bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of thread pitch on pull‐out strength of laparoscopic myoma screws
Authors: Tintara Hatern , Aiyarak Pattara , Mitarnun Winyou , Geater Alan 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of thread‐pitch on pull‐out strength and bending strength of buttress‐thread screws designed for laparoscopic myoma extraction.Methods:  The ultimate failure load of four 5‐mm diameter buttress‐thread screws with 3‐, 4‐, 5‐, and 6‐mm thread pitch, 40 mm in thread‐length were examined on fresh myoma specimens. The myoma tissue at each traction site was evaluated histologically to determine its density. The critical minimal pull‐out strength based on moderate‐density myoma group was estimated. The bending strength was also determined for each screw.Results:  A wide range of ultimate failure loads with a mean ± SE of 129.3 ± 5.5 N (range, 30.4–255.7 N) for all screws and tissue densities was recorded. In moderate‐density myomas, the mean ultimate failure loads decreased linearly with increasing thread‐pitch from 3 mm (148.0 ± 9.5 N) to 6 mm (119.8 ± 9.4 N) (test for trend: P < 0.05). Based on the criterion of a minimum pull‐out strength of at least 50 N in not less than 95% of tractions in medium‐density myomas, the 3‐mm and 5‐mm pitch screws were found to have acceptable properties. The 5‐mm pitch screw had less thread‐turn than the 3‐mm pitch for the same thread‐length and would need less application time. The bending strength also decreased with increasing thread pitch from 3 to 5 mm, then became stable at around 15 N.Conclusions:  The pull‐out strength of soft tissue buttress‐thread screws decreased linearly with increasing thread‐pitch. Thread‐pitch should be considered when designing laparoscopic myoma‐screws.
Mid‐second trimester measurement of fetal nasal bone length in the Japanese population
Authors: Kanagawa Takeshi , Fukuda Hirotsugu , Kinugasa Yukiko , Son Mihyon , Shimoya Koichiro , Murata Yuji , Yokoyama Takuhei , Hashimoto Hiroyuki , Isaka Shigeyuki , Nagamatsu Masaaki 
Published: July 2006

AbstractAim:  We carried out a preliminary study to compare the nasal bone length (NBL) and biparietal diameter/NBL (BPD/NBL) ratio between the Japanese and white populations.Methods:  Three hundred and fifty nine (359) singleton fetuses of healthy Japanese couples were examined from June 2004 to October 2005. NBL was measured by the strict midsagittal section. The reference range of NBL was established from cross‐sectional data between 15 and 25 weeks’ gestation.Results:  The success rate of obtaining reliable NBL was 93% (333/356). There were 330 fetuses (93%) available for constructing a reference range from the population. The median NBL increased from 3.2 mm at 15 weeks’ to 7.6 mm at 25 weeks’ gestation. The median of BPD/NBL ratio was 9.01.Conclusions:  We demonstrated that NBL was significantly shorter and BPD/NBL was significantly greater in the Japanese population than those in the white and black populations.
Whitening effect of a dermocosmetic formulation: a randomized double‐blind controlled study on melasma
Authors: Thirion L. , Piérard‐Franchimont C. , Piérard G.E. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisMelasma is an endocrine‐mediated facial hypermelanosis with epidermal and occasionally dermal components. We tested in a randomized double‐blind design the effect of a whitening formulation (Thiospot intensive®) on this skin disorder. The product containing ethyl linoleate, thioctic acid, octadecenedioic acid, lactic acid and ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate was applied twice daily for 3 months by 20 young women. Another control group of seven women received a non‐skin lightening formulation. Clinical assessments were made at 1‐month intervals. In addition, objective measurements of the hypermelanosis were performed using narrow‐band reflectance spectrophotometry, image analysis of video‐recorded ultraviolet light reflection (ULEV method) and photodensitometry of the corneomelametry test. A significant lightening effect was evidenced beginning the second month of treatment with the whitening formulation. No significant effect was observed with the control product.
