AVOCADOS 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., 1960Avocados: 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: 0-597-83757-0 1. Avocados-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:
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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 avocados. 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 AVOCADOS ............................................................................................... 3 Overview........................................................................................................................................ 3 The Combined Health Information Database................................................................................. 3 Federally Funded Research on Avocados ....................................................................................... 4 The National Library of Medicine: PubMed .................................................................................. 6 CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND AVOCADOS ..................................................................................... 13 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 13 Finding Nutrition Studies on Avocados ...................................................................................... 13 Federal Resources on Nutrition ................................................................................................... 15 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 15 CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND AVOCADOS ............................................................... 19 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 19 National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine.................................................. 19 Additional Web Resources ........................................................................................................... 19 General References ....................................................................................................................... 21 CHAPTER 4. PATENTS ON AVOCADOS ............................................................................................ 23 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 23 Patents on Avocados .................................................................................................................... 23 Patent Applications on Avocados ................................................................................................ 38 Keeping Current .......................................................................................................................... 41 CHAPTER 5. BOOKS ON AVOCADOS................................................................................................ 43 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 43 Book Summaries: Online Booksellers........................................................................................... 43 Chapters on Avocados .................................................................................................................. 45 CHAPTER 6. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON AVOCADOS .................................................................. 47 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 47 News Services and Press Releases................................................................................................ 47 Newsletter Articles ...................................................................................................................... 49 Academic Periodicals covering Avocados .................................................................................... 49 APPENDIX A. PHYSICIAN RESOURCES ............................................................................................ 53 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 53 NIH Guidelines............................................................................................................................ 53 NIH Databases............................................................................................................................. 55 Other Commercial Databases....................................................................................................... 57 APPENDIX B. PATIENT RESOURCES ................................................................................................. 59 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 59 Patient Guideline Sources............................................................................................................ 59 Finding Associations.................................................................................................................... 61 APPENDIX C. FINDING MEDICAL LIBRARIES .................................................................................. 63 Overview...................................................................................................................................... 63 Preparation................................................................................................................................... 63 Finding a Local Medical Library.................................................................................................. 63 Medical Libraries in the U.S. and Canada ................................................................................... 63 ONLINE GLOSSARIES.................................................................................................................. 69 Online Dictionary Directories ..................................................................................................... 69 AVOCADOS DICTIONARY......................................................................................................... 71 INDEX ................................................................................................................................................ 91
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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 avocados 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 avocados, 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 avocados, 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 avocados. 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 avocados, 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 avocados. 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 AVOCADOS Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to locate peer-reviewed references and studies on avocados.
The Combined Health Information Database The Combined Health Information Database summarizes studies across numerous federal agencies. To limit your investigation to research studies and avocados, 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 “avocados” (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: •
Eat Fat, and Still Lose Weight Source: Prevention. 53(11): 82. November 2001. Summary: A study published in the March 2001 International Journal of Obesity found that fiber, rather than fat, determines the trimness of nearly 13,000 middle-aged men from seven countries. Study author Daan Kromhout, Ph.D., of the National Institute of Public Health and Environment in the Netherlands, notes that although the diets of the leanest men featured 40 percent of calories from fat, they also averaged 41 grams (gms) of fiber a day. Kromhout explains that fiber might cancel out some of the calories from fat. Fiber also causes satiety with fewer calories, so one eats less overall. The article recommends that because a high fat diet can increase the risk of heart disease, consuming the monounsaturated fats found in avocados, nuts, and olive oil is the best
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approach for eating a higher fat diet. A chart provides the fiber content of some seasonal fall foods. •
The Pyramid Plan Source: Runner's World. p.20, 22. March 2000. Summary: Applegate has adapted the USDA's Food Guide Pyramid for runners. According to Applegate, runners need more calories and protein. The pyramid as adapted for the runner recommends 8 to 15 servings of carbohydrate foods (grains, beans, and potatoes), 10 to 12 servings of fluids, 3 to 5 fruit servings, and 4 to 6 vegetable servings per day. Applegate also suggests 2 to 3 servings of calcium-rich foods (such as milk and cheese), 2 to 4 servings of protein (soy products, lean meat, fish), 3 to 5 servings of healthful fats (nuts, avocados), and 1 to 2 servings of healthy snacks (energy bars, gels, fig bars, dried fruit) per day.
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Become a Bread Winner Source: Runner's World. 36(2):28-29. February 2001. Summary: Sandwiches, if made correctly, can be healthful, performance-enhancing meals for runners and others who exercise. According to the author, a healthful sandwich should contain four ingredients: bread, a protein filling, a vegetable topping, and a condiment. Select breads that provide muscle- fueling carbohydrate along with fiber, and avoid those, such as croissants, that contain unwanted fat. Whole-grain breads such as seven-grain, 100 percent whole-wheat, and whole-wheat sourdough make good choices. Excellent protein choices include turkey, chicken, roast beef, some types of ham, eggs, tuna or other seafood, and soy products such as tempeh, soy lunch 'meats,' and soy cheese. Vegetable toppings can range from lettuce and tomato slices to shredded carrots, green or red peppers, red onions, avocados, and red cabbage. When selecting condiments, choose reduced-fat or fat-free condiments, or naturally fat-free mustard, ketchup, salsa, or pickle relish. The author's favorite sandwich recipe, with nutritional analysis, is included.
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Welcome Fat Back Into Your Kitchen Source: Health. 11(3):69-73; April 1997. Summary: This article discusses recent changes in dietary advice that indicates that some kinds of fat are healthy. While foods that contain high amounts of saturated fat, such as cheese and mayonnaise, are not healthy, other foods than contain unsaturated fats, such as fish and avocados, are healthy. Mr. Mason warns that fat is still high in calories, however, and that low-fat does not mean low-calorie.
Federally Funded Research on Avocados The U.S. Government supports a variety of research studies relating to avocados. 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 2
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).
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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 avocados. 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 avocados. The following is typical of the type of information found when searching the CRISP database for avocados: •
Project Title: INDUCTION PATTERNS OF P450 CYP71A1 FROM AVOCADO Principal Investigator & Institution: Bozak, Kristin R.; California State Poly U Pomona 3801 W Temple Ave Pomona, Ca 91768 Timing: Fiscal Year 2001 Summary: Plant systems utilize a diverse array of cytochrome monooxygenase (P450s) in their biosynthetic and detoxification pathways. The first plant P450 characterized at the nucleotide level was a ripening induced avocado (Persea americana) P450 designated cyp71A1. As cyp71A1 was initially characterized as a ripening-induced gene, it was thought the encoded protein (CYP71) had a specific, yet undefined role in ripening perhaps involving accumulation of chemicals involved in flavor or aroma. More recent studies have revealed the induction of the CYP71A1 protein in wounded non-fruit tissues, as well as the activation of the upstream region of cyp71A1 protein in wounded non-fruit tissues, as well as the activation of the upstream region of cyp71A1 by the phytohormone ethylene. Therefore this proposal furthers characterization of biotic and abiotic stress-response of both the cyp71A1 gene in avocado cells, as well as activation patterns of the cyp71A1 upstream region in a transgene Arabidopsis system. Toward the end of predicting the role of CYP71A1 in the avocado plant through analysis of its activation patterns this proposal's first specific aim is to characterize CYP71A1 induction in sterile avocado root suspension cell cultures with respect to ethylene treatment as well as both chemical and fungal elicitors. Once the induction pattern of cyp71A1 is known in avocado root cells the second aim is to identify activators of the cyp71A1 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis plants which will be determined through use of the reporter gene GUS. To confirm the ethylene-induction of the cyp71A1 promoter in transgenic Arabidopsis plants, the hybrids plants resulting from the cross between a dominant ethylene-insensitive mutant and the cyp7pro/GUS chimera will be monitored for loss of GUS from the cross between a dominant ethylene-insensitive mutant and the cyp71pro/GUS chimera will be monitored for loss of GUS staining after ethylene- treatment (third aim). The fourth aim of this proposal is to identify cyp71A1 upstream regions critical for biotic and abiotic stress-induction in transgenic plants, focusing on the -400 through-332 region previously identified as important for expression of the reporter gene GUS in a transient expression assay in avocado fruit cells. The complete characterization of ripening-specific promoters is becoming increasingly important to the production of transgenic plants which are engineered to produce pharmaceutically important chemicals in specific tissues (such as edible ripe fruit) instead of constitutively throughout the plant. The creation of "edible vaccines" will be optimized if the gene encoding the antigen protein is placed under control of a ripening-specific promoter, if it is intended that the plant is to be used to produce antigen proteins in the ripe fruit which can be ingested instead of vaccine immunization.
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Website: http://crisp.cit.nih.gov/crisp/Crisp_Query.Generate_Screen
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.3 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 avocados, simply go to the PubMed Web site at http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. Type “avocados” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” The following is the type of output you can expect from PubMed for avocados (hyperlinks lead to article summaries): •
Allergy to latex, avocado pear, and banana: evidence for a 30 kd antigen in immunoblotting. Author(s): Lavaud F, Prevost A, Cossart C, Guerin L, Bernard J, Kochman S. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1995 February; 95(2): 557-64. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7852672&dopt=Abstract
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Avocado fruit is a rich source of beta-sitosterol. Author(s): Duester KC. Source: Journal of the American Dietetic Association. 2001 April; 101(4): 404-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11320941&dopt=Abstract
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Avocado hypersensitivity. Author(s): Blanco C, Carrillo T, Castillo R, Quiralte J, Cuevas M. Source: Allergy. 1994 July; 49(6): 454-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8074265&dopt=Abstract
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Avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of scleroderma: comment on the article by Maheu et al. Author(s): Jablonska S. Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1998 September; 41(9): 1705. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9751109&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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Class I chitinases with hevein-like domain, but not class II enzymes, are relevant chestnut and avocado allergens. Author(s): Diaz-Perales A, Collada C, Blanco C, Sanchez-Monge R, Carrillo T, Aragoncillo C, Salcedo G. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1998 July; 102(1): 127-33. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9679856&dopt=Abstract
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Class I endochitinase containing a hevein domain is the causative allergen in latexassociated avocado allergy. Author(s): Posch A, Wheeler CH, Chen Z, Flagge A, Dunn MJ, Papenfuss F, RaulfHeimsoth M, Baur X. Source: Clinical and Experimental Allergy : Journal of the British Society for Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1999 May; 29(5): 667-72. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10231327&dopt=Abstract
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Comparison of the effects on lipoproteins and apolipoproteins of a diet high in monounsaturated fatty acids, enriched with avocado, and a high-carbohydrate diet. Author(s): Colquhoun DM, Moores D, Somerset SM, Humphries JA. Source: The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 1992 October; 56(4): 671-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1414966&dopt=Abstract
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Contact allergy to avocado oil in a sunscreen. Author(s): de Groot AC, van der Meeren HL, Weyland JW. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 1987 February; 16(2): 108-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3568633&dopt=Abstract
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Contact urticaria from latex in a patient with immediate hypersensitivity to banana, avocado and peach. Author(s): Crisi G, Belsito DV. Source: Contact Dermatitis. 1993 April; 28(4): 247-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8508641&dopt=Abstract
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Cross-reacting allergens in natural rubber latex and avocado. Author(s): Ahlroth M, Alenius H, Turjanmaa K, Makinen-Kiljunen S, Reunala T, Palosuo T. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1995 August; 96(2): 167-73. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7636053&dopt=Abstract
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Determination and characterization of cross-reacting allergens in latex, avocado, banana, and kiwi fruit. Author(s): Moller M, Kayma M, Vieluf D, Paschke A, Steinhart H. Source: Allergy. 1998 March; 53(3): 289-96. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9542609&dopt=Abstract
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Effect of a high-monounsaturated fat diet enriched with avocado in NIDDM patients. Author(s): Lerman-Garber I, Ichazo-Cerro S, Zamora-Gonzalez J, Cardoso-Saldana G, Posadas-Romero C. Source: Diabetes Care. 1994 April; 17(4): 311-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8026287&dopt=Abstract
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Effect of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables on gelatinase A (MMP-2), stromelysin 1 (MMP-3), and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP- 1 and TIMP-2) secretion by human fibroblasts in culture. Author(s): Kut-Lasserre C, Miller CC, Ejeil AL, Gogly B, Dridi M, Piccardi N, Guillou B, Pellat B, Godeau G. Source: J Periodontol. 2001 December; 72(12): 1685-94. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11811504&dopt=Abstract
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Effects of a vegetarian diet vs. a vegetarian diet enriched with avocado in hypercholesterolemic patients. Author(s): Carranza-Madrigal J, Herrera-Abarca JE, Alvizouri-Munoz M, AlvaradoJimenez MR, Chavez-Carbajal F. Source: Archives of Medical Research. 1997 Winter; 28(4): 537-41. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9428580&dopt=Abstract
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Effects of avocado as a source of monounsaturated fatty acids on plasma lipid levels. Author(s): Alvizouri-Munoz M, Carranza-Madrigal J, Herrera-Abarca JE, ChavezCarbajal F, Amezcua-Gastelum JL. Source: Archives of Medical Research. 1992 Winter; 23(4): 163-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1308699&dopt=Abstract
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Effects of three avocado/soybean unsaponifiable mixtures on metalloproteinases, cytokines and prostaglandin E2 production by human articular chondrocytes. Author(s): Henrotin YE, Labasse AH, Jaspar JM, De Groote DD, Zheng SX, Guillou GB, Reginster JY. Source: Clinical Rheumatology. 1998; 17(1): 31-9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9586676&dopt=Abstract
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Efficacy and safety of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of symptomatic osteoarthritis of the knee and hip. A prospective, multicenter, threemonth, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Author(s): Blotman F, Maheu E, Wulwik A, Caspard H, Lopez A. Source: Rev Rhum Engl Ed. 1997 December; 64(12): 825-34. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9476272&dopt=Abstract
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Hypertensive crisis resulting from avocados and a MAO inhibitor. Author(s): Generali JA, Hogan LC, McFarlane M, Schwab S, Hartman CR. Source: Drug Intell Clin Pharm. 1981 November; 15(11): 904-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=7297422&dopt=Abstract
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Identification and cloning of prs a 1, a 32-kDa endochitinase and major allergen of avocado, and its expression in the yeast Pichia pastoris. Author(s): Sowka S, Hsieh LS, Krebitz M, Akasawa A, Martin BM, Starrett D, Peterbauer CK, Scheiner O, Breiteneder H. Source: The Journal of Biological Chemistry. 1998 October 23; 273(43): 28091-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9774427&dopt=Abstract
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Identification of hevein (Hev b 6.02) in Hevea latex as a major cross-reacting allergen with avocado fruit in patients with latex allergy. Author(s): Chen Z, Posch A, Cremer R, Raulf-Heimsoth M, Baur X. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1998 September; 102(3): 47681. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9768591&dopt=Abstract
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Metabolic activation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids by human, rat and avocado microsomes. Author(s): Couet CE, Hopley J, Hanley AB. Source: Toxicon : Official Journal of the International Society on Toxinology. 1996 September; 34(9): 1058-61. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8896199&dopt=Abstract
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Molecular and immunologic characterization of new isoforms of the Hevea brasiliensis latex allergen hev b 7: evidence of no cross-reactivity between hev b 7 isoforms and potato patatin and proteins from avocado and banana. Author(s): Sowka S, Hafner C, Radauer C, Focke M, Brehler R, Astwood JD, Arif SA, Kanani A, Sussman GL, Scheiner O, Beezhold DH, Breiteneder H. Source: The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. 1999 December; 104(6): 130210. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10589016&dopt=Abstract
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Monounsaturated fatty acid (avocado) rich diet for mild hypercholesterolemia. Author(s): Lopez Ledesma R, Frati Munari AC, Hernandez Dominguez BC, Cervantes Montalvo S, Hernandez Luna MH, Juarez C, Moran Lira S. Source: Archives of Medical Research. 1996 Winter; 27(4): 519-23. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8987188&dopt=Abstract
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Morphometric analysis of human gingival elastic fibres degradation by human leukocyte elastase protective effect of avocado and soybean unsaponifiables (ASU). Author(s): Kut C, Assoumou A, Dridi M, Bonnefoix M, Gogly B, Pellat B, Guillou GB, Godeau G. Source: Pathologie-Biologie. 1998 September; 46(7): 571-6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9842576&dopt=Abstract
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Novel nitric oxide and superoxide generation inhibitors, persenone A and B, from avocado fruit. Author(s): Kim OK, Murakami A, Nakamura Y, Takeda N, Yoshizumi H, Ohigashi H. Source: Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 2000 May; 48(5): 1557-63. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=10820058&dopt=Abstract
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Partial isolation and characterisation of a hemagglutinating factor from avocado seed. Author(s): Yaakobovich Y, Neeman I. Source: Arch Toxicol Suppl. 1983; 6: 52-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=6578749&dopt=Abstract
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Prevalence of avocado allergy among atopic patients. Author(s): Telez-Diaz G, Ellis MH, Morales-Russo F, Heiner DC. Source: Allergy Proc. 1995 September-October; 16(5): 241-3. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=8566736&dopt=Abstract
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Structural effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables on joint space loss in osteoarthritis of the hip. Author(s): Lequesne M, Maheu E, Cadet C, Dreiser RL. Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 2002 February; 47(1): 50-8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11932878&dopt=Abstract
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Symptomatic efficacy of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and hip: a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebocontrolled, multicenter clinical trial with a six-month treatment period and a twomonth followup demonstrating a persistent effect. Author(s): Maheu E, Mazieres B, Valat JP, Loyau G, Le Loet X, Bourgeois P, Grouin JM, Rozenberg S. Source: Arthritis and Rheumatism. 1998 January; 41(1): 81-91. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=9433873&dopt=Abstract
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Symptoms modifying effect of avocado/soybean unsaponifiables (ASU) in knee osteoarthritis. A double blind, prospective, placebo-controlled study. Author(s): Appelboom T, Schuermans J, Verbruggen G, Henrotin Y, Reginster JY. Source: Scandinavian Journal of Rheumatology. 2001; 30(4): 242-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11578021&dopt=Abstract
Studies
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•
The avocado principle. Author(s): Brewer C. Source: Nurs Times. 1988 June 22-28; 84(25): 22. No Abstract Available. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=3405794&dopt=Abstract
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Vitamin B(12) cream containing avocado oil in the therapy of plaque psoriasis. Author(s): Stucker M, Memmel U, Hoffmann M, Hartung J, Altmeyer P. Source: Dermatology (Basel, Switzerland). 2001; 203(2): 141-7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=11586013&dopt=Abstract
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Warfarin antagonism by avocado. Author(s): Blickstein D, Shaklai M, Inbal A. Source: Lancet. 1991 April 13; 337(8746): 914-5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=1672990&dopt=Abstract
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CHAPTER 2. NUTRITION AND AVOCADOS Overview In this chapter, we will show you how to find studies dedicated specifically to nutrition and avocados.
