bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endohexosaminidase-catalyzed synthesis of glycopeptides and proteins
Authors: Fairbanks Antony J.
Published: March 2013

The synthetic application of endohexosaminidase enzymes (e.g., Endo A, Endo M, Endo D) promises to allow ready access to a wide variety of defined homogeneous glycoproteins and glycopeptides. The use of N-glycan oligosaccharides that are activated at the reducing terminus as oxazolines allows their high-yielding attachment to almost any amino acid, peptide, or protein that contains a GlcNAc residue as an acceptor. A wide variety of oxazoline donors are readily available, either by total synthesis or by isolation of the corresponding oligosaccharide from natural sources and then conversion to the oxazoline in water. The synthetic potential of the enzymes is particularly augmented by the production of mutant glycosynthases, the use of which allows the synthesis of a wide variety of glycopeptides and glycoproteins bearing defined homogeneous N-glycan structures.
Losartan Affects Glomerular AKT and mTOR Phosphorylation in an Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Mavroeidi Vasiliki , Petrakis Ioannis , Stylianou Kostas , Katsarou Theodora , Giannakakis Konstantinos , Perakis Kostas , Vardaki Eleftheria , Stratigis Spyridon , Ganotakis Emmanuel , Papavasiliou Stathis , Daphnis Eugenios
Published: March 2013

The AKT-mTOR pathway is activated in diabetic nephropathy. Renin-angiotensin system modulators exert beneficial effects on the diabetic kidney. We explored the action of losartan on AKT-mTOR phosphorylation in glomeruli and podocytes. Diabetes mellitus was induced to Sprague-Dawley rats by streptozotocin. Five months later, the rats were commenced on losartan and euthanized 2 months later. Kidneys were processed for immunofluorescence studies. Glomeruli were isolated for Western blot analysis. Diabetes increased activated forms of AKT and mTOR both in glomeruli and podocytes. In diabetic rats, losartan decreased phosphorylated/activated forms of AKT (Thr308) and mTOR (Ser2448) in glomeruli but decreased only activated mTOR in podocytes. However, in both glomeruli and podocytes of healthy animals, an inverse pattern was evident. In conclusion, a new body of evidence indicates the differential activation of AKT-mTOR in glomeruli and podocytes of healthy and diabetic animals in response to losartan.
The levels and patterns of resilience among male street children in Dhaka City
Authors: Sayem Amir M. , Kidd Sean A.
Published: February 2013

This study was carried out to identify the factors affecting resilience among street children. The study used a convenience sample of 366 male street children aged 14–17 years in Dhaka City, Bangladesh. The levels of resilience among the street children were mostly moderately low-low (54.1%), followed by low (29.0%), and moderately high-high resilience (16.9%). Multinomial logistic regression analyses indicated that the pre-street factors of education, economic constraint in the family, as well as experiencing and witnessing domestic violence were associated with resilience, with associated street characteristics being drug abuse, experiencing and witnessing violence on street, access to prevention services, and political involvement.
Are family processes related to achievement motivation of Chinese adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage in Hong Kong?
Authors: Leung Janet T.Y. , Shek Daniel T.L.
Published: March 2013

The relationships between perceived parenting style, parental control, family functioning, and parental sacrifice for children’s education and achievement motivation were examined in 275 Chinese adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage in Hong Kong. Consistent with the hypotheses, parenting style, parental control, family functioning, and parental sacrifice for children’s education were related with adolescent achievement motivation. Regression analyses further showed that maternal control and paternal and maternal sacrifice for children’s education were significant predictors of achievement motivation for adolescents experiencing economic disadvantage. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
Large-Amplitude Circadian Variations of Urinary Neopterin in Healthy Man
Authors: Auzeby A. , Bogdan A. , Krosi Z. , Touitou Y.
Published: March 2013

Urinary neopterin (Neo), a marker of T-cell activation was measured in five healthy males for a chronobiological study. Five young males mean age: 25 ± 2 (years ± SD) in apparent good health volunteered for the study. Total urine voidings were collected 4-hourly by each individual during a 48 h span at fixed clock hours. The study was carried out during 3 different 48 hours, one week apart. Neopterin was measured by HPLC and results were expressed as the ratio !lmol/mol creatinine.

A statistically significant rhythm of neopterin was detected with a peak (Neo = 167.4 ± 33 .8 SD) at 06h30 and a trough (Neo = 110.9 ± 26.9) between 10h30 and 22h30. These results clearly show a 51 % total yariability of neopterin and must be kept in mind when assaying neopterin for clinical exploration. It is therefore imperative to use, in a given patient, the same time-qualified voidings (preferably the first morning one) in order to avoid misinterpretation in the follow-up of patients.
Neopterin in Clinical Use
Authors: Hausen Arno , Fuchs Dietmar , Reibnegger Gilbert , Werner Ernst R. , Wachter Helmut
Published: March 2013

A brief review is given on the value of neopterin determination as a biochemical marker for the in vivo activation state of cell-mediated immunity. In a broad spectrum of diseases which are recognized or supposed to involve activation of monocytes/macrophages by interferon gamma derived from activated T lymphocytes, the applicability and utility of this technically simple test for a variety of specific clinical questions have been demonstrated by a multitude of authors. Applications are e. g. early detection of immunological complications in recipients of allografts, monitoring of inflammatory flare-up in patients with autoimmune disorders, the management of patients with malignant tumours and the monitoring of the clinical course in individuals with various infections and particularly with the human immunodeficiency virus. By measuring levels of neopterin in body fluids, information on the actual state of cell~mediated immunity in vivo is obtained that is not easily achieved by other techniques.
Enzymatic Isomerization of Sepiapterin to 6-1'-Hydroxy-2' -oxopropyl 7,8-dihydropterin
Authors: Sueoka Terumi , Katoh Setsuko
Published: March 2013

