bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Substances and Choices Scale (SACS) ‐ the development and testing of a new alcohol and other drug screening and outcome measurement instrument for young people
Authors: Christie Grant , Marsh Reginald , Sheridan Janie , Wheeler Amanda , Suaalii‐Sauni Tamasailau , Black Stella , Butler Rachael
Published: July 2007

Aims  To describe the development and evaluation of the Substances and Choices Scale (SACS), an adolescent alcohol and other drug (AOD) self‐report instrument designed in a similar format to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Design  A literature review, extensive consultation and discriminant analysis on a pilot sample (n = 61) of adolescents informed the development of the SACS. The psychometric properties of the SACS were then tested in a larger community and clinical sample.

Setting  Three youth out‐patient AOD treatment services and three secondary schools in Auckland, New Zealand.

Participants  13–18‐year‐old males and females attending the services (n = 120) or schools (n = 531).

Measurements  The SACS was administered with the CRAFFT, the Problem Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).

Findings  Reliability of the SACS was sound, with coefficient alpha 0.91 and 3‐week test–retest correlation 0.88. Congruent validity coefficients of the SACS versus the CRAFFT and the POSIT were 0.79 and 0.91, respectively. A ROC curve demonstrated the SACS as having a predictive value of 92%. Repeat SACS scores in a treatment sample indicated that the SACS had utility in measuring change. Feedback from participants indicated that the SACS was highly acceptable.

Conclusions  The SACS is a simple AOD instrument that is reliable, valid and acceptable to young people. It has utility in screening and measuring outcome and should enhance the identification and treatment of AOD difficulties in adolescents across a range of health settings.
Root rot disease of legumes caused by Aphanomyces euteiches
Authors: GAULIN ELODIE , JACQUET CHRISTOPHE , BOTTIN ARNAUD , DUMAS BERNARD
Published: July 2007

The Oomycete genus Aphanomyces houses plant and animal pathogens found in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs. causes seedling damping off and root rot diseases on many legumes. It is the most devastating pea (Pisum sativum) disease in several countries, causing up to 80% losses each year. This strictly soil‐borne pathogen may survive many years in soil and no efficient chemical control is currently available. The only way to control the disease is to avoid cultivating legumes in infested fields for up to 10 years. Although huge research effort has been devoted to the Oomycete genus Phytophthora during the last decade, A. euteiches received has little attention and mechanisms by which it infects its hosts are still unclear. A. euteiches is nevertheless an interesting parasite to study plant–oomycete interactions as it is pathogenic on the model legume Medicago truncatula. This review summarizes knowledge about the main characteristics of A. euteiches and presents research currently developed to find new strategies to control this pathogen and to gain insight into its pathogenicity.

 Taxonomy:   Aphanomyces euteiches Drechs belongs to a kingdom of diverse eukaryotic protists named Chromista or Straminipila. It is a member of the class Oomycetes (syn. Peronosporomycetes), which gathers organisms resembling fungi through morphological and physiological traits, but are phylogenically related to diatoms, chromophyte algae and other heterokont protists. The genus Aphanomyces is classified within the order Saprolegniales, family Saprolegniaceae s.l. or Leptolegniaceae.

 Host range: Several legumes were found to be hosts for A. euteiches and this pathogen was isolated from field‐grown pea, alfafa, snap bean, vetch, clover, sweet clover and several weed species.

 Disease symptoms:   The disease begins with the yellowing of root tissue. At a later stage, infected roots become brown and the hypocotyl darkens at the soil line. The pathogen infects the cortex of primary and lateral roots and oospores are formed within the root tissues.

 Useful websites:   http://www.indexfungorum.org/Names/Names.asp (links to taxonomy data), http://www.eugrainlegumes.org/; http://www.medicago.org/ (links to the European Union ‘Grain Legume’ Integrated Project).
Differential gene expression in Arabidopsis following infection by plant‐parasitic nematodes Meloidogyne incognita and Heterodera schachtii
Authors: FULLER VICTORIA L. , LILLEY CATHERINE J. , ATKINSON HOWARD J. , URWIN PETER E.
Published: July 2007

Whole genome microarrays were used to study plant gene expression in mature Meloidogyne incognita‐induced galls in Arabidopsis. We found 959 genes to be significantly differentially expressed, and two‐thirds of these were down‐regulated. Microarray results were confirmed by qRT‐PCR. The temporal and spatial responses of four differentially expressed genes were analysed using GUS reporter plants following infection with M. incognita and the cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii. The ammonium transporter gene AtAMT1;2 was consistently and locally repressed in response to both nematodes at all developmental stages. The lateral organ boundary domain gene LBD41 showed up‐regulation in the feeding sites of both nematode species, although there was variation in expression in saccate H. schachtii female feeding sites. Expression of an actin depolymerizing factor ADF3 and a lipid transfer protein was induced in feeding sites of both nematodes at the fusiform stage and this persisted in feeding sites of saccate M. incognita. These results contribute to the knowledge of how plant gene expression responds to parasitism by these nematodes as well as highlighting further differences in the mechanisms of development and maintenance of these feeding site structures.
Botrytis cinerea: the cause of grey mould disease
Authors: WILLIAMSON BRIAN , TUDZYNSKI BETTINA , TUDZYNSKI PAUL , VAN KAN JAN A. L.
Published: July 2007

Introduction:  Botrytis cinerea (teleomorph: Botryotinia fuckeliana) is an airborne plant pathogen with a necrotrophic lifestyle attacking over 200 crop hosts worldwide. Although there are fungicides for its control, many classes of fungicides have failed due to its genetic plasticity. It has become an important model for molecular study of necrotrophic fungi.

