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Environmentally induced disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

The human suffering and economic cost attributable to musculoskeletal disorders cannot be overemphasized. Biomechanical principles have been introduced to explain the microtrauma and macrotrauma as mechanisms of injury. Stress-induced remodeling is a useful paradigm in the study of environmentally induced disorders. The concept of environment should include psychosocial and organizational factors with respect to musculoskeletal complaints and chronic pain. Low back pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis and its associated fractures, and cumulative trauma disorders are the most critical and common musculoskeletal disorders. The risk factors for low back pain have been identified, and preventive measures for reducing the chronicity of low back pain have been discussed. Preventive approaches to control or limit the fractures associated with osteoporosis and loss of bone mass are preferred to simple management of the fracture of osteoporotic patients. It can be concluded that too little or too much stress can disturb the homeostatic or the equilibrium state of health and that much remains to be researched to quantify the optimal stress levels.

Back Pain↗

Backbone dynamics of chymotrypsin inhibitor 2: effect of breaking the active site bond and its implications for the mechanism of inhibition of serine proteases.

The backbone dynamics of uniformly 15N-labeled chymotrypsin inhibitor 2 (CI2) and of the complex formed by the association of two fragments consisting of residues 20-59 and 60-83 have been studied. A data set consisting of 15N longitudinal (T1) and transverse (T1 rho) relaxation times and (1H)-15N NOE enhancements has been measured for all backbone NH groups in both proteins. Information on internal motions has been extracted from these data using the model-free approach to determine order parameters (S2) and effective internal correlation times (tau e). The data indicate that most of the backbone of CI2 is highly constrained (S2 approximately 0.9) with the exception of residues in the binding loop (residues 54-64), which have slightly lower order parameters. Most of the residues in the CI2(20-59).(60-83) complex are also highly constrained (S2 approximately 0.9). However, the loss of the covalent bond between Met59 and Glu60 leads to a large increase in the mobility of residues in the loop region. The residues in the first half of the loop region have significantly lower order parameters than those in the second half of the loop. This observation suggests that the NH2 group that is released on cleavage of the scissile bond remains anchored in its original position, inhibiting the attack of water on the acyl-enzyme that is formed between the protease and the cleaved inhibitor. More importantly, the NH2 group is optimally placed for reversing the formation of the acyl-enzyme so that the equilibrium between the cleaved and uncleaved inhibitor, bound to the protease, greatly favors the uncleaved complex.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

Lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of Escherichia coli K12. Synergy and autosynergy in an allosteric V system.

The interactions of the lysine-sensitive aspartokinase of E. coli K12 with lysine and leucine, as evidenced in the inhibition and binding curves, are well explained by the equations of an allosteric V model. Mathematical treatments of such a model lead to new linearized plots. These representations are applied to our experimental results and allow the direct determination of some parameters of the model (equilibrium constant L' and leucine dissociation constants). The other parameters are obtained by an optimization method. The theoretical curves drawn according to this model account well for the synergistic inhibition between lysine and leucine and for the role of the two nonequivalent lysine binding sites ("autosynergy").

Allosteric Regulation↗

Complexes having the fac-[M(CO)3]+ core (M=Tc, Re) useful in radiopharmaceuticals: X-ray and NMR structural characterization and density functional calculations of species containing two sp3 N donors and one sp3 O donor.

