bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation between salivary anti‐HCV antibodies and HCV RNA in saliva and salivary glands of patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Caldeira Patrícia Carlos , Oliveira e Silva Karla Rachel , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , de Mattos Camargo Grossmann Soraya , Teixeira Rosângela , Carmo Maria Auxiliadora Vieira do 
Published: August 2012

BackgroundTo investigate the correlation between anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies in saliva and detection of HCV RNA in saliva and salivary glands of patients with chronic hepatitis C.MethodsA total of 180 samples of saliva (131 non‐stimulated and 49 stimulated) from 133 patients with chronic hepatitis C were tested by ELISA for presence of anti‐HCV antibodies. Results were compared with the detection of HCV RNA in saliva and salivary glands samples. Pearson's chi‐squared and Fisher's exact tests were performed for statistical analysis.ResultsAnti‐HCV antibodies could be detected in 47/180 (26.1%) saliva samples. In 11/47 (23.5%) of these, HCV RNA was also detected. From the 133/180 (73.9%) saliva samples with undetectable anti‐HCV antibodies, 49/133 (36.8%) were positive for HCV RNA at least in one saliva sample. From the 64 patients from whom salivary gland samples were available, 17/64 (26.6%) had detectable anti‐HCV antibodies in saliva, from which 2/17 (11.8%) also had HCV RNA in the salivary gland. From the 47/64 (73.4%) cases negative for anti‐HCV antibodies in saliva, 10/47 (21.3%) were positive for HCV RNA in salivary gland.ConclusionsTaken together, our results suggest that there is no correlation between the presence of anti‐HCV antibodies in saliva and the detection of HCV RNA in saliva and salivary glands in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Nevertheless, as there was a statistically significant difference between detection of anti‐HCV antibodies and HCV RNA in stimulated saliva, our study points toward the need for new research on mechanisms of HCV shedding in saliva.
Glycated matrix up‐regulates inflammatory signaling similarly to Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Chang P‐C. , Chien L‐Y. , Chong L. Y. , Kuo Y‐P. , Hsiao J‐K. 
Published: August 2012

Background and ObjectiveHyperglycemia and advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs) have been hypothesized as the etiologic factors of diabetic periodontitis. The aim of this study was to clarify in greater detail the patterns of AGE‐mediated periodontal inflammation under various physiological conditions.Material and MethodsThe deposition of AGEs and expression of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE) were identified by immunohistochemistry in Sprague–Dawley rats with experimentally induced periodontitis or diabetes. Human periodontal ligament cells (PDLCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were cultured under simulated conditions of hyperglycemia, Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation and matrix glycation. Cell viability and expression of toll‐like receptors (TLRs), Rage, an inflammatory signaling initiator (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activator β cells), an oxidative stressor (heme oxygenase‐1) and collagen synthesis (type I and type IV) genes were evaluated.ResultsThe deposition of AGEs and the expression of Rage were evident in the inflamed periodontal tissues in all rats and appeared to be enhanced in rats with diabetes. Matrix glycation augmented cytotoxicity, up‐regulated RAGE and TLRs in both PDLCs and MSCs, and significantly activated downstream inflammatory signaling in MSCs. Oxidative stress was significantly increased under matrix glycation in both PDLCs and MSCs and was significantly increased at a high‐glucose concentration in MSCs. A consistent decrease in expression of type I and type IV collagens was observed in MSCs, but a delayed reduction was noted in PDLCs.ConclusionsMatrix glycation modulated cell behavior to induce inflammation equivalent to that produced by incubation with P. gingivalis LPS. Periodontal inflammation also led to matrix glycation, thus demonstrating a definite interaction between diabetes and periodontitis.
Torque capabilities of self‐ligating and conventional brackets under the effect of bracket width and free wire length
Authors: Huang Y. , Keilig L. , Rahimi A. , Reimann S. , Bourauel C. 
Published: August 2012

