bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protein‐like behavior of multiblock copolymer chains in a selective solvent by a variety of lattice and off‐lattice Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Lewandowski K. , Knychała P. , Banaszak M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe present both lattice and off‐lattice Monte Carlo simulations for multiblock copolymer chains of two lengths, N = 64 and N = 128, with microarchitectures (8–8)4 and (16–16)4, respectively. The simulations demonstrate that a variety of lattice and off‐lattice Monte Carlo methods gives the same protein‐like behavior, showing that the multiblock chains undergo a two‐step transition, first from a swollen state to a secondary “pearl‐necklace” state, and then to a tertiary superglobular state as the solvent quality decreases, that is upon cooling. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Strong anisotropic thermal expansion in borates
Authors: Bubnova Rimma S. , Filatov Stanislav K. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe paper summarizes results of high‐temperature single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies for six borate structures and high‐temperature powder X‐ray diffraction data for about 50 borates. The characteristics on thermal expansion of 50 borates of univalent, bivalent and trivalent metals of different dimensionality and anion structure are listed. The basic principles of high‐temperature borate crystal chemistry emerge from these studies and the regularities of borate thermal behavior are revealed. On heating the BO3 and BO4 polyhedra and rigid groups consisting of these polyhedra practically do not change their configuration and size but sometimes rotate like hinges exhibiting greatly anisotropic thermal expansion including linear negative expansion. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EXAFS studies of negative thermal expansion materials
Authors: Fornasini Paolo , Ahmed Sameh I. , Sanson Andrea , Vaccari Marco 
Published: October 2008

AbstractExtended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) can give information on the local dynamical behavior of crystals, opening new perspectives for understanding the origin of negative thermal expansion (NTE). In this paper, after a short review on the effects of thermal disorder in EXAFS spectra and on the relation between EXAFS and Bragg diffraction, some recent results on crystals with the zincblende and cuprite structures are presented and critically compared. The tension effect giving rise to NTE can be correlated to the anisotropy of the mean square relative displacements measured by EXAFS. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Thermodynamic and mechanical stability of many‐body systems interacting with coarse‐grained bounded potentials
Authors: Brańka A. C. , Heyes D. M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractWe discuss the stability criteria of Fisher and Ruelle [J. Math. Phys. 7, 260 (1966)] which can be used to establish if a given pair potential satisfies the requirements for thermodynamic stability. The mechanical and thermodynamic stability are considered for systems composed of particles interacting with a bounded potential, which could be used to model a mesostructured material at a coarse‐grained level. The elastic moduli of fcc and bcc solids at zero temperature are calculated as a function of density for an assembly of particles interacting via the following (at r = 0 bounded potentials: (a) a Gaussian Core Model, GCM, potential, φ (r) = exp (–r2), and (b) the separation‐shifted Lennard–Jones, SSLJ, bounded potential, φ (r) = 4[1/α2 + r2)6 – 1/(α2 + r2)3], with α > 0, where in both cases the characteristic energy and lengthscale are set to unity, and r is the separation between the particles. For both potential forms, at low densities, the static fcc structure is the thermodynamically stable structural form but from above a certain density the bcc lattice becomes the stable structure. It is shown that for the SSLJ potential this transition density varies roughly as ∼α–3. In the T → 0 limit, auxetic behaviour is demonstrated to occur for both fcc and bcc structures, but at high pressure and for the bcc structural form its response to external strain can be entirely nonauxetic. A significant role of the attractive part of the interparticle interaction in enhancing auxetic behaviour is observed. The ranges of the mechanical stability are determined for both systems. At zero temperature, the lattice becomes mechanically unstable for α > αc, which appears to coincide with the value αc = (7/32)1/6 = 0.7762 proved previously to lead to thermodynamically unstable fluid states for this potential. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Activity‐guided isolation of a novel protein from Croton tiglium with antifungal and antibacterial activities
Authors: Shahid Muhammad , Tayyab Muhammad , Naz Farah , Jamil Amer , Ashraf Muhammad , Gilani Anwarul Hassan 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis study describes the activity‐guided isolation and purification of a novel antimicrobial protein from the seed of Croton tiglium Linn. Purification was carried out by (NH4)2SO4 precipitation, gel filtration and DEAE‐cellulose ion‐exchange chromatography. Antifungal and antibacterial activities were determined after each purification step. SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed that the purified protein was a monomer with molecular mass of 50 kDa. This is a first report on purification of a protein from Croton tiglium, which possesses a strong and broad spectrum antimicrobial activity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Garlic extract exhibits antiamyloidogenic activity on amyloid‐beta fibrillogenesis: relevance to Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Gupta Veer Bala , Indi S. S. , Rao K. S. J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractAlzheimer's disease is characterized pathologically by the deposition of amyloid plaques. Fibrillar Aβ is the principal component of amyloid plaques in the brain of AD patients. The prevention of Aβ aggregation or dissolution of fibrillar Aβ has clinical significance. The present communication examined in vitro the antiamyloidogenic properties of garlic extract. The effects of aqueous garlic extract (both fresh and boiled) on Aβ aggregation and defibrillation were studied by thioflavin‐T based fluorescence assay, transmission electron microscopy and SDS‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The aqueous fresh garlic extract not only inhibited Aβ fibril formation in a concentration and time dependent manner but was also able to defibrillate Aβ preformed fibrils. The maximum defibrillization was observed after 2–3 days of incubation. The boiled aqueous garlic extract also retained its antiamyloidogenic activity. This indicated that antiamyloidogenic activity of garlic extract is non‐enzymatic, i.e. proteases present in garlic did not degrade Aβ in solution. However, the fibril degrading ability of boiled garlic extract was significantly lost. The findings suggest that consumption of garlic may lead to inhibition of Aβ aggregation in human brain. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of wound healing activity of Lantana camara L. – a Preclinical study
Authors: Nayak B. Shivananda , Raju S. Sivachandra , Eversley Mathew , Ramsubhag Adash 
Published: October 2008

