Asparagus - A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References

ASPARAGUS A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES J AMES N. ...

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ASPARAGUS A M EDICAL D ICTIONARY , B IBLIOGRAPHY , AND A NNOTATED R ESEARCH G UIDE TO I NTERNET R E FERENCES

J AMES N. P ARKER , M.D. AND P HILIP M. P ARKER , P H .D., E DITORS

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ICON Health Publications ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, 4th Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Copyright 2003 by ICON Group International, Inc. Copyright 2003 by ICON Group International, Inc. All rights reserved. This book is protected by copyright. No part of it may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher. Printed in the United States of America. Last digit indicates print number: 10 9 8 7 6 4 5 3 2 1

Publisher, Health Care: Philip Parker, Ph.D. Editor(s): James Parker, M.D., Philip Parker, Ph.D. Publisher's note: The ideas, procedures, and suggestions contained in this book are not intended for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. As new medical or scientific information becomes available from academic and clinical research, recommended treatments and drug therapies may undergo changes. The authors, editors, and publisher have attempted to make the information in this book up to date and accurate in accord with accepted standards at the time of publication. The authors, editors, and publisher are not responsible for errors or omissions or for consequences from application of the book, and make no warranty, expressed or implied, in regard to the contents of this book. Any practice described in this book should be applied by the reader in accordance with professional standards of care used in regard to the unique circumstances that may apply in each situation. The reader is advised to always check product information (package inserts) for changes and new information regarding dosage and contraindications before prescribing any drug or pharmacological product. Caution is especially urged when using new or infrequently ordered drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, alternative therapies, complementary therapies and medicines, and integrative medical treatments. Cataloging-in-Publication Data Parker, James N., 1961Parker, Philip M., 1960Asparagus: A Medical Dictionary, Bibliography, and Annotated Research Guide to Internet References / James N. Parker and Philip M. Parker, editors p. cm. Includes bibliographical references, glossary, and index. ISBN: 0-597-83780-5 1. Asparagus-Popular works. I. Title.

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Disclaimer This publication is not intended to be used for the diagnosis or treatment of a health problem. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher, editors, and authors are not engaging in the rendering of medical, psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. References to any entity, product, service, or source of information that may be contained in this publication should not be considered an endorsement, either direct or implied, by the publisher, editors, or authors. ICON Group International, Inc., the editors, and the authors are not responsible for the content of any Web pages or publications referenced in this publication.

Copyright Notice If a physician wishes to copy limited passages from this book for patient use, this right is automatically granted without written permission from ICON Group International, Inc. (ICON Group). However, all of ICON Group publications have copyrights. With exception to the above, copying our publications in whole or in part, for whatever reason, is a violation of copyright laws and can lead to penalties and fines. Should you want to copy tables, graphs, or other materials, please contact us to request permission (E-mail: [email protected]). ICON Group often grants permission for very limited reproduction of our publications for internal use, press releases, and academic research. Such reproduction requires confirmed permission from ICON Group International Inc. The disclaimer above must accompany all reproductions, in whole or in part, of this book.

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Acknowledgements The collective knowledge generated from academic and applied research summarized in various references has been critical in the creation of this book which is best viewed as a comprehensive compilation and collection of information prepared by various official agencies which produce publications on asparagus. Books in this series draw from various agencies and institutions associated with the United States Department of Health and Human Services, and in particular, the Office of the Secretary of Health and Human Services (OS), the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), the Administration on Aging (AOA), the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Healthcare Financing Administration (HCFA), the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the Indian Health Service (IHS), the institutions of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Program Support Center (PSC), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In addition to these sources, information gathered from the National Library of Medicine, the United States Patent Office, the European Union, and their related organizations has been invaluable in the creation of this book. Some of the work represented was financially supported by the Research and Development Committee at INSEAD. This support is gratefully acknowledged. Finally, special thanks are owed to Tiffany Freeman for her excellent editorial support.

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About the Editors James N. Parker, M.D. Dr. James N. Parker received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Riverside and his M.D. from the University of California, San Diego. In addition to authoring numerous research publications, he has lectured at various academic institutions. Dr. Parker is the medical editor for health books by ICON Health Publications. Philip M. Parker, Ph.D. Philip M. Parker is the Eli Lilly Chair Professor of Innovation, Business and Society at INSEAD (Fontainebleau, France and Singapore). Dr. Parker has also been Professor at the University of California, San Diego and has taught courses at Harvard University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Stanford University, and UCLA. Dr. Parker is the associate editor for ICON Health Publications.

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About ICON Health Publications To discover more about ICON Health Publications, simply check with your preferred online booksellers, including Barnes & Noble.com and Amazon.com which currently carry all of our titles. Or, feel free to contact us directly for bulk purchases or institutional discounts: ICON Group International, Inc. 4370 La Jolla Village Drive, Fourth Floor San Diego, CA 92122 USA Fax: 858-546-4341 Web site: www.icongrouponline.com/health

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Table of Contents FORWARD .......................................................................................................................................... 1 CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON ASPARAGUS .............................................................................................. 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Asparagus ..................................................................................... 5 E-Journals: PubMed Central ......................................................................................................... 5 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed .................................................................................. 6 CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND ASPARAGUS .................................................................................... 11 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 11 Finding Nutrition Studies on Asparagus .................................................................................... 11 Federal Resources on Nutrition ................................................................................................... 18 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 18 CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND ASPARAGUS .............................................................. 21 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 21 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.................................................. 21 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 26 General References ....................................................................................................................... 29 CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON ASPARAGUS ................................................................................ 31 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 31 Dissertations on Asparagus ......................................................................................................... 31 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 32 CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON ASPARAGUS ........................................................................................... 33 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 33 Patents on Asparagus .................................................................................................................. 33 Patent Applications on Asparagus .............................................................................................. 62 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 65 CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON ASPARAGUS .............................................................................................. 67 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 67 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers........................................................................................... 67 Chapters on Asparagus ................................................................................................................ 69 CHAPTER 7. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON ASPARAGUS ................................................................. 71 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 71 News Services and Press Releases................................................................................................ 71 Newsletter Articles ...................................................................................................................... 72 Academic Periodicals covering Asparagus................................................................................... 73 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 77 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 77 NIH Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 77 NIH Databases............................................................................................................................. 79 Other Commercial Databases....................................................................................................... 81 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 83 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 83 Patient Guideline Sources............................................................................................................ 83 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................... 85 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES .................................................................................. 87 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 87 Preparation................................................................................................................................... 87 Finding a Local Medical Library.................................................................................................. 87 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................... 87 ONLINE GLOSSARIES.................................................................................................................. 93

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Online Dictionary Directories ..................................................................................................... 93 ASPARAGUS DICTIONARY........................................................................................................ 95 INDEX .............................................................................................................................................. 125

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FORWARD In March 2001, the National Institutes of Health issued the following warning: "The number of Web sites offering health-related resources grows every day. Many sites provide valuable information, while others may have information that is unreliable or misleading."1 Furthermore, because of the rapid increase in Internet-based information, many hours can be wasted searching, selecting, and printing. Since only the smallest fraction of information dealing with asparagus is indexed in search engines, such as www.google.com or others, a non-systematic approach to Internet research can be not only time consuming, but also incomplete. This book was created for medical professionals, students, and members of the general public who want to know as much as possible about asparagus, using the most advanced research tools available and spending the least amount of time doing so. In addition to offering a structured and comprehensive bibliography, the pages that follow will tell you where and how to find reliable information covering virtually all topics related to asparagus, from the essentials to the most advanced areas of research. Public, academic, government, and peer-reviewed research studies are emphasized. Various abstracts are reproduced to give you some of the latest official information available to date on asparagus. Abundant guidance is given on how to obtain free-of-charge primary research results via the Internet. While this book focuses on the field of medicine, when some sources provide access to non-medical information relating to asparagus, these are noted in the text. E-book and electronic versions of this book are fully interactive with each of the Internet sites mentioned (clicking on a hyperlink automatically opens your browser to the site indicated). If you are using the hard copy version of this book, you can access a cited Web site by typing the provided Web address directly into your Internet browser. You may find it useful to refer to synonyms or related terms when accessing these Internet databases. NOTE: At the time of publication, the Web addresses were functional. However, some links may fail due to URL address changes, which is a common occurrence on the Internet. For readers unfamiliar with the Internet, detailed instructions are offered on how to access electronic resources. For readers unfamiliar with medical terminology, a comprehensive glossary is provided. For readers without access to Internet resources, a directory of medical libraries, that have or can locate references cited here, is given. We hope these resources will prove useful to the widest possible audience seeking information on asparagus. The Editors

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From the NIH, National Cancer Institute (NCI): http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/ten-things-to-know.

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CHAPTER 1. STUDIES ON ASPARAGUS Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on asparagus.

The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and asparagus, you will need to use the advanced search options. First, go to http://chid.nih.gov/index.html. From there, select the “Detailed Search” option (or go directly to that page with the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html). The trick in extracting studies is found in the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Journal Article.” At the top of the search form, select the number of records you would like to see (we recommend 100) and check the box to display “whole records.” We recommend that you type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. Consider using the option “anywhere in record” to make your search as broad as possible. If you want to limit the search to only a particular field, such as the title of the journal, then select this option in the “Search in these fields” drop box. The following is what you can expect from this type of search: •

Incontinence: Available Resources Source: Journal of Urological Nursing. 9(2): 885-886. April-May-June 1990. Summary: Staying clean and fresh is the best way of controlling odors associated with urinary incontinence. This means washing and drying the skin thoroughly at each padding or appliance change with soap or a perineal wash, as well as use of fungicidal and antiseptic moisturizing creams if needed. Some disposable pads have built-in deodorizers. Urinary equipment should be cleansed at least once every 24 hours, and surfaces exposed to urine should be 'decrystalized' by using an acidic cleaner. Urine odor can also be reduced by drinking lots of fluids since diluted, uninfected urine does not have a strong or unpleasant odor. Avoidance of certain foods, such as coffee or asparagus, is also recommended.

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Herbal Remedies, Nephropathies, and Renal Disease Source: Nephrology Nursing Journal. 27(5): 473-478. October 2000. Contact: Available from American Nephrology Nurses' Association. East Holly Avenue, Box 56, Pitman, NJ 08071-0056. (856) 256-2320. Fax (856) 589-7463. Website: www.annanurse.org. Summary: The use of herbal remedies is becoming increasingly popular in the United States. Research has shown that herbal remedy use may be associated with acute renal (kidney) failure (ARF). In addition, the use of herbal remedies may be detrimental for the patient with compromised kidney function. This article describes the escalating use of herbal therapy and the potential hazards of herbal remedy use among patients with renal disease. The author cautions that patients with renal insufficiency or renal failure may be at risk for further kidney damage as well as complications related to interactions of herbal remedies with complex renal therapy regimens. Nephrology nurses must be aware of patients' use of herbal remedies. Questions related to use of herbal remedies should be addressed with initial patient interviews. In addition, promoting open, honest dialogue allows patients to feel comfortable sharing concerns related to the use of herbal remedies and allows the practitioner to be involved in the patient's decision whether or not to use herbal treatments. One chart summarizes the uses, adverse effects, and renal effects (where known) of commonly used herbal remedies, including aloe, aristolochic acid, asparagus root, buckthorn bark or berry, Cascara Sagrada bark, cat's claw, cianidanol, echinacea, garlic, ginkgo biloba, ginger, juniper berry, licorice root, lovage root, parsley herb or root, rhubarb root, St. John's Wort, senna leaf or pod, valerian, and white sandalwood. The article can be used to obtain continuing education credits (1.3 contact hours). 1 table. 30 references.

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Toss Your Troubles Away Source: Cooking Light. 11(4):87-92; May 1997. Summary: This article discusses the food value of pasta, especially as an easy-to-make healthy meal. A collection of pasta recipes accompanies the article. Included are such dishes as Pasta Alfredo with Swiss Chard, Linguine and Chicken Florentine, Pasta Carbonara with Asparagus and Penne with Roasted Vegetables and Goat Cheese.

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What You Can Do to Prevent and Treat Constipation Source: Guide to Women's Health. 12, 14. April 2001. Contact: Available from Springhouse Corporation. 1111 Bethlehem Pike, P.O. Box 908, Springhouse, PA 19477. (215) 646-8700. Fax (215) 540-0668. Summary: This fact sheet reviews strategies that readers can follow to prevent and treat constipation. Most cases of constipation are temporary and not serious. Poor diet and lack of exercise are usually to blame, and in most cases, simple dietary and lifestyle changes will relieve symptoms and help prevent constipation from recurring. A diet with enough fiber (20 to 35 grams each day) helps form soft, bulky stool. Good sources of fiber include beans, whole grains and bran cereals, fresh fruits, and vegetables such as asparagus, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and carrots. Other changes that can help treat and prevent constipation include: drinking enough water and other liquids; engaging in daily exercise; reserving enough time to have a bowel movement; and not ignoring the urge to have a bowel movement. Health care providers may recommend laxatives or enemas for a limited time in patients who have a slow response to these lifestyle changes. The fact sheet outlines different types of laxatives, including bulk forming

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laxatives, stimulants, stool softeners, and saline laxatives. For chronic constipation or constipation caused by problems such as rectal prolapse, anorectal dysfunction, or colonic inertia, surgical options may be recommended by the health care provider. One sidebar lists the common causes of constipation.

Federally Funded Research on Asparagus The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to asparagus. These studies are tracked by the Office of Extramural Research at the National Institutes of Health.2 CRISP (Computerized Retrieval of Information on Scientific Projects) is a searchable database of federally funded biomedical research projects conducted at universities, hospitals, and other institutions. Search the CRISP Web site at http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/crisp_query.generate_screen. You will have the option to perform targeted searches by various criteria, including geography, date, and topics related to asparagus. For most of the studies, the agencies reporting into CRISP provide summaries or abstracts. As opposed to clinical trial research using patients, many federally funded studies use animals or simulated models to explore asparagus.

E-Journals: PubMed Central3 PubMed Central (PMC) is a digital archive of life sciences journal literature developed and managed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM).4 Access to this growing archive of e-journals is free and unrestricted.5 To search, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=Pmc, and type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box. This search gives you access to full-text articles. The following is a sample of items found for asparagus in the PubMed Central database: •

Cloning of a harvest-induced beta-galactosidase from tips of harvested asparagus spears. by King GA, Davies KM.; 1995 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/picrender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&action=stream&blobt ype=pdf&artid=157349

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Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone for a harvest-induced asparagine synthetase from Asparagus officinalis L. by Davies KM, King GA.; 1993 Aug; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=158925

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Healthcare projects are funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP), Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), and Office of Assistant Secretary of Health (OASH). 3 Adapted from the National Library of Medicine: http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/about/intro.html. 4

With PubMed Central, NCBI is taking the lead in preservation and maintenance of open access to electronic literature, just as NLM has done for decades with printed biomedical literature. PubMed Central aims to become a world-class library of the digital age. 5 The value of PubMed Central, in addition to its role as an archive, lies in the availability of data from diverse sources stored in a common format in a single repository. Many journals already have online publishing operations, and there is a growing tendency to publish material online only, to the exclusion of print.

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Phytosulfokine, Sulfated Peptides that Induce the Proliferation of Single Mesophyll Cells of Asparagus officinalis L. by Matsubayashi Y, Sakagami Y.; 1996 Jul 23; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=38796

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Similarities in Gene Expression during the Postharvest-Induced Senescence of Spears and Natural Foliar Senescence of Asparagus. by King GA, Davies KM, Stewart RJ, Borst WM.; 1995 May; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=157312

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Sugar regulation of harvest-related genes in asparagus. by Davies KM, Seelye JF, Irving DE, Borst WM, Hurst PL, King GA.; 1996 Jul; http://www.pubmedcentral.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pmcentrez&rendertype=abstr act&artid=157906

The National Library of Medicine: PubMed One of the quickest and most comprehensive ways to find academic studies in both English and other languages is to use PubMed, maintained by the National Library of Medicine.6 The advantage of PubMed over previously mentioned sources is that it covers a greater number of domestic and foreign references. It is also free to use. If the publisher has a Web site that offers full text of its journals, PubMed will provide links to that site, as well as to sites offering other related data. User registration, a subscription fee, or some other type of fee may be required to access the full text of articles in some journals. To generate your own bibliography of studies dealing with asparagus, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for asparagus (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •

A note on polymorphism: the ability to smell urinary metabolites of asparagus. Author(s): Hoffenberg L. Source: Diastema. 1983; 11: 37-8. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6584373&dopt=Abstract

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A polymorphism of the ability to smell urinary metabolites of asparagus. Author(s): Lison M, Blondheim SH, Melmed RN. Source: British Medical Journal. 1980 December 20-27; 281(6256): 1676-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7448566&dopt=Abstract

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PubMed was developed by the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The PubMed database was developed in conjunction with publishers of biomedical literature as a search tool for accessing literature citations and linking to full-text journal articles at Web sites of participating publishers. Publishers that participate in PubMed supply NLM with their citations electronically prior to or at the time of publication.

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Acute urticaria after ingestion of asparagus. Author(s): Escribano MM, Munoz-Bellido FJ, Serrano P, de la Calle A, Conde J. Source: Allergy. 1998 June; 53(6): 622-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9689348&dopt=Abstract

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Antiprotozoal compounds from Asparagus africanus. Author(s): Oketch-Rabah HA, Dossaji SF, Christensen SB, Frydenvang K, Lemmich E, Cornett C, Olsen CE, Chen M, Kharazmi A, Theander T. Source: Journal of Natural Products. 1997 October; 60(10): 1017-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9358645&dopt=Abstract

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Asparagus and malodorous urine. Author(s): Mitchell SC. Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1989 May; 27(5): 641-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2757888&dopt=Abstract

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Characterization of asparagus allergens: a relevant role of lipid transfer proteins. Author(s): Diaz-Perales A, Tabar AI, Sanchez-Monge R, Garcia BE, Gomez B, Barber D, Salcedo G. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 2002 November; 110(5): 790-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12417890&dopt=Abstract

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Effects of processing on dietary fibre content of asparagus. Author(s): Heredia A, Guillen R, Sanchez C, Jimenez A, Felizon B, Fernandez-Bolanos J. Source: European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1995 October; 49 Suppl 3: S268-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8549544&dopt=Abstract

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Food idiosyncrasies: beetroot and asparagus. Author(s): Mitchell SC. Source: Drug Metabolism and Disposition: the Biological Fate of Chemicals. 2001 April; 29(4 Pt 2): 539-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11259347&dopt=Abstract

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From asparagus to zucchini: mapping cognitive space for vegetable names. Author(s): Drewnowski A. Source: Journal of the American College of Nutrition. 1996 April; 15(2): 147-53. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8778144&dopt=Abstract

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Immunologic contact urticaria caused by asparagus. Author(s): Sanchez MC, Hernandez M, Morena V, Guardia P, Gonzalez J, Monteiserin J, Garcia-Bravo BB, Conde J. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 1997 October; 37(4): 181-2. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9385515&dopt=Abstract

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Isolation and characterization of a cDNA clone for a harvest-induced asparagine synthetase from Asparagus officinalis L. Author(s): Davies KM, King GA. Source: Plant Physiology. 1993 August; 102(4): 1337-40. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7904077&dopt=Abstract

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Occurrence of S-methyl thioesters in urines of humans after they have eaten asparagus. Author(s): White RH. Source: Science. 1975 September 5; 189(4205): 810-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1162354&dopt=Abstract

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Odorous urine following asparagus ingestion in man. Author(s): Mitchell SC, Waring RH, Land D, Thorpe WV. Source: Experientia. 1987 April 15; 43(4): 382-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3569485&dopt=Abstract

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Odorous urine in man after asparagus. Author(s): Richer C, Decker N, Belin J, Imbs JL, Montastruc JL, Giudicelli JF. Source: British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology. 1989 May; 27(5): 640-1. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2757887&dopt=Abstract

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Ribosome-inactivating proteins from the seeds of Saponaria officinalis L. (soapwort), of Agrostemma githago L. (corn cockle) and of Asparagus officinalis L. (asparagus), and from the latex of Hura crepitans L. (sandbox tree). Author(s): Stirpe F, Gasperi-Campani A, Barbieri L, Falasca A, Abbondanza A, Stevens WA. Source: The Biochemical Journal. 1983 December 15; 216(3): 617-25. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6667259&dopt=Abstract

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Severe botulism after eating home-preserved asparagus. Author(s): Paterson DL, King MA, Boyle RS, Pond SM, Whitby M, Wright M, Henderson A. Source: The Medical Journal of Australia. 1992 August 17; 157(4): 269-70. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1435446&dopt=Abstract

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The chemical nature of the urinary odour produced by man after asparagus ingestion. Author(s): Waring RH, Mitchell SC, Fenwick GR. Source: Xenobiotica; the Fate of Foreign Compounds in Biological Systems. 1987 November; 17(11): 1363-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3433805&dopt=Abstract

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This and that: chocolate addiction, the dual pharmacogenetics of asparagus eaters, and the arithmetic of freedom. Author(s): Max B. Source: Trends in Pharmacological Sciences. 1989 October; 10(10): 390-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2617661&dopt=Abstract

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Trends and nutritional significance of mineral content in fresh white asparagus spears. Author(s): Amaro-Lopez MA, Zurera-Cosano G, Moreno-Rojas R. Source: International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition. 1998 September; 49(5): 35363. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10367005&dopt=Abstract

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Two novel oligosaccharides formed by 1F-fructosyltransferase purified from roots of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.). Author(s): Yamamori A, Onodera S, Kikuchi M, Shiomi N. Source: Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry. 2002 June; 66(6): 1419-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12162573&dopt=Abstract

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Volatile organic components in human urine after ingestion of asparagus. Author(s): Gearhart HL, Pierce SK, Payne-Bose D. Source: Clinical Chemistry. 1977 October; 23(10): 1941. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=902428&dopt=Abstract

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You're in for a treat: asparagus. Author(s): Sugarman J, Neelon FA. Source: N C Med J. 1985 June; 46(6): 332-4. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3860737&dopt=Abstract

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CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND ASPARAGUS Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and asparagus.

Finding Nutrition Studies on Asparagus The National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) offers a searchable bibliographic database called the IBIDS (International Bibliographic Information on Dietary Supplements; National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 1B29, 31 Center Drive, MSC 2086, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-2086, Tel: 301-435-2920, Fax: 301-480-1845, E-mail: [email protected]). The IBIDS contains over 460,000 scientific citations and summaries about dietary supplements and nutrition as well as references to published international, scientific literature on dietary supplements such as vitamins, minerals, and botanicals.7 The IBIDS includes references and citations to both human and animal research studies. As a service of the ODS, access to the IBIDS database is available free of charge at the following Web address: http://ods.od.nih.gov/databases/ibids.html. After entering the search area, you have three choices: (1) IBIDS Consumer Database, (2) Full IBIDS Database, or (3) Peer Reviewed Citations Only. Now that you have selected a database, click on the “Advanced” tab. An advanced search allows you to retrieve up to 100 fully explained references in a comprehensive format. Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field.

7 Adapted from http://ods.od.nih.gov. IBIDS is produced by the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) at the National Institutes of Health to assist the public, healthcare providers, educators, and researchers in locating credible, scientific information on dietary supplements. IBIDS was developed and will be maintained through an interagency partnership with the Food and Nutrition Information Center of the National Agricultural Library, U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to search for “asparagus” (or a synonym): •

Research on fiber content of asparagus spears [Asparagus officinalis L. - Campania]. Author(s): Naples Univ., Portici (Italy). Dipartimento di Scienze Agronomiche e Genetica Vegetale Stazione Sperimentale per l' Industria delle Conserve Alimentari (SSICA), Parma (Italy) Source: Caruso, G. Martino, E. de Industria-Conserve (Italy). (Oct-December 2001). volume 76(4) page 355-363.

Additional physician-oriented references include: •

(+)-Nyasol from Asparagus cochinchinensis. Source: Tsui, W.Y. Brown, G.D. Phytochemistry-Oxford. Oxford : Elsevier Science Ltd. December 1996. volume 43 (6) page 1413-1415. 0031-9422

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(9Z)-Capsanthin-5,6-epoxide, a new carotenoid from the fruits of Asparagus falcatus. Source: Molnar, P. Deli, J. Toth, G. Haberli, A. Pfander, H. Bernhard, K. J-nat-prod. Washington, D.C. : American Society of Pharmacognosy. Sept 2001. volume 64 (9) page 1254-1255. 0163-3864

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1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, a first contact allergen from Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae). Author(s): Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, Hamburg, Germany. Source: Hausen, B M Wolf, C Am-J-Contact-Dermat. 1996 March; 7(1): 41-6 1046-199X

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A 9,10-dihydrophenanthrene from Asparagus racemosus. Source: Sekine, T. Fukasawa, N. Murakoshi, I. Ruangrungsi, N. Phytochemistry-Oxford. Oxford : Elsevier Science Ltd. February 1997. volume 44 (4) page 763-764. 0031-9422

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A new isoflavone from the roots of Asparagus racemosus. Author(s): Natural Products Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, Dr Harisingh Gour University, -470003 (M.P.), Sagar, India. Source: Saxena, V K Chourasia, S Fitoterapia. 2001 March; 72(3): 307-9 0367-326X

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Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Vigna sesquipedalis Koern (asparagus bean). Author(s): Entomology Research Institute, Loyola College, Chennai 600 034, India. Source: Ignacimuthu, S Indian-J-Exp-Biol. 2000 May; 38(5): 493-8 0019-5189

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Allelopathic substances in asparagus roots: extraction, characterization, and biological activity. Source: Hazebroek, J.P. Garrison, S.A. Gianfagna, T. J-Am-Soc-Hortic-Sci. Alexandria, Va. : The Society. January 1989. volume 114 (1) page 152-158. 0003-1062

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An antifungal saponin from white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L) bottoms. Source: Shimoyamada, M. Suzuki, M. Maruyama, M. Watanabe, K. J-sci-food-agric. Sussex : John Wiley & Sons Limited. December 1996. volume 72 (4) page 430-434. 00225142

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Analysis of fumonisin B(1) in Fusarium proliferatum-infected asparagus spears and garlic bulbs from Germany by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Author(s): Lehrstuhl fur Lebensmittelchemie, Universitat Wurzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Wurzburg, Germany. Source: Seefelder, Walburga Gossmann, Monika Humpf, Hans Ulrich J-Agric-FoodChem. 2002 May 8; 50(10): 2778-81 0021-8561

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Antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in rats. Author(s): Department of Pharmacology, College of Medical Sciences, University of Maiduguri. P.M.B. 1069, Maiduguri, Nigeria. [email protected] Source: Nwafor, P A Okwuasaba, F K Binda, L G J-Ethnopharmacol. 2000 October; 72(3): 421-7 0378-8741

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Antioxidant properties of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gammaradiation in rat liver mitochondria. Source: Kamat, J.P. Boloor, K.K. Devasagayam, T.P.A. Venkatachalam, S.R. Jethnopharmacol. Oxford : Elsevier Science Ltd. August 2000. volume 71 (3) page 425435. 0378-8741

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Antiprotozoal compounds from Asparagus africanus. Author(s): Phytochemistry Department, National Museums of Kenya, Nairobi. Source: Oketch Rabah, H A Dossaji, S F Christensen, S B Frydenvang, K Lemmich, E Cornett, C Olsen, C E Chen, M Kharazmi, A Theander, T J-Nat-Prod. 1997 October; 60(10): 1017-22 0163-3864

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Antitussive effect of Asparagus racemosus root against sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice. Author(s): Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jadavpur University, Calcutta-700 032, India. [email protected] Source: Mandal, S C KuMarch C K, A Mohana Lakshmi, S Sinha, S Murugesan, T Saha, B P Pal, M Fitoterapia. 2000 December; 71(6): 686-9 0367-326X

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Asparosides A and B, two new steroidal saponins from Asparagus meioclados. Author(s): Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China. Source: Feng, J Chen, D F Sun, Q Z Nakamura, N Hattori, M J-Asian-Nat-Prod-Res. 2002 September; 4(3): 221-6 1028-6020

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Cadmium and lead distribution in fresh asparagus. Author(s): Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, University of Cordoba, Spain. Source: Zurera Cosano, G Moreno Rojas, R Amaro Lopez, M A Food-Addit-Contam. 1990 May-June; 7(3): 381-5 0265-203X

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Caffeic acid identified as an inhibitory compound in asparagus root filtrate. Source: Miller, H.G. Ikawa, M. Peirce, L.C. HortScience. Alexandria, Va. : The American Society for Horticultural Science. December 1991. volume 26 (12) page 1525-1527. 00185345

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Carotenoid composition in the fruits of Asparagus officinalis. Author(s): Department of Medical Chemistry, Pecs University, Faculty of Medicine, Szigeti ut 12, H-7624 Pecs, Hungary. [email protected] Source: Deli, J Matus, Z Toth, G J-Agric-Food-Chem. 2000 July; 48(7): 2793-6 0021-8561

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Cell wall changes in immature Asparagus stem tissue after excision. Author(s): AFRC Institute of Food Research, Norwich Research Park, Colney, U.K. Source: Waldron, K W Selvendran, R R Phytochemistry. 1992 June; 31(6): 1931-40 00319422

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Characterisation of a wound-induced transcript from the monocot asparagus that shares similarity with a class of intracellular pathogenesis-related (PR) proteins. Author(s): Botany Department, Leicester University, UK. Source: Warner, S A Scott, R Draper, J Plant-Mol-Biol. 1992 July; 19(4): 555-61 0167-4412

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Chemical constituents from Asparagus dumosus. Author(s): H.E.J. Research Institute of Chemistry, University of Karachi, International Center for Chemical Sciences, -75270, Karachi, Pakistan. Source: Khaliq uz Zaman, S M Simin, K Ahmad, V U Fitoterapia. 2000 June; 71(3): 331-3 0367-326X

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Contact dermatitis to Asparagus officinalis. Author(s): Contact Dermatitis Clinic, Waikato Hospital, Hamilton, New Zealand. [email protected] Source: Rademaker, M Yung, A Australas-J-Dermatol. 2000 November; 41(4): 262-3 00048380

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Contraceptive and non-estrogenic effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in experimental animals. Author(s): Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Jos, Nigeria. Source: Nwafor, P A Okwuasaba, F K Onoruvwe, O O J-Ethnopharmacol. 1998 September; 62(2): 117-22 0378-8741

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Covalent coupling of asparagus pea and tomato lectins to poly(lactide) microspheres. Author(s): Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmaceutics Department, UMR CNRS 8612, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Paris-South, 5 Rue J.B. Clement, 92296 Chatenay-Malabry Cedex, Paris, France. Source: Montisci, M J Giovannuci, G Duchene, D Ponchel, G Int-J-Pharm. 2001 March 14; 215(1-2): 153-61 0378-5173

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Cytological and compositional evaluation of white asparagus spears as a function of variety, thickness, portion and storage conditions. Source: Zurera, G. Munoz, M. Moreno, R. Gonzalez, J.A. Amaro, M.A. J-sci-food-agric. West Sussex : John Wiley & Sons Limited. February 2000. volume80 (3) page 335-340. 0022-5142

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Dietary fibre in white asparagus before and after processing. Author(s): Departamento de Biotechnologia de Alimentos, Instituto de la Grasa, Sevilla, Spain. Source: Guillen, R Sanchez, C Jimenez, A Heredia, A Z-Lebensm-Unters-Forsch. 1995 March; 200(3): 225-8 0044-3026

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Differentiation of celosia mosaic virus and asparagus virus 1 based on biological properties. Author(s): Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calabar, P.M.B. 1115, Calabar, Nigeria. [email protected] Source: Owolabi, A T Proll, E Acta-Virol. 2000 Jun-August; 44(3): 179-81 0001-723X

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Domestic processing of onion bulbs (Allium cepa) and asparagus spears (Asparagus officinalis): effect on flavonol content and antioxidant status. Author(s): Department of Food Quality Management, Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Chania, P.O. Box 85, 73100, Chania, Greece. [email protected] Source: Makris, D P Rossiter, J T J-Agric-Food-Chem. 2001 July; 49(7): 3216-22 0021-8561

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Effect of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) on gastric emptying time in normal healthy volunteers. Author(s): Department of Pharmacology, Seth G. S. Medical College, Bombay, Maharashtra. Source: Dalvi, S S Nadkarni, P M Gupta, K C J-Postgrad-Med. 1990 April; 36(2): 91-4 0022-3859

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Effect of storage on wall-bound phenolics in green asparagus. Author(s): Institute of Food Research, Norwich Laboratory, Colney, Norwich NR4 7UA, United Kingdom. Source: Rodriguez Arcos, Rocio C Smith, Andrew C Waldron, Keith W J-Agric-FoodChem. 2002 May 22; 50(11): 3197-203 0021-8561

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Effects of processing on dietary fibre content of asparagus. Author(s): Instituto de la Grasa (CSIC), Sevilla, Spain. Source: Heredia, A Guillen, R Sanchez, C Jimenez, A Felizon, B Fernandez Bolanos, J Eur-J-Clin-Nutr. 1995 October; 49 Suppl 3S268-70 0954-3007

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Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Asparagus racemosus willd. root. Author(s): Division of Pharmacognosy, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Jadavpur University, Calcutta - 700 032, India. [email protected] Source: Mandal, S C Nandy, A Pal, M Saha, B P Phytother-Res. 2000 March; 14(2): 118-9 0951-418X

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Evalutation of antibacterial activity of Asparagus racemosus Willd. root. Source: Mandal, S.C. Namdy, A. Pal, M. Saha, B.P. PTR,-Phytother-res. West Sussex : John Wiley & Sons Ltd. March 2000. volume 14 (2) page 118-119. 0951-418X

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First in vitro norlignan formation with Asparagus officinalis enzyme preparation. Author(s): Wood Research Institute, Kyoto University, Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan. Source: Suzuki, Shiro Nakatsubo, Tomoyuki Umezawa, Toshiaki Shimada, Mikio ChemCommun-(Camb). 2002 May 21; (10): 1088-9 1359-7345

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From asparagus to zucchini: mapping cognitive space for vegetable names. Author(s): Human Nutrition Program, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA. Source: Drewnowski, A J-Am-Coll-Nutr. 1996 April; 15(2): 147-53 0731-5724

