bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Forms of B‐Domain‐Deleted Recombinant Factor VIII Molecules
Authors: Lind Peter , Larsson Kerstin , Spira Jack , Sydow‐Báckman Mona , Almstedt Annelie , Gray Eva , Sandberg Helena
Published: March 2005

Recombinant molecules similar to the smallest active plasma‐derived factor VIII molecule, a complex of an 80‐kDa and a 90‐kDa polypeptide chain lacking the B domain, have been produced using various factor VIII cDNA constructs in order to obtain primary translation products which were efficiently processed into the 80+90‐kDa complex. Three types of single‐chain cDNAs encoding B‐domain‐deleted derivatives factor VIII were designed, taking account of sites at Arg740 and Glut 649, assumed to be important for processing factor VIII.

In the type 1 constructs, either Arg747, Arg752, or Arg776 in the N‐terminal region of factor VIII B domain was fused to the N‐terminus (Glu1649) of the 80‐kDa subunit. In the type 2 construct r‐VIII SQ, Ser743 was fused to Gln1638, creating a link of 14 amino acids between the C‐terminus (Arg740) of the 90‐kDa chain and N‐terminus of the 80‐kDa chain, whereas in type 2 r‐VIII RH, Arg747 was fused to His1646. In the type 3 constructs, the B‐domain was completely removed or replaced with 1–4 Arg residues.

After expression in Chinese hamster ovary cells, the type 1 derivatives and the type 3 derivatives with 0–2 Arg residues inserted were found to be only partially processed and contained a large amount of the 170‐kDa primary translation product. In contrast, most of the type 2 derivatives r‐VIII SQ and r‐VIII RH and the type 3 derivatives r‐VIII R4 and r‐VIII R5 containing three or four extra Arg residues preceding the N‐terminus of the 80‐kDa chain were processed into the desired 80+90‐kDa chain complexes. The feature common to the most efficiently processed factor VIII deletion derivatives was that they contained the recognition motif for proteolytic cleavage by the membrane‐bound subtilisin‐like protease furin, which is expressed in most types of cells; that is, basic amino acid residues at positions –1 and –4 relative to the cleavage site at Glu1649. Biochemical studies of r‐VIII SQ and r‐VIII R5, two of the most effectively processed factor VIII derivatives, showed that both proteins had a normal factor VIII cofactor function, and had N‐ and C‐termini of the 80‐kDa and 90‐kDa chains corresponding to those found in plasma‐derived factor VIII.
Intracellular Levels and Secretion of Insulin‐Like‐Growth‐Factor‐Binding Proteins in MCF‐7/6, MCF‐7/AZ and MDA‐MB‐231 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Dubois Vincent , Couissi Driss , Schonne Edgard , Remacle Claude , Trouet André
Published: March 2005

The synthesis and secretion of insulin‐like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) were studied in MDA‐MB‐231 (estrogen‐receptor‐negative), MCF‐7/6 (estrogen‐receptor‐positive, invasive) and in MCF‐7/AZ (estrogen‐receptor‐positive, non‐invasive) human breast carcinoma cell lines. Cells were grown or maintained in a chemically defined medium. Under these conditions, we found different patterns of IGFBPs in the three cell types. MDA‐MB‐231 cells secrete most of the IGFBPs they produce whereas MCF‐7/6 and MCF‐7/AZ cells maintain a high intracellular level. In MDA‐MB‐231 cells, the major IGFBP is IGFBP‐4 which is the minor form in MCF‐7/6 and MCF‐7/AZ cells. IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐5 are predominant in MCF‐7/6 cells while MCF‐7/AZ cells produce far less IGFBPs and do not contain detectable amounts of 29–32‐kDa forms (IGFBP‐5). In MCF‐7/6 cells, estradiol‐17β specifically decreases both the intracellular content and secretion of IGFBP‐2 and IGFBP‐5. Estrogen regulation of IGFBPs cell content and secretion was found to be tamoxifen‐resistant, and only slightly antagonized by ICI 182,780, a pure antiestrogen. The function of these regulations relative to the invasive phenotype and proliferation has now to be determined.
Does the Overexpression of Pro‐Insulin‐Like Growth Factor‐II in Transfected Human Embryonic Kidney Fibroblasts Increase the Secretion of Lysosomal Enzymes?
Authors: Hoeflich Andreas , Wolf Eckard , Braulke Thomas , Koepf Gabriele , Kessler Ulrike , Brem Gottfried , Rascher Wolfgang , Blum Werner , Kiess Wieland
Published: March 2005

