bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experiments in Raman spectroscopy of hair: Exciting light and molecular orientation
Authors: Carpenter P. , Bell F. 
Published: March 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 199–204 (March/April 2009)SynopsisHair fibers have been analyzed by Raman spectroscopy to assess the suitability of a range of excitation wavelengths for data collection over extended periods of time. It is found that the optimum excitation wavelength for spectral detail, of these tested, was 780 nm and that this wavelength resulted in little signal degradation over time. It was found that with higher energy excitation sources that the signal intensity of the spectra degraded significantly in short periods of time. This work suggests that near‐IR Raman spectroscopy therefore offers the most suitable conditions to analyze the nature of secondary structural feature in hair fibers. In addition, a preliminary exploration of the structural orientation of spectral features of the hair was attempted. Through the use of a linearly polarized excitation source the intensity of the Raman spectral features were observed to change as the alignment of the fiber axis with respect to the plane of polarization was changed. It was found that the spectral features associated with the α‐helical vibrations decreased in intensity as the fiber axis was rotated from an orientation parallel to the exciting beam.
Influence of functionalized silicones on hair fiber–fiber interactions and on the relationship with the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly
Authors: Dussaud A. , Fieschi‐Corso L. 
Published: March 2010

J. Cosmet. Sci., 60, 261–271 (March/April 2009)SynopsisIt is well established that silicones alter hair surface properties and that silicones have a significant impact on the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly, such as visual appearance, combing performance and manageability of the hair. In order to fine‐tune the chemistry of functionalized silicones for specific consumer benefits and hair types, we investigated the influence of silicones on hair fiber–fiber interactions and their correlation to hair volume. The incline plane fiber loop method, implemented with a high‐precision motorized rotary stage, was used to quantify the fiber–fiber interactions. Low load static friction was studied as a function of polymer molecular weight, dose and chemical architecture. This information was related to the macroscopic behavior of hair assembly, using virgin curly hair in high humidity.
Andrographolide regulates epidermal growth factor receptor and transferrin receptor trafficking in epidermoid carcinoma (A‐431) cells
Authors: Tan Y , Chiow KH , Huang D , Wong SH 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  Andrographolide is the active component of Andrographis paniculata, a plant used in both Indian and Chinese traditional medicine, and it has been demonstrated to induce apoptosis in different cancer cell lines. However, not much is known about how it may affect the key receptors implicated in cancer. Knowledge of how andrographolide affects receptor trafficking will allow us to better understand new mechanisms by which andrographolide may cause death in cancer cells.Experimental approach:  We utilized the well‐characterized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and transferrin receptor (TfR) expressed in epidermoid carcinoma (A‐431) cells as a model to study the effect of andrographolide on receptor trafficking. Receptor distribution, the total number of receptors and surface receptors were analysed by immunofluorescence, Western blot as well as flow‐cytometry respectively.Key results:  Andrographolide treatment inhibited cell growth, down‐regulated EGFRs on the cell surface and affected the degradation of EGFRs and TfRs. The EGFR was internalized into the cell at an increased rate, and accumulated in a compartment that co‐localizes with the lysosomal‐associated membrane protein in the late endosomes.Conclusion and implications:  This study sheds light on how andrographolide may affect receptor trafficking by inhibiting receptor movement from the late endosomes to lysosomes. The down‐regulation of EGFR from the cell surface also indicates a new mechanism by which andrographolide may induce cancer cell death.
