bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Corruption and the Black Economy on Economic Growth in the CFA Franc Zone Countries
Authors: Essono Raphaël Erick Assoa , Ngouhouo Ibrahim Nji
Published: July 2021

We conducted this study to empirically analyse the effects of corruption and the underground economy on economic growth in the case of the CFA franc zone countries over the period 2000-2016. To do so, we have carried out econometric estimations using panel data. Our empirical results obtained by the PMG (Pooled Mean Group) method confirm a negative relationship between economic growth and the underground economy in the short and long term. However, the long-run effect of corruption on economic growth is positive, while this effect becomes negative in the short run. The results could provide insight into different ways of fighting corruption and the shadow economy.
Socio-Economic Factors and Cocoa Rehabilitation Techniques among Farmers in Boki, Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Akinpelu A. O. , Lawal J. O. , Ibiremo O. S. , Ogunwolu Q. A.
Published: July 2021

Aims: The study was aimed at; profile the socio economic characteristics of the farmers in the study area, ascertaining types of cocoa rehabilitation techniques prevalent in the study area and ascertaining farmers’ knowledge of cocoa rehabilitation.

Place and Duration of the Study: Boki local government area of cross river state, Nigeria.

Methodology: Data obtained was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The study employed a multistage random sampling technique to select cocoa farmers. The first stage was a purposive selection of the local government area. A total of eighty seven (87) cocoa farmers were randomly selected in the local government area. Well-structured questionnaire was used to elicit information from the farmers.

Results: About 77.0% and 96.6% of the farmers were male and married. Mean age, household size, farming experience, age of cocoa farms were 46years±10, 12±7, 24 years ±9 and 18 years±10, respectively. Cocoa rehabilitation techniques considered in the study were coppicing, complete replanting, side grafting, top grafting, phased farm replanting, fertilizer application and planting under cocoa trees.

Conclusion: It was recommended that cocoa farmers in the study area should be encouraged to stay on the farms through provision of infrastructure to reduce rural-urban migration. Cocoa research institute of Nigeria and other stakeholders in cocoa production should ensure that farmers are encouraged to adopt and practice other cocoa rehabilitation techniques.
Political Leadership and Public Accountability in Post-colonial Nigeria
Authors: Inakef Inakefe Gabriel , Uduak Bassey Virtue , Ifenna Mbonu Felix
Published: July 2021

In the quest for transparency and accountability in the public sector, several political administrations have initiated public sector reforms to promote accountability and transparency in Nigeria. The paper investigates the impact of political leadership on political accountability and fiscal accountability in Nigeria. It also explains why the problem of lack of accountability has thrived despite the numerous reforms which have been introduced to abate it. Anchored in a documentary/historical research design, the paper observed that the problem of lack of accountability thrives because of legal lapses, weakness of civil society organizations, political patronage and the principle of possessive individualism/primitive capital accumulation that holds the country’s elites are embroiled in. The paper recommends policy learning, adherence to the principles of the constitution and constitutionalism, civil society advocacy, and recall to engender accountability in the Nigerian public sector.
Amelioration Effect of Soil Amendment on Growth and Yield of Vigna unguiculata L. Grown in Acidic and Alkaline Soils
Authors: Mofunanya A. A. J. , Effa E. A. , Udosen I. R.
Published: July 2021

Aim: Amelioration effect of soil amendment on growth and yield of Vigna unguiculata L. grown in acidic and alkaline soils.

Study Design: The study was conducted in a randomized complete block design with five replicates.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Botany, University of Calabar, Nigeria, between May and September, 2017.

Methodology: Composite soils from two locations Akamkpa (pH 4.0) and Odukpani (pH 9.0) were collected, mixed thoroughly with organic manure (OM) and agricultural lime (AL) singly and in combination, allowed to stay three weeks for proper blending before V. unguiculata seeds were sown. On seedlings germination, amelioration effect of soil amendment on growth and yield of cowpea grown in acidic and alkaline soils was studied at different periods of growth.

Results: Results revealed significant (P=0.05) increase in leaf area, plant height, number of leaves, leaf fresh and leaf dry weight, relative growth rate, net assimilation rate and leaf area ratio of V. unguiculata grown in acidic and alkaline soils treated with OM and AL. Pod length, number of pods plant-1, number of seeds pod-1, number of seeds plant-1, weight of 100 seeds increased significantly. Organic manure used singly and in combination was more effective in ameliorating soil pH effect than AL. Vigna unguiculata performed better in treated and untreated alkaline than in acidic soils. Least plant height for V. unguiculata grown in untreated alkaline soil at 12 weeks after sowing WAS was 60.22±0.16a cm and highest 119.63E2±.35g cm for plants grown in soil treated with AL1+OM1. Least number of seeds plant-1 for plants grown in untreated acidic soil at 12 WAS was 90.60±0.02a and the highest 139.18E2±0.02e for plants grown in soil treated with AL1+OM1.

