bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Green Up‐Conversion Photoluminescence and Dielectric Relaxation of Ho3+/Yb3+‐Codoped Bi2Ti2O7 Pyrochlore Thin Films
Authors: Zhao Jianxiong , Qin Ni , Bao Dinghua 
Published: September 2013

Ho3+/Yb3+‐codoped Bi2Ti2O7 pyrochlore thin films were prepared by a chemical solution deposition method, and their visible up‐conversion (UC) photoluminescence and dielectric relaxation were studied. Ho and Yb can be doped into Bi2Ti2O7 lattice and single pyrochlore phase is maintained. Intense visible UC photoluminescence can be observed under the excitation of a 980‐nm diode laser. Two UC emission bands centered at 551 nm and 665 nm in the spectra can be assigned to 5F4, 5S2→5I8 and 5F5→5I8 transitions of Ho3+ ions, respectively. The dependence of their UC emission intensity on pumping power indicates that both the green and red emissions of the thin films are two‐photon process. In addition, a Stokes near‐infrared emission centered at 1200 nm can be detected, which is due to 5I6→5I8 transition of Ho3+ ions. The thin films prepared on indium tin oxide–coated glass substrates exhibit a relatively high dielectric constant and a low dielectric loss as well as a good bias voltage stability. The dielectric relaxation of the thin films was also analyzed based on the temperature‐ and frequency‐dependent dielectric properties. This study suggests that Ho3+/Yb3+‐codoped Bi2Ti2O7 thin films are promising materials for developing multifunctional optoelectronic thin film devices.
Effect of telmisartan on levels of IL‐1, TNF‐α, down‐regulated COX‐2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and RANKL/RANK in an experimental periodontitis model
Authors: Araújo Aurigena A. , Souza Tatiana O. , Moura Lígia M. , Brito Gerly A. C. , Aragão Karoline S. , Araújo Lorena S. , Medeiros Caroline A. X. , Alves Maria S. C. F. , Araújo Raimundo F. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of telmisartan (TELM) on inflammation, oxidation and the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and the expression RANKL/RANK/OPG in the periodontal tissue of a rat model for ligature‐induced periodontitis.Materials and methodsMale Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each: (i) non‐ligated, given water; (ii) ligated, given water; (iii) ligated, given 1 mg/kg TELM; (iv) ligated, given 5 mg/kg TELM; and (v) ligated, given 10 mg/kg TELM. All groups were treated with saline or TELM for 10 days. Periodontal tissue was analysed by histopathology; by the immunohistochemical examination of COX‐2, MMP‐2, MMP‐9 and the RANKL/RANK/OPG pathway; and by ELISA analysis of the levels of IL‐1β, IL‐10, TNF‐α, myeloperoxidase (MPO), malonaldehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH).ResultsTreatment with 10 mg/kg TELM resulted in reduced concentrations of MPO, MDA (p < 0.05) and the pro‐inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β (p < 0.05); reduced expression of MMP‐2, MMP‐9, RANK, RANKL and COX‐2; and an increase in OPG. The levels of TNF‐α were significantly reduced in all TELM‐treated groups.ConclusionsThese findings confirm the involvement of TELM in reducing the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and bone loss in ligature‐induced periodontitis in rats.
Physicochemical Properties of Different Muscles from Sarda Suckling Lambs Covered by the Protected Geographical Indication “Agnello di Sardegna”
Authors: Manca C. , Addis M. , Riu G. , Fiori M. , Scintu M.F. 
Published: September 2013

AbstractThe aims of this study were to contribute to the characterization of meat quality covered by the protected geographical indication “Agnello di Sardegna” and to provide guidelines for the official controls system. Thirty “Sarda” suckling lambs granted by the “Agnello di Sardegna PGI” fed with maternal milk were slaughtered according to specification. Afterward, on psoas major, quadriceps femoris and longissimus dorsi samples, pH, color parameters, chemical and fatty acid composition were determined. The type of muscle affected the pH 1 h (P ≤ 0.001) that was lowest (5.93) in psoas major and highest (6.75) in longissimus dorsi. Muscle‐related differences were observed in color parameters and in chemical and fatty acid compositions. Psoas major showed higher fat and total saturated fatty acid content (P < 0.05). Longissimus dorsi showed higher values (P < 0.05) of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Anatomical location of muscle is an important source of variation in some physicochemical characteristics.Practical ApplicationsThe economic sustainability of livestock breeds in Sardinia is related, among others, to the characterization and certification of traditional products. This implies the need for studies and research aimed at acquiring more information on the characteristics of these products. This document provides information about the nutritional properties of “Agnello di Sardegna” PGI lamb meat, which will be useful to provide guidelines for the development an official controls system in order to preserve its authenticity.
An Assessment on Aflatoxin Control in Pistachio‐Processing Units from Raw Material Reception to Packaging Based on ISO22000:2005 Model
Authors: Fallah Amir , Farhoodi Mehdi , Moradi Vahideh 
Published: September 2013

