bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Therapeutic effect of phytoecdysteroids rich extract from Ajuga iva on alloxan induced diabetic rats liver, kidney and pancreas
Authors: Hamden Khaled , Elfeki Abdelfattah , Ayadi Fatma , Jamoussi Kamel , Masmoudi Hatem 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the current study, the effect of Ajuga iva extract on blood glucose, lipid profile, hepatic and renal toxicity and antioxidant enzyme activities in alloxan‐induced diabetic rats was investigated. Diabetes was confirmed by measuring the glucoserua concentration 15 days after alloxan administration. Ajuga iva extract was administrated orally 3 weeks after alloxan injection. Our results investigate that Ajuga iva extract supplementation increased the levels of both enzymatic antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, catalase and gluthation peroxidase) and metals antioxidants (iron, copper, magnesium, calcuim) and decreased lipid peroxidation level (TBARs). Besides Ajuga iva ameliorated diabetes provoked hepatic and renal toxicity appeared by a lower level in total and direct bilirubin, urea, creatinine, triglyceride (TG), cholesterol and a higher level in HDL‐cholesterol. Besides, the activities of phosphatase alkalines (PAL), aspartate and lactate transaminase (AST & ALT) were decreased. The benefices effects of phytoecdysteroids of Ajuga iva confirmed by histological observation in pancreatic tissues.In conclusion, Ajuga iva phytoecdysteroids supplements seem to be beneficial for correcting the hyperglycemia and preventing diabetic complications in liver, pancreas and kidneys.
Cytokine response to vitamin E supplementation is dependent on pre‐supplementation cytokine levels
Authors: Belisle Sarah E. , Leka Lynette S. , Dallal Gerard E. , Jacques Paul F. , Ordovas Jose M. , Meydani Simin Nikbin , Delgado‐Lista Javier 
Published: August 2009

AbstractVitamin E supplementation has been suggested to improve immune response in the aged in part by altering cytokine production. However, there is not a consensus regarding the effect of supplemental vitamin E on cytokine production in humans. There is evidence that baseline immune health can affect immune response to supplemental vitamin E in the elderly. Thus, the effect of vitamin E on cytokines may depend on their pre‐supplementation cytokine response. Using data from a vitamin E intervention in elderly nursing home residents, we examined if the effect of vitamin E on ex vivo cytokine production of IL‐1ß, IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IFN‐γ depended on baseline cytokine production. We observed that the effect of vitamin E supplementation on cytokine production depended on pre‐supplementation production of the respective cytokines. The interactions between vitamin E and baseline cytokine production were not explained by covariates known to impact cytokine production. Our results offer evidence that baseline cytokine production should be considered in studies that examine the effect of supplemental vitamin E on immune and inflammatory responses. Our results could have implications in designing clinical trials to determine the impact of vitamin E on conditions in which cytokines are implicated such as infections and atherosclerotic disease.
Effect of acylethanolamides on lipid peroxidation and paraoxonase activity
Authors: Zolese Giovanna , Bacchetti Tiziana , Masciangelo Simona , Ragni Letizia , Ambrosi Simona , Ambrosini Annarina , Ferretti Gianna , Marini Milvia 
Published: August 2009

AbstractN‐acylethanolamides (NAEs) are hydrophobic molecules synthesized in many tissues. An increase in the plasma levels of NAEs has been observed in human diseases. Previous studies have suggested that NAEs could exert a protective effect against oxidative stress.Aim of the study was to investigate whether NAEs (oleoylethanolamide, palmitoylethanolamide and anandamide), differing for acyl chain length and unsaturation, exert a protective role against plasma lipid peroxidation triggered by incubation with Cu2+ or AAPH (2,2′‐azobis(2‐amidinopropane) dihydrochloride). Moreover, we investigated the effect of NAEs on the activity of HDL‐associated paraoxonase (PON1), an enzyme involved in the antioxidant end anti‐inflammatory role of human high density lipoproteins (HDL). The results demonstrated that the NAEs protect plasma lipids and PON1 activity against AAPH and/or copper‐induced oxidation.
Bilberry extract reduces UVA‐induced oxidative stress in HaCaT keratinocytes: A pilot study
Authors: Svobodová Alena , Rambousková Jana , Walterová Daniela , Vostalová Jitka 
Published: August 2009

