bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hypo‐collagenesis in photoaged skin predicts response to anti‐aging cosmeceuticals
Authors: Sachs Dana L , Rittié Laure , Chubb Heather A , Orringer Jeffrey , Fisher Gary , Voorhees John J 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundChronic sun exposure causes photoaging, the appearance of prematurely aged skin. This phenomenon is characterized by progressive alteration of the dermal extracellular matrix, including elastin and collagen fibers. While many cosmeceuticals claim to improve the appearance of photoaged skin, data are lacking regarding their ability to induce molecular responses associated with wrinkle effacement, particularly increased collagen production.AimsTo conduct a meta‐analysis to determine whether there was a factor(s) that could predict response to various cosmeceuticals.Patients/MethodsHundred subjects enrolled in five separate studies of cosmeceuticals containing: L‐ascorbic acid, pentapeptide, α‐lipoic acid, yeast extract, or 1% idebenone. Five groups consisting of 16–20 volunteers applied one cosmeceutical to their photodamaged forearms for several weeks. Punch biopsies were obtained pretreatment and post‐treatment and analyzed for typeIprocollagen byELISA.ResultsAnalysis of basal collagenesis reinforced the notion that hypo‐collagenesis is associated with photoaging severity, independent of age or gender. Treatment outcome varied greatly among subjects, ranging from no improvement to a 7‐fold increase in collagenesis. Retrospective statistical meta‐analysis was conducted to determine whether age, gender, type of cosmeceutical, or evidence of hypo‐collagenesis in untreated skin could predict responsiveness to cosmeceuticals. Our analysis revealed that subjects with hypo‐collagenesis responded 6.4 times more often than subjects with normo‐collagenesis.DiscussionHypo‐collagenesis was the only factor that influenced treatment outcome. This study therefore identifies hypo‐collagenesis as the unique parameter predicting anti‐aging cosmeceutical treatment outcome. These findings provide a basis for future cosmetic testing and the potential development of custom formula skin care.
Tannase‐converted green tea catechins and their anti‐wrinkle activity in humans
Authors: Hong Yang‐Hee , Jung Eun Young , Shin Kwang‐Soon , Yu Kwang‐Won , Chang Un Jae , Suh Hyung Joo 
Published: June 2013

SummaryBackgroundThis study was performed to investigate the anti‐wrinkle effects of topical applications of green tea extract with high antioxidant activity by tannase treatment. Increases in gallic acid (GA), (−)‐epigallocatechin (EGC), and (−)‐epicatechin (EC) were observed in the green tea extract after tannase treatment.ObjectivesThis study was performed to investigate the anti‐wrinkle effects of topical applications of green tea extract exhibiting high antioxidant activity after tannase treatment.MethodsSubjects, randomly divided into two groups, received the application of either tannase‐converted green tea extract (TGE) or normal green tea extract (NGE) on their crow's feet for 8 weeks. The anti‐wrinkle effects were evaluated with two methods: (i) self‐assessment; and (ii) average roughness of skin surface (Ra, Rz, and Rt value) using skin replica and Skin‐Visiometer SV 600.ResultsThe scavenging abilities of TGE against radicals were significantly higher compared to NGE. The evaluation of skin wrinkle index values after 8 weeks of treatment showed that reductions of Ra, Rz, and Rt values in the TGE group were significantly greater than in the NGE group, which indicated that tannase treatment improved the anti‐wrinkle effects of green tea extract. According to the overall ratings for wrinkle treatment by applying the formulations, most of the TGE group (63.60%) reported marked or moderate improvement in wrinkles compared with only 36.30% of the NGE group.ConclusionTannase treatment can improve the antioxidant activity of green tea extract, conferring anti‐wrinkle activities. These results suggest that TGE may have beneficial properties as an anti‐wrinkle agent.
