bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of hepatic blood flow in healthy subjects by continuous infusion of indocyanine green.
Authors: Soons PA , De Boer A , Cohen AF , Breimer DD
Published: October 2023

1. The applicability of a continuous infusion of indocyanine green (ICG) to detect changes in apparent hepatic blood flow (HBF) was investigated in six healthy subjects. 2. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used to measure ICG concentrations, and the effect of intravenous propranolol (10 mg in 10 min) on HBF was investigated. 3. During 150 min infusions of ICG (1.0 mg min‐1) steady‐state was reached within about 30 min and thereafter the plasma dye concentration remained essentially constant until the end of infusion. 4. Blood clearance (CLb) of ICG (15.9 +/‐ 2.2 ml min‐1 kg‐1; mean +/‐ s.d.), calculated as infusion rate/blood dye concentration over three time periods (30‐50, 80‐100 and 130‐150 min) during the 150 min infusion, was not different from that obtained with three 1‐min infusions (0.5 mg kg‐1) administered at corresponding times of the day (CLb = 14.0 +/‐ 2.2 ml min‐1 kg‐1, P = 0.06). 5. The pharmacokinetics of ICG were shown to be linear up to plasma concentrations of at least 3 micrograms ml‐1 using variable infusion rates (0.5, 1.0 and 2.0 mg min‐1). 6. Propranolol had little effect on ICG concentrations during continuous infusion. The AUC of ICG from the start of propranolol infusion up to 125 min thereafter was increased by 12% +/‐ 17% (P = 0.21) compared with placebo.
Magnesium status and digoxin toxicity.
Authors: Young IS , Goh EM , McKillop UH , Stanford CF , Nicholls DP , Trimble ER
Published: October 2023

1. Eighty‐one hospital patients receiving digoxin were separated into groups with and without digoxin toxicity using clinical criteria. Serum digoxin, sodium, potassium, calcium, creatinine, magnesium and monocyte magnesium concentrations were compared. 2. Subjects with digoxin toxicity had impaired colour vision (P less than 0.0001, Farnsworth‐ Munsell 100 hue test) and increased digoxin levels (1.89 (1.56‐2.21) vs 1.34 (1.20‐1.47) nmol l‐1, P less than 0.01) (mean (95% confidence limits], though there was considerable overlap between two groups. 3. Subjects with digoxin toxicity had lower levels of serum magnesium (0.80 (0.76‐0.84) vs 0.88 (0.85‐0.91) mmol l‐1, P less than 0.01) and monocyte magnesium (6.40 (5.65‐7.16) vs 8.76 (7.81‐9.71) mg g‐1 DNA, P less than 0.01), but there were no significant differences in other biochemical parameters. A greater proportion of toxic subjects were receiving concomitant diuretic therapy (20/21 vs 37/60, P less than 0.05). 4. Magnesium deficiency was the most frequently identified significant electrolyte disturbance in relation to digoxin toxicity. In the presence of magnesium deficiency digoxin toxicity developed at relatively low serum digoxin concentrations.
Ouabain and responses to endothelium‐dependent vasodilators in the human forearm.
Authors: Woolfson RG , Benjamin N , Todd SD , Poston L , Ritter JM
Published: October 2023

Ouabain inhibits endothelium‐dependent vascular relaxation in vitro, but has not been studied in this regard in vivo. We have therefore measured blood flow responses to carbachol, bradykinin and sodium nitroprusside (endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent vasodilators) infused into the brachial artery with and without co‐ infusion of ouabain (2 micrograms min‐1). Six healthy male volunteers were each studied on two occasions. Ouabain reduced basal forearm blood flow, by 18.0 +/‐ 4.1% (mean +/‐ s.e. mean, 2P less than 0.05), but had no significant effect on responses to any of the three vasodilators. These results indicate that effects of ouabain on endothelium‐dependent relaxation in vitro must be interpreted with caution.
Solubility Behavior of Enzymes After Addition of Polyethylene Glycol to Erythrocyte Hemolysates
Authors: Delgado C. , Rubio A. , Luque J. , Tejedor MC
Published: October 2023

The addition of polyethylene glycol to a hemolysate of rat erythrocytes reduces the solubility of phosphofructokinase and glucose‐6‐phosphate and 6‐phosphogluconate dehydrogenases in an exponential manner with respect to polymer concentration. Analyses of the solubility curves (log solubility versus polymer concentration) obtained at different pH values suggest that the solubility can be related to both the aggregation state and the intrinsic solubility of the proteins promoted by solution conditions. These findings suggest the possibility of using polyethylene glycol in a rational way for the fractional precipitation of a mixture.
A Colorimetric Procedure to Monitor the Extent of Crosslinking of Proteins by Bisimidoesters
Authors: Kamra A. , Gupta MN
Published: October 2023

Reaction of proteins with bisimidoesters is one of the popular crosslinking techniques. The extent of the reaction cannot be followed directly using the commonly used free amino group‐determining reagents ninhydrin and 2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid since they react with bisimidoesters. However, we found that the extent of amidination of protein could be followed colorimetrically by using 1‐fluoro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene.
Studies on the Properties of Immobilized Urokinase: Effects of pH and Temperature
Authors: Yabushita Y.
Published: October 2023

