bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of fibre length and chemical modifications on the tensile properties of intimately mixed short sisal/glass hybrid fibre reinforced low density polyethylene composites
Authors: Kalaprasad G , Francis Bejoy , Thomas Selvin , Kumar C Radhesh , Pavithran C , Groeninckx G , Thomas Sabu
Published: August 2004

Hybrid composites prepared by the incorporation of two or more different types of fibres into a single polymer matrix deserve much attention. This method of hybridisation of composites offers a profitable procedure for the fabrication of products while the resulting materials are noted for their high specific strength, modulus and thermal stability. The influence of the relative composition of short sisal/glass fibres, their length and distribution on the tensile properties of short sisal/glass intimately mixed polyethylene composites (SGRP) was examined. Different compositions of sisal and glass such as 70/30, 50/50 and 30/70 have been prepared with varying fibre lengths in the range of 1–10 mm. Emphasis has also been given to the variation of fibre–matrix adhesion with several fibre chemical modifications. Chemical surface modifications such as alkali, acetic anhydride, stearic acid, permanganate, maleic anhydride, silane and peroxides given to the fibres and matrix were found to be successful in improving the interfacial adhesion and compatibility between the fibre and matrix. The nature and extent of chemical modifications were analysed by infrared spectroscopy while improvement in fibre–matrix adhesion was checked by studying the fractography of composite samples using a scanning electron microscope. Assessment of water retention values has been found to be a successful tool to characterize the surface of the stearic acid modified fibres. It was found that the extent of improvement in tensile properties of SGRP varied with respect to the nature of chemical modifications between fibre and matrix. Improved mechanical anchoring and physical and chemical bonding between fibre and polyethylene matrix are supposed to be the reasons for superior tensile strength and Young's modulus in treated composites. Several secondary reasons such as high degree of fibre dispersion and reduced hydrophilicity in chemically modified fibres also are believed to play a role. Among the various chemical modifications, the best tensile strength and modulus was exhibited by the SGRP with benzoyl peroxide treated fibres. This is attributed to the peroxide‐initiated grafting of polyethylene on to the fibres. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
In vivo distribution and metabolisation of 14C‐imidacloprid in different compartments of Apis mellifera L
Authors: Suchail Séverine , De Sousa Georges , Rahmani Roger , Belzunces Luc P
Published: August 2004

In vivo distribution of the neonicotinoid insecticide, imidacloprid, was followed during 72 h in six biological compartments of Apis mellifera L: head, thorax, abdomen, haemolymph, midgut and rectum. Honeybees were treated orally with 100 µg of 14C‐imidacloprid per kg of bee, a dose close to the median lethal dose. Elimination half‐life of total radioactivity in honeybee was 25 h. Haemolymph was the compartment with the lowest and rectum that with the highest level of total radioactivity during the whole study, with a maximum 24 h after treatment. Elimination half‐life of imidacloprid in whole honeybee was 5 h. Imidacloprid was readily distributed and metabolised only by Phase I enzymes into five metabolites: 4/5‐hydroxy‐imidacloprid, 4,5‐dihydroxy‐imidacloprid, 6‐chloronicotinic acid, and olefin and urea derivatives. The guanidine derivative was not detected. The urea derivative and 6‐chloronicotinic acid were the main metabolites and appeared particularly in midgut and rectum. The olefin derivative and 4/5‐hydroxy‐imidacloprid preferentially occurred in head, thorax and abdomen, which are nicotinic acetylcholine receptor‐rich tissues. Moreover, they presented a peak value around 4 h after imidacloprid ingestion. These results explain the prolongation of imidacloprid action in bees, and particularly the differences between rapid intoxication symptoms and late mortality. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and herbicidal activity of novel heterocyclic protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors
Authors: Meazza Giovanni , Bettarini Franco , Porta Piero La , Piccardi Paolo , Signorini Ernesto , Portoso Domenico , Fornara Luca
Published: August 2004

Protox inhibitors are applied as foliar sprays, thus causing very rapid cellular collapse and desiccation of many troublesome weeds in the presence of light. In many respects, they appear to be ideal herbicides, because they act rapidly and do not harm mammals under normal conditions. The main limitation to their widespread adoption is that few crops are naturally resistant to them. Crop tolerance has mainly been pursued with the synthesis of the cyclic imide classes containing 5‐ and 6‐membered heterocycles, including pyrazole, pyridazine, 1,2,4‐triazine, triazolinone and trifluoromethyluracil derivatives. Because of their structural novelties and biological performance, active investigations on heterocyclic protox inhibitors have been carried out in our laboratories and we have found 3‐arylpyrroles to be a new class of light‐activated, membrane‐disrupting herbicides. They are active on both grass and broadleaf weeds at low rates. The synthesis and structure–activity relationships are presented. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Photosynthetic and growth responses of Zea mays L and four weed species following post‐emergence treatments with mesotrione and atrazine
Authors: Creech J Earl , Monaco Thomas A , Evans John O
Published: August 2004

