bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Post‐marketing safety of antineoplasic monoclonal antibodies: rituximab and trastuzumab
Authors: González V. , Salgueiro E. , Jimeno F. J. , Hidalgo A. , Rubio T. , Manso G. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to analyse the suspected adverse reactions associated with rituximab or trastuzumab reported to the Spanish Pharmacovigilance System.MethodsFrom this national database, we selected the spontaneous reports registered betweeen 1 January 1999 and 1 June 2006 and analysed both age and gender of the patient, the dose prescribed, the severity of the report, the evolution, the latency and recovery periods of the adverse reaction, the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and the presence of other suspected drugs.ResultsFrom 49 927 records registered in the period of analysis, 69 were associated with rituximab and 23 with trastuzumab. White cell disorders (n = 18), hypotension (n = 7), dyspnoea (n = 6) and pneumonitis (n = 4) were the most common adverse reactions associated with rituximab. The mean latency period of white cell disorders was 20.9 ± 7.8 days, except in two cases where it was clearly longer (87 ± 13 days). Hypotension and dyspnoea appeared immediately or a few days after the administration of the drug, and rapidly resolved. Pneumonitis seems to be a delayed adverse reaction, which required on average, 3 months to develop. Cardiac failure was the adverse reaction more frequently associated with trastuzumab (n = 7). In five of the seven cases of cardiac failure reported patients had been taking other suspected medications.ConclusionOur results are consistent with the safety profile of rituximab and trastuzumab observed in large randomised clinical trials. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Proteomic analysis of wheat proteins recognized by IgE antibodies of allergic patients
Authors: Šotkovský Petr , Hubálek Martin , Hernychová Lenka , Novák Petr , Havranová Marie , Šetinová Iva , Kitanovičová Andrea , Fuchs Martin , Stulík Jiří , Tučková Ludmila 
Published: March 2008

AbstractWheat belongs to six major food allergens inducing IgE‐mediated hypersensitivity reaction manifesting as cutaneous, gastrointestinal, and respiratory symptoms. Although cereals are a staple food item in most diets, only a few wheat proteins causing hypersensitivity have been identified. To characterize wheat allergens, salt‐soluble wheat extracts were separated by 1‐DE and 2‐DE and IgE‐binding proteins were detected by immunoblotting using sera of patients with allergy to ingested wheat. Proteins, frequently recognized by IgE on 2‐DE were analyzed by MALDI‐TOF and QTOF and their spectrum was completed by 1‐DE and LCQDECA nLC‐MS/MS IT technique. Using all three techniques we identified 19 potential wheat allergens such as α‐amylase inhibitors, β‐amylase, profilin, serpin, β‐D‐glucan exohydrolase, and 27K protein. Employing newly developed ELISA, levels of IgE Abs against Sulamit wheat extract and α‐amylase inhibitors type 1 and 3 were quantified and shown to be significantly elevated in sera of allergic patients compared to those of healthy controls. The level of IgE Abs against α‐amylase inhibitor type 3 was lower, slightly above the cut‐off value in the majority of patients' sera. Our findings contribute to the identification of wheat allergens aimed to increase the specificity of serum IgE and cell activation diagnostic assays.
Involvement of post‐translational modification of neuronal plasticity‐related proteins in hyperalgesia revealed by a proteomic analysis
Authors: Fujisawa Hiroki , Ohtani‐Kaneko Ritsuko , Naiki Mitsuru , Okada Tomoyuki , Masuko Kayo , Yudoh Kazuo , Suematsu Naoya , Okamoto Kazuki , Nishioka Kusuki , Kato Tomohiro 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTo clarify roles of an endogenous pain modulatory system of the central nervous system (CNS) in hyperalgesia, we tried to identify qualitative and quantitative protein changes by a proteomic analysis using an animal model of hyperalgesia. Specifically, we first induced functional hyperalgesia on male Wistar rats by repeated cold stress (specific alternation of rhythm in temperature, SART). We then compared proteomes of multiple regions of CNS and the dorsal root ganglion between the hyperalgetic rats and non‐treated ones by 2‐D PAGE in the pI range of 4.0–7.0. We found that SART changed the proteomes prominently in the mesencephalon and cerebellum. We thus analyzed the two brain regions in more detail using gels with narrower pI ranges. As a result, 29 and 23 protein spots were significantly changed in the mesencephalon and the cerebellum, respectively. We successfully identified 12 protein spots by a MALDI‐TOF/TOF MS and subsequent protein database searching. They included unc‐18 protein homolog 67K, collapsin response mediator protein (CRMP)‐2 and CRMP‐4, which were reported to be involved in neurotransmitter release or axon elongation. Interestingly, mRNA expression levels of these three proteins were not changed significantly by the induction of hyperalgesia. Instead, we found that the detected changes in the protein spots are caused by the post‐translational modification (PTM) of proteolysis or phosphorylation. Taken together, development of the hyperalgesia would be linked to PTM of these three CNS proteins. PTM regulation may be one of the useful ways to treat hyperalgesia.
