bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring impacts and adaptations to climate change: a structural Ricardian model of African livestock management1
Authors: Seo S. Niggol , Mendelsohn Robert 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article develops a new cross‐sectional methodology that explicitly incorporates adaptation into an analysis of the impacts of climate change. The methodology examines how a farmer will change choices of species and number to adapt to climate. The approach is applied to study Africa, where the impacts of climate change are expected to be the most severe. The results indicate that in warmer places, African farmers switch from beef cattle to more heat‐tolerant goats and sheep. In wetter places, farmers switch from cattle and sheep to goats and chickens. The results indicate that large commercial livestock operations specializing in beef cattle will be hard hit from climate change whereas small farmers who can easily substitute to goats and/or sheep will be more resilient.
Sheep as capital goods and farmers as portfolio managers: a bioeconomic model of Scandinavian sheep farming
Authors: Skonhoft Anders 
Published: August 2008

AbstractA model analyzing the economics of sheep farming is formulated. The basic idea is simple. Sheep are capital and they are held by farmers as long as their capital value exceeds their slaughter, or meat, value. Farmers are therefore portfolio managers aiming to find the optimal combination of different categories of animals. Yields are compared with the yields from other assets. The model is formulated within a Northern Scandinavian economic and biological setting with a crucial distinction between the outdoors grazing season and the indoors season, and with adult sheep and lambs being different categories. In the first step, the management problem is analyzed with only the meat income of the farmers taken into account. In the next step, income from wool production is considered as well. The analysis provides several results that differ from standard harvesting theory.
Short‐term clinical effects of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy in periodontal treatment: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Braun Andreas , Dehn Claudia , Krause Felix , Jepsen Søren 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjective: The aim of this study was to assess the effect of adjunctive antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) in chronic periodontitis.Material and Methods: Twenty patients with untreated chronic periodontitis were included. All teeth received periodontal treatment comprising scaling and root planing. Using a split‐mouth design, two quadrants (test group) were additionally treated with aPDT. Sulcus fluid flow rate (SFFR) and bleeding on probing (BOP) were assessed at baseline, 1 week and 3 months after treatment. Relative attachment level (RAL), probing depths (PDs) and gingival recession (GR) were evaluated at baseline and 3 months after treatment.Results: Baseline median values for PD, GR and RAL were not different in the test group and control group. Values for RAL, PD, SFFR and BOP decreased significantly 3 months after treatment in the control group (median delta RAL: −0.35 mm, inter‐quartile range: 0.21 mm), with a higher impact on the sites treated with adjunctive aPDT (median delta RAL: −0.67 mm, inter‐quartile range: 0.36 mm, p<0.05). GR increased 3 months after treatment with and without adjunctive aPDT (p<0.05), with no difference between the groups (p>0.05).Conclusions: In patients with chronic periodontitis, clinical outcomes of conventional subgingival debridement can be improved by adjunctive aPDT.
Dimensional changes of the alveolar ridge contour after different socket preservation techniques
Authors: Fickl Stefan , Zuhr Otto , Wachtel Hannes , Stappert Christian F. J. , Stein Jamal M. , Hürzeler Markus B. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectives: The aim of the following study was to assess contour changes after socket preservation techniques.Material and Methods: In five beagle dogs, the distal root of the third and fourth mandibular premolars was extracted. The following treatments (Tx) were randomly assigned for the extraction socket.Tx 1: BioOss Collagen.Tx 2: BioOss Collagen and a free soft tissue graft.Tx 3: No treatment.Tx 4: The internal buccal aspect was covered with an experimental collagen membrane, the extraction socket was filled with BioOss Collagen and the membrane folded on top of the graft.Impressions were obtained at baseline, 2 and 4 months after surgery. Bucco‐lingual measurements were performed using digital imaging analysis.Results: All groups displayed contour shrinkage at the buccal aspect. Only the differences between the two test groups (Tx 1, Tx 2) and the control group (Tx 3) were significant at the buccal aspect (p0.001). No measurements of the Tx 4 group could be performed.Conclusion: Socket preservation techniques, used in the present experiment, were not able to entirely compensate for the alterations after tooth extraction. Yet, incorporation of BioOss Collagen seems to have the potential to limit but not avoid the post‐operative contour shrinkage.