We compared photosynthesis and growth of Zea mays L (corn) and four weed species, Setaria viridis (L) Beauv (green foxtail), Echinochloa crus‐galli (L) Beauv (barnyardgrass), Abutilon theophrasti Medic (velvetleaf), and Amaranthus retroflexus L (redroot pigweed), following foliar applications with atrazine, mesotrione, or a combination of atrazine and mesotrione in two greenhouse experiments. Plant responses to the three herbicide treatments were compared with responses of untreated plants (control). Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of Z mays was not reduced by any of the herbicide treatments. Photosynthesis and dry mass of E crus‐galli, A retroflexus and A theophrasti were significantly reduced by mesotrione and atrazine alone and in combination. Photosynthesis on day 14 and dry mass of large S viridis plants were not suppressed by either herbicide applied alone. The mesotrione plus atrazine treatment was the most effective treatment for grass weed control because plants did not regain photosynthetic capacity and had significantly lower dry mass. Shoot dry mass of broadleaf weeds was significantly reduced by all three herbicide treatments, except for A retroflexus treated with mesotrione alone. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Buffer zone and windbreak effects on spray drift deposition in a simulated wetland
Authors: Brown Ralph B , Carter Margaret H , Stephenson Gerald R
Published: August 2004

The amount of agricultural spray that drifts into a wetland from an adjacent crop field is influenced by vegetation along the field boundary or any intentional setback distance (buffer zone) between the sprayer and the edge of the arable field. In this study, spray tracer drift deposits were measured in a simulated wetland area under different conditions of wind speed and buffer zone width. The effect of an artificial windbreak at the upwind edge of the simulated wetland was also evaluated. A level of tolerance of 0.1% of the in‐swath spray deposition was established as a no‐effect level for the response of aquatic plants to common herbicides. Our results indicate that a vegetated 10‐m field margin (eg a fencerow) alone provides adequate protection from herbicide drift into a wetland area under wind conditions normally considered acceptable for spraying. For high winds (>4 m s−1) when field spraying would not normally be advised, adequate protection was afforded by the same 10‐m margin plus a dense windbreak (25% porosity) or by the margin plus a 20‐m buffer zone. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Per os efficacy of Ajuga extracts against sucking insects
Authors: Fekete Gábor , Polgár László A , Báthori Mária , Coll Josep , Darvas Béla
Published: August 2004

We studied the efficacy of water‐soluble extracts from four Ajuga spp on the post‐embryonic development of two exopterygota (sucking insect) species. To allow comparison between different Ajuga species, results are expressed in terms of quantity of plant extracted per litre of test solution. Crude methanolic extracts of all Ajuga plants tested, with the exception of A genevensis, showed considerable per os efficacy against larvae of both Dysdercus cingulatus F and Acyrthosiphon pisum (Harris) even at 1 g litre−1. In the aphid tests the order of efficacy was A bracteosa Wallich ex Benth > A chamaepitys Schreber > A reptans L > A genevensis L. On D cingulatus the order of efficacy was: A reptans > A bracteosa > A chamaepitys > A genevensis. Extracts were fractionated on SepPak using a range of methanol/water mixtures. Results are expressed in terms of the initial weight of plant extracted. The 100% methanolic fraction of A chamaepitys was highly effective on A pisum (100% mortality at 1 g litre−1) and less effective on D cingulatus (about 60% mortality at 5 g litre−1). The entire 60 methanol + 40 water fraction was effective against test insects but showed different efficacies according to test species and concentration applied. 20‐Hydroxyecdysone (20E), cyasterone (Cy) and ajugalactone (Ajl) were identified in the fractions from all Ajuga species, but the remaining phytoecdysteroid profile was quite different between Ajuga species. Capitasterone (Cap) and 28‐epi‐sengosterone (5Cy28′) were found only in A reptans, makisterone A (MaA) and 29‐norcyasterone (29NCy) were only in A chamaepitys, while 22‐acetylcyasterone (Cy22A), 3‐epi‐cyasterone (Cy′) and 3‐epi‐22‐acetylcyasterone (Cy′22A) were only in A bracteosa. The total amount of phytoecdysteroids was 2053 mg kg−1 for A bracteosa, 1892 mg kg−1 for A reptans and 95 mg kg−1 for A chamaepitys. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical residues and bioactivity of tebufenozide applied to apple foliage
Authors: Smirle Michael J , Lowery D Thomas , Zurowski Cheryl L
Published: August 2004

Tebufenozide, an insect growth regulator that acts as an ecdysone agonist, was applied at recommended label rate to apple trees in August 1997 and May 1998. Foliar residues were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography from samples collected 2, 24, 48 and 96 h post‐spray, and at weekly intervals thereafter for 9 weeks in 1997 and 11 weeks in 1998. Foliage sampled at the same times was used in bioassays to determine residual toxicity to first‐instar obliquebanded leafrollers, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris). Residue decay followed first‐order kinetics in both years, with residual half‐life of 36.3 days in 1997 and 7.2 days in 1998. Estimates of the time needed to reduce bioactivity to 50% in bioassays were 18.7 days in 1997 and 36.3 days in 1998. The accuracy of equations describing decay of tebufenozide residues and bioactivity over time was not improved by using degree‐day accumulations as the independent variable. For the Department of Agriculture and Agri‐Food, Government of Canada, © Minister of Public Works and Government Services Canada 2004. Published for SCI by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enzyme inhibition by the molluscicidal agent Punica granatum Linn. bark and Canna indica Linn. root
Authors: Tripathi Sanjay M. , Singh V. K. , Singh Sanjay , Singh D. K.
Published: August 2004

