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Problem statement: Recently the impacts of climate change, in particular, sea level rise, had been a major concern for many Pacific island countries. In early 2000, there were a series of media coverage over sea level rise issues using Tuvalu as an example. The daily life of Tuvalu revolves around the ocean and the immediate threat on the islands people, economy, environment and its islands is of concern to the Tuvalu government. The Tuvalu government has concluded that Tuvalu was destined to become the first nation to be sunk by global warming because it is one of the smallest and lowest-lying countries in the world. Approach: In this study, sea level data from the Australian project will be focussed on despite the fact that the length of data is not sufficiently long. The AusAID funded South Pacific Sea Level and climate monitoring project was set up in response to concerns raised by Pacific island countries over the potential impacts of an enhanced greenhouse effect on climate and sea levels in the South Pacific for 20 years. Results: Based upon the 15½ years of sea level data from the project, the sea level rise rate in Tuvalu as at september 2008 was 5.9 mM year-1. This was about four times higher than the global average of 1-2 mm year-1. Sea level in the Tuvalu area had risen approximately 9.14 cm since the inception of the project 15½ years ago. However, it was to be noted that the land is quite stable and the rate of land sinking is -0.06 mM year-1 only. Accordingly, there was no significant impact on the sea level trends. Conclusion: Although the data length is just over 15 years, the sea level trend values do not fluctuate significantly since 1999. It simply indicated that the rate of sea level rise in the Tuvalu region was not accelerating as anticipated by the community.

Previous studies showed that Asian ginseng, Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer, may have anti-cancer properties. However, there is limited data exploring the use of Asian ginseng as an adjuvant to chemotherapy, and minimal mechanistic studies related to their possible synergistic activities. In this study, the content of 8 ginsenosides, Rb1, Rb2, Rb3, Rc, Rd, Re, Rg1 and Rg3, in the extracts of white ginseng (WG) and red ginseng (RG) were determined by HPLC. Using HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells, we compared the efficacy of WG and RG. We evaluated the synergy between ginseng and 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), and explored the mechanism of their anti-proliferative effects. As single extract, WG or RG used at concentrations of 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL, inhibited HCT-116 cell proliferation in a concentration-related manner. WG at 0.2 mg/mL did not show obvious synergy with 5-FU co-treatment, while RG at 0.2 and 0.3 mg/mL significantly enhanced the anti-proliferative effects of 5-FU at concentrations of 10, 50 and 100 microM (P0.05). Using flow cytometric assay, RG 0.3 mg/mL did not affect cancer cell apoptotic induction activity. However, the RG induced cell cycle arrest in the G1 phase, while 5-FU arrested the cell in the S phase. Different ginsenoside profiles are responsible for the observed differences in pharmacological effects. The effects of 8 ginsenosides on HCT-116 cells were assayed. Rd and Rg3 showed positive anti-proliferative effect. Our data suggested a potential for RG as an adjuvant therapy in the treatment of colorectal cancer, via a synergistic action.

Problem statement: Variation of temperature, salinity and geostrophic current in the Bay of Bengal due to the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami was investigated in this project using ARGO float and absolute dynamic height topography data. This was done to determine the effect of the tsunami on the water properties in the bay. Approach: The study area was between latitudes 5o N and 25o N and longitudes 75o E and 100o E. Data from November 2004 and January 2005 were analyzed. The drift velocity of the ARGO float (within the study area) at its parking depth was calculated and compared with the geostrophic current at this depth in order to determine the appropriate reference level (level of no motion) for the study area. Results: The geostrophic current, using the Helland-Hansen equation, requires a reference level, which was then used to calculate the surface geostrophic current using the absolute dynamic height obtained from satellite altimetry. The appropriate level of no motion in the Bay of Bengal region was found to be 1500 m. As a result of the tsunami, the variation in sea surface temperature was around 2- 3oC and the variation in salinity was around 2-3 psu in the region. Accordingly, the dynamic height increased to about 20-30 dym cm just after the tsunami and abruptly changed the geostrophic surface currents pattern in Bay of Bengal. A few days after the tsunami, the geostrophic surface currents returned to normal. Conclusions: The variation of temperature and salinity in the Bay are the major causes of changes in the dynamic height, which results in the variation of geostrophic currents.

Problem statement: Water properties influence ocean primary production and drive the ocean food chain. This study depicts changes in temperature and salinity and its effects on geostrophic currents near Fiji before and after Tropical Cyclone (TC) Gene. Approach: Available Argo float data from 6 January-4 February 2008 were used for analysis since TC Gene passed the area on 28 January 2008. The dynamic height and geostrophic current data were obtained from the Aviso website. Results: The thermocline depth increased by 20 m after the cyclone. A temperature drop of approximately 3°C was also noticed in the study area. Using this drop in temperature, the heat energy removed by the cyclone was calculated to be 0.095 MWh m-2. Salinity profiles showed an increase of 0.42 psu to a depth of 35 m after the cyclone. Changes in salinity and temperature of water may also cause changes in the dynamic height and in turn the geostrophic current patterns. After plotting the geostrophic current vectors, it was observed that the current patterns changed significantly after TC gene. Seasonal changes were also evident before the cyclone. Conclusion/Recommendations: Although the lifespan of TC gene was short, its effect on the water properties near Fiji was significant as it completely changed the geostrophic current patterns and this can have a huge implication on marine life.

