bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Predictive Value of Subjective and Objective Evaluation Before Acupuncture Treatment
Authors: Bülow Hans-Henrik , Christensen Birgitte Viebak , Wilbek Henrik , Iuhl Inger Ulldal , Dreijer Niels C. , Rasmussen Henrik Falk
Published: November 2004

To evaluate if it is possible to predict the outcome of acupuncture treatment in patients with knee osteoarthrosis, six treatments were given during a 3 week period. Follow-up time was 9-17 weeks. Seven parameters were evaluated to examine if they had any influence on the outcome of treatment: Age, duration of disease, pain, range of knee movement, analgesic consumption, knee score (an objective and subjective evaluation of the knees) and x-ray changes. Twenty-nine patients were included with a total of 42 osteoarthritic knees waiting for a total knee replacement. The median age was 69.2 years, and median duration of disease was 4.2 years. 85% of the participants reported a subjective effect, and in 88% an objective effect was found. Although there were some significant differences when you looked at the 7 parameters above, the pattern was not a consistent one. Follow up results also indicated that those with the best immediate results, not necessarily were the ones with the best long-term effect. It is not possible to predict the outcome of acupuncture treatment of osteoarthritic knees. Immediate results are not a guide-line for long-term results, which indicate that acupuncture research must include a follow-up period.
A Sacred Symbol of An Organ Associated with Birth Resembling Omega
Authors: Mahdihassan S.
Published: November 2004

As a result of analogous thinking Birth=Creation, then the organs associated with birth have been projected as partaking in creation. Birth of a new life-form begins with reproduction of union of a pair as male-female. They depend upon their reproductive organs. Their external sex-organs are the first to initiate reproduction and both are considered auspicious. Reproduction leads to pregnancy of the female whose internal organ becomes the organ where the fetus grows until an independent life-form issues into the world. As this organ resembles the letter Omega of the Greek alphabet those who believe in prudery speak of it as the omega-shaped organ. Nevertheless, it is the place where a new life form develops and it is considered auspicious. Everything promoting the formation of a life-form is considered auspicious.
Pharmacological Actions of "Kyushin," a Drug Containing Toad Venom: Cardiotonic and Arrhythmogenic Effects, and Excitatory Effect on Respiration
Authors: Morishita Shin-ichi , Shoji Masamichi , Oguni Yasuhiro , Ito Chihiro , Higuchi Makie , Sakanashi Matao
Published: November 2004

The cardiotonic and arrhythmogenic effects, and the excitatory effect on respiration of "Kyushin," a drug containing toad venom, were studied in comparison with those of digoxin. In anesthetized rabbits, the maximum rate of rise of left ventricular systolic pressure (max dP/dt) was measured as an index of cardiotonic effect, and the respiratory flow was measured as an index of respiratory function. Intraduodenal (i.d.) administration of 80 mg/kg "Kyushin" produced a cardiotonic effect and an excitatory effect on respiration, but i.d. administration of 16 mg/kg digoxin produced only a cardiotonic effect, and conversely inhibited respiration. In anesthetized open-chest guinea pigs, myocardial contractile force was measured as an index of cardiotonic effect and the arrhythmogenic effect was evaluated from the appearance of arrhythmic myocardial contraction. By i.d. administration of a 20% ethanol suspension or solution, "Kyushin" and digoxin showed a cardiotonic activity with doses higher than 40 mg/kg and 0.25 mg/kg, respectively. The arrhythmogenic doses of "Kyushin" and digoxin by i.d. administration were 2560 mg/kg and 2 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting that the safety margin of "Kyushin" is broader than that of digoxin.
Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Composition of Three Chinese Medicinal Herbs, Eupatorium cannabinum, E. japonicum and Crotalaria assamica
Authors: Edgar J. A. , Lin H. J. , Kumana C. R. , Ng M. M. T.
Published: November 2004

The pyrrolizidine alkaloid composition of three Chinese herbs, "pei lan", "cheng gan cao" and "zi xiao rong" identified respectively as Eupatorium cannabinum, Eupatorium japonicum (Compositae) and Crotalaria assamica (Leguminosae), were studied by fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-electron impact mass spectrometry. Viridiflorine, cynaustraline, amabiline, supinine, echinatine, rinderine and isomers of these alkaloids were found in the Eupatorium species. Monocrotaline was the only pyrrolizidine alkaloid detected in the Crotalaria species.
Astragalus Membranaceus Stimulates Human Sperm Motility In Vitro
Authors: Hong C. Y. , Ku J. , Wu P.
Published: November 2004

Poor sperm motility is an important cause of male infertility. In an attempt to identify Chinese medicinal herbs that might improve human sperm motility in vitro, we screened water extracts of 18 herbs with a trans-membrane migration method which measured the percentage of sperm that moved across the 5 micron pores of a Nuclepore membrane from a semen-drug mixture into phosphate buffered saline during 2 hours incubation. Astragalus membranaceus was the only herb that showed a significant stimulatory effect. At 10 mg/ml, it increased the motility of sperm in semen to 146.6 ± 22.6 % of control. It also increased the motility of washed sperm to 138.2 ± 13.8% of control. Purification of the active component(s) from this herb as well as its application in assisted reproduction technology await further investigation.
A Case Report of Moyamoya Disease: Successfully Treated With Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hiyama Yukitaka , Itoh Takashi , Shimada Yutaka , Shimada Takashi , Terasawa Katsutoshi
Published: November 2004

