bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial evaluation of some medicinal plants for their anti‐enteric potential against multi‐drug resistant Salmonella typhi
Authors: Rani Phulan , Khullar Neeraj 
Published: October 2004

AbstractScreening was done of some plants of importance in the Ayurvedic system of traditional medicine used in India to treat enteric diseases. Fifty four plant extracts (methanol and aqueous) were assayed for their activity against multi‐drug resistant Salmonella typhi. Strong antibacterial activity was shown by the methanol extracts of Aegle marmelos, Salmalia malabarica, Punica granatum, Myristica fragrans, Holarrhena antidysenterica, Terminalia arjuna and Triphal (mixture of Emblica ofﬁcinalis, Terminalia chebula and Terminalia belerica). Moderate antimicrobial activity was shown by Picorhiza kurroa, Acacia catechu, Acacia nilotica, Cichorium intybus, Embelia ribes, Solanum nigrum, Carum copticum, Apium graveolens, Ocimum sanctum, Peucedanum graveolens and Butea monosperma. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diterpenoids with inhibitory activity against NFAT transcription factor from Acanthopanax koreanum
Authors: Cai Xing Fu , Lee Im Seon , Dat Nguyen Tien , Shen Guanghai , Kim Young Ho 
Published: October 2004

AbstractSix diterpenoids and two diterpene glycosides were isolated from the dichloromethane and the water fractions of Acanthopanax koreanum roots, respectively. Of these compounds, 16αH, 17‐isovaleryloxy‐ent‐kauran‐19‐oic acid containing an isovaleryloxy group at C‐17 was found to exhibit the strongest inhibitory activity (IC50, 6.7 µm) against NFAT transcription factor. However, sumogaside, 16α‐hydroxy‐ent‐kauran‐19‐oic acid and paniculosides IV containing a hydroxy group at C‐16 or a glycoside at C‐4 carboxyl acid showed no activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The antibacterial principle of Caesalpina sappan
Authors: Xu Hong‐Xi , Lee Song F. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractUsing a bioassay‐directed puriﬁcation scheme, the active antibacterial principle from Caesalpina sappan was isolated and identiﬁed to be brasilin. This compound showed potent activity against antibiotic‐resistant bacteria, notably methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE), multi‐drug resistant Burkholderia cepacia as well as a number of other bacteria. The minimal inhibitory concentrations ranged from 4 to 32 µg/mL. The results from time‐kill studies showed that brasilin is bactericidal against MRSA. The addition of brasilin to growing MRSA cells resulted in a rapid inhibition of incorporation of [3H] thymidine or [3H] serine into DNA and proteins, respectively. Exposure of MRSA to a sub‐MIC level of brasilin for ten consecutive subcultures did not induce resistance to the compound. The Trypan blue dye exclusion test showed that brasilin lacked cytotoxicity against Vero cells. In conclusion, brasilin is an antibacterial principle from C. sappan and it has the potential to be developed into an antibiotic. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Investigation of fractions present in the stem bark of Annickia kummeriae on their P‐glycoprotein inhibitory pump activity
Authors: Owusu M. K. , Kamuhabwa A. R. , Nshimo C. , Van Boven M. , de Witte P. A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractUsing MCF‐7R cells and rhodamine 6G as the ﬂuorescent probe, a bioassay‐targeted puriﬁcation process was pursued in order to isolate the active P‐gp inhibitory fractions from Annickia kummeriae. Of 24 fractions obtained in the ﬁrst preparative liquid chromatography (p‐LC) run, only fraction 1 exhibited activity. Further p‐LC fractionation led to the separation of fraction 1 into fractions 1.1–1.8. Fractions 1.4, 1.5 and 1.6 proved to be active by inducing a signiﬁcant accumulation of rhodamine 6G by 3.3‐, 4.5‐ and 4.9‐fold at 10 µg/mL, and by 5.3‐, 6.3‐ and 6.8‐fold at 100 µg/mL, respectively. Fraction 1.6 was separated into several fractions by using an analytical liquid chromatography (a‐LC) system. Fractions 1.6.18, 1.6.19 and 1.6.20 were active and they induced an accumulation of rhodamine 6G by 3.0‐, 1.8‐ and 3.5‐fold at 1x µg/mL and by 4.8‐, 6.7‐ and 6.8‐fold at 10x µg/mL, respectively. Afterwards, 28.3 mg of fraction 1.6 was processed by a‐LC, and fractions 1.6.18, 1.6.19 and 1.6.20 were collected separately and dried. The amounts of materials recovered were 6.2, 7.4 and <1 mg, corresponding to 21.9%, 26.1% and <3.5% of fraction 1.6, respectively. From the total amount injected and the relative masses represented by these fractions, it can be calculated that the 1x µg/mL level corresponded to ca. 35, 42 and <5 µg/mL, respectively. Fluorescence microscopy revealed that incubation of the cells with rhodamine 6G alone did not show any ﬂuorescence, whereas cells which were incubated in medium containing rhodamine 6G together with fraction 1.4, 1.6 or reserpine, clearly indicated accumulation of the dye intracellularly. This is an indication that the active compounds effected high intracellular ﬂuorescence by inducing accumulation of the dye in the cells through inhibition of the P‐gp pump. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiallergic activity of a disaccharide isolated from Sanguisorba ofﬁcinalis
