bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association analysis of Suboptimal health Status: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Xue Yunlian , Huang Zhuomin , Liu Guihao , Feng Yefang , Xu Mengyao , Jiang Lijie , Xu Jun
Published: December 2020

Background

Suboptimal health status (SHS) among urban residents is commonplace in China. However, factors influencing SHS have not been thoroughly explored, especially with regard to the effects of internal factors (e.g., personality and health awareness) on SHS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with a nationally representative sample of 5460 Chinese urban residents..SHS was measured using the Suboptimal Health Mesurement Scale Version 1.0. Demographic information, and information pertaining to lifestyle behaviors, environmental factors, and internal factors were abtained through a questionnaire. The associations between demographic information, lifestyle behaviors, environmental factors, internal factors and SHS were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Of the 5460 participants (with a mean age of 41.56 ±  16.14 years), 2640 (48.4 %) were men. Out of 36 variables, 23 were significantly associated with SHS: age (odds ratio [OR]: 1.014), an education level of high school/junior college (OR: 1.443) , marital status (OR: 1.899), area of registered permanent residence (OR: 0.767), monthly household income (p < 0.001) , exposure to second-hand smoke (p = 0.001), alcohol drinking (OR: 1.284), bad eating habits (OR: 1.717), not sleeping before 11 p.m. every day (p = 0.002), spending time online more than five hours a day (OR: 1.526), having a good relationship with parents during one’s growth period (OR: 0.602), living with good quality air (OR:0.817), living in not crowded conditions (OR:0.636), having a harmonious neighborhood (OR:0.775), having adequate fitness facilities (OR:0.783), one’s health being affected by two-child policy (OR: 1.468) and medical policies (OR: 1.265) , high adverse quotient (OR: 0.488), many (≥3 kinds) interests and hobbies (OR: 0.617), mature and steady personality traits (OR: 0.469) , a high attention to one’s health (OR: 0.833), and effective health promotion induced by leading a leisurely lifestyle (OR: 0.466) were significantly associated with SHS.

Conclusions

All these variables were included demographic information, lifestyle behaviors, environmental factors and internal factors. Our study supports the benefits of controlling both internal and external factors in preventing suboptimal health.
O uso de métodos quantitativos em pesquisas sobre avaliação da implementação de sistemas de informação em saúde
Authors: Damázio Dioni da Rosa , Soares Sandro Vieira , Lima Carlos Rogério Montenegro de
Published: December 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo identificar os principais métodos quantitativos utilizados em pesquisas sobre avaliação da implementação de sistemas de informação em saúde. Trata-se de um estudo bibliográfico, que analisou uma amostra de 11 artigos publicados entre 2010 e 2019 sobre a temática. Para composição do portfólio foi utilizada a aplicação do instrumento Proknow-C - Knowledge Development Process – Constructivist em bases de dados nacionais e internacionais. A análise desta pesquisa é bibliográfica e os seus resultados mostram que a estatística descritiva foi a técnica estatística mais empregada, seguida dos testes de hipótese e da análise de regressão múltipla. Não obstante, também se fizeram presentes as técnicas de: modelagem de equações estruturais, análise de regressão logística e análise fatorial confirmatória. O software SAS foi o único que foi citado em 2 artigos distintos, porém em versões diferentes. A presença de questionários foi verificada em todos os estudos e o uso de escala Likert foi observado em 36,36% dos artigos. O coeficiente Alfa de Cronbach foi o método citado para validação e aderência dos questionários e esteve presente em 27,27% dos artigos analisados. O estudo contribuiu para ampliar a compreensão sobre o uso de métodos quantitativos em pesquisas na temática e apontar alguns direcionamentos que podem auxiliar em futuros estudos.
Vivências de assédio moral na Pós-Graduação: relatos de docentes e discentes
Authors: Nunes Thiago Soares
Published: December 2020

O meio acadêmico e de pesquisa são ambientes que manifestam situações de assédio moral, seja pelo abuso de poder, pressões e cobranças, vaidades/ego ou pela recusa de diferença. Esta pesquisa objetivou identificar as práticas de assédio moral vivenciadas por servidores docentes e discentes vinculados aos Programas de Pós-Graduação stricto sensu de uma Universidade da região sul brasileira. A pesquisa teve uma abordagem mista (quanti-quali). Para tanto foi aplicado um questionário online (126 respostas) e realizado entrevistas semiestruturadas (7) com docentes e discentes da Pós-Graduação. Foram realizadas análises descritivas dos dados e também análise de conteúdo. Verificou-se a ocorrência de situações de assédio relacionado ao trabalho (por exemplo, opiniões e pontos de vista ignorados, sobrecarga de trabalho), assédio pessoal (ser ignorado/excluído; humilhado ou ridicularizado; comentários ofensivos sobre o indivíduo) e, em menor escala, assédio por intimidações físicas ou sexual (gritaram com você/agressividade gratuita; comportamentos intimidativos). Tanto docentes quanto discentes experienciaram situações como estas de forma frequente. Observou-se que as agressões sofridas pelos discentes partem principalmente dos docentes durante a aula ou em orientações, sendo que no ambiente de aula as agressões são dirigidas aos alunos de forma geral. Já os docentes são alvos majoritariamente dos próprios colegas. Por fim, o assédio moral é uma prática frequente na Pós-Graduação, a qual naturaliza determinados comportamentos hostis pois estes fazem parte “da formação do discente”. Logo, cada vez mais deve-se debater sobre o tema neste ambiente com objetivo de reduzir e eliminar determinadas “crenças” e práticas.
Relations between institutional environment and level of social disclosure in the banking sector: evidence from Latin America
Authors: Pinheiro Alan Bandeira , Batistella Ana Julia , Cavalcante das Chagas Ana Carla , Haddad Carraro Wendy Witt
Published: December 2020

