bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heat shock proteins in the skin
Authors: Jonak C. , Klosner G. , Trautinger F. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisHeat shock proteins (hsp) are expressed in all cells and organisms. Their expression is induced by heat shock (temperatures above 42°C) and other forms of pathophysiological stress. Elevated levels of hsp protect cells from further stress exposure. Hsp are expressed intracellularly. They are highly conserved throughout evolution indicating hsp being necessary for survival under potentially harmful environmental conditions. Hsp are divided into families according to their molecular weight. The majority of hsp function as molecular chaperones. Chaperone function is characterized by binding to other proteins and mediating their folding, transport and interaction with other molecules. In human epidermis hsp are abundantly expressed and have been linked with functions in cell differentiation and photobiology. Recent research has mainly focused on the 27 and 72 kD hsp that are constitutively expressed in human keratinocytes. ultraviolet radiation (UV)‐induced cell death and sunburn cell formation can be inhibited by previous heat shock exposure and UV itself can induce hsp expression. The expression of the 27 kD hsp (hsp27) in epidermal keratinocytes in situ and in culture correlates with differentiation. Expression of hsp27 increases simultaneously with keratinocyte differentiation. For that reason, hsp27 is described as a marker of epidermal differentiation. Changes in the expression and inducibility of hsp have been linked with ageing. In the skin, recent data indicate that hsp72 expression remains remarkably stable with intrinsic ageing. In contrast, levels of hsp27 have been found to be elevated in sun‐protected aged skin indicating a link between hsp27 expression and age‐dependent epidermal alterations. Regulation of hsp can be modified by pharmacological intervention and the development of safe topical and systemic treatments for the prevention of skin damage and disorders of keratinocyte differentiation can be expected for the future.
Stress and the skin
Authors: Hosoi J. 
Published: July 2006

Synopsis‘The skin is the mirror which reflects the state of the mind.’‘The skin is the window of the mind.’ These have been proverbs since ancient times. It is the topic of this article. Our life became convenient with the information technology these days but too much information often drives us on. We suffer from mental stress rather than physical stress. Since Selye advocated stress reaction, various reactions in the body have been described. Skin is also a target organ of the stress reaction. What the effects of stress are and how stress affects the skin are summarized in this review. Possible use of fragrance for the regulation of the stress reaction is also introduced.
Artocarpus lakoochaheartwood extract as a novel cosmetic ingredient: evaluation of thein vitroanti‐tyrosinase andin vivoskin whitening activities
Authors: Tengamnuay P. , Pengrungruangwong K. , Pheansri I. , Likhitwitayawuid K. 
Published: July 2006

