bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodological issues in oral health research: intervention studies
Authors: O’Mullane Denis , James Patrice , Whelton Helen , Parnell Carmel 
Published: February 2012

O’Mullane D, James P, Whelton H, Parnell C. Methodological issues in oral health research: intervention studies. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40 (Suppl. 1): 15–20. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S
Abstract –
Objectives:  To provide a broad overview of methodological issues in the design and evaluation of intervention studies in dental public health, with particular emphasis on explanatory trials, pragmatic trials and complex interventions.
Methods:  We present a narrative summary of selected publications from the literature outlining both historical and recent challenges in the design and evaluation of intervention studies and describe some recent tools that may help researchers to address these challenges.
Results:  It is now recognised that few intervention studies in dental public health are purely explanatory or pragmatic. We describe the PRECIS tool which can be used by trialists to assess and display the position of their trial on a continuum between the extremes of explanatory and pragmatic trials. The tool aims to help trialists make design decisions that are in line with their stated aims. The increasingly complex nature of dental public health interventions presents particular design and evaluation challenges. The revised Medical Research Council (MRC) guidance for the development and evaluation of complex interventions which emphasises the importance of planning and process evaluation is a welcome development. We briefly describe the MRC guidance and outline some examples of complex interventions in the field of oral health. The role of observational studies in monitoring public health interventions when the conduct of RCTs is not appropriate or feasible is acknowledged. We describe the STROBE statement and outline the implications of the STROBE guidelines for dental public health.
Conclusion:  The methodological challenges in the design, conduct and reporting of intervention studies in oral health are considerable. The need to provide reliable evidence to support innovative new strategies in oral health policy is a major impetus in these fields. No doubt the ‘Methodological Issues in Oral Health Research’ group will have further opportunities to highlight this work.
Chronic pain and weather conditions in patients suffering from temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study
Authors: Edefonti Valeria , Bravi Francesca , Cioffi Iacopo , Capuozzo Riccardo , Ammendola Lucia , Abate Giancarlo , Decarli Adriano , Ferraroni Monica , Farella Mauro , Michelotti Ambra 
Published: February 2012

Edefonti V, Bravi F, Cioffi I, Capuozzo R, Ammendola L, Abate G, Decarli A, Ferraroni M, Farella M, Michelotti A. Chronic pain and weather conditions in patients suffering from Temporomandibular disorders: a pilot study. Community Dent Oral Epidemiol 2012; 40 (Suppl. 1): 56–64. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract – Objectives: Patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) often report increased pain in response to changes in weather conditions. Nevertheless, scientific evidence supporting this relationship is scarce. The aim of this study was to assess a potential relationship between pain intensity and meteorological factors, through a newly developed, portable device, in patients affected by chronic masticatory muscle pain.Methods: Seven female subjects were diagnosed with myofascial pain of the masticatory muscles, according to RDC/TMD criteria, were recruited, and participated in the study. Each patient was provided with a portable data logger that recorded and stored weather variables (atmospheric pressure, air humidity, temperature) every 15 min. Patients were asked to record the level of perceived pain on an electronic visual analogue scale (VAS) every hour. The relationship between meteorological variables and pain scores was investigated using separate generalized least squares regression models with a correlation structure estimated via autoregressive integrated moving average models.Results: Individual VAS trajectories in the study period were different. The effect of meteorological factors on VAS scores was statistically significant in five subjects, with at least one main effect and/or one two‐way interaction between meteorological variables being significant.Conclusions: The analyses suggest the existence of different interindividual responses to climatic changes. However, the identified putative role of meteorological variables and of their two‐way interactions suggests that further investigations on larger samples may be useful to assess the research question under examination.
Are competitive effects of native species on an invader mediated by water availability?
Authors: Mason Tanya J. , French Kristine , Russell Ken 
Published: February 2012

AbstractQuestionClimate change processes could influence the dynamics of biotic interactions such as plant competition, especially in response to disturbance phenomena such as invasional processes. Are competitive effects of native species on an invader mediated by water availability?LocationGlasshouse facility, New South Wales, Australia.MethodsWe constructed competitive hierarchies for a representative suite of species from coastal dune communities that have been invaded by the Asteraceae shrub, bitou (Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. rotundata). We used a comparative phytometer approach, where the invader species was grown with or without a suite of native species in glasshouse trials. This was used to construct competition hierarchies under two water stress conditions: non‐droughted and droughted. The treatments were designed to simulate current and potential future water availability respectively.ResultsWe found that the invader experienced fewer competitive effects from some native species under water stress, particularly with regard to below‐ground biomass effects. Native species were often poor competitors with the invader, despite their adaptation to periodic water stress in native coastal environments. Of the native species with significant competitive effects on the invader, functionally similar shrub species were the most effective competitors, as expressed in below‐ground biomass. The relative position of species in the hierarchy was consistent across water treatments based on below‐ground bitou biomass, but was contingent on water treatment when based on above‐ground bitou biomass.ConclusionsThe competitive effects of native species on an invader are affected by water stress. While the direction of response to water stress is species‐specific, many species have small competitive effects on the invader under droughted conditions. This could allow an increase in invader dominance with climate change.
Compliance with dietary guidelines in grocery purchasing among older adults by chewing ability and socio‐economic status
Authors: Brennan David S. , Singh Kiran A. 
Published: February 2012

