bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reversible inhibition of three important human liver cytochrome p450 enzymes by tiliroside
Authors: Sun Dong‐Xue , Lu Jin‐Cai , Fang Zhong‐Ze , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Cao Yun‐Feng , Mao Yu‐Xi , Zhu Liang‐Liang , Yin Jun , Yang Ling
Published: June 2010

Tiliroside, an active flavonoid extensively found in many medicinal plants including Helichrysum italicum, Geranium mexicanum and Helianthemum glomeratum, has been demonstrated to exert multiple biological effects including antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant and antitumor activities. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes play an important role in the Phase I oxidation metabolism of a wide range of xenobiotics and inhibition of CYP isoforms might influence the elimination of drugs and induce serious adverse drug response. The inhibition of seven CYP isoforms (CYP3A4, CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C8 and CYP2E1) by tiliroside was investigated using in vitro human liver microsomal incubation assays. The results showed that tiliroside strongly inhibited the activity of CYP3A4 (IC50 = 9.0 ± 1.7 μm), CYP2C8 (IC50 = 12.1 ± 0.9 μm) and CYP2C9 (IC50 = 10.2 ± 0.9 μm) with other CYP isoforms negligibly influenced. Further kinetic analysis showed that inhibition of these three CYP isoforms by tiliroside is best fit to a competitive way. The Ki value was calculated to be 5.5 μm, 3.3 μm, 9.4 μm for CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C8, respectively. The relatively low Ki values suggested that tiliroside might induce drug–drug interactions with many clinically used drugs which are mainly metabolized by these three CYP isoforms. Therefore, attention should be given to the probable drug–drug interaction between tiliroside‐containing herbs and substrates of CYP3A4, CYP2C9 and CYP2C8. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimalarial activity of extract and norbergenin derivatives from the stem bark of Diospyros sanza‐minika A. Chevalier (Ebenaceae)
Authors: Tangmouo Jean Gustave , Ho Raimana , Matheeussen An , Lannang Alain Meli , Komguem Justin , Messi Bernadette Biloa , Maes Louis , Hostettmann Kurt
Published: June 2010

The methanol extract from the stem bark of Diospyros sanza‐minika as well as five norbergenin derivatives isolated from this crude extract were evaluated for their in vitro activity against Plasmodium falciparum K1 and cytotoxicity on MRC‐5 cells. 4‐O‐(3′‐methylgalloyl)norbergenin was found to be the most potent compound (IC50 0.6 μg/mL; CC50 24.7 μg/mL), followed by 4‐O‐galloylnorbergenin (IC50 3.9 μg/mL; CC50 > 64 μg/mL) and 11‐O‐p‐hydroxy‐benzoyl‐norbergenin (IC50 4.9 μg/mL; CC50 > 64 μg/mL). Norbergenin and 4‐O‐syringoylnorbergenin were inactive (IC50 > 32 μg/mL; CC50 > 64 μg/mL). The antimalarial activity of the pure constituents and of the methanol extract from the stem bark of Diospyros sanza‐minika is reported for the first time. The results provide interesting baseline information for the potential use of the crude extract well as some of the isolated compounds in the search for novel antimalarial compounds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protein kinase C pathway is involved in the inhibition by crocetin of vascular smooth muscle cells proliferation
Authors: Zhou Cheng‐Hua , Xiang Min , He Shu‐Ying , Qian Zhi‐Yu
Published: June 2010

Crocetin is a natural carotenoid compound isolated from Gardenia jasminoids Ellis. Our previous study showed that crocetin inhibits angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). The present study investigated the involvement of the protein kinase C (PKC) pathway in the growth‐inhibitory action of crocetin in VSMCs. The findings showed that PKC activity in the membrane fraction of VSMCs increased following stimulation with Ang II, which was suppressed significantly by pretreating the cells with crocetin. Inhibition of PKC activity by crocetin appeared to be associated with growth inhibition in VSMCs, because chelerythrine chloride, a specific PKC inhibitor, likewise decreased cell proliferation. PKC‐a, a conventional PKC isoform, was detected in bovine aorta VSMCs by RT‐PCR and western blotting analysis. Crocetin inhibited Ang II‐induced membrane translocation of PKC‐a, and the inhibition of crocetin on PKC activity in membrane fraction coincided with its suppression on membrane translocation of PKC‐a. In addition, Ang II‐induced mRNA expressions of c‐fos, c‐jun and c‐myc were also decreased by crocetin. Taken together, the data suggest that the inhibition by crocetin of PKC activity, at least in part due to inactivation of PKC‐a, and the subsequent suppression of proto‐oncogene expressions might mediate its inhibitory effect on VSMCs proliferation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future
Authors: Abenavoli Ludovico , Capasso Raffaele , Milic Natasa , Capasso Francesco
Published: June 2010

