bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Distinctive transcriptome responses to adverse environmental conditions in Zea mays L.
Authors: Fernandes John , Morrow Darren J. , Casati Paula , Walbot Virginia 
Published: July 2008

SummaryMaize seedling transcriptome responses to six abiotic perturbations (heat, cold, darkness, desiccation, salt, ultraviolet‐B) were analysed. Approximately 7800 transcripts were expressed in one or more treatments compared with light‐grown seedlings plus juvenile leaves from field‐grown plants. Approximately 5200 transcripts were expressed in one or more treatments and absent in light‐grown seedlings. Approximately 2000 transcripts were unique to one treatment. Salt and heat elicited the largest number of transcript changes; however, salt resulted in mostly a decreased abundance of transcripts, whereas heat shock resulted in mostly an increased abundance of transcripts. A total of 384 transcripts were common to all stress treatments and not expressed in light‐grown seedlings; 146 transcripts were present in light‐grown seedlings and absent from all stress treatments. A complex pattern of overlapping transcripts between treatments was found, and a significant pattern of congruence in the direction of transcript change between pairs of treatments was uncovered. From the analysis, it appears that the scope of gene expression changes is determined by the challenge, indicating specificity in perception and response. Nonetheless, transcripts regulated by multiple responses are generally affected in the same manner, indicating common or converging regulatory networks. The data are available for additional analysis through a searchable database.
Rapid naming deficits in dyslexia: a stumbling block for the perceptual anchor theory of dyslexia
Authors: Di Filippo Gloria , Zoccolotti Pierluigi , Ziegler Johannes C. 
Published: July 2008

Abstract According to a recent theory of dyslexia, the perceptual anchor theory, children with dyslexia show deficits in classic auditory and phonological tasks not because they have auditory or phonological impairments but because they are unable to form a ‘perceptual anchor’ in tasks that rely on a small set of repeated stimuli. The theory makes the strong prediction that rapid naming deficits should only be present in small sets of repeated items, not in large sets of unrepeated items. The present research tested this prediction by comparing rapid naming performance of a small set of repeated items with that of a large set of unrepeated items. The results were unequivocal. Deficits were found both for small and large sets of objects and numbers. The deficit was actually bigger for large sets than for small sets, which is the opposite of the prediction made by the anchor theory. In conclusion, the perceptual anchor theory does not provide a satisfactory account of some of the major hallmark effects of developmental dyslexia.
Stigmatization of obese children and adolescents, the importance of gender
Authors: Tang‐Péronard J. L. , Heitmann B. L. 
Published: July 2008

SummaryTo review the literature on stigmatization of overweight girls and boys, with a specific attention to gender differences, a search was performed in the medical as well as the psychological literature. The following databases, Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane as well as Google were used to retrieve information. Finally, chain references were sought. The search was concluded mid‐2006. In total, 17 studies were identified. The results from the studies generally indicated that overweight girls seemed to experience a higher degree of stigmatization than overweight boys. The overweight girls were to a larger degree teased about their weight and relationally, verbally and physically bullied. In addition, they were more socially marginalized in respect to friendships and romantic relationships. Stigmatization of overweight children and adolescents indeed occurs, but is more prevalent in overweight girls than overweight boys. There is a need to conduct further studies that are specifically designed to evaluate gender differences in stigmatization of overweight children and adolescents, and for studies focusing on preventing this stigmatization.
Studying the anti‐tyrosinase effect of Arbutus andrachne L. extracts
Authors: Issa R. A. , Afifi F. U. , Amro B. I. 
Published: July 2008

