bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of pine bark extract (Pycnogenol®) on symptoms of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Cisár Peter , Jány Richard , Waczulíková Iweta , Sumegová Katarína , Muchová Jana , Vojtaššák Jozef , Ďuraćková Zdenka , Lisý Miroslav , Rohdewald Peter 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjective. The safe and efficacious use of Pycnogenol® (French maritime pine bark extract) in other inflammatory diseases prompted this study of its antiinflammatory effects in patients with osteoarthritis (OA).The aim of the study was to evaluate whether Pycnogenol® reduces the symptoms of OA in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomly allocated trial with patients suffering from knee osteoarthritis stages I and II.Methods. 100 patients were treated for 3 months either by 150 mg Pycnogenol® per day at meals or by placebo. Patients had to report any change of use of previously prescribed antiinflammatory medication during the study period. Patients filled the Western Ontario and Mc Masters University (WOMAC) questionnaire for osteoarthritis every 2 weeks and evaluated weekly pain symptoms using a visual analogue scale for pain intensity.Results. Following treatment with Pycnogenol® patients reported an improvement of WOMAC index (p < 0.05), and a significant alleviation of pain by visual analogue scale (p < 0.04), the placebo had no effect. The use of analgesics diminished in the verum group but increased under the placebo. Treatment with Pycnogenol® was well tolerated.Conclusion. Results show that Pycnogenol® in patients with mild to moderate OA improves symptoms and is able to spare NSAIDs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxic effects of the Viscum album L. extract on Ehrlich tumour cells in vivo
Authors: Ćebović Tatyana , Spasić Slavica , Popović Mira 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTo date most pharmacological studies on mistletoe (Viscum album L.) have focused on the therapeutic properties of its polar extracts. This study examined the non‐polar constituents of Viscum album and their biological activities. Supercritical CO2 extraction coupled with gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to selectively extract and identify compounds in Viscum album leaves. Several non‐polar classes of compounds were identified in the extract. In addition, a volatile fraction was identified that contained several novel terpene molecules. The hypothesis was tested that the Viscum album extract exhibits cytotoxic properties in Ehrlich carcinoma (EAC) cells in vivo due to the induction of oxidative stress. A significant reduction in the incidence of cancer was observed in all groups that received the Viscum album extract compared with the EAC control group. The largest decrease was observed in mice pretreated with the Viscum album extract, although significantly reduced numbers of EAC cells were also observed in animals with developed carcinoma. The activities of antioxidative enzymes in the EAC cells suggested the absence of oxidative stress. However, changes in the antioxidative enzymes activities observed after administration of the Viscum album extract might be due to the induction of oxidative stress in the EAC cells. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of phytotherapy in dentistry
Authors: Groppo Francisco Carlos , Bergamaschi Cristiane de Cássia , Cogo Karina , Franz‐Montan Michelle , Motta Rogério Heládio Lopes , Andrade Eduardo Dias de 
Published: June 2008

AbstractOver the past decade, interest in drugs derived from medicinal plants has markedly increased. This study was aimed at a literature review focusing on studies investigating herbal drugs and other natural products, as well as their therapeutic application, side effects and possible drug interactions. Few studies were found to support their rational use in dentistry. Since there is an increasing use of phytotherapeutic agents in dentistry, further studies are needed to evaluate their safety and effectiveness for clinical use. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study of the antibacterial activity of propolis from different geographical and climatic zones
