bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Análisis de errores en la interlengua de aprendices de ELE universitarios checos y eslovacos
Authors: Rodríguez Cristina
Published: May 2021

The monograph studies the written interlanguage in Spanish of a group of Czech and Slovak university students, focusing on analysis of their errors. The main purpose of this study is to find a pattern in these errors and to understand their evolution from the beginning to the end of the three-year bachelor program of Spanish Language and Literature at Masaryk University in Brno (Czech Republic). For this objective we have analyzed a corpus of written texts compiled from 2014 to 2017 and we have classified all the lexical and morhosyntactical errors according to specific criteria, creating a “grammar of errors” on its own. The conclusions indicate that there are no significant differences between errors according to the linguistic groups. This is due to the fact that the majority of these errors show universal learning strategies that do not apply to just one linguistic group. However, the results also show a considerable influence of Czech and Slovak, especially in the lexical errors that occur due to interferences, faux amis and loans. Furthermore, Slovak students have a higher percentage of errors compared to Czech students at the end of their degree, mainly because the essays are longer. This is an outcome of Slovak students taking more risks when they write in Spanish, since they use more language and they choose more complex structures.
Chronic renal failure as initial presentation of pelvic hemangioendothelioma.
Authors: Braga João Gabriel Léda , Orellana Fernanda Monteiro , Ziroldo Alan , Sementilli Leonardo , Toledo Luis Gustavo Morato De , Fernandes Roni de Carvalho
Published: May 2021

Hemangioendothelioma is a rare vascular tumor whose etiology has not yet been defined. Currently, it is known to affect different sites, such as the abdominal-pelvic cavity. It is also known to present intermediate characteristics to hemangioma and angiosarcoma. In recent studies, 50-76% of patients are asymptomatic. Surgical treatment is indicated in most cases. The authors present a case of hemangioendothelioma with pelvic involvement and initial presentation as acute renal failure due to extrinsic ureteral compression, treated surgically, with histopathological diagnosis of hemangioendothelioma and recurrence after one year of the initial treatment presenting a histologically different form. This case illustrates a rare cause of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), obstructive uropathy and acute renal failure and the appearance of two different tumors within a year, in line with the genetic/immunological factor in its genesis.
Memória e história: atravessamentos com a arte e a educação
Authors: Dahmer Carin Cristina , Barin Ana Cláudia
Published: May 2021

A história e a memória são os campos de articulação deste artigo, tendo como arranjo as possibilidades entre a arte e os espaços museológicos. Abordam-se as noções de história junto a Deleuze (2013) e Didi-Huberman (2013, 2015), propondo que sua constituição possa também se dar pelo que afeta e atravessa o presente, assim como a noção de memória e tempo como duração a partir de Bergson (2005). Apresentam-se recortes de experimentações com imagens da história da arte nos espaços educativos, assim como articulações com a memória e os espaços expositivos, visando algumas alianças entre arte e educação. Como método elenca-se a cartografia como modo de apresentar os atravessamentos entre memória e história, para tornar potente os percursos de uma pesquisa, do que afeta o/a pesquisador/a neste processo. Aponta-se como resultado que a abordagem da história e da memória a partir da sua articulação com o presente se dá como campo possível para a produção do conhecimento em arte e educação.
Vida e Obra de Oswaldo Cruz
Authors: Fraga Clementino
Published: May 2021

Lançado após três décadas de sua primeira e única edição pela Livraria José Olympio Editora, este livro retrata um extraordinário momento da saúde pública brasileira. Trata-se de uma reedição da biografia de Oswaldo Cruz escrita por Clementino Fraga e lançado no ano de 1972. Representa uma bela e delicada homenagem do discípulo a seu mestre, ambos imortalizados na história da saúde pública no Brasil.
The multi metal-resistant bacterium Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 affects growth and metal mobilization in Arabidopsis thaliana plants exposed to copper
Authors: Clavero-León Claudia , Ruiz Daniela , Cillero Javier , Orlando Julieta , González Bernardo
Published: May 2021

Copper (Cu) is important for plant growth, but high concentrations can lead to detrimental effects such as primary root length inhibition, vegetative tissue chlorosis, and even plant death. The interaction between plant-soil microbiota and roots can potentially affect metal mobility and availability, and, therefore, overall plant metal concentration. Cupriavidus metallidurans CH34 is a multi metal-resistant bacterial model that alters metal mobility and bioavailability through ion pumping, metal complexation, and reduction processes. The interactions between strain CH34 and plants may affect the growth, metal uptake, and translocation of Arabidopsis thaliana plants that are exposed to or not exposed to Cu. In this study, we looked also at the specific gene expression changes in C. metallidurans when co-cultured with Cu-exposed A. thaliana. We found that A. thaliana’s rosette area, primary and secondary root growth, and dry weight were affected by strain CH34, and that beneficial or detrimental effects depended on Cu concentration. An increase in some plant growth parameters was observed at copper concentrations lower than 50 µM and significant detrimental effects were found at concentrations higher than 50 µM Cu. We also observed up to a 90% increase and 60% decrease in metal accumulation and mobilization in inoculated A. thaliana. In turn, copper-stressed A. thaliana altered C. metallidurans colonization, and cop genes that encoded copper resistance in strain CH34 were induced by the combination of A. thaliana and Cu. These results reveal the complexity of the plant-bacteria-metal triad and will contribute to our understanding of their applications in plant growth promotion, protection, and phytoremediation strategies.
Identification of diagnostic genes and vital microRNAs involved in rheumatoid arthritis: based on data mining and experimental verification
Authors: Ren Conglin , Li Mingshuang , Zheng Yang , Wu Fengqing , Du Weibin , Quan Renfu
Published: May 2021

Background

The pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is complex. This study aimed to identify diagnostic biomarkers and transcriptional regulators that underlie RA based on bioinformatics analysis and experimental verification.