Synopsis Arbutus andrachne L. is widely distributed in Jordan. Tyrosinase is the key enzyme in the biosynthesis of melanin. This preliminary study was carried out to assess the possible anti‐tyrosinase activity of A. andrachne extracts. Arbutin, hydroquinone and kojic acid were selected as inhibitor standards. Five different extracts (chloroform, butanol, ethanol, methanol and water) were prepared from A. andrachne stems and their activities were compared with the selected tyrosinase inhibitors. IC50 was measured for both, standard and plant extracts. Among the different extracts, the methanolic extract exhibited the highest anttyrosinase activity with an IC50 value (1 mg mL−1). Furthermore, 9 mg A. andrachne methanolic extract showed 97.49% inhibition of tyrosinase activity. Arbutin, hydroquinone, β‐sitosterol and ursolic acid were identified in the different extracts of A. andrachne by thin layer chromatography (TLC) and isolated by preparative TLC from the methanolic and chloroform stem extracts, respectively.
Development of chitosan‐coated liposomes for sustained delivery of tamarind fruit pulp’s extract to the skin
Authors: Phetdee M. , Polnok A. , Viyoch J. 
Published: July 2008

SynopsisIn this study, chitosan‐coated liposomes were developed. To entrap lyophilized tamarind extract containing alpha‐hydroxy acids (AHAs) together with tartaric acid, the reverse phase evaporation method was used to obtain well‐formed liposomes loaded with the extract. The highest entrapment efficiency of 68.3 ± 3.0% into the liposomes was obtained with liposomes consisting of phosphatidylcholine and cholesterol in a molar ratio of 2 : 1 after the extrusion process. The average particle size of the prepared liposomes was 158 ± 26 nm showing a negative zeta potential of −6 mV. For the preparation of the chitosan‐coated liposomes, two selected independent parameters were varied: chitosan concentrations of 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0% w/v and volumes of the chitosan solutions of 1, 2 and 3 mL, to study the effects of such parameters on the entrapment efficiency of the extract‐loaded liposomes. Variation in the volumes of the chitosan solution did not affect the entrapment efficiency of the liposomes. However, the entrapment efficiency of the AHAs in the chitosan‐coated liposomes significantly increased with increasing chitosan concentrations. The size of the chitosan‐coated liposomes was in the range of 200–300 nm with a positive zeta potential in the range of 6–29 mV. An in vitro release study using dialysis technique was performed to evaluate the release profile of the tartaric acid from the chitosan‐coated liposomes. The obtained results showed the effect of the chitosan‐coated liposomes on the lower release rate and on the amount of tartaric acid in comparison with that of the uncoated liposomes. The study in an in vitro skin cell model indicated that the developed system could enhance the potential of tamarind’s AHAs on the stimulation of human keratinocyte proliferation being two‐fold higher than the solution of the tamarind extract.
Irritancy ranking of 31 cleansers in the Indian market in a 24‐h patch test
Authors: Lakshmi C. , Srinivas C. R. , Anand C. V. , Mathew A. C. 
Published: July 2008

