bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of clastogenic potential of the antimalarial plant Solanum nudum
Authors: Alvarez Gonzalo , Pabón Adriana , Carmona Jaime , Blair Silvia 
Published: November 2004

AbstractCompounds isolated from Solanum nudum have shown in vitro antimalarial activity against the FCB‐2 strain of Plasmodium falciparum. Diosgenone (C27H40O3) the main component isolated from the hexane extract and an aqueous extract were evaluated to measure their clastogenic potential using the micronucleus test. Three concentrations (16, 32 and 64 g/kg of weight) of the aqueous extract were administered intraperitoneally into mice, (the highest concentration corresponded to 80% LD50) and diosgenone solubilized in olive oil was inoculated at the highest concentration possible (11.187 g/kg of weight). After administration of the compounds, no induction of micronucleus was observed either in polychromatic or normochromatic erythrocytes. Interestingly, a reduction of 51% in the young/mature erythrocytes ratio was seen in cells treated with aqueous extract. We conclude that neither diosgenone nor the aqueous extract have clastogenic activity, and that the aqueous extract showed some toxicity at the above mentioned concentrations. These results are signiﬁcant since diosgenone could be a new therapeutic alternative for the treatment of malaria. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidant availability of turmeric in relation to its medicinal and culinary uses
Authors: Tilak Jai C. , Banerjee Meenal , Mohan Hari , Devasagayam T. P. A. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractTurmeric (Curcuma longa) has been used in Indian cooking, and in herbal remedies. Its possible mechanism of action was examined in terms of antioxidant availability during actual cooking conditions and in therapeutic applications using standardized extracts. The assays involve different levels of antioxidant action such as oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC), radical scavenging abilities using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2′‐azobis‐3‐ethylbenzthiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and protection of membranes examined by inhibition of lipid peroxidation besides the content of phenols and total ﬂavonoids. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of two major preparations of turmeric, corresponding to its use in cooking and medicine, showed signiﬁcant antioxidant abilities. In conclusion, the studies reveal that the ability of turmeric to scavenge radicals, reduce iron complex and inhibit peroxidation may explain the possible mechanisms by which turmeric exhibits its beneﬁcial effects in relation to its use in cooking and medicine. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anticlastogenic effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits against sodium arsenite‐induced micronuclei formation in erythrocytes in mouse bone marrow
Authors: Adetutu A. , Odunola O. A. , Owoade O. A. , Adeleke O. A. , Amuda O. S. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractAn in vivo micronucleus assay using albino mice was used to examine the anticlastogenic effects of a crude aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa fruits in bone marrow cells of mice. Various doses of freshly prepared crude extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg b.w.) were given by gavaging to male laboratory bred Swiss albino mice for 7 days as a dietary supplement followed by a single dose of sodium arsenite (2.5 mg/kg b.w.) After 24 h, the animals were killed and bone marrow smears were prepared and stained in Giemsa. The results show that sodium arsenite effectively induced micronuclei in polychromatic erythrocytes (PCEs). Administration of a crude extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa led to a signiﬁcant reduction of micronuclei in PCEs. The results also show that a combination of Hibiscus sabdariffa and sodium arsenite reduced signiﬁcantly the frequencies of micronucleated PCEs induced by sodium arsenite. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Further studies on the clinical efﬁcacy of Solanum xanthocarpum and Solanum trilobatum in bronchial asthma
Authors: Govindan S. , Viswanathan S. , Vijayasekaran V. , Alagappan R. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe clinical efﬁcacy of two herbs S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum in a dose of 300 mg tds for 3 days was investigated in mild to moderate bronchial asthma. Their effect was compared with standard bronchodilator drugs, salbutamol (4 mg) and deriphylline (200 mg). The respiratory function was assessed by measuring the peak expiratory ﬂow rate (PEFR) using a mini peak ﬂow meter. In addition, improvement in lung function was assessed by physical examination (rhonchi and crepitation) and other symptoms such as cough, breathlessness and sputum. S. xanthocarpum and S. trilobatum produced a progressive improvement in the ventilatory function of asthmatic individuals over 3 days. The scores for rhonchi, cough, breathlessness and sputum were decreased by these drug treatments. The improvement in PEFR and the reduction in other symptom scores clearly indicate a bronchodilator effect, a decrease of oedema and secretions in the airway lumen. The response to these herbs can be considered to be equivalent to that of deriphylline but less than salbutamol. No untoward effects were reported during the study. The present study further conﬁrms the traditional use of these herbs in bronchial asthma. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A double‐blind, placebo‐controlled investigation of the effects of two doses of a valerian preparation on the sleep, cognitive and psychomotor function of sleep‐disturbed older adults
