bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of microsatellite markers in ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.)
Authors: YAN X. F. , LIAN C. L. , HOGETSU T. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Ginkgo biloba L. is one of the oldest unevolved tree species on Earth. We isolated five polymorphic microsatellite loci from G. biloba using a dual‐suppression polymerase chain reaction technique. These loci provided microsatellite markers with high polymorphism ranging from three to 13 alleles per locus. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.667 to 0.952 and from 0.640 to 0.897, respectively. The markers will contribute to research on the conservation, genetic diversity and mating patterns of G. biloba.
Isolation and characterization of five microsatellite loci in an ectomycorrhizal fungus Laccaria laccata
Authors: WADUD M. A. , LIAN C. L. , NARA K. , HOGETSU T. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract Laccaria laccata is an early successional ectomycorrhizal fungus. We isolated five polymorphic microsatellite loci from L. laccata using a dual‐suppression polymerase chain reaction technique. The number of alleles per locus ranged from three to six. The observed and expected heterozygosities ranged from 0.269 to 0.462, and 0.249 to 0.775, respectively. These microsatellite markers would be valuable molecular tools for population genetic studies of L. laccata.
Free radical generation by skeletal muscle of adult and old mice: effect of contractile activity
Authors: Vasilaki A. , Mansouri A. , Van Remmen H. , Van Der Meulen J. H. , Larkin L. , Richardson A. G. , McArdle A. , Faulkner J. A. , Jackson M. J. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryOxidative modification of cellular components may contribute to tissue dysfunction during aging. In skeletal muscle, contractile activity increases the generation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS). The question of whether contraction‐induced ROS generation is further increased in skeletal muscle of the elderly is important since this influences recommendations on their exercise participation. Three different approaches were used to examine whether aging influences contraction‐induced ROS generation. Hind limb muscles of adult and old mice underwent a 15‐min period of isometric contractions and we examined ROS generation by isolated skeletal muscle mitochondria, ROS release into the muscle extracellular fluid using microdialysis techniques, and the muscle glutathione and protein thiol contents. Resting skeletal muscle of old mice compared with adult mice showed increased ROS release from isolated mitochondria, but no changes in the extracellular levels of superoxide, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical activity or muscle glutathione and protein thiol contents. Skeletal muscle mitochondria isolated from both adult and old mice after contractile activity showed significant increases in hydrogen peroxide release compared with pre‐contraction values. Contractions increased extracellular hydroxyl radical activity in adult and old mice, but had no significant effect on extracellular hydrogen peroxide or nitric oxide in either group. In adult mice only, contractile activity increased the skeletal muscle release of superoxide. A similar decrease in muscle glutathione and protein thiol contents was seen in adult and old mice following contractions. Thus, contractile activity increased skeletal muscle ROS generation in both adult and old mice with no evidence for an age‐related exacerbation of ROS generation.
Overexpression of Aβ is associated with acceleration of onset of motor impairment and superoxide dismutase 1 aggregation in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis mouse model
Authors: Li Qiao‐Xin , Mok Su San , Laughton Katrina M. , McLean Catriona A. , Volitakis Irene , Cherny Robert A. , Cheung Nam Sang , White Anthony R. , Masters Colin L. 
Published: March 2006

SummaryTransgenic mice carrying mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) recapitulate the motor impairment of human amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The amyloid‐β (Aβ) peptide associated with Alzheimer's disease is neurotoxic. To investigate the potential role of Aβ in ALS development, we generated a double transgenic mouse line that overexpresses SOD1G93A and amyloid precursor protein (APP)‐C100. The transgenic mouse C100.SOD1G93A overexpresses Aβ and shows earlier onset of motor impairment but has the same lifespan as the single transgenic SOD1G93A mouse. To determine the mechanism associated with this early‐onset phenotype, we measured copper and zinc levels in brain and spinal cord and found both significantly elevated in the single and double transgenic mice compared with their littermate control mice. Increased glial fibrillary acidic protein and decreased APP levels in the spinal cord of C100.SOD1G93A mice compared with the SOD1G93A mice agree with the neuronal damage observed by immunohistochemical analysis. In the spinal cords of C100.SOD1G93A double transgenic mice, soluble Aβ was elevated in mice at end‐stage disease compared with the pre‐symptomatic stage. Buffer‐insoluble SOD1 aggregates were significantly elevated in the pre‐symptomatic mice of C100.SOD1G93A compared with the age‐matched SOD1G93A mice, correlating with the earlier onset of motor impairment in the C100.SOD1G93A mice. This study supports abnormal SOD1 protein aggregation as the pathogenic mechanism in ALS, and implicates a potential role for Aβ in the development of ALS by exacerbating SOD1G93A aggregation.
