bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phlomis umbrosaroot inhibits mast cell‐dependent allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokine secretion
Authors: Shin Tae‐Yong , Kim Sang‐Hyun , Kim Dae‐Keun , Leem Kang‐Hyun , Park Jeong‐Suk 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe effect of an aqueous extract ofPhlomis umbrosaTurcz. (Labiatae) root (PUAE) on mast cell‐dependent allergic reactions and inflammatory cytokine secretion were investigated. PUAE (0.01–1 g/kg) inhibited compound 48/80‐induced systemic allergic reaction. When PUAE was employed in a systemic allergic reaction test, the plasma histamine levels were reduced in a dose‐dependent manner. PUAE (0.1 and 1 g/kg) also significantly inhibited the local allergic reaction activated by anti‐dinitrophenyl (DNP) IgE. PUAE (0.001–1 mg/mL) dose‐dependently inhibited the histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells activated by compound 48/80 or anti‐DNP IgE. PUAE (0.01–1 mg/mL) inhibited the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐1βin phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate plus calcium ionophore A23187‐stimulated human mast cell line (HMC‐1) cells. PUAE (1 mg/mL) inhibited the gene expression and production of the main inflammatory cytokine, TNF‐α, in HMC‐1 cells. These results provide evidence that PUAE may be beneficial in the treatment of allergic diseases. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinioside C, a triterpene saponin of Polygala aureocauda Dunn, exerts hypolipidemic effect on hyperlipidemic mice
Authors: Li Hao , Wang Qiu‐Juan , Zhu Dan‐Ni , Yang Yong 
Published: December 2007

AbstractReinioside C is a triterpene saponin from the the root of Polygala aureocauda Dunn (PAD). This study examined the effects of reinioside C on hyperlipidemic mice in vivo and endothelium cells, macrophages and smooth muscle cells in vitro. Mice were given a hyperlipidemic diet for 30 days, then administered reinioside C (4, 8, 16 mg/kg/day, p.o.) for 30 days. Then the serum lipid, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malonaldehyde (MDA), the total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in the liver extract were measured. Human umbilical vein endothelial (HUVECs), peritoneal macrophages and smooth muscle cells (SMCs) pre‐treated with reinioside C were treated with oxidized low‐density lipoprotein (OxLDL). The results showed that reinioside C decreased serum and liver tissue lipid profiles in hyperlipidemic mice. Moreover, reinioside C protected the HUVECs against the Ox‐LDL induced LDH leakage and exerted a protective effect on oxidative lesions induced by OxLDL, inhibited cholesteryl ester accumulation in macrophages, and decreased [Ca2+]i and SMC proliferation in vitro. Based on these results, it is suggested that reinioside C is a promising hypolipidemic candidate. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to essential oil of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta
Authors: Miguel Graça , Faleiro Leonor , Cavaleiro Carlos , Salgueiro Lígia , Casanova Joseph 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe essential oil of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta and its fractions were assessed for anti‐Helicobacter activity. The essential oil was isolated by hydrodistillation, submitted to flash column chromatography and analysed by gas chromatography, gas‐chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance. The anti‐Helicobacter activity was determined by incorporation of the crude essential oil and oxygenated fractions of the oil into the culture medium. At a concentration of 0.025 µL/mL no recovery was registered when one of the oxygenated fractions of the oil, mainly constituted by 3‐methoxy cuminyl isobutyrate (about 40%), was used. This fraction revealed a higher activity against the six H. pylori strains tested when compared with the other oxygenated fractions. The crude essential oil at a concentration of 0.33 µL/mL reduced the initial population of H. pylori CCUG 15818 of 8.52 ± 0.30 log10 cfu/mL to 7.67 ± 0.22 log10 cfu/mL. The susceptibility of several Helicobacter pylori strains to the oxygenated fraction of Dittrichia viscosa subsp. revoluta essential oil suggests the possible use of these natural products in combating this widespread infection. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of sugar cane policosanol on lipid profile in primary hypercholesterolemia
