UV-Protective Effects of Soy Extracts in Cosmeceuticals

UV-Protective Effects of Soy Extracts in Cosmeceuticals UV-Protective effects of soy extracts in cosmeceuticals 1.0 Introduction Current changes in climate may have bothered many population of human around the globe. Thinning of ozone layer in the atmosphere aggravates the UV transmittance from the sun to the earth, which potentiate injurious skin effects when exposed to UV radiation [6]. The rising clinical cases of photo-induced skin problems covers from skin tanning until life-threatening skin cancer. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, particularly UVB (280-320 nm) from sunlight is one of the main environmental hazards to cause skin damage [1]. Such exposure may lead to edema, erythema, hyperpigmentation, hyperplasia, photoaging, immunosuppression, sunburn, inflammation and mutations of skin [1,6]. In photoaging, it is marked by the presence of fine and coarse wrinkles, textural changes and loss of skin elasticity. One of the therapies which has been used, be it mythological or based on factual findings, is soy extracts. Soy isoflavones are composed of glucosides (daidzin, genistin and glycitin) and aglycone (daidzein, genistein and glycitein) which play a role in health benefits of soy. These two different isoforms exist naturally in the isoflavones [1]. Though both protein and isoflavone components contained in the soy may have variety in their health benefits, the most beneficial extracts of the soy are exhibited by isoflavones [4]. It has been demonstrated to possess the physiological effects of antioxidants, anti-inflammatory activities [1] and health-benefit in cardiovascular disease [4]. In regard to the UVB-induced skin damage, soy isoflavones prevent keratinocyte death. By suppressing UVB-induced intracellular H2O2 release, it also reduces oxidative stress in the body [1]. Plus, topical application of daidzein (an aglycone) effectively reduces the cancer occurrence induced by chronic solar UV radiation and it provides UV-protective antioxidant effects [2]. Application of genistein topically inhibits both initiation and promotion of skin tumour [5]. In short, soy extracts give a wealthy health advantages in terms of its UV-protective benefits onto the skin. The following review regards the action of soy isoflavone in exhibiting the UV-protective effects. 2.0 Mechanism of action Several different possible mechanism of action appeared to be responsible for the biological health of body, particularly on the skin. Majority of in vitro research to date has narrowed down the potential benefits of soy isoflavones into the effects of skin aging through anti-inflammatory effect of isoflavones and the effects of photocarcinogenesis through inhibition of cell proliferative activities. 2.1 Genistein inhibits COX-2 activities Irradiation of human skin fibroblasts by UVB lead to expression of Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) level and Growth Arrest and DNA-damage inducible (Gadd45) gene, of which both are involved in inflammation process and DNA repair, respectively [2]. Cellular responses, such as aging and carcinogenesis are caused by COX-2 expression induced by UV radiation [11]. COX-2 is an enzyme responsible for inflammation and pain when there is an extrinsic stimulus acts against the body. Addition to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), isoflavones also showed inhibitory effects on the COX-2 expression. In inflammation process, expression of UVB-induced COX-2 in human epidermal cell cultures is inhibited by genistein. Due to this anti-inflammatory profile, it supresses the prostaglandin E2 synthesis as stimulated by UVB [13]. Prostaglandin is a vital mediator to cause inflammation effect. Gadd45 gene is a regulator for cell cycle and a DNA repair gene. It functions as a stress sensor and subjected to strees-signaling responses, be it physiological or environmental stressors. Stressful conditions, such as ionizing radiation induce Gadd45 gene expression [7]. Consequently, this leads to cell cycle arrest, cell survival and senescence, DNA repair or apoptosis. The mechanism of Gadd45 protein coordinates the responses of cells towards the stressors is unclear [7]. 2.2 Glucoside combination proves more beneficial In a study conducted by Iovine et.al, treatment of UVB-induced DNA damage by using genistin or daidzin before irradiation did not show significant prevention of the damage. In other way around, treatment using glucoside combination of genistein and daidzin proved most effective protection against UVB-induced DNA damage [2]. This is also supported by another report by Iovine et al which showed that the combination of isoflavones (in this case is genistein and daidzein) proved more effectively in preventing DNA damage caused by UVB [7]. 