 Taxonomy:  Kingdom: Fungi, phylum: Ascomycota, subphylum: Pezizomycotina, class: Leotiomycetes, order: Helotiales, family: Sclerotiniaceae, genus: Botryotinia.

 Host range and symptoms: Over 200 mainly dicotyledonous plant species, including important protein, oil, fibre and horticultural crops, are affected in temperate and subtropical regions. It can cause soft rotting of all aerial plant parts, and rotting of vegetables, fruits and flowers post‐harvest to produce prolific grey conidiophores and (macro)conidia typical of the disease.

 Pathogenicity:  B. cinerea produces a range of cell‐wall‐degrading enzymes, toxins and other low‐molecular‐weight compounds such as oxalic acid. New evidence suggests that the pathogen triggers the host to induce programmed cell death as an attack strategy.

 Resistance:  There are few examples of robust genetic host resistance, but recent work has identified quantitative trait loci in tomato that offer new approaches for stable polygenic resistance in future.

 Useful websites:  http://www.phi‐base.org/query.php, http://www.broad.mit.edu/annotation/genome/botrytis_cinerea/Home.html, http://urgi.versailles.inra.fr/projects/Botrytis/, http://cogeme.ex.ac.uk
Potato virus X: structure, disassembly and reconstitution
Authors: ATABEKOV JOSEPH , DOBROV EUGEN , KARPOVA OLGA , RODIONOVA NINA
Published: July 2007

This paper summarizes some structural characteristics of Potato virus X (PVX), the flexuous filamentous plant potexvirus. A model of PVX coat protein (CP) tertiary structure in the virion proposed on the basis of tritium planigraphy combined with predictions of the protein tertiary structure is described. A possible role of glycosylation and phosphorylation in the CP structure and function is discussed. Two forms of PVX virion disassembly are discussed: (i) the virion co‐translational disassembly after PVX CP in situ phosphorylation and (ii) disassembly of PVX triggered by different factors after linear destabilization of the virion by binding of the PVX‐coded movement protein (TGBp1) to one end of the polar CP‐helix. Special emphasis was placed on a translational activation of encapsidated PVX RNA and rapid disassembly of TGBp1‐PVX complexes into free RNA and CP. The results of experiments on the PVX CP repolymerization and PVX reconstitution are considered. In particular, the products assembled from PVX RNA, CP and TGBp1 were examined. Single‐tailed particles were found with a helical, head‐like structure consisting of helically arranged CP subunits located at the 5′‐tail of RNA; the TGBp1 was bound to the end of the head. Translatable ‘RNA‐CP‐TGBp1’ complexes may represent the transport form of the PVX infection.
The histidine kinase CpHK2 has impact on spore germination, oxidative stress and fungicide resistance, and virulence of the ergot fungus Claviceps purpurea
Authors: NATHUES EVA , JÖRGENS CORDULA , LORENZ NICOLE , TUDZYNSKI PAUL
Published: July 2007

Histidine kinases are important mediators for adaptation of bacteria and plants to environmental signals. Genome analyses of filamentous fungi have revealed the presence of a high number of potential hybrid histidine kinase (HK)‐encoding genes; the role of most of these potential sensors is so far unclear, though some members of the class III histidine kinases were shown to be involved in osmostress responses. Here we present a functional analysis of cphk2, a histidine kinase‐encoding gene in the biotrophic grass pathogen Claviceps purpurea. The putative product of cphk2 (CpHK2) was shown to group within family X of fungal HKs and it had high homology to the oxidative stress sensors SpMAK2/3 of Schizosaccharomyces pombe. Analysis of a cphk2 deletion mutant indicated that this histidine kinase is involved in spore germination, sensitivity to oxidative stress and fungicide resistance. In addition, virulence of the Dcphk2 mutant on rye was significantly reduced compared with the wild‐type strain, even if the conidial titre was adjusted to the lower germination rate. This is the first report of a role for a class X histidine kinase in a filamentous fungus.
Recent progress in the development of RNA interference for plant parasitic nematodes
Authors: LILLEY CATHERINE J. , BAKHETIA MANJULA , CHARLTON WAYNE L. , URWIN PETER E.
Published: July 2007

RNA interference (RNAi), first described for Caenorhabditis elegans, has emerged as a powerful gene silencing tool for investigating gene function in a range of organisms. Recent studies have described its application to plant parasitic nematodes. Genes expressed in a range of cell types are silenced when preparasitic juvenile nematodes take up double‐stranded (ds)RNA that elicits a systemic RNAi response. Important developments over the last year have shown that in planta expression of a dsRNA targeting a nematode gene can successfully induce silencing in parasitizing nematodes. When the targeted gene has an essential function, a resistance effect is observed paving the way for the potential use of RNAi technology to control plant parasitic nematodes.
A meta‐analysis of the association between Caesarean section and childhood asthma
Authors: Thavagnanam S. , Fleming J. , Bromley A. , Shields M. D. , Cardwell C. R.
Published: July 2007

Background
Children born by Caesarean section have modified intestinal bacterial colonization and consequently may have an increased risk of developing asthma under the hygiene hypothesis. The results of previous studies that have investigated the association between Caesarean section and asthma have been conflicting.

