bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apolipoprotein E Genotypes: Relationship to Cognitive Functioning, Cognitive Decline, and Survival in Nonagenarians
Authors: Bathum Lise , Christiansen Lene , Jeune Bernard , Vaupel James , McGue Matt , Christensen Kaare
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the extent to which relationships between apolipoprotein E, cognitive functioning, and survival in people aged 60 to 80 persist into advanced old age.

DESIGN: Examine the effect of apolipoprotein E genotypes on baseline cognitive functioning, cognitive decline over 5 years, and survival in a cohort of 1,551 nonagenarians.

SETTING: The Danish 1905 birth cohort.

PARTICIPANTS: One thousand five hundred fifty‐one nonagenarians from the Danish 1905 birth cohort.

MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive functioning was assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and five brief cognitive tests (cognitive composite).

RESULTS: The subjects were stratified into four groups by occurrence of a protective (ɛ2) or a risk (ɛ4) apo E allele (ɛ22 and ɛ23, ɛ33, ɛ24 and ɛ34, ɛ44). At intake, the mean scores for the three genotype groups were 22.1, 21.8, 21.4, and 21.0 for MMSE and 0.10, 0.07, −0.02, and 0.30 for the cognitive composite, respectively. Growth‐curve analyses showed that, although individuals carrying at least one ɛ4 allele had slightly lower MMSE scores and declined slightly more rapidly over time, this effect was not statistically significant and was not apparent in scores on the cognitive composite. In subjects whose functioning was relatively well preserved (those still living and able to participate in the assessment, and whose cognitive functioning had declined less than 4 points on the MMSE), ɛ4 frequencies tended to decline at subsequent waves (P=.03, chi‐square test for trend), but ɛ4 had no significant survival disadvantage (hazard ratio=1.11 (95% confidence interval=0.99–1.25; P=.07).

CONCLUSION: Apo E genotype has a small effect on the probability of remaining a well‐functioning nonagenarian but no separately detectable effect on cognitive functioning, cognitive decline, or survival.
Use of Health‐Related, Quality‐of‐Life Metrics to Predict Mortality and Hospitalizations in Community‐Dwelling Seniors
Authors: Dorr David A. , Jones Spencer S. , Burns Laurie , Donnelly Steven M. , Brunker Cherie P. , Wilcox Adam , Clayton Paul D.
Published: April 2006

OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) scores in a primary care population can be used as a predictor of future hospital utilization and mortality.

DESIGN: Prospective cohort study measuring Short Form 12 (SF‐12) scores obtained using a mailed survey. SF‐12 scores, age, and a comorbidity score were used to predict hospitalization and mortality rate using multivariable logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards during the ensuing 28‐month period for elderly patients.

SETTING: Intermountain Health Care, a large integrated‐delivery network serving a population of more than 150,000 seniors.

PARTICIPANTS: Participants were senior patients who had one or more chronic diseases, were community dwelling, and were initially treated in primary care clinics.

MEASUREMENTS: SF‐12 survey Version 1.

RESULTS: Seven thousand seventy‐six surveys were sent to eligible participants; 3,042 (43%) were returned. Of the returned surveys, 2,166 (71%) were complete and scoreable. For the respondent group, a multivariable analysis demonstrated that older age, male sex, higher comorbidity score, and lower mental and physical summary measures of SF‐12 predicted higher mortality and hospitalization. On average, nonresponders were older and had higher comorbidity scores and mortality rates than responders.

CONCLUSION: The SF‐12 survey provided additional predictive ability for future hospitalizations and mortality. Such predictive ability might facilitate preemptive interventions that would change the course of disease in this segment of the population. However, nonresponder bias may limit the utility of mailed SF‐12 surveys in certain populations.
Escherichia Coli O157:H7 Infection in Nursing Homes: Review of Literature and Report of Recent Outbreak
Authors: Reiss Gary , Kunz Pamela , Koin Diana , Keeffe Emmet B.
Published: April 2006

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a well‐described cause of hemorrhagic colitis in isolated cases and outbreaks. The postdiarrhea complications of this infection (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura and hemolytic uremic syndrome) have historically been linked to illness in children aged 5 to 10, but in an elderly, institutionalized population, E. coli O157:H7 is associated with high morbidity and mortality. This geriatric population is at high risk for developing gastrointestinal infections for a number of reasons, including age‐ and medication‐related achlorhydria, antibiotic usage, and comorbid medical conditions. The combination of age‐related risk factors with those associated with group living makes nursing facilities a high‐risk environment for outbreaks of infectious diseases. E. coli O157:H7 may be more likely to cause disease outbreaks in this population because of the low inoculum required for clinical infection. Moreover, the prevalence of potential competing diagnoses, such as lower gastrointestinal bleeding from neoplastic or diverticular disease, complicates the diagnosis. Clinical presentation and laboratory studies are unpredictable and pose diagnostic challenges. This report reviews the literature on nursing home outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 and presents an outbreak that occurred in an assisted living community in San Mateo County, California, in October 2003. The purpose of this literature review and report of an outbreak is to heighten awareness of the unique susceptibility of elderly, institutionalized patients for E. coli O157:H7 infection and its sequelae.
Human platelets target dendritic cell differentiation and production of proinflammatory cytokines
Authors: Kissel Karin , Berber Seda , Nockher Angelika , Santoso Sentot , Bein Gregor , Hackstein Holger
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND:  Dendritic cells (DCs) are the most potent antigen‐presenting cells that initiate and regulate immune responses. They are unique in their feature to produce bioactive interleukin (IL)‐12, a major proinflammatory cytokine connecting innate and adaptive immunity. Platelets (PLTs) are highly reactive components of the circulatory system with fundamental importance in hemostasis and innate immunity. Recently, immunomodulatory capacities of single specific human PLT‐derived products on DC effector functions were identified. To improve the understanding of PLT‐DC interactions, this study investigates the influence of intact resting and activated PLTs on DC phenotype and key functions.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:  Magnetic beads sorted CD14+ cells were expanded in the presence and absence of resting or activated PLTs. DC differentiation, maturation, allostimulatority capacity, antigen uptake, and cytokine profile were estimated to control group.