Material and Methods

We applied weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to analyze dataset GSE55457 and obtained the key module most relevant to the RA phenotype. We then conducted gene function annotation, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and immunocytes quantitative analysis (CIBERSORT). Moreover, the intersection of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and genes within the key module were entered into the STRING database to construct an interaction network and to mine hub genes. We predicted microRNA (miRNA) using a web-based tool (miRDB). Finally, hub genes and vital miRNAs were validated with independent GEO datasets, RT-qPCR and Western blot.

Results

A total of 367 DEGs were characterized by differential expression analysis. The WGCNA method divided genes into 14 modules, and we focused on the turquoise module containing 845 genes. Gene function annotation and GSEA suggested that immune response and inflammatory signaling pathways are the molecular mechanisms behind RA. Nine hub genes were screened from the network and seven vital regulators were obtained using miRNA prediction. CIBERSORT analysis identified five cell types enriched in RA samples, which were closely related to the expression of hub genes. Through ROC curve and RT-qPCR validation, we confirmed five genes that were specific for RA, including CCL25, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CXCL13. Moreover, we selected a representative gene (CXCL10) for Western blot validation. Vital miRNAs verification showed that only the differences in has-miR-573 and has-miR-34a were statistically significant.

Conclusion

Our study reveals diagnostic genes and vital microRNAs highly related to RA, which could help improve our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the disorder and provide theoretical support for the future exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches.
Effectiveness of a Nutritional Education Intervention Focussed on Iron among School Children in National Capital Region and Mumbai
Authors: Bharti Richa , Marwaha Ankita , Badshah Teena , Sengupta Rupali , Barmi Bhavna , Rao Eram , Madan Jagmeet , Bhatia Binu
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Anaemia is a major health problem in India. Various studies mention poor nutrition knowledge and education as main factors of malnutrition. Aim: This study aims at assessing the effect of nutritional education on iron among school children. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional interventional study to improve nutrition literacy in schools was undertaken from April 2018 to February 2019. The outreach platform used was Eat Right School program by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). A study tool employed was data collection using self-developed questionnaire for pre and post-intervention knowledge assessment. School children from Delhi NCR and Mumbai participated in this study. Knowledge intervention was done on 5 key elements related to iron including role, sources, iron deficiency anaemia, iron absorption and knowledge of fortification. Chi-squared test (α=0.05) was applied for comparison. Results: It was found that 54% (n=18,626) of school children studied were in the age group 11-14 years. From 27355 participants who reported the gender, 58.1% (n=15899) were boys and 41.9% (n=11456) girls. Comparison of pre and post-intervention assessment revealed that percentage of students knowing importance/role of iron increased from 27.30% to 59.50%, iron deficiency anaemia from 34.03% to 59.85%, sources of iron from 25.20% to 51.70%, iron absorption from 36.00% to 61.2% and knowledge of fortification from 55.4% to 76.9%. Thus, significant shift (p≤0.001) in all the parameters was observed; improvement in scores ranged from 21.5% to 32.20% with highest increase seen in understanding the role of iron. Conclusion: Results of the study reject the null hypothesis leading to acceptance of alternate hypothesis. The alternate hypothesis highlights the role of nutrition education in improving the nutritional literacy of school children in the area of iron and iron deficiency anaemia. Results of the current study increased the knowledge of children on all parameters related to iron education module. Thus, nutritional literacy is imperative in improving nutritional status and adolescent age-group is the window of opportunity to correct it.
Communication Challenges and Implementation of Telepractice for Children with Hearing Impairment during Lockdown- A Parental Perspective
Authors: Anusha MN , Sathveeka KS , Maria J , Sangeetha G , Saranyaa G
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The global Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has resulted in numerous difficulties and drawbacks in our daily life. Despite causing mortality, it has halted the therapeutic facilities because of the in-person interaction involved in it. Communication difficulties have been aggravated which seeks for immediate attention as it can lead to a lack of improvement in communication delays observed in children with Hearing Impairment (HI). Aim: To highlight the communication challenges faced by children with hearing impairment and consequently investigate the effectiveness and need for telepractice during the Lockdown. It also aims to improve the service delivery models. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in MERF Institute of Speech and Hearing, Chennai from July 2020 to August 2020. A convenience sampling was opted for enrolling the participants in the study.The questionnaire was administered to the parents in two modalities- telephonic survey and electronic format. The data analysis was done by frequency counting and percentage calculation. Results: The findings of the current study suggest that the speech and language performances have worsened for 35% (due to lack of formal stimulation, device malfunction, etc.,), improved for 35% (due to intensive home training, adequate stimulation, etc.,) and no difference has been noted for 30% of children with HI during the lockdown. 23 (57.5%) parents were aware of the Telepractice services, and those unaware were oriented. 12 (40%) respondents opted for other modalities of assistance instead of Telepractice services. Conclusion: The communication challenges faced, calls for seamless intervention during the lockdown. The introduction of Teletherapy proves to be beneficial and hence, the ultimate goal is to integrate telerehabilitation services into clinical facilities. Alternatives of service delivery models should be utilised optimally.
Mounier-Kuhn Syndrome- A Rare Case Report
Authors: Rana Yash , Jain Ujwal , Kumar Saket , Shah Arti D , Shah Kusum V
Published: May 2021