The chemical constituents and antiproliferative effects on SW480 human colorectal cancer cells of different plant parts of P. notoginseng were evaluated. The contents of saponins in extracts from root, rhizome, flower and berry of P. notoginseng were determined using high performance liquid chromatography. The contents and proportions of saponins were different among the four plant parts. Using the cell counting method, the antiproliferative effects were evaluated and the results indicated all four extracts, at 0.05-1.0 mg/mL, showed concentration-related antiproliferative effects on the cancer cells. The flower extract had stronger effects compared with the other three extracts; at 1.0 mg/mL, it inhibited the cell growth by 93.1% (p < 0.01). The antiproliferative effects of major saponins in notoginseng, notoginsenoside R1, ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3 and Rg1, were also evaluated, and the observed effects of major constituents support the pharmacological activities of extracts. The effects of notoginseng extracts on cell cycle and apoptosis of SW480 cells were determined using flow cytometry. Notoginseng extract can arrest the cells in S and G2/M phases. Remarkably apoptosis induction activities of notoginseng extracts were observed with the flower extract possessing the most potent effect, supporting the antiproliferative effect.

Introduction: The ecdysone inducible system potentially allows the study of conditional expression of the ex- ogenous reporter genes that may be cell lethal or alter the phenotype during the selection of transfectants. The system re- lies on two independent transfections of plasmids named pVgRXR and pIND. Disruption of the regulatory element within the plasmid during stable integration can result in silenced or high background expression of the exogenous reporter gene. Previous studies (1) have reported a transient luciferase reporter assay to screen the cell lines stably transfected with pVgRXR plasmid. However, there is no suitable method to screen the subsequent pIND transfection. In this study, we demonstrate a real time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) strategy to screen for background expression problems associ- ated with the ecdysone expression system and to simultaneously allow discrimination between the products of endoge- nously expressed and transfected genes. Method: Two screening methods were applied sequentially in order to establish a functional ecdysone expression system. Firstly, the HCT116/VgRXR#8 (a human colon cancer cell line stably transfected with pVGRXR plasmid) was estab- lished by utilising the previously reported luciferase reporter assay (1). Finally, the functional ecdysone system (HCT116/VgRXR#8/mutant p53) was established by a real time PCR screening strategy. This PCR based screening method for the exogenous reporter gene was made possible by utilizing the unique BGH polyA tail from the exogenous reporter gene. Result: Even when the same parental cell line (HCT116/VgRXR#8) was used in the subsequent transfection, background expression was still a common phenomenon. This can be monitored by efficient and sensitive real time PCR. Further- more, the primers designed in this study have high specificity for the exogenous reporter gene. Conclusion: The combined use of luciferase and real time PCR methods was necessary to enable the establishment of a tightly regulated ecdysone inducible system in mammalian cells.

Su Su Hline1, Phuong-Truc T Pham2, Phuong-Thu T Pham3, May H Aung1, Phuong-Mai T Pham4, Phuong-Chi T Pham11Olive View-UCLA Medical Center, Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, Sylmar, CA, USA; 2Pennsylvania State Worthington Scranton, Dunmore, PA, USA; 3David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA; 4Mather VA Medical Center, Mather, CA, USAAbstract: Hyponatremia is one of the most common electrolyte abnormalities linked to adverse outcomes and increased mortality in hospitalized patients. While the differential diagnosis for hyponatremia is diverse, most cases stem from arginine vasopressin (AVP) dysregulation, where hypoosmolality fails to suppress AVP synthesis and release. The physiological effects of AVP are currently known to depend on its interaction with any of 3 receptor subtypes V1A, V2, and V1B. Activation of V2 by AVP is the key in renal water regulation and maintenance of total body volume and plasma tonicity. Despite the long-recognized problem with excess AVP in euvolemic and hypervolemic hyponatremia, traditional therapeutic options have relied on nonspecific and potentially problematic strategies. More recently, a new class of drugs, introduced as “aquaretics,” has gained great attention among clinicians because of its ability to correct hyponatremia via direct competitive inhibition of AVP at V2 receptors to induce renal electrolyte-free water excretion. In this paper, we aim to review available clinical data on the only FDA-approved aquaretic, dual V1A/V2 receptor antagonist conivaptan, discuss its clinical indications, efficacy, safety profile, and comment on its clinical limitations.Keywords: conivaptan, hyponatremia, euvolemia, hypervolemia, AVP, AVP receptor antagonist

The city of Suva is home to nearly a quarter of the population of the Fiji thereby placing a lot of anthropogenic pressure on its lagoon. The Suva lagoon (comprising of Suva Harbour and Laucala Bay) has been subject to substantial sediment inputs generated by erosion and human activities. Freshwater input into the lagoon comes predominantly from the Rewa River, the largest fluvial system in the country. The high sedimentary load from the Rewa River, especially during the wet-warm period (November-April), has a strong impact on the lagoon. In addition, there are local sources of pollutant input into the lagoon via the Vatuwaqa River and the Kinoya Sewage Treatment Plant, which discharges effluents into the lagoon and degrades the marine environment. The salinity, temperature and turbidity in the Suva lagoon are some important parameters for water quality which are continuously changing with the seasons and need to be studied because they are efficient indicators of variations in the lagoon and can transform the marine ecosystem. Several field trips were undertaken in the Suva lagoon to collect hydrographical data to study the water properties in the lagoon. Results obtained showed that the salinity near the head of Laucala Bay during the wet-warm period was below 24.8 psu and was 33.7 psu during the dry-cool period (May - October). The temperature range during the wet-warm period was between 28.0-30.5°C and between 24.5-25.5°C during the dry-cool period. The turbidity was always above 3.0 FTU near the river mouths. The field results show that the variations of CTD measurements are dependent predominantly on the river discharge, while the dominant wind regime is the southeast trade winds.

