bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of breast milk of healthy and allergic mothers on in vitro stimulation of cord blood lymphocytes
Authors: Žižka Jan , Hrdý Jiří , Lodinová‐Žádníková Raja , Kocourková Ingrid , Novotná Olga , Šterzl Ivan , Prokešová Ludmila
Published: July 2007

Maternal milk has beneficial effects on the development and function of the newborn's immune system. Whether the milk of allergic mother has the same effects as the milk of healthy mothers is not yet quite clear. To contribute to the characterization of its immunomodulatory action, we tested the effect of milk of healthy and allergic mothers on the proliferation and immunoglobulin formation in cultures of cord blood mononuclear leucocytes (CBML) of newborns of healthy and allergic mothers. CBML proliferation was tested by 3H‐thymidine incorporation, IgM, IgG and IgA production by reverse ELISPOT. CBML response was examined in unstimulated cultures and after stimulation with polyclonal activators in the presence or absence of colostrum or milk. The cells of children of allergic mothers have a significantly higher proliferative activity than those of children of healthy mothers. Maternal colostrum/milk in high doses markedly suppresses cell proliferation after stimulation with polyclonal activators, whereas lower milk doses in the cultures have no such effect and exert a rather stimulatory action. Immunoglobulin production by cord blood lymphocytes is also different in the two groups of children. Low basal immunoglobulin formation is increased after stimulation with a strong polyclonal activator of B cells –Bacillus firmus, CBML of children of allergic mothers produce more IgA than those of children of healthy mothers. The stimulated production of all immunoglobulin classes in cells of children of healthy mothers is still enhanced by colostrum/milk. Children of allergic mothers show a markedly increased production of only IgM and IgA. The effect of healthy and allergic colostrum and milk on cell proliferation and immunoglobulin production is similar. The lymphocytes of children of allergic mothers differ from the lymphocytes of children of healthy mothers in their proliferative activity and the ability to form immunoglobulin already at birth.
Bayesian inference in a piecewise Weibull proportional hazards model with unknown change points
Authors: Casellas J.
Published: July 2007

The main difference between parametric and non‐parametric survival analyses relies on model flexibility. Parametric models have been suggested as preferable because of their lower programming needs although they generally suffer from a reduced flexibility to fit field data. In this sense, parametric survival functions can be redefined as piecewise survival functions whose slopes change at given points. It substantially increases the flexibility of the parametric survival model. Unfortunately, we lack accurate methods to establish a required number of change points and their position within the time space. In this study, a Weibull survival model with a piecewise baseline hazard function was developed, with change points included as unknown parameters in the model. Concretely, a Weibull log‐normal animal frailty model was assumed, and it was solved with a Bayesian approach. The required fully conditional posterior distributions were derived. During the sampling process, all the parameters in the model were updated using a Metropolis–Hastings step, with the exception of the genetic variance that was updated with a standard Gibbs sampler. This methodology was tested with simulated data sets, each one analysed through several models with different number of change points. The models were compared with the Deviance Information Criterion, with appealing results. Simulation results showed that the estimated marginal posterior distributions covered well and placed high density to the true parameter values used in the simulation data. Moreover, results showed that the piecewise baseline hazard function could appropriately fit survival data, as well as other smooth distributions, with a reduced number of change points.
Estimation of heritability and genetic correlation for behavioural responses by Gibbs sampling in the Thoroughbred racehorse
Authors: Oki H. , Kusunose R. , Nakaoka H. , Nishiura A. , Miyake T. , Sasaki Y.
Published: July 2007

Genetic variation of the behaviour of racehorses is one of the major concerns for racehorse breeders. In this study, the heritabilities of behavioural responses to the inspections of conjunctiva, auscultation and blood sampling and the genetic correlations among them were estimated in the Thoroughbred racehorse. The estimation was done with Bayesian analysis with Gibbs sampling based on the univariate or bivariate threshold animal models. The behavioural responses were scored with four categories at the first entrance quarantine in Miho Training Center of Japan Racing Association from 1993 to 1995. The behavioural responses were treated as categorical or binary traits, with both showing similar results. The estimated heritabilities were in the range of 0.23–0.28, suggesting a genetic component in the variation on these traits. The estimated genetic correlations among the traits were very high (approximately 0.9), suggesting that these behavioural responses may be measures of the same trait. Because of the high genetic correlations, repeatability threshold model was applied assuming the responses to be a genetically identical trait measured with three different tests. The estimated heritabilities (approximately 0.23) were at the lower bound of the former estimates. The revealed high repeatabilities (0.97–0.98) suggest a strong contribution of the individual temperament on the behaviour of racehorses.
Effects of Serum Deprivation and Cycloheximide on Cell Cycle of Low and High Passage Porcine Fetal Fibroblasts
Authors: Goissis MD , Caetano HVA , Marques MG , De Barros FRO , Feitosa WB , Milazzotto MP , Binelli M , Assumpção MEOA , Visintin JA
Published: July 2007

