Gut T cell-independent IgA responses to commensal bacteria require engagement of the TACI receptor on B cells.

The gut mounts secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA) responses to commensal bacteria through nonredundant T cell-dependent (TD) and T cell-independent (TI) pathways that promote the establishment of mutualistic host-microbiota interactions. SIgAs from the TD pathway target penetrant bacteria, and their induction requires engagement of CD40 on B cells by CD40 ligand on T follicular helper cells. In contrast, SIgAs from the TI pathway bind a larger spectrum of bacteria, but the mechanism underpinning their production remains elusive. Here, we show that the intestinal TI pathway required CD40-independent B cell-activating signals from TACI, a receptor for the innate CD40 ligand-like factors BAFF and APRIL. TACI-induced SIgA responses targeted a fraction of the gut microbiota without shaping its overall composition. Of note, TACI was dispensable for TD induction of IgA in gut-associated lymphoid organs. Thus, BAFF/APRIL signals acting on TACI orchestrate commensal bacteria-specific SIgA responses through an intestinal TI program.

Characterization of mouse CD229 (Ly9), a leukocyte cell surface molecule of the CD150 (SLAM) family.

Mouse CD229 (Ly9) is a cell surface molecule of the CD150 (signaling lymphocyte activation molecule) family. This family consists of nine leukocyte receptors of the immunoglobulin superfamily that are involved in leukocyte activation. CD229 binds to SAP, a protein encoded by the gene for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease. In this study, mouse CD229 expression was assessed with a new CD229-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) (Ly9.ab3), raised using CD229-transfected cells. CD229 was expressed on Sca-1+c-kit+Lin- hematopoietic stem cells, and this expression increased during lymphocyte maturation. Virtually, all T and B cells expressed high levels of CD229. CD229 was absent on granulocytes, bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, platelets, and red blood cells (RBCs). However, it was expressed at significant levels on monocytes, indicating that it is also expressed on mouse myeloid cells. We also show that natural killer cells, natural killer T cells, and B1 cells express very high levels of this molecule. In vitro functional experiments showed that ligation of CD229 inhibited the expression of the activation markers CD69 and CD25 on T lymphocytes in response to anti-CD3 stimulation. Moreover, this reduced activation was concurrent with a reduction in cytokine production. Our results show that CD229 is a pan-lymphocyte marker and indicate that mAbs against CD229 are able to down-modulate T-cell activation.

A strategy to reduce the use of fish in acute ecotoxicity testing of new chemical substances notified in the European Union.

This study explores the applicability of a fish acute threshold (step-down) test approach for the assessment of new chemical substances notified in the EU. The proposed approach basically implies replacing the fish LC50 toxicity test with a simple acute threshold test and thus reducing the number of fish used and also costs. The fish test would be performed only at one concentration, the lowest between the EC50 concentrations obtained with previous testing with algae and daphnia. When fish would be more sensitive than algae and daphnia, testing with fish would be continued at lower concentrations (step-down). From step-down test results the LC50 value can be obtained by applying the binominal method of interpolation. These data can be used together with algal and daphnid data to provide the same Predicted No Effect Concentration values. The acute aquatic toxicity data used in this evaluation were extracted from the New Chemicals Database of the European Chemicals Bureau. The results show that 53.6-71.2% reduction of the number of fish used would be possible when applying this new testing strategy and suggest its use for regulatory purposes.

Biopersistence of synthetic mineral fibers as a predictor of chronic inhalation toxicity in rats.

In December 1997 the European Commission (EC) adopted Directive 97/69/EC (O.J. L 343/19 of 13 December 1997) in which criteria were established for the classification and labeling of synthetic mineral fibers. This directive was derived based upon an extensive program evaluating current scientific knowledge on fiber pathogenicity and its relationship to the biopersistence of long fibers. Within this context, the biopersistence of fibers longer than 20 microm was found to be a good predictor of the lung burden and early pathological changes in chronic inhalation studies with fibers as well as of the tumor response in chronic intraperitoneal studies with fibers. The analysis that provided the scientific basis for the relationship of biopersistence to the chronic inhalation results is presented in detail. Proportional odds regression techniques were used to determine the relationship between both inhalation and intratracheal instillation biopersistence clearance half-times and the collagen deposition at the broncho-alveolar junction as determined following 24 mo in chronic inhalation toxicity studies. The results indicate all the indicators of biopersistence considered are equally good predictors of the early long-term change that occurs in the lung in response to more durable fibers. This change, the collagen deposition at the broncho-alveolar junction, is a precursor of interstitial fibrosis, which has been shown to be associated with tumor response in fiber-exposed animals. The results show that the clearance half-times set in the EC directive are within the baseline for this parameter.