Objective
To review published literature and perform a meta‐analysis summarizing the evidence in support of an association between children born by Caesarean section and asthma.

Methods
MEDLINE, Web Science, Google Scholar and PubMed were searched to identify relevant studies. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated for each study from the reported prevalence of asthma in children born by Caesarean section and in control children. Meta‐analysis was then used to derive a combined OR and test for heterogeneity in the findings between studies.

Results
Twenty‐three studies were identified. The overall meta‐analysis revealed an increase in the risk of asthma in children delivered by Caesarean section (OR=1.22, 95% CI 1.14, 1.29). However, in this analysis, there was evidence of heterogeneity (I2=46%) that was statistically significant (P<0.001). Restricting the analysis to childhood studies, this heterogeneity was markedly decreased (I2=32%) and no longer attained statistical significance (P=0.08). In these studies, there was also evidence of an increase (P<0.001) in the risk of asthma after Caesarean section (OR=1.20, 95% CI 1.14, 12.6).

Conclusion
In this meta‐analysis, we found a 20% increase in the subsequent risk of asthma in children who had been delivered by Caesarean section.
Distinctive immunoglobulin E anti‐house dust allergen‐binding specificities in a tropical Australian Aboriginal community
Authors: Hales B. J. , Laing I. A. , Pearce L. J. , Hazell L. A. , Mills K. L. , Chua K. Y. , Thornton R. B. , Richmond P. , Musk A. W. , James A. L. , LeSouëf P. N. , Thomas W. R.
Published: July 2007

Background
There is evidence that the specificity of the IgE binding in allergy tests can vary for different populations.

Objective
We aimed to examine the allergenic specificity of IgE binding in sera from house dust mite (HDM)‐atopic subjects in a tropical Australian Aboriginal community.

Methods
Sera shown to contain IgE antibodies to an HDM extract of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus were examined for IgE binding to a panel of nine purified HDM allergens from this mite species by quantitative microtitre assays. IgG antibody binding (IgG1 and IgG4) was also measured.

Results
The IgE‐binding activity in the sera from the Aboriginal community was not directed to the expected major groups 1 and 2 HDM allergens but instead to the group 4 amylase allergen. There was also little IgE binding to the potentially cross‐reactive tropomyosin (Der p 10) or arginine kinase (Der p 20) allergens. The IgG4 antibody was rarely detected and limited to the Der p 4 allergen. IgG1 antibody binding was frequently measured to all the allergens regardless of an individual's atopic status, whereas in urban communities it is restricted to the major allergens and to atopic subjects.

Conclusion
The high IgE anti‐HDM response of Australian Aboriginals predominantly bound Der p 4 and not the Der p 1 and 2 allergens, showing a distinctive allergy that could affect the disease outcome and diagnosis.
The expression pattern of MUC1 (EMA) is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome in ‘pure’ ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast
Authors: De Roos M A J , Van Der Vegt B , Peterse J L , Patriarca C , De Vries J , De Bock G H , Wesseling J
Published: July 2007

Aims:  To classify MUC1 according to five predefined expression patterns in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and related clinicopathological parameters, coexpression of other biological markers and prognosis.

Methods and results:  With a manual tissue arrayer, 92% (n = 80) of the 87 DCIS samples were successfully targeted. Immunohistochemistry was carried out for MUC1, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her2/Neu, p53 and cyclin D1. Entire membrane expression was related to Her2/neu negativity (P =0.042). Apical membrane expression was associated with low grade (P = 0.027), Her2/neu negativity (P = 0.014) and PR positivity (P = 0.005). Focal cytoplasmic expression was related to high grade (P = 0.006). Diffuse cytoplasmic expression was associated with high grade (P = 0.004), large tumour size (P = 0.046), Her2/neu positivity (P =0.042) and cyclin D1 positivity (P = 0.002). On the basis of these analyses the four patterns were reclassified as membranous or cytoplasmic expression. On multivariate analysis, cytoplasmic MUC1 expression (hazard ratio 8.5, 95% confidence interval 1.0, 73.0; P = 0.04) was the only independent predictor of local recurrence.

Conclusions:  Four patterns of MUC1 expression are recognized in DCIS that suggest a relationship to functional differentiation and can be simplified into two types that are clinically relevant and could therefore be helpful in the distinction between different subgroups of DCIS.
The expression pattern of MUC1 (EMA) is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome of invasive ductal breast carcinoma
Authors: Van Der Vegt B , De Roos M A J , Peterse J L , Patriarca C , Hilkens J , De Bock G H , Wesseling J
Published: July 2007

Aims:  To clarify MUC1 patterns in invasive ductal breast carcinoma and to relate them to clinicopathological parameters, coexpression of other biological markers and prognosis.

