bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Factorial analysis of variables influencing mechanical characteristics of a post used to restore a root filled premolar using the finite element stress analysis combined with the Taguchi method
Authors: Wang C. H. , Du J. K. , Li H. Y. , Chang H. C. , Chen K. K. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAimsTo identify the contributions of various mechanical factors related to cast posts in a root filled tooth by integration of finite element analysis and the Taguchi method. The investigated factors included post‐length (Post‐L), post‐diameter (Post‐D), ferrule height (Ferrule‐H) and periodontal bone loss (Bone‐H).MethodologyThree‐dimensional finite element models of a mandibular premolar were developed to simulate a root filled tooth. For each investigated factor, three levels and values were selected, and based on a Taguchi orthogonal array, nine models were established. An inclination load of 100 N was applied on the buccal cusp tip, and the dentine peak von Mises stress was used as the evaluation index.ResultsAmong the four investigated factors, Bone‐H was the predominant mechanical factor, with a contribution of more than 97%. Among the other three controllable factors of post‐design, Post‐D was the primary contributing factor and was almost five times more substantial than the least contributing factor, Ferrule‐H.ConclusionBone‐H was the predominant factor influencing the stress of the dentine on a post‐restored root filled tooth, followed by the Post‐D, Post‐L and Ferrule‐H. For patients with severe periodontal bone loss, a large post‐diameter is essential for endodontic post‐restoration treatment.
Accessory roots and root canals in human anterior teeth: a review and clinical considerations
Authors: Ahmed H. M. A. , Hashem A. A. 
Published: July 2015

AbstractAnterior teeth may have aberrant anatomical variations in the number of roots and root canals. A review of the literature was conducted using appropriate key words in major endodontic journals to identify the available reported cases as well as experimental and clinical investigations on accessory roots and root canals in anterior teeth. After retrieving the full text of related articles, cross‐citations were identified, and the pooled data were then discussed. Results revealed a higher prevalence in accessory root/root canal variations in mandibular anterior teeth than in maxillary counterparts. However, maxillary incisor teeth revealed the highest tendency for accessory root/root canal aberrations caused by anomalies such as dens invaginatus and palato‐gingival groove. Primary anterior teeth may also exhibit external and internal anatomical variations in the root, especially maxillary canines. Therefore, dental practitioners should thoroughly assess all teeth scheduled for root canal treatment to prevent the undesirable consequences caused by inadequate debridement of accessory configurations of the root canal system.
In vitro Cytotoxicity, Apoptotic and Hemolysis Assay of Kalsilite‐Based Glass Ceramics for Dental Veneering Application
Authors: Kumar Pattem , Singh Vinay , Hira Sumit , Manna Partha , Kumar Pradeep 
Published: July 2015

Nanocrystalline kalsilite material was synthesized via a gel‐trapped coprecipitation for dental veneering applications. The prepared kalsilite powder was further mixed with a separately processed low temperature frit (LTF), in different weight ratio to optimize its coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). These mixes were analyzed for their flexural strength and surface morphology. The cytocompatibility of mixes was investigated with reference to their effect on human buccal epithelial cells (SCC‐25). The flexural strength and CTE values of prepared kalsilite have been found to be comparable to the values obtained for a commercial opaque VMK 95 1M2 (product no. B333250; VITA Zahnfabrik H. Rauter GmbH KG Postfach 1338 D‐79704 Bad Sackingen, Germany). This confirmed the feasibility of prepared kalsilite material for dental veneering application. Kalsilite glass‐ceramic materials caused moderate levels of apoptosis in SCC‐25 cells at higher concentrations and were also tolerable by human RBC as evaluated from hemolytic assay. Human buccal epithelial cells were tolerant to kalsilite glass‐ceramic materials at lower concentrations although higher concentration (500 μg/mL) caused moderate damages in proliferative capacity of SCC‐25. The improved mechanical and biological properties of the prepared kalsilite confirmed its potential use in dental veneering.
Improvement in sprouted wheat flour functionality: effect of time, temperature and elicitation
Authors: Świeca Michał , Dziki Dariusz 
Published: July 2015