2.3 Inhibition of tyrosine protein kinases and phosphorylation of EGF-receptor Phosphorylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) occurs as physiologic doses of UVB radiation are exposed to human keratinocytes [15]. Usage of isoflavone such as genistein blocks the action of tyrosine kinases (TPK) and phosphorylation of EGF-R, thus hindering the intracellular signalling pathway in human keratinocytes [9]. It is a potent tyrosine kinase inhibitor and may inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation [4]. Irradiation by UVB substantially initiates the phosphorylation of EGF-R and mitogen-activate protein kinase (MAPK) [10]. H202 plays a significant role in this process. UVB exposure to human keratinocytes generates H2O2, which mediates EGF-R phosphorylation [15]. This phosphorylation process can be inhibited by dose-dependently incubate or treat with genistein. TPK-dependent EGF-R phosphorylation and MAPK activation are related to the initiation of transcription factors (promoting activities); release of inflammatory mediators, for instance, prostaglandins; and stimulation of cell proliferation. UVB-activated EGF-R can also lead to an increase in the thickness of the epidermis [10]. Hence, the inhibitory effects of genistein to the UVB-induced EGF-R phosphorylation and MAPK activation suggests its potential anti-promotional effects [9]. However, the tyrosine kinase effects brought by genistein have been postulated to be irrelevant to its potential health advantages due to doses required to produce such effects [14]. 2.4 Blocks pyrimidine dimer formation UVB irradiation can initiate oxidative DNA damage represented by 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-0HdG) and photodynamically-damaged DNA, as in pyrimidine dimer (PD) formation. 8-OHdG is a hallmark of carcinogenesis and aging and PD is a precursor of signature mutation of P53 genes. Formation PD and 8-OHdG in skin can be substantially promoted by UVB irradiation. Wei et al reported that in their study, UVB-exposed skins of euthanized mice were harvested for level of PD and 8-OHdG after the treatment with genistein. It was found that genistein significantly inhibited both PD and 8-OHdG formation in a dose-dependent regime [9]. In study conducted by Moore et al, pre-treatment of skin sample with dose-dependent regime of genistein prior to UV exposure can demonstrate a reduction in PD formation. An observable result can be seen in UV-induced DNA damage secondary to UV exposure in the absence of genistein after the treatment with genistein, whereby the damage has been significantly reduced in the skin sample [8]. Pharmacokinetics the isoflavone aglycone forms have poor solubility in water and oil; thus, a special galenic mixture is necessary to introduce these isoflavone preparations into cosmetic formulations [2]. Structure/medchem Genistein (4’,5,7-trigydroxyisoflavone) [7]

Dehumanization in Death of a Salesman Essay -- Death Salesman essays

Dehumanization in Death of a Salesman      Ã‚   Alienation and loneliness are two of the frequently explored themes in Arthur Miller’s Death of a Salesman.   Yet they can also cause other effects which are just as harmful, if not more so.   In Death of a Salesman, two of these other results are dehumanization and a loss of individual freedom.   This is a very complex web of emotions, but as Miller said, â€Å"Death of a Salesman is not, of course, in the realistic tradition, having broken out into quite a new synthesis of psychological and social dimensions† (Eight vii).   It did indeed â€Å"break out† in the modernist direction.   It is a wonderful example of the way modernist writers expressed their beliefs.   They believed that the industrialization of society caused people to lose their individuality.   Willy’s seniority at his advertising firm means very little in the larger scheme of things.   He is just one of the many workers.   He begins to wear out and be of little use.   Therefore, he is discarded and presumably replaced with someone who will do the job more efficiently.   He is not treated as a human being but as a part of a larger mechanism, a larger machine.   This crushes what little self-esteem he has left.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   This mechanized society can also lead to a loss of individual freedom.   In order to survive, one must be a part of the competitiveness.   This may mean giving up having the freedom to choose a pleasing occupation.   Biff wants to find his own way and do what he wants; he is looked down upon because of his wish.   Happy, his brother, wants to be financially successful.   He knows that in order to do that, he needs to join the work force and persevere where his father failed.   In this society, one can either do what he ch... ...g the Loman family, Miller relates the larger, all encompassing themes of the modernists to a common American family.   Miller relates them, specifically Willy Loman, to society as a whole and to the smaller societal unit of the family.   He then goes on to show the psychological responses to and results of societal conditions.   Specifically, he demonstrates that interaction with modern society without some understanding of what is occurring can lead to alienation and loneliness.   These, in turn, can lead to dehumanization and a loss of freedom for the individual.    Works Cited Baym, Franklin, Gottesman, Holland, et al., eds.   The Norton Anthology of American Literature.   4th ed.   New York: Norton, 1994. Florio, Thomas A., ed. â€Å"Miller’s Tales.† The New Yorker.   70 (1994): 35-36. ---.   Eight Plays.   New York:   Nelson Doubleday, 1981.         

