bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probiotic bacteria affect the composition of salivary pellicle and streptococcal adhesion in vitro
Authors: Haukioja A. , Loimaranta V. , Tenovuo J. 
Published: June 2008

Introduction:  The use of probiotic bacteria is increasing worldwide and at least some of them can transiently colonize the oral cavity. Several studies have shown that probiotic bacteria, which are often thought of in relation only to intestinal health, can also affect the oral ecology, but the mechanisms for this are largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro if the probiotic bacteria used in commercial products affect the protein composition of the salivary pellicle and the adherence of other oral bacteria.Methods:  Salivary pellicle on hydroxyapatite and the adhesion of two oral streptococci, Streptococcus mutans and Streptococcus gordonii, were used as a model.Results:  Probiotic bacteria that bound to saliva‐coated hydroxyapatite reduced the adhesion of S. mutans but the inhibitory effect on the adherence of S. gordonii was weaker. Salivary pellicle protein composition was modified by all the strains tested. The modifications in the pellicle affected the adherence of S. mutans but not of S. gordonii. Two of the proteins missing from the pellicles made of saliva‐treated with the probiotic bacteria were identified as salivary agglutinin gp340 and salivary peroxidase. All bacterial strains bound salivary agglutinin gp340. The ability of the probiotic bacteria to degrade peroxidase was demonstrated with purified bovine lactoperoxidase and two of the probiotic strains.Conclusion:  This in vitro study showed that probiotic strains used in commercial products may affect the oral ecology by specifically preventing the adherence of other bacteria and by modifying the protein composition of the salivary pellicle.
Diversity of essential oil glands of clary sage (Salvia sclarea L., Lamiaceae)
Authors: Schmiderer C. , Grassi P. , Novak J. , Weber M. , Franz C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe Lamiaceae is rich in aromatic plant species. Most of these species produce and store essential oils in specialised epidermal oil glands, which are responsible for their specific flavour. Two types of glands producing essential oil and possessing different morphological structure can be found in Salvia sclarea: peltate and capitate glands. The content of single oil glands from different positions on the plant (corolla, calyx and leaf) were sampled using an SPME fibre and analysed by gas chromatography in order to study variability of the essential oil composition. It was found that the composition of terpenoids is quite variable within an individual plant. Capitate oil glands mainly produce three essential oil compounds: the monoterpenes linalool and linalyl acetate, and the diterpene sclareol. Peltate oil glands, however, accumulate noticeable concentrations of sesquiterpenes and an unknown compound (m/z = 354). Furthermore, the oil composition varies within each gland type according to the plant organ. Linalool and linalyl acetate are characteristic substances of flowers, whereas the sesquiterpenes occur in higher proportions in leaves. Even within one gland type on a single leaf, the chemical variability is exceedingly high.
Precipitation and temperature as factors in Gremmeniella abietina epidemics
Authors: Thomsen I. M. 
Published: June 2008

SummaryThe combination of temperature and precipitation during the growth season could be correlated with the occurrence of Gremmeniella abietina epidemics in Denmark. The Gremmeniella index value (GIV) is the result of the monthly rain in mm divided by average monthly temperature in centigrade (mm/°C) and it was created to facilitate easy prediction of epidemics in Denmark. The two most severe outbreaks of G. abietina in pine and other conifers in Denmark took place in 1963–64 and 1984–85, following years where low average temperatures and high precipitation in May combined with the same weather patterns in either August or September. These meteorological conditions were not fulfilled from 1874 to 1900, in which period Pinus nigra was pronounced unsuitable for Danish forestry because of recurring problems with fungal disease. However, the earlier epidemics seemed to coincide with cold and rainy weather (high GIV) in August. In addition, severity of epidemics may also depend on the presence of dense stands between 30 and 40 years of age, as high GIV in August has occurred without disease outbreak in periods with low frequency of susceptible stands. Gremmeniella abietina attacks in Denmark are initiated by the climatic conditions expressed by the Gremmeniella index value, although it does not explain the biological process behind this phenomenon. Nevertheless, the method could be useful for other regions, where epidemics of G. abietina may be related to weather.
