bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of KUR‐1246, a selective uterine relaxant, on transplacental passage and transmigration to milk
Authors: Furihata Yoshio , Kobayashi Mamoru , Kojima Masami , Kobayashi Kaoru , Kawarabayashi Tatsuhiko , Yamamoto Toshinori 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim: To evaluate the safety of KUR‐1246 as a tocolytic agent, we determined the effects of its constant infusion on efficacy, transplacental passage, and transmigration to milk in pregnant or puerperal animals and compared them to the effects of ritodrine hydrochloride.Methods: A balloon method was used to evaluate the inhibitory effects of KUR‐1246 constant infusion on spontaneous uterine motility in pregnant rats. We also measured transplacental passage and transmigration to milk of KUR‐1246 in pregnant and/or puerperal animals. KUR‐1246 and ritodrine hydrochloride concentrations were quantified using a liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry method.Results: Constant infusion of KUR‐1246 and ritodrine hydrochloride clearly inhibited spontaneous uterine motilityin vivo. The ED50value for KUR‐1246 was 1.1 mg/kg/min, a potency which was approximately 40‐fold greater than that of ritodrine hydrochloride. Transplacental passage (proportions of fetal plasma/maternal plasma) of KUR‐1246 in pregnant rats and/or guinea pigs were approximately one‐half to one‐third of that of ritodrine hydrochloride. Transmigration of KUR‐1246 to milk in puerperal rats disappeared by 48 h after injection.Conclusions: KUR‐1246 is a promising drug for the treatment of preterm labor in obstetric practice because it is as efficacious as currently used agents yet less likely to produce direct effects on the fetus.
Natural nutrient mixture effectively reduces collagen matrix contraction driven by human uterine smooth muscle cells
Authors: Ivanov Vadim , Roomi M. Waheed , Kalinovsky Tatiana , Niedzwiecki Aleksandra , Rath Matthias 
Published: January 2006

AbstractAim:  Abnormal uterine myometrial contractility causes preterm delivery, contributing to perinatal morbidity and mortality. Disturbances in hormonal regulation and inflammation‐related processes have been attributed a role in the pathophysiological mechanisms of uterine contractility. We investigated the effects of natural nutrients on uterine tissue contractility in vitro.Methods:  We used an in vitro model of collagen I gel contraction driven by embedded cultured human uterine smooth muscle cells (SMC). The effects of tested compounds were evaluated using their capacity to affect gel contraction (measured by reduction in gel area during 24‐h incubation in serum free medium). Cellular expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) was followed by gel zymography.Results:  Collagen gel contraction driven by uterine SMC was significantly stimulated by potassium chloride, pituitary hormone oxytocin and by inflammatory cytokine α‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α). Accelerated gel contraction was accompanied by elevated secretion of MMP‐2 and MMP‐9 into cell culture media. Among a variety of purified bioflavonoids and polyphenol‐enriched plant extracts tested for their ability to counteract uterine SMC‐dependent collagen gel contraction, the strongest effects were demonstrated by epigallocatechin gallate and green tea leaf extract, respectively. The addition of ascorbic acid and the amino acids lysine, arginine, cysteine and proline to green tea extract further increased its effectiveness. A reduction in gel contraction correlated with decreased MMP expression.Conclusion:  Based on these findings, we found that nutrients can effectively counteract uterine myometrial contraction and MMP activity in vitro, suggesting that pathophysiological mechanisms of abnormal uterine myometrial contractility can be counteracted by a combination of naturally occurring nutrients. These mechanisms might involve extracellular matrix remodeling.
A method for the determination of N‐nitrosodiethanolamine in personal care products – collaboratively evaluated by the CTPA Nitrosamines Working Group
Authors: Flower C. , Carter S. , Earls A. , Fowler R. , Hewlins S. , Lalljie S. , Lefebvre M. , Mavro J. , Small D. , Volpe N. 
Published: January 2006