SummaryThis study was aimed at optimising conditions of wheat germination (temperature, time of sprouting and elicitation) to improve its phenolics content, antioxidative capacity and nutritional quality. Total phenolics and antioxidant potential were improved most effectively after 4 days of sprouting at 20 °C. The highest reducing ability and the ability to quench free radicals (1.24 mg Trolox equivalent (TE) g−1 d.m. and 0.38 mg TE g −1 d.m., respectively) were determined for 4‐day‐old control and willow + yeast elicited sprouts germinated at 20 °C. The kinetics of starch and protein mobilisation were affected by sprouting conditions. The highest protein digestibility was found for 2‐day‐old sprouts germinated at 20 °C, whereas the lowest for 4‐day‐old sprouts germinated at 25 °C. Starch was more effectively mobilised during germination at 25 °C. Sprouting conditions were found to effectively modify the quality of sprouts. A key role was ascribed to time and temperature of sprouting, whereas the effect of elicitation was marginal.
Influence of roasting pretreatment on high‐oleic rapeseed oil quality evaluated by analytical and sensory approaches
Authors: Rękas Agnieszka , Wroniak Małgorzata , Rusinek Robert 
Published: July 2015

SummaryQualitative and quantitative effects on the contents of minor components of cold‐pressed high‐oleic rapeseed oil (HORO) were evaluated in a function of different roasting temperatures (80, 100, 120 and 140 °C). Along with roasting temperature elevation, a significant increase in the content of total tocopherols up to 32% (mainly γ‐T homologue) and a slight increase of total sterols concentration (up to 5%) were observed, whereas no significant changes in the fatty acid composition occurred during seeds thermal pretreatment. Additionally, an increased degree of hydrolysis and lipid oxidation was reported; however, obtained results were within codex limits. The peroxide value of the oil ranged from 1.30 to 2.34 mEq O2 kg−1, while the acid value did not exceed 0.46 mg/KOH g. Principal component analysis was capable of differentiating between rapeseed oils acquired from seeds pretreated with different roasting temperatures.
Soy sauce odour induces and enhances saltiness perception
Authors: Chokumnoyporn Napapan , Sriwattana Sujinda , Phimolsiripol Yuthana , Torrico Damir Dennis , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon 
Published: July 2015

SummaryDeveloping products with reduced sodium content is one alternative for consumers interested in reducing their daily sodium intake. In this research, we determined whether soy sauce odour could induce and enhance salty taste perception in salt solution models. The sensory threshold technique (ASTM E679‐04, the ascending forced choice method of limits) was used to determine thresholds at 25 °C. Group best estimate threshold geometric means of soy sauce odour were expressed as parts‐per‐billion (ppb, v/v). At 28.45 ppb (recognition threshold), soy sauce odour could induce salty taste in 0.03 mm NaCl solution (in which salty taste was undetectable without soy sauce odour) and at 122.71 ppb (difference threshold), it enhanced salty taste (i.e. saltier) perception in 20 mm NaCl solution. Through the odour–taste interaction concept, this study demonstrated that the soy sauce odour could induce and enhance salty taste perception, which could be applied in the development of reduced‐sodium foods.
Antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory and antiproliferative activity of polyphenolic‐rich fraction of commercial dry ginger powder
Authors: Sakulnarmrat Karunrat , Srzednicki George , Konczak Izabela 
Published: July 2015

SummaryPolyphenolic‐rich fraction obtained from locally produced dry ginger powder in Brahmaputra valley, India, and commercially available dry ginger (Zingiber officinale) rhizome powder consisted of [6]‐gingerol (41.9%), [6]‐shogaol (24.3%), 1‐dehydro‐6‐gingerdione (8.6%), [8]‐gingerol (7.2%), [10]‐gingerol (5.1%), [6]‐paradol (5.9%) and [4]‐gingerol (3.6%). Traces of methyl‐[6]‐gingerol and methyl‐[8]‐gingerol (both at 1.8%) were also detected. The fraction exhibited high antioxidant capacity [total phenolics (TP), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) and cellular antioxidant activity (CAA assay)], effectively inhibited isolated digestive enzymes (α‐glucosidase, pancreatic lipase and angiotensin converting enzyme) and inhibited the proliferation of colon (HT29; IC50 of 1.06 ± 0.02 mg mL−1) and gastric (AGS IC50 of 1.29 ± 0.03 mg mL−1) adenocarcinoma cells, without affecting the proliferation of their nontransformed counterparts (IC50 > 2.0 mg mL−1). This case study demonstrates that locally produced and commercially available dry ginger powder from Brahmaputra valley, India, retains numerous food components that may enhance human health.
Maternal smoking in pregnancy association with childhood adiposity and blood pressure
Authors: Li L. , Peters H. , Gama A. , Carvalhal M. I. M. , Nogueira H. G. M. , Rosado‐Marques V. , Padez C. 
Published: July 2015