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Histology and morphology of asparagus somatic embryos. Source: Levi, A. Sink, K.C. HortScience. Alexandria, Va. : The American Society for Horticultural Science. October 1991. volume 26 (10) page 1322-1324. 0018-5345

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H-NMR and mass spectral study of a D-enriched acetylenic norlignan, asparenyol, from cultured cells of Asparagus officinalis. Author(s): Gene Bank, The Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN), Tsukuba Life Science Center, Ibaraki, Japan. Source: Terada, K Kamisako, W Biol-Pharm-Bull. 1999 June; 22(6): 561-6 0918-6158

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Influence of vegetative cycle of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) on copper, iron, zinc and manganese content. Author(s): Department of Food Hygiene and Technology, University of Cordoba, Spain. Source: Amaro Lopez, M A Zurera Cosano, G Moreno Rojas, R Garcia Gimeno, R M Plant-Foods-Hum-Nutr. 1995 June; 47(4): 349-55 0921-9668

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Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis by Asparagus cochinchinensis in Hep G2 cells. Author(s): College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University School of Medicine, Center of Oriental Medicinal Science, Wonkwang University, Iksan, 570-749, Chonbuk, South Korea. Source: Koo, H N Jeong, H J Choi, J Y Choi, S D Choi, T J Cheon, Y S Kim, K S Kang, B K Park, S T Chang, C H Kim, C H Lee, Y M Kim, H M An, N H Kim, J J J-Ethnopharmacol. 2000 November; 73(1-2): 137-43 0378-8741

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Inhibitory activity of asparagus root tissue and extracts on asparagus seedlings. Source: Hartung, A.C. Putnam, A.R. Stephens, C.T. J-Am-Soc-Hortic-Sci. Alexandria, Va. : The Society. January 1989. volume 114 (1) page 144-148. 0003-1062

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Inhibitory effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis on tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from astrocytes. Author(s): Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Chonbuk, South Korea. Source: Kim, H Lee, E Lim, T Jung, J Lyu, Y Int-J-Immunopharmacol. 1998 Apr-May; 20(4-5): 153-62 0192-0561

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Initiation of cell suspension cultures and plant regeneration from protoplast of asparagus. Source: Hsu, J.Y. Yeh, C.C. Yang, T.P. Lin, W.C. Tsay, H.S. Acta-Hortic. Wageningen : International Society for Horticultural Science. July 1990. (271) page 135-143. 0567-7572

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Interference potential of Pluchea lanceolata (Asteraceae): growth and physiological responses of asparagus bean, Vigna unguiculata var. sesquipedalis. Source: Inderjit Dakshini, K.M.M. Am-J-Bot. Columbus, Ohio : Botanical Society of America. Sept 1992. volume 79 (9) page 977-981. 0002-9122

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Kinetics of ascorbic acid degradation in green asparagus during heat processing. Author(s): Departamento de Medicina Preventiva y Salud Publica, Facultad de Farmacia, Universitat de Valencia, Burjassot, Spain. Source: Esteve, M J Frigola, A Martorell, L Rodrigo, C J-Food-Prot. 1998 November; 61(11): 1518-21 0362-028X

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Mineral elements in fresh and canned asparagus. Source: Zurera Cosano, G. Moreno Rojas, R. Food-Chem. Essex : Elsevier Applied Science Publishers. 1990. volume 38 (2) page 113-118. 0308-8146

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New furostanol glycosides from Asparagus plumosus leaves. Source: Sati, O.P. Pant, G. J-Nat-Prod. Cincinnati, Ohio : American Society of Pharmacognosy. May/June 1985. volume 48 (3) page 390-394. 0163-3864

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Nutritional evaluation of mineral content changes in fresh green asparagus as a function of the spear portions. Source: Amaro Lopez, M.A. Zurera Cosano, G. Moreno Rojas, R. J-sci-food-agric. Sussex : John Wiley & Sons Limited. May 1, 1999. volume 79 (6) page 900-906. 0022-5142

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Occupational asthma caused by exposure to asparagus: detection of allergens by immunoblotting. Author(s): Servicio de Alergia, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain. Source: Lopez Rubio, A Rodriguez, J Crespo, J F Vives, R Daroca, P Reano, M Allergy. 1998 December; 53(12): 1216-20 0105-4538

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Oligofuro- and spiro-stanosides of Asparagus adscendens [isolated from a methanol extract of the leaves]. Source: Sharma, S.C. Sharma, H.C. Phytochemistry. Oxford, Eng. : Pergamon Press. 1984. volume 23 (3) page 645-648. ill. 0031-9422

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Phytoecdysteroids in the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae). Source: Dinan, L. Savchenko, T. Whiting, P. Phytochemistry-Oxford. Oxford : Elsevier Science Ltd. March 2001. volume 56 (6) page 569-576. 0031-9422

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Plant regeneration from callus-derived protoplasts of asparagus. Source: Elmer, W.H. Ball, T. Volokita, M. Stephens, C.T. Sink, K.C. J-Am-Soc-Hortic-Sci. Alexandria, Va. : The Society. November 1989. volume 114 (6) page 1019-1024. ill. 00031062

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Plant regeneration in Asparagus verticillatus L. Source: Ghosh, B. Sen, S. J-herbs-spices-med-plants. Binghamton, NY : Food Products Press, c1992-. 1996. volume 4 (1) page 9-17. 1049-6475

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Postharvest biology of fresh asparagus. Source: Lipton, W.J. Hortic-Rev. Portland, Or. : Timber Press. 1990. volume 12 page 69155. 0163-7851

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Postharvest changes in ammonium, amino acids and enzymes of amino acid metabolism in asparagus spear tips. Source: Hurst, P.L. Clark, C.J. J-sci-food-agric. Sussex : John Wiley & Sons Limited. 1993. volume 63 (4) page 465-471. 0022-5142

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Postharvest storage of white asparagus (Asparagus officinalis l.): changes in dietary fiber (Nonstarch polysaccharides). Author(s): Departamento de Nutricion y Bromatologia II: Bromatologia, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain. Source: Villanueva Suarez, M J Redondo Cuenca, A Rodriguez Sevilla, M D Heredia Moreno, A J-Agric-Food-Chem. 1999 September; 47(9): 3832-6 0021-8561

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Preliminary results on embryo rescue for circumventing hybridization barriers in Asparagus. Author(s): Laboratorio de Genetica, Instituto Nacional de Tecnologia Agropecuaria (INTA), Universidad Nacional de Mar del Plata (UNMdP), Buenos Aires, Argentina. [email protected] Source: Marcellan, O N Camadro, E L Biocell. 2000 December; 24(3): 247-51 0327-9545

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Regeneration of asparagus plants from callus-derived protoplasts. Source: Sink, K.C. Ball, T. Volokita, M. Stephens, C.T. Elmer, W.H. Acta-Hortic. Wageningen : International Society for Horticultural Science. July 1990. (271) page 117127. 0567-7572

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Spirostanol glycoside from fruits of Asparagus officinalis. Source: Pant, G. Panwar, M.S. Negi, D.S. Rawat, M.S.M. Morris, G.A. Phytochemistry. Oxford : Pergamon Press. 1988. volume 27 (10) page 3324-3325. 0031-9422

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Spirostanosides of Asparagus sprengeri [isolated from the methanol extract of the roots]. Source: Sharma, S.C. Sharma, R. KuMarch, R. Phytochemistry. Oxford : Pergamon Press. 1983. volume 22 (10) page 2259-2262. ill. 0031-9422

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Steroidal saponins from Asparagus africanus. Author(s): Institut fur Pharmazeutische Chemie, Universitat Graz, Austria. Source: Debella, A Haslinger, E Kunert, O Michl, G Abebe, D Phytochemistry. 1999 August; 51(8): 1069-75 0031-9422

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Steroid-specific glucosyltransferases in Asparagus plumosus shoots. Source: Paczkowski, C. Zimowski, J. Krawczyk, D. Wojciechowski, Z.A. Phytochemistry. Oxford : Pergamon Press. 1990. volume 29 (1) page 63-70. 0031-9422

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Sucrose incubation increases freezing tolerance of asparagus (Asparagus officinalis L.) embryogenic cell suspensions. Author(s): Graduate School of Agriculture, Hokkaido University, Sapporo 060-8589, Japan. [email protected] Source: Jitsuyama, Y Suzuki, T Harada, T Fujikawa, S Cryo-Letters. 2002 Mar-April; 23(2): 103-12 0143-2044

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The occurrence of UDPG-dependent glucosyltransferase specific for sarsasapogenin in Asparagus officinalis. Source: Paczkowski, C. Wojciechowski, Z.A. Phytochemistry. Oxford : Pergamon Press. 1988. volume 27 (9) page 2743-2747. 0031-9422

Federal Resources on Nutrition In addition to the IBIDS, the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) provide many sources of information on general nutrition and health. Recommended resources include: •

healthfinder®, HHS’s gateway to health information, including diet and nutrition: http://www.healthfinder.gov/scripts/SearchContext.asp?topic=238&page=0

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The United States Department of Agriculture’s Web site dedicated to nutrition information: www.nutrition.gov

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The Food and Drug Administration’s Web site for federal food safety information: www.foodsafety.gov

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The National Action Plan on Overweight and Obesity sponsored by the United States Surgeon General: http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/topics/obesity/

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The Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition has an Internet site sponsored by the Food and Drug Administration and the Department of Health and Human Services: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/

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Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.usda.gov/cnpp/

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Food and Nutrition Information Center, National Agricultural Library sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.nal.usda.gov/fnic/

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Food and Nutrition Service sponsored by the United States Department of Agriculture: http://www.fns.usda.gov/fns/

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering food and nutrition. The following is a representative sample: •

AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=174&layer=&from=subcats

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Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_nutrition.html

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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Nutrition/

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Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Nutrition/

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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Nutrition/

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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition

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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

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The following is a specific Web list relating to asparagus; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •

Vitamins Folic Acid Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Folic Acid Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,887,00.html Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Alternative names: Folate, Folic Acid Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Vitamin K Alternative names: Menadione, Menaphthone, Menaquinone, Phylloquinone Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Vitamin K Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com

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Minerals Folate Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Folate Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Sulfur Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

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Food and Diet Asparagus Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Asparagus Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com

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Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,7,00.html Bamboo Shoots Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,233,00.html Egg Noodles Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Eggs Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Fiddlehead Ferns Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,245,00.html Gruyère Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Leeks Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,24,00.html Low-oxalate Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Low-purine Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Nopales (cactus Pads) Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,236,00.html Okra Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,26,00.html Sugar Alcohols Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Vegetables Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com

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CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND ASPARAGUS Overview In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to asparagus. At the conclusion of this chapter, we will provide additional sources.

National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) of the National Institutes of Health (http://nccam.nih.gov/) has created a link to the National Library of Medicine’s databases to facilitate research for articles that specifically relate to asparagus and complementary medicine. To search the database, go to the following Web site: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nccam/camonpubmed.html. Select “CAM on PubMed.” Enter “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box. Click “Go.” The following references provide information on particular aspects of complementary and alternative medicine that are related to asparagus: •

(9Z)-capsanthin-5,6-epoxide, a new carotenoid from the fruits of Asparagus falcatus. Author(s): Molnar P, Deli J, Toth G, Haberli A, Pfander H, Bernhard K. Source: Journal of Natural Products. 2001 September; 64(9): 1254-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11575972&dopt=Abstract

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1,2,3-Trithiane-5-carboxylic acid, a first contact allergen from Asparagus officinalis (Liliaceae). Author(s): Hausen BM, Wolf C. Source: American Journal of Contact Dermatitis : Official Journal of the American Contact Dermatitis Society. 1996 March; 7(1): 41-6. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8796741&dopt=Abstract

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A new isoflavone from the roots of Asparagus racemosus. Author(s): Saxena VK, Chourasia S.

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Source: Fitoterapia. 2001 March; 72(3): 307-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11295314&dopt=Abstract •

Acid tolerance and gad mRNA levels of Escherichia coli O157:H7 grown in foods. Author(s): Yokoigawa K, Takikawa A, Okubo Y, Umesako S. Source: International Journal of Food Microbiology. 2003 May 15; 82(3): 203-11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12593923&dopt=Abstract

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Adaptogenic activity of Siotone, a polyherbal formulation of Ayurvedic rasayanas. Author(s): Bhattacharya SK, Bhattacharya A, Chakrabarti A. Source: Indian J Exp Biol. 2000 February; 38(2): 119-28. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11218827&dopt=Abstract

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Adaptogenic properties of six rasayana herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. Author(s): Rege NN, Thatte UM, Dahanukar SA. Source: Phytotherapy Research : Ptr. 1999 June; 13(4): 275-91. Review. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10404532&dopt=Abstract

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Agrobacterium mediated transformation of Vigna sesquipedalis Koern (asparagus bean). Author(s): Ignacimuthu S. Source: Indian J Exp Biol. 2000 May; 38(5): 493-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11272416&dopt=Abstract

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Amylase and lipase activities in the root of Asparagus racemosus. Author(s): Dange PS, Kanitkar UK, Pendse GS. Source: Planta Medica. 1969 October; 17(4): 393-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=5380197&dopt=Abstract

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An in vitro screening paradigm for extracts of whole foods for detection of potential toxicants. Author(s): Charles GD, Linscombe VA, Tornesi B, Mattsson JL, Gollapudi BB. Source: Food and Chemical Toxicology : an International Journal Published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association. 2002 October; 40(10): 1391-402. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12387301&dopt=Abstract

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Analysis of fumonisin B(1) in Fusarium proliferatum-infected asparagus spears and garlic bulbs from Germany by liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Author(s): Seefelder W, Gossmann M, Humpf HU.

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Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2002 May 8; 50(10): 2778-81. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11982398&dopt=Abstract •

Antidiarrhoeal and antiulcerogenic effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in rats. Author(s): Nwafor PA, Okwuasaba FK, Binda LG. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2000 October; 72(3): 421-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10996281&dopt=Abstract

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Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in rodents. Author(s): Nwafor PA, Okwuasaba FK. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2003 February; 84(2-3): 125-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12648804&dopt=Abstract

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Antioxidant properties of Asparagus racemosus against damage induced by gammaradiation in rat liver mitochondria. Author(s): Kamat JP, Boloor KK, Devasagayam TP, Venkatachalam SR. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2000 August; 71(3): 425-35. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10940579&dopt=Abstract

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Anti-tumor activity of the crude saponins obtained from asparagus. Author(s): Shao Y, Chin CK, Ho CT, Ma W, Garrison SA, Huang MT. Source: Cancer Letters. 1996 June 24; 104(1): 31-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8640742&dopt=Abstract

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Antitussive effect of Asparagus racemosus root against sulfur dioxide-induced cough in mice. Author(s): Mandal SC, Kumar C K A, Mohana Lakshmi S, Sinha S, Murugesan T, Saha BP, Pal M. Source: Fitoterapia. 2000 December; 71(6): 686-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11077176&dopt=Abstract

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Asparagus racemosus - An update. Author(s): Goyal RK, Singh J, Lal H. Source: Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. 2003 September; 57(9): 408-14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=14515032&dopt=Abstract

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Asparagus racemosus willd--form bordi, as a galactogogue, in buffaloes. Author(s): Patel AB, Kanitkar UK.

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Source: Indian Vet J. 1969 August; 46(8): 718-21. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=5389557&dopt=Abstract •

Asparosides A and B, two new steroidal saponins from Asparagus meioclados. Author(s): Feng J, Chen DF, Sun QZ, Nakamura N, Hattori M. Source: Journal of Asian Natural Products Research. 2002 September; 4(3): 221-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12118513&dopt=Abstract

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Chemical constituents from Asparagus dumosus. Author(s): Khaliq-uz-Zaman SM, Simin K, Ahmad VU. Source: Fitoterapia. 2000 June; 71(3): 331-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10844175&dopt=Abstract

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Contact dermatitis to Asparagus officinalis. Author(s): Rademaker M, Yung A. Source: The Australasian Journal of Dermatology. 2000 November; 41(4): 262-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11105376&dopt=Abstract

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Contraceptive and non-estrogenic effects of methanolic extract of Asparagus pubescens root in experimental animals. Author(s): Nwafor PA, Okwuasaba FK, Onoruvwe OO. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1998 September; 62(2): 117-22. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9741883&dopt=Abstract

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Cytotoxic saponins from Asparagus and Agave. Author(s): Sati OP, Pant G, Nohara T, Sato A. Source: Pharmazie. 1985 August; 40(8): 586. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=4080815&dopt=Abstract

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Effect of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) on gastric emptying time in normal healthy volunteers. Author(s): Dalvi SS, Nadkarni PM, Gupta KC. Source: Journal of Postgraduate Medicine. 1990 April; 36(2): 91-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=2097375&dopt=Abstract

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Evaluation of antibacterial activity of Asparagus racemosus willd. root. Author(s): Mandal SC, Nandy A, Pal M, Saha BP. Source: Phytotherapy Research : Ptr. 2000 March; 14(2): 118-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10685109&dopt=Abstract

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False nitric oxide synthase immunoreactivity in Asparagus bean (Vigna sesquipdalis) Author(s): Lo SC, Butt YK, Chan YS.


Source: Nitric Oxide : Biology and Chemistry / Official Journal of the Nitric Oxide Society. 2000 April; 4(2): 175. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10835298&dopt=Abstract •

Furostanosides from Asparagus filicinus roots. Author(s): Sharma SC, Thakur NK. Source: Phytochemistry. 1994 May; 36(2): 469-71. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7764885&dopt=Abstract

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Galactogogue effect of Asparagus racemosus. Preliminary communication. Author(s): Joglekar GV, Ahuja RH, Balwani JH. Source: Indian Med J. 1967 July; 61(7): 165. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=5624301&dopt=Abstract

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Gastroduodenal ulcer protective activity of Asparagus racemosus: an experimental, biochemical and histological study. Author(s): Sairam K, Priyambada S, Aryya NC, Goel RK. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2003 May; 86(1): 1-10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12686434&dopt=Abstract

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Inhalant allergy to fresh asparagus. Author(s): Eng PA, Yman L, Maaninen E, Wuthrich B. Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1996 March; 26(3): 330-4. Erratum In: Clin Exp Allergy 1996 June; 26(6): 733-4. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8729671&dopt=Abstract

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Inhibition of tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced apoptosis by Asparagus cochinchinensis in Hep G2 cells. Author(s): Koo HN, Jeong HJ, Choi JY, Choi SD, Choi TJ, Cheon YS, Kim KS, Kang BK, Park ST, Chang CH, Kim CH, Lee YM, Kim HM, An NH, Kim JJ. Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 2000 November; 73(1-2): 137-43. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11025149&dopt=Abstract

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Inhibitory effect of Asparagus cochinchinensis on tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion from astrocytes. Author(s): Kim H, Lee E, Lim T, Jung J, Lyu Y. Source: International Journal of Immunopharmacology. 1998 April-May; 20(4-5): 153-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9730251&dopt=Abstract

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Occupational asthma caused by exposure to asparagus: detection of allergens by immunoblotting. Author(s): Lopez-Rubio A, Rodriguez J, Crespo JF, Vives R, Daroca P, Reano M.

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Source: Allergy. 1998 December; 53(12): 1216-20. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9930601&dopt=Abstract •

Oligofurostanosides and oligospirostanosides from roots of Asparagus filicinus. Author(s): Sharma SC, Thakur NK. Source: Phytochemistry. 1996 February; 41(2): 599-603. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8821436&dopt=Abstract

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Oligofurostanosides from Asparagus curillus leaves. Author(s): Sharma SC, Sharma HC. Source: Phytochemistry. 1993 June; 33(3): 683-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7763802&dopt=Abstract

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Phytoecdysteroids in the genus Asparagus (Asparagaceae). Author(s): Dinan L, Savchenko T, Whiting P. Source: Phytochemistry. 2001 March; 56(6): 569-76. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11281134&dopt=Abstract

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Randomized controlled trial of Asparagus racemosus (Shatavari) as a lactogogue in lactational inadequacy. Author(s): Sharma S, Ramji S, Kumari S, Bapna JS. Source: Indian Pediatrics. 1996 August; 33(8): 675-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8979551&dopt=Abstract

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Steroidal saponins from Asparagus officinalis and their cytotoxic activity. Author(s): Shao Y, Poobrasert O, Kennelly EJ, Chin CK, Ho CT, Huang MT, Garrison SA, Cordell GA. Source: Planta Medica. 1997 June; 63(3): 258-62. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9225609&dopt=Abstract

Additional Web Resources A number of additional Web sites offer encyclopedic information covering CAM and related topics. The following is a representative sample: •

Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.: http://www.herbmed.org/

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Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/

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drkoop.com: http://www.drkoop.com/InteractiveMedicine/IndexC.html

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Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/med_altn.htm

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Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Alternative/


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Healthnotes: http://www.healthnotes.com/

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MedWebPlus: http://medwebplus.com/subject/Alternative_and_Complementary_Medicine

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Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Alternative/

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HealthGate: http://www.tnp.com/

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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/drugs_and_herbs

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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html

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Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Alternative_Medicine/

The following is a specific Web list relating to asparagus; please note that any particular subject below may indicate either a therapeutic use, or a contraindication (potential danger), and does not reflect an official recommendation: •

General Overview Edema Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Gout Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com High Blood Pressure Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hypertension Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hypothermia Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Menopause Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Urinary Tract Infection Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Viral Hepatitis Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Water Retention Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com

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Chinese Medicine Tiandong Alternative names: Cochinchinese Asparagus Root; Radix Asparagi Source: Chinese Materia Medica

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Herbs and Supplements Bryonia Bryony Alternative names: Bryony; Bryonia sp. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Butcher's Broom Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10010,00.html Cynara Artichoke Alternative names: Artichoke; Cynara scolymus L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Equisetum Arvense Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Fos Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10026,00.html Fructo-oligosaccharides (fos) and Other Oligosaccharides Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Glutathione Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Glutathione Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,854,00.html Horsetail Alternative names: Equisetum arvense, Scouring Rush, Shave Grass Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Menadione Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Menaphthone Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Menaquinone Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Milk Thistle Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Oral Corticosteroids Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com


Phylloquinone Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Scouring Rush Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Shave Grass Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Withania Ashwagandha Alternative names: Ashwagandha; Withania somnifera L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org

General References A good place to find general background information on CAM is the National Library of Medicine. It has prepared within the MEDLINEplus system an information topic page dedicated to complementary and alternative medicine. To access this page, go to the MEDLINEplus site at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alternativemedicine.html. This Web site provides a general overview of various topics and can lead to a number of general sources.

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CHAPTER 4. DISSERTATIONS ON ASPARAGUS Overview In this chapter, we will give you a bibliography on recent dissertations relating to asparagus. We will also provide you with information on how to use the Internet to stay current on dissertations. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical dissertations that use the generic term “asparagus” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on asparagus, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical dissertations in this bibliography.

Dissertations on Asparagus ProQuest Digital Dissertations, the largest archive of academic dissertations available, is located at the following Web address: http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations. From this archive, we have compiled the following list covering dissertations devoted to asparagus. You will see that the information provided includes the dissertation’s title, its author, and the institution with which the author is associated. The following covers recent dissertations found when using this search procedure: •

An Econometric Model of the United States Asparagus Industry Including Bargaining Activity by Wang, Qingli, Phd from Washington State University, 1996, 128 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/9806749

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Influence of the G-protein Activator Mas7 on Photosynthesis and the Hypersensitive Response in Asparagus Sprengeri by Karner, Julie Ann; Msc from University of Guelph (canada), 2002, 148 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/MQ71795

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National and State Level Econometric Models of the United States Asparagus Industry, 1948-1969 by Grossman, Elliot Sanford, Phd from Rutgers the State University of New Jersey - New Brunswick, 1973, 269 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/7327933

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Photosynthesis and the Mechanism of Inorganic Carbon Acquisition in Isolated Asparagus Mesophyll Cells and Other Photosynthetic Cells by Espie, George Stewart; Phd from York University (canada), 1985 http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/NK66209

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Population Dynamics of the Asparagus Beetle, Crioceris Asparagi (l.) (coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) by Taylor, Robert Gordon; Phd from Carleton University (canada), 1979 http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/NK41680

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Price Determination and Supply Adjustment in the California and United States Asparagus Economies by Matthews, Jimmy Lee, Phd from University of California, Berkeley, 1966, 381 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/6615443

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The Effectiveness of United States Export Promotion for Hops in Japan, United Kingdom, and Germany and the Structural Demand and Supply Analysis of United States Asparagus Industry by Xie, Peijin; Phd from Washington State University, 2000, 95 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/9997923

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The Supply of and Demand for Asparagus in the United States by Bbuyemusoke, Samm Lugalata, Phd from Washington State University, 1981, 322 pages http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations/fullcit/8122404

Keeping Current Ask the medical librarian at your library if it has full and unlimited access to the ProQuest Digital Dissertations database. From the library, you should be able to do more complete searches via http://wwwlib.umi.com/dissertations.

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CHAPTER 5. PATENTS ON ASPARAGUS Overview Patents can be physical innovations (e.g. chemicals, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment) or processes (e.g. treatments or diagnostic procedures). The United States Patent and Trademark Office defines a patent as a grant of a property right to the inventor, issued by the Patent and Trademark Office.8 Patents, therefore, are intellectual property. For the United States, the term of a new patent is 20 years from the date when the patent application was filed. If the inventor wishes to receive economic benefits, it is likely that the invention will become commercially available within 20 years of the initial filing. It is important to understand, therefore, that an inventor’s patent does not indicate that a product or service is or will be commercially available. The patent implies only that the inventor has “the right to exclude others from making, using, offering for sale, or selling” the invention in the United States. While this relates to U.S. patents, similar rules govern foreign patents. In this chapter, we show you how to locate information on patents and their inventors. If you find a patent that is particularly interesting to you, contact the inventor or the assignee for further information. IMPORTANT NOTE: When following the search strategy described below, you may discover non-medical patents that use the generic term “asparagus” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on asparagus, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.

Patents on Asparagus By performing a patent search focusing on asparagus, you can obtain information such as the title of the invention, the names of the inventor(s), the assignee(s) or the company that owns or controls the patent, a short abstract that summarizes the patent, and a few excerpts from the description of the patent. The abstract of a patent tends to be more technical in nature, while the description is often written for the public. Full patent descriptions contain much more information than is presented here (e.g. claims, references, figures, diagrams, etc.). We will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an 8Adapted

from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.

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example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on asparagus: •

Apparatus for packing produce, such as lettuce, bunches of carrots, asparagus, bananas and the like Inventor(s): Storm; Volker (Delle 8, 2000 Hamburg 65, DE), Storm; Werner (Delle 8, 2000 Hamburg 65, DE) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,628,671 Date filed: August 20, 1985 Abstract: In order to be able to economically package with foil banderoles e.g. lettuces and bunches of carrots, asparagus, bananas, etc, the packaging apparatus has technical means for holding and grasping the foil web end, so that on removing the web from the foil web storage drum it can be placed round the article to be packaged and the foil web end can be kept within hand reach for new packaging processes. To this end, the foil web, together with its foil web storage drum is wound by means of a swivel round the article to be packaged, between two successive trays having a gap between them, the two ends of the article being supported on the trays. The gripping of the foil web end takes place by means of two foil web ends holding tubes, which are provided with circumferentially distributed air intakes and are connected to a vacuum producing device which can be switched on and off. The foil web is separated by means of a cutting knife. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an apparatus for the packaging of produce, such as lettuces and bunches of carrots, asparagus, bananas, etc. by wrapping the produce with a banderole of a plastic foil, film or sheet and in particular an extensible foil. Apart from the complete wrapping of an article with foil, which envelops the article completely, the partial wrapping by means of a banderole is known, which does not completely envelop the article and instead leaves two facing sides open. The construction of the known apparatuses for wrapping articles with banderoles in very complicated and expensive, because on the one hand the foil web must be guided around the article and on the other it is necessary at the end of the packaging process to bring the foil web into a position correct for gripping, where it is held, so that for the following packaging process, the foil web end can be grasped and placed around the article to be packaged. The inventon solves the problem of providing an economically operating apparatus for the inexpensive packaging of produce with a foil banderole, which permits the packaging of lettuces and bunches of bananas, carrots, asparagus, etc., so that prices can be applied to the banderole and in which the particular foil web end is held in such a way that wrapping processes can be carried out without additional techncial means. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04628671__

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Apparatus for sizing and peeling longated cylindrical bodies of vegetable matter Inventor(s): Gutierrez-Rubio; Joaquin (Seville, ES) Assignee(s): Sociedad Anonima de Racionalizacion y Mecanizacion (Sadrym) (Seville, ES) Patent Number: 4,679,499 Date filed: July 11, 1985 Abstract: Generally cylindrical bodies of vegetable matter such as spears of asparagus of varying diameter are telescopically inserted tip end-first into the horizontally radially outwardly opening mouthpieces in a drum that is mounted to rotate on a horizontal axis. A take-in conveyor system running towards the mouthpieces in the loading station, and served by guides which converge toward the individual mouthpieces assist in socketing the bodies in the mouthpieces. Flexible collars in the mouthpieces constrict to grip the end portions of the bodies, and the drum indexes to dispose those bodies so that they project vertically upwards, at the same time bringing a next row of mouthpieces to the loading station. At the cutting station disposed over the drum, pairs of diametrically opposed knives repeatedly descend, engage the bodies and remove strips of peel, the bodies being periodically relatively rotated so that one complete layer of peel is removed from each body before the drum indexes further to a horizontal unloading station. At the latter, the peeled bodies are extracted, arranged, cut cross-wise into sections of uniform length and variable-length remainders and shunted into different collection paths based on microprocessor-stored sensations of relative diameter gained from each of the bodies by sensing how far from a datum the knives in each pair had to close towards one another at the peeling station in order to remove peel from each body. Excerpt(s): The present invention, as follows from the title of this detailed description, relates to a method of sizing and peeling fruits, which is also suitable for carrying out a classification process following the peeling stage in the strict sense. The invention is applicable to a wide variety of fruits bearing similar characteristics as well. As it is well known, the manufacture of white asparagus suitable for canned goods requires that the fruits be peeled, cut at the adequate length, scalded at some point in time during the process and then classified by size, prior to the packing operation, given that, as it is equally well known, the product as marketed is presented in cans or tins containing a group of asparagus having very similar dimensional characteristics, especially with respect to their transection. In a fully manual manufacture, the workmen or workwomen receive the asparagus in boxes, inside which boxes the asparagus was transported following their picking, and, at the workbenches, the fruits likely to be processed are removed one by one, putting aside those fruits which, according to the instructions received, do not have the size or condition that will make them acceptable for human consumption. Once the fruits have been thus selected, their peeling is carried out manually by means of special "knives", different types of which can be found in the market, which consist of a sharp blade linked to a frame or support, which support likewise supports a penetration stop situated at suitable position and distance with respect to the edge of the blade. The knife-stop assembly is related to a shaft which may or may not be articulated thereto, and the said shaft is fixed to a handle, all of which constitutes a characteristic tool. The peeling operation consists of, whilst holding the asparagus with the left hand and keeping its tip between the fingers, making consecutive passes of the knife with the right hand in a longitudinal direction until such time as the entire surface of the fruit, at suitable depth, is peeled. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04679499__

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Asparagus box Inventor(s): Hall; Richard A. (Danville, CA) Assignee(s): Willamette Industries, Inc. (San Leandro, CA) Patent Number: 4,127,228 Date filed: August 4, 1977 Abstract: A corrugated box container is provided which is particularly suited to the long distance shipping of fresh asparagus. Excerpt(s): There are few areas in the United States particularly suited to the growing of asparagus. The market for fresh asparagus, however, is widespread. For example, asparagus grown in California is rushed to the New York market either by express train movement or by air. During transit the asparagus continues to grow and if moved by train, in the time interval of 6 to 8 days while it is in transit, the asparagus will grow from an inch to an inch and a half in length. Part of the attraction of the fresh asparagus is the green tip which must not be damaged, else the marketability of the asparagus is reduced substantially. Prior patents typical of earlier efforts in containers are U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,505,442; 2,596,261; 2,839,236; 2,955,734; 2,827,222; 3,428,234; 3,863,829; 3,910,483; 3,913,824; 3,973,356 and 3,986,657. It is in general the broad object of the present invention to provide a novel form of box construction providing a receptacle particularly suited to the packaging of fresh asparagus for market. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04127228__

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Asparagus box Inventor(s): Teags; William G. (Cave Creek, AZ), Wordekemper; Mark G. (Phoenix, AZ) Assignee(s): Advanced Package Engineering, Inc. (Phoenix, AZ) Patent Number: 5,839,651 Date filed: May 15, 1997 Abstract: A plurality of tabs extend from three edges of each head of a pair of heads for penetrably engaging respective ones of a plurality of slots disposed along opposed edges of a wrap to form an asparagus box. The pair of heads and wrap are formed from corrugated plastic sheet material and the wall segments present in opposed overhangs of each tab engage opposed triangular elements disposed at opposed ends of each slot to restrain the tab but accommodate disassembly and reassembly. A tray receives and supports the open end of the asparagus box to form a container and includes a plurality of slots for receiving tabs protruding from the wrap of an adjacent stacked container to stabilize stacking of the containers. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to packaging and, more particularly, to containers for asparagus being harvested. At the time of manually harvesting asparagus, fieldhands place the cut asparagus in an asparagus box lying on its side, which box has converging sides. Upon fill of the box, a cover (referred to as a tray) is placed over the opening of the asparagus box and the resulting container is stacked with the cover lowermost such that the asparagus box tapers upwardly. In the field, the filled containers may have to be temporarily stacked in high stacks. Furthermore, during transport, the containers are stacked relatively high as a function of the carrying capacity of the vehicle or trailer. When stacked, the containers must not be easily

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slidable relative to one another in order to maintain the integrity of the stacks and prevent tipping with attendant discharge of the asparagus. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05839651__ •