Insulin‐like growth factor‐II (IGF‐II) and lysosomal enzymes bearing the mannose 6‐phosphate (Man6P) recognition marker, bind to two distinct binding sites of the IGF‐II/M6P receptor. The two classes of ligands reciprocally modulate the binding of the other class of ligand to the receptor [Kiess, W., Thomas, C. L., Greenstein, L., Lee, L., Sklar, M. M., Rechler, M. M., Sahagian, G. G. & Nissley, S. P. (1989) J. Biol. Chem. 264, 4710–4714]. We asked whether or not overexpression of pro‐IGF‐II by cells in culture leads to missorting of lysosomal enzymes. Human embryonal kidney fibroblasts were transfected with the full‐length human IGF‐II cDNA or a control cDNA. Solution hybridization/RNase protection experiments using a human IGF‐II riboprobe showed that two transfectants expressed large quantities of IGF‐II mRNA, whereas the non‐transfected cells did not. The analysis of conditioned media revealed that these cells secrete approximately 0.15 μg and 1.0 μg immunoreactive IGF‐II/ml and 22X106 cells and 24X106 cells within 24 hours. Immunoreactive IGF‐II was shown by Western blotting to represent 17‐kDa pro‐IGF‐II. The amount of the lysosomal enzyme, β‐hexosaminidase, was approximately twofold increased in the conditioned media from pro‐IGF‐II overexpressing cells compared with control media, as shown by Western‐blot analysis and immunoprecipitation of media extracts of metabolically labeled cells. The synthesis rate of β‐hexosaminidase was not affected by pro‐IGF‐II overexpression. In addition, the basal amount of another newly synthesized lysosomal enzyme, the cathepsin D precursor, was also twofold higher in pro‐IGF‐II overexpressing cells than in control cells. In contrast, the surface binding and cellular uptake rate of a Man6P‐containing neoglyoprotein did not differ between the cell lines. The results indicate that the overexpression of pro‐IGF‐II doubles the secretion and/or reduces the re‐uptake of β‐hexosaminidase and cathepsin D to approximately 20% of the total synthesized enzymes in human embryonal kidney fibroblasts compared to control cells. We hypothesize that, in cells synthesizing high amounts of pro‐IGF‐II, the growth factor may modulate the targeting of a portion of lysosomal enzymes, mainly by partially enhancing the secretion of newly synthesized enzymes and, in addition, possibly by affecting the re‐uptake mechanism.
The Primary Structure of Hyphomicrobium X Dimethylamine Dehydrogenase
Authors: Yang Chien‐Chih , Packman Leonard C. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: March 2005

The gene encoding dimethylamine dehydrogenase from Hyphomicrobium X has been cloned and over‐expressed in Escherichia coli. Using the chemically determined protein sequence, primers were designed to amplify DNA fragments encoding the proximal and distal parts of the gene. These fragments were used to synthesise two probes and the dmd gene was cloned as part of two Bam HI fragments isolated from digested genomic DNA. The sequence of the complete open reading frame was determined on both strands and contained 2211bp coding for a protein of 736 amino acids, including the N‐terminal methionine residue that is removed when expressed in the native host. The molecular mass of the processed apoprotein predicted from the DNA sequence is 82523Da. Dimethylamine dehydrogenase is closely related to the trimethylamine dehydrogenase of Methlylophilus methylotrophus W3A1 (63.5% identical) and other class I FMN‐binding β8α8 barrel flavoproteins. Residues in the active site of trimethylamine dehydrogenase that are known, or implicated, to be important in catalysis are conserved in dimethylamine dehydrogenase. Sequence alignment of dimethylamine and trimethylamine dehydrogenases suggests that the specificity for secondary and tertiary amines resides in a single amino acid substitution in a substrate‐binding aromatic bowl located in the active site of the enzymes.
Molecular Modelling of the Interaction Between the Catalytic Site of Pig Pancreatic α‐Amylase and Amylose Fragments
Authors: Casset Florence , Imberty Anne , Haser Richard , Payan Françoise , Perez Serge
Published: March 2005

A stereo chemical refinement of the crystalline complex between porcine pancreatic α‐amylase and a pseudopentasaccharide from the amylostatin family has been performed through molecular mechanics calculations, using a set of parameters appropriate for protein and protein‐carbohydrate interactions. The refinement provided a starting point for docking a maltopentaose moiety within the catalytic site, in the absence of water. A thorough exploration of the different orientations and conformations of maltopentaose established the sense of binding of the amylosic substrate in the amylase cleft. After optimising the geometry of the binding site, the conformations adopted by the four contiguous linkages could be rationalised by considering the environment, either hydrophobic or hydrophilic, of the different glucose moieties. Seemingly, details of the non‐bonded interactions (hydrogen bonds, van der Waals and stacking interactions) that underlie this molecular recognition have been established. In particular, it was confirmed that the three acidic amino acids of the catalytic site (Asp197, Asp300 and Glu233) are close to their glucosidic target, and that there is no steric reason to propose an alteration of the 4C1 conformation of the glucose residue prior to hydrolysis. However, in the absence of water molecules, it is difficult to elucidate the details of the catalysis. Additional macroscopic information has been gained, such as the impossibility to fit a double‐helical arrangement of amylose chains in the amylasic cleft. This explains why some native starches containing such motifs resist amylolytic enzymes. Tentative models involving longer amylosic chains have been elaborated, which extend our knowledge of the interaction and orientation of starch fragments in the vicinity of the hydrolytic sites.
Spectroscopic and Mutagenesis Studies on the CuA Centre from The Cytochrome‐c Oxidase Complex of Paracoccus Denitrificans
Authors: Farrar Jacqueline A. , Lappalainen Pekka , Zumft Walter G. , Saraste Matti , Thomson Andrew J.
Published: March 2005