RESULTS:  Activated PLTs potently impaired DC differentiation according to CD1a expression (mean reduction, 62%; p < 0.05). Production of IL‐12p70 and tumor necrosis factor‐α was reduced in the presence of resting (mean reduction, 46 and 55%, respectively; p < 0.05) as well as activated PLTs (mean reduction, 63 and 49%, respectively; p < 0.05). In contrast to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, activated PLTs increased production of the immunoregulatory cytokine IL‐10 by DCs (mean increase, 52%; p < 0.05). DC allostimulatority capacity, antigen uptake, and phenotypic maturation remained unaffected.

CONCLUSION:  It is proposed that intact PLTs connect immunity and hemostasis by interfering with DC differentiation and cytokine production. This interference might be of importance in clinical settings, such as DC therapy and PLT transfusions.
Storage of platelet‐rich plasma–derived platelet concentrate pools in plasma and additive solution
Authors: Sweeney Joseph , Kouttab Nicola , Holme Stein , Kurtis Jonathan , Cheves Tracey , Nelson Edward
Published: April 2006

BACKGROUND: Prestorage pooling of platelet (PLT)‐rich plasma (PRP)‐derived PLT concentrates (PCs) and storage in either plasma (PS) or an additive solution (AS) is logistically feasible and would result in a product similar to buffy‐coat or apheresis PLTs.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: On Day 0, PS PRP PCs were pooled with a sterile connecting device into a new 1.3‐L storage container (ELX, PALL Medical). AS‐PCs were prepared by addition of a new low‐pH glucose‐containing AS to the PLT sediment. AS‐PCs were pooled into a 1.3‐L ELX bag containing four tablets of NaHCO3. PC pools were sampled on Days 1, 5, and 7.

RESULTS: PS pools containing 5 units had a mean PLT yield similar to the AS pools (39 × 1010 ± 3 × 1010vs. 37 × 1010 ± 6 × 1010; p = 0.25). All pools had WBC counts of less than 1 × 106. pH and HCO3decreased in PS pools with storage, but either increased or remained constant in the AS pools. On Day 7, no differences were seen in morphology score or extent of shape change. Hypotonic shock response was better preserved in the plasma pools (71 ± 12% vs. 56 ± 13%, p < 0.01); however, surface P‐selectin was expressed less in the AS pools (6 ± 4% vs. 18 ± 10%, p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Manufacture and storage of PRP‐PCs in pools either in plasma or in a glucose‐containing AS in this new container are feasible, and there is good preservation of PLT quality to Day 7.
“Torsade de Pointes” in Patients with Structural Heart Disease and Atrial Fibrillation Treated with Amiodarone, β‐Blockers, and Digitalis
Authors: SCHRICKEL JAN W. , SCHWAB JOERG O. , YANG ALEXANDER , BITZEN ALEXANDER , LÜDERITZ BERNDT , LEWALTER THORSTEN
Published: April 2006

Amiodarone is one of the most efficient and safe antiarrhythmic drugs in the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF). Yet, though rare, proarrhythmic effects remain a clinical problem. We present three cases of amiodarone‐associated “Torsade de pointes” tachycardia (Tdp) in patients treated concomitantly with heart rate controlling medication for AF. Amiodarone loading therapy was started for the treatment of tachyarrhythmic AF in all the three patients. All presented with a history of coronary heart disease, resulting in a severely reduced left ventricular ejection fraction in two patients. One received oral amiodarone loading, in the others, amiodarone was administered intravenously because of hemodynamically relevant AF episodes. Amiodarone therapy was combined with a heart rate controlling medication including a β‐blocking agent and digitalis in all the cases. All the subjects suffered from clinically relevant Tdp in the early run after initiation of amiodarone loading (max. 48 hours). The mean QTc in all patients before induction of Tdp was prolonged. The present case reports imply that amiodarone in combination with β‐blocker/digitalis therapy may be associated with an elevated proarrhythmic risk in selected patients with structural heart disease and AF.
Blanked Atrial Flutter in Patients with Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy: Clinical Significance and Implications for Device Programming
Authors: STROHMER BERNHARD , SCHERNTHANER CHRISTIANA , PICHLER MAXIMILIAN
Published: April 2006

Background: Atrial arrhythmias are frequently observed in patients with heart failure and may be a primary cause for decompensation during cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The accurate detection of organized atrial tachyarrhythmias poses a challenge to the function of mode‐switching biventricular pacemakers/defibrillators.

