Examining urban sociability and the built environment : a descriptive study of three urban plazas in Kansas City, Missouri

Department: Architecture

Prosthodontic perspective of laser application: A review

Background: A laser works primarily through stimulated emission which is responsible for the biological effects produced by the lasers. With the development of the ruby laser by Maiman in 1960, various studies on applications of lasers in dentistry have been conducted. Various wavelengths of dental lasers have been discovered so far but not all of them are used in prosthetic rehabilitation. Advent of diff erent laser systems has a considerable spectrum of applications in removable prosthodontics and fixed prosthodontics. Aim: When compared to traditional methods, laser treatments are less invasive and painful. Various studies have documented the capacity of laser wavelength and laser parameters used in prosthetic dentistry. Moreover, it is important to study the diff erent reactions; they can produce on the soft and hard tissues. Therefore, proper knowledge of properties of lasers and its mode of action are also important for its advantageous use. The aim of this article is to debrief the application of lasers in a prosthodontic perspective. Conclusion: The knowledge and ideas of pioneers in the field of laser are being developed and expanded into clinical practice that can enhance the quality of dental care and make the patient comfortable. The unique features and vast potential of dental lasers allow the overall success rate of any procedures. Thus, lasers have become an inexorable clinical tool in a dental armamentarium. Despite the benefits, laser energy also poses some risks. Hence, the clinician must understand the principles of lasers to take full advantage of its benefits and to provide safe and effective treatment. Clinical Significance: Recently, computer-aided design and rapid prototyping technology, surface treatment of base metal alloys, and study of occlusion in complete dentures using three-dimensional laser scanner have been developed. Thus, laser seems to be very helpful in reducing the complexity and thus provides a better platform and easier accomplishment of the task

Wild relative of turmeric, Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.- A source of edible starch

Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb., a wild relative of turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, is an important under exploited rhizomatous herb. Inspite of its medicinal uses, the traditional benefits extends to the isolation of starch powder from its rhizomes, and could be used as nutritional supplement like arrowroot powder. In the present study, the crude starch powder was isolated from the rhizomes of C. zanthorrhiza, was subjected to various characterization and acute oral toxicity study. The results showed that the starch recovery percentage of C. zanthorrhiza as 10.40±3.65 and the presence of the coumarin and natural colourant curcumin content on the isolated crude starch powder. Relatively very small amount of moisture, crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash content was noticed. Acute oral toxicity studies of the starch powder in Swiss Albino Mice showed non-toxic and there were no significant change in body weights, food and water consumption by the animals from all dose groups (50-6400 mg/kg bw). Observations against various physico-chemical parameters and granular morphology were also noticed. The present work substantiates the usefulness of the starch powder isolated from this wild turmeric and supports its nutritional significance and non-toxic effect. This underutilized minor tuber crop is potential in many food and non-food applications based on their physico-chemical characteristics

Wild relative of turmeric, Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb.- A source of edible starch

519-524Curcuma zanthorrhiza Roxb., a wild relative of turmeric belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, is an important under exploited rhizomatous herb. Inspite of its medicinal uses, the traditional benefits extends to the isolation of starch powder from its rhizomes, and could be used as nutritional supplement like arrowroot powder. In the present study, the crude starch powder was isolated from the rhizomes of C. zanthorrhiza, was subjected to various characterization and acute oral toxicity study. The results showed that the starch recovery percentage of C. zanthorrhiza as 10.40±3.65 and the presence of the coumarin and natural colourant curcumin content on the isolated crude starch powder. Relatively very small amount of moisture, crude protein, fat, fibre, and ash content was noticed. Acute oral toxicity studies of the starch powder in Swiss Albino Mice showed non-toxic and there were no significant change in body weights, food and water consumption by the animals from all dose groups (50-6400 mg/kg bw). Observations against various physico-chemical parameters and granular morphology were also noticed. The present work substantiates the usefulness of the starch powder isolated from this wild turmeric and supports its nutritional significance and non-toxic effect. This underutilized minor tuber crop is potential in many food and non-food applications based on their physico-chemical characteristics

Validation testing of a short food‐group‐based questionnaire to assess dietary risk in preschoolers aged 3–5 years

