bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Use of immunostimulatory liposome‐nucleic acid complexes in allergen‐specific immunotherapy of dogs with refractory atopic dermatitis – a pilot study
Authors: MUELLER RALF S. , VEIR JULIA , FIESELER KATHRYN V. , DOW STEVEN W. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract  This pilot study evaluated the effects of immunostimulatory liposome‐plasmid‐DNA complexes combined with specific allergens for immunotherapy of refractory canine atopic dermatitis. Seven dogs with previously diagnosed atopic dermatitis and unsatisfactory response to at least 12 months of conventional allergen‐specific immunotherapy underwent a series of six intradermal injections (weeks 0, 2, 4, 6, 10 and 14), with patient‐specific allergen extracts contained in cationic liposome‐DNA complexes. Degree of pruritus was assessed on a visual analogue scale. Lesion scores were determined using the Canine Atopic Dermatitis Extent and Severity Index (CADESI) and medication usage was recorded at weeks 0 and 14. Canine cytokine mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected prior to treatment and at the completion of the study was determined for IFN‐γ, IL‐4, TNF and IL‐10 genes using quantitative reverse transcription competitive polymerase chain reaction. Repeated intradermal injections of specific allergens incorporated into liposome‐nucleic acid complexes were well tolerated in all seven dogs. There was a significant improvement in pruritus scores (P = 0.0277) and concurrent significant decrease in IL‐4 production (P = 0.0428) at the completion of the trial compared to pretreatment values. Medication scores, CADESI and production of other cytokines did not change significantly with treatment. These early results suggest that antigen‐specific immunotherapy using a novel liposome‐nucleic acid complex vaccine may be beneficial for treatment of established atopic dermatitis in dogs using lower antigen doses. Further investigations in larger numbers of dogs with earlier stages of disease are warranted.
Prevalence of house dust mites and dermatophagoides group 1 antigens collected from bedding, skin and hair coat of dogs in south‐west England
Authors: JACKSON ANNA P. , FOSTER AIDEN P. , HART BARBARA J. , HELPS CHRIS R. , SHAW SUSAN E. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract  The house dust mites Dermatophagoides farinae (Df) and D. pteronyssinus (Dpt) are commonly implicated as allergens causing canine atopic dermatitis in the UK. However, there are few studies that characterize the exposure of UK pet dogs to these mites. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of the mite species on the skin, hair coat and bedding of a population of pet dogs. Dust samples (n = 68) were collected from both dogs and their beds using a standardized vacuuming technique and stored at −20 °C. Mites were identified using accepted morphological criteria. House dust mite allergen concentrations were assayed using standardized ELISA for Dpt and Df group 1 allergens (Der p 1 and Der f 1). Mites were identified in 15/68 samples (22%) and Dpt was the most common. Df mites were not present. Der p 1 allergens were detected in 60% of samples, and Der f 1 in 6% of samples. There were no significant differences between the number of Der p 1 positive samples from dogs and the number of those from their bedding, or between the average Der p 1 concentrations from dogs and the number of those from their bedding. Contrary to studies elsewhere in Europe and the USA, these findings support studies of human asthma patients in the UK, where exposure to Df is rare, but to Dpt is common. As the prevalence of positive intradermal and serological reactions to Df in atopic dogs is high, further investigations are warranted to clarify true Df hypersensitivity or potential immunological cross‐reactivity between mite allergens.
Antimicrobial actions of benzimidazoles against oral streptococci
Authors: Nguyen P. T. M. , Baldeck J. D. , Olsson J. , Marquis R. E. 
