bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
2-Aminoadipic acid is a marker of protein carbonyl oxidation in the aging human skin: effects of diabetes, renal failure and sepsis
Authors: Sell David R. , Strauch Christopher M. , Shen Wei , Monnier Vincent M. 
Published: May 2007

We hypothesized that the ϵ-amino group of lysine residues in longlived proteins oxidatively deaminates with age forming the carbonyl compound, allysine (α-aminoadipic acid-δ-semialdehyde), which can further oxidize into 2-aminoadipic acid. In the present study, we measured both products in insoluble human skin collagen from n=117 individuals of age range 10–90 years, of which n=61 and n=56 were non-diabetic and diabetic respectively, and a total of n=61 individuals had either acute or chronic renal failure. Allysine was reduced by borohydride into 6-hydroxynorleucine and both products were measured in acid hydrolysates by selective ion monitoring gas chromatography (GC)-MS. The results showed that 2-aminoadipic acid (P&lt;0.0001), but not 6-hydroxynorleucine (P=0.14), significantly increased with age reaching levels of 1 and 0.3 mmol/mol lysine at late age respectively. Diabetes in the absence of renal failure significantly (P&lt;0.0001) increased 2-aminoadipic acid up to &lt;3 mmol/mol, but not 6-hydroxynorleucine (levels&lt;0.4 mmol/mol, P=0.18). Renal failure even in the absence of diabetes markedly increased levels reaching up to &lt;0.5 and 8 mmol/mol for 6-hydroxynorleucine and 2-aminoadipic acid respectively. Septicaemia significantly (P&lt;0.0001) elevated 2-aminoadipic acid in non-diabetic, but not diabetic individuals, and mildly correlated with other glycoxidation markers, carboxymethyl-lysine and the methylglyoxal-derived products, carboxyethyl-lysine, argpyrimidine and MODIC (methylglyoxal-derived imidazolium cross-link). These results provide support for the presence of metal-catalysed oxidation (the Suyama pathway) in diabetes and the possible activation of myeloperoxidase during sepsis. We conclude that 2-aminoadipic acid is a more reliable marker for protein oxidation than its precursor, allysine. Its mechanism of formation in each of these conditions needs to be elucidated.
High-affinity binding by the periplasmic iron-binding protein from Haemophilus influenzae is required for acquiring iron from transferrin
Authors: Khan Ali G. , Shouldice Stephen R. , Kirby Shane D. , Yu Rong-hua , Tari Leslie W. , Schryvers Anthony B. 
Published: May 2007

The periplasmic iron-binding protein, FbpA (ferric-ion-binding protein A), performs an essential role in iron acquisition from transferrin in Haemophilus influenzae. A series of site-directed mutants in the metal-binding amino acids of FbpA were prepared to determine their relative contribution to iron binding and transport. Structural studies demonstrated that the mutant proteins crystallized in an open conformation with the iron atom associated with the C-terminal domain. The iron-binding properties of the mutant proteins were assessed by several assays, including a novel competitive iron-binding assay. The relative ability of the proteins to compete for iron was pH dependent, with a rank order at pH 6.5 of wild-type, Q58L, H9Q&gt;H9A, E57A&gt;Y195A, Y196A. The genes encoding the mutant FbpA were introduced into H. influenzae and the resulting strains varied in the level of ferric citrate required to support growth on iron-limited medium, suggesting a rank order for metal-binding affinities under physiological conditions comparable with the competitive binding assay at pH 6.5 (wild-type=Q58L&gt;H9Q&gt;H9A, E57A&gt;Y195A, Y196A). Growth dependence on human transferrin was only obtained with cells expressing wild-type, Q58L or H9Q FbpAs, proteins with stability constants derived from the competition assay &gt;2.0×1018 M−1. These results suggest that a relatively high affinity of iron binding by FbpA is required for removal of iron from transferrin and its transport across the outer membrane.
Transoral Laser Marsupialization of Epiglottic Cysts
Authors: Su Chih‐Ying , Hsu Jui‐Lin 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: The objective of this study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of laser marsupialization of epiglottic cysts via a transoral route.Study Design: A prospective clinical series.Methods: Twenty‐eight consecutive patients with epiglottic cyst underwent laser marsupialization of an epiglottic cyst via a transoral approach. Pre‐ and postoperative laryngoscopic examinations were carried out.Results: A total of 28 patients were enrolled, including 19 males and 9 females, ranging in age from 38 to 69 years, with a mean age of 54 years. Among these patients, 23 had a lumpy throat, and the remaining 5 had a voice alternation. The diameters of the cysts ranged from 1 to 3 cm. No perioperative bleeding or airway swelling was noted in any patient. The postoperative follow‐up period ranged from 4 to 41 (mean, 16) months. No recurrence was found during the follow‐up examinations.Conclusion: Transoral laser marsupialization is a simple, safe, and effective method for treatment of epiglottic cysts. This procedure has the potential to serve as the treatment of choice in the management of this condition.
Limited Parotidectomy: The Role of Extracapsular Dissection in Parotid Gland Neoplasms
Authors: Smith Sarah L. , Komisar Arnold 
Published: May 2007

