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P W Smith

Publications and source records attributed to P W Smith.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

The microbiological origin of fluorescence observed in plaque on dentures during QLF analysis.

The aim of this study was to determine the microbiological origin of plaque fluorescence observed during quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) analysis. Plaque was sampled from dentures, because of easy accessibility and the homogeneous background provided by the denture tooth during imaging, and the acknowledged comparability to occlusal plaque. Forty removable poly(methyl methacrylate) dentures were screened for the presence of fluorescent plaque deposits during QLF analysis. Dentures were photographed, QLF images were recorded and samples of fluorescent plaque were taken. Plaque samples were cultured on fastidious anaerobe agar, Wilkins Chalgren agar and Sabourauds dextrose agar. Plates were screened under QLF and fluorescent colonies were subcultured and identified. Areas of red, orange and green fluorescence were detected on the fitting and non-fitting surfaces of dentures. The red and orange fluorescing species were Prevotella melaninogenica, Actinomyces israelii and Candida albicans, which are generally acknowledged to be secondary colonisers, present in more mature plaque. Green fluorescence was observed in streptococcal species (early colonisers) and Fusobacterium nucleatum (important organism in plaque development). Non-fluorescent colonies were also cultured. Plaque which accumulates on susceptible surfaces tends to be associated with caries, but it may be its maturity, rather than the presence of cariogenic streptococci, that is more likely to provide a microbiological link between red fluorescence and caries.

Bacteria, Anaerobic↗
PubMed2005

Development of an in situ root caries model B. In situ investigations.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this pilot study were to assess the suitability of an in situ model for root caries studies, and to investigate the effect of sub-surface lesion mineral content and ultrastructural organisation on remineralisation. METHODS: Subjects were selected by criteria generally used for coronal caries models. Plaque pH responses and salivary flow rates were determined by standard methods. The chosen substrate was human dentine with artificially induced caries-like demineralisation and sterilised by gamma-irradiation (4100 Gy). Two levels of baseline demineralisation were induced by exposure to an acid buffer for 2 or 5 days. Mineral content was measured by computer-controlled quantitative microradiography. RESULTS: Remineralisation in situ was greater in smaller lesions with lower surface mineral content than in larger lesions in which the surface mineral content was high. CONCLUSIONS: The model is suitable for further development for investigating dentinal caries. More work is needed to validate the model by means of a fluoride dose-response study.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

Development of an in situ root caries model. A. In vitro investigations.

OBJECTIVES: The paper describes preliminary in vitro investigations, the objectives of which were to examine the influence of certain experimental parameters on artificial carious lesion formation in root hard tissues, and their remineralisation. These experiments formed part of a wider study that aimed to develop an in situ model of root caries, based on the existing coronal caries model used in Liverpool. The present studies examined the effects (a) of the anatomical origin of the dentine, the presence or absence of cementum, the exposure time and the type of demineralising system, on lesion development, and (b) of baseline lesion size on the extent and location of mineral re-precipitation. METHODS: Mineral content parameters in plano-parallel sections taken from dentine lesions were determined by computer-controlled transverse microradiography. RESULTS: The importance of the anatomical origin of the dentine on lesion formation was investigated by comparing in vitro lesion formation in premolar and molar dentine, and in dentine from apical, middle and coronal thirds of the root: no difference was observed between these sites. Lesions formed more rapidly in acid buffer solutions than in acid gel systems, and were more reliably produced when cementum was removed. The effect of baseline lesion size on subsequent in vitro remineralisation demonstrated that a small baseline mineral content was associated with a larger percentage mineral gain. The location of mineral deposition throughout the lesion was also influenced by baseline mineral content parameters. CONCLUSIONS: The results form a basis for the further development of an in situ dentinal caries model, providing data to suggest that manipulation of parameters involved in the preparation of artificial carious lesions has a significant effect on the behaviour of the lesion, particularly the phenomenon of remineralisation. Further work is needed to investigate the behaviour of the model in situ.

