bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The dynamics of the relationship between spot and futures markets under high and low variance regimes
Authors: Li Ming‐Yuan Leon 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThis investigation is one of the first studies to examine the dynamics of the relationship between spot and futures markets using the Markov‐switching vector error correction model. Three mature stock markets including the U.S. S&P500, the U.K. FTSE100 and the German DAX 30, and two emerging markets including the Brazil Bovespa and the Hungary BSI, are used to test the model, and the differences between the two sets of markets are examined. The empirical findings of this study are consistent with the following notions. First, after filtering out the high variance regime, the futures price is shown to lead the spot price in the price discovery process, as demonstrated by prior studies; conversely, the spot market is more informationally efficient than the futures market under the high variance condition. Second, the price adjustment process triggered by arbitrage trading between spot and futures markets during a high variance state is greater in scale than that based on a low variance state, and the degree of the co‐movement between spot and futures markets is significantly reduced during the high variance state. Third, a crisis condition involved in the high variance state is defined for the two emerging markets, whereas an unusual condition is presented for the three mature markets. Last, the lagged spot–futures price deviations perform as an information variable for the variance‐turning process. However, the portion of the variance‐switching process accounted for by this signal variable is statistically marginal for the three mature markets selected for this study. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glutathione peroxidase mimics as novel antioxidants from vegetables
Authors: Terao Junji , Hiwada Mio , Taguchi Keiko , Takahara Keigo , Mohri Satoshi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractVegetables are generally recognized as rich sources of dietary antioxidants for inhibiting lipid peroxidation. Here we investigated lipid hydroperoxide (LOOH)‐reducing activity of several vegetables to estimate their role on the prevention of lipid peroxidation in food and the digestive tract. By using HPLC analysis, we screened vegetables possessing the ability to convert 13‐hydroperoxyoctadecadienoic acid (13‐HPODE) to its reduced derivative, 13‐hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13‐HODE). Welsh onion (Allium fistulosum L.) was found to be highly active in the reduction of 13‐HPODE among tested vegetables. There was no relationship between 13‐HPODE reducing activity and GSH peroxidase (GPX) activity in the tested vegetables. 13‐HPODE‐reducing activity of welsh onion was enhanced by the addition of sulfhydryl compounds including glutathione (GSH). Neither GPX inhibitor nor heat treatment suppressed 13‐HPODE‐reducing activity effectively. These results suggest that welsh onion and other vegetables contain GPX mimics responsible for the reduction of LOOH. GPX mimics may be helpful in the attenuation of harmful effect of LOOH from food.
Treatment of massive hypertriglyceridemia resistant to PUFA and fibrates: A possible role for the coenzyme Q10?
Authors: Cicero A.F.G. , Derosa G. , Miconi A. , Laghi L. , Nascetti S. , Gaddi A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractObjective: to describe the effect of CoQ10 (added to either a fibrate, or PUFA or association of both) in patients affected by massive hypertriglyceridemia (MHTG) resistant to fibrates and PUFA.Design: Open, sequential, comparative intervention study. Setting: Specialised centres for dyslipidemia management.Subjects: 15 subjects (mean age: 45.1 ± 12.5 years) affected by MHTG and hyporesponsive to either fibrates, or PUFA, or fibrates‐PUFA association, and 15 age‐matched subjects regularly responders to PUFA and fenofibrate treatment.Interventions: Treatment for periods of 6 weeks each with the following consecutive treatments: CoQ10 150 mg/day, PUFA 3000 mg/day, fenofibrate 200 mg/day, PUFA 3000 mg/day + fenofibrate 200 mg/day, PUFA 3000 mg/day + CoQ10 150 mg/day, fenofibrate 200 mg/day + CoQ10 150 mg/day, and finally, fenofibrate 200 mg/day + PUFA 3000 mg/day + CoQ10 150 mg/day.Results: CoQ10 supplementation improved, in the control group, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, creatinine and Lp(a) plasma levels, both during fenofibrate and/or PUFA treatment. In MHTG group, CoQ10 supplementation significantly improved TG, TC, Lp(a), uric acid and blood pressure during fenofibrate treatment, but only Lp(a) and blood pressure during PUFA treatment. Fenofibrate appeared to have better effect on hsCRP and γ‐GT plasma levels than PUFA. No significant change was observed in any group and under any treatment in regards to homocysteinemia, PAI‐1, or t‐PA.Conclusion: Even though the mechanism of action through which the effects were obtained is yet to be elucidated, adding CoQ10 to fenofibrate could improve the drug's efficacy in MHTG patients not responding to fenofibrate alone.
Minoxidil, a KATPchannel opener, accelerates DNA synthesis following partial hepatectomy in rats
Authors: Yamasaki Keiichi , Takemura Shigekazu , Minamiyama Yukiko , Hai Seikan , Yamamoto Satoshi , Kodai Shintaro , Hirohashi Kazuhiro , Suehiro Shigefumi 
Published: December 2008

