bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of two Prunella species on lymphocyte proliferation and nitric oxide production
Authors: Harput U. Sebnem , Saracoglu Iclal , Ogihara Yukio
Published: January 2006

Water extracts of Prunella vulgaris and P. laciniata have been investigated for their immunomodulatory and antiinflammatory activities concerning their effect on the mitogenic response of murine splenocytes and nitric oxide production by murine peritoneal macrophages in vitro. It was found that both extracts stimulated the proliferation of T‐lymphocytes and suppressed NO production in lipopolysaccharide‐stimulated macrophages dose dependently without any cytotoxicity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of anticancer activity of the alkaloid fraction of Alstonia scholaris (Sapthaparna) in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jagetia Ganesh Chandra , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath
Published: January 2006

The anticancer effect of various doses of an alkaloid fraction of Sapthaparna, Alstonia scholaris (ASERS), was studied in vitro in cultured human neoplastic cell lines (HeLa, HepG2, HL60, KB and MCF‐7) and in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma bearing mice. Treatment of HeLa cells with 25 µg/mL ASERS resulted in a time dependent increase in the antineoplastic activity and the greatest activity was observed when the cells were exposed to ASERS for 24 h. However, exposure of cells to ASERS for 4 h resulted in 25% viable cells and hence this time interval was considered to be the optimum time for treatment and further studies were carried out using this time. Treatment of various cells with ASERS resulted in a concentration dependent decline in the viable cells and a nadir was reached at 200 µg/mL in all the cell lines studied. The IC50 was found to be 5.53, 25, 11.16, 10 and 29.76 µg/mL for HeLa, HePG2, HL60, KB and MCF‐7 cells, respectively. Similarly, administration of ASERS, once daily for 9 consecutive days to the tumor bearing mice caused a dose dependent remission of the tumor up to 240 mg/kg body weight, where the greatest antitumor effect was observed. Since 240 mg/kg ASERS showed toxic manifestations, the next lower dose of 210 mg/kg was considered as the best effective dose, in which 20% of the animals survived up to 120 days post‐tumor‐cell inoculation as against no survivors in the saline treated control group. The ASERS treatment resulted in a dose dependent elevation in the median survival time (MST) and the average survival time (AST) up to 240 mg/kg ASERS and declined thereafter. The surviving animals were healthy and disease free. The effect of ASERS was better than cyclophosphamide, which was used as a positive control, where all the animals succumbed to death by 40 days and the MST and AST were 19.5 and 18.3 days, respectively. The effective dose of 210 mg of ASERS was 3/10 of the LD50 dose, which increased the MST and AST up to 54 and 49.5 days, respectively. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effect of selected flavonoids onin vitrodaunorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity
Authors: Mojžišová G. , Mirossay L. , Kučerová D. , Kyselovič J. , Miroššay A. , Mojžiš J.
Published: January 2006

Flavonoids are an ubiquitous group of polyphenolic substances with varied chemical structures present in foods of plant origin and act as free radical scavenging and chelating agents with a variety of biological activities.

Using a model of spontaneously beating, cultured adult rat cardiomyocytes, this study examined the cardioprotective role of quercetin, naringenin, pycnogenol and a model antioxidant, trolox, against daunorubicin‐induced toxicity. Cardiomyocyte protection was assessed by MTT test and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase detection. Protection of cardiomyocytes was concentration/dose dependent for quercetin > naringenin > pycnogenol > trolox. Quercetin (10−4–10−6mol/L) after 24 h of co‐incubation with daunorubicin significantly increased the cardiomyocyte survival in all tested concentrations (p< 0.001). The cytoprotective effect of naringenin (10−4–10−6mol/L) was similar to those of quercetin (p< 0.001 andp< 0.01, respectively). Pycnogenol was the least effective of the flavonoids studied. On the other hand, all tested flavonoids had significantly better protective effects than trolox. The leakage of lactate dehydrogenase induced by daunorubicin was also prevented by the studied compounds and was in accordance with their cytoprotective activity. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An in vitro study of the protective effect of the flavonoid silydianin against reactive oxygen species
Authors: Zielińska‐Przyjemska Małgorzata , Wiktorowicz Krzysztof
Published: January 2006

The inhibitory effect of silydianin, an active constituent of Silybium marianum, on the in vitro production and release of oxidative products has been examined. Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) play a primary role in the initiation and propagation of inflammatory responses. Their apoptosis is a major mechanism associated with the resolution of inflammatory reactions. Neutrophils were assessed for caspase‐3 activity, the rst step in the execution phase of apoptosis. When cells were cultured with 100 µm silydianin for 24 h, caspase‐3 was activated. Induction of apoptosis by silydianin was accompanied by a decrease in luminol‐enhanced chemiluminescence as well as superoxide radical (O2•−) release in freshly isolated cells and lipid peroxidation in mouse spleen microsomes. No signicant effect of silydianin on PMN hydrogen peroxide production evaluated by a flow cytometric dichlorofluorescin oxidation assay was found. Such results indicate a possible antiinflammatory activity for silydianin, which regulates caspase‐3 activation, affects cell membranes and acts as a free radical scavenger. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mangifera indica L. extract (Vimang®) inhibits 2‐deoxyribose damage induced by Fe (III) plus ascorbate
Authors: Pardo‐Andreu Gilberto Lázaro , Delgado René , Núñez‐Sellés Alberto J. , Vercesi Anibal E
Published: January 2006