SynopsisCleansing trends promise freshness, sensory and health benefits but may also be accompanied by an increase in soap‐induced skin irritation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the irritant effect of 31 cleansers (28 bar soaps and 3 liquid cleansers) available in the Indian market. Eight percent w/v solutions of the soaps/cleansers were made and 30 μL of each of the solutions were applied to Finn chambers and occluded for 24 h along with distilled water (negative control) and 20% sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) as positive control. The sites were graded for erythema and scaling 30 min after removing the patches. The pH of each of the soap solutions was determined. Mean with SD and ANOVA (F‐value) was computed separately for each soap/cleanser with respect to the two parameters, erythema and scaling. The total of the means for both the parameters, erythema and scaling was also computed. The cleansers were listed based on this total from the least irritant to the most irritant. The differences between soaps (F‐value) was significant for erythema and scaling [erythema = 4.106 (P = 0.000); scaling = 6.006 (P = 0.000)]. Cetaphil cleansing lotion had the lowest erythema score of 0.25. Lowest scaling score of zero was recorded for Cetaphil cleansing lotion and Elovera moisturizing body wash. Aquasoft and Lifebuoy soaps had the highest erythema score of 2.13. Acnex had the highest scaling score of 1.75; Aquasoft, Hamam scrub bath soap and Naturepower sandal soaps were the next with a scaling score of 1.63. Cetaphil cleansing lotion, Aquaderm liquid soap, Dove bar soap and Elovera moisturizing body wash proved to be the least irritant cleansers with a total score of less than 1. The four most irritant soaps/cleansers had an average score of 3.65. The irritant potential of the majority of the cleansers fell between these extremes. The pH of all the soap/cleanser solutions was neutral to alkaline (pH 7–9) except that of Dove bar, Cetaphil cleansing lotion, Aquaderm liquid soap and Elovera moisturizing body wash which tested acidic (pH 5–6). The pH of the positive control—20% SDS, was acidic (pH 6). The difference in the irritancy potential between soaps/cleansers as determined by the 24‐h patch test was significant. There were individual variations in the irritant potential of the soaps/cleansers in the volunteers, thus when the patient queries on what soap to use, it may be advisable to test each patient separately and educate him/her regarding the soaps/cleansers less likely to cause irritation. The limitations of the study was that it was single blind and non‐randomized as all the 14 soap solutions were applied on 15 volunteers in the first panel and subsequently all the 17 soap solutions were applied on eight volunteers in the second panel. However, we could compare the irritant potential of 31 cleansers. The results of 24‐h patch testing of 31 soaps/cleansers in the Indian market in two panels of 14 and 17 soaps/cleansers on 15 and eight volunteers, respectively, are presented.
Analysis and quantification of parabens in cosmetic products by utilizing hollow fibre‐supported liquid membrane and high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection
Authors: Msagati T. A. M. , Barri T. , Larsson N. , Jönsson J. Å. 
Published: July 2008

SynopsisA simple and direct method based on hollow fibre‐supported liquid membrane (HFSLM) extraction and liquid chromatography equipped with a UV detector was developed for analysis and quantification of parabens in cosmetic products. The parabens analysed included methyl, ethyl, propyl, isobutyl and butyl paraben. The HFSLM extraction was carried out by employing di‐n‐hexyl ether as organic liquid that was immobilized in the hollow fibre membrane. The HFSLM extraction is simple, cheap, minimizes the use of solvents and uses disposable material. In an investigation of 11 paraben‐containing cosmetic products, the levels of parabens (sum of all parabens in a product) ranged from 0.43% to 0.79% (w/w) for skin care products, 0.07–0.44% for hair fixing gels and 0.30–0.52% for soap solutions. The levels of individual parabens in individual cosmetic products ranged between 0.03% and 0.42% w/w for skin care products, 0.07% and 0.26% w/w for hair fixing gels and between 0.11% and 0.34% w/w for soap solutions. Parabens were found in the highest concentrations in skin care products followed by soap solutions and the least amounts were found in hair fixing gels. Of the paraben‐containing products tested, all of them contained methyl paraben and about 90% contained propyl paraben in addition to methyl paraben. One product contained all the parabens analysed.
In vitro evaluation of sun protection factors of sunscreen agents using a novel UV spectrophotometric technique
Authors: Bleasel M. D. , Aldous S. 
Published: July 2008

SynopsisA method for the in vitro determination of low‐ and high‐value sun protection factors (SPF) of sunscreens using artificial substrates and a novel pseudo double beam (PDB) mode of operation of a standard double beam UV spectrophotometer is described. The method allows transmittance to be calculated from detector responses of reference and sample beams measured at different gain levels and facilitates the accurate quantification of low levels of electromagnetic radiation transmitted through highly absorbing samples. The spectrophotometer was modified to hold quartz diffusing plates on which a substrate [Transpore™ adhesive tape or human stratum corneum obtained from a skin surface biopsy (SSB)] and the sunscreens to be tested were applied. The PDB mode of operation increased the effective linear range of the detector response of the spectrophotometer by a factor of approximately 20000‐fold, enabling the in vitro SPF determination technique to be applied to both high and low SPF value sunscreens. Eight commercial sunscreens with known SPF values ranging from 4 to 77, previously determined by in vivo methods, were tested in vitro using both test substrates and correlations between the in vivo and in vitro values were determined. SPF values determined using the in vitro method correlated well with the known in vivo results (Transpore™ tape, R2 = 0.611; SSB, R2 = 0.7928). The in vitro SPF obtained for one of the tested products differed substantially from the cited in vivo SPF value. Independent in vitro and in vivo re‐evaluation of the SPF of this product matched the value predicted by the present method much more closely than the originally cited in vivo value. All determined SPFs were ordered correctly in comparison to in vivo ranking and the technique appeared to correctly identify a sunscreen that had a labelled SPF value that was significantly higher than its true SPF.
Empire and the Visual Representation of Nature, 1860–19601
Authors: Beinart William , Hughes Lotte 
Published: July 2008

