bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of the Incredible Years Programme as an early intervention for children with conduct problems and ADHD: long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Jones K. , Daley D. , Hutchings J. , Bywater T. , Eames C.
Published: April 2008

Background  This study examined the long‐term efficacy of the Incredible Years (IY) BASIC Parenting Programme delivered as a preventive intervention with parents of pre‐school children who display signs of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and conduct problems. Families were followed up after the completion of a controlled trial with 11 Sure Start areas in North and Mid‐Wales and North West England.

Methods  Participants in the study were 50 pre‐school children whose parents had received the intervention. Child ADHD symptoms were assessed at baseline, at follow‐up one (6 months after baseline); at follow‐up two (12 months after baseline); and at follow‐up three (18 months after baseline). Families in the original waiting‐list control group were not assessed after follow‐up one as they had subsequently received the same intervention.

Results  The significant post‐intervention improvements in child ADHD symptoms evident at follow‐up one were maintained over time, as demonstrated by statistical and clinical stability of measures. No significant differences were found for ADHD symptoms across each follow‐up, indicating that the gains made post intervention were maintained for at least 12 months, with 57% of the sample maintaining scores below the clinical cut‐off on the Conners. Eighty‐six, 58, and 30 per cent respectively had maintained at least a modest, large, or very large improvement in ADHD symptoms at follow‐up three.

Conclusions  Findings from this study suggest that the IY psychosocial treatment programme is a valuable intervention in the longer term for many pre‐school children displaying early signs of ADHD.
Family‐centred service coordination in childhood health and disability services: the search for meaningful service outcome measures
Authors: Trute B. , Hiebert‐Murphy D. , Wright A.
Published: April 2008

Background  Potential service outcome measures were tested for their utility in the assessment of the quality of ‘family centred’ service coordination in the provincial network of children's disability services in Manitoba, Canada.

Methods  This study is based on in‐home survey data provided by 103 mothers at 6 and 18 months following assignment of a ‘dedicated’ service coordinator. Service outcome indicators included measures of parent self‐esteem, parenting stress, family functioning and the need for family support resources.

Results  Hierarchical regression analyses showed no relationship between level of quality of family‐centred service coordination and standardized psychosocial measures of parent and family functioning. However, family centredness of service coordination was found to predict significant reduction in level of family need for psychosocial support resources after 18 months of contact with a service coordinator.

Conclusions  Outcome measures that are focused on specific and tangible results of service coordination appear to be of higher utility in service quality assessment than are more global, standardized measures of parent and family functioning.
Included but isolated: early intervention programmes provision for children and families with chronic respiratory support needs
Authors: Graham R. J. , Pemstein D. M. , Palfrey J. S.
Published: April 2008

Purpose  To measure enrolment of children with mechanical respiratory support needs within the Massachusetts early intervention programmes (EIP) and describe challenges in execution of individual family service plans (IFSPs).

Methods  Mixed methods provided a complementary assessment. Quantitative data were collected in 2005 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts EIP administrative database as part of a cross‐sectional state census. Qualitative data were retrieved from EIP regional coordinators in a key informant focus group. Descriptive statistics were used for quantitative survey data. Audio‐recordings were transcribed verbatim and a qualitative, thematic analysis was undertaken.

Results  Four hundred and eighty children requiring mechanical respiratory support at the time of EIP enrolment were identified between 1 July 1997 and 1 January 2005. Focus group analysis revealed themes including: (1) barriers to community transition; (2) community expertise and training; (3) interface with medical providers; and (4) the role of web‐based resources. Isolation of families emerged as a recurrent and resounding concept, relating to all of the themes.

Conclusions  Findings support the assumption that implementation of IFSPs for the cohort of children with chronic mechanical respiratory support needs in EIPs is challenging. Barriers reflect inconsistent care coordination and practical encumbrances, contributing to the physical and social isolation of these children and their families.
Health behaviours, risk‐taking and conceptual changes among schoolchildren aged 7 to 19 years in semi‐rural Sweden
Authors: Olsson A. , Fahlén I. , Janson S.
Published: April 2008

Background  This study covers a broad age group (7–19 years) and includes a wide range of themes. The aim is to describe how various behaviours, complaints and conceptual changes come into play and to discuss the factors that might support or hamper the happiness and well‐being of growing children and adolescents. We also discuss the implications of our findings for future prevention programmes.

Methods  This cross‐sectional study included all schoolchildren in a semi‐rural district in Sweden (2181 pupils). A structured classroom questionnaire was used but the children were also given the opportunity to describe in their own words what was important for their happiness and well‐being.

Results  Mean response rate was 85%. Most changes in behaviour occurred between 11 and 14 years of age. Girls had a more rapid process of change than boys. Both girls and boys experienced stress in their relations with peers, parents and teachers. Gender differences in emotional support were prominent. Regardless of age and sex, all schoolchildren asked for a richer choice of leisure time activities, a place where they could meet with friends and caring teachers, parents and adults in the surrounding community.