The companies seek to legitimize their activities in corporate social responsibility through the dissemination of sustainability reports. The present study aims to verify the existence of relations between the institutional environment and the social disclosure of the Latin American banks listed in Forbes Global 2000, between 2015 and 2017. For this purpose, we analyzed 26 social indicators of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) to characterize social disclosure. The institutional environment was characterized by six indicators of the World Economic Forum. In order to relate the dependent variable to the independent variables, four hypotheses were formulated, which were tested using statistical techniques. Evidence obtained in the research indicates that there is a positive relationship between the institutional environment and social disclosure. The results show that the higher the firm's profitability and its age, the higher the level of disclosure. We conclude that the results of the research corroborate previous findings.
Factores que influyen en la imagen de los Organismos Públicos. Un caso empírico desde la percepción de los ciudadanos
Authors: Quiroz-García Jessica , Sánchez-Fernández María Dolores , Ríos-Manríquez Martha , Shiomara del Carpio Ovando Perla
Published: December 2020

La imagen corporativa es un recurso valioso para cualquier organización, sus acciones con el entorno y sus integrantes forman la base para que sea bien o mal percibida, por lo que realizar acciones transparentes que beneficien a sus usuarios, a su comunidad y a su cultura, crearán una reputación positiva que traerá beneficios. Por lo que este estudio tiene como objetivo analizar si la reputación corporativa, propuesta cultural, apoyo a los beneficiarios y comunidad y transparencia, influyen positivamente en Imagen de los Organismos Públicos (IOP), desde la perspectiva del ciudadano de Valle de Santiago, Guanajuato, México, con una muestra de 74 usuarios. Se realizó un análisis de tipo descriptivo, análisis factorial exploratorio, correlacional y de regresión lineal múltiple. Los hallazgos muestran que el modelo econométrico propuesto en esta investigación establece que hay evidencia estadística suficiente para aceptar el modelo IOP, es decir, la imagen de los Organismos públicos del municipio de Valle de Santiago es explicada por el apoyo que el organismo brinda a los beneficiados y la comunidad, la propuesta cultural y la reputación corporativa y transparencia, lo cual significa que estos Organismos deben trabajar y prestar mayor atención a las actividades que promuevan una imagen positiva, dentro de entornos tan complejos en términos de corrupción y transparencia como el que México enfrenta.
Assessment of the Impact of Varying Durations of Computer Usage on Dry Eye Parameters in Employees of a Tertiary Care Teaching Hospital of Uttar Pradesh, India
Authors: Jain Amit Kumar , Pandey Dadan JI
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca) is a common disorder of the tear film having multifactorial aetiology. Now-a-days, a large portion of population is affected with Dry Eye Disease (DED) because of substantial increase in usage of computers and digital devices. Aim: To evaluate the effect of varying durations of computer usage on parameters of DED. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study, total 120 participants were divided into two groups. Group I (n=58) included participants who used computer daily for less than six hours while group II (n=62) included those who used computer for more than six hours daily. Routine eye examination was done and dry eye parameters i.e., Ocular Surface Diseases Index (OSDI), Schirmer Test (ST) and Tear Film Break Up Time (TFBUT) were performed and analysed for any significant difference between groups I and II using unpaired t-test. SPSS 16.0 was used and p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. Pearson’s correlation test was performed to analyse correlation of OSDI score with TFBUT and ST values. Results: Mean OSDI scores in group I and group II were 37.39±8.98 and 49.54±11.7 (p<0.001), respectively; while TFBUT values were 10.19±2.27 seconds and 8.12±2.9 seconds (p<0.001), respectively. ST values were 12.82±3.32 mm in group I and 10.80±3.86 mm in group II (p=0.0027). Significant inverse correlation between OSDI score and TFBUT values was found in both group I (r=-0.557, p<0.001) and group II (r=-0.439, p<0.001). Similarly, correlation of OSDI score with ST values in group I (r=-0.787, p<0.001) and group II (r=-0.320, p=0.011) was also inversely significant. On the basis of OSDI score, 38 (65.5%) participants in group I and 54 (87.08%) participants in group II had severe dry eye. According to TFBUT values 12 (20.68%) participants in group I and 29 (46.77%) participants in group II and as per ST values 17 (29.31%) participants in group I and 30 (48.38%) participants in group II had severe dry eye. Conclusion: Usage of computer or digital displays more than six hours per day is a potential cause for the development of severe DED.
Tragedy of Errors- An Analysis of Human Factor in Medical Errors
Authors: Agarwal Manika , Agarwal Sharat
Published: December 2020

William Shakespeare wrote a play “Comedy of error”, but this is about medical error which may often result in tragic outcome. We often read about medical errors and sometimes realise in our clinical practice that an error has been committed by us or our team leading to an adverse event. Sometimes, these errors are due to lack of knowledge and sometimes due to improper communication and misinterpretations. The aim of this manuscript is to analyse the causes of medical errors, which may vary from irrational prescription, attitudes of arrogance in seniors and juniors leading to communication gaps, bad hand writings or wrong patient selection for surgical intervention for economic benefits. Use of Artificial intelligence, Data mining and Medical informatics can rectify errors of improper assessment and irrational prescription. Self-introspection and spirituality can prevent errors arising from attitudes of arrogance, fear, greed and pride in medical professional.
A Survey of Avian Fauna in Kabale Municipality, South Western Uganda
Authors: Nachuha Sarah , Twagiramaria Fortunate
Published: December 2020