Conclusion: An improvement in growth and seed yield of V. unguiculata grown in acidic and alkaline soils is feasible through the use of organic manure and agricultural lime.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Essential Oil of Coriandrum sativum L. Seeds Cultivated in Afghanistan
Authors: Jafari Samira , Mori Yoshihito
Published: July 2021

Coriandrum sativum L. is an aromatic plant belonging to the Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) family, originating in the Mediterranean region. C. sativum is widely cultivated worldwide and has nutritional and medicinal values. The C. sativum seeds contain an essential oil that is used in different industries like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food. This study aims to extract, analyze, and evaluate the antioxidant activity of C. sativum seed essential oil cultivated in Afghanistan. The essential oil was extracted by hydro-distillation (HD) extraction and analyzed by High-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). The HD extraction provided an essential oil yield of 0.16 % (v/w). Also, HPTLC analysis of the essential oil determined two components of the oil, linalool and myrcene. The quantification of linalool content and HPTLC method validation were determined using densitometric analysis. As a result, the linalool content was identified 60.06 %, and the HPTLC method proved as a valid method for analysis of the essential oil. Furthermore, the antioxidant activity of the essential oil was determined using DPPH radical scavenging assay and reported as IC50. The ascorbic acid utilized as the positive control, and the antioxidant activity of the essential oil evaluated in comparison with ascorbic acid. The IC50 of ascorbic acid and the essential oil were determined 0.02 ± 0.0004 (mg/ml) and 21.05± 0.284 (mg/ml), respectively. Thus, the essential oil showed lower antioxidant activity than ascorbic acid. This study is the first report on the extraction, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of C. sativum seed essential oil cultivated in Afghanistan.
Diploma Nursing Final Year Students with that of Degree Nursing Final Year Students
Authors: Fating Lina S. , Sebastian Tessy
Published: July 2021

Background: Everyone is special, but we also have a couple of things in common. In psychology, one of the most interesting questions is to get to grips with human nature and what makes a personality. The type of personality that we hold is essential to our human perception. This study aimed to compare the emotional maturity of diploma nursing final year students with that of degree nursing final year students.

Objective: 1. To evaluate the level of emotional maturity of final year students in diploma nursing. 2. To evaluate emotional maturity rates of degree nursing   final year students. 3. To compare the level of emotional maturity of diploma nursing final year students with that of degree nursing final year students. 3. To associate the level of emotional maturity of diploma Students in the nursing final year with their demographic variables selected. 4. To associate the level of emotional maturity of degree nursing final year students with their selected demographic variables.

Materials and Methods: A Comparative study was conducted among diploma Nursing students from the final year and nursing students from the final year Wardha. Purposive sampling technique was used.

Result: The data obtained to describe the that 11 % of the diploma final year nursing students had extremely emotionally maturity level, 21 % of them had emotionally immature 56% moderately emotionally maturity level 12% of diploma final year nursing students had extremely emotionally immature level. Minimum emotional maturity score was 67 and maximum emotional maturity score was 207.Mean emotional maturity score was 97.28 ± 22.08. degree final year nursing students that 82% of the degree final year nursing students had extremely emotionally mature level, 05 of them had moderately emotionally mature level, 10% of them had emotionally immature level and 3% them had extremely emotionally immature. Minimum emotional maturity score was 73 and maximum emotional maturity score was 235.Mean emotional maturity score was 179.98 ± 41.25. 

Conclusion: The majority of diploma final year nursing students statistically significant difference was found in emotionally mature are degree final year students. Hence H1 is accepted. There is positive correlation between emotional maturities of diploma Nursing students and in final year and nursing students in the final year.
Effectiveness of Mental Health First Aid Kit for Depression and Psychological Well-being in Adolescents
Authors: Mukherjee S. , Sebastian T. , Gawai J.
Published: July 2021

Background: Psychological state for youth not just impacts physical wellness at the moment, but also in potential lives. One of the major setbacks with adolescents developing depression in India is that most of them are unaware of the situation and majorly receive therapeutic help after the situation turns chronic in nature. Mental Health First Aid explains how symptoms of mental disease should be recognized and managed.

Objectives: To develop, evaluate and validate the Mental Health First Aid Kit for depression among adolescents and their psychological well-being.

Materials and Methods: For this community approach study, the teachers from the selected schools at Wardha city will be trained as potential volunteers to conduct this experimental trial with the scholar. The efficacy of Mental Health First Aid Kitwill be assessed by using various scale. The pre and post values obtained will be subjected to statistical analysis.

Expected Results: The development of the proposed indigenous Mental Health First Aid Kit would facilitate positive outcomes in primary assistance to adolescents with mental health concerns.

Conclusion: The results of the proposed study will be helpful to encourage the adolescent individual to identify and seek primary care until a more definitive medical diagnosis and treatment is availed.
Service Quality in Rural Healthcare: An Exploration of Expectation Versus Veracity
Authors: Sangode Pallawi B.
Published: July 2021

Purpose: This paper aims to scrutinize the healthcare service quality in the rural population of a developing economy like India. It further aims at analyzing the service quality gap of the healthcare sector as perceived by its customers.

Design/ Methodology/Approach: This paper used the SERVQUAL model to examine the service quality of the health care units. For this study, only public health care units from the rural areas were considered.

Findings: The results entail that the hospitals have little or no provision of necessary infrastructural facilities inside the hospital in terms of medical equipment. The healthcare personnel do not provide personalized attention to the patients. Research

Limitations: The study was limited to rural state-owned hospitals' status; the results and interpretations may not be completely applicable or relevant to the private sector hospitals and urban hospitals.

Practical Implication: The study clearly states that the patients know their expectations in terms of service quality.

Originality/ Value: Vivid research has been done to examine the quality of services provided by the healthcare units, the least of them focusing on the rural front. This study is a genuine work by the authors to understand the healthcare providers' rural population's expectations.
Roles and Rules of Some Regulatory Agencies around the World during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Sawad Aseel Bin , Turkistani Fatema
Published: July 2021

Objective: Collecting and synthesizing relevant data on COVID-19 from official sources of some different regulatory agencies around the world.