Sensory Lexicon Development Using Trained Panelists in Thailand and the U.S.A.: Soy Sauce
Authors: Cherdchu P. , Chambers E. , Suwonsichon T. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTwenty soy sauce products were presented to two sensory panels, one in Thailand and one in the U.S.A. Both panels had extensive training conducting descriptive sensory studies. Neither group had tested soy sauce previously; however, they had different familiarity with soy sauce. Each group separately evaluated samples during the same time period, then met in Thailand to compare and discuss their generated lexicons. Most attributes listed by each group of panelists provided similar definitions and references. Although, a few attributes were not used by one or the other panel because that term either does not exist in both languages (e.g., “cured” is not a term for the Thai panel), represented an uncommon characteristic (e.g., “roaches” for the American panel), or were complex concepts (e.g., “brown”), the panelists used references to assist their understanding of unclear attributes. After discussion, both panels agreed on 59 attributes with definitions and references for a soy sauce lexicon. The article presents attributes in English and Thai.Practical ApplicationsA universal lexicon developed by different groups of trained panelists could reduce confusion and make the lexicon more understandable. A universal lexicon would help researchers in other countries to understand product quality. Additionally, the developed lexicon allows researchers to conduct studies with the same standard method in different laboratories enabling comparable results.
Higher prevalence of obesity in Greek children living in rural areas despite increased levels of physical activity
Authors: Tambalis Konstantinos D , Panagiotakos Demosthenes B , Kavouras Stavros A , Papoutsakis Sofia , Sidossis Labros S 
Published: June 2013

AimThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate whether levels of physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviours could explain observed differences in the prevalence of childhood obesity in a sample of Greek children.MethodsEpidemiological study. PA and sedentary behaviours were assessed by a self‐administrated PA checklist. Body mass index (BMI) was calculated from measured weight and height. A representative sample of Greek children aged 10–12 years attending fifth and sixth grade (n = 3195), living in rural and urban areas, were enrolled. Maturation status was not evaluated due to technical reasons.ResultsPrevalence of obesity was higher among children living in rural areas as compared with urban areas (12.1% vs. 10.7%, P < 0.01). Surprisingly, children living in rural areas had higher levels of self‐reported PA (P < 0.001) and met current PA guidelines to a greater extent than their urban counterparts (P < 0.05). Furthermore, boys had higher levels of total, low‐to‐moderate intensity and vigorous intensity physical activity, as well as sedentary behaviours, than girls (all P‐values <0.05). Stratified analysis by BMI category revealed that normal weight boys and girls had higher levels of total PA and vigorous intensity physical activity compared with overweight and obese boys from the same type of setting (all P‐values <0.05).ConclusionsChildren living in rural areas have higher levels of PA and more frequently met PA guidelines than their urban counterparts, despite a higher prevalence of obesity.
Physical characterization of a suite of Buzzard Coulee H4 chondrite fragments
Authors: Fry C. , Melanson D. , Samson C. , McCausland P. J. A. , Herd R. K. , Ernst R. E. , Umoh J. , Holdsworth D. W. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractOn November 20, 2008, the Buzzard Coulee H4 chondrite fell to Earth outside of Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada. Eighteen fresh samples obtained by the National Meteorite Collection of Canada, ranging from 8.80 to 109.14 g, were investigated in this study. Physical properties of the samples were first obtained using a suite of nondestructive techniques. The bulk density (Archimedean bead method: 3.48 ± 0.04 g cm−3; 3‐D laser imaging: 3.46 ± 0.03 g cm−3; micro‐computed tomography: 3.44 ± 0.03 g cm−3), porosity (6.2 ± 0.1%), bulk magnetic susceptibility (log χ: 5.364 ± 0.056 × 10−9 m3 kg−1 at 825 Hz; 5.329 ± 0.052 × 10−9 m3 kg−1 at 19,000 Hz), and other derived magnetic properties (frequency dependence: 8.7 ± 6.2%; degree of anisotropy A%: 22.0 ± 2.0%; ellipsoid shape B%: −18.7 ± 8.7%) are typical of H chondrites. The coefficient of variation associated with the properties measured directly was low (0.10–1.15%), indicating that the samples are homogenous at the interfragment scale. The study then proceeded with detailed analyses at the intrafragment scale. Visual inspection of micro‐computed tomographic images allowed the identification of an anomalous large clast with low metal content in a fragment. Another fragment exhibited macroscopic shock veins that warranted further examination. These fragments were cut and polished thin sections prepared for petrological analysis by optical and scanning electron microscopy. Based on mineralogical and textural similarities with several chondrules, the large clast was interpreted to be a macrochondrule. In a larger context, this study proposes a protocol for the systematic investigation of extraterrestrial material that can be exported to other new meteorite falls and finds, and specimens from sample return mission.
