bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic syndrome and gingival inflammation in Caucasian children with a family history of obesity
Authors: Kâ Khady , Rousseau Marie‐Claude , Lambert Marie , Tremblay Angelo , Tran Simon D. , Henderson Mélanie , Nicolau Belinda
Published: July 2013

Aim

To investigate whether metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components are associated with gingival inflammation in children.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross‐sectional analysis from the baseline visit of the QUebec Adipose and Lifestyle InvesTigation in Youth cohort, an ongoing longitudinal study investigating the natural history of obesity in children of Quebec, Canada. The analytic sample includes 448 children aged 8–10 years, 39% of whom were overweight or obese. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation recommendations. Gingival inflammation was defined by the level of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and the extent of gingival bleeding. Sex‐specific linear regression analyses estimated the associations between MetS and gingival inflammation, adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

Twenty‐five children had MetS. Boys with MetS compared to those without, had a 49.5% (p‐value = 0.001) higher GCF TNF‐α level and 13.7% (p‐value = 0.033) more sites with gingival bleeding. Moreover, for three of the five components of MetS – waist circumference, fasting plasma triglycerides, systolic blood pressure – an increase was associated with increased GCF TNF‐α level in boys. No such findings were seen in girls.

Conclusion

An association between MetS and gingival inflammation was observed as early as in childhood, and may differ by sex.
Ecological divergence and speciation between lemur (Eulemur) sister species in Madagascar
Authors: Blair M. E. , Sterling E. J. , Dusch M. , Raxworthy C. J. , Pearson R. G.
Published: July 2013

Understanding ecological niche evolution over evolutionary timescales is crucial to elucidating the biogeographic history of organisms. Here, we used, for the first time, climate‐based ecological niche models (ENMs) to test hypotheses about ecological divergence and speciation processes between sister species pairs of lemurs (genus Eulemur) in Madagascar. We produced ENMs for eight species, all of which had significant validation support. Among the four sister species pairs, we found nonequivalent niches between sisters, varying degrees of niche overlap in ecological and geographic space, and support for multiple divergence processes. Specifically, three sister‐pair comparisons supported the null model that niches are no more divergent than the available background region. These findings are consistent with an allopatric speciation model, and for two sister pairs (E. collaris–E. cinereiceps and E. rufus–E. rufifrons), a riverine barrier has been previously proposed for driving allopatric speciation. However, for the fourth sister pair E. flavifrons–E. macaco, we found support for significant niche divergence, and consistent with their parapatric distribution on an ecotone and the lack of obvious geographic barriers, these findings most strongly support a parapatric model of speciation. These analyses thus suggest that various speciation processes have led to diversification among closely related Eulemur species.
Use of morphological characteristics to define functional groups of predatory fishes in the Celtic Sea
Authors: Reecht Y. , Rochet M.‐J. , Trenkel V. M. , Jennings S. , Pinnegar J. K.
Published: July 2013

An ecomorphological method was developed, with a focus on predation functions, to define functional groups in the Celtic Sea fish community. Eleven functional traits, measured for 930 individuals from 33 species, led to 11 functional groups. Membership of functional groups was linked to body size and taxonomy. For seven species, there were ontogenetic changes in group membership. When diet composition, expressed as the proportions of different prey types recorded in stomachs, was compared among functional groups, morphology‐based predictions accounted for 28–56% of the interindividual variance in prey type. This was larger than the 12–24% of variance that could be explained solely on the basis of body size.
Distribution, relative abundance and size composition of the threatened serranid Epinephelus daemelii in New South Wales, Australia
Authors: Harasti D. , Malcolm H.
Published: July 2013

The aim of this study was to undertake baseline surveys on the distribution, relative abundance and total lengths (LT) of a threatened epinephelid species, black cod Epinephelus daemelii, in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, their westernmost distribution. Diving surveys at 83 sites where E. daemelii were expected to occur were undertaken from 2009 to 2011 using 45 min roving diver counts. Sites were spread through northern NSW, including Lord Howe Island (LHI). Individual fish were measured using stereo‐video, enabling accurate length measurement. Surveys were repeated at a sub‐set of sites to assess temporal variation across days, seasons and years. A total of 117 E. daemelii were recorded during baseline surveys, occurring at 42% of the surveyed sites. Across all surveys, the highest numbers recorded (14–18 individuals at a site) were at the outer Solitary Islands and Fish Rock (Smoky Cape). Fewer E. daemelii were found southwards, but two sites in the Port Stephens–Great Lakes Marine Park had consistent numbers (three to six) over four annual surveys. Only 12 E. daemelii were recorded from eight of the 18 sites at LHI. The numbers observed at re‐surveyed sites were generally stable over years. There were latitudinal and cross‐shelf differences in LT. Individuals in the north were found to be significantly larger than those further south, and fish offshore were significantly larger than those inshore. The largest measured fish was 135 cm, smaller than the maximum LT(c. 170 cm) recorded for this species. The smallest fish was 26 cm. Overall, it is considered that the abundance of E. daemelii is low compared to anecdotal data even though they have been protected for c. 30 years in NSW. These findings provide an essential benchmark to assess ongoing status and response to protective management.
Considering the Balance: Development of a Scale to Assess Patient Views on Trade‐Offs in Competing Health Outcomes
Authors: Case Siobhan M. , Towle Virginia R. , Fried Terri R.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To describe the development of a scale assessing participant attitudes regarding two commonly encountered trade‐offs: quality versus quantity of life and present versus future health.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

Community.