SummaryBackgroundMaternal smoking during pregnancy has been associated with increased risk of childhood overweight/obesity defined by body mass index (BMI). We examined its association with a range of adiposity measures and cardiovascular indicators in children aged 3–10 years.MethodsWe used data from a cross‐sectional study of schoolchildren across mainland Portuguese districts (2009–2010). We applied quantile regressions to examine maternal smoking associations with adiposity (n = 17 286), blood pressure (BP) and resting pulse rate (RPR) (n ≈ 2500) measures across the age range, adjusting for prenatal and early life factors.ResultsMaternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with increases in offspring adiposity levels. The difference in median BMI between children of smokers and non‐smokers was 0.39 kg m−2 (95% confidence interval: 0.25, 0.53) in boys and 0.46 kg m−2 (0.31, 0.62) in girls; 0.55 cm (0.24, 0.87) and 0.82 cm (0.45, 1.19), respectively, in median waist circumference; and 0.94 mm (0.49, 1.40) and 1.47 mm (0.87, 2.07) in median sum of (triceps, subscapular, suprailiac) skin‐folds. The associations appeared to be stronger with increasing age. The differences in the 90th centile tended to be greater than those in median. There was no consistent association of maternal smoking with BP and RPR.ConclusionsChildren whose mother smoked during pregnancy had higher adiposity levels than children of non‐smokers, across several measures, particularly among older children. Although there was no consistent association with cardiovascular indicators, maternal smoking association with childhood obesity may have implications for cardiovascular risk factors over the life course.
Heavy Ethanol Consumption Aggravates the Ischemic Cerebral Injury by Inhibiting ALDH2
Authors: Wang Wei , Lin Li-Li , Guo Jin-Min , Cheng Yan-Qiong , Qian Jiao , Mehta Jawahar L. , Su Ding-Feng , Luan Ping , Liu Ai-Jun 
Published: July 2015

Background Heavy ethanol consumption is widely accepted as a risk for ischemic stroke. The molecular mechanisms of ethanol-induced brain injury have not been fully understood. Aim This study aims to find out the mechanism of the ischemic cerebral injury. Methods We used Sprague-Dawley rats with transient middle cerebral artery occlusion for acute experiment and stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats for long-term experiment in vivo, and oxygen-glucose deprivation model in vitro to define a detrimental effect of different doses of ethanol on ischemic stroke injury. We also used mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 knockdown/overexpression or inhibitor/activator to investigate mechanism of the adverse effects of ethanol. Results High-dose ethanol (36% of calorie derived from ethanol) significantly increased the infarct size in rats ( P < 0·01) and decreased the survival time of stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats by about 20%. Six-week treatment with high-dose ethanol changed a distribution of isoelectric point of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and inhibited aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 activity in brain. High dose of ethanol increased the cerebral acetaldehyde level, and increased 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal and malondialdehyde in serum of rats with middle cerebral artery occlusion. The activator of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, Alda-1 abolished neuronal cells death and ischemic injury induced by ethanol and the inhibitor reversed the injurious effects. An overexpression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 completely abolished the increased infarct size and neurological deficit score by ethanol. Conversely, knockdown of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 increased the infarct size and exaggerated the cerebral injury induced by ethanol. Conclusions High concentrations of ethanol aggravate cerebral injury by inhibiting of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 and inducing excess accumulation of aldehydes.
Prevalence of stroke symptoms among stroke-free residents: first national data from Lebanon
Authors: Farah Rita , Zeidan Rouba Karen , Chahine Mirna N. , Asmar Roland , Chahine Ramez , Salameh Pascale , Hosseini Hassan 
Published: July 2015