Authors: Seidel Véronique , Peyfoon Elham , Watson David G. , Fearnley James 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPropolis is a natural substance produced by honeybees upon collection and transformation of resins and exudates from plants. Comparative studies on propolis collected from a wide range of countries are crucial for linking its provenance to antibacterial activity and thus ensuring that the beneficial properties of propolis are used more efficiently by the general public. This study reports the in vitro screening of ethanol extracts of propolis (n = 40), collected from a wide range of countries within the tropical, subtropical and temperate zones, and on the comparison of their activity against a range of Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria using a broth microdilution assay. The results obtained revealed that propolis extracts were mostly active against Gram‐positive bacteria. The samples were subjected to principal component analysis (PCA) in order to model their activity against Gram‐positive microorganisms. Three distinct clusters were distinguished in the PCA mapping based on MIC values, categorizing samples with strong (MIC range 3.9–31.25 mg/L), moderate (MIC range 31.25–≥500 mg/L) and weak antibacterial activity or inactivity (MIC ≥ 500 mg/L only). It is hypothesized that for samples of tropical provenance differences in the activity profiles may depend on the climatic characteristics of the collection sites. High antibacterial activity was observed for samples from locations characterized by a wet‐tropical rainforest‐type climate. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of Nigella sativa and a number of its antioxidant constituents towards azoxymethane‐induced genotoxic effects and colon cancer in rats
Authors: Al‐Johar Dalal , Shinwari Neptune , Arif Jamal , Al‐Sanea Nasser , Jabbar Alaa Abdul , El‐Sayed Ra'afat , Mashhour Abdullah , Billedo Grisellhi , El‐Doush Inaam , Al‐Saleh Iman 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis study examined the chemopreventive effect of Nigella sativa and some of its antioxidant constituents on a number of colon cancer biomarkers in rats induced with azoxymethane (AOM). Sixty male Sprague‐Dawley rats were randomly assigned into ten subgroups: vehicle (1–5) and experimental (6–10). The rats in each group were fed one of the following diets: basal diet, (200 mg/kg) Nigella sativa, (0.2 mg/kg) selenium, (1.2 mg/kg) all‐trans‐retinol plus (100 mg/kg) dl‐α‐tocopherol and (10 mg/kg) thymoquinone, respectively. Only rats in subgroups 6–10 were injected with AOM (15 mg/kg) once per week for 2 weeks. Both groups were fed their respective diets for 5 weeks. Then they were killed and examined for colonic aberrant crypt foci (ACF). Our result showed that only vitamin supplementation was effective on ACF. Nigella sativa revealed inhibitory effects only on DNA damage (day 34) in the AOM‐treated rat group. Alternatively, selenium, thymoquinone and vitamins inhibited the MDA content in the liver. Although the exact mechanisms involved in the protective role of Nigella sativa against the initiation of colon carcinogenesis are not clearly understood, the results suggest that its inhibitory effects might depend on the combined competitive inhibition of various antioxidant constituents of this plant. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antibacterial terpenes from the oleo‐resin of Commiphora molmol (Engl.)
Authors: Rahman M. Mukhlesur , Garvey Mark , Piddock Laura J.V. , Gibbons Simon 
Published: June 2008

AbstractTwo octanordammaranes, mansumbinone (1) and 3,4‐seco‐mansumbinoic acid (2), and two sesquiterpenes, β‐elemene (3) and T‐cadinol (4) have been isolated from the oleo‐resin of Commiphora molmol (Engl.). The structures of these compounds were established unambiguously by a series of 1D and 2D‐NMR analyses. We have also unambiguously assigned all 1H and 13C NMR resonances for 2 and revised its 13C data. The crude extract of the oleo‐resin of C. molmol displayed potentiation of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline against S. aureus, several Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium strains and two K. pneumoniae strains. The antibacterial activity of terpenes 1–4 was determined against a number of Staphylococcus aureus strains: SA1199B, ATCC25923, XU212, RN4220 and EMRSA15 and minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values were found to be in the range of 4–256 µg/ml. The highest activity was observed by the seco‐A‐ring octanordammarane 2 with an MIC of 4 µg/ml against SA1199B, a multidrug‐resistant strain which over‐expresses the NorA efflux transporter, the major characterized antibiotic pump in this species. This activity compared favorably to the antibiotic norfloxacin with an MIC of 32 µg/ml. Compound 2 also displayed weak potentiation of ciprofloxacin and tetracycline activity against strains of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 and L10. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) flavone on immune system: an in‐vitro approach
