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Background: Lingual strength training (LST) has been reported to positively affect the activation of submental muscles, as well as to increase lingual muscle strength. However, there is little evidence to support its effectiveness. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of LST on the strength and thickness of oropharyngeal muscles in healthy adults. Methods: The study included 30 subjects who were assigned to the experimental (n = 15) and the control groups (n = 15). The experimental group performed LST based on tongue‐to‐palate resistance exercise method. LST was categorised as isometric and isotonic exercise. The intervention was performed five times a week for 6 weeks. The control group did not receive any intervention. The lingual strength was measured using the Iowa Oral Performance Instrument. Changes in the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles and the lingual were assessed ultrasonographically. Results: After the intervention, the thickness of the mylohyoid and the digastric muscles in the experimental group was significantly greater than that in the control group (P = 0.037 and 0.042). Conclusion: This study demonstrated that LST increases the thickness and the strength of oropharyngeal muscles. Therefore, LST is a useful option in patients with dysphagia or in elderly patients prone to swallowing dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poly( DL-lactide- co-glycolide) (PLGA)/marine collagen nanofibrous membranes (PCNMs) with different weight ratio of PLGA to collagen were fabricated by an electrospinning method. The morphology and diameter distribution of electrospun nanofibers were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). SEM images showed that the morphology and diameter distribution of the nanofibers were mainly affected by the concentration of the solution, weight ratio of the PLGA/collagen, and applied electric voltage, respectively. To investigate the cell responses, MG-63 cells isolated from a human mandible were cultured onto various substrates and their adhesion, spreading, and proliferation were examined. Immunofluorescent staining of MG-63 cultured on the PCNMs demonstrated homogeneous localization of F-Actin and vinculin in their cytoplasms. However, no mature adhesive structures were observed in the cell cultured on other substrates. Also, the cells seeded on the materials proliferated. These results suggest that PCNMs strongly support the attachment and growth of osteosarcoma cells. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]