bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actual Financial Comparison of Four Strategies to Evaluate Patients with Potential Acute Coronary Syndromes
Authors: Chang Anna Marie , Shofer Frances S. , Weiner Mark G. , Synnestvedt Marie B. , Litt Harold I. , Baxt William G. , Hollander Judd E.
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  Small studies have shown that a negative computed tomography coronary angiogram (CTA) in low‐risk chest pain patients predicts a low rate of 30‐day adverse events. The authors hypothesized that an immediate CTA strategy would be as effective but less costly than alternative strategies for evaluation of patients with potential acute coronary syndrome (ACS).

Methods:  The authors retrospectively compared four strategies for evaluation of patients after initial physician determination that the patient required admission and testing to rule out ACS. Patients were frequency‐matched by age, race, gender, thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) score, and initial electrocardiogram (ECG). The four groups were immediate CTA in the emergency department (ED) without serial markers (n = 98); clinical decision unit/observation unit (CDU) with biomarkers and CTA (n = 102); CDU evaluation with serial cardiac biomarkers and stress testing (n = 154); and usual care, defined as admission with serial biomarkers and hospitalist‐directed evaluation (n = 289). The main outcomes were actual cost of care (facility direct and indirect fixed, facility variable direct labor and supply costs), length of stay (LOS), diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD), and safety (30‐day death or myocardial infarction [MI]).

Results:  Patients in each group were of similar age (mean ± standard deviation [SD] 46 ± 9 years), race (62% African American), and gender (57% female) and had similar TIMI scores (100% between 0–2). Comparing immediate CTA versus CDU CTA versus CDU stress versus usual care, median costs were less ($1,240 vs. 2,318 vs. 4,024 vs. 2,913; p < 0.01), and LOS was shorter (8.1 hr vs. 20.9 hr vs. 26.2 hr vs. 30.2 hr; p < 0.01). Diagnosis of CAD was similar (5.1% vs. 5.9% vs. 5.8% vs. 6.6%; p = 0.95), but fewer patients had 30‐day death/MI (0% vs. 0% vs. 0.7% vs. 3.1%; p = 0.04) or 30‐day readmission (0% vs. 3.2% vs. 2.3% vs. 12.2%; p < 0.01).

Conclusions:  Compared to the other strategies, immediate CTA was as safe, identified as many patients with CAD, had the lowest cost, had the shortest LOS, and allowed discharge for the majority of patients. Larger prospective studies should confirm safety before immediate CTA replaces other strategies to rule out possible ACS.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2008; 15:649–655 © 2008 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Comparison of Adverse Events during Procedural Sedation between Specially Trained Pediatric Residents and Pediatric Emergency Physicians in Israel
Authors: Shavit Itai , Steiner Ivan P , Idelman Sigalit , Mosleh Mohamed , Hadash Amir , Biniamini Lilach , Lezinger Mirit , Kozer Eran
Published: July 2008

Objectives:  The aim was to compare the rate of procedural sedation–related adverse events of pediatric residents with specific training in “patient safety during sedation” and pediatric emergency physicians (PEPs) who completed the same course or were teaching faculty for it.

Methods:  This prospective single‐blinded, nonrandomized study was conducted in two university‐affiliated pediatric emergency departments (PEDs) in Israel. Pediatric residents who were authorized to perform unsupervised sedations had previously completed a course in patient safety during sedation. Unsupervised sedations by residents were defined as sedations where the entire procedure was performed independently. Study subjects had autonomy in choosing medications for sedation. Adverse events were defined as transient hypoxia (oxygen saturation ≤ 90%) or apnea. Adverse outcomes were situations where intubation or hospitalization directly related to sedation complications would occur. Sedations over 12 consecutive months were recorded, and rates of adverse events in each group were compared.

Results:  A total of 984 eligible sedations were recorded, 635 by unsupervised residents and 349 by PEPs. A total of 512 (80.6%) sedations were performed by residents when attending physicians were not in the ED. The total adverse event rate was 24/984 (2.44%). When the two groups used a similar type drugs, residents had 8/635 (1.26%) events, compared to 11/328 (3.35%) by PEPs. There was no statistically significant difference in the rates of hypoxia or apnea between the two groups (p = 0.29 and p = 0.18, respectively). Adverse outcomes did not occur.

Conclusions:  Unsupervised pediatric residents with training in patient safety during sedation performed procedural sedations with a rate of adverse events similar to that of PEPs.

ACADEMIC EMERGENCY MEDICINE 2008; 15:1–6 © 2008 by the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine
Inappropriate Use of Antibiotics for Acute Asthma in United States Emergency Departments
Authors: Vanderweil Stefan G. , Tsai Chu‐Lin , Pelletier Andrea J. , Espinola Janice A. , Sullivan Ashley F. , Blumenthal David , Camargo Jr Carlos A.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: The aim was to examine the use of antibiotics to treat asthma patients in U.S. emergency departments (EDs). The authors sought to investigate inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions by identifying the frequency and predictors of antibiotics prescribed for asthma exacerbations using data from two sources, the National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NHAMCS) and the National Emergency Department Safety Study (NEDSS).