ADVANCING AN ADVANCE DIRECTIVE DEBATE
Authors: BUFORD CHRISTOPHER 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTA challenge has recently been levelled against the legal and/or moral legitimacy of some advance directives. It has been argued that in certain cases an advance directive carries no weight in a decision on whether to withhold treatment, since the individual in the debilitating state is not the same person as the person who created the advance directive. In the first section of this paper, I examine two formulations of the argument against the moral legitimacy of the advance directives under review. The second section reviews, and criticizes, an objection to such arguments. In the penultimate section, possible models supporting the viability of the advance directives are considered. The final section makes good on an obligation incurred by the title of the paper.
Children's Gender‐ and Ethnicity‐based Reasoning about Foods
Authors: Lam Virginia , Leman Patrick 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis article reports two studies that investigated the ways in which children use gender and ethnicity for making judgments about food choice. In Study 1, White and Asian 5‐ to 10‐year‐olds (M = 7.37) were asked to rate how much they and others would like novel non‐stereotyped foods. White children inferred that girls and White others would like the foods more than boys and Asian others would. An ‘ethnocentric’ pattern was found where children inferred that ethnic in‐group others’ food‐liking would be more similar to their own compared with ethnic out‐group others. These patterns were replicated with adults. In Study 2, a larger range of foods was used to assess White, Black, and Asian 3‐ to 8‐year‐olds (M = 5.63), followed by gender and ethnic categorization and constancy tasks. Children from five to six years used ethnicity‐based reasoning, which was influenced by their ability to categorize themselves and others by ethnicity. The role of social categories in food choice is discussed in the light of theories and research in category‐based reasoning.
Self‐protective Optimism: Children's Biased Beliefs about the Stability of Traits
Authors: Diesendruck Gil , Lindenbaum Tali 
Published: June 2008

AbstractStudies indicate that children believe that positive behaviors are more likely than negative ones to remain stable across time and situations. The present study assessed whether children hold such optimism equally regarding their own vs. others' behavioral patterns. Thirty five‐year‐olds answered questions about the extent to which they viewed themselves as having various positively, neutrally, and negatively valued behavioral patterns. An experimenter then asked children about the extent to which behavioral patterns that children thought they had would remain stable in themselves and in others, and the extent to which behavioral patterns that they did not think they had would remain stable in others. We found that children gave higher stability ratings for positive behaviors in themselves than in others, and the opposite regarding negative behaviors. This self‐protective optimism is discussed vis‐à‐vis the relationship between children's beliefs about traits and their behaviors and motivations.
Children's Reasoning about Lie‐telling and Truth‐telling in Politeness Contexts
Authors: Heyman Gail D. , Sweet Monica A. , Lee Kang 
Published: June 2008

AbstractChildren's reasoning about lying and truth‐telling was examined among participants ages 7–11 (total N = 181) with reference to conflicts between being honest and protecting the feelings of others. In Study 1, participants showed different patterns of evaluation and motivational inference in politeness contexts vs. transgression contexts: in politeness contexts, they rated lie‐telling more favorably and were far more likely to assume that motives were prosocial. In Study 2, participants evaluated lie‐telling more positively and truth‐telling more negatively in politeness contexts, especially when they focused on the implications of the statements for others instead of whether the statements were true or false.
The transmission of business cycles Implications for EMU enlargement1
Authors: Artis Michael J. , Fidrmuc Jarko , Scharler Johann 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe show that countries characterized by large bilateral trade and financial flows tend to have more correlated business cycles. However, we also find that countries with divergent fiscal policies and highly regulated labour markets are subject to idiosyncratic cycles. Applying these results to the new member states of the EU weakens the optimistic view towards the monetary integration of these countries into the euro area, which is frequently found in the literature. Although our results suggest that extensive trade and financial linkages are likely to result in further increases in business cycle correlation, an increase in labour market regulation and the pursuit of national fiscal policies may result in a counteracting effect.