AbstractBecause of the importance and usage of pistachios, it is necessary to improve their agricultural situation, particularly by establishing good processing equipment and packaging units near pistachio farms. It is possible to supply a high‐quality product in large quantities for foreign and domestic markets. In this research, International Organization for Standardization 22000:2005 requirements were implemented in a pistachio‐processing unit. Aflatoxin B1 content was measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography before and after washing, immersing pool, wet sorting, drying, temporary storage and dry sorting. After analysis of measured data, it was found that the most reducing stage in aflatoxin content was wet sorting. Washing stage had no significant effect on aflatoxin B1 reduction. It is concluded that operational prerequisite program and critical control point have no differences important to hazard control, but they are different from a type of control measure aspect.Practical ApplicationIn this study, the authors employed food safety management system based on International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22000:2005 model to prepare safe pistachios with less aflatoxin content. All process units (pistachio reception, de‐hulling, washing, immersing pool, dehumidifier, goo separator, wet sorting, drying, temporary storage, dry sorting, packaging) evaluated upon ISO22000:2005 requirements. Then the stages that had more significant effect on aflatoxin B1 content identified. The quantification of aflatoxin B1 in accordance with standard methods was also explained in the paper. The authors also investigated operational prerequisite programs and critical control points in hazard control.
Chemical peeling with trichloroacetic acid and lactic acid for infraorbital dark circles
Authors: Vavouli Charitomeni , Katsambas Andreas , Gregoriou Stamatis , Teodor Anca , Salavastru Carmen , Alexandru Adina , Kontochristopoulos George 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBackgroundPeriorbital dark circles are relatively common, affecting individuals regardless of age, sex, and race. Available treatment includes bleaching creams, topical retinoid acid, chemical peels, laser therapy, autologous fat transplantation – injectable fillers, surgery (blepharoplasty), and chemical peeling.ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of a combination of trichloroacetic TCA 3.75% and lactic acid 15% on improving the periorbital hyperpigmentation.Patients/MethodsThirty patients with periorbital dark circles and skin types II, III, or IV were included in the study. Chemical peeling was performed every week for a series of four treatments. The effect was photo‐documented, and a patient's and physician's global assessment was evaluated.ResultsAlmost all the patients showed significant esthetic improvement. Physicians assessed a fair, good, or excellent improvement in 93.3% of the patients. Patient's global assessment rated a fair, good, or excellent response in 96.7% of the patients. The procedure itself had only mild and temporary adverse effects, such as erythema, edema, frosting, dryness, and telangiectasias. The effects of treatment remained for at least 4–6 months in the majority of patients with appropriate sun protection.ConclusionThe combination of trichloroacetic TCA 3.75% and lactic acid 15% showed encouraging results on improving periorbital hyperpigmentation.
Intense pulsed light enhances transforming growth factor beta1/Smad3 signaling in acne‐prone skin
Authors: Ali Musheera M , Porter Rebecca M , Gonzalez Maria L 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBackgroundRecently, much interest has been generated in the use of intense pulsed light (IPL) sources in the treatment of various skin conditions. However, the underlying mechanism for its therapeutic action has not been elucidated.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of IPL on the in vivo expression of transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF‐β1) and on the immunolocalization of Smad3 in biopsies obtained from perilesional skin in patients with mild‐to‐moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris.MethodsBiopsies obtained from 20 patients with inflammatory acne vulgaris at baseline (B1) and post‐IPL treatment (B2 = 48 h after first treatment and B3 = 1 week after final treatment) were immunohistochemically analyzed to determine the expression of TGF‐β1 and the immunolocalization of Smad3. Digital images were semiquantitatively assessed using image analysis software.ResultsIntense pulsed light elicited a consistent increase in epidermal TGF‐β1 expression (B2 vs. B1: P = 0.004 and B3 vs. B1: P = 0.007). Furthermore, it resulted in enhanced nuclear immunolocalization of Smad3 (B2 vs. B1: epidermis, P = 0.000055 and dermis, P = 0.014; B3 vs. B1: epidermis, P = 0.00024 and dermis, P = 0.008).ConclusionIntense pulsed light upregulates TGF‐β1/Smad3 signaling in perilesional skin obtained from patients with mild‐to‐moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris. Further experiments on lesional skin and downstream effects are warranted to determine whether it may play a role in IPL‐induced resolution of acne vulgaris.
Secondary rhinoplasty fixations with hyaluronic acid
Authors: Liapakis Ioannis E , Englander Miriam , Vrentzos Nikolaos P , Derdas Stavros P , Paschalis Eleftherios I 
Published: September 2013

