bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regional‐specific regulation of BDNF and trkB correlates with nigral dopaminergic cell sprouting following unilateral nigrostriatal axotomy
Authors: Navia J. T. García , Burguillos M. A. , Ramón‐Cueto A. , Machado A. , Cano J. , Venero J. L.
Published: March 2008

Axotomy is a powerful stimulus of axon growth and plastic changes. We investigated the potential role of BDNF/trkB signaling in the sprouting of dopaminergic nigral axons in response to axotomy of the medial forebrain bundle. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunohistochemistry revealed the existence of sprouting mechanisms in the axotomized substantia nigra (SN). Time‐course changes of trkB mRNA expression demonstrated a robust increase in an area projecting from the rostral tip of the SN to the glial scar, which coincided with evidence of nigral dopaminergic sprouting. In addition, we found an early loss of this messenger in areas related to the knife cut, which recovered by 7 days postlesion. TrkB down‐regulation appeared to be associated to the lesion‐induced local damage, as it was restricted to an area showing Fluoro‐Jade B– and TUNEL positive cells. In trkB‐depleted areas, an inverse correlation between mRNA expressions of BDNF and trkB was apparent. Specific induction of BDNF mRNA was mostly seen in border of areas devoid of trkB mRNA. In contrast, in the areas exhibiting trkB mRNA expression, no BDNF mRNA was detected. We suggest that trkB levels could be a determinant element in regulating BDNF expression. Finally, the search for molecules involved in either promoting or inhibiting axonal growth, demonstrated up‐regulation of GAP‐43 and Nogo‐A mRNA at sites close to the knife transections as early as 1 day postlesion. However, overall, Nogo‐A induction was more robust than that seen for GAP‐43. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pivotal role of early B‐cell factor 1 in development of striatonigral medium spiny neurons in the matrix compartment
Authors: Lobo Mary Kay , Yeh Christopher , Yang X. William
Published: March 2008

The mammalian striatum plays a critical function in motor control, motor and reward learning, and cognition. Dysfunction and degeneration of the striatal neurons are implicated in major neurological and psychiatric disorders. The vast majority of striatal neurons are medium spiny neurons (MSNs). MSNs can be further subdivided into distinct subtypes based on their physical localization in the striatal patch vs. matrix compartments and based on their axonal projections and marker gene expression (i.e., striatonigral MSNs vs. striatopallidal MSNs). Despite our extensive knowledge on the striatal cytoarchitecture and circuitry, little is known about the molecular mechanisms controlling the development of the MSN subtypes in the striatum. Early B‐cell factor 1 (Ebf1) is a critical transcription factor implicated in striatal MSN development. One study shows that Ebf1 is critical for the differentiation of MSNs in the matrix, and our separate study demonstrates that Ebf1 is selectively expressed in the striatonigral MSNs and is essential for their postnatal differentiation. In the present study, we further validate the striatonigral MSN deficits in Ebf1−/− mice using multiple striatonigral MSN reporter mice. Moreover, we demonstrate that the striatonigral MSN deficits in these mice are restricted to those in the matrix, with relative sparing of those in the patch. Finally, we demonstrate that Ebf1 deficiency also results in reduced expression of another striatonigral‐specific transcription factor, zinc finger binding protein 521 (Zfp521), which is a known Ebf1 functional partner. Overall, our study reveals that Ebf1 may play an essential role in controlling the differentiation of the striatonigral MSNs in the matrix compartment. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased drebrin mRNA expression in Alzheimer disease: Correlation with tau pathology
Authors: Julien Carl , Tremblay Cyntia , Bendjelloul Farid , Phivilay Alix , Coulombe Marie‐Andrée , Émond Vincent , Calon Frédéric
Published: March 2008

To investigate the mRNA expression of the dendritic spine protein drebrin in Alzheimer's disease (AD), we performed post‐mortem in situ hybridization studies in brain sections from 20 AD patients and 21 controls. AD diagnosis was confirmed by decreased drebrin protein and increased Aβ40 (+464%; P < 0.05), Aβ42 (+369%; P < 0.0001), Aβ42/40 ratio (+226%; P < 0.01), total tau (+2,725%; P < 0.0001), and paired helical filament tau (PHFtau; +867%; P < 0.001) compared with controls. We found significant decreases in drebrin mRNA in the parietal cortex (–27%; P < 0.01), the temporal cortex (–22%; P < 0.05), and the hippocampus (–25%; P < 0.05) of AD patients compared with controls. Cortical levels of drebrin mRNA correlated positively with soluble total tau (r2 = +0.244) but negatively with duration of symptoms (r2 = −0.357) and PHFtau (r2 = −0.248). Drebrin mRNA levels were correlated to a lesser degree with the drebrin protein content (r2 = +0.136) and with sim2 (r2 = +0.176), a potential modulator of drebrin transcription. Our results suggest that the down‐regulation of drebrin mRNA expression plays an important role in AD and is closely related to the progression of the disease. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of montelukast sodium by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Shakalisava Yuliya , Regan Fiona
Published: March 2008

