bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mandibular advancement with dental appliances in obstructive sleep apnoea
Authors: SJÖHOLM T.T. , POLO O.J. , RAUHALA E.R. , VUORILUOTO J. , HELENIUS H.Y.M. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a modified Herbst appliance (mHA) and a muscle relaxation appliance (MR) on nocturnal breathing and body movement activity in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS). To increase the airway space posterior to the tongue base without severely affecting the craniomandibular joint, the mHA was adjusted to anchor the mandible at 50% of maximum protrusion. MR producing an occlusal coverage but no protrusion served as a control appliance. All‐night static charge‐sensitive bed (SCSB) and finger oximeter recordings were done to six male patients in three conditions: first without dental device and then with mHA and with MR, in a random order, after a 2 month period of habituation. The oxyhaemoglobin desaturation events were 44.7 h−l of recording observed during the control night, 29.6h−1 with mHA (P= 0.087). The frequency of body movements decreased from 34.9 to 20.4h−1 (P= 0.0079), respectively. MR had no significant effects either on the frequency of the desaturation events or the frequency of body movements, but the increased respiratory resistance breathing, indicating presence of partial upper airway obstruction, was reduced from 14.3 to 6.9% of the time in bed (P= 0.022).We conclude that 50% protrusion chosen for these experiments, produced with a mHA, brought about some alleviation of upper airway obstruction in our preselected patients, but did not lead to sufficient control of apnoea. The reduction of partial upper airway obstruction induced with a MR warrants further studies in a larger patient population.
Variations in oral temperature
Authors: VOLCHANSKY A. , CLEATON‐JONES P. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryThis study investigated the temperature of healthy oral mucosa and underlying bone. Using a fine thermocouple and digital thermometer, four groups of temperatures were measured: (i) adjacent to uncrupted third molars before and after surgical removal (n= 51); (ii) at the same site in patients not undergoing surgery (n= 30); and (iii) at the buccal incisor mucosa (n= 30). In each group sublingual temperatures were measured in order to calculate the temperature differential between measurement site and sublingual temperature to compensate for variations between sites and individuals. In the final group (iv) (n= 10) sublingual temperature was recorded in a closed mouth.Mean alveolar bone temperature was 5°C cooler than overlying mucosa, and mean post‐operative mucosal temperature was some 2.5°C cooler than before operation (t= 2.32, P < 0.001). Sublingual temperature, in a closed mouth, remained relatively constant. In an open mouth, in both anterior and posterior regions, there were statistically significant decreases in sublingual temperature and in mucosal temperature differentials. Significant differences were also found between temperature differentials calculated using sublingual temperature measured at baseline and after 10 min. This indicates that sublingual temperature should be measured just prior to measuring a mucosal site.
Effect of unilateral bite splint on mastication in the miniature pig
Authors: ZHANG G. , HUANG X. , HERRING S.W. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryUnilateral premature occlusal contacts are known to alter masticatory activity levels during clenching, but whether natural chewing is similarly affected is not known. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effects of a unilateral bite splint on mastication. Eleven experiments were carried out using three miniature pigs. Electromyography of the masticatory muscles and movements of the jaw were recorded during natural chewing before and after inserting a bite splint on the second and third deciduous premolars. In contrast to human clenching, the integrated activities of the jaw‐closing muscles increased, especially on the contralateral side. The increases were mainly due to the prolongation of the burst durations. Jaw opening activity was increased as well. The frequency of mastication fell slightly and the animal preferred to chew food on the bite splint side. These results demonstrate the importance within the particular experimental conditions of the occlusal condition in regulating chewing behaviour.
Studies on adaptation to complete dentures. Part II: Oral stereognosis and tactile sensibility
Authors: MÜLLER F. , LINK I. , FUHR K. , UTZ K.‐H. 
Published: June 2007

