bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of air/water syringe tip sterilization
Authors: Inger M , Bennani V , Farella M , Bennani F , Cannon RD 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundDental procedures involve contact between instruments and the patient's tissues, blood or saliva. This study evaluated the efficacy of the standardized sterilization of non‐disposable air/water syringe tips and corrosion and contaminant build‐up in these tips.MethodsThe bacterial contamination of single‐use and multiple‐use non‐disposable air/water syringe tips after routine use and sterilization was compared to that of single‐use disposable tips by microbial culturing on PCA and blood agar plates. The effect of flushing the syringe tips prior to sterilization was also measured. The amount of corrosion in single‐use and multiple‐use non‐disposable syringes was measured by SEM and EDS analyses.ResultsNon‐disposable syringe tips had significantly (p < 0.05) greater bacterial contamination than single‐use disposable tips. There were no statistically different levels of contamination between flushed and non‐flushed non‐disposable syringes or between single‐use and multiple‐use non‐disposable syringes. SEM and EDS analyses showed greater evidence of corrosion and contaminant build‐up in multiple‐use syringes compared to single‐use non‐disposable syringes.ConclusionsSterilization of non‐disposable air/water syringes is not completely effective and rinsing, or the number of uses, does not affect the effectiveness of sterilization. There may be a lower risk of cross‐infection from the use of disposable air/water syringe tips, instead of non‐disposable ones.
Subclinical concentrations of chlorhexidine inhibit gelatinase activity of carious dentine in vitro
Authors: Trufello A Mustakis , Orellana B Urzúa , Moraga C Lozano , Puente C Lefimil , Morales‐Bozo I 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThere is evidence that dentine matrix gelatinases are involved in the destruction of carious dentine after demineralization by bacterial acids. It has also been observed that chlorhexidine, in very low concentrations, inhibits the activity of these enzymes in mammalian cells. The goal of this study was to determine if the gelatinase activity of carious dentine may be inhibited by chlorhexidine in clinical use concentrations.MethodsGelatinolytic activity was evaluated through zymography and identified by Western blot. The inhibitory effects of chlorhexidine at concentrations of 0.01%, 0.04%, 0.08% and 1% on the enzymatic activity of softened carious dentine samples were determined.ResultsIn carious dentine, five bands of gelatinolytic activity were detected, with molecular sizes of 86, 75, 38, 33 and 32 kDa. The two bands of the greatest molecular size corresponded to latent and active metalloproteinase‐9, respectively. Concentrations of chlorhexidine that were greater than or equal to 0.04% were sufficient to inhibit gelatinolytic activity in the observed bands of carious dentine.ConclusionsThese results support the use of chlorhexidine in clinical use concentrations for the treatment and control of dentine caries. Our study demonstrates for the first time the inhibitory effect of chlorhexidine on gelatinases from carious human dentine.
Graft stabilization with cyanoacrylate decreases shrinkage of free gingival grafts
Authors: Gümüş P , Buduneli E 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to comparatively evaluate three different stabilization methods with regards to the amount of shrinkage in free gingival graft.MethodsForty‐five patients were included in three study groups: where stabilization was achieved with conventional technique, cyanoacrylate or microsurgery. In the conventional group standardized 5‐0 sutures were used. In the microsurgery group grafts were stabilized with 7‐0 sutures and loupe. In the third group, graft was stabilized with cyanoacrylate. Keratinized tissue width, graft area, gingival recession were calculated by a specific software on standard photographs at baseline, 1‐, 3‐, 6‐month follow‐ups. Duration of surgery was also recorded. Pain in recipient and donor sites was assessed using visual analogue scale within the first postoperative week.ResultsChange in keratinized tissue width was similar in the study groups at all times. Graft shrinkage was significantly less (p < 0.05) in the cyanoacrylate group than the other groups, whereas those in the conventional and microsurgery groups were similar. Significantly less pain in the recipient site was reported by the patients in the cyanoacrylate group (p < 0.05). Duration of surgery was significantly less in the cyanoacrylate group than the other groups (p < 0.05).ConclusionsLess graft shrinkage in the free gingival graft, together with shorter surgery time and less pain in the recipient site obtained in the cyanoacrylate group, suggest that cyanoacrylate may be considered as an alternative for stabilization of free gingival grafts.