Silybum marianum or milk thistle (MT) is the most well‐researched plant in the treatment of liver disease. The active complex of MT is a lipophilic extract from the seeds of the plant and is composed of three isomer flavonolignans (silybin, silydianin, and silychristin) collectively known as silymarin. Silybin is a component with the greatest degree of biological activity and makes up 50% to 70% of silymarin. Silymarin is found in the entire plant but it is concentrated in the fruit and seeds. Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation, has antifibrotic activity and may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the hepatocyte cell membrane receptors. In animals, silymarin reduces liver injury caused by acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, radiation, iron overload, phenylhydrazine, alcohol, cold ischaemia and Amanita phalloides. Silymarin has been used to treat alcoholic liver disease, acute and chronic viral hepatitis and toxin‐induced liver diseases. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Radioprotective activity of Gentiana lutea extract and mangiferin
Authors: Menkovic Nebojsa , Juranic Zorica , Stanojkovic Tatjana , Raonic‐Stevanovic Tatjana , Šavikin Katarina , Zdunić Gordana , Borojevic Nenad
Published: June 2010

Radioprotective/sensitizing actions of Gentiana lutea aqueous‐ethanol extract and mangiferin on radiation‐induced effects on different types of cells were investigated. The study focused on the decreasing survival of normal human immunocompetent cells, the survival of the malignant cells in vitro, and the survival of ex vivo irradiated cells before and after consumption of the extract by healthy volunteers. The in vitro experiments showed that mangiferin could inhibit cytotoxic action of ionizing irradiation (doses of 6 and 8 Gy) only on normal resting human PBMC, not stimulated for proliferation. Orally consumed G. lutea extract showed the potential to reduce the cytotoxic effect of x‐ray irradiation on normal human immunocompetent cells PBMC of some healthy people, without changing the susceptibility of malignant cells to be destroyed by irradiation. Since the radioprotective effect was individually dependent, further clinical studies are needed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Experimental demonstration of mass‐filtered, time‐dilated, time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Demoranville L. T. , Grabowski K. S. , Knies D. L. , Cetina C.
Published: June 2010

The Trace Element Accelerator Mass Spectrometer (TEAMS) at the Naval Research Lab (NRL) offers a unique opportunity to develop a new type of time‐of‐flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer (TOF‐SIMS). This opportunity derives from use of a Pretzel magnet as a recombinator and mass filter in the injector part to the accelerator. Mass filtering prior to time‐of‐flight analysis removes extraneous species, thereby reducing background for trace element analysis, and shortens the analysis time for a single‐beam pulse, thereby improving the duty cycle. Using this approach, it is possible to obtain expanded portions of a few narrow segments of the entire time‐of‐flight spectrum created by a single‐beam pulse. Additionally, a longer flight path with higher ion momenta in the Pretzel magnet introduces time dilation, thereby improving resolution. This type of TOF system is well suited for precise trace element abundance measurements, for example, the simultaneous measurement of fissionable nuclear material and selected fission fragments.

Computer simulations and first test results led to recent modifications to electronics which have refined the system. These modifications resulted in the capability to produce a range of beam trigger widths and dwell times, while at the same time refining the peak shape. These capabilities allowed for the demonstration of mass filtering, interleaving and time dilation. While the NRL‐TEAMS system is not designed for TOF work, these results provide a demonstration of the capabilities of a future instrument. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Depth profiling of micrometer‐order area by mesa‐structure fabrication
Authors: Seki S. , Tamura H. , Wada Y. , Tsutsui K. , Ootomo S.
Published: June 2010

Fabricating mesa structures with photolithography in samples for analysis is a promising method for microarea analysis in SIMS depth profiling because undesired ions originating from the surroundings of the analysis area are eliminated. We investigated the depth profiles of B implants in Si by varying the primary ion energy, beam size, mesa size, raster area and gate area ratio. When a 50 µm × 50 µm mesa was rastered over a 60 µm × 60 µm area with a 15‐keV Cs+ beam, a dynamic range for B of 3 × 105 and a detection limit of 3.2 × 1015 atoms/cm3 were obtained. As for a smaller mesa of 9 µm × 9 µm, the depth profiles of BSi− taken over a 30 µm × 30 µm raster area with a 5 keV beam were quite comparable to those over 13 × 13 and 11 µm × 11 µm raster areas with a 15 keV beam. The major advantages of using a mesa fabrication method are minimization of the raster area and maximization of the gate area ratio without deterioration of profile quality, which is quite favorable for microarea analysis. A very small mesa of 4 µm × 4 µm was also successfully analyzed, and a dynamic range of 4 × 103 was obtained. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polarization and azimuthal angle dependence of the optical second harmonic generation from Pt nanowires on the MgO(110) faceted template
Authors: Ogata Yoichi , Tuan Nguyen Anh , Takase Saho , Mizutani Goro
Published: June 2010

We have measured azimuthal angle dependence of the optical second‐harmonic (SH) intensity from Pt nanowire arrays on the faceted MgO(110) substrates. The cross‐sectional shapes of the fabricated Pt nanowires were also observed by transmission electron microscopy. The observed SH intensity patterns as a function of the sample rotation angle around the surface normal were characterized by the effective nonlinear susceptibility arising from the Cs symmetry of the Pt nanowire arrays. The correlation of the cross‐sectional shapes of the wires and their nonlinear susceptibility is discussed. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnosis and management of primary cervical carcinoma
Authors: Palmer Julia E. , Gillespie Alan M.
Published: June 2010

The management of cervical cancer can be complex; thus centralised referral to a cancer centre is imperative to establish multidisciplinary patient care. An understanding of the importance of recognising the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer is necessary to diagnose the disease in its early stages, enabling radical treatments when appropriate. Copyright © 2010 Wiley Interface Ltd
Clinicopathologic Characteristics of Colorectal Cancer Patients with Synchronous and Metachronous Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yoon Sang Nam , Oh Sung Tae , Lim Seok‐Byung , Kim Tae Won , Kim Jong Hoon , Yu Chang Sik , Kim Jin Cheon
Published: June 2010

Background

We investigated the characteristics of synchronous and metachronous gastric cancer in patients with colorectal cancer.

