bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The revival of water fluoridation in the state of New South Wales, Australia, in the 21st century
Authors: Sivaneswaran Shanti 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe State of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia has over half a century of experience with water fluoridation. Yass was the first town to be fluoridated in 1956 and Sydney in 1968, and by the late 1970s, approximately 90% of NSW was fluoridated. However, since then, there have been no new fluoridation schemes. In NSW under the Fluoridation of Public Water Supplies Act 1957, the decision to fluoridate rests with local government authorities (councils). Since 2004, the NSW Health Department has been proactive in promoting and extending water fluoridation to unfluoridated rural communities in an attempt to reduce oral health inequalities. This has resulted in 20 councils implementing fluoridation, increasing population coverage of water fluoridation from 90% in 2004 to 96% in 2012. When the remaining 16 councils that have been gazetted to fluoridate implement fluoridation, approximately 98% of NSW residents will have access to fluoridated water. This article provides an overview of the framework used to extend water fluoridation to many rural communities in New South Wales in the 21st century.
The future for oral health surveillance
Authors: Steele Jimmy 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesTo take an overview of the history and future of oral health surveillance.MethodsA brief review of the history and policy context of national surveys and equivalent large surveys of oral health and their objectives followed by an analysis of their fitness for modern purpose.Results and ConclusionThe quality of oral health surveillance has improved immeasurably since the first attempts in the early 1960s, but national and regional surveys are still hampered by a lack of clarity about their purpose. The data they collect and describe are potentially invaluable and have the major advantages of being both robust and relatively straightforward to interpret and explain to policy makers. A greater clarity of purpose both from researchers and those who commission research would allow better use of data and a greater understanding of the limitations of surveillance. The international research community have a role to play in establishing and sharing best practice globally.
Measuring the oral health of populations
Authors: Mejia Gloria C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesThis article provides a conceptual base for population oral health measurement and argues that problems associated with particular indices are subject to the basic issues of knowing what to measure and the level of measurement required to address the object of study and provide clear information about the health of the population as a whole.MethodsAlternative approaches to caries measurement are presented using data from South Australian children attending the school dental services during 2007.ResultsWhile threshold selection of case definitions depicted different profiles of the same population, the inclusion of non‐cavitated lesions did not alter the general disease profile of the population.ConclusionsThe types of measures used depend on the purpose, nature of the data, and conceptualization of the phenomenon, and should continually refer to the population level. In population oral health, controversies surrounding outcome measures, such as caries indices, are moving away from addressing core issues to narrowing mechanistic views. Fundamental deliberations should include the valuation of health states, clearly defining health and disease and distinguishing between disease, determinants and the impacts of disease.
Revolution in the provision of dental services in the UK
Authors: Tickle Martin 
Published: September 2012

The National Health Service (NHS) in England provides a comprehensive dental service funded largely from taxation but supplemented by co‐payments.ObjectivesThis paper provides a historical overview of NHS dental services and some personal reflections on the main challenges over the next five years.MethodsA narrative review of the literature and some subjective observations and comments.ResultsIn 2006 there was a radical change to NHS dental sservices in England; central budgets were capped and general dental practitioners. Dentists who were previously paid on a fee‐for‐item basis moved to a new contract that required them to hit activity targets to maintain their historical income. This contract was unpopular with dentists and has been criticized for not improving access or quality. A new dental contract has been promised based on capitation. Against this background significant issues have to be addressed including: a rapidly growing gap in between demand and resources and a need to make substantial cost savings across the whole of the NHS; a significant decline in dental need; inequalities in utilisation of dental services; and provision of treatments of doubtful effectiveness.ConclusionThe NHS dental healthcare system faces significant challenges and consideration needs to be given to the consequences of a focus on need rather than demand. Logically this would require a needs‐based resource allocation formula and a needs‐based approach to service and workforce planning. A move to a needs‐led service is a political decision with associated political risks.
Influencing public policy on oral health
Authors: Lewis Jenny M 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectivesIn policy studies, an enduring research question is why some issues are taken seriously while others never become a central focus of policy making. This study aims to analyse the predecision stage of policy making and examines the position of oral health on the broader health policy agenda.MethodsA study of networks of influence in health policy in the state of Victoria (Australia) is used to examine the health policy agenda, and the position of oral health within the broader health policy agenda. Social network concepts were used to structure the data collection. Nominations of influential people were collected using a snowball method, followed by interviews with a selection of those nominated.ResultsCombining an assessment of who is seen to be influential with an examination of the issues they are interested in provides insights into how influence helps shape the policy agenda and how this changes over time.ConclusionsThe study describes how oral health might become more central to the health policy agenda through deliberate strategies to change the network structure.
