bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in the numbers of dentists and dental caries levels in 12-year-olds in the countries of the European Union and economic area
Authors: Eaton K.A. , Widstroem E.A. , Renson C.E. 
Published: September 2007

This study compares numbers of dentists in the countries of the European Union (EU) from 1970 to 1994 with dentist to population ratios and dental caries levels in 12-year-olds, sets the changes which have emerged against other changing dental disease patterns (including those unconnected with caries levels) and goes on to determine the significance of the findings to the problems of dental workforce planning. Data for the numbers of dentists and dentist to population ratios were obtained from published tables. Data for past caries levels in 12-year-olds were obtained from the WHO Global Data Bank. All other data were obtained from Chief Dental Officers in all countries of the EU. In 1994 there were 222,090 practising dentists in the EU and 12,853 other clinical workers of whom 11,493 were dental hygienists. Since 1970, the dentist: population ratios for Spain and Portugal have improved markedly, the improvement for other countries has been less marked and in Austria a small reduction has occurred. Six countries show a considerable reduction in caries levels for 12-year-olds between 1970 and the 1990s, five show smaller reductions and three show a deterioration. As a consequence of the general improvement in caries levels in most of these countries it is probable that workloads in relation to the treatment of caries are falling, particularly for younger age groups. However, because of the overall ageing of populations in many industrialised countries the workload for older age groups is increasing, as older adults increase in number, a greater proportion retain their teeth and are afflicted by a range of problems, which include, but are not exclusive to, dental caries. There are fewer data for these older age groups than for caries levels in 12-year-olds. It was concluded that those planning the EU dental workforce of the future should take account of reliable epidemiological data for all groups of the population and, as these are not currently available, that suitable periodic oral health surveys covering all population age groups should be carried out regularly in all EU member states.
Development of a universal measure of quadrupedal forelimb-hindlimb coordination using digital motion capture and computerised analysis
Authors: Hamilton Lindsay , Franklin Robin JM , Jeffery Nick D 
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
Clinical spinal cord injury in domestic dogs provides a model population in which to test the efficacy of putative therapeutic interventions for human spinal cord injury. To achieve this potential a robust method of functional analysis is required so that statistical comparison of numerical data derived from treated and control animals can be achieved.

Results
In this study we describe the use of digital motion capture equipment combined with mathematical analysis to derive a simple quantitative parameter – 'the mean diagonal coupling interval' – to describe coordination between forelimb and hindlimb movement. In normal dogs this parameter is independent of size, conformation, speed of walking or gait pattern. We show here that mean diagonal coupling interval is highly sensitive to alterations in forelimb-hindlimb coordination in dogs that have suffered spinal cord injury, and can be accurately quantified, but is unaffected by orthopaedic perturbations of gait.

Conclusion
Mean diagonal coupling interval is an easily derived, highly robust measurement that provides an ideal method to compare the functional effect of therapeutic interventions after spinal cord injury in quadrupeds.
Snacking behaviours of adolescents and their association with skipping meals
Authors: Savige Gayle , MacFarlane Abbie , Ball Kylie , Worsley Anthony , Crawford David 
Published: September 2007

AbstractBackgroundSnacking is likely to play an important role in the development of overweight and obesity, yet little is known about the contexts of snacking in adolescents or how snacking may influence other dietary habits, like meal skipping. This study examines the contexts in which adolescents snack and whether these contexts are associated with demographic characteristics of adolescents and with meal skipping.MethodsA cross-sectional, self-reported online food habits survey was administered to 3,250 secondary students in years seven and nine. The students were drawn from 37 secondary schools in Victoria, Australia during 2004–2005. Frequencies of meal skipping, and snacking in eight contexts, were compared across gender, year level and region of residence. Logistic regressions were performed to examine associations between snacking contexts and meal skipping adjusting for gender and region.ResultsThe most common contexts for snacking among adolescents were after school (4.6 times per week), while watching TV (3.5 times per week) and while hanging out with friends (2.4 times per week). Adolescents were least likely to snack all day long (0.8 times per week) or in the middle of the night (0.4 times per week). Snacking contexts were variously associated with gender, year level and region. In contrast, meal skipping was associated with gender and region of residence but not year level. Adolescents who reported more frequent snacking on the run, on the way to or from school, all day long, or in the middle of the night were more likely to skip meals.ConclusionThese data suggest adolescents snack frequently, especially in their leisure time. In addition, adolescents who snack on the run, on the way to or from school, all day long or in the middle of the night are more likely to skip meals than are adolescents who don't snack at these times. Understanding the contexts in which adolescents snack, and their associations with skipping meals, may assist those involved in the promotion of healthy food habits among adolescents.
Impact of drug classes and treatment availability on the rate of antiretroviral treatment change in the TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD)
Authors: Srasuebkul Preeyaporn , Calmy Alexandra , Zhou Jialun , Kumarasamy Nagalingeswaran , Law Matthew , Lim Poh Lian ,   The TREAT Asia HIV Observational Database
Published: September 2007

Abstract

Background
It is critical to understand the pattern of antiretroviral treatment (ART) prescription in different regions of the world as ART procurement needs to be anticipated. We aimed at exploring rates and predictors of ART combination changes in clinical practice in Treat Asia HIV Observational Database (TAHOD).