Participants

Three hundred and fifty‐seven community‐dwelling adults aged 65 and older.

Measurements

An initial set of 20 items rated on a 5‐point Likert scale of agreement was reduced using principal components analysis. Construct validity was evaluated through comparison of the scale with other tools addressing the same trade‐offs and analysis of participant characteristics associated with attitudes favoring quality over quantity of life and present over future health. Internal consistency was assessed using Cronbach alpha. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs).

Results

The scale consists of two subscales, each addressing one trade‐off, with a total of 10 items. All factor loadings were 0.5 and greater, and subscale scores were significantly different (P ≤ .05) in the expected directions when comparing with other tools and with participant race, education, and religious identity. Internal consistency was good (Cronbach α 0.85 and 0.84), and test–retest reliability was fair (ICCs 0.63 and 0.47). Subscale score medians fell near the middle of each scale, with narrow interquartile ranges, but more than 15% of the sample scored at an extreme of each subscale.

Conclusion

This new scale captures views on two common trade‐offs in health care. Although test–retest reliability was modest, its high validity suggests that this tool can be used to familiarize people with common trade‐offs and further explore influences on attitudes.
Prestroke Factors Associated with Poststroke Mortality and Recovery in Older Women in the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Bell Christina L. , LaCroix Andrea , Masaki Kamal , Hade Erinn M. , Manini Todd , Mysiw W. Jerry , Curb Jess David , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To examine prestroke lifestyle factors associated with poststroke mortality and recovery in older women.

Design

Longitudinal prospective cohort study.

Setting

The Women's Health Initiative (WHI, clinical trials and observational study), 40 clinical centers in the United States.

Participants

WHI participants, women aged 50 to 79, who were stroke‐free at baseline (1993/98), with incident stroke before 2005.

Measurements

Participants were followed for mortality through 2010. Prestroke characteristics were from the last examination before the stroke event. Annual follow‐up for clinical events ascertained hospitalization for stroke that was subsequently physician adjudicated with medical records. Multivariable regression models were used to analyze factors associated with poststroke mortality and poststroke recovery at hospital discharge (poststroke Glasgow score), adjusting for stroke type.

Results

Of 3,173 women with incident stroke, 1,111 (35%) died. Individuals who were overweight or obese before stroke had lower poststroke mortality than those who were normal weight (obese: hazard ratio (HR) = 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.53–0.88; overweight: HR = 0.72, 95% CI = 0.58–0.90); individuals who were underweight before stroke had nonsignificantly greater poststroke mortality (HR = 2.02, 95% CI = 0.98–4.16, P = .06). Other prestroke factors associated with poststroke mortality included diabetes mellitus (HR = 1.28, 95% CI = 1.01–1.64), current smoking (vs nonsmoker, HR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.53–3.00), physical inactivity (vs >150 min of exercise per week, HR = 1.39, 95% CI = 1.09–1.78), and lowest physical function quartile (vs highest, HR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.18–2.02). Prestroke diabetes mellitus was associated with lower odds of good recovery after stroke (odds ratio (OR) = 0.60, 95% CI = 0.44–0.82). Current hormone use before stroke was associated with greater odds of moderate than of severe disability after stroke (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.00–1.66).

Conclusion

Potentially modifiable factors before stroke, including smoking, diabetes mellitus, and being underweight, were associated with greater poststroke mortality in older women. Being overweight or obese and physical activity before stroke were associated with lower poststroke mortality in older women.
Caregiver Outcomes of Partners in Dementia Care: Effect of a Care Coordination Program for Veterans with Dementia and Their Family Members and Friends
Authors: Bass David M. , Judge Katherine S. , Lynn Snow A. , Wilson Nancy L. , Morgan Robert , Looman Wendy J. , McCarthy Catherine A. , Maslow Katie , Moye Jennifer A. , Randazzo Ronda , Garcia‐Maldonado Maurilio , Elbein Richard , Odenheimer Germaine , Kunik Mark E.
Published: July 2013