AbstractIn this article, we explore some of the images transmitted about the landscapes and environments of the British empire, largely during the century after 1860. While our major focus is on British‐based representations, some reference is made to artistic work elsewhere that fed into the imperial visual store. As a number of scholars have argued, some visual materials familiarized British audiences with far‐flung conquered zones and naturalized their exploitation. However, these images were only one style of representation; there were many others and it is important to identify some of the complexity and variety of visual imaginations, developed in many different media. Settler and indigenous art and photography used images from nature to develop nationalist and indigenous reassertions. Images could transcend their intended purpose, and, as in the case of approaches to nature itself, there were contending voices. Jostling alongside images that celebrated exploitation and possession of colonized territories, there were others that championed nature or portrayed it sympathetically. Because of the power of visual media, these had a significant influence on conservationist thinking.
Preconception Health Status of Iraqi Women After Trade Embargo
Authors: Abbas Wafa Abdul Karim , Azar Najood G. , Haddad Linda G. , Umlauf Mary Grace 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objectives: To describe the preconception health status of Iraqi women in 2001 following the trade embargo imposed on Iraq beginning in 1991 and only partially removed in 1996.Design: A descriptive cross‐sectional prevalence study.Sample: 500 Iraqi women at a premarital clinic in Baghdad in 2001.Measurements: Women were surveyed for age, area of residence, menstrual history, household crowding, consanguinity, and a family history of congenital problems. Clinical findings regarding height, weight, and hemoglobin level were included in the data.Results: Almost one third of the women were below the age of 20 and the majority were between 20 and 25 years of age. More than half of the women in this study had an intermediate‐level education or less and lived in very crowded housing. Most of the women were anemic and reported a delay in menarche, suggesting malnutrition. Most of the women were planning consanguineous unions even though many reported congenital conditions in their family of origin.Conclusions: Young Iraqi women who endured embargo needed, and continue to need, aggressive preventive health services to recoup health gains lost during the 1990s and to address prevention of common congenital disorders.
A Fish Consumption Study of Anglers in an At‐Risk Community: A Community‐Based Participatory Approach to Risk Reduction
Authors: Derrick Corliss G. , Miller Jacqueline S. A. , Andrews Jeannette M. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To determine the effectiveness of a community‐partnered risk communication intervention tailored for subsistence anglers in a public housing community.Design and sample: A one group, pretest, posttest design was used to test the effectiveness of the intervention in a sample (n=23, age range 18–75 years, 100% African American) of subsistence anglers residing in a public housing community in close proximity to a Superfund clean‐up site. Face‐to‐face surveys were conducted at baseline and 3 months post the intervention to assess changes in knowledge and behaviors.Intervention: A socioculturally appropriate risk communication intervention was developed, implemented, and evaluated in the targeted community. The risk communication included an interactive power point presentation, visual demonstration by a role model, and distribution of low literacy written materials, followed by a booster mailing of materials 1 month past the initial intervention. Evaluation measures included survey instruments on knowledge and self‐reported fishing behaviors.Results: Participants showed improved knowledge and behavior change related to trimming fish, consumption by pregnant women and children, and consumption of large fish.Conclusions: The sociocultured tailored risk communication intervention demonstrated promising outcomes in this community and should be evaluated in a larger population of subsistence anglers.
Who Are the Pregnant Adolescents in the Poorest State Capital of Brazil?