Angiotensin II (angII) is known to promote atherosclerosis; however, the mechanisms involved are not fully understood. To determine whether angII stimulates proteoglycan production and LDL retention, LDL receptor-deficient mice were infused with angII (1,000 ng/kg/min) or saline via osmotic minipumps. To control for the hypertensive effect of angII, a parallel group received norepinephrine (NE; 5.6 mg/kg/day). Arterial lipid accumulation was evaluated by measuring the retention rate of LDL in isolated carotid arteries perfused ex vivo. Mice infused with angII had increased vascular content of biglycan and perlecan and retained twice as much LDL as saline- or NE-infused mice, although no group developed atherosclerosis at this time. To determine whether this increase in biglycan and perlecan content predisposed to atherosclerosis development, mice were infused with angII, saline, or NE for 4 weeks, then pumps were removed and mice received an atherogenic Western diet for another 6 weeks. Mice that had received angII infusions had 3-fold increased atherosclerosis compared with mice that had received saline or NE, and apolipoprotein B colocalized with both proteoglycans. Thus, one mechanism by which angII promotes atherosclerosis is increased proteoglycan synthesis and increased arterial LDL retention, which precedes and contributes to atherosclerosis development.

Red Asian ginseng ( Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Araliaceae) is used in many Oriental countries. In this study, the saponin constituents and anticancer activities of steamed American ginseng ( Panax quinquefolius L.) roots were evaluated. The contents of 12 ginsenosides in the roots were determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). After the steaming treatment (100 - 120 degrees C for 1 h and 120 degrees C for 0.5 - 4 h), the quantity of 7 ginsenosides decreased and that of 5 others increased. The content of ginsenoside Rg3, a previously recognized anticancer compound, increased significantly when the root was steamed at 120 degrees C for 0.5 - 3 h. The antiproliferative effects of unsteamed and steamed (120 degrees C for 1 h and 2 h) American ginseng root extracts were assayed by the modified trichrome stain (MTS) method using three cancer cell lines (SW-480, HT-29, NSCLC). Heat-processing increased the antiproliferative effect of American ginseng significantly, and the activity of the extract from roots steamed for 2 h was greater than that of roots steamed for 1 h. Chemical constituents and antiproliferative activities of white and red Asian ginseng have also been evaluated. Five representative ginsenosides, Rb1, Rd, Re, Rg2 and Rg3, were studied. Ginsenoside Rg3 had the most potent effect. The antiproliferative activities of red American ginseng are augmented when ginsenoside Rg3 is increased.

We explored the potential protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on cone photoreceptor survival in a model of rapid retinal degeneration, the ß-Pde6 (rd1) (rd1) mouse model. We injected two strains of rd1 mice (B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J and C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice) daily from postnatal day (P) 6 to P21 with TUDCA or vehicle. At P21, retinal function was evaluated with light-adapted electroretinography (ERG) and retinal structure was observed with plastic or frozen sections. TUDCA treatment partially preserved function and structure in B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J mice but only partially preserved structure in C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice. Our results suggest a possible intervention for patients undergoing rapid retinal degeneration.

We explored the potential protective effects of tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) on cone photoreceptor survival in a model of rapid retinal degeneration, the s-Pde6 (rd1) (rd1) mouse model. We injected two strains of rd1 mice (B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J and C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice) daily from postnatal day (P) 6 to P21 with TUDCA or vehicle. At P21, retinal function was evaluated with light-adapted electroretinography (ERG) and retinal structure was observed with plastic or frozen sections. TUDCA treatment partially preserved function and structure in B6.C3-Pde6b (rd1) Hps4(le)/J mice but only partially preserved structure in C57BL/6J-Pde6b (rd1-2)/J mice. Our results suggest a possible intervention for patients undergoing rapid retinal degeneration.

Background The purpose of these studies was to determine the safety of a botanical treatment for supporting healthy liver function developed in Peru. The formulation, A4+, contains extracts of Curcuma longa L. rhizome (A4R), Cordia lutea Lam. flower (A4F) and Annona muricata L. leaf (A4L). The tests were used to support an application for a non-traditional Natural Health Product Licence from the Natural Health Product Directorate of Health Canada and future clinical trials. Methods Besides reviewing the scientific and clinical information from Peru on the ingredients and conducting an initial Ames test for mutagenicity, we analysed A4+ for its chemical profile and tested genotoxicity (micronucleus test) and general toxicity (28-day repeated dose). Results A4+ and extracts from the three plants provided distinctive chemical fingerprints. A4L contained acetogenins, requiring a second chromatographic method to produce a specific fingerprint. The Ames test proved positive at the highest concentration (5,000 μg/mL) but A4+ showed no evidence of genotoxicity in the more specific mouse micronucleus test. The 28-day repeated dose (general toxicity) study in rats showed no toxicity at 2,000 mg/kg. Conclusions We conclude that under the conditions of these studies, A4+ shows no evidence of toxicity at the levels indicated. A no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 2,000 mg/kg was assigned.

In this study, we evaluated the antiproliferative effects of Panax notoginseng, ginsenoside Rb1, and notoginsenoside R1 in the human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cell line. Our results indicated that both Panax notoginseng radix extract (NRE) and Panax notoginseng rhizoma extract (NRhE) possess significant antiproliferative activities in MCF-7 cells. Compared to control group (100%), at the concentrations of 0.05, 0.5, and 1.0 mg/ml NRE, cell growth was concentration-dependently reduced to 81.0 6.1 (P 4.8 (P 1.9 (P

This study was designed to determine the changes in saponin content in American ginseng berries after treatment by heating and to assess the anticancer effects of the extracts. After steaming treatment (100-120 degrees C for 1 h, and 120 degrees C for 0.5-4 h), the content of seven ginsenosides, Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rc, Rb2, Rb3, and Rd, decreased; the content of five ginsenosides, Rh1, Rg2, 20R-Rg2, Rg3, and Rh2, increased. Rg3, a previously identified anticancer ginsenoside, increased significantly. Two hours of steaming at 120 degrees C increased the content of ginsenoside Rg3 to a greater degree than other tested ginsenosides. When human colorectal cancer cells were treated with 0.5 mg/mL steamed berry extract (120 degrees C 2 h), the antiproliferation effects were 97.8% for HCT-116 and 99.6% for SW-480 cells. At the same treatment concentration, the effects of unsteamed berry extract were 34.1% for HCT-116 and 4.9% for SW-480 cells. After staining with Hoechst 33258, apoptotic cells increased significantly by treatment with steamed berry extract compared with unheated extracts. Induction of apoptosis activity was confirmed by flow cytometry after staining with annexin V/PI. The steaming of American ginseng berries augments ginsenoside Rg3 content and increases the antiproliferative effects on two human colorectal cancer cell lines.