M&A in India in Past Few Years Essay

Abstract The process of mergers and acquisitions has gained substantial importance in today’s corporate world. This process is extensively used for restructuring the business organizations. In India, the concept of mergers and acquisitions was initiated by the government bodies. Some well known financial organizations also took the necessary initiatives to restructure the corporate sector of India by adopting the mergers and acquisitions policies. The Indian economic reform since 1991 has opened up a whole lot of challenges both in the domestic and international spheres. The increased competition in the global market has prompted the Indian companies to go for mergers and acquisitions as an important strategic choice. The trends of mergers and acquisitions in India have changed over the years. The immediate effects of the mergers and acquisitions have also been diverse across the various sectors of the Indian economy. Till recent past, the incidence of Indian entrepreneurs acquiring foreign enterprises was not so common. The situation has undergone a sea change in the last couple of years. Acquisition of foreign companies by the Indian businesses has been the latest trend in the Indian corporate sector. The Indian IT and ITES sectors have already proved their potential in the global market. The other Indian sectors are also following the same trend. The increased participation of the Indian companies in the global corporate sector has further facilitated the merger and acquisition activities in India. The various factors that played their parts in facilitating the mergers and acquisitions in India are favorable government policies, buoyancy in economy, additional liquidity in the corporate sector, and dynamic attitudes of the Indian entrepreneurs are the key factors behind the changing trends of mergers and acquisitions in India. Even though mergers and acquisitions (M&A) have been an important element of corporate strategy all over the globe for several decades, research on M&As has not been able to provide conclusive evidence on whether they enhance efficiency or destroy wealth. There is thus an ongoing global debate on the effects of M&As on firms. This article seeks to explore the trends and progress in M&As India. Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1618272 MERGER & ACQUISITION IN INDIA: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY The phrase mergers and acquisitions (abbreviated M&A) refers to the aspect of corporate strategy, corporate finance and management dealing with the buying, selling and combining of different companies that can aid, finance, or help a growing company in a given industry grow rapidly without having to create another business entity. In business or economics a merger is a combination of two companies into one larger company. Such actions are commonly voluntary and involve stock swap or cash payment to the target. Stock swap is often used as it allows the shareholders of the two companies to share the risk involved in the deal. A merger can resemble a takeover but result in a new company name (often combining the names of the original companies) and in new branding; in some cases, terming the combination a â€Å"merger† rather than an acquisition is done purely for political or marketing reasons. Mergers may be broadly classified in (i) Horizontal mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies manufacture similar product in the same industry. (ii) Vertical mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies work at different stages of manufacture of a same product. (iii) Conglomerate mergers: A situation when two or more merging companies operate in different industries. The word acquisition, also known as a takeover or a buyout, is the buying of one company (the ‘target’) by another. An acquisition may be friendly or hostile. In the former case, the companies cooperate in negotiations; in the latter case, the takeover target is unwilling to be bought or the target’s board has no prior knowledge of the offer. Acquisition usually refers to a purchase of a smaller firm by a larger one. Sometimes, however, a smaller firm will acquire management control of a larger or longer established company and keep its name for the combined entity. This is known as a reverse takeover. Another type of acquisition is reverse merger, a deal that enables a private company to get publicly listed in a short time