Authors: Mishra K. P. , Chanda S. , Karan D. , Ganju L. , Sawhney R. C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThere are several reports, which suggest that the consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is associated with a lower incidence of certain degenerative diseases, including cardiovascular disease. Flavones, of Seabuckthorn (SBT) (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) fruit berry can modulate the production and level of several signaling molecules associated with immune function and inflammation in vitro, including several cytokines. We have evaluated the immunomodulatory activity of ethanolic solution of SBT flavone (FLV) in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The SBT flavone was found to stimulate production of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) in PBMCs. However, increased expressions of p‐IκB, NF‐κB, and p‐p38 were found in flavone‐treated human PBMCs with significantly suppressed expression of CD25 (IL‐2R). There was no alteration found in the nitric oxide (NO) production in mouse macrophage cell line RAW 264.7. These observations suggest that stimulation of IL‐6 and TNF‐alpha secretion may contribute to the putative beneficial effects of dietary flavone against microbial infection. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal structure and theoretical study of IR and 1H and 13C NMR spectra of cordatin, a natural product with antiulcerogenic activity
Authors: Brasil Davi S. B. , Alves Cláudio N. , Guilhon Giselle M. S. P. , Muller Adolfo H. , de S. Secco Ricardo , Peris Gabriel , Llusar Rosa 
Published: June 2008

AbstractCordatin is a furan diterpenoid with a clerodane skeleton isolated from Croton palanostigma Klotzsch (Euphorbiaceae). This natural product shows significant antiulcerogenic activity, similar to cimetidine (Tagamet®), a compound used for the treatment of peptic ulcers. The crystal structure of cordatin was obtained by X‐ray diffraction and its geometrical parameters were compared with theoretical calculations at the B3LYP theory level. The IR and NMR (1H and 13C chemical shifts and coupling constants) spectra were obtained and compared with the theoretical calculations. The B3LYP theory level, with the 6‐31G(d,p) and 6‐311G(d,p) basis set, provided IR absorption values close to the experimental data. Moreover, theoretical NMR parameters obtained in both gas phase and chloroform solvent at the B3PW91/DGDZVP, B3LYP/6‐311+G(2d,p), and B3PW91/6‐311+G(2d,p) levels showed good correlations with the experimental results. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Potential energy function from differential cross‐section data: An inverse quantum scattering theory approach
Authors: Lemes N. H. T. , Borges E. , Sousa R. V. , Braga J. P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractImportant physical and chemical information can be extracted from scattering experiments data. This kind of problem is usually ill‐posed in the sense that one of the three conditions, existence, uniqueness, and continuity, is not satisfied. For example, the inversion of intermolecular potential functions from scattering data, such as experimental cross section, is an ill‐posed problem which can be modeled as a Fredholm integral equation. In this work, an inversion method based on recursive neural networks is proposed to solve this inverse quantum scattering problem within the Born approximation. As physical example, the repulsive component of the potential function for the interaction Ar–Ar is obtained from differential cross‐section data. The sensitivity of the potential energy function to be inverted, in relation to the differential cross‐section data, is also analyzed. The present approach is simple, general, and numerically stable. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Electronic structure of CuXy (X = B, C, N, O, F; y = 0, +1, −1)
Authors: Ferrão Luiz Fernando A. , Roberto‐Neto Orlando , Machado Francisco B. C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractIn this work, a comparative study of the ground electronic state spectroscopic properties of diatomic molecules formed by the cooper (Cu) atom with the second period elements (B, C, N, O, and F) was performed. The CCSD(T) approach and DFT using GGA (BP86 and BPW91) and H‐GGA (B3LYP) methods have been applied, using Wachters + f basis sets for the cooper atom and aug‐cc‐pVTZ for the second period elements. The results are in good agreement with available theoretical and experimental data available. The GGA functionals have good performance to describe bond lengths and harmonic vibrational frequencies, whereas B3LYP method presents better performance to describe dissociation energies. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Habitat diversity and fish assemblage structure in local river widenings: A case study on a swiss river
Authors: Weber Christine , Schager Eva , Peter Armin 
Published: June 2008

