bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of PC‐3 and DU145 prostate cancer cells by prenylflavonoids from hop (Humulus lupulus L.) induces a caspase‐independent form of cell death
Authors: Delmulle L. , Berghe T. Vanden , Keukeleire D. De , Vandenabeele P. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractXanthohumol (X), isoxanthohumol (IX), 8‐prenylnaringenin (8PN) and 6‐prenylnaringenin (6PN), prenylflavonoids from hop (Humulus lupulus L.), were investigated for their cytotoxicity and the mechanism by which they exert cell death when incubated with prostate cancer cell lines PC‐3 and DU145. All compounds induced cell death in the absence of caspase‐3 activation and typical apoptotic morphological features. The general pan‐caspase inhibitor zVAD‐fmk could not protect this form of cell death. In addition, the formation of vacuoles was observed in PC‐3 cells treated with IX and 6PN, and in DU145 treated with IX, 8PN and 6PN, which could suggest the induction of autophagy and consequent cell death. The results indicate that hop‐derived prenylflavanones (IX, 8PN, 6PN), but not prenylchalcones (X) induce a caspase‐independent form of cell death, suggested to be autophagy. Therefore, IX, 8PN and 6PN appear to be promising candidates for further investigation in prostate anticancer therapy. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dosing effects of an antiosteoporosis herbal formula – a preclinical investigation using a rat model
Authors: Sun Ye , Lee Simon Ming Yuen , Wong Yin Mei , Lau Ching Po , Shaw Pang Chui , Qin Ling , Leung Ping Chung , Fung Kwok Pui 
Published: August 2007

AbstractHerba Epimedii, Fructus Ligustri Lucidi and Fructus Psoraleae are three frequently used Chinese herbs traditionally used for tonifying the ‘kidney system’. They were selected for the present study to formulate an herbal preparation with a weight ratio of 5:4:1 based on their phytochemical, nature, documented treatment efficacy and toxicity. The dosing effects (1 g/day, 0.5 g/day and 0.175 g/day) of the antiosteoporosis function of the water extract of this formula were tested in ovariectomy‐ and calcium deficiency‐induced osteoporotic rats. Eleven weeks of herbal treatment demonstrated a beneficial effect on the preservation of bone mineral density (BMD) at the femur neck in a dose‐dependent manner with the preference for higher dosage. No significant increase in uterus weight was observed in the herbal formula treated rats. In addition, microarray data of kidney tissue revealed that this herbal formula was able to down‐regulate the expression of phase II drug metabolizing enzymes, similar to the effects of estrogens. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Calculation of the paramagnetism of large carbon nanotubes, using a parameter‐independent molecular orbital model
Authors: Alvarez Collado J. R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractA previous self‐consistent field molecular orbital method, able to describe systems having a large number of unpaired electrons, n, is reviewed and improved. This method is applied to the study of paramagnetism in large (1,000–16,000 atoms) zigzag carbon nanotubes, represented by their n values. The computational scheme is based on the Hückel neglect differential overlap approach. It is shown that dependence of n on the semiempirical parameters is very small, and so they can be removed from the calculation. Enhancement of the paramagnetism (increase of n), by use of a strong external magnetic field, is also studied. Finally, the dependence of the Fermi one‐electron potential energies and the spin atomic densities on both the parameters and the shape of the nanotubes is analyzed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Revisiting the Relationship between Growth and Poverty
Authors: Azam Golam , Redmon Alonzo 
Published: August 2007

The purpose of this article is to revisit the relationship between growth and poverty which was widely discussed during the sixties. In view of the renewed reliance on this mechanism during the eighties by the Reagan administration and a concomitant increase in the incidence of poverty, a revisit of the topic is relevant. A regression model similar to the previous studies, but expanded to capture the emerging issues during the eighties is estimated for the period 1964–1987. A simple variable coefficient model to capture the secular decline in the effectiveness of growth to reduce poverty is also estimated. It is found that over the sample period, growth and transfer payments had significant effects on poverty; but their effects have been diminished by changes in income distribution, family composition, and the decline of the manufacturing sector during the seventies and eighties. Another interesting finding is that the impact of growth on the incidence of poverty is race neutral.
Enterprise Zones: Incentives are not Attracting Minority Firms
Authors: Glover Glenda 
Published: August 2007

