bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A modified Gateway cloning strategy for overexpressing tagged proteins in plants
Authors: Dubin Manu J , Bowler Chris , Benvenuto Giovanna 
Published: January 2008

Abstract

Background
Recent developments, including the sequencing of a number of plant genomes, have greatly increased the amount of data available to scientists and has enabled high throughput investigations where many genes are investigated simultaneously. To perform these studies, recombinational cloning methods such as the Gateway system have been adapted to plant transformation vectors to facilitate the creation of overexpression, tagging and silencing vectors on a large scale.

Results
Here we present a hybrid cloning strategy which combines advantages of both recombinational and traditional cloning and which is particularly amenable to low-to-medium throughput investigations of protein function using techniques of molecular biochemistry and cell biology. The system consists of a series of twelve Gateway Entry cassettes into which a gene of interest can be inserted using traditional cloning methods to generate either N- or C-terminal fusions to epitope tags and fluorescent proteins. The resulting gene-tag fusions can then be recombined into Gateway-based Destination vectors, thus providing a wide choice of resistance marker, promoter and expression system. The advantage of this modified Gateway cloning strategy is that the entire open reading frame encoding the tagged protein of interest is contained within the Entry vectors so that after recombination no additional linker sequences are added between the tag and the protein that could interfere with protein function and expression. We demonstrate the utility of this system for both transient and stable Agrobacterium-mediated plant transformations.

Conclusion
This modified Gateway cloning strategy is complementary to more conventional Gateway-based systems because it expands the choice of tags and higher orders of combinations, and permits more control over the linker sequence lying between a protein of interest and an epitope tag, which can be particularly important for studies of protein function.
Pregnancy in dialysis patients: a case series
Authors: Al-Saran Khalid A , Sabry Alaa A 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Fertility is markedly reduced in patients with chronic renal failure. For women with pre-existing renal disease, pregnancy is associated with an increased rate of fetal complications and a considerable risk of renal disease progression. Due to substantial improvements in antenatal and neonatal care, fetal outcome has improved considerably in the last two decade.
A Saudi survey which examined the frequency of pregnancy among women in end stage renal disease (ESRD) and undergoing regular hemodialysis (HD), showed an incidence of 7% over a five year period (1.4 per year). This may reflect the cultural endorsement of having offspring.
We hereby report 2 cases of successful pregnancy managed at the Prince Salman Center for Kidney Diseases (PSCKD).
In-vitro permeation of drugs into porcine hair follicles: is it quantitatively equivalent to permeation into human hair follicles?
Authors: Frum Yakov , Eccleston Gillian M , Meidan Victor M 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
It is already well-established that the general permeability properties of porcine skin are close to those of human skin. However, very little is known with respect to drug absorption into hair follicles and the similarities if any between the two types of tissue. The aim of this study was to use the skin sandwich system to quantify follicular drug absorption into porcine hair follicles. To our knowledge, this is the first time that the skin sandwich has been extended to porcine tissue. For this purpose, seven different drugs — estradiol, corticosterone, hydrocortisone, aldosterone, cimetidine, deoxyadenosine and adenosine — exhibiting a wide range of log octanol-water partition coefficients (log Ko/w), but comparable molecular weights, were chosen as candidate solutes. The results showed a parabolic profile with maximal follicular contribution occurring at intermediate log Ko/w values. Linear regression analysis indicated that the follicular contributions in porcine skin correlated well with previously published follicular contributions in human skin (r2 = 0.87). The novelty of this research is that we show that porcine tissue is a good surrogate for modelling human skin permeability within the specific context of quantifying drug absorption into hair follicles.