Authors: Francini‐Pesenti F. , Beltramolli D. , Dall'Acqua S. , Brocadello F. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractPolicosanol, a mixture of long‐chain aliphatic primary alcohols, is used as a cholesterol‐lowering supplement. The effectiveness of policosanol is still questionable. To determine the lipoprotein‐lowering effects of Cuban sugar cane‐derived policosanol a double‐blind, randomized, placebo controlled trial was performed. Sixty‐eight primary hypercholesterolemic subjects were enrolled and randomly assigned to the treatment or to the control group. The first group received sugar cane policosanol 20 mg daily for 8 weeks, while the control group was treated with placebo. All subjects followed a normocaloric diet. The content of policosanol in the supplement tablets was assessed by gas chromatography. A total of 32 subjects in the policosanol group and 31 subjects in the control group completed the study. Body mass index, total cholesterol, HDL‐cholesterol, LDL‐cholesterol and triglyceride plasma levels did not change significantly in either group. In conclusion, sugar cane policosanol at doses of 20 mg daily showed no lipid lowering effects in subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Glycation inhibitory activity and the identification of an active compound in Plantago asiatica extract
Authors: Choi Soo‐Youn , Jung Sung‐Hoon , Lee Hyun‐Sun , Park Kwen‐Woo , Yun Bong‐Sik , Lee Kwang‐Won 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe glycation reaction involves a series of non‐enzymatic reactions between the carbonyl group on reducing sugars and the amino group on proteins leading to the formation of advanced glycation end‐products (AGEs), which are acknowledged to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic and aging‐related complications. Consequently, the development of AGE inhibitors is considered to have therapeutic potential in patients with diabetes or age‐related diseases. The preliminary results showed that a methanol extract (PAE) of Plantago asiatica, which is traditionally used as a folk medicine in Asian countries to treat fever, cough, wound etc., had strong glycation inhibitory activity. The effects of the extract on AGE fluorescence were dose‐dependent, reaching 41% inhibition at 0.1 µg/mL of extract. The purified principle from PAE was identified as plantamajoside. As well as antioxidant activities, in vitro glycation inhibitory activities with 10 and 25 mm plantamajoside were higher than those with 10 and 25 mm aminoguanidine. The results demonstrate that PAE and plantamajoside had significant effects on in vitro AGE formation, and the glycation inhibitory activity and antioxidant activity of plantamajoside were comparable to those obtained using millimolar concentrations of the standard antiglycation agent aminoguanidine, and the antioxidant ascorbate, respectively. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Immunomodulatory activity of biopolymeric fraction BOS 2000 from Boswellia serrata
Authors: Khajuria Anamika , Gupta Amit , Suden Pankaj , Singh Surjeet , Malik Fayaz , Singh Jaswant , Gupta B. D. , Suri K. A. , Srinivas V. K. , Ella Krishna , Qazi G. N. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractOral administration of BOS 2000 (1–10 mg/kg) elicited a dose related increase in the delayed hypersensitivity reaction (early 24 h and delayed 48 h) in mice. It also stimulated the IgM and IgG titre expressed in the form of plaques (PFC) and complement fixing antibody titre. The concentration of cytokines (IL‐4, IFN‐γ and TNF‐α) in serum with respect to T cell interactions, i.e. (CD4/CD8) and the proliferation of lymphocytes were significantly increased at 10 mg/kg compared with the control. The results in these studies demonstrated the immunostimulatory effect of BOS 2000 in a dose‐dependent manner with respect to the macrophage activation possibly expressing the phagocytosis and nitrite production by the enhancement of TNF‐α and IFN‐γ production as a mode of action. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estradiol‐antagonistic activity of phenolic compounds from leguminous plants
Authors: Pinto B. , Bertoli A. , Noccioli C. , Garritano S. , Reali D. , Pistelli L. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractNatural flavonoids are currently receiving much attention because of their estrogenic and antiestrogenic properties. Six isoflavones (isoprunetin, isoprunetin 7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, isoprunetin 4′,7‐di‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, genistein, genistein 7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, daidzein), four flavones (luteolin, luteolin 7‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, luteolin 4′‐O‐β‐d‐glucopyranoside, licoflavone C), isolated from Genista morisii and G. ephedroides (two Leguminosae plants of the Mediterranean area) together with two structurally related pterocarpans, bitucarpin A and erybraedyn C, isolated from Bituminaria bituminosa (Leguminosae), were tested for the antagonist activity by a yeast based estrogen receptor assay (Saccharomyces cerevisiae RMY326 ER‐ERE). Most compounds inhibited the estradiol‐induced transcriptional activity in a concentration dependent manner. In particular, for the flavone luteolin 77% inhibition of the induced β‐galactosidase activity was observed. Interestingly, licoflavone C exhibited a dose‐dependent antagonistic activity at concentrations up to 10−4 m, but stimulated β‐galactosidase expression at higher concentrations resulting in a U‐shaped‐like dose‐response curve. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro antioxidant, antimutagenic and genoprotective activity of Rosa roxburghii fruit extract
