bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing an Acceptability Assessment of Preventive Dental Treatments
Authors: Hyde Susan , Gansky Stuart A. , Gonzalez‐Vargas Maria J. , Husting Sheila R. , Cheng Nancy F. , Millstein Susan G. , Adams Sally H. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Objectives: Early childhood caries (ECC) is very prevalent among young Hispanic children. ECC is amenable to a variety of preventive procedures, yet many Hispanic families underutilize dental services. Acceptability research may assist in health care planning and resource allocation by identifying patient preferences among efficacious treatments with the goal of improving their utilization. The purposes of this study were (a) to develop a culturally competent acceptability assessment instrument, directed toward the caregivers of young Hispanic children, for five preventive dental treatments for ECC and (b) to test the instrument's reliability and validity. Methods: An instrument of five standard treatments known to prevent ECC was developed, translated, reviewed by focus groups, and pilot tested, then tested for reliability. The instrument included illustrated cards, brief video clips, and samples of the treatments and was culturally appropriate for low‐income Hispanic caregivers. In addition to determining the acceptability of the five treatments individually, the treatments were also presented as paired comparisons. Results: Focus groups and debriefing interviews following the pilot tests established that the instrument has good face validity. The illustrated cards, product samples, and video demonstrations of the five treatments resulted in an instrument possessing good content validity. The instrument has good to excellent test–retest reliability, with identical time 1–time 2 responses for each of the five treatments 92 percent of the time (range 87 to 97 percent), and the same treatment of the paired comparisons preferred 75 percent of the time (range 61 to 90 percent). Conclusions: The acceptability instrument described is reliable and valid and may be useful in program planning efforts to identify and increase the utilization of preferred ECC preventive treatments for target populations.
Objective, Subjective, and Self‐Assessment of Preadolescent Orthodontic Treatment Need – A Function of Age, Gender, and Ethnic/Racial Background?
Authors: Christopherson Elizabeth A. , Briskie Dan , Inglehart Marita Rohr 
Published: July 2008

Abstract Children from socioeconomically disadvantaged and/or underrepresented minority backgrounds in the United States have limited or no access to orthodontic treatment. Objectives: To determine whether preadolescents' (a) objectively assessed orthodontic treatment need; (b) subjectively assessed orthodontic treatment need; and (c) self‐perceptions of the psychologic aspects of their oral health‐related quality of life and desire to have braces vary as a function of age, gender, ethnicity/race, and socioeconomic status (SES). Methods: Data were collected from 1,566 preadolescents (age range: 8 to 11 years; 47.3 percent male/52.7 percent female; 55.7 percent African‐American/39.7 percent White/2.9 percent Hispanic) in oral exams and in face to face interviews. Malocclusion was determined with the Index of Orthodontic Treatment Need. Results: Children (17.2 percent) had definite treatment need, 33.7 percent were borderline, and 49.1 percent had little or no need. Objectively and subjectively assessed treatment need was not affected by the children's age or gender. However, girls were more critical of their smiles and wanted braces more than boys. The older the children were, the more critical they were and the more they wanted braces. African‐American children and children in schools with higher percentages of children on free school lunches had less treatment need than White children and children in schools with lower percentages of students with free school lunches. While the provider‐assessed treatment need was higher for White children than for Black children, Black children were less happy with their smiles than White children, and wanted braces more than White children. SES did not affect the children's self‐perceptions. Conclusions: Findings showed that substantial percentages of the preadolescents have an orthodontic treatment need. Orthodontic need and child self‐perceptions varied as a function of the children's age, gender, ethnicity/race, and SES.