Methods: The purpose of the study was to determine retrospectively the incidence of blanked atrial flutter and mode switch failure (2:1 lock‐in), and to look for factors predisposing to this problem. A total number of 65 patients with CRT devices has been followed regularly over 18 ± 12 months. Five patients were excluded because of chronic atrial fibrillation and reprogramming to VVIR mode.

Results: Seven out of 60 patients (12%) were diagnosed with blanked atrial flutter at unscheduled device interrogation. Sustained biventricular pacing at a median rate of 125/min—mimicking sinus tachycardia—resulted in rapid deterioration of heart failure and hospitalization. Mode switch failure occurred due to coincidence of every second flutter wave with atrial blanking. The group with 2:1 lock‐in was programmed to longer atrial blanking times (143 ± 34 ms vs 105 ± 32 ms; P = 0.026) and AV intervals (126 ± 8 ms vs 107 ± 29; P = 0.001) than the group without lock‐in. Other clinical characteristics examined did not differ between the two groups apart from a previous history of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.032).

Conclusion: Blanked atrial flutter with rapid ventricular pacing is a clinically important problem in heart failure patients treated with CRT devices. Efforts should be made to avoid this complication by atrial lead implantation without ventricular farfield oversensing, by programming short PVAB and AV intervals, and by implementation of dedicated device algorithms.
Medium‐Term Efficacy of Segmental Ostial Pulmonary Vein Isolation for the Treatment of Permanent and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: LIM TOON WEI , JASSAL INDERJIT S. , ROSS DAVID L. , THOMAS STUART P.
Published: April 2006

Introduction: Previous studies suggest that segmental ostial isolation of the pulmonary veins for the treatment of patients with persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation is associated with a high rate of recurrence. Recurrence of atrial fibrillation is usually associated with electrical reconnection of the pulmonary veins to the left atrium.

Methods: We examined the efficacy of isolating all four pulmonary veins using an open irrigated tip ablation catheter and multiple procedures, to overcome the problem of electrical reconnection in the veins. Fifty‐one patients (59 ± 10 years, 48 male) with drug resistant and highly symptomatic persistent or permanent atrial fibrillation had their pulmonary veins electrically isolated using mapping guided segmental radiofrequency ablation. Atrial fibrillation had been present for 7.6 ± 7.3 years, and patients had failed treatment with 2.2 ± 1.6 antiarrhythmic medications. Thirty‐nine percent had structural heart disease.

Results: After a mean of 1.7 ± 0.9 procedures per patient, 23 patients (45%) were in sinus rhythm (without cardioversion) after 16.9 ± 9.1 months. Antiarrhythmic medications were required in four of those in sinus rhythm (17%). Recurrences were usually early (median 7 days). Neither age, duration of atrial fibrillation, type of atrial fibrillation, underlying heart disease, left atrial size, left ventricular wall thickness nor the number of failed antiarrhythmic drugs predicted outcomes.

Conclusion: Persistent and permanent atrial fibrillation can be successfully treated using segmental isolation. However, recurrence is common even when all four veins are isolated using an open irrigated tip catheter, and multiple procedures are performed. Alternative techniques are required in this population.
Evaluation of Electromagnetic Interference of GSM Mobile Phones with Pacemakers Featuring Remote Monitoring Functions
Authors: CALCAGNINI G. , CENSI F. , FLORIS M. , PIGNALBERI C. , RICCI R. , BIANCALANA G. , BARTOLINI P. , SANTINI M.
Published: April 2006

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether global system for mobile communication (GSM) cellular phones can affect the home monitoring (HM) function implemented in last generation pacemakers (PM).

Methods: We performed in vitro and in vivo tests on the BA03 PM (Biotronik GmbH, Berlin, Germany). In vitro we evaluated whether an improper HM procedure or an altered patient‐activated HM function occurred. We used two cellular phone models, with a fixed external or internal antenna, positioned close to both the PM and the mobile phone‐like device, during handover, ringing, and talking. All the tests were done with the PM in air, at 900 and 1,800 MHz GSM bands, under worst case conditions. A subset of these tests was repeated in 17 patients: the mobile phones were moved both around the PM implant site and the mobile cell phone‐like device, during talking.

Results:
In vitro, neither the HM procedure nor PM functioning were corrupted by the GSM communications: all the transmissions were correctly received, with a maximum transmission delay of about 110 seconds. In vivo, the rate of successful trasmissions was 93%.

