Greater learning transfer effect for avoidance of loss than for achievement of gain in Finnish and Russian schoolchildren.

Classification of behavior into principal categories of approach and avoidance is grounded in evolutionary considerations and multiple results of behavioral, self-report, and brain-activity analyses. Contrasted via measures of cognitive processes, avoidance is accompanied by greater cognitive engagement than approach. Considering outcome as a key constituent of behavioral underpinnings, we interpret approach/avoidance distinction in terms of structure of experience: avoidance domain provides more detailed interaction with the environment, than approach domain. Learning outwardly similar behaviors aimed at gain or loss outcomes manifests formation of different structures that underlie further learning. Therefore, we predicted difference of learning transfer between gain and loss contexts that was revealed here by introducing two tasks for different groups of schoolchildren in Finland and Russia. The cultural specificity of gain/loss differences was also evident with employed measures, including error rate and post-error slowing. The results support that avoidance-motivated behavior is organized as a more complex organism-environment interaction, than the approach-motivated behavior.

[Small changes in health differences in the Nordic countries during the 1980s and 1990s]. / Liten förändring av hälsoskillnader i Norden under 1980- och 1990-talen.

The study examined changes over time in health inequality in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. Data derive from comparable interview surveys carried out in 1986/87 and 1994/95. Limiting long-standing illness and perceived ill health were analysed regarding age, gender; educational attainment, and employment status. Age adjusted prevalence rates were calculated. Changes in differences in health were found in education and employment status groups. There was little or no change in the prevalence of ill health during the time period studied. Despite social and economic changes differences in health remained broadly stable in the examined countries.

Composite implant composed of hydroxyapatite and bone morphogenetic protein in the healing of a canine ulnar defect.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been considered as a carrier material for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of a composite implant of HA and native bovine BMP to heal a 2 cm segmental defect in the canine ulna. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A composite HA+BMP implant was compared with plain HA implants and cortical autografts. The fixation was accomplished with an intramedullary Kirschner wire. The bone union was evaluated by X-rays taken at operation and after 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 25, 35 weeks and by histology and mechanical torsion tests. RESULTS: HA implants were not able to produce complete bone union even with BMP. There was some bridging between the implant and the bone in the defects treated with either plain HA or HA+BMP implant, the bridging being slightly more pronounced with HA+BMP. The autografts showed a significantly better capacity to heal the defect. The HA implant did not resorb markedly during the study. There was no significant difference in mechanical strength between the HA and HA+BMP groups. CONCLUSIONS: HA was not an adequate bone substitute material in this study model, and BMP was not able to enhance sufficiently the poor capacity of HA to heal canine ulnar defects.

Bovine bone implant with bovine bone morphogenetic protein in healing a canine ulnar defect.

Xenograft is considered an alternative material for bone transplantation, but its bone healing capacity is inferior compared to that of autografts and allografts. Here, we tested whether bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) addition enhances the suitability of demineralized xenogeneic bovine bone for bone grafting in dogs, and whether xenogeneic bone is a suitable carrier material for BMPs. The capacity of demineralized bovine bone implants, with and without native partially purified bovine BMP, to heal a 2-cm ulnar defect was determined in six dogs over a follow-up time of 20 weeks. No instances of bone union were seen, but there was slightly more bone formation in the xenografts with BMP, though the difference was not statistically significant. The ulnas treated with an implant with BMP were also mechanically stronger, but the difference was not significant. Computed tomography scans showed no differences in the implant area in bone density, bone mineral content, or bone cross-sectional area. It is concluded that native, partially purified BMP does not sufficiently improve the suitability of bovine demineralized xenografts as a bone substitute material for dog. Demineralized xenogeneic bone does not seem to be a feasible carrier material for BMP.

Amalgam waste management. Issues & answers.

A review of U.S. dental amalgam waste management activities finds a wide variety of approaches, processes and results, within which the authors have observed an inconsistency of definitions, measurements, standards and even of clearly applied goals. As a result, outcomes have varied greatly from community to community. This manuscript attempts to deliver logical options, which might prevail even within an atmosphere of differing perspectives. The authors believe that successful outcomes are achievable within a collaborative environment of shared learning and cooperative planning. By example, the authors attempt to demonstrate how the joint acceptance of certain definitions and goals has served as a pathway to success in one community's dental waste management project. The goal of this paper is to share tools that may contain some measure of applicability to other similar collaborations.

Native bovine bone morphogenetic protein improves the potential of biocoral to heal segmental canine ulnar defects.