Does access to credit improve productivity?  Evidence from Bulgaria1
Authors: Gatti Roberta , Love Inessa 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAlthough it is widely accepted that financial development is associated with higher growth, the evidence on the channels through which credit affects growth at the microeconomic level is scant. Using data from a cross‐section of Bulgarian firms, we estimate the impact of access to credit, as proxied by indicators of whether firms have access to a credit line or overdraft facility, on productivity. To overcome potential omitted variable bias of Ordinary Least Squares (OLS) estimates, we use information on firms’ past growth to instrument for access to credit. We find credit to be positively and strongly associated with TFP. These results are robust to a wide range of robustness checks.
Medfly populations differ in diel and age patterns of sexual signalling
Authors: Diamantidis Alexandros D. , Papadopoulos Nikos T. , Carey James R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInsect populations may differ in several life history traits, including behavioural ones such as sexual signalling. We tested whether male Mediterranean fruit fly (medlfy),Ceratitis capitata(Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), populations obtained from geographically isolated areas exhibit differences in quantitative and qualitative aspects of male sexual signalling. Male sexual signalling was studied in four medfly populations (originating from Brazil, Portugal, Kenya, and Greece) under identical laboratory conditions (25 °C, 60% r.h., and L14:D10). The four populations had been reared for one generation in the laboratory. Sexual signalling was studied in the F1progeny that were fed one of two diets (yeast hydrolysate plus sugar or sugar only). On both diets, the four populations differed significantly in the progress of maturity (indicated by the average number of males exhibiting sexual signalling) and in the quantity of signalling after attaining maturity. Yeast availability significantly increased sexual signalling; however, it had a different impact on the quantity of signalling in the different populations. A bi‐modal pattern of sexual signalling, with one peak at approximately 08:00–09:00 hours and the second at approximately 13:00–14:00 hours, was recorded for all populations and diets. However, quantitative differences among the populations within the ‘sexually active’ period of the day resulted in significant differences in the daily pattern of sexual signalling. The significance of these findings for understanding adaptations of geographically isolated medfly populations to different ecosystems, as well as its practical importance for the application of the sterile insect technique againstC. capitata, is discussed.
Ovarian response to resource availability in female Rhagoletis indifferens
Authors: Senger Susan E. , Roitberg Bernard D. , Thistlewood Howard M. A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractFitness trade‐offs in behavioural ecology theory suggest that the costs associated with dispersal can impact reproductive output, but evidence of dispersal‐reproduction trade‐offs is often lacking. We present evidence of Rhagoletis indifferens Curran (Diptera: Tephritidae) developing its egg load in response to host availability [Prunus avium L. (Rosaceae)] and link this to our previous work on flight behaviour through the common methodology of these two studies. We replicated the study design from the flight mill experiment, such that females were maintained in one of six possible treatments combining two factors: social interactions (crowded vs. isolated) and resources (food = food only; leaf = food + leaf; and cherry = food + leaf + fruit), and then dissected the females to determine egg load. Egg counts varied significantly with ‘crowded’ females and those in the ‘cherry’ resource treatments producing the most mature eggs. Although the average mature egg count for females from the ‘leaf’ and ‘food’ resource treatments was similar, these two groups differed in the proportion of females that produced no mature eggs at all. No significant interaction terms between the factors tested were generated. We conclude that the effect of social interactions and resources on the maturation of eggs is additive in R. indifferens. These results support those of an earlier flight mill experiment and provide evidence that egg load may trade off with dispersal ability in R. indifferens.