We previously observed that American ginseng berry and ginsenoside Re attenuated cisplatin-induced emesis in a rat model, suggesting that the herb may have a value in treating chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting. However, it is not clear whether consuming ginseng concurrently with chemotherapy affects the efficacy of chemotherapeutic agents. In this study, we explored if the ginseng extract and its constituents, ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, and Re, alter tumoricidal activity of cisplatin in human cancer cells.Tumoricidal effects of cisplatin, and/or American ginseng berry extract (AGBE) and ginsenosides Rb1, Rb3, and Re, on human breast carcinoma MCF-7 cells were measured as cell proliferation in vitro. Cell counts were performed in MCF-7 cells pretreated with test agents for 72 h.Cisplatin decreased MCF-7 cell proliferation significantly in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared to control group, cisplatin reduced the cell proliferations to 56.5+/-3.3% at 1 microg/ml, to 36.6+/-2.4% at 5 microg/ml, and to 26.9+/-2.4% at 15 microg/ml (P0.01). AGBE also inhibited the cell proliferation significantly, although in a less extended manner. When the berry extract at 0.5 mg/ml was used with cisplatin at 1 microg/ml, a significant enhancement of cisplatin's activity was observed (35.8+/-2.5%; P0.05). We also observed that Rb1 did not change cisplatin's activity; Rb3, at a higher concentration, increased cisplatin's anti-proliferation activity (48.0+/-1.2%; P0.05); Re increased cisplatin's activity (Re 0.1 mg/ml, 48.0+/-2.8%; Re 0.3 mg/ml, 31.9+/-2.2%, P0.01).Our data suggest that AGBE and the tested ginsenosides do not attenuate cisplatin's tumoricidal activity in MCF-7 cells, but in fact may actually enhance it. Additionally, the ginseng extract and ginsenoside Re by themselves exerted anti-proliferative activity against MCF-7 cells. The herb might potentially serve a complementary role with the chemotherapeutic agents in treating cancer, in addition to decreasing chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting.

An extensive study was made on the marketing and distribution systems of fresh produce in Myanmar in 2004-2005. The study sites were various farms and local markets in the central area of the country and the largest wholesale centre in Yangon. Plant brokers play the key role in the whole business. When the market is very competitive, the growers can enjoy on-firm sales tipped on their side. Normally they have to bring their produce to a buying depot situated on the main road and sell it for the day-to-day price. There can be, in some areas, a sort of growers' association selling their commodity direct to the wholesalers. Marketing systems are very interesting-quite different from region to region and from crop to crop. The same produce can be sold by number count, by weight or by volume. The discount system is also varied. The brokers try to get more advantage. The crop forecast and market intelligence of some brokers is of amazing wonder. The main means of transport is trucks and the major flow of commodities is to large markets and to the border areas. Retailers are also very active in distribution of fresh produce in the local and street markets to the consumers even up to their doorsteps in remote hamlets and fields. The quality management throughout the commodity chain is mainly physical based on local materials and traditional wisdom. However, quality of packaging is becoming common with some commercial fruits.

We evaluated the anti-diabetic effects of ginsenoside Re in adult male C57BL/6J ob/ob mice. Diabetic ob/ob mice with fasting blood glucose levels of approximately 230 mg/dl received daily intraperitoneal injections of 7, 20 and 60 mg/kg ginsenoside Re for 12 consecutive days. Dose-related effects of ginsenoside Re on fasting blood glucose levels were observed. After the 20 mg/kg treatment, fasting blood glucose levels were reduced to 188+/-9.2 and 180+/-10.8 mg/dl on Day 5 and Day 12, respectively (both P

Cisplatin, a chemotherapeutic agent, causes significant nausea and vomiting. It is postulated that cisplatin-induced oxidant stress may be responsible for these symptoms. We tested whether pretreatment with American ginseng berry extract (AGBE), an herb with potent antioxidant capacity, and one of its active antioxidant constituents, ginsenoside Re, could counter cisplatin-induced emesis using a rat pica model. In rats, exposure to emetic stimuli such as cisplatin causes significant kaolin intake, a phenomenon called pica. We therefore measured cisplatin-induced kaolin intake as an indicator of the emetic response. Rats were pretreated with vehicle, AGBE (dose range 50–150 mg/kg, IP) or ginsenoside Re (2 and 5 mg/kg, IP). Rats were treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg, IP) 30 min later. Kaolin intake, food intake, and body weight were measured every 24 h for 120 h. Additionally, the free radical scavenging activity of AGBE was measured in vitro using ESR spectroscopy. A significant dose-response relationship was observed between increasing doses of pretreatment with AGBE and reduction in cisplatin-induced pica. Kaolin intake was maximally attenuated by AGBE at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Food intake also improved significantly at this dose (P

Pain is considered the most common complaint worldwide for which patients seek treatment. Conventional analgesic agents play an important role in modern pain therapy, but they cause several adverse effects. Therefore, newer and better analgesics continue to be investigated. In this controlled clinical trial, the authors evaluated the analgesic effects of 2 herbal medicines, Corydalis yanhusuo and Angelicae dahuricae. They used the cold-pressor test-a simple, reliable, and widely used model in humans-for induction of tonic pain. They demonstrated that after a single, oral administration of the extracts of C. yanhusuo and A. dahuricae, the pain intensity and pain bothersomeness scores significantly decreased (both P < .01). Dose-related analgesic effect was also observed. Results from this study suggest that C. yanhusuo and A. dahuricae may have a potential clinical value for treating mild to moderate pain.

