bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in Singaporean children
Authors: Ng Jing Jing , Eu Oy Chu , Nair Rahul , Hong Catherine Hsu Ling 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundThere is a lack of data on molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) in Asia, but this is not an indication that MIH is rare in the Asian population. Early identification of MIH is important as affected teeth frequently display post‐eruptive enamel loss which would result in rapid caries progression.AimThis objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of MIH in Singaporean children.DesignPatients were recruited from 30 schools across Singapore. All children were examined by a single dentist, and the judgement criteria used were based on the 2003 European Academy of Paediatric Dentistry criteria.ResultsA total of 1083 children; average age of 7.7 ± 0.3 years were examined. One hundred and thirty‐five children (12.5%) had MIH. A significantly higher proportion of children of the Malay ethnicity had MIH, compared to Chinese children (P = 0.02). Post‐eruptive enamel breakdown and the presence of atypical restorations were correlated with increasing number of MIH teeth/child (Rho= 0.599, P < 0.001) and the cumulative enamel opacity colour score (Rho = 0.601, P < 0.001).ConclusionsOur findings suggest the role of ethnicity in MIH occurrence and that MIH severity may be influenced by the number of MIH teeth/child and the cumulative enamel opacity colour score.
The effect of botulinum neurotoxin type A on capsule formation around silicone implants: the in vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Lee Sang D , Yi Min‐Hee , Kim Dong W , Lee Young , Choi YoungWoong , Oh Sang‐Ha 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThis study confirms that botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT‐A) decreases capsular contracture and elucidates a possible mechanism. Silicone blocks were implanted subcutaneously in 20 mice. The experimental groups received BoNT‐A (1, 2·5 or 5 U) instilled into the subcutaneous pocket. After 30 days, periprosthetic capsules were harvested and evaluated. The effect of BoNT‐A on the differentiation of human dermal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts in culture was examined by Western blot analysis. Changes in transforming growth factor‐beta1 (TGF‐β1) expression in cultured fibroblasts were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In in vivo study, the thickness of capsules (P < 0·05) and the number of alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA)+ cells in capsules (P < 0·05) were significantly decreased in the experimental groups. TGF‐β1 was significantly underexpressed in the experimental groups (P < 0·05). In in vitro study, BoNT‐A did not significantly affect fibroblast viability. Western blot analysis showed that α‐SMA protein levels were significantly decreased in the experimental groups (P < 0·05). Based on ELISA, the amount of TGF‐β1 was significantly decreased in the experimental groups (P < 0·05), especially cells treated with a high dose of BoNT‐A (P < 0·001). This study confirms that BoNT‐A prevents capsular formation around silicone implants, possibly by blocking TGF‐β1 signalling and interrupting the differentiation of fibroblasts to myofibroblasts.
A prospective, open, multicentre study to evaluate a new gelling fibre dressing containing silver in the management of venous leg ulcers
Authors: Forlee Martin , Rossington Alan , Searle Richard 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the performance of a new gelling fibre dressing containing silver (DURAFIBER™ Ag; Smith & Nephew, Hull, UK) in moderate to highly exuding venous leg ulcers with one or more clinical signs of infection. Fourteen patients with venous leg ulceration of median ulcer duration 12·5 weeks, recruited from three centres in South Africa, received treatment with the new dressing for a maximum of 8 weeks. Multilayer compression bandaging was used for all patients, at the majority of assessments. The objectives of this study were to assess the clinical acceptability of the dressing in terms of the following characteristics: antimicrobial properties, the progress of the wound towards healing, wear time, exudate management, conformability, patient comfort, pain on application, pain on removal and dressing integrity. The new dressing was rated as clinically acceptable for all characteristics, for all 14 patients (100%). It was easy to apply and remove; in 96·8% of removals, the dressing stayed intact on removal and could be removed in one piece. Fifty per cent of the wounds healed within the 8‐week study duration; between baseline and final assessment, the median percentage reduction in wound area was 98·2% and the median percentage reduction in devitalised tissue was 78%. Exudate levels and wound pain were significantly improved at final assessment compared to baseline assessment, and an increase in the number of patients with healthy peri‐wound skin between baseline and final assessment was observed. A reduction in bioburden and signs of clinical infection and an improvement in quality of life were observed over the 8‐week period. The average wear time was 6·4 days. This study supports the use of new dressing in the management of moderately to highly exuding venous leg ulcers with clinical signs of infection.