SummaryThe management of nasal deformities especially after rhinoplasty is a challenge. Postsurgical edema may last 6–8 months, causing aesthetic irregularities and nose deformities. The aim of this study is to present the correction of minor nose deformities secondary to rhinoplasty using hyaluronic acid subdermal injections. Eleven patients were treated between 2009 and 2011 with subdermal injections of hyaluronic acid (24 mg/mL) with 0.3% lidocaine (Juvederm, Allergan, Pringy‐France) at the 1‐month follow‐up visit. The volume of hyaluronic acid injected varied from 0.4 to 1 mL according to the deformity. Injections were aimed to correct minor surface irregularities and to provide aesthetic symmetry. These patients were followed for at least 12 months postoperatively. Irregularities were aesthetically corrected immediately after hyaluronic acid injections. No complications were reported with the exception of minor swelling that resolved within 1 week. Esthetic correction was achieved in all patients as determined by the surgeon as well as by overall patient's satisfaction. Our 1‐year follow‐up data suggest that hyaluronic acid absorption is slow enough to provide the necessary time for postsurgical edema resorption. Rhinoplasty is among the most commonly used procedures for aesthetic improvement in men and women. However, achievement of the final outcome may take several months due to the induced postsurgical edema. Subdermal hyaluronic acid injections can provide temporary correction of these nose irregularities. Our data suggest that subdermal hyaluronic acid injections may provide immediate and long‐lasting correction of these minor deformities. As a result, the aesthetic outcome is achieved and maintained throughout the postsurgical course of edema decompression.
Hair restoration approaches for early onset male androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Bhatti Hammad A , Basra Mohammad K A , Patel Girish K 
Published: September 2013

SummarySociety places great emphasis on the presence of hair. Some degree of hair loss is accepted as a normal part of the aging process, in line with the observation that more than 50% of men will develop androgenetic alopecia by the age of 50 years. However, it is possible to understand the psychosocial isolation and distress felt by men with a strong familial predisposition to androgenetic alopecia, who tend to display hair loss in their late teens or twenties. There are currently two drugs which have been licensed for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: oral finasteride and topical minoxidil solution which are effective to some extent. Furthermore, upon discontinuing treatment, any gain that has been achieved is quickly lost. Added to which there is an entire market of unproven over the counter products: advertised in the electronic media, local hair salons, and various departmental stores. In this review, we highlight the important advances in the management of male androgenetic alopecia with emphasis on approaches that can lead to more successful and long‐term hair restoration for young adults. In particular, we discuss the evidence supporting the use of the follicular unit grafting technique in conjunction with medical treatment before and after the procedure. Moreover, some other alterations of this most popular state of the art hair restoration technique have been mentioned briefly. As a result, patients and physicians seem equally satisfied from this procedure for its naturally looking results which are cosmetically more acceptable and esthetically pleasing for longer period of time.
Hair loss and herbs for treatment
Authors: Lourith Nattaya , Kanlayavattanakul Mayuree 
Published: September 2013