Huang Y., Keilig L., Rahimi A., Reimann S., Bourauel C: Torque capabilities of self‐ligating and conventional brackets under the effect of bracket width and free wire length  Orthod Craniofac Res 2012;15:255–262. © John Wiley & Sons A/SStructured AbstractObjectives –  To numerically investigate the torque capacity of conventional and self‐ligating brackets under the effect of varying bracket width and free wire length.Material and Methods –  Finite element models of three kinds of orthodontic brackets in the 0.022‐inch slot size were investigated: Discovery, Damon 3MX, Speed. Additionally, finite element (FE) models of Speed and Damon brackets were generated with the same width as the Discovery. From the left upper incisor to the right upper canine, four brackets each were modelled. The total wire length at the upper right incisor was kept constant at 12 mm for all brackets types. For the Discovery brackets, the wire length was increased from 12 to 16 mm in 2‐mm steps. A torque of 20° was applied to the upper right incisor with 0.46 × 0.64 mm2 (0.018″ × 0.025″) and 0.48 × 0.64 mm2 (0.019″ × 0.025″) wires. Wires made of stainless steel, titanium molybdenum and nickel titanium were studied. Torque angle/moment characteristics were recorded.Results –  Wider brackets showed more torque control capability (e.g. Discovery: 10.6 Nmm, Damon: 9.2 Nmm, Speed: 4.0 Nmm for the NiTi wire). Even with the same width as the Discovery bracket, Damon and Speed brackets showed lower torque capability than the Discovery bracket. Increasing the free wire length decreased the torsional stiffness of the wire and thus decreased the torque capability.Conclusion –  The results showed that the bracket design has less influence on the torquing moment than other parameters, such as bracket width, free wire length, wire/slot play or misalignment.
Comparison of production systems for efficient use of indigenous pig breeds in developing countries
Authors: Furukawa Tsutomu , Nirasawa Keijiro , Ishii Kazuo , Thuy Le T. , Satoh Masahiro 
Published: August 2012

AbstractConserving pig genetic resources and improving their productivity is important to increase returns over investment in developing countries. The purebred, first‐cross, rotational cross and backcross matings representing production systems based on pig breeds indigenous to the country and exotic pig breeds were investigated. The number of pigs in the nucleus and commercial herds necessary to produce a defined quantity of pork was considered. The amount of heterosis between the indigenous and exotic breeds, superiority in meat production, and degree of inferiority in reproductive performance of the exotic breed compared with that of the indigenous breed were investigated. The number of breeding pigs in the whole system was in the following order: pure breeding (PB) > first‐cross (F1) > rotational cross (RC) > backcross (BC) systems. The number of breeding pigs in the nucleus herds of the RC and BC systems was smaller than that in the nucleus herds of the PB and F1 systems. The degree of inferiority in reproductive performance of the exotic breed compared with that of the indigenous breed affected the efficiency of the production system.
A New Device for Simultaneous Measurement of Pelvic Floor Muscle Activity and Vaginal Blood Flow: A Test in a Nonclinical Sample
Authors: Both Stephanie , van Lunsen Rik , Weijenborg Philomeen , Laan Ellen 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Dyspareunia in women, defined as persistent or recurrent genital pain associated with sexual intercourse, is hypothesized to be related to (fear associated) pelvic floor hyperactivity and to diminished sexual arousal. Psychophysiological research to support these hypotheses is scarce and concentrates mostly on the role of either pelvic floor activity or sexual arousal. To investigate both factors, a measurement device that enables simultaneous assessment of pelvic floor muscle activity and genital sexual arousal would be most optimal.

Aim
The aim of this study was to test a new vaginal device—a vaginal photoplethysmograph with build-in surface electromyography (EMG)—that allows simultaneous assessment of pelvic floor muscle activity and vaginal blood flow.

Main Outcome Measures
Genital arousal measured as vaginal pulse amplitude (VPA) and vaginal surface EMG.

Methods
Thirty-six sexually functional women participated. To investigate the sensitivity of the device for changes in genital blood flow and involuntary changes in pelvic floor activity, VPA and vaginal surface EMG were monitored during exposure to sexual and anxiety-evoking film clips. In addition, vaginal surface EMG was monitored during voluntary flick and hold contractions.

