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Association of Arginine with a Soluble Source of Calcium and Fluoride: Anticaries and Antibiofilm Effect on Root Dentin
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The study aimed to evaluate in vitro anticaries and antibiofilm effects of combining arginine (Arg), calcium glycerophosphate (CaGP), and fluoride (F). Methods: A saliva-derived inoculum was used to cultivate polymicrobial biofilms using an active adherence model. Bovine root dentin specimens (n = 10) were treated with: Negative Control (NC); F (110 ppm F); CaGP (0.05 %); Arg (0.8 %); F+CaGP; Arg+F; Arg+CaGP or Arg+F+CaGP. The outcomes evaluated were: biofilm acidogenicity (spent medium pH); biofilm composition (bacterial viability - total, aciduric and mutans streptococci-, alkali-soluble polysaccharides [ASP], and biofilm dry weight); and root dentin demineralization (surface Knoop hardness [KH], chemical composition, and subsurface mineral content). Data were analyzed using non-parametric mixed ANOVA, one-way ANOVA, or Kruskal–Wallis (α = 0.05). Results: Arg-treated groups showed lower biofilm acidogenicity (pH>8.0) than the other groups (pH<5.5; p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.603). No statistical differences were found in the biofilm composition (mean or median range of microbial concentration [log 1+CFU/mL] and ASP for all the groups: total = 6.62–7.07, p = 0.189; aciduric = 4.83–5.88, p = 0.116; mutans streptococci = 4.57–5.35, p = 0.477; ASP = 0.02–1.16 μg/mg dry weight, p = 0.935). Arg+F+CaGP maintained the highest microhardness value (Mean = 61.1[SD = 10.6] KHN; %SH = 15.8) compared to F, Arg or CaGP groups (p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.769). Arg+F+CaGP group showed a statistically higher mineral gain compared to the other groups (Mean = 10.8[SD = 4.0] gHap.cm-3; p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.958). A higher amount of F ions was present in Arg+F and Arg+F+CaGP. Conclusion: The Arg+F+CaGP association reduced biofilm acidogenicity and root dentin demineralization (final KH and mineral content) compared to F. Clinical significance: As the synergistic use of arginine, fluoride, and calcium glycerophosphate helped mitigate biofilm acid production and protected dentin from demineralization, it has potential to be used in preventive and therapeutic approaches in Dentistry, especially in patients at high caries risks, as those with exposed root surfaces or reduced salivary flow
Sexual assault referral centers for survivors of rape in Finland – A review of their development and support for survivors
No full textIn Finland, multidisciplinary sexual assault referral centers (SARCs) primarily serve victims of rape within one month of the incident. The services are offered at no cost and are available to individuals aged 16 and over, irrespective of sex or gender, and regardless of whether they decide to report the assault to the authorities. Services consist of medical and forensic examinations, trauma support and counselling. Follow-up and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases and potential pregnancy are included. Specialized services and standardized examination and follow-up protocols have increased the quality of forensic medical examination and samples. Trauma-informed psychosocial support services are available from the outset. Sensitive but active follow-up from the same place have improved the rape survivor's recovery. This paper reviews the history of SARCs in Finland and the care they provide to survivors of sexual violence
“Are you able to walk? Asked the bank clerk.” Everyday legal problems and access to justice from the perspective of older people
No full textIn the last two decades, the question of older people's legal rights and their access to justice have attracted increasing research attention. However, there is little comprehensive, current research on what older people themselves consider important for accessing justice in the many everyday situations that have legal dimensions. This article presents a thematic analysis of elicited narrative data consisting of 324 stories about legal problems experienced by older adults, written by the older adults themselves (78 %), and their loved ones (22 %). The collected stories describe a wide range of problems, particularly regarding social care and healthcare, respect for older adults' self-determination, economic difficulties, family conflicts, and sometimes abusive situations. Frequently mentioned barriers to resolving these problems included difficulties navigating the bureaucratic “systems” of authorities and service providers, digital challenges, financial issues, the impact of physical or cognitive constraints, and, ageist attitudes. We argue that these barriers to justice, often considered in the context of problem-solving, are also connected to how the problems arise in the first place. Everyday events, such as trying to access healthcare or manage financial matters, can turn into legal problems when faced with such barriers. We conclude that older people's access to justice may be limited by ageist attitudes and societal failures to accommodate their needs. Studies that listen to older individuals are essential for an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence their access to justice
Adherence to medication guidelines as assessed by nurses in 24-hour elderly care facilities – a survey study
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