Collection of data on avifaunal diversity is a crucial component for monitoring the effects of habitat changes on biodiversity. A rapid cross sectional survey to document common bird species present in Kabale municipality was conducted over a period of 3 months. Birds were categorized into families and the Shannon–Weaver (H') diversity index and the abundance of all the species was calculated. A total of 1770 bird individuals consisting of 67 species, 34 families were recorded, with an overall species diversity of 3.41. The Grey Crowned Crane (Balearica regulorum) an endangered species and the Woolly–necked Stork (Ciconia episcopus) a vulnerable species were among the species recorded. The relatively high diversity is probably attributed to the presence of trees on farmland areas within the municipality. This combination seems to provide various food sources or nesting and perching grounds for the birds. Information generated by this study will serve as a benchmark for monitoring of changes in species diversity and composition over time. In addition, the list of birds will be useful to residents of the area and the many ecotourists who visit Kabale town.
Effect of Deposit Money Banks’ Lending Activities on the Growth of Real Sector of Nigeria’s Economy: A Disaggregated Approach 1986 – 2019
Authors: Mazeli Edith Nkiruka , Adigwe Patrick Kanayo , Ananwude Amalachukwu Chijindu
Published: December 2020

To the best of our knowledge, we presented an analysis of how the growth of Nigeria’s real sector has been affected by lending activities of deposit money banks. We examined how agricultural, industrial, and building & construction sectors of the real economy have grown owing to the fund they received from the deposit money banks moderated by the cost of fund/interest rate amidst information from 1986 to 2019. Model estimation adhered strictly to the Autoregressive Distributive Lag (ARDL) model/bound test for a long and short-run relationship. How agricultural, industrial, and building & construction sectors of the real economy have been affected by deposit money banks’ lending activities were evaluated following the approach of the granger causality test. From the result of the analysis, we concluded that deposit money banks’ lending activities have not significantly affected the growth of the real sector of the Nigerian economy. The equity investment scheme of small and medium enterprises requires that all deposit money banks operating in the country to keep 10 percent of their net income in an attempt to encourage the growth of small and medium enterprises. Although the Bankers’ Committee willingly came up with the initiative in 1999, we urge the Bankers’ Committee to review upward to let say 15 – 20 percent. This will in no small measure cause an upsurge in the output agricultural, industrial, and building & construction sectors of the real economy which are dominated by small and medium enterprises.
Academic Integrity Programs at Schools Are One of the Key Assumptions for Ethical Workplace
Authors: Krocity Peter
Published: December 2020

This paper describes how college students are trained to behave ethically not only during their studies but also as graduates functioning in business environment. It reflects results of a study performed at the College of Management in Slovakia. The focus is an analysis of academic honesty program at the college, its successes and challenges as well as importance of ethics in the current business environment.
Spatial Distribution of Plankton in Citanduy River, Cisayong Region, Tasikmalaya, West Java
Authors: Adrian Rinaldy Reza , Zahidah . , Ismail Mochamad Rudyansyah , Herawati Heti
Published: December 2020

The Cisayong area of ​​Tasikmalaya Regency is an area that is passed by the Citanduy River. The condition of the waters in the Citanduy River in Cisayong area, has received various waste inputs which will affect the quality of the river waters and cause a decrease in water fertility. Plankton can be used as an indicator of water fertility. This study aims to determine the spatial distribution of plankton in the Citanduy River, Cisayong Tasikmalaya Region, West Java. This research was conducted from January 2020 to February 2020. The research stations are located in four locations which are determined based on environmental and land use factors with a sampling period span of once every seven days. This research was conducted using a survey method and the data were analyzed descriptively and comparatively. The results showed that there were 67 genera of plankton from 5 phytoplankton phyla and 4 zooplankton phyla with most of the phytoplankton groups found from the Bacillariophyceae class and the zooplankton group from the Tubulinea class. The total average abundance of phytoplankton was 11,534 ind / L and the total average abundance of zooplankton was 295 ind / L. The biological index values ​​of the average diversity and dominance of phytoplankton were 2.72 and 0.11, while the average values ​​of diversity and dominance of zooplankton were 0.92 and 0.47. The results of the plankton spatial distribution show that the fertility of the waters in Citanduy River is classified as oligotrophic for station 1 and mesotrophic waters for stations 2,3, and 4.
Simple, Fast and Reliable Method of Taking Photograph with Small Sized Cellotape Assisted Smartphone on Light Microscope: The Urip Susiantoro Approach in Limited Resources Setting
Authors: Siagian Forman Erwin , Susiantoro Urip
Published: December 2020

Documenting an object seen in a light microscope is a challenge, especially in limited setting area, for an example when doing field trip for environmental sampling. Taking photographs directly using smartphone, or so called microscopic photography, is not easy. Here we proposed a simple, fast and reliable method of taking photograph with small sized cello tape assisted smartphone on light microscope. We named this procedure “the Urip Susiantoro approach”, methods can be practiced in limited resources setting.
The Efficacy of Remdesivir Drug to Control the Recently Emerged Novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2): A Review Study
Authors: Batool Humera , Baksh Mizba , Batool Khatja , Rafique Zainab , Shahab Sibghatullah , Humayun Ghulam Muhammad
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Remdesivir is among the investigational drugs which show some promising effect against COVID-19, it may be due to its broad-spectrum antiviral action against some RNA viruses. To date very few clinical studies have been conducted on the use of remdesivir to the treatment of COVID-19. The main objective of the present study was, to conduct a review on the effect of Remdesivir to the treatment of COVID-19. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first systematic review on the effect of remdesivir drug to the treatment of COVID-19.