The objective is to test the effectiveness of Partners in Dementia Care (PDC), a care‐coordination program that integrates and improves access to medical and nonmedical services, while strengthening the informal care network and providing information, coaching, and emotional support. PDC was delivered via a partnership between Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers (VAMCs) and Alzheimer's Association chapters, for caregivers of veterans with dementia living in the community and receiving primary care from the VA. The initial sample was 486 caregivers of 508 veterans with diagnosed dementia. Outcomes were evaluated for 394 and 324 caregivers who completed 6‐ and 12‐ month follow‐up, respectively. PDC had a standardized protocol that included assessment and reassessment, action planning, and ongoing monitoring. It was delivered by telephone and e‐mail for cost efficiency and the ability to handle caseloads of 100 to 125. Care coordinators from VAMCs and Alzheimer's Association chapters worked as a team using a shared computerized record. A variety of caregiver outcomes was measured after 6 and 12 months. Intervention group caregivers had significant improvements in outcomes representing unmet needs, three types of caregiver strains, depression, and two support resources. Most improvements were evident after 6 months, with more‐limited improvements from Months 6 to 12. Some outcomes improved for all caregivers, whereas some improved for caregivers experiencing more initial difficulties or caring for veterans with more‐severe impairments. PDC is a promising model that improves linkages between healthcare services and community services, which is a goal of several new national initiatives such as the National Plan to Address Alzheimer's Disease and a proposed amendment to the Older Americans Act.
Dental Caries in Older Adults in the Last Year of Life
Authors: Chen Xi , Clark Jennifer J. , Preisser John S. , Naorungroj Supawadee , Shuman Stephen K.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To examine dental caries severity (measured by number of carious teeth) in older adults in the last year of life.

Design

Cross‐sectional study based on dental records.

Setting

Community‐based geriatric dental clinic.

Participants

One thousand two hundred sixteen individuals aged 65 and older, including 168 individuals in the last year of life (e.g., individuals died within 1 year after their new‐patient examinations).

Measurements

Information on socioeconomic, medical history, medication, functional status, and oral health measures, including number of carious teeth, was abstracted from dental records. End‐of‐life status was determined using the National Death Index. Propensities of death were calculated using a logistic regression and then adjusted together with mobility and oral care function in the multivariable regression model to examine the effect of end‐of‐life status on dental caries.

Results

Caries severity differed in end‐of‐life participants with different oral care function. Of those needing help with oral care, end‐of‐life participants had only a slightly higher and nonstatistically significant risk (7.5 vs 6.1, adjusted incidence density ratio (IDR) = 1.12, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.85–1.48) of having more carious teeth than those not in the last year of life. On the other hand, caries severity was lower in end‐of‐life participants without impaired oral care function (IDR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.30–0.92).

Conclusion

Oral care function modifies the association between caries severity and end‐of‐life status. Individuals who could maintain oral hygiene independently had a low level of caries at the end of life, however, dental caries had increased before functionally dependent individuals entered their last year of life.
Implementing Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment in California Hospitals: Factors Associated with Adoption
Authors: Sugiyama Takehiro , Zingmond David , Lorenz Karl A. , Diamant Allison , O'Malley Kate , Citko Judy , Gonzalez Victor , Wenger Neil S.
Published: July 2013

Physician Orders for Life‐Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is a tool to document and ensure continuity of end‐of‐life treatment decisions across healthcare settings that became a legal document in California in January 2009. Hospitals were surveyed to evaluate factors associated with uptake of this intervention and whether a grassroots community coalition intervention facilitated dissemination. A mail and telephone survey of all acute care hospitals in California was conducted between August 2011 and January 2012, and community coalition reports of interaction with hospitals and hospital characteristics from the California Office of Statewide Planning and Development and Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas were analyzed. Of 349 hospitals, 286 (81.9%) responded to the survey. Sixty‐five percent of hospitals had a policy about POLST, 87% had available blank POLST forms, 84% had educated staff, and 94% reported handling POLST properly in the emergency department and on admission. In multivariable analyses, hospitals in poor areas and for‐profit (vs nonprofit) hospitals were less likely to stock blank POLST forms and to have educated staff, and hospitals with community coalition interaction and in wealthier areas were more likely to handle POLST forms correctly. Although POLST is widely used in California, a significant minority of hospitals remain unprepared 3 years after implementation. Efforts to improve implementation should emphasize dissemination in poorer areas and in for‐profit hospitals.
Systematic Review: Effective Characteristics of Nursing Homes and Other Residential Long‐Term Care Settings for People with Dementia
Authors: Zimmerman Sheryl , Anderson Wayne L. , Brode Shannon , Jonas Dan , Lux Linda , Beeber Anna S. , Watson Lea C. , Viswanathan Meera , Lohr Kathleen N. , Sloane Philip D.
Published: July 2013

Objectives

In response to the need for an evidence‐based review of factors within long‐term care settings that affect the quality of care, this review compared characteristics of nursing homes and other residential long‐term care settings for people with dementia and their informal family caregivers with respect to health and psychosocial outcomes.

Design

Databases were searched for literature published between 1990 and March 2012 that met review criteria, including that at least 80% of the subject population had dementia.

