bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
ADH1B*2 allele is protective against alcoholism but not chronic liver disease in the Hungarian population
Authors: Toth Reka , Pocsai Zsuzsa , Fiatal Szilvia , Szeles Gyorgy , Kardos Laszlo , Petrovski Beata , McKee Martin , Adany Roza 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTBackground  Standardized death rates from chronic liver diseases (CLDs) in Hungary are much higher than the European Union average. Carrying the alcohol dehydrogenase 1B 48His allele (rs1229984 or ADH1B*2) could decrease the risk of alcoholism, but with persistent drinking may confer a greater risk of CLDs. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of this polymorphism in the Hungarian population and its association with alcohol consumption and with CLDs.Methods and results  A total of 278 cases with diagnosed CLDs and 752 controls without any alterations in liver function, all males aged 45–64, were screened for ADH1B Arg48His polymorphism. ADH1B*2 allele frequencies in controls and cases were 8.31% and 4.50%, respectively (χ2 = 9.2; P = 0.01). Carrying the ADH1B*2 allele was associated with significantly lower odds ratio (OR) for drinking frequency (OR = 0.63; P = 0.003), the number of positive answers on CAGE (Cut‐down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye‐opener) assessment (OR = 0.58; P = 0.005) and a positive CAGE status (OR = 0.55; P = 0.007). There was a significant association between ADH1B*2 and CLDs (OR = 0.50; P = 0.003), but it disappeared after adjusting for CAGE status and scores (OR = 0.67 P = 0.134; OR = 0.67 P = 0.148, respectively) and weakened after adjusting for drinking frequency (OR = 0.61; P = 0.045). Among heavy drinkers the presence of ADH1B*2 did not increase the risk of cirrhosis but there was a significant interaction between genotype and CAGE status (P = 0.003, P = 0.042), with ADH1B*2 conferring reduced risk of CLDs in CAGE negatives.Conclusion  In Hungarians, the ADH1B 48His allele reduces the risk of alcoholism, but not the risk of chronic liver disease among heavy drinkers.
Ambient temperature and risk of death from accidental drug overdose in New York City, 1990–2006
Authors: Bohnert Amy S. B. , Prescott Marta R. , Vlahov David , Tardiff Kenneth J. , Galea Sandro 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTBackground Mortality increases as ambient temperature increases. Because cocaine affects core body temperature, ambient temperature may play a role in cocaine‐related mortality in particular. The present study examined the association between ambient temperature and fatal overdoses over time in New York City.Methods Mortality data were obtained from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for 1990 to 2006, and temperature data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association. We used generalized additive models to test the relationship between weekly average temperatures and counts of accidental overdose deaths in New York City, controlling for year and average length of daylight hours.Results We found a significant relation between ambient temperature and accidental overdose fatality for all models where the overdoses were due in whole or in part to cocaine (all P < 0.05), but not for non‐cocaine overdoses. Risk of accidental overdose deaths increased for weeks when the average temperature was above 24°Celsius.Conclusions These results suggest a strong relation between temperature and accidental overdose mortality that is driven by cocaine‐related overdoses rising at temperatures above 24°Celsius; this is a substantially lower temperature than prior estimates. To put this into perspective, approximately 7 weeks a year between 1990 and 2006 had an average weekly temperature of 24 or above in New York City. Heat‐related mortality presents a considerable public health concern, and cocaine users constitute a high‐risk group.
Time‐trends in gastroprotection with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Authors: VALKHOFF V. E. , VAN SOEST E. M. , STURKENBOOM M. C. J. M. , KUIPERS E. J. 