Methodology: We have searched PubMed, for published studies on assessing the effect of remdesivir drug among patients with confirmed COVID-19. The main search terms used were “COVID-19” or “SARS-CoV-2”, “remdesivir”, and “systematic review”.

Results: Only 11 research articles were found eligible for enclosure in this systematic review, among selected studies only two were randomized, placebo-controlled trial of intravenous remdesivir. Data on the efficacy of remdesivir in the patients with confirmed COVID-19 from clinical Phase-III trials are still pending. Recently, in the latter half of May month, results of two hospital based randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase III trials studies were reported, both the studies found that remdesivir was efficient in the treatment of patients with confirmed COVID-19. However, Wang et al., (2020) found that remdesivir treatment was not significantly associated with clinical benefits.

Conclusion: From the systematic review, the use of remdesivir to cure patients with confirms COVID-19 was found promising; however, further clinical studies with large patient size need to be considered. The efficacy and safety of remdesivir in the treatment of COVID-19 will require to be emphasized in future research studies.
Assessment of Land Surface Temperature Variation in Anaiyur Catchment Using Remote Sensing Algorithm
Authors: Baladeepa K. , Balapreethi M. , Ashique M. , Akila R. , Ramachandran J.
Published: December 2020

Land Surface Temperature (LST) is one of the important indicators to understand the spatial changes and surface processes on the earth surface that leads to actual assessment of environmental quality from local to global scales. In this paper, the thermal infrared bands of the Landsat 8 data were used to retrieve Land Surface Temperature for Anaiyur catchment located at Ramanathapuram district. Two images of April 05, 2017 and August 22, 2019 were used in this study to assess the land surface temperature. The results showed that LST from April, 2017 has higher temperature than August, 2019 because of the different season. The period of images taken were based on two different seasons. Overall, Remote sensing algorithms were effective for monitoring and analysing spatially and temporal variation of Land Surface Temperature.
The Effects of Lamotrigine on Fetus Resorption and Histologic Changes in Cranium of Fetus of Albino Mice
Authors: Shaikh Nadeemuddin , Khilji Abdullah , Rizvi Syed Faizan Ali , Ramejo Bushra Begum , Shafqat Hafsa , Shaikh Noor Ahmed
Published: December 2020

Background: Lamotrigine is a member of antiepileptic drugs, it belongs to the sodium channel blocking agent’s class and it is pregnancy category C drug. While its teratogenic effects are not hidden by the doctors but it is the preferred drug being prescribed in pregnancy. The current study aims to investigate the effects of fetus resorption and histologic changes in cranium of fetus of albino mice and to compare their weight changes due to lamotrigine therapy.

Methodology: It was an experimental animal study conducted in collaboration of anatomy and surgery department at animal house of University of Lahore in 2019. The duration of study was 25 days, twenty-four albino mice (12 males and 12 females) were placed in conventional cages in pairs for mating purpose. Female mice Group A, controls in which normal saline was administered intraperitoneally on 10th day of gestation and Group B, in which lamotrigine was given intraperitoneally on the 10th day at the dose of 10 mg/kg. Maternal health was monitored daily during the intervention. Body weight, food and water consumption, and changes in general health, behavior, activity and any sign of toxicity were checked daily. After 18th day the pregnant mice were sacrificed under euthanasia and fetuses were removed and histologic assessment was carried out.

Results: Weight of mice treated with lamotrigine decreased significantly (p-value=0.03) and fetus resorptions were also more (p-value=0.013) in Group B. Histologic assessment reveled that there were cleft of lip and palate in group B.

Conclusion: Lamotrigine increased the fetal resorption and decrease the weight and seemed to be responsible for inducing cleft of lip and palate at 10mg/kg dose in albino mice.
Different regulation of the concentration of estrogen receptors in the rat liver and uterus following ovariectomy
Authors: Eriksson Håkan A.
Published: July 2002

Data concerning the short‐ and longterm effects of ovariectomy on the levels of estrogen binding sites in the rat uterus and liver are presented. The information increases the understanding of the regulation of estrogen receptor synthesis. The circulating estrogen level is suggested to affect receptor synthesis in the uterus and liver differently. Shortly after gonadectomy (2–20h), an elevation in the concentration of cytoplasmic binding sites in the uterus of 35% was observed, whereas no effect was seen in the liver cell. A longer period of time after ovariectomy (2–3 months) caused a reduction in the number of uterine receptor sites by 74%, whereas in the liver an increase of 84% was detected.
The lectin nature of α‐galactosidases from Vicia faba seeds
Authors: Dey Prakash M. , Naik Surbhi , Pridham John B.
Published: July 2002

α‐Galactosidase from Vicia faba seeds has been resolved into three molecular forms, I, II1 and II2, respectively. Enzyme I is a tetramer (M
r 160 000) consisting of identical sub‐units (M
r 44000 ± 2000). All three forms display lectin activity with glucose/mannose specificity. Enzyme I has been further studied with respect to its lectin specificity and various factors affecting this property. The results indicate that the catalytic and the lectin sites reside in the same protein molecule. The results presented are unique in that the enzyme activity is specific for galactose and its lectin activity is specific for glucose/mannose.
Forskolin as a tool to study the β‐adrenergic receptor‐elicited, labeled protein secretion in rat lacrimal gland
Authors: Mauduit Philippe , Herman Geneviève , Rossignol Bernard
Published: July 2002

