title: [Exploration for an early discriminant model of non-skeletal phase in endemic fluorosis exposed to coal-burning].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To detect, diagnose and treat for endemic fluorosis earlier.
  
  
  METHODS
  Six kinds of indices, such as environmental fluoride level, were collected from the population in epidemic and non-epidemic areas of endemic fluorosis with a 1:1 paired-match design. A discriminant analysis model was established by multivariate analysis. Levels of fluoride in environment and biological materials were determined by fluoride electrode method. Living condition of the subjects were measured and interviewed. Function of skeletons and joints was measured. Biochemical and enzyme indices were measured with reagent kits and gel electrophoresis. Other indices were measured by interview. All data collected were analyzed by SAS and MDAS computer software.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was significant overall difference between four kinds of discriminant functions, with an overall agreement of 85.78% (83.33% to 98.86%), based on resubstitution with sampled data. Posterior probabilities for new classification of sampled data automatically and randomly produced from a computer were 86.39% to 99.99%.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The discriminant functions mentioned above, except for the third one with a too small sample size, can be used in early discrimination of endemic fluorosis caused by exposure to coal burning, or in evaluation for the effectiveness of pharmaceutical therapy, with a power of 95%.
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002648:Child; D003031:Coal; D016002:Discriminant Analysis; D004781:Environmental Exposure / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D005458:Fluoride Poisoning / Q000517:prevention & control*; D009050:Fluorosis, Dental / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D016555:Matched-Pair Analysis; D011897:Random Allocation; D012044:Regression Analysis