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Objectives: This study aimed at investigating aspects of the epidemiology and chronobiology of emergency admissions with epistaxis in Scotland between 1995 and 2004. In particular, we sought to examine the epidemiology of hospital admission with epistaxis and effects of factors such as day of week, time of year and lunar cycle. Design: A statistical analysis, in terms of descriptive statistics, logistical regression and linear regression, was carried out on data obtained from the Scottish Morbidity Records related to emergency Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) admissions. Setting and participants: All emergency inpatient admissions for Scottish residents to ENT wards in Scottish NHS hospitals during the 10-year period, between 1st January 1995 and December 31st 2004 were studied. This study only looked at admissions and thus excludes Accident and Emergency attendances caused by epistaxis. Main outcome measures: Age, gender, year, month and day of the week of admission were considered, as was relationship to the moon phase. Results: During the study period, the mean daily admission rate with epistaxis was six. Epistaxis accounted for 33% of all ENT emergency admissions. The average age of non-epistaxis ENT emergency admission was 31 years. For epistaxis emergency admissions the median age was 70 years. There were fewer admissions in the summer months [August RR: 0.59 (95% CI: 0.54–0.65) P < 0.001]. There were more admissions at the weekends and on non-weekend public holidays [RR: −0.115 (95% CI −0.160–0.071) P < 0.001]. There was a trend towards a reduction in admission rates from the year 2001. Despite the fluctuations with season and weekday, there was no relationship with phase of the moon [RR: 0.98 (95% CI: 0.88–1.09) for day of the full moon compared with non-full moon weekday]. Conclusions: This study underlines the importance of epistaxis as the single most frequent emergency diagnosis in ENT. The frequency and patterns of admission show pronounced fluctuations. The observed increase in winter admissions confirms earlier work and may have implications for health resource allocation. Relationships between weekends/public holidays and increased admissions with epistaxis may correspond with social patterns of alcohol use (a known aetiological factor). The lunar cycle does not have an effect on the frequency of epistaxis admissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To identify computer facilities available in 3 dental schools where 3 different approaches to the use of technology-based learning material have been adopted and assess dental students' perception of their own computer skills and their attitudes towards information technology. Design: Multicentre cross sectional by questionnaire. Subjects: All 181 dental students in their final year of study (1997-8). Results: The overall participation rate was 80%. There were no differences between schools in the students' self assessment of their IT skills but only 1/3 regarded themselves as competent in basic skills and nearly 50% of students in all 3 schools felt that insufficient IT training had been provided to enable them to follow their course without difficulty. There were significant differences between schools in most of the other areas examined which reflect the different ways in which IT can be used to support the dental course. Conclusions: 1. Students value IT as an educational tool. 2. Their awareness of the relevance of a knowledge of information technology for their future careers remains generally low. 3. There is a need to provide effective instruction in IT skills for those dental students who do not acquire these during secondary education. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Aim The aim of this study was to compare three phosphor plate intraoral imaging systems (Digora (DA), Digident (DT), Denoptix (DX)) and E-speed conventional film (CF) for the imaging of root canals. Methodology Sixty extracted permanent teeth were exposed using CF, DA, DT and DX. The length of root canal visible from its most apical extent to a line drawn at the level of the cementoenamel junction was measured and this was expressed as a percentage of the distance between the radiographic apex and the cementoenamel line. All images were examined concurrently by two examiners. Films were viewed under standardized conditions and DA, DT and DX images were viewed directly from the monitor screen. The images on the monitor were enhanced to give the subjectively clearest image. Results The mean percentage of canal visible on CF was 90%, DA 78%, DT 81% and DX 83%. The difference was significant for CF–DA (P < 0.001) and CF–DT (P = 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference for CF–DX or between any of the three phosphor plate imaging systems. Conclusions It is concluded that a greater length of root canal was visible on conventional film than on three phosphor plate imaging systems and that this may be of clinical significance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cyclosporin A is used extensively to prevent the rejection of allogenic renal transplants. However, it is associated with a variety of undesirable side effects including gingival overgrowth. Tacrolimus (FK506), has been marketed as an effective alternative immunosuppressant to cyclosporin A and recent subjective reports suggest patients taking it complain infrequently of gingival problems. This clinical investigation was undertaken to confirm whether or not tacrolimus adversely affected the gingival health of renal transplant recipients., Methods: Renal transplant patients (RTPs) under the care of the Renal Transplantation Service at the Manchester Royal Infirmary, who had received a renal allograft at least 18 months earlier, were recruited for this study. All but one of the RTPs had been taking tacrolimus since transplantation. The other had commenced tacrolimus therapy two months after receiving her allograft. A hospital based control group was recruited from non transplanted individuals attending the Turner Dental School, Manchester. Each patient underwent a detailed dental assessment and had dental impressions taken. The extent of gingival overgrowth was determined from plaster models., Results: 25 renal transplant recipients and 26 control patients were included in the study. None of the individuals in either the tacrolimus or control groups had clinically significant overgrowth. The patients in the tacrolimus group with the highest overgrowth scores were those also taking calcium antagonists as treatment for hypertension., Conclusion: This study demonstrates that tacrolimus has no adverse effects on the gingival tissues and thus has potential as an alternative immunosuppressant for individuals susceptible to developing cyclosporin A-induced gingival overgrowth.

This paper describes the admissions process, especially the organisation of an interviewing system. The method of application to Dental School is discussed and basic selection processes outlined. The introduction of a new interviewing system is explained and criteria for interview selection and marking defined. All interviewers received regular training; the content of training days is described together with the experience of those involved. Changes made to the interview marking system after 1 year are discussed. Criteria marked at interview were monitored against students' success in year 1 and 2 examinations. Results show that students who performed highly at interview for leadership were more likely to succeed in semester 2 of the course and in year 1 examinations overall.