Contents

Arrest of cells in G0/G1 cell cycle phase is desired for nuclear transfer procedures. Serum starvation and cell cycle inhibitors are different ways to induce synchronization of the cell cycle. This study investigated the effects of serum starvation and cycloheximide (CHX) on the cell cycle of low (5th) and high (15th) passages fetal porcine fibroblasts. Cell cycle phases were determined using fluorescent activated cell sorting. Fifth passage fibroblast cultures had higher (p < 0.05) proportion of cells in G0/G1 only after 72 h of serum starvation (77.60 ± 0.65) when compared with non‐starved cells (71.44 ± 1.88). Serum starvation for all periods tested induced an increase (p < 0.05) on proportion of cells in G0/G1 on the 15th passage. No significant differences were observed on the 5th passage cultures exposed to CHX, although, on the 15th passage an increase on proportion of cells was observed after all periods of exposure (p < 0.05). These data indicates that high passage cells in vitro are more susceptible to serum starvation and CHX G0/G1 synchronization.
Collection of Oocytes Through Transvaginal Ovum Pick‐up for In Vitro Embryo Production in Nanyang Yellow Cattle
Authors: Li F , Chen X , Pi W , Liu C , Shi Z
Published: July 2007

Contents

The objectives of this study were to use ultrasound‐guided transvaginal follicular aspiration to develop a technique for preservation of Nanyang Yellow cattle germ plasm. In Nanyang Yellow heifers, aspiration twice per week yielded a higher mean numbers of aspirated follicles, recovered oocytes and viable oocytes per session than once‐weekly aspiration. Intriguingly, twice‐weekly aspiration from Holstein heifers yielded a higher mean numbers of aspirated follicles, recovered oocytes and viable oocytes per session than in Nanyang Yellow heifers. Moreover, the oocyte recovery rate was significantly higher in Holstein heifers than in Nanyang Yellow heifers. Importantly, similar rates of embryos undergoing cleavage division were observed in Nanyang Yellow and Holstein, as was the number of viable day 8 blastocysts. These observations demonstrate that twice‐weekly aspiration harvested the similar proportions of viable oocytes from Nanyang Yellow and Holstein follicles, and that twice‐weekly aspiration yields a higher number of viable oocytes than once‐weekly aspiration in Nanyang Yellow heifers. The results also suggest that the combination of ultrasound‐guided transvaginal follicular aspiration and in vitro production is an effective and practical strategy for establishment of a germ plasm preservation programme for Nanyang Yellow cattle.
Prothrombotic risk factors in children with hemiplegic cerebral palsy
Authors: ŞENBIL NESRIN , YÜKSEL DENIZ , YILMAZ DENIZ , GÜRER Y. K. YAVUZ
Published: July 2007

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to investigate the prevalence of prothrombotic risk factors associated with hemiplegic cerebral palsy (CP).

Methods: Twenty‐three hemiplegic CP patients were tested for inherited and acquired prothrombotic risk factors, except methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTFR) polymorphism.

Results: A total of 56.5% of patients had at least one coagulation abnormality and 13% of them had two. Four patients (8.7%) had infection and congenital heart disease, who also had additional coagulopathy risk factors. Obstetric problems were detected in 56.5%. Coagulopathy risk factors were factor V Leiden mutation (21.7%), protein C deficiency (21.7%), elevated lipoprotein‐a (13%), G20210A mutation of prothrombin (8.7%), and protein S deficiency (4.3%).

Conclusion: Children with hemiplegic CP need to be evaluated for coagulopathic abnormalities.
Self‐perceived health among early adolescents: Role of psychosocial factors
Authors: PIKO BETTINA F , KERESZTES NOEMI
Published: July 2007

Background: The authors examined self‐perceived health and psychosocial health in 10–15 year old children and the relationship between children’s self‐perceived health and a set of psychosocial health status measurements.

Methods: Data were collected from middle school students (n = 548; age range, 10–15 years of age; mean, 12.2 years; SD, 1.2 years) using randomly selected classes from four schools in different school districts in Szeged, Hungary. The self‐administered questionnaires contained items on sociodemographics; school achievement; height and weight (body mass index); self‐perceived health and fitness; health behaviors; and anger and psychosomatic health. The self‐perceived health variable was dichotomized and expressed with poor/fair or good/excellent perceptions of one’s own health.

Results: Most of the children evaluated their own health as excellent or good. Logistic regression analyses revealed that poor academic achievement, socioeconomic status self‐assessment, smoking, alcohol use, sports activity, self‐perceived fitness, and high levels of anger and psychosomatic symptoms were associated with an increased likelihood of reported poor/fair perceptions of health.

Conclusions: Findings reflect that psychosocial factors are important influences of self‐perceived health in an early adolescent population.
Prevalence of metabolic complications in children with severe obesity
Authors: SEI MASAKO , NAKATSU TADANORI , YUASA KYOKO , TANAKA HISAKO , INDRIANI  , MUNAKATA HOKUMA , NAKAHORI YUTAKA
Published: July 2007

Background: The purpose of the present paper was to clarify the prevalence of metabolic complications in severely obese children.