Atherosclerosis induced by chronic inhibition of the synthesis of nitric oxide in moderately hypercholesterolaemic rabbits is suppressed by pitavastatin
Authors: Kitahara Masaki , Kanaki Tatsuro , Ishii Itsuko , Saito Yasushi 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  It is not clear if the new 3‐hydroxyl‐3‐methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG‐CoA) reductase inhibitor pitavastatin prevents atherogenesis by a direct effect. Statins have a cholesterol‐lowering effect, so an accessible animal model of atherosclerosis showing only moderate hypercholesterolaemia as in humans, is needed. The effects of pitavastatin were evaluated on atherosclerotic lesions accumulating foam cells derived from macrophages, produced in rabbits with moderate hypercholesterolaemia by chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthase (NOS).Experimental approach:  White New Zealand rabbits were fed a 0.2% cholesterol diet with the NOS inhibitor Nω‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) in the same diet. Pitavastatin (0.1 and 0.3 mg·kg−1) was given orally once a day for 8 weeks. The aortic arch and thoracic aorta were analysed by histochemistry and atherosclerotic lesions were quantified. The effect of pitavastatin on adhesion of THP‐1 cells to endothelial cells, and cholesterol content in RAW264.7 cells incubated with oxidized or acetylated LDL were also investigated.Key results:  Atherosclerotic lesions containing foam cells were induced in a model of atherosclerosis in rabbits with moderate hypercholesterolaemia by chronic inhibition of NOS. The area of atherosclerotic lesions was diminished by pitavastatin administration. The adhesion of THP‐1 cells and cholesteryl ester content in RAW macrophages were decreased by pitavastatin treatment.Conclusion:  Atherosclerosis induced by chronic inhibition of NOS in moderately hypercholesterolaemic rabbits was suppressed by pitavastatin via inhibition of macrophage accumulation and macrophage foam cell formation.
Biochanin A, a naturally occurring inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase
Authors: Thors L , Burston JJ , Alter BJ , McKinney MK , Cravatt BF , Ross RA , Pertwee RG , Gereau 4th RW , Wiley JL , Fowler CJ 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose: Inhibitors of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), the enzyme responsible for the metabolism of the endogenous cannabinoid (CB) receptor ligand anandamide (AEA), are effective in a number of animal models of pain. Here, we investigated a series of isoflavones with respect to their abilities to inhibit FAAH.Experimental approach: In vitroassays of FAAH activity and affinity for CB receptors were used to characterize key compounds.In vivoassays used were biochemical responses to formalin in anaesthetized mice and the ‘tetrad’ test for central CB receptor activation.Key results: Of the compounds tested, biochanin A was adjudged to be the most promising. Biochanin A inhibited the hydrolysis of 0.5 µM AEA by mouse, rat and human FAAH with IC50values of 1.8, 1.4 and 2.4 µM respectively. The compound did not interact to any major extent with CB1or CB2receptors, nor with FAAH‐2. In anaesthetized mice, URB597 (30 µg i.pl.) and biochanin A (100 µg i.pl.) both inhibited the spinal phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase produced by the intraplantar injection of formalin. The effects of both compounds were significantly reduced by the CB1receptor antagonist/inverse agonist AM251 (30 µg i.pl.). Biochanin A (15 mg·kg−1i.v.) did not increase brain AEA concentrations, but produced a modest potentiation of the effects of 10 mg·kg−1i.v. AEA in the tetrad test.Conclusions and implications: It is concluded that biochanin A, in addition to its other biochemical properties, inhibits FAAH bothin vitroand peripherallyin vivo.This article is part of a themed issue on Cannabinoids. To view the editorial for this themed issue visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1476‐5381.2010.00831.x
A novel quinone‐based derivative (DTNQ‐Pro) induces apoptotic death via modulation of heat shock protein expression in Caco‐2 cells
Authors: Gomez‐Monterrey Isabel , Campiglia Pietro , Bertamino Alessia , Aquino Claudio , Sala Marina , Grieco Paolo , Dicitore Alessandra , Vanacore Daniela , Porta Amalia , Maresca Bruno , Novellino Ettore , Stiuso Paola 
Published: March 2010

Background and purpose:  The resistance of human colon adenocarcinoma cells to antineoplastic agents may be related to the high endogenous expression of stress proteins, including the family of heat shock proteins (HSPs). Recently, a quinone‐based pentacyclic derivative, DTNQ‐Pro, showed high cytotoxic activity in human colon carcinoma cell lines. The aim of the present study was to determine the precise cellular mechanisms of this cytotoxic action of DTNQ‐Pro.Experimental approach:  Using human colorectal carcinoma‐derived Caco‐2 cells as a model, we studied the effects of DTNQ‐Pro on cellular viability and oxidative stress; HSP70 and HSP27 accumulation; and cell cycle, differentiation and apoptosis.Key results:  Incubation of Caco‐2 cells with DTNQ‐Pro reduced cell growth and increased the levels of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria. After 48 h of treatment, cells surviving showed an increased expression of Mn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide production and membrane lipid peroxidation. Treatment with DTNQ‐Pro decreased HSP70 expression, and redistributed HSP27 and vimentin within the cell. DTNQ‐Pro down‐regulated the expression of A and B cyclins with arrest of the cell cycle in S phase and increased cellular differentiation. A second treatment of Caco‐2 cells with DTNQ‐Pro induced cellular death by activation of the apoptotic pathway.Conclusions and implications:  DTNQ‐Pro causes Caco‐2 cell death by induction of apoptosis via inhibition of HSP70 accumulation and the intracellular redistribution of HSP27. These findings suggest the potential use of DTNQ‐Pro in combination chemotherapy for colon cancer.
