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Caries has a harmful impact on oral and general health and is a major public health problem among children and adolescents. The objective of present study was to investigate into dental caries, oral hygiene, the frequency of brushing habits and dental visits among 15 year old adolescents. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on a random sample of 323 15 year old adolescents in different schools and municipalities of Kosovo. Oral clinical examination and self-administered questionnaire were used to obtain information about dental caries and oral health practices. Oral hygiene and caries status in permanent dentition was assessed through the DMFT index and Oral Hygiene Index - Simplified (OHI-S). The level of statistical significance was set at p<0.05. Results: The total mean of the DMFT index was 3.21 ± 2.193, while component D of the DMFT index dominated in both genders, with slightly higher values in boys compared to girls (2.15±2.092, and 1.91±1.919). The mean OHI-S index of adolescents aged 15 was found to be 1.945±3.926. Over 50% of schoolchildren brush their teeth only once per day and they have visited the dentist only when it was necessary. Irregular toothbrushing, dental visits and poor oral hygiene index were significantly related to dental caries. Conclusion: The results of the study showed poor oral health status among 15 year old adolescents in Kosovo. There is an emergent need for caries prevention programs focusing on oral health and healthy habits., Svrha rada: Karijes štetno utječe na oralno i opće zdravlje te je velik javnozdravstveni problem među djecom i adolescentima. Cilj ovog istraživanja bio je kod petnaestogodišnjih adolescenata istražiti prevalenciju karijesa, status oralne higijene, navike četkanja zuba i učestalost posjeta stomatologu. Materijali i metode: Ovo presječno istraživanje provedeno je na slučajnom uzorku od 323 adolescenta u dobi od 15 godina u različitim kosovskim školama i općinama. Obavljeni su klinički oralni pregled te su ispitanici samostalno ispunjavali upitnike da bi se dobile informacije o zubnom karijesu i oralnome zdravlju. Stanje oralne higijene i karijesa u trajnoj denticiji procijenjeno je na temelju DMFT indeksa i indeksa oralne higijene – pojednostavljeno OHI-S-a. Razina statističke značajnosti postavljena je na p < 0,05. Rezultati: Ukupna srednja vrijednost DMFT indeksa iznosila je 3,21 ± 2,193, pri čemu je komponenta D dominirala u oba spola, s nešto višim vrijednostima kod dječaka negoli kod djevojčica (2,15 ± 2,092 i 1,91 ± 1,919). Prosječni indeks OHI-S adolescenata u dobi od 15 godina iznosio je 1,945 ± 3,926. Više od 50 % školske djece zube četka samo jedanput na dan i posjećuju stomatologa samo kada je potrebno. Neredovito četkanje zuba, rijetki posjeti stomatologu i loš indeks oralne higijene znatno su povezani s prevalencijom karijesa. Zaključak: Svi analizirani podatci pokazali su da je među petnaestogodišnjim adolescentima na Kosovu stanje oralnoga zdravlja loše. Potrebna je hitna primjena valjanih programa za zaustavljanje karijesa koji se usredotočuju na oralno zdravlje i zdrave navike.

Razvoj antropometrijskog profila kraniofacijalne regije određene populacije važan je multidisciplinarni zadatak. Svrha istraživanja bila je utvrditi antropometrijske mjere i istražiti spolni dimorfizam s obzirom na varijable lica među odraslom populacijom kosovskih Albanaca. Ispitanici i metode: Uzorak je uključivao 204 studenta Stomatoloskog Odseka, Medicinskog Fakulteta, Sveuciliste u Pristini, Kosova. Direktnom metodom na svakom je subjektu provedeno 8 standardnih antropometrijskih mjerenja na licu digitalnom pomičnom mjerkom s točnošću od 0,01 mm (Boss, Hamburg, Njemačka). Izračunati su normativni podaci i rangovi postotaka. Analizirane su spolne razlike u varijablama lica s pomoću t-testa za neovisne uzorke (p < 0,05). Za svaku dobivenu mjeru lica izračunat je indeks spolnog dimorfizma (ISD) i postotak spolnog dimorfizma. Rezultati: Normativni podaci za sva antropometrijska mjerenja lica kod muškaraca bili su veći nego kod žena. Muške prosječne standardne vrijednosti statistički su se značajno razlikovale od ženskih (p > 0,05). Najveći indeks spolnog dimorfizma (ISD-a) pronađen je za visinu donje trećine lica s 1,120, za koju je utvrđen i najveći postotak spolnog dimorfizma, 12,01 %. Najmanji ISD pronađen je za interkantalnu udaljenost s 1,022, uz najmanji postotak spolnog dimorfizma, tj. 2,23 %. Zaključak: Na temelju dobivenih rezultata uspostavljene su antropometrijske norme lica za odraslu populaciju kosovskih Albanaca. Spolni dimorfizam potvrđen je za svaku mjeru lica., The development of an