Finding Nutrition Studies on Avocados 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.4 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 “avocados” (or synonyms) into the search box, and click “Go.” To narrow the search, you can also select the “Title” field.
4 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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Avocados
The following information is typical of that found when using the “Full IBIDS Database” to search for “avocados” (or a synonym): •
Antifungal diene in leaves of various avocado cultivars. Author(s): Department of Chemistry, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland 4072 (Australia) Source: Carman, R.M. Handley, P.N. Phytochemistry (United Kingdom). (1999). volume 50(8) page 1329-1331. persea americana avocados varieties persea seasonal variation chemical composition plant developmental stages leaves acetates hydrocarbons pesticide crops fungicides Summary: persea americana avocat variete persea variation saisonniere composition chimique stade de developpement vegetal feuille acetate hydrocarbure plante pesticide fongicide
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Ethylene enhances the antifungal lipid content in idioblasts from avocado mesocarp. Author(s): Department of Postharvest Science of Fresh Produce, Volcani Center, Bet Dagan 50250 (Israel) Source: Leikin Frenkel, A. Prusky, D. Phytochemistry (United Kingdom). (1998). volume 49(8) page 2291-2298. avocados persea americana chemical composition biochemistry fruits ethylene plant growth substances hydrocarbons chemical structure antifungal properties pesticide crops fungicides temperature lipids
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The California avocado: a new look. Author(s): Nutrition Network, Inc. Source: Rainey, C. Affleck, M. Bretschger, K. Alfin Slater, R.B. Nutrition-today (USA). (June 1994). volume 29(3) page 23-27. avocados usa nutritive value meal patterns dietary fibres antioxidants fatty acids folic acid proximate composition 0029-666X
Additional physician-oriented references include: •
Avocado (Persea americana) intoxication in caged birds. Author(s): Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman 99164-7040. Source: Hargis, A M Stauber, E Casteel, S Eitner, D J-Am-Vet-Med-Assoc. 1989 January 1; 194(1): 64-6 0003-1488
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Avocado oil: a literature survey. Source: Jacobsberg, B. Belg-J-Food-Chem-Biotechnol. Brussels : Cooperative d'Edition pour les Industries Alimentaires. 1988. volume 43 (4) page 115-124. 0773-6177
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Avocados: A look beyond basic nutrition for one of nature's whole foods. Source: Rall, L.C. Roubenoff, R. Nutr-today. Hagerstown, Md. : Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. July/August 2000. volume 35 (4) page 151-157. 0029-666X
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Levels of iron, silver, zinc, and lead in oranges and avocados from two gold-rich towns compared with levels in an adjacent gold-deficient town. Author(s): Department of Chemistry, University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana. Source: Golow, A A Laryea, J N Bull-Environ-Contam-Toxicol. 1994 September; 53(3): 332-6 0007-4861
Nutrition
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Non-invasive photoacoustic spectroscopic determination of relative endogenous nitric oxide and ethylene content stoichiometry during the ripening of strawberries Fragaria anannasa (Duch.) and avocados Persea americana (Mill.). Author(s): Faculty of Life Sciences, Jacob Vainstein Chair of Biblical Botany, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan 52900, Israel. Source: Leshem, Y Y Pinchasov, Y J-Exp-Bot. 2000 August; 51(349): 1471-3 0022-0957
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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WebMDHealth: http://my.webmd.com/nutrition
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Avocados
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WholeHealthMD.com: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/reflib/0,1529,00.html
The following is a specific Web list relating to avocados; 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: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,887,00.html Pantothenic Acid Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Pantothenic Acid and Pantethine Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Vitamin B5 (pantothenic Acid) Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Vitamin B6 Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com
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Minerals Carnitine (l-carnitine) Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Copper Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com L-carnitine Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Magnesium Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Manganese Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Potassium Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Potassium Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Potassium Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com
Nutrition
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Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/0,1525,10086,00.html •
Food and Diet Avocado Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Avocados Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,46,00.html English Muffins Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Low-fat Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Low-oxalate Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Mangoes Source: WholeHealthMD.com, LLC.; www.wholehealthmd.com Hyperlink: http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/foods_view/0,1523,56,00.html The Dean Ornish Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Tyramine-free Diet Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Vegetables Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com Weight Loss and Obesity Source: Healthnotes, Inc.; www.healthnotes.com
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CHAPTER 3. ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE AND AVOCADOS Overview In this chapter, we will begin by introducing you to official information sources on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) relating to avocados. 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 avocados 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 “avocados” (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 avocados: •
Comparison of cross inoculation potential of South African avocado and mango isolates of Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. Author(s): Sanders GM, Korsten L. Source: Microbiological Research. 2003; 158(2): 143-50. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov:80/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_ uids=12906387&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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AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=169&layer=&from=subcats
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Chinese Medicine: http://www.newcenturynutrition.com/
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Avocados
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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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WebMDHealth: 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 avocados; 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 High Blood Pressure Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com High Cholesterol Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hypercholesterolemia Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Hypertension Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Kidney Stones Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com Migraine Headaches Source: Prima Communications, Inc.www.personalhealthzone.com Osteoarthritis Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com
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Alternative Therapy Daniel's Diet Source: The Canoe version of A Dictionary of Alternative-Medicine Methods, by Priorities for Health editor Jack Raso, M.S., R.D. Hyperlink: http://www.canoe.ca/AltmedDictionary/d.html
Alternative Medicine 21
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Herbs and Supplements Arctium Alternative names: Burdock, Gobo; Arctium lappa L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Arnica Alternative names: Arnica montana L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Cynara Artichoke Alternative names: Artichoke; Cynara scolymus L. Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org 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 Ocimum Alternative names: Basil, Albahaca; Ocimum basilicum Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Plantago Psyllium Alternative names: Psyllium, Ispaghula; Plantago psyllium/ovata Source: Alternative Medicine Foundation, Inc.; www.amfoundation.org Tyrosine Source: Integrative Medicine Communications; www.drkoop.com
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. PATENTS ON AVOCADOS 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.5 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 “avocados” (or a synonym) in their titles. To accurately reflect the results that you might find while conducting research on avocados, we have not necessarily excluded non-medical patents in this bibliography.
Patents on Avocados By performing a patent search focusing on avocados, 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
5Adapted
from the United States Patent and Trademark Office: http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/doc/general/whatis.htm.
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Avocados
will tell you how to obtain this information later in the chapter. The following is an example of the type of information that you can expect to obtain from a patent search on avocados: •
Apparatus for removing skins and pits from avocados and the like Inventor(s): Bushman; Ronald C. (Hacienda Heights, CA) Assignee(s): Brown International Corporation (Covina, CA) Patent Number: 4,627,339 Date filed: December 18, 1984 Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for removing skins and pits from avocados and the like in a process where the avocado is initially held in a split cup, knife means being operated for cutting through the avocado skin and flesh and for engaging and holding the avocado pit, jaw means being operated for engaging respective skin portions of the avocado, the jaw means then being retracted with the avocado skins, stripper means being movable relative to the knife means for urging the avocado flesh away from the avocado pit, the flesh portions of the avocados being collected in a first collection means, the pits and skins of the avocados being collected in a second collection means. Prior to processing in the manner described above, the avocados are preferably treated by immersion in hot avocado oil or the like in order to loosen their skins. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for removing skins and pits from avocados and the like and more particularly to such a method and apparatus wherein the avocados are initially subjected to thermal treatment for loosening their skins. Avocados are similar to other foods including fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peaches, at least to the extent that their skins are commonly removed before conversion to a processed food product. However, the processing of avocados to separate their usable flesh from the avocado skin and pit has not developed at the same pace as other foods. This has been due in part to the thermal sensitivity of the avocado flesh and its relatively limited shelf life, particularly in a ripened condition. At the same time, it has been found to be quite difficult to process ripened avocados because they are quite fragile. In a copending U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 628,920, entitled METHOD FOR REMOVING SKINS FROM AVOCADOS, filed on July 9, 1984, now abandoned in favor of Continution-in-part application Ser. No. 778,845, filed Sept. 23, 1985, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 4,600,593, dated 7/15/86, a method was disclosed for loosening the skins from avocados by thermal treatment. As disclosed therein, the avocados are preferably immersed in a hot triglyceride oil such as avocado oil or the like in order to loosen the skins from the avocado flesh without causing thermal degradation of the avocado flesh. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04627339__
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Avocado peeler and slicer Inventor(s): Tateno; Chikara R. (1815 Katrina Ct., Santa Cruz, CA 95062) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,533,442 Date filed: November 21, 1995
Patents 25
Abstract: A tool for use on an avocado, for separating the meat of an avocado from its skin while simultaneously cutting the meat into separate slices, comprising a handle having a first end and a second end and cutting rings are mounted at one end of the handle. The cutting rings including a pair of ring element operably secured to the handle and extending away therefrom. The pair of ring elements comprise an inner ring and outer ring formed from a continuous band. The inner ring has an elongated guide slot operably positioned therein, and the outer ring has an elongated guide slot operably positioned therein and in operably alignment with the elongated guide slot of the inner ring and extending therethrough. The inner ring includes a set element having a centrally positioned aperture therethrough and adapted for releasably securing and receiving the second end of the handle. A plurality of cutting blades are operably positioned on an inner wall of the inner ring and a plurality of cutting blades operably positioned on an inner wall of the outer ring. A fastening element is slidably secured to the inner ring and the outer ring allowing for adjustments of the outer ring and the inner ring in relation to each other and to the second end of the handle. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to cutlery, and more particularly to cutlery for peeling the skin of an avocado from its meat and simultaneously slicing the meat into sections. Various cutting and peeling and apparatus have been proposed and implemented to cut and peel fruits and vegetables. In recent years there has been a tremendous surge in the consumption of avocados both in restaurants and in homes. This surge in consumption is part in due to the surge in consumption of all fruits and vegetables, and part in due to the inherent qualities of the avocado. The currently known method of preparing avocados has been labor intensive and messy, resulting in greater expense and inconvenience to the ultimate consumer. When large number of avocados must be skinned, de-pitted, and sliced whether in a restaurant or at home, significant expenditures of time and labor must be expended, both in the skinning, de-pitting, and slicing operation. Moreover, currently known methods for preparing avocado typically result in significant mess from discarded peels, pit, and residual meat. Due to such demand and such limitations with all known methods of preparing avocados, there is a significant demand for a tool which would enable avocados to be skinned, de-pitted, and sliced simultaneously in a rapid, clean, safe, and reliable manner. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05533442__ •
Compositions and methods for inhibiting browning in foods and beverages Inventor(s): Gross; Akiva (78 Vine St., Newton, MA 02167), Iyengar; Radha (43 Flett Rd., Belmont, MA 02178), McEvily; Arthur J. (56 Nonesuch Rd., Weston, MA 02193) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,202,141 Date filed: June 10, 1991 Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preventing or inhibiting oxidative darkening of foods and beverages. The compositions comprise at least one substituted resorcinol derivative and at least one additive which when applied in combination with the resorcinol derivative prevents enzymatic browning of the food or beverage. The compositions inhibit the enzymatic browning of foods and beverages susceptible to browning, such as shrimp, potatoes, apples, avocados, fruit juices and wines.