Authors: Diaper A. , Hindmarch I. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractOne of the most popular herbal remedies for the alleviation of sleep problems is valerian. However, research into valerian is sparse, and studies differ greatly with respect to design, measures, and preparations used. This clinical study used standardized sleep EEG and psychometric tests to evaluate the clinical efﬁcacy of a valerian preparation (Li 156).A placebo‐controlled three way crossover clinical trial was completed using 16 (5 male and 11 female) sleep‐disturbed participants (aged 50 to 64 years, mean age 55.9, SD 4.68). Participants slept overnight in a sleep laboratory, following a 21:00 hours dose of valerian 300 mg, valerian 600 mg, or placebo (double‐blind). EEG sleep was recorded for each participant at 23:00 hours until 07:00 hours, when a psychometric evaluation was performed the morning after dose. Test periods were separated by six days washout period.Results showed no signiﬁcant effect between valerian 300 mg, valerian 600 mg or placebo on any EEG parameter or psychometric measure. This suggests valerian at these doses is ineffective as an acute dose for sleep problems. However, valerian is widely used, and is traditionally sedative. Therefore, more research is required into therapeutic dose, types of valerian preparation, and the optimum period of use for therapeutic effect. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
GEE estimation of a misspecified time‐varying covariate: an example with the effect of alcoholism treatment on medical utilization
Authors: Wall Melanie M. , Dai Yu , Eberly Lynn E. 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe generalized estimation equation (GEE) method is widely used in longitudinal data analysis, particularly when the outcome variable is non‐Gaussian distributed. Under mild regulatory conditions, the parameter estimates are consistent and their asymptotic variances are efficient. In an observational study focusing on alcoholism patients, we applied the GEE method to longitudinal count data from medical utilization records from a large national managed care organization. The health services research question was whether there was a change in medical utilization for patients after engaging in alcoholism treatment as compared to before treatment. Thus, the main effect of interest was a time‐varying covariate indicating whether the patient had undergone treatment yet or not. GEE under five different working correlations was employed and mixed results regarding the significance of the treatment effect were found. Because of the large sample size, i.e. 8485 patients with an average of 46 repeated measurements per patient, differences across the estimates produced by the different working correlation structures was suspicious. It is shown that these differences are maybe caused by the fact that the time‐varying covariate in the marginal mean model is misspecified. A simulation study is performed to demonstrate that misspecification of the time‐varying covariate in the marginal mean structure can cause differences in GEE results across various choices of working correlation structure. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Avoidance and prohibition of brother–sister sex in humans
Authors: Aoki Kenichi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractSex between full sibs is unusual in birds, mammals, and humans. These species likely possess an innate avoidance mechanism based on early proximity (i.e., the Westermarck hypothesis), and the “rare” occurrences may be attributable to error. Alternatively, an inclusive fitness argument shows that a low rate of sib mating may be an “adaptation.” The widespread occurrence of a prohibition against brother–sister sex in human societies is often invoked as evidence against an innate avoidance mechanism, since if the latter were to exist the former would be superfluous. However, given that punishing violators is costly, a prohibition is more likely to spread through an egalitarian society when the prohibited behavior is already avoided. I describe a model of the cultural dynamics of the sibling incest taboo which we have used to investigate this possibility. The predictions derived from this model are consistent with, and add rigor to, Westermarck's theory of the origin of the incest taboo.
Factors affecting seasonal mortality of rosy bitterling (Rhodeus ocellatus kurumeus) embryos on the gills of their host mussel
Authors: Kitamura Jyun‐ichi 
Published: November 2004

