bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Melatonin prevents gestational hyperhomocysteinemia‐associated alterations in neurobehavioral developments in rats
Authors: Baydas Giyasettin , Koz Sema T. , Tuzcu Mehmet , Nedzvetsky Viktor S.
Published: September 2007

Abstract:  Chronic hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor in cardiovascular diseases and neurodegeneration. Among the putative mechanisms of homocysteine‐induced neurotoxicity, an increased production of reactive oxygen species has been suggested. However, elevated homocysteine levels might disturb neurogenesis during brain development and lead to persistent congenital malformations in the fetus. In this study, we examined whether administration of melatonin inhibits maternal hyperhomocysteinemia‐induced cognitive deficits in offspring. Hyperhomocysteinemia was induced in female rats by administration of methionine during pregnancy at a dose of 1 g/kg body weight dissolved in drinking water. Some animals received methionine plus 10 mg/kg/day melatonin subcutaneously throughout pregnancy. The levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, S100B protein, and neural cell adhesion molecules were determined in the brain tissue from the pups. Learning and memory performances of the young‐adult offspring were tested using the Morris water maze test. There were significant reductions in the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 B protein in the brains of pups from hyperhomocysteinemic rat dams. Furthermore, maternal hyperhomocysteinemia altered the expression pattern of neural cell adhesion molecules in the fetal brain. In addition, maternal hyperhomocysteinemia significantly reduced learning abilities in offspring. Treatment with melatonin during pregnancy improved learning deficits and prevented the reduction of glial and neuronal markers induced by hyperhomocysteinemia. In conclusion, administration of melatonin throughout pregnancy reduces the effects of hyperhomocysteinemia on the development of fetal brain; therefore, it might be beneficial in preventing persistent congenital malformations.
Structural Features of Vps35p Involved in Interaction with Other Subunits of the Retromer Complex
Authors: Restrepo Ricardo , Zhao Xiang , Peter Harald , Zhang Bao‐yan , Arvan Peter , Nothwehr Steven F.
Published: September 2007

The penta‐subunit retromer complex of yeast mediates selective retrieval of membrane proteins from the prevacuolar endosome to the trans Golgi network. In this study, we set out to generate a panel of vps35 dominant‐negative mutants that disrupt retromer‐mediated cargo sorting. Mapping of the mutations revealed two types of alterations leading to dominant‐negative behavior of the 944‐amino acid protein: (i) mutations at or near the R98 residue or (ii) C‐terminal truncations exemplified by a nonsense mutation at codon 733. Both could be suppressed by overexpression of wild‐type Vps35p, suggesting that these dominant‐negative mutants compete for interactions with other retromer subunits. Interestingly, Vps35‐R98W expression destabilized Vps26p while having no effect on Vps29p stability, while Vps35‐Q733* expression affected Vps29p stability but had no effect on Vps26p. Measurement of Vps35/Vps26 and Vps35/Vps29 pairwise associations by coimmunoprecipitation in the presence or absence of other retromer subunits indicated that the R98 residue, which is part of a conserved PRLYL motif, is critical for Vps35p binding to Vps26p, while both R98 and residues 733–944 are needed for efficient binding to Vps29p.
Neonatal intracranial aneurysms: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Wong Sui‐To , Fong Dawson
Published: September 2007

Neonatal intracranial aneurysms are rare. The authors report a 1‐month‐old male who presented with focal seizure. Computed tomography scan demonstrated a right frontoparietal intraparenchymal haematoma. A distal right middle cerebral artery aneurysm of 1 cm in diameter was identified intraoperatively and excised. The patient had no neurological deficit at 15 months postoperation. There are only 22 cases of neonatal intracranial aneurysms reported in the literature. Intraparenchymal haematoma is present in 56% of the cases. Distal middle cerebral artery aneurysms account for 35% of the aneurysms. Considering the rareness of neonatal intracranial aneurysms, non‐invasive imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance angiography and computed tomography angiography are the first choice for neonates with intracranial haemorrhage.
Liver and lung resection for colorectal metastasis
Authors: Li Wing‐Hong , Cheung Moon‐Tong , Ho Candace N.S. , Fung Ting‐Pong , Ko Kai‐Ming , Yau Kelvin K.W.
Published: September 2007

Aim:  To examine the survival benefit of liver and lung resection for colorectal metastasis and the potential prognostic factors that affect patient survival.

Methods:  All patients who had resection of lung or liver metastasis for colorectal metastasis in Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong from 1995 to 2004 were retrospectively reviewed. The overall and disease‐free survival was analysed, in particularly between liver and lung metastasis. All factors that may have affected the survival were entered into Cox's proportional hazards regression model to identify significant variables associated with survival.

Results:  At 5 years, the overall survival of patients who had resection of lung and liver metastasis was 44% and 38%, respectively; the disease‐free survival was 26% and 24%, respectively. Overall and disease‐free survival of patients with resection of lung metastasis was comparable to those with resection of liver metastasis. The differentiations of primary tumour and time to metastasis were shown to be significant prognostic factors influencing overall survival. Those patients with systemic chemotherapy after resection of colorectal metastasis demonstrated a significantly higher probability of overall survival.

