First report of a complete genome sequence for a begomovirus infecting Jatropha gossypifolia in the Americas.

Jatropha gossypifolia is a weed that is commonly found with yellow mosaic symptoms growing along the roadside and in close proximity to cultivated crops in many farming communities in Jamaica. For the first time, the complete genome sequence of a new begomovirus, designated jatropha mosaic virus-[Jamaica:Spanish Town:2004] (JMV-[JM:ST:04]), was determined from field-infected J. gossypifolia in the western hemisphere. DNA-A nucleotide sequence comparisons showed closest identity (84 %) to two tobacco-infecting viruses from Cuba, tobacco mottle leaf curl virus-[Cuba:Sancti Spiritus:03] (TbMoLCV-[CU:SS:03]) and tobacco leaf curl Cuba virus-[Cuba:Taguasco:2005] (TbLCuCUV-[CU:Tag:05]), and two weed-infecting viruses from Cuba and Jamaica, Rhynchosia rugose golden mosaic virus-[Cuba:Camaguey:171:2009] (RhRGMV- [CU:Cam:171:09]) and Wissadula golden mosaic St. Thomas virus-[Jamaica:Albion:2005] (WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05]). Phylogenetic analysis revealed that JMV-[JM:ST:04] is most closely related to tobacco and tomato viruses from Cuba and WGMSTV-[JM:Alb:05], a common malvaceous-weed-infecting virus from eastern Jamaica, and that it is distinct from begomoviruses infecting Jatropha species in India and Nigeria.

Ascophyllum nodosum enriched bread reduces subsequent energy intake with no effect on post-prandial glucose and cholesterol in healthy, overweight males. A pilot study.

It is well recognised that the consumption of seaweed isolates (such as alginate) successfully reduce energy intake and modulate glycaemic and cholesterolaemic responses. However, to date, the effect of adding whole seaweed to bread has not been widely investigated. Hence, this study aims to investigate the acceptability of Ascophyllum nodosum enriched bread as part of a meal, and measure its effect on energy intake and nutrient absorption in overweight, healthy males to see if it has a similar impact. Results from the acceptability study, (79 untrained sensory panellists) indicated that it is acceptable to incorporate seaweed (A. nodosum) into a staple food such as bread at concentrations of up to 4% per 400 g wholemeal loaf. A single blind cross over trial (n=12 males, aged 40.1±12.5 years; BMI 30.8±4.4 kg/m(2)) was used to compare energy intake and nutrient uptake after a breakfast meal using the enriched bread (4% A. nodosum) against the control bread (0% A. nodosum). Consumption of the enriched bread at breakfast led to a significant reduction (16.4%) in energy intake at a test meal 4 h later. Differences between treatment arms for area under the curve, peak values, and time of peak for blood glucose and cholesterol were not significant. Further investigation of potential mechanisms of action is warranted.

Clinical educators' views on the quality of undergraduate clinical restorative dentistry in the UK and ROI.

INTRODUCTION: Following concerns expressed regarding recently expanded dental education, a survey was conducted on United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland clinical educators' perceptions of their work and the educational experiences they provide in clinical restorative dentistry. Many of the challenges facing dental education are common to all countries, and it would be of interest to note if the views reported are representative of the greater European perspective. The results of this survey represent a European regional picture. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This is a survey of clinical staff in restorative dentistry departments across all of the fully established UK and ROI dental schools. The survey covered factors affecting the quality of undergraduate learning in restorative dentistry and the implications of these for programme delivery. Thematic analysis was applied to qualitative responses. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-eight responses were received across the gamut of clinical educators' roles and across 15 of the 16 schools. Themes identified were personal workload, teaching effectiveness, students' clinical experiences, provision of teaching, departmental organisation and job satisfaction. DISCUSSION: The survey findings had many parallels with other recent reports but also suggested some developments. CONCLUSION: The survey provided an accurate snapshot of staff views on the quality of undergraduate clinical training in restorative dentistry. Despite experiencing difficulties in many areas of their work resulting in poor morale, staff considered teaching rewarding although undervalued by others. A number of recommendations are made for the development of undergraduate teaching.