SynopsisA procedure for the determination of N‐nitrosodiethanolamine (NDELA) in personal care products was evaluated in collaborative studies by member organizations of the United Kingdom's Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) and LGC Limited, formerly known as the Laboratory of the Government Chemist (LGC). Samples were prepared depending on the matrix of the cosmetic product: aqueous samples were prepared by diluting in water followed by solid‐phase extraction; emulsions, oils and solid materials were dissolved in dichloromethane and extracted with water. NDELA was separated from the sample matrix using reverse‐phase liquid chromatography. The N‐nitroso bond was cleaved by photolysis to give nitrite, which was colorimetrically quantified. The nitrite functional group reacted with sulphanilamide in an acid medium to form a diazonium ion which was then coupled with N‐(1‐naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride according to the Griess reaction to give a purple‐coloured azo dye that absorbed at 540 nm. Compared with other published methods for NDELA, the method described here is quick and easy to use. It has the required sensitivity and specificity, and can accurately and reliably quantify NDELA in a wide range of personal care product matrices.
Image analysis of skin scaling using D‐Squame® samplers: comparison with clinical scoring and use for assessing moisturizer efficacy
Authors: Black D. , Boyer J. , Lagarde J. M. 
Published: January 2006

SynopsisThe severity of scaling disorders can be evaluated objectively using the D‐Squame® technique coupled with image analysis. The parameters of scaling derived using this approach need to be clinically relevant and should have greater discrimination than visual grading. Improvements to an existing method that fulfil these requirements are presented. Three scaling parameters were calculated using image analysis of digitized video‐captured images of obliquely lit D‐Squame® samples. These parameters were compared to clinical scores of scaling made by five observers from photographs of the same areas sampled with D‐Squame®. In addition, two clinical studies were carried out to assess moisturizer effects on different degrees of xerosis, and to compare two different moisturizer preparations. The three scaling parameters gave correlation coefficients, r, between 0.6 and 0.75 when compared with global clinical scores of scaling. Significant reductions in all parameters were observed with 2 weeks of moisturizer use on lower leg skin with marked xerosis compared to an untreated control. The same moisturizer had a similar effect on milder xerosis of the forearm, and showed a greater decrease than a moisturizer with lower glycerol content. Increases in skin hydration, as measured with a corneometer, were also seen in both clinical studies, and corresponded well with D‐Squame® results. Differences in the degrees of scaling between these two anatomical sites were also detected with this technique. In a previous publication, the same technique was shown to be repeatable and reproducible; in the current article its correlation with clinical observations of scaling or flaking skin has been demonstrated.
The suppressive effect of apricot kernel extract on 5α‐Androst‐16‐en‐3‐one generated by microbial metabolism*
Authors: Mikoshiba S. , Takenaka H. , Okumura T. , Someya K. , Ohdera M. 
Published: January 2006

SynopsisBody odours are generated from dead skin cells and secreted materials, such as sweat and sebum, through the metabolism of microorganisms living on the skin. Volatile steroids, key compounds in body odours, are also generated through the metabolism of microorganisms. These volatile steroids strengthen the intensity of the overall body malodour and are sensed differently by males and females. Females are more sensitive than males to volatile steroids, especially 5α‐androst‐16‐en‐3‐one (androstenone). To regulate body odours that are especially unpleasant for women, we devised an androstenone‐generation model using the metabolism of Corynebacterium xerosis, which is one of the bacteria living on the axillary skin. Using this model, we studied the suppressive effect of plant extracts on the generation of androstenone. We found that apricot kernel extract (AKE) had the most positive effect among the plant extracts to which we applied the model. However, although AKE did suppress androstenone generation, it did not show any bactericidal effect. Using the cell‐free system, AKE also suppressed the generation of androstenone. In conclusion, we found that AKE suppressed the generation of androstenone, which is especially unpleasant for women, and the mechanism was not bactericidal but metabolic inhibition. The results of these studies provide new understanding of the regulation of androstenone, which, in turn, should lead to the development of novel deodorant systems.
Adaptive response of the skin to UVB damage: role of the p53 protein
Authors: Verschooten L. , Declercq L. , Garmyn M. 
Published: January 2006

