Using the Maslach Burnout Inventory among dentists: burnout measurement and trends.

OBJECTIVES: To extend our knowledge about the applicability of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) among dentists and to investigate trends in burnout risk among dental professionals. METHODS: The structure of the MBI is examined among two independent, representative samples of dentists (n = 493 and 497, respectively). Moreover, results are compared to those of other independently-practicing health professionals (i.e., general practitioners and physiotherapists). In addition, the percentage of dentists that are at risk for burnout are compared in samples from 1997, 2000, and 2001. RESULTS: Correlations between the Emotional Exhaustion and Depersonalization subscales among dentists were higher than those found elsewhere. Additionally, a considerable increase in burnout risk was found since 1997. CONCLUSIONS: It was confirmed that the MBI can be considered a suitable instrument for use among dentists. It is argued that certain specific aspects of entrepreneur-like occupations are reflected in deviating responses to the MBI. Given the clear increase in burnout risk found, this topic should remain under investigation among dentists.

Lack of effect of dietary minerals on liver cholesterol concentrations in rats.

Female rats were fed cholesterol-free, purified diets with different concentrations of calcium (0.13-0.75%, w/w), magnesium (0.02 or 0.04%) or phosphorus (0.2-0.8%) as the only dietary variable. After 28 days, no effects of the minerals were found on liver cholesterol concentrations and rates of fecal excretion of bile acids.

Liver cholesterol concentrations in mice fed diets containing various sources of fat, carbohydrates or fiber.

Liver cholesterol concentrations were measured in mice after feeding for 30 days cholesterol-free, semipurified diets containing various sources of fat, carbohydrates or fiber. Olive oil produced significantly higher liver cholesterol concentrations than tallow, sunflowerseed oil and cocoa fat. In mice fed either fructose or sucrose liver cholesterol was significantly increased when compared with mice fed galactose or lactose. Dietary cellulose, when compared with pectin, did not influence liver cholesterol. The amount of fat in the diet, in the form of either corn oil or coconut fat, had no significant effect on liver cholesterol. It is concluded that the type of carbohydrate and fat in the diet are major determinants of liver cholesterol in mice.