bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lethal and non‐lethal effects of multiple indigenous predators on the invasive golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata)
Authors: Carlsson Nils , Kestrup Åsa , Mårtensson Monica , Nyström Per
Published: September 2004

1. We investigated the individual and combined effects of two predators (the climbing perch, Anabas testudineus, and the wetland crab, Esanthelphusa nimoafi) indigenous to wetlands in Laos, on the behaviour and survival of the invasive South American golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata). The snail is considered a pest, consuming large amounts of rice and other aquatic vegetation in the region.

2. Snail avoidance reactions to released predator chemical cues were investigated in aquaria while the effects of predators on a mixed snail population were studied in field enclosures that contained native aquatic plants (Salvinia cucullata, Ludwigia adscendens and Ipomoea aquatica).

3. In the aquaria experiment, neonate (2–3 mm) and medium‐sized snails (8–10 mm) responded to fish chemical cues by going to the surface, whereas adult snails (35–40 mm) went to the bottom. In contrast, no size class of snails reacted to chemical cues released by crabs.

4. In the field experiment, fish reduced the abundance of neonate snails, and crabs reduced the abundance of all size classes. The effect of the combined predators could not be predicted from the mortality rate observed in single predator treatments. The survival of neonate and medium‐sized snails was greater and of adults less than expected. The presence of predators did not affect egg production. Snails consumed significant amounts of plants despite the presence of predators.

5. Our findings suggest that some indigenous Asian predators have lethal and sublethal effects on P. canaliculata that depend on snail size and predator type. When in the presence of several predators the response of snails to one predator may either increase or decrease the vulnerability of snails to the others.
Changes to the phytoplankton assemblage of Lake Kinneret after decades of a predictable, repetitive pattern
Authors: Zohary Tamar
Published: September 2004

1. Phytoplankton abundance and species composition in Lake Kinneret, Israel, have been monitored at weekly or fortnightly intervals since 1969. This paper summarises the resulting 34‐year phytoplankton record with a focus on the last 13 years of new data, and reassesses an earlier conclusion that the lake phytoplankton shows remarkable stability despite a wide range of external pressures.

2. The Kinneret phytoplankton record can be split into two major periods. The first, from 1969 till 1993, was a period of distinct stability expressed by a typical annual pattern revolving around a spring bloom of the dinoflagellate Peridinium gatunense that repeated each year. The second period, starting around 1994 and ongoing, is characterised by the loss of the previously predictable annual pattern, with both ‘bloom years’ and ‘no‐bloom years’.

3. In the second period, deviations from the previous annual pattern include: the absence of the prevailing spring P. gatunense blooms in some years and increased variability in the magnitude of the bloom in others; intensification of winter Aulacoseira granulata blooms; higher summer phytoplankton biomass with replacement of mostly nanoplanktonic, palatable forms by less palatable forms; new appearance and establishment of toxin‐producing, nitrogen fixing cyanobacteria in summer; increase in the absolute biomass and percentage contribution of cyanobacteria to total biomass; and fungal epidemics attacking P. gatunense.

4. The 34‐year record serves to validate Schindler's (1987) assessment that phytoplankton species composition will respond to increased anthropogenic stress before bulk ecosystem parameters.
Life history patterns of parental and hybrid Daphnia differ between lakes
Authors: Löffler Astrid , Wolinska Justyna , Keller Barbara , Rothhaupt Karl‐Otto , Spaak Piet
Published: September 2004

1. We investigated whether Daphnia galeata × hyalina hybrids of Lake Constance and Lake Greifensee show the same pattern of life history parameters as previously reported for D. galeata × cucullata hybrids and whether such a pattern is consistent between Daphnia populations from those two lakes.

2. Hybrids in Lake Constance were intermediate in size compared with the parental species. Hybrids in Lake Greifensee were smaller than D. galeata. The intrinsic growth rate (r) of hybrids from Lake Constance was not significantly different from the faster growing parental taxon D. galeata. However, r of hybrids from Lake Greifensee was significantly lower than that of D. galeata.

3. The observed juvenile body length differences between the taxa varied with the clutch number. The first clutch juvenile lengths of the three taxa did not differ for Lake Constance. First clutch juveniles of Lake Greifensee D. galeata were smaller than hybrid first clutch juveniles. The third clutch juvenile length did not differ between taxa from Lake Greifensee, but D. galeata juveniles from Lake Constance were bigger than those of D. hyalina.

4. The life history pattern found in Lake Constance corresponds to previous findings from other studies. The hybrids in this lake combine the faster population growth of one parental species with a relatively small size. In the case of Lake Greifensee hybrids, the relatively large size of first clutch juveniles and the small size of the adults could be interpreted as dual adaptations to invertebrate and fish predation. We speculate that the lower population growth rate of the hybrids is a trade‐off for this twofold protection.
Contrasting patterns in local and zonal family richness of stream invertebrates along an Andean altitudinal gradient
Authors: Jacobsen Dean
Published: September 2004

1. Describing and understanding patterns in biological diversity along major geographical gradients is an important topic in ecology. Samples collected from a large number of physically and chemically comparable stream sites along a 4000 m gradient of altitude in the Andes of Ecuador served to characterise patterns of family richness of aquatic macroinvertebrates at the scale of the stream site (local) and at that of discrete altitudinal zones.