Methods and results:  Samples from 243 consecutive patients with primary ductal carcinoma were incorporated into tissue microarrays (TMAs). Slides were stained for MUC1, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), Her2/neu, p53 and cyclin D1. Apical membrane MUC1 expression was associated with smaller tumours (P = 0.001), lower tumour grades (P < 0.001), PR positivity (P = 0.003) and increased overall survival (OS; P = 0.030). Diffuse cytoplasmic MUC1 expression was associated with cyclin D1 positivity (P = 0.009) and increased relapse‐free survival (RFS; P = 0.034). Negativity for MUC1 was associated with ER negativity (P = 0.004), PR negativity (P = 0.001) and cyclin D1 negativity (P = 0.009). In stepwise multivariate analysis MUC1 negativity was an independent predictor of both RFS [hazard ratio (HR) 3.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 8.5; P = 0.005] and OS (HR 14.7, 95% CI 4.9, 44.1; P < 0.001).

Conclusions:  The expression pattern of MUC1 in invasive ductal breast carcinoma is related to tumour characteristics and clinical outcome. In addition, negative MUC1 expression is an independent risk factor for poor RFS and OS, besides ‘classical’ prognostic indicators.
The radioactive autopsy: safe working practices
Authors: Singleton M , Start R D , Tindale W , Richardson C , Conway M
Published: July 2007

Autopsy cases involving individuals retaining radioactive substances are fortunately rare, but when they occur they can impose significant radiation safety and legal requirements. This review aims to improve the understanding of these issues so that appropriate precautions are implemented when necessary. This review describes the properties of ionizing radiations, natural and man‐made sources of ionizing radiation and its use in healthcare. It identifies the most likely circumstances leading to radioactive substances being present during autopsy and sources of information, including radiation protection advice. It discusses precautions that may need to be implemented prior to, during and following autopsy. Despite the issue of appropriate information to patients and next of kin, it is inevitable that some cases will be identified only at autopsy and it is important that robust local procedures are maintained. Information must be communicated to assist safe management of the body and liaison between relevant professional groups may be needed to standardize methods of communication. Provided that appropriate precautions are implemented, determined through consultation with a qualified expert in radiation protection and by completion of risk assessment, the radioactive autopsy can be undertaken safely and in compliance with relevant legislative requirements.
Clinical relevance of standardization of endodontic irrigation needle dimensions according to the ISO 9626:1991 and 9626:1991/Amd 1:2001 specification
Authors: Boutsioukis C. , Lambrianidis T. , Vasiliadis L.
Published: July 2007

Aim  To examine the current status of standardization of endodontic irrigation needles produced by different manufacturers.

Methodology  Measurements of needle internal and external diameter were conducted under scanning electron microscopy and stereoscopic microscopy to determine the incidence and degree of deviation from ISO 9626:1991 and ISO 9626:1991/Amd 1:2001 specification.

Results  None of the needles examined complied with the ISO nominal size. All SS needles were within the ISO tolerance limits. A Ni‐Ti needle, which is not included in the specification, was found to exceed ISO external diameter limits.

Conclusions  Exact knowledge of the tip's external diameter is crucial for the selection of the appropriate size irrigation probe during endodontic treatment. Units of the widely used ‘gauge’ system cannot be directly extrapolated to clinical practice. Adoption of millimetre as the standard metric unit, already recommended by ISO, should be accelerated. A colour‐coding of needles corresponding to endodontic instruments would also be beneficial.
Hyperpolarization‐activated channels in trigeminal ganglia innervating healthy and pulp‐exposed teeth
Authors: Wells J. E. , Rowland K. C. , Proctor E. K.
Published: July 2007

Aim  To use immunocytochemistry for determining the expression of HCN1, HCN2 and HCN3 (three subunits of the hyperpolarization‐activated cyclic nucleotide‐gated current channel) in rodent trigeminal ganglia (TG) that innervate healthy teeth and determine if expression of HCN subunits is increased in TG following pulp exposure.

Methodology  Pulps were exposed in right maxillary incisors of male Sprague‐Dawley rats. After fixation, TG were removed, cryostat sectioned, and immunocytochemistry was utilized to study the expression of HCN1‐3 subunits. Immunoreactivity of individual neurons from the maxillary region of the TG was determined with ImageJ software. Differences in the number immunopositive neurons amongst groups were tested for statistical significance with either a Yates or Pearson’s chi‐square or Fisher’s exact probability tests depending on neuron sample size. Differences in the intensity of immunoreactivity between groups were tested for statistical significance with a Student’s t‐test.

Results  The majority of TG neurons were immunopositive for HCN1‐3. Moreover, statistically significant increases in the number of TG neurons immunopositive for HCN1 and the intensity of HCN1‐3 immunoreactivity were observed within hours of exposing the tooth pulp.

Conclusions  HCN1‐3 expression, as determined by immunocytochemistry, is increased within hours after injury. Given that Ih can facilitate neuronal excitability, results of the current study suggest that antagonists to HCN1‐3 subunits could work as analgesics in the alleviation of orofacial pain.
Apical sealing ability of Resilon/Epiphany versus gutta‐percha/AH Plus: immediate and 16‐months leakage
Authors: Paqué F. , Sirtes G.
Published: July 2007

Aim  To compare the long‐term apical sealing ability of gutta‐percha/AH Plus and Resilon/Epiphany.