AbstractExposure to UVA radiation is known to cause many adverse biological effects by inducing the stricken cells to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS). In recent years the use of botanicals has received considerable interest in the skin protection. Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) fruit contains several polyphenols with strong antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study we evaluated potential UVA preventive effect of V. myrtillus fruit extract (VME; anthocyanins, 25% w/w) in HaCaT keratinocytes. Pre‐treatment (1 h) or post‐treatment (4 h) of HaCaT with VME resulted in attenuation of UVA‐caused damage. Application of the extract significantly reduced UVA‐stimulated ROS formation in keratinocytes. VME also prevented/reduced UVA‐caused peroxidation of membrane lipids and depletion of intracellular GSH. The observed cytoprotective effect may be linked to the antioxidant activity of the plant constituents, namely anthocyanins.
The anthocyanin composition of different Vaccinium, Ribes and Rubus genotypes
Authors: Scalzo Jessica , Currie Alastair , Stephens Jo , Alspach Peter , McGhie Tony 
Published: August 2009

AbstractAnthocyanins, which give berryfruit their characteristic colour, have attracted the interest of researchers because of their putative health benefits. Over the past eight years, Hort Research has been analysing the anthocyanin content of numerous samples of different species of Vaccinium, Rubus and also Ribes nigrum. These samples were taken from different genotypes held in germplasm collections, cultivar and advanced selection trials, genetic studies and seedling populations. Averaged over all samples, Ribes had higher total anthocyanin contents (total ACY) than Vaccinium which was, in turn, higher than Rubus. However, all genera provided rich sources of anthocyanins and individual crop types within genera varied considerably. Five percent (i.e., 223) of our samples had total ACY of more than 5000 μg/g: most of these were blackcurrants, but some were black raspberries and three were ornamental blueberries. Vaccinium species generally contained the most diverse range of individual anthocyanins. In contrast, Ribes nigrum samples were dominated by cyanidin and delphinidin rutinosides which, on average, comprised almost 80% of the total ACY. For Rubus species almost all anthocyanins were cyanidins, although which ones were more prevalent varied with the species. The high degree of variation in total ACY and individual anthocyanin contents reported herein, coupled with the moderate to high heritabilities reported in the literature, indicate that good progress could be made in breeding cultivars with still higher total ACY levels.
Breeding strawberry (Fragaria X ananassa Duch) to increase fruit nutritional quality
Authors: Capocasa F. , Diamanti J. , Mezzetti B. , Tulipani S. , Battino M. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn the last few years the nutritional value of fruit has been widely studied and requested by the consumers, especially for protection against cardiovascular events, cancer and others as well as for the general health benefits it can provide. These benefits can be ascribed mainly to the Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC) of fruit which is determined by a complex combination of bioactive compounds, generally related to specific characteristics of the genotype and of its interaction with the environment.Strawberry breeding programs are currently used to acquire new varieties improved for specific agronomic (Yield and Size), qualitative (Firmness, Sugars Content and Acidity) and sensorial (Colour and Aroma) characteristics, all combined to increased disease resistance and plant adaptability. Nowadays, besides to all these parameters is necessary to look for the specific bioactive components well known for their effect on human health. This aspect is now highly requested by the consumer.By testing different commercial strawberry varieties, a wide difference among their production and fruit quality, mostly related to their adaptability to the local evaluation conditions, is generally detected. Regarding their nutritional values, only few varieties nowadays differ for their higher phenol content and total antioxidant capacity.By taking into account this knowledge different breeding programs specifically addressed to increase fruit nutritional value, have been started. A first approach is based on the use of inter‐specific crosses within wild and cultivated genotypes, so to increase variability for these characters, while the second by considering the intra‐specific crosses within cultivars already known for their agronomic behavior and good quality performance.Herewith, we report on the major aspects related to breeding program aimed to increase strawberry fruit nutritional quality and what we can expect for the improvement of consumer acceptability of this fruit.
Current developments on the inhibitory effects of berry polyphenols on digestive enzymes
Authors: McDougall Gordon J. , Kulkarni Nimish N. , Stewart Derek 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe recent developments and evidence for the effect of polyphenol components of berries on digestive enzymes has been reviewed. Certain plant polyphenols can inhibit starch digestive enzymes in the gastrointestinal tract and modulate blood glucose control in vivo. Certain berry polyphenol components can inhibit protease activities at levels which could affect protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. In addition, other polyphenol components show potential for the inhibition of gastrointestinal lipase activity, which is a proven therapeutic target for the control of obesity through reduced fat digestion.Taking into account the potential synergies for inhibition of starch and lipid digestion by the spectrum of polyphenol components present within berry species, the inhibition of digestive enzymes by dietary polyphenols may be another important mechanism for the health benefits attributed to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Study of the effect of Wuzhi tablet (Schisandra sphenanthera extract) on tacrolimus tissue distribution in rat by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method
Authors: Qin Xiao‐ling , Bi Hui‐chang , Wang Chang‐xi , Li Jia‐li , Wang Xue‐ding , Liu Long‐shan , Chen Xiao , Huang Min 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for determining tacrolimus (FK506) in rat tissues to study the effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on FK506 tissue distribution. After a liquid–liquid extraction with ethyl acetate, FK506 and ascomycin (IS) were subjected to LC‐MS/MS analysis using positive electrospray ionization under multiple reactions monitoring mode. Chromatographic separation of FK506 and ascomycin was achieved on a Hypersil BDS C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of methanol‐water (containing 2 mM ammonium acetate, 95 : 5, v/v). The intra‐ and inter‐batch precision of the method were less than 8.8 and 9.8%, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracies ranged from 97.5 to 104.0%. The lowest limit of quantification for FK506 was 0.5 ng/mL. The method was applied to a FK506 tissue distribution study with or without a dose of Wuzhi (WZ) tablet. Most of the FK506 tissue concentrations were slightly increased after a concomitant WZ tablet dose, but the whole blood concentration of FK506 was dramatically increased 3‐fold after a concomitant WZ tablet dose. These results indicated that the LC‐MS/MS method was rapid and sensitive enough to quantify FK506 in different rat tissues, and strict drug monitoring is recommended when co‐administering WZ tablet in clinical use. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alumina‐Supported Ni–Au: Surface Synergistic Effects in Catalytic Hydrodechlorination
Authors: Keane Mark A. , Gómez‐Quero Santiago , Cárdenas‐Lizana Fernando , Shen Wenqin 
Published: August 2009

