bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New Media and Crime among Adolescents in Anaocha LGA of Anambra Nigeria
Authors: Adogu Chelsea C. , Chineke Henry N. , Adogu Prosper O. U. , Ubajaka Chika F. , Chizoba Amara F. , Nduka Chinelo C.
Published: February 2021

New media use has been recently understood as an important issue to be looked into among adolescents, parents and others who deal with adolescents. This study sought to examine the new media and crime among adolescents in Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study employed the cross-sectional descriptive design method involving a quantitative approach which included a survey of 224 adolescents between the ages of 13-19 years selected by cluster and simple random sampling techniques from five communities in the LGA. The instrument for data collection was interviewer-administered questionnaire while the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used in analyzing the data.  Findings revealed that phones were the most prevalent new media in use among adolescents particularly the male ones. Also, majority expressed negative view about the influence of the new media on adolescents, with sexting and cyber-bullying as the most common crimes associated with new media. Furthermore, psychological trauma was identified as the major effect of cyber-bullying on adolescent victims. This study recommended enlightenment of adolescents and other stakeholders in order to curtail the level of crimes committed through the new media. Parents and significant others are advised to keep a close watch on their adolescent children and wards while they are browsing the internet, and this will hopefully control criminal activities associated with new media use among adolescents in Anaocha LGA in particular and Nigeria in general.
L-Citrulline Supplementation Enhances Reproductive Functions of Lead Acetate Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Sprague Dawley Rats
Authors: Kolawole Tolunigba Abisola , Oluwatayo Beatrice Olatundun , Ilochi Ogadinma , Umoren Elizabeth , Dapper Datonye Victor
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Lead (Pb) is a transition metal and a known male reproductive toxicant that induces its effects mainly through oxidative stress. This study investigated the effects of L-Citrulline (Cit) supplement on reproductive functions and antioxidant activities in Lead acetate treated male rats. Materials and Methods: Twenty  male rats (180-200 g) were grouped into four  and treated as follows; Group 1 (Control), given distilled water, Group 2 was given Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg), Group 3 was co-treated with Pb acetate (2.25mg/kg) and Cit (900mg/kg) and Group 4 was given Cit (900mg/kg) only. All administrations were done orally for thirty days. Caudal sperm, serum hormone levels and testicular antioxidant activities and Nitric oxide levels were evaluated at the end administrations.

Results: Results showed decrease (p<0.05) in sperm morphology, count, viability, motility, FSH, LH, Testosterone, Catalase, Nitric Oxide and Super oxide dismutase in Group 2(Pb treated rats), when compared to Group 1(Control).However, in Group 3 (Pb acetate co-administered with Cit) the effect was significantly reversed (p<0.05) compared with Group 2 and significant increase was observed in Group 4 (Cit only group) compared with Group 2.

There was an increase (p<0.05) in Malondialdehyde level in Group 2 compared with (Group 1) Control while a significant decrease (p<0.05) was observed in Groups 3 and 4 compared with Group 2.

Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that L- Citrulline supplement has ameliorating capacity on the toxic effect of Lead acetate on sperm parameters.
Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Concomitant Boost Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer
Authors: Abdelazez Mai AbdAllah , Eteba Soumaya Mohamed , Elzahhaf Eman Hamza , Aziz Sameh Roshdy Abdel , Omar Rehab , Abdallah Eman Awad
Published: February 2021

Aims: This study aimed to examine the efficacy and toxicities of concomitant boost three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy along with multidrug chemotherapy (capecitabine and oxaliplatin) in neoadjuvant course for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC).

Study Design: A phase II interventional nonrandomized study.

Place and Duration of Study: This Study was conducted at Clinical Oncology and nuclear medicine department of Mansoura University Hospitals (Egypt) between November 2016 and October 2019.

Methodology: Thirty patients (18 women, 12 men; age range 18-75 years) with (cT3-T4 and/or cN+) histologically confirmed rectal adenocarcinoma located within 12 cm of the anal verge were included in this study. Patients received three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT) to the pelvis of 45 Gy and a concomitant boost of 10 Gy to the primary tumor in 25 fractions, and concurrent with oxaliplatin (50 mg/m2 d1 weekly) and capecitabine (625 mg/m2 bid d1–5 weekly). Radical surgery was scheduled six to eight weeks after chemoradiation. Acute toxicities were recorded according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE) v5.0. Potential prognostic factors were evaluated using a binomial logistic regression. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with Log-rank test.

Results: All patients received chemoradiation. Twenty-seven patients underwent surgical resection. Twenty-five patients underwent sphincter-sparing surgery (92.6%) and nine patients (33.3%) achieved pathological complete response (pCR). The incidences of grade III neutropenia, diarrhea, and radiation dermatitis were 6.7%, 6.7%, 3.3% respectively. The three-year local recurrence (LR), disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates were 7.4%, 63% and 74.1%, respectively. We found pre-surgical negative nodal status to be significantly associated with pCR (p=0.009). The pathological nodal stage was an independent prognostic factor to DFS.

Conclusion: The combination of oxaliplatin, capecitabine, and dose escalation using concomitant boost 3DCRT is safely administrated in patients with locally advanced rectal adenocarcinoma and it offers high pCR and sphincter preservation rate.
The Psychological Impact of Educational Process Disturbance upon COVID- 19 Pandemic among Primary School Students and Their Parents in the Gaza Strip
Authors: Saleh Sally , Habib Azzam Abu , Hamam Rawya , Aita Said Abu , Alzir Mohammed , Jourany Heba , Ziada Hassan , Harb Sahar , AbuJamei Yasser
Published: February 2021

Aims: At this study we aimed at exploring the psychological impact of educational process disturbance upon the COVID-19 pandemic on the parents and primary school students in the Gaza Strip in order to provide the decision-makers with systematic results that can form a base for short- and long-term plans related to improving the mental health of the population of Gaza.

