Knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health: findings from a sample of first-time mothers in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Women's important roles within families which include modelling appropriate oral health behaviours require them to have good knowledge and positive attitude in oral health. This study determined knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health among first-time mothers and factors associated with the attributes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 154 first-time mothers in the third trimester of pregnancy who attended two health clinics in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia for antenatal care participated in this cross-sectional study. A structured selfadministered questionnaire was used to measure the variables of interest.

RESULTS

Most mothers could correctly identify the aetiological factors of dental caries and strategies for preventing the disease in children. However, a substantial portion could not identify certain cariogenic and noncariogenic foods or drinks. Most pregnant women have appropriate attitudes towards children's oral health although some showed unfavourable attitude about care of primary teeth. Women who were older and had attended a talk on children's oral health were more likely to have higher mean knowledge score than their respective counterparts, and higher mean knowledge score was associated with higher mean attitude score.

CONCLUSION

Most first-time mothers in this study had correct knowledge and favourable attitude about children's oral health, although misunderstandings and misperceptions in several issues were also common. Significant association found between experience of attending oral health talk and oral health knowledge, and between oral health knowledge and attitude, substantiate the importance of an educational intervention program to optimise the mothers' roles in caries prevention in children.

Influence of oral health literacy on knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health among pregnant women in Malaysia

INTRODUCTION

Health literacy is an independent predictor of health outcomes, including health knowledge and behavior. This study determined the influence of oral health literacy on knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health among pregnant women.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 130 pregnant women (65 nulliparous and 65 primiparous or multiparous) attending Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia for antenatal care who did not have any diagnosed cognitive disorders and could read and write in the Malay language participated in this crosssectional study. A structured self-administered questionnaire was used to measure knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health, and the Malay version of the Oral Health Literacy Instrument (OHLI-M) was used to assess the oral health literacy of the participants.

RESULTS

Multivariable linear regression analysis showed that older women and women with higher OHLI-M scores had higher mean knowledge scores than younger women (p=0.007) and women with lower OHLI-M scores (p=0.001), respectively. In addition, women with higher OHLI-M scores, women with higher mean knowledge scores, and women who had attended a talk about children's oral health were more likely to have higher mean attitude scores than women with lower OHLI-M scores (p=0.019), women with lower mean knowledge scores (p=0.006), and women who had never attended a talk about children's oral health (p=0.001).

CONCLUSION

Pregnant women's oral health literacy was positively associated with their oral health knowledge and attitude towards children's oral health. Strategies to improve the oral health literacy of pregnant women are indicated.

Characterization of wheat-Thinopyrum bessarabicum genetic stock for stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance

Utilization of modern breeding techniques for developing high yielding and uniform plant types ultimately narrowing the genetic makeup of most crops. Narrowed genetic makeup of these crops has made them vulnerable towards disease and insect epidemics. For sustainable crop production, genetic variability of these crops must be broadened against various biotic and abiotic stresses. One of the ways to widen genetic configuration of these crops is to identify novel additional sources of durable resistance. In this regard crops wild relatives are providing valuable sources of allelic diversity towards various biotic, abiotic stress tolerance and quality components. For incorporating novel variability from wild relative's wide hybridization technique has become a promising breeding method. For this purpose, wheat-Th. bessarabicum amphiploid, addition and translocation lines have been screened in field and screen house conditions to get novel sources of yellow rust and Karnal bunt resistant. Stripe rust screening under field conditions has revealed addition lines 4JJ and 6JJ as resistant to moderately resistant while addition lines 3JJ, 5JJ, 7JJ and translocation lines Tr-3, Tr-6 as moderately resistant wheat-Thinopyrum-bessarabicum genetic stock. Karnal bunt screening depicted addition lines 5JJ and 4JJ as highly resistant genetic stock. These genetic stocks may be used to introgression novel stripe rust and Karnal bunt resistance from the tertiary gene pool into susceptible wheat backgrounds.

B-29 REM Sleep Behavior Disorder in Non-Demented Parkinson’s Disease is Related to Poorer Cognitive Performance

Objective

Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (RBD) affects 33-46% of patients with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and may be a risk factor for neuropsychological impairment. However, the cognitive profile in PD patients with RBD has yet to be fully determined. This study examined differences in neuropsychological performance among non-demented PD patients with (PD/RBD+) and without RBD (PD/RBD-), and healthy controls (HC).