Conclusions  Adolescence was perceived as a risky and problematic period not only by adults but also by the adolescents themselves. However, the perceived risks and the worries differed. While the adults mainly worried about the early onset of smoking and drug use, the schoolchildren worried about their social situation and their personal relationships. After decades of preventive programmes in Swedish schools, only modest results are seen. To be effective, future preventive programmes probably have to focus more on the conceptual world of the growing child.
How neighbourhoods influence child maltreatment: a review of the literature and alternative pathways
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2008

.
 
Coulton C.J.,
Crampton D.S.,
Irwin M.,
Spilsbury J.C. &
Korbin J.E.
(
2007
)

,
31
,
1117
–
1142
.
 
DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2007.03.023.

Objective  To review the literature on the relationships between neighbourhoods and child maltreatment, and identify future directions for research in this area.

Method  A search of electronic databases and a survey of experts yielded a list of 25 studies on the influence of geographically defined neighbourhoods on child maltreatment. These studies were then critically reviewed by an interdisciplinary research team.

Results  Numerous studies demonstrate that child maltreatment cases are concentrated in disadvantaged areas. A number of socio‐economic characteristics of neighbourhoods have been shown to correlate with child maltreatment rates as measured by official reports to child protective service agencies. Only a few studies examine direct measures of parenting behaviours associated with maltreatment, and these show a weaker relationship with neighbourhood disadvantage. Moreover, the processes that link neighbourhood conditions to either maltreatment reports or parenting behaviours are not yet confirmed by the research literature. Selection bias, neighbourhood definitions and spatial influences are largely uncontrolled in the existing research.

Conclusions  We propose a framework for pursuing further study of neighbourhoods and child maltreatment that addresses the gaps in the current literature. Neighbourhood‐based strategies to prevent and reduce child maltreatment will be enhanced by research that provides a better understanding of how neighbourhood conditions act as stressors or supports for families at risk of child maltreatment.
Overtreatment in threshold and developed countries
Authors: Reading Richard
Published: April 2008

.
 
Frey B.
(
2008
)

,
93
,
260
–
263
.
 
DOI: 10.1136/adc.2007.124479.
A comparison between rimonabant and metformin in reducing biochemical hyperandrogenaemia and insulin resistance in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): a randomized open‐label parallel study
Authors: Sathyapalan Thozhukat , Cho Li Wei , Kilpatrick Eric S. , Coady Anne‐Marie , Atkin Stephen L.
Published: April 2008

Context  Weight loss and metformin therapy are reported to be beneficial in improving the biochemical hyperandrogenaemia and insulin resistance of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Rimonabant has been found to reduce weight and improve the metabolic profile in patients with obesity, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Objective  To compare the effects of insulin sensitization with metformin to weight reduction by rimonabant on biochemical hyperandrogenaemia and insulin resistance in patients with PCOS.

Design  A randomized, open‐label parallel study.

Setting  Endocrinology outpatient clinic in a referral centre.

Subjects  Twenty patients with PCOS and biochemical hyperandrogenaemia with a body mass index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited.

Intervention  Patients were randomized to 1·5 g daily of metformin or 20 mg daily of rimonabant.

Main outcome measures  The primary end‐point of the study was a change in total testosterone.

Results  After 12 weeks of rimonabant there was a significant reduction (mean ± SEM) in weight (104·6 ± 4·6 vs. 98·4 ± 4·7 kg, P < 0·01), waist circumference (116·0 ± 3·3 vs. 109·2 ± 3·7 cm, P < 0·01), hip circumference (128·5 ± 4·0 vs. 124·1 ± 4·2 cm, P < 0·03), waist–hip ratio (0·90 ± 0·02 vs. 0·88 ± 0·01, P < 0·01) free androgen index (FAI) (26·6 ± 6·1 vs. 16·6 ± 4·1, P < 0·01), testosterone [4·6 ± 0·4 vs. 3·1 ± 0·3 nmol/l (132·7 ± 11·5 vs. 89·4 ± 8·65 ng/dl), P < 0·01] and insulin resistance as measured by the homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) method (4·4 ± 0·5 vs. 3·4 ± 0·4, P = 0·05). There was no change in any of these parameters in the metformin‐treated group.

Conclusion  This study suggests that the weight loss through rimonabant therapy may be of use in patients with PCOS and appears superior to insulin sensitization by metformin in reducing the FAI and insulin resistance in obese PCOS patients treated over a 12‐week period.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene mutation analysis in children and adolescents with sporadic pituitary adenomas
Authors: Georgitsi Marianthi , De Menis Ernesto , Cannavò Salvatore , Mäkinen Markus J. , Tuppurainen Karoliina , Pauletto Paolo , Curtò Lorenzo , Weil Robert J. , Paschke Ralf , Zielinski Grzegorz , Wasik Anna , Lubinski Jan , Vahteristo Pia , Karhu Auli , Aaltonen Lauri A.
Published: April 2008

Objective  Pituitary adenomas occur rarely in childhood and adolescence. Pituitary adenoma predisposition (PAP) has been recently associated with germline mutations in the aryl hydrocarbon receptor interacting protein (AIP) gene. The aim of the study was to examine the proportion of germline AIP mutations in apparently sporadic paediatric pituitary adenomas.