Methods: The authors used data from NHAMCS and NEDSS to identify the proportion of ED visits for asthma exacerbations that resulted in the prescription of an antibiotic. NHAMCS provided national data from 1993 through 2004, while NEDSS provided data from 63 primarily academic EDs from 2003 through 2006. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression modeling were used to identify variables associated with antibiotic administration.

Results: Analysis of NHAMCS data revealed that 22% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 20% to 24%) of acute asthma visits resulted in an antibiotic prescription from 1993 through 2004, with no significant change in prescribing frequency over the 12‐year period. NEDSS data from 2003 through 2006 showed that 18% (95% CI = 17% to 19%) of acute asthma cases in academic EDs received an antibiotic. Multivariate modeling of NHAMCS data revealed that African American patients (odds ratio [OR] = 0.8; 95% CI = 0.6 to 0.97) and patients in urban EDs (OR = 0.5; 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.7) were less likely to receive antibiotics for asthma exacerbations than white patients and patients in nonurban EDs, respectively. NHAMCS analysis also found that patients in the South were more likely to receive antibiotics than those in the Northeast (OR = 1.4; 95% CI = 1.1 to 1.9). A NEDSS multivariate model found a similar difference, with African Americans (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.8) and Hispanics (OR = 0.6; 95% CI = 0.4 to 0.8) being less likely than whites to receive an antibiotic.

Conclusions: ED treatment of acute asthma with unnecessary antibiotics is likely to contribute to bacterial antibiotic resistance. Interventions are needed to reduce inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions and to address disparities in asthma care.
Impact of integrated pest management on food and horticultural crops in Africa
Authors: Nwilene F. E. , Nwanze K. F. , Youdeowei A.
Published: July 2008

In sustainable agricultural development, integrated pest management (IPM) can play a key role in the reduction of crop losses, thereby increasing productivity while minimizing environmental contamination and health hazards. In recent years, agricultural research and development partners have pioneered outstanding contributions in IPM, notably in varietal resistance against pests, biological control of alien invasive species, substitution of inorganic pesticides with biopesticides, new export market opportunities, and new tools in biotechnology. Success stories are not limited to these areas, but are also found in the areas of human capital development, information management, and participatory approaches. The potential of IPM to contribute to poverty alleviation and food security is, however, poorly realized in Africa due to a myriad of factors, including inadequate deployment of high‐yielding crop varieties, harmful pesticide regimes, political instability, conflicts in social values and civil wars, inappropriate agricultural policies, biased global trade policies, lack of market information, and poor rural infrastructures. Few African countries have adopted IPM as the official national crop protection policy and there is no framework for resource allocation to support widespread promotion of research and training in IPM. This calls for reshaping and revisiting a number of policies related to food production and agricultural development, in order to encourage partnership and participation in the identification, analysis, advocacy, and follow‐up of agricultural policy issues as well as public awareness of the effect of pests and diseases on food security and the environment.
Intrinsic competition between the parasitoids Eretmocerus mundus and Encarsia formosa in Bemisia tabaci
Authors: Moretti Riccardo , Calvitti Maurizio
Published: July 2008

Immature stages of Eretmocerus mundus Mercet and Encarsia formosa Gahan (both Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) compete in larvae of their host, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Homoptera: Aleyrodidae). Laboratory tests were carried out on excised tree tobacco leaves, exposing B. tabaci nymphs to one of the parasitoid species alone or to both species, one after the other, to obtain multi‐parasitization. Parasitization by E. mundus and E. formosa was allowed on specific host stages in order to obtain interactions between different immature stages of the two parasitoids (eggs, and first, second, and third instars). The outcome from each multi‐parasitization treatment was verified by analysing data on parasitoid adult emergence. Observations under a stereomicroscope and dissections of multi‐parasitized hosts were also performed in order to demonstrate any factors potentially determining the outcome of competition. Eretmocerus mundus clearly prevailed over E. formosa when multi‐parasitism occurred. A higher percentage of adults emerging from multi‐parasitized hosts belonged to this parasitoid species (68.0–88.9% depending on the treatment). The lowest percent emergence by E. mundus (68.0%) and total percent emergence of parasitoid adults (52.2%) were obtained when E. mundus first instars interacted with hosts parasitized by E. formosa third instars. Observations and dissections showed that first‐instar E. mundus induced mortality in E. formosa immatures at penetration into the hosts, although they encountered greater difficulty in exploiting hosts inside which E. formosa had reached the third stage of development. In contrast, development of E. formosa immatures was not immediately inhibited if parasitization took place on hosts inside which E. mundus larvae had already penetrated. In this case, however, E. mundus also prevailed over E. formosa (72.5% of the emerged adults). Implications for the use of these parasitoid species against B. tabaci in biological control programmes are discussed.
The cost of defense in social insects: insights from the honey bee
Authors: Rivera‐Marchand Bert , Giray Tugrul , Guzmán‐Novoa Ernesto
Published: July 2008