2. Both mean local and zonal family richness decreased by about 50% from sea level to 4000 m a.s.l. Local richness declined linearly, while zonal richness remained constant from sea level up to a threshold altitude of about 1800 m, whereafter it decreased.

3. From sea level to 1800 m few families were lost from zonal richness and few were gained. From 1800 to 3800 m the decrease in the number of families was accounted for by a loss of families present in lowland streams, with few new families gained. Hence, there was relatively little turnover of families along the entire gradient.

4. The diverging pattern of local and zonal richness was caused by sporadically occurring families inflating zonal richness at mid‐altitudes. If the sporadic families were represented by the same species found commonly in the lowlands, then the mid‐altitudinal zonal richness would be maintained by a ‘rescue effect’. More probably, however, the sporadically occurring families found at mid‐altitudes are each represented by new species replacing each other along the gradient, the families progressively diminishing in species richness and occurrence as the overall temperature tolerance of the family is approached.

5. This study demonstrates that spatial scale affects altitudinal patterns in the taxonomic richness of stream invertebrates. It also showed that family‐level identification can facilitate interpretation of sources and sinks of biodiversity along geographic gradients.
Determinants of perceived health in families of patients with heart disease
Authors: Åstedt‐Kurki Päivi , Lehti Kristiina , Tarkka Marja‐Terttu , Paavilainen Eija
Published: September 2004

Background.  Heart disease is a severe long‐term illness, which often requires lifestyle changes and self‐care and affects the life of the whole family. Perceived family health is highly complex. It combines people's values and everyday experiences, such as knowledge about their own health, what they do to promote their health, how their life progresses, and how they feel physically and emotionally.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to report a study to describe the perceived health of families of patients with heart disease and to ascertain factors related to family health.

Methods.  Data were collected by questionnaire with a convenience sample of 161 family members of patients receiving treatment on two medical wards of a university hospital in southern Finland. Data were analysed using means and medians and tested by parametric and non‐parametric tests. A stepwise regression analysis was also used.

Results.  The most important predictors of family health were family structural factors, effect of illness symptoms on daily life, and family relationships. The strongest predictor was family structural factors. It was found that the better the family structure and relationships, the better the family health. Similarly, the greater the effect of the illness on the patient's daily life, the worse the family health.

Conclusion.  The findings suggest that supporting family functioning in the families of people with heart disease is an important challenge for family nursing.
A holistic intervention programme for families with a child with a disability
Authors: Pelchat Diane , Lefebvre Helene
Published: September 2004

Background. The birth of a child with a disability may cause serious stress for the parents and affect each member of the family. Parents need support to deal with such a situation; however, health care professionals themselves are not always well equipped to help them and often adopt an attitude of withdrawal.

Aim. The aim of this paper is to describe a family intervention programme developed in collaboration with families who were adapting to the birth of a child with a disability.

Discussion. The primary purpose of the programme is to help family members adapt to the situation in which they suddenly find themselves, primarily by reducing stress. The family's autonomy and competencies in providing care for the child are promoted and called into action. The programme encompasses different aspects of family relations: the individual, marital, parental, family, extended family and non‐family sub‐systems. Its theorical foundations, clinical experience with families of a child with a health problem, and our previous research have enabled a remodelled vision of the way individuals and families adapt to such a situation.

Conclusion. The symbioses of the design of the programme, training in its application, and intervention itself have transformed families of a child with a disability as well as the nurses themselves. The key element of this transformation has been the mutual recognition of relevant skills and authority by families and health care professionals that has led to new competencies, self‐determination and an individuality that may change their lives.
Adolescents’ perceptions of popular teen magazines
Authors: Chow Jean
Published: September 2004

Background. The mass media has an enormous influence on adolescent women and their perceptions about the world and themselves. Teen magazines are a favoured form of the mass media, thus they were chosen for this research project.

Aim. The aim of this paper is to report a study exploring the messages of health and health‐related material in teen magazines from the perspective of adolescents. Knowledge of how adolescents perceive teen magazine messages can be used in the care of this client group.

Method. Interpretive inquiry, a substantively driven research approach, was used for the project. A convenience sample of 12 adolescents, aged 12–18 years, participated in two focus groups, and selected images and texts from popular North American teen magazines (YM,Teen, andSeventeen) to discuss. Focus group discussions were audiotaped and then transcribed. Individual interviews with the adolescents were also completed to obtain additional data. Audiotaped interviews were analysed using Gadamer's hermeneutic ideas about ‘claim’ or ‘address’.

Findings. The findings indicate that teen magazines promote particular expectations about health and health‐related activities. Participants noted that the magazines promote the message of perfection by portraying models with perfect eyes, teeth and bodies. The magazines provide ideals of thinness which are presented in a seemingly attainable fashion. Participants stated that magazines suggest that adolescent women need male attention for protection and companionship, in order to achieve fulfilment. Being healthy or whole seemed to be dependent on the adolescent reader embracing and becoming the ideals portrayed in teen magazines.

