bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acceptability and use of insecticide impregnated bednets in northern Ghana
Authors: Binka F. N. , Adongo P. 
Published: October 2009

Summary A district‐wide study was undertaken in a rural population of northern Ghana to identify factors influencing the acceptance and use of insecticide‐impregnated bednets (IIBNs). A series of focus group discussions were conducted during 2 years of implementation of IIBNs to gauge community reactions to the introduction of the nets and a structured questionnaire was administered to approximately 2000 randomly selected individuals. Although the IIBNs were accepted and used because they provided protection from mosquito bites, seasonal factors, patterns of use, and questions of cost were key factors likely to influence the dissemination and effectiveness of bednets. Use of the bednets was highly seasonal. Almost all recipients used their IIBNs in the rainy season (99%), corresponding to the period of high mosquito density and 20% used them in the dry seasons, the period of low mosquito density. Mothers with young children were more likely to wash the bednets frequently (because the children soiled the bednets with faeces and urine), resulting in no protection from the insecticide. Provision of wider bednets, or the provision of plastic sheets with the bednets or possible incorporation of the insecticide in washing soaps could improve protection for young children.The success of the promotion of IIBNs in malaria control programmes will depend on the cost of the package and the time of year that it is delivered. Financing mechanisms for individual and village groups are discussed. Social research effectively monitored the intervention in this study, and it should be included as an important component of national malaria control programmes.
Massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation with a right lobe graft larger than 0.8% of the recipient’s body weight
Authors: Shirouzu Yasumasa , Ohya Yuki , Suda Hiroko , Asonuma Katsuhiro , Inomata Yukihiro 
Published: October 2009

Shirouzu Y, Ohya Y, Suda H, Asonuma K, Inomata Y. Massive ascites after living donor liver transplantation with a right lobe graft larger than 0.8% of the recipient’s body weight. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 520–527. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Background:  There are only limited data on post‐transplant ascites unrelated to small‐sized grafts in living donor liver transplantation (LDLT).Methods:  The subjects were 59 adult patients who had received right lobe LDLT with a graft weight‐to‐recipient weight ratio (GRWR) > 0.8%. Patients were divided into either Group 1 (n = 14, massive ascites, defined as the production of ascitic fluid > 1000 mL/d that lasted longer than 14 d after LDLT) or Group 2 (n = 45, no development of massive ascites). Patients were followed for a median period of 3.0 yr (range, 0.5–7.5 yr).Results:  Group 1 had both higher Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score and Child‐Pugh score than Group 2. Portal venous flow volume just after reperfusion was significantly greater in Group 1 than Group 2 (307.8 ± 268.8 vs. 176.2 ± 75.0 mL/min/100 g graft weight, respectively; p < 0.05). Post‐transplant infectious complications including ascites infection developed more frequently within the first post‐transplant month in Group 1. Massive ascites was significantly associated with early graft loss (p < 0.05).Conclusion:  Post‐transplant massive ascites associated with portal over‐perfusion into the graft liver can develop in patients with a GRWR over 0.8%. Recipients with post‐transplant massive ascites require careful management to prevent infection.
Gender bias in Iranian living kidney transplantation program: a national report
Authors: Taheri Saeed , Alavian Seyed M. , Einollahi Behzad , Nafar Mohsen 
Published: October 2009

Taheri S, Alavian SM, Einollahi B, Nafar M. Gender bias in Iranian living kidney transplantation program: a national report. Clin Transplant 2010: 24: 528–534. © 2009 John Wiley & Sons A/S.Abstract:  Introduction:  Strong challenges exist about living kidney transplantation practices worldwide. One of these concerns is based on the observation that in many places women constitute the majority of living kidney donors but the minority of recipients. We studied this issue in Iran by using national data for kidney transplantation.Methods:  Data of the Iranian national registry for kidney transplantation which comprises data of all renal transplantations performed in the country during a 22 yr period were included in the study. Data of 16 672 living donors (living related [LR] = 16%, living unrelated [LUR] = 86%) were analyzed.Results:  Males received 62.2% of all kidney transplants. From 16 672 living donors, 20% and 80% were women and men, respectively. Recipients were more likely to receive kidney allograft from their own gender groups (p < 0.05). In living related donations, mothers, brothers and sons were significantly more often donors than their counterparts of opposite gender.Conclusion:  In contrast with previous reports from other countries, this study of Iranian national data revealed that in Iran, most related and unrelated living kidney donors are male and the percentage of recipients who are female exceeds the percentage of donors who are female. Considering previous reports from other countries, our findings suggest that Iran is the only country in which females are more likely to be recipients of a kidney allograft than donors. The reason for the predominance of male kidney donors in Iran is probably multifactorial and associated with economical, social and cultural issues. The financial incentives paid to living unrelated donors may be an attraction for males to donate a kidney although, even in living related donations, males constitute the majority of donors.
Knowledge of residual curarization: an Italian survey
Authors: DI MARCO P. , DELLA ROCCA G. , IANNUCCELLI F. , POMPEI L. , REALE C. , PIETROPAOLI P. 
Published: October 2009