Methods

One hundred seventy-five participants, including 45 PD/RBD+ patients, 78 PD/RBD- patients, and 52 HC, completed the RBD sleep questionnaire and underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological battery assessing attention/working memory, language, visuospatial function, verbal and visual learning and memory, and executive function.

Results

The PD/RBD+ group demonstrated significantly poorer global neuropsychological performance compared to both the PD/RBD- and HC groups (p’s < .003; η_p^2 = .16). MANOVA demonstrated significant group differences on all individual cognitive domains (p’s < .001), except visuospatial function (p = .10). Both PD/RBD+ and PD/RBD- patients had significantly lower scores compared to the HCs in the domains of attention/working memory, language, learning, and memory. Additionally, the PD/RBD+ group had significantly lower executive functioning scores compared to the HCs, and poorer learning performance compared to the PD/RBD- group.

Conclusions

Compared to PD patients without RBD, PD/RBD+ patients have greater levels of cognitive impairment specific to the acquisition of new information. Moreover, PD/RBD+ patients have greater executive dysfunction compared to HCs, underscoring the importance of RBD assessment for improved detection and treatment of neuropsychological impairment (e.g., targeted cognitive interventions). Longitudinal investigations are needed to determine the enduring effects of RBD in PD.

How do office workers respond to media coverage of sitting?

BACKGROUND

Sitting time is associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes, and premature mortality. Office workers sit for prolonged periods, so are at particular risk. Scientific advances in public health threats are predominantly communicated to the public through media reports.

AIMS

This study aimed to examine office workers' impromptu responses to media coverage of scientific evidence related to the health risks of sedentary behaviour.

METHODS

Semi-structured interviews were run with 26 office workers (mean age 35 years), recruited from four organizations in southern England. Within the interview, each participant provided a 'think-aloud' narrative as they read three real-world news reports relating to sedentary behaviour. Thematic analysis was conducted on verbatim transcripts.

RESULTS

Three themes were extracted from the data: gauging the personal relevance of the news reports; questioning their trustworthiness and challenging the feasibility of proposed sitting-reduction strategies. Participants voiced scepticism about the applicability of the reports to their personal circumstances, and the validity of the reports and the scientific evidence underpinning them.

CONCLUSIONS

Researchers, press officers and journalists should emphasise the ways in which participants in research studies represent the broader population of office workers, and offer greater transparency in reporting study methods, when reporting scientific advances in sedentary behaviour.

Effects of household bleach on sputum smear microscopy to concentrate acid fast bacilli for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the major public health problem among contagious diseases in Pakistan. TB diagnosis mainly depends on sputum smear microscopy. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of household bleach on sputum smear microscopy to concentrate acid fast bacilli for the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum specimens of 200 suspected TB patients were collected for the study. Smears were prepared from the purulent part of sputum sample before and after bleach treatment, heat fixed and stained with the ZN technique. The obtained data were analyzed by chi-squared test using SPSS software. Out of 200 isolates, 22 (11%) patients had positive smears for acid fast bacilli (AFB) by direct ZN staining. After treatment with household bleach (NaOCL) and centrifugation, the number of AFB positive patients were increased from 22 (11%) to 37 (18.5%). The bleach-concentration method for sputum samples significantly increased the TB detection rate as compared to direct sputum smear microscopy. Thus, a shift from direct sputum microscopy to bleach-concentration technique should be considered a better method for detection of AFB in sputum through smear microscopy.

EndoCinch treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is a common disorder which significantly impairs the quality of life. Recently an EndoCinch system has been described, with an approach to the treatment of GORD that would obviate the need for long-term proton pump inhibitors and the cost and potential risk of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. We set outto evaluate the status of this new technique for the management of GORD. We review the literatures (publications and abstracts) regarding safety, efficacy, and durability of this new antireflux procedure. On the whole, this new antireflux technique produced significant improvement in GORD symptomatology and quality of life and reduced the use of antireflux medication. However, it failed to normalize acid reflux, long-term durability data are lacking, and some serious side effects have been reported. In conclusion, EndoCinch has the potential to treat patients with this common ailment. However, further studies are necessary to determine what modifications to this antireflux technique are required in order to produce the maximum clinical benefit.