Results
VPA increased in response to the sexual film, and EMG values were significantly higher in response to the anxiety-evoking film. Higher EMG values in response to the anxiety film were associated with lower VPA. EMG during the instructed 3-second hold pelvic floor contractions showed, as expected, higher values during pelvic floor contractions with support of surrounding muscle groups, compared with pelvic floor muscles alone.

Conclusion
The device is sensitive to changes in vaginal blood flow in response to sexual stimuli, and it is able to pick up small, involuntary changes in pelvic floor activity associated with anxiety. Also, the device is able to record changes in pelvic floor activity during voluntary pelvic floor contractions. This new device will be a valuable tool in further research on superficial dyspareunia.
Ethnic Differences in Sexual Dysfunction among Diabetic and Nondiabetic Males: The Oxford Sexual Dysfunction Study
Authors: Malavige Lasantha S. , Wijesekara Pabasi , Seneviratne Epa Danesha , Ranasinghe Priyanga , Levy Jonathan C. 
Published: August 2012

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction (ED), premature ejaculation (PE), and reduced libido are common yet poorly investigated complications of diabetes especially among South Asians (SA).

Aim
To determine possible variations in prevalence and interassociations of ED, PE, and reduced libido among SA and Europids with and without diabetes.

Method
Men with diabetes and a randomly selected sample of age-matched nondiabetic men from 25 general practitioners in eight primary care trusts in the United Kingdom were invited to participate in a linguistically validated questionnaire-based study in English, Hindi, Urdu, Panjabi, Tamil, and Sinhala languages.

Main Outcome Measures
ED, assessed by International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), PE, evaluated using the Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and libido, assessed by asking participants to grade their desire for sexual activity.

Results
Sample size was 510 (SA: 184, Europid: 326). Mean age was 56.9 ± 9.7 years. There was no difference in erectile function when assessed by IIEF between SA and Europids with diabetes (84.8% and 84.1%, respectively). The overall prevalence of PE was 28.8% (32.6% and 25.8% in those with and without diabetes, respectively, P = NS). Among men with diabetes, the prevalence of PE was 45.8% and 22.4% for SA and Europids, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). In those without diabetes, this figure was 41.9% in SA and 20.2% in Europids (P &lt; 0.001). There was a significant trend of increasing prevalence of PE with increasing severity grade of ED (P &lt; 0.001). Reduced libido was reported by 26.9% men (32.8% and 22.0% in those with and without diabetes, respectively, P &lt; 0.01), with no significant ethnic difference. The association between reduced libido and increasing severity grades of ED was also significant (P &lt; 0.001).

Conclusions
No significant difference was observed in the prevalence of ED between SA and Europid men with diabetes. PE was significantly more common in the SA men irrespective of their diabetes status.
Structure and Corrosion Resistance of PEO Ceramic Coatings on AZ91D Mg Alloy Under Three Kinds of Power Modes
Authors: Jiang Yanli , Yu Zhenxing , Xia Qixing , Zhang Yajun , Jiang Zhaohua , Yao Zhongping , Wu Zhendong 
Published: August 2012