The incidence of Willis' ring obstruction (Moyamoya disease) in Japan is higher than in Europe and North America. The therapeutic technique usually employed is either surgery or Western drug treatment. But these methods are still not satisfactory. We attempted to apply Chinese medicinal treatment to a patient with Moyamoya disease. This patient was referred to our department because of the ineffectiveness of Western drug treatment. The patient made satisfactory progress with Gui-Zhi-Fu-Ling-Wan and Xiao-Xu-Ming-Tang. We also noticed the improvement of the "stagnated blood condition." Whole blood viscosity was decreased and the blood flow rate in the bulbar conjunctiva was increased.
Effects of Intraduodenal Administration of "Kyushin," a Senso (Toad Venom)-Containing Drug, on Systemic Hemodynamics, CardiacFunction and Myocardial Oxygen Consumption in Anesthetized Dogs
Authors: Sakanashi Matao , Noguchi Katsuhiko , Chibana Takao , Ojiri Yoshihiko , Shoji Masamichi
Published: November 2004

The effects of "Kyushin" (KY), a Senso (toad venom)-containing drug, on the cardiovascular system were examined by intraduodenal administration of KY in anesthetized open-chest dogs. KY (3 or 10 mg/kg) dose-dependently increased the peak positive first derivative of left ventricular pressure ((+)LVdP/dt) and mean aortic pressure, and decreased the left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP). Myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) and heart rate (HR) were not significantly influenced by KY. KY produced a cardiotonic effect without any increase in MVO2, because the increase in MVO2 due to the cardiotonic effect of KY may have been cancelled by a decrease in MVO2 due to reduction of preload and the lack of increase in HR. In order to clarify the relationship between the cardiovascular effects of KY and the drug concentration in plasma, the concentration of anti-bufalin IgG reactive substance (BRS) in plasma was measured by enzyme immunoassay. The maximum BRS concentrations 20 min after administration of 3 and 10 mg/kg KY were dose-dependent. From the relationship between changes in (+)LVdP/dt and changes in BRS concentration after administration of KY, it is inferred that the effective concentration of BRS in plasma at which KY produces a cardiotonic effect in dogs is approximately 2-3 ng/ml.
Pharmacological Actions of "Kyushin," a Drug Containing Toad Venom(2): Effects on Urinary Volume and Electrolyte Excretion
Authors: Shoji Masamichi , Oguni Yasuhiro , Sato Hitomi , Morishita Shin-ichi , Ito Chihiro , Higuchi Makie , Sakanashi Matao
Published: November 2004

A study was conducted on the pharmacological actions of the toad venom-containing drug "Kyushin" (KY-2 and KY-R) on urinary volume and electrolytes excretion, regional blood flow, renal artery blood flow and carrageenin-induced hind-paw edema. In rabbits, KY-2 and KY-R significantly increased urinary volume after intravenous administration of 8 mg/kg. In guinea pigs, KY-2 and KY-R produced a significant increase in urinary volume after intraduodenal administration (i.d.) of 80 mg/kg. In guinea pigs treated with propranolol, KY-2 at 20 and 40 mg/kg p.o. and KY-R at 40 mg/kg p.o. increased urinary volume. At 40 mg/kg i.d. both KY-2 and KY-R produced an increase in regional blood flow, as determined by the hydrogen gas clearance method, of the brain areas including the amygdaloid nucleus, but did not affect regional blood flow in liver, kidney and skeletal muscle, or renal artery blood flow. In rats, carrageenin-induced hind-paw edema was inhibited by KY-2 or KY-R at 600 mg/kg p.o.
Antihepatotoxic Activity of Phenolic Flavan-3-ols and Their Derivatives
Authors: Hsu Feng-Lin , Tsai Yan-Jyu , Kao Mei-Chuan , Chen Chieh-Fu
Published: November 2004

The protective activity against carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity of several phenolic flavan-3-ols and their derivatives has been assessed. Our research showed that monomers possessing a pyrogallol moiety as the B-ring had greater activity and this was not directly related to the stereo-chemistry of the hydroxyl group at C-3 in the flavan unit. However, when a galloyl group was linked to the hydroxyl group to form a gallate, this product exhibited markedly more activity than other analogs. These results suggest that the antihepatotoxic activity of phenolic flavan-3-ols and their derivatives seem to be related to the galloylation at the C-3 hydroxyl group in the flavan skeleton rather than the structure of another moiety or the degree of condensation.
Acupuncture and Blood Studies in Sickle-cell Anemia
Authors: Sodipo Joseph
Published: November 2004

The author recently treated a case of sickle-cell crisis as an emergency for pain relief using acupuncture because all other conventional therapies failed. The result was so effective, dramatic and encouraging that four other cases of genotype SS/SC were also treated. These cases are reported, (though small in number) to bring attention to this easy, simple, cheap and convenient therapy and to stimulate research among practicing acupuncturists and clinicians.
Long-term Outcome of Acupuncture in Women with Frequency, Urgency and Dysuria
Authors: Chang Phei-lang , Wu Chi-ju , Huang Ming-hsiung
Published: November 2004