AbstractLantana camara is used in herbal medicine for the treatment of skin itches, as an antiseptic for wounds, and externally for leprosy and scabies. The objective of our study was to investigate excision wound healing activity of the leaf extract of L. camara in rats. The animals were divided into two groups of 12 each in both the models. The test group animals were treated with the aqueous extract of L. camara (100 mg/kg/day) topically and the control group animals were left untreated. Wound healing efficacy was measured by determining the morphological and biochemical parameters. Wound healing time, wound contraction and synthesis of collagen were monitored periodically. Antimicrobial activities of the extract against the microorganisms were also assessed. Treatment of the wounds with extract enhanced significantly the rate of wound contraction (98%), synthesis of collagen and decreased mean wound healing time. These studies demonstrate that L. camara is effective in healing excision wounds in the experimental animal and could be evaluated as a therapeutic agent in tissue repair processes associated with skin injuries. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alpinia katsumadai hayata prevents mouse sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture through promoting bacterial clearance and downregulating systemic inflammation
Authors: Yang Jian , Dai Yue , Xia Yu‐Feng , Huang Wen‐Zhe , Wang Zheng‐Tao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSepsis continues to be a challenge in clinic. Therapeutic strategies focus on local host defenses and the inhibition of overwhelming inflammation response. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects and the underlying mechanisms of the ethanol extract of Alpinia katsumadai Hayata seeds (EAKH) on polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice. It was shown that oral administration of EAKH at 1 h before and 2 h after CLP significantly elevated the survival rate and the mean arterial pressure of mice. Histological examination and serum ALT/AST assessment demonstrated that EAKH protected the animals from lung and liver tissue injury and dysfunction. Although EAKH was devoid of direct bacteriostatic or bacteriocidal activities, it facilitated peritoneal bacteria clearance and increased leukocyte migration into peritoneal cavity of septic mice. Furthermore, EAKH remarkably decreased serum pro‐inflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α, IL‐1β and NO) levels in septic mice. These findings demonstrated that EAKH has preventive effects on mouse sepsis induced by CLP, which may be attributed to elevating local defense via promoting leukocyte migration to infection focus and attenuating systemic inflammation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Inhibition of human P450 enzymes by natural extracts used in traditional medicine
Authors: Rodeiro Idania , Donato María T. , Jimenez Nuria , Garrido Gabino , Molina‐Torres Jorge , Menendez Roberto , Castell José V. , Gómez‐Lechón María J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDifferent medicinal plants are widely used in Cuba and Mexico to treat several disorders. This paper reports in vitro inhibitory effects on the P450 system of herbal products commonly used by people in Cuba and Mexico in traditional medicine for decades. Experiments were conducted in human liver microsomes. The catalytic activities of CYP1A1/2, 2D6, and 3A4 were measured using specific probe substrates. The Heliopsis longipes extract exhibited a concentration‐dependent inhibition of the three enzymes, and similar effects were produced by affinin (an alkamide isolated from the H. longipes extract) and two catalytically reduced alkamides. Mangifera indica L. and Thalassia testudinum extracts, two natural polyphenol‐rich extracts, diminished CYP1A1/2 and 3A4 activities, but not the CYP2D6 activity. These results suggest that these herbs inhibit the major human P450 enzymes involved in drug metabolism and could induce potential herbal‐drug interactions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroprotective effects of Tanshinone IIA on permanent focal cerebral ischemia in mice