Vimang® is an aqueous extract of selected species of Mangifera indica L, used in Cuba as a nutritional antioxidant supplement. Many in vitro and in vivo models of oxidative stress have been used to elucidate the antioxidant mechanisms of this extract. To further characterize the mechanism of Vimang® action, its effect on the degradation of 2‐deoxyribose induced by Fe (III)‐EDTA plus ascorbate or plus hypoxanthine/xanthine oxidase was studied. Vimang® was shown to be a potent inhibitor of 2‐deoxyribose degradation mediated by Fe (III)‐EDTA plus ascorbate or superoxide (O2−). The results revealed that Vimang®, at concentrations higher than 50 µm mangiferin equivalent, was equally effective in preventing degradation of both 15 mm and 1.5 mm 2‐deoxyribose. At a xed Fe (III) concentration, increasing the concentration of ligands (either EDTA or citrate) caused a signicant reduction in the protective effects of Vimang®. When ascorbate was replaced by O2− (formed by hypoxanthine and xanthine oxidase) the protective efciency of Vimang® was also inversely related to EDTA concentration. The results strongly indicate that Vimang® does not block 2‐deoxyribose degradation by simply trapping •OH radicals. Rather, Vimang® seems to act as an antioxidant by complexing iron ions, rendering them inactive or poorly active in the Fenton reaction. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Green tea (Camellia sinensis) extract ameliorates endotoxin induced sickness behavior and liver damage in rats
Authors: Singal Anjali , Tirkey Naveen , Pilkhwal Sangeeta , Chopra Kanwaljit
Published: January 2006

Immune activation, either by cytokines or endotoxin, elicits a constellation of nonspecic symptoms such as weakness, malaise, listlessness, fatigue, adipsia, anorexia, depression and anxiety collectively termed as sickness behavior. Further, endotoxin administration in animals has been implicated in the pathogenesis of many types of liver disease. Green tea, a common household drink, is rich in antioxidant polyphenols demonstrating inhibitory effects on cytokine production. The present study was designed to investigate the effect of chronic treatment of green tea extract (GTE) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced sickness behavior and liver damage in rats. The hypothesis was tested through the analysis of LPS‐induced behavioral changes in rats, in plus maze and open eld paradigms. Other parameters such as feeding and water consumption, weight loss and organ weight index were also estimated. Liver function tests were conducted to investigate the effect of GTE supplementation on LPS‐induced hepatic dysfunction. The results of the study demonstrated that GTE signicantly attenuated LPS‐induced sickness behavior as well as hepatic damage either by its antioxidant activity or by inhibiting LPS induced cytokine production in rats. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of extracts and tannins fromArbutus unedoleaves on rat platelet aggregation
Authors: Mekhfi Hassane , ElHaouari Mohammed , Bnouham Mohamed , Aziz Mohammed , Ziyyat Abderrahim , Legssyer Abdelkhaleq
Published: January 2006

Many cardiovascular diseases such as arterial hypertension are associated with an increase in blood platelet activity.Arbutus unedo(Ericaceae) is a medicinal plant reputed to treat arterial hypertension, so the present study was undertaken in order to determine the antiaggregant effect. The crude aqueous extract showed an inhibition of thrombin‐induced platelet aggregation (IC50= 1.8 ± 0.09 g/L,n= 10). The subsequent extraction ofArbutus unedoleaves by successive solvents showed that the methanol and ethyl acetate extracts accounted for most of the antiaggregant activity (IC50= 0.7 ± 0.08,n= 9; 0.6 ± 0.05;n= 9, respectively).

The tannins isolated from the methanol extract exhibited a strong antiplatelet effect (% of inhibition = 75.3 ± 1.4,n= 8) and may be the major chemical compounds responsible for this action. Our results support the traditional use of this plant in the preventive or therapeutic treatment of platelet aggregation linked to arterial hypertension. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Echinacea extracts modulate the pattern of chemokine and cytokine secretion in rhinovirus‐infected and uninfected epithelial cells
Authors: Sharma M. , Arnason J. T. , Burt A. , Hudson J. B.
Published: January 2006

Extracts of Echinacea purpurea are among the most widely used herbal medicines throughout Europe and North America for the prevention or treatment of common cold, coughs, bronchitis and other upper respiratory infections. Popular preparations include expressed juice from the aerial parts of the plant (which contain polysaccharides) and alcoholic tinctures from roots (containing caffeic acid derivatives and alkylamides).

Since immune modulation has been reported for similar extracts, cytokine antibody arrays were used to investigate the changes in the pro‐inflammatory cytokines and chemokines released from a cultured line of human bronchial epithelial cells exposed to Rhinovirus 14 and two different chemically characterized Echinacea extracts.

Virus infection stimulated the release of at least 31 cytokine‐related molecules, including several important chemokines known to attract inflammatory cells. Most of these effects were reversed by simultaneous exposure to either of the two Echinacea extracts, although the patterns of response were different for the two extracts. These results could explain the antiinflammatory properties of Echinacea extracts.