Biopersistence of synthetic mineral fibers as a predictor of chronic intraperitoneal injection tumor response in rats.

In December 1997 the European Commission (EC) adopted Directive 97/69/EC (O.J. L 343/19 of 13 December 1997), in which criteria were established for the classification and labeling of synthetic mineral fibers. This directive was derived based upon an extensive program evaluating current scientific knowledge on fiber pathogenicity and its relationship to the biopersistence of long fibers. Within this context, the biopersistence of fibers longer than 20 microm was found to be a good predictor of the lung burden and early pathological changes in chronic inhalation studies with fibers as well as of the tumor response in chronic intraperitoneal studies with fibers. The analysis that provided the scientific basis for the relationship of biopersistence to the chronic intraperitoneal (ip) results is presented in detail. Analysis of the relationship of biopersistence clearance half-times to ip tumor response shows a statistically significant relationship of ip tumor response to not only the number of fibers injected, but also the median length of the fibers injected and their solubility (clearance half-time). The results show that the biopersistence half-times as determined by intratracheal instillation (T(1/2) of WHO fibers or weighted T(1/2) of fibers with L > 20 microm) and as determined by inhalation (weighted T(1/2) of fibers with L > 20 microm) are equivalent predictors of the ip results. From these ip studies, fibers that can be exonerated from classification as carcinogens in Europe have a relative tumorigenic potency in the ip cavity of between 66 and 2500 times less than fibers that have been shown to produce a significant increase in tumors following chronic inhalation exposure. In addition, based upon the ip results, there is no statistical difference between the EC and the other fiber exoneration criteria, such as the German Gefahrstoffverordnung of 1999.

The comparative anticaries efficacy of a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base and a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base: a two-year coronal caries clinical trial on adults in Israel.

The purpose of this two-year clinical study was to provide a comparison of the anticaries efficacy associated with two commercially available, American Dental Association-accepted dentifrices: Colgate Total Toothpaste, which contains 0.3% triclosan and 2% copolymer in a 0.243% sodium fluoride/silica base; and Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat, which contains 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base. The study was conducted in harmony with the published 1988 American Dental Association guidelines for studies geared toward the comparison of fluoride dentifrices. The study employed a double-blind parallel-group design, and involved adults living in communities throughout Israel. Qualifying subjects were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups, with multiple subjects in the same household all assigned to the dentifrice randomly allocated to the first among them. Caries examinations were conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the clinical evaluation of drugs to prevent dental caries. Two calibrated examiners performed all of the measurements. After treatment assignment, study participants were instructed to brush their teeth at home with their assigned dentifrice at least twice daily. Brushing instructions were reinforced by indoctrination in proper oral hygiene techniques by dental professionals, supplemented by pamphlets supplied by the sponsor and yearly mailings to participants, emphasizing good oral hygiene and the need to ensure compliance with the study. Post-baseline examinations were performed after one year of product use, and again after two years of product use. Three-thousand, three-hundred and ninety-two (3,392) subjects completed this two-year study. For these subjects, the mean caries scores (DFS, decayed or filled surfaces) at baseline were 21.96 for the Colgate Total Toothpaste group, and 21.49 for the Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat group. For caries increment after one year, the respective means were 1.37 for the Colgate Total Toothpaste group, and 1.56 for the Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat group. After two years, the mean caries increments were 1.46 for the Colgate Total Toothpaste group, and 1.75 for the Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat group. No statically significant difference was indicated between the treatment groups at baseline. However, for both the one-year and two-year increments, there was a statistically significant difference between treatment groups. Relative to the Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat group, the Colgate Total Toothpaste group presented a 12.2% reduction in caries increment scores at one year, and a 16.6% reduction in caries increment scores at two years. In accordance with the procedures and standards provided by the published guidelines of the American Dental Association for the comparison of the anticaries efficacy of fluoride dentifrices, the results of this study support the conclusion that Colgate Total Toothpaste provides a superior level of coronal anticaries efficacy compared to Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat.