Mounier-Kuhn syndrome (M-K Syndrome) also known as Tracheobronchomalacia (TBM) often seen in middle aged and elderly people. Weakness of the tracheal and bronchial walls allows the posterior and anterior walls to draw nearer together during expiration and coughing, producing a varying obstruction. The main complaints are dyspnea, cough, phlegm and haemoptysis. Acquired TBM often presents with recurrent respiratory tract infections and mistreated as chronic bronchitis, pneumonia and the dyspnea, often treated as asthma, with poorer outcomes. Here, a case of 70-year-old male was presented with complaints of cough with expectoration since four months. Bronchoscopy, cineradiography, spirometry and intrabronchial pressure measurements are the diagnostic methods used. TBM is a progressive condition and to be considered in the diagnosis of obstructive pulmonary diseases and in the assessment of the functioning capacity of dyspneic patients. Treatment is conservative and symptomatic; in selected cases surgery may also be beneficial.
Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio in Adult-Onset Still Disease, their Relationship with Baseline Disease Activity and Subsequent Disease Course: A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ulutas Firdevs , Senol Hande , Çobankara velI , Karasu Ugur , Kaymaz Serdar
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Adult-onset Still Disease (AoSD) is a rare systemic polygenic nonfamilial autoinflammatory disease of unknown aetiology. The long-term course of the disease can be categorised in three different definitions including self-limited course, intermittent course or chronic course. Recently, Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR) and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR) were investigated in various rheumatic diseases as an informative markers in evaluating severity of inflammation and disease activity. Aim: To explore association between baseline NLR, PLR, disease activity score and subsequent disease course in patients with AoSD. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study enrolled 61 patients with AoSD and 61 age-matched patients with Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS). Pouchot score was specifically used in AoSD patients to assess disease activity based on symptoms, physical examination findings and laboratory results from April 2020 to July 2020. Patients with AoSD were subgrouped into three groups: self-limited; intermittent; and chronic course. The association of NLR and PLR with disease activity score was analysed between groups by using independent samples t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal Wallis Variance Analysis. Differences between categorical variables were analysed using chi-square test. A p≤0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean follow-up of the 61 patients with AoSD was 74 months (range, 14-169). Eighteen patients (29.5%) had a self-limited disease course, nine (14.8%) an intermittent disease course and thirty four (55.7%) a chronic disease course. AoSD patients had significantly higher serum NLR, PLR and lower Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) values than FMS patients {6.68 (1.67-19.7), 1.83 (1.1-4) p=0.0001; 187 (82.9-549), 114 (72-246) p=0.0001; 8.3 (6.4-11.3), 9.3 (7.7-11.7) p=0.0001, respectively}. NLR, PLR and Pouchot score were similar among AoSD subgroups, which were grouped according to disease pattern. The majority of patients in the self-limited and chronic course groups had higher baseline Pouchot score without statistical significance. The NLR and C-Reactive Protein (CRP) were significantly higher in AoSD patients with active disease than inactive disease {7.02 (1.8-19.7), 4.17 (1.67-14.8) p=0.06; 13 (1.9-29.5), 9 (1.6-20.9) p=0.046, respectively)}. Conclusion: High NLR and elevated CRP levels are related to active disease in AoSD patients. Although NLR, PLR and Pouchot score were similar among subgroups, patients with a chronic course or self-limited course had higher NLR values and more active disease at diagnosis compared with patients with an intermittent course.
Circadian Variation of Ocular Perfusion Pressure in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma- A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Muhammed Raheeba Pakeer , Sidhan Neeta , Thankappan Beena
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Various haemodynamic factors have been implicated as pathophysiological mechanisms in Primary Open Angle Glaucoma (POAG) other than raised Intraocular Pressure (IOP). However, the exact relationship still remains unclear. Aim: To examine the circadian pattern of Blood Pressure (BP), IOP and Ocular Perfusion Pressure (OPP) with the aim of understanding their relationships in a cohort of patients with POAG. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in which 44 cases of newly diagnosed, non-hypertensive patients with POAG were enrolled and categorised based on the severity of glaucoma. Recording of BP and IOP were done every 4th hourly during a 24 hour hospital stay. The Mean OPP (MOPP) was calculated as 2/3×Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP)-IOP. Systolic OPP (SOPP) was calculated as Systolic BP-IOP and Diastolic OPP (DOPP) was calculated as Diastolic BP-IOP. The diurnal, nocturnal and 24 hour fluctuations were derived from the difference between the highest and lowest values within each period. Data was analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16.0. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis of the variables with age and severity of POAG were performed Results: Significant positive correlation of the nocturnal fluctuations in MAP (r=0.533), SOPP (r=0.835), DOPP (r =0.768), MOPP (r=0.685) and 24 hour fluctuation in MOPP (r=0.636) were noted with severity of glaucoma on multivariate analysis. No significant correlation of these parameters with age was noted on multivariate analyses. Conclusion: Nocturnal dip in OPP was an important observation among patients with POAG, potentially contributing to its pathophysiology.
Remdesivir versus Standard of Care in Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Patients: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kumar JM Jeetendra , Vaibhav SB , Avinash HR , Pratheek P
Published: May 2021

