bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel nutraceutical property of select sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) brans: inhibition of protein glycation
Authors: Farrar Johnetta L. , Hartle Diane K. , Hargrove James L. , Greenspan Phillip 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDespite the high levels of polyphenolic phytochemicals in grain sorghum and its position as a major food staple, there has been a lack of research on its effects on both animal and human health and disease prevention. These phenolic compounds, mainly located in the bran fraction, result in the plant having substantial antioxidant properties. This study examined the effect of ethanol extracts of several varieties of sorghum (S. bicolor) bran on albumin glycation, a non‐enzymatic process thought to be important in the pathogenesis of many diabetic complications. Sorghum brans with a high phenolic content and high antioxidant properties inhibited protein glycation, whereas sorghum brans that are low in these properties did not inhibit this process. Ethanol extracts of wheat, rice or oat bran did not inhibit protein glycation. Although one high phenolic sorghum bran variety (sumac) inhibited protein glycation by approximately 60%, it produced only a 20% decrease in methylglyoxal mediated albumin glycation. These results suggest that certain varieties of sorghum bran may affect critical biological processes that are important in diabetes and insulin resistance. These results distinguish select sorghum brans from the common food brans and suggest a nutraceutical rationale for its human consumption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NF‐κB inhibitory activity of compounds isolated from Cantharellus cibarius
Authors: Kim Jeong Ah , Tay David , Blanco Esperanza Carcache de 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe inhibitory activities of the extracts of Cantharellus cibarius and isolated compounds were investigated in an enzyme‐based ELISA NF‐κB assay. Of the tested compounds, ergosterol, ergosterol peroxide and cerevisterol were noted to have the most potent inhibition of NF‐κB activation. The ability of the active metabolites to inhibit the NF‐κB translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was assessed using a cell‐based NF‐κB assay. The isolated compounds were elucidated through the analysis of various spectroscopic methods. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The in vitro effects of Mondia whitei on human sperm motility parameters
Authors: Lampiao Fanuel , Krom Debby , Plessis Stefan S. du 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMondia whitei has been used since ancient times as an aphrodisiac even though little scientific evidence exists about its efficacy. An aqueous extract of Mondia whitei was administered to human spermatozoa in vitro and motility parameters assessed. Mondia whitei significantly enhanced total motility as well as progressive motility in a time‐dependent manner. These data may open the way for the use of Mondia whitei especially in men affected with asthenozoospermia. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synergistic antitumor effects of liposomal honokiol combined with adriamycin in breast cancer models
Authors: Hou Wenli , Chen Lijuan , Yang Guangli , Zhou Hang , Jiang Qiqi , Zhong Zhenhua , Hu Jia , Chen Xiang , Wang Xianhuo , Yuan Yuan , Tang Minghai , Wen Jing , Wei Yuquan 
Published: June 2008

AbstractHonokiol, a novel antitumor agent, could induce apoptosis and inhibit the growth of vascular endothelium in several tumor cell lines and xenograft models. It has been suggested that the antitumor effect of chemotherapy could be increased by combining it with an antiangiogenesis agent in anticancer strategy. The present study explored the potential to increase the antitumor effect of adriamycin by combining it with honokiol in mouse 4T1 breast cancer models, and the underlining mechanism was investigated. Honokiol was encapsulated in liposomes to improve the water insolubility. In vitro, liposomal honokiol inhibited the proliferation of 4T1 cells via apoptosis and significantly enhanced the apoptosis of 4T1 cells induced by adriamycin. In vivo, the systemic administration of liposomal honokiol and adriamycin significantly decreased tumor growth through increased tumor cell apoptosis compared with either treatment alone. Collectively, these findings suggest that liposomal honokiol may augment the induction of apoptosis in 4T1 cells in vitro and in vivo, and this combined treatment has shown synergistic suppression in tumor progression according to the analysis of isobologram. The present study may be important in future exploration of the potential application of the combined approach in the treatment of breast cancer. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preliminary investigation of the central nervous system effects of ‘Tira‐capeta’ (Removing the Devil), a cigarette used by some Quilombolas living in Pantanal Wetlands of Brazil