period. A reverse merger occurs when a private company that has strong prospects and is eager to raise financing buys a publicly listed shell company, usually one with no business and limited assets. Electronic copy available at: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1618272 Reasons for Merger and Acquisition †¢ Operating synergies: The uniting of two firms improve productivity or cut costs so that the unlevered cash flows of the combined firm exceed the combined unlevered cash flows of the individual firm †¢ A vertical merger between a supplier and a customer, eliminates various coordination and bargaining problems †¢ A horizontal merger between competitors, produces a less competitive product market and cost savings from combining R&D facilities and sales forces †¢ Financial synergies: Information and incentive problems may cause cashstarved firms to pass up positive NPV projects, but cash-rich firms to overinvest in negative NPV projects †¢ Conglomerates can use internal capital markets to transfer funds from negative NPV projects to positive NPV projects †¢ †¢ Enhance the flexibility of the organization Reduces bankruptcy risk Objectives In this article an attempt has been made (i) To examine the presence of trends and progress of M&As in Indian corporation. (ii) To analyze year-wise and industry-wise variance in number and amount of M&A deals. Hypotheses To cover the above objectives following hypotheses have been formulated: 1. There is no significant difference in number and amount of M&A deals in between years and between industries. 2. There is no significant difference between M&A progress in manufacturing and service sector Industry-wise Trends of M&As The industry-wise trends in number and amount of M&A deals between 2000 and 2007 are presented in the Table 1 and Table 2 and the industry-wise trends and progress of M&As have been analysed on this basis Food and Beverages: India is the world’s second largest producer of food next to China, and has the potential of being the biggest with the food and agricultural sector. The Indian food market is estimated at over US$ 182 billion, and accounts for about two thirds of the total Indian retail market. According to industry experts, the market for carbonated drinks in India is worth US$ 1.5 billion while the juice and juice-based drinks market accounts for US$ 0.25 billion. Growing at a rate of 25 per cent, the fruitdrinks category is one of the fastest growing in the beverages market. The Indian food processing industry plays a significant role in diversifaction of agriculture products, generates employment, enhances income of farmers and creates a surplus for export of agro-foods. The important reason of the M&A activity initiated in this industry are deregulation, restructuring disinvestment, restructuring by parent companies and presence of foreign players. Textiles Industry: Until the economic liberalization of Indian economy, the India Textile Industry was predominantly unorganized industry. The opening up of Indian economy post 1990s led to a stupendous growth of this industry. India Textile Industry is one of the largest textile industries in the world. Today, Indian economy is largely dependent on textile manufacturing and exports. India earns around 27% of the foreign exchange from exports of textiles. Further, India Textile Industry contributes about 14% of the total industrial production of India. Furthermore, its contribution to the gross domestic product of India is around 3% only. Textile Industry involves around 35 million workers directly and it accounts for 21% of the total employment generated in the economy. However the important reasons for the M&As in these sectors are: growth of power looms and handlooms sector at the cost of mill sector which has ultimately resulted in making them sick and unviable. This has led to an increase in the closure of mills; in addition, continued and persistent use of old plant and machinery has led to low profitability in the mill sector and thereby forcing some of mills to closedowns. Chemicals, Drugs and Pharmaceuticals: Under this category companies operating in the industrial groups of chemicals, drugs, pharmaceutical, cosmetics petrochemicals and rubbers have been taken into account for analyzing the trend and progress. The drug & pharmaceutical industry in India meets around 70% of the country’s demand for bulk drugs, drug intermediates, pharmaceutical