Asparagus carton Inventor(s): Jes; Otto J. (Long Beach, CA) Assignee(s): Willamette Industries, Inc. (Portland, OR) Patent Number: 4,353,495 Date filed: May 18, 1981 Abstract: A carton for packing and shipping asparagus is constructed from a single sheet of carton stock and includes a bottom, four side walls and a top in a substantially rectangular configuration. Inside the carton and adjacent one of the sidewalls is a partition reaching substantially from the bottom corner to the top of the carton. The partition slopes inwardly to provide an enlarged bottom area designed to accommodate the base portion of the asparagus stalks, and a restricted top area designed to support and protect the fragile top portion thereof. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to corrugated cartons, and more particularly to a carton for packing asparagus and including a slanted internal partition to vary the cross sectional area of the interior of the carton from top to bottom, while maintaining a substantially rectangular exterior. Asparagus is a fast-growing shoot or spear that is harvested while still in its active growth cycle. The vegetable is tapered in shape and has a tender tip end which breaks easily. During transportation and storage, it is necessary to protect the tender tips from breakage. It also is necessary to keep the stalks cool and moist so that they will not be limp when they reach the market place. If kept moist, asparagus will continue to grow after it has been harvested. Generally, asparagus has been packed upstanding in tapered crates made of wood or plastic. These crates require a rigid construction and are expensive and bulky. They also present a storage problem at the packing site, and a disposal problem at the consumer site. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04353495__

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Asparagus container Inventor(s): Elward; John R. (Novato, CA) Assignee(s): Fibreboard Corporation (San Francisco, CA) Patent Number: 4,105,152 Date filed: October 11, 1977 Abstract: A paperboard container comprises an opened top receptacle adapted to contain foodstuffs therein and a separate cover telescopically disposed on the receptacle. The receptacle comprises a bottom panel, a pair of laterally spaced end panels, a back panel and a front panel hingedly connected to the bottom panel. A pair of lock flaps are hingedly connected to opposite ends of the front panel to each engage within a slot defined on a forward edge of a respective end panel. A slit, formed on the end panel, defines a lock tab adapted to bend outwardly to receive the lock flap thereunder when the front panel is moved to its closed position. The receptacle is adapted to be loaded

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with foodstuffs, such as asparagus, upon opening of the front panel which is thereafter closed for reception of the cover on the receptacle. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a paperboard container adapted to retain foodstuffs, such as asparagus, therein. Containers of this type must be opened expeditiously to expose the receptacle thereof for loading and unloading purposes. A standard box-like container comprises a cover telescopically mounted on the receptacle whereby removal of the cover will facilitate top-loading of foodstuffs in the receptacle. Such loading not only prevents a close packing of the foodstuffs together, but also subjects them to damage. Furthermore, unloading of the foodstuffs via the opened top of the receptacle proves difficult with foodstuffs, such as asparagus spears, and also subjects them to further damage and resulting spoilage. An object of this invention is to overcome the above, briefly described problems by providing a container adapted for the expeditious and compact loading of foodstuffs, such as asparagus spears, therein. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04105152__ •

Asparagus cutter Inventor(s): Haws; Spencer K. (P.O. Box 315, Mesa, WA 99343) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,497,113 Date filed: August 17, 1983 Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for harvesting a ground crop having a stalk such as asparagus. The apparatus includes a flat blade having a holding slot for the stalks being cut located above the cutting edge. The stalks may be held in a queue in the slot until such time as a sufficient collection of stalks has accumulated for unloading. The apparatus is designed as a hand tool which may be used in such a manner to avoid bending over while harvesting the stalks. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to agricultural tools and particularly a tool useful for harvesting ground crops where it is advantageous to sever the growth at or slightly below the level of the soil. A particular ground crop of interest is asparagus. Asparagus is normally harvested by hand by severing the spear at or below ground level with a spade like blade attached to a shaft. A user typically thrusts the blade through the asparagus spear and bends over to retrieve the cut spear. Harvesting asparagus is a highly fatiguing manual labor. What is needed is a tool which will reduce the labor. According to the invention, an apparatus is provided for harvesting ground crops, such as asparagus in spears, which comprises means for cutting the stalk of the crop at ground level and means for holding the stalk in a queue, the holding means being fixedly positioned to receive the stalk upon cutting. The holding means is preferably a slot formed in a plate attached to the cutting blade and spaced from the cutting blade so that the slot is generally parallel to the cutting blade. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04497113__

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Asparagus harvester Inventor(s): Wilde; Lewis L. (17139 Bailey Rd., Bailey, MI 49303) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,288,970 Date filed: September 7, 1979 Abstract: An asparagus harvester capable of producing a harvested product with quality comparable to that which is manually picked so as to be readily acceptable to processors. The harvester employs a recirculatory flexible saw cutter with a powered blade cleaner at the downstream end of the cut-off pass of the cutter. It cuts the stalks for transfer to an elevator conveyor by a front blower, the elevated stalks being elevated and then dropped to hopper means past a controlled blower nozzle serving as a debris separator, the hopper means being periodically elevated and having a conveyorized bottom for power discharge of the harvested asparagus. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an asparagus harvester. Asparagus farming is localized into various areas scattered across the continent. Its methods and problems are unique. The crop is normally picked manually and sold by farmers to local processing plants upon whom the farmers are highly dependent. Because manual harvesting of asparagus constitutes a slow process that necessitates repeat picking of a field every second or third day to prevent the crop becoming overly mature, successful harvesting of large acreages is dependent upon a large and immediately available labor supply. Unfortunately, asparagus harvesters are not always blessed with such a labor supply. Consequently, a variety of asparagus harvesting machines have been proposed heretofore, and a few have been developed and put into operation. Of those machines that have been used, some were capable of harvesting a crop but there have been problems. Specifically, those machines simple enough to be dependable in operation tend to damage the asparagus and also to collect grass, weeds, dirt, etc., along with the crop. Consequently, processors to whom the farmer must normally sell his crop have been reluctant, and usually unwilling, to accept the crop. If so rejected, the crop is almost worthless to the farmer. Those machines which have been built to grip individual stalks so as to harvest without stalk damage and weeds etc. are so complex, particularly as to sensing, gripping and picking mechanisms, that maintenance is unreasonable and dependability is low. This is a particularly troublesome problem in that equipment dealers and service shops are not normally available for such specialized equipment. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04288970__

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Asparagus harvester Inventor(s): Lund; William J. (Stockton, CA) Assignee(s): Spear Harvesters (Stockton, CA) Patent Number: 4,512,145 Date filed: November 8, 1982 Abstract: An asparagus harvester has a frame movable along and above a bed of growing asparagus. Spears above a selected height are detected optically and are severed below ground and held and conveyed to a storage area.

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Excerpt(s): A vehicle frame is movable along a path in an asparagus field to overlie asparagus spears growing in the ground and projecting to various heights at random locations in the path. An optical sender and an optical receiver on the leading portion of the frame afford a transverse light beam at a selected height. The beam is interrupted by an asparagus spear of more than a predetermined height and actuates a reciprocable severing blade mounted to swing on the frame to move forwardly and downwardly and below the ground to sever the asparagus spear. A pair of soft rollers on the frame engages opposite sides of the spear and exerts an upward and forward force on the spear to lift it and then deposit it on a conveyor that carries the spear to a storage area on the frame. There are various special arrangements cooperating with the light beam structure, with the severing blade, and with the lifting rollers to accommodate the special and varying growing habits of the asparagus spears. Asparagus is customarily cultivated in a fairly friable or loamy soil and is planted to emerge at random and as spears 6 disposed generally in a longitudinal row or path of a predetermined width. The spears 6 emerge from below the ground and extend to varying heights. It is of interest to harvest such spears of more than a predetermined height while leaving the remaining spears to continue growing in the ground for later harvesting. In the present instance, there is provided for this purpose a main frame 7 of a vehicle having ground-engaging wheels 8 and 9 of the customary sort spaced apart transversely so that they straddle or span the growing row. The frame 7 supports a propelling unit 11, fuel tanks 12, and the other customary attributes of a self-propelled device. The main frame is controlled by an operator sitting in a seat 13 with a steering wheel 14 and other controls available to him. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04512145__ •

Asparagus harvester Inventor(s): Tanke, II; Eugene T. (5233 S. Greenwood, Apt. 3, Chicago, IL 60615) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,580,396 Date filed: March 27, 1984 Abstract: An asparagus harvester for selectively harvesting asparagus spears of a predetermined height including a mobile frame, severing mechanism mounted on the frame for movement between a raised position and a lowered position, apparatus mounting the severing mechanism on the frame for vertical movement while permitting horizontal movement thereof in any direction as the severing mechanism is being moved vertically, and guide mechanism for guiding the severing mechanism as the severing mechanism is downwardly moved and to follow the contour of the asparagus spear to position the severing mechanism adjacent the base of the spear. Excerpt(s): This invention is related to a vegetable harvester an more particularly to apparatus for harvesting asparagus. Still more particularly, this invention relates to apparatus which will sense the presence of a mature asparagus spear and includes asparagus severing mechanism which is guided downwardly along the length of the spear to the base of the spear in which position the severing mechanism is activated to sever the spear. Traditionally, asparagus is grown as individual spear in a bed of spears. The asparagus spears do not all mature at the same time and it is generally desirable to select for harvesting only those spears which are of a proper height and breath. Traditionally, asparagus harvesting has been accomplished with manual labor. With the increasing labor costs, and the short season manual labor is expensive and not always readily available. Various attempts have been made heretofore to provide a mechanical

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asparagus harvester such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 887,466 issued to David on May 12, 1908; U.S. Pat. No. 2,581,119 issued to Matteoli on Jan. 1, 1952; U.S. Pat. No. 2,690,043 issued to Marihart on Sept. 28, 1954; U.S. Pat. No. 3,447,292 issued to Rehmke on June 3, 1969; U.S. Pat. No. 3,609,949 issued to Neal on Oct. 5, 1971; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,007,579 issued to Wadekamper on Feb. 15, 1977. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04580396__ •

Asparagus picking machine Inventor(s): Wahls; Stephen L. (R.R. 1, Mitchellville, IA 50169) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,480,430 Date filed: December 8, 1982 Abstract: The asparagus picking machine of the present invention comprises a frame assembly which is adapted to be carried by a vehicle adjacent to the ground. A continuous picker belt assembly is mounted on the frame assembly and is trained around a forward sprocket, a rearward sprocket and a chain guide means which is located between and below the two sprockets. The picker belt assembly comprises a plurality of elongated spaced apart parallel picker bars extending parallel to the rotational forward and rearward axes of the sprockets. The belt assembly includes chains which interconnect the spaced apart picker bars. The chains are trained around the forward and rearward sprockets and are guided through the guide means so as to travel in a downward and rearward inclined path from the forward sprocket to the guide means and then through an S-shaped pattern as the chain passes through the guide means. The asparagus protruding upwardly from the ground extends between the spaced apart picker bars and is snapped off when the picker bars move into the Sshaped pattern caused by the guide. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a machine for picking asparagus. Several problems are encountered in the picking of asparagus. The asparagus shoots protrude upwardly from the ground, and are often not uniform. Some of the shoots come up through the ground earlier than others, and therefore are taller and more mature than others. Consequently for any given asparagus patch, the asparagus within that patch varies considerably as to size and maturity. This presents several problems in large scale growing of asparagus for market. The person picking the asparagus does not want to pick the young sprouts which are just beginning to come up through the ground. Furthermore, the older, more mature sprouts should be picked either at a higher level or not picked at all. This is because the asparagus becomes tough at its lower end as it grows and becomes more mature. The toughness rises upwardly through the stalk as the sprout becomes more mature. It is therefore desirable to pick the sprout at the point where it is tender and brittle. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04480430__

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Automatic asparagus peeling machine Inventor(s): Hsu; Tauan-Yuan (No. 1-2 North Ta-Wan, Yung Kang Hsiang, Tainan Hsien, Taiwan, TW) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,212,237 Date filed: August 30, 1978 Abstract: A completely automatic asparagus peeling machine comprises a material feeding means vibrating with high frequency, a parallel guide means, a conveying means and an automatic peeling assembly.The material feeding means with its high frequency vibration permits a heap of asparagus to successively fall down on a parallel guide means, and asparagus moves forward therefrom successively one at a time by means of the upward and downward movement of the parallel plates in the parallel guide means until dropping on the conveyor belt of a conveying means, thereby advancing to the inlet opening of an automatic peeling assembly for proceeding automatic peeling operation. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a completely automatic asparagus peeling machine operated by a highly effective combination of constructions, thereby calling for a single operator only to operate two to four peeling machines constructed in accordance with the present invention. The difficulty with most conventional asparagus peeling machine is that operators must point the end tip of asparagus one at a time to a clamping means for mechanical peeling, thereby generating unfavourable problems such as waste of man power, limited efficiency of production and easiness of producing broken asparagus, thus causing a great increase in production cost which is of a great disadvantage especially at the present time when costs of labor and raw materials are sharply increasing. Besides, two to four operators are needed for operating a single conventional peeling machine. There are four reasons why conventional peeling machines are not completely automated: In the first place, asparagus can not advance successively one at a time with end tip in the same direction into a peeling means; in the second place, there are differences in size and in shape among asparagus and furthermore asparagus is so brittle that it can not be automatically sent to a clamping means for peeling; in the third place, such a machine is too complicated and too expensive; in the fourth place, the tip end of asparagus must not generally be peeled to avoid damage and only the body of asparagus peeled, thus making its automation practically impossible. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04212237__

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Automatic asparagus picking machine Inventor(s): Baylou; Pierre (Bordeaux, FR), Bousseau; Gerard (Talence, FR), Bouvet; Christian (Canejan, FR), Monsion; Michel (Carignan-Latresne, FR), Mora; Andre (Gradignan, FR) Assignee(s): Ecole Nationale Superieure d'Electricite et de Radioelectricite de (Talence, FR) Patent Number: 4,425,751 Date filed: December 8, 1981 Abstract: An automatic asparagus picking machine is disclosed comprising a chassis able along a mound in which the asparagus are grown. The chassis has a picking tool

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which is mounted for horizontal and vertical translation at right angles to the direction of displacement of the chassis. The tops of the asparagus are back lit by a lighting system on one side of the mound and their images are picked up by a camera system on the other side. A microprocessor controls the direction of displacement of the chassis parallel to the mound and controls the horizontal and vertical translation of the picking tool. In one embodiment, there is one camera and the microprocessor has a window generator generating windows in two zones of the field of view of the camera. In another embodiment, juxtaposed wide angle and narrow angle cameras are used. Electric motors drive each of two front wheels at different speeds to control the direction of displacement of the machine. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an automatic asparagus picking machine or robot, that is, a self-propelled apparatus capable of detecting asparagus breaking through the ground and automatically picking it without any human intervention. At the present time, in the field of agriculture certain picking or gathering tasks, for example, harvesting grains (wheat, corn, etc.) fodder and grapes have been satisfactorily mechanized. For other operations such as trimming vines and fruit trees and packing fruit, the problem has yet to be solved. Increasing productivity and competitiveness involves a development of mechanization. Such mechanization is all the more necessary and inescapable inasmuch as it is increasingly difficult year after to year to find seasonal or migrant labor for picking and harvesting crops. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04425751__ •

Blank for heavy duty paperboard vegetable carton Inventor(s): Brundage; David J. (Salinas, CA) Assignee(s): Champion International Corporation (Stamford, CT) Patent Number: 4,529,117 Date filed: February 27, 1984 Abstract: A heavy duty corrugated paperboard vegetable container formed from a onepiece blank. The container has a tapered cross-sectional configuration adapted for containing vegetables, such as asparagus or the like and is internally sub-divided into equal size compartments. The container is used for shipping vegetables, and may be cut in half without destroying its structural integrity. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a blank for a heavy duty corrugated paperboard vegetable carton for storing and transporting fresh vegetables. Corrugated paperboard cartons used for storing and transporting fresh vegetables and other produce must be durable, easy to assemble and readily stackable. Cartons of this type have been proposed which are made from one, two or three-piece blanks which are pre-cut and scored to be erected into the carton. For simplicity and ease of assembly, the one-piece blank is greatly preferred over the multiple piece blanks. Another desirable feature of inclusion in this type of carton is internal divider walls or panels which serve to divide the interior of the carton into separate chambers. Finally, the interior cross-sectional configuration of specialized ones of such cartons may be desirably trapezoidal due to the peculiar shapes of the produce to be packed in them, as for example, asparagus or the like. Representative patents disclosing paperboard produce cartons are: U.S. Pat. No. 1,668,800, issued May 8, 1928 to E. W. Bonfield; No. 2,743,050, issued Apr. 24, 1956 to W. B. Crane; No. 3,099,380, issued July 30, 1963 to I. E. Nathan; No. 3,194,472, issued July 13, 1965 to W. B. Crane; and No. 3,695,505, issued Oct. 3, 1972 to D. G. Wolf.

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Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04529117__ •

Callus-specific promoters Inventor(s): Draper; John (Leicester, GB) Assignee(s): The University of Leicester (Leicester, GB) Patent Number: 6,031,151 Date filed: March 1, 1994 Abstract: A marker gene for use in the genetic transformation of plants is driven by a promoter which is capable of acting as a callus-specific promoter, for example in monocotyledonous plants. A suitable promoter naturally drives the expression of a gene encoding a predicted 16.92 kDa protein after wounding and/or callus formation in Asparagus officinalis or an equivalent protein in other members of Liliaceae or Amaryllidaceae. A preferred embodiment is designated the AoPR1 promoter. Under the control of a promoter of the invention, the marker gene (which may for example be an antibiotic- or herbicide-resistance gene) is expressed strongly in wounded tissues and cells and cultured explants, but not constitutively throughout the whole plant. Such promoters may also be used to drive expression of genes in plant tissue culture. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to the application of recombinant DNA technology to plants and plant cell cultures. Specifically, the invention relates to the control of the expression of genetic transformation marker genes with the aim of improving transformation systems and of reducing the unwanted expression of marker genes in transgenic plants. The invention therefore enables the provision of more environmentally and nutritionally acceptable genetically engineered crops and foodstuffs. By enhancing gene expression in plant cell cultures, the invention additionally enables or improves the production of compounds in plant cell culture. The aim of crop plant genetic engineering is to insert a gene (or genes) which improve what may be an already top performing plant variety whilst retaining the desirable genetic make up of the original plant. This technology can be integrated into traditional plant breeding programmes and apart from extending the potential genetic make-up of crops to include genes outside the normal gene pool, or synthetic genes, the process for introduction of new genetic information is rapid, much more precise and avoids the lengthy backcrossing programmes usually associated with the introgression of a gene via sexual crossing. Genetic transformation is a relatively rare event and so most strategies for gene transfer into plants require the use of a transformation `marker` gene in order to `select` or `screen` for transformed plant material. Conventional marker genes are usually microbial in origin and include antibiotic resistance genes, herbicide resistance genes and genes coding for easily screenable enzymes. Transformed plant material are thus `selected` by an ability to grow in the presence of normally toxic levels of specific antibiotics or herbicides, or `screened` for by assaying for the expression of novel enzymatic activities not normally found in higher plant tissue. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06031151__

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Clamshell container for food items Inventor(s): Knoss; Robert (19081 Hopi St., Anoka, MN 55303), Krupa; Calvin S. (750 Navajo Rd., Medina, MN 55340) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,497,894 Date filed: February 3, 1995 Abstract: A container for storing, transporting and displaying food products such as asparagus is disclosed. The container is a single molded piece of plastic having a base and a pair of cover members pivotally secured to the base by a living hinge. The base provides a first chamber having a top opening. The cover members, when latched together, form both a second chamber having a bottom opening aligned with the top opening of the base and a pair of opposing vents. the alignment of the openings in the two chambers permits elongated food products such as asparagus, celery or carrots to be stored and displayed in an upright fashion. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a package for long, thin food products such as asparagus, celery, carrots, or the like. More specifically, this invention relates to a single molded plastic package having a base and a pair of clamshell cover members. The cover members integral with and pivotally hinged to the base. The package also includes a pair of vent members formed by the base and the two cover members when the package is closed. The cover members are held together in the closed position by mating interlocking structures on the two cover members. The package is specifically designed to hold the food items in an upright fashion, physically protect the food items, and display the food in an aesthetically pleasing fashion. Elongated vegetables such as asparagus, celery, carrots and the like are commonly displayed in large bins in the produce sections of grocery stores. Often they are unpackaged. A supply of plastic bags is usually provided and the customers "package" the vegetables themselves. Otherwise, such vegetables are pre-packaged in plastic bags and left to lie in a pile in the bin. Many grocers and customers find current methods of display unsanitary and unsatisfactory. Current display methods leave vegetables bruised, dirty and unappealing to customers. Finally, careless customers and stock clerks often drop the vegetables from the bin to the floor where they get dirty and stepped on, leaving an unappetizing mess. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05497894__

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Container for fresh products such as asparagus Inventor(s): Johnson; Wendell J. (Manteca, CA), Stollberg; Ray H. (Gilroy, CA), Welch; Richard O. (Modesto, CA) Assignee(s): Crown Zellerbach Corporation (San Francisco, CA) Patent Number: 4,184,625 Date filed: December 28, 1978 Abstract: A container for fresh products such as asparagus comprising the combination of an open box body having interconnecting front, bottom, back and end walls, the walls having a substantially rectangular configuration, an insert positionable in the box body and defining therewith an interior of trapezoidal-shaped cross-section for accomodating the fresh products, and a cover for placement over the box body and the insert.

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Asparagus

Excerpt(s): The packing and shipping of fresh cut asparagus have historically presented peculiar problems and have resulted in the design of specialized containers for the product. Traditionally, asparagus has been shipped in trapezoidal-shaped wooden boxes, packed vertically to allow the asparagus to continue to grow in the box. Immediately after packing the box, the asparagus is hydro-cooled with ice water to retard growth as much as possible. Wooden boxes have increased greatly in price and the asparagus industry is increasingly turning to paperboard box structures. Problems that have been encountered with respect to paperboard boxes, however, include product packing difficulty and the use of large quantities of material per box to maintain adequate strength, especially stacking strength. Also, at least some of the paperboard boxes such as that disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,829 are fully constructed from a single blank and require that the box go through the hydro-cooler with the cover in position in order to maintain adequate box strength. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a container for asparagus and the like characterized by its ease of loading. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a container for asparagus and the like characterized by its high strength. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04184625__ •

Device for binding a thermally adhesive tape to articles Inventor(s): Uchida; Hiromichi (c/o Shin Nihon Seiki Co., Ltd., Hoshino Bldg., 7-3, Ueno 5-chome, Taito-ku, Tokyo, JP) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,232,498 Date filed: July 25, 1978 Abstract: A device for binding a thermally adhesive tape to articles to be bundled, such as spinach, trefoil, asparagus and the like, includes a base, an arm pivotally mounted on the base, a tape supply mounted on the arm, and a working stand provided on the base at a position where the working stand is faced with a free end of the arm when it is pivotally moved to a working position. A working head is provided on the free end of the arm and comprises a cutter to cut the tape from the tape supply, a tape bundling member to hold a tape portion around the articles between the tape bundling member and the working stand when the arm is pivotally moved to the working position, and a tape leading member to lead a new tape leading end from the succeeding tape after the tape portion around the articles is cut. A heater is provided in either of the working head or the working stand so as to heat and bond the overlapped portion of the tape around the articles. A tape holding device is provided to hold a tape leading end at the working stand while the tape leading end is releasable therefrom when the working head reaches the working stand so as to bundle the tape around the articles between the working head and the working stand. Excerpt(s): In the prior art, rubber bands, straws or tapes have been used in order to bundle articles such as vegetables. Such devices are manually tied around the articles, and therefore the operation is ineffective. Heretofore, there has been found no device to automatically bundle such articles and bind a tape to them. Accordingly, it is a principal object of the invention to provide a device for automatically binding a tape to articles such as vegetables. It is another object of the invention to provide a device for binding a tape to articles, wherein the operation of the device is easy and the construction of the device simple.

Patents 47

Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04232498__ •

Device for peeling elongated vegetables Inventor(s): Sommer; Felix (Am Weckersgraben 7, D-79436 Buggingen, DE) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,669,293 Date filed: March 7, 1996 Abstract: The invention concerns a device for peeling elongated vegetables, preferably asparagus. The device has a housing (2) with a passage (4) designed to permit a stick of asparagus (50) to be inserted. Inside the housing (2) are several peeling blades (12, 12') which are disposed in different directions of the passage (4) and act on the stick of asparagus (50). At least one of the blades (12, 12') can move crosswise to the longitudinal direction (6) of the passage (4) and presses flexibly against the stick of asparagus (50). The blades (12, 12') each have a cutting edge (19, 19') preceded in the peeling direction (23) by a feeler (20, 20'). During the peeling operation, the feeler (20, 20') lies against the stick of asparagus and guides the blade (12, 12') tangentially along the outside surface of the stick (50). The device enables sticks of asparagus (50) of differing diameter to be peeled simply in one operation round the whole of their peripheral area. Excerpt(s): The invention relates to a device for peeling asparagus and similar elongated vegetables, including a passage for passing the vegetable through and arranged in the region of the passage at least one peeling blade which acts upon the periphery of the vegetable and presses flexibly against the vegetable, wherein the cutting edge (19) of the peeling blade is preceded in the peeling direction (23) by at least one feeler (20, 20') which lies against the periphery of the vegetable to be peeled and is connected substantially rigidly to the peeling blade, wherein each peeling blade is held on, and is capable of swivelling relative to, a blade arm mounted so as to be capable of swinging out crosswise to the longitudinal direction of the passage against a restoring force and each peeling blade has a cross section in the shape of a circle segment. Manually peeling asparagus, for example, is laborious and time-coasting, because every single stick has to be peeled in several stages, each stage removing only a strip of the outside skin of the asparagus. After one strip has been removed, the asparagus has to be turned through a certain angle about its longitudinal axis relative to the peeler, so that the next strip can be peeled. If the angle selected is too large, an unpeeled area is left between the two strips. That strip then has to be peeled off separately in an extra step. Since, however, the peeled portion of the outer skin of the asparagus is difficult to distinguish from the unpeeled portion, the person peeling the asparagus may fail to notice that it has been turned through too large an angle and therefore not all the skin is removed. There is this risk particularly if relatively large quantities of asparagus are to be peeled and after some time the person doing so becomes inattentive or careless due to the work being monotonous and offering little in the way of relief. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05669293__

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Green asparagus harvester Inventor(s): Salkeld; William J. (Cowra, AU) Assignee(s): Linero Pty. Ltd. (Cowra, AU) Patent Number: 4,918,909 Date filed: August 30, 1988 Abstract: An asparagus spear selection and picking unit for a harvester of green asparagus has at least one pair of tynes which are mounted adjacent to, but spaced apart from, each other. The adjacent edges of the tynes are shaped to provide a tapered channel leading to the nip of a pair of soft conveyors mounted adjacent to each other and extending upwards at an acute angle relative to the horizontal. The height of the pair of tynes above ground level is adjustable. When a growing asparagus spear has a height sufficient for its tip to be guided into the nip of the soft conveyors by the tynes, its top is gripped by the soft conveyors. Shortly after being gripped by the soft conveyors, the tip of the spear activates a sensor (a microswitch or an electro-optical device) to generate a signal which activates a cutter to cut the spear at or near its base. The cut asparagus spear is then conveyed by a series of conveyors to be deposited in a required orientation in a skip, field basket or pocket being carried on the harvester. Excerpt(s): This invention concerns the harvesting of green asparagus. More particularly, it concerns an asparagus spear selection and picking unit for use in a mechanical harvester of green asparagus. When green asparagus is planted, the asparagus spears do not grow at a constant rate. Thus a row of asparagus will contain spears of various lengths, only the tallest of which will be suitable for picking. Asparagus harvesters have been designed for picking asparagus spears, but those harvesters (a) are slow and (b) pick spears of all heights. Consequently, such harvesters are wasteful. Indeed, they are seldom used, for it is more economical to use manual labour to pick asparagus spears every two days over the four months period when asparagus plants produce spears of acceptable length. Manual picking of asparagus spears, however, is uncomfortable and thus unattractive work, and labour for this task is often difficult to find at the harvest period. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04918909__

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Hand tool for peeling elongated vegetables Inventor(s): Henning; Wilhelm (Hattingen, DE), Koenig; Hans G. (Werdohl, DE) Assignee(s): Westmark Schulte Co. KG (DE) Patent Number: 5,237,749 Date filed: April 4, 1991 Abstract: A hand tool for peeling elongated vegetables such as, for example, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, black salsify, etc. including two hand levers pivotable against a spring force about a pivot axis, with the hand levers carrying, on free ends thereof, two mutually opposed paring knives constructed as low-waste peelers. The paring knives are oriented such that longitudinal center axes thereof are disposed parallel to the pivot axis of the hand levers and remain constantly aligned in parallel with each other independently of the pivoting position of the hand levers. The hand levers may be integrally formed in one piece from, for example, spring steel and the pivot axis and the

Patents 49

longitudinal axis of the paring knives may be arranged inclined with respect to a longitudinal extension of the hand tool. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a hand tool and, more particularly, to a hand tool for peeling elongated vegetables such as, for example, asparagus, carrots, cucumbers, radishes, black salsify, zucchinis, or the like, with the tool including two hand levers pivotable against a spring force about a pivot axis, and with the hand levers carrying, on free ends thereof, two mutually opposed paring knives fashioned as lowwaste peelers. A hand tool of the aforementioned type is proposed in, for example, DAS 1,139,945 wherein the hand levers, urged or spread apart into a V-shape by a spring force, are provided, at free ends thereof, with two paring knives extending in a longitudinal direction of the hand levers and being mutually inclined with respect to the longitudinal direction in correspondence with the V-shape of the two hand levers. In use, during a paring, two strips of peel are simultaneously removed from an elongated or rod-shaped vegetable; however, the removed strips of peel are not in mutual diametrically opposition. A disadvantage of the proposed hand tool resides in the fact that, when performing successive paring strokes, the user can only ascertain for certain that only the skin is removed by the paring knife within visible range during the carrying out of successful peeling strokes since the opposite paring knife is hidden by the vegetable. Consequently, it may occur that a strip of material is likewise peeled off the vegetable; however, by virtue of the fact that the second paring knife is hidden, there is no optical control possibility to readily ascertain whether the hidden paring knife peels off the skin or actual flesh of the vegetable. Thus, the use of this proposed hand tool often results in a considerable loss of actual vegetable tissue which is extremely disadvantageous particularly in the case of expensive vegetables such as, for example, asparagus. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05237749__ •

Harvester apparatus Inventor(s): Peasley; Gerald J. (R.R. No. 1, Eilers Road, Montaque, MI 49437) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,059,943 Date filed: May 28, 1975 Abstract: A harvesting machine is disclosed which is especially adapted to harvesting asparagus; however, it is effective for a variety of objects such as apples, nuts or golf balls. The harvester, which may be pushed, pulled or self-propelled, includes a rigid outer frame supported on ground engaging support wheels which are positioned to travel adjacent the asparagus rows or the like. A rigid picking head frame is pivoted from the extreme rear of the outer frame so that rough ground will not cause extreme up and down movement of a picking head which is adjacent the forward end of the outer frame. Ground engaging drive wheels mounted on the picking head frame are also positioned to travel adjacent the asparagus rows or the like and provide a drive for the picking head which includes pairs of a parallel spaced apart flexible elastomeric discs having protrusions on the radial surfaces thereof. The flexible discs are fixed to a rotary shaft which is mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel of the harvester and parallel to the ground and is driven by the ground engaging drive wheels. The shaft and discs are driven by the ground engaging drive wheels at peripheral speeds other than the ground speed of the harvester. Wedge shaped elemens fixed to the picking head frame force adjacent flexible discs into contact with one another in a picking zone. A

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conveyor driven by a ground engaging wheel receives and elevates the asparagus which has been guided between adjacent discs and broken off as a result of the speed of the discs, the force of the wedges holding the discs together and the protrusions on the radial faces of the adjacent discs. Excerpt(s): This invention is in the field of harvesting machines and is specifically directed to the field of harvesting equipment for picking asparagus. Prior known devices for mechanically picking asparagus have employed cutting devices which sever the stalks of asparagus close to or below ground level before the stalks are lifted from the ground. These devices indiscriminately cut the stalks a uniform distance from ground level thereby producing lower grade asparagus because stalks of undesirable pith containing the fiberous portion which can occur in the lower part of the stalk are mixed in with those stalks of the proper pith. The overall quality of the harvested asparagus is reduced since premium prices are paid for asparagus which is of the proper pith. These stalks do not contain any fibrous portion thereby producing a tender, juicy produce for which the consumer is willing to pay a premium price which in turn increases the potential financial return to the harvester. The hand labor of field hands can produce a premium harvest; however, hand labor is expensive and field hands are becoming increasingly more difficult to hire at the desired times. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a new and improved harvesting machine. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04059943__ •

Method and composition for treatment of premenstrual syndrome in women Inventor(s): Dhaliwal; Kirpal S (6181 Eastern Ave., Bell Gardens, CA 90201) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,589,569 Date filed: October 30, 2000 Abstract: A medicinal composition has been created that is useful in the treatment of PMS in human females who experience adverse PMS symptoms. The composition is comprised of an extract of asparagus racemosus. The composition preferably includes about eighty-five parts Asparagus racemosus and about five parts each of Withania sominifera, Pedalium murex, and Tinospora cordifolia. The active component of the Asparagus racemosus is saponin glucoside (A4). Preferably, the composition is administered in capsular form with each capsule containing about one-half gram of the composition. Two of these capsules are taken three times a day. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a medicinal composition useful for the treatment of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and to a method of treatment of PMS. Almost every woman suffers from PMS at one time or another in her reproductive lifetime. It is estimated that over sixty-seven percent of all women experience significant symptoms of PMS for which they seek some type of intervention. It is further estimated that over thirty-three percent of all women have had medical treatment for PMS sometime in their lives. The multiple remedies heretofore available to treat PMS simply do not offer relief from that condition. PMS has been the reported cause of discomfort leading to loss of work or school in many women, and has been listed as a significant problem in the offices of a great many gynecologists. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06589569__

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Method for preventing intestinal diverticulum with expanded fiber bundles of asparagus Inventor(s): Inahara; Hirohisa (Kyoto, JP), Naito; Ryoichi (Ibaraki, JP), Shiino; Satoru (Uji, JP) Assignee(s): The Green Cross Corporation (Osaka, JP) Patent Number: 4,147,779 Date filed: June 14, 1978 Abstract: A powder of expanded asparagus fiber bundles is obtained by keeping the integument of asparagus stems under a pressure of 2 to 8 kg/cm.sup.2 (gage), then releasing the pressure in a moment, drying the spurted material, and pulverizing the dried material. This powder is used as a food additive for supplementing fibrous material to a diet deficient in vegetable fiber content and is effective in preventing acquired intestinal diverticulum. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a food additive comprising vegetable fibrous material, which is suitable for supplementing a diet defficient in fiber content. One of the adult diseases which has recently attracted a special attention is intestinal diverticulum. It is acquired, a posteriori, frequently in the duodenum and the large intestine with symptoms generally resembling those of intestinal disease such as constipation, alternation of constipation and diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Further, if a patient suffers from diverticulitis due to bacterial infection of the intestive contents, he complains of not only abdominal pain but also fever, increased leucocyte count, nausea and vomitting. When the diverticulitis has aggravated, it is complicated by hemorrage, perforation, pericolonic abscess, fistula and obstruction which can be cured only by surgical treatments. Further, a problem which has recently arisen is that the intestinal diverticulum can be associated with hyperlipemia and arteriosclerosis; the acquired intestinal diverticulum tends to elevate the concentrations of cholesterol and neutral lipids in the blood, thus leading to arteriosclerosis. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04147779__

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Method for producing fiber-rich vegetable material capable of adsorbing mutagen and product Inventor(s): Emura; Tatsuo (4-1-15, Toyohira 3-jo, Toyohira-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido, JP), Kada; Tsuneo (1111, Yata, Mishima-shi, Shizuoka-ken, JP), Sasaki; Yoshiteru (Aza Nakayubetsuminamicho Kamiybetsusho, Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido, JP) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,770,880 Date filed: July 19, 1985 Abstract: A method for producing a product capable of adsorbing mutagen involving providing a fiber-rich, vegetable material capable of adsorbing mutagen by separating fibers from a vegetable, boiling the fibers and then washing and dewatering the fibers, prior to treating the fibers to produce dehydrated, fiber-rich vegetable material in particulate form by subjecting the fiber-rich material to a dehydration technique which preferably involves co-drying the fibers with carrier materials, and an ingestible product including fiber-rich vegetable material made from cabbage, radish, bamboo sprout, onion, carrot, pimiento, spinach, soybean malt, and asparagus.