This work verifies the potential of CE in the analysis of significant impurities of montelukast sodium – an active ingredient for the treatment of bronchial asthma. Using 20 mM borate buffer pH 9.2 with 10 mM SDS and 10 mM (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐γ‐CD (2HP‐γ‐CD) it was possible to separate montelukast and several impurities, including its cis‐isomer, after exposure to light and oxygen. The obtained method surpasses a chromatographic method for montelukast sodium in terms of time of analysis (9 min of CE analysis vs. 35 min HPLC) and efficiency (CE offered over 900 000 theoretical plates for montelukast). Good repeatability of the method was supported by the low % RSD for the migration time of montelukast (0.53%). For the first time, the capillary electrophoretic method was employed for temporal study of the degradation of montelukast. The results showed that degradation of montelukast and the formation of the cis‐isomer mainly occurred during the first 2 days of exposure, and occurred to a higher degree when there was no contact with the air (oxygen) in the exposed sample.
Determination of triazine herbicides in fruits and vegetables using dispersive solid‐phase extraction coupled with LC–MS
Authors: Ji Feng , Zhao Lixia , Yan Wei , Feng Qinzhong , Lin Jin‐Ming
Published: March 2008

A simple, rapid, and sensitive liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS) method was successfully developed for the determination of three chloro‐s‐triazine herbicides, viz. atrazine, simazine, and propazine, two thiomethyl‐s‐triazine ones, viz. ametryn and prometryn, and prometon in fruits and vegetables. The instrumental parameters affecting LC separation and MS detection were investigated and the best conditions were selected. Samples were extracted and purified by dispersive solid‐phase extraction (dispersive‐SPE) with a primary‐secondary amine sorbent. Three typical representative samples (luffa, broad bean, and grape) were selected to investigate the effect of different matrices on pesticide recoveries and assay precision after spiking at 0.05 mg/kg. Matrix composition did not interfere significantly with the determination of these pesticides. The recoveries were, with a few exceptions, in the range of 80–110% with relative standard deviations less than 10% (n = 5). In addition, this method was also applied to 21 different kinds of agriculture products collected from the local market, and two of the six triazines could be detected and quantified.
β‐Sitosterol enhances tamoxifen effectiveness on breast cancer cells by affecting ceramide metabolism
Authors: Awad Atif B. , Barta Stephanie L. , Fink Carol S. , Bradford Peter G.
Published: March 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of the dietary phytosterol β‐sitosterol (SIT) and the antiestrogen drug tamoxifen (TAM) on cell growth and ceramide (CER) metabolism in MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 human breast cancer cells. The MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cell lines were studied as models of estrogen receptor positive and estrogen receptor negative breast cancer cells. Growth of both cell lines as determined using the sulforhodamine B assay was inhibited by treatment with 16 μM SIT but only MCF‐7 cell growth was inhibited by treatment with 1 μM TAM. The combination of SIT and TAM further inhibited growth in both cell lines, most significantly in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. CER is a proapoptotic signal and CER levels were increased in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells by individual treatment with SIT and TAM and the combined treatment raised cellular CER content even further. SIT and TAM raised CER levels by different means. SIT potently activatedde novoCER synthesis in both MCF‐7 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells by stimulating serine palmitoyltransferase activity; whereas TAM promoted CER accumulation in both cell types by inhibiting CER glycosylation. These results suggest that the combination regimen of dietary SIT and TAM chemotherapy may be beneficial in the management of breast cancer patients.
Legumin allergens from peanuts and soybeans: Effects of denaturation and aggregation on allergenicity
Authors: van Boxtel Evelien L. , van den Broek Lambertus A. M. , Koppelman Stef J. , Gruppen Harry
Published: March 2008

Legumin proteins Ara h 3 from peanuts and glycinin from soybeans are increasingly described as important allergens. The stability of an allergen's IgE binding capacity towards heating and digestion is considered an important characteristic for food allergens. We investigated the effects of heating and digestion on the IgE binding of Ara h 3 and glycinin. Both proteins are relatively stable to denaturation, having denaturation temperatures ranging from 70 to 92°C, depending on their quaternary structure and the ionic strength. Aggregates were formed upon heating, which were partly soluble for glycinin. Heating slightly decreased the pepsin digestion rate of both allergens. However, heating did not affect the IgE binding capacity of the hydrolyzates, as after only 10 min of hydrolysis no IgE binding could be detected any more in all samples. Peanut allergen Ara h 1, when digested under equal conditions, still showed IgE binding after 2 h of hydrolysis. Our results indicate that the IgE binding capacity of legumin allergens from peanuts and soybeans does not withstand peptic digestion. Consequently, these allergens are likely unable to sensitize via the gastro‐intestinal tract and cause systemic food allergy symptoms. These proteins might thus be less important allergens than was previously assumed.
1H and 13C NMR assignments for 6‐demethylvermistatin and two penicillide derivatives from the mangrove fungus Guignardia sp. (No. 4382) from the South China Sea
Authors: Xia Xue‐kui , liu Fan , She Zhi‐gang , Yang Li‐guo , Li Meng‐feng , Vrijmoed L. L. P. , Lin Yong‐cheng
Published: March 2008