We studied the effect of a composite implant consisting of coral and native bovine bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) on the healing of 2 cm segmental defects in the canine ulna. Plain coral and cortical autograft bone implants were used as controls. The fixation was temporary for 9 weeks with an intramedullary Kirschner wire (6 ulnas with a composite implant of coral and BMP, 6 with plain coral and 6 with an autograft) or a plate and screws (3 ulnas with a composite implant and 3 with plain coral). X-rays were taken at 3, 6, 9, 12, 16, 26 and 36 weeks, and mechanical torsion tests were performed at the end of the study. The score for bone formation and bone union evaluated from radiographs was significantly higher in the composite implant group than in the plain coral group at 16 weeks, but the score was even higher with autografts. BMP accelerated the resorption of the coral implant. The mechanical strength of the composite implants was higher than that of the bones with a plain coral implant (P < 0.05), while the mechanical strength of the coral implants, even with BMP, was significantly lower than the strength of autografts (P < 0.01). In conclusion, BMP enhanced the capacity of a coral implant to heal a segmental ulnar defect by increasing bone formation, but the effect of this combination was not as good as that of a cortico-cancellous autograft.

Amalgam waste management: issues and answers.

In reviewing U.S. dental amalgam waste management activities, one finds a wide variety of approaches, processes, and results, within which the authors have observed an inconsistency of definitions, measurements, standards, and even of clearly applied goals. As a result, outcomes have varied greatly from community to community. This manuscript attempts to deliver logical options which might prevail even within an atmosphere of differing perspectives. The authors share the belief that successful outcomes are achievable within a collaborative environment of shared learning and cooperative planning. By example, the authors attempt to demonstrate how the joint acceptance of certain definitions and goals has served as a pathway to success in one community's dental waste management project. The goal of this paper is to share tools that may contain some measure of applicability to other similar collaborations.

Morphological and biomechanical difference in healing in segmental tibial defects implanted with Biocoral or tricalcium phosphate cylinders.

To evaluate the effects of two bioceramics on bone regeneration during repair of segmental bone defects, Biocoral and tricalcium phosphate cylinders were implanted in osteotomized sheep tibial defects 16 mm in length and followed up for 16 weeks. In comparison with the TCP-implanted defect, a significant increment in area and density of external callus was quantified radiomorphometrically at 3 weeks, and a marked increase in maximal torque capacity, maximal angle of deformation and absorption of energy was demonstrated mechanically in the Biocoral-implanted tibia at 16 weeks after implantation. Better bone integration with the substratum was microscopically observed in Biocoral cylinders. With good osteointegration and biomechanical-performance, Biocoral seems to be superior to TCP in repair of segmental defects in weight-bearing limbs.

The risk and complications of aspiration following cricopharyngeal myotomy.

This article reviews a series of patients undergoing cricopharyngeal myotomy and determines whether clinically dangerous aspiration is seen postoperatively. A total of 23 patients underwent myotomy. Indications included Zenker's diverticulum (14), anticipated or real dysphagia from skull base lesions (5), dysphagia from stroke (2), and dysphagia from glossectomy and radiation therapy (2). Surgical procedures, complications, and effectiveness were reviewed. Of patients with Zenker's diverticula, 13 of 14 had clinically useful improvement in dysphagia. Of patients with skull base lesions, all 5 had improvement (4 of these also had thyroplasites and cervical plexus-to-superior laryngeal nerve anastomoses). Of the patients with strokes, neither had significant improvement. Of the patients with glossectomy and radiation, 1 had useful improvement. Complications were seen in 5 patients: 2 had self-limiting pharyngeal leaks, and 3 had pneumonia 1-4 months postoperatively. One patient also had a postoperative ipsilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve injury. There were no postoperative deaths. In conclusion, cricopharyngeal myotomy has definite utility in the management of cervical dysphagia, even though the etiology of the dysphagia can be multifactorial. Risks directly attributable to the procedure are usually self-limiting; serious complications are usually associated with the underlying disease. The addition of adjunctive procedures, such as thyroplasty and superior laryngeal nerve reinnervation, may be of additional benefit to patients with high extracranial vagal injuries.

Psychological responses to a marine disaster during a recoil phase: experiences from the Estonia shipwreck.

The sinking of the car ferry, Estonia, was one of the world's most devastating marine disasters that has ever occurred in peace time. Altogether 138 passengers and crew members were rescued, and 38 of them were taken to the Turku University Central Hospital in Finland. The present article describes the various psychological reactions among the survivors during the first three days of the recoil phase.

[Emergency psychiatric treatment of survivors of the Estonia disaster]. / Akut psykiatrisk behandling av överlevande efter Estonia-katastrofen.

The sinking of the car ferry, Estonia, was one of the world's most devastating marine disasters of all time. Mass casualty situations tend to give rise to more mental than physical injuries among the survivors. Psychiatric crisis intervention is in the process of becoming established as one arm in the management of disaster victims. In the article is described the emergency psychiatric care which University Hospital, Abo, was able to offer survivors of the Estonia catastrophe. On the basis of the experience gained, the authors suggest that emergency psychiatric plans should be drawn up at all larger hospitals, as there is no time for careful planning in the event of a major incident.

One dose cefuroxime prophylaxis in hip fracture surgery.