Methods: The subjects of the present study were 367 severely obese Japanese children in Tokushima, who were more than 150% of the standard weight for their sex and height (school grades 1–9; age range, 6–16 years). Data concerning anthropometric and metabolic parameters (body fat %, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, blood glucose, serum insulin, alanine aminotransferase, and blood pressure) were analyzed.

Results: The prevalence of each abnormality in obese children was high compared with that in the general population. Metabolic variables were correlated with each other. A total of 80.4% of severely obese children had at least one complication.

Conclusion: Severely obese children have various metabolic abnormalities even during their early school years. Intervention by primary physicians in cooperation with schools is needed for the prevention of lifestyle‐related diseases.
Improving patient satisfaction through information provision
Authors: Billing Kathryn , Newland Henry , Selva Dinesh
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Background:  This study aims to determine the sociodemographic characteristics of the Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic at the Royal Adelaide Hospital, to ascertain satisfaction levels with aspects of care, and determine if patient satisfaction levels can be increased by the provision of information letters prior to appointment.

Methods:  New patients attending Ophthalmology Outpatient Clinic were surveyed regarding sociodemographic information and satisfaction levels. Participants received an introductory letter prior to their clinic appointment, and were compared with controls. Responses were analysed using Mann–Whitney U‐tests. Satisfaction scores regarding waiting times, clinic environment, doctors, nurses, clerical staff and general satisfaction were correlated with demographic data using Spearman correlation coefficient analysis and chi‐squared statistics. Ordinal logistic regression and non‐parametric rack testing determined differences between the two groups.

Results:  Positive correlations were identified between patient‐estimated actual waiting time, ratings of waiting times, booking efficiency, information given, intention to return to, recommend the clinic, to comply with advice given, and higher ratings of the overall quality of the service, and satisfaction levels. Negative qualitative comments correlated with lower ratings of satisfaction and quality of the service. The intervention group showed statistically significantly higher ratings of the wait in clinic and the overall quality of the service. Satisfaction ratings of the clinic staff were also higher in the intervention group.

Conclusions:  Ophthalmology outpatients are more likely to be happy with their health care if they are satisfied with waiting times, and are more likely to return to the service and comply with advice, thus improving health outcomes. Provision of information regarding the outpatient clinic structure and estimated waiting times is a simple, cost‐effective method of improving patient satisfaction levels and altering perceptions of waiting times.
Primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the spleen with coincident serous retinal detachments responsive to corticosteroids
Authors: Kurup Shree K , Levy‐Clarke Grace , Calvo Katherine R , Jaffe Elaine S , Nussenblatt Robert B , Chan Chi‐Chao
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma is the sixth leading cause of cancer death in the USA. Herein, a patient is presented with primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma whose initial complaint was blurred vision and who presented with corticosteroid‐responsive serous retinal detachments mimicking Vogt–Koynagi–Harada. Extensive clinical examination including imaging and blood testing was negative. Splenectomy led to a diagnosis of splenic lymphoma
Optic disc laceration with combined retinal artery and vein occlusion following penetrating injury
Authors: Lee Mun‐Wai , Lee Shu‐Yen , Ong Sze‐Guan
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Ocular trauma is a major cause of unilateral blindness and male adults in the working age group have been found to have higher rates of ocular injury. A case of a work‐related penetrating ocular trauma with an intraocular foreign body causing an optic disc laceration and consequently a combined retinal arterial and venous occlusion is presented. The patient did not recover useful vision despite early surgical intervention. This case highlights an unusual sequelae following penetrating ocular trauma as well as the importance of safety eyewear for individuals in high‐risk occupations.
Do not try this at home: trash can intracapsular cataract extraction
Authors: Lam Andrew , Garg Sunir J
Published: July 2007

Abstract

The authors present a 39‐year‐old woman who sustained blunt trauma from a metal garbage can to her left eye and presented with her intact crystalline lens luxated subconjunctivally after expulsion through a scleral wound. External photographs show the lens found under intact conjunctiva and a computed tomography scan demonstrates the extrascleral lens. The patient had a ruptured globe repair and intraoperative photographs showed removal of the lens.
Bevacizumab (Avastin) for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma
Authors: Chilov Michael N , Grigg John R , Playfair T Justin
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Herein three cases of angle closure secondary to neovascularization (elevated intraocular pressure in two of the cases) treated with the anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody bevacizumab (Avastin) are reported. In all three cases there was rapid resolution of neovascularization and control of intraocular pressure. One patient with corneal anaesthesia from diabetes developed infectious keratitis, potentially as a consequence of inhibition of VEGF wound healing and neurotrophic functions. Avastin appears to have a promising role in the treatment of neovascular glaucoma but is not without potential local and systemic side‐effects.
Vitrectomy without postoperative posturing for idiopathic macular holes
Authors: Rubinstein Adrian , Ang Alan , Patel Chetan Kantibhai
Published: July 2007

Abstract

Purpose:  To determine the success of vitrectomy with ILM peeling and C3F8 tamponade for macular holes without the need for postoperative face‐down posturing.