AbstractCatalytic gas‐phase hydrodechlorination (HDC) of 2,4‐dichlorophenol (2,4‐DCP) has been investigated over Ni/Al2O3 and Au/Al2O3 prepared by impregnation, and Au–Ni/Al2O3 prepared by reductive deposition of Au onto Ni. Catalyst activation by temperature‐programmed reduction is examined and the activated catalysts are characterized in terms of H2 chemisorption, XRD and TEM‐energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) measurements. Ni/Al2O3 (<1–10 nm) and Au/Al2O3 (<1–15 nm) exhibit a relatively narrow metal size distribution while Au–Ni/Al2O3 bore larger particles (1–30 nm) with variable surface Ni/Au ratios. Au/Al2O3 exhibits low H2 uptake and low HDC activity to generate 2‐chlorophenol (2‐CP) as the sole product. H2 chemisorption on Au–Ni/Al2O3 was approximately five times lower than that recorded for Ni/Al2O3 but both catalysts delivered equivalent initial HDC activities. Ni/Al2O3 exhibits an irreversible temporal deactivation where partial dechlorination to 2‐CP is increasingly favored over full dechlorination to phenol. In contrast, thermal treatment of Au–Ni/Al2O3 in H2 after reaction elevates HDC activity with a preferential full HDC to phenol. This response is linked to a surface reconstruction resulting in a more homogeneous combination of Ni and Au. This result was also achieved by a direct treatment of Au–Ni/Al2O3 with HCl. A parallel/ consecutive kinetic model is used to quantify the catalytic HDC response.
Development of a Recyclable and Low‐Leaching Palladium Catalyst Supported on Sulfur‐Modified Gallium Arsenide (001) for Use in Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling
Authors: Hoshiya Naoyuki , Isomura Nobuhiro , Shimoda Masahiko , Yoshikawa Hideki , Yamashita Yoshiyuki , Iizuka Kanji , Tsukamoto Shiro , Shuto Satoshi , Arisawa Mitsuhiro 
Published: August 2009

