bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EMG Cranial Muscle Levels in Headache Sufferers Before and During Headache
Authors: Pritchard D. W.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

It has long been assumed that the origin of pain in 'muscle‐contraction headache' lies in the peri‐cranial muscles, especially in the frontales. Pain, it is assumed, is experienced when the muscles are in spasm. It is further assumed that learned reductions in muscle tone between headache episodes will reduce the probability of future pain episodes.

In this experiment, details are given of EMG measures made on the frontal, occipital, and neck muscles of separate groups of migraine and tension headache subjects. The measures were made before the onset of head pain and later when the same subjects reported pain. As part of the experiment, subjects were exposed to an experimental stressor during the pain‐free period, and these results were compared with those of a group of non‐headache subjects. Results showed that the headache groups did not differ on any of the pre‐headache measures. Neck muscle levels varied markedly when compared with control subjects who had comparatively low levels reactive to an experimental stressor. When the data taken during the headache phase were analysed according to diagnosis, the occipital muscle output was found to be significantly lower in the migraine group and higher in the tension group.
Pupillary Adrenergic Sensitivity and Idiopathic Headache in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Battistella P. A. , Ruffilli R. , Zacchello F.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Electronic pupillometry before and after phenylephrine eye drops was performed in 83 headache patients divided into two groups: Group A included 59 pediatric patients aged 5 to 16 years suffering from tension headache (TH=8), common migraine(CM=33) and classic migraine (CLM=18); Group B comprised 24 adult patients aged 28 to 49 years suffering from CM. Comparisons were made with a group of healthy volunteer controls, 12 children and 15 adults, not suffering from headache.

In Group A, only the CLM patients had significant mydriasis after phenylephrine; pupillary responses in the TH and CM cases did not differ significantly from the healthy controls, although there was an evident tendency for increased response in the CM by comparison with the TH cases. On the other hand, in Group B (adult CM) there was a significant pupillary hyper‐responsiveness to adrenergic receptor stimulation, higher than in the same clinical condition in the pediatric group.

In pre‐pharmacological testing conditions, a significantly higher percentage of anisocoria (p<0.05) and a significant reduction in mean pupil size (p<0.01) were only evident in adult migraineurs as compared with controls.

These findings suggest that a subtle chronic sympathetic deficiency affecting the iris neuromuscular junction in some clinical forms of primary headache may be detected by pupil‐Iometry at an early age.

Moreover, apart from a temporal factor responsible for a progressive sympathetic imbalance during development, there may be a more evident neural transmission disorder in migraine forms as opposed to tension forms.
Two Studies of the Potential Mechanisms of Action in the Thermal Biofeedback Treatment of Vascular Headache
Authors: Morrill Belinda , Blanchard Edward B.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Sixty vascular headache sufferers who underwent a standard protocol treatment of progressive relaxation and thermal biofeedback with autogenic training were studied for changes in hand temperature (the targeted response) and heart rate (a non‐targeted response) to determine how such physiological change relates to reduction in headache activity. Overall, regardless of degree of improvement, subjects showed a significant, positive change over time in their ability to increase hand temperature. It was also found that inability to handwarm at session one of thermal biofeedback training was predictive of treatment success, as was the ability to achieve a fingertip temperature of at least 96.0°F at any point in thermal biofeedback training. In addition, it was found that migraine headache sufferers who were treatment successes had significantly lowered their heart rates from pre‐ to post‐treatment assessment.
Lymphokine‐Activated Killer (LAK) Cell Phenomenon in Cluster Headache. “In Vitro” Activation by Recombinant Interleukin‐2
Authors: Giacovazzo M. , Stirparo G. , DeStefano L. , Martelletti R , Rinaldi‐Garaci C.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Previous studies showed that the Natural Killer (NK) activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from cluster headache (CH) patients is lower than that of controls. This decreased activity seems to be independent of the cluster period. b‐interferon has been shown to be more effective in increasing NK activity when incubated with PBL from CH patients, than with PBL from control donors.

Lymphokine‐Activated Killer (LAK) cells can be generated by incubation of human PBL in recombinant Interleukin‐2(rIL‐2). This phenomenon was studied in 10 CH patients and 8 healthy volunteers. PBL were activated to LAK cells by “in vitro” incubation for 72 hours in Control Medium containing rIL‐2 (1000 I.U./ml ). A four hour Chromium 51 release was used to measure LAK Cell Killing of K562 target cells. The released radioactivity was measured in a gamma scintillation counter.