Authors: Rodrigues Eliana , Gianfratti Bruno , Tabach Ricardo , Negri Giuseppina , Mendes Fúlvio R. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDuring an ethnopharmacological survey carried out among some Quilombolas living in Brazil, 48 plants with possible central nervous system (CNS) action were cited. A mixture of nine plants, known as ‘Tira‐capeta’ (Removing the Devil) cigarette, has been utilized for years as a tonic for the brain. The effects observed after consuming this cigarette are: dizziness, lightness sensation, humor changes, yawns, heavy eyes, hunger, sleep and relaxation. This study aimed to verify the effects of a hydroalcohol extract of ‘Tira‐capeta’ cigarette (ETC), as well as to evaluate the phytochemical profile. The phytochemical screening carried out through characterization reactions, thin layer chromatography and high efficiency liquid chromatography indicated the presence of tannins, phenolic acids, flavonoids, saponins and alkaloids; tannins and phenolic acids being the principal constituents. The pharmacological tests showed that ETC induced a biphasic effect, with intense initial stimulation of the CNS, followed by a general depressor state; decreased the latency for sleeping and increased the total sleeping time (50, 100 and 500 mg/kg), without causing prejudice in motor coordination (doses up to 200 mg/kg); induced catalepsy in mice, verified 10 and 50 min after drug administration (500 mg/kg). Also, no anxiolytic or anxiogenic effects were verified in rats submitted to the elevated plus‐maze. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical outcomes of diabetic foot management with Circulat
Authors: Olalde J. A. , Magarici M. , Amendola F. , Castillo O. del , Gonzalez S. , Muhammad A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractMajor and minor lower‐extremity amputation is a common complication among diabetics. Various sources indicate diabetic foot ulcer prevalence at between 2.2% and 15% in diabetics. This study evaluates the efficacy and tolerance of a standardized plant extract combination, Circulat, developed for the prevention and treatment of severe manifestations of type 2 diabetes, such as necrotic damage of the foot. Thus, a retrospective cohort study was carried out in 174 patients treated with Circulat with diabetic foot grades D1–D3, according to The University of Texas Wound Classification System, in 50 medical centers, from 2004 to 2007. Circulat obtained 50.57% complete cure of diabetic foot, significant improvement in 37.9% and prevented amputation in 88.5% of the study's total population. The treatment was well tolerated. Four patients (2.3%) had slight gastrointestinal unrest which did not warrant suspension of treatment. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Aqueous garlic extract attenuates hepatitis and oxidative stress induced by galactosamine/lipoploysaccharide in rats
Authors: El‐Beshbishy Hesham A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInjection of D‐galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (DGaIN/LPS) is useful as an experimental model of acute hepatic damage. Juvenile rats were used for investigation. The hepatoprotective activity of aqueous garlic (Allium sativum) extract (AGE) at a dose of 300 mg/kg body weight for 14 days, intraperitoneal (i.p.) prior to the induction of DGalN/LPS, was investigated against DGalN/LPS‐induced hepatitis in rats. DGalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 µg/kg body weight, i.p.), induced hepatic damage that was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes [alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and gamma glutamyl transferase (γGT)], bilirubin, lipid peroxides (LPO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF‐α) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity level in serum. Also, the lipid profile in serum and liver homogenate including total cholesterol, triglycerides, free fatty acids and phospholipids were significantly deteriorated. The antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, SOD; reduced glutathione, GSH; catalase, CAT and glutathione peroxidase, GPX) in liver homogenate were significantly decreased in the DGalN/LPS. Pretreatment of rats with AGE reversed these altered parameters near to normal control values. Results of this study revealed that AGE could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of DGalN/LPS‐induced hepatic damage. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clustering approach to identify the time of a step change in Shewhart control charts