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Avocados
Excerpt(s): Browning of foods is a major problem in the food and beverage industry. Browning, or oxidative darkening, can be the result of the action of an enzyme, such as polyphenol oxidase (PPO; also known as tyrosinase), or the result of non-enzymatic chemical reactions, for example, due to polymerization of phenolic compounds which are present in some foods. High PPO activity is present in foods which are susceptible to browning, e.g., shrimp, bananas and mushrooms. Browning causes deleterious changes in the appearance and texture of foods and beverages. Both enzymatic and nonenzymatic browning constitute serious problems for the food industry and result in millions of pounds of wasted food products per year. Enzymatic browning, in particular, has been the subject of much research, particularly as the causative agent of shrimp melanosis, which is characterize by the formation of dark spots on shrimp. Faulkner et al., Advanced Food Research, 19:302-310 (1953). Enzymatic browning is the result of PPO-catalyzed oxidation of mono- and diphenols to o-quinones which polymerize spontaneously to form dark-colored, high molecular weight polymers, leading to the characteristic browning or formation of dark spots. Several methods have been developed to prevent browning, including heat inactivation of PPO and various chemical treatments, such as altering the pH of the food. Heat inactivation is not appropriate for fresh foods, such as fruits and seafood, as the high temperatures necessary to inactivate PPO change the quality and texture of the foods. Likewise, reducing the pH by adding an acid (e.g., citric acid or phosphoric acid) deleteriously affects the appearance and quality of some foods. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05202141__ •
Extraction of avocado oil from avocados Inventor(s): Davis; Richard H. (Valley Center, CA) Assignee(s): Paino Avocado Company, Inc. (Temecula, CA) Patent Number: 4,444,763 Date filed: April 28, 1982 Abstract: A process for extracting raw and crude avocado oil from avocados with optimum yield and minimal chemical change in the oil. Raw avocado oil is extracted from ripe fruit following maceration, heating, addition of herbaceous silicious material, and pressure extraction. Crude avocado oil can be extracted from the remaining cake by refluxing with suitable solvents. The oil can further be refined by treatment in a diatomaceous earth filter. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to extraction of avocado oil from avocados. Avocado oil comprises a significant proportion of the fruit of the avocado. The fruit of the avocado is generically referred to as "avocado" or as "an avocado" herein. This principally comprises avocado oil, seed, skin, fruit pulp and water. The oil itself has many uses, among them as an ingredient in salad dressings, in various foods, in cosmetics, and in the manufacture of soap. Various free fatty acids and vitamins are also found in the avocado. The avocado itself, and avocado oil, have a widespread and growing appeal. This market appears to be limited only by availability of the fruit, and to a lesser extent by its cost. Because of the value of the land on which the avocado trees are grown, the lead time required to bring new trees into production, the care the trees require, their susceptibility to troublesome and disastrous diseases, especially viruses, and their susceptibility to the vagaries of the weather, it is a major decision whether to start a new orchard, and how to price, process and distribute the fruit and its byproducts which can be produced.
Patents 27
Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04444763__ •
Lipid vesicles containing avocado oil unsaponifiables Inventor(s): Mathur; Rajiv (Sewell, NJ) Assignee(s): Micro-Pak, Inc. (Wilmington, DE) Patent Number: 5,643,600 Date filed: January 5, 1996 Abstract: Disclosed are oil-filled paucilamellar lipid vesicles containing at least one nonphospholipid amphiphile as the primary lipid of the vesicle bilayers and avocado oil unsaponifiables. The vesicles are particularly useful for delivering dermatological, cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations. A method of manufacture for these vesicles is also disclosed. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to formulations for lipid vesicles and methods of their manufacture. More particularly, the present invention discloses paucimellar lipid vesicles designed of materials which have exceptional properties for cosmetic, edible, dermatological, and pharmaceutical use. The paucimellar vesicles have 2-10 lipid bilayers surrounding a large, amorphous central cavity which contains a waterimmiscible oily material including triglycerides supplied by avocado oil unsaponifiables. The lipid bilayers of these vesicles contain at least one nonphospholipid amphiphile as the primary structural material of the lipid bilayers, along with phytosterol from avocado oil unsaponifiables which acts as a membrane or bilayer modulator. Lipid vesicles are substantially spherical structures made of amphiphiles, e.g., surfactants or phospholipids. The lipids of these spherical vesicles are generally organized in the form of lipid bilayers, e.g., multiple onion-like shells of lipid bilayers which encompass an aqueous volume between the bilayers. Paucilamellar lipid vesicles have 2-10 peripheral bilayers which surround a large, unstructured central cavity. Until recently, liposome technology has been concerned mostly with vesicles composed of phospholipids. This is primarily because phospholipids are the principal structural components of natural membranes and, accordingly, lipid vesicles have been used as a model system for studying natural membranes. However, there are a number of problems associated with using phospholipids as synthetic membranes. Biological membranes are stabilized by membrane proteins and maintained by extensive enzymatic "support" systems that rapidly turn over, exchange or modify membrane lipids. Neither membrane proteins nor the requisite enzymatic support systems can be practically incorporated into the wall structure of liposomes, making the structures inherently less stable than natural membranes. In addition, the biological environment contains several potent phospholipases that rapidly break down free phospholipids. These phospholipids will attack liposomes and degrade the membrane. For these reasons, phospholipid liposomes placed in an in vivo environment are rapidly degraded. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05643600__
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Method for extracting compounds of furan lipids and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols of avocado, composition based on said compounds, and therapeutic, cosmetical or food use of said compounds Inventor(s): Broutin; Nicole (Alluyes, FR), Legrand; Jacques (Neuilly sur Eure, FR), Piccirilli; Antoine (Versailles, FR) Assignee(s): Pharmascience (Courbevoie, FR) Patent Number: 6,582,688 Date filed: March 20, 2002 Abstract: The invention concerns a method for selectively extracting furan lipids and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols of avocado, characterised in that it comprises steps which consist in: preparing an unsaponifiable matter of avocado; then in subjecting the unsaponifiable matter of avocado to a step of molecular distillation using adjusted temperature and pressure means to obtain either a distillate comprising mainly furan lipids and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols of avocado. Said method enables in particular to extract selectively furan lipids of avocado having a furan lipid content of more than 80 wt. %, even close to 98%. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a novel process for extracting furan lipid compounds and polyhydroxylated fatty alcohols from avocado, and also to a pharmaceutical or cosmetic composition based on these compounds and to the use of these compounds for manufacturing a medicinal product, in a cosmetic treatment method and as a food additive. The furan derivatives of avocado oil have been described in particular in Farines, M. et al., 1995, J. of Am. Oil Chem. Soc. 72, 473. It is currently well established that the presence of these furan compounds in the leaves or the fruit depends not only on the variety (the varieties Hass and Fuerte being the richest in furan compounds), but also on the method for obtaining the oil or another plant extract of avocado (ethanolic or hexane extract of avocado leaves). Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06582688__
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Method for preparing a food containing nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil containing an increased amount of fraction H Inventor(s): Rancurel; Alain (Mainvilliers, FR) Assignee(s): Laboratoires Pharmascience (Courbevoie, FR) Patent Number: 5,498,411 Date filed: September 27, 1994 Abstract: The invention relates to a food additive including the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil, wherein the nonsaponifiable matter has a increased amount of the fraction termed "fraction H". This nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil is prepared by a process wherein the avocado fruit is heat-treated at a temperature of 80.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. for not less than four hours before extracting the oil and obtaining the nonsaponifiable matter. Excerpt(s): The subject of the invention is in particular a process for preparing the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil from the fruit enabling its content in one of the fractions termed H to be improved. It has in effect been noted that the quality of the nonsaponifiable matter obtained may vary as a function of certain treatments, in particular of the raw material. Accordingly, in order to obtain a nonsaponifiable matter
Patents 29
of avocados rich in fraction H, the Applicant Company has developed the process which is the subject of the present invention. --appears preponderantly in gas phase chromatography. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05498411__ •
Method for processing avocados Inventor(s): David; Constant V. (4952 Field St., San Diego, CA 92110) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,629,629 Date filed: September 3, 1985 Abstract: A method and an apparatus for processing ripe avocados in which the pulp is separated from the outer skin and from the seed in sequenced operations. The pulp can then be reduced to a paste-like product and frozen for easy preservation, handling and marketing. The avocado pulp does not acquire its consistency and reach its oil content until the fruit has ripened to a stage where the pulp is soft. At this stage, a few days are available to process the avocado before it spoils. The ripening process occurs naturally after the fruit has been picked off the tree, providing it is left undisturbed with the seed and the skin untouched. Otherwise, no ripening takes place. Because the external surface of a ripe avocado is so soft and because its seed is so hard, the extraction of the edible and tasty pulp is difficult to perform with automatically operating machinery. Such machinery and the attendant method are the subject of the present disclosure. The ripe avocado is firmly held by means of its seed while the skin and the pulp are removed automatically. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to an apparatus for separating the pulp of a ripe avocado from the skin and the seed automatically and the method thereof. The handling of a ripe avocado by parts and components of automatically operating equipments is very difficult because the fruit is externally very soft, but contains a centrally-located large and hard seed. Both methods and machineries commonly used for processing other fruits such as pears and drupes are unsuitable for ripe avocado processing. The pulp supporting the skin is much too soft and the seed is much too large and hard. Even when the skin is removed, the external surface of the pulp is then much too slippery for practical handling by means other than human hands. The nature of the avocado fruit is such that the pulp is edible and tasty only when the fruit has reached the degree of ripening which gives the pulp its oil content and attendant consistency. Also, the ripening process cannot take place unless the avocado is picked from the tree still hard, with a minimum content of fatty materials, high enough to insure the maturing completion, but low enough to insure that the proper ripening is going to occur by means of chemicals generated by the seed after the fruit is separated from the tree. The natural ripening process can be slowed down by keeping the fruit at low temperatures above freezing. When the fruit is left at room temperature, either after being picked or taken out of cold storage, it will generally ripen after a few days, if it already contains a percentage of fatty materials. The minimum of such percentage is actually fixed by law. If this minimum percentage is not reached before the fruit is picked, the completion of the maturing does not take place. The fruit shrivels, remains hard and is useless. Therefore, unless the pulp is extracted at the right stage of ripening, it has no commercial value. This degree of ripening lasts only for a few days. Henceforth, the fruit spoils quickly. In any event, the manual extraction of the pulp of a ripe avocado is often messy and frustrating, unless done expertly. The marketing of
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avocados on a large commercial scale has been rendered difficult because of the handling problems inherent to the ripening process. However, many culinary applications need only avocado pulp paste as main ingredient, such as the well-known guacamole. The pasty pulp, once extracted from the fruit, can be frozen for shipping and storage. Seasoning can be added before the freezing step or after thawing, prior to preparing the dish. To render the raw avocado paste inexpensive, the extraction of the pulp from the ripe fruits must be made automatic and reliable by machine. The goals of the present invention are to provide an apparatus and a method which offer such possibilities, by minimizing the need for manual labor. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04629629__ •
Method for removing skins from avocados Inventor(s): Swisher; Horton E. (Upland, CA) Assignee(s): Cal-Flo Corporation (Covina, CA) Patent Number: 4,600,593 Date filed: September 23, 1985 Abstract: A method is disclosed for removing skins from avocados wherein the avocados are immersed in a hot tri-glyceride oil maintained at a temperature in the range of about 275.degree. to 400.degree. F. The avocados are immersed in the oil for a period of time in the range of about six seconds to one minute in order to develop a substantial temperature differential across the avocado skin and produce a generally continuous vapor boundary between the skin and the avocado flesh. This facilitates removal of the skin with only minimal heating of the thermally sensitive avocado flesh and minimizes development of off-flavors. When the avocados are removed from the oil the skins are then cut through and separated from the avocado flesh within a short time to preserve the quality of the avocado flesh. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a process for removing skins from avocados and more particularly to such a process involving thermal treatment of the avocados to result in skin removal. Avocados are similar to other foods including fruits and vegetables such as tomatoes and peaches, at least to the extent that the skins must generally be removed before conversion to a processed food product. However, the processing of avocados to remove their skins has not developed at the same pace as other such foods because of the thermal sensitivity of the avocado flesh. By contrast, in the processing of food products such as tomatoes and peaches, they are commonly immersed in hot or boiling water in order to facilitate removal of the skins by conventional techniques which are well known in the prior art. Such a technique is particularly adapted for use with these food products since the flesh portion of tomatoes and peaches is intentionally cooked during processing. In any event, heating of such foods has no deleterious effects and may be considered an improvement in terms of flavor, texture, color or otherwise. On the other hand, as will be discussed in greater detail immediately below, such processing techniques have not proven satisfactory with avocados because of thermal sensitivity of the avocado flesh. Such thermal sensitivity is particularly noticeable in the green or chlorophyll layer of the avocado flesh because it lies just beneath the avocado skin and is thus subject to greatest exposure to heat transferred through the skin. Since much of the flavor and nutritional value of the avocados is found in this layer, it is particularly desirable that the green chlorophyll layer of the flesh be maintained in fresh condition to enhance both the flavor and color of resulting food products. However, since the green chlorophyll layer also lies
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immediately adjacent the skin, it is particularly subject to thermal degradation if the skin is removed by conventional thermal techniques. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04600593__ •
Method of preparing avocado-pear pulp powder containing cucurbita moscato as a stabilizer and product Inventor(s): Haendler; Lucien (Clichy, FR), Mangeot; Georges (Macon, FR) Assignee(s): Institut Francais de Recherches Fruitieres Outre-Mer (I.F.A.C.) (Paris, FR) Patent Number: 4,008,336 Date filed: March 10, 1975 Abstract: A method is disclosed for stabilizing fruit and vegetable products, particularly avocado-pear pulp, by incorporating therewith an effective amount of a cucubitaceous stabilizing agent, such as 1-25% by weight of cucurbita moscata, prior subjecting the mixture so obtained to a preservation procedure, for example by converting an homogeneous paste prepared by mixing said cucurbita moscata with said avocado-pear pulp to a powder. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a new process for obtaining products comprising at least one member of the group consisting of fruits and vegetables suitable for storage. The process consists in incorporating an effective amount of a cucurbitaceous stabilizing agent in fruit and/or vegetables before the preservation step and in then subjecting the mixture so obtained to the known preservation step. The cucurbitaceous product used is, for example, the marrow. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04008336__
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Method of processing avocado pulp Inventor(s): Hilpert; Clifford L. (Vega, TX) Assignee(s): INT Equipment Sales, Inc. (Vega, TX) Patent Number: 5,384,147 Date filed: October 20, 1993 Abstract: A method of processing fresh avocados into pulp or guacamole wherein the mixed pulp is drawn into a chamber where the pulp is exposed to a high vacuum and thereafter the vacuum is slowly released. The product is subsequently packaged and a second, at least partial, vacuum is applied to the pulp within the packaging before the packaging is sealed. Excerpt(s): This invention is generally directed to a process for stabilizing the appearance of processed fruit fiber and, more specifically, to a process for processing avocado pulp or pulp which has been blended and seasoned into guacamole wherein the pulp or guacamole, prior to packaging, is drawn by vacuum into a chamber wherein the pulp is exposed to a very high vacuum having at least 99% efficiency to thereby remove oxygen from the fruit cells. The high vacuum is maintained on the product for periods of up to 1 minute and thereafter the vacuum is slowly released in order to insure that the chunkiness of the product is maintained. The product is thereafter discharged by gravity into containers after which a second vacuum is applied to the product within
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the packaging or the head space of the containers purged with steam and inert gas prior to the containers or packages being sealed. Processing of fresh avocados into pulp or guacamole is conventionally done in a five step process wherein the fruit is initially washed and thereafter grated to remove culls. The fruit is subsequently peeled and the seed removed after which the pulp is mixed and packaged. Unfortunately, avocado pulp is highly unstable and brooms quickly when exposed to oxygen. The oxygen may be in the surrounding environment or oxygen released from the cells of the pulp as it is mixed. Conventional packaging techniques have relied on simply placing the product, once in a container or package, under vacuum to remove the air trapped in the head space of the container or package. Furthermore, the product is generally exposed to a low vacuum during the packaging process as the product expands and cannot be retained within the containers if too high a vacuum is applied. Techniques of processing fruit and vegetable fiber by vacuum have been practiced in the fruit preparation art for a period of years. However, the prior art has not appreciated that an extremely high vacuum must be applied to pulp such as avocado pulp and thereafter the pressure slowly stabilized in order to preserve the chunkiness of the product while effectively removing substantially all oxygen from the product cells prior to the product being packaged. Further, the prior art does not recognize a second vacuum step wherein the product within the package or container is also exposed to a high vacuum to thereby insure that no oxygen remains within the container of the packaged product prior to its distribution. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05384147__ •