Design  Genomic DNA was analysed for mutations in the AIP gene, by PCR amplification and direct sequencing.

Patients  A population‐based cohort consisting of 36 apparently sporadic paediatric pituitary adenoma patients, referred to two medical centres in Italy, was included in the study. Patients were either less than 18 years at diagnosis, or showed clinical evidence of adenoma development before the age of 18 years.

Results  A heterozygous in‐frame deletion Y248del (c.742_744delTAC) was identified in one GH‐secreting adenoma patient. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) analysis of tumour DNA revealed the loss of the wild‐type allele. First degree relatives carrying the mutation were clinically unaffected.

Conclusions  While mutations were absent in non‐GH‐secreting adenoma patients, germline AIP mutations can be found in children and adolescents with GH‐secreting tumours, even in the absence of family history. The present study reports the AIP mutation analysis results on patients of a single ethnic origin. Clearly, further studies are needed to improve our knowledge on the role of AIP in paediatric pituitary adenomas.
Primary aldosteronism (PA) and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) bioavailability
Authors: Verhovez Andrea , Zeoli Annarita , Williams Tracy Ann , Morello Fulvio , Brizzi Maria Felice , Veglio Franco , Mulatero Paolo
Published: April 2008

Objective  Patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) experience more cardiovascular events than patients with essential hypertension matched for risk factor profile. Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) represent a bone marrow‐derived cell population implicated in vascular healing whose number correlates to the cardiovascular risk factor profile. Aldosterone has been reported to decrease EPC proliferation in rats.

Design and patients  We assessed (i) the growth characteristics of EPC from six PA patients and six matched normotensive controls; (ii) the growth characteristics of EPC treated with increasing doses of aldosterone.

Measurements  Senescence and cell‐cycle analysis of EPC from PA patients and normotensive controls and of aldosterone‐treated EPC from healthy volunteers.

Results  No difference was found in the senescence rate between EPC from PA patients (72·4% senescent cells) and controls (70·7%, P > 0·05). No difference was also found in the cell‐cycle distribution determined by FACS (controls: 75·2% cells in G0/G1 phase; PA: 73·5%, P > 0·05). Incubation of EPC with aldosterone did not modify their senescence rate (controls: 72·4% senescent cells; aldosterone 10 nmol/l: 70·9%; aldosterone 100 nmol/l 71·6%, P > 0·05 for all comparisons) and cell‐cycle distribution (controls: 73·3% cells in G0/G1 phase; aldosterone 10 nmol/l: 74·9%; aldosterone 100 nmol/l: 75·4%, P > 0·05 for all comparisons). No expression of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) transcript was found in EPC by RT‐PCR analysis.

Conclusions  High aldosterone levels, both in PA patients and in vitro, exert no direct or indirect effect on EPC growth characteristics.
Amino acid sources in the adult diet do not affect life span and fecundity in the fruit‐feeding butterfly Bicyclus anynana
Authors: MOLLEMAN FREERK , DING JIMIN , WANG JANE‐LING , BRAKEFIELD PAUL M , CAREY JAMES R , ZWAAN BAS J
Published: April 2008

Abstract 1. In tropical forests, the adults of many butterfly species feed on fruits rather than nectar from flowers and have long life spans. Rotting fruit and nectar differ from each other in many respects, including sources of amino acids and microbial life. If amino acids in the adult diet can be used for reproduction, this may have facilitated the evolution of extended life spans in this guild.

2. This issue was addressed by investigating effects of banana, yeast, and amino acids in the adult diet of the fruit‐feeding butterfly Bicyclus anynana (Lepidoptera) on longevity and female reproductive output in two experiments.

3. Results showed that in the fruit‐feeding butterfly B. anynana: (i) banana juice, but not sliced banana or added amino acids extend life span compared with a sugar solution of similar composition; (ii) compared with this sugar solution, other cohorts (banana juice‐amino acid enriched) did not have significantly higher reproductive outputs; (iii) yeast does not represent a valuable source of nutrients; (iv) caloric restriction may cause decreased life span and rate of reproduction; and (v) increased rates of reproduction have a life span cost.
Integrating ecology with biogeography using landscape characteristics: a case study of subtidal habitat across continental Australia
Authors: Connell Sean D. , Irving Andrew D.
Published: April 2008

Aim  We aimed to redress a current limitation of local ecological studies (i.e. piecemeal information on specific taxa) by integrating existing ecological knowledge with quantifiable patterns in primary habitat (i.e. composition, distribution and cover) from local to continental scales. By achieving this aim, we sought to provide a biogeographical framework for the interpretation of variation in the ecology of, and threats to, subtidal rocky landscapes.

Location  The subtidal rocky coast of continental Australia, with longitudinal comparisons spanning > 4000 km of southern coast (115°03′ E–153°60′ E) between latitudes of 33°05′ S and 35°36′ S, and latitudinal comparisons across 26°40′ S to 37°08′ S of eastern Australia.

