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Bakri NN, Ferguson CA, Majeed S, Thomson WM, Oda K, Bartlett S, Broadbent JM, Smith MB. Workplace oral health promotion activities among community-aged care workers: A qualitative exploration. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2023. [PMID: 37950336 DOI: 10.1111/cdoe.12924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The workplace is an ideal-and priority-setting for health promotion activities. Developing and implementing workplace health promotion interventions, including oral health promotion activities, can help create health-supporting workplace environments. OBJECTIVE To pilot workplace oral health promotion activities among staff working in the aged care sector, report their impact and explore participants' views on the factors that contribute to participation and effectiveness. METHODS This study comprised three phases: (i) the development and face validation of the resources, (ii) a 3-h educational session and (iii) five interview sessions with participants 4-6 weeks following the education session. The recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. RESULTS Eleven community-aged care workforce were invited to five feedback sessions. Ten participants were female and ranged in age from 18 to 64. All participants gave favourable comments about the content and delivery of the training session and accompanying resources. The participants felt that the benefits of WOHP include improved staff knowledge, awareness and oral care routine, the ability to share (and put into practice) the gained knowledge and information with their dependants, a lower risk of having poor oral health that adversely affects their well-being and work tasks, and potentially beneficial impacts on the organization's staff roster. Their attendance in the WOHP was facilitated by being paid to attend and scheduling the sessions during work time. Future WOHP suggestions include the possibility of a one-stop dental check-up at the workplace or staff dental care discounts from local dental practitioners and combining oral health with other health promotion activities. CONCLUSIONS Planning and implementing WOHP was deemed acceptable and feasible in this study context and successfully achieved short-term impacts among community-aged care workers. Appropriate times and locations, organizational arrangements and a variety of delivery options contributed to successful programme planning and implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- N N Bakri
- Centre of Population Oral Health and Clinical Prevention Studies, Faculty of Dentistry, Sungai Buloh Campus, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Selangor, Malaysia
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - C A Ferguson
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - S Majeed
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - W M Thomson
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - K Oda
- Department of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - S Bartlett
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - J M Broadbent
- Sir John Walsh Research Institute, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - M B Smith
- Department of Public Health, University of Otago, Wellington, New Zealand
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O'Shea KJ, McGrouther D, Ferguson CA, Jungbauer M, Hühn S, Moshnyaga V, MacLaren DA. Fabrication of high quality plan-view TEM specimens using the focused ion beam. Micron 2014; 66:9-15. [PMID: 25080271 DOI: 10.1016/j.micron.2014.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 04/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
We describe a technique using a focused ion beam instrument to fabricate high quality plan-view specimens for transmission electron microscopy studies. The technique is simple, site-specific and is capable of fabricating multiple large, >100 μm(2) electron transparent windows within epitaxially grown thin films. A film of La0.67Sr0.33MnO3 is used to demonstrate the technique and its structural and functional properties are surveyed by high resolution imaging, electron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and Lorentz electron microscopy. The window is demonstrated to have good thickness uniformity and a low defect density that does not impair the film's Curie temperature. The technique will enable the study of in-plane structural and functional properties of a variety of epitaxial thin film systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- K J O'Shea
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
| | - D McGrouther
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - C A Ferguson
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - M Jungbauer
- University of Gottingen, Institute Physics 1, Friedrich Hund Pl 1, D-37077 Gottingen, Germany
| | - S Hühn
- University of Gottingen, Institute Physics 1, Friedrich Hund Pl 1, D-37077 Gottingen, Germany
| | - V Moshnyaga
- University of Gottingen, Institute Physics 1, Friedrich Hund Pl 1, D-37077 Gottingen, Germany
| | - D A MacLaren
- SUPA, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
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3
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Haggarty RA, Ferguson CA, Scott EM, Iroegbu C, Stidson R. Extreme value theory applied to the definition of bathing water quality discounting limits. Water Res 2010; 44:719-728. [PMID: 19889437 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2009.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2009] [Revised: 09/23/2009] [Accepted: 10/11/2009] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The European Community Bathing Water Directive (European Parliament, 2006) set compliance standards for bathing waters across Europe, with minimum standards for microbiological indicators to be attained at all locations by 2015. The Directive allows up to 15% of samples affected by short-term pollution episodes to be disregarded from the figures used to classify bathing waters, provided certain management criteria have been met, including informing the public of short-term water pollution episodes. Therefore, a scientifically justifiable discounting limit is required which could be used as a management tool to determine the samples that should be removed. This paper investigates different methods of obtaining discounting limits, focusing in particular on extreme value methodology applied to data from Scottish bathing waters. Return level based limits derived from threshold models applied at a site-specific level improved the percentage of sites which met at least the minimum required standard. This approach provides a method of obtaining limits which identify the samples that should be removed from compliance calculations, although care has to be taken in terms of the quantity of data which is removed.