Human urokinase was immobilized on an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer surface. Soluble urokinase showed its maximum activity at pH 8.5, while the immobilized enzyme was most active at pH 9.0. Apparently, the shift in optimal pH was due to the polyanionic nature of the carrier surface on which the enzyme was immobilized. Optimal temperatures of soluble urokinase and immobilized enzyme were identical, i.e., 37 degrees C. The stability of immobilized enzyme against thermal degradation was several times higher than that of the soluble enzyme. Its stability at higher temperatures is one of the main reasons for the clinical use of immobilized urokinase as an antithrombotic material.
Production of recombinant human serum albumin from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Quirk AV , Geisow MJ , Woodrow JR , Burton SJ , Wood PC , Sutton AD , Johnson RA , Dodsworth N.
Published: October 2023

Human serum albumin has been constitutively expressed in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae brewing yeast. After cell growth and disruption the product was associated with the insoluble fraction and represented approximately 1% of total cell protein. After the cell debris was extensively washed, the albumin was solubilized with 8 M urea and 28 mM 2‐mercaptoethanol in 50 mM sodium carbonate buffer, pH 10. The denatured albumin was refolded by dialysis and further purified by anion exchange and gel filtration chromatography. Losses of renatured material could be reduced, or higher protein concentrations used during refolding, if the denatured product was purified by cation‐exchange chromatography in urea prior to refolding. Apart from an additional N‐terminal N‐acetyl methionine, the refolded product proved identical to human serum albumin derived from plasma when compared by a variety of physical, chemical, and biological analytical methods.
Metabolic pathway for the biodegradation of sodium dodecyl sulfate by Pseudomonas sp. C12B
Authors: Thomas OR , White GF
Published: October 2023

Metabolism of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) by the detergent‐degrading bacterium Pseudomonas C12B has been studied using a 14C radiotracer in combination with radio‐respirometry, radio‐TLC, and GLC. Metabolism was extensive with 70% of the radiolabel released as 14CO2 at completion. The remainder of the radiolabel was incorporated almost totally into cells. Ether extraction of cells indicated that 14C‐labeled cellular material appearing early in the uptake process was predominantly ether‐extractable (mainly 1‐dodecanol) and was subsequently converted to more polar metabolites. Analysis of the extractable lipids established the sequential production from [1‐14C]SDS of 1‐dodecanol, dodecanal, and dodecanoic acid. At this point the pathway diverged leading either to formation of 14CO2 via beta‐oxidation or to elongation to C14, C16, and C18 fatty acyl residues with rapid incorporation into lipid fractions such as phospholipids. The pathway was correlated with known long‐chain alkylsulfatases and alcohol dehydrogenases in this isolate and indicated that hydrophobic metabolites of the alkyl chain of surfactants can be incorporated into cellular components such as membrane lipids without prior degradation by beta‐oxidation.
Coupling of poly(ethylene glycol) to albumin under very mild conditions by activation with tresyl chloride: characterization of the conjugate by partitioning in aqueous two‐phase systems
Authors: Delgado C. , Patel JN , Francis GE , Fisher D.
Published: October 2023

Poly(ethylene glycol) activated with tresyl chloride has been covalently linked to albumin as a result of a 2‐h incubation in 0.05 M sodium phosphate buffer, pH 7.5, containing 0.125 M sodium chloride (0.344 OSM). The coupling of poly(ethylene glycol) to albumin was demonstrated by the increase in the partition coefficient of the protein in poly(ethylene glycol)‐dextran aqueous two‐phase systems. A linear relationship between the log of the partition coefficient of the poly(ethylene glycol)‐albumin conjugate and the degree of modification (measured as the amino groups consumed during the coupling step) has been demonstrated. Countercurrent distribution in the two‐phase system showed that poly(ethylene glycol)‐albumin was heterogeneous with respect to its partitioning behavior, indicating that the albumin was not uniformly modified with poly(ethylene glycol).
Substrate specificity and inhibitor structure‐activity relationships of recombinant human renin: implications in the in vivo evaluation of renin inhibitors
Authors: Evans DB , Cornette JC , Sawyer TK , Staples DJ , de Vaux AE , Sharma SK
Published: October 2023

Homogeneous, active recombinant human renin obtained from Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells was characterized in vitro by (i) determination of its relative rates of hydrolysis of plasma angiotensinogens (ANGs) from human, monkey, baboon, rat, pig, rabbit, hamster, and dog and (ii) analysis of several synthetic ANG‐based, inhibitors ranging in IC50 from 10(‐10) to 10(‐6) M. Comparison of the recombinant human renin with human kidney renin showed that these enzymes were indistinguishable from each other in terms of their plasma ANG specificities and inhibition by synthetic renin inhibitors. Porcine kidney renin was also characterized and shown to display plasma ANG hydrolysis profiles and inhibitor potencies that were markedly different from those of human renins. Finally, the results using the above plasma ANGs extend previous studies showing that the substrate specificity of human renin may be influenced by the amino acid residues at P2 (i.e., Ile, Val, or Tyr) and P3 (i.e., His or Tyr) sites. The relevance of these data to in vivo evaluation of renin inhibitors in animal models is discussed.
Towards large‐scale purification of natural CSF‐1 from human placenta tissue extracts
Authors: Martin‐Thouvenin V. , Uhlrich S. , Tayot JL , Lanotte M.
Published: October 2023

The monocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (colony‐stimulating factor 1) is characterized and partially purified from industrially processed human tissues for the first time. A five‐step purification procedure using placenta tissue extracts furnished a 13,620‐fold enrichment of biological activity. This procedure includes a “pilot” scale anion‐exchange chromatography at pH 4.5, gel permeation, and lectin affinity separation followed by HPLC steps (hydrophobic interaction and C18 reverse‐phase chromatographies). The purified bioactive material, which stimulates only monocyte‐macrophage progenitors and mature cells, showed an Mr of 58,000–62,000 (gel filtration) and an isoelectric point of 3.8‐4.0. The hydrophobicity of the molecule was low, and the biological activity was eluted at 50% acetonitrile on a C18 reverse‐phase HPLC column. It was totally inactivated by 2‐beta‐mercaptoethanol reduction and heat treatment. Immunoprecipitation and neutralization of biological activity with specific anti‐CSF‐1 antibodies (not shown) demonstrated that this material was CSF‐1. Step 5 of this protocol yielded two silver‐stained bands on 12.5% SDS‐PAGE: a major 55‐kDa band (96%) and a minor 33‐kDa band (4%). CSF‐1 was detected exclusively in a band of 52–62 kDa by both Western immunoblotting and bioassays. Immunoaffinity techniques using antibodies directed against selective epitopes on the placental CSF‐1 are now considered to purify this material to homogeneity. This approach to the mass production of natural CSF‐1 from human tissue has advantages with respect to both the difficulty of post‐translational processing of bioactive material in procaryotes and the cost of eucaryotic cell cultures.
Preparation of active hybrid enzymes composed of the native and chemically inactivated aspartase subunits from Escherichia coli
Authors: Imaishi H. , Yumoto N. , Tokushige M.
Published: October 2023

The hybridization of the native and chemically inactivated aspartase from Escherichia coli was studied. Preparations of the tetrameric enzyme obtained by mixing the native and N‐ethylmaleimide (NEM)‐inactivated aspartase in 4 M guanidine‐HCl followed by 51‐fold dilution at room temperature retained catalytic activity. Affinity chromatography on AF‐Red TOYO‐PEARL separated several active components in the hybridized preparations, and the presence of [14C]NEM‐inactivated subunits in the active hybrids was demonstrated. The addition of the native aspartase to Sepharose‐bound NEM‐inactivated enzyme in 4 M guanidine‐HCl resulted in the formation of an immobilized enzyme with enzyme activity. The specific activity of the various hybrids, composed of unmodified and [14C]NEM‐inactivated subunits, was roughly proportional to the number of unmodified subunits in each tetramer. Furthermore, when reversible denaturation was conducted on mixtures of the native and NEM‐inactivated enzyme at various proportions, the enzyme activity recovered was proportional to the amount of the native enzyme added. These results strongly suggest that each subunit makes an independent contribution to the overall enzyme activity regardless of the presence of other subunits in the same molecule. The theoretical and practical implications of this work are discussed.
Molecular cloning of the cys genes (cysC, cysD, cysH, cysI, cysJ, and cysG) responsible for cysteine biosynthesis in Escherichia coli K‐12
Authors: Tei H. , Murata K. , Kimura A.
Published: October 2023

The cysCDHIJ gene region at 59 min and the cysG gene at 74 min on the chromosome of Escherichia coli K‐12 were cloned. The ability of these cloned genes to complement mutants was analyzed and their restriction maps were determined. The following results were obtained. First, the cysCDHIJ regulon could be separated into cysCD and cysHIJ regions. Second, the cysG gene was quite different from the cysI and cysJ genes.
Conversion of ammonia or urea into essential amino acids, L‐leucine, L‐valine, and L‐isoleucine, using artificial cells containing an immobilized multienzyme system and dextran‐NAD+. 2. Yeast alcohol dehydrogenase for coenzyme recycling
Authors: Gu KF , Chang TM
Published: October 2023

Semipermeable nylon‐polyethylenimine artificial cells containing leucine dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.9), alcohol dehydrogenase (EC 1.1.1.1), urease (EC 3.5.1.5), and dextran‐NAD+ were prepared. Artificial cells could convert ammonia or urea into L‐leucine, L‐valine, and L‐isoleucine. For batch conversion in 20.0 mM of ammonium acetate substrate solutions, in 2 h 0.2 ml of artificial cells could produce 4.48 mumol of L‐leucine, 9.98 mumol of L‐valine, or 5.96 mumol of L‐isoleucine. The corresponding conversion ratios were 22.4, 49.9, and 29.8%. In 20.0 mM of urea substrate solutions, 13.71 mumol of L‐leucine, 16.12 mumol of L‐valine, or 13.44 mumol of L‐isoleucine was produced and the conversion ratios were 68.6, 80.6, and 67.2%. The substrate specificity of leucine dehydrogenase for the reductive amination was determined. Of the three branched‐chain amino acids produced, the production rates of L‐valine were the highest. The apparent Km values were as follows: 0.32 mM for alpha‐ketoisocaproate, 1.63 mM for alpha‐ketoisovalerate, and 0.73 mM for Dl‐alpha‐keto‐beta‐methyl‐n‐valerate. The leucine dehydrogenase multienzyme system had a good storage stability. It retained 72.0% of the original activity with artificial cells were stored at 4 degrees C for 6 weeks. The optimum conversion pH and temperature were 8.5–9.0 and 35–40 degrees C. The effects of urea and ammonium salts on conversion rate were also studied. The relative activities in ammonium salts solutions were 45.1–75.9% of those in urea solutions.
Properties of arginase immobilized in a fibrin clot
Authors: Diez A. , Campo ML , Soler G.
Published: October 2023