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Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a fiber-rich vegetable material, particularly fibers separated from asparagus, capable of adsorbing mutagen, a method of preparing the same, a method for using the same to adsorb mutagen, and a method for isolating mutagenic substances from organic material. Although it was first observed over thirty years ago that carcinogenic substances are mutagenic substances, only recently has a test been developed which is capable of proving this hypothesis. The Ames test, developed by Dr. Bruce Ames, has found that many chemical carcinogens or cancer-causing agents are potent frameshift mutagens or substances which may be metabolized in cells to forms that are frameshift mutagen. In brief, the Ames test is an assay for screening compounds for their ability to revert a series of known frameshift mutations in the hisD gene to wild type, which is readily assayed because wild-type mutated cells form colonies on medium that lack histidine. The rational of the test is based on the premise that mutagenesis and cancer induction both result from alteration of the DNA of a cell. Experimentally, over 90% of the carcinogens tested have been determined to be mutagens. The Ames test, as indicated above, measures the rate of reversion of histidine auxotrophs of Salmonella to prototrophy in both the presence and absence of the chemical being tested. If the chemical is mutagenic, it will increase the reversion rate. The test also gives some idea of how powerful a mutagen, or how potentially hazardous, a chemical is by a number of revertants that arise. The more powerful the mutagen, the greater number of revertants. Notwithstanding the progress which has been made in identifying mutagenic substances, the list is by no means exhaustive. Considerable time and effort is required to conduct tests on an infinite number of materials in an effort to completely identify substances which are mutagens, and by implication, carcinogenic. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04770880__ •

Oligospirostanoside, oligospirostanoside oligospirostanoside

pharmaceutical composition containing novel and method for immunomodulation using said

Inventor(s): Bedi; Kasturi Lal (Jammu, IN), Bhardwaj; Vikram (Jammu, IN), Gupta; Vishwa Nath (Jammu, IN), Handa; Sukhdev Swami (Jammu, IN), Kaul; Anpurna (Jammu, IN), Khajuria; Anamika (Jammu, IN), Krishnamurthy; Raman (Maharashtra, IN), Kulhar; Prabhakar (Maharashtra, IN), Parikh; Girish G. (Maharashtra, IN), Salunkhe; Ulhas (Maharashtra, IN), Satti; Naresh Kumar (Jammu, IN), Suri; Krishan Avtar (Jammu, IN), Suri; Om Prakash (Jammu, IN) Assignee(s): Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (New Delhi, IN), Department of Science and Technology (New Delhi, IN), Zandu Pharmaceutical Works Limited (Maharashtra, IN) Patent Number: 6,649,745 Date filed: March 20, 2002 Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel oligospirostanoside having the structure 3-0-[.alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1.fwdarw.2)-.alpha.-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1.f wdarw.4)-0-.beta.-D-glucopyranosyl]-25(S)-5.beta.-spirostan-3.beta.-ol isolated from Asparagus racemosus and to a pharmaceutical composition containing the novel oligospirostanoside and to a method for immunomodulation using said oligospirostanoside by administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of said novel oligospirostanoside.

Patents 53

Excerpt(s): The Ayurvedic crude drug, Shatavari comprises decorticated roots of Asparagus racemosus wild [Kanitkar, U. K., Dange, P. S. and Pendse, G. S. J. Res. Indian Med. 3 (1969) 123; Medicinal Plants of India vol. 1, ed. by Satyavati, G. V., Raina, M. K. and Sharma, M. Indian Council of Medical Research, New Delhi (1976) 101]. Phytochemical investigations of the plant Asparagus racemosus, have resulted in isolation and characterization of steroidal glycosides [Ravikumar, P. R., Soman, R., Chetty, G. L. Pandey, R. C. and Sukhdev, Indian J. Chem. 26 B (1987) 1012, Kar, Deepak Kumar and Sen Sumitra, Cell Chromosome Res. 7 (1984) 10], a novel cage type pyrrolizidine alkaloid, asparaginine [Sekine, T., Fukasawa, N., Kashiwagi, Y., Ruangrungsi, N. and Murakoshi, I, Chem. Pharm. Bull. 42 (1994) 1360] and a 9,10dihydrophenanthrene derivative [Sekine, T., Fukasawa, N., Murakoshi, I. and Ruangrungsi, N. Phytochemistry, 44 (1997) 763]. The main object of the present invention is to provide a novel oligospirostanoside. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06649745__ •

Paperboard asparagus carton Inventor(s): Oppenheim; Paul J. (San Jose, CA) Assignee(s): International Paper Company (Purchase, NY) Patent Number: 5,181,651 Date filed: February 10, 1992 Abstract: An asparagus carton and a unitary blank for forming it. The blank is of corrugated paperboard. The carton interior is tapered along opposite side walls by virtue of slanting side spacer panels. This yields a trapezoidal configuration of a part of the carton interior to more nearly correspond to the tapered form of a mass of asparagus. The carton is preferably loaded from the bottom. The asparagus may be inspected by opening a side wall panel, and may also be opened from the top. In addition to providing slanting side walls, the side spacer panels permit the loaded carton to be lifted through side wall openings without contacting the asparagus. In a first embodiment, the bottom of the carton may be opened by releasing a bottom tongue and slot latch arrangement, while in a second embodiment the bottom of the carton is defined by known interlocking panels. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an asparagus carton fashioned from a unitary blank of stiff, foldable, and resilient sheet material, such as corrugated paperboard or the like. The paperboard carton art is aware of constructions for forming an asparagus carton from a unitary blank of paperboard. One construction is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,495 issued to OHo H. Jes. The Jes carton includes openings for the introduction of fluids to cool the asparagus after it has been placed in the carton. However, the Jes carton requires staples for assembly. There exists a need for a paperboard asparagus carton having opposite interior side slanted spacer panels, spaced a predetermined distance from two of the four side panels, for the purpose of protecting the contents of the carton and also to rigidify it with regard to vertical stacking strength, and which does not require staples for its erection. Accordingly to the practice of this invention, a corrugated paperboard asparagus container is fashioned from a unitary blank, with the carton being in the general form of a rectangular parallelepiped. The bottom closure for the carton may assume one of two forms, with each form including a plurality of overlapped or superposed bottom panels which are, in turn, foldably joined to the bottoms of respective side panels of the carton. The top closure for the carton is defined by a pair of overlapping panels, also superposed, with the uppermost of the top closure

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panels carrying a tab which is received by a slot at the base of the other top closure panel. Interior side spacer panels are joined to two opposite side panels of the carton by a double fold line, i.e., two fold lines parallel to each other and spaced apart. The side spacer panels are tilted slightly so as to yield a trapezoidal carton interior. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05181651__ •

Phytoestrogen supplements pomegranate seeds

prepared

from

pomegranate

material

including

Inventor(s): Lansky; Ephraim Philip (3 Horev, Haifa 31060, IL) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,060,063 Date filed: April 5, 1999 Abstract: A phytoestrogen supplement and methods of preparation are described. The basis of the oral phytoestrogen supplement was a preparation of the pomegranate material, preferably pomegranate seeds, which were contacted with an appropriate solvent as described below, preferably including water and ethanol. Preferably, the supplement also included an herbal mixture, including schizandra berries and Chinese asparagus root, and most preferably including Chinese licorice root and Chinese angelica root. The phytoestrogen supplement can also be prepared from pomegranate material alone without the addition of other herbals, which involves fermenting the pomegranate material including the pomegranate seeds. The basis of topical phytoestrogen supplements was a mixture of a preparation of the pomegranate material, preferably pomegranate seeds, which were pressed as described below to produce pomegranate oil, and of the coconut milk. Preferably, the supplements also included schizandra berries and Chinese asparagus root. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to phytoestrogen supplements and, more particularly, to phytoestrogen supplements derived from botanical sources which can be administered in a variety of ways. Steroidal estrogens are typically derived from animal sources and are used to treat conditions such as menopause. Menopause occurs as ovarian function gradually declines, leading to the cessation of ovulation, menstruation and finally secretion of estrogen by the ovaries. The decline and cessation of estrogen secretion leads to a number of symptoms, including hot flashes, mood disturbances such as depression, atheromatous disease and osteoporosis. Although animal-derived steroidal estrogens, such as estradiol, estratiol and estrone, can be successfully used to treat these symptoms, many women are reluctant to take these substances, and many medical professionals are equally reluctant to prescribe them. These estrogens have been linked to an increase in cancer in women to whom they were administered. Thus, it would be advantageous to find a substance or group of substances which mimic the desirable effects of estrogens, namely the cessation of symptoms associated with menopause, yet which are not carcinogenic. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06060063__

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Process for producing interferon inducers Inventor(s): Hashimoto; Takashi (Chofu, JP), Kojima; Yasuhiko (Yokohama, JP), Konno; Seishi (Tokyo, JP), Tamamura; Sadao (Tokyo, JP) Assignee(s): The Kitasato Institute (Tokyo, JP) Patent Number: 4,469,685 Date filed: May 5, 1983 Abstract: A process for producing interferon inducers from the plants, comprising extracting a water-soluble interferon inducer with water from the tissue of a plant selected from the genera Atractylodes, Lonicera, Plantago, Lithospermum, Ligusticum, Cnidium, Bupleurum, Notopeterygium, Heracleum, Aralia, Panax, Polygala, Sophora, Euchresta, Astragalus, Sinomenium, Stephania, Cocculus, Cimicifuga, Rheum, Gastroida, Asparagus, Pinellia, Evoida and variants thereof capable of producing said interferon inducer at a temperature of from ambient to the boiling point of the extraction mixture for a period sufficient to extract the major portion of said interferon inducer present in the plant tissue, forming a supernatant, fractionating the supernatant to yield fractions containing the major portion of said interferon inducer in the supernatant and recovering said interferon inducer therefrom. Preferably, the fractionation may be effected by ultrafiltration. The interferon inducers thus obtained have a molecular weight of from about 30,000 to about 3,000,000 and are of potential interest for preventing and treating various diseases of humans and animals caused by viral infection. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a process for producing interferon inducers (hereinafter referred to as IF inducers) originating from the tissues of plants. Interferon, hereinafter also referred to as IF, is a substance capable of acting upon animal or human cells to inhibit the growth of a virus and is a type of protein liberated from the cell in response to viral infection. The activity of IF is specific with respect to an animal species and non-specific with respect to a viral species and may vary, with diferring conditions used for its induction. It is also known that the growth of certain animal tumour type viruses may significantly be inhibited by IF under certain conditions. A substance capable of acting upon animal or human cells to induce IF is designated as an IF inducer. Thus an IF inducer is of potential interest in the prevention and treatment of various human and animal diseases caused by viral infection. However, various known IF inducers have never been used in practice for such a purpose because of certain defects. With regard to IF inducers originating from the plant tissues, it was known that certain mitogenic agents such as phytohemagglutinin (PHA) [Wheelock, Science, 140:310 (1965) and J. Biol. Chem., 212:607-615 (1955)], pokeweed mitogen [Friedman et al, Proc. Soc. Exp. Med., 125:90 (1967) and J. Exp. Med., 124:859-872 (1966)] and concanavalin A [Willen et al, Cell. Imminol., 6:110 (1973) and Methods of Carbohydrate Chemistry, vol. VI, 108-110 (1972)] respectively isolated from the tissues of kidney bean, poke weed and horse bean have an extremely low IF inducing activity. These mitogenic agents have been prepared by extracting the active substance with a saline solution or buffer solution from the plant tissues, treating the extracted solution with an alcohol to give a precipitate, subjecting the precipitate to column chromatography. Due to their extremely low IF-inducing activity, no successful attempt has been made to use these mitogenic agents for preventing and treating various diseases caused by viral infection. Other IF inducers orginating from the plants are also known. That is, Kojima (one of the coinventors of the present invention) et al [Japanese Patent Application as laid open to public inspection as Kokai Koho No. 32107/78 ] disclosed an IF inducer which is believed to be a kind of heteropolymeric saccharides containing as main constituents

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hexose (40%), protein (5%) and uronic acid (5%) having a molecular weight of more than 100,000. This substance is isolated from the root of Angelica acutiloba Kitagawa (known in Japan as Toki) by extracting the root with hot water to give an extracted solution, subjecting the same to dialysis to give a residue, adding acetone to the residue to give precipitate, followed by freeze-drying the same. If desired, the extracted solution may be made up to a suitable quantity before dialysis by concentrating in vacuo or by using a Diaflo membrane (MW=10.000). Subsequently, Kojima and Tamamura [Japanese Patent Application as laid open to public inspectionas Kokai Koho No. 99313/78] disclosed an IF inducer having a molecular weight of more than 20,000 (mainly more than 60,000) and containing as main constituents a 1-3 bonded glucose (hexose: more than 90%). This IF inducer is prepared by extracting the peeling of a mulberry e.g. Morus alba Linne or M. bombycis Koidzumi with hot water, adding an organic solvent to the extracted solution to give precipitate, adding to the same a small amount of water, subjecting the mixture to dislysis to give a residue and freez-drying the residue. If desired, the extracted solution may be made up to a suitable quantity by concentrating in vacuo or by using a Diaflo membrane. These two IF inducers are soluble in water and insoluble in organic solvents and have high IF-inducing activity. As a result of further studies, it has been found that certain substances which we have isolated from the tissues of various higher plants show high IF-inducing activity. The present invention is based on the discovery that various plants which have been used as traditional remedies in Japan and China are not only effective in regulating general health but are also believed to be effective in curing common cold. However, there has never been any disclosure that these traditional Sino-Japanese remedies contain a substance having IF-inducing activity except the above-mentioned Angelica acutiloba and mulberries discovered by Japanese researchers. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04469685__ •

Produce container Inventor(s): Muise, Jr.; H. Donald (Mira Loma, CA) Assignee(s): Weyerhaeuser Company (Tacoma, WA) Patent Number: 5,163,609 Date filed: June 27, 1991 Abstract: A single piece corrugated paperboard blank is cut and scored to provide a field erectable container without the use of any additional elements for locking pieces together. The container is one having inclined side walls so that the produce, such as asparagus or green onions, which is stacked in a vertical orientation may be packaged and held in place during shipment. The bottom of the erected container is larger than the top and an integral opposed strapping arrangement is provided whereby a plurality of flaps or panels are arranged to be folded into an orientation and locked in place to provide a field erected container which has great vertical stacking strength. Sufficient cooling vents are provided as are opposed hand holds. Upstanding stacking tabs are also provided so that one packed container may be stacked atop another and be substantially held in place. Excerpt(s): Briefly the present invention relates to a produce container for holding and shipping upstanding product such as asparagus or onions. More particularly, the invention relates to a corrugated paperboard container for such produce items which can be assembled in the field from a unitary blank of paperboard material. Corrugated paperboard containers are commonly used to pack and ship upstanding produce items

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such as asparagus and green onions and usually these containers are larger at the bottom than at the top. State of the art corrugated containers are usually comprised of two pieces where the bottom member may be formed from a cut and scored single blank to form a base with upstanding side walls and an open top, while the cover of the container is a telescoping piece that slides over the exterior walls of the bottom piece after the produce is placed within the bottom portion. Oftentimes, these containers are held together using staples or straps for permanent assembly prior to packing in the field. It was found desirable to have a produce container fabricated from a single unitary blank of corrugated paperboard material which could be erected in the field without the necessity of mechanical equipment. In such a case the scored and cut blanks are distributed to field locations where the produce is growing and field workers can conveniently harvest the produce, erect the container in the field using hand assembly and then immediately pack the produce therein while the container is in a partially erected state. With such a unitary foldable corrugated paperboard blank, necessary designed features should include ease of assembly using the folding and locking features provided while the same time holding the produced so it does not easily fall out. Another extremley important requirement is that the erected container while holding the produce yield good stacking strength and, therefore, good, strong vertical corners are essential. These general types of corrugated paperboard containers are commonly wax saturated for use in chilled water shower cooling system whereby the packed produce is cooled prior to shipment. Such a cooling technique allows the produce to be shipped longer distances and then distributed to retail outlets while retaining its pleasant appearance and freshness. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05163609__ •

Selective asparagus harvester Inventor(s): Wadekamper; Leslie (17 Lowe Ahtanum Road, Yakima, WA 98903) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,007,579 Date filed: November 28, 1975 Abstract: Spear cutting assemblies are described for asparagus harvesters to selectively cut mature spears having a prescribed height without cutting or damaging immature spears of a lesser height. Each assembly has a sensing means composed of two vanes that are biased together to form a "V" shaped channel to initially receive mature spears. One of the vanes engages the spear and is deflected thereby causing the rear ends of the vanes to move laterally into alignment with the spear. The movement of the vanes causes a knife subassembly to move laterally into alignment with the spear. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to asparagus harvesters and more particularly to cutting assemblies for selectively cutting mature spears without damaging immature spears. An asparagus harvester having selective asparagus cutting assemblies is illustrated in the C. R. Lyons et al U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,387. Each cutting assembly includes sizing wires that direct mature spears to cutting blade subassembly. One of the problems associated with the use of the guide wires is a tendency of the guide wires to bend the mature spears laterally to direct the spears to the cutting blade subassembly. Such lateral bending sometimes breaks the spears. Additionally it is found that the blades encounter excessive wear. One of the principal objects of this invention is to provide spear cutting assemblies for asparagus harvesters for selectively cutting the

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mature spears while leaving undamaged the immature spears in such a way as not to laterally displace the mature spears and break the spears in the process. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04007579__ •

Shear topper for packing vegetables Inventor(s): Busco; Joseph James (Lyons, NY), Mierke; Ralph Carl (Lyons, NY) Assignee(s): Borden, Inc. (Columbus, OH) Patent Number: 4,000,598 Date filed: August 21, 1975 Abstract: An improved apparatus for canning elongated, limp materials such as string beans or asparagus that includes a means for cutting the beans while in the can and means for adjusting the liquid in the head space of a can to a uniform and desired level. The improved process averts a separate clamping and cutting step formerly required in canning processes. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to an improved process for canning elongated, limp material such as string beans and to an improved apparatus that can be used to modify existing canning machines. Greco (U.S. Pat. No. 1,235,680) which shows shearing knives for cutting off the ends of beans protruding from the mold prior to pushing them in a can. Gardner, et al (U.S. Pat. No. 2,048,156) which relates to a machine for bunching, cutting and canning "Vienna" type sausages. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04000598__

•

Stalk selective harvesting machine Inventor(s): Haws; Spencer Kim (88 W. 50 South, Centerville, UT 84014) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,003,193 Date filed: March 14, 1975 Abstract: A machine for harvesting crops which grow as stalks or spears such as asparagus. The machine includes a frame having wheels to carry the frame along the ground, a stalk sensing mechanism for sensing stalks of a predetermined height in a certain pathway, and a cutting mechanism which is rotated into a cutting position beside each stalk sensed by the sensing mechanism. When it reaches the cutting position, a portion of the cutting mechanism is moved transversely of the pathway to cut the stalk below ground level. Substantially simultaneously with the cutting of a stalk, a grasping mechanism seizes the stalk and, coincident with the rotation of the cutting mechanism, carries the stalk to a holding bin. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a machine for selectively harvesting asparagus stalks and the like. A variety of apparatus have been suggested for facilitating the automated harvesting of asparagus. See, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,709,330; 2,767,544; 3,176,456; 3,328,943; 3,412,540 and 3,653,194. The result sought with most suggested arrangements is to harvest only certain mature stalks while leaving undisturbed the younger stalks. The harvesting of asparagus, since it is typically planted in ordered, parallel beds or rows, would appear to be suited for automation but the suggested

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arrangements, although eliminating much of the manual labor, generally cause some damage to the unharvested stalks growing near those that are harvested. This is because the cutting elements in such arrangements are positioned and dispatched to cut a selected stalk in such a way that adjacent stalks are either also cut or are partially mutilated. This, of course, is costly and serves to defeat one of the purposes for seeking to automate harvesting in the first place --that of reducing the cost per unit of crop harvested. It is an object of the present invention to provide a machine for automatically and selectively harvesting stalks of asparagus and the like. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04003193__ •

System for sorting elongated members Inventor(s): Kodaira; Toshimi (Kawasaki, JP), Matsuo; Osamu (Kawasaki, JP), Nakamura; Keijiro (Kawasaki, JP) Assignee(s): Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (Kawasaki, JP) Patent Number: 4,271,967 Date filed: February 28, 1979 Abstract: A system of sorting elongated pieces such as asparagus, wherein each of the elongated pieces are successively conveyed by a conveyer and detected as a still image by a sensor such as a TV camera. In processing a signal representative of the still image a stem diameter of the piece and a ratio of the spike maximum diameter of the piece to the stem diameter are obtained as sorting out factors by calculation. When the calculation values of the sorting out factors satisfy predetermined reference values, the piece is further sorted out according to size. The stem diameter is measured at a position which is spaced from the cut end of the stem by a predetermined dimension toward the spike thereof. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a system for sorting elongated members in which the pieces are successively conveyed by a conveyor means are detected as still images by an industrial television camera, and the image signal of the television camera is processed to determine whether each piece is an acceptable one or an unacceptable one and to sort out each piece according to the size. Typical pieces are vegetables such as asparagus, celery, mushrooms, carrots, and the like. The invention will be described with respect to asparagus, but is not so limited in utility. For agricultural products such as asparagus, it is necessary to sort a large number in a short period of time to keep them fresh. However, heretofore a large number of pieces of asparagus are visually inspected by an inspector to sort them. Since the speed at which the inspector visually inspects pieces of asparagus conveyed by the conveyer is limited, it is difficult to visually inspect a large number of pieces of asparagus in a short time. Furthermore, since there are individual variations in sorting criteria among inspectors, different inspectors may have different inspection standards. Therefore it is difficult to inspect all of pieces of asparagus according to the same inspection standard. In order to eliminate the above-described inspection errors, it is necessary to provide inspectors who can inspect according to one and the same inspection standard. However, it is not practical such subjective judgements must be made. In order to eliminate the above-described difficulties accompanying the conventional visual inspection performed by human inspectors, a method may be considered in which a detector such as a photo sensor and a limit switch is employed to measure asparagus length and asparagus stem diameter. However, in this method, if the detector is fixedly provided, each piece of asparagus to be conveyed by the conveyer means must be placed at a predetermined position on the

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conveyer. For this purpose, the conveyer must be designed so that pieces of asparagus are placed correctly at the predetermined positions on the conveyer means, then conveyed, and detected by the detector. Thus, the method is disadvantageous in that the design of a suitable conveyer is exceptionally difficult. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04271967__ •

Tote container for perishable produce particularly asparagus Inventor(s): Miller; LeRoy (Minneapolis, MN), Morris; Richard J. (Maple Grove, MN), Sarych; David T. (Minneapolis, MN), Stoll; Mark S. (Deephaven, MN), Thorud; Stanley R. (Brooklyn Center, MN) Assignee(s): Liberty Diversified Industries (New Hope, MN) Patent Number: 5,038,998 Date filed: February 16, 1990 Abstract: A tote container for perishable produce such as asparagus comprising a pair of identical molded end shells which form the side walls of the tote container, with an intermediate blank cut and scored from a sheet material such as double-faced corrugated plastic extending between and securely attached to each of the end shells. The blank is folded to form a bottom panel, back panel, pivoting top lid and front lid panels, and a front tray panel to the tote container. The tote container defines a receptacle region with an open top and front, and the blank defines a bottom tray portion within that receptacle region. Excerpt(s): This invention relates generally to tote containers for storing, shipping, or displaying food products, and particularly to a tote container for use in transporting fresh cut asparagus and similar stalk-type vegetables and produce. While many regions of the United States provide fertile growing conditions for vegetables and other produce, a significant percentage of produce sold and consumed in the United States is grown and imported from foreign countries. As the task of economically growing and selling fresh product is undertaken by larger agricultural concerns rather than local regional growers, the need for more versatile and reusable tote containers for harvesting, shipping, and displaying the produce has become important. Asparagus is a pertinent example. Asparagus is grown in the states situated along the western coast of the United States, as well as the western coastal regions of Mexico, Central America, and South America. The growing and harvesting periods for the various countries overlap to some extent, but the range of growing periods throughout the coastal regions continues practically throughout the year. Therefore, asparagus is grown and harvested in a repeating yearly cycle extending from the northern coastal states of the United States to the southernmost countries in South America, and companies distributing asparagus to stores and markets within the United States may receive their product from any one of the regions then growing and harvesting asparagus. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05038998__

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•

Two-piece asparagus carton Inventor(s): Jes; Otto J. (Long Beach, CA) Assignee(s): Willamette Industries, Inc. (Portland, OR) Patent Number: 4,565,316 Date filed: March 4, 1983 Abstract: A carton for packing and shipping produce such as asparagus, the carton being formed in two pieces or sections. The first section of the carton is a lower box body having a bottom, two opposed upstanding side walls, a rear wall, and a front panel hinged to the bottom of the lower box body and foldable to a position wherein it slopes inwardly from vertical to vary the cross sectional area of the interior of the carton from top to bottom thereby supporting the asparagus stalks. The second section of the carton is an upper box cover having a top, two side walls, a front wall and a back wall, being dimensioned to telescope over the lower box body so that the outside of the assembled carton has a rectangular prismatic configuration. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to corrugated cartons, and more particularly to cartons for securely packing produce such as asparagus. The carton includes a slanted front panel to vary the cross sectional area of the interior of the carton from top to bottom, while maintaining a substantially rectangular exterior. Asparagus is a fast-growing shoot or spear that is harvested while still in its active growth cycle. The vegetable is tapered in shape and has a tender tip which breaks easily. During transportation and storage, it is necessary to protect the tender tips from breakage. It is common practice in the asparagus packing industry to subject the packed asparagus to a hydro-cooling bath to slow its growth rate. Thereafter it is necessary to keep the stalks cool and moist so that they will not be limp when they reach the market place. If kept moist, asparagus will continue to grow during transit. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04565316__

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Vegetable or fruit peeler Inventor(s): Baudouin; Jacques (Les Tourelles, 07100 Rouiffieux, FR) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,920,645 Date filed: February 21, 1989 Abstract: A household utensil, in particular a fruit or vegetable peeler is composed of a handle, a cutting blade and two support bars parallel to the blade. The blade and at least one of the support bars form a unit which moves in translation towards the handle and can be retracted into the handle. The retraction of the mobile unit into the handle releases the peels wedged between the blade and the support bars. The present invention is particularly useful for peeling asparagus. Excerpt(s): The present invention, which is in the field of household utensils, pertains to a vegetable or fruit peeler that can be used more specifically for peeling asparagus, though not exclusively for said purpose. Currently-used peelers are generally composed of a handle, a cutting blade and one or two bars parallel to the blade, that can be called support or guide bars, because they are intended to press against the vegetable or fruit in order to guide the utensil appropriately, while limiting the thickness of the peels. The most conventional model of a vegetable or fruit peeler is in the form of a sort of knife,

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having a handle unitary with a wide inwardly-curved blade made in one piece, divided into three parallel parts by two longitudinal slits, with the center part constituting a double-edged cutting blade, and the two side parts forming support bars. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04920645__

Patent Applications on Asparagus As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.9 Applications are patent requests which have yet to be granted. (The process to achieve a patent can take several years.) The following patent applications have been filed since December 2000 relating to asparagus: •

Asparagus shipping container assembly and method of packing asparagus for transport Inventor(s): Riedi, Martin; (Miami, FL) Correspondence: MALLOY & MALLOY, P.A.; 2800 S.W. Third Avenue; Historic Coral Way; Miami; FL; 33129; US Patent Application Number: 20030213835 Date filed: May 6, 2003 Abstract: An asparagus shipping container assembly and method of packing asparagus. The asparagus shipping container includes a body, preferably coated by a fluid impervious material, and a movably mounted access segment selectively disposable between opened and closed positions. The access segment, when moved to the open position defines an access opening in the body that is disposed, dimensioned and configured to facilitate both visual and physical access to the interior of the body as well as a laterally directed, rapid and space saving positioning of the asparagus therethrough into the interior of the body, while reducing the possibility of physical damage being done as with vertically directed placement and removal of the products through an open top of a conventional container. A closure assembly may then be disposed atop the body to maintain the access segment in its closed orientation for easy transport and if desired, passage through a spray wash. Once the filled asparagus container has arrived at an un-packing location, the closure assembly may be removed to permit easy movement of the access segment into its open position, and thereby to allow facilitated access to the asparagus contained inside the container. Excerpt(s): The present application is a continuation-in-part application of previously filed, now pending application Ser. No. 09/813,461 which was filed on Mar. 21, 2001 which is a continuation-in-part of now pending application Ser. No. 09/808,639 which was filed on Mar. 13, 2001, both incorporated herein by reference. The present invention is directed to the field of produce containers, and in particular to an asparagus shipping container assembly structured for the containment of relatively fragile asparagus stalks during storage, transportation and display thereof. Moreover, the subject asparagus shipping container assembly facilitates asparagus placement into and out of the interior thereof in a manner which eliminates or reduces the possibility of physical damage being done to the asparagus. The present invention further relates to a method of packing asparagus for transport. It is well known that the prior art is replete with

9

This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.