Conclusion:  Resection of lung and liver metastases from colorectal origin was safe and both procedures improved survival. The use of chemotherapy after resection of metastasis significantly improved the overall survival.
Robotic urological surgery: Prospects for Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Shu‐Yin , Hou See‐Ming , Wong Wai‐Sung , Ng Chi‐Fai
Published: September 2007

Robotic surgery was first begun in the early 1980s and the da Vinci robotic surgical system is currently the most commonly used system in the world. The Prince of Wales Hospital, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, was the first centre in Hong Kong to have this system installed. Since November 2005, more than 50 cases of various urological procedures have been performed, and robotic radical prostatectomy is the most commonly performed procedure in our centre. With the benefits of three‐dimensional vision, EndoWrist technology and ergonomic advantage, a result comparable to the world standard can be achieved within a short learning time. In the present article, a summary of the development of robotic surgery, as well as the early experiences of the da Vinci surgical system will be discussed.
Fruit Availability and Peccary Frugivory in an Isolated Atlantic Forest Fragment: Effects on Peccary Ranging Behavior and Habitat Use
Authors: Keuroghlian Alexine , Eaton Donald P.
Published: September 2007

The goal of this study was to examine seasonal frugivory by two sympatric peccary species (Tayassu pecari and T. tajacu) in a small (2178 ha), Atlantic Forest fragment on the inland plateau region of São Paulo State, Brazil. Fruit availability was determined with systematic ground surveys conducted over a 5‐yr period. Examining fruit availability trends for dry and wet seasons, we found that species diversity was greater in the wet season, but the total number and dry mass of fruits were higher in the dry season. Fruit abundance in the dry season was due to one palm, ‘jeriva’ (Syagrus romanzoffiana), which could be considered a keystone species at Caetetus Ecological Station as it also supported a diverse array of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. White‐lipped peccaries were the only ungulates that ate palmito fruits (Euterpe edulis) at Caetetus. They consumed ripe and unripe fruits and predated the seeds by chewing the pulp and seed. This occurred primarily during the dry season and was associated with a seasonal range shift and a preference for palmito habitat by the white‐lipped peccaries. The dominance of fruits in peccary diets (80% fruit items in scat) has management implications for other plateau forest fragments. Forest fragments with diminished fruit abundance or diversity, or lacking key species such as S. romanzoffiana or E. edulis, will not support the energetic requirements of the characteristically large and highly mobile white‐lipped peccary populations.
Phenology and Stem Diameter Increment Seasonality in a Costa Rican Wet Tropical Forest
Authors: O'Brien Joseph J. , Oberbauer Steven F. , Clark David B. , Clark Deborah A.
Published: September 2007

The relationship between phenology and tree stem diameter increment is largely unexplored in tropical species, especially in wet tropical forests. To explore links between these phenomena, we measured stem diameter increment and phenology of ten canopy tree species from a range of functional types in the Atlantic lowlands of Costa Rica to test for seasonal and interannual patterns. We measured stem diameter increment using band dendrometers and visually assessed leaf and reproductive phenology monthly from 1997 to 2000. We categorized the species into groups based on patterns of leaf exchange and reproduction. Species were either deciduous with synchronous or asynchronous leaf drop, or evergreen with continuous or seasonal leaf flushing. Flowering occurred supra‐annually, annually, or continuously. Of the ten species studied, four species,Cecropia insignis, Dipteryx panamensis, Lecythis ampla,andSimarouba amara, had consistent seasonal stem diameter increment patterns in both years.Dipteryx panamensisandL. amplawere deciduous with synchronized leaf drop. Cecropia insigniswas evergreen and produced new leaves continuously.Simarouba amara, also evergreen, exchanged leaves over a brief period once a year. We tested whether stem diameter increment was correlated to phenology using logistic regression. Leaflessness significantly explained patterns in stem diameter increment but reproductive phenology did not. Deciduous trees were 2.6–9.3 times more likely to grow less than average the month following leaffall than in months when trees had full crowns.
Survival and Scatterhoarding of Frugivores‐Dispersed Seeds as a Function of Forest Disturbance
Authors: Forget Pierre‐Michel , Cuijpers Lonneke
Published: September 2007

The effect of forest disturbance on survival and secondary dispersal of an artificial seed shadow (N= 800) was studied at Brownsberg Natural Park, Suriname, South America. We scattered single seeds of the frugivore‐dispersed treeVirola kwatae(Myristicaceae), simulating loose dispersal by frugivores, in undisturbed and disturbed secondary forest habitats. Seed survival rate aboveground was high (69%) within 2 wk and was negatively correlated with scatterhoarding rate by rodents, the latter being significantly lower in the undisturbed forest (9%) than in the disturbed forest (20%). Postdispersal seed predation by vertebrates was low (3%) and infestation of seeds by invertebrates was almost zero in all instances. Therefore, secondary seed dispersal by rodents in forest is not as critical for recruitment as observed among other bruchid‐infested large‐seeded species. Secondary seed dispersal by rodents may, however, facilitate seedling recruitment whether cached seeds experience greater survival than seeds remaining above ground surface.
Niche Differentiation in Tank and Atmospheric Epiphytic Bromeliads of a Seasonally Dry Forest
Authors: Reyes‐García Casandra , Griffiths Howard , Rincón Emmanuel , Huante Pilar
Published: September 2007

