population and help to establish their risk of developing late diabetic complications as the cumulative exposure to hyperglycaemia is unknown at the time of diagnosis of the disease.
Evaluation of accuracy and variability of scoring‐area‐based plaque indices
Authors: Shaloub A. , Addy M. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: Plaque scoring, using a variety of indices and methods, is widely used in clinical dentistry. There is limited information on inter‐ and intra‐examiner variability and almost no data on examiner accuracy.Aims:The aim of this study, was to determine the inter‐ and intra‐examiner variability and accuracy of 15 examiners, of differing plaque‐scoring experience, in recording and judging plaque areas from simulated plaque on tooth charts.Methods: Plaque, shaded red, was drawn onto tooth charts of 8 simulated “patients” and measured by planimetry by 1 investigator. For each tooth for each “patient”, examiners subjectively copied the plaque onto blank charts and scored plaque in 5% increments for the global plaque index. This was repeated on 2 occasions. Drawn plaque areas were determine by the investigator and comparisons made with the actual areas and % scores of plaque.Results: For both plaque recording methods, intra‐examiner variability was low and slighly better than inter‐examiner variability. Reproducing plaque areas showed a high level of accuracy in most examiners, as was judging areas in 5% increments, albeit slightly less accurate than area drawing. Overall examiner experience had little influence on judging plaque areas.Conclusion: The data suggest that area‐based plaque indices can be scored or recorded accurately and with minimal variability within or between examiners. The laboratory model could be used to train and assess examiners.
Anticalculus agents
Authors: Fairbrother K. J. , Heasman P. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractMost dentifrices and some mouthrinses now contain 1 or more active anticalculus agents to achieve so‐called tartar control. The aim of this article is to review the research associated with the development of anticalculus agents and to evaluate in some detail, the efficacy of those agents which are currently available in dentifrice products.
Periodontal treatment of rapid progressive periodontitis in 2 siblings with Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome: 15‐year follow‐up
Authors: De Vree H. , Steenackers K. , De Boever J. A. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAims: This paper reports the treatment of the periodontal component of the Papillon‐Lefèvre syndrome in 2 siblings (case A, born 1974; case B, born 1976).Method: The initial treatment, in 1982, consisted of extraction of all primary teeth, scaling and rootplaning of the erupted permanent teeth and systemic antibiotic therapy. During 15 years, continuous and intensive periodontal treatment consisted of chlorhexidine 0.2% rinses, bi‐weekly professional prophylaxis, scaling and rootplaning or surgery if indicated. Systemic antibiotics often accompanied mechanical therapy after bacteriological analysis.Results: In case A, a favourable number of permanent teeth could be maintained, but in case B, all permanent teeth were lost in spite of the intensive treatment. Darkfield microscopy at different intervals revealed high numbers of spirochetes and motile rods in both siblings. Only in case A were they temporarily reduced to zero after scaling and rootplaning combined with metronidazole. Anaerobic cultering revealed high numbers of Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans (A.a) in both patients. In 1994, 2 years after combined amoxicillin/metronidazole therapy, no A.a could be detected in case A. In case B, A.a could still be detected and was found to be resistant to metronidazole. One year after extraction of all permanent teeth, could no A.a be detected in case B.Conclusion: Intensive periodontal treatment combined with antibiotic therapy was not able to prevent complete tooth loss in case B. In case A, the treatment was more effective, resulting in preserving a number of permanent teeth in a stable clinical situation. In these 2 cases, no attempt was made to create an edentulous period between the periodontally‐diseased mixed dentition and the eruption of the remaining teeth, which may have contributed to treatment failure.