Genome‐wide detection of signatures of selection in Korean Hanwoo cattle
Authors: Porto‐Neto L. R. , Lee S. H. , Sonstegard T. S. , Van Tassell C. P. , Lee H. K. , Gibson J. P. , Gondro C. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe Korean Hanwoo cattle have been intensively selected for production traits, especially high intramuscular fat content. It is believed that ancient crossings between different breeds contributed to forming the Hanwoo, but little is known about the genomic differences and similarities between other cattle breeds and the Hanwoo. In this work, cattle breeds were grouped by origin into four types and used for comparisons: the Europeans (represented by six breeds), zebu (Nelore), African taurine (N'Dama) and Hanwoo. All animals had genotypes for around 680 000 SNPs after quality control of genotypes. Average heterozygosity was lower in Nelore and N'Dama (0.22 and 0.21 respectively) than in Europeans (0.26–0.31, with Shorthorn as outlier at 0.24) and Hanwoo (0.29). Pairwise FST analyses demonstrated that Hanwoo are more related to European cattle than to Nelore, with N'Dama in an intermediate position. This finding was corroborated by principal components and unsupervised hierarchical clustering. Using genome‐wide smoothed FST, 55 genomic regions potentially under positive selection in Hanwoo were identified. Among these, 29 were regions also detected in previous studies. Twenty‐four regions were exclusive to Hanwoo, and a number of other regions were shared with one or two of the other groups. These regions overlap a number of genes that are related to immune, reproduction and fatty acid metabolism pathways. Further analyses are needed to better characterize the ancestry of the Hanwoo cattle and to define the genes responsible to the identified selection peaks.
Down‐Regulation of TIMP3 Leads to Increase in TACE Expression and TNFα Production by Placental Trophoblast Cells
Authors: Ma Rong , Gu Baihan , Gu Yang , Groome Lynn J. , Wang Yuping 
Published: February 2014

ProblemTo determine whether down‐regulation of TIMP3 expression promotes TACE expression and increases in TNFα production by placental trophoblast cells.Method of studyPlacental expression of TIMP3 and TACE was examined by immunostaining and Western blot. Effects of TIMP3 on TACE expression and TNFα production were assessed by transfection of TIMP3 siRNA into trophoblasts isolated from normal placentas. Effects of oxidative stress on trophoblast TIMP3 expression and TNFα production were also determined. Trophoblast production of TIMP3, TACE and TNFα were measured by ELISA.ResultsTIMP3 expression was markedly reduced in preeclamptic placentas compared with normal placentas; oxidative stress down‐regulated trophoblast TIMP3 expression and production, P < 0.01. Down‐regulation of TIMP3 expression by TIMP3 siRNA resulted in significant increases in TACE expression and TNFα production, P < 0.01.ConclusionAs TIMP3 is an endogenous TACE inhibitor, down‐regulation of trophoblast TIMP3 expression/activity could result in increased TACE expression and subsequently lead to increased TNFα production in preeclamptic placentas.