Pitting knives having an axial bore Inventor(s): Castro; Efren (80800 Ave. 60th, La Quinta, CA 92253) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 5,992,310 Date filed: July 30, 1998 Abstract: A drupe which is infested with a larva of a moth or larvae of other insects, and is contaminated with related excretions, referred to as a "frass", in a central zone within the drupe, is cleansed with a longitudinally bored pitting knife mounted in the pitting head of a conventional pitting machine. A source of cleansing fluid is connected to the bore within the knife and fluid is discharged through radial passages in the knife, which radial passages communicate with the longitudinal bore. In operation, while the knife pits the drupe, fluid discharged from within the knife contacts the walls of the passage left by the ejected pit, and removes the frass. If desired, the drupe may be first pitted, then decontaminated or washed, and/or dried sequentially, in separate stages. The invention is particularly effective with dates, prunes, olives, cherries, nectarines, peaches and avocados. Excerpt(s): Apparatus for pitting a whole drupe with a pitting knife which removes the pit or stone by forcing it through the body of the drupe. The term "drupe" refers to a fleshy fruit or vegetable such as a peach, plum, date, cherry, avocado or olive, usually having a single hard stone (or "pit") that encloses a seed. More particularly, the invention provides at least one knife having a novel structure designed to provide a method for removing undesirable contaminants from within a generally axial passage left when a drupe is pitted. Such contaminants include the eggs of an insect such as a moth, or larvae of the insect, or the excretions of the larvae left during the period of their development, until the larvae can leave as a moth. These contaminants are not removed
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from within the passage formed by currently available or known pitting machines. Machines which automatically pit a drupe have laid the foundation for an agribusiness which makes it possible for a person with even less than average income to enjoy fruits and vegetables which would otherwise be consumed only by the wealthy. Such machines are the subject of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,157,518; 2,219,832; 2,630,205; and 2,688,352 to Ashlock, Jr.; of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,153,473; and 3,556,281 to Margaroli et al.; and of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,090,439 and 5,577,439 to Chall et al. and Cimperman et al., inter alia. Such machines have successfully achieved in the U.S. what is still done manually in countries where human labor is relatively inexpensive. In the aforementioned pitting machines, a pitting knife or an assembly of plural pitting knives in a pitting head, cuts through the skin and flesh of the drupe being pitted, ejects the stone, and is then retracted leaving a substantially central passage in the drupe. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05992310__ •
Process for preparing the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado enabling in one of its fractions termed H to be improved Inventor(s): Rancurel; Alain (Mainvilliers, FR) Assignee(s): Laboratoires Pharmascience (Courbevoie, FR) Patent Number: 5,262,163 Date filed: September 13, 1991 Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil from the fruit, wherein the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil is separated and its content in one of its fractions termed H is improved by carrying out the heat treatment of the fruit before extracting the oil at a temperature of 80.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. for not less than four hours.It also relates to the nonsaponifiable matter obtained by the process and to medicinal products, cosmetics and food additives containing it. Excerpt(s): The subject of the invention is in particular a process for preparing the nonsaponifiable matter of avocado oil from the fruit enabling its content in one of the fractions termed H to be improved. It has in effect been noted that the quality of the nonsaponifiable matter obtained may vary as a function of certain treatments, in particular of the raw material. Accordingly, in order to obtain a nonsaponifiable matter of avocados rich in fraction H, the Applicant Company has developed the process which is the subject of the present invention. appears preponderantly in gas phase chromatography. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US05262163__
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Process for producing frozen avocados Inventor(s): Takahashi; Hideyuki (15111 Romero Pl., North Hills, CA 91343) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 6,358,555 Date filed: April 8, 2000 Abstract: A process for producing frozen avocados which will not easily disintegrate or discolor on and after thawing or defrosting. The process includes the steps of cutting
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avocados into a plurality of pieces and removing seeds from bodies of the pieces, heating the avocado pieces in a steam tank by application of steam, removing the avocado pieces from the steam tank, and freezing the avocado pieces quickly at an ultralow temperature. Preferably, certain additives such as baking powder, vinegar, salt, wine and the like are provided to the avocado pieces before heating the avocados by the steam. Also, the heated avocado pieces should be cooled and dried prior to freezing. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to a process for producing frozen fruits, and more particularly to a process for producing frozen avocados which will not easily disintegrate or discolor on and after thawing. Since it is difficult to maintain the quality of avocados for a long period of time, they must be consumed in a relatively short period of time after being harvested. That is one of the primary reasons why avocados are expensive in the market. In order to solve this problem, many methods have been proposed for preservation of avocados so far. As a general method for preservation of fruits and vegetables, quick ultra-low temperature freezing is widely used. This preservation method can be successfully applied to those products such as broccoli, carrots and the like and they are sold on the market as frozen foods. However, it is difficult to apply such a quick ultra-low temperature freezing method to those highwater content products such as tomatoes, oranges or watermelons and the like because they disintegrate upon thawing (defrosting). Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US06358555__ •
Process for the recovery of oil from avocado fruit Inventor(s): Curiel; Maurice (40 Nitzanim St., Neve-Oz, Petach-Ticvah, IL) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,560,568 Date filed: January 20, 1984 Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated process for the recovery of a high quality oil and unsaponifiable matter from avocado fruit in a single extraction operation. According to the invention, the comminuted avocado fruit is contacted with an acetone solution which extracts the water from the avocado. The water-free avocado is subsequently contacted with an acetone solution, containing above 5% water whereby the oil from said water-free avocado is extracted and a spontaneous phase separation occurs. This separation enables an easy removal of the upper layer containing the unsaponifiable matter. By distilling out the acetone from the mixture oil-acetone-water, a high quality avocado oil is recovered. The residual dry cake of oil-free avocado can be successfully utilized as feed for animals. Excerpt(s): The present invention relates to a simple method for the production of oil from avocado fruit. More particularly, the invention relates to a simple method for the recovery of oil and/or other valuable material from avocado fruit. Avocado is a fruit which belongs to the Lauraceae family, originally found in Mexico and later spread in several places in South and Central America South and Central Africa as well as along the Mediterranean coast. The fruit is exceedingly variable in shape, size and colour. The form varies from round to pear-shaped with a long slender neck, the colour being from green to dark purple. The fruit has a greenish or yellowish flesh, of buttery consistency and rich nutty flavour containing about 20 to 25% oil, 65-70% water and about 10% dry matter (all percentages being by weight). Generally the fruit composition by weight is about 65% flesh and 35% skin and seed. In addition to the oil, the avocado contains a
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small amount of about 1.5% by weight of oil of unsaponifiable matter, as a distinct fraction, which by itself is a very valuable component useful in many creams and medicated ointments. The unsaponifible matter content of the avocado oil during the ripening process decreases to about 0.8% by weight, although the oil content by itself generally increases during the ripening process. As known the term oil in a generic sense all substances that are greasy or oily fluids at ordinary temperature. The use of the term fat to include both fats and oils is becoming common, especially among chemists. The avocado oil is classified as a non-drying oil having a iodine value of below 100, generally in the range of between 71 to 95. The oil is similar to the olive oil but it has a higher content of vitamins and mono- and di-glycerides. Some of the properties of the avocado oil are given in the following Table. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04560568__ •
Produce peeling device Inventor(s): Harper; Art (P.O. Box 574, Garden Grove, CA 90680) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,970,786 Date filed: November 6, 1989 Abstract: A curved knife for manually peeling produce and especially for simultaneously peeling the sides and bottom of produce halves, such as avocados and melons, while keeping the flesh in one intact piece as the device is rotated around the interior wall of the skin; and to facilitate quick and easy peeling thereof, by employing a wide, thin, curved blade member, with a non-snag cutting edge; said blade member being integrally connected to one end of an elongated handle. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to produce peeling knives and more directly to a curved, peeling blade member, for removing the skin of avocados, melons, squash and other similar fruits and vegetables, to facilitate easy peeling thereof. Citrus fruit peelers and the use of other cutlery to peel fruits and vegetables are well known. The use of curved blades and probes, that conform to the general contour of the fruit or other devices to attempt to remove the skin of produce, are also well known. All of these devices although useful in part, are not easily used to peel certain fruits and vegetables, such as avocados, melons and cooked squash. Devices such as a curved rod, which may be inserted between the skin and the flesh, to attempt to peel the sides and bottom of a halved fruit, are narrow and blunt and designed to pull apart the flesh from the skin. Should a thick curved rod be used to cut the flesh from the skin, it would be difficult to push the probe through the flesh. Such devices are also impractical to smoothly guide the movement of their probes parallel against the interior of the skin wall and control the direction thereof. Devices employing a curved blade member, such as grapefruit knives and similar citrus peeling knives, are often too sharp and serrated to glide over the interior of the skin, without puncturing and snagging the skin. Those devices often have only a portion of their cutting blade member curved, at a location distant from the tip, thereby limiting the depth of the cutting blade member by requiring the stretching of a substantial portion of the skin, in order to sever the bottom of a produce half. Curved rods and curved blade members are especially a problem, when the interior of the skin has an irregular contour, such as a watermelon and would require great skill in peeling, without snagging. Such devices are also unsuitable to peel thin skinned fruit, such as the winter varieties of avocados. Produce having a thin skin, can easily be punctured by a sharp cutting blade member or by a relatively narrow probe.
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Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04970786__ •
Skin moisturizing and cleansing cream Inventor(s): Wess; Beatrice M. (3590 Fenley Rd., Cleveland Heights, OH 44121) Assignee(s): none reported Patent Number: 4,297,374 Date filed: October 11, 1979 Abstract: A skin moisturizing and cleansing cream is produced by blending a quantity of fresh bananas or avocados with smaller amounts of baking powder, orange juice and solid or liquid vegetable shortening. The ingredients are blended to a creamy texture, and the cream is massaged into the skin by hand. Thereafter, the skin can be wiped with a dry paper or cloth towel, rinsed with warm water or, alternatively, the cream can be allowed to stay on the skin following the massaging. The skin cream is stored in a refrigerator between uses thereof. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to the art of comestics and, more particularly, to an improved skin cleansing and moisturizing cream. A number of creams and lotions are commercially available for cleansing and/or moisturizing the human skin, either in conjunction with bathing or washing the skin, as a preliminary procedure to bathing or washing the skin, or as a supplementary procedure following such bathing or washing. Some such creams and lotions contain abrasive materials for cleansing the skin and/or for removing dry, scaley skin, such as from the feet, elbows and hands of a user. While such creams serve the intended purposes, they often leave the user's skin dry following use thereof and, in the case of the removal of dry skin, they can irritate the skin of the user to the extent that the skin is tender to the touch. Other creams and lotions which do not include abrasive materials, but are intended for cleansing purposes, often include ingredients such as alcohol which tend to dry the user's skin, thus requiring supplemental application of a separate moisturizing cream or lotion to replace the moisture drawn from the skin. Still further, many cleansing lotions leave the skin of the user with an uncomfortably taut feeling, while moisturizing lotions often leave the skin with an excessively oily feeling to the touch. Still further in connection with commercially available cleansing and/or moisturizing creams and lotions, the latter often include ingredients which cause burning sensations on sensitive or chapped areas of a person's skin, or are irritating if applied close to the user's eyes. In accordance with the present invention, an improved skin cleansing and moisturizing cream or lotion is provided, the ingredients of which enable cleansing of the skin of dirt and the like, the removal of dry skin, and the simultaneous moisturizing of the skin, all without causing irritation of the skin by excessive rubbing or scrubbing or causing irritation to the eyes if applied close thereto. Furthermore, the cream appears to lock in natural moisture in the skin during use, thus avoiding undesirable drying of the skin as a result of use thereof. More particularly, in accordance with the present invention, the cleansing and moisturizing cream is comprised of a blended mixture the major proportion of which is a fresh fruit, namely bananas or avocados, and the remainder of which is smaller amounts of baking powder, orange juice and vegetable shortening. These ingredients are blended together to form a creamy texture and, preferably, the mixture is kept refrigerated following the mixture thereof. The vegetable shortening is preferably a pure vegetable shortening and can be either liquid or solid, examples of liquid shortening being corn oil, peanut oil and soybean oil. The orange juice can be either natural orange juice or that derived from a frozen concentrate and, in the former case, the natural
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orange juice is preferably strained to remove any solids therein resulting from the squeezing operation. It is believed that the texture of the bananas or avocados provides an abrasive characteristic for cleansing purposes without the solid abrasive characteristic of pumice or the like which can result in skin irritation to the user. Additionally, the vegetable oil is believed to cooperate in the cleansing operation by lubricating dry skin and dirt, thus loosening the same for removal, and also serves to lock in natural skin moisture during the cleansing operation. The orange juice is believed to have a very minor drying effect which cooperates with moisturizing by the vegetable oil to leave the user's skin with a desired tautness after use of the cream. The baking powder provides a desired consistemcy to the cream. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US04297374__ •
Stable avocado base preparation Inventor(s): Latimer; Floyd E. (Inglewood, CA) Assignee(s): Cav-Pro, Inc. (Los Angeles, CA) Patent Number: 3,958,036 Date filed: February 25, 1972 Abstract: Avocado flesh, water, and vegetable gums are thoroughly and intimately admixed to produce a fine dispersion which is stable when stored for long periods of time either by itself or in admixture with mayonnaise or other foodstuffs. The fine dispersion is produced by passing the avocado flesh, water, and vegetable gums through a colloid mill, an emulsifier, or an homogenizer. Excerpt(s): This invention relates to the preparation of a stable avocado base. More particularly this invention relates to a stable avocado base which is a fine dispersion. Many tons of avocado culls are produced each year which are not suitable for sale as whole fresh avocados because they are of the wrong size, the wrong shape, or are not perfectly formed in some respect. The flesh from these avocados is the same as that of the other avocados. Because of their appearance, the problem of finding suitable outlets for these avocados has been of serious concern to the avocado growing and processing industries for many years. Previous attempts to convert these avocados into a dip or a spread which could be sold to the general public, for example, in the delicatessen section of a grocery store, have generally failed because upon standing the water separated out of the previous dips and spreads. The appearance of the product after separation has occurred is such that it generally cannot be sold. According to the present invention, a stable avocado base is prepared which remains stable for extended periods of time under those conditions of storage and transportation which are required for products which are widely distributed and sold in retail grocery stores. The avocado base is stable both by itself and when admixed with other ingredients, such as mayonnaise, spices, vegetable flakes, starches and the like. Web site: http://www.delphion.com/details?pn=US03958036__
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Patent Applications on Avocados As of December 2000, U.S. patent applications are open to public viewing.6 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 avocados: •
Avocado concentrate and process for preparing same Inventor(s): Carre, Eric; (Grayslake, IL) Correspondence: Gerald T. Shekleton, Esq.; Welsh & Katz, Ltd.; 22nd Floor; 120 S. Riverside Plaza; Chicago; IL; 60606; US Patent Application Number: 20030165598 Date filed: February 27, 2002 Abstract: A composition for stabilizing avocado meat is disclosed that comprises acids from cultured dextrose, erythorbic acid, ascorbic acid, quercetin and inulin that are present in weight ratios of about 1:2-2.5:2.25-2.75:0.9-1.1:6-7, respectively. That composition is admixed in a color-stabilizing amount with avocado meat to form a color-stabilized avocado concentrate. A method for the preparation of a color-stabilized avocado concentrate is also disclosed. Excerpt(s): This invention pertains to the preparation of food stuffs. More particularly, the present invention relates to a composition for stabilizing avocado meat, a stabilized avocado concentrate suitable for eating itself or for the preparation of a food such as guacamole, and a process for preparing a stabilized avocado concentrate. Browning, or oxidative darkening, of food products can result from both enzymatic and nonenzymatic chemical reactions in food. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic browning constitute serious problems for the food industry and result in millions of pounds of wasted food products each year. Several physical methods have been developed for inhibiting oxidation and the resultant browning. One of the most common and wellknown methods is heat inactivation of the enzymes through pasteurization or similar processes. Additional physical methods involve vacuum, dehydration, and the like, all of which have drawbacks either in the loss of flavor from the food or ineffectiveness in the result. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
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Avocado Plant named 'Llanos Hass' Inventor(s): Llanos, Anthony Phillip; (Kwinana, AU), Llanos, Cassandra Ann; (Kwinana, AU) Correspondence: CHRISTIE, PARKER & HALE, LLP; 350 WEST COLORADO BOULEVARD; SUITE 500; PASADENA; CA; 91105; US Patent Application Number: 20030005500 Date filed: June 7, 2001 Abstract: Described is a new Avocado variety whose fruit matures at a minimum of approximately 4 to 6 weeks earlier than the variety `Hass`.