Methods  The frequency and size of patches of major benthic habitat were quantified to indicate contemporary function (ecology) and to establish patterns that may result from contrasting regional‐scale processes (biogeography). This was achieved by quantifying the composition and patchiness of key subtidal habitats across the continent and relating them to the known ecology of subsets of locations in each region. A nested design of several spatial scales (1000s, 100s, 10–1 km) was adopted to distinguish patterns at local through to biogeographical scales.

Results  We show biogeography (in terms of longitude and latitude) to have a fundamental influence on the patterns of abundance and composition of subtidal habitats across regional (1000s of kilometres) to local (10s of kilometres to metres) scales. Across the continent, the most fundamental patterns related to (1) the proportion of rock covered by kelp forests, as related to particular functional groups of herbivores, and (2) the small‐scale heterogeneity (metres) that characterizes these forests.

Main conclusions  We interpret these results within a framework of alternative processes known to maintain habitat heterogeneity across these regions (e.g. productivity versus consumption as shapers of habitat structure). These interpretations illustrate how regional differences in ecological patterns and processes can create contradictory outcomes for the management of natural resources. We suggest that researchers and managers of natural resources alike may benefit from understanding local issues (e.g. the effects of fishing and its synergies with water pollution) in their biogeographical contexts.
Biogeographical revision of Argentina (Andean and Neotropical Regions): an analysis using freshwater fishes
Authors: López Hugo L. , Menni Roberto C. , Donato Mariano , Miquelarena Amalia M.
Published: April 2008

Aim To provide an objective geographic framework displaying the distribution patterns of freshwater fishes from Argentina.

Location Argentina, southern South America.

Methods Parsimony analysis of endemicity (PAE) and similarity and cluster analyses were applied to presence and absence data on 440 fish species from 52 localities in Argentina. Both 50% majority consensus and strict consensus analyses were undertaken in the first case, and the Jaccard similarity index was used in the second.

Results Five ichthyogeographic provinces are described based on a PAE of the 52 localities. A cluster analysis provided similar results.

Main conclusions The following zoogeographic provinces are proposed for Argentine freshwater fish fauna following the International Code of Area Nomenclature: Andean Cuyan, Patagonian, Aymaran, Great Rivers and Pampean. The former two are placed within the Andean Subregion of the Austral Region, and the latter three within the Neotropical Subregion of the Holotropical Region. These provinces, based on results coinciding with PAE and cluster analysis, represent the first classification of Argentine provinces based on objective methods. Some small regions of endemism and some localities remain separated from the proposed regions. The new scheme includes valuable empirical information from previous schemes, and is in agreement with ecological zones and other environmental arrangements proposed earlier.
Patterns and processes in insular floras affected by hurricanes
Authors: Morrison Lloyd W. , Spiller David A.
Published: April 2008

Aim  To investigate species compositions, rates of species turnover, species–area and species–distance relationships and patterns of nestedness in the floras of small Bahamian islands, by comparing two groups of islands that had been differentially affected by two hurricanes.

Location  Small islands occurring on either side of Great Exuma near Georgetown, Bahamas.

Methods  We surveyed the plant species of 44 small islands over a 5‐year period from 1998 to 2002. Hurricanes Lili and Michelle occurred in 1996 and 2001, respectively; both storms affected small islands on the more exposed south‐west side of Great Exuma to a greater degree than small islands on the more protected north‐east side. A set of 27 islands was surveyed in 1998 and 2002 to evaluate species turnover. Stepwise multiple linear regression analyses and an information‐theoretic approach (the Akaike information criterion) were used to elucidate the importance of area and distance as predictors of plant species number. We compared a piecewise linear regression model with a simple linear regression of species number against area to determine whether a small island effect existed. Nestedness patterns were evaluated by Wilcoxon two‐sample tests to analyse occurrence sequences.

Results  Species turnover was low in an absolute sense (overall = 0.74% year−1), yet was over three times higher than that documented in a nearby archipelago in the absence of hurricanes. Both vegetated area and distance were important predictor variables for exposed islands but not for protected islands. Some support was found for a small island effect for the exposed islands based on a piecewise linear regression model. Both island groups revealed significant nestedness at the level of the assemblage (both P < 0.001). On exposed islands, 65–79% (depending upon the method of calculation) of all species were significantly nested, but only 47% of all species were significantly nested on protected islands.

Main conclusions  Overall, these insular floras seem highly resistant to hurricane‐force disturbances. Species turnover was low (< 1% year−1) in an absolute sense, particularly in comparison with rates for other taxa. Higher degrees of nestedness and significant species–area and species–distance relationships for exposed islands indicated stronger patterns of community assembly. It is likely that disturbance is a major structuring force for the exposed islands, although the type of disturbances that mediate these patterns may not be primarily hurricane‐force storms.
Mycorrhizal fungi determine salt‐marsh plant zonation depending on nutrient supply
Authors: Daleo Pedro , Alberti Juan , Canepuccia Alejandro , Escapa Mauricio , Fanjul Eugenia , Silliman Brian R. , Bertness Mark D. , Iribarne Oscar
Published: April 2008

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can affect nutrient uptake of associated plants and can vary in function from mutualism to parasitism as nutrient availability increases; thus they may interact with nutrient availability to influence plant community structure.