Extensive changes in the transcriptional profile of human adipose tissue including genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation after a 6‐month exercise intervention
Authors: Rönn T. , Volkov P. , Tornberg Å. , Elgzyri T. , Hansson O. , Eriksson K.‐F. , Groop L. , Ling C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimAdipose tissue has an important function in total energy homeostasis, and its dysregulation may contribute to lifestyle‐related diseases such as type 2 diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate genome‐wide mRNA expression in adipose tissue in healthy men before and after an exercise intervention to identify genes or pathways that mediate the beneficial effect of regular exercise. We also investigated the difference in adipose tissue mRNA expression between individuals with or without a family history of type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe 6‐month supervised exercise intervention was conducted in 47 healthy men (age 37.8 ± 4.3 years, BMI 28.5 ± 3.6 kg m−2) with a previous low level of physical activity. RNA was analysed using GeneChip Human Gene 1.0 ST arrays (Affymetrix) before and after the exercise.ResultsWe identified 2,560 significant transcripts differentially expressed before vs. after exercise with a false discovery rate (FDR) < 0.1%, including genes encoding the respiratory chain, histone subunits, small nucleolar RNAs and ribosomal proteins. Additionally, pathways enriched in response to exercise include the ribosome, oxidative phosphorylation, proteasome and many metabolic pathways, whereas the WNT and MAPK signalling pathways were down‐regulated (FDR < 5%) after exercise. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression between individuals with or without a family history of type 2 diabetes.ConclusionExercise increased the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, which is the opposite of what has been seen in adipose tissue from elderly or obese individuals with low physical fitness, and our study thereby demonstrates a mechanism for the beneficial effect of exercise.
Calibration using constrained smoothing with applications to mass spectrometry data
Authors: Feng Xingdong , Sedransk Nell , Xia Jessie Q. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryLinear regressions are commonly used to calibrate the signal measurements in proteomic analysis by mass spectrometry. However, with or without a monotone (e.g., log) transformation, data from such functional proteomic experiments are not necessarily linear or even monotone functions of protein (or peptide) concentration except over a very restricted range. A computationally efficient spline procedure improves upon linear regression. However, mass spectrometry data are not necessarily homoscedastic; more often the variation of measured concentrations increases disproportionately near the boundaries of the instruments measurement capability (dynamic range), that is, the upper and lower limits of quantitation. These calibration difficulties exist with other applications of mass spectrometry as well as with other broad‐scale calibrations. Therefore the method proposed here uses a functional data approach to define the calibration curve and also the limits of quantitation under the two assumptions: (i) that the variance is a bounded, convex function of concentration; and (ii) that the calibration curve itself is monotone at least between the limits of quantitation, but not necessarily outside these limits. Within this paradigm, the limit of detection, where the signal is definitely present but not measurable with any accuracy, is also defined. An iterative approach draws on existing smoothing methods to account simultaneously for both restrictions and is shown to achieve the global optimal convergence rate under weak conditions. This approach can also be implemented when convexity is replaced by other (bounded) restrictions. Examples from Addona et al. (2009, Nature Biotechnology 27, 663–641) both motivate and illustrate the effectiveness of this functional data methodology when compared with the simpler linear regressions and spline techniques.
Current status of prognostication in classical Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Venkataraman Girish , Mirza M. Kamran , Eichenauer Dennis A. , Diehl Volker 
Published: February 2014

SummaryClassical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) is characterized by a paucity of neoplastic Hodgkin/Reed Sternberg (HRS) cells within a complex cellular milieu that is rendered immunologically incapable of reacting against CD30+HRS cells due to a plethora of immune escape mechanisms initiated by the neoplastic cells. Accounting for 25% of all lymphomas and nearly 95% of all Hodgkin lymphomas, patients with cHL are typically young adults. Besides traditional prognostic factors, such as the International Prognostic Index (IPI), newer imaging and ancillary biomarkers (CD68, Galectin‐1 and plasma microRNA) have shown promise. Furthermore, the evolution of gene expression profiling (GEP) in recent years has enabled the development of several practically feasible GEP‐based predictors with prognostic relevance. This review discusses the current status of clinical prognostication in cHL, the critical role of histological evaluation in light of several mimicking entities, and the relevance of tissue as well as serum biomarkers pertaining to immune escape mechanisms and recent GEP studies.
Webster‐Stratton Incredible Years Basic Parent Programme (IY) in child care placements: residential staff carers' satisfaction results
Authors: Silva Isabel Simões , Gaspar Maria Filomena da Fonseca , Anglin James P. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate residential child care staff satisfaction with their involvement in the Webster‐Stratton Incredible Years Basic Parent Programme (IY). In an exploratory, not randomized study, 27 professionals from two different short‐term Portuguese residential child care centres (IG1, n = 15; IG2; n = 12) completed weekly IY evaluations and an overall satisfaction questionnaire at the end of their participation in the IY intervention. The weekly level of satisfaction was assessed with regard to each of the programme's components (content, DVDs, group leaders, group discussion). At the last session, they filled out a questionnaire aimed to evaluate the levels of satisfaction regarding the programme overall, the teaching format, the group leader(s) and the usefulness of specific educational techniques they learned. Data indicated that residential staff carers were highly satisfied with the weekly sessions and with the overall usefulness of the intervention programme. Results are discussed in terms of implications and future research directions.
