Tbx1 is expressed at multiple sites of epithelial-mesenchymal interaction during early development of the facial complex.

TBX1 encodes a T-box-containing transcription factor, which is thought to be a key player in the aetiology of the DiGeorge and Velocardiofacial syndromes (DGS/VCFS). In addition to defects affecting structures derived from the pharyngeal pouches, these patients exhibit varying degrees of facial dysmorphology and cleft palate. We have analysed the expression of murine Tbx1 during early facial development and found transcripts at sites of known epithelial-mesenchymal interaction.

Using written material to support recall of orthodontic information: a comparison of three methods.

The objective was to determine the effect of three different methods of presenting information on the recall of information in orthodontic patients in the short and long term. Thirty orthodontic patients at the commencement of their treatment were allocated randomly to groups receiving supporting written information in one of the three formats: mind map, acronym, and information leaflet. Short-term retention was assessed by administration of a nine-item questionnaire 10 to 15 minutes after receiving the information, and long-term retention was assessed after six weeks by repeating the same questionnaire without repetition of the information.

Undergraduate and postgraduate dental students' 'reflection on learning': a qualitative study.

The aim of this study was to explore undergraduate and postgraduate dental students' understanding of a good learning experience by using 'reflection on learning' as described by Schon. Four groups of Year 4 BDS students and one group of postgraduate students in dental public health took part in a series of focus group discussions. The responses were grouped into four broad themes (a) active, practical and positive learning; (b) interactive/together learning; (c) personal learning; (d) theory into practice.

Dimensional change of heat-cured acrylic resin dentures with three different cooling regimes following a standard curing cycle.

The aim of the study was to compare dimensional changes in poly(methylmethacrylate) complete denture bases resulting from three different cooling regimens following a standard heating cycle. Changes in three separate dimensions were measured on ten dentures within each cooling regimen after curing, and before and after removing the denture from the cast using a computer imaging system. No consistent differences occurred as a result of removing the denture from the cast.

Clinical performance of Rochette bridges used as immediate provisional restorations for single unit implants in general practice.

A retrospective clinical audit of the role and survival of 69 Rochette bridges used as immediate provisional restorations for single tooth, implant-retained crowns was carried out over the period between February 1991 and May 2001. In each case the extracted tooth was immediately temporised using a Rochette bridge with a single wing and pontic and cemented to the abutment tooth without any tooth preparation (Phase I). This bridge was removed at the time of implant placement and recemented (Phase II).

The use of ozone in dentistry and medicine. Part 2. Ozone and root caries.

A previous paper, recently published in Primary Dental Care, gave an overview of the medical uses of ozone and outlined some of its uses in dentistry. The current paper focuses on a description of use of ozone in the management of root caries and considers recent studies in this area. There has been relatively limited research into the non-invasive (pharmaceutical) management of root caries.

Impact of wearing an intra-oral lubricating device on oral health in dry mouth patients.

Objective: To establish whether an intra-oral lubricating device for dry mouth alters the oral environment.

Design: A single-blind randomized cross-over study.

Method: Twenty-nine dentate subjects from the Sjogren's syndrome clinic attended on five occasions at 4-week intervals.

Neural crest cells and patterning of the mammalian dentition.

The mammalian dentition is composed of serial groups of teeth, each with a distinctive crown and root morphology, highly adapted to its particular masticatory function. In the embryo, generation of individual teeth within the jaws relies upon interactions between ectoderm of the first branchial arch and the neural crest-derived ectomesenchymal cells that migrate into this region from their site of origin along the neural axis. Classic tissue recombination experiments have provided evidence of an essential role of the ectoderm in initiating tooth development; however, the underlying ectomesenchyme rapidly acquires dominance in establishing shape.

Poor patient awareness of the relationship between smoking and periodontal diseases.

Objective: To investigate patients' knowledge of the effects of smoking on periodontal health.

Design: Patient answered questionnaires, which were anonymous.

Setting: Patients who attended GKT Dental Institute, King's College, London for dental treatment.

Postoperative pain after root-end resection and filling.

Objective: To evaluate the pain experience following root-end resection and filling with Mineral Trioxide Aggregate or Intermediate Restorative Material.

Study Design: Referred adult patients recruited using strict entry criteria were randomly allocated to receive either material. A standardized surgical technique was employed.

The immune responses to human and microbial heat shock proteins in periodontal disease with and without coronary heart disease.

The human 60 kDa and microbial 65 kDa heat shock proteins (HSP) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of chronic periodontitis (P) and coronary heart disease (CHD). We have studied four male non-smoking cohorts of 81 subjects, matched for age. Group (a) consisted of a healthy group with minimal gingivitis (n = 18), group (b) were patients with P (n = 23), group (c) patients with CHD and minimal gingivitis (n = 20) and group (d) patients with CHD and P (n = 20).

Exposure to 'ideal' facial images reduces facial satisfaction: an experimental study.

Objective: Psychological research has suggested that exposure to media images of 'ideal' female models has a negative impact on women's perception of their body image. The present study examined the effects of exposure to images of faces rated as high in attractiveness upon facial satisfaction, compared with exposure to 'neutral' stimuli.