Radiopharmaceuticals containing the "fac-[M(CO)3]+ " core (M=99mTc, 186Re, or 188Re) have potential as diagnostic or therapeutic agents. Complexes with this core with sp3 amine donors have received little attention. We have studied adducts formed by ENDACH2 (HO2CCH2NHCH2CH2NHCH2CO2H) and ENACH (NH2CH2CH2NHCH2CO2H). Re(CO)3(ENDACH)-A (1A) and Re(CO)3(ENDACH)-B (1B) isomers were obtained by the reaction of ENDACH2 with Re(CO)5Cl. Re(CO)3(ENAC) (2) was obtained by the reaction of ENACH with aqueous [Re(CO)3(H2O)3]+. From single-crystal X-ray data, the three new neutral complexes, 1A, 1B, and 2, have a six-coordinate, pseudo-octahedral Re center with facially coordinated carbonyl ligands. ENDACH- and ENAC- bind facially to Re through both amine nitrogens and one carboxyl oxygen, forming two five-membered chelate rings. The Re(CO)3(ENDACH) isomers have an uncoordinated, dangling -CH2CO2H group, which is an ideal coupling site for attachment to biomolecules. The isomers differ by the configuration of the NH center bearing this dangling group. The H atom of the amine (N2) is endo (near the carbonyl ligands in the basal plane) in 1A and exo (away from carbonyl ligands) in isomer 1B. Isomers reach equilibrium (1A:1B, 70:30) after 3 days at high pH. Density functional structure optimizations were performed for isolated molecules of the type Tc(I)/Re(I)(CO)3(N2O): [Re(CO)3(NH3)2(H2O)]+, [Tc(CO)3(NH3)2(H2O)]+, [Re(CO)3(EN)(H2O)]+ (EN, ethylenediamine), [Tc(CO)3(EN)(H2O)]+, and various models for 1A, 1B, and 2. The computed structures are in good agreement with the X-ray structures. The theoretical and experimental Re-N bond distances usually agree within 0.045 A. The total electronic energy values for the computed 1A and 1B models differ by 0.815 kcal mol(-1), giving an isomer ratio of 80:20, in good agreement with the 1A/1B ratio (70:30) found.

Crystallography, X-Ray↗

Cu(I) dinuclear complexes with tripodal ligands vs monodentate donors: triphenylphosphine, thiourea, and pyridine. A 1H NMR titration study.

Complexes [PPh3Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))] (1), [PPh3Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))] (2), and [PPh3Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))] (3) (Tr(Mes,Me) = hydrotris[1,4-dihydro-3-methyl-4-mesityl-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl]borate; Tr(Me,o-Py) = hydrotris[1,4-dihydro-4-methyl-3-(2-pyridyl)-5-thioxo-1,2,4-triazolyl]borate; Br(Mes)pz(o-Py) = hydro[bis(thioxotriazolyl)-3-(2-pyridyl)pyrazolyl]borate; PPh3 = triphenylphosphine) were synthesized by the reaction of dinuclear complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))]2, [Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))]2, [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))]2, and PPh3. 1-3 were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 31P NMR spectroscopy and ESI-mass spectrometry. Crystal structure analyses were performed for 1 and 2. Both complexes crystallize in the triclinic P space group with the metal in a slightly distorted tetrahedral geometry (S3P coordination) bound by a kappa3-S3 ligand and a PPh3 molecule. The solution molecular structures were investigated by means of variable-temperature (210-310 K, CDCl3, 1-2; 200-310 K, CD2Cl2, 3) and NOESY NMR spectroscopy. The solution structures of 1-2 are in accordance with the X-ray structures, and the complexes do not exhibit fluxional behavior. On the other hand, 3 is subject to an equilibrium between two species with a coalescing temperature of approximately 260 K. DFT geometry optimizations suggest that the major species of 3 consists of the Br(Mes)pz(o-Py) ligand bound to Cu(I) in the kappa3-S2H fashion with two C=S groups and a [Cu...H-B] interaction. A PPh3 completes the copper coordination (S2HP coordination). The complex [TuCu(Tr(Mes,Me))] (4) (Tu = thiourea) was crystallized using an excess of Tu with respect to [Cu(Tr(Me,2-Py))]2 (approximately a 6:1 ratio). The metal adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry with an overall S3H coordination determined by the bound kappa3-S2H ligand (two C=S groups and a [B-H...Cu] interaction) and by a Tu. The reactivity of dinuclear complexes [Cu(Tr(Mes,Me))]2, [Cu(Tr(Me,o-Py))]2, and [Cu(Br(Mes)pz(o-Py))]2 with monodentate ligands was investigated by means of NMR titrations with PPh3, Tu. and pyridine (Py), and formation constants for the adducts [DCu(L)] (D = monodentate donor, L = tripodal ligand) were determined.