Factors influencing the niche differentiation of epiphytes have been determined for the epiphytic bromeliads that coexist in the seasonally dry forest of Chamela, Mexico. Over 40 percent of the bromeliad epiphytes were distributed in only 5 percent of the trees. The occurrence of compound leaves in host trees was highly correlated with abundance of epiphytes, as these allow scattered light to penetrate throughout the canopy. The effect of leaf type overrides the effect of bark type, the main factor determining seedling establishment in moist forests. Eight species had the atmospheric life form, while only two species had tanks, formed by overlapping leaf bases and associated to a lower drought tolerance. Distribution in the canopy is counter to that observed in moist forests, since tank species occur in the upper canopy. Tank life forms showed most annual carbon gain during the rainy season, when the newly leafed out trees provide shade to the lower canopy. Atmospheric species had photosynthetic activity for longer into the dry period, possibly supported by dew and fog events. Leaf angles, orientation, trichome, and stomata densities are discussed in relation to water and light use among the species with contrasting ecological strategies.
EVALUATION OF FUNG DOUBLE TUBE TEST FOR CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS AND EASYPHAGE TEST FOR F‐SPECIFIC RNA COLIPHAGES AS RAPID SCREENING TESTS FOR FECAL CONTAMINATION IN RECREATIONAL WATERS OF HAWAII
Authors: FUNG DANIEL Y.C. , FUJIOKA ROGER , VIJAYAVEL KANNAPPAN , SATO DAYNA , BISHOP DANE
Published: September 2007

The previously reported Fung double tube (FDT) for Clostridium perfringens and the newly developed EasyPhage test for F‐specific RNA coliphages were evaluated as screening tests for fecal contamination of fresh and marine recreational waters in Hawaii. These two tests were used to analyze water samples from marine swimming beaches, streams, nonswimming coastal waters and raw sewage. The major advantages of the FDT test include formation of anaerobic conditions without the need of anaerobic chamber systems and enumeration of colonies of C. perfringens in the tubes within 6 h. The results showed that 5 mL of water sample and 20 mL of 2× Shahidi Ferguson Perfringens medium were the best combination for the enumeration of C. perfringens in 5–6 h at 42C. This is a candidate, rapid beach monitoring method which can be used to close the beach on the same day the water samples were collected. The major advantages of the EasyPhage method include the rapid formation of gel without the use of heat, and addition of streptomycin and ampicillin to control interfering bacterial contamination. These two test methods allow most water laboratories to monitor environmental waters for C. perfringens and F‐specific RNA coliphages as indicators of fecal contamination.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Monitoring fecal contamination in water around the world is of great importance in public health. This paper presents rapid and efficient methods to monitor Clostridium perfringens and F‐specific RNA coliphages in waters in Hawaii, USA. The 6‐hour Fung‐Double Tube (FDT) system for enumeration of C. perfringens in water by use of SFP agar and incubation at 42C was perfected. The EasyPhage method by Scientific Methods, LLC (Grander, IN) for enumeration of FRNA coliphages in water using an ingenious nonthermal gelling system incubated for 12–16 h at 35C was tested. A Fung/Fujioka Scale (I = uncontaminated, acceptable, II = nonpoint contamination, III = sewage contamination, and VI = elevated sewage contamination, unacceptable) was developed to group the contamination level of recreational water for Hawaii. Forty‐six water samples were evaluated by both methods with excellent information concerning C. perfringens and FRNA phage in water in Hawaii.
COMPARISON OF CHROMOGENIC AGAR MEDIA FOR RECOVERY OF LISTERIA MONOCYTOGENES FROM READY‐TO‐EAT MEAT AND POULTRY PRODUCTS
Authors: PANGLOLI PHILIPUS , AHMED OMAIMA , STEVENS JACOB H. , GOLDEN DAVID A. , DRAUGHON F. ANN
Published: September 2007

