bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo persistent pigment darkening method: proposal of a new standard product for UVA protection factor determination
Authors: Moyal D. , Pissavini M. , Boyer F. , Perier V. , Frêlon J. H. 
Published: November 2007

SynopsisThe European Commission (EC) has recommended assessing the level of ultraviolet A (UVA) protection afforded by sunscreen products using the in vivo persistent pigment darkening (PPD) method or other methods giving equivalent results. In this context, the reproducibility of the in vivo PPD method is of importance. To check the validity of the UVA protection factor (UVAPF) tests, the Japanese Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA) recommends using a standard product (JCIA standard) with an expected UVAPF 3.75 (SD 1.01). However, considering the increase in UVA efficacy of the new sunscreen products available in the market, with UVAPF up to 30, it seemed useful to develop a new standard product to be used when testing products with expected UVAPF ≥10. The PPD method was used in six centres to determine the UVAPF of the two products. Reproducibility of results was also studied by testing two batches of the new product at two different times. There was no statistical difference between the six centres with regard to the JCIA standard. The ring study showed that the mean value of UVAPF (4.3) was higher than that given by JCIA (3.75). These data enable the proposal of a new acceptance range for the JCIA standard product (3.4–5.2) derived from actual results from European laboratories. Whereas this range is different from that proposed by JCIA (2.74–4.76), there is an overlapping of the values. Data on the new standard product show that reproducibility is not influenced by the batches of this product. The mean UVAPF value obtained is 12.1. An acceptance range (9.6–14.6) is proposed for the new standard. Data presented here demonstrate that if an identical protocol is used, reproducible results can be expected and that the PPD method is reproducible and reliable.
Nanostructured lipid carriers as novel carrier for sunscreen formulations
Authors: Xia Q. , Saupe A. , Müller R. H. , Souto E. B. 
Published: November 2007

SynopsisIncorporation of sunscreens into lipid carriers with an increased sun protection factor (SPF) has not yet been fully accomplished. In the present paper, the effectiveness of a sunscreen mixture, incorporated into the novel topical delivery systems, i.e. solid lipid nanoparticles (SLN) and nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC), used as ultraviolet (UV) protector enhancers with a distinctly higher loading capacity has been developed and evaluated. SLN and NLC were produced by hot high pressure homogenization technique in lab scale production. Size distribution and storage stability of formulations were investigated by laser diffractometry and photon correlation spectroscopy. Nanoparticles were characterized by their melting and recrystallization behaviour recorded by differential scanning calorimetry. Lipid nanoparticles produced with a solid matrix (SLN and NLC) were established as a UV protection system. The loading capacities for molecular sunscreens reported before now were in the range of 10–15%. It was possible to load NLC with up to 70% with molecular sunscreen, which is appropriate to obtain high SPFs with this novel UV protection system. The developed formulations provide a beneficial alternative to conventional sunscreen formulations. The UV protective efficacy of the lipid particles varied with the nature of lipid and UV wavelength.
Anticonvulsant and acute adverse effect profiles of picolinic acid 2‐fluoro‐benzylamide in various experimental seizure models and chimney test in mice
Authors: Luszczki Jarogniew J. , Swiader Mariusz J. , Swiader Katarzyna , Paruszewski Ryszard , Turski Waldemar A. , Czuczwar Stanislaw J. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the anticonvulsant properties of picolinic acid 2‐fluoro‐benzylamide (Pic‐2F‐BZA) in numerous experimental seizure models [maximal electroshock (MES), bicuculline (BIC), pentylenetetrazole (PTZ), pilocarpine (PILO), α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), kainic acid (KA) and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartic acid (NMDA)‐induced seizures]. Moreover, the acute adverse‐effect profile of the agent with respect to impairment of motor performance was assessed in animals subjected to the chimney test. Results indicate that Pic‐2F‐BZA in time‐ and dose‐dependent manners produced both the anti‐electroshock action and acute adverse effects in the MES and chimney tests in mice respectively. The experimentally derived median effective dose (ED50 value) in the MES test was 24.2 mg/kg (at 5 min after i.p. administration), whereas the median toxic dose (TD50 value) in the chimney test was 71.7 mg/kg. Furthermore, Pic‐2F‐BZA produced clear‐cut antiseizure effects in all chemically induced seizure models and its ED50 values amounted to 19.9 mg/kg for KA‐, 39.5 mg/kg for AMPA‐, 56.2 mg/kg for PTZ‐, 76.4 mg/kg for BIC‐, 160.1 mg/kg for PILO‐ and 165.2 mg/kg for NMDA‐induced seizures. Based on this study, one can conclude that Pic‐2F‐BZA, because of its broad spectrum of anticonvulsant action and the short time to peak of its maximum anticonvulsant effects (5 min after its i.p. administration), deserves more attention as a potential antiepileptic drug for status epilepticus patients.
Relationship between plasma endothelin‐1 concentration and cardiovascular responses during high‐intensity eccentric and concentric exercise
Authors: Okamoto Takanobu , Masuhara Mitsuhiko , Ikuta Komei 
Published: November 2007