Furthermore, a number of these cytokines were stimulated by the same Echinacea preparations in uninfected cells. These observations therefore provide support for the alleged benecial uses of Echinacea extracts. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of the active compound in Mauria heterophylla, a peruvian plant with antibacterial activity
Authors: Mori Tatsuya , Chang Cecilia , Maurtua Dora , Hammond Gerald. B.
Published: January 2006

A fraction from the ethanol extract of the Peruvian medicinal plant Mauria heterophylla (Anacardiaceae) showed antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli 35992, Staphylococcus aureus 20213 and Pseudomonas aeruginosa 15442. Further fractionation led to the isolation and characterization of ethyl gallate as the antibacterial active compound. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tandem electrospray mass spectrometric studies of proton and sodium ion adducts of neutral peptides with modified N‐ and C‐termini: synthetic model peptides and microheterogeneous peptaibol antibiotics
Authors: Sabareesh Varatharajan , Balaram Padmanabhan
Published: January 2006

The fragmentations of [M+H]+ and [M+Na]+ adducts of neutral peptides with blocked N‐ and C‐termini have been investigated using electrospray ion trap mass spectrometry. The N‐termini of these synthetically designed peptides are blocked with a tertiarybutyloxycarbonyl (Boc) group, and the C‐termini are esterified. These peptides do not possess side chains that are capable of complexation and hence the backbone amide units are the sole sites of protonation and metallation. The cleavage patterns of the protonated peptides are strikingly different from those of sodium ion adducts. While the loss of the N‐terminal blocking group occurs quite readily in the case of MS/MS of [M+Na]+, the cleavage of the C‐terminal methoxy group seems to be a facile process in the case of MS/MS of [M+H]+. Fragmentation of the protonated adducts yields only bn ions, while yn and an ions are predominantly formed from the fragmentation of sodium ion adducts. The an ions arising from the fragmentation of [M+Na]+ lack the N‐terminal Boc group (and are here termed an* ions). MS/MS of [M+Na]+ species also yields bn ions of substantially lower intensities that lack the N‐terminal Boc group (bn*). A similar distinction between the fragmentation patterns of proton and sodium ion adducts is observed in the case of peptides possessing an N‐terminal acetyl group. An example of the fragmentation of the H+ and Na+ adducts of a naturally occurring peptaibol from a Trichoderma species confirms that fragmentation of these two ionized species yields complementary information, useful in sequencing natural peptides. Inspection of the isotopic pattern of bn ions derived from [M+H]+ adducts of peptaibols provided insights into the sequences of microheterogeneous samples. This study reveals that the combined use of protonated and sodium ion adducts should prove useful in de novo sequencing of peptides, particularly of naturally occurring neutral peptides with modified N‐ and C‐termini, for example, peptaibols. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term changes in carbon isotope composition of soluble carbohydrates and starch: from canopy leaves to the root system
Authors: Göttlicher Sabine , Knohl Alexander , Wanek Wolfgang , Buchmann Nina , Richter Andreas
Published: January 2006

Changes in the 13C discrimination of current leaf photosynthesis might have profound impacts on root respiratory substrates. Therefore, the aim of this study was (1) to refine a method for the isolation of root and leaf starch and soluble sugars (neutral fraction) for stable carbon isotope analysis and (2) to assess the short‐term temporal variability of the C isotope composition (δ13C) of starch and of the neutral fraction of beech roots and leaves at different canopy heights. An existing method for isolating starch for stable C isotope analysis based on enzymatic hydrolysis was modified to account for the low starch content of the samples. This was achieved by removing the enzyme (α‐amylase) by ultrafiltration after the hydrolysis, resulting in very low carbon blanks. The neutral fraction was separated from organic acids and cations by ion‐exchange chromatography. An anion‐exchange resin in the [HCO3]−‐form was chosen that ensured high precision of C blanks. Beech leaves at 5, 10 and 20 m above the forest floor as well as roots were sampled six times during a day/night cycle in July 2003. δ13C values of bulk material, starch and the neutral fraction increased from the lower to the higher canopy with mean differences between 5 and 20 m of 3.8, 3.4 and 2.7‰ for the δ13C values of starch, neutral fraction and bulk foliage, respectively. The δ13C value of foliar starch increased from the morning to the afternoon and decreased during the night, but diurnal differences (up to 3.1‰) were only statistically significant for leaves sampled at 5 and 10 m height. In roots, no diurnal variation in the δ13C of starch was observed during the short time frame of one day and the δ13C of the neutral fraction did not differ between samples taken at 16:30 and 22:00. Calculated δ13C values of starch, which was mobilised during the night, were more positive than the total starch (all sampling times pooled) in leaves. Furthermore, the δ13C values of mobilised starch were approximately 5‰ more positive than that of the mobilised neutral fraction. Hence, the δ13C of potential sources for export from canopy leaves to roots varied considerably in their C isotope composition. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Feasibility of static secondary ion mass spectrometry to study physicochemical interactions between organic components and silver in thermographic systems
Authors: De Mondt Roel , Van Vaeck Luc , Lenaerts Jens , Geuens Ingrid , Van Luppen Jaymes
Published: January 2006