Results

Fourteen articles meeting review criteria that were of at least fair quality were found: four prospective cohort studies, nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs), and one nonrandomized controlled trial. Overall, low or insufficient strength of evidence was found regarding the effect of most organizational characteristics, structures, and processes of care on health and psychosocial outcomes for people with dementia and no evidence for informal caregivers. Findings of moderate strength of evidence indicate that pleasant sensory stimulation reduces agitation for people with dementia. Also, although the strength of evidence is low, protocols for individualized care and to improve function result in better outcomes for these individuals. Finally, outcomes do not differ between nursing homes and residential care or assisted living settings for people with dementia except when medical care is indicated.

Conclusion

Given the paucity of high‐quality studies in this area, additional research is needed to develop a sufficient evidence base to support consumer selection, practice, and policy regarding the best settings and characteristics of settings for residential long‐term care of people with dementia.
Fecal Transplantation for Recurrent Clostridium difficile Infection in Older Adults: A Review
Authors: Burke Kristin E. , Lamont John T.
Published: July 2013

Recurrent Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a common nosocomial infection that has a large effect on morbidity and quality of life in older adults in hospitals and long‐term care facilities. Because antibiotics are often unsuccessful in curing this disease, fecal transplantation has emerged as a second‐line therapy for treatment of recurrent CDI. A comprehensive literature search of PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science regarding fecal transplantation for CDI was performed to further evaluate the efficacy and side effects of this promising therapy in older adults. Data were extracted from 10 published articles from 1984 to the present that met inclusion criteria, including nine open‐label reports and one randomized controlled trial. Baseline characteristics and outcomes of individuals undergoing fecal transplantation and effects of fecal transplantation on the fecal microflora were reviewed. Methods of fecal transplantation and donor selection were reviewed. Fecal transplantation was performed in 115 individuals aged 60 to 101, with a female predominance. CDI cure was achieved in 103 (89.6%) individuals over a follow‐up period of 2 months to 5 years (mean 5.9 months). There was no significant difference in cure rate between older and younger participants in included studies. Most failed transplantation occurred in individuals infected with the aggressive NAP1/027 strain of C. difficile. Microbiological studies of fecal biodiversity before and after fecal transplantation demonstrated greater bacterial diversity and shift in flora species to resemble donor flora after transplantation that correlated with clinical remission. Fecal transplantation provides a safe and durable cure for older adults with recurrent CDI.
Effect of Medication Reconciliation on Unintentional Medication Discrepancies in Acute Hospital Admissions of Elderly Adults: A Multicenter Study
Authors: van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A. , van der Schrieck‐de Loos Erica M. , van der Linden Christien , Theeuwes Annemiek M. L. J. , Pol Albert G. ,   The Dutch CBO WHO High 5s Study Group
Published: July 2013

Objectives

To investigate the effect of pharmacy‐based medication reconciliation on the frequency of unintentional medication discrepancies in acutely admitted individuals aged 65 and older.

Design

Multicenter intervention study with pre–post design.

Setting

Twelve Dutch hospitals.

Participants

One thousand five hundred forty‐three individuals aged 65 and older with an acute hospital admission through the emergency department.

Measurements

The intervention consisted of the Best Possible Medication History (BPMH), based on combining information from the community pharmacy record, the information provided by a structured interview with participants about their medication use, and medication containers. In nine hospitals, pharmacy technicians obtained the BPMH, and in three hospitals, a mixed model was used (physicians or pharmacy technicians obtained the BPMH). Primary outcome measure was the proportion of participants with one or more unintentional medication discrepancies. The primary outcome measure was stratified according to type of intervention (pharmacy based vs mixed model).

Results

The proportion of participants with one or more unintentional medication discrepancies was reduced from 62% to 32% [odds ratio (OR) = 0.29, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.23–0.37]. These results remained statistically significant after adjustment for type of department and hospital (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.15–0.26), and this effect remained stable for 6 months. Stratified analysis showed that no effect from the intervention was evident in the three hospitals with a mixed‐model intervention, in contrast to the hospitals with a pharmacy‐based intervention. The medication discrepancy types “omission” and “dosage or strength” occurred most frequently and were the main types that the intervention influenced.

Conclusion

Pharmacy‐based medication reconciliation leads to a substantial reduction in medication discrepancies in acutely admitted elderly adults.
Maternal supportive and interfering control as predictors of adaptive and social development in children with and without developmental delays
Authors: Green S. , Caplan B. , Baker B.
Published: July 2013

Background

Parents of children with developmental delays (DD) have been found to use more controlling behaviour with their children than parents of children with typical development (TD). While controlling behaviour is related to poorer developmental outcomes in TD children, there is little research on how it predicts outcomes in DD children. Furthermore, existing research tends to use inconsistent or non‐specific definitions of controlling behaviour, often combining parent control which follows the child's goal (e.g. supportive direction) and that which interferes with the child's goal (e.g. interference).

Methods

Participants were 200 mother–child dyads observed at child age 3, with follow‐up assessments of adaptive behaviour and social skills administered at child ages 5 and 6, respectively. We coded the frequency of both types of controlling behaviour based on mothers' interactions with their children with TD (n = 113) or DD (n = 87) at age 3.

