Impaired value-based decision-making in Parkinson's disease apathy.

Apathy is a common and disabling complication of Parkinson's disease characterized by reduced goal-directed behaviour. Several studies have reported dysfunction within prefrontal cortical regions and projections from brainstem nuclei whose neuromodulators include dopamine, serotonin and noradrenaline. Work in animal and human neuroscience have confirmed contributions of these neuromodulators on aspects of motivated decision-making.

Systematic review: the role of breastfeeding in the development of pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

Objectives: To assess the current evidence for the role of breastfeeding in the development of early onset inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) with a systematic review.

Study Design: An electronic database search was performed (January 1966-January 2008) with keywords related to IBD and breastfeeding, looking specifically for studies that reported outcome in early-onset disease (<16 years of age) and "any exposure" to breast milk as the variables. Meta-analysis of studies included for review was then performed by using a random effects model, and results were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with 95% CIs.

Photographic assessment of fluorosis in children from naturally fluoridated Kungsbacka and non-fluoridated Halmstad, Sweden.

Objectives: To assess levels of fluorosis and fluorosis of esthetic concern in children from a naturally fluoridated and a non-fluoridated area of Sweden, and to determine the relative contributions of fluoridated water, parental educational level, and infant oral health-related behaviors.

Methods: A parental questionnaire collected information concerning child F-supplement and F-dentifrice usage histories, and socio-economic status. Photographic examination of 1336 subjects (F=791; N-F=545) was undertaken.

Return to work after ill-health retirement in Scottish NHS staff and teachers.

Background: Most major public and private sector pension schemes have provision for ill-health retirement (IHR) for those who become too ill to continue to work before their normal retirement age.

Aim: To compare the causes, process and outcomes of IHR in teachers and National Health Service (NHS) staff in Scotland.

Methods: A total of 537 teachers and 863 NHS staff who retired due to ill-health between April 1998 and March 2000 were mailed an IHR questionnaire by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.

Effect of different forms of information produced for cancer patients on their use of the information, social support, and anxiety: randomised trial.

Objective: To explore the hypothesis that different methods of selecting and printing information for cancer patients could improve emotional support by affecting interaction with others, and so lead to improved psychological wellbeing.

Design: Randomised trial with eight groups (three factors, 2x2x2). Data collected at recruitment and three month follow-up.

Ill health retirement in Scottish teachers: process, outcomes and re-employment.

Objectives: To assess the process, causes and outcomes of ill health retirement (IHR) in teachers in Scotland. Perceptions and experience of occupational health services (OHS), access to rehabilitation and redeployment, current health, post retirement experience and predictors of re-employment were identified.

Methods: 537 teachers who retired due to ill health between April 1998 and March 2000 were mailed our IHR questionnaire by the Scottish Public Pensions Agency.

Randomised controlled trial of home based motivational interviewing by midwives to help pregnant smokers quit or cut down.

Objective: To determine whether motivational interviewing--a behavioural therapy for addictions-provided at home by specially trained midwives helps pregnant smokers to quit.

Design: Randomised controlled non-blinded trial analysed by intention to treat.

Setting: Clinics attached to two maternity hospitals in Glasgow.

Prevalence of dental fluorosis in children from non-water-fluoridated Halmstad, Sweden: fluoride toothpaste use in infancy.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence and severity of dental fluorosis in children aged 7-9 years from non-water-fluoridated Halmstad, Sweden, and to relate the results to their reported fluoride exposure history during infancy.

Material And Methods: In Spring 2002, a questionnaire distributed to a cluster random sample of 1039 parents enquired into their child's early oral health behaviors and included a "photographic toothpaste menu". The permanent upper anterior teeth (13-23) were examined clinically (+10% repeats) using a modified Thylstrup-Fejerskov Index.

Six and 12 months' evaluation of a self-etching primer versus two-stage etch and prime for orthodontic bonding: a randomized clinical trial.

The aim of the study was to compare the mean clinical chair-side time required for bracket bonding and the mean bond failure rate at 6 and 12 months of stainless steel brackets with a micro-etched base bonded with a light-cured composite using a self-etching primer (SEP) or a two-stage etch and prime system.Fifty-one subjects who required upper and/or lower pre-adjusted edgewise fixed appliances were recruited in a single centre randomized clinical trial. The trial was a single-blind design, involving a within-patient comparison of the two bonding systems with each patient randomly allocated the two bonding systems for each side of the mouth (all teeth except molars).

Mercury vapour levels in dental practices and body mercury levels of dentists and controls.

Aim: A study of 180 dentists in the West of Scotland was conducted to determine their exposure to mercury during the course of their work and the effects on their health and cognitive function.

Design: Data were obtained from questionnaires distributed to dentists and by visiting their surgeries to take measurements of environmental mercury.

Methods: Dentists were asked to complete a questionnaire including items on handling of amalgam, symptoms experienced, diet and possible influences on psychomotor function such as levels of stress and alcohol intake.

Models of advance directives in mental health care: stakeholder views.

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine perceptions of the place of advance directives in mental health care.

Methods: Postal survey of stakeholders was carried out to assess their views on different models of advance directives in mental health care. A total of 473 responded.

Effect of fluoride exposure on cariostatic potential of orthodontic bonding agents: an in vitro evaluation.

Aims: The aims of this in vitro study were to compare the cariostatic potential of a resin modified glass ionomer cement (Fuji Ortho LC) to that of a resin control (Transbond) for bracket bonding and to compare the effect of extrinsic fluoride application on the cariostatic potential of each material.

Setting: Ex vivo study.

Materials And Methods: Orthodontic brackets were bonded to 40 extracted premolars, 20 with Fuji Ortho LC and 20 with Transbond.

Laboratory evaluation of a self-etching primer for orthodontic bonding.

