bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inhibitors of monoacylglycerol lipase as novel analgesics
Authors: Hohmann A G 
Published: February 2007

2‐Arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG) is an endogenous cannabinoid (endocannabinoid) lipid whose functions remain poorly understood. Guindon and colleagues report the novel finding that exogenous application of 2‐AG induces peripheral antinociceptive effects that are mediated, at least in part, by actions at peripheral cannabinoid CB2 receptors. URB602, a recently described inhibitor of monoacylglycerol lipase, an enzyme that catalyzes 2‐AG hydrolysis in vivo, also induced peripheral antinociceptive effects and enhanced the actions of 2‐AG. Peripheral analgesic mechanisms represent promising therapeutic targets for suppressing pain in the absence of unwanted central nervous system side‐effects (e.g. psychoactivity) associated with activation of central CB1 receptors. The therapeutic potential of inhibitors of 2‐AG deactivation for the treatment of inflammatory pain is discussed.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 673–675. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707153
A comparison of the pharmacological properties of guinea‐pig and human recombinant 5‐HT4receptors
Authors: Vickery R G , Mai N , Kaufman E , Beattie D T , Pulido‐Rios T , O'Keefe M , Humphrey P P A , Smith J A M 
Published: February 2007

Background and purpose:5‐HT4receptor agonists are used therapeutically to treat disorders of reduced gastrointestinal motility. Since such compounds are evaluated in guinea‐pigs, we cloned, expressed and pharmacologically characterized the guinea‐pig 5‐HT4and human 5‐HT4(b)splice variant, which share 95% homology. The functional properties of guinea‐pig 5‐HT4(b)receptors were compared with native receptors in guinea‐pig colon.Experimental approach:Membrane radioligand binding and whole cell cAMP accumulation assays were used to determine the affinities, potencies and intrinsic activities (IA). Contraction of the guinea‐pig distal colon longitudinal muscle myenteric plexus preparation (LMMP) was monitored to evaluate functional activity.Key results:pKivalues for guinea‐pig and human recombinant receptors, and guinea‐pig striatum 5‐HT4receptors, were in agreement, as were the potency and IA values for guinea‐pig and human 5‐HT4receptors expressed at a similar density (∼0.2 pmol mg−1protein). Tegaserod was a potent (pEC50=8.4 and 8.7, respectively), full agonist at both guinea‐pig and human 5‐HT4receptors. In contrast, in the LMMP preparation, tegaserod was a potent, partial agonist (pEC50=8.2; IA=66%).Conclusions and implications:Close agreement between the pharmacological properties of guinea‐pig and human 5‐HT4receptors support the use of guinea‐pig model systems for the identification of 5‐HT4receptor therapeutics. However, the mechanisms underlying the different agonist properties of tegaserod in recombinant and isolated tissue preparations, and the extent to which these impact the clinical efficacy of tegaserod as a prokinetic agent, remain to be determined.British Journal of Pharmacology(2007)150, 782–791. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707154
PTEN, the Achilles' heel of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury?
