bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Survey of breast‐feeding practices and outcomes in the cystic fibrosis population
Authors: Parker Eliza M. , O'Sullivan Brian P. , Shea Julie C. , Regan Meredith M. , Freedman Steven D.
Published: March 2004

The aim of this study was to survey cystic fibrosis (CF) patients to determine the frequency of breast‐feeding and its association with onset and severity of CF symptoms. Three thousand, two hundred questionnaires were sent to 30 accredited CF centers for anonymous completion. Eight hundred and sixty‐three questionnaires were returned and scanned into a database. All results were adjusted for age at time of filling out the questionnaire. Age at onset of symptoms, percent forced expired volume in 1 sec (FEV1%) predicted, and intravenous (IV) antibiotic use were analyzed based on breast‐feeding history. Approximately 49% of respondents received human breast milk at some time, but only 18% were exclusively breast‐fed. Breast‐feeding exclusively for greater than 6 months was associated with a decrease in disease severity based on recent intravenous antibiotic use compared to no breast‐feeding (P = 0.03). There was no statistically significant change in onset of symptoms in the setting of breast‐feeding; however, a trend toward delayed onset was seen in those receiving human milk. Fifty‐three percent of those who breast‐fed exclusively ≥6 months had FEV1% values >90%, compared to 47% of those not breast‐fed. This is a suggestive but not statistically significant difference. In conclusion, breast‐feeding for ≥6 months is associated with decreased use of intravenous antibiotics in the 2 years prior to administering the questionnaire. This survey indicates that breast‐feeding is not harmful to children with CF, and may be beneficial. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:362–367. © 2004 Wiely‐Liss, Inc.
Reduced neurocognition in children who snore
Authors: Kennedy J.D. , Blunden S. , Hirte C. , Parsons D.W. , Martin A.J. , Crowe E. , Williams D. , Pamula Y. , Lushington K.
Published: March 2004

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) has been associated with reduced neurocognitive performance in children, but the underlying etiology is unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between hypoxemia, respiratory arousals, and neurocognitive performance in snoring children referred for adenotonsillectomy. Thirteen snoring children who were referred for evaluation regarding the need for adenotonsillectomy to a children's hospital otolaryngology/respiratory department underwent detailed neurocognitive and polysomnographic (PSG) evaluation. PSGs were evaluated for respiratory abnormalities and compared with 13 nonsnoring control children of similar age who were studied in the same manner. The snoring children had an obstructive respiratory disturbance index within normal range (mean obstructive apnea/hypopnea index, 0.6/hr). Despite this, several domains of neurocognitive function were reduced in the snoring group. These included mean verbal IQ scores (snorers 92.6 vs. nonsnorers 110.2, P < 0.001), mean global IQ scores (snorers 96.7 vs. nonsnorers 110.2, P < 0.005), mean selective attention scores (snorers 46.4 vs. nonsnorers 11.8, P < 0.001), mean sustained attention scores (snorers 8.0 vs. nonsnorers 2.2, P = 0.001), and mean memory index (snorers 95.2 vs. nonsnorers 112.1, P = 0.001). There was a direct relationship between number of mild oxygen desaturations of ≥3%, obstructive hypopneas with ≥3% oxygen desaturations, and respiratory arousals and severity of neurocognitive deficits, with the greatest effect being on memory scores. The disruption of sleep in snoring children produced by relatively mild changes in oxygen saturation or by increases in respiratory arousals may have a greater effect on neurocognitive function than hitherto appreciated. A possible explanation for these neurocognitive deficits may be the combination of the chronicity of sleep disruption secondary to snoring which is occurring at a time of rapid neurological development in the first decade of life. Future studies need to confirm the reversal of these relatively mild neurocognitive decrements post adenotonsillectomy. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:330–337. © 2004 Wiely‐Liss, Inc.
Leiomyosarcoma of the main bronchus in a girl: A long‐time survivor with multiple lung metastases
Authors: Takeda Fumihiro , Yamagiwa Iwao , Ohizumi Hiroyuki , Shiono Satoshi
Published: March 2004

Primary leiomyosarcoma of the respiratory tract is a very rare malignancy, especially in childhood, with only 15 cases in patients under 16 years old having been reported. In the present case, the survival period from the onset of symptoms has been over 7 years, despite incomplete resection. Based on the 15 published cases, the prognosis is poorer when the tumor is unresected or incompletely resected, but under favorable circumstances, prolonged survival is possible. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:368–374. © 2004 Wiely‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular imaging for pediatric lung diseases
Authors: Richard Jean‐Christophe , Chen Delphine L. , Ferkol Tom , Schuster Daniel P.
Published: March 2004

Molecular imaging is a rapidly developing multidisciplinary field that combines advances in contrast agent development, instrumentation, and molecular/cell biology to follow cellular and sub‐cellular events in intact organisms. Platforms for molecular imaging include radionuclide‐based methods, optical methods, and magnetic resonance. To date, molecular imaging studies of the lungs have been used to monitor the effectiveness of gene transfer, neutrophilic inflammation, and cell trafficking. Eventually, the goal will be to translate these new techniques to clinical settings such as cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2004; 37:286–296. © 2004 Wiely‐Liss, Inc.
Complete structure determination of the A chain of mistletoe lectin III fromViscum albumL. ssp.album
Authors: Wacker Roland , Stoeva Stanka , Pfüller Karola , Pfüller Uwe , Voelter Wolfgang
Published: March 2004