Urodynamic measurements including cystometry, anal sphincter electromyography, urethral pressure profilometry and uroflowmetry were carried out on 21 female patients before acupuncture and at 1 and 3 years during follow-up. Follow-up ranged from 60 to 72 months (average 66.2 months). There was no significant difference in all urodynamic measurements before acupuncture and at the 1 year or 3 years follow-up. During follow-up, acupuncture at the Sp-6 point was performed in patients who had recurrence of symptoms of frequency, urgency and dysuria. The number of acupuncture treatments ranged from 2 to 8 times, with an average number of 4.8 times. A decrease of acupuncture treatments after 30 months was noted on 8 patients, but it was not statistically significant. We concluded that the long-term outcome of acupuncture at the Sp-6 point for women with frequency, urgency and dysuria was positive, but that the effect was temporary and repeated acupuncture was necessary to maintain beneficial effects.
Effects of Chinese Herbal Medicines on DNA-Synthesizing Enzyme Activities in Mammary Tumors of Mice
Authors: Sakamoto Shinobu , Furuichi Ryuta , Matsuda Manabu , Kudo Hideki , Suzuki Satoe , Sugiura Yoshie , Kuwa Katsuhiko , Tajima Masaru , Matsubara Miki , Namiki Hideo , Mori Takao , Kawashima Seiichiro , Nagasawa Hiroshi
Published: November 2004

Sho-saiko-to (SST) and Juzen-taiho-to (JTT), Japanese modified Chinese herbal prescriptions, suppressed the activities of thymidylate synthetase and thymidine kinase involved in de novo and salvage pathways for pyrimidine nucleotide synthesis, respectively, in mammary tumors of SHN mice with the reduction of serum prolactin level. These results indicate that SST and JTT may have the anti-tumor effects on mammary tumors.
Ancient Caves Reveal a Brilliant Medical World
Authors: Feng Cheng , Zheng Chunhua
Published: November 2004

No abstract recieved.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Taiwan Folk Medicine: Wedelia chinensis on Three Hepatotoxin-induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Lin Song-chow , Lin Chung-ching , Lin Yun-ho , Shyuu Shyh-jong
Published: November 2004

The hepatoprotective effects of a Taiwanese crude herb, Hwang-hua-mih-tsay (Wedelia chinensis (Osbeck) Merr.), were investigated. Acute hepatitis was induced by three hepatotoxins: carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen in mice, and D(+)-galactosamine in rats. After treatment with W. chinensis (300 mg/kg, p.o.) at 2,6 and 10 hours, a reduction in the elevation of serum glutamate oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and glutamate pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) levels was observed at 24 hrs after hepatotoxins were administered. These serological observations were confirmed by histopathological examinations. A microscopic examination of the liver showed a marked improvement in groups receiving W. chinensis. In order to further confirm the hepatoprotective effect of W. chinensis, all pharmacological and histopathological effects were compared with Bupleurum chinense DC. (family Umbelliferae), a well documented antihepatotoxicity herb. It was concluded that W. chinensis has a definite hepatoprotective effect against liver injuries.
Anti-nociceptive Effects of Aconiti Tuber and its Alkaloids
Authors: Oyama Tsutomu , Isono Tomoko , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Hayakawa Yuki
Published: November 2004

The anti-nociceptive effect of processed aconiti tuber (TJ-3021), one of the traditional oriental herbal medicines (Kampo), was investigated by utilizing various methods including repeated cold stress and adjuvant articular inflammation in rats and mice. Analgesic potency was compared with that of mesaconitine, a potent component of aconitine alkaloids, and other analgesic agents. It was found that mesaconitine was more potent than morphine, and a processed aconiti tuber [(TJ-3021), Tsumura-shuchi-bushi-matsu] showed some analgesic effect, although it was weaker than those of dichlofenac, aminopyrine and indomethacine.
Inhibitory Effects of Sho-seiryu-to on Acetylcholine-induced Responses in Nasal Gland Acinar Cells
Authors: Ikeda Katsuhisa , Wu Da-Zheng , Ishigaki Motoaki , Sunose Hiroshi , Takasaka Tomonori
Published: November 2004

Sho-seiryu-to, a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, has been used extensively in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. The effects of Sho-seiryu-to on electrical responses induced by acetylcholine in dissociated nasal gland acinar cells were investigated using patch-clamp and microfluorimetric imaging techniques. The application of Sho-seiryu-to inhibited both K+ and Cl- currents augmented by acetylcholine. The elevation of intracellular Ca2+ and Na+ concentrations induced by acetylcholine was also inhibited by Sho-seiryu-to. These findings suggest that Sho-seiryu-to attenuated the secretion of water and electrolytes from the nasal glands through an anti-cholinergic effect.
Alteration of Pulse in Human Subjects by Three Chinese Herbs
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Chen Hung Long , Hsu Tse Lin , Wang Yuh Yin Lin
Published: November 2004

Human subjects were fed with extract of three Chinese herbs, Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium roots and Ganoderma lucidum. Pulse of the radial artery was examined. Our results indicate that each herb has a specific effect on the Fourier components of the pulse, and is in agreement with traditional Chinese medical descriptions.
Qigong Therapy - Its Effectiveness and Regulation
Authors: Tang Kwok Cho
Published: November 2004

Qigong has become increasingly popular as a modality in traditional Chinese medical care. It may be effective in treating diseases. However, it is not uncommon to hear complaints about the ineffectiveness of such treatment. This paper attempts to look at the recent promotion of Qigong as an effective form of health care and the regulation of Qigong practitioners in China by a review of literature and interviews with key informants. Although it is premature to conclude that Qigong is another therapeutic modality in traditional Chinese medicine, it is also premature to rule out the possible therapeutic efficacy of Qigong, in particular, internal Qi. Even if medical Qigong is effective, the establishment and enforcement of standards of practice and codes of ethics amongst Qigong masters will remain unresolved as there has not yet been any effective way to assess the competence of a Qigong master. Although a number of control measures have been proposed in this paper, a better understanding of the educational, professional and ethical standards and efficacy of such a practice is required.
Hepatoprotective Effects of Taiwan Folk Medicine: Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nak. on Experimental Liver Injuries
Authors: Lin Song-chow , Lin Chun-ching , Lin Yun-ho , Yao Chih-jung
Published: November 2004