Sublethal in vivo 24 h exposure to (40% and 80% of 24 h LC50) active fractions of Punica granatum bark or Canna indica root or in combination with other plant‐derived molluscicides signiﬁcantly inhibited the activity of acetylcholinesterase, acid/alkaline phosphatase, Na+K+ATPase and lactic dehydrogenase in the nervous tissue of Lymnaea acuminata. The inhibition kinetics of these enzymes indicates that active fractions of both the plants caused a competitive inhibition of AChE, LDH, ALP, ACP and Na+K+ATPase. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Phytochemistry and preliminary biological evaluation of Cyathostemma argenteum, a malaysian plant used traditionally for the treatment of breast cancer
Authors: Khamis Shaﬁi , Bibby Michael C. , Brown John E. , Cooper Patricia A. , Scowen Ian , Wright Colin W.
Published: August 2004

Bioassay guided fractionation of the roots of Cyathostemma argenteum using the brine shrimp resulted in the isolation of two uncommon ﬂavanones, 2,5‐dihydroxy‐7‐methoxyﬂavanone 1 and 2,5‐dihydroxy‐6,7‐dimethoxyﬂavanone 2 while the stem bark yielded the related compounds 5‐hydroxy‐7‐methoxyﬂavone 3 and 5‐hydroxy‐6,7‐dimethoxyﬂavone 4. The alkaloids liriodenine 5 and discretamine 6 as well as benzyl benzoate 7 were isolated from the roots and 6 was also isolated from the stembark. In cytotoxicity tests using four human breast cancer cell lines, 1 and 2 were weakly toxic to MCF‐7 cells (IC50 = 19.6 and 19.0 µm, respectively) but showed little activity against MCF‐7 cells resistant to doxorubicin or against two oestrogen receptor‐deﬁcient cell lines. Compound 5, but not 6 and 7, was moderately cytotoxic against all four cell lines. These results are discussed in the context of the traditional use of C. argenteum in the treatment of breast cancer. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancement in the absorption of water and electrolytes from rat intestine by Hemidesmus indicus R. Br. root (water extract)
Authors: Evans D. A. , Rajasekharan S. , Subramoniam A.
Published: August 2004

Hemidesmus indicus root in the form of suspension in water (10 mg/ml) containing 15.5 mM NaCl, 3 mM KCl and 12 mM glucose, when injected into the ligated jejunal sac (1 ml/sac) of rat, increased the absorption of water, Na+ and K+ (but not glucose) from the sac. This bioactivity was present in the water extract (5 or 10 mg/sac) of the root and not in the hexane extract. In contrast, the ethanol extract decreased the absorption of water and electrolytes from the jejunal sac. The effect of water extract was not affected by heat at 100 °C for 30 min. Intraperitoneal administration of the water extract (50 to 200 mg/kg) was devoid of any signiﬁcant effect on the jejunal absorption. Neither the root suspension nor the water extract (125–500 mg/kg) showed any signiﬁcant anti‐ulcer and diuretic activities in rats. The intestinal motility was also not inﬂuenced by the root (water extract) when tested in mice. The present study indicates that H. indicus root powder or its water extract can be incorporated in oral rehydrating salt solution (ORS) for increasing its anti‐diarrhoeal efﬁcacy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoprotective effect of plant phenolics against anthracycline‐induced toxicity on rat cardiomyocytes. Part III. Apigenin, baicalelin, kaempherol, luteolin and quercetin
Authors: Psotová Jitka , Chlopčíková Šárka , Miketová Petra , Hrbáč Jan , Šimánek Vilím
Published: August 2004

Flavonoids are found universally in plants and act as free radical scavenging and chelating agents with antiinﬂammatory, antiischemic, vasodilating and chemoprotective properties. In this study, the antilipoperoxidative and cytoprotective effects of apigenin, baicalein, kaempferol, luteolin and quercetin against doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress were investigated in isolated rat heart cardiac myocytes, mitochondria and microsomes. After preincubation of cardiomyocytes with the test compounds for 1 h the cardiomyocytes were treated with the toxic agent, doxorubicin (100 µM for 8 h). Cardiomyocyte protection was assessed by extracellular LDH and cellular ADP and ATP production. Cytoprotection was concentration dependent for baicalein > luteolin ≅ apigenin > quercetin > kaempferol. All test compounds had signiﬁcantly better protective effects than dexrazoxan, an agent currently used for adjuvant therapy during anthracycline antibiotic therapy. In microsomes/mitochondria the IC50 values of lipid peroxidation inhibition for quercetin, baicalein, kaempferol, luteolin, and apigenin were 3.1 ± 0.2/8.2 ± 0.6, 3.3 ± 0.3/9.6 ± 0.5, 3.9 ± 0.3/10.1 ± 0.8, 22.9 ± 1.7/18.2 ± 0.7, and 338.8 ± 23.1/73.1 ± 6.4 mM, respectively. The antilipoperoxidative activity of apigenin differed from its cytoprotective effects, but correlated with the free radical scavenging of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical and half peak oxidation potential (Ep/2). Apigenin was the least effective of the ﬂavonoids studied in all models except the cardiomyocyte model where its cardiomyocyte cytoprotective effect was comparable to other compounds. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Allium schoenoprasum L., as a natural antioxidant
Authors: Štajner D. , Čanadanović‐Brunet J. , Pavlović A.
Published: August 2004