The CH patients showed a marked increase of LAK generation compared to control subjects. This effect seems to be augmented during the cluster period.
Successful Aspirin Prophylaxis in a Child with Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania
Authors: Kudrow David B. , Kudrow Lee
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

It is generally recognized that indomethacin prophylaxis is the treatment of choice in adults with chronic paroxysmal hemi‐crania (CPH). Our case report is the first to demonstrate complete control of CPH in a 9 year‐old child using small dose aspirin prophylaxis. This case also represents direct observation of the youngest patient with CPH having the earliest reported onset.
Walk Headache: An Unusual Manifestation of Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Vernay D. , Deffond D. , Fraysse R , Dordain G.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

A 71 year old man sought neurological advice because for two years he had suffered from headache every time he made an effort. A treadmill stress test showed a relation between effort, headache and depression of ST segments on E.C.G. With isosorbide dinitrate and diltiazem, the manifestations improved. This suggests a referred head pain due to myocardial ischemia.
Cognitive‐Behavioral Therapy for Migraine Headaches: A Minimal‐Therapist‐Contact Approach Versus a Clinic‐Based Approach
Authors: Richardson Gwendolen M. , McGrath Patrick J.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

The efficacy of a clinic‐based cognitive‐behavioral program for the treatment of common migraine was compared to the same approach using a minimal‐therapist‐contact format by means of a randomized controlled trial. Forty‐eight subjects between 18 and 50 years of age completed the program. Following four weeks of recording headache activity, subjects were randomly assigned to a waiting list control condition or to one of the two treatment conditions. Treatment was followed by four weeks of recording of headache activity immediately posttreatment and again six months later. Multivariate analysis of variance indicated that there was a significant reduction in headache frequency, duration and peak intensity following treatment for both treated groups. These reductions were maintained at six months follow‐up. Treatment for the minimal‐contact group was significantly more cost‐effective than for the clinic group.
Cognitive Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Headache: Group Versus Individual Treatment Format
Authors: Johnson Patrick R. , Thorn Beverly E.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Two hypotheses were tested in this study: (1) that a short course of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in the treatment of chronic headache; and (2) that group CT is as effective as individually administered CBT. Twenty‐two chronic headache sufferers were randomly assigned to one of three treatment conditions: group administered CBT, individually administered CBT, or no treatment (wait list) control. Wait list subjects ultimately received treatment identical to that offered to subjects in the group treatment condition. Treatment outcome measures included the Brief Symptom Inventory, the McGill Pain Questionnaire, and several measures calculated from self‐monitoring data. Tentative support was found for the hypothesis that CBT as provided in this study is effective in the treatment of chronic headache. There was no evidence that group versus individually treated subjects differed significantly on any of the measures used, although the small N and large variance among subjects limit us to preliminary conclusions for our findings. Clinical implications and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Cluster Headache and Intercalated Seizures in a Young Man: Therapeutic Effectiveness of Flunarizine
Authors: Astarloa R. , Gila L. , Gobernado J.M.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

A young man suffering from both cluster headache and epilepsy is reported. Since the age of 37 he had recurrent generalized tonic‐clonic seizures; one year later cluster headache attacks began. Neurological examination, standard laboratory tests and CT‐scan were normal. The EEG showed medium‐voltage sharp waves, not blocking upon eye opening, over the right parieto‐temporal region. Flunarizine was added to his phenytoin therapy; it controlled both paroxysmal disorders. After six months, flunarizine was discontinued and during a one year follow‐up the patient remained symptom‐free. This calcium channel blocker can be regarded as an ideal drug in patients suffering from both cluster headache and epilepsy; it controls this headache syndrome and is a useful add‐on to standard anti‐convulsant therapy.
Comparative Neuropharmacology of Dihydroergotamine and Sumatriptan (GR 43175)
Authors: McCarthy Bruce G. , Peroutka Stephen J.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

The potency of dihydroergotamine (DHE) was determined at 13 neurotransmitter receptors using radioligand binding techniques. DHE is a potent agent (i.e. affinity value < 100 nM) at 5‐hydroxytryptamine1A (5‐HT1A), 5‐HT1c, 5‐HT1D, 5‐HT2, dopamine2, alpha1‐ and alpha2‐adrenergic binding sites. DHE displays moderate affinity (i.e. affinity values = 100 ‐ 1000 nM) for beta‐adrenergic and dopamine1 sites and is completely inactive at 5‐HT3, muscarinic and benzodiazepine receptors. These results were then compared to similar data on sumatriptan (formerly called GR 43175), a novel acute anti‐migraine agent. The only pharmacological property shared by both agents is high affinity for 5‐HT1D and 5‐HT1A receptors. Therefore, these data suggest that 5‐HT1D and/or 5‐HT1A receptors may play an important role in the pathophysiology of migraine.
A Review of Studies Evaluating Biofeedback and Relaxation Training in the Management of Pediatric Headache
Authors: Duckro Paul N. , Cantwell‐Simmons Elizabeth
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Headache is one of the most common types of recurrent pain among children. Response to pharmacological treatment has been inconsistent, and there is caution about prolonged pharmacotherapy for headache in children. Behavioral therapies for the management of chronic headache have emerged as a significant option over the last decade. Initial studies summarized in two previous reviews of behavioral therapy for pediatric headache were favorable, but few controlled studies had been done. In the last five years, more studies, the majority with controlled comparisons, have been published. The present review summarizes and interprets the evidence from these studies. Behavioral treatment appears to be a potent alternative for the management of chronic headache in children.
Safety and Effectiveness of Cranial Electrotherapy in the Treatment of Tension Headache
Authors: Solomon Seymour , Elkind Arthur , Freitag Fred , Gallagher R. Michael , Moore Kenneth , Swerdlow Bernard , Malkin Stanley
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