Chemical engineering of high‐technology products requires elucidation of intermolecular interactions in complex materials. As part of an extensive study on thermographic systems, static secondary ion mass spectrometry (S‐SIMS) was used to probe the physicochemical behaviour of active compounds, such as different tone modifiers and stabilisers, on silver. In particular, the feasibility of detecting adsorption and/or binding of individual additives and mixtures to silver was examined. Substrates prepared by sputter coating silver on silicon wafers were exposed to solutions of the studied compounds in 2‐butanone. The signal intensities measured with S‐SIMS for the ad‐layers showed reproducibility to within 10%. Radical ions containing silver such as [M–H+Ag]+. were used as evidence for the formation of bonds in the solid. Also the [M–H+2Ag]+ ions could be assigned to chemisorbed species while [M+Ag]+ ions could be formed by adduct ionisation of molecules with co‐ejected Ag+ ions. The signal intensities of [M–H+Ag]+. and [M–H+2Ag]+ ions were used to monitor the adsorption quantitatively as a function of time. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nodes of large degree in random trees and forests
Authors: Gittenberger Bernhard
Published: January 2006

We study the asymptotic behavior of the number Nk,n of nodes of given degree k in unlabeled random trees, when the tree size n and the node degree k both tend to infinity. It is shown that Nk,n is asymptotically normal if
${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to \infty$
and asymptotically Poisson distributed if ${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to C>0$. If ${\bf E} N_{k,n}\to0$, then the distribution degenerates. The same holds for rooted, unlabeled trees and forests. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 2006
Surviving the gales of creative destruction: the determinants of product turnover
Authors: de Figueiredo John M. , Kyle Margaret K.
Published: January 2006

Innovative industries are often characterized by rapid product turnover. Product longevity may be driven by both a product's position within a market as well as its position within a firm's larger product portfolio. However, we have little understanding of the relative importance of these factors in determining product turnover and how they interact as an industry evolves. Although researchers have invested substantial effort in analyzing firm survival and turnover, there are far fewer studies of the determinants of product survival and turnover. We use hazard rate models and count regression models to describe the behavior of firms and their products with a new and detailed database on the laser printer industry. We show, first, that competition and market structure variables have a large impact on both speeding product exit and delaying product entry. Second, there is some evidence that firms that have maintained a high market share for a number of years keep their products on the market longer than those with lower market share. Finally, firms with high innovative capacity tend to enter markets frequently, but withdraw their products at average rates. Firms with strong brands tend to introduce few products and withdraw their products slowly. With these findings, the paper links product entry and exit decisions to the broader literature on firm strategic and product management. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Business relatedness and performance: a study of managerial perceptions
Authors: Pehrsson Anders
Published: January 2006

Understanding of business relatedness and performance effects is the foundation of any diversification decision, but we have limited knowledge of how managers consider relatedness. This study identified relatedness classes and performance effects using perceptual survey data from top industrial executives. Four classes with significant variable differences were found: high, technology, customer, and low relatedness. Technology relatedness had a strong positive performance effect and high relatedness had a negative effect. The findings confirm that perceptions are multidimensional, but may include five key factors rather than the previously identified attribute categories of product–markets, resources, and value chains. Contributions to diversification literature are discussed. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic profiles of chain‐breaking antioxidants with phosphites and hindered amine light stabilizers in styrene–ethylene–butadiene–styrene (SEBS) block copolymer
Authors: Luengo Cristina , Allen Norman S. , Wilkinson Arthur , Edge Michele , Parellada M. Dolores , Barrio Juan A. , Santa V. Ruiz
Published: January 2006

The photostabilization of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) by phosphite/p‐hydroxybenzoate antioxidants and hindered phenol/hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) was studied by using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including FTIR, UV, and luminescence spectroscopy coupled with crosslinking and hydroperoxide analysis. The results were compared with those obtained for hindered phenols and their combinations with phosphite antioxidants. All the stabilizing packages stabilized the SEBS in terms of the inhibition of discoloration and the formation of hydroperoxides, acetophenone, and oxidation products, as well as chain scission and disaggregation of the styrene units. Although phosphite/p‐hydroxybenzoate combinations appeared to reduce the formation of oxidation products, they did not show any remarkable enhancement in long‐term stabilization with respect to phenolic/phosphite antioxidants. On the other hand, strong synergistic profiles were found with the HALS. Mobility and diffusion impediments in the polymeric material appeared to play an important role in the stabilizing activity of the HALS. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL. 12:8–13, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of wood powder on polymer foam nucleation
Authors: Rodrigue Denis , Souici Slimane , Twite‐Kabamba Eddy
Published: January 2006

It is usually reported that wood particles in wood/polymer composite foams can act as nucleating sites. Since high wood contents are used, it is difficult to determine exactly the effect of wood particles. In this study, LDPE was chemically foamed in a twin‐screw extruder, and small amounts of wood (0–5 phr) were added to determine their effect. Particle size was investigated by using three mesh sizes: 45–61, 104–125, and 180–210 μm. As expected, wood particles acted as nucleating agents that substantially reduced cell size and increased cell density. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:19–24, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Durability of glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer nanocomposites in an alkaline environment
Authors: Ravindran Naveenkamal , Cho Eung Ha
Published: January 2006