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Affiliation(s)
- R A Haggarty
- Department of Statistics, University of Glasgow, 15 University Gardens, Glasgow, G12 8QW, UK.
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Alroy J, Aberhan M, Bottjer DJ, Foote M, Fursich FT, Harries PJ, Hendy AJW, Holland SM, Ivany LC, Kiessling W, Kosnik MA, Marshall CR, McGowan AJ, Miller AI, Olszewski TD, Patzkowsky ME, Peters SE, Villier L, Wagner PJ, Bonuso N, Borkow PS, Brenneis B, Clapham ME, Fall LM, Ferguson CA, Hanson VL, Krug AZ, Layou KM, Leckey EH, Nurnberg S, Powers CM, Sessa JA, Simpson C, Tomasovych A, Visaggi CC. Phanerozoic Trends in the Global Diversity of Marine Invertebrates. Science 2008; 321:97-100. [DOI: 10.1126/science.1156963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 529] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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Russell ML, Ferguson CA. Improving population influenza vaccine coverage through provider feedback and best practice identification. Can J Public Health 2001. [PMID: 11702486 DOI: 10.1007/bf03404976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- M L Russell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr. NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1.
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7
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Ferguson CA, Tucker AS, Heikinheimo K, Nomura M, Oh P, Li E, Sharpe PT. The role of effectors of the activin signalling pathway, activin receptors IIA and IIB, and Smad2, in patterning of tooth development. Development 2001; 128:4605-13. [PMID: 11714685 DOI: 10.1242/dev.128.22.4605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The gene for activin βA is expressed in the early odontogenic mesenchyme of all murine teeth but mutant mice show a patterning defect where incisors and mandibular molars fail to develop but maxillary molars develop normally. In order to understand why maxillary molar tooth development can proceed in the absence of activin, we have explored the role of mediators of activin signalling in tooth development. Analysis of tooth development in activin receptor II and Smad2 mutants shows that a similar tooth phenotype to activin βA mutants can be observed. In addition, we identify a novel downstream target of activin signalling, the Iroquois-related homeobox gene, Irx1, and show that its expression in activin βA mutant embryos is lost in all tooth germs, including the maxillary molars. These results strongly suggest that other transforming growth factor β molecules are not stimulating the activin signalling pathway in the absence of activin. This was confirmed by a non-genetic approach using exogenous soluble receptors to inhibit all activin signalling in tooth development, which reproduced the genetic phenotypes. Activin, thus, has an essential role in early development of incisor and mandibular molar teeth but this pathway is not required for development of maxillary molars.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ferguson
- Department of Craniofacial Development, GKT Dental Institute, Kings College London, Floor 28 Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London SE1 9RT, UK
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8
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Russell ML, Ferguson CA. Using epidemiology to target staff influenza vaccination programs. Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2001; 22:525-6. [PMID: 11700883 DOI: 10.1086/501946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
We examined staff influenza vaccination rates in rural hospitals that had both acute- and long-term-care (LTC) units. After controlling for hospital, acute-care staff were less likely to be vaccinated than LTC staff. There was no consistent association between type of worker and vaccination after controlling for both hospital and type of care.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Russell
- Department of Community Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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9
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Cole TG, Ferguson CA, Gibson DW, Nowatzke WL. Optimization of beta-quantification methods for high-throughput applications. Clin Chem 2001; 47:712-21. [PMID: 11274022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Risk of cardiovascular disease is assessed, in part, by laboratory measurement of the concentrations of several lipoproteins. beta-Quantification is a method of lipoprotein measurement that uses ultracentrifugation to partially separate lipoprotein classes. Although beta-quantification is used largely in clinical and basic research, methods have not been described to allow the analysis of a large number of small-volume specimens with a short turnaround time. We report two variations of the traditional 5-mL method used by the Lipid Research Clinics