Device self‐heating effects in deep UV LEDs studied by systematic variation in pulsed current injection
Authors: Reed Meredith L. , Wraback Michael , Lunev A. , Bilenko Y. , Hu X. , Sattu A. , Deng J. , Shatalov M. , Gaska R. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractSET, Inc. 280nm LEDs were studied under various DC and pulse conditions to demonstrate the impact of self‐heating associated with non‐radiative recombination on the output power and lifetime of the devices. A reduction in output power occurs as the pulse width and duty cycle are increased. For 1μsec pulse width the output power at saturation current decreases from 30mW to 4mW as the duty cycle is increased from 1% to 50%, while for 100μsec pulse width, the output power at saturation current decreases from 10 mW to 3.5 mW for the same range of duty cycle. In both cases, the output power at 50% duty cycle approaches that of the DC conditions, indicating that self‐heating has a significant impact on the device performance. Lifetime testing at 100mA was performed under DC and pulse conditions of 100μsec and 1% duty cycle, with half‐lives of 20 hours and 1400 hours, respectively. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Anthraquinones from Polygonum cuspidatum as tyrosinase inhibitors for dermal use
Authors: Leu Yann‐Lii , Hwang Tsong‐Long , Hu Jiuan‐Wen , Fang Jia‐You 
Published: March 2008

AbstractFour anthraquinones, physcion (1), emodin (2), citreorosein (3) and anthraglycoside B (6), and two stilbenes, resveratrol (4), and piceid (5), were isolated previously from the root of Polygonum cuspidatum. These bioactive compounds were examined for their antityrosinase potency. No antityrosinase activity was detected with treatment using stilbenes. On the other hand, the anthraquinones showed moderate to strong inhibition of tyrosinase. Physcion exhibited the most potent tyrosinase inhibition among the four anthraquinones examined, which was comparable to kojic acid. The ability of anthraquinones to permeate the skin was also examined. Based on the same thermodynamic activity, physcion showed a higher permeation compared with emodin (48‐fold), suggesting it as a potent candidate for dermal use. As naturally occurring tyrosinase inhibitors, anthraquinones from P. cuspidatum may be useful as skin‐whitening agents to inhibit tyrosinase for dermal use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimycobacterial activity of Juglans regia, Juglans mollis, Carya illinoensis and Bocconia frutescens
Authors: Cruz‐Vega Delia Elva , Verde‐Star María Julia , Salinas‐González Noé , Rosales‐Hernández Bibiana , Estrada‐García Iris , Mendez‐Aragón Patricia , Carranza‐Rosales Pilar , González‐Garza María Teresa , Castro‐Garza Jorge 
Published: March 2008

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis is a serious worldwide health threat, killing almost 2 million people per year. Alternative antimycobacterial drugs are urgently needed; studies have shown that medicinal plants traditionally used to treat respiratory diseases are a potential source of compounds to treat tuberculosis. This paper studied the antimycobacterial activity of 28 extracts from four different plant species that have been used in traditional Mexican medicine to treat tuberculosis. Bark and leaf crude extracts of Juglans regia L., Juglans mollis Engelm., Carya illinoensis (Wangenh) K. Koch and Bocconia frutescens showed in vitro anti‐M. tuberculosis activity. Hexane bark extracts from C. illinoensis, J. mollis and J. regia were the most active with a minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 31, 50 and 100 µg/mL, respectively. Ethanol bark extracts from C. illinoensis and J. mollis showed activity at 100 and 125 µg/mL, respectively. Leaf extracts had the lowest activity. Methanol and hexane leaves extracts from B. frutescens had a MIC of 125 µg/mL. None of the aqueous extracts showed antimycobacterial activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant profiles of a prepared extract of Chinese herbs for the treatment of atopic eczema
Authors: Chung Lip Yong 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA standardized mixture of Chinese herbs, Zemaphyte® taken orally as a daily decoction has been shown to be effective in the treatment of atopic eczema. This study showed that Zemaphyte® is an efficient antioxidant, being capable of scavenging both superoxide and hydroxyl, and preventing peroxidation of biological membranes. It does not degrade hydrogen peroxide directly, but instead most likely forms a Zemaphyte–hydrogen peroxide complex. The complexed hydrogen peroxide can then be degraded in the presence of catalase to form oxygen and water. It is conceivable that Zemaphyte® may contribute to the down‐regulation of the activities of cells implicated in atopic eczema through its antioxidant activities. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoglycemic effect of a novel dialysed fenugreek seeds extract is sustainable and is mediated, in part, by the activation of hepatic enzymes