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containers of various sizes and configurations. Typically containers are used not only for the storage of an immense variety of different products and contents but also are used to protect the products during transport and in some instances, the display of the contained products. The physical characteristics of containers, including the material from which they are formed is, to a large extent, dependent on the products being contained therein. Perhaps the most common material utilized in the construction and formation of known containers is paperboard or cardboard, which in many instances includes a substantially corrugated formation to add strength and stability. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Custom made herbal health protective nutraceutical females/expectant mothers and process for preparing the same

formulation

for

Inventor(s): Prakash, Dhan; (Lucknow, IN), Pushpangadan, Palpu; (Lucknow, IN) Correspondence: RATNER AND PRESTIA; Suite 301; One Westlakes, Berwyn; P.O. Box 980; Valley Forge; PA; 19482-0980; US Patent Application Number: 20030129258 Date filed: August 31, 2001 Abstract: The present invention relates to a herbal health protective, promotive neutraceutical formulation for women, human expectant mothers and lactating mothers, and also relates to a process for the preparation of custom made herbal health protective, promotive nutraceutical formulations as food supplements to ameliorate the general health of females with optimum nutrients, said process comprises the base product of microwave oven roasted seed powders mixture from selected genera of Glycine, Phaseolus, Cicer, Psophocarpus, Mucuna, Triticum, Hordeum, Amaranthus, Chenopodium and Fagopyrum, fortified with the natural herbs/medicinal plants extract from the genera Centella, Withania, Pueraria, Asparagus, Chlorophytum, Boerhaavia, Sida, Saraca and also some other ingredients like pale sugar powder, jaggary, milk powder, coca powder, Elettaria cardamomum (Elaichi) powder, Piper longum (Pippali) fruit powder, Myristica fragrans (Jaiphal) fruit powder were also added to get the final nutraceuticals; the nutraceuticals are with optimum natural nutrients, non toxic, natural herbal plant products, easy to digest, have protective, preventive and health promotive properties for the good health and vigour of the females, pregnant and lactating mothers so as to ensure the optimal growth and development of the child both at prenatal and post natal stages. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an herbal health protective and promotive nutraceutical formulations for females/expectant mothers. Nutraceuticals, are foods or bioactive ingredients in foods that protect or promote health whether delivered in raw agricultural commodities, processed foods, dietary supplements, extracts, beverages or other products and occurs at the intersection of food and pharmaceutical industries. The development of next generation nutraceutical "super foods" or products consisting value-addition in the traditional natural diets. Their ingredients have tremendous impact on the health care system and may provide medical health benefits including the prevention and or treatment of diseases. Nutraceuticals have potential to be used as food supplement, preventive medicine and the growing evidence points in the direction that certain foods fight and or prevent against diseases. The food may be nutraceutical i.e. a food or parts of food that provide medical health benefits including the prevention and or treatment of diseases. Functional foods provide specific benefits, and medical foods developed for use under medical supervision to treat or manage particular disease

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or nutritional deficiency stage. Nutraceutical and functional-foods are a hybrid of both the traditionally defined food and drug arenas. The word Nutraceuticals combines `nutrition` and `pharmaceuticals` to mean that food can be used as preventive drugs or food supplements. The entire concept is based on the disease preventing phytonutrients present in foodstuffs of the diet in combating diseases. The major phytonutrients identified to have nutraceutical properties include terpenes, phytosterols, phenols and theols. Carotenoids found in green leafy vegetables like amaranth, Chenopodium (goose foot), mustard, `Methi`, spinach and cabbage etc are precursor of vitamin A. They have preventive action against many eye diseases, cancer and also acts as antioxidant. Limonoids also acts as antioxidants by protecting lung tissues from oxygen free radicals. Antioxidants have been associated with reduced risk of cardiovascular diseases and several types of cancer. They are known to act to defuse the volatile toxic molecules of free oxygen radicals, a by-product of cell metabolism. These are also produced in the body on exposure to sunlight, X-rays, ozone, tobacco smoke, auto-exhaust and other environmental pollutants. Carotenoids, tocopherols, ascorbates and polyphenols are strong natural antioxidants generally found in plants and foods. They enhance the body's detoxification activity and protect against certain type of cancers by eliminating ill health causing chemical from the body to prevent degenerative diseases. Phytosterols competes with dietary cholesterol for uptake in intestine thereby blocking cholesterol absorption into the body and can also prevent the development of tumor in breast and prostate glands. Phenols a large group of phytonutrients, with sub classes in flavonoids, biflavonoids, anthocyanines and isoflavonoids have profound importance in preventive medicine. Berries, grapes and eggplants are rich in phenolics and have protective action against oxidative damage of tissues and inflammation. It has been proved that phytochemicals can enhance the efficacy of vitamin C, can also act against allergies, ulcers, tumors, platelet aggregation, controlling hypertension and can reduce the risk of estrogen induced cancer. Anthocyanidines or flavonals have significant role in collagen protein synthesis and are important in sports medicine. Beans and other legumes are rich natural sources of protein with the necessary nutrients needed for a healthy body and many of them contain specific immune-boosting potential. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •

Herbal fomulation Inventor(s): Solanki, Ranjitsinh; (Sania-Kande, IN) Correspondence: VOLPE AND KOENIG, P.C.; UNITED PLAZA, SUITE 1600; 30 SOUTH 17TH STREET; PHILADELPHIA; PA; 19103; US Patent Application Number: 20030147896 Date filed: October 8, 2002 Abstract: A pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation which comprises a mixture of the following seven herbs: Tinospora cordifolia, Chlorphyton borivilianum, Curcuma longa, Asparagus racemosus, Hygrophila auriculata, Achyranthus aspera and Elephantopus scaber, or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs or chemically synthesised. The herbal formulation of the invention is effective for the treatment of cancer, in particular myelomas. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a new herbal formulation which has been found to be effective for the treatment of cancer. More particularly, the formulation can be used to treat myelomas. The conventional treatment of cancer comprises surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The drugs given during chemotherapy are of

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necessity very powerful and, in consequence, can have serious and undesirable sideeffects. There is therefore a need for improved pharmaceutical or medicinal preparations for use in the treatment of cancer. It is the objet of this invention to provide such a product. According to this invention there is provided a pharmaceutical or medicinal preparation which comprises a mixture of the following seven herbs: Tinospora cordifolia, Chlorphyton borivilianum, Curcuma longa, Asparagus racemosus, Hygrophila auriculata, Achyranthus aspera and Elephantopus scaber, or a mixture of the active ingredients that have been extracted from those herbs or chemically synthesized. This product has been found by the inventor to be particularly effective for the treatment of all myelomas, including both solitary and multiple myelomas. The preparation is preferably formulated for administration to patients as a liquid or syrup, but could also be administered as a capsule or tablet. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html

Keeping Current In order to stay informed about patents and patent applications dealing with asparagus, you can access the U.S. Patent Office archive via the Internet at the following Web address: http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. You will see two broad options: (1) Issued Patent, and (2) Published Applications. To see a list of issued patents, perform the following steps: Under “Issued Patents,” click “Quick Search.” Then, type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the “Term 1” box. After clicking on the search button, scroll down to see the various patents which have been granted to date on asparagus. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning asparagus. Simply go back to http://www.uspto.gov/patft/index.html. Select “Quick Search” under “Published Applications.” Then proceed with the steps listed above.

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CHAPTER 6. BOOKS ON ASPARAGUS Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to asparagus. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on asparagus include the Combined Health Information Database and the National Library of Medicine. Your local medical library also may have these titles available for loan.

Book Summaries: Online Booksellers Commercial Internet-based booksellers, such as Amazon.com and Barnes&Noble.com, offer summaries which have been supplied by each title’s publisher. Some summaries also include customer reviews. Your local bookseller may have access to in-house and commercial databases that index all published books (e.g. Books in Print). IMPORTANT NOTE: Online booksellers typically produce search results for medical and non-medical books. When searching for “asparagus” at online booksellers’ Web sites, you may discover non-medical books that use the generic term “asparagus” (or a synonym) in their titles. The following is indicative of the results you might find when searching for “asparagus” (sorted alphabetically by title; follow the hyperlink to view more details at Amazon.com): •

Asparagus by Lena Raab, et al (2002); ISBN: 3770170466; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/3770170466/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus by E. Feher (1992); ISBN: 9630560836; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9630560836/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus by Nancy Hewitt (1977); ISBN: 0892861142; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0892861142/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus; ISBN: 0112403603; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0112403603/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus can do it for you! by Theodore A. Baroody; ISBN: 0961959541; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0961959541/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus Dreams by Jessica Peers, Jessica Peers; ISBN: 1843101645; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1843101645/icongroupinterna

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•

Asparagus Suede Wire Journal by Cache (Author); ISBN: 1561522287; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1561522287/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus, Asparagus, Ah Sweet Asparagus by Faye Kicknosway (1981); ISBN: 0915124556; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0915124556/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus: All Ways. Always by Stockton Asparagus Festival (1990); ISBN: 0890875375; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890875375/icongroupinterna

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Asparagus: The Sparrowgrass Cookbook by Autumn. Stanley; ISBN: 0914718223; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0914718223/icongroupinterna

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Grow the Best Asparagus by Dave Schaefer; ISBN: 0882665073; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0882665073/icongroupinterna

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Grow the Best Asparagus, No 63 by Gardenway Editors, M. Higgins (1997); ISBN: 0882662775; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0882662775/icongroupinterna

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In Search of the Wild Asparagus by Roy Lancaster; ISBN: 0718123166; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0718123166/icongroupinterna

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International Standardisation of Fruit and Vegetables: Asparagus (2000); ISBN: 9264085645; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9264085645/icongroupinterna

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Mud Puddles, Rainbows and Asparagus Tips: Learning's Best Language Arts Ideas by Bruce Raskin; ISBN: 0822419114; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0822419114/icongroupinterna

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Never Distrust an Asparagus by Robinson Blotnick, et al (1999); ISBN: 0915090104; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0915090104/icongroupinterna

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Soups from A to Z : Asparagus to Zucchini by Frances Levine; ISBN: 0938911082; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0938911082/icongroupinterna

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Stalking the Wild Asparagus by Euell Gibbons, John McPhee; ISBN: 0911469036; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0911469036/icongroupinterna

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Sugar Snips and Asparagus Tips; ISBN: 0963019902; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0963019902/icongroupinterna

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The Asparagus Feast (Hugh Maclennan Poetry Series) by Sheldon P. Zitner (1999); ISBN: 0773519033; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0773519033/icongroupinterna

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The Asparagus Festival Cookbook by Jan Moore, et al (2003); ISBN: 1587611740; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1587611740/icongroupinterna

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The Mighty Asparagus by Vladimir Radunsky (Author) (2004); ISBN: 0152167439; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0152167439/icongroupinterna

•

Wild asparagus by Geoffrey Potocki de Montalk; ISBN: 0901870358; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0901870358/icongroupinterna

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Chapters on Asparagus In order to find chapters that specifically relate to asparagus, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and asparagus using the “Detailed Search” option. Go to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find book chapters, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language you prefer, and the format option “Book Chapter.” Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. The following is a typical result when searching for book chapters on asparagus: •

Meat and Meat Substitutes Source: in Warshaw, H.S. and Webb, R. Diabetes Food and Nutrition Bible: A Complete Guide to Planning, Shopping, Cooking, and Eating. Alexandria, VA: American Diabetes Association. 2001. p. 181-234. Contact: Available from American Diabetes Association (ADA). Order Fulfillment Department, P.O. Box 930850, Atlanta, GA 31193-0850. (800) 232-6733. Fax (770) 4429742. Website: www.diabetes.org. PRICE: $18.95 plus shipping and handling. ISBN: 158040037. Summary: The protein food group includes meat, seafood, cheese, eggs, and soy products. These foods are often grouped according to how much fat they contain (very lean to high fat). This chapter on meat and meat substitutes is from a book that offers a complete food and nutrition resource for people with diabetes. The book brings readers up to date on meal planning, carbohydrate counting, vitamins, minerals, and the best ways to prepare healthy delicious meals. In this chapter the authors discuss how protein can be incorporated into one's diet, strategies for lightening one's protein intake (choosing lower fat options), tips for cutting back on meat, low fat cooking techniques, sauces and seasonings, the nutrition of cheese, portion control with protein foods, common questions about meats and protein, and the use of soy foods, including tofu and tempeh. Numerous recipes are then provided: roasted soy nuts, teriyaki tofu kabobs, Chinese ginger salmon, seared salmon with asparagus and green onion, seared sesame tuna with orange glaze, teriyaki glazed tuna, Middle Eastern tuna salad, 4 ways with tuna or salmon, crunchy shrimp and broccoli stir fry, cioppino, seafood kabobs Hawaiian, stir fry fish, New Orleans shrimp Creole, shrimp scampi, crispy fish filets, low fat sauces for fish (tartar sauce, cold cucumber sauce), wild rice sun-dried cherry stuffed chicken, chicken with tricolored peppers, grilled chicken breasts with fruit salsa, chicken salad in 64 ways, Oriental turkey salad, marinated steak kabobs, Chinese stir fried beef with ginger, and spiced lamb stew. The chapter includes charts of common meats and meat substitutes and their nutrition values.

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CHAPTER 7. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON ASPARAGUS Overview In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that cover asparagus.

News Services and Press Releases One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on asparagus is to search the news wires. In the following sample of sources, we will briefly describe how to access each service. These services only post recent news intended for public viewing. PR Newswire To access the PR Newswire archive, simply go to http://www.prnewswire.com/. Select your country. Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box. You will automatically receive information on relevant news releases posted within the last 30 days. The search results are shown by order of relevance. Reuters Health The Reuters’ Medical News and Health eLine databases can be very useful in exploring news archives relating to asparagus. While some of the listed articles are free to view, others are available for purchase for a nominal fee. To access this archive, go to http://www.reutershealth.com/en/index.html and search by “asparagus” (or synonyms). The following was recently listed in this archive for asparagus: •

Asparagus exposure leads to occupational asthma Source: Reuters Medical News Date: January 27, 1999

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The NIH Within MEDLINEplus, the NIH has made an agreement with the New York Times Syndicate, the AP News Service, and Reuters to deliver news that can be browsed by the public. Search news releases at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/alphanews_a.html. MEDLINEplus allows you to browse across an alphabetical index. Or you can search by date at the following Web page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/newsbydate.html. Often, news items are indexed by MEDLINEplus within its search engine. Business Wire Business Wire is similar to PR Newswire. To access this archive, simply go to http://www.businesswire.com/. You can scan the news by industry category or company name. Market Wire Market Wire is more focused on technology than the other wires. To browse the latest press releases by topic, such as alternative medicine, biotechnology, fitness, healthcare, legal, nutrition, and pharmaceuticals, access Market Wire’s Medical/Health channel at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/release_index?channel=MedicalHealth. Or simply go to Market Wire’s home page at http://www.marketwire.com/mw/home, type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click on “Search News.” As this service is technology oriented, you may wish to use it when searching for press releases covering diagnostic procedures or tests. Search Engines Medical news is also available in the news sections of commercial Internet search engines. See the health news page at Yahoo (http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/News_and_Media/), or you can use this Web site’s general news search page at http://news.yahoo.com/. Type in “asparagus” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to asparagus, you can go to any stock trading Web site (such as http://www.etrade.com/) and search for the company name there. News items across various news sources are reported on indicated hyperlinks. Google offers a similar service at http://news.google.com/. BBC Covering news from a more European perspective, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) allows the public free access to their news archive located at http://www.bbc.co.uk/. Search by “asparagus” (or synonyms).

Newsletter Articles Use the Combined Health Information Database, and limit your search criteria to “newsletter articles.” Again, you will need to use the “Detailed Search” option. Go directly

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to the following hyperlink: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. Go to the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” Select the dates and language that you prefer. For the format option, select “Newsletter Article.” Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database as it is updated every three months. The following is a typical result when searching for newsletter articles on asparagus: •

Colorful Tales from the Urinary Tract Source: Environmental Nutrition. 21(10): 3. October 1998. Contact: Available from Environmental Nutrition, Inc. P.O. Box 420451, Palm Coast, FL 32142-0451. (800) 829-5384. Summary: This brief sidebar article reviews some of the common causes for changes in the appearance and smell of urine. The author focuses on the interrelationship of food intake and changes in the urine. The article discusses red urine (usually due to eating beets), bright yellow urine (the result of excess riboflavin, also called vitamin B2), and the smelly urine (with a sulfur like odor) that can result from eating asparagus. The article also notes that medications can turn urine various shades of brown, black, blue, green, or red. The author cautions that other odd looks or smells to the urine can signal problems. Cloudy urine can be normal, but it can also signal a kidney infection. Dark urine may simply mean that the person is not getting enough water, but it can also indicate liver problems. Pale urine indicates a good level of hydration.

Academic Periodicals covering Asparagus Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to asparagus. In addition to these sources, you can search for articles covering asparagus that have been published by any of the periodicals listed in previous chapters. To find the latest studies published, go to http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed, type the name of the periodical into the search box, and click “Go.” If you want complete details about the historical contents of a journal, you can also visit the following Web site: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/jrbrowser.cgi. Here, type in the name of the journal or its abbreviation, and you will receive an index of published articles. At http://locatorplus.gov/, you can retrieve more indexing information on medical periodicals (e.g. the name of the publisher). Select the button “Search LOCATORplus.” Then type in the name of the journal and select the advanced search option “Journal Title Search.”

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APPENDICES

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APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES Overview In this chapter, we focus on databases and Internet-based guidelines and information resources created or written for a professional audience.

NIH Guidelines Commonly referred to as “clinical” or “professional” guidelines, the National Institutes of Health publish physician guidelines for the most common diseases. Publications are available at the following by relevant Institute10: •

Office of the Director (OD); guidelines consolidated across agencies available at http://www.nih.gov/health/consumer/conkey.htm

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National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS); fact sheets available at http://www.nigms.nih.gov/news/facts/

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National Library of Medicine (NLM); extensive encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.) with guidelines: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html

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National Cancer Institute (NCI); guidelines available at http://www.cancer.gov/cancerinfo/list.aspx?viewid=5f35036e-5497-4d86-8c2c714a9f7c8d25

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National Eye Institute (NEI); guidelines available at http://www.nei.nih.gov/order/index.htm

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National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI); guidelines available at http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/index.htm

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National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI); research available at http://www.genome.gov/page.cfm?pageID=10000375

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National Institute on Aging (NIA); guidelines available at http://www.nia.nih.gov/health/

10

These publications are typically written by one or more of the various NIH Institutes.

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National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA); guidelines available at http://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/publications.htm

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National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID); guidelines available at http://www.niaid.nih.gov/publications/

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National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS); fact sheets and guidelines available at http://www.niams.nih.gov/hi/index.htm

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National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD); guidelines available at http://www.nichd.nih.gov/publications/pubskey.cfm

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National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD); fact sheets and guidelines at http://www.nidcd.nih.gov/health/

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National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR); guidelines available at http://www.nidr.nih.gov/health/

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National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK); guidelines available at http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/health.htm

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National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA); guidelines available at http://www.nida.nih.gov/DrugAbuse.html

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National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS); environmental health information available at http://www.niehs.nih.gov/external/facts.htm

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH); guidelines available at http://www.nimh.nih.gov/practitioners/index.cfm

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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS); neurological disorder information pages available at http://www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorder_index.htm

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National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR); publications on selected illnesses at http://www.nih.gov/ninr/news-info/publications.html

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National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; general information at http://grants.nih.gov/grants/becon/becon_info.htm

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Center for Information Technology (CIT); referrals to other agencies based on keyword searches available at http://kb.nih.gov/www_query_main.asp

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National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM); health information available at http://nccam.nih.gov/health/

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National Center for Research Resources (NCRR); various information directories available at http://www.ncrr.nih.gov/publications.asp

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Office of Rare Diseases; various fact sheets available at http://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/html/resources/rep_pubs.html

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; various fact sheets on infectious diseases available at http://www.cdc.gov/publications.htm

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NIH Databases In addition to the various Institutes of Health that publish professional guidelines, the NIH has designed a number of databases for professionals.11 Physician-oriented resources provide a wide variety of information related to the biomedical and health sciences, both past and present. The format of these resources varies. Searchable databases, bibliographic citations, full-text articles (when available), archival collections, and images are all available. The following are referenced by the National Library of Medicine:12 •

Bioethics: Access to published literature on the ethical, legal, and public policy issues surrounding healthcare and biomedical research. This information is provided in conjunction with the Kennedy Institute of Ethics located at Georgetown University, Washington, D.C.: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_bioethics.html

•

HIV/AIDS Resources: Describes various links and databases dedicated to HIV/AIDS research: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/aidsinfs.html

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NLM Online Exhibitions: Describes “Exhibitions in the History of Medicine”: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/exhibition/exhibition.html. Additional resources for historical scholarship in medicine: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/hmd/hmd.html

•

Biotechnology Information: Access to public databases. The National Center for Biotechnology Information conducts research in computational biology, develops software tools for analyzing genome data, and disseminates biomedical information for the better understanding of molecular processes affecting human health and disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

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Population Information: The National Library of Medicine provides access to worldwide coverage of population, family planning, and related health issues, including family planning technology and programs, fertility, and population law and policy: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_population.html

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Cancer Information: Access to cancer-oriented databases: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_cancer.html

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Profiles in Science: Offering the archival collections of prominent twentieth-century biomedical scientists to the public through modern digital technology: http://www.profiles.nlm.nih.gov/

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Chemical Information: Provides links to various chemical databases and references: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Chem/ChemMain.html

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Clinical Alerts: Reports the release of findings from the NIH-funded clinical trials where such release could significantly affect morbidity and mortality: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/alerts/clinical_alerts.html

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Space Life Sciences: Provides links and information to space-based research (including NASA): http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_space.html

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MEDLINE: Bibliographic database covering the fields of medicine, nursing, dentistry, veterinary medicine, the healthcare system, and the pre-clinical sciences: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases_medline.html

11

Remember, for the general public, the National Library of Medicine recommends the databases referenced in MEDLINEplus (http://medlineplus.gov/ or http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/databases.html). 12 See http://www.nlm.nih.gov/databases/databases.html.

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Toxicology and Environmental Health Information (TOXNET): Databases covering toxicology and environmental health: http://sis.nlm.nih.gov/Tox/ToxMain.html

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Visible Human Interface: Anatomically detailed, three-dimensional representations of normal male and female human bodies: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/visible_human.html

The NLM Gateway13 The NLM (National Library of Medicine) Gateway is a Web-based system that lets users search simultaneously in multiple retrieval systems at the U.S. National Library of Medicine (NLM). It allows users of NLM services to initiate searches from one Web interface, providing one-stop searching for many of NLM’s information resources or databases.14 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the search box and click “Search.” The results will be presented in a tabular form, indicating the number of references in each database category. Results Summary Category Journal Articles Books / Periodicals / Audio Visual Consumer Health Meeting Abstracts Other Collections Total

Items Found 285 7 615 0 0 907

HSTAT15 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.16 These documents include clinical practice guidelines, quickreference guides for clinicians, consumer health brochures, evidence reports and technology assessments from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), as well as AHRQ’s Put Prevention Into Practice.17 Simply search by “asparagus” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.

13

Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.

14

The NLM Gateway is currently being developed by the Lister Hill National Center for Biomedical Communications (LHNCBC) at the National Library of Medicine (NLM) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). 15 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 16 17

The HSTAT URL is http://hstat.nlm.nih.gov/.

Other important documents in HSTAT include: the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Consensus Conference Reports and Technology Assessment Reports; the HIV/AIDS Treatment Information Service (ATIS) resource documents; the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT) Treatment Improvement Protocols (TIP) and Center for Substance Abuse Prevention (SAMHSA/CSAP) Prevention Enhancement Protocols System (PEPS); the Public Health Service (PHS) Preventive Services Task Force's Guide to Clinical Preventive Services; the independent, nonfederal Task Force on Community Services’ Guide to Community Preventive Services; and the Health Technology Advisory Committee (HTAC) of the Minnesota Health Care Commission (MHCC) health technology evaluations.

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Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists18 Coffee Break is a general healthcare site that takes a scientific view of the news and covers recent breakthroughs in biology that may one day assist physicians in developing treatments. Here you will find a collection of short reports on recent biological discoveries. Each report incorporates interactive tutorials that demonstrate how bioinformatics tools are used as a part of the research process. Currently, all Coffee Breaks are written by NCBI staff.19 Each report is about 400 words and is usually based on a discovery reported in one or more articles from recently published, peer-reviewed literature.20 This site has new articles every few weeks, so it can be considered an online magazine of sorts. It is intended for general background information. You can access the Coffee Break Web site at the following hyperlink: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/.

Other Commercial Databases In addition to resources maintained by official agencies, other databases exist that are commercial ventures addressing medical professionals. Here are some examples that may interest you: •

CliniWeb International: Index and table of contents to selected clinical information on the Internet; see http://www.ohsu.edu/cliniweb/.

•

Medical World Search: Searches full text from thousands of selected medical sites on the Internet; see http://www.mwsearch.com/.

18 Adapted 19

from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Coffeebreak/Archive/FAQ.html.

The figure that accompanies each article is frequently supplied by an expert external to NCBI, in which case the source of the figure is cited. The result is an interactive tutorial that tells a biological story. 20 After a brief introduction that sets the work described into a broader context, the report focuses on how a molecular understanding can provide explanations of observed biology and lead to therapies for diseases. Each vignette is accompanied by a figure and hypertext links that lead to a series of pages that interactively show how NCBI tools and resources are used in the research process.

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APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES Overview Official agencies, as well as federally funded institutions supported by national grants, frequently publish a variety of guidelines written with the patient in mind. These are typically called “Fact Sheets” or “Guidelines.” They can take the form of a brochure, information kit, pamphlet, or flyer. Often they are only a few pages in length. Since new guidelines on asparagus can appear at any moment and be published by a number of sources, the best approach to finding guidelines is to systematically scan the Internet-based services that post them.

Patient Guideline Sources The remainder of this chapter directs you to sources which either publish or can help you find additional guidelines on topics related to asparagus. Due to space limitations, these sources are listed in a concise manner. Do not hesitate to consult the following sources by either using the Internet hyperlink provided, or, in cases where the contact information is provided, contacting the publisher or author directly. The National Institutes of Health The NIH gateway to patients is located at http://health.nih.gov/. From this site, you can search across various sources and institutes, a number of which are summarized below. Topic Pages: MEDLINEplus The National Library of Medicine has created a vast and patient-oriented healthcare information portal called MEDLINEplus. Within this Internet-based system are “health topic pages” which list links to available materials relevant to asparagus. To access this system, log on to http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/healthtopics.html. From there you can either search using the alphabetical index or browse by broad topic areas. Recently, MEDLINEplus listed the following when searched for “asparagus”:

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•

Other guides Child Nutrition http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/childnutrition.html Diabetic Diet http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticdiet.html Dietary Fiber http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfiber.html Vitamin and Mineral Supplements http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/vitaminandmineralsupplements.html

You may also choose to use the search utility provided by MEDLINEplus at the following Web address: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/. Simply type a keyword into the search box and click “Search.” This utility is similar to the NIH search utility, with the exception that it only includes materials that are linked within the MEDLINEplus system (mostly patient-oriented information). It also has the disadvantage of generating unstructured results. We recommend, therefore, that you use this method only if you have a very targeted search. The Combined Health Information Database (CHID) CHID Online is a reference tool that maintains a database directory of thousands of journal articles and patient education guidelines on asparagus. CHID offers summaries that describe the guidelines available, including contact information and pricing. CHID’s general Web site is http://chid.nih.gov/. To search this database, go to http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. In particular, you can use the advanced search options to look up pamphlets, reports, brochures, and information kits. The following was recently posted in this archive: •

Flavor Ideas For Sodium Controlled Diets Source: Columbus, OH: Central Ohio Diabetes Association 199x. 2 p. Contact: Avaliable from Central Ohio Diabetes Association (CODA). Janet Gorman, 1803 West Fifth Avenue, Columbus, OH 43212. (614) 486-7124. PRICE: Single copy free. Summary: This fact sheet presents flavor ideas for sodium-controlled diets. Foods listed include meats (pot roast, stews, beef, eggs, fish, lamb, pork, poultry, and veal) and vegetables (asparagus, beans, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, corn, cucumber, eggplant, lettuce, mushrooms, noodles, onions, potatoes, and peas). For each food listed, the fact sheet recommends nonsodium herbs and spices. The NIH Search Utility

The NIH search utility allows you to search for documents on over 100 selected Web sites that comprise the NIH-WEB-SPACE. Each of these servers is “crawled” and indexed on an ongoing basis. Your search will produce a list of various documents, all of which will relate in some way to asparagus. The drawbacks of this approach are that the information is not organized by theme and that the references are often a mix of information for professionals and patients. Nevertheless, a large number of the listed Web sites provide useful

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background information. We can only recommend this route, therefore, for relatively rare or specific disorders, or when using highly targeted searches. To use the NIH search utility, visit the following Web page: http://search.nih.gov/index.html. Additional Web Sources A number of Web sites are available to the public that often link to government sites. These can also point you in the direction of essential information. The following is a representative sample: •


•

Family Village: http://www.familyvillage.wisc.edu/specific.htm

•

Google: http://directory.google.com/Top/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Med Help International: http://www.medhelp.org/HealthTopics/A.html

•

Open Directory Project: http://dmoz.org/Health/Conditions_and_Diseases/

•

Yahoo.com: http://dir.yahoo.com/Health/Diseases_and_Conditions/

•

WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/health_topics

Finding Associations There are several Internet directories that provide lists of medical associations with information on or resources relating to asparagus. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with asparagus. The National Health Information Center (NHIC) The National Health Information Center (NHIC) offers a free referral service to help people find organizations that provide information about asparagus. For more information, see the NHIC’s Web site at http://www.health.gov/NHIC/ or contact an information specialist by calling 1-800-336-4797. Directory of Health Organizations The Directory of Health Organizations, provided by the National Library of Medicine Specialized Information Services, is a comprehensive source of information on associations. The Directory of Health Organizations database can be accessed via the Internet at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/Dir/DirMain.html. It is composed of two parts: DIRLINE and Health Hotlines. The DIRLINE database comprises some 10,000 records of organizations, research centers, and government institutes and associations that primarily focus on health and biomedicine. To access DIRLINE directly, go to the following Web site: http://dirline.nlm.nih.gov/. Simply type in “asparagus” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database.

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Health Hotlines directs you to toll-free numbers to over 300 organizations. You can access this database directly at http://www.sis.nlm.nih.gov/hotlines/. On this page, you are given the option to search by keyword or by browsing the subject list. When you have received your search results, click on the name of the organization for its description and contact information. The Combined Health Information Database Another comprehensive source of information on healthcare associations is the Combined Health Information Database. Using the “Detailed Search” option, you will need to limit your search to “Organizations” and “asparagus”. Type the following hyperlink into your Web browser: http://chid.nih.gov/detail/detail.html. To find associations, use the drop boxes at the bottom of the search page where “You may refine your search by.” For publication date, select “All Years.” Then, select your preferred language and the format option “Organization Resource Sheet.” Type “asparagus” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. The National Organization for Rare Disorders, Inc. has prepared a Web site that provides, at no charge, lists of associations organized by health topic. You can access this database at the following Web site: http://www.rarediseases.org/search/orgsearch.html. Type “asparagus” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”

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APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES Overview In this Appendix, we show you how to quickly find a medical library in your area.

Preparation Your local public library and medical libraries have interlibrary loan programs with the National Library of Medicine (NLM), one of the largest medical collections in the world. According to the NLM, most of the literature in the general and historical collections of the National Library of Medicine is available on interlibrary loan to any library. If you would like to access NLM medical literature, then visit a library in your area that can request the publications for you.21

Finding a Local Medical Library The quickest method to locate medical libraries is to use the Internet-based directory published by the National Network of Libraries of Medicine (NN/LM). This network includes 4626 members and affiliates that provide many services to librarians, health professionals, and the public. To find a library in your area, simply visit http://nnlm.gov/members/adv.html or call 1-800-338-7657.

Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada In addition to the NN/LM, the National Library of Medicine (NLM) lists a number of libraries with reference facilities that are open to the public. The following is the NLM’s list and includes hyperlinks to each library’s Web site. These Web pages can provide information on hours of operation and other restrictions. The list below is a small sample of

21

Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.

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libraries recommended by the National Library of Medicine (sorted alphabetically by name of the U.S. state or Canadian province where the library is located)22: •

Alabama: Health InfoNet of Jefferson County (Jefferson County Library Cooperative, Lister Hill Library of the Health Sciences), http://www.uab.edu/infonet/

•

Alabama: Richard M. Scrushy Library (American Sports Medicine Institute)

•

Arizona: Samaritan Regional Medical Center: The Learning Center (Samaritan Health System, Phoenix, Arizona), http://www.samaritan.edu/library/bannerlibs.htm

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California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html

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California: Community Health Library of Los Gatos, http://www.healthlib.org/orgresources.html

•

California: Consumer Health Program and Services (CHIPS) (County of Los Angeles Public Library, Los Angeles County Harbor-UCLA Medical Center Library) - Carson, CA, http://www.colapublib.org/services/chips.html

•

California: Gateway Health Library (Sutter Gould Medical Foundation)

•

California: Health Library (Stanford University Medical Center), http://wwwmed.stanford.edu/healthlibrary/

•

California: Patient Education Resource Center - Health Information and Resources (University of California, San Francisco), http://sfghdean.ucsf.edu/barnett/PERC/default.asp

•

California: Redwood Health Library (Petaluma Health Care District), http://www.phcd.org/rdwdlib.html

•

California: Los Gatos PlaneTree Health Library, http://planetreesanjose.org/

•

California: Sutter Resource Library (Sutter Hospitals Foundation, Sacramento), http://suttermedicalcenter.org/library/

•

California: Health Sciences Libraries (University of California, Davis), http://www.lib.ucdavis.edu/healthsci/

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California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html

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California: Washington Community Health Resource Library (Fremont), http://www.healthlibrary.org/

•

Colorado: William V. Gervasini Memorial Library (Exempla Healthcare), http://www.saintjosephdenver.org/yourhealth/libraries/

•

Connecticut: Hartford Hospital Health Science Libraries (Hartford Hospital), http://www.harthosp.org/library/

•

Connecticut: Healthnet: Connecticut Consumer Health Information Center (University of Connecticut Health Center, Lyman Maynard Stowe Library), http://library.uchc.edu/departm/hnet/

22

Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.

