bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Difficulties in the assay of phosphatidate phosphohydrolase activity. Influence of ionic strength, detergent, and selection of substrate
Authors: Stark Margareta , Humble Elisabet 
Published: November 2006

AbstractIn the present paper, problems in connection with assay of the activity of magnesium‐dependent rat liver phosphatidate phosphohydrolase (PAP) are discussed. PAP activity is usually measured by following the production of diacylglycerol or inorganic phosphate from the substrate phosphatidate. These two methods may give widely different results due to a number of factors that may affect the assay. One such factor is the composition of the substrate. Higher apparent enzyme activity was observed with dioleoyl‐phosphatidate than with dipalmitoyl‐phosphatidate. This substrate‐dependent difference in apparent PAP activity was 2‐2.5‐fold in the absence and 10‐fold in the presence of Triton X‐100, respectively. Triton X‐100 reduced the activity as measured with the dipalmitoyl‐phosphatidate substrate. In contrast, the activity of PAP as measured with dioleoyl‐phosphatidate was stimulated by Triton X‐100 The stimulatory effect of Triton was reduced or abolished when the ionic strength in the assay mixture was increased. Assays based on32P‐labeled substrate are rapid and sensitive. It is shown here that33P can be used as an alternative. This radionuclide has a longer half‐life and also emits particles with lower energy, thus posing less potential health hazards for the user.
Effect of dietary vitamin E levels on fatty acid profiles and nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation in the guinea pig liver
Authors: Barja G. , Cadenas S. , Rojas C. , Pérez‐Campo R. , López‐Torres M. , Prat J. , Pamplona R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractGuinea pigs were fed for five weeks with three diets containing different levels of vitamin E: LOW (but nondeficient, 15 mg of vitamin E/kg diet), MEDIUM (150 mg/kg diet), and HIGH (1,500 mg/kg diet). Dietary vitamin E supplementation did not change oxidative stress indicators in the hydrophilic compartment but increased liver α‐tocopherol in a dose‐dependent way and strongly decreased sensitivity to nonenzymaticin vitro liver lipid peroxidation. This last effect was already observed in group MEDIUM, and no further decrease inin vitro lipid peroxidation occurred from group MEDIUM to group HIGH. The protective effect of vitamin E againstin vitro lipid peroxidation was observed even though an optimum dietary concentration of vitamin C for this animal model was present in the three different vitamin E diets. Both HIGH and LOW vitamin E decreased percentage fatty acid unsaturation in all phospholipid fractions from membrane origin in relation to group MEDIUM. The results, together with previous information, show that both vitamin E and vitamin C at intermediate concentrations are needed for optimal protection against lipid peroxidation and loss of fatty acid unsaturation even in normal nonstressful conditions. These protective concentrations are higher than those needed to avoid deficiency syndromes.
Enhancement by ganglioside GT1b of annexin I phosphorylation in bovine mammary gland in the presence of phosphatidylserine and Ca2+
Authors: Katoh Norio , Miyamoto Toru 
Published: November 2006