Bicuspid↗
PubMed2004

The use of in situ models and QLF for the study of coronal caries.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of the paper is to review aspects of the systems available to model the caries process in enamel. METHODS: The in situ model developed in Liverpool, and the new method of quantifying mineral loss, Quantitative Light-induced Fluorescence (QLF), are described. QLF is a powerful new diagnostic tool which can be used to measure demineralisation and remineralisation in tooth surfaces in vivo; studies to optimise, validate and use QLF in different clinical situations are described. RESULTS: Examples of the use of in situ models show that they are particularly valuable for monitoring de and remineralisation of artificial lesions in relation to product testing as alternatives to clinical trials, and present significant advances over in vitro methods. Quantification of mineral loss by Transverse Microradiography (TMR) as in the traditional Liverpool model has produced much valuable information, but the destructive nature of the method limits experimental design, and removes the system from the clinical situation. As a possible alternative, QLF has been validated and optimised. Longitudinal measures can be made on the same surface, and examples of its use are for monitoring recurrent caries and demineralisation around orthodontic brackets. CONCLUSIONS: While current in situ models provide a major advance over earlier caries models, measurement of de and remineralisation by destructive methods such as transverse microradiography limits the design of experimental investigations. QLF offers significant time saving, reduces the cost of clinical studies, and because the measurements can be carried out longitudinally in vivo, can remove the need for intra-oral appliances carrying experimental tissues.

Dental Caries↗
PubMed2004

Quantification of dental plaque in the research environment.

OBJECTIVES: To review the established and novel methods of plaque quantification employed in dental research, including a discussion of their merits and to present a new method of planimetrically measuring plaque using light induced fluorescence. METHOD: Quantitative light-fluorescence (QLF) images were acquired from the buccal surfaces of an individual who had refrained from oral hygiene both with and without traditional plaque disclosure. Digital photographs were also taken. Images were analysed using a novel method and a percentage plaque index produced. RESULTS: Traditional plaque indices are problematic due to their integral nature and their failure to detect small, but potentially clinically relevant changes in plaque area. The use of a fluorescent technique demonstrated good reliability although there was no correlation between red fluorescent plaque and total disclosed plaque suggesting that the auto-fluorescing plaque is not a good measure of total plaque volume. CONCLUSIONS: The use of planimetric techniques can increase the power of plaque studies, potentially reducing the number of subjects and time required to separate therapies or products. Fluorescent methods of quantification have potential as they enable clear separation of the plaque covered and non-covered tooth surfaces.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

The quality of dental casts used in crown and bridgework.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the quality of dental casts used in crown and bridge construction. DESIGN: Observational cross-sectional study of dental casts. SETTING: Commercial dental laboratories and a university dental hospital laboratory in the UK. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A sample (n = 150) of working and opposing casts used for crown and bridgework prescribed by general dental practices and a dental hospital were sampled from two commercial dental laboratories and an 'on-site' university dental hospital laboratory respectively. A simple '3 point' assessment scale of quality (good, fair and poor) was used to categorise the casts depending on the clarity of reproduction of soft and hard tissues. RESULTS: The quality of opposing casts used for articulation purposes was significantly better (P<0.001) than that of the working casts. In addition it was found that for working casts the quality in the preparation area(s) was significantly better (p<0.001) than that in areas remote from preparation(s) in the same arch. In general, the quality of casts in the incisal or occlusal surfaces was better than the buccal and lingual surfaces. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that variation exists in the quality of casts used in crown and bridgework, specifically those used in the construction of indirect restorations and also those used for articulation purposes. This study highlights the need for clinicians to exercise continued vigilance with crown and bridge impressions, and casts, particularly in areas away from the prepared teeth.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2004

What do patients expect from complete dentures?