The enhanced anticaries efficacy of a sodium fluoride and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate dentifrice in a dual-chambered tube. A 2-year caries clinical study on children in the United States of America.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate and compare a dentifrice system in a dual-chambered tube, wherein one chamber contained sodium fluoride in a silica base and the other chamber contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (Test Dentifrice delivering 0.243% sodium fluoride), to a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Positive Control Dentifrice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in harmony with the published 1988 American Dental Association guidelines for studies geared toward the comparison of fluoride dentifrices. This 2-yr caries clinical study employed a double-blind, parallel-group design, and involved 5-17 yr-old children from the Central and South areas of Florida and from the Lares area of Puerto Rico. Qualifying subjects were stratified according to age and sex, and were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups, with multiple subjects in the same household all assigned to the dentifrice randomly allocated to the first among them. Caries examinations were conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the clinical evaluation of drugs to prevent dental caries. Two calibrated examiners performed all the measurements. After treatment assignment, study participants were instructed to brush their teeth at home with their assigned dentifrice at least twice daily. Brushing instructions were reinforced by indoctrination in proper oral hygiene techniques by dental professionals, supplemented by pamphlets supplied by the sponsor and yearly mailings to participants, emphasizing good oral hygiene and the need to enforce compliance with the study. Post-baseline examinations were performed after 1 yr of product use, and again after 2 yrs of product use. RESULTS: Two thousand five hundred six (2,506) subjects completed this 2-yr study. For these subjects, the mean caries scores (DMFS, decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces) at baseline were 2.29 for the Test Dentifrice group, and 2.47 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. For caries increments after 1 yr, the respective means were 0.69 for the Test Dentifrice group and 0.81 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. Finally, after 2 yrs, the mean caries increments were 1.25 for the Test Dentifrice group, and 1.46 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. No statistically significant difference was indicated between the treatment groups at baseline or between the 1-yr caries increment scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the 2-yr caries increment scores between the treatment groups. Relative to the Positive Control Dentifrice group, the Test Dentifrice group presented a 14.38% reduction in caries increment scores at 2 yrs. In accordance with the procedures and standards provided by the published guidelines of the American Dental Association for the comparison of the anticaries efficacy of fluoride dentifrices, the results of this study support the conclusion that the dentifrice system in a dual-chambered tube, wherein one chamber contained sodium fluoride in a silica base and the other chamber contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, delivering 0.243% sodium fluoride, provided a superior level of anticaries efficacy than did the dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base.

The enhanced anticaries efficacy of a sodium fluoride and dicalcium phosphate dihydrate dentifrice in a dual-chambered tube. A 2-year caries clinical study on children in Brazil.

PURPOSE: To clinically evaluate and compare a dentifrice system in a dual-chambered tube, wherein one chamber contained sodium fluoride in a silica base and the other chamber contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (Test Dentifrice delivering 0.243% sodium fluoride), to a dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base (Positive Control Dentifrice). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was conducted in harmony with the published 1988 American Dental Association guidelines for studies geared toward the comparison of fluoride dentifrices. This 2-yr caries clinical study employed a double-blind, parallel-group design, and involved 6-10 yr-old children from the metropolitan area of Maceio, Alagoas, Brazil. Qualifying subjects were stratified according to age and sex, and were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups, with multiple subjects in the same household all assigned to the dentifrice randomly allocated to the first among them. Caries examinations were conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the clinical evaluation of drugs to prevent dental caries. One calibrated examiner performed all the measurements. After treatment assignment, study participants were instructed to brush their teeth at home with their assigned dentifrice at least twice daily. Brushing instructions were reinforced by indoctrination in proper oral hygiene techniques by dental professionals, supplemented by pamphlets supplied by the sponsor and yearly mailings to participants, emphasizing good oral hygiene and the need to enforce compliance with the study. Post-baseline examinations were performed after 1 yr of product use, and again after 2 yrs of product use. RESULTS: Two thousand four hundred thirty-two (2,432) subjects completed this 2-yr study. For these subjects, the mean caries scores (DMFS, decayed, missing and filled tooth surfaces) at baseline were 3.84 for the Test Dentifrice group, and 4.06 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. For caries increments after 1 yr, the respective means were 2.02 for the Test Dentifrice group and 2.12 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. Finally, after 2 yrs, the mean caries increments were 4.30 for the Test Dentifrice group, and 4.83 for the Positive Control Dentifrice group. No statistically significant difference was indicated between the treatment groups at baseline or between the 1-yr caries increment scores. However, there was a statistically significant difference in the 2-yr caries increment scores between the treatment groups. Relative to the Positive Control Dentifrice group, the Test Dentifrice group presented a 10.97% reduction in caries increment scores at 2 yrs. In accordance with the procedures and standards provided by the published guidelines of the American Dental Association for the comparison of the anticaries efficacy of fluoride dentifrices, the results of this study support the conclusion that the dentifrice system in a dual-chambered tube, wherein one chamber contained sodium fluoride in a silica base and the other chamber contained dicalcium phosphate dihydrate, delivering 0.243% sodium fluoride, provided a superior level of anticaries efficacy than did the dentifrice containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base.