The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of esculin‐ and chromogen‐containing agars for the recovery of Listeria monocytogenes from artificially contaminated ready‐to‐eat meat and poultry products. Listeria innocua, Listeria ivanovii and Listeria seeligeri were inoculated (1–10 cfu/25 g) onto samples (n = 180) in addition to L. monocytogenes at 1–10 (LM level 1), 100 (LM level 2) or 1,000 (LM level 3) cfu/25 g. Three esculin‐containing agars (Oxford, modified Oxford and PALCAM) and two chromogenic agars (Rapid'L. mono [RLM] and CHROMagar Listeria) were evaluated for the recovery of Listeria spp. With LM level 1, L. innocua overgrew the other three Listeria spp., and L. monocytogenes was recovered from only 6.7 and 1.7% of samples on CHROMagar and RLM, respectively, and from no samples on the esculin‐containing agars. At LM level 2 and 3, chromogenic agars recovered L. monocytogenes better than the three esculin‐containing agars (P < 0.05). The highest sensitivity and specificity values were obtained with RLM and CHROMagar. These results indicate that chromogenic media could replace or supplement the current preferred media of the United States Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration Bacteriological Analytical Manual methods to detect and isolate L. monocytogenes more rapidly with higher sensitivity without tedious confirmation tests.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

The chromogenic media discussed in this paper could be used in industrial and academic laboratories to detect and isolate L. monocytogenes with some advantages. The media could differentiate pathogenic Listeria from nonpathogenic species without tedious confirmation tests that can take up days. These advantages could provide quick information on any contaminated product in food plants and prevent delivery of the defective products, which may result in recall. The media also have advantages for laboratories with limited personnel to conduct tedious confirmation tests.
SURVIVAL OF BACTERIAL PATHOGENS ON ANTIMICROBIAL CONVEYER BELTS
Authors: GUNDELLEY R. , YOUM G.W. , KWON Y.M.
Published: September 2007

Production of wholesome meat from a healthy animal presents a great opportunity for contamination of a wide variety of microbes, and the type of equipment used in processing makes a significant contribution to microbial contamination. In this study, we evaluated the antimicrobial activities of commercial conveyer belts manufactured to contain an antimicrobial additive against selected pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes. Bacterial cells were inoculated on the surface of the belt products and incubated at 37C for 24 h before enumeration of viable cells. When three different antimicrobial belt products made of different materials (fabric, polyethylene and polyoxymethylene) were compared with respective controls without antimicrobials, all three products showed significant reduction (at least a 2 log cfu/sample reduction) in viable bacterial populations for both species (P < 0.05). These results suggest that the use of antimicrobial conveyer belts in the meat processing plant may contribute to the reduction of cross‐contamination of final products by pathogenic bacteria.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Cross‐contamination of meat products by pathogenic bacteria raises a serious concern for public food safety. Among many factors, the equipment used in the processing can be a significant source of cross‐contamination of final meat products. Particularly, biofilm formation on conveyer belts is of great concern, since bacterial cells in biofilm can be resistant to sanitization and continuously released to the surroundings. Our current study evaluated the antimicrobial activities of conveyer belts containing antimicrobial compounds. The results strongly suggest that the use of antimicrobial conveyer belts could be a practical and efficient strategy to counteract the cross‐contamination problem arising from biofilms on conveyer belts and other equipment. This information is useful for regulatory agencies and meat producers to reduce food safety concerns associated with foodborne bacterial pathogens.
NUCLEIC ACID SEQUENCE‐BASED AMPLIFICATION (NASBA) IN MOLECULAR BACTERIOLOGY: A PROCEDURAL GUIDE
Authors: GRACIAS KIEV S. , MCKILLIP JOHN L.
Published: September 2007

As a means of assessing gene expression and RNA structure/function, nucleic acid sequence‐based amplification (NASBA) involves an isothermic series of reactions using avian myeloblastosis virus reverse transcriptase (RT), RNase H, T7 RNA polymerase, transcript‐specific primers and associated cofactors to amplify large amounts of target RNA. NASBA offers greater speed, sensitivity and versatility compared to other RNA analyses (e.g., RT‐PCR, RNase protection assays and Northern blotting). NASBA allows for target RNA detection by real‐time chemistries, such as SYBR dyes or molecular beacon probes, an advantage in minimizing contamination considering the closed‐tube format of this approach. NASBA has been utilized in diagnostic bacteriology for clinical, environmental and food applications. NASBA kits are currently available for RNA amplification and analyses, a market primarily aimed at the clinical microbiology arena. This article will overview the background and application of NASBA, followed by protocols commonly used for bacterial diagnostics and genomic studies in various experiments.

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

Although not a truly new laboratory method for nucleic acid analysis, NASBA has gained a popular following in recent years in the scientific literature. A diverse array of life science applications for NASBA have developed due to the advent of real‐time detection methods. The field of molecular bacteriology has witnessed a plethora of reports on the use of NASBA in fields ranging from molecular and clinical diagnostics to food microbiology and environmental monitoring. NASBA offers very high speed and sample throughput capabilities, with the sensitivity of real‐time detection chemistries, without necessarily having to confirm or validate signal/amplicon identity. What follows is both a background on the uses of NASBA in bacteriology, as well as a procedural guide on preparing target RNA for subsequent RNA analysis by NASBA. This paper is written from a benchtop pedagogical standpoint and so makes a suitable reference for those learning or teaching NASBA to others.
Hispanic adults’ beliefs about type 2 diabetes: Clinical implications
Authors: Hatcher Erin , Whittemore Robin
Published: September 2007

Purpose: This integrative literature review focused on Hispanic adults’ beliefs about type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is a progressive, chronic illness with the potential for debilitating complications that disproportionately affect Hispanic adults. By understanding Hispanic adults’ beliefs about type 2 diabetes, health professionals will be able to offer more culturally competent health care.