OBJECTIVES: An investigation was undertaken with the aim of determining whether patients wearing complete dentures in dental hospital (DH) and dental practice (DP) had different expectations from their dentures, together with their requirements for information about denture construction and oral and denture care. METHODS: A total of 214 edentulous patients, with a mean age of 69 years, from DP (125) and DH (89) participated in the questionnaire-based study. A valid questionnaire (P-DEQ) was constructed which demonstrated good test-retest reliability (Cronbach's alpha 0.86). The P-DEQ sought to determine how patients responded to a series of questions related to what dentists are urged to achieve with complete dentures. The questions covered not only what might be termed "normative" expectations but also patients' perceived needs for further information about the stages of prosthodontic treatment and oral or denture care. RESULTS: Significant differences (p< or =0.001) emerged between the two groups; 82% of the DH group thought it essential that their dentures caused no pain compared with 59% of the DP group; for "absence of slackness" (DH 87%; DP 65%), and "good bite" (DH 82%; DP 55%). No significant differences emerged for the other parameters investigated, but both groups had high expectations for ease of chewing, speech, and good appearance. Differences (p<0.05) between the groups also emerged with respect to the demand for more information regarding the stages involved in denture construction (DH 57%, DP 76%) and how to care for dentures (DH 75%, DP 89%). Large proportions of patients from both groups would prefer to have more information about the selection of teeth (71% DH, 72% DP), and how to care for their mouths (84% DH, 86% DP), but there were no differences between the groups in these parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Most patient expectations appear to equate with the normative view expressed in standard prosthodontic texts. However, expectations may differ not only between individuals but also between patient groups managed in teaching hospital and DP settings. Edentulous patients also need information regarding the stages involved in denture construction and how to care for their mouths and dentures. This may have implications for the management of edentulous patients in DP and dental hospital.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

Detection of in vitro demineralization adjacent to restorations using quantitative light induced fluorescence (QLF).

AIM: Quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) is a technique for the detection, quantification, and longitudinal monitoring of early carious lesions. The technique is non-destructive and can be used in vivo. Using the natural fluorescence of teeth, and the loss of such fluorescence in demineralized enamel, QLF is a repeatable and valid optical caries monitor. Previously used in smooth and occlusal surfaces, the purpose of this pilot study was to determine if QLF could detect, and longitudinally monitor, demineralization adjacent to a range of restorative materials. METHODS: Fifteen previously extracted lower third molars were selected based upon the lack of any visible demineralization. A single burr hole was placed on the buccal surface and the cavity restored with amalgam, composite, compomer, glass ionomer or a temporary filling material. The buccal surface was then coated in an acid resistant nail varnish leaving an exposed area around the restoration and also a similar sized control region. The teeth had QLF images taken at baseline and were then subjected to a demineralizing buffer, further QLF images were subsequently taken at 72 and 144 h. Transverse microradiography was used to confirm the presence of early, subsurface lesions at the completion of the cycle (144 h). QLF images were analyzed by a single blinded examiner and values for change in radiance fluorescence were computed. These values were recorded as loss of radiance fluorescence loss integrated over area of lesion and expressed as DeltaQ. RESULTS: The appearance of each material under QLF and the change in fluorescence is described. Amalgam, glass ionomer and the temporary material all exhibited reduced fluorescence, while composite and compomer showed increased fluorescence, when compared with surrounding enamel. There was no change in fluorescence of the materials when subjected to experimental demineralizing conditions. Readings at 72 and 144 h demonstrated demineralization adjacent to the restorations and at the exposed control. Significant differences were detected between baseline, 72 and 144 h using ANOVA on all restorations with the exception of compomer where significance was noted between baseline and 144 h, p>0.05. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study has demonstrated the ability for QLF to detect and monitor secondary caries. Analysis techniques should be based upon the subtraction of baseline DeltaQ scores from subsequent images. Further research is required to assess the ability of QLF to detect secondary lesions in vivo.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2002