Rat liver arginase was covalently trapped in a fibrin clot. Among the physicochemical properties of the enzyme studied were Mn2+ requirement, pH behavior, temperature and time stability, effect of denaturing agents, and kinetic properties. The immobilized arginase showed the same substrate affinity as soluble arginase, but had higher stability at room temperature, was more resistant to denaturation, and had a higher catalytic activity at physiological pH. The properties so far examined may enhance the use of immobilized arginase in cancer therapy.
Simple method for the isolation of the antilepidopteran toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki
Authors: Venkateswerlu G. , Stotzky G.
Published: October 2023

A protein with a molecular mass of 66 kDa was isolated by a simple, rapid, and inexpensive method, using 3‐N‐morpholinopropanesulfonic acid, potassium thiocyanate, and dithiothreitol, from a mixture of spores, parasporal crystals, and cell debris of Bacillus thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki. The protein was active against the third instar larvae of Trichoplusia ni, was soluble in 19 mM Na2CO3, and was characterized by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and confirmed as the insecticidal component of the 132‐kDa protoxin of B. thuringiensis subsp. kurstaki by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay using antibodies prepared against the protoxin.
Three main components in plasma proteases and their relation to the renin‐angiotensin system
Authors: Aoyagi T. , Wada T. , Kojima F. , Nagai M. , Harada S. , Takeuchi T. , Tsunoda K. , Abe K. , Yoshinaga K.
Published: October 2023

The relation of plasma renin activity (PRA) and plasma levels of angiotensin I (AI) and II (AII) to those of various proteases, including eight endopeptidases and four aminopeptidases, was investigated in 51 normal control subjects. The multivariate study using factor analysis showed that the plasma proteases can be classified into three main components: the aminopeptidase, the plasmin, and the kinin‐kallikrein. PRA and AI were related almost exclusively to the aminopeptidase component, while the AII level was related not only to the same component but also to the kallikrein‐kinin component. This kind of multivariate study may help in the elucidation of the role of proteases and bioactive peptides, such as angiotensin derivatives, in essential hypertension through a comparison of multivariate relationships in controls and patients.
Immunoaffinity chromatography of diadenosine 5‘,5“’‐P1,P4‐tetraphosphate phosphorylase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Avila DM , Kaushal V. , Barnes LD
Published: October 2023

Diadenosine 5‘,5“’‐P1,P4‐tetraphosphate (Ap4A) phosphorylase has been isolated previously using classical protein isolation techniques [A. Guranowski and S. Blanquet (1985) J. Biol. Chem. 260, 3542–3547]. A protein A‐Sepharose immunoaffinity column was prepared to simplify the purification procedure. The immunoaffinity column was prepared using specific polyclonal antibodies to Ap4A phosphorylase covalently coupled to protein A‐Sepharose with dimethyl pimelimidate by a modification of the procedure of C. Schneider et al. [(1982) J. Biol. Chem. 257, 10,766‐10,769]. The specific activity of the immunoaffinity‐purified enzyme showed an increase equivalent to the specific activity obtained by chromatography on DEAE‐cellulose and hydroxyapatite columns.
High‐level expression of complementary DNA encoding rat calmodulin in Escherichia coli
Authors: Matsuki S. , Ozawa T. , Nagao S. , Hirata H. , Kanoh H. , Nozawa Y.
Published: October 2023

We report the production and characterization of a rat calmodulin made in Escherichia coli. To express the rat calmodulin cDNA in E. coli, we have employed an expression vector containing the E. coli trp promoter and trpA terminator. The cDNA was modified so as to delete the 5′ nontranslated sequence and to incorporate a consensus sequence for the E. coli ribosome‐binding site. Several codons for the N‐terminal amino acids were selected to fit the E. coli consensus nucleotide sequence around the translational initiation codon. After induction of expression in E. coli, rat calmodulin accounted for over 30% of total cellular proteins. About 100 mg of recombinant rat calmodulin, purified to over 90% homogeneity by extraction from bacterial lysate followed by phenyl‐Sepharose column chromatography, was obtained from 1 liter of E. coli culture. This recombinant calmodulin activated rat brain cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase to the same extent as the native calmodulin purified from rat brain. These results indicate that the overproduction system of the recombinant calmodulin in E. coli facilitates the study of the structure‐function relationship by site‐specific mutagenesis.
Generation of monoclonal antibodies to human acylphosphatase (muscular isoenzyme) and application in solid‐phase immunoassay
Authors: Degl'Innocenti D. , Berti A. , Stefani M. , Ramponi G.
Published: October 2023

Monoclonal antibodies to human acylphosphatase (muscle isoenzyme) were generated by an improved hybridoma technique. Immunization consisted of four antigen administrations in an overall period of 15 weeks. After cell fusion and repeated subcloning of positive lines, seven monoclonal antibodies with good affinity and specificity were selected. These antibodies were characterized for their affinity constant and immunoreactivity. The latter was determined using peptides generated by CNBr cleavage of the antigen. One of the selected antibodies had an affinity constant such that it could be used to develop a competitive enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. In our test, the antigen that was coated on the matrix, and the free one, competed for the antibody‐horseradish peroxidase conjugate. No cross‐reactivity with the erythrocyte iso‐enzyme was found, and the test showed a limit in sensitivity of 0.32 ng/ml of antigen. We expect that the enzyme immunoassay could be useful for clinical application.
Formation of glyceryl 2‐mononitrate by regioselective bioconversion of glyceryl trinitrate: efficiency of the filamentous fungus Phanerochaete chrysosporium
Authors: Ducrocq C. , Servy C. , Lenfant M.
Published: October 2023