Cytochrome‐c oxidase contains an unusual copper centre (CuA) located in subunit II. This centre mediates one‐electron transfer from cytochrome c to low‐spin heme a. Recent spectroscopic and biochemical studies have shown that this centre is a valence delocalised dinuclear [Cu(+1.5)‐Cu(+1.5)] centre. We have measured the absorption, EPR and variable‐temperature magnetic circular dichroism spectra of the CuA‐binding domain isolated from Paracoccus denitrificans cytochrome aa3. The EPR spectrum showed the following signals: g‖= 2.18; g⊥= 2.03. g‖ exhibited a seven‐line hyperfine splitting pattern, with an intensity ratio showing that the single unpaired electron interacted equally with two copper nuclei. The magnetic circular dichroism spectrum was identical to those from CuA in bovine heart cytochrome‐c oxidase and centre A of nitrous‐oxide reductase, showing the close structural similarity between the three centres. To identify the ligands of CuA, all the conserved putative ligands in the P. denitrificans CuA domain were substituted. Only five residues, Cys244, Cys248, His209, His252, and Met255, were required for correct assembly of the CuA centre. Replacement of Met255 caused protein misfolding. Hence, methionine may have a structural role for the folding of the protein rather than being a CuA ligand. Given that both copper ions must have identical coordination geometries, the number of possible structures is limited. Two models are proposed: one involves the thiolate side‐chains of Cys244 and Cys248 bridging a pair of copper ions with one histidine coordinating each copper ion, and the other has terminal ligation of each copper ion by one cysteine and one histidine residue. In both models, the metal‐metal distance can be sufficiently short to permit direct d‐orbital overlap of the copper ions. The magnetic circular dichroism transitions at 475 nm and 525 nm are assigned to thiolate‐to‐copper charge‐transfer processes polarised perpendicular to one another, although the magnetic circular dichroism intensities show that the excited states were heavily mixed with copper d‐orbitals. These intensities can be interpreted in the thiolate bridged model in terms of transitions within a Cu2(SR)2 rhomb. In the model involving terminal cysteine ligation, exciton coupling of two thiolate‐to‐copper charge‐transfer transitions of similar energy, polarised along the Cu‐S bonds, would contribute two transitions perpendicular to one another. This requires that the cysteine ligands have a cis orientation relative to one another. The spectral properties of the H252N variant (histidine at position 252 replaced by asparagine) and the high‐pH form of P. denitrificans CuA were similar, showing that one copper ion had lost one histidine ligand in the latter form. The dimer was converted into a valence trapped [Cu(+1)‐Cu(+2)] state, which may retain the metal‐metal interaction.
The Detection of an Unidentified Type of Adenovirus in the Stools of Calves with Weak Calf Syndrome by Use of a Commercial Kit Designed for the Detection of Human Adenoviruses
Authors: Brenner J. , Elad D. , Bernstein M. , Dagoni I. , Pálfi V. , Yadin H.
Published: March 2005

An outbreak of polyarthritis in newborn calves in a large collective dairy herd was characterized by intra‐articular blood‐tinged synoviae, blood tainted faeces and massive subcorneal haemorrhages. Faecal samples from eight clinical newborn cases, 10 from unrelated dairy farms and 10 faecal samples from healthy calves were examined by the Rida® Quick rotavirus/adenovirus‐combi test . A specific adenovirus antigen precipitin‐line was seen in the reaction in all the faecal samples from the diseased calves (n = 8), while all the others (n = 20) were negative. In addition, the same positive reaction was noted when one aqueous humor and two synovial samples were tested with this kit. Several other enteropathogens were found sporadically, but no conclusive significance could be attributed to their presence. Bovine viral diarrhoea and infectious bovine rhinothracheitis viruses as well as Chlamydia spp. and Mycoplasma spp. were not involved in this episode.
Shortening of the Bovine Tongue According to Regulation (EC) 999/2001 is not Complying with the Current Legal Definition of Specified Risk Material – a Macroscopical and Histological Preliminary Study
Authors: Kühne M. , Klein G. , Gasse H.
Published: March 2005

The full elimination of all specified risk material (SRM) in food of animal origin is crucial for consumer protection and is of high priority in inner EU trade. Among other tissues, the tonsils of cattle are considered as SRM. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the ‘cut at the back of the tongue just before the tongue bones’ required by EC regulation is sufficient to remove tonsils and lymphatic tissue completely. Eight skulls from cattle were collected for the simulation of a vertical cut according to the EC regulation and the detection of the target at the back of the tongue. Further, specimens of the lingual mucosa were cut out from two tongues and examined microscopically. The most caudal of these specimens was from the macroscopically visible part of the lingual tonsil. The most rostral specimen contained the most caudal Papilla vallata. Simulation of the obligatory ventro‐dorsal cut yielded hits at varying locations on the dorsal surface of the tongue, sometimes including tissue of the lingual tonsil. Histological examination of the lingual mucosa gave clear evidence that lymphatic tissue resembling the tissue of a tonsil in terms of its histological organization and infiltration of the mucosal epithelium could even be found in areas with no macroscopically visible lingual tonsils.
Effect of dietary docosahexaenoic acid on the endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation in diabetic rats
Authors: Goirand Françoise , Ovide‐Bordeaux Stéphanie , Renaud Jean‐François , Grynberg Alain , Lacour Bernard
Published: March 2005

1. The aim of the present study was to investigate the responses to acetylcholine (ACh; 3 nmol/L−30 µmol/L) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP; 3 nmol/L−30 µmol/L) of precontracted aortic rings from diabetic rats supplemented with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

2. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (STZ; 55 mg/kg). Diabetic and sham rats were fed, over a period of 8 weeks, either control diet or a DHA‐supplemented diet. Aortic endothelial fatty acid composition was analysed by gas chromatography. The involvement of endothelial‐derived nitric oxide (NO) and cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) metabolites in response to ACh was assessed using the NO synthase inhibitor NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester (100 µmol/L) and the COX inhibitor indomethacin (1 µmol/L), respectively.