Authors: Park Kwan Ha , Koh Dongsoo , Kim Kangjeon , Park Jongmin , Lim Yoongho 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThe antiallergic activity of the natural disaccharide, 5‐O‐α‐d‐(3‐C‐hydroxymethyl)lyxofuranosyl‐β‐d‐(2‐C‐hydroxymethyl)arabinofuranose was evaluated using both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Intravenously administered compound inhibited the passive cutaneous anaphylaxis response in rats in a dose‐dependent manner (ED50 = 9.6 mg/kg). The compound inhibited histamine release evoked by both compound 48/80 and calcium ionophore A23187 in rat peritoneal mast cells indicating that mast cell stabilization is the major mechanism of action for its antiallergic activity. In passively sensitized isolated guinea‐pig hearts, an in vitro anaphylaxis model in which histamine release plays a key role for functional deterioration, the compound markedly diminished both coronary ﬂow reduction and histamine release on challenge to the antigen. These data demonstrate that this antiallergic natural disaccharide exerts its effect via inhibition of mast cell mediator release. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Potent antioxidative and antigenotoxic activity in aqueous extract of Japanese rice bran – association with peroxidase activity
Authors: Higashi‐Okai Kiyoka , Kanbara Keiko , Amano Kanako , Hagiwara Akiko , Sugita Chie , Matsumoto Norie , Okai Yasuji 
Published: October 2004

AbstractTo estimate the preventive potential of Japanese rice bran (Oryza sativa japonica) against the oxygen radical‐related chronic diseases such as cardio‐vascular diseases and cancer, antioxidative and antigenotoxic activities of the rice bran extracts were analyzed by using assay systems for lipid peroxidation and genotoxin‐induced umu gene expression. When effects of the rice bran extracts under different extraction conditions on hydroperoxide generation from auto‐oxidized linoleic acid were examined using aluminum chloride method, the water extract showed strong antioxidant activity, but the methanol and acetone extracts did not exhibit signiﬁcant activity. The water extract of rice bran was divided into the ethanol‐precipitable (EP) and supernatant fractions, and EP fraction showed the dominant antioxidant activity, but the supernatant fraction did not exhibit signiﬁcant antioxidant activity. When the effect of EP fraction on umu C gene expression in SOS response associated with DNA damage in Salmonella typhimurium (TA 1535/pSK 1002) induced by 3‐amino‐1,4‐dimethyl‐5H‐pyrido[4,3‐b]indole (Trp‐P‐1) was analyzed, it showed a dose‐dependent suppressive activity against Trp‐P‐1‐induced umu C gene expression. The bio‐chemical analisis of EP fraction indicates that the major antioxidative and antigenotoxic activity of EP fraction is associated with a proteinous component with the molecular weight of more than 30 KDa. As a possible active principle for the antioxidative and antigenotoxic activity in EP fraction, the strong activity of an oxygen radical‐scavenging enzyme, peroxidase was detected, and the puriﬁed horseradish peroxidase also caused the similar antioxidative and antigenotoxic activities. The signiﬁcance of this ﬁnding is discussed from theviewpoint of the preventive role of rice bran against oxygen radical‐related chronic diseases. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composition optimization of extruded starch foams using response surface methodology
Authors: Lui Wai‐Bun , Peng Jinchyau 
Published: October 2004

AbstractResponse surface methodology (RSM) was used to analyse the effect of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) on the objective attributes (shipping bulk density, radial expansion ratio, compressibility and spring index) of a biodegradable cushioning extrudate. A rotatable central composite design (CCD) was used to develop models for the objective responses. The experiments were run at 105°C with a feed rate of 27.8 l/h, screw speed 500 r.p.m. and die diameter 3.92 mm. Responses were most affected by changes in polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) levels and to a lesser extent by calcium carbonate (CaCO3) levels. Individual contour plots of the different responses were overlaid, and regions meeting the optimum shipping bulk density of 6.00 kg/m3, radial expansion ratio of 3.30, compressibility of 43.71 N, and spring index of 0.91 were identified at the PVA level of 20.23% and the CaCO3 level of 7.89%, respectively. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Properties of polysaccharide‐coated polypropylene films as affected by biopolymer and plasticizer types