Introduction: In December 2019, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus, was first identified as the cause of a respiratory illness designated Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Since then, several anti-viral drugs have been evaluated for the treatment of COVID-19, but none have shown any efficacy. The only drug which showed some efficacy was Remdesivir (RDV). Aim: To assess the effect and efficacy of RDV and to compare the outcome of patients who are receiving RDV and those receiving standard treatment protocol without RDV. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study was conducted. The data was collected from the case sheets of the case files of patients presenting to the Department of General Medicine Triage who were admitted from the month of July 2020 to December 2020 and analysis was done in January 2021. The method of sampling employed was a non-probability sequential sampling method. Results: Age and sex distributions were comparable in both the groups. The percentage of the patients who expired was 10% and 9% (n=10 and 9, respectively) in Non-RDV and RDV groups respectively, this was statistically insignificant (0.809).However, the duration of hospital stay in those who received RDV was 10 (9-12) days while those receiving standard of care without RDV was 12 (10-15) days (0.0018) which was statistically significant. Also, after a comparison between the two groups it was evident that there was a significant difference in inflammatory markers D-dimer and Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) with p=0.001 and 0.029, respectively. Conclusion: Study concludes that there was no significant difference in outcome of patients who received RDV. However, the duration of hospital stay was found to be decreased in patients receiving RDV and also there was a significant improvement in inflammatory markers like LDH and D-dimer.
Issues with Innovative Humanity Programs: Possible Solutions for Initiating Them at Applied Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Yen Tsai-Fa , Yu Xiaoqin , Shao Jiawei
Published: May 2021

The study deals with the issues with innovative humanity programs and tries to draw some possible solutions for initiating them at applied higher education institutions. It focuses on the problems while the construction and development of a department needs to transform itself from traditional operation type to innovative ones. Our study employees the literature review method to analyze the construction of applied higher education institution. Findings show that the talent training program, the evaluation system, and the organizational pattern would be the current problems applied higher education institutions met. Furthermore, the study indicates that the goals of the construction to the department, the evaluation system, and the development of the teachers are the possible solutions to the problems. Specifically, the managers of the applied higher education institutions should focus more on the integration and utilization of the resources, including cross-department, cross-school, cross-industry, integration, and collaborative development mechanism is recommended.
Removal of Methylene Blue and Neutral Red Dyes from Spiked Waste-Water Using Edtad Modified Cellulose Obtained from Pennisetum purpureum
Authors: Oyaro Brenda , Ngumba Elijah , Salim Ali Mohammed
Published: May 2021

The presence of dyes in aquatic effluents is highly visible, undesirable, carcinogenic to human beings and toxic to living organisms. EDTAD modified cellulose extracted from Pennisetum purpureum was studied as an adsorbent for the removal of cationic dyes from spiked waste-water. Shimadzu Fourier Transform Infrared spectrophotometer, was used to analyze functional groups of cellulose and EDTAD modified cellulose. The characteristic peaks at 1260 cm-1, 1634 cm-1, 1058 cm-1, and 1740 cm-1 indicated formation of ester bond linkages associated with the introduction of EDTAD thus successful modification of cellulose. Shimadzu UV-VIS 1800 series determined the degree of dye concentration. Optimum adsorption was determined by varying the dosage, pH, contact time, and the initial concentration of the dyes.

An increase in adsorbent mass increased the percentage removal for both dyes up to a maximum of 98%. Low pH levels prompted low percentage removal as compared to higher pH values for both dyes. Kinetic studies were carried out using the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms, to investigate the rate of adsorption. Methylene blue and neutral red dyes seemed to conform to langmuir with high R2 values of 0.999 and 0.997 respectively while freundlich isotherm had values of 0.9969 and 0.9835, indicating that the adsorption surface of the EDTAD modified cellulose was monolayer. Methylene Blue adsorption capacity was 200mg/g while for Neutral Red dye was 149.25mg/g. The kinetics were well depicted by pseudo second order model whose correlation coefficients were closer to unity than those of the first order model. The efficiency of EDTAD modified cellulose from Pennisetum purpureum as an adsorbent in the removal of dyes renders it a remedy to the various problems caused by dyes to aquatic life and human beings.
Quality Evaluation of Custard Produced from Blends of Sweet Potato and Corn Starch Enriched with Defatted Soybean
Authors: Ezegbe C. C. , Agu H. O. , Ezeh M. C. , Anarado C. S. , Abah C. R. , Okocha K. S.
Published: May 2021