Authors: Vijayakumar Maleppillil Vavachan , Bhat Manoj Kumar 
Published: March 2008

AbstractA novel preparation of a dialysed aqueous extract of fenugreek seeds (FSE) that stimulates the insulin signalling pathway was reported previously (Vijayakumar et al., 2005). The present study was designed to investigate the long‐term effects (multiple dose effect) of this FSE preparation on the blood glucose level and body weight, and a short‐term effect (single dose effect) on serum insulin and hepatic enzymes, in experimentally induced diabetic conditions. The multiple dose effect of FSE on the glucose level and body weight was studied in alloxan (AXN)‐diabetic mice in comparison with the vehicle treated control diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of FSE (15 mg/kg body weight (BW)) for 5 consecutive days reduced hyperglycemia in AXN‐diabetic mice on day 5 and this effect was further sustained for 10 days. The FSE‐induced hypoglycemic effect was accompanied without any reduction in the body weight compared with the diabetic mice in which the body weight was reduced significantly. A single dose effect of FSE on hepatic glucokinase (GK) and hexokinase (HK) enzymes was studied in streptozotocin (STZ)‐diabetic mice. Intraperitoneal administration of FSE (15 mg/kg BW) by 90 min decreased the blood glucose levels significantly (p < 0.01) in STZ‐diabetic mice and the effect was comparable to that achieved by insulin (1.5 U/kg BW) injection. This effect was associated with a significant enhancement in the liver GK and HK activities on a par with that of insulin. In normal glucose loaded mice, FSE improved the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance accompanied by a reduction in serum insulin concentration. These results are indicative of an extra‐pancreatic mode of action of FSE. The present study concludes that this novel FSE preparation corrects metabolic alterations associated with diabetes by exhibiting insulin‐like properties and has a potential for clinical applications. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quercus infectoria: a candidate for the control of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus infections
Authors: Chusri S. , Voravuthikunchai S. P. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractAcetone, ethyl acetate, 95% ethanol and aqueous extracts of Quercus infectoria (Q. infectoria) demonstrated significant antibacterial activities against all strains of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and methicillin‐susceptible Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA). Inhibition zones were in the range 11.75–16.82 mm. Both MRSA and MSSA strains exhibited minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) values at 0.13 and 0.13–1.00 mg/mL, respectively. At 2 MIC, the growth of two representative MRSA strains was continually inhibited for at least 20 h. Surviving MRSA cells were not detected within 12–14 h after treatment with the extract at 4 MIC concentration. Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 demonstrated similar results. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of cholinesterase and amyloid‐β aggregation by resveratrol oligomers from Vitis amurensis
Authors: Jang Moon Hee , Piao Xiang Lan , Kim Jong Moon , Kwon Sung Won , Park Jeong Hill 
Published: March 2008

AbstractIn the course of screening for acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors from natural products by an in vitro Ellman method, the extract of the roots of Vitis amurensis Rupr. (Vitaceae) showed significant cholinesterase inhibitory activity. Employing a bioassay‐linked HPLC method, followed by a semi‐preparative HPLC method, two compounds of interest were isolated and characterized as vitisin A and heyneanol A. They inhibited effectively both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase in a dose‐dependent manner and exhibited higher activity against butyrylcholinesterase compared with that of galantamine, a positive control. Furthermore, the aggregation of β‐amyloid was evaluated in vitro based on a thioflavine T fluorescence assay to expand their activity profile, with the result that both compounds showed the ability to block β‐amyloid aggregation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the ways students generate arguments in science education: Current perspectives and recommendations for future directions