Conclusion: Our data show that HM function does not call for specific restrictions on the use of GSM cellular phones.
One Stage Side‐to‐Side Replacement of Infected Pulse Generators and Leads
Authors: NANDYALA RAMAVATHI , PARSONNET VICTOR
Published: April 2006

Infected and contaminated cardiac pulse generators and leads must be removed entirely in order to effect a cure. We have shown through our experience with 68 consecutive cases that explantation of the offending system and replacement of a new device on the opposite side can be safely accomplished in one sitting—a side‐to‐side replacement—as long as there is appropriate case selection. There were no early or late infections of the new operative site.
Uncomplicated Heart and Lung Perforation by a Displaced Ventricular Pacemaker Lead: A Case Report
Authors: SELCUK HATICE , SELCUK M.TIMUR , MADEN ORHAN , OZEKE OZCAN , CELENK M.KUTLU , TURKVATAN AYSEL , KORKMAZ SULE
Published: April 2006

Lead perforation is a rare complication of pacemaker implantation and associated with the risk of disastrous results like cardiac tamponade or pneumo‐hemothorax. We report a patient in whom a ventricular lead perforated the right ventricle and left lung parenchyma without the development of cardiac tamponade, pneumothorax, or hemothorax. No objective evidence for perforation was found on echocardiographic evaluation and thorax computed tomography has made the definite diagnosis. In the literature available to us, it is the first reported case of an uncomplicated right ventricular and lung parenchymal perforation associated with pacemaker implantation.
Pacemaker Tachycardia in a Minute Ventilation Rate‐Adaptive Pacemaker Induced by Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Authors: LAU WENDY , CORCORAN SUSAN J. , MOND HARRY G.
Published: April 2006

Programmed upper rate pacing occurred in a patient with a rate‐adaptive pacemaker when he was connected to a cardiac monitor in an emergency department. The tachycardia was mistakenly interpreted to be ventricular tachycardia and the patient received multiple DC shocks as well as intravenous amiodarone and sotalol, resulting in severe hemodynamic deterioration. It is important that physicians working in the hospital environment be familiar with this pacemaker‐monitor interaction as the problem may be easily rectified by disconnecting the monitor or by reprogramming the pacemaker to a nonrate‐adaptive pacing mode.
Using Bivariate Models to Understand between‐ and within‐Cluster Regression Coefficients, with Application to Twin Data
Authors: Gurrin Lyle C. , Carlin John B. , Sterne Jonathan A. C. , Dite Gillian S. , Hopper John L.
Published: April 2006

Summary In the regression analysis of clustered data it is important to allow for the possibility of distinct between‐ and within‐cluster exposure effects on the outcome measure, represented, respectively, by regression coefficients for the cluster mean and the deviation of the individual‐level exposure value from this mean. In twin data, the within‐pair regression effect represents association conditional on exposures shared within pairs, including any common genetic or environmental influences on the outcome measure. It has therefore been proposed that a comparison of the within‐pair regression effects between monozygous (MZ) and dizygous (DZ) twins can be used to examine whether the association between exposure and outcome has a genetic origin. We address this issue by proposing a bivariate model for exposure and outcome measurements in twin‐pair data. The between‐ and within‐pair regression coefficients are shown to be weighted averages of ratios of the exposure and outcome variances and covariances, from which it is straightforward to determine the conditions under which the within‐pair regression effect in MZ pairs will be different from that in DZ pairs. In particular, we show that a correlation structure in twin pairs for exposure and outcome that appears to be due to genetic factors will not necessarily be reflected in distinct MZ and DZ values for the within‐pair regression coefficients. We illustrate these results in a study of female twin pairs from Australia and North America relating mammographic breast density to weight and body mass index.
Susceptibility of Biallelic Haplotype and Genotype Frequencies to Genotyping Error
Authors: Moskvina Valentina , Schmidt Karl Michael
Published: April 2006

SummaryWith the availability of fast genotyping methods and genomic databases, the search for statistical association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with a complex trait has become an important methodology in medical genetics. However, even fairly rare errors occurring during the genotyping process can lead to spurious association results and decrease in statistical power. We develop a systematic approach to study how genotyping errors change the genotype distribution in a sample. The generalM‐marker case is reduced to that of a single‐marker locus by recognizing the underlying tensor‐product structure of the error matrix. Both method and general conclusions apply to the general error model; we give detailed results for allele‐based errors of size depending both on the marker locus and the allele present. Multiple errors are treated in terms of the associated diffusion process on the space of genotype distributions. We find that certain genotype and haplotype distributions remain unchanged under genotyping errors, and that genotyping errors generally render the distribution more similar to the stable one. In case–control association studies, this will lead to loss of statistical power for nondifferential genotyping errors and increase in type I error for differential genotyping errors. Moreover, we show that allele‐based genotyping errors do not disturb Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium in the genotype distribution. In this setting we also identify maximally affected distributions. As they correspond to situations with rare alleles and marker loci in high linkage disequilibrium, careful checking for genotyping errors is advisable when significant association based on such alleles/haplotypes is observed in association studies.
Equivalence of Truncated Count Mixture Distributions and Mixtures of Truncated Count Distributions
Authors: Böhning Dankmar , Kuhnert Ronny
Published: April 2006