A comparison of alcohol and drug use among dental undergraduates and a group of non-medical, professional undergraduates.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the alcohol and drug use of dental and law undergraduates. DESIGN: Anonymous self-report questionnaire. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: All dental undergraduates (n = 263) and a randomly selected group of law undergraduates (n = 180) from the same university were questioned on their use of alcohol, tobacco and illicit drugs. RESULTS: Current tobacco use was reported by 7% of dental students and 19% of law students. Alcohol use was reported by 86% of dental students and 88% of law students, with 44% of dental students and 52% of law students estimating they drank above recommended safe limits (14 units for females, 21 units for men). Binge drinking was reported by 71% of dental students and 75% of law students, with weekly binge drinking reported by 27% and 34% of dental and law students respectively. Cannabis experience was reported by 44% of dental students and 52% of law students, with current use reported by 12% and 25% of dental and law students respectively. A small proportion of dental and law students reported using other class A and B drugs including ecstasy, amphetamines and cocaine. CONCLUSIONS: Dental students appear to be indulging in similar levels of alcohol and illicit drug use when compared to students of a different, non-medical faculty. Binge drinking may be more prevalent than previously thought, with potential risks to health, patient safety and professional status.

Factors influencing the quality of undergraduate clinical restorative dentistry in the UK and ROI: the views of heads of units.

In the light of concerns regarding expanded student intakes and reported workforce difficulties, a 2008 survey of heads of departments of restorative dentistry in UK and ROI dental schools sought to clarify the current situation with regard to: workforce configuration; barriers and facilitators of quality undergraduate clinical restorative dentistry; and, implications of the above for programme delivery. The response rate was 100% for the workforce statistics and 65% for the remainder of the survey. Findings were largely consistent across the 14 schools. Workforces were increasingly part-time with a shortage of full-time academics. While resources had generally expanded to meet increased student numbers and outreach teaching had augmented clinical learning, difficulties in recruiting patients and communicating with a fragmented workforce were risking the quality of undergraduate curricula. Issues to be addressed include a pervading sense of teaching being undervalued and staffing being sub-optimal.

Do better qualified dentists make fewer hospital referrals?

OBJECTIVE: To assess the influence of further qualifications and length of clinical experience on the number of referrals of complete denture problems made by GDPs to secondary care. DESIGN: An audit was made of complete denture referrals to Sheffield Dental Hospital between January 1997 and June 1999. METHOD: All complete denture referrals (n=257), either single complete denture or 2 complete dentures, made by locally practising NHS registered dentists (n=211) to Sheffield Dental Hospital, were recorded, along with the year of qualification and any additional clinical qualifications of referring practitioner. RESULTS: Fewer referrals were made by better qualified dentists (p=0.003). Better qualified dentists also appeared willing to treat more difficult cases. In the absence of a further clinical qualification, length of clinical experience had no effect on the number of referrals made. CONCLUSIONS: Better qualified dentists make fewer complete denture referrals, emphasising the importance of continuing education in reducing referral rates and improving patient service.

Interleukin-1 and IL-1 receptor antagonist in gingival crevicular fluid.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the cytokine IL-1beta and its receptor antagonist IL-1ra in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF), in patients with adult periodontitis. METHOD: A total of 40 GCF samples were harvested from 10 subjects with moderate to severe adult periodontitis and 10 healthy controls. Subjects were selected from both genders, with all the upper anterior teeth present, and with no relevant systemic illness, pregnancy or recent medication. All subjects were non-smokers and had not received any periodontal therapy within the preceding 3 months. Deep bleeding sites, deep non-bleeding sites and healthy sites were investigated in relation to upper anterior teeth. Clinical measurements were recorded for each site, after obtaining a GCF sample. IL-1beta and IL-1ra were quantified using new commercially available ELISA kits (Quantikine), and could be detected in all samples. RESULTS: The mean concentration for IL-1beta was 0.11 (SD 0.14) pg/microl for bleeding periodontitis sites, 0.04 (0.05) pg/microl for non-bleeding periodontitis sites, and 0.01 (0.03) pg/microl for healthy sites (p<0.001). In contrast, the mean concentration for IL-1ra was 6.99 (9.78) pg/microl for healthy sites, 0.59 (0.44) pg/microl for non-bleeding periodontitis sites, and 0.44 (0.36) pg/microl for bleeding periodontitis sites (p<0.001, except for comparisons between bleeding and non-bleeding periodontitis sites, p>0.05). For healthy sites, a strong inverse relationship was found between IL-1beta and IL-1ra levels in GCE. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest a strong relationship between the severity of adult periodontitis and the increasing GCF levels of IL-1beta and decreasing levels of IL-1ra.