Changes in the messenger RNA expression levels of Bcl‐2 family members and caspase‐8 and ‐3 in porcine ovarian follicles during follicular atresia
Authors: Fu Yanhui , Lin Fei , Liu Honglin 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFollicular atresia is mainly modulated by the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, which is regulated primarily by interactions between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic genes at the mitochondrial level. The Bcl‐2 family members (e.g. Bak, Bax, Bid, Bim, Bcl‐xL, Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1), caspase‐8 and ‐3 play a crucial role in the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In this study, we used single follicles to measure the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of Bak, Bax, Bid, Bim, Bcl‐xL, Bcl‐2, Mcl‐1, caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 in healthy (H), early atretic (EA), and progressed atretic (PA) porcine follicles by quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. Follicular atresia was assessed based on morphology and the ratio of progesterone to 17β‐estradiol. Our results indicate weak mRNA expression of Bim, Bid, Mcl‐1 and Bcl‐2 in the H group and significantly increased expression in the EA and PA groups (P < 0.01). The expression levels of Bak, caspase‐3 and Bcl‐xL were low in the H and EA groups and increased in the PA group (P < 0.01). Finally, the expression of Bax and caspase‐8 rose gradually with the progression of follicular atresia. Our findings indicate the mRNA expression levels of both pro‐apoptotic genes (Bak, Bax, Bid, Bim, caspase‐8 and caspase‐3) and anti‐apoptotic genes (Bcl‐xL, Bcl‐2 and Mcl‐1) were increased in the follicles during atresia in porcine ovaries. We propose that the increase in anti‐apoptotic gene transcription may prevent apoptosis by protecting against the effects of pro‐apoptotic gene expression. However, alterations in the balance of pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic gene expression may lead to follicular atresia.
Job satisfaction and perceived autonomy for nurse practitioners working in nurse‐managed health centers
Authors: Pron Ann Linguiti 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurposeMore primary care providers are needed to deliver health care to Americans living in poverty and those soon to be insured under the Affordable Care Act. Nurse practitioners (NPs) in nurse‐managed health centers (NMHCs) are poised to meet this need. This research study examined the characteristics of NPs working in NMHCs and measured job satisfaction and perceived level of autonomy. No studies about job satisfaction or autonomy for NPs working in NMHCs had been previously reported.Data sourcesThis descriptive, quantitative study surveyed primary care NPs working in NMHCs that are part of the National Nursing Centers Consortium (NNCC). NP e‐mail addresses were obtained from NNCC center directors. Of 198 NPs invited to the electronic survey, 99 completed the Misener Nurse Practitioner Job Satisfaction Scale, demographic questionnaire, questions about perceived autonomy, and whether they would recommend working in an NMHC. Participants came from 16 states and 46 NMHCs.ConclusionsNPs working in NMHCs have job satisfaction, perceive their role as autonomous, and are satisfied with the autonomy they have.Implications for practiceNMHCs can provide access to primary health care for many Americans. More NPs may choose employment in NMHCs for job satisfaction and autonomy.
A description of barriers and facilitators to childhood vaccinations in the military health system
Authors: Connors John , Arushanyan Elena , Bellanca Gregory , Racine Ruth , Hoeffler Andrew , Delgado Allan , Gibbons Susanne 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPurpose: To perform a literature review of barriers to and facilitators of parents’ decisions to have their children vaccinated. Both differences and similarities between the civilian sector and the military health system (MHS) were explored.Data sources: Articles and documents were identified from the following databases: CINAHL, PubMed, Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC), ISI, and Google Scholar. Reference lists from articles were reviewed.Conclusions: Common themes identified in the civilian sector and the MHS included an electronic registry, care access issues, provider characteristics, and child illness. Several themes served as a barrier in one system while being a facilitator in the other, such as provider characteristics. Literature addressing the MHS and factors affecting vaccine coverage is scant; however, a large disparity in vaccination coverage exists between the MHS and the civilian sector.Implications: The theme of provider characteristics was seen as a barrier in both systems; a better understanding of this theme (i.e., provider effectiveness at interacting with parents) would benefit primary care practice. An electronic vaccine registry and targeted education and media campaign used to facilitate vaccinations in the MHS should be piloted in the civilian sector. Additionally, future studies should be performed on identified themes in the MHS.