doi: 10.1111/j.1741‐2358.2012.00631.x   Compliance with dietary guidelines in grocery purchasing among older adults by chewing ability and socio‐economic statusBackground:  Dietary guidelines promote good nutrition through healthy eating. Chewing deficiencies may hinder food intake while lower socio‐economic status (SES) may restrict food purchasing. The aim was to examine compliance of grocery purchasing behaviour with dietary guidelines by chewing ability and SES.Methods:  Adults aged 60–71 years in Adelaide, South Australia were surveyed in 2008. Dietary guideline compliance was measured using 16 grocery purchasing items. Chewing ability was based on a 5‐item Chewing Index. SES was assessed using a subjective social status rating representing where people stand in society.Results:  Responses were collected from n = 444 persons (response rate = 68.8%). Among dentate persons, 10.3% were chewing deficient and 21.3% were in the lower SES group. Prevalence ratios (PR: 95%CI) controlling for SES showed chewing deficiency was related to (p < 0.05) non‐compliance with dietary guidelines in relation to bread (1.7: 1.1–2.5), juice (2.7: 1.6–4.5), tinned fruit (2.9: 1.5–5.6), yoghurt (2.1: 1.2–3.7) and tinned fish (1.5: 1.2–1.9).Conclusions:  Chewing deficiency was associated with lower compliance with dietary guidelines in relation to fibre, sugar, fat and salt. Chewing deficiency may have a direct effect on diet as well as reflect a clustering of risk in relation to a range of health behaviours.
Elemental Concentrations in Scalp Hair, Nutritional Status and Health‐Related Quality of Life in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Ochi Akinobu , Ishimura Eiji , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Kakiya Ryusuke , Tabata Tsutomu , Mori Katsuhito , Tahara Hideki , Shoji Tetsuo , Yasuda Hiroshi , Nishizawa Yoshiki , Inaba Masaaki 
Published: February 2012

AbstractElemental concentrations in hair from hemodialysis (HD) patients have not been well investigated. We examined the relationships between the elemental concentrations in scalp hair and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and nutritional status in HD patients. Twenty six elemental concentrations were measured in scalp hair samples from 60 male HD patients using inductively‐coupled plasma mass spectrometry. To evaluate HRQOL, the Short Form 36 item health survey (SF36) was used. As indices of nutritional status, body mass index, serum parameters, and geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI) were used. Phosphorus correlated positively with serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), GNRI and the physical domains of the SF36. Zinc correlated positively with serum creatinine, BUN and the physical domains of the SF36. Mercury and arsenic correlated positively with BUN. Cadmium correlated negatively with serum albumin, BUN and GNRI. Copper correlated positively with the physical domains of the SF36. Iodine correlated negatively with the physical domains of the SF36. Selenium correlated negatively with the mental domains of the SF36. In conclusion, phosphorus and zinc concentrations in scalp hair can be additional biomarkers of HRQOL and/or nutritional status in HD patients. Cadmium accumulation correlated with malnutrition. Iodine and selenium accumulation may adversely affect HRQOL. Further investigation is necessary to determine precisely how these elements affect these measures.
Effects of Trunk Restraint in Addition to Home-Based Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy after Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lima Renata Cristina , Teixeira-Salmela Luci , Michaelsen Stella Maris 
Published: February 2012