formulations, chemicals, tablets, capsules, orals and injectibles. There are about 250 large Pharmaceuticals manufacturers and suppliers and about 8000 Small Scale Pharmaceutical & Drug Units which form the core of the pharmaceutical industry in India (including 5 Central Public Sector Units). These bulk drugs and pharmaceuticals manufacturers produce the complete range of pharmaceutical formulations i.e. medicines ready for consumption by patients and about 350 bulk drugs i.e. chemicals having therapeutic value and used for production of pharmaceutical formulations. Owing to a significant increase in Pharmaceuticals exports, India’s USD 3.1 billion pharmaceutical industries are growing at the rate of 14 percent per year. It is one of the largest and most advanced among the developing countries. Even the number of pharmaceuticals exporters, manufacturers and suppliers is increasing tremendously, the factors that contributed to increase in M&A activity in these sectors are: Introduction of the process Patent Act in 1970, which required Indian companies to recognize international process patents. This has given an opportunity for the Indian companies to grow. This growth is associated with M&As and the emergence of WTO has brought about fundamental changes in the pharmaceutical industry. Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights (TRIPS) of WTO require all Indian companies to comply with international patents. This has mainly happened in the form of M&As. Non–metallic Mineral Products: In this sector, cement and ceramics manufacturers are the primary players. The factors responsible for M&As are: before 1999 cement industry faced many problems like liquidity crisis, inadequate expenditure on infrastructure and costs of inputs. South-east Asian crisis brought narrowed profitability resulting to the bigger players withstanding the pressure of lower profitability and smaller and marginal players closing down or merging with big players and trying to appear favorable for a takeover. National Quadrilateral Road Project and State Government Policies to construct the irrigation projects could be other factors responsible for this boom. Basic Metal, Alloy and Steel: This is one of the oldest and traditional industry sectors in India. Companies operating in metals, alloy, steel and related concerns are grouped under this head. The factors contributing to M&As in this sector are: Slowdown of the economy during the year 1996-97, the capital markets, remaining depressed for the past couple of years, drying up sources of investment funds for industry, small and medium corporate finding it difficult to access institutional funds and export growth subjected to competitive pressure from imports. Information Technology and Telecom: Companies operating in the IT, Software, telecom and convergence sector are clubbed in industry, the central government has formed an independent department of information technology. Since the removal of restrictions on foreign capital investment and industrial de-licensing, India’s Telecom industry has shown large growth The Important factors for increasing M&As in this sector are: Consistent efforts were made by the department of telecom and its constituent organizations for upgrading and expanding the telecom networks and services and the Initiation of internet and web based developments and introduction of cell phone in India;. Automobiles and Automobile Ancillaries: Companies operating in automobile sector, locomotives, transport and spares have been included under this head. The Indian transport industry has been gradually playing a catalytic role for producing a wide variety of vehicles, passenger cars. Important factors responsible for an increase in M&As in this sector are: Globilalization is pushing global auto majors to consolidate, to upgrade technology, enlarge product range, access new markets and to cut costs. Competitive pressure and presence of global players have resulted in a number of M&As in this sector. Energy, Power, Gas and Oil: Companies operating in the field of energy, power, gas and oil are included in this group. Important factors responsible for an increase in M&As in this sector are, low rate of growth in power generation depressed the growth rate of industrial production and has necessitated immediate attention of big companies like Reliance Industries and due to unavailability of power and frequent disruptions have given an impetus to M&As in this sector..