AbstractI investigated the seasonal change in factors affecting embryonic mortality in the rosy bitterling, Rhodeus ocellatus kurumeus, a freshwater fish that spawns on the gills of living unionid mussels. Research was conducted in a small pond during 1999 and 2001 in which bitterling were provided with Anodonta sp. mussels for spawning. Bitterling spawned between April and July, peaking mid–late May. Seasonal survival rate of bitterling embryos in their mussel hosts was unimodal, with a peak between late April and mid May (about 70% of total spawnings). In mid April, survival was about 50%. The lowest survival was from late May to July (0%). Losses of bitterling embryos from mussels were identified by ejections from the mussel host. Ejections were categorized as either ejections of live embryos, or ejections of embryos that died in the mussel and were subsequently expelled from the mussel. Ejection rates of live embryos were higher in the earlier part of the spawning period (early–mid April) and dead embryo ejections in the later period (after June). The ejection rate of live embryos was higher among younger embryos earlier in the season, probably because of the incomplete development of morphological and behavioural traits associated with maintaining the embryo inside the mussel gill chambers, and as a consequence of a more protracted developmental period at low temperatures making them more susceptible to ejection. The ejection rate of dead embryos was higher in older embryos later in the season, and in larger mussels and at high embryo densities. The survival of embryos in mussels was probably related to oxygen availability, with mortalities probably caused by asphyxiation. Increased embryo mortalities may arise through competition among embryos, between embryos and mussel, and ambient dissolved oxygen levels. The optimal period for bitterling to spawn may represent a balance between two opposing factors; with positive and negative effects of a seasonal rise in temperature directly affecting embryonic growth rate and oxygen availability.
CRAVE: a database, middleware and visualization system for phenotype ontologies
Authors: Gkoutos Georgios V. , Green Eain C.J. , Greenaway Simon , Blake Andrew , Mallon Ann-Marie , Hancock John M. 
Published: November 2004

Abstract
Motivation: A major challenge in modern biology is to link genome sequence information to organismal function. In many organisms this is being done by characterizing phenotypes resulting from mutations. Efficiently expressing phenotypic information requires combinatorial use of ontologies. However tools are not currently available to visualize combinations of ontologies. Here we describe CRAVE (Concept Relation Assay Value Explorer), a package allowing storage, active updating and visualization of multiple ontologies.
Results: CRAVE is a web-accessible JAVA application that accesses an underlying MySQL database of ontologies via a JAVA persistent middleware layer (Chameleon). This maps the database tables into discrete JAVA classes and creates memory resident, interlinked objects corresponding to the ontology data. These JAVA objects are accessed via calls through the middleware's application programming interface. CRAVE allows simultaneous display and linking of multiple ontologies and searching using Boolean and advanced searches.
Availability: Direct access: http://www.mgu.har.mrc.ac.uk/CRAVE/
Contact: g.gkoutos@har.mrc.ac.uk
The Great Non‐Communicator? The Mass Communication Deficit of the European Parliament and its Press Directorate*
Authors: ANDERSON PETER J. , McLEOD AILEEN 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThis article was prompted by the poor turnout for the 1999 European Parliament elections and the failure of MEPs since to address effectively key causes of electoral apathy. It focuses on the extent to which the Parliament's press and information directorate, DG‐III, and to a lesser extent, MEPs, are successful in handling their relationships with the mass media, given that the latter is a crucial means of communicating images of the Parliament to the electorate. Having unearthed serious inadequacies in the communication performance of the Parliament, the article investigates the causes of these and the likelihood of their being addressed. The article largely reflects the situation with regard to press and information policy as far as it could be discerned up and until March 2002 (with the exception of the website and external office updates which were undertaken during 2003). Among other things, it paves the way for further studies of the relationship between the European Parliament and the media which will focus on the recent 2004 elections.
Legitimately Diverse, yet Comparable: On Synthesizing Social Inclusion Performance in the EU*
Authors: CHERCHYE LAURENS , MOESEN WIM , VAN PUYENBROECK TOM 
Published: November 2004