We experimentally investigated the hypotheses that AMF can affect the community structure of salt marshes by affecting plant competitive ability. We focused on: Spartina densiflora, that dominates physically benign high marsh habitats and S. alterniflora, which dominates more stressful low marsh habitats.

Colonization by AMF increased S. densiflora growth at low nutrient levels, but reduced growth at high nutrient levels. Spartina alterniflora was not colonized by AMF and showed increased growth only with nutrient amendment. Nutrient or fungicide additions resulted in S. alterniflora migrating to higher marsh elevations, displacing S. densiflora. When nutrient and fungicide additions were made together, however, dominance of S. densiflora was maintained in the high marsh.

 Synthesis. These results show that AMF can affect the competitive ability of plants and can have a large impact on plant community structure. The community impacts of these symbioses may be especially sensitive to human‐induced eutrophication, given that nutrient supply can modulate whether AMF positively or negatively affect associated plants.
Neighbourhood analyses of the allelopathic effects of the invasive treeAilanthus altissimain temperate forests
Authors: Gómez‐Aparicio Lorena , Canham Charles D.
Published: April 2008

Allelopathic interactions between invasive and native species have been suggested to be an important mechanism for the success of some of the most aggressive plant invaders. However, field experiments that test the effects of natural levels of allelopathic compounds on coexisting native species are exceptionally rare.

In this study, we analyzed the allelopathic effects of the invasive treeAilanthus altissimaon seedling emergence, survival and growth of three native tree species (Acer rubrum,A. saccharumandQuercus rubra) in temperate forests of the northeastern United States. We used activated carbon (AC) to reduce potential allelopathic interference, and developed neighbourhood models that explain the observed spatial variation in the effects of the AC treatments on seedling performance as a function of the size, abundance and distribution ofAilanthustrees in the neighbourhood.

Our results showed that the addition of AC to the soil did not affect seedling emergence or survival, but caused a significant increase in seedling growth of all three species. Moreover, the AC shifted the overall interaction betweenAilanthusand maple seedlings from neutral or slightly positive to very positive forA. rubrum,and from negative to positive forA. saccharum, whereas the net interaction betweenAilanthusandQ. rubrawas always negative. AsAilanthushas the ability to increase soil fertility, these species‐specific responses are presumably influenced by among‐species differences in the net effects of both allelopathy and changes in resource availability caused by the presence ofAilanthus.

The cumulative allelopathic effects ofAilanthuswere proportional to the density ofAilanthusin the neighbourhood, regardless of their size. In contrast,Ailanthuseffects were strongly influenced by distance from a tree, generally dropping to zero within 5 m from the trunk.

Synthesis.Taken together, our results indicate that allelopathy is an important mechanism to take into account when trying to understand the causes and consequences of plant invasions. However, this study also strongly suggests that the real significance of the allelopathic effects of an invasive species cannot be assessed independently of its target community, or in isolation of other resource interactions involving the invader and the native community.
High prevalence of hearing disorders at the Special Olympics indicate need to screen persons with intellectual disability
Authors: Hild U. , Hey C. , Baumann U. , Montgomery J. , Euler H. A. , Neumann K.
Published: April 2008

Background  Persons with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at increased risk for hearing impairment which often remains undetected. If left untreated, such hearing impairments may worsen the social and communicative problems of these persons. The aims of this study are to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment, to specify type and degree of hearing loss, and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of the screening in this population.

Methods  During the German Special Olympics Summer Games 2006, 552 athletes with ID had their hearing screened according to the international protocol of Healthy Hearing, Special Olympics. This screening protocol includes otoscopy, measurement of distortion product otoacoustic emissions, and – if necessary – tympanometry and pure tone audiometry (PTA) screening at 2 and 4 kHz. Additionally, 195 athletes underwent a full diagnostic PTA. The results of the screening and diagnostic PTA were compared.

Results  Of the 524 athletes who completed the screening protocol, 76% passed and 24% failed it. Ear wax was removed in 48% of all athletes. 42% of the athletes were recommended to consult an otolaryngologist or an acoustician. Of the 99 athletes whose screening‐based suspicion of a hearing loss was confirmed with diagnostic PTA, 74 had an undetected hearing loss. The correlation (Cramer's V) between screening and diagnostic PTA was .98. The sensitivity of the screening was 100% and the specificity 98%.

Discussion  The screening reliably detects hearing disorders among persons with ID. The prevalence of hearing impairment in this population is considerably higher than in the general population, and the proportion of undetected hearing impairments is large, even among people with only mild and moderate ID, as examined in this study. Therefore, a screening is highly recommended, and special attention from caregivers and professionals as well as regular hearing assessment and standard therapy programmes are required for persons with ID.
Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase‐1 inhibition in cardiovascular inflammatory disease
Authors: Wang M. , Song W.‐L. , Cheng Y. , FitzGerald G. A.
Published: April 2008