Published: February 2005

Background/aim:  Benzimidazoles, such as lansoprazole and omeprazole, are used extensively as proton‐pump inhibitors to control stomach acid secretion and also have antimicrobial actions against Helicobacter pylori. Our objective was to determine whether they are potentially useful antimicrobials against oral bacteria.Methods:  Streptococcus mutans was our main test organism. It was grown in suspension cultures and biofilms. Standard physiologic assays were used to assess inhibitory actions of benzimidazoles.Results:  Benzimidazoles inhibited acid production by S. mutans in suspensions or biofilms. In pH‐drop experiments, lansoprazole at a level of only 0.025 mm irreversibly inhibited acid production from glycolysis. Cell uptake of lansoprazole was found to be very pH sensitive and occurred mainly at pH values below about 5, indicating that the protonated form was taken up. Lansoprazole inhibition of glycolysis could be blocked by 2‐mercaptoethanol, which suggests that disulfide bonds form between benzimidazoles and protein targets. Identified targets for benzimidazole inhibition included the phosphoenolpyruvate : sugar phosphotransferase system, the glycolytic enzymes aldolase, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase, and lactic dehydrogenase, and enzymes such as urease and arginine deiminase. Lansoprazole increased proton permeabilities of S. mutans cells but did not inhibit F‐ATPases. Although cells in biofilms were somewhat less sensitive to the agents than those in suspensions, biofilm glycolysis was still markedly inhibited by 0.1 mm lansoprazole. Benzimidazoles are bactericidal, and the oral anaerobes Fusobacterium nucleatum and Prevotella intermedia were more sensitive to killing than was S. mutans.Conclusion:  Benzimidazoles appear to be useful inhibitors of oral bacteria in acid environments such as progressing caries lesions.
The control of responsiveness in ADHD by catecholamines: evidence for dopaminergic, noradrenergic and interactive roles
Authors: Oades Robert D. , Sadile Adolfo G. , Sagvolden Terje , Viggiano Davide , Zuddas Alessandro , Devoto Paola , Aase Heidi , Johansen Espen B. , Ruocco Lucia A. , Russell Vivienne A. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract We explore the neurobiological bases of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) from the viewpoint of the neurochemistry and psychopharmacology of the catecholamine‐based behavioural systems. The contributions of dopamine (DA) and noradrenaline (NA) neurotransmission to the motor and cognitive symptoms of ADHD (e.g. hyperactivity, variable and impulsive responses) are studied in rodent and primate models. These models represent elements of the behavioural units observed in subjects with ADHD clinically, or in laboratory settings (e.g. locomotion, changed sensitivity/responsivity to novelty/reinforcement and measures of executive processing). In particular, the models selected emphasize traits that are strongly influenced by mesocorticolimbic DA in the spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and the Naples high excitability (NHE) rat lines. In this context, the mode of action of methylphenidate treatment is discussed. We also describe current views on the altered control by mesolimbic catecholamines of appropriate and inappropriate goal‐directed behaviour, and the tolerance or intolerance of delayed reinforcement in ADHD children and animal models. Recent insights into the previously underestimated role of the NA system in the control of mesocortical DA function, and the frontal role in processing information are elaborated.
Object identification in preschool children and adults
Authors: Bernstein Daniel M. , Loftus Geoffrey R. , Meltzoff Andrew N. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract We introduce computer‐based methodologies for investigating object identification in 3‐ to 5‐year‐old children. In two experiments, preschool children and adults indicated when they could identify degraded pictures of common objects as those pictures either gradually improved or degraded in clarity. Clarity transformations were implemented in four ways: blurring, decreasing the picture's physical size, decreasing the pixel signal‐to‐noise ratio, and cropping. In Experiment 1, all age groups correctly identified objects at a more degraded state when those objects began moderately, as opposed to very, degraded and then clarified. This finding supports the notion that previous perceptual hypotheses interfere with object identification (i.e. the perceptual interference effect). In Experiment 2, children, but not adults, overestimated their ability to recognize objects in a degraded state when the object's identity was given to them beforehand. This suggests that for young children knowledge of the object's true identity cannot be ignored when evaluating their current perceptions. This is the first demonstration of the perceptual interference effect in children. We discuss both methodological and theoretical implications of the findings for research on object perception and theory of mind.