Results

Mothers in the DD group used more interfering but not more supportive directive acts compared to mothers in the TD group. Adaptive behaviour was assessed at child age 5 and social skills were assessed at age 6. Higher frequency of supportive directive acts predicted better adaptive functioning for the TD group and better social skills for the DD group. Higher frequency of interfering acts predicted lower adaptive and social skills for children with DD but not with TD.

Conclusions

Results are discussed in terms of the differential developmental needs of children with and without DD as well as implications for early intervention.
Outcomes in young adulthood: are we achieving community participation and inclusion?
Authors: Gray K. M. , Piccinin A. , Keating C. M. , Taffe J. , Parmenter T. R. , Hofer S. , Einfeld S. L. , Tonge B. J.
Published: July 2013

Background

Despite recognition of the importance of integrated community living and support, there is evidence that parents remain the primary caregivers of young adults with intellectual disability (ID). In addition, employment rates remain low in this population. This study aimed to investigate the changes in living arrangements and participation in daytime activities over time in a community population of young people with ID.

Method

The sample consisted of 536 participants aged 4.0–18.9 years at Wave 1, followed up at Wave 5 when aged 20.5–37.6 years. Information was collected on their living arrangements and daytime activities at both time points, along with living skills and information on community social inclusion at Wave 5. For parents still caring for their adult child with ID, information was also collected on parental ratings of their own mental and physical health, and their satisfaction with the long‐term care arrangements for their adult child.

Results

A significant proportion of young people were still living with their parents at Wave 5. A greater proportion of those with a severe–profound degree of ID were living in residential care. Parents caring for their adult child reported high levels of mental health problems and dissatisfaction with the long‐term care arrangements for their child. A small proportion of young people were in paid employment, and the majority was engaged in structured activities provided for those with an ID. Over one‐third of the sample participated in a structured daytime activity for 10 or fewer hours per week, and 7% were not engaged in any structured daytime activity.

Conclusions

These results suggest that adequate provision of accommodation and employment services for young adults with an ID is lacking. In many cases the responsibility of care continues to reside with parents as their children transition from childhood to adulthood. Greater attention is needed to address these issues and facilitate social inclusion and integration for young people with ID.
Alexithymia partly predicts pain, poor health and social difficulties in patients with temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Mingarelli A. , Casagrande M. , Di Pirchio R. , Nizzi S. , Parisi C. , Loy B. C. , Solano L. , Rampello A. , Di Paolo C.
Published: July 2013

Temporomandibular disorders (TMD) are functional diseases of the masticatory system; their symptoms are clicking, difficulty opening the mouth wide, ear pain, facial pain and headaches. The relationships among distress, emotional factors and TMD are well known. It was shown that patients with TMD have little awareness of their inner states and emotions, and it was found that those reporting oro‐facial pain presented higher alexithymia than did asymptomatic people. Other authors confirmed that alexithymia was higher in the painful TMD group than controls. This study was aimed to evaluate whether alexithymia and its components can be considered as predisposing factors for pain severity, poor health and greater social difficulties in patients with TMD. One hundred thirty‐three patients received a diagnosis of TMD and completed the 20‐item Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Multiple stepwise regressions showed that alexithymia and age explained 10% of the pain and 31% of poor health and also that alexithymia explained 7% of social difficulty. A direct comparison of patients with TMD based on alexithymia revealed a higher presence of pain in alexithymic patients with TMD than in those characterised by moderate or no alexithymia. In conclusion, alexithymia partly predicts pain, poor health and social difficulties in patients with TMD. Furthermore, alexithymic patients have more pain than those with moderate or low alexithymia.
High Performance Liquid Chromatographic Determination of Residual Monomer Released from Heat‐Cured Acrylic Resin. An In Vivo Study
Authors: Singh Raghuwar D. , Gautam Rupali , Siddhartha Ramashanker , Singh Balendra P. , Chand Pooran , Sharma Vinod P. , Jurel Sunit K.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Heat‐polymerized acrylic resins are used in dentistry for complete denture fabrication. Despite the polymerization method, conversion of monomer into polymer is often incomplete with free or unreacted residual monomer remaining in the polymerized resin. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of residual monomeric methyl methacrylate (MMA) leaching in the saliva of patients wearing complete dentures in their postinsertion period.

Materials and Methods

Thirty edentulous participants as first‐time complete denture wearers (age 60 to 65 years) were selected. All the prostheses were fabricated using a similar standard technique with a heat‐cured acrylic resin denture base material. Saliva samples were collected at time intervals of 1 hour, 1 day, and 3 days postdenture insertion. Participants were asked to discharge saliva every 30 seconds into a pre‐weighed screw‐capped container for a 5‐minute period. MMA levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography. Data were analyzed by ANOVA and Tukey‐HSD.

Results

The maximum concentration of monomer released into saliva peaked 1 day after insertion of the complete dentures. The mean (SD) MMA content was 0.04 ± 0.01 (μg/ml) 1 hour after insertion, and 0.3 ± 0.09 (μg/ml), and 0.05 ± 0.01 (μg/ml) on the first and third days postinsertion, respectively.

