bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Opinions of dentists on the barriers in providing oral health care to community‐dwelling frail older people: a questionnaire survey
Authors: Bots‐VantSpijker Pieternella C. , Bruers Josef J.M. , Bots Casper P. , Vanobbergen Jacques N.O. , De Visschere Luc M.J. , de Baat Cees , Schols Jos M.G.A. 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate to what extent dentists in the Netherlands experience barriers in providing oral health care to community‐dwelling older people.BackgroundAs most publications on the barriers in providing oral health care to older people consist of surveys on oral health care in care homes, it was decided to investigate the barriers dentists experience in their own dental practices while providing oral health care to community‐dwelling frail older people.Material and methodsA representative sample of 1592 of the approximately 8000 dentists in the Netherlands aged 64 or younger were invited to respond to a questionnaire online. The dentists were asked to respond to 15 opinions concerning oral healthcare provision to community‐dwelling frail older people aged 75 years or more who experience problems in physical, psychological and social areas, as well as possible financial problems.ResultsThe total response rate was 37% (n = 595; male=76%; average age 49). The majority of those who responded agreed that the reimbursement of oral health care to older people is poor. Two thirds of those who responded (66%) agreed that there are limited opportunities to refer the frail and elderly with complex oral healthcare problems to a colleague with specific knowledge and skills.ConclusionDentists experienced barriers in two domains; a lack of knowledge and practical circumstances. It was concluded that the dentist's gender, age, year of graduation and the number of patients aged 75 years or more treated weekly were in some respect, related to the barriers encountered.
Potential respiratory pathogens colonisation of the denture plaque of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Przybyłowska Dorota , Mierzwińska‐Nastalska Elżbieta , Swoboda‐Kopeć Ewa , Rubinsztajn Renata , Chazan Ryszarda 
Published: November 2014

IntroductionThe role of bacterial infections in acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is widely examined. Denture plaque in patients with COPD is an example of bacterial and fungal biofilm, which is a reservoir of potentially pathogenic respiratory tract microorganisms. Poor denture hygiene might cause acute exacerbations of COPD.ObjectiveAssessment of prevalence of respiratory tract pathogens in denture plaque in stable patients with COPD and it influence on oral ontocenoses depending upon the therapy.Materials and methodsThe study was based on the clinical assessment of oral mucosa and denture hygiene in 53 patients with COPD with mean age of 70 ± 18 years and 14 generally healthy participants with mean age of 65 ± 14 years. Microbiological and mycological tests were performed by culturing direct denture swabs.ResultsThe study showcased the presence of potential pathogenic micro‐organisms in denture plaque of 48 patients with COPD (90%) and nine healthy subjects (64.3%). Yeast‐like fungi prevailed in denture surface swabs of 40 (75%) in patients with COPD and 8 (57%) in cases of control group. In 66% of patients, various degree of oral mucosa inflammation prevailed.ConclusionsDenture plaque could be a potential source of bacterial and fungal infections in patients with COPD.
Quality and Age of Shallow Groundwater in the Bakken Formation Production Area, Williston Basin, Montana and North Dakota
Authors: McMahon P.B. , Caldwell R.R. , Galloway J.M. , Valder J.F. , Hunt A.G. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe quality and age of shallow groundwater in the Bakken Formation production area were characterized using data from 30 randomly distributed domestic wells screened in the upper Fort Union Formation. Comparison of inorganic and organic chemical concentrations to health based drinking‐water standards, correlation analysis of concentrations with oil and gas well locations, and isotopic data give no indication that energy‐development activities affected groundwater quality. It is important, however, to consider these results in the context of groundwater age. Most samples were recharged before the early 1950s and had 14C ages ranging from <1000 to >30,000 years. Thus, domestic wells may not be as well suited for detecting contamination associated with recent surface spills as shallower wells screened near the water table. Old groundwater could be contaminated directly by recent subsurface leaks from imperfectly cemented oil and gas wells, but horizontal groundwater velocities calculated from 14C ages imply that the contaminants would still be less than 0.5 km from their source. For the wells sampled in this study, the median distance to the nearest oil and gas well was 4.6 km. Because of the slow velocities, a long‐term commitment to groundwater monitoring in the upper Fort Union Formation is needed to assess the effects of energy development on groundwater quality. In conjunction with that effort, monitoring could be done closer to energy‐development activities to increase the likelihood of early detection of groundwater contamination if it did occur.