6-1'-Hydroxy-2' -oxopropyl 7,8-dihydropterin, which has been believed to be too labile to actually exist, was produced from sepiapterin (6-lactoyl 7,8-dihydropterin). It was formed by the isomerase activity of sepiapterin reductase, which was recen tly observed in the isomerization of 6-lactoyl 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin (15), an intermediate of tetrahydrobiopterin biosynthesis. This product from sepiapterin was detectable electrochemically at 500 mV and fluorometrically on HPLC analysis. The product was converted into 7,8-dihydrobioptcrin (6-1 ' ,2'-dihydroxypropyl-7,8-dihydropterin) if it was further incubated with sepiapterin reductase and NADPH. The structure of the product was identified by 'H-NMR analysis in D2O. The pH optimum of the isomerization of sepiapterin was 8.6 and the UV-absorption spectrum of the product was quite similar to that of 7,8-dihydrobiopterin. The finding of isomerization of sepiapterin, besides that of 6-lactoyl tetrahydropterin. to the C2' -keto isomer strongly supports the real existence of isomerase activity in the sepiapterin reductase molecule.
Pteridines, XCV
Authors: Lockart Ronan John , Pfleiderer Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

A series of new amino acid-tetrahydropterin-conjugates has been synthesized starting from N 2-isobutyryl-6,7- dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin (7). The amino acids have been attached in form of their esters (10 - 16) via a succinyl spacer to the N-5 position (17 - 23) or directly via the carboxyl function applying CBZprotected activated esters (35, 39). Acylation of 7 with N-benzyloxycarbonylglutamic acid anhydride led to the y-glutamyl derivative 41. Selective deblocking experiments were achieved by catalytic hydrogenolysis to cleave the benzyl esters (24-28, 36, 42) and by DBU treatment to eliminate the p-nitrophenylethyl group (24, 25) respectively. Further reaction with ammonia hydrolysed the isobutyryl group to give the free tetrahydropterin-amino acid-conjugates 29 - 32, 37 and 43. Also a carbamoyl-type conjugate (45) was obtained from 7 and benzyl phenylalanine N-carbonylimidazolide (44). The newly synthesized compounds have been characterized by elemental analysis, UV and IH-NMR spectra.
Neopterin and Cellular Immune Activation in Active Gynaecological Cancer: Significant Correlation Between Neopterin and Circulating Number of HLA-DR Expressing Lymphocytes
Authors: Reibnegger Gilbert , Denz Hubert A. , Fuchs Dietmar , Fuith Lothar C. , Gattringer Claus , Hausen Arno , Huber Heinz , Werner Ernst R. , Werner-Felmayer Gabriele , Wachter Helmut
Published: March 2013

Urine concentrations of neopterin, a marker for the activation of cellular immunity, were determined concomitantly with a large panel of hematological and immunological variables on 24 women with gynaecological cancers (12 uterine cervix, 5 endometrium, 7 ovary). There were 14 women investigated at first diagnosis of carcinoma, and 10 women were studied during follow-up (evidence of disease, only palliative treatment during the preceding three months). A statistically significant correlation was found between neopterin concentrations and number of circulating non-B lymphocytes expressing HLA-DR antigen. Neopterin concentrations, numbers of HLA-DR positive cells, and numbers of circulating leukocytes were significantly higher in women studied during follow-up, when compared with women freshly diagnosed. In contrast. numbers of CD4 +, CD3 +, CD19 + lymphocytes and of total lymphocytes in peripheral blood were significantly lower in women studied during follow-up. The results suggest that high neopterin levels in tumor patients indicate activation of early steps of cellular immune mechanisms.
Serum Neopterin - Possible Marker to Predict Progression of Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Samsonov Mikhail , Nassonov Eugeney , Masenko Valerei , Naumov Vladimir , Mareev Vjacheslav , Belenkov Yuriy
Published: March 2013

Fifteen patients with clinical diagnosis of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) were followed for 3 to 34 months. Serum neopterin and β2-microglobulin concentrations were measured by radioimmunoassay. According to the changes of neopterin and β2microglobulin levels in the follow-up study patients were divided into three groups. The course of disease in group 1 (5 patients with constant normal neopterin level <9 nmol/L) during the study) was stable without deterioration and increase of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class. In group 2 (2 patients with raised neopterin in levels at the beginning of the study) some clinical improvement was associated with normalization of neopterin concentration. In group 3 (8 patients) the relation between the disease progression and increasing neopterin level was observed. The data of this study clearly indicated that neopterin measurements had a predictive value in patients with clinical diagnosis of DCMP.
Elevated Serum Neopterin Levels in Acute Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Samsonov M.Y. , Reibnegger G. , Nassonov E.L. , Nassonova V.A , Wachter H. , Fuchs D.
Published: March 2013

A link between acute rheumatic fever (ARF) and autoimmune disorders has been postulated. To investigate this relationship. we performed radioimmunoassay measurements of serum neoplerin levels in patients with ARF. Twenty-five young men with ARF were included in our study. Patients were investigated on 3-7 days after the onset of symptoms and on the 30th-35th days after onset. Serum neopterin levels were elevated (>8.7 nmol/L) in 17 out of 25 patients with ARF. Mean neopterin concentration was significantly higher in ARF patients (10.9± 3.9 nmol/L) compared to healthy controls (5.2± 2.1 nmol/L; p<0.001). After treatment of patients .with antibiotics and indometacin, neopterin levels were normal in 16 of 23 patients. There was an association between higher neopterin concentration and development of aortic incompetence during follow-up (p<0.05). Also a significant correlation between neopterin and haemoglobin levels was observed (R= - 0.40. p = 0.(2). The increased neopterin levels indicate enhanced cellular immune activation in patients with ARF. The data suggest that serum neopterin might he a predictive marker of aortic valve lesions in patients with ARF.
Glyceryl-ether Monooxygenase [EC 1.14.16.5J Part V: Some Aspects of the Stoichiometry
Authors: Kosar-Hashemi Behjat , Taguchi Hiroyasu , Armarego Wilfred L.F.
Published: March 2013