Comparative anticaries efficacy of sodium fluoride and sodium monofluorophosphate dentifrices. A two-year caries clinical trial on children in New Jersey and Puerto Rico.

PURPOSE: To provide a head-to-head comparison of the anticaries efficacy associated with two commercially-available and American Dental Association-accepted dentifrices: Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat, containing 0.243% sodium fluoride in a silica base, and Colgate Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste, containing 0.76% sodium monofluorophosphate in a dicalcium phosphate dihydrate base. The study was conducted in harmony with the published 1988 American Dental Association guidelines for studies geared toward this purpose. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study employed a double-blind, parallel-groups, multi-center two-treatment design, and involved third, fourth, and fifth grade schoolchildren from Newark, New Jersey, and from the Cidra and Lares areas of Puerto Rico. Qualifying subjects were stratified according to age and sex, and were randomly assigned to the two treatment groups, with multiple subjects in the same household all assigned to the dentifrice randomly allocated to the first among them. Caries examinations were conducted in accordance with U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidelines for the clinical evaluation of drugs to prevent dental caries. After treatment assignment, study participants were instructed to brush their teeth at home with their assigned dentifrice at least twice daily. Brushing instructions were reinforced by the presentation of educational films and lectures at school, by semi-annual mailings to parents, and through the periodic distribution of small novelty gifts along with the dentifrice deliveries, in order to enhance the interest and enthusiasm of study participants. Post-baseline examinations were performed after 1 and after 2 yrs of product use. Two thousand four hundred seventy-nine (2,479) subjects completed this 2-yr study. For these subjects, the mean (S.D.) DFS scores at baseline were 2.77 (3.35) for the Crest group, and 2.66 (3.18) for the Colgate group. For caries increment after 1 yr, the respective means were 1.68 (2.53) and 1.70 (2.57). After 2 yrs, the mean caries increments were 3.56 (4.11) for the Crest group, and 3.56 (4.05) for the Colgate group. RESULTS: The analysis of the 2-yr caries increment scores support the conclusion that the anticaries efficacy associated with Colgate Great Regular Flavor Fluoride Toothpaste is equivalent to that associated with Crest Cavity Fighting Toothpaste with Fluoristat, in accordance with the procedures and standards provided by the published guidelines of the American Dental Association. Further, consistent with those same standards, the results of this study serve to lend additional support to the conclusion that dentifrices formulated with sodium monofluorophosphate provide an equivalent level of anticaries efficacy as to those formulated with sodium fluoride.

[Comparison of primary care teams in Barcelona according to management formulas]. / Comparación de equipos de atención primaria de Barcelona según formulas de gestión.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study is to compare, among socio-economically similar areas, the use of medical services, clinical practice and pharmacy costs depending on the how the primary healthcare teams, that provide these services, are organized according to different managemental formulas. DESIGN: Descriptive study of the evaluation of health care services. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The population units (basic health areas) attended by the reformed primary health care services in Barcelona were classified into three levels according to the population's socioeconomic status (high, medium or low). For each level, two primary health care teams were selected representing different primary health care providers: "Institut Catala de la Salut"; and others. The influence of both the provision option and the population characteristics on service use, clinical practice and costs of prescription were compared. MAIN RESULTS: The services offered by the two provision options differ. However, the use of medical services is related to the socioeconomic characteristics and not to the option for service provision. Whilst there are no relevant differences in clinical practice between the different options, we observed variations among different primary care teams, notably in referrals to specialists and influenza vaccine coverage. The greater source of variation in prescription costs seems to be related to an external confounding factor. CONCLUSIONS: Empirical data have not identified relevant differences in the pattern of use, clinical practice, or costs between the different options for service provision within the model of reformed primary care services. Observed variations seem to be associated mainly with the population's characteristics, its pattern of health service use or other external confounding factors.