One new compound 6‐demethylvermistatin (1), together with two known compounds, the penicillide derivatives (2) and (3) were isolated from the mangrove fungus Guignardia sp. No. 4382 obtained from the South China Sea. Their structures were assigned using high‐resolution electron ionization mass spectrometry(HREIMS), 1H and 13C NMR spectra, DEPT, and by 2D COSY, HMQC, and HMBC experiments. The absolute configuration of 1 was established by comparison of its CD with that of vermistatin. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Presidential address: How to improve poverty measurement in the United States
Authors: Blank Rebecca M.
Published: March 2008

This paper discusses the reasons why the current official U.S. poverty measure is outdated and nonresponsive to many anti‐poverty initiatives. A variety of efforts to update and improve the statistic have failed, for political, technical, and institutional reasons. Meanwhile, the European Union is taking a very different approach to poverty measurement. The paper ends with four recommended steps that would allow the U.S. to improve its measurement of poverty and economic need.
Impacts of abstinence education on teen sexual activity, risk of pregnancy, and risk of sexually transmitted diseases
Authors: Trenholm Christopher , Devaney Barbara , Fortson Kenneth , Clark Melissa , Quay Lisa , Wheeler Justin
Published: March 2008

This paper examines the impacts of four abstinence‐only education programs on adolescent sexual activity and risks of pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Based on an experimental design, the impact analysis uses survey data collected in 2005 and early 2006 from more than 2,000 teens who had been randomly assigned to either a program group that was eligible to participate in one of the four programs or a control group that was not. The findings show no significant impact on teen sexual activity, no differences in rates of unprotected sex, and some impacts on knowledge of STDs and perceived effectiveness of condoms and birth control pills.© 2008 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Reassessing the WIC effect: Evidence from the Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance System
Authors: Joyce Ted , Racine Andrew , Yunzal‐Butler Cristina
Published: March 2008

Recent analyses differ on how effective the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is at improving infant health. We use data from nine states that participate in the Pregnancy Nutrition Surveillance System to address limitations in previous work. With information on the mother's timing of WIC enrollment, we test whether greater exposure to WIC is associated with less smoking, improved weight gain during pregnancy, better birth outcomes, and greater likelihood of breastfeeding. Our results suggest that much of the often reported association between WIC and lower rates of preterm birth is likely spurious, the result of gestational age bias. We find modest effects of WIC on fetal growth, inconsistent associations between WIC and smoking, limited associations with gestational weight gain, and some relationship with breastfeeding. A WIC effect exists, but on fewer margins and with less impact than has been claimed by policy analysts and advocates. © 2008 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management.
Demand for masters of public policy in public service
Authors: Evans Angela M.
Published: March 2008

This piece was written to assist those who lead schools of public policy and administration in evaluating their pedagogies and examining their curricula. The perspectives contained in this piece reflect those of the author, who has spent the last 35 years practicing and leading public policy research and analysis in the Congressional Research Service (CRS)—the public policy agency created by the U.S. Congress for its exclusive use. The views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of CRS or the Congress.
Reliability of the assessment of preventable adverse drug events in daily clinical practice
Authors: van Doormaal Jasperien E. , Mol Peter G. M. , van den Bemt Patricia M. L. A. , Zaal Rianne J. , Egberts Antoine C. G. , Kosterink Jos G. W. , Haaijer‐Ruskamp Flora M.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

To determine the reliability of the assessment of preventable adverse drug events (ADEs) in daily practice and to explore the impact of the assessors' professional background and the case characteristics on reliability.

Methods

We used a combination of the simplified Yale algorithm and the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP) scheme to assess on the one hand the causal relationship between medication errors (MEs) and adverse events in hospitalised patients and on the other hand the severity of the clinical consequence of MEs. Five pharmacists and five physicians applied this algorithm to 30 potential MEs. After individual assessment, the pharmacists reached consensus and so did the physicians. Outcome was both MEs' severity (ordinal scale, NCC MERP categories A–I) and the occurrence of preventable harm (binary outcome, NCC MERP categories A–D vs. E–I). Kappa statistics was used to assess agreement.

Results

The overall agreement on MEs' severity was fair for the pharmacists (κ = 0.34) as well as for the physicians (κ = 0.25). Overall agreement for the 10 raters was fair (κ = 0.25) as well as the agreement between both consensus outcomes (κ = 0.30). Agreement on the occurrence of preventable harm was higher, ranging from κ = 0.36 for the physicians through κ = 0.49 for the pharmacists. Overall agreement for the 10 raters was fair (κ = 0.36). The agreement between both consensus outcomes was moderate (κ = 0.47). None of the included case characteristics had a significant impact on agreement.

Conclusions

Individual assessment of preventable ADEs in real patients is difficult, possibly because of the difficult assessment of contextual information. Best approach seems to be a consensus method including both pharmacists and physicians. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Post‐marketing safety of antineoplasic monoclonal antibodies: rituximab and trastuzumab
Authors: González V. , Salgueiro E. , Jimeno F. J. , Hidalgo A. , Rubio T. , Manso G.
Published: March 2008

Purpose

The aim of this study was to analyse the suspected adverse reactions associated with rituximab or trastuzumab reported to the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System.