One 3 g intravenous dose of cefuroxime during the induction of anaesthesia was administered randomly in a series of 162 consecutive hip fractures. The overall infection rate was 8.0%, and 2.4% for deep infections. The number of infections was seven in the prophylaxis group and six in the control group. The percentage of deep infections was 3.9 and 1.4, correspondingly. Antibiotic prophylaxis given did not seem to have an effect on the infection rate.

Signs and symptoms in the masticatory system in ten patients with mixed connective tissue disease.

Ten patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) were examined for signs and symptoms in the masticatory system. The study included clinical, radiological, histological and immunohistochemical examinations. The status of the teeth and periodontium did not seem to differ from that found in the general Finnish population. All 10 patients showed clinical dysfunction, and 7 had additional radiographic changes of the temporomandibular joints. Sialopenia was observed in 7 patients, and histological examination revealed sialoadenitis with a focus score exceeding 1 in the labial salivary glands in 9 patients. Only 1 patient had clinically detectable mucosal lesions. However, in 5 of 6 patients with normal-appearing mucosa, histological examination revealed chronic inflammation. Three of the 10 patients had clinically atrophic and erythematous oral mucosa; histological examination again revealed chronic inflammation. The signs and symptoms appearing in the masticatory system of these 10 MCTD patients were many and varied and indicate the importance of closely examining all oral structures. As with other connective tissue diseases, MCTD should be treated on a multidisciplinary basis.

Xerostomia due to Sjögren's syndrome. Diagnostic criteria, treatment and outlines for a continuous dental care programme and an open trial with Sulfarlem.

The initial evaluation of 25 patients suspected of suffering from Sjögren's syndrome (SS) disclosed that sialopenia and glandular atrophy without focal sialo-adenitis was the second most common cause, after SS itself, of patient complaints. This emphasizes the importance of conclusive diagnostic criteria to prevent overdiagnosis and to form a sound basis for management of xerostomia patients. We found that at the time of diagnostic evaluation, the dental status of our SS patients did not differ from that of the normal Finnish population. This suggests that SS patients can greatly benefit from adequate dental care, assuming that attention is paid to early diagnosis and management. Accordingly, the diagnostic and therapeutic approach needs to be multidisciplinary. We present our current programme for oral and dental care of xerostomia patients and the results of an open trial with Sulfarlem (trithioparamethoxyphenylpropene) which was found not to be the drug of choice in the treatment of dry mouth associated with SS.

Renal biopsy in acute renal failure.

Renal biopsies were performed on 91 out of 99 patients with acute intrinsic renal failure. In all these 91 cases a clinical diagnosis was suggested by an experienced nephrologist unaware of the renal biopsy findings. Most diagnoses agreed with the histopathological findings, but there were important exceptions. On clinical grounds, acute tubulointerstitial renal disease was diagnosed correctly in 77% and acute glomerulonephritis in 56%. In 15% of the patients the clinical data did not permit any certain diagnostic suggestion. In about 20% the biopsy finding definitely influenced the choice of medical treatment. In those 15 patients who needed dialysis treatment, the biopsy findings helped in determining whether this need was temporary or permanent. Our results show that renal biopsy is valuable in settling the diagnosis, in determining the prognosis, and in planning the treatment of acute intrinsic renal failure.

Alternative model and approach for determining microbial heterotrophic activities in aquatic systems.

Increasing amounts of high-specific-activity tritiated organic compounds were added to samples of several natural waters such that in situ substrate concentrations might be approximated. The uptake responses by the native heterotrophic microflora suggested that (i) heterotrophic populations metabolize the added nutrients, but (ii) these responses are not necessarily a reflection of Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics. The uptake kinetics appeared to be due to dilution of the naturally occurring metabolite by added radioactive substrate and physiological responses of the microflora to organic enrichment.

Heterotrophic activities of bacterioneuston and bacterioplankton.

Numbers of viable bacteria as indicated by colony-forming units (CFU), microbial adenosine triphosphate levels, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (POC and PON), glucose concentration, heterotrophic potential (Vmax), and in situ heterotrophic activity (Vn) of near-surface microlayer samples (70-80 mum depth), the neuston, and bulk column water samples (0.2-1.5 m depth), the plankton, of several natural waters were compared. DOC and glucose concentration values of near-surface and bulk water were similar, whereas POC and PON values of the near-surface were normally one order of magnitude greater than those of bulk water. Viable counts were generally greater in the neuston, but ATP levels were greater in the plankton. Comparative values of total heterotrophic potentials and heterotrophic activities fluctuated greatly. Heterotrophic potential per CFU of the neuston was 33% of that of the plankton; neuston heterotrophic activity per CFU was 10% of that of the plankton. These data suggest that neustonic heterotrophic bacteria are not as metabolically active as their planktonic counterparts and that they are under greater stress at the near-surface than in the column water.