AbstractA newly developed, environmentally benign palladium catalyst supported on gallium arsenide, {Pd}‐S‐GaAs(001), has both the lowest recorded leaching and high recyclability for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling. Measurements of the catalyst surface by synchrotron radiation X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy show a relationship between the surface and the activity of the catalyst. Since {Pd}‐S‐GaAs(001) makes efficient use of the rare metal Pd, it is a useful palladium catalyst from an atom‐ economical perspective. Two heterogeneity tests clarify that the presence of immobilized palladium on SGaAs is important for higher catalytic activity.
Autocatalytic Enantiomerisation at the Crystal Surface in Deracemisation of Scalemic Conglomerates
Authors: Wei Shengwei , Mauksch Michael , Tsogoeva Svetlana B. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractDeracemisation of racemic or scalemic conglomerates of intrinsically chiral compounds appears to be a promising method of chiral resolution. By combining the established methods of asymmetric synthesis and the physical process of crystal growth, we were able to achieve a complete deracemisation (with 100 % ee) of an asymmetric Mannich product conglomerate—vigorously stirred in its saturated solution—from a starting enantiomeric excess value of 15.8 % in the presence of pyrrolidine (8 mol %) as an achiral catalyst for the CC bond‐forming reaction. Strong activation of this deracemisation process was observed on mild isothermal heating to only 40 °C, resulting in dramatic acceleration by a factor of about 20 with respect to the results obtained at room temperature. Despite the fact that the racemisation half‐life time of the nearly enantiopure Mannich product (with 99 % ee) in the homogenous solution at the reaction temperature is eight days, the deracemisation process took only hours in a small‐scale experiment. This apparent paradox is explained by a proposed rapid enantiomerisation at the crystal/solution interface, which was corroborated by a 13C labelling experiment that confirmed the involvement of rapid enantiomerisation. Frequent monitoring of the solution‐phase ee of the slowly racemising compound further revealed that the minor enantiomer dominated in solution, supporting an explanation based on a kinetic model. A generalisation of the process of “aymmetric autocatalysis” (resulting in automultiplication of chiral products in homogenous media) to encompass heterogeneous systems is also suggested.
Acid‐, Water‐ and High‐Temperature‐Stable Ruthenium Complexes for the Total Catalytic Deoxygenation of Glycerol to Propane
Authors: Taher Deeb , Thibault Michelle E. , Di Mondo Domenico , Jennings Michael , Schlaf Marcel 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe ruthenium aqua complexes [Ru(H2O)2(bipy)2](OTf)2, [cis‐Ru(6,6′‐Cl2‐bipy)2(OH2)2](OTf)2, [Ru(H2O)2(phen)2](OTf)2, [Ru(H2O)3(2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)](OTf)2 and [Ru(H2O)3(Phterpy)](OTf)2 (bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine; OTf−=triflate; phen=phenanthroline; terpy= terpyridine; Phterpy=4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine) are water‐ and acid‐stable catalysts for the hydrogenation of aldehydes and ketones in sulfolane solution. In the presence of HOS(O)2CF3 (triflic acid) as a dehydration co‐catalyst they directly convert 1,2‐hexanediol to n‐hexanol and hexane. The terpyridine complexes are stable and active as catalysts at temperatures ≥250 °C and in either aqueous sulfolane solution or pure water convert glycerol into n‐propanol and ultimately propane as the final reaction product in up to quantitative yield. For the terpy complexes the active catalyst is postulated to be a carbonyl species [(4′‐R‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)Ru(CO)(H2O)2](OTf)2 (R=H, Ph) formed by the decarbonylation of aldehydes (hexanal for 1,2‐hexanediol and 3‐hydroxypropanal for glycerol) generated in the reaction mixture through acid‐catalyzed dehydration. The structure of the dimeric complex [{(4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpy)Ru(CO)}2(μ‐OCH3)2](OTf)2 has been determined by single crystal X‐ray crystallography (Space group P$\bar 1$ (a=8.2532(17); b=12.858(3); c=14.363(3) Å; α=64.38(3); β=77.26(3); γ = 87.12(3)°, R=4.36 %).
Migration of Dictyostelium slugs: Anterior‐like cells may provide the motive force for the prespore zone
Authors: Rieu Jean‐Paul , Saito Tamao , Delanoë‐Ayari Héléne , Sawada Yasuji , Kay Robert R. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe collective motion of cells in a biological tissue originates from their individual responses to chemical and mechanical signals. The Dictyostelium slug moves as a collective of up to 100,000 cells with prestalk cells in the anterior 10–30% and prespore cells, intermingled with anterior‐like cells (AL cells), in the posterior. We used traction force microscopy to measure the forces exerted by migrating slugs. Wild‐type slugs exert frictional forces on their substratum in the direction of motion in their anterior, balanced by motive forces dispersed down their length. StlB− mutants lack the signal molecule DIF‐1 and hence a subpopulation of AL cells. They produce little if any motive force in their rear and immediately break up. This argues that AL cells, but not prespore cells, are the motive cells in the posterior zone. Slugs also exert large outward radial forces, which we have analyzed during “looping” movement. Each time the anterior touches down after a loop, the outward forces rapidly develop, approximately normal to the almost stationary contact lines. We postulate that these forces result from the immediate binding of the sheath to the substratum and the subsequent application of outward “pressure,” which might be developed in several different ways. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Radiation resistance of synthetic sapphire crystal irradiated by low‐energy neutron flux
Authors: Wang Gui‐Gen , Han Jie‐Cai , Zhang Hua‐Yu , Zhang Ming‐Fu , Zuo Hong‐Bo , Hu Zhao‐Hui , He Xiao‐Dong 
Published: August 2009