SummaryBaldnessor androgenetic alopecia directly distresses self‐confidence affecting the individual's quality of life. Hair loss is therefore a significant psychosocial manifestation that worth much expense on treatment. Androgenetic alopecia is noticed as a slow transformation of large scalp terminal hair follicles to shorter, thinner, and less deep vellus hair with a much shorter anagen. Although minoxidil, finasteride, and dutasteride including other synthetic therapeutic agents are mostly used for alopecia treatment, their adverse effects encourage sorting of alternative efficient treatment agent with a limited side effect particularly herbs. Thus, this review briefly summarized causes of hair loss and emphasized on active ingredients for treatment in particular currently used herbs and the potential candidates. Treatment choices will be further wider and conclusively select herbs that fitting the consumers' preference.
Histological changes after treatment for localized fat deposits with phosphatidylcholine and sodium deoxycholate
Authors: Park Eun‐Jung , Kim Hye‐Sun , Kim Min , Oh Han‐Jin 
Published: September 2013

SummaryPhosphatidylcholine (PPC) and sodium deoxycholate (DC) injections have been used cosmetically to reduce localized fat, but to date, few studies have addressed the histological effect of human fat tissue following injections of PPC and DC. We injected PPC and DC mixed with normal saline into the patient's abdominal area. Examinations of postinjection tissue revealed marked changes within the subcutaneous fat. We observed important microscopic evidence of substitution of fat by fibrosis, marked inflammatory infiltration with microabscess formation in the dermis, and septal and lobular panniculitis with thick fibrous septa. Fat necrosis with microcalcification and cyst formation were observed in the subcutaneous fat. Fibroid necrosis with extravasation was noted in the small vessels around fat necrosis. Therefore, careful use of PPC and DC is recommended when patients want to cosmetically reduce localized fat.
Monocarboxylate transporter mediated uptake of moxifloxacin on human retinal pigmented epithelium cells
Authors: Barot Megha , Gokulgandhi Mitan R , Agrahari Vibhuti , Pal Dhananjay , Mitra Ashim K 
Published: September 2013

Abstract

Objectives
This work was aim to determine in vitro interaction of moxifloxacin with monocarboxylate transporter (MCT) using a human retinal pigment epithelium cells (ARPE-19).

Methods
In vitro moxifloxacin uptakes were performed at 37°C across ARPE-19 cells. Concentration-dependent uptake of moxifloxacin was performed to delineate moxifloxacin kinetics with MCT. Effects of MCT substrates, MCT inhibitors, pH and metabolic inhibitors on moxifloxacin uptake were conducted to delineate mechanism of moxifloxacin influx via MCT.

Key findings
Moxifloxacin uptake was found to exhibit saturable kinetics (Km = 1.56 ± 0.32 μm and Vmax = 0.58 ± 0.16 μm/min/mg protein). Higher uptake of moxifloxacin was observed at acidic pH. MCT substrates such as salisylic acid, ofloxacin and L-lactic acid significantly inhibited the uptake of moxifloxacin. Furthermore, moxifloxacin uptake was significantly reduced in the presence of metabolic and MCT inhibitors. Overall, this study demonstrated an interaction of moxifloxacin with Na+ and H+-coupled transporter, most likely MCT1.

Conclusions
Apart from the lipophilicity, we anticipate that lowest vitreal half-life of intravitreal moxifloxacin compared with other fluoroquinolones may be due to its interaction with MCT. This information might be crucial in clinical settings and can be further explored to improve vitreous half-life and therapeutic efficacy of moxifloxacin.
Cross‐Cultural Creativity: Conceptualization and Propositions for Global New Product Development
Authors: Elliot Esi Abbam , Nakata Cheryl 
Published: September 2013

