bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxicity screening of Bangladeshi medicinal plant extracts on pancreatic cancer cells
Authors: George Sherine , Bhalerao Siddharth V , Lidstone Erich A , Ahmad Irfan S , Abbasi Atiya , Cunningham Brian T , Watkin Kenneth L 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
There has been a long standing interest in the identification of medicinal plants and derived natural products for developing cancer therapeutics. Our study focuses upon pancreatic cancer, due to its high mortality rate, that is attributed in part to the lack of an effective chemotherapeutic agent. Previous reports on the use of medicinal plant extracts either alone or alongside conventional anticancer agents in the treatment of this cancer have shown promising results. This work aims to investigate the therapeutic properties of a library of medicinal plants from Bangladesh.

Methods
56 extracts of 44 unique medicinal plants were studied. The extracts were screened for cytotoxicity against the pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell line Panc-1, using a label-free biosensor assay. The top cytotoxic extracts identified in this screen were tested on two additional pancreatic cancer cell lines (Mia-Paca2 and Capan-1) and a fibroblast cell line (Hs68) using an MTT proliferation assay. Finally, one of the most promising extracts was studied using a caspase-3 colorimetric assay to identify induction of apoptosis.

Results
Crude extracts of Petunia punctata, Alternanthera sessilis, and Amoora chittagonga showed cytotoxicity to three cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging between 20.3 - 31.4 μg/mL, 13.08 - 34.9 μg/mL, and 42.8 - 49.8 μg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, treatment of Panc-1 cells with Petunia punctata was shown to increase caspase-3 activity, indicating that the observed cytotoxicity was mediated via apoptosis. Only Amoora chittagonga showed low cytotoxicity to fibroblast cells with an IC50 value > 100 μg/mL.

Conclusion
Based upon the initial screening work reported here, further studies aimed at the identification of active components of these three extracts and the elucidation of their mechanisms as cancer therapeutics are warranted.
Study on association between genetic polymorphisms of haem oxygenase-1, tumour necrosis factor, cadmium exposure and malaria pathogenicity and severity
Authors: Kuesap Jiraporn , Hirayama Kenji , Kikuchi Mihoko , Ruangweerayut Ronnatrai , Na-Bangchang Kesara 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundMalaria is the most important public health problems in tropical and sub-tropical countries. Haem oxygenase (HO) enzyme and the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor (TNF) have been proposed as one of the factors that may play significant role in pathogenicity/severity of malaria infection. HO is the enzyme of the microsomal haem degradation pathway that yields biliverdin, carbon monoxide, and iron. In this study, the association between malaria disease pathogenicity/severity and (GT)nrepeat polymorphism in the promoter region of the inducible HO-1 including the effect of cadmium exposure (potent inducer of HO-1 transcription) as well as polymorphism of TNF were investigated.MethodsBlood samples were collected from 329 cases non-severe malaria with acute uncomplicatedPlasmodium falciparummalaria (UM) and 80 cases withPlasmodium vivaxmalaria (VM), and 77 cases with severe or cerebral malaria (SM) for analysis of genetic polymorphisms of HO-1 and TNF and cadmium levels. These patients consisted of 123 (25.3%) Thai, 243 (50.0%) Burmese and 120 (24.7%) Karen who were present at Mae Sot General Hospital, Mae Sot, Tak Province, Thailand.ResultsThe number of (GT)nrepeats of the HO-1 gene in all patients varied between 16 and 39 and categorized to short (S), medium (M) and long (L) GTnrepeats. The genotype of (GT)nrepeat of HO-1 was found to be significantly different among the three ethnic groups of patients. Significantly higher frequency of S/L genotype was found in Burmese compared with Thai patients, while significantly lower frequencies of S/S and M/L but higher frequency of M/M genotype was observed in Burmese compared with Karen patients. No significant association between HO-1 and TNF polymorphisms including the inducing effect of cadmium and malaria pathogenicity/severity was observed.ConclusionsDifference in the expression of HO-1 genotype in different ethnic groups may contribute to different severity of malaria disease. With this limited sample size, the finding of the lack of association between malaria disease pathogenicity/severity genetic polymorphisms of HO-1 (GT)nrepeat as well as TNF observed in this study may not entirely exclude their possible link with malaria disease pathogenicity/severity. Further study in larger sample size is required.
The use of a commercial vegetable juice as a practical means to increase vegetable intake: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Shenoy Sonia F , Kazaks Alexandra G , Holt Roberta R , Chen Hsin Ju , Winters Barbara L , Khoo Chor San , Poston Walker SC , Haddock C Keith , Reeves Rebecca S , Foreyt John P , Gershwin M Eric , Keen Carl L 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background
Recommendations for daily dietary vegetable intake were increased in the 2005 USDA Dietary Guidelines as consumption of a diet rich in vegetables has been associated with lower risk of certain chronic health disorders including cardiovascular disease. However, vegetable consumption in the United States has declined over the past decade; consequently, the gap between dietary recommendations and vegetable intake is widening. The primary aim of this study is to determine if drinking vegetable juice is a practical way to help meet daily dietary recommendations for vegetable intake consistent with the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet. The secondary aim is to assess the effect of a vegetable juice on measures of cardiovascular health.