Methods

We reviewed 8,680 patients who underwent operations for primary sporadic colorectal cancer from 1989 to 2008. Synchronous gastric cancer was defined as gastric cancer diagnosed within 6 months of a colorectal cancer diagnosis. Gastric cancer diagnosed more than 6 months before or after colorectal cancer was defined as metachronous.

Results

The incidences of synchronous and metachronous gastric cancer were 0.93 and 1.4%, respectively (combined 2.4%). The standardized incidence ratio was 1.199 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.005–1.420) when the patients with premetachronous gastric cancer were excluded. Patients with synchronous and metachronous gastric cancer were 5 years older on average compared to the control population without gastric cancer. In addition, multivariate analysis revealed an odds ratio (OR) of 3.6 for being male, OR = 2 for positive family history of solid tumors, OR = 2.2 for colonic lesion, and OR = 4 for MSH2 expression loss compared to patients without gastric cancer. Patients with postmetachronous gastric cancer (when compared to synchronous and premetachronous gastric cancer), a preoperative CEA level of less than 6 ng/ml, and a relatively early stage of colorectal cancer had significantly higher overall (p = 0.016, 0.007, and 0.004, respectively) and disease‐free survival rates (p = 0.046, 0.003, and 0.004, respectively), only on univariate analysis. Lymphovascular invasion of colorectal cancer and an advanced stage of gastric cancer were independent poor prognostic factors for both overall (p = 0.018) and disease‐free survival (p = 0.028).

Conclusions

Gastric cancer surveillance is recommended for patients with colorectal cancer, especially when the patient is old and male, has a positive family history of solid tumors, has a colonic lesion, or lacks MSH2 expression.
Packing for Damage Control of Nontraumatic Intra‐Abdominal Massive Hemorrhages
Authors: Filicori Filippo , Di Saverio Salomone , Casali Marco , Biscardi Andrea , Baldoni Franco , Tugnoli Gregorio
Published: June 2010

Background

The Damage Control Surgery (DCS) approach to massive intraperitoneal hemorrhage has been shown to significantly reduce the morbidity and mortality in severely injured trauma patients. We applied the same principles to patients who developed a massive hemorrhage and the “lethal triad” (acidosis, hypothermia, coagulopathy) during a surgical procedure in order to assess feasibility and efficacy of DCS on nontraumatic grounds.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of eight consecutive cases was performed aimed at collecting information on laboratory parameters, fluids requirements, operative times, APACHE II score, damage control surgery procedure, angioembolization, morbidity, mortality, and need for repacking.

Results

Average APACHE II score was 25.5 (predicted mortality rate = 54%); overall and early mortality in the nontraumatic group was nil, while the intra‐abdominal septic (packing‐related) complication rate was 12.5%.

Conclusions

Intra‐abdominal packing was shown to be feasible, safe, and effective for patients with intra‐abdominal nontraumatic massive hemorrhage, and the application of the principles of DCS may improve survival in cases of surgical hemorrhage with development of the lethal triad.
Modeling the consequence of increased host tolerance toward avian brood parasitism
Authors: Takasu Fugo , Moskát Csaba
Published: June 2010

Avian brood parasites greatly reduce the reproductive success of their hosts. Empirical studies have demonstrated that some hosts have evolved defenses against parasitism like an ability to recognize and reject parasitic eggs that are dissimilar to their own eggs. Detailed mechanisms of how hosts recognize parasitism still remain unknown, but recent studies have shown that the host's recognition, in many cases, is based on discordance of the eggs in a clutch, and that hosts are more error‐prone when the nest is multiply parasitized, i.e., hosts tend to accept more multiple parasitism than single parasitism. In an area in Hungary, the great reed warblerAcrocephalus arundinaceus, one of the main hosts of the common cuckooCuculus canorus, is heavily parasitized and the parasitism rate has been kept at quite a high level for decades. Previous mathematical models suggest that such a high parasitism rate can be maintained because the focal host population behaves as a sink where few hosts can reproduce but immigration from outside replenishes the loss of host reproduction in the sink population. Here, we explore the consequences of the increased host tolerance towards multiple parasitism which has been overlooked in the previous studies using a simple model. Our model analysis shows that the increased host tolerance can dramatically contribute to both the parasite abundance and the parasitism rate being kept at a high level. We suggest that such a host behavior, combined with host immigration, can be an important factor responsible for the observed severe parasitism.
Natural Mentors, Mental Health, and Risk Behaviors: A Longitudinal Analysis of African American Adolescents Transitioning into Adulthood
Authors: Hurd Noelle , Zimmerman Marc
Published: June 2010