AbstractObjective: Surgical techniques for parotid gland neoplasm removal have been shaped over the years by the importance of the gland's relationship with the facial nerve, histologic behavior of parotid tumors, and recurrence rates from specific techniques. Parotidectomy with facial nerve dissection has become the procedure of choice in removal of parotid gland neoplasms because of the resulting low recurrence rate. However, these more comprehensive dissections can cause significant postoperative complications, some cosmetically devastating. We propose that a more limited dissection yields a similar low recurrence rate but with less risk of complications.Study Design: Retrospective case series.Methods: A retrospective review of the clinical outcomes and pathology of 27 patients who underwent extracapsular dissection for parotid gland neoplasms.Results: All tumors were located in the superficial lobe of the parotid gland and size of the masses ranged from 4.0 to 1.0 cm (mean 2.4 cm) in diameter. Pathology of the parotid tumors consisted of 11 pleomorphic adenomas, six Warthin's tumors, six benign epithelial cysts, one sarcoid lesion, two lymphoid hyperplasia, and one Kaposi's sarcoma. There were no cases of capsular rupture. There was no temporary or permanent facial paralysis and no incidence of Frey's syndrome. One patient developed a sialocele, which was aspirated and resolved after 3 months. There were no recurrences with follow‐up times between 5 months and 6 years (mean 41 mo).Conclusion: We advocate extracapsular dissection for benign parotid neoplasms because of the acceptable recurrence rates with limited complications as compared to superficial parotidectomy.
1H NMR‐based metabolite profiling as a potential selection tool for breeding passive resistance against Fusarium head blight (FHB) in wheat
Authors: BROWNE ROY A. , BRINDLE KEVIN M. 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARY 1H NMR measurements on protein‐free extracts from wheat leaf and stem tissue were used to investigate the biochemical correlates of partial resistance to fungal species implicated in the Fusarium head blight (FHB) disease complex. The wheat genotypes included five commercial wheat cultivars and 116 wheat genotypes, from the CIMMYT international FHB breeding programme in Mexico, that had been bred for FHB disease resistance, utilizing exotic, typically Chinese, resistance sources. Principal component analysis of the nuclear magentic resonance (NMR)‐derived metabolite profiles revealed distinct separation of the commercial wheat cultivars from the majority of the CIMMYT wheat genotypes with the commercial cultivars exhibiting markedly higher carbohydrate concentrations. A cross‐validated partial least squares (PLS) regression model of the metabolite profile against the partial disease resistance component latent period (delay in sporulation of the fungus on the plant tissue) predicted latent periods that were significantly correlated with the experimentally determined values (R2 = 0.34, P < 0.001). Identified metabolites that were found in plants with shorter latent periods (higher disease susceptibility) included choline, the single most influential metabolite in the PLS model, betaine, the amino acids glutamine, glutamate and alanine, trans‐aconitate and sucrose. Metabolites related to increased disease resistance included glucose and unassigned resonances in the carbohydrate and aromatic regions of the NMR spectra. The current study has demonstrated the potential of metabolite profiling as a tool for marker‐assisted selection in commercial breeding for resistance to FHB in wheat.
The siderophore biosynthetic gene SID1, but not the ferroxidase gene FET3, is required for full Fusarium graminearum virulence
Authors: GREENSHIELDS DAVID L. , LIU GUOSHENG , FENG JIE , SELVARAJ GOPALAN , WEI YANGDOU 
Published: May 2007