Conclusions

Although the released monomeric MMA was not at toxic levels, it could potentially sensitize complete denture patients or elicit an allergic reaction. The risk of the residual material as a primary irritant for a sensitizing reaction could be minimized by immersion of the denture in water for 24 hours before insertion.
Paediatric sunburn: The experience of an Australian paediatric burns unit
Authors: Mah Latifa , Di Giovine Paul , Quinn Linda , Sparnon Anthony
Published: July 2013

Aim

The number of hospital presentations and admissions for treatment of sunburn remains significant, despite efforts to educate the public regarding sun protection. Current literature chiefly examines public health campaigns and sun protection behaviours and attitudes. There are very few articles that explore paediatric sunburn requiring hospital presentation. This study was therefore undertaken to provide a snapshot of this issue and to identify patterns and causative factors in the development of severe sunburn requiring hospital presentation.

Methods

Data were collected for retrospective analysis from case records of patients who presented with sunburn and were registered on the Burns Service database at the Women's and Children's Hospital in South Australia. This study includes patients who presented during the period of October 2006 to March 2011.

Results

There were 81 cases identified over the period of 2006–2011 from the Burns database that had sufficient information for the purpose of this study. Factors such as outdoor activity and water sports were predictably apparent, with patients being burned on days with extremely high ultraviolet ratings. Key patterns that emerged were location of sunburn and sun protection use, which were gender and age specific.

Conclusion

Larger‐scale studies are warranted to further delineate the contributing factors and to identify the specific populations of children at risk of sunburn. Future educational programmes can therefore target these subgroups and behaviours for effective prevention of sunburn. Tailored campaigns that address these factors may be of greater impact in reducing hospital presentations and admissions of significant sunburn.
Follicular dendritic cell‐secreted protein is decreased in experimental periodontitis concurrently with the increase of interleukin‐17 expression and the Rankl/Opg mRNA ratio
Authors: Takahashi S. , Fukuda M. , Mitani A. , Fujimura T. , Iwamura Y. , Sato S. , Kubo T. , Sugita Y. , Maeda H. , Shinomura T. , Noguchi T.
Published: July 2013

Background and Objective

T‐helper type 17 (Th17) cells produce interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and help to protect against inflammation and infection in periodontal disease. Furthermore, while follicular dendritic cell‐secreted protein (FDC‐SP) may be involved in the inflammation of periodontal tissue, the biological role of FDP‐SP in periodontal disease is still unknown. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the expression of IL‐17 and FDC‐SP in experimental periodontitis in rats.

Material and Methods

Seven‐week‐old male Wistar rats were divided into baseline control, sham and test groups. Experimental periodontitis was induced by placing a ligature in the mesiopalatal area, and untreated rats served as a baseline control group. Morphological changes in alveolar bone were investigated 7, 14 and 28 d after treatment. Expression of the Rankl, osteoprotegerin (Opg) and Il17 genes was analyzed 5 and 7 d after the induction of experimental periodontitis.

Results

Alveolar bone resorption progressed in the test group for 7 d, but not thereafter. At 5 d after the induction of periodontitis, the Rankl/Opg mRNA ratio and the expression of IL‐17 in the test group were significantly increased compared with the respective values in the baseline control group; however, there were no significant differences between the test and control groups at 7 d. The expression of FDC‐SP was significantly decreased in the test group compared with the baseline control group at 5 and 7 d after the induction of periodontitis, and this value had returned to normal levels at 14 and 28 d.

Conclusion

These results suggest that both IL‐17 and FDC‐SP could be involved in the inflammatory response, and FDC‐SP in the junctional epithelium might play an important role in the Th17 cell‐related immune response.
Rural Women Veterans Demographic Report: Defining VA Users’ Health and Health Care Access in Rural Areas
Authors: Brooks Elizabeth , Dailey Nancy , Bair Byron , Shore Jay
Published: July 2013

Purpose

While many women choose to live in rural areas after retiring from active military duty, a paucity of studies examine rural women veterans’ health care needs. This report is the first of its kind to describe the population demographics and health care utilization of rural female veteran patients enrolled in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Methods

Using the National Patient Care Datasets (n = 327,785), we ran adjusted regression analyses to examine service utilization between (1) urban and rural and (2) urban and highly rural women veterans.

Findings

Rural and highly rural women veterans were older and more likely to be married than their urban counterparts. Diagnostic rates were generally similar between groups for several mental health disorders, hypertension, and diabetes, with the exception of nonposttraumatic stress anxiety that was significantly lower for highly rural women veterans. Rural and highly rural women veterans were less likely to present to the VA for women's specific care than urban women veterans; highly rural women veterans were less likely to present for mental health care compared to urban women veterans. Among the users of primary care, mental health, women's specific, and all outpatient services, patients’ annual utilization rates were similar.