Performance evaluation of representative Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust constructed wetlands treating sewage
Authors: Dong Yu , Scholz Miklas , Mackenzie Sally 
Published: September 2012

AbstractData collected from five Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust constructed wetland systems offering a range of styles and inflow water types between 2005 and 2009 were examined and compared to identify long‐term trends in nutrient removal. Ammonia‐nitrogen concentrations were reduced between 31.9 and 96.8%. In contrast, the concentrations of nitrate‐nitrogen and total oxidised nitrogen in the effluent exceeded the influent in many of the systems. Reduction in ortho‐phosphate‐phosphorus and total phosphorous were between −10.5 and 87.6%, and between 6.9 and 92.5%, respectively. Removal efficiencies of biochemical oxygen demand were between 0.0 and 87.3%, and reductions of total suspended solids ranged from −249.3 to 57.6%. Ammonia‐nitrogen reduction was effective during summer. Long‐term nitrogen removal has been efficient and consistent. However, phosphorous reduction was only sufficient during the early stages of operation, and generally declined as the wetland aged.
Vegetation Indices, Remote Sensing and Forest Monitoring
Authors: Huete Alfredo R. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWith increasing threats and pressure exerted on Earth’s forest resources, there are greater demands for more quantitative, timely, and accurate information on their state, functioning, and sustainability. Satellite remote sensing offers an effective way of measuring and monitoring vast forest areas in a consistent and robust manner. This complements ground forest surveys and overcomes the spatial limitations of in situ sampling of forest biophysical properties. Among the various remote sensing tools used in characterizing forests, spectral vegetation indices (VIs) are widely adopted for monitoring forest states and canopy processes. In this article I provide a brief overview on VI applications and advances made in the assessment and monitoring of forest biophysical states, functioning, phenology, and disturbance. I also address current and future challenges, demands, and limitations of VIs for long term forest monitoring and applications in climate science, hydrology, and biogeochemistry.
Towards an Affective Smoking Geography
Authors: Tan Qian Hui 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSmoking is an inherently affective and sensuous spatial practice. However, an assessment of the existing literature reveals that an affectual‐sensual account of smoking bodies is sorely lacking. For this reason, this paper makes a case for the analytical purchase of an affectively attuned approach towards smoking bodies and spaces on three fronts: (i) Affections, actions and atmospheres; (ii) sensual affects; (iii) stigmatizing affects. In so doing, I expound on how an interest in affect can enrich the theoretical ambit of smoking geographies beyond its current mould.
Carbon and Nitrogen Export from Semiarid Uplands to Perennial Rivers: Connections and Missing Links, San Pedro River, Arizona, USA
Authors: Meixner Thomas , Brooks Paul , Hogan James , Soto Carlos , Simpson Scott 
Published: September 2012

AbstractInvestigations of biogeochemical processes in semiarid environments have largely focused on either plot studies in the uplands or on in‐stream and near stream reaction or transport studies. Recent research permits us to synthesize a conceptual model of how uplands and riparian systems are linked in semiarid climates specific to the San Pedro River basin in Arizona. These studies have demonstrated significant export of both dissolved and sediment associated carbon and nitrogen from the uplands into the channel network of semiarid river systems. Likewise research has demonstrated that riparian areas are biogeochemically active, with the potential to rapidly respire inputs of organic matter, releasing carbon back to the atmosphere and inorganic nitrogen into the water column or back to the atmosphere through denitrification. For the San Pedro, a total of more than 80% of both carbon and nitrogen export from the uplands that is observed in small catchments is not observed at the larger river system scale, indicating that this carbon and nitrogen must be either stored, taken up by vegetation or returned to the atmosphere at scales between the small catchment (1–1000 ha) and large river systems scale (∼320,000 ha). In summary, existing research shows that the uplands contribute significant amounts of material into the stream and near stream zone, and that this imported material influences nutrient conditions in aquatic systems. These conclusions point out significant gaps in developing a complete understanding of the reactions of carbon and nitrogen as material is transported from the uplands through ephemeral and perennial channel networks.
Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis: A clinicopathological study of its association with gallbladder carcinoma
Authors: Zhuang Peng Yuan , Zhu Ming Jie , Wang Jian Dong , Zhou Xue Ping , Quan Zhi Wei , Shen Jun 
Published: September 2012

ObjectivesTo determine the distribution of macrophages (MΦ) in both xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) and gallbladder carcinoma (GBC) and to analyze the association between XGC and GBC.MethodsFrom January 2009 to June 2011, 110 patients with gallbladder diseases, including 35 with GBC, 45 with XGC and 30 with chronic cholecystitis (CC), were enrolled. Immunohistochemistry stain and real‐time polymerase chain reaction using oncogenes (BCL‐2, c‐Myc) and anti‐oncogene genes (p53, p21) were performed, serum expressions of tumor marker (CA19‐9, CA724 and CA242) were also conducted. MΦ were used to determine their potential role in the carcinogenesis of GBC.ResultsBCL‐2 and c‐Myc expressions gradually increased among CC, XGC and GBC (P = 0.032 and P = 0.020, respectively); while p53 and p21 were similar in the three groups (P = 0.167 and P = 0.122, respectively). Serum BCL‐2 and c‐Myc were significantly correlated with their tissue levels; in terms of serum tumor markers, which gradually increased among CC, XGC and GBC, however, CA242 and CA724 were both negative in XGC but positive in GBC. Furthermore, gradually increasing MΦ counts were observed among CC, XGC and GBC groups; c‐Myc and CA724 were independent predictors for the differentiation of XGC and GBC.ConclusionsXGC is an uncommon inflammatory condition distinct from CC and may be associated with the precancerous nature of GBC for its upregulated oncogenes and MΦ biology. c‐Myc and CA724 were independent predictors for the differentiation of XGC and GBC.