Authors: Dong Kenan , Xu Wei , Yang Jun , Qiao Hongxiang , Wu Limao 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate whether Tanshinone IIA (TSA) was neuroprotective in permanent focal cerebral ischemia and to determine the possible mechanisms of its neuroprotection. Mice were subjected to permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. The neuroprotection of TSA was investigated with respect to neurological deficit scores and infarct volume. Biochemical analyses for malondialdehyde (MDA) content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in serum, and nitric oxide (NO) content and the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activity in brain tissue were performed at 24 h after ischemia. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of iNOS. In vitro, the effects of TSA were tested in the cultured astrocytes exposed to hydrogen dioxide (H2O2). TSA (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the infarct volume and improve neurological deficit. TSA also significantly increased the activity of SOD after 24 h of ischemia and decreased the MDA level, NO content, and iNOS expression. In vitro, the translocation of NF‐κB was inhibited by TSA and the survival rate of astrocytes was markedly increased and the NO production was decreased. In conclusion, these results illustrated that TSA protected the brain from ischemic injury by suppressing the oxidative stress and the radical‐mediated inflammatory insult. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic inhibitory effect of sulforaphane and 5‐fluorouracil in high and low metastasis cell lines of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Wang Xiao‐Feng , Wu Dong‐Mei , Li Bao‐Xin , Lu Yan‐Jie , Yang Bao‐Feng 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe present study aimed to evaluate the growth‐inhibitory effect of sulforaphane (SFN) and a traditional chemotherapy agent, 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu), against the proliferation of salivary gland adenoid cystic carcinoma high metastatic cell line (ACC‐M) and low metastasis cell line (ACC‐2). Furthermore, the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) which induces resistance to anticancer chemotherapeutic agents was also detected. The combination effect of SFN and 5‐Fu was quantitatively determined using the method of median effect principle and the combination index. The nuclear NF‐κB p65 expression after treatment with the SFN‐5‐Fu combination was also evaluated by western blot analysis. The ACC‐M and ACC‐2 cells exhibited relative resistant to 5‐Fu. Treatment ACCs cells with SFN and 5‐Fu in combination, led to synergistic inhibition on cell growth and a decreased expression in nuclear NF‐κB p65 protein. This synergistic inhibitory effect was more significant in ACC‐M cells, which is associated with the greatly decreased expression of NF‐κB p65 (almost 5‐fold) after the combination treatment. Our results demonstrate synergism between SFN and 5‐Fu at higher doses against the ACC‐M and ACC‐2 cells, which was associated with the decreased expression of nuclear NF‐κB p65 protein. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiamnesic potential of Murraya koenigii leaves
Authors: Vasudevan Mani , Parle Milind 
Published: October 2008

