bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of antiparkinson drug HP‐200 (Mucuna pruriens) on the central monoaminergic neurotransmitters
Authors: Manyam Bala V. , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan , Hare Theodore A. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractHP‐200, which contains Mucuna pruriens endocarp, has been shown to be effective in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Mucuna pruriens endocarp has also been shown to be more effective compared to synthetic levodopa in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. The present study was designed to elucidate the long‐term effect of Mucuna pruriens endocarp in HP‐200 on monoaminergic neurotransmitters and its metabolite in various regions of the rat brain. HP‐200 at a dose of 2.5, 5.0 or 10.0 g/kg/day was mixed with rat chow and fed daily ad lib to Sprague‐Dawley rats (n = 6 for each group) for 52 weeks. Controls (n = 6) received no drug. Random assignment was made for doses and control. The rats were sacriﬁced at the end of 52 weeks and the neurotransmitters were analyzed in the cortex, hippocampus, substantia nigra and striatum. Oral administration of Mucuna pruriens endocarp in the form of HP‐200 had a signiﬁcant effect on dopamine content in the cortex with no signiﬁcant effect on levodopa, norepinephrine or dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites‐ HVA, DOPAC and 5‐HIAA in the nigrostriatal tract. The failure of Mucuna pruriens endocarp to signiﬁcantly affect dopamine metabolism in the striatonigral tract along with its ability to improve Parkinsonian symptoms in the 6‐hydorxydopamine animal model and humans may suggest that its antiparkinson effect may be due to components other than levodopa or that it has an levodopa enhancing effect. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparing an in vitro electrochemical measurement of superoxide scavenging activity with an in vivo assessment of antioxidant potential in Chinese tonifying herbs
Authors: Beissenhirtz Moritz K. , Kwan Roger C. H. , Ko K. M. , Renneberg Reinhard , Scheller F. W. , Lisdat F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe in vitro superoxide scavenging activity (as determined by electrochemical measurement) and the in vivo antioxidant potential (as determined by a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity) of methanolic extracts prepared from 10 Chinese tonifying herbs were compared. Electrochemical measurement using a cytochrome c (Cyt. c) sensor showed that all of the tested herbal extracts exhibited a medium superoxide scavenging activity of different potency, as indicated by their IC50 values. The in vivo measurement demonstrated that 80% of the herbal extracts displayed in vivo antioxidant potential, as assessed by the percentage of protection of the activity of plasma alanine aminotransferases and the hepatic glutathione regeneration capacity under CCl4‐intoxicated condition. Although the in vitro antioxidant activity did not correlate quantitatively with the in vivo antioxidant potential, for 8 out of 10 samples a similar tendency was found. The rapid amperometric assessment of antioxidant potential by Cyt. c sensor may offer a convenient and direct method for screening as well as the quality control of herbal products. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on psychopharmacological effects of Cleome viscosa Linn. extract in rats and mice
Authors: Parimala Devi B. , Boominathan R. , Mandal Subhash C. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractMethanol extract of the entire plant Cleome viscosa Linn. (CVME) was evaluated for different psychopharmacological actions such as general behaviour, exploratory behaviour, muscle relaxant activity and phenobarbitone induced sleeping time and effects on normal body temperature in rats and mice. The extract was found to cause reduction in spontaneous activity, decrease in exploratory behavioural pattern by the head dip and Y‐maze test, reduction in the muscle relaxant by rotarod, 30° inclined screen and traction tests and caused signiﬁcant lowering of body temperature. In addition, CVME signiﬁcantly potentiated the phenobarbitone‐induced sleeping time. Preliminary tests indicate that the methanol extract of Cleome viscosa Linn. in doses of 200–400 mg/kg has signiﬁcant psychopharmacological activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of green tea polyphenols on the genes with atherosclerotic potential