AbstractGanglioside GT1b and, to a lesser extent, GD3, enhanced phosphorylation of a 36 kDa protein (the substrate of protein kinase C) in the particulate fraction from bovine mammary gland. Sialic acids, asialogangliosides, and GM3 were without effect, and GD1a conversely inhibited phosphorylation of the 36 kDa protein. The enhanced phosphorylation by GT1b required the simultaneous presence of phosphatidylserine (PS) and Ca2+. The 36 kDa protein reacted with anti‐annexin I in Western blot analysis. Addition of purified annexin I to the reaction mixture containing the particulate fraction increased the extent of phosphorylated 36 kDa protein, and the phosphorylation was further enhanced by GT1b. The enhanced phosphorylation of annexin I by GT1b was also dependent on PS and Ca2+. When annexin I was phosphorylated by purified protein kinase C, GT1b inhibited the annexin I phosphorylation. Addition of epidermal growth factor or insulin to the particulate fraction had little effect on the enhancement. These results suggest that an enzyme or enzymes other than protein kinase C, epidermal growth factor receptor kinase, or insulin receptor kinase is responsible for the GT1b‐ and GD3‐enhanced phosphorylation of annexin I in the presence of PS and Ca2+.
Hydroperoxides of erythrocyte phospholipid molecular species formed by lipoxygenase correlate with α‐tocopherol levels
Authors: Therond Patrice , Couturier Martine , Demelier Jean François , Lemonnier Frédérique 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe hydroperoxides corresponding to the main molecular species of phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) where determined after lipoxygenase treatment of erythrocyte membranes from healthy children. This work was a preliminary study prior to applying this analytical procedure to erythrocyte membranes from children with diseases associated with vitamin E deficiency. The total molecular species corresponding to 20:4 and 22:6 associated with 16:0 and 18:0 were significantly higher in PE (26.94±4.70 nmol/mg protein) than in PC (20.14±6.70 nmol/mg protein); these concentrations represented 63% of the total molecular species in PE and 22% in PC. However, the concentrations of hydroperoxides produced from these polyunsaturated fatty acid molecular species were in the same order of magnitude in PC (3.98±1.56 nmol/mg protein) and in PE (3.61±1.63 nmol/mg protein). In contrast, the molecular species concentrations containing two double bounds, such as 16:0/18:2 and 18:0/18:2 and their corresponding hydroperoxides, were clearly more elevated in PC than in PE. There was a positive relationship between the concentrations of α‐tocopherol and each hydroperoxide of PC and PE, and this association was particularly strong in PE (P≤0.0001). These results suggest that α‐tocopherol exerts a stabilizing effect toward hydroperoxides, limiting their further degradation into peroxyl radicals. The protective effect of α‐tocopherol could be more effective in PE because more polyunsaturated fatty acids were present.
n‐3 Polyunsaturated fatty acid‐induced changes in the molecular species composition of diradylglycerol in murine peritoneal macrophages remain stable during incubationex vivo
Authors: Marignani Paola A. , Sebaldt Rolf J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThree‐ to four‐week‐old C57BL/6 mice were maintained for four weeks on diets in which the 10% lipid component was the ethyl esters of either corn oil or n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFA). Incubation of macrophagesex vivo for 14 h, a normal incubation time used for macrophage studies, in the absence of fetal calf serum, did not diminish the extent of incorporation of 20∶5n‐3 (eicosapentaenoic acid) and 22∶6n‐3 (docosahexaenoic acid) moieties into membrane phospholipids and into diradylglycerol (DG) relative to that after a very abbreviated incubation time. We conclude that studies examining the effects of dietary n‐3 PUFA on DG formation and related physiological effects in macrophages can be performed after a normalex vivo incubation of at least 14 h without experiencing a significant loss of incorporated n‐3 PUFA.
Phosphatidate phosphatases of mammals, yeast, and higher plants
Authors: Kocsis Michael G. , Weselake Randall J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractPhosphatidate phosphatase (EC 3.1.3.4) catalyzes the hydrolysis of phosphatidate to yieldsn‐1,2‐diacylglycerol and inorganic phosphate. In mammalian systems, forms of phosphatidate phosphatase involved in glycerolipid synthesis and signal transduction have been identified. Forms of the enzyme involved in signal transduction have been purified and partially characterized. In yeast, phosphatidate phosphatases associated with the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria have also been purified and partially characterized. Information on phosphatidate phosphatases from mammals and yeast is useful in characterizing the enzyme from plant systems. This review examines progress on the characterization of phosphatidate phosphatases from mammals, yeast, and higher plants. The purification and characterization of the phosphatidate phosphatase involved in glycerolipid synthesis in developing oilseeds may lead to the identification of the encoding gene. Increasing our understanding of the enzymes of lipid synthesis in developing seeds will aid in the development of biotechnological strategies for seed oil modification.
Sterols of the phylum Zygomycota: Phylogenetic implications
Authors: Weete J. D. , Gandhi S. R. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractThe sterol composition of 42 fungal species representing six of the eight orders of the Zygomycota was determined using gas‐liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry to assess whether the distribution of major sterols in this phylum has taxonomic or phylogenetic relevance. Ergosterol, 22‐dihydroergosterol, 24‐methyl cholesterol, cholesterol, and desmosterol were detected as the major sterols among the species studied. Ergosterol was the major sterol of the Dimargaritales, Zoopagales, and 13 of the 14 Mucorales families included in this study. Desmosterol appeared to be the characteristic sterol of the Mortierellaceae (Mucorales). 24‐Methyl cholesterol was the major sterol of the Entomophthorales genera Entomophthora, Conidiobolus and Basidiobolus, but cholesterol was the sole sterol detected in Delacroixia coronatus. The Kickxellales species analyzed in this study were characterized by 22‐dihydroergosterol as the major sterol. These results suggest that certain orders of the Zygomycota may be distinguished on the basis of major sterol. Also, if sterol structure has phylogenetic implications, then orders might be arranged in the order Kickxellales (C28Δ5,7) → Dimargaritales, Zoopagales and Mucorales (C28Δ5,7,22) on the basis of evolution of the predominant and presumably most competent sterol, ergosterol. Although the Entomophthorales would be expected to be more primitive than the above orders based on the predominance of C28Δ5,, it is not apparent from these data that members of the Zygomycota with ergosterol or its precursors as major sterols evolved from this taxon or the Chytridiomycota.
New Approaches to Fertility Awareness‐Based Methods: Incorporating the Standard Days and TwoDay Methods into Practice
Authors: Germano Elaine , Jennings Victoria 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTHelping clients select and use appropriate family planning methods is a basic component of midwifery care. Many women prefer nonhormonal, nondevice methods, and may be interested in methods that involve understanding their natural fertility. Two new fertility awareness– based methods, the Standard Days Method and the TwoDay Method, meet the need for effective, easy‐to‐provide, easy‐to‐use approaches. The Standard Days Method is appropriate for women with most menstrual cycles between 26 and 32 days long. Women using this method are taught to avoid unprotected intercourse on potentially fertile days 8 through 19 of their cycles to prevent pregnancy. They use CycleBeads, a color‐coded string of beads representing the menstrual cycle, to monitor their cycle days and cycle lengths. The Standard Days Method is more than 95% effective with correct use. The TwoDay Method is based on the presence or absence of cervical secretions to identify fertile days. To use this method, women are taught to note everyday whether they have secretions. If they had secretions on the current day or the previous day, they consider themselves fertile. The TwoDay Method is 96% effective with correct use. Both methods fit well into midwifery practice.
Audio‐Vestibular Disturbance in Patients With Behçet's Disease
Authors: Choung Yun‐Hoon , Cho Min Jung , Park Keehyun , Choi Seong Jun , Shin You Ree , Lee Eun‐So 
Published: November 2006