Authors: van der Westhuizen Francois H. , van Rensburg Catharina S. Janse , Rautenbach George S. , Marnewick Jeanine L. , Loots Du Toit , Huysamen Cristal , Louw Roan , Pretorius Pieter J. , Erasmus Elardus 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThe antioxidant properties of the fruit of the Rosa roxburghii (RR) plant have been associated with several putative health promoting effects. The possible cytotoxic, mutagenic/antimutagenic and genotoxic effects of RR fruit extract were investigated. The effect on antioxidant status and protection against induced oxidative stress were also investigated using primary rat hepatocytes. A RR fruit extract containing 45 g/L total ascorbic acid and 65 g/L total polyphenols was used in this study. Dilutions up to 0.08% (v/v) increased significantly the antioxidant status in primary rat hepatocytes. The glutathione redox state was decreased with RR treatment but was increased in Chang liver cells and MT‐2 lymphoblast. No cyto‐ or genotoxicity were observed at levels of up to 5% (v/v) of the fruit extract. In addition, a significant protection against t‐BHP induced oxidative stress was observed in primary rat hepatocytes. The Ames test revealed no mutagenic activity using the Salmonella typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA102. A significant antimutagenic effect of the extract was observed against the metabolic activated mutagens 2‐acetylaminofluorene and aflatoxin B1 and to a lesser extent against methyl methanesulfonate. It is concluded that these results support the associated health promoting potential of Rosa Roxburghii fruit and in particular against oxidative stress. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimutagenic in vitro activity of plant polyphenols: Pycnogenol® and Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761)
Authors: Križková Lívia , Chovanová Zuzana , Ďuračková Zdenka , Krajčovič Juraj 
Published: December 2007

AbstractOfloxacin (15 µg/mL) and acridine orange (5 µg/mL) induce mutagenicity by different mechanisms in the photosynthetic flagellate Euglena gracilis. The present study examined whether Pycnogenol® (PYC; 5–100 µg/mL) or Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb 761; 5–100 µg/mL) could protect against the mutagenic effects of each of the mutagens and the potential mechanisms underlying such protection. The highest concentration of PYC and EGb 761 effectively reduced the mutagenic activity of both ofloxacin and acridine orange by more than 99% (p < 0.001). Using luminol‐dependent photochemical methodology it was demonstrated that EGb 761 and PYC were effective antioxidants. In addition, as determined by spectrophotometry, PYC and EGb 761 bound acridine orange. Both PYC and EGb 761 have been shown to produce dual antimutagenic effects, as evidenced by both antioxidant and physicochemical properties. The findings suggest that EGb 761 and PYC would thus be suitable for future study, not only as antioxidants, but also as antimutagenic agents. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antileishmanial activity of piceatannol isolated from Euphorbia lagascae seeds
Authors: Duarte Noélia , Kayser Oliver , Abreu Pedro , Ferreira Maria‐José U. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractIn the search for biologically active compounds from Euphorbia lagascae Spreng, an herbaceous plant native to southeast of Iberic Peninsula, a stilbene, two coumarins and two 12‐deoxyphorbol diterpene esters were isolated by chromatographic methods, from the methanol extracts of its defatted seeds. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by a combination of physical and spectral data (IR, MS and high‐resolution 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR spectroscopy utilizing COSY, HMBC, HMQC and NOESY experiments). The stilbene, piceatannol, was screened for its antileishmanial activity against promastigotes as an extracellular form of Leishmania donovani, Leishmania infantum and Leishmania major, and amastigotes of Leishmania donovani as an intracellular form. Pentostan® (sodium stibogluconate), the first line clinical drug, was used as a standard reference. Piceatannol was moderately active against the extracellular forms of the three tested Leishmania species, and more active than the reference compound against the intracellular form of Leishmania donovani. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The inhibitory effects of naringin on the growth of periodontal pathogens in vitro