Methods
Rates of ART changes were examined in patients who started first line triple or more ART combination in TAHOD, and had at least one follow-up visit. Rates of ART changes were summarised per follow-up year, and factors associated with changes assessed using random-effect Poisson regression. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine durations of patients in their first, second and third regimen.

Results
A total of 1846 patients initiated an ART combination with at least three drugs. Median follow up time for the first treatment was 3.2 years. The overall rate of ART change was 29 per 100-person-year.
In univariate analyses, rate of treatment change was significantly associated with exposure category, the country income category, the drug class combination, calendar year and the number of combinations. In multivariate analysis, compared to d4T/3TC/NVP, starting ART with another NNRTI-containing regimen, with PI only or with a triple NRTI regimen was associated with a higher risk of combination change (relative risk (RR) 1.6 (95% CI 1.64 – 1.96), p < 0.001, RR 3.39 (2.76 – 4.16) p < 0.001, RR 6.37 (4.51 – 9.00), p < 0.001). Being on a second or a third combination regimen was also associated with a decreased rate of ART change, compared with first ART combination (RR 0.82 (0.68 – 0.99), p = 0.035, RR 0.77 (0.61 – 0.97), p = 0.024). Sites with fewer than 12 drugs used had an increased rate of treatment changes (1.31 (1.13 – 1.51), p < 0.001). Injecting drug users, and other/unknown exposure was found to increase rate of treatment change (1.24 (1.00 – 1.54), p = 0.055). Percentages of patients who stopped treatment due to adverse events were 31, 27 and 32 in 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment combinations, respectively.

Conclusion
Our study suggests that drug availability impacts on ART prescription patterns. Our data, reflecting real clinic use in Asia, suggest that around half of all patients require second combination ART by 3 years after treatment initiation.
Commentary
Authors: Stern Richard 
Published: September 2007

“Hypochondriasis is a condition in which there are no established effective treatments” (Fallon et al, 1991).Warwick's paper shows how recent advances have completely altered the previous therapeutic nihilism expressed in the above quotation. Physicians and surgeons have long been aware that medical and surgical problems turn out to have no organic cause. Joyce et al (1986) from New Zealand examined 105 people with abdominal pain who had been admitted to a surgical ward. They found that the most common surgical diagnosis was non-specific abdominal pain, closely followed by appendicitis. Those with non-specific abdominal pain contained a very interesting group of patients: they were predominantly female, did not have any physical findings, and were more anxious and conformed to the pattern of patients showing fear of illness. This group presented, in the words of the New Zealand team:“a caricature of the female ‘non-organic’ abdominal pain patient… whose health is the greatest difficulty of her life, who fears she may suddenly fall ill, who denies having silly thoughts about health yet thinks there is something seriously wrong with her body, who admits to no problems or personal worries other than her illness, and for whom illness may be construed as a punishment. These patients also deny feeling irritable towards other people and yet lose patience with them, while being unable to express angry feelings.”
Encountering Plautus in the Renaissance: A Humanist Debate on Comedy*
Authors: Hardin Richard F. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractHistorians of comedy can profit from a study of the sixteenth-century debates regarding the merits of Plautus (ca. 254–184 BCE), most of whose works were unknown before the late fifteenth century. Early performances and editions led to contemporary theories regarding laughter, language, and morality, often in the context of a comparison with the plays of Terence (d. 159 BCE), who was sometimes viewed as superior by upper-class audiences. From the conflicting opinions of Andrea Navagero and Francesco Florido, to the neoclassical strictures of Daniel Heinsius, this study pursues learned opinion on Plautus as he became a principal author in the European canon. Plautus’s variances from Aristotelian and Horatian precepts created a lively and lasting ferment in discussions of comedy.
The potential of nutrient reuse from a source-separated domestic wastewater system in Indonesia – Case study: ecological sanitation pilot plant in Surabaya
Authors: Malisie A.F. , Prihandrijanti M. , Otterpohl R. 
Published: September 2007