Methods: The information and actions related to responding to the COVID-19 situation were collected from the websites of some regulatory agencies, including the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Medicines Agency (EMA), Health Canada (HC), Swiss Agency for Therapeutic Products (Swissmedic), and the Australian Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA).

Results: All the regulatory agencies help in expediting the development of COVID-19 treatments and medical devices. These agencies also developed an international regulatory collaboration to develop cure models for the pandemic. While some of the agencies conduct the COVID-19 testing, like the US FDA, the others do not. The agencies also differ in their approaches towards resolving the pandemic. FDA and EMA are more aggressive in a way that they prioritize more testing and hospitalization coverage. However, as of the 22nd of June 2021, the FDA authorized the highest number (388) of diagnostic COVID-19 test kits followed by TGA (128), and EMA (88).

Conclusions: Although the regulatory agencies differ in their approaches towards resolving pandemic COVID-19, all regulatory agencies help in expediting the development of COVID-19 treatments and medical devices.
Black Raisins Improved Experimentally Induced Iron Deficiency Anemia. Biochemical and Histological Evidence
Authors: Zaid Fadia A. Abu , Abduljawad Eman A. , Aljadani Haya M. , Ali Nada M. , Mohammedsaleh Zuhair M. , Ibrahim Maha , Ali Soad S. , Abunasef Seham K. , Ahmed Omar T. , Amin Hanan A. , Jaouni Soad K. Al
Published: July 2021

Iron deficiency anemia is a challenging clinical problem with a profound impact on general health. Administration of iron-containing preparations were reported to be associated with many side effects. The current study aimed to evaluate black raisins’ therapeutic role against experimentally induced iron deficiency anemia in rats. Forty female rats were divided into 4 groups (n=10); control, anemia, anemia + iron, and anemia + raisins. Anemia was induced by bleeding and an iron-deficient diet for 4 weeks. Anemic rats were treated with ferric sulfate (200 mg/kg) or raisin extract (375 mg/kg) daily for 12 weeks. Complete blood count (CBC), blood films, body weight, splenic weight, and index were assessed. The spleens were processed and stained by hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) and immunohistochemically stained for CD3+ and CD68. Raisins contain a considerable amount of iron, vitamin B, phenolics, and flavonoid antioxidants. In raisins treated rats, CBC parameters displayed a significant increase compared to the anemic rats. Most of the RBCs in blood films showed normal shape, size, and central pallor. The spleen of raisins and iron-treated rats showed a marked increase in the area of white pulp. Their spleens also showed a significant increase in the CD3+ PALS area compared to anemic rats. Iron and raisins significantly decreased splenic CD68 macrophages. Consumption of black raisins could be considered an excellent natural source for flavonoids and iron to be used as an adjuvant supplement to iron for anemic patients with increased splenic T lymphocytes.
Qualitative Portrayal of Esomeprazole Magnesium by Exploring Diverse Analytical and Investigative Approaches
Authors: Kanwar Kapil , Gautam Surya Prakash
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The present study was intended to qualitatively analyze and drive meaningful statistics for Esomeprazole magnesium; to establish its inherent properties qualitatively & quantitatively.

Methods: Esomeprazole magnesium was analyzed using various traditional & modern analytical and investigative tools viz FTIR, HPLC, UV spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, zetasizer.

Results: The absorption maxima were found at 301 nm with UV Spectrophotometric and HPLC analysis. The particle size of the drug was analyzed through Malvern zetasizer employing water as diluent and found to be 11.818 µm. The quantitative solubility of Esomeprazole magnesium was predicted in various solvents at 25 0C and found that it was most soluble in methanol and was least soluble in distilled water. Solubility was also found to be pH-dependent. Solubility increases with an increase in pH. The order of solubility determined was; Methanol (1.214 mg/ml) > Phosphate buffer pH- 7.4 (0.521 mg/ml) > Simulated Intestinal fluid pH-6.8 (0.475 mg/ml) > Phosphate buffer pH- 6.8 (0.466 mg/ml) > Simulated Gastric fluid pH-1.2 (0.147 mg/ml) > 0.1 N HCl (0.131 mg/ml) > Distilled water (0.017 mg/ml). The predicted log P value was found to be 2.39.

Conclusion: Esomeprazole magnesium was qualitatively analyzed using various analytical techniques to establish its inherent properties quantitatively. It is an off-white amorphous powder with a characteristic obnoxious odor and slightly bitter taste. The drug was identified through FTIR, using the classification of characteristic peaks of functional groups in the spectrum and also additionally through analytical methods viz HPLC, UV spectroscopy and found the absorption maxima at 301 nm. The linear regression analyses of a standard plot from UV spectrophotometric analysis demonstrate an unswerving relationship in the concentration range of 5-30μg/ml. The log P value indicates that the drug is significantly lipophilic. Various Micromeritic parameters like the Angle of repose, compressibility index, and Hausner's ratio predict the inherent flow properties of Esomeprazole magnesium as Fair (aid not needed). The present study will be an asset in the development of a modified released quick action formulation (Tablet-in-Tablet), to offer quick and protracted relief in gastritis and allied disorders.
Identification of Fungal Bioactive Compounds Targeting MMP-9 for Endometriosis- An In silico Approach
Authors: Nabiya Farnaz , Devi C. Anchana , Rajamiriyam M.
Published: July 2021

Background: Endometriosis is a chronic inflammatory disease of the female reproductive system characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterus that affects 5 to 10% of women of reproductive age, which is approximately 176 million women in the world. The women suffering from endometriosis have been reported to have high levels of matrix metalloproteinase (especially MMP-9) which regulates the inflammatory process. Thus, the aim of this study is to investigate the naturally available anti-inflammatory fungal compounds that can target the MMP-9 by various in silico approaches.