Nasal high‐frequency ventilation for premature infants
Authors: Colaizy Tarah T , Younis Usama MM , Bell Edward F , Klein Jonathan M 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim: To assess the use of nasal high‐frequency ventilation (HFV) to provide noninvasive ventilatory support for very low birthweight (VLBW) infants.Study Design: VLBW infants, >7 days of age on nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), were placed on nasal HFV for 2 h using the Infant Star high‐frequency ventilator (Mallinckrodt, Inc., St. Louis, MO, USA). Mean airway pressure was set to equal the previous level of CPAP, and amplitude was adjusted to obtain chest wall vibration. Capillary blood was sampled before starting HFV and after 2 h to determine change in pH and partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2).Results: Fourteen subjects were studied, 10 males and 4 females. Gestational age was 26–30 weeks (median 27). Age at study was 18–147 days (median 30). Median birth weight was 955 g; median weight at study was 1605 g. Nasal CPAP pressure was 4–7 cm H2O (mean 5). Amplitude was 30–60 (median 50). After 2 h, PCO2 (mean 45 torr) was significantly lower than initial PCO2 (mean 50 torr) (p = 0.01), and pH had increased significantly (7.40 vs. 7.37, p = 0.04).Conclusions: Nasal HFV is effective in decreasing pCO2 in stable premature infants requiring nasal CPAP support. Long‐term use of nasal HFV requires further study.
Sexual Dysfunction after Premenopausal Stage I and II Breast Cancer: Do Androgens Play a Role?
Authors: Alder Judith , Zanetti Rosanna , Wight Edward , Urech Corinne , Fink Nadine , Bitzer Johannes 
Published: June 2008

ABSTRACTIntroductionSexual dysfunction after breast cancer has been attributed to a variety of treatment associated and psychological factors. Data on the role of a treatment-induced decrease of testosterone for the development of sexual problems in breast cancer survivors have remained inconclusive. However, androgen metabolites constitute a more reliable measure for total androgen activity.AimTo measure levels of total androgen activity in breast cancer patients and to investigate relevant predictors of sexual dysfunction after breast cancer.MethodsTwenty-nine patients with a premenopausal diagnosis of Stage I or II breast cancer and terminated adjuvant treatment, completed questionnaires on sexuality, quality of relationship, body image, and depression. In addition, blood samples were taken for the analysis of sex steroids.Main outcome measuresFemale Sexual Function Index (FSFI), Relationship (PFB), Beck Depression Inventory, and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer quality of life questionnaire. Analysis of dihydroepiandrosterone, dihydroepiandrosterone-sulfate, androstenedione, 17β-diol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, androsterone, and ADT-G, 3-alpha-diol-3G, 3-alpha-diol-17G.ResultsLow levels of sex steroids reflected the medication-induced postmenopausal status independent of the type of chemotherapy treatment. Sexual dysfunction was present in 68% of the study group. Women with a history of chemotherapy were more affected in all of the FSFI-domains. The only predictor for desire was quality of relationship, while chemotherapy was predictive for problems with arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and sexual pain. Sexual satisfaction and higher FSFI sum scores were predicted by better quality of relationship and no history of chemotherapy, together explaining 54.2% and 49.7% of the variance.ConclusionSexual dysfunction after breast cancer is common and women should be informed properly at an early stage of treatment. Specific interventions have to be offered considering person-related preexisting factors and couples at risk should be supported in the transition to sexual life after breast cancer.
Long‐term evaluation of body mass at weaning and postweaning survival rates of Weddell seals in Erebus Bay, Antarctica
Authors: Proffitt Kelly M. , Garrott Robert A. , Rotella Jay J. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractVariability in juvenile survival rate is expected to be an important component of the dynamics of long‐lived animal populations. Across a range of species, individual variation in juvenile body mass has been shown to be an important cause of variation in fates of juveniles. Our goal in this paper was to estimate age‐specific apparent survival rates for Weddell seals (Leptonychotes weddellii) in Erebus Bay, Antarctica, and to investigate hypotheses about relationships between body mass at weaning and apparent survival rate for juveniles. Mark–resighting models found average apparent juvenile survival rate (survival from weaning to age 3) was similar between males and females, and revealed positive relationships between body mass at weaning and apparent juvenile survival rate. The effects of body mass on juvenile survival rate differed between the sexes and the relationship between body mass and survival rate was stronger in males. These results indicate that the magnitude of energy transferred from mother to pup during lactation likely has important consequences on offspring survival rate and maternal fitness.