Methods

From this national database, we selected the spontaneous reports registered betweeen 1 January 1999 and 1 June 2006 and analysed both age and gender of the patient, the dose prescribed, the severity of the report, the evolution, the latency and recovery periods of the adverse reaction, the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the presence of other suspected drugs.

Results

From 49 927 records registered in the period of analysis, 69 were associated with rituximab and 23 with trastuzumab. White cell disorders (n = 18), hypotension (n = 7), dyspnoea (n = 6) and pneumonitis (n = 4) were the most common adverse reactions associated with rituximab. The mean latency period of white cell disorders was 20.9 ± 7.8 days, except in two cases where it was clearly longer (87 ± 13 days). Hypotension and dyspnoea appeared immediately or a few days after the administration of the drug, and rapidly resolved. Pneumonitis seems to be a delayed adverse reaction, which required on average, 3 months to develop. Cardiac failure was the adverse reaction more frequently associated with trastuzumab (n = 7). In five of the seven cases of cardiac failure reported patients had been taking other suspected medications.

Conclusion

Our results are consistent with the safety profile of rituximab and trastuzumab observed in large randomised clinical trials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of wheat proteins recognized by IgE antibodies of allergic patients
Authors: Šotkovský Petr , Hubálek Martin , Hernychová Lenka , Novák Petr , Havranová Marie , Šetinová Iva , Kitanovičová Andrea , Fuchs Martin , Stulík Jiří , Tučková Ludmila
Published: March 2008

Wheat belongs to six major food allergens inducing IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity reaction manifesting as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms. Although cereals are a staple food item in most diets, only a few wheat proteins causing hypersensitivity have been identified. To characterize wheat allergens, salt‐soluble wheat extracts were separated by 1‐DE and 2‐DE and IgE‐binding proteins were detected by immunoblotting using sera of patients with allergy to ingested wheat. Proteins, frequently recognized by IgE on 2‐DE were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF and QTOF and their spectrum was completed by 1‐DE and LCQDECA nLC‐MS/MS IT technique. Using all three techniques we identified 19 potential wheat allergens such as α‐amylase inhibitors, β‐amylase, profilin, serpin, β‐D‐glucan exohydrolase, and 27K protein. Employing newly developed ELISA, levels of IgE Abs against Sulamit wheat extract and α‐amylase inhibitors type 1 and 3 were quantified and shown to be significantly elevated in sera of allergic patients compared to those of healthy controls. The level of IgE Abs against α‐amylase inhibitor type 3 was lower, slightly above the cut‐off value in the majority of patients' sera. Our findings contribute to the identification of wheat allergens aimed to increase the specificity of serum IgE and cell activation diagnostic assays.
Involvement of post‐translational modification of neuronal plasticity‐related proteins in hyperalgesia revealed by a proteomic analysis
Authors: Fujisawa Hiroki , Ohtani‐Kaneko Ritsuko , Naiki Mitsuru , Okada Tomoyuki , Masuko Kayo , Yudoh Kazuo , Suematsu Naoya , Okamoto Kazuki , Nishioka Kusuki , Kato Tomohiro
Published: March 2008

To clarify roles of an endogenous pain modulatory system of the central nervous system (CNS) in hyperalgesia, we tried to identify qualitative and quantitative protein changes by a proteomic analysis using an animal model of hyperalgesia. Specifically, we first induced functional hyperalgesia on male Wistar rats by repeated cold stress (specific alternation of rhythm in temperature, SART). We then compared proteomes of multiple regions of CNS and the dorsal root ganglion between the hyperalgetic rats and non‐treated ones by 2‐D PAGE in the pI range of 4.0–7.0. We found that SART changed the proteomes prominently in the mesencephalon and cerebellum. We thus analyzed the two brain regions in more detail using gels with narrower pI ranges. As a result, 29 and 23 protein spots were significantly changed in the mesencephalon and the cerebellum, respectively. We successfully identified 12 protein spots by a MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS and subsequent protein database searching. They included unc‐18 protein homolog 67K, collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP)‐2 and CRMP‐4, which were reported to be involved in neurotransmitter release or axon elongation. Interestingly, mRNA expression levels of these three proteins were not changed significantly by the induction of hyperalgesia. Instead, we found that the detected changes in the protein spots are caused by the post‐translational modification (PTM) of proteolysis or phosphorylation. Taken together, development of the hyperalgesia would be linked to PTM of these three CNS proteins. PTM regulation may be one of the useful ways to treat hyperalgesia.
Device self‐heating effects in deep UV LEDs studied by systematic variation in pulsed current injection
Authors: Reed Meredith L. , Wraback Michael , Lunev A. , Bilenko Y. , Hu X. , Sattu A. , Deng J. , Shatalov M. , Gaska R.
Published: March 2008