Effect of TGO Thickness on Thermal Cyclic Lifetime and Failure Mode of Plasma‐Sprayed TBCs
Authors: Dong Hui , Yang Guan‐Jun , Li Cheng‐Xin , Luo Xiao‐Tao , Li Chang‐Jiu 
Published: March 2014

Gradient thermal cycling test was performed on atmospheric plasma‐sprayed (APS) thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) with different thermally grown oxide (TGO) thicknesses. The TBCs with a thickness of TGO from 1.3 μm to 7.7 μm were prepared by controlling isothermal oxidation time of cold‐sprayed MCrAlY bond coat. The gradient thermal cycling test was performed at a peak surface temperature of 1150°C with 150°C difference across 250 μm thick YSZ with a duration of 240 s for each cycle. Results indicate that the thermal cyclic lifetime of APS TBCs is significantly influenced by TGO thickness. When initial TGO thickness increases from 1.3 μm to 7.7 μm, the thermal cyclic lifetime decreases following a power functions by a factor of about 20. It was revealed that there exists a critical TGO thickness over which the thermal cyclic lifetime is reduced more significantly with the increase in TGO thickness. Moreover, two typical failure modes were observed. The failure mode changes from the cracking within APS YSZ at a TGO thickness less than the critical value to through YSZ/TGO interface at TGO thickness range higher than the critical value.
Novel Temperature Stable Li2MnO3 Dielectric Ceramics with High Q for LTCC Applications
Authors: Tseng Ching‐Fang , Tseng Po‐Ju , Chang Chi‐Min , Kao Yu‐Chieh 
Published: March 2014

Novel microwave dielectric ceramics in the Li2MnO3 system with high Q prepared through a conventional solid‐state route had been investigated. All the specimens exhibited single phase ceramics sintered in the temperature range 1140°C–1230°C. The microwave dielectric properties of Li2MnO3 ceramics were strongly correlated with sintering temperature and density. The best microwave dielectric properties of εr = 13.6, Q × f = 97 000 (GHz), and τf = −5.2 ppm/°C could be obtained as sintered at 1200°C for 4 h. BaCu(B2O5) (BCB) could effectively lower the sintering temperature from 1200°C to 930°C and slightly induced degradation of the microwave dielectric properties. The Li2MnO3 ceramics doped with 2 wt% BaCu(B2O5) had excellent dielectric properties of εr = 11.9, Q × f = 80 600 (GHz), and τf = 0 ppm/°C. With low sintering temperature and good dielectric properties, the BCB added Li2MnO3 ceramics are suitable candidates for LTCC applications in wireless communication system.
Evaluating the psychometric properties of the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale
Authors: Jacelon Cynthia S. , Choi Jeungok 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimTo develop and psychometrically test the Jacelon Attributed Dignity Scale (JADS).BackgroundTheJADSwas designed to measure self‐perceived attributed dignity in community‐dwelling older adults. Attributed dignity was conceived of as a state characteristic of the self. TheJADSis a short, positively scored, norm‐referenced, evaluation index designed to measure self‐perceived attributed dignity during the last week.DesignInstrument development and testing including psychometric properties, internal consistency, factor structure, temporal stability and construct validity.MethodUsing a quota sample, 289 older adults (65–99 years old) were recruited from senior centres in western New England to complete theJADS, demographic information, the Self‐Esteem Scale and the Social Desirability Scale during 2010–2011. Descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, construct validity and temporal stability were evaluated.ResultsThe resulting positively scored 18‐item scale has four factors with high internal consistency for each factor and the entire scale. Construct validity was established by examining correlations with instruments that measured self‐esteem and social desirability. Attributed dignity is a unique concept that is stable over time.ConclusionTheJADSis an 18‐item Likert‐scaled instrument designed to measure attributed dignity. Attributed dignity is a concept with four factors and is defined as a cognitive component of the selfconnoting self‐value, perceived value from others, self in relation to others and behaving with respect. The importance of attributed dignity for older adults in relation to health, function, independence, quality of life and successful ageing can now be evaluated.