Rationale Upper limb deficits contribute to disabilities after stroke, and constraint-induced movement therapy has been recommended to improve functional activity. People with stroke excessively move their trunk when reaching and grasping objects. Therefore, trunk restraints in addition to constraint-induced movement therapy may provide advantages over constraint-induced movement therapy alone by promoting both increases in upper limb use and movement recovery. Although a pilot study has previously evaluated this combination, the assessors were not blinded, thus compromising the validity of the results. Aim This study will test the hypothesis that home-based constraint-induced movement therapy plus trunk restraints are superior to constraint-induced movement therapy alone in improving strength, function, and participation with chronic stroke patients. Design For this prospective, blinded, randomized clinical trial, people after stroke will be randomly allocated into either experimental or control groups. The experimental group will undertake three-hours/day of modified constraint-induced movement therapy plus trunk restraints to prevent trunk displacements, five-days/week over two-weeks, while the control group only will undertake the same doses of modified constraint-induced movement therapy. At baseline, after two-weeks of interventions, and four and 12 weeks after the cessation of the interventions, researchers blinded to group allocations will collect outcome measures. The interventions will be delivered in the individuals' homes by trained physical therapists. The constraint-induced movement therapy will include shaping, task practice, and the transfer packages. Study outcomes Primary outcomes will be the upper limb function (referred amounts and quality of movement). Secondary outcomes will be measured for levels of impairments (strength and dexterity), activity (reaching kinematics and observed upper limb function), and levels of participation (quality of life).
Climate change‐induced impacts on urban flood risk influenced by concurrent hazards
Authors: Pedersen A.N. , Mikkelsen P.S. , Arnbjerg‐Nielsen K. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn coastal regions, several hazards may lead to floods, and if they occur concurrently, the damage will be higher than for the hazards individually. The paper outlines an approach for carrying out a risk analysis with several hazards and applies it on a case study in Greater Copenhagen where two hazards, rainfall and sea surge, are both important. The core in the methodology is the application of copula functions as an extension of one‐dimensional risk analysis and projections of future climatic changes. The results for Greater Copenhagen indicate that the dependence between the hazards is weak and that climate change most likely will not increase the correlation. The overall change in flood return periods over a forecast horizon of 110 years are estimated to decrease by one to three orders of magnitude.
Net atmospheric impacts of forest bioenergy production and utilization in Finnish boreal conditions
Authors: Kilpeläinen Antti , Kellomäki Seppo , Strandman Harri 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe net CO2 exchange of forests was investigated to study net atmospheric impact of forest bioenergy production (BP) and utilization in Finnish boreal conditions. Net CO2 exchange was simulated with a life cycle assessment tool over a 90‐year period and over the whole Finland based on National Forest Inventory data. The difference in the net exchanges between the traditional timber production (TP) and BP regime was considered the net atmospheric impact of forest bioenergy utilization. According to the results, forests became net sources of CO2 after about 20 years of simulation, and the net exchange was higher in the BP regime than in the TP regime until the middle of the simulation period. From 2040 onwards, the net exchange started to decrease in both regimes and became higher in the TP regime, excluding the last decade of the simulation. The shift of forests to becoming a CO2 source reflected the decrease in CO2 sequestration due to the increasing share of recently harvested and seedling stands that are acting as sources of CO2, and an increase of emissions from degradation of wood products. When expressed in terms of radiative forcing, the net atmospheric impact was on average 19% less for bioenergy compared with that for coal energy over the whole simulation period. The results show the importance of time dependence when considering dynamic forest ecosystems in BP and climate change mitigation. Furthermore, the results emphasize the dualistic role and possibilities of forest management in controlling the build and release of carbon into and from the stocks and in controlling the rate of the build speed, i.e. growth. This information is needed in identifying the capability and possibilities of ecosystems to produce biomass for energy, alongside other products and ecosystem services (e.g. pulp wood and timber), and simultaneously to mitigate climate change.
Establishment of a cell-based drug screening model for identifying agonists of human peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)
Authors: Ma Jing-Jing , Zhang Tao , Fang Ning , Zou Yan , Gong Qi-Hai , Yu Li-Mei , Chen Dai-Xiong 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Objectives
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) plays a critical role in regulation of diverse biological processes, including lipid metabolism and adipogenesis, cell division and apoptosis, and is involved in variety of disease conditions, such as obesity, atherosclerosis, inflammation and tumour. Developing a cell-based reporter gene model targeting PPARγ would be useful to screen human PPARγ agonists that could be beneficial to patients with these diseases.

Methods
We stably co-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cell line 293T cells with phPPARγ-IRES2-EGFP vector to express human PPARγ (hPPARγ), a reporter vector pPPRE×3-TK-LUC, and control vector pRL-CMV. The efficiency of the co-transfection was evaluated with flow cytometry of hPPARγ expressing cells. Specificity of hPPARγ activity was determined by dual luciferase reporter assay of co-transfected cells exposed to PPARγ agonist rosiglitazone, PPARα agonist WY14643 and retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) agonist all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA).

Key findings
The phPPARγ-IRES2-EGFP co-transfected HEK293T cells showed concentration- and time-dependent luciferase induction upon exposure to the rosiglitazone, while WY14643 and ATRA were unable to activate the co-transfected HEK293T cells.