Methods:  Twenty‐four eyes of 24 consecutive patients undergoing pars plana vitrectomy with indocyanine green‐assisted ILM peeling and C3F8 tamponade without prone posturing were included in the study. All patients had follow up on 1 day, 2 weeks and 3 months postoperatively. Biomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography were used to assess macular hole closure at 3 months postoperatively. Snellen visual acuity was compared pre‐ and postoperatively.

Results:  Of the 24 eyes recruited, two (8%) had stage II, 17 (71%) had stage III and five (21%) had stage IV macular holes. Nineteen (79%) eyes were phakic and five (21%) eyes were pseudophakic at the time of surgery. The macular holes had been present for an average of 7.5 months (range 3–18 months). At 3‐month follow up, 22/24 (91.6%) holes were closed. Both of the two holes that failed to close were stage IV macular holes. Preoperative visual acuity ranged from 6/18 to 6/60 (mean 6/36). Postoperative visual acuity ranged from 6/9 to 6/60 (mean 6/18). Eighteen eyes had improvement of visual acuity of at least one line on the Snellen chart, six eyes had no improvement. No eyes had worse vision postoperatively.

Conclusion:  Macular hole surgery without face‐down posturing provides anatomical and functional results comparable to those with prone posturing. Combined phacovitrectomy is not essential to avoid prone posturing.
Risk‐stratified intensive follow up for treated colorectal cancer – realistic and cost saving?
Authors: Macafee D. A. L. , Whynes D. K. , Scholefield J. H.
Published: July 2007

Objective  Intensive follow‐up post surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) is thought to improve long‐term survival principally through the earlier detection of recurrent disease. This paper aims to calculate the additional resource and cost implications of intensive follow up post‐CRC resection, examine the possibility of risk‐stratifying this follow up to those at highest risk of recurrence and investigating the impact that population screening might have on the future cost and outcomes of follow up.

Method  Two follow‐up regimens were constructed: the ‘standard’ follow‐up protocol used the principles of the British Society of Gastroenterology (BSG) guidelines whilst the ‘intensive’ follow‐up protocol used the most intensive arm of the follow up after colorectal surgery (FACS) trial. Using ONS data, the number of CRC diagnosed in a given year was calculated for 2003 and projected for 2016 based on the population of England and Wales. The resource requirements and costs of follow up over a 5‐year period were then calculated for the two time periods. Risk stratifying entry to follow up and the introduction of population CRC screening were then considered.

Results  For the 2003 cohort, an intensive follow‐up program would detect 853 additional resectable recurrences over 5 years with 795 fewer subjects requiring palliative care. An additional 26 302 outpatient appointments, 181 352 CEA tests and 79 695 CT scans over 5 years would be required to achieve this. The cost of investigating subjects who would never develop detectable recurrences was £15.6 million. The cost per additional resectable recurrence was £18 077, a figure also found for a nonscreened population in 2016. An identical intensive follow‐up policy with biennial FOBT screening in 2016 saw the cost per additional resectable recurrence rise to £36 255.

Conclusion  Intensive follow up will detect considerably more resectable recurrences but at considerable cost and it is unclear if such follow up will be achievable in an already over‐stretched NHS. If population‐based CRC screening increases the number of Dukes A cancers this may offer the possibility of risk‐stratifying future follow up to those at highest risk of recurrence; minimizing tests on those who will never have recurrent disease and better utilizing our scarce resources.
Potential roles of erythropoietin in the management of anaemia and other complications diabetes
Authors: Khoshdel Alireza , Carney Shane , Gillies Alastair , Mourad Adnan , Jones Bernard , Nanra Ranjit , Trevillian Paul
Published: July 2007

Erythropoietin (EPO) is a haematopoietic cytokine, mainly generated in the renal cortex, and its secretion and action is impaired in chronic kidney disease (CKD). Early renal damage in diabetes mellitus (DM) is usually not detected because diabetes‐induced nephron hypertrophy maintains glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and an elevated plasma creatinine concentration is a relatively late manifestation of diabetic nephropathy. However, anaemia occurs more frequently in subjects with DM when compared with those with non‐DM renal disease. While reduced production and a blunted response to EPO occurs in DM with early renal damage, other factors including chronic inflammation, autonomic neuropathy and iron deficiency are also important. Although recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has been an effective therapeutic agent in CKD anaemia, it appears to be more effective in patients with DM, even in earlier stages. Nevertheless, patients with DM are also more likely to be iron deficient, a barrier to effective rhEPO therapy. The effect of treatment on the reliability of haemoglobin A1c as an index of glycaemic control must be remembered. It is proposed that anaemia and its causes must be important components of care in subjects with early diabetic renal damage.
Thiazolidinediones and the preservation of β‐cell function, cellular proliferation and apoptosis
Authors: Decker Michael , Hofflich Heather , Elias Alan N.
Published: July 2007