Program that overcome these shortcomings. METHODS Two lower-volume modifications of the traditional 5-mL beta-quantification method were developed. The methods used either 1 or 0.23 mL of specimen and required substantially less time for analysis (20 and 6 h, respectively) than the 5-mL method (2.5 days). The goal was to develop ultracentrifugation methods such that the concentration of cholesterol in the bottom fraction, from which LDL-cholesterol concentration is calculated, agreed with the 5-mL method. Fresh serum specimens (n = 45) were analyzed by the three methods to determine comparability of the methods based on the recovery of cholesterol in the bottom fraction after ultracentrifugation. To evaluate intrarun precision, replicate specimens (n = 17) were analyzed in a single run for each method. This experiment also evaluated how quickly the fractions would remix after separation by ultracentrifugation. For the 1-mL method, accuracy of the measurement of LDL- and HDL-cholesterol concentrations and the interrun precision were established by analysis of frozen serum specimens provided by the CDC, which established target values for the pools using reference methods. RESULTS No clinically significant differences in cholesterol concentrations in the bottom fraction were observed for the 1- and 0.23-mL methods, which had mean biases of 0.8% and 1.5% relative to the 5-mL method, respectively. Intra- and interrun variability was acceptable for each method, e.g., <1.8% for cholesterol in the bottom fraction. Ultracentrifuged specimens were stable for at least 4 h with no evidence of contamination of cholesterol in the bottom fraction. For comparison specimens provided by the CDC, the 1-mL method met the accuracy and precision goals of the National Cholesterol Education Program for the measurement of HDL- and LDL-cholesterol concentrations (goals: total error <13% and <12%, respectively), with total errors of 6.45% and 5.43%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Both the 1- and 0.23-mL beta-quantification methods are suitable substitutes for the traditional 5-mL method for use in clinical and basic research for the determination of LDL-cholesterol concentration. Both methods provide much higher throughput and require substantially less specimen volume. The 0.23-mL method can be performed in 1 day, but it is slightly less precise than the 1-mL method. In our laboratory setting, as many as 80 specimens are routinely processed per day using the 1-mL method.
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Affiliation(s)
- T G Cole
- Core Laboratory for Clinical Studies, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
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10
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Abstract
The cellular origin of the instructive information for hard tissue patterning of the jaws has been the subject of a long-standing controversy. Are the cranial neural crest cells prepatterned or does the epithelium pattern a developmentally uncommitted population of ectomesenchymal cells? In order to understand more about how orofacial patterning is controlled we have investigated the temporal signalling interactions and responses between epithelium and mesenchymal cells in the mandibular and maxillary primordia. We show that within the mandibular arch, homeobox genes that are expressed in different proximodistal spatial domains corresponding to presumptive molar and incisor ectomesenchymal cells are induced by signals from the oral epithelium. In mouse, prior to E10, all ectomesenchyme cells in the mandibular arch are equally responsive to epithelial signals such as Fgf8, indicating that there is no pre-specification of these cells into different populations and suggesting that patterning of the hard tissues of the mandible is instructed by the epithelium. By E10.5, ectomesenchymal cell gene expression domains are still dependent on epithelial signals but have become fixed and ectopic expression cannot be induced. At E11 expression becomes independent of epithelial signals such that removal of the epithelium does not affect spatial ectomesenchymal expression. Significantly, however, the response of ectomesenchyme cells to epithelial regulatory signals was found to be different in the mandibular and maxillary primordium. Thus, whereas both mandibular and maxillary arch epithelia could induce Dlx2 and Dlx5 expression in the mandible and Dlx2 expression in the maxilla, neither could induce Dlx5 expression in the maxilla. Reciprocal cell transplantations between mandibular and maxillary arch ectomesenchymal cells revealed intrinsic differences between these populations of cranial neural crest-derived cells. Research in odontogenesis has shown that the oral epithelium of the mandibular and maxillary primordia has unique instructive signaling properties required to direct odontogenesis, which are not found in other branchial arch epithelia. As a consequence, development of jaw-specific skeletal structures may require some prespecification of maxillary ectomesenchyme to restrict the instructive influence of the epithelial signals and allow development of maxillary structures distinct from mandibular structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ferguson