Characterizing the Effect of theStaphylococcus aureusVirulence Factor Regulator, SarA, on Log-Phase mRNA Half-Lives
Authors: Roberts Corbette , Anderson Kelsi L. , Murphy Ellen , Projan Steven J. , Mounts William , Hurlburt Barry , Smeltzer Mark , Overbeek Ross , Disz Terrence , Dunman Paul M. 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACTBacterial pathogens regulate virulence factor expression at both the level of transcription initiation and mRNA processing/turnover. WithinStaphylococcus aureus, virulence factor transcript synthesis is regulated by a number of two-component regulatory systems, the DNA binding protein SarA, and the SarA family of homologues. However, little is known about the factors that modulate mRNA stability or influence transcript degradation within the organism. As our entree to characterizing these processes,S. aureusGeneChips were used to simultaneously determine the mRNA half-lives of all transcripts produced during log-phase growth. It was found that the majority of log-phase transcripts (90%) have a short half-life (<5 min), whereas others are more stable, suggesting thatcis- and/ortrans-acting factors influenceS. aureusmRNA stability. In support of this, it was found that two virulence factor transcripts,cnaandspa, were stabilized in asarA-dependent manner. These results were validated by complementation and real-time PCR and suggest that SarA may regulate target gene expression in a previously unrecognized manner by posttranscriptionally modulating mRNA turnover. Additionally, it was found thatS. aureusproduces a set of stable RNA molecules with no predicted open reading frame. Based on the importance of theS. aureus agrRNA molecule, RNAIII, and small stable RNA molecules within other pathogens, it is possible that these RNA molecules influence biological processes within the organism.
The Response Regulator CroR Modulates Expression of the Secreted Stress-Induced SalB Protein in
Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Muller Cécile , Le Breton Yoann , Morin Thierry , Benachour Abdellah , Auffray Yanick , Rincé Alain 
Published: March 2006

ABSTRACT

The
Enterococcus faecalis
two-component signal transduction system CroRS, also referred as the RR-HK05 pair, is required for intrinsic β-lactam resistance (Y. R. Comenge, R. Quintiliani, Jr., L. Li, L. Dubost, J. P. Brouard, J. E. Hugonnet, and M. Arthur, J. Bacteriol. 185:7184-7192, 2003) and is also suspected to be involved in the expression of
salB
(previously referred to as
sagA
), a gene important for resistance to environmental stress and cell morphology (Y. Le Breton, G. Boël, A. Benachour, H. Prévost, Y. Auffray, and A. Rincé, Environ. Microbiol. 5:329-337, 2003). In this report, we provide genetic and biochemical evidence that
salB
encodes a secreted protein that is expressed from a monocistronic stress-inducible operon. Consistent with CroR being a direct transcriptional activator of the
salB
expression, CroR was found to bind to the
salB
promoter region in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Interestingly, we provide evidence that SalB does not play a role in the intrinsic β-lactam resistance associated with CroRS. We also show that the CroRS system is able to regulate its own expression. The sequence of the CroRS binding site in the
salB
and
croR
promoter regions was determined using DNase I footprinting assays.