Methodology  The root canals of 90 single‐rooted human mandibular premolars with single narrow root canals were prepared with ProFile 0.4 taper instruments to apical size 40. After each instrument, the canals were irrigated with 1% sodium hypochlorite. Subsequently, the teeth were randomly divided into four groups containing 20 teeth each. Additionally, 10 prepared premolars served as positive and 10 counterparts with intact crowns as negative controls. The root canals were filled with gutta‐percha/AH Plus or Resilon/Epiphany using lateral or vertical compaction. Specimens were allowed to set for 7 days at 37 °C and 100% humidity. Subsequently, the root fillings were removed down to the apical 4 mm. Fluid movement was then assessed using a fluid transportation model and re‐evaluated after 16 months of water storage. Leakage within and between groups was compared using nonparametric tests.

Results  Negative controls revealed no fluid movement and positive controls displayed gross fluid movement at both times of observation. At the immediate measurement, there were no significant differences between the experimental groups (Kruskal–Wallis, P > 0.05). Gutta‐percha/AH Plus fillings retained their seal after 16‐months storage (Wilcoxon, P > 0.05), whilst the Resilon/Epiphany groups lost their sealing capacity (Wilcoxon, P < 0.001). In these groups, 29 of the 40 specimens exhibited gross leakage similar to positive controls.

Conclusion  Initially, Resilon/Epiphany root fillings prevented fluid movement to the same degree as gutta‐percha/AH Plus counterparts, but showed more fluid movement when tested at 16 months.
The oro‐dental phenotype in Prader–Willi syndrome: a survey of 15 patients
Authors: BAILLEUL‐FORESTIER ISABELLE , VERHAEGHE VERONIEK , FRYNS JEAN‐PIERRE , VINCKIER FRANS , DECLERCK DOMINIQUE , VOGELS ANNICK
Published: July 2007

Background.  Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare disorder caused by genetic defects in certain regions of chromosome 15q11–13. It is characterized by severe neonatal hypotonia and feeding problems, childhood‐onset hyperphagia and obesity, short stature, facial dysmorphy, hypogonadism, learning and behavioural difficulties, and dental abnormalities.

Aim.  To describe the oro‐dental phenotypic spectrum of patients with PWS.

Design.  Fifteen PWS patients (3–35 years of age) being followed at the Centre for Human Genetics of the University Hospital of Leuven were examined at the dental clinic of the same institution. Medical information collected included age at diagnosis, body mass index (BMI) and level of cognitive functioning. Oral, clinical and radiological evaluations were performed. Caries experience (cavitation level), dental erosion and salivary flow rates were assessed.

Results.  The 15 patients had dmft/DMFT scores ranging from 0 to 28, while nine were cavity‐free. Those with severe caries experience also presented advanced dental erosion. BMI ranged from 16 to 42.6. There was no association between BMI and caries experience or erosive tooth wear. The PWS patients in our survey presented with a more favourable oral health status than those in previous studies. This might be due to early diet management or better oral hygiene during childhood or both.
Population dynamics in a long‐lived seabird: I. Impact of breeding activity on survival and breeding probability in unbanded king penguins
Authors: BOHEC CÉLINE LE , GAUTHIER‐CLERC MICHEL , GRÉMILLET DAVID , PRADEL ROGER , BÉCHET ARNAUD , GENDNER JEAN‐PAUL , MAHO YVON LE
Published: July 2007

Understanding the trade‐off between current reproductive effort, future survival and future breeding attempts is crucial for demographic analyses and life history studies.

We investigated this trade‐off in a population of king penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) marked individually with transponders using multistate capture–recapture models.

This colonial seabird species has a low annual proportion of non‐breeders (13%), despite a breeding cycle which lasts over 1 year. To draw inferences about the consequences of non‐breeding, we tested for an effect of reproductive activity on survival and on the probability of subsequent breeding.

We found that birds non‐breeding in yeartshow the same survival rate as breeders (two‐states analysis: breeding and non‐breeding). However, breeders had a lower probability of breeding again the following year. This negative phenotypic correlation suggests the existence of reproductive costs affecting future breeding probability, but it might also be strengthened by late arrival for courtship in yeart.

A three‐state analysis including breeding success revealed that failed breeders in yearthave a lower probability to reproduce successfully in yeart + 1 than non‐breeders in yeart, providing some evidence for the existence of reproductive costs. Moreover, successful breeders showed higher survival probability. This positive phenotypic correlation between current reproduction and subsequent survival supports the hypothesis of an heterogeneity in individual quality.

Males breeding in yearthad a lower probability to breed again in yeart + 1 than females, suggesting higher reproductive costs for this sex. Such additional costs might be due to higher male parental investment in the final phase of chick‐rearing, which also delays the arrival of males in yeart + 1, and decreases their breeding probability.

Our study is the first to explore the breeding biology and the demography of penguins without the disturbance of flipper‐bands.
Short‐term transformation of matrix into hospitable habitat facilitates gene flow and mitigates fragmentation
Authors: BLAUM NIELS , WICHMANN MATTHIAS C.
Published: July 2007

Habitat fragmentation has major implications for demography and genetic structure of natural plant and animal populations as small and isolated populations are more prone to extinction. Therefore, many recent studies focus on spatial fragmentation.

However, the temporal configuration of suitable habitat may also influence dispersal and gene flow in fragmented landscapes. We hypothesize that short‐term switching of inhospitable matrix areas into suitable habitat can mitigate effects of spatial fragmentation in natural and seminatural ecosystems.