In today's global business environment, where multinational companies are pressed to increase revenues in order to survive, creativity may hold the key to ensuring their new product development (NPD) efforts lead to innovations with worldwide appeal, such asApple's iPad andGillette'sFusionRazor. To leverage creativity for effective globalNPD, businesses want to know how cultures differ in their concepts of creativity and the impact of those differences on approaches to developing new products. Because global new products are increasingly developed in, by, and for multiple cultures, a particular need is for a culturally reflective understanding, or conceptualization, of creativity. While creativity is believed to be culturally tied, the dominant framework of creativity used in business and management assumes that creativity is culturally indifferent or insensitive. This knowledge gap is addressed by studying the role of creativity inNPDpractices in a cross‐cultural or global context.The study begins by first developing a culturally anchored conceptualization of creativity. Called cross‐cultural creativity, the concept draws on creativity insights from the field of art and aesthetics. The concept specifies two modes of creativity, neither of which is superior to the other, called the spontaneous orSroute and the divergent orDroute. TheSroute emphasizes adaptiveness, processes, intuitiveness, and metamorphism, while theDroute focuses on disruptiveness, results, rationality, and literalism. Next, this new concept is applied toNPDby positing how creativity in distinct cultures may shapeNPDpractices, as illustrated byJapanese andU.S. firms. Research propositions are formulated to capture these patterns, and thereafter, theoretical and practical implications of the framework and propositions are discussed. The implications center on globalNPD, which is a complex enterprise involving typically more than one culture to design and develop new products for several geographic markets. The study is of interest to researchers needing a globally situated, culturally attached framework of creativity for internationalNPDstudies, and managers seeking to exploit creativity in multinational and multicultural innovation projects.
The experience of participation in a brief cognitive behavioural group therapy for psychologically distressed female university students
Authors: Bernhardsdottir J. , Champion J. D. , Skärsäter I. 
Published: September 2013

Accessible summary
This study shows that increased understanding of psychological distress, more positive and balanced thinking, and emotional and behavioural control may help female students reduce or prevent elevated psychological distress during stressful times.
The most beneficial components of this brief cognitive behavioural group therapy, delivered in four sessions, include a combination of education, group discussions and work with thought records. A therapeutic relationship and environment also needs to be emphasized to enhance a positive and non‐judgmental tone in the groups.
Based on the results of this study, five cognitive behavioural group sessions delivered by mental health nurses and a booster session are recommended as the cognitive behavioural skills require practice and reflection to enhance effectiveness.
Brief cognitive behavioural group therapy targeted to students' psychological needs should be developed and offered by nurses at university mental health services.
AbstractThe aim of this study was to elucidate the experience of participation in four sessions of cognitive behavioural group therapy for psychological distress for female university students' (n = 19), aged 22–45 years. Data were gathered with semi‐structured interviews during March and April 2008 and analysed according to thematic content analysis. The results identified four themes: ‘Gaining knowledge and understanding’, ‘Becoming more balanced and positive in thinking’, ‘Feeling more self‐confident and in control’ and ‘Opportunities for practice and in‐depth reflections’. Future recommendations include an increase in sessions from four to five, with one booster session to follow‐up on newly acquired skills.
Sleep symptoms associated with intake of specific dietary nutrients
Authors: Grandner Michael A. , Jackson Nicholas , Gerstner Jason R. , Knutson Kristen L. 
Published: September 2013

SummarySleep symptoms are associated with weight gain and cardiometabolic disease. The potential role of diet has been largely unexplored. Data from the 2007–2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) were used (n = 4552) to determine which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms in a nationally representative sample. Survey items assessed difficulty falling asleep, sleep maintenance difficulties, non‐restorative sleep and daytime sleepiness. Analyses were adjusted for energy intake, other dietary factors, exercise, body mass index (BMI) and sociodemographics. Population‐weighted, logistic regression, with backwards‐stepwise selection, examined which nutrients were associated with sleep symptoms. Odds ratios (ORs) reflect the difference in odds of sleep symptoms associated with a doubling in nutrient. Nutrients that were associated independently with difficulty falling asleep included (in order): alpha‐carotene (OR = 0.96), selenium (OR = 0.80), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.91), calcium (OR = 0.83) and hexadecanoic acid (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleep maintenance difficulties included: salt (OR = 1.19), butanoic acid (0.81), carbohydrate (OR = 0.71), dodecanoic acid (OR = 0.90), vitamin D (OR = 0.84), lycopene (OR = 0.98), hexanoic acid (OR = 1.25) and moisture (OR = 1.27). Nutrients that were associated independently with non‐restorative sleep included butanoic acid (OR = 1.09), calcium (OR = 0.81), vitamin C (OR = 0.92), water (OR = 0.98), moisture (OR = 1.41) and cholesterol (OR = 1.10). Nutrients that were associated independently with sleepiness included: moisture (OR = 1.20), theobromine (OR = 1.04), potassium (OR = 0.70) and water (OR = 0.97). These results suggest novel associations between sleep symptoms and diet/metabolism, potentially explaining associations between sleep and cardiometabolic diseases.