Encouraging early preventive dental visits for preschool‐aged children enrolled in Medicaid: using the Extended Parallel Process Model to conduct formative research
Authors: Askelson Natoshia M. , Chi Donald L. , Momany Elizabeth , Kuthy Raymond , Ortiz Cristina , Hanson Jessica D. , Damiano Peter 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective: Preventive dental visits for preschool‐aged children can result in better oral health outcomes, especially for children from lower income families. Many children, however, still do not see a dentist for preventive visits. This qualitative study examined the potential for the Extended Parallel Process Model (EPPM) to be used to uncover potential antecedents to parents' decisions about seeking preventive dental care.Methods: Seventeen focus groups including 41 parents were conducted. The focus group protocol centered on constructs (perceived severity, perceived susceptibility, perceived self‐efficacy, and perceived response efficacy) of the EPPM. Transcripts were analyzed by three coders who employed closed coding strategies.Results: Parents' perceptions of severity of dental issues were high, particularly regarding negative health and appearance outcomes. Parents perceived susceptibility of their children to dental problems as low, primarily because most children in this study received preventive care, which parents viewed as highly efficacious. Parents' self‐efficacy to obtain preventive care for their children was high. However, they were concerned about barriers including lack of dentists, especially dentists who are good with young children.Conclusions: Findings were consistent with EPPM, which suggests this model is a potential tool for understanding parents' decisions about seeking preventive dental care for their young children. Future research should utilize quantitative methods to test this model.
Dental usage under changing economic conditions
Authors: Manski Richard J. , Moeller John F. , Chen Haiyan , Schimmel Jody , St. Clair Patricia A. , Pepper John V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjective: The purpose of this article is to examine the relationship between changes in household finances (wealth and income) and changes in dental utilization at the onset of the recent recession in a population of older Americans.Methods: Data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) were analyzed for US individuals aged 51 years and older during the 2006 and 2008 waves of the HRS. We estimated logistic models of a) starting and b) stopping dental use between 2006 and 2008 survey periods as a function of changes in household wealth and income, controlling for other potentially confounding covariates.Results: We found that only when household wealth falls by 50 percent or more were older adults less likely to seek dental care. Changes in household income and other changes in household wealth were not associated with changes in dental utilization among this population.Conclusions: Older Americans' dental care utilization appeared to be fairly resilient to changes in household finances; only when wealth fell by 50 percent or more did individuals decrease dental use. This finding might extend to other health‐care services that are preventive, routine, and relatively inexpensive.
Validation of the Parental‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire: agreement between parental and child reports
Authors: Barbosa Taís de Souza , Gavião Maria Beatriz Duarte 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectives:To test the validity and reliability of Brazilian Portuguese version of the Parental‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P‐CPQ) (Aim 1) and to assess the agreement between parents and children concerning the child's oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) (Aim 2).Methods:The P‐CPQ and the Brazilian Portuguese versions of the Child Perceptions Questionnaires (CPQ8‐10 and CPQ11‐14) were used. Objective 1 addressed in the study that involved 210 (validity and internal reliability) and 20 (test–retest reliability) parents and Objective 2 in the study that involved 210 pairs of parents and children. Construct validity was calculated using the Spearman's correlation and the Mann–Whitney/Kruskal–Wallis tests. Reliability was determined using Cronbach's alpha and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Agreement between overall and subscale scores derived from the P‐CPQ and CPQ was assessed in comparison and correlation analyses.Results:The P‐CPQ discriminated among the categories of malocclusion and dmft. The P‐CPQ showed good construct validity, good internal consistency reliability, and excellent test–retest reliability. There was systematic under‐ and overreporting in parents' assessments for younger and older children, respectively. However, the magnitude of the directional differences was just small. At individual level, agreement between parents and children was excellent. However, it ranged from excellent to moderate or substantial in subscales for CPQ8‐10 and CPQ11‐14 groups, respectively.Conclusions:The Portuguese version of P‐CPQ is valid and reliable. Some parents have limited knowledge about child OHRQoL. Given that parental and child reports measure different realities concerning the child's OHRQoL, information provided by parents can complement the child's evaluation.