SynopsisThe heartwood extract ofArtocarpus lakoochaRoxb. was evaluated for thein vitrotyrosinase inhibitory activity and thein vivomelanin‐reducing efficacy in human volunteers. The IC50of the extract and oxyresveratrol, its major active ingredient, against mushroom tyrosinase was determined to be 0.76 and 0.83 μg mL−1, respectively. The extract dissolved in propylene glycol was subsequently tested in female volunteers using a parallel clinical trial with self‐control (n = 20 per group). The first group received the 0.25% w/vA. lakoochasolution as the test solution, whereas the second and the third group, respectively, received 0.25% licorice extract and 3% kojic acid as the reference solutions in the same solvent. The subjects in each group twice daily applied the test (or reference) solution in one of her upper arm, whereas the remaining arm was treated with only propylene glycol (self‐control) for 12 weeks. The melanin content of each application site was measured using Mexameter every week and calculated as % reduction in melanin content relative to the initial melanin value (% whitening). The value of % whitening was then compared between the product‐treated and the propylene glycol‐treated arms within the same subject using pairedt‐test (α = 0.05). TheA. lakoochaextract was the most effective agent, giving the shortest onset of significant whitening effect after only 4 weeks of application (P < 0.05), followed by 3% kojic acid (6 weeks) and 0.25% licorice extract (10 weeks). The effect also increased with time with maximum whitening observed at week 12 forA. lakoochaextract. When the extract was formulated as an oil‐in‐water emulsion, its whitening efficacy was further enhanced. Daily application of 0.1% w/wA. lakoochalotion to the upper arms (n = 25) and cheeks (n = 15) of volunteers produced significant whitening over the lotion base after 2 and 3 weeks, respectively (P < 0.05). Thus, the preliminary study suggested that the heartwood extract ofA. lakoochamay have a promising potential for use as an effective and economical skin‐whitening agent.
Preventing paediatric obesity; recommendations from a community‐based qualitative investigation
Authors: Tucker P. , Irwin J. D. , Sangster Bouck L. M. , He M. , Pollett G. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryChildhood obesity is on the rise, and interventions targeted at pre‐school‐aged children are essential for the primary prevention of this disease. Physical activity programming and decreasing screen viewing may be advantageous ways to reduce the early onset of obesity. Parents’ perceptions regarding effective tools and programmes to target obesity are needed to develop an efficacious programme. Ten semi‐structured focus groups were conducted for this qualitative study. Two experienced moderators facilitated all focus groups which were conducted in local day cares, workplaces and play groups, frequented by parents. All focus groups were audio‐recorded and transcribed verbatim. Strategies to ensure trustworthiness of the data were employed. A heterogeneous sample of 71 parents were asked about their pre‐schoolers’ physical activity levels and screen viewing behaviours, in addition to their suggestions for programmes to facilitate the development of healthy habits. Parents agreed that physical activity programming was an ideal way to combat obesity in pre‐schoolers. Programming suggestions included involving parents in the programme planning and operation, increasing accessibility to programmes, providing more facilities, better promotional strategies such as the use of a television commercial, and resources/ideas to engage children in the home. Parents’ programming suggestions lacked discussion around addressing screen viewing as a viable way to attend to the current obesity epidemic. Parents must be made aware of programmes and resources currently available. Modifying current programmes’ scheduling to include morning and afternoon sessions, and arranging for physicians to hand out resources with physical activity ideas, particularly during the winter months, is essential.
Measuring the full economic costs of diet, physical activity and obesity‐related chronic diseases
Authors: Popkin B. M. , Kim S. , Rusev E. R. , Du S. , Zizza C. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryMost studies that have focused on the costs of obesity have ignored the direct effects of obesity‐related patterns of diet and physical activity. This study reviews the full effects of each component – poor dietary and physical activity patterns and obesity – on morbidity, mortality and productivity. The direct healthcare costs are based on a review of the effects of these factors on key diseases and the related medical care costs of each disease. The indirect costs on reduced disability, mortality and sickness during the period of active labour force participation prior to retirement are also examined. A case study is prepared for China to provide some guidance in the utilization of this review for economic analysis of obesity. The case study shows that the indirect costs are often far more important than the direct medical care costs. The Chinese case study found that the indirect effects of obesity and obesity‐related dietary and physical activity patterns range between 3.58% and 8.73% of gross national product (GNP) in 2000 and 2025 respectively.
Prevalence of obesity in Portugal
Authors: Carmo I. do , Dos Santos O. , Camolas J. , Vieira J. , Carreira M. , Medina L. , Reis L. , Galvão‐Teles A. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryObesity is a serious health problem in developed countries. Knowledge of reliable and nationwide representative data is a must for any public health action. The dimension of this problem in Portugal was first assessed in 1995–1998. A similar populational survey using objective anthropometric measures is now being conducted (field work started in January 2003). A total of 6411 subjects aged 18–64 years old have already been measured and their respective body mass indexes (BMIs) calculated. Results from 2003 to 2005 show 38.6% is overweight and 13.8% has obesity. The total of overweight and obesity is 52.4%. In 1995–1998 survey, overweight was 35.2% and obesity was 14.4%. The total was 49.6%. These results suggest an increase of the overweight/obesity (altogether) prevalence in the last 10 years. Actual results show that more than half of the adult sample has excessive weight and 2.4% of the sample has low BMI. Finally, 45.6% of the sample suffers increased health risks because of high waist circumference (≥80 cm for women; ≥94 cm for men). These results highlight the fact that, although obesity was identified as a public health problem one decade ago, action to reduce it does not seem to have been very effective to date.
Sleeping more as a way to lose weight
Authors: Sivak M. 
Published: July 2006