Custard is a thick, rich, creamy sweet or savory dessert, made mixtures of eggs or egg yolks, milk or cream and commonly consumed in most part of Africa especially Nigeria. This research was carried out to determine the physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics of custard produced from the blends of sweet potato and corn starch enriched with defatted soybean flour. The sweet potato was peeled, washed and diced into small cubes to aid milling while the maize grains were cleaned and soaked in water for 24 hours, and they were separately milled and filtered. The filtrates were allowed to settle for four hours, the starches were obtained and dried at 70°C and 60°C for 8 hours and 5 hours respectively. The soybean was cleaned, soaked, boiled, toasted, dehulled, milled and defatted in petroleum ether. Ten custard samples were then formulated using sweet potato starch, corn starch and defatted soybean flour respectively in the following ratios: 100:0:0; 80:10:10; 70:20:10; 60:30:10; 50:40:10; 40:50:10; 30:60:10; 20:70:10; 10:80:10; 0:100:0. The custard formulations were evaluated for their physicochemical and sensory characteristics, using commercial custard (Checkers custard) as control. The result of the proximate composition showed that moisture, ash, crude fibre, crude protein and carbohydrate content in % ranged from 5.40-18.08, 0.70-3.07, 1.16-6.52, 0.82-5.23, 1.31-9.91 and 68.87-85.25, respectively. The functional properties also showed that least gelation concentration (%), bulk density (g/cm), swelling power and gelatinization temperature (oC) ranged from 4.00-10.00; 0.59-0.83; 6.37-8.02 and 69.2-80.1, respectively. The result showed that the swelling power differed significantly (p<0.05) from each other and some of the samples differed significantly in bulk density, least gelation and gelatinization temperature, respectively. Sensory evaluation carried out on different samples of the custard formulation showed that the control sample (Checkers custard) had the highest score of overall acceptability. The 100% corn starch and 100% sweet potato starch were accepted by the consumers as an alternative to the commercial custard product. The enrichment of custard with soybean contributed to an increase in the nutritional value of the custard.
Purification and Interaction of β-amylase from Dioscorea alata (Water Yam) with Epicatechin
Authors: Fadunsin M. A. , Ebuehi O. A. T. , Akande I. S. , Kolawole A. O.
Published: May 2021

β-amylase is an enzyme that hydrolyzes the α-1,4-glucan bonds from the non-reducing ends of starch and other carbohydrate polymers reducing it to maltose units. Maltose has much application with food processing and pharmaceutical industries. The enzyme was purified to apparent homogeneity with a monomeric molecular weight of 30.1 kDa based on SDS-PAGE. The binding Constant (Ka), Kd ΔH, ΔS and ΔG values were 1.53´103Lmol-1 ,3.12x10-4Lmol-1, 19.35kJmol-1, 56.67Jmol-1K-1, and -18.17kJmol-1 respectively. The binding profile of β-amylase with epicatechin was spontaneous with a stoichiometric ratio of 2:1. Hydrophobic bonding played a major role in stabilizing the β-amylase-ligand complex. The mode of reaction was by static quenching. It further dictates that the binding reaction is entropy driven. The inhibitory effect of this plant polyphenols on β-Amylase might contribute to the regulation of β-Amylase activity in plants.
Development and Validation of Class I Preparation and Restoration Quality Assessment Methods
Authors: Wajngarten Danielle , Pazos Júlia Margato , Neves Tamíris da Costa , Garcia Patricia Petromilli Nordi Sasso
Published: May 2021

This study sought to develop and validate two methods of quality assessment, one for Class I cavity preparation and another for composite resin restoration. This was an experimental laboratory study. The methods are named Class I Cavity Preparation Assessment – COCA and Class I Cavity Restoration Assessment – COCRA. During the development of the methods, 5 items were elaborated for COCA and 10 items for COCRA. Each item should be classified as appropriate, partially appropriate, or inappropriate. For each method, after evaluation, all item values should be added with a maximum possible score of ten points. The reliability of the COCA and COCRA was estimated through intra-observer reproducibility. For the methods application, 80 Class I cavity preparation and restoration in first molars were evaluated. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed, and the intra-observer concordance was estimated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ρ). As a result, it was possible to observe that the reproducibility for COCA of evaluator 1 (ρ=0.76) and evaluator 2 (ρ=1.00) was classified as good and excellent, respectively. The reproducibility for COCRA of evaluator 1 (ρ=0.99) and evaluator 2 (ρ=0.77) was classified as excellent and good, respectively. It was concluded that COCA and COCRA were valid and reliable for the assessment of quality of Class I cavity preparation and restoration.
Isolation of a 167 basepair chromatosome containing a partially digested histone H5
Authors: Puigdomènech Pere , José Matilde , Ruiz-Carrillo Adolfo , Crane-Robinson Colyn
Published: July 2002

A test has been made of the proposal that protection of the 167 basepair DNA length in the ‘chromatosome’ is due only to the central globular domain of the lysine‐rich histones. Chicken erythrocyte chromatin was treated with trypsin to leave only the limit peptide from histones H1 and H5. Nucleosome monomers were then isolated on sucrose gradients following micrococcal nuclease digestion and were found to contain the 167 basepair DNA band as in intact chromatin. The presence of the limit peptide from H5 on the monomers was confirmed using an antibody to H5. It is concluded that the trypsin‐susceptible domains of the lysine‐rich histones are not involved in the protection of the 2‐turn 167 basepair length of DNA in the nucleosome.
Rotational dynamics of 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase
Authors: Churchich Jorge E. , Kim Doo Sik , Schnackerz Klaus D.
Published: July 2002

The fluorescence dye 1‐anilinonaphthalene‐8‐sulfonate (ANS) was used as a probe of non‐polar binding sites in 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase. ANS binds to a single binding site of the dimeric protein with a K
d of 6 μM. Nanosecond emission anisotropy measurements were performed on the ANS‐enzyme in an effort to detect independent rotation of the subunits in the native enzyme. The observed rotational correlation time (φ = 65 ns) corresponds to the rotation of a rather rigid dimeric structure. The microenvironment surrounding the natural probe pyridoxal‐5‐P covalently bound to the dimeric structure was explored using 31P‐NMR at 72.86 MHz. In the native enzyme, the pyridoxal‐5‐P 31P‐chemical shift is pH‐independent, indicating that the phosphate group is well protected from the solvent. The correlation time determined from the 31P‐spectrum of the aminotransferase exceeds the value calculated for the hydrated spherical model (φ = 40 ns). It is concluded that the phosphate of the pyridoxal‐5‐P molecule is rigidly bound to the active site of 4‐aminobutyrate aminotransferase.
Interaction of synthetic signal sequence fragments with model membranes
Authors: Nagaraj R.
Published: July 2002