Defense is one of the most important factors affecting life history. The relationship of defense to life history traits as well as its possible costs has been reviewed extensively for many groups, including plants. However, defense in social insects, such as honey bees, has never been examined from a trade‐off perspective, although defense in honey bees, Apis mellifera L. (Hymenoptera: Apidae), has been widely studied. In this review, we discuss the life history traits of honey bees, particularly traits related to defense. We then examine trade‐offs in the context of resource availability. Lastly, we offer suggestions for future research on trade‐offs in honey bees and other social insects.
Effect of anti‐hail nets on Cydia pomonella behavior in apple orchards
Authors: Tasin Marco , Demaria Daniele , Ryne Camilla , Cesano Alessandro , Galliano Aldo , Anfora Gianfranco , Ioriatti Claudio , Alma Alberto
Published: July 2008

Over the last 10 years, the use of nets to protect pome fruit from hailstorms has increased. In this study, we investigated the effect of these nets on the behavior of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), a major pest of apple, Malus domestica Borkh. (Rosaceae). Experiments were carried out in net‐covered and uncovered apple orchards treated with conventional insecticides. The number of codling moth males caught in pheromone‐ and virgin female‐baited traps was significantly reduced in net‐covered compared to uncovered plots. In addition, inhibition of mating by the net was demonstrated by significant reductions in mating of tethered virgin females. Fruit injury was consistently lower in net‐covered plots vs. uncovered plots. Because of the reductions in male trap catch, the reduced female mating frequency, and the lower level of damage, we conclude that flat anti‐hail nets have a disruptive effect on the reproductive behavior of the codling moth.
Reframing Sacred Values
Authors: Atran Scott , Axelrod Robert
Published: July 2008

Sacred values differ from material or instrumental values in that they incorporate moral beliefs that drive action in ways dissociated from prospects for success. Across the world, people believe that devotion to essential or core values — such as the welfare of their family and country, or their commitment to religion, honor, and justice — are, or ought to be, absolute and inviolable.

Counterintuitively, understanding an opponent's sacred values, we believe, offers surprising opportunities for breakthroughs to peace. Because of the emotional unwillingness of those in conflict situations to negotiate sacred values, conventional wisdom suggests that negotiators should either leave sacred values for last in political negotiations or should try to bypass them with sufficient material incentives. Our empirical findings and historical analysis suggest that conventional wisdom is wrong. In fact, offering to provide material benefits in exchange for giving up a sacred value actually makes settlement more difficult because people see the offering as an insult rather than a compromise. But we also found that making symbolic concessions of no apparent material benefit might open the way to resolving seemingly irresolvable conflicts.

We offer suggestions for how negotiators can reframe their position by demonstrating respect and/or by apologizing for what they sincerely regret. We also offer suggestions for how to overcome barriers by refining sacred values to exclude outmoded claims, exploiting the inevitable ambiguity of sacred values, shifting the context, provisionally prioritizing values, and reframing responsibility.
Acknowledging the Other Side in Negotiation
Authors: Ward Andrew , Disston Lauren Gerber , Brenner Lyle , Ross Lee
Published: July 2008

In a negotiation study, we investigated the efficacy of acknowledging an opponent's role in securing a concession made to that opponent. The study featured a face‐to‐face, one‐shot bargaining session between a student favoring marijuana legalization and a confederate playing the role of a legalization opponent. When the confederate acknowledged the student's putative influence in producing a concession by the confederate, the student perceived the magnitude of the concession to be greater and was more likely to accept it. The student negotiators also reported that they liked the other party more following acknowledgement, and our mediational analysis suggested that enhanced interpersonal sentiments played a role in facilitating agreement. In this article, in addition to documenting these findings, we also discuss their implications, both for theoretical analyses of conflict and negotiation and for the practical problem of settling disputes.
The Relationship between Ombudsman, Government, and Citizens: A Survey Analysis
Authors: Van Roosbroek Steven , Van de Walle Steven
Published: July 2008

Since the 1960s, ombudsmanship has become increasingly popular. Although there is a great deal of literature on ombudsmen, existing research rarely focuses on the people who actually use the ombudsman's services. This article examines those who seek the help of ombudsmen in Belgium, and asks whether ombudsmen's intervention has a noticeable effect on citizens' confidence in government and public administration. Based on three surveys of 626 complainants, our analysis suggests that we should not see the ombudsman in Belgium as merely an instrument to help citizens but that they can also function as “change agents” and provide early warnings of problems in public administration. The role of ombudsmen in directly strengthening trust in government is limited at best. Furthermore, it seems that the profile of ombudsman complainants is skewed; our findings indicate that the socially disadvantaged are less likely to use the institution.
Juvenile‐onset OCD: clinical features in children, adolescents and adults
Authors: Mancebo M. C. , Garcia A. M. , Pinto A. , Freeman J. B. , Przeworski A. , Stout R. , Kane J. S. , Eisen J. L. , Rasmussen S. A.
Published: July 2008

Objective:  To examine clinical correlates of juvenile‐onset OCD across the lifespan.