One hundred patients were enrolled in a multicenter double‐blind study to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Pain Suppressor Unit, a cranial electrotherapy stimulator for the symptomatic treatment of tension headaches. Treatment consisted of extremely low level, high frequency current applied transcranially. Pain scores before and after 20 minute treatments of individual headaches as well as patient and physician global evaluations were the primary efficacy variables. Following use of the active unit, patients reported an average reduction in pain intensity of approximately 35%. Placebo patients reported a reduction of approximately 18%. The difference was statistically significant (p = 0.01). The active unit was rated as moderately or highly effective in 40% by physicians, and in 36% by patients. Both physicians and patients scored the placebo unit moderately or highly effective for only 16%. The difference in ordered outcomes was statistically significant (p = 0.004). Approximately 10% of patients in each group reported at least one minor adverse experience. Cranial electrotherapy stimulation is distinct from TENS, and is safe and often effective in ameliorating the pain intensity of tension headaches. It should be considered as an alternative to the chronic usage of analgesics.
An Analysis of Home Practice Patterns for Non‐Drug Headache Treatments
Authors: Solbach Patricia , Sargent Joseph , Coyne Lolafaye
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Regular home practice of non‐drug training techniques is assumed essential for improved headache control. In numerous research studies on non‐drug treatment efficacy, subjects have been routinely required to practice daily self‐regulation techniques. This paper examines the relationship between amount of home practice and treatment outcome, and the extent to which subjects adhere to training requirements.

A total of 42 subjects completed daily home practice records for 32 weeks. Fourteen subjects had randomly been assigned to an autogenic phases group, 17 to an electromyographic biofeedback group, and 11 to a thermal training group. All subjects charted frequency of practice, change of feeling in the target area, time required to bring about the change, and general body relaxation.

Relationships between subject compliance and 11 selected variables including demographics, headache activity components, treatment group, and treatment outcome were evaluated. Results support home practice, but place greater emphasis on its quality rather than its quantity.
Severe Headache and Vacation
Authors: Sillanpää Matti , Koivusilta Leena
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Of a randomized nationwide adult population sample of 2,073 people, 1,590 (76.7%) were interviewed on their vacation expectations and their determinants using a prestructured questionnaire of 200 questions. Migraine or other severe headache occurred in 14.0% of people 15 to 74 years of age (in 19.7% of women and 8.0% of men). Compared with people without headache, headache sufferers were characterized by less interest in paid or unpaid vacation, more passive ways of spending vacation, more fear and anxiety for their health and human relations, uncertainty of the world situation, fear of global catastrophes and disturbances of work routine and increased family discord during vacation. Headache sufferers were apparently hard‐working and conscientious people with a stressed, depressive and resigned character and unable to feel care‐free and to relax on vacation.
Atypical Facial Pain, Ectasia of the Basilar Artery, and Baclofen: A Case Report
Authors: Martins Isabel R , Ferro J.M.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Atypical facial pain is a clinical syndrome of facial pain that has been related to depression but whose pathogenesis is not known. We describe a 72‐year‐old woman with a chronic facial pain, and ectasia and left sided deviation of the basilar artery, that responded dramatically to baclofen. This case suggests that vascular compression of the trigeminal nerve may be one of the mechanisms producing this syndrome and in these cases it might respond to baclofen.
The Relationship of Electromyographic and Vasomotor Activity to MMPI Subgroups in Chronic Headache Patients: The Use of the Original and Contemporary MMPI Norms
Authors: Ahles Tim A. , Martin John B.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

The relationship of electromyographic (EMG) and temporal artery vasomotor activity to MMPI subgroups was examined in 60 chronic headache sufferers. Analysis of the right frontalis data revealed a significant interaction between MMPI sub‐group and position (reclining, sitting, standing) with a trend toward the same interaction with the left frontalis. However, this effect was only found when the contemporary MMPI norms were utilized in the formation of the subgroups. No effects were found for the bilateral trapezius EMG or bilateral temporal artery sites. Analysis of the self report data revealed a significant main effect for the Total Pain Score of the Pain Mannequin but not for a current headache intensity rating. Again, the former effect was seen most clearly when the contemporary MMPI norms were used. In general, these data support a Psychological Distress Hypothesis in that patients with significant elevations (>70) demonstrated greater frontalis EMG activity and higher Pain Mannequin scores. Additionally, the data demonstrate the importance of utilizing the contemporary MMPI norms in the formation of subgroups.
Vascular Headache from Extracranial Venous Malformation
Authors: Massey Janice M.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Headache associated with intracranial venous anomalies is well described but headache associated with extracranial venous malformation previously has not been recognized. A case of extracranial venous malformation producing vascular headache is presented.
Chronic Paroxysmal Hemicrania (CPH): A Review of the Clinical Manifestations
Authors: Antonaci Fabio , Sjaastad Ottar
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