AbstractMurraya koenigii leaves commonly known as curry patta are added routinely to Indian gravy and vegetarian dishes as a favorite condiment. The effects of Murraya koenigii leaves (MKL) on cognitive functions, total serum cholesterol level and brain cholinesterase activity in young and aged mice fed orally with a diet containing 2%, 4% and 8% w/w of MKL for 30 days consecutively, were investigated. The memory scores were measured using various exteroceptive and interoceptive behavioral models. The MKL diets produced a significant dose‐dependent improvement in the memory scores of young and aged mice and significantly reduced the amnesia induced by scopolamine (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) and diazepam (1 mg/kg, i.p.). Also, brain cholinesterase activity and total cholesterol levels were reduced by the MKL diets. The underlying mechanism of action for the observed nootropic effect may be attributed to pro‐cholinergic activity and a cholesterol lowering property. Therefore, it would be worthwhile to investigate specifically the therapeutic potential of MKL in the management of Alzheimer patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetics of anthraquinones in Xiexin decoction and in different combinations of its constituent herbs
Authors: Yan Dongming , Ma Yueming , Shi Rong , Xu Desheng , Zhang Ning 
Published: October 2008

AbstractXiexin decoction (XXD), a classic pyretolysis formula, is composed of Rhei Rhizoma (DH), Radix Scutellaria (HQ) and Coptis Chinensis (HL) and is commonly used in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetic differences of the five anthraquinones in rats after oral administration of XXD and different combinations of its constituent herbs. Twenty rats were randomly divided into four groups and were administered one of the four extracts: DH, DH‐HQ, DH‐HL and XXD (DH‐HQ‐HL) via intragastric gavage. Anthraquinone concentrations in plasma were determined by an HPLC technique. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated from the plasma concentration–time data. Compared with DH alone, the DH‐HL combination decreased Cmax of all five anthraquinones and AUC of four anthraquinones (except physcion), and the DH‐HQ combination decreased AUC of aloe‐emodin and Cmax of rhein. Finally, XXD increased AUC of all five anthraquinones compared with DH‐HL combination. These results showed that the oral bioavailabilities of five anthraquinones were decreased significantly by combining DH with HL, whereas HQ weakened the effect of HL that inhibited the absorption of anthraquinones. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cannabidiol in medicine: a review of its therapeutic potential in CNS disorders
Authors: Scuderi Caterina , Filippis Daniele De , Iuvone Teresa , Blasio Angelo , Steardo Antonio , Esposito Giuseppe 
Published: October 2008

AbstractCannabidiol (CBD) is the main non‐psychotropic component of the glandular hairs ofCannabis sativa. It displays a plethora of actions including anticonvulsive, sedative, hypnotic, antipsychotic, antiinflammatory and neuroprotective properties. However, it is well established that CBD produces its biological effects without exerting significant intrinsic activity upon cannabinoid receptors. For this reason, CBD lacks the unwanted psychotropic effects characteristic of marijuana derivatives, so representing one of the bioactive constituents ofCannabis sativawith the highest potential for therapeutic use.The present review reports the pharmacological profile of CBD and summarizes results from preclinical and clinical studies utilizing CBD, alone or in combination with other phytocannabinoids, for the treatment of a number of CNS disorders. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
5‐Hydroxytryptamine2Areceptor binding activity of compounds fromLitsea sessilis
Authors: Chung Lip Yong , Lo Mee Wah , Mustafa Muhammad Rais , Goh Swee Hock , Imiyabir Zamrie 
Published: October 2008