Authors: Mocanu M M , Yellon D M 
Published: February 2007

Myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury leading to myocardial infarction is one of the most frequent causes of debilitation and death in man. Considerable research has been undertaken to investigate the possibility of reducing myocardial infarction and increasing cell survival by activating certain endogenous prosurvival signaling pathways. Thus, it has been established that the activation of the PI3K (Phosphoinositide‐3 kinase)/Akt (Protein kinase B, PKB) signaling pathway is essential for protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury. This pathway has been shown to be activated by mechanical procedures (e.g. pre and post conditioning) as well as by a number of pharmacological agents. Although the activation of this prosurvival signaling pathway induces the phosphorylation of a large number of substrates implicated in increased cell survival, when activated over a prolonged period this pathway can have detrimental consequences by facilitating unwanted growth and malignancies. Importantly PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten), is the main phosphatase which negatively regulates the PI3K/Akt pathway. In this review we discuss: a) the significance and the limitations of inhibiting PTEN in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury; b) PTEN and its relationship to ischaemic preconditioning, c) the role of PTEN in the development of tolerance to chronic administration of drugs known to limit infarction by activating PI3K/Akt pathway when given acutely, and d) the possible role of PTEN in the ischaemic/reperfused diabetic heart. The experimental evidence discussed in this review illustrates the importance of PTEN inhibition in the protection of the heart against ischaemia/reperfusion injury.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 833–838. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707155
The role of the amino acid residue at α1:189 in the binding of neuromuscular blocking agents to mouse and human muscle nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
Authors: Purohit P G , Tate R J , Pow E , Hill D , Connolly J G 
Published: February 2007

Background and Purpose:Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) are valuable therapeutic targets. To exploit them fully requires rapid assays for the evaluation of potentially therapeutic ligands and improved understanding of the interaction of such ligands with their receptor binding sites.Experimental Approach:A variety of neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) were tested for their ability to inhibit the binding of [125I]α‐bungarotoxin to TE671 cells expressing human muscle AChRs. Association and dissociation rate constants for vecuronium inhibition of functional agonist responses were then estimated by electrophysiological studies on mouse muscle AChRs expressed in Xenopus oocytes containing either wild type or mutant α1 subunits.Key results:The TE671 inhibition binding assay allowed for the rapid detection of competitive nicotinic AChR ligands and the relative IC50 results obtained for NMBAs agreed well with clinical data. Electrophysiological studies revealed that acetylcholine EC50 values of muscle AChRs were not substantially altered by non‐conservative mutagenesis of phenylalanine at α1:189 and proline at α1:194 to serine. However the α1:Phe189Ser mutation did result in a 3‐4 fold increase in the rate of dissociation of vecuronium from mouse muscle AChRs.Conclusions and implications:The TE671 binding assay is a useful tool for the evaluation of potential therapeutic agents. The α1:Phe189Ser substitution, but not α1:Pro194Ser, significantly increases the rate of dissociation of vecuronium from mouse muscle AChRs. In contrast, these non‐conservative mutations had little effect on EC50 values. This suggests that the AChR agonist binding site has a robust functional architecture, possibly as a result of evolutionary ‘reinforcement’.British Journal of Pharmacology (2007) 150, 920–931. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0707156
A case of late‐onset dependence on cocaine and crack
Authors: Kouimtsidis Christos , Padhi Ashwini 
Published: February 2007

ABSTRACTAims  To raise awareness among the professional clinical and research community of the risk of cocaine misuse among elderly patients.Methods  Case report of a male patient, aged 72 years, who presented to a community substance misuse service with cocaine use disorder (hydrochloride and base form).Results  The development of the disorder was marked by high levels of cocaine (and later crack cocaine use), repeated periods of abstinence followed by relapse in the past 4 years, with severe consequences to the patient and his family. Treatment involved a close collaboration between several specialist addictions and old‐age psychiatry teams in National Health Service.Implications  Although dependence on cocaine among the elderly is considered very rare, clinical management can be challenging and is likely to require the involvement of several specialist and general health services.
Abundance and utilization of Pyrenacantha sylvestris in Budongo Forest Reserve, western Uganda
Authors: Agea Jacob G. , Odur Stephen Ongom , Babwetera Fred , Kaboggoza J. R. S. 
Published: February 2007

Abstract Pyrenacantha sylvestris S. Moore (Icacinaceae), locally known as Kateganende, has been extensively harvested by local people yet poorly managed. This has created a gap between its utilization and conservation. A study was therefore conducted to document its abundance and utilization in Budongo Forest Reserve. Abundance was assessed in ten systematically sampled plots of 20 × 50 m. Five of the plots were established in logged forest (compartment N2) and the other five in the nature reserve (compartment N15). Individual P. sylvestris and trellises were recorded and their respective diameter at breast height measured. Questionnaires designed to capture information on the utilization of P. sylvestris were administered to 40 systematically selected respondents adjacent to the forest reserve. Abundance was highest in logged areas of the forest (χ2 = 14.8, d.f. = 4, P < 0.01). Individuals in the diameter class 0.1–0.5 cm were the most abundant. Pyrenacantha sylvestris in the forest were mostly hosted in the trellises of the diameter class 1.0–10 cm. Over‐reliance and use of P. sylvestris threaten the survival of the species. There is a need to create awareness and regulate its harvesting. In addition, research needs to be conducted on the possibility of propagating and domesticating this plant.