Conclusions
These data indicated that the HEK293T cells could be stably transfected with hPPARγ. This cell-based drug screening platform could be used targeting specific nuclear receptor of hPPARγ with effectiveness and specificity for hPPARγ agonists discovery.
The role of mineralogy and geochemistry in forming anomalies on interfaces and in areas of deep basin cover: implications for exploration
Authors: Anand Ravi R. , Robertson Ian D. M. 
Published: February 2012

This paper examines how geochemical dispersion may be used in areas of deep transported cover to locate buried mineralization. Two regions with contrasting weathering history and transported cover were investigated. These are the Mt Isa region of northern Queensland and the Yilgarn Craton of Western Australia. At both locations, transported cover is from 20–70 m thick. A range of techniques and instruments, including bulk geochemistry, SEM, electron microprobe and selective extraction analyses were used to understand the vertical distribution and nature of ore-related elements.
At the Eloise Cu-Au Deposit in the Mt Isa region, Mesozoic cover lies over prospective Proterozoic basement which is largely unweathered. At Eloise, the degree of weathering, below the unconformity and transported cover, is minimal so weathering-related dispersion in basement and cover is also minimal. There is no dispersion of indicator elements into the upper parts of the unweathered Mesozoic sediments. Mechanical dispersion dominates as is indicated by the SEM and petrographic study and is restricted to basal sediments (last few metres). Unweathered sulphides occur in the basement and in the fragments of clastic basement material and fossil organic matter in the silty matrix of the Mesozoic sediments. The palaeotopography governs the direction of dispersion and needs to be thoroughly understood before meaningful interpretation.
The Lancefield South Au Deposit has a cover of highly weathered Permian to Quaternary sediments on Archaean basement of the Yilgarn Craton. Stacked weathering profiles in each sedimentary unit allowed transfer of Au, As, Cu and Zn across the weathering profiles (paleosols) by hydrogeochemical and vegetation interactions as they evolved. High paleo-watertables within the Permian sediments have allowed upward migration of metals reaching close to the surface of the Permian sediments. Bioturbation and transpiration pumped the anomalous metals into the overlying Tertiary and Quaternary sediments from the Permian. Although regolith anomalies are weakened, especially in the Tertiary and Quaternary cover by post-depositional weathering processes over a long time, they still clearly remain. Thus, a highly weathered sedimentary cover is likely to trap indicator elements more effectively than an unweathered sedimentary cover, such as at Eloise. In addition to basal sediments or interfaces, ferruginous horizons in weathered sediments high in the sequence can also be anomalous in ore-related metals.
An Observational Study on the Latitudes Where Wave Forcing Drives Brewer–Dobson Upwelling
Authors: Zhou Tiehan , Geller Marvin A. , Lin Wuyin 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The 40-yr ECMWF Re-Analysis (ERA-40) data are analyzed to demonstrate that wave forcing at lower latitudes plays a crucial role in driving the tropical upwelling portion of the Brewer–Dobson circulation. It is shown that subtropical wave forcing is correlated with tropical upwelling on both intraseasonal and interannual time scales when transient waves are taken into account, and that tropical wave forcing exerts its influence on tropical upwelling via its body force on the zonal mean flow.
Feline alimentary lymphoma
Authors: Barrs Vanessa , Beatty Julia 
Published: February 2012

Practical relevance Accurate diagnosis of the distinct subtypes of alimentary lymphoma (AL) that occur in cats is important as there are major differences between them in clinical presentation, treatment and prognosis. Unlike intermediate- and high-grade alimentary lymphoma (I/HGAL) and large granular lymphocyte lymphoma (LGLL), which can often be diagnosed by aspiration cytology, full-thickness intestinal biopsies are usually required for the diagnosis of low-grade alimentary lymphoma (LGAL). Clinical challenges LGAL is an increasingly recognised clinical problem and it can be challenging to differentiate from inflammatory disease. Where there is ambiguity on histology, further diagnostics (immunophenotyping and clonality analysis) may be required. The diagnosis of LGLL requires an index of suspicion as it may be missed with routine diagnostics. While cats with LGAL typically achieve durable remissions with oral prednisolone and chlorambucil, I/HGAL runs a more aggressive clinical course and requires multi-agent chemotherapeutic protocols. Information on the treatment of LGLL is limited and this form of AL has the poorest prognosis. Preliminary studies suggest that abdominal irradiation may potentially be of benefit in cats with AL and further investigations are warranted. Evidence base The evidence supporting this review is derived from grade II, III and IV prospective studies, retrospective case series, reviews, extrapolation from other species, pathophysiological justification and the combined clinical experience of those working in the field.