6
This has been a common practice outside the United States prior to December 2000.
Patents 39
Excerpt(s): Avocado plants in cultivation are mainly varieties of Persea Americano. The new variety was developed by open pollination followed by seedling selection: an open pollinated seedling was selected at applicant's property in Kwinana, Hope Valley, Western Australia. which displayed precocious and consistent fruit, and which was an improvement to the variety `Hass` inasmuch as it consistently matured earlier than `Hass`. DNA profiling has shown that `Hass` is likely to be one of the parents of the new variety. Propagation by vegetative grafting onto rootstocks in Kwinana, Hope Valley, Western Australia has demonstrated that the characteristics of the new variety are transmitted through succeeding generations of asexual reproduction. The new variety was asexually reproduced by vegetative grafting onto Guatemalan Avocado seedling rootstocks and then advantageously planted in soil consisting of deep sands. The accompanying photo illustration shows a typical fruit and leaf of the new variety depicted in color as true as possible in a color illustration of this character. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •
Avocado tree named 'Merensky 2' Inventor(s): Kohne, Josef Stefan; (Duiwelskloof, ZA) Correspondence: KELLY BAUERSFELD LOWRY & KELLEY, LLP; 6320 CANOGA AVENUE; SUITE 1650; WOODLAND HILLS; CA; 91367; US Patent Application Number: 20030051278 Date filed: October 25, 2001 Abstract: A new and distinct variety of avocado tree having many characteristics similar to those of `Duke 7` that is characterized by strong resistance to Phytophthora cinnamoni, and which bears more fruits than the `Duke 7` variety when `Hass` is grafted thereon. Excerpt(s): This application claims priority from Provisional Application Serial No. 60/317,871, filed Sep. 7, 2001. The present invention generally relates to avocado trees. More particularly, the present invention relates to a new and distinct variety of avocado tree, Persea americana, with significantly improved resistance to root rot. A seedling of the tree was discovered in an avocado orchard heavily infested with root rot, caused by Phytophthora cinnamoni at Westfalia Estate, South Africa. Most trees in that orchard died of root rot, however, the tree of the present invention was one of the few survivors and looked very healthy. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html
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AVOCADO TREE NAMED 'N4(-)5' Inventor(s): Bergh, Berthold O.; (Riverside, CA), Martin, Gray A.; (Fallbrook, CA) Correspondence: BURNS DOANE SWECKER & MATHIS L L P; POST OFFICE BOX 1404; ALEXANDRIA; VA; 22313-1404; US Patent Application Number: 20030177555 Date filed: March 14, 2002 Abstract: A new and distinct variety of Persea americana tree is provided. An open spreading growth habit is exhibited. The tree exhibits an alternate bearing character similar to that of the widely-grown `Hass` variety (non-patented in the United States).
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The fruit is inverted high spheroid-shaped, is generally black-skinned, is well distributed around the tree, and commonly is larger than that of the `Hass` variety. The leaves are generally oval-shaped. The fruit eating quality is good when fully ripe and the flesh is free of obvious fibers. The variety is suitable for the production of quality avocado crop under commercial growing conditions. Excerpt(s): Persea americana Mill. `Harvest`. The invention relates to new and distinct variety of Avocado tree that was originally designated N4(-)5 and subsequently has been named `Harvest`. Web site: http://appft1.uspto.gov/netahtml/PTO/search-bool.html •
Pitting knives having an axial bore and method for decontaminating a drupe Inventor(s): Castro, Efren; (La Quinta, CA) Correspondence: Alfred D. Lobo; LOBO & CO., L.P.A.; 933 The Leader Bldg.; 526 Superior Avenue; Cleveland; OH; 44114; US Patent Application Number: 20020155204 Date filed: June 18, 2002 Abstract: A drupe which is infested with a larva of a moth or larvae of other insects, and is contaminated with related excretions, referred to as a "frass", in a central zone within the drupe, is cleansed with a longitudinally bored pitting knife mounted in the pitting head of a conventional pitting machine. A source of cleansing fluid is connected to the bore within the knife and fluid is discharged through radial passages in the knife, which radial passages communicate with the longitudinal bore. In operation, while the knife pits the drupe, fluid discharged from within the knife contacts the walls of the passage left by the ejected pit, and removes the frass. If desired, the drupe may be first pitted, then decontaminated or washed, and/or dried sequentially, in separate stages. The invention is particularly effective with dates, prunes, olives, cherries, nectarines, peaches and avocados. Excerpt(s): Apparatus for pitting a whole drupe with a pitting knife which removes the pit or stone by forcing it through the body of the drupe. The term "drupe" refers to a fleshy fruit or vegetable such as a peach, plum, date, cherry, avocado or olive, usually having a single hard stone (or "pit") that encloses a seed. More particularly, the invention provides at least one knife having a novel structure designed to provide a method for removing undesirable contaminants from within a generally axial passage left when a drupe is pitted. Such contaminants include the eggs of an insect such as a moth, or larvae of the insect, or the excretions of the larvae left during the period of their development, until the larvae can leave as a moth. These contaminants are not removed from within the passage formed by currently available or known pitting machines. Machines which automatically pit a drupe have laid the foundation for an agribusiness which makes it possible for a person with even less than average income to enjoy fruits and vegetables which would otherwise be consumed only by the wealthy. Such machines are the subject of U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,157,518; 2,219,832; 2,630,205; and 2,688,352 to Ashlock, Jr.; of U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,153,473; and 3,556,281 to Margaroli et al.; and of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,090,439 and 5,577,439 to Chall et al. and Cimperman et al., inter alia. Such machines have successfully achieved in the U.S. what is still done manually in countries where human labor is relatively inexpensive. In the aforementioned pitting machines, a pitting knife or an assembly of plural pitting knives in a pitting head, cuts through the
Patents 41
skin and flesh of the drupe being pitted, ejects the stone, and is then retracted leaving a substantially central passage in the drupe. 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 avocados, 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 “avocados” (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 avocados. You can also use this procedure to view pending patent applications concerning avocados. 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 5. BOOKS ON AVOCADOS Overview This chapter provides bibliographic book references relating to avocados. In addition to online booksellers such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com, excellent sources for book titles on avocados 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 “avocados” at online booksellers’ Web sites, you may discover non-medical books that use the generic term “avocados” (or a synonym) in their titles. The following is indicative of the results you might find when searching for “avocados” (sorted alphabetically by title; follow the hyperlink to view more details at Amazon.com): •
Adventures in Cooking Avocados by Bryan Coker, Zondra Schmidt; ISBN: 0533089727; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0533089727/icongroupinterna
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Artful Avocado by Outlet; ISBN: 0517312557; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0517312557/icongroupinterna
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Avocado (The Tropical Agriculturalist) by J.P. Gaillard, et al; ISBN: 0333574680; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0333574680/icongroupinterna
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Avocado Cookbook by Hensley Spain; ISBN: 0916870243; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0916870243/icongroupinterna
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Avocado Growers Handbook by Frank D. Koch; ISBN: 0960206620; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0960206620/icongroupinterna
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Avocado Recipes Etc by Teri Gordon (1989); ISBN: 0961987022; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0961987022/icongroupinterna
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Avocado Recipes Etc; ISBN: 0961987006; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0961987006/icongroupinterna
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Avocado, Banana, Coffee: How to Grow Useful Exotic Plants for Fun by Heinz Jenuwein; ISBN: 0565010409; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0565010409/icongroupinterna
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Avocado: Botany, Production and Uses by A. W. Whiley (Editor), et al (2002); ISBN: 0851993575; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0851993575/icongroupinterna
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Avocados/Avocats: Avocados (International Standardisation of Fruit and Vegetables); ISBN: 926404275X; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/926404275X/icongroupinterna
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Beginning the avocado by Gillian Allnutt; ISBN: 0860688321; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0860688321/icongroupinterna
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Don't Swallow the Avocado Pit. and What to Do With the Rest of It. by Helen. Rosenbaum; ISBN: 0839733933; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0839733933/icongroupinterna
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Proceedings of the Second World Avocado Congress : the shape of things to come : April 21-26, 1991, Orange, California, United States of America; ISBN: 0963477005; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0963477005/icongroupinterna
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Propagating Avocados: Principles and Techniques of Nursery and Field Grafting (Anr150) by Univ of California; ISBN: 9999923143; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/9999923143/icongroupinterna
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The Amazing Avocado (A Thorsons Wholefood Cookbook) by Leah Leneman; ISBN: 0722508808; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0722508808/icongroupinterna
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The Artful Avocado by John Edwin, Canaday; ISBN: 0385001568; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0385001568/icongroupinterna
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The Avocado Drive Zoo: At Home With My Family and the Creatures We'Ve Loved by Earl Hamner (1999); ISBN: 1581820208; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1581820208/icongroupinterna
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The Avocado Lovers' Cookbook by Joyce Carlisle (1986); ISBN: 0890874565; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0890874565/icongroupinterna
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The Avocado Market in the UK [DOWNLOAD: PDF] by Apex Group The (Author); ISBN: B00005R9W0; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005R9W0/icongroupinterna
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The avocado pit, grower's indoor how-to book by Hazel Perper (Author); ISBN: B00005X82U; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/B00005X82U/icongroupinterna
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The Complete Avocado Cookbook by Christine Heaslip; ISBN: 0858355590; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0858355590/icongroupinterna
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The Little Green Avocado Book by Linda Doeser, Rosamond Richardson; ISBN: 0312488629; http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0312488629/icongroupinterna
Books
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Chapters on Avocados In order to find chapters that specifically relate to avocados, an excellent source of abstracts is the Combined Health Information Database. You will need to limit your search to book chapters and avocados 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 “avocados” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box.
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CHAPTER 6. PERIODICALS AND NEWS ON AVOCADOS Overview In this chapter, we suggest a number of news sources and present various periodicals that cover avocados.
News Services and Press Releases One of the simplest ways of tracking press releases on avocados 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 “avocados” (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 avocados. 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 “avocados” (or synonyms). The following was recently listed in this archive for avocados: •
Avocado/soybean product may help treat osteoarthritis Source: Reuters Health eLine Date: September 17, 2003
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Avocado/soybean product reduces production of osteoarthritis mediators Source: Reuters Industry Breifing Date: September 16, 2003
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Avocado/soybean derivative does not have major effect in hip osteoarthritis Source: Reuters Medical News Date: March 26, 2002 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 “avocados” (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 “avocados” (or synonyms). If you know the name of a company that is relevant to avocados, 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 “avocados” (or synonyms).
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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 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 “avocados” (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 avocados: •
Is Fat Where It's At? Source: Running and Fitnews. (19)1:3. January 2001. Contact: The American Running Association. 4405 East West Hwy., Number 405, Bethesda, MD 20814, 800/776-2732, www.americanrunning.org. Summary: Research suggests that a diet too low in fat can compromise both the health and the performance of runners. Investigators gave 25 male and female runners who ran about 42 miles per week a low-fat diet (16 percent of total calories) for 4 weeks, followed by a moderate-fat diet (31 percent of total calories) for another 4 weeks. Twelve of the runners increased their fat intake to 44 percent of total calories for the remainder for the study. The diets were designed to have the same number of calories. However, the endurance of the runners while on the 16-percent-fat diet reduced by 14 percent, and their total calorie intake was reduced by almost 20 percent. During the low-fat diet, the runners' levels of essential fatty acids and certain nutrients such as zinc were too low. It was too difficult for the runners in the study to meet energy demands on the 16-percentfat diet. The article recommends that runners consume 25 to 30 percent of total calories from fat and focus on fats from foods such as fish, olive oil, avocados, and nuts in order to meet energy needs and nutritional demands for optimal health and performance. The article provides an equation for calculating an individual's calorie and fat requirements.