Study Design: This study was an explorative qualitative study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Gaza Strip between July and September 2020.

Methodology: we conducted 30 individual semi-structured interviews with (18 women, 12 men; age range 27- 50) from the five governorates of the Gaza Strip. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by the content thematic analysis using MAXQDA software to find out the common themes and codes.

Results: Our findings showed that the mental health of the parents was significantly affected due to the fear of catching the infection, the quarantine, the burden of distance learning, and the social disruption. They reported symptoms of anxiety, stress, depression, fear and loneliness. Moreover, the mental health of the children was impacted negatively as they showed different behavioral, psychological, and social problems that stemmed from the fear of the pandemic, the fear of the protective measures, the closure of schools, the unexpected alternative educational methods, the quarantine and lack of outdoor activities.

Conclusion: The mental health of both parents and children was negatively affected due to the educational process disturbance upon COVID-19 pandemic in the Gaza Strip, as a result, they need systematic programs that are directed towards improving the mental health and enhancing the mature coping mechanisms in order to overcome the negative consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on top of the combined effects of the Israeli occupation and the siege.
Comparative Assessment of Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) Google APPs and CKD Prepare GFR India Google App
Authors: Shah P. B. , Jeyaseelan L. , Soundararajan P. , Sathiyasekaran B. W. C.
Published: February 2021

Aim: Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimation is an important parameter for assessment of kidney function and management of the patient with suspected kidney function. These mobile applications hence change the way better patient care is managed. In the research project, there is an attempt to perform comparative assessment of GFR Google APPs and CKD PREPARE GFR India Google APP. 

Methods: Google app store was searched to identify all the applications which may help in estimation of GFR. All the application were compared except general medical calculators and non-English applications. All important parameters were identified with the guidance of delphi group and comparison chart was made.

Results: The search of Google play store led to 35 mobile applications related to GFR estimation. The majority of the applications were by IT company developers and  few were by associations or individuals. There are few companies who have developed multiple mobile applications with different formulas. Many of these aspects of the mobile applications which are considered had important parameters. Few of the applications have multiple page interfaces which may lead to multiple clicks before reaching to GFR estimation which may be at times may be difficult in case of large amounts of use. 

Conclusion: All the GFR estimation applications are comparable. Single user interface applications have advantages over others where all the data can be entered and results are available in a single view. The disclaimer of using calculators under medical guidance of a qualified physicians is always required.
Knowledge and Attitude of Dental Students and Interns in Saudi Arabia (Riyadh Region) among Hepatitis C Virus Infection
Authors: Alhedyan Faisal Suliman , Alqhtani Nasser , Alharbi Abdulaziz Rabah , Alasimi Khalid Saud , Alomran Ahmad Ibrahim , Aldibas Ali Othman , Alotibi Abdulrhman Motlaq
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is considered one of the leading causes of chronic liver conditions in the world. The primary route of transmission of HCV can be by exposure of infected blood or sharing a contamination syringe during the injection of drugs. the purpose of this research to evaluate and assess the knowledge and attitude of HCV infection among dental students and interns in Saudi Arabia population specially Riyadh region.

Materials and Methods: This is a cross sectional-based survey, using a questionnaire which was divided into two parts, first covering sociodemographic information of the participant regards gender, demographic variable, academic level of the participant and the University. Second part of the questionnaire was established based on the knowledge and attitude of the participant in regard to HCV.

Results: A total of 218 students participated in this study. The responses of participants differed in various academic levels with a statistically significant difference in only two questions; in question 10 when they were asked whether or not they knew that a vaccine for HCV exists (p = 0.02) and question 20, if they believed that dental staff would be afraid to treat a patient if they found out his/her positive HCV status (p = 0.02).

Conclusions: The present study showed that knowledge, among the dental students and interns in the Riyadh region was not adequate in regard to HCV, and their attitude toward HCV patients was inequitable.
Frequency, Associated Symptoms and Prognosis of Intussusception in Tertiary Care Hospital of Province Sindh
Authors: Shaikh Noor Ahmed , Napar Nabi Bux , Bhatti Zulfiqar Ali , Rahman Hameed Ur , Mahtam Ishrat , Abbas Syed Sohail
Published: February 2021

Background: Intussusception is an important disease of childhood & has been recognized since ancient time. It commonly involves young infants of 3 ½ months to 10 months of age. Diagnosis is mostly clinical on the basis of classical triad or quarter of pain in abdomen, vomiting palpable abdominal mass and currant red jelly stools. It is confirmed by ultrasound, barium enema which also has a therapeutic potential. The parents in our region lacks awareness regarding the intussusception. They usually bring the child to hospitals after trying various homemade or herbal remedies. The delay in diagnosis always results in severity in symptoms and aggressive mode of treatment.

Objective: The current study was aimed to identify the Frequency, associated symptoms and post-operative complications of intussusception in tertiary care hospital of Province Sindh

Methodology: It was a cross sectional study conducted from July 2017 to June 2020 at department of Pediatric Surgery Ghulam Mohammad Mahar Medical College Teaching Hospital Sukkur. Data regarding symptoms and prognosis was noted on the file of patient and written informed consent was taken from parents. Data was analyzed by using SPSS version 20. Chi square was applied as test of significance at 95%confidance interval and p-value less than 0.05 was considered as significant.

