Seasonal benthic species composition linked to coastal defense structures (CDS) in Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, Malaysia.

Background: The natural hydrodynamic process of Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, has changed since the extension of Sultan Mahmud Airport runway in 2008. Consequently, severe coastal erosion has occurred in the area, particularly during the northeast monsoon season (NEM). Numerous types of coastal defense structures (CDS) have been constructed to protect the coastline.

Alternative sweeteners influence the biomass of oral biofilm.

Objective: Compact-structured oral biofilm accumulates acids that upon prolonged exposure to tooth surface, causes demineralisation of enamel. This study aimed to assess the effect of alternative sweeteners Equal Stevia, Tropicana Slim, Pal Sweet and xylitol on the matrix-forming activity of plaque biofilm at both the early and established stages of formation.

Methods: Saliva-coated glass beads (sGB) were used as substratum for the adhesion of a mixed-bacterial suspension of Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguinis and Streptococcus mitis.

Validation of the Paediatric Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (PFA-QL).

Background: The Paediatric Food Allergy Quality of Life Questionnaire (PFA-QL) was the first tool to be developed for assessing health-related quality of life (QoL) in children with food allergy. It has been used in a number of published studies, but has not been validated.

Objective: The aim of the current study was to validate child (PFA-QL) and parent-proxy (PFA-QL-PF) versions of the scale in a specialist allergy clinic and in parents of children with food allergy.