TSC2 epigenetic defect in primary LAM cells. Evidence of an anchorage‐independent survival
Authors: Lesma Elena , Ancona Silvia , Sirchia Silvia M. , Orpianesi Emanuela , Grande Vera , Colapietro Patrizia , Chiaramonte Eloisa , Di Giulio Anna Maria , Gorio Alfredo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is caused by mutations in TSC1 or TSC2 genes. Lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM) can be sporadic or associated with TSC and is characterized by widespread pulmonary proliferation of abnormal α‐smooth muscle (ASM)‐like cells. We investigated the features of ASM cells isolated from chylous thorax of a patient affected by LAM associated with TSC, named LAM/TSC cells, bearing a germline TSC2 mutation and an epigenetic defect causing the absence of tuberin. Proliferation of LAM/TSC cells is epidermal growth factor (EGF)‐dependent and blockade of EGF receptor causes cell death as we previously showed in cells lacking tuberin. LAM/TSC cells spontaneously detach probably for the inactivation of the focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Akt/mTOR pathway and display the ability to survive independently from adhesion. Non‐adherent LAM/TSC cells show an extremely low proliferation rate consistent with tumour stem‐cell characteristics. Moreover, LAM/TSC cells bear characteristics of stemness and secrete high amount of interleukin (IL)‐6 and IL‐8. Anti‐EGF receptor antibodies and rapamycin affect proliferation and viability of non‐adherent cells. In conclusion, the understanding of LAM/TSC cell features is important in the assessment of cell invasiveness in LAM and TSC and should provide a useful model to test therapeutic approaches aimed at controlling their migratory ability.
Salmonella sp. Occurrence in Minced Meat, Meat Preparations and Mechanically Separated Meat in Poland
Authors: Modzelewska‐Kapituła Monika , Maj‐Sobotka Katarzyna 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to determine the occurrence of Salmonella sp. in raw meat products such as porcine and bovine minced meat, meat preparations including chopped, gourmet and grill porcine meat, bovine gourmet and stew meat, poultry products such as gourmet and chopped turkey, mechanically separated poultry meat and porcine fresh sausages (n = 1,943). Salmonella sp. occurred in 2.9% of the tested products. The bacteria were absent in bovine and porcine minced meat (0/300) and bovine meat preparations (0/55); whereas, Salmonella sp. occurred in 0.4% (1/260) of porcine meat preparations and in 0.7% (2/305) of fresh sausages. The highest prevalence of the pathogen was noted in poultry products such as poultry meat preparations (5.5%, 50/913) and mechanically separated meat (3.6%, 4/110).Practical ApplicationsThe present study demonstrates that poultry meat preparations and mechanically separated poultry meat are more frequent carriers of Salmonella sp. than porcine and bovine meat products. Thus, special attention shall be given to hygienic conditions and appropriate thermal treatment during the processing of poultry meat in meat processing plants and households to avoid cross‐contamination. The information contained in this article may also be useful for national and international food safety regulatory officials.
Macrophages and CNS remyelination
Authors: Miron Veronique E. , Franklin Robin J. M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMicroglia are the resident macrophages of the central nervous system that survey the microenvironment for signals of injury or infection. The response to such signals induces an inflammatory response involving macrophages derived from both resident microglia and recruited circulating monocytes. Although implicated as contributors to autoimmune‐mediated injury, microglia/ macrophages have recently been shown to be critical for the important central nervous system regenerative process of remyelination. This functional dichotomy may reflect their ability to be polarized along a continuum of activation states including the well‐characterized cytotoxic M1 and regenerative M2 phenotypes. Here, we review the roles of microglia, monocytes and the macrophages which they give rise to in creating lesion environments favourable to remyelination, highlighting the specific roles of M1 and M2 phenotypes and how the pro‐regenerative role of the innate immune system is altered by ageing.
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Here, we review the roles of microglia, monocytes and the macrophages, which they give rise to in creating lesion environments favourable to remyelination, highlighting the specific roles of activation phenotypes and how the pro‐regenerative role of the innate immune system is altered by ageing.