The complete primary structure of the A chain of mistletoe lectin III (ML3A), a type II ribosome‐inactivating protein, was determined using proteolytic digests of ML3A, HPLC separation of the peptides, Edman degration and MALDI‐MS. Based on our results, ML3A consists of 254 amino acid residues, showing a high homology to the A chain of isolectin ML1 with only 24 amino acid residue exchanges. A striking important structural difference compared with ML1A is the lack of the single N‐glycosylation site in ML3A due to an amino acid exchange at position 112 (ML1A: N112GS↠ML3A: T112GS). The alignment of ML3A with the A chains of ML1, isoabrins, ricin D,Ricinus communisagglutinin and three lectins, identified from the Korean mistletoeViscum albumssp.coloratum, demonstrates the rigid conservation of all amino acid residues, responsible for the RNA‐N‐glycosidase activity as reported for ricin D. In addition, the fully determined primary structure of ML3A will give further information about the biological mechanism of mistletoe lectin therapy. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide helices with pendant cycloalkane rings. Characterization of conformations of 1‐aminocyclooctane‐1‐carboxylic acid (Ac8c) residues in peptides
Authors: Datta Saumen , Rathore R. N. S. , Vijayalakshmi S. , Vasudev Prema G. , Balaji Rao R. , Balaram P. , Shamala N.
Published: March 2004

A pentapeptide, Boc‐Leu‐Ac8c‐Ala‐Leu‐Ac8c‐OMe 1, an octapeptide, Boc‐Leu‐Ac8c‐Ala‐Leu‐Ac8c‐Ala‐Leu‐Ac8c‐OMe 2 and a tripeptide, Boc‐Aib‐Ac8c‐Aib‐OMe 3 containing the 1‐aminocyclooctane‐1‐carboxylic acid residue (Ac8c) were synthesized and conformationally characterized by x‐ray diffraction studies in the crystal state. Peptides 1 and 2 were also studied by NMR in CDCl3 solution. Peptide 1 adopts a purely 310‐helical conformation in crystals, stabilized by three intramolecular 1 ← 4 hydrogen bonds. Peptide 2 in crystals is largely 310‐helical with distortion in the backbone at the N‐terminus by the insertion of a water molecule between Ac8c (2) CO and Ala (6) NH groups. Peptide 3 forms a C10‐ring structure, i.e. a type III (III′) β‐ turn conformation stabilized by an intramolecular 1 ← 4 hydrogen bond. Five cyclooctane rings assume boat–chair conformations, whereas the sixth [Ac8c(8) in 2] is appreciably distorted, resembling a chiral intermediate in the pseudorotational pathway from the boat–chair to the twisted boat–chair conformation. Internal bond angles of the cyclooctane rings are appreciably distorted from the tetrahedral value, a characteristic feature of the cyclooctane ring. Peptide 1 crystallized in the space group P212121 with a = 11.900(4) Å, b = 18.728(6) Å, c = 20.471(3) Å and Z = 4. The final R1 and wR2 values are 0.0753 and 0.2107, respectively, for 3901 observed reflections [Fo ≥ 3σ(Fo)]. Peptide 2 crystallized in space group P21 with a = 12.961(5) Å, b = 17.710(10) Å, c = 15.101(7) Å, β = 108.45(4)° and Z = 2. The final R1 and wR2 values are 0.0906 and 0.1832, respectively, for 2743 observed reflections [Fo ≥ 3σ(Fo)]. 1H‐NMR studies on both the peptides strongly suggest the persistence of 310‐helical conformations in solution. Peptide 3 crystallized in the space group P21/n, with a = 10.018(1) Å, b = 20.725(1) Å, c = 12.915(1) Å and Z = 4. The final R1 and wR2 values are 0.0411 and 0.1105, respectively, for 3634 observed reflections [Fo ≥ 4σ(Fo)]. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isolation of allicepin, a novel antifungal peptide from onion (Allium cepa) bulbs
Authors: Wang H. X. , Ng T. B.
Published: March 2004

From the bulbs of the onion Allium cepa, a novel antifungal peptide distinct from the antimicrobial peptide previously reported from onion seeds was isolated. The antifungal peptide, designated allicepin, was purified with a procedure that involved aqueous extraction, ion exchange chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose, affinity chromatography on Affi‐gel blue gel and FPLC‐gel filtration on Superdex 75. Allicepin was unadsorbed on DEAE‐cellulose and adsorbed on Affi‐gel blue gel. The molecular weight of allicepin was estimated to be 10 K by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel filtration on Superdex 75. Allicepin exerted an inhibitory activity on mycelial growth in several fungal species including Botrytis cinerea, Fusarium oxysporum, Mycosphaerella arachidicola and Physalospora piricola. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Peptide and amino acid glycation: new insights into the Maillard reaction
Authors: Horvat Štefica , Jakas Andreja
Published: March 2004