Evaluation of an occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration in forklift truck drivers: a controlled trial
Authors: Hulshof C T J , Verbeek J H A M , Braam I T J , Bovenzi M , van Dijk F J H 
Published: March 2006

Objectives:To evaluate process and outcome of a multifaceted occupational health intervention programme on whole-body vibration (WBV) in forklift truck drivers.Methods:An experimental pretest/post-test control group study design. The authors trained occupational health services (OHS) in the experimental group in the use of the programme. OHS in the control group were asked to deliver care as usual. In total, 15 OHS, 32 OHS professionals, 26 companies, and 260 forklift drivers were involved. Post-test measurements were carried out one year after the start of the programme.Results:Baseline data before the start of the programme showed no difference between experimental and control group. Results of the outcome evaluation indicate a slight, although not statistically significant, reduction of WBV exposure in the experimental group (p = 0.06). Process evaluation revealed a positive influence on company policy toward WBV, attitude and intended behaviour of forklift drivers, and a trend towards an increase in knowledge of OHS professionals and company managers. The number of observed control measures with a major impact (levelling of surface and reduction of speed) was rather low. In those cases where control measures had been taken, there was a significant reduction in WBV exposure. This limited effect of the programme might be caused by the short period of follow up and the dropout of participants. The feasibility and the usefulness of the programme within the OHS setting were rated good by the participants.Conclusions:This programme to decrease WBV exposure was partially effective. Significant effects on intermediate objectives were observed. More research on the effectiveness of intervention in the field of WBV is needed.
Cross shift changes in lung function among bar and restaurant workers before and after implementation of a smoking ban
Authors: Skogstad M , Kjærheim K , Fladseth G , Gjølstad M , Daae H L , Olsen R , Molander P , Ellingsen D G 
Published: March 2006

Objective:To study possible cross shift effects of environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on pulmonary function among bar and restaurant employees before and after the implementation of a smoking ban in Norway.Methods:The study included 93 subjects employed in 13 different establishments in Oslo. They were examined at the beginning and end of a workshift both while ETS exposure was present and when smoking was banned. The mean exposure level of nicotine and total dust before the ban was 28 μg/m3(range 3–65) and 275 μg/m3(range 81–506), respectively. Following the smoking ban, the mean level of nicotine and total dust was 0.6 μg/m3and 77 μg/m3, respectively. Assessment of lung function included dynamic lung volumes and flows.Results:The cross shift reduction in forced vital capacity (FVC) among 69 subjects participating in both examinations changed from 81 ml (SD 136) during exposure to ETS to 52 ml (SD 156) (p = 0.24) following the smoking ban. The reduction in forced expired volume in one second (FEV1) during a workshift, was borderline significantly reduced when comparing the situation before and after the intervention, by 89 ml (SD = 132) compared to 46 ml (SD = 152) (p = 0.09), respectively. The reduction in forced mid-expiratory flow rate (FEF25–75%) changed significantly from 199 ml/s (SD = 372) to 64 ml/s (SD = 307) (p = 0.01). Among 26 non-smokers and 11 asthmatics, the reduction in FEV1 and FEF25–75%was significantly larger during ETS exposure compared to after the smoking ban. There was an association between the dust concentration and decrease in FEF25–75%before the ban among non-smokers (p = 0.048).Conclusions:This first study of cross shift changes before and after the implementation of a smoking ban in restaurants and bars shows a larger cross shift decrease in lung function before compared with after the implementation of the ban.
Behaviors Used by Men to Protect Themselves against Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kunkel Elisabeth J. S. , Meyer Birgit , Daskalakis Constantine , Cocroft James , Jennings-Dozier Kathleen , Myers Ronald E. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
This paper reports on behaviors men use to protect themselves against prostate cancer. Data were collected via a telephone or mailed survey from 353 men enrolled in two studies of prostate cancer screening. Respondents reported behaviors they used to protect themselves against prostate cancer, and responses were coded as conventional care, self-care, or nothing. Men who reported using both conventional care and self-care were categorized as conventional care users. Polytomous logistic regression was conducted to evaluate the association between sociodemographic background, prior prostate screening, and cognitive, affective, and social support and influence factors with protective behavior type.
The distribution of protective behaviors was as follows: conventional care, 63%; self-care only, 19%; and nothing, 18%. In multivariable analyses, higher education level was found to be positively associated with conventional care use. Perceived salience and coherence of prostate cancer screening was positively associated with conventional care use among men in one of the two studies. Low concern about screening was positively associated with self-care use, as was mailed survey completion.
This study presents self-report data regarding prostate cancer protection behaviors. Most men in the study reported using some type of prostate cancer protective behavior. Decision-making about whether or not to take protective action and what type of behavior to use may be influenced by socioeconomic background, cognitive perceptions related to behavioral options, and concern about risk.