3. The DHA‐supplemented diet induced a small increase in n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; P < 0.001) owing to the incorporation of DHA in the endothelial cells of sham animals (1.6 ± 0.2% in the DHA group compared with traces in the control group; P < 0.001) and diabetic animals (1.3 ± 0.2% in the DHA group compared with traces in control group; P < 0.001), without a decrease in n‐6 PUFA, despite a small decrease in arachidonic acid content (P < 0.05). Diabetes did not modify the incorporation of DHA in endothelial cells, but did significantly increase the arachidonic acid content (0.6 ± 0.0 vs 0.4 ± 0.1% in control group in the STZ and sham groups, respectively; P < 0.001). Acetylcholine‐induced relaxation was significantly reduced in STZ groups compared with the sham groups (P < 0.001) and the DHA‐supplemented diet did not modify these effects. In contrast, neither the DHA‐supplemented diet nor diabetes affected the aortic relaxation induced by SNP. NG‐Nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester strongly inhibited the relaxant effects of ACh in the sham groups (P < 0.001) and abolished ACh‐induced relaxation in the STZ groups (P < 0.001). The diet did not modify these effects. In the presence of indomethacin, the relaxation induced by ACh was decreased in the sham groups (P < 0.01), but not in the STZ groups. The DHA‐supplemented diet did not have any effect on these responses.

4. In conclusion, these results suggest that, in the present study, the endothelial dysfunction occurring in the rat model of STZ‐induced diabetes is associated with modifications of both the synthesis of COX derivatives and NO metabolism and is not affected by dietary supplementation with DHA.
Blockade of IFN‐γ does not affect the arthritogenicity of T cells generated during the induction of adjuvant arthritis but exacerbates the polyarthritis produced by adoptive transfer of arthritogenic effector cells
Authors: Brasted Melissa , Spargo Llewellyn DJ , Mayrhofer Graham , Cleland Leslie G
Published: March 2005

IFN‐γ production is prominent in some models of autoimmune disease, including adjuvant arthritis (AA), but the role of IFN‐γ in the pathogenesis of these diseases is uncertain. Experimental manipulation (administration of cytokine, blocking cytokine action with specific antibody, disruption of genes encoding the cytokine or its receptor) has revealed both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory effects, depending on the nature of the manipulation and the timing of the treatment. We examined separately the effects of cytokine blockade during the afferent and efferent phases of AA in Dark Agouti rats, using an adoptive transfer system. Effects of IFN‐γ on the efferent phase were investigated by treating recipients with mAb DB‐1, which blocks the activity of rat IFN‐γ. When treatment was commenced before cell transfer, the resulting polyarthritis was more severe than in controls treated with normal IgG. Commencing treatment after the adoptively transferred disease had become established caused neither amelioration nor exacerbation, but did cause some delay in resolution. In contrast, treatment of donors did not appear to affect the generation of arthritogenic cells. The main effect of IFN‐γ appears to be modulation of the arthritogenicity of the migratory effector T cells that can transfer AA.
Evidence of Toll‐like receptor molecules on human platelets
Authors: Cognasse Fabrice , Hamzeh Hind , Chavarin Patricia , Acquart Sophie , Genin Christian , Garraud Olivier
Published: March 2005

Platelets are primarily involved in thrombosis and haemostasis, and they have recently been shown to have a role in innate immunity and in inflammation. We have determined the markers of innate immunity that are expressed by platelets, specifically the Toll‐like receptors (TLR), originating from mixes of platelet concentrates (MPC, n = 5) between day zero and day five after blood collection. The surface membrane and intracellular expression of TLR were measured, both after and without permeabilization, using flow cytometry. We observed weak expression of TLR2, TLR4 and TLR9 on the surface of CD41+ platelets. The expression levels of TLR4 were high (59 ± 2.2%). Moreover, there was a significant expression of TLR2 (47.5 ± 4.8%), TLR4 (78.8 ± 1.3%) and TLR9 (34.2 ± 7.5%) in the cytoplasm of CD41+ platelets. The expression of the three receptors did not change significantly during the course of the 5 day observation period. The percentage of TLR expression is significantly modulated between activated versus non‐activated platelets, both after and without permeabilization (P < 0.01). Study of the expression of TLR could increase our knowledge of the level of platelet participation during an immune reaction and inflammation. In the same way as the platelet ligand/receptor pair CD40L/CD40 is, the TLR are expressed by platelets, and could serve as a link between innate and adaptive immunity.
Fibronectin on activated T lymphocytes is bound to gangliosides and is present in detergent insoluble microdomains
Authors: Blum Stefan , Hug Friederike , Hänsch Gertrud M , Wagner Christof
Published: March 2005

