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Mammalian leukotriene A4 (LTA4) hydrolase is a bifunctional zinc metalloenzyme possessing an Arg/Ala aminopeptidase and an epoxide hydrolase activity, which converts LTA4 into the chemoattractant LTB4. We have previously cloned an LTA4 hydrolase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae with a primitive epoxide hydrolase activity and a Leu aminopeptidase activity, which is stimulated by LTA4. Here we used a m
A method for simultaneous extraction and quantification Of four non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) based on continuous flow hollow fiber liquid-phase microextraction (CFHF-LPME) was developed. The effect of sample flow rate, acceptor flow rate, type of acceptor flow (continuous, semi-continuous or forward-backward), type of supported liquid membrane and sample volume was studied. The e
BACKGROUND: The metallation of closed ring tetrapyrroles resulting in the formation of hemes, chlorophylls and vitamin B12 is catalyzed by specific enzymes called chelatases. Ferrochelatase catalyzes the terminal step in heme biosynthesis by inserting ferrous ion into protoporphyrin IX by a mechanism that is poorly understood. Mutations in the human gene for ferrochelatase can result in the diseas
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAPS) spectroscopic measurements were performed on Pb(II)ethylenediaminetetraacetic (EDTA) adsorbed on goethite as a function of pH (4-6), Pb(II)EDTA concentration (0.11-72 mu M), and ionic strength (16 mu M-0.5 M). FTIR measurements show no evidence for carboxylate-Fe(III) bonding or protonation of EDTA at Pb:EDTA =
We reported previously the formation of microtears in an in vivo loaded Flexor Digitorum Profundus (FDP) rabbit tendon with a repetition rate of 60 repetitions per minute and a peak force of 15% of maximum peak tetanic force for 80 cumulative hours. Tear area as a percent of tendon area, tear density (tears/mm(2)), and mean tear size (mu m(2)) were higher in tendons from the loaded limb compared t
The power expenditure of flapping flight in birds is characterised by a U-shaped function of speed through the air. From this relationship and the assumption of limited power available from flight muscles, it is possible to predict changes in the birds' airspeed in relation to external factors such as wind. These predictions are derived from flight mechanical theory and optimality criteria concern
Glioblastoma multiforme is the most common malignant primary brain tumor and also one of the most therapy-resistant tumors. Because of the dismal prognosis, various therapies modulating the immune system have been developed in experimental models. Previously, we have shown a 37-70% cure in a rat glioma model where rats were peripherally immunized with tumor cells producing IFN. On the basis of the
The net primary productivity (NPP) of tropical forests is one of the most important and least quantified components of the global carbon cycle. Most relevant studies have focused particularly on the quantification of the above-ground coarse wood productivity, and little is known about the carbon fluxes involved in other elements of the NPP, the partitioning of total NPP between its above- and belo
Many bird species demonstrate a variable mating system, with some males being monogamously mated and other males able to attract more than one mate. This variation in avian mating systems is often explained in terms of potential costs of sharing breeding partners and compensation for such costs. However, whenever there is a difference in the optimal mating system for males and females, a sexual co
Antagonism of voltage-dependent K+ (Kv) currents in pancreatic {beta}-cells may contribute to the ability of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) to stimulate insulin secretion. The mechanism and signaling pathway regulating these currents in rat {beta}-cells were investigated using the GLP-1 receptor agonist exendin 4. Inhibition of Kv currents resulted from a 20-mV leftward shift in the voltage depen
Nuclear DNA is a well characterized target for many low molecular metal-based drugs, with cisplatin and related antineoplastic compounds as typical examples. Much less is known concerning to what extent targeting of RNA may influence the activity spectrum of these types of drugs. In a preliminary communication by us (Papsai et al., Dalton Trans., 2006, 3515) we were able to show that the folded, t
An abnormal nevus phenotype is associated with an increased risk of melanoma. We report a pooled analysis conducted using individual nevus data from 15 case-control studies (5,421 melanoma cases and 6,966 controls). The aims were to quantify the risk better and to determine whether relative risk is varied by latitude. Bayesian unconditional logistic random coefficients models were employed to stud
When dealing with large-scale environmental contamination, as following the Chernobyl accident, changed land use such that the products of the land are radiologically acceptable and sustain an economic return from the land is a potentially sustainable remediation option. In this paper, willow short rotation coppice (SRC) is evaluated on radiological, technical and economic grounds for W. European
Fibroblast-mediated collagen gel contraction depends on collagen-binding ss1 integrins. Perturbation of these integrins reveals an alternative contraction process that is integrin aVss3-dependent and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) BB-stimulated. Connective tissue cells actively control interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) and inflammation-induced lowering of IFP provides a driving force for ed
Varved lake sediments can be used to set multiple environmental proxies within a calendar year time scale. We undertook a systematic survey of lakes in the Province of Varmland, west central Sweden, with the aim of finding continuous varved lake sediment sequences covering the majority of the Holocene. In Fennoscandia, such sediments have previously only been recorded in northern Sweden and in sou
