bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The clinical anti‐aging effects of topical kinetin and niacinamide in Asians: a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐face comparative trial
Authors: Chiu Pin‐Chi , Chan Chih‐Chieh , Lin Hui‐Min , Chiu Hsien‐Ching 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground  Kinetin and niacinamide are used in the cosmetic industry as anti‐aging agents. Neither the interactive/additive effects of these compounds nor the anti‐aging efficacy on Asian skin has been studied.Objective  To assess the clinical anti‐aging effects and efficacy differences between kinetin plus niacinamide and niacinamide alone vs. vehicle placebo in an Asian cohort.Methods  Fifty‐two Taiwanese subjects were enrolled in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, split‐face comparative study. Group 1 subjects were treated with kinetin 0.03% plus niacinamide 4%, whereas group 2 subjects received niacinamide 4%. The treatment formulation was applied on one side of the face, whereas a placebo was applied on the other for a period of 12 weeks. We used noninvasive biometrological instruments to evaluate a variety of skin parameters at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.Results  Persistent and significant reductions in spot, pore, wrinkle, and evenness counts were found at weeks 8 and 12 in group 1. A significant increase in corneal hydration status was also evident at week 12, whereas persistent decreases in erythema index were apparent at 8 and 12 weeks. In group 2, significant reductions in pore and evenness counts at week 8 and wrinkle counts at week 12 were noted.Conclusion  We found kinetin and niacinamide exert a synergistic anti‐aging effect. Our data suggest that these compounds have multiactive, multifunctional, and pluripotent effects on skin. They are also both promising to be included in the cutaneous anti‐aging cosmeceuticals in the future.
Submental fat reduction by mesotherapy using phosphatidylcholine alone vs. phosphatidylcholine and organic silicium: a pilot study
Authors: Co Abigail C , Abad‐Casintahan Ma Flordeliz , Espinoza‐Thaebtharm Agnes 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground  Excess skin and fatty tissues beneath the jaw lead to a double chin deformity. Localized fat deposits in this area are a cause of discomfort and anguish, leading patients to undergo surgical procedures such as liposuction and dermolipectomy to improve the cosmetic effect. Both procedures require anesthesia and an operating room setting and are quite expensive. Fearful of extensive surgery and its complications, patients and physicians seek less invasive methods. Mesotherapy with phosphatidylcholine and other cocktails have been used to treat localized fat deposits. However, there are few published articles regarding its effectiveness and some are even anecdotal.Objective  This study aims to determine the efficacy of phosphatidylcholine alone vs. phosphatidylcholine and organic silicium in submental fat reduction.Methods  Twelve patients with submental fat deposit with no coexisting morbidity and with informed consent were included in the study. They were submitted to one to five treatment sessions with an average interval of 2 weeks between each session. The medication administered was injected, either pure phosphatidylcholine or a combination of phosphatidylcholine and organic silicium. Baseline measurements of submental fat using vernier caliper and digital photographs of the patients were taken during each treatment session. The occurrence of adverse effects was likewise noted.Results  Among the 12 patients, 11 completed the treatment course, and 1 was excluded from the study because of failure to follow up. Both phosphatidylcholine and a combination of phosphatidylcholine and organic silicium were equally effective in reducing submental fat deposits. There was no significant difference as to the rate and degree of reduction. Significant reduction in the thickness of submental fat was achieved after three treatment sessions. Adverse reactions in both groups were mild and transitory ranging from heavy sensation, localized heat, nodulations, and slight bruising that abated 3 to 5 days after treatment.Limitations  As of this writing, information on the use of both phosphatidylcholine and organic silicium for mesotherapy of localized fat such as the submental area is scarce. The exact mechanisms of action of both treatments are likewise unknown. Ultrasound and histopathological changes were not documented. The study did not involve a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled design, and the sample size was small.Conclusion  Mesotherapy using phosphatidylcholine vs. phosphatidylcholine plus organic silicium was similarly effective in reducing submental fat. There was no significant difference between them in terms of rate and degree of reduction. Optimal reduction of submental fat was achieved after three treatment sessions. Adverse reactions were few, mild, and transitory. Therefore, both regimens are safe, efficacious, cost‐effective, and can be used as alternatives to invasive surgical procedures.