Nonenzymatic glycation of proteins, peptides and other macromolecules (the Maillard reaction) has been implicated in a number of pathologies, most clearly in diabetes mellitus, but also in the normal processes of aging and neurodegenerative amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's. In the early stage, glycation results in the formation of Amadori‐modified proteins. In the later stages, advanced glycation end products (AGE) are irreversibly formed from Amadori products leading to the formation of reactive intermediates, crosslinking of proteins, and the formation of brown and fluorescent polymeric materials. Although, the glycation of structural proteins has been attributed a key role in the complications of diabetes, recent attention has been devoted to the physiological significance of glycated peptide hormones. This review focuses on the physico‐chemical properties of the Amadori compounds of bioactive peptides of endogenous and exogenous origin, such as Leu‐enkephalin and morphiceptin, investigated under different conditions as well as on novel pathways in the Maillard reaction observed from investigating intramolecular events in ester‐linked glycopeptides. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal ion‐binding ability of tetrapeptides containing α‐aminoisobutyric acid
Authors: Hanyu Masayuki , Yanagihara Ryoji , Katoh Masaki , Hongo Shinji , Miyazawa Toshifumi , Yamada Takashi
Published: March 2004

α‐Aminoisobutyric acid (Aib), one of the Cα, α‐disubstituted glycines, is a sterically hindered amino acid that acts as a conformational constraint in peptides. However, studies for the application of the ability of Aib to control conformation are quite few. The paper focuses on the molecular recognition ability of acyclic oligopeptides containing Aib. Liquid–liquid extraction of nine kinds of metal ions from aqueous layers to nonpolar organic layers with acyclic tetrapeptides, X‐Trp‐Xaa2‐Gly‐Xaa4‐NH‐Ar (X = H or C6H5CH2OCO (Z), Xaa2 = Aib or Gly, Xaa4 = Leu or Ala, Ar = phenyl or 3,5‐dimethylphenyl) was examined using picrate as the anion of ion pairs. The extraction behaviour of the metal ions with the tetrapeptides was investigated in the pH range from 3 to 9. In the case of basic pH regions, Cu(II) and Ag(I) were effectively extracted with Trp‐Aib‐Gly‐Leu‐NH‐Ar. Pd(II) was specifically extracted with Trp‐Aib‐Gly‐Leu‐NH‐Ar in acidic pH regions. The extraction percent (%E) of the peptide host, which has a 3,5‐dimethylphenyl group, was even larger than that of the host, which has a phenyl group. Moreover, Pd(II) was extracted with a peptide host which has Leu and a 3,5‐dimethylphenyl group in the absence of picrate as the anion of ion pairs. The free α‐amino group, the turn conformation and the hydrophobicity of peptide molecules were important factors for the extraction of the metals. Copyright © 2003 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Editorial introduction: migration, return and development in West Africa
Authors: Black Richard , King Russell
Published: March 2004

This introductory paper sets the scene for the special issue on transnational migration, return and development in West Africa. It first briefly describes the research programme that gave rise to the papers presented here. Then it sets out the basic parameters of the debate on the relationship between migration, return and development in the West African context, highlighting the crucial role of remittances and the neglected topic of return migration. Although officially recorded remittance flows are not as high in West Africa as they are in some other parts of the world, nevertheless they are seen as a critical input to the development process. Moreover, much remittance income escapes formal banking channels and so is unrecorded. The relevance of the West African case also rests on the high levels of educated, skilled migration from the region, and the potential that such migrants could have for development if they could be persuaded either to return or to invest in development‐related initiatives from abroad. The final section of the paper introduces the papers which make up the theme issue. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
From nation‐building to entrepreneurship: the impact of élite return migrants in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana
Authors: Ammassari Savina
Published: March 2004

The issue of whether or not return migration produces any development impacts on the migrants' country of origin continues to raise the interest of policy‐makers. Most empirical studies focus on the macro‐level economic impacts of return. However, it has increasingly become apparent that socio‐cultural and political impacts are important as well. Using both quantitative and qualitative data concerning highly‐skilled élite migrants who have returned to Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, and stressing instead the meso‐level of analysis, this paper demonstrates that return migration has, on balance, fostered positive development effects in both the public and private sector. The effects do vary, mostly across generations of migrants and in relation to historical periods. Whereas earlier migrants' contributions tended to concern the realm of nation‐building, more recent contributions are to be found in a more explicit economic context in the form of entrepreneurship. In particular, the paper illustrates the changes that return migrants have operated in the workplace and dwells upon some significant, concrete examples of innovative practice and productive investment. The policy implications of the main findings are discussed, and some recommendations for future research are formulated. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Migration, return and socio‐economic change in West Africa: the role of family
Authors: Tiemoko Richmond
Published: March 2004

This paper seeks to analyse the influence of migrants' families on return and the transfer of financial, human and social capital by West African migrants who have lived in Europe and North America. Based on a survey of over 600 ‘elite’ and less‐skilled return migrants to Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, as well as qualitative research with migrants remaining in London and Paris, the paper argues that families play an important role in return migration, remittances, and aspects of human, social and financial capital acquisition and investment. Using Cerase's typology of return migration, the analysis seeks to discriminate between migrants whose return decisions were affected by their families – considered as ‘return of conservatism’ – and those who made individual return decisions – considered as ‘return of innovation’. The findings reveal that the relationship between the type of return (and extent of family involvement in this decision), and the extent of financial, human and social capital transfers, varies between countries and across groups of migrants. Although those whose return is influenced by their families might be considered to have made more ‘conservative’ return decisions, this group was found to be more likely to have transferred financial capital to their home country, and more likely to have maintained social capital gained abroad after their return. They were also as likely as ‘innovative’ returnees to have promoted changes in family life or in the workplace. The paper concludes by exploring several policy implications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Translocal development: Italy–Senegal
Authors: Grillo Ralph , Riccio Bruno
Published: March 2004

