bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preemptive effect of nucleus of the solitary tract stimulation on amygdaloid kindling in freely moving cats
Authors: Magdaleno‐Madrigal Victor M. , Martínez‐Vargas David , Valdés‐Cruz Alejandro , Almazán‐Alvarado Salvador , Fernández‐Mas Rodrigo 
Published: October 2009

SummaryPurpose:  The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is a primary site where vagal afferents terminate. The aim of this study was to analyze the preemptive effect of NTS electrical stimulation on daily amygdaloid kindling (AK) in freely moving cats.Methods:  Seven adult male cats were used. Bipolar electrodes were stereotaxically implanted into both amygdalae, lateral geniculate bodies, hippocampi, and prefrontal cortices. In addition, a bipolar stainless steel electrode was implanted in the left NTS. Cats were recorded under the following experimental conditions: The NTS was stimulated for 6 days before the initiation of AK (1 min on/5 min off, 1 h total). AK was performed by stimulating the amygdala every 24 h (1 s, 60 Hz, 1 ms) until behavioral stage VI was reached.Results:  The number of stimulations to reach stage VI in control animals was 23.4 ± 3.7, in lateral tegmental field (LTF) animals was 17.0 ± 2.1 days. Animals subjected to preemptive NTS stimulation showed a significant increase (53.8 ± 5.9). In addition, behavioral development was retarded, with an increase in the number of stimulations required to reach stage III. In this group, overall kindling development was delayed, and amygdaloid afterdischarge duration did not show a progressive increase as was observed in the control group.Discussion:  Our results indicate that preemptive NTS electrical stimulation interferes with epileptogenesis. This anticonvulsive effect could be related to the activation of certain structures that inhibit seizure development. Therefore, results suggest that NTS mediates the anticonvulsive effect of vagus nerve stimulation.
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibition as a potential antiepileptogenic therapy: From tuberous sclerosis to common acquired epilepsies
Authors: Wong Michael 
Published: October 2009

SummaryMost current treatments for epilepsy are symptomatic therapies that suppress seizures but do not affect the underlying course or prognosis of epilepsy. The need for disease‐modifying or “antiepileptogenic” treatments for epilepsy is widely recognized, but no such preventive therapies have yet been established for clinical use. A rational strategy for preventing epilepsy is to target primary signaling pathways that initially trigger the numerous downstream mechanisms mediating epileptogenesis. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway represents a logical candidate, because mTOR regulates multiple cellular functions that may contribute to epileptogenesis, including protein synthesis, cell growth and proliferation, and synaptic plasticity. The importance of the mTOR pathway in epileptogenesis is best illustrated by tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC), one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. In mouse models of TSC, mTOR inhibitors prevent the development of epilepsy and underlying brain abnormalities associated with epileptogenesis. Accumulating evidence suggests that mTOR also participates in epileptogenesis due to a variety of other causes, including focal cortical dysplasia and acquired brain injuries, such as in animal models following status epilepticus or traumatic brain injury. Therefore, mTOR inhibition may represent a potential antiepileptogenic therapy for diverse types of epilepsy, including both genetic and acquired epilepsies.
Interobserver and intraobserver reproducibility in focal cortical dysplasia (malformations of cortical development)
Authors: Chamberlain Wendy A. , Cohen Mark L. , Gyure Kymberly A. , Kleinschmidt‐DeMasters Bette K. , Perry Arie , Powell Suzanne Z. , Qian Jiang , Staugaitis Susan M. , Prayson Richard A. 