Method:  Data collected at the intake interview from 257 consecutive participants with juvenile‐onset OCD (20 children, 44 adolescents and 193 adults) in a naturalistic study of the clinical course of OCD were examined. Participants and parents of juvenile participants completed a structured diagnostic interview, rater‐administered severity measures and self‐report questionnaires.

Results:  Children and adolescents (i.e. juveniles) shared similar features with the exception of age at onset and OCD symptom expression. Clinically meaningful differences between juvenile and adult participants were also found. Compared with adults, juveniles were more likely to be male, recall an earlier age at OCD onset and have different lifetime comorbidity patterns.

Conclusion:  Juvenile‐onset OCD symptom expression is remarkably similar across the lifespan. However, findings also suggest clinically meaningful differences between juveniles and adults. Future work using a prospective design will improve our understanding of course patterns of juvenile‐onset OCD.
A clinical study evaluating the treatment of supra‐alveolar‐type defects with access flap surgery with and without an enamel matrix protein derivative: a pilot study
Authors: Jentsch Holger , Purschwitz Regina
Published: July 2008

Aim: There is evidence that regenerative treatment of intra‐bony and mandibular class II furcation defects with access flap and an application of an enamel matrix protein derivative (EMD) can result in a clinical benefit compared with access flap alone. The aim of this pilot study was to check if the results of access flap surgery in suprabony defects are improved by additional application of EMD.

Material and Methods: Thirty‐nine adult subjects with supra‐alveolar‐type defects were randomly assigned to a test (n=25) and a control group (n=14). Seventy teeth were treated with EMD; 28 teeth were treated by access flap. Probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level and bleeding on probing were evaluated at baseline and after 12 months.

Results: PD of the operated teeth was improved in both groups (p<0.001 to p=0.041) but always better in the test group. The attachment gain was 2.72±1.80 mm at sites with an initial PD 7 mm in the test group and 0.78±0.62 mm in the control group (p=0.004). In the test group the mean attachment gain was 0.97±0.92 mm (p<0.001); the mean reduction of PD was 1.55±0.90 mm (p<0.001).

Conclusions: The data suggest a significant clinical benefit of supplementary application of EMD during surgical treatment of periodontitis of supra‐alveolar pockets, especially in deeper pockets.
Azithromycin as an adjunctive treatment of aggressive periodontitis: 12‐months randomized clinical trial
Authors: Haas Alex N. , De Castro Gabriel D. , Moreno Tatiana , Susin Cristiano , Albandar Jasim M. , Oppermann Rui V. , Rösing Cassiano K.
Published: July 2008

Aim: To assess the effect of systemic azithromycin as a supplement to scaling and root planing (SRP) in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis (AgP).

Material and Methods: Twenty‐four individuals (13–26 years old) underwent a plaque control program, and then were treated with SRP. Subjects were assigned randomly into two groups; the test group used 500 mg azithromycin once a day for 3 days, whereas the control group used a placebo. Clinical variables were assessed at baseline, 3, 6, 9, and 12 months. The periodontal status at baseline and 12 months was compared using the Wald test, and adjusting for the effect of clustering of teeth within subjects.

Results: There were no significant differences in visible plaque, gingival bleeding, and supragingival calculus between groups throughout the study. Periodontal probing depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level improved significantly from baseline to 12 months in both groups, with the test group showing significantly more reduction in mean PPD compared with controls (2.88 mm versus 1.85 mm, respectively, p=0.025). Subjects administering azithromycin showed a higher percentage of teeth with attachment gain 1 mm (81.34 versus 63.63, p=0.037), whereas the controls had higher percentage of teeth with attachment loss 1 mm (11.57 versus 2.24, p=0.015).

Conclusions: The adjunctive use of azithromycin has the potential to improve periodontal health of young patients with AgP.
Is there a need for a common framework of dental specialties in Europe?
Authors: Sanz M. , Widström E. , Eaton K. A.
Published: July 2008

This paper aims to promote discussion about dental specialties and post‐graduate dental education in the European Union (EU). Previously, dental educators have concentrated their efforts of seeking Pan–EU convergence in undergraduate dental education. However, the impact of the enlargement of the EU, the new European Commission (EC) Directive of professional training and the Bologna Process all impact on post‐graduate (specialist) just as much as on undergraduate dental education. The provisions of the new EC directive mean that, unlike new medical specialties, new Pan–EU dental specialties cannot be created purely because they exist in two‐fifths of EU Member States. At present, some EU Member States recognise eight or more dental specialties, whereas others recognise none. It is suggested that changing needs and demands of patients, which reflect a general improvement in oral health, increased wealth and an aging population will place increasing demands on dentistry to provide more complex care and treatment and that the current undergraduate curriculum cannot be expanded to provide suitable training to meet these needs and demands. There is thus a need to expand dental specialist training in all EU Member States, to agree common standards for specialist education and to officially recognise a wider range of Pan–EU dental specialties. The paper concludes that in order to achieve these goals, there is a need of a better collaboration between competent authorities, including governments, universities, dental associations and the various Pan–European Scientific Specialist Organizations.
Development of reflective judgement in the pre‐doctoral dental clinical curriculum
Authors: Boyd L. D.
Published: July 2008