Racial Differences in Baseline Treatment Preference as Predictors of Receiving a Dental Extraction Versus Root Canal Therapy During 48 Months of Follow‐Up
Authors: Boykin Michael J. , Gilbert Gregg H. , Tilashalski Ken R. , Litaker Mark S. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to test hypotheses that: a) treatment preference as stated at baseline predicts subsequent receipt of extraction (EXT) versus root canal treatment; and b) racial differences in treatment preference at baseline account for racial differences in receipt of these treatments during follow‐up. Methods: Data were taken from the Florida Dental Care Study. This stratified random sample included at baseline 873 subjects, all of whom were 45 years old or older, reported race as non‐Hispanic African American or non‐Hispanic white, and had at least one tooth. At baseline, participants were asked about past dental care characteristics, history of or current presence of various dental diseases and conditions, and sociodemographic circumstance. An EXT/root canal treatment “CHOICE” scenario was also queried at baseline. Predisposing, enabling, and need factors were tested as predictors of EXT/root canal treatment received during follow‐up. Bivariate multivariable logistic regression analyses quantified associations between the outcomes (EXT/root canal) and the predictors. Results: Receipt of EXT or root canal treatment during follow‐up was strongly related to race even after people with mobile teeth at baseline were excluded from the analysis. Certain baseline factors (tooth mobility, periodontal attachment level, and ability to pay an unexpected dental bill) strongly predicted EXT/root canal treatment receipt during follow‐up, although significant race effects remained; however, including “CHOICE” removed the race effect. Conclusions: Baseline treatment preference strongly predicts subsequent receipt of EXT versus root canal treatment. Racial differences in treatment received during follow‐up were explained by baseline racial differences in treatment preference, tooth mobility, and periodontal status.
Oral Disease Burden and Utilization of Dental Care Patterns Among Pediatric Solid Organ Transplant Recipients
Authors: Shiboski Caroline H. , Kawada Phyllis , Golinveaux Megan , Tornabene Ann , Krishnan Sumathi , Mathias Robert , Den Besten Pamela , Rosenthal Philip 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Objectives: We conducted a study among pediatric renal (RTRs) and liver transplant recipients (LTRs) to determine: a) the overall burden of oral disease; and b) the frequency with which this population utilizes dental care services in relation to sociodemographic factors and oral disease burden. Methods: In this cross‐sectional survey, study procedures included the completion of a standardized questionnaire (by parents/guardians), oral mucosal examination, assessment of caries, gingival enlargement, and plaque index. Results: The 142 children (82 RTRs and 60 LTRs) enrolled from April 2002 to November 2005 were predominantly Latino (41 percent) and Caucasian (34 percent). Forty‐three percent had at least one carious surface (in either a deciduous or permanent tooth), 19 percent had five or more carious surfaces, and 25 percent had gingival enlargement. We found only one case of oral candidiasis. Even though 72 percent of parents/guardians reported their child had a regular source of dental care, only 49 percent had a dental cleaning and 44 percent had dental radiographs in the past year, reflecting a low prevalence of preventive dental care. Among children with no regular source of dental care, there were statistically significantly higher proportions of Latinos, younger children, and families with an annual household income <$35,000. Conclusion: While the prevalence of oral mucosal disease and gingival enlargement was low, the prevalence of children with caries was high, and there was low use of preventive dental care. Strategies to improve this population's utilization of preventive dental care are needed.
Is the Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire Sensitive to Change in the Context of Orthodontic Treatment? A Brief Communication
Authors: Agou Shoroog , Malhotra Monika , Tompson Bryan , Prakash Preeti , Locker David 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to assess the ability of the Child Oral Health Quality of Life Questionnaire (COHQoL) to detect change following provision of orthodontic treatment. Methods: Children were recruited from an orthodontic clinic just prior to starting orthodontic treatment. They completed a copy of the Child Perception Questionnaire, while their parents completed a copy of the Parents Perception Questionnaire and the Family Impact Scale. Normative outcomes were assessed using the Dental Aesthetic Index (DAI) and the Peer Assessment Rating (PAR) index. Change scores and effect sizes were calculated for all scales. Results: Complete data were collected for 45 children and 26 parents. The mean age was 12.6 years (standard deviation = 1.4). There were significant pre‐/posttreatment changes in DAI and PAR scores and significant changes in scores on all three questionnaires (P < 0.05). Effect sizes for the latter were moderate. Global transition judgments also confirmed pre‐/posttreatment improvements in oral health and well‐being. Conclusion: The results provide preliminary evidence of the sensitivity to change of the COHQoL questionnaires when used with children receiving orthodontic treatment. However, the study needs to be repeated in different treatment settings and with a larger sample size in order to confirm the utility of the measure.