SummaryThis article is about modeling count data with zero truncation. A parametric count density family is considered. The truncated mixture of densities from this family is different from the mixture of truncated densities from the same family. Whereas the former model is more natural to formulate and to interpret, the latter model is theoretically easier to treat. It is shown that for any mixing distribution leading to a truncated mixture, a (usually different) mixing distribution can be found so that the associated mixture of truncated densities equals the truncated mixture, and vice versa. This implies that the likelihood surfaces for both situations agree, and in this sense both models are equivalent. Zero‐truncated count data models are used frequently in the capture‐recapture setting to estimate population size, and it can be shown that the two Horvitz–Thompson estimators, associated with the two models, agree. In particular, it is possible to achieve strong results for mixtures of truncated Poisson densities, including reliable, global construction of the unique NPMLE (nonparametric maximum likelihood estimator) of the mixing distribution, implying a unique estimator for the population size. The benefit of these results lies in the fact that it is valid to work with the mixture of truncated count densities, which is less appealing for the practitioner but theoretically easier. Mixtures of truncated count densities form a convex linear model, for which a developed theory exists, including global maximum likelihood theory as well as algorithmic approaches. Once the problem has been solved in this class, it might readily be transformed back to the original problem by means of an explicitly given mapping. Applications of these ideas are given, particularly in the case of the truncated Poisson family.
Microstructural Modifications in Macroporous Oxides Prepared Via Latex Templating: Synthesis and Thermal Stability of Porous Microstructure
Authors: Verissimo Carla , Alves Oswaldo L.
Published: April 2006

Titanium and zirconium oxides with interconnected macropores presenting well‐defined pore sizes and controlled three‐dimensional ordering were prepared using a latex templating method. Polystyrene spheres were used as pore templates, whereas metal alkoxides were used as oxide precursors. The final thermal treatment at different temperatures showed macroporous microstructure stabilities up to 600°C. At higher temperatures, a collapse of the macroporous microstructure and sintering were observed, as well as phase transformations in the oxides structures during the calcination process, as shown by Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques.
Differences in nutritional quality of parts of Vitis vinifera berries affect fitness of the European grapevine moth
Authors: Moreau Jérôme , Arruego Xavier , Benrey Betty , Thiéry Denis
Published: April 2006

The European grapevine moth, Lobesia botrana (Denis & Schiffermüller) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), is a major grapevine pest in Europe. The larva is polyphagous and able to develop on more than 25 plant species, several of them being more suitable than Vitaceae for the fitness of L. botrana. Larvae normally eat the pulp of the berry, but may also consume the seeds according to the development stage of the berry and the larval density per bunch. Understanding the effect on individual fitness of such feeding behaviour is important to assess how suitable the different berry tissues are for this insect. We offered to the larvae either entire berries, seeds, or pulp with skin of the variety Vitis vinifera cv. ‘Cabernet Sauvignon’ as larval food in order to assess several life history traits from egg hatching to adult death. Two control groups were raised on semisynthetic diets, offering a low (no plant material) or a higher (with corn flour) nutritive value medium. The larvae performed differently when fed on diets containing different parts of berries. The larvae fed on a diet containing grape berry seeds had a prolonged development time and showed higher mortality. The females emerging from these larvae had a lower fecundity and mating success than the females emerging from larvae fed on diets containing other parts of the berries. However, their longevity was greater in comparison to the other groups. We conclude that seeds of Cabernet Sauvignon are not toxic to larvae but affect the reproductive life history traits in L. botrana.
Euschistus conspersus female morphology and attraction to methyl (2E,4Z)‐decadienoate pheromone–baited traps in processing tomatoes
Authors: Cullen Eileen M. , Zalom Frank G.
Published: April 2006

Previous work documented seasonal field response dynamics of Euschistus conspersus Uhler (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae) to Euschistus spp. pheromone [methyl (2E,4Z)‐decadienoate]‐baited traps in California processing tomatoes, Lycopersicon esculentum (Miller) (Solanaceae). A laboratory phenology model has been reported for E. conspersus egg incubation to adult emergence. In the present work, reproductive and thoracic dissections were performed on female E. conspersus collected year‐round from seasonal habitats in California's Central Valley. We used these dissection data to establish relationships between the morphology of E. conspersus and time of year, habitat, sample recovery method, and female attraction to pheromone traps in commercial tomato fields. All ovariole categories, sexually immature through postreproductive, were recorded for females collected from tomatoes by plant‐beating sample throughout the growing season. Conversely, pheromone trap captures in tomatoes over the same period revealed that females entering the traps were exclusively reproductively active with matured eggs. We conclude that early season female‐biased E. conspersus pheromone trap catch can be used to establish a ‘biofix’ from which to accumulate degree days and forecast nymphal development in the field. Focusing control efforts on the more susceptible nymph stages may improve efficacy of reduced‐risk insecticides such as the neonicotinoids. Thoracic dissection results, with no significant difference in flight muscle size or color by ovariole condition, failed to support our hypothesis of a life history trade‐off between female reproductive activity and flight capability to explain a decline in female pheromone trap response during the mid‐summer tomato‐fruiting stages. The adaptive value of the observed retention of E. conspersus flight capability over the calendar year, and across reproductive stages, is discussed.
Infection of Anastrepha ludens following soil applications of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora in a mango orchard
Authors: Toledo Jorge , Rasgado Milton A. , Ibarra Jorge E. , Gómez Anaximandro , Liedo Pablo , Williams Trevor
Published: April 2006