On a world‐wide basis, 84 cases of CPH were found, 59 females and 25 males: i.e., a F:M ratio of 2.36. Forty‐nine cases never exhibited a remitting stage, whereas in 35 cases a history of a remitting stage was obtained, 17 cases still remaining in the remitting stage. In other words, the ratio between the chronic and the remitting stage as of today is 67:17 =3.94. Accordingly, there seems to be a reverse relationship of the chronic versus the remitting stage, when compared to cluster headache. A maximum attack frequency even of 5–6 attacks per 24 hours seems to be consistent with a diagnosis of CPH. Nocturnal attacks occurred in 55 out of 58 cases where such information was available. An unchanging unilaterality was the rule, in that only 3 exceptions have been reported.
Headaches in Insulin‐Dependent Diabetic Patients
Authors: Martins Isabel , Blau J.N.
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Headaches affecting 117 insulin‐dependent diabetic patients were studied. 50 developed 3 varieties of headaches associated with clinical hypoglycaemic episodes: (1) Brief headaches, contemporaneous with cerebral and autonomic symptoms, were relieved within minutes of ingesting carbohydrates (8 patients). (2) Prolonged headaches outlasting hypoglycaemic symptoms by 1–48 (average 4.3) hours, not relieved by food, occurred in 36 patients; 12 of these also had nausea, vomiting or photophobia. (3) Migraine headache. 11 of the 117 patients were migraineurs: in 6 of the 11 their typical migraines (2 classicial and 4 common) were induced by hypoglycaemic episodes. 9 of the 50 had 2 types of headaches, easily distinguished by each subject.

In the whole series of 117 patients, 9 had never had a headache in their life. The remainder had headaches associated with premenstrual tension, anxiety, alcohol or other causes.
Evidence for an Immune‐Mediated Mechanism in Food‐Induced Migraine from a Study on Activated T‐Cells, IgG 4 Subclass, Anti‐lgG Antibodies and Circulating Immune Complexes
Authors: Martelletti Paolo , Sutherland Janet , Anastasi Emanuela , Mario Umberto Di , Giacovazzo Mario
Published: June 2005

SYNOPSIS

Various immunological studies have revealed controversial outcomes on pathogenetic mechanisms of food‐induced migraine. In order to better define the immune status of this disease we studied 21 patients for circulating immune complexes (CIC). Six out of them were also studied for lymphocyte subpopulations, IgG 4 and anti‐IgG antibodies, before (TO), 4 hours after (T4), and 72 hours after (T72) a specific challenge with 250 ml of milk. The CIqSp assay was used to determine CIC. Lymphocyte subpopulations were defined by the following monoclonal antibodies (Mab): OKT3, OKT4, OKT8, 4F2, H366, TAC, 5E9, L.243 and DA6.231. IgG 4 subclass was assessed by using a mouse specific Mab. Anti‐IgG antibodies were determined by using HPLC.

The result showed an increased incidence of CIC (28.6%) when compared to the control group (10%). Total T‐cells (OKT3 + ) showed a marked increase at T4 (p<0.01 ) and a subsequent decrease at T72 (p<0.02). Interestingly, T‐activated cells (4F2 + and TAC + ) showed a parallel trend at T4 (respectively p<0.02 and <0.01) and a subsequent decrease at T72 only for the Tac+ cells (p<0.05). Also K and NK cells (H366+) showed an early increase at T4 (p<0.05). No significant variation was observed in the study of the expression of DR anti‐gens (L.243 and DA6.231) at the three times. IgG 4 and anti‐IgG antibodies values showed no variation in their time‐course.

In commenting on the outcomes of this investigation, it must be stressed that the evidence of an early lymphocyte activation after the challenge test indicates an involvement of Interleukin‐2 related receptors in food‐induced migraine. The results have reinforced the idea of an immune mechanism involvement in food‐induced migraine, but it seems to be localized at a different step from that until now hypothesized.
Interventional Closure with Amplatzer PFO Occluder of Patent Foramen Ovale in Patients with Paradoxical Cerebral Embolism
Authors: CHATTERJEE TUSHAR , PETZSCH MICHAEL , INCE HÜSEYIN , REHDERS TIM C. , KÖRBER THOMAS , WEBER FRANK , SCHNEIDER HENRIK , AUF der MAUR CHRISTOPH , NIENABER CHRISTOPH A.
Published: June 2005

Percutaneous transcatheter closure has been proposed as an alternative to surgical closure or long‐term anticoagulation in patients with presumed paradoxical embolism and patent foramen ovale (PFO). We report our mid‐term results of 55 consecutive symptomatic patients (mean age: 47 years, range: 20–79) who underwent percutaneous transcatheter closure of PFO after at least one event of cerebral ischemia; 16 (29%) patients had at least one transient ischemic attack and 39 (71%) patients at least one embolic stroke. Multiple embolic events had occurred in 6 (11%) patients. Percutaneous transcatheter closure was technically successful in all 55 patients (100%). For the majority of patients, an Amplatzer PFO occluder measuring 25 mm in diameter (n = 49) or an Amplatzer PFO occluder measuring 35 mm in diameter (n = 6) was used. Complete occlusion by color Doppler and transesophageal contrast echocardiography investigation was achieved in 96% at follow‐up 3‐6 months after implantation; only 2 patients had a trivial residual shunt at follow‐up. Mean fluoroscopy time was 6.7 minutes (range: 1.7–47.1), and in‐hospital follow‐up was uneventful except for 1 patient who developed a cardiac tamponade requiring uneventful and successful needle pericardiocentesis. At a mean follow‐up of 19 months (range: 3–32) no recurrent embolic neurological events was observed. Transcatheter closure of PFO with Amplatzer PFO occluder devices is a safe and effective therapy for patients with previous paradoxical embolism and aneurysmatic or nonaneurysmatic PFO. Percutaneous closure is associated with a high success rate, low incidence of hospital complications, and freedom of cerebral ischemia events.
32P Brachytherapy in the Treatment of Complex Cypher In‐Stent Restenosis
Authors: ORTOLANI PAOLO , MARZOCCHI ANTONIO , AQUILINA MATTEO , GAIBA WILLIAM , NERI STEFANO , MARROZZINI CINZIA , PALMERINI TULLIO , TAGLIERI NEVIO , BRANZI A.
Published: June 2005