Peptide fragments corresponding to the signal sequence of chicken lysozyme, labelled with the fluorescent 5‐dimethylaminoaphthalene‐1‐sulfonyl(dansyl) group have been synthesized. The emission characteristics and fluorescence polarization of the dansyl group have been used to study the interaction of signal sequence fragments with liposomes. The peptide fragments bind to liposomes and are associated with the hydrophobic core of the bilayer.
Barbiturate and picrotoxin‐sensitive chloride efflux in rat cerebral cortical synaptoneurosomes
Authors: Schwartz Rochelle D. , Skolnick Phil , Hollingsworth Elizabeth B. , Paul Steven M.
Published: July 2002

The effects of various barbiturates and picrotoxin in modifying the efflux of chloride (36Cl−) was studied in a novel subcellular preparation from rat cerebral cortex, the ‘synaptoneurosome’. Dilution of synaptoneurosomes pre‐loaded with 36Cl− resulted in rapid efflux of 36Cl− that could be measured as early as 10 s following dilution. In the presence of barbiturates such as pentobarbital and hexobarbital there was a significant increase in 36Cl− efflux which was not observed with the pharmacologically‐inactive barbiturate, barbital. The effect of barbiturates in enhancing 36Cl− efflux was also stereospecific [(−)‐DMBB > (+)‐DMBB] and reversed by picrotoxin. By contrast, picrotoxin alone significantly inhibited 36Cl− efflux. These data demonstrate pharmacologically relevant Cl− transport for the first time in a subcellular brain preparation.
The location of antigenic sites on ferritin molecules
Authors: Addison Janet M. , Treffry Amyra , Harrison Pauline M.
Published: July 2002

Immunoreactivities of peptides purified after cleavage of human liver apoferritin are reported and discussed in relation to the known 3‐dimensional and primary structures of homologous apoferritins. These studies point to 3 antigenic sites occupying continuous inter‐helical regions of the polypeptide chains which lie on the surface of the apoferritin molecule. Other antigenic regions may encompass amino acids remote in the primary structure or belonging to different subunits.
Specific interactions of liposomes with PMN leukocytes upon incorporating tuftsin in their bilayers
Authors: Singhal Arun , Bali Anu , Jain Rakesh K. , Gupta C.M.
Published: July 2002

Incorporation of tuftsin derivatives, Thr‐Lys‐Pro‐Arg‐NH‐C18H37 or Thr‐Lys‐Pro‐Arg‐NH‐(CH2)2‐NH‐COC15H31, into an egg phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposome bilayer led to significantly enhanced binding of the liposomes to PMN leukocytes at 37°C but not at 0°C. Under identical conditions, no such enhanced binding of the liposomes was observed with erythrocytes and lymphocytes. These results demon‐strate that grafting of tuftsin on the liposome bilayer enables the liposome to recognize specifically the PMN leukocytes and to deliver its contents to these cells.
Respiratory nitrate reductase of Escherichia coli
Authors: McPherson Michael J. , Baron Andrew J. , Pappin Darryl J.C. , Wootton John C.
Published: July 2002

Nitrate reductase Nar operon
DNA sequence
Amino acid sequence
Molybdoprotein (Escherichia coli)
The effect of rhodopsin phosphorylation on the light‐dependent activation of phosphodiesterase from bovine rod outer segments
Authors: Arshavsky V.Yu. , Dizhoor A.M. , Shestakova I.K. , Philippov P.P.
Published: July 2002

ATP quenches light‐dependent phosphodiesterase (PDE) activation in rod outer segments presumably due to rhodopsin phosphorylation. Here we compared the efficiency of phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated rhodopsins as PDE activators in a reconstituted cell‐free system. It is shown that the ability of phosphorylated membranes to activate this enzyme is supressed compared with non‐phosphorylated ones.
Lectins and legume chemotaxonomy
Authors: Young N.Martin , Watson David C. , Williams Ross E.
Published: July 2002

The composition, circular dichroism (CD) and N‐terminal amino acid sequence of the lectin from Bauhinia purpurea, a member of the Caesalpinioideae subfamily, are reported. The lectin has one cysteine residue and the CD in the aromatic region is unusually high for plant lectins. The N‐terminal sequence shows much stronger homology to that of another Caesalpinioideae lectin Griffonia simplicifolia GSI than to sequences of Papilinoideae lectins. However, its composition and CD differ from those of GSI, which more closely resemble those of Papilinoideae lectins of similar specificity.
Homology between the human vitamin D‐binding protein (group specific component), α‐fetoprotein and serum albumin
Authors: Schoentgen Françoise , Metz-Boutigue Marie-Hélène , Jollès Jacqueline , Constans Jacques , Jollès Pierre
Published: July 2002