A stoichiometry of one is found for the reaction between RS-batyl alcohol and 6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin catalysed by glyceryl-ether monooxygenase during the first two minutes. The apparent decoupling of these two substrates after the first two minutes of reaction is discussed. The stoichiometry of the oxidation of 6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin [to quinonoid 6-methyl-7,8(6H)-dihydropterinJ to the conversion of NADH to NAD in the monooxygenase-dihydropteridine reductase coupled reaction is ca one at concentrations of 6-methyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin less than 100 μM. At higher concentrations of the tetrahydropterin the ratio decreases and it is shown to be due to product inhibition of the reductase. R( +)- and S( - )-6-Methyl- 5,6,7,8-tetrahydropterin are about equally effective substrates for glyceryl-ether monooxygenase. A new and convenient synthesis of 1-14C-batyl alcohol is reported.
Biosynthesis of Methanopterin in Methanobacterium thermoautotrophicum
Authors: Eisenreich Wolfgang , Bacher Adelbert
Published: March 2013

The early steps in the biosynthesis of methanopterin in Methanobacterium thennoautotrophicum were analyzed by in vivo incorporation experiments of 13C labeled precursors and by enzymatic studies. M thermoautotrophicum was grown in mineral medium supplemented with 13C-Iabeled acetate, pyruvate, or methionine. Methanopterin was isolated from the cells, and the 13.C-Iabeling pattern was determined by 1H-and 13C-NMR spectroscopy. The labeling patterns of amino acids and nucleosides were also determined for comparison. The results indicate that the pteridine moiety of methanopterin is derived from a purine nucleoside. Both methyl groups of methanopterin originate from methionine. The benzenoid ring of the ribitylaniline moiety is derived from the shikimate pathway, and the ribityl part from the pentose pool. Enzymatic activity of GTP cyclohydrolase I has been detected in cell-free supernatant of M. thermoautotrophicum. This indicates that the early biosynthetic steps of folic acid and methanopterin proceed via common intermediates. Both pathways start from GTP, and 6-hydroxymethyldihydropterin is the probable branching point. The ribitylaniline moiety of methanopterin is synthesized from a product of the shikimate biosynthetic pathway and a ribose derivative, most probably p-aminobenzoate and phosphoribosylpyrophosphate, by decarboxylation of the aminobenzoate.
Pteridines CII Synthesis and Characterization of Dimeric Lumazines
Authors: Koul Ashok , Wagner Thomas , Pfleiderer Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Reduction of 1.3-dimethyllumazine (1) by zinc dust in Ac2O/AcOH leads to the formation of 6-7 connected bis-Iumazinyl derivatives. Depending on the reaction conditions either 7 -(5-acetyl-5,6, 7,8-tetrahydro-1.3-dimethyllumazin- 6-yl)-l, 3-dimethyllumazin (3) or isomeric 7 -(5-acetyl-5.6. 7.8-tetrahydro-I. 3-dimethyllumazin- 6-yl)-5-acetyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-I. 3-dimethyllumazines (2) are formed . Treatment of 3 with MeOH/HCl gave 4 which is oxidized by air to a very stable 7.8-dihydro derivative 5 showing unexpected spectra properties. Further oxidation by KMnO. afforded 6.1 -bis-I. 3-dimethyllumazinyl (6). The isomeric 6.6-(14) and 7.7 -bis-I. 3-dimethyllumazinyls (21) were also synthesized from 6-chloro-(1l) and I-chloro-I. 3-dimethyllu-mazine (18). respectively. in a nickel catalyzed dimerization reaction. The various structures were proven by spectral means. elemental analyses and an X-ray analysis of 2. Comparisons of the structural features are mainly based on UV data.
Synthesis of N -(4-propargylaminobenzoyl)-L-glutamates
Authors: Kempny Michal , Rzeszotarska Barbara , Pawelczak Krzysztof
Published: March 2013

To facilitate the rather labour consuming synthesis of antifolate γ-oligo-L-glutamates including those with the propargyl group at position N10 , two synthons possessing this group, α-t-butyl γ-methyl N-(4-propargylaminobenzoyl)- L-glutamate (1) and a-t-butyl N-(4-propargylaminobenzoyl)-L-glutamate (2) have been elaborated (Scheme 2) and characterized by melting points, elemental analysis, NMR, TLC and HPLC. They are of purity >98.5% by the last method.
Relationship among Serum hsp65 Antibodies, Neopterin, Autoantibodies and Atherosclerosis
Authors: Xu Qingbo , Wick Georg , Wachter Helmut , Reibnegger Gilbert
Published: March 2013

A statistical reinvestigation was performed on data from two separate earlier studies, investigating heatshock protein 65 and neopterin in the same population of subjects examined for the presence of carotid atherosclerosis. Both heat-shock protein 65 and neopterin concentrations are significantly correlated with atherosclerosis, but the correlation between both biochemical analytes is low albeit significant. Neopterin, but not heat-shock protein 65 concentrations were shown to be significantly higher in women with presence of antinuclear antibodies, particularly in women older than 65 years of age. This finding seems to explain earlier observations of raised neopterin concentrations in such older women, irrespective of the presence or absence of atherosclerosis.
Effect of Sepiapterin, 7,8-Dihydrobiopterin, 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydrobiopterin and Xanthopterin on Cholesterol and Phospholipid Content and Phospholipid Biosynthesis in vitro
Authors: Rudzite Vera , Jurika Edite , Baier-Bitterlich Gabriele , Wachter Helmut , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: March 2013

