bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ethnomedicine in Himalaya: a case study from Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mustang districts of Nepal
Authors: Kunwar Ripu M , Nepal Bal K , Kshhetri Hari B , Rai Sanjeev K , Bussmann Rainer W 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Traditional plant use in Nepal has been documented for millennia. The importance of plants as medicine has not diminished in any way in recent times, and traditional medicines are still the most important health care source for the vast majority of the population.
This paper examines the ethnobotany and traditional use of plants extracted from the vulnerable alpine zone in the Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mustang districts of Nepal.
The results of this ethnobotanical study indicate that a very large number of plant species is used as traditional medicines. There were 107, 59, 44 and 166 species of ethnomedicinal importance in surveyed areas of Dolpa, Humla, Jumla and Mustang district respectively. Of these, 84 common species, used at least in two districts, were selected to enumerate their ethnomedicinal properties. The 84 species belonged to 75 genera and 39 families.
The commonest species in this pharmacopoeia were: Allium wallichii, Cordyceps sinensis, Dactylorhiza hatagirea, and Rheum australe. A total of 21 species were most common in three districts and 59 in two districts. The genera Aconitum, Allium, Arisaema, Berberis, Corydalis, Gentiana, Hippophae, Juniperus and Rhododendron each possessed two species with ethnomedicinal use. Labiatae was the most medicinally important family with five species used, followed by Araceae, Compositae, Liliaceae, Polygonaceae, Ranunculaceae, Scrophulariaceae and Umbelliferae, each contributing four species.
The Role of Forkhead Box A2 to Restrict Androgen-Regulated Gene Expression of Lipocalin 5 in the Mouse Epididymis
Authors: Yu Xiuping , Suzuki Kichiya , Wang Yongqing , Gupta Aparna , Jin Renjie , Orgebin-Crist Marie-Claire , Matusik Robert 
Published: June 2006