Freeze concentration for enrichment of nutrients in yellow water from no-mix toilets

Separately collected urine ("yellow water") can be utilized as fertilizer. In order to decrease storage volumes and energy consumption for yellow water transport to fields, enrichment of nutrients in yellow water has to be considered. Laboratory-scale batch freeze concentration of yellow water has been tested in ice-front freezing apparatus: a stirred vessel and a falling film freeze concentrator (coolant temperatures: -6 to -16 degrees C). With progressing enrichment of the liquid concentrate, the frozen ice was increasingly contaminated with yellow water constituents (ammonia, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, TOC, and salts determined as conductivity). The higher the initial salinity of the yellow water and the lower the mechanical agitation of the liquid phase contacting the growing ice front, the more the frozen ice was contaminated. The results indicate, that in ice-front freezing devices multistage processes are necessary, i.e. the melted ice phase has to be purified (and the concentrates must be further enriched) in a second or even in a third stage. Energy consumption of this process is very high. However, technical scale suspension freeze concentration is reasonable in centralized ecological sanitation schemes if the population exceeds 0.5 million and distance of yellow water transportation to fields is more than 80 km.

Endocinch therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a one year prospective follow up

BACKGROUND

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is, in the main, treated with either proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drugs or a Nissen fundoplication operation. Recently, BARD developed Endocinch, a device used to place sutures just below the oesophagogastric junction (OGJ) to treat GORD.

AIM

To evaluate the long term benefit of the Endocinch technique in patients seen up to 12 months post procedure.

PATIENTS

Twenty six patients with symptoms of GORD were recruited and had the procedure performed. Four patients were lost to follow up.

METHODS

Twenty two patients completed their one year follow up. Pre procedure and post procedure (up to 12 months) assessments included symptom scoring (DeMeester), upper intestinal endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and 24 hour oesophageal pH, and completion of quality of life (QOL) questionnaires.

RESULTS

Mean age was 39 years (range 22-62). Heartburn symptom score was reduced from a mean value of 19.22 at baseline to 7.5 at 12 months (n=22) (p<0.0001). Regurgitation score reduced from a mean of 2.27 at baseline to 0.86 at 12 months (n=22) (p<0.001). Mean (SEM) pH DeMeester acid score was reduced from 44.1 (4.3) to 33.32 (4.73) (p=0.028) at three month post procedure. Percentage upright acid exposure and number of reflux episodes were also reduced significantly. Use of PPIs was reduced by 64% at 12 months post procedure. All QOL assessments showed significant improvement (p=0.01). All transient post procedure complaints resolved within 72 hours.

CONCLUSION

The Endocinch procedure is an effective and safe outpatient procedure that offers GORD patients significant improvement in symptomatology, QOL, and reduced requirements for PPIs over at least a one year period.

Validation study of a computerized version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities VA3.0 Osteoarthritis Index

OBJECTIVE

To study the validity and feasibility of a computerized version of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC) Osteoarthritis Index.

METHODS

Thirty patients with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee completed both a paper and a computerized version of WOMAC in random order. The visual analog scaled version of WOMAC, VA3.0, was used. We studied criterion validity by comparing the paper and computerized versions.

RESULTS

All patients completed the computerized version without undue difficulty. Criterion validity, based on aggregated subscale scores, was excellent: Pain, ICC = 0.89, Stiffness, ICC = 0.87, Physical Function, ICC = 0.95.

CONCLUSION

The computerized version of WOMAC VA3.0 is a valid alternative to the paper version.

A water-soluble fragment of Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell wall

A fragment of Micrococcus lysodeikticus cell wall was obtained by extraction of walls with water, dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide. The water-soluble polymer was obtained from the cell walls prepared either with or without trypsin treatment of the cell. This fragment was studied by the Smith periodate oxidation, methylation, mild acid treatment and enzymic procedures. The polymer consists of polysaccharide chains composed of (1-->4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-mannopyranosyluronic acid)-(1-->6)-O-alpha-D-glucopyranosyl residues. The polysaccharide chain is linked to C-6 of a 2-acetamido-3-O-(D-1-carboxyethyl)-2-deoxy-beta-D-gluco-pyranosyl residue of a peptidoglycan chain composed of repeating (1-->4)-O-(2-acetamido-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)-(1-->4)-[2-acet ami do-3-O-(D-1-carboxyethyl)-2-deoxy-beta-D-glucopyranosyl] residues. The water-soluble cell-wall fragment was also observed in the-culture medium of Micrococcus lysodeikticus and was also extractable from the cells in minor quantity.