Authors: Kaul D. , Sikand K. , Shukla A. R. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe genomics of atherosclerosis can arise as a result of cross‐talk between the genes coding for the LDL‐receptor (LDL‐R), LXR‐α, PPARs (α, γ), CD36 and C‐myc because these genes control lipid metabolism, cytokine production and cellular activity within the arterial wall. The effect of green tea polyphenols (GTPs) upon such genomics revealed their ability to down‐regulate genes coding for PPAR‐γ, CD36, LXR‐α, C‐myc coupled with up‐regulation of genes coding for LDL‐R and PPAR‐α at the transcriptional level. Based upon these results, it is proposed that GTPs have the inherent capacity to inhibit the development of atherosclerotic lesions. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Acanthopanax senticosus on lipoprotein lipase in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes
Authors: Yang Jeong‐Yeh , Lee Kang‐Seop , Kim Myung‐Kon , Moon Seong‐Keun , Kang Mi‐Kyung , Park Byung‐Hyun , Kim Jong‐Suk , Park Jin‐Woo 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe effect of Acanthopanax senticosus (AS) leaves on lipoprotein lipase (LPL) was investigated in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. A water extract of AS leaves increased the LPL activity in culture medium of adipocytes in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner. The AS extract contained heparin‐like LPL releasing components, however, the increase of medium LPL activity was continued up until 12 h, in contrast to the rapid decline after heparin treatment. The increase of LPL mRNA was also observed after AS extract treatment, suggesting that LPL induction occurs at the transcriptional level. The AS extract could partially reverse the LPL suppression by tumour necrosis factor−α in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. These results of an AS extract‐induced increase of LPL activity in vitro suggest the possible action of AS as a facilitator of plasma triglyceride clearance. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antispasmodic activity of extracts and compounds of Acalypha phleoides Cav.
Authors: Astudillo Adela , Hong Enrique , Bye Robert , Navarrete Andrés 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe aerial parts of Acalypha phleoides are usually prescribed in the Mexican traditional medicine for a variety of gastrointestinal complaints. The MeOH–CHCl3 (1:1) extract of the aerial part of A. phleoides showed an inhibitory effect on the gastrointestinal propulsion of a charcoal meal in mice. In isolated guinea‐pig ileum, this extract produced a concentration dependent inhibition of the contractions induced by 5‐hydroxytryptamine, but it was unable to inhibit the contractions elicited by acetylcholine, histamine, KCl and BaCl2. This extract produced also a concentration dependent inhibition of the spontaneous pendular movement of the isolated rabbit jejunum. This inhibitory activity was partially blocked by propranolol. The essential oil, obtained from the aerial part of this plant, was more potent than the MeOH–CHCl3 (1:1) extract in inhibiting the spontan‐eous pendular movement of the rabbit jejunum. Thymol, camphor and γ‐terpinene were identiﬁed from the essential oil by GC‐MS. These monoterpenes showed antispasmodic activity in the rabbit jejunum preparation, thymol was the most active compound, followed by camphor and γ‐terpinene. Thymol and camphor in high concentrations also showed tracheal relaxant properties, but γ‐terpinene did not. These in vivo and in vitro results tend to support the traditional use of A. phleoides as an antispasmodic agent. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemoprotective effect of plant phenolics against anthracycline‐induced toxicity on rat cardiomyocytes. Part I. Silymarin and its flavonolignans
Authors: Chlopčíková Šárka , Psotová Jitka , Miketová Petra , Šimánek Vilím 
Published: March 2004