Results: Fourty patients of intussusceptions were reported the mean age was 5.88 ± 1.5 months while 8 (20%) patients were 1to10 years with mean age of 3.88± 3.18 years. Thirteen (32.5%) patients presented within 24 hours of onset of symptoms and 27 (67.5%) presented after 24 hours 19 (47.5%) patients had history of diarrhea while 6 (15%) patients had respiratory tract infection. The most common postoperative complication was gut gangrene.

Conclusion: In three years of study we found only 40 children who came to our hospital with diarrhea and the triad i.e. abdominal pain, abdominal mass and bleeding per rectum. Ultrasound abdomen was found to be best diagnostic modality with impressive accuracy rate at our setup. Gut gangrene was postoperative complication and recurrence was uncommon.
Bio Active Compound Analysis of Croton scabiosus Bedd: By HPTLC, GC-MS and Evaluation of Anthelmintic Activity and Anticancer Potential on Lung (A549) and Breast (MCF-7) Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Bhargav E. , Salamma S. , Chandana B. , Harika S. , Jyothi M. Vijaya , Rao B. Ravi Prasad
Published: February 2021

Croton scabiosus Bedd. (Euphorbiaceae) is an endemic plant of Andhra Pradesh, India. Local communities use the verdant parts of this plant as an antidote to treat snake bites and as a remedy to heal leucorrhoea in the form of decoction. In the present study the author found to have a perceptible range of alkaloids, coumarins, glycosides, flavonoids, steroids and gallic tannins as secondary metabolites by phytochemical and spectral studies. Since flavonoids and alkaloids are known for remarkable anticancer and anthelmintic activities respectively, the researcher is interested to document the research findings on these activities.The present research is aimed to evaluate bioactive principles present in acetone, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Croton scabiosus Bedd. by chemical tests and spectral analysis. It is also aimed to study the anthelmintic and anticancer potential of these extracts.Acetone, chloroform and ethyl acetate extracts of Croton scabiosus Bedd. were prepared by triple maceration technique. GC-MS and HPTLC analysis were performed to identify chemical constituents.  Anthelmintic and anticancer potential was assessed for the three extracts. Owing to the positive results of chemical constituents, the researcher made an attempt to evaluate anthelmintic, cytotoxic potential and anticancer activity on breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) and lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549). It was pointed to appraise Croton scabiosus Bedd. extracts have considerable Anthelmintic, cytotoxic and anticancer potential.
Complete Treatment of a Case of Medically Refractory Ulcerative Colitis with Adoption of the Health Triangle Methods for Lifestyle Modification
Authors: Akbari Hassan , Ramezani Malihe
Published: February 2021

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory disease affecting the mucosa in the colon. Despite significant progress and expansion of the therapeutic armamentarium for UC, there are currently no curative medications available and some cases require colectomy. In this communication, we report the case of a 38 years old male patients with a five-year history of UC who had involvement of the entire colon and was medically refractory. The patient had received treatment with steroids, mesalazine, infliximab, and adalimumab, but failed to achieve remission in the process. He had non-remitting symptoms with endoscopic and histologic evidence of severe disease, and experienced episodes of significant lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Ultimately, the patient was advised to undergo colectomy, but he refused; instead, he adopted a lifestyle modification approach—the health triangle method. In short, this approach emphasizes three aspects of nutrition, use of herbal medicines, and interventions (called aamal-e-yadavi in Traditional Iranian Medicine) like oiling, cupping, and phlebotomy (hejamat). These interventions can improve the cellular energy balance and truly cure the autoimmune disease if adopted over the long term. After three years, the patient reported substantial improvement in symptoms, and the colonoscopy and histology showed evidence of remission. This case indicated the potential efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative approaches in patients with UC; however, the health triangle method needs to be investigated in randomized controlled trials.
cGMP‐dependent protein kinase decreases calcium sensitivity of skinned cardiac fibers
Authors: Pfitzer G. , Rüegg J.C. , Flockerzi V. , Hofmann F.
Published: July 2002

Chemically skinned (Lubrol WX) cardiac muscle fibres produce half‐maximum isometric tension at pCa 6.18 (pH 6.7) in presence of MgATP (10 mM). After addition of cGMP (5 μM) and cGMP‐depenent protein kinase (0.1 μM), the pCa required for half‐maximum activation is 5.96, while maximum tension is not affected. Similar shifts in the tension/pCa‐relationship have been observed after incubation of skinned cardiac muscle fibres with cAMP of catalytic subunit of the cAMP‐dependent protein kinase. The shift in the Ca2+‐sensitivity is associated with an increased incorporation of radioactivity into a M
r 28 000 band (presumably troponin‐I) and a M
r 145 000 band.
Genealogy of mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitors
Authors: Müller-Esterl Werner , Fritz Hans , Kellermann Josef , Lottspeich Friedrich , Machleidt Werner , Turk Vito
Published: July 2002

A model for the evolution of mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitors has been constructed on the basis of sequence homology. This model suggests that the diversity of cysteine proteinase inhibitors has evolved from two ancestral units forming the building blocks of stefin and cystatin. Gene triplication of the archetypal inhibitor generated the kininogen heavy chain which contains three cystatin‐like copies. Hence, the superfamily of mammalian cysteine proteinase inhibitors is constituted by at least three distinct families, with stefin, cystatin and kininogen as their prototypes.
Structural characterization of a blood group A heptaglycosylceramide with globo‐series structure
Authors: Breimer Michael E. , Joval Per-Åke
Published: July 2002