The hepatoprotective effects of Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nak. were studied on acute hepatitis induced in mice by a single dose of carbon tetrachloride (31.25 μl/kg, ip) or acetaminophen (600 mg/kg, ip), and in rats by a single dose of β-D-galactosamine (188 mg/kg, ip). Hepatoprotective activity was monitored by estimating the serum transaminases (SGOT and SGPT) levels and histopathological changes in the livers of experimental animals. The Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nak. extracts significantly inhibited the acute elevation of serum transaminases. Histopathologically, the crude I. chinensis extract significantly ameliorated hepatotoxin-induced histopathological changes in the livers of experimental animals. All pharmacological and histopathological effects of Ixeris chinensis (Thunb.) Nak. were compared with Bupleurum chinense DC., which has been previously reported as a treatment herb for hepatitis.
Effect of Flavan-3-ol Tannins Purified from Camellia sinensis on Lipid Peroxidation of Rat Heart Mitochondria
Authors: Hong C.Y. , Wang C.P. , Lo Y.C. , Hsu F.L.
Published: November 2004

We induced lipid peroxidation in rat heart mitochondria with FeSO4 and compared the inhibitory effect of various flavan-3-ol tannins on it. These tannins were purified from Chinese tea (Camellia sinensis). Oxygen consumption and malondialdehyde formation were used to quantitate the amount of lipid peroxidation. The free radical scavenger activity of tannins was then measured with a diphenyl-p-picrylhydrazyl method. These tannins significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation at micromolar concentration. Their potencies were higher than that of Trolox, a water soluble analogue of vitamin E. Since epicatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate and gallocatechin-3-O-gallate were more potent than other flavan-3-ol tannins in these assays, we considered that a galloyl group in 3-O-position increased the scavenger activity of flavan-3-ol tannins as well as their potency in inhibiting lipid peroxidation.
Effects of Hochu-ekki-to, a Japanese Kampo Medicine, on Cultured Hamster Epididymal Cells
Authors: Nakayama Takahiro , Noda Yoichi , Goto Yasuo , Mori Takahide , Tashiro Shinichi
Published: November 2004

In Japan, Hochu-ekki-to (TJ-41), a Japanese Kampo preparation is used extensively in the treatment of idiopathic male infertility. In order to elucidate the mechanism of how this drug affects spermatogenesis, we examined the effects of the sera from male mice to which TJ-41 was administered orally, on protein synthesis in cultured hamster epididymal cells. Golden hamster epididymal cells were cultured in RPMI1640 medium supplemented with FCS for 7 to 10 days. After the initial culture period, the medium was changed to RPMI1640 supplemented with 1 μCi/ml[3H]-leucine and 10% serum from male ICR mice to which TJ-41 was orally administered for 7 days. The culture was then continued for 20 hours, and the uptake of [3H]-leucine into the cultured hamster epididymal cells was measured. The uptake of [3H]-leucine was significantly higher (p<0.05) in cells cultured in media supplemented with sera from the TJ-41 treated mice than in cells cultured with control sera. Elements in the sera from control and TJ-41 treated mice were analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography (Waters HPLC, type 510; Milipore) with a μ-Bondapack C18 column. Several new peaks were detected in the sera from TJ-41 treated mice. These results and the clinical data suggest that TJ-41 may promote the synthesis of several proteins which might he related to the functional maturation of spermatozoa in the epididymis.
The Role of the Cerebral Cortex in Acupuncture Modulation of the Somesthetic Afferent
Authors: Abad-Alegria Francisco , Adelantado S. , Martinez Tomás
Published: November 2004

It is known from previous work that acupuncture stimulation modifies the somesthetic afferent to different extents depending on the acupoint studied. In this study, somatosensory evoked potentials of 21 healthy volunteers are recorded. When acupoint LI-4 (Hoku) is stimulated, it produces noticeable modifications, with a significant increase of latency and decrease of amplitude of the peaks which reflect the primary cortical afferent. Comparison of these results with the absence of changes when the experiment is repeated by stimulating a non-acupuncture point, ensures that the effects observed depend on the special quality of the acupuncture point stimulated and not on the mere repetitive stimulation on the skin.
Electroacupuncture and Exercise in Body Weight Reduction and their Application in Rehabilitating Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Shafshak Tarek S.
Published: November 2004

The efficacy of ear electroacupuncture on appetite and weight control was investigated in 3 separate studies. Part I: The Stomach, Hunger, or placebo ear points were stimulated in three different groups. Stimulating the Stomach, or Hunger, points was significantly more effective in appetite control than stimulating the placebo points. Part II: Stimulation of 3 pairs of ear points (Stomach, Hunger, and Shen Men) was performed on 61 obese subjects for 8 weeks. Only 43 subjects engaged, in addition, in an exercise program. 79% of the subjects succeeded to follow a low calorie diet for 8 weeks with subsequent weight reduction. Active exercises significantly increased weight loss. Part III: 19 obese patients with knee osteoarthritis participated in electroacupuncture, diet, and exercise program and 89% of them lost 5-10 kg in 8 weeks.
Effect of Qigong Training on Proportions of T Lymphocyte Subsets in Human Peripheral Blood
Authors: Ryu Hoon , Jun Chang Duk , Lee Bok Soo , Choi Byung Min , Kim Hyung Min , Chung Hun-Taeg
Published: November 2004