Methodology: A wide variety of anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds were screened and five compounds were further selected based on ‘Lipinski’s rule of five’ using the PubChem database. The bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, ADMET properties and biological activity of these compounds were predicted computationally using databases such as SWISS-ADME, PubChem, pkCSM and PASS. The target 1L6J (Crystal structure of human matrix metalloproteinase MMP-9) structure was retrieved from the PDB database. Comparative analysis of the bioactive compounds with the target was performed by AutoDock 4.2.6 and further visualisation of the target residues interacting with the compounds was performed using LigPlot v.2. 2. tool.

Results: Based on the docking results, the compounds namely, Ergosterol peroxide, Lovastatin, Javanicin, Asperlin and Ergothioneine exhibited binding energy value of -10.25 kcal/mol, -8.4 kcal/mol, -7.64 kcal/mol, -7.07 kcal/mol and -6.19 kcal/mol respectively whereas Elagolix (control drug) exhibited binding energy value of -4.88 kcal/mol, thus, indicating that the selected bioactive compounds were seen to have better binding energy comparative to the control drug. 

Conclusion: Ergosterol peroxide derived from edible mushroom might act as a potential lead compound for designing a therapeutic drug for treating endometriosis and this compound can further be explored to evaluate its level of toxicity and efficacy in the wet laboratory studies by in vitro and in vivo methods.
Quantitative Assessment of Age and Gender Related Changes in Human Lacrimal Fluid Composition in Subjects
Authors: Peggy Ohwin Ejiro , Ogheneyoma Ofulue Ofioritse , Chukwuebuka Nwogueze Bartholomew , Ejime Agbonifo-Chiiokwu , Oghenerukevwe Omeru , Kingsley Nwangwa Eze
Published: July 2021

Purpose: The frequency of eyelids blink rate has effect on the integrity of the tear fluid and replacement of old of tears on the ocular surface. Comprehension of the effect of advancing age and gender on tears fluid stability and quality is contentious. Basal tears continuously bathe the ocular facet lubricating and providing protection from viral and bacterial infections, cooling the surface as warmth encourages pathogen. Basal tear dysfunction basically results in conjunctival and corneal conditions which exposes the ocular facet to dryness, ulceration, opacity and even blindness. This study determined the quantitative assessment of age and gender related changes in human lacrimal fluid composition in subjects

Methods: The design involved 400 (192 males and 208 females) human subjects aged 6 years and above who do not wear contact lenses, not on topical medication and having healthy eyes grouped into twelve groups based on age and gender.  Maximum blink interval (for tear break-up time) and phenol red thread procedure (for tear volume) were carried out monocularly for each subject.

Results: Findings from this study have established that tear fluid stability among different age groups; are often higher for group 6-12years and lower for 60years and above; therefore, study established that tear fluid stability is age dependent. In addition, tear fluid stability (average MBI. Tear volume and flow rate) are gender independent.

Conclusion: The present study revealed that tears fluid breakup time increases with decrease in tears fluid flow rate, volume and flow.
Congenital Intraspinal Lipomas: Histological Analysis of 234 Cases and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lellouch-Tubiana Arielle , Zerah Michel , Catala Martin , Brousse Nicole , Kahn Alain-Pierre
Published: July 2002

The clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data from a series of 234 patients hospitalized in the Pediatric Neurosurgical Department of the Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital, Paris, for congenital intraspinal lipomas and operated on from 1976 to 1995 were examined. Histological studies showed that these lesions may be simple lipomas, similar to those developing elsewhere in the body, or they may be more complex forms including in addition to the lipomatous component a variety of unusual ectopic tissues of ectodermal, mesodermal, and/or endodermal origin. These complex forms indica te the malformative nature of these tumors. When they contain elements that are truly foreign to the region, the possibility of teratoma with a tumoral potential should be considered. Data found in the literature and from Necker–Enfants Malades Hospital are discussed.
Pathology of Pyogenic Liver Abscess in Children
Authors: Pereira Fausto E.L. , Musso Carlos , Castelo Jane S.
Published: July 2002