This study examines the effectiveness of the enterprise zone concept as a tool for economic development, particularly as it relates to increased minority business ownership and minority employment. Two research tests regarding the extent of minority firm participation and minority employment in the enterprise zones, as well as the incentives which were most likely to attract minority firms to the enterprise zones, are presented. The results suggested that enterprise zones contributed to business development and the creation of several new jobs. However, minority firms were not found to be participating in the program at meaningful levels. It is recommended that the enabling legislation be amended to address these issues.
Black Americans’ Business Ownership Factors: A Theoretical Perspective
Authors: Ahiarah Sol 
Published: August 2007

The black American struggle in the United States continues to occur in the political, cultural and economic spheres with some measure of success. Regarding the economic sphere as the most critical because it is the source of real power in this country, and business ownership as the ultimate manifestation of economic liberation, this article examines black Americans’ business ownership and factors facilitating it. Defining successful business ownership in terms of: (1) increasing business formations by black Americans, (2) survival/longevity of the formed businesses, (3) their creation of jobs, and, (4) their profitability, this article identifies three factors facilitating it. The facilitating factor types are: (1) individual-specific, (2) group-specific, and (3) environment-consequent. It is suggested that the complex interaction of elements of these factors at any time, most likely determines the proportion of black ownership of American businesses.
Sentinel lymph node mapping in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Loar P.V. , Reynolds R.K. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractLymph node status is the most important prognostic factor for women with vulvar, cervical and endometrial carcinoma and complete lymph node dissection has historically been an integral part of the surgical treatment of these diseases. Lymphadenectomy can be morbid for patients, who may experience wound breakdown, lymphocyst formation or chronic lymphedema, among other problems. Sentinel lymph node mapping is a newer technology that allows selective removal of the first node draining a tumor thereby allowing a potentially less aggressive procedure to be performed. Sentinel node mapping is well accepted for the management of breast carcinoma and cutaneous melanoma, and has resulted in reduced morbidity without adversely affecting survival. Sentinel node mapping is currently being investigated for treatment of gynecologic cancers. Recent studies show promise for incorporating the sentinel node mapping technique for treatment of several gynecologic malignancies.
Obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger
Authors: Nafiou I. , Idrissa A. , Ghaïchatou A.K. , Roenneburg M.L. , Wheeless C.R. , Genadry R.R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the epidemiologic and therapeutic characteristics of obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas at the National Hospital of Niamey, Niger.MethodsFrom December 2003 to February 2005, 111 consecutive patients with vesico‐vaginal fistulas presenting for treatment were included and prospectively followed up. Demographic and clinical data were collected. The patients were re‐evaluated 3 months after surgery.ResultsAmong the 104 patients treated surgically 87% were aged between 15 and 36 years; 84% were married before they were 19 years old; 51% were divorced; and 80% did not live with their husbands. The fistula was caused by the first delivery in 43% of the patients; 93% were in labor for more than 24 hours; 35% were delivered at home; and perinatal death was 100%. The overall cure rate was 73%.ConclusionThese epidemiologic characteristics provide data towards the development of an obstetric fistula prevention program in Niger.
Local anesthesia: An appropriate technology for simple fistula repair
Authors: Ojengbede O.A. , Morhason‐Bello I.O. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractObjectives: To assess the efficacy of local infiltrative anesthesia with lidocaine hydrochloride in patients undergoing the surgical repair of a simple vesico‐vaginal fistula. Methods: The study was carried out with 21 patients undergoing the repair of a simple midvaginal vesico‐vaginal fistula. The patients’ perception of pain was evaluated intraoperatively. Results: Most patients indicated that the anesthetic agent provided adequate analgesia, and all fistulas were repaired successfully without postoperative complications. Conclusion: Repairing simple vesico‐vaginal fistulas is feasible with a local infiltrative anesthetic.
Where should obstetric vesico‐vaginal fistulas be repaired: At the district general hospital or a specialized fistula center?
Authors: Wall L.L. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractExpanded surgical capacities are required to treat obstetric fistulas. Achieving a balance between relative ease of access to services and use of the appropriate clinical setting is difficult. This article asks, “Are obstetric fistulas best repaired locally, at the district hospital where more women would have greater access, or is it necessary to provide these services at a tertiary referral or fistula center, where specialized surgical procedures can be conducted? Each possibility has advantages and disadvantages. The author concludes that 3 critical factors are necessary to provide safe and effective fistula repair services: adequate, long‐term funding to cover the costs of all aspects of the care; the presence of a surgeon who is a “fistula champion”; and adequate operating theatre time and supplies. Without external funding, these prerequisites are almost impossible to meet at rural district hospitals.
Morphology and paleoclimatic significance of Pleistocene Lake Bonneville spits
Authors: Jewell Paul W. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractPleistocene Lake Bonneville of western Utah contains a variety of spits associated with shorelines and other features that formed between 21,000 and 12,00014C yr BP. Field studies in the low-lying mountain ranges of the central portion of Lake Bonneville identified 17 spits of various types. The spits are connected to small mountain ranges and islands, vary in size from 0.02 to 0.5 km2, and are composed of coarse-grained, well-rounded, poorly-sorted sedimentary material. Sixteen of the 17 spits have a northeasterly to southwesterly orientation implying that winds were from the northwest to northeast, approximately 180° out of phase with modern winds in the eastern Great Basin. Lake Bonneville spit orientation is best explained as the result of persistent northerly winds caused by the high atmospheric pressure cell of the continental ice sheet and passage of low pressure extratropical storms south of the lake. Similar, strong persistent winds are a common feature of modern continental ice sheets and passing low pressure systems. If so, the North American jet stream tracked south of Lake Bonneville as recently as 12,00014C yr BP, well past the height of the last glacial maximum.
The outdoor mobility and leisure activities of older people in five European countries
Authors: GAGLIARDI CRISTINA , SPAZZAFUMO LIANA , MARCELLINI FIORELLA , MOLLENKOPF HEIDRUN , RUOPPILA ISTO , TACKEN MART , SZÉMANN ZSUZSA 
Published: August 2007