They call it like they see it: spontaneous naming and attention to shape
Authors: Samuelson Larissa K. , Smith Linda B. 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Two experiments explore children's spontaneous labeling of novel objects as a method to study early lexical access. The experiments also provide new evidence on children's attention to object shape when labeling objects. In Experiment 1, the spontaneous productions of 21 23‐ to 28‐month‐olds (mean 26;28) shown a set of novel, unnamed objects were analyzed both in terms of the specific words said and, via adult judgments, their likely perceptual basis. We found that children's spontaneous names were cued by the perceptual feature of shape. Experiment 2 examines the relation between spontaneous productions, name generalizations in a structured task, and vocabulary development in a group of children between 17 and 24 months of age (mean 21;6). Results indicate that object shape plays an important role in both spontaneous productions and novel noun generalization, but contrary to current hypotheses, children may name objects by shape from the earliest points of productive vocabulary development and this tendency may not be lexically specific.
The robustness of learning through overhearing
Authors: Akhtar Nameera 
Published: February 2005

Abstract Two studies examined the robustness of vocabulary learning through overhearing by testing 48 2‐year‐olds in contexts in which a potentially distracting activity was present (Studies 1 and 2) and in which the novel word was embedded in a directive rather than a labeling statement (Study 2). The children were equally good at learning a novel object label when there was no distracting activity as when there was. They were also able to learn the word when the object was not explicitly labeled. These findings suggest that young children are keen observers of third‐party interactions and that their linguistic input consists of more than just speech directly addressed to them.
Oral white patches in a national sample of medical HIV patients in the era of HAART
Authors: Marcus Marvin , Maida Carl A. , Freed James R. , Younai Fariba , Coulter Ian D. , Der‐Martirosian Claudia , Liu Honghu , Freed Benjamin , Guzmán‐Becerra Norma , Shapiro Martin 
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  Several types of HIV‐related oral mucosal conditions have been reported to occur during the course of HIV disease progression. Of these, few may be manifested as ‘white’ lesions and many are noticeable to the patient. This paper examines the relationships between social, behavioral and medical aspects of HIV infection and reporting an occurrence of oral white patches (OWP) by HIV‐infected patients.Methods:  The subjects are participants in all three interviews in the HIV Cost and Services Utilization Study (HCSUS). The subjects were selected using a three‐stage probability sampling design. The multivariate analysis is based on 2109 subjects with nonmissing binary outcome variable for all three waves representing a national sample of 214 000 individuals. The multivariate model was fitted using generalized estimating equations (GEE) by implementing the XTGEE command in STATA.Results:  We estimate that 75 000 persons (35%) reported at least one incident of OWP, of these 14 000 reported having OWP during all three interviews, and that the rate of reporting declined over the three HCSUS waves. The multivariate analysis showed seven variables that were significant predictors of at least one report of OWP.Conclusions:  Compared with persons on HAART therapy, patients on other regimens or taking no antiviral medications were 23–46% more likely to report an incident of OWP. Compared with whites, African Americans were 32% less likely to report OWP, while current smokers were 62% more likely than nonsmokers. Being diagnosed with AIDS and having CD4 counts less than 500 significantly increased the likelihood of reporting OWP.
Factors related to satisfaction with dental care among 23‐year olds in Norway
Authors: Skaret Erik , Berg Einar , Raadal Magne , Kvale Gerd 
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aims of the present study were to explore (i) the prevalence and distribution of satisfaction with dental care among 23‐year olds in Norway; and (ii) possible factors associated with the same variable.Methods:  A random sample of adolescents (n=968) surveyed at age 18 were resurveyed by post at the age of 23. The questionnaire included the psychometric instruments Dental Satisfaction Questionnaire (DSQ), Dental Fear Survey (DFS), Dental Beliefs Survey (DBS), and the (WHO) Five Scale Psychological General Well‐Being Schedule.Results:  The response rate was 69%. Of this group, 15% of the subjects were very satisfied, and another 15% were very dissatisfied with dental care. The following variables explained 58% of the variance of satisfaction with dental care at age 23: positive beliefs of the dentist (DBS), low dental anxiety, perception of having a dentist to go to, last treatment session not painful/unpleasant, and gender (male). Being very satisfied with dental care was associated with high DMFT at age 16 and few previous experiences of pain. Being very dissatisfied at age 23 was associated with low general well‐being, previous experiences of pain and dislike of the dentist (both reported at age 18). Last dental treatment session was reported as very painful or unpleasant by 6.7% of the group.Conclusions:  Beliefs of the dentist and pain control seems to be important aspects in young adults’ evaluation of dental care.