Incorporation of fatty acids into phospholipids has been investigated using samples of rat live tissue homogenate, Krebs-Ringer-phosphate buffer (pH = 7A) containing 0.3% albumin, farry acid mixture and glycerol. The addition of sepiapterin, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin and 5.6.7.8-tetrahydrobiopterin (5 and 30 pmol g wet weight) to incubation medium induced a decrease of saturated (stearic acid) and an increase of polyunsaturated (arachidonic acid) fatty acids incorporation into phospholipids. Cholesterol content decreased, but phospholiplid content did not change in samples containing sepiapterin, 7,8-dihydrobiopterin and 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin. No changes of fatty acid incorporation into phospholipids as well as of the content of cholesterol and phospholipids were observed in samples after the addition of xanthopterin (4 and 20 nmol/g wet weight) to incubation medium for phospholipid biosynthesis in vitro. The observations made by incubation with 7,8-dihydrobiopterin, 5,6,7,8-tetrahydrobiopterin and sepiapterin where in opposite to those made earlier employing neopterin and using the same incubation procedure.
The Augmented Productions of Neopterin and Cytokines from Macrophages/monocytes in vitro
Authors: Lizuka Tadashi , Sasaki Mitsuyo , Kamisako Hitomi , Oishi Ko , Uemura Shigeru , Koike Michio
Published: March 2013

In Kawasaki disease patients, increases in excretion of urinary neopterin coincided with fever and monocytosis in peripheral blood. We examined the products of neopterin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) and Interleukin-1 β (1L-1β) from healthy adult macrophages/monocytes (Mφ>/M), after stimulation with several activators to obtain some understanding of Kawasaki disease.

Upon stimulation with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or polyinosinate-polycytidylate (Poly I:C), the Mφ/M released neopterin and pyogenic products (TNF-α or 1L-1β). The release of neopterin was eliminated by the addition of the anti-interferon-y antibody. The production of both TNF-α, 1L-1β and neopterin from Mφ/M upon stimulation of LPS was augmented in a co-culture with low dose recombinant interferon-y (rIFN-γ). Upon stimulation with rIFN-γ alone, however, the Mφ/M released neopterin but not the pyogenic products. A preliminary examination failed to detect. any difference in the response of the Mφ/M in adults annd children after stimulation with LPS. We concluded that some endotoxins could trigger the onset of Kawasaki disease and that endogenous IFN-γ can play an important role in the abnormality of Kawasaki disease patients
Tetrahydrobiopterin-dependent Production of L-DOPA in Genetically Modified Primary Fibroblasts: Basic Research of Gene Therapy for Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Ishida Akihiko , Yamashiro Katsumi , Mukawa Jiro , Hasegawa Mamoru
Published: March 2013

Although intracerebral transplantation might become a new strategy for the treatment of neurological diseases, there are many problems for the grafts, We examined the possibilities of primary skin fibroblasts as a new graft for Parkinson's disease. Rat primary skin fibroblasts were transfected with a retrovirus vector containing eDNA of human tyrosine hydroxylast typel (TH) (pLTHSNL) or cytomegalovirus promoter (pCTHSNL) as a foreign promoter. In these genetically modified fibroblasts, catecholamine production and release were analyzed in vitro by immunocytochemistry and high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD), Being supplemented with biopterin (BH4; (6R)-L-erythro-tetrahydrobiopterin) cofactors required for TH activity, these cells produced and released L-DOPA into the culture medium. When combined with a foreign promoter and BH4, L-DOPA production increased in a timedependent manner, which was not affected by the number of cell-passages and the duration of liquid nitrogen freezing . These facts suggest that the amount of L-DOPA secreted from transplanted genetically modified fibroblasts can be manipulated by an inserted promoter the exogenously administered BH4. Thus genetically modified primary skin fibroblasts transfected with THcDNA using retrovirus vector system may hold promise as a graft for transplantation and gene therapy for Parkinson's disease.
Synthesis of 2,4-Diaminopteridines with Bulky Lipophilic Groups at the 6-Position as Inhibitors of Pneumocystis carinii, Toxoplasma gondii, and Mammalian Dihydrofolate Reductase
Authors: Rosowsky Andre , Forsch Ronald A. , Queener Sherry F. , Bertino Joseph R.
Published: March 2013

Ten previously undescribed 2,4-diamino-6-(2-naphthylamino )methylpteridines with lipophilic chlorine or long-chain alkyl groups on the naphthyl moiety and either hydrogen or a methyl group on N 10 were synthesized from the appropriate 2-naphthylamine or N-methyl-2-naphthylamine by reaction with 2-amino-5-chloromethylpyrazine-3-carbonitrile and ring closure with guanidine . One analogue with a methyl group at the 7 -position was also prepared. The N 10 -unsubstituted analogues were consistently less active than the N1o-methyl analogues as inhibitors of Pneumocystis carin ii, Toxoplasma gondii, and rat liver dihydrofolate reductase. However the potency of the series as a whole was relatively low against all three enzymes, with the best inhibitors giving ICoo values only in the 0.1-1.0 ~M range and several giving IC50 values in the 10-100 ~M range. Moreover, while several compounds with ICso values of <10 ~M showed some selectivity for the Pnellmocystis carinii and/or Toxoplasma gondii enzyme relative to the rat liver enzme, the magnitude of this effect was marginal «4-fold). Assays were also performed against purified human dihydrofolate reductase and against wild-type and methotrexateresistant human leukemic lymphoblasts in culture. Activity against the enzyme was very low, the best inhibitors giving only 50-70% inhibition at 10 ~M. Although none of the compounds inhibited the growth of wild-type CEM cells by more than 20% at 1 ~M, several were more active (60-75% inhibition at 1 ~M) against the methotrexate-resistant subline CEM/MTX, which is defective in methotrexate and reduced folate transport, than they were against the methotrexate-sensitive parental CEM cells. Overall the results suggest that 2,4-diamino-6-substituted pteridines with chlorine or long-chain alkyl substituents in the 2-naphthyl moiety and hydrogen or a methyl group on NIO are not likely to be therapeutically useful agents.
In vivo Stimulatory Effects of Neopterin on Hematopoiesis
Authors: Aizawa Shin , Hiramoto Masaki , Araki Sonoko , Hosh Hajime , Kojima Shuji , Wakasugi Kazunori
Published: March 2013