Observations on resource use in Mabira Forest Reserve, Uganda
Authors: Baranga Deborah 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe study was conducted in Mabira Forest Reserve, which is located between Kampala City and Jinja town (Uganda). The Reserve is predominantly occupied by tropical high forest communities of medium altitude moist semi‐deciduous and moist evergreen forest. The forest was greatly influenced by human activities but has been recovering since illegal settlement and encroachment were stopped between 1988 and 1989. An assessment of human activities within the forest was conducted (March–November 2004). Tree stumps were enumerated along transects established in different parts of the forest and the tree species cut identified from the stumps coppicing. Interviews were conducted around four village enclaves to establish forest product utilization. Timber extraction, tree harvesting for building poles, firewood and charcoal burning were common activities in addition to nontimber product utilization. Shoots and thin branches are cut daily for chicken and beef roasting. These activities degrade the forest, compromising its status as a reserve and destroy the habitat and its biodiversity. Drastic management measures are needed to check these activities so as to enhance its conservation status.
Gender mainstreaming and community participation in plant resource conservation in Buzaya county, Kamuli district, Uganda
Authors: Mukadasi Buyinza , Nabalegwa Muhammod 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe distribution of property rights to land and natural resources underlies the differential control of men and women over productive resources. This article investigates the role played by women in conservation of plant resources in Kamuli district, Uganda. Using a stratified random sampling technique, 60 tree farmers from Bugulumbya, Kasambira and Nawandhyo parish were interviewed. The findings revealed that women tree farmers were constrained by insecure tenure to tree resource, inequitable benefit sharing, male dominance in decision‐making, low education and lack of planting materials. The extension media use varied according to gender. These findings have important policy implications in that for effective tree resource conservation, the information targeting rural women in Uganda should be in their native languages. Local programmes should be integrated into tree resource management programmes for the benefit of the grassroot populations, many of whom have low education levels.
Antibacterial activity of Mangifera indica (L.)
Authors: Bbosa G. S. , Kyegombe D. B. , Ogwal‐Okeng J. , Bukenya‐Ziraba R. , Odyek Olwa , Waako P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractLeaf extracts of Mangifera indica (L.), a medicinal and horticultural plant were investigated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Esherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Using the agar‐well diffusion and the gradient serial dilution methods the extracts showed weak antibacterial activity against the study organisms compared with the positive control (gentamycin). The ethanolic extract was most active with minimum inhibitory concentration ranging from 5481.0 to 43750.0 μg ml−1. Chemical tests showed the presence of saponins, steroids and triterpenoids in the ether fraction, alkaloids, anthracenocides, coumarins, flavonones, reducing sugars, catechol and gallic tannins, saponins, steroids and triterpenoids in the ethanolic portion and anthracenocides, flavonones, reducing sugars in the aqueous fraction of the plant extract. These results shows that leaf extracts of M. indica possess some antibacterial activity that could be the basis for their medicinal use in Uganda.
Uses of tree species producing gum arabic in Karamoja, Uganda
Authors: Egadu Simon P. , Mucunguzi Patrick , Obua Joseph 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThis article presents an inventory of the uses of the tree species producing gum arabic by the local community in the Karamoja region. The study was conduced in 2000 using semi‐structured interviews, focal group discussions and participants’ observation. There were three tree genera with a total of six species that produced gum arabic. These were Balanites aegyptica, Acacia senegal, A. seyal, A. sieberiana, A. gerrardii and Lanea humilis. The dominant species producing gum arabic were A. senegal (85%), A. seyal (87%) and A. sieberiana (70.5%). Other uses by the local people included fencing, fuel wood, poles, crafts, medicine, intercropping, fibre and extraction of tannin. The intensity of utilization for fencing, fuel wood and poles was higher than that of gum arabic production. The local uses of gum arabic were food, gumming spears, gumming pots, gluing arrows, gluing broken stools, calabashes and joining leather. Establishing and facilitating the conservation status of these tree species are important for maintaining and even increasing the provisions for the local uses by the local community in Karamoja.