Human excreta (faeces and urine) contribute only a small volume in domestic wastewater but are one of the main causes of water pollution. On the other hand, they contain very valuable nutrients to be reused as anthropogenic fertiliser through proper collection, treatment and hygienisation processes. To know the potential of nutrient recovery and reuse in Indonesia, a pilot scale source separation domestic wastewater system has been built in Surabaya and, so far, has shown promising results. Using urine diverting toilets, up to 86% nitrogen, 21% phosphorus and 69% potassium from urine and 12% of nitrogen, 68% of phosphorus and 20% of potassium from the faecal matter can be recovered.
The separated urine was stored for 6 months before usage as fertiliser for hygienic reasons, while the separated faecal matter was composted with worms (vermicomposting). In order to investigate the fertilising effect, a preliminary cultivation experiment has been carried out on young rose plants using different fertilisers for 2 months.
Determination of Trace Concentrations of Elements in High Purity Tellurium by Radio Frequency Glow Discharge Optical Emission Spectrometer (RF‐GDOES)
Authors: Anil G. , Reddy M.R.P. , Prasad D. S. , Munirathnam N.R. , Prakash T.L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA method was established for the determination of trace impurities in high purity tellurium (Te) 99.9999 (6N) by radio frequency glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (RF‐GDOES). The optimized parameters are power, argon pressure, pre‐integration time, analysis time and selection of wavelength. Nine elements Se, Ca, Mg, Si, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were analysed in 6N Te, out of which only three elemental peaks (Se, Ca, and Mg) were detected and the remaining six elements (Si, Fe, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb) were below detection levels. Finally, the method was evaluated by the analysis of the above traces using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) and was found to be satisfactory. The detection limits for most of the elements were below 10 ng/g and R.S.D. was around 10 %, which indicated that this method could fully satisfy the requirements for the trace analysis in high purity Te metal.
Digestion of Titanium Bearing Geologic Materials Involving Microwaves
Authors: Tripathi Anju , Chattopadhyay Partha 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAn environmentally friendly and rapid digestion procedure involving 10 mL of acid mixture (HNO3 : HCl : HF = 2:2:1) for 0.1 g of sample in closed vessel microwave digester following heating program : 250W for 10 min., hold time 2 min., 600 W for 17 min, and Ventilation time 10 min was developed. The operating parameters were varied and optimized by factorial design approach using “Steepest Ascent” method. The validity of the recommended digestion procedure were examined by analyzing several well characterized standard reference materials such as diabase (W2), basalt (BIR‐1, JB‐3, BHVO‐1), granite (G2), gabbro (JGb‐1), Mn‐nodule (Nod‐A‐1, Nod‐P‐1), sediment (STSD‐4, LKSD‐2), limestone (KH‐2), soil (SAu‐1), ilmenite (IGS‐31), rutile (IGS‐32), Zircon (IGS‐35) and titanium dioxide (SRM‐154b) employing both inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry (ICP‐AES) and well known spectrophotometric method. An excellent agreement between the methods and the certified values of standard reference materials suggest that the digestion procedure can be used for quality control and allied purposes.
Potentiometric Membrane Sensor for the Selective Determination of Pethidine in Pharmaceutical Preparations and Biological Fluids
Authors: Shalaby Abdalla , El‐Tohamy Maha , El‐Maamly Magda , Aboul‐Enein Hassan Y. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe construction and general performance characteristics of a novel potentiometric PVC membrane sensor based on pethidine‐phosphomolybdate as electroactive material for the determination of pethidine are described. This sensor exhibits fast, stable and near‐Nernstain response 55.24±0.1, over the concentration range 1.10‐2‐1.10‐5M for pethidine‐phosphomolybdate over pH 2‐7. No interferences are caused by many organic, inorganic cations, alkaloids and amino acids. The sensor proved useful for determining pethidine in pure forms, pharmaceutical injections and monitoring the content uniformity assay of ampoules. The designed sensor also show good accuracy for the determination of pethidine in biological fluids.
An Investigation on Calcium (II) Oxalate as Solubility and Universal Standard
Authors: Antonilli Marco , Bottari Emilio , Festa Maria Rosa , Gentile Lorella 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe investigation on calcium (II) oxalate is carried out in order to study its solubility in different ionic media. In the same conditions the protonation constants of oxalate and the stability of complex species have been determined. As the stoichiometric composition of the solid calcium (II) oxalate prepared for the investigation was accurately checked, the salt CaC2O4 · H2O is proposed as universal (chelometry, redox, acidimetry) standard. Results of titrations support this possibility.
Energy‐Dispersive and X‐Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy and Electron Microscopy of New Quininium‐Plastic Membrane Electrodes
Authors: Shoukry Adel F. , Maraffie Hayat M. , Al‐Shatti Laila A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractNew quininium (Qn) plastic membrane electrodes of the conventional type were constructed and characterized. They are based on incorporation of Qn‐reineckate (QnRn) ion‐pair, Qn‐phosphotungstate (Qn3‐PT), or Qn‐phosphomolybdate (Qn3PM) ion associate into a poly(vinyl chloride) membrane. The electrodes are selective for Qn and have been successfully used for the determination of Qn2SO4 in pharmaceutical tablets. Nevertheless, they showed, as almost all other ion‐selective electrodes, limited life times. Energy dispersive‐ (EDS) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), as well as electron microscopy were applied to investigate the cause of this limitation in the life times of the electrodes. The results indicated that the electrodes lose their activity after prolonged soaking as a result of leaching of the ion exchanger from the membranes into the test solution in addition to deformation at the surface of the expired electrode.