Authors: Ghazanfari Mehdi , Alaeddini Adel , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan , Aryanezhad Mir‐Bahador 
Published: June 2008

AbstractControl charts are the most popular statistical process control tools used to monitor process changes. When a control chart indicates an out‐of‐control signal it means that the process has changed. However, control chart signals do not indicate the real time of process changes, which is essential for identifying and removing assignable causes and ultimately improving the process. Identifying the real time of the change is known as the change‐point estimation problem. Most of the traditional methods of estimating the process change point are developed based on the assumption that the process follows a normal distribution with known parameters, which is seldom true. In this paper, we propose clustering techniques to estimate Shewhart control chart change points. The proposed approach does not depend on the true values of the parameters and even the distribution of the process variables. Accordingly, it is applicable to both phase‐I and phase‐II of normal and non‐normal processes. At the end, we discuss the performance of the proposed method in comparison with the traditional procedures through extensive simulation studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DFT study for the reactions of H atoms with CH3OH and C2H5OH
Authors: Carvalho Edson F. V. , Barauna Alessandra N. , Machado Francisco B. C. , Roberto‐Neto Orlando 
Published: June 2008

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) geometries, vibrational frequencies, barrier heights, and reaction energies are computed for the first reactive channels of reactions involving the hydrogen atoms with CH3OH and C2H5OH. For both reactions, the density functional BB1K specially fitted to study hydrogen abstraction reactions was able to give barrier heights and reaction enthalpies at 0 K with accuracy close to 1.0 kcal/mol. The B3LYP systematically underestimate the classical barrier heights and predict reasonable values for the geometries and frequencies of CH3OH and C2H5OH. The results show that the studied DFTs have strengths and weaknesses which are somewhat complementary. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Molecular one‐electron properties using the multireference Hartree–Fock CI method
Authors: Sobrinho A. M. C. , Nascimento M. A. C. , de Andrade M. D. , Malbouisson L. A. C. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe recently introduced multireference Hartree–Fock configuration interaction (MRHFCI) method has been applied to the calculation of the dipole moment of the LiH, BH, FH, CO, and H2O molecules. The results obtained indicate that MRHFCI wave functions, much more compact but of the same quality of the orthogonal full CI ones, can provide better dipole moments than the corresponding full CI wave functions. The value of the dipole moments obtained with the MRHFCI wave functions is quite insensitive to the choice of the HF references but the same is not true for the electronic energy. Therefore, further studies are necessary to develop a criterion for selecting a set of HF references which could provide the best values of energy and dipole moment. Also, it would be important to verify if other one‐electron properties can be computed with the same degree of accuracy obtained for the dipole moments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Solvation of 5‐fluorouracil in supercritical CO2
Authors: Furlan Ana C. , Skaf Munir S. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe solvation properties of 5‐fluorouracil in supercritical carbon dioxide (SC‐CO2) is investigated by means of molecular dynamics computer simulations using a force field that treats all atoms explicitly. Solvation shell distribution functions and solvent density maps around the solute were computed at different supercritical temperatures in the range 308–328 K and densities varying from 0.117 to 0.94 g/cm3. At the lowest density, we detect a strongly inhomogeneous local density augmentation effect manifested as the clustering of solvent molecules above and below the solute molecular plane and around its carbonyl and NH groups. The free‐energy benefit for a CO2 molecule to be in the first solvation shell relative to the bulk is roughly twice the thermal energy at such conditions. The distribution of the relative orientation of CO2 with respect to the solute suggests that local bond multipolar solute–solvent interactions are responsible for the solvent density enhancement in these systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2008
Enhanced bioremediation using whey powder for a trichloroethene plume in a high‐sulfate, fractured granitic aquifer