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•

Connecticut: Waterbury Hospital Health Center Library (Waterbury Hospital, Waterbury), http://www.waterburyhospital.com/library/consumer.shtml

•

Delaware: Consumer Health Library (Christiana Care Health System, Eugene du Pont Preventive Medicine & Rehabilitation Institute, Wilmington), http://www.christianacare.org/health_guide/health_guide_pmri_health_info.cfm

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Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html

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Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm

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Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp

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Hawaii: Hawaii Medical Library: Consumer Health Information Service (Hawaii Medical Library, Honolulu), http://hml.org/CHIS/

•

Idaho: DeArmond Consumer Health Library (Kootenai Medical Center, Coeur d’Alene), http://www.nicon.org/DeArmond/index.htm

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Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html

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Illinois: Medical Library (OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria), http://www.osfsaintfrancis.org/general/library/

•

Kentucky: Medical Library - Services for Patients, Families, Students & the Public (Central Baptist Hospital, Lexington), http://www.centralbap.com/education/community/library.cfm

•

Kentucky: University of Kentucky - Health Information Library (Chandler Medical Center, Lexington), http://www.mc.uky.edu/PatientEd/

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Louisiana: Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation Library (Alton Ochsner Medical Foundation, New Orleans), http://www.ochsner.org/library/

•

Louisiana: Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Medical LibraryShreveport, http://lib-sh.lsuhsc.edu/

•

Maine: Franklin Memorial Hospital Medical Library (Franklin Memorial Hospital, Farmington), http://www.fchn.org/fmh/lib.htm

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Maine: Gerrish-True Health Sciences Library (Central Maine Medical Center, Lewiston), http://www.cmmc.org/library/library.html

•

Maine: Hadley Parrot Health Science Library (Eastern Maine Healthcare, Bangor), http://www.emh.org/hll/hpl/guide.htm

•

Maine: Maine Medical Center Library (Maine Medical Center, Portland), http://www.mmc.org/library/

•

Maine: Parkview Hospital (Brunswick), http://www.parkviewhospital.org/

•

Maine: Southern Maine Medical Center Health Sciences Library (Southern Maine Medical Center, Biddeford), http://www.smmc.org/services/service.php3?choice=10

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Maine: Stephens Memorial Hospital’s Health Information Library (Western Maine Health, Norway), http://www.wmhcc.org/Library/

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Manitoba, Canada: Consumer & Patient Health Information Service (University of Manitoba Libraries), http://www.umanitoba.ca/libraries/units/health/reference/chis.html

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Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp

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Maryland: Health Information Center at the Wheaton Regional Library (Montgomery County, Dept. of Public Libraries, Wheaton Regional Library), http://www.mont.lib.md.us/healthinfo/hic.asp

•

Massachusetts: Baystate Medical Center Library (Baystate Health System), http://www.baystatehealth.com/1024/

•

Massachusetts: Boston University Medical Center Alumni Medical Library (Boston University Medical Center), http://med-libwww.bu.edu/library/lib.html

•

Massachusetts: Lowell General Hospital Health Sciences Library (Lowell General Hospital, Lowell), http://www.lowellgeneral.org/library/HomePageLinks/WWW.htm

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Massachusetts: Paul E. Woodard Health Sciences Library (New England Baptist Hospital, Boston), http://www.nebh.org/health_lib.asp

•

Massachusetts: St. Luke’s Hospital Health Sciences Library (St. Luke’s Hospital, Southcoast Health System, New Bedford), http://www.southcoast.org/library/

•

Massachusetts: Treadwell Library Consumer Health Reference Center (Massachusetts General Hospital), http://www.mgh.harvard.edu/library/chrcindex.html

•

Massachusetts: UMass HealthNet (University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worchester), http://healthnet.umassmed.edu/

•

Michigan: Botsford General Hospital Library - Consumer Health (Botsford General Hospital, Library & Internet Services), http://www.botsfordlibrary.org/consumer.htm

•

Michigan: Helen DeRoy Medical Library (Providence Hospital and Medical Centers), http://www.providence-hospital.org/library/

•

Michigan: Marquette General Hospital - Consumer Health Library (Marquette General Hospital, Health Information Center), http://www.mgh.org/center.html

•

Michigan: Patient Education Resouce Center - University of Michigan Cancer Center (University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor), http://www.cancer.med.umich.edu/learn/leares.htm

•

Michigan: Sladen Library & Center for Health Information Resources - Consumer Health Information (Detroit), http://www.henryford.com/body.cfm?id=39330

•

Montana: Center for Health Information (St. Patrick Hospital and Health Sciences Center, Missoula)

•

National: Consumer Health Library Directory (Medical Library Association, Consumer and Patient Health Information Section), http://caphis.mlanet.org/directory/index.html

•

National: National Network of Libraries of Medicine (National Library of Medicine) provides library services for health professionals in the United States who do not have access to a medical library, http://nnlm.gov/

•

National: NN/LM List of Libraries Serving the Public (National Network of Libraries of Medicine), http://nnlm.gov/members/

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Nevada: Health Science Library, West Charleston Library (Las Vegas-Clark County Library District, Las Vegas), http://www.lvccld.org/special_collections/medical/index.htm

•

New Hampshire: Dartmouth Biomedical Libraries (Dartmouth College Library, Hanover), http://www.dartmouth.edu/~biomed/resources.htmld/conshealth.htmld/

•

New Jersey: Consumer Health Library (Rahway Hospital, Rahway), http://www.rahwayhospital.com/library.htm

•

New Jersey: Dr. Walter Phillips Health Sciences Library (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.englewoodhospital.com/links/index.htm

•

New Jersey: Meland Foundation (Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, Englewood), http://www.geocities.com/ResearchTriangle/9360/

•

New York: Choices in Health Information (New York Public Library) - NLM Consumer Pilot Project participant, http://www.nypl.org/branch/health/links.html

•

New York: Health Information Center (Upstate Medical University, State University of New York, Syracuse), http://www.upstate.edu/library/hic/

•

New York: Health Sciences Library (Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park), http://www.lij.edu/library/library.html

•

New York: ViaHealth Medical Library (Rochester General Hospital), http://www.nyam.org/library/

•

Ohio: Consumer Health Library (Akron General Medical Center, Medical & Consumer Health Library), http://www.akrongeneral.org/hwlibrary.htm

•

Oklahoma: The Health Information Center at Saint Francis Hospital (Saint Francis Health System, Tulsa), http://www.sfh-tulsa.com/services/healthinfo.asp

•

Oregon: Planetree Health Resource Center (Mid-Columbia Medical Center, The Dalles), http://www.mcmc.net/phrc/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Information Library (Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey), http://www.hmc.psu.edu/commhealth/

•

Pennsylvania: Community Health Resource Library (Geisinger Medical Center, Danville), http://www.geisinger.edu/education/commlib.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: HealthInfo Library (Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton), http://www.mth.org/healthwellness.html

•

Pennsylvania: Hopwood Library (University of Pittsburgh, Health Sciences Library System, Pittsburgh), http://www.hsls.pitt.edu/guides/chi/hopwood/index_html

•

Pennsylvania: Koop Community Health Information Center (College of Physicians of Philadelphia), http://www.collphyphil.org/kooppg1.shtml

•

Pennsylvania: Learning Resources Center - Medical Library (Susquehanna Health System, Williamsport), http://www.shscares.org/services/lrc/index.asp

•

Pennsylvania: Medical Library (UPMC Health System, Pittsburgh), http://www.upmc.edu/passavant/library.htm

•

Quebec, Canada: Medical Library (Montreal General Hospital), http://www.mghlib.mcgill.ca/

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South Dakota: Rapid City Regional Hospital Medical Library (Rapid City Regional Hospital), http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Library/Default.asp

•

Texas: Houston HealthWays (Houston Academy of Medicine-Texas Medical Center Library), http://hhw.library.tmc.edu/

•

Washington: Community Health Library (Kittitas Valley Community Hospital), http://www.kvch.com/

•

Washington: Southwest Washington Medical Center Library (Southwest Washington Medical Center, Vancouver), http://www.swmedicalcenter.com/body.cfm?id=72

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ONLINE GLOSSARIES The Internet provides access to a number of free-to-use medical dictionaries. The National Library of Medicine has compiled the following list of online dictionaries: •

ADAM Medical Encyclopedia (A.D.A.M., Inc.), comprehensive medical reference: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html

•

MedicineNet.com Medical Dictionary (MedicineNet, Inc.): http://www.medterms.com/Script/Main/hp.asp

•

Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary (Inteli-Health, Inc.): http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/

•

Multilingual Glossary of Technical and Popular Medical Terms in Eight European Languages (European Commission) - Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, and Spanish: http://allserv.rug.ac.be/~rvdstich/eugloss/welcome.html

•

On-line Medical Dictionary (CancerWEB): http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/omd/

•

Rare Diseases Terms (Office of Rare Diseases): http://ord.aspensys.com/asp/diseases/diseases.asp

•

Technology Glossary (National Library of Medicine) - Health Care Technology: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/nichsr/ta101/ta10108.htm

Beyond these, MEDLINEplus contains a very patient-friendly encyclopedia covering every aspect of medicine (licensed from A.D.A.M., Inc.). The ADAM Medical Encyclopedia can be accessed at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/encyclopedia.html. ADAM is also available on commercial Web sites such as drkoop.com (http://www.drkoop.com/) and Web MD (http://my.webmd.com/adam/asset/adam_disease_articles/a_to_z/a).

Online Dictionary Directories The following are additional online directories compiled by the National Library of Medicine, including a number of specialized medical dictionaries: •

Medical Dictionaries: Medical & Biological (World Health Organization): http://www.who.int/hlt/virtuallibrary/English/diction.htm#Medical

•

MEL-Michigan Electronic Library List of Online Health and Medical Dictionaries (Michigan Electronic Library): http://mel.lib.mi.us/health/health-dictionaries.html

•

Patient Education: Glossaries (DMOZ Open Directory Project): http://dmoz.org/Health/Education/Patient_Education/Glossaries/

•

Web of Online Dictionaries (Bucknell University): http://www.yourdictionary.com/diction5.html#medicine

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ASPARAGUS DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. Abdominal: Having to do with the abdomen, which is the part of the body between the chest and the hips that contains the pancreas, stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, and other organs. [NIH] Abdominal Pain: Sensation of discomfort, distress, or agony in the abdominal region. [NIH] Abscess: Accumulation of purulent material in tissues, organs, or circumscribed spaces, usually associated with signs of infection. [NIH] Acceptor: A substance which, while normally not oxidized by oxygen or reduced by hydrogen, can be oxidized or reduced in presence of a substance which is itself undergoing oxidation or reduction. [NIH] Acetone: A colorless liquid used as a solvent and an antiseptic. It is one of the ketone bodies produced during ketoacidosis. [NIH] Acetylcholine: A neurotransmitter. Acetylcholine in vertebrates is the major transmitter at neuromuscular junctions, autonomic ganglia, parasympathetic effector junctions, a subset of sympathetic effector junctions, and at many sites in the central nervous system. It is generally not used as an administered drug because it is broken down very rapidly by cholinesterases, but it is useful in some ophthalmological applications. [NIH] Acrylonitrile: A highly poisonous compound used widely in the manufacture of plastics, adhesives and synthetic rubber. [NIH] Acute renal: A condition in which the kidneys suddenly stop working. In most cases, kidneys can recover from almost complete loss of function. [NIH] Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH] Aeroembolism: Joint pains, respiratory distress, and central nervous system symptoms which may follow decompression after exposure to air or other gas mixture at a pressure greater than the normal atmospheric pressure. [NIH] Aerosol: A solution of a drug which can be atomized into a fine mist for inhalation therapy. [EU]

Affinity: 1. Inherent likeness or relationship. 2. A special attraction for a specific element, organ, or structure. 3. Chemical affinity; the force that binds atoms in molecules; the tendency of substances to combine by chemical reaction. 4. The strength of noncovalent chemical binding between two substances as measured by the dissociation constant of the complex. 5. In immunology, a thermodynamic expression of the strength of interaction between a single antigen-binding site and a single antigenic determinant (and thus of the stereochemical compatibility between them), most accurately applied to interactions among simple, uniform antigenic determinants such as haptens. Expressed as the association constant (K litres mole -1), which, owing to the heterogeneity of affinities in a population of antibody molecules of a given specificity, actually represents an average value (mean intrinsic association constant). 6. The reciprocal of the dissociation constant. [EU] Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alimentary: Pertaining to food or nutritive material, or to the organs of digestion. [EU]

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Alkaloid: A member of a large group of chemicals that are made by plants and have nitrogen in them. Some alkaloids have been shown to work against cancer. [NIH] Allergen: An antigenic substance capable of producing immediate-type hypersensitivity (allergy). [EU] Aloe: A genus of the family Liliaceae containing anthraquinone glycosides such as aloinemodin or aloe-emodin (emodin). [NIH] Alpha Particles: Positively charged particles composed of two protons and two neutrons, i.e., helium nuclei, emitted during disintegration of very heavy isotopes; a beam of alpha particles or an alpha ray has very strong ionizing power, but weak penetrability. [NIH] Alternative medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used instead of standard treatments. Alternative medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Alum: A type of immune adjuvant (a substance used to help boost the immune response to a vaccine). Also called aluminum sulfate. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Amino Acids: Organic compounds that generally contain an amino (-NH2) and a carboxyl (COOH) group. Twenty alpha-amino acids are the subunits which are polymerized to form proteins. [NIH] Anaesthesia: Loss of feeling or sensation. Although the term is used for loss of tactile sensibility, or of any of the other senses, it is applied especially to loss of the sensation of pain, as it is induced to permit performance of surgery or other painful procedures. [EU] Anal: Having to do with the anus, which is the posterior opening of the large bowel. [NIH] Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin. [NIH] Angelica root: The root of any of a group of herbs called Angelica. It has been used in some cultures to treat certain medical problems, including gastrointestinal problems such as loss of appetite, feelings of fullness, and gas. [NIH] Anorectal: Pertaining to the anus and rectum or to the junction region between the two. [EU] Antibacterial: A substance that destroys bacteria or suppresses their growth or reproduction. [EU] Antibiotic: A drug used to treat infections caused by bacteria and other microorganisms. [NIH]

Antibody: A type of protein made by certain white blood cells in response to a foreign substance (antigen). Each antibody can bind to only a specific antigen. The purpose of this binding is to help destroy the antigen. Antibodies can work in several ways, depending on the nature of the antigen. Some antibodies destroy antigens directly. Others make it easier for white blood cells to destroy the antigen. [NIH] Anticoagulant: A drug that helps prevent blood clots from forming. Also called a blood thinner. [NIH] Antifungal: Destructive to fungi, or suppressing their reproduction or growth; effective against fungal infections. [EU] Antigen: Any substance which is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a

Dictionary 97

specific immune response and of reacting with the products of that response, that is, with specific antibody or specifically sensitized T-lymphocytes, or both. Antigens may be soluble substances, such as toxins and foreign proteins, or particulate, such as bacteria and tissue cells; however, only the portion of the protein or polysaccharide molecule known as the antigenic determinant (q.v.) combines with antibody or a specific receptor on a lymphocyte. Abbreviated Ag. [EU] Anti-inflammatory: Having to do with reducing inflammation. [NIH] Antioxidant: A substance that prevents damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that often contain oxygen. They are produced when molecules are split to give products that have unpaired electrons. This process is called oxidation. [NIH] Antiseptic: A substance that inhibits the growth and development of microorganisms without necessarily killing them. [EU] Anus: The opening of the rectum to the outside of the body. [NIH] Apoptosis: One of the two mechanisms by which cell death occurs (the other being the pathological process of necrosis). Apoptosis is the mechanism responsible for the physiological deletion of cells and appears to be intrinsically programmed. It is characterized by distinctive morphologic changes in the nucleus and cytoplasm, chromatin cleavage at regularly spaced sites, and the endonucleolytic cleavage of genomic DNA (DNA fragmentation) at internucleosomal sites. This mode of cell death serves as a balance to mitosis in regulating the size of animal tissues and in mediating pathologic processes associated with tumor growth. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. [NIH] Aromatic: Having a spicy odour. [EU] Arterial: Pertaining to an artery or to the arteries. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Arterioles: The smallest divisions of the arteries located between the muscular arteries and the capillaries. [NIH] Arteriolosclerosis: Sclerosis and thickening of the walls of the smaller arteries (arterioles). Hyaline arteriolosclerosis, in which there is homogeneous pink hyaline thickening of the arteriolar walls, is associated with benign nephrosclerosis. Hyperplastic arteriolosclerosis, in which there is a concentric thickening with progressive narrowing of the lumina may be associated with malignant hypertension, nephrosclerosis, and scleroderma. [EU] Arteriosclerosis: Thickening and loss of elasticity of arterial walls. Atherosclerosis is the most common form of arteriosclerosis and involves lipid deposition and thickening of the intimal cell layers within arteries. Additional forms of arteriosclerosis involve calcification of the media of muscular arteries (Monkeberg medial calcific sclerosis) and thickening of the walls of small arteries or arterioles due to cell proliferation or hyaline deposition (arteriolosclerosis). [NIH] Ascorbic Acid: A six carbon compound related to glucose. It is found naturally in citrus fruits and many vegetables. Ascorbic acid is an essential nutrient in human diets, and necessary to maintain connective tissue and bone. Its biologically active form, vitamin C, functions as a reducing agent and coenzyme in several metabolic pathways. Vitamin C is considered an antioxidant. [NIH] Assay: Determination of the amount of a particular constituent of a mixture, or of the biological or pharmacological potency of a drug. [EU]

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Astrocytes: The largest and most numerous neuroglial cells in the brain and spinal cord. Astrocytes (from "star" cells) are irregularly shaped with many long processes, including those with "end feet" which form the glial (limiting) membrane and directly and indirectly contribute to the blood brain barrier. They regulate the extracellular ionic and chemical environment, and "reactive astrocytes" (along with microglia) respond to injury. Astrocytes have high- affinity transmitter uptake systems, voltage-dependent and transmitter-gated ion channels, and can release transmitter, but their role in signaling (as in many other functions) is not well understood. [NIH] Bacteria: Unicellular prokaryotic microorganisms which generally possess rigid cell walls, multiply by cell division, and exhibit three principal forms: round or coccal, rodlike or bacillary, and spiral or spirochetal. [NIH] Bactericidal: Substance lethal to bacteria; substance capable of killing bacteria. [NIH] Base: In chemistry, the nonacid part of a salt; a substance that combines with acids to form salts; a substance that dissociates to give hydroxide ions in aqueous solutions; a substance whose molecule or ion can combine with a proton (hydrogen ion); a substance capable of donating a pair of electrons (to an acid) for the formation of a coordinate covalent bond. [EU] Base Sequence: The sequence of purines and pyrimidines in nucleic acids and polynucleotides. It is also called nucleotide or nucleoside sequence. [NIH] Bends: The form of aeroembolism that is marked by intense pain in muscles and joints due to formation of gas bubbles in the tissues. [NIH] Benign: Not cancerous; does not invade nearby tissue or spread to other parts of the body. [NIH]

Beta-Galactosidase: A group of enzymes that catalyzes the hydrolysis of terminal, nonreducing beta-D-galactose residues in beta-galactosides. Deficiency of beta-Galactosidase A1 may cause gangliodisosis GM1. EC 3.2.1.23. [NIH] Bile: An emulsifying agent produced in the liver and secreted into the duodenum. Its composition includes bile acids and salts, cholesterol, and electrolytes. It aids digestion of fats in the duodenum. [NIH] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] Biological response modifier: BRM. A substance that stimulates the body's response to infection and disease. [NIH] Biotechnology: Body of knowledge related to the use of organisms, cells or cell-derived constituents for the purpose of developing products which are technically, scientifically and clinically useful. Alteration of biologic function at the molecular level (i.e., genetic engineering) is a central focus; laboratory methods used include transfection and cloning technologies, sequence and structure analysis algorithms, computer databases, and gene and protein structure function analysis and prediction. [NIH] Biotransformation: The chemical alteration of an exogenous substance by or in a biological system. The alteration may inactivate the compound or it may result in the production of an active metabolite of an inactive parent compound. The alteration may be either nonsynthetic (oxidation-reduction, hydrolysis) or synthetic (glucuronide formation, sulfate conjugation, acetylation, methylation). This also includes metabolic detoxication and clearance. [NIH] Bladder: The organ that stores urine. [NIH] Blood pressure: The pressure of blood against the walls of a blood vessel or heart chamber. Unless there is reference to another location, such as the pulmonary artery or one of the

Dictionary 99

heart chambers, it refers to the pressure in the systemic arteries, as measured, for example, in the forearm. [NIH] Blood vessel: A tube in the body through which blood circulates. Blood vessels include a network of arteries, arterioles, capillaries, venules, and veins. [NIH] Blot: To transfer DNA, RNA, or proteins to an immobilizing matrix such as nitrocellulose. [NIH]

Blotting, Western: Identification of proteins or peptides that have been electrophoretically separated by blotting and transferred to strips of nitrocellulose paper. The blots are then detected by radiolabeled antibody probes. [NIH] Body Fluids: Liquid components of living organisms. [NIH] Bone Marrow: The soft tissue filling the cavities of bones. Bone marrow exists in two types, yellow and red. Yellow marrow is found in the large cavities of large bones and consists mostly of fat cells and a few primitive blood cells. Red marrow is a hematopoietic tissue and is the site of production of erythrocytes and granular leukocytes. Bone marrow is made up of a framework of connective tissue containing branching fibers with the frame being filled with marrow cells. [NIH] Bowel: The long tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a small and a large bowel. Also called the intestine. [NIH] Bowel Movement: Body wastes passed through the rectum and anus. [NIH] Bradykinin: A nonapeptide messenger that is enzymatically produced from kallidin in the blood where it is a potent but short-lived agent of arteriolar dilation and increased capillary permeability. Bradykinin is also released from mast cells during asthma attacks, from gut walls as a gastrointestinal vasodilator, from damaged tissues as a pain signal, and may be a neurotransmitter. [NIH] Branch: Most commonly used for branches of nerves, but applied also to other structures. [NIH]

Breeding: The science or art of changing the constitution of a population of plants or animals through sexual reproduction. [NIH] Buffaloes: Ruminants of the family Bovidae consisting of Bubalus arnee and Syncerus caffer. This concept is differentiated from bison, which refers to Bison bison and Bison bonasus. [NIH] Calcification: Deposits of calcium in the tissues of the breast. Calcification in the breast can be seen on a mammogram, but cannot be detected by touch. There are two types of breast calcification, macrocalcification and microcalcification. Macrocalcifications are large deposits and are usually not related to cancer. Microcalcifications are specks of calcium that may be found in an area of rapidly dividing cells. Many microcalcifications clustered together may be a sign of cancer. [NIH] Calcium: A basic element found in nearly all organized tissues. It is a member of the alkaline earth family of metals with the atomic symbol Ca, atomic number 20, and atomic weight 40. Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body and combines with phosphorus to form calcium phosphate in the bones and teeth. It is essential for the normal functioning of nerves and muscles and plays a role in blood coagulation (as factor IV) and in many enzymatic processes. [NIH] Calcium Oxalate: The calcium salt of oxalic acid, occurring in the urine as crystals and in certain calculi. [NIH] Callus: A callosity or hard, thick skin; the bone-like reparative substance that is formed round the edges and fragments of broken bone. [NIH]

100 Asparagus

Capsular: Cataract which is initiated by an opacification at the surface of the lens. [NIH] Capsules: Hard or soft soluble containers used for the oral administration of medicine. [NIH] Carbohydrate: An aldehyde or ketone derivative of a polyhydric alcohol, particularly of the pentahydric and hexahydric alcohols. They are so named because the hydrogen and oxygen are usually in the proportion to form water, (CH2O)n. The most important carbohydrates are the starches, sugars, celluloses, and gums. They are classified into mono-, di-, tri-, polyand heterosaccharides. [EU] Carcinogen: Any substance that causes cancer. [NIH] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] Carcinoma: Cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. [NIH]

Cardiovascular: Having to do with the heart and blood vessels. [NIH] Cardiovascular disease: Any abnormal condition characterized by dysfunction of the heart and blood vessels. CVD includes atherosclerosis (especially coronary heart disease, which can lead to heart attacks), cerebrovascular disease (e.g., stroke), and hypertension (high blood pressure). [NIH] Cecum: The beginning of the large intestine. The cecum is connected to the lower part of the small intestine, called the ileum. [NIH] Cell: The individual unit that makes up all of the tissues of the body. All living things are made up of one or more cells. [NIH] Cell Cycle: The complex series of phenomena, occurring between the end of one cell division and the end of the next, by which cellular material is divided between daughter cells. [NIH] Cell Death: The termination of the cell's ability to carry out vital functions such as metabolism, growth, reproduction, responsiveness, and adaptability. [NIH] Cell Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] Cell proliferation: An increase in the number of cells as a result of cell growth and cell division. [NIH] Cellulose: A polysaccharide with glucose units linked as in cellobiose. It is the chief constituent of plant fibers, cotton being the purest natural form of the substance. As a raw material, it forms the basis for many derivatives used in chromatography, ion exchange materials, explosives manufacturing, and pharmaceutical preparations. [NIH] Cerebrovascular: Pertaining to the blood vessels of the cerebrum, or brain. [EU] Character: In current usage, approximately equivalent to personality. The sum of the relatively fixed personality traits and habitual modes of response of an individual. [NIH] Chemotherapy: Treatment with anticancer drugs. [NIH] Cholesterol: The principal sterol of all higher animals, distributed in body tissues, especially the brain and spinal cord, and in animal fats and oils. [NIH] Chromatin: The material of chromosomes. It is a complex of DNA, histones, and nonhistone proteins (chromosomal proteins, non-histone) found within the nucleus of a cell. [NIH] Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] Citrus: Any tree or shrub of the Rue family or the fruit of these plants. [NIH] Clinical Medicine: The study and practice of medicine by direct examination of the patient. [NIH]

Clinical trial: A research study that tests how well new medical treatments or other

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interventions work in people. Each study is designed to test new methods of screening, prevention, diagnosis, or treatment of a disease. [NIH] Clone: The term "clone" has acquired a new meaning. It is applied specifically to the bits of inserted foreign DNA in the hybrid molecules of the population. Each inserted segment originally resided in the DNA of a complex genome amid millions of other DNA segment. [NIH]

Cloning: The production of a number of genetically identical individuals; in genetic engineering, a process for the efficient replication of a great number of identical DNA molecules. [NIH] Coca: Any of several South American shrubs of the Erythroxylon genus (and family) that yield cocaine; the leaves are chewed with alum for CNS stimulation. [NIH] Cocaine: An alkaloid ester extracted from the leaves of plants including coca. It is a local anesthetic and vasoconstrictor and is clinically used for that purpose, particularly in the eye, ear, nose, and throat. It also has powerful central nervous system effects similar to the amphetamines and is a drug of abuse. Cocaine, like amphetamines, acts by multiple mechanisms on brain catecholaminergic neurons; the mechanism of its reinforcing effects is thought to involve inhibition of dopamine uptake. [NIH] Coenzyme: An organic nonprotein molecule, frequently a phosphorylated derivative of a water-soluble vitamin, that binds with the protein molecule (apoenzyme) to form the active enzyme (holoenzyme). [EU] Cofactor: A substance, microorganism or environmental factor that activates or enhances the action of another entity such as a disease-causing agent. [NIH] Coleoptera: The largest order of insects, comprising the beetles and weevils. [NIH] Collagen: A polypeptide substance comprising about one third of the total protein in mammalian organisms. It is the main constituent of skin, connective tissue, and the organic substance of bones and teeth. Different forms of collagen are produced in the body but all consist of three alpha-polypeptide chains arranged in a triple helix. Collagen is differentiated from other fibrous proteins, such as elastin, by the content of proline, hydroxyproline, and hydroxylysine; by the absence of tryptophan; and particularly by the high content of polar groups which are responsible for its swelling properties. [NIH] Colloidal: Of the nature of a colloid. [EU] Colonic Inertia: A condition of the colon. Colon muscles do not work properly, causing constipation. [NIH] Common causes of constipation: Problems with the colon and rectum. [NIH] Complement: A term originally used to refer to the heat-labile factor in serum that causes immune cytolysis, the lysis of antibody-coated cells, and now referring to the entire functionally related system comprising at least 20 distinct serum proteins that is the effector not only of immune cytolysis but also of other biologic functions. Complement activation occurs by two different sequences, the classic and alternative pathways. The proteins of the classic pathway are termed 'components of complement' and are designated by the symbols C1 through C9. C1 is a calcium-dependent complex of three distinct proteins C1q, C1r and C1s. The proteins of the alternative pathway (collectively referred to as the properdin system) and complement regulatory proteins are known by semisystematic or trivial names. Fragments resulting from proteolytic cleavage of complement proteins are designated with lower-case letter suffixes, e.g., C3a. Inactivated fragments may be designated with the suffix 'i', e.g. C3bi. Activated components or complexes with biological activity are designated by a bar over the symbol e.g. C1 or C4b,2a. The classic pathway is activated by the binding of C1 to classic pathway activators, primarily antigen-antibody complexes containing IgM, IgG1,

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IgG3; C1q binds to a single IgM molecule or two adjacent IgG molecules. The alternative pathway can be activated by IgA immune complexes and also by nonimmunologic materials including bacterial endotoxins, microbial polysaccharides, and cell walls. Activation of the classic pathway triggers an enzymatic cascade involving C1, C4, C2 and C3; activation of the alternative pathway triggers a cascade involving C3 and factors B, D and P. Both result in the cleavage of C5 and the formation of the membrane attack complex. Complement activation also results in the formation of many biologically active complement fragments that act as anaphylatoxins, opsonins, or chemotactic factors. [EU] Complementary and alternative medicine: CAM. Forms of treatment that are used in addition to (complementary) or instead of (alternative) standard treatments. These practices are not considered standard medical approaches. CAM includes dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, herbal preparations, special teas, massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Complementary medicine: Practices not generally recognized by the medical community as standard or conventional medical approaches and used to enhance or complement the standard treatments. Complementary medicine includes the taking of dietary supplements, megadose vitamins, and herbal preparations; the drinking of special teas; and practices such as massage therapy, magnet therapy, spiritual healing, and meditation. [NIH] Computational Biology: A field of biology concerned with the development of techniques for the collection and manipulation of biological data, and the use of such data to make biological discoveries or predictions. This field encompasses all computational methods and theories applicable to molecular biology and areas of computer-based techniques for solving biological problems including manipulation of models and datasets. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Connective Tissue: Tissue that supports and binds other tissues. It consists of connective tissue cells embedded in a large amount of extracellular matrix. [NIH] Constipation: Infrequent or difficult evacuation of feces. [NIH] Constrict: Tighten; narrow. [NIH] Consumption: Pulmonary tuberculosis. [NIH] Contraindications: Any factor or sign that it is unwise to pursue a certain kind of action or treatment, e. g. giving a general anesthetic to a person with pneumonia. [NIH] Conventional therapy: A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional treatment. [NIH] Conventional treatment: A currently accepted and widely used treatment for a certain type of disease, based on the results of past research. Also called conventional therapy. [NIH] Coronary: Encircling in the manner of a crown; a term applied to vessels; nerves, ligaments, etc. The term usually denotes the arteries that supply the heart muscle and, by extension, a pathologic involvement of them. [EU] Coronary heart disease: A type of heart disease caused by narrowing of the coronary arteries that feed the heart, which needs a constant supply of oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood in the coronary arteries. When the coronary arteries become narrowed or clogged by fat and cholesterol deposits and cannot supply enough blood to the heart, CHD results. [NIH] Coronary Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a myocardial infarction. [NIH] Cortex: The outer layer of an organ or other body structure, as distinguished from the

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internal substance. [EU] Cultured cells: Animal or human cells that are grown in the laboratory. [NIH] Curative: Tending to overcome disease and promote recovery. [EU] Cyclic: Pertaining to or occurring in a cycle or cycles; the term is applied to chemical compounds that contain a ring of atoms in the nucleus. [EU] Cysteine: A thiol-containing non-essential amino acid that is oxidized to form cystine. [NIH] Cytoplasm: The protoplasm of a cell exclusive of that of the nucleus; it consists of a continuous aqueous solution (cytosol) and the organelles and inclusions suspended in it (phaneroplasm), and is the site of most of the chemical activities of the cell. [EU] Cytotoxic: Cell-killing. [NIH] Databases, Bibliographic: Extensive collections, reputedly complete, of references and citations to books, articles, publications, etc., generally on a single subject or specialized subject area. Databases can operate through automated files, libraries, or computer disks. The concept should be differentiated from factual databases which is used for collections of data and facts apart from bibliographic references to them. [NIH] Degenerative: Undergoing degeneration : tending to degenerate; having the character of or involving degeneration; causing or tending to cause degeneration. [EU] Dehydration: The condition that results from excessive loss of body water. [NIH] Deletion: A genetic rearrangement through loss of segments of DNA (chromosomes), bringing sequences, which are normally separated, into close proximity. [NIH] Dendritic: 1. Branched like a tree. 2. Pertaining to or possessing dendrites. [EU] Dentures: An appliance used as an artificial or prosthetic replacement for missing teeth and adjacent tissues. It does not include crowns, dental abutments, nor artificial teeth. [NIH] Dermatitis: Any inflammation of the skin. [NIH] Detoxification: Treatment designed to free an addict from his drug habit. [EU] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Diarrhea: Passage of excessively liquid or excessively frequent stools. [NIH] Diastolic: Of or pertaining to the diastole. [EU] Dietary Fats: Fats present in food, especially in animal products such as meat, meat products, butter, ghee. They are present in lower amounts in nuts, seeds, and avocados. [NIH]

Dietary Fiber: The remnants of plant cell walls that are resistant to digestion by the alimentary enzymes of man. It comprises various polysaccharides and lignins. [NIH] Diffusion: The tendency of a gas or solute to pass from a point of higher pressure or concentration to a point of lower pressure or concentration and to distribute itself throughout the available space; a major mechanism of biological transport. [NIH] Digestion: The process of breakdown of food for metabolism and use by the body. [NIH] Diploid: Having two sets of chromosomes. [NIH] Direct: 1. Straight; in a straight line. 2. Performed immediately and without the intervention of subsidiary means. [EU] Disinfectant: An agent that disinfects; applied particularly to agents used on inanimate objects. [EU] Dissociation: 1. The act of separating or state of being separated. 2. The separation of a molecule into two or more fragments (atoms, molecules, ions, or free radicals) produced by

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the absorption of light or thermal energy or by solvation. 3. In psychology, a defense mechanism in which a group of mental processes are segregated from the rest of a person's mental activity in order to avoid emotional distress, as in the dissociative disorders (q.v.), or in which an idea or object is segregated from its emotional significance; in the first sense it is roughly equivalent to splitting, in the second, to isolation. 4. A defect of mental integration in which one or more groups of mental processes become separated off from normal consciousness and, thus separated, function as a unitary whole. [EU] Diverticula: Plural form of diverticulum. [NIH] Diverticulitis: Inflammation of a diverticulum or diverticula. [NIH] Diverticulum: A pathological condition manifested as a pouch or sac opening from a tubular or sacular organ. [NIH] Drive: A state of internal activity of an organism that is a necessary condition before a given stimulus will elicit a class of responses; e.g., a certain level of hunger (drive) must be present before food will elicit an eating response. [NIH] Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug. [NIH] Drug Tolerance: Progressive diminution of the susceptibility of a human or animal to the effects of a drug, resulting from its continued administration. It should be differentiated from drug resistance wherein an organism, disease, or tissue fails to respond to the intended effectiveness of a chemical or drug. It should also be differentiated from maximum tolerated dose and no-observed-adverse-effect level. [NIH] Duodenum: The first part of the small intestine. [NIH] Echinacea: A genus of perennial herbs used topically and internally. It contains echinacoside, glycosides, inulin, isobutyl amides, resin, and sesquiterpenes. [NIH] Efficacy: The extent to which a specific intervention, procedure, regimen, or service produces a beneficial result under ideal conditions. Ideally, the determination of efficacy is based on the results of a randomized control trial. [NIH] Elasticity: Resistance and recovery from distortion of shape. [NIH] Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] Electrolyte: A substance that dissociates into ions when fused or in solution, and thus becomes capable of conducting electricity; an ionic solute. [EU] Electrons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known negative charge, present in all elements; also called negatrons. Positively charged electrons are called positrons. The numbers, energies and arrangement of electrons around atomic nuclei determine the chemical identities of elements. Beams of electrons are called cathode rays or beta rays, the latter being a high-energy biproduct of nuclear decay. [NIH] Embryo: The prenatal stage of mammalian development characterized by rapid morphological changes and the differentiation of basic structures. [NIH] Emodin: Purgative anthraquinone found in several plants, especially Rhamnus frangula. It was formerly used as a laxative, but is now used mainly as tool in toxicity studies. [NIH] Endothelium: A layer of epithelium that lines the heart, blood vessels (endothelium, vascular), lymph vessels (endothelium, lymphatic), and the serous cavities of the body. [NIH] Endothelium-derived: Small molecule that diffuses to the adjacent muscle layer and relaxes it. [NIH] Endotoxin: Toxin from cell walls of bacteria. [NIH] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences,