Published: October 2009

SummaryPurpose:  Malformations of cortical development (MCD) (cortical dysplasias) are well‐recognized causes of intractable epilepsy. Although a histologic classification system for MCD has been proposed by Palmini et al. (Neurology; 2004; 62:S2), studies to date have not assessed reproducibility. The purpose of this study was to analyze inter‐ and intraobserver agreement among eight experienced neuropathologists (NPs) with respect to this classification system.Methods:  Sections from 26 epilepsy resections were selected to represent the range of pathologies described by Palmini et al. Recuts of single sections from each case were sent to the NPs to classify. The slides were resent at a later date for reclassification. Kappa analysis for both inter‐ and intraobserver concordance was performed.Results:  Interobserver agreement was moderate (κ = 0.4968). There was ≥62.5% (5 of 8 NPs) agreement for 19 of 26 cases. The greatest concordance was present when making focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) types IIA/B classifications (12 of the 14 cases with ≥75% consensus). Mild MCD (types I/II) and FCD types IA/B classifications were the least reproducible, and used most frequently in cases without consensus. Intraobserver concordance was moderate to very good (range κ = 0.4654–0.8504). The category with the fewest classification changes made on reevaluation was FCD type IIB (4.2%), whereas that with the most changes was mild MCD (types I/II) (52.9%).Discussion:  Interobserver concordance using this approach was moderate. The classification categories with the greatest concordance were FCD type IIA/B, and the least, mild MCD and FCD types IA/B. In addition, difficulty in differentiating Mild MCD/FCD type I lesions from normal and/or gliotic tissue was noted.
Relevance of Endocavitary Structures in Ablation Procedures for Ventricular Tachycardia
Authors: ABOUEZZEDDINE OMAR , SULEIMAN MAHMOUD , BUESCHER TRACI , KAPA SURAJ , FRIEDMAN PAUL A. , JAHANGIR ARSHAD , MEARS JENNIFER A. , LADEWIG DOROTHY J. , MUNGER THOMAS M. , HAMMILL STEPHEN C. , PACKER DOUGLAS L. , ASIRVATHAM SAMUEL J. 
Published: October 2009

Endocavitary Structures and Ventricular Tachycardia Ablation. Background: Radiofrequency (RF) ablation for ventricular tachycardia (VT) has high failure rates. Whether endocavitary structures (ECS) such as the papillary muscles (PMs), moderator bands (MBs), or false tendons (FTs) impact VT ablation is unknown.
Methods and Results:
We retrospectively reviewed records of 190 consecutive patients presenting for VT ablation and identified 46 (24%) where ECS affected ablation. In 31 of 46 patients (67%), the ECS created difficulty with catheter manipulation (n = 20), interpretation of pace map data (n = 7), or with accurately defining a scar (n = 4). In 15 of 46 (33%), specific mapping and RF energy delivery targeting the ECS itself was necessary to eliminate the arrhythmia.Detailed electroanatomic mapping was performed in 11 of 15 (73%), noncontact mapping in 3 of 15 (20%), multielectrode catheter mapping in 1 of 15 (7%), and intracardiac ultrasound in 14 of 15 (93%) patients. The ablated ECS was a PM in 5 of 15, the MB in 7 of 15, and an FT in 3 of 15. The arrhythmogenic substrate on the ECS was a focus of automatic tachycardia in 9 of 15 and the slow zone responsible for reentrant arrhythmia in the remaining 6 of 15. Successful elimination of tachycardia without recurrence was obtained in all 15 cases. There was no evidence of valvular damage or disruption of the valvular apparatus.