AbstractA large number of studies have reported the action of KATPchannel openers in accelerating the proliferation of hepatocytes and many other cell typesin vitro. Few studies, however, have examined the proliferative effect of KATPchannel openersin vivo. The aim of this study was to determine whether the KATPchannel opener minoxidil accelerates liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH)in vivo. Male Wistar rats underwent a 70% partial hepatectomy (PH) after receiving a subcutaneous injection of minoxidil (0.01 mg/kg or 0.03 mg/kg). Some of the rats were intravenously treated with 5‐hydroxydecanoic acid (5‐HD, 10 mg/kg) just before the minoxidil injection. Seventy‐two hours after PH, DNA synthesis was immunohistochemically assessed by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation into the nuclei. Minoxidil induced significant and dose‐dependent increase in the BrdU labeling index after PH, and 5‐HD reversed this minoxidil‐induced change. Minoxidil did not significantly affect the changes in liver weight and liver function after PH. The hepatic levels of prealbumin decreased by about 60% after PH and minoxidil inhibited the decrease. In conclusion, the KATPchannel opener minoxidil enhanced DNA synthesis after PH without affecting the liver function.
EGCG, a major component of green tea, inhibits VEGF production by swine granulosa cells
Authors: Basini Giuseppina , Bianco Federico , Grasselli Francesca 
Published: December 2008

AbstractVascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) plays a pivotal role in the physiological ovarian angiogenic process: its production appears to be stimulated by the hypoxic environment which takes place during follicle development. Recently, epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) from green tea has been used in livestock nutrition as an alternative to antibiotics. However, despite many potential benefits of EGCG consumption, it is also important to get an insight on the possible reproductive‐related consequences of feeding supplementation: in fact this substance has been found to inhibit angiogenesis, a process fundamental for follicle development. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of EGCG (5 and 50 μ/ml) on the production of the main angiogenetic factor, VEGF, by swine granulosa cells cultured in normoxia (19% O2), partial (5% O2) or total hypoxia (1% O2). In addition, we studied the effect of the catechin on cell proliferation. Our data demontrate that both partial and total hypoxia stimulated VEGF production. EGCG reduced VEGF production independently of the O2 condition: 50 μM was the most effective doses. Granulosa cell proliferation was inhibited by EGCG even if only by the highest concentration. This effect might possibly be due to the decrease induced in VEGF production. Therefore feeding supplementation with EGCG should be carefully considered.
Lipid peroxidation in plasma of rats treated with ferric‐nitrilotriacetate, in relation to kidney and liver modifications
Authors: Deiana Monica , Rosa Antonella , Corona Giulia , Collu Stefania , Ennas Maria Grazia , Dessì Maria Assunta 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIntraperitoneal injection of the iron chelate ferric‐nitrilotriacetate (Fe‐NTA) induces in rodents renal and hepatic suffering, associated with oxidative damage. We investigated the oxidation pattern in plasma of treated rats in relation to liver and kidney, monitoring the variation of the lipid components more susceptible to oxidation, unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) and α‐tocopherol, as biomarkers of the oxidative damage. A sublethal dose of Fe‐NTA induced a strong and extremely significant decrease of UFA levels at 1 h after injection in the plasma compartment and at 3 h in the kidney, with reductions up to 40–50% of the control values, together with an increase of conjugated dienes fatty acids hydroperoxides and a consumption of α‐tocopherol. The same modifications were observed in the liver, but to a lesser extent. Histological observation proved that biochemical changes in the lipid fraction were a direct consequence of an ongoing membrane lipid peroxidation process. Our data show that oxidative damage to the lipid fraction is initially evident in the plasma compartment, where Fe‐NTA toxicity is assumed to be caused by the elevation of serum free iron concentration, and proceeds with different speed and severity in the kidney and liver.
Genomics of berry fruits antioxidant components
Authors: D'Amico E. , Perrotta G. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractReactive oxygen and nitrogen metabolites, which are side products of cell metabolism, can produce a lot of damage in biological macromolecules and tissues, producing a number of chronic illnesses. On the other hand, antioxidant metabolites usually accumulated in fruits and vegetables can provide an effective protection by neutralizing these reactive molecules.Among comestible vegetables, berry fruits are considered one of the richest sources of antioxidant metabolites; hence, they represent a good model for molecular and biochemical investigations about the biosynthesis and the functional role of antioxidants in plants. This review illustrates how recent developments in the fields of genomics and bioinformatics can provide powerful tools to better understand the molecular mechanisms that trigger biosynthesis and accumulation of antioxidant metabolites in berries.
The inhibitory effects of berry polyphenols on digestive enzymes
Authors: Mcdougall Gordon J. , Stewart Derek 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe evidence for the effect of polyphenol components of berries on digestive enzymes is reviewed. Anthocyanins inhibit α‐glucosidase activity and can reduce blood glucose levels after starch‐rich meals, a proven clinical therapy for controlling type II diabetes. Ellagitannins inhibit α‐amylase activity and there is potential for synergistic effects on starch degradation after ingestion of berries such as raspberries and strawberries, which contain substantial amounts of ellagitannins and anthocyanins.A range of berry polyphenols (e.g. flavonols, anthocyanidins, ellagitannins and proanthocyanidins) can inhibit protease activities at levels which could affect protein digestion in the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, potential for the inhibition of gastrointestinal lipase activity, a proven therapeutic target for the control of obesity through reduced fat digestion, may be limited to proanthocyanidins.Taking into account the manifold possible synergies for inhibition of starch, protein and/or lipid digestion by the spectrum of polyphenol components present within berry species, the inhibition of digestive enzymes by dietary polyphenols may represent an under‐reported mechanism for delivering some of the health benefits attributed to a diet rich in fruit and vegetables.
Identification and dietary relevance of antioxidants from raspberry
Authors: Beekwilder Jules , Hall Robert D. , Ric Vos C.H. De 
Published: December 2008

AbstractIn this paper we review the current literature on antioxidants from fruit of red raspberry (Rubus idaeus) and place these in context concerning what is known from other food species. The review concentrates on the methods of antioxidant testing, the diversity of antioxidants in raspberry, effects of ripeness, cultivar, storage and processing techniques, and the bioavailability of raspberry antioxidants in humans after eating the fruit. It is clear that raspberry, like several other fruits and vegetables such as tomato, strawberry, kiwi and broccoli, represents a valuable contrasting source of potentially healthy compounds and can represent an important component of a balanced diet.
Biological activities of berries: From antioxidant capacity to anti‐cancer effects
Authors: Juranić Zorica , Žižak Željko 
Published: December 2008