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or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]

Environmental Pollutants: Substances which pollute the environment. Use environmental pollutants in general or for which there is no specific heading. [NIH]

for

Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Erectile: The inability to get or maintain an erection for satisfactory sexual intercourse. Also called impotence. [NIH] Erection: The condition of being made rigid and elevated; as erectile tissue when filled with blood. [EU] Erythema: Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of causes. [NIH] Estradiol: The most potent mammalian estrogenic hormone. It is produced in the ovary, placenta, testis, and possibly the adrenal cortex. [NIH] Estrogen: One of the two female sex hormones. [NIH] Estrone: 3-Hydroxyestra-1,3,5(10)-trien-17-one. A metabolite of estradiol but possessing less biological activity. It is found in the urine of pregnant women and mares, in the human placenta, and in the urine of bulls and stallions. According to the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP 85-002, 1985), estrone may reasonably be anticipated to be a carcinogen (Merck, 11th ed). [NIH] Ethanol: A clear, colorless liquid rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract and distributed throughout the body. It has bactericidal activity and is used often as a topical disinfectant. It is widely used as a solvent and preservative in pharmaceutical preparations as well as serving as the primary ingredient in alcoholic beverages. [NIH] Evacuation: An emptying, as of the bowels. [EU] Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] Extraction: The process or act of pulling or drawing out. [EU] Family Planning: Programs or services designed to assist the family in controlling reproduction by either improving or diminishing fertility. [NIH] Fat: Total lipids including phospholipids. [NIH] Feces: The excrement discharged from the intestines, consisting of bacteria, cells exfoliated from the intestines, secretions, chiefly of the liver, and a small amount of food residue. [EU] Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] Fish Products: Food products manufactured from fish (e.g., fish flour, fish meal). [NIH] Fistula: Abnormal communication most commonly seen between two internal organs, or between an internal organ and the surface of the body. [NIH] Fold: A plication or doubling of various parts of the body. [NIH] Fractionation: Dividing the total dose of radiation therapy into several smaller, equal doses delivered over a period of several days. [NIH] Frameshift: A type of mutation which causes out-of-phase transcription of the base sequence; such mutations arise from the addition or delection of nucleotide(s) in numbers other than 3 or multiples of 3. [NIH] Frameshift Mutation: A type of mutation in which a number of nucleotides not divisible by three is deleted from or inserted into a coding sequence, thereby causing an alteration in the

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reading frame of the entire sequence downstream of the mutation. These mutations may be induced by certain types of mutagens or may occur spontaneously. [NIH] Fructose: A type of sugar found in many fruits and vegetables and in honey. Fructose is used to sweeten some diet foods. It is considered a nutritive sweetener because it has calories. [NIH] Fungi: A kingdom of eukaryotic, heterotrophic organisms that live as saprobes or parasites, including mushrooms, yeasts, smuts, molds, etc. They reproduce either sexually or asexually, and have life cycles that range from simple to complex. Filamentous fungi refer to those that grow as multicelluar colonies (mushrooms and molds). [NIH] Galactosides: Glycosides formed by the reaction of the hydroxyl group on the anomeric carbon atom of galactose with an alcohol to form an acetal. They include both alpha- and beta-galactosides. [NIH] Gallbladder: The pear-shaped organ that sits below the liver. Bile is concentrated and stored in the gallbladder. [NIH] Gamma Rays: Very powerful and penetrating, high-energy electromagnetic radiation of shorter wavelength than that of x-rays. They are emitted by a decaying nucleus, usually between 0.01 and 10 MeV. They are also called nuclear x-rays. [NIH] Gas: Air that comes from normal breakdown of food. The gases are passed out of the body through the rectum (flatus) or the mouth (burp). [NIH] Gastric: Having to do with the stomach. [NIH] Gastric Emptying: The evacuation of food from the stomach into the duodenum. [NIH] Gastrointestinal: Refers to the stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gastrointestinal tract: The stomach and intestines. [NIH] Gene: The functional and physical unit of heredity passed from parent to offspring. Genes are pieces of DNA, and most genes contain the information for making a specific protein. [NIH]

Gene Expression: The phenotypic manifestation of a gene or genes by the processes of gene action. [NIH] Gene Pool: The total genetic information possessed by the reproductive members of a population of sexually reproducing organisms. [NIH] Generator: Any system incorporating a fixed parent radionuclide from which is produced a daughter radionuclide which is to be removed by elution or by any other method and used in a radiopharmaceutical. [NIH] Genetic Engineering: Directed modification of the gene complement of a living organism by such techniques as altering the DNA, substituting genetic material by means of a virus, transplanting whole nuclei, transplanting cell hybrids, etc. [NIH] Genetics: The biological science that deals with the phenomena and mechanisms of heredity. [NIH] Ginger: Deciduous plant rich in volatile oil (oils, volatile). It is used as a flavoring agent and has many other uses both internally and topically. [NIH] Ginkgo biloba: Exclusive species of the genus Ginkgo, family Ginkgoacea. It produces extracts of medicinal interest. Ginkgo may refer to the genus or species. [NIH] Gland: An organ that produces and releases one or more substances for use in the body. Some glands produce fluids that affect tissues or organs. Others produce hormones or participate in blood production. [NIH]

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Glomerular: Pertaining to or of the nature of a glomerulus, especially a renal glomerulus. [EU]

Glucose: D-Glucose. A primary source of energy for living organisms. It is naturally occurring and is found in fruits and other parts of plants in its free state. It is used therapeutically in fluid and nutrient replacement. [NIH] Glucosyltransferases: Enzymes that catalyze the transfer of glucose from a nucleoside diphosphate glucose to an acceptor molecule which is frequently another carbohydrate. EC 2.4.1.-. [NIH] Glycoprotein: A protein that has sugar molecules attached to it. [NIH] Glycoside: Any compound that contains a carbohydrate molecule (sugar), particularly any such natural product in plants, convertible, by hydrolytic cleavage, into sugar and a nonsugar component (aglycone), and named specifically for the sugar contained, as glucoside (glucose), pentoside (pentose), fructoside (fructose) etc. [EU] Glycosidic: Formed by elimination of water between the anomeric hydroxyl of one sugar and a hydroxyl of another sugar molecule. [NIH] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Grade: The grade of a tumor depends on how abnormal the cancer cells look under a microscope and how quickly the tumor is likely to grow and spread. Grading systems are different for each type of cancer. [NIH] Granulocytes: Leukocytes with abundant granules in the cytoplasm. They are divided into three groups: neutrophils, eosinophils, and basophils. [NIH] Growth: The progressive development of a living being or part of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity. [NIH] Guanylate Cyclase: An enzyme that catalyzes the conversion of GTP to 3',5'-cyclic GMP and pyrophosphate. It also acts on ITP and dGTP. (From Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 4.6.1.2. [NIH] Haploid: An organism with one basic chromosome set, symbolized by n; the normal condition of gametes in diploids. [NIH] Headache: Pain in the cranial region that may occur as an isolated and benign symptom or as a manifestation of a wide variety of conditions including subarachnoid hemorrhage; craniocerebral trauma; central nervous system infections; intracranial hypertension; and other disorders. In general, recurrent headaches that are not associated with a primary disease process are referred to as headache disorders (e.g., migraine). [NIH] Heart attack: A seizure of weak or abnormal functioning of the heart. [NIH] Hemodiafiltration: The combination of hemodialysis and hemofiltration either simultaneously or sequentially. Convective transport (hemofiltration) may be better for removal of larger molecular weight substances and diffusive transport (hemodialysis) for smaller molecular weight solutes. [NIH] Hemodialysis: The use of a machine to clean wastes from the blood after the kidneys have failed. The blood travels through tubes to a dialyzer, which removes wastes and extra fluid. The cleaned blood then flows through another set of tubes back into the body. [NIH] Hemofiltration: Extracorporeal ultrafiltration technique without hemodialysis for treatment of fluid overload and electrolyte disturbances affecting renal, cardiac, or pulmonary function. [NIH] Herbicide: A chemical that kills plants. [NIH]

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Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Histamine: 1H-Imidazole-4-ethanamine. A depressor amine derived by enzymatic decarboxylation of histidine. It is a powerful stimulant of gastric secretion, a constrictor of bronchial smooth muscle, a vasodilator, and also a centrally acting neurotransmitter. [NIH] Histidine: An essential amino acid important in a number of metabolic processes. It is required for the production of histamine. [NIH] Hormone: A substance in the body that regulates certain organs. Hormones such as gastrin help in breaking down food. Some hormones come from cells in the stomach and small intestine. [NIH] Hybrid: Cross fertilization between two varieties or, more usually, two species of vines, see also crossing. [NIH] Hybridization: The genetic process of crossbreeding to produce a hybrid. Hybrid nucleic acids can be formed by nucleic acid hybridization of DNA and RNA molecules. Protein hybridization allows for hybrid proteins to be formed from polypeptide chains. [NIH] Hydration: Combining with water. [NIH] Hydrogen: The first chemical element in the periodic table. It has the atomic symbol H, atomic number 1, and atomic weight 1. It exists, under normal conditions, as a colorless, odorless, tasteless, diatomic gas. Hydrogen ions are protons. Besides the common H1 isotope, hydrogen exists as the stable isotope deuterium and the unstable, radioactive isotope tritium. [NIH] Hydrolysis: The process of cleaving a chemical compound by the addition of a molecule of water. [NIH] Hydroxylysine: A hydroxylated derivative of the amino acid lysine that is present in certain collagens. [NIH] Hydroxyproline: A hydroxylated form of the imino acid proline. A deficiency in ascorbic acid can result in impaired hydroxyproline formation. [NIH] Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] Hypertension: Persistently high arterial blood pressure. Currently accepted threshold levels are 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic pressure. [NIH] Id: The part of the personality structure which harbors the unconscious instinctive desires and strivings of the individual. [NIH] Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]

Immunoblotting: Immunologic methods for isolating and quantitatively measuring immunoreactive substances. When used with immune reagents such as monoclonal antibodies, the process is known generically as western blot analysis (blotting, western). [NIH]

Immunologic: The ability of the antibody-forming system to recall a previous experience with an antigen and to respond to a second exposure with the prompt production of large amounts of antibody. [NIH] In vitro: In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body). [NIH] In vivo: In the body. The opposite of in vitro (outside the body or in the laboratory). [NIH] Incontinence: Inability to control the flow of urine from the bladder (urinary incontinence) or the escape of stool from the rectum (fecal incontinence). [NIH]

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Incubation: The development of an infectious disease from the entrance of the pathogen to the appearance of clinical symptoms. [EU] Indicative: That indicates; that points out more or less exactly; that reveals fairly clearly. [EU] Induction: The act or process of inducing or causing to occur, especially the production of a specific morphogenetic effect in the developing embryo through the influence of evocators or organizers, or the production of anaesthesia or unconsciousness by use of appropriate agents. [EU] Infarction: A pathological process consisting of a sudden insufficient blood supply to an area, which results in necrosis of that area. It is usually caused by a thrombus, an embolus, or a vascular torsion. [NIH] Infection: 1. Invasion and multiplication of microorganisms in body tissues, which may be clinically unapparent or result in local cellular injury due to competitive metabolism, toxins, intracellular replication, or antigen-antibody response. The infection may remain localized, subclinical, and temporary if the body's defensive mechanisms are effective. A local infection may persist and spread by extension to become an acute, subacute, or chronic clinical infection or disease state. A local infection may also become systemic when the microorganisms gain access to the lymphatic or vascular system. 2. An infectious disease. [EU]

Inflammation: A pathological process characterized by injury or destruction of tissues caused by a variety of cytologic and chemical reactions. It is usually manifested by typical signs of pain, heat, redness, swelling, and loss of function. [NIH] Ingestion: Taking into the body by mouth [NIH] Insomnia: Difficulty in going to sleep or getting enough sleep. [NIH] Interferon: A biological response modifier (a substance that can improve the body's natural response to disease). Interferons interfere with the division of cancer cells and can slow tumor growth. There are several types of interferons, including interferon-alpha, -beta, and gamma. These substances are normally produced by the body. They are also made in the laboratory for use in treating cancer and other diseases. [NIH] Interferon Inducers: Agents that promote the production and release of interferons. They include mitogens, lipopolysaccharides, and the synthetic polymers Poly A-U and Poly I-C. Viruses, bacteria, and protozoa have been also known to induce interferons. [NIH] Interferon-alpha: One of the type I interferons produced by peripheral blood leukocytes or lymphoblastoid cells when exposed to live or inactivated virus, double-stranded RNA, or bacterial products. It is the major interferon produced by virus-induced leukocyte cultures and, in addition to its pronounced antiviral activity, it causes activation of NK cells. [NIH] Interspecific: Occurring among members of different species. [NIH] Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Intestinal: Having to do with the intestines. [NIH] Intestine: A long, tube-shaped organ in the abdomen that completes the process of digestion. There is both a large intestine and a small intestine. Also called the bowel. [NIH] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Introgression: The natural spread of genes of one species into another through the process of interspecific hybridization followed by successive backcrosses to the recurrent parents. [NIH]

Intussusception: A rare disorder. A part of the intestines folds into another part of the intestines, causing blockage. Most common in infants. Can be treated with an operation. [NIH]

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Inulin: A starch found in the tubers and roots of many plants. Since it is hydrolyzable to fructose, it is classified as a fructosan. It has been used in physiologic investigation for determination of the rate of glomerular function. [NIH] Ion Channels: Gated, ion-selective glycoproteins that traverse membranes. The stimulus for channel gating can be a membrane potential, drug, transmitter, cytoplasmic messenger, or a mechanical deformation. Ion channels which are integral parts of ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors are not included. [NIH] Ionization: 1. Any process by which a neutral atom gains or loses electrons, thus acquiring a net charge, as the dissociation of a substance in solution into ions or ion production by the passage of radioactive particles. 2. Iontophoresis. [EU] Ionizing: Radiation comprising charged particles, e. g. electrons, protons, alpha-particles, etc., having sufficient kinetic energy to produce ionization by collision. [NIH] Ions: An atom or group of atoms that have a positive or negative electric charge due to a gain (negative charge) or loss (positive charge) of one or more electrons. Atoms with a positive charge are known as cations; those with a negative charge are anions. [NIH] Juniper: A slow growing coniferous evergreen tree or shrub, genus Juniperus. The Juniper is cultivated for its berries, which take up to three years to ripen. The resinous, sweetly flavored berries are borne only by the female juniper, and can be found in various stages of ripeness on the same plant. [NIH] Kb: A measure of the length of DNA fragments, 1 Kb = 1000 base pairs. The largest DNA fragments are up to 50 kilobases long. [NIH] Ketone Bodies: Chemicals that the body makes when there is not enough insulin in the blood and it must break down fat for its energy. Ketone bodies can poison and even kill body cells. When the body does not have the help of insulin, the ketones build up in the blood and then "spill" over into the urine so that the body can get rid of them. The body can also rid itself of one type of ketone, called acetone, through the lungs. This gives the breath a fruity odor. Ketones that build up in the body for a long time lead to serious illness and coma. [NIH] Kidney stone: A stone that develops from crystals that form in urine and build up on the inner surfaces of the kidney, in the renal pelvis, or in the ureters. [NIH] Large Intestine: The part of the intestine that goes from the cecum to the rectum. The large intestine absorbs water from stool and changes it from a liquid to a solid form. The large intestine is 5 feet long and includes the appendix, cecum, colon, and rectum. Also called colon. [NIH] Lectins: Protein or glycoprotein substances, usually of plant origin, that bind to sugar moieties in cell walls or membranes and thereby change the physiology of the membrane to cause agglutination, mitosis, or other biochemical changes in the cell. [NIH] Lens: The transparent, double convex (outward curve on both sides) structure suspended between the aqueous and vitreous; helps to focus light on the retina. [NIH] Lesion: An area of abnormal tissue change. [NIH] Leucocyte: All the white cells of the blood and their precursors (myeloid cell series, lymphoid cell series) but commonly used to indicate granulocytes exclusive of lymphocytes. [NIH]

Leukocytes: White blood cells. These include granular leukocytes (basophils, eosinophils, and neutrophils) as well as non-granular leukocytes (lymphocytes and monocytes). [NIH] Library Services: Services offered to the library user. They include reference and circulation. [NIH]

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Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthen joints. [EU] Lipase: An enzyme of the hydrolase class that catalyzes the reaction of triacylglycerol and water to yield diacylglycerol and a fatty acid anion. It is produced by glands on the tongue and by the pancreas and initiates the digestion of dietary fats. (From Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.1.1.3. [NIH] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Lipopolysaccharides: Substance consisting of polysaccaride and lipid. [NIH] Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [NIH] Liver Mitochondria: Yellow discoloration of the liver due to fatty degeneration of liver parenchymal cells; the cause may be chemical poisoning. [NIH] Localized: Cancer which has not metastasized yet. [NIH] Locomotion: Movement or the ability to move from one place or another. It can refer to humans, vertebrate or invertebrate animals, and microorganisms. [NIH] Lymphatic: The tissues and organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes, that produce and store cells that fight infection and disease. [NIH] Lymphoid: Referring to lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. Also refers to tissue in which lymphocytes develop. [NIH] Malignant: Cancerous; a growth with a tendency to invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body. [NIH] Malignant tumor: A tumor capable of metastasizing. [NIH] Meat: The edible portions of any animal used for food including domestic mammals (the major ones being cattle, swine, and sheep) along with poultry, fish, shellfish, and game. [NIH]

Medial: Lying near the midsaggital plane of the body; opposed to lateral. [NIH] MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Menopause: Permanent cessation of menstruation. [NIH] Menstrual Cycle: The period of the regularly recurring physiologic changes in the endometrium occurring during the reproductive period in human females and some primates and culminating in partial sloughing of the endometrium (menstruation). [NIH] Menstruation: The normal physiologic discharge through the vagina of blood and mucosal tissues from the nonpregnant uterus. [NIH] Metabolite: Any substance produced by metabolism or by a metabolic process. [EU] Methanol: A colorless, flammable liquid used in the manufacture of formaldehyde and acetic acid, in chemical synthesis, antifreeze, and as a solvent. Ingestion of methanol is toxic and may cause blindness. [NIH] Methionine: A sulfur containing essential amino acid that is important in many body functions. It is a chelating agent for heavy metals. [NIH] MI: Myocardial infarction. Gross necrosis of the myocardium as a result of interruption of the blood supply to the area; it is almost always caused by atherosclerosis of the coronary arteries, upon which coronary thrombosis is usually superimposed. [NIH]

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Microspheres: Small uniformly-sized spherical particles frequently radioisotopes or various reagents acting as tags or markers. [NIH]

labeled

with

Mitosis: A method of indirect cell division by means of which the two daughter nuclei normally receive identical complements of the number of chromosomes of the somatic cells of the species. [NIH] Modification: A change in an organism, or in a process in an organism, that is acquired from its own activity or environment. [NIH] Molecular: Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules : a very small mass of matter. [EU] Molecule: A chemical made up of two or more atoms. The atoms in a molecule can be the same (an oxygen molecule has two oxygen atoms) or different (a water molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom). Biological molecules, such as proteins and DNA, can be made up of many thousands of atoms. [NIH] Monoclonal: An antibody produced by culturing a single type of cell. It therefore consists of a single species of immunoglobulin molecules. [NIH] Monoclonal antibodies: Laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells wherever they are in the body. Many monoclonal antibodies are used in cancer detection or therapy; each one recognizes a different protein on certain cancer cells. Monoclonal antibodies can be used alone, or they can be used to deliver drugs, toxins, or radioactive material directly to a tumor. [NIH] Mononuclear: A cell with one nucleus. [NIH] Morphological: Relating to the configuration or the structure of live organs. [NIH] Morphology: The science of the form and structure of organisms (plants, animals, and other forms of life). [NIH] Motion Sickness: Sickness caused by motion, as sea sickness, train sickness, car sickness, and air sickness. [NIH] Multiple Myeloma: A malignant tumor of plasma cells usually arising in the bone marrow; characterized by diffuse involvement of the skeletal system, hyperglobulinemia, Bence-Jones proteinuria, and anemia. [NIH] Mustard Gas: Severe irritant and vesicant of skin, eyes, and lungs. It may cause blindness and lethal lung edema and was formerly used as a war gas. The substance has been proposed as a cytostatic and for treatment of psoriasis. It has been listed as a known carcinogen in the Fourth Annual Report on Carcinogens (NTP-85-002, 1985) (Merck, 11th ed). [NIH] Mutagen: Any agent, such as X-rays, gamma rays, mustard gas, TCDD, that can cause abnormal mutation in living cells; having the power to cause mutations. [NIH] Mutagenesis: Process of generating genetic mutations. It may occur spontaneously or be induced by mutagens. [NIH] Mutagenic: Inducing genetic mutation. [EU] Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle known as cardiac muscle. [NIH] Nausea: An unpleasant sensation in the stomach usually accompanied by the urge to vomit. Common causes are early pregnancy, sea and motion sickness, emotional stress, intense pain, food poisoning, and various enteroviruses. [NIH] Necrosis: A pathological process caused by the progressive degradative action of enzymes that is generally associated with severe cellular trauma. It is characterized by mitochondrial swelling, nuclear flocculation, uncontrolled cell lysis, and ultimately cell death. [NIH]

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Need: A state of tension or dissatisfaction felt by an individual that impels him to action toward a goal he believes will satisfy the impulse. [NIH] Neoplasm: A new growth of benign or malignant tissue. [NIH] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [NIH] Neurotic: 1. Pertaining to or characterized by neurosis. 2. A person affected with a neurosis. [EU]

Neutrons: Electrically neutral elementary particles found in all atomic nuclei except light hydrogen; the mass is equal to that of the proton and electron combined and they are unstable when isolated from the nucleus, undergoing beta decay. Slow, thermal, epithermal, and fast neutrons refer to the energy levels with which the neutrons are ejected from heavier nuclei during their decay. [NIH] Nitric Oxide: A free radical gas produced endogenously by a variety of mammalian cells. It is synthesized from arginine by a complex reaction, catalyzed by nitric oxide synthase. Nitric oxide is endothelium-derived relaxing factor. It is released by the vascular endothelium and mediates the relaxation induced by some vasodilators such as acetylcholine and bradykinin. It also inhibits platelet aggregation, induces disaggregation of aggregated platelets, and inhibits platelet adhesion to the vascular endothelium. Nitric oxide activates cytosolic guanylate cyclase and thus elevates intracellular levels of cyclic GMP. [NIH]

Nitrogen: An element with the atomic symbol N, atomic number 7, and atomic weight 14. Nitrogen exists as a diatomic gas and makes up about 78% of the earth's atmosphere by volume. It is a constituent of proteins and nucleic acids and found in all living cells. [NIH] Nuclei: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Nucleic acid: Either of two types of macromolecule (DNA or RNA) formed by polymerization of nucleotides. Nucleic acids are found in all living cells and contain the information (genetic code) for the transfer of genetic information from one generation to the next. [NIH] Nucleic Acid Hybridization: The process whereby two single-stranded polynucleotides form a double-stranded molecule, with hydrogen bonding between the complementary bases in the two strains. [NIH] Nucleus: A body of specialized protoplasm found in nearly all cells and containing the chromosomes. [NIH] Odour: A volatile emanation that is perceived by the sense of smell. [EU] Oligosaccharides: Carbohydrates consisting of between two and ten monosaccharides connected by either an alpha- or beta-glycosidic link. They are found throughout nature in both the free and bound form. [NIH] Organ Culture: The growth in aseptic culture of plant organs such as roots or shoots, beginning with organ primordia or segments and maintaining the characteristics of the organ. [NIH] Osteoporosis: Reduction of bone mass without alteration in the composition of bone, leading to fractures. Primary osteoporosis can be of two major types: postmenopausal osteoporosis and age-related (or senile) osteoporosis. [NIH] Ovaries: The pair of female reproductive glands in which the ova, or eggs, are formed. The ovaries are located in the pelvis, one on each side of the uterus. [NIH] Ovary: Either of the paired glands in the female that produce the female germ cells and

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secrete some of the female sex hormones. [NIH] Ovulation: The discharge of a secondary oocyte from a ruptured graafian follicle. [NIH] Oxalate: A chemical that combines with calcium in urine to form the most common type of kidney stone (calcium oxalate stone). [NIH] Oxidation: The act of oxidizing or state of being oxidized. Chemically it consists in the increase of positive charges on an atom or the loss of negative charges. Most biological oxidations are accomplished by the removal of a pair of hydrogen atoms (dehydrogenation) from a molecule. Such oxidations must be accompanied by reduction of an acceptor molecule. Univalent o. indicates loss of one electron; divalent o., the loss of two electrons. [EU]

Palliative: 1. Affording relief, but not cure. 2. An alleviating medicine. [EU] Pancreas: A mixed exocrine and endocrine gland situated transversely across the posterior abdominal wall in the epigastric and hypochondriac regions. The endocrine portion is comprised of the Islets of Langerhans, while the exocrine portion is a compound acinar gland that secretes digestive enzymes. [NIH] Patch: A piece of material used to cover or protect a wound, an injured part, etc.: a patch over the eye. [NIH] Pathogen: Any disease-producing microorganism. [EU] Pathogenesis: The cellular events and reactions that occur in the development of disease. [NIH]

Pathologic: 1. Indicative of or caused by a morbid condition. 2. Pertaining to pathology (= branch of medicine that treats the essential nature of the disease, especially the structural and functional changes in tissues and organs of the body caused by the disease). [EU] Pathologic Processes: The abnormal mechanisms and forms involved in the dysfunctions of tissues and organs. [NIH] Patient Education: The teaching or training of patients concerning their own health needs. [NIH]

Pelvic: Pertaining to the pelvis. [EU] Peptide: Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Peptides are combined to make proteins. [NIH] Perennial: Lasting through the year of for several years. [EU] Perforation: 1. The act of boring or piercing through a part. 2. A hole made through a part or substance. [EU] Perineal: Pertaining to the perineum. [EU] Perineum: The area between the anus and the sex organs. [NIH] Pharmacogenetics: A branch of genetics which deals with the genetic components of variability in individual responses to and metabolism (biotransformation) of drugs. [NIH] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Phospholipids: Lipids containing one or more phosphate groups, particularly those derived from either glycerol (phosphoglycerides; glycerophospholipids) or sphingosine (sphingolipids). They are polar lipids that are of great importance for the structure and function of cell membranes and are the most abundant of membrane lipids, although not stored in large amounts in the system. [NIH] Physical Fitness: A state of well-being in which performance is optimal, often as a result of physical conditioning which may be prescribed for disease therapy. [NIH]

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Physiologic: Having to do with the functions of the body. When used in the phrase "physiologic age," it refers to an age assigned by general health, as opposed to calendar age. [NIH]

Physiology: The science that deals with the life processes and functions of organismus, their cells, tissues, and organs. [NIH] Placenta: A highly vascular fetal organ through which the fetus absorbs oxygen and other nutrients and excretes carbon dioxide and other wastes. It begins to form about the eighth day of gestation when the blastocyst adheres to the decidua. [NIH] Plants: Multicellular, eukaryotic life forms of the kingdom Plantae. They are characterized by a mainly photosynthetic mode of nutrition; essentially unlimited growth at localized regions of cell divisions (meristems); cellulose within cells providing rigidity; the absence of organs of locomotion; absense of nervous and sensory systems; and an alteration of haploid and diploid generations. [NIH] Plasma: The clear, yellowish, fluid part of the blood that carries the blood cells. The proteins that form blood clots are in plasma. [NIH] Plasma cells: A type of white blood cell that produces antibodies. [NIH] Platelet Aggregation: The attachment of platelets to one another. This clumping together can be induced by a number of agents (e.g., thrombin, collagen) and is part of the mechanism leading to the formation of a thrombus. [NIH] Platelets: A type of blood cell that helps prevent bleeding by causing blood clots to form. Also called thrombocytes. [NIH] Poisoning: A condition or physical state produced by the ingestion, injection or inhalation of, or exposure to a deleterious agent. [NIH] Polymers: Compounds formed by the joining of smaller, usually repeating, units linked by covalent bonds. These compounds often form large macromolecules (e.g., polypeptides, proteins, plastics). [NIH] Polymorphism: The occurrence together of two or more distinct forms in the same population. [NIH] Polypeptide: A peptide which on hydrolysis yields more than two amino acids; called tripeptides, tetrapeptides, etc. according to the number of amino acids contained. [EU] Postmenopausal: Refers to the time after menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently; also called "change of life." [NIH] Practice Guidelines: Directions or principles presenting current or future rules of policy for the health care practitioner to assist him in patient care decisions regarding diagnosis, therapy, or related clinical circumstances. The guidelines may be developed by government agencies at any level, institutions, professional societies, governing boards, or by the convening of expert panels. The guidelines form a basis for the evaluation of all aspects of health care and delivery. [NIH] Precursor: Something that precedes. In biological processes, a substance from which another, usually more active or mature substance is formed. In clinical medicine, a sign or symptom that heralds another. [EU] Premenstrual: Occurring before menstruation. [EU] Premenstrual Syndrome: A syndrome occurring most often during the last week of the menstrual cycle and ending soon after the onset of menses. Some of the symptoms are emotional instability, insomnia, headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal distension, and painful breasts. [NIH]

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Prenatal: Existing or occurring before birth, with reference to the fetus. [EU] Preventive Medicine: A medical specialty primarily concerned with prevention of disease and the promotion and preservation of health in the individual. [NIH] Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or severity. [EU] Proline: A non-essential amino acid that is synthesized from glutamic acid. It is an essential component of collagen and is important for proper functioning of joints and tendons. [NIH] Promoter: A chemical substance that increases the activity of a carcinogenic process. [NIH] Prostate: A gland in males that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra. It secretes a substance that liquifies coagulated semen. It is situated in the pelvic cavity behind the lower part of the pubic symphysis, above the deep layer of the triangular ligament, and rests upon the rectum. [NIH] Prostate gland: A gland in the male reproductive system just below the bladder. It surrounds part of the urethra, the canal that empties the bladder, and produces a fluid that forms part of semen. [NIH] Protein C: A vitamin-K dependent zymogen present in the blood, which, upon activation by thrombin and thrombomodulin exerts anticoagulant properties by inactivating factors Va and VIIIa at the rate-limiting steps of thrombin formation. [NIH] Protein S: The vitamin K-dependent cofactor of activated protein C. Together with protein C, it inhibits the action of factors VIIIa and Va. A deficiency in protein S can lead to recurrent venous and arterial thrombosis. [NIH] Proteins: Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines the shape and function of the protein. [NIH] Proteinuria: The presence of protein in the urine, indicating that the kidneys are not working properly. [NIH] Protons: Stable elementary particles having the smallest known positive charge, found in the nuclei of all elements. The proton mass is less than that of a neutron. A proton is the nucleus of the light hydrogen atom, i.e., the hydrogen ion. [NIH] Protozoa: A subkingdom consisting of unicellular organisms that are the simplest in the animal kingdom. Most are free living. They range in size from submicroscopic to macroscopic. Protozoa are divided into seven phyla: Sarcomastigophora, Labyrinthomorpha, Apicomplexa, Microspora, Ascetospora, Myxozoa, and Ciliophora. [NIH] Public Policy: A course or method of action selected, usually by a government, from among alternatives to guide and determine present and future decisions. [NIH] Publishing: "The business or profession of the commercial production and issuance of literature" (Webster's 3d). It includes the publisher, publication processes, editing and editors. Production may be by conventional printing methods or by electronic publishing. [NIH]

Purulent: Consisting of or containing pus; associated with the formation of or caused by pus. [EU] Radiation: Emission or propagation of electromagnetic energy (waves/rays), or the waves/rays themselves; a stream of electromagnetic particles (electrons, neutrons, protons, alpha particles) or a mixture of these. The most common source is the sun. [NIH] Radiation therapy: The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from

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radioactive material placed in the body in the area near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. Also called radiotherapy. [NIH] Radioactive: Giving off radiation. [NIH] Radioimmunotherapy: Radiotherapy where cytotoxic radionuclides are linked to antibodies in order to deliver toxins directly to tumor targets. Therapy with targeted radiation rather than antibody-targeted toxins (immunotoxins) has the advantage that adjacent tumor cells, which lack the appropriate antigenic determinants, can be destroyed by radiation cross-fire. Radioimmunotherapy is sometimes called targeted radiotherapy, but this latter term can also refer to radionuclides linked to non-immune molecules (radiotherapy). [NIH] Radiopharmaceutical: Any medicinal product which, when ready for use, contains one or more radionuclides (radioactive isotopes) included for a medicinal purpose. [NIH] Radiotherapy: The use of ionizing radiation to treat malignant neoplasms and other benign conditions. The most common forms of ionizing radiation used as therapy are x-rays, gamma rays, and electrons. A special form of radiotherapy, targeted radiotherapy, links a cytotoxic radionuclide to a molecule that targets the tumor. When this molecule is an antibody or other immunologic molecule, the technique is called radioimmunotherapy. [NIH] Randomized: Describes an experiment or clinical trial in which animal or human subjects are assigned by chance to separate groups that compare different treatments. [NIH] Recombinant: A cell or an individual with a new combination of genes not found together in either parent; usually applied to linked genes. [EU] Rectal: By or having to do with the rectum. The rectum is the last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine and ends at the anus. [NIH] Rectal Prolapse: Protrusion of the rectal mucous membrane through the anus. There are various degrees: incomplete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with displacement of the anal sphincter muscle; complete with no displacement of the anal sphincter muscle but with herniation of the bowel; and internal complete with rectosigmoid or upper rectum intussusception into the lower rectum. [NIH] Rectum: The last 8 to 10 inches of the large intestine. [NIH] Refer: To send or direct for treatment, aid, information, de decision. [NIH] Reference Values: The range or frequency distribution of a measurement in a population (of organisms, organs or things) that has not been selected for the presence of disease or abnormality. [NIH] Regeneration: The natural renewal of a structure, as of a lost tissue or part. [EU] Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment. [NIH] Renal failure: Progressive renal insufficiency and uremia, due to irreversible and progressive renal glomerular tubular or interstitial disease. [NIH] Reproductive system: In women, this system includes the ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the uterus (womb), the cervix, and the vagina (birth canal). The reproductive system in men includes the prostate, the testes, and the penis. [NIH] Retina: The ten-layered nervous tissue membrane of the eye. It is continuous with the optic nerve and receives images of external objects and transmits visual impulses to the brain. Its outer surface is in contact with the choroid and the inner surface with the vitreous body. The outer-most layer is pigmented, whereas the inner nine layers are transparent. [NIH]