Authors: Sampson Victor , Clark Douglas B. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTheoretical and empirical research on argument and argumentation in science education has intensified over the last two decades. The term “argument” in this review refers to the artifacts that a student or a group of students create when asked to articulate and justify claims or explanations whereas the term “argumentation” refers to the process of constructing these artifacts. The intent of this review is to provide an overview of several analytic frameworks that science educators use to assess and characterize the nature of or quality of scientific arguments in terms of three focal issues: structure, justification, and content. To highlight the foci, affordances, and constraints of these different analytic methods, the review of each framework includes an analysis of a sample argument. The review concludes with a synthesis of the three focal issues and outlines several recommendations for future work. Ultimately, this examination and synthesis of these frameworks in terms of how each conceptualizes argument structure, justification, and content is intended to provide a theoretical foundation for future research on argument in science education. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Sci Ed 92:447–472, 2008
Impact of Guar and Wheat Bran on the Physical and Nutritional Quality of Extruded Breakfast Cereals
Authors: Brennan Margaret A. , Merts Inge , Monro John , Woolnough James , Brennan Charles S. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractTwo non‐starch polysaccharides, guar gum and wheat bran, were used at 15% replacement level in a cereal base to produce an extruded breakfast cereal product from both wholemeal and high‐ratio wheat flour mixes. The inclusion of the non‐starch polysaccharides into the flour bases had no significant effect on the expansion ratio of the products. However, the product density and bulk density of the extruded products increased with guar gum and wheat bran addition. The pasting properties of the raw flour and polysaccharide base as well as the extruded products were altered with the incorporation of polysaccharides, with guar gum‐enriched products showing elevated peak and final viscosity readings. This appeared to be related to moisture manipulation and hence the regulation of gelatinisation. In vitro starch hydrolysis of the raw bases and the extruded samples illustrated that the extrusion process significantly increased the availability of carbohydrates for digestion. Additionally, the inclusion of non‐starch polysaccharides in the raw bases significantly reduced the rate and extent of carbohydrate hydrolysis. This potentially glycaemic reducing action was also evident in the extruded products where the incorporation of guar gum at 15% yielded a reduction of starch hydrolysis of 36% in the wholemeal base and 32% in the high‐ratio white wheat flour base.
Rheology of Mixed Systems of Sweet Potato Starch and Galactomannans
Authors: Choi Hye‐Mi , Yoo Byoungseung 
Published: March 2008

AbstractThe effect of galactomannans (guar gum and locust bean gum) at different concentrations (0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%, w/w) on rheological properties of sweet potato starch (SPS) was studied. The flow behaviors of SPS‐galactomannan mixtures were determined from the rheological parameters of power law and Casson models. The SPS‐galactomannan mixtures had high shear‐thinning fluid characteristics (n = 0.30‐0.36) exhibiting yield stress at 25°C. The presence of galactomannans resulted in the increase in consistency index (K), apparent viscosity (ηa,100) and Casson yield stress (σoc). In the temperature range of 25‐70°C, the mixtures followed the Arrhenius temperature relationship. Dynamic rheological tests at 25°C indicated that the SPS‐galactomannan mixtures had weak gel‐like behavior with storage moduli (G′) higher than loss moduli (G") over most of the frequency range (0.63‐62.8 rad/s) with frequency dependency. The magnitudes of dynamic moduli (G′, G" and η*) of the SPS‐galactomannan mixtures were higher than those of the control (0% gum), and increased with an increase in gum concentration. The tan δ (ratio of G"/G′) values (0.41‐0.46) of SPS‐guar gum mixtures were much lower than those (0.50‐0.63) of SPS‐locust bean gum mixtures, indicating that there was a more pronounced effect of guar gum on the elastic properties of SPS.