- Department of Craniofacial Development, GKT Dental Institute, Kings College, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
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11
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Lioumi M, Ferguson CA, Sharpe PT, Freeman T, Marenholz I, Mischke D, Heizmann C, Ragoussis J. Isolation and characterization of human and mouse ZIRTL, a member of the IRT1 family of transporters, mapping within the epidermal differentiation complex. Genomics 1999; 62:272-80. [PMID: 10610721 DOI: 10.1006/geno.1999.5993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
We report the precise mapping and characterization of ZIRTL (zinc-iron regulated transporter-like) gene, the first mammalian member of an extensive family of divalent metal ion transporters, comprising IRT1 and ZIP1, ZIP2, ZIP3, and ZIP4 in plants and ZRT1 and ZRT2 in yeast. The human gene maps at the telomeric end of the epidermal differentiation complex (EDC), within chromosomal band 1q21, while the mouse gene maps within the mouse EDC, on mouse chromosome 3, between S100A9 and S100A13. The structure of the human gene has been determined, and message was detected in most adult and fetal tissues including the epidermis. The mouse gene is developmentally regulated and found expressed in fetal and adult suprabasal epidermis, osteoblasts, small intestine, and salivary gland.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Lioumi
- Division of Medical and Molecular Genetics, Department of Craniofacial Development, The Guy's, King's College and St. Thomas' Hospitals' Medical and Dental School, London, United Kingdom.
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12
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Browning CM, Ferguson CA, Martel-webster CE, Baldwin S. Airbags: Hot air or cold comfort? Implementation in whose best interests? A review of the literature. Critical Public Health 1999. [DOI: 10.1080/09581599908409218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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13
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Tucker AS, Al Khamis A, Ferguson CA, Bach I, Rosenfeld MG, Sharpe PT. Conserved regulation of mesenchymal gene expression by Fgf-8 in face and limb development. Development 1999; 126:221-8. [PMID: 9847236 DOI: 10.1242/dev.126.2.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Clim-2 (NLI, Lbd1) is one of two related mouse proteins that interact with Lim-domain homeoproteins. In the mouse, embryonic expression of Clim-2 is particularly pronounced in facial ectomesenchyme and limb bud mesenchyme in association with Lim genes, Lhx-6 and Lmx-1 respectively. We show that in common with both these Lim genes, Clim-2 expression is regulated by signals from overlying epithelium. In both the developing face and the limb buds we identify Fgf-8 as the likely candidate signalling molecule that regulates Clim-2 expression. We show that in the mandibular arch, as in the limb, Fgf-8 functions in combination with CD44, a cell surface binding protein, and that blocking CD44 binding results in inhibition of Fgf8-induced expression of Clim-2 and Lhx-6. Regulation of gene expression by Fgf8 in association with CD44 is thus conserved between limb and mandibular arch development.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Tucker
- Department of Craniofacial Development, GKT Dental Institute, Kings College, Guy's Hospital, London SE1 9RT, UK
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14
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Ferguson CA, Whyman RA. Dental management of people with renal disease and renal transplants. N Z Dent J 1998; 94:125-30. [PMID: 9775650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Chronic renal failure is the result of progressive loss of functioning nephrons leading to loss of renal function and accumulation of excretory products. Loss of the regulatory and excretory functions of the kidneys causes oral manifestations and multiple complications which have implications for dental care. Dental management of patients with renal failure and renal transplants involves consideration of specific haematological and cardiovascular effects, and implications for the prescribing and use of pharmaceuticals. It also requires the dentist to appreciate the potential for involvement of multiple organ systems in the disease process and the implications this has for dental care. The orofacial manifestations of chronic renal failure are secondary to systemic manifestations and are not specific to the diagnosis of end-stage renal disease.