SummaryCaloric consumption in a society with readily available food is likely to be approximately proportional to the number of hours of being awake. Thus, replacing 1 h of inactive wakefulness (e.g. watching TV), with sleeping is likely to result in a substantial reduction in caloric intake. Calculations are presented to illustrate the possible benefits of such a switch on weight reduction.
Do Friendships and Sibling Relationships Provide Protection against Peer Victimization in a Similar Way?
Authors: Lamarche Véronique , Brendgen Mara , Boivin Michel , Vitaro Frank , Pérusse Daniel , Dionne Ginette 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBased on the notion that friendship may serve an important protective function against peer victimization, this study examined the moderating effect of reciprocal friends' prosociality on the link between a child's reactive aggression and victimization. The study also investigated whether a similar moderating effect could be found with respect to sibling's prosociality, given that sibling relationships have been found to provide social benefits comparable to friendships. These questions were addressed using a sample of 246 six‐year‐old twin pairs (246 boys and 246 girls). The results showed that a child's own reactive aggression uniquely contributed to the risk of victimization for both boys and girls. The link between reactive aggression and victimization was, however, moderated by reciprocal friends' prosocial behavior and siblings' prosocial behavior, respectively. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and prevention‐related implications for children at risk for peer victimization.
Popular and Rejected Children's Reasoning Regarding Negative Emotions in Social Situations: The Role of Gender
Authors: Banerjee Robin , Rieffe Carolien , Terwogt Mark Meerum , Gerlein Ana Maria , Voutsina Maria 
Published: July 2006

AbstractTwo studies compared popular and rejected children's reasoning regarding social interactions involving negative emotions. The first study, with 23 rejected and 23 popular 10‐ to 11‐year‐olds, involved hypothetical social scenarios where a classmate ‘victim’ was likely to experience a negative emotion. Although popular and rejected children both recognized negative emotions and were equally likely to suggest helping behaviour to aid the victim, there were gender effects on the type of helping behaviour suggested. Specifically, popular girls were significantly more likely to offer comforting behaviour than advice whereas popular boys offered advice more than comfort; no such preferences were exhibited by the rejected children. Furthermore, popular girls were significantly more likely than other children to refer to emotional states when justifying their helping response. In the second study, 30 popular and 30 rejected eight‐ to 10‐year‐olds identified the motives behind story characters' efforts to mask negative emotions. Popular girls were more likely to identify the target motives than rejected girls, but no such difference was apparent for the boys. The results are discussed in the light of evidence regarding gender differences in peer interaction patterns.
The Use of Discordant MZ Twins to Generate Hypotheses regarding Non‐shared Environmental Influence on Anxiety in Middle Childhood
Authors: Asbury Kathryn , Dunn Judy , Plomin Robert 
Published: July 2006