Various microorganisms have been evaluated for their ability to hydrolyze glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) to glyceryl dinitrates and mononitrates. Provided that the GTN extracellular concentration was under the lethal dose, metabolite formation and regioselectivity depend on the nature of the strain used. In particular, Phanerochaete chrysosporium at a sublethal dose (3 mM) converts GTN into 1,2‐glyceryl dinitrate and 2‐glyceryl mononitrate (2‐GMN) with a 80% regioselectivity in both steps. This bioconversion, when carried out in fermentors at 28 degrees C, allowed formation of 2‐GMN at a rate of 12 mumol/h/g of dried mycelium. Successive batches of 3 mM GTN could be converted into 2‐GMN as long as consecutive additions of glycerol or glucose were effected to ensure cell survival and the efficiency of the enzymatic system involved.
Intraperitoneal administration of carrier erythrocytes in dogs: an improved method for delivery of L‐asparaginase
Authors: DeLoach JR , Andrews K. , Satterfield W. , Keeling M.
Published: October 2023

Carrier erythrocytes were prepared to encapsulate L‐asparaginase by a hypotonic dialysis process. Dogs received either intravenous or intraperitoneal injections of cells containing both L‐asparaginase and the marker [3H]inulin. The route of administration had no effect on the circulating survival of carrier erythrocytes. For enzyme therapy, intraperitoneal injection of a large volume of cells is technically feasible. Cells circulate with a maximum of 30% of the cells reaching circulation 24 h after injection. Those cells reaching circulation have a 7‐day half‐life for the encapsulated enzyme L‐asparaginase.
Preparation and in vivo evaluation of two bovine hemoglobin‐based plasma expanders
Authors: Sheffield CL , DeLoach JR
Published: October 2023

A hemoglobin (Hb)‐based oxygen carrier was successfully transfused into rats. An ultrapure lipid‐free bovine Hb was prepared by hypotonic dialysis and ultrafiltration. The Hb was polymerized with glutaraldehyde and the P50 was 24.3 mm Hg. On the basis of immunological analysis, immuno‐dot blot, the Hb preparations were not antigenic. A second transfusion produced no adverse immunological side effects. A right shift in P50 was obtained by further treatment of polymerized Hb with inositol hexaphosphate; however, this Hb preparation was unsuitable for transfusion as all animals died within a few minutes. A 30% exchange transfusion in rats with the polymerized bovine Hb resulted in a 100% survival of all animals. P50 values of treated animals were reduced by about 2 mm Hg for 14 days. The Hb product circulated for 14 days as determined by 51Cr labeling. Ultrapure bovine Hb has the potential to circulate and carry oxygen in rats and causes no immunological side effects.
Protein A immobilized affinity cartridge for immunoglobulin purification
Authors: Hou KC , Zaniewski R. , Roy S.
Published: October 2023

Recombinant Protein A was immobilized on a cellulose and acrylic composite matrix through Schiff base formation. Various factors that could affect the binding of immunoglobulin by the Protein A molecules immobilized on the solid matrix were studied to achieve optimum affinity purification. The spacer arm length and ligand concentration of Protein A were verified as factors crucial to optimized IgG purification. Liquid‐phase environmental conditions such as pH and salt concentration also play important roles in adsorption capacity by affecting the molecular interaction between IgG and the immobilized Protein A. The rate of interaction between Protein A and IgG is rather fast, with minimal differences observed at 10‐fold increases in the cartridge loading rate. This paper describes a cellulose/acrylic composite matrix for immobilizing Protein A, at an optimized ligand concentration, installed on a spacer arm of adequate length, to purify immunoglobulins from animal plasma. The fast‐flow property of the cartridge made from such a matrix and its simplicity in operation provide effective means for purifying immunoglobulins on a relatively large scale.
Identification and characterization of a thermolabile antigen (TLAb, glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Watanabe Y. , Ikeuchi Y. , Tamai Y.
Published: October 2023