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Ferguson CA, Tucker AS, Christensen L, Lau AL, Matzuk MM, Sharpe PT. Activin is an essential early mesenchymal signal in tooth development that is required for patterning of the murine dentition. Genes Dev 1998; 12:2636-49. [PMID: 9716414 PMCID: PMC317086 DOI: 10.1101/gad.12.16.2636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/1998] [Accepted: 05/28/1998] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Development of the mammalian tooth has been intensively studied as a model system for epithelial/mesenchymal interactions during organogenesis, and progress has been made in identifying key molecules involved in this signaling. We show that activin betaA is expressed in presumptive tooth-germ mesenchyme and is thus a candidate for a signaling molecule in tooth development. Analysis of tooth development in activin betaA mutant embryos shows that incisor and mandibular molar teeth fail to develop beyond the bud stage. Activin betaA is thus an essential component of tooth development. Development of maxillary molars, however, is unaffected in the mutants. Using tissue recombination experiments we show that activin is required in the mesenchyme prior to bud formation and that although activin signaling from mesenchyme to epithelium takes place, mutant epithelium retains its ability to support tooth development. Implantation of beads soaked in activin A, into developing mandibles, is able to completely rescue tooth development from E11.5, but not E12.5 or E13.5, confirming that activin is an early, essential mesenchyme signal required before tooth bud formation. Normal development of maxillary molars in the absence of activin shows a position specific role for this pathway in development of dentition. Functional redundancy with activin B or other TGFbeta family members that bind to activin receptors cannot explain development of maxillary molars in the mutants since the activin-signaling pathway appears not to be active in these tooth germs. The early requirement for activin signaling in the mesenchyme in incisor and mandibular molar tooth germs must be carried-out in maxillary molar mesenchyme by other independent signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ferguson
- Department of Craniofacial Development, Guy's Hospital, London Bridge, London, SE1 9RT, UK
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16
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Thomas BL, Tucker AS, Qui M, Ferguson CA, Hardcastle Z, Rubenstein JL, Sharpe PT. Role of Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 genes in patterning of the murine dentition. Development 1997; 124:4811-8. [PMID: 9428417 DOI: 10.1242/dev.124.23.4811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 184] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The molecular events of odontogenic induction are beginning to be elucidated, but until now nothing was known about the molecular basis of the patterning of the dentition. A role for Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 genes in patterning of the dentition has been proposed with the genes envisaged as participating in an ‘odontogenic homeobox gene code’ by specifying molar development. This proposal was based on the restricted expression of the genes in molar ectomesenchyme derived from cranial neural crest cells prior to tooth initiation. Mice with targeted null mutations of both Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 homeobox genes do not develop maxillary molar teeth but incisors and mandibular molars are normal. We have carried out heterologous recombinations between mutant and wild-type maxillary epithelium and mesenchyme and show that the ectomesenchyme underlying the maxillary molar epithelium has lost its odontogenic potential. Using molecular markers of branchial arch neural crest (Barx1) and commitment to chondrogenic differentiation (Sox9), we show that this population alters its fate from odontogenic to become chondrogenic. These results provide evidence that a subpopulation of cranial neural crest is specified as odontogenic by Dlx-1 and Dlx-2 genes. Loss of function of these genes results in reprogramming of this population of ectomesenchyme cells into chondrocytes. This is the first indication that the development of different shaped teeth at different positions in the jaws is determined by independent genetic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- B L Thomas
- Department of Craniofacial Development, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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17
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Abstract
Tyrosinase is one of the key enzymes essential for melanogenesis. The control of its activity rests in part at the level of transcriptional regulation. The 5' promoter regions of the human, mouse, chicken, quail, snapping turtle, and frog tyrosinase sequences have been isolated and the mechanisms regulating the activity of these sequences are beginning to be elucidated. This review provides an update on the following aspects of tyrosinase gene regulation: basal promoter elements that determine the site of transcription initiation for RNA polymerase II; the cis-acting elements and DNA-binding factors that mediate melanocyte-specific expression of the tyrosinase gene; promoter elements involved in the temporal control of tyrosinase gene expression; additional elements that may be required to achieve wild-type levels of gene expression; and specific elements that may be required for modulation of tyrosinase gene expression in response to humoral factors or external stimuli that are known to influence the amounts of melanin synthesized by fully differentiated melanocytes. The wild type expression of tyrosinase is the result of the interaction of many different factors and it is becoming evident that certain elements and factors play more than one role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ferguson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical School, University of Cape Town, Observatory, South Africa
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18
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Abstract