SummaryThe present study investigates the relationship between plasma endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) concentrations and cardiovascular responses during eccentric (ECC) and concentric (CON) resistance exercises. Eight healthy males (aged 24·3 ± 1·2 years) performed dynamic forearm exercises for 60 s at an angular velocity of 60º s−1. Each test comprised 60‐s high‐intensity (80% of peak torque) bouts of randomly selected ECC and CON contractions, and the plasma ET‐1 concentrations were measured before and after each type of contraction. Systolic pressure (SBP), diastolic pressure (DBP), pulse pressure and heart rate (HR) during ECC and CON contraction were also measured. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) was calculated from SBP and DBP. The rate‐pressure product (RPP) was calculated from SBP and HR. The plasma ET‐1 concentration was significantly increased after CON, compared with ECC contraction (P<0·01). Moreover, SBP, DBP, MAP and RPP were significantly increased (P<0·05, P<0·01, P<0·001, respectively) during CON, compared with ECC contraction. Correlations between plasma ET‐1 concentration and MAP were not significant during ECC contraction, but significantly positive during CON contraction (P<0·05). These results showed that CON contraction is associated with ET‐1 production and a greater increase in blood pressure compared with ECC contraction.
Resistance exercise training improves heart rate variability in women with fibromyalgia
Authors: Figueroa Arturo , Kingsley J. Derek , McMillan Victor , Panton Lynn B. 
Published: November 2007