This study was conducted to determine the effect of clay content in GFRP (glass‐fiber‐reinforced polymer) composite samples as they were aged in an alkaline solution. Two kinds of GFRP composite samples were prepared. One was E‐glass‐fiber‐reinforced vinyl ester polymer, and the other was nano‐GFRP composites prepared with the addition of 1 and 2 wt% of montmorillonite clay to the polymer matrix. These samples were aged in alkaline solution of pH 13.2 with and without sustained load. The load was 1335 N or 18.7% of the tensile strength of the composite samples. The aging was evaluated by measuring the reduction in tensile strength after 6 months. Also, absorption of alkaline solution into the plain and nano‐GFRP samples was investigated so as to elucidate the diffusion behaviors. It was found that for a short exposure time (e.g. 1 month) and without sustained load, dispersing 2 wt% of the nanoclay in the polymer matrix of the GFRP samples reduces the diffusivity by 39%. However, with the application of sustained load, the glass fiber composite samples deteriorate more with increasing clay content. The reduction in tensile strength was 7.1%, 12.1%, and 18.1% for the samples containing 0, 1, and 2 wt% of clay, respectively. J. VINYL. ADDIT. TECHNOL., 12:25–32, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers
Complex regional pain syndrome in children and adolescents
Authors: Finniss Damien G. , Murphy Paul M. , Brooker Charles , Nicholas Michael K. , Cousins Michael J.
Published: January 2006

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) is a disorder characterised by pain, sensory and motor disturbances and represents a significant medical entity. This report discusses two cases of CRPS in children and adolescents, highlighting several critical issues for clinicians in the diagnosis and management of CRPS in these populations. Early diagnosis, referral and appropriate intervention are essential in decreasing pain, suffering and resorting function for children and adolescents with CRPS.
Long inverted repeats in eukaryotic genomes: Recombinogenic motifs determine genomic plasticity
Authors: Wang Yong , Leung Frederick C.C.
Published: January 2006

Inverted repeats are unstable motifs in a genome, having a causal relation to fragment rearrangements and recombination events. We have investigated long inverted repeats (LIR) of >30 bp in length in eukaryotic genomes to assess their contribution to genome stability. An algorithm was first designed for searching for LIRs with <2 kb internal spacers and >85% identity (degree of homology between repeat copies of a LIR). There are much fewer LIRs in yeast, fruitfly, pufferfish and chicken than in Caenorhabditis elegans, zebrafish, frog and human. However, the high LIR frequencies do not necessarily imply high genome instability because of variant internal spacers and stem lengths and identities. From the collection of identified LIRs, we selected recombinogenic LIRs that had a short internal spacer and a high copy identity and were prone to induce high instability. We found that a relatively high proportion (5–9.8%) of the LIRs in C. elegans, zebrafish and frog were recombinogenic LIRs. In contrast, the proportions in human and mouse LIRs were quite low (0.4–1.1%) basically accounting for long internal spacers. We suggest that C. elegans, zebrafish and frog genomes are unstable in terms of the LIR frequency and the proportion of recombinogenic LIRs. For the other genomes, LIRs most likely have a minor impact.
The role of tryptophan 272 in the Paracoccus denitrificans cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: MacMillan Fraser , Budiman Kerstin , Angerer Heike , Michel Hartmut
Published: January 2006

The mechanism of electron coupled proton transfer in cytochrome c oxidase (CcO) is still poorly understood. The PM‐intermediate of the catalytic cycle is an oxoferryl state whose generation requires one additional electron, which cannot be provided by the two metal centres. The missing electron has been suggested to be donated to this binuclear site by a tyrosine residue. A tyrosine radical species has been detected in the PM and F intermediates (formed by addition of H2O2) of the Paraccocus denitrificans CcO using electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. From the study of conserved variants its origin was determined to be Y167 which is surprising as this residue is not part of the active site. Upon inspection of the active site it becomes evident that W272 could be the actual donor of the missing electron, which can then be replenished from Y167 or from the Y280‐H276 cross link in the natural cycle. To address the question, whether such a direct electron transfer pathway to the binuclear centre exists two tryptophan 272 variants in subunit I have been generated. These variants are characterised by their turnover rates as well as using EPR and optical spectroscopy. From these experiments it is concluded, that W272 is an important intermediate in the formation of the radical species appearing in PM and F intermediates produced with hydrogen peroxide. The significance of this finding for the catalytic function of the enzyme is discussed.
The μO‐conotoxin MrVIA inhibits voltage‐gated sodium channels by associating with domain‐3
Authors: Zorn Stefan , Leipold Enrico , Hansel Alfred , Bulaj Grzegorz , Olivera Baldomero M. , Terlau Heinrich , Heinemann Stefan H.
Published: January 2006

Several families of peptide toxins from cone snails affect voltage‐gated sodium (NaV) channels: μ‐conotoxins block the pore, δ‐conotoxins inhibit channel inactivation, and μO‐conotoxins inhibit NaV channels by an unknown mechanism. The only currently known μO‐conotoxins MrVIA and MrVIB from Conus marmoreus were applied to cloned rat skeletal muscle (NaV1.4) and brain (NaV1.2) sodium channels in mammalian cells. A systematic domain‐swapping strategy identified the C‐terminal pore loop of domain‐3 as the major determinant for NaV1.4 being more potently blocked than NaV1.2 channels. μO‐conotoxins therefore show an interaction pattern with NaV channels that is clearly different from the related μ‐ and δ‐conotoxins, indicative of a distinct molecular mechanism of channel inhibition.
Two motifs essential for nuclear import of the hnRNP A1 nucleocytoplasmic shuttling sequence M9 core
Authors: Iijima Megumi , Suzuki Maiko , Tanabe Ayako , Nishimura Akira , Yamada Michiyuki
Published: January 2006