summary
High oral perception is thought to contribute to poor adaptation to new dentures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the oral stereognosis and tactile sensibility in edentate subjects and relate these to patient age and capability of adaptation to new prostheses. A total of 67 patients were provided with new complete dentures 2‐3 weeks before the experiment. In 54 subjects, the oral stereognosis was evaluated by 12 different test‐pieces, which were placed unseen on the tongue and had to be recognized. In 38 patients, the oral tactile sensibility was determined in the premolar area using copper foils. The capability of adaptation was evaluated by a questionnaire.Denture retention was assessed by clinical examination. The number of correctly identified test‐pieces and the average identification time were related to the age, but no relation was found to patients’capability of adaptation. The tactile sensibility was found to be impaired with age and diminished capability of adaptation. Both adaptation and oral tactile sensibility were significantly lower in subjects with poor lower‐denture retention. In conclusion, the results cannot support a relationship between high oral stereognosis and adaptation problems. However, good denture retention facilitates the adaptation process.
Eosinophil cationic protein (ECP), eosinophil chemotactic activity (ECA), neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) and tryptase in serum before and during bronchial challenge in cat‐allergic children with asthma
Authors: Hedlin G. , Ahlstedt S. , Enander I. , Håkansson L. , Venge P. 
Published: June 2007

In order to study ECP, ECA, NCA and tryptase levels in serum in 18 cat‐allergic children with asthma scrum samples were obtained before and during an allergen bronchial challenge. All children were on regular treatment with inhaled steroids (200‐800 μg/day) and bronchodilators. Peak expiratory flow (PEF) was recorded twice daily for at least a week before the challenge. The baseline ECP levels were significantly higher in the children who had a baseline PEF 80‐95% of pred. compared to those who had PEF >95% of pred. (mean 24. 3 μg/l and 14. 3 μg/l respectively, p <0.02). ECP in serum before the ehallenge correlated significantly to PEF in % of the expected optimal PEF obtained from the PEF curve (r= 0. 48, p <0.05). During the challenge ECA and NCA increased significantly from mean 96. 2% and 97. 9% to 122. 7% and 118. 7% (p <0.05 for both), while ECP did not change significantly, mean 20. 4 μg/l before and 17. 5 μg/l after the challenge. Tryptase levels in serum were not detectable (<0. 5 ng/ml) before or during the asthmatic attack.We eoncludc that there are significantly raised ECP levels in serum in symptom‐free asthmatic children on long‐term treatment with topical steroids possibly indicating remaining airway inflammation. Acute asthma results in an increase of ECA and NCA while ECP levels seem to reflect the chronic rather than the acute phase of asthma in children.
House dust mite exposure in asthmatic and healthy children: the difference is carpeting
Authors: Meijer G. G. , van der Heide S. , Postma D. S. , de Reus D. M. , Koeter G. H. , van Aalderen W. M. C. 
Published: June 2007

Aim ‐ To determine whether house dust mite (HDM) exposure in living rooms and bedrooms is higher in asthmatic children than in those of age and sex matched healthy children, living in the same area. Methods ‐ Types of floor‐coverings were recorded and dust samples were collected by vacuum cleaning the total area of living rooms and bedrooms; Der p I and Der p II per gram fine dust concentrations were assessed. Twenty‐five asthmatic children (RAST HDM >= class 3, age 6–12 years) and 25 healthy children participated in the study. Results ‐ The frequency of cleaning and prevalence of smooth floor‐coverings in bedrooms of asthmatic children were significantly higher. There were no differences in living rooms in this respect. The amount of fine dust/m2 floor space was significantly lower in bedrooms of asthmatic children. Concentrations of HDM were low and no differences in Der p I and Der p II concentrations were observed between the two groups (asthmatic children: Der p I living room: 1.1 (0.04 ‐ 59.4 μg/ g), bedroom: 0.5 (below detection ‐ 19.3 μg/g); nonasthmatic children: Der p I living room: 1.4 (below detection ‐ 27.5 μg/g), bedroom: 0.9 (below detection ‐ 68.8 ug/g. Smooth floor coverings contained significantly less fine dust, Der p I, and Der p II than carpeted floors. Conclusions ‐ Low HDM concentrations are a general finding in Dutch dwellings in the present generation of children.We observed a higher cleaning frequency, and more smooth floor coverings in bedrooms of asthmatic children than of healthy children, yet HDM concentrations were not significantly different. The latter can be explained by the observation that only 40% of the asthmatic children had smooth floor coverings in their bedrooms. Smooth floor coverings contain less fine dust and lower concentrations of Der p I and Der p II than carpeted floors.
Association between pronounced IgA response in RSV bronchiolitis and development of allergic sensitization
Authors: Strannegård Ö. , Cello J. , Bjarnason R. , Sigurbergsson F. , Sigurs N. 
Published: June 2007