The effect of Qigong training on proportions of T lymphocyte subsets was investigated in human peripheral blood. We observed that the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes was increased as much as 50% in a trainee group who practiced Qigong training more than 5 months compared to a normal healthy group who did not practice. The absolute number of CD4+ T lymphocytes was also elevated in trainee group with 100 cells/mm 3 more than in normal healthy group. The positive correlation between the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD4+45RA-/CD4+ CD45RA+ T lymphocytes was shown in the trainee group. In contrast, there was a negative correlation between the ratio of CD4+/CD8+ T lymphocytes and the ratio of CD8+CD57+/CD8+CD57- T lymphocytes in the trainee group. The data indicate that Qigong training affects the profile of lymphocyte subsets in human peripheral blood, especially the proportion of CD4+ T lymphocytes.
Effect of Acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) on the Pulse Spectrum
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Hsu Tse Lin , Chang Hsi Chan , Wang Yuh Yin Lin
Published: November 2004

Effect of acupuncture at Tsu San Li (St-36) was examined by investigating the pulse variation of the radial artery. Our results indicated that acupuncture at Tsu San Li has a specific effect on the Fourier components of the pulse. The harmonic proportions were redistributed (C2, C4 decreased, C5, C6, C8 and C9 increased), and the phase angle of the 5th and 8th harmonic waves were decreased (propagating faster). This specific frequency effect was not found when acupuncture needle was applied on a non-acupuncture point. These results can be explained by the resonance theory, which provides a scientific explanation of the acupuncture effect from the hemodynamic view point.
Acupuncture Protection Against Experimental Hyperbilirubinemia and Cholangitis in Rats
Authors: Lin Jaung-Geng , Yang Shao-Hui , Tsai Chang-Hai
Published: November 2004

Effects of acupuncture on experimental hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis were studied in male rats (n = 33). The experimental group were treated with acupuncture, 18, 12 and 6 hr prior to and 6, 12 and 18 hr after oral administration of α-napthylisothiocyanate (ANIT, 100 mg per Kg). Rats were sacrificed 48 hours after challenge. Serum and liver samples were taken for biochemical and histological analysis, respectively. Results of this study revealed that rats treated with ANIT exhibited elevations in bilirubin, SGOT and SGPT as well as cholangitis. In rats receiving acupuncture and ANIT, biochemical and morphological parameters of liver injury were significantly reduced. Acupuncture therapy may be able to prevent ANIT -induced hyperbilirubinemia and cholangitis.
The Anti-inflammatory Effects of Chinese Crude Drug Prescriptions on Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Chen Ming-Feng , Chen Chieh-Fu
Published: November 2004

San-Miao-Warn (SMW), Tuhwo-Jih-Shen-Tang (TJS) and Dang-Quei-Nian-Tong-Tang (DGT) are Chinese traditional prescriptions. In this study, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activities of these crude drug prescriptions in carrageenan-induced acute arthritis and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic arthritis in rats. It was found that pretreatment with SMW, TJS or DGT at a dosage of 100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg, significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced acute arthritis. Moreover, these crude drugs also significantly suppressed the development of chronic arthritis induced by CFA. These results suggest that SMW, TJS and DGT are potential anti-inflammatory agents and may be considered as alternatives for non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID).
Studies on the Agronomic Characteristics, Yield, and Saikosaponin Content of Two Bupleurum Species in Taiwan
Authors: Liu Sin-Yie , Wu Whi-Koa , Wang Jau-Yueh , Son Li-Mei , Yen Ming-Hong , Lin Chun-Ching
Published: November 2004

Two Bupleurum species (Bupleurums spp.), i.e., B. falcatum L. cv. Tainung No. 1 and B. kaoi Liu, Chao, et Chuang, were compared for their differences in seed germination, plant characteristics and root yield, and saikosaponin content. Experimental data showed that the most suitable temperature for seed germination of the two species was 16°C. Two treatments, cold stratification at 4°C for 8 weeks and presoaking by running water for 2 days, resulted in higher germination rates. Tainung No. 1 possessed a higher 1,000-seed weight than B. kaoi. However, field survival rate was higher for B. kaoi than for Tainung No. 1. Results from field experiments also revealed that stem diameter, leaf width and fresh weight of various plant parts except the root were superior for Tainung No. 1 to B. kaoi. On the contrary, tiller number and root diameter and weight of B. kaoi were higher than those of Tainung No. 1. Harvest date and elevation had significant effects on the agronomic performance of the two Bupleurum spp. Measurements of most traits of the 6 month-old plants were superior to those of the 3 and 10 month-old plants. Cultivation at higher elevation (850 m) favored the development of leaf weight and root length, while cultivation at lower elevation (85 m) facilitated the development of plant height, root diameter, and root weight. Analysis of saikosaponin concentration in the root tissue revealed that average contents of 3.19 and 3.80 mg/g, respectively, for plants grown at the elevations of 850 m and 85 m. Comparison between the two species showed no significant difference in saikosaponin content, ranging from 3.45 to 3.55 mg/g.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Curcuma xanthorrhiza on Hepatotoxin-induced Liver Damage
Authors: Li Song-Chow , Lin Chun-Ching , Lin Yun-Ho , Supriyatna S. , Teng Chao-Wei
Published: November 2004