Fibronectin (FN) is a multifunctional extracellular matrix glycoprotein, which participates in cell migration and signalling to adhering cells. Due to alternative splicing and post‐translational modifications, different isoforms of FN are generated by a wide variety of cells. T lymphocytes synthesize a surface‐associated isoform of FN, containing the two ‘extradomains’ EDA and EDB. In the present study, we identified gangliosides within the T‐cell membrane as specific binding sites for the N‐terminal 30 kDa fragment of FN. When T cells were activated with anti‐CD3 coated beads, FN, together with the ganglioside GM1, converged at the contact zone. Moreover, endogenous FN was present in the detergent insoluble microdomain. The function of FN in T cells is still under investigation; however, its presence together with gangliosides at the activation site suggests participation in T‐cell signalling.
The characterization of the semi‐solid W/O/W emulsions with low concentrations of the primary polymeric emulsifier
Authors: Vasiljevic D. , Vuleta G. , Primorac M.
Published: March 2005

Synopsis

Semi‐solid multiple W/O/W emulsions with low concentrations (0.8, 1.6 and 2.4% w/w) of lipophilic polymeric primary emulsifier PEG‐30‐dipolyhydroxystearate (PDHS) have been formulated. Both emulsions, primary and multiple, were prepared with high content of inner phase (Φ1 = Φ2 = 0.8). All the formulations differ only in the lipophilic emulsifier concentration. Evaluating several parameters such as macroscopic and microscopic aspect, droplet size, accelerated stability under centrifugation and flow and oscillatory rheological behaviour, assessed the multiple systems. It is possible to formulate the semi‐solid W/O/W multiple emulsions with low concentrations of PDHS as the primary emulsifier. It appeared that the highest long‐term stable multiple emulsion with the lowest droplet size, the highest apparent viscosity and highest elastic characteristic, was the sample with the highest concentration (2.4% w/w) of the primary emulsifier.
Silicones used in permanent and semi‐permanent hair dyes to reduce the fading and color change process of dyed hair occurred by wash‐out or UV radiation
Authors: Schlosser A.
Published: March 2005

Different kinds of silicones were incorporated directly into permanent and semi‐permanent hair dyes. To ensure that the silicone was deposited to the hair fibers Si deposition was measured. Hair treated with a silicone free control or the silicone modified hair dyes was tested for color and lightness change (fading) by washing the treated tresses several times and measuring the color change. In a second experiment, hair treated with permanent hair dye was treated with UV radiation to show if silicones can reduce the color change initiated by UV light. The influence of the silicones to dry combing forces of permanent dyed hair untreated and treated with UV was also investigated. The tests showed that dimethiconol/dimethicone mixtures can reduce the washout of hair colorant clearly and silicone resins like trimethylsiloxysilcate or propylphenylsilsesquioxane are able to decrease the color change occurred by UV radiation in dyed hair.
A new multifunctional, shine‐enhancing emollient: PPG‐3 benzyl ether myristate
Authors: Gao T. , Pereira A. , Obukowho P.
Published: March 2005

A new emollient ester – Crodamol STS (INCI name: PPG‐3 Benzyl Ether Myristate) has been developed and characterized. This special non‐volatile emollient is safe to use and provides silicone‐like feel and multiple cosmetic functionality. It is a liquid with a viscosity about 100 cps at room temperature. It has a high refractive index – 1.4696, which enhances hair shine, contributes to high gloss in lip products, and reduces whitening effect of fatty alcohols and silica in anti‐perspirants/deodorants applications. This emollient has high solubility of UV filters, low skin‐spreading factor, and good pigment wetting behavior, which are preferable in sunscreen and make‐up formulas to enhance the pigment localization and improve SPF value. In this paper, the chemical structure, physical properties, and various cosmetic applications of the emollient will be discussed. Especially, an objective hair shine (luster) test method (color image analysis) has been established and applied to study the enhancement in hair shine by Crodamol STS in hair spray and hair gel formulations. The objective measurements in hair shine showed good agreement with the results obtained from subjective evaluations. The substantivity of Crodamol STS on hair surface, which was delivered from a rinse‐off cream, was also determined by a solvent extraction method.
Effects of arginine on hair damage via oxidative coloring process
Authors: Oshimura E. , Ino M.
Published: March 2005

The purpose of this study was to measure the protective effects of arginine in oxidative coloring or bleaching process. Contact angle measurement, tensile measurement and amino acid analysis were employed. As the first step, it was shown that oxidative coloring or bleaching process decreases hair surface hydrophobicity and tensile strength in wet condition. Next the study has been conducted with coloring agents in which part of the ammonia was replaced with arginine, to find that arginine reduced the oxidative change in contact angle and tensile strength. These results suggest that arginine prevents the undesirable attack by hydrogen peroxide on hair proteins and hair surface lipids. Furthermore, it is also suggested from amino acid analysis that a considerable amount of arginine is deposited on, or in hair fibers from coloring agents.
Structural analysis of human hair fibers under the ultra‐high voltage electron microscope
Authors: Koike K. , Yoshida O. , Mamada A. , Watanabe T. , Hasegawa T. , Kuwae A. , Takaoka A.
Published: March 2005

