William C. Shaw

Bio: William C. Shaw is an academic researcher from University of Manchester. The author has contributed to research in topics: Dental arch & Dental occlusion. The author has an hindex of 67, co-authored 205 publications receiving 14544 citations. Previous affiliations of William C. Shaw include University Dental Hospital of Manchester & Children's Hospital Los Angeles.

The development of an index of orthodontic treatment priority.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reproducible index of orthodontic treatment priority. After reviewing the available literature, it was felt that this could be best achieved by using two separate components to record firstly the dental health and functional indications for treatment, and secondly the aesthetic impairment caused by the malocclusion. A modification of the index used by the Swedish Dental Health Board was used to record the need for orthodontic treatment on dental health and functional grounds. This index was modified by defining five grades, with precise dividing lines between each grade. An illustrated 10-point scale was used to assess independently the aesthetic treatment need of the patients. This scale was constructed using dental photographs of 12-year-olds collected during a large multi-disciplinary survey. Six non-dental judges rated these photographs on a visual analogue scale, and at equal intervals along the judged range, representative photographs were chosen. To test the index in use, two sample populations were defined; a group of patients referred for treatment, and a random sample of 11-12-year-old schoolchildren. Both samples were examined using the index and satisfactory levels of intra- and inter-examiner agreement were obtained.

The development of the PAR Index (Peer Assessment Rating): reliability and validity.

Abstract: The PAR Index has been developed to provide a single summary score for all the occlusal anomalies which may be found in a malocclusion. The score provides an estimate of how far a case deviates from normal alignment and occlusion. The difference in scores between the pre- and post-treatment cases reflects the degree of improvement and, therefore, the success of treatment. Excellent reliability was exhibited within and between examiners (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, R greater than 0.91). The components of the PAR Index have been weighted to reflect current British orthodontic opinion and is flexible in that the weightings could be changed to reflect future standards and standards currently being achieved in other countries. The PAR Index offers uniformity and standardization in assessing the outcome of orthodontic treatment.

The PAR Index (Peer Assessment Rating): methods to determine outcome of orthodontic treatment in terms of improvement and standards

Abstract: In orthodontics it is important to objectively assess whether a worthwhile improvement has been achieved in terms of overall alignment and occlusion for an individual patient or the greater proportion of a practitioner's caseload. An objective measure is described that has been validated against the subjective opinions of 74 dentists. Using the weighted PAR Index it was revealed that at least a 30 per cent reduction in PAR score is required for a case to be considered as 'improved' and a change of 22 PAR points to bring about 'great improvement'. For a practitioner to demonstrate high standards the proportion of an individual's case load falling in the 'worse or no different' category should be negligible and the mean reduction should be as high as possible (e.g. greater than 70 per cent). If the mean percentage reduction in PAR score is high and the proportion of cases that have been 'greatly improved' is also high, this indicates that the practitioner is treating a great proportion of cases with a clear need for treatment to a high standard.

Maxims or myths of beauty? A meta-analytic and theoretical review.

Abstract: Common maxims about beauty suggest that attractiveness is not important in life. In contrast, both fitness-related evolutionary theory and socialization theory suggest that attractiveness influences development and interaction. In 11 meta-analyses, the authors evaluate these contradictory claims, demonstrating that (a) raters agree about who is and is not attractive, both within and across cultures; (b) attractive children and adults are judged more positively than unattractive children and adults, even by those who know them; (c) attractive children and adults are treated more positively than unattractive children and adults, even by those who know them; and (d) attractive children and adults exhibit more positive behaviors and traits than unattractive children and adults. Results are used to evaluate social and fitness-related evolutionary theories and the veracity of maxims about beauty.

Reliability and validity

Abstract: Definition: To what extent does the study allow us to draw conclusions about a causal effect between two or more constructs? Issues: Selection, maturation, history, mortality, testing, regression towrd the mean, selection by maturation, treatment by mortality, treatment by testing, measured treatment variables Increase: Eliminate the threats, above all do experimental manipulations, random assignment, and counterbalancing.

Gender variations in clinical pain experience.

Abstract: This review is a critical summary of research examining gender variations in clinical pain experience. Gender-comparative pain research was identified through Medline and Psychlit searches and references obtained from bibliographies of pertinent papers and books. Review of this research demonstrates that women are more likely than men to experience a variety of recurrent pains. In addition, many women have moderate or severe pains from menstruation, pregnancy and childbirth. In most studies, women report more severe levels of pain, more frequent pain and pain of longer duration than do men. Women may be at greater risk for pain-related disability than men but women also respond more aggressively to pain through health related activities. Women may be more vulnerable than men to unwarranted psychogenic attributions by health care providers for pain. Underlying biological mechanisms of pain and the contribution of psychological and social factors as they contribute to the meaning of pain for women and men warrant greater attention in pain research.

Cleft lip and palate: understanding genetic and environmental influences.

Abstract: Clefts of the lip and/or palate (CLP) are common birth defects of complex aetiology. CLP can occur in isolation or as part of a broad range of chromosomal, Mendelian or teratogenic syndromes. Although there has been marked progress in identifying genetic and environmental triggers for syndromic CLP, the aetiology of the more common non-syndromic (isolated) forms remains poorly characterized. Recently, using a combination of epidemiology, careful phenotyping, genome-wide association studies and analysis of animal models, several distinct genetic and environmental risk factors have been identified and confirmed for non-syndromic CLP. These findings have advanced our understanding of developmental biology and created new opportunities for clinical translational research.