bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of garlic in the prevention of ischemia‐reperfusion injury
Authors: Sener Göksel , Sakarcan Abdullah , Yeǧen Berrak Ç. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractGarlic in different forms has antioxidant properties. These properties are shown to be due to the existence of compounds such as water soluble organosulfur compounds, S‐allylcysteine and lipid soluble compounds like diallyl sulfide. The in vivo and in vitro ischemia reperfusion studies showed that prophylactic administration of aqueous garlic prior to ischemia reperfusion inhibit lipid peroxidation and prevent depletion in glutathione through its compounds that led to functional recovery. Its ability to inhibit neutrophil migration could suppress fibrosis formation. These preventive effects are seen in models that studied organs such as kidney and liver with functional recovery. Organ system specific activity such as angiotensin converting enzyme‐inhibiting activity contributes to a cardioprotective and blood pressure lowering effect. Future studies should focus on post ischemia reperfusion administration of garlic to explore its rescue potential rather than prophylactic impact. Bench research findings should be translated into clinical use through human studies.
Hyperhomocysteinemia and polymorphisms of the methylenetetrahydrofolate gene in hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients
Authors: Domenici Fernanda Aparecida , Vannucchi Maria T. I. , Simões‐Ambrósio Livia M. C. , Vannucchi Helio 
Published: May 2008

AbstractHyperhomocysteinemia has been documented in chronic renal failure (CRF). Premature as well as progressive occlusive vascular disease is common. Mutations or polymorphisms in the gene of the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), as C677T, A1298C and G1793A, are associated with hyperhomocysteinemia and possibly with elevated risk for vascular diseases. This study was conducted on 89 individuals with renal failure on dialysis to determine the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the mutations in the MTHFR gene and hyperhomocysteinemia. Blood samples were colleted for determination of homocysteine and DNA. The C677T, A1298C and G1793A mutations were detected. This study confirmed the high prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia in patients on dialysis, which was diagnosed in 76 patients (85.39%) and high incidence of the C677T and A1298C mutation, 42 (47.19%) and 29 (32.58%) patients, respectively. Five patients (5.62%) presented the G1793A mutation and hyperhomocysteinemia. The authors concluded that there was no influence of the polymorphisms on homocysteine levels in these patients.
Dimethoxycurcumin, a synthetic curcumin analogue with higher metabolic stability, inhibits NO production, inducible NO synthase expression and NF‐κB activation in RAW264.7 macrophages activated with LPS
Authors: Pae Hyun‐Ock , Jeong Sun‐Oh , Kim Hak Sung , Kim Seong Heak , Song Yung Sun , Kim Sung‐kwun , Chai Kyu‐Yun , Chung Hun‐Taeg 
Published: May 2008