Effects of cysteine on metformin pharmacokinetics in rats with protein-calorie malnutrition: partial restoration of some parameters to control levels
Authors: Choi Young H , Lee Inchul , Lee Myung G 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Metformin is metabolized primarily via hepatic microsomal cytochrome P450 (CYP)2C11, CYP2D1 and CYP3A1/2 in rats. The expression and mRNA levels of hepatic CYP2C11 and CYP3A1/2 are decreased in rats with protein-calorie malnutrition (PCM), but these levels are fully or partially restored to control levels in PMC rats by oral cysteine supplementation (PCMC rats). Thus, it would be expected that the pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin in PCM rats would be returned to control levels in PCMC rats. Metformin was administered i.v. (100 mg kg−1) and orally (100 mg kg−1) to control, CC (control rats with oral cysteine supplementation), PCM and PCMC rats. The following pharmacokinetic parameters of metformin following i.v. administration were restored from levels in PCM rats to levels in control rats in PCMC rats: intrinsic clearance (0.0350, 0.0309, 0.0253 and 0.0316 mL min−1 mg−1 protein for control, CC, PCM, and PCMC rats, respectively), total area under the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity (AUC; 4110, 4290, 5540 and 4430 μg min mL−1, respectively), and time-averaged non-renal clearance (8.12, 7.95, 5.94 and 8.17 mL min−1 kg−1, respectively). AUC values following oral administration were comparable between control and PCMC rats (1520, 1480, 2290 and 1680 μg min mL−1, respectively).
Evaluation of the NO-releasing properties of NO-donor linkers
Authors: Calderone Vincenzo , Digiacomo Maria , Martelli Alma , Minutolo Filippo , Rapposelli Simona , Testai Lara , Balsamo Aldo 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This work describes the synthesis of some benzoic (1–4) and alcoholic (5–7) nitrooxy derivatives, which are nitric oxide (NO) donors in themselves, and can also be seen as useful linkers that can be used in multi-target drugs capable of releasing NO. The NO-mediated vasorelaxing effects of the compounds were tested on endothelium-denuded isolated rat aortic rings pre-contracted with KCl. The pharmacological study of these compounds demonstrated that slight structural modification, such as the insertion of (a) methyl group(s) into the nitrooxymethyl chain or into the aromatic ring, and a change in the position of this nitrooxymethyl chain, could exert a marked (and potentially useful) influence on the NO releasing properties.
Cytotoxic effects and pro-apoptotic mechanism of TBIDOM, a novel dehydroabietylamine derivative, on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells
Authors: Li Fu , He Ling , Song Zhan-Qian , Yao Jin-Cheng , Rao Xiao-Ping , Li Hai-Tao 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
We have investigated the antiproliferative effects of TBIDOM (N-(4-(2,2,2-trifluoroethyl) benzylidene) (7-isopropyl-1,4a-dimethyl-1,2,3,4,4a,9,10,10a-octahydrophenanthren-1-yl) meth-anamine) and have explored its possible mechanisms on human hepatocellular carcinoma SMMC-7721 cells. The proliferative status of cells treated with TBIDOM was measured by the colorimetric MTT assay. Cellular apoptosis was analysed using Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry. Reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) was also detected by flow cytometry. Western blotting assay was used to evaluate the release of cytochrome c and expression of p53, Bcl-2 and Bax proteins. It was shown that TBIDOM displayed a significant inhibitory effect on growth of SMMC-7721 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometry analysis showed an increase of apoptosis rate and decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential after SMMC-7721 cells were exposed to TBIDOM for 24 h. Pretreatment of SMMC-7721 cells with TBIDOM significantly induced a decrease of Bcl-2 protein expression and an increase of caspase-3 activity and Bax protein expression. The results indicated that TBIDOM could effectively inhibit proliferation by induction of apoptosis and could be a promising candidate in the development of a novel class of antitumour agent.