Valerian is a medicinal herb that produces anxiolytic and sedative effects. It was suggested that valerian acts via gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic mechanisms. Previous studies showed binding of valerian extract to GABA receptors, but the functional effect of the binding has not been demonstrated. In this study we evaluated the GABAergic effect of valerian extract and one of its major constituents, valerenic acid, on brainstem neuronal activity in an in vitro neonatal rat brainstem preparation. We first observed that muscimol, a GABA(A) receptor agonist, decreased the firing rate in most brainstem neurons in a concentration-related fashion; 30 micro M produced a 38.9% +/- 3.0% (mean +/- SE) inhibition compared with control values (P0.01; 50% inhibitory concentration [IC(50)], 2.0 +/- 0.1 microM). This effect was antagonized by bicuculline (10 microM), a GABA(A) antagonist. Then we showed that valerian extract 3 mg/mL induced a 29.6% +/- 5.1% inhibition with an IC(50) of 240 +/- 18.7 microg/mL, whereas 100 microM valerenic acid induced a 22.2% +/- 3.4% inhibition with an IC(50) of 23 +/- 2.6 microM (both P0.01). Bicuculline antagonized the inhibitory effects of both the valerian extract and valerenic acid. In addition, pretreatment with valerian extract or valerenic acid decreased the brainstem inhibitory effects produced by muscimol (both P0.05), suggesting that these compounds play an important role in the regulation of GABAergic activity. Data from this study suggest that the pharmacological effects of valerian extract and valerenic acid are mediated through modulation of GABA(A) receptor function. Thus, valerian may potentiate the sedative effects of anesthetics and other medications that act on GABA receptors, and presurgical valerian use may cause a valerian-anesthetic interaction.Valerian is an herb used in treating anxiety and insomnia. We observed that the valerian effects are mediated through brain gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in a rat brainstem preparation. Thus, valerian may potentiate the effects of anesthetics that act on GABA receptors, and presurgical valerian use may cause a valerian-anesthetic interaction.

Nausea and vomiting are significant adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents like cisplatin, and cause significant patient morbidity. Cisplatin treatment results in oxidant gut injury, which is postulated to be the primary cause of nausea and vomiting. We evaluated the effects of two antioxidant herbs, Scutellaria baicalensis and American ginseng berry, on cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting using a rat model. Rats react to emetic or nausea-producing stimuli, such as cisplatin, with altered feeding habits, manifested by increased kaolin consumption (pica). We measured pica in rats to quantify cisplatin-induced nausea. We observed that pretreatment of rats with S. baicalensis or ginseng berry extracts resulted in a significant reduction in cisplatin-induced pica. The in vitro free radical scavenging ability of the herbal extract observed in the study, further confirmed the antioxidant action of the herb. We conclude that herbal antioxidants may have a role in attenuating cisplatin-induced nausea and vomiting.

Nausea/vomiting are significant side effects associated with the use of chemotherapy in cancer patients. Treatment of nausea/vomiting caused by cisplatin, a potent chemotherapeutic agent and one of the most emetogenic stimuli, requires a combination of different antiemetic drugs. In this study, we investigated the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis, an antioxidant herbal medicine, on cisplatin-induced nausea using a rat model.Rats react to emetic/nausea-producing stimuli, such as cisplatin, with altered feeding habits, manifested by pica or increased consumption of kaolin (a type of clay). We measured pica in rats to quantify cisplatin-induced nausea, and to evaluate the antinausea effect of pretreatment with S. baicalensis extract (SbE) given intraperitoneally.Cisplatin at 3 mg/kg induced significant pica accompanied by reduced food intake, suggesting the presence of nausea. Hence, this cisplatin dose was selected for testing the antinausea activity of SbE. Cisplatin-induced pica decreased significantly when animals were pretreated with SbE at doses of 1 mg/kg and 3 mg/kg ( P0.01). At a higher SbE dose (10 mg/kg), kaolin consumption increased, rather than further decreased, and was significantly different from that in the groups treated with low SbE doses.SbE pretreatment decreased cisplatin-induced kaolin intake in the rat model of simulated nausea, suggesting that SbE and its active constituent(s) may play a therapeutic role in chemotherapy-induced emesis. Absence of therapeutic effect at the highest tested SbE dose could have been a result of prooxidant activity often associated with excess antioxidant concentration.

Using an in vitro neonatal rat gastric-brainstem preparation, the activity of majority neurons recorded in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) of the brainstem were significantly inhibited by GABA A receptor agonist, muscimol (30 microM), and this inhibition was reversed by selective GABA A receptor antagonist, bicuculline (10 microM). Application of kavalactones (300 microg/ml) and dihydrokavain (300 microM) into the brainstem compartment of the preparation also significantly reduced the discharge rate of these NTS neurons (39 % and 32 %, respectively, compared to the control level), and this reduction was partially reversed by bicuculline (10 microM). Kavalactones or dihydrokavain induced inhibitory effects were not reduced after co-application of saclofen (10 microM; a selective GABA B receptor antagonist) or naloxone (100 nM; an opioid receptor antagonist). Pretreatment with kavalactones (300 microg/ml) or dihydrokavain (300 microM) significantly decreased the NTS inhibitory effects induced by muscimol (30 microM), approximately from 51 % to 36 %. Our results demonstrated modulation of brainstem GABAergic mechanism by kavalactones and dihydrokavain, and suggested that these compounds may play an important role in regulation of GABAergic neurotransmission.