We have isolated and sequenced a genomic DNA sequence encoding chicken tyrosinase (TYR) that includes 2125 nt of 5' flanking sequence, the first exon and a part of the first intron. The 5' flanking sequence was able to drive transcription of a reporter gene in immortalised quail neural crest cells. The sequence, which is the most extensive to be reported for a lower vertebrate TYR gene to date, was further analyzed using primer extension and computer-aided homology searches. Transcription initiation appears to occur at heterogeneous start points and in the absence of a TATA box, but may be mediated via a potential initiator (Inr) element and Sp1-binding motif. We have identified two evolutionarily conserved regions within the 5' flanking sequence that may be functionally significant, as they contain regulatory elements previously reported to play a role in melanocyte-specific expression of TYR in mammals. This study contributes towards an understanding of the requirements for melanocyte-specific TYR expression in lower vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- C A Ferguson
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory, South Africa
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19
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McNamara JR, Cole TG, Contois JH, Ferguson CA, Ordovas JM, Schaefer EJ. Immunoseparation method for measuring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol directly from serum evaluated. Clin Chem 1995; 41:232-40. [PMID: 7874777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can not be calculated from other lipid measurements when samples are obtained from nonfasting individuals or when triglycerides are > or = 4.0 g/L. We have evaluated a direct LDL cholesterol assay for analyzing 115 fresh serum samples obtained from fasting and nonfasting dyslipidemic patients with triglycerides < or = 35.85 g/L, who were receiving diet and (or) drug treatments. Results were highly correlated with those by ultracentrifugation (r = 0.97), with a mean/median bias of -2.9%/0.7% (-0.001/0.010 g/L) and an absolute bias of 9.5%/6.4% (0.119/0.090 g/L). The assay correctly classified LDL cholesterol concentrations < 1.30 g/L 81% of the time, 1.30-1.60 g/L 76% of the time, and > or = 1.60 g/L 94% of the time. Precision studies provided within- and between-run CVs in the range of 1.2-3.8% and 2.0-5.1%, respectively. Our data indicate that this assay is an accurate method for measuring LDLC directly from fresh serum obtained from fasting or nonfasting subjects with a wide range of triglyceride values.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R McNamara
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
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McNamara JR, Cole TG, Contois JH, Ferguson CA, Ordovas JM, Schaefer EJ. Immunoseparation method for measuring low-density lipoprotein cholesterol directly from serum evaluated. Clin Chem 1995. [DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/41.2.232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can not be calculated from other lipid measurements when samples are obtained from nonfasting individuals or when triglycerides are > or = 4.0 g/L. We have evaluated a direct LDL cholesterol assay for analyzing 115 fresh serum samples obtained from fasting and nonfasting dyslipidemic patients with triglycerides < or = 35.85 g/L, who were receiving diet and (or) drug treatments. Results were highly correlated with those by ultracentrifugation (r = 0.97), with a mean/median bias of -2.9%/0.7% (-0.001/0.010 g/L) and an absolute bias of 9.5%/6.4% (0.119/0.090 g/L). The assay correctly classified LDL cholesterol concentrations < 1.30 g/L 81% of the time, 1.30-1.60 g/L 76% of the time, and > or = 1.60 g/L 94% of the time. Precision studies provided within- and between-run CVs in the range of 1.2-3.8% and 2.0-5.1%, respectively. Our data indicate that this assay is an accurate method for measuring LDLC directly from fresh serum obtained from fasting or nonfasting subjects with a wide range of triglyceride values.
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Affiliation(s)
- J R McNamara
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - T G Cole
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - J H Contois
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - C A Ferguson
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - J M Ordovas
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
| | - E J Schaefer
- USDA Human Nutrition Research Center on Aging, Tufts University, Boston, MA
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Burdeny DA, Reed MH, Ferguson CA. Calcification of axillary lymph nodes following BCG vaccination. Can Assoc Radiol J 1989; 40:92-3. [PMID: 2702508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Axillary lymph node calcification was found in 18 children following BCG vaccination. Five of these also had symptomatic adenitis. The calcifications involved one to four nodes and appeared as discrete, oval densities. They disappeared over the course of several months in three patients. No axillary lymph node calcification was seen on chest radiographs of 60 other children who had had BCG vaccination in the neonatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- D A Burdeny
- Department of Radiology, Children's Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba
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McRae KN, Cameron A, Ferguson CA, Loadman E, Longstaffe S, Snyder R. The forensic pediatrician as a child advocate. J Dev Behav Pediatr 1984; 5:259-62. [PMID: 6490910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
This paper focuses on the medicolegal activities of a group of six pediatricians from the Winnipeg Children's Hospital. Increasing legal demands resulted in 93 court appearances for the group, during a 12-month period ending in December 1982. The educational processes and the individual court room issues confronted by both the courts and the six pediatricians, dealing with problems of child protection, are described. Major pediatric roles and principles of advocacy resulting from these experiences are delineated. Society's accountability is discussed with specific reference to the pediatrician's role.