The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) or glitazones are pharmaceutical agents that have profound effects on energy expenditure and conservation. They also exert significant anti‐inflammatory effects and influence cell proliferation and cell death. The drugs are primarily used in clinical practice in the treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, a disorder of insulin resistance that occurs when the pancreatic β‐cells are unable to produce adequate amounts of insulin to maintain euglycaemia. Loss of pancreatic β‐cell function in type 2 diabetes is progressive and often precedes overt diabetes by 10 years or more, as was shown by the United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study. Any therapeutic or preventive approach that would limit or reverse loss of β‐cell function in diabetes would have profound effects on the morbidity associated with this widespread disease. Evidence suggesting a potential role of TZDs in preserving β‐cell function in type 2 diabetes as well as the ability of these agents to exert anti‐inflammatory and proapoptotic anticancer effects, and their ability to promote cellular proliferation in various organs is reviewed.
The effect of thiazolidinediones on adiponectin serum level: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Riera‐Guardia N. , Rothenbacher D.
Published: July 2007

Background and aims:  Adiponectin is a hormone mainly produced by white adipose tissue. Decreased levels of adiponectin are linked with visceral obesity, insulin resistance states, and cardiovascular diseases. Recently, several studies have pointed out an increase in adiponectin serum levels in subjects undergoing treatment with thiazolidinediones (TZD). The aim of this study is to systematically review the current state of evidence of the effect of TZD on adiponectin serum level with special attention to avoid publication bias.

Materials and methods:  An extensive literature search was performed. Meta Analysis Version 2.0 computer program was used to calculate statistical differences in means and 95% confidence interval (CI). Publication bias was assessed using different statistical approaches.

Results:  In the meta‐analysis including 19 studies the overall standardized mean difference was 0.94 (95% CI, 0.81–1.06) which means that subjects treated with TZDs on average had means of adiponectin concentration that were about 1 standard deviation higher than the comparison groups even after controlling for possible biases.

Conclusions:  The results obtained agree with a moderate increase of serum adiponectin. The results clearly reveal an increase of endogenous serum adiponectin levels by intake of TZDs and may point to a potential new option to manage obesity‐related diseases.
Phylogeographical structure of vaironeTelestes muticellus(Teleostei, Cyprinidae) within three European peri‐Mediterranean districts
Authors: Zaccara Serena , Stefani Fabrizio , Delmastro Giovanni B.
Published: July 2007

The phylogeographical pattern of vairone (Telestes muticellus) populations was assessed to test the biogeographical distinction of three peri‐Mediterranean ichthyogeographical districts: Padano‐Venetian (PV), Tuscano‐Latium (TL) and southern France (SF), evaluating the role of Alpine and Apennine barriers in shaping distinct evolutionary lineages. A fragment of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochromeb(cytb) was sequenced in 153 specimens from 14 north‐western Italian populations, collected in 10 tributaries of Po River and in four rivers on the Tyrrhenian slope of Ligury, and 32 haplotypes were identified. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the presence of two distinct clades, an ‘Italian clade’ (T. muticellus) and a ‘French clade’ (T. souffia), showing an average genetic distance of 12.9% (± 1.3 SD) and allopatric distribution. The Nested Clade Analysis (NCA) and the Analysis of Molecular Variance (amova) revealed an isolated gene pool in eastern basins on the Tyrrhenian slope of Ligury. The phylogeographical findings suggest: (i) the lack of permeability of Alpine barrier towards the dispersion across Italian and French hydrographical systems; and (ii) partial permeability of Mediterranean Alps and Apennines through river captures crossing lower watersheds.
In vitro human nail penetration and kinetics of panthenol
Authors: Hui X. , Hornby S. B. , Wester R. C. , Barbadillo S. , Appa Y. , Maibach H.
Published: July 2007

Synopsis

The in vitro absorption of panthenol into and through the human nail was examined in this study. Panthenol, the alcohol form of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), is believed to act as a humectant and improve the flexibility and strength of nails. A liquid nail treatment formulated with panthenol (2%) was compared to a solution of panthenol (2%) in water. Fingernail specimens were dosed daily for 7 days with either the nail treatment (non‐lacquer film forming) formulation or aqueous solution with sampling performed every 24 h. Panthenol concentrations were determined in the dorsal surface, interior (by drilling and removal) and in the supporting bed under the human nail. Panthenol levels in the dorsal nail (R2 = 0.87; P < 0.001), nail interior (R2 = 0.94; P < 0.001) and nail supporting bed (R2 = 0.79; P < 0.003) showed a significant linear increase with each day of dosing. Significantly more panthenol was delivered into the interior nail and supporting bed by a nail treatment formulation than from an aqueous solution. The film acts not only as a reservoir of panthenol, but also acts to increase the hydration of the nail and the thermodynamic activity of panthenol as well, thereby enhancing diffusion.
Developing beauty‐enhancing makeup by controlling light reflected from skin (II) – a makeup foundation producing an optimal reflectance dip on skin
Authors: Sakazaki Y. , Suzuki Y. , Nishikata K. , Mohri K.
Published: July 2007