Data sources: Published research reports on Hispanic adults’ beliefs about type 2 diabetes were obtained using multiple computerized databases and by searching reference lists of published reports. A total of 15 research reports comprised this review.

Conclusion: While there was some variance among Hispanic subgroups, in general, Hispanic adults’ understanding of the etiology of diabetes was an integration of biomedical causes such as heredity and traditional or folk beliefs such as susto, which is the concept of strong emotions. Hispanic adults believed that diabetes is a serious illness and that they could identify many of the symptoms of diabetes. They identified both biomedical and herbal treatments for diabetes. Negative attitudes toward insulin were common. Religious beliefs also factored into Hispanic adult’s explanatory models of type 2 diabetes.

Implications for practice: Hispanic adults have a fairly cohesive explanatory model of diabetes. Healthcare professionals can use this information as a starting point to discuss each individual patient’s explanatory model of illness, clarify misconceptions, and develop an individualized plan of care.
Consumer perspectives on nurse practitioners and independent practice
Authors: Brown Deonne J.
Published: September 2007

Purposes: The purposes of this study were to report the results of a survey for determining the feasibility and sustainability of independently managed nurse practitioner (NP) practices, to identify the characteristics of consumers who would likely choose an independent NP practice, to assess consumer needs, and to define a target market for competitively positioning NPs.

Data sources: An anonymous electronic survey of 1000 employees (response rate = 21%) at a large nonprofit organization in King County, Washington. This organization employs persons in a wide range of socioeconomic and vocational situations. Descriptive statistics and chi‐square analyses were applied to determine associations between demographic characteristics and having used an NP or having the intent to use an independent NP practice.

Conclusions: Most respondents knew about NPs, and the majority had seen an NP for their care. Most were satisfied or very satisfied with NP care. A much larger percentage (90%) than previous studies knew about NPs; 58% had seen an NP for their care, making NPs the most used practitioner alternative to physicians. Evidence suggests that NP users are more likely to be female and younger. Eighty‐two percent of NP users were satisfied or very satisfied with the care they had received compared to a 70% satisfaction rate for current providers. Women, relatively younger respondents, those who had seen a physician assistant or NP, and those who considered NPs to provide quality and more personalized care were significantly more likely to indicate that they would choose an independent NP practice in their community. Based on a standard marketing formula, 30% of the sample in this study would be expected to change their health care to such a practice.

Implications for practice: This is the first descriptive study to suggest widespread acceptance of NPs as independent practitioners. Compared to a 1985 study of Seattle residents, consumers are far more likely to know about NPs. Consumer studies such as this one identify the characteristics and interests of consumers and assist NPs in establishing a grounded marketing plan for developing distinctly nursing‐based health centers. Recommendations are made for additional studies with improved sampling techniques replicating this work and comparing attitudes in various parts of the country. Implications for NP educators include incorporating market research and other business concepts into NP programs to provide clinicians with the tools they need for successful private practice.
Bacterial decolorization of textile dyes is an extracellular process requiring a multicomponent electron transfer pathway
Authors: Brigé Ann , Motte Bart , Borloo Jimmy , Buysschaert Géraldine , Devreese Bart , Van Beeumen Jozef J.
Published: September 2007

Many studies have reported microorganisms as efficient biocatalysts for colour removal of dye‐containing industrial wastewaters. We present the first comprehensive study to identify all molecular components involved in decolorization by bacterial cells. Mutants from the model organism Shewanella oneidensis MR‐1, generated by random transposon and targeted insertional mutagenesis, were screened for defects in decolorization of an oxazine and diazo dye. We demonstrate that decolorization is an extracellular reduction process requiring a multicomponent electron transfer pathway that consists of cytoplasmic membrane, periplasmic and outer membrane components. The presence of melanin, a redox‐active molecule excreted by S. oneidensis, was shown to enhance the dye reduction rates. Menaquinones and the cytochrome CymA are the crucial cytoplasmic membrane components of the pathway, which then branches off via a network of periplasmic cytochromes to three outer membrane cytochromes. The key proteins of this network are MtrA and OmcB in the periplasm and outer membrane respectively. A model of the complete dye reduction pathway is proposed in which the dye molecules are reduced by the outer membrane cytochromes either directly or indirectly via melanin.
Periodontal Attachment Loss in Independently Living Older Adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Locker David , Leake James L.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the periodontal disease experience of a community‐dwelling population aged 50 years and older, living in four communities in Ontario, Canada. The periodontal status of this population was assessed using attachment loss and the extent and severity index. Attachment loss was measured at two sites on each tooth using a pressure‐sensitive periodontal probe. Complete periodontal data were obtained on 624 subjects. The mean number of sites per subject was 37.9. In line with recent US studies, the diagnostic threshold for a diseased or previously diseased site was set at 2 mm of loss. The overall mean attachment loss was 2.95 mm, with 19.7 percent of subjects having an overall mean attachment loss of 4.00 mm or more. The proportion of sites examined with loss of attachment of 2 mm or more was 77 percent. The severity of disease, defined as the average distance between the base of the sulcus or pocket and a point 1.00 mm apical to the cemento‐enamel junction in sites with loss of 2 mm or more was 2.44 mm. These data indicate that the extent and severity of disease in this population were greater than that reported by some recent studies in the US. Taken together, the results of these studies suggest that there is some variation in the periodontal disease experience of population subgroups across North America.
Beneath the Surface of Coronal Caries: Primary Decay, Recurrent Decay, and Failed Restorations in a Population‐based Survey of New England Elders
Authors: McGuire Sheila M. , Fox Christopher H. , Douglass Chester W. , Tennstedt Sharon L. , Feldman Henry A.
Published: September 2007