anthropometric craniofacial database is a necessary multidisciplinary proposal. Aim: The aim of this study was to establish facial anthropometric norms and to investigate into sexual dimorphism in facial variables among Kosovo Albanian adults. Materials and Methods: The sample included 204 students of Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina. Using direct anthropometry, a series of 8 standard facial measurements was taken on each subject with digital caliper with an accuracy of 0.01 mm (Boss, Hamburg-Germany). The normative data and percentile rankings were calculated. Gender differences in facial variables were analyzed using t- test for independent samples (p<0.05). The index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) and percentage of sexual dimorphism were calculated for each facial measurement. Results: Normative data for all facial anthropometric measurements in males were higher than in females. Male average norms compared with the female average norms differed significantly from each other (p>0.05).The highest index of sexual dimorphism (ISD) was found for the lower facial height 1.120, for which the highest percentage of sexual dimorphism, 12.01%., was also found. The lowest ISD was found for intercanthal width, 1.022, accompanied with the lowest percentage of sexual dimorphism, 2.23%. Conclusion: The obtained results have established the facial anthropometric norms among Kosovo Albanian adults. Sexual dimorphism has been confirmed for each facial measurement.

Svrha ovog istraživanja bila je procijeniti status oralnoga zdravlja učenika u dobi od 6 do 11 godina na Kosovu. Materijali i metode: U istraživanju je sudjelovalo 5679 učenika u dobi od 6 do 11 godina iz različitih kosovskih gradova. Stanje oralnoga zdravlja ocijenjeno je na temelju dijagnostičkih kriterija Svjetske zdravstvene organizacije (SZO) koji uključuju bilježenje broja karijesa, izvađenih zuba i ispuna (kep/KEP indeks) u mliječnoj i trajnoj denticiji. Uključena djeca odgovorila su i na nekoliko pitanja o oralnoj higijeni, prehrambenim navikama i posjetima stomatologu. Analiza je uključivala frekvencije i prosječne vrijednosti. Razlike između prosječnih vrijednosti analizirane su studentovim t-testom (p < 0,05), a čimbenici povezani sa zubnim karijesom Spearmanovim koeficijentom korelacije. Rezultati: Prosječni kep/KEP indeks među učenicima u dobi od 6 do 11 godina iznosio je 4,36 ± 3,763 i 1,20 ± 1,488. Zapečaćene zube imalo je 90 učenika – ukupno 1,58 posto. U dobi od 8 godina do 50 posto djece zube je četkalo dva puta na dan. Od uključene djece 40 posto konzumiralo je slastice jedanput na dan, a većina je stomatologa posjećivala samo ako je bilo potrebno. Potvrđena je statistički značajna korelacija između konzumiranja slastica, oralne higijene te posjeta stomatologu i prevalencije karijesa. Zaključak: Naši rezultati pokazali su veliku prevalenciju karijesa među učenicima u dobi od 6 do 11 godina, što upućuje na to da je potreban sveobuhvatan program primarne oralne zdravstvene zaštite i rani redoviti posjeti stomatologu te preventivne mjere., The aim of the present study was to evaluate the current oral health status among schoolchildren in Kosovo aged 6-11 years. Material and methods: A study included 5679 schoolchildren aged 6 -11 years, from different towns of Kosovo. Dental health status was evaluated using the World Health Organization (WHO) caries diagnostic criteria for decayed, missing and filled teeth (dmft/DMFT index), for deciduous and permanent dentition. The observed children have answered a number of questions about their oral hygiene, eating habits, and dental visits. The analysis included frequencies and means. The differences between means were tested using the student t-test (p<0.05). The factors associated with dental caries were tested using the Spearman’s rank. Results: The mean dmft/DMFT of schoolchildren aged 6-11 years was 4.36 ± 3.763 and 1.20 ± 1.488, respectively. Sealant placements were found among 90 schoolchildren, amounting to 1.58%. From 8 years of age, 50% of children brush their teeth twice a day. Confectionery consumption among the observed children has increased. Forty percent of them eat sweets at least once a day, and majority of them visit their dentists only when necessary. A significant correlation between consumption of confectionery, oral hygiene, dental visits and the prevalence of caries was confirmed. Conclusion: The results of the present study show that there is a high prevalence of caries among 6-11 year old schoolchildren, thus pointing to a need for an extensive program of primary oral health care as well as utilizing preventive measures and regular dental visits.