Associations Between Helicobacter pylori Infection, Co‐Morbid Infections, Gastrointestinal Symptoms, and Circulating Cytokines in African Children
Authors: Cherian Sarah , Burgner David Paul , Cook Angus George , Sanfilippo Frank Mario , Forbes David Alan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground:  Refugee children have complex medical needs and often have multiple infections. The relationship between infection, gastrointestinal symptoms, and systemic inflammation is poorly understood. We investigated these parameters in refugee children with a high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori, helminth, and malaria infection.Materials and Methods:  African refugee children were recruited at resettlement health screening. Data were collected on demography, gastrointestinal symptoms, co‐morbid infection, and serum for peripheral cytokine levels. Helicobacter pylori infection was diagnosed by a fecal‐based immunoassay.Results:  Data from 163 children were analyzed, of which 84.0% were positive for H. pylori. Infected children were significantly older (9.2 years ± 3.7 vs 7.1 years ± 3.9, p = .01). Half the cohort (84/163, 51.5%) described gastrointestinal symptoms but these were not strongly associated with co‐morbid infections. Helicobacter pylori‐infected children had significantly lower circulating log‐interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) (odds ratio 0.61, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.40, 0.94, p = .025). Helminth infections were common (75/163, 46%) and associated with elevated log‐IL‐5 (β: 0.42, 95% CI 0.077, 0.76). Children with malaria (15/163, 9.2%) had elevated log‐tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNFα) and log‐IL‐10 (β: 0.67, 95% CI 0.34, 1.0 and β: 1.3, 95% CI 0.67, 1.9, respectively). IL‐10 : IL‐12 ratios were increased in H. pylori‐infected children with malaria or helminth infections. Symptoms were generally not associated with levels of circulating peripheral cytokines irrespective of co‐morbid infection diagnosis.Conclusions:  There is a high prevalence of asymptomatic H. pylori infection in recently resettled African refugee children. Gastrointestinal symptoms were not predictive of H. pylori nor of helminth infections. Serum cytokines, particularly IL‐5, IL‐10, and TNFα, were significantly elevated in children with malaria and helminth infections but not in those with H. pylori infection.
Ten‐Day Sequential Therapy as First‐line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection in Korea: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kwon Jung H. , Lee Dong H. , Song Byeong J. , Lee Jung W. , Kim Jin J. , Park Young S. , Kim Nayoung , Jeong Sook‐Hyang , Kim Jin‐Wook , Lee Sang H. , Hwang Jin H. , Jung Hyun C. , Song In S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBackground and Aims:  The eradication rate of proton‐pump inhibitor‐based triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection is low due to increasing antibiotics resistance, especially clarithromycin. Recently, it was reported in Europe that a 10‐day sequential strategy produced good outcomes. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of sequential therapy as first‐line treatment for eradication of H. pylori in clinical practice in Korea.Materials and Methods:  A total of 98 patients (mean age 55.2 years and male 47, female 51) with proven H. pylori infection received 10‐day sequential therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole, and 1 g of amoxicillin, twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by 20 mg of rabeprazole, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily for the remaining 5 days). Eradication was evaluated 4 weeks later, after completion of treatment by 13C‐urea breath testing. Eradication rates were calculated by intention‐to‐treat (ITT) and by per protocol (PP). Compliance and adverse events were also assessed in study group.Results:  The eradication rate of sequential therapy was 91.8% (90/98) by ITT and same result was reported by PP analysis (89/97). The study group consisted of 66 H. pylori associated gastritis, 7 gastric ulcer, and 25 duodenal ulcer patients (67.3%, 7.1%, 25.5%, respectively). Mild adverse events happened frequently (21.4%) but the treatment was well tolerable. The most common adverse event was a bitter taste (9.2%) followed by nausea and diarrhea (4.1%).Conclusions:  Ten‐day sequential therapy is found to effectively eradicate H. pylori infection as first‐line treatment in Korea.