Curcuma xanthorrhiza Roxb. (Zingiberaceae family, commonly known as temu lawak or Javanese turmeric in Indonesia), which is found both wild and cultivated in Indonesia, has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. C. xanthorrhiza is also used as a tonic in Indonesia. The aim of the present study is to clarify whether C. xanthorrhiza treatment may prevent acute liver damage induced by acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride in mice. The results clearly indicated that extract of C. xanthorrhiza could reduce significantly the acute elevation of serum transaminases levels induced by the two kinds of hepatotoxins, and alleviated the degree of liver damage at 24 hours after the intraperitoneal administration of two hepatotoxins. It may be concluded that C. xanthorrhiza can protect the liver from various hepatotoxins, hence C. xanthorrhiza could be useful in the treatment of liver injuries and has promise as a kind of broad spectrum hepatoprotective agent.
The Anti-inflammatory Activity of Scutellaria rivularis Extracts and Its Active Components, Baicalin, Baicalein and Wogonin
Authors: Lin Chun-Ching , Shieh Den-En
Published: November 2004

Five extracts (n-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, n-butanol and water) of Scutellaria rivularis Benth. were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and compared with indomethacin. The result indicated that chloroform extract proved to be the most effective in all of the extracts. Consequently, three major components (baicalin, baicalein and wogonin) of the chloroform extract were further tested for their anti-inflammatory activity using the same model. It was found that baicalin exhibits the greatest inhibition activity against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.
Anti-inflammatory Effects of Emodin from Ventilago leiocarpa
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hsiung , Lin Chun-Ching , Yang Jenq-Jer , Namba Tsuneo , Hattori Masao
Published: November 2004

Emodin, a major component of the AcOEt and CHCl3 fractions from Ventilago leiocarpa Bunge (Rhamnaceae), was isolated. It exhibited anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-induced edema in rats.
Pulse Spectrum Analysis of Chemical Factory Workers with Abnormal Blood Test
Authors: Wang Wei Kung , Tsuei Julia , Chang Hsi Chan , Hsu Tse Lin , Wang Yuh-Ying Lin
Published: November 2004

Double blind tests to check the correlation between pulse diagnosis and liver function tests were performed. Blood tests including T-Bil, D-Bil, SGOT and SGPT of 70 chemical factory workers were compared with pulse analysis. Special attention was paid to the indicators of liver and lung meridians for pulse diagnosis. It was found that using the criterion (1) C1 ≥ 3+ and C1 + C4 ≥ 4+ (hyperfunction) and (2) C1 ≤ 3-(hypofunction) as abnormal liver meridian (for C1, every 5% above normal give one +, every 5% below normal give one -; for C4 every 10% above normal give one +, every 10% below normal give one -). The correlation or agreement between the blood tests and the pulse diagnosis was very high (noncorrelation chance checked by X2-test, P < 0.001, degree of agreement checked by Kappa test Ka =; 0.61 which means a substantial relationship). Suggestions such as more tests, more criteria and precautions for future study are also proposed.
Protective and Therapeutic Effects of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang on Hepatotoxin-induced Liver Injuries
Authors: Lin Song-Chow , Lin Chun-Ching , Lu Fung-Jou , Lin Yun-Ho , Chen Ching-Hsein
Published: November 2004

The hepatoprotective effect of Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang (HLJDT), a Chinese medicinal prescription, was investigated in three kinds of experimental models. The animals were treated with HLJDT (300 mg/kg, p.o.) thrice at 2, 4 and 10 hours after administration with carbon tetrachloride (32 μl/kg, i.p.), acetaminophen (600 mg/kg, i.p.) and β-D-galactosamine (188 mg/kg, i.p.). Significant hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride and actaminophen induced liver injuries were noted, but no significant effect on β-D-galactosamine induced liver injury was observed. These hepatoprotective effects were evidenced by comparing the serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT) levels in HLJDT treated and untreated groups. Serum enzyme activities in the carbon tetrachloride and acetaminophen experiments were significantly lower in the treated groups while the herbal prescription has no effect on the β-D-galactosamine experiment. These results demonstrated that Huanglian-Jie-Du-Tang has a hepatoprotective effect against experimental liver injuries induced by specific hepatotoxins, and therefore may be useful in treating some, but not all, liver injuries.
Metabolism and Disposition of Kyushin, a Drug Containing Senso (Ch'an Su)
Authors: Hirai Yasuharu Shimizu née , Morishita Shin-ichi
Published: November 2004

The method of enzyme immunoassay (EIA) was developed for measurement of anti-resibufogenin IgG reactive substance (RRS) in plasma and urine of healthy volunteers receiving a Senso containing drug, Kyushin (KY). Unchanged bufalin (BF), cinobufagin (CB ), and resibufogenin (RB) and their metabolites in plasma and urine were also measured by EIA after the separation of these compounds by high performance liquid chromatography. In a single dosing study, the concentration of BF, CB and RB in plasma reached maximum at 1-2 hr after drug administration, and the half-lives (T1/2). of these were 15.8, 8.94 and 11.5 hr, respectively. In a multiple dosing study, the concentration of BF, CB and RB measured fitted on the estimated curve calculated from data of the single dosing study. These results suggest that BF, CB and RB, important components of Senso, do not have a cumulative nature.
OBSERVABLES IN LOW-ENERGY SUPERSTRING MODELS
Authors: ELLIS JOHN , ENQVIST K. , NANOPOULOS D.V. , ZWIRNER F.
Published: November 2004

We compile phenomenological constraints on the minimal low-energy effective theory which can be obtained from the superstring by Calabi-Yau compactification. Mixing with the single additional neutral gauge boson in this model reduces the mass of the conventional Z0, Field vacuum expectation values are constrained by the experimental upper bound on this shift. Then, requiring the sneutrino mass squared to be positive constrains the scale of supersymmetry breaking more than do lower bounds on the masses of new charged particles and of sparticles. More model-dependent constraints follow from the “naturalness” requirement that observables do not depend sensitively on input parameters. We find a preference for the second neutral gauge boson to weigh ≲320 GeV, [Formula: see text] GeV and [Formula: see text] GeV. Dynamical generation of the gauge hierarchy is possible if mt≲70 GeV, with lower values of mt being favoured.
STOCHASTIC QUANTIZATION OF ANTISYMMETRIC TENSOR FIELDS
Authors: AMUNDSSEN P.A. , DAMGAARD P.H. , SKAGERSTAM B.-S.
Published: November 2004