AbstractSilymarin, an extract of ﬂavonolignans from the dried fruits of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertneri) and its constituents silibinin, dehydrosilibinin, silychristin and silydianin were tested for protective effects on rat cardiomyocytes exposed to doxorubicin. Silymarin and individual ﬂavonolignans did not exert cytotoxicity in the range 25–100 µm (incubation 9 h). Dehydrosilibinin was tested only at 25 µm concentration due to its low solubility. All substances increased the cell ATP level. Silymarin and ﬂavonolignans displayed a dose‐dependent cytoprotection against doxorubicin (100 µm, incubation 8 h). The protective effects of silymarin, silibinin, dehydrosilibinin and silychristin were comparable to that of dexrasoxane, while silydianin exerted the best protective effect. The ability of silymarin complex and its components to protect cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin‐induced oxidative stress is due mainly to their cell membrane stabilization effect, radical scavenging and iron chelating potency. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of Harpagophytum extracts and clinical efﬁcacy
Authors: Chrubasik Sigrun , Conradt Christian , Roufogalis Basil D 
Published: March 2004

AbstractVarious preparations from Harpagophytum procumbens are used for the treatment of pain in the joints and lower back. Studies published in peer reviewed journals were examined for their clinical evidence. The studies offering preparations with 50–60 mg harpagoside in the daily dosage are of better quality and provide more reliable evidence on efﬁcacy than a proprietary ethanol extract with half the amount of harpagoside per day. However, conﬁrmatory studies are required for all extracts before they can gain a place in treatment guidelines. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and Control of a Four‐Wheeled Omnidirectional Mobile Robot with Steerable Omnidirectional Wheels
Authors: Song Jae‐Bok , Byun Kyung‐Seok 
Published: March 2004

AbstractOmnidirectional mobile robots are capable of arbitrary motion in an arbitrary direction without changing the direction of wheels, because they can perform 3 degree‐of‐freedom (DOF) motion on a two‐dimensional plane. In this research, a new class of omnidirectional mobile robot is proposed. Since it has synchronously steerable omnidirectional wheels, it is called an omnidirectional mobile robot with steerable omnidirectional wheels (OMR‐SOW). It has 3 DOFs in motion and one DOF in steering. One steering DOF can function as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). CVT of the OMR‐SOW increases the range of velocity ratio from the wheel velocities to robot velocity, which may improve performance of the mobile robot. The OMR‐SOW with four omnidirectional wheels has been developed in this research. Kinematics and dynamics of this robot will be analyzed in detail. Various tests have been conducted to demonstrate the validity and feasibility of the proposed mechanism and control algorithm. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
S‐1‐O‐phosphocholine‐2‐N‐acetyl‐octadecane induces apoptosis in T cells: Involvement of receptor activation and the intrinsic apoptotic pathway
Authors: Oberle Carolin , Massing Ulrich , Krug Harald F. 
Published: March 2004

AbstractAlkylphosphocholines (APC) represent compounds with far‐ranging biological activities including inhibition of neoplastic cell growth in vivo and in vitro. Here we introduce the apoptosis‐inducing activity of a newly synthesised APC, the S‐NC‐2, in Jurkat T cells. The results point to a dual apoptotic mechanism, a death receptor dependent activation as well as a death receptor‐independent and mitochondria related pathway. The participation of the CD95 death receptor was determined by immunohistochemistry. Receptor aggregation and capping was already induced after 2 h of treatment with S‐NC‐2. We further analysed phosphatidylserin externalisation, chromatin condensation, the cleavage of procaspases‐8, ‐9 and ‐3 and the degradation of caspase substrates. Comparison of Jurkat wildtype with FADD‐ and caspase‐8‐deficient cells and, additionally, the Bcl‐2 overexpressing variant revealed a more detailed model of the APC‐induced apoptosis. The lack of FADD or caspase‐8 resulted in a somehow decreased amount of apoptotic cells, whereas the overexpression of Bcl‐2 leads to a complete reduction of apoptosis and caspase‐activation. After stimulation of death receptors such as CD95, the amplification via intrinsic apoptotic pathways is strongly required in Type II T cells.
An integrated model for melanocyte‐specific gene expression and melanogenesis
Authors: Emir Uzay Emrah , Kurnaz Is¸ıl Aksan 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe steady increase in the incidence of cutaneous (skin) malignant melanoma worldwide generates the necessity to understand the key molecular events underlying melanogenesis and melanoma. Melanogenesis has two main stages: immediate pigmentation occurs through the redistribution of pigment‐containing melanosomes to the dendrites of melanocytes, and subsequently to the surrounding keratinocytes, without the need for any new melanin synthesis. The effect is therefore subtle and transient. Delayed and sustained tanning, however, requires (a) an increase in melanocyte number and dendricity, (b) an increase in melanosome number, and (c) an increase in melanin content. This computer‐based model focuses on the sustained eumelanin (black/brown pigment) production through melanocyte‐specific gene expression in response to external stimulus. We find in our model that high levels of melanin can be reached within an hour of stimulation. Furthermore we successfully show metabolic downregulation of pigment synthesis through employing in our simulations an experimentally‐described inhibitor for melanogenic enzymes. We see this model as a starting point for in silico drug screening for skin lightening agents, sun‐tanning agents, and eventually for anti‐melanoma agents that are under development.
Epidemiology, co‐morbidity, and impact on health‐related quality of life of self‐reported headache and musculoskeletal pain—a gender perspective
Authors: Bingefors Kerstin , Isacson Dag 
Published: March 2004