When dental students begin patient care in the clinical curriculum, they are required to move from the well‐defined problems of the classroom to the more ambiguous and real life problems encountered in the context of patient care in the clinical setting. This change in learning environment requires development of reflective thinking. Reflective thinking refers to the process of thinking about uncertainty or ill‐defined problems. King and Kitchener refer to the outcome of the reflective thinking process as reflective judgement. The purpose of this study was to explore the development of reflective judgement in the initial phase of the clinical curriculum. This exploratory study used a case study approach with qualitative methods. A convenience sample of third year predoctoral dental students (n = 16) volunteered to participate in writing a clinic journal and semi‐structured interviews at three time points over a time period of one year. Student compliance in writing clinical journals was poor; therefore the qualitative data was primarily gathered from interview transcripts. The qualitative interview data were analysed using a coding scheme based on King and Kitchener’s Reflective Judgement Model of Intellectual Development. The Cronbach alpha was 0.76 for reliability of the coding scheme. Based on the analysis of interview data, the there was an average growth in reflective judgement over the year from Stage 4.89 to 5.59 for an overall change of +0.70. Additional research is needed to explore the growth in reflective judgement over the final year of the clinical curriculum as well as to identify the most effective educational strategies to facilitate growth in reflective judgment.
Canadian dental students’ perceptions of stress and social support
Authors: Muirhead V. , Locker D.
Published: July 2008

This study explored the relationship between dental school stress and social support reported by undergraduate students in a Canadian dental school. Students completed questionnaires comprised of Dental Environment Scale stress items, social support measures evaluating perceived contact and two proxy measures of social support (marital status and living arrangement). Sixty‐two per cent of undergraduate students in all four academic years participated in the study conducted in March––April 2005. Second‐year students living with parents had significantly higher adjusted total stress scores (P < 0.001), whilst fourth‐year students living with roommates had significantly lower total adjusted stress scores (P = 0.008). Social support systems utilised by students included teacher, parental, student and relationship support. Students who received more support from teachers and from students inside and outside dental school had lower adjusted total stress scores. Multiple regression analysis assessing the effect of social support on total adjusted stress scores identified two significant variables after adjustment: second‐year students living with parents (P < 0.001) and low teacher support (P = 0.032). This study identified social support and proxy measures as significant predictors of dental school stress in Canadian dental students. Further studies are needed to elucidate the role of social support and proxy measures as potential dental school stress alleviators.
Integrated learning in dentistry: baseline data and first evaluation at the Dental School of Basel
Authors: Neuhaus K. W. , Schegg R. , Krastl G. , Amato M. , Weiger R. , Walter C.
Published: July 2008

Introduction:  Integrated learning modules were introduced and baseline information was collected, in order to identify the expectations regarding e‐learning. Furthermore, first formative evaluation of fourth‐year dental students was conducted and the experience gained with summative online assessment was reported.

Methods:  Questionnaires designed by Infratest dimap (Berlin, Germany) were distributed to undergraduate students (n = 72) of the School of Dentistry. The fourth‐year dental students went through a preliminary evaluation process. An online test was evaluated and compared with a traditional examination.

Results:  Sixty‐three questionnaires were returned. Sixty‐five per cent of the students were already familiar with e‐learning. All but one student owned at least one personal computer or laptop. Ninety‐one per cent of the students expected positive effects from the integration of online modules. Enhanced flexibility regarding time and location as well as comfortable access to learning materials were mentioned most frequently. Ninety per cent of the students expected to achieve better results by finding it easier to understand learning materials produced with multimedia tools. Sixty per cent of the students feared technical complications when using an online platform. The online test was successfully performed. A formative evaluation process demonstrated agreement between expectations and first experiences with e‐learning.

Conclusions:  Most students expect the quality of their studies to improve by implementation of e‐learning. Students appreciating regularly updated learning materials particularly emphasise the importance of its visualisation. Online tests might be an option for student’s self‐performance rating.
The mouse frizzy mutation (fr) maps between D7Csu5 and D7Mit165
Authors: Paul Emily L. , Badal Romina , Thompson David S. , Magnan David R. , Soucy Francis M. , Khan Izaz M. , Haughton Richard A. , King Thomas R.
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  We have previously shown that the rat fuzzy and Charles River ‘hairless’ mutations are defects in the same gene on rat Chr 1, and are likely orthologues of the frizzy mutation (fr) on mouse Chr 7. To test the hypothesis that these variants could result from defects in Fgfr2, we crossed fr/fr mice (from the inbred FS/EiJ strain) with mice that carry a recessive lethal mutation in Fgfr2. Mice inheriting both mutations were phenotypically normal, indicating that fr is not an allele of Fgfr2. To genetically map fr, we crossed these hybrid mice, or F1 mice made by crossing FS/EiJ with the wild‐type C57BL/6J or BALB/cBy strains, back to the FS/EiJ strain. The resulting 546 backcross progeny were typed for linked markers to position fr centromeric of Fgfr2, between D7Csu5 and D7Mit165; an interval that contains only 2.7 Mb and fewer than 70 genes. Further characterization of regional recombinants for sequence‐level polymorphisms should allow sufficient refinement of fr’s location to facilitate an eventual molecular assignment for this classical mutation.
Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB‐irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls
Authors: Mnich Christian D. , Hoek Keith S. , Virkki Leila V. , Farkas Arpad , Dudli Christa , Laine Elisabeth , Urosevic Mirjana , Dummer Reinhard
Published: July 2008