Copper↗

Theoretical investigations on thermal rearrangement reactions of (aminomethyl)silane.

Thermal rearrangement reactions of (aminomethyl)silane H(3)SiCH(2)NH(2) were studied by ab initio calculations at the G3 level. The results show that two dyotropic reactions could happen when H(3)SiCH(2)NH(2) is heated. In one reaction, the silyl group migrates from the carbon to the nitrogen atom while a hydrogen atom shifts from the nitrogen to the carbon atom, forming (methylamino)silane CH(3)NHSiH(3) (reaction A). This reaction can proceed via three paths: a path involving two consecutive steps with two transition states and one intermediate metastable carbene species (A-1); and two concerted paths (A-2 and A-3). In the other reaction, the amino group migrates from the carbon to the silicon atom while a hydrogen atom shifts from the silicon to the carbon atom, via a double three-membered ring transition state, forming aminomethylsilane CH(3)SiH(2)NH(2) (reaction B). Reaction rate constants, changes (DeltaS(#), DeltaH, and DeltaG) in thermodynamic functions and equilibrium constants of the reactions were calculated with the MP2(full)/6-311G(d,p) optimized geometries, harmonic vibrational frequencies and G3 energies of reactants, transition states, intermediates and products with statistical mechanical methods and the conventional transition-state theory (TST) with Wigner tunneling approximation over a temperature range 400-1800 K.

Journal Article↗

Reversible steps in the bacteriorhodopsin photocycle.

The absorbance changes that accompany the light-driven proton-pumping cycle of bacteriorhodopsin measured over a broad range of times, wavelengths, temperatures, and pH values have been globally fitted to the kinetic model K in equilibrium with L in equilibrium with X in equilibrium with M in equilibrium with N in equilibrium with O----bR. A remarkably good fit to the data was obtained by optimizing the rate constants at 20 degrees C and the corresponding activation energies at each pH value, together with the extinction coefficients for each intermediate, which were assumed to be independent of both pH and temperature. Back-reactions are included for all but the last step of the cycle and are found to be essential for fitting the data. The rates of these reactions are large, and the analogous irreversible model produced significantly worse fits to the data. Small systematic differences between the fit and the experimental data associated with the X, M, and O intermediates, together with the inability of the model to produce spectra for the X and M intermediates consistent with their assignment as molecular species, indicate that this model must be an incomplete description of the photocycle. We suggest that these problems arise from the presence of additional occupied states that are difficult to distinguish on the basis of their visible absorption spectra alone.

Bacteriorhodopsins↗

Geochemical reconnaissance of heavy metals in kaolin after electrokinetic remediation.