Guidelines for the prevention and control of tuberculosis in non‐human primates: recommendations of the European Primate Veterinary Association Working Group on Tuberculosis
Authors: Bushmitz Moshe , Lecu Alex , Verreck Frank , Preussing Ellen , Rensing Susanne , Mätz‐Rensing Kerstin ,   of the EPV‐Tuberculosis Working Group on Non‐human Primate Health
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground  Effective tuberculosis (TB) control requires accurate diagnostic methods but the tuberculin skin test has serious limitations. Both false‐negative and false‐positive reactions are common, resulting in the spread of the infection and devastating TB outbreaks. Results of questionnaire surveys concerning TB testing practices in primate housing facilities showed great differences in testing practices. Although there was some uniformity regarding the sites of application, the amounts of tuberculin used and the time intervals for retesting, a great deal of variety was revealed considering the types of tuberculin preparations, the interpretation of tests and the susceptibility of animals.Conclusion  Here, we summarize the most common practices as regards TB control and prevention for non‐human primates, and attempt to establish a uniform guideline based upon our experience with primate husbandry and care programmes as well as recent developments in the literature. The present guideline represents a consensus recommendation intending to harmonize the existing protocols.
Scar assessment scales: a dermatologic overview
Authors: Idriss Nayla , Maibach Howard I. 
Published: August 2008

Background: This overview critically compares subjective assessment tools and available objective measurement tools with potential devices becoming available. Our goal is to lay out the benefits of each scar assessment scale in order to propose good management skills for scars along with strong metric skills.Methods: Classifying a scar is important in daily clinical practice. Ultimately choosing which treatment modality best fits can become a challenge. Scar classification needs a more detailed and systematic approach. We researched all different factors contributing to scar formation to come up with a more detailed criteria. Such factors included pigmentation/vascularity, surface texture, surface area, thickness (scar height), and pliability.Results: Few studies have assessed scars; each provided an assessment scale of their own. Each scale is compared on the basis of accuracy, reliability, convenience in terms of feasibility and price.Conclusions: There remains still no ideal objective measurement out there despite promise seen in subjective evaluation. Method refinement will however accelerate our knowledge and interventions – based on increasing study power with enhanced metrics.
Calcium Dobesilate for the Treatment of Erectile Dysfunction in Men with Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Videla Sebastián , Villoria Jesús , Sust Mariano , Drábek František , Všetička Jaroslav , Pavlik Ivan , Kawaciuk Ivan , Louda Miroslav , García Carmen , Angulo Javier , Sáenz de Tejada Ínigo 
Published: August 2008

Abstract:  Calcium dobesilate has shown to improve endothelial function. This proof‐of‐concept clinical trial was done to check whether it may improve erectile dysfunction in diabetic men. Male diabetic patients with a diagnosis of erectile dysfunction were randomized to receive either calcium dobesilate 1 g twice per day or placebo for 6 weeks. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) was chosen as the primary efficacy measurement. Statistical procedures included a pre‐scheduled adaptive interim analysis to recalculate sample size. Relevant, but not significant differences in the mean change from baseline in the primary end‐point (IIEF questions 3, 4 and 7) favouring dobesilate with respect to placebo were observed. Such differences reached statistical significance in some secondary end‐points, including IIEF global as well as the erectile function and intercourse satisfaction domains’ scores. Some patients experienced an important placebo effect. Results suggest that dobesilate may be of help to treat diabetic erectile dysfunction. Co‐administration with phosphodiesterase inhibitors warrants further investigation.