Delivery of Tea Polyphenols to the Oral Cavity by Green Tea Leaves and Black Tea Extract
Authors: Lee Mao-Jung , Lambert Joshua D. , Prabhu Saileta , Meng Xiaofeng , Lu Hong , Maliakal Pius , Ho Chi-Tang , Yang Chung S. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Catechins and theaflavins, polyphenolic compounds derived from tea (Camellia sinensis, fam. Theaceae), have been reported to have a wide range of biological activities including prevention of tooth decay and oral cancer. The present study was undertaken to determine the usefulness of green tea leaves and black tea extract for the delivery of catechins and theaflavins to the oral cavity. After holding either green tea leaves (2 g) or brewed black tea (2 g of black tea leaves in 100 ml) in the mouth for 2–5 min and thoroughly rinsing the mouth, high concentrations of catechins (Cmax = 131.0–2.2 μm) and theaflavins (Cmax = 1.8–0.6 μm) were observed in saliva in the 1st hour. Whereas there was significant interindividual variation in the peak levels of catechins and theaflavins, the overall kinetic profile was similar, with t1/2 = 25–44 min and 49–76 min for catechins and theaflavins, respectively (average coefficient of variation in t1/2 was 23.4%). In addition to the parent catechin and theaflavin peaks, five unidentified peaks were also observed in saliva after black tea treatment. Hydrolysis of theaflavin gallates, apparently by salivary esterases, was observed in vitro and in vivo. These results indicate that tea leaves can be used as a convenient, slow-release source of catechins and theaflavins and provide information for the possible use of tea in the prevention of oral cancer and dental caries.
DNA Repair Gene
XRCC1
and
XPD
Polymorphisms and Risk of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Rybicki Benjamin A. , Conti David V. , Moreira Andrea , Cicek Mine , Casey Graham , Witte John S. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) and xeroderma pigmentosum group D (XPD) genes are involved in base excision repair and nucleotide excision repair of DNA repair pathways, respectively. A growing body of evidence suggests that XRCC1 and XPD are important in environmentally induced cancers, and polymorphisms in both genes have been identified. To determine whether the XRCC1 (codon Arg399Gln) and XPD (codon Asp312Asn and codon Lys751Gln) polymorphisms are associated with prostate cancer susceptibility, we genotyped these polymorphisms in a primarily Caucasian sample of 506 sibships (n = 1,117) ascertained through a brother with prostate cancer. Sibships were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazards model with age at prostate cancer diagnosis as the outcome. Of the three polymorphisms investigated, only the XPD codon 312 Asn/Asn genotype had an odds ratio (OR) significantly different from one (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.03–2.53). Analyses stratified by the clinical characteristics of affected brothers in the sibship did not reveal any significant heterogeneity in risk. In exploring two-way gene interactions, we found a markedly elevated risk for the combination of the XPD codon 312 Asn/Asn and XRCC1 codon 399 Gln/Gln genotypes (OR, 4.81; 95% CI, 1.66–13.97). In summary, our results suggest that the XPD codon 312 Asn allele may exert a modest positive effect on prostate cancer risk when two copies of the allele are present, and this effect is enhanced by the XRCC codon 399 Gln allele in its recessive state.
Dietary Glycemic Load and Breast Cancer Risk in the Women’s Health Study
Authors: Higginbotham Susan , Zhang Zuo-Feng , Lee I-Min , Cook Nancy R. , Buring Julie E. , Liu Simin 
Published: March 2006

AbstractA diet with a high glycemic load (GL) may contribute to a metabolic environment that enhances tumorigenesis. Little is known, however, about whether high glycemic diets increase breast cancer risk in women. We examined the associations between baseline measurements of dietary GL and overall glycemic index (GI) and subsequent breast cancer in a cohort of 39,876 women, ages 45 years or older, participating in the Women’s Health Study. During a mean of 6.8 years of follow-up there were 946 confirmed cases of breast cancer. We found no association between dietary GL [multivariable-adjusted relative risk (RR), 1.01; confidence interval (CI), 0.76–1.35, comparing extreme quintiles; P for trend = 0.96] or overall GI (corresponding RR, 1.03; CI, 0.84–1.28; P for trend = 0.66) and breast cancer risk in the cohort as a whole. Exploratory analyses stratified by baseline measurements of menopausal status, physical activity, smoking history, alcohol use, and history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, or hypercholesterolemia showed no significant associations, except in the subgroup of women who were premenopausal and reported low levels of physical activity (GL multivariable-adjusted RR, 2.35; CI, 1.03–5.37; P for trend = 0.07; GI multivariable-adjusted RR, 1.56; CI, 0.88–2.78; P for trend = 0.02, comparing extreme quintiles). Although we did not find evidence that a high glycemic diet increases overall breast cancer risk, the increase in risk in premenopausal women with low levels of physical activity suggests the possibility that the effects of a high glycemic diet may be modified by lifestyle and hormonal factors. Prospective studies of a larger sample size and longer duration are warranted to confirm our findings.