Background: The use of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) is widespread in anesthetic practice; little is known about the current use of these drugs in Italy. This survey was conducted to obtain information about the most commonly used clinical tests and the train‐of‐four (TOF) ratios that are considered as being reliable for assessing recovery from neuromuscular blockade at the end of anesthesia and the estimated occurrence rates of post‐operative paralysis in Italian hospitals.Methods: The questionnaire was given to Italian anesthesiologists attending the 62nd National Congress of the Italian Society of Anesthesia, Analgesia and Intensive Therapy. Collected data were stratified by age and the total number of surgical procedures performed in the hospitals concerned.Results: Seven hundred and fifty‐four correctly compiled questionnaires were collected (response rate 88.7%). Seventy three percent of the respondents only used clinical tests for monitoring the level of neuromuscular blockade. The main clinical tests cited for the evaluation of residual paralysis were keeping the head lifted up for 5 s, protruding the tongue and opening the eyes. TOF was used by 35% of the respondents on a routine basis. Only 24% of the interviewed anesthesiologists reported that before extubation, a TOF ratio of at least 0.9 should be reached.Conclusions: Most Italian anesthetists assess the recovery from neuromuscular blockade only by clinical signs. There is poor awareness about the inability of such techniques to indicate even a significant amount of residual neuromuscular block. A more extensive use of quantitative instrumental monitoring is required for the more rational use of NMBAs.
Correlation and agreement between the bispectral index vs. state entropy during hypothermic cardio‐pulmonary bypass
Authors: MEYBOHM P. , GRUENEWALD M. , HÖCKER J. , RENNER J. , GRAESNER J.‐T. , ILIES C. , SCHOLZ J. , BEIN B. 
Published: October 2009

Background: The bispectral index (BIS) and spectral entropy enable monitoring the depth of anaesthesia. Mild hypothermia has been shown to affect the ability of electroencephalography monitors to reflect the anaesthetic drug effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of hypothermia during a cardio‐pulmonary bypass on the correlation and agreement between the BIS and entropy variables compared with normothermic conditions.Methods: This prospective clinical study included coronary artery bypass grafting patients (n=25) evaluating correlation and agreement (Bland–Altman analysis) between the BIS and both spectral and response entropy during a hypothermic cardio‐pulmonary bypass (31–34 °C) compared with nomothermic conditions (34–37.5 °C). Anaesthesia was maintained with propofol and sufentanil and adjusted clinically, while the anaesthetist was blinded to the monitors.Results: The BIS and entropy values decreased during cooling (P<0.05), but the decrease was more pronounced for entropy variables compared with BIS (P<0.05). The correlation coefficients (bias±SD; percentage error) between the BIS vs. spectral state entropy and response entropy were r2=0.56 (1±11; 42%) and r2=0.58 (−2±11; 43%) under normothermic conditions, and r2=0.17 (10±12; 77%) and r2=0.18 (9±11; 68%) under hypothermic conditions, respectively. Bias was significantly increased under hypothermic conditions (P<0.001 vs. normothermia).Conclusion: Acceptable agreement was observed between the BIS and entropy variables under normothermic but not under hypothermic conditions. The BIS and entropy variables may therefore not be interchangeable during a hypothermic cardio‐pulmonary bypass.
Spatial distribution of cadmium in leaves and its impact on photosynthesis: examples of different strategies in willow and poplar clones
Authors: Pietrini F. , Zacchini M. , Iori V. , Pietrosanti L. , Ferretti M. , Massacci A. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe interaction of cadmium (Cd) with photosynthesis was investigated in poplar (Populus x canadensis Mönch., clone A4A, Populus nigra L., clone Poli) and willow (Salix alba L., clone SS5) clones that had different leaf metal concentrations in preliminary experiments. Plants grown in the presence of 50 μm CdSO4 for 3 weeks under hydroponic conditions were used to examine leaf gas exchange, chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and images, and for Cd detection using energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (ED‐XRF). Leaves were finally analysed for Cd and phytochelatin concentrations. Results showed that SS5 had the highest leaf Cd concentration and high gas exchange activity similar to that of Poli, which had the lowest Cd concentration. Leaf fluorescence images evidenced in large undamaged areas of SS5 corresponded to high values of Fv/Fm, Fo, ΦPSII, qP and NPQ, while patches of dark colour (visible necrosis) close to the main vein corresponded to low values of these parameters. In A4A, these necrotic patches were more diffuse on the leaf blade and associated with a range of fluorescence parameter values. ED‐XRF analysis indicated that Cd was only detectable in necroses of SS5 leaves, while in A4A it was relatively more diffuse. Phytochelatins (PCs) were not detected in SS5, while their concentration was high in both Poli and A4A. The absence of these molecules in SS5 is thought to favour confinement of high accumulations of Cd to necrotic areas and gives SS5 the ability to maintain high photosynthesis and transpiration in remaining parts of the leaf.
Numerical computation in the viscoelastoplastic continuum damage of hot mix asphalt concrete
Authors: MUN S. 
Published: October 2009

