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Eight volunteers participated in an experiment designed to measure gingival and digital vascular responses to suggestions of heat or cold during hypnotic trance. Although verbal and overt motor responses generally agreed with suggestions of heat or cold, vasomotor responses did not. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present paper contrasts the relative efficacies of the traditional mean square or variance, and a time-series statistic, the mean square successive difference, as descriptors of cyclic heart rate variability. Estimates of fluctuation in the R-R interval during the prestimulus and cold pressor stimulus periods were obtained for two subject samples. The first sample was composed of individuals having bilateral differences in the diameter of their pupils, a condition known as anisocoria, while the pupils of the Ss in the second sample were of equal diameter. A group sinusoidal rhythm in the mean square successive difference of R-R interval variation was observed during the cold pressor stimulus for the anisocoric sample. However, the rhythm was obscured when the traditional mean square statistic was utilized to describe the same R-R interval variation. No rhythms were identified for the non-anisocoric sample. The mean square successive difference statistic would appear to provide a method for detecting cyclic autonomic variability patterns otherwise obscured by traditional analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Longitudinal studies were performed on patients with recurrent attacks of acute necrotizing ulcerative gingivitis (ANUG) during remission. Their psychophysiologic responses to standardized stress procedures (cold-pressor stimulation, breath holding, and immersion of the fifth digit in ice water) were tabulated. The data suggested that a peripheral vasomotor defect in ANUG may be reflected in elevated digital temperatures and general hypotonicity of the digital vasomotor system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents research which used an empirical method to explore the causes of fear in dental patients. The effect of family dental experiences and family attitude on the anxiety of dental patients are examined. The study found that fearful patients have sometimes experienced traumatic facial events and often have high anxiety or low pain tolerance.

The article reports on research that evaluated an hydroptic system used in the process of developing the interocclusal record. The researchers discuss the design of the machine, how it operates and the accuracy that it is alleged to record. They note that repeated tests of the instrument continually yielded results verifying its accuracy.

The effect of vertical dimension of occlusion (VDO) on maximizing isometric deltoid strength (IDS) was measured in subjects with deep overbite. Sixteen female dental students with deep dental overbite and no history of temporomandibular joint disorder (TMD) were used as their own control and tested for isometric strength of the deltoid muscles, using a hand held strain gauge. Measurements were taken under four mandibular conditions: 1. habitual occlusion; 2. mandibular rest position; 3. biting on a bite elevating appliance set to the functional criterion of peak IDS; and 4. biting on a placebo appliance. Results showed that in deep bite subjects, isometric deltoid strength in habitual occlusion was significantly less than in the mandibular rest position. Isometric deltoid strength with the bite elevating appliance was significantly greater than isometric deltoid strength in habitual occlusion, as well as in the mandibular rest position. Isometric deltoid strength achieved in habitual occlusion and placebo did not differ. Results of this study support previous findings indicating that a change in the VDO will affect isometric strength of the upper extremities.