Little is known about preexisting lesions in livers of children with pyogenic liver abscess (PLA). Study of these lesions may elucidate possible predisposing factors for the disease. In Vitória, state of Espirito Santo, Brazil, PLA in children is frequently associated with helminthic infections and eosinophilia. We hypothesize that nematode infection with larvae migrating through the liver is a predisposing factor for PLA, because the infection induces immunomodulation and likely trapping of bacteria in liver granulomas. In this report, we describe observations of 22 cases of PLA in children studied at autopsy (16 cases) or in surgical biopsies (6 cases), including 17 boys and 5 girls ranging in age from 1 to 13 years (mean 4.6 years, median 3.5 years). Multiple abscesses in both lobes were found in 13 cases and a single abscess was found in the right lobe in 10 cases. All cases showed histologically classical pyogenic inflammation without morphological evidence of amoebiasis. In six cases there were granulomas similar to those caused by larva migrans visceralis (from Toxocara or other nematodes) in liver tissue not affected by the abscess. Nematode antigens in central areas of necrosis of granuloma in all six cases and fragments of a larva, possibly of Toxocara, were found on samples immunohistochemically stained with polyclonal anti- Toxocara antibodies. There were numerous eosinophils in abscesses with Charcot-Leyden crystals. Eosinophils were found frequently in portal triads far from the abscess wall. In four cases, in which bile duct ascariasis was found, worms were noted in the bile ducts, and eggs were found in liver parenchyma surrounding the abscess in two cases. Foreign-body granulomas were found in one case in which penetrating trauma was the cause of abscess. In one case there was one histiocytic granuloma whose origin was not determined. The observation of six cases of granuloma similar to larva migrans visceralis (or produced by other nematode larva) in liver tissue not directly affected by the abscess supports the hypothesis that helminth infections with larva migrating through the liver are a predisposing factor for pyogenic hepatic abscess in children.
Charge Association-related Ocular Pathology in a Newborn with Partial Trisomy 19q and Partial Monosomy 21q, from a Maternal Translocation (19;21) (q13.1;q22.3)
Authors: De Krijger Ronald R. , Mooy Cornelia M. , Van Hemel Jan O. , Sulkers Eric J. , Kros Johan M. , Bartelings Margot M. , Govaerts Lutgarde C.P.
Published: July 2002

We report a novel case of partial trisomy 19q and concomitant partial monosomy 21q, segregated from a maternal translocation (19;21) (q13.1;q22.3), identified by spectral karyotyping. Clinical examination revealed dysmorphic features of the face and limbs, cleft palate, bilateral colobomas with associated bilateral colobomatous optic nerve cysts, hearing loss, and a cardiac anomaly. At autopsy, the dysmorphic features and cleft palate were confirmed. The ocular histopathology is described in detail and the cardiac anomaly was further specified. The combination of phenotype features is diagnostic of the CHARGE ( coloboma, heart malformation, atresia choanae, retarded growth and development, and/or CNS anomalies, genital hypoplasia, ear anomalies and/or deafness) association. This case also has some phenotypic features in common with previous cases of partial trisomy 19q. The importance of a complete autopsy in cases with multiple congenital anomalies and/or genetic abnormalities is emphasized. This will allow optimal genetic counseling and contribute to our understanding of developmental biology.
Protein composition of Lp(a) lipoprotein from human plasma
Authors: Utermann G. , Weber W.
Published: July 2002

The apolipoprotein composition of purified human Lp(a) lipoprotein was investigated by SDS—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunochemically. The lipoprotein contains two different polypeptides. One is identical by its app. M
r of ∼250000 and immunologically with apolipoprotein B of LDL (B‐100). The other polypeptide has a higher app. M
r (∼350000) and stains strongly with the periodate‐Schiff's reagent. This high‐M
r glycoprotein contains the specific Lp(a) immunoreactivity but does not react with antibodies against apo B. Apo B and Lp(a)‐protein seem to be linked by disulfide bonds in the native lipoprotein. The unreduced detergent delipidized protein moiety from Lp(a) lipoprotein shows a single band of M
r ∼700000 in SDS—polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and the immunoprecipitates formed against anti‐Lp(a) and anti‐apo B by the unreduced protein show a reaction of immunological identity.
Blood group H antigen with globo‐series structure
Authors: Kannagi Reiji , Levery Steven B. , Hakomori Sen-itiroh
Published: July 2002

Blood group H antigen with globo‐series structure, reacting with the monoclonal antibody MBrl, was isolated and characterized from human blood group O erythrocytes. The structure was identified by methylation analysis, direct probe mass spectrometry, and 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy as shown below: Fucαl → 2Galβl → 3GalNAcβl → 3Galαl → 4Galβl → 4Glcβl → 1Cer
Identification of two alkaline proteases and a trypsin inhibitor from muscle of white croaker (Micropogon opercularis)
Authors: Busconi L. , Folco E.J. , Martone C. , Trucco R.E. , Sánchez J.J.
Published: July 2002

Extracts from white croaker skeletal muscle showed two alkaline proteases and a trypsin inhibitor when they were chromatographed in DEAE‐Sephacel. The activity against azocasein was maximal at pH 8.5 and 9.1 for proteases I and II, respectively. Both enzymes showed optimum activity at 60° C. The molecular masses were found to be 132 kDa for protease 1,363 kDa for protease II, and 65 kDa for the inhibitor. Protease I showed the characteristics of a trypsin‐like enzyme, and protease II those of a SH‐enzyme. These proteins may play important roles in mechanisms of cellular proteolysis.
Conditions of activation of yeast plasma membrane ATPase
Authors: Sychrová Hana , Kotyk Arnošt
Published: July 2002

ATPase
Plasma membrane
Oligomycin sensitivity
Baker's yeast
Protoplast
Proton symport
Amino‐aromatic interactions in proteins
Authors: Burley S.K. , Petsko G.A.
Published: July 2002

Geometric analysis of 33 refined high‐resolution protein crystal structures (2 Å or higher) demonstrates that side‐chain amino groups interact with aromatic side chains. Positively charged or δ(+) amino groups of lysine, arginine, asparagine, glutamine and histidine are preferentially located within 6 Å of the ring centroids of phenylalanine, tyrosine and trytophan, where they make van der Waals' contact with the δ(−) π‐electrons and avoid the δ(+) ring edge. This geometric pattern is different from the distribution expected due to random close packing of side chains in a protein. It is opposite to oxygen‐ and sulfur‐aromatic interactions, similar to aromatic‐aromatic interactions, and almost certainly electrostatic in origin.
Guanine nucleotides stimulate NADPH oxidase in membranes of human neutrophils
Authors: Seifert R. , Rosenthal W. , Schultz G.
Published: July 2002