Spectrum of GJB2 mutations causing deafness in the British Bangladeshi population
Authors: Bajaj Y. , Sirimanna T. , Albert D.M. , Qadir P. , Jenkins L. , Bitner‐Glindzicz M. 
Published: August 2008

Objective:  Mutations in Gap Junction Beta 2 (GJB2) (the gene encoding the protein Connexin 26) have been found to be a major cause of non‐syndromic sensorineural recessive deafness. The mutations in GJB2 causing hearing impairment vary in different populations. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and spectrum of GJB2 mutations in prelingual deafness in a population of Bangladeshi origin in the UK.Design:  Cross‐sectional survey.Setting:  Community based audiology clinic and tertiary level genetics department.Methods:  Fifty‐three families (67 patients) with sensorineural hearing loss of unknown cause were included in the study. Detailed history and examination excluded syndromic and environmental causes of hearing loss in the subjects as far as possible. Genetic analysis was performed, specifically looking for mutations in the GJB2 gene.Results:  Of the 53 families, 14 were confirmed to have biallelic pathogenic mutations in GJB2 (26%). The most common mutations of GJB2 in this population were W24X, IVS1+1, M1V, W77X and Q124X, W24X being the most common mutation seen in 57% of patients.Conclusion:  Mutations in GJB2 are responsible for over one quarter of non‐syndromic sensorineural deafness in the British Bangladeshi population. It is recommended that all Bangladeshi patients with non‐syndromic hearing loss should be first tested for GJB2 mutations before requesting other aetiological investigations.
Pharyngeal residue across the lifespan: a first look at what’s normal
Authors: Kelly A.M , Macfarlane K , Ghufoor K , Drinnan M.J , Lew‐Gor S 
Published: August 2008

Objectives:  Without good evidence, post‐swallow pharyngeal residue is considered abnormal. Our aim was to document residue from normal food and fluid boluses in young and elderly healthy populations.Design:  Prospective, single‐blind assessment of residue severity from Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing.Setting:  Tertiary specialist ENT teaching hospital.Participants:  Fifty‐one healthy participants; twenty‐one aged <40 and thirty aged 65+. Each swallowed six representative boluses.Outcomes:  Two teams independently rated pharyngeal residue severity at 11 anatomical sites.Results:  The mean residue scores were less than 1 when averaged across all boluses and anatomic sites. Differences due to age were slight.Conclusions:  Our preliminary data indicate that substantial pharyngeal residue is not common in young or elderly, and probably indicates disordered swallowing.
The added value of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing in tracheostomy weaning
Authors: Hales P.A. , Drinnan M.J. , Wilson J.A. 
Published: August 2008

Objective:  To determine if fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing adds information to the clinical assessment of swallowing in tracheostomised patients.Design:  A prospective, observational study.Setting:  Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge, UK.Participants:  Twenty‐five consecutive, adult, tracheostomised patients were recruited over a 3‐month period. They were referred to speech and language therapy for a swallowing assessment and were ready to trial cuff deflation.Main outcome measures:  In current practice the clinical assessment is invariably a precursor to fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and a test would be considered positive when penetration or aspiration are detected. We considered the value of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing following both positive and negative outcomes of the clinical assessment.Results:  The positive predictive value of aspiration or penetration was 91% i.e. when a clinical assessment is failed, there is a very high probability the patient would also be failed on fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing. However, the negative predictive value was only 64% i.e. over one‐third of patients who pass a clinical assessment would later fail a fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing.Conclusions:  Despite a small cohort, our data suggest that the assessment of swallowing to aid weaning in tracheostomised patients is currently performed incorrectly; we estimate that over a third of all tracheostomised patients that ‘pass’ the clinical assessment of swallowing are, in reality, at risk from penetration, aspiration or failed decannulation. This finding supports the use of fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing and a change in clinical practice.