Svrha: Namjera je bila istražiti spolni dimorfizam trajnih mandibularnih, donjočeljusnih očnjaka u albanskoj populaciji na Kosovu. Metode: Uzorak su činila 204 studenta stomatologije, svi odabrani na Stomatološkom fakultetu Sveučilišta u Prištini. Meziodistalni (MD) i bukolingvalni (BL) promjeri mandibularnih kanina (očnjaka) digitalnim su mjeračem (Boss, Njemačka) izmjereni na sadrenim modelima. Rezultati: Nakon deskriptivne statistike i t-testa rezultati su pokazali da je u albanskoj populaciji na Kosovu meziodistalni i bukolingvalni promjer mandibularnih očnjaka veći kod muškaraca negoli kod žena te da je razlika statistički značajna (P<0,0001). Moramo istaknuti da je bukolingvalni promjer pokazao veći postotak spolnog dimorfizma (8,50 %) od meziodistalnoga (5,35 %). Zaključak: Ovim je istraživanjem potvrđen spolni dimorfizam u meziodistalnom i bukolingvalnom promjeru mandibularnih očnjaka među albanskom populacijom na Kosovu., Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate the sexual dimorphism of the permanent mandibular canines in Albanian population of Kosovo. Methods: The study sample consisted of 204 dental students, selected from Dental School, Faculty of Medicine at University of Prishtina. The mesiodistal (MD) and buccolingual (BL) diameters of the mandibular canines were measured in dental cast using electronic digital calliper (Boss, Germany), which has an accuracy ± 0.01 mm. Results: The descriptive statistics and t-test were used. The results showed that in Kosovo-Albanian population mesiodistal and buccolingual diameter of the mandibular canines was larger in males than in females and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.0001). The buccolingual diameter of mandibular canines showed greater percentage of sexual dimorphism (8.50%) than mesiodistal diameter (5.35%). Conclusion: The present study confirmed sexual dental dimorphism in mesiodistal and buccolingual diameter of mandibular canines in Kosovo Albanian population.

The aim of the study was to develop and to test psychometric properties of the Albanian language version of the Oral Health Impact Questionnaire (OHIP-ALB49) in the new typical cultural context. The construct validity was tested: the convergent validity was tested on 389 subjects (general population (n=119), removable prosthodontic patients (n=213) and students (n=57)), and the discriminative validity was tested in edentulous patients wearing dentures (CDWs) (n= 180) and edentulous patients having no dentures at all (n=33). The test retest reliability was tested on 57 subjects (27 dental students and 30 complete denture wearers), the internal consistency on 389 subjects, and the responsiveness on 33 patients with a treatment demand (complete dentures). The significant association between the OHIP summary scores and the self-reported oral health (p<0.001) confirmed the convergent validity. The discriminative validity was confirmed by significant difference between the CDWs and the edentulous subjects without any dentures. The test-retest reliability was confirmed by high intraclass correlation coefficients and no significant differences between the two administrations (p>0.05). The internal consistency showed high Cronbach’s alpha (0.94 in general population and in prosthodontic patients, 0.96 in the student group). The responsiveness was confirmed by the statistically significant difference between the mean OHIP score at the baseline and the follow-up (p<0.001) and by the high effect size (2.19 for the OHIP Summary Score) in the edentulous patients with a treatment demand). The psychometric properties of the OHIP-ALB49 prove that the instrument is suitable for the assessment of the Oral Health Related Quality of Life in Kosovo.