ABSTRACTThe objective of this paper is to develop an accurate and advanced material characterization of hot mix asphalt concrete using an existing viscoelastoplastic constitutive model that accounts for rate of loading, temperature and stress state with growing damage. The modelling strategy of viscoelastoplastic continuum damage is based on modelling strain components separately and then combining the resulting models to obtain a final integrated viscoelastoplastic model. According to this model, the initial‐boundary value problem is numerically solved using the constitutive relationship expressed in the convolution integral form. The model is successful in predicting responses up to localization when microcracks start to coalesce.
Specific repair of aging hair keratin
Authors: Zur Wiesche E. S. , Gassenmeier T. , Fischer D. , Poppe E. , Somfleth P. , Schäfer K. , Körner A. 
Published: October 2009

IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (4) 317–320Winner of the Poster Award at the IFSCC Congress 2008, Barcelona, Spain.A new method was developed to study aging effects on human hair keratin caused by shampooing, blow drying and sunlight. An automatic multiple process allowed reproducible simulation of the stress of approximately 100 Central European summer days in only 5 working days. Stress‐strain measurements showed a significant weakening of the hair structure due to simulated aging effects. A new keratin active containing peptides identical to those in human hair was developed. The new keratin active penetrates deeply into the cortex cells, which was demonstrated by means of fluorescence microscopy. Aging damage was successfully prevented by strengthening the hair structure.Keywords: Hair keratin, hair strengthening, intermediate filament, keratin aging simulation, restructuring
Novel retinol‐like actives from parrots feathers
Authors: Rigano L. , Picardo M. , Pini E. , Stradi R. , Meloni M. , Bertelli A. , Benedusi A. , Giuliani G. 
Published: October 2009

IFSCC Magazine, 11 (2008) (4) 323–330Presented as a podium presentation at the 25th IFSCC Congress 2008 in Barcelona, Spain.Several classes of pigments are responsible for coloration in birds. Melanin pigments most commonly appear in bird feathers and bare parts. They impart black, brown and chestnut hues. Carotenoids are a second group of coloring biochemicals in birds. These two types of pigment‐based coloration are found in nearly every order of extant birds. In contrast, parrots harbor bright‐colored pigments in their feathers, which have different structures. As many colored substances exhibit free‐radical scavenging activity and parrots have quite a long lifespan, the aim of our study was to identify the structures of these substances, attempt their synthesis and study their performance and possible use in cosmetics while overcoming stability problems. Studies were also planned to compare their efficacy with that of known anti‐aging molecules. We were able to identify a structural moiety that could be the basis for a new family of molecules with high functionality. This example could open up the field of research for new functional molecules derived from animal or vegetal metabolism, which so far have been neglected because of their high instability.Keywords:  Anti‐oxidant, octatrienol, photoaging, radical stability, retinol‐like
Polymer composite principles applied to hair styling gels
Authors: Rafferty D. W. , Zellia J. , Hasman D. , Mullay J. 
Published: October 2009

