scholarly journals An In Situ Evaluation of the Protective Effect of Nano Eggshell/Titanium Dioxide against Erosive Acids

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu ◽  
Phumlane Selby Mdluli ◽  
Shenuka Singh ◽  
Sanele Nyembe ◽  
Rookmoney Thakur
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Dioxide ◽  
Protective Effect ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Study Results ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Enamel Erosion ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Differences

Objectives. Enamel erosion caused by high consumption of acidic drinks poses a significant public health concern. This study was aimed to determine the protective effect of eggshell-titanium dioxide composite (EB@TiO2) against erosive acids on tooth enamel. Methods. Twenty prepared bovine tooth enamel specimens were randomly assigned to 5 sample groups (n=4): (1) unexposed tooth enamel; (2) exposed tooth enamel + HCI; (3) exposed tooth enamel + HCI + Colgate toothpaste; (4) exposed tooth enamel + HCI + Sensodyne toothpaste; and (5) exposed tooth enamel + HCI + EB@TiO2. The mean roughness value (Rrms) of the exposed and unexposed tooth was measured with atomic force microscope (AFM). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Raman spectroscopy techniques were used to evaluate the surface morphology and changes. ANOVA was used to analyze the mean square roughness (Rrms) values for all specimens. Bonferonni correction was used to identify the mean differences among the 5 groups (α=0.05). The Rrms values measured for the unexposed and exposed specimens in HCI alone were statistically significant (P<0.05). Results. No significant differences were found for the unexposed and exposed specimens in HCI + toothpaste and EB@TiO2. The tooth enamel specimens exposed to HCI + Sensodyne had the highest Rrms values, while specimens exposed to HCI + EB@TiO2 had the lowest Rrms values. Conclusions. This study confirms that the investigated toothpaste provides protection against acidic substances. The study results further suggests that EB@TiO2 could be used to provide enhanced protection for tooth enamel.

Is “not applicable” option in Internet Addiction Questionnaire affect its results? An exploration of results using four different methods (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
PohYing Lim ◽  
Norliza Ahmad ◽  
Rosliza Abdul Manaf ◽  
Thanendran Nair Asokan ◽  
Nor Syasya Dayana Norlen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Undergraduate Students ◽  
Internet Addiction ◽  
Likert Scale ◽  
Public University ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Good Reliability ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
The Mean

BACKGROUND Internet addiction problem is becoming a significant public health concern nowadays, especially during Covid-19 pandemic. Internet Addiction Test (IAT) is one of the most popular questionnaires for evaluating the internet addiction level. Using the same questionnaire in the similar population, the prevalence of IA was ranging from 28.3% to 66.6% with possibly due to the Likert scale used. Different methods on treating “not applicable” option in the Likert scale used in IAT questionnaire might increase the variability in results, and this might not be aware especially when comparing the results among studies. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to compare the differences of results in terms of total scores and prevalence of IA on using four different methods on dealing with the “not applicable” option on the IAT questionnaire. METHODS A total of 417 undergraduate students were recruited from a public university in Malaysia to fill in the IAT questionnaire with six Likert scale that include the following options from “not applicable”, “rarely”, “occasionally”, “frequently”, “often” and “always”. The total score and prevalence of IA for four different methods (Method 1, Method 2, Method 3 and Method 4) on treating “not applicable” option were be compared. RESULTS Out of 20 questions in IAT questionnaire, there were 11 questions had more than 80% of answer rate but no question with 100% answer rate. Only 17.5% of respondents answered all the questions. The Cronbach alpha test showed that four methods had good reliability value (0.910-0.945). The mean ± standard deviation of total scores of IA for Method 1, Method 2, Method 3 and Method 4 were significantly different, with 49.15±15.60, 40.50±17.50, 44.31±15.11 and 48.15±15.08 respectively (P<0.001). Method 1 had significant highest prevalence of IA (43.4%), followed with Method 4 (40.0%), Method 2 (28.3%) and Method 3 (17.3%) (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Four methods on treating the “not applicable” option in the IAT questionnaire showed significant different results, with Method 1 showed significant highest mean total score and prevalence of IA compared to other methods. Researchers are advised to choose an appropriate method on treating the “not applicable” questions, and also be aware of this when comparing the results among different studies.

