bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Methodological quality and descriptive characteristics of prosthodontic‐related systematic reviews
Authors: Aziz T. , Compton S. , Nassar U. , Matthews D. , Ansari K. , Flores‐Mir C. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryIdeally, healthcare systematic reviews (SRs) should be beneficial to practicing professionals in making evidence‐based clinical decisions. However, the conclusions drawn from SRs are directly related to the quality of the SR and of the included studies. The aim was to investigate the methodological quality and key descriptive characteristics of SRs published in prosthodontics. Methodological quality was analysed using the Assessment of Multiple Reviews (AMSTAR) tool. Several electronic resources (MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and American Dental Association's Evidence‐based Dentistry website) were searched. In total 106 SRs were located. Key descriptive characteristics and methodological quality features were gathered and assessed, and descriptive and inferential statistical testing performed. Most SRs in this sample originated from the European continent followed by North America. Two to five authors conducted most SRs; the majority was affiliated with academic institutions and had prior experience publishing SRs. The majority of SRs were published in specialty dentistry journals, with implant or implant‐related topics, the primary topics of interest for most. According to AMSTAR, most quality aspects were adequately fulfilled by less than half of the reviews. Publication bias and grey literature searches were the most poorly adhered components. Overall, the methodological quality of the prosthodontic‐related systematic was deemed limited. Future recommendations would include authors to have prior training in conducting SRs and for journals to include a universal checklist that should be adhered to address all key characteristics of an unbiased SR process.
Changes in activity and structure of jaw muscles in Parkinson's disease model rats
Authors: Nakamura S. , Kawai N. , Ohnuki Y. , Saeki Y. , Korfage J. A. M. , Langenbach G. E. J. , Kitayama T. , Watanabe M. , Sano R. , Tanne K. , Tanaka E. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryParkinson's disease (PD), a major neurological disease, is characterised by a marked loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Patients with PD frequently show chewing and swallowing dysfunctions, but little is known about the characteristics of their stomatognathic functions. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of PD on jaw muscle fibre and functions. PD model rats were made by means of the injection of 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) into the striatum of 8‐week‐old Sprague‐Dawley male rats. Five weeks after the injection, a radio‐telemetric device was implanted to record muscle activity continuously from the superficial masseter and anterior belly of digastric muscles. Muscle activity was recorded for 3 days and was evaluated by the total duration of muscle activity per day (duty time). After recording the muscle activities, jaw muscles were isolated for immunohistochemical and PCR analyses. In PD model rats, the following findings of the digastrics muscles verify that compared to the control group: (i) the higher duty time exceeding 5% of the peak activity level, (ii) the higher expression of the mRNA of myosin heavy chain type I, and (iii) the tendency for fast to slow fibre‐type transition. With respect to the masseter muscle, there were no significant differences in all analyses. In conclusion, PD leads to the changes in the jaw behaviours, resulting in a PD‐specific chewing and swallowing dysfunctions.
Expression of αvβ6 integrin and collagen fibre in oral squamous cell carcinoma: association with clinical outcomes and prognostic implications
Authors: Li Hai‐Xia , Zheng Jin‐Hua , Fan Hai‐Xia , Li Hui‐Ping , Gao Zhong‐Xiuzi , Chen Dong 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThis study aims to investigate the expression and significance of the αvβ6 integrin, collagen fibres and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)‐3 in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and to analyse the possible regulatory relationships between αvβ6, collagen fibres and MMP‐3.Materials and MethodsA series of 80 patients (mean age 56.4 years) diagnosed with OSCC were enrolled. Associations between αvβ6, MMP‐3, collagen fibre expression levels and clinicopathological parameters were evaluated using the Fisher exact test. Survival analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier curves. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyse interactions between αvβ6, MMP‐3 and collagen fibres.Resultsαvβ6 and MMP‐3 were strongly expressed in human OSCC, especially at the peripheral borders of invasive tumour islands, and collagen fibres were generally disrupted and degraded in the same areas. The expression intensity of αvβ6 was associated with the differentiation state of cells. β6 mRNA was expressed in almost all cancer cells. In carcinomas, αvβ6 and MMP‐3 expression were correlated with the distribution of collagen fibres.ConclusionsTumour cells highly expressing αvβ6 have a strong capability for invasion and migration, due to concomitant protease production and the destruction and remodelling of collagen fibres. Increased αvβ6 integrin and MMP‐3 expression and collagen fibre changes in human OSCCs are related to unfavourable clinical prognostic factors and decreased survival.