AbstractObjective: The present study prospectively investigated the frequencies and characteristics of audio‐vestibular disturbance and the results of audiologic and vestibular function tests in patients with Behçet's disease.Study Design:
A prospective study.Methods: Seventeen patients with Behçet's disease (mean age 41.2 [30–56] years, 5 males and 12 females), as well as age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls, were included in this study. All subjects satisfied the diagnostic criteria of the International Study Group for Behçet's Disease. Information on the subjects was obtained through questionnaires. Tests, including those for hearing impairment, tinnitus, ear fullness, and dizziness, pure‐tone audiometry, and vestibular function, were performed.Results: Auditory symptoms were reported by 7 (41.2%) and dizziness by 14 (82.4%) of the subjects. Sensorineural hearing loss was present in four (23.5%) subjects. One was treated with a cochlear implantation because of bilateral sudden deafness. Spontaneous nystagmus was detected in two (11.8%) subjects. Abnormal findings were noted in 1 (5.9%) in saccadic movement, 5 (29.4%) in the bithermal caloric tests, and 10 (58.9%) in the rotation chair tests. In total, audiologic or vestibular disturbance were noted in 16 (94.1%) of the subjects. However, audio‐vestibular abnormalities were not noted in the healthy controls.Conclusion: Audio‐vestibular disturbance is not rare in Behçet's disease patients compared with healthy controls. We believe that audio‐vestibular assessment and management may be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of patients with Behçet's disease.
Association of neuropeptides with Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in children
Authors: Herberth G. , Daegelmann C. , Weber A. , Röder S. , Giese T. , Krämer U. , Schins R. P. F. , Behrendt H. , Borte M. , Lehmann I. ,   for the LISAplus study group
Published: November 2006