Conclusion. In order to provide relevant and sensitive health care, health care providers need to be cognizant of the persistent demands placed on adolescents by teen magazines and the mass media in general. Media messages and their influences need to be discussed with adolescents, either in school health programmes or clinician visits.
Repeat attendance by older people at accident and emergency departments
Authors: Bentley Jane , Meyer Julienne
Published: September 2004

Background.  Older people are an increasing user group at accident and emergency departments and often have complex needs over and above the clinical cause of attendance. Few studies to date appear to have focused specifically on older people's re‐attendance at such departments following direct discharge. However, these few studies conclude that incomplete staff assessment of older people's needs in this setting may play a part in reasons for re‐attendance and recommend that further research is needed in this area.

Aims.  The aim of this paper is to describe a 6‐month study exploring re‐attendance, assessment and discharge issues for people aged over 75 years at an accident and emergency department.

Methods.  Documentary research was primarily used to collate data. Interviews with specialist health care professionals were also used to cross‐check recorded documentary details of interest and to gain a wider perspective. In addition, illustrative cases were developed (incorporating a broader range of hospital documentation) to exemplify key issues raised relating to re‐attendance by older people at the accident and emergency department concerned.

Findings.  Professional practice related to assessment of older people's social and functional needs was inconsistent in this accident and emergency department and some staff clearly underestimated the impact of illness or injury when considering their ability to cope on discharge. An illustrative case summary is included to highlight that such issues may be significant factors in re‐attendance.

Conclusion.  Improving practice in relation to social and functional assessment and raising staff awareness concerning older people's potential needs seem important in accident and emergency departments. With little research identified to date into re‐attendance, further research on this issue is recommended.
Nurses’ use of the Internet in clinical ward settings
Authors: Morris‐Docker Sara B. , Tod Angela , Harrison Joy M. , Wolstenholme Dan , Black Richard
Published: September 2004

Background.  The potential of the Internet as a fast and efficient way of accessing evidence to support nursing practice has been well recognized. In addition, nurses have highlighted the need for training in the use of information technology, information retrieval and critical appraisal as essential to their professional development.

Aim.  The aim of this paper is to present selected results of a longitudinal project that evaluated the impact of networked computers, with open access to the Internet, on four acute wards in a large UK teaching hospital.

Method.  Evaluation methods in the project included monitoring data from an Internet surveillance software package, a questionnaire survey with the nurses (n = 97) and in‐depth interviews with a sample of nurses (n = 12).

Findings.  A complex picture was revealed of the nature of Internet use and the factors that nurses perceived as influencing this. The majority used the networked computers and some frequent users emerged. Nurses were able to use the technology during quiet periods throughout the day and night. Patterns of use were mixed, with nurses accessing the Internet for a combination of work and non‐work‐related activities. They integrated use of Internet technology into their working days in ways that appropriately fitted patterns of clinical activity. Factors relating to the organization, workplace culture and training were identified influencing Internet use.

Conclusions.  Open access to the Internet in the workplace emerged as a useful but unrefined tool for encouraging the retrieval of information for practice. Future development of this technology in the workplace must include support and training for professional staff in order to enhance the skills required. Recommendations are made about what and how training may be useful in promoting nurses’ use of Internet technology in clinical settings.
Community neonatal nursing work
Authors: Cappleman Julia
Published: September 2004

Background.  A neonatal community nursing service may help families to cope with the early transfer of small, vulnerable infants to home. The previous literature has relied on self‐reports to explore this kind of work.

Aim.  This paper reports a study exploring the work of a community neonatal nursing team in order to describe the strategies and interventions used to support families of preterm infants.

Method.  A qualitative case study design was adopted. Data were collected using fieldwork observations, semi‐structured interviews and documentary analysis with a team of four community neonatal nurses. A nursing model of transition was explored as a possible framework for practice.

Findings.  Thematic data analysis yielded two broad themes: Working with Mothers and Working with Others. Subcategories of Working with Mothers consisted of Baby Well; Mum Happy; Keeping in Touch and One of the Family. Working with Others focussed on multidisciplinary liaison activities.

Discussion.  The complexity of nursing work was interdependent with maternal caregiving and dependent upon effective liaison with other health care professionals. The nursing model of transition requires further development to offer a sufficiently coherent practice model to direct neonatal nursing care delivery.
Instrument translation process: a methods review
Authors: Maneesriwongul Wantana , Dixon Jane K.
Published: September 2004

Background.  Cross‐cultural and international collaborative studies are needed in nursing research. Therefore, it is necessary to translate research instruments into the language of the culture being studied. In this methods review, different processes of instrument translation and evaluation of translation adequacy in published nursing research are described and classified into a hierarchy.

Methods.  Studies including translation of quantitative research instruments were reviewed. Forty‐seven studies were included. These were classified into six categories.