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP) A1 regulates mRNA genesis. It shuttles between the nucleus and cytoplasm. Its shuttling signal is a 38‐residue sequence M9. We studied the nuclear import and export of M9 by mutational analysis. Heterokaryon assay indicated that the 19‐residue sequence SNFGPMKGGNFGGRSSGPY (M9 core) is necessary and sufficient for shuttling. Moreover, M9 core mutation revealed that in addition to the hitherto characterized N‐terminal motif SNFGPMK, the C‐terminal motif PY is crucial for nuclear import as well as for binding to transportin. Key residues of the motifs are conserved in the shuttling signals of hnRNP D and JKTBP.
The effect of high‐fat feeding on intramuscular lipid and lipid peroxidation levels in UCP3‐ablated mice
Authors: Hoeks Joris , Hesselink Matthijs K.C. , Sluiter Wim , Schaart Gert , Willems Jodil , Morrisson Alastair , Clapham John C. , Saris Wim H.M. , Schrauwen Patrick
Published: January 2006

UCP3−/− mice showed ∼3‐fold higher levels of intramuscular lipid peroxides upon standard chow feeding, compared to wild‐type littermates. Remarkably, this difference was no longer apparent on the high‐fat diet. However, upon high‐fat feeding, intramuscular triacylglycerol levels were ∼50% lower in UCP3−/− mice, in comparison to UCP3+/+ animals. Succinate dehydrogenase activity, and total protein content of the muscle fatty acid transporter FAT/CD36 were however similar between UCP3−/− and UCP3+/+ mice.
Anthocyanins from soybean seed coat inhibit the expression of TNF‐α‐induced genes associated with ischemia/reperfusion in endothelial cell by NF‐κB‐dependent pathway and reduce rat myocardial damages incurred by ischemia and reperfusion in vivo
Authors: Kim Hye Jung , Tsoy Irina , Park Jung Min , Chung Jong Il , Shin Sung Chul , Chang Ki Churl
Published: January 2006

We examined the inhibition of the expression of some inflammatory genes associated with ischemia‐reperfusion (I/R) injury by anthocyanins isolated from black soybean seed coat in tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐treated bovine aortic endothelial cells. In addition, its potential use on I/R‐injury was investigated using rats subjected to 30‐min occlusion of left descending coronary artery followed by 24‐h reperfusion. Western blot analysis and luciferase activity assay showed that anthocyanins inhibited TNF‐α‐induced vascular cell adhesion molecule‐1, intracellular adhesion molecule‐1, and cyclooxygenase‐2 levels, which is through NF‐κB‐dependent pathway. Further, anthocyanins protected myocardiac injury from I/R in rats. It is suggested that anthocyanins from black soybean seed coat can be used as a useful drug to modulate cardiovascular disorder.
Effects of photoperiod and exercise on growth, liver size, and age at puberty in farmed Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua L.)
Authors: Karlsen Ø. , Norberg B. , Kjesbu O.S. , Taranger G.L.
Published: January 2006

Sexual maturation in Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) results in loss of appetite and weight during spawning, leads to increased production time required to reach desired harvest size, and results in greater mortality and reduced food conversion efficiency. Thus, methods to stop or delay maturation are urgently needed. In the present study, the effect of continuous light (LL) treatment on maturation was tested in combination with different exercise levels in seawater tanks compared with controls under natural light. LL treatment in lightproof tanks arrested gonadal development for at least 8 months. Exercising Atlantic cod by forcing them to swim with 0, 0.5, or 1 body length per second from the summer solstice had no effect on incidence of maturation either under natural light or under LL. Growth was enhanced in the LL groups compared with the NL groups, mainly as a result of the weight loss of the NL groups during spawning.
Genetic characteristics of broodstock collected from four Norwegian coastal cod (Gadus morhua) populations
Authors: Dahle G. , Jørstad K.E. , Rusaas H.E. , Otterå H.
Published: January 2006

The aquaculture industry in Norway is now focused on developing economically viable farming based on the Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua. Extensive research has been carried out on this species for the past two decades, much of it in connection with stock enhancement. Until now, most of the intensive cage culture has been based on wild broodstock. However, a future cod aquaculture industry must be based on a domesticated broodstock, and the initial selection of wild cod becomes an important issue. Genetic differentiation between coastal cod populations in Norway has been reported, and it is of interest to evaluate offspring from some of these populations under farmed conditions. Live mature cod were collected at four selected spawning sites along the Norwegian coast (Porsangerfjord, Tysfjord, Herøy/Helgeland, and Øygarden). The fish were transported to Parisvatnet, a cod aquaculture facility west of Bergen, where they were kept in net pens. Individual tagging and extensive sampling (blood, white muscle, and fin clips) for genetic characterization were carried out. Each potential broodstock fish was genotyped at the haemoglobin and pantophysin I loci in addition to five allozyme (LDH-3∗, GPD∗, IDH-2∗, PGM∗, PGI-1∗) and ten microsatellite loci (Gmo2, Gmo3, Gmo8, Gmo19, Gmo34, Gmo35, Gmo36, Gmo37, Gmo132, Tch11). Comparison of allele frequencies revealed significant genetic differences among some of the coastal cod samples, and offspring performance of the broodstock is now being compared under farmed conditions. The overall test revealed significant genetic differences among the coastal broodstocks, with the HbI, PanI and the microsatellite Gmo132 loci being most informative.
Improving availability of EmOC services in Rwanda — CARE's experiences and lessons learned at Kabgayi Referral Hospital
Authors: Kayongo M. , Butera J. , Mboninyibuka D. , Nyiransabimana B. , Ntezimana A. , Mukangamuje V.
Published: January 2006

Objective

CARE's work in Rwanda was designed to improve the functional capacity of health facilities for the delivery of EmOC services.