Five thermolabile antigens (TLAa, TLAb, TLAc, TLAd, and TLAe) have been purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Recently, we reported that TLAa was identical with yeast enolase (EC 4.2.1.11). In this paper, TLAb was identified as yeast glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH, EC 1.2.1.12) on the following bases: (1) Mr, N‐terminal amino acid sequence, and isomer number of TLAb were the same as those of GAPDH; (2) anti‐TLAb serum was reactive to GAPDH in the Ouchterlony test and in sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis immunoblotting; and (3) TLAb possessed GAPDH enzyme activity which was inhibited by anti‐TLAb serum. The effect of various growth conditions on the proportion of three TLAb isoproteins (TLAb‐1, TLAb‐2, and TLAb‐3) was examined. The proportion of two TLAb isoproteins (TLAb‐1 and TLAb‐2) changed depending on the cell growth phase the carbon sources, and sodium chloride shock. It is concluded that environmental stress has a differential effect on the biosynthesis of TLAb isoproteins.
Economic Stress and Suicide: Multilevel Analyses
Authors: Dooley David , Catalano Ralph , Rook Karen , Serxner Seth
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper reports the second of two studies of the hypothesis that the economy affects suicide; both studies were based in the same community during approximately the same time period. Although many aggregate‐level tests have been conducted using archival measures of unemployment and suicide (the approach used in Part 1), the impact of economic climate on suicidal ideation has not been measured at the individual level. In the study reported here, aggregate economic indicators were combined with individual‐level measures of stressful events, symptoms, and suicidal ideation obtained in a survey of Los Angeles from 1978 to 1982. Each of the two studies revealed small associations between economic stress and suicide or suicidal ideation, but they were inconsistent with respect to specific subgroups.
Self‐Mutilation and Eating Disorders
Authors: Favazza Armando R. , DeRosear Lori , Conterio Karen
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Patients with eating disorders are at high risk for self‐mutilation (e.g., skin cutting and burning), and vice versa. Evidence for this linkage comes from a literature review, from patient interviews, from responses to an instrument we have developed (the Self‐Harm Behavior Survey), and from three instructive case reports. Even if the self‐mutilation in these patients is regarded as a Borderline Personality Disorder symptom, DSM‐IV should list it as an associated feature or a complication of Anorexia Nervosa/Bulimia Nervosa. In lieu of a dual diagnosis, we postulate that the combination of self‐mutilation, anorexia, bulimia, and other symptoms (such as episodic alcohol abuse and swallowing foreign objects) may be manifestations of an impulse control disorder known as the “deliberate self‐harm syndrome.”
Suicide Trends in Australia, 1901–1985: An Analysis of Sex Differentials
Authors: Hassan Riaz , Tan Gerald
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: This paper analyzes trends in the male–female suicide ratio in Australia, using data for the period 1901–1985. The main finding of the paper is that modernization, as measured by an index composed of the female participation rate in the labor force and the urbanization rate, is positively related to the male–female suicide ratio. This is contrary to an earlier finding by Stack and Danigelis (1985), who reported an inverse relationship between these two variables. This finding is shown to be due to the fact that no correction was made for trend. When the data series are corrected for trend, a significant positive relationship is found between modernization and the male–female suicide ratio in Australia. Another finding of the paper is that the female suicide rate in Australia has been falling significantly since the mid‐1960s. This is also at variance with Stack and Danigelis's hypothesis that as modernization proceeds, the female suicide rate rises. We discuss reasons for this in the Australian context.
Suicidal Behavior in Long‐Term Care Facilities
Authors: Osgood Nancy J. , Brant Barbara A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of administrators of 1,080 long‐term care facilities, in order to obtain information on the extent and nature of overt suicide and intentional life‐threatening behavior (ILTB). Rates were calculated for death from overt suicides and ILTB. In‐depth case studies, involving observation, interviews, and examination of medical records, were conducted in four facilities. Quantitative analysis revealed that white males were most at risk. Refusing to eat or drink and refusing medications were the most common suicidal behaviors. Depression, loneliness, feelings of family rejection, and loss were significant factors.
Jail Suicide and Legal Redress
Authors: Olivero J. Michael , Roberts James B.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Suicide is the leading cause of death in jails. Especially at risk are pretrial detainees. This paper provides clinicians who serve as consultants to jails with an overview of legal precedent concerning liability for jail suicide on the federal appellate, federal district, and state levels. Liability on the federal level is based upon actions involving deliberate indifference or gross negligence. A table is provided granting a summary view of appellate‐level decisions on liability for jail suicide. Liability on the state level involves lesser standards of negligence. The paper concludes with several liability‐generating scenarios.
Suicide Mortality among Kentucky Farmers, 1979–1985
Authors: Stallones Lorann
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Farmers may be at high risk for suicide because of their social environment and because of chemical exposure resulting in neurotoxic effects in the workplace. Age‐specific suicide rates are compared for Kentucky white farmers, Kentucky white males, and U.S. white males. Data for suicides occurring in Kentucky represent the 7‐year period between 1979 and 1985; data for the United States suicides represent the period 1980. Overall, suicide rates were highest for Kentucky farmers, followed by Kentucky males and then by U.S. males. All males were most likely to use firearms as the mode of suicide, but the farmers used firearms significantly more often than the U.S. males, as did the other Kentucky males. These findings and other evidence support the need to assess suicide rates in this occupational group in other states, to begin suicide prevention programs for Kentucky, and to work to identify risk factors contributing to the Kentucky farm suicides.
Psychosocial Vulnerability, Life Stress, and Suicide Ideation in a Jail Population: A Cross‐Validation Study
Authors: Bonner Ronald L. , Rich Alexander R.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT:The purpose of this present investigation was to cross‐validate a stress–psychosocial vulnerability model of suicidal ideation and behavior in a jail population. Measures of social alienation, cognitive distortions, adaptive resources, situational (jail environment) stress, depression, hopelessness, and suicide ideation were administered to 146 male inmates at a county jail facility. It was predicted that each of the vulnerability factors, in addition to jail stress, would be significantly related to suicide ideation among inmates. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that psychosocial vulnerability among inmates would interact with jail stress to best explain suicide intent. The result of a multiple‐regression analysis, stepwise forward‐inclusion algorithm, indicated that 51% of the variation in suicide ideation could be accounted for by the linear combination of low reasons for living, irrational beliefs, jail stress, and loneliness. In addition, when the variables were entered into a hierarchical multiple‐regression model, interactions between select psychosocial vulnerability factors and jail stress were found to best explain suicide intent. Results of the study are discussed in terms of the proposed model, and implications for future research and prevention efforts in jail suicide are noted.
Suicide in the Israeli Army
Authors: Fishman Gideon , Morris‐Dycian Anat , Kotler Moshe
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: The present study was an attempt to analyze the problem of suicide in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Suicide is increasing among populations aged 18–21, which in Israel is the age when most young people are called up for a 3‐year period of compulsory military service. The service may have a catalytic effect on suicide, but on the other hand may serve as a control mechanism reducing suicide. The study used data for the period 1974–1985, and examined suicide in combat and noncombat units by duration of service and by preservice psychiatric, medical, and motivational data. The suicide groups were also compared with a matched sample of nonsuicide groups along the relevant variables. The findings seem to be consistent with some established theoretical perspectives of situational stress, social support, and status incompatibility, and seem to bear practical implications for the reduction of suicide.
Suicidal Behavior and Cognitive Flexibility: Design and Verbal Fluency after Attempted Suicide
Authors: Bartfai A. , Winborg I.‐M. , Nordström P. , Åsberg M.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Aspects of problem solving were measured in nine male psychiatric patients, hospitalized after attempted suicide. Testing took place within 3 weeks (except for one patient) of the suicide attempt. Controls were patients with chronic idiopathic pain and healthy volunteers. Suicidal patients had significantly lower scores on general intellectual tests and in verbal and design fluency. No differences in problem solving (the Perceptual Maze Test and the Wisconsin Card‐Sorting Test) and flexibility (the Uses of Objects Test and the Stroop Test) were found. The results are interpreted as indicating a decreased ability of suicidal patients to generate new ideas, when no alternatives are provided.
Alberta's Suicide Prevention Training Programs: A Retrospective Comparison with Rothman's Developmental Research Model
Authors: Ramsay R. F. , Cooke M. A. , Lang W. A.
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Developmental research is used to transform existing knowledge into applied programs. A social research and development (R&D) method, developed by Rothman for the human service professions, is compared with the method used to develop the Suicide Prevention Training Programs in Alberta, Canada. A retrospective review compares the development of these programs, which have since been implemented both nationally and internationally, with Rothman's model; discusses social R&D as a transformation methodology; and draws conclusions about the probable success of using developmental research methods in the human services.