Conclusions

Improved service options for women's specific care and mental health visits may help rural women veterans access care. Telehealth technologies and increased outreach, perhaps peer‐based, should be considered. Other recommendations for VA policy and planning include increasing caregiver support options, providing consistency for mental health services, and revising medical encounter coding procedures.
Evaluation of Hair Cortisol in the Diagnosis of Hypercortisolism in Dogs
Authors: Corradini S. , Accorsi P.A. , Boari A. , Beghelli V. , Mattioli M. , Famigli‐Bergamini P. , Fracassi F.
Published: July 2013

Background

Measurement of hair cortisol is a noninvasive technique used for several purposes in humans and in animals.

Objectives

To measure hair cortisol concentrations (HCC) in dogs with spontaneous hypercortisolism (HC) and determine whether it can represent a useful diagnostic test for this syndrome.

Animals

Twenty‐two dogs with spontaneous HC before treatment, 28 sick control dogs (SCD), and 40 healthy dogs.

Methods

In this prospective, observational clinical study, the HCC was measured by an RIA assay after extraction in HC dogs, in dogs with other chronic diseases, and in healthy dogs. The diagnostic accuracy of HCC was evaluated by subjecting data from dogs with HC and dogs with other chronic diseases to receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

Median (range) cortisol concentration in dogs with HC was 4.53 pg/mg (0.32–74.62 pg/mg) and was significantly higher than in SCD (1.49 pg/mg, 0.13–14.19 pg/mg) and healthy dogs (1.28 pg/mg, 0.34–5.38 pg/mg). Within the 3 groups, there was a large overlap of HCC. The area under the ROC curve was 0.80 (95% CI: 0.67–0.92). A cut‐off value of HCC of 1.93 pg/mg revealed 91% sensitivity and 61% specificity to diagnose HC.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Hair cortisol concentrations are higher in dogs with HC compared to SCD and healthy dogs. It is a noninvasive technique that should be further investigated as a possible diagnostic procedure for the diagnosis of HC in dogs.
Postmortem Evaluation of 435 Cases of Intracranial Neoplasia in Dogs and Relationship of Neoplasm with Breed, Age, and Body Weight
Authors: Song R.B. , Vite C.H. , Bradley C.W. , Cross J.R.
Published: July 2013

Background

Intracranial neoplasia of dogs is frequently encountered in veterinary medicine, but large‐scale studies on prevalence are lacking.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of intracranial neoplasia in a large population of dogs examined postmortem and the relationship between breed, age, and weight with the presence of primary intracranial neoplasms.

Animals

All dogs that underwent postmortem examination from 1986 through 2010 (n = 9,574), including dogs with a histopathologic diagnosis of primary (n = 227) and secondary (n = 208) intracranial neoplasia.

Methods

Retrospective evaluation of medical records from 1986 through 2010.

Results

Overall prevalence of intracranial neoplasia in this study's population of dogs was 4.5%. A statistically significant higher prevalence of primary intracranial neoplasms was found in dogs with increasing age and body weights. Dogs ≥15 kg had an increased risk of meningioma (odds ratio 2.3) when compared to dogs <15 kg. The Boxer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, French Bulldog, and Rat Terrier had a significantly increased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms while the Cocker Spaniel and Doberman Pinscher showed a significantly decreased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Intracranial neoplasia in dogs might be more common than previous estimates. The study suggests that primary intracranial neoplasia should be a strong differential in older and larger breed dogs presenting with signs of nontraumatic intracranial disease. Specific breeds have been identified with an increased risk, and others with a decreased risk of primary intracranial neoplasms. The results warrant future investigations into the role of age, size, genetics, and breed on the development of intracranial neoplasms.
Stomach Gas Analyses in Canine Acute Gastric Dilatation with Volvulus
Authors: Van Kruiningen H.J. , Gargamelli C. , Havier J. , Frueh S. , Jin L. , Suib S.
Published: July 2013

Background

The origin of the gas in the stomachs of dogs with acute gastric dilatation or gastric dilatation with volvulus (GDV) often is disputed.

Hypothesis

We tested the hypothesis that gaseous distention resulted from aerophagia.

Animals

Ten cases of GDV that were submitted to an emergency clinic were sampled intraoperatively.

Methods

With the abdomen open, the needle of a vacutainer blood collection set was inserted into the distended stomach, and gas was collected into 10 mL glass vacutainer vials with rubber stoppers. These were stored at room temperature for 1–7 days and then analyzed by gas chromatography and mass spectroscopy.

Results

CO2 composition ranged from 13 to 20%. One dog had an H2 concentration of 29%.