A blood group A glycosphingolipid with the globo‐series structure has been isolated from human kidney and structurally characterized. The structure was shown by mass spectrometry and proton NMR spectroscopy of the intact permethylated and permethylated‐reduced derivatives together with degradation studies to be, GalNAcαl → 3Gal(2 ←1αFuc)β1 → 3GalNAcβ1 → 3Galα1 → 4Galαβ1 → 4Glcβ1 → 1 Ceramide. This glycolipid reacts with both polyclonal and monoclonal anti‐A blood group typing antisera and it is the major glycolipid based blood group A antigen present in the human kidney.
Structure of bean mitochondrial tRNAPhe and localization of the tRNAPhe gene on the mitochondrial genomes of maize and wheat
Authors: Marechal Laurence , Guillemaut Pierre , Grienenberger Jean-Michel , Jeannin Geneviève , Weil Jacques-Henry
Published: July 2002

Bean mitochondrial tRNAPhe, purified by RPC‐5 chromatography and two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis, has been sequenced using in vitro post‐labeling techniques. It is the first plant mitochondrial tRNA sequenced. It shows 76% homology with bean chloroplast tRNAPhe and has many features characteristic of prokaryotic tRNAsPhe. It was used as a probe to localize the tRNAPhe gene on the mitochondrial genomes of maize and wheat.
Low density lipoprotein‐receptor activity is lost in vivo in malignantly transformed renal tissue
Authors: Clayman Ralph V. , Bilhartz Lyman E. , Spady David K. , Buja L.Maximilian , Dietschy John M.
Published: July 2002

Mammalian cells can acquire cholesterol through two tightly regulated pathways, namely de novo cholesterol synthesis and receptor‐mediated endocytosis of circulating low density lipoprotein (LDL). Malignant cells growing in vitro acquire cholesterol through both mechanisms but the quantitative importance of these pathways to a cancer growing in vivo is not known. Using the Lewis rat renal carcinoma model, this study measured the rate of cholesterol acquisition via both pathways in vivo in both normal and malignant renal tissue. In contrast to normal kidney, after malignant transformation, LDL‐receptor activity disappeared entirely and the cancer acquired the cholesterol needed for growth by a 5‐fold increase in the rate of cholesterol synthesis.
Isolation and structure of the Streptococcus faecalis sex pheromone, cAM373
Authors: Mori Masaaki , Tanaka Hideo , Sakagami Youji , Isogai Akira , Fujino Masahiko , Kitada Chieko , White Bryan A. , An Florence Y. , Clewell Don B. , Suzuki Akinori
Published: July 2002

The Streptococcus faecalis sex pheromone, cAM373, which induces a mating response of donor cells harboring plasmid pAM373 and is also produced by Staphylococcus aureus, was isolated and its structure determined. Supernatant from an overnight culture of a recipient strain was subjected to successive purification procedures, and 4.4 μg cAM373 was obtained. The isolated pheromone showed activity at a concentration as low as 5 × 10−11 M. Sequence analysis indicated that cAM373 was a heptapeptide, H‐Ala‐Ile‐Phe‐Ile‐Leu‐Ala‐Ser‐OH, and that its M
r was 733. A synthetic replicate of the peptide showed the same biological activity and chromatographic behavior as the native cAM373.
Microanalysis of the amino acid sequence of the eclosion hormone from the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta
Authors: Marti Thomas , Takio Koji , Walsh Kenneth A. , Terzi Gail , Truman James W.
Published: July 2002

The amino acid sequence of the eclosion hormone from the tobacco hornworm Manduca sexta has been determined, using less than 500 pmol of protein and microanalytical techniques. The protein contains 62 amino acid residues and has a molecular mass of 6813 Da. The amino‐terminal sequence is similar to that of a 13‐residue segment at the amino terminus of the eclosion hormone of the silkworm Bombyx mori, but the hormone is not otherwise homologous with other hormones or proteins.
Inhibition of vacuolar H+‐ATPases by fusidic acid and suramin
Authors: Moriyama Yoshinori , Nelson Nathan
Published: July 2002

The vacuolar system of eukaryotic cells is energized by a few ATP‐driven ion pumps. One of these, the H+‐ATPase, plays a major role in providing the protonmotive force for several organelles, as well as maintaining the proper pH inside the organelles. Formation of the protonmotive force in organelles isolated from the vacuolar system was inhibited by fusidic acid. The inhibition results from a combination of uncoupling the proton pumping and inhibition of the H+‐ATPase activity. Suramin is also a potent inhibitor of the H+‐ATPase from chromaffin granules. A possible connection between these activities and inhibition of HIV infection is pointed out.
AIDS dementia: Synthesis and properties of a derivative of 3′‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine (AZT) that may become ‘locked’ in the central nervous system
Authors: Torrence Paul F. , Kinjo Jun-ei , Lesiak Krystyna , Balzarini Jan , De Clercq Erik
Published: July 2002

In an attempt to provide a derivative of 3′‐azido‐3′‐deoxythymidine (AZT) which might be sequestered in the central nervous system and release AZT, the dihydropyridine ester 5′‐(1,4‐dihydro‐1‐methyl‐3‐pyridinylcarbonyl)‐3′‐deoxythymidine, was synthesized in a three step sequence. This material showed potent anti‐HIV‐1 activity in MT‐4 cells most probably by hydrolysis to the parent nucleoside, AZT. This dihydropyridine derivative of AZT could be easily oxidized to a positively charged pyridinium derivative of AZT in rat brain cytosol. In turn the pyridinium form could be hydrolyzed, non‐enzymatically, to AZT.
Cloning, sequence analysis and chromosome localization of a Drosophila muscarinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Onai Takeshi , FitzGerald Michael G. , Arakawa Shoji , Gocayne Jeannine D. , Urquhart Deborah A. , Hall Linda M. , Fraser Claire M. , McCombie W.Richard , Venter J.Craig
Published: July 2002