Chronic Alcohol Consumption Is Associated With an Increased Cytotoxic Profile of Circulating Lymphocytes That May Be Related With the Development of Liver Injury
Authors: Laso Francisco Javier , Almeida Julia , Torres Emiliano , Vaquero José Miguel , Marcos Miguel , Orfao Alberto 
Published: March 2010

Background:  Apoptosis has recently emerged as a key component of acute and chronic liver diseases and it could be related to alcoholic liver disease. In the present study, we attempted to analyze the cytotoxic profile of circulating lymphocytes in chronic alcoholic patients grouped according to ethanol intake status and presence of liver disease.Methods:  We investigate the phenotypic and functional behavior of different compartments of peripheral blood (PB) cytotoxic T and natural killer (NK) cells in chronic alcoholic patients without liver disease and active ethanol intake (AWLD group; n = 22), and in subjects with alcohol liver cirrhosis (ALC group; n = 22).Results:  AWLD patients showed an expansion of both CD4+/CD8+ cytotoxic T cells and NK/T cells, in association with an enhanced cytolytic activity against K562 cells and a higher ability to induce in vitro expression of the pro‐apoptotic protein APO2.7 in HepG2 cells. Conversely, ethanol intake in ALC patients was associated with decreased NK cell numbers, a reduced cytotoxic activity against K562 cells without significant changes in the expression of APO2.7, and a pro‐fibrotic profile of cytokine secretion.Conclusions:  Overall, our results suggest that alcoholic patients display different phenotypical and functional changes in circulating PB cytotoxic lymphocytes according to the presence of alcoholic liver disease, which could be related to the development and progress of liver injury.
Caregiving and Adults With Intellectual Disabilities Affected by Dementia
Authors: Courtenay Ken , Jokinen Nancy S. , Strydom Andre 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAuthors conducted a systematic review of the available Dutch, English, and German language literature for the period 1997–2008 on the current knowledge on social‐psychological and pharmacological caregiving with respect to older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) affected by dementia. Authors note that caregiving occurs on a personal level between the person and their carer and organizational and interorganizational supports have an impact on the quality of care provided. However, the lack of robust evidence to meet the needs of adults with ID affected by dementia means that service organizations often have to extrapolate from the evidence base of dementia care practices in the general population. The review showed that concerns over staff burden, behavioral interventions, and staff training, and applications of models of care were emerging, but were not systematically studied. Authors noted that pharmacological agents and nonpharmacological, psychosocial techniques were being used to assist carers manage behavior, but the evidence base of both nonpharmacological and pharmacological interventions that can help people with ID and dementia and their carers is insufficient because of the absence of systematic and robust studies. The authors note a need for an international research agenda that begins to address gaps in knowledge. With more adults projected to be affected by dementia, a robust evidence‐based body of literature on dementia care in people with ID can help with planning for and providing quality dementia‐capable services.