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Fat Confusion Cleared Up Source: AICR Newsletter. Issue 62, p.5. Winter 1999. Contact: AICR, 1759 R Street NW, Washington, DC. (202) 328-7744. Summary: This article explains the differences between the various kinds of fats. According to the author, it is not healthy to eliminate all fats from the diet. However, individuals should reduce the amount of animal fat they consume. Avocados and almonds eaten in moderation are not unhealthy, and may improve the ratio of `good' cholesterol in the blood, since both contain monounsaturated fats. Olive or canola oils should be used for cooking, says the author, but it is unhealthy to overindulge in any kind of fat. Trans-fats are to be avoided, especially those found in hydrogenated vegetable oils and mayonnaise, processed cookies, chips, cakes, and crackers, and in deep-fried foods like doughnuts.
Academic Periodicals covering Avocados Numerous periodicals are currently indexed within the National Library of Medicine’s PubMed database that are known to publish articles relating to avocados. In addition to
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these sources, you can search for articles covering avocados 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 Institute7: •
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/
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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.8 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:9 •
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
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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
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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
8
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). 9 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 Gateway10 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.11 To use the NLM Gateway, simply go to the search site at http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd. Type “avocados” (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 31 3 902 0 0 936
HSTAT12 HSTAT is a free, Web-based resource that provides access to full-text documents used in healthcare decision-making.13 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.14 Simply search by “avocados” (or synonyms) at the following Web site: http://text.nlm.nih.gov.
10
Adapted from NLM: http://gateway.nlm.nih.gov/gw/Cmd?Overview.x.
11
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). 12 Adapted from HSTAT: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/pubs/factsheets/hstat.html. 13 14
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.
Physician Resources
57
Coffee Break: Tutorials for Biologists15 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.16 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.17 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/.
15 Adapted 16
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. 17 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.
59
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 avocados 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 avocados. 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 avocados. 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 “avocados”:
60
Avocados
•
Other guides Diabetic Diet http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/diabeticdiet.html Dietary Fats http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfats.html Dietary Fiber http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/dietaryfiber.html Latex Allergy http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/latexallergy.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 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 avocados. 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 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: •
AOL: http://search.aol.com/cat.adp?id=168&layer=&from=subcats
•
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/
Patient Resources
•
61
WebMDHealth: 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 avocados. By consulting all of associations listed in this chapter, you will have nearly exhausted all sources for patient associations concerned with avocados. 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 avocados. 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 “avocados” (or a synonym), and you will receive information on all relevant organizations listed in the database. 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 “avocados”. 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 “avocados” (or synonyms) into the “For these words:” box. You should check back periodically with this database since it is updated every three months.
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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 “avocados” (or a synonym) into the search box, and click “Submit Query.”
63
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.18
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
18
Adapted from the NLM: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/psd/cas/interlibrary.html.
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Avocados
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)19: •
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
•
California: Kris Kelly Health Information Center (St. Joseph Health System, Humboldt), http://www.humboldt1.com/~kkhic/index.html
•
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/
•
California: ValleyCare Health Library & Ryan Comer Cancer Resource Center (ValleyCare Health System, Pleasanton), http://gaelnet.stmarysca.edu/other.libs/gbal/east/vchl.html
•
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/
19
Abstracted from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/libraries.html.
Finding Medical Libraries
65
•
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
•
Delaware: Lewis B. Flinn Library (Delaware Academy of Medicine, Wilmington), http://www.delamed.org/chls.html
•
Georgia: Family Resource Library (Medical College of Georgia, Augusta), http://cmc.mcg.edu/kids_families/fam_resources/fam_res_lib/frl.htm
•
Georgia: Health Resource Center (Medical Center of Central Georgia, Macon), http://www.mccg.org/hrc/hrchome.asp
•
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
•
Illinois: Health Learning Center of Northwestern Memorial Hospital (Chicago), http://www.nmh.org/health_info/hlc.html
•
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/
•
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
•
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
•
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
•
Manitoba, Canada: J.W. Crane Memorial Library (Deer Lodge Centre, Winnipeg), http://www.deerlodge.mb.ca/crane_library/about.asp
•
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
•
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/
Finding Medical Libraries
67
•
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/
68
Avocados
•
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
69
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
71
AVOCADOS DICTIONARY The definitions below are derived from official public sources, including the National Institutes of Health [NIH] and the European Union [EU]. 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] Adverse Effect: An unwanted side effect of treatment. [NIH] Agar: A complex sulfated polymer of galactose units, extracted from Gelidium cartilagineum, Gracilaria confervoides, and related red algae. It is used as a gel in the preparation of solid culture media for microorganisms, as a bulk laxative, in making emulsions, and as a supporting medium for immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoresis. [NIH]
Algorithms: A procedure consisting of a sequence of algebraic formulas and/or logical steps to calculate or determine a given task. [NIH] Alkaline: Having the reactions of an alkali. [EU] Allergen: An antigenic substance capable of producing immediate-type hypersensitivity (allergy). [EU] 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] 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] Anemia: A reduction in the number of circulating erythrocytes or in the quantity of hemoglobin. [NIH] Angiogenesis: Blood vessel formation. Tumor angiogenesis is the growth of blood vessels
72
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from surrounding tissue to a solid tumor. This is caused by the release of chemicals by the tumor. [NIH] Antagonism: Interference with, or inhibition of, the growth of a living organism by another living organism, due either to creation of unfavorable conditions (e. g. exhaustion of food supplies) or to production of a specific antibiotic substance (e. g. penicillin). [NIH] 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 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-infective: An agent that so acts. [EU] Anti-Infective Agents: Substances that prevent infectious agents or organisms from spreading or kill infectious agents in order to prevent the spread of infection. [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] Aperture: A natural hole of perforation, especially one in a bone. [NIH] Apolipoproteins: The protein components of lipoproteins which remain after the lipids to which the proteins are bound have been removed. They play an important role in lipid transport and metabolism. [NIH] Aqueous: Having to do with water. [NIH] Arachidonic Acid: An unsaturated, essential fatty acid. It is found in animal and human fat as well as in the liver, brain, and glandular organs, and is a constituent of animal phosphatides. It is formed by the synthesis from dietary linoleic acid and is a precursor in the biosynthesis of prostaglandins, thromboxanes, and leukotrienes. [NIH] Arginine: An essential amino acid that is physiologically active in the L-form. [NIH] Aromatic: Having a spicy odour. [EU] Arteries: The vessels carrying blood away from the heart. [NIH] Articular: Of or pertaining to a joint. [EU] 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
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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] Atopic: Pertaining to an atopen or to atopy; allergic. [EU] 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] Bacteriophage: A virus whose host is a bacterial cell; A virus that exclusively infects bacteria. It generally has a protein coat surrounding the genome (DNA or RNA). One of the coliphages most extensively studied is the lambda phage, which is also one of the most important. [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] Biochemical: Relating to biochemistry; characterized by, produced by, or involving chemical reactions in living organisms. [EU] 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] Biotic: Pertaining to living organisms in their ecological rather than their physiological relations. [NIH] Blood Coagulation: The process of the interaction of blood coagulation factors that results in an insoluble fibrin clot. [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] 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] 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]
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Breakdown: A physical, metal, or nervous collapse. [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] 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] Carcinogenic: Producing carcinoma. [EU] Carnitine: Constituent of striated muscle and liver. It is used therapeutically to stimulate gastric and pancreatic secretions and in the treatment of hyperlipoproteinemias. [NIH] Catheters: A small, flexible tube that may be inserted into various parts of the body to inject or remove liquids. [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 Division: The fission of a cell. [NIH] Cell membrane: Cell membrane = plasma membrane. The structure enveloping a cell, enclosing the cytoplasm, and forming a selective permeability barrier; it consists of lipids, proteins, and some carbohydrates, the lipids thought to form a bilayer in which integral proteins are embedded to varying degrees. [EU] 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] 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] Chimera: An individual that contains cell populations derived from different zygotes. [NIH] Chlorophyll: Porphyrin derivatives containing magnesium that act to convert light energy in photosynthetic organisms. [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] Chronic: A disease or condition that persists or progresses over a long period of time. [NIH] Citric Acid: A key intermediate in metabolism. It is an acid compound found in citrus fruits. The salts of citric acid (citrates) can be used as anticoagulants due to their calcium chelating ability. [NIH] Citrus: Any tree or shrub of the Rue family or the fruit of these plants. [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] 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] 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] 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] 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, 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
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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] Condiments: Aromatic substances added to food before or after cooking to enhance its flavor. These are usually of vegetable origin. [NIH] Condoms: A sheath that is worn over the penis during sexual behavior in order to prevent pregnancy or spread of sexually transmitted disease. [NIH] Conjugated: Acting or operating as if joined; simultaneous. [EU] 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] 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] Controlled study: An experiment or clinical trial that includes a comparison (control) group. [NIH]
Corn Oil: Oil from corn or corn plant. [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 Thrombosis: Presence of a thrombus in a coronary artery, often causing a myocardial infarction. [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] Cytochrome: Any electron transfer hemoprotein having a mode of action in which the transfer of a single electron is effected by a reversible valence change of the central iron atom of the heme prosthetic group between the +2 and +3 oxidation states; classified as cytochromes a in which the heme contains a formyl side chain, cytochromes b, which contain protoheme or a closely similar heme that is not covalently bound to the protein, cytochromes c in which protoheme or other heme is covalently bound to the protein, and cytochromes d in which the iron-tetrapyrrole has fewer conjugated double bonds than the hemes have. Well-known cytochromes have been numbered consecutively within groups and are designated by subscripts (beginning with no subscript), e.g. cytochromes c, c1, C2, . New cytochromes are named according to the wavelength in nanometres of the absorption maximum of the a-band of the iron (II) form in pyridine, e.g., c-555. [EU] Cytokines: Non-antibody proteins secreted by inflammatory leukocytes and some nonleukocytic cells, that act as intercellular mediators. They differ from classical hormones in that they are produced by a number of tissue or cell types rather than by specialized glands. They generally act locally in a paracrine or autocrine rather than endocrine manner. [NIH] Dairy Products: Raw and processed or manufactured milk and milk-derived products. These are usually from cows (bovine) but are also from goats, sheep, reindeer, and water buffalo. [NIH] Databases, Bibliographic: Extensive collections, reputedly complete, of references and citations to books, articles, publications, etc., generally on a single subject or specialized
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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] Detoxification: Treatment designed to free an addict from his drug habit. [EU] Developed Countries: Countries that have reached a level of economic achievement through an increase of production, per capita income and consumption, and utilization of natural and human resources. [NIH] Diagnostic procedure: A method used to identify a disease. [NIH] Dilatation: The act of dilating. [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] Drug Interactions: The action of a drug that may affect the activity, metabolism, or toxicity of another drug. [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] Elastin: The protein that gives flexibility to tissues. [NIH] 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] Emollient: Softening or soothing; called also malactic. [EU] 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] Environmental Health: The science of controlling or modifying those conditions, influences, or forces surrounding man which relate to promoting, establishing, and maintaining health. [NIH]
Enzymatic: Phase where enzyme cuts the precursor protein. [NIH] Enzyme: A protein that speeds up chemical reactions in the body. [NIH] Erythema: Redness of the skin produced by congestion of the capillaries. This condition may result from a variety of causes. [NIH] Excipients: Usually inert substances added to a prescription in order to provide suitable consistency to the dosage form; a binder, matrix, base or diluent in pills, tablets, creams, salves, etc. [NIH] Exhaustion: The feeling of weariness of mind and body. [NIH]