Spectral reflection curves of human skin generally show a characteristic dip in the 500–600 nm range. This ‘dip’ is unique for each person, and is believed to be caused by the spectral absorption of blood. We investigated the spectral reflectance of human skin and discovered a very interesting correlation between the area of the reflectance dip and L* value (lightness of the skin). The standard area of reflectance dip (Ads) is defined and calculated from the correlation we discovered. The actual area of reflectance dip (ADa) is calculated from the spectral reflection curve. The ratio of ADa and ADs was found to be a very useful optical parameter for skin complexion perception. By artificially creating different optical environments and varying ADa/ADs from 10 to 200%, we found that skin appeared more beautiful when ADa/ADs was in the 100–125% range. We therefore considered methods for applying these results into the development of cosmetic products. Investigation and testing of many different pigments resulted in the development of specially‐designed powdered fiber with a #‐shaped cross section dyed magenta. An experimental foundation with this powdered fiber produced a clear reflectance dip by raising reflectance in the short and long wavelength ranges. ADa/ADs increased from 49 to 107% without reducing lightness when this makeup foundation was applied on sallow skin.
Contact angle measurement – a reliable supportive method for screening water‐resistance of ultraviolet‐protecting products in vivo
Authors: Hagens R. , Mann T. , Schreiner V. , Barlag H. G. , Wenck H. , Wittern K.‐P. , Mei W.
Published: July 2007

Synopsis

Substantivity of sunscreen formulations is affected by the wash‐out rate of ultraviolet‐absorber and ‐reflector compounds in water. Water‐resistance of sunscreen formulations is currently determined according to a standardized European Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (COLIPA) protocol, encompassing the determination of a minimal erythemal dose before and after a defined immersion step in water. It can be supposed that the higher the wettability of a treated skin area, the higher is the wash‐out rate of sunscreen compounds. This present report addresses the validity of determining the wettability of treated skin alone as a measure for the water‐resistance of sunscreen products. The report addresses the robustness, accuracy and congruence of a recently developed wettability test, based on the measurement of the contact angle (CA) of a sessile water drop on treated skin areas. Contact angle data of 66 sunscreen formulations are compared with the corresponding results of 81 water‐resistance tests, using the sun protection factor (SPF)/immersion/SPF method. Sunscreen products tested by the CA method were applied to the skin of the volar forearm of test subjects at a defined dose and drying‐time, using a standardized application and recording device. Contact angles between a sessile water drop and skin were recorded by a Charge‐Coupled Device (CCD) camera and subjected to automatic contour analysis. Taking the SPF/immersion/SPF method as gold standard, accuracy parameters of the CA method were determined. By using an appropriate cut‐off level of CAs, the CA method has a specificity and positive‐predictive value of 100%, and turns out to be a reliable screening method to identify water‐resistant formulations. Based on our findings, those formulations that give CAs above 30° may be categorized water‐proof without further testing by the COLIPA water‐resistance method.
Salicyloyl‐phytosphingosine: a novel agent for the repair of photoaged skin
Authors: Farwick M. , Watson R. E. B. , Rawlings A. V. , Wollenweber U. , Lersch P. , Bowden J. J. , Bastrilles J. Y. , Griffiths C. E. M.
Published: July 2007

Synopsis

In recent years the importance of sphingolipids (cerebrosides, sphingomyelin, ceramides, sphingosine‐1‐phospate, etc.) in skin biology is receiving an increasing interest. Not only are ceramides essential for the barrier function of the skin, especially through their phytosphingosine, sphingosine and 6‐hydroxysphingosine derivatives, they are now also known to be cell‐signalling mediators which can improve epidermal differentiation. However, their effects on dermal anti‐ageing markers and reduction of wrinkles have not been established. In this study, we were interested in the effects of a sphingolipid derivative, salicyloyl‐phytosphingosine (SP), because of the known independent beneficial effects of salicylic acid and phytosphingosine on skin. Both of these agents are known to reduce the activities of the activator protein‐1 transcription factor, in a manner similar to that observed with retinoic acid (RA) treatment. Through this mechanism, RA was shown to reduce the levels of matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) and the increase levels of extracellular matrix proteins. Therefore, we examined the effects of SP on procollagen‐I synthesis in fibroblasts in vitro, its effects in vivo on the expression of dermal markers such as fibrillin‐1, procollagen‐I and MMP‐1 immunochemically in biopsies taken from a short‐term occluded patch test protocol and, its effects on periorbital wrinkle reduction over 4 weeks using Fast Optical In Vivo Topometry of Human Skin. In vitro we observed a significant increase in the production of procollagen‐I by adult human fibroblasts (two fold increase, P < 0.01) which encouraged us to test the effects of SP in vivo. Initially, test products (SP at 0.05% and 0.2%, all‐trans RA (0.025%) and vehicle were applied under occlusion for 8 days prior to biopsy and histological assessment in photoaged volunteers (n = 5). Increased deposition of fibrillin‐1 and procollagen‐I, together with reductions in the levels of MMP‐1, were observed for the SP treatments (P < 0.05). Similar effects were observed for RA, except for the increases in procollagen‐I. With these beneficial effects on the basement membrane and papillary dermal markers, we evaluated the effects of SP in an oil‐in‐water (O/W) cream for its effects in reducing the appearance of periorbital wrinkles in a 4‐week, half‐face clinical study compared to placebo cream (moderately photoaged female subjects aged 41–69 years; n = 30). Clear reductions in wrinkle depth and Rz (skin smoothness) together with Ra (skin roughness) parameters were observed (P < 0.05), indicating an anti‐wrinkle benefit. In conclusion, this series of studies demonstrated for the first time that a ceramide derivative, such as that SP, was a novel agent for the repair of photoaged skin and highlight its effects at the cellular, tissue and organ levels.
Institutions and local growth coalitions in China's urban land reform: The case of Hangzhou High‐Technology Zone
Authors: Qian Zhu
Published: July 2007