Effect of mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation on growth, reproductive performance and adaptive capability of Malpura ewes subjected to heat stress
Authors: Sejian V. , Singh A. K. , Sahoo A. , Naqvi S. M. K. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis study was conducted to evaluate the effect of mineral and antioxidant supplementation on growth, reproductive performance and physiological adaptability of heat‐stressed Malpura ewes. The study was conducted for a period of 21 days in 21 adult Malpura ewes. The ewes were randomly divided into three groups with seven animals each viz. GI (control; n = 7), GII (heat stress; n = 7) and GIII (heat stress + mineral and antioxidant supplementation; n = 7). The animals were stall fed ad libitum with the diet consisting of 70% roughage and 30% concentrate. GI ewes were maintained under normal controlled condition in the shed, while GII and GIII ewes were subjected to heat stress by exposing them to 42 °C in the climatic chamber. The parameters studied were feed intake (FI), water intake (WI), body weight, body condition score (BCS), physiological, biochemical and endocrine responses. Heat stress significantly altered FI, water intake, BCS, respiration rate and rectal temperature in the afternoon, oestrus duration, estradiol, progesterone, Hb, PCV, plasma glucose, total protein, cortisol, T3 and T4 levels while mineral and antioxidant supplementation ameliorated this heat stress effect on the parameters studied. Further, the adverse effect of heat stress on the productive and reproductive efficiency of Malpura ewes was reduced considerably by mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation. This is evident from the non‐significant difference in BCS, oestrus duration and plasma estradiol between GI and GIII in this study. Hence, it is very pertinent to conclude from this study that mineral mixture and antioxidant supplementation were able to protect Malpura ewes against heat stress.
Ecological momentary assessment of daytime symptoms during sleep restriction therapy for insomnia
Authors: Miller Christopher B. , Kyle Simon D. , Marshall Nathaniel S. , Espie Colin A. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThis study profiles changes in self‐reported daytime functioning during sleep restriction therapy (SRT) for insomnia. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) captured point‐in‐time symptomatology to map the time–course of symptoms. We hypothesized a deterioration (week 1) followed by improvements at week 3 of therapy relative to baseline. Nine patients with psychophysiological insomnia completed the Daytime Insomnia Symptom Scale (DISS) at rise‐time, 12:00 hours, 18:00 hours and bedtime for 1 week before and 3 weeks during SRT. Four validated factors from the DISS were analyzed (alert cognition, positive mood, negative mood and sleepiness/fatigue) across 28 days yielding 17 170 data points. Factors evaluated week (baseline versus weeks 1 and 3) and time of day symptomatology. Insomnia Severity Index scores decreased significantly pre‐to‐post treatment (mean 18 versus 7). Reflecting acute effects of SRT, significant differences were found for all factors, except negative mood, between baseline and week 1 of SRT, suggesting adverse effects. By week 3, sleepiness/fatigue and negative mood decreased significantly compared to baseline, and positive mood showed a trend towards improvement (P = 0.06). Sleepiness/fatigue displayed a significant week × time of day interaction, explained by a reduction in sleepiness/fatigue at every daytime assessment point (except bedtime, which remained high). A significant interaction for alert cognition was associated with reduction in alertness at bedtime by week 3 and an increase in alertness at rise‐time, suggesting that SRT not only improves sleep, but moderates alertness and sleepiness in therapeutic ways. Initial SRT is associated with an increase in sleepiness/fatigue and a decrease in alert cognition.