AbstractThe open method of co‐ordination (OMC) intends to enhance EU Member States’performance on social inclusion. In this context a set of commonly agreed performance indicators plays an important role. While the communicative power of a synthetic indicator has been recognized, several objections have been raised against such a construction. In this article, we argue that a set of separate indicators can in principle be combined into a meaningful synthetic performance index without giving up on the notion of subsidiarity, and without fundamentally impairing the peer pressure incentives that constitute an important rationale for OMC. We complement the presentation of the conceptual framework with a number of empirical applications, thereby indicating how the basic method may be instrumental for policy benchmarking practice.
The Power of the Presidency: Brokerage, Efficiency and Distribution in EU Negotiations*
Authors: TALLBERG JONAS 
Published: November 2004

AbstractDecision‐making in the European Union is subject to the risk of negotiation failure, because of governments’incentives to conceal their true preferences. This article argues that the EU Presidency possesses a set of informational and procedural resources that can help unlock incompatible negotiating positions and secure efficient agreements, while simultaneously allowing the government in office to shape distributional outcomes. Drawing on general bargaining theory and rational choice institutionalism, it presents a theory of the demand for, and supply of, brokerage by the chair. The explanatory power of this theory is demonstrated through two case studies: Germany's chairing of the Agenda 2000 negotiations, and France's chairing of the IGC 2000 negotiations.
Genetic polymorphisms predicting the outcome of bone marrow transplants
Authors: Dickinson Anne M. , Middleton Peter G. , Rocha Vanderson , Gluckman Eliane , Holler Ernst ,   Eurobank members
Published: November 2004

SummaryAnalysis of non‐histocompatibility leucocyte antigen (HLA) functional genomics, together with conventional risk factors in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can lead to predicting outcome in HLA‐matched sibling transplant recipients. Polymorphisms of cytokine genes including tumour necrosis factor α, interleukin‐10, interferon γ and interleukin (IL)‐6, associate with more severe acute graft‐versus‐host disease (aGvHD). Donor genotype for IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) has been associated with reduced aGvHD severity. Other genotypes (patient IL‐1Ra, IL‐6 and donor IL‐1α) have been associated with chronic GvHD, or overall survival (Vitamin D receptor and oestrogen receptor). Polymorphisms within genes associated with host defence/inflammatory responses (mannose binding lectin genes, myeloperoxidase genes and the FCγ receptors) have been associated with infections. Polymorphisms of pharmacogenes, such as methylenetetrahydrofolate‐reductase, have been associated with aGvHD and other post‐transplant complications. The NOD2 gene polymorphism, associated with Crohn's disease, has been shown to be associated with risk of gut GvHD. The majority of the studies have been carried out in single centre HLA‐matched sibling cohorts and in relatively few matched unrelated donor transplants. This review gives an overall perspective of the current field of non‐HLA genetics with regard to HSCT outcome, clinical relevance and potential application of the results to clinical management of HSCT.
The role of granulocyte transfusions in neutropenic patients
Authors: Bishton M. , Chopra R. 
Published: November 2004

SummaryThe precise role for donor granulocyte infusions remains to be delineated, partly because of the lack of defined clinical trials. The aim of this article is to summarize the studies undertaken so far and highlight the logistical problems associated with undertaking future studies. We also aim to provide a practical guide to the application of this therapeutic approach.
Pathology of bone marrow in human herpes virus‐8 (HHV8)‐associated multicentric Castleman disease
Authors: Bacon Chris M. , Miller Robert F. , Noursadeghi Mahdad , McNamara Christopher , Du Ming‐Qing , Dogan Ahmet 
Published: November 2004