Tracer Tomography: Design Concepts and Field Experiments Using Heat as a Tracer
Authors: Doro Kennedy O. , Cirpka Olaf A. , Leven Carsten 
Published: November 2014

AbstractNumerical and laboratory studies have provided evidence that combining hydraulic tomography with tomographic tracer tests could improve the estimation of hydraulic conductivity compared with using hydraulic data alone. Field demonstrations, however, have been lacking so far, which we attribute to experimental difficulties. In this study, we present a conceptual design and experimental applications of tracer tomography at the field scale using heat as a tracer. In our experimental design, we improve active heat tracer testing by minimizing possible effects of heat losses, buoyancy, viscosity, and changing boundary conditions. We also utilize a cost‐effective approach of measuring temperature changes in situ at high resolution. We apply the presented method to the 8 m thick heterogeneous, sandy gravel, alluvial aquifer at the Lauswiesen Hydrogeological Research Site in Tübingen, Germany. Results of our tomographic heat‐tracer experiments are in line with earlier work on characterizing the aquifer at the test site. We demonstrate from the experimental perspective that tracer tomography is applicable and suitable at the field scale using heat as a tracer. The experimental results also demonstrate the potential of heat‐tracer tomography as a cost‐effective means for characterizing aquifer heterogeneity.
Influence of a multiple emulsion, liposomes and a microemulsion gel on sebum, skin hydration and TEWL
Authors: Mahrhauser D. , Nagelreiter C. , Baierl A. , Skipiol J. , Valenta C. 
Published: November 2014

SynopsisObjectiveIn this study, the influence of three cosmetically relevant, priorly characterized vehicles on skin hydration, sebum content and transepidermal water loss was investigated. The chosen vehicles included a liposomal pre‐formulation, a multiple W/O/W emulsion and a microemulsion gel. The in vivo effects of these vehicles were demonstrated and compared among them.MethodsThe stability of the prepared vehicles was determined visually, microscopically, rheologically by pH measurements and particle size. Interactions with skin were assessed by non‐invasive biophysical techniques using the Corneometer®, Aqua Flux® and Sebumeter, measuring skin hydration, TEWL and skin sebum content, respectively.ResultsAll vehicles remained stable over an observation period of 6 weeks. The multiple emulsion increased sebum content and skin hydration. In case of the liposomes, each monitored parameter remained almost constant. In contrast, the microemulsion gel lowered skin hydration and increased TEWL values, but even 1 week after termination of the treatment TEWL decreased almost close to control levels.ConclusionAll produced vehicles were proven to remain physically stable over the duration of this study. The used multiple emulsion showed very skin‐friendly properties by increasing sebum and skin hydration. Likewise, the liposomal pre‐formulation exhibited no negative effects. On the contrary, the investigated microemulsion gel seemed to have skin dehydrating and TEWL increasing features. However, the multiple emulsion as well as liposomes was identified to be well‐tolerated vehicles for skin which might qualify them for the use in cosmetic formulations.
Chemical analysis and risk assessment of prohibited colouring agents in face paint with special regard to CI 15585 (D&C Red No. 9, Pigment Red 53:1)
Authors: Keck‐Wilhelm A. , Kratz E. , Mildau G. , Ilse M. , Schlee C. , Lachenmeier D. W. 