Conclusion:
During VT ablation procedures, ECS should be considered for specific mapping and targeted ablation. Once recognized, these structures can be successfully targeted for ablation without valve damage. (J Cardiovasc Electrophysiol, Vol. 21, pp. 245–254, March 2010)
Developing a primary dental care outreach (PDCO) course – part 1: practical issues and evaluation of clinical activity
Authors: Hind V. , Waterhouse P. J. , Maguire A. , Tabari D. , Lloyd J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  The primary dental care outreach (PDCO) course in Newcastle, UK commenced in September 2004 with dental undergraduates attending outreach clinics on a fortnightly rotation over a 2 year continuous placement.Objectives:  To evaluate the PDCO with respect to practical issues and clinical activity.Methods:  Clinical activity data were collected using data sheets and Access software together with data on patient attendances and Structured Clinical Operative Tests (SCOTs). Comparative clinical data were collected from the same group of students in Child Dental Health (CDH) in the School of Dental Sciences.Results:  In 2004/2005, 1683 clinical procedures were undertaken in PDCO and 1362 in CDH. Of the treatment undertaken in PDCO, 37.1% was examination and treatment planning, 17.1% basic intracoronal restorations and 13.1% fissure sealing, the activity representative of day to day in general practice. Completion rates for the five piloted SCOTs in cross infection control, writing a prescription, writing a referral letter, taking a valid consent and taking a radiograph ranged from 74% to 97% in 2004/2006. The practical issues and challenges of delivering a new clinical course broadly related to induction of new PDCO staff, support of staff, establishing effective communication, timetabling logistics, delivery of clinical teaching and quality assurance.Conclusion:  Once the practical issues and challenges of setting up a new clinical course have been overcome PDCO has a valuable role to play in preparing undergraduates for their future practising careers.
Developing a primary dental care outreach (PDCO) course – part 2: perceptions of dental students
Authors: Maguire A. , Hind V. , Waterhouse P. J. , Tabari D. , Steen I. N. , Lloyd J. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground:  The perspective of participating students in a primary dental care outreach (PDCO) course, with regard to clinical and educational value, has informed course development and delivery.Objectives:  To evaluate students’ perception of the PDCO experience including clinical experience gained, teaching and learning and the teaching environment.Methods:  Likert Scale‐based questionnaires were completed: (A) prior to the start of PDCO teaching, (B1) after one term, (B2) after one year and (C) for entry year 2001 students at completion. Additionally, a cohort of entry year 2000 students with no PDCO experience was surveyed at the end of their 4th year. Factor Analysis with Crohnbach’s alpha was used to investigate perception of (i) confidence and skills in treating child patients, (ii) confidence and skills in treating adult patients; (iii) general clinical skills and experience; (iv) team working. Data from entry years 2000–2003 were analysed using ANOVA and independent sample t‐tests.Results:  For entry years 2001 and 2002, perceived confidence and skills in treating child patients and general clinical experience increased, although for entry year 2002 students the levels of perceived general confidence and skills achieved after 1 year were similar to the entry year 2000 cohort who had received no PDCO teaching. There was consistently high satisfaction with teamworking. After 2 years in PDCO, 11 of the 13 overall satisfaction scores were over 70%.Conclusion:  The majority of students perceive PCDO as a valuable component of professional training and development. Further evaluation, including analysis of value for money, would help to inform funding decisions and further curriculum development.
Special care dentistry for people with intellectual disability in dental education: an Italian experience
Authors: Dellavia C. , Allievi C. , Ottolina P. , Sforza C. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAim:  This study documented: (i) the curriculum in special care dentistry in the Italian dental schools, as perceived by Deans and by students, (ii) the rate of satisfaction of dental students with their curricular education in special care dentistry, (iii) the attitude of the dental students towards special care dentistry and towards the ‘Special Smiles’ programme.Methods:  The quality and amount of didactic and clinical training delivered by each dental school for subjects with intellectual disability (ID), the interest of students towards this health field and the ‘Special Smiles’ programme were collected. Self‐administered surveys were sent to the Dean and to all the final year students of all dental schools in 20 Italian Universities.Results:  Only four Deans of the 20 dental schools answered the survey, stating to provide didactic and clinical education in special care dentistry. A 51% of student response rate was obtained. Dental students reported to spend about 4% of didactic and 5% of clinical training in the dental care for ID subjects. Most students (83%) rated the training they had received on the topic to be poor. Over 50% of students expressed interest in working in dental offices specifically dedicated to ID patients and 25% of students wished to become Special Smiles volunteers.Conclusions:  Although the paucity of didactic and clinical training in dental care for ID patients, this survey demonstrated a high level of student’s interest in learning more about treating these subjects. The current results could suggest to revise the curricular standards of dental schools, by promoting ID‐oriented education programmes.