Carer Knowledge and Experiences With Menopause in Women With Intellectual Disabilities
Authors: Willis Diane S. , Wishart Jennifer G. , Muir Walter J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractOverall life expectancy for women with intellectual disabilities (ID) is now significantly extended, and many will live long enough to experience menopause. Little is known about how carers support women with ID through this important stage in their lives. This study investigated carer knowledge of how menopause affects women with ID under their care and how they may help them to cope with it. One‐to‐one interviews were undertaken with 69 carers (7 male/62 female) from a range of backgrounds, all with current responsibility for the care of one or more pre‐, peri‐, and/or postmenopausal women with ID. Carers reported difficulty in disentangling the psychological and physical consequences of the menopause from behaviors and symptoms arising from other causes. There was general recognition of the transitional importance of menopause and a widespread acknowledgment of the resilience that many women with ID show in coping with it. However, carers emphasized the need for health resources to be better tailored to the women's needs and for more relevant health education training for staff. The authors conclude that additional and new demands are placed on service provision as women with ID live longer. An increased awareness of health issues relating to menopause is needed, as are more appropriate and readily available relevant health education materials for women with ID in middle age.
Major Health Risks in Aging Persons With Intellectual Disabilities: An Overview of Recent Studies
Authors: Haveman Meindert , Heller Tamar , Lee Lynette , Maaskant Marian , Shooshtari Shahin , Strydom Andre 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe authors examined the health‐related literature on aging and intellectual disabilities (ID) published since 1999, with specific focus on examining findings on age‐associated health risk factors, such as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and musculoskeletal system health issues, and age‐related oral health. They also examined studies of lifestyle health risks, primarily the contributions to overweight or obesity. Although the review revealed varying differences in the prevalence of health risk factors, significant evidence is emerging that cardiovascular disease is as prevalent among people with ID and is as common a cause of death as in the general population. However, the review showed that the variations in prevalence were culturally dependent. Digestive system problems were evident with high occurrence rates of helicobacter pylori, gastroesophageal reflux disease, and constipation. The review revealed a growing body of work on health risk factors, such as overweight and obesity, which are often linked to the onset of a variety of diseases and impairing conditions. Healthier lifestyles, better nutrition and more exercise, and greater surveillance of health risks were seen as ways to improve the health status of aging adults with ID.
INTERVENTIONS TO CONTROL AFLATOXIN CONTAMINATION IN PISTACHIO NUTS: IRAN EXPERIENCE
Authors: CHERAGHALI A.M. , YAZDANPANAH H. 
Published: March 2010

ABSTRACT Pistachio nut is an important agricultural and economical commodity in Iran. Annually, several hundred tons of pistachio nuts are produced in Iran. Therefore, the country earns substantial amount of hard currency from exporting pistachio nuts. In addition, livelihood of some million people in pistachio‐growing area depends on this crop. Traditionally, the European Union (EU) has been one of the major destinations of pistachio exported from Iran. Pistachio nuts are rich sources of fat, and contain linoleic and linolenic fatty acids. However, they are among the commodities with the highest risk of aflatoxins (AF) contamination. As a consequence of detection of unacceptable level of AF in pistachio consignments arriving in EU ports in 1997, special conditions were imposed on Iran pistachio entering the EU. Therefore, extensive efforts were made to overcome the problem. Iranian authorities in collaboration with EU authorities planned a multi‐approach intervention to prevent and control AF contamination of Iran pistachio nuts. Iran experience to prevent and control AF contamination in pistachio nuts was fruitful, and Iran pistachio nuts now have significantly lower level of AF contamination. In addition to economic aspects, these improvements have greatly contributed to protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONSDespite the nutritional value of pistachio nuts, their susceptibility to aflatoxins (AF) contamination is a potential health hazard. This might cause substantial economical losses to the producers as well. In the past decade, Iran, as the largest pistachio producer in the world, has implemented effective interventions to control AF in pistachios. Implemented interventions such as establishing an efficient decision‐making system, focusing on preventive methods, applying Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point, good agricultural practice and good storage practice guidelines, and using accurate and sensitive sampling and analytical methods proved to be effective. As a consequence, in regard to AF contamination, Iran pistachio nut is now substantially safer. Obviously, this has contributed to the protection of both local and international consumers from possible health hazard caused by AF contamination. From the economical point of view, increasing volume of consumable pistachio nuts will also improve the country's earning from pistachio trade without culturing more orchards.