In the chain of events by which chemotactic peptides stimulate NADPH oxidase‐catalyzed Superoxide formation in human neutrophils, the involvements of a pertussis toxin‐sensitive guanine nucleotide‐binding protein (N‐protein), mobilization of intracellular calcium and protein kinase C stimulation have been proposed. Superoxide formation was studied in membranes from human neutrophils; NADPH oxidase was stimulated by arachidonic acid in the presence of neutrophil cytosol. Fluoride and stable GTP analogues, such as GTPγS and GppNHp, which all activate N‐proteins, enhanced NADPH oxidase activity up to 4‐fold. GDPßS inhibited the effect of GTPγS. These data suggest that NADPH oxidase is regulated by an N‐protein, independent of an elevation of the cytoplasmic calcium concentration.
Phosphorylation of liver gap junction protein by protein kinase C
Authors: Takeda Akira , Hashimoto Eikichi , Yamamura Hirohei , Shimazu Takashi
Published: July 2002

The 27 kDa protein, a major component of rat liver gap junctions, was shown to be phosphorylated in vitro by protein kinase C. The stoichiometry of the phosphorylation indicated that approx. 0.33 mol phosphate was incorporated per mol 27 kDa protein. Phosphorylation was entirely dependent on the presence of calcium and was virtually specific for serine residues. For comparison, the gap junction protein was also examined for its phosphorylation by cAMP‐dependent protein kinase, the extent of phosphorylation being one‐tenth that exerted by protein kinase C.
Allopurinol and oxypurinol are hydroxyl radical scavengers
Authors: Moorhouse P.Christopher , Grootveld Martin , Halliwell Barry , Quinlan J.Gregory , Gutteridge John M.C.
Published: July 2002

Allopurinol is a scavenger of the highly reactive hydroxyl radical (k
2 approx. 109 M−1s−1). One product of attack of hydroxyl radical upon allopurinol is oxypurinol, which is a major metabolite of allopurinol. Oxypurinol is a better hydroxyl radical scavenger than is allopurinol (k
2 approx. 4 × 109 M−1s−1) and it also reacts with the myeloperoxidase‐derived oxidant hypochlorous acid. Hence the protective actions of allopurinol against reperfusion damage after hypoxia need not be entirely due to xanthine oxidase inhibition.
Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) functions as an in vitro autocrine growth factor in renal cell carcinomas
Authors: Miki Shunji , Iwano Masayuki , Miki Yoshitsugu , Yamamoto Masahiro , Tang Bo , Yokokawa Kiyoshi , Sonoda Takao , Hirano Toshio , Kishimoto Tadamitsu
Published: July 2002

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) was found to be a growth factor of renal cell carcinomas. Furthermore, renal cell carcinomas freshly isolated from the patients expressed mRNA of IL‐6 and secreted biologically active IL‐6 under the culture conditions where the tumor cells could grow, but they did not produce IL‐6 nor proliferate in the absence of fetal calf serum. The production of IL‐6 by the tumor cells was also demonstrated by immunostaining of the IL‐6‐producing cells utilizing anti‐IL‐6 antiserum. Moreover, anti‐IL‐6 antiserum specifically inhibited the in vitro tumor growth. All data indicated that IL‐6 functions as an in vitro autocrine growth factor of renal cell carcinomas.
Stimulation of progesterone and prostaglandin E2 production by lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid
Authors: Wang Jian , Yuen Basil Ho , Leung Peter C.K.
Published: July 2002

The role of several lipoxygenase metabolites of arachidonic acid in the action of luteinizing homone‐releasing hormone (LHRH) on ovarian hormone production was investigated. Like LHRH, treatment of rat granulosa cells with 5‐HETE, 5‐HPETE, 12‐HETE, 15‐HETE or 15‐HPETE stimulated progesterone (P) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production. 12‐HEPE was most potent and stimulated P and PGE2 equally well. By contrast, 5‐HETE stimulated P better than PGE2, while 15‐HETE was a potent stimulator of PGE2 but not of P. Stimulation of P and PGE2 by LHRH or 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol 13‐acetate (TPA) was further augmented by several HETEs and HPETEs. Like protein kinase C, arachidonic acid metabolites appear to mediate the multiple actions of LHRH in the ovary.
Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) primes the respiratory burst and stimulates protein biosynthesis in human neutrophils
Authors: Edwards Steven W. , Holden Charlotte S. , Humphreys John M. , Hart C.Anthony
Published: July 2002

Neutrophil; Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor; Protein biosynthesis
Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase: a rapid novel assay procedure used in conjunction with the preparation of enzyme from maize leaves
Authors: Howard Joy L. , Ridley Stuart M.
Published: July 2002

Acetyl‐CoA carboxylase is known to be the site of action of two groups of grass‐selective herbicides: the aryloxyphenoxypropionates and the cyclo‐hexanediones. This enzyme was extracted from maize leaves, and a novel, highly sensitive assay system developed, utilising measurement of phosphate to estimate enzyme activity. This assay system was verified by using inhibition by fluazifop and avidin to compare it with the more widely used 14C assay. K
m values for acetyl‐CoA were measured, and inhibition kinetics investigated.
The nature of the primer for glycogen synthesis in muscle
Authors: Lomako Joseph , Lomako Wieslawa M. , Whelan William J.
Published: July 2002