Power mode is one of the most important factors in the plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) technique, which greatly influences the structure and performances of the prepared ceramic coatings. The aim of this work was to investigate effects of three kinds of power modes (constant voltage (Mode 1), constant current (Mode 2), and constant power (Mode 3)) on the structure and corrosion resistance of the PEO ceramic coatings containing Ca and P on AZ91D Mg alloy. The phase composition, morphology, and the element distribution of the coatings was studied using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. The electrochemical impedance spectrum was measured to evaluate the structure and the corrosion resistance. The polarizing curves were measured to evaluate the corrosion resistance. The results show that the coatings are of porous structure and mainly composed of MgO. The thickness and surface roughness of three kinds of coatings abide by the following sequences: Mode 1 > Mode 2 > Mode 3. By comparison, “equivalent circuit” mode Rs{Q1[R1(Q2R2)]} is the most proper to reflect the structure of such coatings, including the surface roughness, the outer layer pore structure, and the inner layer structure. The coatings prepared under Mode 1 are of maximum thickness and high density, and therefore have the best general corrosion resistance. And the coatings prepared under Mode 3 are of the smallest surface roughness and higher density, which leads to the best pitting corrosion resistance.
What We Know About the Effectiveness of Farm Safety Day Programs and What We Need to Know
Authors: McCallum Debra Moehle , Murphy Shannon , Reed Deborah B. , Claunch Deborah T. , Reynolds Susan J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBackground: Farm safety day camps are grassroots educational interventions organized and conducted by members of a local community. These events are held in an effort to promote safety knowledge and behavior in children who live on family farms or are exposed to the hazards of the agricultural industry. Since the dramatic increase in farm safety day camps beginning in the 1990s, researchers have been called upon to evaluate their effectiveness.Purpose: The current paper reviews more than a decade of research, describing what is currently known about the effectiveness of farm safety days and suggesting potential methods for addressing questions regarding gaps in what we know about their effectiveness.Conclusions: The results of these evaluations indicate that farm safety days have a positive impact on children's safety behavior and knowledge; however, much remains to be investigated regarding the effectiveness and impact of these interventions.
Regional Differences in Prescribing Quality Among Elder Veterans and the Impact of Rural Residence
Authors: Lund Brian C. , Charlton Mary E. , Steinman Michael A. , Kaboli Peter J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPurpose:Medication safety is a critical concern for older adults. Regional variation in potentially inappropriate prescribing practices may reflect important differences in health care quality. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to characterize prescribing quality variation among older adults across geographic region, and to compare prescribing quality across rural versus urban residence.Methods:Cross‐sectional study of 1,549,824 older adult veterans with regular Veterans Affairs (VA) primary care and medication use during fiscal year 2007. Prescribing quality was measured by 4 indicators of potentially inappropriate prescribing: Zhan criteria drugs to avoid, Fick criteria drugs to avoid, therapeutic duplication, and drug‐drug interactions. Frequency differences across region and rural‐urban residence were compared using adjusted odds‐ratios.Findings:Significant regional variation was observed for all indicators. Zhan criteria frequencies ranged from 13.2% in the Northeast to 21.2% in the South. Nationally, rural veterans had a significantly increased risk for inappropriate prescribing according to all quality indicators. However, regional analyses revealed this effect was limited to the South and Northeast, whereas rural residence was neutral in the Midwest and protective in the West.Conclusions:Significant regional variation in prescribing quality was observed among older adult veterans, mirroring recent findings among Medicare beneficiaries. The association between rurality and prescribing quality is heterogeneous, and relying solely on national estimates may yield misleading conclusions. Although we documented important variations in prescribing quality, the underlying factors driving these trends remain unknown, and they are a vital area for future research affecting older adults in both VA and non‐VA health systems.
Suppressed G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 activity protects female diabetic‐mouse aorta against endothelial dysfunction
Authors: Taguchi, K. , Matsumoto, T. , Kamata K. , Kobayashi T. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAimPre‐menopausal women have less cardiovascular disease and lower cardiovascular morbidity and mortality than men the same age. Previously, we noted in mice that G‐protein‐coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) negatively regulates the Akt/eNOS pathway in male diabetic aortas and that endothelial function via the Akt/eNOS pathway is less affected in female diabetic aortas. The cellular mechanisms underlying these sex differences remain unclear. We aimed to investigate the ways in which GRK2 might modulate vascular functions in male and female diabetic mice (DM).MethodsVascular functions were examined in aortic rings. GRK2, β‐arrestin 2 and Akt/eNOS‐signalling‐pathway protein levels and activities were assayed by Western blotting.ResultsPhenylephrine‐induced contraction was greater, while both clonidine‐induced and insulin‐induced relaxations were weaker (vs. male controls), in aortas from male type 2 DM, suggesting impairments of the Akt/eNOS pathway and α‐adrenoceptor function. GRK2‐inhibitor reversed only the impairment in Akt/eNOS‐pathway‐mediated relaxation in male DM. Increases in GRK2 activity, GRK2 expression in the membrane, plasma Ang II and systolic blood pressure were seen in male DM (vs. male controls) but not in female DM; these increases were attenuated by GRK2‐inhibitor treatment. Repeatedly obtaining clonidine concentration‐response curves led to reduced relaxation in male and in female DM aortas, indicating similar desensitization between female DM and male DM. This effect was reversed by GRK2‐inhibitor in both sexes.ConclusionGRK2 plays a key role in modulating the aortic vasodilator effect of clonidine by selectively affecting the Akt/eNOS pathway. This action of GRK2 is more powerful in male than in female DM.
Development of a Model System for the Study of Spoilage Associated Secondary Cucumber Fermentation during Long‐Term Storage
Authors: Franco Wendy , Pérez‐Díaz Ilenys M. 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  Calcium chloride fermentations represent an alternative to reduce chloride concentrations in the wastewaters generated from commercial cucumber fermentations, currently performed in cover brine solutions containing 6% to 12% sodium chloride. However, preliminary attempts to commercially ferment the cucumbers in the presence of oxygen led to the development of a secondary cucumber fermentation or spoilage. The development of cucumber secondary fermentation has also been occasionally reported by processors using cover brine solutions containing sodium chloride. This study focused on the development of a model system to characterize CaCl2 and NaCl secondary cucumber fermentations under conditions similar to those present on the commercial scale. Cucumber fruits mixed with cover brine solutions, containing 100 mM CaCl2 or 1.03 M NaCl, and 25 mM acetic acid, were fermented in 2 L fermentation vessels subjected to air‐purging at a rate of 5 mL/min. Microorganisms and selected biochemical changes detected in the experimental cucumber fermentations had been previously observed in commercial spoilage samples, suggesting the successful reproduction of the secondary fermentation in the laboratory. Experimental secondary fermentations were characterized by the rapid oxidation of the lactic acid produced during the primary fermentation, which, in turn, increased pH. Lactic acid disappearance seemed to be the result of yeast metabolism that also led to the chemical reduction of the environment to levels at which other bacteria could become established and produce butyric, propionic, and acetic acids. This model system will be applied for the identification of strategies to prevent the initiation of the cucumber secondary fermentation and reduce economic losses in the pickling industry.Practical Application:  The study of secondary cucumber fermentation has represented a challenge for many years. The successful development of a model system for the study of this phenomenon in the laboratory is instrumental in furthering the study of the event and in optimizing the sodium‐chloride‐free fermentation at the commercial scale.
Changes in the Sensory Characteristics of Mango Cultivars during the Production of Mango Purée and Sorbet
Authors: Ledeker Christie N. , Chambers Delores H. , Chambers IV Edgar , Adhikari Koushik 
Published: August 2012