The pteridine neopterin (NP) was shown to be produced by monocytes and has been known as a useful maker of immunological activation, although, the biological activity of this agent is still unclear. To elucidate the biological function of NP, the changes in the number of blood leukocyte, bone marrow and spleen hemopoietic progenitor cells after intraperitoneal administration of NP into mice were investigated. Administration of NP increased the number of blood leukocytes about 2 fold higher than that of the control at days 7 and 14. Blood films, made by smearing samples of peripheral blood, showed the increment of granulocytes in blood of NP treated animals. The number of granulocyte-macrophage progenitor cells (CFU-GM) was also increased in both bone marrow and spleen in mice with NP administration. Extensive study showed that NP stimulated the hematological recovery in bone marrow transplanted animals. All these findings suggest that NP has a stimulating activity on hemopoiesis by affecting the proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic progenitor cells in vivo.
Correlations of Serum and Urine Levels of Neopterin, IL-8, IL-6, IL-6R, Basic Fetoprotein and Hepatocytes Growth Factor with Acute Rejection in kidney Transplantation
Authors: Miki Tsuneharu , Takahara Shiro , Okuyma Akihiko
Published: March 2013

Levels of serum- and urinary-neopterin and serum-IL-6 and IL-6R of kidney transplant recipients "Were higher in acute rejection episode than in stable condition. IL-8 serum levels had risen prior to clinical diagnosis of acute rejection episode. Serum HGF levels also increased during acute rejection episode to over 1 ng/ml. Serum-neopterin and IL-6R levels were relatively sensitive for the detection of acute rejection episode.
Proton NMR Studies on the Conformation of the Pterin Cofactor Bound at the Active Site of Recombinant Human Tyrosine Hydroxylase
Authors: Martínez Aurora , Vageli Olga , Pfleiderer Wolfgang , Flatmark Torgeir
Published: March 2013

The binding of L-erythro-7,S-dihydrobiopterin (BH2) in the presence of L-Phe to recombinant human tyrosine hydroxylase was studied by 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The distances (± 1.3 A) from the active site metal were estimated to be 5 .3-6.4 A for observable protons of BH2 and 7 .0-7.9 A for L-Phe protons. Due to the lack of constraints from the pyrimidine ring in BH2 , two families of conformers were computed, with an average distance from the C4a in the pterin ring to the iron of 3.7 A (family A) and S.S A (family B). The conformers for 6-methyl-tetrahydropterin bound to the enzyme at near anaerobic conditions in the absence of L-Phe were also grouped into two families, with C4a-metal distances of 3.0-4.0 A (A) and 7.0-7.5 A (B). Based on the estimated conformation of the enzyme bound 5,6,7,S-tetrahydro- 3-methylpterin, family A of conformers was selected for both oxidized and reduced pterins. Our results indicate that the pterin does not coordinate to the iron, which seems to be involved both in the binding and activation of O2 and in the C-O bond formation in the aromatic ring of the substrate.
Biosynthetic Enzymes of Tetrahydrolimipterin from Green Sulfur Bacterium Chlorobium Limicola
Authors: Kang Dongmin , Kim Sangjoon , Yim Jeongbin
Published: March 2013

Summay

Based on the structure of limipterin (Cha, Pfleiderer, and Yim, Helv, Chim. Acta, 78: 600-614. 1995 the biosynthetic pathway for the newly identified pterin glycoside was investigated. It was demonstrated that tetrahydrolimipterin (H4 -limipterin) can be synthesized from GTP by the enzymes GTP cyclohydrolase I, 6-pyruvoyltetrahydropterin (PTP) synthase, sepiaptcrin reductase and limipterin synthase, present in the extract of Chlorobium limicola. Limipterin synthase (UDP-N -acetylglucosamine:5 ,6,7 ,8-tetrahydro-L-biopterin 2'-O-β-N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase) catalyzed the condensation of tetrahydrobiopterin (H4-biopterin) with UDP-N-acetylglucosamine in the presence of dithiothreitol and MnCl2. It could also produce D-tepidopterin, [1-O-(D-threo- biopterin-2'-yl)- β-N -acetylglucosamine] when 5,6,7 ,8-tetrahydro-D-threobiopterin and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine were used as substrates . Substrate analogues such as UTP, UDP and UDP-Nacetylgalactosamine inhibit the enzyme activity. The Km values for tetrahydrobiopterin and UDP-N-acetylglucosamine were 42.2 μM and 124.3 μM, respectively. Optimum pH and temperature were pH 8.0 and 37°C. The molecular weight of the enzyme was calculated to be 46,300 dalton from a calibrated Superdex 75 and the subunit molecular weight was estimated at 46,000 dalton by SDS-PAGE. These results suggest that limipterin synthase exists as a monomer. Biosynthetic intermediates of H4-limipterin such as N2NTP , 6-PTP, and H4-biopterin were identified in vitro using purified GTP cyclohydrolase I, PTP synthase, sepiapterin reductase, and limipterin synthase. From the HPLC and TLC analyses of the enzymic intermediater, it could be concluded that H4-limipterin comes from GTP by way of H4-biopterin in Chlorobium limicola.
Electronic Charge Density and Electrostatic Potential of Pterin, 7,8-Dihydropterin and 5,6,7,8-Tetrahydropterin - an Ab initio Quantum Chemical Study
Authors: Reibnegger Gilbert , Horejsi Renate , Oettl Karl , Mlekusch Walter
Published: March 2013