Down‐regulation of serum gonadotropins but not estrogen replacement improves cognition in aged‐ovariectomized 3xTg AD female mice
Authors: Palm Russell , Chang Jaewon , Blair Jeffrey , Garcia‐Mesa Yoelvis , Lee Hyoung‐gon , Castellani Rudy J. , Smith Mark A. , Zhu Xiongwei , Casadesus Gemma 
Published: March 2014

AbstractDevelopment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been linked to the de‐regulation of estrogen and gonadotropins such as luteinizing hormone (LH). In this study, we found increases in AD pathology in the hippocampi of aged female 3xTg AD mice after ovariectomy that were unable to be reduced by estrogen therapy or down‐regulation of serum LH levels. Despite the lack of effect of these treatments on AD pathology, down‐regulation of serum LH but not estrogen improved factors associated with neuronal plasticity such as spatial memory, inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta, expression of beta‐catenin, and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor transcription. Contrasting previous studies in younger mice, estrogen replacement was not able to rescue behavioral deficits, reduced glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta inhibition and increased hippocampal phosphorylation of tau. Of critical importance, serum LH was negatively correlated with brain LH in regions associated with spatial memory, and increases in brain LH correlated with cognitive improvement. This paralleled changes in human female AD brains which showed a significant reduction in brain LH mRNA compared to healthy age‐ and PMI‐matched controls. Taken together, these findings should promote further research into the LH‐dependent mechanisms associated with AD cognitive deficits as well as the effects of estrogen within the aged brain.
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In the aged triple transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse model (3xAD‐Tg), estrogen replacement after ovariectomy does not improve cognitive function, increases phosphorylated Tau levels and decreases inhibition of GSK3 beta. Luprolide acetate rescues ovariectomy‐dependent cognitive function, increases signaling events associated with synaptic plasticity including GSK3 beta inhibition, but does not alter AD pathology. In the human AD female brain, luteinizing hormone (LH) mRNA levels are reduced. In the 3XAD‐tg model, brain LH protein levels are reduced by ovariectomy and normalized by leuprolide acetate treatment. These treatment‐dependent normalization of LH positively correlates with markers of neuroplasticity and cognitive improvement.
2‐Methoxyestradiol confers neuroprotection and inhibits a maladaptive HIF‐1α response after traumatic brain injury in mice
Authors: Schaible Eva‐Verena , Windschügl Julia , Bobkiewicz Wiesia , Kaburov Yordan , Dangel Larissa , Krämer Tobias , Huang Changsheng , Sebastiani Anne , Luh Clara , Werner Christian , Engelhard Kristin , Thal Serge C. , Schäfer Michael K.E. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractHIF‐1α is pivotal for cellular homeostasis in response to cerebral ischemia. Pharmacological inhibition of HIF‐1α may reduce secondary brain damage by targeting post‐translational mechanisms associated with its proteasomal degradation and nuclear translocation. This study examined the neuroprotective effects of 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2), the involved HIF‐1α‐dependent response, and alternative splicing in exon 14 of HIF‐1α (HIF‐1α∆Ex14) after traumatic brain injury (TBI) in mice. Intraperitoneal 2ME2 administration 30 min after TBI caused a dose‐dependent reduction in secondary brain damage after 24 h. 2ME2 was physiologically tolerated, showed no effects on immune cell brain migration, and mitigated trauma‐induced brain expression of neuropathologically relevant HIF‐1α target genes encoding for Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 and tumor necrosis factor alpha. Moreover, TBI‐induced expression of pro‐apoptotic BNIP3 was attenuated by 2ME2 treatment. Alternatively, spliced HIF‐1α∆Ex14 was substantially up‐regulated from 6 to 48 h after TBI. In vitro, nuclear location and gene transcription activity of HIF‐1α∆Ex14 were impaired compared to full‐length HIF‐1α, but no effects on nuclear translocation of the transcriptional complex partner HIF‐1β were observed. This study demonstrates that 2ME2 confers neuroprotection after TBI. While the role of alternatively spliced HIF‐1α∆Ex14 remains elusive, the in vivo data provide evidence that inhibition of a maladaptive HIF‐1α‐dependent response contributes to the neuroprotective effects of 2ME2.
imageWe examined neuroprotective effects of 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) and the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1‐α (HIF‐1α) response following traumatic brain injury in mice. Early 2ME2 administration reduced the secondary brain damage and neuronal HIF‐1α probably involving ubiquitin proteasome system‐mediated degradation. The up‐regulation of neuropathological HIF‐1α target genes and pro‐apoptotic BNIP3 protein was attenuated. We propose that the inhibition of a maladaptive HIF‐1α response may contribute to 2ME2‐mediated neuroprotection.