Oral administration of submerged cultivated Grifola frondosa enhances phagocytic activity in normal mice
Authors: Wang Lisu , Ha Choi-Lan , Cheng Tso-Lin , Cheng Su-Yun , Lian Tzi-Wei , Wu Ming-Jiuan 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Grifola frondosa fruiting body (Maitake) has been used as a dietary supplement due to its anti-tumour and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunomodulatory effects of orally administered submerged cultivated G. frondosa mixture, including both mycelium and culture broth, in a healthy murine model. Composition analyses showed that submerged cultivated G. frondosa mixture contained only 32.48% carbohydrate, which was less than half of fruiting bodies. The content of adenosine, a potential immunomodulatory agent in medicinal mushrooms, was 2.8 mg g−1. After feeding 8-week-old female BALB/cByJ mice with AIN-93G diet containing 0% (C), 1% (G1), 3% (G3) or 5% (G5) (wt/wt) G. frondosa mixture for 31 days, neither body weight nor the outward appearance of organs showed any significant difference among different diet groups. Splenocyte subpopulation, mitogen-activated cytokine release and splenic NK activity were not affected by G. frondosa administration, either. On the other hand, the phagocytic activity was enhanced in leucocytes of groups G3 and G5, without exerting detectable levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines. These results suggested that oral administration of submerged cultivated G. frondosa mixture may enhance host innate immunity against foreign pathogens without eliciting adverse inflammatory response.
Gastroprotective activity of ferruginol in mice and rats: effects on gastric secretion, endogenous prostaglandins and non-protein sulfhydryls
Authors: Areche Carlos , Theoduloz Cristina , Yáñez Tania , Souza-Brito Alba R M , Barbastefano Víctor , de Paula Débora , Ferreira Anderson L , Schmeda-Hirschmann Guillermo , Rodríguez Jaime A 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The gastroprotective mechanism of the natural diterpene ferruginol was assessed in mice and rats. The involvement of gastric prostaglandins (PGE2), reduced glutathione, nitric oxide or capsaicin receptors was evaluated in mice either treated or untreated with indometacin, N-ethylmaleimide (NEM), N-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) or ruthenium red, respectively, and then orally treated with ferruginol or vehicle. Gastric lesions were induced by oral administration of ethanol. The effects of ferruginol on the parameters of gastric secretion were assessed in pylorus-ligated rats. Gastric PGE2 content was determined in rats treated with ferruginol and/or indometacin. The reduction of gastric glutathione (GSH) content was determined in rats treated with ethanol after oral administration of ferruginol, lansoprazole or vehicle. Finally, the acute oral toxicity was assessed in mice. Indometacin reversed the gastroprotective effect of ferruginol (25 mg kg−1) but not NEM, ruthenium red or L-NAME. The diterpene (25 mg kg−1) increased the gastric juice volume and its pH value, and reduced the titrable acidity but was devoid of effect on the gastric mucus content. Ferruginol (25, 50 mg kg−1) increased gastric PGE2 content in a dose-dependent manner and prevented the reduction in GSH observed due to ethanol-induced gastric lesions in rats. Single oral doses up to 3 g kg−1 ferruginol did not elicit mortality or acute toxic effects in mice. Our results showed that ferruginol acted as a gastroprotective agent stimulating the gastric PGE2 synthesis, reducing the gastric acid output and improving the antioxidant capacity of the gastric mucosa by maintaining the GSH levels.
Effects of leaf litter on the growth of boreal feather mosses: Implication for forest floor development
Authors: Natalia Startsev , Lieffers Victor J. , Landhäusser Simon M. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractQuestion:What is the effect of leaf litter on growth and mortality of feather mosses. Three experiments were conducted to isolate the shading effect from the effect of leaching of soluble compounds from the leaf litter effect on feather moss mortality and growth.Location:Edmonton, Alberta and the northern boreal coniferous forest, west‐central Alberta, Canada.Methods:In a field experimentPopulus tremuloides(aspen) leaf litter was applied to beds of feather mosses dominated byHylocomium splendens. Treatments were one layer of leaves held in place with netting; one layer of leaves coarsely ground, sprinkled over the moss layer; a shade cloth equivalent to one layer of leaves; and a control. In two growth chamber experiments, the application of aqueous extracts ofP. tremuloidesandPinus contortaleaf litter and the effect of shade and soluble carbohydrates were tested on the growth and mortality ofPtilium crista‐castrensis.Results:Mortality ofHylocomiumwas greatest under the intact leaves, followed by the treatments using shade cloth and ground leaves and finally the control. The application of aqueous extracts of aspen leaf litter resulted in senescence or death of nearly allPtiliumshoots compared to no effects for the control or for similar extracts of pine needle litter. Extracts from aspen litter had greater concentrations of phenolic compounds and soluble sugars than pine extracts. Addition of sugars toPtiliumallowed it to grow and accumulate carbohydrates, even in low light conditions.Conclusions:Results suggest that broad‐leaved deciduous overstory species can limit the growth of feather mosses through their leaf litter and by implication affect the humus form, nutrient cycling, and understory composition of these forests.