Development of a rural outplacement programme for dental undergraduates: students’ perceptions
Authors: Abuzar M. A. , Burrow M. F. , Morgan M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectives:  To describe the development and implementation of a new rural dental outplacement module in the final year curriculum and report initial student perceptions.Methods:  The Melbourne Dental School, University of Melbourne, introduced a required 4‐week rural outplacement [termed Rural Dental Rotation (RDR)] in July 2006 to provide education and clinical training to all final year students. Seventy dental students (Bachelor of Dental Science and Bachelor of Oral Health) were rostered in groups of 6—10 students to Shepparton (Victoria, Australia), from July 2006 to June 2007 for 4 weeks per group. Students were introduced to the culture and oral health needs of the indigenous population in the region, and were involved in oral health promotion in specific health programmes. At the end of each roster students provided feedback of their experiences through a voluntary anonymous questionnaire.Results:  The RDR offered a rural learning experience to all final year dental undergraduates and also provided dental services to the local community on a continuing basis. Students agreed that the RDR was a worthwhile experience (mean 4.77 ± 0.46 on 1—5 scale) and was ‘enjoyable’ (mean 4.71 ± 0.45). There was only one student who did not consider rural practice in future. This was because of family reasons. The majority (79.1%) expressed definite affirmation, whereas some (19.4%) indicated the possibility of taking up rural practice.Conclusions:  Overall feedback indicated that the students found it a very positive and enjoyable experience. It provided an opportunity to appreciate cultural safety and understand the specific oral health needs of indigenous Australians. The key benefit of such a programme to the community is the increased likelihood of attracting new dental graduates to rural areas.
Undergraduates’ and graduates’ perception of achieved competencies in temporomandibular disorders and orofacial pain in a problem‐based dental curriculum in Sweden
Authors: Vallon D. , Nilner M. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractAims:  Aims of this study were to assess undergraduates’ and graduates’ perceptions of their education by documenting their attitudes and investigating acquired competencies in temporomandibular disorders (TMD) and orofacial pain (OP).Methods:  In 2006, 141 undergraduates (in semesters 1, 6, and 10 of a 5‐year dental programme) and 60 graduates of 2000 and 2001 were invited to fill in questionnaires designed for their levels. The four questionnaires contained open‐ended questions, closed‐ended questions, and questions requiring a scaled response on an 11‐point numerical rating scale (NRS). Questions covered personal experience of pain, attitudes toward TMD/OP, clinical competencies, and satisfaction with their education. Participants rated importance of and satisfaction with clinical competencies on a 5‐point scale.Results:  The importance of understanding TMD/OP patients was rated high (NRS 9—10) and attitudes to given statements about TMD/OP patients were positive. In general, perception of clinical competencies increased with level of education. Mean scores for importance of and satisfaction with clinical competencies of 10th semester undergraduates and graduates were above 4.0. Median graduate satisfaction with undergraduate education in TMD/OP patient management was high (NRS 9). All but one graduate had treated patients with TMD/OP. One‐third of the responding graduates expressed a wish for additional training, such as in pharmacological treatment and evaluation of treatment outcome.Conclusion:  In general, the perception of acquired clinical competencies in TMD and OP increased with level of education, and the importance of, and satisfaction with, training was highly rated. Positive attitudes toward these kinds of patients were expressed at all levels.