Results.  Studies were classified into categories as follows: forward‐only translation (2), forward‐only translation with testing (7), back‐translation (13), back‐translation with monolingual test (18), back‐translation with bilingual test (3), and back‐translation with both monolingual and bilingual test (4). Strengths and weaknesses are analysed.

Conclusion.  The studies reviewed used diverse methods of varying quality. There is need for consensus among researchers in how to achieve quality of instrument translation in cross‐cultural research. Researchers should carefully attend to achieving and reporting evidence of the accuracy and validity of instrument translation. When back‐translation fails to achieve semantic equivalence, the instrument development process should be replicated in the target language.
Focus group interviews as a data collecting strategy
Authors: McLafferty Isabella
Published: September 2004

Background.  Focus group interviews are a method for collecting qualitative data and have enjoyed a surge in popularity in health care research over the last 20 years. However, the literature on this method is ambiguous in relation to the size, constitution, purpose and execution of focus groups.

Aim.  The aim of this article is to explore some of the methodological issues arising from using focus group interviews in order to stimulate debate about their efficacy.

Discussion.  Methodological issues are discussed in the context of a study examining attitudes towards and beliefs about older adults in hospital settings among first‐level registered nurses, nursing lecturers and student nurses. Focus group interviews were used to identify everyday language and constructs used by nurses, with the intention of incorporating the findings into an instrument to measure attitudes and beliefs quantitatively.

Conclusions.  Experiences of conducting focus group interviews demonstrated that smaller groups were more manageable and that groups made up of strangers required more moderator intervention. However, as a data collecting strategy they are a rich source of information.
Reflective practice in nursing ethics education: international collaboration
Authors: Leppa Carol J. , Terry Louise M.
Published: September 2004

Background.  The Internet provides the opportunity for international comparative study and collaboration when learning about ethics in clinical nursing practice.

Aim.  This paper aims to discuss Internet links developed between US and UK postregistration nursing students who were reflecting on clinical practice in order to explore how political and organizational structures of the health care system affect ethical decision‐making.

Discussion.  An analysis is presented of the stages in developing an exchange course for students from these countries, which involved various combinations of classroom‐based teaching, on‐line discussions and international visits by students and teachers during its evolution. The strengths and weaknesses of the different methods are considered, and future developments identified.

Conclusion.  The Internet collaboration resulted in postregistration nursing students using reflection on practice in the study of ethics in clinical practice and an understanding of how systems structures and procedures affect ethical decision making. Internet‐assisted teaching offers opportunities for collaboration, and student participants demonstrate sophisticated critical thinking in ethical decision‐making. Issues of access barriers and motivation remain challenges to wider use.
Influence of different light sources on microtensile bond strength and gap formation of resin cement under porcelain inlay restorations
Authors: Ozturk A. N. , Usumez A.
Published: September 2004

summary  Clinical success with ceramic inlays/onlays has been assisted by the ability to develop a reliable bond of composite resin to dental tissues. The purpose of this study was to test the efficiency of two different light sources on microtensile bond strength and the gap formation of resin cement under class II porcelain inlay restorations. Standardized mesio‐occlusal cavities were prepared in 30 freshly extracted, intact human premolar teeth. Then impressions were made and ceramic inlays were fabricated. In the cementation process, the resin cement/inlay combinations were exposed to two different photopolymerization units. The polymerizations through 15 specimens were performed with a conventional halogen light source for 60 s, and the other specimens were cured by a plasma arc light for 9 s. After the cementation process, two 1·2 × 1·2 mm wide ‘I’ shape sections per tooth were produced with a sectioning machine and sections were subjected to microtensile testing after 24 h or 1 week. Gap formation of specimens cured by different photopolymerization units were evaluated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Statistically significant differences were found between the microtensile bond strength of inlays exposed to conventional light and plasma arc curing unit (P < 0·001). Plasma arc curing units make it possible to polymerize composite in much shorter times than conventional curing unit. However, the samples polymerized with conventional halogen light produced better microtensile bond strength than the plasma arc unit.
Retention force and fatigue strength of overdenture attachment systems
Authors: Botega D. M. , Mesquita M. F. , Henriques G. E. P. , Vaz L. G.
Published: September 2004

summary  This study evaluated retention force and fatigue resistance of two overdenture attachment systems. Twenty samples (O‐ring and Bar‐Clip) from two manufacturers (Conexão Sistemas de Prótese and Lifecore Biomedical) were prepared and divided into four groups: (i) Conexão/O‐ring; (ii) Conexão/Bar‐Clip; (iii) Lifecore/O‐ring and (iv) Lifecore/Bar‐Clip, with five samples in each group. They were submitted to mechanical fatigue test using a servohydraulic machine performing 5500 cycles of insertion and removal (f=0·8 Hz), immersed in artificial saliva. Retention force values were obtained three times (0, 3000 and after 5500 cycles) simulating the clinical service, using a tensile strength at 1 mm min−1 and load cell of 1 kN. Data were analysed with analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% level. Results showed that Conexão/Bar‐Clip specimens had significantly higher retention values than Lifecore/Bar‐Clip (44·61 and 18·44 N, respectively), Conexão/O‐ring specimens had significantly lower values than Lifecore/O‐ring (13·91 and 19·75 N, respectively). Conexão/Bar‐Clip values were always significantly higher than those of Conexão/O‐ring group (44·61 and 13·91 N, respectively). Lifecore (O‐ring and Bar‐Clip) presented similar values (19·75 and 18·44 N, respectively). The systems evaluated showed satisfactory retention force values, before and after fatigue testing. Conexão/Bar‐Clip specimens presented the highest values. A 5‐year simulation of insertion and removal did not decrease retention values or fracture components.
The influence of some different factors on the accuracy of shade selection
Authors: Dagg H. , O'Connell B. , Claffey N. , Byrne D. , Gorman C.
Published: September 2004