Prostaglandins (PGs), particularly PGE2 and prostacyclin (PGI2), are potent mediators of pain and inflammation. Both atherosclerosis and aortic aneurysm exhibit the hallmarks of inflammation. However, randomized trials of inhibitors of PG synthesis – nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs – reveal that they predispose to cardiovascular risk. This appears to be consequent to inhibition of PGI2 and PGE2 formed by cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2). Inhibitors of microsomal PGE synthase‐1 (mPGES‐1) are being developed for relief of pain and interest has focused on their potential impact on the cardiovascular system. Deletion of mPGES‐1 retards atherogenesis and limits aortic aneurysm formation in hyperlipidaemic mice. However, it does not predispose to thrombogenesis and has a limited impact on blood pressure compared to inhibition of COX‐2. This occurs despite the potential of the suppressed PGE2 in affording cardioprotection via its EP2 and EP4 receptors. However, deletion of mPGES‐1 permits rediversion of the PGH2 substrate to other PG synthases and augmented formation of PGI2 and PGD2 mitigates this effect. However, increased PGI2 may also attenuate relief of pain. Pain relief seems likely to be a nuanced indication for mPGES‐1 inhibitors, but they have therapeutic potential in syndromes of cardiovascular inflammation, cancer and perhaps in neurodegenerative disease. However, as the products of substrate rediversion vary according to cell type, these drugs may have contrasting impact amongst individuals at varied stages of disease evolution.
Regulatory T‐cell immunity and its relevance to atherosclerosis
Authors: Taleb S. , Tedgui A. , Mallat Z.
Published: April 2008

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the arterial wall where both innate and adaptive immune responses contribute to disease initiation and progression. Recent studies from several groups suggest that subtypes of T cells, called regulatory T cells, previously shown to maintain immunological tolerance, inhibit the development and progression of atherosclerosis. Here, we review the current knowledge on the regulatory T‐cell response and the major cytokines involved in its modulation in the context of atherosclerosis.
Role of microparticles in atherothrombosis
Authors: Leroyer A. S. , Tedgui A. , Boulanger C. M.
Published: April 2008

Cell activation or apoptosis leads to plasma membrane blebbing and microparticle (MP) release in the extracellular space. MPs are submicron membrane vesicles which express a panel of phospholipids and proteins specific of the cells they are derived from. Exposure of negatively charged phospholipids and tissue factor confers a procoagulant potential to MPs. MPs accumulate in the lipid core of the atherosclertotic plaque and is a major determinant of its thrombogenecity. Elevation of plasma MPs levels, particularly those of endothelial origin, reflects cellular injury and is considered now as a surrogate marker of vascular dysfunction. Thus, MPs can be seen as triggers of a vicious circle for they promote prothrombogenic and pro‐inflammatory responses as well as cellular dysfunction within the vascular compartment. A better knowledge of MP composition and biological effects as well as the mechanisms leading to their clearance will probably open new therapeutic approaches in the treatment of atherothrombosis.
Identifying the susceptibility genes for coronary artery disease: from hyperbole through doubt to cautious optimism
Authors: Hamsten A. , Eriksson P.
Published: April 2008

The genetic basis of coronary artery disease (CAD) is complex, and the fact that an alarmingly high proportion of reported associations between genetic variants and CAD are not replicated has generated uncertainty as to whether molecular genetics is ever going to deliver on the promises delivered in the late 1990s. However, during 2007, the first generation of large‐scale genome‐wide association studies using high‐density, single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping arrays have revealed genetic variants that are robustly associated with CAD and CAD‐related traits such as type 2 diabetes and obesity. In particular, a robust susceptibility locus for CAD has been identified on chromosome 9p21. Also, evidence has been obtained that multiple rare alleles with fairly strong phenotypic effects may contribute to the genetic heritability of CAD, in addition to common variants with a modest impact on risk. Furthermore, new mechanistic connections have been discovered between different common complex diseases including CAD. This review focuses on the challenges and recent advances of molecular genetics in dissecting the molecular pathophysiology of atherothrombosis and defining novel targets for treatment.
Relationship between the use of full dentures and mucosal alterations among elderly Brazilians
Authors: FREITAS J. B. , GOMEZ R. S. , DE ABREU M. H. N. G. , FERREIRA E FERREIRA E.
Published: April 2008

Summary  The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prevalence of oral mucosal lesions associated with the use of full dentures (FD) among non‐institutionalized individuals of 60 or more years of age in a rural Brazilian population. The sample consisted of 344 individuals aged 60 or more from two rural communities of Brazil. Of this total, 146 were FD users and 198 FD, non‐users. Angular cheilitis, denture stomatitis and inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia were statistically associated with prosthesis use. Hygiene and integrity of the prosthesis were related to the presence of oral lesions. While inflammatory fibrous hyperplasia was positively related to FD integrity, denture stomatitis was associated with time of use, hygiene status and integrity of FD. The results indicate the need for oral health care programmes for the elderly and show a relationship between time of use, quality and hygiene of oral prostheses with the presence of mucosal lesions.
Association of symptomless TMJ sounds with occlusal force and masticatory performance in older adults
Authors: IKEBE K. , HAZEYAMA T. , IWASE K. , SAJIMA H. , GONDA T. , MAEDA Y. , NOKUBI T.
Published: April 2008