We and others have reported that glycogenin, the covalently bound protein found in muscle glycogen, also exists in muscle in a glycogen‐free form (M
r, 38 000–39 000) that is autocatalytic, undergoes self‐glucosylation and acts as a primer for glycogen synthesis. We now report that this entity is not present in a fresh muscle extract. Instead it exists within a pro form of much higher molecular mass which breaks down spontaneously to the M
r, 38 000–39 000 form. Such breakdown is accelerated by the addition of α‐amylase and is prevented by protease inhibitors. Multiple intermediates of the breakdown process have been detected, each capable of undergoing glucosylation.
Functionalized N‐aryl azetidinones as novel mechanism‐based inhibitors of neutrophil elastase
Authors: Wakselman Michel , Joyeau Roger , Kobaiter Randa , Boggetto Nicole , Vergely Isabelle , Maillard Jean , Okochi Veronica , Montagne Jean-Jacques , Reboud-Ravaux Michèle
Published: July 2002

A functionalized N‐aryl azetidinone has been shown to inactive human leukocyte elastase (HLE) and porcine pancreatic elastase (PPE) by an enzyme‐mediated process. The inactivation is characterized by the following kinetic constants at pH 8.0 and 37°C: k
max=0.035 s−1, K
1=1.2 × 10 −4 M for HLE, 0.08 s−1 and 2.7 × 10−4 M for PPE, respectively. Two parent molecules devoid of the latent leaving group failed to inactive HLE and PPE and behaved as substrates of these enzymes. A suicide mechanism involving the formation of an acyl‐enzyme and the simultaneous unmasking of a latent quinonimmonium methide ion which irreversibly reacts with an active site nucleophile. Moreover, the inhibitor is still effective at inhibiting elastase preabsorbed onto elastin.
Annexin V forms calcium‐dependent trimeric units on phospholipid vesicles
Authors: Concha Nestor O. , Head James F. , Kaetzel Marcia A. , Dedman John R. , Seaton Barbara A.
Published: July 2002

The quaternary structure of annexin V, a calcium‐dependent phospholipid binding protein, was investigated by chemical cross‐linking. Calcium was found to induce the formation of trimers, hexamers, and higher aggregates only when anionic phospholipids were present. Oligomerization occurred under the same conditions as annexin—vesicle binding. A model is proposed in when cell stimulation leads to calcium‐induced organization of arrays of annexin V lining the inner membrane surface, thus altering properties such as permeability and fluidity.
Independence of the carotene and sterol pathways of Phycomyces
Authors: Bejarano Eduardo R. , Cerdá-Olmedo Enrique
Published: July 2002

Light, chemicals, and in mutations that affect the carotene content of the fungus Phycomyces blakesleeanus had practically no effect on the ergosterol content. Lovastatin, a specific inhibitor of hydroxymethylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase, blocked growth at 1 μM; sodium dl‐mevalonate (10mM) fully reversed this inhibition. In the presence of [14C]mevalonate, a carS mutant accumulated 16 times more β‐carotene than the wild‐type with a specific radioactivity five times lower. The specific radioactivity of ergosterol was different from that of β‐carotene, even when calculated in terms of the constituent isoprene units, and unaffected by the carS mutation. The carotene and sterol pathways of Phycomyces are independently regulated and physically separated in different subcellular compartments.
Stabilization of basic fibroblast growth factor with dextran sulfate
Authors: Kajio Tomoko , Kawahara Kenji , Kato Koichi
Published: July 2002

Dextran sulfate protected bFGF from heat and acid inactivation and from proteolytic degradation. The protective effect was stronger than that of heparin which is known as a stabilizer of bFGF. Dextran sulfate and bFGF formed a high molecular weight complex via ionic interaction when mixed together in aqueous solution. The complex was dissociated when the ionic strength was increased and the protective effect was completely abolished. Successive digestion of bFGF with Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease and pepsin followed by affinity chromatography on an immobilized dextran sulfate column and reversed‐phase, high performance liquid chromatography yielded three positively charged fragment peptides, Tyr24‐Phe30, Tyr106‐Trp114 and Tyr124‐Leu138. These results suggest that dextran sulfate stabilizes bFGF by binding close to the putative heparin binding sites of the bFGF molecule.
Low translational efficiency of the F1‐ATPase β‐subunit mRNA largely accounts for the decreased ATPase content in brown adipose tissue mitochondria
Authors: Tvrdik Petr , Kužela Štefan , Houštĕk Josef
Published: July 2002

The half‐life of the F1‐ATPase β‐subunit (F1‐β) mRNA in ATPase‐poor brown adipose tissue (BAT) (t?? = 9.5 h) was found to be 3–7‐fold shorter than in liver (t?? = 27 h) and heart (t?? = 63 h) of mice. When translated in reticulocyte lysate, a 2–3‐fold lower efficiency appeared with F1‐β mRNA from BAT than from other tissues. The in vitro synthesized F1‐β protein precursors of BAT, liver and heart origin were imported and processed by mouse liver mitochondria with equal efficiency. The results indicate that the pool or abundant F1‐β mRNA in BAT is not fully translatable most likely due to its low metabolic stability.
Chimeric Ca2+‐ATPase/Na+,K+‐ATPase molecules
Authors: Nørregaard Anders , Vilsen Bente , Andersen Jens Peter
Published: July 2002