Effect of an essential oil‐containing antiseptic mouthrinse on induction of platelet aggregation by oral bacteria in vitro
Authors: Whitaker E. J. , Pham K. , Feik D. , Rams T. E. , Barnett M. L. , Pan P. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: With an increasing body of data suggesting an association between periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, studies have been conducted to elucidate potential mechanisms by which oral bacteria might exert systemic effects.2 oral bacteria, Streptococcus sanguis and Porphyromonas gingivalis, have been shown to induce platelet aggregation in vitro. This study was conducted to determine the effect of treatment with an essential oil mouthrinse (Listerine® Antiseptic) on the platelet‐aggregating activity of these organisms.Method: Bacteria were grown under standard culture conditions. S. sanguis ATCC strain 10556 was exposed for 3 min to the essential oil mouthrinse at either full strength or a 1:1 dilution, while P. gingivalis FDC strain 381 was exposed to the essential oil mouthrinse at a 1:10 dilution. Positive control cells were treated with Hanks balanced salt solution (HBSS). Aggregation was measured using a recording platelet aggregometer. The assay of each organism in its respective mouthrinse dilution(s) or HBSS was repeated 5 times.Results: In all cases, the HBSS‐treated organisms induced platelet aggregation, with mean(±S.E.) lag times of 12.30 (±1.36) min and 11.36 (±0.58) min for P. gingivalis and S. sanguis, respectively. In contrast, treatment with the essential oil mouthrinse completely inhibited the platelet aggregating activity of P. gingivalis and of S. sanguis exposed to the 1:1 mouthrinse dilution in all assays; the aggregating activity of S. sanguis treated with full‐strength mouthrinse was completely inhibited in 4 of 5 assays, and inhibited by 75% in the 5th, for a mean inhibition of 95±1.5%.Conclusion: This study provides additional evidence that the essential oil mouthrinse can interfere with bacterial cell surface‐associated activities which may have clinical relevance.
Relation of motility of subgingival microflora as a clinical parameter to periodontal disease status in human subjects
Authors: Ojima M. , Tamagawa H. , Nagata H. , Hanioka T. , Shizukuishi S. 
Published: March 2003

Background/aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible relationship between the motility of subgingival microflora and 5 clinical parameters commonly used in dental clinics.Method: The clinical parameters were pocket depth, gingival inflammation, plaque accumulation, bleeding on probing and pus discharge. The motility of human subgingival microflora was estimated as the number of pixels remaining after subtraction of serial video frames using a high speed shutter camera and image analysis system, and was defined as the sum of pixels of 10 successive subtractions per sample over a 10‐s time period.Results: The bacterial motility showed significant positive, moderate or low associations with the five clinical parameters. The highest correlation was observed between the bacterial motility and pocket depth (r=0.36, p=0.0001). Furthermore, clinically defined periodontal healthy and diseased sites were significantly different with respect to the bacterial motility (p<0.0001). To determine whether the bacterial motility was dependent or independent of the other clinical variables, the data were analyzed based on common factor analysis. Three factors were extracted and explained about 75% of the variance of the original 6 clinical parameters. Only the bacterial motility had a positive coefficient for all these three factors. The plot of bacterial motility was placed separately from those of other variables in the scatterplot of the loadings of factor 2 versus factor 1 and factor 2 versus factor 3.Conclusions: This suggests that bacterial motility may be an independent variable among the clinical parameters. Taken together, these data indicate that bacterial motility provides unique information about the clinical periodontal condition and may be a useful tool for the monitoring of subgingival plaque in relation to periodontal disease.
Methodological considerations in the assessment of gingival crevicular fluid volume
Authors: Deinzer Renate , Mossanen Babak Saiidi , Herforth Armin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractIn 4 studies on gingival crevicular fluid volume (GCFV) determination, the reliability of measurements, influences of plaque, circadian rhythms and stability over 24 h were examined. Samples were taken at 2 sites with a modified intracrevicular method. Reliability (n=40): repeated GCFV determinations within 5 min revealed good reliablity coefficients (rtt>0.80). Influences of supragingival plaque (n=80): repeated GCFV determinations within 5 min with plaque removal between measurements in fourty subjects, the other subjects serving as control, revealed no group differences with respect to the differences between measurements. Circadian rhythms (n=20): GCFV was assessed 6× throughout the day. Repeated measures ANOVA revealed no significant time effect. Stability over 24 h under constant clinical conditions (n=20): measures were taken at 16:00 h on 2 consecutive days, several disturbing variables were kept constant. Retest correlations revealed a low stability (i.e., high variablity) of GCFV measures under constant clinical conditions (rtt=0.38 for tooth 11 and rtt=−0.25 for tooth 26). It is concluded that GCFV determination can be done with high reliability, the validity of measurements neither being affected by supragingival plaque nor by diurnal rhythms. The low stability of measurements questions the validity of GCFV for diagnostic purposes.