AbstractExcess production of nitric oxide (NO) by inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in activated macrophages is linked to acute and chronic inflammation. Thus, it would be valuable to develop inhibitors of NO and/or iNOS for potential therapeutic use. We investigated whether dimethoxycurcumin (DiMC), a synthetic curcumin analogue with higher metabolic stability over curcumin, could inhibit NO production and iNOS expression in activated macrophages. RAW264.7 macrophages were activated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the absence or presence of DiMC, which contains four methoxy groups at two aromatic rings, curcumin containing two, bis‐demethoxycurcumin (BDMC) containing none, or tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) containing two but lacking conjugated double bonds in the central seven‐carbon chain. NO production, iNOS expression and NF‐κB activity were examined. DiMC, curcumin and BDMC inhibited NO production, iNOS expression and NF‐κB activation, with DiMC being the most effective, followed by curcumin and BDMC. THC failed to inhibit NO production, iNOS expression and NF‐κB activation. Our results suggest that DiMC inhibits NO production, iNOS expression and NF‐κB activation in LPS‐activated macrophages, which may be due not only to the conjugated double bonds but also the increased number of methoxy groups.
Cytoprotective effects of phenolic acids on methylglyoxal‐induced apoptosis in Neuro‐2A cells
Authors: Huang Shang‐Ming , Chuang Hong‐Chih , Wu Chi‐Hao , Yen Gow‐Chin 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn the process of glycation, methylglyoxal is a reactive dicarbonyl compound physiologically generated as an intermediate of glycolysis, and is found in high levels in blood or tissue of diabetic models. Biological glycation has been commonly implicated in the development of diabetic microvascular complications of neuropathy. Increasing evidence suggests that neuronal cell cycle regulatory failure followed by apoptosis is an important mechanism in the development of diabetic neuropathy complication. Naturally occurring antioxidants, especially phenolic acids have been recommended as the major bioactive compounds to prevent chronic diseases and promote health benefits. The objective of this study was to investigate the inhibitory abilities of phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, syringic acid and vanillic acid) on methylglyoxal‐induced mouse Neuro‐2A neuroblastoma (Neuro‐2A) cell apoptosis in the progression of diabetic neuropathy. The data indicated that methylglyoxal induced mouse Neuro‐2A neuroblastoma (Neuro‐2A) cell apoptosis via alternation of mitochondria membrane potential and Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, activation of caspase‐3, and cleavage of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that activation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase signal pathways (JNK and p38) participated in the methylglyoxal‐induced Neuro‐2A cell apoptosis process. Treatment of Neuro‐2A cells with phenolic acids markedly suppresses cell apoptosis induced by methylglyoxal, suggesting that phenolic acids possess cytoprotective ability in the prevention of diabetic neuropathy complication.
Tocotrienol‐rich fraction of palm oil exhibits anti‐inflammatory property by suppressing the expression of inflammatory mediators in human monocytic cells
Authors: Wu Shu‐Jing , Liu Po‐Len , Ng Lean‐Teik 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTocotrienol‐rich fraction (TRF) of palm oil has been shown to possess potent antioxidant, anticancer, and cholesterol lowering activities. In this study, our aim was to examine the effects of TRF on LPS‐induced inflammatory response through measuring the production of inflammatory mediators, namely nitric oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cytokines (TNF‐α, IL‐4, and IL‐8), cyclooxygenase‐1 and ‐2 (COX‐1 and COX‐2), and nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) in human monocytic (THP‐1) cells. At concentrations 0.5–5.0 μg/mL, TRF dose‐dependently protected against LPS‐induced cell death. At same concentrations, TRF also showed potent anti‐inflammatory activity as demonstrated by a dose‐dependent inhibition of LPS (1 μg/mL)‐induced release of NO and PGE2, and a significant decrease in the transcription of proinflammatory cytokines. TRF at 1.0 μg/mL significantly blocked the LPS induction of iNOS and COX‐2 expression, but not COX‐1. This anti‐inflammatory activity was further supported by the inhibition of NF‐κB expression. These results conclude that TRF possesses potent anti‐inflammatory activity, and its mechanism of action could be through the inhibition of iNOS and COX‐2 production, as well as NF‐κB expression.
Parental origin of chromatin in human monopronuclear zygotes revealed by asymmetric histone methylation patterns, differs between IVF and ICSI
Authors: van der Heijden G.W. , van den Berg I.M. , Baart E.B. , Derijck A.A.H.A. , Martini E. , de Boer P. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn mouse zygotes, many post‐translational histone modifications are asymmetrically present in male and female pronuclei. We investigated whether this principle could be used to determine the genetic composition of monopronuclear human zygotes in conventional IVF and ICSI. First we determined whether male female asymmetry is conserved from mouse to human by staining polypronuclear zygotes with antibodies against a subset of histone N‐tail post‐translational modifications. To analyze human monopronuclear zygotes, a modification, H3K9me3, was selected that is present in the maternal chromatin. After IVF a total of 45 monopronuclear zygotes were obtained. In 39 (87%) of zygotes a nonuniform staining pattern was observed, proof of a bi‐parental origin and assumed to result into a diploid conception. Two zygotes showed no staining for the modification, indicating that the single pronucleus was of paternal origin. Four zygotes contained only maternally derived chromatin. ICSI‐derived monopronuclear zygotes (n = 33) could also be divided into three groups based on the staining pattern of their chromatin: (1) of maternal origin (n = 15), (2) of paternal origin (n = 8) or (3) consisting of two chromatin domains as dominating in IVF (n = 10). Our data show that monopronuclear zygotes originating from IVF generally arise through fusion of parental chromatin after sperm penetration. Monopronuclear zygotes derived from ICSI in most cases contain uni‐parental chromatin. The fact that chromatin was of paternal origin in 24% of ICSI and in 4% of the IVF zygotes confirms earlier results obtained by FISH on cleavage stages. Our findings are of clinical importance in IVF and ICSI practice. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 76: 101–108, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The prescribing of Chinese herbal products in Taiwan: a cross‐sectional analysis of the national health insurance reimbursement database
Authors: Hsieh Shu‐Ching , Lai Jung‐Nien , Lee Chuan‐Fang , Hu Fu‐Chang , Tseng Wei‐Lum , Wang Jung‐Der 
Published: May 2008