Published: November 2014

SynopsisObjectivesFace painting in the colours of the national flags has become a mass phenomenon during international mega sporting events. Face paints, belonging to the group of lipophilic decorative cosmetics, pose an analytical challenge, especially in the sample preparation steps to obtain sample extracts of the colouring agents of low solubility.MethodsIn the context of official cosmetics control, a sample of German flag‐coloured face paints (n = 42) offered during the soccer world cup 2014 was analysed. Sample‐clean‐up of hydroalcoholic and dichloromethane sample extracts was conducted using preparative thin‐layer chromatography (TLC). For identification, analytical TLC, spectrophotometry considering bathochromic effects, and high‐performance liquid chromatography (LC) with diode array detector were applied. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and LC–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) were used in positive cases for confirmatory analysis. NMR spectroscopy was also applied to determine the identity and purity of reference substances. Risk assessment was provided using the margin of exposure (MOE) methodology.ResultsThe prohibited red colouring agent CI 15585 (D&C Red No. 9, Pigment Red 53:1), which is carcinogenic in animals, was positively identified in 40% of the analysed samples. Per face painting event, about 0.04 mg kg−1 bw (adult) or 0.11 mg kg−1 bw (child) of CI 15585 is systemically absorbed. Assuming an annual use of five times (adult) or 20 times (child), the exposure would be 5.8E‐04 mg kg−1 bw per day (adult) or 5.8E‐03 mg kg−1 bw per day (child). The MOE in these worst‐case scenarios would be 6871 (adult) and 695 (child). Because the mechanism of CI 15585 is non‐genotoxic and the MOE is higher than a safety factor of 100, CI 15585 does not pose a serious health risk to the consumer, but should be avoided for reasons of precautionary public health protection.ConclusionAn analytical strategy to determine colouring agents in face paints was developed and non‐compliance with the European Union (EU) cosmetic products regulation in a considerable number of products was detected. An increased control frequency especially at the points of entry into the EU is recommended.
Salvage combined chemotherapy with paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin for patients with advanced germ cell tumors
Authors: Nakamura Terukazu , Ueda Takashi , Oishi Masakatsu , Nakanishi Hiroyuki , Fujihara Atsuko , Naya Yoshio , Hongo Fumiya , Kamoi Kazumi , Okihara Koji , Miki Tsuneharu 
Published: November 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the efficacy of combined regimen with paclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin as salvage chemotherapy in patients with cisplatin‐refractory or multiple relapsed germ cell tumors.MethodsA total of 65 patients refractory to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy or with relapse after induction or salvage chemotherapy received paclitaxel 210 mg/m2 on day 1, ifosfamide 1.2 g/m2 on days 2–6 and nedaplatin 100 mg/m2 on day 2 of a 3‐week cycle. The primary and secondary end‐points were the response rate and overall survival, respectively.ResultsPaclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin therapy was carried out as second‐line therapy in 17 patients, third‐line in 31 and fourth‐line or later in 17. Patients were pretreated with a median of six cycles of platinum‐based chemotherapy (range 3–15 cycles). The overall response rate was 62.9%, including one patient with complete response and 38 with partial response. Serum tumor marker levels normalized in 35 (56.5%) patients. Overall survival at a median follow up of 34 months was 59.3%, and median time to progression was 12 months. Multivariate analysis showed that serum tumor marker normalization was the only independent predictor of better progression‐free survival and overall survival. Grade 3/4 of neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia was observed in 96.9%, in 81.5%, and in 90.8% of patients, respectively.ConclusionPaclitaxel, ifosfamide and nedaplatin chemotherapy appears to be effective when used as first or second salvage treatment in advanced relapsed germ cell tumors. Even after fourth‐line therapy, patients with serum tumor marker normalization might have a chance for a cure.
Chronic open angle glaucoma and low tension glaucoma: endothelin‐1 levels in plasma and aqueous humour
Authors: Cellini M. , Caramazza R. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe authors evaluated the possible variations of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) levels in plasma and aqueous humour in patients suffering from chronic open angle glaucoma (COAG) and low tension glaucoma (LTG).Radioimmunoassay was used to assess the level of ET‐1 in plasma and aqueous humour in two groups of patients with COAG and LTG. The ET‐1 plasma level was higher in LTG cases (2.950±0.211 pg/ml vs 1.770±0.211 pg/ml; p<0.001), whereas the aqueous humour ET‐1 level was higher in the COAG patients (4.100±0.330 pg/ml vs 3.890±0.292 pg/ml; p<0.008). The data collected indicated that low tension glaucoma must be considered as an essentially vascular pathology and should, therefore, be differentiated from chronic open angle glaucoma.