Association between obstructive sleep apnea severity and endothelial dysfunction in an increased background of cardiovascular burden
Authors: Seif Fadi , Patel Sanjay R. , Walia Harneet , Rueschman Michael , Bhatt Deepak L. , Gottlieb Daniel J. , Lewis Eldrin F. , Patil Susheel P. , Punjabi Naresh M. , Babineau Denise C. , Redline Susan , Mehra Reena 
Published: January 2013

SummaryThe objective of this study is to examine whether increasing obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity is associated with worsening endothelial function. The design is a cross‐sectional examination of the baseline assessment of a multi‐centre randomized controlled clinical trial examining the effects of oxygen, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy or lifestyle modifications on cardiovascular biomarkers. Participants were recruited from cardiology clinics at four sites. Participants with an apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) of 15–50 and known cardio/cerebrovascular disease (CVD) or CVD risk factors were included. OSA severity indices [oxygen desaturation index (ODI), AHI and percentage of sleep time below 90% oxygen saturation (total sleep time <90)] and a measure of endothelium‐mediated vasodilatation [Framingham reactive hyperaemia index (F‐RHI) derived from peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT)] were assessed. The sample included 267 individuals with a mean AHI of 25.0 ± 8.5 SD and mean F‐RHI 0.44 ± 0.38. In adjusted models, the slope of the relationship between ODI and F‐RHI differed above and below an ODI of 24.6 (P = 0.04), such that above an ODI of 24.6 there was a marginally significant decline in the geometric mean of the PAT ratio by 3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 0%, 5%; P = 0.05], while below this point, there was a marginally significant incline in the geometric mean of the PAT ratio by 13% (95% CI: 0%, 27%; P = 0.05) per 5‐unit increase in ODI. A similar pattern was observed between AHI and F‐RHI. No relation was noted with total sleep time <90 and F‐RHI. There was evidence of a graded decline in endothelial function in association with higher levels of intermittent hypoxaemia.
The effects of testosterone on ventilatory responses in men with obstructive sleep apnea: a randomised, placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Killick Roo , Wang David , Hoyos Camilla M. , Yee Brendon J. , Grunstein Ronald R. , Liu Peter Y. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryWe recently showed that testosterone therapy worsens sleep‐disordered breathing at 6–7 weeks, but not after 18 weeks, in men with obstructive sleep apnea. Changes in ventilatory chemoreflexes may be responsible. The effect of testosterone on ventilatory chemoreflexes in men with obstructive sleep apnea has not been systematically studied before. Twenty‐one obese men with obstructive sleep apnea, a subgroup of our recent report, were randomised in an 18‐week, randomised, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, parallel group trial to three intramuscular injections (0, 6, 12 weeks) of either 1000 mg testosterone undecanoate (n = 10) or placebo (n = 11). Awake ventilatory chemoreflex testing was performed before (week 0), during (week 6) and at the end of treatment (week 18) to determine the ventilatory carbon dioxide recruitment threshold and chemosensitivity. Sleep and breathing was assessed by overnight polysomnography at 0, 7 and 18 weeks. Serum hormones levels were measured at every visit. A significant increase in blood testosterone levels (5.65 nmol L−1, 0.51–10.8 nmol L−1, P = 0.03) and lean muscle mass (2.36 kg, 0.8–3.9 kg, P = 0.007) between the two groups was observed as expected. No significant differences were seen in ventilatory chemoreflexes between the two groups at 6 weeks or at 18 weeks. However, positive correlations were observed between changes in serum testosterone and hyperoxic ventilatory recruitment threshold (r = 0.55, P = 0.03), and between changes in hyperoxic ventilatory recruitment threshold and time spent with oxygen saturations during sleep <90% (r = 0.57, P = 0.03) at 6–7 weeks, but not at 18 weeks. Time‐dependent alterations in ventilatory recruitment threshold may therefore mediate the time‐dependent changes in sleep breathing observed with testosterone.
T‐Type Ca2+ Channels in Cerebral Arteries: Approaches, Hypotheses, and Speculation
Authors: Harraz Osama F. , Welsh Donald G. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractCerebral blood flow is controlled by a network of resistance arteries that dilate and constrict to mechanical and chemical stimuli. Vasoactive stimuli influence arterial diameter through alterations in resting membrane potential and the influx of Ca2+ through voltage‐gated Ca2+ channels. Historically, L‐type Ca2+ channels were thought to be solely expressed in cerebral arterial smooth muscle. Recent studies have, however, challenged this perspective, by providing evidence of T‐type Ca2+ channels in vascular tissues. This perspective piece will introduce T‐type Ca2+ channels, their electrophysiological properties, and potential roles in arterial tone development. We begin with a brief overview of Ca2+ channels and a discussion of the approaches used to isolate this elusive conductance. We will then speculate on how the two T‐type Ca2+ channels expressed in cerebral arterial smooth muscle might differentially influence arterial tone. This discovery of T‐type Ca2+ channels alters our traditional understanding of Ca2+ dynamics in vascular tissue and fosters new avenues of research and insight into the basis of arterial tone development.