AbstractMurine epididymal retinoic acid-binding protein [or lipocalin 5 (Lcn5)] is synthesized and secreted by the principal cells of the mouse middle/distal caput epididymidis. A 5-kb promoter fragment of the Lcn5 gene can dictate androgen-dependent and epididymis region-specific gene expression in transgenic mice. Here, we reported that the 1.8-kb Lcn5 promoter confers epididymis region-specific gene expression in transgenic mice. To decipher the mechanism that directs transcription, 14 chimeric constructs that sequentially removed 100 bp of 1.8-kb Lcn5 promoter were generated and transfected into epididymal cells and nonepididymal cells. Transient transfection analysis revealed that 1.3 kb promoter fragment gave the strongest response to androgens. Between the 1.2-kb to 1.3-kb region, two androgen receptor (AR) binding sites were identified. Adjacent to AR binding sites, a Foxa2 [Fox (Forkhead box) subclass A] binding site was confirmed by gel shift assay. Similar Foxa binding sites were also found on the promoters of human and rat Lcn5, indicating the Foxa binding site is conserved among species. We previously reported that among the three members of Foxa family, Foxa1 and Foxa3 were absent in the epididymis whereas Foxa2 was detected in epididymal principal cells. Here, we report that Foxa2 displays a region-specific expression pattern along the epididymis: no staining observed in initial segment, light staining in proximal caput, gradiently heavier staining in middle and distal caput, and strongest staining in corpus and cauda, regions with little or no expression of Lcn5. In transient transfection experiments, Foxa2 expression inhibits AR induction of the Lcn5 promoter, which is consistent with the lack of expression of Lcn5 in the corpus and cauda. We conclude that Foxa2 functions as a repressor that restricts AR regulation of Lcn5 to a segment-specific pattern in the epididymis.
Carbon nanotubes by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Bell Martin S. , Teo Kenneth B. K. , Lacerda Rodrigo G. , Milne W. I. , Hash David B. , Meyyappan M. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
This paper presents the growth of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using Ni catalyst and C2H2/NH3 feedstock. The role of plasma in aligning the carbon nanotubes during growth is investigated both experimentally and computationally, confirming that the field in the plasma sheath causes the nanotubes to be aligned. Experiments using a plasma analyzer show that C2H2 is the dominant precursor for carbon nanotube growth. The role of NH3 in the plasma chemistry is also investigated, and experimental results show how the interaction between NH3 and the C2H2 carbon feedstock in the gas phase explains the structural variation in deposited nanotubes for differing gas ratios. The effects of varying the plasma power during deposition on nanotube growth rate is also explored. Finally, the role of endothermic ion-molecule reactions in the plasma sheath is investigated by comparing measured data with simulation results.
Radical-surface interactions during film deposition: A sticky situation?
Authors: Liu Dongping , Martin Ina T. , Zhou Jie , Fisher Ellen R. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Our imaging of radicals interacting with surfaces (IRIS) method was used to investigate radical-surface reactions during low-temperature plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) processes. Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of surface reactivities for CH, SiH, CN, NH, NH2, CF2, and SiCl2 radicals during film growth. The effects of plasma parameters, such as radio frequency (rf) power and gas composition, substrate temperature, and substrate bias on radical-surface reactivity were analyzed. Different radicals exhibit different behavior at the surface of a depositing film. Specifically, CH, SiH, and CN are "sticky", with high surface reactivities. In contrast, other species such as NH, CF2, and SiCl2 do not stick to the surface of growing films and, in some cases are actually generated at the surface of the depositing film. Different plasma systems and parameters can have an effect on the stickiness of some of these species. Our IRIS measurements indicate a molecule's surface sticking probability may also be related to the molecule's electronic configuration and stability, with the most reactive species being molecules with a doublet electron configuration. In contrast, the singlet species examined here tend to be generated at the surface during film deposition. Our results also indicate that when a molecule scatters with greater than 100 % probability, it is likely to be strongly affected by energetic ion bombardment of the film surface.
Metal halide lamps: Gravitational influence on color separation
Authors: Stoffels W. W. , Flikweert A. J. , Nimalasuriya T. , van der Mullen J. J. A. M. , Kroesen G. M. W. , Haverlag M. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Metal halide lamps are very efficient light sources based on a Hg plasma arc with metal halide salt additions. In spite of their high efficiency, the lamps suffer from several problems, such as color separation and instabilities, which currently hinder large-scale use. These phenomena are caused by a complex interaction of convection and diffusion flows in the plasma. In order to unravel the various contributions, experiments under microgravity have been performed where convection is absent.
The experiments confirm the previously held qualitative views, but also provide absolute data on densities and temperatures that will be used to validate numerical models of these lamps.
Disparate LDL Phenotypic Classification among 4 Different Methods Assessing LDL Particle Characteristics
Authors: Ensign Wayne , Hill Nicole , Heward Christopher B 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground: Our study seeks to clarify the extent of differences in analytical results, from a clinical perspective, among 4 leading technologies currently used in clinical reference laboratories for the analysis of LDL subfractions: gradient gel electrophoresis (GGE), ultracentrifugation–vertical auto profile (VAP), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and tube gel electrophoresis (TGE).Methods: We collected 4 simultaneous blood samples from 40 persons (30 males and 10 females) to determine LDL subclasses in 4 different clinical reference laboratories using different methods for analysis. LDL subfractions were assessed according to LDL particle size and the results categorized according to LDL phenotype. We compared results obtained from the different technologies.Results: We observed substantial heterogeneity of results and interpretations among the 4 methods. Complete agreement among methods with respect to LDL subclass phenotyping occurred in only 8% (n = 3) of the persons studied. NMR and GGE agreed most frequently at 70% (n = 28), whereas VAP matched least often.Conclusions: As measurement of LDL subclasses becomes increasingly important, standardization of methods is needed. Variation among currently available methods renders them unreliable and limits their clinical usefulness.
Increased Plasma Concentrations of Activin A Predict Intraventricular Hemorrhage in Preterm Newborns
Authors: Florio Pasquale , Perrone Serafina , Luisi Stefano , Vezzosi Piero , Longini Mariangela , Marzocchi Barbara , Petraglia Felice , Buonocore Giuseppe 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBackground: Intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) is a major cause of neurologic disabilities in preterm newborns. We evaluated the use of plasma activin A concentrations to predict the development of perinatal IVH.Methods: We measured nucleated erythrocyte (NRBC) counts, plasma activin A, hypoxanthine (Hyp), and xanthine (Xan) in arterial blood samples obtained from 53 preterm infants during the first hour after birth. Cerebral ultrasound was performed within 48 h of birth and repeated at 5- or 6-day intervals until the age of 4 weeks.Results: Grade I or II IVH was detected during the first 10 days of life in 11 of 53 patients (21%). Activin A, Hyp, and Xan concentrations and NRBC counts were higher in preterm newborns who subsequently developed IVH than in those who did not (P &lt;0.0001, except P = 0.019 for Xan). Neonatal activin A was correlated (P &lt;0.0001) with Hyp (r = 0.95), Xan (r = 0.90), and NRBC count (r = 0.90) in newborns without later IVH and in those who developed IVH (Hyp, r = 0.89, P = 0.0002; Xan, r = 0.95, P &lt;0.0001; NRBC count, r = 0.90, P = 0.0002). At a cutoff of 0.8 μg/L activin A, the sensitivity and specificity were 100% [11 of 11; 95% confidence interval (CI), 71%–100%] and 93% (39 of 42; 95% CI, 81%–98%), and positive and negative predictive values were 79% (95% CI, 61%–100%) and 0% (95% CI, 0%–2%), respectively. The area under the ROC curve was 0.98.Conclusions: Activin A concentrations at birth are increased in preterm newborns who later develop IVH and may be useful for early identification of infants with hypoxic-ischemic brain insults who are at high risk for IVH.
The gating effect of calmodulin and calcium on the connexin50 hemichannel
Authors: Zhang Xianrong , Zou Tingting , Liu Yingle , Qi Yipeng 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGap junction channels formed by connexin50 (Cx50) are critical for the maintenance of eye lens transparency, which is sensitive to pH and external Ca2+concentration, but the mechanism is still not clear. In this study we performed dye uptake-leakage assays, patch clamping and confocal co-localization experiments to confirm the function of calmodulin (CaM) and Ca2+in the Cx50 hemichannel. Below pH 7.4, lucifer yellow (LY)-preloaded Cx50-HeLa cells allow dye to leak out when washed with Ca2+-free solution or incubated in solution containing 50 μg/ml W7 (CaM inhibitor) first, then washed in solution containing 2 mM Ca2+, whereas little or no dye leakage was observed when LY-preloaded Cx50-HeLa cells were incubated in solution containing 2 mM Ca2+. Moreover, in the absence of Ca2+, polarizing pulses applied to Cx50-HeLa activated outward transmembrane currents, which were inhibited by 2 mM external Ca2+. When Cx50-HeLa cells were incubated with 2 mM Ca2+and 50 μg/ml W7, the transmembrane currents were activated again. This indicates that Ca2+and CaM play a gating role in Cx50 hemichannels. Either the chelation of Ca2+or the inhibition of CaM increased the permeability of Cx50 hemichannels. The same phenomena were observed below pH 6.5. Furthermore, CaM could be localized in gap junctions formed by Cx50 below pH 6.5. Our results demonstrate that CaM and Ca2+can cooperate in the gating control of Cx50 hemichannels.
Insulin Pump Therapy in Youth With Type 1 Diabetes: A Retrospective Paired Study
Authors: Nimri Revital , Weintrob Naomi , Benzaquen Hadassa , Ofan Regina , Fayman Gila , Phillip Moshe 
Published: June 2006