In rat lacrimal glands, Forskolin induces a dose‐dependent [3H]protein release. This effect can be potentiated by papaverine. As for the other inducers whose effects on protein secretion are assumed to be cAMP‐mediated, Forskolin secretion time course shows a latency. Isoproterenol decreases the Forskolin EC
5‐ at least 60‐‐times. On the other hand, Forskolin enhances the efficacy of isoproterenol without affecting its potency. As a whole, the data collected show that isoproterenol‐induced [3H]protein secretion in rat lacrimal glands involved adenylate cyclase activation by coupling with β‐adrenergic receptors.
Angiotensin II inhibits adenylate cyclase from adrenal cortex glomerulosa zone
Authors: Marie Jacky , Jard Serge
Published: July 2002

Angiotensin binding and the effects of angiotensin on adenylate cyclase activity were determined on purified membranes from the glomerulosa zone of bovine adrenal cortex. Angiotensin II inhibited adenylate cyclase activity in a dose‐dependent manner with an A
50‐value of 2 nM. The angiotension effect required the presence of GTP. Angiotensin also inhibited ACTH‐stimulated activity. Angiotensin binding was sensitive to the same effectors which influenced angiotensin‐induced adenylate cyclase inhibition. In the presence of NaCl 100 mM and magnesium, angiotensin interacted with a single population of binding sites (K
d = 4 nM and maximal binding capacity of 440 fmol/mg protein). These results and published data suggest that the ability to inhibit adenylate cyclase might be a general property of angiotensin receptors.
Absorption spectra of cytochrome P450CAM in the reaction with peroxy acids
Authors: Wagner Gerald C. , Palcic Monica M. , Dunford H.Brian
Published: July 2002

The reaction of Fe(III) cytochrome P450CAM with m‐chloroperbenzoic acid was studied by rapid scanning absorption spectroscopy. Native low‐spin enzyme produced spectra characteristic of two reaction phases that were marked by time intervals with isosbestic positions. The high‐spin enzyme substrate complex yielded a series of Soret‐region spectra whose properties were dependent on peracid concentration. The simplest model describing the results was a sequence of at least two spectral intermediates, that were not entirely homologous with data measured in reactions with microsomal P450LM2. Comparisons with related heme protein states indicate higher Fe(IV) oxidation levels provide a plausible interpretation of the P450CAM spectra.
Amino acid sequence of equine platelet tropomyosin
Authors: Lewis William G. , Cote Graham P. , Mak Alan S. , Smillie Lawrence B.
Published: July 2002

Equine platelet β tropomyosin (247 residues), like rabbit skeletal muscle α tropomyosin (284 residues) has a repeating pattern of amino acid residues characterisitic of a coiled‐coil structure. When compared with the muscle protein, it is extended by 5 residues at the NH2‐terminus and possesses two 21 residue deletions (positions 23–43 and 60–80 of the muscle sequence). The two proteins are highly conserved from residues 81–260, but are significantly different at their COOH‐termini (residues 261–284). These differences in platelet tropomyosin can be correlated with its diminshed head‐to‐tail polymerization, a weaker interaction with F‐actin and a reduced affinity for muscle troponin and the T1 fragment of troponin‐T.
The ratio between intrinsic 115 kDa and 30 kDa peptides as a marker of fibre type‐specific sarcoplasmic reticulum in mammalian muscles
Authors: Wiehrer Walter , Pette Dirk
Published: July 2002

Sarcoplasmic reticulum displays characteristic differences in Ca2+‐uptake, Ca2+‐ATPase and the pattern of membrane proteins in type I, IIA and IIB fibres. The ratio between the 115 kDa Ca2+‐ATPase and a 30 kDa protein is of characteristic magnitude in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of the three fibre types in rat muscles. The slow‐to‐fast fibre type transformation observed in rabbits during chronic nerve stimulation is accompanied by predictable changes of this ratio.
Metabolic activation of 1,2‐dibromoethane to a free radical intermediate by rat liver microsomes and isolated hepatocytes
Authors: Tomasi A. , Albano E. , Dianzani M.U. , Slater T.F. , Vannini V.
Published: July 2002

A one‐electron reductive metabolism of 1,2‐dibromoethane (DBE) is described that gives rise to a free radical intermediate, which can be stabilized by a spin trapping agent and detected by electron spin resonance spectroscopy. Using rat liver microsomes or isolated hepatocytes from phenobarbitone pretreated animals, under hypoxic conditions, it has been possible to trap a free radical intermediate and identify it by using 13C‐DBE. Inhibition experiments have demonstrated that the site of activation is the microsomal drug metabolizing system.
Coupling of polyphosphoinositide breakdown with calcium efflux in formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine‐stimulated rabbit neutrophils
Authors: Yano Koh , Nakashima Shigeru , Nozawa Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

Exposure of rabbit neutrophils to formyl‐methionyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (FMLP) induced the efflux of 45Ca2+ from pre‐labeled cells which was almost complete within 30 s. On the other hand, FMLP‐induced 45Ca2+ influx did not become apparent until 60 s after stimulation. When [3H]arachidonic acid‐labeled neutrophils were stimulated with FMLP, the radioactivities in phosphatidylinositol 4,5‐biphosphate (TPI) and phosphatidylinositol 4‐phosphate (DPI) significantly decreased in parallel with the induction of 45Ca2+ efflux. In contrast, degradation of polyphosphoinositides in [3H]glycerol‐labeled neutrophils was not significant until 60 s. Taken together, these results indicate that the early degradation of polyphosphoinositides, especially of those rich in arachidonic acid is closely associated with the initial efflux of calcium in FMLP‐stimulated rabbit neutrophils. The study of resynthesis of polyphosphoinositides by measuring 32Pi incorporation into these lipids is also presented.
Similar affinities of ADP and ATP for G‐actin at physiological salt concentrations
Authors: Wanger Michael , Wegner Albrecht
Published: July 2002