Summary  This study investigated associations between temporomandibular joint (TMJ) sounds and occlusal force or masticatory performance stratified by posterior occlusal supports in older Japanese adults. The subjects consisted of 1646 independently living people over 60 years. Masticatory performance, occlusal force, TMJ sounds and maximal mouth opening were examined. Posterior occlusal supports were classified by the Eichner Index. The prevalence of TMJ sounds was 27·7%, limitation of mouth opening (<40 mm) was 7·9% and TMJ pain was only 1·5%. In the Eichner C group, TMJ sounds were significantly associated with lower occlusal force (OR = 3·20, P = 0·046) and lower masticatory performance (OR = 3·18, P = 0·041) after controlling for gender and age. These associations were not found in the Eichner A and B groups. Within the limitations of this study, the presence of TMJ sounds, even if they were symptomless, was associated with impairment of masticatory function in older adults with reduced occlusal support.
Is bovine dentine an appropriate substitute for human dentine in erosion/abrasion tests?
Authors: WEGEHAUPT F. , GRIES D. , WIEGAND A. , ATTIN T.
Published: April 2008

Summary  The study aimed to compare the dentine wear of primary and permanent human and bovine teeth because of erosion/abrasion and evaluate if bovine dentine is an appropriate substitute for human dentine in further erosion/abrasions tests. Dentine samples from deciduous molars and human third molars as well as from calves’ and cattle’s lower incisors were prepared and baseline surface profiles were recorded. Each day all samples were demineralized in 1% citric acid, tooth brushed with 100 brushing strokes with toothpaste slurry and stored in artificial saliva for the rest of the day. This cycle was run for 20 days. Afterwards, new surface profiles were recorded and dentine wear was calculated by a customized computer program. Dentine wear because of erosion/abrasion was not statistically, significantly different for human third molars and cattle’s lower incisors (P = 0·7002). The dentine wear because of erosion/abrasion of deciduous molars and calves’ lower incisors was significantly different (P < 0·0000). No statistically significant difference in the dentine wear of human third molars and cattle’s lower incisors was observed, so that the use of cattle’s lower incisors as substitute for adult human teeth for further investigations in erosion/abrasion studies could be accepted.
The effect of nasal speaking valve on the speech under experimental velopharyngeal incompetence condition
Authors: SUWAKI M. , NANBA K. , ITO E. , KUMAKURA I. , MINAGI S.
Published: April 2008

Summary  Velopharyngeal incompetence (VPI) is a contributing factor to speech disorders, frequently accompanying disorders, such as cleft palate, congenital paralysis of the soft palate, and cerebrovascular disease. For the treatment of these types of dysarthria, a Nasal Speaking Valve (NSV), which regulates nasal emission utilizing one‐way valve, has been reported to be effective. As the unpleasantness while wearing the NSV was less than that with the conventional Palatal Lift Prosthesis, the NSV could be worn for a longer period of time. As NSV is inserted into the nostrils, this device could easily be provided for edentulous patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of NSV on experimentally induced VPI condition. Intelligibility of monosyllabic speech, intelligibility of conversational speech, nasalance score and acoustic analysis were used to evaluate the effect of NSV. Local infiltration anaesthesia was achieved to the area of levator veli palatini muscle and tensor veli palatine muscle of seven adult male subjects. In all subjects, remarkable suppression of the soft palate movement could be observed after the local infiltration anesthesia. Although the utterance supported by NSV under the experimentally induced VPI condition was less natural than the normal utterance, the intelligibility was markedly improved by the device. From the results of this study, the acoustic properties of NSV on the pure VPI condition, which was enabled by the newly established experimental induction, were revealed. This experimental model was also proved to provide a basis for the improvement in the treatment modalities for VPI.
Association between food mixing ability and electromyographic activity of jaw‐closing muscles during chewing of a wax cube
Authors: FUEKI K. , SUGIURA T. , YOSHIDA E. , IGARASHI Y.
Published: April 2008

Summary  The purpose of this study was to clarify association between food mixing ability and activity of jaw‐closing muscles during chewing of a wax cube. Twenty subjects with complete dentitions (mean age 24·1 years) were directed to chew a two‐coloured paraffin wax cube for 10 strokes on preferred chewing side. Surface electromyograms (EMG) were recorded from the right and left masseter and anterior temporalis muscles during chewing of the wax cube. Maximum voltage, duration and muscle work for burst of each chewing cycle were measured on integrated EMG in each muscle. Food mixing ability was estimated as mixing ability index determined from the colour mixture and shape of the chewed wax cube. Some EMG parameters of all muscles except for masseter muscle on non‐chewing side showed significant positive correlations with the mixing ability index (r = 0·45–0·56, P < 0·05). However, most of the EMG parameters correlated with one another. As a result, only muscle work of masseter muscle on the chewing side was identified as a significant predictor accounting for 28% interindividual variation in the mixing ability index (P < 0·01). These results suggest that activity of jaw‐closing muscles during chewing the wax cube seems to be weakly related to food mixing ability.
Load‐bearing capacity of direct four unit provisional composite bridges with fibre reinforcement
Authors: EISENBURGER M. , RIECHERS J. , BORCHERS L. , STIESCH‐SCHOLZ M.
Published: April 2008