Authors: Hong Seok‐In , Lee Joo‐Won , Son Seok‐Min 
Published: October 2004

AbstractPlasticized polysaccharide coatings on polypropylene (PP) film were prepared to evaluate the optical and tensile properties of the resulting coated films, as affected by biopolymer and plasticizer types, in order to develop a novel film structure of biopolymer coatings on common plastics intended for food packaging applications. Composite structures of PP film coated with several kinds of polysaccharides (MC, HPMC, chitosan, κ‐carrageenan, dextrin) and plasticizers (PG, glycerol, PEG, sucrose, sorbitol) were obtained through a simple casting method. High glossy surfaces were observed on the coated films with chitosan and κ‐carrageenan, with the sucrose‐plasticized chitosan coating giving the highest gloss of 142.7 GU. Biopolymers, but no plasticizers, exerted noticeable influence on the colour of the coated films. Chitosan‐ and κ‐carrageenan‐coated PP films also showed greater transparency, tensile strength and elongation than the other coated films. Nisin‐incorporated κ‐carrageenan coatings on PP film exhibited significant bacterial growth inhibition against Lactobacillus plantarum. The results suggest that coatings based on chitosan and κ‐carrageenan with proper plasticizers possess excellent visual and mechanical characteristics and have great potential for acting efficiently as antimicrobial agent carriers in active packaging systems. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prediction of oxygen transmission rate for thermoformed trays
Authors: Pettersen Marit KvalvÅg , Nilsson Astrid , Espedal Aud , Kohler Achim 
Published: October 2004

AbstractThere is a desire in the food industry to be able to estimate the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) of packages by knowing the permeability data of unconverted sheet/film, instead of measuring the OTR of packages. Due to thermoforming, the permeability of a material changes and therefore it is difficult to estimate the permeability (OTR) of converted trays from the OTR values of unconverted material. This paper evaluates the possibilities and limitations of predicting the OTR of thermoformed trays. Different methods for the calculation of OTR due to thickness measurements were compared. The use of theoretical thickness was satisfactory in the calculation of OTR of trays based on the OTR of unconverted sheet, area and thickness. Both linear and quadratic regression models were evaluated. Validation of the regression models was made by comparing the measured and calculated OTR of trays made of PS/EVOH/PE, A‐PET/PE, PS/PE and PP/PE. These trays were manufactured on different thermoforming machines, different processing parameters and different sizes of mould. None of the models (linear and quadratic) were suitable for the calculation of OTR of trays made of PS/PE and PP/PE. Both linear and quadratic models gave satisfactory agreement with measured values for trays made of both PS/EVOH/PE and A‐PET/PE. This case study indicates that a general equation for the calculation of OTR for different polymer combinations was not possible to generate. The equations presented in this paper are strictly applicable only for the polymer combinations used in this experiment, and can not be considered as general equations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rat‐PET study without anesthesia: Anesthetics modify the dopamine D1 receptor binding in rat brain
Authors: Momosaki Sotaro , Hatano Kentaro , Kawasumi Yasuhiro , Kato Takashi , Hosoi Rie , Kobayashi Kaoru , Inoue Osamu , Ito Kengo 
Published: October 2004