Authors: Tsui V. W. K. , Wong R. W. K. , Rabie A‐Bakr M. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractNaringin is a flavonoid that is commonly found in grapefruits. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of naringin on the growth of periodontal pathogens such as A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis in vitro. For comparison, the effects of naringin on several oral microbes were also studied.Different concentrations of naringin solution were added to calibrated suspensions of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis. All the suspensions were incubated for 3, 6 and 24 h in an anaerobic chamber at 37 °C. At each time point, selected dilutions from each culture broth were plated on blood agar plates. Colonies recovered on blood agar were visually counted on days 3 and 5, respectively.A. actinomycetemcomitans showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in viable counts after 3 h when naringin was added at baseline. P. gingivalis also showed a marked growth reduction in the presence of naringin, and no colony forming units could be observed after 24 h. Naringin also had an inhibitory effect against all bacteria and yeasts tested.The results suggest that naringin possesses significant antimicrobial properties on periodontal pathogens in vitro. It also has an inhibitory effect on some common oral microorganisms in low concentrations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth inhibition and induction of apoptosis in human oral squamous cell carcinoma Tca‐8113 cell lines by shikonin was partly through the inactivation of NF‐κB pathway
Authors: Ruan Min , Ji Tong , Yang Wenjun , Duan Wenhu , Zhou Xiaojian , He Jiacai , Zhou Jian , Chen Wantao , Zhang Chenping 
Published: December 2007

AbstractShikonin, a naphthoquinone pigment isolated from the Chinese herbal therapeutic, Zicao, has been shown to exhibit antioxidant and anticancer effects. In this study, its ability to induce apoptosis in cultured Tca‐8113 oral cancer cells was studied. Treatment of the Tca‐8113 cells with a variety of concentrations of Shikonin (10–40 µm) resulted in dose‐ and time‐dependent sequences of events marked by apoptosis, as shown by the loss of cell viability, chromatin condensation, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and sub‐G1 phase accumulation. Furthermore, apoptosis in the Tca‐8113 cells was accompanied by the activation of protease caspase‐8, ‐9, ‐3 and low expression of Bcl‐2 protein. Interestingly, inactivation of the NF‐κB pathway was found in shikonin‐induced apoptosis in Tca‐8113 cells. These results raise the possibility that the anti‐tumor effects of Shikonin in Tca‐8113 cells are at least partly through the inactivation of the NF‐κB pathway and subsequent activation of protease caspase family. Pharmacological inhibition of the NF‐κB activity by Shikonin might be a powerful treatment option for OSCC in which activation of NF‐κB plays a critical role in tumor growth and progression. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation of therapeutic claims of Tinospora cordifolia: a review
Authors: Panchabhai T. S. , Kulkarni U. P. , Rege N. N. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractThis review article attempts to correlate Ayurvedic pharmacology and therapeutic claims for Tinospora cordifolia (Tc) with the evidence generated using scientific research methodology. In the present paper, a brief description of Ayurvedic pharmacology of the plant is presented. The work carried out by researchers using extracts of Tc in various areas such as diabetes, liver damage, free radical mediated injury, infections, stress and cancer have been reviewed. Also discussed are the immunomodulatory, diuretic, antiinflammatory, analgesic, anticholinesterase and gastrointestinal protective effects. An attempt has been made to provide the readers with the array of outcome variables, which can be further worked upon in clinical studies. Finally, this paper puts forth issues that need to be addressed by researchers in the future. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coping with hydrogeomorphic variations in a prairie river: resiliency in young‐of‐the‐year fishes