Treatment of in‐stent restenosis after implantation of a drug‐eluting stent is a critical issue. We provide the first report of the use of intravascular radiation therapy for this purpose in a 73‐year‐old diabetic patient stented for small‐vessel bifurcation; treatment of Cypher diffuse in‐stent restenosis with 32P brachytherapy proved successful at clinical and angiographic follow‐up at 7 months. This finding should encourage systematic studies on the safety and efficacy of IRT in this problematic setting.
Intense Migraines Secondary to Percutaneous Closure of Atrial Septal Defects
Authors: SHARIFI MOHSEN , DEHGHANI MAJID , MEHDIPOUR MAHSHID , AL‐BUSTAMI OMAR , EMRANI FARNAZ , BURKS JAMES
Published: June 2005

In this study we evaluated the development of migraine after percutaneous closure of atrial septal defect. An abrupt and excruciating form of migraine developed shortly after shunt closure in 5 of 13 consecutive patients undergoing this procedure. A dramatic relief of pain was achieved almost instantaneously after administration of 300 mg of clopidogrel.
Percutaneous Coronary Intervention to Anomalous Right Coronary Artery and Retained Piece of Guidewire in the Coronary Vasculature
Authors: KHAMBEKAR SUJATA , HUDSON IAN , KOVAC JAN
Published: June 2005

The incidence of anomalous origin of the coronary arteries varies between 0.2% and 1.2%; the anomalous right coronary artery accounting for 6–27% of all the cases. To date technical experience on angioplasty in patients with anomalous coronary arteries reported in the literature is limited. A major factor is the selection of the guiding catheter to access the anomalous origin and also to give good support during angioplasty. We report the details of angioplasty in a patient with a similar problem and the dilemma following a fractured segment of the guidewire retained in the coronary vasculature.
Toward Democracy: A Critique of a World Bank Loan to the United Mexican States
Authors: Richardson Jayson W.
Published: June 2005

In 2002 the World Bank issued a US$300 million loan to Mexico to finance an education reform project. The loan is the second phase of a three‐part Adaptable Program Loan (APL). A brief description of the 136‐page World Bank reform project is initially detailed and contrasted with a historical perspective. The Multiple Streams Model is used to determine why this education reform has come to fruition. Finally, the Frank Model is used to assess viability of this phase of the APL. It is concluded that this loan takes great national steps toward modernization, decentralization, and democratization. The adaptability of the loan is quite evident and proactive. Success of this project is promising, but the World Bank must not forget the cultural needs of the indigenous peoples.
Bioethical Policymaking for Advanced Medical Technologies: Institutional Characteristics and Citizen Participation in Eight OECD Countries1
Authors: Sato Hajime , Akabayashi Akira
Published: June 2005

Organizational characteristics of public institutions, councils, committees, and panels for bioethical deliberations were examined in eight OECD countries, that is, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Denmark, the United States, Canada, and Japan. Their jurisdiction, membership composition, modes of agenda setting, and appraisal systems were examined, as was their utilization of public involvement measures. Questionnaire surveys and structured interviews were conducted with representatives of parliamentary offices, ministries, and other institutions for ethical deliberations, both public and private, in the eight countries. Confirmation of survey results was made by close follow‐up communications. Since the early 1980s, all the countries studied have established public institutions for policy deliberation on bioethical issues. While legislatures, for example, Parliament, sometimes convene special commissions or expert panels on an ad hoc basis, most of the permanent institutions are affiliated with ministries of health, science, or technology. The composition of core panel members was quite similar across institutions as well as among countries, generally composed of 10 to 15 experts. Many institutions have experimented with some forms of public involvement measures, although public involvement is not routinely incorporated in the policy process, except in Denmark, the Netherlands, and Canada. The study describes the current public institutions and their practices for bioethical policy deliberations. Exchange of experience and knowledge among the institutions is advisable to improve their performance.
Behavioural differences during host selection between alate virginoparae of generalist and tobacco‐specialist Myzus persicae
Authors: Vargas Renzo R. , Troncoso Alejandra J. , Tapia Daniel H. , Olivares‐Donoso Ruby , Niemeyer Hermann M.
Published: June 2005