SUMMARYTo acquire iron from plant hosts, fungal pathogens have evolved at least two pathways for iron uptake. One system is hinged on the secretion and subsequent uptake of low‐molecular‐weight iron chelators termed siderophores, while the other uses cell‐surface reductases to solubilize ferric iron by reducing it to ferrous iron for uptake. We identified five iron uptake‐related genes from the head blight pathogen Fusarium graminearum and showed that they were transcribed in response to iron limitation. To examine the relative contribution of the reductive and siderophore pathways of iron uptake, we created mutants disrupted at the ferroxidase gene FET3 (Δfet3) or the siderophore biosynthetic gene SID1 (Δsid1). The Δfet3 mutants produced wild‐type amounts of siderophores and grew at the same rate as the wild‐type under iron limitation, but accumulated high levels of free intracellular iron. The Δsid1 mutants did not produce siderophores and grew slowly under low iron conditions. Transcription of the iron uptake‐related genes was induced in the Δsid1 mutant regardless of the growth medium iron content, whereas these genes were transcribed normally in the Δfet3 mutant. Finally, the Δsid1 mutants could infect single, inoculated spikelets, but were unable to spread from spikelet‐to‐spikelet through the rachises of wheat spikes, while the Δfet3 mutants behaved as wild‐type throughout infection. Together, our data suggest that siderophore‐mediated iron uptake is the major pathway of cellular iron uptake and is required for full virulence in F. graminearum.
Ergotamine treatment during pregnancy and a higher rate of low birthweight and preterm birth
Authors: Bánhidy Ferenc , Ács Nándor , Puhó Erzsébet , Czeizel Andrew E. 
Published: May 2007

What is already known about this subject • Previously the association between oral ergotamine treatment during pregnancy and gestational age, birthweight, the frequency of preterm birth and low birthweight has not been studied.• Ergotamine is a drug that is not used frequently nowadays. What this study adds • The association between low birthweight and/or preterm birth and ergotamine treatment may be connected with ergotamine‐induced vasoconstriction in the placenta of pregnant women.• The pharmacological model used in this study could be used to evaluate the placental effects of other drugs.AimsPreviously the association between oral ergotamine treatment during pregnancy and gestational age at delivery, birthweight, the rate of preterm birth and low birthweight has not been studied.MethodsNewborn infants without congenital abnormalities born to mothers with or without ergotamine treatment during pregnancy were evaluated in the population‐based data set of the Hungarian Case‐Control Surveillance of Congenital Abnormalities between 1980 and 1996.ResultsOf 38 151 newborn infants with medically recorded gestational age and birth weight, 77 were born to mothers who had received ergotamine treatment during pregnancy. A statistically significant decrease was found in the mean gestational age (0.7 weeks) and birth weight (196 g) among exposed relative to unexposed infants, though these differences were not obstetrically significant. However, there was a significant increase in the proportion of low birthweight newborns (16.4% vs. 5.7%) and preterm births (16.4% vs. 9.2%) after the use of ergotamine during pregnancy. The effect of ergotamine was more obvious in male newborn infants, particularly after treatment in the third trimester.ConclusionsThe association between low birthweight and/or preterm birth and ergotamine treatment may be connected with the effect of ergotamine on the placenta of pregnant women.
Effects of Schisandra sphenanthera extract on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers
Authors: Xin Hua‐Wen , Wu Xiao‐Chun , Li Qing , Yu Ai‐Rong , Zhu Min , Shen Yang , Su Dan , Xiong Lei 
Published: May 2007