Apoptotic degeneration induction in retinal cells by acute ocular hypertension and neuroprotection by troxolol
Authors: Pescosolido N. , Cristofanilli M. , de Feo G. , Risuleo G. , Scarsella G. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryThe effects of acute experimental ocular hypertension on retinal cells have been studied. IOP levels and degree of cell damage have been evaluated by cytochemical and DNA analysis, by which the degeneration, necrotic and apoptotic modalities were observed. Possible pharmacological approaches, e.g. neuroprotection with troxol, have been determined for the prevention of the degenerative events that may be ascribed, at least in part, to oxidizing processes.
Preparation of Spherical AlN Granules Directly by Carbothermal Reduction–Nitridation Method
Authors: Wang Qi , Cui Wei , Ge Yiyao , Chen Kexin , Xie Zhipeng 
Published: November 2014

In this work, an efficient carbothermal reduction–nitridation strategy was rationally designed and delicately tailored to directly synthesize spherical granules of aluminum nitride. Effects of processing parameters, such as N2 pressure, additives and temperature on the nitridation ratio, especially on the morphologies of the AlN granules were elaborately investigated. The experimental results showed that the elevated N2 pressure of 0.9 MPa and additives of CaF2 and Y2O3 greatly favored for forming micrometer‐sized AlN granules with smooth spherical appearance. More significantly, the underlying formation mechanism of spherical morphology and large particle size was also attentively put forward.
The Asymmetry Objection Rides Again: On the Nature and Significance of Justificatory Disagreement
Authors: Fowler Timothy , Stemplowska Zofia 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPolitical liberalism offers perhaps the most developed and dominant account of justice and legitimacy in the face of disagreement among citizens. A prominent objection states that the view arbitrarily treats differently disagreement about the good, such as on what makes for a good life, and disagreement about justice. In the presence of reasonable disagreement about the good, political liberals argue that the state must be neutral, but they do not suggest a similar response given reasonable disagreement about what justice requires. A leading political liberal, Jonathan Quong, has recently offered a rebuttal to this asymmetry objection. His reply rests on an innovative distinction between justificatory and foundational disagreement. Quong claims that disagreements about justice in a well ordered society are justificatory while disagreements about the good are foundational, and suggests that this fact blocks the asymmetry objection. We assess Quong's solution and argue that it fails to justify legitimate state action on matters of justice but not the good. We conclude that the asymmetry objection continues to undermine political liberalism.
Medical intervention in parent‐reported infant gastro‐oesophageal reflux: A population‐based study
Authors: Hua Sun , Peters Rachel L , Allen Katrina J , Dharmage Shyamali C , Tang Mimi LK , Wake Melissa , Foskey Rebecca , Heine Ralf G ,   HealthNuts Study Investigators
Published: November 2014

AimTo report the cumulative incidence, health‐seeking behaviour and medical intervention of infants with gastro‐oesophageal reflux (GOR) in the first year of life.MethodsThe HealthNuts study is a longitudinal, population‐based study. At 12 months of age, infants underwent skin prick testing to food allergens, including cows milk. Parents completed a questionnaire on GOR symptoms, food allergy and treatments. Factors associated with seeking health care for infants with GOR were modelled using logistic regression.ResultsOf 4674 infants, parents reported GOR in 1054 (23%; 95% confidence interval (CI) 21.4–23.8). Parents consulted a medical practitioner in 662 (64%) cases. Symptoms commenced in the first month in 411 (48%) and resolved within 6 months in 703 (75%) infants. Factors associated with doctor consultation for GOR were prematurity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.94; 95% CI 1.43–2.63) and family history of atopy (aOR 1.64; 95% CI 1.1–2.43). Eight per cent of infants (371/4674; 95% CI 7.2–8.7) received anti‐reflux medication and 6% (296/4674; 95% CI 5.7–7.1) changed formula. Parents were more likely to seek treatment if they perceived their infant to be unsettled (aOR 2.55; 95% CI 1.26–5.17) and if the duration of GOR was prolonged (aOR 3.36 for symptoms >6 months; 95% CI 1.83–6.17).ConclusionsIn the first year of life, approximately 14% of the population seek medical advice for GOR symptoms. The use of anti‐reflux medication in the general community remains high, despite the absence of evidence that it is appropriate or effective for uncomplicated GOR.