AbstractWe investigated habitat availability and fish assemblage structure in three local river widenings, completed 3–14 years ago, and five adjacent canalized reaches on the river Thur, a seventh‐order river in Switzerland. To account for seasonal variability, surveys were repeated in winter and summer 2005. Results were compared with historical pre‐disturbance data to evaluate whether the current abiotic and biotic conditions in the study reaches have attained historic near‐natural levels.Hydro‐physical habitat diversity (depth, flow velocity, cover availability) was considerably greater in the two longer widenings (>900 m length) than in the canalized reaches and in the shortest widening (300 m length), with higher proportions of shallow or deep areas of different flow velocities. However, the comparison of current and historical near‐natural shoreline lengths indicated that the current geomorphological complexity is still considerably impaired in all reaches.No overall significant relationship was found between the reach type (canalized or rehabilitated) and the number of species or the total fish abundance which were strongly correlated with the availability of suitable cover and moderate flow velocity. However, highest winter abundances were observed in deep, well‐structured backwaters of the rehabilitated reaches, documenting their significance as wintering habitats. Assemblage structure and composition were similar in canalized and rehabilitated reaches. Compared to the historical data, however, fewer and different dominant species were found, and guild composition changed towards a higher representation of generalists and tolerant species. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of fetal Sylvian fissure operculization between 22 and 32 weeks: a subjective approach
Authors: Quarello E. , Stirnemann J. , Ville Y. , Guibaud L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveSylvian fissure operculization (SFO) is a dynamic process throughout gestation and is a reliable feature of fetal cortex gyration that is amenable to prenatal ultrasound examination. This study aimed to define a subjective and reproducible method for SFO assessment.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional study of the sonographic anatomy of SFO conducted over a 9‐month period in 200 fetuses with normal anatomical ultrasound examination at 22–32 weeks of gestation. We used a standardized view in an axial cerebral plane. SFO was scored according to a pre‐defined scoring sheet based on the degree of overriding of the insula by the temporal lobe across gestational age. Because of the nested nature of the dataset, linear mixed effects models were used for concurrent assessment of inter‐ and intraobserver agreement of this scoring method. Subject‐specific variance of the score was derived for each week of gestation from the whole repeated‐measures dataset and the 5th and 95th percentiles of the score (mean scoreweek ± 1.645 SDsubject, week) were determined.ResultsThe inter‐ and intraobserver agreement correlation coefficients were 0.91 (0.89–1.00) and 0.95 (0.93–1.00), respectively, with a standard error of measurement < 1 scoring unit, which corresponds to an accuracy of within 1 week. A reference chart was fitted, showing the increase of the SFO score between 22 and 32 weeks, along with age‐specific 5th and 95th percentiles.ConclusionA simple scoring evaluation of the SFO is a reliable method for its assessment at between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diagnostic value of intraoperative ultrasonography to assess para‐aortic lymph nodes in women with ovarian and uterine corpus malignancy
Authors: Ryo E. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the ability of intraoperative ultrasonography to detect enlarged para‐aortic lymph nodes, and to assess its potential use in reducing the number of unnecessary para‐aortic lymphadenectomies performed in women with ovarian and uterine corpus malignancies.MethodsComputed tomography (CT), palpation during surgery, and intraoperative ultrasonography were used to assess whether para‐aortic lymph nodes were enlarged in 163 women with ovarian and uterine corpus malignancy. All the women underwent para‐aortic lymphadenectomy, and nodes were assessed for metastasis.ResultsThirty‐five women had pathological para‐aortic node metastasis. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of CT for the diagnosis of metastasis were 42.9, 96.1, 75.0 and 86.0%, respectively. These values were 60.0, 82.0, 47.7 and 88.2% for palpation, and 91.4, 69.5, 45.1 and 96.7% for intraoperative ultrasonography, respectively. If para‐aortic lymphadenectomy had been performed only when enlarged lymph nodes were detected on CT then the number performed would have been reduced from 163 to 20 (12.3%); however, node metastasis would have been missed in 20 out of 35 women. On the same basis, the number of lymphadenectomies performed would have been 44 (27.0%) and metastasis would have been missed in 14 women on palpation during surgery, and 71 lymphadenectomies (43.6%) would have been performed and metastasis would have been missed in three women on intraoperative ultrasonography.ConclusionsIntraoperative ultrasonography is a highly sensitive tool with which to diagnose lymph node metastasis. Its high negative predictive value allows avoidance of unnecessary para‐aortic lymphadenectomy in women with ovarian and uterine corpus malignancy. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interobserver variability in the measurement of fetal middle cerebral artery peak systolic velocity in a tertiary fetal medicine unit