SummaryBackground
Among neurogenic factors, the neuropeptides have an important regulatory influence on immune system activity and may lead to allergic sensitization.Objective
The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship of the neuropeptides vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), somatostatin (SOM) and substance P (SP) on modulation of Th1/Th2 balance and allergic sensitization in children.Methods
Within the LISAplus (Life style–Immune system–Allergy) study, blood samples of 321 six‐year‐old children were analysed for concentration of neuropeptides, Th1 and Th2 cytokines, transcription factors for T cell regulation and suppressors of cytokine signalling. In addition, samples were screened for specific IgE against inhalant and food allergens.Results
Children with high SOM values showed a Th2 polarization and a reduced expression of FOXP3, the marker for regulatory T cells. High (VIP) levels correlated inversely with the expression of T cell transcription factors (Tbet and SOCS3). In contrast, elevated levels of SP were associated with reduced GATA3 and SOCS3 expression and with increased IFN‐γ concentrations. Allergic sensitization was more prevalent in children with higher SOM and VIP concentrations but not associated with SP levels.Conclusion
Our data reveal an association between neuropeptides and modulatory effects on immune cells in vivo, especially on Th1/Th2 balance with a correlation to allergic sensitization in children. We suggest that elevated SOM and VIP concentrations and the inducing factors should be considered as allergy risk factors.
Adverse feedback sequences in exploited marine systems: are deliberate interruptive actions warranted?
Authors: Bakun Andrew , Weeks Scarla J. 
Published: November 2006

AbstractSeveral mechanisms for self‐enhancing feedback instabilities in marine ecosystems are identified and briefly elaborated. It appears that adverse phases of operation may be abruptly triggered by explosive breakouts in abundance of one or more previously suppressed populations. Moreover, an evident capacity of marine organisms to accomplish extensive geographic habitat expansions may expand and perpetuate a breakout event. This set of conceptual elements provides a framework for interpretation of a sequence of events that has occurred in the Northern Benguela Current Large Marine Ecosystem (off south‐western Africa). This history can illustrate how multiple feedback loops might interact with one another in unanticipated and quite malignant ways, leading not only to collapse of customary resource stocks but also to degradation of the ecosystem to such an extent that disruption of customary goods and services may go beyond fisheries alone to adversely affect other major global ecosystem concerns (e.g. proliferations of jellyfish and other slimy, stingy, toxic and/or noxious organisms, perhaps even climate change itself, etc.). The wisdom of management interventions designed to interrupt an adverse mode of feedback operation is pondered. Research pathways are proposed that may lead to improved insights needed: (i) to avoid potential ‘triggers’ that might set adverse phases of feedback loop operation into motion; and (ii) to diagnose and properly evaluate plausible actions to reverse adverse phases of feedback operation that might already have been set in motion. These pathways include the drawing of inferences from available ‘quasi‐experiments’ produced either by short‐term climatic variation or inadvertently in the course of biased exploitation practices, and inter‐regional applications of the comparative method of science.
Service Users’ Perspectives on the Benefits System in Israel: A Participatory Action Research
Authors: Krumer‐Nevo Michal , Barak Adi 
Published: November 2006

