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Biomedical subjects

I D Murray

Publications and source records attributed to I D Murray.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Effect of seasonal host reproduction on host-macroparasite dynamics.

The impact of seasonal host reproduction on the population dynamics of host-macroparasite interactions is considered. We modify the classic Anderson and May model so that parameters associated with host reproduction are periodic functions of time with a period corresponding to a year. This allows us to compare our findings with those already well documented. If, in the absence of any seasonality, a stable steady-state solution exists annual reproduction gives rise to stable annual population cycles. Moreover, the parameter domain for which there is stability is increased by the seasonality. However, if the life span of the free-living stages is reasonably long, and the continuous model has limit cycle solutions, complex behavior can be observed in the seasonally forced case. Results also indicate that if seasonal effects are ignored, regulation of the hosts by the parasite population is overestimated.

Animals↗

A method for scoring denture plaque.

Many studies have reported on the comparative efficiency of denture cleaning materials in their ability to remove deposits from dentures, but because of the variety of scoring methods used it is often difficult to make direct comparisons between materials. It is important that any measurements obtained should not only be accurate, reliable and reproducible but that inter-examiner error should be kept to a minimum. In this work three operators were asked to score 'blind' the total amount of disclosed plaque on a whole denture using a 0-10 scale. The overall conclusions of this test was that of poor inter-examiner agreement. A second test was therefore undertaken at a later date using the same three operators and protocol but on this occasion each surface of the denture was evaluated by reference to a series of standard reference dentures painted to simulate plaque scores in the 0-10 range. This test showed there to be no significant difference in the plaque scores recorded by the three operators and that the plaque scores recorded on the polished surfaces were significantly lower than those on the teeth and fitting surfaces (F = 10.55, P < 0.001).

Aged↗

The efficacy of denture cleansers.

The efficacy of two soaking cleansers, a toothbrush/paste and a brush with soap and water have been compared in relation to their ability to remove three types of soil from dentures. A 4 week cross-over trial involving a panel of 80 volunteers was used. Each denture was scored for stain, calculus and disclosed plaque, both before and after cleaning with one of the chosen cleaners. A soaking cleanser used at 50 degrees C was more effective than the other products at removing plaque and stain. There was no difference amongst the materials in terms of calculus removal, the scores being low in all cases. The reliability of scoring is influenced by the presence of large numbers of low 'before-cleaning' scores. This problem can be overcome by using a selection criterion which requires a certain minimum level of soil to be present before cleaning.

Aged↗

Replacement of a maxillary obturator using a denture-copying technique: a case report.

After maxillary resection, the success of an obturator is often dependent on the neuromuscular skills of the patient and his or her ability to adapt to the shape of the prosthesis. When an obturator has to be replaced, it is desirable to retain the general form of the prosthesis, particularly in an aging patient whose powers of adaptation are reduced. This article describes the use of a copying technique to replace a maxillary obturator. This method facilitated replication of major characteristics of the prosthesis and controlled modification of others, thus minimizing the patient's need to acquire new neuromuscular skills.

Aged↗

Dental care of patients in a hospice.

This paper describes the dental care provided at an English hospice. Dental care is felt to be important because the ability to enjoy food is an important element in the quality of life. Over a three-year period, 67 patients were referred for dental advice of whom all but four were edentulous. The commonest complaint was of ill-fitting dentures, and the causes and possible solutions to this problem are reviewed.

Adolescent↗

Complete dentures for the elderly.

The treatment of the elderly edentulous patient offers a challenge to the practitioner. The provision of complete dentures for this group of people may be difficult and time consuming, and success is not always attainable. It is important to recognize that any changes made to existing prostheses should be made gradually, in order to allow the patient to adapt.

Adaptation, Physiological↗