The intra- and inter-examiner reliability of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF) analyses.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of the analysis stage of quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF). The QLF analysis involves subjective input from the user and this study examines the influence of this on the reproducibility of the QLF data. METHOD: QLF images were taken of 20 human molar teeth that had been previously subjected to a demineralizing solution (phosphoric acid 37%) to create artificial white spot lesions on their buccal surfaces. Following examination of the images, 16 were chosen to represent a range of lesion size and severity. Three copies were made of the images and each was allocated a different filename. 10 examiners in three centres were asked to analyse each of the 16 images on three occasions, with at least seven days between each attempt. Simple instructions describing the analysis procedure were supplied and examiners were asked to adhere to these directions. Examiners were asked to rate each of the 16 teeth on their first attempt both quantitatively (5 point scale) and qualitatively in terms of difficulty of analysis. Data reported were the delta Q at 5% threshold for each tooth on each of three attempts. RESULTS: Using ANOVA and paired t-tests to detect statistical differences, the three attempts of each examiner were used to determine intra-examiner reliability. Only one examiner (a novice at the technique) demonstrated differences between all three attempts and two demonstrated difference between one attempt. When the mean scores were compared to determine the inter-examiner reliability, only one examiner's results were statistically different when compared with two others. CONCLUSION: This study has demonstrated that the analysis stage of QLF is reliable between examiners and within multiple attempts by the same examiner, when analysing in vitro lesions. Novices at the technique should be trained before analysing experimental data.

Analysis of Variance↗
PubMed2001

Good occlusal practice in simple restorative dentistry.

Many theories and philosophies of occlusion have been developed. 1-12 The difficulty in scientifically validating the various approaches to providing an occlusion is that an 'occlusion' can only be judged against the reaction it may or may not produce in a tissue system (eg dental, alveolar, periodontal or articulatory). Because of this, the various theories and philosophies are essentially untested and so lack the scientific validity necessary to make them 'rules'. Often authors will present their own firmly held opinions as 'rules'. This does not mean that these approaches are to be ignored; they are, after all, the distillation of the clinical experience of many different operators over many years. But they are empirical. In developing these guidelines the authors have unashamedly drawn on this body of perceived wisdom, but we would also like to involve and challenge the reader by asking basic questions, and by applying a common sense approach to a subject that can be submerged under a sea of dictate and dogma.

Dental Occlusion↗
PubMed2000

Microbiologic survey of long-term care facilities.

BACKGROUND: We undertook a microbiologic survey of long-term care facilities to categorize bacteria found in cultures of residents. Culture and sensitivity data were collected on 566 samples from indwelling bladder catheters, percutaneous gastrostomy tubes, nares, stool, wounds, pressure ulcers, and tracheostomies in 25 Nebraska and Iowa facilities. Information was also collected on resident factors (eg, presence of indwelling urinary catheter, prior antibiotic administration) and institutional variables (eg, number of beds, nosocomial infection rates). RESULTS: There were 478 gram-negative isolates, the leading organisms being Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. There were 221 gram-positive isolates, the most frequently seen of which were enterococci and Staphylococcus aureus. Of the 442 residents sampled in the study, 168 (38%) were taking, or had within the previous month been taking, a systemic antibiotic. Quinolones were the most frequently prescribed antibiotic class. The institutional prevalence of urinary catheterization averaged 6.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Significant antibiotic pressure exists in long-term care facilities, a fact that is reflected in antibiotic resistance patterns. A variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria were found in nursing home culture specimens.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Antimicrobial use in long-term-care facilities. SHEA Long-Term-Care Committee.