To determine the efficacy of Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar (Nematoda: Heterorhabditidae) for control of Anastrepha ludens (Loew) (Diptera: Tephritidae), field experiments were performed in a mango orchard with soil temperatures of 24–29 °C. The density of third‐instar A. ludens (50–500 larvae per plot) released into 0.25 m2 wood‐framed experimental plots containing soil (16% wt/wt moisture) previously treated with 125 infective juveniles per square centimetre soil surface did not significantly influence the prevalence of infection by H. bacteriophora. In subsequent experiments, the percentages of infection of fly pupae were positively correlated with the concentration of infective stages applied to soil plots. The highest average percentage of infection (74% at 250 infective juveniles per square centimetre) was observed when fly larvae were released simultaneously onto soil, compared to larvae that emerged from laboratory‐infested mangoes over a period of 8 days (52% infection at 500 infective juveniles per square centimetre). Double applications of infective juveniles at an interval of 4 days did not greatly improve the prevalence of infection (∼10% higher) compared to single applications. Between 9 and 15% of larvae that remained within infested mangoes became infected by nematodes, irrespective of the concentration of nematodes applied to each experimental plot. We conclude that effective control of A. ludens requires very high densities of H. bacteriophora. The successful use of this nematode for biocontrol of A. ludens will depend on identifying ways of overcoming the fly's ability to avoid infection.
Contents of stomatological curricula in Europe
Authors: Bucur M. V. , Shanley D. B. , Claffey N.
Published: April 2006

Abstract  The present study focuses on dental education in the Accession Countries to the European Union. Comparisons were made with data from EU dental schools [Eur J Dent Educ 1 (1997) 35]. The findings show a large variation in the hours allocated to individual subjects, medical and dental, both within and between AC and EU dental schools. Stomatology derived from General Medicine and the stomatologist is viewed as a doctor responsible for one part of the body. This was explained by the large proportion of time dedicated to medical subjects, especially in the first 2/3 years of the undergraduate curriculum. The percentage of hours for dental sciences varied inversely to those for bio‐medical sciences and increase continuously from the first year to the final year. Curricula in the Stomatological schools tend to have a discipline‐structured approach, generally utilising a large number of individual departments, resulting in a multitude of subjects being taught. Curricular extensions from 5 to 6 years were introduced in some schools from 1990 onwards in order to accommodate new dental subjects.
German dental faculty attitudes towards computer‐assisted simulation systems correlated with personal and professional profiles
Authors: Welk A. , Splieth Ch. , Seyer D. , Rosin M. , Siemer M. , Meyer G.
Published: April 2006

Background: Computer technology is increasingly used in practical training at universities. However, in spite of their potential, computer‐assisted simulation (CAS) systems still appear to be underutilised.

Objectives: To investigate the practical usage of CAS/computer‐assisted learning (CAL) systems, the familiarity and level of use of CAS systems, as well as the acceptance of approved learning content and English as the language of instruction in CAS/CAL systems.

Methods: A survey was conducted in the Departments of Conservative Dentistry and Prosthetic Dentistry of all 32 dental schools in Germany. Besides investigating the usefulness of, familiarity with and level of current usage of CAS systems, the questionnaire also contained questions regarding each respondent's gender, age, academic rank, experience in academia and computer skills, all of which correlated with the responses.

Results: The response rate was 90% (112 out of 125). The use of CAS/CAL systems was considered ‘partly’ to ‘very’ useful for evaluating the acquisition of knowledge (83.9%), qualitative issues (73.2%) and processes (72.3%) of dental preparation exercises and complex treatment strategies. However, only about half the respondents reported that they knew of, and even fewer used, the following systems in preclinical or clinical training: EDUnet (KaVo, Germany) (46.3%/0.9 %), PREPassistant (KaVo, Germany) (50%/0.9%), or the DentSim system (DenX, Israel) (52.8%/1.9%). The virtual simulation system VRDTS‐CP (Novint, USA), used by none of the respondents, was known to only 16.5%. Responders agreed at least partly to accept approved learning content (74.9%) and English as the language of instruction (82.1%) as the standards for CAS systems.