In this study, we tested whether having a natural mentor affected the growth trajectory of health outcomes among adolescents transitioning into adulthood (5 years post‐high school). Participants in this study included 615 African American emerging adults. Outcomes assessed in this study included depressive symptoms, sexual risk behavior, and substance use. We hypothesized that participants who possessed natural mentors would demonstrate greater declines over time across all outcome variables in comparison to their counterparts who did not possess natural mentors. Using Hierarchical Linear Modeling, we found that having a natural mentor was related to less depressive symptoms and less sexual risk behavior over time. The results suggest that natural mentors may protect youth from the negative outcomes associated with the risks they face. Implications of the results for prevention are discussed.
Girls Study Girls Inc.: Engaging Girls in Evaluation Through Participatory Action Research
Authors: Chen PeiYao , Weiss Faedra Lazar , Nicholson Heather Johnston ,   Girls Incorporated®
Published: June 2010

Between 2004 and 2007, Girls Incorporated® conducted research about the experience of five affiliates from different parts of the United States as they engaged with girls in Girls Study Girls Inc., a participatory evaluation project that explored the meaning and impact of Girls Inc. environments and uncovered ways such environments can be improved. We describe the context and motivation for using participatory action research [PAR] in Girls Inc. environments and discuss the relevance and importance of PAR for organizations that empower girls and young women. We explain the process of training and engaging Girls Inc. members in research, discuss the effectiveness of Girls Study Girls Inc. as an evaluation strategy, and conclude this article with lessons learned and recommendations for using PAR in evaluating youth development programs.
Young Children as Protagonists and the Role of Participatory, Visual Methods in Engaging Multiple Perspectives
Authors: Clark Alison
Published: June 2010

How can the perspectives, insights and interests of young children, under 6 years‐old, be given status in processes of change? This paper will examine the contribution participatory and visual methods can make to enabling young children to document their experiences and to facilitate exchange with adults. Examples will be drawn from three research studies in educational settings which have developed a specific research method, the Mosaic approach (Clark and Moss 2001; Clark 2004; Clark 2005) which brings together visual and verbal research tools. This paper will discuss how researching with young children rather than on young children can redraw the boundaries between adults’ and children's roles in the research process including the relationship with the research audience.
Differential HMG‐CoA lyase expression in human tissues provides clues about 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric aciduria
Authors: Puisac Beatriz , Arnedo María , Casale Cesar H. , Ribate María Pilar , Castiella Tomás , Ramos Feliciano J. , Ribes Antonia , Pérez‐Cerdá Celia , Casals Nuria , Hegardt Fausto G. , Pié Juan
Published: June 2010

3‐Hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaric aciduria is a rare human autosomal recessive disorder caused by deficiency of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA lyase (HL). This mitochondrial enzyme catalyzes the common final step of leucine degradation and ketogenesis. Acute symptoms include vomiting, seizures and lethargy, accompanied by metabolic acidosis and hypoketotic hypoglycaemia. Such organs as the liver, brain, pancreas, and heart can also be involved. However, the pathophysiology of this disease is only partially understood. We measured mRNA levels, protein expression and enzyme activity of human HMG‐CoA lyase from liver, kidney, pancreas, testis, heart, skeletal muscle, and brain. Surprisingly, the pancreas is, after the liver, the tissue with most HL activity. However, in heart and adult brain, HL activity was not detected in the mitochondrial fraction. These findings contribute to our understanding of the enzyme function and the consequences of its deficiency and suggest the need for assessment of pancreatic damage in these patients.
The clinical manifestation of MCAD deficiency: challenges towards adulthood in the screened population
Authors: Schatz Ulrich A. , Ensenauer Regina
Published: June 2010

Medium‐chain acyl‐CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (MCADD) is the most common fatty acid oxidation disorder. Typically, undiagnosed individuals are asymptomatic until an episode of increased energy demand and fasting occurs, resulting in metabolic derangement. Phenotypic heterogeneity has been increasingly realized, with reports of both neonates and adults manifesting with life‐threatening symptoms including encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, and cardiac failure. If diagnosed presymptomatically, outcome is favorable basically by avoidance of fasting. Early detection by newborn screening (NBS) has significantly reduced the incidence of severe adverse events including deaths. In this manuscript we focus on the natural course of the disease in both children and adults. Although NBS for MCADD has been successfully established, continuing efforts need to be made to avoid acute crises and deterioration of outcome in screened patients entering adolescence and adulthood.
Public health and laboratory considerations regarding newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus
Authors: Dollard Sheila C. , Schleiss Mark R. , Grosse Scott D.
Published: June 2010

Congenital cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is the most common infection in newborns worldwide and causes hearing loss and other neurological disability in 15–20% of infected infants. Only about half of the hearing loss resulting from congenital CMV infection is currently detected by universal newborn hearing screening because of late‐onset hearing loss. Thus, much of the hearing loss and the majority of other CMV‐associated disabilities remain undetected for years after birth and are never connected to CMV infection. Congenital CMV may be appropriate to include in national newborn screening (NBS) programs because it is more common than other disorders tested for by NBS programs and is a major cause of disability. Significant obstacles to the implementation of screening for congenital CMV include the lack of a standardized, high‐throughput screening test and a protocol for follow‐up of CMV‐infected children. Nonetheless, screening newborns for congenital CMV infection merits further consideration.
Soil organic carbon stock and chemical composition in four plantations of indigenous tree species in subtropical China
Authors: Wang Hui , Liu Shi‐Rong , Mo Jiang‐Ming , Wang Jing‐Xin , Makeschin Franz , Wolff Maria
Published: June 2010