Objective

The project supported a comprehensive package of focused interventions that included hospital renovations, provision of essential equipment, training of staff and improvement of management systems at the Kabgayi regional referral hospital.

Results

There was an increased level of preparedness for emergencies and ability to manage common obstetric complications according to evidence‐based practices. These changes ultimately led to increased availability, quality and use of services as demonstrated by an increase in the demand for care of obstetric complications at the facility. The met need increased from 16% at the start of the project (2001) to 25% in 2004, while the cesarean rate remained essentially the same (1.9% and 3.2%) over the same time period. There were progressive declines in the case fatality rates from 2.2% in 2001 to 1.2% in 2004.

Conclusion

CARE's experience indicates that progress towards reducing maternal mortality requires specific efforts that support and strengthen existing health systems to provide skilled care that can save women's lives.
A questionnaire-based study of gestation, parturition and neonatal mortality in pedigree breeding cats in the UK
Authors: Sparkes Andrew H , Rogers Katherine , Henley William E , Gunn-Moore Danielle A. , May Julia M , Gruffydd-Jones Timothy J , Bessant Claire
Published: January 2006

This study was based on a convenience-sampling questionnaire study of pedigree cat breeding in the UK. Data were collated for the births of 1056 litters from 14 different pedigree breeds and 942 different households. Significant relationships between various outcomes and relevant predictors were assessed by multiple linear regression or logistic regression as appropriate. The overall mean gestation length of 65.1 days varied significantly between the breeds ( P<0.0001), and larger litter sizes were associated with shorter gestation lengths ( P=0.04). The mean litter size of 4.6 kittens also varied significantly according to breed ( P<0.0001). The weight of kittens born alive (overall mean 93.5 g) increased with longer gestation lengths ( P=0.0003), decreased with larger litter sizes ( P<0.0001) and varied between the breeds ( P<0.0001). A total of 8.0% of pregnancies resulted in a caesarean section, with a higher risk associated with smaller litter sizes ( P=0.002). Although the frequency of caesarean sections varied from 0 to 18.5% between individual breeds, breed itself was not shown to have a significant independent effect on this likelihood. A mean of 7.2% of all the kittens were stillborn, which varied according to breed ( P=0.0003), and the risk of a stillborn kitten increased with litter size ( P=0.0001), and with the presence of congenital defects in the litter ( P=0.0002). The mean kitten mortality between birth and 8 weeks of age was 9.1%, and the majority of these occurred in the first week of life. Parturition intervals varied widely. The duration of first stage of labour was less than 2 h in 82.9% of cats. The interval between the birth of the first and last kitten was less than 6 h in 85.7%, but more than 48 h in three cats. A maximum of 48 h was recorded between the births of individual kittens in unassisted deliveries.
“Don’t knows” and public opinion towards economic reform: Evidence from Russia
Authors: Berinsky Adam J. , Tucker Joshua A.
Published: January 2006

As market reform has spread throughout the globe, both scholars and policy makers have become increasingly interested in measuring public opinion towards economic changes. However, recent research from American politics suggests that special care must be paid to how surveys treat non-respondents to these types of questions. We extend this line of inquiry to a well-known case of large-scale economic reform, Russia in the mid-1990s. Our major finding is that Russians who fail to answer survey questions tend to be consistently less “liberal” than their counterparts who are able to answer such questions. This finding has implications both for our understanding of Russian public opinion in the 1990s, as well as for measuring attitudes towards economic reform more generally.
GENERATIONAL CHANGES ON THE DRAW-A-MAN TEST: A COMPARISON OF BRAZILIAN URBAN AND RURAL CHILDREN TESTED IN 1930, 2002 AND 2004
Authors: COLOM ROBERTO , FLORES-MENDOZA CARMEN E. , ABAD FRANCISCO J.
Published: January 2006

Although gains in generational intelligence test scores have been widely demonstrated around the world, researchers still do not know what has caused them. The cognitive stimulation and nutritional hypotheses summarize the several diverse potential causes that have been considered. This article analyses data for a sample of 499 children tested in 1930 and one equivalent sample of 710 children tested 72 years later, the largest gap ever considered. Both samples comprised children aged between 7 and 11 who were assessed by the Draw-a-Man test in the city of Belo Horizonte, Brazil. Further, one additional sample of 132 children was assessed in 2004 in a rural area very similar in several diverse factors to the 1930 urban sample. The results are consistent with both the cognitive stimulation and the nutritional hypotheses.
HOW INTELLECTUAL IS CHESS? – A REPLY TO HOWARD
Authors: BILALIĆ MERIM , McLEOD PETER
Published: January 2006