Host plant selection and acceptance by aphids involves four consecutive steps: (1) prealighting behaviour, (2) leaf surface exploration and probing of subepidermal tissues, (3) deep probing of plant tissues, and (4) evaluation of the phloem sap. Host specialisation in aphids may involve not only different performances on potential hosts, but also different strategies for host selection and acceptance. Myzus persicae s.s. (Sulzer) (Homoptera: Aphididae) is one of the most polyphagous aphid species, although a tobacco‐adapted subspecies, M. persicae nicotianae, has been described. These two taxa constitute a good system for studying the effect of host range on host selection strategies. We studied the first two steps in the host selection process by alate virginoparae of M. persicae s.s. and M. persicae nicotianae on host and non‐host plants, using three types of behavioural assays: wind tunnel, olfactometry, and video‐recording. Alate virginoparae of M. persicae nicotianae recognised and chose their host plant more efficiently than M. persicae s.s., on the basis of olfactory and visual cues, and factors residing at cuticular and subcuticular levels. Host recognition was evident before phloem tissues were contacted. Olfactory cues were apparently not involved in host selection by M. persicae s.s.
Tolerance and antibiosis resistance to cabbage root fly in vegetable Brassica species
Authors: Felkl Gisela , Jensen Erik Bjørn , Kristiansen Kell , Andersen Sven Bode
Published: June 2005

Four accessions of the wild species Brassica fruticulosa Cyrillo (Brassicaceae) were studied in order to identify its tolerance and antibiosis resistance to the cabbage root fly, Delia radicum L. (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), in comparison to a widely cultivated cauliflower cultivar and a rapid cycling Brassica oleracea L. line. Antibiosis was prominent, as the insects reared on resistant accessions showed reduced individual pupal weight, total pupal weight, adult dry weight, and the longest average fly eclosion time. Host plant resistance, however, did not affect the sex ratio of adult flies. A study of the root architecture of plants with and without root fly inoculation revealed differences in the structure within B. oleracea accessions. A long main root and a high number of lateral roots appeared to be important characteristics for a Brassica type, with a higher tolerance level to cabbage root fly attack.
Predictive value of clinical and microbiological parameters for the treatment outcome of scaling and root planing
Authors: Brochut P. F. , Marin I. , Baehni P. , Mombelli A.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: To compare the clinical and microbiological outcome of non‐surgical periodontal therapy after 6 months with data obtained after hygienic phase or 6 weeks after completion of non‐surgical therapy, in order to evaluate the value of clinical and microbiological parameters to predict treatment success.

Material and Methods: Clinical and microbiological data were available from 271 sites in 10 systemically healthy non‐smokers with moderate‐to‐advanced chronic periodontal disease (24–32 sites per individual). Subgingival plaque samples were tested for the presence of Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans, Tannerella forsythensis and Treponema denticola using RNA probes.

Results: Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed a significant impact of the number of sites with visible plaque index >1 after hygienic phase on the bleeding tendency of a subject at month 6 (p<0.01). Furthermore, an association could be demonstrated between the number of residual pockets (PD>3 mm) 6 months after therapy and the number of bleeding sites and suppurating sites after hygienic phase (p=0.016). Six weeks after therapy, the mean total bacterial loads had a significant impact on the bleeding tendency of a subject at month 6 (p<0.01). Although the average numbers of sites with persisting P. gingivalis, A. actinomycetemcomitans, T. forsythensis and T. denticola seemed to be very similar 6 weeks and 6 months after therapy, large variations were noted between subjects, and therefore the microbiological status of a subject at week 6 could not predict the status at month 6.

Conclusions: The present study showed a limited potential of microbiological tests, performed after hygienic phase or shortly after non‐surgical periodontal therapy, to predict the clinical outcome 6 months later, but confirmed the importance of an establishment of perfect oral hygiene before non‐surgical therapy.
Bacteraemia following periodontal procedures
Authors: Kinane Denis F. , Riggio Marcello P. , Walker Katie F. , MacKenzie Duncan , Shearer Barbara
Published: June 2005

Introduction: Transient bacteraemias are frequently detected following dental manipulation. Infective endocarditis (IE) can arise in susceptible individuals and antibiotic prophylaxis is routinely performed for certain procedures considered to be “at risk” of IE. Evidence is emerging that periodontal disease may be a significant risk factor for the development of certain systemic diseases such as cardiovascular disease. These systemic conditions could be initiated or detrimentally influenced by the repeated entry of bacteria into the bloodstream.

Materials and Methods: The present study comprised a single blind parallel study of 2 weeks duration. A baseline blood sample was obtained from 30 volunteers with untreated periodontal disease following which a periodontal probing depth chart was collected. A further blood sample was taken following this procedure, and each subject was recalled 2 weeks later. A blood sample was collected, the subject carried out toothbrushing and a further blood sample taken. Full‐mouth ultrasonic scaling was then performed and a final blood sample taken. Blood samples were analysed for bacteraemia using conventional microbiological culture and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using universal bacterial primers that target the 16S ribosomal RNA gene of the vast majority of bacteria.