The rôle of time in reducing gingival overgrowth in heart‐transplanted patients following cyclosporin therapy
Authors: Montebugnoli Lucio , Servidio Dora , Bernardi Federico 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground, aims: In a previous cross‐sectional study, the relevant rôle of time in reducing gingival overgrowth (GO) in heart‐transplanted patients undergoing Cyclosporin A (CsA) therapy was hypothesized to explain the inverse relationship between GO and months since the graft.Methods: In the present study, the relationship between GO and time was investigated prospectively in a group of 21 heart transplanted patients who have been regularly followed up to 48 months.Results: 6 months after beginning CsA therapy (1st appointment), 7 out of 21 patients (33%) had clinical GO as confirmed by a hyperplastic index (HI) >30. There was no significant difference between these values with respect to those detected during the 2nd appointment at 9 months. At this time, all patients underwent a regular oral hygiene program. Gingival and plaque indices significantly decreased at the 3rd appointment (12 months) both in the group of responders and in the group of non‐responders and remained significantly unchanged with time; HI significantly decreased with time only in the group of responders, the decrease becoming significant 36 months after heart transplantation. As a consequence, the number of responders decreased from 7 at the 1st appointment to 5 after 12 months, 4 after 24 months, 2 after 36 months following heart transplantation.Conclusion: The results suggest that GO necessarily develops in responders within 6 months from heart transplantation and in most subjects may be a time‐related side‐effect probably due to a progressive reduction in the sensitivity of the periodontum to CsA.
Associations of periodontal disease with femoral bone mineral density and estrogen replacement therapy: cross‐sectional evaluation of US adults from NHANES III
Authors: Ronderos Mauricio , Jacobs David R. , Himes John H. , Pihlstrom Bruce L. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractThe objectives of this study were to evaluate the possible association of periodontal disease with (1) femoral bone mineral density (BMD), and (2) estrogen replacement therapy in a large sample of US adults (N=11,655). The mean clinical attachment loss (CAL) per person was the main outcome variable. Based on the total BMD of the proximal femur and using the WHO diagnostic criteria, subjects were classified as having osteoporosis, osteopenia, or normal BMD. After adjusting for confounders, females with high calculus scores and low BMD had significantly more CAL than females with normal BMD and similar calculus scores (p<0.0001). No association was observed among women with low and intermediate levels of calculus. The greater CAL present among women with low BMD was associated with gingival recession. Patterns of findings were similar but equivocal among men, of whom only 66 were osteoporotic. After adjustment for possible confounders, postmenopausal women who reported having used estrogen replacement therapy presented significantly less mean CAL than those who never used estrogen. These findings indicate that in the presence of high calculus scores, females with osteoporosis are at increased risk for attachment loss and that this risk may be attenuated by the use of estrogen replacement therapy.