Subtropical China has more than 60% of the total plantation area in China and over 70% of these subtropical plantations are composed of pure coniferous species. In view of low ecosystem services and ecological instability of pure coniferous plantations, indigenous broadleaf plantations are being advocated as a prospective silvicultural management for substituting in place of large coniferous plantations in subtropical China. However, little information is known about the effects of tree species conversion on stock and stability of soil organic carbon (SOC). The four adjacent monospecific plantations were selected to examine the effects of tree species on the stock and chemical composition of SOC using elemental analysis and solid‐state 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. One coniferous plantation was composed of Pinus massoniana (PM), and the three broadleaf plantations were Castanopsis hystrix (CH), Michelia macclurei (MM), and Mytilaria laosensis (ML). We found that SOC stock differed significantly among the four plantations in the upper (0–10 cm) layer, but not in the underneath (10–30 cm) layer. SOC stocks in the upper (0–10 cm) layer were 11, 19, and 18% higher in the CH, MM, and ML plantations than in the PM plantation. The differences in SOC stock among the four plantations were largely attributed to fine root rather than aboveground litterfall input. However, the soils in the broadleaf plantations contained more decomposable C proportion, indicated by lower percentage of alkyl C, higher percentage of O‐alkyl C and lower alkyl C/O‐alkyl C ratio compared to those in the PM plantation. Our findings highlight that future strategy of tree species selection for substituting in place of large coniferous plantations in subtropical China needs to consider the potential effects of tree species on the chemical composition in addition to the quantity of SOC stock.
Reversible Inhibitory Effects of Saturated and Unsaturated Alkyl Esters on the Carboxylesterases Activity in Rat Intestine
Authors: Li Ping , Zhu Chun‐liu , Zhang Xin‐xin , Gan Li , Yu Hong‐zhen , Gan Yong
Published: June 2010

This study was conducted to investigate the relationship between the carbon chain length/double bonds of alkyl esters and their inhibitory potency/mechanism on carboxylesterases (CESs). CESs activity was evaluated by inhibition of adefovir dipivoxil (ADV) metabolism in rat intestinal homogenates. Furthermore, the inhibitory effect of BNPP and ethyl (E)‐hex‐2‐enoate (C8:1) on drug absorption was evaluated in situ intestinal perfusion model. The results showed that the rank order of the inhibitory potency on CESs was C10:0 > C8:0 > C6:0 > C4:0 > C12:0, C8:1 > C8:0, C6:1 > C6:0, while the esters (C14:0, C13:1, C16:0, C18:0, C17:1, C20:0) were found to have no inhibitory effect at investigated concentrations. However, the unsaturated esters (C20:1, C20:2, C20:3) displayed the inhibitory effect on CESs. Moreover, the double reciprocal plots indicated that alky esters inhibited the CESs in competitive and mixed competitive ways which were reversible. In addition, the result of most effective CESs inhibitor C8:1 from in situ experiment showed that C8:1 can inhibit the CESs‐mediated intestinal metabolism and improve the drug absorption. And the inhibition had no time‐dependent effect, compared with that of BNPP groups. The study suggested that alkyl esters can be served as effective and reversible CESs inhibitors, besides that their inhibitory potency/mechanism can be affected by their carbon chain length/double bonds.
Who is promoting the stability of the human rights pillar? Lessons from our own experience of dictatorship
Authors: Nooke Günter
Published: June 2010

According to former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, world peace is based on the pillars of security, development and human rights. The defence of human rights is a particular foreign policy strength of both the EU and Germany. Despite advances, human rights are currently under threat from two angles. The first is a tendency to demand so much in the realm of human rights that, in the end, very little is achieved. The second is a growing movement that prioritises the rights of the collective over individual rights. However, it is individual human rights that are paramount and it is possible to extend individual rights without trampling cultural diversity. Given Europe's history of freeing itself from the shackles of dictatorship, its role in the defence of human rights is invaluable.
P01-385 - A Short Screening for Depression (DESC) Using Rasch Analysis: Development and Validation of the New Instrument
Authors: Norra C. , Böcker M. , Wirtz M. , Gauggel S. , Forkmann T.
Published: June 2010

Although various instruments for the assessment of depression are available, substantial psychometric problems like multidimensionality or dependence on sample characteristics have been demonstrated. Here, modern test theories, e.g. Rasch Analysis, offer new directions of assessments. So far, Rasch analysis has been applied to the evaluation of diagnostic tools for depression, though neither a concise rating instrument is available consequently using Rasch methodology nor an integration with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM). Therefore, two parallel 10 item depression questionnaires of Depression Screening Version (DESC) were developed by combining Rasch analysis and SEM. Both scales were based on previously established Rasch homogeneous item bank for depression (N=367) and proved one-dimensionality according to Rasch and SEM analyses, justifying total score interpretation of the DESC. The new data of 333 patients suffering from psychic disorder including depression as well as different somatic disorder were included for a first psychometric evaluation. Both DESC versions feature different but highly correlated item sets. Cut-off scores with good sensitivity (0.82, 0.81) and specificity (0.78, 0.77) for the diagnosis of an depressive syndrome were developed with ROC analyses. Sensitivity was even superior to the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). No serious Differential Item Functioning in Rasch analyses for both scales was found. The DESC represents a short screening instrument for depressive symptoms in two parallel versions with highly sufficient psychometric quality. Particularly clinicians, who aim at screening diverse samples of patients within a limited time frame or repeatedly during the course of their diseases, will benefit from this new screening instrument.
P02-38 - Associations of Sleep Quality with Physical and Mental Health of Japanese Civil Servants
Authors: Sekine M. , Tatsuse T.
Published: June 2010

Background

It has been recognised that poor sleep quantity (i.e. short sleep duration) is associated with an increased risk for physical and mental diseases. However, there have been fewer studies on the associations of poor sleep quality with physical and mental health.