[History-taking of the allergic patient]. / L'interrogatoire du malade allergique.

Etiological diagnosis of an allergic condition is assured mostly clinically and in particular by the data from a specific and minute interrogation. Complementary investigations only confirm the diagnostic suspicion produced by this interrogation, which includes several essential steps: The history of the patient from the first symptom to the day of consultation. The common criteria of unity of time, place or action on the different manifestations of hypersensitivity. The provocation factors and improvement of critical episodes. The mode of life of the subject and the factors of environmental imbalance.

Assessment of early childhood caries and dietary habits in a population of migrant Hispanic children in Stockton, California.

OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the prevalence of early childhood caries (ECC) and related behavioral risk factors in a population of low-income, Mexican-American children in Stockton, California. METHODS: We collected data for 220 children ages six years or less using a parent-completed questionnaire and clinical dental examinations during the Su Salud Health and Education Fair in July 1995. We employed five case definitions of ECC: buccal or lingual caries on one or two primary maxillary incisors; caries on any surface of one or two primary maxillary incisors; and five decayed, missing (due to caries), or filled primary teeth. RESULTS: The prevalence of ECC ranged from 12.3 percent to 30.5 percent, depending upon the case definition. More than 17 percent of children age two years had one primary maxillary incisor affected by caries on the buccal or lingual surface; 13.2 percent had two affected. Mean age at weaning from breast--or bottle-feeding and patterns of bottle use during sleep did not differ significantly between children with ECC and those without. There were no clear patterns of cariogenic food frequency and disease status. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings question whether feeding patterns with human breast milk, formula, or bovine milk are sufficient etiologic factors for this condition.

Comparison of the clinical anticaries efficacy of a 1500 NaF silica-based dentifrice containing triclosan and a copolymer to a 1500 NaF silica-based dentifrice without those additional agents: a study on adults in Israel.

Recent years have seen much work in the development of dentifrices containing the antimicrobial agent triclosan, a broad spectrum antibacterial agent manufactured for use in oral products by the Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Studies have shown that the incorporation of this agent into dental products, in combination with a PVM/MA copolymer (the non-proprietary designation for a polyvinylmethyl ether/maleic acid copolymer), can provide several important dental therapeutic benefits, including an antigingivitis effect. A considerable amount of the research on the therapeutic benefits of such dentifrices has been reported in the literature. The present study is a component of a large-scale program of clinical research to investigate the anticaries effectiveness of fluoride dentifrices containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer. The study included two treatment groups, each consisting of adults living near the Kiryat Gat area in Israel, who were assigned to the use of one of the following sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrices: 1) a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer in a 0.331% NaF/silica (1500 ppm F) base; or 2) a dentifrice containing 0.331% NaF/silica (1500 ppm F). Conducted in accordance with the guidelines for caries clinical studies published by the Council on Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association, the study employed clinical diagnostic criteria as described in the August, 1987 National Institute of Dental Research (NIH/NIDR) publication. Dental radiographs were not employed. Principal comparisons of the dentifrices tested were implemented through the construction of 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of mean 3-year caries increments using Fieller's Theorem. Of those subjects who met the initial inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study, 1,296 were available for the 36-month examination. DFS (resp., DFT) increments over this period were 5.21 (1.30) for the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice, and 5.23 (1.39) for the dentifrice without those additives. The confidence interval calculations for both incremental DFS and DFT support the conclusion that a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer in a 0.331% NaF/silica (1500 ppm F) base provides a level of anticaries efficacy which is "at least as good as" that provided by a dentifrice containing 1500 NaF/silica, without those additive agents. As such, the results of this clinical study clearly indicate that the addition of triclosan and a copolymer to a 1500 NaF/silica dentifrice does not compromise its anticaries efficacy.

Comparison of the clinical anticaries efficacy of an 1100 NaF silica-based dentifrice containing triclosan and a copolymer to an 1100 NaF silica-based dentifrice without those additional agents: a study on adults in California.