Quantitative trait loci for partial resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rant Jenni C. , Arraiano Lia S. , Chabannes Matthieu , Brown James K. M. 
Published: June 2013

SummarySegregation of partial resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. maculicola (Psm) ES4326 was studied in the recombinant inbred population created from accessions (ecotypes) Columbia (Col‐4), the more susceptible parent, and Landsberg (Ler‐0). Plants were spray inoculated with lux‐transformed bacteria in experiments to measure susceptibility. The amount of disease produced on a range of Col × Ler lines by spray inoculation was highly correlated with that produced by pressure infiltration of bacteria into the apoplast. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis identified four loci that contributed to partial resistance: QRps.JIC‐1.1, QRps.JIC‐2.1, QRps.JIC‐3.1 and QRps.JIC‐5.1 on chromosomes 1, 2, 3 and 5, respectively. QRps.JIC‐3.1, located 8.45 cM from the top of the consensus genetic map of chromosome 3, had a large, approximately additive effect on partial resistance, explaining 50% of the genetic variation in this population. Fine mapping narrowed the region within which this QTL was located to 62 genes. A list of candidate genes included several major classes of resistance gene.
Experiences of Thai individuals awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting: A qualitative study
Authors: Indratula Rujadhorn , Sukonthasarn Achara , Chanprasit Chawapornpan , Wangsrikhun Suparat 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis qualitative descriptive study, underpinned by the naturalistic inquiry, explored the lived experiences of individuals awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting in Thailand. Eleven northern Thai individuals volunteered to participate. Data were gathered through in‐depth interviews and analyzed using content analysis. Two major themes arose: uncertainty of life and striving to balance well‐being. The first of these themes is presented in this paper. Uncertainty of life was recognized as a dynamic emotional state of being unsure or insecure in life, but its occurrence depended on the individual situation; it was described through two subthemes that had a profound effect on the participants: fear of death and fear of disability. Participants' uncertainty of life encompassed being unsure about the risks of dying from illness, both prior to and following the surgery, and surviving the surgery with a disability. These findings provide insight into the experiences of individuals awaiting coronary artery bypass grafting and will assist nurses and other healthcare providers in creating timely programs and appropriate interventions to reduce uncertainty of life while awaiting surgery.
Pulsed ultrasound promotes melanoblast migration through upregulation of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor/focal adhesion kinase autocrine signaling and paracrine mechanisms
Authors: Liao Yi‐Hua , Huang Yu‐Ting , Deng Jhu‐Yun , Chen Wen‐Shiang , Jee Shiou‐Hwa 
Published: June 2013

SummaryRepigmentation of vitiliginous lesions relies on the proliferation and migration of melanoblasts from hair follicles to the epidermis. Pulsed ultrasound has been demonstrated to have stimulatory effects on cell proliferation and migration and has been applied clinically to enhance tissue repair. To clarify the biologic effects and signaling mechanisms of pulsed ultrasound on melanoblast proliferation and migration, two melanoblast cell lines, the undifferentiated NCCmelb4 cells and the differentiated NCCmelan5 cells, were examined. We demonstrated that pulsed ultrasound increased cell migration in a dose‐dependent manner without altering cell proliferation. Pulsed ultrasound enhanced autocrine secretion of macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF), which subsequently activated the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) pathway to promote melanoblast migration. Furthermore, conditioned medium from mouse embryonic fibroblasts NIH 3T3 and primary human keratinocytes treated with pulsed ultrasound could stimulate melanoblast migration through a paracrine effect. Our results provide a novel mechanism to promote migration of melanoblasts by pulsed ultrasound stimulation.