Two cDNA clones (3.7 kb and 4.8 kb) encoding a Drosophila muscarinic acetylcholine receptor were isolated from a Drosophila head cDNA library and characterized by automated DNA sequence analysis. The Drosophila muscarinic receptor contains 788 amino acids with a calculated M
r of 84 807 and displays greater than 60% homology with mammalian muscarinic receptors. The muscarinic receptor maps to the tip of the right arm of the second chromosome of the Drosophila genome.
ESR spin trapping and NMR spectroscopy of the same heart shows correlation between energy depression and radical formation during postischemic reperfusion
Authors: Blasig I.E. , Steinschneider A.Y. , Lakomkin V.L. , Ledenev A.N. , Korchazhkina O.V. , Ruuge E.K.
Published: July 2002

The relevance of radical formation in disturbances of energy metabolism in the postischemic heart is not clear. This study provides the first evidence of a significant correlation between the amount of oxy‐radicals trapped in the effluent of isolated hearts upon reperfusion and the decreased myocardial content of phosphocreatine and ATP. This suggests that the loss of high‐energy compounds might contribute to oxy‐radical production during reperfusion. The application of ESR spin trapping and of NMR technique to the same heart is a new approach to investigate the pathobiochemical relevance of free radicals for the heart muscle.
Sequence identity between human pancreatic cholesterol esterase and bile salt‐stimulated milk lipase
Authors: Hui David Y. , Kissel James A.
Published: July 2002

Three overlapping cDNA clones covering the entire primary sequence of the bile salt stimulated lipase in human milk were isolated from a human breast lambda gt10 cDNA library by screening with the rat pancreatic cholesterol esterase cDNA. Nucleotide sequencing of the cDNA showed that the human milk lipase mRNA encodes a 748‐residue protein, including a 23‐residue signal peptide. The human milk lipase cDNA is highly homologous to rat pancreatic cholesterol esterase, suggesting that the milk lipase may be identical to the cholesterol esterase in human pancreas. This conclusion was confirmed by isolation and sequencing of the cDNA for human pancreatic cholesterol esterase. Analysis of the sequence for the human cholesterol esterase/milk lipase revealed similarities to other serine esterases in three distinct regions of the protein. These domains may represent the active site triads of these proteins.
Protein chemical analysis of purified murine lamin B identifies two distinct polypeptides B1 and B2
Authors: Weber Klaus , Plessmann Uwe , Traub Peter
Published: July 2002

Lamin B purified from murine EAT cells was characterized by partial protein sequences. Contrary to the current view that mammals express only a single lamin B polypeptide corresponding to a characterized murine cDNA clone, our analysis documents two distinct B lamins. One protein follows the estabished cDNA sequence while the other identifies a novel murine lamin B. Comparison with the two chicken lamin B sequences established by cDNA cloning identifies the first murine lamin B sequence as a B1 type and the second as a B2 type. We conclude that mammals express two distinct lamin B forms as established by others for chicken.
Cloning and expression of human endothelin‐1 receptor cDNA
Authors: Hosoda Kiminori , Nakao Kazuwa , Hiroshi-Arai  , Suga Shin-ichi , Ogawa Yoshihiro , Mukoyama Masashi , Shirakami Gotaro , Saito Yoshihiko , Nakanishi Shigetada , Imura Hiroo
Published: July 2002

We isolated a human endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) receptor cDNA from a human placenta cDNA library. The cDNA encodes a 427‐amino acid protein with seven putative transmembrane domains. The rank order of the binding to the receptor expressed in COS‐7 cells was: ET‐1 ⩾ ET‐2 ⪢ ET‐3. The receptor expressed in Xenopus oocytes showed a potent electrophysiological response to 1 × 10−7 M ET‐1 under voltage clamp at −60 mV, while a much weaker response was produced by 1 × 10−7 M ET‐3. Northern blot analysis with RNA from human tissues revealed a single band with a size of 4.3 kb in a wide variety of human tissues, especially highly in the blood vessel.
Isolation and partial characterization of molecular forms of ceruloplasmin from human bile
Authors: Verbina Irene A. , Puchkova Ludmila V. , Gaitskhoki Vladimir S. , Neifakh Solomon A.
Published: July 2002

Highly purified ceruloplasmin (CP) was isolated from human bile using affinity chromatography. Billiary CP is represented by two molecular species. One of those is identical to oxidase CP from normal human serum while the other is analogous to oxidase‐lacking CP specific for the serum of the carriers of Wilson's mutation with respect to immunological specificity, electrophoretical mobility and molecular mass of the large fragments from spontaneous proteolysis.
Sequence motif in control regions of the H+/K+ ATPase α and β subunit genes recognized by gastric specific nuclear protein(s)
Authors: Tamura Shigehiko , Oshiman Ko-Ichi , Nishi Tsuyoshi , Mori Masaharu , Maeda Masatomo , Futai Masamitsu
Published: July 2002