The present study investigated the antioxidative properties of the bulb, leaf and stalk of Allium schoenoprasum L. Activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase), quantities of malonyldialdehyde, superoxide and hydroxyl radicals and reduced glutathione and also the content of total ﬂavonoids, chlorophylls a and b, carotenoids, vitamin C and soluble proteins were determined. The results indicate that extracts from all plant organs exhibited antioxidant activity. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in the leaves. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A yang‐promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation enhances the antioxidant status of red cells in male human subjects
Authors: Mak D. H. F. , Chiu P. Y. , Poon M. K. T. , Ng T. T. L. , Chung Y. K. , Lam B. Y. H. , Du Y. , Ko K. M.
Published: August 2004

In the 16‐week pilot study, the effect of a Yang‐promoting Chinese herbal suppository preparation (VI‐28) on the red cell antioxidant status was examined in 31 healthy male subjects aged 41–66 years old. VI‐28 treatment for 12 weeks (one suppository (0.3 g) daily for week 1–4; one every 2 days for week 5–8; one every 3 days for week 9–12) produced a time/dose‐dependent alteration in red cell antioxidant status. The VI‐28‐induced change is characterized by a slight depletion in cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) level and a decrease in susceptibility to peroxide‐induced lipid peroxidation as well as increases in catalase (CAT) and Cu‐Zn‐superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. While a reversal trend of change was observed in cellular GSH level, the susceptibility to lipid peroxidation as well as the CAT activity after the cessation of treatment for 4 weeks, the SOD activity exhibited a protracted increase. The results indicate that VI‐28 treatment enhances red cell antioxidant status in male subjects. The beneﬁcial effect of VI‐28 treatment on red cells may reﬂect a corresponding change in antioxidant status of peripheral tissues. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pycnogenol® accelerates wound healing and reduces scar formation
Authors: Blazsó G. , Gábor M. , Schönlau F. , Rohdewald P.
Published: August 2004

Pycnogenol® was applied topically to experimental wounds inﬂicted on healthy rats by means of a branding iron. The wound‐healing time was taken as the number of days required for 50% of the scabs to separate spontaneously from the animals. Application of a gel formulation containing 1% Pycnogenol® signiﬁcantly shortened the wound healing time, by 1.6 days compared with the group treated with gel only (15.4 days). The application of 2% Pycnogenol® decreased the healing time by almost 3 days, while 5% Pycnogenol® further accelerated the wound‐healing process.

In parallel, Pycnogenol® gels reduced the diameter of the scars remaining following complete scab loss in a concentration‐dependent manner. In conclusion, Pycnogenol® is a potent active ingredient for the treatment of minor injuries. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of Ginkgo biloba extract (LI 1370) supplementation and discontinuation on activities of daily living and mood in free living older volunteers
Authors: Trick Leanne , Boyle Julia , Hindmarch Ian
Published: August 2004

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of continuing treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) 120 mg/day on the activities of daily living (ADLs) and mood in healthy older volunteers who had immediately previously participated in a survey of the effects of a 4 month treatment with the drug.

Following a prior postal survey investigating the effects of 4 months supplementation with GBE on ADLs and various aspects of mood and sleep, 1570 volunteers continued onto a 6 month follow‐up postal survey. Subjects selected their own treatment option for the follow‐up survey, which effectively created four groups: a continuation group who received GBE in the initial 4 month study and during the 6 month follow‐up (GBE‐GBE), a discontinuation group who received GBE in the initial study but not during the follow‐up (GBE‐NT), a new treatment group who did not receive GBE in the initial 4 month study but who did receive GBE during the 6 month follow‐up (NT‐GBE), and a no treatment group who received no treatment in either survey (NT‐NT). At the end of the 6 month follow‐up period each subject completed a line analogue rating scale (LARS) and a self‐rating activities of daily living scale (SR‐ADL).

There were signiﬁcant differences in the mean overall LARS and SR‐ADL scores between the four treatment combination groups at the end of the follow‐up period. A factor analysis of the LARS revealed two factors, ‘mood’ and ‘alertness’. When scores from each of the treatment groups were examined over the whole 10 month period it was evident that the ratings of overall competence in the SR‐ADL and both factors of the LARS were diminished on cessation of treatment with GBE, and improved when GBE treatment was initiated. The magnitude of the improvements on all scales was related to the overall duration of GBE supplementation.

Signiﬁcant differences between the groups of subjects treated with GBE for different periods of time (4–10 months) suggests that the extract has a demonstrable effect in improving mood and the self‐assessed performance of the tasks of everyday living. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of plant‐derived compounds on larvae of a blowﬂy species that causes secondary myiases: laboratory studies
Authors: Green Paul W. C. , Simmonds Monique S. J. , Blaney Wally M. , Khambay Bhupinder P. S.
Published: August 2004

No‐choice and binary‐choice bioassays were used to test the effect of a range of plant‐derived insecticides on the behaviour of larvae of the black blowﬂy Phormia regina (Meigen). Azadirachtin (100 and 10 ppm), pyrethrum extract (10 ppm) and the naphthoquinone BTG 505 (1000 ppm) acted as deterrents for P. regina larvae. The mortality of larvae was reduced in instances where they moved away from a treated diet. Larvae given a choice were heavier, when compared with larvae reared exclusively on diets containing either azadirachtin (100 or 10 ppm) or the naphthoquinones, BTG 504 (1000 ppm) or BTG 505 (1000 ppm). The deterrent effect of azadirachtin, pyrethrum and the naphthoquinone BTG 505 together with their larvicidal activity, could be utilized in prophylaxis against myiasis infections due to larvae of Phormia regina. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antifungal constituents of Melicope borbonica
Authors: Simonsen Henrik Toft , Adsersen Anne , Bremner Paul , Heinrich Michael , Wagner Smitt Ulla , Jaroszewski Jerzy W.
Published: August 2004