Effectiveness of health care worker training on the oral health of elderly residents of nursing homes
Authors: Nicol Robert , Petrina Sweeney M. , McHugh Siobhan , Bagg Jeremy 
Published: February 2005

Abstract –  Objectives:  The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a staff training programme on mouth care on the oral health of elderly residents of long‐term care institutions.Methods:  Seventy‐eight residents of five long‐stay institutions were enrolled and underwent a baseline oral health assessment. Staff caring for residents in three of the sites received intensive training in mouth care. This comprised lecture and video material complemented by clinical demonstrations. The oral health of residents at all five sites was reassessed at periods of 3 and 9 months. Staff caring for residents in the remaining two institutions were then provided with mouth care training and all patients were reassessed at 18 months. Statistical analyses were undertaken to examine for significant changes in selected oral health parameters after training, within each group.Results:  Oral mucosal disease and oral dryness were common at baseline. The staff training was well received. Following staff training, there was a significant reduction in the number of residents left to undertake their own oral care. There were significant improvements in denture hygiene and a reduction in the number of residents wearing dentures overnight. The prevalence of oral mucosal disease dropped, with significant reductions in angular cheilitis and denture stomatitis.Conclusion:  This education programme was effective in changing oral health care procedures within long‐stay institutions for the elderly, with measurable improvements in oral health of the residents.
The life course approach: explaining the association between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents
Authors: Nicolau Belinda , Marcenes Wagner , Allison Paul , Sheiham Aubrey 
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Aim: To investigate the relationship between height and dental caries in Brazilian adolescents.Methods: A cross‐sectional survey design was used to collect retrospective data. Of 764 eligible 13‐year‐old adolescents enrolled in urban private or public schools in a Brazilian town, 652 were clinically examined and interviewed. Data were collected on socioeconomic circumstances, family related variables, oral health behaviour and anthropometric measures (height and weight). Dental caries was measured by decayed, missing and filled teeth (DMFT) index. The DMFT was categorized according to two levels of severity (low DMFT ≤ 6; high DMFT > 6) using the 75th percentile of the distribution as the cut‐off point. Data analysis involved multiple logistic regression.Results: Adolescents who were the second or later child were 1.90 times more likely to have a high DMFT, whilst being a taller adolescent had a protective effect on caries experience (OR = 0.04; 95% CI = 0.00–0.79). In addition, adolescents from rural areas (OR = 2.74; 95% CI = 1.56–4.82), those whose mothers had less than 8 years of education (OR = 2.10; 95% CI = 1.03–4.27) and those who reported high levels of paternal punishment (OR = 1.60; 95% CI = 1.02–2.52) had an increased risk of having a high DMFT.Conclusion: There is a relationship between height and dental caries experience in this sample of Brazilian adolescents.
Dentist–assistant communication style: perceived gender differences in The Netherlands and Northern Ireland
Authors: Gorter Ronald C. , Freeman Ruth 
Published: February 2005

Abstract – Objectives: To assess communication style differences with the (female) dental assistant, as perceived by male and female dentists.Methods: Data were collected from 216 Dutch (male: 99; female: 117) and 261 Northern Irish (male: 135; female: 126) dentists (overall response rate: 60%). Respondents filled in a self‐report questionnaire (one follow‐up mailing), with 22 items on staff communication style. Using principal component analysis, four distinguishable factors could be extracted: businesslike leadership style (seven items, Cronbach'sα = 0.87), friendly leadership style (seven items,α = 0.87), professional interacting style (four items,α = 0.83) and gender interacting style (four items,α = 0.83).Results: manovaindicated a main effect for gender [F(8,946) = 10.905,P < 0.001] and for country [F(4,474) =4.197,P = 0.002] on the communication style scales. Male dentists, compared with female colleagues, showed higher mean scores on businesslike leadership style and gender interacting style, whereas female dentists showed higher mean scores on friendly leadership style and professional interacting style. Dutch dentists showed higher mean scores on friendly leadership style and professional interacting style than their Northern Irish colleagues. No interaction effect between gender and country was found. Dentist's age and length of assistant's employment (in years) partly explained differences in means.Conclusion: Male and female dentists perceive their communication with the assistant differently; male dentists tend to be influenced by the gender differences, female dentists by striving for friendliness. Some country differences were found. Increasing influx of young female dentists underlines the relevance of this topic in dental education and for future research.