A nuclear protein(s) from rat or pig stomach recognized a conserved sequence in the 5′‐upstream regions of the rat and human H+/K+‐ATPase α subunit genes. A gel retardation assay suggested that part of the binding site was located in the TAATCAGCTG sequence. No nuclear proteins capable of the binding could be detected in other tissues of rat (liver, brain, kidney, spleen and lung) or pig liver. The sequence motif (GATAGC) located 5′‐upstream of the β‐subunit gene also seemed to be recognized by the same protein, because the binding of nuclear protein to the sequence motifs in the α and β subunits was mutually competitive. Considering the sense‐strand sequence of the binding motif in the α‐subunit gene, we conclude that (G/C)PuPu(G/C)NGAT(A/T)PuPy is a core sequence motif for the gastric specific DNA binding protein (PCSF, parietal cell specific factor).
Neuronal and glial γ‐aminobutyric acid+ transporters are distinct proteins
Authors: Mabjeesh Nicola J. , Frese Michael , Rauen Thomas , Jeserich Gunnar , Kanner Baruch I.
Published: July 2002

In the central nervous system, two subtypes of sodium‐ and chloride‐coupled GABA transporter exist. One is sensitive to ACHC, the other to β‐alanine. They are thought to be of neuronal and glial origin, respectively. GABA transport in membrane vesicles derived from astroglial cells was found to be sodium‐ and chloride‐dependent, electrogenic and much more sensitive to β‐alanine than to ACHC. Immunoblotting with antibodies directed against a variety of sequences of the ACHC‐sensitive transporter indicated that none of these epitopes was shared by the glial transporter.
Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) mediates the sustained formation of 1,2‐diacylglycerol via phosphatidylcholine—phospholipase C in cultured rat hepatocytes
Authors: Osada Shinji , Nakashima Shigeru , Saji Shigetoyo , Nakamura Toshikazu , Nozawa Yoshinori
Published: July 2002

The addition of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) to rat hepatocytes in primary culture resulted in the formation of inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (Ins(1,4,5)P3) and 1,2‐diacylglycerol (DG) by a phosphoinositide‐specific phospholipase C (PI‐PLC). DG showed a biphasic increase; the first phase, corresponding with the peak of Ins(1,4,5)P3 and a second larger and prolonged phase. The HGF stimulates the phosphatidylcholine (PC)‐derived prolonged DG formation by a phospholipase C pathway (PC‐PLC) but not by a phospholipase D pathway. HGF also was found to elicit [Ca2+] oscillations which may be associated with the prolonged DG production from PC via the PC‐PLC phospholipase C pathway.
Combinatorial RNA splicing alters the surface charge on the NMDA receptor
Authors: Anantharam Vellareddy , Panchal Rekha G. , Wilson Andrew , Kolchine Vladimir V. , Treistman Steven N. , Bayley Hagan
Published: July 2002

Transcripts encoding four NMDA receptor subunits, generated from the NMDAR1 gene by alternative RNA splicing, have been demonstrated in adult rat brain. RNA transcripts derived from cDNAs encoding each form direct the formation of functional NMDA receptors in Xenopus oocytes. The two amino acid cassettes of 21 and 37 amino acids found in the splice variants increase the positive extracellular surface charge on the subunits and may thereby modulate the functional properties of the receptor.
Anticodon‐dependent aminoacylation of RNA minisubstrate by lysyl‐tRNA synthetase
Authors: Khvorova A.M. , Motorin Yu.A. , Wolfson A.D. , Gladilin K.L.
Published: July 2002

Specific inhibition of mammalian lysyl‐tRNA synthetase by polyU is shown. Inhibition of the enzyme is dependent on the length of the oligonucleotide, since oligoU molecules with a length of less than 8 residues do not inhibit the aminoacylation, whilst the effect of oligoU molecules with a length of about 30 residues is the same as that of polyU. Inhibition is a result of recognition by the enzyme of the tRNALys anticodon sequence (UUU) coded by polyU. Aminoacylation of the oligoU molecule with attached CCA sequence (G(U)20‐CCA) by yeast and mammalian lysyl‐tRNA synthetases is demonstrated.
A novel property of a mitochondrial presequence
Authors: Leenhouts Johanna M. , de Gier Johannes , de Kruijff Ben
Published: July 2002

A new property of the presequence of the mitochondrial precursor protein cytochrome oxidase subunit IV is presented. This mitochondrial presequence induces interbilayer contacts between large unilamellar vesicles consisting of phosphatidylcholine and cardiolipin. The presequence‐vesicle aggregates can be dissociated by applying a membrane potential across the bilayers (negative inside). These effects require the presence of cardiolipin and are not observed for other negatively charged phospholipids. We propose a role for the presequence in the formation and dissociation of mitochondrial contact sites.
Characterisation of a novel cysteine/histidine‐rich metal binding domain from Xenopus nuclear factor XNF7
Authors: Borden Katherine L.B. , Martin Stephen R. , O'Reilly Nicola J. , Lally John M. , Reddy Bramham A. , Etkin Laurence D. , Freemont Paul S.
Published: July 2002

A 42 amino acid synthetic peptide corresponding to a newly defined cysteine/histidine‐rich protein motif called B‐box, from the Xenopus protein XNF7 has been characterised. The metal‐binding stoichiometry and dissociation constant for zinc were determined by competition with the chromophoric chelator Br2BAPTA, demonstrating that one zinc atom binds per molecule of peptide despite the presence of seven putative metal ligands, and represents the first application of this method to measuring zinc stoichiometry of proteins and/or peptides. Cobalt binding studies indicate that the motif binds zinc more tightly than cobalt, that cysteines are used as ligands and that the cation is co‐ordinated tetrahedrally. Circular dichroism and NMR studies both indicate that the B‐box peptide is structured only in the presence of zinc, copper and to a lesser extent cobalt.
Studies on the ability of minor groove binders to induce supercoiling in DNA
Authors: Störl K. , Burckhardt G. , Lown J.W. , Zimmer Ch.
Published: July 2002