Howard’s (2005) claim that male dominance in chess is ‘consistent with the evolutionary psychology view that males predominate at high achievement levels at least partly because of ability differences’ (p. 378) is based on the premise that top level chess skill depends on a high level of IQ and visuospatial abilities. This premise is not supported by empirical evidence. In 1927 Djakow et al. first showed that world-class chess players do not have exceptional intellectual abilities. This finding has subsequently been confirmed many times. Different participation rates, or differences in the amount of practice, motivation and interest for chess in male and female chess players, may provide a better explanation for gender differences in chess performance.
IQ, VISUOSPATIAL ABILITY AND THE GENDER DIVIDE: A REPLY TO BILALIĆ AND McLEOD
Authors: HOWARD ROBERT W.
Published: January 2006

Bilalić and McLeod’s arguments fall short on several grounds. There are excellent logical reasons to expect strong ability/chess expertise links and specific research evidence to date is sparse, with mixed findings. Data are presented from Georgia, which has a high female participation rate in chess, which suggest that differing gender motivation levels and participation rates impact relatively little on chess performance differences at the extreme.
CHILD IMMUNIZATION IN VIETNAM: SITUATION AND BARRIERS TO COVERAGE
Authors: MINH THANG NGUYEN , BHUSHAN INDU , BLOOM ERIK , BONU SEKHAR
Published: January 2006

This paper addresses the overall performance and inequalities in the immunization of children in Vietnam. Descriptive and logistic analysis of cross-national demographic and health data was used to examine inequality in immunization, identify the most vulnerable groups in immunization coverage, and identify the gap in coverage between hard-to-access people and the remainder of the population. The gap in the coverage was found to occur primarily in vulnerable groups such as the poor minority or poor rural children. No evidence was found of a difference in immunization coverage because of sex or birth order. However, the age of children showed a significant influence on the rate of immunization. Mother’s education and regular watching of television had a significant influence on child immunization. In order to improve child immunization coverage in Vietnam, efforts should be concentrated on poor children from minority groups and those living in rural areas, especially remote ones. Community development, investment for immunization and re-organization of immunization services at the grassroots level are also key factors to remove the barriers to immunization for vulnerable populations in Vietnam.
‘Choose and Book’ in ENT: the GP perspective
Authors: Pothier David , Awad Zaid , Tierney Paul
Published: January 2006

Objectives: ‘Choose and Book’ is a UK government initiative devised to allow a greater freedom of choice for National Health Service patients. The system is designed to give patients a choice of hospitals and appointment times, as well as giving their general practitioner (GP) more responsibility for appropriate prioritization. We set out to determine the attitudes of UK GPs to the new Choose and Book project and to assess the impact that these changes are likely to have on ENT practice.

Design: Postal questionnaire survey.

Methods: Five hundred GPs were sent a questionnaire about the planned Choose and Book referral project.

Results: Three hundred and eighty GPs (76 per cent) replied to the questionnaire after reminders were sent. Most were aware of the project and had been sent information about it. Of those who had heard of it, 61.5 per cent did not think it was a good thing. Most stated that both they and their patients were satisfied with current prioritization practices. Many GPs would be willing to delegate responsibility for prioritization to non-clinical staff. Important time and responsibility issues were identified.

Conclusions: The majority of GPs were not in favour of Choose and Book. Many cited difficulties with time constraints and an inflexible system as factors that made Choose and Book unacceptable.
Grommet insertion: a novel technique
Authors: Sharma R K , Bateman N , Bull P D
Published: January 2006

We describe a new technique for inserting grommets which is both easy to master and provides better visualization of the tympanic membrane. This is particularly helpful in patients with narrow ear canals.
Schwannoma of the tympanic membrane
Authors: Yang Chao-Hui , Su Chih-Ying , Wei Yu-Ching , Hwang Chung-Feng
Published: January 2006

Schwannoma arising from the tympanic membrane is a rare neoplasm. This report describes an external ear canal mass obscuring the tympanic membrane. A transcanal approach identified a tumour adhered to the tympanic membrane. The tumour was excised without myringoplasty. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of schwannoma. Clinical examination revealed no evidence of recurrence during a follow-up period of one year. The possible origins of schwannoma of the tympanic membrane and lesion management are also discussed.
Role of revision adenoidectomy in paediatric otolaryngological practice
Authors: Liapi A , Dhanasekar G , Turner N O
Published: January 2006

Objectives: We aimed to determine the need for revision adenoidectomy following the standard technique of blind curettage with digital palpation.

Methods: Within a district general hospital, we undertook a retrospective study of 3231 children who underwent adenoidectomy between 1996 and 2003, 53 of whom required revision adenoidectomy. The main outcome measure was the number of children needing revision adenoidectomy.

Results: A total of 53 children required a repeated operation for recurrence of symptoms (1.6 per cent); of these, 42 were for treatment of glue ear, five were for nasal symptoms and six were for adenoidal infection.

Conclusion: Adenoidectomy performed without vision may be one of the reasons for recurrence of symptoms. Residual adenoids are acknowledged in the literature as one of the complications of the traditional technique. We highlight the fact that the need for revision adenoidectomy is not uncommon and suggest that we should improve our surgical technique in the UK by visualization of the postnasal space either by a mirror or an endoscope.