Background Stroke symptoms are common among people without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack. Reported stroke symptoms may represent stroke episodes that failed to reach the threshold for clinical diagnosis. Aims This study aimed to assess in the Lebanese population the prevalence of self-reported stroke symptoms in a stroke-and transient ischemic attack-free population, and the association of these symptoms with major risk factors for stroke. Methods We carried out a cross-sectional study using a multistage cluster sample across Lebanon. We interviewed residents aged 40 years and more. Stroke symptoms were assessed using the Questionnaire for Verifying Stroke-Free Status. Results We included 1515 individuals (mean age was 57.2 ± 12.4 years, 783 women, 51.7%). Among 1460 participants stroke- and transient ischemic attack-free, 175 had experienced at least one stroke symptom (12.1%, 95% CI 9.9%-14.3%). Arterial hypertension (adjOR 4.37, 95% CI 2.68-7.12), history of heart disease (adjOR 3.34, 95% CI 2.00-5.56), current waterpipe smoking (adjOR 3.88, 95% CI 2.33-6.48), current and former cigarette smoking (adjOR 1.84, 95% CI 1.18-2.87 and adjOR 2.01, 95% CI 1.13-3.5, respectively), psychological distress (adjOR 1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.05), the Mediterranean diet score (adjOR 0.87, 95% CI 0.76-0.99), and regular physical activity (adjOR 0.45, 95% CI 0.26-0.77) were independently associated with stroke symptoms. Conclusions This is the first study conducted in the Middle East, assessing self-reported stroke symptoms among stroke-free residents. Our study showed that almost one in eight residents without a history of stroke or transient ischemic attack has had stroke symptoms. Major vascular risk factors are associated with these symptoms, thus allowing for prevention strategies.
Hyponatremia predicts mortality after stroke
Authors: Soiza Roy L. , Cumming Kirsten , Clark Allan B. , Bettencourt-Silva Joao H. , Metcalf Anthony K. , Bowles Kristian M. , Potter John F. , Myint Phyo K. 
Published: July 2015

Background Hyponatremia, the commonest electrolyte imbalance encountered in clinical practice, is associated with adverse outcomes. Despite this, understanding of the association between hyponatremia and stroke mortality outcome is limited. Aims To investigate the association between admission serum sodium and mortality at various time-points after stroke. Methods Cases of acute stroke admitted to Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital consecutively from January 2003 until June 2013 were included, with mortality outcomes ascertained until the end of December 2013. Odds ratios or hazards ratios for death were constructed for various time-points (within seven-days, 8-30 days, within one-year, and over full follow-up). Results There were 8540 participants included (47.4% male, mean age 77.3 (±12.0) years). Point prevalence of hypernatremia and hyponatremia were 3.3% and 13.8%, respectively. In fully adjusted models controlling for age, gender, prestroke modified Rankin score, stroke type, Oxford community stroke project class, and laboratory biochemical and hematological results, the odds ratio (up to one-year)/hazards ratio (for full follow-up) for the above time-points were 1.00, 1.11, 1.03, 1.05 for mild hyponatremia; 1.97, 0.78, 1.11, 1.2 for moderate hyponatremia; 3.31, 1.57, 2.45, 1.67 for severe hyponatremia; and 0.47, 1.23, 1.30, 1.10 for hypernatremia. When stratified by age groups, outcomes were poorer in younger hyponatremic patients (aged <75 years). Conclusion Hyponatremia is prevalent in acute stroke admissions and is independently associated with higher mortality in patients <75 years).
Direct medical cost of stroke in Singapore
Authors: Ng Charmaine Shuyu , Toh Matthias Paul Han Sim , Ng Jiaying , Ko Yu 
Published: July 2015