ABSTRACTMany gerontological studies have dealt with the leisure activities of older people and they have generated many important theories. Although outdoor activities and mobility promote good health in old age, both decrease with increasing age as people lose physical and mental functions. This paper examines the outdoor and indoor leisure activities of 3,950 older adults and their variations by personal and environmental characteristics in Germany, Finland, Hungary, The Netherlands and Italy. The main dimensions of activity were established by factor analysis, and in all countries four factors were found: home activities, hobbies, social activities, and sports activities. Both similar and distinctive pursuits characterised each dimension among the five countries. ‘Home activities’ mainly comprised indoor activities, but the other three dimensions involved more physical mobility. The scores of various socio-environmental characteristics on the factors enabled the attributes of the participants to be profiled. Sports activities and hobbies were performed more often by younger men, by those with good physical functioning and by those who drove cars. Social activities were performed more by women and those who used public transport. Home activities were more frequently performed by those with low physical function and women.
The scoop on the fly brain: glial engulfment functions in Drosophila
Authors: Logan Mary A. , Freeman Marc R. 
Published: August 2007

AbstractGlial cells provide support and protection for neurons in the embryonic and adult brain, mediated in part through the phagocytic activity of glia. Glial cells engulf apoptotic cells and pruned neurites from the developing nervous system, and also clear degenerating neuronal debris from the adult brain after neural trauma. Studies indicate that Drosophila melanogaster is an ideal model system to elucidate the mechanisms of engulfment by glia. The recent studies reviewed here show that many features of glial engulfment are conserved across species and argue that work in Drosophila will provide valuable cellular and molecular insight into glial engulfment activity in mammals.
Novel mechanism of inhibition of rat kidney-type glutaminase by bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES)
Authors: Robinson Mary M. , Mcbryant Steven J. , Tsukamoto Takashi , Rojas Camilo , Ferraris Dana V. , Hamilton Sean K. , Hansen Jeffrey C. , Curthoys Norman P. 
Published: August 2007