summary  The purpose of this study was to elucidate some of the factors on which accurate shade taking depends. Custom shade tabs (0·5, 1·0 and 1·5 mm porcelain thickness) were fabricated from selected Vita and Shofu porcelains. Four main factors were investigated, namely, the difference between the two types of porcelain used, the effect of light quality, the effect of porcelain thickness and the experience of the observer. The chi‐square test for independence at a probability level of P < 0·05 was used to analyse the results. The results indicated that in ideal light there was no difference between the two porcelains (P=0·58). The experienced observers proved better than the novice observers in ideal light conditions (P=0·003). Thickness was also significant in the overall results (P=0·0001), in that thicker samples gave more accurate results. The results indicate that in adverse light, there was an overall difference between the two porcelains (P=0·046), but no difference between the experienced and novice observers. The thickness made no difference to the experienced or the novice observer in adverse light. These results indicate that the most influential factor on shade taking was the light quality (P < 0·0001); better results were obtained overall for the ideal light situation. In ideal light thicker samples gave better results (P=0·0001).
The association between clinical oral health status and oral impacts experienced by older individuals in Sri Lanka
Authors: Ekanayake L. , Perera I.
Published: September 2004

summary  The aim of this study was to determine the association between clinical oral status and oral impacts experienced by older individuals in Sri Lanka. A total of 585 individuals who were above 60 years and were residents of an urban area was selected using a multistage cluster sampling combined with probability proportionate to size technique. However the present analysis is limited to 235 individuals who were subjected to a clinical oral examination. An interviewer administered Sinhala translation of the Oral Health Impact Profile‐14 (OHIP‐14) scale was used to assess the oral impacts experienced by the sample. An oral examination was carried out following the interview. Of the 235 subjects clinically examined 64 (27%) were edentulous. The associations between clinical parameters and oral impacts were assessed in the 171 dentate subjects. There were positive, weak but significant correlations between the number of missing teeth, the number of teeth with third degree mobility and the OHIP score. Also those who wore dentures and had halitosis had significantly higher OHIP scores than those who did not wear dentures and did not have halitosis. Logistic regression analysis revealed that ‘wearing denture’ and ‘having halitosis’ were significant predictors of the OHIP score. In conclusion, there was a weak association between clinical parameters and oral impacts experienced by these older individuals.
The effect of sterilization methods on the light transmission characteristics and structure of light‐curing tips
Authors: Kakaboura A. , Tzoutzas J. , Pitsinigos D. , Vougiouklakis G.
Published: September 2004

summary  The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of various sterilization methods on the light transmission and the structural characteristics of two light‐curing tips. Twenty tips from two light‐curing devices [Elipar II (EL) and Heliolux II (HL)] were classified into four groups. The tips in groups A to C were subjected to sterilization with 0·2% sodium dichloroisacyanurate solution (Presept), 2% glutaraldehyde solution (Cidex) (2 h cycle−1) and water‐steam autoclave (120 °C, 1 bar, 12 min cycle−1), respectively. A total of 2100 sterilization cycles was performed for all methods tested. The transmitted light intensity (TLI) was measured at specific sterilization time intervals by a curing radiometer (Model 100, Demetron). The final % TLI reduction of the sterilized tips was calculated relative to the corresponding control ones. The topography and composition of the front curing tip surfaces were determined using scanning electron microscopy combined with electron probe microanalyser. Autoclaving caused the lowest final TLI decrease (EL: 15%, HL: 19%) compared with Presept (EL: 60%, HL: 42%) and with Cidex (EL: 68%, HL: 52%). Cidex yielded higher TLI drop than Presept for both types of tips examined. Elipar tips were found to be more sensitive than Heliolux tips to both chemical sterilization techniques. Total or partial coating of the tip surfaces with insoluble salts after sterilization with Presept and Cidex was detected, mainly composed of Ca, Cl, Al, Pd and Mg traces. No changes were noted on the surfaces after autoclave. Water‐steam autoclave is safer than the 0·2% sodium dicloroisocyanorate and 2% glutaraldehyde chemical sterilization agents regarding the light transmission characteristics and the structure of the light‐curing tips.
An in vitro study of the reliability of DIAGNOdent® measurements
Authors: Kühnisch J , Ziehe A , Brandstädt A , Heinrich‐Weltzien R
Published: September 2004