A cross‐sectional study was conducted of the oral health status of a random sample of community dwelling elders, aged 70 and older, living within the six New England states. Four examining teams, each composed of a trained and calibrated dentist and a field technician, collected data during an in‐home oral examination. The prevalence of carious, filled, recurrent decayed, and non‐ carious but failed restored coronal surfaces was recorded. For the 1,151 respondents, the mean DFT was 6.16 (SD = 6.96) and the mean DFS was 18.83 (SD/23.37), with 37.6 percent of the sample edentulous. Eleven percent of the population had 70 percent of the coronal decay. Males (OR/2.2, CL/1.3–3.8) and elders with less education (OR/1.8, CL=1.0–3.0) were at higher risk for three or more surfaces of coronal decay. Recurrent decay was present in 16 percent of the dentate population. However, more noncarious but failed restored coronal surfaces (332) were recorded in the population of New England elders than were surfaces of recurrent decay (234). The New England elders have higher rates of decay than New England children, although the rates matched those of previous national studies. The findings signal a need to develop targeted preventive regimens for older adults and greater understanding of dental treatment needs of elders.
Attitudes of College Football Officials Regarding NCAA Mouthguard Regulations and Player Compliance
Authors: Ranalli Dennis N. , Lancaster Diana M.
Published: September 2007

The National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) mandates the use of brightly colored, intraoral mouth‐ guards by football players to reduce the frequency and severity of craniofacial and intraoral morbidity and mortality, and to enhance the ability of officials to observe player compliance. The purpose of this 12‐question mail survey was to determine the attitudes of on‐Held game officials regarding current NCAA mouthguard regulations and patterns of utilization by college football players. The sample consisted of all 50 Big East Football Conference officials; a response rate of 100 percent was achieved. Only 42 percent of the officials reported observing all players in compliance, and quarterbacks were identified by others as the least compliant group (52%). The majority (88%) indicated that the 1990 rule for brightly colored mouthguards had been beneficial to them in determining player compliance, and 52 percent reported that this rule had resulted in more frequent use by these athletes. Nearly all officials (96%) indicated that they would issue a warning for noncompliance to the player or coach, rather than charging a timeout for a violation as prescribed by NCAA regulations. The majority (70%) believe current enforcement is appropriate, but expressed the opinion that coaches should be held more accountable for player compliance.
The Oral Health Status Among Residents of the Magadan Oblast, Russian Far East
Authors: Hardwick Kevin S. , Jones David B. , Phipps Kathy R.
Published: September 2007

In April 1991, an oral health situation analysis team comprising oral health professionals from the Alaska Area Native Health Service, the World Health Organization, and the Moscow Medical Stomatological Institute visited the Magadan region of the Soviet Far East at the request of the Ministries of Health of both the Russian Republic and the then‐Soviet Union. As few oral health data had been available specific to the Magadan region, the purpose of the trip was to gather data concerning oral diseases epidemiology, demography, and health systems of the communities of Magadan, Seymchan, and Provideniya as the basis for recommendations and plan development. The data were collected using standard WHO methodology. The analysis team examined children in the age cohorts of 3–5, 6–7, 12, and 15 years. In addition, adults aged 35–44 and 65–74 years were examined in Magadan and Seymchan. Both caries and periodontal rates are high, with a rate of 4.3 DMFT among 12‐year‐olds in the total region, but up to 5.4 DMFT in one location. Specific findings and recommendations have been forwarded to local community and health officials. The project is ongoing, and plans are underway to provide continuing assistance in designing and implementing an effective program for the prevention and treatment of oral diseases.
The 48‐month Increment of Root Caries in an Urban Population of Older Adults Participating in a Preventive Dental Program
Authors: Wallace Martha C. , Retiet D. Hugo , Bradley Edwin L.
Published: September 2007