An efficient method of preparing dressing materials for laser procedures
Authors: Li Kapsok , Woo Seung Man , Kim Beom Joon 
Published: August 2010

SummaryCutting numerous dressing materials for every laser‐treated site is tedious and time‐consuming. Here, we describe an efficient method of rapidly mass producing dressing materials. We found that a one‐hole punch – commonly used in daily office work – can be used as a powerful tool for this laborious task.
Downregulation of lamin A by tumor suppressor AIMP3/p18 leads to a progeroid phenotype in mice
Authors: Oh Young Sun , Kim Dae Gyu , Kim Gyuyoup , Choi Eung‐Chil , Kennedy Brian K. , Suh Yousin , Park Bum Joon , Kim Sunghoon 
Published: August 2010

SummaryAlthough AIMP3/p18 is normally associated with the macromolecular tRNA synthetase complex, recent reports have revealed a new role of AIMP3 in tumor suppression. In this study, we generated a transgenic mouse that overexpresses AIMP3 and characterized the associated phenotype in vivo and in vitro. Surprisingly, the AIMP3 transgenic mouse exhibited a progeroid phenotype, and the cells that overexpressed AIMP3 showed accelerated senescence and defects in nuclear morphology. We found that overexpression of AIMP3 resulted in proteasome‐dependent degradation of mature lamin A, but not of lamin C, prelamin A, or progerin. The resulting imbalance in the protein levels of lamin A isoforms, namely altered stoichiometry of prelamin A and progerin to lamin A, appeared to be responsible for a phenotype that resembled progeria. An increase in the level of endogenous AIMP3 has been observed in aged human tissues and cells. The findings in this report suggest that AIMP3 is a specific regulator of mature lamin A and imply that enhanced expression of AIMP3 might be a factor driving cellular and/or organismal aging.
Inhibition of apoptosis by progesterone in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Morrissy Stephen , Xu Beibei , Aguilar David , Zhang Jack , Chen Qin M. 
Published: August 2010

SummaryWhile gender‐based differences in heart disease have raised the possibility that estrogen (ES) or progesterone (PG) may have cardioprotective effects, recent controversy regarding hormone replacement therapy has questioned the cardiac effects of these steroids. Using cardiomyocytes, we tested whether ES or PG has protective effects at the cellular level. We found that PG but not ES protects cardiomyocytes from apoptotic cell death induced by doxorubicin (Dox). PG inhibited apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, by 12 ± 4.0% at 1 μm and 60 ± 1.0% at 10 μm. The anti‐apoptotic effect of PG was also time dependent, causing 18 ± 5% or 62 + 2% decrease in caspase‐3 activity within 1 h or 72 h of pretreatment. While PG causes nuclear translocation of its receptor within 20 min, the cytoprotective effect of PG was canceled by mifepristone (MF), a PG receptor antagonist. Analyses using Affymetrix high‐density oligonucleotide array and RT‐PCR found that PG induced Bcl‐xL, metallothionine, NADPH quinone oxidoreductase 1, glutathione peroxidase‐3, and four isoforms of glutathione S‐transferase. Western blot analyses revealed that PG indeed induced an elevation of Bcl‐xL protein in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. Nuclear run‐on assay indicated that PG induced Bcl‐xL gene transcription. Inhibiting the expression of Bcl‐xL using siRNA reduced the cytoprotective effect of PG. Our data suggests that PG induces a cytoprotective effect in cardiomyocytes in association with induction of Bcl‐xL gene.