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving'. Copyright (2018) Dietitians Association of Australia. All rights reserved. This author accepted manuscript is made available following 12 month embargo from date of publication (February 2018) in accordance with the publisher’s archiving policy.Background: Short questionnaire-style dietary assessment methods are useful for monitoring compliance with dietary guidelines. A reliable and valid short food-based questionnaire for assessing dietary risk in toddlers aged 1-3 years was recently adapted for use in pre-schoolers. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of this 19-item Preschooler Dietary Questionnaire (PDQ) that assesses dietary risk of 3-5 year-olds. Methods: Primary caregivers of preschoolers completed a two-stage online survey: 1) a demographic questionnaire and the PDQ; 2) a second PDQ and a validated 54-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary risk scores (0-100; higher score=higher risk) derived from the two PDQ administrations (2.1±1.0 weeks apart) were compared and average scores assessed against the FFQ. Cross-classification into dietary risk categories (low, 0-24; moderate, 25-49; high, 50-74; very high, 75- 100) was determined. The relationship of dietary risk scores with BMI z-score was assessed using standard linear regression. Results: Preschoolers’ (n=74) risk scores were highly correlated yet statistically different for reliability (ICC=0.87; mean bias 1.51, 95% CI 0.07, 2.95, p=0.040) and validity (r=0.85; mean bias -1.64, 95% CI -2.86, -0.43, p=0.009). There was no systematic bias between the two tools. All participants were classified into the same (80%) or adjacent (20%) category upon administration of each tool. Risk scores were not associated with BMIz scores (β -0.09, 95%CI -0.02,-0.04, p=0.512). Conclusion: The PDQ is a novel and useful screening instrument to rapidly identify preschooler dietary, but not obesity, risk. The tool could facilitate referral to appropriate health professionals for detailed assessment and intervention

Mental disorder and disability: A cross-sectional study of disability variance in severe mental disorders

Background: Severe mental disorders are associated with long-standing functional impairment and disability. The degree of disability varies with diagnosis. However, limited evidence are available on the association of psychiatric diagnosis and disability, especially from community settings in India. Methods: We examined the association of psychiatric diagnosis and disability in 711 persons suffering from severe mental illness. The patients were recruited from 12 community psychiatry outreach clinics at Wayanad District, South India. The Indian Disability Evaluation and Assessment Scale was administered to measure disability. ANOVA was applied to examine the extent of disability variance in diagnosis. Results: Disability varied significantly with diagnosis (F = 3.866; P = 0.000). Persons with schizophrenia experienced higher disability than bipolar affective disorder and depressive disorder. However, the disability was found nonsignificant in other diagnosis groups. Conclusion: The result implies the need for illness-specific programs and rehabilitative measures for persons with disability

Health Care During Incarceration: A Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has a long-standing commitment to improving the health of all Americans and opposes any form of discrimination in the delivery of health care services. ACP is committed to working toward fully understanding and supporting the unique needs of the incarcerated population and eliminating health disparities for these persons. In this position paper, ACP offers recommendations to policymakers and administrators to improve the health and well-being of persons incarcerated in adult correctional facilities

Health Care During Incarceration: A Policy Position Paper From the American College of Physicians

The American College of Physicians (ACP) has a long-standing commitment to improving the health of all Americans and opposes any form of discrimination in the delivery of health care services. ACP is committed to working toward fully understanding and supporting the unique needs of the incarcerated population and eliminating health disparities for these persons. In this position paper, ACP offers recommendations to policymakers and administrators to improve the health and well-being of persons incarcerated in adult correctional facilities

Validation testing of a short food‐group‐based questionnaire to assess dietary risk in preschoolers aged 3–5 years

This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance with Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving'. Copyright (2018) Dietitians Association of Australia. All rights reserved. This author accepted manuscript is made available following 12 month embargo from date of publication (February 2018) in accordance with the publisher’s archiving policy.Background: Short questionnaire-style dietary assessment methods are useful for monitoring compliance with dietary guidelines. A reliable and valid short food-based questionnaire for assessing dietary risk in toddlers aged 1-3 years was recently adapted for use in pre-schoolers. This study aimed to determine the reliability and validity of this 19-item Preschooler Dietary Questionnaire (PDQ) that assesses dietary risk of 3-5 year-olds. Methods: Primary caregivers of preschoolers completed a two-stage online survey: 1) a demographic questionnaire and the PDQ; 2) a second PDQ and a validated 54-item semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Dietary risk scores (0-100; higher score=higher risk) derived from the two PDQ administrations (2.1±1.0 weeks apart) were compared and average scores assessed against the FFQ. Cross-classification into dietary risk categories (low, 0-24; moderate, 25-49; high, 50-74; very high, 75- 100) was determined. The relationship of dietary risk scores with BMI z-score was assessed using standard linear regression. Results: Preschoolers’ (n=74) risk scores were highly correlated yet statistically different for reliability (ICC=0.87; mean bias 1.51, 95% CI 0.07, 2.95, p=0.040) and validity (r=0.85; mean bias -1.64, 95% CI -2.86, -0.43, p=0.009). There was no systematic bias between the two tools. All participants were classified into the same (80%) or adjacent (20%) category upon administration of each tool. Risk scores were not associated with BMIz scores (β -0.09, 95%CI -0.02,-0.04, p=0.512). Conclusion: The PDQ is a novel and useful screening instrument to rapidly identify preschooler dietary, but not obesity, risk. The tool could facilitate referral to appropriate health professionals for detailed assessment and intervention