Svrha: Željelo se upitnik Oral Health Impact Profile s 14 pitanja (OHIP 14 – kratka verzija) prevesti na albanski jezik i testirati njegova psihometrijska svojstva. Ispitanici i postupci: Upitnik OHIP 14 preveden je s izvorne engleske verzije na albanski (OHIP 14 – ALB.) u skladu s prihvaćenim tehnikama prevođenja naprijed-natrag. Zatim su ispitana njegova psihometrijska svojstva. Konvergentna valjanost testirana je na 450 ispitanika [opća populacija (n=125), mobilno-protetski pacijenti (n = 275) i studenti (n = 50)]. Diskriminativna valjanost ispitivala se između bezubih pacijenata s mobilnim protezama (CDWs) (n = 233) i onih bezubih bez ikakvih proteza (n=42). Test-retest pouzdanost testirana je na 50 studenata stomatologije koji su ispunili isti upitnik dva puta u razmaku od najmanje dva tjedna, a da u međuvremenu nisu imali oralnih problema. Unutarnja konzistentnost provjerena je kod 450 ispitanika izračunom koeficijenta Cronbach alfa. Primjerenost je testirana u skupini od 42 pacijenta kojima su bile potrebne nove proteze, a ispunili su OHIP 14-ALB prije nego što su ih dobili i mjesec dana nakon toga. Rezultati: Konvergentna valjanost potvrđena je značajnom povezanošću između zbroja bodova upitnika OHIP i samoprocijenjenog oralnog zdravlja (p <0,01). Diskriminativna valjanost potvrđena je znatno većim zbrojem bodova u OHIP-u u bezubih ispitanika bez ikakvih proteza u odnosu na one pacijente koji već imaju potpune proteze (p <0,01), kao što je i bilo predviđeno. Test-retest pouzdanost potvrđena je visokim koeficijentima interclass korelacije i time što nije bilo statistički značajnih razlika između zbroja bodova u upitniku OHIP 14-ALB. (p> 0,05) koji su studenti stomatologije ispunili dva puta, s tim da u intervalu od najmanje 14 dana nisu imali nikakvih orofacijalnih problema. Unutarnja konzistentnost potvrđena je visokim koeficijentom Cronbach alfa u općoj populaciji (0,86), kod protetskih pacijenata (0,81) i u skupini studenata (0,89). Primjerenost je potvrđe, Aim: To translate into the Albanian language the 14-item Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) Questionnaire (short version) and to measure its psychometric properties. Methods: The OHIP14 questionnaire was translated from the original English version, into Albanian (OHIP – LB14), according to the accepted techniques of forward-backward translation. The psychometric properties of the OHIP- ALB14 were then tested. The convergent validity was tested in 450 subjects [general population (n=125), removable prosthodontic patients (n=275) and students (n=50)]. The discriminative validity was tested between edentulous patients wearing dentures (CDWs) (n=233) and edentulous patients without any dentures (n=42). The test-retest reliability was tested on 50 dental students who completed the questionnaire twice within at least 2-weeks interval, without any oral problems in the meantime. The internal consistency was tested in 450 subjects by calculating Cronbach alfa coefficient. The responsiveness was tested in a group of 42 patients with a treatment demand who completed the OHIP- ALB14 before treatment and one month after receiving their new dentures. Results: The convergent validity was confirmed by significant association between the OHIP summary scores and the self-reported oral health (p<0.01). The discriminative validity was confirmed by significantly higher OHIP scores in edentulous subjects without any dentures compared to those wearing complete dentures (p<0.01), as predicted. The test-retest reliability was confirmed by high interclass correlation coefficients and no significant differences between the two administrations of the OHIP- ALB14 questionnaire (p>0.05) to dental students, who had no orofacial problems during the observed period. The internal consistency was confirmed by a high Cronbach’s alpha coefficient in general population (0.86), in prosthodontic patients (0.81), as well as in the student group (0.89). The responsiveness was confirmed by a statistically si

OBJECTIVE: To assess the long-term effects of in utero exposure to magnesium sulphate for children whose mothers had pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Assessment at 18 months of age for children whose mothers were recruited to the Magpie Trial (recruitment 1998-2001 ISRCTN 86938761), which compared magnesium sulphate with placebo. SETTING: Follow-up of children born at 125 centres in 19 countries across five continents. POPULATION: A total of 6922 children were born to women randomised before delivery at follow-up centres. Of these, 2271 were not included for logistic reasons and 168 were excluded (101 at a centre where <20% were contacted, 40 whose death or disability was due to a problem at conception or embryogenesis and 27 whose parent/s opted out). Therefore, 4483 children were included in follow-up, of whom 3283 (73%) were contacted. METHODS: Assessment by questionnaire, with interview and neurodevelopmental testing of selected children. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Death or neurosensory disability at age of 18 months. RESULTS: Of those allocated magnesium sulphate, 245/1635 (15.0%) were dead or had neurosensory disability at 18 months compared with 233/1648 (14.1%) allocated placebo (relative risk [RR] 1.06, 95% CI 0.90-1.25), and of survivors, 19/1409 (1.3%) had neurosensory disability at 18 months compared with 27/1442 (1.9%) (RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.40-1.29). There were no substantial differences in causes of death or in the risk of individual impairments or disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: The lower risk of eclampsia following prophylaxis with magnesium sulphate was not associated with a clear difference in the risk of death or disability for children at 18 months.