Chimeric molecules consisting of parts from the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase and the Na+,K+‐ATPase were expressed in COS‐1 cells and analysed functionally. One chimera, in which most of the central cytoplasmic loop was derived from the Na+,K+‐ATPase, while the transmembrane segments and the minor cytoplasmic loop came from the Ca2+‐ATPase, was able to occlude Ca2+ and to be phosphorylated from ATP with normal apparent affinity for Ca2+ and ATP. This chimera also displayed normal sensitivity to thapsigargin, but was unable to undergo the transition from ADP‐sensitive to ADP‐insensitive phosphoenzyme and to transport Ca2+. The other chimera, which consisted of the NH2‐terminal two‐thirds of Na+,K+‐ATPase and the COOH‐terminal one‐third of Ca2+‐ATPase, was unable to phosphorylate from ATP, but phosphorylated from inorganic phosphate in a Ca2+‐inhibitable and thapsigargin‐insensitive reaction. These results can be explained in terms of a structural model in which the non‐conserved residues in the central cytoplasmic domain of the Ca2+‐ATPase are without major importance for the binding and occlusion of Ca2+, but are involved in the E1P→E2P conformational changes of the phosphoenzyme, whereas residues in transmembrane segments on both sides of the central cytoplasmic domain are involved in formation of the Ca2+‐binding sites. The data moreover show that thapsigargin sensitivity is dependent on residues in the NH2‐terminal one‐third of the Ca2+‐ATPase molecule.
Molecular cloning and sequencing of the cDNA coding for a calcium‐binding protein regucalcin from rat liver
Authors: Shimokawa Noriaki , Yamaguchi Masayoshi
Published: July 2002

The cDNA of a Ca2+‐binding protein regucalcin was cloned from a rat liver cDNA library which was constructed in λZAPII by immunoscreening. Positive clones were obtained from which spanned the region of interest, and they gave a sequence of 1.7 kb by sequencing with the dideoxynucleotide method. Analysis of the sequence of the cloned cDNA showed that the cDNA encoded the complete amino acid sequence of the regucalcin molecule. Regucalcin was composed of 299 amino acid residues and its molecular weight was estimated to be 33,388 Da. The hydropathy profile of regucalcin showed a highly hydrophilic character. The nucleotide and amino acid sequences of regucalcin did not have statistically significant homology, as compared with the registered sequences which are found in the EMBL and GenBank databases containing several other Ca2+‐binding proteins (calmodulin, calbindin‐D28k and S‐100β). The regucalcin molecule did not contain the EF‐hand motif as a Ca2+‐binding domain. The present study demonstrates that regucalcin is a unique Ca2+‐binding protein in the liver of rats.
Interaction of cyclosporin A with an Fab fragment or cyclophilin Affinity measurements and time‐dependent changes in binding
Authors: Zeder-Lutz Gabrielle , Wenger Roland , Van Regenmortel Marc H.V. , Altschuh Danièle
Published: July 2002

Different conformers of the immunosuppressant cyclosporin A have been observed in structural studies of the isolated molecule and of its complex with cyclophilin or with an Fab fragment. The factors that control this conformational change are not well understood. Variations in the amount of complex formed with cyclophilin or with the antibody were measured as a function of time after adding cyclosporin to the proteins, using the Pharmacia BIAcore biosensor instrument. Up to 1 hour was needed to reach maximum complex formation in solution, which is likely to reflect the time needed for a conformational transition of cyclosporin. The equilibrium affinity constant of both proteins for cyclosporin has been measured.
Purification and properties of a novel enzyme from Bacillus spp. T‐3040, which catalyses the conversion of dextran to cyclic isomaltooligosaccharides
Authors: Oguma Tetsuya , Tobe Kouichiro , Kobayashi Mikihiko
Published: July 2002

A novel enzyme, cycloisomaltooligosaccharide glucanotransferase (CITase), catalyzes the conversion of dextran to cyclic isomaltooligosaccharides by intramolecular transglucosylation (cyclization reaction). CITase was purified to homogeneity from the culture filtrate of Bacillus sp. T‐3040 isolated from soil. The M
r of the enzyme was estimated to be 98,000 by SDS‐PAGE. The enzyme catalyzed the cyclization reaction and gave three cyclic isomaltooligosaccharides (cycloisomalto‐heptaose, ‐octaose, and ‐nonaose) at a total yield of about 20%. Coupling and disproportionation reactions were also observed. These results showed that this enzyme is a multi‐functional enzyme which catalyzes intramolecular and intermolecular transglucosylation.
Biosynthetic pathway for a new series of gangliosides, GT1aα and GQ1bα
Authors: Irie Fumitoshi , Jwa Hidari Kazuya I.-P. , Tai Tadashi , Li Yu-Teh , Seyama Yousuke , Hirabayashi Yoshio
Published: July 2002

A new class of gangliosides, GT1aα and GQ1bα, were initially identified as cholinergic neuron‐specific antigens in bovine brain. These gangliosides have in common α2–6 NeuAc linked to the GalNAc residue in the gangliotetraose core structure. In this study, we have determined the biosynthetic pathways of GT1aα and GQ1bα using rat liver Golgi fraction. The results showed that GT1aα and GQ1bα were synthesized from GD1a and GT1b, respectively, by the action of a GalNAc α2–6 sialyltransferase. It was also demonstrated that these two gangliosides were found to exist as extremely minor components in rat liver.