The review finds that the Alberta method closely paralleled the phases of Rothman's model. Results show that the transformation of knowledge about suicide into widely disseminated suicide prevention training programs can be attributed to the application of social R&D principles. The study concludes that the use of developmental research methods to establish human service programs should increase the probability of their success.
Circadian Variation in Suicide Attempts in Tokyo from 1978 to 1985
Authors: Motohashi Yutaka
Published: October 2023

ABSTRACT: Circadian variations in suicide attempts in Tokyo from 1978 to 1985 were analyzed on the basis of records of the Ambulance Service of Tokyo. A significant circadian variation in suicide attempts was demonstrated by the cosinor method, power spectrum analysis (by the maximum‐entropy method), and analysis of variance. The peak time for suicide attempts was established by cosinor analysis as about 1800 hours (6:00 p.m.). The circadian variation in suicide attempts seemed to be associated with endogenous rhythms such as mood, as well as with daily variation in social activities.
The dual role of GoPGF reveals that the pigment glands are synthetic sites of gossypol in aerial parts of cotton
Authors: Zhang Zhen‐Nan , Long Lu , Zhao Xiao‐Tong , Shang Shen‐Zhai , Xu Fu‐Chun , Zhao Jing‐Ruo , Hu Gai‐Yuan , Mi Ling‐Yu , Song Chun‐Peng , Gao Wei
Published: October 2023

Gossypol and the related terpenoids are stored in the pigment gland to protect cotton plants from biotic stresses, but little is known about the synthetic sites of these metabolites.

Here, we showed that GoPGF, a key gene regulating gland formation, was expressed in gland cells and roots. The chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP‐seq) analysis demonstrated that GoPGF targets GhJUB1 to regulate gland morphogenesis.

RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐seq) showed high accumulation of gossypol biosynthetic genes in gland cells. Moreover, integrated analysis of the ChIP‐seq and RNA‐seq data revealed that GoPGF binds to the promoter of several gossypol biosynthetic genes. The cotton callus overexpressing GoPGF had dramatically increased the gossypol levels, indicating that GoPGF can directly activate the biosynthesis of gossypol. In addition, the gopgf mutant analysis revealed the existence of both GoPGF‐dependent and ‐independent regulation of gossypol production in cotton roots.

Our study revealed that the pigment glands are synthetic sites of gossypol in aerial parts of cotton and that GoPGF plays a dual role in regulating gland morphogenesis and gossypol biosynthesis. The study provides new insights for exploring the complex relationship between glands and the metabolites they store in cotton and other plant species.
LTP2 hypomorphs show genotype‐by‐environment interaction in early seedling traits in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Alexandre Cristina M. , Bubb Kerry L. , Schultz Karla M. , Lempe Janne , Cuperus Josh T. , Queitsch Christine
Published: October 2023

Isogenic individuals can display seemingly stochastic phenotypic differences, limiting the accuracy of genotype‐to‐phenotype predictions. The extent of this phenotypic variation depends in part on genetic background, raising questions about the genes involved in controlling stochastic phenotypic variation.

Focusing on early seedling traits in Arabidopsis thaliana, we found that hypomorphs of the cuticle‐related gene LIPID TRANSFER PROTEIN 2 (LTP2) greatly increased variation in seedling phenotypes, including hypocotyl length, gravitropism and cuticle permeability. Many ltp2 hypocotyls were significantly shorter than wild‐type hypocotyls while others resembled the wild‐type.