OBJECTIVE. To compare by age and glycemic control continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion with multiple daily injections in youth with type 1 diabetes.
METHODS. The files of 279 patients who had type 1 diabetes and switched from multiple daily injections to continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion between 1998 and 2003 were reviewed for glycemic control, body mass index standard deviation score, and adverse events. Patients were divided by age as follows: 23 prepubertal (median age: 5.4; range: 1.6–8.6 years), 127 adolescent (median age: 13.7; range 9–17 years), and 129 young adult (median age: 22.8; range: 17–40 years). The data were compared between the 12 months of multiple daily injections that preceded continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion and the period after the start of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion for the whole cohort and by age group.
RESULTS. A significant decrease in hemoglobin A1c was demonstrated after the start of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion use for the entire cohort (−0.51%) and for the prepubertal (−0.48%), adolescent (−0.26%), and young adult (−0.76%) groups. There was a significant interaction between the change in hemoglobin A1c level and hemoglobin A1c value at initiation of pump therapy (−1.7% for patients with hemoglobin A1c ≥10%; 0.2% for patients with hemoglobin A1c ≤7%). The rate of severe hypoglycemic episodes decreased significantly in the adolescent group, from 36.5 to 11.1 events per 100 patient-years, and in the young adult group, from 58.1 to 23.3. There was no significant change in the rate of diabetic ketoacidosis between the 2 periods. The young adults showed a significant decrease in body mass index standard deviation scores (−0.08 ± 0.37).
CONCLUSIONS. Continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion improves glycemic control in youth with type 1 diabetes, especially in those with a history of poor glycemic control. This improvement is associated with a decrease in the rate of severe hypoglycemia in the absence of weight gain.
Conditions Affecting the Release of Phosphorus from Surface Lake Sediments
Authors: Christophoridis Christophoros , Fytianos Konstantinos 
Published: June 2006