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Reversion: A return to the original condition, e. g. the reappearance of the normal or wild type in previously mutated cells, tissues, or organisms. [NIH] Riboflavin: Nutritional factor found in milk, eggs, malted barley, liver, kidney, heart, and leafy vegetables. The richest natural source is yeast. It occurs in the free form only in the retina of the eye, in whey, and in urine; its principal forms in tissues and cells are as FMN and FAD. [NIH] Ribosome: A granule of protein and RNA, synthesized in the nucleolus and found in the cytoplasm of cells. Ribosomes are the main sites of protein synthesis. Messenger RNA attaches to them and there receives molecules of transfer RNA bearing amino acids. [NIH] Rigidity: Stiffness or inflexibility, chiefly that which is abnormal or morbid; rigor. [EU] Rod: A reception for vision, located in the retina. [NIH] Rubber: A high-molecular-weight polymeric elastomer derived from the milk juice (latex) of Hevea brasiliensis and other trees. It is a substance that can be stretched at room temperature to atleast twice its original length and after releasing the stress, retractrapidly, and recover its original dimensions fully. Synthetic rubber is made from many different chemicals, including styrene, acrylonitrile, ethylene, propylene, and isoprene. [NIH] Saline: A solution of salt and water. [NIH] Saponin: A substance found in soybeans and many other plants. Saponins may help lower cholesterol and may have anticancer effects. [NIH] Sclerosis: A pathological process consisting of hardening or fibrosis of an anatomical structure, often a vessel or a nerve. [NIH] Screening: Checking for disease when there are no symptoms. [NIH] Seafood: Marine fish and shellfish used as food or suitable for food. (Webster, 3d ed) shellfish and fish products are more specific types of seafood. [NIH] Secretion: 1. The process of elaborating a specific product as a result of the activity of a gland; this activity may range from separating a specific substance of the blood to the elaboration of a new chemical substance. 2. Any substance produced by secretion. [EU] Sedative: 1. Allaying activity and excitement. 2. An agent that allays excitement. [EU] Semen: The thick, yellowish-white, viscid fluid secretion of male reproductive organs discharged upon ejaculation. In addition to reproductive organ secretions, it contains spermatozoa and their nutrient plasma. [NIH] Senile: Relating or belonging to old age; characteristic of old age; resulting from infirmity of old age. [NIH] Senna: Preparations of Cassia senna L. and C. angustifolia of the Leguminosae. They contain sennosides, which are anthraquinone type cathartics and are used in many different preparations as laxatives. [NIH] Sensor: A device designed to respond to physical stimuli such as temperature, light, magnetism or movement and transmit resulting impulses for interpretation, recording, movement, or operating control. [NIH] Side effect: A consequence other than the one(s) for which an agent or measure is used, as the adverse effects produced by a drug, especially on a tissue or organ system other than the one sought to be benefited by its administration. [EU] Skeletal: Having to do with the skeleton (boney part of the body). [NIH] Small intestine: The part of the digestive tract that is located between the stomach and the large intestine. [NIH]

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Sodium: An element that is a member of the alkali group of metals. It has the atomic symbol Na, atomic number 11, and atomic weight 23. With a valence of 1, it has a strong affinity for oxygen and other nonmetallic elements. Sodium provides the chief cation of the extracellular body fluids. Its salts are the most widely used in medicine. (From Dorland, 27th ed) Physiologically the sodium ion plays a major role in blood pressure regulation, maintenance of fluid volume, and electrolyte balance. [NIH] Solvent: 1. Dissolving; effecting a solution. 2. A liquid that dissolves or that is capable of dissolving; the component of a solution that is present in greater amount. [EU] Soma: The body as distinct from the mind; all the body tissue except the germ cells; all the axial body. [NIH] Somatic: 1. Pertaining to or characteristic of the soma or body. 2. Pertaining to the body wall in contrast to the viscera. [EU] Specialist: In medicine, one who concentrates on 1 special branch of medical science. [NIH] Species: A taxonomic category subordinate to a genus (or subgenus) and superior to a subspecies or variety, composed of individuals possessing common characters distinguishing them from other categories of individuals of the same taxonomic level. In taxonomic nomenclature, species are designated by the genus name followed by a Latin or Latinized adjective or noun. [EU] Sphincter: A ringlike band of muscle fibres that constricts a passage or closes a natural orifice; called also musculus sphincter. [EU] Spices: The dried seeds, bark, root, stems, buds, leaves, or fruit of aromatic plants used to season food. [NIH] Spike: The activation of synapses causes changes in the permeability of the dendritic membrane leading to changes in the membrane potential. This difference of the potential travels along the axon of the neuron and is called spike. [NIH] Spinal cord: The main trunk or bundle of nerves running down the spine through holes in the spinal bone (the vertebrae) from the brain to the level of the lower back. [NIH] Sports Medicine: The field of medicine concerned with physical fitness and the diagnosis and treatment of injuries sustained in sports activities. [NIH] Steel: A tough, malleable, iron-based alloy containing up to, but no more than, two percent carbon and often other metals. It is used in medicine and dentistry in implants and instrumentation. [NIH] Stimulants: Any drug or agent which causes stimulation. [NIH] Stimulus: That which can elicit or evoke action (response) in a muscle, nerve, gland or other excitable issue, or cause an augmenting action upon any function or metabolic process. [NIH] Stomach: An organ of digestion situated in the left upper quadrant of the abdomen between the termination of the esophagus and the beginning of the duodenum. [NIH] Stool: The waste matter discharged in a bowel movement; feces. [NIH] Stress: Forcibly exerted influence; pressure. Any condition or situation that causes strain or tension. Stress may be either physical or psychologic, or both. [NIH] Stroke: Sudden loss of function of part of the brain because of loss of blood flow. Stroke may be caused by a clot (thrombosis) or rupture (hemorrhage) of a blood vessel to the brain. [NIH] Styrene: A colorless, toxic liquid with a strong aromatic odor. It is used to make rubbers, polymers and copolymers, and polystyrene plastics. [NIH] Subacute: Somewhat acute; between acute and chronic. [EU]

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Subclinical: Without clinical manifestations; said of the early stage(s) of an infection or other disease or abnormality before symptoms and signs become apparent or detectable by clinical examination or laboratory tests, or of a very mild form of an infection or other disease or abnormality. [EU] Subspecies: A category intermediate in rank between species and variety, based on a smaller number of correlated characters than are used to differentiate species and generally conditioned by geographical and/or ecological occurrence. [NIH] Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and peripheral nervous systems. It is involved in transmission of pain, causes rapid contractions of the gastrointestinal smooth muscle, and modulates inflammatory and immune responses. [NIH]

Sulfur: An element that is a member of the chalcogen family. It has an atomic symbol S, atomic number 16, and atomic weight 32.066. It is found in the amino acids cysteine and methionine. [NIH] Sulfur Dioxide: A highly toxic, colorless, nonflammable gas. It is used as a pharmaceutical aid and antioxidant. It is also an environmental air pollutant. [NIH] Suspensions: Colloids with liquid continuous phase and solid dispersed phase; the term is used loosely also for solid-in-gas (aerosol) and other colloidal systems; water-insoluble drugs may be given as suspensions. [NIH] Symphysis: A secondary cartilaginous joint. [NIH] Synapses: Specialized junctions at which a neuron communicates with a target cell. At classical synapses, a neuron's presynaptic terminal releases a chemical transmitter stored in synaptic vesicles which diffuses across a narrow synaptic cleft and activates receptors on the postsynaptic membrane of the target cell. The target may be a dendrite, cell body, or axon of another neuron, or a specialized region of a muscle or secretory cell. Neurons may also communicate through direct electrical connections which are sometimes called electrical synapses; these are not included here but rather in gap junctions. [NIH] Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Systolic: Indicating the maximum arterial pressure during contraction of the left ventricle of the heart. [EU] Tartar: A mass of calcium and magnesium salts deposited around the teeth and upon artificial dentures. [NIH] Testis: Either of the paired male reproductive glands that produce the male germ cells and the male hormones. [NIH] Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. [NIH] Threshold: For a specified sensory modality (e. g. light, sound, vibration), the lowest level (absolute threshold) or smallest difference (difference threshold, difference limen) or intensity of the stimulus discernible in prescribed conditions of stimulation. [NIH] Thrombin: An enzyme formed from prothrombin that converts fibrinogen to fibrin. (Dorland, 27th ed) EC 3.4.21.5. [NIH] Thrombomodulin: A cell surface glycoprotein of endothelial cells that binds thrombin and serves as a cofactor in the activation of protein C and its regulation of blood coagulation. [NIH]

Thrombosis: The formation or presence of a blood clot inside a blood vessel. [NIH] Thrombus: An aggregation of blood factors, primarily platelets and fibrin with entrapment of cellular elements, frequently causing vascular obstruction at the point of its formation.

Dictionary 121

Some authorities thus differentiate thrombus formation from simple coagulation or clot formation. [EU] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [NIH] Tissue Culture: Maintaining or growing of tissue, organ primordia, or the whole or part of an organ in vitro so as to preserve its architecture and/or function (Dorland, 28th ed). Tissue culture includes both organ culture and cell culture. [NIH] Tolerance: 1. The ability to endure unusually large doses of a drug or toxin. 2. Acquired drug tolerance; a decreasing response to repeated constant doses of a drug or the need for increasing doses to maintain a constant response. [EU] Topical: On the surface of the body. [NIH] Toxic: Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects. [NIH] Toxicity: The quality of being poisonous, especially the degree of virulence of a toxic microbe or of a poison. [EU] Toxicology: The science concerned with the detection, chemical composition, and pharmacologic action of toxic substances or poisons and the treatment and prevention of toxic manifestations. [NIH] Toxins: Specific, characterizable, poisonous chemicals, often proteins, with specific biological properties, including immunogenicity, produced by microbes, higher plants, or animals. [NIH] Transfection: The uptake of naked or purified DNA into cells, usually eukaryotic. It is analogous to bacterial transformation. [NIH] Translation: The process whereby the genetic information present in the linear sequence of ribonucleotides in mRNA is converted into a corresponding sequence of amino acids in a protein. It occurs on the ribosome and is unidirectional. [NIH] Transmitter: A chemical substance which effects the passage of nerve impulses from one cell to the other at the synapse. [NIH] Trees: Woody, usually tall, perennial higher plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and some Pterophyta) having usually a main stem and numerous branches. [NIH] Tryptophan: An essential amino acid that is necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is a precursor serotonin and niacin. [NIH] Tuberculosis: Any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals caused by species of Mycobacterium. [NIH] Tumor Necrosis Factor: Serum glycoprotein produced by activated macrophages and other mammalian mononuclear leukocytes which has necrotizing activity against tumor cell lines and increases ability to reject tumor transplants. It mimics the action of endotoxin but differs from it. It has a molecular weight of less than 70,000 kDa. [NIH] Tumour: 1. Swelling, one of the cardinal signs of inflammations; morbid enlargement. 2. A new growth of tissue in which the multiplication of cells is uncontrolled and progressive; called also neoplasm. [EU] Ulcer: A localized necrotic lesion of the skin or a mucous surface. [NIH] Ultrafiltration: The separation of particles from a suspension by passage through a filter with very fine pores. In ultrafiltration the separation is accomplished by convective transport; in dialysis separation relies instead upon differential diffusion. Ultrafiltration occurs naturally and is a laboratory procedure. Artificial ultrafiltration of the blood is

122 Asparagus

referred to as hemofiltration or hemodiafiltration (if combined with hemodialysis). [NIH] Unconscious: Experience which was once conscious, but was subsequently rejected, as the "personal unconscious". [NIH] Uremia: The illness associated with the buildup of urea in the blood because the kidneys are not working effectively. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and mental confusion. [NIH] Urethra: The tube through which urine leaves the body. It empties urine from the bladder. [NIH]

Urinary: Having to do with urine or the organs of the body that produce and get rid of urine. [NIH] Urine: Fluid containing water and waste products. Urine is made by the kidneys, stored in the bladder, and leaves the body through the urethra. [NIH] Urticaria: A vascular reaction of the skin characterized by erythema and wheal formation due to localized increase of vascular permeability. The causative mechanism may be allergy, infection, or stress. [NIH] Uterus: The small, hollow, pear-shaped organ in a woman's pelvis. This is the organ in which a fetus develops. Also called the womb. [NIH] Vaccines: Suspensions of killed or attenuated microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, or rickettsiae), antigenic proteins derived from them, or synthetic constructs, administered for the prevention, amelioration, or treatment of infectious and other diseases. [NIH]

Vagina: The muscular canal extending from the uterus to the exterior of the body. Also called the birth canal. [NIH] Valerian: Valeriana officinale, an ancient, sedative herb of the large family Valerianaceae. The roots were formerly used to treat hysterias and other neurotic states and are presently used to treat sleep disorders. [NIH] Vascular: Pertaining to blood vessels or indicative of a copious blood supply. [EU] Vasodilators: Any nerve or agent which induces dilatation of the blood vessels. [NIH] Vegetative: 1. Concerned with growth and with nutrition. 2. Functioning involuntarily or unconsciously, as the vegetative nervous system. 3. Resting; denoting the portion of a cell cycle during which the cell is not involved in replication. 4. Of, pertaining to, or characteristic of plants. [EU] Venous: Of or pertaining to the veins. [EU] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] Viral: Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of virus. [EU] Virus: Submicroscopic organism that causes infectious disease. In cancer therapy, some viruses may be made into vaccines that help the body build an immune response to, and kill, tumor cells. [NIH] Viscera: Any of the large interior organs in any one of the three great cavities of the body, especially in the abdomen. [NIH] Vitro: Descriptive of an event or enzyme reaction under experimental investigation occurring outside a living organism. Parts of an organism or microorganism are used together with artificial substrates and/or conditions. [NIH] X-ray: High-energy radiation used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer. [NIH]

Dictionary 123

Zymogen: Inactive form of an enzyme which can then be converted to the active form, usually by excision of a polypeptide, e. g. trypsinogen is the zymogen of trypsin. [NIH]

125

INDEX A Abdominal, 51, 95, 114, 115 Abdominal Pain, 51, 95 Abscess, 51, 95 Acceptor, 95, 107, 114 Acetone, 56, 95, 110 Acetylcholine, 95, 113 Acrylonitrile, 95, 118 Acute renal, 4, 95 Adverse Effect, 4, 95, 118 Aeroembolism, 95, 98 Aerosol, 95, 120 Affinity, 95, 98, 119 Algorithms, 95, 98 Alimentary, 95, 103 Alkaloid, 53, 96, 101 Allergen, 12, 21, 96 Aloe, 4, 96 Alpha Particles, 96, 116 Alternative medicine, 72, 96 Alum, 96, 101 Amino Acids, 17, 96, 114, 115, 116, 118, 120, 121 Anaesthesia, 96, 109 Anal, 96, 117 Anemia, 96, 112 Angelica root, 54, 96 Anorectal, 5, 96 Antibacterial, 15, 24, 96 Antibiotic, 44, 96 Antibody, 95, 96, 97, 99, 101, 108, 109, 112, 117 Anticoagulant, 96, 116 Antifungal, 12, 96 Antigen, 95, 96, 101, 108, 109 Anti-inflammatory, 23, 97 Antioxidant, 13, 14, 23, 64, 97, 120 Antiseptic, 3, 95, 97 Anus, 96, 97, 99, 114, 117 Apoptosis, 15, 25, 97 Aqueous, 97, 98, 103, 110 Arginine, 97, 113 Aromatic, 97, 119 Arterial, 97, 108, 116, 120 Arteries, 97, 99, 102, 111 Arterioles, 97, 99 Arteriolosclerosis, 97 Arteriosclerosis, 51, 97

Ascorbic Acid, 16, 97, 108 Assay, 52, 97 Astrocytes, 16, 25, 98 B Bacteria, 96, 97, 98, 104, 105, 109, 122 Bactericidal, 98, 105 Base, 37, 40, 45, 46, 48, 54, 57, 63, 98, 105, 110 Base Sequence, 98, 105 Bends, 38, 98 Benign, 97, 98, 107, 113, 117 Beta-Galactosidase, 5, 98 Bile, 98, 106, 111 Biochemical, 8, 25, 98, 110 Biological response modifier, 98, 109 Biotechnology, 5, 6, 9, 72, 79, 98 Biotransformation, 98, 114 Bladder, 98, 108, 116, 122 Blood pressure, 98, 100, 108, 119 Blood vessel, 98, 99, 100, 104, 119, 120, 122 Blot, 99, 108 Blotting, Western, 99, 108 Body Fluids, 99, 119 Bone Marrow, 99, 111, 112 Bowel, 4, 96, 99, 109, 117, 119 Bowel Movement, 4, 99, 119 Bradykinin, 99, 113 Branch, 91, 99, 114, 119, 120 Breeding, 44, 99 Buffaloes, 23, 99 C Calcification, 97, 99 Calcium, 99, 101, 114, 120 Calcium Oxalate, 99, 114 Callus, 17, 44, 99 Capsular, 50, 100 Capsules, 50, 100 Carbohydrate, 55, 69, 100, 107 Carcinogen, 100, 105, 112 Carcinogenic, 52, 54, 100, 116 Carcinoma, 100 Cardiovascular, 64, 100 Cardiovascular disease, 64, 100 Cecum, 100, 110 Cell Cycle, 100, 122 Cell Death, 97, 100, 112 Cell Division, 98, 100, 112, 115 Cell proliferation, 97, 100

126 Asparagus

Cellulose, 100, 115 Cerebrovascular, 100 Character, 100, 103 Chemotherapy, 64, 100 Cholesterol, 51, 64, 98, 100, 102, 118 Chromatin, 97, 100 Chronic, 5, 100, 109, 119 Citrus, 97, 100 Clinical Medicine, 100, 115 Clinical trial, 5, 79, 100, 117 Clone, 5, 8, 101 Cloning, 5, 98, 101 Coca, 63, 101 Cocaine, 101 Coenzyme, 97, 101 Cofactor, 101, 116, 120 Coleoptera, 32, 101 Collagen, 64, 101, 115, 116 Colloidal, 101, 120 Colonic Inertia, 5, 101 Common causes of constipation, 5, 101 Complement, 101, 102, 106 Complementary and alternative medicine, 21, 29, 102 Complementary medicine, 21, 102 Computational Biology, 79, 102 Connective Tissue, 97, 99, 101, 102 Constipation, 4, 51, 101, 102 Constrict, 35, 102 Consumption, 35, 102 Contraindications, ii, 102 Conventional therapy, 102 Conventional treatment, 64, 102 Coronary, 100, 102, 111 Coronary heart disease, 100, 102 Coronary Thrombosis, 102, 111 Cortex, 102, 105 Cultured cells, 15, 103 Curative, 103, 120 Cyclic, 103, 107, 113 Cysteine, 103, 120 Cytoplasm, 97, 103, 107, 118 Cytotoxic, 24, 26, 103, 117 D Databases, Bibliographic, 79, 103 Degenerative, 64, 103 Dehydration, 51, 103 Deletion, 97, 103 Dendritic, 103, 119 Dentures, 103, 120 Dermatitis, 8, 14, 21, 24, 103 Detoxification, 64, 103

Diagnostic procedure, 33, 72, 103 Diarrhea, 51, 103 Diastolic, 103, 108 Dietary Fats, 103, 111 Dietary Fiber, 17, 84, 103 Diffusion, 103, 121 Digestion, 95, 98, 99, 103, 109, 111, 119 Diploid, 103, 115 Direct, iii, 57, 100, 103, 117, 120 Disinfectant, 103, 105 Dissociation, 95, 103, 110 Diverticula, 104 Diverticulitis, 51, 104 Diverticulum, 51, 104 Drive, ii, vi, 11, 43, 44, 49, 104 Drug Interactions, 104 Drug Tolerance, 104, 121 Duodenum, 51, 98, 104, 106, 119 E Echinacea, 4, 104 Efficacy, 64, 104 Elasticity, 97, 104 Elastin, 101, 104 Electrolyte, 104, 107, 119 Electrons, 97, 98, 104, 110, 114, 116, 117 Embryo, 17, 104, 109 Emodin, 96, 104 Endothelium, 104, 113 Endothelium-derived, 104, 113 Endotoxin, 104, 121 Environmental Health, 78, 80, 104 Environmental Pollutants, 64, 105 Enzymatic, 44, 99, 102, 105, 108 Enzyme, 15, 101, 105, 107, 111, 120, 122, 123 Erectile, 105 Erection, 53, 105 Erythema, 105, 122 Estradiol, 54, 105 Estrogen, 54, 64, 105 Estrone, 54, 105 Ethanol, 54, 105 Evacuation, 102, 105, 106 Extracellular, 98, 102, 105, 119 Extraction, 12, 55, 105 F Family Planning, 79, 105 Fat, 69, 99, 102, 105, 110, 111 Feces, 102, 105, 119 Fetus, 105, 115, 116, 122 Fish Products, 105, 118 Fistula, 51, 105

Index 127

Fold, 54, 105 Fractionation, 55, 105 Frameshift, 52, 105 Frameshift Mutation, 52, 105 Fructose, 106, 107, 110 Fungi, 96, 106, 122 G Galactosides, 98, 106 Gallbladder, 95, 106 Gamma Rays, 106, 112, 116, 117 Gas, 95, 96, 98, 103, 106, 108, 112, 113, 120 Gastric, 14, 24, 106, 108 Gastric Emptying, 14, 24, 106 Gastrointestinal, 96, 99, 105, 106, 120 Gastrointestinal tract, 105, 106 Gene, 6, 15, 44, 52, 98, 106 Gene Expression, 6, 44, 106 Gene Pool, 44, 106 Generator, 43, 106 Genetic Engineering, 44, 98, 101, 106 Genetics, 106, 114 Ginger, 4, 69, 106 Ginkgo biloba, 4, 106 Gland, 106, 114, 116, 118, 119 Glomerular, 107, 110, 117 Glucose, 56, 97, 100, 107 Glucosyltransferases, 17, 107 Glycoprotein, 107, 110, 120, 121 Glycoside, 17, 107 Glycosidic, 107, 113 Governing Board, 107, 115 Grade, 50, 107 Granulocytes, 107, 110 Growth, 16, 37, 38, 46, 55, 61, 63, 96, 97, 100, 107, 109, 111, 113, 115, 121, 122 Guanylate Cyclase, 107, 113 H Haploid, 107, 115 Headache, 107, 115 Heart attack, 100, 107 Hemodiafiltration, 107, 122 Hemodialysis, 107, 122 Hemofiltration, 107, 122 Herbicide, 44, 107 Heredity, 106, 108 Histamine, 108 Histidine, 52, 108 Hormone, 105, 108 Hybrid, 64, 101, 108 Hybridization, 17, 108, 109 Hydration, 73, 108

Hydrogen, 95, 98, 100, 108, 112, 113, 114, 116 Hydrolysis, 98, 108, 115 Hydroxylysine, 101, 108 Hydroxyproline, 101, 108 Hypersensitivity, 96, 108 Hypertension, 27, 64, 97, 100, 107, 108 I Id, 18, 26, 85, 90, 92, 108 Immune response, 96, 97, 108, 120, 122 Immunoblotting, 16, 25, 108 Immunologic, 8, 108, 117 In vitro, 15, 22, 108, 121 In vivo, 108 Incontinence, 3, 108 Incubation, 18, 109 Indicative, 67, 109, 114, 122 Induction, 52, 55, 109 Infarction, 102, 109, 111 Infection, 27, 51, 55, 73, 95, 98, 109, 111, 120, 122 Inflammation, 64, 97, 103, 104, 109 Ingestion, 7, 8, 9, 109, 111, 115 Insomnia, 109, 115 Interferon, 55, 109 Interferon Inducers, 55, 109 Interferon-alpha, 109 Interspecific, 109 Interstitial, 109, 117 Intestinal, 51, 109 Intestine, 64, 99, 109, 110 Intracellular, 13, 109, 113 Introgression, 44, 109 Intussusception, 109, 117 Inulin, 104, 110 Ion Channels, 98, 110 Ionization, 12, 22, 110 Ionizing, 96, 110, 117 Ions, 98, 103, 104, 108, 110 J Juniper, 4, 110 K Kb, 78, 110 Ketone Bodies, 95, 110 Kidney stone, 110, 114 L Large Intestine, 51, 100, 109, 110, 117, 118 Lectins, 14, 110 Lens, 100, 110 Lesion, 110, 121 Leucocyte, 51, 110 Leukocytes, 99, 107, 109, 110, 121

128 Asparagus

Library Services, 90, 110 Ligament, 111, 116 Lipase, 22, 111 Lipid, 7, 97, 111 Lipopolysaccharides, 109, 111 Liver, 13, 23, 73, 95, 98, 105, 106, 111, 118 Liver Mitochondria, 13, 23, 111 Localized, 39, 109, 111, 115, 121, 122 Locomotion, 111, 115 Lymphatic, 104, 109, 111 Lymphoid, 110, 111 M Malignant, 97, 111, 112, 113, 117 Malignant tumor, 111, 112 Meat, 69, 103, 111 Medial, 97, 111 MEDLINE, 79, 111 Membrane, 56, 98, 102, 110, 111, 114, 117, 119, 120 Menopause, 27, 54, 111, 115 Menstrual Cycle, 111, 115 Menstruation, 54, 111, 115 Metabolite, 98, 105, 111 Methanol, 16, 17, 111 Methionine, 111, 120 MI, 39, 49, 93, 111 Microspheres, 14, 112 Mitosis, 97, 110, 112 Modification, 106, 112 Molecular, 55, 56, 79, 81, 98, 102, 107, 112, 118, 121 Molecule, 97, 98, 101, 102, 103, 104, 107, 108, 112, 113, 114, 117 Monoclonal, 108, 112, 117 Monoclonal antibodies, 108, 112 Mononuclear, 112, 121 Morphological, 104, 112 Morphology, 15, 112 Motion Sickness, 112 Multiple Myeloma, 65, 112 Mustard Gas, 112 Mutagen, 51, 52, 112 Mutagenesis, 52, 112 Mutagenic, 52, 112 Myocardium, 111, 112 N Nausea, 51, 112, 115, 122 Necrosis, 97, 109, 111, 112 Need, 3, 53, 60, 65, 69, 72, 86, 113, 121 Neoplasm, 113, 121 Nervous System, 95, 101, 107, 113, 120, 122

Neurotic, 113, 122 Neutrons, 96, 113, 116 Nitric Oxide, 24, 25, 113 Nitrogen, 96, 113, 121 Nuclei, 96, 104, 106, 112, 113, 116 Nucleic acid, 98, 108, 113 Nucleic Acid Hybridization, 108, 113 Nucleus, 97, 100, 103, 106, 112, 113, 116 O Odour, 9, 97, 113 Oligosaccharides, 9, 28, 113 Organ Culture, 113, 121 Osteoporosis, 54, 113 Ovaries, 54, 113, 117 Ovary, 105, 113 Ovulation, 54, 114 Oxalate, 20, 114 Oxidation, 95, 97, 98, 114 P Palliative, 114, 120 Pancreas, 95, 111, 114 Patch, 41, 114 Pathogen, 109, 114 Pathogenesis, 13, 114 Pathologic, 97, 102, 108, 114 Pathologic Processes, 97, 114 Patient Education, 84, 88, 90, 93, 114 Pelvic, 114, 116 Peptide, 114, 115, 116 Perennial, 104, 114, 121 Perforation, 51, 114 Perineal, 3, 114 Perineum, 114 Pharmacogenetics, 9, 114 Pharmacologic, 114, 121 Phospholipids, 105, 114 Physical Fitness, 114, 119 Physiologic, 110, 111, 115 Physiology, 8, 110, 115 Placenta, 105, 115 Plasma, 112, 115, 118 Plasma cells, 112, 115 Platelet Aggregation, 64, 113, 115 Platelets, 113, 115, 120 Poisoning, 111, 112, 115 Polymers, 109, 115, 116, 119 Polymorphism, 6, 115 Polypeptide, 101, 108, 115, 123 Postmenopausal, 113, 115 Practice Guidelines, 80, 115 Precursor, 64, 105, 115, 121 Premenstrual, 50, 115

Index 129

Premenstrual Syndrome, 50, 115 Prenatal, 63, 104, 116 Preventive Medicine, 63, 89, 116 Progressive, 97, 104, 107, 112, 116, 117, 121 Proline, 101, 108, 116 Promoter, 44, 116 Prostate, 64, 116, 117 Prostate gland, 64, 116 Protein C, 69, 116 Protein S, 64, 98, 116, 118 Proteins, 7, 8, 13, 96, 97, 99, 100, 101, 108, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 121, 122 Proteinuria, 112, 116 Protons, 96, 108, 110, 116 Protozoa, 109, 116, 122 Public Policy, 79, 116 Publishing, 5, 116 Purulent, 95, 116 R Radiation, 13, 23, 105, 106, 110, 116, 117, 122 Radiation therapy, 105, 116 Radioactive, 108, 110, 112, 117 Radioimmunotherapy, 117 Radiopharmaceutical, 106, 117 Radiotherapy, 64, 117 Randomized, 26, 104, 117 Recombinant, 44, 117 Rectal, 5, 117 Rectal Prolapse, 5, 117 Rectum, 96, 97, 99, 101, 106, 108, 110, 116, 117 Refer, 1, 101, 106, 111, 113, 117 Reference Values, 59, 117 Regeneration, 16, 17, 117 Regimen, 104, 117 Renal failure, 4, 117 Reproductive system, 116, 117 Retina, 110, 117, 118 Reversion, 52, 118 Riboflavin, 73, 118 Ribosome, 8, 118, 121 Rigidity, 115, 118 Rod, 49, 118 Rubber, 46, 95, 118 S Saline, 5, 55, 118 Saponin, 12, 50, 118 Sclerosis, 97, 118 Screening, 22, 52, 101, 118 Seafood, 69, 118 Secretion, 16, 25, 54, 108, 118

Sedative, 118, 122 Semen, 116, 118 Senile, 113, 118 Senna, 4, 118 Sensor, 48, 59, 118 Side effect, 95, 118, 121 Skeletal, 112, 118 Small intestine, 100, 104, 108, 109, 118 Sodium, 84, 119 Solvent, 54, 56, 95, 105, 111, 119 Soma, 119 Somatic, 15, 112, 119 Specialist, 85, 119 Species, 55, 106, 108, 109, 112, 119, 120, 121 Sphincter, 117, 119 Spices, 17, 84, 119 Spike, 59, 119 Spinal cord, 98, 100, 113, 119 Sports Medicine, 64, 88, 119 Steel, 48, 119 Stimulants, 5, 119 Stimulus, 104, 110, 119, 120 Stomach, 95, 106, 108, 112, 118, 119 Stool, 4, 108, 110, 119 Stress, 112, 118, 119, 122 Stroke, 78, 100, 119 Styrene, 118, 119 Subacute, 109, 119 Subclinical, 109, 120 Subspecies, 119, 120 Substance P, 111, 118, 120 Sulfur, 13, 19, 23, 73, 111, 120 Sulfur Dioxide, 13, 23, 120 Suspensions, 18, 120, 122 Symphysis, 116, 120 Synapses, 119, 120 Systemic, 99, 109, 117, 120 Systolic, 108, 120 T Tartar, 69, 120 Testis, 105, 120 Therapeutics, 120 Threshold, 108, 120 Thrombin, 115, 116, 120 Thrombomodulin, 116, 120 Thrombosis, 116, 119, 120 Thrombus, 102, 109, 115, 120 Tissue Culture, 44, 121 Tolerance, 18, 22, 121 Topical, 54, 105, 121 Toxic, iv, 44, 63, 64, 111, 119, 120, 121

130 Asparagus

Toxicity, 104, 121 Toxicology, 22, 80, 121 Toxins, 97, 109, 112, 117, 121 Transfection, 98, 121 Translation, 43, 61, 121 Transmitter, 95, 98, 110, 120, 121 Trees, 43, 118, 121 Tryptophan, 101, 121 Tuberculosis, 102, 121 Tumor Necrosis Factor, 15, 16, 25, 121 Tumour, 55, 121 U Ulcer, 25, 121 Ultrafiltration, 55, 107, 121 Unconscious, 108, 122 Uremia, 117, 122 Urethra, 116, 122 Urinary, 3, 6, 9, 27, 73, 108, 122 Urine, 3, 7, 8, 9, 73, 98, 99, 105, 108, 110, 114, 116, 118, 122

Urticaria, 7, 8, 122 Uterus, 111, 113, 117, 122 V Vaccines, 122 Vagina, 111, 117, 122 Valerian, 4, 122 Vascular, 104, 109, 113, 115, 120, 122 Vasodilators, 113, 122 Vegetative, 15, 122 Venous, 116, 122 Veterinary Medicine, 79, 122 Viral, 27, 55, 122 Virus, 14, 55, 106, 109, 122 Viscera, 119, 122 Vitro, 122 X X-ray, 64, 106, 112, 116, 117, 122 Z Zymogen, 116, 123

Index 131

132 Asparagus

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