SynopsisDifferent adaptation mechanisms like heat shock response, cell cycle arrest and DNA repair, melanin pigmentation and thickening of the epidermis are present in the human skin to protect against the adverse effects of solar UV irradiation. When DNA damage is beyond repair, cells undergo apoptosis to prevent their replication. We discuss the current knowledge on these different adaptation mechanisms to UVB damage, the most energetic fraction of solar UV that reaches the skin. As p53 protein, the guardian of the genome, plays a key role in protective response to genotoxic damage, its role in this adaptive response of the skin to UV will be further discussed.
Production of the Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinase‐2 (TIMP‐2) and Evaluation of Its Potential as Anti‐Aging Active
Authors: Schütz R. , König B. , Hochstrasser B. , Stolz P. , Imfeld D. 
Published: January 2006

Collagen‐degrading matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) show increased activities predominantly in UV‐irradiated skin as well as in chronologically aged skin. MMPs are therefore reasoned to be associated with the degenerative alterations in the collagenous dermal extracellular matrix, which in turn may accelerate the signs of skin aging such as wrinkle formation and skin sagging. In normal physiological processes MMP activity is controlled by the endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs). Here we report the biotechnological production of the human‐identical inhibitor TIMP‐2 and its evaluation as an anti‐aging active through attenuation of the degenerative MMP activity. The recombinant TIMP‐2 polypeptide selectively inhibited MMPs in vitro which are involved in aging processes and showed efficient IC50 values in the low nanomolar range. Topical application of formulated TIMP‐2 on skin explants with subsequent UVB irradiation (2‐3 MED) resulted in an almost quantitative protection against collagen degradation. Thus, our biotechnological production of TIMP‐2 leads to the active broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitor that reduces excessive MMP activity and thereby preserves the structural integrity of collagen network.A poster of this work was presented at the 23rd IFSCC Congress 2004, Orlando, Florida, USA.
The dynamics of moonlighting in Russia1
Authors: Guariglia Alessandra , Kim Byung‐Yeon 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper uses the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey (RLMS) to analyse the dynamics of moonlighting by the working‐age population. We find that moonlighting is transitory and that a desire to switch jobs expressed in the past is positively related to moonlighting in the present and to actual job changes in the future. We also find that workers who moonlighted as self‐employed in the past represent 26.5 percent of the new self‐employed. These results suggest that moonlighting in Russia can be seen as an effective incubator for setting up new self‐employed businesses, thereby providing long‐term benefits for the economy.
Monetary integration in the ex‐Soviet Union: A ‘union of four’?*
Authors: Chaplygin Vladimir , Hallett Andrew Hughes , Richter Christian 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThe governments of four ex‐Soviet countries recently discussed forming a currency union. To examine the economic feasibility of this proposition, we use conventional techniques and show that the arrangement is likely to find it difficult to handle the lack of structural symmetry, the asymmetric pattern of shocks, and the lack of market flexibility among the potential participants. Moreover, the union would be a unilateral one. It would require an unusual degree of political commitment to survive. Nonetheless, there are some subtleties in the timing and pattern of mutual dependence between Russia and Kazakhstan, and to a lesser extent in Belarus, which may reduce the strain from a currency union in those countries. Otherwise, the black market will have to provide the necessary market flexibility.
Investment decisions and the soft budget constraint
Authors: Colombo Emilio , Stanca Luca 
Published: January 2006

AbstractThis paper investigates the investment behaviour of a large panel of Hungarian firms in the period 1989–99, in order to assess the impact of institutional and regulatory changes on the efficiency of credit allocation. We find that the role of financial factors for investment decisions has changed significantly after the introduction of major financial reforms, and that firms were affected differently depending on their ownership type. Reforms have hardened the budget constraint of private domestic firms, particularly small ones, and reduced informational problems for foreign‐owned firms. State‐owned firms remained subject to a soft budget constraint. In particular, small state firms became more sensitive to financial conditions, whereas large state firms were unaffected and kept operating under a soft budget constraint.
Optimal speed of transition with a shrinking labour force and under uncertainty*
Authors: Luca Bruno Randolph 
Published: January 2006