Expression and function of neurotrophins and their receptors in human melanocytes
Authors: Marconi A. , Panza M. C. , Bonnet‐Duquennoy M. , Lazou K. , Kurfurst R. , Truzzi F. , Lotti R. , De Santis G. , Dumas M. , Bonté F. , Pincelli C. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisMelanocytes and cells of the nervous system are of common ectodermal origin and neurotrophins (NT) have been shown to be released by human keratinocytes. We investigated the expression and function of NT [nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), NT‐3, NT‐4/‐5] and their receptors in human melanocytes. Human melanocytes produce all NT in different amounts, whereas they only release NT‐4. NT‐4 release is downregulated, whereas NT‐3 is upregulated by ultraviolet (UVB) irradiation. Melanocytes treated with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) express TrkA and TrkB, but not TrkC. NT fail to stimulate melanocyte proliferation, whereas they stimulate the synthesis of tyrosinase and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1 (TRP‐1). Finally, NT‐3, NT‐4 and NGF increase melanin production. Taken together, these results demonstrate an intriguing interaction between melanocytes and the nervous system. We speculate that NT could be considered the target of therapy for disorders of skin pigmentation.
New antiaxillary odour deodorant made with antimicrobial Ag‐zeolite (silver‐exchanged zeolite)
Authors: Nakane T. , Gomyo H. , Sasaki I. , Kimoto Y. , Hanzawa N. , Teshima Y. , Namba T. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisThe causative substances for axillary osmidrosis, which are often found in apocrine sweat, are the decomposed/denatured products of short‐chain fatty acid and other biological metabolite compounds produced by axillary‐resident bacteria. Conventional underarm deodorants suppress the process of odour production mostly by the following mechanism: (1) suppression of perspiration, (2) reduction in numbers of resident bacteria, (3) deodorization and (4) masking. The most important and effective method to reduce odour is to suppress the growth of resident bacteria with antimicrobials, which have several drawbacks, especially in their safety aspect. To solve these problems, we focused on Ag‐zeolite (silver‐exchanged zeolite) that hold stable Ag, an inorganic bactericidal agent, in its structure, and therefore, poses less risk in safety. Its bactericidal effect on skin‐resident bacteria was found to be excellent and comparable with that of triclosan, a most frequently used organic antimicrobial in this product category. The dose–response study of Ag‐zeolite powder spray (0–40 w/w%) using 39 volunteers revealed that 5–40 w/w% Ag‐zeolite could show a sufficient antimicrobial effect against skin‐resident bacteria. The comparison study using 0.2 w/w% triclosan as the control and 10 w/w% Ag‐zeolite indicated that: (1) one application of the powder spray containing 10 w/w% Ag‐zeolite could show a sufficient antimicrobial effect against the resident bacteria and its effect continued for 24 h, (2) a powder spray containing 0.2 w/w% triclosan was unable to show a sufficient antimicrobial effect, and (3) no adverse event was observed. These studies show that Ag‐zeolite has a superior antimicrobial ability that is rarely found in conventional antimicrobials used in deodorant products and a strong antiaxillary odour deodorant ability because of its long‐lasting effect. During clinical study, patch tests with humans and other clinical studies of this product showed no adverse events related to the treatment with the Ag‐zeolite product.