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McRae KN, Hurd J, Ferguson CA, Longstaffe S, Gutkin R. The Winnipeg Children's Hospital child protection centre: a provincial medical initiative. Can Med Assoc J 1984; 130:981-4. [PMID: 6704860 PMCID: PMC1876052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The Winnipeg Children's Hospital child protection centre is a hospital-based provincial protection program that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of child abuse and neglect in Manitoba. The multidisciplinary group of professionals working in the centre differs from most hospital-based teams in that it has a strong government liaison both functionally and financially, has strong ties to the welfare system and has legal counsel relating to the court system. The centre represents the philosophy that medical participation in welfare matters relating to children need not be relegated to the sidelines. This paper describes the centre's history and structure, and it outlines some of its research projects.
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Longstaffe S, Postl B, Kao H, Nicolle L, Ferguson CA. Rheumatic fever in native children in Manitoba. Can Med Assoc J 1982; 127:497-8. [PMID: 7116266 PMCID: PMC1862082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
From data reported to a central computer file, cases of rheumatic fever in persons under 17 years of age in Manitoba were reviewed. Although the overall incidence of the disease declined throughout the study period, Jan. 1, 1970 to July 1, 1979, the rates per 100 000 population were higher overall (36) and for non-natives (29) and much higher for natives (126) than average rates in urban centres around the world. Rates of death and readmission showed that the disease was also more severe in the native Manitoba children.
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Abstract
A comparison was made of the effects of cis-tetrachlorodiaminoplatinum (IV) (cis-TCDPt), rans-TCDPt), and hexachloroplatinum (HCP) on growth and cell division of Escherichia coli strains D21 and D22. At or below 40 microgram/mL, cis-TCDPt inhibited cell division but not growth, DNA, or protein synthesis, although areas of increased electron density could be demonstrated in treated cells. In contrast, 40 microgram/mL of trans-TCDPt or HCP inhibited growth. Trans-TCDPt-treated cells developed condensed nucleoids; HCP-treated cells showed no obvious cytological changes to correlate with growth inhibition. Combination of cis-TCDPt with nalidixic acid, both at one-half the lowest filament-forming concentrations, resulted in formation of filaments, suggesting an additive effect. Combination of cis-TCDPt followed by ampicillin on E. coli B/r resulted in single bulges near the center of the filaments. Cis-TCDPt could therefore inhibit an initial step in the septation sequence, possibly at the level of the regulation of the hydrolytic enzymes. Whether cis-TCDPt exerts its effect by interreaction with DNA or with a membrane target is still uncertain.
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Reed MH, Ferguson CA. The radiology of intracranial tuberculosis in children. J Can Assoc Radiol 1978; 29:113-21. [PMID: 306999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Radiology provides valuable clues to the correct diagnosis of intracranial tuberculosis. Twenty-three children with this problem were reviewed. Fifteen had meningitis, 12 of whom had abnormal chest radiographs, nine of them suggestive of tuberculosis. Common neuroradiologic findings were minor suture separation, abnormal activity in the region of the sylvian fissure on brain scans, mild ventricular dilatation, and vasculitis. Among the eight patients with tuberculomas, abnormal chest radiographs were less common. Neuroradiologic abnormalities included evidence of increased intracranial pressure on skull radiographs, focal deep lesions on brain scans, and hydrocephalus and mass lesions on air studies. Most tuberculomas were calcified one year later.
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McRae KN, Ferguson CA, Lederman RS. The battered child syndrome. Can Med Assoc J 1973; 108:859-60 passim. [PMID: 4707233 PMCID: PMC1941323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
The experience of the Children's Hospital of Winnipeg from 1957 to 1971 with abused infants and children is presented with statistical data on 132 children. Details as to incidence, source and types of abuse are presented along with a discussion of the management of the problem. A follow-up study on a group of the abused children is also presented with comments directed towards some preventive measures.
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