Authors: Gomes Keila R. O. , Speizer Ilene S. , Gomes Francimar M. , Oliveira Delvianne D. C. , Moura Laís N. B. 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: This study determines which adolescent girls are becoming pregnant.Design: Cross‐sectional study.Sample: Pregnant or puerpera adolescents in Teresina, Brazil (278), aged 15–19 years.Measurements: Comparisons were made between the older and younger age groups of the Teresina sample and between the socioeconomic and demographic characteristics of the Teresina sample and ever‐pregnant adolescents from the 1996 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) sample. Descriptive analyses and Pearson's chi‐square tests were performed.Results: Compared with the 1996 DHS sample, there has been a social improvement manifested by a higher proportion attending school and a lower proportion of adolescent workers in the 2006 Teresina sample. In the 2006 sample, 60.2% of those attending school were below their grade for age level. The principal reason for school abandonment 10 years ago was marriage (24.4%) and that among the 2006 Teresina sample was pregnancy (44.9%). Girls who were 15–17 years old in the 2006 sample experienced menarche and sexual debut earlier than those who were 18–19 years old in the same sample.Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancies are likely to have an unfavorable long‐term impact on adolescent mothers' lifestyle, even with some improvement since 1996. Effective programs for adolescent pregnancy prevention are needed to reduce the possibility of continuance of these trends for another 10 or more years in the future.
General Public's and Physicians' Perception of Health Risk Associated with Radon Exposure in the State of Azad Jammu and Kashmir
Authors: Rafique Muhammad , Jabeen Shahida , Shahzad M. Ikram 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: To conduct a radon awareness survey to examine the level of awareness and risk perception of indoor radon exposure among the general public, medical students, and physicians of the state of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, given that long‐term exposure to indoor radon increases lifetime risk of lung cancer and may pose a substantial threat to public health.Design: Cross‐sectional survey. Sample: households by telephone (500), interviews with menial laborers (200), questionnaires to shopkeepers and government employees (1,000), undergraduates (200), social science graduates (1,500), science graduates (1,500), medical students (325), and physicians (100). Measures: familiarity with radioactivity and the nature and health hazards of radiation and radon. Analysis: Significance of data trends was measured using the Kruskal‐Wallis test.Results: About 30% people (excluding medical students and physicians) were aware of radon, and about 6% had knowledgeable awareness of radon. About 80% of the medical students and physicians had heard about radon and about 30.5% of them had knowledgeable awareness about radon and its hazards.Conclusion: The study suggested a positive relationship of awareness of radon and its hazards with the educational level of people.
Identification of Nurses' Competencies in Primary Health Care Through a Delphi Study in Southern Brazil
Authors: Witt Regina Rigatto , Almeida Maria Cecília Puntel de 
Published: July 2008

ABSTRACT
Objective: This investigation aimed to identify and analyze the general and specific competencies of nurses in the primary health care practice of Brazil.Design: The Delphi Technique was used as the method of study.Sample: 2 groups of participants were selected: One contained primary health care nurses (n=52) and the other specialists (n=57), including public health nurses and public or community health faculty.Measurements: 3 questionnaires were developed for the study. The first asked participants to indicate general and specific competencies, which were compiled into a list for each group. A Likert scale of 1–5 was added to these 2 lists in the second and third questionnaires. A consensus criterion of 75% for score 4 or 5 was adopted.Results: In the nurses' group, 17 general and 8 specific competencies reached the consensus criterion; 19 general and 9 specific competencies reached the criterion in the specialists' group. These competencies were classified into 10 domains: professional values, communication, teamwork, management, community‐oriented, health promotion, problem solving, health care, and education and basic public health sciences.Conclusions: These competencies reflect Brazilian health policy and constitute a reference for health professional practice and education.