Areca nut extracts modulated expression of alkaline phosphatase and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand in osteoblasts.

Objectives: Areca chewers have a higher prevalence of periodontal diseases than non-chewers. This study was to determine the possible effects of ripe areca nut extracts (rANE) on viability and gene expression of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in human osteoblasts.

Methods: The effects of rANE on cell viability of osteoblast-like MG63 cells were determined using 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) that measures metabolic activity.

Workforce and planning issues for the profession of periodontics in Australia and New Zealand.

The speciality of periodontics in Australia and New Zealand has seen steady growth since 1986, when the Australian and New Zealand Academy of Periodontics (ANZAP) was formed. Very few members of ANZAP have retired in the 16 years since its formation. However, the results of a survey of members revealed that one-third of members plan to retire within the next 10 years, and over 50% of members will have retired within 15 years.

Scaling and root-planing treatment with adjunctive subgingival minocycline. A clinical pilot study over six months, of sites adjacent to and remote from the antibiotic application.

Aim: A clinical trial was performed to determine if a single dose of subgingival minocycline has (i) a clinical spillover effect at adjacent and remote sites and (ii) an adjunctive effect to scaling and root-planing.

Materials And Methods: Each of the 15 adult subjects included in the study had to present with at least two pairs of adjacent 6-9 mm pockets each pair located on adjacent teeth in an interproximal space, on opposite sides of the mouth. Each study site was required to have at least 3 mm loss of attachment.