Board Independence, Ownership Structure and the Valuation of IPOs in Continental Europe
Authors: Bertoni Fabio , Meoli Michele , Vismara Silvio 
Published: February 2014

Manuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueWe combine the value‐creation and value‐protection views of the board of directors to study the impact of board independence (BI) on the value of the firm at the time of its initial public offering (IPO).Research Findings/InsightsWe conduct our analysis on a sample of 969 firms that went public in France, Germany, and Italy between 1995 and 2011. We show that BI is a critical factor in the valuation of IPO firms. Our results support both the value‐creation and value‐protection roles of the board of directors. The relative importance of the two roles of the board varies over time, with value‐creation (value‐protection) dominating in IPOs of young (mature) companies.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsOur theoretical framework combines the agency and resource‐dependence theories. The impact of BI on IPO valuation depends on the importance of the value‐creation and value‐protection roles played by the board. The change in the relative importance of the two roles determines a U‐shaped relationship between BI and firm age. Corporate governance is particularly important for young and innovative firms (where the resource‐dependence theory applies, and governance acts as a value‐creation device), as well as for mature firms and for companies where ownership and control are separated (where the agency theory applies, and governance serves as a value‐protection mechanism for minority shareholders).Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsWe show that corporate governance is a significant factor affecting the valuation of an IPO company. The importance of BI varies substantially with the knowledge intensity of the industry, the separation between ownership and control, and the age of the listing company.
Large Shareholders, Shareholder Proposals, and Firm Performance: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Yeh Tsung‐ming 
Published: February 2014

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssuePrevious studies, primarily based on evidence from the United States, fail to link shareholder activism to firm performance, with one explanatory factor being that the legal and regulatory system in the United States limits the anti‐director rights of shareholders. This study is motivated by the question of whether legally binding shareholder resolutions can pressure management to improve firm performance and to enhance firm value.Research Findings/InsightsBy investigating 135 publicly listed Japanese firms which received shareholder resolutions from 2004 to 2010, this study finds supportive evidence for shareholder proposals. Announcement‐associated abnormal returns are higher for firms receiving election‐related proposals by large sponsors, than those unrelated to board election. Furthermore, an improving trend begins to appear in the post‐resolution year, particularly significant for firms receiving proposals to remove board members.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThis study provides new evidence suggesting that large shareholder activism in Corporate Japan can perform roles that used to be played by main banks before the 1990s. It also suggests that in countries where there is no active takeover market, large shareholders can effectively discipline entrenched management through active engagement.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThis study offers insights to corporate managers on the importance of communicating with large shareholders and addressing their concerns.
Use of clinical targets in diabetes patient education: qualitative analysis of the expectations and impact of a structured self‐management programme in Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Snow R. , Sandall J. , Humphrey C. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo explore the impact of education and target‐setting on the life stories of patients with diabetes up to 10 years after they had participated in the Dose Adjustment for Normal Eating programme (DAFNE).MethodsQualitative, semi‐structured interviews were conducted before and after DAFNE courses to elicit narrative accounts from participants at three UK education centres. Observations of courses also took place. Data were gathered from 21 participants over 32 interviews and 146 h of observations, and analysed using a narrative approach.ResultsFindings suggest that patient education can create positive transformations in the lives of people with diabetes in ways that are not fully captured by simple quality‐of‐life scores. However, a review of evidence from other studies shows that DAFNE‐recommended blood glucose results are in fact out of reach of even these most motivated and well‐informed patients. This information was not shared with DAFNE attendees, who were expected to aim for near‐normal HbA1c levels. After the course, participants sometimes perceived themselves as failing in their efforts, even when they had better than average blood glucose results.ConclusionsSpecific and measurable low HbA1c targets may be desirable for reducing the risk of complications in diabetes, but they are not attainable or realistic even for most DAFNE graduates. It is suggested that setting goals without information about how achievable they really are could be counterproductive in terms of supporting and maintaining patient self‐efficacy long‐term.