Three‐dimensional structural analyses of human hair fibers and comparison of the different fibers were tried by using the Ultra‐high Voltage Electron Microscope (UHVEM). The analysis condition, sample preparation, and a machine state were adjusted to the suitable condition for tilting observation of from –70° to +70°, at 2° intervals. The tomography of hair fiber was successfully reconstructed from the different angle pictures with IMODE software in a computer. By using UHVEM, the various human hair fibers from Japanese and Caucasians were investigated and discussed about their structures.
Tensile properties of twisted hair fibers
Authors: Dankovich T. A. , Kamath Y. K. , Ruetsch S.
Published: March 2005

Hair is routinely twisted during grooming processes, which can cause tangles and lead to breakage of hair fibers. To evaluate the damage caused by twisting hair, the tensile stress–strain properties of single twisted hair fibers were measured by two different experimental procedures: (A) twist at constant length, followed by extension to break (without untwisting); and (B) twist and untwist at constant length, followed by extension to break. In procedure (A), the strength, extension, and initial modulus decreased with increase in twist factor, whereas in procedure (B), the strength and extension did not significantly change from control values, although the initial modulus decreased with increase in twist factor. Furthermore, the degree of recovery from torsional deformation was studied by a variant of procedure (B), where the fiber after untwisting was relaxed for 5 and 10 min, respectively, prior to extension to break. The major conclusion from this study was that at low and moderate twist levels, the tensile mechanical properties of human hair are recoverable.
Free internal lipids in hair from pre‐ and post‐menopausal women
Authors: Wills J. , Dolphin S. , Albiston L. , Parmar P. , Westgate G. E. , Harrap G. J.
Published: March 2005

Little is known about changes in hair lipids during life and their effects on hair properties. Our objectives were to study for the first time the effects of the female menopause on hair lipids, the contribution of sebum, and hair quality using pre‐menopausal and post‐menopausal subjects with and without hormone replacement therapy. Extracted hair lipids were quantified by high performance thin layer chromatography, forehead sebum output measured by sebumeter and hair greasiness, shine, softness and smoothness evaluated by expert assessment. Pre‐menopausal free internal lipids contained free fatty acids, wax or cholesteryl esters, cholesterol, ceramides, triglycerides and squalene. The composition was distinct from scalp surface lipids collected at the same time and from hair follicles from facelift patients, with no wax or cholesteryl esters and squalene in follicles and no ceramides in the surface lipids. Wax or cholesteryl esters and squalene were decreased (P < 0.05) and cholesterol and ceramides increased (P < 0.05) in post‐menopausal hair. The changes for squalene, wax or cholesteryl esters and cholesterol were reduced when hormone replacement therapy was taken. Sebum output and hair greasiness, shine, softness and smoothness fell significantly (P < 0.05) after menopause. Hormone replacement therapy increased (P < 0.05) results after menopause. It is concluded that hair free internal lipids derive from both the hair follicle and sebum. Sebum output falls after menopause and contributes less to hair lipids. The hair condition also changes. Understanding hair changes during life should improve matching of hair products to consumer needs.
Change in surface chemistry of the cuticle of human hair by chemical and photochemical oxidation
Authors: Ruetsch S. B. , Kamath Y. K.
Published: March 2005

This is a multifaceted study on the characterization and quantification of damage to the hair fiber surface caused by photochemical and cosmetic chemical oxidative processes. Unique techniques were used, including a microfluorometric method that had been adapted to characterize and quantify the delipidation and acidification of the human hair surface during light exposure and cosmetic chemical grooming processes such as bleaching. During photochemical and chemical oxidation, breakdown of the lipid domains (also called the F‐layer) of the outer b‐layer occurs on the exposed scale faces and cysteic acid groups are generated on the cuticle cell surface. The newly formed acid functionalities can be tagged with the cationic fluorochrome Rhodamine B, allowing not only quantification of the level of progressive acidification but also localization of the newly formed acid functionalities. On the other hand, the negative charges generated on the hair surface by oxidation can also bind low molecular weight quaternary cationic conditioning compounds such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide. This process can be considered a relipidation by adsorption. We have shown that the entire process of delipidation/acid formation and subsequent relipidation by adsorption on the scale faces can be quantified by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Since X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis is highly sensitive and able to detect atomic species at the very surface of the hair fibers, receiving signals from an escape depth as shallow as 25 Å, it appeared ideal for the characterization of treatment‐induced changes in the hair surface. However, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy provides an average elemental composition of the hair surface including scale faces and scale edges. The microfluorometric technique, on the other hand, can distinguish progressive delipidation of the scale faces from changes occurring at the broken scale edges. This distinction was shown and characterized in detail by slow speed microfluorometric scanning of the hair surface. Chemical and photochemical oxidative processes at the hair surface result in certain collateral effects. Particularly changes in surface wettability and fiber friction are of significance to the cosmetic chemist because they affect the spreading and wicking of products in hair as well as the managability and the body of hair assemblies. Methods of characterizing these effects are discussed briefly.
A new makeup remover prepared with a system comprising dual continuous channels (bicontinuous phase) of silicone oil and water
Authors: Watanabe K. , Masuda M. , Nakamura K. , Inaba T. , Noda A. , Yanagida T. , Yanaki T.
Published: March 2005