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
59, 497–508 (November/December 2008)SynopsisA novel approach is taken to understand the mechanical performance of fixative‐treated hair tresses. Polymer composite principles are applied to explain the performance. Examples are given for polyacrylate‐2 cross‐polymer that show that the choice of neutralizer affects the film properties of anionic acrylic polymers by plasticization or by hardening through ionic (physical) crosslinking. The effect of these changes in the polymer film on the composite properties was determined by mechanical stiffness and high‐humidity curl retention testing. It is shown that both adhesion to the hair and polymer cohesion are important in determining fixative polymer performance. The implications of the results for the formulation of fixative systems are discussed.
DPPH free‐radical scavenging ability, total phenolic content, and chemical composition analysis of forty‐five kinds of essential oils
Authors: Wang H.‐F. , Wang Y.‐K. , Yih K.‐H. 
Published: October 2009

J. Cosmet. Sci.,
59, 509–522 (November/December 2008)SynopsisForty‐five kinds of commonly used essential oils were employed to investigate the DPPH (1,1‐diphenyl2‐picrylhydrazyl) radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of major chemical compositions. The free‐radical scavenging ability and total phenolic content of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils are the best among these essential oils. One‐half milliliter of cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (10 mg mL EtOH) are shown to be 96.74% and 96.12% of the DPPH (2.5ml, 1.52 × 10‐4 M) free‐radical scavenging ability, respectively. Their EC50 (effective concentrations) are 53 and 36 (μg mL‐1). One milligram per milliliter of cinnamon leaf, clove bud, and thyme red essential oils were shown to be 420, 480, and 270 (mg g‐1 of GAE) of total phenolic content, respectively. Eugenol in cinnamon leaf and clove bud essential oils (82.87% and 82.32%, respectively) were analyzed by GC‐MS. It is clear that the amounts of the phenol compounds in essential oils and the DPPH free‐radical scavenging ability are in direct proportion.
Development of a water‐resistant and detergent‐washable powder coated with a stimuli‐responsive polymer and its application to suncare products
Authors: Osawa Tomo , Sogabe Atsushi , Shirao Masayuki , Nishihama Shuji , Kaneda Isamu , Yusa Shin‐ichi 
Published: October 2009

IFSCC Magazines, 12 (2009) (1) 3–7It is generally well known that the surface of an inorganic UV‐protective powder used in a sunscreen formula is treated with a fatty acid or other hydrophobic chemicals to obtain a high water resistance. Due to the resulting strongly hydrophobic surface, the treatment has a clear drawback in that it allows the sunscreen to leave its base components on the skin after washing with regular soap. Therefore, in this study to develop an intelligent sunscreen formula that has a high water resistance and can be washed away easily with regular soap, we focused on a pH‐responsive polymer as the surface‐treatment agent for a UV‐protective powder. Numerous experiments led to the synthesis of the 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid/11‐methacrylamidoundecanoic acid (AMPS/MAU) copolymer, which is hydrophobic in acidic to neutral solution and hydrophilic in basic solution. Titanium dioxide subjected to surface treatment was treated with the AMPS/MAU copolymer showed a high pH‐responsiveness that was similar to that of the polymer. A W/O‐type sunscreen containing the pH‐responsive titanium dioxide showed a high water resistance as well as a high washability with regular soap.Keywords:  Detergent‐washable, pH‐responsive polymer, pH‐responsive powder, sun care product, water‐resistant
Anti‐inflammatory activity of Pseudopterosins by laser doppler blood flow evaluation
Authors: Dayan Nava , Grove Gary , Sivalenka Rajarajeswari 
Published: October 2009