Targeted inhibition of KCa3.1 attenuates TGF‐β‐induced reactive astrogliosis through the Smad2/3 signaling pathway
Authors: Yu Zhihua , Yu Panpan , Chen Hongzhuan , Geller Herbert M. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractReactive astrogliosis, characterized by cellular hypertrophy and various alterations in gene expression and proliferative phenotypes, is considered to contribute to brain injuries and diseases as diverse as trauma, neurodegeneration, and ischemia. KCa3.1 (intermediate‐conductance calcium‐activated potassium channel), a potassium channel protein, has been reported to be up‐regulated in reactive astrocytes after spinal cord injury in vivo. However, little is known regarding the exact role of KCa3.1 in reactive astrogliosis. To elucidate the role of KCa3.1 in regulating reactive astrogliosis, we investigated the effects of either blocking or knockout of KCa3.1 channels on the production of astrogliosis and astrocytic proliferation in response to transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β in primary cultures of mouse astrocytes. We found that TGF‐β increased KCa3.1 protein expression in astrocytes, with a concomitant marked increase in the expression of reactive astrogliosis, including glial fibrillary acidic protein and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. These changes were significantly attenuated by the KCa3.1 inhibitor 1‐((2‐chlorophenyl) (diphenyl)methyl)‐1H‐pyrazole (TRAM‐34). Similarly, the increase in glial fibrillary acidic protein and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans in response to TGF‐β was attenuated in KCa3.1−/− astrocytes. TRAM‐34 also suppressed astrocytic proliferation. In addition, the TGF‐β‐induced phosphorylation of Smad2 and Smad3 proteins was reduced with either inhibition of KCa3.1 with TRAM‐34 or in KCa3.1−/− astrocytes. These findings highlight a novel role for the KCa3.1 channel in reactive astrogliosis phenotypic modulation and provide a potential target for therapeutic intervention for brain injuries.
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Reactive astrogliosis is characterized by the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein and chondroitin sulfate proteoglycans. We demonstrate that either pharmacological blockade or knockout of KCa3.1 channels reduces reactive gliosis in cultured astrocytes caused by TGF‐β, and also reduces TGF‐β‐induced phosphorylation of Smad2/3.
Effect of Familiarity on a Cross‐Cultural Acceptance of a Sweet Ethnic Food: A Case Study withKorean Traditional Cookie (Yackwa)
Authors: Hong J.H. , Park H.S. , Chung S.J. , Chung L. , Cha S.M. , Lê S. , Kim K.O. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study was conducted to understand the relationship between familiarity and cross‐cultural acceptance for an ethnic sweet treat (Yackwa;Korean traditional cookie) byKorean,Japanese andFrench consumers. Descriptive analysis and consumer testing were performed on sixYackwasamples. Overall, the samples received favorable responses from the foreign consumers.Korean consumers liked samples with a soft and cohesive texture, whereasJapanese andFrench consumers liked flaky and crispy texture. French consumers rated stronger sweetness to be more appropriate forYackwacompared toKorean andJapanese consumers. Texture liking was strongly correlated with familiarity rating in all three countries, indicating that the consumers' previous experience with similar products might affect their preference for certain textural attributes. Familiarity was correlated with all hedonic ratings byKorean consumers, who are most familiar withYackwa, but with overall and texture liking byJapanese consumers and flavor and texture liking by French consumers. These results suggest that familiarity partly contributes to a foreign consumers' hedonic rating.Practical ApplicationsGlobalization and cultural diversity have increased interest in ethnic foods. This trend is motivating food industries to expand into the ethnic food market sector. In this study, the sensory attributes and the cross‐cultural acceptability ofYackwa(Korean traditional cookie) were evaluated and the potential role of familiarity in determining consumer acceptance was measured. The outcome of this study will help food exporters,R&Dscientists and food marketers in ethnic food market to optimize an ethnic food for other cultural communities by educating them to consider familiarity as an important factor for product development and promotion.