SET, Inc. 280nm LEDs were studied under various DC and pulse conditions to demonstrate the impact of self‐heating associated with non‐radiative recombination on the output power and lifetime of the devices. A reduction in output power occurs as the pulse width and duty cycle are increased. For 1μsec pulse width the output power at saturation current decreases from 30mW to 4mW as the duty cycle is increased from 1% to 50%, while for 100μsec pulse width, the output power at saturation current decreases from 10 mW to 3.5 mW for the same range of duty cycle. In both cases, the output power at 50% duty cycle approaches that of the DC conditions, indicating that self‐heating has a significant impact on the device performance. Lifetime testing at 100mA was performed under DC and pulse conditions of 100μsec and 1% duty cycle, with half‐lives of 20 hours and 1400 hours, respectively. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anthraquinones from Polygonum cuspidatum as tyrosinase inhibitors for dermal use
Authors: Leu Yann‐Lii , Hwang Tsong‐Long , Hu Jiuan‐Wen , Fang Jia‐You
Published: March 2008

Four anthraquinones, physcion (1), emodin (2), citreorosein (3) and anthraglycoside B (6), and two stilbenes, resveratrol (4), and piceid (5), were isolated previously from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum. These bioactive compounds were examined for their antityrosinase potency. No antityrosinase activity was detected with treatment using stilbenes. On the other hand, the anthraquinones showed moderate to strong inhibition of tyrosinase. Physcion exhibited the most potent tyrosinase inhibition among the four anthraquinones examined, which was comparable to kojic acid. The ability of anthraquinones to permeate the skin was also examined. Based on the same thermodynamic activity, physcion showed a higher permeation compared with emodin (48‐fold), suggesting it as a potent candidate for dermal use. As naturally occurring tyrosinase inhibitors, anthraquinones from P. cuspidatum may be useful as skin‐whitening agents to inhibit tyrosinase for dermal use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimycobacterial activity of Juglans regia, Juglans mollis, Carya illinoensis and Bocconia frutescens
Authors: Cruz‐Vega Delia Elva , Verde‐Star María Julia , Salinas‐González Noé , Rosales‐Hernández Bibiana , Estrada‐García Iris , Mendez‐Aragón Patricia , Carranza‐Rosales Pilar , González‐Garza María Teresa , Castro‐Garza Jorge
Published: March 2008

Mycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious worldwide health threat, killing almost 2 million people per year. Alternative antimycobacterial drugs are urgently needed; studies have shown that medicinal plants traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases are a potential source of compounds to treat tuberculosis. This paper studied the antimycobacterial activity of 28 extracts from four different plant species that have been used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat tuberculosis. Bark and leaf crude extracts of Juglans regia L., Juglans mollis Engelm., Carya illinoensis (Wangenh) K. Koch and Bocconia frutescens showed in vitro anti‐M. tuberculosis activity. Hexane bark extracts from C. illinoensis, J. mollis and J. regia were the most active with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31, 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Ethanol bark extracts from C. illinoensis and J. mollis showed activity at 100 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. Leaf extracts had the lowest activity. Methanol and hexane leaves extracts from B. frutescens had a MIC of 125 µg/mL. None of the aqueous extracts showed antimycobacterial activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant profiles of a prepared extract of Chinese herbs for the treatment of atopic eczema
Authors: Chung Lip Yong
Published: March 2008

A standardized mixture of Chinese herbs, Zemaphyte® taken orally as a daily decoction has been shown to be effective in the treatment of atopic eczema. This study showed that Zemaphyte® is an efficient antioxidant, being capable of scavenging both superoxide and hydroxyl, and preventing peroxidation of biological membranes. It does not degrade hydrogen peroxide directly, but instead most likely forms a Zemaphyte–hydrogen peroxide complex. The complexed hydrogen peroxide can then be degraded in the presence of catalase to form oxygen and water. It is conceivable that Zemaphyte® may contribute to the down‐regulation of the activities of cells implicated in atopic eczema through its antioxidant activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoglycemic effect of a novel dialysed fenugreek seeds extract is sustainable and is mediated, in part, by the activation of hepatic enzymes
Authors: Vijayakumar Maleppillil Vavachan , Bhat Manoj Kumar
Published: March 2008

A novel preparation of a dialysed aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (FSE) that stimulates the insulin signalling pathway was reported previously (Vijayakumar et al., 2005). The present study was designed to investigate the long‐term effects (multiple dose effect) of this FSE preparation on the blood glucose level and body weight, and a short‐term effect (single dose effect) on serum insulin and hepatic enzymes, in experimentally induced diabetic conditions. The multiple dose effect of FSE on the glucose level and body weight was studied in alloxan (AXN)‐diabetic mice in comparison with the vehicle treated control diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of FSE (15 mg/kg body weight (BW)) for 5 consecutive days reduced hyperglycemia in AXN‐diabetic mice on day 5 and this effect was further sustained for 10 days. The FSE‐induced hypoglycemic effect was accompanied without any reduction in the body weight compared with the diabetic mice in which the body weight was reduced significantly. A single dose effect of FSE on hepatic glucokinase (GK) and hexokinase (HK) enzymes was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal administration of FSE (15 mg/kg BW) by 90 min decreased the blood glucose levels significantly (p < 0.01) in STZ‐diabetic mice and the effect was comparable to that achieved by insulin (1.5 U/kg BW) injection. This effect was associated with a significant enhancement in the liver GK and HK activities on a par with that of insulin. In normal glucose loaded mice, FSE improved the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance accompanied by a reduction in serum insulin concentration. These results are indicative of an extra‐pancreatic mode of action of FSE. The present study concludes that this novel FSE preparation corrects metabolic alterations associated with diabetes by exhibiting insulin‐like properties and has a potential for clinical applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercus infectoria: a candidate for the control of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Chusri S. , Voravuthikunchai S. P.
Published: March 2008

