Developing form, function, and natural aesthetics with laboratory-processed composite resin--Part I.

The metallic restorative materials of the past required the dentist to focus on function and form because metal had no tooth-colored properties. The development of tooth-colored restorative materials has introduced a new element in the restorative equation--color. Unfortunately, many clinicians continue to apply a "metallic mentality" to restorative techniques with the newer adhesive restorative materials that can produce a tooth-colored appearance.

Restoring the interproximal zone using the proximal adaptation technique--part 1.

The concepts of the preadhesive era sanctioned the mechanical removal of healthy, sound tooth structure to perform restorative procedures. This mechanical systematic approach to enhance the retention of the restoration by modifying the cavity form included 6 principles: outline form, resistance form, retention form, convenience form, removal of caries, and finish of the enamel walls, margins, and toilet of the cavity. This philosophy was challenged during the adhesive era with a biologic approach.

Mutational analysis of families affected with molar oligodontia.

Oligodontia, the congenital absence of six or more permanent teeth, is a common developmental anomaly of human dentition whose genetic basis is poorly understood. We recently reported a nonsyndromic form of oligodontia involving mostly all permanent molars in a large kindred, caused by a frameshift mutation in exon 2 of the human PAX9 gene [3]. To better understand the genotype/phenotype correlation in non-syndromic familial oligodontia, we identified additional families with a similar pattern of molar oligodontia.

Learning to smile: the neuroanatomic basis for smile training.

Unlabelled: This article demonstrates that although any layperson could recognize that the smile manifests mainly in the oral and periorbital regions, a comprehension of the neurologic and musculoskeletal elements lends the clinician insight into the many aspects of a smile. The neurologic control of a smile consists of a complex process involving many facets. As with any other complex neuromuscular activity, repetitions of the act can train the central nervous system, neural network, and muscular network in efficient performance of and correct musculoskeletal activation involved in the act itself.

Forensic dental identifications in the greater Houston area.

In order to confirm the identity of the deceased, 1.7% of the deaths (162 cases) evaluated at the Harris County Medical Examiner's Office during the time period of this study required a forensic dental evaluation. Data were collected and analyzed.

Retiring some myths about aging and oral health.

Research on the oral health status of elderly populations has been limited in frequency and scope. There is a lack of good descriptive and longitudinal data on salivary gland function, oral mucosal status, and oral sensory performance in health and disease across the adult life span. Thus, confusion for practitioners and patients alike arises from unsubstantiated stereotypes about aging and oral health.

Osteoblast-specific expression of the alpha 2(I) collagen promoter in transgenic mice: correlation with the distribution of TGF-beta 1.

To begin to assess the transcriptional mechanisms that regulate type I collagen gene expression in differentiating osteoblasts, we have sought to determine the minimal promoter sequences that confer osteoblast-specific expression to the alpha 2(I) collagen gene during murine development. Transgenic mice were generated harboring DNA constructs in which the -2000, -500, and -350 to +54 regions located upstream of the start of transcription were linked to the Escherichia coli beta-galactosidase reporter gene (LacZ). Histochemical staining using X-gal indicated that the -2000 lacZ transgene was strongly expressed in newly differentiated and fully functional osteoblasts at intramembranous and endochondral sites of ossification.

Antibody to a mutagenic peptide of herpes simplex virus in young adult patients with cancer of the head and neck.

Cancer of the head and neck has been associated with herpes simplex virus type-1 by serologic studies that have used virus particles or complex mixtures of viral proteins as antigens. Recently a peptide was found to be encoded by the transforming region of the virus that is mutagenic and is postulated to be involved in cell transformation. Sera from young adult patients with head and neck cancer and from control subjects were examined for the presence of antibody to this peptide with the use of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Studies of chondrogenesis in rotating systems.

A great deal of energy has been exerted over the years researching methods for regenerating and repairing bone and cartilage. Several techniques, especially bone implants and grafts, show great promise for providing a remedy for many skeletal disorders and chondrodystrophies. The bioreactor (rotating-wall vessel, RWV) is a cell culture system that creates a nurturing environment conducive to cell aggregation.