Fractionation of extracts of the leaves of Melicope borbonica (syn. Euodia borbonica var. borbonica), a medicinal plant from the Réunion Island that is traditionally used for wound healing and other ailments, afforded an acetophenone (xanthoxylin) and two coumarins, scoparone and limettin, as the major constituents. All three compounds exhibited moderate antifungal activity against Candida albicans and Penicillium expansum, in accordance with the traditional use of the plant. Moreover, 2,4,6‐trimethoxyacetophenone (methylxanthoxylin), three other coumarins [7‐(3‐methyl‐2‐butenyloxy)‐6‐methoxycoumarin, cedrelopsin and psoralen], two sesquiterpenes (α‐curcumene and 3,6‐epidioxy‐1,10‐bisaboladiene), eugenol, methyleugenol and a lignan (sesamin) were isolated. None of the isolated constituents exhibited antiinﬂammatory activity in vitro. No alkaloids were detected. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Protection of swiss albino mice against whole‐body gamma irradiation by Mentha piperita (Linn.)
Authors: Samarth R. M. , Goyal P. K. , Kumar Ashok
Published: August 2004

The radioprotective effects of Mentha oil (Mentha piperita Linn.) against radiation induced haematological alterations in peripheral blood and the survival of Swiss albino mice were studied. Mentha oil 40 µL/animal/day for 3 consecutive days when fed orally prior to whole‐body gamma irradiation (8 Gy) showed protection of the animals in terms of the survival percentage and haematological parameters in mice. Fifty per cent of the animals died within 20 days and 100% mortality was observed up to 30 days post‐irradiation in the control irradiated group. Whereas only 17% of the mice died within 30 days in the experimental group (Mentha oil pretreated irradiated). The total RBC count decreased maximally at 24 h (3.45 ± 0.20 × 1012/L, p < 0.001), similar observations were obtained for the WBC count, haemoglobin content and haematocrit percentage in the irradiated control animals. However, in irradiated animals pretreated with Mentha oil, although the initial values of haematological components were lower they later showed a remarkable recovery reaching normal at 30 days post‐irradiation compared with the irradiated control animals. In general, the recovery of the blood cell number in irradiated animals depends on the survival of stem cells and their derivatives. The results from the present study suggest that the oil of Mentha piperita (Linn.) has a radioprotective role in stimulating/protecting the haematopoietic system. Hence, enhanced survival and an increase in the haematological constituents of peripheral blood of mice against lethal gamma radiation was observed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical evidence for the usefulness of Chinese medicine in the treatment of SARS
Authors: Chen Zheng , Nakamura Tsuyoshi
Published: August 2004

This study estimated case fatality rates in Hong Kong, Singapore and Beijing using the number of new admissions, deaths and discharges by cure. To determine the relationships between the hazard for death and that for cure, a cure–death hazard plot was developed. The daily ratios of the two hazards determine the ultimate case fatality rate. The case fatality rate was approximately 18% for Hong Kong and Singapore, while the rate for Beijing exceeded 52% until 5 May, was 16% for 5–19 May, and 4%–1% after 20 May. These results show a signiﬁcant difference in the case fatality rate between Beijing and other areas, which seems to have been due to the difference in treatment methods. That is, it suggests that combining traditional Chinese medicine with Western medicine is useful in the treatment of SARS. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiviral activity of Undaria pinnatiﬁda against herpes simplex virus
Authors: Thompson Kenneth D. , Dragar Charles
Published: August 2004

The major component of an aqueous extract of the seaweed Undaria pinnatiﬁda has been identiﬁed previously as a galactofucan (GFS), a sulfated polysaccharide. The galactofucan was partially puriﬁed and the material tested in this study is 75% pure galactofucan sulfate. GFS was evaluated for antiviral activity against 32 clinical strains of herpes simplex virus (HSV): 14 strains of HSV‐1 and 18 strains of HSV‐2. Twelve strains (four HSV‐1 and eight HSV‐2) were resistant to acyclovir (ACV‐R) and 20 strains (10 HSV‐1 and 10 HSV‐2) were susceptible to ACV (ACV‐S). The median IC50 of GFS for the 14 strains of HSV‐1 was 32 µg/mL. The median IC50 of GFS for the 18 strains of HSV‐2 was 0.5 µg/mL. GFS is signiﬁcantly more active against clinical strains of HSV‐2 than HSV‐1, p < 0.001. The mode of action of the GFS was shown to be the inhibition of viral binding and entry into the host cell. The cytotoxicity of GFS was >4.0 mg/mL in the neutral red dye uptake assay indicating that GFS is non‐toxic in this assay. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclooxygenase inhibitory flavonoids from the stem bark of Semecarpus anacardium Linn.
Authors: Selvam C. , Jachak Sanjay M. , Bhutani K. K.
Published: August 2004

The ethyl acetate extract of stem bark of Semecarpus anacardium showing in vivo anti‐inﬂammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw edema assay was investigated in order to identify its active compounds. Chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate extract of S.anacardium afforded 3,4,2′,4′‐tetrahydroxychalcone (butein) and 7,3′,4′‐trihydroxyﬂavone. Evaluation of COX‐1 inhibitory activity of 3,4,2′,4′‐tetrahydroxychalcone and 7,3′,4′‐trihydroxyﬂavone provided the IC50 values of 28.4 and 36.7 µM respectively. Further investigation of these compounds for COX‐2 inhibitory activity revealed moderate potency towards this enzyme. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of ginkgolides on β‐amyloid‐suppressed acetylocholine release from rat hippocampal slices
Authors: Lee Tze‐fun , Chen Chieh‐fu , Wang Lawrence C. H.
Published: August 2004