To test our hypothesis, we investigated the hairy‐footed gerbil (Gerbillurus paeba, Smith 1836), a ground‐dwelling rodent, in fragmented Kalahari savannah areas. Here, rare events of high above mean annual rainfall suggest short‐term matrix suitability.

During the field survey in ‘matrix’ areas in the Kalahari (shrub encroachment by heavy grazing) we never observed the hairy‐footed gerbil in years of average rainfall, but observed mass occurrences of this species during rare events of exceptionally high rainfall.

In a second step, we developed an agent‐based model simulating subpopulations in two neighbouring habitats and the separating matrix. Our mechanistic model reproduces the mass occurrences as observed in the field and thus suggests the possibly underlying processes. In particular, the temporary improvement in matrix quality allows reproduction in the matrix, thereby causing a substantial increase in population size.

The model demonstrates further how the environmental trigger (rainfall) impacts genetic connectivity of two separated subpopulations. We identified seasonality as a driver of fragmentation but stochasticity leading to higher connectivity.

We found that our concept of temporal fragmentation can be applied to numerous other fragmented populations in various ecological systems and provide examples from recent literature. We conclude that temporal aspects of fragmentation must be considered in both ecological research and conservation management.
Quantifying and comparing bumblebee nest densities in gardens and countryside habitats
Authors: Osborne Juliet L. , Martin Andrew P. , Shortall Chris R. , Todd Alan D. , Goulson Dave , Knight Mairi E. , Hale Roddy J. , Sanderson Roy A.
Published: July 2007

Bumblebees provide an important pollination service to both crops and wild plants. Many species have declined in the UK, particularly in arable regions. While bumblebee forage requirements have been widely studied, there has been less consideration of whether availability of nesting sites is limiting. It is important to know which habitats contain the most bumblebee nests per unit area in order to guide conservation and management options; particularly in the light of current emphasis on environmental stewardship schemes for farmed landscapes. However, it is extremely difficult to map the distribution of bumblebee nests.

We describe the findings of the National Bumblebee Nest Survey, a structured survey carried out by 719 volunteers in the UK during early summer 2004. The surveyors used a defined protocol to record the presence or absence of bumblebee nests in prescribed areas of gardens, short grassland, long grassland and woodland, and along woodland edge, hedgerows and fence lines. The records allowed us to estimate the density of bumblebee nests in each of these habitats for the first time.

Nest densities were high in gardens (36 nests ha−1), and linear countryside habitats (fence lines, hedgerows, woodland edge: 20–37 nests ha−1), and lower in non‐linear countryside habitats (woodland and grassland: 11–15 nests ha−1).

Findings on nest location characteristics corroborate those of an earlier survey carried out in the UK (Fussell & Corbet 1992).

Synthesis and applications. Gardens provide an important nesting habitat for bumblebees in the UK. In the countryside, the area occupied by linear features is small compared with that of non‐linear features. However, as linear features contain high densities of nests, management options affecting such features may have a disproportionately large effect on bumblebee nesting opportunities. Current farm stewardship schemes in the UK are therefore likely to facilitate bumblebee nesting, because they provide clear guidance and support for ‘sympathetic’ hedgerow and field margin management.
The kangaroo conundrum remains
Authors: VIGGERS KAREN L , LINDENMAYER DAVID B
Published: July 2007

The management of kangaroo populations is a major land management and conservation issue in many parts of Australia.

Viggers & Hearn (2005) reported the results of a substantial radio‐tracking study of the eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus Shaw) in south‐eastern Australia. Martin et al. (2007) critique the study design, home range analysis, biomass assessment and other aspects of the work by Viggers & Hearn (2005).

We reject the criticisms made by Martin et al. (2007) and believe that the study design employed by Viggers & Hearn (2005) was sound. The work also was preceded by extensive day and night‐time field assessments to enable contrasts between low and high density M. giganteus populations. We also contend that the home range analysis was not flawed: the methods employed by Viggers & Hearn (2005) were in fact the same ones recommended by Martin et al. (2007). We believe that other criticisms made by Martin et al. (2007) also cannot be sustained.

 Synthesis and applications. Viggers & Hearn (2005) found that patches of remnant native vegetation were used as day and night‐time refuges by M. giganteus. This creates a disincentive for farmers to conserve remnant native vegetation. The criticisms by Martin et al. (2007) have no bearing on this conclusion; hence the kangaroo conundrum stands.
The relative effectiveness of practice change interventions in overcoming common barriers to change: a survey of 14 hospitals with experience implementing evidence‐based guidelines
Authors: Simpson Fiona , Doig Gordon S.
Published: July 2007

Aims and objectives  Changing practice to reflect current best evidence can be costly and time‐consuming. The purpose of this survey was to determine the optimal combination of practice change interventions needed to overcome barriers to practice change commonly encountered in the intensive care unit (ICU).

Design  A survey instrument delivered by mail with email follow‐up reminders.

Setting  Fourteen hospitals throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Subjects  Individuals responsible for implementing an evidence‐based guideline for nutritional support in the ICU.

Survey  Practice change interventions were ranked in order of effectiveness and barriers to change were ranked in order of how frequently they were encountered.