Reference values for respiratory pressures in a general adult population – results of the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP)
Authors: Koch Beate , Schäper Christoph , Ittermann Till , Bollmann Tom , Völzke Henry , Felix Stephan B. , Ewert Ralf , Gläser Sven 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground and Objective:  Respiratory muscle pressures have been gaining increasing interest because of prognostic value. The study aim was to acquire reference values for respiratory pressures in a large‐scale population‐based survey – the Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP).Methods:  One thousand eight hundred and nine participants (885 men) of a cross‐sectional epidemiologic survey, called ‘Study of Health in Pomerania – SHIP’, underwent lung function and respiratory muscle pressure measurements. After excluding individuals with cardiopulmonary disorders, prediction equations for men and women were established by quantile regression analysis.Results:  The final study population comprised 912 individuals (432 men), aged 25–80 years. The study provides a representative set of sex‐specific prediction equations of respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory pressures are decreasing with age and are lower in women when compared to men.Conclusions:  Prediction equations for relevant respiratory pressures are given. Based on this well‐described population‐based survey with extensive cardiopulmonary investigations to exclude relevant interfering disorders a sufficient comprehensive set of reference values was obtained.
ANP, BNP and D‐dimer predict right ventricular dysfunction in patients with acute pulmonary embolism
Authors: Gutte Henrik , Mortensen Jann , Jensen Claus V. , Von Der Recke Peter , Petersen Claus L. , Kristoffersen Ulrik S. , Kjær Andreas 
Published: August 2010

SummaryBackground:  The aim of this study was to predict right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) using plasma concentration of D‐dimer, pro‐atrial natriuretic peptide (pro‐ANP), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) and cardiac troponin I (TNI) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE).Methods:  Patients suspected of PE had a ventilation/perfusion‐single‐photon emission‐tomography (V/Q‐SPECT), pulmonary multidetector computer tomography (MDCT) angiography, blood samples and ECG‐gated cardiac CT performed the same day.Results:  Pro‐ANP, BNP and D‐dimer are associated with significantly elevated levels in PE patients with RVD. ROC curves demonstrated that D‐dimer, pro‐ANP and BNP were accurate for detection of RVD.Conclusion:  Because measurements of cardiac biomarkers are inexpensive and easily obtained they may prove useful in the clinical diagnosis of RVD. However because of the small sample size, the results need to be confirmed in larger studies.
Complexity results for identifying codes in planar graphs
Authors: Auger David , Charon Irène , Hudry Olivier , Lobstein Antoine 
Published: August 2010

AbstractLet G be a simple, undirected, connected graph with vertex set V(G) and 𝒞⊆V(G) be a set of vertices whose elements are called codewords. For v∈V(G) and r1, let us denote by Ir𝒞(v) the set of codewords c∈𝒞 such that d(v, c)r, where the distance d(v, c) is defined as the length of a shortest path between v and c. More generally, for A⊆V(G), we define , which is the set of codewords whose minimum distance to an element of A is at most r. If r and l are positive integers, 𝒞 is said to be an (r, l)‐identifying code if one has Ir𝒞(A)≠Ir𝒞(A′) whenever A and A′ are distinct subsets of V(G) with at most l elements. We consider the problem of finding the minimum size of an (r, l)‐identifying code in a given graph. It is already known that this problem is NP‐hard in the class of all graphs when l=1 and r1. We show that it is also NP‐hard in the class of planar graphs with maximum degree at most three for all (r, l) with r1 and l∈{1, 2}. This shows, in particular, that the problem of computing the minimum size of an (r, 2)‐identifying code in a given graph is NP‐hard.
The potential of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.) in Africa
Authors: Odeny Damaris Achieng 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Pigeonpea is a tropical grain legume grown mainly in India. Though largely considered an orphan crop, pigeonpea has a huge untapped potential for improvement both in quantity and quality of production in Africa. More than any other legume adapted to the region, pigeonpea uniquely combines optimal nutritional profiles, high tolerance to environmental stresses, high biomass productivity and most nutrient and moisture contributions to the soil. The legume can be utilized in several diverse ways while the high genetic variability that exists within the cultivated and wild relatives remains to be explored for further uses. This article highlights the need for popularizing pigeonpea as a major legume crop in Africa. The main constraints to productivity are discussed and recent breeding efforts in Africa highlighted. Important opportunities for improvement are further provided.