AbstractPurposeThe consumption of Chinese herbal products (CHPs) is increasing exponentially. However, the scientific evidence is lacking and there is an urgent requirement for detailed pharmacoepidemiological information on CHP usage. This study was to investigate CHP prescription patterns in Taiwan.MethodsWe carried out a cross‐sectional analysis on a cohort of 200 000 patients based on 2004 data from the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement database. Data mining techniques were applied to explore CHP co‐prescription patterns.ResultsA total of 46 938 patients had been prescribed CHPs on at least one occasion in 2004. Patients using CHPs were generally female and middle‐aged, made more outpatient visits, had fewer hospitalizations and consumed more medical resources than non‐users of CHPs. A total of 1 073 030 CHPs were contained within 220 123 prescriptions, for which acute nasopharyngitis was the most common indication. Yan hu suo and Jia Wei Xiao Yao San were the most frequently prescribed single herb (SH) and herbal formula (HF), respectively. The results of the data mining showed that the best predictions were provided by co‐prescriptions of ‘Mo yao and Ru xiang’, ‘Ye jiao teng and Suan Zao Ren Tan’ and ‘Dang Gui Nian Tong Tang and Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang’ in the groups of SH–SH, SH–HF and HF–HF, respectively.ConclusionsThis study provides national‐level CHP prescription profiles and utilization rates, and documents, for the first time, HF–HF prescription combinations in Chinese medicine (CM) practices in Taiwan. We conclude that more studies are needed to validate the safety and effectiveness of CHP prescriptions. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel assay reveals the blockade of esterases by piperonyl butoxide
Authors: Khot Anna C , Bingham Georgina , Field Linda M , Moores Graham D 
Published: May 2008

AbstractBACKGROUND: Conventional in vitro assays sometimes fail to reveal esterase inhibition by piperonyl butoxide (PBO), although synergism studies suggest loss of esterase‐mediated sequestration of insecticide does take place. A new in vitro assay has been devised that routinely reveals binding between PBO and these esterases.RESULTS: The new ‘esterase interference’ assay detects the blockade of resistance‐associated esterases in a species, Myzus persicae Sülzer, where this has not previously been seen. The assay also demonstrates directly the protective effect esterases may confer to target sites of insecticides.CONCLUSION: The new assay reveals esterase blockade by PBO and thus has the potential to be used as a high‐throughput screening method for other potential synergists. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry
Phenotypic, genetic, and environmental causes of variation in yellow skin pigmentation and serum carotenoids in Eurasian kestrel nestlings
Authors: Casagrande Stefania , Costantini David , Tagliavini James , Dell'Omo Giacomo 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn the context of sexual selection and parent‐offspring communication, carotenoid‐based coloration operates as a dynamic condition‐dependent signal, as pigments stored in the skin and in the bill can be reallocated to other tissues in accordance with physiological needs. We studied the proximate factors affecting the carotenoid‐dependent coloration of the Eurasian kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). Kestrel nestlings show carotenoid‐based coloration at the integument level. Adult males and females share similar characteristics, but to a different extent. By cross‐fostering nestlings, we evaluated the importance of the “nest of rearing” and the “nest of origin” to determine variation in skin color and blood carotenoids. The nest of rearing accounted for most of the observed variance in skin color, as well as serum carotenoids, while the nest of origin was not causal to the variability of carotenoids in young kestrels. The study indirectly shows that carotenoid‐based color expressed by young kestrels is not affected by pre‐laying conditions. Furthermore, we found that carotenoid coloration and blood carotenoid concentration were correlated at phenotypic and environmental levels, while the hereditary component of the carotenoid traits was too low to estimate their correlation at the genetic level.
Simulation of the effects of deer browsing on forest dynamics
Authors: Akashi Nobuhiro 
Published: May 2008