Ab initio quantum chemical computations at the Hartree-Fock 6-31g** level of theory were performed on pterin, 7,8-dihydropterin and 5,6,7,8 -tetrahydropterin. The resulting electronic charge density functions and the electrostatic potential functions of the molecules are visualized by graphical software. The results demonstrate the profound changes in electronic properties among these structurally closely related compounds. Our contribution may serve as a basis for deeper insight into the molecular characteristics, also of other chemically or biologically important pterin derivatives of different oxidation state.
Neopterin in Bone Banking
Authors: Peters K. M. , Klosterhalfen B.
Published: March 2013

Not only in blood transfusion, but also in transplantation of allogenous bone, infection of patients with bacteria and especially with virus is possible. Neopterin as an unspecific marker of an activated cellmediated immune response is elevated in fresh viral infection even before antibodies are detectable. Additional determination of neopterin in bone banking can further reduce the already little risk of a still antibody-negative HIV infection in a spongiosa donor. If a first HIV-antibody test is negative and serum neopterin lies within normal range, a second HIV-test six months after operation, which is otherwise obligatory in bone banking today, can be cancelled and the allograft can be given free for transplantation assuming negative results obtained by other screening criteria.
Neopterin Concentrations of Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid in Febrile Convulsion, Aseptic Meningitis and Influenza Encephalopathy
Authors: Shiomi M. , Togawa M. , Kurimasa H. , Kawawaki H. , Tomiwa K. , Sawada Y. , Shintaku H. , Asada M. , Murata R.
Published: March 2013

The concentration of total neopterin in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was measured in cases of febrile convulsion, aseptic meningitis and influenza encephalopathy. In febrile convulsion except for exanthem subitum, the concentrations of CSF neopterin (26± 11, Mean±SD, n=6) were all within normal range while those of serum neopterin (66± 20, n=8) were significantly higher (p < 0.05). In aseptic meningitis, on the other hand, the concentrations of CSF neopterin (194± 130, n=13) were significantly higher than those of serum (33±23, n=11, p < 0.05). In influenza encephalopathy, both concentrations of serum neopterin (329±478, n=13) and CSF neopterin(179±131, n=11) were much higher than the control range. Our results indicate that the primary immunoreacting site is the central nervous system (CNS) for aseptic meningitis, the periphery for febrile convulsion except for exanthem subitum and both the periphery and the CNS for influenza encephalopathy. Measurements of neopterin concentrations in CSF as well as in serum may thus constitute an immediate aid for early differentiation of CNS infection from peripheral infection as well as for early detection of viral encephalopathy caused by viruses such as the influenza virus or the human herpes virus 6.
Procalcitonin and Neopterin in Infectious Diseases
Authors: Wiedermann Franz J. , Innerhofer Petra , Margreiter Josef , Fuchs Dietmar , Schobersberger Wolfgang
Published: March 2013

Procalcitonin, a new inflammation parameter, has been shown to be markedly increased in patients with severe bacterial and parasitic infections, septic shock, and multiple organ failure. In contrast, in severe viral infections or inflammatory reactions of non-infectious origin (e.g. toxic acute respiratory distress syndrome or toxic pancreatitis) as well as in autoimmune disorders, there is little or moderate increase of procalcitonin serum levels. Therefore procalcitonin may be used for diHerential diagnosis of bacterial versus non-bacterial inflammation. Furthermore, procaicitonin correlates with the severity of infection and sepsis and it is considered to be a valid parameter t()r monitoring both the severity and the course of sepsis and multiple organ failure as well as the success of surgical and intensive therapy in critically ill patients. Neopterin production is closely associated with activation of the cellular immune system. High neopterin levels are found in several inflamlnatory diseases and certain malignancies. Neopterin measurements are useful for monitoring allograft recipients to detect immunological complications. In autoimmune diseases, neopterin concentrations reflect the extent and activity of disease. In infectious diseases, neopterin helps in the differential diagnosis of acute viral and bacterial infections and provides prognostic information in human immunodeficiency virus disease and in patients with multiple trauma and sepsis. In this article the clinical application of procalcitonin and neopterin in infectious diseases is reviewed, and special emphasis is given to clinical situations in which the combined determination of both parameters, neoprerin and procalcitonin, is able to suppon ditkrential diagnosis.
Chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis associated with primary hyperparathyroidism: a transversal prospective study
Authors: Massironi Sara , Cavalcoli Federica , Rossi Roberta Elisa , Conte Dario , Spampatti Matilde Pia , Ciafardini Clorinda , Verga Uberta , Beck-Peccoz Paolo , Peracchi Maddalena
Published: February 2013

Design

The coexistence of chronic autoimmune atrophic gastritis (CAAG) and primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) has been described previously, even if its extent and underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. We therefore prospectively evaluated this association in two series of patients, one with CAAG and the other with sporadic PHPT.