scholarly journals Evaluating the Abrasivity of a Nanosized Eggshell–Titanium Dioxide on Tooth Enamel Using Atomic Force Microscopy

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (04) ◽  
pp. 598-604
Author(s):  
Stanley Chibuzor Onwubu ◽  
Phumlane Selby Mdluli ◽  
Shenuka Singh ◽  
Sanele Nyembe ◽  
Rookmoney Thakur
Keyword(s):  
Titanium Dioxide ◽  
Calcium Carbonate ◽  
Tooth Enamel ◽  
Sample Group ◽  
Force Microscopy ◽  
Atomic Force ◽  
Sample Test ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Differences ◽  
Rapid Relief

Abstract Objectives This study aimed to evaluate nanosized eggshell–titanium dioxide (EB@TiO2) abrasiveness in comparison with calcium carbonate and hydrated silica-containing toothpaste. Material and Methods Thirty-five bovine tooth enamels were prepared, and specimens randomly assigned to a sample group of five (n = 7), namely, Colgate regular, Colgate pro-relief, Sensodyne rapid relief, Sensodyne repair, and EB@TiO2. Half of the enamel surface was brushed with each respective sample group, while the other half was covered with a tap. Statistical Analysis The mean roughness value (Ra) of the brushed and covered halves were measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM). To assess the surface morphology and changes, a scanning electron microscope (SEM) was performed. Using pair sample test and ANOVA, the Ra for the entire specimens were analyzed. A Bonferroni correction was used to identify the mean differences among the five groups (α=.05). Results  The findings from this analysis show that all the tested toothpaste abraded the enamel significantly (p < 0.05). The abrasive value contained in toothpaste comprising calcium carbonate was lower than the silica toothpaste hydrated. Conclusion Overall, Colgate regular had the lowest toothpaste abrasivity, followed by EB@TiO2, while Sensodyne rapid relief had the most enamel wear. The prominent feature of this study suggests that EB@TiO2 is suitable for oral use, as its abrasivity is comparable with calcium carbonate-containing toothpaste.

scholarly journals Epilepsy Mortality in Wales: 2005-2017

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Helen Daniels ◽  
Arron Lacey ◽  
Ashley Akbari ◽  
Rob Powell ◽  
Owen Pickrell
Keyword(s):  
Death Certificate ◽  
Premature Death ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Age At Death ◽  
Premature Deaths ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
All Cause Mortality ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Icd 10 ◽  
The Mean

BackgroundEpilepsy is a common, chronic neurological condition that affects 50 million people worldwide. The risk of premature death in people with epilepsy is up to three times higher than for the general population making this disease a significant public health concern. In England, there are around 3,100 deaths associated with epilepsy each year; 49 per cent of these deaths are premature. The mortality of epilepsy in Wales in recent years is currently unknown. Main Aim To ascertain mortality figures for deaths associated with epilepsy in Wales. MethodWe anonymously linked the Annual District Death Extract and the Welsh Demographics Service datasets within the Secure Anonymised Information Linkage Databank. Using ICD-10 codes for epilepsy, we identified all people who died with a mention of epilepsy on their death certificate, date of their death, and age at death between 2005 and 2017. Number of deaths per year were summed for each year. We also calculated the proportion of premature deaths and mean age at death for each year. All-cause mortality figures were collated as comparators. ResultsDuring the study period, there were around 173 deaths associated with epilepsy in Wales each year. The proportion of epilepsy-associated deaths compared with all-cause deaths increased almost two-fold during this time. 54% of all deaths associated with epilepsy occurred under the age of 75 years, compared with 33 per cent of all-cause deaths. The mean age at death for people with epilepsy is 67 years; 11 years younger than all-cause deaths (78 years). ConclusionThe number of deaths associated with epilepsy is increasing every year in Wales. These figures also show that having epilepsy reduces life expectancy. More research is needed into the causes of epilepsy-associated deaths to inform policy and improve outcomes for this patient group.

scholarly journals Association of Living Arrangement Conditions and Socioeconomic Differentials with Anemia Status among Women in Rural Bangladesh

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-6 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ghose Bishwajit ◽  
Sanni Yaya ◽  
Shangfeng Tang ◽  
Akmal Hossain ◽  
Yang Fan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dietary Habits ◽  
Living Arrangement ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Household Characteristics ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Women And Children ◽  
Health Survey Data ◽  
Socioeconomic Differentials