What Romeo and Juliet Laws Mean for Teens

When Shakespeare brought Romeo and Juliet to life, he was intentional in choosing two young characters as his protagonists. Then as now, two teenagers having consensual sex is perfectly understandable. On the other hand, an adult molesting a child is reprehensible. The difference between the two situations would seem obvious. But in many states across America, from a legal standpoint, there’s little distinction between Romeo and Juliets mutual decision and the abusive actions of a child molester. An older teen who has sex with his younger girlfriend can be arrested, prosecuted, and jailed for the act. Even worse, they may carry the stigma of being labeled a sex offender for the rest of their life. The problem typically arises when the male is 18 or 19, the female is between 14 and 16, and the parent of the younger teen presses charges. (Even Romeo would be labeled a sex offender today, as he was believed to be 16 and Juliet 13 when their relationship began.) Consent and Advice Though the age of consent (i.e. the age at which an individual can legally agree to have sex) varies from state to state—and often splits along gender lines—it is definitive in one aspect: it refers to sexual acts between heterosexuals. In over half the states, sex between homosexuals is either not addressed by existing laws or is considered a crime. Recent changes in the laws governing consensual sex between minors or an adult 18 years of age and a minor 14-16 years of age have acknowledged that this intimacy is not the same as molestation. The new laws, named â€Å"Romeo and Juliet laws† after Shakespeare’s tragic teenage lovers, attempt to correct overly harsh penalties and prison terms meted out over the years. In 2007, these laws went into effect in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, and Texas. Several other states have followed, with about half the states currently having some form of Romeo and Juliet law. Accidental Sex Offender In Florida, a 28-year-old man who’d been placed on the state’s sex offender registry was able to remove his name after the passage of Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law in July 2007. At age 17, Anthony Croce began having sex with his 15-year-old girlfriend; when he turned 18, the girl’s disapproving mother pressed charges and Croce pleaded no contest. He was then legally compelled to register as a sex offender. Florida’s new law still regards underage sex as a crime, but a judge may now determine whether to strike the sex offender designation from those previously convicted. Cases that may lead to an overturned designation would involve a victim who is age 14–17 and has agreed to consensual sex; the offender would have to be no more than four years older than the victim and have no other sex crimes on their record. Gay Bias in Rulings For teenagers who are gay or lesbian and engage in consensual sex, the laws are much tougher. A 2004 case heard by the Kansas Supreme Court had civil libertarians and gay rights groups protesting the existence of a double standard. Matthew Limon was a mentally disabled 17-year-old when he had consensual sex with a 14-year-old boy. Under the Romeo and Juliet law enacted in Kansas in 1999, Limon would have been sentenced to 15 months in prison if the boy had been a girl. But because the law states that partners must be members of the opposite sex, ​Limon was given a 17-year sentence. California state Sen. Scott Wiener, D-San Francisco, introduced a bill in 2019 to add same-sex relationships to the states Romeo and Juliet law. The law seeks only to bring equality to gay and lesbian offenders and still would bring sex-offender status for adults to have sex with underage teens of the same sex or for a teen to have sex with anyone of the same sex under 14. Papa Dont Preach and Dont Press Charges The Romeo and Juliet laws are frequently enforced unfairly says Mark Chaffin, a researcher with the University of Oklahoma-based National Center on the Sexual Behavior of Youth. In many cases, they are enforced largely by how angry the parents of the younger party are. 2-Year Difference 10-Year Sentence One well-publicized case demonstrating the need for Romeo and Juliet legislation is that of Genarlow Wilson, a 17-year-old who was imprisoned for having consensual oral sex with a 15-year-old female. An athlete and honor student, Wilson was videotaped at a New Year’s Eve celebration engaging in oral sex and was sentenced to 10 years for aggravated child molestation. After serving jail time from 2003–07, the Georgia Supreme Court ruled that Wilson should be released; and this decision was followed by a change in state law that reduced consensual sex between teenagers to a misdemeanor with a maximum sentence of one year. Sources Man shed sex offender status under new Romeo and Juliet law. Associated Press. Aug. 6, 2007.New Laws Take Romeo Into Account https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/blogs/stateline/2007/07/16/new-laws-take-romeo-into-accountReynolds, Dave. Court to Decide on Discriminatory ‘Sodomy’ Law. The New Standard. Sept. 1, 2004.Why Is Gay Underage Sex Criminalized When Straight Sex Is Not? https://www.advocate.com/crime/2019/1/23/why-gay-underage-sex-criminalized-when-straight-sex-not