Recent years have seen much work in the development of dentifrices containing the antimicrobial agent triclosan, a broad spectrum antibacterial agent manufactured for use in oral products by the Ciba-Geigy Corporation. Studies have shown that the incorporation of this agent into dental products, in combination with a PVM/MA copolymer (the non-proprietary designation for a polyvinylmethyl ether/maleic acid copolymer), can provide several important dental therapeutic benefits, including an antigingivitis effect. Much research on the therapeutic benefits of such dentifrices has been reported in the literature. The present study is a component of a large-scale program of clinical research to investigate the anticaries effectiveness of fluoride dentifrices containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer. The study included two treatment groups, each consisting of adults living within a 50 mile radius of Loma Linda, California, who were assigned to the use of one of the following sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrices: 1) a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer in a 0.243% NaF/silica (1100 ppm F) base; or 2) a dentifrice containing 0.243% NaF/silica (1100 ppm F). Conducted in accordance with the guidelines for caries clinical studies published by the Council on Dental Therapeutics of the American Dental Association, the study employed clinical diagnostic criteria as described in the August, 1987 National Institute of Dental Research (NIH/NIDR) publication. Dental radiographs were not employed. Principal comparisons of the dentifrices tested were implemented through the construction of 90% confidence intervals for the ratio of mean 3-year caries increments, using Fieller's theorem. Of those subjects who met the initial inclusion/exclusion criteria for this study, 1,542 were available for the 36-month examination. DFS (resp., DFT) increments over this period were 2.07 (0.63) for the triclosan/copolymer dentifrice, and 2.16 (0.68) for the dentifrice without those additives. The confidence interval calculations for both incremental DFS and DFT support the conclusion that a dentifrice containing 0.3% triclosan and 2.0% PVM/MA copolymer in a 0.243% NaF/silica (1100 ppm F) base provides a level of anticaries efficacy which is "at least as good as" that provided by a dentifrice containing 1100 NaF/silica without those additive agents. As such, the results of this clinical study clearly indicate that the addition of triclosan and a copolymer to a 1100 NaF/silica dentifrice does not compromise its anticaries efficacy.

Enhanced anticaries efficacy of a 0.243% sodium fluoride/10% xylitol/silica dentifrice: 3-year clinical results.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a sodium fluoride (NaF)/silica/xylitol dentifrice compared with that of a positive control NaF/silica dentifrice on caries increments in school children over a 3-year period in an area without an optimal level of fluoride in the drinking water (mean level <0.1 ppm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 3-year, double-blind clinical caries study was conducted in 2,630 children initially aged 8-10 years at 17 schools in the San Jose, Costa Rica metropolitan area. Clinical dental examinations were performed at participating schools utilizing portable dental equipment. Caries evaluations employed conventional tactile/visual methodology consisting of artificial light, dental mirrors and single-edge #23 explorers. Children accepted into the study were stratified by age and sex into two balanced groups within each school, and randomly assigned to use either a positive control dentifrice containing 0.243% NaF/silica or a test dentifrice containing 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol. Children were instructed to brush with the assigned dentifrice twice daily. Caries evaluations were conducted at baseline, 2 years, and 3 years. RESULTS: After 3 years, subjects using the 0.234% NaF/silica/10% xylitol dentifrice had statistically significantly reduced decayed/filled surfaces (DFS; -12.3% reduction; P < or = 0.001) and decayed/filled buccal and lingual surfaces (DFS-BL; -10.5% reduction; P < or = 0/01).

Nutrition intervention in general dentistry.

This article presents a nutrition program in general dentistry following an oral health nutrition care process, and provides a guideline for identifying patients at risk of developing marginal malnutrition as a result of oral health procedures. The program highlights the importance of assessing nutritional status by segregating high-risk patients from low-risk patients. A case report demonstrates the therapeutic dietary management of a patient whose jaws were immobilized as a result of trauma.

Cariogenic potential of fruits in rats after programmed feeding and dietary intubation.

The potential cariogenicity of commonly consumed fruits was evaluated with a programmed feeding regime using gastric intubation. After infection with a pure strain of S. Mutans 6715, seventy 22-day old, Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned to groups receiving the following foods 17 times per day: I. sucrose, II. fresh apples, III. freeze-dried apples sifted through a No. 20 sieve, IV. fresh bananas, and V. fresh oranges. All groups received 2 mls of National Caries Program No. 2 liquid diet twice daily. Intake of test foods was measured daily while weight and length of animals were measured twice weekly. After 35 days, the animals were decapitated and the mandibles stained and scored following the Keyes technique. Total caries appeared in the groups in the following decreasing order: bananas, oranges, apples, freeze-dried apples, sucrose.