41 Amino acid long N‐terminal sequences of the three major human vitamin D‐binding proteins (group‐specific components Gc1F, Gc1S and Gc2) were characterized: they were identical. By computer analyses, the alignment of this N‐terminal sequence with several sequences of human serum pre‐proalbumin and human pre‐α‐fetoprotein was established
Isolation and amino acid sequence of the 8 kDa DCCD‐binding protein of beef heart ubiquinol:cytochrome c reductase
Authors: Borchart U. , Machleidt W. , Schägger H. , Link T.A. , von Jagow G.
Published: July 2002

The 8 kDa protein of beef heart ubiquinol:cytochrome c reductase was detected by means of a new SDS‐PAGE [(1985) FEBS Lett. 190, 89‐94] system and was isolated by a series of Chromatographic steps involving dissociation of the complex by salt treatment. The amino acid sequence was determined by solid‐phase Edman degradation of both the N‐terminal part of the whole protein and proteolytic cleavage fragments of the protein. The protein consists of 78 amino acid residues: its M
r was calculated to be 7998. Structure predictions have been made from average and sided hydropathy profiles. The suggested structure encompasses an α‐helix and a β‐strand, the latter comprising a glutamic acid residue situated in a relatively hydrophobic neighbourhood. This residue may be responsible for the fact that the 8 kDa protein is the first subunit of the whole reductase (consisting of 11 subunits) to be labelled by DCCD when the reductase is in free form or inlaid in phospholipid vesicles.
Purification of rabbit tumor necrosis factor
Authors: Abe Shigeru , Gatanaga Tetsuya , Yamazaki Masatoshi , Soma Gen'ichiro , Mizuno Den'ichi
Published: July 2002

Rabbit tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was purified and shown by SDS‐PAGE to be a single protein of 18 kDa. TNF in 355 ml rabbit serum was precipitated with ammonium sulfate, and purified by repeated DEAE‐Sephadex and Sephacryl S‐200 chromatographies, and the final fractionation on Blue‐Sepharose 6B. By this procedure its yield was 22% and its specific activity was 2.4 × 107 U/mg protein. The sequence of the N‐terminal 20 amino acids was determined.
Two functional domains conserved in major and alternate bacterial sigma factors
Authors: Stragier Patrick , Parsot Claude , Bouvier Jean
Published: July 2002

Sequences of the sigma factors of Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis were aligned with the sequences of two sigma‐like proteins, HtpR, involved in the expression of heat‐shock genes in E. coli, and SpoIIG, necessary for endospore formation in B. subtilis. An internal region is highly conserved in the four proteins and is proposed to be involved in binding of sigma factors to core RNA polymerase. The carboxy‐terminal part of the four proteins presents the characteristic structure found in several prokaryotic DNA‐binding proteins and is proposed to be involved in promoter recognition.
Proliferating and quiescent cells exhibit different subcellular distribution of protein kinase C activity
Authors: Adamo S. , Caporale C. , Aguanno S. , Lazdins J. , Faggioni A. , Belli L. , Cortesi E. , Nervi C. , Gastaldi R. , Molinaro M.
Published: July 2002

The activity of calcium, phospholipid‐dependent protein kinase (PKc), which is thought to play an important role in cell proliferation, has been measured in the particulate and soluble fractions of cultured cells, under different proliferative conditions. Our results indicate that proliferating cells display higher PKc activity than quiescent cells. Furthermore, in both normal and transformed cells, PKc is preferentially associated with the particulate fraction when the cells are proliferating, while in mitotically quiescent cells the majority of the enzyme activity is found in the soluble fraction. These data suggest that PKc activity and subcellular distribution undergo spontaneous changes according to the proliferative state of the cells.
Localization of elongation factor Tu on the ribosome
Authors: Girshovich A.S. , Bochkareva E.S. , Vasiliev V.D.
Published: July 2002

The EF‐Tu‐binding center of the E. coli ribosome has been localized by immunoelectron microscopy after cross‐linking of the specific EF‐Tu · 70 S ribosomal complex with dimethylsuberimidate. EF‐Tu has been found to be in contact with the 50 S subunit in the region of the L7/L12 stalk and with the 30 S subunit in the upper part of its body on the side opposite the top of the ledge (the platform). The EF‐Tu position on a model of the 70 S ribosome is presented.
Cleavage and sequence recognition of 2,6‐diaminopurine‐containing DNA by site‐specific endonucleases
Authors: Szekeres Miklós , Matveyev Andrey V.
Published: July 2002

The susceptibility of 2,6‐diaminopurine (DAP)‐containing bacteriophage DNA to several restriction and other endonucleases was examined. With the only exception of TaqI, these enzymes did not accept the modified base as a substitute for adenine. The phage DNA was extensively fragmented by the restriction endonucleases which recognize only G and C‐containing sites. 5′‐terminal analysis of the MspI and SmaI fragments revealed that d(DAP‐T) basepairs can be mistaken by some enzymes for d(G‐C) pairs.
Transmembrane proton‐motive potential of Spiroplasma foricola
Authors: Schummer Ulrich , Schiefer Hans Gerd
Published: July 2002

In Spiroplasma foricola, the transmembrane proton‐motive potential Δp was studied. It is composed of a transmembrane electric potential difference, Δψ, and a transmembrane proton gradient, ΔpH, according to Δp = Δψ ‐ (Z·ΔpH). Using a potential‐sensitive carbocyanine dye and 5,5′‐dimethyl[2‐14C]oxazolidine‐ 2,4‐dione as probes, Δψ and ΔpH were measured at different [H+] of the medium, and Δp was calculated to be remarkably constant at −123 mV ± 16% over a wide range of external pH values. Inhibition experiments indicated that it is generated by a membrane‐bound, electrogenic, proton‐translocating ATPase.
Regulation and specificity of glucose‐stimulated insulin gene expression in human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Hammonds Peter , Schofield Paul N. , Ashcroft Stephen J.H. , Sutton Robert , Gray Derek W.R.
Published: July 2002