Methods

The subjects were 3684 (2471 males and 1213 females) employees aged 20-65 working in local government in Japan. A questionnaire survey was conducted in January 2003. Sleep quality and physical and mental health were evaluated using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Short Form 36 (SF-36), respectively. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate whether each subscale of PSQI was independently associated with poor physical and mental health (the lowest 25 percentile of the Physical and Mental Component Summary (PCS and MCS) Scores of SF-36), after adjustment for potential confounding factors.

Results

Subjective sleep quality, sleep disturbances, use of sleep medication, and daytime dysfunction were significantly associated with poor physical health. Subjective sleep quality, sleep latency, sleep disturbances, and daytime dysfunction were significantly associated with poor mental health. The associations of subscale scores of poor sleep quality with health were relatively stronger for poor mental health than for poor physical health. Sleep duration (i.e. sleep quantity) was not associated with poor physical and mental health.

Conclusion

Some of the poor sleep quality measures were independently associated with both poor physical and mental health of Japanese civil servants. Longitudinal study is necessary to confirm the causal relationships between sleep quality and health.
P03-314 - Depression and Sleep Disorders in Progressed Glaucoma: an Indication for Melatonergic Antidepressants?
Authors: Agorastos A. , Skevas C. , Matthaei M. , Huber C.G.
Published: June 2010

Introduction

Glaucoma is a chronic, progressive optic neuropathy, with visual field defects (VFD) and progressive loss of the retinal ganglion cells, leading herewith to an affected light transmission to the suprachiasmatic nuclei. Progressed glaucoma has been therefore lately suggested to lead to a circadian misalignment and thus to several physiological consequences, including sleep and affective disorders.

Objectives

The investigation of depressive symptoms and sleep disorders among glaucoma patients with and without VFD.

Methods

Patients with confirmed glaucoma diagnosis were recruited and divided in two groups: Patients with extensive VFD (glaucoma fere absolutum) and patients with no or minor VFD. The patients were assessed by self-rating questionnaires to depression (Beck's Depression Inventar), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory), affectivity (Positive Affect - Negative Affect Scala) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index).

Results

88 patients have been recruited, of them 57% with VFD. The prevalence of depression was significantly higher in patients with VFD (p = .037). The VFD group also showed significantly higher trait anxiety rates (p = .027), but no significant differences concerning negative emotion. In addition, the subjective sleep quality in men with VFD was significantly worse than in the control group (p = .048), while VFD was significantly correlated with a longer lag time to fall asleep (p = .026).

Conclusion

This study verifies a high prevalence of untreated depression and sleep disorders among glaucoma patients with VFD, which could be an evidence for a circadian derangement. Subsequently, a psychochronobiological melatonergic depression treatment should be considered in this group.
P02-310 - Alexithymia Predicts Triglyceride Level, Systolic Blood Pressure, and Diabetic Status in Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Lemche A.V. , Chaban O.S. , Lemche E.
Published: June 2010

Objectives

The current study elucidates the relations between alexithymia and several biological components of the Metabolic Syndrome (MS). We hypothesized that various facets of the alexithymia construct are differentially related to single components characterizing the MS.

Methods

Investigated were N = 101 patients with MS. To establish the diagnosis of MS according to IDFC criteria, both laboratory (lipid profile, fasting plasma glucose, type 2 diabetes) and non-laboratory (blood pressure, waist circumference, BMI) tests were included. Alexithymia was measured using the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20).

Results

Based on alexithymia scores, patients were classified as low- (TAS-20 score ≤ 51; N = 31), moderate- (51 < TAS-20 score < 61; N = 33), or high-alexithymic (TAS-20 score ≥ 61; N = 37). The amount of moderate and high alexithymic patients proved highly significant amongst patients with MS with readily established diabetes type 2. The alexithymia score showed overall correlations with diabetes type 2 (r = 0.380, p < 0.001) and triglyceride levels (r = 0.214, p < 0.016). Correlations with non-laboratory measures were significant for high blood pressure levels (r = 0.233, p < 0.010). Linear regression models confirmed the existence of linear causal relationships for the observed correlations.

Conclusions

The present results suggest that the alexithymia trait is related to specific biological marker variables in the metabolic syndrome. Alexithymia may, according to our study, contribute to the aggravation of the MS.
P02-335 - A Systematic Review of Neurobiological and Clinical Features of Mindfulness Meditations
Authors: Chiesa A. , Serretti A.
Published: June 2010

Objective

Mindfulness meditations (MM) are an important group of meditative practices which have received growing attention. The aim of the present paper is to systematically review current evidence on the neurobiological changes and on the clinical benefits related to MM practice in psychiatric disorders, physical illnesses and in healthy subjects.