Conclusion: The survey indicates a distinct discrepancy between a generally positive attitude towards the usefulness of computer technology for dental education, the level of familiarity with current computer systems and their actual use. However, two prerequisites for ultimately decreasing the cost and increasing the usage of CAS systems – the acceptance of approved learning content and English as the language of instruction in CAS systems – seem to be generally accepted by respondents.
Student evaluation of a problem‐oriented module of clinical medicine within a revised dental curriculum
Authors: Tack C. J. , Plasschaert A. J. M.
Published: April 2006

Abstract  As part of a revised dental curriculum, a 3rd year module on medical subjects was developed based on a mixture of self‐study and problem‐oriented approach using cases. Pairs of students had to select a specific medical problem and solve a paper patient case using a problem‐solving cycle. Results were presented in working groups and by writing an essay. The quality of the presentations was assessed by colleague students and by the teacher supervisor; the expert teacher in the field graded the essay. The results contributed for 40% to the overall grade of the module. A questionnaire filled out by 94% of the participating students showed that 85% of the students agreed in preferring this way of handling medical problems as compared with conventional, lecture‐based education. Almost all of them enjoyed the provided opportunity to give a case presentation. The problem‐oriented model was assessed as useful by 73% of the students. Knowledge concerning the topic chosen turned out to be higher than knowledge of other topics. Although this study cannot prove that this mode of education actually results in a better ability to cope with medical problems, it may contribute in several ways to the final competences in the area of general medicine in the undergraduate dental curriculum.
The Poetics of “Divine Chit‐Chat”: Rethinking the Conversation Poems
Authors: Koelzer Robert
Published: April 2006

This article focuses on the Romantic genre, pioneered by Coleridge in the 1790s, of the “conversation poem.” It provides a survey of influential twentieth‐century critics and criticism of the form; more to the point, however, it seeks to problematize our inherited ideas about the conversation poem by examining some of the assumptions (and mischaracterizations) that have informed the critical construction of this genre. In short, this article argues that the conversation poem's generic relationship to conversation has not been explained in sufficient depth. It attempts, in a preliminary way, to redress this insufficiency by outlining what its author calls a poetics of conversation – that is, the compositional techniques whereby a poet works out a fully‐realized conversational form – through a reading of the “original” conversation poem: Coleridge's “The Nightingale: A Conversational Poem” of 1798.
Retirement expectations: gender differences and partner effects in an Australian employer‐funded sample
Authors: Onyx Jenny , Baker Ellen
Published: April 2006

Objectives:  The concept of retirement has been undergoing change, and opportunities for a variety of retirement lifestyle options are increasing. Retirement plans for one cohort are examined in this context.

Method:  Responses to a questionnaire of some 200 public‐sector employees attending a retirement seminar were analysed by gender.

Results:  Findings suggest that both men and women viewed retirement as a positive experience, focusing on opportunities for further personal development. This approach was more evident among women. However, both men and women would prefer to maintain a form of reduced employment after retiring. There were no gender differences in reasons for retiring at that time, but those with partners were more likely to retire because of family responsibilities.

Conclusions:  Implications for theories of ageing and public policy are discussed. A more flexible approach to retirement policy is urged. Retirement may provide more opportunities for personal growth than decline.
Older Australian home‐care clients who screen positive for depression
Authors: Lewin Gill , Chain Silver , Calver Janine
Published: April 2006

Study objectives:  The objectives of this study were threefold. It estimated the prevalence of screening for depression among older individuals, as assessed at the commencement of home‐care services or as part of a routine review, identified factors associated with a positive response to the depression screen; and, then examined the use of home‐care services over a period of 12 months.

Method:  A prospective cohort of older home‐care clients assessed once during October 2000 to June 2001 and followed for a maximum of 12 months to measure service use.

Results:  Almost 62% of the sample screened positive for depression. Contrary to previous studies, screening positive for depression was associated with lower service use.

Conclusions:  The prevalence of a positive depression screen was higher than has been previously reported. Further research is required to validate the screening tool with Australian elders.
A comparison of the MMSE and the TICS‐m in hearing‐impaired older adults
Authors: Pachana Nancy A , Alpass Fiona M , Blakey Judy A , Long Nigel R
Published: April 2006

Objective:  The efficacy of telephone‐administered cognitive screening instruments used with hearing‐impaired populations is as yet unknown.

Method:  In a pilot study, performance of hearing‐impaired veterans (N = 46) was compared on telephone‐administered (Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status – modified; TICS‐m) and face‐to‐face administered (Mini‐Mental State Examination; MMSE) instruments.

Results:  Correlations between the MMSE and the TICS‐m (r = 0.39) are lower than previously reported in the literature. Participants had difficulty perceiving words from the TICS‐m on registration and thus also on later recall, regardless of whether hearing aids were worn. Further analyses revealed that when these items were removed from the TICS‐m scores, correlations with the MMSE improved significantly.

Conclusions:  Hearing‐impaired participants may have difficulties with telephone‐administered instruments requiring accurate hearing of words in the absence of any context. Participants’ hearing should be taken into account when administering and interpreting cognitive screens over the telephone.
Knowledge and interest in ageing: a study of final‐year social work students
Authors: Hughes Mark , Heycox Karen
Published: April 2006

Objective:  To evaluate social work students’ knowledge of older people's issues and their interest in working with older people in the future.

Method:  Fifty‐five final‐year students completed a questionnaire, including a knowledge/myths instrument and an interest scale. Independent variables included students’ prior contact with older people and exposure to a course on ageing.

Results:  Students achieved an average 70.4% success rate on the knowledge/myths instrument; no student got all answers correct. Interest levels were moderate with an average score of 5.13 on a 10‐point scale. Prior participation in ageing courses was positively correlated with knowledge of older people's issues and interest in working with older people.