Methods

From January 2005 to March 2012, 107 histologically confirmed CAAG patients and 149 PHPT patients were consecutively enrolled. Routine laboratory assays included serum calcium, parathyroid hormone (PTH), plasma gastrin and chromogranin A (CgA). In CAAG patients with high PTH levels, ionized calcium and 25(OH)-vitamin D were evaluated. All CAAG and hypergastrinemic PHPT patients received an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Exclusion criteria were familial PHPT, MEN1 syndrome, treatment with proton pump inhibitor drugs,Helicobacter pyloriinfection and renal failure.

Results

Of the 107 CAAG patients, nine (8.4%) had PHPT and 13 (12.1%) had secondary hyperparathyroidism stemming from vitamin D deficiency. Among the 149 PHPT patients, 11 (7.4%) had CAAG. Gastrin and CgA levels were similar in the CAAG patients with vs those without hyperparathyroidism (either primary or secondary), and calcium and PTH levels were similar in the PHPT patients with vs those without CAAG.

Conclusions

This study confirms a non-casual association between PHPT and CAAG. The prevalence of PHPT in CAAG patients is threefold that of the general population (8.4 vs 1–3%), and the prevalence of CAAG in PHPT patients is fourfold that of the general population (7.4 vs 2%). The mechanisms underlying this association remain unknown, but a potential role for autoimmunity is suggested.
Modeling Fermi Level Effects in Atomistic Simulations
Authors: Qin Zudian , Dunham Scott T.
Published: March 2013

In this work, variations in electron potential are incorporated into a Kinetic Lattice Monte Carlo (KLMC) simulator and applied to dopant diffusion in silicon. To account for the effect of dopants, the charge redistribution induced by an external point charge immersed in an electron (hole) sea is solved numerically using the quantum perturbation method. The local carrier concentrations are then determined by summing contributions from all ionized dopant atoms and charged point defects, from which the Fermi level of the system is derived by the Boltzmann equation. KLMC simulations with incorporated Fermi level effects are demonstrated for charged point defect concentration as a function of Fermi level, coupled diffusion phenomenon and field effect on doping fluctuations.
Metastase de carcinoma comprometendo a cauda equina
Authors: Coutinho Lígia M. B. , Teixeira José L. C.
Published: February 2013

É relatado um caso de paciente, de 60 anos, que apresentou tumor nos segmentos apical e posterior direitos, cujo diagnóstico histopatológico foi de carcinoma indiferenciado. O paciente foi submetido à cobaltoterapia, tendo melhorado por três meses, quando foi novamente hospitalizado por dor lombar. A mielografia com lipiodol mostrou processo expansivo intrarraqueano. Mediante cirurgia foi encontrado tumor intra-dural, englobando raízes nervosas. O diagnóstico microscópico foi de carcinoma indiferenciado infiltrando os espaços epi e peri-neurais.
Flutuação populacional de Rhynchophorus palmarum (L.) (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) em palmeiras oleíferas no Amazonas
Authors: Cysne Alex Queiroz , Cruz Bruno Araújo , Cunha Raimundo Nonato Vieira da , Rocha Raimundo Nonato Carvalho da
Published: March 2013

As coleobrocas são umas das principais pragas das palmeiras devido aos seus danos diretos e indiretos resultarem na morte de diversas plantas. O levantamento populacional destes insetos é de extrema importância, visto a necessidade de se manejar adequadamente o controle realizado na área. Este estudo teve como objetivo monitorar a flutuação populacional de Rhynchophorus palmarum em plantios comerciais de Elaeis guineensis Jacq. e E. oleífera (HBK) Cortes, no estado do Amazonas. Foram distribuídas armadilhas iscadas com roletes de cana-de-açúcar e feromônio de agregação para captura de insetos no entorno do plantio, na Estação Experimental do Rio Urubu, localizada no município de Rio Preto da Eva - AM e pertencente ao Centro de Pesquisa Agroflorestal da Amazônia - Embrapa (CPAA). Os dados das coletas foram avaliados quanto à captura anual de 2005 a 2009, a captura mensal e quanto à frequência de captura. Comparando os anos, verificou-se que a maior quantidade de insetos coletados foi em 2005, sendo observada uma redução das capturas até o ano de 2007, voltando a apresentar um aumento em 2008 e 2009 (P < 0,05). Não houve diferença quando comparadaa flutuação populacional nos meses (P> 0,05). Aproximadamente 40% das coletas não ultrapassaram quatro insetos, sendo observado comportamento semelhante na frequência de captura dos anos estudados.
Capacidade da Lemna aequinoctialis para acumular metais pesados de água contaminada
Authors: Pio Mauro Célio da Silveira , Souza Katiuscia dos Santos de , Santana Genilson Pereira
Published: March 2013

A capacidade das plantas em tolerar e absorver quantidades elevadas de metais pesados é usada como uma tecnologia promissora para limpeza de resíduos perigosos em ambientes altamente contaminados. O desempenho da macrófita L. aequinoctialis em absorver metais pesados foi estudado durante sua floração em dois períodos de amostragem diferentes. As amostras de L. aequinoctialis e água foram coletadas por 800 horas em intervalos de 48 horas. A quantidade de Ni, Cu, Co, Cr, Mn, Zn e Fe presente na L. aequinoctialis e água foram determinados por espectrometria de absorção atômica com chama (FAAS). Os resultados foram avaliados pelas técnicas de estatística de componentes principais (PCA), análise de agrupamento hierárquico (HCA) e boxplot. Os resultados mostram que a rizofiltração da L. aequinoctialis remove altas quantidades de metais pesados na seguinte ordem Cr > Ni > Cu > Fe > Zn > Mn. No entanto, observou-se que mudanças significativas na composição química, pH e condutividade elétrica da água alteram a capacidade de absorção da L. aequinoctialis.
Meiose em Tripsacum australe Cutler e Anderson (T. dactyhides subsp. hispidum Hitchcock)
Authors: Graner E. A. , Addison G.
Published: February 2013