Cigarette Smoking and Testicular Cancer
Authors: Srivastava Anil , Kreiger Nancy 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to determine the relation between testicular cancer and cigarette smoking. Data were collected between 1995 and 1996 in Ontario, Canada, as part of the Enhanced Cancer Surveillance Study. Pack-years and years of smoking were examined among all subjects (212 cases and 252 controls) and former and current smokers. Years since quitting and age at smoking initiation were examined among former and current smokers only. Independent of smoking status, significant associations were noted among those who smoked between 12 and 24 pack-years [odds ratio (OR) = 1.96 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04–3.69), relative to nonsmokers] or greater [&gt;24 pack-years, OR = 2.31 (95% CI: 1.12–4.77), relative to nonsmokers], and among those who smoked &gt;21 years [OR = 3.18 (95% CI: 1.32–7.64), relative to nonsmokers]. Quitting smoking was not found to result in a reduction of risk. No association was observed for smoking at adolescence relative to a later period. Results from the study suggest that cigarette smoking exerts an adverse influence on testicular cancer risk that is not mitigated by smoking cessation and not altered by age at initiation.
Natural History of Human Papillomavirus Type 16 Virus-Like Particle Antibodies in Young Women
Authors: Ho Gloria Y. F. , Studentsov Yevgeniy Y. , Bierman Robert , Burk Robert D. 
Published: March 2006

Abstract
Immunization with a vaccine of human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16 virus-like particles (VLPs) can reduce incidence of HPV-16 infection and its related cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. However, development of detectable antibodies to VLPs does not always occur after natural HPV infection. This study examined prospectively for seroconversion and duration of antibodies to HPV-16 VLPs and their associated host and viral factors. Six-hundred eight subjects were tested for HPV DNA biannually and for IgG and IgA antibodies to HPV-16 VLPs annually for 3 years. Both IgG and IgA antibodies to HPV-16 VLPs were predominantly type specific. Women with cervicovaginal HPV-16 infection were 8–10 times more likely to seroconvert than those with infection of HPV-16-related types. Among subjects who had an incident infection with HPV-16, a maximum of 56.7% became seropositive for IgG within 8.3 months and 37.0% had IgA within 14 months. Detectable seroconversion was a slow process that required sufficient antigenic exposure associated with either a high viral load (relative risk = 5.7 for IgG) or persistent infection of HPV-16 (relative risk = 3.4 for IgA). The median duration for both types of antibodies was ∼36 months. Antibodies could persist for a long period of time if the initial antibody levels were high or if there was continued antigenic exposure.
Role perceptions of auxiliary nurses: An exploratory study
Authors: Pearcey Pat 
Published: March 2006

Auxiliary nurses may form a necessary part of current nursing teams, but how clear are they about their roles, capabilities and limitations? The project described in this paper was divided into two phases: Phase 1 involved interviews with auxiliary nurses and corresponding G grade nurses; Phase two involved distribution of questionnaires to over 350 auxiliary nurses in nine hospitals across the Yorkshire region. This paper focuses on Phase 2 only. The questionnaire was developed from both the literature and Phase I results. The final section of the questionnaire was an adaptation of a series of questions developed from a tool devised by Rhodes (1985) to identify areas of decision-making in qualified nurses. Through use of an assessment scale for qualified staff, clarification of decision-making, both actual and potential, would be highlighted. The results from the adapted scale seem strongly to suggest that not only are auxiliary nurses making decisions that were previously made by qualified nurses, but that an even larger number feel they ought to be making more. The results further suggest that 50% of auxiliary nurses attaining NVQ Level 2 standard still gained most of their knowledge through observing others.