Authors: Mora Rebecca H. , Macbeth Tamzen W. , MacHarg Tara , Gundarlahalli Jagadish , Holbrook Holly , Schiff Paul 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAn in situ bioremediation (ISB) pilot study, using whey powder as an electron donor, is being performed at Site 19, Edwards Air Force Base, California, to treat groundwater contaminated with trichloroethene (TCE) via anaerobic reductive dechlorination. Challenging site features include a fractured granitic aquifer, complex geochemistry, and limited biological capacity for reductive dechlorination. ISB was conducted in two phases with Phase I including one‐and‐a‐half years of biostimulation only using whey powder and Phase II including biostimulation with buffered whey powder and bioaugmentation. Results of Phase I demonstrated effective distribution of whey during injections resulting in depletion of high concentrations of sulfate and methanogenesis, but acid production due to whey fermentation and limited buffering capacity of the aquifer resulted in undesirable impacts to pH. In addition, cis‐1,2‐dichloroethene (cis‐1,2‐DCE) stall was observed, which correlated to the unsuccessful growth of native Dehalococcoides populations. Therefore, Phase II included the successful buffering of whey powder using bicarbonate, which mitigated negative pH effects. In addition, bioaugmentation resulted in successful transport of Dehalococcoides populations to greater than 50 feet away from the injection point four months after inoculation. A concomitant depletion of accumulated cis‐1,2‐DCE was observed at all wells affected by bioaugmented Dehalococcoides. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Groundwater circulation well operation using wind turbine–generated energy
Authors: Gallagher Ron , Elmore Andrew Curtis 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAn investigation was conducted regarding the potential economic benefits associated with using a wind turbine to power a groundwater circulation well (GCW) at the former Nebraska Ordnance Plant Superfund site. The first phase of the investigation used a 10‐kilowatt‐rated grid inter‐tie wind turbine to partially offset the purchase of electricity from the utility company. The second phase consisted of the conversion of the grid inter‐tie system to an off‐grid system that stored energy using batteries. During the second phase, the GCW system was operated using either wind turbine power or utility power, and the other system components were operated using utility power. The study showed that a significant amount of power purchased from the utility company was used for nonessential purposes (other than operating the GCW pump and essential treatment components). One nonessential power consumer was the continuous heating of the equipment shelter for operator comfort during their 10‐minute visit every few days. Wind‐turbine reduction in utility power consumption was evaluated, and the operating time of a hypothetical system powered solely by the wind turbine was compared to the actual GCW operating time. This study indicates that retrofitting this GCW system did not economically offset power costs from a cheap, readily available grid system. Perhaps at a remote location with a more energy‐efficient design and operation and the inclusion of green power benefits (in some monetary amount), the wind turbine results will be more favorable. The study of a renewable energy application at the site highlighted opportunities for significant electrical energy savings regardless of the source of the electricity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A study of reported practical experiences about TSP implementations
Authors: Saldaña Ramos Javier , García Guzmán Javier , Amescua Seco Antonio de , Sanz Esteban Ana 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThis work studies, from several cases, the implementation degree of TSP (Team Software Process) which exists in academic and business organizations. The analysis is made from different points of view, studying their weaknesses and strengths. Many of these cases studied show the improvement achieved after the implementation of TSP in an organization, but they do not explain exactly in which aspects the improvement is achieved. Moreover, data presented on the reports do not have sufficient formality, reliability or scientific rigour. So, this work has collected and analyzed published cases of study and it provides to the software engineering community, specially to the TSP community, a set of recommendations to improve the publication of cases of study in the future. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is severe macrosomia manifested at 11–14 weeks of gestation?