Barriers and Triggers to Seeking Help for Potentially Malignant Oral Symptoms: Implications for Interventions
Authors: Scott Suzanne E. , Grunfeld Elizabeth A. , Auyeung Vivian , McGurk Mark 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Objectives: The detection of oral cancer at an early stage is the most effective means to improve survival and reduce morbidity. However, approximately 30 percent of patients delay seeking help for more than 3 months following the self‐discovery of symptoms of oral cancer. This study aimed to increase our understanding of patient delay to inform the development of interventions to encourage early presentation of oral cancer. Methods: Newly referred patients (n = 57) with potentially malignant oral symptoms were interviewed to determine influences on the timing of their decision to seek help. “Framework analysis” was used to analyze transcripts from semi‐structured interviews. Results: Barriers to seeking help related to beliefs about symptoms, the health care professional (HCP), and an individual's circumstances. The main triggers to seeking help included the symptomatology and the presence of another reason for visiting an HCP. Conclusions: The results are discussed with reference to their implications for interventions aimed at reducing patient delay.
Central European floods 2002: lessons learned in Saxony
Authors: Socher M. , Böhme‐Korn G. 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn August 2002, Germany and particularly Saxony were hit by a severe flood affecting more than two‐thirds of Saxony's territory. This disastrous flood event gave rise to reconsideration and redirection of flood protection and related disaster management in Saxony. A comprehensive strategic approach was developed. Primarily, any reconstruction and flood protection measure is based on Flood Protection Concepts, which have been developed for all relevant rivers till 2005. In these concepts, more than 1600 individual flood protection measures are proposed and 548 flood risk maps for all communities at risk are available. With a new methodology specially developed for this task, all measures were prioritised, and a Flood Protection Investment Programme with considerable financial resources was put into operation. Furthermore, the new state flood centre ‘Landeshochwasserzentrum’ has been set up and became operational in 2004. It established an advanced full coverage forecast and alert system that has already demonstrated its reliable performance during recent floods.
Dynamic
Crack-Tip Stress and Displacement Fields Under Thermomechanical Loading in Functionally Graded
Materials
Authors: Lee Kwang
Ho , Chalivendra Vijaya
Bhaskar , Shukla Arun 
Published: July 2008

Abstract
Thermomechanical stress and displacement fields for a propagating crack in functionally graded materials (FGMs) are developed using displacement potentials and asymptotic analysis. The shear modulus, mass density, and coefficient of thermal expansion of the FGMs are assumed to vary exponentially along the gradation direction. Temperature and heat flux distribution fields are also derived for an exponential variation of thermal conductivity. The mode mixity due to mixed-mode loading conditions around the crack tip is accommodated in the analysis through the superposition of opening and shear modes. Using the asymptotic stress fields, the contours of isochromatics (contours of constant maximum shear stress) are developed and the results are discussed for various crack-tip thermomechanical loading conditions.