AbstractNon‐shared environmental influence (NSE) has been found to account for around 50 percent of anxiety variance, but specific NSE factors have not been identified. Discordant monozygotic (MZ) twins can be used to generate relevant hypotheses because MZ discordance can be caused by NSE, but not by genes or shared environment. Of 1590 MZ pairs teacher rated for anxiety at the age of seven, we selected the most discordant 19 pairs and conducted interviews with them and their mothers. In explaining discordant anxiety, the mothers emphasised negative school experiences, comparisons within the twin relationship, and illness and accidents. During the maternal interviews neonatal life events, parent–child relationships and peer rejection also emerged as potential NSE sources.
Interspecific differences in foraging preferences, breeding performance and demography in herring (Larus argentatus) and lesser black‐backed gulls (Larus fuscus) at a mixed colony
Authors: Kim S.‐Y. , Monaghan P. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractHerring gulls Larus argentatus and lesser black‐backed gulls Larus fuscus breeding at Walney Island, Cumbria, the largest breeding colony of the two species in the UK, have recently shown very different population trends. The former has declined sharply, whereas numbers of the latter have been maintained for several years. Here we compare aspects of the feeding and breeding ecology of the two species in order to examine whether or not this suggests explanations for their different population trends. Comparison of the ratio of the two species in flight lines leading to different feeding sites and their diet composition showed that the lesser black‐backed gulls fed more at sea and the herring gulls fed more in the intertidal zone. Urban resources were used by both these species. These differences have been consistent over the last three decades. Susceptibility to death from botulism at the breeding colony was the same for the two species. The availability of the intertidal zone for foraging appears to have declined in recent years, and this may have had a more negative impact on the herring gull. However, the breeding success of the two species remains relatively high. This study suggests that differences in foraging behaviour and food availability during the breeding season are unlikely to be responsible for the marked differences in demographic trends in the two species. Changes in local food availability during the winter would be expected to have more effect on the resident herring gull. This work highlights the need for more detailed studies of the ecology of both species during the breeding season and in winter in regions showing differing patterns of population change.
Physicochemical properties of low‐fat and full‐fat Cheddar cheeses
Authors: KÜÇÜKÖNER E , HAQUE Z U 
Published: July 2006

Low‐fat (6% fat) and full‐fat (32% fat) Cheddar cheese was manufactured and aged up to 6–9 months at 5°C. The objective was to study the impact of fat on the physicochemical properties of Cheddar cheese. Total soluble nitrogen (TSN) and protein nitrogen (TPSN) in aqueous extracts were determined by the Kjeldahl method. The peptide content of each cheese was determined with reverse phase chromatography (RPC). Low‐fat Cheddar (LFC) had a markedly higher peptide content than full‐fat Cheddar (FFC). The overall peptide quantity increased with age with a marked increase in hydrophobic peptide content. Rheological properties were determined using an Instron Universal Testing Machine. LFC had significantly higher stress values, indicating hard and rubbery texture, than FFC. Furthermore, LFC had lower strain values, indicating crumbliness.
Selective blockage of Kv1.3 and Kv3.1 channels increases neural progenitor cell proliferation
Authors: Liebau Stefan , Pröpper Christian , Böckers Tobias , Lehmann‐Horn Frank , Storch Alexander , Grissmer Stephan , Wittekindt Oliver H. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractThe modulation of cell proliferation in neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is believed to play a role in neuronal regeneration. Recent studies showed that K+ channel activity influenced cell proliferation. Therefore, we examined NPCs for K+ channels and tested whether NPC self renewing can be modulated by synthetic K+ channel modulators. The whole‐cell K+ current was partly K+ dependent and showed a cumulative inactivating component. Two tetra‐ethyl‐ammonium ion (TEA)‐sensitve K+ currents with different voltage dependencies ( = 65 μm, E50 = −0.3 ± 1.3 mV and  = 8 mm, E50 = −15.2 ± 2.8 mV) and an almost TEA‐insensitive current were identified. Kaliotoxin blocked approximately 50% of the entire K+ currents (IC50 = 0.25 nm). These properties resembled functional characteristics of Kv1.4, Kv1.3 and Kv3.1 channels. Transcripts for these channels, as well as proteins for Kv1.3 and Kv3.1, were identified. Immunocytochemical staining revealed Kv1.3 and Kv3.1 K+ channel expression in almost all NPCs. The blockage of Kv3.1 by low concentrations of TEA, as well as the blockage of Kv1.3 by Psora‐4, increased NPC proliferation. These findings underline the regulatory role of K+ channels on the cell cycle and imply that K+ channel modulators might be used therapeutically to activate endogenous NPCs.
Up‐regulation of P‐glycoprotein expression by glutathione depletion‐induced oxidative stress in rat brain microvessel endothelial cells
Authors: Hong Hao , Lu Ying , Ji Zhao‐Ning , Liu Guo‐Qing 
Published: July 2006