A study of plant materials used for house construction around Kibale National Park, western Uganda
Authors: Kakudidi Esezah Kyomugisha 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe relationship between construction materials used and longevity of traditional houses in three parishes adjacent to Kibale National Park in western Uganda was explored. Based on (i) resistance to termite attack, (ii) resistance to insect borers, (iii) rot resistance, (iv) wood that splits well, (v) the wood fibre not entangled, (vi) easy workability, (vii) weight, (viii) straight poles, (ix) availability within 2 km radius and (x) durability, 67 species were recorded, of which 43 are trees, nine climbers, ten shrubs and five herbs. Durable wood resistant to fungal attack, termites and woodborers is preferred in addition to being hard, straight and easy to work with a machete. Ranked high among the wild species are Harrisonia abyssinica Oliver, Millettia dura Dunn., Blighia unijugata Baker and Aegelopsis eggelingii M. R. F. Taylor. The commonly extracted pole sizes are between 5 and 12 cm dbh. Preferred wild ropes to fasten wattle, that are resistant to termites, include Cryptolepis sanguinoleta R. Br., Motandra sp., Urera trinervis (Hochst.) Friis & Imm., Paullinia pinnata L. and Cissus rotundifolia (Forssk.) Vahl. Longevity of houses greatly depended on the wall finishing by plastering with sand/wood ash and cow dung as well as the thatch material used: with the average life span of 14.7 years for grass‐thatched, 20 years for papyrus and 29.9 years for iron‐roofed houses.
The flora of highly degraded and vulnerable wetland ecosystems of Nyamuriro and Doho, Uganda
Authors: Kalema James , Ssegawa Paul 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe wetlands of Nyamuriro and Doho were surveyed for their flora during the period August 2001 and May 2002. These two wetlands are highly degraded through cultivation. The plants in these areas were documented with a view to determining their richness and conservation importance in Uganda. Two hundred and eight species were recorded in 140 genera, 63 families and 37 orders in Nyamuriro while 184 species, 109 genera, 39 families and 27 orders were recorded in Doho. Although there are no species of global priority conservation concern, these wetlands harbour reasonable numbers of plant species, some of them rare, for their size. Nyamuriro has five species of restricted range in the country occurring in only one of the four floristic regions. Adenostemma caffrum DC. var. longifolium Chiov., from Nyamuriro, is a new record for Uganda. Typically high‐elevation species absent in most wetlands in Uganda, were recorded in Nyamuriro. Plants rare in Uganda were recorded from both Doho and Nyamuriro. These two wetland ecosystems are therefore still vital for the country's flora in terms of species richness, rarity and uniqueness. Nyamuriro needs urgent action to reverse the current trend of habitat loss and degradation. Doho was severely altered and there is a little chance for restoration.
Medicinal plants used in some gynaecological morbidity ailments in western Uganda
Authors: Kamatenesi‐Mugisha Maud , Oryem‐Origa Hannington , Olwa‐Odyek  
Published: February 2007

AbstractGynaecological morbidity is one of the most severe conditions under reproductive health. Healthcare providers and planners in Uganda have not taken it seriously among rural communities. This study was carried out mainly to document indigenous knowledge on medicinal plants used by traditional healers in the treatment of some gynaecological morbidity ailments in reproductive healthcare in western Uganda. In addition, the methods of preparation and administration of herbal medicines including the plant parts utilized were established. The research methods used included informal conversations, semi‐structured interviews and discussions, and field excursions. The documented conditions under gynaecological morbidity discussed in this paper include excessive‐bleeding (hypermenorrhea), painful menstruation (dysmenorrhoea), irregular menstruation and prolapsed uterus. Fifty‐two medicinal plants have been documented as being used in the treatment of these ailments and conditions. Leaves are the most commonly harvested plant parts and the most common growth forms harvested are the herbs 51.9%, followed by trees 25% and shrubs 17.3%. Over 50% of these herbal remedies are harvested from the wild ecosystems. The main methods of herbal remedies preparation were boiling, squeezing and pounding and the medicines are administered orally. The nutritional status of individuals plays a vital role in the well‐being and in fighting diseases as some medicinal plants are used as foodstuffs like Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., Mangifera indica L., Carica papaya L., Cucurbita pepo L., Physalis minima L., Rumex abyssinicus Jacq., Daucus carota L., Zingiber officinale Roscoe and Ananas comosus (L.) Merr.