SummaryFibromyalgia (FM) is characterized by generalized muscle pain, low muscle strength and autonomic dysfunction. Heart rate (HR) variability (HRV) is reduced in individuals with FM increasing their risk for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. We tested the hypothesis that resistance exercise training (RET) improves HRV, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and muscle strength in women with FM. Women with FM (n = 10) and healthy controls (n = 9), aged 27–60 years, were compared at baseline. Only women with FM underwent supervised RET 2 days per week for 16 weeks. Baseline and post‐training measurements included HRV and spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS, alpha index) from continuous electrocardiogram and blood pressure (BP) recorded with finger plethysmography during 5 min in the supine position. RR interval, total power, log transformed (Ln) squared root of the standard deviation of RR interval (RMSSD), low‐frequency power and BRS were lower (P<0·05), and HR and pulse pressure were higher (P<0·05) in women with FM than in healthy controls. After RET, mean (SEM) total power increased (387 ± 170 ms2, P<0·05), RMSSD increased (0·18 ± 0·08 Ln ms, P<0·05) and Ln of high‐frequency power increased (0·54 ± 0·27 Ln ms2, P = 0·08) in women with FM. Upper and lower body muscle strength increased by 63% and 49% (P<0·001), and pain perception decreased by 39% in women with FM. There were no changes in BRS, HR and BP after RET. Our study demonstrates that RET improves total power, cardiac parasympathetic tone, pain perception and muscle strength in women with FM who had autonomic dysfunction before the exercise programme.
Differential gene expression in response to transforming growth factor‐β1 by fetal and postnatal dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Rolfe Kerstin J. , Irvine Laurie M. , Grobbelaar Addie O. , Linge Claire 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTThe multipotent growth factor transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β1 is consistently linked with fibrosis and scarring. The perfect (scarless) healing of cutaneous wounds in early gestational age fetuses is proposed to be due to this tissue's predominance of the TGF‐β3 isoform over the profibrotic TGF‐β1 and 2. Nevertheless, TGF‐β1 is present during wound healing in the early fetus and recently we demonstrated that relevant intracellular signaling pathways are activated (albeit transiently) on TGF‐β1stimulation. This study aimed to determine whether TGF‐β1 has different effects on gene transcription in human fetal (<14 weeks) vs. human postnatal dermal fibroblasts, using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. The regulation pattern of a number of TGF‐β response genes differed dramatically between the two cell sources. The typical autocrine loop of TGF‐β1 autoinduction did not occur in fetal fibroblasts and genes that are normally up‐regulated, connective tissue growth factor and collagen type I were actually down‐regulated. Furthermore, other response genes responded in a delayed fashion (TGF‐β3) compared with that seen in the more developmentally mature postnatal fibroblasts. Finally, genes unaltered by TGF‐β stimulation in postnatal cells, TGF‐β2 and collagen III, were up‐regulated in fetal cells. These developmentally related differences in fibroblast response to TGF‐β1 may influence wound‐healing outcome, i.e., perfect regeneration or fibrosis.
Interaction of epidermal growth factor, Ca2+, and matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in primary keratinocyte migration
Authors: Morris Vincent L. , Chan Bosco M. C. 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTElevations of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Ca2+ concentrations in the wound site are associated with reepithelialization during wound healing. In addition, Ca2+ and EGF can both induce increases in matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) synthesis. However, little is known about the interplay of these events in regulating the migration properties of primary keratinocytes on collagen I, the most abundant extracellular matrix component in the skin. We found that EGF stimulated both chemokinetic and chemotactic migration of primary keratinocytes on collagen I; however, MMP‐9 was required for EGF‐stimulated chemotaxis but not EGF‐stimulated chemokinesis. Calcium at 0.5 mM stimulated chemokinetic migration of keratinocytes. Together, Ca2+ and EGF stimulated higher levels of chemokinesis than either stimulus alone. Furthermore, Ca2+ could restore the ability of keratinocytes from MMP‐9 null mice to undergo EGF‐stimulated chemotaxis. The phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase inhibitor LY294002 inhibited both EGF‐ and Ca2+‐stimulated chemokinetic migration. In contrast, the MEK inhibitor PD98059 blocked Ca2+‐ but not EGF‐stimulated chemokinetic migration of keratinocytes. A combination of PD98059 and LY294002 was required to inhibit Ca2+ enhancement of EGF‐stimulated migration completely. Calcium‐stimulated chemokinesis was completely blocked by either the protein kinase C‐α inhibitor Gö6976 or the src/fyn inhibitor PP2. Using primary keratinocytes, our results showed how the combined action of Ca2+, EGF, and MMP‐9 regulated the contributions of extracellular‐regulated kinase and phosphatidylinositol‐3 kinase toward chemokinetic and chemotactic migration of keratinocytes.
A Review of Clinical Trials with Eptifibatide in Cardiology
Authors: Zeymer Uwe , Wienbergen Harm 
Published: November 2007

ABSTRACTGlycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists inhibit the binding of ligands to activated platelet GP IIb/IIIa receptors and, therefore, prevent the formation of platelet thrombi. Additional antithrombin therapy should be given in connection with GP IIb/IIIa administration. Eptifibatide is a small heptapeptide, which is highly selective and rapidly dissociates from its receptor after cessation of therapy. In clinical trials (IMPACT‐II and ESPRIT) concomitant administration of eptifibatide to patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) reduced thrombotic complications. In the PURSUIT trial, in patients with non‐ST‐elevation acute coronary syndromes, eptifibatide, compared to placebo, significantly reduced the primary endpoint of death and nonfatal myocardial infarction at 30 days. In patients with STEMI eptifibatide has been studied as an adjunct to fibrinolysis and primary PCI; it improved epicardial flow and tissue reperfusion. Current studies are evaluating eptifibatide as upstream therapy in high‐risk patients with NSTE‐ACS, in the EARLY‐ACS and in comparison with abciximab in patients with primary PCI in the EVA‐AMI trial.
Evaluating candidate genes in common epilepsies and the nature of evidence
Authors: Pal Deb K. , Strug Lisa J. , Greenberg David A. 
Published: November 2007

Summary Very few genetic associations for idiopathic epilepsy have been replicated and this has tempered enthusiasm for the results of genetic studies in epilepsy. What are the reasons for lack of replication? While type 1 error, population stratification, and multiple testing have been discussed extensively, the importance of genetic heterogeneity has been relatively neglected. In the first part of this review, we explore the sources of genetic heterogeneity and their importance for epilepsy genetic studies. In the second part, we review alternatives to the simple law of replication, revisiting Bradford Hill's guidelines for evidence of causality. A coherence perspective is applied to three examples. We conclude that adopting the perspective of integrating coherent and consistent evidence from different experimental approaches is a more appropriate requirement for proceeding to functional studies.
The Effect of Oral Health on Quality of Life in an Underprivileged Homebound and Non‐Homebound Elderly Population in Jerusalem
Authors: Zini Avraham , Sgan‐Cohen Harold D. 
Published: November 2007

OBJECTIVES: To measure the effect of oral health on quality of life in elderly people in Jerusalem and to compare homebound and nonhomebound people.DESIGN: A cross‐sectional, purposive cluster sample.SETTING: Community‐based, one dental clinic, three geriatric day centers, and home visits.PARTICIPANTS: Three hundred forty‐four underprivileged people aged 60 and older, 64 of whom were homebound.MEASUREMENTS: Score on the shortened version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP‐14) (validated for Hebrew) was the dependent variable. One dental assistant conducted a structured interview, including universal variables, and one dentist examined dental status.RESULTS: Average OHIP‐14 level was 10.43. For total OHIP‐14, the odds ratio comparing the homebound with the nonhomebound population was 2.06 (P=.03). After multiple logistic regression, functional ability and education level reached independent significance for OHIP‐14 level were.CONCLUSION: Homebound elderly people reported greater difficulties than nonhomebound people in communication, eating, relaxation, and life satisfaction as related to oral health.
Is Bancassurance a Viable Model for Financial Firms?
Authors: Paige Fields L. , Fraser Donald R. , Kolari James W. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractThe bancassurance (i.e., bank and insurance company combinations) model for financial firm architecture has been widely used in Europe and recently has been adopted by U.S. financial firms. We provide evidence regarding the viability of bancassurance combinations for U.S. and non‐U.S. mergers between 1997 and 2002. We find positive gains and no significant risk shifts for shareholders of bidding firms, and that higher CEO stock ownership results in less positive gains for shareholders. These and other results suggest that bancassurance firms are viable entities that may play an important role in the future evolution of the U.S. financial system.
Optimal Tax Deductions for Net Losses Under Private Insurance With an Upper Limit
Authors: Huang Rachel J. , Tzeng Larry Y. 
Published: November 2007

