A Comparison of a Step-by-Step versus an All-in-one Approach in Teaching Plaque Control

Using plaque scores as the measurement criterion, two different methods of teaching plaque control skills were tested. Based on initial plaque scores, 25 patients with periodontal disease were paired and divided into two groups: a step-by-step and all-in-one group. The subjects of both groups were given four one-half hour appointments of instruction. Members of the step-by-step group were taught in three successive appointments a horizontal scrub toothbrushing method, how to floss and how to use the Perio Aid. All members of the all-in-one group were taught how to use all three oral hygiene instruments at the first appointment. No additional information or instruction was given to members of this group at later appointments unless specifically requested. Before instruction the step-by-step group had a mean plaque score of 62.3% and the all-in-one group a mean plaque score of 66.9%. Two weeks post instruction the means were 33.8 and 30.1 respectively. The results indicate that either teaching method is effective in teaching plaque removal skills

Concurrent Exposure of Bottlenose Dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to Multiple Algal Toxins in Sarasota Bay, Florida, USA

Sentinel species such as bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) can be impacted by large-scale mortality events due to exposure to marine algal toxins. In the Sarasota Bay region (Gulf of Mexico, Florida, USA), the bottlenose dolphin population is frequently exposed to harmful algal blooms (HABs) of Karenia brevis and the neurotoxic brevetoxins (PbTx; BTX) produced by this dinoflagellate. Live dolphins sampled during capture-release health assessments performed in this region tested positive for two HAB toxins; brevetoxin and domoic acid (DA). Over a ten-year study period (2000–2009) we have determined that bottlenose dolphins are exposed to brevetoxin and/or DA on a nearly annual basis (i.e., DA: 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009; brevetoxin: 2000, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009) with 36% of all animals testing positive for brevetoxin (n = 118) and 53% positive for DA (n = 83) with several individuals (14%) testing positive for both neurotoxins in at least one tissue/fluid. To date there have been no previously published reports of DA in southwestern Florida marine mammals, however the May 2008 health assessment coincided with a Pseudo-nitzschia pseudodelicatissima bloom that was the likely source of DA observed in seawater and live dolphin samples. Concurrently, both DA and brevetoxin were observed in common prey fish. Although no Pseudo-nitzschia bloom was identified the following year, DA was identified in seawater, fish, sediment, snails, and dolphins. DA concentrations in feces were positively correlated with hematologic parameters including an increase in total white blood cell (p = 0.001) and eosinophil (p<0.001) counts. Our findings demonstrate that dolphins within Sarasota Bay are commonly exposed to two algal toxins, and provide the impetus to further explore the potential long-term impacts on bottlenose dolphin health

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Telenutrition Weight Loss Intervention in Middle-Aged and Older Men with Multiple Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Overweight and obesity threaten the health, functionality and quality of life of 77.2% men in West Virginia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week primary care referred telenutrition weight loss intervention. Fifty-nine 40&#8315;70-year-old men with obesity were randomized to either the intervention group (n = 29) or an enhanced usual care (EUC) (n = 30) group. Participants from both groups were prescribed a moderate energy restricted diet (500&#8315;750 kcal/day below energy requirements) and provided diet-related educational materials; but, only those in the intervention group received weekly support from a registered dietitian nutritionist via telephone and videoconferencing. Both groups significantly reduced body weight, waist circumference, percent body fat and caloric intake and improved diet quality from baseline (p &lt; 0.0001). Groups did not differ after controlling for time (all p &gt; 0.30) and none of the group by time interactions were statistically significant. At week 12, a greater proportion of participants from the intervention group than the EUC group lost at least 5% of their baseline weight, (70.4% vs. 41.4%, p = 0.035). Retention rates and participant-reported adherence and satisfaction rates were &#8805;80% in the telenutrition group, thereby meeting the a priori criterion for feasibility of a larger trial. Primary care referred telenutrition interventions have the potential to improve access to dietary counseling for obesity treatment in health disparate populations. A larger longer-term trial is warranted

The Supraperiosteal and Incisive Injections (1970)

Summary: Demonstrates for dentists and dental students the local anesthetic injections frequently used in dentistry. Shows osteological considerations and dissection material on the cadaver, and presents examples of techniques used on patients. Contents: Supraperiosteal injection -- Injection at the mental foramen for the incisive nerve -- Injection at the incisive fossa.https://scholarsrepository.llu.edu/films/1019/thumbnail.jp