The development or implementation of electrokinetic soil remediation technique requires a good knowledge of how the contaminants are retained within the soil-water system. This paper investigates the speciation and extent of migration of the heavy metals, Cr(VI), Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cd(II), during electrokinetic soil remediation. A geochemical assessment of how the contaminants are held within the kaolin soil under induced electric potential is made by using the equilibrium model MINEQL+. The study is performed for three different contaminant cases: the Cr(VI) existing alone in the soil, the Cr(VI) combined with Ni(II) and Cd(II) in the soil, and the Cr(VI) combined with Ni(II) and Cd(II) in the soil in the presence of a reducing agent (sulfide). The adsorption of the studied metals by kaolin was implemented as an electrostatic behavior. FITEQL 4.0 model was used to determine the equilibrium constants of the electrostatic adsorption model of kaolin for the studied metals by optimizing the experimental titration and adsorption data of kaolin. This study showed that the initial speciation of the contaminants in the soil prior to the electrokinetic treatment depends on the type and amounts of contaminants present as well as on the presence of the co-contaminants or any reducing agent. Moreover, the extent of migration of the contaminants is strongly dependent on their initial speciation prior electrokinetic treatment. This study also showed that adsorption and precipitation are the significant hindering mechanisms for the removal of heavy metals from kaolin soil during electrokinetic treatment. The adsorption and precipitation forms of Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cd(II) increased near the cathode and decreased near the anode, whereas the adsorption form of Cr(VI) increased near the anode as well as in the middle region. However, the precipitation form of Cr(III), Ni(II), and Cd(II) as Cr2O3 or Cr(OH)3, Ni(OH)2, and Cd(OH)2, respectively, dominates over their adsorption form as they get closer to the cathode. Overall this study demonstrates that the electrolysis reactions control contaminant speciation and distribution in the soil during electrokinetic remediation because of the generated variations in pH and redox potential in the soil as a result of these reactions.

Chemical Precipitation↗

Differential ontogeny of in vitro vascular responses to three categories of calcium channel antagonists in rats.

We examined the ontogeny of relaxation responses to three categories of calcium channel antagonists, represented by verapamil, diltiazem, and nifedipine, for both potential-operated (KCl-mediated) and receptor-operated channels [norepinephrine (NE)-mediated] in rat thoracic aorta. Aortic rings from 2- to 3-d, 1-wk, and 12-wk-old Sprague Dawley rats were mounted in an organ bath, bathed in Krebs' solution, and connected to a force-displacement transducer to measure isometric tension. Endothelium intact vessels at optimal passive force were exposed to a single ED50 of isotonic KCl or NE, equilibrium contraction was measured, then vessels were washed and exposed for 30 min to 1 microM verapamil, 1 microM diltiazem, or 0.1 microM nifedipine, followed by another dose of KCl or NE. Verapamil and diltiazem demonstrated significant (p less than 0.05) age-related increases in effectiveness for blocking KCl-mediated contraction [(% reduction of control contraction +/- SEM) (Verapamil: 2-3 d, 67.7 +/- 4.2; 1 wk, 72.5 +/- 1.8; 12 wk, 89.5 +/- 1.0. Diltiazem: 2-3 d, 64.6 +/- 2.9; 1 wk, 73.5 +/- 3.0; 12 wk, 83.1 +/- 1.8]. Nifedipine was equally effective at all ages: 2-3 d, 85.6 +/- 1.3; 1 wk, 90.0 +/- 1.6; and 12 wk, 91.3 +/- 1.4. Verapamil and diltiazem also showed significant age-related increases in effectiveness for blocking NE-mediated contraction (Verapamil: 2-3 d, 6.2 +/- 3.9; 1 wk, 28.0 +/- 4.8; 12 wk, 44.1 +/- 6.0. Diltiazem: 2-3 d, 8.0 +/- 3.1; 1 wk, 20.5 +/- 3.9; 12 wk, 46.5 +/- 4.8).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Age Factors↗

Chemical speciation of trace metals in seawater: a review.

The recent development of the chemical speciation of trace metals in seawater is described. The speciation studies reveal that metal ion complexation is one of the most important processes in seawater; especially, most bioactive trace metals, such as Fe(III) and Cu, exist as complexes with ligands in dissolved organic matter. The organic ligands in seawater are characterized with metal ions selected by the HSAB concept. A strong organic ligand, which originates from marine microorganisms, is classified as a hard base including carboxylates. The free organic ligand concentrations in seawater are buffered by complexation with excess amounts of Ca and Mg in seawater. The chemical equilibrium model suggested that the concentrations of bioactive free metal ions are at an optimal level to activities of marine microorganisms. For chemical speciation, it is important to have a better understanding of the ecological roles of trace metals in seawater.

Journal Article↗

Concepts of "tissue PO2" in relation to O2 delivery.