Abstract:  China's urban land reform is a gradualist process of transforming a planned land allocation system to an open land market system, while the ownership of the land remains under the control of the state. This process defines the relationships between local government and emerging non‐public interest groups in the land development process. These issues can be most clearly seen in the State‐Approved Development Zones, where municipalities have been encouraged to promote economic development and test out land policy initiatives. Using the institutionalist and urban growth machine analytical approaches to land development processes, this study examines the operation of development processes and the role of local government and its relationship with other interest groups. By employing a case study research strategy, focused upon the Hangzhou High‐Technology Zone, the study uncovered a local government‐led growth coalition which featured participation by other interest groups and revealed the applicability and variations when applying two strands of theories to a socialist economy in transition. Besides the land reform policy implications drawn from the case study evidence, the study concludes that the presence of interest groups and the missing community organisations unique to China give new theoretical implications and that both theories work much better with the economic domain than with the political domain largely because of a lagged political reform.
Islands, idylls and the detours of development
Authors: Connell John
Published: July 2007

A passing parade of paradigms imported from distant places has failed to bring development to small islands and island states in the Pacific. Insularity might once have suggested purity, but more extended resource frontiers and other external pressures have challenged illusory benefits of ‘isolation’. Failures of development, seemingly crystallized in the ‘arc of instability’, have brought new and more direct external intervention as regional geopolitics have been recast, despite the failure of earlier ‘foreign flowers’. These have been paralleled by a new outward urge and simultaneous emergence of alternative indigenous responses at various scales, mostly encapsulated within indigenous ‘cultural turns’ and ‘economic turns’. Older versions of syncretism and hybridity have taken more cultural and economic forms, in various contexts of disengagement and restructuring, which offer positive development outcomes and suggest the need for new, more culturally relevant dimensions and directions for development practice and theory.
Extensions of linear diagonal‐parameter symmetry and quasi‐symmetry models for cumulative probabilities in square contingency tables
Authors: Tomizawa Sadao , Miyamoto Nobuko , Yamamoto Kouji , Sugiyama Akinobu
Published: July 2007

For square contingency tables with ordered categories, CAUSSINUS [Annales de la Faculté des Sciences de l'Université de Toulouse (1965) Vol. 29, pp. 77–182] and AGRESTI [Statistics and Probability Letters (1983) Vol. 1, pp. 313–316] considered the quasi‐symmetry and the linear diagonal‐parameter symmetry models, respectively, which have multiplicative forms for cell probabilities. This paper proposes two kinds of models that have the similar multiplicative forms for cumulative probabilities that an observation will fall in row (column) category i or below and column (row) category j (>i) or above. The endometrial cancer data are analyzed using these models.
Analysis of marginally specified semi‐nonparametric models for clustered binary data
Authors: Ghosh Santu , Das Kalyan , Congdon Peter
Published: July 2007

Generalized linear mixed models are widely used for analyzing clustered data. If the primary interest is in regression parameters, one can proceed alternatively, through the marginal mean model approach. In the present study, a joint model consisting of a marginal mean model and a cluster‐specific conditional mean model is considered. This model is useful when both time‐independent and time‐dependent covariates are available. Furthermore our model is semi‐parametric, as we assume a flexible, smooth semi‐nonparametric density of the cluster‐specific effects. This semi‐nonparametric density‐based approach outperforms the approach based on normality assumption with respect to some important features of ‘between‐cluster variation’. We employ a full likelihood‐based approach and apply the Monte Carlo EM algorithm to analyze the model. A simulation study is carried out to demonstrate the consistency of the approach. Finally, we apply this to a study of long‐term illness data.
Covariance functions that are stationary or nonstationary in space and stationary in time
Authors: Porcu E. , Mateu J. , Bevilacqua M.
Published: July 2007

There is a great demand for statistical modelling of phenomena that evolve in both space and time, and thus, there is a growing literature on covariance function models for spatio‐temporal processes. Although several nonseparable space–time covariance models are available in the literature, very few of them can be used for spatially anisotropic data. In this paper, we propose a new class of stationary nonseparable covariance functions that can be used for both geometrically and zonally anistropic data. In addition, we show some desirable mathematical features of this class. Another important aspect, only partially covered by the literature, is that of spatial nonstationarity. We show a very simple criteria allowing for the construction of space–time covariance functions that are nonseparable, nonstationary in space and stationary in time. Part of the theoretical results proposed in the paper will then be used for the analysis of Irish wind speed data as in HASLETT and RAFTERY (Applied Statistics, 38, 1989, 1).
The Effects of Cannabis Use on Wages of Prime‐age Males*
Authors: Van Ours Jan C.
Published: July 2007