summary  Aim of this in vitro study was to assess the reliability of measurements by a laser fluorescence technique for occlusal caries detection. Four dentists using four DIAGNOdent® devices (Dds) according to manufacturer's instructions examined 80 carefully cleaned extracted molars with non‐cavitated occlusal lesions. Inter‐ and intra‐examiner reproducibility were calculated using Lin's intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICCLin) and the limits of agreement by Bland and Altman (Comp Biol Med 1990;20:337). An excellent intra‐examiner reproducibility was found for all dentists (ICCLin 0·93–0·98). The inter‐examiner reliability was proved to be good and excellent (ICCLin 0·74–0·98). By reason of the registered lower mean fluorescence values of dentist 3 compared with his/her colleagues all these measurements were excluded from further calculations. Differences between Dd instruments were not evident. When the values of the Dd were categorized according to the treatment related cut‐off limits a substantial reproducibility was found in the range of 0–14 (ICCLin 0·66; DIFF 4·0/−3·5) and >30 (ICCLin 0·6% of all Dd measurements were reproduced in the range 15–30 (ICCLin 0·16; DIFF 8·1/−7·3). The results suggest that dentists should be trained before using Dd. The low reliability in the interval of 15‐30 could indicate a limited use for a longitudinal caries monitoring on pits and fissures; further research should be focused on this clinically important interval.
Chewing side preferences in children
Authors: Mc Donnell S. T. , Hector M. P. , Hannigan A.
Published: September 2004

summary  The dentition of 57 children aged 6–8 years old was examined clinically and radiographically. Subjects were divided into groups according to state of the dentition: caries free, no pathology and no pain; caries, no pathology and no pain; caries, pathology and no pain; caries, pathology and pain. The existence of a preferred chewing side (PCS) was determined using a visual spot‐checking method. Subjects were instructed to chew gum on their posterior teeth. After 15 s the position of the chewing gum was recorded as right or left. This procedure was carried out seven times consecutively. Subjects had an ‘observed preferred chewing side’ (OPCS) when they chewed 5/7, 6/7 or 7/7 times on the same side. To determine if children were aware of their chewing side preference each subject's stated PCS was then recorded as left, right or none. ‘Coincidence’ between stated and OPCSs was said to occur if the stated PCS corresponded to the OPCS. Seventy‐seven per cent of children had a PCS. The majority (70%) of caries free children also had a PCS (P < 0·05). The percentage with an OPCS varied from 70% of the caries free group to 92% of the group with caries, pathology and pain. However, there was no statistically significant association between state of the dentition and the presence of a PCS. Coincidence occurred in 56% of children. There was a statistically significant association between state of the dentition and coincidence (P=0·02). Children in pain were most likely to show coincidence (κ=0·81).
Recognition of internal derangements
Authors: Huddleston Slater J. J. R. , Lobbezoo F. , Van Selms M. K. A. , Naeije M.
Published: September 2004

summary  One of the most common symptoms of temporomandibular disorders is an internal derangement (ID). The aim of this study was to test the inter‐observer reliability of the recognition of IDs by means of auscultation, palpation or both. To that end, 120 women and 100 men were screened by two trained examiners for the presence of IDs. Anterior disc displacement was diagnosed in 14% of the cases and hypermobility in 12%. In 4% of the cases, the ID was classified as ‘other’. The inter‐rater reliability (Cohen's kappa) was moderate for the presence of an ID for all techniques, while for the classification into type, an almost perfect reliability was found for the combined technique. It was concluded that the type of ID can best be established with the combination of auscultation and palpation; for the establishment of an ID as such, any of the three techniques would suffice.
The effect of thermal cycling on the bovine dentine shear bond strength of current adhesive systems
Authors: Helvatjoglu‐Antoniades M. , Koliniotou‐Kubia E. , Dionyssopoulos P.
Published: September 2004

summary  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of thermal cycling on shear bond strength to bovine dentine of four current adhesive systems. Forty bovine incisors were ground flat with #600‐grit silicon carbide paper to obtain superficial coronal dentine surfaces. Three one‐bottle (etch and rinse) adhesive systems (Single Bond, Bond 1, One Step), and one self‐etching primer adhesive system (Clearfil Liner Bond 2V) were evaluated. Dentine was conditioned and bonded with the adhesive systems tested according to the manufacturers’ instructions. A cylindrical teflon mould (3 × 4 mm) was placed over the bonded area (to eliminate the bonded surface) and filled with composite resin. For each adhesive system the filling composite used was from the same manufacturer. Ten specimens were prepared for each material and all specimens were conditioned at 37 °C for 24 h. Five specimens of each material (half of the specimens) were thermocycled at 5000 cycles (at 5, 37, 55 and 37 °C) with a dwell time of 15 s and bonds were stressed in shear at a rate of 0·5 mm min−1 until failure. Data were analysed by one‐way anova and Student–Newman–Keuls rank test (α=0·05). Statistical analysis revealed that thermal cycling significantly (P < 0·05) reduced the bond strengths of all adhesive systems. Bond strengths prior to thermocycling were not significantly different (P > 0·05), except for One Step which revealed the lowest bond strength, and varied from 22·5 ± 3·34 to 10·98 ±0·87 MPa. After thermal cycling, the bond strengths ranged from 9·35 ± 1·13 to 6·06 ± 1·77 MPa. Failures after testing and prior to thermal cycle were most commonly adhesive failures between the bonding resin and dentine associated with partial cohesive failures in the adhesive resin (type 2). Adhesive failures between bonding resin and dentin (type 1) after thermocycling were most commonly seen.
A method of measuring salivary flow rate in the lower labial mucosal region
Authors: Ogami K. , Sakurai K. , Ando T.
Published: September 2004