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess long-term effects for women following the use of magnesium sulphate for pre-eclampsia. DESIGN: Assessment at 2-3 years after delivery for women recruited to the Magpie Trial (recruitment in 1998-2001, ISRCTN 86938761), which compared magnesium sulphate with placebo for pre-eclampsia. SETTING: Follow up after discharge from hospital at 125 centres in 19 countries across five continents. POPULATION: A total of 7927 women were randomised at the follow-up centres. Of these women, 2544 were not included for logistic reasons and 601 excluded (109 at a centre where <20% of women were contacted, 466 discharged without a surviving child and 26 opted out). Therefore, 4782 women were selected for follow-up, of whom 3375 (71%) were traced. METHODS: Questionnaire assessment was administered largely by post or in a dedicated clinic. Interview assessment of selected women was performed. Main outcome measures Death or serious morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia at follow up, other morbidity and use of health service resources. RESULTS: Median time from delivery to follow up was 26 months (interquartile range 19-36). Fifty-eight of 1650 (3.5%) women allocated magnesium sulphate died or had serious morbidity potentially related to pre-eclampsia compared with 72 of 1725 (4.2%) women allocated placebo (relative risk 0.84, 95% CI 0.60-1.18). CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in the risk of eclampsia following prophylaxis with magnesium sulphate was not associated with an excess of death or disability for the women after 2 years.

Much of what is on sale on the shelves of outdoor shops today will mainly be used in the less extreme environment of our “urban jungle”. The red or navy anoraks of days past have been replaced by stylish, lightweight and high-tech pieces of clothing in exotic materials and colors that may never set foot on top of a mountain. Yet images of climbers, skiers or hikers still grace the pages of catalogs and advertisements aimed at consumers that are often perceived as “buying into the lifestyle”. The purpose of this study is to explore the implications of image-driven marketing strategies in the outdoor industry in Sweden, and the relevance of lifestyle in creating value in this industry. To deal with the complexity and ambiguity of this issue I have conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with seven respondents in managerial positions within the outdoor industry. I have also analyzed a number of advertisements and product catalogs from outdoor firms that illustrate, support and sometimes challenge the statements of the respondents. This material has been interpreted with a hermeneutic approach, based on a conceptual framework that includes semiotics, consumer behavior and lifestyle marketing theories. Based on the study’s findings, it can be concluded that marketing based on signification and imagery is steadily growing in relevance in the outdoor industry, recognizing the perceived value of outdoor products as signs or ways to create and communicate meaning among consumers. The evidence also suggests that lifestyle is both a way for consumers to bring a clearer identity, order and continuity into their lives and a viable means for outdoor businesses to create value. From a marketing perspective, this is often achieved through a combination of three approaches. One such approach is redefining urban life as “rest”, as a way to more clearly relate it to outdoor activities and allow for some sort of continuity between the outdoors and city life. Another is to mar

Much of what is on sale on the shelves of outdoor shops today will mainly be used in the less extreme environment of our “urban jungle”. The red or navy anoraks of days past have been replaced by stylish, lightweight and high-tech pieces of clothing in exotic materials and colors that may never set foot on top of a mountain. Yet images of climbers, skiers or hikers still grace the pages of catalogs and advertisements aimed at consumers that are often perceived as “buying into the lifestyle”. The purpose of this study is to explore the implications of image-driven marketing strategies in the outdoor industry in Sweden, and the relevance of lifestyle in creating value in this industry. To deal with the complexity and ambiguity of this issue I have conducted a qualitative study based on interviews with seven respondents in managerial positions within the outdoor industry. I have also analyzed a number of advertisements and product catalogs from outdoor firms that illustrate, support and sometimes challenge the statements of the respondents. This material has been interpreted with a hermeneutic approach, based on a conceptual framework that includes semiotics, consumer behavior and lifestyle marketing theories. Based on the study’s findings, it can be concluded that marketing based on signification and imagery is steadily growing in relevance in the outdoor industry, recognizing the perceived value of outdoor products as signs or ways to create and communicate meaning among consumers. The evidence also suggests that lifestyle is both a way for consumers to bring a clearer identity, order and continuity into their lives and a viable means for outdoor businesses to create value. From a marketing perspective, this is often achieved through a combination of three approaches. One such approach is redefining urban life as “rest”, as a way to more clearly relate it to outdoor activities and allow for some sort of continuity between the outdoors and city life. Another is to mar