AbstractGlutathione (GSH) depletion has been implicated in the pathogenesis of neurological diseases. During GSH depletion, cells of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) are subjected to chronic oxidative stress. In this study, we investigated the effect of such stress, produced with the GSH synthesis inhibitorl‐buthionine‐(S,R)‐sulfoximine (BSO), on expression of P‐glycoprotein (Pgp) in primary cultured rat brain microvessel endothelial cells that comprise the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Application of BSO to cell monolayers at concentrations up to 800 µmcaused increases in expression of Pgp. Concentrations ≥ 400 µmBSO decreased cell viability. Application of 200 µmBSO caused a significant increase in Pgp function activity, as assessed by rhodamine 123 (Rh123) accumulation experiments. At this concentration, BSO produced time‐dependent decreases in levels of intracellular GSH and increases in levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS). The increases were also observed within 48 h following BSO treatment in mdr1a and mdr1b mRNA. Exposure of cells to BSO for 24 h produced maximal effects in the accumulation of iROS, and in expression and function of Pgp. The ROS scavengerN‐acetylcysteine prevented ROS generation and attenuated the changes of both expression and activity of Pgp induced by BSO. Therefore, the transport of Pgp substrates may be affected by changing Pgp expression under conditions of chronic oxidative stress induced by GSH depletion.
Defective processing of neuropeptide precursors in Caenorhabditis elegans lacking proprotein convertase 2 (KPC‐2/EGL‐3): mutant analysis by mass spectrometry
Authors: Husson Steven J. , Clynen Elke , Baggerman Geert , Janssen Tom , Schoofs Liliane 
Published: July 2006

AbstractBiologically active peptides are synthesized as larger inactive proprotein peptide precursors which are processed by the concerted action of a cascade of enzymes. Among the proprotein convertases, PC2 is widely expressed in neuro‐endocrine tissues and has been proposed to be the major convertase involved in the biosynthesis of neuropeptides. In this study, we have examined the role of the Caenorhabditis elegans orthologue PC2/EGL‐3 in the processing of proprotein peptide precursors. We recently isolated and identified 60 endogenous peptides in the nematode C. elegans by two‐dimensional nanoscale liquid chromatography – quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. In the present study, we compare the peptide profile of different C. elegans strains, including PC2/EGL‐3 mutants. For this purpose, we used an offline approach in which HPLC fractions are analysed by a matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionisation – time of flight mass spectrometer. This differential peptidomic approach unambiguously provides evidence for the role of PC2/EGL‐3 in the processing of FMRFamide‐like peptide (FLP) precursors and neuropeptide‐like protein (NLP) precursors in nematodes.
Oxidative stress‐triggered unfolded protein response is upstream of intrinsic cell death evoked by parkinsonian mimetics
Authors: Holtz William A. , Turetzky Jay M. , Jong Yuh‐Jiin I. , O'Malley Karen L. 
Published: July 2006

AbstractOxidative stress is a key player in a variety of neurodegenerative disorders including Parkinson's disease. Widely used as a parkinsonian mimetic, 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) as well as coordinated changes in gene transcription associated with the unfolded protein response (UPR) and apoptosis. Whether 6‐OHDA‐induced UPR activation is dependent on ROS has not yet been determined. The present study used molecular indicators of oxidative stress to place 6‐OHDA‐generated ROS upstream of the appearance of UPR markers such as activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and phosphorylated stress‐activated protein kinase (SAPK/JNK) signaling molecules. Antioxidants completely blocked 6‐OHDA‐mediated UPR activation and rescued cells from toxicity. Moreover, cytochrome c release from mitochondria was observed after the appearance of early UPR markers, suggesting that cellular stress pathways are responsible for its release. Mechanistically, the 6‐OHDA‐induced UPR was independent of intracellular calcium changes. Rather, evidence of protein oxidation was observed before the expression of UPR markers, suggesting that the rapid accumulation of damaged proteins triggered cell stress/UPR. Taken together, 6‐OHDA‐mediated cell death in dopaminergic cells proceeds via ROS‐dependent UPR up‐regulation which leads to an interaction with the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway and downstream caspase activation.