Naphthoxazole‐Based Singlet Oxygen Fluorescent Probes
Authors: Ruiz‐González Rubén , Zanocco Renzo , Gidi Yasser , Zanocco Antonio L. , Nonell Santi , Lemp Else 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIn this study, we report the synthesis and photochemical behavior of a new family of photoactive compounds to assess its potential as singlet oxygen (1O2) probes. The candidate dyads are composed by a 1O2 trap plus a naphthoxazole moiety linked directly or through an unsaturated bond to the oxazole ring. In the native state, the inherent great fluorescence of the naphthoxazole moiety is quenched; but in the presence of 1O2, generated by the addition and appropriate irradiation of an external photosensitizer, a photooxidation reaction occurs leading to the formation of a new chemical entity whose fluorescence is two orders of magnitude higher than that of the initial compound, at the optimal selected wavelength. The presented dyads outperform the commonly used indirect fluorescent 1O2 probes in terms of fluorescence enhancement maintaining the required specificity for 1O2 detection in solution.
Natural Establishment of Specialist Plant Species after Topsoil Removal and Soil Perturbation in Degraded Calcareous Sandy Grassland
Authors: Olsson Pål Axel , Ödman Anja Madelen 
Published: June 2013

AbstractSpecialist plant species in calcareous sandy grasslands are threatened by acidification and high nutrient levels in the topsoil. We investigated whether topsoil removal and soil perturbation in degraded sandy grasslands could lead to establishment of specialist species belonging to the threatened xeric sand calcareous grassland habitat. Restoration actions performed in 2006 resulted in increased soil pH and reduced nitrogen availability. We found early colonisztion of the perennial key species Koeleria glauca after both deep perturbation and topsoil removal, and high seedling establishment in topsoil removal plots 5 and 6 years following the restoration treatment (2011–2012). After topsoil removal, overall vegetation composition in 2012 had developed toward the undegraded community, with target species accounting for 20% of the community after topsoil removal, compared to 30% in the undegraded vegetation, and less than 1% in untreated controls. Deep perturbation led to 7% target species, while there were almost no effects of shallow perturbation 6 years following treatment. These results demonstrate that topsoil removal can promote colonization of target species of calcareous sandy grassland and highlights the importance of considering the regeneration niche for target species when implementing restoration measures.
Effect of granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor on neutrophil function in idiopathic bronchiectasis
Authors: Ruchaud‐Sparagano Marie‐Hélène , Gertig Helen , Hester Katy L.M. , Macfarlane James G. , Corris Paul A. , Simpson A. John , De Soyza Anthony 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveNeutrophils are consistently found in inflamed and infected airways in idiopathic bronchiectasis, but relatively little is known about the function of blood neutrophils in this condition. We hypothesized that peripheral blood neutrophil (PBN) phagocytosis and superoxide generation are impaired in bronchiectasis, and that granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) is capable of improving neutrophil function.MethodsNeutrophils were isolated from the peripheral blood of patients with idiopathic bronchiectasis who were free of exacerbation, and from healthy controls of similar age (n = 21 in both groups). Ingestion of serum‐opsonized zymosan by neutrophils was used to quantify phagocytic capacity. Superoxide generation in neutrophils was measured in response to addition of platelet activating factor and formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine. Experiments were performed in the presence or absence of GM‐CSF.ResultsNo differences were observed in either phagocytic capacity (P = 0.99) or superoxide generation (P = 0.81) when comparing patients and controls. However, a significant increase in phagocytic capacity above baseline levels in both patients (P < 0.005) and controls (P < 0.005) was induced by GM‐CSF. Similarly, the superoxide generation in patients (P < 0.005) and controls (P = 0.001) was significantly increased by GM‐CSF.ConclusionsPBN function was preserved in idiopathic bronchiectasis. Enhancement of neutrophil phagocytosis and superoxide generation by GM‐CSF requires further study.