Effect of directorial intervention on web‐based student feedback
Authors: Virtanen J. I. , Suomalainen K. , Aarnio M. , Silenti M. , Murtomaa H. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe Medical Faculty of the University of Helsinki decided to employ a web‐based evaluation system as an integral and essential part of all courses beginning in the autumn term of 2006.Objectives:  To analyse the effects of the intervention on dental students’ web‐based responses at the University of Helsinki, Finland.Subjects and Methods:  A previously developed web‐based tool was used for all preclinical and clinical courses from the beginning of the 2006—2007 academic year. We analysed data sets of student feedback for all courses before (2005—2006) and after (2006—2007) the intervention. We then compared the quantity and quality of the students’ feedback for the six standardised questions used in the evaluation, and calculated the means and standard deviations of values obtained with a Likert scale. The students’ assessments in the open questions were categorised according to key issues.Results:  Implementation of the system resulted in a considerable increase in student feedback: the mean response rate for the preclinical phase rose from 59% (SD 15.0; range 25—80) before the intervention to 90% (SD 9.6; range 72—100) after it. In the clinical phase, the response rates more than doubled from 34% (SD 15.9; range 9—69) to 73% (SD 12.9; range 45—100). The students’ assessments showed no significant change despite the marked rise in response rates. The educators’ positive attitude towards the students was appreciated (4.2—4.3) whereas the general goals for the courses in the clinical phase seemed unclear to the students (3.4) (P < 0.05).Conclusions:  Web‐based evaluation as an integral part of all courses in the dental curriculum proved successful: shortly after the intervention, we observed a considerable increase in student feedback with no significant change in quality.
Cardiac conotruncal malformations in a family of beagle dogs
Authors: Diez‐Prieto I. , García‐Rodríguez B. , Ríos‐Granja A. , Cano‐Rábano M. , Peña‐Penabad M. , García C. Pérez 
Published: October 2009

Objectives:To study forms of congenital heart disease present in a family of beagle dogs with a strong prevalence of ventricular septal defect and to document the pathological findings associated with the ventricular septal defects and investigate the mode of transmission.Methods:The animals were investigated by physical examination, radiography, electrocardiography and ultrasonography to diagnose the presence of congenital heart disease. Some animals were diagnosed at post‐mortem examination and the dead animals underwent post‐mortem examination to verify the presence of ventricular septal defect. An analysis of pedigree was undertaken and two of the affected animals were mated to investigate the mode of transmission.Results:Among the 28 dogs evaluated clinically or by post‐mortem examination, 14 cases of ventricular septal defect were identified. The post‐mortem examination showed some abnormalities of the ventricular outflow region associated with malformation of conotruncal septum development. When two affected dogs were bred, congenital heart disease was present in all of the offspring.ClinicalSignificance:The congenital heart disease identified in this beagle family can be classified as conotruncal malformation, and an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance was suggested by pedigree analysis.
Lack of advantage of high‐fibre, moderate‐carbohydrate diets in dogs with stabilised diabetes§
Authors: Fleeman L. M. , Rand J. S. , Markwell P. J. 
Published: October 2009

Objectives:To assess the influence of high‐fibre, moderate‐carbohydrate diets with two levels of dietary fat, compared with a commercial diet with moderate‐fibre, low‐carbohydrate and higher fat, on insulin requirement, glycaemic control and lipid profile of dogs with stabilised diabetes.Methods:Twelve dogs with spontaneous diabetes mellitus were studied. Glycaemic control was evaluated by plasma fructosamine, glycosylated haemoglobin and 48‐hour serial blood glucose measurements. The insulin dosage required to maintain clinical stability was also determined. Lipid profiles comprised serial measurements of plasma cholesterol, triglyceride, free glycerol and free fatty acids. Data were analysed using analysis of variance.Results:There were no significant differences in insulin requirement or glycaemic control among diets. Weight loss occurred when the dogs were fed the high‐fibre, moderate‐carbohydrate, moderate‐fat diet (P<0·002), whereas weight was maintained with the other two diets. The high‐fibre, moderate‐carbohydrate, moderate‐fat diet resulted in lower mean plasma cholesterol compared with either of the higher‐fat diets (P≤0·003), and lower mean plasma triglyceride (P=0·060), free fatty acid (P<0·001) and free glycerol (P=0·015) than the commercial diet.ClinicalSignificance:For stable diabetic dogs, high‐fibre, moderate‐carbohydrate diets offered no significant advantage compared with a commercial diet with moderate fibre and low carbohydrate. Diets with high fibre, moderate carbohydrate and moderate fat should not be routinely recommended for dogs with thin body condition.