Improving food security in Swaziland: The transition from subsistence to communally managed cash cropping
Authors: Terry Alan , Ryder Matthew 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe Komati Downstream Development Project (KDDP), based upon the Maguga Dam has enabled 6,000 hectares of semi‐arid lowveld, in a region with low and highly variable rainfall to be converted from subsistence to irrigated commercial farming, mainly of sugar cane. This has transformed the Swazi sugar industry from one dominated by a small number of large‐scale commercial estates to one where more than 1,500 previously impoverished small‐scale Swazi farmers have been able to enter the industry by joining farmers’ associations and creating communally managed farms. Recent changes to the EU's Sugar Protocol have undermined the financial viability of the KDDP farms and undermined food security, especially for the poorest, due to the cut in sugar prices. However, some farmers’ associations have opted to keep some of their land as irrigated home gardens, rather than convert all their land to sugar cane. This model has improved food security at a time of low sugar prices and points to a more sustainable way of using water from large scale dams than the conventional model. It is argued that the EU should target support to members of the KDDP who have taken out large‐scale loans to pay for the in‐field infrastructure and encourage all farmers’ associations to adopt the food garden model. This would enable them to continue to benefit from the irrigation through improved production of subsistence crops, whilst they diversify their commercial production into novel markets.
Adoption of renewable soil fertility replenishment technologies in the southern African region: Lessons learnt and the way forward
Authors: Ajayi Oluyede Clifford , Akinnifesi Festus K. , Sileshi Gudeta , Chakeredza Sebastian 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Low soil fertility is one of the most important biophysical constraints to increasing agricultural productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa. Several renewable soil fertility replenishment (RSFR) technologies that are based on nutrient re‐cycling principles have been developed in southern Africa. Some success stories have been recorded (e.g. nitrogen‐fixing legumes), but the adoption of RSFR technologies has generally lagged behind scientific advances thereby reducing the potential impacts of the technologies. This paper describes the major RSFR technologies being promoted in the region, synthesizes available information regarding their adoption by farmers, and identifies the challenges, key lessons learnt and the way forward for up‐scaling RSFR technologies in the region. The review indicated that farmer uptake of RSFR technologies depends on several factors that can be grouped into broad categories: technology‐specific (e.g. soil type, management regime), household‐specific (e.g. farmer perceptions, resource endowment, household size), policy and institutions context within which RSFR is disseminated (inputs and output prices, land tenure and property rights), and geo‐spatial (performance of species across different bio‐physical conditions, location of village). Adoption of RSFR technologies can be enhanced by targeting them to their biophysical and social niches, facilitating appropriate policy and institutional contexts for dissemination, understanding the broader context and dynamics of the adoption process, a paradigm shift in the approach to the dissemination of RSFR (e.g. expanding RSFR to high value crop systems, exploring synergy with inorganic fertilizer) and, targeted incentive systems that encourage farmers to take cognizance of natural resource implications when making agricultural production decisions.
You Can’t Not Choose: Embracing the Role of Choice in Ecological Restoration
Authors: Allison Stuart K. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractFrom the moment of its inception, human choice about how to treat the environment is a key part of ecological restoration. Because many, if not most, restoration projects require continual management once established, human choice remains a vital component of restoration projects for their entire life. But ecological restorationists often downplay the role of choice in restoration, partly because we see the choice to restore as obvious and inherently good and partly because we feel the restoration of more natural conditions for a habitat will lessen the impact of human choice over time. Some critics feel the role of human choice in restoration degrades the value of restoration. However, another response to human choice in restoration is to embrace choice, even with the problems it brings, and use choice as a way to more fully engage humans with the environment. If such choices are approached carefully, with recognition of the potential for poor choices, then restorationists can arrive at restorations that are better for both the environment and us.