The equilibrium constant for the exchange of ATP and ADP at G‐actin was determined by fluorimetric titration of G‐actin‐bound ε‐ATP by ATP or ADP. The affinity of ATP for G‐actin was found to be only about 3‐fold higher than the affinity of ADP for G‐actin at 37°C, pH 7.5 and physiologically relevant salt concentrations (100 mmol K+/l, 0.8 mmol Mg2+/l, <0.01 mmol Ca2+/l).
Evidence for phosphorylation of actin by the insulin receptor‐associated protein kinase from human placenta
Authors: Machicao F. , Urumow T. , Wieland O.H.
Published: July 2002

A purified preparation of rabbit muscle actin (43‐kDa protein) is phosphorylated at tyrosine residues when incubated with solubilized insulin receptor from human placenta. Phosphorylation of the 95‐kDa receptor subunit and of 43‐kDa protein is stimulated by insulin and vanadate, respectively; however, the mode of action of the two agents is distinguishable.
Reaction of thionitrobenzoate‐modified yeast cytochrome c with monomeric and dimeric forms of beef heart cytochrome c oxidase
Authors: Darley-Usmar Victor M. , Georgevich Gradimir , Capaldi Roderick A.
Published: July 2002

Thionitrobenzoate‐modified yeast cytochrome c was shown to react with both monomeric and dimeric forms of beef heart cytochrome c oxidase through subunit III. This cytochrome c derivative was found to inhibit electron transfer in the dimer but not in the monomer. These results are interpreted to show that the high affinity binding site for cytochrome c is a cleft at the interface between monomers in the cytochrome c oxidase dimer.
The major core histone antigenic determinants in systemic lupus erythematosus are in the trypsin‐sensitive regions
Authors: Thomas Jean O. , Wilson Catherine M. , Hardin John A.
Published: July 2002

Antibody responses against nucleosome core histones in systemic lupus erythematosus have been shown, by immunoblotting, to be directed largely against the trypsin‐sensitive regions of the histones. These occur at the N‐terminal regions of all 4 core histones and at the C‐terminal ends of H2A and H3. Since these regions are often not the most antigenic when individual histones are used as immunogens, and appear to be exposed in the nucleosome, the active immunogens in systemic lupus erythematosus seem likely to be chromatin‐bound, rather than free, histones.
Phorbol ester induces intracellular translocation of phospholipid/Ca2+ ‐dependent protein kinase and stimulates amylase secretion in isolated pancreatic acini
Authors: Wooten Marie W. , Wrenn Robert W.
Published: July 2002

Treatment of intact rat pancreactic acini with phorbol ester (12‐O‐tetradecanoyl‐phorbol‐13‐acetate, TPA) resulted in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent translocation of phospholipid/Ca2+ ‐dependent protein kinase (PL/Ca‐PK) from the soluble fraction. Redistribution of PL/Ca‐PK was concurrent with stimulation of amylase secretion by TPA‐treated acini. Polymyxin B, a potent and selective inhibitor of PL/Ca‐PK completely inhibited TPA‐induced amylase secretion. These findings are consistent with a role for PL/Ca‐PK in the regulation of pancreatic exocrine secretion.
Guanine nucleotide‐ and GTP‐dependent N6‐phenylisopropyladenosine stimulation of the membrane‐bound cyclic AMP high affinity phosphodiesterase in rat brain
Authors: de Mazancourt Philippe , Giudicelli Yves
Published: July 2002

In brain cortex, low concentrations of GTP or Gpp(NH)p activated the membrane‐bound low K
m cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase while higher concentrations of GTP, but not of Gpp(NH)p, reversed this activation. The adenosine analog N
6‐phenylisopropyladenosine (N
6‐PIA) elicited biphasic effect on this enzyme (activation up to 10−8 M, complete reversion at 10−5 M), provided that GTP was present. N
6‐PIA activation was reduced in the presence of Gpp(NH)p and blocked by sodium (80 mM). In contrast, the soluble low K
m cyclic AMP phosphodiesterase was insensitive to GTP or N
6‐PIA. This study suggests that guanine nucleotides and N
6‐PIA exert their effects on the membrane‐bound enzyme through guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins.
The amino acid sequence of a small DNA binding protein from the archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus
Authors: Kimura Makoto , Kimura Junko , Davie Philippa , Reinhardt Richard , Dijk Jan
Published: July 2002

The thermoacidophilic archaebacterium Sulfolobus solfataricus possesses several DNA binding proteins which may have a histone‐like function. Two particularly dominant species have molecular masses of 7 and 10 kDa, respectively. We have purified one of the small proteins which occurs in a relatively large amount and have determined its amino acid sequence. The protein is characterized by a high lysine content; in the N‐terminal region the lysine residues occur in an alternating order: X‐K‐X‐K‐X‐K‐X‐K. The amino acid sequence does not indicate any obvious homology to those DNA binding proteins whose sequences have been determined.
Tyrosine sulfation: a post‐translational modification of proteins destined for secretion?
Authors: Hille A. , Rosa P. , Huttner W.B.
Published: July 2002

