Looking after the mouth - Evaluation of a pilot for a new approach to training care home carers in Kent, Surrey and Sussex.

Objective This pilot study aimed to produce and evaluate training resources and training in oral health care, including oral hygiene, for carers in care homes in Surrey and Medway.Methods During two training days, for carers from these homes, short, interactive presentations were given on a range of topics relevant to oral health care and oral hygiene of older people, followed by practical training. Prior to any training all attendees completed a 39 question questionnaire to establish their baseline knowledge of oral health and hygiene. At the end of the training day they completed an evaluation form. Fourteen weeks later, they were visited at their place of work and completed the same questionnaire again. Differences in responses between baseline and after 14 weeks were statistically tested using the chi-squared test.Results Sixty-six carers attended the training sessions and 44 were followed up 14 weeks later. The results showed an improvement in carer knowledge at follow up. The majority of carers (36/44) spoke English as their first language. They had a mean age of 41 years, 37 were female and 7 male. They had worked as carers for a mean of 10.9 years (range 4 months-34 years). Over 90% stated that the training day fully met or exceeded their requirements and expectations.Conclusions The results indicated improvements in carer knowledge. However, the carers were atypical of carers in general, as they were self-selected and well-motivated. Nevertheless the content of the training day and the questionnaire should inform future work in this area.

Novel chemistry of abdominal defensive glands of nymphalid butterfly Agraulis vanillae.

Abdominal defensive glands of both sexes of the Gulf fritillary butterfly, Agraulis vanillae (Linnaeus) (Nymphalidae:Heliconiinae) emit a pronounced odor when disturbed. We have identified 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one; oleic, palmitic, and stearic esters of the corresponding alcohol 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol; hexadecyl acetate; 1,16-hexadecanediol diacetate; and 1,15-hexade-canediol diacetate in the glandular exudate. Since we have determined that free-flying birds or birds in a butterfly conservatory discriminate against A. vanillae as prey, we suggest that the constituents in the glands may play a defensive role against potential avian predators.

The salience of visuospatial and organizational skills in reproducing the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure in subjects with high and low IQs.

The salience of visuospatial and organizational skills in copying the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure (ROCF) was examined in 44 adults diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Subjects were divided into a high average and above IQ group (n = 21) and an average and below IQ group (n = 23). Multiple regressions were conducted for both groups, with the ROCF copy as the dependent variable and WAIS-R Block Design and Stern Fragmentation scores as predictor variables. Results indicated that, for the high IQ group, visuospatial skills were more salient in predicting ROCF copy scores. By contrast, for the low IQ group, organizational skills were more salient for predicting ROCF copy score. Our findings are discussed in relation to the Boston Process Approach.

Dental needs of residents and carers in elderly peoples' homes and carers' attitudes to oral health.

The dental needs of elderly people in residential homes and of their carers were investigated. Also, the carers' attitudes to oral health for themselves and the elderly residents were explored. Professionally diagnosed or normative need was greater than lay persons' perceived need in both groups. Overall, carers' attitudes towards their own and the residents' oral health were positive. However, carers had experienced a lack of formal training opportunities for mouth care and 93% requested education in oral hygiene procedures. It is recommended that the dental team develops and provides oral care programmes which will enable carers to provide routine hygiene support for the residents.

Glycerol monoethers in the scent gland secretions of the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox; Serpentes, Crotalinae).

1-O-Monoalkylglycerols with C12 to C20 chains were identified in the scent gland secretions of the western diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus atrox). This is the first documentation of these compounds in the skin secretions of a reptile.

Chemistry of mandibular and Dufour's gland secretions of ants in genusMyrmecocystus.