Fermentative 2‐carbon metabolism produces carcinogenic levels of acetaldehyde in Candida albicans
Authors: Marttila E. , Bowyer P. , Sanglard D. , Uittamo J. , Kaihovaara P. , Salaspuro M. , Richardson M. , Rautemaa R. 
Published: January 2013

SummaryAcetaldehyde is a carcinogenic product of alcohol fermentation and metabolism in microbes associated with cancers of the upper digestive tract. In yeast acetaldehyde is a by‐product of the pyruvate bypass that converts pyruvate into acetyl‐Coenzyme A (CoA) during fermentation. The aims of our study were: (i) to determine the levels of acetaldehyde produced by Candida albicans in the presence of glucose in low oxygen tension in vitro; (ii) to analyse the expression levels of genes involved in the pyruvate‐bypass and acetaldehyde production; and (iii) to analyse whether any correlations exist between acetaldehyde levels, alcohol dehydrogenase enzyme activity or expression of the genes involved in the pyruvate‐bypass. Candida albicans strains were isolated from patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (n = 5), autoimmune polyendocrinopathy–candidiasis–ectodermal dystrophy (APECED) patients with chronic oral candidosis (n = 5), and control patients (n = 5). The acetaldehyde and ethanol production by these isolates grown under low oxygen tension in the presence of glucose was determined, and the expression of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH1 and ADH2), pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC11), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALD6) and acetyl‐CoA synthetase (ACS1 and ACS2) and Adh enzyme activity were analysed. The C. albicans isolates produced high levels of acetaldehyde from glucose under low oxygen tension. The acetaldehyde levels did not correlate with the expression of ADH1, ADH2 or PDC11 but correlated with the expression of down‐stream genes ALD6 and ACS1. Significant differences in the gene expressions were measured between strains isolated from different patient groups. Under low oxygen tension ALD6 and ACS1, instead of ADH1 or ADH2, appear the most reliable indicators of candidal acetaldehyde production from glucose.
Clinical evidence on the efficacy and safety of an antioxidant optimized 1.5% salicylic acid (SA) cream in the treatment of facial acne: an open, baseline‐controlled clinical study
Authors: Zheng Yue , Wan Miaojian , Chen Haiyan , Ye Congxiu , Zhao Yue , Yi Jinling , Xia Yue , Lai Wei 
Published: January 2013

Background/purposeAcne pathogenesis is multifactorial and includes inflammation. Combining active ingredients targeting multiple components of acne pathogenesis may yield optimal outcomes. This study investigates the safety and efficacy of an antioxidant optimized topical salicylic acid (SA) 1.5% cream containing natural skin penetration enhancers in combination with antioxidant activity for treatment of facial acne.MethodsA total of 20 patients with facial acne, aged 19–32 years (2 males, 18 females; mean age 26.1 ± 3.2), were enrolled. Patients were treated with topical 1.5% SA cream and instructed to apply the cream as a thin film over the affected area twice daily (in the morning and evening) for 4 weeks. Inflammatory severity, numbers of papules and pustules were evaluated by investigators at day 0 and weekly, and patients ranked their improvement.ResultsIn all, 95% of patients improved: 20% had complete clearing, 30% had significantly improved, 15% had moderate improvement, 30% had mild improved, and there was no response in 5% of the patients by 4 weeks of treatment. No side effects were observed.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the efficacy and safety of this optimized topical 1.5% SA cream containing natural skin penetration enhancers in combination with antioxidant activity when applied twice daily for the reduction of facial acne; in particular, it is most effective for mild‐to‐moderate acne.