Methods
We conducted a 12-week, randomized, controlled, parallel-arm study consisting of 3 groups of free-living, healthy volunteers who participated in study visits at the Ragle Human Nutrition Research Center at the University of California, Davis. All subjects received education on the DASH diet and 0, 8 or 16 fluid ounces of vegetable juice daily. Assessments were completed of daily vegetable servings before and after incorporation of vegetable juice and cardiovascular health parameters including blood pressure.

Results
Without the juice, vegetable intake in all groups was lower than the 2005 Dietary Guidelines and DASH diet recommendations. The consumption of the vegetable juice helped participants reach recommended intake. In general, parameters associated with cardiovascular health did not change over time. However, in the vegetable juice intervention groups, subjects who were pre-hypertensive at the start of the study showed a significant decrease in blood pressure during the 12-week intervention period.

Conclusion
Including 1-2 cups of vegetable juice daily was an effective and acceptable way for healthy adults to close the dietary vegetable gap. Increase in daily vegetable intake was associated with a reduction in blood pressure in subjects who were pre-hypertensive at the start of the trial.

Trial Registration
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01161706
Multiple functions of CXCL12 in a syngeneic model of breast cancer
Authors: Williams Sharon A , Harata-Lee Yuka , Comerford Iain , Anderson Robin L , Smyth Mark J , McColl Shaun R 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackgroundA growing body of work implicates chemokines, in particular CXCL12 and its receptors, in the progression and site-specific metastasis of various cancers, including breast cancer. Various agents have been used to block the CXCL12-CXCR4 interaction as a means of inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, as a potent chemotactic factor for leukocytes, CXCL12 also has the potential to enhance anti-cancer immunity. To further elucidate its role in breast cancer progression, CXCL12 and its antagonist CXCL12(P2G)were overexpressed in the syngeneic 4T1.2 mouse model of breast carcinoma.ResultsWhile expression of CXCL12(P2G)significantly inhibited metastasis, expression of wild-type CXCL12 potently inhibited both metastasis and primary tumor growth. The effects of wild-type CXCL12 were attributed to an immune response characterized by the induction of CD8+T cell activity, enhanced cell-mediated cytotoxicity, increased numbers of CD11c+cells in the tumor-draining lymph nodes and reduced accumulation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in the spleen.ConclusionsThis study highlights the need to consider carefully therapeutic strategies that block CXCL12 signaling. Therapies that boost CXCL12 levels at the primary tumor site may prove more effective in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
Akt is required for Stat5 activation and mammary differentiation
Authors: Chen Chien-Chung , Boxer Robert B , Stairs Douglas B , Portocarrero Carla P , Horton Rachel H , Alvarez James V , Birnbaum Morris J , Chodosh Lewis A 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Introduction
The Akt pathway plays a central role in regulating cell survival, proliferation and metabolism, and is one of the most commonly activated pathways in human cancer. A role for Akt in epithelial differentiation, however, has not been established. We previously reported that mice lacking Akt1, but not Akt2, exhibit a pronounced metabolic defect during late pregnancy and lactation that results from a failure to upregulate Glut1 as well as several lipid synthetic enzymes. Despite this metabolic defect, however, both Akt1-deficient and Akt2-deficient mice exhibit normal mammary epithelial differentiation and Stat5 activation.

Methods
In light of the overlapping functions of Akt family members, we considered the possibility that Akt may play an essential role in regulating mammary epithelial development that is not evident in Akt1-deficient mice due to compensation by other Akt isoforms. To address this possibility, we interbred mice bearing targeted deletions in Akt1 and Akt2 and determined the effect on mammary differentiation during pregnancy and lactation.

Results
Deletion of one allele of Akt2 in Akt1-deficient mice resulted in a severe defect in Stat5 activation during late pregnancy that was accompanied by a global failure of terminal mammary epithelial cell differentiation, as manifested by the near-complete loss in production of the three principal components of milk: lactose, lipid, and milk proteins. This defect was due, in part, to a failure of pregnant Akt1
-/-
;Akt2
+/-
mice to upregulate the positive regulator of Prlr-Jak-Stat5 signaling, Id2, or to downregulate the negative regulators of Prlr-Jak-Stat5 signaling, caveolin-1 and Socs2.

Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate an unexpected requirement for Akt in Prlr-Jak-Stat5 signaling and establish Akt as an essential central regulator of mammary epithelial differentiation and lactation.
Stereoselective Synthesis of 3-(1-Cyanoalkylidene)oxindoles by Palladium-catalyzed Cyclization Reaction of 2-(Alkynyl)aryl Isocyanates with Copper(I) Cyanide
Authors: Miura Tomoya , Toyoshima Takeharu , Kozawa Osamu , Murakami Masahiro 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
A palladium-catalyzed cyclization reaction of 2-(alkynyl)aryl isocyanates with copper(I) cyanide provides an efficient method for the stereoselective synthesis of (Z)-configured 3-(1-cyanoalkylidene)oxindoles.
The relationship between aminoterminal propeptide of type III procollagen and heart rate variability parameters in heart failure patients: a potential serum marker to evaluate cardiac autonomic control and sudden cardiac death
Authors: Lin Yen-Hung , Lin Chen , Lo Men-Tzung , Lin Hung-Ju , Wu Yen-Wen , Hsu Ron-Bin , Chao Chia-Lun , Hsu Hsiu-Ching , Wang Pa-Chun , Wu Vin-Cent , Wang Shoei-Shen , Lee Chi-Ming , Chien Kuo-Liong , Ho Yi-Lwun , Chen Ming-Fong , Peng Chung-Kang 
Published: September 2010

Abstract

Background: Cardiac extra-cellular matrix (ECM) fibrosis plays an important role in the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF). It may provide electrical heterogeneity and a substrate for arrhythmogenicity, which may cause sudden cardiac death (SCD).

Methods: Twenty-one patients with manifestations of HF and a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) ≤50% were enrolled. The median age was 62 years and median LVEF was 33%. Time- and frequency-domain analysis of heart rate variability (HRV) on 24 h ambulatory electrocardiography recording was assessed. Serum markers of ECM turnover including type I and III aminoterminal propeptide of procollagen (PINP and PIIINP), matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) were analyzed.

Results: The serum PIIINP concentration was correlated significantly with standard deviation of all normal to normal R-R intervals (SDNN) (r=–0.722, p=<0.001), percentage of adjacent NN interval differences >50 ms (pNN50) (r=–0.528, p=0.014), percentage of adjacent NN interval differences >20 ms (pNN20) (r=–0.545, p=0.002), very low frequency (VLF) (r=–0.490, p=0.024), low frequency (LF) (r=–0.491, p=0.024), and high frequency (HF) (r=–0.513, p=0.018). PINP, MMP-2, -9, TIMP-1 were not correlated with time- and frequency-domain analysis of HRV.

Conclusions: PIIINP was significantly correlated with time- and frequency-domain analysis of HRV in HF patients. PIIINP is a potential serological marker to evaluate cardiac autonomic control and risk of SCD in HF patients.
Clin Chem Lab Med 2010;48:1821–7.
Metallo-Thermo-Mechanical Coupled Analysis of Quenching Process for the Plane Strain Problems
Authors: Li Huiping , He Lianfang , Zhao Guoqun 
Published: September 2010

Abstract
Quenching technology is a high non-linear process in which temperature, phase-transformation, and stress/strain affect each other. In this paper, the coupling computation configuration among temperature, phase-transformation, and stress is presented, and the temperature-dependent variation of thermo-physical properties is considered in the FEM simulation. In order to reduce the iteration times and keep the simulation accuracy, an improved method for calculating the elastic-plastic ratio is presented. A plane strain component is regarded as the study objective, and its FEM model is built in the paper. The effects of the initial strains on the quenching residual stresses are simulated using the self-developed FEM software in the quenching process, and the initial strains include the strain induced by temperature, the strain induced by the phase-transformation, and the phase-transformation plasticity. The variation curves of stress components in the representative positions during the quenching are given. The evolvement of the elastic region and plastic region in the quenched part is simulated and analyzed, and the boundary displacements and distortion of the quenched part are also given.
Accuracy and Repeatability of Anthropometric Facial Measurements Using Cone Beam Computed Tomography
Authors: Fourie Zacharias , Damstra Janalt , Gerrits Peter O. , Ren Yijin 
Published: September 2010

Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy and repeatability of linear anthropometric measurements on the soft tissue surface model generated from cone beam computed tomography scans. Materials and Methods The study sample consisted of seven cadaver heads. The accuracy and repeatability were assessed by means of a series of 21 standardized, linear facial measurements derived from 11 landmarks taken both directly on the face with a set of digital calipers and indirectly from a three-dimensional soft tissue surface model generated from a cone beam computed tomography scan of the heads using SimPlant® Ortho Pro software. The landmarks and measurements were chosen to cover various regions of the face with an emphasis on the oral-nasal region. The cone beam computed tomography measurements were compared with the physical measurements. Statistical analysis for the repeatability was done by means of the intraclass coefficient. Accuracy was determined by means of the absolute error and absolute percentage error. Results The cone beam computed tomography measurements were very accurate when compared with the physical measurements (0.962 to 0.999). Except for one measurement, between point tragion (t) and nasion (n) (mean, 1.52 mm), all the measurements had a mean absolute error of less than 1.5 mm. Conclusions The three-dimensional surface models derived from cone beam computed tomography images are sufficiently precise and accurate for the anthropometric measurements.
Family Forest Owners' Perceptions on Chemical Methods for Invasive Species Control
Authors: Howle Matthew B. , Straka Thomas J. , Nespeca Mathew C. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractFocus group methodology in a field demonstration setting was used to obtain qualitative data on the perceptions of family forest owners relating to treatment efficiency and feasibility of herbicide control methods. Interviews took place on sites where various strategic herbicide treatments were implemented for Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) control using the active ingredients glyphosate and metsulfuron. Forest owners expressed unease about the possibility for post-treatment privet reestablishment due to reseeding or other factors and opinions surfaced calling for selective chemicals or application methods that would spare non-target species. Furthermore, treatment cost effectiveness with regard to timber value, the possible need for expensive multiple treatments, cost-share incentives, and treatment guarantees from herbicide applicators were participant concerns. Environmental concerns surfaced about possible effects of both herbicide use and the invasion of privet on natural systems and an unexpected result was a strong feeling among the forest owners that focus groups are a powerful demonstration tool.
Tumbling: Use of Diffuse Knapweed (Centaurea diffusa) to Examine an Understudied Dispersal Mechanism
Authors: Baker Dirk V. , Withrow John R. , Brown Cynthia S. , Beck K. George 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDispersal is a critically important process in the spread of invasive plants. Although knowledge of dispersal will be crucial to preventing the spread of invasive plants, little research has been performed within this context. Many important invasive or agricultural weeds disperse their seeds via tumbling, yet only one previously published paper investigated this dispersal mechanism. Field and wind tunnel experiments were conducted to quantify and model tumbling dispersal. We developed competing models for diffuse knapweed seed dispersal from wind tunnel experiments and compared predictions to data collected from a field site in Colorado. Seeds were retained in plants that had traveled hundreds to as much as 1,039 m (3,408 ft). Although neither model accurately predicted dispersal when compared with independent field data, surprisingly, seed retention with distance was somewhat better described as a linear process than as exponential decay. Wind tunnel trials showed no evidence that the number of seeds deposited per meter depended on plant size. Thus, fecundity might be a key factor determining seed dispersal distances; plants with higher fecundity might disperse seeds over longer distances than those with fewer seeds.
Control Techniques and Management Strategies for the Problematic Navua sedge (Cyperus aromaticus)
Authors: Vitelli Joseph S. , Madigan Barbara A. , van Haaren Peter E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNavua sedge, a member of the Cyperaceae family, is an aggressive weed of pastures in Fiji, Sri Lanka, the Malay Peninsula, Vanuatu, Samoa, the Solomon Islands, and Tahiti and is now a weed of pastures and roadsides in north Queensland, Australia. Primarily restricted to areas with an annual rainfall exceeding 2,500 mm (98.4 in), Navua sedge is capable of forming dense stands, smothering many tropical pasture species. Seventeen herbicides were field tested at three sites in north Queensland, with glyphosate, halosulfuron, hexazinone, imazapic, imazapyr, or MSMA as the most effective for Navua sedge control. Environmental problems, such as persistence in soil, lack of selectivity, and movement off-site, may occur using some herbicides at the predicted 90% lethal concentration (LC90) control level rates. A seasonality trial using halosulfuron (97.5 g ai ha−1[1.4 oz ac−1]) gave better Navua sedge control (84%) by spraying in March to September than by spraying at other times (50%). In a frequency trial, sequential glyphosate applications (2,160 g ae ha−1) every 2 mo was more effective for continued Navua sedge control (67%) than a single application of glyphosate (36%), although loss of ground cover would occur. In a management trial, single applications of glyphosate (2,160 to 3,570 g ae ha−1) using either a rope wick, ground foliar spraying, or a rotary rope wick gave 59 to 73% control, whereas other treatments (rotary hoe, 3%; slashing, −13%; crushing, −30%) were less effective. In a second management trial, four monthly rotary wick applications were much more effective (98%) than four monthly crushing applications (42%). An effective management plan must include the application of regular herbicide treatments to eliminate Navua sedge seed being added to the soil seed bank. Treatments that result in seed burial, for example, discing, are likely to prolong seed persistence and should be avoided. The sprouting activity of vegetative propagules and root fragmentation also needs to be considered when selecting control options.
Rate and Timing of Glyphosate Application to Control Caucasian Old World Bluestem (Bothriochloa bladhii)
Authors: Harmoney Keith R. , Stahlman Phillip W. , Geier Patrick W. , Hickman Karen R. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCaucasian Old World bluestem (OWB) has escaped into native rangelands and could have unknown effects on distribution, utilization, growth, and reproduction of native plant and animal species. This trial was established to determine the rate and timing of glyphosate application that will provide the greatest OWB suppression. Treatments included glyphosate applied early at the five-leaf stage of growth with 1.12, 2.24, or 3.36 kg glyphosate ai ha−1(1, 2, or 3 lb ai ac−1), sequential application with an early glyphosate application of 1.12, 2.24, or 3.36 kg ha−1followed by a second application 8 wk later of either 1.12 or 2.24 kg ha−1, and a late-only application of 1.12, 2.24, or 3.36 kg ha−1. Sequential glyphosate applications with at least one of the early or late applications being 2.24 kg ha−1or more reduced OWB frequencies from over 87% to below 30% each year. During a moist year, all sequential application treatments reduced OWB frequency to 12% or less. Frequency of OWB the year after application was directly related (r2= 0.91) to the total amount of glyphosate applied during dry conditions. Seed heads were absent or nearly absent in all sequential application treatments, with the exception of glyphosate at 1.12 kg ha−1applied early and late during the dry season. Sequential application of glyphosate that includes one treatment either early or late of 2.24 or 3.36 kg ha−1appears to be the most effective treatment to reduce established OWB during dry years. During years of adequate moisture, a single late application of 2.24 or 3.36 kg ha−1or sequential applications with 1.12 kg ha−1at each application is as adequate as sequential applications with greater rates for reducing OWB frequency and achieving OWB control.