Resistance to O2 diffusion is reflected in the difference in pO2 between O2 reservoirs of hemoglobin (Hb) and myoglobin. The very low normal myocyte pO2 (less than one torr but adequate for optimal oxidative ATP synthesis) compared to venous pO2 indicates that blood does not achieve equilibrium with tissue during its passage through capillaries. In the lung, diffusion rate of O2 from alveolus to capillary is normally sufficient to achieve essential equilibrium. However, system-wide capillary pathology and reduced Hb saturation has been observed with distal local ischemia. In peripheral vascular disease (PVD) patients, we found a mean arterial pO2 of 77 torr (normal over 90 torr). Classical concepts based on "tissue pO2" values derived from venous blood or oxygen electrodes inserted into tissue need re-evaluation. Readings of O2 electrodes moved through tissue range widely from intracapillary levels down toward intracellular levels and do not reflect the pO2 of any particular site. Intravenous pO2 is the result of residual O2 after incomplete diffusion out of capillaries during transit through a tissue, and is not an equilibrium value with some tissue pool. The effect of HbO2 p50 on oxygen release during the passage of blood through a capillary bed, generally judged on the basis of percentage percent saturation at "tissue pO2", should be judged on the basis of the change in pO2 (the diffusion driving force) associated with a particular degree of HbO2 saturation at a particular p50. The thesis that O2 diffusion rate is a major determinant of oxygen delivery is supported by pO2 responses to treatment of PVD that does not alter blood flow or p50.

Animals↗

Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the detection of antibodies to bovine virus diarrhea virus in sera from border disease virus-infected sheep.

An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was established for the rapid detection of specific antibodies against the causative agent of border disease in ovine sera. Polyethylene-glycol concentrated, equilibrium density gradient purified bovine virus diarrhea virus was used as test antigen. The optimal amount of antigen was 0.5 microgram/well, and the optimal concentration of conjugate was at 1/4,000 dilution. A total of 20 ovine serum samples, which had been collected from animals with or without border disease, were compared by ELISA and serum neutralization test for the detection of border disease-specific antibodies. ELISA was shown to be equally specific but less time-consuming and easier to perform than serum neutralization test. A positive correlation (r = 0.60) between the two tests was found.

Animals↗

[Calculation of a single and of subsequent extraction-reextraction cycles].

Estimation of the equilibrium distribution in the organic solvent-water system provided analysis of efficiency and optimal arrangement of subsequent extraction-reextraction cycles in isolation of various compounds. The analysis was performed with respect to optimization of the total yield and required volumes of the intermediate phases. It was shown that the best arrangement of the subsequent extraction-reextraction cycles depended on the compound distribution coefficients at various stages.

Chemistry Techniques, Analytical↗

Optimization of production and downstream processing of the almond beta-glucosidase-mediated glucosylation of glycerol.

This article describes the synthesis of glyceryl glucoside from glycerol and glucose with almond beta-glucosidase as the catalyst. A yield of 54% (0.45 mmol/g) was obtained. The influence of the enzyme stability, the water concentration, and the water activity on the glucoside yield were determined. A molar fraction-based equilibrium constant of 2.4 +/- 0.6 was found, with which the glucoside yield could be calculated for all possible combinations of initial substrate and water fractions in the reaction mixture. A model was used to optimize the glucoside yield while minimizing one of the substrate concentrations at equilibrium. This straightforward model gives a good prediction of the measured glucoside yield, according to a parity plot.