Abstract:  The effects of processing on the flavor and texture properties of 4 mango cultivars available in the U.S. were studied. Descriptive panelists evaluated fresh mango, mango purée, and mango sorbet prepared from each cultivar. Purées were made by pulverizing mango flesh, passing it through a china cap, and heating it to 85 °C for 15 s. To prepare the sorbets, purées were diluted with water (1:1), sucrose was added to increase the total soluble solids (TSS) to 32 ± 2 °Brix, and bases were frozen in a batch‐type ice cream freezer. Processing fresh mangoes into mango purée generally decreased fruity character and mango identity and led to the appearance of a cooked note. Many of the flavor distinctions among cultivars carried over from fresh to purée samples, but much of the texture variation was lost. Thermal processing had differing effects on the flavor of the cultivars, and therefore, results suggest that mango cultivars for purées should be selected based on properties after thermal treatment. Processing purées into sorbets minimized flavor variation among cultivars, although Tommy Atkins sorbet was relatively high in green and green‐viney character and low in caramelized flavor compared to the other cultivars in sorbet. Based on the current study only very distinct flavor properties of mango cultivars may carry over to sorbets.Practical Application:  Findings from the present study will help mango purée and sorbet manufacturers select appropriate cultivars for their products by understanding the transformation that mango undergoes as it is processed into mango purée and subsequently to mango sorbet.