AbstractI introduced forest dynamics to a deterministic herbivore‐vegetation model to examine the effects of vertically stratified forest structure on the dynamics of the herbivore–vegetation system, the resilience and stable states of vegetation, and the interactions between deer populations and vegetation. I constructed a model based on data from field studies performed in Hokkaido, northern Japan. Three phases of state were identified for a given deer density: (1) understory vegetation is maintained with a equilibrium proportion of canopy gaps in the absence of deer; (2) if the equilibrium proportion of canopy gaps is greater than that in the equilibrium state in the absence of deer, the understory vegetation can be maintained; and (3) the understory vegetation cannot be maintained. At the boundary between phases 2 and 3, the herbivore population level had discontinuous effects on vegetation. When the deer density was held below the threshold, forest vegetation had resilience to recover to the equilibrium stable state at the given deer density, although the equilibrium canopy gap ratio and vegetation biomass differed with deer density. However, the forest vegetation–herbivore system could not be maintained in a stable state without artificial deer population management if food limitation was the only mechanism to keep the deer population at low levels. The deer population must be kept below the boundary between phases 1 and 2 to maintain the forest regeneration processes. The level cannot be determined by observing the deer population; careful observation of forest regeneration processes is required.
Effect of Selected Nonionic Surfactants on the Activated Sludge Morphology and Activity in a Batch System
Authors: Liwarska‐Bizukojc E. , Drews A. , Kraume M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn this study, two nonionic surfactants, one alcohol ethoxylate (AE) and one alkylphenol ethoxylate (APE) were investigated with regard to their influence on the morphology of activated sludge flocs, microbial activity and wastewater treatment efficiency in a laboratory batch system. The experiments were carried out for a range of nonionic surfactants concentrations in wastewater from 5 to 500 mg L−1. Additionally, these results were compared to the data obtained in previous experiments on anionics and performed under the same conditions. Both nonionics tested caused a decrease in the size of activated sludge flocs but they did not affect the shape of the flocs. The circularity index and convexity of flocs remained similar to the control run, containing no surfactant. The presence of nonionic surfactants within the tested concentrations range caused a decrease in biomass activity. In spite of morphological changes of activated sludge flocs and a decrease in microbial activity, only higher concentrations of nonionics in wastewater starting with the level of 50 mg L−1 can induce pinpoint flocs and decrease wastewater treatment efficiency. APE showed a stronger impact on the decrease in floc size and microbial activity than alcohol ethoxylate did. APE was also more difficult to biodegrade than AE. Comparing the efficiency of wastewater treatment (in terms of COD removal) in the presence of nonionic and anionic surfactants at the same concentration of 50 mg L−1, the degree of organic pollutant removal was found to be higher by about 10% for anionics than for nonionics.
Comparison of Canola Meals Obtained with Conventional Methods and Supercritical CO2 with and without Ethanol
Authors: Sun Mei , Xu Lei , Saldaña Marleny D. A. , Temelli Feral 
Published: May 2008

AbstractCanola meal is a potentially valuable protein source. Canola meals extracted with supercritical CO2 (SC‐CO2) were compared to pressed meal and meals extracted with hexane. With regard to the chemical composition, the glucosinolate, phenolic acid, tannin and phosphorus contents were determined in addition to proximate analysis. As for functionality, color, nitrogen solubility index (NSI), water and fat absorption, emulsifying capacity and stability, and overrun were determined. Both hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals had a higher protein content than the pressed meal. The SC‐CO2‐extracted meal had lower glucosinolate and higher phosphorus contents than hexane‐extracted meal. The phenolic acid contents of hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals were similar, but were higher than those of meals extracted with SC‐CO2 + ethanol. The color values of SC‐CO2‐ and hexane‐extracted meals were similar and both were brighter than commercial meals (pressed and toasted). The NSI levels of SC‐CO2‐ and hexane‐extracted meals were similar, but three times that of the commercial meal. Both hexane‐ and SC‐CO2‐extracted meals had high water holding capacity, oil absorption, emulsifying capacity, emulsion stability and overrun. Canola meal extracted with SC‐CO2 was similar to hexane‐extracted meal in terms of both chemical composition and functionality, but was superior to commercial meals.
Calcium near the release site is essential for basal ACh release in Xenopus
Authors: Li Ruxin , Lei Qi , Song Ge , He Xiangping , Xie Zuoping 
Published: May 2008

