Constructing whole of population cohorts for health and social research using the New Zealand Integrated Data Infrastructure

Objectives: To construct and compare a 2013 New Zealand population derived from Statistics New Zealand’s Integrated Data Infrastructure (IDI) with the 2013 census population and a 2013 Health Service Utilisation population, and to ascertain the differences in cardiovascular disease prevalence estimates derived from the three cohorts. Methods: We constructed three national populations through multiple linked administrative data sources in the IDI and compared the three cohorts by age, gender, ethnicity, area‐level deprivation and District Health Board. We also estimated cardiovascular disease prevalence based on hospitalisations using each of the populations as denominators. Results: The IDI population was the largest and most informative cohort. The percentage differences between the IDI and the other two populations were largest for males and for those aged 15–34 years. The percentage differences between the IDI and Census cohorts were largest for people living in the most deprived areas. The ethnic distribution varied across the three cohorts. Using the IDI population as a reference, the Health Service Utilisation population generally overestimated cardiovascular disease prevalence, while the Census population generally underestimated it. Conclusions and implications: The New Zealand IDI population is the most comprehensive and appropriate national cohort for use in health and social research.     

The effects of high concentration tooth whitening bleaches on microleakage of Class V composite restorations

OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of high-concentration hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents on the microleakage of composite restorations. METHODS: In 60 extracted human molars, Class V restorations were prepared with Scotchbond 1/Filtek Z250 composite. Teeth were randomly divided into four groups: (1) no bleaching; (2) bleaching with 14% hydrogen peroxide gel from Crest Whitestrips; (3) bleaching with 20% carbamide peroxide gel from Opalescence PF 20; and (4) bleaching with 38% hydrogen peroxide gel Opalescence Xtra Boost. Bleaching procedures were carried out at 37 degrees C for 21 days/42 hours (2); seven days/42 hours (3); one day/45 minutes (4). Varnish was applied on the apical portion of the teeth only, excluding the restoration, prior to immersion in a 0.1% rhodamin-B-isothiocyanate solution for 24 hours at 37 degrees C. After rinsing, specimens were embedded in methacrylate blocks, and sectioned with a water-cooled microtome with three restoration cuts positioned centrally parallel to the long axis of the tooth. Microleakage was evaluated at the occlusal margins of the Class V restorations using a stereo microscope, separate for dentin and enamel margins. RESULTS: Over 90% of enamel margins exhibited no microleakage following cycling. Bleaching agents had almost no effect on numerical averages. Eighty-eight percent of the dentin margins were free of microleakage for the non-treated control group. Bleaching treatments collectively had slight numerical reductions to around 80%. The statistical evaluation (Kruskal-Wallis-test) showed no significant difference in microleakage between groups for enamel or dentin. CONCLUSION: Bleaching with the materials tested had no influence on microleakage of Filtek Z250 composite bonded with Scotchbond 1.     

Laboratory investigation into optimal temperature for plaster of Paris application

Objective: The present study aimed to determine the relationship between heat generated and time taken to reach maximum temperature when creating plaster of Paris casts, in relation to dipping water temperature and plaster slab thickness. Methods: The study was conducted in a laboratory setting. A standard procedure for dipping, draining, layering and covering plaster slabs was developed. A standard temperature measurement and data‐recording method was applied. Variables tested were dipping water temperature (25, 30, 40, 50°C) and plaster slab thickness (10‐ply and 15‐ply). Results: Mean maximum temperature varied between 31.9 and 41.7°C, and was proportional to dipping water temperature and plaster slab thickness. Mean time to maximum temperature varied between 1216 and 728 s, and was inversely proportional to dipping water temperature and directly proportional to plaster slab thickness. All means were significantly different (P = 0.01). Conclusion: Increasing dipping water temperature and number of layers of plaster when making plaster slabs significantly increases temperature of plaster setting. These data are important for an understanding of optimum conditions for safer cast application. The present study highlights the need for further research in this area.     

Information in dementia care: sense making and a public health direction for the UK?

Providing information is a core focus of policy and practice in dementia care. Information is a vehicle through which people can be enabled or disabled, so it is essential that we ensure that information is available in a way that is accessible and relevant for people with dementia and that it enables personal aspiration and collective identity to be advanced in a way that is to the benefit of those living with dementia. People with dementia need information to support autonomy in making decisions and in acting on those decisions. Information must be provided in a way that is appropriate to the individual and to achieve that requires knowledge of the needs of that individual. However, maintaining autonomy includes, but involves much more than, the provision of information - others need to listen and hear their views and be prepared to act on them. As professionals, we must be aware that the (dementia) information we provide may disrupt the biographical narrative that people with dementia value. Thus, a person-centred approach encourages the sharing of knowledge and information. The (mis)use of information also impacts on the way that society disables, discriminates and applies barriers against people with disability.     

Instructions to Authors

Researchers have reported similar prevalence rates for non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among men and women, yet few studies have investigated gender differences in NSSI. This study describes and compares basic NSSI characteristics among a nonclinical sample by gender. Forty-eight individuals reporting a history of NSSI were interviewed (M = 18.52 years old, SD = 1.18 years). NSSI characteristics, including frequency, age of onset, method of NSSI, pain and control during NSSI, and degree of medical injury were compared between men (n = 19) and women (n = 29). Men and women differed significantly on age of onset, degree of medical injury, and NSSI methods. This study supports previous findings of gender differences in NSSI and suggests that further investigation of gender differences in NSSI is warranted.