Search PubMed⌕ Search

Biomedical subjects

A Blackwell

Publications and source records attributed to A Blackwell.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2005

Profile of neurocognitive impairments associated with female in-patients with anorexia nervosa.

BACKGROUND: Although many studies have reported impairments of neurocognitive performance in patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), these have involved a wide range of assessment methods and some findings are inconsistent. METHOD: Twenty-five female in-patients with a DSM-IV diagnosis of AN, identified from three units specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, volunteered for the study. Twenty-five non-clinical control subjects were recruited, matched for age, gender and estimated IQ. Subjects were assessed with a range of computer-administered neurocognitive tasks from the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), which has been validated in many studies of neuropsychiatric disorders. RESULTS: The patient group showed significant but moderate impairments (i.e. less than one standard deviation below the mean performance of the control group) on tests of spatial recognition memory, a planning task and rapid visual information processing, while a subgroup of patients (n = 14) showed greater degrees of impairments on at least one of these tests. The degrees of impairments did not correlate with body mass index (BMI). No impairments were observed on tests of spatial span, pattern recognition memory, spatial working memory, matching-to-sample, paired associates learning and set-shifting. CONCLUSIONS: The findings, in relation to a mean BMI of 15.3, are compatible with, in general, subtle impairments in neurocognition in AN. However, in those patients with relatively severe degrees of impairments, these may have adverse effects on complex tasks of social and occupational functioning. Further research is needed on the nature of relevant causal mechanisms, including the effects of potentially confounding variables.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2004

Partial caries removal and cariostatic materials in carious primary molar teeth: a randomised controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the durability and effectiveness of a black copper cement (BCC) and a conventional glass ionomer cement (GIC) when used to restore primary molars following partial caries removal (PCR) and to compare these results with conventional cavity preparation and restoration. DESIGN: Split-mouth randomised controlled clinical trial. SETTING: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee, 1998-1999. SUBJECTS: Patients with previously unrestored, matched carious cavities in non-pulpally involved primary molars. INTERVENTIONS: Three treatment groups: (1) Partial caries removal followed by lining with BCC and restoration with GIC (PCR:BCC); (2) Partial caries removal and restoration with GIC alone (PCR:GIC), and (3) Complete caries removal and conventional restoration (CR). Restoration durability and effectiveness was assessed both clinically and radiographically over 24 months.Main outcome measures Median survival time (MST) of restorations. RESULTS: Forty-four patients (F: 31; M: 13), mean age 6.8 years (range: 3.7-9.5), had 120 restorations placed (PCR:GIC: 43; CR: 41; PCR:BCC: 36). Eighty-six molars (29 patients) (PCR:GIC: 30; CR: 29; PCR:BCC: 27) were reviewed at 24 months. The median survival times (MST) with 25% and 75% quartiles in parenthesis were as follows: PCR:BCC, MST = 24 months (6, 24); PCR:GIC, MST = 24 months (24, 24) and CR, MST = 24 months (24, 24). The MST for PCR:BCC restorations was significantly less than for PCR:GIC and CR restorations (W = 1163.5, P = 0.028 and W = 1081.0, P = 0.004 respectively). CONCLUSION: There were no differences in the proportions of restorations lost between restoration types, although PCR:BCC restorations did have significantly more abscess/sinus formation over the 24-month study period.

Aluminum Silicates↗
PubMed2004

Toward development of neem-based repellents against the Scottish Highland biting midge Culicoides impunctatus.

Oil of neem, from the tree Azadirachta indica A. Juss (Meliaceae), was evaluated for repellent and antifeedant activity against Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae), by three complementary methods with serial dilutions. Electroantennograms revealed the sensitivity of Culicoides nubeculosus (Meigen) females to neem > or = 0.10%. Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebuer females were repelled by > or = 1% in a Y-tube olfactometer, Using a membrane feeder for wild-caught parous females of C. impunctatus, the proportion blood-feeding was significantly reduced by topical applications of neem oil > or = 0.10% concentrations, with blood-feeding completely prevented by > or =1%. On the basis of these response data, we developed 2% neem-based formulations for personal protection against biting midges.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Culicoides midge trap enhancement with animal odour baits in Scotland.