SummaryHuman herpes virus‐8 (HHV8)‐associated multicentric Castleman disease (MCD) is an unusual systemic lymphoid hyperplasia induced by HHV8‐infected B cells. Most cases develop in the background of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Despite the haematological problems at presentation and the difficulties in the initial diagnosis, the bone marrow appearances of MCD have not been described. In this study we examined the pathology of bone marrow in MCD with a view to identify the features that may be helpful in early diagnosis. Bone marrow aspirates and biopsies from 13 cases of MCD (11 of which were HIV+) and 66 control bone marrow biopsies from HIV‐infected cases were studied. The specimens were routinely processed and stained. Immunohistochemistry for HHV8, immunoglobulin light chains, B‐cell and plasma‐cell markers was performed. The most important features were the presence of characteristic MCD lymphoid follicles containing HHV8+ plasmablasts in three of 13 cases of MCD and scattered interstitial HHV8+ plasmablasts in 11 of 13 cases. In control cases, no such follicles were seen and interstitial HHV8+ plasmablasts were rarely detected (four of 66 cases). Our results suggest that the presence of HHV8+ plasmablasts within lymphoid follicles and/or interstitium of the bone marrow are helpful features for the early diagnosis of MCD.
Somatic deletion of the normal β‐globin gene leading to thalassaemia intermedia in heterozygous β‐thalassaemic patients
Authors: Galanello Renzo , Perseu Lucia , Perra Chiara , Maccioni Liliana , Barella Susanna , Longinotti Maurizio , Cao Antonio , Cazzola Mario 
Published: November 2004

SummaryTwo β‐thalassaemia patients, whose constitutive genotype was β39C/β39C→T, had the clinical phenotype β‐thalassaemia intermedia. Analysis of leucocyte DNA showed the presence of the mutated β39C→T‐gene exclusively, while the normal β39C‐gene was also present in reticulocyte RNA. Deletional analysis of chromosome 11p15.5 on leucocyte DNA showed large deletions including the β‐globin gene. Two populations of erythroid progenitors, one heterozygous and the other hemizygous for the β39C→T mutation, were demonstrated in one case. This confirms that, in heterozygous individuals, β‐thalassaemia intermedia may be caused by inactivation of the β‐locus in trans as a result of chromosome 11p15.5 deletions in a subpopulation of haematopoietic cells.
Ferroportin gene silencing induces iron retention and enhances ferritin synthesis in human macrophages
Authors: Gallí Anna , Bergamaschi Gaetano , Recalde Helios , Biasiotto Giorgio , Santambrogio Paolo , Boggi Sabrina , Levi Sonia , Arosio Paolo , Cazzola Mario 
Published: November 2004

SummaryMissense mutations in the ferroportin gene (SLC11A3) result in haemochromatosis type 4 [HFE4, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) reference 606069] or ferroportin disease, an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by predominantly reticuloendothelial iron accumulation. To verify whether HFE4 is caused by defective iron recycling because of loss of functionality of ferroportin, we down‐regulated SLC11A gene expression in human macrophages by using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). Transfection experiments with ferroportin siRNAs resulted in a marked reduction (about two‐thirds on average) in ferroportin mRNA levels as detected by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction. When macrophages were grown in medium supplemented with iron, cells transfected with siRNAs displayed three‐ to eightfold increases in staining intensities following Perls reaction. These macrophages also showed significant increases in H‐ferritin content. The observation that ferroportin mRNA down‐regulation to levels compatible with haplo‐insufficiency causes increased iron retention and H‐ferritin synthesis in cultured macrophages has important implications. First, this indicates that ferroportin levels must be finely regulated in order to maintain cellular iron homeostasis, and that both copies of SLC11A3 must function efficiently to prevent iron accumulation. Second, this observation supports the hypothesis that reticuloendothelial iron overload in patients with ferroportin disease is caused by loss‐of‐function mutations in the SLC11A3 gene that mainly impair macrophage iron recycling.