Results: Using culture methods, the incidence of bacteraemias was as follows: following ultrasonic scaling (13%), periodontal probing (20%) and toothbrushing (3%). PCR analysis revealed bacteraemia incidences following ultrasonic scaling, periodontal probing and toothbrushing of 23%, 16% and 13%, respectively.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that detectable dental bacteraemias induced by periodontal procedures are at a lower level than previously reported.
Bone height changes in individuals with periodontal disease: a 17‐year prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Airila‐Månsson Stella , Söder Birgitta , Klinge Björn
Published: June 2005

Objective: The aim of this study was to analyse changes in bone height after 17 years in smokers and non‐smokers with periodontal disease, and to compare these with clinical assessment outcome.

Material and Methods: Participants comprised 50 adults with periodontitis and 18 healthy controls from a randomly selected epidemiological sample. Their mean age at the end of the study was 54.2 (SD±3.09) years. The study included radiographic analysis compared with clinical data.

Results: The periodontitis group had significantly (p<0.001) higher values than their healthy counterparts for plaque index (PLI), gingival index (GI), calculus index (CI), and bleeding on probing (BOP) at baseline and after 17 years. At the end of the follow‐up, never‐smokers with periodontitis had higher values for PLI (p<0.05) and ex‐smokers and smokers had higher GI and BOP (p<0.001) than the controls. In all individuals with periodontitis, maxillary molars were most affected. Smokers had more severe marginal bone loss over time. Vertical bone defects were more often seen on the mesial side of teeth (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Marginal bone level in this prospective study did reveal tooth groups at higher risk for progression of periodontal disease.
The short‐term effects of low‐level lasers as adjunct therapy in the treatment of periodontal inflammation
Authors: Qadri T. , Miranda L. , Tunér J. , Gustafsson A.
Published: June 2005

Objectives: The aim of this split‐mouth, double‐blind controlled clinical trial was to study the effects of irradiation with low‐level lasers as an adjunctive treatment of inflamed gingival tissue.

Materials and Methods: Seventeen patients with moderate periodontitis were included. After clinical examination, all teeth were scaled and root planed (SRP). One week after SRP, we took samples of gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and subgingival plaque. The laser therapy was started 1 week later and continued once a week for 6 weeks. One side of the upper jaw was treated with active laser and the other with a placebo. The test side was treated with two low‐level lasers having wavelengths of 635 and 830 nm. The patients then underwent another clinical examination with sampling of GCF and plaque. The GCF samples were analysed for elastase activity, interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and metalloproteinase‐8 (MMP‐8). We examined the subgingival plaque for 12 bacteria using DNA probes.

Results: The clinical variables i.e. probing pocket depth, plaque and gingival indices were reduced more on the laser side than on the placebo one (p<0.01). The decrease in GCF volume was also greater on the laser side, 0, 12 μl, than on the placebo side, 0.05 μl (p=0.01). The total amount of MMP‐8 increased on the placebo side but was slightly lower on the laser side (p=0.052). Elastase activity, IL‐1β concentration and the microbiological analyses showed no significant differences between the laser and placebo sides.

Conclusion: Additional treatment with low‐level lasers reduced periodontal gingival inflammation.
The effect of a dentifrice and mouth rinse combination containing amine fluoride/stannous fluoride on plaque and gingivitis: a 6‐month field study
Authors: Paraskevas S. , Versteeg P. A. , Timmerman M. F. , Van der Velden U. , Van der Weijden G. A.
Published: June 2005

Aim: To examine the effect of amine fluoride/stannous fluoride (AmF/SnF2)‐containing dentifrice and mouth rinse on plaque formation and gingivitis as compared with habitual oral hygiene procedures with a regular sodium fluoride (NaF) dentifrice.

Material and Methods: In total, 22 general practices participated in this research project. The participants (N=281) were randomly assigned into two groups: the test group received an AmF/SnF2 dentifrice–mouth rinse combination and the control group received a NaF‐containing dentifrice. The patients were requested to brush twice daily for approximately 2 min. The subjects of the test group had to rinse additionally in the evening for 30 s with 10 ml of the mouth rinse.

Results: Both groups started with comparable scores of plaque, bleeding and staining. At 6 months, the plaque scores were 0.95 for the AmF/SnF2 group and 0.99 for the NaF group (decrease of 16% and 10%, respectively). Bleeding scores, although significantly different from baseline, did not show differences between the two regimes. At the end of the experimental period, the overall staining was more pronounced in the AmF/SnF2 group (41%) than the NaF group (26%). Both plaque reduction and increase in staining seemed to be correlated to the amount of mouth rinse used in the test group.

Conclusion: In instruction‐resistant patients recruited from dental practices, the combined use of AmF/SnF2 did not decrease gingivitis at a significant level in comparison with the regular regime of two times daily brushing with an NaF‐containing dentifrice. However, the above‐mentioned combination resulted in greater plaque reduction than that observed with the use of the conventional dentifrice. When used according to the manufacturer's instructions, this effect on plaque scores was more pronounced.
Long‐term effect of smoking on vertical periodontal bone loss
Authors: Baljoon Mostafa , Natto Suzan , Bergström Jan
Published: June 2005

Objectives: The objective of the present study was to investigate the influence of smoking on vertical periodontal bone loss over 10 years.