Forty‐five children who had heen hospitalized with bronchiolitis caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) at a mean age of 4 months, and 90 matched control children, were tested for occurrence of RSV antibodies at one year of age. Of the children who had suffered from bronchiolitis. forty had demonstrable IgG antibodies, whereas the remaining five only had IgA antibodies against RSV. In the control group. 42% were RSV seropositive. The anti‐RSV IgA antibody titres tended to be higher in patients with bronchiolitis ihan in controls and a larger proportion of the seropositive children in the former than in the latter group had demonstrable IgG antibodies. These fmdings suggest that RSV infections causing bronchiolitis are more often associated with a strong antibody response than are mild cases of the infection.Follow‐up of the children at 3 years of age showed that allergic sensitization and development of asthma had occurred much more frequently in children with past RSV bronchiolitis than in controls. Children with past RSV bronchiolitis who later developed allergic sensitization had elevated RSV IgA antibody titres at one year of age more frequently than children with past RSV‐bronchiolitis. who were not sensitized (p=0.015). No significant differences regarding IgG antibody titres were observed. Since IgA, similarly a. s IgE. antibody formation is strongly Th2 cell dependent, the results are compatible with other fmdings suggesting that RSV has an unusual propensity to activate the Th2 cell system. This may contribute to the pathological picture of bronchiolitis in small children and at the same lime render the infected child predisposed for later development of allergic sensitization. RSV bronchiolitis may thus be an important risk factor for later development of atopic disease although it cannot be excluded that the bronchiolitis simply serves as a marker that predicts later development of atopy.
Asthma induced by ice water ingestion in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children: a challenge
Authors: Lin Yung‐Zen , Hsieh Kue‐Hsiung 
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between ice water ingestion and the induction of asthmatic symptoms and signs in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children. Sixty asthmatic children with a positive history of exacerbation of symptoms after drinking ice water were divided randomly into two groups: 34 children were instructed to drink 250 ml of 0‐4°C ice water within one minute, and 26 to drink 250 ml of 25°C warm water. All of the asthmatic children were stable when studied. Twenty‐three healthy children as controls were asked to drink 250 ml of 0‐4°C ice water. The three groups had forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) performed al baseline and at 5, 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes after challenge. After the spirometric test at 90 minutes the patients of the two asthmatic groups received three puffs (0. 6 mg) of hexoprenaline MDI and a further spirometric lest was performed 5 min after the inhalation. Cough and wheeze were monitored throughout the course of the test.The mean FEV1 after challenge decreased significantly only in the ice‐water asthmatic group (p=0.004). Compared with the haseline data, the mean FEV1 at various periods after challenge was only significantly decreased at 60 min (p=0.035). After hexoprenaline inhalation the FEV1 significantly increased in the two asthmatic groups (p < 0.001). A significant difference in FEV1 change was noted among the three groups (p=0.015). Nine cases (26%) from the ice water asthmatic group, three (12%) from the warm‐water asthmatic group, and none of the ice‐water normal control group showed a decrease of FEV1 greater than 15% (p=0.018). The greatest difference occurred between the two ice water groups. All six cases who developed symptoms after challenge, accompanied by a simultaneous decrease of FEV1 greater than 15%, belonged to the ice‐water asthmatic group. Forty‐seven percent of the ice‐water asthmatic group and 4% each of the two other groups had cough and/or wheeze after challenge (p=0.0002). In conclusion: Ice water ingestion may induce or exacerbate asthma in ethnic Chinese asthmatic children.
Association of HLA‐DQ7 antigen with cow milk protein allergy in Italian children
Authors: Camponeschi Barbara , Lucarelli Sandra , Frediani Tullio , Barbato Maria , Quintieri Francesea 
Published: June 2007