ABSTRACTLaboratory studies were conducted to determine the effect of pH and redox conditions, as well as the effect of Fe, Mn, Ca, Al, and organic matter, on the release of ortho‐phosphates in lake sediments taken from Lakes Koronia and Volvi (Northern Greece). Results were evaluated in combination with experiments to determine P fractionation in the sediment. The study revealed the major effect of redox potential and pH on the release of P from lake sediments. Both lakes showed increased release rates under reductive conditions and high pH values. The fractionation experiments revealed increased mobility of the reductive P fraction as well as of the NaOH‐P fraction, indicating participation of both fractions in the overall release of sediment‐bound P, depending on the prevailing environmental conditions. The results were assessed in combination with the release patterns of Fe, Mn, Ca, Al, and organic matter, enabling the identification of more specific processes of P release for each lake. The basic release patterns included the redox induced reductive dissolution of P‐bearing metal oxides and the competitive exchange of phosphate anions with OH− at high pH values. The formation of an oxidized surface microlayer under oxic conditions acted as a protective film, preventing further P release from the sediments of Lake Volvi, while sediments from Lake Koronia exhibited a continuous and increased tendency to release P under various physicochemical conditions, acting as a constant source of internal P loading.
Oral administration of sucrose solutions and measurement of serum sucrose concentrations to evaluate gastric permeability in adult bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus)
Authors: Buddington Karyl K. , Holmes William E. , Clemons-Chevis Connie L. , Solangi Moby A. , Vanderpool Delphine , Buddington Randal K. 
Published: June 2006

Abstract
Objective—To measure concentrations of sucrose in the serum of captive dolphins after oral administration of a sucrose solution and determine the suitability of this method for use as a test to detect gastric ulcers.
Animals—8 adult captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus).
Procedures—Blood samples were collected from the ventral fluke vein of dolphins before and 45 minutes after oral administration of 500 mL of solution containing 25 or 50 g of sucrose; oral administration was achieved by use of gastric intubation. Serum was separated, diluted in a solution of 90% acetonitrile-to10% water that contained 10 ng of an internal standard (trichlormethiazide)/μL, mixed, and centrifuged. Supernatant was analyzed by use of liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry–mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS).
Results—Serum sucrose concentrations of dolphins were at or less than the limits of detection before oral administration. Values after administration of sucrose solution varied among dolphins and were higher and more variable after administration of 50 g, compared with concentrations after administration of 25 g.
Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Serum sucrose concentrations in samples collected during routine health evaluations of captive dolphins can be reliably measured by use of LC-MS-MS. Correlating serum sucrose concentrations with endoscopic observations of the gastric mucosa of dolphins will validate this approach for use in screening for the prevalence and severity of gastric ulcers and determining the efficacy of treatment regimens.
Helminths of Antarctic fishes: Life cycle biology, specificity and geographical distribution
Authors: Rocka Anna 
Published: June 2006