Conclusions

Because the CO2 content of atmospheric air is less than 1%, these findings suggest that the gaseous gastric distention in GDV is not the result of aerophagia.
Reliably Biased: The Role of Listener Expectation in the Perception of Second Language Speech
Authors: Lindemann Stephanie , Subtirelu Nicholas
Published: July 2013

Second language pronunciation research and teaching relies on human listeners to assess second language speakers’ performance. Most applied linguists working in this area have been satisfied that listener ratings are reasonably reliable when well‐controlled research protocols are implemented. We argue, however, that listeners demonstrate a certain amount of reliability in their ratings of speakers stemming from shared expectations of a speaker's language and social groups, rather than from the speech itself. In this article, we discuss evidence from perceptual psychology, sociolinguistics, and phonetics demonstrating a sizable listener influence on speech perception. We conclude by suggesting ways for research and teaching to acknowledge and contend with the role of the listener.
The Acquisitional Value of Recasts in Instructed Second Language Speech Learning: Teaching the Perception and Production of English /ɹ/ to Adult Japanese Learners
Authors: Saito Kazuya
Published: July 2013

The current study investigated the impact of recasts together with form‐focused instruction (FFI) on the development of second language speech perception and production of English /ɹ/ by Japanese learners. Forty‐five learners were randomly assigned to three groups—FFI recasts, FFI only, and Control—and exposed to four hours of communicatively oriented lessons. Whereas many FFI activities including explicit instruction were embedded into the treatment in order for the experimental groups to notice and practice /ɹ/ in a meaningful discourse, an instructor provided recasts only to the FFI‐recast group in response to their mispronunciation of /ɹ/. Perception was measured using a two‐alternative forced choice identification task, while pronunciation performance was elicited using controlled and spontaneous production tests and assessed by 10 naïve native‐speaking listeners. According to the statistical comparisons, whereas the FFI‐only group attained perception and production improvement particularly under trained lexical conditions, the FFI‐recast group demonstrated similar but generalizable gains both in trained and untrained lexical contexts. The results indicate that (a) FFI itself impacts various domains of L2 speech learning processes (perception, controlled, and spontaneous production) and (b) recasts promote learners’ attentional shift away from lexical units as a whole to phonetic aspects of second language speech (i.e., vocabulary to sound learning).
Plant Defensin type 1 (PDF1): protein promiscuity and expression variation within the Arabidopsis genus shed light on zinc tolerance acquisition in Arabidopsis halleri
Authors: Shahzad Zaigham , Ranwez Vincent , Fizames Cécile , Marquès Laurence , Le Martret Bénédicte , Alassimone Julien , Godé Cécile , Lacombe Eric , Castillo Teddy , Saumitou‐Laprade Pierre , Berthomieu Pierre , Gosti Françoise
Published: July 2013

Plant defensins are recognized for their antifungal properties. However, a few type 1 defensins (PDF1s) were identified for their cellular zinc (Zn) tolerance properties after a study of the metal extremophile Arabidopsis halleri. In order to investigate whether different paralogues would display specialized functions, the A. halleri PDF1 family was characterized at the functional and genomic levels.

Eleven PDF1s were isolated from A. halleri. Their ability to provide Zn tolerance in yeast cells, their activity against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. melonii, and their level of expression in planta were compared with those of the seven A. thaliana PDF1s. The genomic organization of the PDF1 family was comparatively analysed within the Arabidopsis genus.

AhPDF1s and AtPDF1s were able to confer Zn tolerance and AhPDF1s also displayed antifungal activity. PDF1 transcripts were constitutively more abundant in A. halleri than in A. thaliana. Within the Arabidopsis genus, the PDF1 family is evolutionarily dynamic, in terms of gain and loss of gene copy.

Arabidopsis halleri PDF1s display no superior abilities to provide Zn tolerance. A constitutive increase in AhPDF1 transcript accumulation is proposed to be an evolutionary innovation co‐opting the promiscuous PDF1 protein for its contribution to Zn tolerance in A. halleri.
The politics of global production:Apple,Foxconn andChina's new working class
Authors: Chan Jenny , Pun Ngai , Selden Mark
Published: July 2013

Apple's commercial triumph rests in part on the outsourcing of its consumer electronics production toAsia. Drawing on extensive fieldwork atChina's leading exporter—theTaiwanese‐ownedFoxconn—the power dynamics of the buyer‐driven supply chain are analysed in the context of the national terrains that mediate or even accentuate global pressures. Power asymmetries assure the dominance ofApple in price setting and the timing of product delivery, resulting in intense pressures and illegal overtime for workers. Responding to the high‐pressure production regime, the young generation ofChinese rural migrant workers engages in a crescendo of individual and collective struggles to define their rights and defend their dignity in the face of combined corporate and state power.
Interpretations of management and modernisation at the UK Royal Mail: shifting boundaries and patterns of resistance?
Authors: Beirne Martin
Published: July 2013

This article develops a critical analysis of Royal Mail modernisation, exploring interpretations and reactions among managers, workers and union representatives. By contrast with much of the published research on views and experiences of change at work, it concentrates on the interplay of employee and managerial identities, sensitivities and responses. The findings highlight tensions between and within management and labour, yet also point to shared meanings, cross‐boundary affinities and shifting patterns of allegiance that stimulated joint questioning, criticising and resisting behaviour. This was directed at the modernising agenda set by Royal Mail executives and partnership ties between the company and the Communication Workers Union.