As Ginkgo has been shown to improve age‐related memory deﬁcits and β‐amyloid‐related peptides have been suggested to play a signiﬁcant role in memory degeneration in Alzheimer's disease, the present study was carried out to examine the effect of two major ginkgolides, A and B, on β‐amyloid peptide‐modulated acetylcholine (ACh) release from hippocampal brain slices. Addition of β‐amyloid fragment25–35 (0.01–1 µM) in the superfusion medium suppressed the K+‐evoked [3H]‐ACh release from the rat hippocampal slices in a concentration‐related manner; a 40% reduction in ACh outﬂow was observed with the highest amyloid concentration used (1 µM). Inclusion of ginkgolide B (GKB, 0.01–10 µM) caused a concentration‐related reversion of the inhibitory effect elicited by the effective concentration of β‐amyloid (1 µM). The reversal of the β‐amyloid‐inhibited ACh release by GKB (1 µM) was not blocked by tetrodotoxin (1 µM) indicating a direct interaction of GKB on the cholinergic nerve terminals. In contrast, addition of the same concentration range of ginkgolide A (GKA, 0.01–10 µM) had no effect on β‐amyloid‐inhibited ACh release. These results suggest that GKB may elicit its anti‐amnesic effect by minimizing the inhibitory effect of β‐amyloid peptides on cholinergic transmission. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evaluation of nitric oxide scavenging activity of certain herbal formulations in vitro: a preliminary study
Authors: Jagetia Ganesh Chandra , Rao Shaival Kamalaksh , Baliga Manjeshwar Shrinath , S. Babu Kiran
Published: August 2004

The nitric oxide (NO) scavenging activities of traditional polyherbal drugs like abana, chyavanaprasha, geriforte, septilin, mentat and triphala were examined using sodium nitroprusside as a NO donor in vitro. All the drugs tested demonstrated direct scavenging of NO and were superior to Gingko biloba, which was used as a positive control. The extracts of various polyherbal drugs exhibited dose‐dependent NO scavenging activities and the potency was in the following order: abana > chyavanaprasha > triphala > geriforte > septilin > mentat > Gingko biloba. The present results suggest that the traditional Indian polyherbal crude drugs may be potent and novel therapeutic agents for scavenging of NO, and thereby inhibit the pathological conditions caused by excessive generation of NO and its oxidation product, peroxynitrite. These ﬁndings may also help to explain, at least in part, the pharmacological activities like rejuvenating, adaptogenic, anti‐infection, anti‐inﬂammatory, cardioprotective and neuroprotective activities of these traditional, clinically used non toxic drugs. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of Retama raetam subsp. Gussonei
Authors: Conforti F. , Statti G. , Tundis R. , Loizzo M. R. , Bonesi M. , Menichini F. , Houghton P. J.
Published: August 2004

The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of the methanol extracts of Retama raetam subsp. gussonei leaves and seeds. The antioxidant activity of the extracts was assessed by means of two different tests: (1) bleaching of the stable 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazil (DPPH) radical; and (2) lipid peroxidation of liposomes which were prepared from bovine brain extract. In both tests used leaves extract showed a signiﬁcant antioxidant effect. The extract of leaves also demonstrated a good cytotoxic activity against COR‐L23 (large cell carcinoma) cell line. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychopharmacological assessment of Pfafﬁa glomerata roots (extract BNT‐08) in rodents
Authors: Marques Luís Carlos , Galvão Suzana Maria Pereira , Espínola Eduardo , Dias Rosângela Fernandes , Mattei Rita , Oliveira Maria Gabriela Menezes , de Araújo Carlini Elisaldo Luiz
Published: August 2004

A pharmacological assessment of the standardized extract (BNT‐08) of Pfafﬁa glomerata roots was performed in young mice submitted to acute treatment with several doses (i.p.), in young and old mice submitted to chronic oral treatment for 150 days or with water (control groups) and in old mice at a dose of 100 mg/kg of extract. Acute tests involved an initial screening, spontaneous movements, rota‐rod, barbiturate sleeping time and passive avoidance were carried out. The chronic test involved mortality assessment, body weight and learning and memory in a T‐maze left/right discrimination test and in the passive avoidance model. Of the acute tests only the sleeping time test showed relevant differences between the groups. With the chronic treatment, a relevant decrease of the number of sessions necessary for learning in the group of old mice treated with the extract was evident. A partial reversal of the memory deﬁcit induced by age in the old mice treated with the extract was found in the passive avoidance test. The results suggest that the standardized extract from Pfafﬁa glomerata roots promoted an increase in both learning and memory of old mice treated in the chronic test. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro leishmanicidal activity of some scarce natural products
Authors: Takahashi Marii , Fuchino Hiroyuki , Sekita Setsuko , Satake Motoyoshi
Published: August 2004