The aim of the present study was to compare the mean bonding time, mean shear bond strength and mean survival time of stainless steel brackets with a micro-etched base bonded with a light-cure composite using a self-etching primer (SEP) or a conventional two-stage etch and prime system. Brackets were bonded to 30 premolars with each bonding system. The bonding time was recorded for each specimen using a stopwatch.

Survival of children born with congenital anomalies.

Aim: To describe the survival to age 5 years of children born with congenital anomalies.

Methods: Between 1980 and 1997, 6153 live born cases of congenital anomaly were diagnosed and registered by the population based Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies. They were retrospectively followed to assess their survival status from birth up to the age of 5 years.

Prevalence of Down syndrome in Glasgow, 1980-96--the growing impact of prenatal diagnosis on younger mothers.

Objective: To assess the impact of improved methods of prenatal diagnosis on the prevalence of Down Syndrome (DS).

Design: Registry based epidemiological study.

Setting: Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies, Greater Glasgow Health Board, Scotland.

Fluoride release from orthodontic cements-effect of specimen surface area and depth.

Objective: The aims of this in vitro study were firstly to compare fluoride release from a disc model of two orthodontic cements with various surfaces varnished, reducing the surface area by 25, 50 and 75%; secondly, to measure the fluoride release from previously exhausted discs of the same cements following removal of various depths of surface material.

Methods: Forty discs of each cement, Fuji Ortho LC and Ultra Band-Lok, (6mm diameter by 3mm) were divided into two groups of 20 discs each. For each material, the first group was divided further into four groups of five discs, one group acting as control, while the other three groups were varnished reducing the surface area by 25, 50 and 75%, respectively.

Fluoride release from orthodontic band cements-a comparison of two in vitro models.

Objectives: To compare, in vitro, the fluoride release from a conventional glass ionomer cement (Ketac-Cem), a resin-modified glass ionomer cement (3M-Multicure) and a polyacid modified composite (Ultra Band-Lok) using a banded tooth model and a disc model with the same mean cement weight.

Methods: Forty pairs of caries-free third molars were collected and divided into two groups, each of 20 teeth. One tooth from each pair was banded with Ketac-Cem and the other with Ultra Band-Lok or 3M-Multicure; the average band size for each cement group was the same.

In vitro comparison of orthodontic band cements.

The aim of the study was to compare the mean retentive strength of microetched orthodontic bands cemented to extracted human third molars with a modified composite, a resin-modified glass ionomer cement, and a conventional glass ionomer cement. The mode of band failure and amount of cement remaining on the tooth at deband were also assessed. Finally, survival time of bands with each cement was assessed with simulated mechanical stress in a ball mill.

Health and neuropsychological functioning of dentists exposed to mercury.

Objectives: A cross sectional survey of dentists in the west of Scotland and unmatched controls was conducted to find the effect of chronic exposure to mercury on health and cognitive functioning.

Methods: 180 dentists were asked to complete a questionnaire that included items on handling of amalgam, symptoms experienced, possible influences on psychomotor function, and the 12 item general health questionnaire. Dentists were asked to complete a dental chart of their own mouths and to give samples of urine, hair, and nails for mercury analysis.

Prevalence and secular trend of congenital anomalies in Glasgow, UK.

Aim: To describe the epidemiology of congenital anomalies in Glasgow with special reference to secular trends.

Methods: The prevalence of congenital anomalies was determined retrospectively in 233 777 births using the Glasgow Register of Congenital Anomalies for the period 1980-97.

Results: The total prevalence of congenital anomalies was 324 per 10 000 births, declining by just over a third from 382 per 10 000 births in 1980 to 238 per 10 000 births in 1997.

A blind caries and fluorosis prevalence study of school-children in naturally fluoridated and nonfluoridated townships of Morayshire, Scotland.

Objectives: To undertake a blind caries and fluorosis prevalence study of Grade 1 (aged 5/6 yr) and Grade 4-7 (aged 8-12 yr) children from naturally water-fluoridated (1 ppm, since 1985) Burghead, Findhorn & Kinloss (F), and nearby nonfluoridated Buckie & Portessie (N-F), in rural Morayshire, Scotland.

Methods: A blind clinical (+ 10% repeats) caries study of the above townships' 5/6-yr-old lifetime (15 F; 43 N-F), and 8-12-yr-old lifetime (55 F; 136 N-F)/school-lifetime (31 F; 37 N-F) residents was undertaken following bussing of these children to a common examination site in close-by Elgin Town Hall. Initially, each child was asked about their own perception of the aesthetics of their maxillary front teeth.

Modified composite or conventional glass ionomer for band cementation? A comparative clinical trial.

The time to first failure, the position of band failure at deband, and the change in enamel white spot lesions of teeth bonded with a modified composite or a conventional glass ionomer were compared in a randomized half-mouth trial over the full course of orthodontic treatment. One hundred forty band pairs were cemented in 98 subjects. Overall band failure rates of 5% and 2.

Randomised trial of personalised computer based information for patients with schizophrenia.

Objectives: To compare use, effect, and cost of personalised computer education with community psychiatric nurse education for patients with schizophrenia.

Design: Randomised trial of three interventions. Modelling of costs of alternatives.

Daily exposure to fluoride mouthrinse produces sustained fluoride release from orthodontic adhesives in vitro.

Objectives: To determine firstly, if sustained fluoride release can be achieved from five orthodontic adhesives: Ketac-Cem, Fuji ORTHO LC, Sequence, Transbond and Right-On, with daily exposure to fluoride mouthrinse in vitro, and secondly, if sustained fluoride release can be re-established from the same specimens, after an interruption in mouthrinse exposure.

Methods: Ten brackets were bonded to bovine incisors using each adhesive. Each adhesive group was divided equally into a test and a control sub-group.