In Bangladesh, iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia and remains a significant public health concern. Being a high anemia prevalent country, numerous efforts have been made to confront the issue especially among women and children by both local and international actors. Though the situation has substantially improved in recent years, a staggering number of adult women are currently living with anemia. The etiology of anemia is a multifactorial problem and has been proposed to be associated with various household, societal, economic, cultural factors apart from dietary habits. However, evidence regarding the household arrangements and socioeconomic determinants of anemia is scarce, especially in the context of Bangladesh. To this end, we utilized the 2011 demographic and health survey data to explore the association between anemia status and selected demographic, socioeconomic, and household characteristics. Our result showed significant correlation of anemia with both sociodemographic and household characteristics. Among the sociodemographic variables the following were found to be significantly associated with anemia status: age (p=0.014; OR = 1.195; 95% CI = 1.036–1.378) and microcredit membership (p=0.014; OR = 1.19; 95% CI = 1.037–1.386). Regarding the household arrangements, women utilizing biomass fuel for cooking (p<0.019; OR = 1.82; 95% CI = 0.981–2.460) were more likely to be anemic.

scholarly journals Medication Errors: Scope and prevention strategies

2012 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 54 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luigi Brunetti ◽  
Dong-Churl Suh
Keyword(s):  
Medication Error ◽  
Medication Errors ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Error Prevention ◽  
Integration Of Technology ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Safety Systems ◽  
Improve Patient

Background: Medication errors are a significant public health concern.  Although significant advances have been made, errors are still relatively common and represent an opportunity for healthcare improvement.Methodology/Principal Findings: Since the publication of To Err is Human, medication errors have been under tremendous scrutiny.  Organizations have moved towards a non-punitive approach to evaluating errors.  This approach to medication errors has aided in identifying common pathways to medication errors and improving understanding regarding the anatomy of a medication error.  As a result, prevention strategies have been developed to target common themes contributing to errors.  Error prevention strategies may target common contributors of medication errors, broadly grouped as performance lapses, lack of knowledge, and lack or failure of safety systems.  Strategies to thwart medication errors range from process improvement to integration of technology in the health care environment.Conclusions/Significance:  Organizations should devote resources to address medication error prevention strategies in an effort to improve patient outcomes and decrease morbidity and mortality associated with medication errors.

scholarly journals Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) Program with iMINDr Application Support for Older Adults with Depression Symptoms: A Feasibility Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 06 (04) ◽  
pp. 1-1
Author(s):  
Lutvija Hrnjic ◽  
◽  
Nina Fry ◽  
Helané Wahbeh ◽  
◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Mindfulness Meditation ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Attrition Rates ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Before And After ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Potential Applications

The growing population of older adults with depression is a significant public health concern, and effective treatments are necessary. Mindfulness meditation intervention offers effective treatment for depression, but little research has been conducted on the older population. This study aimed to evaluate if the combination of the Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) plus iMINDr application improves well-being in older adults with depressive symptoms. Potential participants were recruited online. IMMI included a one-hour online session once a week, a daily 30-minute home practice of guided meditation using the iMINDr app, and a workbook. Measures were collected online before and after the six-week intervention period. Online session adherence was tracked. Thirty-eight participants completed all study requirements and are included in the analysis. Participants showed clinically and statistically significant improvements in depression symptoms, well-being, positive and negative affect, sleep quality, and pain intensity. Participants took 9.9 ± 3.5 weeks to complete the course. High attrition rates mainly were related to participants' motivation to complete the course and stress levels. There were no significant demographic differences between participants and depression symptoms. Potential applications and limitations are discussed. Internet Mindfulness Meditation Intervention (IMMI) was effective in treating depression symptoms in older adults.

scholarly journals Bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation: evidence from Bihar, India

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jinyi Kuang ◽  
Erik Thulin ◽  
Sania Ashraf ◽  
Alex Shpenev ◽  
Upasak Das ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Low Income ◽  
Low Income Countries ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Open Defecation ◽  
Behavior Change Interventions ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
False Consensus ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
Consensus Bias ◽  
Actual Prevalence