Glucose↗

Optimal hydration status for cryopreservation of intermediate oily seeds: Citrus as a case study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the basis of the optimal hydration status for cryopreservation of intermediate oily seeds using Citrus as a model. METHODS: The relationships between equilibrium relative humidity (RH), seed water content, presence of freezable water as determined by DSC analysis, and germination percentage after immersion in liquid nitrogen (LN) were investigated in Citrus aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. madurensis and C. reticulata. The relationship between the lipid content of seeds and their unfrozen water content was also investigated. KEY RESULTS: Independent of their level of seed desiccation tolerance, the optimal desiccation RH for seed tolerance to LN exposure was 75-80 % in the four species studied. This optimal hydration status always coincided with that at which presence of frozen water could not be detected in seed tissues during the cooling/thawing process. The unfrozen water content of seeds was variable between species and negatively correlated to seed lipid content. Using the present data, those obtained previously in seven coffee species and those reported by other authors for five other species, a significant linear relationship was found between the lipid content and the unfrozen water content of seeds. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides additional evidence that intermediate oily seeds do not withstand the presence of freezable water in their tissues during the cooling/warming process. Moreover, it offers two important applied perspectives: (1) independent of their level of desiccation tolerance, testing germination of seeds of a given oily seed species after equilibration in 75-80 % RH at 25 degrees C and LN exposure, gives a rapid and reliable evaluation of the possibility of cryopreserving whole seeds of this given species; (2) it is now possible to calculate the interval of water contents in which non-orthodox oily seeds of a given species are likely to withstand LN exposure as a function of their lipid content.

Citrus↗

Kinetic analysis of a protein antigen-antibody interaction limited by mass transport on an optical biosensor.

Using BIAcore technology, we determined the rate constants for a protein antigen-antibody interaction that was mass transport limited on the optical biosensor. The antigen consisted of a soluble form of the human T-cell receptor CD4 (two amino terminal domains, D1D2) and the antibody was an anti-CD4 monoclonal from monkey engineered with the constant domains from human IgG1. High quality response data were obtained for this interaction by orienting the attachment of the antibody on the sensor surface and correcting for instrument artifacts with control experiments. Using numerical integration and global fitting, we demonstrate that a mass transport limited reaction was the only model of those tested that described well D1D2 binding to three different surface densities of the antibody. Statistical profiling techniques showed that the error space and correlation for the parameters in the non-linear model were essentially linear, but only when the model was simultaneously fitted to data from multiple surface densities. The "on" and "off" rate constants (1.2 x 10(-6) M-1 s-1 and 2.9 x 10(-4) s-1) determined from the kinetic analysis predict an equilibrium dissociation constant (KD = 0.24 +/- 0.01 nM) that agrees with the value measured in solution by titration calorimetry (KD = 0.2 +/- 0.1 nM). The results indicate that, although the D1D2-antibody reaction is partially controlled by mass transport on the optical biosensor, by optimizing the experimental design and analyzing data from multiple surface densities it is possible to determine accurate estimates of the intrinsic equilibrium and kinetic rate constants.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗

[Principles of conservative therapy of peripheral and central disorders of equilibrium].

Disturbance of equilibrium is a vestibular induced disturbance of orientation in space that is perceived subjectively as vertigo. Change of behaviour and specific medication is the optimal causal therapy, but symptomatic therapy is preferred in practice, using drugs that suppress different input activities or the activity of central vestibular structures. In this way a disordered flow of information is eliminated and the equilibrium is restored.

Brain↗

Growth of hygroscopic aerosols in a model of bronchial airways.

Experiments have been performed on the "breathing" of micron-size hygroscopic aerosols in and out of a four-generation model of the bronchial tree. Comparison of the experimental results on aerosol growth in the model with the classical theory for dilute aqueous solutions of nonpolar salts shows a) that the theory is applicable to conditions in the airways, b) that to a high degree of approximation the process represents deposition followed by growth, and c) that there is a significant amount of trapping of particles near their equilibrium size in the deeper model tubes. These experiments are the first to verify that the classical particle growth theory is applicable to the particle sizes and environmental conditions present in the human airways during hygroscopic aerosol therapy. This theory will be useful in designing an optimal hygroscopic aerosol delivery system, but several questions including the method of generation and the effect of drug solutions on particle equilibriums remain to be answered.

Aerosols↗