summary  To measure resting whole saliva, draining and spitting methods have been commonly used. However, these methods require the patients’ understanding and cooperation. The aim of this study was to establish a method for measuring the salivary flow rate that does not rely on patient's cooperation or the state of the mouth and does not cause any discomfort to patients when performing the measurements. The salivary flow rate in the lower labial mucosal region was measured by means of strips that incorporated the iodo‐starch reaction. The salivary flow rate was then calculated on the basis of the number of spots and area of discoloration on the strip. In order to test the validity of these methods, the correlation between these results and resting whole saliva measured by the draining method was also investigated. A positive correlation was found between the salivary flow rate estimated from the area of discoloration on the strip and the resting whole saliva (r=0·678, P=0·01). Therefore, these findings indicate that this is a valid method of measuring the salivary flow rate in the lower labial mucosal region.
Denture wearing and strong bite force reduce pressure pain threshold of edentulous oral mucosa
Authors: Tanaka M. , Ogimoto T. , Koyano K. , Ogawa T.
Published: September 2004

summary  Pain in denture supporting tissue is one of the most common and critical problems affecting function and treatment outcomes in complete denture prosthetics. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of denture wearing and bite force on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) of edentulous oral mucosa. PPT was measured in denture and non‐denture‐wearing patients by using an electronic‐controlled pressure algometer. Bite force was measured in denture‐wearing patients by using a pressure‐detecting sheet. The mid palate showed 200–300% higher PPT than the buccal alveolar mucosa (two‐way anova, P < 0·0001). Denture‐wearing patients exhibited 40% lower palatal PPT than non‐denture‐wearing patients. In denture‐wearing patients, PPT in the selected areas of the oral mucosa was negatively correlated with bite force. Denture wearing may reduce PPT in selected areas of the edentulous oral mucosa, and the PPT reduction may be associated with mechanical stress on the mucosa generated by bite force.
Various conditioning methods for root canals influencing the tensile strength of titanium posts
Authors: Schmage P. , Sohn J. , Nergiz İ. , Özcan M.
Published: September 2004

summary  Conditioning the root canal is frequently advised to achieve high post‐retention when resin composite luting cements are used. However, manufacturers’ instructions for this purpose differ widely from one another. The aim of this study was to compare the tensile bond strengths of passive, tapered, titanium root posts that were luted with four different resin composite cements (Compolute® Aplicap, Flexi‐Flow cemTM, Panavia® 21 EX, Twinlook®) in the root canals at three conditions, namely (i) no conditioning, (ii) etching with 37% phosphoric acid, and (iii) etching + bonding agent application. Panavia 21 EX was further tested after using the primer for the post‐surface according to the manufacturer's recommendations. The posts luted with zinc phosphate cement (Tenet) acted as the control group. Following endodontic preparation of 140 intact anterior teeth with hand instruments, the post‐spaces were prepared using the opening drills of the corresponding size of the posts. The samples were first stored in water at 37 °C for 24 h and then thermocycled (5000 cycles, 5–55 °C, 30 s). The tensile strength values were measured with the universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0·5 mm min−1. The data were analysed statistically using anova and corrected with Scheffé test due to the significance levels (P < 0·05). The tensile bond strengths of the titanium posts after luting with various cements and thermocycling were affected by the conditioning systems used for the root canals. Tensile bond strengths were the highest with Flexi‐Flow (475 ± 78 N) followed in descending order by Panavia 21 EX (442 ± 97 N), Twinlook (430 ± 78 N) and Compolute Aplicap (352 ± 76 N) after conditioning the root canal. The use of primer on the post improved the tensile bond strength compared with the non‐conditioned group for the Panavia 21 EX group (375 ± 77 N) (P < 0·001). Tensile bond strengths obtained after luting the posts with zinc phosphate cement (414 ± 102 N) were not significantly different (P < 0·05) than those of resin composite cements. Although the importance of conditioning the root canal was evident for Panavia 21 EX, it was not the case for the other luting cements tested.
Laser Doppler flowmetry of luxated permanent incisors: a receiver operator characteristic analysis
Authors: Emshoff R. , Emshoff I. , Moschen I. , Strobl H.
Published: September 2004