AbstractIn the 1990s – during the restructuring of large state enterprises – Central European economies experienced high unemployment. Social policy expenditures, particularly targeted to the non‐employed, grew faster than expected due to the need to finance the out‐of‐the‐labour categories. In 1992, after the Passive Labour Market Policies’ reforms, the pace of transition decelerated. Unemployment dynamics, speed of transition and non‐employment policies are modelled based on the assumption that the labour force is shrinking over time. Dismissed workers have the opportunity to choose an outside‐option alternative to labour force participation. Individual uncertainty is assumed in a first phase of transition, while aggregate uncertainty – generating opposition to restructuring – is modelled in a second phase. The model predicts a slowdown in the speed of transition.
A novel method of comparing the healing properties of two hydrogels in chronic leg ulcers
Authors: De La Brassinne M , Thirion L , Horvat L‐IL 
Published: January 2006

AbstractSkin ulcers on the legs have a chronic, relapsing course and are often a significant management challenge. Novel methods of measuring and comparing the effects of different treatments can be of assistance in addressing this situation. A clinical pilot study using original methods was undertaken to compare the healing properties of the alginate gel Flaminal® (test) and the hydrocolloid gel Intrasite® (control) on chronic leg ulcers. The study was performed over a period of 28 days with two parallel groups of 10 patients. Both the surface (acetate tracing and planimetry) and the volume (Jeltrate® mould impression and weighting) of each wound were measured at baseline and after 7, 14 and 28 days of treatment. On both parameters results were superior with the test product compared to the control, with volume reduction being the first parameter to change. Between groups, difference in wound volume reduction was detected as early as day 7 whereas difference in surface reduction was clearly apparent only at day 28. Correlation between wound surface and volume reductions was also better in the test group (r = 0.843 vs. 0.421) than in the control. In conclusion, this pilot study suggests that combining wound surface and volume evaluations allows a more precise analysis of the healing process in venous leg ulcers and that this method is able to detect very early differences in treatments even with limited sample size.
Intravenous cidofovir treatment for recalcitrant warts in the setting of a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Gröne D , Treudler R , De Villiers EM , Husak R , Orfanos CE , Zouboulis ChC 
Published: January 2006

AbstractCidofovir is an acyclic nucleoside phosphonate with broad‐spectrum activity against DNA viruses, including human papilloma virus (HPV). However, data on the efficacy of cidofovir in an immunosuppressive setting remain contradictory. We report for the first time on the promotion of the healing of recalcitrant warts in a patient with myelodysplastic syndrome with intravenous cidofovir treatment.
The alteration of sister chromatid exchange frequencies in Behçet's disease with and without HLA‐B51
Authors: Ikbal M , Atasoy M , Pirim I , Aliagaoglu C , Karatay S , Erdem T 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  The analysis of sister chromatid exchange (SCE) is a cytogenetic technique used to show DNA damage as a result of an exchange of DNA fragments between sister chromatids. It is known that there is an increased SCE frequency in Behçet's disease (BD).Objective  To investigate whether human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐B51‐positive patients with Behçet's disease exhibit higher SCE frequencies than those without HLA‐B51.Methods  Lymphocytes from 75 patients (38 women, 37 men) and from 50 controls (28 women, 22 men) were cultured in darkness for 72 h in the presence of bromodeoxyuridine. Metaphase chromosomes were stained with a fluorescence plus Giemsa technique after a standard harvest procedure. For HLA‐B51 typing, DNA was extracted from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples and HLA‐B5 allele genotyping was performed by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR)–sequence specific primer method.Results  Thirty‐nine of 75 patients with BD (52%) and 15 of 50 controls (30%) were found HLA‐B51‐positive. The SCE frequencies in HLA‐B51‐positive patients were higher than in HLA‐B51‐negative ones (P < 0.001), whereas no difference was detected in the control group.Conclusion  This study revealed that there was a significant association between elevated SCE frequencies and existence of HLA‐B51 patients with BD.
A new formulation of an occlusive dressing containing betamethasone valerate 0.1% in the treatment of mild to moderate psoriasis
Authors: Pacifico A , Daidone R , Peris K 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Betamethasone valerate (BMV) is a medium‐potency corticosteroid commonly used for the treatment of chronic psoriasis. Although occlusion has been shown to enhance the efficacy of BMV treatment, no ready‐to‐use occlusive BMV formulation is currently approved for the market.Methods  Forty‐two patients with mild to moderate psoriasis and with symmetrical lesions were treated with BMV 0.1% tape and BMV 0.12% cream for 30 days in a half‐side distribution. Both treatments resulted in a significant clinical improvement. Efficacy and tolerability were evaluated by comparison of pre‐treatment and post‐treatment psoriasis area and severity index and self‐administered psoriasis area and severity index scores, and by comparison of the changes from baseline in clinical appearance and hydration.Results  Lesions treated with BMV 0.1% tape showed higher reductions from baseline in the psoriasis area and severity index and the self‐administered psoriasis area and severity index scores (61.7% and 59.3%, respectively), compared with lesions treated with BMV 0.12% cream (39.5% and 34.0%, respectively). No serious local or systemic treatment‐related adverse effects were reported.Conclusions  Our results indicate a higher efficacy of BMV 0.1% tape compared with BMV 0.12% cream in the treatment of mild to moderate chronic plaque psoriasis.
Detection of human papillomavirus type 34 in Bowen's disease on the pubic area
Authors: Hara H , Honda A , Suzuki H , Matsukura T 
Published: January 2006