Published: March 2010

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 31, 1218–1228SummaryBackground  Preventive strategies are advocated in patients at risk of upper‐gastrointestinal complications associated with nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).Aim  To examine time‐trends in preventive strategies.Methods  In a study population comprising 50 126 NSAID users ≥50 years from the Integrated Primary Care Information database, we considered two preventive strategies: co‐prescription of gastroprotective agents and prescription of a cyclooxygenase‐2‐selective inhibitor. In patients with ≥1 risk factor (history of upper‐gastrointestinal bleeding/ulceration, age >65 years, use of anticoagulants, aspirin, or corticosteroids), correct prescription was defined as the presence of a preventive strategy and under‐prescription as the absence of one. In patients with no risk factors, correct prescription was defined as the lack of a preventive strategy, and over‐prescription as the presence of one.Results  Correct prescription rose from 6.9% in 1996 to 39.4% in 2006 (P < 0.01) in high‐risk NSAID users. Under‐prescription fell from 93.1% to 59.9% (P < 0.01). In the complete cohort, over‐prescription rose from 2.9% to 12.3% (P < 0.01).Conclusions  Under‐prescription of preventive strategies has steadily decreased between 1996 and 2006; however, 60% of NSAID users at increased risk of NSAID complications still do not receive adequate protection.
‘His mam, my dad, my girlfriend, loads of people used to bring him up’: the value of social support for (ex) offender fathers
Authors: Walker Liz 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTThis research analyses key findings from qualitative research conducted with (ex) offender fathers and their probation officers. This paper focuses on the critical role of family and social support for (ex) offender fathers who seek to build and maintain relationships with their children. The research reported in this paper shows that the men receive social support, both formal and informal from a wide ranging and complex network of family, friends and practitioners, which facilitates and enables their commitment to fathering. Drawing on social support theory, I argue that identification of support networks recognizes the productive possibilities of vulnerable families which constitute a source of strength and connection to be nurtured in contexts of adversity. This strengths‐based paradigm advocates the need to identify and facilitate family, friendship and professional networks in the context of social work with offenders and their families.
Research Review: Economic evidence for interventions in children's social care: revisiting the What Works for Children project
Authors: Stevens Madeleine , Roberts Helen , Shiell Alan 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACTEvidence about the cost‐effectiveness of interventions in children's services can help decision‐makers make more efficient use of scarce resources. We returned to six somewhat disparate interventions on which we had collated research evidence identified by service planners and practitioners as relevant to the well‐being of children in the course of the Economic and Social Research Council‐funded What Works for Children project. These are home visiting, parenting, cognitive–bahavioural therapy, mentoring, traffic calming and breakfast club interventions. We aimed to explore the nature and extent of evidence on cost‐benefit and cost effectiveness for these measures. We conducted searches for studies that looked at the costs as well as the effectiveness of the six interventions and found 24 studies matching our inclusion criteria. The studies were diverse in terms of study design and economic methods (including economic modelling and willingness to pay). Studies relating to parenting programmes and traffic calming gave the most positive indication that the interventions may be cost‐effective for the outcomes in question. The remainder of the studies did not give a clear picture, in large part because of a lack of demonstration that the intervention was effective.
Rapid and unexpected effects of piscivore introduction on trophic position and diet of perch (Perca flavescens) in lakes recovering from acidification and metal contamination
Authors: LUEK ANDREAS , MORGAN GEORGE E. , WISSEL BJÖRN , GUNN JOHN M. , RAMCHARAN CHARLES W. 
Published: March 2010

Summary1. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens) are often the only surviving fish species in acidified lakes. We studied four lakes along a gradient of recovery from acidification and that had different food web complexities. All had abundant yellow perch, two had low piscivore abundance, one had a well‐established piscivore population and one was manipulated by introducing piscivorous smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). We hypothesised that there would be strong effects on perch abundance, behaviour and diet induced by the presence of piscivores.2. In the manipulated lake, the bass reduced yellow perch abundance by 75% over a 2‐year period. Concomitantly, perch use of the pelagic habitat fell from 48 to 40%.3. In contrast to findings from less disturbed systems, yellow perch in the littoral zone of the manipulated lake did not strongly shift from zooplankton to benthic food sources after the arrival of piscivores. Diet analysis using stable carbon isotopes revealed a strong continued reliance on zooplankton in all lakes, independent of the degree of piscivory. The failure to switch to benthos in the refuge area of the littoral zone is most likely related to the depauperate benthos communities in these formerly acidified lakes.4. Yellow perch in lakes recovering from acidification face a considerable ecological challenge as the necessary switch to benthic diet is hindered by a low abundance of benthos. The arrival of piscivores in these recovering lakes imposes further restrictions on perch access to food items. We infer that future recovery of perch populations (and higher trophic levels) will have to be preceded by the re‐establishment of diverse benthic macroinvertebrate communities in these lakes.