South Patagonian ombrotrophic bog vegetation reflects biogeochemical gradients at the landscape level
Authors: Kleinebecker Till , Hölzel Norbert , Vogel Andreas 
Published: January 2008

AbstractQuestion: Which environmental variables affect the floristic composition of south Patagonian bog vegetation along a gradient of climate and biogeochemical changes with increasing distance from the Pacific ocean?Location: Trans‐Andean transect (53° S), southern PatagoniaMaterial and Methods: Floristic composition, peat characteristics (water level, decomposition, pH, total nitrogen, total carbon, ash content and plant available P, K, Na, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Al) and climatic constraints of ombrotrophic peat‐lands were measured at 82 plots along a gradient of increasing distance from the Pacific Ocean.Results: Climatic constraints and biogeochemical peat characteristics significantly change with increasing distance from the Pacific. Peatland vegetation shifted from hyperoceanic blanket bogs dominated by cushion forming vascular plants to the west to Sphagnum bogs to the east. Climatic and biogeochemical variables explained a large proportion of the floristic variation along the first DCA axis. The second axis represented a water level gradient. When ‘distance to the Pacific’ was defined as a covariable in partial CCA, the proportion of variance explained declined for most other variables, especially in the case of annual precipitation and exchangeable base cations and related traits. The differences in biogeochemical characteristics related to peat were mainly attributed to the input of sea‐borne cations.Conclusions: While variation in vegetation composition along a longitudinal gradient crossing the southern Andes was attributed to climatic constraints as expected, vegetation composition was also strongly affected by the biogeochemical characteristics of peat. Sea spray was of high ecological importance to peat chemistry and, consequently, to floristic composition. Presumably, south Patagonian peat bogs represent a glimpse of pre‐industrial environments, so that these peat bogs may act as reference systems with respect to atmospheric inputs in mire ecology research.
Vocal cord dysfunction in former World Trade Center (WTC) rescue and recovery workers and volunteers
Authors: de la Hoz Rafael E. , Shohet Michael R. , Bienenfeld Laura A. , Afilaka Aboaba A. , Levin Stephen M. , Herbert Robin 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundVocal cord dysfunction (VCD) is a condition characterized by paradoxical partial adduction of the vocal cords on inspiration. It has been associated with exposures to irritants, as well as with psychological illnesses and conditions. Workers who participated in the recovery of the WTC disaster site were exposed to a large amount of irritants as well as considerable psychological stressors. We describe the clinical characteristics of 10 symptomatic former WTC workers diagnosed with this condition, as well as the frequency of spirometric findings suggestive of variable extrathoracic obstruction.MethodsWorkers who became symptomatic after their WTC work experience have been evaluated clinically by a multidisciplinary team at an academic medical center. The evaluation included history, physical examination, chest radiograph, blood tests, and pre‐ and post‐bronchodilator spirometry in all patients. Additional evaluations and diagnostic tests included otolaryngological evaluation with flexible rhinolaryngoscopy and stroboscopy, gastroenterological and psychiatric evaluations. A randomly selected sample of 172 spirometry results were reviewed for evidence of inspiratory flow limitation.ResultsVariable extrathoracic obstruction was found in 18.6% of the spirometries. Ten patients were diagnosed with VCD. In addition to symptoms suggestive of co‐morbid conditions (particularly rhinitis and acid reflux disease), most of the 10 patients had (1) hoarseness, (2) dyspnea that was not associated with bronchial hyperreactivity, or (3) dyspnea associated with asthma, with either mild bronchial hyperreactivity and/or poor response to asthma treatment.ConclusionsVCD appears to be part of the spectrum of airway disorders caused by occupational exposures at the WTC disaster site. Further study of this association is warranted. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:161–165, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Relationship between induced sputum cytology and inflammatory status with lung structural and functional abnormalities in asbestosis