Authors: Thomas J. T. , Muller P. , Baghurst P. , Wilkinson C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the interobserver variability of fetal middle cerebral artery (MCA) peak systolic velocity (PSV) Doppler measurements in a tertiary fetal medicine unit.MethodsThis was a prospective cohort study of pregnant women between 22 and 34 weeks of gestation who underwent fetal MCA‐PSV Doppler velocimetry by a paired combination of operators. A set protocol was followed; ease of scanning was recorded and three quality assurance parameters were analyzed. The interobserver variability was determined. In addition, individual operator characteristics were determined by analyzing the variation of each operator relative to all his/her paired colleagues, and their quality assurance parameters.ResultsTwo hundred and eighty‐five women had completed paired fetal MCA‐PSV Doppler measurements. Eighty‐three (29%) of the ultrasound examinations requested were for suspected fetal anemia and 202 (71%) were for other obstetric indications. The interobserver variation was less than 10% in 78% of the paired MCA‐PSV Doppler measurements whereas 99% had less than 15% variation. The intraclass correlation coefficient of each operator when compared with all his/her colleagues ranged from 0.82 to 0.95. The overall mean variability of the MCA‐PSV recorded by a given operator, relative to all his/her paired colleagues, ranged from + 5.26% to − 6.47% in all but one operator whose value was + 13.5% (standard deviation factor, 1.13–1.22). Logistic regression analysis, using a 10% or greater variation in MCA‐PSV as a binary outcome variable, showed a significant difference when inappropriate angle correction was detected (P < 0.001).ConclusionsClinically acceptable interobserver variability was obtained in fetal MCA‐PSV Doppler measurements. Inappropriate angle correction was found to be a significant predictive factor for increased interobserver variability. Analysis of mean variation identified operators who were outliers enabling quality assurance within the unit. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SEEDLING CHARACTERISTICS AND THE EARLY GROWTH OF TRANSPLANTED RICE UNDER DIFFERENT WATER REGIMES
Authors: MISHRA ABHA , SALOKHE V. M. 
Published: June 2008

SUMMARYA series of experiments was conducted on rice seedlings in a nursery seedbed and after transplanting in order to understand root and shoot characteristics, and their contribution to the production of tillers and dry matter. At the nursery stage, the seedlings' were studied at varying densities (high and low) and fertilizer treatments (with and without nitrogen) at 12 and 24 days after sowing (DAS) in wet or dry seedbeds. After transplanting, the effects of seedling age at the time of transplanting (12 and 30 days), method of raising seedlings (dry or wet seedbed) and water regimes (flooded or non-flooded) were studied. The overall aim was to understand the benefits, if any, of this system of rice intensification (SRI) management practices over conventional methods. The study revealed that in a nursery at 12 DAS, rice seedlings raised in a dry seedbed, irrespective of seeding density and fertilizer application, showed accelerated growth with better shoot and root characteristics in terms of greater leaf number, plant height, lateral root formation and elongation, and dry mass compared to seedlings grown in a wet seedbed. At 24 DAS, a significant interaction between seeding density and fertilizer application was found for dry-seedbed plants compared to those grown in a wet seedbed. Poor shoot and root growth was seen in older seedlings grown without fertilizer. Seedling age was found to be the most important factor affecting both shoot characteristics after transplanting (number of tillers, plant height, dry matter production) and root characteristics (root length density, root weight density). Younger seedlings performed better than older seedlings transplanted into either flooded or non-flooded soils with greater uptake of nitrogen and manganese than older seedlings. These results indicate that many of the constraints previously associated with non-flooded rice cultivation may be alleviated by transplanting younger seedlings that have been raised by SRI methods.