An antibody profile of systemic lupus erythematosus detected by antigen microarray
Authors: Fattal Ittai , Shental Noam , Mevorach Dror , Anaya Juan‐Manuel , Livneh Avi , Langevitz Pnina , Zandman‐Goddard Gisele , Pauzner Rachel , Lerner Miriam , Blank Miri , Hincapie Maria‐Eugenia , Gafter Uzi , Naparstek Yaakov , Shoenfeld Yehuda , Domany Eytan , Cohen Irun R. 
Published: February 2010

SummaryPatients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) produce antibodies to many different self‐antigens. Here, we investigated antibodies in SLE sera using an antigen microarray containing many hundreds of antigens, mostly self‐antigens. The aim was to detect sets of antibody reactivities characteristic of SLE patients in each of various clinical states – SLE patients with acute lupus nephritis, SLE patients in renal remission, and SLE patients who had never had renal involvement. The analysis produced two novel findings: (i) an SLE antibody profile persists independently of disease activity and despite long‐term clinical remission, and (ii) this SLE antibody profile includes increases in four specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) reactivities to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA), single‐stranded DNA (ssDNA), Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and hyaluronic acid; the profile also includes decreases in specific IgM reactivities to myeloperoxidase (MPO), CD99, collagen III, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 1 (IGFBP1) and cardiolipin. The reactivities together showed high sensitivity (> 93%) and high specificity for SLE (> 88%). A healthy control subject who had the SLE antibody profile was later found to develop clinical SLE. The present study did not detect antibody reactivities that differentiated among the various subgroups of SLE subjects with statistical significance. Thus, SLE is characterized by an enduring antibody profile irrespective of clinical state. The association of SLE with decreased IgM natural autoantibodies suggests that these autoantibodies might enhance resistance to SLE.
Laboratory evaluation of the physicochemical properties of a new root canal sealer based on Copaifera multijuga oil‐resin
Authors: Garrido A. D. B. , Lia R. C. C. , França S. C. , Da Silva J. F. , Astolfi‐Filho S. , Sousa‐Neto M. D. 
Published: March 2010

Garrido ADB, Lia RCC, França SC, da Silva JF, Astolfi‐Filho S, Sousa‐Neto MD. Laboratory evaluation of the physicochemical properties of a new root canal sealer based on Copaifera multijuga oil‐resin. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 283–291, 2010.AbstractAim  To compare a new root canal sealer based on Copaifera multijuga oil‐resin (Biosealer) using three other established sealers (Sealer 26®, Endofill® and AH plus®) in terms of their physicochemical properties.Methodology  The study was carried out according to the requirements of Specification Number 57 of the American Dental Association (ADA) and consisted of the following tests: setting time, flow, film thickness, dimensional stability, radiopacity and solubility/disintegration. Data were analysed statistically using anova and Tukey’s test for multiple comparisons. The significance level was set at 5% for all analyses.Results  Sealer 26® and AH Plus® had the longest setting time (P < 0.05). All materials presented flow in with the ADA’s guidelines. Regarding film thickness, Sealer 26® did not have a satisfactory performance, as it had a higher mean value than the maximum allowed by the ADA (0.05 mm), being significantly different from the other materials (P < 0.05), which had mean values for film thickness in accordance with the ADA’s recommendations. Regarding the solubility and disintegration, only Endofill® did not meet the ADA’s specifications and presented the worst results of all materials (P < 0.05). Sealer 26® presented the greatest dimensional changes and differed significantly from all other sealers (P < 0.05). Biosealer had the lowest radiopacity values and was significantly different from the other sealers (P < 0.05).Conclusion  The experimental sealer based on Copaifera multijuga oil‐resin presented satisfactory results in the physicochemical tests required by the ADA.