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a 48‐month preventive dental program on the incidence of root caries in an urban, geriatric, noninstitutionalized population residing in an optimally fluoridated area. The 466 participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups at baseline. Group A (control): 171 subjects using a placebo mouth rinse daily; group B: 147 subjects receiving semiannual applications of a topical APF gel (1.2% F) with the daily use of a placebo mouthrinse; group C: 148 subjects using a fluoridated mouthrinse daily, ACT (0.05% F). At baseline, the numbers of surf aces at risk, and decayed and filled surfaces were recorded. After 48 months, in addition, the number of reversed and new lesions were determined, and the incremental DMFS calculated. The data were analyzed by ANCOVA. The incremental DMFS were: A/0.91, B/0.27, C=0.26. The incremental DMFS in groups B and C were significantly lower than in group A (P<.05). The number of reversed lesions in group C (1.53 ± 2.03) was significantly greater than in group A (1.11 ± 1.74) and group B (1.01 ± 1.86) (P<.05). The number of new lesions in group B (1.36 ± 2.00) was significantly less than in group A (1.99 ± 2.65) (P<.05). The daily use of the fluoride mouthrinse significantly increased the number of reversed lesions.
Use of Fluoride Tablets in Childhood: A 10‐year Prospective Study
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Hoist Dorthe
Published: September 2007

Regular and persistent use of fluoride tablets throughout childhood is part of the national population‐based preventive strategy and of the individual risk strategy of the Public Dental Health Service in Norway. The purpose of this study was to describe intraindividual stability in use of fluoride tablets in childhood and to analyze change in stability with respect to previous caries risk. Data stemmed from a 10‐year prospective study of 231 Norwegian children. Intraindividual stability was described as individual profiles, showing that individual use of fluoride tablets varied substantially over the 10‐year period. The significance of previous caries risk for change in use of fluoride tablets was analyzed by logistic regression analysis. The probability of increase in use of fluoride tablets increased significantly with previous caries activity. The results are discussed in light of population strategy and individual risk strategy in the Public Dental Health Service in Norway. Intraindividual variation in use of fluoride tablets over time may reflect the limited individual impact of preventive measures in pursuance of the population strategy. On the other hand, increase in use subsequent to a period of high caries risk indicates that intraindividual change in use of fluoride tablets may be initiated by individual risk strategy.
Oral Signs, Symptoms, and Behaviors in Older Floridians
Authors: Gilbert Gregg H. , Heft Marc W. , Duncan R. Paul
Published: September 2007

Six hundred community‐dwelling older Floridians were interviewed regarding the presence of reported signs of dental conditions, dental and oral symptoms, behavioral impact from dental conditions, and orofacial sensory changes. The prevalence of any single oral sign, symptom, or behavioral impact was generally low. A notable exception was the 39 percent prevalence of dry mouth. However, from 10 percent to 29 percent of persons had at least one of these dental signs, dental symptoms, dental behavioral impacts, or sensory changes. These findings are consistent with a noteworthy burden from nonoptimal oral health status, and these burdens were significantly more prevalent in irregular dental attenders, persons with lower household incomes, and persons who reported poorer general health. Inclusion of these non‐disease items in an assessment of oral health status seems warranted, and would allow a broader evaluation of oral health outcomes.
Coronal and Root Decay Experience in Older Adults in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Locker David , Leake James L.
Published: September 2007

This paper describes the coronal and root caries experience of subjects aged 50 years and older living in four communities in Ontario, Canada. The data were obtained as part of a comprehensive epidemiologic study of the oral health and treatment needs of this population. Caries experience was defined as the number of decayed and filled coronal and root surfaces per subject. Of 907 subjects interviewed and clinically examined, 78.3 percent were dentate and retained a mean of 18.9 teeth. The mean number of coronal decayed and filled surf aces was 23.9; 95.6 percent of subjects had at least one coronal DFS. The mean number of decayed and filled root surfaces was 3.6; 70.9 percent had at least one root DFS. The percent D/DFS was 3.5 for coronal and 20.0 for root caries. In linear regression analysis the number of teeth, making regular preventive visits, being born in Canada, and educational status emerged as predictors of coronal DFS. Predictors of root DFS were the number of surf aces with recession, the number of coronal DFS, the number of teeth, age, sex, and smoking status. These variables accounted for 42 percent and 35 percent of the variance in the number of coronal and root DFS, respectively.
The Standard of Care: An Ethical Responsibility of Public Health Dentistry
Authors: Friedman Jay W. , Atchison Kathryn A.
Published: September 2007

Wide variation in the diagnosis and treatment of dental problems is indicative of the lack of a standard of care to guide the practitioner and to protect the public. Examples of questionable dental practices are described to illustrate how the public may be overtreated, overcharged, and put at risk of iatrogenic injury, practices that are no longer valid in light of current knowledge of dental diseases and their treatment. Public health dentistry traditionally concerns itself with community preventive, educational, and curative programs. It also has the ethical responsibility—the moral duty and obligation—to recognize and contend with paternalistic professional behavior that, intentionally or otherwise, violates the public trust, and to promote systems that will improve access, quality, and financing of dentistry for everyone.
Medical Risk Classification of Dental Patients in the Netherlands
Authors: de Jong Karin J. M. , Oosting Johannes , Abraham‐lnpijn Louise
Published: September 2007