People often form perceptions about how prevalent a behavior is in a social group. However, these perceptions can be inaccurate and biased. While persistent undesirable practices in low-income countries have drawn global attention, evidence regarding people’s perception of how prevalent these practices are is scarce. Among those harmful practices, open defecation in India remains a significant public health concern, where it perpetuates the vicious cycle of disease and poverty. In this study, we focus on measuring the perceived prevalence of open defecation among respondents in Bihar, India. We examined the bias in perceived prevalence, which is defined as a pattern of deviation from the actual prevalence of open defecation. Results showed that respondents who defecate in the open overestimate the prevalence of open defecation, whereas those who consistently use toilets underestimate it. This finding suggests a false consensus bias in the perceived prevalence of open defecation. Scholars, policymakers, and program implementers who seek to correct misperceptions about open defecation by broadcasting real prevalence should be aware of biases in the perceived prevalence and address them in behavior change interventions.

scholarly journals Combating the COVID-19 Pandemic: Experiences of the First Wave From Nepal

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Buddha Bahadur Basnet ◽  
Kiran Bishwakarma ◽  
Ramesh Raj Pant ◽  
Santosh Dhakal ◽  
Nashib Pandey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Economic Status ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Vaccination Programs ◽  
Significant Public Health Concern ◽  
Hilly Region ◽  
Travel Restrictions ◽  
Significant Public Health ◽  
The Government ◽  
High Level ◽  
Male To Female

Unprecedented and unforeseen highly infectious Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a significant public health concern for most of the countries worldwide, including Nepal, and it is spreading rapidly. Undoubtedly, every nation has taken maximum initiative measures to break the transmission chain of the virus. This review presents a retrospective analysis of the COVID-19 pandemic in Nepal, analyzing the actions taken by the Government of Nepal (GoN) to inform future decisions. Data used in this article were extracted from relevant reports and websites of the Ministry of Health and Population (MoHP) of Nepal and the WHO. As of January 22, 2021, the highest numbers of cases were reported in the megacity of the hilly region, Kathmandu district (population = 1,744,240), and Bagmati province. The cured and death rates of the disease among the tested population are ~98.00 and ~0.74%, respectively. Higher numbers of infected cases were observed in the age group 21–30, with an overall male to female death ratio of 2.33. With suggestions and recommendations from high-level coordination committees and experts, GoN has enacted several measures: promoting universal personal protection, physical distancing, localized lockdowns, travel restrictions, isolation, and selective quarantine. In addition, GoN formulated and distributed several guidelines/protocols for managing COVID-19 patients and vaccination programs. Despite robust preventive efforts by GoN, pandemic scenario in Nepal is, yet, to be controlled completely. This review could be helpful for the current and future effective outbreak preparedness, responses, and management of the pandemic situations and prepare necessary strategies, especially in countries with similar socio-cultural and economic status.

scholarly journals Factors Affecting Tramadol-Associated Seizure

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 26674.1-26674.5
Author(s):  
Maryam Zaare Nahandi ◽  
◽  
Sayna Abbaszadeh ◽  
Mostafa Mansouri ◽  
Haniyeh Elahifard ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Previous History ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Affecting Factors ◽  
Public Health Concern ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Study Results ◽  
History Of ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Higher Doses

Background: Tramadol is a widely prescribed analgesic and due to its opioid-like effects, the potential for abuse of tramadol is noticeable. Besides, the complications of tramadol abuse have become a public health concern. This study aimed to investigate the affecting factors on the seizure, as one of the most common complications of tramadol consumption. Methods: A total number of 64 patients from 315 patients who were referred to Sina Hospital, Tabriz, Iran because of tramadol toxicity were included in this 9 months cross-sectional retrospective study. Results: There were 52 males and 12 females in the study. The seizure happened in 53.1% of the subjects and the Mean±SD time between tramadol consumption and seizure was 5.9±7.36 hours. There was no significant association between seizure and sex, age, the dose of tramadol, and previous tramadol consumption history. A significant association was seen between the dose of tramadol and the time of seizure. Conclusion: Seizure that happens due to tramadol overdose is not dependent on sex, age, and previous history of tramadol consumption. As the dose of tramadol is higher, the seizure happens later. More research is needed to understand why the seizure occurs later in higher doses.

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