Abstract Kaplow (1992b) shows that governments should not provide a tax deduction for net losses when a private insurance contract is available. However, his findings rest on the assumption that the private insurance is proportional coverage. We find that Kaplow's conclusions may not hold when the private insurance contract contains an upper limit. The findings of our article show that Kaplow's conclusions are sensitive to the assumption that the insurance contract is available in the private market.
Stock‐Split Post‐Announcement Returns: Underreaction or Market Friction?
Authors: Boehme Rodney D. , Danielsen Bartley R. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe explore the relationship between stock splits and subsequent long‐term returns during the period from 1950 to 2000. We find that, contrary to much previous research, firms do not exhibit positive long‐term post‐split returns. Instead, we find that significant positive returns after the announcement date do not persist after the actual date of the stock split. We also observe that abnormal returns are correlated with the price‐delay or market friction. We conclude that the stock‐split post‐announcement “drift” is only of short duration, and it is attributable to trading frictions rather than behavioral biases.
Can Asset Pricing Models Price Idiosyncratic Risk in U.K. Stock Returns?
Authors: Fletcher Jonathan 
Published: November 2007

AbstractI examine how well different linear factor models and consumption‐based asset pricing models price idiosyncratic risk in U.K. stock returns. Correctly pricing idiosyncratic risk is a significant challenge for many of the models I consider. For some consumption‐based models, there is a clear tradeoff in the performance of the models between correctly pricing systematic risk and idiosyncratic risk. Linear factor models do a better job in most cases in pricing systematic risk than consumption‐based models but the reverse is true for idiosyncratic risk.
Diversification in Portfolios of Individual Stocks: 100 Stocks Are Not Enough
Authors: Domian Dale L. , Louton David A. , Racine Marie D. 
Published: November 2007

AbstractWe examine returns and ending wealth in portfolios selected from 1,000 large U.S. stocks over a 20‐year holding period. Shortfall risk, the possibility of ending wealth being below a target, is a useful metric for long horizon investors and is consistent with the Safety First criterion. Density functions obtained from simulations illustrate that shortfall risk reduction continues as portfolio size is increased, even above 100 stocks. A slightly lower risk can be achieved in small portfolios by diversifying across industries, but a greater reduction is obtained by simply increasing the number of stocks.
Safety of Single Transseptal Puncture for Ablation of Atrial Fibrillation: Retrospective Study from a Large Cohort of Patients
Authors: FAGUNDES RAFAEL L. , MANTICA MASSIMO , DE LUCA LUCIA , FORLEO GIOVANNI , PAPPALARDO AUGUSTO , AVELLA ANDREA , FRATICELLI AURELIANO , DELLO RUSSO ANTONIO , CASELLA MICHELA , PELARGONIO GEMMA , TONDO CLAUDIO 
Published: November 2007

Introduction: Transseptal puncture (TSP) is the conventional approach to assess the left atrial chamber. This technique has been widely used in interventional cardiology and, in the last years, this approach is mostly applied to electrophysiologic procedures. For atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation, two or more transseptal sheaths are often positioned in the left atrium in the majority of centers, therefore requiring two or more transseptal punctures. Theoretically, double puncture could bear additional risks or could increase the risk of persistence of septal defects. We reported the results of a retrospective analysis of a single transseptal puncture as a simplified approach for positioning multiple catheters in the left atrium during AF ablation. Methods: Between November 2003 and November 2005, 1,150 consecutive patients (mean age 54 ± 8 years, 75% men) were considered for AF ablation and underwent single transseptal puncture for positioning multiple catheters in the left atrium. Results: In only 6 of 1,150 (0.5%) cases a second transseptal puncture was required to position the ablation catheter in the left atrium. Neither acute complications related to transseptal catheterization such as atrial or aortic perforations, pericardial tamponade, thrombotic formation, or air embolism, nor complications due to the attempts of crossing the septum with the ablation catheter were reported. In all cases, each mapping catheter was properly maneuvered at different sites in the left atrium and at the pulmonary veins. In no patient was a residual septal atrial defect after the transseptal maneuvers detected during a mean follow up of 14 ± 2 months. Conclusions: This retrospective study on a large cohort of patients shows that single transseptal puncture for positioning two or more catheters in the left atrium for AF ablation is a highly successful and safe maneuver with a very low morbidity in the majority of patients. This may avoid potential complications related to a second transseptal puncture.