Child Behavior Problems and Maternal Symptoms of Depression: A Mediational Model
Authors: Gartstein Maria A. , Sheeber Lisa 
Published: February 2005

PROBLEM. The relationship between maternal depression and child behavior problems has been consistently demonstrated, but not the impact of child behavior problems on maternal depression.METHODS. Mothers of 3‐ to 6‐year‐old children (N = 69) reported regarding their depression, parenting competence, attachment to the child, the child's impact on the family, and behavior problems.FINDINGS. Child behavior problems were positively associated with maternal depression, an association explained by mediating variables: impact of the child on the family, mother's parenting competence, and attachment to the child.CONCLUSIONS. Maternal depression should be considered when providing clinical services to children, given the potential for exacerbation of symptoms in the face of child behavior problems.
Demons or Diamonds: A Study to Ascertain Health Professionals' Attitudes Toward Children With Conduct Disorder
Authors: Woolley Eileen , Muncey Tessa 
Published: February 2005

PROBLEM. In the United Kingdom, 10% of children referred to child psychiatry services are diagnosed with a conduct disorder. Of these, 45% may grow up to be psychopaths or have personality disorders. Attitudes of professionals to both these diagnoses are shown to be negative.METHODS. A Likert‐scale questionnaire and semistructured interview completed by a purposive sample of doctors, nurses, psychologists, and therapists (N = 32) in an outpatient child and adolescent mental health department.FINDINGS. Positive regard is maintained toward these children despite negative expectations for prognosis and treatment. Negative attitudes were attributed to lack of resources, medically led services with research‐based practice agendas, and ethical issues of utilitarianism.CONCLUSIONS. If children with conduct disorder continue to be seen as “demons,” as untreatable and resource intensive, they will continue to be ignored by the agencies who purport to help them.
Clinical Care Costing Method for the Clinical Care Classification System™
Authors: Saba Virginia K. , Arnold Jean M. 
Published: February 2005

PURPOSE. To provide a means for calculating the cost of nursing care using the Clinical Care Classification System™ (CCCS).DATA SOURCES. Three CCCS indicators of care components, actions, and outcomes in conjunction with Clinical Care Pathways (CCPs).DATA SYNTHESIS. The cost of patient care is based on the type of action time multiplied by care components and nursing costs.CONCLUSIONS. The CCCM for the CCCS makes it possible to measure and cost out clinical practice.IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE. The CCCM may be used with CCPs in the electronic patient medical record. The CCPs make it easy to track the clinical nursing care across time, settings, population groups, and geographical locations. Collected data may be used many times, allowing for improved documentation, analysis, and costing out of care.
Improving Diagnostic Accuracy Using an Evidence‐Based Nursing Model
Authors: Levin Rona F. , Lunney Margaret , Krainovich‐Miller Barbara 
Published: February 2005

PURPOSE. To propose an evidence‐based model (EBM) to improve diagnostic accuracy in nursing.DATA SOURCES. Published literature, experience, and expertise of authors.DATA SYNTHESIS. Using an EBM directs clinicians on how to use the best available evidence from the literature to determine the best fit between cues and diagnoses, integrate this evidence with clinician expertise and patient preferences, and conduct a self‐evaluation of the process.CONCLUSIONS. Use of an EBM to teach nurses how to ask relevant diagnostic questions and provide a framework for nurse educators to teach evidenced‐based practice may lead to developing more competent diagnosticians and improving diagnostic accuracy in nursing.