........................................................................................................................... iii ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ......................................................................................................... iv LIST OF TABLES .................................................................................................................... vi LIST OF F...

BACKGROUND Cigarette smoking is known to increase the risk of periodontal destruction and developing chronic periodontitis (CP). It is also reported to affect the subgingival bacterial profile among CP patients. However, studies on the effect of smoking on the bacterial profile among healthy subjects are still limited. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the impact of smoking on...

This study evaluated the predominant microbiota of infected necrotic pulps and the effects of calcium hydroxide therapy on these microorganisms by the checkerboard DNA-DNA hybridization technique. Conventional endodontic therapy associated with calcium hydroxide as intracanal dressing was performed in 12 single-rooted teeth with pulp necrosis and periradicular bone lesion. Samples were collecte...

In previous studies’ we have instilled cytotoxic agents and metabolic depressants into the endometrial cavity of rats, and have thereby induced changes in the endometrium which have resulted in reduced fertility. It was suggested that this reduction of fertility was due to an endometrial environment which was inadequate for implantation. Two different types of histologic changes have been obser...

Culture-based studies have shown that Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli are associated with root caries (RC). The purpose of the present study was to assess the bacterial diversity of RC in elderly patients by use of culture-independent molecular techniques and to determine the associations of specific bacterial species or bacterial communities with healthy and carious roots. Plaque was col...