There is intense antimicrobial use in long-term-care facilities (LTCFs), and studies repeatedly document that much of this use is inappropriate. The current crisis in antimicrobial resistance, which encompasses the LTCF, heightens concerns of antimicrobial use. Attempts to improve antimicrobial use in the LTCF are complicated by characteristics of the patient population, limited availability of diagnostic tests, and the virtual absence of relevant clinical trials. This position paper recommends approaches to management of common infections in LTCF patients and proposes minimal standards for an antimicrobial review program. In developing these recommendations, the position paper acknowledges the unique aspects of provision of care in the LTCF.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Refining the mouse chromosomal location of Cdm, the major gene associated with susceptibility to cadmium-induced testicular necrosis.

Cadmium (Cd++) is a widespread environmental pollutant and classifed as an IARC 'Category I' human carcinogen. Cd++ can also cause severe renal toxicity and may be involved clinically in cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis. Genetic differences in sensitivity to cadmium toxicity have been noted in humans, whereas, among inbred mouse strains, unequivocal genetic data exist. Resistance to cadmium-induced testicular damage was reported in 1973 to be associated with a single major recessive gene, named Cdm, which has now been localized to mouse chromosome (Chr) 3. Using polymorphic microsatellite markers and semiquantitative histological parameters, we have corroborated the original 1973 data concerning mendelian inheritance and have further refined the region containing the Cdm gene from more than 24 cM to 0.64 cM (estimated 40-80 genes). We phenotyped 26 recombinant inbred lines generated from C57BL/6J (B6, resistant) and DBA/2J (D2, sensitive) inbred mice, and determined that the Cdm gene maps between microsatellite markers D3Mit110 and D3Mit255. Although toxicity to numerous heavy metals is well known, virtually no molecular mechanisms have yet been uncovered either in humans or laboratory animals. Identification and characterization of the mouse Cdm gene should enhance our understanding of heavy metal toxicity by identifying and characterizing, for the first time, a major mammalian gene responsible for susceptibility to diseases caused by heavy metal toxicity.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Association models for a multivariate binary response.

Models for a multivariate binary response are parameterized by univariate marginal probabilities and dependence ratios of all orders. The w-order dependence ratio is the joint success probability of w binary responses divided by the joint success probability assuming independence. This parameterization supports likelihood-based inference for both regression parameters, relating marginal probabilities to explanatory variables, and association model parameters, relating dependence ratios to simple and meaningful mechanisms. Five types of association models are proposed, where responses are (1) independent given a necessary factor for the possibility of a success, (2) independent given a latent binary factor, (3) independent given a latent beta distributed variable, (4) follow a Markov chain, and (5) follow one of two first-order Markov chains depending on the realization of a binary latent factor. These models are illustrated by reanalyzing three data sets, foremost a set of binary time series on auranofin therapy against arthritis. Likelihood-based approaches are contrasted with approaches based on generalized estimating equations. Association models specified by dependence ratios are contrasted with other models for a multivariate binary response that are specified by odds ratios or correlation coefficients.

Antirheumatic Agents↗
PubMed2000

A cost analysis of encapsulated spray-dried milk fat.

Anhydrous butter oil or cream was encapsulated in all-purpose flour, modified cornstarch, or sucrose and then spray-dried. We estimated the processing cost for a plant designed to produce 57,000 kg/d (125,000 lbs/ d) of encapsulated milk fat powder. Powder with a 50% milk fat content could be produced for about $0.23/kg plus the cost of the butter oil or cream, the encapsulant selected, and the other ingredients. Spray-drying of milk fat improved ease of handling and reduced storage costs.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Case report: restorative maintenance of prostheses stabilised by non-endosseous implants.

For over a century, dentists have looked to dental implants to enhance the stability of dental prostheses. During this time, many approaches and different materials have been used. The purpose of this article is to report on two cases where non-endosseous implant systems were used and to outline how the replacement prostheses were customiZed to comply with the different implant types. Intramucosal inserts and sub-periosteal implants are briefly reviewed in the context of current prosthodontic practise. There are still a small number of patients with clinically acceptable intramucosal and subperiosteal implant retained prostheses, which will continue to need servicing and replacement.

Aged↗