AbstractConsumption of berries has been implicated with diverse health benefits, such as prevention of stroke, of age‐related degenerative diseases and cancer. Some berry constituents have been proven to have cancer preventive actions on chemically induced tumors in vivo and cancer suppressive effects in in vitro studies. Many of these effects were attributed to certain berry phytochemicals with high antioxidative potential that could contribute to, or enhance by induction, the endogenous antioxidant properties of living cells or organisms. Producers and the consumers of berry products need more comprehensive and accurate information on the type and level of health benefits that can be expected from different products. The choice of the chemical or biological test that best predicts specific health benefits of berries is crucial to provide targets for berry breeding programmes or to improve processing methods. The aim of this review is to examine the chemical and biological tests developed to characterize the impact of berries on consumer health.
Enhancing beneficial antioxidants in fruits: A plant physiological perspective
Authors: Atkinson C.J. , Nestby R. , Ford Y.Y. , Dodds P.A.A. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe aim of this review is to present an outline of the physiological perspectives of beneficial antioxidant production in fruit. The drive to enhance the consumption of fruit and vegetables in the human diet is linked with positive effects of beneficial antioxidants impacting on health promotion. We briefly outline our physiological understanding of environmental processes which induce the production of reactive oxygen species and how antioxidants prevent plant cellular damage. More specifically, we describe the impact that environmental stresses, such as drought and radiation, have on the production of endogenous antioxidants and how these stresses can be incorporated into novel experimental crop growing systems to achieve high antioxidant concentrations in fruits. This includes in particular the use of irrigation application techniques and enhanced light reflectance to increase the concentrations of bioactive compounds such as ellagic acid and ascorbic acid.
Fruit cross‐reactive allergens: A theme of uprising interest for consumers' health
Authors: Marzban Gorji , Mansfeld Agata , Hemmer Wolfgang , Stoyanova Elitza , Katinger Hermann , Machado Margit Laimer Da CÂMara 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRegular consumption of fruits has a positive influence on human health by disease prevention. However parallel to dietetic benefits, IgE‐mediated fruit allergies have been shown to be an increasing health risk for children and adults in the Northern hemisphere. The spectrum of food allergies ranges from chronical symptoms to more acute problems and even anaphylaxis. Fruit proteins with high primary sequence similarity display also homologous tertiary structures, resulting in similar epitopes to IgEs and consequently in cross‐reactivity. In this review we present the major allergens of stone and pome fruits and discuss the presence of homologous proteins in small fruits. Interestingly these proteins, which might pose an allergenic potential for pre‐sensitised individuals are expressed also in strawberry, raspberry and blueberry, otherwise rich in beneficial biofactors.
The action of berry phenolics against human intestinal pathogens
Authors: Puupponen‐Pimiä Riitta , Nohynek Liisa , Alakomi Hanna‐Leena , Oksman‐Caldentey Kirsi‐Marja 
Published: December 2008

AbstractPhenolic compounds present in berries selectively inhibit the growth of human gastrointestinal pathogens. Especially cranberry, cloudberry, raspberry, strawberry and bilberry possess clear antimicrobial effects against e.g. salmonella and staphylococcus. Complex phenolic polymers, such as ellagitannins, are strong antibacterial agents present in cloudberry, raspberry and strawberry. Berry phenolics seem to affect the growth of different bacterial species with different mechanisms. Adherence of bacteria to epithelial surfaces is a prerequisite for colonization and infection of many pathogens. Antimicrobial activity of berries may also be related to antiadherence activity of the berries. Utilization of enzymes in berry processing increases the amount of phenolics and antimicrobial activity of the berry products. Antimicrobial berry compounds are likely to have many important applications in the future as natural antimicrobial agents for food industry as well as for medicine.
Total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid as a marker for lipid peroxidation in vivo
Authors: Yoshida Yasukazu , Hayakawa Mieko , Niki Etsuo 
Published: December 2008

AbstractAn improved method for the measurement of lipid peroxidation in vivo has been recently developed, where total hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (HODE) and 7‐hydroxycholesterol (FCOH) were determined by GC/MS analysis from physiological samples after reduction with sodium borohydride and saponification by potassium hydroxide. In this method, both free and ester forms of hydroperoxides and ketones as well as hydroxides of linoleic acid and cholesterol are measured as HODE and FCOH, respectively. The ratio of stereo‐isomer, (Z, E)‐HODE/(E, E)‐HODE, could be also measured. In the present study, in order to examine the effect of continuous, slow flux of free radicals in vivo, a water‐soluble radical generator was administered to rats and mice and the amounts of HODE and 8‐isoprostane in plasma and liver were measured. It was found that the administration of free radical‐generating azo compound increased the level of HODE and decreased the (Z, E)‐HODE/(E, E)‐HODE ratio in both plasma and liver. The level of HODE was much higher than 8‐isoprostane.
Studies of phospholipid oxidation by electrospray mass spectrometry: From analysis in cells to biological effects
Authors: Spickett Corinne M. , Dever Gary 
Published: December 2008