Two‐Sided Edge Effect Studies and the Restoration of Endangered Ecosystems
Authors: Fonseca Carlos R. , Joner Fernando 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEdge effect is the modification of ecological patterns and processes that occur around the edge of two adjacent ecosystems. Depending on their aim, edge effect studies have adopted one of the following methodological approaches: (1) the one‐sided approach—which studies ecological patterns and processes from an edge to the interior of just one of the habitats and (2) the two‐sided approach—which studies ecological patterns and processes across the whole gradient from the interior of one habitat to the interior of the other habitat, passing through the edge zone. A database containing information on 317 published papers revealed that both methodological approaches were equally used until the end of the 1980s. During the 1990s, the question of how organisms respond to habitat destruction and fragmentation led to an abrupt increase in the number of one‐sided studies. Recently, however, two‐sided studies have become more frequent. In this review, we put forth theoretical arguments of why the two‐sided edge effect approach can produce a broader understanding of the ecological processes associated with edges. We highlight that two‐sided edge effect studies must become more experimental and predictive, focusing on the factors controlling edge dynamics. Finally, we point out that two‐sided edge effect studies have the potential to create a positive research agenda for the restoration and expansion of endangered ecosystems.
Effectiveness of Turf Stripping as a Measure for Restoring Species‐Rich Fen Meadows in Suboptimal Hydrological Conditions
Authors: Van der Hoek Dick , Heijmans Monique M. P. D. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Most species‐rich fen meadows in nature reserves in The Netherlands are acidified due to weaker upwelling of base‐rich groundwater. The present study investigated whether and why turf stripping combined with superficial drainage might promote the long‐term recovery of such meadows and restore the nutrient‐poor, buffered conditions they require. In a field experiment, we analyzed changes in vegetation composition, soil parameters, and soil water chemistry in stripped plots of degraded Cirsio‐Molinietum vegetation over 12 years. After the first five years, many species from the target communities occurred in stripped plots. Both vegetation and soil data showed positive effects of turf stripping on the acid‐buffering capacity. Because sulfate concentration in the soil water decreased over time, whereas the bicarbonate concentration increased, we inferred that there was internal alkalinization driven by sulfate reduction in low‐lying stripped plots. However, the succession toward more acidophilus plant communities, in both control and stripped plots, indicated gradual acidification. This may be caused by a continuing weakening of the upward seepage of base‐rich groundwater as shown by declining calcium concentrations in the soil water. Though turf stripping exposed a nutrient‐poor soil layer with a greater acid‐buffering capacity, these positive effects might not be sufficient to combat the ongoing acidification in the long term.
Selective and Non‐Selective Control of Invasive Plants: The Short‐Term Effects of Growing‐Season Prescribed Fire, Herbicide, and Mowing in Two Texas Prairies
Authors: Simmons Mark T. , Windhager Steve , Power Paula , Lott Jason , Lyons Robert K. , Schwope Carl 
Published: August 2010

Abstract Conservation of North American grasslands is hampered by the impact of invasive herbaceous species. Selective control of these plants, although desirable, is complicated by the shared physiology and phenology of the invader and the native components of the invaded plant community. Fortunately, there is evidence that some management practices, such as prescribed fire, herbicide, and mowing, can cause differential responses in native and invasive grassland species. However, timing of treatment is critical, and fire has been shown to increase rates of invasion when implemented during the dormant season. Bothriochloa ischaemum, an introduced C4 Eurasian grass is an increasing problem in grasslands, particularly in southern and central regions of North America. To date, there has been little success in effective selective control. Two invaded grassland sites representative of Blackland Prairie and Edwards Plateau ecoregions were subjected to two growing‐season prescribed fire treatments, single and double herbicide applications, and single and double mowing treatments. Mowing had no effect on either B. ischaemum or other dominant species at either site one‐year posttreatment. However, growing‐season fire and herbicide were both effective at reducing the abundance of B. ischaemum, with other codominant species responding either negatively to herbicide or neutrally or positively to fire. The vulnerability of B. ischaemum to growing‐season fire may be associated with the ecology of its native range. The negative growth response to growing‐season fire, combined with its lower implementation costs, indicates that this method warrants further investigation as a selective management tool for other problematic species in invaded grasslands.