Genetic variants in HHIP are associated with FEV1 in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Kim Woo Jin , Oh Yeon‐Mok , Lee Jin Hwa , Park Choon‐Sik , Park Sung Woo , Park Jong Sook , Lee Sang Do 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackground and objective Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex disease in which multiple genes and their interaction with environmental factors contribute to disease development. Recent genome‐wide association studies in COPD revealed the chromosome 4 region near hedgehog interacting protein (HHIP). However, these studies were mostly performed in Caucasians, and additional studies in multiple ethnic groups are needed. We investigated genetic associations of HHIP in Korean COPD and control subjects.Methods Two separate case–control studies were performed. Firstly, 139 subjects with COPD and 199 control subjects were selected from the Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital Biobank. Secondly, 219 individuals with COPD were recruited from the Korean Obstructive Lung Disease (KOLD) cohort. The control subjects consisted of 305 smokers or ex‐smokers with normal lung function who were registered in the Korean Genome Epidemiology Study. Associations between COPD susceptibility and single‐nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotypes were tested by logistic regression. Associations between lung function and SNP genotypes were tested by linear regression.Results In the first study, the mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of these COPD subjects was 1.32 L. None of 15 SNP was significantly associated with COPD susceptibility. However, four SNP associated significantly with FEV1 in subjects with COPD. In the KOLD cohort study, two SNPs (rs11938704 and rs10013495) near HHIP were significantly associated with FEV1 (P = 0.0001 and 0.001, respectively) in subjects with COPD.Conclusions Genetic variants in HHIP are associated with lung function in subjects with COPD.
Volatility Spillovers between the Equity Market and Foreign Exchange Market in South Africa in the 1995‐2010 Period
Authors: Bonga‐Bonga Lumengo , Hoveni Jamela 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThis paper attempts to assess the extent of volatility spillovers between the equity market and the foreign exchange market in South Africa. Multistep family of the General Autoregressive Conditional Heteroskedasticity models are used for this end, whereby volatility shocks obtained from the mean equation estimation in each market are included in the conditional volatility of the other market, respectively. The paper selects the appropriate volatility models for each market following criteria such as covariance stationarity, persistence in variance and leverage effects. The finding of the paper indicates that there is a unidirectional relationship in terms of volatility spillovers from the equity market to the foreign exchange market. The paper supports the view that the extent of foreign participation in the South African equity market possibly contributes to this phenomenon.
Transportation and The International Trade of Eastern and Southern Africa
Authors: Macphee Craig , Cook Peter , Sattayanuwat Wanasin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWe use new data on transportation to determine its effect on the international trade of eastern and southern Africa (ESA). The effects were estimated with gravity models using alternative techniques to check for robustness. Freight forwarders provided information on freight charges (price), average duration of shipment (time) and variability in time. The new transportation variables and the more commonly used distance variable appear to have smaller effects overall than some previous research indicated, although our distance coefficient is identical to that of Coulibaly and Fotagné for West Africa. In contrast to other research critical of distance as a proxy for transport impediments, we find similar effects from distance and our measure of transport time, but both of these variables have significantly larger coefficients than price and variability. Landlocked ESA countries are twice as dependent on trade as the whole region after accounting for control variables, but they are not significantly more affected by changes in price and time, and they are less affected by distance and variability. The relative size of the time coefficients suggests that measures to lessen delays in shipping, for instance, faster border clearance, might encourage more trade than cost cutting measures that lowered price proportionately.
Africa's Money in Africa
Authors: Osabuohien Evans Stephen , Efobi Uchenna Rapuluchukwu 
Published: June 2013

AbstractWorkers' remittance and compensation of employees received in Sub‐Sahara Africa (SSA) increased from USD 1.398 billion in 1980 to USD 4.834 billion in 2000 and soared to USD 21.101 billion in 2010. The impact of remittance on recipient economy requires further empirical investigation as there has not been consensus on whether remittance induces “financial prodigality” or investment in Africa. Differing from extant studies, this study employed rule of law, regulatory quality and government effectiveness as indicators of institutional quality. This is with a view to exploring how institutional quality and financial depth interact with remittance to influence investment in 44 African countries (1995‐2010). The major finding from the study, inter alia, is that institutional quality and financial depth play complimentary role in influencing remittance for investment in Africa. This study concludes that the impact of Africa's money in Africa will be enhanced in the presence of reliable institutional quality and viable financial sector. Thus, the side effect of “financial prodigality” that might be associated with remittance can be ameliorated.