AbstractBackground. Headache and musculo‐skeletal pain are major public health problems. Substantial proportions of the general population report that they experience pain problems that affect their work, daily living and social life. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that the prevalence of most pain conditions is higher in women than in men.Design. Cross‐sectional survey in the county of Uppland, Sweden, 1995. Five thousand four hundred and four completed the questionnaire (response rate=68%). In these analyses for persons aged 20–64 years 4506 were included.Results. Back pain (22.7%) and shoulder pain (21.0%) were the most commonly reported medical problems in the population with pain in arms/legs (15.7%) in fifth and headache (12.5%) in eight place. Major gender differences were found. The prevalence of pain conditions, especially headache, was higher among women. Women reported more severe pain. Co‐morbidity between pain conditions and psychiatric and somatic problems was higher among women. Health‐related quality of life (SF‐36) differed by gender and type of pain condition. The physical dimensions of HRQoL were more affected by headache among men; psychological dimensions were more affected among women. Among both men and women, pain conditions were associated with poorer socioeconomic conditions and life‐style factors but there were gender differences. Education and unemployment were important only among men while economical difficulties, half‐time work and being married were associated with pain among women. Obesity, early disability retirement, long time sick‐leave and lack of exercise were associated with pain conditions generally. Factors associated with pain conditions were unevenly distributed between genders.Conclusion. There are major differences between men and women in the prevalence and severity of self‐reported pain in the population. Biological factors may explain some of the differences but the main explanation is presumably gender disparities in work, economy, daily living, social life and expectations between women and men. Although improved working conditions are of importance, deeper societal changes are needed to reduce the inequities in pain experiences between women and men.
Perceptual measures of performance: fact or fiction?
Authors: Ketokivi Mikko A , Schroeder Roger G 
Published: March 2004

AbstractIn contrast with the general management and strategy literature, performance measurement in the extant empirical operations management literature has relied heavily on perceptual measures of operational and financial performance. At the same time, rigorous examinations of the psychometric properties of such performance measurements instruments have not been performed. Especially needed are examinations of systematic informant bias and the related method variance and method bias, which are not captured by conventional methods used in operations management to assess construct reliability and validity. We conduct a multitrait–multimethod analysis of perceptual performance measures to investigate item‐specific trait, method and error variance. Data from 164 factories with three informants per factory is analyzed. We find that while random error and systematic bias account for a large portion of item variance, perceptual measures satisfy the requirements of reliability and validity. However, we caution against the use of single‐informant studies in future research as substantive conclusions may be affected.
The use of OP‐1 in femoral impaction grafting in a sheep model
Authors: McGee Margaret A. , Findlay David M. , Howie Donald W. , Carbone Angelo , Ward Peter , Stamenkov Roumen , Page Tara T. , Bruce Warrick J. , Wildenauer Corinna I. , Toth Carol 
Published: March 2004