Stable Integration Vector for Nutrient Broth-Based Selection of AttenuatedListeria monocytogenesStrains with Recombinant Antigen Expression
Authors: Lenz Laurel L. , Huang William A. , Zhou Chenghui , Li Zhongxia , Calendar Richard 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACTRecombinantListeria monocytogenesstrains induce strong cellular immune responses and may prove useful for antigen delivery for the vaccination of humans. However, the genetic systems currently available for the stable expression of recombinant antigens byL. monocytogenesrely on the use of antibiotic resistance genes. We report on a derivative, pPL2dalGlnA, of theListeria monocytogenespPL2 integration vector that completely lacks drug resistance genes. The selectable markers in pPL2dalGlnA are glutamine synthetase (GlnA) and alanine racemase (Dal). This novel vector was stably maintained in auxotropicL. monocytogenesstrains that normally required-alanine. The pPL2dalGlnA vector also partially restored the ability of anL. monocytogenesΔdalΔdatstrain to colonize the spleens and livers of infected mice. A novel, highly attenuated strain ofL. monocytogeneswith quadruple deletions was also engineered by deleting theL. monocytogenes actAandplcBvirulence genes from a ΔdalΔdatstrain. Infection of mice with recombinants of this mutant strain that express the antigen from pPL2dalGlnA were shown to elicit CD8+T-cell responses to human immunodeficiency virus Tat. This vector system is thus useful for stable antigen expression and vaccination studies.
Neisseria meningitidis
Intermediately Resistant to Penicillin and Causing Invasive Disease in South Africa in 2001 to 2005
Authors: du Plessis Mignon , von Gottberg Anne , Cohen Cheryl , de Gouveia Linda , Klugman Keith P. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Neisseria meningitidis
strains (meningococci) with decreased susceptibility to penicillin (MICs, >0.06 μg/ml) have been reported in several parts of the world, but the prevalence of such isolates in Africa is poorly described. Data from an active national laboratory-based surveillance program from January 2001 through December 2005 were analyzed. A total of 1,897 cases of invasive meningococcal disease were reported, with an average annual incidence of 0.83/100,000 population. Of these cases, 1,381 (73%) had viable isolates available for further testing; 87 (6%) of these isolates tested intermediately resistant to penicillin (Pen
i
). Pen
i
meningococcal isolates were distributed throughout all provinces and age groups, and there was no association with outcome or human immunodeficiency virus infection. The prevalence of Pen
i
was lower in serogroup A (7/295; 2%) than in serogroup B (24/314; 8%), serogroup C (9/117; 8%), serogroup Y (22/248; 9%), or serogroup W135 (25/396; 6%) (
P
= 0.02). Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis grouped 63/82 Pen
i
isolates into nine clusters, mostly according to serogroup. The clustering of patterns from Pen
i
isolates was not different from that of penicillin-susceptible isolates. Twelve sequence types were identified among 18 isolates arbitrarily selected for multilocus sequence typing. DNA sequence analysis of the
penA
gene identified 26 different alleles among the Pen
i
isolates. Intermediate penicillin resistance is thus widespread among meningococcal serogroups, has been selected in a variety of lineages, and, to date, does not appear to be associated with increased mortality. This is the first report describing the prevalence and molecular epidemiology of Pen
i
meningococcal isolates from sub-Saharan Africa.
Intragenomic Variation in the Internal Transcribed Spacer 1 Region of
Dientamoeba fragilis
as a Molecular Epidemiological Marker
Authors: Bart Aldert , van der Heijden Harold M. , Greve Sophie , Speijer Dave , Landman Wil J. , van Gool Tom 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Dientamoeba fragilis
is a parasite that has been recognized to be a causative agent of gastrointestinal symptoms. Because in most studies only some infected persons experience symptoms, it is possible that
D. fragilis
is a heterogeneous species with variants that display similar morphologies but different pathogenicities. The search for genetic variation in
D. fragilis
was based on the small-subunit rRNA gene, which was not found to be useful for molecular epidemiology. In this report, we describe the isolation and characterization of additional rRNA gene cluster sequences, the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS-1)-5.8S rRNA gene-ITS-2 region. For comparative purposes, we also isolated the ITS-1-5.8S rRNA gene-ITS-2 region of
Histomonas meleagridis
, a protozoan parasite of birds and a close relative of
D. fragilis
. This region was found to be highly variable, and 11 different alleles of the ITS-1 sequence could be identified. Variation in the ITS-1 region was found to be intragenomic, with up to four different alleles in a single isolate. So-called C profiles were produced from the ITS-1 repertoire of single isolates,. Analysis of the C profiles of isolates from nonrelated patients identified several clearly distinguishable strains of
D. fragilis
. Within families, it was shown that members can be infected with the same or different strains of
D. fragilis
. In conclusion, the ITS-1 region can serve as a molecular epidemiological tool for the subtyping of
D. fragilis
directly from feces. This may serve as a means of studying the transmission, geographical distribution, and relationships between strains and the pathogenicity of this parasite.