The release of GA (mitochondrial glutaminase) from neurons following acute ischaemia or during chronic neurodegenerative diseases may contribute to the propagation of glutamate excitotoxicity. Thus an inhibitor that selectively inactivates the released GA may limit the accumulation of excess glutamate and minimize the loss of neurological function that accompanies brain injury. The present study examines the mechanism of inactivation of rat KGA (kidney GA isoform) by the small-molecule inhibitor BPTES [bis-2-(5-phenylacetamido-1,2,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide]. BPTES is a potent inhibitor of KGA, but not of the liver GA isoform, glutamate dehydrogenase or γ-glutamyl transpeptidase. Kinetic studies indicate that, with respect to glutamine, BPTES has a Ki of approx. 3 μM. Moreover, these studies suggest that BPTES inhibits the allosteric activation caused by phosphate binding and promotes the formation of an inactive complex. Gel-filtration chromatography and sedimentation-velocity analysis were used to examine the effect of BPTES on the phosphate-dependent oligomerization of KGA. This established that BPTES prevents the formation of large phosphate-induced oligomers and instead promotes the formation of a single oligomeric species with distinct physical properties. Sedimentation-equilibrium studies determined that the oligomer produced by BPTES is a stable tetramer. Taken together, the present work indicates that BPTES is a unique and potent inhibitor of rat KGA and elucidates a novel mechanism of inactivation.
Determination of the effect of a single hemodialysis session on retrobulbar blood hemodynamics by color Doppler ultrasonography
Authors: Tosun Ö. , Davutluoglu B. , Arda K. , Boran M. , Yarangumeli A. , Kurt A. , Ozkan D. 
Published: August 2007

Background: Retrobulbar hemodynamic alterations can occur during hemodialysis sessions, and patients with chronic renal failure may experience visual problems. Purpose: To evaluate the effect of single-session hemodialysis on retrobulbar vessel hemodynamics by color Doppler ultrasonography. Material and Methods: Thirty-five patients were included in the study. Retrobulbar blood flows were examined before and after dialysis sessions. Doppler spectral patterns of retrobulbar blood flow were evaluated. The t test for paired samples and the Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test were used for comparing the flow values before and after dialysis. Results: Systolic and diastolic blood flow velocities of the ophthalmic artery, central retinal artery, central retinal vein, nasal posterior ciliary artery, and temporal posterior ciliary artery were found to be decreased bilaterally after hemodialysis sessions. No significant change was observed in resistivity index values after hemodialysis sessions. Conclusion: Our findings reveal that retrobulbar circulation was disturbed after a single hemodialysis session.
Soft-copy reading in digital mammography of microcalcifications: diagnostic performance of a 5-megapixel cathode ray tube monitor versus a 3-megapixel liquid crystal display monitor in a clinical setting
Authors: Uematsu T. , Kasami M. , Uchida Y. 
Published: August 2007

Background: A recent study using dedicated contrast-detail phantoms showed that the image quality of a 3-megapixel (M) monitor can approach that of a 5M monitor in digital mammography. Purpose: To compare a 5M cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor with a 3M liquid crystal display (LCD) monitor for soft-copy reading of digital mammography of microcalcifications in a clinical setting. Material and Methods: 100 screen-detected microcalcification lesions (34 malignant and 66 benign) without mass that had been evaluated with 11-gauge stereotactic vacuum-assisted breast biopsy or definitive surgery were recruited into the study. One radiologist analyzed the soft-copy mammograms on a 5M CRT monitor and a 3M LCD monitor with 5 months between interpretations and scored the likelihood of malignancy and calcification distribution on a five-point scale. Calcification morphology and breast density were scored on a four-point scale. Positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) were calculated on the basis of a Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System. The interpretation time was also measured. Results: There was no significant difference in the likelihood of malignancy ( P = 0.655), calcification morphology ( P = 0.168), calcification distribution ( P = 0.11), and breast density ( P = 0.0608). The PPV and NPV of soft-copy reading on the 5M CRT monitor was 57% (30/53) and 91% (43/47), respectively, identical to the results using the 3M LCD monitor. The total interpretation time averaged 88 s for the 5M CRT monitor and 67 s for the 3M LCD monitor ( P<0.0001). Conclusion: Soft-copy reading of a digital mammography of microcalcifications with a 3M LCD monitor was similar in diagnostic performance to a 5M CRT monitor in this study.
Preliminary study of hemodynamics in human carotid bifurcation by computational fluid dynamics combined with magnetic resonance angiography
Authors: Xue Yunjing , Gao Peyi , Lin Yan , Dai Chengbo 
Published: August 2007