‘Translocal development’ refers to policies ofcoopération décentralisée, which decentralise aid practices to institutions below the level of the state, especially local authorities, and stress the importance of involving institutions in both North and South so that all are jointly engaged in an enterprise ofcodéveloppement. Our specific concern in this paper is with projects that include transnational migrants and their associations, and we examine how they might provide space for migrant workers to integrate their own (often prior) independent, individual and collective development initiatives with those of national and local governmental and non‐governmental agencies. This has been widely discussed in France under such headlines as ‘immigrants develop their country’, but hardly mentioned elsewhere. The case of Senegalese migrants in Italy, particularly those who embarked on micro‐development projects aimed at their country of origin, leads us to emphasise the practical difficulties facing the implementation of such policies and the complex (micro and macro) politics in which they are embroiled. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emigration, return and development in Cape Verde: the impact of closing borders
Authors: Carling Jørgen
Published: March 2004

Few countries in the world are more dependent on migration than Cape Verde. A small, barren and isolated place, Cape Verde has survived – and prospered – due to the migration lifeline. However, immigration policies in destination countries have made emigration gradually more difficult since the early 1970s until today. In Cape Verde, emigration is such a key structural feature of the society and economy that falling emigration is a major concern. This article addresses the ways in which the restrictive migration regime is affecting three aspects of the migration–development nexus in Cape Verde: recruitment of migrants, return migration, and remittances. The last of these is analysed within the context of transnational practices more generally. The ‘unmaking’ of the Cape Verdean diaspora is still no more than a future scenario, but the processes that challenge the continuation of diasporic loyalties have already gained momentum. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Wo benanϵ a ϵyϵ bebree’: the economic impact of remittances of Netherlands‐based Ghanaian migrants on rural Ashanti
Authors: Kabki Mirjam , Mazzucato Valentina , Appiah Ernest
Published: March 2004

This paper explores the ways remittances from Netherlands‐based Ghanaian migrants influence economic and social life in rural areas in the Ashanti region in Ghana, both at family and village levels. The analysis focuses on eight domains of economic life, selected for their importance within Ashanti culture. They are: investments in housing, business, farm, education, and community development projects, health care, and participation in church and funerals. The findings are based on 60 interviews with village leaders and families of migrants in 25 Ashanti villages collected between December 2002 and January 2003. The paper argues that most Netherlands‐based migrants invest in housing and business back home, but also support their families with contributions towards education, healthcare and daily upkeep. Apart from direct support to families, groups of migrants have contributed towards various development projects. The indirect impact of migration on community development is also manifested in individual migrant‐financed activities that provide needed services to the communities. However, this impact varies between families and between communities, due to a number of external factors that influence the volume and frequency of remittances to families and the ability of home communities to benefit from migrant‐financed support. The paper argues that remittances can contribute greatly to the well‐being and development of a family, but at the same time these can be highly insecure sources of income because the family may fall back into poverty the moment the flow of money from abroad stops. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic studies on total alkaloids and alcohol extracts of Eclipta alba (Linn.) Hassk.
Authors: Sawant Mahesh , Isaac Jolly C. , Narayanan Shridhar
Published: March 2004

A variety of analgesics are used for the treatment of acute and chronic pain in different disease states. A narcotic or a non‐narcotic analgesic that does not cause respiratory depression and addiction is needed. In Ayurveda a large number of indigenous drugs have been mentioned possessing analgesic properties (e.g. Guggul, Erand, Rasna, Bhringaraj, Methika, Palandu and Prasikayavani). The present experimental research work was undertaken to determine the analgesic activity of the total ethanol extract of Eclipta alba, and also the isolated alkaloids of Eclipta alba in albino mice by using standard experimental models such as the tail clip method, the tail ﬂick method and the acetic acid induced writhing response. The results from this study show that both the ethanol extract as well as the total alkaloids produce good analgesic activity in all the different models of analgesia used. The total alkaloidal fraction was the most efﬁcacious in all models tested. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa reduces body weight and serum lipids in ovariectomized rats
Authors: Hidaka Saburo , Okamoto Yoshizo , Arita Masaki
Published: March 2004

The effects of a hot water extract of Chlorella pyrenoidosa, which contains chlorella growth factor (CGF), on the body weight, serum lipids, and the bone mass were evaluated using an ovariectomized rat as a model for postmenopausal bone loss. Rats were divided into four groups: sham‐operated (Sham), Sham given the CGF solution, ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX given the CGF solution, respectively. Administration of the extract to OVX rats suppressed the body weight gain. After 7 weeks, the administration of the extract to the OVX group reduced increases in both serum total cholesterols and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterols. It also normalized the decrease of triglyceride level in the OVX group. The ovariectomy decreased the tibial bone mineral density (BMD) by 19%, and the administration of the extract to OVX rats did not inhibit this decrease. These results suggest that a dietary supplement of CGF may be useful to control the body weight and improve lipid metabolism of menopausal women. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytotoxic and antimicrobial constituents of Bacopa monnieri and Holmskioldia sanguinea
Authors: Chaudhuri P. K. , Srivastava Rashmi , Kumar Sunil , Kumar Sushil
Published: March 2004