Results  A response rate of 100% was achieved. Interventions traditionally regarded as strong (academic detailing, active reminders) were ranked higher than those traditionally regarded as moderate (audit and feedback), or weak (posters, mouse mats). The high ranks of the site initiation visit (educational outreach, modest) and in‐servicing (didactic lectures, weak) were unexpected, as was the relatively low rank of educationally influential, peer‐nominated opinion leaders. Four hospitals reported the same doctor‐related barrier as ‘most common’ and the remaining 10 hospitals reported three different doctor‐related barriers, two nursing‐related barriers and three organizational barriers as most common.

Conclusions  When designing a multifaceted, multi‐centre change strategy, the selection of individual practice change interventions should be based on: (1) an assessment of available resources; (2) recognition of the importance of different types of barriers to different sites; (3) the potential for combinations of interventions to have a synergistic effect on practice change, and (4) the potential for combinations of interventions to actually reduce workload.
Bonding of resin composites to etchable ceramic surfaces – an insight review of the chemical aspects on surface conditioning
Authors: MATINLINNA J. P. , VALLITTU P. K.
Published: July 2007

summary  The longevity of silane promoted adhesion of the surface conditioned etchable ceramic materials is a continuous and costly concern in dentistry. Moreover, it poses a functional and aesthetic dilemma both for the dentist and the patient. Several methods for surface conditioning exist, however some of them are not any more widely in clinical use. Tribochemical silica‐coating combined with silane application, compared in vitro and in vivo to some other silanization protocols, is according to the literature a clinically proved, relevant adhesion promotion method to enhance bonding of resin composites to etchable ceramics. The repair of fractured ceramic with tribochemical silica‐coating and followed by a silane application is, according to the literature a relevant adhesion promotion method in prosthetic dentistry. Silica‐coating is followed by a silane coupling agent application. The bonding is adequate for clinical use according to the literature study.
Dental state, prosthodontic treatment and chewing ability – a study of five cohorts of 70‐year‐old subjects
Authors: ÖSTERBERG T. , CARLSSON G. E.
Published: July 2007

summary   The aim was to study the relationship between dental state, prosthetic rehabilitation and chewing ability in 70‐year‐old subjects examined between 1971 and 2001. Five birth cohorts born in 1901/1902 (I), 1906/1907 (II), 1911/1912(III), 1922 (V), and 1930 (VI) were examined at 70 years of age. The number of participants in the odontological cohorts varied between 386 and 583. The prevalence of total edentulism changed from 51% in cohort I to 7% in cohort VI. The proportion of subjects using removable dentures decreased from 76% to 17%, whereas those with ≥20 teeth increased from 13% to 65%. The prevalence of subjects with fixed partial dentures increased from 26% to 58%. Of the 70‐year‐old subjects examined in 2001, 5% had implant‐supported restorations. The self‐assessed chewing ability showed only weak associations with dental state, and there was no significant cohort trend. When all cohorts were pooled together, 80% considered their chewing ability good, 16% less good and 4% poor. Among the edentulous subjects, more individuals complained about poor chewing ability in the last two cohorts than in the first three. It was concluded that there were great differences in dental state between the five cohorts of 70‐year‐old subjects examined from 1971 to 2001. Edentulism and wearing of removable dentures decreased substantially, whereas the proportion of subjects with fixed partial dentures showed a marked increase. In spite of the improved dental state, the self‐assessed chewing ability exhibited only minor variation over time.
Validation of video versus electromyography for chewing evaluation of the elderly wearing a complete denture
Authors: NICOLAS E. , VEYRUNE J. L. , LASSAUZAY C. , PEYRON M. A. , HENNEQUIN M.
Published: July 2007

summary  Chewing efficiency may affect nutritional status in the elderly. Many elderly patients are complete denture wearers, and often present cognitive problems. Those two factors make evaluation of mastication difficult with experimental methods. Analysis of video recording may be a simple way to routinely assess chewing parameters. This study aimed at validating several parameters of video evaluation versus electromyography (EMG), which is considered the ‘gold standard’. The design was a prospective randomized study, carried out at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Auvergne, Clermont‐Ferrand, France. Twelve complete denture wearers chewed four model foods differing in hardness. Sessions were videotaped and EMG recordings were registered. Mastication time, number of masticatory cycles and cleaning time were recorded simultaneously by video and EMG. Two investigators independently analyzed the videos twice, in random order. Evaluation of criterion validity: a positive video/EMG correlation was found for the parameters ‘chewing time’ (0·89, Pearson) and ‘number of masticatory cycles’ (0·94, Spearman), whereas no statistical difference was found between these two EMG and video variables (t‐test). Inter and intra‐rater reliability gave a positive intraclass coefficient (ICC) for duration of mastication (0·86–0·98), number of masticatory cycles (0·90–0·97) and cleaning time (0·90–0·98). Discriminatory ability was studied using anova (P = 0·01): variation was significant in masticatory duration (F = 10), number of masticatory cycles (F = 10) and cleaning time (F = 4). Video may be a useful assessment tool in prosthetic rehabilitation and can be applied to help choose the type of food (solid, semi‐liquid or liquid) to administer to dependent persons, particularly those suffering from dementia.
Influence of occlusal vertical dimension on the masticatory performance during chewing with maxillary splints
Authors: OLTHOFF L. W. , VAN DER GLAS H. W. , VAN DER BILT A.
Published: July 2007