Short‐term UV Exposure of Sunbathers at a Mediterranean Sea Site
Authors: Siani Anna Maria , Casale Giuseppe Rocco , Sisto Renata , Borra Massimo , Kimlin Michael G. , Lang Carolyn A. , Colosimo Alfredo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether systematic differences in solar UV exposure on a specific anatomical site (chest) exist among three groups of Italian sunbathers: healthy subjects (suntanned and non‐suntanned individuals) and subjects affected by abnormally high sensitivity to solar exposure. A second aim of the study was to search for a possible relation among biological markers of individual response to UV exposure (such as skin colorimetric parameters, skin temperature and changes in free radical amounts [FR] in the blood) and photosensitivity. FR in the blood were analyzed because of their possible influence on UV carcinogenesis. Measurements of ambient doses (i.e. incident erythemally weighted irradiance on a horizontal surface over a specified period of time) and erythemally effective UV dose received by an anatomical site (here called personal dose or exposure on a specific anatomical site) were investigated. Personal doses received by the chest were determined using polysulfone dosimetry. Exposure Ratio (ER), defined as the ratio between the personal dose and the corresponding ambient dose during the same exposure period, was then calculated. Measuring of skin color in the Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage L* (luminance), a* (redness), b* (yellowness) system and skin temperature were also carried out on the inner upper arm (nonexposed skin site) and on the chest. It was found that the median value of ER was 0.20 (min: 0.09 and max: 0.34) for suntanned individuals, it was 0.17 (min: 0.13 and max: 0.42) for non‐suntanned individuals and it was 0.19 (min: 0.14 and max: 0.34) for photosensitive individuals. There were no significant differences across the groups in their median ER scores. In addition, the statistical analysis showed that L* on the exposed site before exposure demonstrated consistently higher median scores after exposure in all groups. The b* value after exposure was significantly lower than before exposure in all participants, while no significant differences for a* were observed before or after exposure between or within the groups. Our findings suggest that photodermatoses are not significantly related to ER and to the changes in biological markers due to too short‐term UV exposure.
Use of differential expression data for identification of novel immune relevant expressed sequence tag‐linked microsatellite markers in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.)
Authors: TONTERI A. , VASEMÄGI A. , LUMME J. , PRIMMER C. R. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDespite the large number of genes contributing to the immune response, wildlife immunogenetic studies have tended to focus mostly on the major histocompatibility complex‐related genes. Here, we utilized previously published microarray and competitive RNA hybridization information to identify 3750 immune relevant Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) expressed sequence tags. We then identified those expressed sequence tags containing microsatellites and subsequently designed 48 primer pairs and tested them for polymorphism in Atlantic salmon. Altogether, 16 polymorphic markers were characterized, with allele numbers ranging from two to 18, and these 16 loci were further tested in five other salmonid species.
Susceptibility of selected tooth‐coloured dental materials to damage by common erosive acids
Authors: Wan Bakar WZ , McIntyre J 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Erosive substances such as gastric acids, lemon juice and even the less erosive cola drinks have been extensively investigated for their destructive effects on enamel. However, their effects on the tooth‐coloured restoratives has not been widely analysed. The objective of this study was to assess their effects on the more commonly used glass containing restorative materials in vitro.Materials and methods:  Sixty‐eight anterior and 24 molar tooth crowns had restorations placed of Fuji IX, Ketac Fil+, Fuji II LC or Z100, and were painted with nail varnish to leave a 2 mm border around the restorations. Six ceramic crown surfaces were also included. The anterior crowns and porcelain samples were exposed to 0.113% HCl, 5.0% citric acid, 0.02% orthophosphoric acid or DDW for 2, 4, 8 or 16 hours at 37°C. The molar restorations were exposed only for 16 hours. The surfaces of the anterior teeth were then examined by SEM to assess progressive stages of surface erosive etching. Depths of bulk loss of vulnerable restorative materials were measured in the remaining 24 molar teeth, and compared with depths of adjacent enamel loss, particularly at the margins, using Leika Microscope images of sections through these restorations.Results:  The traditional glass ionomer cements (GICs) were severely eroded by the HCl and citric acid solutions even following two hours of exposure, with only minor damage from phosphoric acid at the concentration tested. These materials experienced considerable bulk loss by 16 hours, comparable to or greater than that in adjacent enamel. The margins of the GIC restorations experienced greater dissolution than the body of the restorations, particularly in citric acid. Z100 Resin Composite and porcelain restorations showed no effects at all, and Fuji II LC only minor damage.Conclusions:  The results demonstrate the effectiveness of porcelain and resin containing materials in providing protection of enamel in advanced cases of erosion. The traditional GIC materials are vulnerable to severe damage in patients experiencing strong citric acid or gastric acid induced erosion. However, there is evidence that protective benefits are still present and these materials should be used but only in closed sandwich restorations in such cases.