The phytochemicals betulinic acid (1), wogonin (2) and oroxindin (3) isolated from the aerial parts of Bacopa monnieri and Holmskioldia sanguinea showed signiﬁcant antifungal activity against the two fungi Alternaria alternata and Fusarium fusiformis. Inhibition of root growth germination of wheat seeds was observed for all three compounds which showed 100% inhibition at 10 µg/mL. Compounds (1) and (2) showed potent inhibition of Alternaria alternata compared with oroxindin at a concentration of 4 µg/mL, whereas compound (2) was an effective inhibitor of both fungi. The structures of the compounds were established by spectral and chemical studies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercetin allievates oxidative stress in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats
Authors: Mahesh T. , Menon Venugopal P.
Published: March 2004

Diabetes mellitus is found in almost all populations and is emerging as a growing problem in developing countries. A large number of studies are in progress to ﬁnd natural sources, which are effective in reducing the intensity of diabetes. Quercetin, a constituent present in fruits and vegetables, was studied in two different doses (50 and 80 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days to assess its effect on streptozotocin induced diabetes. The blood glucose level was elevated in diabetic rats. Circulatory lipid peroxidation, vitamin C, vitamin E and enzymic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase and catalase were analyzed. Alterations in the antioxidant defense were observed in diabetic animals compared to normal. Oral administration of quercetin to diabetic rats resulted in a decrease in the levels of blood glucose, plasma thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and hydroperoxides. Quercetin also resulted in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase coming to near normal, along with the levels of vitamin C and vitamin E. Quercetin at lower doses was found to be more effective. These result indicate that quercetin ameliorated the diabetes‐induced changes in oxidative stress. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiplasmodial constituents of Cajanus cajan
Authors: Duker‐Eshun George , Jaroszewski Jerzy W. , Asomaning William A. , Oppong‐Boachie Francis , Brøgger Christensen S.
Published: March 2004

Bioactivity‐guided fractionation of extracts of roots and leaves of Cajanus cajan afforded 8 compounds: betulinic acid, biochanin A, cajanol, genistein and 2′‐hydroxygenistein, longistylin A and C, and pinostrobin. The two stilbenes, longistylin A and C, and betulinic acid showed a moderately high in vitro activity against the chloroquine‐sensitive Plasmodium falciparum strain 3D7. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudoguaianolide sesquiterpene lactones with high activities against the human malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: François Guido , Passreiter Claus M.
Published: March 2004

Four sesquiterpene lactones of the pseudo‐guaianolide type (helenalin, dihydrohelenalin and their acetates), have shown activities against asexual blood forms of Plasmodium falciparum in vitro. Their IC50 values were situated in the range of 0.23 to 7.41 µM. The activity found for helenalin was high, even compared to the activity found for artemisinin. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Withania somnifera on B16F‐10 melanoma induced metastasis in mice
Authors: Leyon P. V , Kuttan G.
Published: March 2004

Withania somnifera, a plant with known immunopotentiating activity and its bioactive fraction‐Withanolide D were studied for their anti‐metastatic activity using B16F‐10 melanoma cells in C57BL/6 mice. Simultaneous administration of Withania extract (122 ± 10 tumour nodules) and Withanolide (126 ± 9 lung tumour nodules) could signiﬁcantly (p < 0.001) inhibit the metastatic colony formation of the melanoma in lungs. 72.58% by extract and 69.84% by Withanolide treated, as compared to the untreated control animals also increased the survival days. Lung collagen hydroxyproline content was highly elevated in the control animals (23.5 ± 0.9 µg/mg protein), which was reduced by the simultaneous administration of both the extract (16.3 ± 2.0 µg/mg protein) and Withanolide (15.3 ± 1.8 µg/mg protein). The level of lung hexosamines (4.85 ± 0.20 mg/100 mg tissue) and uronic acids (330.1 ± 23.7 µg/100 mg tissue) content was also elevated in the control animals. The elevated level of hexosamine was signiﬁcantly reduced by the treatment with extract (1.92 ± 0.05) and Withanolide (1.85 ± 0.05). Similarly, the uronic acid content was also been reduced by the simultaneous administration of both Withania extract (194.2 ± 17.4) and Withanolide (183.2 ± 8.8). The control animals had 35.3 ± 3.8 U/L γ‐glutamyl transpeptidase (γ‐GT), which was reduced by 50% by the treatment of extract and Withanolide to 17.5 ± 4.0 U/L and 16.3 ± 4.4 U/L respectively. There was a signiﬁcant reduction in the levels of sialic acid in the serum of Withania extract (60.7 ± 7.7) and Withanolide (67.16 ± 5.8) treated animals compared to the higher level (102.2 ± 8.7) in the control animals. Histopathological analysis of the lung tissues also correlated with these ﬁndings. Prophylactic administrations of both extract as well as Withanolide were ineffective in inhibiting the metastasis of B16F‐10 melanoma cells. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ternatin, a flavonoid, prevents cyclophosphamide and ifosfamide‐induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats
Authors: Vieira Milena Morais , Macêdo Francisco Yuri B. , Filho José Nelson Belarmino , Costa Ana Carolina L. V. , Cunha Adriano N. , Silveira Edilberto R. , Brito Gerly Anne C. , Ribeiro Ronaldo A.
Published: March 2004