Conclusions:  Correlations between course attendance and students’ knowledge and interest are in line with international findings. Such courses should challenge common myths associated with ageing and should promote social work with older people as skilled practice within complex health, welfare and family systems.
Reasons for changing alcohol use among older people in New Zealand
Authors: Khan Nadim , Wilkinson Tim J , Keeling Sally
Published: April 2006

Objective:  To determine self‐reported reasons for drinking alcohol and for changing alcohol use in older people.

Methods:  Descriptive cross‐sectional study using semistructured questionnaire interviews of 141 randomly selected community‐dwelling older people.

Results:  The 100 current drinkers said they consumed alcohol for social reasons, before and with meals and because alcohol helped them to relax: 45 had not changed their alcohol consumption over the past 12 months, nine had increased, 43 decreased and three did not know. Reasons for increasing were encouragement from friends, loneliness, as an alternative to smoking and enjoyment of drinking alcohol. Reasons for decreasing were mostly for health concerns or because of pressure from family or friends.

Conclusions:  Suggested strategies for influencing alcohol consumption in older people might include health promotion and education about potential negative health outcomes, in the context of ensuring appropriate social engagement in later life.
The reclassification of elderly people following admission to residential aged care
Authors: Robinson Andrew , Rumble Roger , Francis Bronwyn
Published: April 2006

Objectives:  To determine the incidence of, and factors associated with, the reclassification of level of care needs of older people following admission to a residential aged care facility (RACF) in Tasmania.

Method:  Focus group discussions with 11 Directors of Nursing of RACFs were conducted to inform the development of a questionnaire, which was administered to all residential aged care providers in the State.

Results:  More than 10% of elderly people admitted to a RACF in Tasmania are subject to a reclassification from high to low care or vice versa within 60 days of admission. The study also revealed a number of variables associated with reclassification.

Conclusions:  Reclassification of residents is often considered to be a ‘significant problem’. To reduce the incidence of reclassification many RACFs conduct their own assessments. Dementia, admission of hospital inpatients and greater than 6 months since an ACAT assessment represent the key predictors of reclassification.
In vitro culture of glochidia from the freshwater mussel Anodonta cygnea
Authors: Lima Paula , Kovitvadhi Uthaiwan , Kovitvadhi Satit , Machado Jorge
Published: April 2006

Abstract. Larvae of the freshwater swan mussel, Anodonta cygnea, were cultured in artificial media at the controlled temperature of 23°±2°C, with successful metamorphosis for the first time. The artificial medium contained a mixture of M199, common carp plasma, and antibiotics/antimycotics. Glochidia were reared to the juvenile stage in the medium after 10–11 d of culture. After 15 d of controlled feeding with phytoplankton, the juveniles showed an elongated shell with several growth lines. Larval survival was 34.3±9.3%, whereas the proportion undergoing metamorphosis was ≤60.8±4.2%. The ultrastructure of early developmental stages was observed by scanning electron microscopy, from the glochidial to the juvenile stage. Glochidia had a hooked shell, with two equal triangular valves formed by a calcareous layer with numerous pores and covered by a thin cuticle of chitin–keratin. The appearance of the complete foot within 11 d of in vitro culture was considered the final feature of metamorphosis to the juvenile stage. The main alteration during juvenile development was the formation, under the glochidial shell, of a new periostracum with growth lines. The prominent foot, gradually covered by long, dense cilia, showed rhythmical movements involved in the capture of particulate matter. Similarly, cilia and microvilli present in the mantle also performed the same role. Longer cilia, sparsely distributed in the mantle, may function as chemotactile sensors.
Microscopic anatomy of the thin‐walled vessels leaving the heart of the lobsterHomarus americanus:anterior lateral arteries
Authors: Chan Kincaid S. , Cavey Michael J. , Wilkens Jerrel L.
Published: April 2006

Abstract.The anterior lateral arteries are paired vessels leaving the anterior end of the lobster (Homarus americanus) heart and proceeding to the antennae and eyestalks, the stomach and hepatopancreas, the gonads, and the thoracic and branchial muscles. These vessels have a trilaminar organization, consisting of a tunica interna with elastic fibrils, a tunica intermedia represented by a bilayered cell mass, and a tunica externa with collagen fibrils. In the tunica intermedia, cells flanking the tunica interna (light cells) show less affinity for basic dyes and electron stains than those flanking the tunica externa (dark cells). Each light cell exhibits an irregularly shaped stress fiber (a bundle of closely packed microfilaments) in the region adjoining the tunica interna. Collectively, these bundles have a circumferential or slightly oblique orientation relative to the lumen of the vessel. The role of the stress fibers is unresolved. If they are static structures, they might contribute to the non‐linear elasticity shown by lobster arteries. If they generate force, and small bundles of microfilaments do diverge from the stress fibers to enter filamentous mats applied to the plasmalemmata, a coordinated contraction of the cells might reduce the luminal diameter and, thus, retard the flow of hemolymph. Coordination of contraction would have to occur in the absence of nerves and without the benefit of communicating (gap) junctions between the light and dark cells.