We extend the stochastic quantization procedure of Parisi and Wu to the case of anti-symmetric tensor fields of arbitrary rank. It is shown that the correct number of physical degrees of freedom on mass shell is automatically projected out. The gauge degrees of freedom can be buried in the initial data of the Langevin equation describing the stochastic process in analogy with the treatment of Abelian and non-Abelian gauge fields.
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF THREE-DIMENSIONAL VORTEX DYNAMICS
Authors: AGISHTEIN M.E. , MIGDAL A.A.
Published: November 2004

The discrete model, approximating with exponential accuracy the set of interacting closed vortex lines in an ideal fluid, is proposed and investigated by means of the computer. The vortex lines move in their own velocity field according to the Biot-Savart law. This is a generalized Hamiltonian system possessing in addition an infinite number of conservation laws. Nevertheless, the motion becomes stochastic for certain initial conditions, and may be interpreted as marking the onset of turbulence.
ON THE DEPENDENCE BETWEEN HADRONIZATION AND NUCLEAR FRAGMENTATION IN HADRON INDUCED REACTIONS
Authors: KUMAR V. , NILSSON-ALMQVIST B. , OTTERLUND I. , STENLUND E.
Published: November 2004

Results from experiments on hadronic interactions with emulsion nuclei at different energies are compared with calculations from the Lund model for interactions between hadrons and nuclei. Special emphasis is put on the correlation between the hadronization and nuclear fragmentation. The model is able to describe many of the experimentally observed features, as shown by several examples.
CHARGE DENSITY DIFFERENCES AND THE NUCLEAR INCOMPRESSIBILITY
Authors: BARTEL J. , WENES G. , WAROQUIER M. , RYCKEBUSCH J.
Published: November 2004

The influence of the nuclear matter compression modulus K∞ on the difference in the charge density distribution of 208 Pb −206 Pb is investigated in a self-consistent mean field approach with a variety of density dependent effective interactions of the generalized Skyrme type. It is found that in addition to a dependence on the compressibility associated with a given Skyrme force the results also depend strongly on the pairing correlations which, through the level density, are influenced by the nuclear matter effective mass.
SHIFTS OF INTEGRATION VARIABLE IN THE LIGHT CONE GAUGE
Authors: MANN R.B. , TARASOV L.V.
Published: November 2004

We show, using the Mandelstam-Leibbrandt prescription, that the difference between linearly divergent integrals in the light cone gauge leads to surface terms which diverge logarithmically. We discuss the origins and implications of such a divergence.
BEHAVIOR OF COUPLING CONSTANT AT HIGH TEMPERATURES
Authors: CHIA SWEE-PING
Published: November 2004

The temperature-dependent coupling constant λ(T) in the O(N)-symmetric λϕ4 theory is calculated in an improved one-loop approximation. The coupling constant is found to approach a constant nonzero value as T→∞. For negative μ2, λ(T) is found to be real for all T, and it approaches zero as T→Tc.
MINIJETS: ORIGIN AND USEFULNESS
Authors: JACOB M. , LANDSHOFF P.V.
Published: November 2004

As the energy is increased, minijet production provides a steadily-increasing fraction of the total cross section in hadron-hadron collisions. We argue that, rather than being a new phenomenon, this is the result of the hard tail of soft diffractive events becoming increasingly prominent. We discuss the production of multiple minijets, and point out the interest of searching for minijet events in deep inelastic lepton scattering at HERA. Consequences for charm production are considered.
EXCLUSIVE HADRON PRODUCTION IN TWO-PHOTON REACTIONS
Authors: POPPE M.
Published: November 2004

This paper summarizes experimental results on exclusive hadron production in two-photon collisions at electron-positron storage rings and attempts some interpretation. Experimental know-how is described and new suggestions are made for future analyses. New model calculations on resonance form factors and pair production amplitudes are presented. The two-photon vertex is decomposed such that experiments can be parameterized with the minimal number of free parameters. Selection rules for off-shell photon collisions are given in addition to Yang’s theorems.

[Formula: see text]
ON THE AUXILIARY FIELDS OF SUPERGRAVITY THEORIES
Authors: SMITH A. WILLIAM , CARVALHO F.A.B. RABELO DE , HELAYËL-NETO J.A.
Published: November 2004

An algorithm to obtain a minimal set of auxiliary fields for the fermionic sector of supergravity theories is presented. Explicit examples are given as illustrations and the N=1, D=10 case is studied in detail.
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF HIGH Tc SUPERCONDUCTOR DETECTOR
Authors: FAN CHANGXIN , YU LIANGKAI
Published: November 2004

The V-I characteristics of Y-Ba-Cu-O device is different from that of conventional low Tc Josephson junction. This enables us to use the small critical current device as an electromagnetic radiation detector. Experiment shows that the smaller the critical current is, the greater the dynamic resistance and the higher the voltage responsibility to radiation power. When the critical current is adjusted down to zero but the V-I curve is still obviously nonlinear, the device will have highest responsibility.
STATE-SPACE MODEL WITH TIME DELAYS FOR GENE REGULATORY NETWORKS
Authors: WU FANG-XIANG , ZHANG W. J. , KUSALIK ANTHONY J.
Published: November 2004