Novel Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem-Repeat Analysis Method for Rapid Molecular Typing of Human
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Ikawaty Risma , Willems Rob J. L. , Box Adrienne T. A. , Verhoef Jan , Fluit Ad C. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

We evaluated the use of a novel multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat analysis (MLVA) method for typing of human
Staphylococcus aureus
. For a total of 150 clinical isolates, MLVA demonstrated the highest discriminatory power. MLVA correctly assigned isolates to outbreaks or identified isolates as unlinked. MLVA is a rapid and simple method for the epidemiological typing of
S. aureus
.
Impact of Diversity of Colonizing Strains on Strategies for Sampling
Escherichia coli
from Fecal Specimens
Authors: Lautenbach Ebbing , Bilker Warren B. , Tolomeo Pam , Maslow Joel N. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Of 49 subjects, 21 were colonized with more than one strain of
Escherichia coli
and 12 subjects had at least one strain present in fewer than 20% of colonies. The ability to accurately characterize
E. coli
strain diversity is directly related to the number of colonies sampled and the underlying prevalence of the strain.
Detection of
Borrelia bissettii
in Cardiac Valve Tissue of a Patient with Endocarditis and Aortic Valve Stenosis in the Czech Republic
Authors: Rudenko Nataliia , Golovchenko Maryna , Mokráček Aleš , Piskunová Natalja , Růžek Daniel , Mallatová Nadja , Grubhoffer Libor 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Molecular analysis of a clinical sample confirmed the presence of
Borrelia bissettii
DNA in cardiac valve tissue from a patient with endocarditis and aortic valve stenosis. This evidence strongly supports the involvement of
B. bissettii
in Lyme disease in Europe.
Characterization of
Clostridium difficile
Strains Isolated from Patients in Ontario, Canada, from 2004 to 2006
Authors: Martin H. , Willey B. , Low D. E. , Staempfli H. R. , McGeer A. , Boerlin P. , Mulvey M. , Weese J. S. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT

Clostridium difficile
is the bacterium most commonly surmised to cause antimicrobial- and hospital-associated diarrhea in developed countries worldwide, and such infections are thought to be increasing in frequency and severity. A laboratory-based study was carried out to characterize
C. difficile
strains isolated from persons in Ontario, Canada, during 2004 to 2006 according to toxin type (enterotoxin A, cytotoxin B, and binary toxin [CDT]),
tcdC
gene characterization, ribotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and toxinotyping.
Clostridium difficile
was isolated from 1,080/1,152 (94%) samples from 21 diagnostic laboratories. Isolates with toxin profiles A
+
B
+
CDT
−
, A
+
B
+
CDT
+
, A
−
B
+
CDT
−
, and A
−
B
+
CDT
+
accounted for 63%, 34%, 2.4%, and 0.6% of isolates, respectively. Alterations in
tcdC
were detected in six different ribotypes, including ribotype 027. A total of 39 different ribotypes were identified, with ribotype 027/North American pulsotype 1 (NAP1), an internationally recognized outbreak strain associated with severe disease, being the second most common ribotype (19% of isolates). Transient resistance to metronidazole was identified in 19 (1.8%) isolates. While a large number of ribotypes were found, a few predominated across the province. The high prevalence and wide distribution of ribotype 027/NAP1 are disconcerting in view of the severity of disease associated with it.