Craniofacial variation and population continuity during the South African Holocene
Authors: Stynder Deano D. , Ackermann Rebecca Rogers , Sealy Judith C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe assess craniometric variation in 153 individually dated human crania from South Africa with the aim of investigating genetic continuity/discontinuity during the Holocene. Evidence from the archaeological record is used to pinpoint likely episodes of genetic discontinuity. Craniometric data are then used to assess the likelihood of genetic change having occurred. Two periods of possible genetic discontinuity are identified: i)c. 4,000 BP, when an increase in overall population size, shifts in site organization and diet, and reduced mobility, were accompanied by reductions in stature; ii)c. 2,000 BP, when the herding of domesticates and the use of pottery vessels were introduced into the region. Results indicate that there was a decrease in cranial size and concomitant size‐related changes in craniofacial shape betweenc.4,000 BP and 3,000 BP. This was followed almost immediately by a recovery in craniofacial size and a return to pre‐4,000 BP craniofacial shape atc. 3,000 BP. This recovery continued gradually, extending into the herder period without any major shifts in morphology at 2,000 BP. It is suggested that the fluctuations in craniofacial size/shape were related to changes in environmental factors. Results obtained are consistent with long term continuity in South African Later Stone Age populations during the Holocene. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dental indicators of health and stress in early Egyptian and Nubian agriculturalists: A difficult transition and gradual recovery
Authors: Starling Anne P. , Stock Jay T. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAlthough agriculture is now the globally predominant mode of food production, studies of the skeletal remains of early agriculturalists have indicated high levels of physiological stress and poor health relative to hunter‐gatherers in similar environments. Previous studies identifying this trend in different regions prompt further research of the causes and effects of subsistence transitions in human societies. Here, 242 dentitions from five ancient Egyptian and Nubian populations are examined: 38 individuals from Jebel Sahaba (Upper Paleolithic), 56 from Badari (Predynastic), 54 from Naqada (Predynastic), 47 from Tarkhan (Dynastic), and 47 from Kerma (Dynastic). These populations span the early period of agricultural intensification along the Nile valley. Skeletal remains were scored for the presence of linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) of the dentition, an established indicator of physiological stress and growth interruption. The prevalence of LEH was highest in the “proto‐agricultural” (pastoralist) Badari population, with a gradual decline throughout the late Predynastic and early Dynastic periods of state formation. This suggests that the period surrounding the emergence of early agriculture in the Nile valley was associated with high stress and poor health, but that the health of agriculturalists improved substantially with the increasing urbanization and trade that accompanied the formation of the Egyptian state. This evidence for poor health among proto‐ and early agriculturalists in the Nile valley supports theories that agricultural intensification occurred as a response to ecological or demographic pressure rather than simply as an innovation over an existing stable subsistence strategy. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Knuckle walking signal in the manual digits of Pan and Gorilla
Authors: Matarazzo Stacey 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThis article examines the curvature of the manual proximal and middle phalanges of species belonging to Pan, Gorilla, Ateles, Macaca, Pongo, Hylobates, and Cebus to determine whether middle phalangeal curvature, when considered in conjunction with proximal phalangeal curvature, yields a locomotor signal. Prior studies have demonstrated the discriminatory power of proximal phalanges for separating suspensory species (including knuckle walkers) from pronograde quadrupedal species, but less emphasis has been placed on the distinguishing phalangeal characteristics of taxa within the suspensory category. This study demonstrates, first, that middle phalanges discriminate suspensory from nonsuspensory species, although not as cleanly as proximal phalanges. Finer discrimination of locomotor signals, including subtle differences among animals employing different modes of suspension, is possible through a comparison of the curvatures of the proximal phalanges and corresponding middle phalanges. Their relative curvature differs in quadrupeds, brachiators, and knuckle walkers. Knuckle walkers (Pan and Gorilla) have relatively little curvature of the middle phalanges coupled with marked curvature of the proximal phalanges, whereas brachiators (Ateles and Hylobates) display marked curvature of both proximal and middle phalanges, and pronograde quadrupeds (Cebus and Macaca) have relatively straight proximal and moderately curved middle phalanges. Quadrumanous climbers (Pongo) have a unique combination of traits, whereby curvature is high in both proximal and middle phalanges, but less so in the latter than the former. These differences, predictable on the basis of the biomechanical forces to which digits are subjected, may open a new venue for future research on the locomotor repertoire of prebipedal ancestors of hominins. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.