AbstractPositron emission tomography (PET) measurements in 6‐month‐old F344/N rats were performed in the conscious state and the influence of chloral hydrate, ketamine, and pentobarbital anesthesia on dopamine D1 (DA‐D1) receptor binding was evaluated using [11C]SCH23390, a selective DA‐D1 receptor ligand. To perform the PET study in conscious rats, an original fixation apparatus was developed and the animals were trained to acclimate to the scanning atmosphere for 3 h. This training was carried out twice a day for 2 weeks. PET measurements in conscious rats were successful, since the trained rats scarcely moved during the scanning (as monitored by video camera) and since highly reproducible measurements of binding potential (BP) were derived from their scanning. Chloral hydrate and ketamine anesthesia significantly increased the striatal BP of DA‐D1 receptors by 36% and 46%, respectively, compared to that observed in the conscious state. In contrast, pentobarbital markedly decreased the BP by 41%. These BP values of DA‐D1 receptors were calculated using a curve‐fitting method. Our results indicate that PET studies in rats should be performed in the conscious state since the anesthetics dramatically modified ligand‐receptor bindings, such as DA‐D1 receptor binding, in rat brain. Synapse 54:207–213, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Preoperative diagnosis of colouterine fistula secondary to diverticulitis by sonohysterography with contrast medium
Authors: Takada T. , Nakagawa S. , Hashimoto K. , Sone K. , Kugu K. , Kozuma S. , Taketani Y. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractColouterine fistulae secondary to sigmoid diverticulitis are unusual. Methods for diagnosis remain to be established. We report a case with a colouterine fistula in which sonohysterography detected the flow of ultrasound contrast medium between the uterine cavity and the sigmoid colon through the posterior uterine wall, thus confirming the diagnosis. The diagnosis was further substantiated by a charcoal challenge test. The patient underwent en bloc resection of the uterus, Fallopian tubes, ovaries and sigmoid colon, the organs involved with diverticulitis. This is the first report to describe a colouterine fistula successfully diagnosed by sonohysterography using ultrasound contrast medium. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibility of fetal biometry
Authors: Perni S. C. , Chervenak F. A. , Kalish R. B. , Magherini‐Rothe S. , Predanic M. , Streltzoff J. , Skupski D. W. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of ultrasound measurements of fetal biometric parameters.MethodsWe assessed the intraobserver and the interobserver agreement in measurements of fetal biparietal diameter (BPD), abdominal circumference (AC), head circumference (HC) and femur length (FL) on 122 singleton pregnancies. Patients were each examined twice by the first sonographer to determine the intraobserver reliability of measurements of fetal biometry. Subsequently, during the same ultrasound examination, a second blinded sonographer measured fetal biometric parameters to assess interobserver reliability. The consensus between and among observers was analyzed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (intra‐CC) and interclass correlation coefficient (inter‐CC) and the reliability coefficients (RC, α) for the four biometric measurements. A value > 0.75 was considered a reliable consensus for the intra‐CC and inter‐CC. A Bland and Altman plot was also created for the fetal biometric parameters to assess the repeatability of the measurements.ResultsReliable consensus was observed for both the intra‐CC and inter‐CC and RC for all four biometric parameters. The intra‐CC with the 95% CI and RC for the BPD, AC, HC and FL were as follows: 0.996 (0.995, 0.997), α 0.998; 0.994 (0.992, 0.996), α 0.997; 0.996 (0.994, 0.997), α 0.998; and 0.994 (0.992, 0.996), α 0.997, respectively. Similarly, the inter‐CC with the 95% CI and RC for the same parameters were as follows: 0.995 (0.993, 0.997), α 0.998; 0.980 (0.971, 0.990), α 0.990; 0.994 (0.992, 0.996), α 0.997; and 0.990 (0.985,0.993), α 0.995, respectively. The Bland and Altman plots demonstrated a high degree of repeatability of BPD, AC, HC, and FL measurements.ConclusionOur results demonstrate that the intra‐ and interobserver reproducibility of ultrasound measurements of fetal biometry are highly reliable. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new formula for calculating weight in the fetus of ≤ 1600 g
Authors: Schild R. L. , Fell K. , Fimmers R. , Gembruch U. , Hansmann M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and test a new formula for estimating weight in the fetus of ≤ 1600 g.MethodsA formula for sonographic estimation of fetal weight was produced retrospectively from 84 singleton fetuses with a birth weight of ≤ 1600 g, examined sonographically within 1 week before delivery. Exclusion criteria were multiple pregnancy, intrauterine death and major structural or chromosomal anomalies. The new formula was then compared prospectively in an evaluation group of fetuses (n = 87) with six currently available equations for estimating weight in the preterm fetus.ResultsStepwise regression analysis with gestational age (in days) and fetal biometric parameters was employed to yield the best‐fit formula for predicting fetal weight at birth. The new formula (estimated fetal weight = 5381.193 + 150.324 × head circumference + 2.069 × femur length3 + 0.0232 × abdo‐ minal circumference3—6235.478 × log(head circumference)) proved to be superior to established equations. The lowest mean ± SD absolute error was 66.2 ± 59 g and the lowest mean absolute percentage error was 7.1 ± 5.9% SD when studied prospectively in the evaluation group. With the new formula, 48.3% of estimates fell within ±5% of the actual weight at birth, 73.6% fell within ±10%, 90.8% fell within ±15% and 95.4% fell within ±20%.ConclusionOur new formula is relatively easy to use and needs no adjustment to weight centiles or to fetal lie. It allows reliable weight estimation in the fetus ≤ 1600 g. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome and hyperreactio luteinalis are entities in continuum
Authors: Haimov‐Kochman R. , Yanai N. , Yagel S. , Amsalem H. , Lavy Y. , Hurwitz A. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractHyperreactio luteinalis (HL) and spontaneous ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) are both rare conditions during pregnancy. The clinical presentation of HL and OHSS are comparable and both should be differentiated from ovarian carcinoma. We present a case of a 32‐year‐old woman who was initially seen with markedly enlarged multicystic ovaries and ascites in the 13th week of a spontaneously conceived pregnancy. Ultrasonographic follow‐up and magnetic resonance imaging of the ovaries were employed in order to avoid exploratory laparotomy and rule out ovarian carcinoma. The patient received supportive therapy and delivered a healthy child at term. The increasing use of ultrasonography may lead to more frequent findings of multicystic ovaries in spontaneously conceived pregnancies. Making the distinction between HL and spontaneous OHSS in these cases may be difficult though clinically irrelevant as the approach to treatment is similar in both. Copyright © 2004 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Random sets of probability measures in slope hydrology and stability analysis
Authors: Hall J.W. , Rubio E. , Anderson M.G. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractWhen the variables (x1, ... xn+q) of a function y = g(x1,..., xn+q) are described by a joint probability distribution over variables x1,..., xn and a random relation over variables xn+1, ..., xn+q, the dependent variable y is described by a random set of probability measures. Starting with a brief review of the theory of random sets, the formalism of a random set of probability measures is introduced. One approach to constructing a random set from a set of interval estimates from different sources is reviewed. The use of random sets of probability measures is demonstrated in the practical context of an integrated slope hydrology and stability model called CHASM. When the parameters defining the slope stability problem are described by a random set of probability measures the analysis using CHASM generates a lower and upper cumulative probability distribution on the slope Factor of Safety. It is demonstrated how point measurements can be used to update prior imprecise information on geotechnical parameters.
Introductory remarks: Mathematical models of uncertainty
Authors: Oberguggenberger M. 
Published: October 2004

AbstractAs indicated in the preface to this volume, it is essential in the engineering modelling process that the uncertainty of input parameters is captured and formulated in mathematical terms, so that it can be propagated through numerical computations. This is a necessary requirement for a proper assessment of the output variability. This introduction serves to discuss a number of mathematical approaches, focused around generalizations of probability theory, that are able to formalize the state of knowledge about parameter uncertainty. It is a very brief introduction to the realm of what is now commonly termed imprecise probabilities [2,4]. The papers collected in this volume all use one or more of these approaches; the purpose of this introduction is to point out some unifying ideas, remarks on interpretations (correspondence rules between model and reality, or semantics), and rudiments of a hierarchical classification. To keep the presentation simple, we shall consider a single input parameter called (upper case) A, while the specific values it may take (realizations) will be denoted by lower case letters. Further, the computational engineering model produces an output as a function F(A) of the input A. Uncertainty of multivariate models, correlations and stochastic field variables have their counterparts in all the approaches discussed below; for this we refer the reader to the literature cited at the end.