Plateau of adiposity in Australian children diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes: a 20‐year study
Authors: Islam S. T. , Abraham A. , Donaghue K. C. , Chan A. K. , Lloyd M. , Srinivasan S. , Craig M. E. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine temporal trends in anthropometry in children with Type 1 diabetes from Sydney, Australia.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study in a total of 1975 children with Type 1 diabetes, aged <16 years, between 1990 and 2009. Trends in height, weight and BMI standard deviation score after initial stabilization were examined by age group (<5 years, 5 to <10 years, 10 to 16 years) and time period of diagnosis (T1: 1990–1994, T2: 1995–1999; T3: 2000–2004 and T4: 2005–2009). Factors associated with BMI standard deviation score (time period, age group, gender and socio‐economic status) were examined using multivariable linear regression.ResultsThe mean BMI standard deviation score (±sd) increased between T1 and T2 (0.54 ± 1.14 vs 0.81 ± 1.14, P = 0.002), but remained steady thereafter (T3: 0.85 ± 1.11, T4: 0.87 ± 1.09; T2 to T4: P = 0.40). Similarly, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased from T1 to T2 (26 to 35%, P = 0.01), but was unchanged thereafter (T3: 34%, T4: 34%; T2 to T4: P = 0.90). On multivariable regression analysis, a higher BMI standard deviation score was associated with younger age (≥5 years vs <5 years, β=‐0.40, 95% CI ‐0.51 to ‐0.28, P < 0.001), later time period (T2 to T4 vs T1, β=0.30, 95% CI 0.16–0.45, P < 0.001) and male gender (β=0.25, 95% CI 0.15–0.34, P < 0.001).ConclusionThe prevalence of overweight and obesity has remained unchanged in children at diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes over 15 years. These findings suggest that higher adiposity alone cannot account for the continued rising incidence of Type 1 diabetes in recent years.
Impact of baseline patient characteristics on interventions to reduce diabetes distress: the role of personal conscientiousness and diabetes self‐efficacy
Authors: Fisher L. , Hessler D. , Masharani U. , Strycker L. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimsTo improve patient‐centred care by determining the impact of baseline levels of conscientiousness and diabetes self‐efficacy on the outcomes of efficacious interventions to reduce diabetes distress and improve disease management.MethodsAdults with Type 2 diabetes with diabetes distress and self‐care problems (N = 392) were randomized to one of three distress reduction interventions: computer‐assisted self‐management; computer‐assisted self‐management plus problem‐solving therapy; and health education. The baseline assessment included conscientiousness and self‐efficacy, demographics, diabetes status, regimen distress, emotional burden, medication adherence, diet and physical activity. Changes in regimen distress, emotional burden and self‐care between baseline and 12 months were recorded and ancova models assessed how conscientiousness and self‐efficacy qualified the significant improvements in distress and management outcomes.ResultsParticipants with high baseline conscientiousness displayed significantly larger improvements in medication adherence and emotional burden than participants with low baseline conscientiousness. Participants with high baseline self‐efficacy showed greater improvements in diet, physical activity and regimen distress than participants with low baseline self‐efficacy. The impact of conscientiousness and self‐efficacy were independent of each other and occurred across all three intervention groups. A significant interaction indicated that those with both high self‐efficacy and high conscientiousness at baseline had the biggest improvement in physical activity by 12 months.ConclusionsBoth broad personal traits and disease‐specific expectations qualify the outcomes of efficacious interventions. These findings reinforce the need to change from a one‐size‐fits‐all approach to diabetes interventions to an approach that crafts clinical interventions in ways that fit the personal traits and skills of individual people.