Males of several species ofMyrmecocystus produce mandibular gland secretions that contain 2,4-dimethyl-2-hexenoic acid and a variety of monoterpenes that include neral, geranial, citronellol, limonene, and 2,6-dimethyl-5-hepten-1-ol. Other components identified include methyl anthranilate, octanal, octanol, octyl octanoate, and 2-hexyl-2-decenal. Methyl salicylate has been identified as a mandibular gland constituent of workers of several species in addition to mellein and monoterpenes such as cymene, limonene, and the isomers of citral. The Dufour's gland secretions of workers and females of 14 species contain typical formicine alkanes (e.g., undecane), 2-alkanols (e.g., 2-tridecanol), and 2-alkanones (e.g., 2-tridecanone). Two species in the subgenusEremnocystus produce secretions that are distinguished by the presence of significant quantities of tridecyl esters. The functions of these compounds as well as their possible chemosystematic significance in the genusMyrmecocystus are discussed.

Separation of the components of commercial digitonin using high-performance liquid chromatography and centrifugal countercurrent chromatography. Identification of the products by californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry.

Commercial digitonin has been separated into its components using high-performance liquid chromatography and centrifugal countercurrent chromatography. The individual glucosides have been identified by californium-252 plasma desorption mass spectrometry, occasionally supplemented by hydrolysis and analysis of the liberated sugars and aglycones. Mass spectra of commercial digitonin that have appeared in the literature are discussed in the light of their complex nature. A new glycoside of molecular weight 1035 is described and a structure proposed.

Chemistry of the anal glands of Bothriomyrmex syrius forel. Olfactory mimetism and temporary social parasitism.

The anal gland secretions of Bothriomyrmex syrius Forel workers contain cis-3-dodecenoic acid and small amounts of trans-2-dodecenoic acid and oleic acid. The female secretions consist of 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and a trace of alpha-terpineol. The presence of the ketone in the female secretion may explain the success of these ants as temporary social parasites of the Tapinoma ants.

Identification of new components from anal glands ofTapinoma simrothi pheonicium.

In addition to 2-methyl-4-heptanone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one, and iridodials, the anal gland exudate of the dolichoderine ant,Tapinoma simrothi, contains 4-heptanone and 4-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-pentanone. The secretion functions as an alarm pheromone.

Anacardic acid: molluscicide in cashew nut shell liquid.

The components of anacardic acid, (a mixture of 6-n-C (15) alkylsalicylic acids whose side chains vary in degrees of unsaturation) have been isolated by high pressure liquid chromatography from a crude extract of cashew nut shell, Anacardium occidentale, and tested for toxicity to fresh water snails, Biomphalaria glabrata. The triene component is the most toxic form (LC (50) 0.35 ppm), the diene and monoene components are less toxic (LC (50) 0.9 and 1.4 ppm), and the saturated component is relatively nontoxic (LC (50) > 5 ppm). Since decarboxylated anacardic acid (cardanol) and salicylic acid do not kill snails at concentrations up to 5 ppm, it appears that both, carboxyl group and unsaturated side chain are absolutely required for molluscicidal activity. The mechanism of toxicity of anacardic acid to snails is unknown.

Exocrine glands ofPolyrhachis simplex: Chemistry and function.

The mandibular glands of the Israeli weaver ant,Polyrhachis simplex, contain a mixture of 4-heptanone, 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-one and 6-methyl-5-hepten-2-ol;its Dufour's gland secretion consists mainly ofn-tridecane. The significance of these glandular secretions in the biology of the weaver ant is discussed.

Proteins in a nonvenomous defensive secretion: biosynthetic significance.

In common with many arthropods, the true bug, Leptoglossus phyllopus, when disturbed, emits a two-phase secretion that consists of an organic phase and an aqueous phase. The organic phase is a mixture of highly reactive low-molecular-weight compounds, analogous to those produced by other arthropods, and is deterrent to many kinds of predators. The aqueous phase, heretofore ignored in most analyses of arthropod defensive secretions, contains proteins. Even though the secretion is not injected, the proteins enzymatically catalyze the derivation of the most reactive components within the impermeable cuticular storage reservoir and, thus, constitute part of the defensive system that appears to be commonly used by arthropods producing irritating chemicals.