Material and Methods: The study base consisted of a population that was examined on two occasions with a 10‐year interval, including 91 individuals, 24 smokers, 24 former smokers, and 43 non‐smokers. The assessment of vertical bone loss was based on full sets of intra‐oral radiographs from both time points. The severity of vertical bone loss was expressed as the proportion of proximal sites with vertical defects per person

Results: The 10‐year increase in the proportion of vertical defects was statistically significant in all groups (p<0.001) and, in addition, significantly associated with smoking (p<0.05). In particular, the difference between smokers and non‐smokers was significant (p<0.01) whereas former smokers did not differ from non‐smokers. Moreover, the 10‐year vertical bone loss was significantly greater in heavy exposure smokers than in light exposure smokers suggesting an exposure‐response effect (p<0.01). Compared with non‐smokers the unadjusted 10‐year relative risk was 2.3‐fold increased in light exposure smokers and 5.3‐fold increased in heavy exposure smokers (p<0.05).

Conclusions: The present observations indicate a significant long‐term influence of smoking on vertical periodontal bone loss, yielding additional evidence that smoking is a risk factor for periodontal bone loss.
Re‐treatment profiles during long‐term maintenance therapy in a periodontal practice in Norway
Authors: Fardal Øystein , Linden Gerard J.
Published: June 2005

Background: Periodontal therapy coupled with active maintenance has been shown to be effective in maintaining periodontal health, however, the question of re‐treatment is rarely alluded to in the literature.

Aim: To quantify the type and extent of re‐treatment in a group of patients who had completed a definitive course of periodontal treatment in a Norwegian specialist periodontal practice. The study also investigated factors associated with the provision of periodontal surgery as a re‐treatment modality.

Methods: A consecutive group of patients who had comprehensive periodontal treatment, which included periodontal surgery, and were subsequently maintained for between 10 and 17 years were studied.

Results: One hundred and one patients with an average age at reassessment of 59.4 (standard deviation (SD) 9.0) years were studied. The average length of the review period was 13.1 (SD 1.9) years. In addition to routine maintenance, 50 patients had further re‐treatment and 40 of those who were re‐treated had periodontal surgery in the study period. Logistic regression showed that independent predictors of surgical re‐treatment, with the effects adjusted for other variables in the model, were uncertain or poor prognosis at baseline, erratic or poor post baseline compliance and a family history of periodontal disease.

Conclusion: Considerable amounts of re‐treatment, including in many cases extensive non‐surgical treatment or periodontal surgery, were provided for patients who had surgical periodontal treatment and were subsequently maintained for least 10 years in a specialist periodontal practice.
“She's sort of dragging me into the story!” Student teachers' experiences of reading aloud in Key Stage 2 classes
Authors: Collins Fiona M.
Published: June 2005

This article explores the place of the class novel within the current primary curriculum. It begins with an overview of past and current thinking about reading aloud to older primary‐age children. The discussion then moves on to describing research carried out with 43 primary postgraduate student teachers, which aimed to investigate the students' school experiences of observing reading aloud and working on whole narrative texts. Lastly, the article focuses on how the findings influenced changes made to a postgraduate primary course in order to support and develop students' understanding of the role that reading aloud plays in developing children's critical understanding of story.
Baby Bear or Mrs Bear? Young English Bengali‐speaking children's responses to narrative picture books at school
Authors: Colledge Marion
Published: June 2005

This article presents findings from a one‐year study of several Bengali‐speaking children aged 5–6 years, in their first year of the English school system. The investigation centres on exploration of the children's responses, principally to the visual text, of a selection of narrative picture books used in their school. The aim was to collect children's responses to characters and visual features, and to see what narratives the children made from the picture books. The children, some of whom were relatively experienced viewers and narrators of picture‐book stories, produced varied responses to character and décor. The article suggests that the books formed a bridge between the known and the culturally unfamiliar, giving the children access to an understanding of scenes from types of homes other than their own. The author asserts the need to welcome children's versions of stories and their interpretation of pictures, and to allow them the opportunity to re‐read picture books many times.
Cardiovascular Calcification in Patients With End‐stage Renal Disease
Authors: Pečovnik‐Balon Breda
Published: June 2005

Abstract:   Vascular calcifications are very frequent extraosseous calcifications in patients with chronic renal disease. They occur in the intima and in the media. They are associated with decreased arterial elasticity and increased mortality. The risk factors are: advanced age, duration of dialysis treatment, diabetes, increased phosphate concentration, the dose of Ca‐containing phosphate binders and inflammation. It is now well established that vascular smooth muscle cells actively take up phosphate to form bioapatite. This process is associated with a phenotypic transformation of vascular smooth muscle cells during which they express osteoblast markers. Lipids and inflammatory cytokines also increase bioapatite formation. Calcification inhibitors are matrix Gla protein and fetuin‐A. Decreased serum fetuin‐A concentration is associated with a higher mortality rate in dialysis patients. An important preventive measure for vascular calcification is the substitution of Ca‐containing by non‐Ca‐containing phosphate binders.