An Ecoregion-Based Approach to Protecting Half the Terrestrial Realm.

We assess progress toward the protection of 50% of the terrestrial biosphere to address the species-extinction crisis and conserve a global ecological heritage for future generations. Using a map of Earth's 846 terrestrial ecoregions, we show that 98 ecoregions (12%) exceed Half Protected; 313 ecoregions (37%) fall short of Half Protected but have sufficient unaltered habitat remaining to reach the target; and 207 ecoregions (24%) are in peril, where an average of only 4% of natural habitat remains. We propose a Global Deal for Nature-a companion to the Paris Climate Deal-to promote increased habitat protection and restoration, national- and ecoregion-scale conservation strategies, and the empowerment of indigenous peoples to protect their sovereign lands.

Periodontal health of children with type 1 diabetes mellitus in Kuwait: a case-control study.

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate periodontal health in children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Subjects And Methods: Periodontal health was clinically examined and compared in 95 children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes and 61 healthy control subjects (4-14 years old). Plaque index, gingival index, clinical attachment loss and bleeding on probing were assessed on the 6 Ramfjord index teeth.

Diabetes mellitus and periodontal health: dentists' knowledge.

Objectives: There is a strong body of evidence to support the relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus. Unless dental practitioners are aware of this link, they cannot apply the information to their daily practice. The aim of the study was, therefore, to evaluate the knowledge of dental practitioners concerning the effect of diabetes on periodontal health.

Knowledge about the association between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus: contrasting dentists and physicians.

Background: There is a strong body of evidence that supports the relationship between periodontal diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM). Many patients are unaware of the effects of diabetes on oral health. Whether health care providers are applying the information about the link between DM and periodontal diseases in their practices depends on the levels of their knowledge of such valuable information.

Barriers to seeking preventive dental care by Kuwaiti adults.

Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of preventive dental visits and to identify self-reported barriers for this practice among Kuwaiti adults.

Materials And Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to a random sample of Kuwaiti nationals 18 years of age or older recruited from all six health districts of Kuwait. A total of 2,400 questionnaires were distributed.

Assessment of pain associated with the surgical placement of dental implants.

Background: Despite increasing popularity and established predictability, limited information is available on the pain experience associated with the surgical placement of dental implants. The aim of this study was to assess patient-reported pain during and after implant insertion and to evaluate factors associated with this pain.

Methods: This was a prospective, two-center study of adult patients scheduled for the surgical placement of one or more implants.

Self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of Kuwaiti adults.

Objective: The aims of this study were to examine self-reported oral hygiene habits and oral health problems of a sample of adult Kuwaitis.

Materials And Methods: A self-administered, anonymous, structured questionnaire was distributed to 2,400 adult Kuwaiti nationals from all 6 governates of Kuwait assessing socio-demographic variables, oral hygiene habits, and oral health problems.

Results: Of the 2,400 questionnaires, 1,925 (80.

Reasons for tooth extraction in Kuwait.

Objectives: To investigate reasons for tooth extraction and its association with age and gender in Kuwait.

Subjects And Methods: A record of all tooth extractions performed in 21 general dental practice centers during a 1-month period was logged on specially designed study forms. The patient's age and gender, number of teeth extracted, and the reason(s) for the extraction were recorded.

Association of periodontal disease severity with diabetes duration and diabetic complications in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Objectives: The association between periodontal disease severity and diabetes complications and duration in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) was investigated in this comparative cross-sectional study.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-nine patients with type 1 DM of < or = 5 years duration were compared with 43 patients with > 5 years duration of DM. Complete medical history and examination and assessments of retinopathy, neuropathy, and nephropathy were performed, followed by assessments of the plaque index (PI), pocket depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), and the number of missing teeth by one examiner masked to the diabetic status of the patients.

Implant recommendation as a replacement option after tooth loss for periodontal reasons.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners to patients who had extractions as a result of periodontal disease and factors that influenced their decisions.

Materials And Methods: Dentists in each of 20 general dental practice centers in Kuwait were asked to document replacement options given to patients after all tooth extractions performed for periodontal reasons within a 30-day period. The association of demographic and medical/dental history variables with the decision to recommend an implant was statistically tested.

Factors associated with self-reported halitosis in Kuwaiti patients.

Objectives: Oral malodor is a common complaint of dental patients, yet limited data is available on the actual prevalence of this condition. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with self-reported halitosis in Kuwaiti patients.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of Kuwaiti adults using a 19-point self-administered structured questionnaire on self-perception of halitosis.

Risk indicators for tooth loss due to periodontal disease.

Background: Several risk indicators for periodontal disease severity have been identified. The association of these factors with tooth loss for periodontal reasons was investigated in this cross-sectional comparative study.

Methods: All extractions performed in 21 general dental practice clinics (25% of such clinics in Kuwait) over a 30-day period were recorded.

Dental patient awareness of smoking effects on oral health: Comparison of smokers and non-smokers.

Objectives: The negative effects of cigarette smoking on oral health are well established, yet few studies assessed patient awareness of such effects. The aim of this study was to examine differences in dental patient knowledge and awareness of the effects of smoking on oral health between smokers and non-smokers.

Methods: Adult patients from 12 dental centers in Kuwait were asked to complete a 14-point self-administered structured questionnaire on the effects of smoking on oral health in this cross-sectional survey.

Factors associated with implant recommendation for single-tooth replacement.

The use of dental implants for single-tooth replacement has been established as a predictable treatment option; yet, limited data are available as to how frequently this option is recommended to patients. The aim of the present study was to examine the frequency of implant recommendation by general dental practitioners after single-tooth extraction and factors influencing their decision to recommend an implant. All single-tooth extractions performed in 26 general dental practice clinics in Kuwait over a 30-day period were examined.

Creation of interimplant papillae through a split-finger technique.

Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study is to propose a technique, the split-finger approach, to preserve/promote papillae formation.

Materials And Methods: Twenty-one patients with 39 implants consecutively placed in the maxillary anterior region were evaluated at 6 months to 1 year after prosthodontic restoration. The implants evaluated included 16 single-tooth implants, 1 2-unit implant prosthesis, 2 4-unit tooth implants, 1 6-unit prostheses, and 1 7-unit restoration.

Dental implant design and its relationship to long-term implant success.

The purpose of this review is to evaluate the effects of the biomechanical aspects of dental implant design on the quality and strength of osseointegration, the bone-implant interface, and their relationships to the long-term success of dental implants. The engineering design of implants is based on many interrelated factors, including the geometry of the implant, mechanical properties, and the initial and long-term stability of the implant-tissue interface. There is no one "optimal" design criterion.

Effects of specific nutrients on periodontal disease onset, progression and treatment.

Objectives: The aim of this paper is to review the available literature pertaining to the effects of specific nutritional elements (e.g. vitamin B-complex, vitamin C and dietary calcium) on general wound healing, periodontal disease status and response to periodontal therapy.

Guided tissue regeneration-based root coverage utilizing collagen membranes: technique and case reports.

Gingival recession defects have traditionally been treated with various grafting procedures. Recently, guided tissue regeneration with collagen membranes has shown promising results. This article reviews the rationale, indications, contraindications, and clinical methods for the use of bioabsorbable collagen membrane barriers.

Treatment of periodontal disease in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. A case report and literature review.

Background: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) designates a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders characterized by skin elasticity, tissue fragility, and chronic joint pain. Dental findings have been reported with some types of EDS. This case report describes the periodontal findings in a patient with a previously undiagnosed EDS type VIII.