summary  Laser Doppler flowmetry (LDF) is a non‐invasive method to assess pulpal blood‐flow (PBF). Dental luxation injuries have been associated with significant PBF reduction. The purpose of this study was to describe diagnostic characteristics for different session‐related threshold PBF values for detection of specific adverse outcomes. In 61 trauma patients, a single maxillary incisor treated by repositioning and splinting, and the respective contralateral homologous control tooth were investigated by LDF to assess local PBF values. Perfusion units (PU) were taken 12 weeks (session I) and 24 weeks (session II) after splint removal. The ability of session I‐related PBF measurements at 2·8, 6·4 and 10·1 PU levels, and of session II‐related ameasurements at 2·4, 6·3 and 10·2 PU levels to identify adverse outcomes occurring 36 weeks after splint removal was investigated. Adverse outcomes were classified as type I (periapical radiolucency), type II (grey discoloration), and type III (periapical radiolucency and grey discoloration of crown). Receiver operator characteristic curves were used to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of PBF assessments. There was no significant difference in PBF values between session I and session II (P > 0·05) for teeth without an adverse outcome, and those with a type I, II or III outcome (P > 0·05). The PBF measurements did not change over time for the contralateral incisors (P > 0·05). A type I, II and III outcome occurred in 36, 21 and 12% of the incisors, respectively. The best likelihood ratio was found for the PBF 6·4 PU level at session I and incisors associated with a type I (20·8) and type II outcome (15·2). The PBV of 6·4 PU demonstrated a sensitivity of 96% and a specificity of 59% for type I outcomes, and a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 50% for type II outcomes. The data suggest the LDF test to be a valuable diagnostic adjunct for luxated teeth showing signs of adverse outcomes.
Head movement associated with performance of mandibular tasks
Authors: Miyaoka S. , Hirano H. , Miyaoka Y. , Yamada Y.
Published: September 2004

summary  The present study was designed to examine the hypothesis that the motor system controlling phonation is functionally coupled with the motor system controlling posture of the head and neck, as previously suggested (U. Haddar, T.J. Steiner, E.C. Grant and F.C. Rose Human Movement Science 2: 35 and Language and Speech 26: 117). Head tilt and trunk drift in the antero‐posterior and right–left directions were measured simultaneously for 20 s before and during three types of speech sounds (/pa/, /ta/ and /ka/) as well during a maximum jaw open‐close task in 14 healthy young subjects. The major findings obtained in all of the four tasks were: (i) the trunk drift measured in both directions was negligible in comparison with the head tilt; (ii) the head tilt in the antero‐posterior direction was much larger than in the right–left direction and (iii) the head tilt during performance of the four tasks consisted of ‘initial’ and ‘sustained’ phases. In the initial phase, the head tilted posteriorly in association with the start of individual tasks. In the sustained phase, the head tilted either anteriorly or posteriorly when the task progressed. The magnitude of the net head tilt in the sustained phase negatively correlated with that of the initial head tilt. These findings indicate that phonation, in the form of jaw open‐close, accompanies head movement in two consecutive phases.
Egg parasitoids of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.) (Lep., Thaumetopoeidae) and their impact in SW Turkey
Authors: Mirchev P. , Schmidt G. H. , Tsankov G. , Avci M.
Published: September 2004

Abstract:  Egg parasitoids (Hym., Chalcidoidea) and egg parasitism were studied in 132 egg batches of the pine processionary moth collected from stands of Pinus nigra Arnold and P. brutia Ten. in SW Turkey, at four places in heights of 800–1010 m a.s.l. in October 1998, beyond the caterpillars’ hatch. The egg batches deposited on P. nigra were high‐significantly smaller than those found on P. brutia. In this mountainous regions, Baryscapus servadeii (Dom.) and Ooencyrtus pityocampae (Mercet) were the most abundant egg parasitoids of Thaumetopoea pityocampa (Den. & Schiff.). Considering the different sampling places, Trichogramma sp. was found maximally in 3.1% of the parasitized eggs. Additionally, the hyper‐parasitoid Baryscapusransversalis Graham (mean infestation 1.8%) and Pediobius bruchicida (Rond.) (0.1%), both occurring in both sexes, and Anastatus bifasciatus (Fonsc.) (0.1%), only females, were established. The primary parasitoid O. pityocampae dominantly parasitized the eggs placed near the top of the batches, and B. servadeii was found mainly in eggs near the base. The rate of parasitism of the egg batches was very variable. The impact of egg parasitoids and predators varied from 24 to 35.9% depending on the sampling place. The hatching rate of the caterpillars was reduced to 50.7–65.6%. Under laboratory conditions, the emergence dynamics of the parasitoids showed a peak of B. tranversalis in December of the year, in which the host eggs were laid. Baryscapus servadeii emerged mainly in March–May of the following year, when the second part of O. pityocampae appeared. A large part of both parasitoids emerged before sampling of the batches. In O. pityocampae 1.65% and in B. servadeii 2.23% males developed under laboratory conditions. A rate of 15.7% of O. pityocampae and 7.9% of B. servadeii died in the eggs. The polyembryonic Trichogramma sp. (see also Tsankov et al., 1996a) attacked 1.8% of the eggs. Up to 20 (mean 12) dead pupae were found in one egg. Minor parts of eggs were undeveloped (2.9%) and 0.6% totally empty.