Comparing the rates of absorption and weight loss during a desorption test using near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Qassem M. , Kyriacou P. A. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractThe importance of determining skin hydration has over the years prompt the development of many instruments and methods, specifically designed to assess this parameter or water contents especially in the stratum corneum, and have greatly matured to suit different anatomical sites and measure multiple attributes. Of those, Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) has gained wide interest as a precise, safe, fast and noninvasive technique for determining skin hydration due to its high sensitivity to hydrogen bonding and ability to measure the amount of water in skin directly using the intensities of overtone and combination bands of OH and HOH water bonds occurring in the NIR region, that are good indicators of the state of skin hydration. This paper reports near infrared spectrophotometric measurements using a highly sophisticated spectrophotometer in the region of 1000‐2500 nm to study the water uptake and dehydration properties of skin in vitro using samples of porcine skin. Initial results of pure liquid water and skin samples have clearly displayed the prominent bands associated with water content, and desorption tests have been able to verify changes in these bands associated with water content, although a clear correlation between the rates of weight loss and absorbance loss at various hydration periods has not yet been established. These preliminary results are expected to further explain the relationship between water and skin, and its role within, in hope to aid the future development of a portable instrument based on near infrared spectroscopy that would be capable of directly measuring skin hydration and/or water content in a fast and noninvasive manner.
International guidelines for thein vivoassessment of skin properties in non‐clinical settings: Part 2. transepidermal water loss and skin hydration
Authors: Plessis Johan du , Stefaniak Aleksandr , Eloff Fritz , John Swen , Agner Tove , Chou Tzu‐Chieh , Nixon Rosemary , Steiner Markus , Franken Anja , Kudla Irena , Holness Linn 
Published: January 2013

BackgroundThere is an emerging perspective that it is not sufficient to just assess skin exposure to physical and chemical stressors in workplaces, but that it is also important to assess the condition, i.e. skin barrier function of the exposed skin at the time of exposure. The workplace environment, representing a non‐clinical environment, can be highly variable and difficult to control, thereby presenting unique measurement challenges not typically encountered in clinical settings.MethodsAn expert working group convened a workshop as part of the 5th International Conference on Occupational and Environmental Exposure of Skin to Chemicals (OEESC) to develop basic guidelines and best practices (based on existing clinical guidelines, published data, and own experiences) for thein vivomeasurement of transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and skin hydration in non‐clinical settings with specific reference to the workplace as a worst‐case scenario.ResultsKey elements of these guidelines are: (i) to minimize or recognize, to the extent feasible, the influences of relevant endogenous‐, exogenous‐, environmental‐ and measurement/instrumentation‐related factors; (ii) to measureTEWLwith a closed‐chamber type instrument; (iii) report results as a difference or percent change (rather than absolute values); and (iv) accurately report any notable deviations from this guidelines.ConclusionIt is anticipated that these guidelines will promote consistent data reporting, which will facilitate inter‐comparison of study results.
Stem cell therapy in veterinary dermatology
Authors: Harman Robert J. 
Published: January 2013

Background – Adult stem cells come from many sources and have the capacity to differentiate into many cell types, including those of the skin. The most commonly studied stem cells are those termed mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are easily isolated from bone marrow and adipose tissue. Mesenchymal stem cells are known to produce a wide array of cytokines that modulate the regeneration process. The ease of collection, propagation and use of these MSCs in therapy of traumatic, ischaemic and immune‐mediated skin conditions is emerging.Approach and evidence – In traumatic and ischaemic skin damage, MSCs are used in tissue‐engineered skin and by direct injection into damaged tissue. For immune‐mediated diseases, systemic administration of stem cells can modulate the immune system. The earliest clinical work has been with autologous stem cell sources, such as adipose tissue and bone marrow. In immune‐mediated diseases, the MSCs are used to downregulate production of inflammatory cytokines and to block T‐cell activation. Cells are generally given intravenously. Multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and lupus have been successfully treated in human clinical trials. Mesenchymal stem cells can also stimulate resident local cells, such as keratinocytes and progenitor cells, to proliferate, migrate and repair skin injury and disease.Looking ahead – The discovery of the MSC in adipose tissue has spawned a global effort to utilize these cells in therapy of a wide range of diseases of the skin. Reconstructive surgery, scar blocking and resolution and skin regeneration have all been shown to be possible in human and animal studies.