What is already known about this subject • Schisandra sphenanthera extract (SchE) and tacrolimus are often co‐administrated in treating renal and liver transplant recipients in China.• We discovered occasionally that blood tacrolimus concentrations are markedly increased in some patients who receive tacrolimus and concomitant SchE.• This is the first study to investigate the effects of SchE on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus. What this study adds • Following administration of SchE in healthy volunteers, the mean AUC, AUMC and Cmax of tacrolimus substantially increases, whereas its CL/F and V/F decreases significantly.• Blood tacrolimus concentrations need to be closely monitored and dose adjustments of tacrolimus have to be made accordingly in the presence of SchE.AimTo assess the effect of Schisandra sphenanthera extract (SchE) on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus in healthy volunteers.MethodsTwelve healthy male volunteers were orally treated with SchE, three capsules twice daily for 13 days. Pharmacokinetic investigations of oral tacrolimus administration at 2 mg were performed both before and at the end of the SchE treatment period. Whole blood tacrolimus concentrations were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Estimated pharmacokinetic parameters before and with SchE were calculated with noncompartmental techniques.ResultsFollowing administration of SchE, the average percentage increases of individual increases in AUC, AUMC and Cmax of tacrolimus were 164.2% [95% confidence interval (CI) 70.1, 258.4], 133.1% (95% CI 49.5, 261.3) and 227.1% (95% CI 155.8, 298.4), respectively (P < 0.01 or 0.05). On average, there was a 36.8% (95% CI 13.4, 60.2) increase in tacrolimus tmax (P < 0.01). The average percentage decreases in CL/F and V/F were 49.0% (95% CI 31.1, 66.9) and 53.7% (95% CI 40.1, 67.4), respectively (P < 0.01).ConclusionsSchE can increase the oral bioavailability of tacrolimus. The results of this study will add important information to the interaction area between drugs and herbal products.
Foundation year 1 doctors and clinical pharmacology and therapeutics teaching. A retrospective view in light of experience
Authors: Tobaiqy Mansour , McLay James , Ross Sarah 
Published: May 2007

What is already known about this subject • In the UK prescribing‐related errors are common.• Poor prescribing and prescribing errors result in significant patient morbidity and mortality.• In hospital, junior doctors are responsible for a significant number of prescribing errors. What this study adds • Only 8% of foundation year (FY) 1 doctors rate their knowledge of clinical pharmacology as good and 30% as poor or worse.• The majority of FY1 doctors reported themselves confident to prescribe medicines associated with high levels of patient morbidity and mortality.• Potentially avoidable adverse drug reactions and drug interactions were reported by 60–75% of FY1 doctors, many of which were reported to have been avoidable with more extensive undergraduate training.• FY1 doctors would like more focused undergraduate teaching on the avoidance of adverse drug reactions and drug–drug interactions, together with increased clinical pharmacology and therapeutics in their postgraduate training programme.AimsTo determine whether, in retrospect, first year foundation (FY1) programme doctors believe that their undergraduate education in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (CPT) has prepared them to prescribe safely and rationally.MethodsThis was a prospective questionnaire survey. Ninety FY1 doctors, employed in the Aberdeen Teaching Hospitals, participated.ResultsSeventy‐one percent of FY1 doctors completed the survey. Thirty percent of respondents rated their knowledge of CPT as poor or worse and only 8% as good; 74% reported having witnessed an adverse drug reaction (ADR) and 55% a drug–drug interaction, a number of which had resulted in patient morbidity or mortality. Many of these events were reported to have been avoidable or predictable with more extensive undergraduate and postgraduate training. Forty‐two percent of respondents stated that they had not been taught enough about avoiding ADRs and 60% about avoiding drug–drug interactions during their undergraduate years. Over 75% of respondents reported high levels of confidence for the unsupervised use of warfarin, nonsteroidal analgesics and opiate analgesics. In retrospect, FY1 doctors would like more undergraduate teaching in prescribing for special patient groups, ADRs, drug interactions, together with CPT in their postgraduate teaching programme.ConclusionsFY1 doctors believe that their undergraduate and postgraduate training in CPT is insufficient to prescribe safely and rationally. This study adds further weight to the call for an increase in the training of junior doctors in the rational and safe use of medicines.
Ultraviolet radiation and consumer effects on a field‐grown intertidal macroalgal assemblage in Antarctica
Authors: ZACHER KATHARINA , WULFF ANGELA , MOLIS MARKUS , HANELT DIETER , WIENCKE CHRISTIAN 
Published: May 2007