Authors: Setta José Henrique , Neder José Alberto , Bagatin Ericson , Terra‐Filho Mario , Nápolis Lara Maris , Corso Simone Dal , Amorin Maria Marta Ferreira , Rodrigues Reynaldo Tavares , Fernandes Ana Luísa Godoy , Nery Luiz Eduardo 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundAsbestosis is associated with lung cellular and immunological abnormalities. Induced sputum cytology and local and systemic markers of inflammation may be helpful to characterize disease status and progression in these patients.MethodsThirty‐nine ex‐workers with asbestosis on high‐resolution CT (HRCT) and 21 non‐exposed controls were evaluated. Sputum cytology and IL‐8 in serum and sputum were related to lung function impairment.ResultsSubjects with asbestosis had reduced sputum cellularity but higher macrophage/neutrophil ratio and % macrophage as compared with controls. Sputum and serum IL‐8 were also higher in patients with asbestosis (P < 0.05). In addition, evidence of lung architectural distorption on HRCT was associated with increased levels of serum IL‐8. Interestingly, absolute macrophage number was negatively correlated with total lung capacity (r = −0.40; P = 0.04) and serum IL‐8 to lung diffusing capacity (r = −0.45; P = 0.01).ConclusionsOccupationally exposed subjects with asbestosis on HRCT have cytologic abnormalities in induced sputum and increased local and systemic pro‐inflammatory status which are correlated to functional impairment. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:186–194, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Decreased lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters
Authors: Johnsen H. Laier , Kongerud J. , Hetland S.M. , Benth J. Šaltytė , Søyseth V. 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundIn the smelting industry airborne pollutants are emitted into the workplace atmosphere during the production process. Our aim in this study was to investigate the relationship between production and lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters.MethodsSpirometry was performed on 3,924 employees, who also completed a standardized questionnaire. The employees were classified by job functions: (i) line operators were employed full‐time on the production line, (ii) non‐exposed employees did not work in production, and (iii) the remainder of the employees were classified as non‐line operators.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 38.6 (range 20.0–55.0) years, 88.5% were males. The multivariate analyses showed that, compared to the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in non‐exposed employees, the FEV1 (95% confidence interval) was 87 (33–141) ml and 65 (12–118) ml lower in line and non‐line operators, respectively. The prevalence of airflow limitation (FEV1/forced vital capacity (FVC) below the 5th percentile of the predicted value) was 4.7% in non‐exposed employees, 7.5% in non‐line operators and 8.3% in line operators.ConclusionCompared with non‐exposed employees, impairment of lung function among employees at Norwegian smelters was significantly related to the job categories of line operator and non‐line operator. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:296–306, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The National study to prevent blood exposure in paramedics: Exposure reporting
Authors: Boal Winifred L. , Leiss Jack K. , Sousa Sara , Lyden Jennifer T. , Li Jia , Jagger Janine 
Published: January 2008

AbstractBackgroundThis survey was conducted to provide national incidence rates and risk factors for exposure to blood among paramedics. The present analysis assesses reporting of exposures to employers.MethodsA questionnaire was mailed in 2002–2003 to a national sample of paramedics selected using a two‐stage design. Information on exposure reporting was obtained on the two most recent exposures for each of five routes of exposure.ResultsForty‐nine percent of all exposures to blood and 72% of needlesticks were reported to employers. The main reason for under‐reporting was not considering the exposure a “significant risk.” Females reported significantly more total exposures than males. Reporting of needlesticks was significantly less common among respondents who believed most needlesticks were due to circumstances under the worker's control. Reporting was non‐significantly more common among workers who believed reporting exposures helps management prevent future exposures. Reporting may have been positively associated with workplace safety culture.ConclusionsThis survey indicates there is need to improve the reporting of blood exposures by paramedics to their employers, and more work is needed to understand the reasons for under‐reporting. Gender, safety culture, perception of risk, and other personal attitudes may all affect reporting behavior. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:213–222, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.