An audit of intra‐oral digital radiographs for endodontics
Authors: Austin R. , Dunne S. , Robinson B. 
Published: March 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to improve the quality of digital radiographs taken during endodontic treatment at King's College Hospital Dental Institute, UK. There were three phases. The first phase compared the Schick CDR system with Digora Optime. The second and third phases involved ways of improving the quality of the digital radiographs produced by the Schick CDR system.Methodology  The Faculty of General Dental Practitioners Royal College of Surgeons of England (FGDP) guidelines on Selection Criteria for Dental Radiography and Guidance Notes for Dental Practitioners on the Safe Use of X‐Ray Equipment‐National Radiological Protection Board enabled the use of a three point quality scale (one excellent, two diagnostically acceptable, three unacceptable), which took into consideration sensor angulation, positioning, contrast and focusing. The recommended FGDP guidelines are not less than 70% images scoring excellent. For the first phase 50 exposures recorded with the Schick CDR system were compared with 50 recorded using Digora Optime. For the second and third phases 50 radiographs for each phase were evaluated with images generated by the Schick system with training provided between the phases.Results  Images produced by the Schick system showed an inferior quality compared with the images generated by the Digora method. Both systems failed to reach the desired quality FGDP standard of 70% excellent (Schick 55% Digora 69%). Comparison of the results in the second and third phases showed that training the operator improved the quality but recommended the purchase of a size 1 or 0 Schick sensors to improve positioning errors.Conclusions  This study was carried out in order to minimise the ionising radiation dose to patients and to maximise the clinical and administrative benefits of using a digital system. It demonstrated an improvement in the quality of radiographs across all criteria measured up to and beyond the desired standard, from 55% of radiographs scoring excellent in the first phase to 80% in the third phase. As a result of the study it was decided to install the Schick CDR system because of the speed it produced images even though the first phase of this study demonstrated inferior image quality. The audit had clear, measurable standards with explicit targets. The audits have been through the entire audit cycle, data collection, change and a further data collection to provide evidence of the benefit of the change. A third data collection, demonstrated an ongoing commitment to quality.
An audit of the technical quality of orthograde endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students on an endodontic clinic
Authors: Adams N.S. , Tanday A.K. , Darby K.A. , Lumley P.J. 
Published: March 2010

Aim  The aim of this study was to investigate the technical quality of orthograde endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate dental students on an endodontic special study module.Methodology  A retrospective radiographic analysis of the technical standard of endodontic treatment performed by undergraduate final year students undertaking an endodontic study module between 2001 and 2007 was undertaken. The module was staffed by specialist endodontists or specialist registrars with an interest in endodontics. All students completed a voluntary one term special study module for 12–14 sessions. Teeth were treated using stainless steel or Nickel Titanium instruments. Prior to using rotary Nickel Titanium instruments on patients, students were required to satisfactorily complete 10 root canals in extracted teeth using rotary Nickel Titanium instruments. All radiographs of completed endodontic treatment were assessed as to the technical quality of the root filling. Two calibrated observers assessed the radiographs under standard conditions using a lightbox and SDI radiograph viewer. The root fillings in each canal were assessed by length, satisfactory being within 0–2 mm of the radiographic apex, quality of obturation (absence of voids) classified as satisfactory, and taper, with the radiographic appearance of a uniform taper classed as satisfactory.Results  A total of 506 root canals were evaluated in 218 teeth. The final radiograph was unsuitable in two teeth. The remaining sample size was 504 canals in 216 teeth (51 anterior, 29 premolar, 136 molar). Overall 394 individual root canals (78.1%) and 155 teeth (72.4%) were classed as satisfactory. For anterior teeth 45/51 (88.2%) canals and teeth were satisfactory, for premolars 32/38 canals (82.4%) and 22/29 teeth (75.8%) and molars 317/415 (76.6%) canals and 88/136 teeth (64.7%). No instruments were fractured during the study.Conclusions  Overall 78.1% of canals and 72.4% of teeth met the criteria of root filling within 2 mm of the radiographic apex, no voids and uniform taper. There was a bias to treating molar teeth, which constituted 63% of the sample. This study shows that a high degree of compliance is achieved on a dedicated endodontic clinic. Furthermore, rotary nickel titanium instruments can be safely used by undergraduate students with appropriate supervision
Effect of transport and storage conditions on recovery of root canal isolates
Authors: Alsunaien T. , Pratten J. , Ng Y.‐L. , Gulabivala K. , Ready D. 