Examples of the commercial trap Mosquito Magnet Pro (MMP emitting attractant 1-octen-3-ol in carbon dioxide 500 mL/min generated from propane fuel), were run 24 h/day on the Isle of Skye, Scotland, during June-August 2001 and evaluated for catching Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae). From 30 days trapping, the catch averaged 2626 +/- 1358 Culicoides females/trap/day (mean +/- SE, range 558 +/- 139 to 6088 +/- 3597, for five sets of six consecutive nights), predominantly the pest Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebuer (68% overall), plus C. vexans (Staeger) > C. delta Edwards > C. pulicaris (L.) > C. lupicaris Downs & Kettle > C. albicans (Winnertz) > other Culicoides spp. Attempts were made to enhance the odour baiting system by adding hexane-extracts (2.1 mg/day) of hair samples from large host animals, resulting in the following effects on Culicoides collections: sheep - 53 %, red deer - 26 %, calf + 20%, pony + 40%, water buffalo + 262%, with greatest increases for C. impunctatus and C. pulicaris. Serial concentrations of these animal extracts (10(-1) - 10(-3) x 2.2 g/mL) were assayed on parous female C. impunctatus response in a Y-tube olfactometer (air-flow 150 mL/min), and by electroantennogram (EAG) on Culicoides nubeculosus Meigen laboratory-reared parous females. Positive behavioural responses to host odours were dose-dependent: the water buffalo extract being most active (threshold 0.22 g/mL), similar to deer, whereas other host extracts were > or = 10-fold less active. Correspondingly, the EAG threshold was lowest for water buffalo, 10-fold greater for deer, calf and pony, but not detected for sheep. If the active component(s) of these host extracts can be identified and synthesized, they might be employed to improve the capture of Culicoides midges for local control by removal trapping.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Chlamydia trachomatis infection in a colposcopy unit: an audit of a fast track referral system for infected patients to a genitourinary medicine department and a survey of patients' demography, clinical findings and partner details.

We had previously shown that screening and treating patients for Chlamydia trachomatis prior to termination of pregnancy significantly reduces postoperative morbidity. Our success led us to consider screening women attending our colposcopy unit and this was introduced in 1998. However, it became apparent that a formal protocol was needed for managing women who had positive results to ensure that all patients and their partners were adequately treated. An interdepartmental protocol was devised for fast track referral of infected patients to the Genitourinary Medicine (GUM) clinic Health Advisor who arranged immediate treatment and partner notification. A re-audit, presented here, has shown that the introduction of the protocol has resulted in all infected patients receiving adequate treatment and partner notification with minimal use of doctor time or disruption of routine GUM services. We suggest that our system is effective and could be extended to other clinics where chlamydia screening is carried out.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2002

Olfactory cues for oviposition behavior in Toxorhynchites moctezuma and Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Diptera: Culicidae).

In laboratory tests gravid female Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar & Knab) and Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Doleschall) were offered the choice of black oviposition jars containing a diethyl ether extract of water collected from a natural oviposition site for these species (i.e., used tires), a dilution series of 4-methylcyclohexanol, 3-methylindole, 2-methylphenol, 3-methylphenol and 4-methylphenol, or solvent. Tire water extract and all test compounds acted as oviposition attractants and stimulants for both species, with the threshold amounts required to elicit these behaviors varying between the species and among the compounds tested.

Animals↗
PubMed2001

A tale of 2 cities: a comparison of demographic details, source of referral, spectrum of infection and contraceptive practice in patients under 16 years attending genitourinary medicine clinics in London and Swansea.

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in young people are increasing, with children aged less than 16 years being particularly vulnerable. We compared the demographic details, spectrum of infection, contraceptive practice and source of referral in patients aged less than 16 years attending 2 genitourinary clinics, one in Swansea and the other in London. In the London population, children aged less than 16 years represented 0.7% of the total new attendances compared with 1.4% in Swansea. The female to male ratio was almost 4:1 in both clinics with most infections confined to female attenders. In females the incidence of chlamydial infection, genital warts and anaerobic (bacterial) vaginosis was 5.5%, 19% and 8%, respectively in London compared with 27%, 32% and 36% in Swansea. Seventy-two per cent of patients attending the clinic in London were self referred compared with 40% in Swansea. Contraceptive practice was also markedly different in the 2 populations, and over one-third of children in both clinics used no contraception. The high incidence of STIs in both populations and low use of contraception has serious implications for the sexual health of young people and emphasizes the need for effective sexual health education at an early age.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Black copper phosphate cement: does it have a future?