Acetone, ethyl acetate, 95% ethanol and aqueous extracts of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) demonstrated significant antibacterial activities against all strains of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Inhibition zones were in the range 11.75–16.82 mm. Both MRSA and MSSA strains exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values at 0.13 and 0.13–1.00 mg/mL, respectively. At 2 MIC, the growth of two representative MRSA strains was continually inhibited for at least 20 h. Surviving MRSA cells were not detected within 12–14 h after treatment with the extract at 4 MIC concentration. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 demonstrated similar results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of cholinesterase and amyloid‐β aggregation by resveratrol oligomers from Vitis amurensis
Authors: Jang Moon Hee , Piao Xiang Lan , Kim Jong Moon , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jeong Hill
Published: March 2008

In the course of screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors from natural products by an in vitro Ellman method, the extract of the roots of Vitis amurensis Rupr. (Vitaceae) showed significant cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Employing a bioassay‐linked HPLC method, followed by a semi‐preparative HPLC method, two compounds of interest were isolated and characterized as vitisin A and heyneanol A. They inhibited effectively both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in a dose‐dependent manner and exhibited higher activity against butyrylcholinesterase compared with that of galantamine, a positive control. Furthermore, the aggregation of β‐amyloid was evaluated in vitro based on a thioflavine T fluorescence assay to expand their activity profile, with the result that both compounds showed the ability to block β‐amyloid aggregation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the ways students generate arguments in science education: Current perspectives and recommendations for future directions
Authors: Sampson Victor , Clark Douglas B.
Published: March 2008

Theoretical and empirical research on argument and argumentation in science education has intensified over the last two decades. The term “argument” in this review refers to the artifacts that a student or a group of students create when asked to articulate and justify claims or explanations whereas the term “argumentation” refers to the process of constructing these artifacts. The intent of this review is to provide an overview of several analytic frameworks that science educators use to assess and characterize the nature of or quality of scientific arguments in terms of three focal issues: structure, justification, and content. To highlight the foci, affordances, and constraints of these different analytic methods, the review of each framework includes an analysis of a sample argument. The review concludes with a synthesis of the three focal issues and outlines several recommendations for future work. Ultimately, this examination and synthesis of these frameworks in terms of how each conceptualizes argument structure, justification, and content is intended to provide a theoretical foundation for future research on argument in science education. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 92:447–472, 2008
Impact of Guar and Wheat Bran on the Physical and Nutritional Quality of Extruded Breakfast Cereals
Authors: Brennan Margaret A. , Merts Inge , Monro John , Woolnough James , Brennan Charles S.
Published: March 2008

Two non‐starch polysaccharides, guar gum and wheat bran, were used at 15% replacement level in a cereal base to produce an extruded breakfast cereal product from both wholemeal and high‐ratio wheat flour mixes. The inclusion of the non‐starch polysaccharides into the flour bases had no significant effect on the expansion ratio of the products. However, the product density and bulk density of the extruded products increased with guar gum and wheat bran addition. The pasting properties of the raw flour and polysaccharide base as well as the extruded products were altered with the incorporation of polysaccharides, with guar gum‐enriched products showing elevated peak and final viscosity readings. This appeared to be related to moisture manipulation and hence the regulation of gelatinisation. In vitro starch hydrolysis of the raw bases and the extruded samples illustrated that the extrusion process significantly increased the availability of carbohydrates for digestion. Additionally, the inclusion of non‐starch polysaccharides in the raw bases significantly reduced the rate and extent of carbohydrate hydrolysis. This potentially glycaemic reducing action was also evident in the extruded products where the incorporation of guar gum at 15% yielded a reduction of starch hydrolysis of 36% in the wholemeal base and 32% in the high‐ratio white wheat flour base.
Rheology of Mixed Systems of Sweet Potato Starch and Galactomannans
Authors: Choi Hye‐Mi , Yoo Byoungseung
Published: March 2008

The effect of galactomannans (guar gum and locust bean gum) at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%, w/w) on rheological properties of sweet potato starch (SPS) was studied. The flow behaviors of SPS‐galactomannan mixtures were determined from the rheological parameters of power law and Casson models. The SPS‐galactomannan mixtures had high shear‐thinning fluid characteristics (n = 0.30‐0.36) exhibiting yield stress at 25°C. The presence of galactomannans resulted in the increase in consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (ηa,100) and Casson yield stress (σoc). In the temperature range of 25‐70°C, the mixtures followed the Arrhenius temperature relationship. Dynamic rheological tests at 25°C indicated that the SPS‐galactomannan mixtures had weak gel‐like behavior with storage moduli (G′) higher than loss moduli (G") over most of the frequency range (0.63‐62.8 rad/s) with frequency dependency. The magnitudes of dynamic moduli (G′, G" and η*) of the SPS‐galactomannan mixtures were higher than those of the control (0% gum), and increased with an increase in gum concentration. The tan δ (ratio of G"/G′) values (0.41‐0.46) of SPS‐guar gum mixtures were much lower than those (0.50‐0.63) of SPS‐locust bean gum mixtures, indicating that there was a more pronounced effect of guar gum on the elastic properties of SPS.
Imaging of gynecological disease (3): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary
Authors: Van Holsbeke C. , Domali E. , Holland T. K. , Achten R. , Testa A. C. , Valentin L. , Jurkovic D. , Moerman P. , Timmerman D.
Published: March 2008