Abstract:  Ultraviolet (UV) irradiation plays a pivotal role in human skin carcinongenesis. Preclinically, systemically and topically applied green tea extract (GTE) has shown reduction of UV‐induced (i) erythema, (ii) DNA damage, (iii) formation of radical oxygen species and (iv) downregulation of numerous factors related to apoptosis, inflammation, differentiation and carcinogenesis. In humans, topical GTE has so far only been tested in limited studies, with usually very high GTE concentrations and over short periods of time. Both chemical stability of GTE and staining properties of highly concentrated green tea polyphenols limit the usability of highly concentrated green tea extracts in cosmetic products. The present study tested the utility of stabilized low‐dose GTE as photochemopreventive agents under everyday conditions. We irradiated with up to 100 mJ/cm2 of UVB light skin patches which were pretreated with either OM24®‐containing lotion or a placebo lotion. Biopsies were taken from both irradiated and un‐irradiated skin for both immunohistochemistry and DNA microarray analysis. We found that while OM24® treatment did not significantly affect UV‐induced erythema and thymidine dimer formation, OM24® treatment significantly reduced UV‐induced p53 expression in keratinocytes. We also found that OM24® treatment significantly reduced the number of apoptotic keratinocytes (sunburn cells and TUNEL‐positive cells). Carefully controlled DNA microarray analyses showed that OM24® treatment does not induce off‐target changes in gene expression, reducing the likelihood of unwanted side‐effects. Topical GTE (OM24®) reduces UVB‐mediated epithelial damage already at low, cosmetically usable concentrations, without tachyphylaxis over 5 weeks, suggesting GTE as suitable everyday photochemopreventive agents.
Feeding tactics and body condition of two introduced populations of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus: taking advantages of human disturbances?
Authors: Almeida D. , Almodóvar A. , Nicola G. G. , Elvira B.
Published: July 2008

Abstract –  Feeding tactics, body condition and size structure of two populations of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus from Cabañeros National Park (Guadiana River basin, central Spain) were compared to provide insight into the ecological requirements favouring levels of success/failure in relation to human intervention. Habitat, benthic macroinvertebrates and pumpkinseed were quantified in Bullaque (regulated flow, affected by agricultural activities) and Estena (natural conditions) rivers, from May to September of 2005 and 2006. Significant differences were found in the limnological characteristics between the two rivers. Spatial and temporal variations in diet composition were likely related to opportunistic feeding and high foraging plasticity. Diet diversity was higher in Bullaque River. Electivity of benthic prey showed variation between sized individuals and populations. The body condition of pumpkinseed was better in Bullaque River. Current results show that this invasive species is favoured by human intervention in Bullaque River.
The Level of Exposure‐Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE‐DEQ): a measure of severity of exposure to distressing dental events
Authors: Oosterink Floor M. D. , De Jongh Ad , Hoogstraten Johan , Aartman Irene H. A.
Published: July 2008

To understand the development of dental anxiety better and to identify those at increased risk of developing dental anxiety, the Level of Exposure‐Dental Experiences Questionnaire (LOE‐DEQ) was developed. The aim of the current study was to determine the psychometric properties (i.e. factor structure, reliability, and validity) of the LOE‐DEQ and to determine its suitability as an additional screening instrument for dentally anxious patients. Five different samples were used: (i) highly dentally anxious patients (n = 119); (ii) general dental patients (n = 480); (iii) students (n = 186); (iv) psychiatric outpatients (n = 17); and (v) oral surgery patients (n = 34). Results of the factor analysis revealed a four‐factor solution. The LOE‐DEQ has sufficient internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha values ranging from 0.69 to 0.85) and satisfactory test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.78). The results further suggest that this instrument has adequate discriminant, concurrent, and predictive validity. It is concluded that the LOE‐DEQ is a useful tool for assessing patients’ background in terms of previous exposure to distressing dental events, which is considered a vulnerability factor in the development of dental anxiety.
Helicobacter pylori in human oral cavity and stomach
Authors: Bürgers Ralf , Schneider‐Brachert Wulf , Reischl Udo , Behr Anke , Hiller Karl‐Anton , Lehn Norbert , Schmalz Gottfried , Ruhl Stefan
Published: July 2008