To compare the classical uroprotective efﬁcacy of mesna (2‐mercaptoethanesulfonic acid) with ternatin (ﬂavonoid isolated from Egletes viscosa Less.) in cyclophosphamide (CYP) and ifosfamide (IFS) induced hemorrhagic cystitis (HC). Male Wistar rats received an intraperitoneal injection of saline, CYP or IFS and were treated with saline or mesna, 5 min before, 4 and 8 h after CYP or IFS administration. In other animals, 1, 2 or 3 doses of mesna were replaced with ternatin or 3 doses of mesna were replaced with dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO), ternatin diluent. In an additional group, the last 2 doses of mesna were replaced with saline. HC was evaluated 24 h after CYP or IFS administration. CYP or IFS treatment induced marked changes in macroscopic and microscopic evaluation and in bladder wet weight (BWW), and these alterations were signiﬁcantly inhibited by treatment with 3 doses of mesna, as well as by the replacement of 1 or 2 doses of mesna with ternatin. The replacement of 2 doses of mesna with saline or all doses of mesna with ternatin or DMSO did not prevent HC. In conclusion, the replacement of 1 or 2 doses of mesna with ternatin efﬁciently blocked CYP‐ or IFS‐induced HC, however mesna is necessary for initial uroprotection. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protective effects of alpinae oxyphyllae fructus (Alpinia oxyphylla MIQ) water‐extracts on neurons from ischemic damage and neuronal cell toxicity
Authors: Koo Byung‐Soo , Lee Won‐Chang , Chang Young‐Chae , Kim Cheorl‐Ho
Published: March 2004

Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus (Alpinia oxyphylla MIQ) (Korean name Ik‐Jj‐In) is a medicinal plant used in Korea for the treatment of various symptoms accompanying hypertension and cerebrovascular disorders. The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Alpinae Oxyphyllae Fructus water‐extracts (AOF) on a cultured primary neuron cell system, cell cytotoxicity and lipid peroxidation in Aβ treatment conditions. Cell killing was signiﬁcantly enhanced by addition of increasing concentrations of Aβ. Pretreatment of AOF attenuated in cell killing enhanced by increasing concentrations of Aβ. Aβ‐induced cell death was protected by the application of water extract of AOF in a dose‐dependent manner, and concentrations of 50 to 100 µg/ml had a signiﬁcant effect compared to exposure of Aβ only. AOF has been shown to protect primary cultured neurons from N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate (NMDA) receptor‐mediated glutamate toxicity. The evidence indicated that AOF protects neurons against ischemia‐induced cell death. Oral administration of AOF into mice prevented ischemia‐induced learning disability and rescued hippocampal CA1 neurons from lethal ischemic damage. The neuroprotective action of exogenous AOF was also conﬁrmed by counting synapses in the hippocampal CA1 region. The presence of AOF in neuron cultures did not repress a NMDA receptor‐mediated increase in intracellular Ca2+, but rescued the neurons from NO‐induced death. AOF may exert its neuroprotective effect by reducing the NO‐mediated formation of free radicals or antagonizing their toxicity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Arjunetin from Terminalia arjuna as an insect feeding‐deterrent and growth inhibitor
Authors: Singh D. V. , Gupta M. M. , Tripathi A. K. , Prajapati Veena , Kumar S.
Published: March 2004

Crude ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Terminalia arjuna (Combretaceae) and its three compounds namely arjunic acid, arjungenin and arjunetin were evaluated for antifeedant, growth inhibitory and oviposition‐deterrent activities against a lepidopterous insect Spilarctia obliqua. The compound arjunetin showed highest growth inhibitory and feeding‐deterrent properties with a growth inhibition (GI50) and feeding‐inhibition (FD50) of 188.5 and 287.1 µg/g diet respectively. Oviposition bioassays indicated no oviposition‐deterrence in any of the compounds tested. The structure‐activity relationship study indicated the importance of a glycosidation linkage in arjunetin. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of naphthaquinones from Arnebia hispidissima (Lehm.) DC. in vivo and in vitro. I. anti‐inﬂammatory screening
Authors: Singh B. , Sahu P. M. , Jain S. C. , Singh S.
Published: March 2004

The hexane extract of Arnebia hispidissima yielded a mixture of naphthaquinones: arnebin‐1, arnebin‐7, tiglic acid (ester of dihydroxy alkannin), alkannin, arnebinol and cycloarnebin‐7. To evaluate the anti‐inﬂammatory activities of hexane extract and isolated naphthaquinones, models with carrageenan‐induced acute arthritis and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)‐induced chronic arthritis in rats were conducted. The observed results indicated that pretreatment with cycloarnebin‐7 signiﬁcantly inhibited the carrageenan‐induced acute arthritis. Moreover, arnebin‐1, signiﬁcantly suppressed the development of chronic arthritis induced by CFA. The present study deals with the quantiﬁcation of naphthaquinones from in vivo and in vitro cell cultures of plant species and isolated compounds from intact plant tested for their swelling inhibitory potency. It has been reported that arnebin‐1 was the major naphthaquinone both in vivo (0.62%) and in vitro (0.27%) cell cultures. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of antiparkinson drug HP‐200 (Mucuna pruriens) on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters
Authors: Manyam Bala V. , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Hare Theodore A.
Published: March 2004