A gene regulatory network can be considered a dynamic cellular system which describes the behavior (development) of a living cell and depends completely on the current internal state plus any external inputs, if these exist. Although many details inside a cell are not precisely known, gene expression data on a genome scale provide useful insights into such a cellular system. With gene expression data, a wide variety of models, such as Boolean networks and differential/difference equations, have been proposed to model gene regulatory networks. In these previously proposed models, genes are viewed as the internal state variables of a cellular system. This viewpoint has suffered from the underestimation of the model parameters. In addition, these models ignore an important problem with a gene regulatory network — time delay. Instead, this paper proposes a state-space model with time delays for gene regulatory networks. The proposed model views genes as the observation variables, whose expression values depend on the current internal state variables and any external inputs. Bayesian information criterion (BIC) and probabilistic principal component analysis (PPCA) are used to estimate the number of internal state variables and their expression profiles from gene expression data. By constructing dynamic equations with time delays for the internal state variables and the relationships between the internal state variables and the observation variables (gene expression profiles), state-space models with time delays for gene regulatory networks are constructed. The parameters of the proposed model can be unambiguously identified from time-course gene expression data with a lower computational cost. The proposed model is applied to two time-course gene expression datasets, and two gene regulatory~networks are inferred, respectively. The analysis shows that the inferred gene regulatory networks have several features of the real gene regulatory networks, such as the stability, the robustness, and the periodicity. Further, compared to state-space models without time delays, the proposed model with time delays has better prediction accuracy.
THE EFFECT OF THE ORGANISMS' BODY SIZE AND ENERGY RESERVES IN MODELS FOR POPULATION DYNAMICS
Authors: KULMINSKI A. , MANTON K. , AKUSHEVICH I. , YASHIN A.
Published: November 2004

We present two models suitable for describing dynamics of a population of unicellular organisms residing in chemostat. These models are based on biologically motivated Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) theory and take into account the dynamics of mean energy reserves and body length of organisms in the population. The difference between the models is in the construction of the reproduction rate. In model A it is the ordinary reproduction rate used in DEB theory. In model B it is adjusted to take into account a saturation effect in the dynamics of mean body length. Our modeling approach is illustrated by considering population of E. coli developing in the chemostat. We consider realistic situations of growth of population of E. coli at fixed and varied environmental and biological factors. We show that unlike model B in model A the dynamics of body length does not affect directly population development. Nevertheless, taking such dynamics into account is essential in both models since it provides additional constrains to population development. The models can be easily extended to include description of individual characteristics other than body size (e.g., reproduction rate, mortality rate). The models predict two types of transient dynamics: one type is similar to that in a logistic model; the other type is damped oscillations. The essential difference between the models is that model B better predicts the extinction threshold of the population.
Analysts' Forecasts of Taiwanese Firms' Earnings: Some Empirical Evidence
Authors: Ho Li-Chin Jennifer , Tsay Jeffrey
Published: November 2004

This study examines the accuracy and bias associated with the analysts' earnings forecasts of Taiwanese firms. Using the forecast data of individual analysts over 1991–1997 from the I/B/E/S database, we find that analysts' forecasts of earnings are generally more accurate than the predictions of a naïve forecasting model. However, this superiority seems to be largely confined to shorter forecast horizons. We also find that the analysts' earnings forecasts of Taiwanese firms are optimistically biased and that the bias depends on the nature of the earnings news. In addition, analysts' forecasts appear to be more accurate for larger firms and the bias also decreases with firm size. We find some variation in forecast accuracy and bias across industries but the overall results are not driven by any specific time period.
OPTIMUM MULTIPLE TUNED MASS DAMPERS FOR BASE-EXCITED DAMPED MAIN SYSTEM
Authors: BAKRE S. V. , JANGID R. S.
Published: November 2004

The optimum parameters of multiple tuned mass dampers (MTMD) for suppressing the dynamic response of a base-excited damped main system are investigated by a numerical searching technique. The criterion selected for the optimality is the minimization of the steady state displacement of the main system under harmonic base acceleration. The parameters of the MTMD that are optimized include: the damping ratio, the tuning frequency ratio and the frequency bandwidth. The optimum parameters of the MTMD system and corresponding displacement are obtained for different damping ratios of the main system and different mass ratios of the MTMD system. The explicit formulas for the optimum parameters of the MTMD (i.e. damping ratio, bandwidth and tuning frequency) are then derived using a curve-fitting scheme that can readily be used in engineering applications. The error in the proposed explicit expressions is investigated and found to be negligible. The effectiveness of the optimally designed MTMD system is also compared with that of the optimum single tuned mass damper. It is observed that the optimally designed MTMD system is more effective for vibration control than the single tuned mass damper. Further, the damping in the main system significantly influences the optimum parameters and the effectiveness of the MTMD system.
PRESTRESSING TENSEGRITY SYSTEMS — APPLICATION TO MULTIPLE SELFSTRESS STATE STRUCTURES
Authors: AVERSENG J. , CROSNIER B.
Published: November 2004

Stress control is a major issue in the development of prestressed structures like the tensegrity systems that gain from it equilibrium and stability. In this paper, we present a simple method for adjusting the whole set of normal forces in this kind of structure, based on a combination of influences determined from the unit variations of rest lengths for a reduced set of active cables. According to an elementary criterion, tension and compression forces are kept in a reduced domain during the implementation stage in order to avoid unwanted transitory stress levels. The process is then simulated to retrieve the modifications for actual lengths that are to be implemented in the correct order. Finally, we describe the application of this method on a 1:1 scale double layer tensegrity grid.