Authors: Moore S. L. , Thorp J. H. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractYoung‐of‐the‐year (YOY) fish in sand‐bed rivers of grassland ecoregions frequently encounter dynamic habitat conditions produced by highly variable flow and resulting changes in geomorphic complexity of the river. How these vulnerable life history stages cope with changes in habitat condition and location is largely unknown. Therefore, we examined biodiversity and abundance of YOY fish (larvae and juveniles) at two spatiotemporal scales in response to dynamic flow conditions in the Kansas River. During the summer of 2004, we collected and identified 13 745 YOY fish from various moderate to zero‐flow habitats. Patterns of community structure through time were compared with the river's hydrogeomorphic characteristics, as determined by aerial photographs and measurements of instream flow rate and other water quality characteristics.Our initial hypothesis was that species richness and total YOY abundance would be maximized in larger and longer‐lived slackwater habitats. In contrast, our data suggest that dominant fishes in these highly dynamic ecosystems have adapted to hydrological variations with a more generalist lifestyle by either: (i) temporarily using higher flow habitats (except possibly the thalweg) to cope with intermittent loss of prime habitat; or (ii) extending spawning through favourable and demanding conditions. In contrast to current theories, our results suggest that conditions for YOY success are optimized in dynamic prairie rivers during the intermediate flows that maximize habitat heterogeneity and availability. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of grade control structures on the macroinvertebrate assemblage of an agriculturally impacted stream
Authors: Litvan M. E. , Stewart T. W. , Pierce C. L. , Larson C. J. 
Published: December 2007

AbstractNearly 400 rock rip‐rap grade control structures (hereafter GCS) were recently placed in streams of western Iowa, USA to reduce streambank erosion and protect bridge infrastructure and farmland. In this region, streams are characterized by channelized reaches, highly incised banks and silt and sand substrates that normally support low macroinvertebrate abundance and diversity. Therefore, GCS composed of rip‐rap provide the majority of coarse substrate habitat for benthic macroinvertebrates in these streams. We sampled 20 sites on Walnut Creek, Montgomery County, Iowa to quantify macroinvertebrate assemblage characteristics (1) on GCS rip‐rap and at sites located (2) 5–50 m upstream of GCS, (3) 5–50 m downstream of GCS and (4) at least 1 km from any GCS (five sites each). Macroinvertebrate biomass, numerical densities and diversity were greatest at sites with coarse substrates, including GCS sites and one natural riffle site and relatively low at remaining sites with soft substrates. Densities of macroinvertebrates in the orders Ephemeroptera, Trichoptera, Diptera, Coleoptera and Acariformes were abundant on GCS rip‐rap. Increases in macroinvertebrate biomass, density and diversity at GCS may improve local efficiency of breakdown of organic matter and nutrient and energy flow, and provide enhanced food resources for aquatic vertebrates. However, lack of positive macroinvertebrate responses immediately upstream and downstream of GCS suggest that positive effects might be restricted to the small areas of streambed covered by GCS. Improved understanding of GCS effects at both local and ecosystem scales is essential for stream management when these structures are present. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Debates
Authors: Mittelman James 
                      H. 
Published: December 2007

The following remarks were delivered at a plenary session on 19 October 2007 in New York City at the 50th meeting of the African Studies Association. This was, for an ASA, an extremely animated plenary attended by over 400. The question and answer session that followed indicated the huge concern of all those present.
For instance, one suggested that the ‘US is not interested in development or democracy; it is focused only on the“war on terror“ and placing the Bureau of Homeland Security into as many states in Africa as possible’.
Another suggested that ‘the trend in Africa is militarising the continenet, creating terror in order to have a “war on terror“ and suggested that the US was establishing military bases across the continent – a discussion we've had here in the pages of ROAPE about the use of language, i.e. when is a base not a base? when it's a facility run by privatised military or Bureau of Homeland Security.
ROAPE asked the plenary partcipants to rise to the challenge once again and put pen to paper; they were given a very short time to do this. Mahmood Mamdani was not well afterwards and wasn't able to contribute in time and the US Ambassador to the AU, Cindy Courville, had at first agreed but then withdrew at the last moment.