This study centers on the general health of dental patients, evaluated on the basis of the physical status classification system of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). A total of 4,087 patients completed a risk‐related, patient‐administered questionnaire. On the basis of their medical data, a computerized ASA classification was determined for each patient: 63.3 percent were in ASA class I, 25.7 percent in class II, 8.9 percent in class III, and 2.1 percent in class IV. After verification and/or consultation with the physician, the dentist also determined the ASA class, and this was compared with the computerized outcome. The agreement expressed as a kappa value was 0.64; the computer result generally placed the patient in a higher category of medical risk. The computer‐determined ASA classes differed among the various dental practices (χ2= 262.9; df = 138; P <.01). It is possible to estimate the risk class of dental patients on the basis of standardized medical information only; however, the definitive ASA class can only be determined after verification of the patient's reply or, in some cases, after consultation with a physician.
Increased Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B in Dental Personnel Necessitates Awareness of Revised Pediatric Hepatitis B Vaccine Recommendations
Authors: Wisnom Christine J. , Lee Raymond J.
Published: September 2007

This article presents data regarding occurrence of hepatitis B in health care workers and children living in their households. Also reviewed are recent revisions in pediatric hepatitis B vaccine recommendations. The purpose of this discussion is twofold: to provide information to assist dental personnel in the decision‐making process regarding vaccination of infants, children, and adolescents in their households; and to increase knowledge to facilitate educational presentations. In the United States from 1979 to 1989 the prevalence of new acute hepatitis B cases increased by 37 percent. An estimated 1.25 million people with chronic hepatitis B are capable of infecting those within their immediate environment, including their families. Studies indicate that dental health care workers, through occupational exposure, may have a 10 times greater risk of becoming a chronic hepatitis B carrier than the average citizen. The World Health Organization's Expanded Programme on Immunizations recommends that children receive vaccination in populations where hepatitis B is prevalent. The three‐pronged approach for reducing pediatric transmission includes: (1) vaccination of infants bom to infected mothers, (2) routine vaccination of children born to hepatitis‐seronegative mothers, (3) identification and vaccination of specific groups of adolescents. Comprehension of these changes may increase compliance regarding vaccination of children in our household, as well as enhancing our educational presentations to patients, the community, and professional societies.
The Use of a Rapid Enzymatic Assay in the Field for the Detection of Infections Associated with Adult Periodontitis
Authors: Bretz Walter A. , Eklund Stephen A. , Radicchi Ronald , Schork Michael A. , Schork Nicholas , Schottenfeld David , Lopatin Dennis E. , Loesche Walter J.
Published: September 2007

There are few objective assays for studies of the epidemiology of periodontal diseases. The PerioScan™ is an assay capable of detecting three periodontal pathogens, namely T. denticola, P. gingivalis, and B. forsythus, which have been associated with adult periodontitis. The PerioScan™ was tested in a sample of 301 Brazilians. Clinical indices—bleeding, probing depth, gingival index, and periodontal index—were recorded from four sites in each subject. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from those sites and placed on the PerioScan™ card. Color results were scored in the field after 15 minutes. The plaque samples were screened with polyclonal antibodies for the three species by an ELISA system. The PerioScan™, when compared with the ELISA system, yields a sensitivity of 91 percent, specificity of 89 percent, and an accuracy of 90 percent. When the PerioScan™ was compared to clinical indices, there was a high sensitivity (at least 93%) and a low specificity (no less than 47%), with an accuracy of at least 61 percent.
Community‐based Sealant Programs in the United States: Results of a Survey
Authors: Cohen Leonard A. , Horowitz Alice M.
Published: September 2007

The appropriate use of pit and fissure sealants could reduce substantially the majority of occlusal caries among US school‐aged children. The 1986–87 national oral health survey conducted by the NIDR showed that less than 8 percent of the children 5–17 years of age had sealants on their teeth. The purpose of this national study was to document the current status of community‐based sealant programs and to identify general program characteristics. Data were gathered through a mail survey to all state dental directors and site visits to four selected comprehensive community‐based programs. Twentynine states were currently conducting sealant programs. The vast majority of these programs had formal quality assurance systems and companion health education components. Eight states indicated that sealant programs had been terminated within the last two years. Medicaid reimbursement for sealants was available in 42 states, with a mean reimbursement rate of $10.71 per sealant. Reimbursement rates ranged from $3.00‐ $20.00 per sealant. State practice acts almost uniformly permitted the placement of sealants by dental hygienists (n = 48), but less frequently by dental assistants (n = 15). Approximately 43 percent of state practice acts did not require a dentist to be present physically when auxiliaries place sealants in public/community sealant programs. All respondents indicated that there was a need for additional programs in their state. No structural factors—for example, level of Medicaid reimbursement for sealants or state practice act requirements for auxiliary supervision—were found to be associated with the presence of community‐based sealant programs. Nationally, only a small percentage of children appeared to be receiving sealants in community programs.