The insulin response of cultured human islets of Langerhans was measured at both mRNA and polypeptide levels in response to natural and pharmacological stimuli. We report a dosage dependent stimulation of both mRNA levels and insulin secretion by extracellular glucose, and present evidence that islet responsiveness can be divided into two temporal phases: an early response, apparently under post‐transcriptional control, and a late phase in which insulin messenger accumulates. Although glucose effects in man are similar to rodents, there are important differences, especially with respect to modulation of glucose stimulation by activators of β‐cell protein kinases.
Uncoupling effects of local anesthetics on rat liver mitochondria
Authors: Dabadie P. , Bendriss P. , Erny P. , Mazat J.-P.
Published: July 2002

We demonstrate in this paper that bupivacaine, a local anesthetic, can act alone as an uncoupler of rat liver mitochondria. It stimulates state 4 respiration, induces a swelling in potassium acetate (in the presence of valinomycin), and collapses the transmembrane potential. Lidocaine, another local anesthetic, requires the presence of a lipophilic anion such as TPB− to produce the same effects. TPB− can also reinforce the action of bupivacaine. These differences in action of the two local anesthetics can be explained by the difference in their liposolubility.
Identification of a novel adhesion molecule in human leukocytes by monoclonal antibody LB‐2
Authors: Patarroyo Manuel , Clark Edward A. , Prieto Jacqueline , Kantor Carmela , Gahmberg Carl G.
Published: July 2002

Monoclonal antibody LB‐2 to a surface antigen on human B cells, lymphoblast, monocytes and vascular endothelial cells largely inhibited adhesion among Epstein Barr virus‐immortalized normal B cells (EBV‐B) and concanavalin A‐stimulated blood mononuclear cells (Con A‐BMC) before and after phorbol ester treatment. The antibody inhibited to a lesser extent phorbol ester‐induced aggregation of monocytes, U937 cells and fresh BMC and had virtually no inhibitory effect on the adhesion among enriched T cells and granulocytes. A surface glycoprotein band of 84 kDa was obtained from EBV‐B cells by immunoprecipitation and gel electrophoresis. Immunological and biochemical studies clearly distinguished this molecule from gp90 and associated glycoproteins which also mediate leukocyte adhesion.
Heterogeneity of human tissue‐type plasminogen activator
Authors: Opdenakker Ghislain , Bosman Fons , Decock Benny , Cabeza-Arvelaiz Yofre , Van Damme Jo , Billiau Alfons
Published: July 2002

Tissue‐type plasminogen activator (t‐PA) from human melanoma cells (Bowes) was purified by immunosorbent chromatography on affinospecific polyclonal antibodies and gel filtration in the presence of KSCN. The immunosorbent eluate contained three major components of > 200, 85 and 65 kDa, respectively. The 65 kDa t‐PA component could be separated by gel filtration on Ultrogel AcA44 in the presence of KSCN to a pure preparation yielding a unique N‐terminal amino acid sequence. Immunoblot analysis, using affinospecific antibodies against t‐PA, was a specific and sensitive method to identify different types of t‐PA (I–IV), as well as t‐PA‐inhibitor complexes and degradation products in unstimulated melanoma cell culture fluids. Furthermore, the t‐PA preparations, produced by phorbol ester‐treated melanoma cells, were free of type IV and thus differed physicochemically from the constitutively produced t‐PA preparations. The composition of t‐PA from mammalian cell cultures is thus more complex than hitherto described.
Over‐expression of natural and variant human H‐chain ferritins in E. coli
Authors: Prozzi Deborah , Crichton Robert R. , Davison John
Published: July 2002

The natural human H‐chain ferritin was expressed in E. coli using a multi‐copy expression vector containing the λ pL promoter. A variant H‐ferritin, having an altered N‐terminus, was also produced. These proteins are overproduced (> 30% of the soluble protein), correctly assembled into its 24‐subunit shell, and able to bind iron. The identity of the products was confirmed using an antibody specific for H‐ferritin.
Spectral shifts of cytochrome c oxidase induced by complexons
Authors: Konstantinov Alexander , Vygodina Tatiana , Popova Eugenia , Berka Vladimir , Musatov Andrey
Published: July 2002

Ca2+‐chelating agents, such as EDTA and ATP, are shown to bring about a rapid spectral response of the oxidized cytochrome c oxidase due to reversal of the Ca2+‐induced red shift of the γ‐ and α‐absorption bands of the ferric enzyme. In addition, complexons are found to bring about Ca2+‐independent, slow irreversible spectral changes indicative of a conformational transition of cytochrome oxidase. 1 mol EDTA per mol enzyme is sufficient to produce the maximal effect even in the presence of excess Ca2+, indicating high specificity of interaction. It is suggested that the conformation of cytochrome c oxidase may be regulated by the tightly bound ‘non‐redox’ metal ions (Mg, Zn, Cu
x
) known to be present in the enzyme. These ions might be involved in specific binding of physiological effectors with chelating properties, such as ATP.