Vitamin D status and its predictors among pre‐school children in Adelaide
Authors: Zhou Shao J , Skeaff Murray , Makrides Maria , Gibson Robert 
Published: November 2014

AimTo assess vitamin D status and its predictors in a representative population sample of pre‐school children in Adelaide (latitude of 35°S).MethodsCross‐sectional survey of children aged between 1 and 5 years from areas of low, medium and high socio‐economic status as identified from the 2001 Census data, Australian Bureau of Statistics. Children were recruited between September 2005 and July 2007 using a door knocking protocol based on a stratified sampling method to obtain a representative sample of this age group. Serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was determined using a radio‐immunoassay kit. Vitamin D deficiency was defined as serum 25(OH)D) <30 nmol/L and insufficiency defined as serum 25(OH)D ≥30 and <50 nmol/L according to the Institute of Medicine.ResultsFifty‐two per cent of eligible children took part in the study. Mean (standard deviation) serum 25(OH)D was 73 (26) nmol/L (n = 221). The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency was 4% and 16%, respectively, with the prevalence being higher in winter (8% and 22%, respectively). Season of the year of blood collection and mother being born in Australia were significant predictors of serum 25(OH)D concentration, but age, sex, socio‐economic status, BMI category or dietary supplement use were not related to vitamin D status.ConclusionsVitamin D status of this representative sample of pre‐school children in Australia is adequate, and the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency is low based on the Institute of Medicine criteria.
Role of resistin in the inflammatory response induced by nicotine plus lipopolysaccharide in human periodontal ligament cells in vitro
Authors: Kang S.‐K. , Park Y.‐D. , Kang S.‐I. , Kim D.‐K. , Kang K.‐L. , Lee S.‐Y. , Lee H.‐J. , Kim E.‐C. 
Published: November 2014

Background and ObjectiveResistin was recently reported to play a role in inflammation‐related diseases such as arthritis. However, the precise role of resistin in chronic inflammatory diseases, such as periodontal disease, remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects of nicotine and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the expression of resistin and to assess whether resistin expression influences the levels of inflammatory cytokines, extracellular matrix (ECM) molecules and MMPs in human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) stimulated with both nicotine and LPS.Material and MethodsPDLCs were pretreated with isoproterenol or resistin‐specific small interfering RNA (siRNA), stimulated with LPS plus nicotine for 24 h, and then monitored for the production of inflammatory mediators. The concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured by radioimmunoassay and the Griess method, respectively. RT‐PCR and western blot analysis were used to measure the levels of mRNA and protein, respectively. Western blot analysis was also used to assess the activation of various signal‐transduction pathways.ResultsTreatment with nicotine plus LPS up‐regulated the expression of resistin mRNA and the production of resistin protein in PDLCs in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Isoproterenol‐mediated interference with the function of resistin, or siRNA‐mediated knockdown of resistin expression, markedly attenuated the LPS plus nicotine‐mediated stimulation of PGE2 and NO production, the production of cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase proteins and the expression of proinflammatory cytokines [tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐12] and MMPs (MMP‐1, MMP‐2 and MMP‐9); however, these treatments restored the expression of ECM molecules. Furthermore, pretreatment with isoproterenol or resistin‐specific siRNA blocked nicotine plus LPS‐induced activation of phosphoinositide‐3‐kinase, glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta, β‐catenin, p38, ERK, JNK and nuclear factor‐κB.ConclusionThis is the first study to show that the inhibition of resistin, by either a pharmacological or a genetic silencing approach, has anti‐inflammatory effects. These effects include decreased levels of inflammatory cytokines and the prevention of ECM breakdown in a nicotine plus LPS‐stimulated PDLC model.