Removing makeup is considered to be the first step in the skincare process. Makeup that has served its purpose is a kind of impurity that should ideally be removed completely to maximize the effects of skincare products applied afterwards. However, the use of silicone resins has significantly improved the long‐lasting property of makeup with the result that makeup can hardly be removed efficiently either with surfactant‐type cleansers like soaps or with oil‐based cleansers like liquid crystalline cleansers. Furthermore, oil‐based makeup removers do not leave the skin feeling fresh but oily, and often have been used in combination with surfactant‐type cleansers. In other words, complete makeup removal and a fresh skin feel are considered to be incompatible in conventional formulation technologies. To obtain compatible systems, we investigated the applicability of a system known as the bicontinuous phase and eventually succeeded in developing a novel system for a makeup remover. This phase can be prepared with a specific composition with a complete hydrophilic‐lipophilic balance in an oil/surfactant/water system by using cyclo‐siloxane, which dissolves silicone resin well. The bicontinuous phase has an oil‐ and water‐continuous microstructure, showing affinity for both aqueous and oily substances. This bicontinuous phase was applied to the development of a novel makeup remover. Determination of remover cap‐ability and fresh skin feel revealed that the makeup could be completely removed and that the amount of oil remaining on skin surface after wash‐off was much less than with previous oil‐based removers. The results of the sensory test also supported the finding that the remover was far superior to conventional products. This makeup remover is the first example of the application of the bicontinuous phase technology to a cosmetic product and clearly seems to provide the best conditions for subsequent skin care, meaning that it is suitable for the first step in the skincare process.
Age‐associated changes in the amount of subcutaneous tissue in the face evaluated in the ultrasonic B mode
Authors: Satoh M. , Mori S. , Nojiri H. , Yoshizuka N. , Takema Y.
Published: March 2005

In this study, age‐associated changes in facial skin, cosmetologically critical factors, were studied in terms of local subcutaneous fat tissue. The subjects were 98 Japanese females evenly chosen from their teens to 70s. On each subject, the thickness of subcutaneous tissue was determined by the ultrasonic B mode method on four facial sites, forehead, orbit, cheek, and mandible. Age‐association of the tissue thickness was facial site‐dependent. In the orbit, the subcutaneous tissue became thicker with age, whereas it showed a tendency of thinning in the forehead. No clear age‐association was observed in the cheek or the mandible. To analyze the age‐association further, the data were stratified into ‘lean group’ and ‘obese group’ based on their BMI, and subjected to multiple regression analysis. The age‐association in the orbit was much more distinctive in the lean group than in the obese group.
How to Resist Temptation: The Effects of External Control Versus Autonomy Support on Self‐Regulatory Dynamics
Authors: Baumann Nicola , Kuhl Julius
Published: March 2005

Abstract
The purpose of the present study (N=80 undergraduate students) was to examine two issues: First, does external control lead to an increase in resistance to temptation more than the use of autonomy support? Second, what are the long‐term effects of these types of educational style? Based on the Personality Systems Interaction (PSI) theory, external control was expected to increase resistance to temptation for those participants who lack initiative and self‐motivation (i.e., state‐oriented participants). Consistent with expectations, resistance to temptation was greater for state‐oriented participants with externally controlled instructions than for individuals who received autonomy‐supportive instructions. This was reflected by their performance on a visual discrimination task during distracter, compared to baseline, episodes. However, external control had negative long‐term effects on state‐oriented participants as indexed by alienation from their own preferences in free‐choice behavior. Action‐oriented participants were less influenced by experimental conditions.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Religiousness: Findings for Retrospective and Current Religiousness Ratings
Authors: Koenig Laura B. , McGue Matt , Krueger Robert F. , Bouchard Thomas J.
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Estimates of the degree of genetic and environmental influences on religiousness have varied widely. This variation may, in part, be due to age differences in the samples under study. To investigate the heritability of religiousness and possible age changes in this estimate, both current and retrospective religiousness were assessed by self‐report in a sample of adult male twins (169 MZ pairs and 104 DZ pairs, mean age of 33 years). Retrospective reports of religiousness showed little correlation difference between MZ (r=.69) and DZ (r=.59) twins. Reports of current religiousness, however, did show larger MZ (r=.62) than DZ (r=.42) similarity. Biometric analysis of the two religiousness ratings revealed that genetic factors were significantly weaker (12% vs. 44%) and shared environmental factors were significantly stronger (56% vs. 18%) in adolescence compared to adulthood. Analysis of internal and external religiousness subscales of the total score revealed similar results. These findings support the hypothesis that the heritability of religiousness increases from adolescence to adulthood.
Ductility of Reinforced Concrete Flat Slab‐Column Connections
Authors: Polak Maria Anna
Published: March 2005

Abstract:  The article presents experimental and analytical research on providing adequate ductility and rotational capacity to reinforced concrete slab‐column connections. Post peak‐load ductility of connections in reinforced concrete framed structures is essential for ensuring structural integrity and preventing local failure that may lead to progressive collapse of such systems. The importance of ductility for resistance against abnormal loading and the role of transverse reinforcement in providing ductility is discussed, and a new shear‐strengthening technique, shear bolts, is presented. Shear bolts are a special type of reinforcement developed specially for retrofitting of existing, previously built, flat slabs. The results of an experimental work are presented which show how transverse reinforcement increases punching shear capacity and post‐failure ductility of slab‐column connections. The described work also applies a specially developed finite element formulation based on layered shell elements, to the analysis of continuous reinforced concrete slabs. The formulation is applicable for global structural analysis of slabs failing in flexure or punching modes. The finite element and experimental results are compared in the article.
Methotrexate for psoriasis: current European practice. A postal survey
Authors: Boffa MJ
Published: March 2005