summary  Changing the occlusal vertical dimension is a common procedure in restorative dentistry, during treatment of patients with cranio‐mandibular disorders, and during orthodontic and orthognathic treatment. The treatment may alter the length of the main jaw elevator muscles and the position of the mandibular head in the fossa temporalis. These changes may influence the bite forces that are generated during chewing and thus may affect the masticatory function. We measured the objective masticatory function, defined as masticatory performance, by determining an individual's capacity to pulverize a test food. The immediate influence of the increase in the occlusal vertical dimension on the masticatory performance was determined using three anatomical maxillary splints in a group of seven dentate subjects. The splints gave an increase in the occlusal vertical dimension of 2, 4 and 6 mm, respectively. Before we started the experiments the subjects practiced chewing with the splints during about 5 min. No significant differences were observed in masticatory performance among the conditions without and with the three splints. Thus, an increase in the occlusal vertical dimension up to 6 mm did not have a significant effect on the masticatory performance. Maxillary splints may be used to study the effect of occlusal factors on the chewing process by manipulating tooth shape and occlusal area of the splint.
Precision of in vivo spectrophotometric colour evaluation of natural teeth
Authors: KARAMOUZOS A. , PAPADOPOULOS M. A. , KOLOKITHAS G. , ATHANASIOU A. E.
Published: July 2007

summary  The aim of the study was to evaluate the precision of a reflectance spectrophotometer during longitudinal assessment of tooth colour in vivo. The spectrophotometric data of five standardized circular areas on the labial surfaces of six teeth (four upper and two lower), from 22 dental students, were recorded on three separate days (1st, 3rd and 30th) employing a repeated‐measuring design (n = 3). Total colour differences were calculated according to the equation ΔΕ = [(ΔL*)2 + (Δa*)2 + (Δb*)2]1/2. It was found that all measured teeth areas, recorded by the same examiner (ΔΕINTRA), demonstrated minor colour changes during the three different time intervals, which did not exceed in every case the 50:50% perceptibility threshold of ΔΕ = 1, thus indicating a good match. The smallest ΔΕ values were recorded for the upper central incisors, whereas lower central incisors and upper first premolars revealed the most significant colour differences (0.68 ± 0.21 and 0.70 ± 0.25 ΔΕ‐units, respectively). The central zone of the middle third of each labial tooth surface exhibited the most precise recordings. With regard to interexaminer reproducibility (ΔΕINTER), the mesial and distal areas of all measured teeth presented the most statistically significant colour differences (0.48 ± 0.15 and 0.50 ± 0.17 ΔΕ‐units, respectively). It is concluded that the spectrophotometer tested in the present study can provide a precise measurement of tooth colour in vivo. However, in rejection of the null hypothesis, the type (posterior teeth, mandibular incisors) and the mesial and distal areas of natural teeth affected the repeatability and reproducibility of intraoral spectrophotometric measurements.
Dental endosseous implants in the medically compromised patient1
Authors: SCULLY C. , HOBKIRK J. , D DIOS P.
Published: July 2007

summary  The literature contains numerous observations on the significance of systemic disorders as contraindications to dental endosseous implant treatment, but the justification for these statements is often apparently allegorical. Although implants are increasingly used in healthy patients, their appropriateness in medically compromised patients is less equivocal. Perhaps surprisingly, the evidence of their efficacy in these groups of patients is quite sparse. Indeed, there are few if any randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in this field. Furthermore, any health risks from the placement of implants are unclear. We review the current evidence for the risks associated with endosseous implants in a range of systemic disorders. There is clearly a need for prospective systematic trials. The degree of disease‐control may be far more important that the nature of the disorder itself, and individualized assessment, including the medical condition, quality of life and life expectancy is indicated. The benefits of implants to many of these patients may outweigh any risks. However, proper informed consent is mandatory.
Osteoarthritis of the temporomandibular joint: an evaluation of the effects and complications of corticosteroid injection compared with injection with sodium hyaluronate
Authors: BJØRNLAND T. , GJÆRUM A. A. , MØYSTAD A.
Published: July 2007

summary  The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy and the complications of intra‐articular temporomandibular joint (TMJ) injections in 40 patients with osteoarthritis of the TMJ. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups, and the patients received either two intra‐articular injections with sodium hyaluronate or two intra‐articular injections with corticosteroids, 14 days apart. The effect of the treatment was evaluated 14 days, 1 and 6 months after the initial injection and was based on the following measurements: pain intensity, pain localization, joint sounds, mandibular function and complications. Both groups of patients had less pain intensity at the 6‐month follow‐up, and there was significantly less pain intensity in the group of patients receiving sodium hyaluronate compared with corticosteroids (P = 0·001). A decrease in crepitation was seen in both groups. In the 20 subjects receiving sodium hyaluronate both the mandibular vertical opening and protrusion increased significantly (P < 0·000). Lateral movement from the affected side increased both in subjects injected with sodium hyaluronate (P = 0·024), and those injected with corticosteroids (P = 0·042). In conclusion, this study confirms that injections in the TMJ with sodium hyaluronate or corticosteroids may reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis. The injections were more effective in patients with only TMJ pain compared with patients suffering from both TMJ and myofascial pain. Injection with sodium hyaluronate was significantly more effective in decreasing pain intensity than corticosteroids. Temporary pain after injections may be observed.