Summary  The aim of the current in vitro study was to evaluate the load‐bearing capacity of provisional four‐unit bridges with and without two different types of glass‐fibre reinforcement produced in a direct technique with a silicon template from the composite materials Protemp, Luxatemp and CronMix. From each composite material, 30 bridges were manufactured, 10 without fibre reinforcement, 10 with Stick/StickNet and 10 with everStick/everStickNet reinforcement. After artificial aging by thermocycling samples were cemented onto a master model and subjected to load testing in a universal testing machine. Mean force at fracture for the groups without fibre reinforcement varied from 486 to 612 N. Depending on the material combination, fibre reinforcement resulted in a slightly increased or a reduced mean load‐bearing capacity, varying from 674 N for the combination of Protemp and Stick to 262 N for CronMix and everStick. Position of fibres within the resin pontic was found to have an important influence on load‐bearing capacity of reinforced bridges. Scanning electron microscopic investigation showed good adhesion of everStick fibres to the pre‐impregnation resin whereas bonding of Stick fibres to the embedding polymer was incomplete. In conclusion, fibre reinforcement with Stick or everStick did not improve the load‐bearing capacity of direct provisional bridges made from Protemp, Luxatemp, or CronMix as the position of fibres could not be controlled during the direct manufacturing process. To increase the load‐bearing capacity of the provisional bridges, an exact positioning of fibres at the tension side in the dental laboratory is necessary.
The description of mammals–2 Limbs and locomotion of terrestial mammals
Authors: BROWN J. CLEVEDON , YALDEN D. W.
Published: April 2008

Four separate categories of description relating to limbs and locomotion are recognized. Gross variation in limb structure characterizes descriptions at the ordinal level. Detailed morphology of the external features, and of limb bones, extends diagnosis to the familial and generic levels. The gaits of mammals describe locomotory behaviour.

In all of these categories, definitions tend to be imprecise and the terminology to be misapplied. This descriptive terminology is critically reviewed in the light of advancing research and a synthetic framework for ordering future studies is proposed.
Mortality in deer
Authors: McDIARMID A.
Published: April 2008

Mortality in deer can occur from various causes predominantly associated directly or indirectly with man. Deliberate culling by shooting is of course the principal cause but a considerable number of deer are killed by illegal activities of poachers in various parts of the country. At present high prices for venison and low fines imposed by the Courts encourage their activities. Mechanical injuries from car accidents and fencing wire are common factors and the weather, particularly in the North of Scotland, can take a heavy toll especially of the old and the very young.

Disease per se is probably of little significance in well‐managed populations. An excellent host‐parasite relationship seems to exist in many instances, but liver fluke and lungworm are important causes of death particularly in Roe in certain areas. Deer are, on the whole, remarkably free from clinical diseases compared with domesticated stock but with the advent of ‘deer farming’, certain infections such as Tuberculosis and Brucellosis are worthy of further study. Deaths from poisoning rarely occur although certain plants such as laurel can be toxic to Fallow deer; yew appears to be eaten with impunity.

Percentage mortality in the different species is virtually impossible to ascertain at present, as the numbers of deer are not known in most areas. Moreover, dead deer are rarely found; so far the only accurate figures available have been obtained from deer parks. It would probably be true to say that the vast majority of free‐living deer in Britain rarely live out their allotted span of life as judged by the age to which deer can survive in certain parks in the absence of the usual causes of mortality in the wild.
Red deer range and problems of carrying capacity in the Scottish Highlands
Authors: NICHOLSON I. A.
Published: April 2008

Some general principles underlying the concept of carrying capacity and problems in using the term are illustrated by reference to herbivore/vegetation inter‐relationships in intensive pasture systems, regimes of range management and wildlife systems. The approach to management of the deer/range system in Scotland does not fit into any of these categories of land use. Ecological deficiencies arise because deer, rather than the soils and vegetation, are regarded as the resource. Hence, management of the range is animal orientated. It is based on techniques such as burning which give temporary benefits to the animal component of the system. It is argued that this inversion of priorities in management has the long‐term effect of encouraging vegetational successions that aggravate problems of animal management, especially on the poorer soils.

The characteristics of the deer and the vegetation, and trends of change are considered in this context. It is concluded that within the present framework of management there is little scope for radical improvement. A restructuring of the system is required to give greater control over the biological performance of the deer and of the trends in the vegetation.
Examples of short‐ and long‐term changes of dental pattern in Scottish voles (Rodentia; Microtinae)
Authors: CORBET G. B.
Published: April 2008

An isolated population of the bank vole, Clethrionomys glareolus, at Loch Tay, Perthshire, which was found to have abnormally complex third upper molars in 1955‐57, was re‐examined in 1972 and found to have reverted to normal. Subfossil teeth of the field vole, Microtus agrestis, from the island of Jura, Inner Hebrides, dating back to at least 2000 BP have been compared with recent specimens from the island. They demonstrate a slight but progressive reduction in the size of the postero‐medial ridge of M1 that is characteristic of certain marginal