AbstractBony fishes (Teleostei) play an important role in the completion of life cycles of helminth parasites in the Antarctica. These fishes may be definitive, second intermediate or paratenic hosts of the helminths. The most species-rich taxon is Digenea. Virtually all of these digeneans use teleosts as definitive hosts. Only one species, Otodistomum cestoides, occurs as the adult stage in skates (Chondrichthyes), with teleosts as its second intermediate host. Among 14 cestode species maturing in fishes only one, Parabothriocephalus johnstoni, occurs in a bony fish, Macrourus whitsoni, whereas the others are parasites of Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fishes). Antarctic Chondrichthyes are not infected with nematode and acanthocephalan species. Specificity to the intermediate and/or paratenic hosts of the majority of Antarctic helminths is wide, whereas that for definitive hosts is often narrower, restricted to one order or sometimes even to one or two host species. Almost all of 73 helminth species maturing in Antarctic fishes are endemics. Only 4 digenean and one nematode species are cosmopolitan or bipolar.
Antiparasitic properties of homoallylamines and related compounds
Authors: Gómez-Barrio Alicia , Montero-Pereira David , Nogal-Ruiz Juan , Escario José , Muelas-Serrano Susana , Kouznetsov Vladimir , Vargas Méndez Leonor , Urbina Gonzáles Juan , Ochoa Carmen 
Published: June 2006

AbstractA study of some antiparasitic properties of several homoallylamines and related tetrahydroquinolines and quinolines, previously described, was carried out using in vitro activity assays against the epimastigote form of Trypanosoma cruzi and against Trichomonas vaginalis. Unspecific cytotoxicity against murine macrophages was also studied. Although the antichagasic and trichomonacidal activities are not comparable to those of the standard drugs, nifurtimox and metronidazole, some of the compounds exhibit an interesting specific antiparasitic activity.
Natural infection of Oryctolagus cuniculus (Lagomorpha, Leporidae) by Gongylonema neoplasticum (Nematoda, Gongylonematidae) in Portugal
Authors: Eira Catarina , Miquel Jordi , Vingada José , Torres Jordi 
Published: June 2006

AbstractGongylonema neoplasticum was identified in the oesophagus of 14 wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) from Portugal. This is the first record of Gongylonema neoplasticum in a naturally infected lagomorph species in Europe. This paper presents the most relevant measurements of adult worms and some of their surface features seen by scanning electron microscopy. Epidemiological aspects of G. neoplasticum such as geographical distribution, host spectrum and biological features are discussed.
Reproductive characteristics of a precocious vaccine line (Rt3+15) of Eimeria tenella in embryonating chicken eggs
Authors: Grant Richards D. , Whithear Kevin , Scott Peter , Gasser Robin 
Published: June 2006

AbstractCoccidiosis of chickens, caused by species of Eimeria (Protozoa, Apicomplexa), is an intestinal disease of major economic importance worldwide. In the present study, the reproductive characteristics of a precocious line (designated E. tenella Rt3+15) from Australia were investigated in chicken embryos and the implications of the findings briefly discussed.
Contribution of 5‐HT2A receptor gene ‐1438A>G polymorphism to outcome of attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adolescents
Authors: Li Jun , Kang Chuanyuan , Wang Yufeng , Zhou Rulun , Wang Bing , Guan Lili , Yang Li , Faraone Stephen V. 
Published: June 2006

AbstractAttention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) typically emerges before 7 years of age and may persist into adolescence or adulthood. The adolescent outcome can be classified into four types, including non‐remission, syndromatic remission, symptomatic remission, and functional remission. Genetic factors are believed to contribute to symptom stability and change across development, so adolescent outcome may be a sub‐phenotype for molecular genetic studies of ADHD. Serotonin system genes are prime candidates for this sub‐phenotype, since the development of this neurotransmitter system parallels the course of ADHD. The current study examined the association between adolescent outcome in ADHD and serotonin system genes, including the ‐1438A>G polymorphism of the serotonin 2A receptor gene (HTR2A) and the ‐759C>T polymorphism of the serotonin 2C receptor gene (HTR2C). The ‐1438A>G polymorphism was found to be related to remission in ADHD, especially functional remission (P = 0.029). Due to potential phenotypic and etiologic heterogeneity in ADHD, the results of this study must be replicated in additional samples before they can be generalized to other populations. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.