Galanin is a 29-amino acid peptide that is widely distributed throughout the central nervous system, peripheral nervous system, and gastrointestinal and genitourinary tracts. Leptin is a hormone secreted from adipose tissue and the gut and other tissues. In this study, using an in vitro neonatal rat preparation, we investigated the gastric effects of galanin and its interaction with leptin on nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) neurons receiving gastric vagal inputs. We showed that peripheral gastric galanin (300 nM) produced a mean inhibition response of 53.2 ± 2.1% compared with the control level of 100% ( P < 0.01) in 27 of 58 neurons tested. A concentration-dependent effect of galanin on NTS neuronal activity was observed. The galanin receptor antagonist [galanin-(1–12)-Pro3-(Ala-Leu)2-Ala amide], or M40, significantly reversed the galanin-induced inhibition effect ( P < 0.01). In contrast, we showed that the peripheral gastric effect of leptin (10 nM) produced a mean activation response of 167.4 ± 8.2% compared with the control level. The NTS neurons that we recorded could respond to both galanin and leptin or respond to only one of them. Subsequently, we evaluated gastric interactions between galanin and leptin on NTS unitary activity when galanin (100 nM) and leptin (10 nM) were applied together in the gastric compartment. We observed that the effect of leptin when applied alone (168.8 ± 7.7%) was reduced to 146.2 ± 4.7% after coapplication of both compounds ( P < 0.05 compared with leptin alone; P < 0.01 compared with galanin alone, 55.1 ± 3.2%). Our data suggest that galanin modulates the leptin signals, which regulate the ingestive process in neonates.

SummaryThe moisture, dry matter and soluble sugar composition of Vitis vinifera L. advanced selections of dry-on-the-vine raisins were determined over several seasons. Moisture loss from post-veraison berries occurred in a graduated stepwise manner, with a rapid decline from an initial 86±2% to 60±5% 108 d from first bloom, a slower loss and a final accelerated loss to 25±4% after 151 days from first flowering. The pattern of dry-matter accumulation was similar in large, medium, or small berries but dry matter was higher in large (0.65±0.04 g dry wt. per berry) than medium (0.52±0.03 g dry wt. per berry) or small (0.36±0.03 g dry wt. per berry raisin). Incipient browning was seen with raisin formation at the distal berry region with a higher sugar concentration than in the proximal (pedicel) region. Sucrose in the raisins exhibited two maxima, one (1.4±0.2 mg g–1 fresh wt.) 96 d from first bloom, and a second (2.4±0.4 mg g–1 fresh wt) 123 d after first bloom, with each maximum occurring before the rise in...

This paper examines the state of physics teaching and learning in the Pacific Island nations. How have things changed in teaching physics? We believe that some of the goals and many of the challenges faced today have changed very little over the years. This paper is purely based upon the authors' experiences in teaching physics at the first-year level at the University of the South Pacific (USP). USP is a typical medium-sized teaching and research university as compared to universities internationally. In the Pacific, it is the biggest university and is effectively serving the 12 Pacific Island nations. Consequently, the findings described here should represent the overall situation for the Pacific region. Perhaps some of our results will resonate with readers in other locations as well. Worldwide, university students often find studying physics to be very challenging, and only a small fraction of them choose physics as a major for their degree or as a career.1 Students at USP are not an exception, and he...

In this paper, the effect of magnet field degradation on vibration of the permanent magnet (PM) motor is analyzed. Combination of 2D and 3D FEM is carried out to identify the electromagnetic vibration sources. Vibration signals are analyzed by electromagnetic (EM) field coupled vibration analysis. Results are useful in optimal motor design for PM motor to minimize vibration and to detect the magnet field degradation failure in online and offline monitoring.

Purpose Proper visual transmission depends on the retinal ON and OFF pathways. We used Vsx1−/− mice with a retinal OFF visual pathway defect to determine the role of OFF pathway signaling in refractive development (RD) of the eye. Methods Refractive development was measured every 2 weeks in Vsx1−/−, Vsx1+/+ (both on 129S1/Sv background), and commonly used C57BL/6J mice from 4 to 12 weeks of age. Form deprivation (FD) was induced monocularly from 4 weeks of age using head-mounted diffuser goggles. Refractive state, corneal curvature, and ocular biometry were obtained weekly using photorefraction, keratometry, and 1310 nm spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Retinal dopamine and its metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate (DOPAC), were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results During normal development, the Vsx1−/− and Vsx1+/+ mice showed similar myopic refractions at younger ages (4 weeks, Vsx1−/−: −5.28±0.75 diopter (D); WT: −4.73±0.98 D) and became significantly hyperopic by 12 weeks of age (Vsx1−/−: 3.28±0.82 D; WT: 5.33±0.81 D). However, the C57BL/6J mice were relatively hyperopic at younger ages (mean refraction at 4 weeks, 3.40±0.43 D), and developed more hyperopic refractions until about 7 weeks of age (8.07±0.55 D) before stabilizing. Eight weeks of FD did not induce a myopic shift in the 129S1/Sv animals (0.16±0.85 D), as opposed to a significant shift of −4.29±0.42 D in the C57BL/6J mice. At 4 weeks of visual development, dopamine turnover (the DOPAC/dopamine ratio) was significantly greater in the 129S1/Sv mice compared to the C57BL/6J mice. FD did not alter the levels of dopamine between the goggled and opposite eyes for any genotype or strain. Conclusions OFF pathway signaling may not be critically important for normal refractive development in mice. Elevated retinal dopamine turnover in early refractive development may prevent FD myopia in 129S1/Sv mice compared to C57BL/6J mice.