Protein sulfation was studied in germ‐free rats by prolonged in vivo labeling with [35S]sulfate. Specific sets of sulfated proteins were observed in all tissues examined, in leucocytes, and in blood plasma. No protein sulfation was detected in erythrocytes. Analysis of the type of sulfate linkage showed that sulfated proteins secreted into the plasma contained predominantly tyrosine sulfate, whereas sulfated proteins found in tissues contained largely carbohydrate sulfate. This implies some kind of selection concerning the intracellular processing, secretion, turnover or re‐uptake of sulfated proteins which is responsible for the enrichment of tyrosine‐sulfated proteins in the plasma.
Thrombin stimulates Na+‐H+ exchange across the human platelet plasma membrane
Authors: Siffert W. , Fox G. , Mückenhoff K. , Scheid P.
Published: July 2002

We have investigated the release of protons from thrombin‐stimulated platelets. Addition of thrombin to suspensions of washed platelets resulted in fast liberation of H+. In the presence of 0.1 mM amiloride, a potent inhibitor of the Na+/H+ transport system, the amount of protons liberated was decreased by about 50%, and was further reduced to about 15% by 1 mM amiloride. Similar inhibition of H+ release was observed after Na+ in the incubating medium had been replaced by choline. We conclude that one of the earliest events in thrombin‐stimulated platelets consists of the activation of an Na+/H+ countertransport, which leads to an increase in intracellular pH.
Distribution of atrial natriuretic factor receptors in dog kidney fractions
Authors: De Léan André , Vinay Patrick , Cantin Marc
Published: July 2002

Specific receptors for atrial natriuretic factor were studied in purified glomeruli, proximal tubules, thick ascending limbs of Henle's loops and collecting ducts from dog kidney. Glomeruli contain the highest concentration of receptor sites (pK = 9.9, B
max = 200 protein), followed by collecting ducts (pK = 9.4, B
max = 150 ). Low levels of receptor sites were also detectable in thick ascending limbs of Henle's loops (pK = 9.4, B
max = 36 ) while proximal tubules were completely devoid of specific binding sites. These results indicate that the glomeruli appear to be the primary site of interaction of artrial natriuretic factor in kidney cortex but that it might also act in the medulla on lower nephron tubular function.
NAD‐malic enzyme from plants
Authors: Artus N.N. , Edwards G.E.
Published: July 2002

NAD‐malic enzyme (NAD‐ME) is a primary regulatory enzyme for the metabolism of malate in plant mitochondria. NAD‐ME serves an anaplerotic function for the production of pyruvate, and provides CO2 for refixation in the Calvin cycle in certain C4 and Crassulacean acid metabolism plants. Clues regarding the mechanism of control of NAD‐ME in vivo come from numerous studies on the physical and kinetic properties of the enzyme. The kinetics are complex and are altered by the pH of the assay medium as well as by serveral effectors, including divalent cations. CoA, sulfate, acetyl CoA, and fructose 1,6‐bisphosphate (activators) and chloride, citrate, and bicarbonate (inhibitors). The enzyme is functional as a dimer, tetramer and octamer and the variation in kinetics is at least in part due to its association/dissociation.
N‐terminal amino acid sequence and some properties of isopenicillin‐N synthetase from Cephalosporium acremonium
Authors: Baldwin Jack E. , Gagnon Jean , Ting Hong-hoi
Published: July 2002

Isopenicillin‐N synthetase (IPNS) was purified to homogeneity from Cephalosporium acremonium C0728. The enzyme existed in two states during purification; an oxidised state with a disulphide linkage and its reduced state. These two forms can be interconverted in the presence or absence of thiol agents, and separated by fast protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) with the strong anion exchange Mono‐Q column. The enzyme is a monomer with a molecular mass of 38 kDa and pI 5.05. The first 50 amino acid N‐terminal sequence of the enzyme was determined. The purified enzyme has an absolute requirement of Fe2+ and a 2‐electron donor for activity.
The water‐exposed C‐terminal sequence of bacteriorhodopsin does not affect H+ pumping
Authors: Ovchinnikov Yu.A. , Abdulaev N.G. , Kiselev A.V. , Drachev L.A. , Kaulen A.D. , Skulachev V.P.
Published: July 2002

The fast kinetics of photocycle and H+‐pumping activity of papain‐treated bacteriorhodopsin deprived of 17 C‐terminal amino acid residues has been investigated. As demonstrated by a single‐turnover study, the formation and decomposition of the M412 intermediate as well as the generation of the photoelectric potential are similar in the native and in the papain‐treated protein. On the other hand, acidification of the medium caused by the deprotonation of bacteriorhodopsin due to M412 formation is much smaller in the C‐tail‐deprived protein. Short‐term sonication or addition of a small amount of detergent completely abolishes this effect. As a result, papain‐treated bacteriorhodopsin exhibits the same acidification as the native one. It is concluded that a decrease in the light‐induced pH response of the C‐tail‐deprived bacteriorhodopsin is caused by the aggregation of purple sheets rather than by a special role of the C‐terminal sequence in H+ pumping.
Activation of membrane phospholipase C by vasopressin
Authors: Guillon Gilles , Balestre Marie-Noëlle , Mouillac Bernard , Devilliers Ginette
Published: July 2002

Vasopressin stimulates the liberation of labelled inositol phosphate in partially purified plasma membranes prepared from myo‐[3H]inositol prelabelled WRK1 cells. This stimulatory effect was very rapid (165% stimulation of inositol trisphosphate accumulation after a 10 s incubation period in the presence of 1 μM vasopressin), concentration dependent (EC50= 12 nM) and was abolished by an antagonist of the vasopressor response to vasopressin. GTP, even at high concentrations (0.1 mM), did not increase inositol phosphate release: it was found to be absolutely necessary for hormonal stimulation of phospholipase C activity. Non‐hydrolysable analogues of GTP may also stimulate this enzyme activity.
Lignoceroyl‐CoASH ligase: enzyme defect in fatty acid β‐oxidation system in X‐linked childhood adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Hashmi Mazzaz , Stanley Wayne , Singh Inderjit
Published: July 2002