This paper uses a data set collected among inhabitants of Amsterdam, to study whether wages of prime‐age male workers are affected by cannabis use. The analysis shows that recent cannabis use has a negative effect on wages. The size of the wage effect depends on the age of onset. The earlier the start of cannabis use the larger the negative wage impact.
Interactions between protease inhibitors and acid‐reducing agents: a systematic review
Authors: Béïque L , Giguère P , La Porte C , Angel J
Published: July 2007

Objective

The purpose of this article is to provide a systematic review of the available pharmacokinetic and clinical data on drug interactions between protease inhibitors (PIs) and acid‐reducing agents, and their clinical relevance.

Methods

A literature search was performed using Medline and EMBASE, abstracts of the previous 2 years of major conferences were searched and the drug information service of the manufacturer of every currently available PI was contacted. All data were summarized, and verified by at least two authors.

Results

A total of 1231 references were identified, 22 of which were studies of pharmacokinetic interactions between PIs and acid‐suppressive agents and a further 12 of which provided pharmacokinetic and/or clinical data.

Conclusions

Many pharmacokinetic studies show a lack of a drug interaction between at least one acid‐reducing agent and most PIs. Little clinical information is available, except on interactions between atazanavir and acid‐reducing agents. This is probably a consequence of the complexity of the interaction.
Levetiracetam monotherapy in Alzheimer patients with late‐onset seizures: a prospective observational study
Authors: Belcastro V. , Costa C. , Galletti F. , Pisani F. , Calabresi P. , Parnetti L.
Published: July 2007

Levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy was investigated in 25 patients with advanced Alzheimer's disease (AD) and new‐onset epileptic seizures in a prospective open‐label study. At a daily dose of 1000–1500 mg, 72% were seizure‐free for at least one year; 16% discontinued for untolerability; 8% were unresponsive; 4% were lost to follow‐up. These results suggest the need for controlled studies to confirm if LEV can be a first‐choice drug in AD.
Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth neuropathy type 1A combined with Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Vondracek P. , Hermanova M. , Sedlackova J. , Fajkusova L. , Stary D. , Michenkova A. , Gaillyova R. , Seeman P. , Mazanec R.
Published: July 2007

We report a 24‐year‐old male with an unusual combination of two inherited neuromuscular disorders – Charcot‐Marie‐Tooth (CMT) disease type 1A and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). A phenotypic presentation of this patient included features of both these disorders. Nerve conduction studies revealed demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Electromyography showed a profound myogenic pattern. The serum creatine kinase level was highly elevated. Muscle biopsy revealed a dystrophic picture with deficient dystrophin immunostaining. CMT1A duplication on chromosome 17p11.2 was found. The frame‐shift mutation c.3609–3612delTAAAinsCTT (p.K1204LfsX11) was detected in the dystrophin gene by analysing mRNA isolated from the muscle tissue. The patient inherited both these mutations from his mother. The combination of CMT1A and DMD has not been reported as yet.
How to govern business services exchanges: Contractual and relational issues
Authors: Vandaele Darline , Rangarajan Deva , Gemmel Paul , Lievens Annouk
Published: July 2007

With firms concentrating on core competencies, more emphasis has been placed on outsourcing and dealing with external sourcing agents. This has led to a stronger academic focus on buyer–seller exchanges and the corresponding mechanisms for governing these exchanges. This paper gives an overview of previous research investigating the exchange governance phenomenon based on transaction cost theory or co‐operative interorganizational relationships. The results reveal that few research studies have investigated the overall picture of exchange governance, including both contractual and relational governance and taking into account antecedents as well as performance outcomes of the governance mechanisms involved. Moreover, despite the service‐dominant logic shift, limited attention is given to specific service characteristics and their impact on exchange governance. This paper attempts to meld economic and social related antecedents into a model with regard to exchange governance in business services settings. Contractual and relational governance issues and their impact on performance outcomes are also considered. The resulting model indicates that to govern business services exchanges efficiently, more emphasis should be placed on behavioral uncertainty, human and process asset specificity and contractual governance. The paper concludes by discussing several directions for future research.
Adult Aqueductal Stenosis Presenting as a Thunderclap Headache: A Case Report
Authors: Mucchiut M , Valentinis L , Tuniz F , Zanotti B , Skrap M , Bergonzi P , Zanchin G
Published: July 2007

Thunderclap headache is well known to be a presenting feature of a variety of causal events. Indeed, a primary form is considered in the International Classification of Headache Disorders-II, but such diagnosis must be made only after exclusion of a possible secondary cause. We report a case of late-onset idiopathic aqueductal stenosis presenting with thunderclap headache, in the absence of abnormal neurological findings or indirect signs of raised intracranial pressure. The patient recovered completely after endoscopic third ventriculostomy. This case indicates primary aqueduct stenosis as a possible, never previously reported, cause of thunderclap headache.