Periodontal pocket clearance by gamma scintigraphy in human volunteers
Authors: Needleman Ian , Mather Stephen J. , Martin Gary P. , Sobnack Ravin 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground: With the interest in the delivery of drugs to the periodontal pocket has come an increased need to determine the loss of formulations from the site of application. In this respect, gamma scintigraphy has been used to measure formulation clearance in mucosal sites such as the oesophagus, nose and eyes by assessing the persistence of an incorporated radiolabel. However, the technique has not been used to follow clearance from the periodontal pocket.Aims: The aim of this study was therefore to assess the potential of gamma scintigraphy to follow the loss of 2 contrasting formulations. 10% chitosan gel and normal saline.Method: Technitium‐99m was used as the radionuclide and was incorporated into the formulations on the day of use. 9 subjects contributed up to 2 pockets for each formulation with probing depths 5 mm.Results: The results demonstrated that gamma scintigraphy was able to follow the loss of the radiolabel despite the small volumes of formulation placed in situ. The mean (SD) times (min) for the original counts to decline to 10%, 50% and 90% of the original values were: T10: chitosan 74.5 (59.0), saline 40.3 (21.1), T50: chitosan 41.5 (34.1) saline 20.8 (11.7) and T90: chitosan 8.5 (10.8), saline 1.4 (3.7) respectively. Clearance times of the 2 formulations were significantly different from each other (p<0.05).Conclusion: In conclusion, gamma scintigraphy is a sensitive method for assessing clearance from the periodontal pocket, and further studies are merited to optimise the use of the technique.
Smoking and subgingival microflora in periodontal disease
Authors: Boström Lennart , Bergström Jan , Dahlén Gunnar , Linder Lars E. 
Published: March 2003

AbstractAim: The present investigation was undertaken to analyze the influence of smoking on the periodontal disease associated subgingival microflora. The population included 33 smokers and 31 non‐smokers in the age range 36–86 years.Methods: Microbial samples were obtained from 4 sites per patient. The checkerboard DNA‐DNA hybridization technology was used for detection of the bacterial species P. gingivalis, P. intermedia, P. nigrescens, B. forsythus, A. actinomycetemcomitans, F. nucleatum, T. denticola, P. micros, C. rectus, E. corrodens, S. noxia and S. intermedius.Results: Using score 1 as cutoff, contrasting colonized versus non‐colonized patients, 8 out of 12 species were detected in 90% of both smokers and non‐smokers. Using score 4 as cutoff, contrasting heavily colonized patients versus non‐colonized and less heavily colonized patients, the detection rates decreased in both smokers and non‐smokers. No significant differences in detection rates were observed between smokers and non‐smokers. Logistic regression analysis indicated that neither smoking, probing depth nor gingival bleeding influenced the occurrence of the species analyzed. The lack of a smoking exposure dose‐response further supported the indication of a limited influence of smoking.Conclusion: Smoking exerts little, if any, influence on the subgingival occurrence of several of the bacteria most commonly associated with periodontal disease.
PCR detection of 5 putative periodontal pathogens in dental plaque samples from children 2 to 12 years of age
Authors: Okada Mitsugi , Hayashi Fumiko , Nagasaka Nobuo 
Published: March 2003

AbstractBackground, aims: The purpose of this study was to detect the presence of Prevotella intermedia, P. nigrescens, Bacteroides forsythus, Treponema denticola, and Campylobacter rectus in plaque samples from 119 children, collected from their toothbrushes using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR).Method: The subjects were 24, 83, and 12 children with healthy gingiva, gingivitis, and periodontitis, respectively, ranging in age from 2–12 years old. Plaque samples were collected from all erupted teeth sites using a sterile toothbrush. The mean concentration of DNA recovered from the plaque samples was approximately 640 μg/ml, which was deemed sufficient for performing a PCR‐based survey.Results: The prevalence by PCR in healthy, gingivitis, and periodontitis subjects was 0.0%, 6.0% and 25.0% for P. intermedia, 45.8%, 79.5% and 50.0% for P. nigrescens, 33.3%, 63.9% and 58.3% for B. forsythus, 0.0%, 18.1% and 16.7% for T. denticola, and 100% in duplicate for C. rectus, respectively.Conclusion: Our survey indicated that P. intermedia and T. denticola were more associated with periodontal diseases, B. forsythus and P. nigrescens had a moderate prevalence in all clinical groups, while C. rectus were the most commonly detected species in the oral cavities of children suggesting establishment in their early years.