Background Globally, stroke is recognized as one of the main causes of long-term disability, accounting for approximately 5.7 million deaths each year. It is a debilitating and costly chronic condition that consumes about 2-4% of total healthcare expenditure. Aims To estimate the direct medical cost associated with stroke in Singapore in 2012 and to determine associated predictors. Methods The National Healthcare Group Chronic Disease Management System database was used to identify patients with stroke between the years 2006 and 2012. Estimated stroke-related costs included hospitalizations, accident and emergency room visits, outpatient physician visits, laboratory tests, and medications. Results A total of 700 patients were randomly selected for the analyses. The mean annual direct medical cost was found to be S$12 473.7, of which 93.6% were accounted for by inpatient services, 4.9% by outpatient services, and 1.5% by A&E services. Independent determinants of greater total costs were stroke types, such as ischemic stroke ( P = 0.005), subarachnoid hemorrhage ( P < 0.001) and intracerebral haemorrhage ( P < 0.001), shorter poststroke period, more than one complications ( P = 0.045), and a greater number of comorbidities ( P = 0.001). Conclusion There is a considerable economic burden associated with stroke in Singapore. The type of stroke, length of poststroke period, and stroke complications and comorbidities are found to be associated with the total costs. Efforts to reduce inpatient costs and to allocate health resources to focus on the primary prevention of stroke should become a priority.
Migrant Domestic Workers in Asia: Transnational Variations and Policy Concerns
Authors: Islam M. Rezaul , Cojocaru Stefan 
Published: July 2015

AbstractThe labour force of the migrant domestic workers (MDWs) has become one of the significant policy concerns in Asia. Most of the Asian countries are not following (or not to an equal extent) the Domestic Workers Convention 2011 (No. 189) which has been adopted by the International Labour Organization (ILO). The objective of this article is to show the transnational variations and policy concerns of the MDWs in Asia. Based on content analysis, the authors found that there are considerable transnational variations of the MDWs in terms of their age and nature of work, legal identity, working hours, and remuneration across Asian countries. These variations have serious policy concerns in a number of areas such as lack of available data of the MDWs, working conditions, exploitations, and gender issues. The findings of the article would be an important guideline for adopting new legislation and labour policy for the MDWs in Asia.
Contribution of dendritic cells to the autoimmune pathology of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mackern‐Oberti Juan P. , Llanos Carolina , Riedel Claudia A. , Bueno Susan M. , Kalergis Alexis M. 
Published: July 2015

SummarySystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous disease in which excessive inflammation, autoantibodies and complement activation lead to multisystem tissue damage. The contribution of the individual genetic composition has been extensively studied, and several susceptibility genes related to immune pathways that participate in SLE pathogenesis have been identified. It has been proposed that SLE takes place when susceptibility factors interact with environmental stimuli leading to a deregulated immune response. Experimental evidence suggests that such events are related to the failure of T‐cell and B‐cell suppression mediated by defects in cell signalling, immune tolerance and apoptotic mechanism promoting autoimmunity. In addition, it has been reported that dendritic cells (DCs) from SLE patients, which are crucial in the modulation of peripheral tolerance to self‐antigens, show an increased ratio of activating/inhibitory receptors on their surfaces. This phenotype and an augmented expression of co‐stimulatory molecules is thought to be critical for disease pathogenesis. Accordingly, tolerogenic DCs can be a potential strategy for developing antigen‐specific therapies to reduce detrimental inflammation without causing systemic immunosuppression. In this review article we discuss the most relevant data relative to the contribution of DCs to the triggering of SLE.
CD8 T‐cell priming upon mRNA vaccination is restricted to bone‐marrow‐derived antigen‐presenting cells and may involve antigen transfer from myocytes
Authors: Lazzaro Sandra , Giovani Cinzia , Mangiavacchi Simona , Magini Diletta , Maione Domenico , Baudner Barbara , Geall Andrew J. , De Gregorio Ennio , D'Oro Ugo , Buonsanti Cecilia 
Published: July 2015

SummarySelf‐amplifying mRNAs (SAM®) are a novel class of nucleic acid vaccines, delivered by a non‐viral delivery system. They are effective at eliciting potent and protective immune responses and are being developed as a platform technology with potential to be used for a broad range of targets. However, their mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated. To date, no evidence of in vivo transduction of professional antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) by SAM vector has been reported, while the antigen expression has been shown to occur mostly in the muscle fibres. Here we show that bone‐marrow‐derived APCs rather than muscle cells are responsible for induction of MHC class‐I restricted CD8 T cells in vivo, but direct transfection of APCs by SAM vectors is not required. Based on all our in vivo and in vitro data we propose that upon SAM vaccination the antigen is expressed within muscle cells and then transferred to APCs, suggesting cross‐priming as the prevalent mechanism for priming the CD8 T‐cell response by SAM vaccines.