AbstractIn this paper, high‐quality sapphire crystal grown by an improved Kyropoulos‐like method, was irradiated by low‐energy neutron (i.e. high proportion of thermal neutron) with various flux (low: 7.5×1015 n/cm2, medium: 7.0×1016 n/cm2 and high: 3.8×1017 n/cm2). The characteristic features of neutron fluence dependence of radiation‐defect formation process, mainly including its change of the structural and optical properties prior to and after irradiation, were investigated by optical absorption (OA), photoluminescence (PL), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS). It is found that sapphire crystal exhibits high radiation resistance to low‐energy neutron with low fluence. But with the increase of irradiation fluence, it is still sensitive to neutron irradiation mostly in the UV‐visible spectral range, as irradiation‐induced color centers appear, including F‐type and their aggregate centers. Finally, the formation mechanism of the irradiation defects is also discussed. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Structure and magnetism of manganese‐doped ZnO powder samples
Authors: Ahmed S. A. 
Published: August 2009

AbstractThe magnetic and structural properties of manganese‐doped ZnO powder samples prepared by a solid state method are reported. Magnetization measurements indicate ferromagnetic behavior, with hysteresis observed in the M vs. H behavior at 300 K. Coercive fields were <100 Oe at 300 K. Temperature‐dependent magnetization measurements showed evidence for ordering temperatures of >300 K. However, the results show that ferromagnetism originates from the doped matrix rather than any type of magnetic cluster and the ferromagnetism is due to the defects and/or oxygen vacancies confined to the surface of the grains. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Growth and characterization of K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4 mixed crystals onto z‐cut point seeds
Authors: De‐Gao Zhong , Bing Teng , Shu‐Hua Wang , Xue‐Jun Jiang , Ming Li , Lin‐Xiang He , Wan‐Xia Huang 
Published: August 2009

AbstractMixed crystals of potassium dihydrogen phosphate and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate were grown onto point seeds by the method of temperature reduction. It was found that the regeneration process of z‐cut point seeds became more and more difficult with increasing KH2PO4 concentration in the solution mixture. The interior stress and cracking of the mixed crystals were analyzed by synchrotron X‐ray topography. Large numbers of stress stripes were found at the seed and sectors boundaries. The lattice parameters of the pyramid and prismatic sectors of the prepared mixed crystal were calculated according to the X‐ray diffraction patterns. With solution containing 8 mol % KH2PO4, the lattice volumes of the prismatic sector of the mixed crystal were 1.3% larger than that of the pyramid sector of the crystal. Chemical etching revealed microcracks with length of hundreds of microns in the mixed crystals, which tended to spread and led to crystal cracking. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)