Injection of sodium hyaluronate compared with a corticosteroid in the treatment of patients with temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis: clinical effects and computed tomography evaluation of osseous changes
Authors: Møystad A. , Bjørnland T. , Mork‐Knutsen B.B. , Gjærum A.A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAim:  We compared the osseous changes in the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), assessed on computed tomography (CT) examinations, before and after two intra‐articular TMJ injections of sodium hyaluronate or corticosteroid, in patients with osteoarthritis of the TMJ and related these to the clinical findings of pain, function and complications.Material and methods:  Forty patients were randomly allocated into two groups for two intra‐articular injections with the two drugs. The effect of treatment was evaluated before and 6 months after the injections. Bilateral TMJ examinations with high resolution CT were obtained in 36 patients before and 6 months after treatment. Treated and contralateral TMJs were evaluated for the presence of osteoarthritic osseous abnormalities by two reviewers independently.Results:  Injection with sodium hyaluronate was significantly more effective in decreasing pain intensity than corticosteroid. Progression, regression and no change of osseous abnormalities were demonstrated in 14, 10 and 12 TMJs, respectively, 6 months after treatment. Decreased pain intensity and increased vertical mandibular opening were observed in the majority of patients where progression of osseous changes was observed on CT.Conclusions:  Injections in the TMJ with sodium hyaluronate or corticosteroid may reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis. Progression, regression and no changes were observed in treated as well as untreated TMJs. Radiological evaluation of progression of osteoarthritis does not always reflect the clinical signs and symptoms.
Amputation of lower left lip following dental local anaesthetic
Authors: Akram A. , Kerr R.M.F. , Mclennan A.S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractA case is presented of an accidental bite injury of the lower lip after the administration of an inferior alveolar block. The aim is to highlight this potentially serious consequence of local anaesthetic treatment. The importance of appropriate and thorough postoperative instructions following a dental procedure under local anaesthetic is discussed.
Measuring the refractive properties of the diabetic eye during blurred vision and hyperglycaemia using aberrometry and Scheimpflug imaging
Authors: Wiemer Nanouk G. M. , Dubbelman Michiel , Ringens Peter J. , Polak Bettine C. P. 
Published: June 2008

Abstract.Purpose: This study aimed to measure the refraction and geometry in the diabetic eye during the presence and absence of hyperglycaemia and blurred vision, using aberrometry and Scheimpflug imaging.Methods: Aberrometry and Scheimpflug imaging were used to examine ocular refraction and higher‐order aberrations, as well as the shape of the cornea and the lens, in 25 patients with diabetes mellitus. From these parameters, the equivalent refractive index of the lens was calculated. Using pairedt‐tests, comparisons were made between a first series of measurements (Visit 1) taken in the presence of blurred vision and hyperglycaemia (> 10.0 μmol/l), and a second series of measurements (Visit 2) taken under normal conditions.Results: The mean difference in blood glucose between Visits 1 and 2 was 5.9 mmol/l (standard deviation [SD] 3.1) (p < 0.0001). Both small hyperopic and myopic shifts of equivalent refractive error (ERE) were found in nine patients (mean absolute difference ERE: 0.38 D [SD 0.12]; p = 0.02). Furthermore, higher‐order aberrations (root mean square [RMS] error) were slightly increased in four patients (mean difference RMS error: 0.07 μm [SD 0.02]; p = 0.04) at Visit 1, compared to Visit 2. No significant changes were observed in the shape of the cornea or lens in any of the patients. No significant correlations were found between changes in blood glucose levels and the measured parameters in diabetic eyes.Conclusions: The present study suggests that subjective symptoms of blurred vision during hyperglycaemia are not necessarily caused by changes in the refractive properties of the diabetic eye.