Histological evaluation of hyperpigmentation on female Filipino axillary skin1
Authors: James A. G. , Pople J. E. , Parish W. E. , Moore A. E. , Dunbar N. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisFemales in South East Asia (Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines) show concern about dark areas of skin which develop in their underarms, but little is known about the features differentiating pale and hyperpigmented axillary skin in the general population. To investigate this, a histology study was undertaken in the Philippines to define the aetiology of underarm darkening, which is postulated to be a mild form of postinflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIHP). Punch biopsies were taken from dark and light axillary skin sites of 20 female subjects, of whom seven had hyperpigmented underarms, based on an instrumental (Mexameter MX‐18, Courage and Khazaka Electronic GmbH, Cologne, Germany) measure, and 13 had not. Histological and immunohistochemical analyses were undertaken using a range of stains and antibodies, including haematoxylin‐eosin for general histopa‐thology, Masson‐Fontana for melanin, anti‐CD68 for monocytes and macrophages, Van Gieson's technique for fibrosis, anti‐proliferating cell nuclear antigen for cell mitosis, and the melanocyte‐specific immunostains, anti‐tyrosinase and anti‐tyrosinase‐related protein 1. In most cases, dark skin sites from hyperpigmented panellists had increased intensity of Masson‐Fontana, anti‐tyrosinase and/or anti‐TRP1 staining, indicative of melanocyte stimulation and increased melanin production. Furthermore, hair plucking emerged as a key stimulus to increased pigmentation. The trauma of hair plucking slightly increased the number of infiltrating mononuclear cells and macrophages that ingested melanosomes leaking from the damaged epidermis, more so in the skin of hyperpigmented panellists; this, in turn, potentially increases pigmentation. However, cell infiltration was focal, mainly near the plucked follicles, and not indicative of diffuse inflammation. The results from this study support the hypothesis that axillary darkening is mild PIHP, characterized by increased epidermal melanin, following stimulation or mild irritation of skin, with hair plucking as a key factor in this process.
Induction of the skin endogenous protective mitochondrial MnSOD byVitreoscilla filiformisextract
Authors: Mahé Y. F. , Martin R. , Aubert L. , Billoni N. , Collin C. , Pruche F. , Bastien P. , Drost S. S. , Lane A. T. , Meybeck A. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisVitreoscilla filiformis(Vf), a filamentous bacteria living in fresh water is thought to contribute to the observed beneficial effects of Spa water on skin. An active fraction obtained from a Vf biomass was evaluated for its ability to modulate mRNA expression in cultured skin cells. cDNA array analysis was conducted first using a customized membrane including 1176 selected and fully identified genes involved in skin physiology and homeostasis then the newly developed full genome U133 plus 2.0 GeneChip from Affymetrix. The mitochondrial protective manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD/SOD‐2) was identified as a preferentially induced mRNA target in both normal human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes. Induction at the transcriptional level in both cell types was confirmed using quantitative real time/polymerase chain reaction and a kinetic analysis revealed a maximal increase in mRNA expression 20 h after stimulation with Vf extract (Vfe). Using immunofluorescent (fluorescent cell sorter) analysis, an induction of MnSOD protein in both normal human dermal skin fibroblasts (×1.6;P < 0.01) and epidermal keratinocytes (×1.4;P < 0.01) was confirmed. As MnSOD is a major inducible free‐radical scavenger in skin, these results suggest that the Vfe could induce skin cells to produce their own endogenous protective defencesin vivoagainst both exogenous environmental stressors such as UV irradiation or microflora as well as to combat endogenous sources of deleterious free radicals involved in skin ageing. Finally, in order to confirm thein vivopotential of this original extract in human, we evaluated its protective activity vs. placebo on the generation of sunburn cells in epidermis under UVB stress. As expected fromin vitroprofiling, Vfe was indeed found to significantly inhibit the appearance of sunburn cells in UVB‐exposed areas, a signature of skin alteration which has been suggested to be linked to a defect in MnSOD protective activity. Altogether, those data suggest that the combination of a suitable protective UV filter together with this bioactive Vfe might improve skin protection through complementary pathways.
Protective effects of taurine on human hair follicle grownin vitro1
Authors: Collin C. , Gautier B. , Gaillard O. , Hallegot P. , Chabane S. , Bastien P. , Peyron M. , Bouleau M. , Thibaut S. , Pruche F. , Duranton A. , Bernard B. A. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisTaurine is a naturally occurringβ‐amino acid produced by methionine and cysteine metabolism. It is involved in a variety of physiological functions, including immunomodulatory and antifibrotic. Taking advantage of the ability of human hair follicle grownin vitroto recapitulate most of the characteristic features of normal hair folliclein vivo, we studied (i) taurine uptake by isolated human hair follicles; (ii) its effects on hair growth and survival rate; and (iii) its protective potential against transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1, an inhibitor ofin vitrohair growth and a master switch of fibrotic program. We showed that taurine was taken up by the connective tissue sheath, proximal outer root sheath and hair bulb, promoted hair survivalin vitroand prevented TGF‐β1‐induced deleterious effects on hair follicle.