AbstractA 96‐well microplate filtration based 5‐HT2Areceptor‐radioligand binding assay was optimized and adopted to carry out a bioassay‐guided fractionation of the methanol extract of the leaves ofLitsea sessilis. This purification led to the isolation of two compounds identified as (+)‐boldine (1) and (+)‐dehydrovomifoliol (2). (+)‐Boldine binds to 5‐HT2Areceptors at high concentrations with aKivalue of 2.16 µm. However, (+)‐dehydrovomifoliol showed minimal competitive inhibition on the binding of [3H]ketanserin to the same receptor with aKivalue of 2.06 mm. These results suggest that (+)‐boldine influences the activity of 5‐HT2Areceptors through competitive binding as an agonist or antagonist. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant metabolism induced by quinic acid. increased urinary excretion of tryptophan and nicotinamide
Authors: Pero Ronald W. , Lund Harald , Leanderson Tomas 
Published: October 2008

AbstractFor over 50 years, hippuric/quinic acids were believed to have no biological efficacy. Here data are presented to support the hypothesis that quinic acid is not responsible for any efficacy, but rather that quinic acid nutritionally supports the synthesis of tryptophan and nicotinamide in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, and that this in turn leads to DNA repair enhancement and NF‐kB inhibition via increased nicotinamide and tryptophan production.Moreover, it is shown that quinic acid is a normal constituent of our diet, capable of conversion to tryptophan and nicotinamide via the GI tract microflora, thus providing an in situ physiological source of these essential metabolic ingredients to humans. The concentrations of quinic and hippuric acids in the diet were dependent on each other when analysed in urine, as was evidenced by a significant linear regression analysis that included unsupplemented control subjects (n = 45, p < 0.001). Thus, these ingredients were identified as major dietary components, and not simply originating from environmental pollution as previously had been thought. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study of interaction ofRhodiola roseaSHR‐5 extract with warfarin and theophylline in rats
Authors: Panossian Alexander , Hovhannisyan Areg , Abrahamyan Hasmik , Gabrielyan Emil , Wikman Georg 
Published: October 2008

AbstractSignificant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic interactions between various herbal products and drugs being substrates of cytochrome P450 have recently been reported. The aim of this study was to determine whetherRhodiola roseaSHR‐5 extract interacts with warfarin and theophylline when administered concomitantly. Thus, concomitant treatment of rats with theophylline and SHR‐5 did not give rise to significant effects on the pharmacokinetics of theophylline. Simultaneous administration of SHR‐5 and warfarin did not alter significantly the pharmacokinetics or the anticoagulant activity of warfarin. It is concluded that SHR‐5 might be of value in the treatment of patients with mild or moderate depression, and that its interaction with co‐administered drugs is likely to be negligible. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The therapeutic effect of modified Yu Ping Feng San on idiopathic sweating in end‐stage cancer patients during hospice care
Authors: Chiu Shih‐Che , Lai Yuen‐Liang , Chang Hen‐Hong , Chang Kou‐Hwa , Chen Shun‐Ting , Liao Hui‐Fen , Chen Yu‐Yawn , Chen Yu‐Jen 
Published: October 2008

AbstractEnd‐stage cancer patients frequently suffer from idiopathic sweating of unknown cause. This study was to evaluate the effect (primary endpoint) of modified Yu Ping Feng San on idiopathic sweating and adverse reactions (secondary endpoint). Thirty two end‐stage cancer patients receiving hospice care, with exclusion criteria including sweating due to known causes and taking drugs which may affect the sweating threshold were enrolled. Patients received modified Yu Ping Feng San for 10 consecutive days. The quantitative measurement of sweating showed 26 patients (81.3%) had complete remission of sweating, and the average time required to reach 50% reduction was 4.6 days. The visual analog scale (VAS) sweating score estimated by patients and care‐givers showed that the mean reductions were 8.4 and 9.1 points, respectively. An increase in appetite was experienced by 65.6% of patients, after administration of modified Yu Ping Feng San. The most prevalent treatment‐related complications were nausea (15.6%), diarrhea (9.3%) and allergy (3.1%) without severity greater than grade 2, and these were reversible after cessation of treatment. These results suggest that modified Yu Ping Feng San is a safe and effective treatment for idiopathic sweating of unknown cause in end‐stage cancer patients. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.