Methods

A literature search was undertaken using MEDLINE, ISI web of knowledge, the Cochrane collaboration database and references of retrieved articles. Controlled and cross-sectional studies with controls published in English up to November 2008 were included.

Results

Electroencephalographic studies found a significant increase in alpha and theta activity during meditation. Neuro-imaging studies showed that MM practice activates the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex and that long term meditation practice is associated to an enhancement of cerebral areas related to attention. From a clinical point of view, Mindfulness based Stress Reduction showed efficacy for many psychiatric and physical conditions as well as for healthy subjects, Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy was mainly efficacious in reducing relapses of depression in patients with 3 or more episodes, Zen meditation significantly reduced blood pressure and Vipassana meditation showed efficacy in reducing alcohol and substance abuse in prisoners. However, given the low quality designs of current studies it is difficult to establish whether clinical outcomes are due to specific or non specific effects of MM.

Conclusion

Despite encouraging findings, several limitations including small sample size, absence of randomization and inappropriate control groups affect the significance of current evidence and further better designed studies are required.
P03-222 - Alcoholic Beverages In Nigeria: Parm Wine Is Not An Alcoholic Beverage Conception
Authors: Osain Welcome M. , Alekseevich Pereverzev V.
Published: June 2010

There are a number of alcoholic beverages in Nigeria. Parm wine (also called parmy) is an alcoholic beverage obtained from the African parm tree. It is a fermented sap of the parm tree, and contains 3-6% of alcohol by volume. Over 80% of the general population according to current survey considers parm wine as a non-alcoholic beverage. Data suggests that this wine contains significant amount of vitamin E, some ions, that are necessary for the normal functioning of the body. High consumption of native alcoholic beverages like Kaikai or Ogogoro (40-60% alcohol by volume), and other widely used alcoholic drinks like Guinness, Star, Heineken with higher alcohol content, compared to the parm wine have greatly contributed to this misconception. Another fact is that majority of parm wine users are non-educated people, especially in villages. Educated people, especially in cities normally use canned beer, Guinness, Star, Heineken, spirits (a little proportion) as consumption of these beverages according to the majority of people signifies the amount of money a man has. Others say it is for a better sociability. Some use alcoholic beverages for pleasure as well as to forget their problems at home and work places. The differences in the preference for these alcoholic beverages, including parm wine in Nigeria largely depend on religion and geographical location. High consumption of alcoholic beverages (including parm wine) is seen, mostly among Christians and in the south and middle-belt of the country.
Cylindrical homomorphisms and Lawson homology
Authors: Voineagu Mircea
Published: June 2010

We use the cylindrical homomorphism and a geometric construction introduced by J. Lewis to study the Lawson homology groups of certain hypersurfaces X ⊂ ℙn + 1 of degree d ℙ n + 1. As an application, we compute the rational semi-topological K-theory of generic cubics of dimensions 5, 6 and 8 and, using the Bloch-Kato conjecture, we prove Suslin's conjecture for these varieties. Using generic cubic sevenfolds, we show that there are smooth projective varieties such that the lowest nontrivial step in their s-filtration is infinitely generated and undetected by the Abel-Jacobi map.
Cytokine levels in patients with Epstein–Barr virus associated laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Rota S , Fidan I , Muderris T , Yesilyurt E , Lale Z
Published: June 2010

Objective:

Some researchers have suggested that Epstein–Barr virus may play a role in the pathogenesis of laryngeal malignancies. In order to clarify the role of cytokines in this disease context, the current study aimed to determine the serum levels of cytokines in Epstein–Barr virus DNA positive patients with laryngeal carcinoma.

Subjects:

The study included 10 patients with diagnosed laryngeal carcinoma and Epstein–Barr virus DNA positive tumour tissue samples. The control group comprised 10 Epstein–Barr virus DNA negative patients diagnosed with laryngeal carcinoma, 10 patients with acute Epstein–Barr virus infection and 10 healthy individuals.

Method:

Serum cytokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

The Epstein–Barr virus DNA positive and negative laryngeal carcinoma patients showed no differences regarding serum levels of the following cytokines: interleukins 1β, 2, 6 and 12, tumour necrosis factor α, and interferon γ. However, serum levels of interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1 were significantly higher in Epstein–Barr virus DNA positive laryngeal carcinoma patients compared with Epstein–Barr virus DNA negative laryngeal carcinoma patients (p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Our results suggest that the cytokines interleukin 10 and transforming growth factor β1 may act as growth factors in Epstein–Barr virus related laryngeal carcinoma. These cytokines may thus represent potential targets for molecular therapeutic treatment for laryngeal carcinoma; they may also be useful as indicators of disease prognosis.
Emergence of group BStreptococcusserotype IV in women of child-bearing age in Ireland
Authors: KIELY R. A. , COTTER L. , MOLLAGHAN A. M. , CRYAN B. , COFFEY A. , LUCEY B.
Published: June 2010