The oral cavity has been suspected as an extra‐gastroduodenal reservoir for Helicobacter pylori infection and transmission, but conflicting evidence exists regarding the occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth, independently of stomach colonization. Ninety‐four gastric biopsy patients were analysed for the concurrent presence of H. pylori in the mouth and stomach. Samples were collected from different areas within the mouth and H. pylori DNA was amplified by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and verified by sequencing. Helicobacter pylori‐specific serology was performed, and stomach colonization was determined by culture. In addition, relevant dental and periodontal parameters, as well as general health parameters, were recorded. Helicobacter pylori was found in the stomach of 29 patients and in the oral cavity of 16 patients. In only six patients was the bacterium detected simultaneously in the stomach and mouth. Notably, the 10 patients in whom the bacterium was found solely in the mouth did not have serum antibodies to H. pylori. The occurrence of H. pylori in the mouth was found to be correlated neither to any general or oral health parameters, nor to any particular site of collection. This study shows that H. pylori can occur in the oral cavity independently of stomach colonization.
RANKL, osteopontin, and osteoclast homeostasis in a hyperocclusion mouse model
Authors: Walker Cameron G. , Ito Yoshihiro , Dangaria Smit , Luan Xianghong , Diekwisch Thomas G. H.
Published: July 2008

The biological mechanisms that maintain the position of teeth in their sockets establish a dynamic equilibrium between bone resorption and apposition. In order to reveal some of the dynamics involved in the tissue responses towards occlusal forces on periodontal ligament (PDL) and alveolar bone homeostasis, we developed the first mouse model of hyperocclusion. Swiss–Webster mice were kept in hyperocclusion for 0, 3, 6, and 9 d. Morphological and histological changes in the periodontium were assessed using micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and ground sections with fluorescent detection of vital dye labels. Sections were stained for tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase, and the expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL) and osteopontin (OPN) was analyzed by immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Traumatic occlusion resulted in enamel surface abrasion, inhibition of alveolar bone apposition, significant formation of osteoclasts at 3, 6 and 9 d, and upregulation of OPN and RANKL. Data from this study suggest that both OPN and RANKL contribute to the stimulation of bone resorption in the hyperocclusive state. In addition, we propose that the inhibition of alveolar bone apposition by occlusal forces is an important mechanism for the control of occlusal height that might work in synergy with RANKL‐induced bone resorption to maintain normal occlusion.
Development and terminal differentiation of pulp and periodontal nerve elements in subcutaneous transplants of molar tooth germs and incisors of the rat
Authors: Higuchi Kazunori , Santiwong Peerapong , Tamaki Hitoshi , Terashima Tatsuo , Nakayama Hiroto , Notani Takuya , Iseki Hachiro , Baba Otto , Takano Yoshiro
Published: July 2008

Ectopic tooth transplants are known to receive rich innervation of local neurons, but the precise location and structural features of neurites in the pulp and periodontal ligament (PDL) of such transplants are unclear. In this experiment, the molar tooth germs of rat embryos and incisors of young rats were subcutaneously transplanted into the dorsal regions of rats and processed, at various time intervals, for immunohistochemical demonstration of neural elements. Teeth with periodontal tissue elements developed in most of the molar transplants in 6 or 8 wk and received rich innervation, including some autonomic fibres, in the pulp. Nerve elements were also confirmed to be present in the PDL of these transplants, including specialized nerve ending‐like structures reminiscent of the periodontal Ruffini endings. Mechanoreceptor‐like structures were also induced in the regenerated PDL of similarly transplanted incisors, although the success rate was low. We conclude that rich and highly ordered innervation of the pulp, and occasional development of mechanoreceptors in the regenerated PDL of ectopic dental transplants, imply a high probability of successful induction of teeth with both nociceptive and mechanical sensations in the ectopic tooth and/or tooth germ transplant systems, although differentiation of mechanoreceptor‐like nerve endings occured in only a few rare cases.
Expression of endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide II in the rat dental follicle and its potential role in tooth eruption
Authors: Liu Dawen , Wise Gary E.
Published: July 2008

Endothelial monocyte‐activating polypeptide II (EMAP‐II) is an inflammatory cytokine with chemotactic activity. Because the dental follicle (DF) recruits mononuclear cells (osteoclast precursors) to promote the osteoclastogenesis needed for tooth eruption, it was the aim of this study to determine if EMAP‐II contributes to this recruitment. Using a DNA microarray, EMAP‐II was found to be highly expressed in vivo in the DFs of day 1 to day 11 postnatal rats, with its expression elevated on days 1 and 3. Use of a short interfering RNA (siRNA) to knock down EMAP‐II expression resulted in a reduction in the expression of colony‐stimulating factor‐1 (CSF‐1) and monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) in the DF cells. Addition of EMAP‐II protein to the DF cells partially restored the expression of CSF‐1 and MCP‐1. In chemotaxis assays using either conditioned medium of the DF cells with anti‐(EMAP‐II) immunoglobulin G added or conditioned medium of DF cells with EMAP‐II knocked down by siRNA, migration indexes of bone marrow mononuclear cells were significantly reduced. These results suggest that EMAP‐II is another chemotactic molecule in the dental follicle involved in the recruitment of mononuclear cells, and that EMAP‐II may exert its chemotactic function directly by recruiting mononuclear cells and indirectly by enhancing the expression of other chemotactic molecules (CSF‐1 and MCP‐1).
A structural equation modelling approach to the analysis of change
Authors: Tu Yu‐Kang , Baelum Vibeke , Gilthorpe Mark S.
Published: July 2008