School‐based interventions for childhood and adolescent obesity
Authors: Sharma M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe purpose of this article was to review population‐based interventions for preventing childhood obesity carried out in school settings published between 1999 and 2004. A total of 11 such interventions were found from USA and UK. The grade of the interventions was from kindergarten, primary grades, middle school to high school. Most of these interventions targeted both physical activity and nutrition behaviours although there were some interventions that focused on only one dimension such as TV watching or restricting drinking of carbonated drinks or increasing physical education time in the school. Most of the interventions were based on some behavioural theory and the most popular theory was social cognitive theory. Most of the interventions focused on individual level behaviour change approaches. Most of the interventions focused on short‐term changes right after the intervention. On the whole, interventions resulted in modest changes in behaviours and mixed results with indicators of obesity. TV watching seems to be most modifiable behaviour, followed by physical activity and nutrition behaviours. The outcome measures such as lowered BMI (body mass index), triceps skin‐fold thickness and waist circumference have not been measured by all studies. Recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of school‐based childhood obesity interventions are presented.
Musculoskeletal disorders associated with obesity: a biomechanical perspective
Authors: Wearing S. C. , Hennig E. M. , Byrne N. M. , Steele J. R. , Hills A. P. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryDespite the multifactorial nature of musculoskeletal disease, obesity consistently emerges as a key and potentially modifiable risk factor in the onset and progression of musculoskeletal conditions of the hip, knee, ankle, foot and shoulder. To date, the majority of research has focused on the impact of obesity on bone and joint disorders, such as the risk of fracture and osteoarthritis. However, emerging evidence indicates that obesity may also have a profound effect on soft‐tissue structures, such as tendon, fascia and cartilage. Although the mechanism remains unclear, the functional and structural limitations imposed by the additional loading of the locomotor system in obesity have been almost universally accepted to produce aberrant mechanics during locomotor tasks, thereby unduly raising stress within connective‐tissue structures and the potential for musculoskeletal injury. While such mechanical theories abound, there is surprisingly little scientific evidence directly linking musculoskeletal injury to altered biomechanics in the obese. For the most part, even the biomechanical effects of obesity on the locomotor system remain unknown. Given the global increase in obesity and the rapid rise in musculoskeletal disorders, there is a need to determine the physical consequences of continued repetitive loading of major structures of the locomotor system in the obese and to establish how obesity may interact with other factors to potentially increase the risk of musculoskeletal disease.
Food for thought or thought for food? – A stakeholder dialogue around the role of the snacking industry in addressing the obesity epidemic
Authors: Astrup A. , Bovy M. W. L. , Nackenhorst K. , Popova A. E. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryThe current obesity epidemic is generally considered multi‐causal. Certain foods, including snacks such as potato chips, and their marketing are often highlighted as needing particular attention. This forces potato chip producers to take position on their role and responsibility. Based on expert interviews and a literature review, a systems analysis approach is presented that distinguishes between basic physiology, self‐control and what we call jam transmitters, signals and pressures from the environment that hinder or frustrate self‐control. Examples of the latter are commercial push and seduction, obesogenic cultures, obesogenic physical environment, socioeconomic factors, genes, hormones and instincts. Solution of the epidemic demands an approach that involves all factors and all related actors. As for the snacking industry, the comprehensive responses are: to introduce specific diet products; to improve the nutritional quality of its products; the latter combined with supporting and engaging in healthy lifestyle marketing; to practice responsible targeting of marketing; and to limit the promotion of unhealthy consumption patterns.
Service Delivery to Parents with an Intellectual Disability: Family‐Centred or Professionally Centred?
Authors: Wade Catherine M. , Mildon Robyn L. , Matthews Jan M. 