AbstractUltraviolet radiation (UVR) research on marine macroalgae has hithero focussed on physiological effects at the organism level, while little is known on the impact of UV radiation on macroalgal assemblages and even less on interactive effects with other community drivers, e.g. consumers. Field experiments on macrobenthos are scarce, particularly in the Antarctic region. Therefore, the effects of UVR and consumers (mainly limpets were excluded) on early successional stages of a hard bottom macroalgal community on King George Island, Antarctica, were studied. In a two‐factorial design experimental units [(1) ambient radiation, 280–700 nm; (2) ambient minus UVB, 320–700 nm and (3) ambient minus UVR, 400–700 nm vs. consumer–no consumer] were installed between November 2004 and March 2005 (n= 4 plus controls). Dry mass, species richness, diversity and composition of macroalgal assemblages developing on ceramic tiles were followed. Consumers significantly suppressed green algal recruits and total algal biomass but increased macroalgal richness and diversity. Both UVA and UVB radiation negatively affected macroalgal succession. UVR decreased the density of Monostroma hariotii germlings in the first 10 weeks of the experiment, whereas the density of red algal recruits was significantly depressed by UVR at the end of the study. After 106 days macroalgal diversity was significantly higher in UV depleted than in UV‐exposed assemblages. Furthermore, species richness was significantly lower in the UV treatments and species composition differed significantly between the UV‐depleted and the UV‐exposed treatment. Marine macroalgae are very important primary producers in coastal ecosystems, serving as food for herbivores and as habitat for many organisms. Both, UVR and consumers significantly shape macroalgal succession in the Antarctic intertidal. Consumers, particularly limpets can mediate negative effects of ambient UVR on richness and diversity till a certain level. UVB radiation in general and an increase of this short wavelength due to stratospheric ozone depletion in particular may have the potential to affect the zonation, composition and diversity of Antarctic intertidal seaweeds altering trophic interactions in this system.
A new catalogue of eclipsing binary stars with eccentric orbits
Authors: Bulut İ. , Demircan O. 
Published: May 2007

Abstract
A new catalogue of eclipsing binary stars with eccentric orbits is presented. The catalogue lists the physical parameters (including apsidal motion parameters) of 124 eclipsing binaries with eccentric orbits. In addition, the catalogue also contains a list of 150 candidate systems, about which not much is known at present.
The effect of plastic overwraps on storage measures of red cell concentrates
Authors: van der Meer P. F. , Pietersz R. N. I. 
Published: May 2007

Background  For hygienic purposes, plastic overwraps can be used for storage of leucoreduced red cell concentrates (LR‐RCC). However, the effect of the use of such overwrapping on in vitro parameters during 42 days of storage was unknown.Methods  In paired experiments, LR‐RCCs in SAGM (saline, adenine, glucose, mannitol) were packed in two types of polyethylene overwrap or in a polypropylene overwrap; no overwrap served as reference (n = 12 paired experiments). Units were stored at 2–6 °C for 42 days and sampled at regular intervals for in vitro analysis.Results  No significant effect was found for any of the overwraps investigated. All units contained > 2·7 µmol adenosine triphosphate per gram haemoglobin and had a haemolysis rate well below 0·8% on Day 42.Conclusion  The use of plastic overwraps does not affect red cell quality markers in vitro.
Protective effect of glucosamine against ibuprofen‐induced peptic ulcer in rats
Authors: Santhosh Sethumadhavan , Anandan Rangasamy , Sini Theruvathil K , Mathew Paruthapara T 
Published: May 2007

AbstractBackground:  Helicobacter pylori is the major causative factor of ulcer but the use of ibuprofen and other non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs have also been implicated in development of ulcer. The purpose of the present study was to determine the anti‐ulcer effect of glucosamine.Methods:  The protective effect of glucosamine on ibuprofen‐induced peptic ulcer in male albino rats was studied with respect to changes in the volume of gastric juice, acid output, pepsin activity, activities of membrane bound ATPases, protein content, glycoprotein components and histopathology.Results:  Oral administration of ibuprofen caused significant increase in the number of lesions in the gastric mucosa, increases in the volume of gastric juice and acidity, and decreased activity of pepsin. The levels of protein content and glycoprotein components (hexose, hexosamine and sialic acid) and ATPase activities were also observed. Oral pretreatment with glucosamine resulted in significant reduction in the number of lesions in the gastric mucosa and decreases in the volume of gastric juice and acidity. The pepsin activity was also maintained at near normalcy. Prior oral administration of glucosamine significantly prevented the ibuprofen‐induced depletion of protein and glycoprotein components and maintained the activities of membrane bound ATPases as compared to untreated ulcer induced group of rats.Conclusion:  The anti‐ulcerogenic activity of glucosamine might be ascribable to its ability to neutralize the hydrochloric acid secreted into the stomach and to its capability to strengthen the mucosal barrier by increasing mucosal glycoprotein synthesis and to its free radical scavenging property. Histopathological investigations of the mucosal tissue also support the anti‐ulcerogenic effect of glucosamine.