Abstract This article presents a position paper on Israel's benefits system. It was produced in the framework of a participatory action research with the collaboration of welfare services users and social welfare policy practitioners, academics, social practitioners, and social activists. Some 78 persons living in poverty, from various population groups, were asked, in group settings, to describe their experiences with the benefit system and services, their coping strategies, their perceptions and attitudes towards these services, and their recommendations for ways to improve them. The position paper which emerged from this process served as the basis for discussions between service users, social welfare policy practitioners, researchers, social activists and social practitioners at an academic conference. Issues such as benefits cuts, eligibility, and definitions of poverty are discussed and recommendations are presented.
THEORY AND GOD IN GOTHAM
Authors: BUTLER JON 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT“Theory” is all the rage among religious studies scholars generally. But with the tiniest number of exceptions, this is not true in American religious history. American history in general has not proven receptive to theoretically oriented scholarship, and American religious history may epitomize this aversion; most histories of religion in America follow the classic forms of narrative history. yet the study of religion in modern urban America illustrates the desirability and perhaps even the inevitability of rethinking both religion and modernity. Without rethinking modernity, especially the assumption of its secularity, our histories cannot explain or even adequately describe the remarkable resilience of religion in so seemingly secular a place as Manhattan. And without rethinking religion we may not be able to comprehend its ability to thrive and to embrace uncertainty and spiritual pluralism alike.
THE NON‐MODERN CONFRONTS THE MODERN: DATING THE BUDDHA IN JAPAN
Authors: KETELAAR JAMES E. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the emergence of a distinctly “modern” style of history and some of its uses as applied to Buddhism by Buddhist scholars within the early Meiji period (late nineteenth century) in Japan. After a discussion of the importance of “area studies” in the formation of conceptions germane to history as practiced in Japan, the paper proposes a new category of the “non‐modern” as a means to counter the historiographical dominance of modern categories in the formation of the historical discipline, especially as formulated in Japanese studies.As a case study, the emergence of the discourse dealing with the quest for the historical Buddha is examined. By showing the methods and accomplishments of modernist historians, and the concomitant slippage of non‐modern categories in their work, this paper sketches a method of analysis particularly applicable to the intersection of religion and history.
Prevalence and correlates of comorbidity 8 years after a first psychotic episode
Authors: Farrelly S. , Harris M. G. , Henry L. P. , Purcell R. , Prosser A. , Schwartz O. , Jackson H. , McGorry P. D. 
Published: November 2006

Objective:  While rates and correlates of comorbidity have been investigated in the early course of psychosis, little is known about comorbidity in the medium‐to‐longer term or its relationship with outcome.Method:  A total of 182 first‐episode psychosis (FEP) patients who met DSM‐IV criteria for a current psychotic disorder 8 years after index presentation were grouped according to concurrent comorbidity [no concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent substance use disorder (SUD); other concurrent axis I disorder; concurrent SUD and other axis I disorder]. Outcomes were compared between groups controlling for relevant covariates.Results:  As much as 39% met criteria for one or more concurrent axis 1 diagnoses. Comorbidity was associated with greater severity of general psychopathology, but not with measures of functioning, treatment or negative symptoms.Conclusion:  Specific combinations of comorbid disorders may influence patterns of psychotic symptomatology. Routine examination of axis I disorders is warranted in the ongoing management of psychosis.
Interaction between Coat Morphogenetic Proteins SafA and SpoVID
Authors: Costa Teresa , Isidro Anabela L. , Moran Charles P. , Henriques Adriano O. 
Published: November 2006

ABSTRACT

Morphogenetic proteins such as SpoVID and SafA govern assembly of the
Bacillus subtilis
endospore coat by guiding the various protein structural components to the surface of the developing spore. Previously, a screen for peptides able to interact with SpoVID led to the identification of a PYYH motif present in the C-terminal half of the SafA protein and to the subsequent demonstration that SpoVID and SafA directly interact.
spoVID
and
safA
spores show deficiencies in coat assembly and are lysozyme susceptible. Both proteins, orthologs of which are found in all
Bacillus
species, have LysM domains for peptidoglycan binding and localize to the cortex-coat interface. Here, we show that the interaction between SafA and SpoVID involves the PYYH motif (region B) but also a 13-amino-acid region (region A) just downstream of the N-terminal LysM domain of SafA. We show that deletion of region B does not block the interaction of SafA with SpoVID, nor does it bring about spore susceptibility to lysozyme. Nevertheless, it appears to reduce the interaction and affects the complex. In contrast, lesions in region A impaired the interaction of SafA with SpoVID in vitro and, while not affecting the accumulation of SafA in vivo, interfered with the localization of SafA around the developing spore, causing aberrant assembly of the coat and lysozyme sensitivity. A peptide corresponding to region A interacts with SpoVID, suggesting that residues within this region directly contact SpoVID. Since region A is highly conserved among SafA orthologs, this motif may be an important determinant of coat assembly in the group of
Bacillus
spore formers.