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Biomedical subjects

T F Walsh

Publications and source records attributed to T F Walsh.

48 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1989

Inter- and intra-examiner variability using standard and constant force periodontal probes.

Current methods of measuring periodontal probing depths at specified sites by clinical means are subject to wide variation both within and between examiners. This paper reports an investigation into the influence of a constant-force periodontal probe on intra- and inter-examiner variability when measuring probing depths. 30 sites in 10 patients with untreated chronic adult type periodontitis were examined by 2 operators, firstly using a standard periodontal pocket probe then with a constant force probe. Neither examiner was aware of the others readings and were thus blind in relation to one another. Comparison of the recordings of the 2 operators using the standard probes showed significant differences between the operators (p less than 0.01) but this difference became insignificant when the constant force probe was used. One operator had a significant variation between his standard and constant force measurements (p less than 0.01), but the other did not. Overall there was a maximum variation of +/- 1 mm in 79.9% of recordings using the standard probe and this agreement was increased to 100% with the use of the constant pressure probe.

Adult↗
PubMed1988

Dark-field microscopy of subgingival plaque microflora in Indian and English subjects.

This present investigation reports on the microbial pattern of subgingival plaque from English and Indian subjects living in the West Midlands of England. Subgingival plaque from healthy and diseased sites was studied using darkfield microscopy. The results indicate that significant differences exist in microbial flora of clinically normal and diseased sites of English as well as Indian subjects. Coccoid cells predominated in healthy sites, with an increase of 21% in the spirochaetes in diseased sites. The ratio of non-motiles to motiles was 1:0.6 in healthy sites, whereas in diseased sites the ratio observed was 1:1.8 in English subjects and 1:3.6 in Indian subjects. Comparison of healthy sites in Indians with healthy sites in English subjects revealed significant differences between numbers of rods (p less than 0.05). Comparing diseased sites of Indians with diseased sites in English subjects revealed significant difference between both cocci (p less than 0.05) and motile rods (p less than 0.01). A positive correlation between chronic inflammatory periodontal disease and spirochaete burden, and a negative one between the disease and coccal burden, was found.

Adult↗
PubMed1987

Evaluation of replica techniques for the surface ultrastructure of rodent and human palatal mucosa.

Two replicating techniques currently used for scanning electron microscopy were investigated qualitatively and quantitatively. The most accurate and reliable replicating material was an epoxy resin; this was superior to copper plating as the model material, despite some dimensional inaccuracies. The selected method was then used to obtain accurate elastomeric replicas of rodent and human palatal mucosa. Salivary-duct openings, epithelial cell boundaries, desquamating cells and cell-surface micropits were identified. In some areas, coccal organisms could be seen colonizing the epithelial surface.

Adult↗
PubMed1984

Changes in salivary peroxidase activity observed during experimentally-induced gingivitis.

Gingivitis was experimentally induced in 8 human subjects using an acrylic overlay to cover the teeth in the experimental area during any oral hygiene procedures. The overlays were used for a period of 3 weeks, after which the subjects received a scale and polish and then practised normal oral hygiene. At regular intervals during the experimental period, mixed saliva was collected for assay of peroxidase activity by spectrophotometric and test-strip procedures and plaque and gingival indices were assessed clinically. A considerable increase in peroxidase activity was observed during the experimental period, which declined after normal hygiene was resumed. This procedure may allow assessment of the progression of gingivitis under experimental conditions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1984

Relative effectiveness of a rotary and conventional toothbrush in plaque removal.

The ability of a powered rotary toothbrush to remove 3- and 4-day-old microbial plaque deposits was evaluated in 10 young adults with healthy gingivae. Using a split mouth technique and a cross-over experimental design, the powered brush was compared with a conventional hand brush over a 14-day period. Statistical analysis of the results showed no significant differences between either method of brushing when the whole mouth, maxillary or mandibular arches were compared. Further analysis of the proximal scores again showed no significant differences between the powered brush or handbrush. The majority of the subjects preferred the conventional handbrush to the powered brush.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

A comparison of postsurgical healing following debridement by ultrasonic or hand instruments.

Subjects for the study were 15 patients requiring periodontal surgery in the maxillary posterior quadrants. A split mouth technique with assignment of quadrants by random alternation was used. Assessments were carried out at given time intervals using the Gingival Index, crevicular fluid measurement, Plaque Index and Retention Index. Pain experience following surgery was also noted. Approximately 8 weeks after the initial assessment, periodontal flap surgery was carried out. On the one side debridement was carried out using an ultrasonic scaler, on the other side, hand instrumentation only was used. On the side receiving ultrasonic debridement during surgery, there was an increased rate of healing as measured by the Gingival Index and crevicular fluid. There was no difference in postoperative pain experience, Plaque Index or Retention Index.

Adult↗