. Temporal coordination of pharyngeal and laryngeal dynamics with breathing during swallowing: single liquid swallows. J Appl Physiol 94: 1735-1743, 2003. First published December 27, 2002 10.1152/japplphysiol.00806.2002The critical integration of timing and patterning between respiratory and swallowing events was studied with simultaneous videofluoroscopic and respiratory recording during single liquid swallows. Respiratory phase patterns and the onsets and durations of 12 predetermined swallowing events and associated respiratory activities were studied. Results showed four highly repeatable, temporally oriented sequences (clusters) of swallowing and related respiratory events. Two respiratory phase patterns were identified without statistically significant differences in frequency of occurrence between age, gender, or race. These findings will aid in the identification of normal and abnormal patterns of breathing and swallowing in patients with dysphagia.

We conclude that a simple protocol and education-based diabetes care system can be successfully introduced and run by nurses in rural Africa. Medium-term glycaemic improvements are excellent and the service has been very well received.

We conclude that the intervention led to marked HbA(1)c improvements up to 18 months follow-up, but thereafter there was 'glycaemic slippage'. This may be not only due to educational 'wear-off', noted in other education-intervention programmes, but also to the expected glycaemic deterioration with time known to occur in type 2 diabetes. Nevertheless, 4-year HbA(1)c levels were still significantly lower than at baseline. The programme was also well received by staff and patients, and we believe is an appropriate and effective diabetes intervention system in rural Africa.

Summary Reasons for performing study: To develop the technique of respiratory sound analysis for the diagnosis of dorsal displacement of the equine soft palate. Objectives: To show that 1) the displaced soft palate can spontaneously vibrate in the presence of expiratory airflow; 2) the observed frequency of vibration can be detected in respiratory sound recordings; and 3) the frequency of vibrations measured in cadaveric specimens are similar to those obtained from audio spectra in exercising horses with DDSP. Methods: Palatal movements and respiratory sounds were recorded from artificially ventilated cadaveric heads. The fundamental mode of palate vibrations calculated from high‐speed videoendoscopic recordings was compared with frequencies detected in the audio spectra and with data collected from exercising horses with DDSP. Results: Palate vibrations occurred when air was blown through the trachea. The fundamental mode of vibrations was present in the audio spectra and was not significantly different from those recorded in vivo. Conclusions: Vibrations of the soft palate are the probable source of expiratory sounds recorded in horses with DDSP. Potential relevance: This study strengthens the case for the application of respiratory sound analysis in the diagnosis of DDSP in exercising horses.

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Objectives: According to The World Oral Health Report 2003, oral diseases remain a major public health problem worldwide. However, oral health is seen as a very low priority in the African Region, where extreme poverty means that the limited resources available to the health sector are directed towards life-threatening conditions such as HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria. The mission of the Oral Health Programme at the Regional Office of WHO for Africa is to assist Member States to achieve those goals by means of a Regional Strategy. In fact in September 1998, the WHO Regional Committee for Africa adopted a ten year (1999-2008) Oral Health Plan for the African Region (AFR/RC48/9) with the aim of fundamentally improving community oral health. Its cornerstone is provision of the technical and managerial resources to efficiently and effectively deliver affordable intervention that matches the oral health needs of the community. Data Sources: This review presents major achievements made since the WHO Regional Strategy was launched in 1998 and priority actions which should be taken to further implement the Regional Strategy. Conclusions: WHO/AFRO recommends more commitment at country level to improve oral health and to reinforce partnerships in order to mobilize and coordinate the human, financial, material and institutional resources needed to implement, monitor and evaluate the Regional Strategy.

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Patient education is a major part of diabetes treatment, and ideally it should encourage self‐management. This paper explores the introduction of such a system to a remote area of rural South Africa, with high levels of poverty and illiteracy. Empowerment‐based education needs to take into account existing health beliefs, perceived locus of control, and potential barriers to self‐care. Using these principles, as well as awareness of traditional forms of treatment and close community involvement, effective education can be successfully delivered to an often enthusiastic and receptive community of diabetic patients. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons.