bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence of effectiveness of herbal antiinflammatory drugs in the treatment of painful osteoarthritis and chronic low back pain
Authors: Chrubasik J. E. , Roufogalis B. D. , Chrubasik S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTreatment with herbal medicines is very popular in Europe. In order to get information on the evidence of effectiveness of oral herbal medicines in the treatment of pain in the joints or lower back, OVID(MEDLINE), PUBMED and COCHRANE COLLABORATION LIBRARY were searched back to 1985 for systematic reviews. The level of evidence of effectiveness was defined asstrong– at least two confirmatory studies demonstrating a clinical relevant effect,moderate– one confirmatory study with a clinical relevant effect and/or multiple exploratory studies of good quality; otherwise the evidence wasinsufficientorconflictingin the case of inconsistent findings.Fifteen systematic reviews were identified. The evidence of effectiveness was strong for a proprietary unsaponifiable avocado soybean fraction andHarpagophytumpreparations containing >50 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage, moderate for ginger and a proprietary rose hip and seed powder, insufficient forBoswellia serratagum resin and other herbal preparations and inconsistent for a proprietary willow bark extract.Further rigorous studies are required to confirm the usefulness of herbal medicines in the treatment of osteoarthritic complaints and chronic low back pain in order to enable acceptance of the herbal medicines into the treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of Cyclamen repandum S. et S.
Authors: Speroni E. , Cervellati R. , Costa S. , Dall'Acqua S. , Guerra M. C. , Panizzolo C. , Utan A. , Innocenti G. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractAccording to folk medicine some species belonging to the genus Cyclamen were used for their biological activities. Early investigation of the different species of the genus resulted in the isolation of triterpenic saponins. No phytochemical and biological data are available on C. repandum. As part of a series of phytochemical investigations for bioactive compounds from medicinal plants, Cyclamen repandum S. et S. was investigated. The present study sought to find the antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of C. repandum tubers in rats and mice. A preliminary screening was conducted with three different extracts in the tests used, particularly the paw edema and the writhing tests. Subsequently some saponins isolated from the ME extract, the more effective one, have been identified.This paper also describes the results of fractionation and bioassay guided chemical studies. Chemical investigation of the active extract afforded the isolation and characterization of six triterpenic saponins. The possible antiinflammatory and analgesic properties were investigated as the saponin content of the fractions allows to speculate on such aspect. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Administration of Cyperus rotundus tubers extract prevents weight gain in obese Zucker rats
Authors: Lemaure Bernard , Touché André , Zbinden Irène , Moulin Julie , Courtois Didier , Macé Katherine , Darimont Christian 
Published: April 2007

AbstractCyperus rotundus L. (Cyperaceae; C. rotundus) is an Indian medicinal plant demonstrated to exert multiple health benefits. The purpose of the present study was to test the biological efficacy of C. rotundus tubers extract on weight control in obese Zucker rats. It was demonstrated that administration of 45 or 220 mg/kg/day of C. rotundus tubers hexane extract for 60 days in Zucker rats induced a significant reduction in weight gain without affecting food consumption or inducing toxicity. In vitro, 250 µg/mL of this extract was able to stimulate lipolysis in 3T3‐F442 adipocytes suggesting that this medicinal plant contains activators of β‐adrenoreceptors (AR). The binding assay performed on the rat β3‐AR isoform, known to induce thermogenesis, demonstrated that C. rotundus tubers extract can consistently and effectively bind to this receptor. These data suggest that the effect on weight gain exerted by C. rotundus tubers extract may be mediated, at least partially, through the activation of the β3‐AR. In conclusion, C. rotundus tubers extract prove to be a new herbal supplement for controlling body weight preferentially in β3‐AR sensitive species. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticancer activity of limonoid from Khaya senegalensis
Authors: Zhang Huaping , Wang Xi , Chen Feng , Androulakis Xiao M. , Wargovich Michael J. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractTwo limonoids were isolated from the methanol extract of Khaya senegalensis (Meliaceae), and their structures were identified as 3α,7α‐dideacetylkhivorin (1) and 1‐O‐acetylkhayanolide B (2) on the basis of MS and NMR spectral data. Complete assignments of 1H and 13C chemical shifts for compounds 1 and 2 were achieved by means of 1D and 2D NMR including DEPT, 1H‐1H COSY, HMQC, HMBC experiments. Compound 1 showed significant growth inhibitory activities against MCF‐7, SiHa and Caco‐2 cells with IC50 values in the range of 0.07–0.14 µm (35–69 ppm) while compound 2 did not. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel cytotoxic lignan from Seseli annuum L.
Authors: Vučković Ivan , Trajković Vladimir , Macura Slobodan , Tešević Vele , Janaćković Ped̄a , Milosavljević Slobodan 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA new tetrahydrofuranoid lignan named seselinone was isolated from the aerial parts of Seseli annuum, together with three known lignans (eudesmin, magnone A and hernone) and prenylated coumarin umbelliprenin. Seselinone and eudesmin showed cytotoxic activity against C6 rat glioma cell cultures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo supplementation with Ginkgo biloba protects membranes against lipid peroxidation
Authors: Boveris Alejandro D. , Galleano Monica , Puntarulo Susana 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe effect of Ginkgo biloba (Gb) supplementation in vivo was studied on lipid peroxidation of microsomal membranes. Administration of up to 100 mg/kg/day Gb to rats did not significantly affect either the activity of microsomal enzymes, the rate of generation of superoxide anion or the iron reduction rate by rat liver microsomes. Lipid peroxidation, assessed by the generation of lipid radicals measured by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy using POBN as the spin trap, was reduced by 39.7% and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) generation by 30% after Gb supplementation (100 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. Moreover, membranes from Gb treated animals showed a significant lower content of lipid radicals and TBARS after exposure to oxidative stress both in vitro (t‐butyl hydroperoxide) and in vivo (acute iron overload). The data presented here showed that Gb extracts were able to limit lipid peroxidation and scavenge lipid radicals in vivo and actively protect membranes from oxidative damage. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First steps in developing a multimetric macroinvertebrate index for the Ohio River
Authors: Applegate Jeromy M. , Baumann Paul C. , Emery Erich B. , Wooten Matthew S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe causes of degradation of aquatic systems are often complex and stem from a variety of human influences. Comprehensive, multimetric biological indices have been developed to quantify this degradation and its effect on aquatic communities, and measure subsequent recovery from anthropogenic stressors. Traditionally, such indices have concentrated on small‐to medium‐sized streams. Recently, however, the Ohio River Fish Index (ORFIn) was created to assess biotic integrity in the Ohio River. The goal of the present project was to begin developing a companion Ohio River multimetric index using benthic macroinvertebrates. Hester–Dendy multiplate samplers were used to evaluate benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages in relation to a gradient of water quality disturbance, represented by varying distances downstream of industrial and municipal wastewater outfalls in the Ohio River. In August 1999 and 2000, samplers were set every 100 m downstream of outfalls (12 outfalls in 1999, 22 in 2000) for 300–1000 m, as well as at upstream reference sites. Candidate metrics (n = 55) were examined to determine which have potential to detect changes in water quality downstream of outfalls. These individual measures of community structure were plotted against distance downstream of each outfall to determine their response to water quality disturbance. Values at reference and outfall sites were also compared. Metrics that are ecologically relevant and showed a response to outfall disturbance were identified as potentially valuable in a multimetric index. Multiple box plots of index scores indicated greater response to outfall disturbance during periods of low‐flow, and longitudinal river‐wide trends. Evaluation of other types of anthropogenic disturbance, as well as continued analysis of the effects of chemical water quality on macroinvertebrate communities in future years will facilitate further development of a multimetric benthic macroinvertebrate index to evaluate biotic integrity in the Ohio River. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Synthesis and Fabrication of One‐Dimensional Nanoscale Heterojunctions
Authors: Mieszawska Aneta J. , Jalilian Romaneh , Sumanasekera Gamini U. , Zamborini Francis P. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThere are a variety of methods for synthesizing or fabricating one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructures containing heterojunctions between different materials. Here we review recent developments in the synthesis and fabrication of heterojunctions formed between different materials within the same 1D nanostructure or between different 1D nanostructures composed of different materials. Structures containing 1D nanoscale heterojunctions exhibit interesting chemistry as well as size, shape, and material‐dependent properties that are unique when compared to single‐component materials. This leads to new or enhanced properties or multifunctionality useful for a variety of applications in electronics, photonics, catalysis, and sensing, for example. This review separates the methods into vapor‐phase synthesis, solution‐phase synthesis, template‐based synthesis, and other approaches, such as lithography, electrospinning, and assembly. These methods are used to form a variety of heterojunctions, including segmented, core/shell, branched, or crossed, from different combinations of semiconductor, metal, carbon, and polymeric materials.
Predicting preterm delivery in asymptomatic patients with prior preterm delivery by measurement of cervical length and phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐1
Authors: Bittar R. E. , da Fonseca E. B. , de Carvalho M. H. B. , Martinelli S. , Zugaib M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of cervical length measurement in combination with a bedside assessment of phosphorylated insulin‐like growth factor‐binding protein‐1 (phIGFBP‐1) as a predictor of preterm delivery in asymptomatic pregnant women with a history of preterm birth.MethodsCervical length was measured using transvaginal sonography at 22–24 weeks of gestation in 105 singleton pregnancies and a rapid strip test was performed to detect phIGFBP‐1 in cervical secretions from 24 to 34 weeks. Receiver–operating characteristics (ROC) curves were constructed to compare the performance of phIGFBP‐1 at different gestational ages, and cervical length at 22–24 weeks, in predicting preterm delivery.ResultsThe rate of spontaneous delivery before 37 and 34 weeks was 23.8% and 11.4%, respectively. Women with cervical lengths less than 20 mm had a risk of spontaneous preterm delivery before 34 and 37 weeks of 43.5% and 69.6%, respectively. The performance of phIGFBP‐1 levels as a predictor of preterm delivery was significantly higher when the test was carried out at 30 weeks' gestation. Cervical assessment in combination with phIGFBP‐1 at 30 weeks had the steepest ROC curve (area under the curve = 0.93; 95% CI, 0.88–0.98,P< 0.001).ConclusionBoth cervical length and phIGFBP‐1 measurement are useful in the prediction of preterm delivery in patients with a history of preterm birth and the combined method of measuring cervical length at 22–24 weeks and phIGFBP‐1 at 30 weeks improves upon either method used alone. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative diagnosis of ovarian tumors using Bayesian kernel‐based methods
Authors: Van Calster B. , Timmerman D. , Lu C. , Suykens J. A. K. , Valentin L. , Van Holsbeke C. , Amant F. , Vergote I. , Van Huffel S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectivesTo develop flexible classifiers that predict malignancy in adnexal masses using a large database from nine centers.MethodsThe database consisted of 1066 patients with at least one persistent adnexal mass for which a large amount of clinical and ultrasound data were recorded. The outcome of interest was the histological classification of the adnexal mass as benign or malignant. The outcome was predicted using Bayesian least squares support vector machines in comparison with relevance vector machines. The models were developed on a training set (n = 754) and tested on a test set (n = 312).ResultsTwenty‐five percent of the patients (n = 266) had a malignant tumor. Variable selection resulted in a set of 12 variables for the models: age, maximal diameter of the ovary, maximal diameter of the solid component, personal history of ovarian cancer, hormonal therapy, very strong intratumoral blood flow (i.e. color score 4), ascites, presumed ovarian origin of tumor, multilocular‐solid tumor, blood flow within papillary projections, irregular internal cyst wall and acoustic shadows. Test set area under the receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) for all models exceeded 0.940, with a sensitivity above 90% and a specificity above 80% for all models. The least squares support vector machine model with linear kernel performed very well, with an AUC of 0.946, 91% sensitivity and 84% specificity. The models performed well in the test sets of all the centers.ConclusionsBayesian kernel‐based methods can accurately separate malignant from benign masses. The robustness of the models will be investigated in future studies. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and internal validation of a nomogram to predict macrosomia
Authors: Mazouni C. , Rouzier R. , Ledu R. , Heckenroth H. , Guidicelli B. , Gamerre M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo develop a nomogram to predict macrosomia with a combination of clinical and ultrasound variables.MethodsData from 194 women who underwent sonographic fetal weight estimation were used to develop and calibrate a nomogram to predict fetal macrosomia. The nomogram was subjected to 200 bootstrap resamples for internal validation and to reduce overfit bias. An Internet‐based tool was developed to facilitate use of the nomogram.ResultsThe macrosomia prediction nomogram, based on parity, ethnicity, body mass index and fetal weight estimated macrosomia, had good discrimination and calibration before and after bootstrapping (area under curve (AUC), 0.860 and 0.850, respectively). The predictive accuracy of our nomogram was significantly better than was sonographically estimated fetal weight using Hadlock's formula (AUC, 0.740; P < 0.001). We have provided a web‐based interface to predict the individual probability of macrosomia.ConclusionWe have developed a nomogram to predict the individual probability of macrosomia based on clinical and ultrasound findings. Our web‐based interface should help to guide patients and physicians in decision‐making. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of three‐dimensional computed tomography in the assessment of fetal skeletal dysplasia
Authors: Cassart M. , Massez A. , Cos T. , Tecco L. , Thomas D. , Van Regemorter N. , Avni F. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the diagnostic accuracy of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrasound and three‐dimensional (3D) computed tomography (CT) for the diagnosis of fetal skeletal anomalies.MethodsEleven pregnant women underwent 2D ultrasound and 3D‐CT. Ten fetuses presented skeletal anomalies on 2D ultrasound and one fetus had a normal ultrasound exam but a familial history of osteopetrosis. We compared retrospectively the diagnoses established on 2D ultrasound and 3D‐CT with the neonatal and/or postmortem work‐up, which were used as the gold standard.Results2D ultrasound provided the correct diagnosis in only two of the 11 cases. CT yielded the correct diagnosis in eight; in six of these, 2D ultrasound had been inconclusive. 3D‐CT was more accurate than was 2D ultrasound in visualizing vertebral anomalies (abnormal shape of the vertebral bodies, abnormal interpedicular distance), pelvic bone malformations (delayed ossification of the pubic bones, abnormal acetabular shape) and enlarged metaphysis or synostoses in long bones. In three cases, neither 2D ultrasound nor CT provided the correct diagnosis.ConclusionIn this series, which included a variety of skeletal dysplasias, 3D‐CT had a better diagnostic yield than did 2D ultrasound. Both imaging techniques are useful in the management of fetal dysplasia; 2D ultrasound is a useful screening test and 3D‐CT is a valuable complementary diagnostic tool. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of fetal regional cerebral blood perfusion using power Doppler ultrasound and the estimation of fractional moving blood volume
Authors: Hernandez‐Andrade E. , Jansson T. , Figueroa‐Diesel H. , Rangel‐Nava H. , Acosta‐Rojas R. , Gratacós E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo standardize the evaluation of regional fetal brain blood perfusion, using power Doppler ultrasound (PDU) to estimate the fractional moving blood volume (FMBV) and to evaluate the reproducibility of this estimation.MethodsBrain blood perfusion was evaluated in 35 normally grown fetuses at 28–30 weeks of gestation, using PDU. The following cerebral regions were included in the PDU color box: anterior sagittal, complete sagittal, basal ganglia, and cerebellar. Ten consecutive good‐quality images of each anatomical plane were recorded and the delimitation of the region of interest (ROI) was performed off‐line. FMBV was quantified in the ROI of all images and the mean considered as the final value. Differences between regions, variability, reproducibility and agreement between observers were assessed.ResultsPower Doppler images of the described anatomical planes were obtained in all cases, regardless of fetal position. The median time for the acquisition of the images was 7 (range 4–12) min. Mean (range) FMBV values were: anterior sagittal, 16.5 (10.7–22.8)%, inter‐patient coefficient of variation (CV) 0.22; complete sagittal, 13.5 (8.8–16.1)%, CV 0.27; basal ganglia, 18.3 (10.7–27.6)%, CV 0.27; and cerebellar, 6.6 (3.0–11.0)%, CV 0.38. There were statistically significant differences in FMBV between cerebellar and complete sagittal ROIs with the frontal and basal ganglia regions. Reproducibility analyses showed an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.91 (95% CI 0.67–0.97) and an interclass correlation coefficient of 0.87 (95% CI 0.70–0.94). Interobserver agreement showed a mean difference between observers of −0.2 (SD 2.7) with 95% limits of agreement −5.6 to 5.2.ConclusionsWhen the regions of interest are well defined, the FMBV estimate offers a method to quantify blood flow perfusion in different fetal cerebral areas. There appear to be regional differences in FMBV within the fetal brain. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discordance in nuchal translucency thickness in the prediction of severe twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Kagan K. O. , Gazzoni A. , Sepulveda‐Gonzalez G. , Sotiriadis A. , Nicolaides K. H. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo examine in monochorionic pregnancies the possible value of intertwin discordance in nuchal translucency (NT) thickness in the prediction of early fetal death or severe twin–twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).MethodsIn 512 monochorionic twin pregnancies NT was measured at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation and regression analysis was used to determine the significance of the association between the intertwin discordance in NT and subsequent early fetal death or development of severe TTTS requiring endoscopic laser surgery.ResultsIn 412 (80.5%) pregnancies there was a normal outcome, in 58 (11.3%) there was severe TTTS requiring endoscopic laser surgery at 18–24 weeks, in 19 (3.7%) there was death of one or both fetuses at 13–18 weeks and in 23 (4.5%) there was fetal death at 21–38 weeks. In the four outcome groups the median discordance in NT was 11%, 22%, 35% and 7%, respectively. Significant prediction of early fetal death and severe TTTS was provided by the discordance in fetal NT, which was not significantly improved by including the discordance in crown–rump length. If the discordance in NT was 20% or more, the false positive rate was 20%, the detection rate of early fetal death was 63% and the detection rate of severe TTTS was 52%.ConclusionsDiscordance in NT of 20% or more is found in about 25% of monochorionic twins and in this group the risk of early fetal death or development of severe TTTS is more than 30%. If the discordance is less than 20% the risk of complications is less than 10%. Copyright © 2007 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Filling a Void: Thyroid Cancer Surgery Information on the Internet
Authors: Yeo Heather , Roman Sanziana , Air Mamie , Maser Christina , Trapasso Tara , Kinder Barbara , Sosa Julie Ann 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBackgroundThyroid cancer incidence is increasing, making it an important public health issue. Many patients use the Internet for health‐related decisions. Our purposes were to measure the quality of thyroid cancer surgery information on the Internet, and to identify quality predictors.MethodsThe 50 most popular thyroid cancer websites from Google, Yahoo, and MSN were identified. A novel 55‐point instrument based on current clinical practice guidelines was designed and used by a Delphi panel of 5 “blinded” endocrine surgeons to assess website information. Each website was independently evaluated by two surgeons. Quality was related to website demographic data using the Student’s t‐test, chi‐square, and ANOVA analyses.ResultsInter‐rater reliability for quality scores was excellent (κ = 0.81). Mean (% of overall quality) score was 21 (38%), and mean score for surgical content was low at 3.5 (29%). Only 50% of sites discussed indications for surgery; 8% length of surgery/anesthesia; 42% the role of lymphadenectomy; 44% recurrent laryngeal nerve injury/hoarseness and 42% hypoparathyroidism as potential complications; 16% recovery; and 20% recommendations for choosing a thyroid surgeon. Only 38% were updated within 2 years. On univariate analysis, no significant associations were found between surgical quality score and website country of origin, currency, sponsorship, authorship, oversight, or references.ConclusionsThyroid cancer surgery websites on the Internet are incomplete and outdated. No predictors of quality were identified. Significant improvement is needed in regulating information about thyroid cancer surgery on the Internet, and surgeons may contribute to this effort.