AbstractWe describe an 86‐year‐old man with Bowen's disease on the pubic area. The lesion was clinically a black‐brownish keratotic nodule resembling seborrheic keratosis. Histopathological findings showed those of Bowen's disease and harboured human papillomavirus type 34 DNA. Genital, but not skin, human papillomaviruses are responsible for Bowen's disease on the skin.
Effect of topical calcipotriol, betamethasone dipropionate and their combination in the treatment of localized vitiligo
Authors: Kumaran MS , Kaur I , Kumar B 
Published: January 2006

AbstractBackground  Treatment of vitiligo is a challenge. Steroids are known to be effective but are associated with serious adverse effects. Many uncontrolled studies have shown calcipotriol to be a promising therapeutic modality in vitiligo.Objective  To conduct a randomized trial to evaluate the effect of topical calcipotriol ointment (0.005%) and betamethasone dipropionate (0.05%) cream, given alone or in combination, in treatment of localized vitiligo.Methods  Forty‐nine patients with vitiligo affecting 5% of their skin were recruited. Patients were randomized into three groups. Group I patients were treated with betamethasone dipropionate (0.05%) cream twice daily. Group II patients were treated with calcipotriol ointment (0.005%) twice daily, and group III with betamethasone dipropionate (0.05%) in the morning and calcipotriol (0.005%) in the evening.Results  Forty‐five patients completed the study period of 3 months with 15 patients in each group. No patient achieved excellent (> 75%) pigmentation. Marked (50% to 75%) repigmentation was observed in 2 (13.3%), 1 (6.7%) and 4 (26.7%) patients in groups I, II and III, respectively. Moderate (25–50%) repigmentation was observed in 7 (46.7%), 5 (33.3%) and 7 (46.7%) patients in groups I, II and III, respectively. Patients with < 25% pigmentation were termed as minimal pigmentation or no response. The mean time for initial pigmentation to appear was 9.04 ± 2.0 weeks in group I, 10.18 ± 1.6 weeks in group II and 5.17 ± 2.4 weeks in group III (P < 0.01). The acquired pigmentation in the lesions was more stable in group III as compared with patients in groups II and I (P < 0.01). Side‐effects in the form of atrophy and lesional burning sensations were more common in group I when compared with groups II and III (P < 0.05).Conclusion  Combined therapy appeared to give a significantly faster onset of repigmentation along with better stability of the achieved pigmentation and with lesser number of side‐effects.