Background: A longstanding hypothesis that correlates fluid dynamic forces and atherosclerotic disease has led to numerous analytical, numerical, and experimental studies over the years because it is very difficult to measure the hemodynamic variables of blood in vivo. Purpose: To investigate the technique of visualization and quantitation of hemodynamic variables at carotid artery bifurcation in vivo by combining computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and vascular imaging. Material and Methods: Twenty-six healthy volunteers underwent magnetic resonance (MR) angiography of the bilateral carotid artery by a 3.0T whole-body scanner. Hemodynamic variables at these carotid bifurcations were calculated and visualized by combining vascular imaging post-processing and CFD. Results: The average velocity of the carotid bifurcation in the systolic phase and the diastolic phase was 0.46±0.24 m/s and 0.23±0.05 m/s, respectively. Eddy current and back flows were observed at bifurcation and the lateral part of the proximal internal carotid arteries (ICA) and external carotid arteries (ECA), and the shapes of them changed with phases of the cardiac cycle, which were significant at the middle of the systolic phase and faded out quickly downstream of the ICA and ECA. The average range of wall shear stress (WSS) at the bifurcation was 4.36±1.32 Pa, and the maximum WSS was 18.02±4.11 Pa. The WSS map revealed a large region of low WSS at the carotid bulb and extended to the outer wall in the proximal end of the ICA (the lowest value was below 0.5 Pa), and there was also a small region of low WSS at the outer wall in the proximal end of the ECA. Conclusion: CFD combined with vascular imaging can calculate and visualize hemodynamic variables at carotid bifurcation in vivo individually.
CHARACTERISTICS OF PHOSPHORUS DEFICIENCY IN ANABAENA1
Authors: Healey F. P. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYSeveral aspects of the metabolism and composition of a strain of Anabaena have been studied during phosphorus deficiency. The effects of medium composition, substrate concentration, temperature, pH, and illumination on alkaline phosphatase activity and phosphate uptake have been examined. Of particular interest among these results was the dependence of maximum alkaline phosphatase activity on Ca and of phosphate uptake on Mg. Depletion of dissolved phosphate from the culture medium runs accompanied by a marked increase in alkaline phosphatase activity, initial rate of phosphate uptake, and total amount of phosphate taken up to satisfaction of the phosphorus debt. Readdition of phosphate to a phosphorus‐deficient culture resulted in a rapid decline in the ability to take up phosphate but no loss of alkaline phosphatase beyond dilution of activity already present. Entry into phophorus deficiency was accompanied by a loss of heterocysts, a decline in chlorophyll a, protein, RNA, and cellular phosphorus, and an increase in carbohydrate per unit dry weight. The possible use of these changes as physiological indicators of phosphorus limitation in natural situations is discussed.
THE FINE STRUCTURE OF THE NUCLEUS AND NUCLEAR ASSOCIATIONS OF DEVELOPING CARPOSPORANGIA IN POLYSIPHONIA NOVAE‐ANGLIAE (RHODOPHYTA)1
Authors: Wetherbee Richard , Wynne Michael J. 
Published: August 2007

SUMMARYA high degree of activity of the nuclei in the developing carposporangia of the red alga Polysiphonia novae‐angliae Taylor is described. Profiles of the nucleus are greatly convoluted, resulting in a much increased surface area. Regions where endoplasmic reticulum substitutes for the nuclear envelope are frequently observed. Various cytoplasmic reserves are associated with the nucleus during carposporangium maturation. Lipid bodies, fibrillar bodies, and striated vesicles (or cylindrical bodies) may occur within the nucleoplasm beneath areas of the nuclear envelope substituted by ER. Granules of Floridean starch are observed in proximity to the outer surface of these same areas as well as the nuclear membrane. The homologous nature of the nuclear envelope with the ER is stressed. The role of the nucleus as being actively involved in the synthesis of materials is suggested.