Published: March 2010

Aim  To evaluate the effect of transport media and storage temperatures on the survival of two root canal isolates, Prevotella oralis and Fusobacterium nucleatum over time.Methodology  A standardised inoculum of each bacterium was prepared and transferred via sterile paper points into triplicate 1 mL volumes of transport media (Phosphate buffer saline[PBS]; Viability medium Göteberg [VMG III]; Reduced transport fluid [RTF]; RTF plus 20% glycerol; Commercial Dental Transport Medium [DTM] and Skimmed milk plus 20% glycerol) The samples were placed at room temperature (22 °C), 4 °C and ‐20 °C and the number of colony forming units (cfu) determined at 0 (base line), 1, 4 and 24 h after inoculation. The percentage of cells surviving in each storage medium at each time period was calculated using the number of viable cfu at 0 h as the baseline.Results  All the tested media were capable of maintaining bacterial viability for up to 1 h regardless of the temperature. Storage at 4 °C in RTF after 4 h gave the best bacterial survival rate among the transport media used. Median percentage survival rates were 82% for P. oralis to 92% for F. nucleatum. In order to store samples for longer than 4 h before microbiological processing then storage at ‐20 °C, in skimmed milk medium was the most effective medium in assisting bacterial recovery with 75% and 82% survival for F. nucleatum and P. oralis, respectively while PBS was the least effective (0–3% survival).Conclusion  Due to the loss of bacterial viability during sample storage and transport, samples should ideally be processed within the first hour after collection. However, if this is not possible, the results from this study suggest samples should either be: (i) placed in RTF and stored at 4 °C for no more than 4 h; or (ii) for overnight storage, samples should be placed in skimmed milk medium plus 20% glycerol at ‐20 °C.
The effect of various mixing techniques on the surface microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate
Authors: Nekoofar M. H. , Aseeley Z. , Dummer P. M. H. 
Published: March 2010

Nekoofar MH, Aseeley Z, Dummer PMH. The effect of various mixing techniques on the surface microhardness of mineral trioxide aggregate. International Endodontic Journal, 43, 312–320, 2010.AbstractAim  To evaluate the influence of various mixing procedures including ultrasonic vibration, trituration of customized encapsulated mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and condensation on the Vickers surface microhardness of MTA.Methodology  ProRoot® MTA Original, ProRoot® MTA (white), MTA‐Angelus® (grey) and MTA White Angelus® (white) were prepared using several mixing techniques including ultrasonic vibration, trituration of customized encapsulated MTA and conventional condensation. Twelve experimental groups (four materials: three techniques) were evaluated, each with 35 samples. All samples were incubated after preparation and subjected to Vickers surface microhardness testing after 4 and 28 days. Data was were subjected to a two‐way anova.Result  At 28 days, the surface microhardness value was significantly greater for all experimental groups compared to 4 days after mixing (P < 0.00001). The application of ultrasonic energy to MTA produced significantly higher surface microhardness values compared to the other mixing techniques at both 4 and 28 days (P < 0.0001). However, no significant difference existed between condensation and trituration techniques at both time intervals. Regardless of the mixing technique employed, a significant difference (P < 0.0001) was observed in surface microhardness value between all types of MTA apart from between Angelus grey and ProRoot white at both 4 and 28 days, both of which produced the highest values.Conclusion  Compared to trituration and condensation techniques, the application of ultrasonic energy to MTA produced a significantly higher surface microhardness value at both 4 and 28 days. Irrespective of mixing technique, ProRoot white and Angelus grey had the highest surface microhardness values. Trituration of encapsulated, premeasured MTA and water provides a standardiszed method of mixing that produces MTA slurries with more controllable handling characteristics.