Depois de uma breve introdução, mostrando a importância que o gênero Tripsacum desempenha hoje nos problemas da origem do milho, fizemos um estudo detalhado da meiose na nova espécie Tripsacum australe, descrita recentemente por CUTLER e ANDERSON (3) e espécie esta encontrada em estado selvagem na América do Sul. Todas as fases da meiose mostraram-se normais e o número cte cromosômios, facilmente determinado nas fases diacinese, metáfase I, metáfase II, é de 18 para a fase haplóide. Esta espécie não difere, quanto ao número de cromosômios, da forma diplóide Tripsacum dactyloide e da espécie Tripsacum floridanum, estudadas por LONGLEY (5). Segundo MANGELSDORF e REEVES (10) as formas de Tripsacum encontradas na América Central têm 72 cromosômios e são consideradas como autotetraplóides. Entretanto, no que se refere à presença de "knobs" nos cromosômios, esta espécie parece diferir da espécie estudada por LONGLEY (5). Tripsacum australe não apresenta "knobs" nas extremidades dos cromosômios e provavelmente também nas outras regiões pois as figuras que puderam ser examinadas não mostraram essa estrutura. Segundo MANGELSDORF e REEVES (10) os "knobs" presentes no milho teriam vindo de Tripsacum, por meio de cruzamento entre estes dois gêneros. Assim sendo, os tipos de milho cultivados próximos ao centro de distribuição das espécies de Tripsacum até então conhecidas, e que é a região da América Central, principalmente o México, deveriam se apresentar bastante contaminados por este gênero e apresentariam mais "knobs" do que aqueles tipos de milho cultivados ionge da referida região. Observações de vários autores (6, 7, 9, 20, 11 e 12) confirmam esta hipótese, inclusive aquelas realizadas por um dos autores deste trabalho (Graner, não publicado) em material sul-americano. Tendo sido encontrada agora esta nova espécie de Tripsacum na América do Sul, aparentemente sem "knobs", torna-se interessante verificar se ela não poderia ter contribuido para o estabelecimento das formas de milho sem "knobs" encontradas na América do Sul. Cruzamentos entre milho e Tripsacum australe foram realizados por um dos autores (Addison), não lendo porém produzido sementes. Outras pesuisas tornam-se então necessárias afim de que se possa tirar conclusões a respeito de tão importante assunto.
Gramados para parques avícolas: nota prévia
Authors: Torres A. Di Paravicini , Piedade Álvaro
Published: February 2013

Na Seção de Avicultura da Escola Superior de Agricultura "Luiz de Queiroz", da Universidade de São Paulo, foi iniciada uma experiência de pastagens para galinhas, para determinação das espécies mais adequadas ao fim visado. Os resultados obtidos neste primeiro ano de experiência indicaram a seguinte classificação: 1.o - Consociação de Grama Seda (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) var.? com Capim Quicúio (Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.). 2.0 - Grama Seda (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) var.? 3.0 - Capim Quicúio (Pennisetum clandestinum Chiov.). 4.O - Grama de Batatais (Palpalum notatum Flügge.). 5.o - Uma grama ainda não determinada. 6.o - Grama Paulista (Cynodon dactylon Pers.) var.? A variedade Gigante de Cynodon dactylon Pers. não deu resultados satisfatórios. A experiência será continuada.
A couve flor na alimentação da galinha: influência sôbre a postura
Authors: Torres A. Di Paravicini , Bergamin Armando
Published: February 2013

Os autores realizaram uma pesquisa afim de verificar o conceito de que a couve-flor exerce um papel deprimente sobre a postura das galinhas. Para isso organizaram 20 grupos de 10 aves cada, onze dos quais da raça Rhode Island Red e 9 da Light Sussex. Desses grupos, 7 ocupavam parques gramados e os restantes parques sem grama. As aves permaneceram por 10 dias sob o regime verde de couve-flor. Houve dificuldade na análise dos resultados devido a diferenças genéticas entre as duas raças utilizadas. Das conclusões parciais constantes do texto deste trabalho, parece que a couve-flor exerce um efeito deprimente sôbre a postura, mas essa crença não chega a ser confirmada clarament na análise estatística dos dados obtidos. A conclusão final a que os AA. chegaram é que, se existe um efeito nocivo do suprimento de couve-flor, nas aves em postura, êsse efeito não chegaria a ser economicamente prejudicial, em vista do fato da couve-flor, sob a forma de folhas externas, refugo. só ser fornecida às aves, esporadicamente, durante períodos relativamente curtos, que correspondem aos da colheita das "cabeças" para serem entregues ao mercado, e, como demonstra a experiência, o suprimento por poucos dias não chega a prejudicar notavelmente a postura.
Breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond and its influence on child growth and development: a systematic review
Authors: Delgado Carlos , Matijasevich Alicia
Published: March 2013

A systematic review was undertaken to identify studies describing the global prevalence of breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond and its effects on child growth and development. The MEDLINE and LILACS databases were searched without any language or date restrictions, retrieving 3,561 titles. All retrieved titles, 453 abstracts and 49 full-text articles were read. Articles with maximum breastfeeding duration of over two years were included. An analysis was carried out of 19 articles that met the inclusion criteria resulting in a combined prevalence of breastfeeding at two years of age of 33 % (95%CI: 0.23; 0.42). Increasing trends towards breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond were observed in the past decades in South Asia. The six studies analyzing the effects of breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond on child growth showed contradictory results. No association was found with child development. It is concluded that evidence on the medium-term effects of breastfeeding up to two years of age or beyond is scarce and contradictory. Hence, further research is needed regarding this practice.