A clinical trial comparing two all‐in‐one adhesive systems used to restore non‐carious cervical lesions: results at one year
Authors: Burrow MF , Tyas MJ 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  Few data exist with respect to the clinical performance of all‐in‐one adhesive systems. However, their clinical use is increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate the retention and marginal staining of resin composite restorations bonded with Clearfil S3 Bond or G‐Bond all‐in‐one systems placed in non‐carious cervical lesions.Materials and methods:  Sixty restorations were placed in 11 subjects, mean age 62.5 years. Approval for the clinical trial was obtained from the Human Ethics Committee of The University of Melbourne. Restorations were bonded and placed according to the manufacturers’ instructions. No enamel etching was performed on the enamel margins prior to restoration placement. Patients were recalled at six months, and one year for evaluation of presence and marginal staining. Photographic records were obtained prior to restoration, immediately after and at recall.Results:  All patients could be recalled. All restorations were present at both recall periods. A 100 per cent retention rate was obtained. Slight marginal staining was observed on four restorations for S3 and three restorations for G‐Bond.Conclusions:  The early results of this clinical evaluation showed good outcomes for both materials.
Prevalence of developmental enamel defects of the first permanent molars among school children in Western Australia
Authors: Arrow P 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBackground:  The prevalence of enamel defects in the first permanent molars among children has been reported to be high and may be on the increase, particularly in the European countries. Little information is available on the prevalence of enamel defects in the first permanent molars among children in Australia. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of enamel defects in the first permanent molars among school children in Western Australia.Methods:  Informed consent was obtained from parents of children attending pre‐primary schools within an administrative area of the School Dental Service of Western Australia in metropolitan Perth to participate in the study in 2005. Parents completed a questionnaire about the mother’s health status during pregnancy, and their child’s health status for the first three years. Participating children were examined during 2006 and 2007 by one examiner. Teeth were classified on the type and extent of enamel defects using the modified DDE index, and deciduous tooth caries experience of molars and canines was recorded using the WHO criteria.Results:  Parents of 634 children out of the eligible 1135 (56 per cent participation) completed the questionnaire. Five hundred and eleven children with at least one erupted first permanent molar were examined (mean age 7.1 years, SD 0.5). Of the first permanent molars, 42 per cent upper right; 37 per cent upper left; 47 per cent lower left; and 45 per cent lower right were without enamel defects. White diffuse opacities were the predominant enamel defects found with 46 per cent upper right; 47 per cent upper left; 40 per cent lower left and 41 per cent lower right molars affected. Demarcated opacities alone or in association with other defects affected 11 per cent upper right; 14 per cent upper left; 10 per cent lower left and 9 per cent lower right molars. At the individual level, 71 per cent had permanent molars with enamel defects; 47 per cent with white diffuse opacities and 22 per cent with demarcated opacities.Conclusions:  Prevalence of enamel defects among this school population is high. Majority of defects were white diffuse opacities and the prevalence of demarcated opacities is at the high end of that reported for some European countries. Possible risk factors for enamel defects remains to be tested.