Antibody response to actinomyces antigen and dental caries experience: implications for caries susceptibility.

Fluoridated dentifrices reduce dental caries in subjects who perform effective oral hygiene. Actinomyces naeslundii increases in teeth-adherent microbial biofilms (plaques) in these subjects, and a well-characterized serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibody response (Actinomyces antibody [A-Ab]) is also increased. Other studies suggest that a serum IgG antibody response to streptococcal d-alanyl poly(glycerophosphate) (S-Ab) may indicate caries experience associated strongly with gingival health and exposure to fluoridated water.

Risk factors for injury in high school football players.

Background: Many studies have reported the frequency and types of injuries in high school football players. However, few have assessed the relationship between player characteristics and risk of injury.

Purpose: To describe the epidemiologic characteristics of and risk factors for injury in high school football players and to determine whether players' characteristics could be used to predict subsequent injury.

Risk factors for injury in middle school football players.

Background: Little is known about the frequency of or risk factors for injuries in middle school or junior high school football players.

Purpose: To examine the associations of player characteristics (injury history, conditioning, player position, special equipment) and physical parameters (body mass index, weight, height, grip strength) with risk of injury.

Study Design: Prospective cohort study.

Elevated antibody to D-alanyl lipoteichoic acid indicates caries experience associated with fluoride and gingival health.

: BACKGROUND: Acidogenic, acid-tolerant bacteria induce dental caries and require D-alanyl glycerol lipoteichoic acid (D-alanyl LTA) on their cell surface. Because fluoride inhibits acid-mediated enamel demineralization, an elevated antibody response to D-alanyl LTA may indicate subjects with more acidogenic bacteria and, therefore, an association of DMFT with fluoride exposure and gingival health not apparent in low responders. METHODS: Cluster analysis was used to identify low antibody content.