Objectives

To describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary, and to define the ultrasound appearance of GCTs based on pattern recognition.

Methods

Databases of four gynecological ultrasound centers were searched to identify patients with histologically proven GCTs who had undergone a standard preoperative ultrasound examination.

Results

A total of 23 women with confirmed GCT were identified. Twelve (52%) women were postmenopausal, nine (39%) were of fertile age and two (9%) were prepubertal. Clinical symptoms were abdominal distension (7/23, 30%), pain (5/23, 22%) and irregular vaginal bleeding (6/23, 26%). Seven patients (30%) were asymptomatic. Endometrial pathology was found in 54% (7/13) of the patients from whom endometrial biopsies were taken. On ultrasound scan 12/23 (52%) masses were multilocular–solid, 9/23 (39%) were purely solid, one mass (4%) was unilocular–solid and one mass was multilocular (4%). Multilocular and multilocular–solid cysts typically contained large numbers of small locules (> 10). The echogenicity of the cyst content was most often mixed (6/16, 38%) or low level (7/16, 44%). Papillary projections were found in only four women (17%). The GCTs were large tumors with a median largest diameter of 102 (range, 37–242) mm and manifested moderate or high color content at color Doppler examination (color score 3 in 13/23 tumors (57%); color score 4 in 8/23 tumors (35%)).

Conclusions

At ultrasound examination, most GCTs are large multilocular–solid masses with a large number of locules, or solid tumors with heterogeneous echogenicity of the solid tissue. Hemorrhagic components are common and increased vascularity is demonstrated at color/power Doppler ultrasound examination. The hyperestrogenic state that is created by the tumor often causes endometrial pathology with bleeding problems as a typical associated symptom. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between pulsed‐wave Doppler‐ and tissue Doppler‐derived Tei indices in fetuses with and without congenital heart disease
Authors: Acharya G. , Pavlovic M. , Ewing L. , Nollmann D. , Leshko J. , Huhta J. C.
Published: March 2008

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular Tei indices obtained by pulsed‐wave Doppler (PD) and tissue Doppler (TD) methods in fetuses with structurally normal and abnormal hearts.

Methods

This was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 147 fetuses that had a fetal echocardiogram and Tei index measured during a 2‐year period. The RV and LV Tei indices were measured using both PD and TD methods. The difference between the two methods of Tei index measurement was tested using paired sample t‐test, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine their relationship, and the agreement between the methods was tested using Bland–Altman analysis.

Results

A total of 87 fetuses had normal hearts and 60 had a congenital heart defect. Both PD and TD Tei indices were measured successfully from at least one ventricle in 123 cases and from both ventricles in 110 cases. The mean TD Tei index was significantly higher than the mean PD Tei index for both ventricles (P < 0.0001). There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between the PD and TD Tei indices of the right ventricle (r = 0.20, P = 0.029), whereas the PD and TD Tei indices of the left ventricle did not correlate significantly (r = 0.04, P = 0.684). When pairs of Tei indices measured by two different methods (123 pairs for the right ventricle and 111 for the left ventricle) were tested with Bland–Altman analysis, the bias and precision were 0.147 and 0.254, respectively, for the right ventricle, and 0.299 and 0.276, respectively, for the left ventricle.

Conclusions

Correlation between Tei indices measured by PD and TD methods is weak and the agreement between individual measurements is poor. Therefore, they should not be used interchangeably in the assessment of fetal cardiac function. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Previous Laparotomy is Not a Contraindication to Laparoscopy‐assisted Gastrectomy for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Nunobe Souya , Hiki Naoki , Fukunaga Tetsu , Tokunaga Msanori , Ohyama Shigekazu , Seto Yasuyuki , Yamaguchi Toshiharu
Published: March 2008

Background

Laparoscopic procedures have generally been considered to be contraindicated in patients with a history of laparotomy because of a high risk of enteric injury during the procedure. Laparoscopy‐assisted gastrectomy (LAG) has been used increasingly in the treatment of early gastric cancer, but its indication for patients with a history of laparotomy remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to estimate whether LAG is contraindicated for the patient with a history of laparotomy (PSURG).