The aim of this survey was to determine current practice throughout Europe regarding use and monitoring of methotrexate therapy for psoriasis. A structured questionnaire with questions on methotrexate prescribing and monitoring was mailed to 150 dermatologists in 32 European countries in June 2002. Dermatologists’ names were chosen at random from the 2001 European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology membership directory. A reply was received from 69 dermatologists of whom 59 prescribed methotrexate regularly. In those patients receiving systemic treatment for psoriasis, methotrexate was the most widely used drug (4.4 patients of every 10) followed by acitretin (3.2) and cyclosporin (1.6). Myelosuppression was the commonest reported fatal side‐effect of methotrexate (eight of a total of 10 cases). None of the respondents routinely requested a baseline liver biopsy before starting methotrexate treatment and of every 10 of their patients on long‐term methotrexate it was estimated that less than two had had a liver biopsy some time during treatment. Serum measurement of the amino‐terminal peptide of type III procollagen (PIIINP) was used routinely to detect liver fibrosis by 12 (20%) of the 59 respondents who regularly prescribed methotrexate. This survey demonstrates that, despite the advent of new therapies, methotrexate retains a central role in the treatment of severe psoriasis in Europe. The responses demonstrated variation in, among others, the methotrexate dose regimen utilized and the use of folate supplementation, confirming the need for randomized controlled studies to address these issues.
Eosinophilic cellulitis of papulonodular presentation (Wells’ syndrome)
Authors: Ghislain P‐D , Van Eeckhout P
Published: March 2005

Eosinophilic cellulitis (Wells’ syndrome) is a rare condition of unknown aetiopathogenesis and is characterized by erythemal plaques and a histological picture of eosinophilic infiltration of the dermis with ‘flame’ figures. Here we describe a patient with the papulonodular variant of eosinophilic cellulitis associated with an unusual hepatic dysfunction.
Intravenous infusion for the treatment of diabetic and ischaemic non‐healing pedal ulcers
Authors: Agarwal P , Agrawal PK , Sharma D , Baghel KD
Published: March 2005

Diabetic and ischaemic non‐healing pedal ulcers have a tendency for chronicity and increased chances of infection, which may threaten the viability of the foot. Systemic administration of therapeutic agents may be insufficient in these cases. We have assessed the role of retrograde venous perfusion (RVP) for the treatment of nine diabetic and 10 ischaemic non‐healing pedal ulcers. Agents used were soda bicarbonate, heparin, lignocaine, gentamicin and pentoxiphylline. Five of nine diabetic non‐healing ulcers showed complete healing and the remaining four improved. The complete recovery in the cases of diabetic ulcer occurred in 10–24 days (mean 16 days), while ischaemic ulcers took 10–14 days for complete recovery (mean 13.6 days). There was a reduction of rest pain in all 10 patients with ischaemic disease; five patients showed complete healing of ulcers, and the other five improved significantly. In two patients, pre‐gangrene changes were reversed. RVP is a useful adjunct to conservative or surgical treatment of non‐healing pedal ulcers. Its main impact was in improving ischaemia and promoting healing.
Effects and side‐effects of spironolactone therapy in women with acne
Authors: Yemisci A , Gorgulu A , Piskin S
Published: March 2005

Background and aims  Androgen hormones play an important role in the pathogenesis of acne. Despite the demonstrated effects, spironolactone, an androgen receptor blocker, is not commonly used to treat acne. We planned an open‐labelled, prospective study to evaluate the effects and side‐effects of spironolactone therapy in women with acne.

Materials and methods  Thirty‐five consecutive patients with acne were treated with spironolactone 100 mg/day, 16 days each month for 3 months. The patients were divided according to the clinical severity of the lesions as having mild, moderate and severe acne. Serum total testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) levels were measured before and after treatment. Lesion numbers and hormone levels before and after treatment were compared with one‐sampled t‐test.

Results  The mean age of the patients was 21.4 ± 3.5 years. Two patients discontinued the study due to side‐effects. Five patients were lost in the follow‐up. Clinically significant improvement was noted in 24 patients (85.71%). No response was seen in four patients. All of the nonresponding patients had received previous unsuccessful therapies. Mean number of lesions and mean DHEAS levels of the 24 patients with clinical improvement decreased significantly after treatment (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). There was no change in the mean total testosterone levels before and after treatment (P > 0.05).

Conclusion  Spironolactone is a safe and effective medication for women with acne vulgaris. Although its side‐effects seem to be high, they are in the majority of cases not a reason to stop treatment.
Dithranol irritation in psoriasis treatment: a study of 68 inpatients
Authors: Kucharekova M , Lieffers L , Van De Kerkhof PCM , Van Der Valk PGM
Published: March 2005

The irritant response of perilesional skin is a serious limitation of dithranol therapy in psoriasis. No data are available on the actual prevalence and severity of irritation during 24‐h dithranol treatment in an inpatient setting. Using a retrospective analysis of 68 patients with psoriasis visiting our inpatient department for dithranol treatment, the occurrence of dithranol irritation was studied. We found a relatively high frequency of dithranol irritation. Furthermore, most irritation occurs at the start of the therapy with relatively low concentrations.