We have previously reported that the peroxisomal β‐oxidation system for very long chain fatty acids is defective in X‐linked childhood adrenoleukodystrophy [(1984) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81, 4203‐4207]. In order to elucidate the specific enzyme defect, we examined the oxidation of [1‐14C]lignoceric acid, [1‐14C]lignoceroyl‐CoA and (1‐14C)‐labelled α,β‐unsaturated lignoceroyl‐CoA (substrates for the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd steps of the β‐oxidation cycle, respectively). These studies suggest that the pathognomonic accumulation of very long chain fatty acids in X‐linked childhood ALD may be due to the defective activity of peroxisomal very long chain (lignoceroyl‐CoA) acyl‐CoA ligase.
Separation from protein kinase C — a calcium‐independent TPA‐activated phosphorylating system
Authors: Malviya Anant N. , Louis Jean-Claude , Zwiller Jean
Published: July 2002

A calcium‐independent but 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA)‐ or diacylglycerol‐activated phospholipid‐dependent phosphorylating activity has been separated from protein kinase C. This has been made possible by employing calcium‐dependent hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The material bound to phenyl‐Sepharose in the presence of calcium at low ionic strength was eluted with EGTA and was protein kinase C. While the unbound material passing through the phenyl‐Sepharose column showed no appreciable protein kinase C activity, instead it had a high phosphorylating activity manifested in the absence of calcium and in the presence of TPA plus phospholipid. The identification of this phosphorylating activity, distinct from protein kinase C, leads to important clues to cellular responses monitored by TPA in the absence of calcium.
Activation of phosphatidylinositol turnover by neurotensin receptors in the human colonic adenocarcinoma cell line HT29
Authors: Amar Shimon , Kitabgi Patrick , Vincent Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2002

Association of neurotensin to its receptor in HT29 cells increases the intracellular concentration of inositol phosphates. A rapid (20–30 s), transient stimulation of inositol trisphosphate (275% of the basal level) and inositol bisphosphate (420%) is first observed, followed by a slower, stable increase in inositol monophosphate (170%). Half‐maximal stimulation of the three inositol phosphates was obtained with 50–100 nM neurotensin. These results indicate that neurotensin is able to regulate intracellular Ca2+ levels in HT29 cells by using inositol trisphosphate as a second messenger.
Hormonal regulation of phosphorylase phosphatase activity in rat liver
Authors: Farkas Ilona , Tóth Béla , Bot György , Gergely Pál
Published: July 2002

The effect of glucagon and insulin on rat liver phosphorylase phosphatase activity in vivo was investigated. The activity of phosphatase was found to decrease following the administration of glucagon and increase with insulin in a reversible manner. No change was detected in the activity of heat‐stable phosphatase inhibitors in the hormone‐treated samples. Liver protein kinases (regulatory subunit of cAMP‐dependent protein kinase and/or Ca2+ ‐dependent phosphorylase kinase) are suggested to regulate the activity of hepatic phosphorylase phosphatase (type 1 and 2A).
Protein kinase C regulates leukotriene B4 receptors in human neutrophils
Authors: O'Flaherty Joseph T. , Redman Jimmy F. , Jacobson David P.
Published: July 2002

Three protein kinase C (PKC) activators, viz. phorbol myristate acetate, mezerein, and rac‐1‐O‐myristoyl‐2‐acetylglycerol, inhibited human neutrophil binding of [3H] leukotriene B4 (LTB4) by reducing the number of high‐affinity receptors available to the arachidonic acid metabolite. The inhibitory effect occurred in whole cells and cytoplasts but not in isolated membranes; it appeared to involve the activation of PKC rather than direct competition for binding sites. PKC may govern cellular responsiveness by regulating the receptor‐linked bioactions of endogenous mediators like LTB4.
Species differences in structure‐activity relationships of adenosine agonists and xanthine antagonists at brain A1 adenosine receptors
Authors: Ukena Dieter , Jacobson Kenneth A. , Padgett William L. , Ayala Cristina , Shamim Mah T. , Kirk Kenneth L. , Olssont Ray O. , Daly John W.
Published: July 2002

A series of 28 adenosine analogs and 17 xanthines has been assessed as inhibitors of binding of N
6‐R‐[3H]‐phenylisopropyladenosine binding to A1 adenosine receptors in membranes from rat, calf, and guinea pig brain. Potencies of N
6‐alkyl‐ and N
6‐cycloalkyladenosines are similar in the different species. However, the presence of an aryl or heteroaryl moiety in the N
6 substituent results in marked species differences with certain such analogs being about 30‐fold more potent at receptors in calf than in guinea pig brain. Potencies at receptors in rat brain are intermediate. Conversely, 2‐chloroadenosine and 5'‐N‐ethylcarboxamido‐adenosine are about 10‐fold less potent at receptors in calf brain than in guinea pig brain. Potencies of xanthines, such as theophylline, caffeine and 1,3‐dipropylxanthine are similar in the different species. However, the presence of an 8‐phenyl or 8‐cycloalkyl substituent results in marked species differences. For example, a xanthine amine conjugate of 1,3‐dipropyl‐8‐phenylxanthine is 9‐fold more potent at receptors in calf than in rat brain and 110‐fold more potent in calf than in guinea pig brain. Such differences indicate that brain A1 adenosine receptors are not identical in recognition sites for either agonists or antagonists in different mammalian species.