Published: July 2006

Background  Studies support the use of family‐centred practices in service delivery to families where a parent has an intellectual disability. This paper examines the importance of such practices to parents.Materials and Methods  Interview responses from 32 parents with intellectual disability were coded by two independent raters as reflecting family‐centred or professionally centred practice. Responses reflecting family‐centred practice were then coded as ‘relational’ or ‘participatory’ helpgiving.Results  Service characteristics considered helpful by parents were more likely to be rated as family‐centred practice than professionally centred practice. Family‐centred practices considered helpful were more likely to be coded participatory than relational helpgiving.Conclusions  The results support the conclusion that parents find family‐centred practices more helpful than professionally centred practices, and participatory helpgiving more helpful than relational helpgiving. The findings are discussed in relation to the tendency for an ‘implementation lag’ in service delivery to families.
Social Ecology of a Residential Special School for Young People with Challenging Behaviours: A Preliminary Report
Authors: Smith Kate , Powlitch Stephanie , Little David , Furniss Frederick 
Published: July 2006

Background  Little is known about the social ecology of residential schools. This study examined staff/student interaction and student activity in a traditional residential unit and an ‘independent living unit’ (ILU) in a school for students with intellectual disabilities and challenging behaviour.Method  Staff and student behaviours were observed for 23 students aged 8–16 years, five from the ILU and 18 from the traditional unit.Results  Students received staff assistance to complete activity for under 6% and 1% of time, and were constructively engaged for under 50% and 20% of time, in the traditional unit and ILU respectively. Few differences were found between the units.Conclusions  Despite higher staffing ratios, levels of staff assistance and attention and resident activity in the school resemble mean levels in comparable adult community services. Further research into outcomes in residential schools seems warranted.
Residential Provision for Adult Persons with Intellectual Disabilities in Ireland
Authors: Mulvany Fiona , Barron Steve , McConkey Roy 
Published: July 2006

Background  The type of accommodation provided for persons with an intellectual disability is a major indicator of the social policy for this client group. This is likely to vary within and across countries; hence the importance of undertaking national and international comparisons. Estimations of future need are also required to assist service planning.Method  A database of all persons in receipt of intellectual disability services has been operating in the Republic of Ireland since 1995. In Northern Ireland, regional databases were used to provide similar information.Results  Around 10 000 people live in some form of residential provision: 56% in special settings, 35% in ordinary housing and 9% in hospitals. Most residents were classed as having ‘severe’ disabilities and were aged over 35 years. There were marked differences in the amount and type of provision provided in the two parts of the island. This was also mirrored in differences across health service areas within each country. The demand for future places was greater in Northern Ireland.Conclusions  A planning target of 3.5 places per 1000 adult population is proposed although substantial investments in services is required to achieve this. Longitudinal surveys are an important way of monitoring the impact of new policy initiatives.
Attitudes of Social Service Providers towards the Sexuality of Individuals with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Bazzo Giuseppe , Nota Laura , Soresi Salvatore , Ferrari Lea , Minnes Patricia 
Published: July 2006

Background  The sexual lives of people with intellectual disability is made complex by the involvement and influence of social service providers, whose beliefs and values have a great impact on the support they provide. We hypothesized that social service providers’ role, educational level and service in which they worked could affect attitudes towards the sexual behaviour of individuals with intellectual disability.Materials and methods  The current study describes attitudes of social service providers towards the sexuality of individuals with disability measured by 20 items of Sexuality and Mental Retardation Attitudes Inventory (SMRAI). This instrument was devised by Brantlinger [Mental Retardation (1983) Vol. 21, pp. 17–22] to assess the attitudes of the staff employed by organizations that supplied services to individuals with intellectual disability. Specifically, analysis of variance (type of service × professional role × education) was performed on participants’ scores.Results  Results suggested that the social service providers participating in this research study tended to have moderately liberal attitudes. Educational level and role carried out did not produce differences in their attitudes. A significant difference emerged between those who operated in different services. It was especially the staff of the outpatient treatment services who revealed the most liberal and positive attitudes towards the sexuality of individuals with intellectual disability.Conclusions  The data reported in the present study seem to underline some differences between the data collected from the Italian and the Anglo‐Saxon social service providers. Failure to record influences associated with the role carried out and previous training could be related to the different contextual differences. Results suggest that particular attention should be paid to the training of those who hold managerial posts in Italian residential services.