Impact of exotic plantations and harvesting methods on the regeneration of indigenous tree species in Kibale forest, Uganda
Authors: Kasenene John M. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractExotic plantations of Cupressus lusitanica Mill, Pinus caribaea Morolet and Eucalyptus species were established in the grasslands of Kibale Forest Reserve during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Thirty years later (1995), plantation harvesting began based on pitsawing and sawmilling methods. This study aimed at assessing the effect of logging exotic plantations and the methods of harvesting on the young regeneration of indigenous tree species. Sample plots were randomly established in the plantations in the sawmilled and pitsawn areas. All tree stems over 1.3 m in height were identified, diameter at 1.3 m and height measured. The plantations showed a total of 91 tree species with the logged C. lusitanica and P. caribaea areas exhibiting higher number of tree species (79 and 78 respectively) than Eucalyptus (55). The pioneer, colonizing and secondary forest species contributed significantly to the density of regeneration in logged C. lusitanica (2170.5 t ha−1), P. caribaea (2309.2 t ha−1) and eucalyptus (1513.7 t ha−1) areas. The Climax species were still very low and the species very scanty. While pitsawing and sawmilling seem to have had little influence on species richness (Ps = 63, Sm = 65), pitsawing encouraged higher tree regeneration densities (ps = 2223.5 t ha−1) than sawmilling (Sm = 1822 t ha−1). Deductively, C. lusitanica and P. caribaea plantations could be used economically in afforestation, reforestation and accelerated natural forest colonization.
Diversity and distribution of Asteraceae along a rainfall gradient in Uganda
Authors: Mbatudde Maria , Mucunguzi Patrick , Lye Kåre A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe diversity and distribution of the family Asteraceae in four habitat types (dry grassland, wet grassland, cultivated land and roadside) were studied from a region of high mean annual rainfall (Entebbe) to a region of lower annual rainfall (Kafu). Eighty‐eight species belonging to 45 genera and nine tribes of the family Asteraceae were identified with Vernonieae 25% (five genera), Heliantheae 25% (seventeen genera) and Senecioniae 17.1% (six genera) strongly represented. The species diversity of the family Asteraceae was highest in the transition region (Luweero to Katuugo) and similar in the highest and lowest mean annual rainfall regions. Dry grassland habitats are more highly diverse than other habitat types, while roadside habitats are least diverse. Species common to high rainfall areas include Elephantopus scaber L. and Bothriocline longipes (Oliv. & Hiern) N. E. Br. Species more common in low rainfall areas include Aspilia kotschyi (Sch. Bip.) Oliv. and Berkheya spekeana Oliv.
Diversity and distribution of hemi‐epiphytes and facultative herbaceous epiphytes in Kibale National Park, Uganda
Authors: Mucunguzi Patrick 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA survey of the hemi‐epiphytes and other herbaceous facultative epiphytes was performed in Kibale National Park. A total of 100 major host trees were sampled in detail by a canopy‐based single rope technique. A total of thirteen families, thirteen genera with 24 species were found being dominated in terms of species by the family Moraceae with nine species. The most common Ficus species were F. sasibarica and F. conracii, while the herbaceous facultative epiphytes had Rhipsalis baccifera, Peperomia manni and P. tetraphylla as the most common. Correlation analysis revealed no relationship between basal area and the Ficus species. The herbaceous facultative epiphytes increased significantly with increase in the host basal area. Ficus species and the herbaceous facultative epiphytes preferred the ‘base’ and ‘mid’ branch zones of the host trees characterized by a narrow range of vertical distribution in both the logged and un‐logged forests. Most species were found in the ‘light’ and ‘heavy’ humus type of substrates. There was a tendency for the logged forests to have more hemi‐epiphytes and the herbaceous facultative epiphytes than the un‐logged forest types.