The aim of this study was to compare the in vitro compressive strength and solubility of a black copper cement with one established restorative material (a conventional glass ionomer cement) and two temporary restorative materials (a zinc phosphate and a zinc polycarboxylate cement). The mean compressive strength of black copper cement varied with the powder: liquid ratio, with an intermediate ratio having a comparable strength to that of the zinc polycarboxylate cement (the best material in this respect). The solubility of the black copper cement at all mixing ratios was significantly greater than that of all other test materials.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2001

Referral of children to a general anaesthetic dental service in Tayside.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the adequacy of child referral for dental general anaesthesia (DGA) by local dental practitioners, given the recent guidance document to dentists from the General Dental Council and in addition, to determine the subsequent treatment and factors which influence treatment selection. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Department of Paediatric Dentistry, Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee. SUBJECTS: Children [n = 84] who were referred for dental extractions under general anaesthetic over a three month period. RESULTS: Non-surgical dental extractions under general anaesthetic were requested in nearly 90% of referrals. In the majority of cases, the referral was deemed inadequate; e.g. the medical history was not mentioned in the majority of cases (85.7%) despite nearly one-fifth of patients having a relevant medical history. In general, referring practitioners under-estimated the extent of disease, requiring treatment plans to be changed in 76% of cases; all changes represented an increase in the number of dental extractions undertaken. The most common reasons for general anaesthetic use were: multiple dental extractions (73.8%); the patient's anxiety (63.1%); and patient's age (41.7%). As an alternative to general anaesthesia, treatment was undertaken successfully using inhalation sedation in nearly 15% of cases. CONCLUSION: Dental extractions under general anaesthetic are still a common reason for referral. Referring practitioners frequently provide inadequate information, in addition to under-estimating the treatment required. Alternative forms of anxiety management are available and should be considered for children requiring dental extractions.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2001

Restoration of primary teeth: a study of copper phosphate cement.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the survival of 'PD' Black Copper Cement when used as a dental filling material in carious primary teeth. DESIGN: A prospective study. SETTING: Dundee Dental Hospital, Dundee. SUBJECTS: Fifty children with carious primary molars had 82 dental restorations placed in the initial study. For the follow-up study, 45 restorations were available. RESULTS: Over 65% of the Black Copper Cement restorations placed in the initial study failed. Modification of restoration technique reduced the total loss of filling material to 18% of cases. CONCLUSION: To take advantage of the cariostatic properties of black copper cement may require it to be used as a lining under a less soluble restorative material.

Child↗
PubMed2000

Electrophysiological investigation of larval water and potential oviposition chemo-attractants for Anopheles gambiae s.s.

Potential Anopheles gambiae s.s. breeding sites were sampled in rural sites in the Tanga region of Tanzania. Sites containing the largest numbers of An. gambiae larvae were small, shaded pools and rice fields. Water samples were collected from the larval sites and these, together with ether extracts of the water samples, were active in electro-antennogram (EAG) studies with female mosquitoes from a laboratory colony of Anopheles (Cellia) gambiae KWA. EAG response thresholds varied for 10 randomly selected water samples, from 0.01%-100% dilution for the whole water samples and from 0.001%-1.0% dilution for the ether extracts. Potential chemical components of the water samples were also electrophysiologically active with female An. gambiae antennae; thresholds varied from 1 ng (3-methylindole and indole) to 10 micrograms (m-cresol and 4-methylcyclohexanol).

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Repellent and antifeedant activity of salicylic acid and related compounds against the biting midge, Culicoides impunctatus (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae).

An artificial membrane, blood-feeding method was used to assess the repellent and antifeedant effects of derivatives of salicylic acid on the biting midge Culicoides impunctatus Goetghebeur. Trans-2-hydroxycyclohexanecarboxylic acid, 6-methylsalicylic acid, 2,6-dihydroxy-4-methylbenzoic acid, and salicyluric acid caused highly significant inhibition of feeding, with salicyluric acid performing significantly greater than the other compounds. Investigating the effects of alkyl substitution of salicylic acid, o-thymotic and o-cresotic acids were also effective. A pilot clinical trial using salicyluric acid indicated that it provided a protective effect and it was hypothesized that this may have resulted primarily from contact, because no significant repellent effects were shown for this compound in a microscope slide test, designed to demonstrate repellency with volatile compounds.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

Colour cues for oviposition behaviour in Toxorhynchites moctezuma and Toxorhynchites amboinensis mosquitoes.

Gravid female Toxorhynchites moctezuma (Dyar and Knab) and Toxorhynchites amboinensis (Doleschall) were offered the choice of coloured (spray-painted) containers for oviposition in laboratory trials. Both species oviposited preferentially into black containers rather than into white, red, yellow, green, or blue containers. Black containers also acted as oviposition stimulants of Tx. moctezuma females, and black and red containers for Tx. amboinensis females. Absorption spectra were measured for the paints used, with red and black paints absorbing more light across most of the visible spectrum than the other colours.

Analysis of Variance↗