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Extensor: A muscle whose contraction tends to straighten a limb; the antagonist of a flexor. [NIH]
Extracellular: Outside a cell or cells. [EU] Extracellular Matrix: A meshwork-like substance found within the extracellular space and in association with the basement membrane of the cell surface. It promotes cellular proliferation and provides a supporting structure to which cells or cell lysates in culture dishes adhere. [NIH] Extracellular Matrix Proteins: Macromolecular organic compounds that contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually, sulfur. These macromolecules (proteins) form an intricate meshwork in which cells are embedded to construct tissues. Variations in the relative types of macromolecules and their organization determine the type of extracellular matrix, each adapted to the functional requirements of the tissue. The two main classes of macromolecules that form the extracellular matrix are: glycosaminoglycans, usually linked to proteins (proteoglycans), and fibrous proteins (e.g., collagen, elastin, fibronectins and laminin). [NIH] 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] Fatty acids: A major component of fats that are used by the body for energy and tissue development. [NIH] Fetus: The developing offspring from 7 to 8 weeks after conception until birth. [NIH] Fibroblasts: Connective tissue cells which secrete an extracellular matrix rich in collagen and other macromolecules. [NIH] Fibronectin: An adhesive glycoprotein. One form circulates in plasma, acting as an opsonin; another is a cell-surface protein which mediates cellular adhesive interactions. [NIH] Fish Products: Food products manufactured from fish (e.g., fish flour, fish meal). [NIH] Flatus: Gas passed through the rectum. [NIH] Flavoring Agents: Substances added to foods and medicine to improve the quality of taste. [NIH]
Folate: A B-complex vitamin that is being studied as a cancer prevention agent. Also called folic acid. [NIH] Folic Acid: N-(4-(((2-Amino-1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-6-pteridinyl)methyl)amino)benzoyl)-Lglutamic acid. A member of the vitamin B family that stimulates the hematopoietic system. It is present in the liver and kidney and is found in mushrooms, spinach, yeast, green leaves, and grasses. Folic acid is used in the treatment and prevention of folate deficiencies and megaloblastic anemia. [NIH] Food Additives: Substances which are of little or no nutritive value, but are used in the processing or storage of foods or animal feed, especially in the developed countries; includes antioxidants, food preservatives, food coloring agents, flavoring agents, anti-infective agents (both plain and local), vehicles, excipients and other similarly used substances. Many of the same substances are pharmaceutic aids when added to pharmaceuticals rather than to foods. [NIH]
Food Coloring Agents: Natural or synthetic dyes used as coloring agents in processed foods. [NIH] Food Preservatives: Substances capable of inhibiting, retarding or arresting the process of
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fermentation, acidification or other deterioration of foods. [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] 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] Gels: Colloids with a solid continuous phase and liquid as the dispersed phase; gels may be unstable when, due to temperature or other cause, the solid phase liquifies; the resulting colloid is called a sol. [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]
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] 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] 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] Glutamic Acid: A non-essential amino acid naturally occurring in the L-form. Glutamic acid (glutamate) is the most common excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. [NIH]
Glycerol: A trihydroxy sugar alcohol that is an intermediate in carbohydrate and lipid metabolism. It is used as a solvent, emollient, pharmaceutical agent, and sweetening agent. [NIH]
Glycerophospholipids: Derivatives of phosphatidic acid in which the hydrophobic regions are composed of two fatty acids and a polar alcohol is joined to the C-3 position of glycerol through a phosphodiester bond. They are named according to their polar head groups, such as phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine. [NIH] Governing Board: The group in which legal authority is vested for the control of healthrelated institutions and organizations. [NIH] Grafting: The operation of transfer of tissue from one site to another. [NIH] Grasses: A large family, Gramineae, of narrow-leaved herbaceous monocots. Many grasses produce highly allergenic pollens and are hosts to cattle parasites and toxic fungi. [NIH] Growth: The progressive development of a living being or part of an organism from its earliest stage to maturity. [NIH] Growth Substances: Signal molecules that are involved in the control of cell growth and differentiation. [NIH]
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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] Habitual: Of the nature of a habit; according to habit; established by or repeated by force of habit, customary. [EU] Haploid: An organism with one basic chromosome set, symbolized by n; the normal condition of gametes in diploids. [NIH] Heme: The color-furnishing portion of hemoglobin. It is found free in tissues and as the prosthetic group in many hemeproteins. [NIH] Hepatotoxic: Toxic to liver cells. [EU] Heredity: 1. The genetic transmission of a particular quality or trait from parent to offspring. 2. The genetic constitution of an individual. [EU] Histology: The study of tissues and cells under a microscope. [NIH] Homogeneous: Consisting of or composed of similar elements or ingredients; of a uniform quality throughout. [EU] 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] Host: Any animal that receives a transplanted graft. [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] Hypercholesterolemia: Abnormally high levels of cholesterol in the blood. [NIH] Hypersensitivity: Altered reactivity to an antigen, which can result in pathologic reactions upon subsequent exposure to that particular antigen. [NIH] Id: The part of the personality structure which harbors the unconscious instinctive desires and strivings of the individual. [NIH] Immersion: The placing of a body or a part thereof into a liquid. [NIH] Immune response: The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens). [NIH]
Immune Sera: Serum that contains antibodies. It is obtained from an animal that has been immunized either by antigen injection or infection with microorganisms containing the antigen. [NIH] Immune system: The organs, cells, and molecules responsible for the recognition and disposal of foreign ("non-self") material which enters the body. [NIH] Immunization: Deliberate stimulation of the host's immune response. Active immunization involves administration of antigens or immunologic adjuvants. Passive immunization involves administration of immune sera or lymphocytes or their extracts (e.g., transfer factor, immune RNA) or transplantation of immunocompetent cell producing tissue (thymus or bone marrow). [NIH] Immunoblotting: Immunologic methods for isolating and quantitatively measuring
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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] Incision: A cut made in the body during surgery. [NIH] 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]
Interstitial: Pertaining to or situated between parts or in the interspaces of a tissue. [EU] Interstitial Collagenase: A member of the metalloproteinase family of enzymes that is principally responsible for cleaving fibrillar collagen. It can degrade interstitial collagens, types I, II and III. EC 3.4.24.7. [NIH] Intoxication: Poisoning, the state of being poisoned. [EU] Intracellular: Inside a cell. [NIH] Intracellular Membranes: Membranes of subcellular structures. [NIH] 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] Invasive: 1. Having the quality of invasiveness. 2. Involving puncture or incision of the skin or insertion of an instrument or foreign material into the body; said of diagnostic techniques. [EU]
Iodine: A nonmetallic element of the halogen group that is represented by the atomic symbol I, atomic number 53, and atomic weight of 126.90. It is a nutritionally essential element, especially important in thyroid hormone synthesis. In solution, it has anti-infective properties and is used topically. [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] Joint: The point of contact between elements of an animal skeleton with the parts that
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surround and support it. [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] Larva: Wormlike or grublike stage, following the egg in the life cycle of insects, worms, and other metamorphosing animals. [NIH] Latex Allergy: Hypersensitivity to products containing processed natural rubber latex such as rubber gloves, condoms, catheters, dental dams, balloons, and sporting equipment. Both T-cell mediated (delayed hypersensitivity) and IgE antibody-mediated (immediate hypersensitivity) allergic responses are possible. Delayed hypersensitivity results from exposure to antioxidants present in the rubber; immediate hypersensitivity results from exposure to a latex protein. [NIH] Lectin: A complex molecule that has both protein and sugars. Lectins are able to bind to the outside of a cell and cause biochemical changes in it. Lectins are made by both animals and plants. [NIH] Leukocyte Elastase: An enzyme that catalyzes the hydrolysis of proteins, including elastin. It cleaves preferentially bonds at the carboxyl side of Ala and Val, with greater specificity for Ala. EC 3.4.21.37. [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]
Life cycle: The successive stages through which an organism passes from fertilized ovum or spore to the fertilized ovum or spore of the next generation. [NIH] Ligament: A band of fibrous tissue that connects bones or cartilages, serving to support and strengthen joints. [EU] Lipid: Fat. [NIH] Lipid Bilayers: Layers of lipid molecules which are two molecules thick. Bilayer systems are frequently studied as models of biological membranes. [NIH] Liposome: A spherical particle in an aqueous medium, formed by a lipid bilayer enclosing an aqueous compartment. [EU] Liver: A large, glandular organ located in the upper abdomen. The liver cleanses the blood and aids in digestion by secreting bile. [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] Lymphocyte: A white blood cell. Lymphocytes have a number of roles in the immune system, including the production of antibodies and other substances that fight infection and
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diseases. [NIH] Maceration: The softening of a solid by soaking. In histology, the softening of a tissue by soaking, especially in acids, until the connective tissue fibres are so dissolved that the tissue components can be teased apart. In obstetrics, the degenerative changes with discoloration and softening of tissues, and eventual disintegration, of a fetus retained in the uterus after its death. [EU] Matrix metalloproteinase: A member of a group of enzymes that can break down proteins, such as collagen, that are normally found in the spaces between cells in tissues (i.e., extracellular matrix proteins). Because these enzymes need zinc or calcium atoms to work properly, they are called metalloproteinases. Matrix metalloproteinases are involved in wound healing, angiogenesis, and tumor cell metastasis. [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]
MEDLINE: An online database of MEDLARS, the computerized bibliographic Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System of the National Library of Medicine. [NIH] Megaloblastic: A large abnormal red blood cell appearing in the blood in pernicious anaemia. [EU] Melanin: The substance that gives the skin its color. [NIH] Melanosis: Disorders of increased melanin pigmentation that develop without preceding inflammatory disease. [NIH] Membrane: A very thin layer of tissue that covers a surface. [NIH] Membrane Proteins: Proteins which are found in membranes including cellular and intracellular membranes. They consist of two types, peripheral and integral proteins. They include most membrane-associated enzymes, antigenic proteins, transport proteins, and drug, hormone, and lectin receptors. [NIH] Metastasis: The spread of cancer from one part of the body to another. Tumors formed from cells that have spread are called "secondary tumors" and contain cells that are like those in the original (primary) tumor. The plural is metastases. [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] Modulator: A specific inductor that brings out characteristics peculiar to a definite region. [EU]
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] Monounsaturated fat: An unsaturated fat that is found primarily in plant foods, including
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olive and canola oils. [NIH] Myocardium: The muscle tissue of the heart composed of striated, involuntary muscle known as cardiac muscle. [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] 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] Nervous System: The entire nerve apparatus composed of the brain, spinal cord, nerves and ganglia. [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]
Nutritive Value: An indication of the contribution of a food to the nutrient content of the diet. This value depends on the quantity of a food which is digested and absorbed and the amounts of the essential nutrients (protein, fat, carbohydrate, minerals, vitamins) which it contains. This value can be affected by soil and growing conditions, handling and storage, and processing. [NIH] Obstetrics: A medical-surgical specialty concerned with management and care of women during pregnancy, parturition, and the puerperium. [NIH] Ointments: Semisolid preparations used topically for protective emollient effects or as a vehicle for local administration of medications. Ointment bases are various mixtures of fats, waxes, animal and plant oils and solid and liquid hydrocarbons. [NIH] Osteoarthritis: A progressive, degenerative joint disease, the most common form of arthritis, especially in older persons. The disease is thought to result not from the aging process but from biochemical changes and biomechanical stresses affecting articular cartilage. In the foreign literature it is often called osteoarthrosis deformans. [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] Pancreatic: Having to do with the pancreas. [NIH] Particle: A tiny mass of material. [EU] 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] Penicillin: An antibiotic drug used to treat infection. [NIH]
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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] Pharmaceutic Aids: Substances which are of little or no therapeutic value, but are necessary in the manufacture, compounding, storage, etc., of pharmaceutical preparations or drug dosage forms. They include solvents, diluting agents, and suspending agents, and emulsifying agents. Also, antioxidants; preservatives, pharmaceutical; dyes (coloring agents); flavoring agents; vehicles; excipients; ointment bases. [NIH] Pharmacologic: Pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. [EU] Phospholipases: A class of enzymes that catalyze the hydrolysis of phosphoglycerides or glycerophosphatidates. EC 3.1.-. [NIH] 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] Phosphorus: A non-metallic element that is found in the blood, muscles, nevers, bones, and teeth, and is a component of adenosine triphosphate (ATP; the primary energy source for the body's cells.) [NIH] 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]
Pigmentation: Coloration or discoloration of a part by a pigment. [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] Plaque: A clear zone in a bacterial culture grown on an agar plate caused by localized destruction of bacterial cells by a bacteriophage. The concentration of infective virus in a fluid can be estimated by applying the fluid to a culture and counting the number of. [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] 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] Pollen: The male fertilizing element of flowering plants analogous to sperm in animals. It is released from the anthers as yellow dust, to be carried by insect or other vectors, including wind, to the ovary (stigma) of other flowers to produce the embryo enclosed by the seed. The pollens of many plants are allergenic. [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]
