How to design in situ studies: an evaluation of experimental protocols.
10.5395/rde.2014.39.3.164
- Author:
Young Hye SUNG
1
;
Hae Young KIM
;
Ho Hyun SON
;
Juhea CHANG
Author Information
1. Department of Conservative Dentistry, Seoul National University School of Dentistry and Dental Research Institute, Seoul, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
In situ;
Caries;
Demineralization;
Remineralization;
Erosion;
Materials and methods
- MeSH:
Cooperative Behavior;
Outcome Assessment (Health Care);
Publications;
Sample Size;
Sterilization;
Tooth
- From:Restorative Dentistry & Endodontics
2014;39(3):164-171
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Designing in situ models for caries research is a demanding procedure, as both clinical and laboratory parameters need to be incorporated in a single study. This study aimed to construct an informative guideline for planning in situ models relevant to preexisting caries studies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An electronic literature search of the PubMed database was performed. A total 191 of full articles written in English were included and data were extracted from materials and methods. Multiple variables were analyzed in relation to the publication types, participant characteristics, specimen and appliance factors, and other conditions. Frequencies and percentages were displayed to summarize the data and the Pearson's chi-square test was used to assess a statistical significance (p < 0.05). RESULTS: There were many parameters commonly included in the majority of in situ models such as inclusion criteria, sample sizes, sample allocation methods, tooth types, intraoral appliance types, sterilization methods, study periods, outcome measures, experimental interventions, etc. Interrelationships existed between the main research topics and some parameters (outcome measures and sample allocation methods) among the evaluated articles. CONCLUSIONS: It will be possible to establish standardized in situ protocols according to the research topics. Furthermore, data collaboration from comparable studies would be enhanced by homogeneous study designs.