Methods: Participants comprised three groups of women: 24 women undergoing orthodontic treatment, 22 patients undergoing orthognathic treatment, and 20 women receiving no current dental treatment.

The association of acidic reflux above the upper oesophageal sphincter with palatal tooth wear.

This case-controlled clinical study, conducted at a secondary care unit, compared pH measurement at 2 cm above the upper oesophageal sphincter (UOS) in 31 patients complaining of extra-oesophageal symptoms of reflux to 7 control subjects. Twenty-four-hour ambulatory pH measurements were recorded and analysed at 5 cm above the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) and 2 cm above the UOS. In reflux patients the proportion of supine time when pH at 5 cm above the LOS was <4 was significantly greater than in controls.

Distal cervical caries in the mandibular second molar: an indication for the prophylactic removal of the third molar?

Aims: Distal cervical caries (DCC) in mandibular second molar teeth are responsible for the removal of up to 5% of all mandibular third molars. Our aim was to identify the clinical features of these patients.

Methods: We evaluated the records of 100 patients who had 122 mandibular third molars removed because of distal cervical caries in the second molar.

An audit of study casts used to monitor tooth wear in general practice.

Objective: To assess the outcome of compliance of advice sent to patients and dentists about monitoring tooth wear in general practice.

Method: Postal questionnaires were sent to 70 patients and their dentists requesting information on the outcome of letters of advice sent to general dental practitioners regarding monitoring tooth wear with study casts. They also requested information about the reasons for the patients' referral, the outcome of treatment and whether study models had been taken.

Patients' motivations for treatment and their experiences of orthodontic preparation for orthognathic surgery.

Objective: To determine patients' motivations for undergoing orthognathic surgery and their experiences of the orthodontic aspects of this treatment.

Design: Retrospective questionnaire survey using a patient-centred measure.

Setting: Thirteen National Health Service (NHS) hospital orthodontic departments.

Immediate replacement removable partial dentures with cobalt-chromium frameworks: rationale, technology and a case report.

The advantages of removable partial dentures with cobalt-chromium frameworks over those made entirely of acrylic resin, in oral health and hygiene, are well documented. However, in cases where teeth are to be extracted for fitting the removable partial denture, a difficulty arises because of the need to test the fit of the removable partial denture framework. The advent of two modern technologies-- laser welding and metal bonding agents -- make it possible to test the fit of the major part of the framework prior to adding additional metal components to support artificial teeth.

Voriconazole susceptibility of yeasts isolated from the mouths of patients with advanced cancer.

The in vitro activity of voriconazole was compared with those of fluconazole and itraconazole against 270 clinical isolates of yeasts from the mouths of patients receiving palliative care for advanced cancer. A broth micro-dilution assay as described by the National Committee for Clinical Laboratory Standards was employed for determination of MICs. Of the 270 isolates, 206 (76 %) were fluconazole sensitive and 64 were fluconazole resistant.

Characterisation of the genomic structure of chick Fgf8.

The Fgf8 gene encodes a series of secreted signalling molecules important in the normal development of the face, brain and limbs. The genomic structure of the chick Fgf8 gene has been analysed and compared to the human and mouse sequences. Divergence between the chick, human and mouse genomic structure was observed.

Undergraduate orthodontic teaching in UK dental schools.

Aims And Objectives: This paper assesses the current teaching of undergraduate orthodontics in UK dental schools and the changes these courses have undergone in the last three years.

Method: Questionnaires were e-mailed to the undergraduate orthodontic course leaders in each of the UK dental schools. Twelve dental schools agreed to participate in the survey.

Perceptions of the use of compulsory detention in treatment of people with eating disorders.

To examine the perceived acceptability of compulsory detention in treatment of an individual with severe anorexia nervosa amongst a sample of members of the general population, 151 participants read vignettes describing the compulsory detention of a female patient with a Body Mass Index of 12.4. The vignettes systematically varied along three dimensions: patients' reaction, immediate outcome (psychological state), and long-term outcome (attendance at out-patient appointments).

Expression of Claudin-3 during chick development.

Claudins are membrane proteins located within tight junctions. Using degenerate and gene specific primers the chick homologue of Claudin-3 was isolated. Here we show the expression of Claudin-3 transcripts in the developing chick embryo from Hamburger and Hamilton Stages (HH) 6-22.

A study of the rheological properties of endodontic sealers.

Aim: To test the hypothesis that there would be no statistically significant difference in viscosity-related measures of endodontic sealers or change in these with strain rate, internal diameter or powder : liquid ratio in a capillary system.

Methodology: Materials used were Apexit, Tubliseal EWT, Grossman's sealer and Ketac-endo. Viscosity-related measures were tested in a two-plate test, and in a capillary rheometer.

Obturators for acquired palatal defects.

Unlabelled: The developing role of the prosthodontist in the head and neck cancer team is discussed and a sequence of care given for patients who will require the restoration by prosthetic means of surgically created palatal defects. Various styles of definitive obturators are described.

Clinical Relevance: A knowledge of the care of patients with palatal defects is of value to GDPs and to members of the head and neck cancer team.