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Polysaccharide: A type of carbohydrate. It contains sugar molecules that are linked together chemically. [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] Probe: An instrument used in exploring cavities, or in the detection and dilatation of strictures, or in demonstrating the potency of channels; an elongated instrument for exploring or sounding body cavities. [NIH] Progressive: Advancing; going forward; going from bad to worse; increasing in scope or severity. [EU] Promoter: A chemical substance that increases the activity of a carcinogenic process. [NIH] Prostaglandin: Any of a group of components derived from unsaturated 20-carbon fatty acids, primarily arachidonic acid, via the cyclooxygenase pathway that are extremely potent mediators of a diverse group of physiologic processes. The abbreviation for prostaglandin is PG; specific compounds are designated by adding one of the letters A through I to indicate the type of substituents found on the hydrocarbon skeleton and a subscript (1, 2 or 3) to indicate the number of double bonds in the hydrocarbon skeleton e.g., PGE2. The predominant naturally occurring prostaglandins all have two double bonds and are synthesized from arachidonic acid (5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoic acid) by the pathway shown in the illustration. The 1 series and 3 series are produced by the same pathway with fatty acids having one fewer double bond (8,11,14-eicosatrienoic acid or one more double bond (5,8,11,14,17-eicosapentaenoic acid) than arachidonic acid. The subscript a or ß indicates the configuration at C-9 (a denotes a substituent below the plane of the ring, ß, above the plane). The naturally occurring PGF's have the a configuration, e.g., PGF2a. All of the prostaglandins act by binding to specific cell-surface receptors causing an increase in the level of the intracellular second messenger cyclic AMP (and in some cases cyclic GMP also). The effect produced by the cyclic AMP increase depends on the specific cell type. In some cases there is also a positive feedback effect. Increased cyclic AMP increases prostaglandin synthesis leading to further increases in cyclic AMP. [EU] Prostaglandins A: (13E,15S)-15-Hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-10,13-dien-1-oic acid (PGA(1)); (5Z,13E,15S)-15-hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13-trien-1-oic acid (PGA(2)); (5Z,13E,15S,17Z)-15hydroxy-9-oxoprosta-5,10,13,17-tetraen-1-oic acid (PGA(3)). A group of naturally occurring secondary prostaglandins derived from PGE. PGA(1) and PGA(2) as well as their 19hydroxy derivatives are found in many organs and tissues. [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]
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Proteoglycan: A molecule that contains both protein and glycosaminoglycans, which are a type of polysaccharide. Proteoglycans are found in cartilage and other connective tissues. [NIH]
Psoriasis: A common genetically determined, chronic, inflammatory skin disease characterized by rounded erythematous, dry, scaling patches. The lesions have a predilection for nails, scalp, genitalia, extensor surfaces, and the lumbosacral region. Accelerated epidermopoiesis is considered to be the fundamental pathologic feature in psoriasis. [NIH] Psyllium: Dried, ripe seeds of Plantago psyllium, P. indica, and P. ovata (Plantaginaceae). Plantain seeds swell in water and are used as demulcents and bulk laxatives. [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] Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Alkaloids found in various species of Senecio and other plants. There are at least ten different chemicals, many of them hepatotoxic, teratogenic, and carcinogenic. The plants may cause damage in grazing herds, but no longer have medical use. [NIH] Quercetin: Aglucon of quercetrin, rutin, and other glycosides. It is widely distributed in the plant kingdom, especially in rinds and barks, clover blossoms, and ragweed pollen. [NIH] Quinones: Hydrocarbon rings which contain two ketone moieties in any position. They can be substituted in any position except at the ketone groups. [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] Receptor: A molecule inside or on the surface of a cell that binds to a specific substance and causes a specific physiologic effect in the cell. [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] Regimen: A treatment plan that specifies the dosage, the schedule, and the duration of treatment. [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] 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] Rutin: 3-((6-O-(6-Deoxy-alpha-L-mannopyranosyl)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl)oxy)-2-(3,4dihydroxyphenyl)-5,7-dihydroxy-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one. Found in many plants, including buckwheat, tobacco, forsythia, hydrangea, pansies, etc. It has been used therapeutically to decrease capillary fragility. [NIH] Saturated fat: A type of fat found in greatest amounts in foods from animals, such as fatty cuts of meat, poultry with the skin, whole-milk dairy products, lard, and in some vegetable oils, including coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils. Saturated fat raises blood cholesterol
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more than anything else eaten. On a Step I Diet, no more than 8 to 10 percent of total calories should come from saturated fat, and in the Step II Diet, less than 7 percent of the day's total calories should come from saturated fat. [NIH] Scleroderma: A chronic disorder marked by hardening and thickening of the skin. Scleroderma can be localized or it can affect the entire body (systemic). [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] Serrated: Having notches or teeth on the edge as a saw has. [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] Skeleton: The framework that supports the soft tissues of vertebrate animals and protects many of their internal organs. The skeletons of vertebrates are made of bone and/or cartilage. [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] Soybean Oil: Oil from soybean or soybean plant. [NIH] 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] Specificity: Degree of selectivity shown by an antibody with respect to the number and types of antigens with which the antibody combines, as well as with respect to the rates and the extents of these reactions. [NIH] Spices: The dried seeds, bark, root, stems, buds, leaves, or fruit of aromatic plants used to season food. [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] Stabilizer: A device for maintaining constant X-ray tube voltage or current. [NIH] Sterile: Unable to produce children. [NIH] Strained: A stretched condition of a ligament. [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] Stromelysin 1: An extracellular endopeptidase of vertebrate tissues similar to interstitial collagenase. It digests proteoglycan, fibronectin, collagen types III, IV, V, and IX, and activates procollagenase. (Enzyme Nomenclature, 1992) EC 3.4.24.17. [NIH] Styrene: A colorless, toxic liquid with a strong aromatic odor. It is used to make rubbers, polymers and copolymers, and polystyrene plastics. [NIH] Substance P: An eleven-amino acid neurotransmitter that appears in both the central and
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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]
Superoxide: Derivative of molecular oxygen that can damage cells. [NIH] Symptomatic: Having to do with symptoms, which are signs of a condition or disease. [NIH] Systemic: Affecting the entire body. [NIH] Teratogenic: Tending to produce anomalies of formation, or teratism (= anomaly of formation or development : condition of a monster). [EU] Therapeutics: The branch of medicine which is concerned with the treatment of diseases, palliative or curative. [NIH] Thermal: Pertaining to or characterized by heat. [EU] 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]
Thymus: An organ that is part of the lymphatic system, in which T lymphocytes grow and multiply. The thymus is in the chest behind the breastbone. [NIH] Thyroid: A gland located near the windpipe (trachea) that produces thyroid hormone, which helps regulate growth and metabolism. [NIH] Tissue: A group or layer of cells that are alike in type and work together to perform a specific function. [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] Transfer Factor: Factor derived from leukocyte lysates of immune donors which can transfer both local and systemic cellular immunity to nonimmune recipients. [NIH] Transplantation: Transference of a tissue or organ, alive or dead, within an individual, between individuals of the same species, or between individuals of different species. [NIH] Trees: Woody, usually tall, perennial higher plants (Angiosperms, Gymnosperms, and some Pterophyta) having usually a main stem and numerous branches. [NIH] Triglyceride: A lipid carried through the blood stream to tissues. Most of the body's fat tissue is in the form of triglycerides, stored for use as energy. Triglycerides are obtained primarily from fat in foods. [NIH] Tuberculosis: Any of the infectious diseases of man and other animals caused by species of Mycobacterium. [NIH]
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Unconscious: Experience which was once conscious, but was subsequently rejected, as the "personal unconscious". [NIH] Unsaturated Fats: A type of fat. [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] Vaccine: A substance or group of substances meant to cause the immune system to respond to a tumor or to microorganisms, such as bacteria or viruses. [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] Veterinary Medicine: The medical science concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases in animals. [NIH] 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] Vivo: Outside of or removed from the body of a living organism. [NIH] Wound Healing: Restoration of integrity to traumatized tissue. [NIH] 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]
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INDEX A Acceptor, 71, 84 Acetone, 34, 71, 82 Acetylcholine, 71, 84 Acrylonitrile, 71, 87 Adverse Effect, 71, 88 Agar, 71, 85 Algorithms, 71, 73 Alkaline, 71, 74 Allergen, 7, 9, 71 Alternative medicine, 48, 71 Amino Acids, 71, 85, 86 Anaesthesia, 71, 81 Anemia, 71, 78 Angiogenesis, 71, 83 Antagonism, 11, 72 Antibiotic, 72, 84 Antibody, 72, 73, 75, 76, 81, 82, 83, 88 Anticoagulant, 72, 86 Antifungal, 14, 72 Antigen, 5, 6, 72, 75, 80, 81 Anti-infective, 72, 78, 81 Anti-Infective Agents, 72, 78 Antioxidant, 72, 73 Antiseptic, 71, 72 Aperture, 25, 72 Apolipoproteins, 7, 72 Aqueous, 27, 72, 73, 82 Arachidonic Acid, 72, 86 Arginine, 72, 84 Aromatic, 72, 76, 88 Arteries, 72, 76, 83 Articular, 8, 72, 84 Ascorbic Acid, 38, 72 Assay, 5, 73 Atopic, 10, 73 B Bacteria, 72, 73, 90 Bacteriophage, 73, 85 Base, 37, 73, 77, 82 Biochemical, 73, 82, 84 Biotechnology, 6, 48, 55, 73 Biotic, 5, 73 Blood Coagulation, 73, 74, 89 Blot, 73, 81 Blotting, Western, 73, 81 Bone Marrow, 73, 80 Bradykinin, 73, 84
Branch, 67, 73, 84, 88, 89 Breakdown, 74, 79 C Calcium, 4, 74, 75, 83, 84 Calcium Oxalate, 74, 84 Carbohydrate, 4, 7, 74, 79, 84, 86 Carcinogenic, 74, 86, 87 Carnitine, 16, 74 Catheters, 74, 82 Cell, 5, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 89, 90 Cell Cycle, 74, 90 Cell Division, 73, 74, 85 Cell membrane, 74, 85 Cellulose, 74, 85 Character, 39, 74, 77 Chimera, 5, 74 Chlorophyll, 30, 74 Cholesterol, 20, 49, 74, 80, 87 Chronic, 74, 81, 87, 88 Citric Acid, 26, 74 Citrus, 35, 72, 74 Clinical trial, 5, 10, 55, 74, 76, 87 Cloning, 9, 73, 75 Coenzyme, 73, 75 Collagen, 75, 78, 81, 83, 85, 88 Complement, 75, 79 Complementary and alternative medicine, 19, 21, 75 Complementary medicine, 19, 75 Computational Biology, 55, 75 Condiments, 4, 76 Condoms, 76, 82 Conjugated, 76 Connective Tissue, 73, 75, 76, 83, 87 Consumption, 25, 76, 77 Contraindications, ii, 76 Controlled study, 10, 76 Corn Oil, 36, 76 Coronary, 76, 83 Coronary Thrombosis, 76, 83 Curative, 76, 89 Cyclic, 76, 80, 84, 86 Cytochrome, 5, 76 Cytokines, 8, 76 D Dairy Products, 76, 87 Databases, Bibliographic, 55, 76
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Degenerative, 77, 83, 84 Dehydration, 38, 77 Detoxification, 5, 77 Developed Countries, 77, 78 Diagnostic procedure, 23, 48, 77 Dilatation, 77, 86, 90 Diploid, 77, 85 Direct, iii, 77, 87 Drug Interactions, 77 E Efficacy, 8, 10, 77 Elastin, 75, 77, 78, 82 Electrons, 72, 73, 77, 81, 84 Embryo, 77, 81, 85 Emollient, 77, 79, 84 Endothelium, 77, 84 Endothelium-derived, 77, 84 Environmental Health, 54, 56, 77 Enzymatic, 25, 26, 27, 38, 74, 75, 77 Enzyme, 26, 75, 77, 80, 82, 88, 89, 90 Erythema, 77, 90 Excipients, 77, 78, 85 Exhaustion, 72, 77 Extensor, 78, 87 Extracellular, 76, 78, 83, 88 Extracellular Matrix, 76, 78, 83 Extracellular Matrix Proteins, 78, 83 Extraction, 26, 29, 34, 78 F Family Planning, 55, 78 Fat, 3, 4, 17, 35, 49, 72, 73, 78, 82, 83, 84, 87, 89, 90 Fatty acids, 14, 26, 49, 78, 79, 86 Fetus, 78, 83, 90 Fibroblasts, 8, 78 Fibronectin, 78, 88 Fish Products, 78, 88 Flatus, 78, 79 Flavoring Agents, 78, 85 Folate, 78 Folic Acid, 14, 16, 78 Food Additives, 33, 78 Food Coloring Agents, 78 Food Preservatives, 78 Fructose, 79, 81 Fungi, 72, 79 G Gas, 29, 32, 33, 78, 79, 80, 84 Gastric, 74, 79 Gels, 4, 79 Gene, 5, 73, 79 Genetic Engineering, 73, 75, 79
Gland, 79, 88, 89 Glomerular, 79, 81 Glucose, 72, 74, 79 Glutamic Acid, 78, 79 Glycerol, 79, 85 Glycerophospholipids, 79, 85 Governing Board, 79, 86 Grafting, 39, 44, 79 Grasses, 78, 79 Growth, 14, 39, 71, 72, 79, 85, 89, 90 Growth Substances, 14, 79 Guanylate Cyclase, 80, 84 H Habitual, 74, 80 Haploid, 80, 85 Heme, 76, 80 Hepatotoxic, 80, 87 Heredity, 79, 80 Histology, 80, 83 Homogeneous, 31, 80 Hormone, 80, 81, 83, 89 Host, 73, 80 Hydrogen, 71, 73, 74, 78, 80, 83, 84 Hydrolysis, 80, 82, 85 Hypercholesterolemia, 9, 20, 80 Hypersensitivity, 6, 7, 71, 80, 82 I Id, 15, 19, 60, 66, 68, 80 Immersion, 24, 80 Immune response, 72, 80, 89, 90 Immune Sera, 80 Immune system, 80, 82, 90 Immunization, 5, 80 Immunoblotting, 6, 80 Immunologic, 9, 80, 81 In vitro, 81 In vivo, 27, 81 Incision, 81 Indicative, 43, 81, 84, 90 Induction, 5, 81 Infarction, 76, 81, 83 Infection, 72, 80, 81, 82, 84, 90 Interstitial, 81, 88 Interstitial Collagenase, 81, 88 Intoxication, 14, 81 Intracellular, 81, 83, 84, 86 Intracellular Membranes, 81, 83 Inulin, 38, 81 Invasive, 15, 81 Iodine, 35, 81 Ions, 73, 80, 81
Index 93
J Joint, 10, 72, 81, 84 K Kb, 54, 82 Ketone Bodies, 71, 82 Kidney stone, 82, 84 L Larva, 32, 40, 82 Latex Allergy, 9, 60, 82 Lectin, 82, 83 Leukocyte Elastase, 10, 82 Leukocytes, 73, 76, 82 Library Services, 66, 82 Life cycle, 79, 82 Ligament, 82, 88 Lipid, 8, 14, 27, 28, 72, 79, 82, 89 Lipid Bilayers, 27, 82 Liposome, 27, 82 Liver, 72, 74, 78, 80, 82 Localized, 81, 82, 85, 88, 90 Locomotion, 82, 85 Lymphocyte, 72, 82 M Maceration, 26, 83 Matrix metalloproteinase, 8, 83 Meat, 4, 25, 38, 83, 87 MEDLINE, 55, 83 Megaloblastic, 78, 83 Melanin, 83 Melanosis, 26, 83 Membrane, 27, 74, 75, 78, 83, 85, 87 Membrane Proteins, 27, 83 Metastasis, 83 MI, 69, 83 Modulator, 27, 83 Molecular, 9, 26, 28, 55, 57, 73, 76, 83, 87, 89 Molecule, 72, 73, 75, 77, 80, 82, 83, 84, 87 Monoclonal, 81, 83 Monoclonal antibodies, 81, 83 Monounsaturated fat, 3, 7, 8, 9, 49, 83 Myocardium, 83, 84 N Necrosis, 81, 83, 84 Need, 3, 4, 30, 45, 49, 61, 83, 84 Nervous System, 71, 79, 84, 89, 90 Nitric Oxide, 10, 15, 84 Nutritive Value, 14, 78, 84 O Obstetrics, 83, 84 Ointments, 35, 84 Osteoarthritis, 8, 10, 20, 47, 48, 84
Oxalate, 17, 84 Oxidation, 26, 38, 71, 72, 76, 84 P Palliative, 84, 89 Pancreatic, 74, 84 Particle, 82, 84 Pathologic, 76, 80, 84, 87 Penicillin, 72, 84 Peptide, 85, 86 Perennial, 85, 89 Perforation, 72, 85 Pharmaceutic Aids, 78, 85 Pharmacologic, 85, 89 Phospholipases, 27, 85 Phospholipids, 27, 78, 85 Phosphorus, 74, 85 Physiologic, 81, 85, 86, 87 Pigmentation, 83, 85 Plants, 5, 39, 44, 74, 79, 81, 82, 85, 87, 88, 89, 90 Plaque, 11, 85 Plasma, 8, 74, 78, 85 Platelet Aggregation, 84, 85 Platelets, 84, 85 Pollen, 85, 87 Polymers, 26, 85, 86, 88 Polysaccharide, 72, 74, 86, 87 Practice Guidelines, 56, 86 Precursor, 72, 77, 86 Probe, 35, 86 Progressive, 79, 84, 86 Promoter, 5, 86 Prostaglandin, 8, 86 Prostaglandins A, 86 Protein C, 4, 72, 73, 86 Protein S, 73, 86 Proteins, 5, 9, 27, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 78, 82, 83, 85, 86, 89 Proteoglycan, 87, 88 Psoriasis, 11, 87 Psyllium, 21, 87 Public Policy, 55, 87 Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids, 9, 87 Q Quercetin, 38, 87 Quinones, 26, 87 R Randomized, 8, 10, 77, 87 Receptor, 72, 87 Rectum, 78, 79, 87 Refer, 1, 75, 79, 82, 87 Regimen, 77, 87
94
Avocados
Retina, 87 Rigidity, 85, 87 Rod, 35, 87 Rubber, 7, 71, 82, 87 Rutin, 87 S Saturated fat, 4, 87 Scleroderma, 6, 88 Screening, 75, 88 Seafood, 4, 26, 88 Secretion, 8, 88 Serrated, 35, 88 Side effect, 71, 88, 89 Skeleton, 81, 86, 88 Solvent, 71, 79, 88 Soybean Oil, 36, 88 Specialist, 61, 88 Species, 83, 87, 88, 89 Specificity, 82, 88 Spices, 37, 88 Spinal cord, 74, 84, 88 Stabilizer, 31, 88 Sterile, 5, 88 Strained, 37, 88 Stress, 5, 87, 88, 90 Stromelysin 1, 8, 88 Styrene, 87, 88 Substance P, 88 Superoxide, 10, 89 Symptomatic, 8, 10, 89 Systemic, 81, 88, 89 T Teratogenic, 87, 89 Therapeutics, 89 Thermal, 24, 30, 89
Thrombin, 85, 86, 89 Thrombomodulin, 86, 89 Thymus, 80, 89 Thyroid, 81, 89 Tissue, 8, 72, 73, 76, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 87, 88, 89, 90 Toxic, iv, 79, 80, 88, 89 Toxicity, 77, 89 Toxicology, 56, 89 Toxins, 72, 81, 83, 89 Transfection, 73, 89 Transfer Factor, 80, 89 Transplantation, 80, 89 Trees, 26, 39, 87, 89 Triglyceride, 24, 89 Tuberculosis, 76, 89 U Unconscious, 80, 90 Unsaturated Fats, 4, 90 Urine, 74, 82, 84, 90 Urticaria, 7, 90 Uterus, 83, 90 V Vaccine, 5, 90 Vascular, 77, 81, 84, 90 Vasodilators, 84, 90 Vegetative, 39, 90 Veterinary Medicine, 14, 55, 90 Virus, 73, 79, 85, 90 Vivo, 90 W Wound Healing, 83, 90 Z Zymogen, 86, 90
Index 95
96
Avocados