HP‐200, which contains Mucuna pruriens endocarp, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mucuna pruriens endocarp has also been shown to be more effective compared to synthetic levodopa in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The present study was designed to elucidate the long‐term effect of Mucuna pruriens endocarp in HP‐200 on monoaminergic neurotransmitters and its metabolite in various regions of the rat brain. HP‐200 at a dose of 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg/day was mixed with rat chow and fed daily ad lib to Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 6 for each group) for 52 weeks. Controls (n = 6) received no drug. Random assignment was made for doses and control. The rats were sacriﬁced at the end of 52 weeks and the neurotransmitters were analyzed in the cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra and striatum. Oral administration of Mucuna pruriens endocarp in the form of HP‐200 had a signiﬁcant effect on dopamine content in the cortex with no signiﬁcant effect on levodopa, norepinephrine or dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites‐ HVA, DOPAC and 5‐HIAA in the nigrostriatal tract. The failure of Mucuna pruriens endocarp to signiﬁcantly affect dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract along with its ability to improve Parkinsonian symptoms in the 6‐hydorxydopamine animal model and humans may suggest that its antiparkinson effect may be due to components other than levodopa or that it has an levodopa enhancing effect. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing an in vitro electrochemical measurement of superoxide scavenging activity with an in vivo assessment of antioxidant potential in Chinese tonifying herbs
Authors: Beissenhirtz Moritz K. , Kwan Roger C. H. , Ko K. M. , Renneberg Reinhard , Scheller F. W. , Lisdat F.
Published: March 2004

The in vitro superoxide scavenging activity (as determined by electrochemical measurement) and the in vivo antioxidant potential (as determined by a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity) of methanolic extracts prepared from 10 Chinese tonifying herbs were compared. Electrochemical measurement using a cytochrome c (Cyt. c) sensor showed that all of the tested herbal extracts exhibited a medium superoxide scavenging activity of different potency, as indicated by their IC50 values. The in vivo measurement demonstrated that 80% of the herbal extracts displayed in vivo antioxidant potential, as assessed by the percentage of protection of the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferases and the hepatic glutathione regeneration capacity under CCl4‐intoxicated condition. Although the in vitro antioxidant activity did not correlate quantitatively with the in vivo antioxidant potential, for 8 out of 10 samples a similar tendency was found. The rapid amperometric assessment of antioxidant potential by Cyt. c sensor may offer a convenient and direct method for screening as well as the quality control of herbal products. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on psychopharmacological effects of Cleome viscosa Linn. extract in rats and mice
Authors: Parimala Devi B. , Boominathan R. , Mandal Subhash C.
Published: March 2004

Methanol extract of the entire plant Cleome viscosa Linn. (CVME) was evaluated for different psychopharmacological actions such as general behaviour, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxant activity and phenobarbitone induced sleeping time and effects on normal body temperature in rats and mice. The extract was found to cause reduction in spontaneous activity, decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern by the head dip and Y‐maze test, reduction in the muscle relaxant by rotarod, 30° inclined screen and traction tests and caused signiﬁcant lowering of body temperature. In addition, CVME signiﬁcantly potentiated the phenobarbitone‐induced sleeping time. Preliminary tests indicate that the methanol extract of Cleome viscosa Linn. in doses of 200–400 mg/kg has signiﬁcant psychopharmacological activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of green tea polyphenols on the genes with atherosclerotic potential
Authors: Kaul D. , Sikand K. , Shukla A. R.
Published: March 2004

The genomics of atherosclerosis can arise as a result of cross‐talk between the genes coding for the LDL‐receptor (LDL‐R), LXR‐α, PPARs (α, γ), CD36 and C‐myc because these genes control lipid metabolism, cytokine production and cellular activity within the arterial wall. The effect of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) upon such genomics revealed their ability to down‐regulate genes coding for PPAR‐γ, CD36, LXR‐α, C‐myc coupled with up‐regulation of genes coding for LDL‐R and PPAR‐α at the transcriptional level. Based upon these results, it is proposed that GTPs have the inherent capacity to inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus on lipoprotein lipase in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Yang Jeong‐Yeh , Lee Kang‐Seop , Kim Myung‐Kon , Moon Seong‐Keun , Kang Mi‐Kyung , Park Byung‐Hyun , Kim Jong‐Suk , Park Jin‐Woo
Published: March 2004

The effect of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) leaves on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was investigated in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. A water extract of AS leaves increased the LPL activity in culture medium of adipocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The AS extract contained heparin‐like LPL releasing components, however, the increase of medium LPL activity was continued up until 12 h, in contrast to the rapid decline after heparin treatment. The increase of LPL mRNA was also observed after AS extract treatment, suggesting that LPL induction occurs at the transcriptional level. The AS extract could partially reverse the LPL suppression by tumour necrosis factor−α in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These results of an AS extract‐induced increase of LPL activity in vitro suggest the possible action of AS as a facilitator of plasma triglyceride clearance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antispasmodic activity of extracts and compounds of Acalypha phleoides Cav.
Authors: Astudillo Adela , Hong Enrique , Bye Robert , Navarrete Andrés
Published: March 2004

