Efficient permutation-based genome-wide association studies for normal and skewed phenotypic distributions.

Motivation: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) are an integral tool for studying the architecture of complex genotype and phenotype relationships. Linear mixed models (LMMs) are commonly used to detect associations between genetic markers and a trait of interest, while at the same time allowing to account for population structure and cryptic relatedness. Assumptions of LMMs include a normal distribution of the residuals and that the genetic markers are independent and identically distributed-both assumptions are often violated in real data.

Relative bioavailability comparison of different coenzyme Q10 formulations with a novel delivery system.

Commercial coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10, ubiquinone) formulations are often of poor intestinal absorption. The relative bioavailability of CoQ10 has been shown in National Institutes of Health-funded clinical trials to be increased by its delivery system. We investigated the bioavailability of a new CoQ10 formulation based on a new and patented technology, VESIsorb, with 3 other commercially available CoQ10 products, an oil-based formulation and 2 solubilizates.

Direct evidence for bioconversion of vitamin E acetate into vitamin E: an ex vivo study in viable human skin.

For better stability, vitamin E is commonly used as the non-active esterified pro-drug. Such esters are postulated to be hydrolyzed to the free active form by skin-related esterases. So far, successful conversion of esterified vitamin E to free vitamin E (tocopherol) has been mainly delineated from observed biological effects.

The effectiveness of molecular oxygen in cosmetic formulations.

Synopsis In a preliminary clinical study, two cosmetic preparations were compared, one without an oxygen carrier and therefore without oxygen, the other one containing the oxygen carrier, fully saturated with oxygen. The parameters measured were the moisture content of the skin and the skin profile. Since the oxygen-free product contained the same ingredients, including phospholipids in liposomal form, with the exception of perfluorodecalin - the oxygen carrier, this investigation showed that perfluorodecalin plus molecular oxygen improves the barrier function of the skin.

Liposomes from soya phospholipids as percutaneous drug carriers. 1st communication: qualitative in vivo investigations with antibody-loaded liposomes.

The penetration behaviour of liposome (prepared from NAT 106)-incorporated proteins was investigated in vivo by use of monoclonal antibodies (MOAB) as model substances on the skin of young pigs. Within 20 min of topical application, an even distribution of liposome-incorporated antibodies through all skin layers could be shown by means of an immunohistochemical stain.