The effect of various non‐intercalating minor groove binders on closed circular DNA in the presence of topoisomerase I has been studied by means of agarose gel electrophoresis. Analogues of the netropsin series (lexitropsins) and SN‐6999 can effectively produce positive supercoils, as indicated by analysis of the topoisomers in the presence of chloroquine and the evaluated linking number changes. Analogues of the distamycin series are less effective, and bisquaternary ammonium heterocycles, as well as DAPI and pentamidine, were found to be ineffective ligands. The large differences observed in the ability of minor groove binders to induce positive supercoils are discussed.
Methyl α‐glycoside of N‐thioacetyl‐d‐neuraminic acid: A potential inhibitor of influenza A virus a 1H NMR study
Authors: Machytka Daisy , Kharitonenkov Igor , Isecke Rainer , Hetterich Peter , Brossmer Reinhard , Klein Roger A , Klenk Hans-Dieter , Egge Heinz
Published: July 2002

The binding of influenza A virus hemagglutinin to its cell surface receptor, α‐linked 5‐N‐acetylneuraminic acid (sialic acid), was studied in solution. The effect of structural modifications introduced into the N‐acetyl group of the sialic acid on the binding was monitored by determining the dissociation constants by proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopy. Methyl α‐glycoside of N‐thioacetylneuraminic acid showed high, whereas the corresponding N‐methylcarbamoylneuraminic acid exhibited relatively low binding affinity towards the hemagglutinin.
A novel invertebrate GABAA receptor‐like polypeptide Sequence and pattern of gene expression
Authors: Hutton Michael L. , Harvey Robert J. , Earley Fergus G.P. , Barnard Eric A. , Darlison Mark G.
Published: July 2002

A full‐length complementary DNA has been isolated, from the fresh‐water mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis, that encodes a polypeptide (which we have named Ç) that exhibits between 30% and 40% identity to vertebrate GABAA and glycine receptor subunit sequences. The locations of seven introns have been determined in the corresponding gene and six of these occur at similar relative positions as those found in vertebrate GABAA receptor genes. RNase protection studies have revealed that the transcript for this Lymnaean polypeptide is present at highest levels in the adult nervous system but that it can also be detected in peripheral tissues.
Direct binding of yeast transcription factor (TFIID) to the ribosomal protein L32 (rpL32) TATA‐less promoter sequence
Authors: Yoganathan T. , Horikoshi M. , Roeder R.G. , Sells B.H.
Published: July 2002

The ribosomal protein L32 (rpL32) gene transcribed by RNA polymerase II lacks a canonical TATA element, that binds the transcription factor TFIID τ or TBP (TATA binding protein). Instead this promoter contains an element, termed γ, located at −30 relative to the transcription initiation site. We previously reported that, despite the lack of a canonical TATA element the rpL32 gene utilizes yeast TFIID τ for its transcriptional initiation. Whether TFIID τ participates in rpL32 gene transcription by binding directly to a promoter element or through another protein has not been resolved. These studies reveal that proteins ranging in size from 20–40 kDa binds to the γ‐element. The 40 kDa protein(s) displays strong affinity for the canonical TATA element and may be related or equivalent to TFIID τ. Furthermore, cloned and purified yeast TFIID (TBP) binds directly to the γ‐element implying that the γ‐element directs RNA polymerase II‐dependent transcription of the rpL32 gene.
Protein kinase C activation accelerates proton extrusion by vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPases in murine peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Nordström Tommy , Grinstein Sergio , Brisseau Guy F. , Manolson Morris F. , Rotstein Ori D.
Published: July 2002

The role of protein kinase C in the regulation of vacuolar‐type H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase) activity was studied in thioglycolate‐elicited mouse peritoneal macrophages. Acid‐loaded macrophages suspended in a Na+‐ and HCO−
3‐free K+‐medium containing Zn2+ , a H+‐conductance blocker, exhibited an initial intracellular pH recovery rate of 0.33 ± 0.04 pH/min (n = 9). Pretreatment with 12‐O‐tetradecanoyl phorbol 13‐acetate (TPA) or mezerein for as little as 3 min induced a marked (82%) increase in the initial pH recovery rate. Stimulation was prevented by the V‐ATPase inhibitor, bafilomycin A1 (200 nM) indicating that the effect of the protein kinase C agonists was via augmentation of proton pump activity. The protein kinase C inhibitor, staurosporine (100 nM) completely blocked the stimulatory effects of TPA and mezerein, suggesting involvement of protein kinase C. In keeping with this notion, the inactive analogue of TPA, 4‐phorbol didecanoate did not stimulate recovery from an acid load. Extracellular pH determinations revealed that the observed increase in cytosolic pH recovery rate by the protein kinase C agonists was due to increased extrusion of protons from the cells, likely through V‐ATPases located in the plasma membrane. Considered together, these data demonstrate regulation of plasmalemmal V‐ATPase‐mediated proton extrusion by protein kinase C.
The molecular structure of the Na+‐translocating F1F0‐ATPase of Acetobacterium woodii, as revealed by electron microscopy, resembles that of H+‐translocating ATPases
Authors: Reidlinger Jutta , Mayer Frank , Müller Volker
Published: July 2002