Leishmanicidal activity of 46 natural products including several fern and Betula constituents was examined. Several pterosin and atisene compounds from ferns had high activity. Among the triterpenoids the carboxyl group was found to be important for activity. In the diarylheptanoids, the linear‐type and the diphenylether‐type showed signiﬁcant activity, and it was found that the carbonyl group at C‐11 is necessary for the activity of biphenyl‐types. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical changes elicited by isosaline leaf and stem‐bark extracts of Harungana madagascariensis in the rat
Authors: Olagunju J. A. , Ogunfeibo A. B. , Ogunbosi A. O. , Taiwo O. A.
Published: August 2004

Isosaline leaf and stem‐bark extracts of Harungana madagascariensis (L) administered intraperitoneally into healthy albino rats of the Sprague‐Dawley strain at a dose of 400 mg/kg body weight resulted in a significant elevation of liver, kidney and serum alanine and aspartate aminotransferase activities. Serum urea, total proteins, total triglyceride, cholesterol, pyruvate and lactate were also significantly elevated in the treated rats. While the stem‐bark extract significantly increased the blood glucose level, the leaf extract significantly lowered it. However, both extracts significantly reduced supernatant protein concentrations of the liver and kidney. The significant increase in aminotransferase activities and the concomitant reduction in protein concentrations of the liver and kidney suggests increased catabolism of proteins in these organs, while the catabolites produced are probably channelled to other metabolic pathways resulting in the observed hyperpyruvicaemia, hypertriglyceridaemia and lactic acidaemia in the treated animals. The increased serum cholesterol also suggests a probable degenerative change that these extracts may have on membranes. The results obtained clearly indicate that these extracts alter metabolic activities in both the liver and kidney of treated rats and hence, should be employed in herbal preparations with caution. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of a system for measurement of permeability of aroma compounds through multilayer polymer films by coupling dynamic vapour sorption with purge‐and‐trap/fast gas chromatography
Authors: Zhou Qiaoxuan , Guthrie Brian , Cadwallader Keith R.
Published: August 2004

A system for measurement of permeability of aroma compounds through laminated polymer films was constructed by combining dynamic vapour sorption (DVS) with purge‐and‐trap/fast gas chromatography (P&T–fGC). Data validation was achieved by measuring the permeability of limonene across an HDPE film (film C) and comparing the permeation data with the literature values. The general applicability of this system, as well as its potential for simultaneous measurement of permeability of multiple aroma compounds, was demonstrated by measuring the permeability of limonene and ethyl butyrate as single permeants or as co‐permeants under different environmental conditions (at 25°C, 30°C or 35°C and 0% or 75% RH) through three different multilayer polymer films (film A, HDPE/EVOH/HDPE/HDPE; film B, HDPE/nylon/HDPE/HDPE; film C, HDPE/HDPE). The results showed that the aroma barrier performance of plastic films was determined by the polymer composition and was affected by various factors, such as temperature and the presence of other co‐permeants. Simplicity, speed and accuracy were some of the attractive features of this system, which indicates its potential as a useful tool that could be applied in the food industry for screening or selection of appropriate packaging materials for specific applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seal bond characterization of laminated plastic food cups by scanning electron and optic microscopes
Authors: Ayhan Zehra
Published: August 2004

Heat seals of laminated semi‐rigid food cups were evaluated to characterize the seal bond. Laminated lidding material was sealed at temperatures of 160–180°C to thermoformed cups. Various seal regions of the cups with different ultrasonic signal strengths (%) were sectioned at the rim and examined using optical and scanning electron microscopes (SEM). Ultrasonic signals were able to pinpoint seal defects; however, the magnitude of the signals did not relate to the actual seal condition or seal quality affected by the sealing process. This was attributed to the very short seal width and non‐parallel surface of the heat seal, which possibly resulted in signal loss by reflection and scattering from the seal surface. C‐scan of ultrasound, SEM and optical microscopic images provided the information that the heat‐sealing process was unstable, due to insufficient and non‐uniform heat‐seal temperature or pressure, misalignment of the sealing jaws or non‐parallel sealing or cutting unit configuration. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Suitability of alternative fatty food simulants to study the effect of thermal and microwave heating on overall migration of plastic packaging
Authors: Galotto M. J. , Guarda A.
Published: August 2004

The suitability of alternative fatty food simulants on overall migration determination under thermal treatment and microwave heating were analysed for different plastic materials commonly used for packs subjected to thermal treatment or microwave heating. Elevated temperature and microwave heating increased overall migration. The results demonstrated that polymer–simulant affinity plays a large role in determining the suitability of the alternative simulant. For PA/PE, ethanol 95% represented the best alternative fatty food simulant to reproduce overall migration with olive oil. PVC presented a high overall migration. Microwave heating increased migration up to 45 mg/dm2. For PVC, isopropanol was able to reproduce olive oil even after microwave heating. For PP, none of the alternative fatty food simulants were able to reproduce overall migration with olive oil. PP presented high inert behaviour. Microwave heating did not produce a significant increase in overall migration; meanwhile, the time of exposure produced a more significant migration. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Time‐dependent non‐wavepacket theory of electron scattering
Authors: Ritchie Burke , Weatherford Charles A.
Published: August 2004

A technique is given for solving the time‐dependent Schrödinger equation for electron+potential scattering at low energies (k2 ≤ 1.0 a.u.). This is accomplished by avoiding wavepackets, with the inevitable wavepacket spreading, and solving a time‐integral form of the Schrödinger equation directly. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Ab initio studies of stepped {100} surfaces of KDP crystals
Authors: Salter E. A. , Wierzbicki A. , Land T.
Published: August 2004

Potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KH2PO4, KDP) crystals have important uses in laser components and are grown in large scale for that purpose. The need for habit control has led to interest in the step‐pinning mechanisms that cause growth inhibition of the {100} face. Model systems representing five stepped KDP {100} surfaces are prepared and studied using ab initio quantum methods. Results of Hartree–Fock and density functional theory plane‐wave calculations are presented, including estimated energies of ion and column removal for the steps. Steps terminated by phosphate ions are found to be less energetically favorable than their potassium‐terminated counterparts. In addition, surface layer removal energies for the {100} face and the potassium‐bounded and phosphate‐bounded {101} faces are reported. The potassium‐bounded {101} face is found to have a greater surface removal energy than the unexpressed phosphate‐bounded {101} face. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Capillary electrophoretic separation and theoretical study of inclusion complexes of sulfobutyl ether β‐cyclodextrin with estrogens
Authors: Deng Yuanjian , Huang Ming‐Ju
Published: August 2004

Five estrogens (2‐hydroxyestrone, 2‐methoxyestradiol, estrone, estriol, and 17α‐estradiol) and two stereoisomers (17α‐ and 17β‐estradiol) have been successfully separated using capillary electrophoresis with anionic sulfobutyl ether β‐cyclodextrin (SBE‐β‐CD). The SBE‐β‐CD used in the separation was a mixture of positional and regional isomers containing from 1 to 10 sulfobutyl ether groups with an average degree of substitution of four per cyclodextrin; thus, a tetra‐SBE substituted CD, SBE[4]‐β‐CD, has been chosen as the model host molecule in the present study. Relative to the position of the cavity, three initial arrangements of the 4 SBE groups, 0‐, 2‐, and 4‐up, have been considered. In addition two types of inclusion complexes, cis and trans orientations, are also considered for each estrogen. In the cis structure the SBE group of the cyclodextrin and the phenol group of the estrogen are on the same side, while in the trans structure the two groups are on opposite sides. The objective of the present study is to perform PM3 (Parametric Method 3) semiempirical molecular orbital calculations on these six inclusion complexes (12 different orientations) for each SBE[4]‐β‐CD to correlate the migration order with their relative stability. Theoretical calculations have shown that only when SBE groups are perpendicular to the axis of CD (0‐up arrangement), the cavity is open on both sides for incoming guest molecules. A correlation was observed between the total heats of formation for the cis and trans estrogen‐CD inclusion complexes of the same estrogen and the electrophoretic migration time although the relationship is not linear, suggesting that both orientations may occur simultaneously. In other two SBE[4]‐β‐CDs, the narrower side of the cavity is partially capped due to the formation of intra‐hydrogen bonds among three of the four SBE groups. Thus, a guest molecule can enter the cavity from the wide end of the cavity only. As a result, the estrogen molecules protrude from the cavity in most cases. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2004
Simian varicella: a model for human varicella‐zoster virus infections
Authors: Gray Wayne L.
Published: August 2004

Simian varicella virus (SVV) causes a natural varicella‐like disease in nonhuman primates. Epizootics of simian varicella occur sporadically in facilities housing Old World monkeys. SVV is antigenically and genetically related to varicella‐zoster virus (VZV), the etiologic agent of varicella (chickenpox) and herpes zoster (shingles) in humans. The SVV and VZV genomes are similar in size and structure, share 70%–75% DNA homology and are co‐linear with respect to gene organisation. Simian varicella is a highly contagious disease characterised by fever and vesicular skin rash and may progress to pneumonia and hepatitis. Infected monkeys may resolve the disease within 2 weeks although epizootics are sometimes associated with high morbidity and mortality. SVV, like VZV, establishes life‐long latent infection, as indicated by detection of viral DNA within neural ganglia. Subsequently, SVV may reactivate to cause secondary disease and spread of the virus to susceptible monkeys. The relatedness of VZV and SVV and the similarities in the clinical symptoms and pathogenesis of human and simian varicella make SVV infection of nonhuman primates an excellent animal model to investigate VZV pathogenesis and latency, and to evaluate potential antiviral strategies. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Viruses as adjuvants for autoimmunity: evidence from Coxsackievirus‐induced myocarditis
Authors: Fairweather DeLisa , Frisancho‐Kiss Sylvia , Rose Noel R.
Published: August 2004

Adjuvants historically are considered to stimulate immune responses ‘non‐specifically’. Recently, a renewed understanding of the critical role of innate immunity in influencing the development of an adaptive immune response has led researchers to a better understanding of ‘the adjuvant effect’. Although innate immune cells do not respond to specific antigenic epitopes on pathogens, they do produce restricted responses to particular classes of pathogens via pattern recognition receptors such as Toll‐like receptors (TLR). Coxsackievirus infection was found to upregulate TLR4 on mast cells and macrophages immediately following infection. Although both susceptible and resistant mice produce a mixture of Th1 and Th2 cytokines, susceptible mice have increased levels of key proinflammatory cytokines, increased numbers of mast cells, and go on to develop chronic autoimmune heart disease. TLR4 signalling also increases acute myocarditis and proinflammatory cytokines in the heart. Many similarities are described in the pathogenesis of Coxsackievirus and the adjuvant‐induced model of myocarditis including upregulation of particular TLRs and cytokines soon after inoculation. Recent findings suggest that mast cell activation by viruses or adjuvants may be important in initiating autoimmune disease. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.