Imaging of gynecological disease (3): clinical and ultrasound characteristics of granulosa cell tumors of the ovary
Authors: Van Holsbeke C. , Domali E. , Holland T. K. , Achten R. , Testa A. C. , Valentin L. , Jurkovic D. , Moerman P. , Timmerman D. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the clinical and ultrasound characteristics of granulosa cell tumors (GCTs) of the ovary, and to define the ultrasound appearance of GCTs based on pattern recognition.MethodsDatabases of four gynecological ultrasound centers were searched to identify patients with histologically proven GCTs who had undergone a standard preoperative ultrasound examination.ResultsA total of 23 women with confirmed GCT were identified. Twelve (52%) women were postmenopausal, nine (39%) were of fertile age and two (9%) were prepubertal. Clinical symptoms were abdominal distension (7/23, 30%), pain (5/23, 22%) and irregular vaginal bleeding (6/23, 26%). Seven patients (30%) were asymptomatic. Endometrial pathology was found in 54% (7/13) of the patients from whom endometrial biopsies were taken. On ultrasound scan 12/23 (52%) masses were multilocular–solid, 9/23 (39%) were purely solid, one mass (4%) was unilocular–solid and one mass was multilocular (4%). Multilocular and multilocular–solid cysts typically contained large numbers of small locules (> 10). The echogenicity of the cyst content was most often mixed (6/16, 38%) or low level (7/16, 44%). Papillary projections were found in only four women (17%). The GCTs were large tumors with a median largest diameter of 102 (range, 37–242) mm and manifested moderate or high color content at color Doppler examination (color score 3 in 13/23 tumors (57%); color score 4 in 8/23 tumors (35%)).ConclusionsAt ultrasound examination, most GCTs are large multilocular–solid masses with a large number of locules, or solid tumors with heterogeneous echogenicity of the solid tissue. Hemorrhagic components are common and increased vascularity is demonstrated at color/power Doppler ultrasound examination. The hyperestrogenic state that is created by the tumor often causes endometrial pathology with bleeding problems as a typical associated symptom. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison between pulsed‐wave Doppler‐ and tissue Doppler‐derived Tei indices in fetuses with and without congenital heart disease
Authors: Acharya G. , Pavlovic M. , Ewing L. , Nollmann D. , Leshko J. , Huhta J. C. 
Published: March 2008

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to compare the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricular Tei indices obtained by pulsed‐wave Doppler (PD) and tissue Doppler (TD) methods in fetuses with structurally normal and abnormal hearts.MethodsThis was a retrospective cross‐sectional study of 147 fetuses that had a fetal echocardiogram and Tei index measured during a 2‐year period. The RV and LV Tei indices were measured using both PD and TD methods. The difference between the two methods of Tei index measurement was tested using paired sample t‐test, Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine their relationship, and the agreement between the methods was tested using Bland–Altman analysis.ResultsA total of 87 fetuses had normal hearts and 60 had a congenital heart defect. Both PD and TD Tei indices were measured successfully from at least one ventricle in 123 cases and from both ventricles in 110 cases. The mean TD Tei index was significantly higher than the mean PD Tei index for both ventricles (P < 0.0001). There was a weak but statistically significant correlation between the PD and TD Tei indices of the right ventricle (r = 0.20, P = 0.029), whereas the PD and TD Tei indices of the left ventricle did not correlate significantly (r = 0.04, P = 0.684). When pairs of Tei indices measured by two different methods (123 pairs for the right ventricle and 111 for the left ventricle) were tested with Bland–Altman analysis, the bias and precision were 0.147 and 0.254, respectively, for the right ventricle, and 0.299 and 0.276, respectively, for the left ventricle.ConclusionsCorrelation between Tei indices measured by PD and TD methods is weak and the agreement between individual measurements is poor. Therefore, they should not be used interchangeably in the assessment of fetal cardiac function. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.