PURPOSE To evaluate the utility of low luminance stimuli to functionally probe inner retinal rod pathways in the context of diabetes mellitus in both rat and human subjects. METHODS Inner retinal dysfunction was assessed using oscillatory potential (OP) delays in diabetic rats. Scotopic electroretinograms (ERGs) in response to a series of increasing flash luminances were recorded from streptozotocin (STZ)-treated and control Sprague-Dawley rats after 7, 14, 20, and 29 weeks of hyperglycemia. We then evaluated OP delays in human diabetic subjects with (DR) and without (DM) diabetic retinopathy using the International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology in Vision (ISCEV) standard scotopic protocol and two additional dim test flashes. RESULTS Beginning 7 weeks after STZ, OP implicit times in diabetic rats were progressively delayed in response to dim, but not bright stimuli. In many diabetic subjects the standard ISCEV dim flash failed to illicit measureable OPs. However, OPs became measurable using a brighter, nonstandard dim flash (Test Flash 1, -1.43 log cd s/m2), and exhibited prolonged implicit times in the DM group compared with control subjects (CTRL). CONCLUSIONS Delays in scotopic OP implicit times are an early response to hyperglycemia in diabetic rats. A similar, inner retinal, rod-driven response was detected in diabetic human subjects without diabetic retinopathy, only when a nonstandard ISCEV flash intensity was employed during ERG testing. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE The addition of a dim stimulus to standard ISCEV flashes with assessment of OP latency during ERG testing may provide a detection method for early retinal dysfunction in diabetic patients.

SummaryInvestigations were conducted to ascertain whether the 558C heat shock induced changes in soluble sugars of the exocarp(flavedo) of lemons, Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F., derived from two distinct climatic growing regions. The exocarp sugars of coastal- and desert-grown lemons were quantitatively different, but both geographically different lemonsresponded with sucrose increases to 558C heat shock of >3 min duration. However, the responses were influenced by fruit maturity and seasonal factors. When comparing the response of coastal- and desert-grown lemons to heat shock treatment, the exocarp sucrose levels were noteworthy. Heat shock significantly increased sucrose level of early-season coastal lemon more than mid- to late-season lemons. In contrast, late-season desert lemon showed a striking response to the heat shock treatment, with a greater increase in sucrose than mid- and early-season lemons. These results suggest a physiological basis for the differential responses to heat treatment of lemons...

SummaryThe content and changes in flavedo soluble sugars of Citrus limon (L.) Burm. F. of different maturity derived from coastal and desert climatic regions to two postharvest conditioning temperatures of 158C and 108C were determined. Conditioning caused significant changes of flavedo soluble sugars in lemons of the two geographic areas. Raffinose level increased with duration of conditioning in both desert and coastal lemons and was slightly higher at 108C than at 158C conditioning. The flavedo sucrose content of green coastal lemons was greater than silver or yellow lemons and increased significantly in silver and yellow lemons after conditioning for 3 d at 158Cor108C, but declined significantly in all maturity classes to a low level with conditioning of more than 3 d. In contrast, the flavedo sucrose content of green and yellow desert lemons was 2.8–fold and 1.7–fold greater, respectively, than comparable coastal lemon flavedo, with the green lemon flavedo showing a significant gradual decrease with ...

SummaryThe changes in flavedo soluble sugars of lemon, Citrus limon (L.) Burm. cv. Eureka, to conditioning and heat treatment were determined. Raffinose significantly increased with 3–6 d conditioning at 15·C with 85% relative humidity but sucrose significantly decreased in flavedo of lemons after 6 d of conditioning. Glucose and fructose contents were not altered significantly. Heat treatment of lemons at 55·C for 5 min significantly increased sucrose content of flavedo, but the raffinose content was unaffected while glucose and fructose contents decreased slightly. The content of fructose in green lemon flavedo was significantly lower than in yellow lemon flavedo, but the content of glucose, sucrose and raffinose tended to be slightly higher. The probable involvement of soluble sugars of lemon flavedo in moderating stress and in protecting cellular membranes from temperature extremes and desiccation is discussed.

Dopamine (DA) functions as an essential neuromodulator in the brain and retina such that disruptions in the dopaminergic system are associated with common neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease. Although a reduction in DA content has been observed in diabetes, its effects in the development of diabetes-induced neuropathy remains unknown. Because the retina is rich in DA and has a well known diabetes-induced pathology (diabetic retinopathy or DR), this study was designed to examine the role of retinal DA deficiency in early visual defects in DR. Using rodent models of type 1 diabetes mellitus, we investigated whether diabetes caused a reduction in retinal DA content in both rats and mice and determined whether restoring DA levels or activating specific DA receptor pathways could improve visual function (evaluated with optokinetic tracking response) of diabetic mice, potentially via improvement of retinal function (assessed with electroretinography). We found that diabetes significantly reduced DA levels by 4 weeks in rats and by 5 weeks in mice, coincident with the initial detection of visual deficits. Treatment withl-DOPA, a DA precursor, improved overall retinal and visual functions in diabetic mice and acute treatment with DA D1 or D4 receptor agonists improved spatial frequency threshold or contrast sensitivity, respectively. Together, our results indicate that retinal DA deficiency is an underlying mechanism for early, diabetes-induced visual dysfunction and suggest that therapies targeting the retinal dopaminergic system may be beneficial in early-stage DR.

(1997). The Importance of Marine Science in the Pacific Islands. Maritime Studies: Vol. 1997, No. 97, pp. 16-20.