Multifocal mucus secreting papillary adenocarcinoma of the bile duct causing obstructive jaundice

We present a 64-year-old Malay lady who had undergone a choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) two years ago for obstructive jaundice. She was admitted with jaundice and underwent ultrasonography, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC), endoscopic retrograde cholangio pancreatography (ERCP) and computed tomographic (CT) scanning of the liver and biliary tree. All the investigations confirmed a type IVa choledochal cyst. At operation, the grossly dilated biliary system was packed with a thick mucoid material and the mucosa of the bile ducts was visibly abnormal with scattered nodules. This mucoid material had caused occlusion of the entire biliary tree resulting in obstructive jaundice. To the best of our knowledge, this is probably the first report of obstructive jaundice caused by thick mucus. The peculiar management problems of this case and the risk of malignant change in choledochal cysts are discussed.

Emigration and wages in an open economy: some evidence from Pakistan

"This paper examines the impact of labour emigration on the wages of both the skilled and unskilled workers....Using... Pakistani data, it is found that unskilled labour is used extremely intensively in the agriculture sector (exportable), skilled labour is used extremely intensively in the manufacturing sector (importable), and capital is used as the middle factor in both the traded goods sectors. Moreover, capital is used significantly less intensively in the construction (non-traded) sector relative to both the traded sectors.... The results suggest that the higher wages to both the skilled and unskilled workers must be compensated by a reduction in the rate of returns to capital if export-oriented and import-competing sectors in Pakistan are to remain internationally competitive."

Uses and abuses of biostatistics in medical research in Pakistan

Medical research in Pakistan has gained momentum over the past several years. However, the logical conclusions based on information and data are rarely witnessed. This could be due to the fact that medical researchers and doctors are unaware of Biostatistics, its logic, use and inferences to be obtained. Most researches are based on the pattern of works already done elsewhere. Following others blindly generates various snags. In the present study, research articles published during 1986 in the Journal of Pakistan Medical Association (JPMA) and Pakistan Journal of Medical Research (PJMR) are being reviewed with respect to use and abuse of Statistical Methods.

The Scottish first episode schizophrenia study. VII. Two-year follow-up. Scottish Schizophrenia Research Group

Of 49 schizophrenic patients followed up 2 years after their first admission to hospital, 37% were well, 47% had been readmitted to hospital at some time over the 2 years, and 38% showed schizophrenic symptoms at follow-up. A poor outcome at 2 years was associated with male sex, poor outcome after the first 5 weeks of the first admission, negative schizophrenic symptoms on first admission, and a diagnosis of definite or probable schizophrenia using the Feighner criteria. Only 23% were in employment. A small double-blind discontinuation study of maintenance antipsychotic medication during the second year found more relapses in those switched to placebo medication. Repeat psychometric assessment at 2 years confirmed modest improvements found at 12 months; that is, there was no evidence of intellectual decline. Relatives showed no more psychosocial distress than that found in a normal community sample; what distress there was correlated with patients' schizophrenic symptoms.

Cognitive functioning of solvent abusers

Cognitive dysfunction and solvent abuse have been found to be closely related, but the precise nature of this relationship remains obscure. Twenty eight non-active solvent abusing and 20 non-abusing adolescents were given tests of non-verbal and verbal intelligence, arithmetic, literacy level and learning ability. In addition, they were asked three standard questions about their spare time activities and future orientation. The results clearly indicated that, while the two groups did not significantly differ in potential abilities, the abusers performed significantly poorly on all but one test of acquired abilities. The abusers were found to be less future orientated, were 'bored' with themselves. The aetiological implications of the study are discussed.

Psychological factors and recovery from cardiac surgery

21 Subjects awaiting open-heart surgery were given personality and attitude questionnaires. They were re-tested six months after the operation, when they were divided into "completely recovered" (I) and "not completely recovered" (II) groups, according to the New York Heart Association classification. Results showed that Group I was significantly less depressed, more optimistic about the future and had a more positive attitude towards others. Group II realised they had been very ill and had a more negative attitude towards their spouses. Group I was found to be much better adjusted, vocationally and psychosexually, than Group II.

Habits and dietary pattern of cases of carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx

In 1192 biopsy proven cases of carcinoma of the oral cavity and oropharynx information was collected on the use of various chewing, smoking, and eating habits. The quantity used and the duration of use were also recorded. Information was also collected on the frequency of use of cereals, dairy products, meat, fish, fruits and vegetables. The information from carcinoma cases was compared with that from apparently healthy individuals.