AbstractThe oxidation of lipids is important in many pathological conditions and lipid peroxidation products such as 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) and other aldehydes are commonly measured as biomarkers of oxidative stress. However, it is often useful to complement this with analysis of the original oxidized phospholipid. Electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) provides an informative method for detecting oxidative alterations to phospholipids, and has been used to investigate oxidative damage to cells, and low‐density lipoprotein, as well as for the analysis of oxidized phosphatidylcholines present in atherosclerotic plaque material. There is increasing evidence that intact oxidized phospholipids have biological effects; in particular, oxidation products of 1‐palmitoyl‐2‐arachidonoyl‐sn‐glycerophosphocholine (PAPC) have been found to cause inflammatory responses, which could be potentially important in the progression of atherosclerosis. The effects of chlorohydrin derivatives of lipids have been much less studied, but it is clear that free fatty acid chlorohydrins and phosphatidylcholine chlorohydrins are toxic to cells at concentrations above 10 micromolar, a range comparable to that of HNE and oxidized PAPC. There is some evidence that chlorohydrins have biological effects that may be relevant to atherosclerosis, but further work is needed to elucidate their pro‐inflammatory properties, and to understand the mechanisms and balance of biological effects that could result from oxidation of complex mixtures of lipids in a pathophysiological situation.
Immunohistochemical appearance of HNE‐protein conjugates in human astrocytomas
Authors: Zarkovic Kamelija , Juric Gordana , Waeg Georg , Kolenc Danijela , Zarkovic Neven 
Published: December 2008

AbstractGliomas are tumors originating from astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or ependimal cells. Those of astrocytic origin are the most widespread of primary brain tumors and account for more then 60% of all CNS neoplasms.The current state of knowledge on the associations between tumor etiology and oxidative stress suggests that environmental factors that cause oxidative stress could also induce and promote cancer, especially in case of hereditary predisposition. Among mediators of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation product 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE) is of particular relevance in oncology, as it is known to act as a growth‐regulating factor and a signaling molecule. The aim of present study was to investigate by immunohistochemistry the presence of HNE‐modified proteins in different types of astrocytoma. Our study comprised 45 astrocytic tumors. These tumors were graded in accordance with the WHO classification as diffuse astrocytomas (DA), anaplastic astrocytomas (AA) and glioblastomas (GB), while each group comprised 15 tumors. Slides of paraffin‐embedded tumor tissue were stained with hematoxylin‐eosin or were prepared for immunohistochemistry with monoclonal antibodies to HNE‐histidine conjugate. Positive immunohistochemical reaction to HNE was analyzed semi‐quantitatively.HNE positivity was proportional with malignancy of astrocytomas. The weakest presence of HNE‐histidine adducts was found in DA, followed by AA and GB. Lowest intensity of HNE immunopositivity was present in tumor cells of almost all DA, predominantly around blood vessels. In malignant variants of astrocytoma, AA and GB, HNE positivity was moderate to strong, and diffusely distributed in all tumors.
Do neutrophils produce ozone? An appraisal of current evidence
Authors: Kettle Anthony J. , Winterbourn Christine C. 
Published: December 2008

AbstractRecently, it was proposed that neutrophils generate ozone. Evidence for the proposal is based largely on three experimental systems using probes that are known to react with ozone. However, further assessment of the findings shows that in each case, there is a plausible alternative explanation. Oxidation of indigo carmine to isatin sulfonic can be accounted for by superoxide. Conversion of vinylbenzoic acid to p‐carboxybenzaldehyde is analogous to the reactions of other styrene derivatives shown to be catalyzed by myeloperoxidase, and more rigorous assessment of alternative explanations is needed before the formation of secosterol oxidation products of cholesterol can be taken as proof of ozone production. We conclude that the evidence for ozone production by neutrophils is not convincing and studies using the same probes to implicate ozone in other biological processes should also be interpreted with caution.