The authors, one a medical anthropologist and the other a medical doctor, investigated the claims of three acquaintances who include psychic diagnosis in the services they provide to clients. An experiment was designed that allowed each of the three psychics to diagnose five volunteers, patients of S. K. H. Aung, one at a time while hidden behind a screen. The results of the psychic diagnoses were then compared with the medical records of the patients. Results indicate some correspondence between the psychic diagnoses and the medical records, but the correspondence was not sufficiently impressive to warrant considering psychic diagnosis as a useful altemative method for diagnosing disease. It would appear that patients relying solely on psychic diagnosis as the basis for therapy are at risk of serious medical problems going undetected. Future research, with a larger sample of patients and psychic diagnosticians, is required to substantiate this conclusion.

Release, localization, and concentration of essential oils in chilling-injured and noninjured lemon [Citrus limon (L.) Burm.] fruit were investigated to enhance understanding of how chilling injury (CI) occurs in lemon. CI in the form of moderate to severe pitting of the flavedo was initially apparent after 3 weeks at 1 °C, followed by a gradual increase in severity until termination of the experiment after 7 weeks at 1 °C. Curing the fruit at 15 °C for 1 week before cold treatment greatly reduced the severity of CI. Release from the fruit of d-limonene, a major component of essential oil in lemon, increased with increasing amounts of CI. The enhancement of d-limonene release, however, lagged behind the development of CI. Studies of the internal anatomy of the flavedo using confocal microscopy indicated that essential oils were abundantly present inside the oil gland and in oil bodies outside the gland. Chilling-injured flavedo exhibited no obvious disruption of either the oil glands or the oil bodies. Extraction and quantification of d-limonene from chilling-injured and noninjured flavedo indicated that similar amounts of oil were present in the tissue, regardless of injury. Damage to the flavedo after 3 weeks at 1 °C was noted in the form of flattened or collapsed cells between the top of the gland and the epidermis, whereas collapse of the oil gland only was observed in later stages of injury development.

TheBirminghamhip resurfacing arthroplasty is oneof a number of metal on metal options being pursued in theUKat themoment.Designed byMcMinn it consists of an acetabular and a femoral component, both made of cobalt chrome. The femoral component is cemented in place. This arthroplasty aims to avoid some of the problems associated with conventional total hip replacements, such as high volumetricwear, polyethylene debris, osteolysis and loosening. A series of 446 hip resurfacings performed over a seven year period has recently been published and suggested low complication and failure rates. No failure was reported related to the bearing or fixation and only one hip in the series was revised due to avascular necrosis of the femoral head. McMinn’s personal failure rate was 0.6%. The Birmingham hip may therefore be ideal for the younger patient with osteoarthritis in clinical need of a hip replacement. Fractures associated with resurfacing arthroplasty are classically subcapital fractures related to operative technique if they occur early or secondary to avascular necrosis or a foreign body response to wear at a later stage.

SummaryVolatile emanation from whole lemon fruits was determined following hot-water or cold treatments to examine the relationship between liberation of essential oils from the oil glands and the deleterious effects of these treatments. Headspace analysis indicated that β-pinene, d-limonene and -γ-terpinene were the most abundant volatiles, comprising 8, 42 and 21%, respectively, of the total amount. Due to its abundance, d-limonene was selected as the essential oil component to be quantified following treatment. Hot-water treatments for 10 min at 48°C and below were non-injurious to both yellow and green fruit, with injury in the form of lesions on the rind beginning to occur at 50°C (yellow) and 52°C (green), and increasing in severity up to 58°C, the highest temperature tested. D-limonene emanation increased correspondingly with increasing injury. Green lemons were injured more severely than yellow and tended to release more d-limonene, especially at higher temperatures. Curing at 15 and 20°C for 6 d ...

SummaryChayote fruit quality deteriorates with storage. At 25°C postharvest storage, fruit lost 1.3% of its fresh weight per day compared with 0.5% day–1 at 15°C or 0.02% day–1 at 10°C. The rate of weight loss was 2–5 fold greater at 25°C than at 15°C or 10°C. During the five weeks of storage, unwrapped fruit lost over 40% of their fresh weight at 25°C, 18.9% at 15°C and 13.0% at 10°C. The shrivelled appearance due to weight loss detracts from the utility, appeal and salability of the fruits. Wrapping the fruit in a commercial grade polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film significantly reduced weight loss. The weight loss for the five-week storage period of PVC wrapped fruit was 8.3% at 25°C, 4.0% at 15°C and 1.3% at 10°C. The best storage of fruits was obtained with PVC film wrap at 10°C. Firmness of the skin (exocarp) and flesh (mesocarp) of the fruit remained relatively unaffected by storage at 10°C–25°C. An average skin firmness of an edible chayote fruit measured 22.1 ± 2.7 N and the flesh 14.3 ± 0.8 N. The fi...

Storage of broccoli (Brassica oleracea L., Italica Group) under conditions of low O2, concentration extends its shelf life. Excessively low O2, however, leads to the formation of an offensive odour which is primarily due to the emission of methanethiol. In this study, we investigated the initial induction and control of methanethiol production of broccoli florets exposed to various levels of O2, and CO2, over short-term periods of 10 h or less. Lowering the O2 concentration surrounding the broccoli florets by continuously flowing N, through the sample containers acted to initiate the production of methanethiol within 1 h after the O2 concentration had reached 0.5%. After initiation the rate of production showed a slow but steady increase during the 10 h of experimentation. In contrast, introduction of O2 into the sample containers while the broccoli florets were actively producing methanethiol led to a rapid 79% drop in the amount of methanethiol detected within 15 min, followed by a complete absence of m...