The Na+‐translocating F1F0‐ATPase of Acetobacterium woodii was examined by electron microscopy. After reconstitution into proteoliposomes, knobs typical for the F1 domain were visible on the outside of the membrane. The F1‐part of the isolated enzyme showed a hexagonal symmetry suggesting an α3β3 structure, and the F1F0 complex had molecular dimensions very similar to those of H+‐translocating ATPases of E. coli, chloroplasts, and mitochondria.
Genes for members of the GATA‐binding protein family (GATA‐GT1 and GATA‐GT2) together with H+/K+‐ATPase are specifically transcribed in gastric parietal cells
Authors: Mushiake Sotaro , Etani Yuri , Shimada Shoichi , Tohyama Masaya , Hasebe Masahisa , Futai Masamitsu , Maeda Masatomo
Published: July 2002

mRNAs for novel DNA‐binding proteins (GATA‐GT1 and GATA‐GT2) recognizing the (G/C)PuPu(G/C)NGAT(A/T)PuPy sequence and H+/K+‐ATPase (proton pump) α subunit were detected in parietal cells of the rat gastric body mucosa by in situ hybridization. These results suggest that GATA‐GT1 and GATA‐GT2 together with H+K+‐ATPase are transcribed specifically in gastric parietal cells and that the two DNA‐binding proteins may have important roles in cell specific gene regulation. Furthermore, we could detect parietal cells in different states of gene expression.
Involvement of lysine‐88 of spinach ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase in the interaction with ferredoxin
Authors: Aliverti Alessandro , Corrado Mario Ermanno , Zanetti Giuliana
Published: July 2002

A mutant of spinach ferredoxin‐NADP+ reductase, in which Lys‐88 has been changed to glutamine, has been obtained by site‐directed mutagenesis. The mutant enzyme was fully active as a diaphorase, but partially impaired in ferredoxin‐dependent cytochrome c reductase activity. By steady‐state kinetics, the K
m for ferredoxin of the K88Q enzyme was found to have increased 10‐fold, whereas the k
cat was unaffected by the amino acid replacement. The interaction between oxidized ferredoxin and the enzyme forms was also studied by spectrofluorimetric titration:K
d values of 110 and 10 nM were determined for the mutant and wild‐type proteins, respectively. These data point out the importance of a positive charge at position 88 of the reductase for the interaction with ferredoxin, confirming previous cross‐linking studies.
A Rev‐like NES mediates cytoplasmic localization of HERV‐K cORF
Authors: Boese Annette , Sauter Marlies , Mueller-Lantzsch Nikolaus
Published: July 2002

The human endogenous retrovirus K (HERV‐K)‐encoded protein cORF has recently been shown to be a functional homolog of the HIV Rev protein. Rev‐mediated RNA export requires interaction between a leucine‐rich nuclear export signal (NES) in Rev and the nuclear export receptor Crm1/exportin1. Like Rev, cORF binds to Crm1 and cORF‐mediated RNA export depends on Crm1 activity. Here we document that mutation of the putative NES in cORF results in trapping of the protein in the nucleus, suggesting that the cORF NES functions in analogy to the Rev NES.
Secretional luciferase of the luminous shrimpOplophorus gracilirostris: cDNA cloning of a novel imidazopyrazinone luciferase
Authors: Inouye Satoshi , Watanabe Ken , Nakamura Hideshi , Shimomura Osamu
Published: July 2002

The deep‐sea shrimpOplophorus gracilirostrissecretes a luciferase that catalyzes the oxidation of coelenterazine to emit blue light. The luciferase (Mrapprox. 106 000) was found to be a complex composed of 35 kDa and 19 kDa proteins, and the cDNAs encoding these two proteins were cloned. The expression of the cDNAs in bacterial and mammalian cells indicated that the 19 kDa protein, not the 35 kDa protein, is capable of catalyzing the luminescent oxidation of coelenterazine. The primary sequence of the 35 kDa protein revealed a typical leucine‐rich repeat sequence, whereas the catalytic 19 kDa protein shared no homology with any known luciferases including various imidazopyrazinone luciferases.
Interaction of σ70 with Escherichia coli RNA polymerase core enzyme studied by surface plasmon resonance
Authors: Ferguson Anna L , Hughes Amanda D , Tufail Uzma , Baumann Christoph G , Scott David J , Hoggett James G
Published: July 2002

The interaction between the core form of bacterial RNA polymerases and σ factors is essential for specific promoter recognition, and for coordinating the expression of different sets of genes in response to varying cellular needs. The interaction between Escherichia coli core RNA polymerase and σ70 has been investigated by surface plasmon resonance. The His‐tagged form of σ70 factor was immobilised on a Ni2+–NTA chip for monitoring its interaction with core polymerase. The binding constant for the interaction was found to be 1.9×10−7 M, and the dissociation rate constant for release of σ from core, in the absence of DNA or transcription, was 4×10−3 s−1, corresponding to a half‐life of about 200 s.
Enhanced epinephrine‐induced platelet aggregation in individuals carrying the G protein β3 subunit 825T allele
Authors: Naber Christoph , Hermann Burkhard Lorenz , Vietzke Delia , Altmann Christoph , Haude Michael , Mann Klaus , Rosskopf Dieter , Siffert Winfried
Published: July 2002

The 825T allele of a common C825T polymorphism in the gene encoding the β3 subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins is associated with enhanced activation of pertussis toxin (PTX)‐sensitive G proteins. We investigated responses of human platelets upon stimulation with epinephrine, which activates PTX‐sensitive G proteins, and with agonists which activate additionally, or exclusively PTX‐insensitive pathways. Slopes and maximum of the secondary aggregation were significantly enhanced in platelets from 825T allele carriers after epinephrine, and after combined epinephrine/ADP. This effect was more pronounced after inhibition of the cyclooxygenase‐2 pathway by acetylsalicylic acid. This phenomenon appeared independent of platelet secretion, or inhibition of the adenylyl cyclase.