Differences in epidermal properties and gene expression between ltp2 seedlings with long and short hypocotyls suggest a loss of cuticle integrity as the primary determinant of the observed phenotypic variation. We identified environmental conditions that reveal or mask the increased variation in ltp2 hypomorphs and found that increased expression of its closest paralog LTP1 is necessary for ltp2 phenotypes.

Our results illustrate how decreased expression of a single gene can generate starkly increased phenotypic variation in isogenic individuals in response to an environmental challenge.
Inductive and divisional posets
Authors: Pagaria Roberto , Pismataro Maddalena , Tran Tan Nhat , Vecchi Lorenzo
Published: October 2023

We call a poset factorable if its characteristic polynomial has all positive integer roots. Inspired by inductive and divisional freeness of a central hyperplane arrangement, we introduce and study the notion of inductive posets and their superclass of divisional posets. It then motivates us to define the so‐called inductive and divisional abelian (Lie group) arrangements, whose posets of layers serve as the main examples of our posets. Our first main result is that every divisional poset is factorable. Our second main result shows that the class of inductive posets contains strictly supersolvable posets, the notion recently introduced due to Bibby and Delucchi (2022). This result can be regarded as an extension of a classical result due to Jambu and Terao (Adv. in Math. 52 (1984) 248–258), which asserts that every supersolvable hyperplane arrangement is inductively free. Our third main result is an application to toric arrangements, which states that the toric arrangement defined by an arbitrary ideal of a root system of type , or with respect to the root lattice is inductive.
β-Escin: An Updated Review of Its Analysis, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics, and Toxicity
Authors: Wang Yunyu , Han Xiuwei , Wan Xinhuan , Niu Fengjv , Zhou Changzheng
Published: October 2023

[Formula: see text]-Escin is an oleanane-type pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin extracted from the seeds of Aesculus hippocastanum (AH), which is more widely distributed. [Formula: see text]-Escin sodium has been approved by the American FDA for clinical usage. This paper is intended to summarize an updated and comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic properties, toxicity, and analytical methods of [Formula: see text]-escin. Studies have shown that [Formula: see text]-escin has significant antitumor, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and other activities alongside less adverse effects and higher safety than other compounds. The review shows that the pharmacological effects of [Formula: see text]-escin involve mechanisms such as ATM/[Formula: see text]H2AX, RhoA/Rock, GSK-3[Formula: see text]/[Formula: see text]-Catenin, HER2/HER3/Akt, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways, and Cyclin A, p21[Formula: see text], survivin, Bcl-2, Mcl-1, Caspases, TGF-[Formula: see text], MMPs, and TNF-[Formula: see text] among other inflammatory factors. [Formula: see text]-Escin has significant cytotoxicity; the use of the chitosan/xanthan gum-based polyelectrolyte complexes PA1 and PC-11 to modify it not only to reduces its toxicity, but also improves its drug efficacy. Because of this, these compounds may become a new research hotspot. [Formula: see text]-Escin in vivo metabolism can be converted by the CYP1A2 enzyme in the intestinal flora to produce [Formula: see text]-escin, deacylated, deglycosylated, and 21[Formula: see text]-[Formula: see text]-crotonoyl-protoescin, and the binding rate of the plasma proteins is higher than 90%. These are mainly metabolized by the liver, kidneys, and other organs, and excreted in the form of urine and feces. The number of reports on the specific mediators of the metabolism of [Formula: see text]-escin and their mechanisms and metabolites is relatively small; furthermore, the results are vague. Therefore, a complete and in-depth exploration of the pharmacokinetic characteristics of [Formula: see text]-escin is needed to provide a more complete and effective theoretical reference for the study of its pharmacodynamic activity.
Pachymic Acid Prevents Hemorrhagic Shock-Induced Cardiac Injury by Suppressing M1 Macrophage Polarization and NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Liu Zhenfeng , Zhou Wuming , Liu Qingyang , Huan Zhirong , Wang Qiubo , Ge Xin
Published: October 2023

Hemorrhagic shock (HS) is the leading cause of death in trauma patients. Inflammation following HS can lead to cardiac damage. Pachymic acid (PA), a triterpenoid extracted from Poria cocos, has been found to possess various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Our research aims to investigate the protective effects of PA against HS-induced heart damage and the underlying mechanisms involved. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were intraperitoneally injected with PA (7.5 or 15[Formula: see text]mg/kg) daily for three days. Subsequently, we created a rat model of HS by drawing blood through a catheter inserted into the femoral artery followed by resuscitation. The results revealed that HS led to abnormalities in hemodynamics, serum cardiac enzyme levels, and cardiac structure, as well as induced cardiac apoptosis. However, pretreatment with PA effectively alleviated these effects. PA-pretreatment also suppressed mRNA and protein levels of interleukin (IL)-1[Formula: see text], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [Formula: see text] (TNF-[Formula: see text]) in the heart tissues of HS rats. Additionally, PA-pretreatment reduced inflammatory cell infiltration and M1 macrophage polarization while exaggerating M2 polarization in HS rat hearts. The study observed a decreased proportion of the expression of of M1 macrophages (CD86[Formula: see text]) and their marker (iNOS), along with an increased proportion of the expression of M2 macrophages (CD206[Formula: see text]) and their marker (Arg-1). Notably, PA-pretreatment suppressed NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway activation via inhibiting NF-[Formula: see text]B p65 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. In conclusion, PA-pretreatment ameliorates HS-induced cardiac injury, potentially through its inhibition of the NF-[Formula: see text]B pathway. Therefore, PA treatment holds promise as a strategy for mitigating cardiac damage in HS.