Analysis of change is probably the most commonly adopted study design in medical and dental research when comparing the efficacy of two or more treatment modalities. The most commonly used methods for testing the difference in treatment efficacy are the two‐sample t‐test and the analysis of covariance (ancova). It has been suggested that ancova should be used in the analysis of change for data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) as a result of its greater statistical power. However, it is less well known that although both methods will give rise to similar results in the analysis of change for RCTs, there are different assumptions behind these methods in terms of the relationship between baseline value and the subsequent change, and the results may therefore differ if baseline values are not balanced between groups. This article uses structural equation modelling as a conceptual framework to explain the assumptions behind these methods, and two examples are used to show when the two methods yield similar results and why, in some non‐randomized studies, the two methods might give substantially different results, known as ‘Lord’s paradox’ in the statistical literature. For the appropriate interpretation of non‐randomized studies, the assumptions underlying these methods therefore need to be taken into consideration.
Bilingual poetry: expanding the cognitive and cultural dimensions of children's learning
Authors: Kenner Charmian , Al‐Azami Salman , Gregory Eve , Ruby Mahera
Published: July 2008

Stories and poetry have long been considered a resource for the language and literacy development of bilingual children, particularly if they can work with texts in both mother tongue and English. This paper demonstrates that bilingual learning is also beneficial for second and third‐generation children whose English is often stronger than their mother tongue. Presenting data from an action research project in East London primary schools, we show how children investigated metaphor and cultural content in a Bengali lullaby, clarifying concepts through dialogue with their parents. Comparison with a lullaby in English from North America generated additional ideas concerning different cultural values. The learning process enabled children to use their bilingual skills and draw on different aspects of their bicultural identities. Finally, we explain how bilingual poetry can be used to stimulate learning in a multilingual classroom context, through the example of a whole‐class lesson based around Bengali and English lullabies.
Turning boys off? Listening to what five‐year‐olds say about reading
Authors: Lever‐Chain Judy
Published: July 2008

This paper reports the first part of a 2‐year longitudinal study, which examined the impact of age of entry to school on the reading development of 60 summer‐born boys during Key Stage One. The sample was drawn from 18 schools in six Local Education Authorities operating different admissions policies. Thirty‐one had attended nursery part‐time, while 29 had experienced full‐time reception class before their fifth birthday and before statutory age of entry to school. The data offer an original portrayal of learning to read through the voices of a group of 5‐year‐old boys as they reflected on home and school literacy events relating to reading. Reading acquisition was examined within a theoretical model which incorporates attitudinal factors as intrinsic and defining components of reading literacy. The data draw attention to the centrality of these factors in the complex structure which supports the process of reading acquisition, acknowledging the need to investigate this process from the perspective of the child. This paper discusses the findings in the context of the boys' early years experience and the implications in the light of the widespread debate about age of entry to school and appropriate early years practice. The data suggest the current wide‐spread skills‐based approach to reading often ignores the crucial motivational elements that make a real reader and that the formality associated with this approach may be damaging reading attitudes in the youngest children of our reception classes.
Literacy as a complex activity: deconstructing the simple view of reading
Authors: Stuart Morag , Stainthorp Rhona , Snowling Maggie
Published: July 2008

The Rose Review into the teaching of early reading recommended that the conceptual framework incorporated into the National Literacy Strategy Framework for Teaching – the Searchlights model of reading and its development – should be replaced by the Simple View of Reading. In this paper, we demonstrate how these two frameworks relate to each other, and show that nothing has been lost in this transformation from Searchlights to Simple View: on the contrary, much has been gained. That nothing has been lost is demonstrated by consideration of the underlying complexity inherent in each of the two dimensions delineated in the Simple View. That much has been gained is demonstrated by the increased understanding of each dimension that follows from careful scientific investigation of each. The better we understand what is involved in each dimension, the better placed we are to unravel and understand the essential, complex and continual interactions between each dimension which underlie skilled reading. This has clear implications for further improving the early teaching of reading.
Worlds have collided and modes have merged: classroom evidence of changed literacy practices
Authors: Walsh Maureen
Published: July 2008

Debates continue in public and in educational policy forums about the ‘basics’ of literacy while many have not recognised that these basics may never be the same again. Rapid changes in digital communication provide facilities for reading and writing to be combined with various and often quite complex aspects of music, photography and film. At the same time, educational policy and national testing requirements are still principally focused on the reading and writing of print‐based texts. This paper examines evidence from classroom research to analyse the nature of multimodal literacy, the literacy that is needed in contemporary times for reading, viewing, responding to and producing multimodal and digital texts. Examples of students' engagement in multimodal literacy are presented to demonstrate how classroom literacy practices can incorporate the practices of talking, listening, reading and writing together with processing the modes of written text, image, sound and movement in print and digital texts.