AbstractThe aim of this pilot study was to examine bone graft incorporation in femurs impacted with allograft bone alone (control group) or with allograft containing the bone morphogenetic protein OP‐1 (BMP‐7) (OP‐1 group) in a sheep model of cemented hemiar‐throplasty. Two sheep in each group were sacrificed at 6, 18 and 26 weeks. Successful bone graft incorporation was evident in both groups by six weeks but in the OP‐1 group, there had been more extensive resorption of the graft. There was one case of excessive stem subsidence in the OP‐1 group at six weeks. By 18 weeks, there was remodelling and trabeculation of the new bone in the OP‐1 group, but this appeared less advanced in the control group. By 26 weeks, there was remodelling of bone in the graft bed. The results of this small study suggest that OP‐1 promotes initial graft resorption, thus hastening bone graft incorporation and remodelling in femoral impaction grafting. The one case of stem subsidence may be associated with the early resorption seen in the OP‐1 group and reinforces the need for further studies, examining dose response and using precise measures of stem movement, before this BMP is used in femoral impaction grafting at revision hip arthroplasty. © 2004 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea
Authors: Mensah Thomas A. 
Published: March 2004

The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is one of the “compulsory procedures entailing binding decisions” provided for in Article 287 of the Convention. The Tribunal is established by Annex VI to the Convention which is its Statute. Within the Tribunal is established the Seabed Disputes Chamber which has jurisdiction to deal with respect to deep-sea mining activities covered by Part XI of the Convention.The Tribunal performs three different but closely related functions. The first is to offer a forum of choice for states parties to the Convention to settle disputes concerning the interpretation or application of the provisions of the Convention. The second function is to provide a special, and largely mandatory, procedure for dealing with disputes in connection with the interpretation and application of the provisions of Part XI of the Convention. This is the function of the Seabed Disputes Chamber. The Chamber also has competence to give advisory opinions on legal questions arising within the scope of the activities of the Assembly and Council of the International Seabed Authority. Thirdly, the Tribunal serves as a residual and compulsory mechanism for the settlement of certain disputes identified by the Convention as requiring expeditious decision, such as applications for the prompt release of arrested vessels and crew or requests for the prescription of provisional measures pending final decisions in cases. The Tribunal may also deal with disputes arising under other maritime agreements, if the agreements so provide.The Tribunal commenced operations in October 1996. It has completed organizational work for its administrative judicial functions. It has adopted its Rules, the Resolution on the Internal Judicial Procedure and Guidelines to assist parties appearing before it. It has also established special Chambers. The Tribunal has already dealt with one application for the prompt release of a vessel and crew arrested in a foreign port and one request for provisional measures. Proceedings are in progress on the merits of the first case submitted to it.
Unconventional Dispute Settlement in the Finnish Question (1899 to World War I): The Power of Cultural and Historical Argument in International Law
Authors: Korhonen Outi 
Published: March 2004

The world comes to the international lawyer in forms less perfect than the ordered categories of law. The lawyer stands at a point of making a difference through devising arrangements, managing complex transactions, striking conventions, predicting outcomes, and wringing out settlements even if no clear legal recipe exists. This situation seems familiar in the contemporary global framework, but it is more general and, in this study, the author uses a historical case to illustrate it. The author shows how international lawyers make sense of wide cultural and historical contexts and negotiate their different implications in bringing about a new international legal personality, complex dispute settlement, and peaceful governance even without the benefit of a clear set of available legal procedures.Tsar de Russie, […] Tu peux venir quand tu voudras: le lac repose silencieux et tu peux dormir dans l'archipel de Finlande en toute securité [mais] tu ne pourras jamais retrouver l'anneau magique qui fait aimer: l'océan s'est refermé à jamais sur lui.