In this study we investigated the HLA association with cow milk allergy. Thirty‐seven Italian children with cow milk allergy and 35 randomly selected age‐matched healthy children as control group were included in the study. DNA typing was performed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique. We show the first statistically significant positive association between the expression of the HLA‐DQ7 antigen and cow milk allergy. Several immunological tests (skin prick test, RIA, radioallergosorb‐ent test (RAST) and ELISA) were performed to evaluate the humoral immune responses of DQ7 positive and DQ7 negative allergic patients. Our results show that among the DQ7 positive patients the majority presented a high humoral response. Furthermore, the in vitro proliferative response of patients to the †‐lactoglobulin antigen was performed to evaluate their cell‐mediated immune response. We observed that the number of the nonre‐sponders was higher in the DQ7 positive patients when compared to the DQ7 negative patients.Our data indicate an association of HLA‐DQ7 antigen with cow milk pro tein allergy and that the DQ7 positive patients had a prevalence of humoral rather than cellular responses.
Reduced plasma c‐AMP levels in children with atopic dermatitis
Authors: Salpietro Damiano Carmelo , Naccari Francesco , Polimeni Lsabella , Pellegrino Cristina 
Published: June 2007

Plasma levels of cAMP and serum concentrations of IgE have been determined in children with acute atopic dermatitis (AD) and in a healthy control group, to illuminate the pathophysiological mechanisms that cause AD.There were significantly lower plasma levels of cAMP (P < 0,001) and significantly higher levels of serum IgE (P < 0.004) in children with AD, in comparison with a healthy control group. It is possible that defective control of c‐AMP levels could contribute to the immunopathogenesis of AD and monitoring levels may be of value in the clinical evaluation of the disease.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids in school children in relation to allergy and serum IgE levels
Authors: Yu Guo , Björkstén Bengt 
Published: June 2007

Altered composition of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been observed in allergic individuals and it has been proposed that this is due to an impairment of δ‐6‐desaturase activity. We have studied the composition of PUFA in serum phospholipids in twenty‐two 12‐15 year old children with asthma and/or allergic dermatitis and 23 non‐atopic controls of similar age. The relative levels of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, C22:6n‐3) and total n‐3 long‐chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LCP) were lower (1.46%± 0.54 vs. 1.90%± 0.58, P = 0.01 for DHA and 2.34%± 0.67 vs. 2.80%± 0.77, P <0.05 for total n‐3 LCP) and the ratio of total n‐6 to n‐3 LCP was higher (P < 0.01) in the allergic children than in the controls. In addition to these differences, the relative levels of docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, C22:5n‐3) and the ratio of arachidonic acid (AA, C20:4n‐6) to dihomo‐γ‐linolenic acid (DHGLA, C20:3n‐6) were also lower in the 12 allergic children with positive skin prick test, as compared with the SIT negative children (both P < 0.05). In non‐allergic children, the levels of total n‐3 correlated with n‐6 LCP (r = 0.76, p < 0.001). Furthermore, the n‐3 LCP, i.e. EPA, DPA and DHA, correlated significantly with each other (r = 0.52‐0.78, all p < 0.01) and correlated with n‐6 LCP, i.e. C20:2, DHGLA and AA respectively (r = 0.56‐0.83, all P < 0.01). Most of these correlations were absent in allergic children.Higher levels of C20:2n‐6 and lower levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5n‐3) were recorded in 11 allergic children with serum IgE above the median level (56 kU/1), as compared to 11 with lower IgE levels (both P < 0.05). Furthermore, the levels of C20:2n‐6 correlated with the IgE levels in the children (r = 0.65, P = 0.001).The findings could not confirm an impaired δ‐6‐desaturase activity in allergic school children and suggest that a disturbance of LCP metabolism is associated with allergic diseases.
FORESTER, a Simulation Game for Teaching Survey Sampling
Authors: Underhill Les 
Published: June 2007

SummaryAt the First International Conference on Teaching Statistics (Grey et al. 1983), several papers dealth with simulation games, either with or without a computer to assist in the teaching of a variety of statistical concepts (Mead 1983, Elliott 1983, Bright et al. 1983a, b, Joiner 1983, Singh 1983). One area not covered was survey sampling which is the subject of this article.
Stem‐and‐Leaf Plots in the Primary Grades
Authors: Pereira‐Mendoza Lionel , Dunkels Andrejs 
Published: June 2007