Methods

From January 2003 to March 2006, 139 patients with early gastric cancer underwent LAG with curative intent in our institute. Fifty were PSURG patients, and the remaining 89 patients underwent LAG without any history of laparotomy (NSURG). Operative and early postoperative outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

Appendectomy and gynecological surgery were the predominant procedures performed in the PSURG group prior to undergoing LAG, involving 28 patients (56.0%) and 16 patients (32.0%), respectively. Detachment of adhesion above the umbilicus was required in 25 PSURG patients (50.0%). There was no significant difference in operative and postoperative results between the two groups, although 1 PSURG patient developed symptoms of bowel injury on the first postoperative day, probably caused during the laparoscopic procedure for dissection of a jejuno‐jejunal adhesion.

Conclusions

There was no difference in outcome following LAG between the PSURG and NSURG groups in the present study. The PSURG patient is not contraindicated for LAG assuming careful attention is given for all operative procedures, including port insertion and dissection of intra‐abdominal adhesions.
How to write an original article for the Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Authors: Pierannunzii L.
Published: March 2008

The abstract is the precise summary of the article, not a preface. As Baue wrote in a popular editorial of the Archives of Surgery in 1979, “writing a good abstract is not abstract writing” [6]. The main data have to be represented, as they allow readers to understand contents clearly. Sentences like “The paper reports...” or “The authors describe...” have to be avoided as well as any generic statements.

In order to help writers avoid generalities, the recently revised version of this journal’s “instructions to authors” [4] requires the abstract to be no longer than 300 words and structured in 4 paragraphs: the Background declares the hypothesis, the Materials and methods impart the study design and quote the relevant numerical features of the samples, the Results report the main data and their statistical significance, the Conclusions state whether the hypothesis is verified or not. One or two sentences per paragraph are usually sufficient.

The abstract is frequently recommended to be written after the text, as “the process of writing changes thought and perhaps even purpose” [7]. Nonetheless, in my view, preparing the abstract first is a useful exercise that forces the authors to organize their thoughts and guides the organization of the article. However, the abstract should be always revised after the manuscript has been completed.
Perspectives on metaphyseal conservative stems
Authors: Falez F. , Casella F. , Panegrossi G. , Favetti F. , Barresi C.
Published: March 2008

Total hip replacement is showing, during the last decades, a progressive evolution toward principles of reduced bone and soft tissue aggression. These principles have become the basis of a new philosophy, tissue sparing surgery. Regarding hip implants, new conservative components have been proposed and developed as an alternative to conventional stems. Technical and biomechanical characteristics of metaphyseal bone-stock-preserving stems are analyzed on the basis of the available literature and our personal experience. Mayo, Nanos and Metha stems represent, under certain aspects, a design evolution starting from shared concepts: reduced femoral violation, non-anatomic geometry, proximal calcar loading and lateral alignment. However, consistent differences are level of neck preservation, cross-sectional geometry and surface finishing. The Mayo component is the most time-tested component and, in our hands, it showed an excellent survivorship at the mid-term follow-up, with an extremely reduced incidence of aseptic loosening (partially reduced by the association with last generation acetabular couplings). For 160 implants followed for a mean of 4.7 years, survivorship was 97.5% with 4 failed implants: one fracture with unstable stem, 1 septic loosening and 2 aseptic mobilizations. DEXA analysis, performed on 15 cases, showed a good calcar loading and stimulation, but there was significant lateral load transfer to R3–R4 zones, giving to the distal part of the stem a function not simply limited to alignment. Metaphyseal conservative stems demonstrated a wide applicability with an essential surgical technique. Moreover, they offer the options of a “conservative revision” with a conventional primary component in case of failure and a “conservative revision” for failed resurfacing implants.
Effects of fragmentation of secondary broadleaf deciduous forests on populations of the near‐threatened butterfly,Sasakia charonda(Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae), in central Japan
Authors: Kobayashi Takato , Nakashizuka Tohru , Kitahara Masahiko
Published: March 2008

We examined the effects of fragmentation of secondary broadleaf deciduous forests (secondary forests) on populations of the near‐threatened butterfly,Sasakia charonda, in central Japan. Regression analyses revealed that the number of overwintering larvae per host tree significantly increased when the area of secondary forest patches and the Isolation Index of the forest patch increased and the distance from secondary forest patches containing the focal host trees to the nearest secondary forest patch decreased. There was a significantly positive correlation between the number of overwintering larvae and the number of host trees in the neighborhood. The host trees were primarily distributed at the edges of secondary forests. From the results of the backward elimination method of multiple linear regression analysis, independent variables other than patch area were eliminated, and the standardized partial regression coefficient of the patch area was significant. This result suggested that a contiguous distribution of large secondary forest patches with many host trees is very important to conserving this butterfly species.
A Complete Radial Collateral Ligament Avulsion of the Small Finger Metacarpophalangeal Joint with Displacement through the Radial Sagittal Band
Authors: Dennison David G.
Published: March 2008

A displaced complete radial collateral ligament avulsion with associated injury to the sagittal band of the metacarpophalangeal joint of the small finger, if left untreated, may result in chronic pain, instability, weakness, and deformity. A case of a displaced radial collateral ligament that ruptured through the radial sagittal band of the small finger, with resultant injury to the extensor mechanism, is described and discussed with a review of the literature. Proper identification of this injury by physical exam and imaging studies along with surgical repair is associated with good outcome.