AbstractExtracellular calcium is essential for neurotransmitter release, but the detailed mechanism by which Ca2+ regulates basal synaptic release has not yet been fully explored. In this study, calcium imaging and the whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique were used to investigate the role of Ca2+ in basal acetylcholine (ACh) release in the Xenopus neuromuscular junction and in isolated myocytes exogenously loaded with ACh. Carried out in normal and Ca2+‐free extracellular solution, the results indicate that Ca2+ near the release site is essential for basal neurotransmitter release.
Effects of the absence of protozoa from birth or from weaning on the growth and methane production of lambs
Authors: Hegarty R. S. , Bird S. H. , Vanselow B. A. , Woodgate R. 
Published: May 2008

Merino ewes (n108) joined to a single sire were allocated into three flocks, with ewes in one flock being chemically defaunated in the second month of gestation. Single lambs born to defaunated ewes (BF lambs) were heavier at birth and at weaning than lambs born to faunated ewes (F lambs). After weaning, all BF and F lambs were individually housed then half of the F lambs were chemically defaunated (DF lambs). In trial 1, BF, DF and F lambs were offered a concentrate-based diet containing either 14 or 19 % protein for a 10-week period. Wool growth rate of BF lambs was 10 % higher than that of DF or F lambs and was increased 9 % by the high-protein diet. While there was no main effect of protozoa treatment on enteric methane production, there was an interaction between protozoa treatment and diet for methane production. BF and DF lambs produced more methane than F lambs when fed the low-protein diet but when fed the high-protein diet, emissions were less than (BF lambs) or not different from (DF lambs) emissions from F lambs. In trial 2, lambs were offered 800 g roughage per d and, again, methane production was not affected by the presence of protozoa in the rumen. The data indicate that while lambs without rumen protozoa have greater protein availability than do faunated ruminants, there is no main effect of rumen protozoa on enteric methane production by lambs fed either a concentrate or roughage diet.
Interaction effects between total energy and macronutrient intakes and angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE) I/D polymorphism on adiposity-related phenotypes in toddlers and preschoolers: the Growth, Exercise and Nutrition Epidemiological Study in preSchoolers (GENESIS)
Authors: Kourlaba Georgia , Pitsiladis Yannis P. , Lagou Vasiliki , Grammatikaki Evangelia , Moran Colin N. , Kondaki Katerina , Roma-Giannikou Eleytheria , Manios Yannis 
Published: May 2008

The aim of the present study was to investigate the interaction between the angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE) I/D polymorphism and energy and macronutrient intakes on adiposity-related phenotypes among toddlers and preschoolers. A representative sample of 2374 Greek children aged 1 to 5 years old was examined (Growth, Exercise and Nutrition Epidemiological Study in preSchoolers (GENESIS)). Dietary and anthropometric (i.e. BMI, waist circumference (WC)) assessments were carried out using standard procedures. DNA samples were obtained from 2102 children and were genotyped for theACEI/D polymorphism. Among the entire population, 17 % were ‘at risk of overweight’ and a similar percentage were ‘overweight’. The frequencies of the II, ID and DD genotypes were 16, 46 and 38 %, respectively. Significant interactions were found between theACEI/D polymorphism and total energy intake on WC (P = 0·004 for interaction) and theACEI/D polymorphism and protein intake on BMI and being overweight (P < 0·05 for interaction). Furthermore, it was found that theACEI/D polymorphism may modify the effect of fat intake on WC and BMI, but this interaction disappeared after adjustment for additional potential confounders. Stratified analyses revealed that total energy is correlated with WC and protein intake is associated with BMI and being overweight only among carriers of the D-allele (i.e. DD or ID genotypes). These results suggest that theACEI/D polymorphism may act as a modifying factor in the response of adiposity-related phenotypes to diet.