SummaryAt first glance, the thought of primary children working with stem‐and‐leaf plots might seem a radical idea, since such representations are often associated with secondary school. The purpose of this paper is to show how young children can use such representations as a major tool in their educational development. However, before discussing this particular statistical technique, an overview of the role of statistics in the primary programme is included.
How Large is a Large Sample?
Authors: Dunstan Frank D. J. , Nix A. Barry J. 
Published: June 2007

SummaryWhen teaching students about the Central Limit Theorem, it is difficult to give simple guidelines about when its use is justified. We demonstrate that the sample size needed depends to a great extent on the parent distribution and propose a method, based on the use of microcomputers, for helping students to appreciate the theorem and when it can safely be used.
Adding a Data Point to a Scatterplot
Authors: Nurhonen Markku , Puntanen Simo 
Published: June 2007

SummaryStudents who have been taught regression properly are certainly familiar with the dangers and curiosities to which the regression analysis leads when only two data points are available. However, one may ask whether students are familiar with the effects of adding a third observation into this data set. The purpose of this article is to illustrate some unexpected phenomena related to this situation using a specific map technique.
Statistical Studies With Diatoms
Authors: Paton Ray 
Published: June 2007

SummaryA simple method for trapping diatoms (algae) which live in sediments is described. These microscopic plants. which form the basis for many food chains, can be found in very large numbers and so some means for estimating populations is required. Some simple statistical studies are reported, which dealt with large population estimates and were carried out by first form secondary pupils. Suggestions for work with older pupils are also given.
Combinatorics and Number Mazes
Authors: Jones Stephen 
Published: June 2007

SummaryTwo recent articles in Teaching Statistics, by Marcuson (1989) and Goodall (1990), have presented interesting approaches to the teaching of some aspects of combinatorics. This note, based on some work on number maze games generated by a sixth form student, gives an example of using combinatorial ideas in an unusual setting – a multidimensional discrete space – so that both the meanings of these ideas may be fully grasped and the interrelations between the mathematical areas covered can be appreciated.
Why Rates of Growth of Employment Differ: A Quantitative Approach to an International Comparison
Authors: Piacentini Paolo 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: This essay aims at presenting a quantitative assessment of the incidence of structural differences in output and employment composition, and of differential dynamics of the sectoral production and productivity, in order to explain the divergences in net employment growth in advanced market economies. The point of reference is the extremely divergent record, in terms of employment creation, of the United States on one hand, and Western European countries on the other. In the period 1973‐80, for example, although the average growth rates of GNP were, on a cyclical average, similar in the U. S. A. and the EEC areas as a whole, additional job openings were about 14 million in the USA against less than half a million in the EEC.A structural, medium‐run differential in the aggregate Employment/GNP elasticity appears to have characterized the performances of these economic systems. The 'source’of this differential are analyzed, utilizing a model of sectoral decomposition of employment and output trends. Simulation exercises are carried out, in order to assess the specific role of productivity, sectoral demand composition and sectoral employment composition, in determining the overall elasticity result. The comparative analysis takes into consideration the differential factors for the USA and Japan, together with the four major Western European countries (German Fed. Rep., France, Italy, and the United Kingdom).
Illegal Immigrants and the Informal Economy in Italy
Authors: Dell'Aringa Carlo , Neri Fabio 
Published: June 2007

ABSTRACT: The present work is divided into three parts. In the first part the (limited) empirical data relevant to the phenomenon in question is presented, that is, the growing illegality of Italian immigration and the illegal work that immigrants are destined to take up. Obviously the illegality of their presence and the íllicitness of the work are, by definition, phenomena which are difficult to quantify. Some estimates, albeit limited to certain regions, are nevertheless available and the picture that emerges is coherent with the present hypothesis. The hypothesis is then explained at a theoretical level, in the second part, where a simple model of general equilibrium is presented, referring to a two‐sector economy with a single good.The model has the sole aim of illustrating the plausible characteristics of an economy characterised by the phenomenon that this present paper attempts to clarify. In the third part, to give an example, a simulation is put forward, utilising, in the model, values not incoherent with estimates based on Italy as a whole.