This study determined the carriage rate and serotype distribution of group BStreptococcus(GBS) in women of child-bearing age in the southern region of Ireland. A total of 2000 vaginal swabs collected in two periods in 2004 and 2006 were examined and revealed a GBS carriage rate of 16·1%. Serotyping of isolates showed that serotypes Ia, II, III, IV, and V were the most prevalent. A high prevalence of serotype IV was found, increasing from 7·6% to 15·2% between 2004 and 2006. Random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis demonstrated considerable genetic heterogeneity in the serotype IV isolates. This serotype should be considered for inclusion in potential vaccines for use in Ireland.
Dormancy breakage of Stylosanthes humilis seeds by aluminium
Authors: Ribeiro Dimas M. , Mapeli Ana M. , Carnelossi Marcelo A.G. , Delatorre Carla A. , Barros Raimundo S.
Published: June 2010

Physiological dormancy of scarified seeds of Townsville stylo (Stylosanthes humilis HBK) was released by acidic aluminium (Al3+) solution. Antiethylenic substances inhibited germination of low-pH-stimulated dormant seeds, with a correspondingly low ethylene production and low activity of 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate (ACC) oxidase in seeds. On the other hand, antiethylenic substances did not decrease the germination of Al3+-stimulated seeds, but ACC oxidase activity and ethylene production by the seeds was decreased to a large extent. These data provide evidence that dormancy breakage by Al3+ differs from that caused by low pH and is not associated with ethylene production. Similarly to Al3+ action, methyl viologen (MV), a reactive oxygen species-generating compound, broke dormancy of Townsville stylo seeds. Sodium selenate and N-acetyl cysteine, antioxidant compounds, largely decreased germination of MV- and Al3+-stimulated dormant seeds. Altogether these data point to oxidative radicals constituting key molecules in the chain of events triggered by Al3+ leading to dormancy breakage.
Patterns of amplified restriction fragment polymorphism in the germination ofFestuca halliiseeds
Authors: Qiu Jie , Bai Yuguang , Fu Yong-Bi , Wilmshurst John F.
Published: June 2010

Timing of seed germination influences plant lifetime fitness and can affect the ability of plant populations to colonize and persist in changing environments. However, the genetic variation of the seed germination response remains poorly understood. The amplified restriction fragment polymorphism (AFLP) technique was applied to characterize the genetic variation of germinated seeds collected from threeFestuca halliipopulations in the Canadian prairie. Three subpopulations with early, intermediate and late germination were identified from each population, based on germination tests at 10, 15 and 20°C in controlled growth chambers. Three AFLP primer pairs were employed to screen a total of 540 assayed seedling samples and 188 polymorphic AFLP bands were scored for each sample. None of the assayed AFLP bands were significantly associated with seed germination, but marked differences in estimates of mean band frequency were observed for various groups of germinating seeds under different test temperatures. Partitioning of the total AFLP variation showed that 5.9% AFLP variation was present among seeds of the three populations, 0.3% among seeds of three germination subpopulations, and 0.5% among seeds grouped for germination temperature. Genetic differentiation was significant among 27 groups of seeds representing population, germination timing and test temperature. Subpopulations with early and intermediate germination shared similar genetic backgrounds and were genetically differentiated from the late germination subpopulation. These results indicate that seed genotypes respond slightly differently to environmental variation, resulting in significant but weak genetic differentiation in the germination ofF. halliiseeds. Implications for plant establishment and fescue restoration are discussed.
SCATTERING OF MEMBRANE COUPLED GRAVITY WAVES BY PARTIAL VERTICAL BARRIERS
Authors: MANAM S. R.
Published: June 2010

Scattering of membrane coupled gravity waves in deep water by partial vertical barriers is investigated by the recently developed expansion formulae for wave structure interaction problems. The horizontal thin membrane is considered to be under uniform tension and is covering the free surface. The analysis is based on the linearized theory of water waves, and by combining the kinematic and dynamic conditions at the membrane covered surface, one may derive a not so well-posed mixed boundary value problem for Laplace’s equation with third-order boundary condition. The flexible membrane is attached by a spring to the surface piercing barrier, giving suitable edge conditions for the unique solution. The boundary value problem has been converted into dual integral equations with kernels composed of trigonometric functions, which are then solved analytically. The important physical quantities such as reflection and transmission coefficients for both cases of submerged and surface piercing barriers are obtained analytically in terms of modified Bessel functions. It is found that complete reflection or transmission is possible at certain resonant frequencies for the incident membrane coupled waves. Numerical results are plotted and discussed for different values of the nondimensional membrane tension parameter.
Comparison of 10–18 GHz SAR and MIMO-based short-range imaging radars
Authors: Savelyev Timofey , Zhuge Xiaodong , Yang Bill , Aubry Pascal , Yarovoy Alexander , Ligthart Leo , Levitas Boris
Published: June 2010

This paper presents an experimental investigation of two approaches to short-range radar imaging at microwaves by means of ultra-wideband (UWB) technology. The first approach represents a classical synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that employs a transmit–receive antenna pair on mechanical scanner. The second one makes use of a multiple input multiple output (MIMO) antenna array that scans electronically in the horizontal plane and mechanically, installed on the scanner, in the vertical plane. The mechanical scanning in only one direction reduces significantly the measurement time. Two respective prototypes have been built and compared. Both systems comprise the same 10–18 GHz antennas and multi-channel video impulse electronics while the same data processing and imaging method based on Kirchhoff migration is applied to acquired data for digital beamforming. The study has been done for an application of concealed weapon detection.