IFSCC Magazines, 12 (2009) (1) 17–29Pseudopterosins extracted from Caribbean Sea Whip (Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae) were previously shown to inhibit phospholipase A2, an enzyme that functions in the arachidonic acid cascade of inflammation. With an objective to test its in vivo anti‐inflammatory potential, we conducted a screening clinical bioassay using randomized analysis on sixteen panelists. An emulsion containing 0.02% of sea whip extract was applied to the volar forearm of subjects prior to or after an ethyl nicotinate challenge. Blood flow rate at the application site monitored using a laser doppler blood flowmeter served as a measure of inflammation induced by ethyl nicotinate. Upon post‐challenge treatment, sea whip extract reduced blood flow by 35.04% against untreated control and also delayed the blood flow. More pronounced reduction in blood flow, as low as 59.50%, was noted upon pretreatment. This reduction was significant (P < 0.0095). Pretreatment caused not only a delay in onset of inflammation but also a reduction in the peak time of blood flow. This study further substantiates the previously reported in vitro anti‐inflammatory effect of sea whip extract, demonstrating its activity in deep skin layers by affecting blood flow. The preventive application prior to induction of inflammation was more effective when compared to post‐treatment.Keywords:  Anti‐inflammatory, clinical study, laser doppler blood flowmetry, pseudopterosins
A Hibiscus Abelmoschus seed extract as a protective active ingredient to favour FGF‐2 activity in skin
Authors: Rival D. , Bonnet S. , Sohm B. , Perrier E. 
Published: October 2009

SynopsisIn the skin, heparin, heparan sulphate and heparan sulphate proteoglycans control the storage and release of growth factors and protect them from early degradation. We developed a cosmetic active ingredient containing Hibiscus Abelmoschus seed extract (trade name Linefactor™) that can maintain the FGF‐2 content in the skin by mimicking the protective effect of heparan sulphate proteoglycans. By preventing the natural degradation of FGF‐2, Hibiscus Abelmoschus seed extract maintains the bioavailability of this growth factor for its target cells, i.e. skin fibroblasts. Our in vitro evaluations showed that this ingredient exhibited heparan sulphate‐like properties and dose‐dependently protected FGF‐2 from thermal degradation. We could also show that, in turn, the protected FGF‐2 could stimulate the synthesis of sulphated GAGs, the natural protective molecules for FGF‐2, thus providing a double protection. Finally, the in vitro results were confirmed in vivo thanks to a clinical study in which skin biomechanical properties and reduction in wrinkles were assessed.
Increased intranuclear matrix metalloproteinase activity in neurons interferes with oxidative DNA repair in focal cerebral ischemia
Authors: Yang Yi , Candelario‐Jalil Eduardo , Thompson Jeffrey F. , Cuadrado Eloy , Estrada Eduardo Y. , Rosell Anna , Montaner Joan , Rosenberg Gary A. 
Published: October 2009

J. Neurochem. (2010) 112, 134–149.AbstractIncreased matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity is implicated in proteolysis of extracellular matrix in ischemic stroke. We recently observed intranuclear MMP activity in ischemic brain neurons at early reperfusion, suggesting a possible role in nuclear matrix proteolysis. Nuclear proteins, poly‐ADP‐ribose polymerase‐1 (PARP‐1) and X‐ray cross‐complementary factor 1 (XRCC1), as well as DNA repair enzymes, are important in DNA fragmentation and cell apoptosis. We hypothesized that intranuclear MMP activity facilitates oxidative injury in neurons during early ischemic insult by cleaving PARP‐1 and XRCC1, interfering with DNA repair. We induced a 90‐min middle cerebral artery occlusion in rats. Increase activity of MMP‐2 and ‐9, detected in the ischemic neuronal nuclei at 3 h, was associated with DNA fragmentation at 24 and 48 h reperfusion. The intranuclear MMPs cleaved PARP‐1. Treatment of the rats with a broad‐spectrum MMP inhibitor, BB1101, significantly attenuated ischemia‐induced PARP‐1 cleavage, increasing its activity. Degradation of XRCC1 caused by ischemic insult in rat brain was also significantly attenuated by BB1101. We found elevation of oxidized DNA, apurinic/apyrimidinic sites, and 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine, in ischemic brain cells at 3 h reperfusion. BB1101 markedly attenuated the early increase of oxidized DNA. Using tissue from stroke patients, we found increased intranuclear MMP expression. Our data suggest that intranuclear MMP activity cleaves PARP‐1 and XRCC1, interfering with oxidative DNA repair. This novel role for MMPs could contribute to neuronal apoptosis in ischemic injuries.