The aerial parts of Acalypha phleoides are usually prescribed in the Mexican traditional medicine for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints. The MeOH–CHCl3 (1:1) extract of the aerial part of A. phleoides showed an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal propulsion of a charcoal meal in mice. In isolated guinea‐pig ileum, this extract produced a concentration dependent inhibition of the contractions induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine, but it was unable to inhibit the contractions elicited by acetylcholine, histamine, KCl and BaCl2. This extract produced also a concentration dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the isolated rabbit jejunum. This inhibitory activity was partially blocked by propranolol. The essential oil, obtained from the aerial part of this plant, was more potent than the MeOH–CHCl3 (1:1) extract in inhibiting the spontan‐eous pendular movement of the rabbit jejunum. Thymol, camphor and γ‐terpinene were identiﬁed from the essential oil by GC‐MS. These monoterpenes showed antispasmodic activity in the rabbit jejunum preparation, thymol was the most active compound, followed by camphor and γ‐terpinene. Thymol and camphor in high concentrations also showed tracheal relaxant properties, but γ‐terpinene did not. These in vivo and in vitro results tend to support the traditional use of A. phleoides as an antispasmodic agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoprotective effect of plant phenolics against anthracycline‐induced toxicity on rat cardiomyocytes. Part I. Silymarin and its flavonolignans
Authors: Chlopčíková Šárka , Psotová Jitka , Miketová Petra , Šimánek Vilím
Published: March 2004

Silymarin, an extract of ﬂavonolignans from the dried fruits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertneri) and its constituents silibinin, dehydrosilibinin, silychristin and silydianin were tested for protective effects on rat cardiomyocytes exposed to doxorubicin. Silymarin and individual ﬂavonolignans did not exert cytotoxicity in the range 25–100 µm (incubation 9 h). Dehydrosilibinin was tested only at 25 µm concentration due to its low solubility. All substances increased the cell ATP level. Silymarin and ﬂavonolignans displayed a dose‐dependent cytoprotection against doxorubicin (100 µm, incubation 8 h). The protective effects of silymarin, silibinin, dehydrosilibinin and silychristin were comparable to that of dexrasoxane, while silydianin exerted the best protective effect. The ability of silymarin complex and its components to protect cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress is due mainly to their cell membrane stabilization effect, radical scavenging and iron chelating potency. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efﬁcacy
Authors: Chrubasik Sigrun , Conradt Christian , Roufogalis Basil D
Published: March 2004

Various preparations from Harpagophytum procumbens are used for the treatment of pain in the joints and lower back. Studies published in peer reviewed journals were examined for their clinical evidence. The studies offering preparations with 50–60 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage are of better quality and provide more reliable evidence on efﬁcacy than a proprietary ethanol extract with half the amount of harpagoside per day. However, conﬁrmatory studies are required for all extracts before they can gain a place in treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Control of a Four‐Wheeled Omnidirectional Mobile Robot with Steerable Omnidirectional Wheels
Authors: Song Jae‐Bok , Byun Kyung‐Seok
Published: March 2004

Omnidirectional mobile robots are capable of arbitrary motion in an arbitrary direction without changing the direction of wheels, because they can perform 3 degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) motion on a two‐dimensional plane. In this research, a new class of omnidirectional mobile robot is proposed. Since it has synchronously steerable omnidirectional wheels, it is called an omnidirectional mobile robot with steerable omnidirectional wheels (OMR‐SOW). It has 3 DOFs in motion and one DOF in steering. One steering DOF can function as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVT of the OMR‐SOW increases the range of velocity ratio from the wheel velocities to robot velocity, which may improve performance of the mobile robot. The OMR‐SOW with four omnidirectional wheels has been developed in this research. Kinematics and dynamics of this robot will be analyzed in detail. Various tests have been conducted to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed mechanism and control algorithm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
S‐1‐O‐phosphocholine‐2‐N‐acetyl‐octadecane induces apoptosis in T cells: Involvement of receptor activation and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway
Authors: Oberle Carolin , Massing Ulrich , Krug Harald F.
Published: March 2004

Alkylphosphocholines (APC) represent compounds with far‐ranging biological activities including inhibition of neoplastic cell growth in vivo and in vitro. Here we introduce the apoptosis‐inducing activity of a newly synthesised APC, the S‐NC‐2, in Jurkat T cells. The results point to a dual apoptotic mechanism, a death receptor dependent activation as well as a death receptor‐independent and mitochondria related pathway. The participation of the CD95 death receptor was determined by immunohistochemistry. Receptor aggregation and capping was already induced after 2 h of treatment with S‐NC‐2. We further analysed phosphatidylserin externalisation, chromatin condensation, the cleavage of procaspases‐8, ‐9 and ‐3 and the degradation of caspase substrates. Comparison of Jurkat wildtype with FADD‐ and caspase‐8‐deficient cells and, additionally, the Bcl‐2 overexpressing variant revealed a more detailed model of the APC‐induced apoptosis. The lack of FADD or caspase‐8 resulted in a somehow decreased amount of apoptotic cells, whereas the overexpression of Bcl‐2 leads to a complete reduction of apoptosis and caspase‐activation. After stimulation of death receptors such as CD95, the amplification via intrinsic apoptotic pathways is strongly required in Type II T cells.