Authors: Hackmon R. , Le Scale K. B. , Horani J. , Ferber A. , Divon M. Y. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the association between fetal biometry in the first or early second trimester and severe macrosomia at delivery.MethodsThis case–control study included 30 term severely macrosomic neonates; 90 appropriate‐for‐gestational age (AGA) neonates served as controls. All pregnancies underwent nuchal translucency (NT) screening at 11–14 weeks' gestation. Pregnancies were dated by accurate last menstrual period consistent with crown–rump length (CRL) measurements at the time of screening, early pregnancy CRL or date of fertilization. The association between birth weight and the difference between the measured and the expected CRL at the time of NT screening was analyzed.ResultsThe difference between measured and expected CRL, expressed both in mm and in days of gestation, was statistically greater in the severely macrosomic neonates compared with controls (mean, 6.66 ± 4.78 mm vs. 1.17 ± 4.6 mm, P < 0.0001 and 3 ± 2.2 days vs. 0.5 ± 2.3 days, P < 0.0001, respectively). Furthermore, there were significant correlations between the extent of macrosomia and the discrepancy between expected and measured fetal size at the time of NT screening (r = 0.47, P < 0.01 and r = 0.48, P < 0.01, respectively).ConclusionSevere macrosomia apparently manifests as early as 11–14 weeks' gestation. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Myometrial involvement of tumor‐like cystic endosalpingiosis: a rare entity
Authors: Cil A. P. , Atasoy P. , Kara S. A. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractEndosalpingiosis is characterized by the presence of benign glands lined by tubal‐type epithelium involving the pelvic and lower abdominal peritoneum and pelvic and para‐aortic lymph nodes in women. Rarely, cystification can occur, resulting in a neoplasm‐like mass associated with clinical manifestations, an intraoperative abnormality, or a striking finding on gross examination. Here we report the transvaginal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and histopathological appearance of an unusual case of cystic endosalpingiosis involving the right ovary and full thickness of the wall of the uterine fundus in a patient who presented with a 6‐month history of menorrhagia and pelvic pain. Clinicians should be aware of this type of uterine benign manifestation so as to refrain from overtreatment. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of tricuspid regurgitation in fetal echocardiographic diagnosis of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum
Authors: Iacobelli R. , Pasquini L. , Toscano A. , Raimondi F. , Michielon G. , Tozzi A. E. , Sanders S. P. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectivePulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) is a rare cardiac malformation with a broad spectrum of anatomical manifestations, varying from types suitable for biventricular repair to those with diminutive right ventricle and primitive ventriculocoronary connections (VCC), more suitable for single‐ventricle palliation or heart transplantation. We sought to test whether tricuspid regurgitation is an easily detectable prenatal criterion with which to identify PAIVS patients at lower risk of needing postnatal single‐ventricle palliation.MethodWe identified retrospectively patients with both fetal diagnosis and postnatal confirmation of PAIVS who were seen at Bambino Gesù Hospital between January 2000 and December 2006. Tricuspid valve/mitral valve (TV/MV) ratio, presence and severity of tricuspid regurgitation and direct visualization of VCC were evaluated by echocardiography both pre‐ and postnatally.ResultsWe identified 22 patients with a prenatal diagnosis of PAIVS. Four pregnancies were terminated and one fetus was lost to follow‐up, leaving 17 patients for the analysis. Based on postnatal cardiac catheterization and/or echocardiography we divided our population in two groups: Group 1 included 10 patients with VCC; Group 2 included seven patients without VCC. At fetal echocardiography, tricuspid regurgitation was absent in all ten Group 1 patients and present in all seven Group 2 patients. VCC were seen directly in 6/10 Group 1 patients and in no Group 2 patients. A cut‐off value of 0.56 for the TV/MV ratio was highly predictive of VCC during fetal life, with a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 90%.ConclusionsThe absence of tricuspid regurgitation in fetuses affected by PAIVS is a strong prenatal echocardiographic predictor of VCC, as is a TV/MV ratio < 0.56. Fetuses presenting with tricuspid regurgitation and relatively large right ventricle are at lower risk of needing single‐ventricle palliation postnatally. This information could be helpful for appropriate prenatal counseling and postnatal decision‐making. Copyright © 2008 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.